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