Picture Quote Monday {Cultivate}

It's so important to take time for those things you're passionate about--those things that make your heart happy. This week, set time aside to do what you love. (Thanks to Chris Rebo of Rebo Photography for this week's photo!)

The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart

Nicholas Benedict is back (though far younger than when I last saw him) in The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict--the prequel to The Mysterious Benedict Society books.

Nicholas is being taken to a new orphanage...again. And right from the start, things take a dramatic turn--despite his best efforts to avoid attracting attention. But when you're the new kid who also happens to be an extremely observant genius with a photographic memory, you're bound to have trouble fitting in. All Nicholas wants is to spend his free time in the library and avoid a painful run-in with the Spiders. But when he discovers the journal the director possesses may hold the key to a long lost treasure, Nicholas begins a covert search for something he hopes will change his life, and the lives of his two unexpected (and only) friends. That is, if he can stay awake.

Nicholas Benedict is what most would call an odd child, and some (smarter) folks would call gifted. He has a photographic memory, can read an entire encyclopedia in mere minutes, and with his wits and quick thinking, can solve almost any problem and avoid almost any disaster. His new home at Rothchild's End is brimming with mystery and tales of a hidden treasure. Add to that a rather cold and desperate headmaster, a cast of strange staff, and a group of bullies known ominously as the Spiders, and you have a recipe for one exciting tale. Especially when Nicholas's narcolepsy tends to send him off to sleep at the most inopportune moments.

One of my favorite things about Stewart's books is his ability to create such unique and interesting characters. This cast includes a handyman whose specialty is silently fretting over the children, a nurse who doles out questionable remedies, a young girl with a kind but heavy heart, and a bad tempered mule named Rabbit. And who wouldn't love Nicholas? As a mother, my heart went out to him, and as a once shy and socially awkward kid, I could identify with him, too. The mystery is fun (though not as difficult to piece together as those in the rest of the series, it did have its own clever twists), and Nicholas's determination to solve it places him in one perilous situation after another. Throughout it all, there are plenty of great lessons on conflict, trust, friendship and sacrifice, which kids will find inspiring and parents will appreciate. All in all, fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society will enjoy this glimpse into the past of the society's eccentric and loveable founder.

Picture Quote Monday {Pencils}

As a graphic designer and a writer, most of my creativity is captured on a screen using a keyboard and a mouse. But I find when I get stuck, the best antidote for writer's--or creator's--block is to step away from the electronics and go old school. That's when it's time to break out the pencil (or pen) and paper. There's just something magical about a blank page that you can see and feel, and a nice sharp pencil with a brand new eraser. (Quote by Joyce A. Myers. Handwritten text by me. Paper effects done in Phoster app).

Calvin On Storytelling

The blog has been quiet this week because I've been hard at work on the final draft of my novel! The end is near! I'll be back next week with more posts, including my review of  The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart. But for now, enjoy a little Calvin and Hobbes...

Bonus Challenge: What do you think Calvin's explanation of "The Noodle Incident" was? Leave your story in the comments. Extra points if you can Twitter size your reply at 140 characters or less. :)

Picture Quote Monday {Never Enough}

So true. (And the fact C.S. Lewis said it makes me love it even more). 

Hand drawn on my hubby's iPad using the Paper by FiftyThree app.

The Small Things

After my Favorite Things post, I decided I wanted to make that sort of thing a regular deal. So every month, I'll be sharing the stuff that I'm currently in love with--the small things that bring an extra dose of happy to my day. They might be writing related...or not. Here's what I'm digging this month...

Alter Eco Dark Chocolate with Quinoa

I love everything about this chocolate...the taste, the ingredients, the gorgeous packaging. It's just the right level of darkness (not too sweet, not too bitter) so it's still smooth. Plus, it's split into the perfect sized squares--small enough you don't feel guilty, but big enough you're not so tempted to break off a second piece. And with crispy Quinoa instead of rice, it's like a beautiful, grown-up Krackle for hipsters.

Relevant Magazine/Podcast

There's not a website, publication or podcast I love more than Relevant. From social justice news to thought-provoking articles on current issues to tongue-in-cheek humor pieces, these guys are the best. Want to find great new music? The latest in Youtube hilarity? Interviews with authors, musicians, and world changers? Look no further. Not only can you get all this from the website and bi-monthly mag, but it gets even better when you throw in the weekly Relevant Podcast (a new one releases every Friday). And don't even get me started on the iPad edition of the magazine--it's pure genius in design. Check it out. Trust me.

Plant Nanny App

It's fun and it has a practical, healthy purpose. Pick from a variety of adorable plants, then care for it while caring for yourself! Plant Nanny calculates the ideal amount of water you need each day, based on your height and weight. Each time you drink a glass of water, give one to your plant. When your plant is fully grown, stick it in your garden and start a new one. Don't drink enough, and your plant will give you sad eyes and turn brown (yes, I know this from experience). The customizable reminder alert makes it easy to create a healthy routine. Happy plant = healthier you.

Picture Quote Monday {Beauty}

I came across this poem by G.A. Sala in my 1942 edition of Popular Quotations For All Uses and fell in love with it. Sometimes beauty is found in words, and that is one of my favorite things about writing.