2018 Goal Adventure

Good Day & Happy New Year I am looking forward to 2018

2017 not the best year, but not the worst year either. It was a year of identifying the changes I need to achieve future goals. Change takes huge amount of time, research and dedicated work to make it happen. I am so glad I can move on to implementing the change hopefully in 2018 and see some positive results.

First thing I am doing is setting goals, not resolutions. When you set resolutions often it results in depressing failures. But working towards goals pushes us to achieve and this can lead to fabulous new adventures.

My first goal of my writing career is to find an outstanding children’s literary agent. I truly believe after 10 years of being in this business and published by independent publishers, winning awards, great reviews, and emails from fans, that my books would be best sellers if I was contracted with a children’s publisher. Sadly the majority of children publishers do not accept unsolicited submissions. So you must have a literary agent. I currently have 5 finished magical realism adventures, that ignites children ages 7-12 imaginations as they fly on the back of Matthias the dragon. They meet and learn that preconceived notions of creatures and people are not what they seem. Most folks are interesting and enjoy adventures too. Adults that have read my stories have told me they are taken back to their childhood and are reminded of the imaginary adventures they thought of when they were young. Pure pleasure. The adventures are currently magical realism illustrated chapter books, which could be made into graphic novels for children. I add some Icelandic folklore and cleverly hidden life learning messages as children learn about the Icelandic hidden people.

Book 1: James Saves the Moon– James, a young boy, sees the moon sitting on the mountain in Iceland. He decides he must touch the moon. Along the way, he meets Syvok, who calls on his friend Matthias a dragon to fly them to the top of the mountain. The moon is stuck, and the three must work together to release it, without ending up in space themselves.

Book 2: Helga Returns– James adventure begins with a footprint. He once again calls out to his Icelandic magical friends, Syvok and Mattias to discover what it means. He will find Helga the troll who left the footprint. James follows Helga to Yamas, the troll village. Will they be left on a glacier or when the earth tremors will they save the Guardian Troll from danger? Will Syvok and Matthias reach James in time to save him?

Book 3: Tomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads of Iceland– 26 days of Yuletide adventures. Matthias the dragon knocks on James window and is whisked away to meet the Icelandic 13 Santas. Christmas Cat gets James in serious trouble and he must go home. Tomfoolery happens as the Yule Lads visit James every evening 13 days before Christmas. One yule lad must be saved when he falls into a crevice. Fires, dancing, and fireworks to say goodbye to the Icelandic hidden folks at the end of the yuletide season.

Book 4: Amongst the Clouds– James and Syvok 4th adventure has a new mystery floating about. Jame is curious to explore the iridescent cloud. All the colors of a rainbow glow, surely there are new adventures as the dragons soar. Come along and meet new friends and old enemies. Dragons, cats, old hag and more. Join the adventures up in the sky and help the wizard find her magical key before old Hag steals the magical travel cloud.

Book 5: Sleigh Ride– Santa’s reindeer broke his sleigh! James and Syvok get whisked away to help save the day with Mattias, the dragon. The threes stop at the Yule Lads home to deliver their sleigh to the North Pole. Along the way they are delayed by a polar bear, searching for her cub, who is floating on a block of ice in the arctic ocean. They must help, but will this delay Santa Claus?

All the above books are Amazon currently. Amazon Wendy Nystrom

Book 6: Magic Carousel: This book is in the editing stage. James and his family are planning a trip back home to Minnesota. James is once again whisked away to Helga’s cave. He is given a mission to find a magic carousel at the zoo and see if a mermaid and ogre who went missing a long time ago and turned to stone are on the carousel. Syvok the Icelandic elf/fairy travels with James to Minnesota. They have many comical adventures while vacationing and find the carousel. With the help of all his Icelandic friends, sisters, and carousel caretaker, they work together to bring the mermaid back home. But what about the ogre? How long can they all keep the travel tunnel open?

I am also working on a novel called the New Moon Brethren. This story is magical realism set in Portland, OR. The new moon brethren is a secret society with regional headquarters that were set up on mother earth to take out the dark one regime so that all of mother earth creatures can live out in the open again. It opens with Blaze the dragon waiting for her team to assemble. Their mission to bring a wolf changeling and her young daughter in, to be protected. The mission does not go as planned. Blaze and her old troman friend lose their mates but save young Isabelle, who may one day become an important leader at the New Moon Brethren. The dark one Delray, who was created, 1000 years ago by mistake due to a poor decision of his dragon mother, wants to bring Isabelle into his regime. She holds the DNA to create the next clan that can control earth. The novel is about halfway done.

A little about author Wendy Nystrom. I grew up in St.Paul, MN and have many adventures at different locations the last 25 years. I started writing epic magical fantasy stories for children while living in Iceland in 2005. My son looked out the window and saw the moon sitting on the mountain. He then told me he was going to climb the mountain and touch the moon. That evening I dreamed about him going on the adventure and in the morning I was handwriting the story. One evening while watching the moon on the mountain, changed my life. A key turned and unlocked my imagination. I have been dreaming and writing adventures since that magical night in Iceland. I earned a BA in urban planning at Texas State University. I am married and have 3 wonderful adventurous children. I have lived many places MN, TX, ID, CO, Iceland, WV, MI. I have held many different job positions, management, customer service, sales, security, and now writing. I have visited classrooms and inspired children to write, as well as participated at a childrens writing conference. I have been placed on organizations boards in my community

I have been told by many that my writing is original and outstanding. I am a talented storyteller and looking forward to working with someone who can move my writing career forward. I am easy to work with, open to ideas and love learning new things. I know a little about a lot of things.

If you are interested in contacting me, my email is wendysbookcase@gmail.com

Thank you for dropping in today. Enjoy the adventure the day brings you. WB

Magical Realism Adventures Chapter Books Ages 7-12 by Wendy Nystrom

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Magical Realism – Fabulism Adventure!

Today I began a journey reading a post about what agents have been asking for and discovered two genres I have never heard of. Magical Realism and Fabulism. So I googled them and discovered what the genres mean.

Magical Realism – a style of painting or writing that depicts images or scenes of surreal fantasy in a representational or realistic way.

is a style of writing or painting which sometimes describes dreams as though they were real, and real events as though they were dreams.

a style in 20th-cent. literature and art that depicts fantastic or magical characters or occurrences in an otherwise realistic presentation a style of painting or writing that depicts images or scenes of surreal fantasy in a representational or realistic way.

Fabulism – (literature) A form of magic realism in which fantastical elements are placed into an everyday setting.

I was like WOW! My writing fits these genres! I am a Fabulist, who uses magical realism. No wonder kids and adults can relate and enjoy my stories. My children’s series for ages 7-12 are magical adventures set in the here and now.

Where would your imagination go if you saw the moon on a mountain and you decided to touch it? What happens if you discover a huge footprint and your fairy friend and dragon and show you whose foot it belongs too?How cool to have a dragon knock on your window and take you on a wild adventure and talk via telepathically. You look at a unusual cloud and wonder what could be hidden inside. You are whisked away on dragons back to help legendary yule tide characters. What happens when a troll takes you inside a mountain? I truly enjoy that my writing releases children’s imagination and reminds adults the adventures we had letting our imaginations run wild as children.

My novel New Moon Brethren that I am working on, is not urban fantasy. It is Magical Realism also set in the here and now city environment with a secret society of all of Mother Earths thinking creatures, humans, gnostics, dragons, tromans, changelings, fairies etc working together to fight the dark ones regime so Mother Earth can find balance again. As a author I am lucky, I can have imaginary friends (muses)and travel with them and not be considered mentally ill.

As I continue on my quest to find an agent, two new words will be added to my query letter Magical Realism and Fabulism or Fabulist. Award winning of course!

Thanks for dropping in today. Enjoy the Adventures the day brings you! WB

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Authorpalooza Grand Adventure!

Good Day Folks,

Well, I did good. Successfully organized another authorpalooza event in my small city. It went very smoothly and everyone seemed to enjoy the event. I sure enjoyed meeting more authors in person. The visitors were fun too. We added Ferris State Theatre Students. They dressed up as characters from books. They were awesome.

My wonderful PA Candice Simpson from It Girls P.R., who helped me, was able to attend this event. She kept me focused and helped woman my table when I needed to be away. Midway through the event she called me over and whispered in my ear. Look at that teenager with the folder. He is talking to all the authors. He wants to be a writer. It made me smile.

Later I saw him sitting at a table outside the room with his Grandmother. I stopped and asked him did he enjoy meeting the authors. His face lit up and so did his Grandmothers. They both told me it was wonderful to talk with them. He showed his Grandmother all the notes he took and some of the things he learned. He wants to be a writer some day. This is what it is all about! It made my entire day. I was tired and wondering if I would ever organize another one before I chatted with the teenager and his grandmother. Inspiring young people to go after their dreams is a wonderful feeling. I found out later from a friend they drove a hour and half to come to authorpalooza. Makes me tear up with joy.

I would like to thank all the authors for talking with this young person. I also want to thank Festival of Arts Board members for organizing a month long celebration of arts and including authorpalooza this year. Thank you Candice for letting me know about him too.

I would like to thank our host A.J at the Gate. He was fabulous. The Gate is a fabulous place to hold an event.

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Final thought. One of the reasons I write epic adventures chapter books for ages 7-12 is the hope that when the dragon flies so will children’s imagination as they read . Wild imagination allowed to be free brings us new ideas, things and enjoyment.

3 of my books are currently on sale.

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Wendy Nystrom Amazon authors page link

I currently have 5 children epic adventure illustrated chapter books available for kids ages 7-12. Hope you enjoyed today’s adventure. Thanks for stopping in. Enjoy the adventure the day brings you. WB

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Many Many Adventures more than writing!

Good Day Folks,

I always say I need to blog every week but seem to have so many things come up. I will try to get better at letting you know what my latest adventure is.

First my publisher Anchor Group Publishing has my book 4, Amongst the Clouds on sale this month. This adventure is for ages 7-12. What could be hidden in a cloud? Epic Adventure of Course. http://www.amazon.com/Amongst-Clouds-James-Syvok-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00LV3Y8CQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454610403&sr=8-1&keywords=amongst+the+clouds

Wow, I have been busy. I am still editing book 6 working title Magic Carousel. Sure is a fun adventure. I introduce two new characters,Tina and Timothy.

I also been editing and writing my novel New Moon Brethren. I had to take a break from my writers group, rather bummed. But just not enough time for it right now.

I was asked by Big Rapids Festival of Arts to organize an Authorpalooza Event for them. What a a fun adventure it has become. 40+ authors are coming February 20th to Big Rapids 1pm to 4PM. Plus classic book characters will be wandering around to interact with you. Thanks to Ferris State University Theatre Students. 12506484_10154417437838056_1951026028_n

This is going to be a fun event. We have a month full of art activities. If you are in the area here is Festival of Arts website. Check out the booklet with all the Art Activities. http://www.brfota.org/

Authorpalooza is on page 59. I have an event page here is the link for it. https://www.facebook.com/events/1107965342554486/. This has been a blast organizing.

I am also looking for a children’s literary agent. Been sending out many queries. Gotten a few rejections, The rejections have been much nicer than 10 years ago. So I am getting better. I do hope a agent will want to work with me in the near future, so I can dedicate more time for writing.

I also started a Facebook Weekly Children’s Author Spotlight from the FB group Kids Read-Author Promo Group. I put up the dates and authors sign up for a spotlight. Then for a week folks have the opportunity to get to know children’s authors and their book, experiences etc. Check them out and interact with the authors. We love to chat, answer questions with folks.

January 31 – February 6 PJ LaRue https://www.facebook.com/events/928039850567166/

February 7 – February 13 Lori Moore https://www facebook.com/events/627162244088797/

February 14 – February 20 Margretchin Chantal https://www.facebook.com/events/931170276930005/

February 21 – February 27 Janet Balletta https://www.facebook.com/events/574408682712211/

Recently, I have become involved with keeping our water safe. Joined a group who right now are trying to stop an injection well go active in my county. An oil and gas company wants to dump toxic waste from their oil fracking and drilling activities. So I have been educating myself on the issues and going to many meetings and writing many statements and speaking up to our public leaders about how dangerous it really is. At an EPA Public Hearing, a tear jerking moment. A few HS Students spoke and asked us adults to protect the water for them and the future.

Of course taking care of my family needs takes priority. Now with three teenagers in the house, we have many drama adventures. Fun fun!

Well you are up to date on things. Just a reminder I currently have 5 children epic adventure illustrated chapter books available for kids ages 7-12. Hope you enjoyed my many adventures. Thanks for stopping in. Enjoy the adventure the day brings you. WB

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Helga Returns Autumn Special Epic Adventure!

Good Day Folks!

Anchor Group Publishing has the epic adventure Helga Returns ebook on sale to celebrate autumn. Illustrated epic adventure when the dragon flies magical tales the entire family will enjoy. Ages 7-12.(Just a reminder if you purchase my book in print I will send you a signed book plate for free, just email at wendysbookcase@gmail.com)

Helga Returns Amazon Link

Helga Returns Barnes and Noble Link

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite

Helga Returns – A James and Syvok Adventure by Wendy Nystrom is about the adventures of James for the second time. He finds a footprint and he asks his friends Syvok and Matthias to help him find out about the footprint. They discover that it is Helga’s footprint and follow it into the troll village. Will they be able to save the troll and will Syvok and Matthias be able to save James?
It is an absolutely delightful story for children. The story has many underlying messages in it. I liked the fact that it introduces them to glaciers. Any book is educational for a reader because it will have information to offer that gives you an opportunity to learn. The characters of James, Syvok, and Matthias capture the interest of the reader but the most appealing character is Helga, the troll. Iceland as a backdrop is another interesting aspect of this book. It is a magical story of James along with the two Icelanders, Syvok and Matthias. The story does not lose its tempo and the beautiful illustrations give the characters an identity which makes it easier for children to relate to them.
The biggest advantage of adventure stories is that they encourage children to think and be imaginative. It gives them the freedom to dream, experiment, think differently, and create their own characters. I found the little trolls and dragonets very interesting and they add to the whimsical quality of the story.

James Saves the Moon ebook where the epic adventures began is always on sale for 99 pennies.

James Saves the Moon Amazon Link

James Saves the Moon Barnes and Noble Link

Review

Reviewed By Bil Howard for Readers’ Favorite 5 Stars

“James Saves the Moon”, written by Wendy Nystrom, is a delightful children’s picture book that combines a child’s imagination with Icelandic mythology. The illustrations by Jim Weidman, in a blue tone with colorful characters, lend a mythological feel to the story of a young boy (James), who sees the moon over one of the high mountains and decides that if he climbs to the top of the mountain he can reach out and touch the moon. Slipping quietly out of his bedroom window, he sets out on his journey. On his way up the mountain he stumbles over some rocks and disturbs one of Iceland’s mythological figures (Syvok), who joins him on his journey. They suddenly realize that unless they move faster, the moon will leave before they make it to the top of the mountain. In order that they can move faster, Syvok summons a dragon (Matthias), who allows them to ride on his back. They discover that the moon is stuck on the mountain and they will have to help get it unstuck. The three work as a team to set the moon free and while doing so, James truly does touch the moon.

The color of the illustrations by Jim Weidman and the very well-written story by Wendy Nystrom
make “James Saves the Moon” a rare treasure for a children’s picture book. Its simplicity combined with the kind of story that stirs the imagination of a child make it something that will stick in the mind of the reader for a lifetime. This book gives a little bit of a taste of the colorful and flavorful history of Iceland and its traditions. It is highly recommended for its ability to help stir a child’s imagination. A wonderfully simple and delightful tale.

Hope you enjoyed the the sale adventure. Thanks for dropping in. Enjoy the adventure every day brings you, WB

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Christmas in July Adventure!

Good Day Folks,

Merry July. I love Christmas in July. Let me tell where the idea came from. My dear friend Chris Fox at lunch one day told me about her family could not get together in December so they put together a Christmas in July party when they all could get together. It sounded so much fun. So now for the second year I am having a Christmas in July Event. Here is the link on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/events/666757450126297/ Please join and enjoy some fun and possibly win some prizes.

I also have two thunderclap campaigns and would love your support. If you can click on the links and support. Thank you in advance.

https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/28294-christmas-in-july-adventure

https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/28298-sleigh-ride-christmas-in-july

MORE! My Publisher Anchor Group Publishing https://www.facebook.com/anchorgrouppublishing

Has put my Christmas books on sale for only 99 cents the entire month

Tomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads Amazon Link

Sleigh Ride Amazon Link

Readers Favorite Gold Award Winner. James Saves the Moon the first in book in the series is always on sale for 99 cents.

James Saves the Moon Amazon Link

My adventures are illustrated chapter books for ages 7-12. Hope you will join me for Christmas in July Adventures. Thanks for stopping in. Enjoy the Adventures every day brings you. WB https://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase

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Jodi Stone An Easter Bonnet for Lily Adventure!

Good Day Folks,

I loved this Easter Story. Your children’s imagination will run wild while reading this magical Easter Adventure! This book would be perfect in an Easter Basket.

Its the Easter Bunny season,

and Kidtales is celebrating

by sharing Easter Reads!!

Jodi Stone…Children’s Book Author and Illustrator

has one of our favorites with,

An Easter Bonnett for Lily!

Easter Bunny in training, Lily, has lost her way.

She is cute and feisty, and everyone in the town of Tulip adores her.

While most bunnies are planning for Easter, Lily cannot see past her ears.

On the other side of town, three little girls are preparing for the big day as well.

One little girl in particular, Savannah, is not as excited as she usually is.

While her sisters are painting eggs and preparing for the big egg hunt,

Savannah is concerned that her attire is not as fancy as it should be.

Join Lily and Savannah as they both learn that Easter is not just

about looking perfect, but more about family and friendship.

Travel on this journey and discover the magic.

ON SALE FOR $0.99

Buy Today…

An Easter Bonnet For Lily on Amazon

Kidtales recommends this read

with a high 5 stars!

You can connect with Jodi Stone, Author and Illustrator at the links below!

Jody’s Amazon Author Page

Jodi’s Facebook Page

Jodi’s Zazzle Store

Jodi’s Website

Jodi is published with Solstice Publishing,

as well as Anchor Group Publishing.

Thanks for dropping in. Enjoy the adventure every day brings you, WB

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Lost Adventure March 3, 2014

Good Day Folks,

A year ago today I lost all memories of this day and my head went platinum. I remember most of March 2nd but not March 3rd. I went to the ER in my small city thinking I needed some fluids for the flu after being ill for 9 days. This was right after turning 50 and the next day was in bed with flu symptoms. I did go to the ER in the middle of the 9 days but their was a bunch of chaos so I told my husband to take me home. Anyway the second time going to the ER on March 2nd, I walked in with my husband at my side weak and my left brown eye had moved towards my nose. I had double vision and thought I will get some fluids and feel much better. I guess I was complaining of a head ache but do not remember that. The ER doctor immediately put me in a bed and called to have me transferred to a hospital in Grand Rapids. I did have a scan which showed I had two bleeding aneurisms. The ambulance arrived and I enjoyed chatting with the nice young woman EMT person sitting next to me. Upon arriving at the hospital they set me up in intensive care and then rolled me down to have another scan. Jim my husband arrived by the time I was returned to my room in intensive care and a neurosurgeon arrived to inform us about my condition. Pretty much the last thing I remember. The next day March 3rd I had brain surgery. I do not remember any of this day. They placed two platinum coils in my arteries to stop the bleeding. It worked and and they did not have cut open my head. They went all the way to my brain from the inside of my thigh. The little tiny wound never bothered me at all. I remember my second visitor Chris Fox. Sorry Amy Bowling I don’t remember your visit. March 4th,I remember arguing with a nurse about getting up to go to the bathroom. She wanted me to use a bed pan. Nope not doing that as long as I could get up. She told me I was an unusaul patient in ICU with my condition most are unconscious. When I told my friends this they all laughed and said nothing stops me from talking and being bossy. On the 5th day they moved me out of the ICU and discharged me from the hospital. I walked out on my own.

A year later enlightenment. Upon arriving home my kids all hugged me and were happy I was home. I found out my wonderful neighbors the DeBolds picked up my kids at school and made dinner for them, hung out with them at the house so my husband could come down and be with me. My mother in law did not have to to come out to help. Luckily my husband was on sabbatical so he could be with me 24/7 during my recovery. I was really lucky I also discovered all these people in my small city of Big Rapids who care about me. My friends Robin Stratton and Chris Fox set up an update page on Facebook. My friend Candice Simpson posted on my pages for me. My publisher delayed the release date for book 4 Amongst the Clouds, she told me to just let her know when I am able to read the edits from the editor. I am really a truly blessed person. My recovery has been remarkable. I rested for a couple weeks. Then began making dinner again, my kids were so happy because their dad just does not cook very well. In may I started walking around the block and increased the distance when I felt strong enough. When the snow came I started yoga+ low impact work out. My husband was concerned I may slip so did not want me walking by myself. It got to cold anyway. I traveled to Orlando to pick up a best childrens award for Helga Returns by myself. I got to meet some people who I met on Facebook in person and they are more wonderful in person and now friends in the real world too. MCV Egan and Jodi Stone two talented authors and truly beautiful in person been traveling this writing adventure with me for years on facebook it was so wonderful to hug and laugh in person. It is quite interesting traveling with double vision. My spectacular in-laws arrived in June and helped me around the house. My vision was back to normal and they took the kids a week later on a wonderful trip to D.C and Niagara Falls. I started writing again while my kids were on vacation. This was one of the things I was truly worried about not be able to spin a story again. My dearest pals picked me up for ladies night out when I was ready to be in public it was fun seeing two of each at the dinner table and I managed not to spill anything in the restaruant.

One of my first outings in town was to stop in a pick up my favorite chocolates down town at the Old Pioneer store and the wonderful owner ran up to me gave me a hug. Carleen told me how happy she was to see me alive and doing so well. This past year I have traveled, inspired a classroom of children to write, talked about writing to Ms Cosper’s university students, talked with families and children in Cadillac. Brought in 20 authors to our community library with the help of Diane Scarpelli and Library director. Worked with some incredible people in the community. Published two more children’s books. My muse from my novel visited me every time I slept help to heal me and told me the story of the New Moon Brethren. Fun times and travels with my family. I recently joined local writers group to help with my writing and discovered some more incredible talented folks. And it helping me focus and be able to write for longer periods of time.

I have had a fun filled year of adventure and was enlightened of how blessed I am with family, and friends and what a wonderful community Big Rapids truly is. Enjoyed a fun filled family Christmas trip southwest. I still walk a little funny but it hardly noticable and at times stumble with words but it is truly wonderful watching my children grow and achieve, talk with my husband every day. I make sure I tell my family I love them every day. I want to thank everyone for all you do and how spectacular you are. Every day we wake up is truly another wonderful magical adventure so enjoy each day!

Thanks for dropping in. Enjoy the adventure every day brings you, WB

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March Reading Month Adventure!

Good Day Folks,

March is reading month. Most schools have fun themes to get kids reading. Ask your kids what the reading theme is this year and their reading goals. Then set aside time every day, or a couple times during the week, for everyone to sit down and read. Even if it is only 15 minutes you will be amazed how many pages you can read in 15 minutes. Then discuss what is happening in your book, newspaper, magazine etc. at dinner, driving or after you are done reading each night. Reading is a exciting adventure for all. Just a reminder I have five magical adventure books available on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles for children ages 7-12. They are illustrated chapter books and read much like a graphic novel for children. Tell us what your or your children’s reading adventure for March reading month.

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Tonight, I should finish Susan Stec’s book They’re So Vein (The Grateful Undead Series)

My twin twelve year old girls are reading the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

Thanks for dropping in. Enjoy the adventure every day brings you, WB Links

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Raven Adventures!

Good Day Folks!

I love ravens. I was looking through my pictures from our December trip to Arizona to spend Christmas with Grandma and Grumpa. We went through many states and had a ball at our stops on the way. It actually took us five days to get to Arizona since we stopped in New Mexico to visit our fabulous relatives and had fun. Then we went to 4 corners stood in four states. Met Grandma and Grumpa at the Grand Canyon for two days then G&G took us on a scenic route to there winter home in Arizona. It was a super special holiday adventure.

Along the way every day I noticed a Raven would stop in and say hi to me. I only was able to capture two pictures. One is at a rest area in NM and the other in the tree was outside our room at the Grand Canyon. Both chatted me up. I knew the trip was going to be fabulous after seeing my first Raven at a rest area in Indiana. The raven in Indiana showed me the tree with the skull on the tree. Pretty cool. Ravens are on my mind today. I see them often during my walks at home talking to me. And I always smile and say hello thanks for stopping by. They are an important creature in my novel I am working on called the New Moon Brethren and book 6 of my children’s series Magic Carousel.

My first encounter and where I started paying attention to Ravens occurred while we were living in Iceland. Our first flat in the morning and other times during the day. I would look out my kitchen window above the sink. There would be this raven sitting on the railing on the outside deck. We had this wonderful large deck off our flat it wrapped around, east,west and south of our flat along the living room/dining area and to the right outside my kitchen. This raven would greet me every morning and ca ca and I would smile, say good morning and listen. I think he was a male he was pretty big and and colors would reflect on his shiny black feathers. I told my friend Rannveig during coffee snack time one day that this raven visits me nearly every morning and sometimes other times during the day and chats out my kitchen window. Her eyes lit up and she told me I was lucky. He is sharing the latest gossip. Never heard anyone tell me Raven’s were good luck before. After she left I did some research on them. I found out many cultures believe they do show up to let folks know what is going whether it is good or tragic news. They know things.

Well my son was finishing up 1st grade and was speaking Icelandic well enough and would not need special classes to assist with Icelandic anymore so he would have to go to the school near our flat or we would have to find a flat to rent near the school he was attending down by the harbor. In Akureryri , Iceland one school in the city teaches foreign children Icelandic. Once they become fluent enough then they go to their neighborhood school. James did not want to switch schools. So we started looking for a flat near the school. Akureyri does not list rentals like we do in the U.S and realtors don’t have that information either. So, it was becoming a challenge. Our lease was expiring so we had to decide to sign for another year or move James to the school up the street. We really wanted to find a flat near the school he was at. He had made many friends and already adjusted to our move to Iceland and was speaking and reading in Icelandic.

So, one day I look out my window there is my raven friend. He is going on and on. I look at him and ask him how can I find a rental down by the harbor. He chats and flies away. I get dressed and get ready to go out to the store. I hear the raven. He is on the deck talking and excited. I get in the car and he takes off. I follow him. He is flying down towards the harbor. Leads me to a big yellow house, he lands on a red railed deck facing the school across the street that James attended and the fjord that leads to the harbor. He ca’s and flies off towards the fjord. I told a friend about it . She informed me,the people who own the top flat are looking for someone to lease it they are moving to Sweden for a job. She contacted the family and the next day we went to look at it. It was a bigger and a beautiful flat. You come in at the bottom with large place to hang many coats, shelf for hats, gloves, and shoe racks. Then walk a few feet to the stairs. The entire upstairs was a huge flat. Perfect for us. James was so happy he just had to walk across the street to school. My twins, soon to be three year old loved the playground. My husband would just grab the bus up to the University for his job. I enrolled the girls at preschool down a couple blocks. I started writing my magical tales at this home. We were closer to everything, we walked everywhere. Had many gatherings at this home as well. We could see the fishing ships and cruise ships come down the harbor. We would walk down to take a look. The best part the raven often stopped to visit me on the red railing of the deck at this flat too. I thanked him and fell in love with these wonderful creatures.