Karelynn A. Spacek : Spinner of Tales

   The Art of Illustration      Illustrating images has been a way of communication for thousands of years with the earliest examples discovered in Lascaux, France, where cave paintings were determined to be circa 15,000 B.C. In ancient civilizations such as those of Greece and Italy, art became a major way of life and was used to honor their gods. And let's not forget ancient Egypt where hieroglyphics were used to communicate history, ruling pharaohs and their practices.       "In the Middle Ages, narrative pictorials appeared in illuminated manuscript." During this time, recording religious writings was the main reason for creating detailed images. Of course from there, with the invention of different printing techniques came new ways of displaying images and text for consumer viewing. Then came the profession of being an illustrator. The profession took hold during the 1800s when artists would create small prints to be sold in stalls or small streets shops.  Source: h

 History of The Haiku      For those who are unfamiliar, the Haiku poem is a three line piece with a pattern of 5 syllables, 7 syllables, and then 5 syllables. These poems usually don't rhyme and appear incomplete. This style of writing emerged sometime during the 17th century and one of the more well known poets of the art was Basho (1644-1694). Source: https://iaforhaikuaward.org/what-is-a-haiku/ US State Poems Part 1 Kansas   Tractors plow the fields Golden wheat towering high Yellow blooms shine bright  Missouri An arch rises up, Flourishing by the water. Rivers flow deep blue California Glitz and glamour tempt. A promise of sunshine pulls You under its spell. New York Remember the past Searching for a better life Patriots gather

  Kimonos   A Brief History     The donning of what we think of as the traditional kimono, began over a thousand years ago during the Heian Period. (784-1185 A.D.). Although today, this garb is rarely seen in every day wear, yet during more formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, and tea ceremonies, these ornate garments are worn. At first the kimono was worn with Chinese influenced Hakama pants. These partially pleated pant like skirts were pulled over the kimono to keep it closed. Later during the period, that changed, and so the Obi was created to take its place. An Obi was a lengthy fabric belt that was wrapped around the wearer to keep the kimono closed. Different manners of styling the Obi tails came into style as well.     During the Kamakura period (1185-1333 A.D.), the kimono was part of everyday wear, and adding multiple layers beneath the main one developed as well. This came into importance because certain color combinations could be worn together to represent a famil

 Losing a Parent     You always think that you have more time, but life doesn't care sometimes. One minute you have them and the next, they're gone. I am just one of many that has lost a parent unexpectedly; doesn't mean that my story is any less important.     My mom, according to my dad had been having trouble walking, and that she had fallen a couple times. Now if you knew my mom like I did, I can guarantee that even if in pain, she was prideful and didn't want help. She grew up in a rough household and had to be strong to make it into adulthood. Her father was abusive towards my grandmother, and sometimes claimed that my mom wasn't even his kid. I remember a story my mom told me about how he was choking her, and my mom ran out of the house and stayed away for several hours. So ever since then, my mom became super independent, sometimes stubborn. I can relate, I too can be stubborn when it comes to asking for help. After the third fall, my dad finally convinced h

     Reaching For The Stars            Over the years, astrology has been an on again off again interest that has captured my attention. To think that the stars can play a big role in predicting events has always had a mystical quality that I have been drawn to. I do admit that the determined qualities for my sign are pretty darn accurate. Read on below to see how you match up with you astrological sign. Astrological Signs / Personalities  Aries MARCH 21 - APRIL 19 Strengths: courageous, determined, confident, enthusiastic, optimistic, honest, passionate Weaknesses: impatient, moody, short-tempered, impulsive, aggressive Taurus APRIL 20 - MAY 20 Strengths: reliable, patient, practical, devoted, responsible, stable Weaknesses: stubborn, possessive, uncompromising Gemini MAY 21 - JUNE 20 Strengths: gentle, affectionate, curious, adaptable, ability to learn quickly and exchange ideas Weaknesses: nervous, inconsistent, indecisive Cancer JUNE 21 - JULY 22 Strengths: tenacious, highly

 The Necklace       This wasn't how I anticipated spending a rainy Sunday. My grandmother's attic was in need of a thorough cleaning, so guess who got roped into helping? Thick layers of dust and cobwebs clung to numerous stacks of cardboard boxes, left in neglect over the years. These were her "treasures" as she liked to call them. Memories and trinkets from the past held great value to her.     Unexpected storms rolled in, making my scheduled outdoor activities moot. I hope Mrs. Winfield wasn't too upset with the turn of events. She was an elderly neighbor, whom I had promised to help with weeding her small backyard garden. The torrential downpour pretty much eliminated that possibility. A concerned phone call confirmed as much.     I donned a pair of ratty sweatpants, a paint-stained tee shirt, and rubber gloves before opening the first box. A cracked window allowed for a light breeze to circulate through the space. The clean scent was a  welcome addition to fi

  Types of Chocolate Unsweetened Chocolate (sometimes known as baking chocolate) contains 100% cacao and 0% sugar. It’s held together by cocoa butter. Most people find unsweetened chocolate too bitter to eat as is, but it is often used in baking. Cocoa Powder also contains 100% cacao and 0% sugar, but is missing the cocoa butter to keep it together. Cocoa powder is only used in baking and should not be confused with hot chocolate mix, unless you enjoy really bitter beverages.    Dark Chocolate is chocolate that contains over 70% cacao. Not all 70% chocolates will have the same flavors or bitterness since the provenance of the cacao bean can radically alter the flavor, but all will contain the same amount of cacao to sugar ratio. Bittersweet Chocolate is chocolate that contains around 70% cacao and 30% sugar. Nowadays this chocolate is more often used in baking than the traditional unsweetened chocolate. In Europe, bittersweet chocolate is simply known as dar

 The Hike By Karelynn A . Spacek      Flapping wings. A stray owl swooped in and out of the treetops, beating a frenzied rhythm. Spooked by my presence, it took off in alarm. I continued down the trail. Camp was another mile or so back through the thick foliage.     I could have gone to a spa or the beach, you know, typical vacation destinations designed for relieving stress. Having never been typical, seclusion was what I most desired. While the other choices held allure, the woods were calling my name.     After being dumped by my long term boyfriend, I wanted to escape from reality, even if it was just for a little while. The sting of betrayal left an unsettling feeling, a deep ache that needed to be healed.The forest opened up, my light blue tent awaiting my return from the stream.     A floral aroma from the surrounding wildflowers tickled my nose. It was like having your own personal candle without the dangers of an open flame. Their effect was immediate. My head felt clearer, de

Cats As Pets Basic Facts: Lifespan is generally 2-16 years at least Scientific name - Felis Catus Average body temperature - 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Daily sleep amount is about 12-16 hours Adult cats have an average of 244 bones Gestation period is 58- 67 days Fun Facts: Cats can jump 5x their height The record for longest cat is 48.5 inches Genetically, a house cat is 95.6 percent tiger Cats can dream Cats have a special organ that allows them taste scents in the air  An ailurophile is a person that loves cats The Cat Owning Writer Ever since I was a child, cats have been a part of my life. They may be aloof at times, but I couldn't ask for a better companion. Owning a cat is no different than owning a dog in one respect, it's a long term commitment, so be prepared for many years of furry affection. On the aspect of a cat's attitude, I find them to have a more independent streak than other pets. They usually don't come begging to be fed, it is expected of you. Of course,

  Writing Prompt # 2 - Japan Haiku Poems   This week's writing prompt highlights a country known for its tranquil beauty, and colorful pop culture scene. It is a  land of temples, and brightly patterned kimonos. Welcome to Japan. I have come up with three Haiku poems that describe different elements of this country. Enjoy, and leave feedback.  Basic Facts: Population: 126.5 Million Currency: Yen Language: Japanese Capital: Tokyo Main Islands: Hokkaido , Honshu , Shikoku , Kyushu , and Okinawa Climate: Varies from north to south, divided into 6 main climate regions Leader: Prime Minister, with a emperor in a ceremonial role  Geography: Prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. 73% of Japan is forested.    Orchids bloom, soft pink A fiery peak sleeps in snow Pops of color shine   Rumbling ground, watch out Pillars of water rain down Sparks fly, the earth screams Tranquil, a beauty Stone temples, blooming gardens Petals dance mid air   Copyright 2020 - Karelynn A Spacek

  Have you ever reached your final destination and regretted not packing something? I know I have. Little details that you didn't think were important can become contributing factors to a less than stellar experience. Check out my top 4 packing tips. No matter the location, always have a pair of sensible shoes handy. Whether utilizing taxis, buses, or trains, comfort is key. The wrong pair of shoes could lead to some sore feet or even a blister, and no one wants to be in pain. If you're like me, and dont want to blow all of your money on take-out, I like to frequent local grocers for nutrisional provisions I can prepare in the hotel room. For this reason, I like to pack a set of portable utensils. Now more than ever, cleanliness and sanitation is essential for any traveler. Comfortable and breathable masks are a must, as well as packable bottles of hand sanitizer. Use it for day to day excursions, or for an unexpected mess. Put those germs in their place. Before traveling, espe

  A Risky Proposal       "We could get in so much trouble for this Evan." I whispered.     "No one will even notice, as long as we don't act suspicious." His hand trailed across my cheek to rest at my waist.     "I want to believe that, but you know how our co-workers like to gossip. One slip-up and we'll be screwed. None of them could keep a secret to save their own lives." I wanted to believe that none of them would hurt us on purpose, but I wasn't 100% sure.     "I have spent too much time regretting not asking you out sooner; I won't let anyone stand in the way of our happiness. Now that I have you, I don't want to let you go."     "Neither do I. All those months I longed for your touch were maddening."     "My track record with dating someone I work with hasn't gotten me the best attention here, so I was hesitant, despite how much I was attracted to you."     "Well I'm glad your decided I

 Writing Updates 1 new chapter written for "Threads of Blood and Silk" (Stone Wielder's Legacy 2) 60 more pages to edit, and I will finish my latest corrections for "Queen of Swords" Received PW magazine with my booklife.com review   The Book Reading & Editing Writer   When writing becomes a chore, I step away and catch up on my reading. Normally reserved for my breaks at work, I set aside time at home to immerse myself in another novel from my "To Read" pile. I just finished "The Muse" by Jessie Burton. If you like history, art, and mystery, then this story is for you. Next up for me will probably be another Eve Duncan book by Iris Johansen.   Check out my review here:  Review of The Muse Editing for me takes your full attention and dedication, especially if you are going to do it yourself. Before getting started, you need to keep open mind, and not let personal feeling get in the way. I know with the first couple read-throughs, I didn&

What better way to understand an author's work, than by looking at what makes a writer tick. In this case, myself. I'll call this an introspective account of what it means to me to be an author. You will find questions and discussion related to my background as a writer and as a person. Enjoy. Karelynn A. Spacek Basic Facts Age: 33 Hair: brown Eyes: green Height: 5'6'' Hobbies: writing, gardening, walking, cooking, illustrating, sewing, and collecting Japanese Kimonos Pets: 3 cats named Wallace, Darwin, and Kamiko Questions What inspired you to be a writer, and what inspires your writing? - My mom is the primary reason that I write. She herself was a writer and reader of murder mysteries, and almost had one of her novels published. Sadly the company went bankrupt shortly after taking her on as a client. You could say that I am picking up where she left off. Now as to topics that inspire and influence my writing, I turn to myths and legends as well as global folklore

Week In Review Books In Progress Title - T--- of B--- and S---, Stone Wielder's Legacy Book 2 Pages - 134 Word Count - 28,685 Title - A V--- I-- W---, Novel based on Slavic folklore Pages - 46 Words - 7962 No new progress this week, but I have been re-edited my novel Queen of Swords and will do a re-release in the upcoming future. I am on chapter 24, with 12 more to go. I should have done a better ob the first time around, but I guess I let the excitement get to me. Random Line To Celebrate the re-editing of Queen of Swords, here's a line from chapter 24: "Her heavily schooled features softened, finally succumbing to my brazen prodding. She had foreseen this outcome." Book Title Drop   I will post the full titles of my 2 works in progress on Tuesday August 4th. The titles will be revealed on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram. The Sage Burning Writer You may think that only witches burn sage, but you're wrong. There are many benefits to using the herb in yo

There is an exciting event that is going on right now, and will be for the next month. Head on over to Facebook or this link to learn more. It is a digital book fair that is being put on by author C. L Cannon. Genres : Fantasy and Sci- Fi Time : July 28th - August 30th https://clcannon.net/bookfair/?fbclid=IwAR1wO-h0t28ioA70wBnV3nTpEDGY0LK043cJK8Kc0incA6-JW-T2aG9mvGE

Queen Of Swords - Character Highlight Alexandra Nealy (aka Alex) Alex appears in the second half of Queen of Swords, and is presented as a woman whose past wounds still haunt her on some level. During a case while still an active FBI Profiler, she goes head to head with a serial killer and has to endure time alone with him. To say the least, she still holds on to the feat associated with what she went through. In Alex's mind, to completely forget about her past would undermine her survival. To overcome this trauma, Alex finds other, more tranquil ways of normalizing her life. Let's get back to some basics. Alex is the oldest child of Harold and Melina Nealy. Harold is of British origins while her mother Melina is of Greek origins. Mix the two together and we get a lightly tanned skinned woman with light green eyes and medium brown hair with coppery gold highlights. She takes more after her mother in the looks department. Alex has a younger sister named Erika, whom is more on th

Books In Progress Title - T--- of B--- and S---, Stone Wielder's Legacy Book 2 Pages - 134 Word Count - 28,685 Title - A V--- I-- W---, Novel based on Slavic folklore Pages - 46 Words - 7962 Most progress - Slavic Folklore novel with 12 pages and +2301 words. Book Teasers Random Line Drop Slavic Folklore Novel "I felt the blade slice through my back as I took one last look at my daughter. She was alive, and that was all that mattered. " Page 17 Title Drops The Tea Drinking Writer As a writer, I am always looking for the simple pleasures in life that compliment my desire to sit in front of a computer for hours at a time. Making myself a cup of tea has become one of them. For the longest time, I detested tea, and refused to try any, but now, I can't see myself not drinking it. Sure I still like the occasional cup of coffee; it's just not the same as patiently waiting for your tea to reach the perfect taste potency. My new found love of tea began a couple month