Anna? Who is She?

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

This week I am focused on Anna. If you want to get a good idea of who she is before you read this post I would check out my conversation with her in the character forum: Deep Thoughts with Anna  I think it will reveal a lot about her personality. She is very fun to be around.

While writing Forbidden I found myself (at certain scenes) wondering what Anna would say in that moment. She has a way of lightening things up. She’s good at having your attention, but making sure you are only seeing her on the surface. She’s the type of person who feels private things should be kept private. Which for her means her feelings. They are keep in a vault that not many have access to. Even me as the person telling her story had to spend time with her before she would reveal herself. As the books progresses she’ll opens up a bit then withdraw. A lot takes place that I don’t want to give away, but it causes her to question a lot about family and values. The very things she was raised being taught were being tested. She was pushing everyone around her to not give up, but inside herself she was kind of losing the same battle. I loved this energy and realness that she held within her. Despite this, the persona she put to was always so superficial. The same thing is seen with her strength.

In this book you can see her starting to crumble. Not only does she have to stay home and watch her mother get worse each passing day, but she has to feel that loss of connection with her twin. I learn to love Anna as much as I love Ivy. Not because they are twins, but because she feels relatable. She has such an honest perspective on life. One that invites you in, but keeps you at arms lengths too.

While she doesn’t get as much play in the first book she is still represented. However my favorite scene from her isn’t in any of the books from the trilogy, but in a short novella that I wrote about her. I will come back to that in a moment. The best scene that showcases who Anna in the Forbidden takes place when she finds out about the curse. You can find this scene in the excerpts category: Chapter One of Forbidden Second Excerpt. Out of everyone in the room I felt her emotions the strongest while writing that scene. They are also the thickest in the room as far as tension goes. She feels confused, then betrayed at being left out, then jealous… all in a matter of moments. It shows her love and dedication to her family. Even though the girls have two very different relationships with their mother they both love her very much. Which is why I think Anna was so jealous that Ivy got to go. She wanted to help her mother too.

When I first started writing the story I thought Anna was going to be this really mean, dense twin sister that tried to jeopardize her sister’s return with the herb. I had written the end already before I even really started getting into the story… she was going to steal the herb from Ivy and push her back into the dimension for her to remain there forever. As the book went along I realized that Anna isn’t a bad person she’s just guarded. She doesn’t have it in her to be mean. She can say rude things sometimes out of hurt, but she wasn’t capable of being my villain. I couldn’t see all that at first. I had to get pass her rough exterior.

So back to the Novella. I wish I could post a scene from it, but it’s on my flash drive. Which is still broken. So if you are interested like or comment on this post and as soon as I get it fixed I will do a part two. I hope this post helped you understand, appreciate, and or like Anna a little bit more.

Ivy? Who is She?

Lily looks at Ivy and grabs her hands in hers. “Ivy you must go now time is ticking, you must return in seven days at midnight or you will be stuck in that dimension forever.”

She kisses Ivy on the cheek and, steps back with tears sliding down her cheek.

Ivy looks frantic and scared, “can’t I say goodbye to everyone first Nana?”

“No sweetheart it makes it harder.”

Ivy walks a few steps away from her grandmother with her left hand around the star pendant. She looks back to see if her grandmother was going to tell her this was all a joke. Instead she hears her grandmother release a sob and sees her leaving the room. Ivy puts on the mantle and recites the words Lily told her.

 

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

The scene above is a familiar (recent one) that I have posted from the books. I could have found some more enthralling scenes, but I didn’t want to give too much of the book away ahead of time. This scene was included in the excerpt I just posted last week so if you want to read about this bit of information I suggestion reading that before you dive into this post. I don’t want to spoil any perceptions about Ivy’s personality or character traits for you.

I have worked with Ivy for a few years now. She has developed into a lovely girl. Much more outgoing… She was really guarded… even in her family dynamics. I think she was afraid to prove that she was less than her sister Anna. She didn’t realize the very thing that made her different from Anna is what made her special. They are two different girls.

In this scene Ivy is being prepared to leave to find the herb for her mother. She is given a rundown of her history and then she is kind of thrust into the unknown. This scene shows Ivy’s vulnerability the most throughout the beginning of the book. She is very distraught. She planned to go on this journey with her sister. She didn’t feel she was qualified by herself.

This scenes represents her innocence and loyalty to her family. It is the precept of events that pushed her into being the Ivy I love. The one who is strong and is willing to fight for her family. She still has weakness, but they are more sharpened. She knows that she has thicker skin. It’s just sometimes life really sucks and makes you test the thickness, and it really hurts. Ivy goes through a lot in this book and the next two that follow so she has to experience this life changing journey on her own to be prepared for the rest of it. Breaking a family curse isn’t easy.

As I reread over this post I am always brought back to the sheer disparity and fear she feels her. Her thoughts float through my mind and I can hear her second guessing herself. I can feel her extinct to run away from this. Her desire to pretend that she has another choice. I mean she just got sweep away from her birthday party to be told you have to leave. When all she really wanted to do was go sit with her mother and show her the pictures she took from the party. She wants to curl up beside her and feel the love they share. She was is mentally distraught. I mean Ivy is on the edge of a breakdown. Somehow in that moment of putting on the cloak, reciting the words of travel, and stepping through into the Hall of Doors. She finds her resolve. She finds the strength to follow her destiny.

I guess I choose this scene, because it is when I saw Ivy for who she really is. I saw her strength and I admired her for it. I wished for the same thing in my life. This is where I become a champion of her.

Early Morning Thoughts

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

As I lay awake this morning at 3:53am after finishing a book (that was research material for a book idea I have floating in my brain) my mind strayed back to my post for the blog this week. I have really be trying to find things to write about. Before my USB broke I had several blog post lined up and ideas. All of the information for the post and ideas are on there. So I kind of feel like a fish out of water. I am still trying to get myself together. I haven’t felt like writing on anything since then. Never have I ever experienced writers block but I imagine that this is pretty close to it.

I try to be very honest and transparent with you. If you are going to take the time out to read all my new post then I feel you are owed that respect. I never want this blog to seem like it is filled with the rants of an emotional distraught women. So I try to keep all the emotional stuff (poetry, rants, and short stories) on my other blog lisharvey.wordpress.com

This week I had a brilliant idea (a spark of inspiration if you will) for this blog. Those happen far and in-between so I try to capitalize on them when they do. This week I wanted to start a series of post where I introduced you to the characters in Forbidden through the book. I will pick out 1-3 scenes that I feel really represent that character. I will explain why they represent that character and perhaps give some background information. I just want these post to get you more and more familiar with Ivy and her family. Even Forbidden Love has loopholes ❤

 

Chapter Four Excerpt One

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

As I was trying to figure out what to post this week, besides updates I keep getting distracted. I have a ton of stuff going on writing wise and I wanted to start the year off right on this blog. I don’t know why you decide to subscribe to my blog, but I thank you. I am hear to give my books an audience and a voice. I want them to become your friend while I also build a relationship with you. I am going to try my hardest to post on here at least once a week. It might be on the same day every week, but it will happen. I am going to try and get more organized with this blog. I have several other book ideas floating around in my head. Thanks to my sister I have journals now to write them down in. I also am trying to get a job while helping my mom out at the restaurant. I just want you to know that I am dedicated to this blog, and making it into a success. I want to create something we both can be proud of and interested in.

Needless to say once I finally got myself together I thought what better way to start off this year with an excerpt from the book. That is why I am here after all. Like I have said previously my writing has changed a lot. I feel like it has matured and better something refined. It still needs work, but its getting to a good place. Well I will hold you no longer below is a short excerpt. It is the beginning of Chapter four. Ivy learns a lot about herself, and her family here. I hope you enjoy.

As the party whined down, most of their family members had returned home with younger cousins who fell asleep. Ivy walked off toward the garden and stood under the gazebo, thinking about her mother. Thanks mom for throwing the best birthday party ever. I wish you could have been here with me. Every time I smiled or laughed about something, I would look up. Wanting to share the moment with you. In the midst of her leaning against the gazebo to watch everyone cleaning up. Her grandmother comes and stands next to her. She wears a plain yellow dress that forms to her waist and flares out, her yellow sandals perfectly matching Tennessee’s sunflowers. She gently pats Ivy’s hand and smiles.

“I hope you had a good birthday Ivy. We need to go upstairs to my room to discuss things as I promised,” Lily says and they both leave to head upstairs.

Ivy stands in front of her grandmother’s door, waiting for her to take her key ring out. I always found it strange that she locked her door. Ivy can’t remember a time that she has actually gone into her grandmother’s room. As she opens the door, Ivy is assaulted by a scent uniquely Lily’s. It smells of fresh flowers, sunshine and chocolate chip cookies: her favorite guilty pleasure.

They walk in and there is a small sitting room with a couch and a table. She turns the light on and they enter her bedroom. Her bed is in the center of the room and there are two large windows on each side of the bed, because Lily loves sunlight. She walks over to her dresser and unlocks a small drawer; she pulls out a beautiful gold jewelry box and sets it on the dresser. Over her shoulder she beckons Ivy forward and tells her to sit on her bed.

“Ivy dear there are things that need to be told” She says shaking her head in regret. “I know that this is going to be difficult to understand but you must listen and focus,” Ivy nods her head and says okay.

Lily unlocks the jewelry box and sets it back in the dresser. From it she removes the most beautiful piece of jewelry Ivy has ever seen. Awestruck she just gazes at it trying to comprehend why her grandmother would give this to her.

“Ivy, our family is cursed. Centuries ago a woman, Haley fell in love with a man, Drake from another planet. This sort of thing is strictly forbidden between planets. Despite this rule they got married and had a baby girl. Her name was Smyrna which means forbidden love on his planet. That baby was born six generations ago. As punishment for their crimes Drake was banished, and Haley became very ill on the eve of her daughters eighteenth birthday. Before he left Drake made her this necklace and gave her his family’s mantle. The necklace combined with the mantle would take their daughter to a different dimension, to find this natural herb rarely grown, to heal her mom. Each day she was there her mother grew worst at home. That curse has been passed down to every first born daughter ever since. It is your turn now Ivy,” She says.

Ivy looks at her grandmother and her pale skin turns ash white, her green eyes get huge and she begins to shake. This can’t be right. Her hands are sweaty and she is frantic just from the thought of having such a task placed on her.

“Nana I can’t do this, I feel like David going up against Goliath. Why can’t Anna do this, she’s much more equipped for this task. We were trying to come up with a plan to go together.” Ivy says.

Lily grabs her hand “the necklace only works for the first born and the pure of heart. When you put it on you must have good intentions or it won’t work. You must allow your soul to operate in the fruits of the spirit: Love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the things that will take you to the dimension and bring you home safely. You are much stronger than you know Ivy. Besides Anna cannot go with you.” she replies.

Lily pulls her up and places Ivy in the chair she was sitting in. She turns the chair around facing an empty wall near the window. She reaches around Ivy from behind with the necklace. She puts it on, and Ivy lifts up her hair so she can clasp it. Lily walks over to the wall and starts feeling around for something. Ivy hears a soft click and the wall opens, in the wall there is medium sized green box.

Lily pulls it out and the wall closes back on its own. She set’s the box on Ivy’s lap and motions for her to open it. She pulls the top off and removes the tissue paper from the box. Inside is a beautiful mantle resembling the necklace Ivy has on. The mantle is silver embroidered and has green vines intertwined around the entire cloak.

“Come Ivy there is much to tell you still” she says hurriedly.

Looking into her eyes she says “pay close attention to these instructions because if you forget one or skip a step your mother will die.” She grabs Ivy’s hands and pulls her directly in front of her. “Ivy you have seven days to find this herb. I cannot tell you what it’s called because it has different names in different dimensions. It has gray-green leaves, and large, showy, bright scarlet flowers. You must not cut the plant from the tree, pull it from the root. This necklace and mantle is the key to getting to the dimension you need, and back and must not be lost. Put the mantle on and recite these words.”

 

“Whosoever coverest thyself with light as a garment,

Will take this mantle upon thine self

To perform the task set before thee.”

 

         “The energy from your words will allow you to go through the portal for seven days. You will be transported to the Hall of Doors. Once you are in this room Ivy, you must think of what you need. The necklace will act as a guide to show you which door leads to the dimension you need to be in. The necklace won’t lead you to the herb, just the right dimension. Once you find the herb and are ready to return think of home and it will bring you back here,” she says.

Lily looks at Ivy and grabs her hands in hers. “Ivy you must go now time is ticking, you must return in seven days at midnight or you will be stuck in that dimension forever.”

She kisses Ivy on the cheek and, steps back with tears sliding down her cheek.

Ivy looks frantic and scared “can’t I say goodbye to everyone first Nana?”

“No sweetheart it makes it harder.”

Deep thoughts with Harmony

Elissa: Hi Harmony, I have been talking to Ivy and her family. As well as Hunter and his. I wanted to get your side of the story. I know that you were betrothed to Hunter. What was that like?

Harmony: It was distant. We really didn’t know each other. Because of our father’s we were forced into it. The time that we did spend together was always very awkward.

Elissa: So why were you so upset when Ivy came along?

Harmony: Well I hated there easy comradery. The very thing I was being forced to feel with him came so easily between them. I was jealous.

Elissa: So do you feel that way with someone now?

Harmony: I do.

Elissa: Could that have been why it was so hard for you to love Hunter?

Harmony: I believe so. When I was with Hunter all I could think about was the other guy. I knew that I wasn’t being fair to myself or either one of them.

Elissa: So when did you realized that you would never love Hunter?

Harmony: I was sixteen years old. I had spent the day with Luke. He had this way of making me forget how bad things were at home. We were running through the forest and I tripped and fell. He raced back to my side. I was in so much pain, but he made me forget about it when he picked me up and carried me to my bedroom. He stayed by my side until the doctor came. Then he sat with me every day for several hours until it healed.

Elissa: Why do you think your father wanted you to be with Hunter so much?

Harmony: I really don’t know. I wish I could tell you that his behavior those few months where different from usual… but I can’t. I really didn’t know my father. The person I loved disappeared when my mother died.

Elissa: Do you agree with what he did to Ivy?

Harmony: Not at all. Like I said I was jealous of Ivy. I did things that I am absolutely ashamed of towards her. The worst was manipulation her to come to my room so my father could take her.

Elissa: Why didn’t you just tell your father you didn’t want to marry Hunter?

Harmony: I was afraid for a long time that if he knew about Luke he would do something awful to him. Then when I got enough courage to tell him he didn’t listen.

Elissa: Do you think he regrets what he did?

Harmony: I hope he is.

Elissa: So are you married now?

Harmony: Yes.

Elissa: Do you have children?

Harmony: Not yet, but I hope to someday.

Elissa: Well I wish you the best in life Harmony.

Harmony: Thank you.

 

 

Flash Drive Troubles

Hey Fellow Bloggers,

I have some very sad news. Well, it’s mostly for me anyway. So the other day my flash drive broke. I know some of you reading this will be wondering what this has to do with you, but I promise I am getting there. This flash drive has been faithful to me for some years now. You could said we had a very good relationship. Well the other day it stopped working. I plugged it into my laptop and it wouldn’t respond. Nothing happened. So I didn’t freak… at first. I just tried to open up one of the documents through word instead. It told me that the document can’t be opened without the drive being hooked up. I looked down at it and thought to myself this is getting weird. Then the last straw was drawn when I needed something from it to turn in and I couldn’t. Then I totally freaked. The biggest disappointment is that it doesn’t look broken. If you could see it you wouldn’t think anything was wrong.

So the real reason why I freaked out and cried myself into a frenzy about it… Everything I have ever written is on this flash drive. All five of my books and a short novella about Anna (Ivy’s sister). All of my assignments I have ever done since I began my undergrad studies. Which includes at least twenty stories from workshop, several poems that I loved from three poetry workshop courses, notes from my favorite classes, future post for this blog, resumes, query letters… in short my life was on this flash drive. Even though I write down everything… like I have all my books written down in journals. it’s the principal of the matter. I wrote my forbidden love series books almost two years ago now. The stuff that I wrote down has changed drastically in that time period. They have the same foundation, but the building blocks are different now. It was a really rough few days for me. So I have to go to best buy and speak with the geek squad to see what can be done about my flash drive. If you have ANY advice please share in the comments. I am in need of serious assistance.

Sing along with Ivy

Hi WordPress friends,

I don’t know how many of you are aware that I love writing poetry, but I really do. It is my first love when it comes to words. With that being said it’s really hard for me to write a story without poetry/song in it. It sort of finds its way into almost all of my writing, and I can’t help it.

For Forbidden it comes into play with Ivy. It just so happens that Ivy loves singing, and she is very good at it. Ivy has to travel to the past during the 1800s and it is customary during their time to entertain after dinner. Especially if the queen asks it of you. On her second night at the castle she is told to go with Harmony who is playing. Here is the scene and song. I hope you enjoy reading this scene.

 

They finish their meal and the queen rises from her chair.

“Let us go to the Parlor for tea,” the queen announces.

They walk across to the family parlor, and Ivy instantly falls in love with the decor. There are earthy tones everywhere. On the walls there is a light brown wallpaper with flowers and trees. In the center of the room is a beautifully hand-crafted dark oak table. There is a vase in the middle of the table with yellow roses and white lilies of the valley. There is a gold cloth sitting right underneath it. Ivy walks across the floor in a daze and runs her hand across the table. She feels the soft smooth surface of the table and sighs with pleasure. She breathes in the fragrance of the flowers and takes in their beauty. Hunter goes and sits in the soft cushioned chair across from the table and watches Ivy with contentment. The fireplace in the center of the room takes the extra draft out the room the room the radiator isn’t quite absorbing.

“Hunter created all the furniture in this room,” the queen says.

Ivy quickly removes her hand and sits on the couch next to Harmony, who nonchalantly moves over.

“This room is very beautiful. It reminds me of my room,” Ivy says barely loud enough to be heard.

“Tis alright, I’m glad you like it,” Hunter says in a husky voice.

“Harmony dear, won’t you play us something?” the queen asked.

Harmony gets up from her chair and walks to the piano over in the corner of the room. She sits down and warms up, before she begins to play a song. She masterfully plays across the keys of the piano, producing a lovely sound. Ivy begins to hum along to the song being played unknowingly.

The queen motions for Ivy to get up and stand by Harmony to sing along. Ivy stalls before she gets up from the chair hoping the queen will change her mind. Finally, with much hesitation she gets up, and stands next to Harmony. Although, she’s unsure how she even knows the soft Scottish sounding melody Ivy begins to sing.

“Lovely as the seasons that mature with time,

            Oh dearest love, won’t you be mine.

            Sweet as the honey from the honeycomb tree,

            Oh dearest love, see what you do to me.

            Lovely as the dew in the morning on the forest ground,

            Oh dearest love, you never make me frown.

            Sweet like sugar from a majestic cane,

            Oh dearest love, all our days will you love me the same?

            “Oh dearest love, please be mine.”

 

Verse after verse Ivy sings unsure of herself. The song ends, and Ivy rushes to sit down. There is a peaceful stillness in the room.

“You must sing us another song before you leave. Your voice is enchanting dear,” the Queen says.

“Yes,” Hunter says gazing at Ivy with awe.

Harmony clears her throat, “I think I could use some tea now.”

The queen summons the butler to retrieve a maid and have her bring some tea. After tea is brought in the queen motions for Harmony to prepare the tea for everyone. They sip on their tea and have little iced cakes as well, while they engage in conversation.

 

Chapter Three Second Excerpt

It’s been an entire year since I posted more of the story. Here is a long excerpt for you to make up for that. I will do the excerpts probably once in a while. Even though I want this blog to represent my series. I want to do other things on here than just post snippets of the book. I have a lot of fun ideas and post in store. If you haven’t read all the other excerpts before this one… this scene won’t make much sense to you. So just click on the Excerpt Category and they will all be available to you. Happy Reading.
The twins walk down stairs and stand in front of the large mirror in the foyer. Ivy looks at Anna in the mirror with her blonde hair curled and pinned up. Mom outdid herself again with the dresses. Anna’s dress is bright lavender with hints of pale pink. The dress is corseted and ties in the front under her bust, while the dress ends at the knee with ruffles. It’s one sleeve hangs off the shoulder revealing her creamy skin. Her pale pink pumps have a lavender flower on the sides.
Ivy’s dress is corseted as well but it crisscross ties in the front. The sleeves are made of a sheer material and drape off her shoulders and down to her knees like a medieval chemise. The dress is floor length worn with green sheer laced pumps. Her strawberry blonde hair is curled beautifully around her shoulders.
“My girls! You look absolutely beautiful.” Jacob walks toward them. Kisses them both, and hands them their mask for their Medieval Masquerade party. Their mask had small white feathers attached on the right side. With crushed mosaic pieces on the mask matching their dresses.
As they open the sliding door everyone outside shouts “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” Anna’s friends are dressed in pastel colors and Ivy’s friends in earthy colors. A large tent is set up with a portable Vinyl tile dance floor in its center. The tables and chairs were covered with medieval decorations. There are about a hundred friends and family members standing outside with smiles on their faces.
The path leading to the tent for the birthday girls to walk through was a drawbridge. Among the activities around the tent, there were competitions being played for the hand of a lady; knights in armor; and a jester telling jokes. There was a small jousting tournament being held off on one side; and an apple-bobbing contest on the opposite side next to a horse and its trainer, giving rides to the party guests. There was lanterns strung up and great music blaring.
Anna looks at Ivy with surprise and shock in her eyes. “Our parents did an amazing job, they totally rock!”
“I know!” replies Ivy. “This is really cool!”
Lily walks over, gives them both a hug before telling them to go mingle. Ivy hugs her dad and grandmother, then tells them thank you before walking off to enjoy her party. Anna has already inserted herself as center of attention, as her cheerleading squad surrounds her. They all look breath taking wearing pastel colors. They each give Anna a hug and squeal in excitement.
“Anna! Your party looks great, It’s so cool that your parents planned something so… cool.” says a short blonde.
“Happy Birthday Anna, I can’t wait until you open my gift. You’re going to love it!” Hannah her perky best friends says. She has on a pale blue dress and her brown hair is up and curled, she looks flawless.
“Thanks guys, let’s dance.”
While there dancing several friends run over and hug Ivy.
“Hey Ivy, you look amazing. Thank you for inviting me.” She says as her dark cheeks flush. She is the only African-American person Ivy has met that blushes.
“Lisa, how could I not invite my best friend?”
Ivy and Lisa have been best friends since freshman year. She is the sweetest girl and is always looking out for Ivy. Her petite frame is encased in a midnight yellow dress that flows out around her. She had on a beautiful pair of yellow pumps by Blahnik. She steps aside so a few of Ivy’s other friends can squeeze in hugs and congratulations as well.
“So what do you want to do first, Ivy? Have you ever ridden a horse side-saddle? We could go do that first!”
“We? Lisa, since when do you ride horses?” Ivy asks.
“I would have tried it for your birthday. If you asked me!” She replies with her hands on her hips.
“I have had several birthdays with you being my best friend. Most of which I have wanted to go riding with you. All of those times you declined.”
“Well, I am an adult now. Things have changed.”
“I saw you a few days ago.” Ivy says looking her up and down. “Not much has changed.” Ivy says hugging Lisa as she laughs.
“I won’t give you a sarcastic remark because it’s your birthday. But if you call me tomorrow I promise not to let you down again.” she says smiling back. “Do you want to ride side saddle or not.”
“I can’t imagine it being very comfortable. But I guess I could give it a try.”
They head over to the horses and listen to the trainer instructing the girls how to sit on the horse. When Ivy’s turn comes, her cousin Derek helps her on the horse. She positions her legs into the stirrups, as the trainer walks the horses around by the reins. After the round, she gets off the horse and walks back over to a cheesing Lisa but is intercepted by Liam there stable overseer. He gives her a hug and wishes her a happy birthday. He has on a black suit with a blue cravat and cufflinks. The suit forms to his chiseled form. His green eyes light up in merit. His brown hair falls over his eyes and there is a bit of stubble on his dimpled cheek.
“Are you having fun? Poison Ivy,” he asks.
“I was Liam bean, until you came over.” she says poking him in the arm. “How is my good friend, who is unfortunately your beautiful wife, Aubrey doing?”
“She is doing fine. She’s somewhere with the kids. I wanted to make sure I gave you your gift in case we had to leave early.”
“What did you get me?” Ivy says.
“It’s a picture of the last time we hung out at the waterhole. You couldn’t have been more than thirteen years old. You were such a duckling back then poison Ivy.”
“Thank you for those kind words on my birthday Liam. They truly warm my heart.”
“Well, that’s what I’m here for. Aubrey gave you some girlie stuff. That you are going too totally love.” He says imitating his wife.

“The girls made you something as well. They have spent the last two weeks held up in their room making it. I’m sure I’ve never bought so much glitter at one time.”
“Well make sure you tell them thank you in case I don’t see them. I’m sure I’m going to love their gifts. Give them a hug and a kiss for me too. Now go have fun harassing someone else.” She says as she takes the shiny green gift bag he hands her and hugs him again.
Ivy walks over to Lisa, thankful that she has calmed her heart rate from the horse ride.
“So! How was it?”
“It was… awkward. I wasn’t comfortable at all; and hopefully I will never have to do that again.” Ivy responds.
“Let’s go dance, my favorite song just started.” Lisa says grabbing Ivy’s arm.
They rush over to the tent with the dance floor, and Lisa starts to dance. Her hips sway and her arms wave as she moves to the beat. Ivy on the other hand is a very graceful dancer, she moves very purposely. She allows the music to flow through her and tell its own story with her movements. She hears applause as the song ends, and Ivy realizes that she and Lisa were alone on the dance floor. She grabs Lisa’s arm, who is bowing as if she was just bestowed the greatest of honor and rushes off.
“Why didn’t you mention no one else was dancing? You know how I get when music comes on.”
“I told you I loved that song, I didn’t care about the lack of other people dancing. I preferred it that way, more room for my moves to have moves. Besides everyone loved you out there, you’re a great dancer. Let’s go eat I’m famished after all that hip thrusting I just did.”
They head to the dining tent to a long table that is set in front of a dozen others. Ivy and Anna were to sit at the middle of the table, Hannah sat next to Anna, and Lisa sat next to Ivy. Jacob and Lily sat at the end of the table. There were glasses full of sparkling cider or champagne at each seat. The rest of the party guest joined them and the food was served. After dinner, Ivy and Anna cut their three-tiered cake. It was a beautifully decorated red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, their favorite. At the top was little replicates of them with their dresses and mask on, standing on top of the words Happy Birthday.
After all their friends and family received their dessert. It was time to open their tower of gifts on a table with them neatly stacked up. The ones for Anna had pastel wrapping paper and the ones for Ivy had earthy wrapping paper. If it was for both of them it was wrapped with white paper. The girls received many gifts: Anna got the new dress and skirt she had been asking her mom to make, and Ivy got new paints, brushes and a new canvas from Sarah. From their dad they both received debit cards. Lily gave Ivy a new sketch book and a beautiful jewelry box, and she got Anna new CD’s. Hannah gave Anna the new Louboutin heels she had been wanting. Lisa gave Ivy a beautiful charm gold, bracelet with several charms on it already: a dancer, a lily and a rose, her favorite flowers, a paint brush, a book, and a charm with the words best friends forever.

Deep Thoughts with Jacob

Elissa: Finally we get to hear from you Jacob. Are you nervous about the questions I will be asking?

Jacob: Should I be nervous?

Elissa: I wouldn’t be. I just want to ask you about Sarah.

Jacob: Well in that case ask away.

Elissa: What was it like watching her during those seven days?

Jacob: I thought you were asking about Sarah?

Elissa: I am.

Jacob: Not really.

Elissa: So will you answer the questions.

[He sighs]. Jacob: I don’t know if you’ve watched someone on the edge of death. They seem to slowly fade away each minute. You have no control over it. No way to stop it, and you’re supposed to be able to make things better in the family. It was like watching myself slowly fade as well. Who was I without her? She was the love of my life. It was the hardest things I’ve ever been through. I couldn’t be anyone else but her husband. I couldn’t leave her side.

Elissa: So you wouldn’t have been able to move on?

Jacob: Move on to what? I built my life beside her. Without her it would be like splitting a building in half and expecting it to still hold up.

Elissa: What about the Ivy and Anna?

Jacob: They would still have me, but I think without her I would change.

Elissa: What were you thinking about on the last day?

Jacob: I honestly can’t remember. I was so weak with exhaustion and hunger. I wasn’t taking care of myself. The days were running together.

Elissa: What happened when you saw Ivy return?

Jacob: I didn’t see her come in. Nothing really registered for me until she started giving Sarah the tea. When I heard Sarah spurting I snapped out of my trance.

Elissa: Sarah says you’re very protective of her.

Jacob: Wouldn’t you be? She almost died… twice.

Elissa: I guess I would too. Are you content with life? Within two years almost lose your wife twice, married both your daughters, and became grandfather.

Jacob: I am very content with life. I feel blessed to have all that I do. I wouldn’t trade it.

Elissa: That’s good. I hope that you continue to feel that way about life. We’ll chat again soon?

Jacob: I think that will be fine.

Deep Thoughts with Sarah

Hi fellow bloggers,

I have working hard to come up with some ideas for the posting on the blog (thanks to my marketing you’re writing course… well I should say my Prof). Anyhow I have a ton of them floating around in my head and plan to execute those soon. I will try my best to post on her every week. I am even going to put this in my planer so that I will be held accountable by the planner gods. In due time I hope to have a pleasantly stocked blog that represents my books. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Sarah.

Elissa: Hi Sarah, how are things going?

Sarah: Hello, things are pleasant. I can’t complain. Life is too precious for that.

Elissa: I certainly agree with you on that end. Did you feel that way while you were sick?

Sarah: I did. I’ve felt that way since Ivy and Anna’s birth. I know that even without a curse life is unpredictable and sometimes it really… sucks.

Elissa: So before their births you didn’t feel that way.

Sarah: I had to work through a lot of anger.

Elissa: Because of the way Lily told you about the curse?

Sarah: Yeah, I just couldn’t understand why she would choose to have kids knowing about the curse. I just knew I was going to make better decisions. I looked down on my mother for a few years. Instead of admiring the strength she must have had to love and be loved.

Elissa: Where you worried about Ivy?

Sarah: That is a loaded question. I was worried that she would be frazzled without Anna. Outside of her lessons preparing her for her travel, and Anna’s cheerleading they were inseparable most of their lives. I didn’t think she would feel like she could do it without her sister.

Elissa: But she did, and she didn’t do a bad job either.

Sarah: She was much braver than I was on my journey. I think she gets that from my mother, and her father.

Elissa: I think you are downing yourself. It takes a lot of bravery to love. How has the curse strengthen you and Jacob’s relationship?

Sarah: It brought us closer. Although he has gotten even more protective of me. You’ll have to ask him how it affected him. I was unconscious most of the time.

Elissa: When you woke up what was the first thought that went through your mind?

Sarah: That my daughter was home safe. Then I wondered why Anna and Jacob looked so dishelved. After that I couldn’t think of anything but how hungry I was.

Elissa: How are things for you now?

Sarah: Different. I spent a good portion of my young adult life trying to solve the curse so that the girls wouldn’t have to suffer. No matter how fulfilling my life is/was I couldn’t get past that. Now I can totally devote myself to family and work. We have a bigger secret now, but at least we can allow more leeway now.

Elissa: All families have secrets. To most people yours would be totally awesome, and hard to keep.

Sarah: Well I have a fashion show to get to with Anna. So I have to go.

Elissa: Of course, thanks for chatting with me. Tell everyone I say hello.