Mortereve all!

Thanks Micah! I will have a blast!

I hope you do! See ya when you get back.

[The National Treasure movies] are really exciting stories presented in a relatively clean way.

Yes, true. And that's pretty rare nowadays. That's why I love those movies.

By the way, good to see you back in the Square! Nudge your mom to pop in, too.

NN95, I think I remember seeing a piece of the first one a looong time ago. But this was the first time I watched it all the way through.

Ah, I see. Well, I'm glad you liked it. And, you'll liked the second. Unlike a lot of movie sequels, National Treasure 2 is just as good as the first.

Did not! Ok, so yes. I did hold you up to a standard and you did not measure up, but that doesn't mean i thought you were perfect!
(Hmmph! Did not! )

Ah, I knew it. Ok, forget that about perfect, but like I said, you expected some standards. I don't know what sort of crazy standards they were, since I haven't done anything that wouldn't meet up to someone's expectations.
(You can't deny it!)

It's a genius idea!

How modest.

(NN, what kind of cookies do you like? If you've said, I've forgotten. )

Um, oatmeal, or sugar cookies, or white chocolate are my favorites. I don't think I've ever said what kind I like... only what I don't like.

Anyway, Happy late birthday to Wren and congrats on 1000 posts to Djaq!!!!

*hands out some non-chocolate cake for those who don't like chocolate[...]*

Can't imagine whom that's referring to...

Hey, NN/Aiden, I remember how to do that superscript thing, thanks to you. ) Oh wait! The usual didn't work. Hmm, let's try something else. Aha! It's now [super] instead.

Hey, we originally thought it didn't work at all on the new forum. But, it's [super]? That's super! (lame). All this time I thought there was no way to make something superscript on the new forum. Thanks! And, I hope you'll post more often.

What kind of cookies does NN like? Surely not chocolate. And definitely not Those We Do Not Name.

Hehehe, see earlier in my post.

Valia! Good to see you! Wow, seems everybody's popping back in the Square. Hope you all will post more often.

@ NN. Very well. Also, you're talking to someone that was glad just to get a small snow flurry around New Year's.

Sorry about that. Soundtracks are my "thing".... A little bit of both, actually. I have some Limited Editions and out-of-print albums as well as some more well known scores (LotR trilogy, Pirates, Aliens, TDK) and some lesser known ones (Jumanji, An American Tail 2, Jurassic Park 2).

Ah, I see. Well I don't know where you live, so seven inches is probably a lot you, huh?

No, don't apologize, I love listening to your wealth of information. Everyone has a "thing". Ah, ok, I had a feeling it was a bit of both. So, could you pick an absolute favorite, or would that be too difficult?

Umm, would anyone be mad if I didn't attempt to catch up?

What? You're not going to catch up on over 100 pages? It'll only take a week. Why ever not?

Remember some of those monster posts a few of us would write in the old Squares?

Oh yeah, those were the days.

NN95, science is cool. Not one of my favorite subjects, but I enjoy it a lot. My favorite subject would probably have to be literature.

It's not usually my favorite subject either, just this year it's been especially fun. Oh, I love literature... well, I love the reading part. I don't really like analyzing the stories which is pretty much what literature is. But, ah well.

*spies NN/Aiden online and waves vigorously* (Did you ever receive my birthday PM way back when?)

*waves in return* Yes, I did, thank you very much.

Well, I'm off. Mort'reve all!

PA, I believe the last play I remember you talking about was the one in the summer. But how fun you got to do A Christmas Carol. I won't repeat the questions Jo has asked, but I'm interested in hearing the answers.

Your book sounds like such fun. It's always nice to have a large cast of characters who like each other. (Err, at least, I assume they like each other? )

*waves to Djaq the Guru*

Awww, now she sounds very wise. *pictures Djaq as an owl...eating cookies*

Oatmeal cookies, NN? *tries to remember where she had the best oatmeal cookie, so she can find some for the next occasion a cookie is needed* I don't usually like sugar cookies myself. Most of the ones I've had were bland...

Mmm! My grandmother made awesome oatmeal-raisin cookies. Getting them was one of the many highlights of our trips to their house (hey, we were little kids then! )

Congrats on post number 7777, PA! And your book sounds like fun. Sometimes my characters are the same way, letting me tell their stories, so to speak. And I know Ryadian has spoken of some of her characters having similar dispositions. *also awaits more info on your experiences in A Christmas Carol*

Princess Anna! Welcome back! How have you been doing lately?

Same as always... tired a lot (my sleeping pattern is out of whack again), bored quite often (when my characters aren't chattering away at me, making me tired), and only leaving the house for church or family related events. Like I've said many a time before, nothing ever changes for me. Ever. Like, the only thing different about November-present day vs. the rest of the time you've known me, is I started writing a book. My life isn't that exciting, really.

Unless you count the time I fell three times while ice skating with the youth group a couple weeks ago... that resulted in a sprained, bruised, and swollen left hand for several weeks. (not my writing hand, thankfully! and it's almost fully recovered now, still a little sore. but only when I overuse it)

All this talk about A Christmas Carol:
Really, guys? I tell you about this every year. I mean, this past December was my 6th or 7th time in it. I even mentioned it in the thread about the story, way back in late November, remember? I don't really have a "character", I'm just a poor person (aka part of the chorus). The only way anyone gets a different part in that play, is if someone who had an actual role either quits (because they moved, or some other reason) or dies. So, really... not much different than any other christmas season. Sorry that I have no exciting tales of it for you. But it's not that interesting. I mean, it is to be in it. But there's really nothing to tell. I do it for two weeks out of every year, end of story. (that includes both rehearsals and performances... the performances are four of them in three days) Besides, it's February, and I'd much rather talk about something new and exciting (my book, or new stuff with you), than about some boring ol' play I do every year. (and have no doubt, talked with you about, a hundred times in years past. It gets boring to be a broken record saying the same thing every winter. We need a way to record it for all history, so I don't have to waste time (and hurt my hands) repeating myself) Sorry!

NOW we get to the interesting part of the conversation!!!!!!!! FINALLY!!!!!

Your book sounds like such fun. It's always nice to have a large cast of characters who like each other. (Err, at least, I assume they like each other? )

They like each other, alright! Well, just as much as any friends and family ever like each other. They stick up for each other, help each other out, bicker, you know... the usual.

Shepherd~
Re my post count: Thanks!!!
Re my book: Yeah, isn't that always interesting? I love it, though it can be quite trying at times.

I'm really quite surprised you haven't heard about me doing this, I mean I've had numerous status messages about it. (and a note that mentioned it, and put my homemade "for fun" book cover in my "Random Pictures" album, for goodness sake!) But, you're busy... so I understand. Can't be expected to know everything about everybody. I mean, I'm on all the time, and STILL feel outta the loop a lot of the time!

*Stops by the Square on his lunch break to make a quick catch-up post*

Moretereve all! It's nice to see more "old timers" in the Square again. (no offense meant by this. Merely saying it's nice to see people that have not been around much over the last several months. )

Well, as was predicted it's raining here today. Will probably rain all day too..... *gets out his trusty water-proof cloak and puts it on*

----------------------------------------

@ Pels. Yes! You've been gone far too long. BTW, I like you P&P avatar! I still have not seen that version yet.....

*Good, good. Everything is going well here as well. Still trying to keep Cor inline as always. *

@ Lucy. In the South (or at least the part I live in) we never get snow. Rain? yes. Cold? yes. Sleet/frozen rain? MmmHmm. Snow? Hardly ever. Today's high is suppose to be 40, though I doubt we'll bet that high.

@ Jo (who has posted 3 times in less than 24 hours!). Well, you're already off to a good start. The mammoth posts were fun to see, but they were sooo long.

Ohh, ahh! You just had to say that didn't you!

@ NN. Yes, even a few inches is a lot. *refers NN to what he said to Lucy*

Well, I'm glad you don't mind listening to my rambles on the subject. Ooh, Hmm.... I'm not sure if that would be possible. Pretty much my favorites are as follows:

1. Alien: Complete Edition

2. The Dark Knight

3. LotR: Complete Recordings (all)

4. An American Tail 2

5. Toss up between The Fly/The Fly II (2-disc set), Star Trek II (complete score) and Once Upon a Time in the West (hey, I may not have it yet, but it's still in my favorites. )

So, in a way pretty much my "Top Ten Soundtrack Albums" list that's on my blog.

-----------------------

Well, I better get back to the castle and heat-up some lunch. I think I'll heat-up some chicken soup.....

*The Prince waves to all present as he exits the Square, braving the wilds between Ditto Town and Archenland*

Don't you think that's a bit melodramatic?

*I don't know what melodramatic means....*

Sure you don't.....

Really, guys? I tell you about this every year.

Well, I would imagine that some of us (myself included) have still managed to miss what you think of as your yearly recap so to us it's all new and very exciting. (Besides that, I'm not on Facebook and therefore miss all the catching up that goes on there. )

I like your new avvy/sig set. It looks very friendly. So what exactly do the kids do? Just hang out and have fun and meet new people to tell you about? Maybe a better question would be what kind of goals do they have?

Good point, Mel. Hmm, how about I just update you on A Christmas Carol, around the time it ends each year? (early december) That way, I can say "it went well, and ________ happened", and that will be that? No long, elaborate, repeated stuff necessary. Does that work for everyone? (I hope so, cause try as I might to get better at it, I've never been that patient of a person. )

I like your new avvy/sig set. It looks very friendly. So what exactly do the kids do? Just hang out and have fun and meet new people to tell you about? Maybe a better question would be what kind of goals do they have?

Thanks!
(I have many more where that came from... I've made tons of stuff related to the books. Yep, you read that right. It's the first in a series )

Meet new people? Rarely. They live in a very small town (550 people; it's a farming community), so they don't get newbies around there very often. I'm forever being told stuff about their cousins, though.

Goals? Hmm... long term or short term? (the answer depends on which you are seeking info on. and which boy you are talking about)

What do they do? Just the normal stuff of fourteen year old boys: chores at home, schoolwork, play sports, goof off, etc. Unlike most boys their age, they don't go looking for trouble, but it seems to find them anyway. They kind of... attract it, if you know what I mean.

In the case of this first book, this is what Tony (the aspiring author of the group) told me...

"I remember it began in early or mid June. The whole adventure started because Charlie got it in his head to go looking for trouble. You might think, "So what?" But if you knew our group, you'd know that was a bad idea."

See, it takes place two weeks into summer vacation. And they had done all there possibly was to do, and were bored. So, Charlie told the others...

"Look, we're always attracting trouble. Always getting blamed for stuff... even when it wasn't us. Why don't we jump the gun this time, and go looking for trouble."

And you shoulda seen and heard the reactions from the others!
(And yes, this is all in my book. But you'll have to wait to read more of it. Whether you want to read the first two chapters of the first draft through email is up to you. Unless you'd rather wait for when it gets published... if it ever does)

Oh, and I'm writing it as if Tony was the one writing it. (Though Charlie would tell you that Tony DID write it, and I just came across it... though he don't know how. And he'd tell you this, whether you wanted him to or not. Charlie tends to.. um.. dominate the conversations? And he's not shy about giving his opinions, either. )

*Lady Amalthea rushes breathlessly into the Square*

JOHOBBIT!?!!! Did I hear correctly that Johobbit is here? I have missed Jo so terribly much that when I heard, from a rather reliable source, that Incredible Johobbit was in the Square I dropped what I was doing and rushed right over. Hmm, I wonder who is holding the ladder for King Lune now? No matter, he'll still be there when I get back I'm sure.

*Lady Amalthea begins searching the Town Square for Johobbit. Not finding her, Lady Amalthea remembers some important business she needs to tend to in the Square*

Oh, thank you Narrator. I almost forgot.

Ahem.

Congratulations are in order for Djaq making her 100000th post. Quite an accomplishment, my dear. Do you ever sleep to get that many posts?

Lady Arwen, I understand that you have had an anniversary of sorts - a birthday, perhaps? I hope you thoroughly enjoyed yourself! It's okay not to be too lady-like on special occasions.

Well, that Johobbit person doesn't seem to be seen at the moment, so I had better get back to Archenland. Prince Cor, dear lad that he is, seems to have a great fancy for my fruit pies. For some strange reason he expects me to bake exactly several of them today. Oh well, it's better than cured fish....

Mortereve Y'all

*Lady Amalthea carefully heads back to the castle, carefully avoiding the fountain. However, she wasn't quite careful enough and overlooked a rather large shadow sneaking up behind her. SPLASHSPLOOSH!!!! The shadowy figure flies away before the lady surfaces.*

Brrrr. That was unexpected! *climbs out of fountain and trails water through the Square* There's only one way to deal with this mishap: Hot Chocolate for everybody!!!!

Nudge your mom to pop in, too.

She did; I did; I am. Uh, yeah. And I posted without a single nudge from Nellie, 'though the fact that she visited the Square again sure spurred me to as well. (Thanks for the welcome back, NN. ) Btw, are you still doing that editing of your youth group's newsletter? And ... are you graduating from high school this year?!

Mmmm, oatmeal raisin cookies, warm out of the oven. (I crossed out that raisin word because I have a strong aversion to those squishy little things. )

Okay, thanks for refreshing our 'old' minds (I know, speak for myself ) on your A Christmas Carol play, PA. And all the best with your book. Even though I am not a writer, I have read this of numerous authors: it's often the characters that write the story. Sometimes they just show up, unexpected. I'll never forget Tolkien's words in regards to Faramir:

[quote="JRRT in Letters":2ppkwr6d]A new character has come on the scene (I am sure I did not invent him, I did not even want him, although I like him, but there he came walking into the woods of Ithilien): Faramir, the brother of Boromir—and he is holding up the 'catastrophe' by a lot of stuff about the history of Gondor and Rohan ... : but if he goes on much more a lot of him will have to be removed to the appendices ... "

" ... removed to the appendices" I think that's great! (That was from Letter # 66, btw.) I gather you authors feel similarly at times, in that a character just walks into your story of their own accord?

Old-timers, PC? You're calling us "old-timers"? LOL How about *ahem* Elder ones? It's much more dignified.

*loves any interchanges between the Prince and his dragon*

*gasps in astonishment and joy* Lady Amalthea! I appreciate this, especially in light of the fact that the King may well have been left high and dry on a tipsy ladder. Poor dear. Yes, he'll still be there when you return, I suppose, but will he be on the ladder ... or fallen from on high? Now, that's the real question. to you both, whatever the case.

Yet another fall into the Fountain of Youth, Lady A? Oh my! And it appears to have been that shadowy figure's doing. Hmm, this may require a thorough investigation.

Wow, four TS posts in less than 24 hours. Cool-o. I can't promise I'll keep up this rate, but I will try to do better than I have the past few months.

'Old' minds and timers? I know nothing of the sort. *waves cane and turns off hearing aid*

You're right jo, in that it seems at times characters are the ones telling the stories rather than vice versa. I chuckled at Tolkien's word choice in "removed to the appendices" - though at the moment my characters (or my Muse ) are all mysteriously rather silent. Maybe they're still tired out from the NaNo marathon, which for me went into January before I could call that story even remotely complete. Or perhaps that it's just that at least one of them is just too young to speak at the moment. But there's always editing to do...

Nice to see you about the Square, Lady A, and thanks for the hot chocolate. Just the ticket for a winter's day.

*wanders into the Square listening to "Barbie Bandaids" by the Isaacs* GREAT song - one of my favorites. Anyway, I figured I'd do a quick little ketchup, seeing as my mom's out grocery shopping, my dad's on the computer downstairs, and my siblings are watching old reruns of Tom and Jerry on TV. So I guess now's the best time.

Johobbit, yup, we're supposed to get at least a foot of snow tomorrow or on the weekend. But we already have four or five inches right now, so it'll be a lot together.
Oh yes! I still love the GVB as much as ever. In fact, I got to go to a Michael English concert back in January! It was so exciting!!

NN95, the reading part of literature is fun. The analyzing the story part is...okay. What kind of books have you had to read for literature?

PA, aw, nothing ever changes for you? Have you been writing a lot lately, then?
Ouch! I'm sorry you hurt your hand while ice skating!

PrinceCor, we get rain and cold a lot too...and snow. Some snow is good, but more than six inches...bleh.

Okay...my brother's begging me to get off the computer now, so have a lovely mortereve all!

~Lucy

*Rushes into the square nearly hitting the stone corner in her rush to get to her destination before the night is over*

Howdy Y'all!!!!

It has been so long since I've been in here. I was reminded by Jo that I should poke my head in, and so that is what I'm doing. I've missed not having the time to be in here as much as I'd like to.

How have y'all all been?

I've been doing pretty well. Been busy with the local Fire Department, photography, knitting, and other things that present themselves.

I have no idea why Double N can't love the cookies that we shall not name. Of course I also have no idea how he can't like chocolate. I've no idea what my favorite cookie is. I like all of them. Ok that makes it sound like I have no ideas about anything. I do actually.

Weather report for my area : Lots of cold weather, lots of rain, but nothing else. I can't wait for our 90F degree weather. I'd love to have some of y'all's snow though just to see what it's like to actually have some.

*Always loves reading the posts from the Royal Family* They are always so humourous and well typed.

There are to many things to comment on and not enough time to comment on them.

I shall leave this post as it is I guess, and if anyone is around I'll probably pop in and out tonight.

*turns on stargazer's hearing aid again* What did you say, sonny?

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on writing.

NarniaGirl, how great you could see Michael English live in concert! And ... do enjoy that snow!

Tiana! Glad you roared in. It's fun reading about your activites. Enjoy, Ti! And I really hope you can experience a true snowfall sometime. I think you would be in awe of its beauty. Plus, since you take such good photos, you'd be snapping away every which way you look.

Well, 'tis slumber time for me. Night all, and sozy clippers.

*pokes her head in, just returned from "Cheaper by the Dozen" rehearsal* Two weeks until opening night!

NG, it's good to "see" you too! I've been doing absolutely great! I'm sorry to hear you've had a persistent cough-I get those everlasting ones once in awhile, and they are no fun at all. I hope things are getting better for you!

Hey, Aiden! What's up?
*hopes Benjamin is having fun in FL* Enjoy the warm weather! That coming from a mid-westerner.

Yes, Cor-I think that was me. *stops and ponders for a few minutes* Strange, familiar,-yup, that's me.
41 albums is a good many. I believe I have 4 or 5. One of which is a soundtrack.
Has the weather cleared up?
I saw a couple posts back, that you mentioned watching a few Hayao Miyazaki films. May I ask which ones?
Hiya, Vern! I've missed you. Have you grown much since I last talked to you?

Greetings, PELS! 'Tis good to see you. I haven't talked to you in a loooong time! And yes, I've seen both National Treasure 1 and 2. Multiple times. I liked both a lot, and look forward to the prospective third.

Nellie, 'tis good to see you here! I'm not sure we've ever "talked," but I feel like I know you anyway.

*waves back at Winter* I haven't seen you in ages!

Oh my, Mel, those cookies look amazing!! I think people should reach their thousandth post more often!

Djaq, yay about 1000 posts!!! That's wonderful! I remember how thrilled I was when I got 1000. It seemed like it took ages!
My, it's so good to see so many of ya'll here in the square. Including you, Jo. Those are cream puffs? I didn't think they ever had chocolate on them. Interesting. They do look tasty, though!

Yaaaay, Valia! *sends lots of hugs* Thank you for the "special" hello. Much appreciated. Hope the exam preparation is going well . . .

Wow, Cor, where did you pick up all those fauns, and how did you convince them that Vern was safe?

Hello, Tiana! I have not seen you in forever.

Good to see you in here, PA! Nice graphics.
*waves a friendly greeting to Lady Amalthea*

Alright, with that, I think I'll be ending for now. I hope Fanny and Queen Susan, and Betsie and Bella and Djaq and flambeau come in sometime soon!

Ok, time for a quick catch-up before bed. (that's the goal anyway, unless someone comes along and starts a fascinating conversation)

First things first: *waves to Lady Amalthea, Tiana, and DTR, as they pass through*

Okay, thanks for refreshing our 'old' minds (I know, speak for myself ) on your A Christmas Carol play, PA. And all the best with your book. Even though I am not a writer, I have read this of numerous authors: it's often the characters that write the story. Sometimes they just show up, unexpected.

*laughs about the part related to the play and 'old minds'* You're not old, Aunty dear!

Re my book:
Thanks so much! I'm so lucky to have my friends and family behind me on this! It really means a lot, and helps when I'm stuck or discouraged. (did I mention that these characters only tell me things on a 'need to know basis'? and that THEY, not me, determine when I need to know something? )

I don't know if any of them have shown up unexpected, though. Unless.. maybe some of the cousins, but I don't know. I might have known about them. It's not so much that I didn't expect them, personally. But more, what comes outta their mouths! (nothing bad, they're just obnoxious to each other) But they DEFINITELY run the show... I just get to watch and 'dictate' (as Charlie says. see, he refers to me as "the-one-that-dictates-everything-we-say" Which is always followed by, "Is that the right word, Matt? See? I AM smart!" and "She's really not even dictating it, ya know. Tony kept a journal")

That's interesting about Tolkien and Faramir!

- though at the moment my characters (or my Muse ) are all mysteriously rather silent.

Haha! Mine do that sometimes too. It's weird, for the most part they never be quiet! But other times, it's strangely quiet... which always leads me to wonder, "What are you boys up to?"

Good luck with your editing, writing, and other such endeavours!
*had hot chocolate the other day, here at home. all this talk of virtual hot chocolate is making me want more*

PA, aw, nothing ever changes for you? Have you been writing a lot lately, then?
Ouch! I'm sorry you hurt your hand while ice skating!

*shrugs*
I guess some things do, but they are so minor that it really doesn't seem like anything to report, ya know? And my hand is mostly better, thanks! Just a teensy bit sore at times. (like when I've spent too much time on the computer) Prayers that ALL the "soreness" would be gone, would still be great, though.

Writing a lot? Didn't I kinda already answer this in my first post about my book? No, not really. Although they talk almost non-stop in my head, it doesn't translate to paper very well. This is for several reasons...
1) They always decide to go into these long, detailed, funny, moving conversations, when I have no time to get to a pen and paper. (I'll be doing the dishwasher, my laundry, falling asleep, taking a shower, in church, etc) And even if I COULD get to paper, I wouldn't be able to keep up fast enough. So, if I ever DO get things written down, it's paraphrased, or stuff lost, etc.
2) The stuff relevant to THIS book, THIS adventure, is almost never brought up. Oh, no. They tend to jump around. From season to season, year to year. All over the place, at different times in their lives. Makes it hard to keep up. And definitely slows down the book writing process. Because, as one knows... one can't truly, and properly focus on sequels til the first is finished. But try and tell that to my boys.
3) Sometimes, I can't find the proper words or wording for the chapters. I can see it all, hear it all, feel it all... it's like I'm watching a movie, or living it too (either alongside them, or as one of them). But, some of those things... although easy to feel, think, and see, are hard to express in a way readers can understand. Hence, I get stuck.
And there are possibly other reasons, but I'm too tired, and my hand is too sore to try and figure them out now. (if they even exist)

Short version? I HEAR/SEE/whatever, things all the time. I get snatches of convos written down (but NOT in chapter-form. more like, scenes that will fit into later chapters or books... that will be placed there when I know where they go, but aren't really in the book yet). But as to actual writing? Not really. And now, I feel really unproductive with it for being two or more months in. Yay me. (sarcastically said, that is) Don't think it's totally your fault, though. I feel that way every day on my own. I just don't like being reminded of it. So, yeah. *SIGH*

What? You're not going to catch up on over 100 pages? It'll only take a week. Why ever not?

Sorry I didn't answer this sooner! I don't know if I missed it or, just didn't feel the need to answer. Anyway, didn't want you thinking I forgot you, so here is my snarky reply:

Whyever not? Because...
1) it'd take longer than a week (at least, at MY pace it would)
2) I have better things to be doing, like figuring out my book, or doing chores, etc. Sorry.

DTR~ Glad you like the graphics! And I look forward to our next YIM chat!

to all!
I need to catch up on sleep, now. Seeing as it's 1:49am, and I never slept last night... yeah.

Please pray, after all the computer-time the last two days, my hands are KILLING ME! (especially with all these long catch-up posts y'all are makin me do ) GOODNIGHT!