I'm Back!

Did you miss me?
No!!!!
Dear me, that wasn't the right thing to say at all.
We had a simply frabjous time at our CBCs house, despite the fact that I had a horrible cold for the whole time.  I always get a cold when I am with them.  I kid you not.  I think it is a tradition, and we would all be in a perpetual state of shock if for once we got together and I was completely healthy.
Anywho, we took a slew of pictures, but you will not get to see any of the good ones until either Kiri Liz, Beth Grace, or Jessa Bri emails me some of the pictures, preferably of the epic costume party.  Hint, hint...
By the way, I have started a new mystery, which is the result of staying up until three-thirty in the morning on Saturday night talking.  Believe me, we were all LUMPS at church the next day.  Well, maybe I exaggerate, but it was something like that.  Anywho, I came up with the beginnings of a plot and a really great name for the main character, which, at present, is the title of the story.
Ira Bournton is the name.
No, it is not set in Victorian England, like CATT.  It is actually set in the fictional New England village of Nanrantsouak Harbor in 1873.  It involves a thirty-year-old tragedy that ended in murder, a ridiculous family that lives in a supposed haunted house, a man with an eye for detail and fourteen children, his wife, the best friend of young, beautiful Catherine Melsey who went missing a week before her wedding thirty years before, and the mysterious old sailor, Ira Bournton, who comes to work for the family at the haunted house for no apparent reason other than the fact that he feels the oldest daughter, Muriel Irene Gaskey, needs protection from a past that is about to catch up to her family.
(Who names their daughter Muriel Irene?  The names do not fit at all.  I told you the haunted house family was ridiculous.  Somehow, though, the name popped into my head, and there it stuck.)
So, now you will have to put up with my excited splutterings for the next week.  After that I will be stuck at college and too busy to post on blogger, although I will when I can.
Anywho, here is the first paragraph of the book.  It describes the haunted house.

Set back amongst the aging oak trees, rimmed by a narrow field which was, in turn, rimmed by more trees, the old house had last lived thirty years before.  It was not large, but it had once been beautiful.  It seemed to sag with the sort of despair that comes to houses who have been lived in before and then suddenly abandoned.  So it had been with the little house.  The cheerful white paint with light blue trim was long faded to dingy shades of grey, as if the surrounding forest was trying to turn it into a part of itself.  The house was too homey, though, too much like the cheerful New England farmhouse that it once had been, to submit fully to the call of the wilds about it.

What do you think?  

This is Ira Bournton.
Disregard the modern clothing and imagine him in the garb of an 1870s sailor.

Please comment and tell me your thoughts on the new story.
Thanks for reading and God bless,

Get Ready! Get Set!

For almost a week of CBC epicness!  I might deign to post some photos on this blog...if I can figure out how to load them on to my computer.  I am not, I fear, very computer savvy.
We are looking forward to seeing our CBCs so much!  After talking on the phone to them for a LONG time today, I had to tear myself away and continue packing.  We are also having a costume birthday party, so I had to finish Count Bob's costume, which I won't say anything about, as it is supposed to be a secret, and Kiri or Jessa might chance upon this blog and then it would all be out!  Ruined, as it were.
This is going to be so much fun.  Exchanging stories far into the night with Kiri Liz is one of my favorite pastimes.  Do you know how to make pumpernickel pancakes?  We do.  How about reenacting Narnia or mouthing the words to I've Got a Dream while the music is playing in the background?  Or watching the old Nancy Drew show, or playing hide-and-seek all over the house.  (I personally think that this is a lot more fun when you are older and therefore better able to think of clever hiding spots)  We stuff ourselves with unwholesome food, stay up late and arise early, talk our heads off (not literally), take hundreds of pictures (literally), and generally have a good time.
So, CBCs, I hope that you are ready to receive us.  Because we are coming in about eighteen hours.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for reading and God bless.
Your elated fellow-blogger,

More Good News!

I don't know if any of you went to my favorite books page and saw my list of favorite books, but if you did, you would have noticed that A Tale of Two Cities is close to the top.  Well, would you believe that I didn't even have my own copy of it?  Until today, that is.
I am pleased as punch.  (By the way, does anyone know the origin of that statement?  I have read it in many books, but I never thought about where it came from until now.)
I feel that such an occasion deserves a post on this blog.
Sydney Carton is one of the best characters ever created, and Madame Defarge is one of the worst.  I mean, she's a good character with a bad character.  Anyway, you know what I mean.
If you have never read this book, then you have no idea of what you are missing.  It is one of the best pieces of literature ever penned.  I don't even know why I like it so much, really.  I guess it's just the characters.  That's usually what grips me as far as books go.  Seriously, though, I am certain that I have read stories with similar plots, but none of them have ever stuck with me like this one.
Also, Dickens not only put an epic beginning sentence in that book, he put an epic ending sentence in as well.  A book with epic sentences at both ends surely deserves some credit.  And the stuff in the middle is pretty good, too!
Thanks for reading, and God bless,

It's...it's finished!

I am filled with unutterable joy, because I have just reached a milestone in my life.   Some of you have already reached it, and so I know that you will be able to rejoice with me.
I didn't make fifty thousand words, so I guess that it doesn't qualify as a novel, but 42,281 words was all that I had for Christmas at the Tittletons.  Perhaps when I begin to edit it I will add more.
So what if it is not technically a novel?  I still finished my first 'chapter book.'  And it was a lot of fun to write, even if it was hard sometimes.  Thankfully I already knew the basics of the plot, as I had my previously written play to use.  But still, it's a book, and it's finished!
I am really tired, but I knew I could finish it if I stayed up, so I did, and I did!
Hallelujah!
All are welcome to applaud or cheer or whatever you do at a time like this.
Thanks ever so much for reading, and God bless,

*Ahem* small disclaimer
I am by no means comparing myself to Charles Dickens just because I put his picture up there.  I just happen to think that he was one of the greatest authors ever, and also I tried to imitate his style in CATT.  That's all.  Also I was saving that picture for the frabjous day when I would finish CATT.

My Interview with Penelope and James

I talked to Penelope and James when I talked to Sir John and Lady Tittleton, but I never actually posted it, bacause I wanted to get Mr. Jarbour out there first.  He was highly amusing to me.  Anyway, here is my interview with the children.

The Interview
Me: Are you excited about being in a book, or are you annoyed because that book is about something nasty?
James: I didn't know I was going to be in a book.
Penelope: Yes, you half-wit.  Don't you remember Mother getting that letter from Judith?
James: Uh, no.
Penelope: Well, I don't really mind being in a book.  I just wish that the book was going to be a little bit nicer.

Me: Who did you think committed the murder?
James: Definitely Mr. Squeed.
Penelope: Well, you can say Mr. Squeed if you want to James, but I told you right at the beginning that I thought Miss Hatchet had done it.
Me: And you were wrong, weren't you, Penelope?
Penelope: What if I was wrong?  James never listens to anything I say!
Me: I see... Moving on.

Me:  Do you think that the murder was committed with the help of someone else?
James: How many people does it take to stab someone in the back?
Penelope: Don't be ridiculous James.  Miss Barrett meant do you think that someone helped cover up the murder when it was all finished.
James: Well, alright, then.  I don't think so.  Why would anyone do that?
Penelope: Because, silly, maybe he couldn't do it all by himself.  Anyhow, I think that the murderer did have a helper.  I guess that if Miss Hatchet was the murderer then her helper was Aston.
Me: Truly your intellect is stunning.  Where did you come up with those people?
Penelope: Oh, they just seemed like the most likely murderers in the house.

Me: What do you think of the servants in your house?
Penelope: I like them, I suppose.
James: I suppose so, too.
Me: That was a rather vague answer, children.  What do you mean by that?
Penelope: Um, I guess that the servants are very nice.  I don't really think about things like that.  Judith says that it is not genteel.
Me: Where does Judith get her ideas from?
James: Her mind, I hope.

Me: Did you find it exciting or annoying to have a murder committed in your house?
James: I was excited.  It was a lot more fun than anything that has happened in a long time.
Penelope: Yes, it was, but it was still sad.  I liked Miss Hatchet and Mrs. Purdle, and now we won't see them any more, and Judith and Hugh are gone, and Miss Warbling is in Scotland, and I don't suppose anything will ever be as nice as it was before again.

Me: Do you think that you will read Miss Warbling's story when it is finished?
James: Yes!  I want to read a really exciting story with me in it!
Penelope: I suppose that I will read it, although it must be a very sad book.
James: Sad!  It's probably very jolly!  After all, it isn't every day that you get to be in a book.
Me: Aren't you at all sad at what happened?
James: I guess, but I wish I didn't have to be sad when I'm not.
Me: Well, thanks for your cooperation, children.  I hope that I'll be able to see you soon.
Penelope: Goodbye, Miss Barrett.
James: Goodbye.

Thanks for reading, and God bless,

My Interview with Mrs. Purdle and Mr. Jarbour

Well, maybe you know that Mr. Jarbour is the murdered man, but hey, all the characters need interviews.  Besides, it makes it more interesting this way.  Without further ado, I present Mrs. Purdle and Mr. Jarbour, who have graciously consented to being interviewed. *Applause* :)

The Interview
Me: Did either of you have any premonition of what you were getting involved in when you came to Tittleton House?
Mrs. Purdle: No, I can't really say that I did.
Mr. Jarbour: Premonitions are absurd.  I was only annoyed at being called to the house so rudely at night.  Certain people have no thoughts for the feelings of others.
Me: No thoughts for the feelings of others!  Mr. Jarbour, I am shocked!  You have not been the most feeling of men yourself!  Think of the way you treated so many people.  I visited your workhouses, and they are terrible.  Yet you lived in luxury, and talk about people who have no thoughts for the feelings of others.
Mrs. Purdle: Indeed, sir, you are quite a hypocrite!
Mr. Jarbour: Workhouses make me money, and there is nothing against making an honest wage, now, is there?

Me: Do you enjoy Christmas as a general rule?
Mr. Jarbour: Christmas is a thing for children.  I am much to busy to enjoy it.
Mrs. Purdle: Well, even if it is for children, I still enjoy it.  I make little gifts for all the Tittleton children, and it is such a joy to see how delighted they are.  And so polite!  I do love children, Miss Barrett, indeed, I do.

Me: How do you feel about the account Miss Warbling is writing of the events at Tittleton House during Christmastime?
Mrs. Purdle: Well, Miss Warbling is a sweet girl, but I do not think that she ought to be writing!  Really, the idea of a young lady writing seems rather improper.  Miss Warbling is so fashionable in other respects that I wonder at her undertaking this unladylike pursuit.
Mr. Squeed: I don't care what Miss Warbling does.  If there's any money in it, though, I wouldn't mind helping her out.

Me: Off the top of your head, who would you say is the most likely to have committed the murder?
Mrs. Purdle: Oh, I think that Mr. Squeed has the face of a murderer, he does.  I never trusted him, from the first moment that he stepped inside the house.  I am even surprised that Lady Tittleton let him indoors, for she is usually so particular about who she lets inside.
Mr. Jarbour: You forget, I was the victim.  I know who murdered me.  Should I still tell?
Me: No, you had better not.  Thanks for asking.
Mr. Jarbour: But I do agree with Mrs. Purdle about Mr. Squeed's face.

Me: Do you think that Miss Warbling's story will be more accurate than a newspaper account of the murder?
Mr. Jarbour: I don't even know the lass.  But since she was there, I suppose that she would know what she is talking about.
Mrs. Purdle: Well, now that you ask, I really don't know about Miss Warbling.  She is such a lovely and fashionable lady, but she does have such an imagination.  I think that she might see things differently than they really were.
Me: Funny you should say that.  Everyone else that I have already interviewed thinks the same way.
Mr Jarbour: I wonder if she needs some money?  Fashionable young ladies usually do?
Me: You stay away from Miss Warbling, for she is a particular friend of mine, and possessed of a very large fortune.  Don't even bother trying to lend her any money.

Me: What do you think will happen to the Tittleton family, now that they are ruined in this scandal?
Mr. Jarbour: I would have loved to lend them some more money, but that, unfortunately, is impossible.  I do, however, believe that they will pull themselves out of this mess.  They seem to be fairly resourceful, if slightly foolish.
Mrs. Purdle: They are not foolish at all!  And they are extremely resourceful, Mr. Jarbour, and just the best family that ever did walk the earth.  So, put that in your pipe and smoke it!  I know that they will become rich and respected again, especially Mr. Hugh and Miss Judith.  They are so buoyant!

Me: Do you deserve any special pity for what you went through?
Mr. Jarbour: My dear young lady, I was murdered.
Mrs. Purdle: You know if I deserve pity or not.  That is a very odd question, Miss Barrett.
Me: Yes, I know.  Mr. Squeed and Hugh thought so also.
Mrs. Purdle: I must say, the more I think about it, the more I think that I do deserve pity.
Me: Well, you are probably the one person I would have to say truly does deserve pity.  But I had better not say more, because Miss Warbling does want to make a sensation, and she will not be able to if everyone already knows what is going to happen in her story.
Mr. Jarbour: HER story?  I suppose she is going to give it a dreadful title also.  The Adventures of Miss Warbling, or some other such nonsense.
Me: No, it is called Christmas at the Tittletons.
Mr. Jarbour: Humph, it could at least be called The Tragic Tale of Eli Jarbour.
Me: Really?  Well, too bad it is already set in stone?  Ha, ha.  Ahem.  Well, thank you for answering all these questions.  I'll be seeing you.

Thanks for reading, and God bless,

My Interview with Laban Squeed and Hugh Tittleton

Well, here we are again.  Laban Squeed and Hugh Tittleton are next in line for the interviews.  (I'm doing them in twos.)  This is actually an interview that occurred quite a while ago but never made it to the blog.  Here it is!

The Interview
Me: Good day, gentlemen!  What is this I hear about you two being great friends?  How did this come about, especially since Mr. Squeed is four or so years older than Hugh?
Hugh: I'm not really sure.  We just met each other one day at Cambridge.  I think that I lent Squeed some money, and he just stuck to me after that.
Laban: I believe that our friendship started when I lent you a textbook, but far be it from me to oppose you.
Hugh: By the way, Squeed, did you ever pay that loan back?  I think you still owe me four pounds.
Me: Moving on...

Me: Miss Warbling has begun writing an account of the mysterious happenings at Christmastime.  I've seen some of it, and she really doesn't present either of you in a favorable light.  How does it make you feel to know that the public could be looking down on you?
Laban: I have met Miss Warbling but once: at Tittleton House during Christmas.  I think that this is hardly enough time to judge my full character.
Me: She thinks it was plenty of time.  After all, you were all cooped up together for several days.
Hugh: Well, how could she present me in an unfavorable light?  What is there about me that is unfavorable?
Me: Would you like a list?
Hugh: Please, Miss Barrett, I think that we have gone far enough with this jest.
Me: Mr. Tittleton, we have only just begun.

Me: Do you look at people differently since being involved in such gruesome circumstances?
Hugh: I guess I get a little jumpy around strangers now.  I wonder about people more than I did before.
Laban: I have always thought that people were dull creatures, and I have not yet changed my mind.

Me: Are you interested in reading Miss Warbling's story?
Hugh: Actually, I rather an interested.  I want to know what she thought about everything, and anyway, it was the most exciting thing that ever happened to me.  It will be interesting to read it over again.
Laban: I really could not care less about Miss Warbling or her book.  I could tell that she held a strong aversion against me, and so her prejudiced imagination will probably embellish the facts.
Me: I don't know about that.  Miss Warbling was very anxious to be accurate.  I don't know why everyone seems to think that she would embellish the facts.
Hugh: Please, Miss Barrett, I think we know Miss Warbling pretty well.  She embellishes facts.
Me: Well, if you say so.  Even then, her story is still exciting.

Me: Do you have the same friends that you had before Christmas, or are they avoiding you now?
Laban: I am not a great one for friends, but people definitely do not wish to be near me now.
Hugh: Yes, I think that most people edge away from me when they find out who I am.  It's a bit annoying, although I think I am getting a bit more used to it.

Me: Do you deserve any special pity for what you went through?
Hugh: Er...no.  It could have happened to anyone, but it just happened to us.  I don't think we need any sympathy for it.
Laban: Why would you even ask that question?
Me: I just wondered.

Me: Do you feel closer to your family now that you have gone through such distressing times?
Laban: I have never been close to family, and now I think I'm farther from them than ever.
Hugh: I am definitely closer to at least some members of my family.  Judith and I are certainly closer than ever before.
Me: Well, thanks for answering all these kind of random questions.  See you later!

Thanks for reading, and God bless,