I can't think of a creative title. Deal with it. :P

So, the other day, I was with a friend and we were "fighting" over this little miniture glowstick. Seriously this thing was only a little over an inch long. 'Twas awesome. ANYWAY! I had it in my fist, and she was trying to get my fingers open. So, I've get my fist as tight as I can so she won't get the stupid little glow stick! That was my focus. Well, after we were done goofing off, I opened my hand...and there in my palm were four, nail shaped cuts. I didn't even know they were there till I actually looked.

How often does that happen in life? How often are we so focused on holding on to what we want, that we don't even realize we're hurting ourselves? How often? Do you have your fist so tight, are you too focused on what you're holding so tightly, that you don't realize that you're actually causing yourself harm? Some things to think about..

~ Calleigh

Dominoes

So, I'm going to show/tell you guys how I make these really epic domino things. If you want to learn, keep reading. If you don't want to learn, keep reading anyway. :P I even took pictures, so that will make things pretty cool, right? :P

Step 1: Sand the top of the domino, until it's not shiney anymore, allowing your ink to actually stay on the domino. :P

Step 2: Select the colour you want to use, then ink the domino. You can really use any pigment ink, but Brilliance is my favourite...as you can tell... :P

Step 3: You must then dry the ink, using either a craft heat gun, or a blow dryer. (a blow dryer will take longer) Dry until it's...dry. :P Try lightly putting your finger on top, and then see if it comes away with ink on it. BE CAREFUL. Dominos can get extremely hot when heated. I have burned my finger tips several times. Besides your own saftey, you should also let your domino cool a bit before the next step.

Step 4 (optional): A lot of times when I make dominos, I want more than one colour. So, now would be the time to pick. :P YOU SHOULD ALWAYS dry the ink between colour layers, or you'll end up with the wrong colour ink on the other ink pads.

Step 5: Dry the new colours on the dominoes. No picture. You know what it looks like. :P

Step 6: Pick out the stamp you want to put on the domino.

Step 7: Ink your stamp. I use Stazon, but you can use any as long as it's perminant. It has to say that, otherwise, it will fail. :P

Step 8: Stamp the domino. I find it easier, to put the domino on the stamp, rather than the other way around, but it's up to you. Just press hard, then relax, then lift it up. Don't just press hard, and pull it off, not sure why, but this doesn't work as well, just relax the pressure first.

Here is a picture of a finished domino. No it's not the one I just used in the stamping example...I kinda screwed that one up. :P Which, if that happens, just sand it off, and you can use the domino again. It's the pink one from the example, rather than the red.

Step 9: Paint the edges with a paint pen. I would recommend a calligraphy tip, rather than rounded.

You can actually hold the domino while doing this, but I couldn't do that, AND take the picture. :P

Step 10: Spray it with sealer so it doesn't get scratched. I use Krylon. :)

Step 11 (optional): I always glue a little crystal on mine, just so they sparkle. 'Cause I like sparkly things. :P

I don't know if you can see it in the right hand corner, on the swirl, but it's there. :P

One other thing...just because a stamp is bigger than a domino, doesn't mean it won't work. I actually prefer it if the design doesn't all fit. Just pick the part you like best, and stamp it. :) I use some 6"X6" stamps, so it's all good. :D

Here are just some out of literally hundreds that I've done. :)

Hope you enjoyed this!!!

~ Calleigh





More

Let's hear it for Lemonade Mouth! They have inspired another blog post!! :D So, I was listening to one of their songs, and I was singing along, and I get to this line, "Push until you can't, and then demand more." Now, the first thing that popped into my head was, "Wow, that's really selfish. I don't like this song anymore." Then I literally facepalmed. :P I forgot to think about it in the context of the song. Yes, I am an idiot sometimes. :P The song is called Determinate. Now, let's just say Disney didn't do it's research very well, because the definition of determinate is to have set limits or boundries...the exact oppositite of the song. In the song, determinate is suppose to be based off of determination.

"Push until you can't, and then demand more."

Now it makes sense. That just really challenges me. Yes, I am challenged by a Disney song, as you should be. That one simple line, in yet another Disney pop song, has a lot of meaning if you think about it. It means that when I think I'm done...when I have nothing left to give...I give more anyway. When I'm tired of waiting, hoping, praying...I wait, hope, and pray anyway. Demand more of yourself than you think you can give. Stretch yourself. Because when you stretch your limits, your limits expand, and that allows you to do more, even harder things the next time. Push until you can't..and then do more anyway. Demand more. Not of others, but of yourself.

~ Calleigh

Frienship

So, recently I've been thinking a lot about friendship. I have a lot of awesome friends. Seriously...all you people who don't know the people I know...you're really missing out. And you know what makes them so awesome? No matter how many times I screw up, no matter how many times I hurt them, leave them, forget them, use them...they're always, without fail, there for me. How amazing is that?

So, what is a true friend? I can sum it up in just a few words. Aimee. Toria. Skye. Christy. Greg. Jakey. Kiehl. Janey. Jess. Brandyce. Aubrey. You guys...you guys are the best of the best. I'm so indescribably grateful for you all.

So, I guess this is a shout out to all my adopted sibs, my friends, both in state, out of state, and out of country. I'm trying not to take you all for granted, because no one as wonderful as you guys deserve that. I love you all. <3

~ Calleigh

Chapter 3

Here is chapter 3 to Rael's Redemption!! :D I reposted chapters 1 and 2, due to a great critique I got from Braden (thank you!!!!), but I don't think I changed anything crucial to the plot, so you don't have to reread them. :) And thank you, Lizzie, for reading my chapter 2! ^_^ And Reagan, I know you read it too, even though you didn't comment, so thanks to you as well. :D

Let me know what you all think! :D

Chapter 3
I looked at him, stunned, then laughed in his face. “You think knowing Keeran is going to make me trust you? You obviously don’t know him that well.”

“Oh but I do, Lady. I’m his brother.”

I stopped laughing. “His brother?”

“Yes, Lady. My name is Aro. Keeran is my little brother.”

“But…” I looked at Rory, my mouth going open and closed with no sound coming out.

“Rae, perhaps he is right, and we should talk about this in private?”

“Yes,” my voice decided to work, “I think that’s a good idea.” I said. “Follow me.”

I turned, leading the way back to the guild hall. Outside, my composure was calm…inside however, I was shaking. I pushed my way through the crowded streets, lost in thought. What could Aro want? He must not be on good terms with Keeran to have sought me out thinking I would help him because of their relation.

My focus on my thoughts, I was surprised when I ran into something. Something that did not budge. I looked up to see a man staring down at me. “My pardon, Sir,” I muttered and stepped aside. He moved back in front of me.

“Something I can do for you?” I asked, gritting my teeth.

“Give me the amulet,” a dry, husky voice responded.

“’Fraid I can’t do that,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

“Pity.” He stepped back, drawing his sword.

I pushed Aro behind me, pulled out my dagger and short sword, and stood next to Rory, who had done the same.

“I believe you’re a bit outnumbered,” Rory said, her voice smug.

He laughed, but it was void of happiness. “Look again.” With these words, he was joined by two other men, dressed in black like their leader.

“I repeat. Give me the amulet.”

“Can’t do that,” I answered, though my confidence was shaken.

“Fine. I’ll kill you, and then take it,” he said, grinning.

“Go home to your mother, while you still have the chance,” I said, smirking. He was a handsome man, killing him would be a shame.

With that his grin faded, and his attack began. He made a thrust at my stomach, but I parried, and struck at his sword arm with my dagger. Rory was at my back, defending herself against one of the henchmen, while Aro faced another. I turned my concentration back to my target.

I was grinning. I couldn’t help myself. There’s nothing like a good fight. We danced the beautiful dance of thrusts and parries, neither of us gaining an edge. After a time, I felt his assurance of victory begin to falter, and I knew now was the time to act.

I swirled past his defense, ignoring the pain as his sword connected with my arm, and stuck my dagger into his side, making a slash across his chest with my other blade. He gasped, blood gurgling from his mouth, then fell to the ground. He didn’t move again. I clutched my arm, blood dripping between my fingers.

I looked around, pushing away the pain, to see Rory dispatching her man, and help Aro with his. I hadn’t counted on Aro being much of a help, but he’d held his own pretty well. Both he and Rory had only retained small cuts.

“Let’s get to the guild,” Rory said, breathing hard. “We won’t have to worry about more of these scum there.”

“Aye, let’s go,” I said, nodding. Rory motioned for Aro to follow.

At the guild’s gate, I nodded to the guards, signaling that I had everything under control. They looked shocked at our less than fresh appearance, and then worried as they saw the deep cut on my arm, but said nothing as Rory and I led Aro into the Hall.

I watched him, his face showing open wonder. I thought of the first time I’d seen the Hall. I had been 14 at the time, just a broken little girl. A little girl who had experienced more torture than I would wish on anyone…except those who’d done it.

I shuddered and pushed the memories from my mind, as I had done every day for the past 5 years. I forced my mind to the task at hand. Find out what Aro wants. Get what Aro wants. Never speak to him again.

Rory led the way through the Hall, then branched off to the left, leading away from the personal area of the guild, to the business branch. We passed several small, occupied rooms before finding one that was available.

I stood, leaning against the back wall, rather than sitting at the small table and chairs that were room’s sole residents. Rory joined me, and motioned for Aro to take a chair.

I found my voice at last. “What business would you have me do?”

Aro looked nervous. “It is not your usual line of work.”

I shrugged. “I’m open to anything and everything that will earn me my keep here.”

“Yes, well…I’ve heard that you might have…acquired…a rather odd piece of jewelry recently.”

I barely stopped my jaw from falling open. “How did you…?”

“I put it there. At great cost to myself, I might add. Certain circumstances prevent me from using it. Only those who are unaware of its powers at the moment of possession can use it to its full potential. And only those who have certain…gifts…can use it at all.”

I clutched at my dagger, uncertain of how to react. I had been used.

“Why me?” Was all I could get out.

“We could tell, and Keeran attested, that you have certain innate skills.”

I laughed, but it wasn’t a joyful laugh. It was one of pain and remembrance. “Aye, he would know that full well.”

“We need you to use the amulet, and for that you had to have no knowledge of its power.”

“Who is this ‘we,’ you keep speaking of?” Rory interjected.

“A group of us who feel the Emperor needs a little help retaining control of his empire. You’ve met two of us already. Your Lady, and the man who was your benefactor for this job.”

I heard Rory gasp, and I could barely keep myself from doing the same. The Lady? Mixed up in plots of the Emperor? Such a thing had never occurred within the guild; our allegiance was carefully given to no one. Not even the Emperor.

“Why send the benefactor to see me?” I asked.

“We had to make sure you had the amulet. We knew you’d made it out of the house, as our magician felt you touch his cords of magic, but we didn’t know if you’d taken the stone.”

I nodded, understanding that part, but then the strangeness of the whole situation came over me again. “This is all very well,” I said, “but you have given me no reason as to why I should help you on this venture of protection.”

“Before, we would have given you a choice. Now you have none.”

I stiffened at this declaration, and pulled my dagger halfway from its sheath before Rory put a hand on my arm, stopping me.

“Why have the plans changed, Sir?” Her voice was calm. Deadly calm. Threatening.

“A man sharing Rael’s…ability…to use the amulet has come seeking it. It has been rumored he has a plan to steal it from us, now that we’ve put it in plain sight. This is why you have no choice. The stone must be kept, and used by you to keep the empire safe.”

“I refuse,” I said evenly.

“You what?” He answered, shocked.

“I refuse. I will not be mixed up in your schemes. Find someone else to use.” I tried to push the magical artifact into his hands. His face turned ashen as the amulet touched his skin.

“Please…please don’t make me take it,” he said, almost begging. “I told you…people who are aware of the amulet’s power cannot take the stone. To do so would mean eventual death.”

I stopped. I might not like the situation, but I would not hurt him like this.

“I will keep the stone till you find someone more fitting for its owner. Do not make me wait long.” After a long pause I added, “You are dismissed.”

It was unnerving to have this strong man cowering before me, face still white with pain. Pain that I had caused.

He hurried across the room, stopping only to make a small bow to us at the doorway.

“One more thing.” My voice stopped him as he entered the hallway. “Who is the man? The one who wants the amulet?”

“Sarmad. The Emperor’s head magician.”

I froze. “I will do what you ask, I will help you, and in return you will protect me from this man?”

“With our very lives.”

“We have a deal. You may go.” I whispered.

As soon as he was gone, I took a shaky breath and slid down the wall to the floor. My past had come back to haunt me. I couldn’t stop the shaking that began to take over my body. I felt, rather than saw Rory crouch down next to me. She put a calming hand on my arm, then when she felt the tremors racking my body, sat on the floor beside me and pulled me close.

“It’s all coming back…isn’t it?” She asked, her voice quiet.

I could barely manage a nod. All the memories I’d pushed away came flooding to my mind.

“Come with me, Rae. I’ve found a man who will give us food!”

Keeran’s voice filled my head and I struggled to shove it out.

“Here, Sir. I brought her as you requested.”

“Ah, what a good lad you are. What a clever boy. If what you’ve told me is correct, she will be perfect for my…experiments.”

Keeran’s face shines with happiness. Happiness in the midst of betrayal.

“You will never see her again.”

“Yes, Sir. I remember.” Keeran shuffles out. Panic surges through my body as I look up at the hard face of the man who is now my master.

“Rael Avongara, I am Sarmad. Welcome to your new life.”

Beatings. Blood. Torture. Knives. Rape. More beatings. More blood.

“WHY?!” I scream over and over again, pain tearing my small body apart. Something like lightning flashes through me, all the bodies around me fall to the floor. The beating stops. They are dead.

Running. Must run. Can’t stop. RUN! I flee through the manor, bare feet slapping against the cool, tile floor. Don’t look back.

I burst through the door and into the street, hiding myself in the crowd. I cringe with every arm, leg, satchel, that brushes against my bruised and tattered skin.

A familiar face. Keeran. I charge forward, intent on his death coming at my hands. He catches me. He is so much bigger than me. He takes me back. He leaves.

“Little Rael has been a bad, bad girl,” Sarmad’s snake-like voice fills my mind with terror. And then all goes black.

~ Calleigh

"On Our Way to Nowhere"

So, last night I was sitting in bed, humming to myself. The song was "Somebody" by Lemonade Mouth. A harmless, fun Disney song. No swear words, no inappropriate material, no screaming. Just fun pop music, with fun lyrics. Then I get to this line, "We're on our way to nowhere, trying so hard to get there." Right before that, I had been reading Do Hard Things (by Alex and Brett Harris), specifically the chapter about how teens today are TOLD that we're not really suppose to do anything besides goof off and experiment.

So now, I have to wonder. Is that innocent little lyric true? Are we really trying our hardest to end up...nowhere? Most teens today will have nothing to show for ages 13-19. We are on our way to nowhere, and trying hard to get there. We really don't care that 6 years out of our lives are wasted.

So, here's a little challenge: Change that in your life. You don't have to know exactly where you're going, but pick a destination for the time being and try to get there. Don't let the best years of your life be wasted. Do something with them.

~ Calleigh