Sapphire Flute--A Review

The first time I saw the book cover, I was thrilled with the bright animation and the emotional portrayal depicted. I thought the wolf was something to be feared, as the girls on the cover are staring at it. So I wondered what the significance of the wolf was. The picture portrays each character in her own right, but not a summary of any scene.

It is a story that brings to life two girls whose destinies are shaped and led by the Guardians who watch over their world and keep order to all magic.

Poor little Shandae—given the name of Ember to protect her from the forces that seek to destroy her—is thrown into the depths of peril from the moment she is born. Evil haunts her for the very power she later learns she possesses. Good fights to keep her under strict protection, as well as the order of wolves--the Bendanatu--do. They teach her the ways of her true blood.

Kayla is a talented musician that manipulates magic with the sounds of her flute. She enamors an entire kingdom with her skill. The king seeks her favor, and charges her to guard a very special and powerful keystone of blue magic—the Sapphire Flute.

The first part of this story is not filled with breakneck speeds of action, in your face terror or spine chilling fear. But please don't let this catch you with your book down. Remember, it is important, being the first book of SEVEN, to build the foundation of a world from its political organization, its secrets and most importantly, its magic. This book is a step to a bigger, richer world where the author promises not to disappoint a read filled with passion, excitement and even loss.

Karen E. Hoover is very talented when it comes to bringing life to her characters, like a puppeteer to the marionette. She has a vivid imagination; it is not difficult to follow the artistic weave of her words. I was there when Ember fought for her right of passage with such moving passion that I wept. I could taste the sweet feel of the sapphire flute's touch as Kayla battled against the nefarious C’Tan. The sense to tip the world back into harmonic balance is so well written that I wish I could leap right into the pages to assist their cause.

Be one of the first readers to add a copy to your library of reads!

Too Me Tuesdays

Author or Not?

It was shortly after I returned from a writer's conference that I felt it would be okay to call myself author. It pulled me out of my sleep at 2 am.

I am not published. Yet. I've been a fanatical addict of the art ever since I can remember. Let me see, uh . . . I started writing when I was 10. I wrote short stories in 5th grade. My first full blown novel was started in '91.

I finished it in '99.

It's called Tragic Innocence: 224,892 words. Fantasy. It is about an elfin girl who learns that she had unknowingly betrayed her people in the worst possible way. She embarks on a quest to right the wrong and falls in love along the way.

Along the same lines but on a different note:
I remember how I would flush and shake my head when people would coo over my artwork in elementary school and say that I was an artist. I felt that I didn't deserve that title. Nope. Not me.

Until later.

I am an artist. I don't get paid for my art. But I am an artist.
Can I call myself an author, though I'm not published?

Should I? Should I? Should I?

Impromptu Mondays

I'm Prompt U!

Mirror Mirror . . .




You've received an anonymous gift through the mail and it turns out to be a mirror. It can lead you into any novel written by any author in any time frame. Which book would you choose and what would you take with you?

Sabbath Sounds

A Love so Great



"Oh, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us — even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will."

Joseph B. Wirthlin - 2007 Oct. Gen. Conf


There are many times in my life when I have unintentionally hurt someone. And yet, they forgive me. I feel as if I don't deserve their kindness afterward.

I think about how this applies to my Father in Heaven. I have to admit that I've fumbled so hard, long and deep. I felt darkness at every turn and it was frightening. I knew I had hurt Him with one wrong choice that grew wider as it went.

The time finally came when I was able to pray without shame and I was immediately enveloped with the burning strength of the Spirit.


I wept.

He never gave up on me even during those lonely, dark times.

He loves me. He loves me no matter how far I've strayed. He loves me no matter my weaknesses. He loves me no matter my shames. He loves me no matter what. For that, I am forever grateful.

How as Heavenly Father's love changed you?

Speak out Saturdays

For my Saturdays I am going to post issues that we face today. Sometimes I'll have information that will help. Here's an opportunity to speak out. This day is for you to share thoughts, experiences--anything--with the topic. If you have ANY idea of what you'd like me to address for my Saturdays, please leave them in this post!

Sexting






Dreadful. Degrading. Disturbing.

It wasn't too long ago that the high school in my rural city was rampant with sexting teens. . That is sending self-nude pictures and the use of obscenity. Of course, as you can probably tell, I am against that. What I find more disturbing are the adults that think its cute.

It is illegal. A crime. It can result in state felony charges. Including obscenity. In the United States, it is illegal to carry lewd pictures of minors. I Utah, it can result in state felony charges. See what your state has to say here.

A Handout from my teen's school:



Teen Sexting Tips

It's Illegal: Don't take or send nude or sexually suggestive photos of yourself or anyone else. If you do, even if they're of you or you pass along someone else's--you could be charged with producing or distributing child pornography. If you keep them on your computer or phone you could be charged with possession. If they go to someone in another state (and that happens really easily), it is a federal offense.

Non-legal Consequences: Then there's the emotional (and reputation) damage that can come from having intimate photos of yourself go to a friend who can become an ex-friend and send it to everyone you know. Not only can they be sent around; they can be distributed and archives online for people to search for pretty much forever.

Not Just on Phones: Sexting can be done on any media-sharing device or technology--including email and the Web. Teens have been convicted for child porn distribution for emailing sexually explicit photos of each other.

Many Causes: In some cases, kids are responding to peer pressure in a form of cyber bullying or pressure from a boyfriends or girlfriend (thy break up, and sometimes those photos get sent around out of revenge.) Sometimes it's impulsive behavior, flirting or even black mail. It is always a bad idea.

Parents: Talk with your kids about sexting in a relaxed setting. Ask them what they know about it (they may not have heard of the term, so "naked photo-sharing" works, too). Express how you feel in a controversial, no n-confrontation away. A two-way dialog can go a long way toward helping your kids understand how to minimize legal, social and reputation risks.

The bottom line: Stay alert when using digital medial. People aren't' always who they seem to be, even in real life, and sometimes they change and do mean things. Critical thinking about what awe upload well as download is the best protection.



Parents:

• If your children have sent any nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves, make sure they stop immediately. Explain that they're at risk if been charged with producing and distributing child pornography. If they've received a nude or semi-nude photo, make sure they haven't sent it to anyone else.
• Either way, the next most important hing is to have a good talk. Stay calm, be supportive and learn as much as you can about the situation. for example, see if it was impulsive behavior, teen 'romance' thing or form of harassment.
• Consider talking with other teens and parents involved, based on what you've learned.
• Some experts advise that you report the photo to your local police, but consider that, while intending to protect your child, you could incriminate another--and possibly your own child. That's why it's usually good to talk to the kids and their parents first. If malice or criminal intent is involved, you may want to consult a lawyer, the police, or other experts on the law in your jurisdiction, but be aware of the possibility that child pornography charges could be filed against anyone involved.

Teens:

• If a sexting photo arrives on your phone, first, do not send it to anyone else (this could be considered distribution of child pornography). Second: talk to a parent or trusted adult. Tell them the full story so they know how to support you. And don't freak out if that adult decide to talk with the parents of others involved--that could be the best way to keep all yo you from getting into serious trouble.
• If the picture is from a friend or someone you know, then someone needs to talk to that friend so that he or she knows sexting is against the law. You 're actually doing the friend a big favor because of the serious trouble that can happen if they police get involved.
• IF the photos keep coming, you and a parent might have to speak with your friend's parents, school authorities or the police.
  

Do you have teenagers? What do you think about checking up on them? What if they were sexting? That kids will be kids, right? What do you think?

Information provided by safeteens.com


Follower Friday Guest is Jaime Theler!