Summer Adventures with the UR

"In the summer, the days were long, stretching into each other. Out of school, everything was on pause and yet happening at the same time, this collection of weeks when anything was possible." - Sarah Dessen, Along For The Ride

* * * * *

Christine Rains

This summer I discovered something new and magical. It's called Camp Brosius, and it's a family camp. What's that, you ask? It's summer camp for families, and it's like a cruise on land. There are activities for kids, for adults, and for the whole family. My son stated it was the best vacation of his life, and I have to agree. I relaxed for the first time in like ten years. Really, truly relaxed. That's magic.

* * * * *

River Fairchild

Summers aren't really my favorite time of year to do anything, but I was thinking back to the carefree days of my childhood. The endless opportunities to do nothing at all. Lie in a field of flowers for no reason. Idle the time away. Thinking about wanting to grow up... and not understanding the value of having no responsibilities for the one and only time in your life! LOL

* * * * *

Cathrina Constantine

Every year we try to get together for a family vacation. This year we ended up in Chautauqua Lake in a small cottage. It sure was cozy. It was especially special because our three grandchildren met for the first time. Sammy, our 3 year old snagged his very first fish! Fishing, boating, kayaking, and nightly fires with s'mores, good conversation, laughter, and reminiscing made it a perfect vacation.

* * * * *

M. Pax

Zip lining! With the new job, Husband Unit and I rarely get a day off together. When we do, we take advantage. One of the most enthralling things we've ever done was the zip line tour near Crater Lake. Heights scare the crap out of me, but I also like adventure. I'd never jump out of a plane or bungee jump, but zip lining scared me a little bit less. It was fantastic! Flying through the trees, being out in the glory of nature, laughing under the sun. Now I want to zip line everywhere there is a zip line.

* * * * *

Meradeth Houston

This summer I spent a good deal of time in my lab working, but that was to gear up for a super awesome adventure :) I traveled to Zurich, Switzerland, where I met up with one of my good friends and we headed to the Dolomites (southern Alps in Italy). The striking peaks were amazing and we have six days of hiking through their splendor. From there, I got to travel around in northern Italy, visit Otzi the ice mummy (so cool!), and several other places. This is me in Verona (the city from Shakespeare's famous Romeo and Juliet), and I also had some fun in Genoa and along the coast there. I have a bunch of photos on my Instagram page, if anyone wants to see. It was a trip of a lifetime, and since I really needed a break from work, I am very grateful I was able to go!

Group Post - Talking about sea creatures real and imaginary

The oceans are as mysterious as worlds beyond our own. It's a world as foreign to us as Jupiter, yet we don't need a spaceship to visit it. Much of it remains inaccessible, however. The deepest depths are difficult to reach and it's unknown what all lurks down there. Much of the oceans remain unexplored. Would you want to explore those areas or hang out among the reefs? If you were a sea creature, real or imaginary, what would you be?

M. Pax

I want to explore those deep, unknowns of the oceans. So I decided I'd like to be a vampire squid. They have characteristics of both the octopus and the squid, They live at very deep depths, have large eyes, are agile, and eat shrimp. I like shrimp. They're elusive and mysterious and live in a mysterious place. All of that suits me very well. Here's a video to learn more about the vampire squid.

***

River Fairchild

I want to be Poseidon, because, well... you know... a god with unlimited powers? Owning a trident to stab things with? Wearing spiky metal thingies on your armor? And it doesn't hurt to look hunky, either. 

***

Angela Brown

There are so many wonderful, terrifying, beautiful, and well...the list of descriptions can go on and on about the creatures under the sea. But...here is where things get a little different for me. The sea creature I wish to be doesn't stay beneath the water. It takes flight to get away from underwater predators and looks darned cool when it spreads its wings. So flying fish...I'm looking at you!

***

Christine Rains

I thought maybe I'd want to be one of the legendary monsters of the sea. Every sailor quakes in terror when they sail my waters. But really, I wouldn't want a bad reputation. Nor would I want any young hunters to come looking for me. I like my quiet and peaceful life. I want silent depths and sometimes come up to the surface for a lovely view. I keep to myself just like Nessy in Loch Ness. Am I real or a hoax? I'm content to let the mystery continue.

***

Misha Gerrick

Hmmmmmm.... I'd go for....

An orca. Badass, incredibly intelligent and loyal to their families, they're by far my favorite ocean creature, so if I had to turn into one, that's the one I'd want to be. 

***

Cherie Reich

I would want to be a manatee. They are just the cutest and kindest of sea creatures.

***

Catherine Stine

I'm obsessed with the ocean and its creatures. I'm also obsessed with witches. I wrote Witch of the Cards to explore how it would feel to be a sea witch (who also does amazing things with Tarot cards. LOL). It was a rollicking ride. Here's a quote from the book.

Meradeth Houston

There are so many awesome sea creatures that picking just one is difficult! That, and I love the sea so very much (I'm even named after a Welsh sea god, haha!). If I have to select one though, I think I'd have to go with dolphin. My mom tells this story about when I was a baby and she was holding me at the railing of a small sailboat, and a momma dolphin brought her baby up right next to us to say "hi!" Kinda silly, but kinda fun :)

Cathrina Constantine

River grabbed my first choice of underwater rulers. Hahaa... But I did happen upon this fantastical being. I love horses. And whats better than a gorgeous horse that can swim underwater...

Gwen Gardner

I'm a simple girl and like to keep things simple. Mermaids are easily the most classic and modern sea creature to withstand the test of time.

Who wouldn't want to be a Mermaid?

UR Group Post - Loving games!

Board games, video games, card games, role-playing games.

From the well-known classics to the modern and underrated.

We all love games.

* * * * *

Christine Rains

Settlers of Catan

This awesome board game is about strategy and luck. Build up your roads, settlements, and cities to win. The board changes every time you play and the mechanics of it are simple. I play this every day on the computer instead of solitaire, and if I'm lucky, I can find people willing to play the board game with me. I tend to roll well! It's not unusual to hear someone call out: "I have wood for sheep!"

* * * * *

River Fairchild

Little Green Men

Let me just say, I'm very glad I don't live in Las Vegas. I'd be panhandling on the street in order to collect enough money to play this silly video game. It's not the gambling aspect that draws me, it's the game itself. Okay, this is a secret, right? I hear somebody out there laughing. Don't. The cows laughed... right before the aliens took them. Beware!

* * * * 

Simon Kewin

Zelda: Breath of the Wild

This is a tough question. I played Dungeons and Dragons a lot - probably too much - when I was younger, and I also love a good fantasy-based computer game. I have lots of fond memories of losing myself in games like Tir Na Nog and Lords of Midnight. Ah, happy days. But I'm going to cop out slightly and go for the game I'm currently playing because, well, it's my favourite right now. Zelda: Breath of the Wild is awesome and huge and beautiful.

* * * * 

Catherine Stine

Little Bird with Candyland Cards, oil on canvas by Catherine Stine

I'd have to say Candyland, though I do love Clue because I love sleuthing and I usually win. LOL. And I like Candyland not to play, but because I adore the images. In my days as a painter, I painted the Candyland board and the cards many, many times! I can't tell you exactly why I love these images so much. Perhaps it has to do with the peculiar magic of childhood. Anyway, here is an oil painting of mine called Little Bird with Candyland Cards, along with a photo below of the old style Candyland board.

The old style Candyland board

* * * * 

Meradeth Houston

So maybe I shouldn't admit this, but if I had to pick my favorite game lately, Cards Against Humanity would win. Mainly because it's my favorite one to play when I have friends over. Though it does get a little old after a while, the expansion packs are fun, and it's pretty much guaranteed to bring a laugh or two :) Albeit, a bit of off-color laughter at things that aren't terribly appropriate, but that's okay from time to time!

* * * * 

M. Pax

We always had game night when I was a kid, and my family loved game. Everybody was so competitive. There was no 'letting the kids win' ever. I have fond memories of sitting around tables, talking, and laughing, teasing each other. My grandmother was the best hearts player. No one ever beat her, but we kept trying. I had my first taste of beer while playing cards with the grandparents. I see all the faces of people I miss: Grampa, Gramma, my brother-in-law, and my brother. The games I played with them will always be my favorites.

* * * *

Cherie Reich

I couldn't begin to tell you how many hours I've played Age of Mythology. You can play either as Egyptians, the Norse, or the Greeks. If you have the Titan Expansion pack, then you can also play as the Atlanteans. They now have one for Chinese gods too! They have two amazing campaigns, and the storylines are fantastic. The graphics are beautiful. The music is awesome, and there is something strangely satisfying about wiping out the other civilization. My favorite cheat of the game is Wuv Woo, which summons a flying purple hippo that kills enemies with hearts.

UR Group Post - How We Will Take Over The World!

M. Pax

The mad scientist route is for me. I would create mega storms of zombeaverbears, sharkrexes, and piranharaptors. It will be glorious! They will hail me queen, and the Earth will finally be ready for its alien overlords. You're welcome, Ant People. (Thank you, Ancient Aliens :) )

Christine Rains

I will summon an army of gigantic extra-dimensional monsters with many limbs and tentacles. They won't be able to be destroyed by any human made weapons but can consume them. These great beasts will them conquer the world through good will: ending droughts, replanting forests, sucking up pollution, creating environmentally friendly energy sources, and crushing all those who dare try to stop them.

Catherine Stine

I will take over by mesmerizing folks with my awesome crafts that will make them loyal to my every move. Here are a couple of my newest ones, including a handmade spell book loaded with treasure and a hand painted box. I use these for raffle items at book cons. Which means that my army of readers will be stoked enough to move mountains. LOL.

Julie Flanders

I am well known for being pitiful at confrontation of any kind, so if I were to take over the world I would have to go the "kill 'em with kindness" route. I would march into battle armed with enough puppies and kittens to make all my adversaries melt from the cuteness of it all. After all, who is going to stand up to these little soldiers?

Source

Once I am established as ruler, my canine and feline supporters will all have prominent positions in my new world order.

Cherie Reich

First, I would will be selected as Vice President. Then, I would use Tecumsah's curse to get rid of the President. As the new President, I would abolish term limits. To quote Jefferson in the musical Hamilton, "We can change that. You know why? 'Cuz I'm the President." From there, conquering the world is easy-peasy. The Internet has made the world quite small, and we Earthlings really do need to come together. I'm fairly level-headed, and I don't want to, in the words of King George III from Hamilton, "send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love!"

If that doesn't work, then maybe the Illuminati will give me another chance. I did delete their email. It seemed spammy at the time, but you never know. Working with a secret society might be more fun, and I wouldn't have to give any public speeches. *shudders*

Cathrina Constantine

I'm sending my Avenging Angel to destroy hatred and dastardly demons. Then he'll bathe the planet with a calming balm of love and tranquility. Of course, the planet will be so enamored with me and my Angel, I'll be put on a pedestal to rule forever...

(Recognize Dean Winchester as the Avenging Angel...hahaaa...)

Meradeth Houston

Okay, so I always worry just a little that I'll end up on some watchlist by talking about this (the day job puts me in a lab with access to all kinds of...things), but I'd totally create a plague that would bring the world to its knees. Before anyone died I'd offer the cure, but at the cost of me being supreme leader. Of course, once I was the leader, I'd find a way to spread love and understanding. Maybe I could make a virus that would make people love each other... ;)

Gwen Gardner

World domination would be easy with helpers like mine...

...and as soon as they wake up from their naps, we'll tell you how to do it.

Jeff Chapman

The key is controlling people's minds. I will populate every household with a device that spits out an endless stream of mindless entertainment and infomercials. And then I'll turn the news into infotainment and then....

Oh, wait. That's already been done. Uhm. Hmm. I'll get back to you.

Angela Brown

Armies of cuteness, political upheaval, avenging angels, world catastrophic viruses, zombeavers... the list is extraordinary. I would call upon the elements, align myself with Mother Nature, and show the world a natural disaster that would bring every world citizen to their knees.

I would be The Hand of Mother Nature...though I have no intentions of suffering the ill fates of The Hands in G.R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones.

Over 100 Science Fiction and Fantasy Books 99c!

Fantasy Uprising is included in this sale.

Get your books HERE 

What would you do if you were transported back to medieval times?

Imagine you, your family, and your friends are at the carnival enjoying all manner of carnival foods and fun rides. You spy a fantastic looking tent touting Rennaisance Faire fun for all. Intrigued, you part from the group intending to just sneak one quick peek. The second you touch the tent flap, everything changes. The tent is gone and all around you is the noise, clang, and clatter of saddled war horses, knights in armor and preparations for a joust. You've been transported to the medieval times. Until you can find your way back to your own time, you have to do something, so, what would you do/be?

River Fairchild - 

I'd have to be a fortune teller in medieval times. That way I could still keep my head attached to my neck, despite the fact that I'd be a mouthy female who doesn't know her place in society. My skills would be in demand and I could frighten the superstitious people into leaving me alone without resorting to burning me at the stake.

* * * * *

Christine Rains -

If I were transported back to medieval times, I'd fast be collecting materials to make a time machine to travel back to the 21st century! I couldn't live without the comforts of our modern world. And books! Books were a rare and precious thing in the dark ages. I'd make some coin by being a scribe (if they would even allow a woman to do so!) and piece together a primitive contraption that would make the Time Lords cringe.

* * * * *

Ellie Garratt - 

If I were transported back to medieval times, I'd be in big trouble. I don't like to see people treated unfairly, so I'd make it my mission to track down Robin Hood and join his rebellious band of men. I'd become an outlaw, hiding from the law and fighting injustice.

* * * * *

Gwen Gardner -



Click photo for attribution

I'd be a healer and spend my time growing and drying herbs to use in my concoctions. They'd be tied in bundles and hung from the ceiling and my little hovel would smell so wonderful! There would always be something simmering on the hearth. The plague wouldn't dare come anywhere near my medicinal cures.

Misha Gerrick

By jason train under CC BY 2.0

I'd rule, I believe. ;-)

* * * * *

Angela Brown -

I'd probably become a knight of mystery. Being transported to a time without electricity, lacking toilets that flush, and missing my basic comforts could bring out some pretty angry emotions. Until I could get home, kicking lots of butt could be a good way of channeling that anger. And being a girl, well, I'd have to keep my identiy a secret.

* * * * *

Cherie Reich - 

I'd take a moment or so to panic. Then, I would lament the fact I was in the Middle Ages and not some place cool like Ancient Greece or Rome. After that, I would get myself to a nunnery. Not because I care for all that religious stuff, but it's a safe place for a woman who'd more likely be accused of witchcraft to plot a way back to modern times.

*****

M. Pax -

I come from a long line of merchants, so I'd probably be a shop girl working in the family store. If I retained the personality I currently have, I'd spend the days daydreaming of better days. However, considering how life was at the time, I'd probably be counting my blessings to be a merchant's daughter. If I had a choice, I'd be out training the horses.

*****

Jeff Chapman -

I would be a knight at the Round Table of course, feasting on wild boar and venison, quaffing copious drafts of mead, writing love poetry, and questing after the Holy Grail in my spare time. Okay, back to reality. (UR is a collection of fantasy writers.) According to the dictionary, chapman is an archaic term for a peddler. Yup, I would be the medieval version of a door-to-door salesman, traipsing across the countryside, selling stuff that people can't afford and don't want and likely spreading plague-infested fleas in my wake. Like to buy some vair-lined slippers? They're guaranteed to keep your feet toasty this winter.

Saying Goodbye to Summer

A farewell to summer from Untethered Realms... how we really feel.

River Fairchild - 

"Stuffed tiger wearing a sombrero" by Keith Pomakis

Goodbye to summer. Goodbye to bugs. I’m tired of the heat and the endless sunshine. Hello cooler weather and leaves turning colors. Although I was happy to see you at the beginning of the season, you’ve overstayed your welcome. I’m fickle that way. Don’t take it personally. In the dead of winter I’ll be wishing for your return.

******************

Christine Rains -

Don't mind me if I try to push summer out the door. It already knows it's my least favorite of the seasons. The heat makes me wither and the sun burns my vampire-like skin. Sure, my kid likes to swim and he looks so cute in his mask. But even he is asking for snow already. Sorry Summer, but if you bring some mild weather next year and a ton of sunblock, we'll talk.

********************

M. Pax -

As the evening shadows grow longer with more of a golden hue, I'm not sorry. Summer is my least favorite season. I don't care for heat. It aggravates my carpal tunnel and my skin. Yet the season is usually filled with stars and gleeful memories of time out of doors. So I don't mind its short stay in Central Oregon (usually no more than 8 weeks).

********************

Ellie Garratt -

I'm not a fan of hot weather, so summer is my least favourite season. Heat rash. Higher humidity. Pollen allergies. Give me autumn any day. But I do love the longer days and summer flowers, so it isn't all bad.

********************

Julie Flanders -

Source

The end of summer is always a happy time for me. No more being embarrassed at how pale and ghostly I look in shorts. No more humidity making my hair look like I stuck my finger in a socket. No, instead it's time for autumn, by far my favorite time of the year. Hello fall foliage, hello crisp temperatures, hello football and hello Halloween. Goodbye, summer. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. 

********************

Gwen Gardner -

Bye Bye, Summer. You're beautiful, but...

...you have outstayed your welcome. It's way too hot in August/September and here in California we're in the middle of a drought. I'm doing my part by doing dishes in a dishpan and throwing the water out on the plants. Same with the shower. I catch the extra water in a bucket that would have gone down the drain and water the outside plants. We're expecting an El Nino come winter (a heavy rain system). But first, come on autumn! I love everything about autumn, especially Halloween. And hot chocolate. And sweaters. And Fall programming. 

********************

Angela Brown -

Summer, Summer, Summertime...

My darling Summertime... you entered the arena of my life bringing heat, heat and more heat. You weren't as bad as some Summertimes before, but yeah, you certainly let us know that you were here. And please don't take it personal that I'm glad you aren't here to stay.

It's not you, it's me and my low tolerance for high heat. I'm ready for autumn's cool breezes and nature's display as many trees change from their plain green gear to a colorful array of unmatched beauty.

So as I greeted you with my favorite summer song that puts this time of year into a cool, casual and relaxing perspective - despite your heat - I send you off with that song. Take it away DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith :-)

 

********************

Misha Gerrick -

Feeling a bit left out here. I live in the Southern Hemisphere, so I'm saying hello to summer. But first, spring! (My favorite season.)

********************

Cathrina Constantine -

I adore summer and hate to see it vanishing before my eyes. Here in Buffalo the warm season is extremely short and we must cherish each day. Lately, our cold, harsh winters seem to drag on endlessly.

But, on the bright side, my favorite season is Autumn!! I LOVE the changing of leaves, visiting our local Cider Mill with homemade fry cake donuts. And inhaling the fresh crispy scent makes me happy.

********************

Jeff Chapman -

So long summer. So long blistering heat. Anything over 80 is unbearable. So long mosquitoes. May the blood you've stolen freeze in your gut. So long lawn mowing. Although the mini-black forest I've planted in the back yard is bearing fruit, ie grass doesn't grow in the shade. No, summer is not my favorite season. But hark, glorious autumn is almost upon us. Peaches are ripe for the harvest. Tomatoes are turning luscious shades of red (my favorite color). Cabbages are thickening. Pumpkins are expanding. Apples are on their way. Chilly nights and crisp mornings will soon grant us comfortable slumber. Thanks for the sunshine, summer. You did help the garden grow. See if you can do something about the bugs next year.

********************

Catherine Stine -

Ready to put on the fall mantle

Cat sculpture at the Rock Store in Cape Cod

I used to dislike summer. The heat, the long days that can have an aimless quality... but now that I teach part time during the school semesters I get more writing done in the summer. I look forward to it - in fact, depend on that time to write. Plus, this summer I attended a whole bunch of book cons, which contribute to my commitment to writing. I also attend a weeklong writing retreat in Cape Cod. That said, I do like fall weather a lot. And fresh apples, and mums and Halloween! I'll just have to really boundary off my writing time and try to take full advantage of it.

********************

Cherie Reich -

*sings* So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night!

Although I rather dread the days of snow and ice, I'm not overly fond of the high temperatures, plethora of bugs, and storms summer brings. Bring on the cooler nights, sweaters, football, and hot chocolate!