Caffe Lounge- Spinning down the rabbit hole.

Staying the Course

2011-07-15T11:07:00.000-04:00

I just had to share this. Inspirations I get in from my email. Enjoy. -Ali

The Best Way Out is Always Through

If someone asked me to pick one word to describe any success I've had in my life, I wouldn't hesitate. The word would beperseverance. Life at times can be difficult...but our faith can bring us through!

That's why this book by BJ Gallagher holds a special place in my heart. The Best Way Out is Always Through captures the essence of perseverance. Her amazing stories, her great quotes and her unique brand of original poetry make this one of the most inspirational books we've published in a long time.

We should never forget what we all have in common. That is...at some point in our life, we will face adversity. It's not a matter of if, but...when. And when adversity strikes, it's not about what happens that will determine our destiny, it's about how we react to what happens. And so many times, it'll be about...staying the course, which is why I selected BJ's poem by that title, to share with you today. Enjoy!

From The Best Way Out is Always Throughby BJ Gallagher

Staying the Course

Our journey of life is about progress,
not perfection.
It's not about doing one thing
100% better -
it's a matter of doing 100 things,
1% better each day.

Progress is evolutionary
not revolutionary,
and most days we measure our progress
in inches,
not miles.

What matters most
is showing up for your life
whether you feel like it
or not.

Ask yourself,
"What two or three little things
can I do today
that would move me forward?"

You'll be amazed
at how much distance
you can cover
by taking it in increments.

The little things add up;
the inches turn to miles;
and we string together our efforts
like so many pearls.
Before long,
look what you have -
a whole strand!

Ah... beautiful.

Dreamers and Doubters

2011-07-14T10:14:00.000-04:00

From Dreams are Whispers From the Soulby Marcia Wieder
There are many different aspects that live inside of us and two of them I respectfully dubbed the Dreamer and Doubter. When it comes to pursuing our dreams, The Dreamer is often gung ho while the Doubter can provide a laundry list of concerns and issues.
After a speech in Rome, a woman with a beautiful accent asked me to tell her one of my personal dreams.
Assuming I'd never see her again, I decided to share a dream I had never spoken out loud, one I had kept such a good secret that even I was beginning to forget it.

"My dream is to spend the summer writing in the Greek Islands," I said all in one breath.

She handed me her card and replied, "I have a villa in Greece. Why don't you come as my guest?"

I was floored and reminded that amazing things happen when we share our dreams. I was elated, or more accurately, part of me was. Here's a peek inside my head. See if this kind of interchange sounds familiar.

Dreamer: I am so excited!
Doubter: Not me. I don't like this at all. It's far away and could be dangerous.

Dreamer: Nonsense. This is my dream handed to me on a silver platter.
Doubter/Realist (they're close cousins): Who is going to run your business while you're away?

Dreamer: My fabulous team whom I completely trust.
Doubter: Well, how's it going to look to your clients that you are out of the country for three months?

Dreamer: I think as a Dream Coach, it's going to look pretty good.

When you are stuck, procrastinating or worrying, chances are your Doubter has taken over. If ignored, it can sabotage your dreams. So how do you deal with it? Turn the volume down a notch and the Doubter simply becomes the Realist, the part that wants to know where the time and money will come from for your venture.

But before you turn down the Doubter, hear from it. It will give you valuable information such as a list of obstacles that you can manage later. Freedom comes as you appreciate its wisdom and insight rather than judging it as the enemy.

If you never deal with your doubt and you meet another Doubter on the road, their doubt will magnify yours. However, if you have worked with your own doubt, next time a Doubter challenges you, by contrast it will be the opportunity to deepen your commitment and conviction to your dream.

Bent Objects

2011-03-30T11:13:00.000-04:00

Saw this on Yahoo, as I was surfing along on my normally scheduled surf fest. I just had to share. Terry Border takes normal objects and twists them into life. It's creative and fun to see what he comes up with. Check out his blog.

Terry Border "Bent Objects"

Blu Blu - Urban Art Video

2011-01-13T11:16:00.000-05:00

Urban Art By BluBlu

This is a really interesting piece. My boyfriend shared it on my Facebook page. Now I am passing the sharing. :D
You can find more videos on Blublu's webpage. Enjoy!

COMING TO THIS BLOG Near You!

2011-01-13T09:53:00.000-05:00

Yes siree! This Blog is going to go through a Metamorphic phase! New things happening. I'm moving once again! Woot! I'm hoping to chronicle my move as well as showcasing my renewed spark with photography and the Urban Art world.

And what better place to show case it is on my dead blog. :D The phoenix rises and a new look is coming this way! Talk about new beginnings, renewed interests and just so much change again. I think it's good, change that is, it may seem stressful, but I think for me, once I kind of wrap my brain to the thought of it, it really is refreshing and exciting. Like a new lease on life (good or bad) as it may be. So here is to journaling my experience to Miami Beach, and the man who I Love! :) It's Scary......but I think this kind of scary is good.

Miamix Dec by Funksoulbrodha

2010-12-07T12:50:00.002-05:00

Miamix Dec by Funksoulbrodha

If you love House Music here is a very good DJ from Miami sharing his set. I wanted to post it here for anyone who loves good dance music to enjoy. Every time I listen to it I find myself shaking my booty. ENJOY!! :D

Quote of the Day.

2010-12-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

Not really sure from whom this quote is actually from. I actually swiped it from my cousin's profile on Facebook today. It has so much wisdom in it, it was too good not to share.

Star Wars: The Old Republic | Trailers

2010-07-16T14:43:00.000-04:00

Star Wars: The Old Republic | Trailers

I am so looking forward to Star Wars new MMO. Watching the new Trailer with the music just gave me shivers. I do admit I am a little worried about it being like some of the MMO's that have come out ex: Warhammer, Aion... that didn't keep my interest. I really, really, want this game to be my next long term MMO. WOW, held mine for almost 5 years, and I definitely want something more than WOW (World of Warcraft).

These are exciting times, and I'm happy that BioWare is taking their time in develeoping this game and not rushing it. It would be a great shame if they did rush it. I rather wait 2 years for it to come out and be perfect. Lucky that isn't so as the game comes out Spring 2011, and I can't wait! :)

Right or Left Brain ~ I'll take it all~

2010-07-14T12:17:00.000-04:00

A Sharing Moment Brought to you by Ali:

I am a very cerebral person. I love to think! I love thinking of all kinds of things, I love speaking to people or meeting people who can also challenge my mental muscle. Why do I bring this up? Well, as I read along in my daily Web surfing moments, I noticed all the intellectual blogs out there. I read all the delicious data written by very capable people in the blog hemisphere.

And then my mind begins to flutter with internal questions. I notice how most people always keep to a theme on their blogs. Where I flutter around from topic to topic like some dizzy dragon fly. One can say I am all over the place, but am I really? I think I seem to link ideas together, like a daisy chain, a chaotic daisy chain, but there is some pattern to my writing and thoughts. I may ramble on about ideas, and moments but eventually I come to some form of path to my ramblings. Really I do, at times. 

I love to self-analyze myself, in hopes to tweaking myself to be the best that I can for myself. Which I think enhances my way of thinking as well as writing. I love to learn from people, because from them, I learn about myself. Life is what we make from it, sometimes, it feels like we are getting nowhere one day, overwhelmed the next...but what it basically comes down for me is taking in the moment, good or bad no matter what it may. Nothing ever stays the same in my thought pattern or in life.

It's amazing how things link together at times. I think that is what I love about blogging. At that moment as I share information, I can come back to reanalyze where I was and where I am now. Standing in that moment we can’t see over the hedges, but as we move forward up the hill or down it, we can get a better look at it all. I've always believed that a relationship is similar, it takes work, it takes standing back, it takes a lot of understanding, communication, and respect for each other.
This is something that is worked on, through communication. Relationships with friends, family, a lover, acquaintances, and so on all takes work. Some may be a lot of work, while others just flow seamlessly. It’s the ones that take a ton of work that one needs patience and understanding the most.

It amazes me sometimes on the amount of people in this world who do not know how to communicate the simple things in life. OR feel they don’t need to, that one always blows my mind. I guess cause I like to share my thoughts and feelings. I know it isn’t easy for most, but it still blows my mind. I think most people were never taught the proper etiquette of keeping in communication. Schools don’t teach it, and if you come from a family that doesn’t communicate much, it makes it hard to learn.
We meet people who mirror ourselves back and with some enlightenment, we see and try to fix that in ourselves sometimes some of us try to fix it in those around us. Some may not see this reflection so easily, while others, are aware of it and do nothing. How do we correct ourselves, is it like trying to get a tire balance in the world we call life? Balance is definitely not such an easy thing to achieve. Up and down we go on the see saw of life, going from one extreme to another until we get that comfortable medium. I'm always striving for balance and may I say it is definitely not an easy achievement at times for me. How do you achieve balance? How do you communicate within a relationship (friendship, romantic, family, etc), and what are your extreme days?

Random Thoughts

2010-07-14T00:43:00.003-04:00

Random thoughts:

I do that a lot. I have random thoughts through out my day. What I love about thoughts in general is that there is no logic to their randomness, hence them being random. :) I do a lot of jumping around in my mind. From words, to day dreams, to images of people popping in and out in my endless vessel I call my mind.

I just find that so fascinating how my Brain works as well as other peoples thought processes. What I've noticed about my random thoughts is that they can be triggered by anything. From something I see, or perhaps a word someone says. Music in particular most seems to enhance my mood, as well as my random thoughts. It’s like a sea of monkey’s in my head, dancing around like some trance like gypsy. Then again, it depends on the type of music. Have to love Random thoughts as well as natural mood enhancers that turn into epic thought processes. :) I know I do. What are your triggers?

"The Purpose of Life..."

2010-04-22T17:53:00.001-04:00

"Is to live a life of purpose." That was a fortune I received from my cookie some days back. For days I kept reading it over and over. Word by word, slowly letting it sink into my brain. My question to myself was; "what is: "to live a life of purpose." It could mean so many different things to many people. It is a term that holds so many possibilities.

For me I guess my purpose in life is to be happy. I know that is such a generic thing to say. Who doesn't want happiness, right? The different possibilities for each person is just endless. My purpose is to be supportive to people. To help with out losing myself in it all. To find and be with my significant other is another purpose for me. What gives me purpose is creating a positive flow of good juju around myself and others.

I know I can go deeper into thinking this...but I won't. :) So, how do you live a life of purpose?

New Beginnings!

2010-03-15T17:28:00.004-04:00

A new year full of new things. What more can a gal ask for? This is my year of positiveness or leaving the old and running full force into new experiences. There is me working on old stories and new ones (hopefully I will post some here). Taking more photos! I love taking pictures, especially of things, people, buildings, anything that I may find fascinating and interesting. It's a passion of mine, a love I share with myself and my environment. It just makes me feel alive as I share these photo moments. There is more family. Yes!! what is life without having your friends and family near you? I am fortunate to see this year, my best friend from North Carolina moved down with his children to Florida, and more family moved in with me. Even with the craziness of it all I definitely am fortunate to have them here.

A great site that I've run into to feed this flame of mine is Beyond Megapixels. It is an awesome site for casual digital photographers and for advanced users. They offer so many different help topics for all blooming digital photographers. The different types of digital cameras that are out there, the different type of lenses and how to utilize them in your photography. It is definitely a good read.

So, here is a toast to a New Year! I hope all of you have had an awesome beginning, and if not, remember it is never too late to enjoy the special moments in ones life. You just need to know where to look for them. Even the little moments should be celebrated.

Cleaning off the Cobbwebs.

2009-05-20T18:45:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I last blogged. Funny how that sentence seems like the beginning of a confession. I guess in a way writing here is like a purging of thoughts, feelings and ideas. Mostly I've been keeping myself busy on Facebooks. Posting pictures from my many little adventures. Recently I've come back from New York, from my Nieces communion on Long Island. From there I spent my time with my cousins in the Bronx, and traveled to Middletown, NJ.

It was all eventful, with me taking pictures here and there with my camera and with my Iphone. I will have to figure out how to post photos from facebook to here.

Happy Birthday America! ~Fourth of July~

2008-07-03T10:50:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I've been really sick with pneumonia, but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Fourth of July. Happy Birthday America!

To all the Soldiers out their and their Families, Thank you for trying to do you're best in keeping the peace, keep safe, and May God keep you from harms way and back to seeing you're families.

I leave you with a song we all know by it's melogy. I'm guilty myself of not knowing the words.
So I placed a video with the words of Our American Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner Anthem. Years ago I got to see Fort McHenry at Baltimore, Maryland. I remembered the story the tour guy from the fort was relaying to us. About the poet who was on the English (if memory serves me correctly) ship watching the fort get bombarded all night. When the smoked cleared he saw that ragged American flag still up and continued to write his poem we now sing at all Special occasions. It's a really pretty poem when you read the words.

I don't mean to get sentimental, but I am. This country was founded on God, hard work, and the ability to defend ourselves. And in every corner Americans find themselves in so many crisis's. In the end we are either divided or united, but no matter what our political views are about this country or what nationality, or pay scale we come from we are all still brother's and sister's, son's and daughter's, Mother's and Father's, we are people that live and eat freely, that go to church, get naked, have so many freedoms that most of us don't know what to do with those freedoms. Overall this is a very good country a melting pot of flavors.

Just remember that a holiday does not need to define morality and common good will for that one day. It's something we should be doing everyday to be nice to your neighbor, be kind to the homeless, help someone in great need out and remember to thank God for the opportunity of giving us another day of breath. As we share it with our loved ones this day and every other day. If you don't have a love one or a good friend, put yourself out there. It may not be easy at first, the walls on people are many, but in the end your kind gesture will be rewarded by the one who counts. The Almighty God. :-)

So, here is to you America with all the wrongs and some of the rights our people have done over the centuries, Happy Birthday!!

Clouds

2008-06-26T12:50:00.004-04:00

Thanks to Rebecca from Talitha Koum. She had posted about clouds. Like her I love Clouds. I find them amazingly beautiful. They tell a story on how they are feeling (at least I like to think when I look at them). I find them to be so awestruck amazing. They always put a smile on my face and make me camera clicky. *snap Snap snap*

Taken from the car the weekend that just passed.

Same here. Taken from the car. Scattered rain showers that day on Sunday.

Another day, also taken from the car.

Taken at Disney World in December.

Taken at Epcot in December.

Lilly looking very, very bored today out the window. Time to take us for our walk.

Hope you enjoyed the candid shots from my camera phone.

Sea World - Orlando

2008-06-25T11:24:00.010-04:00

Took me a long time, but I finally located my old SeaWorld photos. The SeaWorld I speak of is the one in Orlando Florida. I have to say looking back when I first went I dreaded all the walking but there were so many things to see.

I'm a nature lover by default, and I love all types of creatures, and SeaWorld has plenty of them. From Sea creatures to Land animals. One of the coolest things you get to see in Sea World are the famous Clydesdale horses, at a certain hour they come riding through pulling the famous budweiser wagon. It is definitely a cool sight to experience. They are massively large horses with their long hair. Just so beautiful. I found horses just to be so beautiful. Besides Clydesdale horses I think Arabian horses are also stunning. Of course there are other breeds of horses in this world and they all have some beauty to them. For instance, the Appaloosa and Mustang breeds. So what are some of your favorite creatures?

Sea World was definitely a fun park. They have at least four main rollercoasters. A lot of kid activities and many shows. The shows are definitely worth watching. They are educational as well as fun. If you ever plan on going make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Like any park there is a lot of walking around.

Here are some photos I took while roaming around Sea World. I hope you enjoy them.

Entrance

Clydesdale horses

I wasn't able to take a picture of the LARGE turtle they had swimming in the tank with the sharks. I never saw a turtle so big. I would say he was as big as a mini volkswagen.

If you look closely to the middle you will see the Seadragon (seahorse species) in the middle of the photo. One of my favorite pictures.

Penguin tank

Shamoo show (Killer Whale extravaganza)

These are the photos I have of Sea World. Hope you enjoyed them. I hope to go back again perhaps this year. It has been about three + years since I've been there.

Pure Pwnage

2008-06-24T03:10:00.002-04:00

Today I was cleaning out my bookmarks, yes, I'm a book mark Vixen. I was clicking away and deleting the old ones when I came upon Pure Pwnage.

OMG! I had forgetten about them, and visited the episodes section. Let me say that is what I did with my day. Pure Pwnage is a humorous documentary style spoof about a gamer, his brother and some of their gaming motley friends they have. It is filmed especially for the web. I must say it was good to see they have been recording more episodes. Very funny stuff from a gamers perspective.

So I share with you Pure Pwnage, if you haven't heard of them before watch the episodes. If you have, well, watch the episodes again and buy some T-shirts! The pwnage must continue. :D

Pure Pwnage!!! Noob!

I am Fortunate

2008-06-19T12:05:00.005-04:00

Seems like so much has changed in my life. Not for the worst or even for the better. My life is not bad, most definitely most people would kill to live my life. I don't work, I live with my brother and boyfriend, and I have a dog. That sounds awesome looking out to in.

I feel things are missing in my life. I feel guilty because why should I be even feeling guilty about being able to do what ever I want, anytime I want. I feel lost. I don't mean lost as far as not knowing where I am but more like I still don't know what I want to do in my life. I know the kind of person I am. I am giving, and helpful, but tired at the same time. Meaning cranky, because I feel that's all I do. Hence, becoming selfish at the same time. It's an inner battle leading to a war of my mental thoughts. How much is too much, how much is not enough? Not sure if that makes sense.

I help my brother with a lot of his side business, and in hand get free room and board. As my truck sits outside wondering when I will get it's transmission fixed. I feel stuck.

I'm not worthy to "complain" because there are so many other people worse off than myself. I know God has a reason to my existence. All life have substance to them. That's my thinking anyway. I sit here in my room, as Lilly lies next to me on my bed. I know my life isn't bad, but surely there has to be more. I always wondered if I am not managing my time correctly. All the things I could be doing. Writing my epic fantasy novel, learning a new language...or even learning my parents native language of Spanish. All these things come to mind.

What I like to know, how can I use my talents to make money from home? The old age question. I like the freedom of not answering to a boss. Waking up when I want and spending time with lilly. I am very fortunate to be able to live this way.

It's amazing how free one feels with having their own money, working at something they love doing. I admire those people who know in their hearts what they want to do with their lives. What career paths they are going on. They are fortunate.

Don't miss understand me I am fortunate too, but sometimes I feel I could be doing more. Some would say "stop complaining and get up from you're lazy a@#!" and they have a right to think that. While the more understanding person would just simply share an understanding of my rant. :) Thank you for reading/listening.

Never Surrender

2008-06-19T10:33:00.007-04:00

Well, Tuesday was my birthday, I have finally reached the fine ripe age of 39. I'm not old but I'm not young. I'm in the middle but it's not really middle age, or is it? Hmm, Mentally I don't feel 39, I still see myself the same as I always was, but with more fermented life experience. There are those days that I physically feel my age. Those days where parts of your body argues with you when you decide to break the night, or some of your limbs seem to ache more then other days.

"It's part of the cycle of age", I keep reminding myself. That countless of others before me have gone through, and I know I am not the last to reach this age.

So, in my journey of life my household and a friend of ours decided to go on a eating and excercise life change. By no means has it been easy because I have so many bad habits, one including inertia. I need that push to get me to exercise, so I find. I don't know if it has to do with laziness or not. It's just a mental block. I have it in me, I do it, and than I don't do anything. It's a bad habit I have to break. It's like a slow gunk buildup in a water pipe.

When I was in my twenties I was a go getter. Got up and just did it. Like Nike always say's on their ads "Just Do It!" Hopefully writing this will help me purge the evilness of "Not Doing it!" And continue my "Just Do It!" mentality.

I sometimes wonder what happened to that girl. Through my journey where did I become Ms. Suzy Excuses? Hopefully with this new challenge of a new life style I can pull her back out. So the contest begins my household has broke up into two teams. My brother and I being Team Nub and my Boyfriend and our friend Team L33T. The Goal is to lose 10 lbs by the end of the month. Eat and sleep right, as well as adding some kind of exercise. Our one friend needs to gain 8lbs, which will be very hard for him, he happens to have a very fast metabolism. Wish I had mine back. :D So, it will be interesting to see him accomplish the weight gain healthy.

So, here I am with the mind set of "Never Give up, Never Surrender!" from one of my favorite spoof movies Galaxy Quest. Here's a Happy birthday to me and a new mind set, a one step at a time mentality with a goal in mind. RAH!!!!!

Senses ~1~

2008-06-13T13:31:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday to all!

I thought I start something fun. I'm a person who loves photos, I collect photos on the web from cool sci-fi pics to cartoony pics. I figure I would post some pictures on things that awaken my senses; of sight, smell, touch, taste and sound. I think I'm going to make this a Friday thing.

If you like to also try it just leave me a comment that you did. I would love to check your Senses photos on your blog. Just pick five photos. All I did was a web search of things I love and picked the photos that drew me in. If you want to explain them feel free too.

So here are mine:

This photo I love because I love to see butterflies flying around and waterfalls are so amazing. The smell of fresh water falling down arouses my senses.
I just love Red/burgandy calla lilies. I find them visually stimulating.

I am a moon person. I just love looking at the skies in the night. The clouds add that certain mystery to the moon.
My other favorite insect. Love Dragonflies. Watching them flying all over the place like little helicopters. The different colors they come in. Just puts a smile on my face when I see them.
I think this is a Mimosa tree. I just love this tree. I love the pink fans and the leaves, with a single touch they close up. It's such a cool tree in my opinion. Amazing thing about nature.

Those are my Five. Until Next Friday. :)

Wish List

2008-06-12T16:44:00.005-04:00

Well, today I woke up and what popped into my head was this: A relationship is like investing stock in each other.

With time your investment will either plummet up, down or stay the same (no change). I know this sounds a bit crude but hear me out. It makes sense in my mind.

Perhaps I can communicate it through writing it out to better understand it myself. This helps me in bettering my own relationships. What I think, the solutions I find or formulate all helps me adopt in my own little world.

Trial and error we all learn from.

Perhaps what my relationship needs is a wish list! A list that could be formed by both parties. It's a list of things that you wish your partner could do or that actually bother you. Guess a changing/working on self list to be more precise.

How would this list work?

Both parties would create one. He would create one as well as yourself. For example what would go on that list.

Too much Sarcasm
better communication/Communicator
better listener
better organizer
better at intimacy (I don't mean sex intimacy, more like holding hands, snuggling etc.)

After both lists are created the couple would sit down and discuss their list. One person would read theirs first with no facial or verbal comments from the one listening. Until after they had read their whole list.

Then it would be the other persons turn. After the lists have been read they would choose one or two things from that list to work on for that year. Each other helping that person attain that goal (reasonable goals).

Hence after the year is done an evaluation is done, with only good things said; constructive critiquing is applied. Leaving the negative mojo out of the mix. Where "stupid, retarded, etc." is left out of the vocabulary.

What is Constructive Criticism, for those who may not know. You can by pass that part if you do.

Constructive criticism is criticism kindly meant that has a goal of improving some area of another’s person’s life or work. Often constructive criticism refers specifically to the critique of someone else’s written or artistic work, in perhaps a teacher/student setting, that would allow that person to further improve the work or to improve their approach to future endeavors. However, constructive criticism can also apply to a critical reasoned analysis of a person’s behavior, as in a patient/therapist setting or a group therapy setting. Parents also try to employ constructive criticism to help their children improve their lives.

The trouble with constructive criticism is that not all people are receptive to it. They may either feel their self-esteem shrinking under criticism, or they may feel that all criticism is negative. This can destroy the intent of constructive criticism.

Further, not all people who think they are employing constructive criticism are actually being helpful. They may think all criticism is helpful and may not spare the person any details or couch the criticism in ways least likely to make a person defensive. Communication is loaded with multiple intentions, especially in a parent/child or spousal relationships. Thus people may not know how to actually employ a critique of one aspect of a person without involving their own feelings or frustration that make a critique negative.

Generally, constructive criticism should address an area that needs improving but does not speak to the person’s self. Constructive criticism should be a reasoned, unemotional response in an effort to teach. In spousal communication, constructive criticism is often shaped as the “I” message: “I feel X, when you say Y.” In parental relationships, constructive criticism generally works best when the timing is right. A child who has just lost a game, for instance, might be better served by encouraging words, rather than a performance critique.

Later, one might ask the child what she thought about her performance. Asking what was the best thing she did and what was her weakest moment can often open a conversation up to a non-negative way of helping a child improve. Many children know exactly what they did wrong in a game, struck out, dropped a ball, etc, and would rather talk about how to fix it, than to be told what they already know.

A similar approach is taken between a therapist and a client. The therapist usually resists direct criticism but helps the client find ways to talk about behaviors and solve problems. This kind of relationship bases its approach on the theory that the therapist best serves the client by helping them identify and resolve problems and issues, instead of pointing out the issues and presenting a solution to the client.

In teacher/student relationships, constructive criticism tends to be far more helpful than a blunt critique of a student’s defects. Questions on a paper and also praise in some areas can make constructive criticism easier to receive. Although, some students do jump to the point and want to immediately know what they did wrong.

Some teachers provide very helpful guidelines prior to a student writing a paper or essay. Telling the student ahead of time that the paper must have five paragraphs, a clear thesis statement, a conclusion, etc, often eliminates problems before they occur. If a student has then not fulfilled the requirements of the essay, help can be given in the areas where the student’s performance is weak.

In all cases, constructive criticism runs the danger of being perceived as negative. In these situations, it is unlikely that any criticism will actually provide help. Even when a person tries to present criticism in a non-emotional way, it may still be considered a personal attack. The only way to approach this is by truly being constructive, kind and helpful, and realizing that not all people are going to appreciate what you might have to say.
-article found at "What is Constructive Criticism?"

Relationships of any kind are hard to maintain sometimes. When dating you fall smitten to all the great qualities. Time passes by you learn more about your beloved. There are so many books on not sweating the small things in a relationship. Sometimes it's not the small stuff that makes it hard. As for myself I find myself observing every single thing in my relationship.

Like how messy he is. How he leaves the oven messy after making a meal. How he silently keeps everything to himself.

I have my messes also. From being a go getter to being lazy. I am not outwardly affectionate, but I'm a sweet heart. I have a giving and loving heart, but I find it hard to be lovey dovey at times. The sad thing I'm a mush and I love mushy stuff like that (a Romantic).

So, how does one fix that? I think Together. I think it will enrich a relationship if done lovingly and together. Time will tell.

Apologies.

2008-06-12T14:47:00.002-04:00

Sorry for my lack of writing. Crazy few weeks of family and friends visiting. :) I will be returning with some new things. Hope you all stay toon. I have a lot of catching up to do with blog reading also. :)

Flicker

2008-05-07T08:30:00.006-04:00

Well, I've had an account with flickr for a long time. I've never put any photo's on it but decided to place a group of photos that I took when I went to Hollywood Studios formerly known as MGM Studios. Yes, this year it went through a name change, not really sure why but eh.

Well, I've decided to place the photos that I took from my birthday of last year and post them on flikr. They are raw and have not been photoshoped in anyway. It so happened to be Star Wars Weekend. Being a big Star Wars geek I couldn't resist spending my weekend b-day at MGM studios now known as Hollywood studios.

So there we were...and there he was: Darth Maul.

Flickr Photos-Star Wars/Hollywood Studios

_______________________
Update:
Thanks Heather for giving me something to research. She had mentioned that MGM Studios had changed their name to Disney Studios and not Hollywood Studios. I did a short search and found that indeed Disney had changed the MGM Studios name to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Thank you Heather for the comment. I love all comments. :)

I am Iron Man

2008-05-06T14:57:00.003-04:00

Sunday, I went to Universal Studios in Orlando to watch Iron Man. Let me say that Unseen was 100% right, it was a very good movie.

I am not going to give any spoilers, because this is definitely a movie you have to see. I sat in an mixed audience of fans, and movie goers with kids. The movie had me crying, laughing, and saying "Oh Brother!" to Robert Downey Jr., portrayal of Tony Starks, which was just amazing. He did such a wonderful job in my opinion as Tony Starks. I think the audience thought the same as I did, as I heard people talking after the movie listening to what they had to say. No one seemed disappointed, not even the fans.

Other then that go watch the movie. It is well worth the movie ticket price. Kudos to Robert Downey Jr., I've always thought he was a superb actor. :-) One thing, stay in the theater to after the credits, you will see why. :-)

Non - Tagged

2008-05-06T14:06:00.003-04:00

Non-tagged...

Originally started by: Legion , Copied from Unseen.

Two names I go by: Ali, Nana (short for Nanashii), occasionally BV (short for BlackVelvet).

Two things I am wearing right now: Tee-shirt (far side like cartoon-actually is 1987 United Feature Syndicate, inc, Off the Leash, "food fight") and Grey sweat pants.

Two of my favorite things to do: Playing World Of Warcraft and Web Surfing

Two things I want very badly at the moment: Warhammer Online Game, and Wacom tablet

Two favorite pets I’ve had: Lilly, Ella(rest in peace), Gizmo(rest in peace), Angel (rest in peace)...sry can't just name two

Two things I did last night: Played video games and Talked to my BF.

Two things I ate today: Nothing yet.

Two people I last talked to: My Brother and Lilly (she really doesn't answer back to much).

Two longest car rides: NY to Florida, NY to Louisiana.

Two favorite beverages: Minute Maid Lemonade, and 7'11 Coffee w/either Amaretto or Dulce con Leche.

Tagged: Anyone who reads this and wants to be tagged.

La Tortura

2008-05-01T16:39:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to share one of my Favorite songs and videos by Shakira and the handsome Alejandro Sanz, who is an artist/singer from Spain. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get the embedded video from you tube. So here is the link for La Torture aka The Torture.

The lyrics in English:

THE TORTURE (English Translation)

Her:
I'm not asking that every day be sunny
I'm not asking that there be a party every Friday
Nor do I ask you to come back begging forgiveness
If you're crying with dry eyes,
Speaking about her

Oh my love, it hurts so much
It hurts so much (both)
That you left without saying a word
Oh my love, losing you was torture

Him:
I know I haven't been a saint
But I can make it up to you

Her:
Man doesn't live on bread alone
Nor do I live on excuses

Him:
We only learn from mistakes
And today I know my heart is yours

Her:
Better save that for yourself
Take that bone to some other dog
And let's say goodbye

I can't ask winter to spare a rose bush
I can't ask an elm tree to bear pears
I can't ask the eternal of a mere mortal
And go about casting thousands of pearls before swine

Him:
Oh my love, it hurts so much
It hurts so much
That you no longer trust my promises

Both:
Oh my love, losing you has been torture

Him:
I know I haven't been a saint
And I'm not made of stone

Her:
Man doesn't live on bread alone
Nor do I live on excuses

Him:
We only learn from our mistakes
And today I know my heart is yours

Her:
Better save that for yourself
Take that bone to some other dog
And let's say goodbye

Him:
Listen, baby, don't you go
Listen, baby, don't get angry
From Monday to Friday you have my love
Give Saturday to me and you'll be better off
Listen baby, don't punish me anymore
Without you, out there I have no peace
I'm just a repentant man
I'm the bird that returns to its nest

I know I haven't been a saint
And I'm not made of stone

Her:
Man doesn't live on bread alone
Nor do I live on excuses

Him:
We only learn from our mistakes
And today I know my heart is yours

Her:
Better save it for someone foolish enough to believe you and say Goodbye

AD LIBS

Oh after all I've done for you
It was such a torture to lose you
It hurts me so that it's like this
Keep on crying sorry
I…
I'm not going
To cry over you

Big Girl's You are Beautiful!

2008-05-01T15:03:00.005-04:00

I went to my friends blog, Nae, from Light and Darknes s, she had this video posted. Man I love it!

Here is the same video by Mika but to the Ugly Betty show. Which I love.

:getting on my lil box alert:

In a world where most women are full bodied, you see so much TV with skinny Barbie gals. Which is cool, all women are beautiful, but it's great when the full figure gals get some more air time. Keeping in mind that we all come in different colors, shapes and sizes. Like Donuts.. mmm.. now I'm hungry. :-)

Txs Nae for sharing that video. :-)

MAY DAY!!!

2008-05-01T14:06:00.008-04:00

Oh my goodness how time flies when you're locked in a room chained to you're computer. Today is May 1st, I can already smell the warmth. Living in Florida that's not hard to do. One feels the warmth of the sunny rays, smells the suntan oil, hears the crying children as their parents drag them in the car to go to Disney, or some other amusement park.

I'm surrounded by them all, amusement parks that is. This is my list of the ones I can remember: Universal Studios, Cypress Gardens, Busch Gardens (Africa), Walt Disney World (and all their chains) and SeaWorld. Now I must say I've been to each one of those parks, except for Cypress Gardens which I plan to visit soon. If you love roller coasters Universal and Busch Gardens are definitely the ones to go to. Disney, well, I just love Disney World. It has it's variety of rides for all age groups. Shows that you can watch when you're feet are sore from standing on line or just walking the large amusement park. There is soooo much to see there.

Now SeaWorld is a lot of fun too. There are three main coasters for the adults, but the rest are shows. It truly is animal paradise in there. My plan is to camera phone my adventures to these parks and other fun places in Florida. I have old camera pictures with my regular canon rebel, as well as my camera phone which I will be posting here on this blog of mine.

Of course being who I am I will have many random posts. But here is too May 1st!!
I know you can almost smell the Florida suntan and flowers from where you are. :-)

Taken with my Motorola Razor 1.3mp 8x zoom

Taken with my Motorola Razor 1.3mp 8x zoom

Taken with my Motorola Razor 1.3mp 8x zoom
Taken at WDW with my Canon Rebel EOS

Taken at WDW with my Canon Rebel EOS
My Pool
Taken with my Motorola Razor 1.3mp 8x zoom

My niece with her Minny Mouse Ears
Taken at WDW with my Canon Rebel EOS

Fun at Epcot, Florida

2008-04-25T12:18:00.014-04:00

Yay! It's Friday, and I know most of you are rejoicing the end of the work week. Of course others may not see Friday as their end to the weekend. Those who have to work the weekend. As for me I rejoice. Than again I work from home, so it's not like I need to rush home and enjoy my weekend. I'm already here, but I do rejoice that tonight is Raid night.

Random Thought Alert
Yes! I am a World of Warcraft addict. Been one for three years as a Hunter, Warlock, and Resto Shaman. I consider my hunter my main. Meaning that she is the one I do most things with to get her geared to the hilt.

Nanashii the sexy Huntress of Whisperwind

:Now back to our regularly scheduled blogging:
Ah fun in the sun! Fun where the the clouds are so fluffy and big! Where the mouse aka Mickey Mouse of Disney World entertains millions or dare I say billions of families all over the world.

These are my voyages a woman from New York who is now residing in Florida is sharing today with you. These are my entries as I discover new and exciting places here. As I share my silly and serious thoughts with whomever is willing to read them. Like any communicator of words, photos, and such, I do love feedback and thoughts. Please feel free to share with me as I share with you in my Caffe Lounge my misadventures. "Stay a while or Stay forever!"

Big Fluffy clouds of Florida.

Christmas in Epcot, Walt Disney World, Florida

Tee Time!

What can I say about Epcot? It's a lot of fun to go to. It's like going away on a trip. One side of epcot has rides for the little kiddies/adults (kid's at heart ;) ), and the other side gives the experience of Ten or more different countries: Mexico, Norway (Vikings), China, Japan, France, Italy, USA, Canadian, England, France. Hope I didn't miss any.

I just love Disney Themes. They go really into it. Making one feel like they are there. Each theme area also had there own ride (which was fun to experience for the first time. Minus the lines/wait), tons of food and shops for each area. There are also different restaurants that have the most scrumptious yum yums I have ever tasted for a theme park. Italy and France are my favorites to eat at, haven't eaten at Japan yet, but I have time. Unfortunately some of the restaurants you need reservations, so if you plan on going to Epcot, plan ahead if you want to eat at a one of their restaurants.

China

The ceiling once you get inside the building.

When you go inside most of the building, there is either a show and/or artifacts to view. Being the curious, explorer I just find it all so fascinating. Makes up for the museums I use to go to in New York, which I miss .

VIKING World

Viking Boat, was too big to get all of it on my camera phone with out getting people in it.

Whoa, How did my brother get in here? *Gasp*!

JAPAN

Now I must apologize. I didn't get as many photos with my camera phone of Japan, but I plan on going back again to get more photos. Japan was also very nice. I love the Japanese way of life, their culture and art.

All Lit up at night. So Pretty.

Koi

They are just so beautiful. They were soooo big. Never seen so many Koi.

More

Sorry I don't have any more pictures of the other countries. Next time I go again I will do my best to get the others. Here are some random photos inside Epcot.

Pretty Rose.

Pluto. I love Pluto, besides Tink. :-)

And I saved the best for Last. My parents, what's Donald doing behind them? *gasp*

Over all we had a great time. Epcot to me was a lot of fun, especially with who I was with. I hope you have enjoyed the photos as I have enjoyed sharing them. :)

Happy Weekend!

Artist I Enjoy Listening too.

2008-04-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

John Mayer, Wil Deynes , FiveTimesAugust , Goldfrapp , FlyLeaf , Voltaire , Nikka Costa , Creature Feature .

I know! I have an eclectic list of musicians here, but thats me. My music taste runs the spectrum. One of my all time favorite artist is Louie Armstrong. My Favorite singer of all time is Ella Fitzgerald. :-)

I just wanted to share these musicians that I have on my MySpace. Try them out, you might get hooked. The second person is actually my cousin. He has an awesome voice. I'm very proud of him and do enjoy listening to his music. :)

What Love is.

2008-04-24T01:38:00.004-04:00

Now who is this cutey? It's my baby Lilyth aka Lilly.

Lilly after the groomer. She looks ever so cute. My baby of 9yrs.

There she is sitting on my bed, looking out the window. This is before she got her haircut.

I can't believe it's been 9 years already with my little fluff head. One of the strongest relationships I have ever had. Well one of many I should say, but that's a topic for another time. Amazing the bond between fluffy heads and kind human folk. She depends on me, as I depend on her. When I'm sick she's there. When I'm feeling blue, she's there. When no one seems to understand me she is also there. When she wants dinner she is most definitely there. Like two peas in a pod.

She doesn't judge me, she doesn't tell me I'm fat. She doesn't tell me I smell or that sometimes I may be kind of strange. Lilly just sits there and looks at me with her loving care bear stare. Then again if I knew dog language she might just tell me that I had bad morning breath. *hmm*

All in all It comes to this understanding: I love her so. :-) My little baby gal.

Fun at Busch Gardens, Florida

2008-04-23T17:54:00.010-04:00

Ok! this is a little late, but I guess I've always heard better late than never? Or I just want to share. These are photos I took with my camera phone. I think I'm going to start a once a week camera phone "thingie" (my favorite word by the way. ) I think it will be a surprise weekly thing, which means at my fancy.

So, here are my photos from this year, that occurred sometime in Feb or March, don't really remember.
African Gators (endangered). I 'm not totally sure, but I think there were at least 20 in the pen area. They were bigger than a large 6ft adult man (might be a little exaggeration, but then agaim, hmm). I found it amazing that in Busch Gardens they actually had the animal habitats part of the main park, little eco-sanctuaries. I thought it was quite amazing.

In the same area as the gators were birds, turtles and large fish. I one of the turtles to be quite cute as many including myself enjoyed his/hers balancing act on the edge of the ledge.

There he goes a closer view of Mr. /Mrs Turtle doing his balancing act.

Battle of epic proportion. It was the flamingos against the seagulls. It was amazing to watch the clan of flamingos on their little island bum rush the seagulls. It was scary at first to see this group rushing towards the main area. Overall I think the Flamingos won. They ended up just going back to their island in the end. Guess they were showing those seagulls who was Boss.

Oh well, not too many photos. Here is where I wish I took more photos of the surrounding area. The wild life was fun to shoot with my camera phone. Really didn't take much of the activities. Too bad. :( Overall, Busch Gardens was a lot of fun. I definitely recommend it to anyone. Now I have to try Cypress Gardens in Florida.

I have more pics thats for another post. Pics taken once again with my camera in Disney World and Epcot. Until next time!

My Favorite Book.

2008-04-23T14:20:00.004-04:00

"Caterpillar: Who... are... you?
Alice: Why, I hardly know, sir. I've changed so much since this morning, you see...
Caterpillar: No, I do not C, explain yourself.
Alice: I'm afraid I can't explain myself, you see, because I'm not myself, you know.
Caterpillar: I do not know.
Alice: I can't put it any more clearly, sir, because it isn't clear to me. "

Well here is a quote from one of my favorite all time books. Alice in Wonderland. I seem to be attracted to the crazy characters that in my opinion are not so crazy.

My favorites:
The Cheschire Cat (the one from the video game is also my favorite).
The Mad hatter (and friends)
The Rabbit
The Queen

Who are your favorites from this book?

Random Thought Alert:
I wonder what ever happen to The American McGee's Alice? I have the game, but what's awful it only supports windows 95/98, not XP and I'm sure it will not support Vista (Hiss to Vista). I have XP. Time to do some research to see if I can make it play on XP. I would love to play the game. I never really finish the game. :-( *sigh*

Later on during the day and some research:
Woot! it does support Xp! Just didn't support 2000 and ME. YAY!! and yes I installed it again on my pc. :-) Fun, fun, fun. Gives me some time away from Worl

Unseen!

2008-04-23T14:03:00.003-04:00

Ok.. Today I received an Email from my good friend Hidden. The email regarded his blog being part of a contest that was being hosted by MCF (Bracket Blog voting contest). So, I decided to blog about it. Here I am blogging about it. *laughs to self*

I wanted to write something. So, this is what I decided to write about. I hope Unseen wins. He's a great guy and a great blogger. I did enjoy reading MCF's blog. I love the artistic types. I always find them very fascinating.

Mostly I've been stale and I find that other artist are my muse. They inspire me when I feel uninspired. Which leads me to my thoughts regarding the story I haven't finished writing. I really want to turn it into a comic (online). Just wish I could find an artist to draw what I write. Eventually I will I'm sure. :-)

Well on that note. I'm a little dusty in blogging. I hope to jump start myself and get on that horse again. We will see.

Just Thoughts

2008-01-17T02:50:00.000-05:00

This feels weird. Haven't written a post in a LONG time. I miss blogging. I had found myself extremely creative when I use to blog. Caffe Eclectic may be gone physically in the electronic world, but my need to be creative is always there. Even if it is stifled deep inside.

I've been feeling quite non creative lately.
Actually it comes out in spurts. Dribble here, dribble there.
Perhaps this will give me the push I need once again.

I was speaking to a friend today. The usual questions asked of me.

How are you? What have you been up to? What are your New Year resolutions?

You know what? I don't really have any solid plans. I have "dribble here and dribble there" but nothing really substantial. Just plain old nothing served with a little self beating for feeling inadequate. *Sigh

What a way to start a year. Oh well.

Fear thou not: For I am with thee: be not dismayed: for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: Yea, I will help thee: Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
-Isaiah 41:10

The Funeral (MXO Fan Fiction)

2005-09-02T15:29:00.007-04:00

_______________

His death was slow and agonizing. The virus he had contracted from the corpse finally overcame his senses. As BV watched him go into madness she felt helpless. "Why!! Why...I don't want to lose you...Don't leave me you **bleep**!"As her tears streamed down her face like a waterfall during a stormy day; they quickly fell onto the cement floor creating small pools. Seeing Labraid constrained to the room killed her and the anger she felt towards that freaken corpse made her feel pure rage. The corpse that would give Zionists hope, took away her husband.

It was supposed to be the life bringer, instead she brought death. The long nights Labraid had put into researching her had finally released her poison. The airborne microbes slowly consumed him. Labraid had given her the nick name of mother, because of the fetus she had been carrying inside of her. But there was some sort of virus in her body, which had been set off by some chemical Labraid used, activating it into the air. Everything went quickly, the systems automatically activated and locked him inside his research room,as the as sirens went off informing the rest of us to clear out the area. BV, stood behind with a handful of other top officials watching. She felt so helpless.

BV thought to herself silently as she watched him take erratic breaths. "My love..” she softly said. “I wish it was me instead of you."; she softly whispered to herself. Her mind quickly wondered.
"You find one love in your life time and now he was slowly dying in front of my eyes."

As she tried staring at him through streams of tears she heard him scream out in madness. "I'll kill you all!" he said; His eyes were wide eyed and bulging out. Finally the doors to the room opened up. The room was finally cleared out of the toxins and she was able to enter the room.

She tried to approach him but he only grunted at her causing her to stand at a safe distance. "Babe!" Her sad eyes peered at him, her arms reaching towards him. Finally he gasped and his last breath was taken. His eyes still opened as his mouth lay contorted. Black Velvet's face fell into his chest sobbing like a mad woman. Carassing his hair for the last time...she picked her head up and kissed him softly. Once on his forehead, for his intelligence, on his eyes, for his insight, and on his lips, for the passion she would never feel again. She didn't care if she would contract the virus at this point. As she said her final goodbyes she wrapped her arms around him tightly, still feeling his warmth against her body. "I Love you Labraid. I always will."

__________________

Lonely I walk holding the ashes of my husband; in an urn ornately decorated with guardian dragons, of red and gold. My grip holds on still even after his sudden death, not knowing where to go...endlessly walking.

My vision on no particular thing, only aware of the beat of my heart warmly going thump...thump........thump. Only his remains I keep warm that I wrap my arms tightly around continuing my surreal walk into oblivion. Through slow drops of tears my thoughts replay the last moments of his life, over and over like a broken record stuck on one continuous groove. "How will I continue my life without him?" I said softly to no one in particular. I continued my mournful walk, through the streets, through the fog, through this lonely world we call reality.

BlackVelvet - The Beginning

2005-09-02T15:24:00.003-04:00

(This story is from the game I play The Matrix Online. Fanfiction for my character on the game, and the Faction she joined, The Royal Guard. Hope you all like.) (Sorry for all the grammar and spelling errors. I plan on re-editing this story in the near future. I was re-reading this and was like "OH MY!" lol! -Ali 7-22-2011)

I tried to open my eyes but was unable to, the burning I felt made it impossible. Teary eyed as they were I laid where I was feeling the brilliance shine over me. The warmth from the brightness relaxed my whole being. I felt the whiteness from the source penetrate thru my eyelids. The pain my cornea felt was unbearable but I was trying to handle it as best as I could. I tried to force open my eyelids but felt the swelling of tears pouring out of the corners of my eyes sliding down my face. What had happen to my eyes, why did they hurt so much?

Echoing around me were voices softly verberating all around me, thru me, and inside me. As if more than one person was near me, my senses were heightened and I could smell the sweet aroma of flowers. "Was I dead?" I thought to myself. The voice continued to talk.

“Oui, she is perfect. Ma file précieuse; she is precious.” A male voice said proudly. “She will be my guerrier parfait.” He continued. I tried to speak but words could not form. What did he mean I would be his perfect warrior? I was confused, but at the same time in excruciating pain. The brightness kept getting brighter until my eyes just popped open. As warm salty water continued to roll down my face, everything was still blurry. I tried to make out the fuzzy figure that was in front of me. Once again I tried to talk, but no words formed. “Look at her, she is a beauty, and my petit fleur will make me proud.” The voice continued bragging.

Finally, after struggling with the blurriness my sight was returning to me. The first thing I saw was a rich blue crystal glass vase, in it were a bouquet of beautiful white calla lilies. It was just stunning. It was sitting in front of me on a beautiful circular coffee table. As I started to raise my eyes up from the vase a man sat across from me. He was finely dressed in a suit with a red silk scarf. His brown eyes were expressive. He had a slanted smile as he stared at me. “Good evening my little flower.” “Do I know you?” I said. “Indeed, I am your father.” He said in a most strange accent. I sat there bewildered. I could not remember this man, nor could I remember anything. I felt lost deep in some abyss. “Father…” I said softly and unsure. “What has happened to me?” I asked confused.

“My dear child, you have been in a deep sleep.” He said the words with amusement in his voice. “Sleep, how long…?” my voice trailed off trying to get some recollection of my coma. “A very long time my petit, a very long time. Thanks to me I have awoken you.” He smiled arrogantly.

I tried to get up from the area I was in. “Why can’t I move?” I said calmly like a child. “Well Pettit it’s because your body has been in a stasis state.” As I continued to observe the room I noticed that the room I was in had a high glass ceiling, made sense now where all that light and warmth was coming from. As I continued to move my head around… “Ah getting familiar with your surroundings. Pettit you have the spirit of a warrior in you; my douce BlackVelvet.” He smiled a most sexy smile.

A few hours later I was able to feel parts of my body regain feeling. I was finally able to sit up on the Chasis lounge chair I was in. Covered in a soft velvety blanket I sat up holding it firmly against my nude body.

“Well my sweet flower, it’s been fun watching you but I must get back to business. Your Mother will be in shortly to help you get dressed. We have a long day ahead, no more time for sleep; time to exercise those sleepy sweet limbs of yours.” He got up with such flare one could not notice that he was regal in his gestures. I couldn’t help notice that this man who was calling himself my father was also very handsome.

As he exited the room, I found myself alone in a very pretty room. It was extraordinary aristocratic in its décor. The marble floors, High glass ceiling, I felt like I was in a garden with all the beautiful flowers that were arranged around the room.

Suddenly the door opened up and this beautiful woman strolled in. I never saw an exquisite looking person as herself. She wore a skintight leather dress and very high heels. Her hair was straight and long, her facial features were smooth and young.

“Hello.” I said. “Hello my dear.” She responded. “Are you my mother?” “No I am not and he is not your father.” She said in a matter of factly type of tone. “What? Than who is he and who are you?” “My name does not matter, what matters is that I get you out of here. You are very pretty; I can see what he sees in you.” From behind her entered two men. “Here she is as I promised; now leave with her before he realizes what is happening.” She told the men.

I was still holding onto my blanket, with a little more energy in my self I was able to stand up. I was still a little wobbly in my step, but I was able to balance myself. Still clutching my blanket, the two men grabbed me on either side of my arms. “What the hell is happening here? Who are you two?” I was getting frustrated. “Shhh…we’ve come to rescue you; to tell you the truth of your existence in this world. We have to move fast.” I wasn’t sure what to believe at that moment, but something inside me felt like this was the right thing to do.

“Let me try to dress myself. Please turn around.” I looked at the two tall gentlemen in trench coats. “Oh of course", they both said. With that some clothing were stretched our for me. As they turned around I tried to dress myself. I was recovering quickly. “Ok I’m ready now.” They both turned around and smiled. They both motion to me to follow them. In the mean time the leather clad woman sat down watching us leave. “au revoir.” She said confidently. “Goodbye I said back.”

We continued to go down a long corridor, with many doors. “Who are you both?” I said. “We will tell all once we are safely out of here.” One of the tall handsome men said. We ran in and out of rooms, finally we were outside in the streets. “Quickly!” said the other. The tall light skin man opened up a phone and started to speak into it. While the dark skin guy was just running in and out of streets. They were both handsome looking and well dressed in their trench coats. I was in the middle of them keeping up, well at least trying to.

As we went thru every nook and cranny, dodging groups of people, someone side brushed me. I quickly lost my balance and fell to the ground. With out thought I bounced myself back up, flipping into a protective stance. The man tried to kick me, I grabbed his foot and twisted it, causing him to lose balance and flip over onto the ground.

With a swift kick to his ribs, as I still had his foot in my hand. I twisted his ankle some more almost breaking it, as I let his ankle go I was able to tighten my fist and give him a quick knock to his throat. I got into defensive mode again.

I stood there and quickly scanned my immediate area watching the two men who were with me, they stood there stunned. "What in the world...." the fair skin one said. "Umm...I don't know..." I said a little confused.

"She is a warrior." the other man said as he nodded his head. "My name is Eclipses, and this here is BlackKnight." Blackknight bowed, as Eclipses introduced him. Eclipse and Blackknight finished the guy off, causing him to lie on the ground with out any movement. They were good, they were very good.

They both started to move again. "Hurry...We must keep moving", Eclipses said. Once again we were in motion, with me in the middle. We finally arrived at this park, that had a phone booth in it. From out of no where this other man appeared. I stood there stunned, finding the whole situation to be unbelievable. "Hi guys, I see you got her." the figure said. He slowly approached me looking me over. "She's definitely not what I thought a warrior would look like." "Ok, enough already! Why am I here, who the hell are you, and why does everyone keep calling me a warror?" I was mad. All this running around and no answers. "Sorry, Hello, I am Red Knight. I am the leader of a well know faction named Royal Guard. You were awaken by The Merovingian."
****
I stood there soaking it all in. It was a lot to take in, but slowly but surely I was digesting the information. "I have a question, why is it that I can't remember who I am, I need to know?" They stood there staring at me. Suddenly Red Knight yelled, "We need to move, agents on their way."

Out of thin air, so it seemed, something was materializing. Eclipses grabbed my arm and dragged me. He said; " Move!!! Let’s go, let’s go!!!” Once again we were in motion, running from building to building. “You are not authorized in this Area.” I heard over and over behind us.

We went through a Chinese restaurant which was near by, I was still being dragged as I trailed behind. All I could think of at the moment was that I felt like I was in some type of asylum. What drugs was I on, and if I wasn’t dam, I need to find something to explain this madness.

As we ran thru the kitchen another apparition appeared in front of eclipses. He pushed me into Black Knight. “What the hell…..I feel like a bouncing ball.” Black Knight caught me and dragged me thru another door. There were stairs leading to the roof.

As we got to the top, he held my hand tightly. “We got to jump!” he said quickly. “Sorry BlackVelvet, no time to teach you how to jump.” He held tight onto my wrist. “WHAT?!?……OH MY G……” I screamed loudly as he jumped the roof with me trailing behind him. I flew thru mid air with my heart sticking out of my mouth. As he landed he caught me in his arms and put me down. “Let’s move!” I didn’t know how to react to what just happened. I finally took a breath, put my heart back into place and snapped myself quickly back to my senses. “What about Red and Eclipses?” “Don’t worry about them they’ll be fine. We just have to keep moving.”

As we continued to move we went down the stairs of the other building that we were on. Finally running down the flights of steps we got to the ground floor. A Car pulled up and once again I was pulled in this time by a woman. “Sela get her to the hovercraft. I’ll meet you there, just get her there safely.” He closed the door and ran off.

We sped off in this little car that looked like a roadster. So I thought It was… "dam why am I able to remember the type of car but not who I am." As I thought to myself. I began to observe Sela, she was very pretty. She was blonde with her hair up in a bun, the only thing holding her were a pair of chop sticks; which stuck out. She was wearing a brown denim outfit, and a short skirt. As she weaved in and out of traffic I noticed that her gloves didn’t have fingers. They were cut off to show her long manicured nails. She was indeed a very attractive woman.

She parked the car and told me to follow her. I got out as I silently and observantly followed her. We went into a ware house. “What I’m about to tell you is going to be unbelievable.” “You mean more so than what I’ve been thru. Bring it on, anything you say can’t be more fantastical than the chain of events today” She stood there and looked at me and smiled. “I can understand what you mean, but I have here is to offer you a choice.” “A choice on what exactly?” I was really confused. She pulled something out of her little back pack. Displayed in her hands were two pills. One blue the other Red. "No matter what we all have a choice Velvet. The blue one will make you forgot and the red one will let you see the reality of things.” “Reality of things? Geez I need a heavy dose of reality, because what I’ve seen today hasn’t been too real.”

I than proceeded to grab the red pill and swallowed it. “Glad you chose that one because you can’t turn back anyway.” “Huh?” I said confused. “You were pulled out of your pod.” “Pod? What the hell are you talking about?”

Suddenly things started to get fuzzy again and I went unconscious.

******

“Tell me who she is? Why is she so important?” a male voice said loudly. “Why doesn’t she have her memory?” A female voice chimed in. I was still feeling groggy from the pill I had taken earlier, I couldn’t move an inch. I felt that I was laying down somewhere soft and slowly my senses were coming back to me. Things were a little groggy, but I expect that would happen from an unknown pill. “See where this reality brings me,” I thought to myself.

“All that will be answered.” I recognized the voice as RedKnight. “Eclipses can you fill the crews in on our mystery guest?”

“My pleasure, the reason she has no memory is because the Merovingian’s altered it. In her blue pill life she was a Special Agent Operative for a secret underground agency. Code name Black Velvet. Her real name is Sarah MonCherie; she was born in the Blue pill world of France.” Eclipses paused a bit.

“Why was she important to Merovingian’s?” Another voice said.

“We’ll this is what were trying to figure out. We’re not sure why he took her out of her pod, and why he would need a super warrior like her. Black knight, do you have any other information that you would like to add to this briefing?” Eclipses said.

“Well I think she is not the only one they are taking out of their pods. From what we have found out there are others they are taking, why the special interest in her, we are still not sure. We know she is extremely proficient in the martial arts, and combat tactics, possible they are trying to build a super army.”

I was very happy to hear their voices. It meant to me that they had escaped those agents. Which was good, didn’t want any bodies on my conscious, but this information on myself was indeed interesting.

“Wow!" I thought to myself that was a lot for me to take in. I, too, was curious why they wanted me. I laid there letting the rest of the feeling in my body come back. I wanted to hear what else there was about me. I Still had no memory and this was one way I was hoping to jog that back.

“We need to get more information, we need to get our crews together and continue to go scouting why The Merovingian’s are interested in these people. Perhaps we can get some answers from Persephone, she helped us get Black Velvet.” Another male voice added.

“Ok, if were done this briefing is adjourned. Our mission is to get more information. We need this info fast and we have to get with the help of our fellow Zionists. Let’s try to use our connections with the other factions. We have allies in there so we can get as much intelligence as possible.” Red Knight mentioned.

I heard people moving around, shuffling along. I felt a strong hand grab my arm, tie something around it and **bleep** it. “She should be up by now; she’s been out for a full day.” The voice said. I began to open my eyes to see who it was. Slowly my vision came back and there he was, this strong looking man with blonde hair. “What was that u injected in me?” I said to him. “Well hello there. It was some shots to get your body immune to the elements here. You’ve been protected in a cocoon pod for almost part of your life.” He smiled a very handsome smile. I thought to myself, “geez it seems like all the people I’ve met are very good looking. This one seemed to peak my interest a little more so than the others.

“My name is Labraid. I’m usually an expert sharpshooter but our medic team had to be somewhere else.” He laughed. “Don’t worry I am also a doctor so I know what I’m doing.” He must have seen the scared expression on my face.

I pushed myself up from the bed. He came over to help me up. “Ahh…Thank you.” “You are quite welcome, it’s my job.” He smiled. What beautiful blue eyes he had. As he moved away slowly I noticed that out in front of me there was another person in the room. It was a tall, pretty blond woman. She was also quite attractive. She stood at the door just staring at me. “Hi” I said. She said, “Hello. How are you feeling today?”
“Well…considering I’ve been pulled out of some pod, and I have been running for my life, I say I’m doing pretty well, otherwise.” They both laughed. “This is DizzyBlonde, she is one of our specialist out in the MXO, and just coming in is Qiu.” Labraid pointed to both of them. “Hello I said.” “Hi they both said back.” “Labraid we have to get a crew together, we just found out the Mervingians are going to be steal something from the machinists. Were not sure yet what it is, but from our spies it’s something big. We need your skills as a fighter to help us. “Is she ready?” Qiu pointed to me. “Well she’s as ready as she is going to be.” Labraid said.

to be continued

The Mother ship is down..

2005-08-26T14:23:00.001-04:00

Well my original site is down...and I don't know how it got so messed up...or what happen...so thank goodness I have this one. I wanted to share a comic sent to me by a friend of mine.

Chuck Whelon

An Ancient Scroll Part 5

2005-04-04T09:14:00.001-04:00

Journal Entry 5:

As I swam out from the brook I was still stunned by the talking trout. “Didn’t realize they could do that, but I guess anything is possible.” I said to myself. Theabelle and Red Raider stood there looking at me, watching me as I spoke out loudly to myself. “How did you both know about the talking trout?” “The rainbow trout has been here for years, everyone knows about Xae’tut.” Red smiled. “It has a name? Hmm…well I got my next clue. I think I have an idea where this is.” I said loudly to them. “You need help?” Theabelle said as she held on to Red tightly, seemed that the horse was getting restless, moving from side to side. “I sure can! I have to go to the light house near Qeynos.” “Well let’s get going!” Red said as he began to gallop away. I ran behind them once again out dodging any dark paws. We passed the merchant, the farming fields and finally got to the coast. I was so out of breath my lungs felt like they would explode.

There she was the beautiful white light house, “The beacon,” She was made out of marble, standing there erect for all to see. She was the first thing I saw as a refugee to these shores, I remember feeling the beams from the light house absorb into me, as if hope was returning back. It was a comforting feeling to be aware of, I’ve drawn numerous etchings of the lighthouse, almost knowing it in detail. “Here we are” Theabelle said. I smiled, “Sure thing; just need to make camp, I’m a little famished and it’s starting to get dark.” “Sure thing we’ll start a camp fire at the coast, there our friends are suppose to meet us.” “Sounds like a great plan!” With that I smiled and we set up camp next to the light house. What was nice it wasn’t windy at all, it was a calm evening with pearls in the sky twinkling down at us. Theabelle pulled out a large kettle that went on the fire, she started adding all these wonderful ingredients. “Wow that smells wonderful Thea.” With each sniff my senses were dancing and my stomach was just singing out, what ever she was making just made my mouth water. As I began to eat the food she had given me I felt rejuvenated, I notice I was making yummy noises as I ate her delicious cooking.

As I stretched out I thanked Theabelle for her delicious food, she smiled; “no problem.” I started to walk to the tower which was behind us. I climbed up the stairs to the top to find the Taskmaster, and there she was. Standing there mumbling to herself. “I can’t believe how messy all these work orders are. Now I have to organize it all over again.” She definitely wasn’t happy about this fact. I cleared my throat, “Excuse me, Excuse me!” I said a bit louder. She continued rummaging thru all the papers, “yes, yes…speak…I can listen…see I’m busy!” She said frantically. How do you tell someone that you were sent here by a trout? I was trying to find the words. “Well you’re wasting my time…quickly speak or leave me alone.” “ok..ok…a trout sent me here to ask you about something…Once again I recited what it said to me,

“Beacon of light will guide your way,
Top the spiral stairs will be your next clue
Seek the task master; she will lead u to one

The One becomes the many,
Into the Dark Caverns the
Venture will continue.”

I stood there, feeling really stupid. She stopped what she was doing and handed me a scroll. “Here, seek out the Royal Guard and they can help you on this mission. They are an excellent group, speak to Xajin, ok?” She turned and continued to her mumbling. “Oh…oh…ok.” I said not knowing how to react to this. “By the way the trout works for me, just so you don’t think you’re going crazy.” With that I left. I returned to Theabelle and RedRaider The Great, “So dear what she say?” Thea said as she handed Red another plate of her food. “Well I have to search out the Royal Guard, and speak to a Xajin.” “That would be me, a voice came out from behind me.” Startled I turned around bearing my weapon. “Well hello there Mi’ Lady, he said to Theabelle, Hi Red my friend.” He walked up to Theabelle and gave her a hug, and than hugged Red. They seemed to know each other very well as if they were family.

“Hi” I said. “Well hello, so you need to talk to me?” “Yes, I was told by the Merchant in the Lighthouse tower to seek you and the Royal Guard.” He was an interesting man, another barbarian with tribal tattoos all over him. From what I could tell they were shaman markings. I explained my journey to him and how I met up with Theabelle and Red. “Wow you’ve done a lot today. Well the Royal Guard is at your service.” With that Theabelle and Red added, “Yes we are!” and she smiled. “What does the scroll say the one she gave you?” Xajin inquired. “Oh I forgot!” I quickly unraveled the scroll and it was a map pointing us to the FireMyst. “Oh my goodness; we have to go into firemyst!?”

Don’t worry we can get all the Royal Guards together and we can accomplish this task, we have to get everyone together and make this a raid. We will get what you need from there. With our help it will be no problem.” With that I smiled, what an adventure this has turned out to be, I thought. “Well we have a long day tomorrow let’s rest up.” Red said.

And the ADVENTURE CONTINUES into FireMyst the Royal Guard will venture.

An Ancient Scroll Part 4

2005-04-03T09:14:00.001-04:00

Journal Entry 4:

I stood there bewildered by all these clues. “What just happened?” I thought. Suddenly I was aware of my environment, it seemed to get darker, than suddenly I heard squeaking, it was getting louder, I quickly looked up to see some giant bats heading my way; “OH DAM!!” I began to run, I couldn’t fight that many by myself, there were at least 20 of them flying towards me. With out thinking I began to run down the spiral stairwell with Bats in tow I sprinted my way out the door way, and more bats came my way. I thought to myself doing a mental mapping of the area, I had to run to the Merchant, there I could possibly get help. I was hoping I wouldn’t stumble, suddenly I felt a bite on my neck. “OUCH.” Still running I grabbed what bit me. It was one of those bloodsucking bats; “dam thing.” I grabbed it by the neck firmly punching it with my fist I heard it shriek each time I hit it. I kept beating it while running, still hearing the others behind my tail. I continued to run, trying to dodge other creatures in my path. Suddenly from behind me I heard a large growl, “great a bear!!” I thought. I finally reached the merchant house “BATS IN TOW!!” I began yelling like a mad person.

I was still unaware of what was behind me. Suddenly this large man on a steed came thumping into the merchant house, trailing behind him on his steed was this beautiful warrior woman. “Stop young traveler.” He yelled, we killed the bats for you. I jumped out from behind the merchant and danced the dance of joy. “Thank you kind sir!!” I sang back. “What were you doing up there?” “I was doing a quest which obviously almost got me killed.” I said back. “What in the world is that in your hand?” the stunning woman said. I stopped my dancing and realized I still had the evil bat still in my grasp, poor thing looked blue it was unconscious in my hand. A nearby enchanter looked at me and smiled she than started to enchant the creature for me. “Thank you.” I said to her smiling. “You’re quite welcome.” Quickly the bat came alive and followed its new mistress.

I turned to the two warriors and asked for their names I was so happy to meet new people. “I am Red Raider the Great and this is my lovely companion Theabelle.” He said grandly. He was a warrior in full silver armor, his red hair boomed with vibrant color, as fierce as he looked sitting on his steed, he was charming. As for Theabelle she was just plain beautiful, with her soft white tresses softly hanging behind her pretty face, one could tell that she was not one to be reckoned with, but they both seem so nice. They were an eye-catching looking couple. “Thank you for your help, both of you.” I said. I majestically bowed to both of them; I was just relieved that they had helped me. “Where are you off to traveler,” Theabelle said as she hopped off the tall steed. “Well I have to figure out another quest riddle. I have no clue where to go next.” I started to recite what the ghost had said to me;

“Aggressive are their true spirit, docile in
appearance and form, the bell rings, ringing of their
return, arm yourself fully, misjudging these foes will
lead one to the skies above. The stream of life is
full of wisdom.”

“Oh that sounds like the stream near the covered bridge?” Theabelle said, “Sure does Belle.” Red Raider added in. “Hmm…do you know where that is?” “We sure do follow us.” They both said in rhythm. I gathered myself, and went to the mender to mend anything that needed to be fixed, and boy was there a lot to be mended. “Are you coming?” Theabelle yelled out as she sat behind red. “Yes! I’m almost done. Ok done!” I gathered my stuff and ran behind them.

Down a path they rode as I trailed down behind them. There were gnolls everywhere, all of different type, darkpaw scouts, and soliders, camped in different areas all over the hills. “Be careful not to get too close.” Theabelle yelled from behind Red. I nodded in agreement. We reached a covered bridge with a sentry standing in front of it. “Jump in the water.” Red said. I looked at them as If they went batty, "Did I smell that bad?" I thought to myself. “There is a magical trout in there, perhaps he may offer you some clue?” Theabelle said softly.

“Ok!” and into the water I jumped swimming all around. Suddenly from behind me a trout nibbled at my ear. “Huh!?!?” I swam up to the top for air ready to do battle. Instead it followed me up to the top and spoke; “Good day to thee traveler?” it said. My eyes opened widely, a talking fish I thought “Why would I be so surprised” Than suddenly he said;

“Beacon of light will guide your way,
Top the spiral stairs will be your next clue
Seek the task master; she will lead u to one

The One becomes the many,
Into the Dark Caverns the
Venture will continue.”

And the trout swam away.

To be continued..The final story..

An Ancient Scroll Part 3

2005-04-02T09:10:00.001-05:00

Journal Note 3:

What an exciting day, another clue, I sat there disheveled and exhausted on the fields pondering it all. I smiled and began to reach into my backpack looking for my meal and trusty map. It was a local map of all the places I had been to in this area, there were markings all over it like a checker board marking every single detail of my journey's , as if a chicken ran across haphazardily thru my map. They were markings of places I had ventured into either by myself or with a group of like minded adventurers. Suddenly in my minds eye the Bell tower popped into picture. I jumped up shouting, “Eureka!! That has to be it.” I was very excited by my revelation so much so I think I scared one of the scarecrows causing it to move to the other side of the field. Smiling at my new found revelation I began packing up the rest of my food and belongings. With a heave ho I started my venture towards the twin towers in Antonica.

I Ran thru all sorts of beasts; wolves, bears, badgers, and cute little deer. I tried my best not to run into anything too dangerous making sure my concentration was on the tower now. I continued my run North-East pass the twin towers. There she was a withered old brick belfry; it looked so unkept and sad to me. Large pieces of stone were missing from the surrounding tower that over looked Antonica. I was still far from it, but could still see her scars from years of wear and war. As I continued to run, still admiring her from a distance, within me stirred mixed feelings of excitement and sadness on what I would find.

I finally reached the top of the hill where the tower was and to my amazement there were bats everywhere. Groups here and there full of them, bats in the belfry, bats surrounding the belfry, and bats outside of the belfry. I felt as if I were almost going batty. I had to quietly crawl to the ground making my way up to the front of the ruined tower. I had to be very careful not to stir up the bats above. They were extremely large and deadly, and this was not a day I wanted to die.

Finally making my way thru the doorway I continued pushing myself up the spiral stone stairs. I was so exhausted from my travel that climbing each step towards the bell was burdensome. I just had to get to the top no matter what. Finally I made it catching my breath, breathing in deeply the fresh crisp air that seemed to breeze thru the towers open wounds.

What a sight it was from up here. Looking straight up the top I saw more bats; scanning around the bells inner sanctum I saw a curious figure, an apparition of a male spirit. “Good day sir how may I assist you?” It said to me. I froze in place, “Go-od, doing well.” He turned towards me and smiled, giving me goose bumps; I think every piece of hair on my body was standing up at attention; chills ran up and down my spine. I thought to myself; "be brave I didn't come this far to cower over an apparition; use ur wits perhaps he would know about the scroll I held in my leather pack was all about. "

Reaching into it I pulled out the scroll and unrolled it and began reading the words to the spirit. He just stared at me blankly, I guess ghosts do that? He just stood there once in a while flicking in and out like fire in a hearth. I began to ask; “Kind spirit would u know what this would mean?” I looked at him hoping he would. Suddenly he began to chant some words and this is what he said;

“Aggressive are their true spirit, docile in
appearance and form, the bell rings, ringing of their
return, arm yourself fully, misjudging these foes will
lead one to the skies above. The stream of life is
full of wisdom.”

And with that the spirit disappeared.

- To be Continued..

An Ancient Scroll Part 1 and 2

2005-03-31T13:38:00.002-05:00

I am sharing a story I started for my online gaming world, everquest 2. It was a roleplaying story for my character that I play with. Introducing her to the online crew I joined. It's five parts so I will be placing one a day. Hope you enjoy it, if not, well tough cookies. :p I hope you do enjoy the story. :) I'll put two stories here.

Written: Nov. 2004. All town names are exclusive rights of EQ2.
_________________________________________________________________

Journal Note 1

One sunny afternoon I got up to the sweet smell of fresh goods baking in the nearby bakery. I slowly lifted myself out of my bed smiling at the sun beams heating my face for a new day. Getting out of bed I walked towards the window to open it up further to let the smell flow thru my tiny apartment.

I sat by the window looking down into the streets smiling at all the early risers shuffling along the market court buying their goods. I pondered on what the day would bring me, would I hunt? Would I go around the city asking for work or would I craft for the day?

I decided on hunting instead, I needed to get my experience skills up and would need to do a full day of hunting, and what a better day to do that than today. A day where the sun warmed my face and the breeze of the wind was passive. I got up from the window sill and went to the door to retrieve the daily crier, a daily scroll that reported the every day life of my town. I loved reading it early during my meal keeping me informed on the daily happenings of Qeynos.

Placing the scroll on my table I prepared my meal, sat down and started to open my daily life vein of information. As I opened the scroll up a piece of parchment fell out onto my lap. Inquisitively I stared at it wondering what it could be. “Hmmm,” I grabbed it off my lap and noticed the piece of parchment had seen better days. It looked like it had survived one hundred wars and then some. Upon inspecting it some more I noticed words were scribed onto it….no they looked burned on its surface. I continue to decipher the burnt in text with a mixture of fear and anticipation on what it could be. This is what was scribed onto it.

"In the distance a medley of sounds are heard. The beat of battle drums and howling send chills thru ones spine.

You must find your next clue to this cryptic message."

To be Continued..

_________________________________________________________

Journal Note 2:

“Hmmm…,” What did it all mean I thought as I stared blankly into the parchment that was in my hands. I hoped that staring into it intently would offer me some kind of clue, but to no avail nothing hit me, no magical spells, or semi-invisible spewing symbols, not even weird spooky voices.

I put the piece of paper down, giving up on deciphering the cryptic message in the parchment. I finished my meal and began to dress for the day ahead looking forward to a new adventure of challenges and broadening my skills.

I grabbed a boat ride from the docks into Qeynos harbor, enjoying a fit run thru the towns, finally reaching the large gates of Antonica. What an impressive place this was to me, being a refugee from a land no longer known. I continued on the large solid gates running thru the fields of Antonica as I passed fyrebeetles, and scarecrows. I thought this would be an ideal area to continue my training in battle; I waved to the farmer a good morning and started my lessons in warfare. One by one I called forth a fyrebeetle to do battle with, concentrating on each kill,as the day grew I also grew weary as I continued killing them. In my carelessness attempt to taunt I hit the nearby Scarecrow, I was taken off guard but was able to gain my fortitude, hitting it with one of my magical spells as I melee with my weapon.

He was a worthy opponent, making my fight with it a tough one but worth the extra effort I had to put into the fight. As I laid my last strike into its straw like body he went down releasing an eerie sound from his wilted body, it was nothing I had ever heard before, suddenly a chest appeared. I rejoiced at the anticipation of some exciting treasure to be held. Slowly I picked the padded lock trying to bypass any traps that were known to accompany most chests. As it popped open I quickly winced back trying not to be hit by any spells, lucky for me there were none. Steadily I approached the old wooden chest, still leary of any other traps that it may have.

As I peered into it I found only a small scroll tied neatly with leather straps. Picking up the scroll I smiled, “Could it be part of the parchment I had earlier?” I prayed that it would. As I rolled it open a piece of a bat wing fell out, dry and preserved “well how strange,” I thought. I began to read the scroll and this is what it said;

“The Lands are plagued with dark disease…
Find the dark tower on the hills of Antonica, where the bells tell their tales.
Keep thy eyes open for evil which swoops from the skies.
There will be your next clue.”

To be continued..

Word Game

2005-03-03T12:19:00.000-05:00

This is for Grant.

Giant, Atomic, Chicken, Random, Killing, Spree

The Giant Pea randomly went on a shopping spree; searching for a dress that would fit his beloved chicken Fiona.

Killing time he ate a giant cheez-it and slurped it down with an atomic ginseng flavored water.

Nostalgic

2005-03-02T00:28:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm digging into my archives and finding old papers I wrote. Here is a cool paper I found from one of my creative writing classes. We had to chose five words and than add them into a story. I thought it would be fun to share these.

Eventually I'll start putting out more of my recent stories. The year was 1989.

EDUCATE, THROW, RESPECT, INHABIT, and EAT.

There was an Alien from the outer limits. He came to the United States so he could be Educated in throwing Mar's bars. He found out that in order to throw Mars bars he must first inhabit a diner, where he could watch the customers throw them around. While watching them he had respect for them and decided that throwing Mars bars was not for him. Instead he realized he liked eating them.

PELICAN, FOOTBALL, JUKEBOX, CHARM, DIET

The Pelican went to a football game to begin his diet; he saw a jukebox and tried to charm it.

VERMILLION, CREEPY, MATURE, EDUCATED, and GROSS

The creepy vermillion cat sat on a hat, so he could look like a mature cat. Instead he looked like a gross cat and decided he rather be an educated cat.

Thirst

2005-03-02T00:05:00.000-05:00

Here is a something I wrote in '98.

How do I feed this thirst?
The thirst that tugs on the inner depths of my empty well,
waiting to be quenched by the life blood of my victims.
Searching and waiting patiently for just a drop to pull me through.

I search the streets around me, stealthily combing the alleys of
hopelss souls, of my unsuspecting victims. Looking to fill this well,
so that I may feel that satisfaction of being fulfilled once again.

How do I quench these lips?
-Ali

What Wonderment

2005-02-08T16:26:00.000-05:00

The Splendor of the moon
High above smiling
casting an ethereal glow
Gazing out above her adoring eyes
What Magnificence and order
No words can justify
The Splendor of the moon

-Ali's view on the Lunar Eclipse Oct. 27, 2004

My lil getaway

2005-02-02T10:39:00.000-05:00

Here I will post most of my writings...good or bad, but they will be here. Hopefully I will bore no one..and if I do...welll....move on or feel free to share any constructive critique, it helps when more than one pair of eyes can see things that I may not.

Well here I go and lets see where this will take me. Maybe this will help me get my butt in gear and write that one great story every writer is brooming to tell. One never knows do they? :) ::raises java cup:: Here's to dreaming! ::clank::