End of the Year Review

This'll probably be a quick post, as we're having a New Year's Eve party that should be better attended than last year's (two people). But I wanted to offer a few thoughts on the year.

Writing-wise, this year has been the most lucrative so far, but comparing $65 to $40 doesn't bring a great sense of satisfication. Reviews have been pretty much the same, novel work has consisted of mostly editing, but poetry has blossomed, albeit mostly of a personal, nonpublishable nature. Also, the hours I've devoted to writing this year have been fewer. Perhaps due to a better internet connection.

Friendships with other writers online have florished, though. I've continued to enjoy various forums and blogs. As other friends have moved away, connection online has been a big plus. I've also been able to keep up with a variety of things, including info on the Narnia movie. The Chronicles of Narnia have been among my favorite books for many years, and the Narnia craze is just to my liking. Even many of my Christmas gifts were Narnia-themed, including a Stratego game I'll probably be playing tonight.

I do better on those sort of games than bowling and putt-putt golfing, which I did for the first time in a long while this year. I prefer this year's other outings, especially trips to Rogers (huge flea market and animal auction place) with one of my closest friends and her family (p.s. Valerie, some of her kids are my age too).

Best Movie of 2005: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Best Nonfiction Book of 2005: Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge

Best Fiction Book of 2005: Tahn by L. A. Kelly (plus many more)

Best CD of 2005: The Art of Breaking by Thousand Foot Krutch (the Narnia score and inspired by soundtrack and Lifehouse were close seconds)

Best TV Christmas Movie of 2005: Silent Night

Most Faithful Friends of 2005: Charity, Ruthi, Charlie, and Hilary (plus my family)

Favorite Fad Followed in 2005: Italian charm bracelets

Favorite Article of Clothing in 2005: Jean shirt

Favorite Animal of 2005: Leopold (parakeet), 2nd place, Kiera (cat)

Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle

As soon as I lifted Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle from the box, I knew I was in for a treat. Even if I never opened the book. I loved the cover. It looked like a cross between Lemony Snicket's books and Mary Engelbreit's artwork. And the back cover warning - "Don't Fall In" - brought my mind directly to Mary's quote, "Books fall open - You fall in" But I took the chance anyway.

R. K. Mortenson dropped me directly into Landon's life, with his two younger sisters and perchant for reasons. I enjoyed following Landon's zany adventures, but I especially liked the depth of character Mortenson brought to his characters. The blatant theme seems overdone, as if the plot is merely a device to aid Landon's understanding. But in all, this is a charming, well-done novel by a first-time author. Bravo!

I've Been Nominated!

My poem, Don't Go, has been nominated for Infuze Magazine's Best Stories and Poems of 2005! Vote here! It's such an honor to even be nominated - out of about 50 poems published this year, my poem is among the twenty people will vote on. I'm so excited!

I've Been Tagged!

I'm an abnormal blogger. I don't post that often on here, mostly because I haunt forums and ramble about my non-writing life (which is pretty boring) on my private xanga (I don't normally give out the link, but look carefully, you may find it). I don't use Bloglines or any other of those nifty things to keep track of the blogs I like, but instead wait for those urges to "find out what everybody's up to" and randomly travel through links to visit my friends.

Which is one reason I didn't find out about the seven sevens meme until today.

I scanned through a few before wondering, "Hey, I wonder if anybody tagged me?" Thus began a purposeful search, skipping past others' ponderings on their lives, likes, and goals, to find one thing - my name. A bit selfish, I'll admit (though I'll visit your posts again later), but there was only slight hope of finding it - what chance does a once-a-month scatterbrained blogger have against all these talented, disciplined celebrities?

So imagine my surprise at finding my name on Chris Well's blog. And in the company of people like Dave Long and Matt Bronleewe. Yippee! Now I feel special. Thanks, Chris!

Seven Things to Do Before I Die
1. Publish 5 books
2. Get married
3. Visit England, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, and Austria
4. Learn to juggle
5. Live by a waterfall
6. Learn tact
7. Do something extraordinarily wonderful that everyone will remember me for

Seven Things I Cannot Do
1. Play the violin
2. Have a career in public speaking
3. Function normally without the internet
4. Wiggle my ears
5. Take things impersonally
6. (Dare I admit this?) Drive
7. Eat bugs

Seven Things that Attract Me to My [wife, husband, romantic interest, best friend, whomever] Since I'm not married, engaged, or courting (and since any romantic interest not in those areas must remain anonymous), I offer this glimpse into what I'm looking for, with these seven things as prominent:
1. His faith
2. His character
3. His smile
4. His humor
5. His intelligence
6. His kindness
7. His family

Seven Things I Say Most Often
1. Hi there!
2. Sure
3. Okay
4. Great!
5. I loved that book
6. What's your Myers-Briggs type?
7. See you later
(Can you tell I'm an introvert?)

Seven Books (or Series) I Love
1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
2. Songs in the Night series by Jack Cavanaugh
3. O'Malley series by Dee Henderson
4. Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge
5. Arena by Karen Hancock
6. Thr3e by Ted Dekker
7. The Rivers of Judah series by Catherine Farnes

Seven Movies I Would Watch Over and Over Again
1. Ever After
2. Shrek
3. Rigaletto
4. Princess Bride
5. Star Wars
6. Spider-Man 1&2
7. Pirates of the Caribbean

Seven People I Want to Join in, Too
Actually, I'm pretty sure the few people who read this blog have already been tagged. But in the rare case you haven't - you're it!