Missing Ginger Snaps (TAG)

The sun felt warm against sixteen year old Ella's skin, her mahogany hair shined a more vibrant red in the light. A happy sigh fell from the teen's lips as she enjoyed the summer weather, Christmas music played through the speakers.

"Alright, who ate the gingerbread cookies?" a voice resounded from the kitchen to the pool.

Quickly, Ella sat up from her chair to look through the balcony doors into the kitchen. Her golden-brown eyes landed on Scott, John, and Virgil. All three wore different expressions on their faces, but it was clear that Scott was one upset about the missing gingerbread cookies. She stood up and moved to the kitchen, as she approached the grumbles of the eldest Tracy were more notable.

"Honestly, no one else really enjoys the gingerbread cookies," Scott griped as he paced the kitchen.

As Ella leaned against the glass door, a sigh fell from her lips. "You're not the only one who likes gingerbread cookies," she pointed out with an soft frown. "In case you've forgotten, Grandma, Dad, and Alan also enjoy the gingerbread cookies, specifically the ginger snaps, which was the recent batch of gingerbread cookies."

"Ella's right, the ginger snaps are a family favorite," Virgil nodded in a agreement as he looked between Ella and Scott with a smirk on his face.

John chuckled as he sat on a bar stool at the breakfast bar. "Does this mean that you'll be baking more?" the ginger haired Tracy asked as he looked at Ella.

With raised eyebrows, Ella for a moment pondered her decision. "Maybe," she answered a few moments. "But it won't be ginger snaps. I'll start them later, I just want to enjoy some sun first."

"I can live with that," Scott said as he met Ella's gaze. "Thank you, Ella," he added as he moved forward to hug the adopted Tracy.

-fin

Where Have I Been?

Hello everyone, I know that I've disappeared for a few months. As many of you know, my dad developed pneumonia in February. It has been an interesting journey for our family on the road to recovery.

I won't go into the long story of stress that I was under from the time my dad got sick in January until Mid-June. A lot has happened, but my dad is better. However, we discovered some scarring in my dad's lungs, which the lung doctor hasn't found a cause for the time being. Right now they're working to find the cause but he's been doing well.

Another change that occurred is that we've gotten a new family member. No, no one had a baby, but we got a kitten. We lost Smokey our cat back in 2016, and our family hasn't been the same without him. Dad's health began a decline with the loss of our grey furred family member.

Our new arrival is named Freddie, she's a tuxedo mixed kitten. We're not entirely sure of her breed, but my sister and I have speculated a Tuxedo-Tabby-Maincoon mix. Again, not sure, but she has been a huge impact on our family. My dad's health has stabilized, my stress levels have gone down. While, there isn't any fact about her arrival doing this, I have read many articles about pets and health studies.

I'm going to be changing up things here on the blog. Be on the look out for more of my original writing, fanfiction, journals, and book reviews. I might even do movie reviews. I really want to review older movies that I haven't seen before.

See you guys later,
Alex

One Step Closer to Home

Dad is doing a lot better, he was released from the hospital on the 19th of February. He is currently at a rehabilitation facility to go through occupational and physical therapy. The last few days he's been looking really good. My mom, sister, and I have been to see him nearly every night since he was released. We didn't see him on Tuesday but mom and I were able to see him off as he transported from the hospital to his rehab facility.

He's a lot better and that is the amazing thing. My dad is my hero, for everything that has happened the last few years, he has taken it for what it was. Never once has he complained or questioned why it has happened to him. Instead all dad has done is just pray for fast recoveries.

I want to thank everyone who has been keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. It has been a help, because everyday I see him he looks better. Hopefully he'll be back home with our family soon. I plan to have another update of the abbreviated timeline later this week. So, please keep an eye out for it.

-ADF

Our Familial Struggle

Hello everyone, today's post is going to be a little different. February has started off with a quite a bang for me and my family. To know the whole story, we'll be going through the events that led to the first of February and what has happened since. This is an abbreviated timeline, some details have been omitted but if you have specific questions, you can ask either here in a comment or send me a message on Facebook and I will answer them to the best of my knowledge.

Jan. 16th: Dad developed a cough
Jan. 17th: Routine diabetic appointment with primary doctor. I mentioned the cough, but our doctor didn't hear anything in the lungs.
Jan. 18th -19th: Goes through normal day to day with cough
Jan. 20th: Chills develop, trip to the ER. Flu swabbed, tested for strep, chest x-rays, CT scans, and labs drawn. Results come back with nothing out of the norm, just a common cold.
Jan. 21st - Jan. 31st: Given tylenol and robitussin to help with cold symptoms. Ran fevers at dialysis every once in a while. Stayed at home when he didn't need to be out, appetite started to leave around the 28th of January. Ate bowl of soup on the 31st and looked better.
Feb. 1st: Went to dialysis, at 2:45p got a call they would be sending him to ER. He was running a fever that he hadn't been running that morning. Mom, sis, and I went to the ER to meet dad there, he ran a fever of 103.1 in the ER. Flu swab, chest x-rays, CT scans, and more labs drawn. Plus waiting lots and lots of waiting. Pneumonia in his left lung…labs came back within range of cold but X-Rays and CT find the pneumonia. Admitted into the hospital, given some nausea medication to help with slight nausea.

Feb. 2nd: On antibiotic, looks better, spiked a few slight fevers.

Feb. 3rd: Same as 2^nd

Feb. 4th: Same as 2nd and 3rd

Feb. 5th: Lack of appetite at dinner, slight nausea. Ran a slight fever towards the end of the night.

Okay, so I'll give you all a part two tomorrow. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this difficult journey.

-Alex

Quick Update

So for the last two weeks, there's been people getting sick here at home. It started with my dad then made its way to my sister and mom. I've been the only one healthy, it hasn't been enjoyable but I've managed to avoid it. I don't blame anyone, it just happens from time to time. My sister didn't get it as bad, but my parents were on the worse end of the symptoms. But my sister and I have been taking care of them.

I've been working on a few different things, some things for Amy DC, Amy Marvel, my Power Rangers AU, some original fiction. This month is the 'Now What' for NaNo, which means it's editing time... and I haven't done it. I've place my NaNo story on the back burner for a bit, I want to keep writing before I go back and start the editing process. I plan to pick it back up in February to continue with my story.

Alright, I'll see you all either Friday or next week with a Phillip/Ava piece.
-ADF

What I Got For Christmas 2018

Hi everyone, I figured that I would share what I got for Christmas this year. It wasn't a lot but it was a good Christmas with my family. My sister and I gave dad a shock with his gift, again. I got mainly DVDs and BluRays for the holiday. But that is fine with me, a couple of these items were things that I wanted for a while.

The Hobbit Trilogy Extended Edition: I have been wanting this for three Christmas's past now. But I finally got it this past Christmas. I own the Lord of the Ring trilogy in the extended edition. I was able to give my dad my theatrical editions of the movies. I haven't had a chance to marathon the series yet, but I'm hoping for a weekend off where I can sit and watch the six films without falling asleep.

Doctor Who- Peter Capaldi Era: Around February of 2018, I started watching Doctor Who, primarily with the Peter Capaldi seasons. Actually I started with the Jenna Coleman episodes. But I didn't particularly love the Matt Smith/Jenna Coleman episodes, they were good but they didn't have the same repertoire as 12/Clara relationship. But they were good episodes to watch. I was excited to open this on Christmas morning as Twelve is my doctor.

Twilight Saga Extended Edition: I got the five Twilight movies, the first four were extended but the fifth one wasn't. I enjoyed the books, when they first came out back in 2005. We marathoned these into the New Year, it was a lot of fun to rewatch these. I did ask myself a lot of questions about why I was rewatching them but it is what it is. It wasn't as horrible as I remembered, but now that I'm older I was able to pick up on the little things that weren't as plainly obvious to me then. I would like to get the 10 year anniversary edition of Twilight but I haven't found it anywhere in my hometown. I'll be looking online for it in the coming weeks.

Last but not least, I got a cute little reindeer pillow. I'm obsessed with deer, they represent a lot to me in my life, which I won't get into. It has a scarf and a jingle bell on it, it is really cute. It's on my bed and one of the comfiest pillows I've ever owned.

That's everything that I got for Christmas. I hope everyone had a happy holiday and great start to the New Year so far. I have been trying to recharge my battery and stress less. Hopefully, I'll have a new post later this week, if not I'll see you next week.

-ADF

2019... Here We Go

Hello 2019,

I'll be doing the same kind of posting for 2019 that I did in the later half of 2018. Post when I can, at least once a week. It doesn't matter the length or topic but I do want to post at least once a week. Whether it's a journal, short story, fanfic, or poetry. I am thinking about doing book reviews on the blog... I'm not sure since I do have the review blog.

What do you think? Would you like to read about what I'm reading? I am on a couple of ARC teams and I'm apart of a book club, so I will be doing a bit of reading for 2019. I'm sure I'll share what I'm reading with you all anyway.

Actually, let's get to that anyway. I'm reading Pause by Isabella Hale (ARC). The next books will be Demon Born by Christine Pope (ARC), and The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (BC). I'm also reading Tokyo Mew Mew for my own personal reading. I've got a couple of Kindle books started that I need to finish. Slowly but surely I'll get to them.

2018 was a good year. I had good and bad moments. Some of the big things for me involved my dad's health. He had his gall bladder removed at the end of October, I had been running on a half battery for a while. But I've been feeling great, so far. My battery is 100% and kicking. I lost a couple of family members unexpectedly. It is sad but I know they are looking after our family.

I did a few challenges for myself in the year of 2018. Mermay, Inktober, and NaNoWriMo were the three I did. And guess what, I completed/won all of them. I wanted to get back into drawing/art and I did. That is another focus for 2019 art, do more art. Nothing crazy but doodle in my sketchbook once a week if I can.

I think that's everything. If you have any questions feel free to leave them for me and I will get to them.

-ADF

The Christmas Ball (Tag) [FDoC]

Ella and Virgil twirled gracefully around the ballroom. Jeff sat with Alan and Gordon at a table and watched his children move with precision and grace around the floor, he smiled at the sight. Alan grinned at the sight of Ella and Virgil, he knew his sister loved dance she made it look easy no matter how complex the routine or move.

"She really knows what she's doing," Alan said to Gordon as he glanced at his fellow blonde brother munch on various hors d'oeuvres. He rolled his eyes at Gordon's lack of manners.

"Yes, she does," Jeff agreed with a nod at Alan's words. "But dance has always been Ella's passion."

The music came to an end, Ella, Virgil, John and Penelope, along with the rest of the guests on the floor clap for the orchestra. The three Tracy children moved back to the table, where the rest of family, sans Scott, sat.

Ella plopped down into the chair and sighed. She gently kicked off the high heels her long dress hid. A sigh of relief fell from the twenty year old female, she sank a little into her chair.

"Are you alright, Ella?" Alan asked as he looked at his sister with a worried frown.

"I'm fine Alan, my feet just hurt. High heels and I are not friends," she answered with a grin. "Where's Scott?" she asked as she looked around the table.

Jeff sighed but didn't say a word.

John and Virgil both sighed and sent annoyed glances in Scott's direction. Gordon was the one to answer the question, "Sulking more than likely."

Ella rolled her eyes, while the other three Tracy boys groaned at Gordon's words. She chose not to comment on Gordon's words, instead she grabbed a glass of champagne and took a sip. Her thoughts dwelt briefly on Scott's behavior, before she glanced around the room in silent search of him.

Sadly, she couldn't find him, instead she sank into her seat and watched the dance floor. Her grandparents were on the dance floor and they looked lovely. 'I wonder if my parents looked like that when they attended the Christmas balls,' she thought with a wistful sigh.

John got up from his seat and made his way to where Scott was hidden. "Are you going to ask her for a dance or stare at her all night?" he asked as he joined his brother's side.

Scott frowned at John, "What is that supposed to mean?"

John rolled his eyes, "You know what I mean, Scott. At least have a dance with her," he suggested as he looked over at his sister who wore a sad smile on her face.

Scott sighed but he approached the table, without a word he held his out for Ella to see.

Golden brown eyes looked up at Scott, she placed her hand in his as he helped up to her feet. Together they made their way to the dance floor, where the music was soft. Ella had a hand in Scott's while the other rested on his shoulder. Their height difference was more noticeable to the family members but no one commented on Ella's lack to proper footwear.

Grins broke out the four Tracy sons' faces as they saw their oldest brother with their sister. They hoped it would work out for them, if Scott would finally make a move and ask her out.

-fin

Thanks for reading Five Days of Christmas and Beyond. I'll be back tomorrow with my resolutions for 2019. See you then!

The Christmas Ball (TAG) [FDoC]

Ella giggled as she shared a dance with her dad on the dance floor. Her five brothers watched with various expressions of happiness and jealousy in the case of one Scott Tracy. John nudged Virgil to get his attention before he jerked his head in the direction of Scott, who stood against a wall with a glass of champagne in his hand as he watched Ella change partners.

"Man, Scott's taking this kinda hard," Virgil muttered to John as they looked between Scott and Ella.

John nodded, "He is, that's his third flute of champagne tonight. And something tells me, he's going to go through a couple more before the night is over."

Virgil's brown gold eyes widened as he heard John's words. "He does know that she's not coming back to the island with us for Christmas, right?" Virgil asked as he frowned at the guy who was dancing with his sister. His eyes on the drifting hands down Ella's back.

A smirk grew on his face, as he watched Ella step purposefully on the guy's feet before she took a step back to give some distance between them.

John sighed as he watched his sister handle herself. He worried about her, but he knew she could take care of herself. "Honestly, I have no clue. It wouldn't surprise me if he didn't know, since Ella isn't speaking with him and dad doesn't always tell Scott everything in regard to Ella. She tried for years after Scott left to keep in touch but he wouldn't give. Now, she's given up because he spent all that time ignoring her and trying to figure out his feelings for her," John remarked with a shake of his head and annoyed sigh at his older brother's stupidity.

Virgil frowned but didn't disagree with John. Instead, he kept an eye on Ella as the song came to end. "I'll be back," he told John as he moved forward to step up behind his sister.

Ella stepped away from Lucas Chamberlain, she quickly dismissed his offer of another dance. The last dance had been uncomfortable. Shudders ran down her spine as she recalled his wandering hands. "No thank you, Lord Chamberlain, I'm sure I'll find another partner for the next dance," she told him  through slightly gritted teeth and too wide smile, that warned off the suitor.

Virgil chuckled as he moved to stand next to his sister. "May I have this dance?" he asked as he offered his sister his hand.

Ella looked up at Virgil and gave him a warm smile, "Gladly," she answered as she placed her hand in his. Together they walked away from Lord Chamberlain and moved closer to Ella's cousin Penelope who had somehow convinced John to her for the dance.

A smile and delightful laughter fell from Ella's lips as she noticed poor John fumbling. Virgil's chuckles joined her laughter as they took first position and waited for the orchestra to start the music. Sure enough, a few moments later the music started. Ella fell into step with Virgil effortlessly, together they moved around the floor.

Many people complimented the two Creighton-Warrd ladies as they danced with their partners in an elegant and seemingly effortless fashion. It was clear to the various guests the two females had taken lessons in dance as moved around the room, skirts billowed out and trailed after the dancing pairs.

"He still brooding in the corner?" Ella asked as she stared just over Virigil's ear. The large amount of eyes on her petite form created a slight tremor in her movements, only obvious to John and Virgil.

"Yup," Virgil answered as he sent his older brother a frown.

Ella sighed and rolled her eyes, but didn't say a word. Instead she followed Virgil as he led her into a spin then dip before he lifted her back to her feet. Together they moved through a complicated set of footsteps as they listened to the song. Many audience members gasped as they realized the talent in dance Virgil and Ella had.

'Thank you mom for making all of the boys take those dance lessons with me,' she thought as she briefly looked skyward as if she would see her mom. But all Ella's golden eyes saw was the high ceiling that had had some sort of fancy design on it.

-TBC

Merry Belated Christmas everyone. I started this on Christmas Day but between napping, eating, gifts, and family I wasn't able to finish it until now. I'll be adding to my Five Days of Christmas since I did miss a few days. See you for tomorrow's piece or maybe another one later today. Not sure yet.

-ADF

Muérdago (Zorro) [FDoC]

Artemia Noche smiled as she watched her gavalan play on the piano. He along with the music of Navidad, her cheeks flushed as she met the don's dark gaze. But she didn't dare look away as he sang to her Noche de Paz.

The don finished he son with a flourish. Happily the young senorita clapped, "Bravo, bravo," she cheered as she rose to her feet.

Diego grinned as he stood from the bench and approached the petite female. "Gracias, Artemia," he thanked as he leaned to give her a gentle kiss on the lips.

"Diego," she sighed as she pulled away briefly to meet his gaze once more. Chocolate met gold as the pair looked at one another for a brief moment.

The don stepped back and offered the female his arm. Artemia slipped her arm through Diego's and together they wandered through the gardens that were on the de la Vega property.

Artemia and Diego spoke of their plans for the upcoming year. Surprise and shock filled Artemia, when she learned of Diego's desire to attend la universidad in Espana, after el ano nuevo. Sadness filled her as she realized Diego would be leaving her and their pueblo behind. She wore a false grin as they continued to navigate through the  jardin.

A pitter-patter of footsteps on the adobe path caught the couple's attencion. Artemia and Diego turned around to see Osita approaching.

"Osita," Artemia sighed as she knelt down to get a better look at her lamb. "Que estas haciendo?" she asked with a shake of her head.

She gently removed the item in Osita's mouth and giggled as she looked at the sprig in front of her. "Y ahdonde encontraste esto?" she wondered with giggles in between her words.

"What is it?" Diego asked as he bent down to one knee beside, Artemia and in front of Osita.

Artemia lifted the little plant and presented it to her amado. beloved "Muérdago," she answered with a laugh. Mistletoe

Diego chuckled as he saw the plant in her hand. He leaned over and gave her another kiss on the lips. He would never tire of sharing kisses with Artemia, his amor was strong and unrelenting for the young Noche dona.
-fin

Sorry for not posting yesterday, it was a busy day for me and the family. But this means you'll get a Christmas piece! See you all tomorrow.
-ADF

Winter Kisses (PR) [FDoC]

Ava smiled as she looked up at the snowflakes falling out of the sky. "Wow," she sighed in disbelief.

Troy watched the petite white ranger with a smile on his face. He reached out and grasped her hand in his own.

Ava's head moved from the sky to meet Troy's blue-gray eyes, "Merry Christmas, Troy," she said as she leaned forward to place a quick kiss on his cheek.

As she pulled away her cheeks flushed a bright pink color.

A wide grin grew on the red ranger's face, he leaned down and placed a kiss of his own to her cheek. "Merry Christmas, Ava," he replied as he tugged her in the direction of the park.

Ava's laughter ran like bells behind them as they moved through the park.
-fin

Ava and Troy, despite the fact that they are a failed OTP I still love them together. This is set sometime around their first Christmas together in Power Rangers Megaforce. See you all tomorrow.
-ADF

A Christmas Dance (TEC) [FDoC]

Ella grinned as she watched Jason on the dance floor. He held Cordelia in his arms and gracefully moved her around the ballroom. The lights from the chandelier and the sconces around the room made Cordelia's lilac colored dress glowed against her brother's navy blue suit.

"They look like lovely together," a voice commented from just over Ella's shoulder.

The Princess of Nightshade glanced to her right to meet Prince Henry's eyes blue eyes. "Yes, they do," she agreed as she turned her attention back to her older brother.

Henry looked at the young Princess with wide eyes. "May I have this dance, Ella?" as he offered her a hand.

Ella huffed as she gently placed her hand in his. "Yes, you may," she said as they made their way to the dance floor.

Together the Prince of Stardune and Princess of Nightshade moved around the dance floor in front of the large crowd gathered to celebrate Yule in Nightshade. Eyes were on the heir and the princess, to many of the visiting royals it was clear just how much they care for each other. Whispers gathered in the crowd as they eyed the couple.

Jason watched his best friend with his only sister and smiled.

"They make quite the sight," Cordy observed as she glanced at the heir of Nightshade.

"Yes they do, Cordy, yes they do," he nodded in agreement.

-fin

Welcome to the Five Days of Christmas, for the next five days I will be writing a little piece of Christmas. Today we ventured back into The Eleanor Chronicles, I have been wanting to go back for a while and couldn't think of anything. Stay tuned for tomorrows piece. Merry Christmas!

-ADF

Bubble Lights (Journal)

Hello everyone, today I'm writing to tell you about something I've heard about but I had never seen until this year. Bubble lights. My dad has mentioned these lights to me before, he's always nostalgic about them around Christmas, since they use to adorn his childhood Christmas tree. I had heard of them, but I had never seen them.

My dad described them as lights with glass containers that made bubbles. Me, being me, I thought he meant that they blew bubbles out while hanging on a tree. Total misconception and misunderstanding on my part. My sister had mentioned that she had sold a pair earlier at work this month and my dad became somewhat desperate to find them.

Earlier this month, last weekend, I think, we were at Shopko. We've been taking weekly weekend trips to various stores in our area to get a look at their Christmas decorations. Well, at Shopko we found the bubble lights. I saw that they were glass tubes with different colored liquid, still confused, I thought they made colored bubbles but I didn't say anything. Anyway, my sister bought my dad a strand of them. He was absolutely giddy, for a man in his 50's missing two toes and having just recovered from surgery it was hilarious to see the spring in his step and happiness in his gait and face. He was excited, super excited, I can't help but wonder if maybe he was taken back to a time when he was a kid with his siblings and parents.

My dad isn't one to open up about his feelings, but I do wonder from time to time. Anyway, my sister got him a set as a Christmas gift. We got home and began to finish decorating the tree. We had put it up the weekend before but we realized that a few of our lights were out and needed to be replaced, so it wasn't until last weekend that we were finally able to decorate. I opened the box of bubble lights and my sister and I placed them on the tree.

It was beautiful to see the lights, especially the bubble lights but I was disappointed that they didn't blow bubbles. My dad and sister got a kick when I told them that I had thought they blew bubbles. But they are beautiful and add a certain look to our tree. While the top is bent a little, because it's just a tad too tall, it's still our tree with the garland, lights, mulicolored and white, and the various ornaments that we've collected over the years. Even mine and my sister's personal collection are proudly displayed. The three snow globes that typically adorn the bottom of the tree, were joined by two newcomers this year. A set of penguins and white owls, my first snow globe.

The tree looks lovely with it's mismatched eclectic style but it's ours all the same. And my sister plans to get a bubble machine next year for the tree. I can't wait to see my family enjoy their gifts on Christmas, while I know the gifts that I've gotten I'm still happy to be able to spend the day with my sister and parents.

Hopefully, I'll have another journal or short story to share for you guys later this week. I kinda want to post little pieces throughout the next few weeks to make up for lack of posting this month.

-ADF

P.S. To those who don't know what bubble lights look like, here's a picture.

Wrap Up of NaNo

Hi everyone, so before I dive back into blog posts, I figured I would give you all the final run down of my NaNoWriMo story the stats.

Week Three Total Word Count: 45,061
Expected Word Count: 37,400

Week Four Total Word Count: 53,313
Expected Word Count: 49,300

50,000 Word Badge: Day 25 with 50,146

November 30th (Last Day of NaNo)
Expected Word Count: 52,700
Total Word Count: 55,509
Hand Written Words: 1,160

As you may or may not know, this was my fifth attempt at NaNo. My fourth consecutive attempt, and the first one that I 'Won'. I'm still not done with my story, I am still working on it, but I'm not pushing myself as I did last month.

This NaNo was the best one for me and I think it was because I actually attended write-ins within my Home Region. I met people, who like me are trying to cram a 50k book out. I made some new friends and I'm excited for next years NaNo. I hopefully will be going back to my first and second NaNo stories.

I did still keep up with my nightly journals, and I didn't count words towards the final word count. Maybe one day I'll count my journal words and tell you what my actual end of the month word total was. But for now I am leisurely working on my story.

See you all later in the month with some Christmas themed pieces.
-ADF

NaNoWriMo Week 1, 2, & 3

Hey everyone, we're officially three weeks into NaNoWriMo. I'm just going to go over some of my stats with you.

The daily goal NaNoWriMo recommends to hit the 50k in 30 days is 1,667 words. My daily goal is 1.7k or 1,700 words.

Day One total words: 3009

Week One Total word count: 16,785
Expected Week One Goal: 13,600

5,000 Word Badge: Day 3 with 6,895

10,000 Word Badge: Day 5 with 12,302

25,00 Word Badge: Day 11 with 25,739

40,000 Word Badge: Day 18 with 40,047

Write-Ins I've attended in person: 4
Virtual Write-Ins: Most of them if not all

Week Two Total word count: 33,005
Expected Week Two Goal: 25,500

Week Three Total word count: ??
Expected Week Three Goal: 37,400

Overall assessment so far: I think I can actually hit the 50k before the end of the month. I have had a busy week last week. And it will be busy through until the Monday after Thanksgiving, but I know that I can write everyday even if it's only a handful of hundred words, here and there. I'll post another update some time next week.

-ADF

What Have I Been Up To Lately? (Update)

Hola everyone, this past week has been a really weird one. There was a family emergency that has caused some things to back up on me. But like always, we're pulling through the mess with as much grace and love that we can. I won't specify on the emergency right now, there may be a later blog post.

Today I want to give you some updates:

• Inktober: As some of you know I decided to do Inktober this year, in hopes of getting back into drawing and art. I'm a few days behind but I do plan to draw/ink a few things today. I was able to do Mermay everyday back in May but this month is a little different.
• NaNoWriMo: Yes, I will be doing NaNo again this year. This is my fourth consecutive year of making the attempt to write 50k words in one month. Will I finish? I have no clue but I do have a story that it just waiting to be written.
• Nightly Journals: As you may/may not know, I nightly journal. It's really a brain dump to just write whatever story I want at night before I go to bed. It has become a night time ritual for me, and I plan to continue to do this during Nano. I didn't do it last year, but I am making the attempt this year. These words could end up in my final word tally, it just depends on how far behind (desperate) I am.
• ADF-Writes: I will try to post updates but these may be sporadic to non-existent. I can't make any promises. Since I decided to just post whenever I could here, it will be the same during NaNo. I want to update at least once, so be on the look out for it.

I think that is everything, I will post another update. See you on the flip side. 

-ADF

Halloween Movies (List)

Halloween is my favorite holiday, for so many reasons. I'll give you a few reasons. Halloween is the day that my parents got engaged, so it holds a special place in my parents' heart for that reason. Two, Halloween is the day before Dia de las Muertos (Day of the Dead), a two day holiday that is celebrated in the Spanish community to remember our loved ones and party with them. Three, Halloween and Dia de las Muertos are the days where the spiritual world is closest to our ours and they can mingle with us mere mortals. But for my family October is the start of our month long Halloween movie marathon.

Whenever we aren't watching our weekly TV shows we can be found watching some sort of movie. We have tons of VHS tapes full of Disney Channel Halloween movies, some are more memorable than others but we still watch them every year. I'm going to share some of my all time favorite Halloween movies, top five for sure. If you want more please leave a comment.

First on the list is Halloweentown, the first movie. This has been apart of my life for twenty years now, I can't believe that it's been twenty years since the first movie came out. Marnie was a character that I could relate to, despite being only four years old. Marnie's decision to go to Halloweentown after her grandma, was something that I enjoyed. These movies hold a special place in my heart for the fact that it is a beautiful story of family and being yourself. 'Being normal is vastly overrated'

Next up is Teen Witch, this movie isn't quite a Halloween movie but witches fall in the category of Halloween. I first saw this movie on TV in the 90's, I can't remember the channel since I was a tater tot. The opening sequence of this movie has haunted me for years.

I could never remember the name of the movie. Just this sequence has haunted my dreams and thoughts for years. My sister and I speculated the movie for years, we were never sure the name of the movie. But we did find the movie, my sister found it for me one day when my parents, sister, and I were at a local pawn shop. That feeling I got when we put this movie in the DVD player and saw this opening sequence was amazing. I had finally found the movie that had captured my heart when I was a little kid.

Oh this is tough numbering my favorite Halloween movies. The next one on this list is It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. I have been watching this Halloween special every year since I was a kid. It is a Halloween tradition, in our household and I never, ever miss it. 'I got a rock' is so classic and poor Sally. She misses all of the tricks and treats of the night. But Lucy, we see a different side of Lucy in this special.

Number four on this would have to be Don't Look Under the Bed. This is classic Disney channel, the boogyman under your bed isn't what you think it is. This movie was full of so many unexpected twists and turns, I loved Frances and Larry's interaction with one another. The idea of being in high school and seeing your little brother's imaginary friend was interesting. As a kid this movie freaked me out but I still enjoyed the movie a lot.

Some honorable mentions for this list: Nightmare Before Christmas, Coco, Book of Life, Pooh's Heffalump Halloween,The Haunted Mansion, Scream Team, and Tower of Terror. If you want to know my thoughts on these Halloween movies, let me know.

And the moment of truth,'It's just a bunch of Hocus Pocus!'

Hocus Pocus is number five on this list. Every Halloween without fail this movie gets pulled out to be watched. Sometimes it gets pulled out sooner, just because our family wants the Halloween vibes early. The Sanderson sisters are creepy as hell. Thackery was the character that I always felt sorry for because he was cursed to live an immortal life. As you watch this film more and more, little things pop out and lead you to learn more and more about the Sanderson sisters, Thackery, and Billy. This is one movie that we watch at least twice every Halloween, and it's the 25th anniversary of Hocus Pocus. This movie has been around the same amount of time as my parents have been married.

See you all next blog post
-ADF

My Failed OC's

Okay, so back when I started this blog, I shared two of my failed stories. Story ideas that I had hit a road block on that I didn’t/couldn’t continue. I want to go back to that idea but with my OC’s in relation to fanfiction. I’ve shared many of my OC’s, who exist in various universes, I’m pretty sure I have one in just about every universe at this point… Today I want to share some of my failed OC’s or pairings. I’ll do my best to explain why each one failed, and where along the way.

Amelia Carter x Scott Summers: Amy is my frequent Marvel and DC OC. She has multiple ships and ‘verses within the realms of the Marvel and DC universes’. So, all pieces that I’ve ever written of Amy and Scott (Cyclops) whether she be mutant, inhuman, or human never work. There are only a few pieces of Amy and Scott that I have successfully written. Most of them, involve, Scott being cold and rude. Or Amy is getting injured or dying. This has happened in almost every Amy Scott piece. For whatever reason, Amy and Scott are not compatible, which is fine. It led to the creation of Ella, who is happy with Scott (sometimes Scott and Jean)…

Lyra Knight x Rex Racer: Honestly, this one was doomed from the start… This version of Rex Racer is based off the 2008 movie, that many people said was horrible. I didn’t think it was too bad, not as great as the original anime show but not horrible. Lyra and Rex were dating back when they were older teenagers/ young adults. Before Rex faked his own death and left Racer Motorsports, Lyra became pregnant with Ava.

Lyra never got the chance to tell Rex, since he supposedly died. And while, there is a huge part of me that desperately wants Lyra and Rex to be a couple, it won’t happen. When Lyra meets Racer X face to face, she knows or suspects like Speed that he is Rex Racer, she doesn’t fall for the facade that he’s giving the family. But it has been nine years, a lot can and has happened to the pair of them in that time. Rex now lives in the identity of Racer X. While, Lyra struggles to raise her child on her own. They can never be together, simply based on the fact that Rex works with the CIB and he has a thing with Minx. A part of his heart will always belong to Lyra, and he will do anything to protect his daughter when she joins the racing world at sixteen, he won’t ever get to be with his childhood sweetheart and first love.

Ava Oliver x Troy Burrows: Ava Oliver is an OC that is set in an AU of Power Rangers. She is the younger sister of Claire Oliver, my OC who is paired with Hunter Bradley. Ava is the white Megaforce Ranger, she lives in Angel Grove with her Aunt Ashley and Uncle Andros (Yellow and Red in Space Rangers) and attends Hardgrove County High with her friends. This relationship is one that just fizzles out. Ava and Troy realize that they are better off as friends, this relationship holds a special place in their hearts as it’s their first relationship.

The blame for the fallout of this relationship lies with their Ranger duties getting away. They don’t get the time they need to just be Troy and Ava. They remain good friends after the ending of their relationship. Troy is the first person who learns about Ava’s acceptance to Amber Beach University for college. Plus, he is the one who encourages her to apply for the internship at the museum, which leads Ava into becoming the White Dino Charge Ranger. (Which is a story in and of itself that I want to write and share at a later date.)

-fin

Hi everyone, sorry I've been MIA for almost two weeks. I meant to post this last week, but I was busy with a lot of other things. Life and I got a new computer, super excited to start working on new video projects.

Everything Ends (PR)

"Troy," Ava sighed, her eyes filled with sadness as she met her boyfriend's blue-gray gaze.

"I know, Ave," he said as he gave her hand a squeeze. His left arm snaked its way around her shoulder. The brown haired teen held her close.

Ava closed her eyes to hide the tears, she buried her face in Troy's shoulder. Sadness and grief clouded the duo heavily as they stood on the beach. Together, they stood side by side and mourned the end of their relationship.

-fin

This will ficlet is actually an intro into a later post. I'm hoping to have it up later this week.

Osita's Introduction (Zorro)

Cautiously, she crouched down and offered the white beast in front of her the vegetables from her basket. As the little lamb approached to accept the carrots, Artemia Noche gently and calmly ran her fingers through the soft white fur.

"Estas muy bonita," the young senorita cooed to the baby next to her. You are very pretty.

"Not as lovely as you," a familiar voice commented from just behind the petite female.

With wide eyes, Artemia look over her shoulder, her golden eyes locked onto the dark brown eyes of one young don. "Was that meant to be a compliment, Don Diego?" the fifteen year old asked the eighteen year old man who stood a few feet from her.

A fond smile grew on the de la Vega don's lips. "For you, Senorita Artemia, always," he answered with an exaggerated bow.

Soft giggles fell from fifteen year old's lips, her shoulders shook at Diego's words. A soft bleeting joined Artemia's laughter, with wide eyes both don and senorita looked at the lamb. The white furred baby kept bleeting as if Diego's words had been funny.

"Who is this little one?" Diego asked as he stepped closer to get a better look at the little lamb. He bent down next to Artemia, silently he met her gaze as he held a hand out.

As she read the silent request, Artemia nodded. Her eyes flicked over the lamb who's eyes widened at the sight of don Diego. Gently, he petted the soft fur of the young lamb.

A few moments passed before Artemia answered, "Her name is Osita." Golden eyes hardened as she met Diego's gaze with a defiant stare. Silently, she dared him to object to the name of her beloved pet.

"Little bear," he murmured softly as he caressed the young-ling just behind her ear. A grin broke across his lips as he looked from Osita to Artemia. "It fits her well, Artemia."

A soft smile grew on Artemia's face. "Gracias, Diego. Manolo spent an hour laughing when he heard her name. Even now, whenever he sees her with me, he will burst into peals of laughter."

Diego frowned, his brows furrowed as he heard his amor's words. Gently, he cupped her cheek, making the little senorita meet his gaze. "Te amo, Artemia," he softly whispered as he leaned close. Softly, with a feather light tough, Diego pressed a kiss to his love's pink full lips.

The little lamb, who was comfortably in front of Artemia Noche and Diego de la Vega, bahhed, in a demanding tone.

The pair broke apart to look at Osita, who stopped crying when two sets of eyes turned to look at her.

"Oh, Osita," Artemia sighed as she shook her head. Some of her dark hair fell from the bun at the nape of her neck.

-fin

Well, I did warn you all that I would be creating an OC for Zorro. Here we are, say Hola to Artemia Noche, the significant other of Diego de la Vega, before he left to Spain for school. I am excited to share these pieces with you all. Zorro has been apart of my life for a very long time, and when I recently found the episodes on YT... Well, I knew I wanted to create a character for this world. This is based on the 1957 Walt Disney Zorro, staring Guy Williams (the things that man as Diego de la Vega does to my heart), I have written a few pieces based off of episodes but they're snippits, not whole episodes.

These pieces will incorporate English and Spanish, as this was set in California in 1820. I am excited to be able to write bilingual pieces, I will translate things with italics but if I think it's simple then I won't.