5 on Friday - Set 57

Travis at Trav's Thoughts invites everyone to lay down a short set of music that takes their fancies for his 5 on Friday meme.













Welcome to the 1980s!

This is not the first 5 on Friday where I featured 80s tunes - my 9th set was devoted to the music of my youth:

CLICK HERE for my 5 on Friday - Set 9

As Coco mentioned last week:

"How do you narrow down the songs? That would, to me, seem an insurmountable task!"

It is - believe me. How do I choose five songs to represent an entire decade of pop music? Do I go for the quintessential stars of that decade? Do I try to cover the prevailing sound of that era? Basically, I focus on my own favorites and chip away from there.

The 80s were my twenties decade, and that's generally the music that lives closest to a person's heart - the time when we struck out on our own, discovered who we were, what we believed in and what was worth pursuing in life.

So naturally I've snuck in five extra tunes this week...!

1 - De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da - The Police - 1980

Don't think me unkind
Words are hard to find

There are only cheques I've left unsigned
From the banks of chaos in my mind

And when their eloquence escapes me
Their logic ties me up and wrecks me

- Sting



2 - Welcome to the Pleasuredome - Frankie Goes to Hollywood - 1984

Shooting stars never stop
Even when they reach the top

There goes a supernova
What a pushover, yeah

We're a long way from home
Welcome to the Pleaduredome
On our way home
Going home where lovers roam
Long way from home

Welcome to the Pleasuredome

- Gill / Johnson / Nash / O'Toole



3 - I Didn't Mean to Turn You On - Robert Palmer - 1985

You
Read me wrong
I wasn't trying to lead you on
Not like you think

I didn't mean to turn you on

I
Know you
Expected a one-night stand
When I refused

I knew you wouldn't understand

I'm sorry, baby
I didn't mean to turn you on

- Harris / Lewis



4 - Cemetery Gates - The Smiths - 1986

A dreaded sunny day
So let's go where we're happy
And I'll meet you at the cemetery gates

Keats and Yates are on your side

A dreaded sunny day
So let's go where we're wanted
And I'll meet you at the cemetery gates

Keats and Yates are on your side
But you lose

Because Wilde is on mine

- Marr / Morrissey



5 - Personal Jesus - Depeche Mode - 1989

Feeling unknown and you're all alone
Flesh and bone by the telephone
Lift up the receiver
I'll make you a believer

I will deliver
You know I'm a forgiver

Reach out, touch faith
Your own Personal Jesus
Reach out, touch faith

- Martin Gore

CLICK HERE to watch the video













For my 5 on Friday crowd - if you scroll down to yesterday's post, my sister just published her debut Tween book, Princess Callie and the Totally Amazing Talking Tiara! Pretty excited over here!

Thursday Thirteen - 201 - 13 Questions For Daisy Piper, Author of Princess Callie and the Totally Amazing Talking Tiara

Today is a very special day here at A Piece of My Mind.

Today is the official launch of my sister's debut Tween release, Princess Callie and the Totally Amazing Talking Tiara.

For the Tween market, she's writing as Daisy Piper - you can check out her website HERE.

1 - Daisy, what attracted you to the Tween market?

I just naturally gravitated towards it. My favorite TV shows are iCarly, Wizards of Waverly Place, and SpongeBob, so I guess I'm really still a kid at heart!

2 - You've published directly to Kindle and Smashwords. Do you find that your target readership prefers the electronic device format?

It's been suggested in several news stories lately that by the year 2020, 95% of all reading will be done on a screen. Right now, there are 15 million Kindle devices out there, and some companies are developing e-readers specficially for children, to be released by Christmas 2011. So, right now, e-reading is in its infancy. But I definitely think it's the way of the future. I myself have a Kindle and Kobo, and I love them.

3 - Do you think it's easier or more difficult to capture a young reader's attention for a full-length story in this age of the 140-character tweet?

I think it's definitely more of a challenge. Most young readers use multiple forms of social media on a daily basis, communicating at the click of a button. You have to catch and hold their attention quickly, and keep your story moving in order to compete with the myriad choices of entertainment out there.

4 - What role is social media playing in the way a Tween writer reaches her audience?

It's playing a huge role. Twitter, Facebook, blogs--these are powerful tools for any writer to use in reaching their readers, especially a tween audience. Tweens are texting each other about what interests them: hot new movies, music, and books. Things can go viral very quickly.

5 - Who were your most influential Children's/YA authors when you were a young reader?

C.S.Lewis
Madeline L'Engle
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Joan Aiken
Judy Blume
Richard Peck

6 - Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I'm a little of both! I do plot the book before I start writing, but as the story develops, it always takes a few twists and turns I hadn't planned.

Do you stick to a schedule when you write? And do you have daily or weekly word or page goals?

I am very good at setting page count goals and sticking to them when I have a deadline. But I've also been known to just "wing it" sometimes, too.

7 - Tell us about Callie.

Callie Richards is the main character of the series. Two years prior to the beginning of the story, her mother was killed in a car accident. Since then, Callie has had to deal with the emotional toll of losing a parent, as well as navigating tweendom without her Mom's guidance.

On the morning of her twelfth birthday, a mysterious message appears in her cereal. She thinks it's a practical joke, until more discoveries lead her to a magical land which desperately needs her help.

But Callie finds out that things aren't always what they seem, and being a magical princess is a lot tougher than she bargained for. Callie is a wonderful, spunky character that I hope my readers love as much as I do.

8 - And Lewis?

Lewis Farnsworth is Callie's best friend. He's always there for Callie when she needs him.

He's incredibly intelligent, and reads books like Physiology of Amoebae, and A Short History of Rocks. He has a quirky sense of humour, and provides a lot of comic relief in the story. One reader mentioned to me that Callie and Lewis reminded her of an old married couple, even though they're twelve!

9 - What about Wanda?

Wanda Morris is the class bully, who gets swept up in Callie and Lewis's adventure in the magical world of Albion. This character actually "bullied" her way into the story, as I was writing it. I had not planned her at all, but during one scene she just appeared.

I knew she had an interesting story of her own, and would make a great addition to the plot. Even though I've cast Wanda as a villain, she's actually one of my favorite characters, because she is so complex.

10 - What was the inspiration for the Talking Tiara?












The Talking Tiara is based on the Russian Fringe Tiara, also known as the George III Tiara, from the personal collection of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. I was attracted to the spiked fringe of this tiara because to me, it resembled teeth. I pictured these teeth and jaws growling and snapping, with magical powers of their own.












I just LOVE that tiara. And I love that it was Queen Elizabeth's 'something borrowed' on her wedding day.

11 - You know that I'm also more than a little partial to dragons. Is there a dragon featured in the story?

Every princess needs a dragon, and Callie is no different. In the magical world of Albion, Callie is given a royal dragon to act as her life-long protector. She names him Earle, and though he's big, has purple scales and can breathe fire, he's a lot like an uncoordinated puppy with wings. Earle will definitely steal your heart!


12 - This is the first book in a series. When will the next Princess Callie e-book hit e-reader screens?

Princess Callie and the Fantastic Fire-Breathing Dragon, Book II of the Callie Chronicles, will be available shortly - late Spring 2011. Check my website for updates.

13 - Will Princess Callie and the Totally Amazing Talking Tiara be available as a print book?

Yes, it will be available very soon, through CreateSpace, Amazon's print-on-demand platform.

Well, thank you for launching your book here at A Piece of My Mind - this has been a whole ton of fun!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And as a special treat for my blog readers, you can use this FREE COUPON CODE from Smashwords until MARCH 19th:

SK79Y

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Here's an exclusive excerpt from Princess Callie and the Totally Amazing Talking Tiara - enjoy!


They used Callie’s flashlight to guide their way down the bumpy road. Soon they came upon a big double wooden gate. It stood in the middle of the wall, flanked by two torches that burned orange in the black night. Above the gate, two hideous looking gargoyles stood guard. A weathered iron plaque proclaimed Grimstead Gate to passersby.

Callie’s breath caught in her throat and her heart pounded painfully in her chest. “Lewis, this place was in my dream. It’s exactly the same--the gate, the torches, everything! But I’ve never been here before. How do I remember a place I’ve never been?”

“Beats me, Cal. Maybe we’ve discovered another dimension. You know, this would make a great science project. Something like this would garner a lot of attention in the scientific community. We’d have our pick of universities lining up to give us scholarships.”

“Scholarships? Lewis, we’re only in the sixth grade,” Callie pointed out.

“It’s never too early to start planning for your higher education.” He grinned.

Then something happened that made Callie’s breath catch in her throat. A voice came out of the night. Then another one. They weren’t just any voices. They were gruff and scary, and seemed to be talking about her.

“I tell ye, it’s her.”

“Her, who?”

“Princess Calandria—of the Royal House of Arraband.”

“’Ow d’ye know?”

“I’ve seen pictures, so I ‘ave.”

“Where? Where ‘ave ye seen pictures?”

“In the Albion Times, if ye must know. I’m a regular subscriber--the Arraband Chronicle and Gargoyles Weekly, too. I like ta keep up on current events, which is more than I can say about you.”

Callie shone her flashlight around. Even with the glow from the two torches it was still quite dark. “Uh… Hello?”

“Uh-oh. I think she heard us.”

Callie looked at Lewis. He seemed as uncertain as she did, but he said, “We did hear you. Where are you?”

Callie shone the flashlight around the gate, but they still couldn’t see anyone who might be attached to those strange voices.

“Up here.”

Callie slowly shone her flashlight up the wall above the gate. A hideous face looked down at her and grinned brightly. “Hi.”

Callie screamed in fright and fell back onto the dirt road. Lewis shouted in fright too, but managed to stay on his feet. The gargoyles were talking!

© Daisy Piper, 2011

Wordless Wednesday - 189

Through the Opera Glasses - 74 - My Top Ten Oscar Gowns From the 2011 Red Carpet

Last weekend my very favorite night of the year - after Christmas Eve, of course - unfolded from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Continuing a three-year tradition here at A Piece of My Mind, here are my top ten gowns from the Oscar arrivals red carpet:


1 - My favorite: Co-host Anne Hathaway's scarlet strapless Valentino gown with Victorian-style train, complete with rose detailing.

Anne made a previous appearance on my 2008 list. You can check previous Oscar gown posts by clicking on my Weekly Look at the Arts tab just below the blog header.

Photo by John Shearer


2 - Hilary Swank's feathery strapless Gucci Premiere gown dazzled.

Hilary previously appeared on my 2008 list.




Photo by Lucy Nicholson


3 - I really loved this ethereal Monique Lhuillier crystal-encrusted gown with an illusion neckline worn by Mandy Moore.








Photo by Steve Granitz


4 - This ruby-red stunner was worn by an unnamed guest of supporting actor nominee John Hawkes.








Photo by Jason Merritt


5 - Helen Mirren makes her third appearance on my Top Ten Oscar Gowns list with this sculpted Vivienne Westwood gown.








Photo by Matt Sayles


6 - John Hawkes' Winter's Bone co-star Dale Dickey shimmered in this sequined off-the-shoulder blue sheath dress.








Photo by Lucy Nicholson


7 - Jennifer Hudson rocked in this fitted tangerine Versace mermaid gown.








Photo by Jason Merritt




8 - The incredibly stunning Aishwarya Rai shone by going for understatement with a bronze sequined Armani Privet gown.












9 - Michelle Williams was luminous in this short-sleeved beaded Chanel sheath dress.









Photo by Frazer Harrison



10 - Having made the Worst Dressed List for previous Oscars, Helena Bonham Carter's restraint with this custom-designed gown by Oscar-winner Colleen Atwood was a welcome surprise. I especially loved her fan-shaped clutch.





Photo by Jason Merritt

Weekend Writers Retreat - 45

Here's the latest installment of Scorpius' boyhood back story.

Scorpius is a character from my dark fantasy work in progress. For the first twelve scenes posted for the Weekend Writer's Retreat, we follow him as a seven-year-old, fetched from the nursery by a falconer to become his apprentice.

The next twelve scenes follow ten-year-old Scorpius as he discovers the dangers of serving the nobles he'd once imagined were family.

The third set of twelve scenes give us a thirteen-year-old Scorpius, who discovers the true extent of his master's attempts to shield him from the cruelties of life outside their falconer's cottage.

We rejoin him at age sixteen.

You can follow the progress of this story arc by clicking on the Works in Progress link just under the blog header.


Scene 45

Scorpius grabbed at her skirt as she rose, but Alegreza darted just out of reach. Her giggle filled the secluded grove where the last bites of a delicious meal remained on the cloth spread beneath the trees.

Richolf and Ingerith already clapped a merry tune, so Scorpius joined in as Alegreza danced for them. Ingerith hummed and Alegreza spun, her quick little feet tapping an irresistible rhythm.

She flashed her legs now and then with a deft twist of her hands upon her skirts, shooting glances at Scorpius that sent the heat to his face. Ingerith got the same looks, however, so they must be a part of the dance. Still, an odd feeling came over him that his master and his lover should be witness to them.

When she finished, everyone clapped and laughed in delight. Alegreza flopped down on the forest floor beside him, catching her breath. She glanced at him but looked to Ingerith, who nodded.

Richolf rose slowly to his feet as his old injuries protested. “I feel like a walk just now,” he said, catching Scorpius’ eye.

Indeed, the two women bent their heads together in whispered conversation. Scrambling awkwardly to his feet, Scorpius joined his master along the path which had brought them here for this dreamlike afternoon.

“Are they…?” Scorpius said.

Nodding, Richolf left it at that until they were well out of hearing range. Then he stopped short and looked Scorpius squarely in the eye. “I know it’s all happening rather quickly,” he said.

Scorpius’ stomach knotted up. “Ingerith found a position for her.”

The expression on his master’s face did nothing to reassure Scorpius. “She may have. Everything depends upon the patron, and whether Alegreza is suitable.”

Fear for the market girl reared up in Scorpius' chest, scattering the laughter of their outing like a whirlwind. Words and questions caught in his throat, words he dare not speak. If he remained silent, the images that sprang to his mind might yet be beaten back.

“In a few days time, a noble will come to us for a hunt,” Richolf said. “He will also collect Alegreza – if she pleases him.”

Scorpius turned away, the memory of his master’s lover in the arms of another man blinding him. All of the secrecy, the notes passed through third parties, Ingerith’s threats that she would discover the names of the men responsible for torturing her beloved – all of it made sense in a flood of clarity.

“But does she know?” he said. “Does she understand where she would be going?”

“She already knows,” Richolf said sadly.

“There’s nothing else she could do?” Scorpius said, his voice tight with emotion. ‘Did Ingerith even inquire?”

“She wouldn’t make this offer lightly.” A tone of warning rose in his master’s voice.

Scorpius ignored it. The hammering of his pulse drove all caution from his mind. “I can inquire, sir. Let me go to the estate.”

“I told you she’s aware of the offer.” Richolf’s face darkened.

The remains of Alegreza’s kisses clung to Scorpius’ skin, driving him to blurt out, “But sir, you’re not giving her a chance!”

His master grabbed him roughly by the arms, pulling him close. “What sort of chance do you think she’d have if she was a housemaid? You don’t remember what it was like for those slave girls they brought out here?”

Scorpius returned Richolf’s burning gaze. “I do remember, sir. Yet you send her to the very same fate, only in finer clothing.”

Richolf shoved him away so that Scorpius stumbled and nearly lost his footing. “Ingerith enjoys some portion of power over herself. That is more than most penniless market girls with no families could hope for. So you would do well to thank Ingerith for going through the considerable trouble to procure this patron for Alegreza.”

Biting back more words, Scorpius nodded, his helplessness burning behind his eyes like tears. He too had no family, only a master with a courtesan for a lover.

© Julia Smith, 2011

5 on Friday - Set 56

Travis at Trav's Thoughts invites everyone to lay down a short set of music that takes their fancies for his 5 on Friday meme.














Next up in my series of popular music through the decades - the 1970s!


1 - Maggie May - Rod Stewart - 1971

Mother, what a lover
You wore me out

All you did was wreck my bed
And in the morning kick me in the head
Oh, Maggie I couldn't have tried anymore

You lured me away from home
Cause you didn't want to be alone
You stole my heart
I couldn't leave you if I tried

- Quittenton / Stewart



2 - The Jean Genie - David Bowie - 1972

New York's a go-go
And everything tastes nice
Poor little greenie
Get back home

The jean genie
Lives on his back
The jean genie
Loves chimney stacks

He's outrageous
He screams and he bawls
Jean genie
Let yourself go!

- David Bowie



3 - Whatever Gets You Through the Night - John Lennon - 1974

CLICK HERE to listen to the song

Whatever gets you through the night
It's alright
It's alright

It's your money or your life
It's alright
It's alright

Don't need a sword to cut through flowers
Oh no
Oh no

- John Lennon

















4 - You're My Best Friend - Queen - 1976

Ooo, you make me live
Whenever this world is cruel to me
I've got you
To help me forgive

Ooo, you make me live now, honey
Ooo, you make me live

- John Deacon



5 - Atomic - Blondie - 1979

Make me tonight
Tonight, make it right

Make me tonight
Tonight
Tonight

Make it magnificent
Tonight
Right

Your hair is beautiful
Oh, tonight

Atomic

- Destri / Harry

Thursday Thirteen - 200! - 13 of My Favorite T13s From My 100 - 200 Archives

My, how time flies. Can it really be two years and 100 Thursday Thirteens since I celebrated my first one hundredth T13 anniversary?

100! - 13 of My Favorite T13s From My Archives

Well...let's see what I've been up to since then.
















1 - 13 Paintings By My Sister-in-Law, Violetta Smith

A special event I enjoy having here at A Piece of My Mind are my virtual art shows. Besides the Sidebar Art Gallery which hosts a new show every month, I have hosted eight art shows featuring single artists or mixed artists.

You can check them out by visiting my Art Gallery Archives. The link is at the top beneath the blog header.















2 - 13 Reasons to Read Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer

Another regular feature here is my book review T13. You can check out my current assortment of 38 reviews by visiting my Book Reviews link, just under the blog header.












3 - 13 Questions For Kim Michele Richardson, Author of The Unbreakable Child

Something new I've started and which I really enjoy is the interview T13. I haven't collected them all under one roof yet, but that is on the list for this year.















4 - 13 Ways to Admire Tom Hardy

Another extremely delightful series of T13s is my Eye Candy series. Just getting started, really.












5 - 13 Things About the Night My Teenage Dream Came True

I can honestly say that this night put my crushed-up belief in dreams back together like Humpty Dumpty.












6 - 13 Things About Travelling 25 Years Back in Time

This is like a movie. But it really happened.










Photo by Eric Wynne

7 - 13 Ways to Celebrate 100 Years of the Canadian Navy

A stirring celebration out here on Canada's east coast.












Photo by Natalie Behring-Chisholm

8 - 13 Reasons Canada's Defense Minister Peter Mackay Should Man Up About Torture Allegations

Every now and then, I give an actual piece of my mind.












9 - 13 Insider Views at the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremonies

Fan girly time!













10 - 13 of My Favorite Animals

Rrowrr...












11 - 13 Ways My Corporate Team Walked For the Cure

For anyone who can't be there in person, I'll do my best to make you feel like you were.
















12 - 13 Things My Sister Will Say to Her New Husband on Their Wedding Night

LOL!

















Photo by Anita Coady

13 - 13 Special Moments From My Sister's Wedding Day

Considering their walking-down-the-aisle song was Somewhere Over the Rainbow...