Richelle E. Goodrich

Never give up.This applies to more than goals and dreams, it is a maxim for basic daily struggles. It shapes one's life, including the will to continue to live. It supports love and committed relationships; it bolsters hope, faith, and charity; it is power in every area of existence. Never give up on anything or anyone of any worth, especially yourself.

It is the image of physical brawn, sheer force, and commanding volume we so often associate with might. But I have found the might of an army exists in the faith of a child and in quiet, earnest prayers as well as in the heart of one who loves.

You made me laugh at your jokes.You made me cry at your criticism.You made me shout at your lies.Then I noticed how in every case someone else was present, hearing you without laughter or tears or anger.I alone reacted.I see now; you never made me laugh or cry or rage.I chose to find humor.I chose to take offense.I chose to feel scorned.The truth is, you never had power over me.

My brain tends to take the scenic route. Things come to the forefront of my mind sooner or later, it just takes time.

Family gathersto share good noise and good food.Gratitude abounds.

Oh, how terribly backwards, and yet sadly common, it is to sit scowling at family all the day long and then quickly put on a smile for strangers who drop by.

I always envisioned myself as traveling the ocean of life in a rowboat where my mother was one oar and my father, the other. Having two good, solid oars made rowing much easier.

There should ne__r be a timeWhen a duty or dimeDoth outshineThe importance of family.

Imagine fantasy and pretend as neither fantastical nor pretended.....and then believe it.

I survive on moments of make-believe happiness.

Reality and fantasy are not two separate spheres but one whole. They are like a world's atmosphere__eality behaving as a low front, fantasy a high front. Each remains somewhat distinguishable and yet they swirl and join, affecting and manipulating the other. One cannot perceive where reality ends and fantasy begins, but life would grow stagnant and die without the influence of both.

How crazy it would be if the moon did spin and the earth stood still and the sun went dim!How absolutely ludicrous if snakes could walk and kids could fly and mimes did talk!How silly it would be if the nights were tan and the mornings green and the sun cyan!How totally ridiculous if horses chirped and spiders sang and ladies burped!How shocking it would be if the dragons ruled and the knights were daft but the fish were schooled!How utterly preposterous if rain were dry and snowflakes warm and real men cried!I love to just imagineall the lows as heights,and the salty, sweet,and our lefts as rights.Perhaps it is incredibleand off the hook,but it all makes sensein a storybook!_

Some books mirror reality while others are entirely fantasy. My favorite are those that manage to weave both into a world.

She imagined him leaning against the shuttle, entertaining thoughts of scolding her for dressing like a ragged commoner. Never mind that her present outfit was light years ahead in comfort.(Actually, he__ wishing he had been less critical of you earlier. He feels bad that you won__ acknowledge his presence, and he blames himself.)(Quit it, Ian. I__ not going to feel sorry for him.)She caught her protector__ shrewd grin, highlighted by the fire__ glow. (You already do, Queenie.)(This talent of yours is really annoying.)He leaned close to her ear and whispered, __hat__ not what you thought earlier when you wanted to get ahold of Efren._ __ne tiny rosebud in a handful of thorns,_ she retorted.

I hate you, Edgar. I hate you with all my heart.

Thank you,_ I managed to say.Replying with a nod, he approached my horse. __ere, let me help you___ slipped down myself before he could lend a hand, keeping the fur hide in my possession. ____ not suddenly incapable because I wear a dress, Thaddeus.___ wasn__ suggesting_._ Wisely, he let the issue drop.Lifting an arm, he offered it to me. That__ when I noticed my sword in sheath belted to his waist.__hat__ mine!_ I declared, reaching for the hilt.Thaddeus managed a quick side-step. He hardened his jaw at my look of incredulity. I would only wait momentarily for an explanation. __ know the sword is yours, Catherine, everyone knows that. But you__e too beautiful tonight to ruin that radiant look with an ugly, leather belt strapped about you.__ was starting to think the man was using compliments as a weapon to defend himself against me. It did work to temper my anger somewhat.__ brought the sword as a cautionary act, just in case those nasty werewolves show up. Seeing how I__l be standing beside you all evening, the blade will be at your disposal if needed.__ accepted his reasoning and stood down. __esides,_ Thaddeus added, apparently feeling safe, __hat__ yours is mine now anyway.__ glared at the fool. __hat works both ways, you know.__e rolled his eyes and shrugged. __f it must.__gain, he offered me his arm which I grudgingly accepted.

Eena worried to Ian in her thoughts. (You__e not going to let him walk away thinking what I think he__ thinking, are you?)(You won't change his mind. The evidence is a little suggestive. You should have just stayed behin

Stop tormenting Derian.___e?_ Edgar gaped at her with a clearly fake look of innocence.__es, you.___nd what about you? When will you stop tormenting him?_ Edgar moved past the young queen to approach the unmoving captain. He circled the man as though he were checking out a statue on display ____ not tormenting him; why would you say that?___ou have the poor guy believing you actually intend to marry him._ Edgar stopped to fix the captain__ collar, raising it up high and stiff around his