If I had to describe myself, it would be in a word that has many meanings with a complexity which falls off the tongue.
A word made up of many elements, is deceptive in appearance, and creates an illusion from the imagination.
My word would be Phantasmagoric. ~Summer Ross

Thursday, March 31, 2011

A-Zers- pick

Hello blogging friends.
 So many have talked about the A-Z challenge, and well I thought I would offer you this.

 Don't get overwhelmed. I know what your saying- easier said than done right? well actually it is pretty easy, think of it this way- the challenge is meant to get you blogging every day regularly, try something new, and meet someone new.

 So I say pick someone new to comment on during the challenge. It could be one new person or many new people depending on your style- but do not think you must comment on every single persons every day. Pick at random, start from the middle, the end, or even somewhere random on each day. Don't make yourself worry.

 What are they going to say? It doesn't matter- anyone who is realistic knows its impossible to comment on over 800 blogs plus the ones they are already following- so take it easy, be picky if you want to. Look at the ones that interest you, or even go out of your comfort zone a tiny bit.

 Best of luck A-Zers- I'm looking forward to what you all post.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

What am I doing?

Hello there fairy friends~


 Surprisingly enough I have pulled up my gumption and yet again set myself up for pure torture. Why do I do this to myself? Oh yeah because I am an author. And what does author stand for?
 A- Always
 U- Under
 T- Timed
 H- Hopes
 O- Of no
 R- Rejection


LOL- So I have submitted a nonfiction piece this time. The deadline is March 31st and The waiting game begins. I should hopefully know anywhere in the next few months if I have been accepted for a short list, and then again have to wait to see If I have been accepted for publication- So Two rounds. Wish me luck everyone and I will keep you posted.

 Have you submitted anything lately? Are you still awaiting status of a submission? How goes your writing endeavors?

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Have you Seen?

Hey there everyone,


 There is a great contest going on over at Jessica's blog The Alliterative Allomorph For Jessica's new book String Bridge which comes out in November. She needs help passing the word about her Book Trailer and she has books to give away to those who help before the A-z Challenge of Course.


I can't wait to read her book, I remember when she had found out it would be published- I was so Happy for her! So without further ado- I give you her book trailer and ask you to Pass it on! Its a beautiful Video!



Monday, March 28, 2011

Gnomeo and Juliet VS The Green Hornet

In the first corner we have Gnomeo and Juliet Coming in with eight people sitting in the theatre including me and manly man. In the second corner walking in with four people in the theatre is The Green Hornet.


 The Run down ladies and gentleman:
 Both movies have some witty lines and humor that made me laugh.


 Neither I would suggest seeing in the theatre- wait for DVD.


 Gnomeo and Juliet was a fun kid friendly version of Romeo and Juliet and even Shakespeare makes an appearance. Star points of course- because naturally I'm a writer.


 The green Hornet had all the lack luster of Stupid humor with some very interesting fight scenes a kick butt car called Black beauty and some surprising twists at the ending even my writers brain hadn't figured out. Star points for the twists.


 Ultimately, both movies come in with a 3 star review from me. If you have children- they will enjoy Gnomeo and Juliet, and if you like great gadget cars with surprise endings then The Green hornet might work for a fun in home movie.
So has anyone else seen either of these? What did you think?

Friday, March 25, 2011

Brain teaser

Alot of you were right- answer is the letter A


Its Friday Fairy friends! I have a lunch at the Petroleum Club for one of my grants and then I will get together with my dad to put the title of my SUV in my name- WOOT! I finally have it paid off.

Here is the Friday Riddle- Enjoy!


An apple begins with me and age too. I am in the midst of a man and foremost in every apprehension. You will find me in everyday and see me in all Autumns. It's a pity that you cannot see me in the air and yet it's so wonderful to be a part of the great Atlantic ocean! Guess what am I?


I will post the answer after 5pm today.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

My ending

You remember that paragraph of description I posted a few weeks ago. I had to write an 11 page paper about one of my experiences in my Creative Nonfiction Class, well here is my ending paragraph- what do you think?

She wanders out of my sight, but I do not feel like moving my head to watch her. My body is heavy, but there is no pain. I felt my lips settle on a smile. The pain is not there, and it should not come back, at least not like it was. My optimist comes out from hiding. I can sense things have changed, I am not chilled anymore, and relief settles in my chest like a lullaby. I can hear other people moving around in the room, but I do not care. I just want to lie on the bed snuggled into the warmth of the blanket. I know tomorrow is a new day, nothing like the previous, and eventually all the pain will just be a thing I remember to write about

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Ideas for A-z

I am Participating in the A-Z Challenge and have spent several weeks panning out ideas for it. One idea I'd like to share with you is if you are having trouble coming up with ideas- try short writing prompts!


 Write for at least 100 words about a mystery, a historic item, a house, coins, and a shoe.


Write for at least 150 words about a coin, a pine tree, and a politician.


Write for at least 1 minute about an agreement, a deck of cards, a dragon, and a treasured heirloom.


Write for at least 300 words about a disagreement, a businesswoman, a banjo, and a key. Focus on description that uses all five senses.


Write for at least 200 words about a case of mistaken identity, a fire, a lightning bolt, and a crutch. Focus on describing unusual details.


Happy writing!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Roland Yeomans and the Sidhe Leandra

Like ice crystals frozen in time- Leandra stands firm as a tall eloquent Sidhe. How then did our dear Roland find her? I’ll tell you- in Hibbs realm of dream and myth. Today Fairy friends we embark on a great adventure to reality where author Roland Yeoman’s has created The bear with two Shadows. Let us see what our mortal friend has to say.
Image source click here
 
Summer: First I must ask, Roland do you believe in fairies?
Roland: I am not only part Lakota but part Irish as well.  Mother taught me to look for them out of the corner of my eyes.  "But do be polite," she said.  "No one likes to be stared at!" 

Image source click here
 
Summer: How much research did you put into the Sidhe before writing up Leandra in your book?
Roland: I put quite a bit of research into the Sidhe.  My mother's use of them in her tales to me in that frigid Detroit basement apartment quickened my curiosity about them.
 
In Irish mythology, the aosthol sí (Irish pronunciation: i-s-fi) older form aes sídhe [e-s-fi-a) are a supernatural race comparable to the fairies or elves.
 
They are said to live underground in the fairy mounds, across the western sea, or in an invisible world that coexists with the world of humans. 

Image source click here
 
 
This world is described in "The Book of Invasions" (recorded in the Book of Leinster) as a parallel universe in which the aos sí walk amongst the living.
 
In the Irish language, aos sí means "people of the mounds" (the mounds are known in Irish as "the sídhe"). In Irish literature the people of the mounds are also referred to as the daoine sídhe ("deena shee"),
 
and in Scottish Gaelic literature as the daoine sìth or daoine sìdh. They are said to be the ancestors, spirits of nature, or goddesses and gods.
 
Some later English texts have referred to the aos sí as "the sídhe". While this is incorrect it has become a widespread usage in English.
 
And I decided sometimes it is better to be understood than to be absolutely, but confusingly, correct.
 
I thought I would use the Australian concept of the DreamTime to bring Hibbs first into contact with the parallel universe of the Sidhe -- which in truth exists in the twin islands of New Zealand, which they call Aotearoa, "The Land of the Long White Cloud."  {Which in fact is what the Maori natives of that land call their islands.}
 
For Hibbs' second trip to the Sidhe and into the past, I used my own take on the Sidhe Mounds -- ancient portals of mystic and scientific design, drawn from the knowledge of angels and The Great Mystery.
Image source click here
 
 
Summer: I know the fairies are pleased with your research. How did you come about the Sidhe’s name of Leandra? Did it have anything to do with the potentially poisonous oleander flower?
Roland: Mother used only "the Sidhe of Snow and Sorrows" in describing Leandra.  But the oleander flower with its color always looked cold to me as if its blossoms were bluing with frostbite.  And since Oleander is one of the most poisonous of commonly grown garden plants, and can be very toxic if ingested in sufficient quantity -- I thought warping its sound a bit to Leandra would be fitting.  Leandra is, indeed, toxic to all around her -- but Hibbs, who, because of his being bonded to the Turquoise Woman (Gaia) can no more be hurt by poison than a fish can get wet.
 
But Leandra does draw him to death.  Yet, is that not the way of love in myth and legend?
Image source click here
 
Summer: Love often finds its way through myth and legend. I did notice a word in your story “Diatheke,” in the Greek lexicon, Diatheke is translated as covenant or testament or pact, there is even a reference that it means “an arrangement of any sort which one wishes to be valid.” Did this translation of the word play any part in how you used it in your book with reference to the Sidhe?
 
Roland: Wow. You are definitely correct in your research.  Though Hibbs only nibbles at the edges of the Diatheke in this first book of his adventures, it does symbolize the Great Mystery's covenant with Mankind -- which in the Mirror World, as in our world, must be sealed in blood -- Hibbs' blood.  But as in our world, Hibbs gets better.  And yes, Hibbs in these adventures is a Christ-figure -- but also a Fisher King figure.  Yet, he is his own hero with his own unique character and final destiny.
 
Summer: What an interesting take on the word, I like that. Now my last question is Which Myth of the Sidhe is your favorite and why?
Roland:
Wow. My favorite, huh?
 
That's hard since the origin of the Sidhe myths are closely tied to the ancient history of Ireland.
 
The story goes that the Fir-Bolgs, a relatively uncivilized people, and the Formorians were in control of the island until the Tuatha De’ Danann (the people of Danu) landed. The Tuatha De’ Danann brought with them technology and culture far beyond the Fir-Bolgs, which made up for their fewer numbers, and they were able to gain control of Ireland

image source click here
 
 
Perhaps because of the gap in sophistication between the Tuatha De’ Danann and the other populations, many legends and superstitions began to spring up concerning the newcomers. They could only be hurt by weapons of iron, it was said, and they possessed artifacts of great and wondrous power, such as the Caludrun of Dagda, which could never be emptied of stew.
 
The Tuatha De’ Danann were eventually defeated by another group, the Miesians. Of course, the Tuatha De’ Danann were so infused with myth and power that they could not truly be defeated, and so the legend goes they left Ireland by slipping into another time and space, to rule the Otherworld.
 
I like that concept.  I think they just became past irritated at fighting with savages.  Sometimes the best way to win is to not to be at the place of battle.
 
At their passing, all the supplies had been laid in store for the poets and storytellers of Ireland to use in creating the stories of the Sidhe.
 
The Banshee (ban-shee, or woman of the shee) and her wailing song that signified the death of one of the major families in Ireland.
 
 The Leprechaun, who some speculate was inspired by the gold-working, diminutive Fir-Bolg in ages passed.
 
 And the spectral riders of the Sidhe, a ghostly host that would catch up any mortal foolish enough to be out in the dark of night and carry them on a wild, frightening ride they would not soon forget.
 
I used all three legends in my tale, THE BEAR WITH TWO SHADOWS.
 
But I cannot say which is my favorite.
 
The legends and myths of the Sidhe are countless and creative, and all carry with them a reverence to times long passed. And that appeals to the Lakota in me.
 
Not all Sidhe stories are scary stories, nor are they all pleasant stories. They all, however, have the unique flavor of Irish myth.
 
 
Have a great, magical day, Summer.  And thanks so much!
Thank you Roland for being here today and giving us such great details! Your answers were amazing!
Don't forget if you Leave a comment you get entered for signed copies of these fabulous book:

For another TWO entries: Link to Twitter or Facebook. Be sure to email Roland at rxena77@yahoo.com to let him know.
 if you post a proper review of THE BEAR WITH TWO SHADOWS on Amazon by March 31, you will get THREE entries in the drawing.
The drawing will be held April 1st.

Fart dividing-

I know it sounds crude doesn't it? But I am realizing Chaucer was not only a master in his time for his use of the English language, but his stories in the Canterbury Tales had outrageous things happening like friars trying to figure out how to divide a fart in the "Summoners Tale". Ultimately, they decided the fart had two parts to divide equally among 12 friars- one part is the smell and the second part is the sound. Talk about a different way of looking at things.


 This of course made me think of writing- naturally he was experimenting, but also he wanted his readers attention. I think He managed that- 

What have you done recently or read recently that has captured attention in a similar way? If nothing- what do you think about Chaucer's choice to use a fart this way.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Poof- Flash fiction 2nd crusade challenge.

The second crusade challenge is under works:
The rules according to miss Rach:
 "Write a flash fiction story (in any format) in 100 words or less, excluding the title. Begin the story with the words, “The goldfish bowl teetered” These four words will be included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional, and not part of the judging criteria), see if you can write the story in your own genre (eg if you’re a horror writer, write a horror story; a romance writer, a romance story, etc)."


My flash fiction story: -Poof-



The goldfish bowl teetered at the top of a maple tree. I am the fairy goldfish, how did a fairy like me end up a fish? Let’s just say fairy dust isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I was minding my sprinkle practice, its hard work you know, when a dragonfly zipped into my pouch. Dragonfly plus fairy dust equals mischief magic. As my hand pulled out a pinch of dust, sprinkles ran down my arm- poof fairy goldfish, my pouch fell to the toadstool, poof bowl on top a tree. Please help?

The bird turned and flew away.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Brain teaser

Riddle:
In and out, like the tides, I go.
Past the jaws, I move to and fro.
If you lose me, find me fast,
Or else my loss will be your last.
What am I?

***Answer:
                 Breath.

I will post the answer after 5pm today. I'm using the honor system here- just for fun, post your answer in the comments.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Submission and write hope!


There are so many out there willing to help- and I am going to help by spreading the word of Write Hope.
 Its an aid for Japan. Most of us know the traumatic events that have happened to the people there.


Write hope is a charity auction with Arcs, books, swag, and critiques to get aid for those in Japan.

 Please visit this link for more information: Write Hope
Pass it on...

Another thing I just found out about is stories for Japan-

New Sun Rising is looking for story, poetry, and art submissions for a book celebrating Japan. All entries must be relatable to Japan in some way- and I think they are looking for Positive works.
You can find more information on submissions  HERE

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Risk





Recently I have risked writing in Nonfiction- telling about my experiences. I have found it is not as easy to do as I once thought. In my nonfiction class we are trying out all sorts of memoir and essay styles which has been teaching me a great deal. I never knew what a braided essay was before this class- but turns out- I enjoy them. 
A braided essay is an essay that takes a couple things that seem to have no connection- but then the author finds a connection in them-gives it to the reader and naturally has braided all parts into the essay together.

  What have you risked recently?

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Beautiful

One of my recent poems-
 I have been trying out new ways to write poetry-


 Beautiful
By Summer Ross


Mother tells child,
“you are beautiful”
And smiles.
Sunshine outside, laughter rings out
Today
Out rings laughter. Outside
Sunshine smiles, and,
“beautiful you are”
Child tells mother.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Deadlines

As I wrote the title for todays post- I thought- dead? why dead? Well as it turns out, according to the online dictionary, its influence could have come from the "do not cross line" from civil war prisons. Evidently if the line was crossed the person didn't come back alive.


 Okay interesting- we use it now as a term for time limits. Its amazing how language changes meanings over time!

So now back to the post at hand- tomorrow is the application deadline at my college for the masters program in English- as most of you know I have already applied for this. So as soon as I find out I will be posting to let you all know if I made the list.

 Funny how I feel this deadline is no different than a submissions deadline. Its always the hurry up and wait game. I think its the waiting that sets my anticipation into spiraling, days pass and I bite my nails- more days pass and I doubt myself, more days pass and finally I decide that if I am meant to get what ever I am aiming for then it will happen. So I let it go, because if I don't I will drive myself crazy.


 Do you ever wonder what a word like "deadline" will mean hundreds of years from now in a different way of life than what we know? Go ahead- speculate in the comments give me your thoughts on this as I am very curious what you think.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Friday Brain Teaser

**Update Answer: Is the letter "M"  sorry for not posting sooner- I got sick last night. Many of you guessed correctly!




Before I get to the riddle- don't forget to check out my blogfests tab as I have updated it this week.

No cheating- I'm using the honor system here-


What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

***Leave your guesses in the comments box- this is just for fun. 
I will update this post with the answer lat 5pm (my time in Wyoming) today.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

one foot forward

I have always enjoyed helping other people with their writing. You could say its a hobby that is up there with my pen collection or even my fairy antics. But I don't talk about it often. 

I enjoy being a critique partner- I even enjoy my college peers asking my advice. Honestly its a good feeling and something I can do that doesn't cost me or another person much- well depending on how many of my suggestions they take of course.


 So naturally going into editing has been my prime goal since I started college. Recently I have even put myself out there- really tried for what I want. Only I had to do it within the rules of my life.
 I want to do it for nothing-

 Why? well because right now my whole world depends on it and I'm not the all knowing in the way publishing works- why should I get paid for it-
 So instead I just want my foot in the door. I want to say I did something about what I want- and guess what- I can say I am doing just that.

 I talked to my grant committees at the college- I have to do 15 hrs a semester in community volunteer services- about reading for a magazine, I got their approval-
I applied for the slush pile reading position- and they took me on. This is wonderful news.

 Here's what I didn't plan for-
 It is hard knowing that on one end my say counts toward a publication- Granted it may not be much- but my input on someone elses work is consider by an editor.
That's some pressure.

But I am not dissuaded- on the contrary I am rather encouraged because I have the option to help those who submit their work. I can give them feedback if something is amiss. I can tell the author what I thought was good.

All in all I am loving the experience, and I hope what I say to the editor and author is helpful on both counts.
What should you take from this? What ever you want- go for it- put your foot in the door and even if it hurts keep trying!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Book review: Brigitta of the white forest

Hey there fairy friends!

 I'll admit I don't have much time for reading these days but I got this fantastic book Brigatta of the white forest  by Danika Dinsmore and it was a quick and wonderful read.

 It is a YA book about sister fairies who go on an adventure together learning along the way about the importance of family and maturity. This author also provides a very unique aspect to fairies I haven't heard of before- The wings can change as they reach a maturity level revealing what they are meant to do in life. The main character Brigitta has some harsh realities to face as she sets off to save her village. Problem is she must travel outside the safety zone and face all of her fears along the way. 
 This book is truly a gem. I will be encouraging my daughter to read it.


 Teaser from the book: 
"That expression Ondelle had made, she suddenly realized what it meant. It was the look of someone who had just been warned."

Buy it here


Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Teaser Tuesday

A witch, a pixie, and an elf have gotten into trouble yet again....Have to love a strong heroine on women's day!




 ~~Damn it, damn it damn it! I suddenly realized that no matter how much I complained and argued, I was going to do exactly what Trent wanted. Again.~~


 Pale Demon by Kim Harrison
Source


Monday, March 7, 2011

awards

Hey everyone,


 I have received two awards in the recent month.


 I'm not good with awards- but you know its Monday and sounds like a great day to send them on.
 The first award I have received several times- But that is completely awesome!I quite enjoy being a stylish blogger -grins- I wont do all of the qualifications for it because I already have several times. But here it is:


 Thank you so very much- Witless exposition @cerebral lunch box
She has a terrific blog you should all go check out and a crusading buddy!

I will pass this award on to five bloggers- I know I'm cutting it down- but my time is limited with midterms and I really do want to pass it on.


Anny @anny's points of view
Her picture on her home page is wonderful! Every time I see it I get story or poem ideas in my head!


Alyssa @Alyssa Fox
Her website matches her blog- it is so awesome!


 Nas @Nas Dean
Her blog loads really easy and it is simple- She has a great set up!


 Mask @ the bloger formerly known as...
I love the concept of mystery- and the mask on her blog is beautiful!


E.C. @E.C's Ramblings
I love the light blue on black on this blog! (Blue is my favorite color after all :)


 The next award i have never gotten before and it seems like so much fun!
 


 I recieved this award from the lovely Jules @ Trying to get over the rainbow
Thank you so fairy much Jules! If you do not know this lovely blogger- hope over and say HI- you wont regret it.


 The rules- I must tell four truths and one lie then pass it on.

 1) Cats are my favorite furry animal 


 2)I only write with smooth flowing pens that don't leak onto the back of the paper.


 3) I ride unicorns to college


 4) I used to own a purple 65 mustang- and I miss it.

5) I have a Tinkerbell back pack I use for everything.


And now to pass this award on- again I will pick 5.


 In no particular order:
 Carol @ Under the tiki hut
Michael @ In Time...
Elaine @ wordsmithing
erica and christy @ erica and christy
Alex @ Alex J. Cavanaugh

I heart comments~~ You all Rock my world!

Make your own