Crazy Eights- A Tag!

I was tagged by the wonderful Rachel T. to do this crazy eights post!

8 Books I've Read recently...
 
1, The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen (rereading)
2. Goodness Gracious Green (reading and review to come soon) 
3. Masters and Slayers by Bryan Davis (just read and reviewed)
4. Final Touch by Brandilyn Collins and Amberly Collins (read and review to come soon)
5. Starlighter (read and reviewed)
6. Love, Charleston (read and reviewed)
7. A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin (read)
8. Critical Care by Candace Calvert (read)

8 Songs or Albums I listen to all the time...
I'll do albums and songs:

1. Tonight- tobymac
2. Portable Sounds- tobymac
3. Love & War- BarlowGirl
4. "Causin' A Commotion"- Greg Sczebel
5. The Lost Get Found- Britt Nicole
6. Blue- Manic Drive
7. NY2LA- Press Play (Just came out!)
8. "Life" Beckah Shae

8 Things I love...

1. GOD!
2. Being busy
3. Horses!
4. Family
5. Friends
6. My dog
7. A good book
8. My computadora (computer). He is named Derek. And yes, I named by computer

8 Things I've Learned this Year...

1. What amphoteric means
2. How to really ride a horse
3. How to build an electric fence
4. How to have a blast at Disney World
5. How to find scholarships
6. How to study for big tests
7. How to learn Mozart song by myself
8. How to survive a day without chocolate (It was brutal, but I did it)

8 New Recipes I want to Try and Make by the end of the Year...

1. Something that is not poisonous
2. Something that will not ruin the cooking-ware
3. Something that will not burn the house down
4. Something other than a lunchmeat sandwich.
5. Something that is actually edible
6. Something I could serve without people taking one whiff and going "Ew."
7. Something that will not be so hard it can break teeth
8. You can tell I can't cook, eh? ;)

8 Favorite Online Hangouts...

1. Yahoo
2. Blogger
3. Gmail
4. youtube
5. BookSneeze
6. Tyndale
7. NavPress
8. Zondervan

8 Projects I need to Work on...

1. Schoolwork... I probably should be doing that now, huh?
2. More post-writing
3. Writing my book(s)
4. Organizing my music on iTunes
5. Organizing my clothes
6. Practicing piano
7. Getting ready for my 2nd degree black belt test
8. Learning how to speak whale (Just checking if you're awake. Heehee!)

8 People I think should do this...
 
1. Anyone
2. Who
3. Comments
4. On
5. My
6. Masters and Slayers
7. Review
8. Post!

God Bless,

Review of Masters and Slayers

Masters and Slayers by Bryan Davis is the first book in the Tales of Starlight series. In this Christian adult fantasy, Adrian Masters journeys to a strange land with human slaves kept by dragons. His friend Marcelle and father join him in his quest to free the slaves of Starlight. However, the dragons are a powerful lot as is a Starlighter, a girl with unique abilities. Adrian embarks on a journey that will reveal much of the mysterious planet of Starlight. But the question remains- will he be able to free the slaves?

Mr. Davis has always been admired by many readers for his unique writing style and innovative imagination. This book is but one example of his literary prowess. The characters are unique and the world portrayed seem very real. Something that I find very unique about Mr. Davis's books is that not everything is always black and white. I am definitely intrigued by Masters and Slayers, and I will be sure to be looking out for the sequels.

Masters and Slayers is an adult fantasy, but I think teenagers can also read it. However, there is some questionable content. The dragons in Starlight force men and women to procreate to produce more slaves. The so-called "breeding rooms" are mentioned quite a few time throughout the book. Some other references to similar things are also in Masters and Slayers.
What I found to be most confusing is one of the main elements in Masters and Slayers. In essence, a girl with no body shares a body with a man. The relationship seems odd and at some times, unsettling. I as a reader could not tell if the author was portraying this indwelling as a good or bad thing.

You may remember my previous review of Starlighter by Mr. Davis. (Go here) Starlighter and Masters and Slayers are published by two different publishing companies (Zondervan and AMG publishers), but the two series are intertwined with the stories of two brothers in the world of Starlight. I found it fascinating, though there were some elements that confused me in this book. Starlighter is still one of my favorite books, and Mr. Davis is still esteemed by me as an exceptional writer. However, I wonder how the future books will do. If the two series become darker, I may question my opinions.

I rate this book four stars out of five stars.

Note: I was provided an electronic Advanced Reader Copy of this book by AMG publishers. I am not obligated to write a positive review, only an honest one.

God Bless,

Randomness Friday: Norman Rockwell

(Thanks Libby!)

Welcome to Randomness Friday! I have known about America's most beloved illustrator for some time now, and I have to say that I really like his style of art. He lived from 1894-1979 and is famous for illustrating scenes from everyday life back then. This post will feature some of his works that I like, and I hope you enjoy them too.

Note: None of these images are mine.

Four Freedoms:

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Worship:


















Freedom from Want:

Freedom from Fear:

~*~

(Marbles Champion)

Homecoming G.I.

Saying Grace

The Runaway

Triple Self Portrait

Golden Rule

Well? Did you like it? Do you have any favorite Norman Rockwell illustrations I've missed? If so, no links, please just provide the name of your favorite one in a comment.

Blessings,

Faith Bombs

Note: This image is NOT mine.

 Isn't it hard when in your daily life and walk with Christ, someone drops in a "faith bomb"? I define faith bombs not necessarily as an instance where you doubt your faith, though that is a severe case of a faith bomb, but as an instance that discourages you or makes you feel like an "outsider".

Take this example:

Amanda was in Algebra class during the time where students were able to finish as much homework as they could. Somehow, the other students brought up the topic of Christianity.
One girl said, "It's, like, so lame. The Christians are always "Jesus" this and "Jesus" that. It makes me sick. They're way too opinionated and high-and-mighty. Take gay marriage and abortion- it's their life! People have choices, and who are Christians to tell them it's wrong. That is like, so messed up."
Amanda is a Christian, and she loves Jesus with all her heart. She knows that her fellow classmates are lost, so lost.
But what can she do?
Amanda feels so alone.

So, if you're in a situation like Amanda, what should you do?

1. Take a deep breath and make sure you are calm. There's really no point in getting worked up. You see it as truth, but those who are lost do not think so. An angry attitude may push them in the opposite direction.

2. Pray. We can talk to God about the situation, pray for guidance, and just pour our hearts out.

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
                        Luke 23:34a

3. You may or may not use step three. But if appropriate, ask questions about the assertions the person has stated. Questions are a good way to lovingly yet firmly challenge the statements. Jesus used questions to counter the Pharisees many times. Again, responses may not always be necessary, and it is wise to use discernment.

In Amanda's case, she could have asked that if a man murders people, would it be right? In the Christian's
worldview, just as murder is wrong, abortion and homosexuality are wrong. If a murderer is at large because a law enforcement agency thinks that murder is okay, wouldn't it be reasonable that the people of the area express their righteous indignation that such wrongdoing is considered as "just the usual"? Of course. They would do something about it because it is wrong. People may make choices, yes, they have that right. But if Amanda decided to go out and rob a bank or murder someone, it would be absolutely wrong. Truth is truth, solid truth. There may be different theories, but there is one truth. Also, by telling others that Christians are wrong, the girl is implying that Christians cannot say what they believe to be right and wrong, but she can. Isn't she therefore committing the act she has just criticized?
 
~*~

Chelsea took one of the teens she was mentoring in a high school program to a fast food restaurant for lunch to discuss how the teen, Serena, was doing in general. Before they started eating, Chelsea asked Serena if it was okay if they prayed before eating.
 
Serena snorted. "Why? I'm pretty sure this food is fine. It's not like God poisoned it and will let us die if we don't pray."
 
Chelsea paused then gently replied. "Serena, I don't pray because I'm superstitious. I pray because I want to thank God for giving me this food, this day, this time with you-"
 
"Whatever. Just don't force you're religion on me, Chels."
 
Chelsea shook her head. "Why would I be trying to impose my religion on you?"
 
"It's all you Christians," Serena scoffed. "You all are way too preachy-preachy."
 
"Well," Chelsea smiled. "Think of it this way. I say that gravity exists. Someone, let's say. "Fred", says that there is no gravity because he can't see it. Who's right?"
 
"Well, you." Serena squinted at Chelsea. "Gravity's still there. You can still feel its effects, since we're all not floating around."
 
Chelsea nodded. "That's right, and that is how I feel about Christianity. I can't see or feel God physically, but I can witness Him moving in my life. And to tell you the truth, Serena, He is amazing. Why wouldn't I want others to see that?"
 
Serena just sat back and stared at Chelsea.
 
Chelsea asked one more time if Serena would be okay with a quick blessing. Serena shook her head no, so Chelsea quickly closed her eyes and quietly prayed for the food, for her time with Serena, and for Serena to see the one true God. Chelsea let the topic go, but she never stopped praying for Serena for the rest of the day.
 
Chelsea prayed for Serena daily, sometimes hourly. 

The years went by and they eventually went separate ways in life. Chelsea married and had two children, and Serena graduated from high school and was in her junior year of college.
One day, a mutual friend of the girls called Serena and told her that Chelsea and her children had died in a car wreck with a drunk driver.
 
Later, at the funeral, Serena went to speak with Chelsea's husband.
"Your wife changed my life," she said. "She was so stubborn about her faith, and I was so pigheaded about what I believed in. I never got to tell Chelsea this, but she jumpstarted me in my walk with Christ. I accepted Jesus into my life two years ago."
She sniffed away tears. "Your wife was an amazing person, and I hope to see her in Heaven one day and thank her for everything."

God can use anyone and everyone to reach out to the lost. Even the most un-eloquent individual in the world can be used by God. If you were to die tomorrow, would you do anything differently? Would you stand up for your faith? Would you see the urgency of the need for lost souls to know Christ?

Think on it, pray on one, and I hope you have a blessed day.  

God Bless,

Interview: Alisa!

This week I have the privilege of interviewing Alisa from A Christian Girl's Life!





Go now! Or read the interview and then go! =)
~*~

Now, to the interview!

Prism: What are some of your hobbies?

Alisa: I love to Write Stories, Read and Sing

Prism: Favorite color?

Alisa: As of right now its Purple

Prism: What do you feature most on your blog?

Alisa: Mostly it's about my Walk to God and what's going on in my life.

Prism: What is the best thing that ever happened to you?

Alisa: When I met the man I was with, We may have broken up but I'm not going to stop trying to get him back. I am constantly praying for God's help and for His will to be done.

Prism: Describe yourself with one word

Alisa: Blonde :P

P: Hot dogs or hamburgers?

A: Hamburgers w/ Extra Cheese lol

P: Your favorite Christian movie?

A: O' Brother Where Art Thou. Its an amazing movie. It may not Seem like a Christian Movie in the beginning but as the story progresses it becomes one.

P: What is your motto?

A: Everything happens for a reason!

P: Who is your role model?

A: Umm Actually I have ALOT of those but My main one is my ex because he is always trying to make sure I do the right thing so that I don't get hurt.

P: Any pets?

A: Yes 3, A Dog, Rocky, And Two cats, Shadow and Ghost(Cuz he is a little Grey and White cat)

P: Thank you so much, Alisa!

A: I love to make new friends especially ones that I can talk about God with. Honestly I don't have many friends like that here where I live. Please Come and Follow my Blog everybody. Thank You for the Interview as well, Prism. I love your Blog!!!!

~*~

Would you like to be interviewed by me?

1. E-mail me at girlofmanycolors *at* gmail *dot* com
with the subject line "INTERVIEW" simply tell me a little about yourself and give me a link to your wonderful blog! I mean, all you really have to put is your name/blog name and a link to your blog.

2. I e-mail you back within a week or so (after reviewing your blog and coming up with questions for you) with instructions. All of the questions I ask are questions I would be comfortable with asking. I WILL NOT ask you your real name, age, location, ect. I promise. If you are uncomfortable or uninterested in answering a question at any time, then you always have the option of skipping that question and getting another one from me.

3. You fill out the "form" I send you with all of your wonderful answers and e-mail it back to me!

4. I pick a Wednesday, add some more stuff about you (blog button, short info section about what your blog is about), and you're good to go!

If it sounds good to you, feel free to start the process! I promise it's fun!
~*~

Blessings,

Review of Love, Charleston

Love, Charleston by Beth Webb Hart is the story of three women, a preacher, and one Holy City. Anne Brumley is a woman who has been longing for love, but she believes that God wants her to stay in Charleston to find her true love. Widower Roy Summerhall soon arrives in Charleston with his daughter to preach at a huge Charleston Episcopal church. He doesn't know why God sent him to Charleston, but he will soon find out. Anne's sister, Alisha, has her world shattered with the birth of her newest baby when things go wrong. Anne's cousin Della also has a run-in with some trouble when her former fiance returns, and Della begins wondering if marrying her currently unemployed husband was a good idea.

All of the characters in Love, Charleston could very well be real people. Their stories are believable, and the author uses each character as a voice in different chapters. I admire Anne for her sweet spirit and willingness to wait on God for the right man for her. Della also has some trouble with serious sin, but she stops before its too late and repents. All in all, the story is a tale of family and faith.

I had several problems with the book. This is a book written for adults, and though I have read several adult Christian fiction lately, I have to admit I didn't like this one. The book briefly talks about what is reserved for a man and woman in marriage, the characters do drink alcoholic beverages (but they are adults and drink in moderation), a woman goes through severe depression, and there is adultery. This book might be suitable for older adults to read, but I do not recommend this book for young adults. When Anne falls in love, it's very abrupt, and the writing style doesn't lead the reader up to it. I felt like it was very sudden and very mutual.
I don't think this book can really be classified as a romance- it just seemed like a book about the lives of several people.

I was also misled by the description into thinking that this was a book just between Anne Brumley and Roy Summerall. Anne is just one of many characters, so this book doesn't really live up to the description. I would have liked to read more about Anne, her wait, and the eventual falling in love.

I rate this book one out of five stars.

Note: This book was freely provided to me by Thomas Nelson Publishers. I am not obligated to write a positive review- only a honest one. 

Blessings,

Randomness Friday: Music MixUp!

(Thanks Libby!)

Welcome one and all to Randomness Friday! And aren't we ALL glad it's here?

I for one, am. I am so swamped right now. TONS of school and TONS of book reviews! Dudes and dudettes, we have a lot going on. So, I'll have more posts in the future, but until then...

It's MUSIC TIME!
(Welcome to the part of the show when Prism comes out and shows you, her favorite songs)

Veggietales, anyone?

I have several playlists on my very musical listening device. It is very diverse. You may like some of my music, you may detest others, and some you may call me absolutely crazy awesomeful for liking.

But my very frequently-played playlist is Luvin'It (yes, I name my playlists. Is that a problem?)

Without further ado, my playlist in the form of youtube videos. None of these videos are mine. I merely chose them for the song.

Enjoy!

Seriously.

or I will send my ninjas to lecture you on the importance of Prism's music.

PK <-- That is one of them. 

Do not be alarmed, they will do my bidding. And for now, I have commanded them to be nice. (If you don't see it, tilt your head to the side. The "P" is the head and the "K" is the body and limbs * winks*)

Okay, okay, I'm cool with it if you don't like my music. We're all different, and I love that about us.

No more delaying.

Music... It is all Christian (played on Christian radios or by Christian artists)

Now!










(Absolutely LOVE his song)

























Blessings,

Interview: Mahina!

Today I have the privilege of interviewing one awesome gal- Mahina. I mean, she's from Hawaii originally, is homeschooled, and has a blog called Walk In Truth! What could be better?

Stop by, say hi, follow, just go! =)

Oh, but first, the interview!!!

~*~

Prism: What do you post about most on your blog?
Mahina: Christian music! I love Christian music a lot, especially CHH (Christian Hip Hop). I post about songs, lyrics to songs, artists I like or discover, music videos, and other music-related things.

Prism: Favorite childhood memory?
Mahina: At the house we lived at back in Hawaii, there was a big pile of rocks I would climb. I called it my “secret place”, and would hide out there for hours reading or playing with toys. One time I even discovered old newspapers I took back and showed to my parents. I think that also helped to make me the history buff I am today.

Prism: Something you absolutely hate to do?
Mahina: Clean! I really hate to clean. But it is still something necessary to do, so I have to get it done.

Prism: What's something interesting about you?
Mahina: I’m a dog trainer. Being an animal lover, I absolutely enjoy this job. Every week I go with a neighbor and her sweet dog to an agility training place. I have to run the dog through a course of tunnels, hoops, jumps, and other obstacles. It is so much fun to do!

Prism: English or mathematics?
Mahina: English. Math is definitely not one of my strong subjects. It is also the subject I least like. English is a bit easier for me.

P: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would that be?
M: France. It’s such a lovely place. I am a Francophile, so that would be a dream come true to practice my French, eat the food, meet the people, see the sights, and just enjoy the French culture.

P: Favorite color?
M: I’d say pink. I’m very much of a girly girl, so I really like pink.

P: Hobbies?
M: Studying theology, dog training, reading, learning history, cooking and baking, listening to music, singing, Hawaiian, getting into the outdoors, finding out more ways to be green or frugal, and blogging and tweeting.

P: What does the title of your blog, Walk In Truth, mean to you?
M: To me it means to walk in the truths of the Scriptures-to learn and follow the truths presented in the Bible. It actually just came to me one night when I was sitting in my room studying 3 John.

P: Dogs or cats?
M: Dogs! Cats are fun too, but a little independent for me.

P: Thanks so very much, Mahina!!!
 
~*~

Would you like to be interviewed by me?

1. E-mail me at girlofmanycolors *at* gmail *dot* com
with the subject line "INTERVIEW" simply tell me a little about yourself and give me a link to your wonderful blog! I mean, all you really have to put is your name/blog name and a link to your blog.

2. I e-mail you back within a week or so (after reviewing your blog and coming up with questions for you) with instructions. All of the questions I ask are questions I would be comfortable with asking. I WILL NOT ask you your real name, age, location, ect. I promise. If you are uncomfortable or uninterested in answering a question at any time, then you always have the option of skipping that question and getting another one from me.

3. You fill out the "form" I send you with all of your wonderful answers and e-mail it back to me!

4. I pick a Wednesday, add some more stuff about you (blog button, short info section about what your blog is about), and you're good to go!

If it sounds good to you, feel free to start the process! I promise it's fun!
~*~

Blessings,

Review of Starlighter

Starlighter by bestselling author Bryan Davis is book one in the Christian fantasy Dragons of Starlight series. A boy discovers a long-lost gateway to another world. A slave girl fights for safety with a strange but powerful ability. The portals between worlds of Dracon and Darksphere are opened as a mysterious history is revealed.

The Lost Ones, people captured and taken to a strange world to be slaves for dragons, had always been a myth to Jason Masters. However, in a series of dangerous events, his world is turned upside down after the discovery of a mysterious portal that leads to the world of dragons. Jason determines to free the slaves and lead them to safety. But freeing the slaves is not as easy as it may seem.

Meanwhile, Koren of Starlight wonders if the tales about another land with humans free of dragon rule is possible, until her power of storytelling reveals the dark truth of how the Lost Ones came to Starlight. She must team up with Jason to bridge the two worlds, overthrow the dragons, and liberate her people.

As a long-time fan of Mr. Davis's books, I can attest that Starlighter will not disappoint. In fact, this book is probably my favorite pick by Mr. Davis as of yet. Starlighter is extremely well-written. Mr. Davis immerses the reader into the world of the characters with vivid imagery and unique customs. Starlighter literally portrays whole new worlds, with litmus fingers, photo guns, and courier tubes. The character's emotions are so strongly written that the reader not only witnesses the progression of the tale but travels along with the characters, learning and experiencing with them. The book switches between Jason's and Koren's point of view, but the distinction is clear. The reader never gets confused. In addition, this book is a good clean read, written with strong messages about sacrifice, bravery, and love.

I highly recommend Starlighter to gals and guys age 12 and up.

All in all, I rate this book five out of five stars!

~Specifics (from amazon.com):
~Paperback: 400 pages
~Publisher: Zondervan (March 19, 2010)
~Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1 inches

Blessings,

Randomness Friday: Preach It, Sister! (Literally)

(Thanks Libby!)

Welcome one and all to Randomness Friday! I just love doing these- pure randomness is a great way to end a week.
~*~

So this was my first "full" week of school. Really, it comes full blast next week, but it's nice to get used to it bit by bit.
~*~

I'd like to thank all 97 followers- three more and we have 100! How cool is that? Thank you all so much. You're the reason I blog.
~*~

So the other day I was talking to my mother about my nose. (I know, it sounds so weird)And my toddler sister ending up preaching to me! She's been in the USA for a year and a half now, and she's learned so much English in that short time. I was pretty shocked when she started "preaching" to me!

Me: My nose is crooked! It looks like I hurt it or broke it or something. Did I ever do something when I was little?

Mom: No, and your nose is not crooked.

Lil' Sis: *walks up to me, pointing at me*

Me: *stares down with amused expression*

Lil' Sis: *awed voice* Who make flower, and earth, and tree?

Me: You tell me, Lil' Sis.

Lil' Sis: *awed voice* God... He make you all face. He make nose!

Me: *looks at Mom in shock* My little sister just preached to me!

Mom: *laughs*

So, you can see, God can use anyone to tell you a message. Isn't that awesome?
~*~

So, as for the future of AGoMC posts, I'm thinking of doing more serious ones. Yes, fun posts are... well, fun. But it's good to get some substance in A Girl of Many Colors. I hope to start writing as soon as I get the chance to purchase a word processor (MS word) and get my thoughts more organized. It's a little difficult to get everything in order on the blogger form, though it is helpful.
~*~
"No Matter What" by Kerrie Roberts. This is one A-mazing song, y'all.


~*~

So I've been looking for some good books to read. Christian fiction- any kind. I love all types of clean fiction. Do y'all have any recommendations?
~*~

Have a blessed weekend and I'll "see" you on Monday!

Blessings,

Free E-Book!

Hey all! Just wanted to let you know that this week Amazon and Zondervan are letting customers have a FREE ebook of Melody Carlson's Premiere.

Does the cover look familiar? I hope it does, because I have previously posted a review of this book. Go here to read my opinion. 

You can read this e-book on your smartphone, computer, or kindle. You must have a amazon account to order.

Link:
Go HERE! =)

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Interview: The Golden Eagle!

This week I have the honor of interviewing The Golden Eagle! TGE is the awesomeful blogger from The Eagle's Aerial Perspective.


Well? What are you waiting for? Go! Oh, but first read the interview! =)
~*~

Prism: What are some of your interests?

The Golden Eagle: I've got a lot of them. But I love reading, writing, math, science, collecting rocks, and, of course, blogging.

Prism: State your blog's purpose?

The Golden Eagle: To present my views and beliefs and to have fun. :)

Prism: Favorite color?

The Golden Eagle: Green or blue. It depends.

Prism: Favorite subject in school?

The Golden Eagle: Science!

Prism: Camera or journal?

The Golden Eagle: Seeing as I don't have a camera *laments camera-less state* I suppose a journal, though I can never seem to fill them up. I always get distracted.

P: Chocolate or vanilla?

TGE: Vanilla! I'm not a big fan of chocolate.

P: Favorite place to go for fun?

TGE: Hmmm. Nature, maybe. :)

P: If you owned your own company, what would be manufactured there?

TGE: Solar cells and other green technology products, like energy-efficient light bulbs and recyclable plastic; practical things that people could use around the house AND keep Earth cleaner.

P: Any pet peeves?

TGE: Not really, or at least ones that I can think of right now . . .

P: If you had one wish, what would it be for? (and no wishing more more wishes)

TGE: World peace. Almost completely unattainable of course, but certainly something we should all hope for.

P: Thank you so much, The Golden Eagle!!!

 

~*~
Would you like to be interviewed by me?

1. E-mail me at girlofmanycolors *at* gmail *dot* com
with the subject line "INTERVIEW" simply tell me a little about yourself and give me a link to your wonderful blog! I mean, all you really have to put is your name/blog name and a link to your blog.

2. I e-mail you back within a week or so (after reviewing your blog and coming up with questions for you) with instructions. All of the questions I ask are questions I would be comfortable with asking. I WILL NOT ask you your real name, age, location, ect. I promise. If you are uncomfortable or uninterested in answering a question at any time, then you always have the option of skipping that question and getting another one from me.

3. You fill out the "form" I send you with all of your wonderful answers and e-mail it back to me!

4. I pick a Wednesday, add some more stuff about you (blog button, short info section about what your blog is about), and you're good to go!

If it sounds good to you, feel free to start the process! I promise it's fun!
~*~

Blessings,

Review of Latte Daze!

Latte Daze is the second book in the Maya Davis series by Erynn Mangum. Maya Davis has a pretty cool, albeit, crazy, life. She has a great church family, a job at a coffee shop (hel-lo, free coffee!), and a great potential-boyfriend who calls her Nutsy. 
 But things get a little more weird when she finds out:

1. She's about to enter the world of aunt-hood
2. Her best friend Jen is getting married to her ex-boyfriend
3. Her best friend's very opinionated mother is staying at Jen and Maya's house to stop the wedding
4. Is he (Jack Domingez, her best guy-friend) the one????
5. Jack's leaving the coffee shop for the zoo! (As a zookeeper, mind you)

Wow. Talk about needing some coffee! 

I absolutely loved this lighthearted story of Maya Davis. Latte Daze is such a sweet story of a girl waiting for God to show her the right guy. There's plenty of laughs and good moments along the way with Maya, Jen, Jack and Maya's beagle, Calvin. I love the idea of a coffee-loving gal working at a coffee shop and her insanely crazy-but-awesome life. Erynn Mangum has such a unique writing style that lets readers really delve into the world of the characters so that they seem like they're your next door neighbor, yet she makes them so unique that a reader never gets bored.

Fans of Erynn Mangum's first series, the Lauren Holbrook series, will not be disappointed. Maya's world is different, but readers will still fall in love with her unique adventures.

I give this book five stars out of five stars.

NOTE: This book was provided freely to me by Navpress. I am not obligated to write a positive review- only an honest one.

Blessings,

Randomness Friday: Cow Head?!

(Thanks Libby!)

Welcome one and all to Randomness Friday! This is my first RF post ever in AUGUST *2010* !!!!

Wahoooooo!

Wait.... why aren't you cheering with me?
Is it perhaps because August is the dreaded end-of-summer-as-far-as-school-goes? *knowing smile*

So, yes, I have already jumped on the wagon and begun my school. It isn't bad, to tell you the truth. This year I'm taking pretty basic classes at home and super duper advanced and accelerated courses at the technology center I go to in the afternoons. Granted, the technology center classes haven't started yet so I haven't begun the torture classes yet. But this week was good, very good. I think I'm going to learn a lot.

About cow heads!!!!

P

Please note: This image is NOT mine! :)

No, not that kind of cow head...

Believe it or not, in my history class we have just discussed the explorer Cabeza de Vaca, who discovered and explored southern Texas and parts of New Mexico and Arizona between the years 1528 and 1536. 

Sounds ordinary enough, right? But his name translated to Spanish means- guess what?

"Head of Cow" or Cow Head. 

Whoa. Interestingly enough, my textbook said nothing of his interesting name. With my previous Espanol clases I saw it right away. 
Can you imagine being called Cow Head these days? I would just die!

Bully: Hey, Cow Head.... Moo!
Prism (as Cow Head): That's the name. Don't wear it out. *poses like Elvis but epically fails*

Anyway, that tidbit of history struck me as interesting

Speaking of Spanish, you know where "Dora" from the beloved children's show came from? Explorador(a)!
I know, it's such a shock to mankind. Prism has finally found the meaning of life.

Hold the applause, please.
~*~
Photo editing, button making, background creating- these are all stuff I'm super interested in but haven't found out much about it.

Many of you, my awesome readers, are very much blessed when it comes to knowledge of the computer arts.

Would any of you care to share what programs you use?

please?
~*~
I'd like to tell you about this cool website my family found the other day. It's a great resource for homeschool parents and homeschool students.
(Seriously, I'm talking 'bout PSAT advice- free!)

Go to thehomeschoolchannel.tv

Seriously.

Do it.

;)
~*~
So. speakin' of free stuffs.....

Ever heard of swagbucks?

You search, you win! It's simple.

Shall I explain? Swagbucks is based around a search engine. The more you search things on that search engine, the higher chance you have of winning "swagbucks" which are like virtual money. You can also vote on daily polls and fill out surveys to get swagbucks.

What do you do with these swagbucks? You get free prizes, but of course. There are things from $5 amazon giftcards (I have personally gotten one) to cool electronics. You get points (swagbucks) then you can "buy" these prizes.
Note: The bigger the prize, the more outrageous the cost in swagbucks.

It's free to sign up and pretty safe, in my opinion. They do ask for some info. about you, so I'd recommend talking to a parent first.

You can join by clicking here or on the button:
(clicking on the link takes you straight to the website, clicking on the button takes you through my referral. That would mean I would also benefit from the points you earn. Personally, I don't mind if you don't want to use me as a referral. :) It's up to you!)


~*~

So, my plans for the weekend? I'm glad you asked.

Horses, horses, schoolwork, schoolwork, reviewing books, reading books, and spending time with the family :)

Have a blessed weekend everyone!

Interview: Iris!

Please welcome to the interviewing stage this week- Iris! Iris is the awesome blogger from Meandering Iris! Be sure to stop by and visit! Comment, follow, just go! =)

Oh, but do it after reading the interview! Right?
~*~
Now, an Interview with Iris!

Prism: What are some of you hobbies?
Iris: I am on swim team, so, swimming, singing, and... looking at myself in the mirror!

Prism: Why did you first join the blogging world?

Iris: I used to have a blog on wordpress, but it crashed, and I really wanted to start blogging again. I don't remember why I started at first though.

Prism: What do you post about the most?

Iris: On meandering iris I just post about my life and what's going on in it... and on iris's flora and fauna, I post photo's of flowers and my dog's and my neighbor, etc. etc. etc.!

Prism: Favorite food?
Iris: I like Vegan Shepherds pie made by my dad!

Prism: How many pets do you have?

Iris: 4, a three dog's and a fish. but we hope to get chickens sometime soon!

P: You are most happy when _______?

I: I'm behind my camera, or playing in water doing what I want rather than swim team, swim team is really fun, but I like to just play around and be crazy! My friend just got a water slide, so we like to play on it a lot!

P: Future aspirations?

I:  I hope to be a mother, photographer and an actress when I grow up!

P: What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

I: Funniest thing? I don't know... I'll just say that I have laughed so hard I almost peed my pants, that was pretty funny.. but it wasn't the MOST funny...

P: If you won a thousand dollars, what would you do with it?

I: I'd probably buy some nail polish and buy a ticket to NY to see my cousins's, and I might buy some candy!

P: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I: I think it would be Hawaii

P: Thank you so much, Iris!
~*~
Would you like to be interviewed by me?

1. E-mail me at girlofmanycolors *at* gmail *dot* com
with the subject line "INTERVIEW" simply tell me a little about yourself and give me a link to your wonderful blog! I mean, all you really have to put is your name/blog name and a link to your blog.

2. I e-mail you back within a week or so (after reviewing your blog and coming up with questions for you) with instructions. All of the questions I ask are questions I would be comfortable with asking. I WILL NOT ask you your real name, age, location, ect. I promise. If you are uncomfortable or uninterested in answering a question at any time, then you always have the option of skipping that question and getting another one from me.

3. You fill out the "form" I send you with all of your wonderful answers and e-mail it back to me!

4. I pick a Wednesday, add some more stuff about you (blog button, short info section about what your blog is about), and you're good to go!

If it sounds good to you, feel free to start the process! I promise it's fun!
~*~

Blessings,

"Music" Manic Drive

These guys are way too funny XD. I love this song too, by the way. I met Manic Drive at one of their concerts this past year and they R-O-C-K-E-D.

Blessings,

Review of Katy's Debate

Katy Lambright is back in Kim Vogel Sawyer's Katy's Debate! Katy enters the world of debating and using words to win and persuade. When Katy's dad starts courting Mrs. Graber, Katy feels like she has to fight for her dad. She begins using her debating skills to persuade her dad that they don't need Mrs. Graber. But is she making a big mistake?
Meanwhile, Katy develops a crush for a member of the debate club. But he's "worldly", or non-Mennonite! What is a girl to do?

This is an excellent sequel to the first book in the series. It definitely left me wanting to learn more about Katy's life and read future books. Katy's feelings are very real, though her life in the Mennonite community is different. As with the last book, there are lessons to be learned and good morals throughout this book. I highly recommend it.

I give this book five out of five stars.


~Specifics (from amazon.com):

~ Paperback: 208 pages
~ Publisher: Zondervan (May 7, 2010)
~ Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches

Note: I received this book freely from Zondervan Publishers. I am not obligated to write a positive review, only a honest one.

Blessings,

Review of Katy's New World

Katy's New World by Kim Vogel Sawyer is book one in the Katy Lambright series. Meet Katy, a girl from the Mennonite community who is introduced to the world of high school. Katy begins as a shy girl who only wants to learn more, but with the help of friends and family, eventually learns who she is.

Katy's New World is endearing story to be sure. I've been wanting to read this book for some time, so I was super excited when I finally got to read the book. Katy experiences the good and the bad of both of her worlds- the Mennonite and "worldly" sides of her life. She's the only girl from her community who goes to the high school, so Katy learns to adjust with the help of a new friend. She also helps her widower father at home with the chores and her aunt at her store. Readers get a glimpse into the life of Mennonites while also reading an enjoyable story with good morals.

All in all, I rate this book five out of five.

~Specifics (from amazon.com):

~ Paperback: 208 pages
~ Publisher: Zondervan; Original edition (January 15, 2010)
~ Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches  

Note: I received this book freely from Zondervan Publishers. I am not obligated to write a positive review, only a honest one.

Blessings,

Free Books, My People!

Okay, so, FREE BOOKS! If you're like me, you absolutely adore free stuff, especially when it's good, free books.

Today is your blessed (I don't believe in luck) day! =)

Get Christian Teen fiction- free!

One thing, though. You have to read it on the computer/iPod/iPhone/Kindle/Nook.

So, you ready for the list? All are published by Zondervan, so you know it's great stuff.

Go to amazon.com and click on the kindle store. Under "bestsellers" you will find titles by Melody Carlson, Bryan Davis, Alister McGrath, Brandylin Collins, Nancy Rue, and more!

Please note that many of the free books there are NOT Christian and should NOT be read. The title/cover/publisher often tells you whether it is a wholesome read or not. If you're unsure, check the reviews. But remember, always, always use caution.

Blessings,