After Harry Potter, Mariah Mundi Hits Gold

"The last time I held a book signing," says Mr. GP Taylor, "it took two days to sign all the pre-ordered stock for customers and the queues, at the launch, blocked the town center for hours."

This year's book signing will be different and "Mariah Mundi," according to many sources, is ready to be "Hotter than Potter." Here is the most fun information I tell you, from Mr. Taylor himself, on how he will introduce "Mariah Mundi" to his fans. It's a treasure hunt and wait till you hear what you're hunting. Read on and be amongst the lucky ones to find treasure. Enjoy!

This year, with my best-selling book "Wormwood" knocking JK Rowling from the number one slot in the paperback charts after selling 20,000 copies in one day, and "Mariah Mundi and The Midas Box" being tipped as a candidate to take over from Harry Potter, I have thought of a novel new way to beat the queues and give something special to my readers. Word of mouth still is the best way to sell a book and if the initial response to "Mariah Mundi" is to be believed, we could genuinely be looking at the book series that will replace "Harry Potter" at the top of every child's wish list.

On the 8th of September 2007, the Victorian seaside town of Scarborough will play host to a spectacular Treasure Hunt - just like in the book "Mariah Mundi and The Midas Box." Readers of GP Taylor hungry to get an autograph will have to track me down, hiding somewhere in the town. Clues will be given on the treasure map and super sleuths can find the answers in the pages of the book. This historical trail will lead readers to me and to The Midas Box. Fans will have a chance to turn their maps into unique prizes worth thousands of pounds.

All fans have to do is pre-order the book - that will be released earlier in Scarborough than anywhere else in the country and pick up a treasure map. Then they can set off on an 45 minute adventure around the town before finding the me...

Prizes include valuable original manuscripts worth thousands of pounds, limited edition books, games, toys and meals out.

I felt sorry for all the people who had to queue for hours at the last signing. This time I will be in town all day and people can pick up their map and find me at their leisure. We'll have the prize drawn at 4.00pm so it will be fun as well.

I have hundreds of collectors offering me thousands of pounds each year for manuscripts. This time I want to give something back to the readers for taking me to #1 yet again in the book charts. What a better way to launch a book than to get rid of the long queues and offer some great prizes. "Mariah Mundi and The Midas Box" has been tipped as a successor to Harry Potter. It's a book all about finding treasure. In this way the readers can join in the plot - just like the book.

Organizers are requesting that everyone who wants to take part should contact one of the participating bookshops and order a copy of the book and treasure map so as not to be disappointed--orders are brisk due to speculation about the book.

It is hoped that this novel way of launching "Mariah Mundi" will not only entertain fans but give them a chance of winning some valuable items. Order Your Copy Now! Prize Treasure Hunt.*

*********

*Treasure Hunt. Saturday 8th September 2007

Join us in Scarborough - the setting for Mariah Mundi and The Midas Box on Saturday the 8th of September for a fantastic treasure hunt. We have prizes galore worth thousands of pounds and a chance to track down GP Taylor hiding somewhere in the town - just like our hero Mariah Mundi.

All you have to do is go to Harding's - Waterstones or WH Smith Bookshop Scarborough from 10.00am until 3.00pm on Saturday 8th September and pick up your free treasure map. You will need a copy of the book "Mariah Mundi and The Midas Box" to help you answer all the clues.

IT IS ADVISED THAT YOU PRE ORDER YOUR BOOK & TREASURE MAP
TODAY TO ENSURE A COPY.

Then all you have to do is set off on your adventure to win a whole host of prizes and join in the fun.

First Prize. An autographed copy of the Mariah Mundi manuscript signed and doodled on by GP Taylor with an estimated value of thousands of pounds at auction when the series is complete.

Second Prize. An original Mount Publishing copy of "Shadowmancer" worth in excess of one thousand pounds. An autographed limited edition 'proof' manuscript of "The Curse of Salamander Street" by GP Taylor worth £600 pounds and a first edition copy of "The Tizzle Sisters and Erik" by GP Taylor worth £150.

Third Prize. An autographed limited edition 'proof' manuscript of "The Curse of Salamander Street" by GP Taylor worth £600 pounds

Fourth Prize. A limited edition copy of "The Tizzle Sisters and Erik."

Runners up prizes of a meal for four people at Tricolo's Restaurant. Toys - Games - Balloons - Badges - Bookmarks - Magic and lot's lot's more.

*All the book prizes come with full authentication and have been valued by book dealer AG Salmon.

Every correct treasure hunt map will be placed in The Midas Box and the winning entrants will be drawn at 4.00pm the same day at the secret location you have discovered. Just like in the book the Midas Box could turn your Treasure Map into gold...

Mariah Mundi goes on general release to the public on Monday 10th September.

Mariah Mundi - The Midas Box... is the hot new book from best-selling author GP Taylor who has been tipped as a candidate to take the crown from JK Rowling and Harry Potter. Set in a large hotel on the north east coast of England, Mariah Mundi is a classic adventure for children and adults to really enjoy.

The End . . .

GP Taylor The Midas Box Treasure Hunt Mariah Mundi

Rate Your Day, My Friends

Well, indeed, it's kind of fun to let the world know how you're feeling, especially when you are having a very nice day. Such is the case for me and therefore, I Rate My Day as very, very good--perhaps most excellent even. You see I am surrounded today by about 500 children who are at Church camp/VBS. Fun! You too can rate your day and show it off on your blog. And lest we forget, let me tell you, one and all, that they are having a super contest where the winner shall receive a Microsoft Zune media player. There's still a chance to win! You'll have to create an account, for free, and invite four friends. If you don't have a blog you'll have to invite 10 friends. Go here for more details. Have fun.

Sweet

A little bit of recognition is always sweet. Thanks to Naomi, bringing us the royal watch and updates from the UK with her Diary From England, I have been awarded the . . .

Sweet! When I figure out how to put this graphic on my sidebar, I will. Now I shall pass this award on to Lady G.
and to the Suburbian Queen herself.
Congrats to us all.

The Motherload Blog Post

Yes, it's true! On this fine Southern Cal desert kind of day the Gatekeeper just has too much to blog about. I am at this very moment listening to my cousin Don's internet radio station. How crazy is that? My family is running a radio station online and would like for me to let every blogger in both hemispheres know. Mmmmm, I'll try. Uw, it's really loud. Nice! Freedom Fest Radio, take a listen--playing right now: Broken Heart by Falling Up.

Check out FreedomFest, it's the biggest Christian Rock festival this side of heaven, or at least in Washington it is. Skillet is headlining but you'll have to wait for three days since they are closing the festival. In the meantime you can go climb that rock wall, play Fear Factor/Survival games, listen to a gazillion other awesome bands or eat every good and yummy thing while camping out. The kiddos and I are trying to make it but the funds are a little low and now the State of California seems to have something to say about it. I got jury duty!!

In any case, our pool is finally filled with sparkling clean water. We had a few snags and if you're really interested you can read the "snag" post about it. What? You're not interested. Oh well. The summer is a little cooler for the kids now that they know they can jump in anytime. My nephew, Mr. Junior Olympic water polo, is here enjoying the cracked sand and tumble weeds with us. We drink homemade fruit smoothies and eat salads under clusters of green grapes cascading down our wonderfully shaded patio. It might not mean a lot to any reader here, but just to let you know--we were once homeless.

At any rate, I am reading GP Taylor's "Mariah Mundi" and I am lost in his world. More on that when I finish the book. He's also having an outrageous treasure hunt to market "Mariah Mundi and the Midas Box. " I'll make that into another separate post. With all his accomplishments (including the Shadowmancer series), I've been given a little hope to complete my own novel.

Furthermore, I've decided to publish my novella, based on my unpublished manuscript, with Associated Content. It will earn a little bit of exposure there. We shall see. I would like to post an excerpt on PoM later. Those are my three Warriors--don't steal them.

There is so much more to blog about but I must get back to work. I am editing Father's Bible studies so we can get those ready for his e-books. Oy! Then I am about 10 lessons behind in school. Double Oy! And then there's VBS all next week. I am running sound. The many faces of Lady Gatekeep.

In conclusion (sorry), one more item of importance. We have started blogging again on Mother's blog. It is the story of her life as God walked through the valley of death, known as WWII, with her. It's like she was blogging in 1942 thus the blog title: "If Mom Had A Blog in 1942." Come share her journey. It's a wonderful story of love, hope and forgiveness. Have a wonderful weekend.

"Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." (1 Chronicles 29:12,13). And thank you Lord for all my bloggie friends who pulled me through the night. Yeah, you know who they are.






Gatekeeper FreedomFest Radio GP Taylor

The Aussies Are Coming!

Oh, it's a strange and wonderful summer, indeed. I've quite forgotten all about this piece of me. I used to be an Aussie. I lived there for twelve years and did most of my schooling there--up to my junior year (10th grade over there) at Pine Rivers District State High School. There's a mouthful for you. Oh, no!! I just found their website. Memories! Excuse me, I'm going to cry. They still play Netball. Sigh. I wonder if our old church still exists?

In any case, when they transferred all my credits to the high school here they said I had enough to graduate. What! So I did.

Well, my baby cousin (who now has her own baby) is coming to visit. Her mom, My Aunt, is coming too. Maybe we can finally add a few more posts to Mom's 1942 Blog now. We shall see, it's getting awfully hard for them to retell this horrible tale.

Nonetheless, we are all excited for our Aussie family to come to our desert. We have the pool to keep their days cool and the lake is just a few minutes away. I can't wait to be Cousin Tour Guide. Oh what a reunion it shall be.

Bloggers In Baghdad

Daily we pray for our men and women fighting in Iraq. Yes, we want them to come home to their families. And though they are tired, they will tell you there is a job to be done. Here's the news, as reported in his blog, by one soldier who has been stationed in Iraq for many months. Read his words, then make the journey to his blog "George In Iraq," and please, if you would, leave encouraging comments.



This is what the news does not show or tell you enough of:

I have had the opportunity to talk to hundreds ordinary citizens of Baghdad and many dozens of senior politicians… not one, not a single one has said that they want the Americans to leave. They say we are neutral to the sectarian violence and protector from the insurgents for the neighboring countries. I guess this is not controversial enough; popular enough; or spectacular enough to make the news.

Did you know that news agencies pay Iraqis to photo or video insurgents attacking Americans? Our own American news agencies pay money for video/photos of insurgents killing… so the “stringer” needs to find an event to get paid – so to be at the right place at the right time this “stringer” most likely has to be “in” with the insurgents or giving up part of his money to fund events to capture on film. Our own American news agencies are funding the killing of Americans…

The change here has been difficult and complex – but the freedoms now enjoyed are appreciated by all. With these freedoms have come decisions… and more and more are starting to pick the choice of supporting the stability of their own country.

It is interesting to me that the three countries that have most likely killed the most Americans are today our best friends… The UK, Germany and Japan. During WWII, few could comprehend the idea of a “Marshall Plan” (perhaps should have been called the Truman Plan) and how pouring in so much money into a country that we were just at war with could be so beneficial to both countries in the long run. But it takes so much time that the rest of our fast paced world no longer has patience for.

George


USA Army Iraq Major George Brown

What's In A Name?

It was Shakespeare, I do believe, who first asked "What's in a name?" Indeed, what is in a name? Or another question asked by Identity Direct is, "On what is a name?"

Their names shall be on their books or pencil cases or the pencil itself--always a fun deal. Or perhaps little Aaron would like his name on his lunch box. Oh yes, we are talking of back-to-school days already? Nevertheless, Identity Direct will have for you iron-on labels for clothing and vinyl labels for bottles and bags and other non-clothe items like books etc. In any case there are over 400 gift items at ID and if one so desires one can put Daniel's name, for example, on them all. Just kidding. It's a fun and safe zone to secure all your back-to-school necessities so have some fun with it.

Mariah Mundi

Father walked in with the mail this morning. The mailman (he was unusually early today) hand-delivered a few magazines and a package from England with a little sticker that said "Royal Mail." Fun! It's like receiving mail from the Queen, only better. Our little package was from author G.P. Taylor.

Yes, I received his yet-to-be-released "Mariah Mundi." What a treasure, just like its author. He autographed it for me--a very interesting signature it is. Makes one smile and giggle a bit. At any rate, the BBC, and bloggers everywhere, have already deemed Mr. Taylor and Mariah Mundi worthy of the Potter crown. (Check my post with the BBC news report.)

In any case, tonight I shall start the first chapter and will write a review as soon as I am finished with this gripping Gothic mystery. Maybe I should read this to our neighborhood children. After all, Mr. Taylor actually tours schools with his book/s. That is just too wonderful for words.

One last thing before I sign off for the evening. We are looking for a few Christian bloggers who love to read and write reviews. If you would like a copy of "Mariah Mundi" before it hits the stores please leave me a comment. I will check out your blog and forward it to Mr. Taylor. Oh, don't I just sound so official. Just humor me. No really, leave a comment if you would like your own copy. A good evening to all.

GP Taylor Mariah Mundi Harry Potter

Building The Temple

David to Solomon: "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you." (1 Chronicles 28:20)

Right now, finishing, editing etc. my novel seems like a task as big as building the Temple. How many years did it take to build that anyhow? Oh no! Will I ever finish this thing? We are going through the second edit and next Friday I'll put the writers in my group to work. I'm sure they'll love that. Maybe, one day soon it will all have been worth it.

For now, I will listen to David's words ". . . do the work . . . " and the rest helps too.

I've Been Thoofed

Yes, it's true indeed. I've been Thoof-ranked. Quite fun actually. Thoof is a site full of personalized news stories and you can send your own or submit your favorite posts. With the ThoofRank button (shown at the bottom of this post), you'll be able to track the popularity of your submitted material. It's important to me especially when I have something wonderful to share. Therefore I submitted my "Harry Potter's Successor" post to Thoof and am willing to endure the ranking system. This one's a good one.

Thankfully it was an easy process. Trust me, it's of great importance since my techy, or non-tech, mind can't comprehend much beyond my own blog. It's an easy step by step journey to submitting your best post and after you do, a code will miraculously appear for the Thoof Badge. All you have to do is embed the said code into said post and people will start reading your story, or whatever you submitted. It's easy, adventurous and oh so much fun. Your turn, go get ThoofRanked.

Harry Potter's Successor

Bloggers have power, don't you know? They have convinced the higher ups at CBS to bring back "Jericho," for example--a show the network canceled. And, no doubt, bloggers will influence your TBR (to be read) list, which I hope to do right here. For all you Harry P. lovers I invite you to read the following about G.P. Taylor's, Mariah Mundi. I'm aware that not all of you (Patrick and Princess S.) are ready to receive the following news report from the BBC, but let it sink in and have an open mind. I have said it before, there is life after Harry after all.


BBC and Bloggers find successor to Potter Crown
By Abigail Dunne



Read it and weep…as Harry retires – who will take his crown?

It was billed as the publishing sensation of 2007 and like the fireworks of the 4th July or the greatest spell of a scar faced wizard it took the headlines. The whole world gasped at the final pages of Deathly Hallows and no one could say they were disappointed. JK Rowling had certainly done it again. People had tried to guess the plot but not a single blogger appeared to get it all right. Some were very near but others missed the mark. One of the greatest writers of fantasy fiction had done the Houdini.

Within hours of the publication of Deathly Hallows, BBC News in the UK announced online that they had found the successor to Harry, Ron, Hermione and Voldermort. Now as we close the pages of the final chapter on the Potter saga, one book that isn’t even published yet appears to be quietly pushing itself forward as a contender for the title of ‘Hotter than Potter.’

Since the publication of Shadowmancer in 2004 in the USA and its rise to the top of the New York Times list, GP Taylor has slipped from the radar of the American book scene. Penguin Putnam published two further books, Wormwood got to the dizzy heights of #2 on the charts but Taylor’s 3rd book Tersias the Oracle slipped into stores without any promotion whatsoever. It was as if Putnam just put it out there as cheaply as possible with no explanation why.

Death Threats

Many of his fans didn’t even know the book was published. Following a death threat, Taylor refused to tour in the USA and there were rumors in the British press that he was unhappy with the way his books had been released in the US. All in all it served to keep Taylor under the radar. Starved of publicity, readers were hard pressed to find the sequels to Shadowmancer and with little action from Universal Pictures on the screenplay of the book Taylor vanished completely. He is on record in saying that he thought he would be shot dead in Books of Wonder in New York at a signing.

It was only when proof copies of his latest novel Mariah Mundi and The Midas Box began to circulate on Ebay that people again began to take notice of this quiet British author. Potter fans hungry for another book to fill the void of Deathly Hallows began to quickly blog about the title before they had even read it. News was sketchy. Taylor’s own website had the book listed as Mariah Mundi and the Ghost of the Prince Regent, but the title was changed at the last minute before the proof copies were published. Now it would seem that everyone wants to get hold of a proof of the book. One New York dealer has had countless enquires already and shops in the UK are taking advanced orders so customers can secure first editions. Buddyhollywood.com said, “the recipe is there, tried and tested. Young hero, girl sidekick, evil villain, perilous plot and sting in the tail ending. Nothing unusual. If you read Tolkein, Lewis and Rowling the same devices are in use. But like Harry Potter there is something unforgettable about the boy, Mariah Mundi.

Mundi has lost his parents and it is not known if they are dead. He attended a boarding school in London, from where he was sent at the age of fifteen to work in a large and mysterious hotel in the north of England. All fish out of water stuff with plenty of spooky goings on to keep you turning the pages.

Mariah Mundi combines the big story of CS Lewis and the plot of an Indiana Jones movie…

With plenty of 'whodunit' thrown in (there is a killer at large and a strange box that has the power to turn everyday objects to gold and a secret society called The Bureau of Antiquities) this book combines the big story of CS Lewis and the plot of an Indiana Jones movie. Probably why Hollywood is already queuing to get their hands on the rights for the book.”

BBC News said on the day of the release of Deathly Hallows that, “when Harry Potter hangs up his wizard's cloak, booksellers will be looking to GP Taylor's autumn release, Mariah Mundi - The Midas Box, to keep the cash tills ringing.”

Taylor broke his silence to speak to the BBC saying, “There's a lot of stuff out there that is like Potter, but I think people are tired of it. Children are getting sick of dragons, fairies and goblins. They've got dragon fatigue and gnome fatigue.”

So what makes Mariah Mundi so different?

Those who have read it say that it is hot stuff. Grittier and more edgy than what he usually writes and packed with hidden humor. It is a fast paced page-turner and isn’t as preachy as Shadowmancer, although still maintaining a strong moral story. It is different to Harry Potter with a strong narrated voice and saturated with description and character.

Like Potter, the hero is a young boy, without parents. He too grows up in a school away from home, but the similarities end there. Mariah Mundi takes no prisoners. He is like James Bond and spider man rolled into one. There are some great set pieces that keep you reading and leave you wanting more.

Interestingly, Taylor sets the tale in late Victorian England. It is dark and Gothic with fog and strange contraptions with just enough fantasy to keep the Potter fan interested. It is written more like a movie than a novel with set pieces that jump at you like scenes from a Stephen King classic than children’s book. It is a lump in the throat adventure that keeps you on your seat until the very end.

There may be many other books lined up to take the Potter crown, but bat least with Mariah Mundi you’ll come back wanting more without the whiff of publishers hype to spoil the story.

G.P. Taylor Mariah Mundi Harry Potter

The Future of Hockey Site

Remember the Mighty Ducks? Well, we dropped the "Mighty" and then proceeded to win the Stanley Cup. Lady Gatekeep has a soft spot for her Ducks and was very disappointed when she had to miss the last game of the playoffs because Lord Spanky was in the little league finals. Go figure! We have DVR!!

In any case, for all you hockey fans in and beyond California I present to you the future of hockey site. Interested in the Ducks' top ten nhl draft picks? They are all there: the top three being Bobby Ryan, Mark Mitera, and Jean-Philippe Lavasuer (say that five times fast and you knew we had to have one name no one could pronounce).

At any rate, the site has news and updates on every team around the globe. Yes, you can keep up with hockey in other nations. After all, they wind up in the NHL most of the time, then return to play for their homeland in the Olympics--as it should be, I suppose. And get this, the HF site has their own radio station. So keep your skates close by, your sticks low and take it easy on the HF boards. Check out the national rankings and see who's favored for the gold. It's safe to say if you live and breathe hockey you probably won't have to go anywhere else. Stay warm now.

Ligers??

Oh, my! Lions and tigers and . . . what?

ligers lions and tigers The NewsRoom

Both Sides of the Environmental Issue

It is a strange and wonderful privilege we have here in the USA concerning big companies. Some of these large conglomerates are from foreign nations such as the London based British Petroleum. We are allowed to disagree with their products/services and their handing of them, even fight them in court, and sometimes win. For this post we shall do a little research for both sides in the ongoing tale of the BP (British Petroleum) refinery in Whiting, Indiana.

To begin with here are a few facts from their BP fact sheet: 1. BP is prepared and already have plans to spend over $3 billion to improve the Whiting Refinery.

2. Sludge is treated separately and is never discharged into Lake Michigan. Both human and aquatic life is protected.

3. The Whiting Refinery volunteered to reduce total suspended solids in its water discharge by 40%. BP, along with government agencies are also working with community and environmental organizations to to develop environmentally sounds plans.

You can read more of this fact sheet at their site which will include information on fuel for the Midwest, the creation of new jobs, and their commitment to environmental and civic leadership as well as other U.S. activities.

Nonetheless, the other side of the issue, of course, tells another story. Here is an excerpt from the Chicago Tribune: "In sharp contrast to the greenways and parks that line Lake Michigan in Chicago, a string of industrial behemoths lie along the heavily polluted southern shore just a few miles away. The steady flow of oil, grease and chemicals into the lake from steel mills, refineries and factories -- once largely unchecked -- drew national attention that helped prompt Congress to pass the Clean Water Act during the early 1970s."

You can read the full story at the Chicago Tribune website. You might have to register with the paper--it's free.

Personally, I liked the article in the News Sentinel a little bit better to grasp, it didn't have all the hollering and finger pointing and might give you a better assessment of the story.

Here's an excerpt of the article in the News Sentinel: "Hoosier environmentalists are angry that the state is allowing BP to release “significantly more” ammonia and sludge into Lake Michigan from its refinery in Whiting.

But there's more to the story, and its complexities illustrate the tradeoffs we sometimes have to make in a modern industrial society. Energy independence and clean water are both important to us. We don't get to pick one or the other. We must, instead, determine which one has to be advanced a little at the expense of the other at any given moment."


Again, my friends, study all the facts, and judge for yourselves.






British Petroleum
Chicago Tribune New Sentinel

More MisAdventures of the Almost Famous

Lady Gatekeeper poses this question to her young Squire and Princess who like to work and play in Hollywood; How far shall we take this acting and directing thing? It has been almost three years now, there's a little bit of experience to speak of and lessons to remember. Is there a place for either of you, young Christians in Hollywood? No doubt. But if you cannot make your own breaks there are not too many parts available unless you cross that line. Do not cross that line.

We can rely on the wisdom of a few friends who have lived that Hollywood life or are on their way. Dennis Baker is always willing to share his knowledge, wisdom and experience as he has done in the past. And you can rely on organizations like Hollywood Connect. Act One is also a valuable source. Here is what the good folks over there say about the industry and what they prepare you for. It is a tough world out there and you are not of it, but you are in it. And I believe you both can make a difference for the better.

In any case it is fun, indeed, for Mom Gatekeep to write about all your misadventures (and accomplishments) in Hollywood and actually get paid for it. Do hang in there my children, give it all to the Lord and He shall bring it to pass. Hollywood is a beautiful lie--bring truth.

****

Part of the Journey

The Heartbreak Kid (Starring Ben Stiller, Michelle Monaghan)
Sleeper Cell (Starring Oded Fehr)
Getting Started In Hollywood

The adventure continues!

****

Hollywood Connect
Act One Not of this world

Creative Learning

What is new, creative with a plan to teach in such a way a child wants to learn? It's what we call the innovative tutor at the Score Learning Center. And as a home-school mom I'm one to always ask for help, not to mention a little variety throughout the school day. My very moody 14 -year-old did quite well in all subjects except for math and reading. He quite a good reader but nothing holds his interest. For these we shall seek out a tutor at Score. I've talked to a few Score parents who reported that the academic progress of their kids was very above satisfactory, so to speak. The advantage of a tutor, I suppose, would also benefit me. After all, maybe I could pick up a few pointers. We'll blog about the Score card within the next school year. Here's to our children's education.



Score innovative tutor reading

Bummer! News From the Desert

Well we spent a little fortune and got ourselves a nice pool to battle the summer heat. One of those above the ground doo-dats (not quite sure if that's actually a word), about 4ft deep and 15ft across. Unfortunately, we were in such a hurry to enjoy our new watering hole that we didn't bother to make sure whether the ground was level or not. It wasn't. Ah, yes, 4400 gallons of water drown the drain! There's no more dry land in the neighborhood I tell you--we watered the whole desert.

This has brought wildlife out of the wooded areas into our back yard searching for water. They found it. Our local coyotes, and a nice population of birds, are now very happy and thirst no more. Happy to oblige. We're still smiling. It took four days to empty the pool. We'll go to work and level the ground today.

And on a happier note or not . . . I drove about 180 miles last night to bring Lord Spanky to his church group. I'm not really complaining. He really needs these things. You know, hanging out with friends. They had a pool party. Mmm. I waited in our church parking lot and caught up on my reading--"That Hideous Strength" is almost finished. I shall do the review asap.

In any case, Lord Spanky was then invited to spend the weekend at K's house which made for a very lonely trip back home. Thank the Lord for Kutless (who, btw, is looking for a new guitar player).

Here's the most excellent, rather awesome, fantastic band, "Kutless," live! And . . . appropiately, with "Sea of Faces."

Aches, Muscles and Freeze That Pain

This is yet another moment from our Beach Chronicles. It is a sweet story really. Sadly, however, this Beach Momma needs to evaluate which pleasures she can still participate in.

Honestly, why I still believe I can throw that frisbee and chase that flying saucer all over the sand, is beyond me. But I cannot pass up any opportunity for good clean fun. I try to settle down and read my book. Yeah, that works for a while till they bring out the beach volley ball set. I'm vicious, I tell you . . . well, at least, I used to be.

Needless to say, before the day was over, something around my left shoulder went snap. I endured the pain for a couple of hours. Pain is so annoying. Finally, I remembered that I recently came by a a new product called Freeze It so I decided to see if it could mend my aches. Well, my friends, it took a few minutes but, indeed, the pain was gone.

Furthermore, it's not like that "Icy Cold" patch thing. That product burns and quite frankly causes a panic attack. Freeze It was kind of soothing and, though it is a cool blue gel, it doesn't leave a mess between your fingers. Best of all--no lingering odor. Then again, maybe the best thing is the ingredients: vitamin E and Aloe. Or perhaps best of all (besides that it actually works), is that the price won't put an ache in your wallet.

All this to say, Beach Momma (from the Desert) is quite sold on Freeze It and will soon be the proud owner of a 3-oz Roll On little bottle for her beach bag. That should get to all those hard to reach places. Be good to your joints and by all means . . . um Freeze It. Don't you know, I couldn't resist.

Perelandra: Book Review (Again)

A review of C.S. Lewis' 2nd book in the Space Trilogy, "Perelandra." The third book, "That Hideous Strength," will be reviewed next. Hint: It's awesome so far! I hope to finish "Shadowmancer," by G.P. Taylor before his book "Tizzle Sisters" finds its way here. Let's pray the Post Man feels like venturing into the desert or we'll have to make the trip into town. Ugh! Here's "Perelandra."


I should not give it all away, so I will choose my words wisely. We shall see how that goes. For all you C.S. Lewis fans you must know he wrote so much more than just The Chronicles of Narnia by now. It is amazing how his credits go on and on.

Here in Perelandra we find Ransom (his character based on Lewis' friend, J. R. R. Tolkien, Oh to have such friends) not adjusting well to Earthly living. He has that feeling that he does not belong and that something greater still awaits him. His everyday encounter with beings not of this world gives him that sense of adventure. Though for such an ordinary man he cannot quite figure out why it is him the powers to be have chosen.

C. S. Lewis is of course a master of describing the unknown worlds beyond Earth, as is his friend Tolkien. Where Ransom is taken shall be a secret to you for right now because Lady Gatekeep thinks you should read the book and be sweetly amazed. But this I will tell you that you will feel like you are on that world with Ransom. You might even fall down a few times here and there so I suggest you sit while reading, unlike The Gatekeeper who tried to walk under the shade of her apple trees. You see, balance is the key to this adventure.

In any case, Lewis will educate you in the possibilities of the very ordinary person having a purpose in very extraodinary situations. Make sense? And he asks the question what would you do if you found yourself in a world where there is no evil yet? Not to mention that the first beings of that realm don't understand evil and along comes the wicked one (Ransom's rival) from Earth no doubt. What would you do?

So might I suggest you read this book. Perelandra has nice short chapters (I love that) which makes the adventure move right along. The writing is very entertaining and you will definitely see Lewis' Christian faith come shining through once again, though there is not one second of preaching to anyone. Perelandra is the second book of Clive Staples Lewis' (hehehe) space trilogy and it is a must read. Blessings to all.






C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy Perelandra

Drink Your Veggies

How many of us actually eat enough vegetables? I believe we need at least five servings per day , if I'm not mistaken. Apparently, and sad to say, we do not come close to the healthy vegetable intake. Here's a quick, easy and perhaps a fun way to get exactly what we need. I think I might have to Drink My Daily Veggies to make it easier. Want to join me?

LaneLabs has introduced "My Daily Vegetables," which is a sort of powder mix of whole dried vegetables. You can just add water and drink. Now there's something to take on your camping trips. It's kind of like having on the go food, healthy style, of course.

Here's some of the ingredients so we know what we're putting into our bodies: Dried whole carrot powder, dried green and white whole cabbage powder, dried zucchini powder, broccoli sprout extract, tomato. Check out more ingredients at their great site.

I have to say since we've started our own vegetable gardens here in the desert I've been eating much better. However, it's probable that I'm not getting quite the variety or the right amount. My Daily Vegetables has some recipe ideas. For example if your kids love Mac and Cheese they're probably not getting the proper veggie intake. How about sprinkle some of the dried vegetable mix over the Mac and Cheese. Kudos!

In any case, you can get your own free sample, to see for yourself. It's a great alternative veggie intake option, it's organic and a great introduction to a healthier way of living. I'm going to Drink My Daily Veggies. Come join me.

A Few Of My Favorite Bloggers

Thought I'd let the blogosphere know of these thought-provoking posts. If I have time today I'll make a TT list. But enjoy these for now.

1. George In Iraq: 15 Months In Iraq
Quote: "There must be a balance... BUT we CANNOT leave the Middle East in disarray, and allow the troubles to follow us home."

Could you visit Major George and leave him encouraging comments? Thanks.

2. Seedlings In Stone: Filtered
Quote: "When I think of my life, I realize that it too is filtered. Through a lens of grace."

3. A Knight's Lady: Food For Thought
Quote: "If couples would put half the effort into marriage that they put into
courtship, they would be surprised how things would brighten up." -Billy Graham

4. Dual Ravens: Participants With The Holy Spirit
Quote: "When we bear such fruits for God, we escape from the domination of our mortal self . . . " (cf. Rom. 7:4-6).

5. Paul's Ponderings: God Is Enough

Of Adventures And Other Toys

My now independent teens were merely children once. And when they loved Elmo and wanted to find Nemo (who they still adore) their Grandmama used to purchase books that directly placed them into the story. You know, it's when a company like Identity Direct will insert your child's name, their age and all that wonderful stuff, into the adventure so as to personalize the plot. It's very cute, I must say, and there are many adventures to choose from. The latest adventure involves that little rat from "Ratatouille." What's not to love?

In any case, there are many other gifts for children at Identity Direct including iron-on name labels to put on clothing and towels etc. One can even find personalized clocks with your child's favorite character. Nice addition to said child's cleaned-up room. Take a look, it's a very fun adventure just walking through all those virtual isles. Sign up for their competitions now, someone won over $600 worth of bedroom stuff. Fun!






personalized books name labels Identity Direct