I feel like saying something cliche, like "Wow, can't believe the year's almost over!" (Because it's true.) But you know I have a strong dislike for cliche, so I'll refrain.
However, I do want to extend some gratitude. 2010 has been an awesome year (and 2011 will be five times better!). Thank you to all those in the book-related world--the wonderful people at Echelon Press, the fabulous book bloggers, great teachers and librarians, inspirational authors--for giving me amazing opportunities and helping Kieryn Nicolas and Rain take off.
Also, thanks to my family and friends and awesome people I've met along the way, for feedback and support.
Here's a New Year's Resolution: to give you guys another book to read, and have at least one more working towards the finish!
--Kier
PS... one week from tomorrow is the Disney Half! Woohoo!
Nothing can describe awesomeness more than this cake. And if you click it it'll magically transport you to my website.
12/31/2010
12/19/2010
Double Dose of Holidayness
I love winter. It's my favorite season for multiple reasons. One, it's cold. I'd so much rather be bundled up than craving AC. Two, snow. Need I say more? Three, snow + cold = viable excuse-I-mean-reason for hot chocolate. Three, snow days? Yes. And four, the holidays.
I say in the title that I get a double dose of holidayness, because I do: my family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. (We also do Passover and Rosh Hashana and other traditions during the year.) My mom is Jewish, my dad Christian, and they raised my sister and I with traditions of both religions.
To me, this is really neat. It's always been a factor in my life, a factor I love. I feel celebrating both holidays and having parents from different backgrounds has allowed me to have an open-minded approach to life. Also, my mom makes killer latkes and I love having a lit-up tree in the living room.
When I was younger I read a book called "The Christmas Menorahs." (I recommend everyone read this!) It's a touching book, with a touching concept of different religions being celebrated at the same time while a community fights hate. In the story, Christian families set out menorahs to support their Jewish neighbors, who were being targeted by a hate group. At the time I read the story I thought, this is so cool. I have a tree and a menorah, too! (I read it again when I was older, and absorbed more of the "bigger" concept.)
In high school, so far, I've gathered two friends who also celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. When I was younger I thought my sister and I were the only ones (in the microcosm of my elementary school), but I'm glad that's not the case.
So happy holidays everyone, and have a great time, however you celebrate!
I say in the title that I get a double dose of holidayness, because I do: my family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. (We also do Passover and Rosh Hashana and other traditions during the year.) My mom is Jewish, my dad Christian, and they raised my sister and I with traditions of both religions.
To me, this is really neat. It's always been a factor in my life, a factor I love. I feel celebrating both holidays and having parents from different backgrounds has allowed me to have an open-minded approach to life. Also, my mom makes killer latkes and I love having a lit-up tree in the living room.
When I was younger I read a book called "The Christmas Menorahs." (I recommend everyone read this!) It's a touching book, with a touching concept of different religions being celebrated at the same time while a community fights hate. In the story, Christian families set out menorahs to support their Jewish neighbors, who were being targeted by a hate group. At the time I read the story I thought, this is so cool. I have a tree and a menorah, too! (I read it again when I was older, and absorbed more of the "bigger" concept.)
In high school, so far, I've gathered two friends who also celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. When I was younger I thought my sister and I were the only ones (in the microcosm of my elementary school), but I'm glad that's not the case.
So happy holidays everyone, and have a great time, however you celebrate!
12/05/2010
Guesswhat?
Guesswhatguesswhatguesswhat?
1) I leave for Disneyworld in a month!! To celebrate, I did a 9.3 mile training run today. Holy crap, it was cold at the top of the hills. I couldn't feel my legs at all. And, tip: when you've already done 8.5 miles, and you're on the last hill, and you can't locate your legs because they're so darn cold, it's not a good idea to "twist and shout," despite what the song by Hall & Oates says. Oh, and an animated bluebird won't appear either, like in 500 Days of Summer.
In more seriousness, I am very excited--and nervous. And I know it's going to be an amazing experience. Team in Training is such a wonderful organization, and I can't wait to complete my first event.
2) Latkes! My family makes latkes, the absolutebestfoodever, once a year, and that occasion (Hanukkah) came round this week. They are fantastic, and we got to share them with a houseful of people.
Happy fifth night of Hanukkah!
1) I leave for Disneyworld in a month!! To celebrate, I did a 9.3 mile training run today. Holy crap, it was cold at the top of the hills. I couldn't feel my legs at all. And, tip: when you've already done 8.5 miles, and you're on the last hill, and you can't locate your legs because they're so darn cold, it's not a good idea to "twist and shout," despite what the song by Hall & Oates says. Oh, and an animated bluebird won't appear either, like in 500 Days of Summer.
In more seriousness, I am very excited--and nervous. And I know it's going to be an amazing experience. Team in Training is such a wonderful organization, and I can't wait to complete my first event.
2) Latkes! My family makes latkes, the absolutebestfoodever, once a year, and that occasion (Hanukkah) came round this week. They are fantastic, and we got to share them with a houseful of people.
Happy fifth night of Hanukkah!
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