The Looking Glass Chapter One

This is the first chapter of the book that I wrote for National Novel Writing Month. After writing mostly historical fiction and a few mysteries, a fantasy was a lot of fun. There was so little research to do because I could just make it all up! (I usually enjoy research, but I'll admit that it was lots of fun to just sit down and write without worrying about dates, locations, etc.) The words that I used can be used by anybody, but if you put them in the same order that I did, that's called stealing. And stealing is not recommended. And now, without any further delay, I present to you the first chapter of my fantasy novel!



Chapter One
Holly Spencer leaned her bike against the large oak tree in the cemetery and flopped down next to her grandfather's tombstone. It was so quiet and peaceful here! Holly loved to come here just to relax. She leaned her back up against the cool marble, closing her eyes. The gentle breeze played with her short blonde hair, making Holly smile. She hadn't had much time recently to think about simple things like her hair blowing against her face. Her brother Jared had just graduated from high school, and the parties and craziness just never ended. Holly opened her eyes and picked at a hole in the knee of her jeans. Crossing her long legs, she leaned back again. She missed her grandfather so much! Holly thought of all the wonderful times they had shared together, but the joy of reliving the past was once again interrupted by the thought of one of her last conversations with him. Holly bit her tongue and wondered...
"Holly?"
Whirling around at the sound of her name, Holly's mouth dropped open when she saw her older brother behind her. "Jared!" she exclaimed, "What are you doing here?" they both asked at the same moment. Jared laughed and sat down next to Holly. "I just came over here to get some time to think," he said, "Life is kinda crazy, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Holly replied.
"What was that look on your face a minute ago?" Jared asked, "Is something wrong?"
"Well..." Holly's voice trailed off, then she glanced at her brother sideways, "You know, Jared, we used to be so close! Then you had to go and grow up. A few years ago, I would've told you about this as soon as I had the chance. But now it's been almost a year, and I've just kept it all to myself."
"Are you going to tell me?"
"I don't know. You might think I'm being stupid."
"Try me." Jared said.
"First I'm going to ask you a question. Did grandpa say anything weird to you before he died?"
"Weird? No. The last thing he said to me was to give me some advice. He told me that things aren't always the way they look, so don't always believe my first impression. Something like that. Why?"
"Okay. I'll tell you, but promise to keep it a secret?" Holly waited for Jared's nod, then launched into her story. "We all knew that we didn't have much time left before grandpa's death. I hated to think about it, and I wanted everything to go on as normal. So I kept visiting him in the hospital after school, and we'd talk and work on a puzzle just like always. Then one day, grandpa didn't even want to sit up in bed to work on the puzzle. Instead, he asked me to sit down close to him and just listen for awhile. He told me about fighting in World War Two, and how brave he was when he left for France. He told me about some of the things he saw, and how they made him afraid. It was all very interesting, and I'm glad he told me. Until he came to this one part... it made me wonder if he was going mad. Jared," Holly's voice dropped to a whisper, "Grandpa told me that there are other worlds. And that he's been to one."
Jared's eyes widened in surprise. "Things aren't always as they seem..." he muttered, "Do you think that's what grandpa was talking about when he said that to me?"
"Maybe." Holly replied, "But you don't really think that he could've left earth, do you?"
"Did he tell you about it?"
Holly nodded and continued. "He said that he was in some forest in France. He'd been separated from his... clan of soldiers. Whatever you call it."
"His division?" Jared offered. Holly scrunched up her nose and said, "Whatever. Anyhow, he was lost in the woods, and stopped at this cottage to see if anyone could help him. The old woman who opened the door was ancient looking, but beautiful. He asked if she could help him and she said, 'Come in and have something warm to drink. I'll see you right.' So he went into the house. On one wall was a painting of one of the most beautiful women grandfather had ever seen. Her hair was blacker than a starless night, and her skin was as fair and white as clean snow. He commented to the old woman about the painting and she replied, 'Ah, yes. It is a painting of one of my ancestors. Perhaps you are familiar with her story?' Grandfather cleared his throat and said, 'If you'll tell me her name, I would be better able to tell you whether or not I'm familiar with her.' The old woman smiled and said, 'She was called Snow White. The looking glass on the wall is the one which was once owned by the evil queen.' Grandfather looked at her incredulously. 'How is that possible?' he asked. 'There are many worlds,' the old woman replied, 'And the world which I come from is called Aeroth. It is the land where most of your fairy tales come from, because it is the land where every girl finds her prince charming and every lad finds his princess bride. For many, it is the land of happily ever after.'"
Jared leaned forward and said eagerly, "And grandfather went to Aeroth?" Holly nodded. "How does it work? If we could try, then we would know for sure that grandfather was telling the truth."
"Jared! You believe the story?" Holly was excited, but startled at the same time. How could a boy who had just graduated high school believe in fairy stories and magical lands? She took a deep breath and continued, "Grandfather drank some coffee and ate a biscuit before he had worked up the courage to ask, 'How did you get here?' The woman smiled and said, 'That is my secret.' 'Well, then,' grandfather said, 'I have another question. Can I go to Aeroth?' He was quite surprised when the woman went to a desk and unlocked a little drawer, pulling out a small hand mirror. 'Yes. This and the looking glass on the wall are a pair. Apart they can only answer a few questions, but together, their power is incredible.' 'What do you mean?' Grandfather asked. 'Take this,' the woman commanded, 'and turn your back to the other mirror. The second you see the reflection of your reflection, you will be transported to the Aerothian seaside.' Grandfather took the mirror, his hand shaking. 'I thought there was only one mirror.' he said, stalling for time. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to do this. 'There were two. That is why there are different versions of the story here in your world. Some say the rhyme "Mirror mirror in my hand" while others say, "Mirror Mirror on the wall." Both are correct.' Grandfather nodded and stepped closer to the larger mirror. Looking into the small one, he saw his reflection, and then his eye fell on the reflection of his reflection and he was blinded by a bright, bright light."



What do you think? Anyone interested in reading more?

Drawing Water

I'm giving a devotional speech tomorrow, and as I was pondering my topic, I remembered this post that I did awhile back. I thought that perhaps it would be a good one to share again. It was a good reminder for me!

[Originally posted to http://onerebelutionary.wordpress.com on August 14, 2008]

I am a plant. [Figuratively, of course, but let's just stay with the illusion.] Not only am I a plant, but I’m a plant that has been planted in good soil. The soil of God’s word, if you want to be specific. But there’s something to add to all of this. I have my own will. That’s where I differ from regular plants. See, plants grow without thinking about it, putting effort into it, or worrying. I, however, have to consciously decide that I am going to put my roots into God’s word and draw the water that He offers. God’s water is fit to my daily needs, too! Some days I need the water of patience, other days I need love. No matter what my needs are for the week, day, hour, or even minute, God has it there in His word.
Something that I find extremely interesting is the fact that roots remain unseen. No one will see the time that you and I spend in God’s word, but it will evidence itself when people see us as healthy plants.

Psalm 1: 1-3
Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsels of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful, But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season: his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doesth shall prosper.

Everyone knows that passage, but don’t skim over it. I found that when I read this the other day and PAID ATTENTION, it was SO rich! Go through it again!

Jeremiah 17: 7&8
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful [anxious] in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yeilding fruit.

I never saw that passage before (that I can remember) and I found it to be such a blessing to me!

Isaiah 58:11
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat they bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

I hope that this has been a blessing to you. It’s what I’ve been learning. (Among other things.)
All of these thoughts were inspired by my devotions as I’m going through A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George. This was from chapter two. I’ve really been enjoying this book and would highly recommend it. One thing to let ya’ll know is that she does not use the KJV, so I read my Bible alongside. It’s good to read another version, but I like the good ol’ KJV best.

I think I could add more to this now, but I'll just leave it where it is. I need to remember to draw water more often!

A Prayer by Anne Bronte

My God (oh, let me call Thee mine,
Weak, wretched sinner though I be),
My trembling soul would fain be Thine;
My feeble faith still clings to Thee.

Not only for the Past I grieve,
The Future fills me with dismay;
Unless Thou hasten to relieve,
Thy suppliant is a castaway.

I cannot say my faith is strong,
I dare not hope my love is great;
But strength and love to Thee belong;
Oh, do not leave me desolate!

I know I owe my all to Thee;
Oh, TAKE the heart I cannot give!
Do Thou my strength--my Saviour be,
And MAKE me to Thy glory live.

First Black President

Don't know how true this is... but I got a kick out of it. I was going through my emails last week... went from about 300 down to 20! This is one that I thought I would share.

Was Obama the first black president?

No, he was not. Let me explain. Biden was sworn in at 12:01, and Obama was sworn in at 12:03. Amendment XX section 1 states:

“The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January” Article II Section 1 of the Constitution states “Before he (the President) enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation.”


So who was president from 12:00-12:01? Well the presidential succession act proclaims:

Section 19 (a)(1) “If, by reason of death, resignation, removal from office, inability, or failure to qualify, there is neither a President nor Vice President to discharge the powers and duties of the office of President, then the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall, upon his resignation as Speaker and as Representative in Congress, act as President.”
Section 19 (a)(2) “The same rule shall apply in the case of the death, resignation, removal from office, or inability of an individual acting as President under this subsection.”
Section 19 (b) “If, at the time when under subsection (a) of this section a Speaker is to begin the discharge of the powers and duties of the office of President, there is no Speaker, or the Speaker fails to qualify as Acting President, then the President pro tempore of the Senate shall, upon his resignation as President pro tempore and as Senator, act as President.”

Neither Nancy Pelosi nor Robert Byrd actually resigned their seats in the Congress. Thus, neither of them qualified to become Acting President under the Presidential Succession Act.

Section 19 (d)(1) If, by reason of death, resignation, removal from office, inability, or failure to qualify, there is no President pro tempore to act as President under subsection (b) of this section, then the officer of the United States who is highest on the following list, and who is not under disability to discharge the powers and duties of the office of President shall act as President: Secretary of State”


Since the Term of the Secretary of state does not end at noon on the 20th Condoleeza Rice was (and is) The first black president and female president!

Don’t expect the media to back this up they’re too much in love with Obama.

Elementary, My Dear Watson, Elementary

What is so elementary? The reasons I'm not going to watch the new Sherlock Holmes movie when it comes out this Christmas. I have heard several people (who claim to be Sherlock fans) say that they are really looking forward to it, so I went and watched the trailer. At the end, two words came to mind. "Excuse me?" First of all, it doesn't really look like a movie a Christian should be watching - if stuff like THAT is on the TRAILER, what in the world is the movie going to be like? Second, it doesn't look like a good movie for a true Sherlock Holmes fan.

In spite of the fact that the actors that were chosen didn't seem accurate to me, that was by far the least of my worries. (Any period drama fans recognize Lestrade? I thought I was going to die. It's Mr. Pancks from Little Dorrit!) Anyhow, correct me if I'm wrong, but Sherlock Holmes was never involved with women. The closest I recall him coming to that particular evil was from A Scandal in Bohemia. And if I remember correctly, the reason he thought her an "exceptional woman" was because she'd outsmarted him - not because she'd stripped down to her rather lust-provoking red and black undergarments! Seriously! And then you throw in the explosive stuff. Totally not Sherlock. He had run-ins with snakes. He overdosed once or twice while undercover in drug dens. He narrowly avoided death by being squashed by --- what was it, a moving ceiling? But I don't recall any explosives. The movie looked entirely too Hollywood to be the Holmes I know and love. Some of his adventures WERE adventurous. Several of them were quite dangerous. But where's the guy who helps a distraught man find his missing bride? Where's the kind gentleman who solved the mystery of Mr. St. Clair after his wife came to tell of his long absence? And while we're on the subject, where is the Englishman in him? I certainly didn't see it in the trailer. Oh, and as disgusted as I was with much of said trailer, nothing could compare to the last few seconds. I am ashamed to know that I even saw it.

Perhaps you think me entirely too judgmental.

Perhaps you think me legalistic.

Perhaps your own mind has been warped by the blatant sin in movies today.

Judge me if you will.

Criticize me if you want.

Watch the movie for all I care.

But I won't change.

No sirree, I will not.

Quilt Giveaway!

Hey, folks, head on over here to enter a giveaway for a lovely quilt! There are two quilts to choose from, and both are beautiful!

Revenge of the Christmas Tree

Every year for as long as I can remember, my mom or my dad or both have complained about the number of needles that fall off of our plastic Christmas tree as we set it up. It's become as much a part of Christmas as the presents! Last year however, we did something totally new. We got a live Christmas tree. It was awesome! Of course, a live Christmas tree drops needles on a daily basis throughout it's lifetime in our living room, but we would just vacuum regularly. I really don't recall too many complaints. WELL this year we put up our plastic tree again. I am under the firm conviction that our plastic tree is mad about it's year off, because I have neverever seen so many needles come off of that plastic tree at one time. ALL over the living room - normal. I vacuumed. But this morning when I came into the kitchen, I gasped audibly when I saw the needles that were scattered across the whole kitchen. Did the elves get up in the night, pull handfuls off of the tree, and have a plastic pine needle war? So I swept. But, as in any family of more than zero people, there were people tracking through the kitchen before the needles were swept up. And the needles stuck to socks. And then came off on the carpet in the living room and family room. I guess I'll go get the vacuum out again...

Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
How lovely are thy needles
They are as green
On tile clean
As on the carpet
and in between
Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
How lovely are thy needles

Kiddie Quotes

A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.

The girl replied, 'I'm drawing God.'

The teacher paused and said, 'But no one knows what God looks like.'

Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, 'They will in a minute.'



A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds.
After explaining the commandment to 'honour' thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, 'Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?'

Without missing a beat one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, 'Thou shall not kill.'



One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head.

She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, 'Why are some of your hairs white, Mum?'

Her mother replied, 'Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white.'

The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, 'Mummy, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?'



The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture.

'Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say, 'There's Jennifer, she's a lawyer,' or 'That's Michael, He's a doctor.'

A small voice at the back of the room rang out, 'And there's the teacher, she's dead.'

Verses to Consider

I love the book of Colossians! Especially the third chapter. Here are a few of my favorite verses from that chapter.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

As to the Lord... anyone else have a hard time with that? I love to please my fellow man. Especially my amazing friends! I find that much of what I do is centered on pleasing those around me. I'm not doing anything wrong... my focus is just in the wrong place. Something to think about.

The Twelve Traditions of Christmas

Hey, everyone! I'm here to ask you to tell me about any traditions that you and your family have for Christmas. I have a couple to share, but certainly not twelve! If I get twelve traditions, I'll share them over the twelve days of Christmas. Please please share with me! Thanks!

A Week of Thanksgiving ~ Day Six

Today I am thankful for the freedoms that I enjoy here in America. I am also thankful for the many opportunities that I have that many others in the world do not have. This would include being able to go to a library and check out any number of books (not to mention being able to ride in a car to get there!), the ease with which we can get food or whatever else we need, and so many other things! The internet isn't available to everyone... Water coming from a tap... Hot showers... So many of the things that I don't even think about.
So far as freedoms go I am glad that I can be homeschooled, that I can go to church, and that as a woman I am considered a human being and have rights that many women across the world do not have.

Since I can't get on the computer on Sundays, that wraps up my week of Thanksgiving! I haven't had any comments, but I guess those will come in time. Maybe from you? Please? (Boy, have I really been reduced to begging?!) On that note... I am thankful for comments!!!!

Have a great weekend, all!

Things You May Find Stupid...

I'm not sure who comes up with these ideas, or why other people (including myself) spread them around... but here's a tag!

Seven Things About Me That You Might Find Stupid
1. I get emotional when Balto gets the medicine into Nome EVERY TIME Seth watches the movie Balto! =P (Ssshh.. don't tell anyone! LOL) To make it a little less silly that I get teary-eyed at an animated movie that I've seen a hundred times, listen to the music - it's emotional. =D
2. I listen to movie soundtracks a lot, even to movies I've never seen before. Most people watch a movie and love the soundtrack... I listen to a soundtrack and decide that I should see the movie.
3. (There is no way I'm going to come up with 7 things, peeps!) I hate it when people crunch boxes to recycle them. The boxes need to be undone in such a way that they can be flat. =P
4. It drives me nuts when people pace, but I do it myself. Woohoo!
5. I rarely just sit down and enjoy a movie. I'm always watching for mistakes, visible equipment, and I usually know about the actors and what else they've acted in, too.
6. Umm... Well, some people think it's stupid to re-read books. They're the ones with the problem, though.
7. I'll let you guys fill this one in if you can think of something! =P (But please try to be nice!)

A Week of Thanksgiving ~ Day Five

Today I am thankful for missionaries, pastors, evangelists, etc. Without them, I know I would not be the person that I am! These people have encouraged me and helped me to grow, as well as having touched the lives of nearly every person I know. This is a really short post, but please take time to stop and pray for some of the missionaries that you might know, as well as the pastoral staff of your church.

A Week of Thanksgiving ~ Day Four

Since it's Thanksgiving Day, I'm going to tell the biggest thing I am thankful for, and that is my salvation. When I was five or six, I was listening to a tape called "Harold the King" by Patch the Pirate. The gospel is given very clearly on the CD, and the main character accepts Christ. I prayed the same prayer after listening to the CD one winter evening, and I believed I was saved. As I got older, however, I began to have doubts. But I knew for sure that I had prayed that prayer, so I kept pushing my doubts aside and decided that I was saved.
When I was fourteen I went to camp and it was during a sermon there that I started to realize that repeating a bunch of words wasn't getting saved. Getting saved was believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and entrusting my life to Him. I accepted Christ as my personal Savior on May 30, 2006. The road isn't always easy, as I'm sure all of you know. I haven't led a perfect life at all, and there have been times when I practically turned my back on God. I am so thankful to the friends who have loaned me a shoulder to cry on, but more importantly have prayed with and for me through my struggles. On that note, I will leave you with the words to one of my all-time favorite songs:

[I can't find the lyrics online... so I will go get my book and post them later on... Sorry!]

A Week of Thanksgiving ~ Day Three

There's SO much to be thankful for! I should have done a month of Thanksgiving rather than a week. =D

Today I am thankful for...

My Family

Especially my Mom and Erica! <3