Olive is still alive!

Hey guys! Olive here!!

First of all, let me apologize for both myself and Cossy, we've been super busy this school year. Let me elaborate. Cossy is enjoying herself by being part of her school newspaper! And I am not-so-much enjoying myself by working at a local movie theater, and I use the term local lightly.  The difference between these two amazing experiences? I get paid for mine, and Cossy gets her name (REAL MIND YOU) published in a *school* newspaper!

Personal, I'd rather have my name put in a newspaper!

Besides working and school, I've also been preparing myself for college next fall. And if that one sentence wasn't clear enough, I'm old guys. I've also been taking a photography class. (My first EVER!) I have some pictures that are worthy of your sight:

Not only have I been working *very little actually* on my photography but I'm preparing for NANOWRIMO. yay! Yep, it's November again (in a week!), and I'll be working towards that 50,000 words while working on my ACT and working at like my job. Both are majorly required of me. I mean I could quit working at the theater, but I kind of like it. Plus I get free movies. ;) Nevertheless, I will get 50k this year!

I'm also am going to be doing some self promotion here for a sec. Sorry not sorry. I mean I updated you guys, right? RIGHT??

I recently opened a photography shop, on the lovely etsy, and did some test prints! My first 3 buyers/testers are actually happy with my pictures, imagine that! But no one is actually buying anything. People have said, 'Oh I love that picture, I'd love to buy it' and then they don't. Which I don't really mind, but could you at least pretend to order!

Anyways. I'll leave the links after I show off a couple more pictures and then you guys can continue ignoring me. :)

Please keep in mind, that Cossy and I love you readers dearly. We miss blogging (well I do,) and we hope to be back up and running soon!
-Olive

LINKS -
blog
facebook
etsy

Update Nano

Hello everyone! Olive here.

I know you're all probably getting tired of hearing from me, you all are used to Cossy, but you'll get over it. :)
Today is a small post, considering the fact that I should be writing, but I'm not. This is pretty much going to be a small update for both Cossy and I, and how our Camp NaNo's are going so far.

Olive ~ word count: 3405 pages: 27 chapters: 5
            so far it's going. I think my characters bonded a little bit too soon, but it's workable. Finally figured out how fast I want it to move along, so it's actually going a tiny bit to slow for me, but it's at a pace where I don't feel like it's problem after problem, it's problem, time, problem, time, problem. At least, I think it is. 

Costello ~word count: i don't even know i'm not keeping track
            I've decided to not write anything this Camp. I tried, but it just wasn't working out. I'm working on rewriting and revising the novel I wrote back in November, which is slowly going. It needs a lot of TLC, but I think it'll turn out okay in the long run. I'm also using Scrivener, which is an incredible software and I like it a lot. You can download the free trial here, and if you participate in Camp this year and win, you get 50% off the software when you buy it, making it only $20! 

Write on, my friends, and happy Camp Nano!

-Olive and Cossy

P.S., we're almost at 4,000 page views! That's insane! Thank you to everyone, and make sure you spread the word! :)

Dark pictures for you.

Hi guys! Olive here again! Cossy has returned from a lovely vacation, but I'm giving her a couple more days to recover from sweet bliss.* I know you guys are missing her, mainly because I'm boring, but I think you can survive a couple more random posts. Today is short, but I have a couple images for you guys.

Now, before you guys start wondering, no that is not the sun set (or sun rise for that matter). In fact this was taken right before it stormed, and what you don't see is the top of a roof. I darkened this image, just for the purpose of showing off the tiny piece of sunlight that was left before the sky went dark.

This was taken in the full sun on an afternoon about 2pm. I darkened this as well, to showcase how BRIGHT the sky is, and how the trees indeed have a shadow. 

This was also darkened, and taken shortly after a summer rain. It was darkened VERY little, and only done so to bring out the color a little more, and make the rain drops a little more obvious.

I hope you guys enjoy these images! I sure enjoyed taking them, as always :)

Tune in this week for some special posts! 

~Olive

P.S. ~ thank you for the comment, I love hearing from you :)

*Cossy was feeling a little sick on the trip home, so she'll join us tomorrow or Monday with a special post.

Summer

Hello everyone, Olive here :)

So Cossy is away for a week of sweet bliss, and it is wonderful, I think. She gets to get away from everything for a short while, and sometimes we just need that moment. Luckily for me, I'll get my week too, only this August. So till then, you guys get to enjoy a couple days (which turns into weeks, months and years if we're lucky) of me actually blogging! Who knew it was possible?

Anyways, Camp NaNo is coming up! Who's excited? Who's got an idea? Who's ready?

I'm excited! because:
I have an idea! finally, which means:
I'm ready! can't wait to start writing.

But during the month of July I will also be *gasp* social, and *gasp again* actually (hopefully) doing a bunch of stuff photography wise. Don't worry guys, I'll share some of my images with you as they turn up! I'll also share some pieces of my Camp NaNo if you guys are extra nice and leave some comments :) Or I'll just share some because I can, who knows!

I must depart now.
More later~
Olive

Long Exposure

Hello there everybody. Olive here :)  I'm sorry I haven't posted recently, I shall make it up to you this week, I promise. I'll be posting everyday this week minus the weekend and Wednesday! Hopefully I will be able to do it successfully!

Lately it's been raining, which is disappointing because Saturday I was supposed to have a pool party, but it didn't work out. But my parents and my sister and I have started watching Downton Abby which is a very lovely show, I encourage you all to watch it.

Another thing I did last week, was take this image:

(black truck)

 I have no idea how I got this. You see, Thursday or Friday afternoon it was raining, and so my family (minus my mom) went outside (to wait for my mom) and enjoyed the rain. For those of you who don't know me, I've been trying to get pictures of rain since the moment I started photography (roughly three years ago). So far no success, but there are some pretty cool things you can take that involve RAINDROPS.

Like this image:

Now before I change subjects, let me go back to explaining my first image. It was taken due to this fancy title called: long exposure. You can do some really cool things with it. Like this:

yes i know this isn't that cool but  it's an example!

Yes, the swing is moving. Long exposure, basically captures moving things very quickly, and blurs them. At least I think that's what it's supposed to do...

Long-exposure photography or time-exposure photography involves using a long-duration shutter speed to sharply capture the stationary elements of images while blurring, smearing, or obscuring the moving elements. The paths of moving light sources become clearly visible.

There you are, a definition thanks to Wikipedia! Due to getting the very first image (yes I'm still talking about that) I tried to get a couple more by going inside and making my sister model for me. Unfortunately I failed because something funny happened to my camera and I freaked out. I guessed that it had something to do with the lighting, and so I took my sister and went outside to our neighborhood park/clearing. Once outside I realized that I had guessed correctly. I had Googled long exposure before I had left the house, so I had an idea as to why my camera freaked out on me.*

I managed to get a couple good images, thanks to Google, and my sister being a pro at doing what I say (at least when it comes to photography)!

Well that's it till tomorrow!
-Olive

*read more about long exposure here

Update.

Hi guys. *waves* Olive here again. I know, it's been one post and you're already tired of me. Well deal. I'm here for the summer (and hopefully the rest of the year) to torture you all with images you don't care about and words you care even less about, which equals: you don't. Either way, I thought I'd stop by today, and give you all an update. I suppose only about me, for I only know so much about Cossy's busy school career, which is apparently a bit boring. Who knew!

ANY-ways, since the last time I posted, which was....*checks*  October seventh! And if I remember correctly, that is around an important day, but I can't remember what the day was...I think one of my siblings was born...eep.

Since October, a sibling was indeed born. A girl, if you must ask. We *cough(actually my parents did I had no role in it)cough* named her Pond. Not really, but for security reasons, we will call her POND. Why? I just finished Doctor Who, Season 7 PART ONE. It was ....in one word...amazinglybrilliant, of course, the last episode was a bit rough. They ended it poorly, me thinks. They did have a good way of saying goodbye, but a warning next time would have been nice.

Not saying I didn't know the Ponds were going to leave us all behind, I did in fact know, I just didn't expect something as *dramatic* as that. Anyways, don't let my upset-can't-believe-they-actually-left self ruin the season for you! Let me get back to updating -

Besides my sister joining us in this eventful world, I also published (self thank you) another poetry collection of sorts. Just came in the mail in fact. Turned out beautiful. I also printed out a butt load of my images, and stuffed them into my portfolio, completely and utterly out of order. I also read a collection of books, including My Sister Keeper, the Delirium sequel, and annoying little series that made me want to rip it in half. I won't give out any names, but I say, beware of Greek myths put into modern times, they are horrible and I do not agree with them. Though, I did like a couple of the characters...just not the main one. Sort of how it turned out with Twilight...but that's another story! And one I will not be telling!

I also started a brand new blog, due to the fact that my old one is attached to an email I can't get into. And I would like to forget it. So...I'll added a little link to the side bar when that's up an running for you all. Not that you lovely people care. And now here is a treat: A picture that is on my poetry collection cover.

Till tomorrow arrives
-Olive

Ollo~

Hello there, Olive here. Long time no...post? Anyways. Here are some pictures to make up for it!

These were all taken like two years ago, but they still look lovely, so here you are:

It's that time of year again...

It's almost winter time! Sort of...

First comes fall of course. And with the change of the leaves I bring you a contest. To be more specific a photography contest.

Theme: the best picture you think personifies autumn; trees, people, scarves, pumpkins, ect. and/or anything that presents winter.

Deadline: Halloween (a costume could be an interesting photo), October 31, 2012

Rules: No inappropriate images please, one submission per person, and of course, no images sent after the 31st.

Prize: guest post, a poem, (possibly badly) drawn picture draw by Cossy or me, a short story (written by Cossy or me), a photo of anything you wish (maybe something we've already posted here? We are willing to ship copies of pictures if you are willing), and anything else you wonderful people can think of.

I realize that our last contest kind of...failed. BUT, I think that this one will be more...oh what's the word...better? Eh. Either way, Cossy and I are a bit excited about this, and look forward to what you guys submit! So please, submit away!

-submit to our email - random_bloggers43(at)yahoo(dot)com
-put in the title - October Photo Submission - please.

--Olive--

Three things.

Olive here!

First off – Our 100^th post Contest winner is – here.You can view the winner’s entry – here.

Second - I have been working on a small project that I’d like to share with you guys if you’d like to be a part of it. It’s a 20 day long process, and its writing related. Pretty much, for each day there are three sentences, and 3 sense cards. (From – The Writer’s Toolbox) I'll post the three sentences, what they are for, the 3 cards, here for you if you'd like. Your job is to write something based on either all three sentences, or all 3 cards, OR write something based off of all the items that will be listed. I'll try to make everything set up ahead of time for you guys, and I'll post for the first 5 days, and if you guys like it then, leave a comment and I'll add the other days! Once we're out of days, and you guys still (oh wow) want to keep getting promotes, then be sure to leave some comments on some theme ideas for each day! I would really need the help by that point in time! 

Third - Cossy and I one an award 0_0 From this lovely blog, and unfortunately I don't have time to do everything the award requires, so I shall do it tomorrow and post it for you guys! Thank you by the way for dealing with our absents! Cossy and I both are very busy with a new school year! Once we get used to everything we will be back up with the posting! Which will hopefully be very soon!

Night! 

-Olive

Pictures

Ollie here with some pictures!

These ones are of water <3 more="more" tomorrow="tomorrow">

Books!

Heyo! Olive here! This shall be a small post as I have not only forgotten to make this post (shame on me) but also forgot what time it was! I was going to post some pictures but I'm not sure if I'll have time so for now let's talk about books!

I went to Goodwill today. Which I don't really like but when your family doesn't have much money that is the store you are stuck with. Plus it does help that I don't know many name brands. Anyways, I ended up with a pair of jeans, 2 shirts and 3 books!

1. Eragon
2. The Lovely Bones
3. That Summer

I've read both Eragon and The Lovely Bones but not That Summer. The author of That Summer is Sarah Dessen and she is an amazing writer. Dreamland (also by Dessen) is by far one of my favorite (and unowned) books, as well as Just Listen. Both are amazing and beautifully written!

Christopher Paolini, author of The Inheritance Cyble (Eragon) is also an amazing writer! He was only 15 when he published Eragon AND it started out as something he had self-published! This kid is amazing! He takes a simple (or not so simple!) set of characters and brings them to life! He creates a world so magical you can get lost in it for hours! And that is something I love about books. And if the writer can pull it off then welcome to my world of favorites!

I've only read one book by Alice Sebold. The Lovely Bones. And I must say! She is amazing! It is such a thrilling novel~ Told from Susie's point of view from heaven, you not only get a taste of life above but of life after the death of a loved one. I found the book to be inspiring and if you haven't read it I encourage you do so!

In fact I encourage you read Eragon as well, plus Just Listen and Dreamland as I have yet to read That Summer. No images tonight but I will have some up this weekend! Hope you all enjoyed this and have a good evening. 

P.S. What are some of your favorite books? Do you have any you'd recommend for me or Cossy to read? Of course we both have a huge different taste in books. 

-Olive

First Year Anniversary!

Olive here~ *cough* Sorry we haven't posted in so long. A lot has happened since, what, January?
For example, we've reached our *cough* blogs one year anniversary! I know we keep mentioning when we started the blog, but I must say, a YEAR is a long time! July 16th was the day we started, and here it is the day before August 1st! I'm impressed! I didn't think we'd get very far!

Cossy deserves a lot of the credit. She's kept this blog running while I've been out of it. I've been eh, sick, you could say, off an on since about Novemberish, and Cossy has kept this place running either way. You all have her to thank!

We are also nearing our 100th post! I'm sure we're going to do something exciting for that!

Also, with school starting soon, Cossy and I won't be posting as much as we'd like, but hopefully I'll be able to get at least a few posts done in the coming weeks. I have had one photography outing that had some great outcomes that I can't wait to share with you guys, and I also had my first wedding event. I'll be showing you guys pictures from that in parts, so be looking for news on that here soon!

Here is a sneak peek on future posts from me! look for posts with Wedding Event or Downtown Event in the label section.

Some photos~

Here you guys go! Love Olive~

A poem from Olive~

oohhhh! I havent been on here in a while, but thats going to change here soon! Here is a poem, in till I come back...tomorrow! Yesss! =D

I’m sorry


If this hurts you

But sometimes

I have to let it out.



The pain

That’s

Been on

My heart.



It isn’t you

I promise.

It could

Never, be.



Sometimes

People

Move

On.



To find

Themselves

In this huge

World.



And

Even though

I’ll be gone

It doesn’t mean,



That I

Don’t think

Of you.

Everyday.



It’s

Sometimes

Just

Not enough.



Whatever

Rush

You put me

Through.



So

I’m sorry

I must

Leave.



But trust me

When I say

That this isn’t

Good bye.



Just

A

Simple

‘See you soon.’


-olive

A late poem and Word Counts

sometimes
i worry
over think
my place
i only
want
what is best
maybe
i should
just give up.
i see that
you are happy
and wish
you could see
how lonely
i feel
so deeply
inside.
i know
that if i
were to die
you'd cry
and i
dont
want that
so i suck it up
and i smile
but dont
be fooled

i'm a

wreck inside.

Word counts -

Cossy - 2500

Olive - 7006

images found online - poem by olive.

~OLIVE~

Word Count Update

Word count update time! -

Cossy - 1506
Me - 5136

Also another update -

We will be more active with our posting after NaNo! We have big plans in the near future so be sure to stay in touch with us and our insane blog here!

One more thing -

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!!!! We love you!!!! <3
-Olive

Thought I'd share....

....My desk and what not!

I showed Cossy this a while back, and decided to share my shelf. And desk. and yeah! Enjoy folks!

On the chair is my writing binder, the binder on the desk is now the binder that has all my ideas in it, my laptop is reflecting a lamp, the horse thing in the back i got for my b-day last year. I have a box full of pens, 2 library books that i returned that day, headphones, phone, highlighter, pens everywhere, paper everywhere, and  my calendar. (Today it has nothing on it, but a stack of books in the corner by my keepsake box(horses), a notebook that I hold words I don't/do know in, a book called A Guide to Writing your Novel, and a thing of green papers! Yay!)

Look a thesaurus! Okay starting from the left....My writing binder, which holds ideas, randomness, completed work, some not. Next just has random stuff in it for now. The one with 'paint' on it is holding all the ideas I want to work on later next year. The one with the yellow on it is my Anaklusmos binder aka my novel. Then I have like 3 half-empty notebooks, 2 full notebooks (ideas, & poems) and a thesaurus. One top of all this, is my new idea notebook, as my old one is now pretty much full!

Thats it for today! Hope you enjoy getting a piece of my life!
-Olive

Random bit of something.

My legs feel like lead and I fall to my knees.
I grab Adaline's lighter and I hold it up.
I close my hand around it to keep the air from blowing it out.
I watch it flicker in the dark.
Watch it fade as I close my fingers over it.
Feel the heat hit my skin.
Feel the pain of yestarday fall away.
I switch spots more than once.
On both hands.
I close the lighter and look down at my palms.
They are mirroring the image of my heart.


-Olive

Hi! Olive here....sorry about last week, been really busy. I'm hoping this week will be light with school, and yeah! Saturday is going to be pretty awesome come photography wise so be sure to tune in for that one! Oh and I'm going to put up a poll on the side so be sure to vote! Uh and yeah photography time -

Did you know that your camera could have a focus ring? It is a wonderful tool! Of course these images weren't taken with the ring, but oh well. I'll talk more about that next Monday/Wed!

-Olive

So very late!

So today shall be a writing post, cause I'm late. Which I'm sorry about. I meant to do it after dinner, but the library site got in the way. So very sorry! Anyways here goes nothing:

-
Maria was reading when he came in. Adam laid down next to her and glanced at the book. "Whats up?" He asked, as he gently pulled the blue cord that went to her headphones. Seeing him, she smiled. "shouldn't you be with my brother?
"eh. Bothering you is funnier." He returned the smile and for a moment they listened to the sound coming from the earbud. "I feel like a hero and you are my heroine," He said from memory as the song restarted. She looked at him, almost a bit suprised. He gently pushed away a strand of hair and placed it behind her ear. Maria blushed slightly and tried to find her place in her book. For the whole song Adam softly sang the song to her, whispering into her ear.

Maria's best friend Lia,  was also at the house, and had just gotten out of the bathroom. She paused when she reached the door. Seeing the boy she had a major crush on whispering to her best friend, who apperntly wanted nothing do with the boy. She watched them, unsure what to do.

When the song had ended, Maria paused the song and quoted the lyrics. "I've got a closet full to the brim with the ghosts of my past and the skeletons, and I don't know why you'd even try but I wont lie, you caught me off gaurd...."

Adam smiled at her and ran a hand down her cheek.

"I feel like a newborn child every time I get a chance to see you smile, it's not complicated,"
He stopped her from going on, by touching her lips with his own. She didn't even have time to blush as her mind went numb, the emotions taking over and wrapping themselfs around her mind. She felt warm and giddy. She wanted to laugh, and when he pulled away she grinned at him. He grinned back and kissed her again.

Lia covered her mouth and ran from the room. Tears streamed down her face, as she ran out the door. Trying to hold back her shock, her pain, her hurt, her anger at her one and only friend, she started running.
-

Yeah so thats lame.
Lyrics from Hero/Heroine - boys like girls. =) Found it on my Zune today during history...lets just say its been on repeat all day.