Friends, Part One

Greetings, all!

I have been thinking lately. Summer is nearly over, and I've had a great and busy one. It has been consumed with swords, teaching sword camps, plays, and many other things. But during the course of all this, two things have struck me, so strongly that I've almost been overwhelmed by happiness....and moved to tears.

Over this summer, I have been given the honor of getting to know some of the best people. They have been in my swords class for a long time, but since I have been a 'nube' as they call the beginners, for the longest time I didn't really get to know them. But as I got older and spent more time with them, I have discovered a gold mine of friends...some of which are two, three, or four years older than me!

Using first names only for privacy sake, I will attempt to tell you about them.

Kristen is my age, deathly quiet, but dedicated to what she loves. She and I are quite similar, and get along well. She loves horses with a passion. When I need a level conversation, I know I can talk to her.

Jesse is two years older than me. He's a hoot!! lol That boy cracks me up! He's hardly ever in a down mood, and an overall goofball, but that's why we love him. He loves the guitar, and he even plays with us sometimes. Definitely an encourager, Jesse's the one to go to if you want to laugh.

Jonathan is a year younger than me, but a good foot taller. Very quiet until you get to know him, he was a bit of mystery to me until lately. He has the most random but hilarious sense of humor. He'll look you straight in the eyes and ask you, "Why did you beat that old lady with a turkey drumstick?" His evil laugh is legendary, and he wants to be a sniper one day.

Jordan is three years older than me. He has the most infectious laugh! He has a sarcastic, slapstick sense of humor that is equally as funny as his brother, Jonathan's. He is often seen with a camera of some sort, snapping away. Or, if not that, he's filming something!

Jared is a year older than me. He is stylish, outgoing, and really gets the way girls think (having a sister). Everyone knows or has heard of him. The king of expressions, he is one to make you laugh, but Jared is also definitely one that will give you a hug when you're down. He is a very 'one way' sort of guy. Either he's happy and you know it, or he's not and you know it. He's really a great friend.

Ben is Jared's older brother. He is four years older than me, and if I were to describe him, a certain word would stick out in my mind: sword. He is a great swordsman, and eats, sleeps, and breathes the blade, I think. He is very similar to me as far as personality goes: more reserved, not into outlandishness and pretty content with life as it is. Oh, and did I mention his fighting style, stance, and hair is similar to a certain...*coughs* Anakin Skywalker *coughs*.....? ;)

Laura is Ben and Jared's younger sister. She's 5 or 6 years younger than me, but I love her to death. A good mixture of both of her brothers, she is perky, friendly, and loves all of her 'sisters' as she calls us girls at swords. Very appreciative of time spent with her, she is a considerate sweety pie.

Owen is two years older than me. He is something else (in a good way)! He put the slap in slapstick comedy. Very polite and respectful, Owen is always smiling and friendly...not to mention a very good Jedi/Elven fight builder! Erin go Bragh! (Or, something like that)

Leah is Owen's older sister. She is four years older than me, and a very motherly soul. She takes us girls under her wing, and if something is bothering us, she will be the first to come alongside you and talk. An accomplished actress with a bright, big smile, Leah will always be there for you.

Kevin is 2 or 3 years older than me, I believe. He and Owen can be heard shouting "Ireland forever!" and singing Celtic folk tunes together quite often. A giver of 'advice' (mainly teasing), he has a very keen eye for what you're feeling (he has a sister too). Kevin has a definite opinion, and he loves a good, clean, all-in-fun argument.

Catherine is a year younger than me, I think. She has lovely raven black hair. She and her brother Kevin love to tell a good story or two. But the thing that really says all about her is her laugh. She has a LAUGH! lol You could pick her out in a dark room by her laugh.

There are so many others, and to write about each and every one of them would take a lifetime! But as you can see, they are quite the group, and I am very glad to know such a God-driven group of young people!

Part 2 will be coming shortly.

Are People Born Wicked....

Greetings all!

I've just returned from a nice little vacation, and guess what? I got to see Wicked the Musical!

Now, I have had to endure months, and Months, and MONTHS worth of listening to this music before because of a certain IDINA...but I actually really enjoyed the musical live. It was interesting, exciting, the music was great even for hearing it 5,000 times...everything! I was very pleased.

Be Careful When You Read Aloud....

Greetings all!

I have stumbled onto a true treasure among books! Or, into I should say! Inkheart is a truly breath-taking novel by Cornelia Funke. I haven't read such a good book in a long time! It's got thrills, chills, laughs, cries, the whole nine yards!

Ever wish that you could speak with some of your favorite literary friends...such as Legolas, Captain Valithor, or Peter Pan? If you're a Silvertongue, that power is yours. Simply read aloud the words on a page and these characters leave their world behind and enter yours! But the consequences are dire, especially if you read in an accidental villian or two. And some characters, like my particular favorite in this novel named Dustfinger, simply wish to go home. But once read out, they can never be read back in. Or can they? I have fallen in love with this book. It is amazingly well written, holds your interest, and if you're a real book lover, you'll simply die at some of the things that happen! But you'll have to read it (or watch it if you want a watered down version) to see for yourself!!!

Ah...I love the smell of 7 in the morning...

Well, this little Elven maiden is getting her wisdom teeth out tomorrow! Pray for me...not only for the act itself, but that I will not spill my deepest darkest secrets unawares! lol

The Spring Banquet

Last night was the Spring Banquet...the homeschool version of prom. It was my first time to go, and the only reason I went is because my best friend is graduating this year and I wanted to support her. It was an interesting evening.

We all got dressed up and headed out to this beautiful place called The Villa. It is a lovely spot, especially out of doors. They have nice gardens and fountains among other things.

I am no dancer (never could master that art :P), and so after dinner when the dancing began, I merely stood by the back wall. My best friend's cousin volunteered me to dance with him, but after that I slipped outside to the back to take a walk in the gardens.

The night was beautiful: stars overhead with whisps of clouds trailing here and there, lovely gardens, and a cool night breeze. I felt lonely, but in a different way than simple loneliness. I wished that my future husband could be there...that I could dance with him, and that he wouldn't care that I wasn't adept at the art. That I could spend the evening with him as my partner. I prayed out there, asking God to guide my future husband: make him a strong spiritual leader, someone that cares more for God than he does me, a man that will always treasure me and never leave me for another. It felt good, and afterwards I felt a little better.

I went back inside and stood agaisnt the wall once more, watching my friend dance. A young man came up and recognized me from the play I was in not long ago. He began talking a great deal, and asking me lots of questions. It was rather obvious to me that I had an admirer on my hands. After a bit I excused myself from his presence to get a drink.

Later, I stood talking to a friend, who is also one of my swords instructors. Mr. Admirer showed up again, and sort of looked over my friend (who is about 4 years older than me and has absolutely nothing for me), which was rather amusing. After a few words with my friend (I'll call him Ben), Mr. Admirer walked up to me and offered me the next dance. I looked at Ben with a 'please, save me!' expression, but after getting no help from him, agreed to dance with Mr. Admirer. So, off to the dance floor I went.

It turns out that Mr. Admirer had just as much dancing knowledge as I did. He practically drug me across the floor, hopping here and there like a wild man. I had to do something, so I forced myself into the lead and led him in the dance. After that things went a little smoother. :D

There was a line dance after that, so there was no need for a partner. But he wanted to dance partner-style. I fell in line, and he eventually figured out that this dance was different. After this dance he was ready for more, but I said that I had had enough for the moment, thanked him, and left.

I sought freedom out of doors, and talked with another graduating friend of mine (we'll call her Kristen). After a few scattered chats with people, the dance ended, and we all piled up to go to Ben's house (we all meaning us swords peeps). Once there, I had loads of fun. There was funny dancing, Disney sing-a-longs, etc. That was most entertaining.

I had fun last night, and the humorous events that took place will stand out in my mind for a long time to come. :D :D

Revelations of a Long Lost Blogger

My goodness, I simply have not posted a true post in ages! So, I thought I'd do one now. Here goes!

Mae govannen to all! How is everyone? I am doing well. School keeps me quite busy, along with play practice and sword class. At present, I have a small role in The House of the Seven Gables...where I play a snob, a gossip, and a ghost. What does that say about me, huh? :D I am also learning two pieces that I shall perform in an examination for LAMDA: London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts. A judge comes all the way from London and watches us perform to see if we are to be LAMDA qualified. It looks good on a resume, and that's what I am shooting for.

As for swords class...ah...I love it. I now have a steel broadsword (which I have not named yet..any ideas?), and was happy to use it in our Princess and the Kiss performance. Lately, I have gone to the sabre portion of their class, where they teach us to fight in a style that resembles Will Turner's more than our usual full-throttle, trying to kill you Aragornishness. Both are fun. I am not sure which I like better.

The weather is warming up a bit now, and the signs of spring have readily begun to show themselves. The trees are green with new life, the birds are a-twitter, and a fresh breeze is blowing...simply beautiful. And the smells! I love the smell of spring. A mixture of all things growing and green. Mmm.......

Blessings to all!
Just a thought.

Legolas's Quiz!!!

I made this quiz a while back, and I thought it might be fun to share...

http://www.thequizzery.com/quiz.php?id=5449