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Targaryen Musings "Game of Thrones" -- Notes of SantaBee House Targaryen from playing Games of Thrones, April 2024.
FELLOW 2024 DRAGONS: iKïyå§ama JACE Choconuts Roasting In the manGer(vic), He sleeps CandyStaiNeCane The Game involved visiting places like: The House of Black & White, The North Remembers, The Endless Night, Westeros, King's Landing.
Challenges included: Writing - Poems, Flash Fiction, Short stories Reviewing - 1500 characters not counting WDC ML. Interactive Chapters Birthday/Account Anniversaries Activities Cheer points and Tedious Citadel Tasks. All activities are recorded in this Game of Thrones Blog. House Targaryen came in 2nd Place! Enjoy the productivity of this blog! These are the Merit Badges earned from playing Game of Thrones 2024: |
New Orleans Prompt #42 Poetry ▼ Silver, Silver, Burning Bright Word Count: 134 Line Count: 23 Silver, silver, Burning Bright She looked up from her window, The moon was full, the moon was alight He would be here tonight. She waited, she watched. Silver, silver, burning bright, Under the pale moonlight. He arrived in a cloak, hidden in the shadows Of the pale moonlight. She paced the length of her room, Praying the castle’s guards had not found him. Silver, silver, burning bright. The door creaked open, In the pale moonlight. She rushed into his arms, Strong and secure, And they fell on her bed, lost in the light of Silver, silver, burning bright. Love did run its course, Naked and exposed in the pale moonlight. He left her arms and dressed, hesitant to leave, Yet he stole out of the room with her wanton heart, Silver, silver, burning bright. |
New Orleans Prompt #39 ▼ The Showdown Word Count: 704 A rock hit Susie’s window. She put aside her pen and paper, and stood up, glancing at the clock. It was ten p.m. She furrowed her eyebrows. If her mom opened the door, she’d be disappointed. Bedtime was nine-thirty, but Susie loved drawing, and she was working on a picture of Daeneyrs Targaryen’s dragon, Drogon. Susie walked to window. There was Johnny Ledger from her algebra class. She liked Johnny enough, but he was always asking her for answers on the quizzes. Susie opened the window. “What are you doing here?” “Want some ice cream?” “No.” “Well, the coffee shop is still open.” “I’ll pass.” “I need some help with my math?” “Lame.” “Okay, I just wanted to see you.” “You want answers to tomorrow’s quiz, don’t you?” “Not true.” A howl filled the air. Johnny crossed his arms and shivered. “Can’t you come down?” “No way. Didn’t you hear that howl?” “Yeah, but I wanted to see you.” “Sorry, but my parents would kill me if I crawled out of this window.” She paused. “Don’t you know that there’s a big, ugly wolf that roams the streets at night?” “That’s just a myth.” “There’s something out there.” “It was a raccoon.” “Johnny, you are exasperating!” A loud snort filled the air. Johnny froze. Susie looked toward the lamppost. There, in the descending light ,was the wolf that haunted the town. He was a big one – as big as dire wolf, gray and black. He looked at Johnny and licked his lips. Susie had never seen him before herself until now. She just heard from her father that there was a wolf who stalked the streets at night, looking for anything to eat. Johnny looked at the wolf, back up at Susie, then back to the wolf. The wolf slid his paw along the ground and grunted some more. “Oh, s***,” said Johnny. The wolf bared its fangs. Johnny sprinted down the street. Susie raced out of the room and found her parents sitting in the living room, watching TV. “Mom, dad – there’s a wolf chasing Johnny Ledger. You gotta’ save him!” Susie exclaimed. “What are you doing up, young lady?” asked her father. “I’m not joking!” Susie ran to the door and flung it open. “Johnny!” “How do you know Johnny is out there?” asked her mom. “I heard the wolf howl and looked out the window.” “Fool kid,” said her father. He grabbed his shotgun from the closet and raced out the door. Susie watched from the doorway. Johnny had climbed onto the bed of the Douglas’ truck. The huge wolf stood at the tailgate snarling at him. Her father snuggled up the shotgun into his shoulder. The full moon cast its silver light onto the wolf, making him look as white as Jon Snow’s Ghost. “All right, you crazy wolf, back off!” Her father slowly approached the truck. The wolf reared its ugly head and turned to glare at her father, seemingly unafraid of him and his shotgun. Her dad pointed the shotgun in the air and fired it. The loud shot pierced the night. About six lights turned on in the nearby houses. The wolf turned its attention on Susie’s father and bared its fangs. “Go on, kid, get out of that truck bed!” Susie’s father shouted at Johnny. “Yes, Sir!” Johnny hoped out of the truck bed and ran as fast as he could to Susie’s house. The big, nasty wolf lowered its head, bared its teeth, and snarled. Susie’s father aimed the shotgun at the beast. Susie bit her lower lip. It was a showdown between the beast and her dad – and the wolf didn’t look afraid of her father or his gun, not one bit. It brushed his front paw against the ground, ready to pounce. Just then, several doors opened and several of the neighbors joined Susie’s dad, armed with their own shotguns. Susie shivered and watched. Her pulse spiked. The wolf snarled and slowly backed off, finally racing down the street. The showdown over, her father wiped his forehead with his hand, and thanked his neighbors. Susie heard the foul beast howl from the fridges of the wood line and she knew he’d be back. |
New Orleans #23 Poetry ▼ Witches Brew Word Count: 122 Line Count: 24 Hilda, Zelda, Piper, True All Witches you know; all blue Until Halloween comes to prowl, And they dare to break all taboos. Time to brew, time to bake, Hilda brings the eye of newt Bloodshot and Blood sore A tad grewsome, a pinch ugly. Time to brew, time to bake, Zelda offers toe of frog Slimy green, stinky smell A tad creepy, a pinch crawly Time to brew, time to bake, Piper flicks wool of bat Icky, sticky, A tad sketchy, a pinch scratchy. Time to brew, time to bake, True dribbles in the tongue of dog Gypsy flower, gypsy grit A tad rich, a pinch bitter Ah, the brew is boiling, Toil and bubble, Hell-broth boil and A cup full of trouble. |
New Orleans Prompt 20 Poetry ▼ The Shadow You Knew Word Count: 109 Line Count: 21 Turn a corner, what to see, Gray shadow is the key. Go right, Go left, Go up, Go down, I can’t seem to get free. Shadow, shadow everywhere Phantom, Phantom, ready scare Can’t shake it, Can’t break it, Step out from the snare. Look to the mirror for a clue, Gray shadow comes into view. A ghost of a girl right behind A ghost of a girl I once knew. I reach out, touch the reflection – Gray shadow mirrors the affection. Good or Bad, unknown to know Past life, pale complexion. Change your ways, Change them now or bid adieu, Or soon you’ll be the The shadow you knew. |
Citadel Task #30 10 Movies I would Recommend that a “MUST WATCH” #1 - The Sound of Music With rich visuals, great acting, and stirring music, this one is a classic. The kids are endearing and the romance is just right. The movie captures a moment time and taps into human emotion that touches the soul. #2 – Star Wars Part IV – A New Hope Released in 1977 and set in a galaxy far, far, away, this movie was a big success. There’s action, adventure, and a hint of romance. The plot of the rebel alliance vs the empire is one that viewers can rally around. Who doesn’t like an underdog? The characters are larger than life and makes us root for them. Visually stunning, considering there was no CGI back, then, it’s a “must see.” #3 – Rise of the Planet of the Apes This is the James Franco version and offers an honest “what-if” scenario that one can plausibility imagine could happen. Well scripted, with endearing characters, and stunning motion capture, this movie will make you think your choices and the dystopian nature of the future. #4 – Kiss Me, Kate This is a classic. Released in the 1950’s (I think!) or early 1960’s it’s a modern retelling of the Taming of the Shrew. There’s great acting, great songs and it’s just a fun movie to watch and escape with for an afternoon. #5 – Walk the Line An honest, candid look at a moment time in time in Johnny Cash’s life. The acting is phenomenal in this movie. The topic matter is gritty and raw. We all have a weakness and how Johnny struggled to become better is something we all strive for. It’s a very relatable movie. #6 - Braveheart Masterful storytelling! Again, it’s another rebel vs the establishment movie as the Scots strive for independence against the British. It stirs the viewers heartstrings with it’s look at friendship, honesty, love, and courage. #7 - The Hunger Games This is another dystopian look at the future. After we’ve nuked ourselves to the point the planet is a mess, 12 districts emerge. The divide between the rich and poor is wide. Katniss Everdeen rises as a true heroine who isn’t afraid to be brave and courageous when she needs to be, but toll of the hunger games wears on her soul. #8 – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone This is the first movie in the series. It sets up the protagonist, Harry Potter, a hero in training, because soon he’ll be in the thick of things when good has to confront evil. The casting is great and the acting is spot on. There’s laughs and tears and the audience will root for Harry until the end. #9 – Hidden Figures A heartwarming story about the women who contributed to the space program’s successes. It is humbling – and rewarding - watching Katherine earn her co-workers’ respect. The movie is inspirational in so many ways. #10 - Gattaca Another dystopian “what-if” – What if you didn’t have the right genes? A look at the world if it chooses to go down the wrong path. |
Door 20 Prompt: ▼ Slow Down & Enjoy the Grass Word Count: 966 Daisy the Heifer looked up from her patch of grass. Mind you, it was a tasty patch of grass. No preservatives or pesticides. The best kind. Sigh. There was Barbie the chicken clucking her fool head off as Randy Rooster started following her around. She never cared for Randy. Dwayne “The Cock” Rooster was more to her liking. Darla stepped out of her wooden house. It was a little crooked with seven gables, but hey, Darla was like that. She whistled on her way over to the hog pen, in her own little la-la land. On the weekends you could find her at Javier’s showing him designs and watching him work. Daisy suspected Javier was a little soft on Darla. Well, someone had to be. Darla was what the humans called a teenager. She was thin and full of energy. She loved to draw, but boy, that girl was always lost in her imagination. Javier was another teenager. That one loved adventure. Those two went together like peas and carrots. Darla made her way to the shed that carried the hog feed. The pigs ate a lot of what the humans called rice, corn, and carrots. Sometimes Darla’s younger brother, Fussy, would give the hogs bread. Personally speaking, Daisy really didn’t care for rice. She much preferred grass, corn, and carrots. Darla went to the spicket and poured some water into a bucket. Then she filled the hog trough. Over in the next pen, Sweetie, Cutie, and Rusty Horses snorted and glared at Darla. Maybe they were hungry. Tom the Turkey strutted by and fluffed his feathers. He was just as bad as Penny the Peacock the next farm over. Darla’s family had some sheep, too. Daisy counted on her hooves. Four sheep. They were pretty fluffy, too. Daisy thought she overheard Darla’s dad plotting to take the sheep for a haircut. Fussy opened the door to the house. “Darla, come get this bread for the hogs!” Darla waved him off, turned her back to him and started scooping hog feed into the food trough. Mind you, there were only four pigs – Henny, Harry, Hugo and Hallie. Hallie was about to have a litter. “Darla!” “Stop Fussing! Feed the pigs the bread yourself!” Fussy huffed and puffed and walked out to the pig pen. Daisy went back to her grass patch. Dexter was lying down in a sunbeam nearby. Darrow and Dixie were a little further back in the field munching on fresh grass, too. In the distance, Daisy heard Darla’s father, Pa, coming down the hill with the sheep. Daisy glanced over and made a made a face. Those sheep got a haircut, all right! Fussy tore open the hog pen. Darla threw some slop toward a trough, missed, and threw the pile of food on the other side of the gate. The hogs started rooting and rushed the gate. They pushed Fussy over and the bread went flying sky high in the air. Darla let out an exasperated sigh. Typical Fussy. He scrambled to feet covered in dirt. Daisy looked on. This might be entertaining. All the hogs ran out of the gate and started lapping at the food. Then Tom Turkey started gobbling at them, they snorted, and the next thing Daisy knew, Harry and Hugo were chasing Tom. He started squawking, and the chickens started the clucking. Daisy tried to suppress a chuckle. What a sight! Henry and Hugo chasing Tom who was stirring up the chickens. The next thing Daisy saw were those four poor, hairless sheep chasing after the hogs. Maybe they smelled bacon? “Go fetch those hogs and stop Fussing!” cried Darla. Pa ran over. “Who left the hog pen open?” “Darla!” “Franky!” Franky? Daisy thought his name was Fussy. She called him that all the time. Oh, no! Tom was heading this way. Daisy moo’d. She didn’t want to be a part of that disaster. Ollie the sheepdog began chasing the sheep who were running after the hogs who were snorting after the turkey, and the chickens were running around like their head’s had been cut off. Hot Mess. Sweetie walked over to her side of the fence and neighed. Daisy slid over. “That’s a diaster.” “Yeah,” said Daisy. “I thought the kid’s name was Fussy,” neighed Sweetie. “So did I.” “Darla, start running after the chickens and get them in the coop!” said Pa. She ran after the chickens. Ollie started after the sheep. The hogs were determined to get their teeth on Tom Turkey. “Who knew those hogs liked turkey?” Sweetie neighed. “Yeah, who knew?” Daisy watched, fascinated at the scene before her. Darla was doing a good job rounding up the chickens and the sheep followed Ollie. Fussy, ah Frankie, was trying to entice the hogs with his bread, but it was turkey or bust. Pa grabbed Daisy’s cowbell and started ringing it. The hogs stopped. Daisy frowned. That was her cowbell! Dexter and Dixie came running up next to Daisy. “What’s going on?” “The hogs want to eat the turkey,” said Dixie. Ollie got the sheep into their pen and used his paw to shut the door. Pa ran after the hogs and guided them toward the pen with the bell. Fussy threw his bread into the pen and they ran in. Darla’s locked the gate. Tom stopped gobbling and ran off to the turkey shack. Pa stopped ringing the cowbell, grabbed a rag, and wiped his face. “Who started it?” asked Dexter. “Fussy,” moo’d Daisy. “Them humans. They should slow down a little and enjoy the grass,” replied Dexter. He went back to his grass patch. Daisy let out a sigh of relief and watched as Pa chewed out Darla and Fussy. There was never a dull moment when humans were around. |
Door 19 Prompt: ▼ Word Count: 233 It was the weekend. Actually, it was the last weekend of Games of Thrones on Writing.com. Time for that MAD push to get to the end. All hands on deck! It’s like being in college and cramming for that mid-term that’s due at midnight and it’s 8:00 p.m. I had all good intentions of hanging in there for the final push. I stocked up on my fufu coffee. Re-plenished my stickie notes and pens. I even got a bone for the dog to chew so he would leave me alone. Then my husband said, “Let’s go hang out at beach on Saturday.” The beach. My ULTIMATE happy spot. We usually go to Ventura harbor, walk around, eat at the local seafood place called Andreia’s, and then visit the outlet malls. It’s a nice, easy-going relaxing day. Believe me, the temptation was high. “But I gotta’ outwit, outlast, and outplay the Game of Thrones, Honey.” “Huh? That show ended in 2019.” He would never understand, trust me. It was a big decision. Go on a one day vacation and miss out on several hours worth of production, or stay in the house and type my fingers to death, and miss out on Andreia’s fresh seafood. Time to write myself out of the story, folks. I’m off to Ventura for a great seafood lunch and retail therapy at the outlet malls. See you on Sunday! |
Citadel task #23 Make a list of 10 books you’d recommend the community to read: Word Count: 613 I like to read books for the following: the help me develop spirituality, help me develop as a person, stimulate my critical thinking skills, and sometimes I just need a great escape. I love writing romance, but it’s been a while since I read a romance. I think the last romance books I reader was Bridgerton books 1 and 2, but honestly, I was a tad disappointed in them. I did think book 2 was better than book 1. I enjoy reading Shana Galen as a romance writer, but I think my favorite romance writer was Jillian Hunter and her Boscastle series. But now, there’s my recommend book list. Mind you it’s my “right now” book list. It may change a year from now. We’ll see… Enjoy! #1 – The Thiaoouba Prophecy – This book was written in the late 1980’s with a postscript in 1993. The author was taken to the planet Thiaoouba. His guide, Thao, shared with him many spiritual insights that we can use today. It’s up to you to believe. #2 The Thorn Birds – The book is just as riveting as the 1980’s mini-series. The book showcases a family as they journey from New Zealand to Australia in the early 1900’s. It’s a true testament to the pioneer spirit. However, the number #1 issue it looks at is forbidden love and power of love. #3 – Child of the Universe. This is another book that shares spiritual insights. The author under goes hypnosis with a QHHT therapist to try an cure a disease in her brain and discovers a life live as a princess of Lemuria. It is an insight to another time and place that existed. It’s up to believe. #4 Queen of the Tearling – This is a great, entertaining book! I loved the characterization in the book – it reminded me of JK Rowling’s characterizations in the Harry Potter series. You really come to enjoy the good characters and ‘root’ for them and you come to detest the evil characters. Taken deeper, it’s a reflective look at our own society and how corrupt it is. In a way, it’s the opposite of the spiritual books I’ve read, but it’s a book that stimulates the reader’s critical thinking skills, and that’s the appreciation I have for it. #5 – George Michael and Me. – This book was written by Andrew Ridgely, the other half of Wham! A 1980’s pop group that I enjoyed listening to very much in the 80’s. It’s written a light, conversational tone, which makes it a very engrossing read. Andrew will share some of favorite memories and offer some insights into George Michael. It’s a pure, fun, fan read. #6 – The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – This is a biographical look of Henrietta Lacks, and what she did for modern medicine. Honestly, it’s a fascinating look at how she moved medicine forward, but it also looks at the bioethics at how she and her family was treated. #7 – Boundaries – Because there are people in your life who have no respect for your boundaries. This is a great self-help book that will you realize what boundaries are and how you can set them so the people in your life know when they’ve trespassed over them. #8 – The Giver – A metaphor for today. When we become sheep, someone has to keep the bad memories. A dystopian look at the future. #9 – Double Crossfire – I enjoyed this book for the pure action/adventure entertainment aspect of it. It’s a great escape if you want one. #10 – The Complete Guide to Money – This is another self-help book that really educates about money. The smarter you are about money, the better start you get in life. |
Citadel Task #44 Word Count: 268 I found WDC in 2005 because I was looking for other writers. BUT I was looking for MORE than just other writers. I was looking for beta readers, support, cheers, and a forum to help develop my writing and make it grow. When Starr Phenix recommended WDC, I had to join. Why do I like being on WDC? For all of the above. The #1 reason is that Writing.com has helped me develop my writing. I’ve grown as a writer here on the forum. Adverbs? Who needs them? Passive writing? Out the door. I’ve really come to fine tune my writing, balancing storytelling, character development, and plot/pacing points. I can’t thank Writing.com enough for allowing me to grow as a writer on their forum. Another reason I like being on WDC is the community and community support. I appreciate all the reviews I receive on my writing, and I use the really constructive ones to grow as a writer. I write the Romance/Love Newsletter and I hope I’ve inspired others and passed along good information. I enjoy being a member of the Angel Army. I try to support as best I can. I’ve been a co-owner of the Bard’s Hall with Ẃeβ࿚ẂỉԎḈĥmas and it’s been an active contest for over 15 years now. The Bard’s Hall is my way of giving back to WDC. I Ẃeβ࿚ẂỉԎḈĥmas I like interacting with the community. I started “Steph Bee’s Bee Hive,” to encourage more interaction and support with a focus on non-writing items like word searches, crosswords and quizzes. For me, Writing.com is full of “good vibes” and I appreciate the positive, uplifting environment. |
Word Count: 129 The Promise: I select Princess Megan Snow Rose to be a Princess of the Realm. I selected Megan because she’s a princess at heart - kind, honest, true, and steadfast. She embodies all the qualities I think a princess should possess. Princess Megan Snow Rose would be a very gracious princess and would entertain an audience with anyone who asked. In real life, Megan is retired from a nursing job in the mental health field. That takes a lot of inner strength and character. Megan also has published books. No easy feat. Megan often participated in the Bard’s Hall Contest, and I enjoy reading her entries. She is a good writer. We both enjoy stories about royalty. Megan is taking the Games seriously as well, and I know I will have a tough job meeting her standard. Give a bow to Her Grace, Megan, Princess of the Realm. Ode to Princess Megan Here she comes, our fair Princess, She is fearless. She’s our Princess of the Realm, Every day at the Helm. Megan is fair, honest and gold You can trust she’ll be here. Every action, every word bold, To all, an honest cheer. All in the Games give her respect She plays hard, she plays true, In all she does, she is direct And is rarely blue. To all who serve her give a bow, Give a cheer, offer your sword, All earned, all deserved. Word Count: 84 Lines Count: 15 Contemplation – Time to give Princess Megan Snow Rose a shout out on my Newsfeed. "Note: Hear Ye, Hear Ye -- House Targaryen --- StephBee..." |