I know it’s early for fair season, but I was going through old pictures and had to share some of the photos that Miles took back in 2009 when we went to the Lynden Fair in Lynden, Wa.
I’m a sucker for all things fair. My inner-child comes squealing out during fair season.
The little wing around the other baby duckling. I die.
I just love alpacas. They crack me up.
My dahlias are just starting to break through the soil. I can’t wait for them to bloom!
Happy FriYAY!
-Rachel
Fluttering feet and mushy kisses. Kicks and jabs.
Creaking rocker, sleepy snuggles – quiet in the womb.
Aching back, cramping legs, eyes that carry bags.
Guilt for the one outside, anxious for the one inside. How will I, one woman, one body, one heart, one mother be enough?
My heart is full of love even as my patience runs thin, for the one outside and the one within.
Hi everyone. Did I mention that pregnancy has been making me feel ALL the feels lately?
I hope you enjoyed my impromptu poem I just ticked-out on my phone.
-Rachel
I’ve followed Daley Downing’s blog “The Invisible Moth” for a long time. So I anticipated the release of her new book, “Masters And Beginners”. I was thrilled when she asked me to be an early reader.
You may recall my post from last week, where I explained that I was having a rough day and was delightfully surprised to receive a (bookish) package. Inside Daley thoughtfully sent some treasures and the most precious of them all: her new novel.
Here is the synopsis of Daley’s first book “Masters And Beginners” in her series “The Order Of The Twelve Tribes”:
“When Sophie Driscoll’s grandmother dies, her parents take over running the Annex, a warehouse facility that stores magical artifacts and documents proving, and protecting, the existence of faeries. Sophie and her brothers, Flynn and Cal, happily adjust to a new house, new friends, and a new way of living, joining the ranks of generations who have kept the fey and mortal realms separate for centuries. Before the first month of their new life is over, they’ll encounter romance, elves, talking cats, ancient secrets, and potentially lethal danger. What could possibly go wrong…
You had me at magical artifacts, faeries, and talking cats.
But, what I really admire about “Masters And Beginners” is the world that Daley has created. She makes you believe that your neighbor’s barn/shed/garage could house magical cats and fairy documentation. I love when stories combine our world with a magical twist.
I enjoyed reading a YA story where the protagonists came from a solid, loving family and get this, both parents were alive!
(What…the parents are still alive AND wonderful people?)
I know, it was shocking and thoroughly refreshing. As an adult and a mother, I felt a special pull towards the Driscoll parents. I’m glad Daley included them as much as she did in the series. Often in YA writing we never meet the parents or we are repulsed by their behavior.
The main protagonist (Sophie Driscoll) is an admirable, likeable teen. I adore the close relationship she has with her two brothers, especially her older brother Flynn. There is a story-line of romance between a few of the teens in “The Order” (humans (mostly) who protect the fay’s existence and magical artifacts), but romance doesn’t run the story. Mostly these kids are smart, adjusting “Order” kids, who are trying to do their best.
The excitement and mystery moves quickly. Daley has really mastered the art of pacing her story. (I read the book in less than a week. I was hooked.)
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I want to learn more about the many intriguing side characters like: Sophie’s love interest, her mysterious neighbor, Alex. Her cousin Madison. Flynn’s love-interest Emma. Really I just want MORE. (I’m a greedy book dragon.)
I’m honestly just so impressed with the quality of this one-woman writing/editing/marketing team. I know Daley has worked incredibly hard to release her novel and I can’t tell you how inspired I am after reading “Masters And Beginners”.
If you would like to experience the magic yourself, you may purchase a copy of “Masters And Beginners” here.
Happy Reading,
Rachel
Happy first day of May. It’s an overcast morning here, but the sun is starting to peak through.
We did a lot of spring cleaning this weekend. We are trying to get the nursery ready and that means tearing apart our current office. We are also cleaning out our basement/bonus room to turn into the new office. Between that, being pregnant, and herding a toddler, I’m pretty tired.
I have revised my picture book “Elsie Goes To Work” so much it’s hardly recognizable. I think it’s almost ready to be pitched to editors and agents. I just need to send it and stop messing with it, but I also want it to be as perfect as I can make it. I think this is a constant battle for artists, the ever-present question of: when is your project (baby) ready to leave your hands?
I’m a few pages away from finishing “Masters and Beginners” (Volume 1 of The Order of the Twelve Tribes) by Daley Downing – book review coming soon. *Spoiler alert: I highly recommend it.* If you would like to purchase a copy to participate in the discussion you may do so here.
Other than that I’m just looking forward to the farmer’s market opening this Thursday and watching my garden and my family flourish.
Have a great week.
-Rachel
Rachel McKee~Illuminated Literation 