Thursday, August 28, 2014

Tom Hairabedian - Diving at age 90

This article was shared with me by my friend Garland Schnack @ Restoration News It was so awesome and inspiring, I had to share it. It makes me want to work a little harder on my next project with the knowledge I can do it. It also makes me ask again, "Jesus, what can I accomplish for you?" 

What does it inspire you to do?


Tom Hairabedian - Diving at age 90
by Garland Schnack



My friend Tom Hairabedian at age 90, they say the oldest guy in the world diving 10 Meter Tower.

Tom just returned from the National Diving tournaments at Montreal and Rutgers where he won 6 Gold Medals.

Tom and Susan was instrumental in translating the Book of Mormon into Hebrew.


​It took 15 years on the Hebrew. They also did the Russian translation of the Book of Mormon which took a little less time. They have approximately 900 of the Hebrew left, and can be purchased at Price Publishing. The Russian translation books are stored in a warehouse (3000). People are needed to distribute them. For those who would like a personal copy they are $16.00. For Russian speaking people they are free.​

Tom also plays the Harmonica.


Also check out his website www.TomHairabedian.com

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

CSFF: Merlin's Nightmare by Robert Treskillard

Today the CSFF is touring:

(The Merlin Spiral #3)

by




MY TAKE:

Book 3 is finally here! I've been hooked on Robert Treskillard's Merlin saga since book one, Merlin's Blade. I'm a big fan of the Arthur/Merlin mythology and an even bigger fan of Celtic lore and history. It's not so uncommon to see the two linked together, but Robert did it in a truly new and unique way that has had me scrambling to keep reading ever since. Merlin's journey begins in book one with him as a nearly blind teen. Certainly not a version I'd imagined, but his path to courage and eventually guardianship of the prince Arthur is truly captivating. Book two Merlin is faced with some seriously dark choices and must once again battle evil to save the kingdom and still keep his faith. Now in this next book Merlin faces his biggest challenge yet. A nightmare coming to life, and a kingdom to help rally or watch it all be destroyed by evil.

It seems like with every book Merlin is faced with the same choice over and over. Choose faith and light, despite feeling like you stand alone, and fight the evil - Or give in to the darkness and let it take your soul and be miserable for eternity. Watch everyone sink into darkness. It's a tough challenge and although it seems like one only in fiction, it's one we all face everyday in ways we don't even realize. Merlin is a great example of each or us as humans, called to fight for Jesus and forced to face evil at every turn.

They're great, exciting reads but so much more than surface reads. If that's all you're looking for - you're good, the read is excellent. If you want something that can make you think, then look a little deeper. It's still there.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A King In Danger 

 Arthur, now eighteen, is missing, and Merlin must find him before a shadowy pursuer catches him first. With the high-king and his kingdom caught in a trap of sinister deceit, Merlin has to find a way out before all is lost.

A Bleeding Kingdom 

Having everything to fight for, and almost nothing to fight with, Merlin and Arthur must rally Britain’s warriors against three overwhelming enemies: Saxenow hordes in the south, Picti raiders in the north, and a chilling new enemy that has arisen in the west.

And Merlin’s Nightmare Stalks The Land 

 Mórgana brings Merlin’s deepest fear to life and sets it loose to destroy Britain. But when the secret purpose of this nightmare is finally revealed, will Merlin and Arthur find a way to survive—without unleashing an even greater evil?

To read a sample, Click Here.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast who has been crafting stories from his early youth, is a software developer, graphic artist, and sometime bladesmith. He and his wife have three children and are still homeschooling their youngest. They live in the country outside St. Louis, Missouri. It all began when Robert’s son wanted to learn blacksmithing and sword-making. The two set out to learn the crafts and in the process were told by a relative that they were descended from a Cornish blacksmith. This lit the fire of Robert’s imagination, and so welding his Celtic research to his love of the legends of King Arthur, a book was forged—Merlin’s Blade, book one of The Merlin Spiral, now published by BLINK Young Adult Books and available wherever books are sold.


Please visit the other tour members for more great info and fun!

Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Vicky DealSharingAunt
Carol Gehringer
Victor Gentile
Rebekah Gyger
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Emileigh Latham
Jennette Mbewe
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirriam Neal
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Audrey Sauble
Chawna Schroeder
Jojo Sutis
Robert Treskillard
Phyllis Wheeler
Elizabeth Williams

Saturday, August 23, 2014

National Prince Day 7 - Shakespeare's Princes

#NationalPrinceWeek has been a lot of fun, but today is the last day. I've loved having the cast of  Dysfunction Junction here to host. But for the last day, I'm taking over and sharing a few Shakespearean princes that should be on our list.


I've loved Shakespeare from the moment I cracked Romeo and Juliet open (along with Julius Caesar, I read both at the same time.) From there I was sucked in to all the comedies and many of the dramas. There is plenty of Royalty and Princes in Shakespeare's plays, but if I had to choose a favorite in each category, they would be: 

Hamlet 
"To be, or not to be: that is the question." - Hamlet



and

Much Ado About Nothing

DON PEDRO Come, lady, come; you have lost the heart of Signior Benedick. 
 BEATRICE Indeed, my lord, he lent it me awhile; and I gave him use for it, a double heart for his single one: marry, once before he won it of me with false dice, therefore your grace may well say I have lost it. 
 DON PEDRO You have put him down, lady, you have put him down. 
 BEATRICE So I would not he should do me, my lord, lest I should prove the mother of fools.


Hamlet especially  has had numerous adaptations to film, but thankfully most were worth watching. :)


SO for today's princes I'm showcasing a few of Hollywood's versions.


Kenneth Branagh as Hamlet


Kenneth Branagh and Kate Winslet as Hamlet and Ophelia
Mel Gibson as Hamlet

Mel Gibson and Helena Bonham Carter as Hamlet and Ophelia 
Denzel Washington as Don Pedro, Prince of Arragon in Much Ado About Nothing

Denzel Washington and Robert Sean Leonard as Don Pedro and Count Claudio

Keanu Reeves as Don John in Much Ado About Nothing



L-R: Don John, Don Pedro, Beatrice, Benedick, Hero and Claudio of Much Ado About Nothing

Do you have a favorite Shakespeare play or prince? Movie version? Let me know. Just for the fun of it, here's a 7 question quiz that tells you


I am Rosalind of As You Like It. She doesn't get a prince, but she does get a Duke. Will you be royal? Marry a royal? Or be a crazy? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks again for being a part of this weeks activities, I hope you had as much fun as I did. And for those still waiting, take Kianna's advice and be patient, Someday Your Prince Will Come. :)



Dysfunction Junction 
by April Erwin
Contemporary Christian Romantic Comedy

Twenty-six and never been kissed. That's about to change...



Finding true love these days feels impossible to Kianna Ravencamp, only dysfunction surrounds her.

She dreams of true love and a family, but she’s never even been kissed. For the first time in her life, she will have to navigate dating and flirtation. Will her inexperience be her downfall? 

Letting go and trusting God is the only answer that brings the path to real love and success.

Available Now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Muse It Up Publishing and many more

Visit my Facebook Page or Twitter Feed for more updates and to tell me about your favorite prince. 

Friday, August 22, 2014

National Prince Day 6 - Prince Overload!

#NationalPrinceWeek is nearly over. It's so hard to believe the week has passed so quickly. The cast is having so much fun, that they're all back today. Kianna, Alexa, Rissa and Hope from Dysfunction Junction are back to keep the party going.


Kianna: This is so much fun, everyone has chosen a great looking prince and they're all so different from each other. I love that.

Hope: Ooo, me too. I had a hard time choosing though so I would gladly share another good looking prince or two.

Alexa: I'm good with that. You can't have too many Royal Hotties in my book. I have a few other suggestions as well.

Rissa: Don't tease ladies, what have you got?

Hope: Me first! I picked a second prince for each of you.

The first is for you Rissa. Prince Frederick, The Crown Prince of Denmark is good looking in a family guy kind of way. He looks so sweet with his kids. Exactly the kind of guy you would want.




For you Kianna, I chose Prince Felix of Luxembourg. He's good looking but totally smitten with his new baby. Sweet, kind-hearted, and still a guys guy. Perfect for you.





Alexa, I think your perfect pick (based purely on looks, he's so your type) would be Sheikh Hamdan Crown Prince of Dubai. Very fine looking.



Alexa: He is at that! Nice picks, Hope. :) I wanted to add a couple more movies that have great princes in them. Disney movies are obvious, hands down they can't be missed, but check these out too.

The Prince and Me PG
This is a fun light-hearted romantic comedy.

At a Wisconsin university, local farmer's daughter Paige Morgan is intrigued by odd Danish exchange student Edvard 'Eddie', who is ignorant of many aspects of daily life, such as all domestic chores (no wonder, he's the incognito heir to the royal throne of Denmark, his roommate Soren a court minder) but well versed in other matters, such as Shakespeare. They become friends; encouraged by her best friend to invite him to the Morgan family farm. He not only makes a good impression on her parents and brothers but triumphs in the rustic lawnmower race. Only after some paparazzi track Edvard down to film them kissing and he has returned home because the king is gravely ill does Paige realize he may be her true love, and flies to Copenhagen. Initially, the court, especially queen Rosalind, opposes a commoner bride, but Edvard sticks to his guns before accepting to succeed his abdicating father. Paige's public performance soon improves enough to win the royal family's blessing. However, she realizes a queen's life means giving up her medical career and leaving the US forever and seriously reconsiders...


The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian PG
The whole Chronicles of Narnia series is great, but Prince Caspian is fun to look at too. 

 When Queen Prunaprismia has a baby boy, King Miraz orders his soldiers to kill Prince Caspian. However his tutor gives Susan's magic horn to him, telling that he should blow it if his life is in danger and asks him to ride to the forest. However he is chased by the Telmarian soldiers and he summons the Pevensie siblings. They discover that hundred of years have passed in Narnia and they join Prince Caspian to lead the people of Narnia against the evil King Miraz. When the battle begins, the siblings send Lucy to seek out Aslan, otherwise they will not beat the powerful Telmarian army.


Ella Enchanted PG
Hugh Dancy is very charming as Prince Char and the whole film is just meant for a fun night. I like the silly moments.

Based on Gail Carson Levine's award winning novel, this is the story of Ella, a young woman who was given a "gift" of obedience by a fairy named Lucinda. She must obey anything anyone tells her to do. When her mother passes away, she is cared for by her thoughtless and greedy father who remarries a loathsome woman with two treacherous daughters. This modern-day, fantasy Cinderella story features fairies, ogres and elves...as well as a hero in the guise of Prince Charmont, whom Ella falls in love with. Unlike Cinderella though, she must depend on herself and her intelligence to get her through her troubles and find Lucinda in order for her "curse" to be broken!



Kianna: Great movie picks. I love those movies too. I have a few more books to suggest as well. What better prince than Prince Arthur? Becoming King of Camelot takes time and this series tells a fantastic story.


Taliesin (The Pendragon Cycle, Book 1) by Stephen R. Lawhead

It was a time of legend, when the last shadows of the mighty Roman conqueror faded from the captured Isle of Britain. While across a vast sea, bloody war shattered a peace that had flourished for two thousand years in the doomed kingdom of Atlantis.

 Taliesin is the remarkable adventure of Charis, the Atlantean princess who escaped the terrible devastation of her homeland, and of the fabled seer and druid prince Taliesin, singer at the dawn of the age. It is the story of an incomparable love that joined two worlds amid the fires of chaos, and spawned the miracles of Merlin...and Arthur the king.



The Prince And The Pauper by Mark Twain

This is the story of two young boys, one a prince and the other a pauper, who look identical. They meet and on a whim trade places. Unfortunately each ends up trapped in the other's world. The result is a great adventure story told by the master storyteller Mark Twain.


How to Catch a Prince (Royal Wedding Series) by Rachel Hauck
This releases 02/24/2015 and is the 3rd in the series. Can't wait! Be sure you read the others in the series. SO worth it. 

Prince Stephen came to America to escape responsibility. But what he found complicates his life more than ever. Corina Del Rey is happy with her life in Melbourne, Florida. She spends her days engrossed in her career as a journalist and has her sights set on climbing the corporate ladder—if for no other reason, to distract herself from her dissolving family. But when she is confronted with the past she fought so hard to put behind her, she struggles to make sense of her future. Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom has moved on since the tragic death of his buddies in Afghanistan. A star professional rugby player, he has no intention of looking over his shoulder at what could’ve been. But when a notice arrives in the mail requiring his and his wife’s appearance before the courts to dissolve their marriage, he must deal with the questions rumbling around in his heart. He thought his marriage had been annulled long ago, but his memories of Corina Del Rey remain close. Does he still love her? Can he even find her? Above all, can he tell her the truth about that fateful night in Afghanistan seven years ago? If he does, he might really lose her forever.

Rissa: Great suggestions guys. Have you been over to Mary Waibel's blog yet? She's had an author with a prince featured everyday with contests too. Lots of fun over there as well. It's so sad that tomorrow will be the last day of #NationalPrinceWeek / His Royal Hotness week. Can't wait to see you all back here Saturday.



Dysfunction Junction 
by April Erwin
Contemporary Christian Romantic Comedy

Twenty-six and never been kissed. That's about to change...



Finding true love these days feels impossible to Kianna Ravencamp, only dysfunction surrounds her.

She dreams of true love and a family, but she’s never even been kissed. For the first time in her life, she will have to navigate dating and flirtation. Will her inexperience be her downfall? 

Letting go and trusting God is the only answer that brings the path to real love and success.

Available Now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Muse It Up Publishing and many more

Visit my Facebook Page or Twitter Feed for more updates and to tell me about your favorite prince. 

Thursday, August 21, 2014

National Prince Week Day 5 - Prince Harry

#NationalPrinceWeek is hoppin' and today, Hope Campbell from Dysfunction Junction is in the house ready to party.


Hope: Hey Peeps! Thanks for stopping in again. I'm reaallly excited about it being my turn, I've been on pins and needles waiting to have my shot at taking over the blog. I mean, seriously, choosing the perfect prince is totally my specialty.  The book I gave Kianna for her birthday last year was called 101 Ways to Find Mr. Right by Ima Waiting. Killer title, right? Cracks me up every time! ANYway, I picked my prince not only for his rugged good looks, but for his gutsy nature and good sense of humor. I like a guy that can challenge rules on occasion and test the waters. (Okay, so maybe he challenged them a bit much in his younger days, but lately? SWOON!)

Meet Prince Harry of the United Kingdom, also known as Capt. Harry Wales in his military role. (The Queen might not have appreciated his beard, but I sure do!)








They say a ginger head leads to a fiery heart. I can handle that. :)

Today I was going to list my favorite Disney Princes for you - but that seemed a little too mundane (and hard! so many to choose from!)


So, I thought first I'd help you find your perfect Disney Prince Match. There are several quizzes on-line, I took four and only got the same prince (Eric) twice. But I'm listing them all so you can have as much fun as I did.
Prince Eric - The Little Mermaid

Buzz Feed: Which Disney Prince Is Your True Love?




I'd love to hear who your perfect prince is, so be sure to note it below or post it on the Facebook page. And for those who have always dreamed of what their Disney Prince would look like more grown up? Here are a couple of art renderings by David Kawena. (Ooo, fair warning, his art is amazing, but some of it is more 'grown up' than I'd like, ranging from what I post here to R rated, so caution on searching his images.)

Prince Phillip - Sleeping Beauty (by David Kawena)

Prince Eric - The Little Mermaid  (by David Kawena)
Prince Adam - Beauty and the Beast  (by David Kawena)

Tomorrow We're ALL back and we'll be sharing even MORE Hot Princes of every kind that can't be missed. And don't forget to stop by Mary Waibel's blog, she's got a lot of Princely things going over there too that you don't want to miss - like meeting a Prince and wining prizes.


Dysfunction Junction 
by April Erwin
Contemporary Christian Romantic Comedy

Twenty-six and never been kissed. That's about to change...



Finding true love these days feels impossible to Kianna Ravencamp, only dysfunction surrounds her.

She dreams of true love and a family, but she’s never even been kissed. For the first time in her life, she will have to navigate dating and flirtation. Will her inexperience be her downfall? 

Letting go and trusting God is the only answer that brings the path to real love and success.

Available Now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Muse It Up Publishing and many more

Visit my Facebook Page or Twitter Feed for more updates and to tell me about your favorite prince. 

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

National Prince Week Day 4 - Prince Felipe VI

#NationalPrinceWeek is going strong and today, Rissa Fuller from Dysfunction Junction is here today to host.

Rissa:  Hello everyone! Thanks for coming back. We're already half way through the week and it's my turn to bring the fun. I had fun scanning prince pics with the girls and even though Alexa chose her prince for his yummy good looks, I was drawn to something a little different. Being the only married gal-pal in the bunch a mom to boot, I find myself looking at things a little differently.


Spanish Crown Prince Felipe VI is my choice for the week. He's older than the princes listed before, but I still think he's rather good looking. Distinguished, debonair, but still kind. Part of his attraction lies in his family nature. I love seeing him with his wife and children. A good looking prince that adores his family and shows his dedication is at the top of my list. Very attractive.











I'm throwing a twist in for mid-week. I have a son, Ty Jr. that is too young to play Prince and Princess right now, but will soon be begging for swords and armor to fight dragons. If you have a young prince at home too, here are a few fun projects you can do to prep them for saving their favorite princess (or mom).

Easy Swords from Cardboard tubes and foil. Super Easy!



How to Make a Knight Shield out of Cardboard


For a more advanced option, try one of these: 


How to Make a Play Sword and Shield


How to Make a DuctTape Helmet


Thanks for stopping in, I hope you have fun with your little prince (or princess if that's the case). Tomorrow Hope Campbell will be sharing her favorite Hottie Prince and a lot of other fun and crazy stuff. It's Hope, what else can you expect? And don't forget to stop by Mary Waibel's blog, she's got a lot of Princely things going over there too that you don't want to miss.


Dysfunction Junction 
by April Erwin
Contemporary Christian Romantic Comedy

Twenty-six and never been kissed. That's about to change...



Finding true love these days feels impossible to Kianna Ravencamp, only dysfunction surrounds her.

She dreams of true love and a family, but she’s never even been kissed. For the first time in her life, she will have to navigate dating and flirtation. Will her inexperience be her downfall? 

Letting go and trusting God is the only answer that brings the path to real love and success.

Available Now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Muse It Up Publishing and many more

Visit my Facebook Page or Twitter Feed for more updates and to tell me about your favorite prince.