Celebrating My Three-Year Blogaversary, featuring Guest Poster Mia "Awesome" Hayson

#DailyWings: "Whatever you desire is already connected in some way to who you are and what you now have. Find that way, follow the connection." -Ralph Marston

I'm incredibly proud to announce that today is the blog's official Three-Year Blogaversary! *cheer* To those of you who have been with me since the very beginning (yes, I know who you are), THANK YOU. And, of course, thanks to ALL of you for sticking with me, no matter how long! Your comments and encouragement always keep me going. It's wonderful to know that there are people out there who identify with the things I write, that my musings and observations of daily life resonate. Isn't a human connection, after all, one of the many things we constantly strive for? 

As part of the celebration, I have the lovely Mia Hayson from My Literary Jam and Toast as a guest blogger. HOORAY! Mia is an incredible individual and never fails to make me smile/laugh/feel fuzzy. A writer from Scotland, Mia blogs about the art of writing, delicious novels, fun blogfests and the occasional zombie. Today, she will be talking about the fear of writing. 

Let's talk about gut-wrenching fear for a moment. The last time I was really scared out of my wits was when I watched "The Shining" (1980), a psychological horror movie based on the book by Stephen King, in my film analysis class. I hadn't heard about it before, and our professor didn't tell us that it was a scary movie (admittedly, I should have done the research beforehand). 

For those who have yet to see "The Shining," the film is about how the caretaker of a secluded hotel, Jack, becomes possessed by spirits and is driven to kill his wife and son. Conveniently, the wife's name is Wendy. Not to mention Jack Nicholson does an impeccable job of portraying a normal family man who gradually turns into a human monster. At one point, Jack's smiling on one side of the bathroom door and holding an ax aimed at Wendy's head. During that scene, I felt the kind of fear that creeps up on you and has you petrified and holding on for dear life. Yeesh. I'm getting chills just thinking about this movie! 

I was like this the whole time: 

The scariest moment of our lives

But there's another kind of fear that's more latent. You feel it at one point or another -- when you want to pitch a story idea but think it's stupid, when you want to tell someone how we feel but have a fear of rejection, when you want to take a risk but don't want to face failure. This fear simmers underneath at all times, feeding off of your dreams until it takes over your decisions and ultimately your life. 

Here's a secret: being alive in part means facing your fears. In some twisted way, I'd never been more aware of my racing heart and cold fingers than when I was watching "The Shining." Facing your fears doesn't mean ignoring them or pretending they don't exist. It means acknowledging their presence, "tucking them in a jar" and jumping at the chance to pursue what we want anyway. If we always let fear get in the way, we'll always be stuck in the same position -- stagnant. We won't move forward in our lives. We won't learn from our mistakes. 

A few weeks ago, I wrote a poem that illustrates what it's like to face the fear of speaking out -- whether that means sharing your feelings for someone important in your life, standing up for what you believe in or writing down the words you've been itching to get on paper. At some point, we all need to take that chance. 

On to the fear of writing! Time to let Mia take the reins on this one!

~ ~ ~ ~ 

I'm so flattered and honoured to be able to celebrate Wendy's blogaversary here with you guys! OMG! Wendy is one of the most articulate, eloquent, and just super lovely bloggers I have ever had the good fortune to meet. This blog has kind of been a haven for Miss Lurker over here so I'm just going to try and step up with a post about fear and writing and things and then we can all wish Wendy many happy returns etc. So! A lesson in fear:

Fear manifests itself in many different ways for writers. If you can think it, somebody somewhere is losing sleep over it. Some writers wake with a start in the depths of the still night, only to start frantically checking our last email/blog/tweet/manuscript/text for typos (actually, I think maybe most of us do that one? I do anyway hehe) while others don't ever make it to bed because they're trying to establish just how edgy is too edgy in a children's book. 

The point is we all have fear. 

Just as some people are afraid of stuffed giraffes  and others afraid of toast in the shower, you get some real wackadoodle fears out there in the barren-lands of the unfinished WIP. None more so than the fear of failure. It grabs you as you pass the singing bush of querying, avoiding the hissing lake of broken words. And, if you let it, it takes hold. Recently I realised that I had been pricked with its thorns.

You see the thing about this fear is that it preys on our uncertainties. It latches onto us while we slumber, and only really begins to hurt when it's burrowed in too deep. And the thing about this fear is I let it prey on my need to please people. I don't think it makes you weak to want to please people. In fact, I think it makes me decidedly human. I want you guys to be happy and smile and for us to all enjoy things! 

Having said all that this year I decided to change something, and so far it's going just fantabulously! Having realised my apparent vice, I'm now making an effort to write what I want to and not what I think other people will love. I'm writing the stuff I want to pen. And maybe, just probably, I think there's a reasonable possibility what I'm writing is good. It's interesting. It's different. And it's absolutely me.

So! This week I put it to you, guys. Overcome those literary fears! Write something and enjoy the writing! Realise that a little fear can be productive, but a lot of fear can be creatively crippling. Remember that fear when we all started blogging/dancing/writing/ reading/walking/insert favourite activity here? Well that seems so tiny now, doesn't it? And people like Wendy make blogging so fun.

Lesson: There will always be unknowns but writing comes first.

Difficulty: Pretty to very hard, yo.

Remember: Write for yourself, you are your own reader, and things aren't so scary with friends.

What is your biggest literary fear? Congrats to Wendy and her awesomeness! Three cheers for this blog! I think having a blogaversary is a wonderful thing because it shows the world how long you've been conquering fears and writing for you.

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Wendy Lu

Thanks so much to Mia for taking the time to write this guest post for us today! Everybody should go visit My Literary Jam & Toast to give her thousands of virtual hugs and love comments. And thanks again, everyone, for coming to celebrate my third blogaversary with me! Here's to many more! Woohoo -- strawberry shortcake for everyone!

Celebrating My Three-Year Blogaversary, featuring Guest Poster Mia "Awesome" Hayson

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And the Roarin' Twenties Chapter Critique Giveaway Winner is....

#DailyWings: "I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." -Galileo*

And the winner of the Roarin' Twenties Chapter Critique Giveaway is....*drumroll please*

Far Away Eyes

as randomly chosen by the random generator: 

Congratulations, FAE! As promised, the chapter critique includes: a reading and critique of any one chapter of a manuscript OR a short story (page limit: 20 pages). The critique will include an in-depth review, copy editing, rating, and suggestions - either over email or a Skype call (!). Please email me at xtheredangelx@gmail.com within the next five days to claim the giveaway. 

Thanks to all the participants of the Roarin' Twenties Poetry Blogfest and to those who entered the giveaway. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the other poem entries (some of them were published toward the end of the blogfest) and comment! As a reminder, every point equaled to one entry, and you were able to earn points by things like following TRA, tweeting about the blogfest, etc. There was a whopping total of 87 entries - woohoo! 

I am really glad I decided to host this blogfest, even if I did get the idea just eight days before I turned 20. It definitely made my birthday one of the best ever. Though I must say, these lovelies contributed: 

Just a few of my birthday gifts: books, a vintage Wonder Woman lunchbox and a summer dress. 

My birthday Tiramisu, one moment looking delicious and the next - poof! All gone. *sheepish smile* (It was that good)

Danny Lerman & Forecast play a little hot sax n' cool jazz at the local Night Town club

Honestly, what could be better? What more could anyone ask for on their 20th birthday? I have gone to Ohio twice now, and I can tell you that the "City of Rock" is certainly lively. I can't wait to go back.  

* * *

I have been given yet another blog award from Sydney Aaliyah. 
Sydney is an active JuNoWriMo participant, a movie watcher, a tattoo lover, and a writer. She tweets and hosts JuNoWriMo Participant Interviews and blogs too, of course!  She is completely deserving of this award, and I feel honored to have been chosen as a recipient amongst her and so many other awesome, beautiful bloggers. Thanks so much, Sydney! Time for me to pass it on...

1) Kayeleen's Creation Corner--I have only known Kayeleen for a short period of time, but she is proof that a person CAN be both a writer and a mom. Kudos to her for sticking with it, and for making time to blog as well.

2) Life 101--Rick is a writer and lives in the country. He blogs regularly about nature, writing and the little things that make life worthwhile. 

3) Deana Barnhart--This lady is an inspiration to writers and bloggers everywhere! Deana is a great person to get to know, and her blog is a joy to read. She recently just signed with her new literary agent - how awesome is that? Dreams really can come true! 

4) Ali Cross--Ali blogs about anything and everything on writing and is a prolific author. She wrote the YA adult Become, which you can buy on Amazon here. Seriously, y'all, this girl is the definition of ninja-ness. 

5) Mia Hayson--Honestly, I don't think there is anybody who doesn't know Mia, but in case you haven't had the pleasure, Mia blogs over at My Literary Jam and Toast and is one of the most hilarious people I have ever met. She writes YA fiction as well, and loves anything that has to do with glitter and zombies. Mia also has a knack for creating entertaining graphics, I might add. 

6) Ruth Madison--Ruth is an advocate for disabilities awareness, something that I am also passionate about. She has written several books and recently just started her own book publishing company. I admire Ruth for taking a stand on the side of those of us who may be underestimated or misunderstood because of our personal health circumstances. 

7) 101 Bird Tales--Amelia is a beautiful artist and a beautiful thinker. If you start to follow her blog, you discover that within the first week of reading her posts. She ponders over thought-provoking questions about life, creativity, self-awareness and artistry.

Check out these beautiful bloggers...I promise you, your Google Reader will be just a bit longer and your day just a little bit better. 

Wendy Lu

*If you have any suggestions for #DailyWings quotes, tweet me!

And the Roarin' Twenties Chapter Critique Giveaway Winner is....

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"Flying High": The Roarin' Twenties Begins! (Blogfest + Giveaway)

#DailyWings: “Treat singlehood and your twenties as the time when you get to fall in love with yourself. If you look with loving eyes, you will find that your most loyal companion lies within you.” -TSM

When I stepped onto the airplane for my flight to Ohio yesterday, I thought this was going to be an uneventful quickie. I've been traveling for years, ever since I was a little girl, and the longest on-air trip (including a connecting flight) I have ever been on lasted for nearly 18 hours. I love it. I love flying. When I'm in the air, it feels like time has stopped and there's nothing but me in the clouds. It feels like a dream. Yesterday, I found yet another reason to love airplane flights, but it was nothing I could have expected or prepared myself for.

On most flights, I take a window seat or aisle seat and bury myself in a good book or my journal. I'll enjoy my plastic cup of cranapple juice and bag of salted peanuts, then perhaps take a few pictures of the clouds. This time on the connecting flight (to Atlanta first), I sat in the middle. Before I could whip out Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a middle-aged man wearing a dark-blue suit and carrying a business knapsack approached the seat to my left. Five minutes later, a short woman with curly brown hair and wire-rimmed glasses claimed the seat to my right.

I soon came to discover that the woman was going back home after a business meeting, and the man was a surgeon who was on a way to one. The woman told me she was eager to get home to her three beloved dogs and two cats, and I nodded knowingly. My friend is taking care of my turtles, I told her. Somehow we started talking about our love for animals, and the woman mentioned she had had to give up her own turtles a few years ago while undergoing chemotherapy.

Our conversation turned, and it occured to me how much this woman had been through. Yet, here she was as alive and energetic as ever, living her life with as much love and fervor as anybody. The surgeon, in turn, told me how he had come to develop a passion for medicine and healthcare. I listened, fascinated, to these two strangers who had become my friends in a matter of two hours. By the end of the flight, I hadn't even unzipped my backpack for Zen. I bid my newfound airplane buddies farewell, and the woman even patted me on the shoulder.

On the final plane to Ohio, I got the aisle seat on the Exit row. Finally - some peace and quiet! Not that I hadn't enjoyed my conversations with fellow surgeon and cat lady, but the night would be a busy one for me and I needed some rest.

But even as I sat down, I couldn't help but notice my left-side neighbor. An older man well into his 60s sat, tapping one giant sneaker against the rugged floor, with his head resting on one hand. I greeted him with a "Hi, how are you," and he shook his head.

"Not good," the man said. "Been up since 1 o'clock this morning."

"Oh no," I said. "Why were you up so late?"

The man told me his brother was in the hospital. He'd had a stroke. My neighbor had gotten the news while on vacation with his wife and grandkids.

"Oh no." I felt stupid for saying the same thing, but I was taken aback. Out of all the things I could have expected, this was last on the list. "Is he okay?"

The man shook his head.

I didn't know what to say. 'Sorry' seemed infinitesimally too small of a word, and a hug would be inappropriate in this situation. We sat together in what seemed like an uncomfortable silence for half an hour, and I debated whether to say anything else at all. Maybe I should just mind my own business, like usual. But the man just looked so sad.

He was the one to speak first.

"You from Ohio?"

"No, I'm visiting family for my birthday," I said. "How about you?"

"Yeah. You ever been to Rock and Roll House of Fame?" he asked.

The question surprised me. I said no I hadn't, but it was on my to-do list. The man said the term rock and roll had originated from Ohio from the very beginning. Alan Freed was the man who did it, he told me with a grin.

This seemed to take his mind off of current troubles, so I decided to keep on with the conversation.

"What's the best concert you've ever been to?" I asked, hoping that wasn't too random or weird.

"Oh, Elton John and Billy Joel's tour, hands down," he said. He began to list all the concerts he had ever been to and the biggest stars of the '60s - the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Elvis Presley. When he talked about music and 'the old days,' his eyes seemed to light up as if he were back in the Blossom Music Center. We chatted about famous landmarks in Ohio, rock and roll, and The Osbournes for the remaining of the flight. Twenty minutes turned into a couple of hours, and suddenly I was waving goodbye again at yet another new friend. I wished him and his family good luck, and told him I hoped his brother was all right.

As I walked into the Ohio airport, I spotted a female soldier clad in her camouflage military uniform. She crossed the hallway and approached a very old man--must have been in his nineties--with thinned blonde-white hair and large ear lobes. The soldier hugged the old man and whispered in his ear, thank you for your service. She squeezed his hand, and was gone.

I left the airport smiling.

Turning 20 has gotten me thinking deeply about what I want this upcoming decade to be about. Even though we are thrown unexpected surprises and crazy events every single day such that we feel powerless over our own lives, I think in the end we have a lot more control over our fate than we realize.

If there is anything that I learned from my day "in the air" (a day in the air out of many), it's that there is opportunity. Everywhere. The chance to make anything happen is right there in front of us, and it's our job to make sure we don't miss out. I think that's what I want my Roarin' Twenties to be about: taking chances and noticing opportunities. Being aware of my surroundings and the people around me. I never know who I will end up meeting on a chance encounter. Maybe next time I'm on an airplane, it'll be a cute guy with an Italian accent or something. Who knows? All I know is, never again will I bury myself in a book without first greeting my neighbor on an airplane flight.

Without further ado, here are my poems for the Roarin' Twenties Poetry Blogfest! Check out the rules here. The blogfest lasts until Sunday, so you can still sign up below!

A Set of Roarin' Limericks

Try #1:

There once was a girl named Wendy Lu,

Her popular nickname was Cindy Who.

Everyone thought she was thirteen, 

Which called for a post-teen scream,

All she wanted was some ice cream.

Ick......that was terrible! Let me try again.

Try #2:

There once was a girl named Wendy Lu,

Everyone called her Cindy Who.

Her friends said she looked young,

But really she was just full of fun,

Like them, she just turned twenty too!

Okay...that's better. One more try?

Try #3:

There once was a girl named Wendy Lu,

who ate her cake with a spoon.

She hung out at the speakeasy,

Even though alcohol made her queasy,

Never mind! This whole poem is full of poo!

Ack! I give up!

This blogfest is dedicated to all those writers who say they aren't 'good' at writing poetry. My 'literary forte' is with prose, but hey - ultimately there's a poet in all of us! I'm proof of that! :P

Thank you to all of the participants who signed up to celebrate my birthday with me! Much love to you all. Don't forget to check out the other entries!

The winner of the Chapter Critique Giveaway will be announced tomorrow after the blogfest and after I have entered everyone's points into the random generator! As they say in the movies, STAY TUNED.


Wendy Lu

P.S. I went from 184 followers to 194 followers in eight days! Y'all ROCK! Thank you so much!



"Flying High": The Roarin' Twenties Begins! (Blogfest + Giveaway)

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Announcing: The Roarin' Twenties Poetry Blogfest + Chapter Critique Giveaway

QOTD: If you could go back and (re)live through an entire decade in history, which decade would you choose and why? 

There are officially 8 days left until my 20th birthday! Huzzah! One would think turning 20 wasn't as exciting as turning 21 or 18, but in China decades are huge turning points in a person's life. I mean, I consider this past decade (Year 10 - Year 20) to be the Decade of Rebellion. I wonder what this next decade will bring? 

To celebrate my second decade of being alive, I am hosting The Roarin' Twenties Poetry Blogfest. This calls for another: "Huzzah!" The last blogfest I hosted was Inanimation 100-Followers Blogfest back in May 2011. Over 15 bloggers participated and it was one of my favorite blogging experiences ever. I've wanted to host another for a long time - and so here we are! I'm not very good at writing poetry, but I still write with words - I am writer. But I've decided I'm going out of my comfort zone for this one, because isn't that what part of being a writer is all about? Challenging yourself? Who's with me? 

Here are the rules: Any time between June 22 (my birthday!) and June 24, post on your blog either an original poem or an existing poem that focuses on one or more of the following: birthdays, the 1920s era, or time. Don't forget to enter your link and your name/blog name below using the InLinkz tool, and check out everyone else's blogfest entries! That's it!   


Actually...wait...one more thing! 

Not only is it going to be my birthday, but I am also getting close to 200 followers as well. This is a bit of a stretch, I know, but it would make my decade if I reached 200 followers by my 20th birthday. I would love to reach this goal if possible, but I need your help. Therefore, I am also hosting a Chapter Critique Giveaway to complement the blogfest! 

That's right - for the winner who racks up the most giveaway points, I will read and critique any one chapter of a manuscript OR a short story (page limit: 20 pages). The critique will include in-depth review, copy editing, rating, and suggestions - either over email or a Skype call (!). As a copy editor for both Cellar Door and Blue & White magazines, I promise you I will give constructive feedback.

To enter the giveaway, do any of the following and COMMENT below with a list of everything you did for your entry (P=Points): 

• Become a follower of my blog (5P)
• Participate in The Roarin' Twenties Blogfest (5P)
• Tweet about the blogfest and include the hashtag #theredangel and @xtheredangelx in your tweet (1P)
• Like TRA on Facebook (2P)

For every point, you will be entered in a random generator once. The maximum number of entries you can have is 13. On June 24, I will list all of the names in a random generator (*idea from Oh to be a Muse), and one name will be chosen randomly receives the chapter critique. So the more points you rack up, the better chance you have for the giveaway! 

Remember, participating in The Roarin' Twenties Blogfest automatically gives you 5 points. Woot!

Wendy Lu

Announcing: The Roarin' Twenties Poetry Blogfest + Chapter Critique Giveaway

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ROW80 Days: Hello, June!

#DailyWings:  "I'd rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy permanent planet." 

-Jack London

Alas! Is it June already? I know my posts often include exclamations of how time flies, but this exclamation is particularly significant because June is my birth month. In a little over two weeks, I will turn 20 years old. My reaction: O_O 

Ha. Um, what? That's two decades of my life right there! I used to think birthdays were the best ever, and that no matter what your age is, the day you were born and came into this world should always be a reason for celebration. Don't get me wrong - I'm still excited, but I'm a little afraid too. Technically I qualified for "grownup status" almost two years ago, but somehow the age 20 solidifies the new period in life that means real world. Responsibilities that require good decision-making. The job market. It's like I've been living in a bubble my whole life, and all of a sudden that bubble is going to be pricked with a needle. Pop. 

Well, I suppose there is nothing else left to do but embrace this next decade ahead of me. Changes are to come, and lessons of a lifetime. There are so many pathways in front of me... each one has the potential to define the rest of my career and my identity. It's up to me to choose the one that is best for me. I don't even know what those pathways are yet, but I'm ready to find out. Well, not yet. Soon. In two weeks, I will be ready. 

For this month, I have resolved to write in my journal, my beloved Moleskine journal, for every day of June. To document the last few days of my 19th year, and to accomplish a major writing goal. So far, I have managed to journal every single day no matter what, and it's been liberating. For once, I feel like my journal entries actually connect and make sense when they're read from page to page. 

Speaking of writing goals, I am sorry for not keeping up with my ROW 80 blog posts. But I do have wonderful news: I finished a whole chapter! I checked the count, and it's almost 6,000 words. Considering the fact that I've been taking summer classes and serving as a research assistant, I'd say that's an accomplishment! What about you? Have you 

Finally, I would like to introduce my new camera, Diego. Isn't it handsome? Diego is my first--and the best--birthday gift. I've been taking it out for some practice shoots in various locations just for fun, and I just started a new project called: "One-Sentence Story Photography." I will post favorites on my Facebook page. The idea is that every photo features a fiction super-short (theoretically one sentence long, but I get carried away and sometimes one sentence isn't enough!). All stories are fictional, of course, and merely for my own enjoyment. It's a nice writing exercise, too! Here are just a few from the first batch of Diego photos, along with their respective shorts: 

There was nowhere else in the world where she felt safer or happier than in the realm of her nearly-forgotten childhood, but what use is there in living in the past?

All his life, he had cared for nothing but books and movies. When he was nine, he tugged on his mother's skirt and said, "Mommy, when I grow up I want to be a storyteller."

No matter how hard Fishy tried to swim, he could never get close enough to pick up the pail.

She placed two hands on her mother's favorite vase and blew off the dust that covered the gold-tipped rim. Against the tip of her fingers, the vase was cold and hard, just like her mother.

Cameras took pictures, and pictures meant evidence. The investigator knelt down, determined to capture every crack, every stain.

To cut or not to cut? He was sure she would love it...roses were her favorite, after all.

The boy giggled, for no one else could have thought up of a better hiding place...nobody could find him here, in this perfect sanctuary.

This peculiar wall was the only thing that was keeping the squirrel from getting to his beloved pine nuts on the other side.

The ant clung to the rose branches for dear life, but to no avail - a single thorn sliced across his tiny foot, and down Tim fell.

After nearly twelve years of consuming half-eaten crusty doughnuts and sour milk from behind trash cans, Patty smelled her very first Thanksgiving.

It wasn't that she was afraid to break the glass cage and claim her freedom. She just wouldn't.

I have started a new #DailyWings trend on Twitter for sharing quotes, sayings and tidbits of inspiration. Feel free to tweet me your own collection of #DailyWings. Let me know how you like this new feature on TRA, as opposed to the Question of the Day. 

Wendy Lu

ROW80 Days: Hello, June!

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Happy Bliggity Birthday: The Best of the Blog Year 2

QOTD: What is your favorite type of sinful cake, the cake that you only eat when you feel really wicked? (Mine is red velvet! Mm...yummy)

Happy Sunday, everybody! It is a very grey day here in North Carolina, but I am in a spirited mood and am so excited to say that it's TRA's Blog Birthday/Anniversary! Can't believe I've kept up this blog for two years already...I guess when you're having fun and loving what you write about, time flies. 

I've been sifting through this past year's blog posts and thought I'd share with you TRA's Top 10 highlights. 

Your Ultimate Journaling Guide Part #1 and Part #2

100 Followers Blogfest: "Inanimation" and Let's See That Inanimation!

Interview: An Evening with Writer Jordan-Marie Smith

Reflections on My First Year of College

The Secrets to a Hot Blog

"Why I Write YA" Blogfest

The Art of Sophomore Swag

"How Old Are You?" "Why Does It Matter?"

Reveal of the Red Angel + NaNoWriMo 2011 Begins!

My Experience As a Critique Partner

As promised, I have finally launched a new feature of the TRA blog site. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing: Double Check Editing Services! This is a sort of thank you to all of my friends, family members and blog friends for the constant support and encouragement I've received throughout the years. It is also a part of my commitment to helping others find their own writing style and literary success. Enjoy! 

Here's to another year full of blogfests, literary frenzies and adventures! Happy Birthday, TRA blog! 

Happy Bliggity Birthday: The Best of the Blog Year 2

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30-Day Challenge 28: Re-Cap on 19th Birthday + Annual China Trip!

QOTD: How do you keep your email organized and de-cluttered?

Day 28: In this past month, what is something you have learned? Well, I learned that I can read a book really fast if I really want to and if I really need to. Honestly, I spent about four hours today reading the last fifty pages of Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert! I think that's the most I've read in a day since Harry Potter #7 came out.

Thank you everybody for all the wonderful birthday wishes and sweet comments! :) I truly enjoyed participating the Favorite Book Challenge and reading everybody else's entries. I have so much on my To Be Read List now it's not even funny. Well maybe a little bit considering I am a very slow reader! Honestly...I read every page at least twice. Har, harr. Anybody else like that?

On a different note, I went to dinner at Olive Garden with my awesome family and one of my best friends. I got the Chicken Scampi and it was, um, nothing short of amazing. Seriously....it was so good I was too excited and impatient to take photos for you all. So if you ever go, get the Chicken Scampi. It's basically heaven on a plate. TOTAL YUM.

~~~

Tomorrow, I will be in the lovely skies enjoying complimentary peanut snacks on a gigantic airplane with three rows of cushioned grey seats. Yes, my friends, it is time for my annual trip to China!!! Every year, my family and I fly all the way to China for some delicious dumplings and other oriental eats, distant traveling to various provinces around the country, and reunions with old friends and relatives. Assuming that Blogspot still works over there (unlike *sniff* Facebook), I'll be documenting my lovely day-to-day experiences right here on TRA so I will be able to share with you all my journey! Isn't this exciting? :)

Look forward to future posts on my trip to China!

30-Day Challenge 28: Re-Cap on 19th Birthday + Annual China Trip!

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19th Birthday Blogfest: The Favorite Book Challenge

Question of the Day: What is your favorite type of cake? Describe the perfect slice...include any toppings or fruit or flavors :) I want to hear about the yummiest, sweetest, most divine cakes you can imagine!!!

Yayyy I am officially 19 years old, as of 9:15am this morning! *does happy dance* I'll be pretty busy for the rest of the day but I had to post and share my happiness with you all. I don't quite feel 19 yet but I'm sure it will hit me soon at some point--probably right before I dig into the birthday cake that is anxiously waiting for me in the fridge. *nom, nom*

Speaking of cake, be sure to tell me what is your favorite kind of cake and what your ideal cake would be! Everyone loves a good cake fantasy. :) In my next post I'll share with you photos of my own cake as well as other visuals of my festivities! Also I'd like to take a moment to thank all of my family and friends for always being there for me and for making today so amazing already--and it's not even the afternoon yet!

Since I already hosted my 100-Followers Inanimation Blogfest not too long ago, I decided instead to participate in a blogfest myself! And just in time...

Today is the last day to participate in Teralyn Rose Pilgrim's Favorite Book Challenge Blogfest over at A Writer's Journey (click the previous link to see the other entries)! The idea is to choose my top five favorite books of all time (this is a challenge, indeed), and for each book write two lines on what it's about and why I like it so much. So here goes!

1) My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult--This is a novel about two sisters; one of them has leukemia and the other was conceived by her parents solely for the purpose of saving her sister throughout their lives by constantly donating granulocytes, bone marrow, and other cells that are crucial for survival. Reading this compelling novel made me aware that many families must struggle and go through difficult situations and I must remember to feel grateful for all the good things in my life.

2) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini--Amir is a Sunni Muslim who is living in Kabul as a child, and befriends Hassan, the son of his dad's Hazara servant. I loved this book because not only did I learn so much about the contemporary history of Afghanistan, but I was also engrossed into a story that is filled with prose that highlights the sins, the tragedies, the beauties and the truths about what natives of certain Middle Eastern countries go through.

3) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott--Follow along with Jo, Amy, Meg and Beth in this book filled with their stories of growing up in the midst of America's civil war, from small skits to marriages to school troubles to sisterly quarrels. Having a sister of my own, I know how strong the connection between sisters can be and easily relate to all of these March girls in some way or another; plus, Alcott's writing is amazing.

4) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling--In this third book in Rowling's epic series of the magical world, Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts hear about his godfather, Sirius Black, for the first time and find out if he really is a menace or if there's something else about Harry's tragic past that we have yet to discover. I'm not sure why I like this book the most, but it's probably because we learn more about Harry than just the sad story of his parents' death that we already know of, and Remus Lupin is AWESOME (seriously, I wish I had him for a high school teacher).

5) A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle--Ahh, it is hard to explain this book but I will try my best: a science fantasy novel, A Wrinkle In Time follows the Murray kids as they set out on an adventure to find their father and discover the truth about what happened to him when he went missing during his mission to learn about time travel. This book indirectly shows its readers what it means to be courageous, put your family first, and have hope in the face of dark times.

19th Birthday Blogfest: The Favorite Book Challenge

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30-Day Challenge 25, 26, 27: Letters to People (in Chinese!)

Question of the Day: If you could spend one semester studying any language at all (regardless of time or money constraints), what would it be?

This post was actually inspired by the book Eat, Pray, Love (author Elizabeth Gilbert) in which Liz herself embarks on an adventure to Italy, India and Indonesia. I am currently reading Part One and Liz explains why Italian is so beautiful and why she has this passionate desire to completely immerse herself in this language.

During my freshman year of college, I got to take Mandarin Chinese--and I have to say it is absolutely wonderful. I've always been surrounded by family members who instead speak Shanghainese, the primary dialect in Shanghai, China, so I thought that this would be an excellent opportunity to learn more about and of the #1 most popular language in the world (Spanish in #2 and English is #3).

Now, I love Mandarin as much as Liz loves Italian. And I am proud to say that I am now able to write, read and speak basic Mandarin. HURRAY!!! Sadly, the reading part is most difficult for me since it's not an innate skill. As I will be travelling to China next month (woohoo SO EXCITED) I definitely think I need to brush up on my Chinese (both Mandarin and Shanghainese).

So for today's Challenge, as part of my 30-Day Tumblr Blog Challenge, I'm going to write letters in Chinese! Awesome excuse to practice, no?

First I'll show the letter I wrote in Chinese, and then I'll add the English translation below. Enjoy!!! Do any of you know Mandarin or Shanghainese (if so could you see if I wrote the letters correctly? hehe)

Day 25: Write a letter to somebody who is not in your state/country.

我的表姐:

你好马? 我还有一个半星期就会去上海来看你。 我很开心! 我希望可以跟你去看电影和吃饺子。 我好久没吃上海采了。 我也要去看看你的办公室， 好吗?

My older female cousin:

How are you? There's still only have one and a half week left before I will go to Shanghai to see you! I'm so happy! I hope I can go with you to see movies and eat dumplings. I haven't had Shanghai dishes in so long! I also want to go see your office, is that okay?

Day 26: Write a letter to the person you miss the most.

你好， 姐姐!

虽然我昨天刚跟你打过电话了，可是我还是非常想你! 我在等到我们能一起去中国。。。没有很多时间了! 你想，飞机上面会有什么采是好吃的， 什么电影是好看的? 不要忘带好看的衬衫，裤子， 和鞋。 我们的家人都要看看美国的女孩子是穿什么呢.

Hello, big sister!

Even though I just gave you a phone call yesterday, I still miss you a lot! I am waiting for when we will get to go to China together...not much time left now! What do you think, what sort of yummy foods to eat and good movies to watch will there be on the airplane? Don't forget to bring pretty shirts, pants, and shoes! Our family members want to see what clothes American girls wear.

Day 27: Write a letter to your best friend.

最好的朋友:

你好! 你怎么样? 六月二十二号是我的生日，我会看到你。那天我要给你一张枝， 有你喜欢得歌写在上面。 你来的时候我们会做饭，看电视， 和吃蛋糕。你喜欢什么样子得蛋糕和饮料? 你告诉我， 我就会到商店去卖。请快一点给我发电子邮件!

My best friend:

Hello! How are you doing? June 22 is my birthday, and I will get to see you then. On that day, I will need to give you a piece of paper, which has a song on it that you like. When you come, we will cook food, watch television, and eat cake! What kind of beverages and cake do you like? You tell me, and I'll go to the store to buy them. Quickly write me an email please!

Whew!!! Goodness that was a lot of writing. It was great exercise for my mind though, and definitely helped me jog my memory, especially for some of the harder words/characters like cake, beverages and pants and grammar points such as 虽然, which means although.

If you know any other tongues besides English, feel free to write your comments in your respective languages! I'd love to learn how to say different phrases, though I can't promise I won't use Google Translate. ;) Share your languages with us!

P.S. Yes, I will be going to China next month and will definitely be blogging about my experiences--hopefully everyday if possible. I am SO excited and can't wait to share my adventures overseas with you all!

30-Day Challenge 25, 26, 27: Letters to People (in Chinese!)

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Happy Birthday, Tessa! Blogfest

Question of the Day: What was the best birthday party you've ever had?

Happy, happy birthday to the amazing Tessa Conte! Hope you have a lovely time with your friends and family. :) And lots of cake! And wear a birthday crown, because today you're the princess! :)

In honor of her birthday, she is hosting a blogfest that must be related to birthdays, cupcakes, presents, or candles in some way. Yayyy, you all know that I LOVE blogfests!

~~~

The Perfect Present

His fingers slowly untaped the carefully wrapped present. The paper was colorful and shiny. The package was bulky and heavy. But as he slowly undressed his gift, he realized what it was, and he stopped.

"Hazel," he breathed.

"Keep going," she urged him. "Please! I wanna get this over with."

He obeyed, not daring to take his eyes off the surprise, and when it was fully unwrapped, he stared at it in awe. "Oh, Hazel."

It was a professional camera, one of those big ones that filmmakers from behind the scenes of movies and television shows use. It had a large lens, several gadgets stuck here and there, and a large tripod stand to go with it.

"It's for you to use," she said, and then immediately felt stupid afterwards. Of course it was for him to use. "Um...I thought it'd be neat if we could make some mini skits together. And then, when we finish editing, we can ask the local television station to, you know, host them...."

He looked at her, his eyes glassy. "Wow, I love you." He crawled over to her, the manual clutched in his hand, and kissed her once, twice, three times, on the cheek. "It's amazing. Thank you. I really, REALLY like it." He saw her face, smiled, and said again, "Really."

She smiled back and sighed with relief. "I'm glad."

Ivan gave his Christmas present one last loving glance, as though still incredulous to think he owned such things, and finally buried himself under the tree to reveal a large, flat, rectangular wrapped box.

"For you," he said. Now, he was the one to be nervous. His palms were sweaty and his eyebrows scrunched up. "Um...yeah...." He didn't know what else to say.

Hazel unfolded the corners and gasped---almost yelped---when she revealed what it was.

A complete painters' set. Stock full with three leather-bound sketch diaries--one with pages that were partly lined and partly blank--that had gold bookmarks attached. Six colorful ink pens and three sharpened wooden pencils. Two erasers. One small, blank book for notes, quotes, and planning. And a photo book of Van Gogh's best masterpieces.

She was crying.

"Hazel? What's wrong?" Ivan frowned and crawled over to her. "Do you not like it?"

"It's one of the best presents I've ever gotten," she told him, tears streaming down her face. "Thanks so much. I...needless to say, I love it."

Ivan breathed out a sigh of relief. "Whew...and I was about to think you hated it."

Hazel wrapped a hand around his waist and laid her head down on his shoulder. "No, you know exactly what I like. You know me so well..." She looked up and gave him one of her "hazey" smiles.

"Wait, there's one more thing.." All of a sudden, his body became rigid and stiff. He took her hands and led her to the nearby couch just feet away from the tree. "Stay there, but give me your hand. We're gonna play Hot and Cold."

"Uh, okay..." Hazel waited curiously with her hand outstretched. There was a solemn look on his face, one that made him rosy and melancholy and tense all at the same time.

He took her hand, feeling her soft skin, and led it to the middle of the Christmas tree.

"Feel around until you find something hard," Ivan said.

"Is everything okay?" she asked uncertainly.

"Yeah, yeah, just do what I say," he said, almost impatiently.

"Okay." With an eyebrow turned upwards and one turned down, she fumbled through the branches and then, unexpectedly, caught something hard. Very hard. Like a box.

Automatically, his own hand swooped down and took it from her. It was a small, black, jewelry gift box. In fact, it was the one he had used so many years ago to give her her first little black watch. He sat down next to her.

"Aw, that was really nice of you," she said, thinking he'd given her a new watch.

He shook his head, almost frowning, and opened it. In it was a perfectly round hoop. A silver ring. She gasped. "Oh!"

~~~

D'AWWWWWWWW. (:

Happy Birthday, Tessa! Blogfest

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