A Book Review // "The Blackgaard Chronicles: Opening Moves" by Phil Lollar

 Today I'm going to embark on my very first book review!

"The Blackgaard Chronicles: Opening Moves" was written by Phil Lollar and published by Focus on the Family. It is based off of The Blackgaard Chronicles Adventures in Odyssey album. The original AIO episodes were written by Paul McCusker and Phil Lollar respectively.

Here is the summary of the book found on the Focus on the Family website (linked above):

"A conniving city councilman is secretly carrying out plans against John Avery Whittaker and Whit’s End. Yet Philip Glossman is only a pawn in a dark game played by the mysterious Dr. Regis Blackgaard. Meanwhile, against Whit’s express orders, Eugene and Connie tamper with a top-secret computer room – and the destructive Applesause program is unleashed. Can Whit counter the forces opposing him? What does Dr. Blackgaard really want?"

The book is for ages 10 and up, with 13 chapters. As for the writing, I appreciated the choice of descriptive wording. It is specific and original (to avoid possible spoilers, I won't give details), and created a clear image in my mind.

For those who are not already familiar with the characters of the Adventures in Odyssey radio drama, the book introduces each character (including Connie, Eugene, and Whit), starting at the beginning of their roles in the story. That being said, it is a little review for those who have listened to AIO before. Additionally, the format allows for further insight into the characters' heads and thought processes. Interesting information for both AIO newcomers and life-long fans, the characters' descriptions are laid out. For example, Connie's exact height is mentioned. The characters were well-formed and real. As for the plot, the story is drawing and hooked me as a reader. The plot covers a range of emotions.

Here's a photo to give you an idea of the art, it is not an illustrated book but has a character at each chapter. The character above is Phillip Glossman.

There will be a sequel to this book, titled "Pawn's Play", but I don't believe there is an announced release date for that one yet. It is also written by Phil Lollar.

If you like Adventures in Odyssey, or are in need of an interesting and fun book, I definitely recommend "Opening Moves"!

Have you ever read or listened to The Blackgaard Chronicles?

Decorate Your Own Travel Mug // Dollar Store Crafts

Recently I went to the Dollar Store and saw 11.5 oz travel mugs that were "design your own"! I thought it would be fun to try, so I bought it!

The plastic outer case untwists and you can replace the paper. The lid has a flip closure.

Any supplies can be used to decorate it, I used pens.

I took out the paper that was already in the mug to trace around.

Once I traced it, I cut it out. 

Then I decorated it!

So far I've made two, but they can be easily put in and changed so the possibilities are endless! The first one I made has blue marker and says "so good" with arrows and dot border. The second one has "The Sound of Music" logo, a cartoon nun in the corner, and Latin that the nuns sing in the show running in the background.

This was an inexpensive and a super fun activity! As the weather gets chillier, these mugs will be great for hot chocolate! We'll see how they hold up under use.

Thanks for stopping by!

DIY Mickey Mouse Shoes

First, an explanation, I'm considering opening up this blog to posts besides photography. Like this one, DIYS, book reviews, etc. I'm not sure yet. We'll see what happens.

Anyway, I was inspired by this post which I found through Pinterest, to decorate a pair of white shoes to make them Disney-esque!

I bought some plain white shoes at WalMart.

 

I decided to use these Tulip Opaque Fabric Markers, but Sharpies would work too. I decided on turquoise, royal blue, and silver.

I also bought a pair of blue shoelaces, and removed the white ones from the shoes.

I started my design by putting one circle with two smaller circles! I used the three colors and randomly placed the Mickey Mouse heads where it looked best.

I laced them up with the blue laces, and finished!

I rather like them! The whole process was super easy and fun, with awesome results!