So I totally apologize for going AWOL these past few weeks. Had to take care of some unexpected family biz, as in my middle school daughter having major anxiety attacks (no worries, got her permission to say this). She’s struggled with anxiety for a long time and usually keeps it under wraps pretty well but it decided to rear its ugly head as of late . . . it’s partly hormonal & partly b/c of the FCAT (our standardized testing in FL). Luckily, she’s getting better with counseling, lotsa prayers, deep breaths, a healthier diet and some remedies we found at our local natural foods market. I asked her if she had any advice for those reading who may be suffering anxiety attacks themselves and she said, “Start a God box!” This was her counselor’s idea. The idea is to take an empty shoebox and decorate it, leaving a tiny slot in the top. Then whatever you are worrying about, write it on a slip of paper and place it inside the box . . . a concrete symbol of giving it over to God.
Anyways, to my Kind, Artistic, Yammering, Loveable, Enthusiastic, Earnest daughter ( and yessssss, I did just spell out an acrostic poem of your name with adjectives b/c I’m cOOl like that), I dedicate this song to you . . . I hope you dance.
Now the other thing keeping me busy as of late is Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instrument series. I’ve read the first four, and can’t wait for book 5 due out in May.
City of Lost Souls
While I’m waiting I picked up the prequel, Clockwork Angel. Just finished that one tonight and ran out to Target to buy Clockwork Prince, the sequel to the prequel, lol. I’ve loved all of them and here’s why: it has everything I think a YA book should have in it:
- The Goal & Conflict is real to age group, but doesn’t feel YA. I’ve recommended it to many non-writing friends my age (30+) and they are devouring it just like me
- Dialogue! Dialogue! Dialogue! Especially between Clary and Jace (anyone else speed reading ahead to get to one of their scenes?)
- Clare’s nailed that elusive writer’s voice!
- Fabulous male and female protagonists as well as ‘sub’ characters
- Originality–I’ve never read anything like it before
- Setting–there are many of them across the series and I’m drawn into each one-they have emotional mood and tone
- There’s immediate conflict in each book but although the pacing is quick, it’s not too fast
- Even though it’s an urban fantasy series, it deals with stuff happening right now in the world of teens: high societies, sexual orientation confusion, fitting in, scandals, fighting (lots of that), death, bff relationships changing, romantic conflicts, lack of attention from parentals, ect . . .
Soooooooooo how about you? Have you read The Mortal Instruments series? If not, what are you waiting for? It’s not too late to read all of them before book 5 comes out (btw, 6 are planned for the series). Rumor on IMDb says they’ve already cast Clary and Jace for the movie!
Jamie Ayres 
I’m glad to hear that you’re back and that your daughter is feeling less anxious!
THank yOU!
Hi Jamie,
Thanks for the review! I’m sorry to hear about what your daughter is going through. I have also dealt with anxiety my whole life as have many of my family members. It sounds like she’s getting some great support through! You’re a good mom. 🙂
Sharon
Thanks, Sharon. Anxiety runs on my hubby’s side . . . so that plays into it also.
I don’t thing it waz cause of big CAT I got anxirty. I think it waz just School.
In general. Thank u for the acrosstic poem and video. I luv u! 😀
That was very clever indeed and very fitting. 🙂
You are such an awesome writer! The God Box…what a beautiful idea. Hugs to your daughter!
Great blog Jamie and I am glad you got Kaylee’s blessing to share with your followers what she is going through as others suffer from it as well. I love the God Box idea and think it is certainly something “she” can use as a tool. Since I have not read the series you are talking about my first question is….can I borrow yours? LOL
My bookshelf is always open to yoU:)
The video was very touching. I almost cried. A nice tribute to Kaylee.
Glad KK is feeling back to normal…whatever that means for a middle schooler anyway!!! Those are some tough years and I’m sure she is glad to have such a Co0L mama like you! Is this the book that Amy Carver said she just read and loved? thanks for the review…I def have to add to my list…now if I could ever find a few quiet minutes to read!!
You better make time, Kacia! You have a basket full of books:):):) I mean, how hard can it be with 3 kids 5 & under? LOL
makes me want to read it.
What a beautiful song. And Lee Ann’s voice is heavenly. Very nice dedication to your little one, Jamie. Raising little girls is such a wonderful challenge! Now that I’ve heard of these books from you a couple of times, they’re definitely on the list once I finish what I’m reading. Thanks 🙂
Let me know how you like them when you do:)
Thank you for the book recommendation!
I love the idea of the God box! When I think about it, my writing, and especially my journal, might be a way to deal with things I can’t understand. (Letting this percolate.)
It’s good to see you back! 🙂
I’ll have to post a pic of KK’s when she’s done decorationg hers:)I think I may make my own “happy box” and put like cards and other stuff to just look at when I have an awful day
I’ll have to check out that series. Hugs to Kaylee. 🙂
I’ve only read the first book in this series… should really get book 2 and keep reading…
Yes, the first was just okay, but then it gets reallllllllly gOOd, and I like the prequels even better!
I am one of those people you told about the book series and I LOVE it!!!!!!! I agree with everything you said and keep telling anyone who will listen about this series. I’m afraid to start book 4 because I read them so fast I’m afraid of it ENDING!! SO GOOD!
As for KK, love the God box idea! I just may use that myself. Prayers to you and your family. Glad God put you in my life 7 years ago. 🙂
You MUST read the prequels. . . just finished the 2nd one last night & they go really well together!!!
Hey welcome back! I think the box idea is wonderful. It’s amazing what prayer does for a person’s worries. I have not read Clare’s series yet but I’ve heard lots of good things about it. I’m gonna be taking some blogging time off just to catch up on reading. 🙂
I know what you mean, PK! It’s hard to keep up reading, writing & blogging! I wish I could just be a professional reader:)
Your poor daughter! No child should have to deal with anxiety! I love your review…Yes I’m totally a Cassandra Clare fan but I haven’t read this one or City of Fallen Angels yet. I know that I really need to ASAP!!!
Thank God there’s only two half days left in the school year:) Yessssssssss, you need to read them–book 5 was soooooooo gOOd!!!