If I Die Young by The Band Perry

If I die young bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song
oh oh oh oh

Lord make me a rainbow, I’ll shine down on my mother
She'll know I’m safe with you when she stands under my colors, oh and
Life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
ain't even grey, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I’ve had just enough time

If I die young bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I’ve had just enough time

And I’ll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom
I’m as green as the ring on my little cold finger
I’ve never known the lovin' of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand
There’s a boy here in town says he’ll love me forever
Who would have thought forever could be severed by

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I’ve had just enough time

So put on your best boys and I’ll wear my pearls
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no I’ll sell them for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I’m a gone
And maybe then you’ll hear the words I been singin’
Funny when you're dead how people start listenin’

If I die young bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song
oh oh


The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep ‘em in your pocket
Save them for a time when your really gonna need 'em oh

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I’ve had just enough time

So put on your best boys and I’ll wear my pearls

Never Forget.

Nine years ago today, America changed as we knew it. For the better and for the worse. We became an angry country, unforgiving and brutal. But we were United.

I was eight years old. My sister, mom and I went on a bike ride. My dad stayed home because he was working nights at the time. Our internet wasn't working, so my mom wanted to stop at my gramma's house to check her email. My mom looked worried after she had done that, but we continued our ride home. When we arrived home, my dad was at the door to our basement. I remember his exact words: "Stace, you gotta come see this." My mom ran downstairs. We could hear them screaming and crying. I was so scared. But I was the big sister, so I remember hugging Sarah as she asked me "Why are mommy and daddy so scared?". I couldn't answer. I didn't like that.

The phone was ringing off the hook that day. Turned out my gramma, who works for FEMA, was less than 15 blocks away in her office, and family and friends were calling to check if she was okay. My mom always answered the phone, but she never had an answer. She kept calling my gramma, but she never picked up.

My parents eventually told my sister and I what had happened. I kept a diary at the time, and I still have it somewhere. I have about five entries I wrote that day. One day, maybe I'll get it published. Reflections of an eight year old's experience of a national tragedy. My explanation to my diary about what had happened was simple. There were some not nice people who didn't like America. They flew a plane into a big building in New York City and lots of people got hurt. Some even died.

I wasn't allowed to watch the footage, and I'm glad.

My gramma was okay. Her whole floor had swarmed to the windows to watch the buildings fall. She was answering everybody else's phone calls. That night, we were at her house. I saw part of the TV footage. I will never be able to erase the image of people running and screaming from the falling buildings. The next day, my gramma rented a car and drove into the city. She had to LIVE in New York for about a year to deal with the turmoil.

I'll never forget. I hope you won't either.

This was in my Church bulletin this week, and I thought I'd share:

MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news on September 11, 2001.

Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good Bye'. I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK... I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help.

'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.

'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of the planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith had saved them.  I was in Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan, Afghanistan. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.

Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face.

I knew every name -though not all know Me.

Some met me for the first time on the 86th floor. 

Some sought Me with their last breath.

Some couldn't hear me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.'

Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.

But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. 

You may not know why, but I do... However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday, your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'read to go.' I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God.

Cheap Tricks

Ladders, mirrors
A black
Cat
Watch the rabbit
Come out of the hat
Magic, luck, it's all the same
Gullible minds are its favorite prey
Pick a card, any card
Doesn't matter, isn't hard
To see that it's short-lived amusement
A moment of wonder, thrill, confusion
Until you learn how the trick is done
And your bubble of enchantment
Pops.
Gone.

The Violin

Play me a song
On your shy violin
Tuck her in gently
Under your chin
Tickle her softly
With the bow's string
Let me hear her laugh
As you help her to sing
Lend her a voice
With your firm fingertips
Let your bow kiss
Her beautiful lips
Oh the songs she will sing!
And the tunes she will spin!
Play us a song
On your shy violin

By Anna S. age 17
Be sure to check out her blog!

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

I know I promised a book review of The Goose Girl but I ditched it when I got Wuthering Heights at Borders for five bucks. I'll get to it soon, but in the meantime here's a review of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights.

"...I am surrounded with her image! The most ordinary faces of men and women—my own features—mock me with a resemblance. The entire world is a dreadful collection of memoranda that she did exist, and that I have lost her!"
-Heathcliff

Mr. Lockwood is new to the area and as a diversion to fight off the boredom of living in an isolated part of the country, he asks his new housekeeper to tell him the history of his interesting neighbors, including his landlord, Mr. Heathcliff. Mrs. Dean, the housekeeper, turns out to have known this intriguing Heathcliff for most of his life. She launches into a fascinating narrative of the lives and troubles of the Earnshaws and Lintons, the two great families of the neighborhood, and in the middle of all of it, Heathcliff. He starts out as a homeless child with no family or history that anyone knows of. Mr. Earnshaw finds him and takes him into his home to live with his two other children, Catherine and Hindley. Catherine gets used to him eventually and comes to love him dearly; they become as close as twins. Hindley, however, hates Heathcliff for the attention he gets from old Earnshaw and persecutes him throughout their childhood, even making him act as a servant after his father dies. When Catherine and Heathcliff are about seventeen, Catherine becomes friends with their well-to-do neighbors, the Lintons. Their son, Edgar, falls in love with her and she, in a way, with him. Although she privately declares her love for Heathcliff to be incredibly strong, indeed, to be the most important part of her, she ends up marrying the richer, kinder Edgar.
As it turns out, Heathcliff worships Catherine, but he hates Edgar Linton passionately, and begins to carry out a grand scheme of vengeance on the Lintons and Earnshaws that spans nearly twenty years.

No matter what you've heard, this is not a love story. It's a story about a passion, an obsession, and the depressing, often terrifying effects it has on the people involved. The love, if it is love, between Catherine and Heathcliff is very intense and very serious, but it certainly didn't make anyone happy.
I had been scouring Borders for an hour and a half trying to find something affordable that I'd actually read. I found Wuthering Heights and thought, hey, I love one of Charlotte Brontё's works, why not try her sister? In a way, I enjoyed this book. It is well written, though rather drawn out at parts, suspenseful, and fascinating. It is also depressing and disturbing. It's an intense examination of love, hate, compassion and the lack of it. I'd say it is worth reading, especially if you're a fan darker stuff. It wasn't exactly my kind of story, but I understand why it's considered a classic.

So if this sounds good to you, go on and enjoy it. But if you prefer happy endings, read at your own risk.

Because of the Pudding: A Tragic Love Story

(AAAH! I'm sorry! I don't know how we missed this Wednesday. Here's the poem. Apologies!)

**We Katies and some of our friends were challenged to write a poem and the only rule was that it had to involve pudding. I present to you a tragic story of love never fulfilled...make sure you have some tissues handy.**

'Twas April, and love
With the flowers was blooming.
And so in the cool evening air of spring,
He fell to his knees and offered a ring
With nary a thought of the pudding.

"Marry, me darling!"
He clasped her hand to his heart.
But she turned from him, that maiden fair
And through the curtain of her hair
Said, "I can not...because of the pudding."

"The pudding?!" cried he
And let go of her hand in astonishment.
So with a tear in her lovely eye,
She explained to him the reason why
They could not wed because of the pudding.

"Thou hast made it clear
That thou never didst care for it.
I love the pudding, canst thou not see?
We never could be happy, we three
For thou dost not like pudding."

"Must thou break my heart so?"
He implored, so pitifully.
"I tried to like pudding, for thy sake, I did!
It did not agree with me and made me quite sick.
Dost thou remember how ill I was, because of the pudding?"

"I do remember, love!
And it doth break my heart too,
For though 'tis true it maketh thee sick, lo!
A thousand such suitors may come and go,
But my first loyalty is still to the pudding."

"I cannot live without thee!"
He cried, and she cried also.
Hearts torn, they went their melancholy ways.
She heard of his death the very next day.
'Twas by his own hand; he'd taken two helpings of pudding.

Inconsolable, the maid
Despaired, and nevermore was joyful.
Though she lived long, she never was wed.
Every night, silent tears she did shed,
And she lost all her love for the pudding.

Coming soon!

We seem to be suffering from a shortage of happily volunteering poets...so, for now you're stuck with us. :-P

Coming Soon!
An interview with singer Jackie Francois
A review of The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
On Wednesday: Because of the Pudding: A Tragic Love Story
A review of Oceans Apart by Karen Kingsbury

Right after these messages!
(OK fine, there are no "messages". But I was so into that TV moment...)

Yours

I'm Yours,
My Lord,
I'm all Yours.
Take my impurities,
My fears and my hurts.
Transform my heart
To look like Yours
Make it my deepest desire
To dwell with You.
Make my dream
Only to praise You.
Take it all,
Lord,
It's all Yours.
I am nothing without You.
With You,
I need nothing more.
Clean my soul,
It's Yours.
Take me,
My Lord,
Do as You wish with me.
I'm Yours.
Here I am,
Lord.
I come to do Your will.
I'm Yours.

 - The Original Katie

The Truth

You're beautiful
Inside and Out.
You don't need makeup.
You don't need a man to love you.
You already have three in one.
Your body is beautiful.
You're not an object.
Love is not sex,
And sex is not love.
You ARE worth it,
Someone would give His life for you.
Your worth dying on a cross for.
Your life is worth living.
You are unforgettable
Irreplaceable.
You are forgivable
Lovable.
You are perfect the way you are:
The Divine Artist makes no mistakes.
You ARE loved.
The perfect man doesn't want you to change.
In His eyes, you are worth everything.
The Truth is so beautiful.
Why are we lied to?

- The Original Katie

An Interview With The Director

Hey there! You may know that there is a movie being made for The Shadow Of The Bear, the book that was reviewed earlier this week. We interviewed Elizabeth H., the director/writer/producer; in other words, the talented young lady that is making it possible. Enjoy!

The Katies: How did you first hear about the Fairy Tale Novels?

Elizabeth: My friend pulled them off her bookshelf and said I should read them sometime. Me being me, I made 'sometime' happen immediately and read them both that night.

What first inspired you to make a movie of The Shadow of the Bear, and when did you officially decide to do it?

There were four incidents that got the idea squarely in my head.

#1 - my friend Ella (Froggy on the FTN forum) read the books and said we should do an informal film of it. I didn't take it very seriously at the time, but it did sort of get the idea in my brain.

#2 - several fans were talking about getting together and shooting the film over a two week period. This got me thinking about the logistics of making such a project happen.

#3 - However, I wasn't seriously thinking of doing a film at this point because I had given up my filmmaking career plans officially about six months previously. I went through a really dark period in my life and was only just beginning to come out of that in the spring of 2008. That's when my friend Josh (always my co-director) told me that he really thought I should get back into filming, because it made me more alive than he'd seen me at any other time. Because I respected him greatly, I took this to heart and really started wondering about SOTB.

#4 - I joined a production of "Beauty and the Beast" and at our first official read-thru I met our "Beast." A quiet guy with dreadlocks who radiated so much 'Bear' it was nearly impossible for me to remember that this was a guy named Jed, and not the real Arthur Denniston. When Josh kickstarted my film thoughts, one of the first things I did was ask Jed if he'd consider joining the project. When he said "yes"... well, it's all history from there.

(You can find a more in-depth answer at: http://theshadowofthebear.blogspot.com/2008/12/inspiration-of-this-film.html)

How difficult was the casting process?

I sometimes think I have a gift when it comes to casting. In just about every film I've done, I've been able to look at the people I know and choose exactly who would be best for each part. I give the credit for that to God, because he brought together all the right people at the right time. I could never have pulled everyone together if God hadn't introduced them to me. That said, the four main characters were fairly easy. Jed was the first on board, and I already knew Hannah and Anthony would be brilliant for their roles. I didn't know Sharayah very well, but had a hunch she might be a good Rose. Actually, I had been tossing around the idea of Sharayah as Rose almost since I first met her, even though I wasn't seriously thinking about the project at that point. I was really surprised when she said yes, and once again it turned out to be God's hand at work.

Harder roles to cast were the adult parts, because adults tend to be a bit wiser about making these sorts of commitments. The last character to be cast was Sister Geraldine, whom we only signed on yesterday!

Which part of film making is the most fun?

My absolutely favorite part is when we're in the middle of a take and I get to see the characters really come to life. I've spilled my guts out doing everything I could to get to this point... but I'm no puppeteer. The actors are in control, and it's like magic when Jed becomes Bear, and Anthony Fish and they start yelling at each other and I think I've fallen into another world...

Which part is the hardest?

SCHEDULEING! I hate scheduling with a passion. You can't even begin to imagine how incredibly frustratingly difficult it is trying to coordinate the insane schedules of a dozen different people who are not getting paid to comply with you. My personal hell would be me being forced to schedule films like this for eternity. It's miserable.

How did you get interested in film making to begin with?

It was my Dad's fault. When I was about a month old he made a film about what an important baby I was when we went to visit my mum's hometown. It was a pretty hilarious film and it must have made an impact on little sleeping me because I've never been able to escape filmmaking since. I learned how to use the camera when I was about 7 years old and I've been making projects of some sort ever since. My first feature length production took place when I was fifteen years old and consisted of me directing a horde of junior high guys running around with swords and capes all summer.

What has been your favorite scene to film so far?

Oh that is an insanely hard question! Probably the scene in Freet's basement. That was just really awesome and I had way too much fun putting blood on Anthony. That guy is amazing for letting us tie him up to a post for hours. Seriously amazing.

Which of the scenes left to do are you most looking forward to?

We've done most of the fun ones... oh, the end scene! I am SO looking forwards to shooting those girls in their dresses and those guys in their suits!

We all adore them....who is your favorite male hero in the FTNs?

FISH! Need you ask? I adore Fish. Though according to Regina, if they were real (and not already hooked up with the FTN girls), I'd probably end up with Paul. He's not my favorite, but I can see the truth in that.

Which of the two sisters, Blanche and Rose, do you feel you most relate to?

I used to be very Blanche-like. In fact, my experiences at private school were in some ways quite similar to Blanche's. However I really identify more with Rose. I'm not nearly as sanguine or easy-going as she is, but we have very similar interests and flights of imagination. To be perfectly honest, I really consider myself more of a 'third Brier sister' who has parts of both girls, but is totally unique. I think the three of us would get along spendidly, although I'd probably tell Blanche she needed to loosen up and go skydiving or something.

When, approximately, will the movie be released?

God willing, June 2011!!!

When it is released, how will people order it, and about how much will each DVD go for?

I believe it will be available for order on our blog, (www.theshadowofthebear.blogspot.com) and I am estimating that the total cost will be between $15 and $20.

RANDOM: What is your favorite kind of pie?

I LOVE pumpkin pie! Ooh, I shouldn't have done this interview on an empty stomach. Now I want some!

Thanks so much for doing this interview! We can't WAIT for the movie! Keep up the good work! :-)

If you haven't checked it out yet, there's a button for the official movie blog on our sidebar. Just click the image, it'll take you straight to the blog! That concludes Fairy Tale Novels Week; thanks for reading!

Alex O'Donnell and the Forty Cyberthieves: A Guest Review

There's a brand new Fairy Tale Novel! Here is a guest review by Mary C. *applause*


The book Alex O’Donnell and the 40 CyberThieves was an excellent addition to the Fairy
Tale Retold series by Regina Doman. It follows the story of two characters introduced in Waking
Rose, Alex O’Donnell and Kateri Kovach, and its fairytale counterpart is the Arabian Nights
narrative, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. When Alex’s family mysteriously ends up with a
fortune, strange happenings begin to occur. At the same time, the orderly and efficient Kateri is
trying to discern the direction she should travel in her own life; however, she gets drawn into the
lives of Alex’s easy-going family. This, of course, includes both the O’Donnell family’s positive
aspirations and successes, as well as their troubles. And, unfortunately for all those involved,
those troubles just might prove to be life-threatening.
Like in all of the Fairy Tale Novels, Regina Doman used Alex O’Donnell to address
a moral concern relative to the modern world. In this case, it is the dangers of becoming too
addicted or involved in the cyber and electronic worlds – to the point of excluding real life and
relationships. Although Mrs. Doman did not “stick it in your face,” the message was still clear.
When it comes to the story itself, this fifth book was written in a much lighter manner
than the previous four. Regina does an awesome job at balancing humor with the more serious
matters in the book, all while adding an adventurous theme. Readers of Waking Rose will find
the characters of Alex and Kateri wonderfully written, and true to their original personalities.
Alex’s family is a great addition to the story; they contribute to the fun as Kateri attempts to
understand them – which, for her, often ends in exasperation. It does not take long to find
oneself feeling quite affectionate towards Alex’s riotous younger brothers. While Alex’s father
remains somewhat cryptic throughout the book, the two mothers, of both the O’Donnell family
and the Kovach family, add their maternal wisdom and joy to the story. There is also a surprise
appearance of some of the former much-loved Fairy Tale Novel characters, and mentions of
others. As for the plot itself, the upcoming events in the book are not obviously laid out; I
personally was kept guessing (incorrectly, I might add) at what was about to happen next, up until
the end of the book.
Overall, the book was beautifully done, and a worthy addition to the series. For myself, it
is definitely one of my favorites. I have every intention of reading it several more times, as soon
as I am able to get it back from where it has already been loaned out. ;)


Thanks so much for the great review, Mary! :)

Stand in the Rain by Superchick

Somebody once told me that this song reminded them of Blanche Briar from the FTN. After reading our reviews, or our books, what do you think?

This song is beautiful, and almost everyone could probably relate.

Oopsies!

Um. Day two... Reviews of Waking Rose and the Midnight Dancers!

Waking Rose

by Regina Doman

 

"I love him more than poetry, I love him more than song..."

Thus begins the third novel in the intriguing saga of Rose and Blanche Briar. Rose is singing about Fish, or Benedict, who saved her life when she tried to save his. Ever since then, Rose has been head over heels in love with Fish. Too bad he doesn't feel the same way...

This is my all-time favorite book in the FTN series, and one of my alltime favorite books alltogether. And since I'm a heeuge bookworm, that's pretty impressive. It has everything I love in a book, movie or TV show: Romance (Chaste romance, at that! Can you say RARE), Adventure, Humor, Mystery, and Friendship. I love the kind of stories where the girl is in love with the boy, but the boy thinks of her as just a friend. Or maybe even less than that. I love how Rose thinks that she's given up on Fish, but, maybe, just maybe, he'll fall in love with her, too.

The Midnight Dancers

by Regina Doman

Rachel is tired. She's tired of her everyday routine, and how she is treated by her stepmother and father. She is tired of having to do everything perfectly. When Rachel and her sisters and stepsisters find a secret passageway in their historic home, she decides that it's time for her and the others to take a walk, or a dance, on the wild side. Rachel begins to have two lives, one at night, and one during the day. Her worried father asks for the help of Paul, a med student with a job juggling at the local festival on the side. Paul tries at first to keep them from going out at night, but he realizes that it's going to take something much more than just restriction: Trust.

This book is very different from the first three for many reasons:

1. This is the first book where the main character is not Catholic
2. The main character is rebellious, quite different from Rose and Blanche.
3. Speaking of Rose and Blanche... they're not in it!
4. It personally seemed darker to me, alot more fighting with personal demons.

Since I'm a Rose girl, it was hard for me to really get into the book. All I could think the first time I read it was, "Where are the Briars and Dennistons?!?!" I had to reread it a few times just to appreciate the new characters. While I don't like Rachel as much as Rose, she is still a very relatable character. I was going to say she was likable, but, unfortunately for me, I didn't really like her. Overall: I'm not the biggest fan of this book. If you've read it, what do you think? Leave your opinion in a comment. I'll post them later.

Kickoff!

Oh my muffins!
I am so sorry...I was supposed to post yesterday but it turned out to be busier than I expected; that is, a usually shorter Sunday nap went into overtime. *cough*

So to get things started, I'm going to tell you about the first two books in Regina Doman's Fairy Tale Novel series, The Shadow of the Bear and Black as Night.

The Shadow of the Bear
















How would you feel if a tall guy with dreadlocks who had been seen dealing drugs showed up at your house on a stormy night? Not only that, he turns out to be pretty nice, and he likes poetry, too!
Blanche is doubtful and suspicious. Rose is thrilled with the mystery and adventure of it all...plus it's nice to have someone they can call a friend.
These are the Brier sisters. Their story is based on the Grimm Brothers' "Snow White and Rose Red." The fellow with the dreads is Bear. When he becomes their friend, adventure ensues as the girls try to discover just who he really is and what he's up to.

What can I say? This is a fantastic book. It has action, intrigue, humor, mystery, just a pinch of romance...and it's as Catholic as they come without being preachy. It's written for teens but is great for anyone. :)
**An independent student film of The Shadow of the Bear is currently in progress. Later this week we'll be posting an interview with the director, producer, writer, and all-around champion multi-tasker that is making it possible.**

Black as Night
















Black as Night is the second book in the Fairy Tale Novel series and is based on, you guessed it, Snow White! Blanche is alone in their house during the summer, having opted to stay home and work while Rose and their mom go on vacation and Bear spends some time in Europe. A late-night attack on the subway lands her in St. Lawrence church for the night. The next morning she is discovered by seven friars (remind you of anything?). They're renovating the church and rectory to be a friary for their new order. Blanche stays with them in their peaceful little community, as she tries to sort out some of her recent problems and the strange, aggressive behavior of a guest at the restaurant where she works. Meanwhile, Bear and her family come back to find her.

Black as Night is rather darker than SotB, and more intense. The seven friars provide great comic relief, though. Action-packed but also with its quiet moments, Black as Night deals with life decisions and God's will for us. This book is fast-paced and frightening, beautiful and enlightening, all in one. Young people at that crucial turning point in their lives will relate to it, as well as anybody who has experienced unhappy family relationships or struggles with anxiety. A great, wonderful book indeed!

A round of applause for Ms. Doman for writing these two fantastic novels! Up next, Waking Rose and Midnight Dancers!

ANNOUNCING:

Fairy Tale Novels week!

That's right, starting Sunday the 25th the Katies will be devoting a whole week to Regina Doman's Fairy Tale Novels: The Shadow of the Bear, Black As Night, Waking Rose, Midnight Dancers, and the brand new Alex O'Donnell and The Forty Cyberthieves! There will be a guest review of Alex ODonnell, an interview with the director, writer and producer of the student film, The Shadow of The Bear (currently in progress) and more!

If you've never read these books, then this is a great opportunity to learn about them! And if you're already a fan of Regina, you still don't want to miss this!

It starts on Sunday...see you then! :-D

"Home"

This place I love's my destination:

A town with little population

But without too much isolation.

I'll rest beneath sky's dome.

Can’t stop my heart's acceleration!

Of slowing it shows no indication.

I simply cannot resist temptation

To find my way back Home.

-Katherine D. age 15

Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is one of the most fawned over fictional men in the history of literature. I'll admit to having done my own fair bit of swooning. But there are such gaps in Pride and Prejudice where we hear nothing of him. Have you ever wondered what he was up to during those times? Ever wanted to have a peek at what was going on in his head, and more importantly, in his heart?

Now you can, thanks to Amanda Grange and her wonderful book Mr. Darcy's Diary. It really is his diary, and in it everything is revealed. It begins the summer before Bingley takes Netherfield, and ends a few months into his marriage to Lizzy. It is accurate, often with lines taken directly from P&P. Miss Grange knows the characters inside and out; every piece of dialogue is precisely how I think Jane Austen would have wanted it. We come to know the Bingleys better, as well as Georgiana Darcy. Darcy's intervention in the Wickham and Lydia problem is explained in full detail. And of course, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is ever present in his thoughts. All his struggles and feelings are there, beautifully laid out on paper right in front of you. Probably the part most worth getting excited about is the last few chapters, where we get to see a bit of Lizzy and Darcy after they're married; and let me tell you, they make an adorable couple.

This book is a must-have for every fan of Jane Austen. It really is perfect; it made me love Mr. Darcy even more, if that's possible. I also loved getting to know Mr. Bingley better. Mr. Darcy's Diary is officially one of my all-time favorite books, and I highly recommend it to anybody, provided they're familiar with P&P.
I think if Jane were alive today she'd applaud Amanda Grange on a job very well done. For this reason, it has a place of honor in my bookcase right next to its parent book, Pride and Prejudice.

"You Raise Me Up" -Celtic Woman

Meet Celtic Woman! Before I give you the lyrics, I just want to say that I LOVE this group. I'm actually slightly obsessed. Other girls are nuts about Justin Bieber or Taylor Swift...Celtic Woman is my version of that. I saw them in concert a few months ago and don't even know how to tell you amazing it was, or how excited I was. A quick FYI: The girls, left to right, are Alex Sharpe, Lisa Kelly, Mairead Nesbitt, Chloe Agnew, and Lynn Hilary. This is their version of "You Raise Me Up", originally sung by Josh Groban.

Lyrics:

When I am down, and oh my soul so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then I am still and waiting in the silence
Until you come and sit a while with me

(Chorus)
You raise me up so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be

There is no life, no life without its hunger
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly
But when you come and I am filled with wonder
Sometimes I think I glimpse eternity

(Repeat Chorus)
(Repeat Chorus)



P.S.
Sorry about the weird ending! I didn't watch the whole video before posting. My bad.

The Sympony

Sound of a harp
Fairy strings
Hidden elfin choirs sing
Songs unheard by man take wing
Music of a moonlit forest

Song of colors
Drops of rain
All the heavens in a soaring refrain
For which to listen would be in vain
Music of the rainbows

Medley of smiles
Trusting eyes
A guardian angel's lullaby
A sweet little face turned up to the sky
Music of a child's innocence

Symphony of wonder
For all to hear
Song of laughter, song of tears
All creation singing clear
Music of all beauty


- The Other Katie

Review: The Heist Society

Katerina is a world renowned thief. Okay, she doesn't want to be, but it's the family business, and sometimes you have to work with what you got. Katerina decides to walk away from er lifestyle and enrolls in a private boarding school. When she is kicked out for doing something she did not do, Her friend, and "ex" partner in crime, W.W. Hale the Fifth, tells her that her dad is in heaps of trouble. That's when Kat returns, though reluctantly, to the lifestyle of her youth.

I absolutely LOVED this book! It was a fun, quick read. Kat is such a lovable character, and then of course, so is Hale. Hale is another guy to add to my list of fictional characters that I am deeply in love with. The other characters are alot of fun too. There are the crazy brothers, bratty Gabrielle, Simon, the boy genius, and Nick, who Hale can't seem to trust for some reason.

A Post Of Little Importance

Gosh, we've been a little negligent, haven't we? This week we will definitely be posting more than the poem, promise. Speaking of which, if you or anybody you know has a poem you or they would like to be featured here, let us know! I hope you've been enjoying the poetry, but of course there is more to this blog than just that. Reviews and music coming soon! :-D

Fearless

I won't be afraid,

I can handle the world.

No force of nature

Will stop this girl.

Fear is not an option,

The feeling soon will pass.

But overcoming something great

Leaves a feeling that will last.

Love is what fuels me

And faith and hope and joy.

It's the little things in life

That become something more.

Don't try to stop me

'Cause you know that it won't work.

Don't dare to stop this lightning bolt,

This fearless Supergirl.

-The Original Katie

Sweet Dreams

Dear darling, my darling
Where can I find your heart?
A perfect design, a great work of art.
I’ve sought it out, darling,
But found it, I’ve not
And now they all tell me I’ve much to be taught.

But darling, sweet darling,
My patience is thin.
I know I shall find you, but I’d like to know when.
I’ll try to wait darling
Until forever, it seems
But until then, my love, we’ll meet in my dreams.

-Anonymous

'Tell Me'

'Tell Me'

I want to hear you say you're sorry
I want to hear you chase after me when
I run
I want you to say you'll save me
From myself
And then carry through with it
I want you to say you'll be in my life
I want to hear you say yes
I want you to force me to hear you say
those THREE WORDS
You can't give me what I want
Because you never tried
I'm too hurt to memorize your lies
I want you to leave me if you can't love me
Leave me
You say you're sorry
Now
But you can't tell me what I want to hear

-Mary, age 15

I'm Only Me When I'm with You

This is one of my favorite T-Swizzy songs. I also can personally relate it to mine and the other Katie's relationship. Except without the cutsie romantic stuff. Obviously.

It's a strange thing, having that ONE best friend you can tell EVERYTHING to and not worry about having to be anyone else besides yourself. It's also a really great thing. Katie's the best friend I've ever had, and she kinda means the world to me, and whenever I'm even only on the phone with her, all reservations go away, and I'm just Katie. And I love it. Just like in this song, I'm only me when I'm with you. Alot of the other lyrics are very relatable, too.

"Recluse"

Such recluse backdropped by evening's fields
all spiky white in bloom
for fear of treading bees, wander with care;
not one for wearing shoes.

Such mind enclosed, and wreathed in sun
its glow revealing dust
more threadbare each year do we find the couch,
yet find such things, we must.

My dear, in secrecy of thought
so silently, I should--
yet I cannot disrupt the quiet hum
or a weeping dove, disturb.

A vase of amber glass reflected
so kneel, and hemmed inside
a shard of amber light refracted
through the mirror of your eye.

Ever seek the summer evening's fields
kneel among the fleshy blooms
for fear of treading bees, wander with care;
but do wander, my recluse.

-by Hannah W. age 15

You can see more of Hannah's lovely work here!

Dear Guys

A Letter to Male Half of the World's Youth


From The Girls



Dear Guys,



We know that you find us confusing, baffling and altogether incomprehensible. We enjoy it immensely, and we'd like to keep it that way. However, there are a few things you should know.

Do you know why we go to so much trouble to look pretty? For you.

Do you know why we wait until we're alone to laugh at how silly we think you are? For you.

Because even though we often find you an unintelligent and generally degenerate bunch, we really can't answer the one question; what would we do without you?

Sure, we seem pretty nutty. For one thing, you may wonder why we seem so inconsistent sometimes. One word: hormones. I won't go into all the biological details, but it is true that there are certain times when a girl's mood is likely to swing pretty far from one end of the spectrum to the other. It's usually either that, or we're just testing you. Just go with the flow and say what she wants to hear.

I know you are often surprised by the level of closeness between female friends. Unfortunately, that's one thing you fellows will never understand, so I'm not going to bother trying to explain it.



And here they are; some basic guidelines for getting on a girl's good side. I won't blame you if I hear that you skipped the rest of the letter to get to this part. Hopefully it will be helpful, and save you from learning some of these things the hard way (aka getting yelled at and/or slapped).

1. Most girls really do like getting flowers and chocolate. However, it's preferable that you don't shower them with expensive gifts. A hug is worth so much more than a necklace from Jared.

2. If she wants her space, give it to her. Also, be respectful. A girl's body belongs to her and to God, and trespassing can have serious consequences, so keep your hands in good custody.

3. Please, please, please don't try to write a poem or a song unless you really are good at it. Please.

4. If you like a girl, don't just stare at her. All that will happen is she'll tell her girlfriends about "that annoying guy who looks at me all the time" and that doesn't get you anywhere. Open your mouth. Move your lips and tongue, and put forth your voice. This usually results in what we call speaking. It's a good tool. Use it.

5. While we're on the subject of talking: don't cuss. It's crass, rude and disrespectful. Cursing says "I don't care about your feelings or your opinion." Not the message you want to get across, am I right?

6. Just listen. No doubt you've noticed that girls talk a lot. When that happens, just listen. And when I say listen I mean pay attention. Accompany your listening with the appropriate actions; a laugh, a nod, a comforting hug. All you really have to do is be there for her.

7. Don't act differently around her from how you act around everyone else. A girl wants to love you, not some other guy you pretend to be that you really aren't.

8. Punctuality. Always. Be. On. Time.



Well, I hope we've cleared a few things up here. Carry on, soldier.

With Love,

The Girls

Meet Max!

This is Max! He is the Other Katie's brand new baby brother! Leave comments of congratulations for Katie and the rest of her (and my adopted) family! <3

Haven't Met You Yet by Michael Buble

I LOVE this song! Come to think of it, everyone I know who has heard it loves it. It's impossible not to. Michael Bublé has a stellar voice and this song is just so adorable, sweet, fun, danceable....perfect. ^_^

Lyrics:

I'm not surprised
Not everything lasts
I've broken my heart so many times
I stopped keepin' track
Talk myself in
I talk myself out
I get all worked up
Then I let myself down

I tried so very hard not to lose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought I thought of every possibility

And I know someday that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid that I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

I might have to wait
Ill never give up
I guess it's half timin'
And the other half's luck
Wherever you are
Whenever it's right
You'll come out of no where
And into my life

And I know that we can be so amazin'
And baby your love is gonna change me
And I can see every possibility

And somehow I know that it'll all turn out
And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And promise you kid I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

They say all's fair in love and war
But I won't need to fight it
We'll get it right
And we'll be united

And I know that we can be so amazing
And bein' in your life is gonna change me
And now I can see every single possibility

And someday I know it'll all turn out
And I'll work to work it out
Promise you kid I'll give more than I get
Than I get
Than I get
Than I get

Oh you know it'll all turn out
And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid to give so much more than I get
Yeah I just haven't met you yet
I just haven't met you yet
Oh promise you kid to give so much more than I get

(I said love
love, love love
love, love)
I just haven't met you yet
(love, love, love
love, love
love)

I just haven't met you yet

YO

Hi everybody!

We both know that we are everyones' favorite Katies... so prove it.

The Original Katie has a superb blog called Makes me Smile. Go click on it and check it out. Go on. And then, hey, here's a crazy idea! You could... *GASP* FOLLOW IT!!

That is all.

Thank you and goodni.... err... Good afternoon.

*****

AHEM. The Other Katie speaking...well, typing. Just thought I'd mention my blog as well, since someone forgot to mention it. Most of you probably know it anyways...but for those who might not, it's booksandbrownies.blogspot.com
Well, my work here is done.
Tata for now!

"Share some love."

"Leave a comment".

The reactions thingy is way cool, but we like comments too! New rule: if you click on one of the "reactions" you have to comment. (*distant evil laughter*)

-Your Friendly Neighborhood Katie

The Things You Said To Me

The sweetest things you said to me
What my heart wanted to hear
Your words like cotton candy
Were sugar to my ears

The most beautiful things you said to me
That made my soul delight
Your words were like a candle
That gave the darkness light

The silliest things you said to me
Just to make me smile
About clouds being elephants
And a little bird named Lyle

The saddest things you said to me
Like when you said "Good bye"
Or "I never meant to hurt you,
I'm sorry I made you cry."

Of all the things you've said to me
Be them silly or true
The ones I'll always treasure most are
The three words: "I love you."

by Anna S. age 16

Thank you, thank you.

Half the credit for the banner goes to shabbyblogs.com, though. :)

I thought I'd just lay out the whole idea of the blog, so y'all know what it is exactly that you're following (What's that? You're not a follower? Well, why don't you just hop along and take care of that. OK? OK). Originally, as you probably know, this was going to be a blog purely about music. But then Katie and I had the splendid idea that we should try blogging together again. We tried before, but didn't manage to keep it up. So I jumped in and now we're starting over with this blog! We're keeping the music idea, we're just adding books and movies. PLUS, weekly posts featuring poetry from young people. We'll be posting one poem every Wednesday, so don't forget to come back tomorrow and see the first one!
See ya back here soon!
-The Other Katie :)

What I'm reading

Right now I'm reading the second book of the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson. AWESOME! Go read them. Seriously. From what I've heard of his other books... These are nothing like them. Max, the main character, is a strong, independent heroine.

I'm also rereading Eclipse. Don't judge. The movie's coming out soon.

Also, I want to compliment The Other Katie on our beeautiful new banner! YAY OTHER KATIE!

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?

Reynie, Kate, Sticky and Constance –four incredibly gifted children who answer the above ad in the newspaper– have no idea that the "special opportunities" are to be secret agents at a special school. Mr. Benedict, the man whose advertisement it was that brought them together, has found out that strange messages are being planted in people's minds all over the world. Few know it, but these messages are causing political and economical chaos everywhere. And Mr. Benedict has discovered the location of the sender of the messages. The villain is the founder and director of L.I.V.E.: Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. The children are sent to the school as newly enrolled students, and they quickly discover all sorts of strange things. For one thing, at this school, there are no rules and many rules; especially good students become "Messengers", but no one knows what the Messengers really do, and strangest of all: Mr. Curtain (the Sender) looks just like Mr. Benedict!

This is The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart. Well-written and creative, it's a wonderful adventure with endearing characters, villains you love to hate, great brainteasers and no small amount of danger! Not only is it great fun, it touches on deeper subjects as well; fear, self-doubt, friendship and family, courage, and integrity. I highly recommend this book to absolutely anyone. Good luck trying to put it down.

Just as excellent is its sequel, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey. Mr. Benedict has been taken captive! And the children must embark on a path of clues that takes them overseas to Europe to find him. And don't forget the latest chronicle of the Society's adventures, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma. I only recently found out about it, and now I can't wait to get my hands on it!
All considered, it's 6 stars out of 5 for The Mysterious Benedict Society!

*Mumble Grumble*

Everybody...

Please welcome the Other Katie (note *OTHER* meaning that I am the Original Katie)

Oh, come on now. Let's show some respect. APPLAUSE.

*Crickets*

Oookay then...

The party is here!

Ignore her. I just made this the the cool blog. 8-)Hi, there! I'm Katie. You may know me from books and brownies, my epic blog! If you don't, that's OK. I forgive you.Anyhow, we are going to be using this loverly blog to tell you about great music, books, and movies! We will also be featuring original poetry by young people once a month. We may also post some of our own from time to time, shameless show-offs that we are.So click that "follow" button and stay tuned for some great stuff!

Love,
The Other (Older) Katie

"I Hope You Dance" - Lee Ann Womack

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give fate a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their years and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their years and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their years and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

~~

This is such a great song with such a great message. It's also a great song for a bride to dance to with her dad or a groom with his mom. Lee Ann has such a good voice, too.

Welcome!

Hi There! And welcome to "The Soundtrack of My Life". I shamelessly (or shamefully.. I can't really decide) stole this marvy idea from the wonderful girls over at ♩The Sound of Life ♬

I'm the author of "Makes Me Smile".

Thanks for checking me out!

Love Katie