The Rose Gate: Behind the Scenes
Check out the behind the scenes video where I explore Alnwick Castle, the location I chose to showcase the book The Rose Gate by Hanna Sandvig ( a Beauty and the Beast retelling).
If you haven’t watched the book review video for The Rose Gate, check it out here:
https://www.jlgillham.com/blog/rosegate
Get your copy of the book here: https://amzn.to/2SeTXwe
Transcript:
I love to merge my hobbies including reading, traveling, photography, everything to do with videos. So, I pick a book and showcase it at a unique location.
My friend Sam and I spent a weekend in Edinboro Scotland selling books at a convention. On our way back home to England we made a few stops. One of them was at Alnwick Castle.
Of course I wanted to check it out because it is absolutely stunning, but also for its more unique aspects. One of them is The Poison Garden. It has about 100 toxic, intoxicating, and narcotic plants that are locked away behind black iron gates, and only open on guided tours. Unfortunately, we were in a bit of a time crunch so I wasn't able to check that out, but I added the location to my revisit bucket list.
They also have unique fairytale themed sculptures and artwork at the miny golf and on the grounds. That’s where I saw the black ironwork and blooming glass rose petals. I knew instantly this would be the perfect location to showcase the book The Rose Gate. The story was written by Hannah Sandvig and is a modern day version of Beauty and the Beast that involves the fae realm.
Another reason we made a quick stop here is because Alnwick Castle is the real location of the Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey's 2015 and 2016 Christmas specials. And, it has been in many films including Transformers: The Last Knight, Elizabeth and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. I’ll quote their website for another reason so many tourists flock to this location each year.
“Our very own Alnwick Castle was used as a filming location of both the Philosopher’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets. Harry and his classmates learned to fly broomsticks on the Outer Bailey, which is also where Harry learned to play the wizarding sport Quidditch. Walk around the castle’s courtyards and baileys, and try and spot where Harry and his friends walked to class, where Ron crashed his dad’s flying car, and their route to Hagrid’s hut and the Forbidden Forest.”
Next we walked toward the castle. I had to stop and take a ton of pictures here. I’d dropped my camera recently during the British tea house photo shoot and I’d soon find out my camera was about to stop working. That’s okay, because we were out of time. I’ve added the location to my revisit bucket list. And, next time I’ll make sure to bring a working camera.
Ending:
If you love modern day fairytale retellings grab a copy of The Rose Gate. And if you enjoyed this video make sure to watch my review of The Memory Thief, the first story in the City of Wishes series. It’s a modern day Cinderella retelling. Also, If you are ever in the United Kingdom I strongly recommend adding Alnwick Castle to your itinerary. But, don’t make the same mistake I did. Instead of rushing through everything, plan to spend an entire day there and make sure to book a tour through The Poison Garden.
The Rose Gate Review
If you love modern day fairy tale retellings, check out my sneak peek of The Rose Gate.
Watch the full video book review for The Rose Gate ( a modern day Beauty and the Beast).
Make sure you don’t miss the behind the scenes video of making this review (featured at Alnwick Castle!)
Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/2SeTXwe
Also, check out Hanna Sandvig’s amazing Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/hannasandvig/
Transcript
The Rose Gate - Review
The History of Beauty and the Beast: La Belle et la Bête or Beauty and the Beast was written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740 in The Young American and Marine Tales. The lengthy version was abridged, rewritten, and published by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in 1756 in (Children's Collection).From what I researched many anthropologists believe Beauty and the Beast was told orally for possibly four thousand years before it was written down. La Belle et la Bête was influenced by Ancient Greek stories such as "Cupid and Psyche", The Golden Ass, written in the 2nd century AD, and The Pig King, an Italian fairytale published around 1550.
Something that also surprised me when researching was the fact that La Belle et la Bête involved Fairy. The reader’s eventually learned Belle was a fairy princess instead of commoner. She might’ve been given that status due to class or social issues of that time period.
Through researching I learned the beast was originally described only as ugly, furry, fierce and frightful. He has been many animals including a wolf, monkey, snake, three-headed winged snake, horse, a pig, a lion, a frog, and probably more.
The design of the Beast in the 1946 film adaptation was inspired by the portrait of Petrus Gonsalvus who suffered from hypertrichosis, causing an abnormal growth of hair on his face and other parts.
Before I switch from sharing history about the original story to a review of the modern day book The Rose Gate let me tell you about a fancy place. I like to start off my book review videos showcasing the book at a unique location. I chose Alnwick Castle, because of its gorgeous metallic rose gate which tied in perfectly to not only the look on the cover, but also to how roses were incorporated throughout the book for different purposes. I also loved all the giant fairytale pieces of art found at the outskirts. Alnwick Castle is famous for many reasons, one of them being the poison garden. It is a reminder that even lovely things can be dangerous just like the fae realm Beauty visits.
Here is a short fun video I made to give you a sneak peek about what The Rose Gate features.
Now onto my review. I enjoyed all of the little mysteries. For example, it isn’t until about halfway through the book when you learn the main character’s name. I won’t spoil the surprise, so I will refer to her as Beauty. I understood Beauty’s personality and beliefs right away by how she spoke with the kids at the library reading group. Beauty read a fairytale, but made up her own ending. “And the Prince and Princess got married and lived happily ever after. After they got to know each other properly and the Princess went to university for at least four years to complete a bachelor’s.”
Setting plays a large role in this story. Beauty states, “The forest doesn’t need anything from you. It just is. And it’s content to let you be the same.” Eventually she ends up at Kilinaire, a rural manor in the fae realm. There she meets the inhabitants. They were once humans, but after the curse they are now talking animals including a fox, a raccoon and beast who is a bear in this story.
This was a great introduction to learning about fae (not to be confused with fairies who are considered the friendlier of the two. Fae are often described as mischievous or even malicious.)
Enough information was given when necessary to explain what their realm is like for people like me who haven’t read a lot about them. I thought Hannah Sandvig did a great job in her original way of showing how Kilinaire and its inhabitants were cursed.
I liked the way magic was used for keeping your hair in place. While I don’t mind and even sometimes enjoy putting on makeup, one of my least favorite things to do is my hair. I’d love a magic ribbon that worked itself into an intricate braid.
Magic also keeps paint from fading. There are spells of protection and preservation to keep books in perfect condition. I can relate to Beaty’s love of books. One description I liked was “I walked to the books and ran my fingers reverently over gilded spines of linen and leather.”
Another part of the story I enjoyed was the family dynamics. You get to experience Beauty’s enjoyment of Kilinaire because it’s quiet, while her home is a bit more noisy. However, as the relationship with Beast blossoms, Beauty’s relationship with her family also goes through a metamorphosis. I enjoyed watching that play out just as much as the romance. I also loved how Beauty’s family life and the fae realm overlapped in surprising ways.
Hannah Sandvig did a great job of weaving in big and little details involving roses. They play a prominent part in the story to help Beauty understand when it’s day or night at Kilinaire compared to her home since time moves differently in the fae realm.
It wasn’t hard to envision the beast as the warrior he was said to be. One of my favorite parts of the book was Beast training Beauty on how to use weapons and defend herself. This definitely gave the story part of its modern feel.
I enjoyed the journey of watching Beauty grow as a person and learn it's okay to fall in love. Even if it's with a beast.
Through reading the story I discovered I enjoy fairytale retellings, especially those set in our modern world. And, I also like trying to figure out how the new version is similar and different to the original version.
You might not be able to teach an old dog new tricks but you can rewrite an old tale in a new and enjoyable way.
Make sure to check out the behind the scenes video of The Rose Gate at Alnwick Castle. (It may look familiar if you are a Harry Potter fan).
And, if you like modern day fairytale retellings and ever wished you could live in Winter Wonderland, check out my book Princess Claus and the Great Escape. Here is a short book trailer.
Conscript Behind the Scenes
Want to go behind the scenes on location at The Paint Mines where I showcased the book Conscript? Check out the video below.
Scroll down if you would like to read the transcription :)
Want to read the books mentioned?
Conscript
Brave New Girls
Transcription of Conscript
Behind the Scenes at The Paint Mines
When I travel I like to take pictures and videos of a book that fits the feel of the location. For my review of the young adult science fiction book Conscript by Pamela Stewart, I chose The Paint Mines in Colorado because of the otherworldly feel to the place.
It’s one of those always windy locations, which is why not much more than a stone’s throw away are wind turbines. Yes, they do ruin the epic feel of the landmark, so if you are taking pictures from up top have the wind turbines behind you. Or you can venture down into the paint mines, but there is still a decent amount of wind there, too. It’s also one of those locations you need to have on appropriate shoe wear.
When I take book pictures, or have them taken by my friend Erica, I will often hold the book or my tablet in front of me with the camera looking over my shoulder. That’s my favorite type of shot. At the Paint Mines Erica also took a picture with my back to the camera. I have to hold the tablet carefully so I don’t block an important part of the cover like the title. Since the camera does a close-up on my hand I usually paint my nails in a french manicure to look nice and add a few pieces of jewelry like rings. If I’m wearing short sleeves I have a chunky bracelet I put on.
Most of the time when I travel I only take a carry-on with me on the plane, and I can’t cram a print book. However, this time I made sure to pack lightly so I could take with me Brave New Girls. I selected this book because the colors on the cover match the natural hues of the paint mines. Brave New Girls is an anthology of sci-fi stories of girls in STEM which stands for (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
I got great book photos while visiting this epic place. I wanted a new author photograph that goes on the back cover of books, and I prefer it to be taken outdoors. Erica snapped a beautiful shot of me deep in the mines that I am now using for books and social media.
Thanks for watching my behind the scenes video of The Paint Mines featuring Conscript, Ender’s Game and Brave New Girls. If you enjoyed it, check out the Behind the Scenes video located at Alnwick Castle in England featuring the book
The Rose Gate.
Conscript Book Review Video
Looking for a good young adult science fiction book with romance, mystery and adventure?
Conscript blends Ender’s Game with Aurora Rising.
Check out my book review video to learn more!
Click https://youtu.be/XjgZa2Rbcc8 or on play button below:
Want to read the transcript instead of watching the video? Keep scrolling :)
One of my favorite things about watching a great film or television show is the behind the scenes bonuses. Check out my behind the scenes video!
Brave New Girls
Ender’s Game
Coming Soon!
The Rose Gate Video Book Review
Transcript of Conscript Book Review Video:
My love language is traveling. I spent some time exploring all around Colorado including climbing up the snow covered Helen Hunt Falls. One of the coolest places I’ve visited was the Paint Mines in Colorado. They are also well known for their naturally colored sandstone with shades of pinks, yellows, and oranges. As you can guess by the name of the location, the sandstone was used to paint things like pottery. Artifacts as old as 9,000 years reveal people have visited this location for a long time.
Along with traveling, I love to read (or listen to audiobooks when I have a migraine). Lately I’ve been getting into science fiction with young main characters. One of the books that got me interested was Ender’s Game. It has an amazing story with a fantastic payoff. I recommend reading the book before watching the movie if you’re interested.
Part of the reason I began filling my digital bookshelf with young adult science fiction is because I like learning about what life could be like in the future, especially from a teenager’s perspective. Have we discovered aliens, and if so, what are they like? Does the main character start off on earth and travel? Or is she raised on another planet? If so, what is that planet like?
While exploring many locations, I take photographs of books while I’m there. I like the theme, main elements of the book, or its cover to relate to the location. I picked the book Conscript for the Paint Mines because the spot is so other-worldly looking. And the main character named Vega was raised on a planet distant from earth. I’m not sure how similar the Paint Mines look compared to Vega’s home, especially since she grew up on a farm, but I can’t help but feel a connection to her when hoodoos are more common than cars.
How different would my life have been if I, too, were raised somewhere that looked more like the Paint Mines and less like my hometown of Washington, D.C.? I’ll probably never know, so for now I’ll settle with seeing the world (or should I say universe) through Vega’s eyes.
Now onto my review for the book Conscript.
Conscript by Pamela Stewart
Audiobook narrated by Brenda Scott Wlazlo
To start off my review of Conscript by Pamela Stewart (audiobook narrated by Brenda Scott Wlazlo), here are two haikus (or bite-sized poems).
*
Haiku 1
Aliens invade
Marching into the unknown
Star Defenders war
*
Haiku 2
A comet burning
Embers glimmer and brighten
Vega wars brighter
*
Branded as “the girl who cried aliens” after living through an attack, Vega Volante is conscripted into the military to prepare for an invasion. She is stationed on Lazarus, a decrepit mining ship being repurposed into an instrument of war. The young woman is at odds with herself. Part of her wants to return home to her family farm while another part yearns to pilot a spaceship that races through the inky darkness of space. Will she get a chance to decide which path to take? Or will accidents on the ship take more than just her choices away from her?
Vega looks deeper than the surface level with not only trying to puzzle out the cause behind the accidents, but also what’s going on with her fellow crewmen. She says, “I see you, the real you.” She’s a character you can’t help but cheer for.
This first book in the Star Defenders Series has a great mix of modern-day sayings and terms with original ones. It’s full of sci-fi descriptions like “If it were possible for blood to run cold, mine instafroze.” I was impressed with how Conscript balanced necessary scientific explanations with imaginative original ideas like the plant that consumes bees called “sticky’s.” I also enjoyed the fun futuristic inventions like the junk food called Guzzle Bits. They smell like potato chips drizzled with chocolate and are designed to match your taste buds.
Conscript blends Ender’s Game with Aurora Rising. If you’re looking for a romantic young adult story set in space with a strong and kindhearted female lead, you won’t be disappointed with reading or listening to the audiobook Conscript.
Ratings: PG-14 for language, violence, and brief sexual content.
Don’t forget to check out the Behind the Scenes video featuring The Paint Mines.
A Message From My Future Self
Check out my first spoken word video for some inspiration!
Meet Princess Claus
Princess Claus is the nickname for Noelle, the future Santa.
She has a brother named Nicky who is one year younger than her.
You can get this free coloring page and more by clicking on the link below:
Princess Claus loves to sing and adores her pet polar bear Tiny. He’s full grown, but not scary at all. In fact, he’s scared of everything big and little.
In Winter Wonderland they use the snowflake alphabet as the written language.
There is an evil elf named Ebenezer (also sometimes called Belsnickel). He was kicked out of Winter Wonderland for moving names on the nice list to the naughty list. Ever since then he’s been trying to sneak back into Winter Wonderland.
Click on the link below to listen to the short audio poem
“Twas the Night Before Belsnickle’s Christmas”
Christmas Jokes
Need a quick Christmas/winter themed laugh? Princess Claus is here to share six jokes!
Or you can check out the graphics :)
Belsnickle: The Christmas Villain
I had the honor of sharing about Belsnickle (the Christmas villain) on the Fabled Collective podcast. He goes by the name of Ebenezer in my book Princess Claus and the Great Escape.
If you want to listen to the interview you can check it out at:
https://fabled.buzzsprout.com/226450/6660514-belsnickel-and-princess-claus-with-jl-gillham
Here is a sample of the podcast where I read the poem I wrote:
“Twas the Night Before Belsnickle’s Christmas.”
Check out the book featuring the evil elf:
Want to read along?
Twas the Night Before Belsnickel’s Christmas
By JL Gillham - Original version by Clement Clarke Moore (See below)
*
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, except my pet mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that my former boss soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds.
I loomed over them, shaking an open jar of lice onto their heads.
Mamma was blind from wearing her eye mask.
I burped in her face after a swig from my eggnog filled flask.
Dad was snoring as loud as a banshee.
My pet mouse scattered droppings from Dad’s toes to his knees.
I drank and ate until the cabinets were bare.
Then onto the plate of cookies for Santa, shook my dandruff filled hair.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I ran to the living room window knowing what was the matter.
While pulling the curtain back, I was filled with dread.
I saw eight flying reindeer and the man clothed in red.
More rapid than eagles his reindeer they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!”
Then Santa led his reindeer from the lawn to the roof.
Soon I heard the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
Time to hide in the closet, I’d better be quick.
I knew in a moment soon would enter St. Nick.
I peeked through a crack in the closet door, barely enough space to gaze around,
When down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His joy overflowed. He was so merry!
I wanted to vomit, like after eating a rotten cherry.
He sang while he worked, as fast as lightning were his moves.
It took all my patience not to shout a chorus of boos.
He was as chubby and plump and unobservant as ever.
And my plans to undo his goodness were indeed quite clever.
As he looked all around and couldn’t spot a hair on my head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
A sneeze had escaped out of my nose,
But after a quick glance at his good deeds, up the chimney he rose.
While he climbed and prepared for flight,
I got to work undoing his good deeds of the night.
The gifts were flung into the newly lit fireplace.
The stockings were filled with coal at a quick pace.
Into the doilies I blew my nose,
And let my pet mouse bite off the trimmings of the nails on my toes.
Then scattered them around in case of toddlers with bare feet.
To ruin Santa’s reputation, oh what a treat.
I consider more mischief, but to the next house I must hurry.
To ruin Christmas and Santa’s good name, my mouse and I scurry.
By now Santa has moved on, and I exclaim as I race out of sight,
“A ruined Christmas to all, and to all a Belsnickel night!”
*
Here is the original version by Clement Clarke Moore
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
*
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!
Check out the shorter version of the music video Snow Globe Prison
Snow Globe Prison Music Video: Behind the Scenes
The day before/day of filming the music video:
Adding some extra fluff to the cloak and storyboarding the music video the day before.
Getting ready, waiting in line, and filming at the ice castles.
Charis is the lead vocalist for the song Snow Globe Prison. My filming team met her near the ice castles. After getting her ready (hair, makeup, outfit) we spent an hour and a half filming inside the ice castles. It was beautiful but also freezing!
Check out Charis on Instagram:
Having fun with colors!
The song was created by:
JL Gillham - Lyrics
Charis Havens – Lead Vocalist
Emily Havens – Lyrics, Keyboard, Backup Vocalist
Justin Cody – Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums
Ethan Low – Sound Recording/Editing
*
Snow Globe Prison Lyrics
*
When the walls meant to protect me are closing in
Keeping life just out of reach
I can’t breathe
I can’t laugh
I can’t even pretend I’m okay
In a prison of glass walls I can’t touch but see
A world not meant for me
Will I ever break out
Will I ever be free to live
I am shaken
I am broken
I am drifting
My heart is frozen
I wish I were strong enough to shatter this glass
I wish I were brave enough to forge my own path
Be courageous and finally take a chance
But I’m so afraid
I wish I could make my great escape
Maybe there’s nothing out there waiting for me
And to go would be to leave
My home, all I know, all I love and my peace of mind
But what if I’m wrong and it’s so much more than I’ve dreamed
A great big world to explore
I won’t know till I try
I won’t know until I have seen it all
I am shaken
I am broken
I am drifting
My heart is frozen
I could be strong enough to shatter this glass
I could be brave enough to forge my own path
Be courageous and finally take a chance
Even though I’m afraid
I think I could make my great escape
I am shaken but not broken
I am finally on my way
To a new world and to freedom
Let the snowflakes fall where they may
I am shaken but not broken
I am finally on my way
To a new world and to freedom
Let the snowflakes fall where they may
I am strong enough to shatter this glass
I am brave enough to forge my own path
Be courageous and finally take a chance
Even though I’m afraid
I will make my great escape
My great escape
Let the snowflakes fall where they may
Candy Cane Hearts & Reindeer Farts
What are your favorite things about Christmas? One of mine is listening to Christmas music. Most of the time I put on classics like Silver Bells and Jingle Bells. Then there are more modern songs like The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) and Frosty the Snowman.
In Princess Claus and the Great Escape, the song Candy Cane Hearts and Reindeer Farts (to the tune of 12 Days of Christmas) is mentioned. I decided to share it with you!
As you can guess from my title, it’s on the sillier side. First, I found an instrumental version of the song to use from the public domain. (I didn’t realize it at the time, but the version I downloaded only has 8 instead of 12 days of Christmas). Then I picked new lyrics.
Next, I had two adorable kids (Hunter & Ashlyn) sing the new lyrics. Click the play button to listen (or watch the music video below).
The final thing I did was make a simple music video.
Here are the lyrics to
Candy Cane Hearts & Reindeer Farts.
*
On the 1st day of Christmas Santa gave to me
Candy Cane Hearts and Reindeer Farts
*
On the 2nd day of Christmas Santa gave to me
Yellow snow
Candy Cane Hearts and Reindeer Farts
*
On the 3rd day of Christmas Santa gave to me
Hot chocolate
Yellow snow
Candy Cane Hearts and Reindeer Farts
*
On the 4th day of Christmas Santa gave to me
Ornaments
Hot chocolate
Yellow snow
Candy Cane Hearts and Reindeer Farts
*
On the 5th day of Christmas Santa gave to me
A dancing Christmas tree
Ornaments
Hot chocolate
Yellow snow
Candy Cane Hearts and Reindeer Farts
*
On the 6th day of Christmas Santa gave to me
Snoring Reindeer
A dancing Christmas tree
Ornaments
Hot chocolate
Yellow snow
Candy Cane Hearts and Reindeer Farts
*
On the 7th day of Christmas Santa gave to me
A magic snow globe
Snoring Reindeer
A dancing Christmas tree
Ornaments
Hot chocolate
Yellow snow
Candy Cane Hearts and Reindeer Farts
*
On the 8th day of Christmas Santa gave to me
A pair of ice skates
A magic snow globe
Snoring Reindeer
A dancing Christmas tree
Ornaments
Hot chocolate
Yellow snow
Candy Cane Hearts and Reindeer Farts
*
*
Here are the original lyrics for
The 12 Days of Christmas
*
On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
*
On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
*
On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
*
On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
*
On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
*
On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
*
On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
*
On the eighth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
*
On the ninth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
*
On the tenth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
*
On the eleventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
*
On the twelfth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
12 Drummers Drumming
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
Author Confessions
I am freaking out. When I realize I am stressing and don’t know why, I take a few minutes and think about everything going on in my life. Yes, coronavirus is still as frustrating as ever. Yes, there are a few things in the back of my mind that give me a constant low level of stress. However, my anxiety spiked and I’m not sure why.
After running through all the possibilities I realized it’s because I am about to share not only the book trailers I made for Princess Claus and the Great Escape, but also because I am about to share the music video.
Is it good enough or should I keep working on it?
Will people hate it?
Should I ever share this?
I am a perfectionist, however, I learned my art (writing, photographs, graphics, videos, etc.) will probably never be perfect. Sometimes I just need to share it when it’s good enough.
It seems like about a month before releasing something into the world I start second guessing my creation. Yes, I am sure some people will hate it. That’s okay. (At least that’s what I tell myself!) If someone hates the majority of what I share, that person is not my target audience. Or maybe there is a flaw and the person points it out. Then I can fix it, and that’s a good thing.
I love not only writing, but creating graphics, photography, and making videos as well. I would still do all the creative things I do even if I never planned on sharing them, because making them brings me life. However, I do not believe everything should be shared. In therapy I learned the value of writing down your thoughts or speaking them out loud (even just to yourself). I’ve shredded, burned, or erased some of the hurtful things I wrote so the person it was about never saw it. Sometimes I just needed to vent.
Most of what I produce today doesn’t fall into the venting category. I created it for the purpose of sharing. It would be easier to hide my projects or only share them with family and close friends. However, I don’t want fear to be the reason why I don’t let the world see what I can do. I pulled from my memory decades old information I learned in film class. I collaborated with talented friends who helped make the videos not only possible, but also much better.
When I think about sharing the Princess Claus book trailers and music video I still have that pit in the bottom of my stomach. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Maybe it means I’m doing something I’m passionate about. It means I’m challenging myself.
I’ll take the constructive criticism and throw out the hate. I’ll get thicker skin. Hopefully down the road there won’t be such a struggle to share. If there still is I’ll keep reminding myself being creative is part of who I am. I’ll keep reminding myself that in sharing my creative projects, others will be encouraged to do the same.
The Snowflake Alphabet
Did you know the snowflake alphabet
is the written form of communication in
Winter Wonderland?
What would your name be in snowflakes?
Decode the snowflake message in this video to find out what Princess Claus loves to do:
Haunting Happily Ever After
Sophie loves being a new ghost. It means never having to go to school or do any more chores. The only downside is never getting to have a date with her crush, Evan. Spending her first Halloween haunting turns out to be more fun than she expected. That is until she discovers just how dangerous haunting can be.
Snow Globe Prison Music Video
Sneak Peek of Book 2 in The Winter Wonderland Chronicles
Decode the Snowflake Message-Princess Claus loves to...
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