I challenge you to leave a book (either a favorite book or one on your book bucket list) below in the comment section! I am curious to see what other #avidreaders are reading!
I wanted to take a minute to give you a little preview of my brain, and the books I grew up reading. I have a deep love for reading and I think it goes back to one of the favorite memories of my mom. When I was little, my mom would read to my brothers and I that each night. I remember when in upper elementary school, she would sit in between our rooms in the doorway and read from a chapter book. Each night I would fall asleep to the stories she would tell. I still revisit some of my favorite childhood authors. I remember eating through the Box Car Children (by Gertrude Warner), Goosebumps (RL Stine), Babysitter Club (Ann Martin). In high school I read a little of this and that, but my favorites were the Fear Street series (RL Stine), The Secret Circle (or anything LJ Smith, prior to the Vampire Diaries TV series), The Canterbury Tales (in Old English, by Geoffrey Chaucer), Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury). I also enjoyed The Hobbit (Tolkien), and Needful Things (or anything by Stephen King). I loved books! Without the distraction of video games or TV shows, I had some time. It was normal to find a good paperback in my bag at all time. My current reading list includes several different genre. I love books by Patricia Briggs (including the Mercy Thompson series), Revelations of Deceit (Corban Dain), Wicked As They Come (Delilah Dawson), Glass Hearts (Renee Lovins), In her Closet series (Tasha Harrison), A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences (Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris), Pawn- Ironclad Bodyguard (Molly Joseph/Annabel Joseph), the Wheel of Time series (Robert Jordan), and Wayward Pines (Blake Crouch). With so many fabulous books out there, it's hard to chose. I have found the best way to enjoy a new book is to just grab one and jump it! Happy reading!
I challenge you to leave a book (either a favorite book or one on your book bucket list) below in the comment section! I am curious to see what other #avidreaders are reading!
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Interior design has been around for as long as people have. People inheritably want to surround themselves with fun and interesting things. Some people aim for calm, neutral colors. Others surround themselves with the bright and vivid! It seems logical that some of us wish to create a steampunk themed home décor. From home furniture, to paint styles to decorations, there is so much you can do to get just the look you desire. Some common materials used to create these steampunk effects are copper, bronze, and other metallic paints and colors. Dark woods and leathers can also help to enhance the steampunk feel. Finding Victorian furniture, bookcases, desks, and cabinets will also kick it up a notch! We are looking to create that industrial aesthetic of the steampunk genre. Steampunk Bathroom: To give your bathroom that next step up, add some exposed copper or bronze piping. Allow the piping system to be part of the décor. If you can find a copper stand alone bathtub, that will also add an extra something to the situation. When in doubt, you can always add the steampunk feel with some paint and rivets (knobs, bolts, etc.). Steampunk Bedroom: There are several interesting bed frames that can be both enhanced or handcrafted. Whether you are looking for a kid's room, spare bedroom, or your own master bedroom, there are a lot of options. How about adding some decals or wooden painted cogs and gears to the wall to help bring out the colors of the room. Brass lighting systems or interesting hanging lamps can also help tweak the room to your specifications. Need a final touch? Something still missing? Try adding a steampunk clock! Steampunk Living room: The thing I love best about steampunk is that you can get a look that is customizable to your own personality. If you like the subtle hints of steampunk and wish for a lighter atmosphere, check out lighter colors mixed with darker woods. Adding a few hints here and there of Victorian décor will help round off your design. If you are looking for a bold, rich copper-colored living room. Rich leather furniture mixed with an industrial looking fireplace can add just the right amount of flavor. There are a variety of end tables, cabinets, and shelving that can add to any design. Not finding what you want, maybe try to add a steamer trunk as both storage and a coffee table. Give it that extra feel by mixing things up. Miscellaneous Décor Ideas: Steampunk bleeds over into so many other genres that the possibilities really are endless. There are pictures and paintings, end tables and dinning tables, as well as a variety of lighting fixtures. Looking to add a bar to your man cave? Give some liquid bottle lights a try. It can really give you that industrial look while adding something your friends will want to comment on! My favorite additions are all the different styles of bookcases! You can never have too many books (in my opinion) and you will need a place to put them. Even with the technology age being what it is, I still find I need a good paperback book from time to time! Helpful Websites:
I found these as a reference, but I am not associated with any of them! Search for what you want at your own risk! For Furniture or ideas: http://www.yeoldesteampunkshoppe.com/steampunk/industrial-machine-age-steampunk-furniture For Esty lovers there's a whole section: https://www.etsy.com/search?q=steampunk%20 For A little of this and that try: http://www.calibex.com/Steampunk-Store/shop-html?nxtg=1950a1c0509-0BDE9CAA7854B21A For Accessories Try: https://www.steampunkemporium.com/steam.php
The sharp snap of the metal blades slicing a crimson ribbon through the air signified the start of a dream. A dream to see the maiden voyage of the first aeroship, rightly named Windscowl, sail the skies. Oh what a site it would be if he could actually pull it off. His palms were sweaty and his eyes twitched as he looked over at the handful of aeronautic sky technicians awaiting eagerly near the metal hull. Pasting a smile on his face he waved to the crowd of observers. Half of who were hoping he would crash, explode, or fail altogether. His aeroship patent had been approved a year ago and it had taken him that long to obtain the funding and finally build Windscowl. He rubbed a loving hand over the hull as he passed by to his awaiting colleagues.
"My name, as you no doubt know, is Inventor Eugene Lamont, of the Aeronautics division of the Academy. I am overjoyed that you all have come to partake in this world changing voyage." Mumbled whispers sounded out around him from jealous lips. "You will each be paid the sum already discussed with you by the Academy. I look forward to seeing how you interact with Windscowl once we have ascended skyward. "Mr. Lamont, excuse me, but how many practice runs have you done?" "And you are?" "Oh, sorry, I am Inventor Nicholas Downs. I am here to work with Element X and over see that the correct amounts of steam are used for propulsion…" "Yes, yes Mr. Downs. You should have been briefed before this run, but I will tell you my team and I have been up to the clouds now a total of 8 times. Each run lasting from one hour to three. Our goal is to travel from here over the next 1,000 mile stretch of land, putting us near to Haven. This voyage is for stamina, not for speed. We need to see how she handles over the next 18 hours." This silences any further questions about the stability of the aeroship or the question about whether they would get off the ground. With a motion of his arm a metal ladder as eased down from the upper deck. "Now if you all will continue above to the main deck, we will continue your briefing there, away from prying eyes." A chuckle went through the throng of people as they began to climb. Wandering up onto the deck, Mr. Lamont proceeded to pair up all the sky techs with a different crewmember. Each tech had his own specialty. "Those of you left are simply along for the ride. I would prefer that you remain on the main deck of the ship. All notes and observations will be welcome upon completion of the journey." ****** The pale moonlight lit up a layer of billowy cotton soft wisps of cloud tendrils that caressed the massive hull. The aluminum-steel plates cut a path through the cool night air, leaving a shadowy void behind the ship. Pairs of eyes stared out over the edges. An eerie silence was randomly pierced by the hiss of steam releasing from side vents. The rhythmic sway of the deck lulled the passengers into a lazy quietness. Curled up next to their colleagues, everywhere people were huddled up masses sitting around on cool metal benches. Wraps, gloves, and stocking caps covered people from head to toe. Several sets of night goggles could be spied throughout the deck. Whether academy personal or simple travelers, their eyes pierced through the night to sights unseen. ****** The whiz and whirl of the translucent policebox beat in time with the whistle of the aeroship's blades. Fading in and out of reality in the last empty corner of the ship, it finally settled into place. The door popped out as the blonde silhouette, of Rose Tyler, stepped out sporting a pair of jeans, a white blouse, and tan vest. "Oh, I thought this was supposed to be the Hindenburg?" The Doctor said pushing her out of the way, stepping into view. Staring around ship as if it was somehow wrong. "But there isn't so much a giant balloon, as… well look at that, metal propellers just a whirling round. And over there, do you see it?" "The Hindenburg, Doctor?" Rose asked. "Aw, Rose, I don't think it is the Hindenburg. Although, I don't remember these things looking so much like a sailing ship." Sailing ship? Rose moved towards the edge of the ship. Grabbing the side rails, her eyes peered down at the empty space below. Her heart sped up pounding almost painfully against her ribs. They were so far from the ground, she couldn't make out the structures below. "Oh, it's a flying ship. Are these clouds we're flying through?" she asked. What new adventures did he have for her today? Were these truly clouds they were flying through? She spread her arms and spun in a circle, letting the cool night air wash over her. The damp shine on her face was refreshing in the evening air. "I think they call them aeroships," the Doctor corrected patting his pockets. What was the man looking for now? "Oye! Who are you all? I don't remember letting you on this ship." A man seemingly in charge lumbered towards them larger than life itself. "Aye, you must of just missed us Mr..." the Doctor said, pulling out a small, rectangular id holder. "Mr. Lamont. This is my ship." He squinted his eyes to see the incredible small writing as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing. "You're from the Academy?" Lamont asked. "Yes we are, from the Academy," the Doctor said taking a well timed pause. "of Science and Technology Research Department?" Mr. Lamont asked again. Rose held her breath. People usually just took what they saw for granite. She couldn't remember when the last time the ID paper hadn't worked. "Yes to study the research of this magnificent ship. I'm the Doctor and this is my assistant, Rose Tyler." The man narrowed his eyes yet again. "I don't remember you being on my list or at the briefing? Were you assigned to a station?" "We've only just arrived," the Doctor stated so matter of factly that there was a giant uncomfortable pause in the conversation. "What he meant was," Rose jumped in "that we were not assigned anywhere specific, that we were merely awaiting your direction." "Aw, I see. Well, all the positions are filled at the moment. Why don’t the two of you stay on the deck level and comply your notes from here. There is much to see above and there will be plenty of time to see the interworkings of the ship after we land." "Will do." The Doctor gave a half salute. Rose could all but see the wheels in his head turning towards the ship's operations. "A glorious moment in history, the first of its kind, this ship. An invention to change the world as we now know it," Mr. Lamont was still rambling on. "As you know it," Rose mumbled under her breath. If only he knew the things I knew, Rose thought, he wouldn't think one ship would change the world. "I'm sorry, what was that you said?" Lamont asked staring at her as if she had a true question to ask him. "Nothing, I was marveling at the wonder of it all." I was very fortunate to spend some time with my grandparents recently and it was so refreshing to watch them so in love! My grandparents have been happily married for 55 years and my parents have had 35 wonderful years of bliss. I have been blessed to have grown up surrounded by love and wanted to see what other people thought created forever love. I have dreamed of having the kind of love my family has, and have been fortunate enough to have found a wonderful man to spend my life with. After 10 years together we are more in love now than we were on the day we were married. Each day I love him a little more. As a romance author, I posed the question about what makes love last forever to a group of people. I was pleased to discover some inspirational, sweet, and humorous answers. I would like to share some of their responses with everyone. There were two main ideas that showed an overwhelming response. The first of these is having great communication with your partner/spouse. There are times when being in a relationship takes work and there are other times when it is effortless. Loving someone enough to work through the tough times and accepting them as they are takes effort. Great communication allows a couple to talk to each other no matter what is going on around them good or bad. It is equally important to share the good times as talking through the rough times. Having empathy and being willing to look at situations through your partner’s point of view can help increase communication in a relationship. Being selfless and putting your partner’s needs first was also on the list as a great way to maintain open communication. The other important aspect that showed up throughout the responders was faith and a couple’s shared and active relationship with God and his Son. Couples felt that renewing their mind in the word of God daily so that they could share their relationship with God and Jesus was vital. Persisting in responding to Jesus’ love in their relationship made them stronger as a couple. Shared values is an important part of any relationship. Faith is a great building block for couples to build a future from. There were several smaller aspects to relationships that popped up throughout the responses as well. One of these common aspects was humor. Having the ability to laugh with your partner was key in a lot of different responses. Along those lines, I thought it was great to add that one of my friends said the thing that makes her relationship work best is his and hers bathrooms! It is humor that keeps her laughing in the good times and gets her family through the rough patches. Other responses included aspects of trust, honesty, forgiveness, and patience. The last response I found really interesting is that a couple I know tries to live by the 10/1 rule. This is when for every one injurious action or statement made to your partner, you should make ten kind acts to repair it. I found this interesting and could see how this would keep the relationship positive. How about you? Is there anything you would add or take away from this post as making a relationship work long term? Please feel free to add any stories or insights. Steampunk fashion contains a variety of styles influenced by the Victorian era as well as modern day. Styles include but are not limited to bustles, corsets, petticoats, gowns, and suits completed with waistcoats and top hats. What makes these outfits different from other styles is that they are often accented with timepieces, googles (flying or driving), ray guns, cogs, gears or other mechanical pieces. Post-apocalyptic Steampunk fashion can include gas masks, ragged clothing, or even tribal motifs. Over the last few years we have seen modern day high fashion lines using steampunk influences as well. Styles can be seen on the runways through Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Chanel, and others. Even if you’re not a fashion designer, you can find a variety of clothing and accessories to fit your style or look. There are several websites where anyone who so desires can purchase steampunk gear and accessories. Such websites include: The Steampunk Emporium- http://www.steampunkemporium.com/ Clockwork Couture- https://clockworkcouture.com/ Steampunk Threads- http://steampunkthreads.com/ There is a little bit for everyone. So if you want to adventure as a member of the Royal Society, an inventor, mad scientist, or even an airship captain, these sites (and more) have something for you! What would you consider the most interesting piece of Steampunk fashion? Please feel free to post comments or links as they apply! |
Follow the AuthorFollow Donjaline Hope on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DonjalineHope for updated Blog posts and random twitter posts! Message from the Donjaline Hope:
I am an inspired soul who loves to write and take photographs. I read and write constantly and have been inspired by many people throughout my life. I grew up reading everything I could get my hands on but my favorites were always R.L. Stine and L.J. Smith (prior to the Vampire Diaries). I have composed many things through the past several years and would like to use this blog as a way to share some of them with you (both new and old writings). I would love feedback both positive and negative to help me improve my writing. Thank you for following this blog. Archives
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