Mystical Mermaids

I've loved mermaids ever since I was a little girl, so it's no surprise that in The Shapeshifter's Secret Series there are several sirens, water nymphs, and mermaids. It's probably why I love taking underwater pictures.

It's also why I decided to post about some of my favorite mermaid appearances.  

In the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie there are a lot of mermaids. Most of them were malevolent, but the movie did focus on one who was kind and loving. I became so enthralled with the mermaid, Serena, and her story, that I stopped caring about Jack Sparrow and the other pirates. (P.s. are they are making another one? Because they really ended Serena's story with a cliffhanger). 

When the Submarine ride first opened at Disneyland in 1959, they hired women to dress up as mermaids and sit out on the rocks of the lagoon. My mom still remembers seeing those mermaids when she was little and how mesmerizing they were.



Also at Disneyland, the mermaids on the Peter Pan ride. Did you know the front one is Ariel?



How cool is that?



I have a lot of fun memories about dressing up like a mermaid when I was younger. Recently I found this necklace with a mermaid on the front and I couldn't help but get it. It reminded me of all my mermaid adventures when I as younger. Also it was sparkly, I can’t pass up things that are sparkly...

What are your mermaid memories? Do you have a favorite mermaid book or movie? 

Nope. They don't.

This week: Writing, Barnes & Noble, and Instagram.

I LOVE when someone reads The Shapeshifter's Secret and then asks, "So when does the sequel come out?"

I usually grin really big and say "I'm working on it." And it's true. I have been writing my little tail off to complete the next book in Julia's adventures. I've been staying up past two in the morning writing, constantly scribbling outline notes while I'm at signings, and I've been practicing dialogue out loud while I drive--And can I just tell you, I get funny looks. I'm pretty sure people want to laugh at the girl who talks to herself while she drives. It just helps me get the dialogue right!

Anyway, in between my writing schedule this week I've had some fun moments that I've captured in pictures. And I'm okay admitting that ever since I've started Instagram (a photography app), I've caught myself behaving as if I'm a photographer (DISCLAIMER: I am in NO way a real photographer, it's just for fun).

I'm sure it's annoying to real photographers, all these wannabes (ME) who are suddenly snapping photo's right and left, trying to be artistic. That being said, here are some of my shots from this week.

I was at the Barnes and Noble at Gateway mall and had to take a picture of this. Seriously, this always makes for one happy writer! The Shapeshifter's Secret + Barnes and Noble + Downtown Salt Lake City = YES!

 I saw this Snapdragon growing in front of my mom's house and fell in love instantly. I thought of how determined this perfect, little flower was, growing out of the concrete. I posted it on Instagram with the caption:
per·sist·ence: Firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.

I also found a moment or two to indulge in a Meg Cabot book. (Aaahhhh.....)

And finally, I took a picture of this this little beauty. My adorable mother gave this to me and said, "I just couldn't help myself. It's Julia!" 

Mom you are so cute. 

So I hope that you are documenting all the little moments in your life that make you smile. If you're on Instagram let me know! My username is @Hezface. Or if you are sharing your photos through a blog, website, or another account, leave the link below. I always love seeing other's fun, creative, shots! 

Mom

Made me smile...

I need teacups scattered around my house filled with miniature classic novels.




Toms made of book quotes? Okay, that's kind of awesome.


Thanks pinterest!

Inspiration and a little photography

Sometimes I just need a few motivational quotes. If you've been needing a little bit of writing inspiration, hopefully these lovely words will help! And because I also love beautiful, mystical, magical photography-- you get some of that in this post too. Enjoy.

We were born to succeed, not to fail. -- Henry David Thoreau



I Dwell in possibility. --Emily Dickinson



The best way out is always through.
--Robert Frost




Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
--Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken



I just write what I wanted to write. I write what amuses me. It's totally for myself.
--J. K. Rowling



Little by little, one travels far.
--J. R. R. Tolkien



Thank you, come again.