A Thanksgiving Walk

"'Ah! So nice to see you again! It's me this time, Aaron Rochester.
Let me invite you to read the second and final part of my family's Thanksgiving story.
Now close your eyes...

Ivy clears her throat from behind me and peeks around. "Aaron, how can they read with their eyes closed?"
I rub my chin thoughtfully. "I was going to describe what our Thanksgiving hike looked like. It's easier to get a mental picture when your eyes are closed. You've told me that yourself countless times."
Ivy pooches out her lips, and shrugs. "Oh yeah. Well...carry on."
"Alright," I begin, turning back to you; my lovely audience. "As I was saying...

A Winter Wren chirps gaily from overhead as you find yourself on a forest pathway covered in vibrant yellow, red, and orange leaves.
The sound of laughter and chatter falls on your ear as you spot the figures of a group of people coming your direction.

"Ivy, if you take a picture of every single pretty leaf, your camera is going to implode."
Ivy looked over at Caleb with a crinkled nose. ''If it does, I can always have Aaron fix it."
I pulled my scarf closer around my neck, and raised my eyebrows at my twin. "One of these days I'm not going to be able to figure out one of your electronics. What then?"
She snapped a picture of me, and grinned; a dimple creasing her right cheek. "Nah, that'll never happen."
Caleb grimaced, and glanced at Dad; who was batting at a cobweb that had attacked his face."Well, don't you start hollering too loud when that camera finally biffs it."
After our Thanksgiving feast, which we have around three or four in the afternoon, it is our family tradition to take a hike in the nearby forest before returning home to settle down and watch the Canadian Football game on our DVR.
As is the normal protocol, Dad took the lead. Though this particular Thanksgiving, he collected a lot more spiderwebs on his face than usual. Sputtering once again, he rubbed his hands over his face and turned to us.
"Alright, new rule; Aaron, you take the lead."
I shuddered at the thought of running into my least favorite creature, and attempted to do the opposite of pulling rank. "You'd send your youngest child out in front to battle the elements? Alone?"
Mom bit back a smile as Dad narrowed his eyes to ponder the question.
Caleb raised his hands up in the air when he noted Dad's eyes flicking towards him.
"Hey, I'm the oldest. I have obviously been through far more than my baby brother. The Bible says that Tribulation worketh Patience; and Patience, Experience. Me thinks my young brother should be given the chance to learn some great lessons."
Dad nodded slowly. "Hmm, excellent."
I cringed, not being able to argue, now that the Bible had been brought into it.
Ivy grinned, and held out a stick in my direction. "Here, a cobweb wand."
I sighed, and took the stick. But as I stepped ahead to lead my pack, I remembered the last part of the verse Caleb had quoted.
Spinning around, and held up a gloved index finger.
"Oh, one more thing--Your quote also mentions that this Experience I am gaining produces Hope. So in the trying, patience, and experience I'm going through, I'm going to hope that in all of this, my brother will kindly take the lead, and battle the raging autumn spiders."
Ivy lowered her camera from a bright leaf, and squinted at me.
"Oh for goodness sake."
She brushed past me, and yanked the stick from my hands.
"I'll lead. Ya sissy."
Dad put his arm around Mom's shoulder, and laughed. "There now, Ivy saw a need, and took the initiative."
Ivy flashed a smile at me, and began marching ahead.
"Follow me! I'm not afraid of spiders."
As I fell in behind our parents, Caleb clumped his hand on my shoulder and grinned. "Teamwork."
I pushed my beanie back, and shoved my hands into my coat pockets.
"Why lead the way and get covered in webs, when we both know Ivy's going to end up doing the hard work for us?"

Well...Perhaps that statement would have been better off unstated--
Upon realizing that Caleb's and my plan had been to get Ivy to take the webs in the first place, Dad promptly ruled that the both of us were to take the lead...
Without sticks as our defense from the spider webs.

~ Fin.

Alright, so I hope you guys enjoyed reading my short story!

~ When walking in Autumn, do you often run into spiderwebs? ~
~ What are your after Thanksgiving traditions? ~

Alright!
I have been kindly tagged for a NaNoWriMo tag, so I will be returning soon with that!
Until then,

God bless!

Megan

Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving!

*A cold breeze blows, a leaf swirls past*
*Two shadowy figures come walking through the early morning fogginess*
*They stop, and start waving. A light clicks on, and they are recognized as the Rochester twins.*
"Hi! Ivy here. Since Megan has apparently gone poof, my brother and I have stepped in to write up a blog post."
*I frown and cross my arms in front of my chest.*
*ahem* Guys, I'm right here. I've just been busy! I haven't had time to-
*Aaron's eyes widen* "Ivy, listen! Sometimes I can still hear her voice, off somewhere in the distance."
Okaaay, I'll just leave you two to your craziness. But if you get into any shenanigans...remember who writes your stories, eh?
Ivy; "Hmm, she has a point. Come on, bro. Let's get to the reason for our hijacking this laptop."
*The light clicks off, and you are transported to a kitchen where the savory smells of roasting turkey, pumpkin pie, and other culinary delights greet your nose*

Ivy looks up from her position in front of the oven. "Hey mom, could you toss me that hot pad? I think my sweet potatoes are finished."
The Rochester family was hard at work preparing their yearly Thanksgiving supper.
Mr. Rochester was bent over the turkey, carefully basting the bird; as was his assigned kitchen duty.
The task of overseeing, and perfecting the pumpkin pies was Mrs. Rochester's job, which she took very seriously.
The twins' brother Caleb, who was four years their elder, always took it upon himself to make sure every dish and utensil was spotless, and the kitchen as free from clutter as he could keep it.
Utilizing the hot pad her mother had chucked to her, Ivy pulled out her dish of piping hot sweet potatoes, and set them on the stove top.
"Dad, is the turkey ready yet?"
Mr. Rochester replaced the lid on the turkey roaster and wiped his hands on his borrowed apron.
"Nearly. I'd give it ten minutes."
The backdoor swung open at that moment, and in came Aaron; a steaming pot in his hands.
"Make way, hot potatoes coming through!"
He shuffled to the sink, and there he placed the steaming metal pot.
Caleb backed away, and frowned at his younger brother.
"Aaron, that pot is covered in soot and charcoal, what did you do to it?"
Aaron chewed his lip, and tilted his head to better look at the blackened bottom of the pot.
"Hmm, I guess I turned the flames up too high on the burner..."
Caleb removed his glasses indignantly; rubbing the fog that had condensed on the glass.
"Burner is a good word for it. My spotless sink is ruined."
Mrs. Rochester tisked from where she stood at the kitchen island, pressing the pumpkin pie crust.
"Oh Caleb, it's nothing a little scrubbing won't fix."
Caleb grunted in response as he replaced his glasses.
Ivy slid a bowl over to her twin, and grinned. "Here, mash the potatoes in this." She shifted her look to Caleb. "Would you like me to scrub the sink for you, Caye?"
He shook his head, and rolled up his already bunched sleeves. "I'll do it."
Aaron dumped the potatoes into the offered bowl, and returned the burnt pot to the sink.
"Sorry it's so messy."
Caleb raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry about it. If the mashed potatoes weren't my favorite part of the meal, I might complain a bit more." A grin cracked through his frown, and he winked good-naturedly.
Aaron grinned as he pulled out the potato masher. "Saved by the love of food. I love Thanksgiving."

(to be continued)

Thanks for reading, we'll be back soon to share part 2. :)
Hope you enjoyed, and happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian readers!

God bless!

Megan Ivy

I'm back! + Exciting News!

*waves wildly*
Salutations! I have returned from my impromtu (and unintentional) blog break!
It has been a crazy summer thus far in my neck of the woods, but I finally have the time to sit down and write an update!

This summer so far:

1. (Early July) I got a haircut! It was my first "real" haircut in about ten years. It's really weird having shoulder length hair again, but I love it!

1. (Mid-July) Had a friend from West Virginia fly out and stay for two weeks. That was a blast! My sisters and I became full-out tour guides; Astoria Oregon, Fort Stevens, Multnomah Falls, Mt. St. Helens, Fort Vancouver...It was a fun two weeks.

2. (Early August) Entered two paintings at my local County Fair, and got 1st prize for them both! *excited squeal*

3. (Mid August) Had a birthday! Now I'm officially old...er than I was last year. xD

4. (Today) I finished the first draft of my second book in the Time Traveler series!! (excuse me while I excitedly dance around and giggle.)
*ahem*
I'm super excited to have finished it! If all goes as planned, it will be published early September, 2020!
Yeah, I know that's a whole year away, but I want it to be published in early September, and this year is too close to be able to do it.
The date has to do with the book's plot. B)

Anywho, now I just need to get it edited, proofed, re-edited, re-proofed, and checked once or twice more...then it'll be ready!
Is anybody interested in being a beta-reader?
Just one thing, you'll want to read the first book first, as you might get lost otherwise... xD
Let me know!


This is a short-ish post, but I'll make up for it next week, as the lovely miss Rakayle has tagged me in a 3 Days 3 Quotes Tag! (Thanks, Rakayle!)

So until Monday, dear readers!


God bless!

Megan

1 Year of Blogging

Salutations!
Today is the one-year anniversary of starting Stories by Megs!
To celebrate, you are all invited to my party!

The Party:

Welcome, one and all!
Please make yourselves comfortable. The seats are plentiful, and the refreshments are refreshing.
What's that? Your glass has a chip? Oh I'm terribly sorry. I guess that one of my helpers must have tipped the glass while setting up the table.

Amy: "Must have been Josh. I was lighting the candle on the cake." 
Josh: "Oh sure, blame the innocent redhead!"
Amy: "Don't mind him. Here you go, reader. Have some chocolate cake."

Don't fret about the tiny chip; I'm sure it's perfectly harmless, just sip from the other side. The lemonade is delicious, our resident chief made it himself.

Josh: "That would be me."

So, in celebration, I not only hired my dear characters as helpers for this party, but they're also going to be the entertainment!

We'll have several activities for your enjoyment!
1) 12 "Fun facts" about me
2) 12 "Fun facts" about my book, Trouble in Scotland
3) A rousing game of Simon Says

Aaron. "Careful there, reader. I haven't quite finished hanging the banners. You're about to bump into that sage green-"
Ivy: "I got it! You go ahead and sit down. There, it's clipped back onto the ceiling."
Aaron: "Thanks, sis. Now then! What would you readers like to do first?"


The first 12 Fun facts? Sounds reasonable, since they're the first on the list, eh?
Right then, let's see if I can even find 12 even slightly interesting things about myself...


12 Facts about Moi:

1. I have lived in only 1 state my entire life. Washington State.

2. I have moved 3 times in my life.

4. I have been to 19 States: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

5. I have never left the Country.

6. I have met Ken Ham in person several times.

7. I am the tallest person in my family.

8. It's really hard to come up with these answers.

8. I have owned three horses in my life.

10. I've never lived in town, or in a city.

11. My favorite school history was/and always will be, History.

12. My favorite weather is cool, cloudy, and rainy.

13. I love English and Scottish Country Dancing, and Swing Dancing.


Whew! That was tough...

Ivy: "Megs, you made three errors in your list."

What? Where?

Ivy: "You said you'd write 12 facts. That last one is numbered 13..."
 
Ah, but did you count the numbers? I promise there are 12 facts. Though I cannot promise there are 12 numbers...

Josh: "Ohh, I get it. One of your games, huh?"

Eh, close enough.
Oh, here dear reader, let me refill your glass of lemonade.
There! Now, did you find my list extremely tiresome? Oh, well that's good.
*snores*
Josh, I know you're not asleep. You just said something not a minute ago.

Josh: "Ever hear of sleep talking?"
 
*Ahem!*
Right...next list.
This one I've printed out on sheets of paper. I'm not gonna read it out loud...

12 Fun Facts about Trouble in Scotland

1. Josh and Amy were originally in an abandoned school room when they discovered the watch.

2. Amy's name was spelled Aimee when I wrote the first draft. Pronounced: A-May.

3. Josh Peterson was Josh Lane.

4. I almost used unicorns instead of dragons in the storyline.

5. It took me three years to write the first draft. Only about one to edit, proof, and publish.

6. Aaron and Josh are named after my two most favorite baby goats. Don't let them know this one...I'd never hear the end of it.

7. It was originally set in Ireland.

8. I titled it: In Search of the Irish Prince.

9. I changed the location to Scotland, as my family heritage is strongly Scottish.

10. If you look closely at the cover, you'll see from left to right, Josh, Amy, Ivy, then Aaron.

11. The whole royal family Conchobair is actually based off a short story idea I came up with when I was younger.

12. Book 2 is already twice the length of the 1st. I hope to have it finished before the year is over.


Alright, you may put your pages down. Now that you've read them, I will come around and collect them --thank you, and now lock them up where my characters won't find them.

Aaron: "Why can't we see the facts about our own story?"

*Laughs nervously, slamming the safe door shut*
Oh, no reason. I don't want to confuse you, ya know. It's...It's a writer thing. You wouldn't understand.

All four: *suspicious looks*

Ok readers! This is getting to be a rather long post.
Would you care to join in a game of Simon Says?

Josh: "I'll be it!"

Alright, we have a volunteer.
Now stand in a circle everyone. That's it. We're all friends here, no need to be shy!

Josh: "Alright, Simon Says...Touch your nose!"
Amy: "Wow. Sooo original."
Josh: "Ah, but you touched it."
Ivy: "Ok, now what?"
Josh: "Stop touching your nose."
Aaron: *pulls finger away, put quickly replaces it.*
Josh: "Ah ha! You moved. I didn't say Simon Says. You're out!"

Oh ho, he caught you on that one, Aaron.

Josh: "Simon says...Jump!"

*thud*

Josh: "Ah, but Simon didn't say land. You're all out!"

Clever Josh, very clever...
I hope you all enjoyed yourselves! Thank you for coming to my party!

Time Travelers: "Bye! Thanks for playing! See you soon!"

Shall we do this again next year?
I believe that would be jolly.
Thank you for coming--oh? Oh yes! You all get to keep a balloon as a party-favor. Don't forget to grab one on your way out.

~ Did you enjoy my "party"?
~ Has anybody ever pulled that Simon Says trick on you before?
~ Which "book fact" did you find the most interesting?

Thanks for reading,

God bless!


Megan

Voted Most Likely Tag

Salutations, readers!
Once again I have been MIA far too long, and for that I apologize, but alas...life happens, eh?
But with that poor excuse now put aside, we shall move along to the purpose of this post!

Miss Rakayle Hier kindly tagged me to join in on this fantastic tag! I think it will help you, as well as myself, to get to know some of my characters better!

The Rules:

1: Thank the lovely blogger who tagged you. You know you want to.
Thank youuu, Rakayle, I'm excited to do this!

2: Include this lovely link in your post.
Done! ;)
3: Use your own lovely Original Characters (OC’s); don’t use a friend’s characters or characters from your favorite fandom. They can be from any project, so long as you created them. For more fun, try to use as many different characters as possible.
Brilliant! For I have many characters...
 
4: Tag at least five lovely blogger friends to play along.
Hmm. This may prove hard...


The Characters:

The Time Travers - Trouble in Scotland: Science Fiction/Adventure - Joshua, Amy, Aaron, & Ivy

The Strange Case of Willoughby Spalding: Mystery/Romance - Willoughby & Elizabeth

The Murder of Mr. E.J. Hampton: Murder Mystery/Victorian Era - Captain James Windsor & Mr. Henry Cobbs

In Times of Trial: Drama/Romance  - Malcolm, Hubert, Rory, & Bridget

Bonus! The Time Travelers Book 2: Science Fiction/Historical Fiction - Taivert Merel (Tie-VAIR Mer-EL)

Onward, dear reader! Let us dive into this tag, and learn some things about my characters!


The Questions:


1.) Most Likely to Be a Poet

Mr. Cobbs. He is a quiet sort who couldn't be happier to sit down with a large volume of Longfellow, Keets, or Browning. If he had the time, there is no doubt he would write some verse of his own.
 
2.) Most Likely to Dance in the Rain

Bridget, most definitely. She dearly loves the rain, and doesn't hesitate to dance in it no matter the season. With the abundant rains on the Emerald Island she calls home, she has learned to not begrudge the rains. She loves dancing as a general rule, so never lets rain stop her when the urge to break out in a Scottish Jig comes on.
 
3.) Most Likely to Look Good in a Kilt

Colm, without a doubt. He is an Irishman through and through, and when the occasion calls for it he doesn't shy away from donning a traditional kilt.
 
4.) Most Likely to Get Punched in the Face

Rory O'Conner. And if you do punch him, beware; for he can and will hit back. Roy isn't one you want to cross. With a constant scowl on his face, it's likely you're going to avoid getting on his bad side anyway. But that in and of itself is hard. If he doesn't like you, (and believe me, he needs no reason to dislike someone.) you'll know it. I can count on one hand the people Rory O'Conner truly likes. If he likes you, you should either be extremely grateful, or terrified. You can choose.
 
5.) Most Likely to Drop Everything and Become a Sheep Herder

 Colm again to take the prize for this one, as this is literally what he did. When his father became unable to work, Colm was forced to leave his over-too-soon childhood to become a sheep herder at the O'Conner Farm, to provide for his family.
 
6.) Most Likely to Be Found in the Library

It was tough deciding which of the folks from this list I would choose, but the decision fell upon young Willoughby Spalding. When he isn't busily working on the police force, or spending time with his family, he would probably be found at the small town library, busily going through archived newspapers, and articles on missing persons cases. His goal is to solve as many cases as he can; reuniting lost families. 

 

This one gets a double answer, as I don't want Ivy to feel left out! Ivy Rochester loves reading. And you can find her at her local library quite often. She may be reading something by Dickens or Shakepeare, perusing a how-to-book on designing, studying a biographical book on some historical figure she admires, or perhaps flipping through a Dictionary to study up on some words she can use to stump her big brother in a sophisticated-word-battle-off...(Long story, that.)

7.) Most Likely to Sleep Through an Earthquake

His friends would all agree; Joshua Peterson could sleep through almost anything. It takes all they can do to wake him up in the morning. Once a large tree fell just outside his bedroom window. It shook the house so hard, it caused some plaster to crumble from the ceiling, but he remained blissfully unaware. Only when he was literally dragged out of bed did he awaken and find out what had happened.
 
8.) Most Likely to Steal Food from Other Peoples’ Plates

Aaron Rochester. Ivy would quickly point an accusing finger at her twin. Especially when eating at a Fast Food joint, Aaron without fail steals French Fries from both his older brother, and his sister. They always catch him, as stealth isn't his strong suit. But he always at least attempts to sneak an extra fry out of their baskets.
 
9.) Most Likely to Cheat on a Test

She would never admit it, naturally, but I'm afraid that Amy Hyde would peek over her neighbor's shoulder to see the answer for a tough Math question, but only when all other attempts to figure it out herself, fail. "Desperate times call for desperate measures." She would quip.
 
10.) Most Likely to Say “Oops” After Setting Something on Fire
 
Far from being a sarcastic "opps", Elizabeth Archer would gasp in alarm and stare in horror before whispering "opps!" when she accidentally sets a tablecloth ablaze from clumsily tipping a candlestick.

11.) Most Likely to Open an Orphanage

Having a heart for the lost and lonely, Bridget MacDonald would jump at the chance to open up an Orphanage.
 
12.) Most Likely to Run off with the Circus

Sometimes bored with the hum-drum, monotonous daily life, Hugh McTavish would doubtless dash off to join the circus, if the opportunity arose. But it wouldn't be long before he had a change of heart and returned home, like the prodigal he is inclined to be.
 
13.) Most Likely to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse

Well now, since these are fictional characters, fictional occurrences are never out of the question, so I believe that the most likely to survive such a circumstance would be Captain Windsor. With his sharp wit and skills acquired from his time in war, he would rise to the occasion and defeat the evil, rising from the ashes; victorious.
 
14.) Most Likely to Fake Their Own Death

As he actually did this, Taivert Merel is the candidate for this one. He not only faked his death, he returned to society with a changed name, and nobody knows his true identity. Not yet, that is.
 
15.) Most Likely to Die and Haunt Their Friends

Just for kicks, Joshua Peterson would happily come back to haunt his friends if he ever died. And by haunt, I mean pull pranks. An eternity of joke-playing would be his life...death...??...goal.

"Didn't I just close that window? Weird. It's open again. I must be losing my mind..."

"Stop tapping my shoulder!"
"I never touched you."
"I must have fleas or something..."


Re-Tagging:

Well! I've done my research...and it seems all the lovely folks I would have tagged seem to have been tagged already...
If I have erroneously missed you, and you have not yet been tagged, please, consider yourself tagged! If you do the post, link it in a comment! I'd love to read what your characters would do in such situations. :)

The Questions:

1.) Most Likely to Be a Poet
2.) Most Likely to Dance in the Rain
3.) Most Likely to Look Good in a Kilt
4.) Most Likely to Get Punched in the Face
5.) Most Likely to Drop Everything and Become a Sheep Herder
6.) Most Likely to Be Found in the Library
7.) Most Likely to Sleep Through an Earthquake
8.) Most Likely to Steal Food from Other Peoples’ Plates
9.) Most Likely to Cheat on a Test
10.) Most Likely to Say “Oops” After Setting Something on Fire
11.) Most Likely to Open an Orphanage
12.) Most Likely to Run off with the Circus
13.) Most Likely to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse
14.) Most Likely to Fake Their Own Death
15.) Most Likely to Die and Haunt Their Friends 


Well! That was quite fun. Thank you again, Rakayle, for tagging me!
I hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.

And now I must bid you adieu, as work beckons, and I mustn't ignore it any longer.

Which of the answers did you like best?
Judging by these questions, which character do you like best?

Thanks for reading,

God bless!


Megan 


Pictures are not mine: found on the internet. 

Trouble Abrewin'

Greetings!
I suppose I will start off with a lame excuse for not posting in nearly a month...
I've been quite busy, and have honestly had zero inspiration for a blog post.
But now I have some inspiration, so here I am!

Lately:

I have been busy with the annual Camp NaNo!
So far, I have written 8,598 words out of my 15,000 word goal for the month of April.
It's fantastic to be out of a few-months-long writing slump.
The book I'm currently slaving away working on is the second installment in my Time Traveler series. It's already twice the length of my first book.
I hope to have it finished before long, roll it through the editing phase, and have it published by Fall, 2020. But...who knows. ;)


A Book Birthday:

And now...to announce the anniversary of the publication of my first book, Trouble in Scotland! The date of publication is drawing near, (April 14th) and I wanted to have a celebration of sorts!

What better way to do that, then host my very-first giveaway?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So! The giveaway starts on the 10th, and ends the 14th.
Once the winner has been chosen by the random winner selector, I will contact aforementioned winner and get their address so I can send them a freshly printed, signed paperback of my book.

Be sure to tell as many of your friends as you can, because to make it more fair, I'd like to have at least 5 entrants for this giveaway.

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

God bless,

Megan

On the 11th Day of Christmas...

(Aaron, Amy, Ivy & Josh) "Hello!"
(Ivy) "Hi guys, the four of us have decided to team up--"
(Josh) "And share our short time travel adventure with you!"
(Ivy) "...It wasn't short, Josh."
(Josh) "Well, it sure wasn't long enough."
(Amy) "Guys, don't argue...Don't mind them, readers."
(Aaron) "Yeah. Ok readers, so as they mentioned, we have a short story to share."
(Ivy) "It's short, but I will let you know right now, it's not the full thing. Only a teaser, if you will, of what will be a much longer story. The share is short, the story won't be...once it's finished being written."
(Josh) "Leave comments! We love comments. If you leave a comment before two hours are up, I'll..."
(Amy) "How did you make this sound like a lame commercial?"
(Aaron) "Ha! Don't mind Josh. I think he had coffee this morning."
(Josh) "...how did you know?"

Ok guys, let me handle this...
Here is a snippet of the beginning of a special holiday Time Travelers story.
I hope you enjoy!

It was Epiphany Eve...
In the city of New York, New York, a certain wristwatch was slowly pulsing a florescent green.
In excitement, the red headed 16-year-old Joshua Peterson excitedly ran to his Great Aunt's telephone and dialed his friend Amy Hyde's number.
When the phone was picked up, Josh spat out, "Amy! The watch is doing it again!"
A gasp sounded from the telephone speaker, and the young teen's voice whispered, "I'll be right over. Don't press any button without me."

In Canada, a similar exchange was going on...
"Ivy, Ivy!"
The 18 year old's fingers paused above the typewriter's keys, looking at her telecommunicating digital wristwatch. Intrigued by the urgency, she pressed the callback button. "What's up, Aaron? Over."
"I'm in the library. The watch. It's flashing. Over."
Ivy felt her heartbeat quicken at the prospect of another time traveling adventure, and leapt up from her desk chair, leaving it swiveling in place as she exited the bedroom in haste.

Old town New York:
"Amy! Just in time."
The blonde teen pulled her scarf closer around her face. 
"Why did we have to meet in the alley? It's freezing out here!"
Josh pulled his wool coat collar up higher around his cheeks. "We can't just go zapping through time in the middle of the house. We were in the attic last time, remember?"
Amy hugged herself. "But...Couldn't we have gone to your attic?"
He shook his head matter-of-factly. "Nope. Wayyyy too many spiders."
"Okay...Press the button already before I freeze to death."
Josh lifted his index finger above the button, but didn't press it.
Amy scowled at his hesitation. "What's wrong?"
"Do you think the Rochesters will come too?"
"...I hope so."
"What if they don't?"
Amy pulled her knitted cap further down. "Let's just hope they do."
Josh bit his lip, and looked down at the watch. "Is there a time limit to when you can press the button?"
"There might be. Better press it now, Josh."
He nodded slowly. "Ok. Here, hold my arm, Aim. Even if the others don't, I want to make sure you come!"

The outskirts of Toronto:
Ivy threw the door open. "Should we press the button, Aaron?"
The tall, dirty-dishwater blond 18-year-old looked up from the couch and nodded. "Definitely!"
Ivy closed their home library's door, and hurried over to sit next to her twin.
"Do you think Josh saw his watch blinking?"
Aaron cocked his head to the side. "I hope so! It would be weird if they didn't come too..."
Ivy frowned as her eyes ran over the face of the transportation devise. "Will it work if only one watch is pressed?"
Aaron let his finger hover over the button momentarily. "That's a good question...I suppose there's only one way to find out...eh?"
Ivy nodded, and hooked her arm in her brother's. "Ok, go ahead. Let's see what our mission is this time."
With a hesitant pause, Aaron pressed his finger down on the button.
A red light blinked, instead of the bright flash.
Ivy opened her eyes, which she had squeezed shut. "Nothing happened."
Aaron looked at the screen. "Whoa, look. It says, "Error. Press in"...It's giving a five second count down."
Ivy's eyes widened. "That means both you and Josh will press at the same time!"
"Looks like it...here we go then!"

When the timer had clicked down to zero, both Time Traveler's pressed their respective buttons, and a bright flash erupted from the screens before everything went black.


Alright, so that's the intro for ya!
I hope you enjoyed it.
Now after editing, who knows how much of this original beginning will be left over, but...
Tomorrow will be the final post in this Christmas series!
I hope you have enjoyed reading the snippets and stories.

God bless!

Megan

On the 10th Day of Christmas...

Hiya! Josh here again.
I wanted to share my own short snippet of a story, since everyone else has.
Did you get to try any of my recipes?
Well, here's my story. It was just last night that all this happened...


It was late in the evening, and my shift at the local pizzeria was just about to end.
The last customer was standing before me, waiting for me to hand over the order.
“Would you like fries with that?”
The lady stared at me in confusion. “Beg your pardon?”
I laughed, and handed her the box of pizza. “Oh, sorry. I’ve just always wanted to say that.”
She nodded slowly, and took the box. “I see...well, thank you.”
I waved my hand. “Enjoy your pizza! Merry Christmas, ma’am!”
As the last customer in the pizzeria left, I dusted my hands together. “And so ends another day of toil, labor, and—”
My soliloquy ended abruptly when somebody walked out of the kitchen behind me. “Joshua, who are you talking to?”
I grinned, and started untying my apron. “The audience. You know, that’s how any soliloquy works.”
My coworker glanced around the room, and pursed his lips. “Right...Anyhow, is the door locked? We’re closing for the evening in just a minute.”
I shook my head. “I haven’t locked the door yet, no.”
“Ok, you wanna do that? I’ve got one last pizza to pull from the oven.”
I hurried over to lock the door, then followed Jake back into the kitchen. “Another? For who?”
He sighed and adjusted his white hat. “That person you talked to on the phone earlier, who ordered a pizza? They wanted it delivered, remember?”
I smacked my forehead. “Duh! I knew that. The girl I accidentally confessed my undying love for...”
Jake stared at me as he paused in his reaching for the pizza. “Say what?”
I chuckled. “Well, a bit of a long story there...”
He pulled the pizza out, and carefully set it in the awaiting box. “I’m all ears.”
“Ok, well...The phone rang, and so I answered it, as usual...

“This is the place to get fresh pizza and ice cream! What can I do for you today?”
“Uh, hi. Can I order a cheese pizza to be delivered?”
“Sure! What size?” “Large, please.”
“Sounds good! What’s the address of delivery?”
“442 south bard street.”
“Great, we’ll have that pizza to you in forty five minutes. Thanks for calling!” “Ok, love you, bye.”
“Love you too—”
We both paused.
I heard a giggle on the other end, which sounded like somebody nearby who had heard the slip of the tongue.
I cleared my throat. “Uh...I hope you’re not expecting a discount because we’ve confessed our undying love to each other...”
A laugh sounded from the opposite end of the call.
“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. I totally didn’t mean to say that.”
I grinned. “No problem! I’m always almost saying that accidentally...”

Jake replaced his white cook’s hat with his baseball cap. “That...is hilarious.”
I tossed my apron on the hanger, and nodded as I followed him out of the pizzeria; locking the door and turning off the lights behind us.
“Sure was. She was real nice though, it was fun.”
Jake grinned down a the pizza box in his hands. “You wanna deliver this to her, since you’re practically engaged?”
I threw my head back in a laugh. “Ha! No thanks. I’m going home. You’re delivery boy tonight.”
Jake shrugged, and waved his hand to me as he opened his car door. “Fine, suit yourself. Have a good weekend, Josh. See ya Monday!”
“Yep, you too. Merry Christmas!”
He slid the box in the back door, and closed it before shaking his head at me. “Josh, Christmas was almost two weeks ago.”
I shrugged. “True, but today is only 9 days away. It’s still the 9th day of Christmas! I will continue to wish everyone a Merry Christmas until the 12th day. Merry Christmas!"


There ya go, a peek into my work life.
Better go, I'm going to practice some Christmas polkas on my accordion!

Thanks Josh, fun having you again.
Hope you all enjoyed this snippet!
Have a lovely Friday!

God bless!

Megan

On the 4th Day of Christmas...

Greetings! Tis I, Joshua Peterson.
Merry (four days after) Christmas, everyone!
Well, I was going to write about my latest Christmas, but...Amy kind of beat me to that...so...
How about I just share my favorite Christmas drinks and foods with you?
Since my dream is to own my own pizza joint when I finish culinary collage, I have a handful of great recipies to share!
(Don't worry. They're not pizzas. Though...A turkey sandwich pizza sounds really cool right now...)

Drinks
A very important part of any day is drinks, am I right?
So two of my favorite things are Hot Cocoa, and Eggnog.

Hot Cocoa:
2 Tablespoons Cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons Sugar
And enough Milk to fill your favorite mug. (as long as it's not one of those ginormous cups...Then you'll have to add more cocoa and sugar...)
A half teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Mix those, and heat them up on the stove. Once it's hot, but not boiling, pour it back into your mug and add two big Marshmallows, and a Candy Cane.
Viola! Vuwalla!...V....phooey.
And there you have it! A delicious Hot Chocolate!

Eggnog:
6 Eggs
A Half Gallon of Milk
3/4 to 1 cup Sugar (depends on how sweet you like it. I suggest starting with 3/4 and working your way up.)
A teaspoon Nutmeg
And a half teaspoon Vanilla
Blend the eggs and sugar in a blender until totally mixed together, then add flavors, mix until completely blended, then add milk. Blend again. You can't overdo it. Always overblend than underblend your eggnog. Trust me on this one...
Once done, pour into a tall glass and add a tiny sprinkle of Nutmeg on top for decoration.
Enjoy!

Not Drinks:
Very important, this.
And by not drinks, I mean food.
Now these aren't my very own recipies, but I recommend them:

Peppermint Cookies:
https://preppykitchen.com/white-chocolate-peppermint-cookies/#

Chocolate Fudge:
https://foodieandwine.com/3-ingredient-easy-fudge-recipe/

You may not have known, but my father's side all comes from the Scandinavian countries, so we have quite a bit of Scandinavian influences on our Christmas meals!
The above recipies aren't Scandinavian...That I know of...
But here are a couple delicious things we enjoy during the Christmas season:

Spiced Cake:
https://www.redonline.co.uk/food/recipes/a501507/spiced-christmas-cake/

A Yummy Roast:
https://www.finecooking.com/recipe/roast-pork-with-crisp-crackling-red-currant-gravy

Mom isn't too into fish, so we don't have many of the fishy things that Scandinavians usually eat during most of their meals.

There! Now that I'm totally hungry from talking about all this food...
I think I'll go grab myself some fudge I think is still leftover in the fridge.
Hasta la Pasta!

Great recipies Josh, thanks for sharing.
Hope you enjoyed this post, and maybe will try out some of these tasty recipies!
(I highly recommend the fudge!)

Until tomorrow,

God bless!

Megan

On the 2nd Day of Christmas...

Hi, Amy from the Time Travelers here.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you!

Since Megan is apparently too busy to write these posts herself, she has enlisted the help of my friends and I.
A list of names were tossed into a hat, and my name was drawn first; so...
Here is what my Christmas looked like:

*knock knock*
“Miss Hyde?”
I sighed heavily, and lowered the violin from my shoulder.
Aaaand there goes violin practice for the rest of the day... “What, Saunders?”
My Grandmother’s stereotypical British butler stuck his head into my music room. “Miss Hyde, your presence has been requested in the drawing room. The guests have arrived.”
I raised the lid to my case, and gently laid my precious instrument in.
“Alight Mr. Saunders, tell Grandmother I’ll be down in a few minutes.”
The elderly butler nodded, and ducked back out of the room.
I loosened the hair on my bow, and slipped it in before closing and locking the case shut.
As I left the music room, I glanced down at the chain hung around my neck; attached were my late Father’s dog-tags.
My Grandmother didn’t think they were feminine, so frowned upon my wearing them. I lovingly ran my fingers across the raised words on the metal tags, then tucked the special necklace inside my cream blouse before entering the drawing room.

I entered the room and spotted Josh and his Great Aunt, my Grandmother, and a few of her old friends that I’m not too familiar with.
I waved nervously as my eyes scanned the room for a seat I could take.
“Merry Christmas everyone.”
Josh waved me over to where he sat on a couch. “Sit here!”
Grandmother cleared her throat as I padded across the plush carpet to my friend’s side. “Amy, you’re just in time, I was telling everyone about how well you play your violin.”
I stopped short on my brief trek to the couch. “What?”
All of the guests nodded.
Grandmother smiled primly. “Why don’t you fetch your instrument and give us a little recital?”
“B-but—”
Josh leapt up. “Come on Amy, just a little song?”
I felt my face getting red from the attention of everyone, but nodded slowly. “Oh, I guess...I’ll go get my violin.”
Josh jumped up and hurried after me as I left the room. “Hey Amy!”
I glanced over my shoulder and scowled. “Gee, thanks, now I’ve gotta play.”
He gave me his goofy grin. “But you’re real good at it.”
“I don’t like to play for an audience.”
He continued to follow me up the staircase. “Gosh, sorry...But...You’re still gonna play though, right?”
I scoffed. “Do I have a choice?”
Josh stopped his assent up the stairway, and frowned at the carpeted steps.
“Maybe—” He snapped his fingers. “Oh, I know! I’ll hide it, and you can say that you couldn’t find it!”
I laughed. “You’re a pal, Josh. But I don’t think that would work.”
He took the steps three at a time and reached the landing. “Oh, alright.”
We fell silent as we approached the music room door.
I was about to reach for the handle when Josh coughed. “Hey, would’ja like your Christmas present now?”
“Now? Why now?”
He followed me into the room. “I figured you wouldn’t want everyone to—” He pulled a package out of his back pocket and thrust it into my hands.
I gently pulled the wrapping paper off the package. Inside, I found what looked to be two small oval gold plated picture frame. I looked at my friend in confusion.
He grinned. “It’s for your Dad’s tags. They should fit perfectly inside, and they’ll be pretty, and maybe your Gramma won’t mind you wearing them.”
I clasped the golden frames to my chest, and smiled broadly at my friend. “Oh Josh, this is the sweetest gift! Thank you!”
He beamed. “I was hoping you’d like them.”
I opened my hands, and admired the intricate gold lining before hastily slipping them into the pocket of my jeans. “Thank you very much, Joshua.”
He shrugged and grinned. “Glad you like them. Now...better get that violin. Don’t want Gramma to get impatient.”
I sighed and reached for my instrument. “Yes, this is true. I shall play, but only one song.”
We both started back down.
Josh skipped a couple steps ahead of me. “Three songs!”
I gripped the handle of my case a little tighter. “One.”
“Four!”
I shook my head. “That’s not how you’re supposed to haggle.”
He turned and walked backwards; a grin on his face. “Five. That’s my final offer.”
I rolled my eyes, and chuckled in defeat. “Two. And that’s all I’ll do, or none at all.”

My bow slid over the strings of my violin, my fingers pressing and sliding to create the melodies of two of my favorite Christmas carols.
When I finished, and the small group applauded, I caught Josh’s eye and smiled.
“One final song.”
Josh’s face lit up and he settled back on his couch in glee as I played what I knew to be his favorite Christmas song:
“God Bless Us, Everyone”

Thanks for helping out, Amy.
Hope you all enjoyed!
Until tomorrow,

God Bless!

Megan

Meet the Characters - Pronunciation Guide

Greetings!
I was thinking it would be a good idea if I provided a little pronunciation guide on my Scottish character names in my book, Trouble in Scotland.
A few folks I know have commented on how they aren't sure about the way to say some of the characters' names, so here is a list of the names, and how I pronounce them.
(my personal pronunciation may be different from the official original ones, but...I get to call them whatever I please, because I wrote them, eh?) ;-)
So here they are:

- Artair - Are-TARE

- Mairghread - MARG-red
(Nickname; MARG)

- Teagan - TEE-gan

- Gavina - Ga-VEE-na

- Fiona - Fee-OH-na

- Fenella - Fin-ELL-ah

- Mairi - MA-ree

- Alexander - Al-ig-ZAN-der

- Riley - RY-lee

And there we have it!
I hope that helped if any of you were unsure of how to pronounce any of my characters' names. :-)

- How is your summer going?
- There are lots of wildfires around my town; is it smoky where you live too?

God bless!

Megan

What's in a Name?

To paraphrase Juliet from Shakespeare's Tragedy, Romeo & Juliet;
A rose of any other name would smell just as sweet.
"What's in a name?", she asks.
I too, ask this of you, dear reader. But this question is based upon a much different subject...

I have been thinking about names and titles lately, and need some advise.
My second book, which I hope to have finished before the end of this year, needs a title.

So here is a little about the book, first, so you can get an idea of what it's about:

When the four friends meet during a vacation to the Pacific Northwest, they learn about the famed United States Schooner, the Shark, that wrecked on the mouth of the Columbia River in 1846, just past Astoria Oregon.
While they are visiting the reconstructed fort Vancouver, the four teens get transported back in time to the year 1846, and they soon find out that the day the ship wrecked, is a mere two days away.
After some difficulty, the foursome are able to gather supplies and travel down the raging Columbia River, and reach the Schooner before it set off from port on its fateful voyage, but the Captain will hear nothing about their warnings...

So! As you know, my first book was titled "Trouble in Scotland", and I thought it would be fun to carry on that theme with the other books in the Time Traveler series.
So I need your thoughts!
Here are a few names I've come up with that includes the word "Trouble":
~ Trouble in Astoria
~ Trouble in the Columbia
~ Trouble on the Shark
~ Trouble on the Oregon Coast

Or, if I didn't follow the theme of "trouble", here are a few others I have come up with:
~ Shipwrecked on the Oregon Coast
~ Quest for the U.S.S. Shark
~ Wreck of the U.S.S. Shark
~ Shipwrecked in Astoria

Which title do you like best?
What are your thoughts?
Do you have any ideas for a title that I didn't mention? Let me know!
If you do have an idea, comment below. If I like it and use it, I will send you a free, signed copy of my book, once I get it published! :-)

Hope your summer is going well, and you're staying reasonably cool!
God bless!

Megan

Quote from Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Act II, Scene II, Line 47 & 48. I don't own the picture. Courtesy of Google...

Meet the Characters - Aaron Rochester

Happy "Go Barefoot Week" everyone!
Sure, this is not an official holiday...But it's nearly Summer. Why not go romping around outside barefoot? Get your feet dirty! 'Tis quite fun. (as long as you don't step on a thorn or sharp stone...) 😉
So I prepose a declaration that the 3rd week of June is to be national Barefoot Week. Do I have any seconds to this motion?

Anyhow, here we are for the final installment of my "Meet the Characters" series for Trouble in Scotland! (Click the numbers to view parts 1, 2, & 3)
Yes, there are more than only four characters in the book, but the others didn't want to sit through an interview. And goodness, it is ever so hard to get folks from the 16th Century to type up a blog post... 😉
Anyway, without further ado, here is my final guest character, Aaron!

*picture not mine*

Greetings! Since everbody else has done it, I suppose I'll write out my full name too. I'm Aaron Osborne Rochester. I'm 18, like my sister has already mentioned.
Since Ivy shared a random fact about herself, I shall do the same.
Fact: I am left handed! I'm not the only one in my family though, my big brother Caleb is also a leftie.
I hope ya'll have been enjoying the posts my friends, and sister, have written. Now it's my turn. (Finally! Seems I'm always the last one to do stuff...But I am the youngest of my family, so you think I'd be used to it by now.)
Anyway, let's dive into the questions, shall we? (Figuratively speaking, of course...)

~What Can't You Live Without?~
My Bible, my faith in my Saviour, and my family.
I got saved when I was 4, and have strived to become more like my Saviour everyday. It's not easy, let me tell you...But like it says in Philippians 4:13; "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheth me."

~If 10 Is Completely Organized And 1 Is Completely Messy, Where Do You Fall On The Scale?~
I'd say I'm a 5. I ride a thin line between perfect organization and absolute chaos.
Usually I'm fairly organized, and my room is clean. But sometimes, well...let's just say some days I can't even find my bed...

~What Are Your Hobbies?~
Building and fixing anything that is mechanical or eletronic! I love working with transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, circuit boards...
As mentioned in Megs' novella, Trouble in Scotland, I have modified two digital wrist watches to not only tell time, but be two-way radios as well. Ivy and I wear them all the time.

~What Frustrates You About The World You Live In?~
That people don't awknowledge their Creator. God has created each and every human alive, and it seems that most of us either ignore Him, or deny His existance. It makes me sad though, I think, more than frustrated.

~How Would You Dress For A Night Out? How Would You Dress For A Night In?~
Button up shirt, maybe a knitted vest, and nice trousers. No jeans for a fancier event.
By a "night in", I assume you mean something along the lines of what I would wear for just a normal day around the house. If that's the case, I'm usually found wearing an unbuttoned button-up shirt, (generally of the plaid or checked varity), over a cream or white undershirt, with canvas or jean trousers.

~How Many Shoes Do You Own, And What Kind?~
I think I have two pairs of track shoes, a black and also a brown pair of leather Oxfords, mud boots, steel-toed work boots, and I'm pretty sure I have a pair of hiking boots somewhere...

~Do You Have Any Pets? What Pet Do You WISH You Had?~
I don't personally have a pet, though I think it would be really neat to have a Chameleon.

~What's Usually In Your Fridge Or Pantry?~
Cookies! Ivy makes the best Gingerbread cookies. My favorite is chocolate chip cookies though. Mum says I shouldn't eat so many cookies...But I run at least two miles every day, so I think it works itself out, eh?

~What Is Something You've Always Dreamed Of Doing?~
Yes, I stole this question from Ivy's list...(I don't have any resentment that comes to mind either.)
I want to join the OPP, or, The Ontario Provincial Police force! That's my dream job. I want to use my knowledge of electronics and mechanics to help fight crime, and bring criminals to justice.
That, or I want to become a missionary.
Maybe I can somehow do both...

Well now, that's it for me! Maybe I'll be asked to write another post some day, eh?
May God be with you.
Over and out!

And that's a wrap!
I hope you all enjoyed getting to know a bit about my characters.
Any questions? Something else you'd like to know about them? Ask away!
I hope you all have a pleasent rest of the day, and a lovely week!

~ Are you going to go barefoot this week? ~
~ What do you think about my holiday declaration? ~
~ Let me know in the comments! ~

God bless!

Megan

*I would like to thank the lovely folks whose pictures I have used for my characters. I don't know you, but thank you for having such nice faces!* <3

Meet the Characters - Ivy Rochester

Happy Tuesday!
Here we are, back for part 3 of the interviews! (Click here for part one, or here for part two.)
Now to introduce Ivy.

*I do not own this picture. Found online*

Hi guys, I'm Ivy. My full name is Ivy Ann Rochester. I was born in Saskatoon Saskatchewan, but have grown up half an hour outside of the Toronto city limits.
I have an older brother who is 23, and an nonidentical twin brother. (I'm 5 minutes older. This is a very important detail.) We're 18.
Random fact: I need glasses to read. I can see just fine normally, but to read for longer than five minutes, or to do small handiwork like sewing or something, I need glasses.
Ok, bring on the questions.

~What Can't You Live Without?~
My family, and my faith.
I'm a Christian! Without God's grace, I wouldn't be here today.

~If 10 Is Completely Organized And 1 Is Completely Messy, Where Do You Fall On The Scale?~
Hmm...I'd like to say 8, but I am most likely along the lines of a 6 or 7. It really all depends on the day. I have to do frantic cleaning sprees of my room if I knew somebody was to come in.
Usually there are bits of clothing laying around, but I stuff them in their proper places in a pinch, if the need arises.

~What Are Your Hobbies?~
I like to read! Reading is a favorite past time of mine. Especially classics; Charles Dickens, Shakespeare, Jane Austen...Anything of that sort.
Also playing my guitar. My twin and I started a bluegrass style band once, when we were about 15. That was fun.

~What Frustrates You About The World You Live In?~
Human stupidity. Honestly, some people...I can honestly say I don't know how some folks have lived as long as they have...

~How Would You Dress For A Night Out? How Would You Dress For A Night In?~
I would wear a long black skirt, and a cream button-up blouse. And flat ballet-style shoes.
For a night in, I'd probably wear a pair of comfy track pants and a nice oversized bunnyhug.
I suppose I should explain, as I realize that "bunnyhug" isn't a common term in most parts of  the world...
So, where I spent the early part of my life, in Saskatchewan, we call a "hoodie", a "bunnyhug".
Only Saskatchewanians call it that. Nobody I know here in Ontario calls them that, but my family does, so I just naturally use that term instead of hoodie...
(Oh, and track pants are the same thing as your American sweat pants. Us Canadians just don't usually say sweat pants.)

~How Many Shoes Do You Own, And What Kind?~
Snow boots, mud boots, town boots, track shoes, another pair of snow boots, flats, and another pair of boots.
I don't wear heels. I honestly would probably break every bone in my body if I tried wearing heels...

~Do You Have Any Pets? What Pet Do You WISH You Had?~
Yes! I have a wee calico kitten named Pixie. She's a darling.
I wish I had a horse. A great big brown Clydesdale with high white socks!

~What's Usually In Your Fridge Or Pantry?~
I'll pretend the question asked what would be in my pantry if I had my own personal one...
English muffins would be a staple item in my pantry. I adore English Muffins! Especially when they're lightly toasted and slathered with lots of butter and fresh strawberry jam.

~Is There Something Or Someone You Resent? Why And What?~
I don't think I have anything, or anyone I resent...Sorry, no good answer here...

Here Ivy, I'll write a new question for ya. Answer this one instead:

~What Is Something You've Always Dreamed Of Doing?~
Ah, now that's more like it!
I've always wanted to become a writer of children's books. Like Beatrix Potter, 
E. B. White, or Stephen Cosgrove.

Alright, that's it then, eh?
I'd better go. My brother just called over my walkie-talkie watch, wondering why I'm still up here in my room, when I promised to play chess...
Until next time!

Hope ya'll enjoyed reading Ivy's intro.
Next week we'll meet her twin brother, Aaron Rochester.
Have a great week everyone!

God bless,

Megan

Meet the Characters - Josh Peterson

Hello! Time for part 2 of the intros! (See Amy's interview here)
Without further ado, I'll turn this post over to...

*picture not mine*

Hiya! I'm Josh. My full name is Joshua Lane Peterson, but nobody calls me that. Just about everybody calls me Josh.
I'm 16 years old, like Amy. And just to clarify, we are only friends. None of that boyfriend girlfriend stuff. (Don't let her know I told ya this...but she's got a whopper of a crush on her karate teacher's son...)
My one love....is pizza. Not always just eating it, of course. But baking! I want to own a pizza place when I get out of culinary college. (Once I actually start college that is...)
Anywho...Ok! I'll get to answering these questions.

~What Can't You Live Without?~
Oxygen, water, and food.

~If 10 Is Completely Organized And 1 Is Completely Messy, Where Do You Fall On The Scale?~
Pff! 1-10 scale? Really? If you asked my parents...I would fall somewhere around...-5.
Haha. Not really...I'm afraid I'm not the best organized guy out there...but I'm probably a 2ish.

~What Are Your Hobbies?~
I play the accordion. Polkas are my specialty. (Much to the dismay of my great aunt, apparently...)
I stay with her during the summer break, you see. And I always bring my accordion with me. She complains that it's too loud, so I have to play it in my room only. I didn't realize how thin the walls were until my parents and I were staying for the week of Christmas last year, and I had a Christmas accordion concert at 2am, 'cause I couldn't sleep and was bored...I was banned from playing for the rest of my stay...

~What Frustrates You About The World You Live In?~
That people are sad. It hurts me to see my friends look worried. I wish I could make everyone happy, and not sad anymore.
It frustrates me that I am unable to fix every problem bothering my friends.

~How Would You Dress For A Night Out? How Would You Dress For A Night In?~
Bahaha! A night out? Well...I'd wear a button up white shirt, a grey vest and matching trousers. They're not my favorite, but I will wear them if the occasion insists...and only by penalty of death would I wear a tie. They are evil, trust me. I nearly died putting one on once...
For a night in, I'd wear what ever. Prob-ly what I always wear; tee shirt, and whatever blue jeans I can find.

~How Many Shoes Do You Own, And What Kind?~
...
Shoes.
I agree with Amy's comment. What do shoes matter?!
Megs, you're weird... haha!
Anyway...oh, I probably have four shoes. Pairs, I mean. Tennis shoes, sneakers, leather wingtip shoes for going to fancy stuff, and...some other pair of running shoes or something.

~Do You Have Any Pets? What Pet Do You WISH You Had?~
Pets! I don't have any pets.
But...
I want a dog, a chameleon, an elephant, a cat, a shark, and a falcon. *nods*
Oh yeah! I DO have a pet, I almost forgot!
I have a big Red Macaw! His name is Fred. And he can talk too. He's real smart. I've trained him to say; "Help, I've been turned into a parrot." It's hilarious to see people's reactions when he randomly screams that... 

~What's Usually In Your Fridge Or Pantry?~
Um...food?
My parents have lots of different things in our fridge. Mom wants all vegetarian stuff. Dad wants meat. I don't care, as long as it tastes good. But I'd happily eat pizza and root beer any day.

~Is There Something Or Someone You Resent? Why And What?~
Hmm...gettin' deep here, ay?
Let's see. Um...nope. I'm good!
Except maybe that karate teacher's son... I don't see what Amy sees in him...

Cool. That was fun.
Who's answers did ya like better? (Mine, of course, right? Mine are totally cooler than Aim's.)
Well! I'd better get ready to start my shift at John's Pizza Place.
Later peeps!

Heh...thanks for answering the questions, Josh. Very interesting...
Hope you enjoyed reading, dear reader.
Come back next week for an introduction of Ivy Rochester, my third main character!
Feel free to leave a comment, and let me know what you think about my characters' intros! :-)

God bless!

Megan