Story Saturdays

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Thrilling Thursdays - Poem of the Month

The Moor (Written as Said)

by Camilla Patterson

Loik aught athort th' moor,

Betwix th' Laurel Heights,

Where lil' lasses play,

An' lads remorse tha're plight.

Where t'was th' animals reigned,

An' roamed arund so free.

When a'last they came ta' rest

'Derneath th' sycamore tree.

At nights ye're verra tired,

But, canna get ta' sleep,

Fer yer mind aught filled with playin'

Amung th' willows weep.

Claud sailors sail from afar,

Amung th' sea o' green.

Which is splauttered in pinks an' yellow

An' small broun crunchin' leaves.

Ye canna call 'em brigands,

Fer tha's nay what thee're cauld.

Yet, long ago, just once they were,

In the days o' auld.

An' now th' lads an' lasses,

With swords made o' wood,

call out among th' reeds,

Loiking fer Robin Hood.

A red fox acomes creepin' by, 

Loiking fer his food.

Dinna know what lurks ahin,

Amung in th' foul wood.

A hunta' loies in waitin' 

Sittin' on oppu'tunity's door.

Yet, methinks he just likes

Th' silence o' th' moor.

Th' wind behoind me back, 

Th' breeze upon me face,

An' I stand upon th' moor,

'Membran when me visited th' Thrace.

Th' sky with sun a-setting,

Th' scene painted ableize,

T'was a braw sight to behold,

An' left me quite bumbaze.

O, moor, ne'er forget me,

Ne'er me an' mine,

Fer a day'll come

Whence ye'll hear me fechted cry.

Calling aught amung the reeds,

A dagga' in me 'and.

An' I shall slay tha' dragon,

which 'aunts th' magic moorland.

Story Saturdays - Poem of the Month

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

There is a place where the sidewalk ends

And before the street begins,

And there the grass grows soft and white,

And there the sun burns crimson bright,

And there the moon-bird rests from his flight

To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black

And the dark street winds and bends.

Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow

We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,

And watch where the chalk-white arrows go

To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,

And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,

For the children, they mark, and the children, they know

The place where the sidewalk ends.

Thrilling Thursdays - Absolute Truth Regarding Ethics (Summarized)

The Theoretical Existence of Absolute Morals: Is the Theory Really a Theory?

by Hadassah Lairmore on September 25, 2014

There have been many debates on the existence of absolute truth - whether truth is relative to each person or if there is an absolute truth that is the foundation of ethics and morals and basic right and wrong. However one would like to argue, there are some undeniable facts regarding the existence of said truth.

Absolute Truth, in its most fundamental definition is an “inflexible reality: fixed, invariable, unalterable facts”, according to Google’s Merriam-Webster definition. For instance, it is an undeniable, unchangeable, fixed fact that there are absolutely no corners in circles and there are absolutely no rounded edges on rectangles. Thus, in stating this, the existence of Absolute Truth must be positive. Yet, what does one base the absolute truth on? This is where falsifiability comes into play. Almost. Falsifiability, the “logical possibility that an assertion could be shown false by a particular observation or physical experiment” (Princeton) must have an absolute truth to be declared falsifiable. If there was no absolute truth, nothing would be false, nothing would have the ability to be determined falsifiable. This statement releases a massive wave of If-Then conclusions, such as if there is no absolute truth, then there can be no morals. If there are no morals, then there can be no such thing as ethics. This is because ethics are moral principles that govern a person’s behavior. If there are no ethics - no morals or truth, then there are no principles. If there are no principles, there can be no laws. If there are no laws, then there are no punishments or rewards. If there are no punishments or rewards, there can be no God or evil or even good.

If there was no absolute truth, everything would be relative and nothing would be measurable.

In an article found in The Master’s Seminary Journal, written by Professor of Theology Larry Pettegrew, Pettegrew says, in his introduction to the topic of absolute truth, “...post - modernists believe that there is no absolute truth. Truth is constructed, not revealed or discovered, and it is peculiar to each society”. In the modern-day world, this is true. People do not live by the same standard of moral ethics as one another. They believe each moral dilemma is subjected to the person affiliated with the dilemma. This statement begs the question: “Is this true?” Is there only one-size-fits-all ethical standard, or is each person under their own discretion regarding right and wrong? The answer to that question is ‘yes’. Yes, there are some cases where each person is subjected to their own discretion, but their discretion must be based upon something foundational, does it not? According to Pettegrew’s research, the belief that truth and ethics is subjective is the belief of the populous. When one confers with the Barna polls, they find that “66% percent of Americans believe that ‘there is no such thing as absolute truth.’ ” Of this 66%, 72% of young adults do not believe absolutes exist. “Even worse, however, is the fact that 53% of those who call themselves evangelical Christians believe that there are no absolutes. This would mean that about half of those say that they believe in salvation through Jesus Christ, and who might be able to sign a doctrinal statement proclaiming the inerrancy of Scripture, do not believe in absolute truth,” states Pettegrew. And herein lies our problem - the utter denial of an absolute right and wrong in ethics. Let us look at an example of an absolute. Stalin, debatably one of the greatest (or worst) and most feared leaders of history commits genocide. He kills millions of people and he does so with no regret, no remorse. He leads with an iron fist and does not take ‘no’ as an adequate answer. Now, one could look at this situation and say, “Indeed, he was a fierce leader.” That statement, however, would be rare, and if ever spoken, completely disregarded, unless a heated debate ensued arguing the falsity of such a ludicrious statement. Why? Simply put, because his actions completely defy that moral code. What moral code? The one set upon us by a higher authority. Logically, one cannot create their own moral code because, in doing so, they would be above such a moral code, thus resulting in the moral code being null and void. There would be no reason for having a moral code if one could not follow it. Therefore, there must be some higher power who is exempt from this moral code because they meet the criteria to be allowed to create a moral code: they are perfect.

What is it that tells us murder or genocide is wrong? “You shall not kill.” (Exodus, 1440 b.c.) , correct? From where does this statement originate? Not our laws. Our laws were based upon something before us. Same with the laws prior to ours. If one were to trace the morals to the beginning of time, one would find a statement where “You shall not kill” became a moral conduct.  The first recorded instance of this statement being put into practice as a moral law can be found in Exodus 20 verse 13, written by Moses. Since then, we have accepted that as a truth: murder is wrong. Why? Because, like all good scholars, we have tested the validity of the source of such a statement and found it firm.

These conclusions lead us to the ultimate theory - the Bible is an accurate, and truthful, measure of ethics. One could even venture as far as to say that the existence of a God is probable, even most likely. Therefore, the conclusion to be drawn is the following: there is an absolute right and wrong, regardless of who you are and what your beliefs are. Everyone, one day, will be judged by the same measure of morals, those morals stemming from an absolute truth and an undeniable, foundational ethics.

There is an absolute right and wrong, and that right and wrong produces ethics.

First Book!!!

   It's back to school and things are going crazy!
   First off, a shout out to all you who have been following me and will get bored enough to click on my page. Thank you!
    Thank you to all who have been so patiently awaiting the arrival of The Playbook! It is officially out in stores and you can get it on eBook, Hardback, or Paperback. There's even a sample of my book for free on Smashwords! Check it out! 
     Go to my STORE link and click on the version of my book you want and it will send you to the link so you can buy it. I need all the support I can get. The more books I sell, the more books I can publish, so it's up to you guys!
     Second, I am officially making Story Saturdays - my ratings and promos of my books, or books by authors I love - habitual, rather than random, as well as Thoughtful Thursdays - a biblical thought for the day - and Monday Madness - stupid, funny, or just plain dumb things I found on the internet. Stay posted! It will be rough at first, but I'm am going to try my hardest to get this to become consistent. Help keep me accountable by giving me shout-outs or commenting or emailing me so I don't forget I have viewers! :)
     Finally, Happy School Year and Happy Late Labor Day! I know it'll be rough, but we can get through it. Keep On Keeping On, guys! 

Story Saturdays

Summer!

     School has officially ended and everyone is running haywire trying to find something to do with their time. Or, you might be one of those who has too much planned for the summer. You'd love to switch places with the person who is utterly bored because they have plenty of time on their hands. Whoever you are, here are some book excerpts for you to enjoy for some of my WIP's that I'll be working on this summer, though I can't promise they'll come out this year, as I am currently in the process of finishing two books, writing four more, and beginning rough drafts for nine others.
     And more ideas are constantly popping in my head.
   
     First off, I'd like to reveal the final edit of my Atlas Cain cover. I hope to be editing the book by Christmas, but we'll see how my summer series is coming along by then.

Atlas Cain

             Suddenly, my thoughts are broken my the news streaming through.

“In other news, Jonathan Perez is under suspicion for the murder of seventeen-year-old Shelby Murdock. However, police are only keeping him overnight, due to the fact there is no solidarity evidence to incriminate Perez.”

I stare numbly at the screen as they show a picture of Shelby Murdock. She looks almost exactly like me.

I gasp as the realization hits. A realization I’d denied for as long as I could.

He was back for me.

“Police say to be on the watch for Perez. Police investigations are being held and they request the public report any suspicious findings immediately.”

I’m sucking in ragged breaths as I try not to pass out. Jonathan’s back. I never thought he’d be back. Never thought he’d find me. But, he is and he did.

Immediately, I’m off my bed and heading out to my car. Screw Atlas. I need that studio. And I need it now.

In minutes, I’m parking my car and pushing my way through the doors to the locker room.

I change.

I stretch.

Then I go looking for Atlas. I need a target. I need to punch and hit and do some major damage to someone's face.

He’s in his office on the phone, but hangs up when he sees me. I can tell he’s confused as to why I’m there, but I need something.

“I need you.”

And here are some books that will be being worked on over the summer and some excerpts from them:

The Perfect Now

"There are many things that test the validity of your beliefs. Likewise, there are a great many things that shape your beliefs, worldview, and structure or deplete your cognition. One of these things is the way you see happiness.

Happiness - a noun meaning ‘the state of being happy’, according to Google - greatly differs from Joy. Joy, also awarded the pleasure of being a noun, differs from Happiness in the way that it is the feeling of great pleasure and happiness, it isn’t the state of being happy. We have all felt Joy at least once in our lives, whether it was for a lengthy period of time, or simply a few moments.

I’ve had moments. I’ve grasped onto those moments with an iron grip, trying to make them last, afraid of letting them go. They never stay. They fade away like a leaf in the wind, reminding me of the void I’d felt, yet suppressed, during those few moments of Joy. I no longer want Joy. It leaves a craving inside of you that is unsated. I want Happiness. Miles of Happiness covering my life like cement on a paved road.

Everyone wants Happiness. “The pursuit of Happiness” is the emblem of the American Dream, everyone striving, fighting for the pursuit of happiness that the goal of finding happiness becomes muddled, tainted by the fight, until happiness is a dream and joy is a reality.

Little bits of Joy.

But I want an eternity of Happiness. A perfect now that I can enjoy, instead of simply a substantial future.

Because life is too short to be anything else."

And here's the first book in a dystopian trilogy I'm beginning which is the head-off of another dystopian trilogy my cousin and I are co-authoring.

Syndicate

"The government has symbols. The symbol represents who the United States are as a nation and what they stand for. Well, we have symbols too. Our symbols are close to the government's; to wear a foreign tat is considered treason. But, our symbols, well... they mean something entirely different.
Our symbols look like a modified version of theirs. Our meanings? Well, let's just say they're closer to rebellion than modification.
We do this to set ourselves apart. And, if we get caught, we can just say we're being 'creative'. Call it cowardice or whatever you want, but this is how we survive while we fight. We can't get caught. Not yet. All our memories, our security information, our lives are on the computerized ink which stains our wrist as a symbol.
There's only one person who does the symbols our way, so we know who's on our side. But someday, we won't know. The government will figure it out and our syndicate will be infiltrated. Someday, we won't know the good from the bad. And when that day comes...
Lord have mercy on our souls."

Story Saturdays

I'm so excited for the release of my new book! And I'm pretty sure the rest of you are tired of waiting. So, for being such good sports, I'll give you some teasers and more book suggestions you can read while you wait.

Cinderella in the Surf by Carly Sims

Kindle: $2.99

Rachel West loves the water. It feels like she's been surfing since before she could walk. But when a horrific accident ruins her love for the sport, she's not sure how to stay afloat. 

Walker Gracin is a southern guy on vacation for the summer when he meets Rachel, a pretty, broken ex-surfer, and he's determined to show her she can have a life free from the sea. 

But when Rachel's faced with an impossible choice -- get back on her surfboard or give up her dreams forever -- she risks losing everything she and Walker worked to build. 

Can Rachel overcome everything that wants to keep her down or will she sink under the pressure?

Blink of an Eye by Ted Dekker

Kindle: $7.99

The future changes in the blink of an eye . . . or does it?

Miriam is a Saudi princess promised to another, a pawn in a political struggle that could shift the balance of power in the Middle East.

Seth is a certified genius with a head full of numbers, a life full of baggage, and an attitude born on the waves of the Pacific.

Cultures collide when they find themselves thrown together as fugitives in a high-stakes chase across Southern California. A growing attraction and a search for answers fuel their fight to survive . . . but with no sleep and a massive manhunt steadily closing in, their chances of surviving any future are razor thin.

These are two wonderful books that I recommend you to read anytime you get the chance. Blink of an Eye is, hands down, one of my favorite books. I recommend these two authors anytime you get the chance. 

Along with these two novels, I also have an excerpt from a few more of my books. At this point, I just have story-lines, so, it will be awhile before they're out on e-book. The writing has begun, but, as I said, it will take some time. These books aren't intended for younger readers as the novels hold mature content and topics.

Remember Me

Flat.

Just like the earth was once believed to be shaped. Just like a failed souffle. And an opened soda. Flat like a deflation. Like a tire. Flat like someone without a depth of character. Flat like a line. A line you had to walk to remain standing if you didn’t want to fall into an abyss. Flat like a line. A line between life and death. A line which appeared in a cold, clean, pristine, hollow hospital room the instant someone you loved was no more.

Flat. Just like me.

I didn’t want to be flat. I wanted to be remembered, but I’d done nothing worth remembering. At least, nothing worth savoring. Oh, I’m sure I’d be remembered for things I would love to change, to forget. But, I knew I’d never be remembered the way everyone one wanted to be remembered. No, I’d be forgotten just as billions of others had been all because I was just me. Mistakes and all. I’d never done anything worth anything. And the day I died? Well, that was my biggest regret. Not dying, everyone has to die. I just regret dying forgotten.

No one should die forgotten.

The Regret Message

Aug. 26, 2014

Dear Lilly,

It’s a funny feeling when you finally accept things as they are. You still have this lingering, nagging doubt in your mind that the peace you feel won’t last. And maybe it won’t. But, I hope it does. Everything from the past two years has been tearing me up inside and I could use some peace right now.

Right about now, you’d probably feed me some psychological babble about how things are meant to be and and that crap. Whatever. I never did believe you when you said that anyway.

I miss you. I guess that’s a given as how I’m writing this letter to you. But I do. I miss the way you smile. The way you laugh. The way you always had my back and I always had yours. I miss the way you call me out on my junk. And, honestly, I just miss you. All of you.

I know I screwed up in the end and I regret that everyday. There are a lot of things I regret. I regret how stupid I was. That I didn’t listen to you. That I acted like I didn’t care. I did. Maybe that’s where I went wrong. I cared too much. But, they say you can’t care too much about someone.

There are some things that I don’t regret, however. The first day I met you. Our first kiss. Man, that was something, wasn’t it? (I guess you don’t have to agree, but I know you know it was).

So, I guess this is what I’ve become. A boy resigned to writing you bittersweet regret messages sent to you on a piece of recycled wood otherwise known as paper by the supreme populous.  

And that’s about as good as it gets, unfortunately.

Because you’re there, and I’m here, and all I’ve got is our memories.