Oh, Sammy, What you Do To Me...

I realized I haven’t talked about Sammy Keyes in awhile, which is kinda weird considering that I’m super excited for Justice Jack coming out in July. I have a feeling it’s going to be my favorite *Insert smile*. Justice Jack is going to be the first book coming out on my “waiting for the next installment” list…my two other books are in August and October. (Then in whatever month Sin City is coming out in).

Man, do I miss Sammy. I love that girl, honestly. She’s brilliant (which comes from Wendelin, of course) and overall an amazing role model. There have been so many times where I’ve had a terrible day, felt stressed, or have gotten into a fight with a friend or a family member, and I can just sit down and reread Sammy Keyes, and I will be Little Miss Sunshine again; it makes my attitude do a 180.  I could be freaking crying, and I’ll pick up a book, and in less than 7 minutes (sorry about that weird number, but it just seems right) I will be laughing my face off.

Like when Sammy said, “I hate the way Danny laughs. It's one of those forced, kind of hacking laughs that sounds like a lawn mower that won't start. Ha-ha-ha. Ha-ha-ha. Like he needs a new spark plug." I cracked up when I read that- just the way she words stuff is amazing. (Actually, it’s technically Wendelin’s amazing wording, but Sammy IS real, no matter what people tell me!). Billy cracks me up as well, -"Is that a person?" Holly whispers. Billy's voice comes out all hoarse when he says, "That's no person. That's a beast." It might not be the “oh my gosh I am going to cry because this is so funny” stuff that people usually laugh at, but it’s so Billy, ya know?

Or when Casey, Marissa and Sammy have that one conversation: -
"Look," Casey says, "I don't know why we're acting so guilty. It's not like we really did anything wrong."

Marissa drills him with a look. "Ever heard of trespassing?"

I sling my arm around her and raise an eyebrow at Casey. "Yah, man. Ever heard of trespassing?"

It’s the kind of humor that you HAVE to know the characters and the story to understand why it’s funny. My little sister seriously knows a lot of the plots from my books that she hasn’t even read yet because I talk about them so much. Is that healthy? I think not.

Anyways, sometimes I just have to tell someone a joke/something that was funny in Sammy Keyes, and my little sister is usually the victim. But she’ll just stare at me and just have a question mark on her face. Now that I think about it, it may not be the joke that puts that look on her face, just my absolute freakish love for the books.

But the way Sammy words stuff reminds me of how I word stuff-in my head at least. I am mixture of Sammy and Holly-I have no Marissa in me whatsoever.

I have to share something with you. Yes, you. I’ve had a couple dreams…about 4 times. It has the same…plot, I guess you could say, but different settings. Well, in my dream, I was reading a book. That was my whole dream, reading that book. But I remember being so engaged in it, and that is was amazing. (One of the dreams was me reading the Demigod Diaries, but the rest were Sammy Keyes) and then I woke up and realized it was a dream, and I almost…cried. Yes, there were potential tears in my eyes, because I didn’t want to wait for months for my books. (Speaking of that, I seriously need to preorder Justice Jack…crap! How could I forget…again?)

I also had a dream last summer I believe, and it was a dream involving The Son of Neptune and a Sammy Keyes book (I think it was Wedding Crasher). Well, in the WC part, there was fire in a house, and Sammy and I think it was Marissa had to go into a burning building and they almost got murdered by a fat old man, but that’s not important. The important part is is that my books have become so…apart of my life, that I dream about them.

And you know what’s worse? (Okay, not worse as in worse) My family knows that if I’m super excited or jumping around squealing like a little girl, it’s because of my books. When I get mad, my mom seriously goes and tells me to go read a book (mostly Sammy Keyes) to cool off. Not to watch TV or listen to music like most people would do, but read.

And the reason I’m telling you all this is because I know a lot of you are like me-crazy book lovers. (Mostly Sammy Keyes, is it me, or have I been saying that a lot?)

Books give you so much wisdom, in my opinion. Wendelin’s recent post on her blog talked about how one of the major things you need in a successful story is a theme, and I think that’s very true. For me, I love to write thought provoking stories or fics; stories that have a purpose to it. If a book doesn’t make you think, then it’s a failure in my opinion. Being able to write, and to put your thoughts out on paper in a meaningful and clear way is talent. I mean, I have no talent when it comes to art-no way. I get so frustrated when it comes to trying to display my thoughts and heart into something tangible. I can’t do it. But the way I do it is through words. Writers are so creative; it takes a lot of talent to be one. It takes even more talent to be a writer who challenges the thoughts of the reader. Words can be so powerful, and, in my personal opinion, even more powerful than seeing it on a TV screen. (That might just be me though). I mean, with words and in books, I feel like I personally know the characters, that I’m there with them, going through the same struggles they are, feeling the same things as them. And to be completely honest with everyone, words can make me cry- and I mean cry. They’re just so powerful, and convey so much emotion.  It takes an artist is craft words into something that’s so powerful, thought provoking and life changing. To me, Wendelin is artist.

I know a lot of you SK fans have cried at WVD’s work (I know I have) and it’s always challenged me or given me hope in situations.

So that’s why I am giving Wendelin Van Draanen an award that doesn’t really exist (except in my heart). And that award is called The Best Overall Author Award (Or the TBOAA).I’ll come up with a better title later I think, but it’s pretty much what it sounds like ( The keyword being Overall). WVD is the best overall author because not only is she a great writer, but she uses her experiences to teach readers lessons, encourages aspiring writers, writes original and inspiring characters, and actually cares about people and her fans.

So, Wendelin, congrats, because you have made an imprint in life with your novels and blog. An imprint that no matter what, cannot be filled nor forgotten.

There are just TOO many Questions...

First, check it out: http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2012/06/mark-of-athena-cover-revealed.html

Is that the cover and FULL first chapter of mark of Athena? Heck yes. But here's the thing, check out this little, um, summery thing:

In a fantastical ship called the Argo II, seven demigods journey by air across the United States and by sea to Rome on their quest to defeat the earth mother, Gaea. Meanwhile, war is breaking out between the Roman and Greek demigods they left behind, and only Annabeth holds the key to restoring peace.

Look at that last sentence. Stare at it. Well, that's not confusing, right? I thought Jason, Annabeth, Leo and Piper were the only ones on the Argo II. It's pretty much says, right? In the first chapter? So what Greeks are they leaving behind? And another disturning thought: This little summery makes me think that Annabeth stays behind. I REALLY thought Annabeth was the last member of the seven. What if someone else is the 7th, and Annabeth is there in New Rome trying to stop the Greeks and Romans from killing each other. I mean, wouldn't it make sense to have one of the POVs to be someone who as at the Roman camp the whole time so we can see their progress? But then what about Annabeth having to find the Doors of Death...Hera/Juno said that Annabeth had a very difficult job ahead of her and that she didn't know if she could handle it. What if that Job is uniting the Greeks and Romans. But then why would Annabeth cause trouble for Percy, like Hera/Juno said she would? This is just so confusing.

And then the cover? Hey, is that Percy and Jason fighting? That'll be exciting-but Percy will win. It appears that Percy is riding on Blackjack and Jason maybe on his storm spirit horse from the Lost Hero. Rick says that this is a real scene. I wonder if the water and storm  under them will actually be there in the scene-you know, like them using their powers?

Okay, so, if order for a fight to occur, there needs to be tension and such, right? So...who will start the fight? I'm leaning more towards Jason, and not just becuase I like Percy better (which is totally true) but because Percy has never really started a fight unless someone either 1. Was a jerk to him (Clarisse/Nancy Bobofit) 2. Was a jerk to his friends (Matt/ Nancy) or 3.Endangered his home/he was forced to fight/Betrayle (Kronos/Luke). So, Percy's not one to initally start a fight, right? I mean, there was Ares, but he had it coming-he freaking stole the Lightning Bolt and almost killed him, his friends, and his family. So...what did Jason do to him? I mean, Jason could be frusterated about the Praetor thing- Jason after all was dressed like a Praetor, even though he got replaced, talk about embarassing- and...that Percy found the Standard, and brought honor back to the 5th Cohort, when Jason couldn't. Man, Jason's life kinda sucks right now, but I don't feel empithy- after all, he got it way nicer in LH then Percy did in SoN, so ha.

I just found this FULL summery on Rick's blog:

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she’s about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo’s fantastical creation doesn’t appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that’s only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close— the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth’s biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he’s now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare. . . .

So why does Athena want revenge? Hmmm, maybe Annabeth will come along...

I would love to hear any ideas you guys have on Mark of Athena!

So, apparently Steph is not blogging anymore. For those of you who didn't know and were wondering where the heck she went, she's quitting Blogger and all that. She also said she's probably not going to keep up with us :'(. Steph, I already miss you!

So, I was really bored, so I did some Quizilla things and got some pretty messed up answers. No joke. Some of them are like that, and some of them are just me.

 

What kind of oatmeal are you?

You are plain oatmeal!

There's nothing special about you!
You are as bland as babyfood! Yuck!
Old people don't even want to eat you.

(I've been told that...)

What is your inner hair color?

Blackie

You got the smarts! You got the grades! But you gotta open up! Let people get to know you! Socialize! You are so talented and your going to be very successful! Stand up to those bullies and say, "You know what? One day I'm gonna be your boss!" Keep up the hard work!

(That one is actually very true, I do school, don't like people-I think i'm backwards)

Which Form Of Matter Are You?

Liquid

Your a liquid. This means your very moody. You probably find yourself bouncing from laughter to tears frequently. That's not always a bad thing though. Being moody makes you more of an interesting person, spending a day with you is like an adventure to others. That's because you can be very random or spontaneous at times. Like a solid, your very cool and relaxed. But, you can be quick to anger. And when your angry, nobody wants to mess with you.

(very true...)

What's your best quality?

Intelligent

Your best quality is that you're intelligent, emotionally and in exams. You know how to get out of tricky situations, what you want and where you're going, and you know who your real friends are.

(Yep, I know exactly what I'm going to do in life and who to trust...)

Which Hunger Games Guy Should You Date?

Gale

The best friend is where your heart belongs. You often go for guys that your close to and can trust with anything.

( To Juliet/Mrs. Billy Pratt: HAHAHAHA!!!! ;))

What word describes you

Achiever

You are a person of success. You will make something big in this life and let everyone know that you are you.

(I'm an over Achiever is the problem- for some reason I like getting super high grades- I freaking got a 96%, two 98% and a 99% in my honors classes this semster- and last semeter (in the fall)I got about 100.2% and a 105% in two of my classes. I think I have a strange addiction, I mean I do extra credit for fun-that's not weird at all...)

What Avenger Would You Date

No One

You got no one! Your man has literally no qualities to him. He's like the faceless Prince Charming of Cinderella. So what if he has no flaws? He has no personality, either. Take this quiz again, and be more specific of the type of man you want.
(Wow, I have clue how I came up with that answer, becuase I don't want a Prince Charming.)

What makes you beautiful

You're persistant

Nothing can stop you from accomplishing wan you need or want to. You'll never give up if you believe wants right. Keep it up!
(Why thank you)

What Colour Is Your Aura

You have a blue aura!

Your aura is blue, like the sky on a sunny day, or the ocean. You are a very calm and relaxed person. You probably find yourself daydreaming in your spare time, or thinking about the future. You pay close attention to your emotions, and to others emotions as well. You like to care for others, and help other individuals with their problems. Others probably come to you often seeking advice about life because of your well thought out and caring answers. You can be described as being a dreamer, or a thinker. Your lucky stone is the sapphire, and you are ruled by the lungs.

(Part of that is true-I'm not actually that caring. I am a think though, very much so. I also daydream :))

Based on you Personality, What US State are you?

Delaware

You don't stand out much, you roll with the flow. People don't mess with you as long as you don't mess with them. Lots of people know you. Awesome :)

(Wow...I knew I always liked Delaware...)

Which character are you from Sammy Keyes

Holly

You are most like Holly!Holly used to live with foster parents for a long time until she decided to run away from them...She then ended up living a box on the dried up riverbed...But thanks to Sammy(who found her and gave her a home) she now lives with Meg and Vera at the Pup Parlor!And she goes to school again!She also hates Heather Acosta...She also helps Sammy figure out the mystery's!She is usually up for anything!

(I'm a mixture of Sammy and Holly. I have Sammy's nosiness and her.. I don't know what you would call it, but I am partically Sammy (minus the getting into trouble part) and and part Holly (good student, careful ect). And, like Holly and Sammy, i am a thinker and refelector.

What Character Are You From "Percy Jackson & The Olympians"

You Are Annabeth!

You Are Smart, Loyal, Kind, Caring, Trustworthy, and Mature! You Are One Of Athena's Daughters! You're Best Friends Are Percy, Grover, and Thalia. You Despise Luke, and Can't Stand Anyone Who is Evil!
(Yep. That's me. And I am totally a Daughter of Athena.)

Yep...so that's  pretty much it. Oh, and that Monday (May 28) was my birthday and I turned 15. I'm getting sooooo old.

Lots of Love and super amazing stuff,

Mrs.LeoValdez

PS: I am actually working on a oneshot that I hope to put up soon, in case anyone wanted to know.

Mark of Athena Sneak Peek (The Real sneak peek)

I HAVE FOUND THE SNEAK PEEK!!! Okay, WATCH THIS!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSU2bMG02m0 

1) What do you think Athena's "present" to Annabeth is?

2) What do you think their arguement was about?

3) What is that terrible thing  that Annabeth is feeling?

4) What do you think about Annabeth's POV?

5) ANNABETH KINDA AGREES WITH US ABOUT JASON!!!!!! WHAAAAAAAAAAT!?

6) Anything else I missed cause I was spastic!

Now, I will go die.

OH, and I think I have Sammy's birthday down :). I have the date and month, I just need the day it is.

Yeah, that's about it.

(I have no why this portion is in italics. I can't take it off. Wouldn't it be embaressing if this wasn't in italics on blog? Man.)

MoA Sneak Peek? WHAT?!

I just read this. I screamed. THE FIRST SNEAK PEEK OF MOA?!!!!! TONIGHT!!!!!??????? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! *PANT* AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

I am doing research even if I Lots of projects.

I might die.

(Sorry for the spaz out)

(READ THIS!!!: (http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2012/05/serpents-shadow-is-here.html)

I have an important question for ya'll.......

Okay, I have a question. It's Sammy Keyes related and has to do with Snake Eyes. Does Sammy tell Hudson about Casey being the one who proves her innocence and how he's keeping her skateboard hostage?

And does she tell Hudson about going to the dance with Casey, or how things are weird between them in CHC?

I didn't know who to ask, because you guys are the only SK fans I know (so sad). I don't have those books with me, and I can't remember. Thanks!

(The reason I'm asking this is because I'm writing a fanfic My Sammy/Cammy obsession is back!!!!)

-Mrs. Leo Valdez (Although right now I'm Casey obsessed!)

I have been Healed.

I feel like crying. No joke. I just can’t wait for my books.  Now you have to understand, it’s SAMMY KEYES AND THE POWER OF JUSTICE JACK I am obsessed with reading right now.

My obsessions change over the year. When one of my books is coming out in a month or two, or I get news on it, I flip out. I’ve been waiting for the next Sammy Keyes and Heroes of Olympus books to come out since October. I was obsessed! I couldn’t focus; it consumed my mind. Then, the Hunger Games movie was coming up soon (which held off all my other obsessions for the entire month of March.)

Now, when I have an obsession, I usually read fanfiction or reread the books again. And I have something to admit. Lately I’ve been more obsessed with Heroes of Olympus than Sammy Keyes. I mean, HoO CONSUMES MY MIND EVERY SINGLE MOMENT!!!! I mean seriously. During geometry (during a test mind you), science, in Health, on the bus, on my way home, when I got home, Heroes of Olympus has been on my mind. Mostly, the Percabeth reunion. (What? I’m only a human. Scratch that, I’m only a fan-girl.) I haven’t been thinking about Sammy as much. And I feel guilty, because I LOVE Sammy Keyes. And I don’t know my obsession with Sammy hasn’t been as frequent. Maybe it’s because The Mark of Athena will answer A LOT of questions I have and has been a lot of talk on the internet? I don’t know.

But I was worried. Very worried. Why, you might ask? Well I’ll tell you why: I was afraid I was growing out of Sammy. Which is weird, because I’m not old (I’m a freshmen, and there’s Steph and Sammy4ever who are older than me and still Sammy crazy) and it’s out of character for me to do that. It’s never happened to me before.

But guess what?

I’m not crazy!

I just needed a reminder of how much I love Sammy.

A few days ago, Steph and Kylie (at least, that’s her name on Blogger, her FF.net name is different) said they got it (JJ) and Steph talked about JJ (not a lot, but she talked about it) And guess what? I freaked out.

I need this book.  July! I need July to come! And I envy you Steph and Kylie. I do. And I know you can’t give any spoilers. At all. And I know that must be hard (because if it were me I would die), but REALLY!!!??? I might die. Steph already said that JJ was maybe 20-ish? And that it takes place in early December, maybe. And that has satisfied some of my hunger (weird questions/facts I wanted answered, but hey, I needed to know and it’s been bothering me)

And I know Wedgewood is part of the crime (courtesy of WVD’s blog) and that Sammy isn’t really a big fan of JJ, but her friends are, and that the Elvis Impersonator is back. But I need to know those Cammy moments!!! (Which I know you can’t tell me, of course), but are they sweet!? AWWW!!!!  Man, I need me some Cammy. And I can’t wait to see Sammy having a fan. It’ll be sweet. (How was having her have a fan?)

I need this book.

I came down downstairs this afternoon and I told my sister and mom that I was about to cry. They asked why. I told them that I couldn’t wait for my books. Then, I went in a detailed description of when all my books were coming out (All the HoO books and the rest of the SK series). Then I died.

Just joking. Only part of me died.

Anyways.

So, since “The Showdown in Sin City”’s prologue is out and it says that Sammy barely knows her father, most of our ‘Sammy’s dad’ predictions are dead. No Officer Borsch. Not Andre. Probably not that one guy from Art of Deception. And it might be a guy we’ve never met before. Hmmm.

Which sucks for us.

And you know what else?

I still wanna know who goes on the Cruise. Will it just be Sammy and her dad? Cause if it is, well, there’s no Billy and Casey.  *Insert depressed face*.

Steph said she felt that JJ was “Billy’s” book. Then SSC (Showdown in Sin City) is Heather’s book. Then Killer Cruise is Sammy and her Dad’s “book.”

I have a question for ya’ll. Did WVD say that the last book is probably going to be other people’s POV? If it is, I will scream. I need a Casey/Billy POV. Maybe Dorito’s POV!!!! MWAHAHAHAHA!

But anyways….again.

I would like to say that my Sammy obsession has returned! I just needed a kick in the butt and a wakeup call. (Which was the realization that JJ is 3 MONTHS AWAY! And Steph’s post on JJ and Kylie just being cool like that.)

So thank you.

Now, on a completely unrelated note.

I know it super late, but the Hunger Games was amazing. If you STILL haven’t seen it, I feel sorry for you. I loved it. Apparently Gary Ross isn’t returning (sad day).

And I haven’t been updated on the Sea of Monsters movie (I haven’t checked in 2 months or so) and found out they have some of the characters! This is from IMBd.com (which is pretty reliable) and some other websites. These are the main castings:

This is Clarisse: Leven Rambin. Now, she played in the Hunger Games (Glimmer) and although she doesn’t have stringy brown hair or look strong and, well, like an Ares child, I think she could do well. Leven has bigger bones and looks strong (in a girlish way). You can be pretty but fierce.

                

                                                                                    (She’s the one on the WAY right)

        This is Tyson: Douglas Smith. I’ve heard he’s actually big (Maybe 6 ft?) and he’s playing a 7^th grader, so he’s big enough and I feel that no one I knew (actor wise) could be a better pick.

                                                        

                                        

This is Thalia. She is played by Paloma Kwiatkowski.I think it  was a good pick (Thalia’s what? 14/15 in SoM? Plus, by the end of the series, she can’t look super old)

Chiron is being replaced by Anthony Head:

 And Hermes is being played by Nathan Fillion:

If you want to see the Gray sisters or whatever, here’s the website: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1854564/

Anyways. Last weekend I had a lot planned. I was going to work on my school projects, write, update MLWN and maybe some PJO stories….but I didn’t. You know why? I stalked the Hunger Games cast all weekend. I watched LOTS of interviews and such. I love Clove and Foxface. I have to say. I love district 2 (in the 1^st book). I love District 4 in the 2^nd book. I also love District 12 (or course).

I love you all. I hope you all had an awesome weekend. I hope you have an awesome week. But most of all, I hope something beautifully Sammy Keyes happen to you (that didn’t make sense, did it? Oh well, I have no idea what I meant anyway. Well I did, but…never mind.)

I love you.

-Mrs. Leo Valdez

LET THE HUNGER GAMES BEGIN!!!

Oh. My. Word. GUESS WHAT I'M SEEING TONIGHT!!!!!! Yes, the one and only THE HUNGER GAMES!!!! I died today. I started flipping out at lunch and all my friends thought I was bananas!

Dude, I might die. When I come back after the movie, I might put a post/review for the movie. It's going to be AMAZING!!!

Did anyone go to the midnight showing? If so, I would love to hear your amazing stories and things you saw (costumes, crazy people ect). If you're one of the fans that can't go till next weekend, or the weekend after that or so on, I am truly sorry.

If your parents won't take you or won't let you see it, then I am TRULY DEEPLY sorry. Sad sad day.

And by the way, HAPPY SAMMY KEYES DAY!!!! If you never read Steph's SK blog, then you probably have no idea what I'm talking about. Ya see, Steph (an extreme SK fan who just recently deleted both her blogs) declared all Fridays to be SK day, and the 13th of every month to be Cammy day. And Friday the 13 is just a freaking Sammy + Cammy day where we all throw parties. Yes. So, I just wanted to remind that today we will be celebrating Sammy Keyes. So, if you would like, to honor Sammy, tell me/everyone who reads this blog what your favorite Sammy moment is and what Sammy moment affected you emotionally/scene she inspired you. I guess I'll post my answers after the movie/ tomorrow, because I REALLY have to go to the bathroom.

Good Bye.