Uta Hagen--

"We must overcome the notion that we must be regular...it robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to the mediocre."

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Halloween...


Hey dear readers! I just realized that Halloween is SATURDAY! I'm so excited! I still go trick-or-treating every year! Guess what I'm going to be this year? (Not an author--I was that last year and no one understood it). I'm going to be................a BOOK! I'm so excited! I still have to make the costume, but hopefully I can get that done this week...well what's left of it. Like I said, I can't believe it's almost Halloween!

I just remembered this book. It's The Guys, The Roses, And The Regrets by Grace Hatton. She's a teen author, and I can't believe how much she knows about writing--it's truly amazing. I still haven't read her book, but it is now on my Christmas list.

I really haven't had much going on lately, really. The end of the quarter is Friday! I can't believe the first quarter of school has gone by so quickly! I have a 95% in math, but we had test today. I think I did well on most of it--but a few questions...I'm not so sure about. I just hope that it keeps my A. I've had straight A's on report cards since 6th grade. I know, I'm a geek, but oh well. **I am a geek, but I will dominate the world, Katie**

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

With eternal love and blessings,
Officially Inspired

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Books and pictures


Sorry I haven't posted in a while--I haven't had anything to talk about really. Still don't, so I'm just going to tell you a few random things.


  1. I finished Stragely Beautiful last night! LOVED IT!

  2. I just made a lip-syncing video for "Blessed" by Rachael Lampa.

  3. I started reading Catching Fire and am LOVING IT!

  4. I'm slowly recovering from Writer's Block--finally.

  5. I worked on my school newspaper article from home this morning!

  6. Tomorrow is my mom's birthday. I still don't know what to get her...Breaking Dawn is a possibility considering she's half way through Eclipse.

  7. My dad had surgery yesterday--everything's going great though. Except, I hate blood.

  8. I got bad news last night. My grandparent's neighbor, Harry (whom I'm pretty close to) has been doing chemo, but isn't doing very well. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

  9. I set a picture of Rob as my desktop back ground at school this morning!

  10. I was also informed that aliens are coming to Earth to abduct all good looking and sexy people. You should be safe, I'm only telling you to say goodbye!

Have a wonderful and blessed day! (The picture is something I made "Color Disco")


With eternal love and blessings,

Officially Inspired

Monday, October 19, 2009

I'm Back From D.C.!


Hello dear readers! Long time, no post, eh? I'm sorry--I meant to post before I left, but alas, I lost the time.

I left for D.C. on Thursday, traveled all night, and arrived in D.C. around 7AM. On Friday we began our day by going to the Newseum, the National History Museum, the Holocaust Museum, the National Archives, the White House, and the Jefferson Memorial (where my buddy and two others got lost...don't worry, Mr. Brunk 'found our place' which could've been a wet park bench in his opinion...he thought they purposfully let with out me). I may be leaving out a place or two...

Saturday, we started with Arlington, then the Changing of the Guard ceremony, then the Wreath Laying ceremony. After we were done at Arlington, we went to the Washington Cathedral, the Korean and Vietnam walls, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol Building, the WW2 Memorial, the FRD Memorial, and finally went back to the hotel for the dance. (I was very, very wet this day. It was freezing and never once did the rain let up...)

Sunday, we headed for Gettysburg and after that we headed home. Stopping every two hours for potty breaks, and then stopping for dinner at McDonalds, we arrived home about 10:45PM. I gave my parents their souvenirs, but have yet to see my sister to give her her surprise.

All in all, I'm glad to be home. Mr. Brunk got me wet by flinging his umbrella at me, water proceeded to fall down my face. Nice Mr. Brunk. lol. He was very entertaining while in D.C...we'll leave it at that. He wouldn't like it very much if I posted all of the stories about him here...like he'd ever find this. :D

Pictures are to come...I used disposable cameras apposed to my digital, so I'll scan them onto my laptop when I get them developed.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

With eternal love and blessings,

Officially Inspired

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Outlining--again...


Hello my dear readers! How are you? It's 55 degrees here in Ohio--and we just turned our heat on for the first time this year. Wow. Seriously? Yes.

So, I've been outlining--again. I started over because I was writing out every detail instead of just a vague idea. So now I've outlined all eight chapters--almost 70 pages summarized into two and a half pages. Wow. Anyway, I think I've finally found a type of outlining that works for me. Which is good. I remember when I outlined the rest of my novel last year--It all fit on a piece of journal paper, but it took up nearly 200 pages. No joke. But then again I was very vague when I outlined that. I didn't tell what was going to happen during those scenes, just that this was going to happen. Which I could very well resort back to. Ha-ha.

I sent another critique partner some of my rewrites--from the preface to chapter four and will hopefully be getting some feed back pretty soon. I hope. I sent some of my rewrites to my writing mentor, who has had so much on her plate, she hasn't had time to read it. I also sent some to "Luna", and she read a little bit, but hasn't read anymore. (Maybe that's a hint to something...........hmmm....)

In happier news, I'm seriously in love with Professor Alexi Rychman from The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker! Seriously--he's...amazing. Amazing Alexi. But I can't tell you what's going on because I'm near the end. But hey, the sequel comes out in March of 2010! Yay!

I must be on my way. Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!

With eternal love and blessings,
Officially Inspired

Saturday, October 10, 2009

What kind of site is this?


Thy dearest readers, I have something to admit to you. I have nearly forgotten the purpose of this site. It is called Wonderful Writing Website for a reason, I suppose. I haven't talked about writing a whole lot as of yet--and I am sorry for that. And it seems that when I do talk about writing, I am talking only about my writing. I'm sorry, for this site was meant to allow me to vent and for others to become better writers--if I can help in any way.

However, I suppose I could say that anything and everything I post here helps you as a writer, as well as myself. As writers, we must keep our eyes and ears open at all times, allow ourselves to feel, to laugh, to love, to mourn, everything. As writers we must live life. This is something my dad pointed out to me one day, and I am sad to say that I do not remember why he said these words to me, but I truly believe them. The only qualification for being a writer is that you must live life.

Does this mean that anyone could be a writer? Yes and no. Yes because anyone who wants to be a writer, can be. No because not anyone can be a good writer--that takes the time and effort not everyone is willing to give to this special career. See what I mean? Being a writer is a special job, and if you're doing it, you're special--because not many people have the patience, love, and, Lord knows, the self esteem to go through the writing and publishing process.

So, if you're reading this and you're published, congratulations and I'm jealous. If you're reading this and you're an agent/publisher...well...hint, hint. ;) If you're reading this and you're a writer, never give up on your dreams--no matter what. Finally, if you're reading this and you want to be a writer, go for it--and don't let anyone hold you back.

Have a wonderful and blessed day, my dear readers.

With eternal love and blessings,
Officially Inspired

Friday, October 9, 2009

Essay...


This whole week I've been so anxious to hear about the D.C. essays that were due last Wednesday, because I heard that we would hear about them either Thursday or Friday. Well, we heard about them today...and I didn't win. Two of my friends and two people I didn't know won. Congrats guys, it's a huge honor that is once in a lifetime. I just hope that all of the winners realize how amazing it is for them to walk in the ceremony of placing the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I think my two friends do, but, for the fact I don't know the other two students, I cannot speak for the others.

I worked really hard on my essay. I worked on it for fourteen days (the maximum time), whereas people like my brother spent a day and a half on it. I had my writing teacher from last year read it, my family, my writing mentor, and myself (over and over and over again). I got so much feedback, edited, picked it to shreds, dissected it, added to it--and now it is almost as if it was for nothing. But not totally. I know that I still did my best, and that I had to try, and how could I even have the possibility of winning if I didn't even enter a paper?

But as I think back on my essay, I realize that I still ask myself those infamous 'What if...' questions. I think I might know what made my paper lose. Or at least in my mind made it lose. In my last paragraph I wrote about how much I appreciate all that our soldiers do and all they go through for us. One of my sentences was "My heart wrenches just thinking about the hell some have been through, but the pride, dignity, honor, and respect they took it all in." I think the word 'hell', even used in the correct content, might have been a mistake. I wish I could know if that lowered my chances. But my history teacher uses it in class sometimes, so why shouldn't I be allowed to use it in my essay? If only I could know...

Well, my Lord, am I whinny enough today for your liking? I'm sorry dear readers, I just put so much into this essay. Perhaps, I know a way to post it below. Yes, indeed I do.


I believe honoring the soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and those who are willing to do so is such an important thing. I want to honor these people for so many personal reasons.

First, my family consists of many military personnel. Six of my cousins have either served in Iraq, the Army, the Air Force, or the Marines; both of my grandpas were in the Army; one of my great grandfathers was in the Air Force; four of my great uncles were in the service, two of which died in action, one of whose remains were never found from the Korean War. The reason this makes me want to honor the soldiers is because I know how strong and brave these men and women are. They do the unthinkable, putting themselves in the line of fire for their country. I know how proud their families are of their service but how hard it is for them to send them off to defend our country, for they’re in danger every second. My family of such soldiers compels me to honor these valiant men and women.

Secondly, I am proud to call this country home. Seeing this nation under God overcome so much has given me a sense of pride in my country and those who defend her. September 11th, 2001 was one of the hardest days the U.S. will see in my lifetime. I still have no idea how our country ever moved past that--but overcome it we did. Going to war was another difficult thing to face, but brave men and women from all over joined the military anyway, determined to protect this land in a time of crisis and need. With recently electing the first African-American President of the United States, I know our country will never meet an obstacle we cannot overcome, for we have come so far as a country. The United States of America and those who defend her give me pride to call the ‘land of the free’ home.

Thirdly, so many sacrifices of these men and women go unnoticed. Many people don’t realize a soldier’s sacrifice so that our everyday lives are the way they are--free. While we go about our lives each day, whether it be to school, work, or play, our brave soldiers are off somewhere fighting--dying--for our freedom to preserve our way of life. Our freedom to go out with our friends…somebody died for that. Think about those who lost a dear loved one, fighting for us. The baby girl whose daddy was deployed to war one week after she was born, all he would miss of her life--her first steps, her first words, her first smile. What if her daddy never came back? She would never know her dad, but she would know that he died doing something important. He fell defending our country, and because of him, and the countless others like him, we are free and are able to live the lives we do. Our soldiers give up so much; their family time, their personal lives, their love for life--everything. Even their own lives. They’re willing to give all of this up for millions of people they don’t even know, because they love their country. No, freedom most definitely is not free! Everybody should realize what they have, because our American way of life doesn’t come without expense and it’s guaranteed to no one. These men and women deserve our respect. Their sacrifices should not go unrecognized.

Fourthly, laying the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier would give me great honor. Walking beside three other classmates and a man or woman who is dutifully keeping guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier would fill my heart with pride, giving me the chance to somewhat repay this man or woman who died defending our country. Their remains bear no name, but they are well respected, honored, and well guarded by soldiers who are continuously there--around the clock, everyday, rain or shine, frigid temperatures or extreme heat, no matter what. To think that I could repay this Unknown Soldier with this opportunity to say “Thanks”…it is beyond my wildest dream. It would give me great, unexplainable honor to be part of this important ceremony, and it would make me feel like I am doing something for my country.

Finally, I really appreciate all that these men and women of great courage do for me, and my country as well. As a thirteen-year-old Ohioan student, I don’t often feel I am making a difference to anyone, let alone my country. This opportunity to me is a chance to make that difference. Many people would consider it a small dissimilarity to walk in this ceremony, but to me it is a huge thing. It would give me a sense of responsibility, knowing how important this ceremony is. I will never know exactly what those men and women go through, but I want to repay them and let them know that they’re never far from my mind and prayers and never will they be forgotten. The definition of hero is a person admired for great deeds or fine quality; one who shows great courage. A hero to me is so much more. It is a person who everyday has no clue what there life will be like one minute to the next. Someone who will risk their life to save just one person. A hero is indefinable because no two are alike. My heart wrenches just thinking about the hell some have been through, but the pride, dignity, honor, and respect they took it all in. These men and women are true heroes to me and I wish for nothing more than to show my deep gratitude to these gallant men and women.

In conclusion, honoring the soldiers who freely and willingly give up everything is very personal to me. My family, my pride for my country, the sacrifices given, giving back, and my appreciation allows me to honor the dauntless men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

© Copyright 2009 HannaTheWriter (UN: hannathewriter at Writing.Com). All rights reserved. HannaTheWriter has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Ten Long Years

Penny
September 14th, 1963-October 8th, 1999
Ten Long Years

Hanna



Another person tells me that they understand
Another person sends me their sympathies
But in their minds I know they’re thinkin’
Man, I’m glad that’s not me.


Another person tells me that it’ll get easier
But no, oh no I don’t believe them
Because thinking of you hurts me so
Mommy, oh why did you have to go?


Because it’s been ten long years
And ten million tears
And still this pain has no ease


After ten long years
And ten million tears
I know you’ll never really leave


I was only three
You were only thirty six
And now my protective wall
Seemingly is made of bricks


Ten years has come and gone so fast
But I know you’re always with me
You’re my guardian angel
Guiding me safely


Because it’s been ten long years
And ten million tears
And still this pain has no ease
But after ten long years
And ten million tears
I know you’ll never really leave


Sometimes I feel so lost and alone
I feel cheated because you were taken
But I keep my faith in God’s plan
Even though my world was shaken


Sometimes I don’t understand why God had to take you
From your husband, daughter, and son
I guess he needed another angel in Heaven
He sure couldn’t have picked a better one


I see the tear that comes to Daddy’s eyes
Whenever we talk about you
It makes me cry too
Because I cannot remember you


We all miss you down here in Ohio
And someday I know we’ll meet once more
At those pearly gates in the Promised Land
And the pain of missin’ you will be no more


We’ll hug and kiss
Laugh and cry
Talk and get to know each other
And we’ll never, ever, again say goodbye.


Because it’s been ten long years
And ten million tears
And still this pain has no ease


After ten long years
And ten million tears
I know you’ll never really leave


Because it’s been ten long years
And ten million tears
But I know to Heaven you flew


After ten long years
And ten million tears
I will always love you


© Copyright 2009 HannaTheWriter (UN: hannathewriter at Writing.Com). All rights reserved. HannaTheWriter has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

8 years...


I don't have much to say today, but I have a few things to make note of. So, pupils, shall we begin?

Firstly, did you know that today marks eight years that we have been at war in Afghanistan? Even knowing this fact, I have yet to see one newspaper or news station make even the slightest note about it. Which bothers me. We mark the anniversary of battles and other armed forces events, why wouldn't they note this? Just a little bothered here...

Secondly, today marks ten years since my mom fell and had an accident that would take her from me. But she didn't die today ten years ago.

Finally, I'm hoping to hear about my DC essay tomorrow. I could post that for you guys...but my computer won't let me. Ugh--it usually lets me paste to this website....oh well.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

With eternal love and blessings,
Officially Inspired

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Someday...


Hey readers! I hope you all have had a better weekend than I have! I've been sick since Saturday morning, but I'm feeling a lot better now. I still have a cough, and my stomach's a little uneasy--but everything else is gone. On top of this I still have homework to do. Four pages of science and half a math paper. :'(

Anyway, when I was lying on the couch this morning I came across a song that just really made me happy...and realize what's really important, and gave me hope. It was the world premiere of the song. The song was "Someday" by Rob Thomas. It's a really good song.

I also got to hear Kings of Leon (Awesome band!), Muse, Uncle Kracker, and Daughtry! I'm usually a country fan, but there's a lot of good music out there in the pop culture. Like All American Rejects, Linkin Park, and The Fray. But one song bugs me to death! "21 Guns" by Greenday is a horrible song! Greenday isn't even in the right generation to be that political (right John?)! The song says 'Do you know what you're fighting for? It's not worth dying for.' Talking about the war in Iraq. I mean, it's fine if you don't support the war, but at least support those men and women who are fighting for you. Ugh, it's aggravating!

I'm going to do my homework. Have a wonderful and blessed day!


With eternal love and blessings,
Officially Inspired.

Friday, October 2, 2009

OMA!


OMA stands for Oh My Alexi--which is a new-found love from Leanna Renee Hieber's novel The strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. Anyway, I know I haven't posted in a while, and so I decided to write and post something today. Something--anything. I had no idea it would be this EPIC! (that's the first time I've used that word...)

So I was checking my updates on the blogs I follow and I saw that Miss Hieber had posted a new article. I clicked on over to her site to read it and saw the article was titled "The Ohio Whirlwind". Obviously, I figured this post was about her two weeks in Ohio. It was. ;) But--I was mentioned! OMA! I know--totally epic! Read the article and find my name and get some exciting news and all that good stuff here: http://leannareneebooks.blogspot.com/2009/10/ohio-reflections-in-recap.html

I am so honored and I went and told my brother and though he didn't find it very special, I definitely did. I need to read--like NOW!

So I bid you good day, my dear readers. I hope you'll pardon my absence. (I might be getting too into this book...NOT! That's not possible!)

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
With eternal love and blessings,
Officially Inspired