Which Way to the Volcano?


Tidbits from my Travels by William

A few friends and I were in Guatemala and were attempting to make our way to a volcano we wanted to hike.  The map we were using was like something from a cereal box—not to scale and needed some sort of decoder to read it.  If you’ve ever driven in Central America you know how chaotic it can be.  While passing through an unknown city in the middle of nowhere, we did what most guys would not and stopped to ask for directions. 

My friend, Chris, and I found two older gentlemen walking down the sidewalk.  I, of course, stood out in this town with my fair skin and dirty blonde hair.  Chris, on the other hand, is an urban Puerto Rican-Mexican.  His looks only make him stand out, a little.

Chris speaks mostly Spanish…kind of like mostly dead from the movie Princess Bride.  So I assumed he would be the one to ask for the directions.  We all know what happens sometimes when one assumes.  As we approached the two gentlemen Chris turned his attention to me and just waited…for to me kick in with my limited Spanish.  I couldn’t believe it!...he was making me ask for the directions with my few years of high school Spanish and limited practice I’ve had over the years since.    

I muddled my way through it but the look of surprise on the two gentlemen’s faces was worth remembering.  They couldn’t believe the Gringo was the one actually doing the talking.  They looked at Chris expecting him to bail me out…but no, he never did!  Chris’ satisfaction showed on his face.  I laughingly called him a jerk as we walked away.

Thanks to the good directions, we made it to the volcano!

Immortal by Lauren Burd. A Review

Books I'm currently reading by Cindy

Have you ever bought a book because you liked the title? That's what I did with this book, Immortal, by Lauren Burd. I even read four or five reviews. All but one extolled its virtues, so I paid the .99 cents and uploaded it to my Nook. The first chapter told me I'd made a mistake.

First off, the grammar errors in this book are outrageous.
Secondly, she has cut and pasted a few different scenes/reactions in several places in the book. Did I say repeat?
Thirdly, she uses the same words over and over and over...and over again.
Fourth- the plot is way over used in books today.
Fifth-it simply isn't believable.

On a positive note, she does have some twists and turns that are entertaining.  If only she had had people read it before she published it, I'm sure it could have been improved.

Can I be more clear? This book is a stinker. I hate that I spent .99 cents on it

Chicken Pot Pie to die for

The Eats by Cindy

Preheat oven to 425.
  • Melt 2/3 C. butter in a large pan.
  • Add 2/3 C onion and  3-5 chicken breasts. Cook until chicken is done.
  • Remove chicken to a plate. 
  • Add 2/3 C. flour, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir until bubbly.
  • Slowly stir in 2 cans of chicken broth and 1 1/3 C milk. Bring to a simmer.
  • Add two cups petite peas, 2 cups fresh mini carrots cut in half and 2 potatoes chopped into cubes.
  • Stir together and let simmer while you cut up the chicken into chunks and add to mixture.
  • Stir.
  • Pour into a 9 X 13 pan.
  • Cover with pie crust, cutting two slits in the center to allow steam to escape. (Next week I'll give the scoop on making your own crust)
  • Bake for about 35 minutes or when crust is golden brown.
  • Serve with a side of asparagas and have strawberries for dessert. Yum!

Expect the Unexpected-Especially When it Comes to Prom

A bit of silliness by Bethany

It was literally two days before prom and I didn't have a date. I was pretty bummed, I'm not going to lie. While lying in bed texting this cute boy, he all of a sudden asked me to go to prom with him. At ten o'clock at night, two days before the dance. Completely shocked, I screamed and jumped up and down. I was going to prom!

When people found out, several claimed they would have said no, because he asked me so late...I find that hard to believe. Go to prom with a hot, awesome guy? Or not? That's easy. Isn't it?

What would you have done? Would you have said yes?

Larry Brooks' Six Core Competencies Unveiled

Writing-the Craft by Cindy

Thirty pages into the book, Larry finally reveals the secret to Sucessful Storytelling:

  1. Character-Your hero
  2. Theme-Your story's connection to real life
  3. Concept-The what if question
  4. Structure- Where to put what and when
  5. Writing Voice-What delivers the story to the reader
  6. Scene Execution-Ordering of the series of scenes in a book correctly
Don't worry kids. I don't know what it all means yet, either. Come back next week to discover all about Character according to Larry. Cheers

The Fun of John Wayne Airport

Tidbits from my Travels by William

A fav California destination of mine is definitely the O.C. 

For starters, I love flying into the John Wayne/Orange County Airport.  Because of the noise abatement ordinance in place at the airport, I find both the landing and the take off fun.  On the landing, they slam on the brakes pretty hard because of the shorter runway.  On take off, the pilot revs up the engines while holding the brakes, then abruptly releases the brakes and everyone lurches forward in their seats then gets pushed back into them.  Once getting airborne, the pilot throttles back on the engines—again because of the noise abatement—and then a few seconds later, the engines rev back up.

It’s an added bonus when I get to sit near a passenger or two that have never flown in or out of there.  I love seeing the looks on their faces and try to imagine what they are thinking.  More than once, I’ve heard passengers asking the person next to them if they think something is wrong. 

If you have the chance to fly in or out of the John Wayne/Orange County Airport, enjoy the shorter security lines, a fake ice cream cone from the McDonalds in the terminal, the sunshine and most of all the flight.

P.S. If you’re departing flight gets delayed for whatever reason, I hope it’s not past 10 pm because they won’t let you depart if it is….again, the noise abatement!

The Trick to Tasty Tacos

The Eats-by Cindy

Your typical taco has seasoned meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, salsa, a taco shell. If you're feeling fancy, you might add some sour cream, guacamole, or refried beans.  So, how do you make your tacos stand out? That's easy...it's in the shell.

There are two types of shells to make your mouth water.The key is to buy them fresh.
  1. Flour tortillas-buy only the uncooked ones. They are usually in the dairy section. In some stores they're in the meat section. You can buy in bulk and freeze these in amounts you typically use in one meal. Take them out in the morning to thaw. Spray the pan lightly with cooking oil and turn the burner onto medium-high heat. Cook for about 20-30 seconds on each side. Keep warm until it's time to eat. They are best if eaten immediately.
  2. Corn tortillas-buy a big pack of them and freeze them, too. There are two ways to prepare them. One way is to simply put a touch of butter or oil into a frying pan and heat them up. Make sure you get good quality tortillas or they'll be dry and thick and nasty. It only takes about 20 secs. The other way is to fry them in an inch of oil. The longer they are in the oil, the crispier they will be. Keep them flat for tostadas or bend them for traditional shaped tacos.
Don't buy the box and don't buy already cooked ones and you'll wow the people you serve.

First Teen Review of Watched-Yippee

 Lexxi, 16, just sent me her review of WATCHED and I thought you'd enjoy it as much as I did.

"I loved the entire book!  Quickly after reading it, I became obsessed!  I found myself wide awake and still reading at midnight.  I took it everywhere; I read it in bed, at the table while eating breakfast, even during during biology (my biology teacher didn't like that too much), my only regret is that books aren't water-proof, otherwise I'm sure I would have read it in the shower.  I was constantly wondering what would happen next.  The plot was thick and juicy and the characters, to die for.  I definitely think there should be a second book!"
--
~LeXxI

Larry Brooks, Story Engineering...does it work?

Writing-the craft by Cindy

I downloaded the book, Story Engineering, by Larry Brooks onto my Nook. I'm so excited to learn from the master.

The first chapter is decidcated to convincing the reader there is a specific formula to writing a successful novel. He calls this formula the Six Core Competencies. He asserts that if only one of the competencies is neglected it will "almost certainly kill your chances of being offered a contract."

He promises that if you apply even a small portion of the book to your writing you will be a more effecient and effective storyteller.

Stay tuned for my thoughts on each of the competencies.

Babysitting Horrors

A bit of silliness by Bethany


I'm sure most people have babysat at least once in their life. Even if it's just a family member, maybe you can relate.

I've been babysitting one of the cutest little girls you'll ever meet. It's been a long day and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's tired.

I walk into the kitchen and she looks at me with these big eyes full of wonder and then a smile comes across her face, showing all her tiny teeth. Then I see it. Her poopy diaper sitting on the floor. Poop everywhere. I had only left her alone for  a mere thirty seconds while I went to get a new diaper and wet wipes.

She laughs even though it's not funny. Not only is the poop on the floor, it's on the wall, cabinets and all over her hands.

I wipe it off her, put her in the bath and sure enough, she pees in the bathtub. Wanting to yell, I bite my tongue. I pull her gently out of the tub, drain it and fill it with new water. By the time she is done, I am covered in bubbles and soaking wet. I can't help but laugh.  Finally, I put her to bed.

Unfortunately, a stinky mess waits for me in the kitchen.

ChipShop in New York City

Tidbits from my Travels by Steele


One of my last trips to NYC I had it in my mind I must visit a restaurant in Brooklyn called the ChipShop. 

While watching the Travel Channel a few weeks before the trip, the ChipShop popped up. Famous for their British style fish and chips, they also make an interesting dessert.  After watching it I knew I had to go there and try one of their deep fried Twinkies! 

With so many places to eat in NYC, and I have my favs that I like to hit up when I'm there, I talked my friend into going to Brooklyn and finding the ChipShop.  The friendly staff and quick service impressed me.  After perusing the menu, we opted for a slice of deep fried pizza.  We chased that with a deep fried Twinkie.  I have to say, that was the most deep fried food I'd ingested since my last visit to Memphis. 

Luckily, I literally walk miles while I'm in NYC, and I find myself walking the New Yorker's pace, not the leisurely pace most of the country enjoys.  So, I'm sure I walked those calories right off within the next few hours.

If you're ever in the neighborhood, stop in and have some fish and chips, maybe a deep fried slice of pizza, but definitely try the deep fried Twinkie.  I actually think it's better than the Twinkie you buy from the store.

Review of The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Books I'm currently Reading by Cindy

Ever since talking to James at the Storymakers conference last year, I've wanted to read his book, The Maze Runner. He was so funny with the MCing that I knew it would be a winner. He said, "this is definitely a darker book than I've ever done before." He was right. It is dark and creepy, especially the grievers. Just try and get a good picture of one of those in your mind and then try to sleep at night-click, click.

Can you imagine how horrible it would be to wake up in a box that has no apparent exit and not know who you are? And when the box is opened, you are met by some odd boys who speak a crazy language and refuse to answer any questions about where you are?

Even though I call this a "boy book", I can't help but like it. I found a lot of parallels to life.
  • No one, and I mean no one, wants to be told what they can and can't do.
  • Many things in life take a leap of faith
  • If at first you don''t succeed, try, try again
  • Give me liberty or give me death
  • Think outside the box-hee hee
  • Where there's a will, there's a way
  • Some rules were meant to be broken
  • If we work together, we can create something amazing
  • Trust in your gut
  • If you try enough things, you will find what you like
I know I'm behind and should already have read his second book, but at least I have a running start now. The Scorch Trials is the second book and his third comes out soon. Go get them and enjoy. You just might find some substitute swear words leaping out of your mouth if you do....Oh clunk!

This is not a warm and fuzzy feel good book, but it makes you think and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Junior High Drama

Drama Queen by Bree     

     I'm going to share a common DRAMA story that happens almost on a daily basis at my jr. high. So, your best friend Suzy comes up to you and says," I hate my life. I want to die."
     What can you say to that? "I'm sorry," and then walk away? No, you can't do that, this is your BEST friend. You can't just blow her off, but at the same time you don't want to get in the middle of the drama fest, cause you don't know what you're getting yourself into.
     So, you take the bite and say, "What's wrong?"
     She says, "Bobby just left me for Jane."
(Jane, if you must know, is her second best friend.)
     You automatically feel sorry for her because she really liked Bobby and Jane is supposedly her good friend.
     Then you say, "What can I do for you?"
     This opens a can of worms because she could say a couple of things. First, the words you hope to hear, "Nothing, its okay," or what you really don't want to hear, "Go kill Jane for me."
(Did I mention that you are also friends with Jane?)
     Jane knew Suzy and Bobby were together and you can imagine what Jane was thinking when Bobby went after her, "He likes me. I can't believe it. A boy likes me. He must not like Suzy anymore. Guess it's okay to  be with him."
(If you're ever tempted with such thoughts, stop them!  They only lead to trouble. Remember, she's you're friend. Good friends do not date their good friends boyfriends or even exes. Stealing him from her will end your friendship for sure. Instead, even if you have feelings for the guy your friend is dating or has dated, stay away.) 
     So, you say to Suzy, "Don't worry, he'll come back to you. You'll see." But inside, you want to wring his cheating neck because it takes two to tango.
     Suzy starts to cry, and you're there for her. You're her shoulder she needs to cry on. She has a broken heart, so you'll have to cut her some slack for a bit while you hunt down that two timing boy and give him a piece of your mind.

  

What's For Dinner? Leftovers? Yuck!

The Eats by Cindy

Do you like leftovers or do they sit in the fridge until they're furry?

I can hear your thoughts now, looking at the half-empty bowl of carrots still sitting on the table after everyone's long gone,  I can't throw those carrots away. They're perfectly good carrots after all.

So, you stash 'em away in the fridge, somewhere handy and convenient, like the bottom, at the back. 
A week later, you find yourself acting exasperated and saying out loud, to no one, "Ah, shoot! The milk hid the carrots and now they're bad. Better chuck 'em."
       As if throwing them away a week later makes you less wasteful.

Check out this handy leftover meal. You'll find yourself planning on leftovers after giving it a try.

Hopefully, you've held on to the tradition of having roast, potatoes and gravy for Sunday dinner at least once a month. If not, you can start next Sunday. Just toss 'em all in the crock pot with a bit of water in the morning and walla an effortless Sunday dinner.

I toss in two roasts, extra potatoes and carrots, so we can have a re-invented roast and potatoes night on Monday or Tuesday.

Simply shred the left-over beef.
Heat up the left-over gravy(you may need to add a touch of water).
Mash the potatoes with a bit of butter, and milk.
Toast some bread. 
Stack the beef on the toast.
Pour some gravy over it.
Then, give yourself a nice helping of carrots and mashed potatoes.
Enjoy.
At least two easy, pain free delicious meals.

Old-Fashioned Addiction

A Bit of Silliness by Bethany


You may think that I am old-fashioned but I was addicted to Lark Rise to Candleford on channel 7. Today as I finished the last episode on Youtube, excited to watch the next one tomorrow, I found out the show's been discontinued. What the heck! Not only do I not like where it ended, but I am never going to find out what happened. Will Daniel and Laura ever get married? I know that Dorcas and Gabriel are together now, and that Minnie and Alf are engaged, but what about Laura? Laura's been through so many heartbreaks, I can't stand not knowing if she and Daniel will still be together or not! I don't just want to sit here and imagine what would happen, because what I decide would be best, most likely wouldn't ever come to true. But then again, who's to say it wouldn't? The show's discontinued...I'll never know.