Big Fitz~Anniversary of the sinking~Edmund Fitzgerald

 R.I.P. to those on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Alphabetical list;
3rd Mate: Michael Armagost
Porter: Frederick Beetcher
Oiler: Thomas Bentsen
1st Assistant Engineer: Edward Bindon
Mantainence Man: Thomas Borgeson
3rd Assistant Engineer: Oliver Champeau
Porter: Nolan Church
Watchman: Ransom Cundy
2nd Assistant Engineer: Thomas Edwards
2nd Assistant Engineer: Russell Haskell
Chief Engineer: George Holl
Deck Hand: Bruce Hudson
2nd Cook: Allen Kalmon
Wiper: Gordon MacLellan
Special Mantainence Man: Joseph Mazes
1st Mate: John McCarthy
Captain: Ernest McSorley
Wheelsman: Eugene O'Brien
Watchman: Karl Peckol
Wheelsman: John Poviach
2nd Mate: James Pratt
Steward: Robert Rafferty
Deck Hand: Paul Riippa
Wheelsman: John Simmons
Watchman: William Spengler
Deck Hand: Mark Thomas
Oiler: Ralph Walton
Cadet: David Weiss
Oiler: Blaine Wilhelm
All Names and Occupations courtesy of S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald Online
Once again, rest in peace, 'at the bottom of Superior's ice water mansion'. (Quotation marks are lyrics from Gordon Lighfoot's The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald)

Something Cool

   This doesn't actually have anything to do with writing, but yesterday evening I discovered that my laptop has a built in microphone. It is very cool, because I put the computer on a setting for being able to here what the microphone is picking up, and now I can hear the keys clicking, among other things, through my headphones. YAYAYYAYAY!

Johanna

A strange story

   Mm kay, so I checked out Writing Magic by Gail Carson Levine, and was doing some of the writing exercises, and here's one of them. The prompt was "Think of a boy and girl you know. Picture them as adults. Imagine they are forced to marry each other. Write what their lives would be like. Write their dinner-table conversation on their first anniversary."
   *This is a fictional story about real-life people. Their names have been changed to protect their innocence.

   Once upon a time, there was a couple that had been forced into marrying each other. Their lives completely normal.
   The husband was Blake Wallace, and he worked for a company called Apple. He developed new iPods, iPhones, iPads,  and more. His wife was Glory (Fall) Wallace, and she was a writer, had published three books, and was writing a fourth. On their first anniversary, their conversation went a little like this.
   "So, Blake, what did you work on today?" Glory asked.
   "Not much. Just a hologram app for the old iPod touch that was discontinued five years ago," he said, glancing up from his iPad. "What about you?" he asked.
   "I made progress on my novel," Glory said, gesturing to her Microsoft laptop. (side note: the kind of laptop is important)
   "You still have that hunk of junk? I could get you the newest MacBook if you wanted it," Blake said. Glory shrugged, returning to her potato salad.
   Blake got up, after finishing his dinner. "I'm going out to the deer blind," he said. It was hunting season, and Blake was an avid hunter.
   "You should make an app for attracting deer." Glory laughed Blake smiled, grabbing his vest.

   It's kind of short, but, oh well. Andrea, have you done it yet?

Something I wrote for English loooong ago.

   Today is King Glad’s birthday. Tonight there will be a huge banquet. My mother is the cook, so I know there will be roast lamb, salmon dip and wheat crackers, fruitcake and cheesecake, sweet pickles, and last but not least, the most delicious cheese in the world. My guess is the King’s daughters will be wearing those violet velvet dresses, and his son will be wearing his red suit. Well, I must go get my bonnet and corset from the laundress, my sister. I am giving the King a scarlet blanket and a hatchet cabinet. My father is sleeping, so I must be quiet. Farewell.

   I wrote this so long ago, and I wasn't very wise in the way of historical info.

49 questions about me. (AGAIN!)

1. High heels or boots? Boots!
2. What time did you get up this morning? Seven thirty. UGH!
3. What was the last movie you saw at the theater? Courageous!
4. What is your maiden name? This is so obvious.
5. What is your favorite TV show? Don't ask me this.
6. What do you usually have for breakfast? Fruit or cereal
7. What is your middle name? Ha ha, I'm not telling.
8. What food do you dislike? Peanut butter. (Blech!)
9. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Blessings. (Laura Story)
10. What characteristic do you despise? Bullying?
11. Favorite clothing? Purple shirts!
12. Anywhere in the world on vacation? Norway.
13. Are you an organized person? Look at my room. (NO)
14.Where would you retire to? No idea!
15. What was your most recent memorable birthday? This last one. It was awesome.
16. What are you going to do when you finish this? Watch the Olympics. 
17. Furthest place you have ever been to? Detroit, MI or Sault (SOO) St. Marie, Canada
18. Person you wish you could meet? Gabby Douglas or someone on the Women's Olympic Basketball team.
19. When is your birthday? Sorry, that's personal.
20. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night.
21. What is your shoe size? 8 1/2 or 9.
22. Do you own any animals? No, but I hope to get a dog soon.
23. Any news you'd like to share? I'm going to the beach tonight?!
24. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? A writer.
25. What is your favorite flower? A rose.
26. What day on the calender are you looking forward to? My birthday.
27. If you were a crayon, what would you be? Purple. It's my favorite color...
28. How is the weather right now? Cloudy.
29. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My mom when she was at work.
30. Favorite drink? Sprite or cherry juice.
31. Favorite Restaurant? Anywhere that has ice cream!
32. Hair color? Brown with dirty blond highlights... (natural!) P.S. it's curly too!
33. What was your favorite toy as a child? No idea...
34. Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter? Summer! I love to swim!
35. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate.
36. Coffee or tea? Herb tea.
37. Wish you were still young? I am!
38. Do you want to get married? I'm not sure...
39. When was the last time you cried? I don't know.
40. What is under your bed? Boxes.
41. What did you do last night? Hiked.
42. What are you afraid of? Breaking my neck.
43. Salty or sweet? Sweet.
44. Best quality you have? A good writer?
45. How many years at the current job? I don't have a job. 
46. Favorite day of the week? No idea.
47. Favorite movie?  Courageous.
48. Have you ever had a crush on anyone? That's for you to wonder and me to know...
49. Do you like finding all this stuff out about your friends? I think.

Stories are in the mind, not the book

   "But I've only got so many story starters in this book!" I whine, turning to face my friend. She glares at me, pointing at her temple. I think about what she means, for several moments, then come to the conclusion that she wants me to use my imagination. She smiles when I point to my head, then my notebook. I jot down a few things, then head to my laptop, which sits upon my desk, and start hammering on the keys. "Must you be so loud?" she questions, glowering.
   "I guess not," I say as I type, lightening my touch upon the keys of my keyboard.

   Several minutes later, the printer whirls into motion. "You're done already?" my friend looks up from her book, startled by the sound.
   "Well, sort of. I have come up with a title, yet," I smile, reaching over to the printer to pull the paper that has my story on it. I hand the paper to my friend, beaming proudly while she reads it. She grins, "This is pretty good, Anna." Beth corrects a spelling error, and scribbles a title at the top of the page. I reach for the sheet, and return to my computer to revise the page. I smile at what she had inserted for a title. Freedom in the Field wasn't a bad name for the story I had just outlined with my words. I was going to write the whole story, of course, but this was all I would do today, as my friend and I had only one more hour before we were going swimming, then she would go home.

A quick glance

   "Vanessa, it's time to go to bed! Get your light off, now!" Mom calls from outside the bedroom that I sit in.
   "O.K., Mom," I reply. I'm not tired, and I don't want to go to bed. I stare at my pegboard. It is cluttered with cards. I glance at my bedroom door. "Why do I still have those playing cards stuck with packing tape on the door?" I ask myself. My eyes travel around the room, taking in the flowers I painted, my shawl, a calendar. I see a sketch I drew on the wall, my filthy dresser, a second calendar, my lava lamp, a baseball cap. Shifting my position, a poster and a third calendar appears. I glance at my grandmother's painting. It isn't of her, it's one she did. Finally, I view my own picture, the one of me with a butterfly on my nose.
   "Vanessa, what did I say?" Mom questions from outside my bedroom.
   "To go to bed," I sigh as I get up to turn my light out. I switch the light switch, flick my radio on, and say goodnight to my room. I whisper a prayer, something about thanks and safety, then lie down and doze off.

Olympics?!!??

Wow, it's time for the Olympics already.

Mysterious

   "In this land, there's more legends then people!" croaked the hunchbacked, salt and pepper haired woman.
Scary, huh? I thought so.

BUBBLES!

   You've probably all played with those bottles that have the bubble solution. I know I played with those for years. (I still do, if I can find one of those things) The point is, we all know what it is like to blow some bubbles and then pop them. And we would get mad when someone popped our bubbles for us. Or when the bubble solution didn't work. So now, some people will say, "Don't burst my bubble," or "Sorry if I broke your bubble." I like bubbles, think they're fun, and like it when you don't break mine.

Memorial Day

   Memorial Day isn't just a day for having a BBQ, or a picnic. Memorial Day is when we remember those who died fighting for our freedom. I recall seeing a photograph that had a caption "Freedom isn't Free". That is very true. Anyways, the point of this blog post is that we should remember those who fought for our country and died doing so. Before I moved to my current house, I had a neighbor. Her name was Elaine Buffenbarger. I was great friends with her great-granddaughter, and Mrs. Buffenbarger herself. Mrs. Buffenbarger had a husband who died about 5 years ago on Memorial weekend. He fought in one of the wars, so technically he was a Veteran. I still think of him and what he did for my country, every Memorial Day. I know I normally put stories on here, but I guess I'm just venting a lot. Today I challenge you to think about what the men and women in the Army, Marines, Air Force, Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard, and the rest of those forces do for our blessed country. Just do that for me. Please. Now if you're in a different country than the United States, and you don't what I'm talking about "Memorial Day", I still challenge you to think about what your country's army is doing for your country. Goodbye for now.

The travelers- Part 2

   “What’s your name, miss?” the beggar girl asked me as we strolled towards my home.

   “My name is Victoria Jensen and I am twelve years of age, and the daughter of Mister Arthur Jensen and Missus Rosalind Jensen née Baker,” I explained, forgetting this beggar knew nothing of proper etiquette and introductions.

   “Hmm. My name is Mary Jackson. I’m 8,” the girl explained.

   “Pleased to have your acquaintance, Miss Mary,” I curtsied.

   “Likewise, I’m sure,” Mary repeated what so many ladies on the street would say to new friends.

   I laughed at that. Mary scowled, but kept walking.

   When I reached my home, I opened the front gate. “Enter, Lady Mary,” I bowed, sillier than ever.

   “Victoria, why are you doing this for me? You’ve never even met me before today!” Mary broke out of her beggar ways.

   “Wait, you’re an eight year old beggar, why are you talking like a proper lady all of the sudden?” I questioned.

   “Because I’m not a beggar. My uncle owns the general store,” she sighed.

   “What’s wrong?” I asked.

   “My uncle says that I should not affiliate with persons of the upper class. I do so long to be a princess though!” Mary Jackson complained.

   “Well, has your uncle adopted you?” I questioned the girl.

   “No, not properly, miss,” Mary replied.

   “Than it won’t be against code for my mother to attempt to adopt you,” I smiled. I led Mary through the gate, up onto the porch, and through the front door. “Mother, I’m home! And I’ve found a girl for you to adopt!” I announced my presence.

   “Oh, she’s perfectly lovely!” Mother proclaimed. “Although she is a bit smelly,” she whispered in my ear.

The Travelers- Part 1

   As I walked down the dusty road, in my fancy purple dress and shoes, I saw a beggar girl crouched at the edge of the road. "Hey-ho, miss! Buy a handful of flowers for jest a dime!" she called.
   "Girl, what makes you think I have a dime? I've never seen you before, where did you come from?" I asked questions.
   "Miss, I guessed you 'ad a dime, 'cause you've got such a pretty dress on. I wish..." the girl trailed off at the end.
   "You wish, what?" I questioned the beggar.
   "I wish I 'ad a dress like that. But if I be having one, it'd get stolen, sure 'nough," the girl mused.
   "Do you have a family, girl?" I asked.
   "Nope, I'm an orphan. Jest trying to stay out of the orphanage, I am," she explained.
   "Come with me, I want to show you something," I said.
   "I'm coming!" she dropped her flowers and ran towards me.

A princess story- Part 10

   Evelyn, Lily and I walked the halls until we reached the courtyard, where my parents and Lady Aquilla would have their carriages.
   "They're over there," Lily pointed to a carriage.
   "Grace, I thought you were in the carriage!" my mother shrieked as Evelyn and I ran to meet my mother and my father.
   "I'm not Grace, I'm Evelyn," Evelyn calmly said.
   "Evelyn?" My father gasped. "You know your sister, Sabrina?"
   "Father, I am Elise, not Sabrina," I replied, as Lady Aquilla stepped out of her carriage.
   "Father? What are  you doing here? I thought you were in Germany!" Aquilla asked.
   "Aquilla, you are Sabrina, a Norwegian princess. I am the Norwegian king, also your father from Germany. Evelyn, I am your father also, and you are a Norwegian princess, and this," my father beckoned to the carriage, and my sister Grace stepped out, "is your twin sister Grace."
   "What?!" all of us girls shrieked.
   "It's true, girls," Mother smiled, sadly.
   "Whoa, all this is so strange," Lily spoke up.
   "Brit Nilsdatter?" Father turned, with a look of shock on his face.
   "No, I'm Lily Olesdatter, her daughter," Lily replied.
   "Well, you look and sound just like your mother," Father sighed.
   "Father, who is Brit Nilsdatter?" I questioned. Why would my father recognize a mere servant from the British court?
   "Aunt Marit's maid, from when I was a little prince. Brit was the same age as I, and we were friends. How ironic that Brit's daughter is your friend," Father explained.
   This was all very strange to me at the time, but now I am Queen Elise, as Edward's mother died in a wreck a couple months ago, and the King has been dead for quite some time. I have accepted the strangeness of this whole thing, and Lily is one of my lady-in-waitings, and Sabrina, Evelyn, and Grace are back in Norway with Mother and Father.

The End

A princess story- Part 9

   On the carriage ride, I spoke to Lily. "What do you think about this whole thing? I'm dreadfully perplexed."
   "I'm sure that Lady Aquilla is your sister. I mean, it only makes sense!" Lily replied.
   "Hmm, I suppose we'll find out when my parents get here for the wedding. About the wedding. I don't know if I like Prince Edward or not, but I guess my opinion doesn't really matter in this situation," I mused.
   "Yeah, sure. What is your sister's name?" Lily asked, quite off topic.
   "I have 3 sisters, one died at birth, and she was Evelyn. There is Grace, who is Evelyn's twin and there was my twin, Sabrina," I said, dreamily.
   "Evelyn? I know a maid named Evelyn, she doesn't look exactly like you, but very similar and she's from Norway," Lily gasped.
   "Wow, this is getting stranger by the minute! Can you have Evelyn meet me in my room tonight?" I asked.
   "Sure, Elise, I will try," Lily jumped out of the carriage as it rolled to a stop.

   Sophie the housekeeper came running out of the kitchen and ran over to the carriage. "Your Highness, Prince Edward wishes to speak with you about something. He is waiting for you in the throne room," she explained.
   "I see, Sophie. I am on my way over now," I hurried out of the carriage and into the castle. I sped down the castle hallways until I reached the throne room. I knocked, was told to enter, and I walked in, curtsied in front of the prince, and asked, "Yes, Your Highness?"
   "Elise, your parents are coming, as they have been for over two weeks, and said they met a messenger with a message from you earlier today. They say that they will arrive in less than a day," Prince Edward explained.
   "Oh! Thank you so much for telling me, I did send a message to them," I curtsied again.
   "Elise, please don't curtsy, I do hate it awfully," Prince Edward smiled.
   "Oh, I do apologize," I returned the smile.
   "You may go, now," said the prince.
   "Goodbye, Edward," I turned and left the throne room.
   "Goodbye," Edward laughed.

   Later that day, I told Lily to bring Evelyn to me, to see if we truly resembled each other.
   "Your Highness," Evelyn curtsied, and I gasped.
   "Evelyn, you look exactly like my sister Grace!" I referred to my younger sister, who was 12.
   "The name does sound familiar, as if my father had spoken of her," Evelyn smiled.
   "Princess Elise, your parents are here," Sophie knocked on my door.
   "I'm coming!" I told Sophie. To Evelyn I said, "Do come with me. I would appreciate it!"
   "Princess Elise, Lady Aquilla has come, and is waiting for you," Lily told me from outside the door.

A princess story- Part 8

   "Why, yes of course that's the Norwegian king, I thought I told you that last week," Lord Patrick explained.
   How is this possible? My father looks exactly like Lady Aquilla's "father"? This is strange. "Lord Patrick, is it true that this looks like Lady Aquilla's 'father'?" I asked hesitantly.
   "Yes, I know it is strange, but it is true, nonetheless," Lord Patrick mumbled.
   "Princess Elise, is it possible that your father and mine are related? Maybe even brothers?" Lady Aquilla questioned.
   "Lady Aquilla, I believe you are my twin. How could our fathers be brothers if you are my sister?" I asked in reply.
   "I don't know. But I don't really HATE Norway, just I don't like it that much, I mean, Germany in itself doesn't exactly like Norway," Lady Aquilla sighed, quite quietly.
 
   After chatting for a long while, Lord Patrick cleared his throat, and said, "I think I hear the dinner bell. What do you say we go have luncheon?"
   "That's sounds wonderful? May Lily eat with us? I know she is but a servant, but she is a wonderful friend," I questioned.
   "That's fine, sometimes Aquilla's servant, Bethany, eats with us," Lord Patrick replied.
 
   Soon after we finished eating, the carriage driver came up and asked, "Your Highness, a messenger from the palace came. You are to return to the castle, as you are needed. May we depart?"
   "Oh, yes of course, excuse me Lady Aquilla and Lord Patrick. Come along Lily," I fumbled my words. What was going on? Who needed me? This situation was puzzling.

   I ran out to the carriage, dragging Lily behind me. The carriage driver set the carriage into motion, and we sped off towards the castle.

A princess story- Part 7

   After I finished a letter to my parents, Lady Aquilla woke up. "Who are you?" she asked of me.
   "I am Princess Elise of Norway, at your service," I did a mock bow, as a joke.
   "I see," Lady Aquilla sighed, without a hint of a smile.
   "What's wrong, my dear?" Lord Patrick questioned.
   "I hate Norway. They ruined my life!" Lady Aquilla shrieked.
   "Wha-a-at?" I gasped.
   "My father said that the Norwegian king tried to kidnap me, and then we had to go into hiding! I'm a noble, and I shouldn't be forced to hide! We had to live in a shack for the time I was 1, to my 12 birthday!" Lady Aquilla whined.
   "Forgive her, she's not normally like this. I think it's the fact that you look exactly like her," Lord Patrick leaned over and whispered in my ear.
   "Lady Aquilla, my father did not try to kidnap you! Your "father", who was an impostor, kidnapped you and had to hide because of it. I had a identical twin, but she was kidnapped by a man from Germany!" I explained, rather dramatically.
   "Do you have a painting of the Norwegian king?" Aquilla asked.
   "Yes, it so happens that I do," Lord Patrick smiled, before I could say anything.
   "Where?" Lady Aquilla frowned.
   "Myron, please bring the painting in my room, above the fireplace," Lord Patrick called the butler.
 
   When Myron returned, he handed the framed painting to Lord Patrick. "That's the Norwegian king? I always thought that was my father!" Aquilla shrieked.

A princess story- Part 6

   "Lady Aquilla, a visitor for you," the butler spoke as he opened the doors to the dining hall.
   "Myron, tell them I'll be with them in a moment. I have to freshen up a bit. Show them to the parlor, please," Lady Aquilla's voice floated out of the dining hall.
   "Yes, Lady Aquilla," Myron turned towards his left and beckoned to Lily and I. "Come along, Your Highness," he said.
   "I'm following you, butler," I growled. I was used to having my way and getting what I wanted when I wanted it.
   "Elise, it's not Myron's fault that Lady Aquilla has to freshen up. You heard her," Lily whispered in my ear.
 
   After Lily and I sat in the parlor for ten minutes, Lady Aquilla appeared. She screamed, fainted, and Lord Patrick came running, asking, "Is there a burglar?" over and over.
   I flopped on the floor next to Lady Aquilla, wondering if we truly looked just alike. I thought, "Maybe I can fool Lord Patrick! I fooled the butler!"
   Lord Patrick came in the door and screamed like a girl. "Aquilla! Which one is the impostor?" he gasped.
   "Neither one is an impostor, you, you, you monster!" Lily shrieked.
   Lady Aquilla sat up, screamed again, and fainted another time. I laughed, saying, "Lord Patrick, I'm Princess Elise from Norway, and I'm pleased to meet you. Apparently your wife and I are twin sisters."
   Lord Patrick looked at me, gasped, and said, "That could be possible. You see, Aquilla came from Germany, and her "father", my distant cousin, said that her birth certificate burned up in a fire that destroyed his home, and I had never heard anything about a fire. I didn't believe him then, and now I'm almost positive that he kidnapped Aquilla to marry me when I grew up. Our marriage was arranged by him and my father, neither of who were exactly honest."
   "Can I have a piece of paper and some ink?" I asked.
   "Why of course! Did you want a pen too?" Patrick laughed.
   "Yes, please," I snickered.

A princess story- Part 5

   Twenty minutes later, I had eaten breakfast and was on the way to Lord Patrick's estate. I had asked for Lily to come with me, as she was a good friend. I wanted her to be with me if Lady Aquilla and I were truly sisters.

   As we drove up to the carriage entrance, Lily spoke. "Elise, are you and Lady Aquilla sisters?" she asked.
   "I don't know, but it is possible. I might have a twin sister, and she might be Aquilla. But there are many variables in this situation," I explained to my dear friend.
   "What do you mean, you 'might have a twin sister'? Wouldn't you know if you had a sister?" Lily questioned, not understanding.
   "Well, not in this case. You see, if I did have a twin sister, she was kidnapped before the age of one, so I never knew her," I tried to explain.
    "Oh," Lily said as the carriage stopped. Lily helped me out of the carriage, and we went to knock on the front door of the estate. The butler opened the door, and gasped.
   "Lady Aquilla, aren't you in the dining room?" the butler questioned.
   "I'm not Lady Aquilla. I'm Princess Elise of Norway. I would like to speak with Lady Aquilla, though," I clearly pronounced.
   "Come in, Your Highness," the butler bowed, clearly embarrassed about the confusion.
   As the butler led us down the hallway towards the dining room, Lily whispered to me, "Elise, if Lady Aquilla was kidnapped before she was one, would she remember having a sister?"
   "No, I didn't think of that! Uh-oh, this is not good," I gasped.

A princess story- Part 4

   "Your Highness, wake up," the housekeeper woke me the next morning.
   "Oh hello, Sophie. May I see Lady Aquilla today?" I still wasn't sure about the identical twin thing, I mean that was just a topic the servants were talking about once. I wasn't supposed to know about it, but the servants were talking a bit too loudly.
   "Lady Aquilla? Princess Elise, how do you know about her?" Sophie, the housekeeper, frowned.
   "Yes, Lady Aquilla. Lily was talking to me about Aquilla last night. Apparently she looks identical to me," I smiled.
   "Lily, is that true?" Sophie frowned a bigger frown.
   "Yes, ma'am, I'm sorry. I was startled when I came in my room, and I thought Princess Elise was Lady Aquilla," Lily explained.
   "Lily, I'll speak with you later about that. Princess Elise, would you kindly forget about Lady Aquilla?" Sophie scolded.
   "Sophie, I will be seeing Lady Aquilla today, whether you like it or not. As soon as I have breakfast, I trust I WILL be on my way to Lord Patrick's and Lady Aquilla's estate. When is breakfast, anyways?" I demanded.
   "Princess, breakfast is in ten minutes," Sophie explained.
   "That's Your Highness to you, housekeeper," I retorted, my temper flaring.
   "Yes, Your Highness," Sophie bowed and ran out of the room, fearing for her job.
   "Well, I successfully got rid of her, for now, Lily. Please, tell me more of Aquilla," I calmed down.
   "I, I, I'm not supposed to talk of her, Elise," Lily stuttered.
   "I'm sorry, Lily, what was that? Did you not see what I just did to Sophie? I can make you want to run, also," I ordered.
   "Well, Lady Aquilla has straight blond hair, blue eyes, slender face, looks just like you, and looks rather like a stick," Lily explained.
   "I see," I sighed.

49 questions about me. (Just thought I'd update it)

1. High heels or boots? Boots!
2. What time did you get up this morning? Somewhere around 9...
3. What was the last movie you saw at the theater? Courageous!
4. What is your maiden name? Johnson! (DUH!)
5. What is your favorite TV show? Restaurant: Impossible
6. What do you usually have for breakfast? Fruit or cereal
7. What is your middle name? Ha ha, I'm not telling.
8. What food do you dislike? Peanut butter. (Blech!)
9. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Grace Like Rain, by Todd Agnew
10. What characteristic do you despise? Bullying?
11. Favorite clothing? Purple shirts!
12. Anywhere in the world on vacation? Norway.
13. Are you an organized person? Look at my room. (NO)
14.Where would you retire to? No idea!
15. What was your most recent memorable birthday? This last one. It was awesome.
16. What are you going to do when you finish this? Eat lunch. (hopefully)
17. Furthest place you have ever been to? Detroit, MI or Sault (SOO) St. Marie, Canada
18. Person you wish you could meet? Rebecca St. James or Francesca Battistelli.
19. When is your birthday? Sorry, that's personal.
20. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night.
21. What is your shoe size? 8.
22. Do you own any animals? If my parents' chickens count, I guess I do.
23. Any news you'd like to share? I have a new blog for my 14" and my 18" dolls! It's called the Doll Haven
24. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? A writer.
25. What is your favorite flower? A rose.
26. What day on the calender are you looking forward to?Easter!
27. If you were a crayon, what would you be? Purple. It's my favorite color...
28. How is the weather right now? Rainy.
29. Last person you spoke to on the phone? I have no idea...
30. Favorite drink? Sprite or cherry juice.
31. Favorite Restaurant? Anywhere that has ice cream!
32. Hair color? Brown with dirty blond highlights... (natural!) P.S. it's curly too!
33. What was your favorite toy as a child? No idea...
34. Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter? Summer! I love to swim!
35. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate.
36. Coffee or tea? Herb tea.
37. Wish you were still young? I am!
38. Do you want to get married? I'm not sure...
39. When was the last time you cried? A couple days ago.
40. What is under your bed? Don't even ask...
41. What did you do last night? Played basketball and went to Spanish.
42. What are you afraid of? Really, really deep water. (I'm getting over it)
43. Salty or sweet? Sweet.
44. Best quality you have? A good writer?
45. How many years at the current job? I don't have a job. 
46. Favorite day of the week? No idea.
47. Favorite movie?  Courageous.
48. Have you ever had a crush on anyone? That's for you to wonder and me to know...
49. Do you like finding all this stuff out about your friends? I think.

A princess story- Part 3

   "Lily, where are you from?" I asked the maid after she helped me into my nightclothes.
   "I've always lived in the palace, Your Highness," Lily replied.
   "And who is Lady Aquilla?" I questioned.
   "Lady Aquilla is the wife of Lord Patrick," Lily explained.
   "Why did you think she was in your room?" I asked.
   "Because you look just like her! Although, if you are from Norway, you obviously couldn't be her," Lily exclaimed.
   "Do you have any idea how old she is?" I was interrogating Lily, as many questions as I was asking of her.
   "Maybe 16, Your Highness," Lily replied.
   "Oh, please, Lily. Call me Elise," I sighed.
   "Yes, Your Highness, I mean, Elise," Lily fumbled with her words.
   "Lily, what do you know about Lady Aquilla?" I asked. I was asking all this, because I had a identical twin at birth, but she was kidnapped before the age of one. I was 16, for goodness sake!
   "Well, her birthday is May 26th, she is 16 years old, married to Lord Patrick, and came from Germany before she got married," Lily told me.
   "Can I meet her to talk with her sometime soon?" I questioned.
   "I'm sure you could meet her tomorrow, Elise," Lily sighed.
   "Alright, thank you, and a good night to you," I yawned.

A princess story- Part 2

   While the housekeeper was fetching Lily, I decided to write in my journal for a few moments. This is what I wrote: Dear Diary,

   Here in England, at King William's country estate, I am to marry Prince Edward. Apparently, he (Prince Edward) is very different from his parents, who are extremely greedy and wasteful with their money. Prince Edward is the opposite, he wants to give all his money to the poor and needy. Not that that is a bad thing, just he would give so much that he would become poor and needy. Yes, I will have my hands full when I become queen.

   Princess Elise of Norway

   "Lady Aquilla, why are you in my room?" a servant girl asked.

   "Lady Aquilla? Who in the world is that?" I looked at her, stunned.

   "You are Lady Aquilla, are you not?" the maid questioned.

   "No, girl, I am not Lady Aquilla. I am Princess Elise of Norway, come to wed Prince Edward of England. I am Lily's roommate for the time being," I replied in a haughty voice.

   "I am Lily, and very pleased to meet you, Your Highness," Lily curtsied.

   "I see you know some proper etiquette," I said in a disgusted tone, not wanting her to know I liked her.

   "Yes, I have been trained by Lady Fallon Lee in all things proper," Lily said in her haughtiest tone.

   "Impressive," I said sarcastically.

   "Thank you," Lily smirked.

   "I didn't really mean that, hope you realized that," I growled.

   "What?" Lily looked VERY puzzled.

   "Help me get ready for bed, already," I ordered.

A princess story

   "Princess, right this way," the housekeeper said to me.

   "I'm coming, servant," I replied. I know I have a temper, but on that particular day, it was the worst it has been in years.

   "Here is your room. You shall be sharing it with Lily," the housekeeper told me.

   "Sharing! A bedroom! With a SERVANT?" I screamed.

   "Yes, you have to share a bedroom with a servant," the housekeeper sighed as she opened the door to a bedroom that had one bed.

   "Please don't tell me I have to share my bed, also!" I shouted.

   "You're right, you don't have to share your bed. You have to share Lily's bed," the housekeeper smiled.

   "Oh, puh-lease! Why can't some of the servants share a bed?" I protested.

   "Because, Lily is the only one that has her own bed, all the other servants have to share beds already!" the housekeeper explained.

   "And why is there not enough beds in this castle for everyone?" I questioned.

   "Because the king and queen spend all the money on themselves, and leave nothing for us servants," the housekeeper replied.

   "I don't think I want to get married to the prince, if everybody is THAT greedy," I plopped down on the narrow bed.

   "He's very kind, and wishes he could give everything to us servants, so he needs a little restraint. If he was king, all by himself, the servants here would be richer than him," the housekeeper explained to me.

   "Oh, so he needs someone to help him make WISE decisions. Not that giving is foolish, or anything," I thought aloud.

   "Well, too much giving is somewhat foolish," the housekeeper explained.

   "Right," I sighed.

   "Good night, princess. I'll have Lily come in here and help you undress," the housekeeper smiled.

   "Good night," I smiled back.

SEVERE WRITERS BLOCK

I can't write anything but this lame song I posted on YouTube;

Ooh, writer's block!

    Don't you just hate writer's block? I've had a very bad case for the past month now. I can write, but all of it is so very cheesy. I don't know what it is! But I just can't concentrate on the stories, so everything is cheesy. I don't really think there's much to do about writer's block, so I guess most of my posts will be already written quizzes, or complaints like this. I'm off to see if I can write something good!
Johanna

49 Questions about me.

1. High heels or boots? Boots!
2. What time did you get up this morning? Somewhere around 9...
3. What was the last movie you saw at the theater? Courageous!
4. What is your maiden name? Johnson! (DUH!)
5. What is your favorite TV show? Mythbusters?
6. What do you usually have for breakfast? Fruit or cereal
7. What is your middle name? Ha ha, I'm not telling.
8. What food do you dislike? Peanut butter. (Blech!)
9. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Grace Like Rain, by Todd Agnew
10. What characteristic do you despise? Bullying?
11. Favorite clothing? Jeans.
12. Anywhere in the world on vacation? Norway.
13. Are you an organized person? Look at my room. (NO)
14.Where would you retire to? No idea!
15. What was your most recent memorable birthday? This last one. It was awesome.
16. What are you going to do when you finish this? Take some pictures about my Polly Pockets? Check out my blog about them here.
17. Furthest place you have ever been to? Detroit, MI
18. Person you wish you could meet? Rebecca St. James or Francesca Battistelli.
19. When is your birthday? Sorry, that's personal.
20. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night.
21. What is your shoe size? 7.
22. Do you own any animals? If my parents' chickens count, I guess I do.
23. Any news you'd like to share? I have a awesome blog about my Polly Pockets!
24. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? A writer.
25. What is your favorite flower? A rose.
26. What day on the calender are you looking forward to? Easter!
27. If you were a crayon, what would you be? Purple. It's my favorite color...
28. How is the weather right now? Melting.
29. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My friend, Miss Haapala. (Sorry, no first names. Haven't asked her if I can give out her name on the internet.)
30. Favorite drink? Sprite or cherry juice.
31. Favorite Restaurant? Anywhere that has ice cream!
32. Hair color? Brown with dirty blond highlights... (natural!) P.S. it's curly too!
33. What was your favorite toy as a child? No idea...
34. Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter? Summer! I love to swim!
35. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate.
36. Coffee or tea? Herb tea.
37. Wish you were still young? I am!
38. Do you want to get married? I'm not sure...
39. When was the last time you cried? A couple days ago.
40. What is under your bed? Don't even ask...
41. What did you do last night? Played basketball and went to Spanish.
42. What are you afraid of? Really, really deep water. (I'm getting over it)
43. Salty or sweet? Sweet.
44. Best quality you have? A good writer?
45. How many years at the current job? I don't have a job. 
46. Favorite day of the week? No idea.
47. Favorite movie?  Courageous.
48. Have you ever had a crush on anyone? Maybe...
49. Do you like finding all this stuff out about your friends? I think.


Thanks to Buttercup for this.