Ahna and I have worked our butts off in the last 24 hours to get it ready for you - a process which involved both of us in our respective time-zones staying up waaaaaaaay past our bedtimes - 4am for me, lol. But its up and ready to be read and reviewed. We are very pleased with it and man, chapter 5 - look out!

Third, I got promoted in the last round on TDA, so I am now rocking the light blue as a senior artist ^_^ my gallery has been updated with lots of pretties and guess what? they are actually in colour!! yes, Maji has found she likes colour now. We kissed and made up. So go check it out and leave me a comment or three. On TDA I have challenges coming out my ears *blinks* I don't know what I was thinking, but I entered the Graphic A Day challenge, which requires you to make 30 graphics in a month or so. Tis okay, but I may have stretched myself with my topic/theme - I picked the Iliad, of all things to pick, but I wanted to be different. So yea, busy there, which means requests are still closed and will probably not open again. Sorry. I know I keep saying that, but unless you are ultra special and kiss my feet even when they are dirty...you ain't getting anything out of me. I'm just too busy.

Fourth - my original work is going excellent! I crawled over the 80,000 word mark yesterday and Kate is as we speak furiously reading it for me (and if she's not I'm going to poke her or stick the cows on her...jk - love you!). The thing that has surprised me so much about writing this piece is that my characters really did appear fully formed. I was lying around in bed one morning moaning and groaning because I did not want to get up, and wham! they suddenly hit me. I had flashes of scenes and heard dialogue and crawled out of bed to write and yea...it's my baby now. I'm happy with it - more than happy actually - I'm in love with it, which is a massive thing for me to say. I am my own worst critic and usually trash everything I do. I am hoping to get this piece to an agent by early September. It will be my birthday present to myself.

And fift - my mum rules. She went to Borders book store the other day and got me the fifth part of the Obernewtyn Chronicles - an amazing series by Isobelle Carmody that I have been following for half my life!! I have waited 8 years for this installement of the story and there is still one more book to go! Gah. If its another 8 years I think I shall die...but it was a brilliant read so I am currently re-reading it! If you haven't read it - do so. Isobelle is incredible. She was my motivation to write and take it seriously - I met her when I was in high school, and she is simply amazing.

Wow. Long update. Oh well - I have been slack and lazy so I needed to do it. I am thinking of a new lay as well but have no clue what I want on it. If anyone has some bright ideas, yell at me in the c-box! Until next time lofflies

Maji xxxx

[February, 29]

It's been quite some time since I have updated this site hasn't it? Sorry for that ^_^ but anyways, I don't have a whole lot to tell you. I went for a job today - so everyone cross your limbs for me! I really want it - more than anything - but I'm trying hard not to get too carried away. There is always someone that little bit more experienced than you so I am resigned to the fact that I may not get it, but I was very happy with the way the interview went.

Ahna and I are working on chapter 3 of TFO so hopefully it will be up for you to read very very soon - we are aiming for the end of the weekend - but we have some work to do yet.

I have been busying writing - working on my own stuff - fanfic is over people. I have said on hpff that all fics are on temporary hiatus, but they are actually just on hiatus. Permanently. I don't think I could go back after writing what I am at the moment. This piece has become my life and soul - it's actually sharing creative space wtih TFO, so between those two works I have no room for anything else. So sorry to those people who were itching for me to finish certain fics. It won't happen. But, I want to thank you all for your fabulous support - I am the writer I am today because of hpff and the community over there, so thank you. I am concentrating purely on my own work as well as TFO.

Graphic requests are still closed and I have no idea when I will, or if I will, open them again. If you are desperate for something of mine (can you hear me scoffing? lol) then email me or catch me on MSN. I won't take requests on TDA or MM or anything at the moment so sorry about that. It's time to concentrate on art for me at the moment.

And that is about that. Hopefully next time I update I will have something a little more exciting to tell you. Oh, like the icon? It's the lovely Gaspard, from his film Jacquou Le Croquant.

love to all - Maji <3

oh and I got tagged by Rosette!

Rules:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself.

3. Tag 4 people at the end of your post, list their names and link to them.

4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment or email them.

7 Facts:

1. I have Restless Legs Syndrome

2. I love Peanut Butter and Vegemite - together!

3. I am freakishly tall in heels

4. I am obsessed with my own fictional characters...

5. I own four dictionaries

6. I am a cheese freak!

7. I am proud of myself for learning how to work FTP!

I tag: Tana, Celtic, Drew and Danielle ^_^

[February, 12]

First off, CHAPTER TWO OF TFO IS UP!!! Please visit the TFO site and have a read! Also, Celtic and I would love you to join the TFO forums - there is a link on the nav bar of the TFO site or you can simply click TFO forums. So pop on over and have a peak!

Not much else to tell you - have been working a bit in the past week and I have more work lined up for next week, so that is a good thing. Plus, I have been applying for jobs all over the place - there is one I really want, back in the media industry, so cross your limbs for me ^_^

TDA gallery is updated - again- so go take a look! I joined RCR the other week as well - just for some more graphic-fixations, and that's been okay so far. I like the environment over there. Entered a challenge on TDA - first one in a long time- and one on RCR! Requests are still CLOSED! Sorry guys!

My writing is coming along nicely - thanks to my cold readers *huggles* - and I aim to get the manuscript through the first complete draft in about a months time. So it's still very much in early stages. Then the fun begins...agents, publishers etc etc. So fanfic...well and truly on hold and possibly won't be finished - well, not in a hurry anyway.

If you are looking for even more fun and games, join the Dark Mark and it's sister graphics site, Morsemordre. You can find the links to both in my affiliates sections! We'd love to see you over there!

That's about it for now - take care everyone and I'll catch people on MSN or wherever we meet!

loves Maji <3

[February, 3]

So what do you think? New lay, courtesy, once again, of the wonderful CelticKisses. This lay features Kyou Somha and Tohru Honda from Tayaka Natsuki's gorgeous manga Fruits Basket. This series was incredible. Ahna switched me onto it and after tonnes of reading I have to say I have not read anything so profoundly beautiful and sad in a long time. Whether you are a fan of manga or not, I highly recommend you track it down and read it. I will leave it at that - I cannot find the words to describe how wonderful it is.

In other news, TFO IS HERE! That's right, Ahna and I released the fic into the world wide web. If you are unsure where to find it, take either link to the TFO site in my nav page, or simply click here! Make sure to leave us a review ^_^ your thoughts on this fic are important to us and we want to know what you are thinking. Check the TFO site for more news and info - be sure to have a browse around over there!

Fanfic is on hold until further notice. Sorry, but I have other things in motion that are more important to me as far as my writing goes. The same goes for graphic requests - I'm really sorry but I am just too busy to take requests. If you have requested anything from me on TDA recently - I apologise, but I am unable to fill them. I just have too much on.

One more notice and then I shall disappear - ALL THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY COLLECTED MY LINKBACK!! I erm stuffed up the coding *grins* so I need you to get it again! Sorry loves!!

Sorry for the short update, but yea, not much to say but heaps to do, so enjoy TFO *hint hint* and I will talk to you lata!

loves, Maji

[January, 21]

So guess what everyone? Big news - The Forsaken Ones will be available for you all to sink your teeth into on February 2nd!! Celtic and I are extremely excited and we hope you guys are too. Now, owing to the rather large scope of the world that is TFO, the fic will be posted in its own little domain - you can either take the link in my nav bar, or the link above in the lay, or simply visit http://tfo.anti-sleep.net

Celtic and I encourge you all to head over there and have a look around in this time leading up to the release - thats Feb 2nd again everyone - there is alot to digest - TFO comes with history, so go take a look and familiarise yourself with the world before you dive in to read. Also, Celtic and I are going to be relying on you guys to help us spread the word - if you like the sound of TFO, or you like what you read, if you fall in love like I have, then please, word of mouth is possibly the strongest form of advertising there is, so tell your friends!! On the TFO site you will find things for you to help us spread the magic ^_-.

In other news, there is not alot going on in my world - I think I have managed to cure my insomnia by staying up for a day, a night and a day (but I did have a few hours of naptime when I could not keep my eyes open anylonger) - now it appears I am okay, but we will see. I am still seeking employement - anyone got a job for me?? At this stage, I'm likely to take anything...

Writing is on hold. I have no idea when I will update anything...I may go do it now, I may do it tomorrow or next week. Have been making graphics - and my TDA gallery has been updated again with a few new pieces.

So that's about it everyone! Until next time

Maji <3

[January, 13]

As you can probably tell ... I just got hosted!! That's right, the incredibly amazing Sara has so kindly hosted me. So after hours of work and tonnes of questions - thanks to both Sara and Ahna for helping an ftp newbie out - here it is! Excellent right? It's so fantastic to say goodbye to Freewebs! So everyone say 'thank you Sara' for being the most awesome host ever and for putting up wtih my 'but what do I do when...?'. I love ftp - Kate told me it was wonderful and so easy to work with, and I have to agree. This is brilliant!

So, other news ... TFO is coming along nicely - as always, Ahna and I are typing our fingers to the bone. This whole experience has been an absolute joy and I'm so thrilled I was asked to help with the project. TFO is a world unto itself, and its an incredible world, one that I find hard to pull myself out of at times. Keep your eyes out on our various sites for the actual release date!

Not much else to say - fanfic is on a bit of a standstill - again. I'm not motivated to write it; but I will finish what I have started. Graphic requests are open, but on limited availability. I am hell busy so if you want something from me, here is the plan: please request on TDA. I have discovered it is just easier that way.

Still tragically unemployeed :P but hopefully that will change soon - I have an application to send off soon so cross your limbs for me.

That's about it my loves ^_^ until we meet again, -gazes at new site- *YAY* have fun!!

[December, 22]

So my loves, I'm not dead :P. I'm sorry for my appalling internet presence over the last week and a bit, but RL has been rather hectic. I actually have not turned my computer on for a week *collective gasp* I have been that busy. I am now officially on holidays and also, now officially unemployed. That part does not hold much attraction at the moment, I can assure you of that. So I apologise for neglecting you all - I didn't realise it had been so long since I updated this site.

Fanfic wise, things have slowed right down. I will finish what I have started on HPFF, but I may have to have a little break for a bit and concentrate on original work. I have not decided yet, but other than working on TFO, there has not been alot of HP action in my brain of late. Deadly Sins will be finished, as will Queens Revenge and Immortal and Alecto but I shall call a holt on all one-shots unless something demands to be written. It's about time I put my effort and concentration into my own work - I have to if I ever intend to be published. So once those fics are complete and TFO complete...I just don't know yet.

Also in a graphics slump, but that I think is due to not having any time over the past few weeks to create, which is something that gets me down but something I have to live with if I want a life :P. All requests are still closed and will be for some time - again, I need to concentrate on work for myself and myself only. Sorry loves. But keep an eye on my various galleries - I have not abandoned my art at all.

Heading off in a day or so for Xmas so I have a short holiday before I come home and grab a few days of peace and quiet. Time to read, write, make graphics and catch up with you all. So I want to wish you all a very merry christmas (notice the non-proper nouns?) and I hope you enjoy yourselves wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

So that's it from me until after Xmas is done and buried for another year ^_^. Loves to you all xxxx

Maji

[December, 9]

The silly season is upon us. humpf. For those who know, I am not the biggest fan of the Christmas season - too much running around, too much of everything. It is all one big annoyance to me. I know there are the other aspects aside from the commercialism that make Christmas fun, but why does it have to be at Christmas that we actually get off our butts and celebrate them? -sigh- one lump of coal coming right up!

I have been busy working - writing anyways. I am now the official "co-author" of TFO, which is, for those who do not know, The Forsaken Ones, a fic of rather epic proportions. For more info, like release dates and a bio, visit Celtic's site. So yes, Celtic and I have been hard at work preparing TFO for release on HPFF. It really has taken over my life at the moment, but I am not complaining. It's amazing and challenging and I'm stoked to be part of it.

Fanfic wise, I have a new one-shot up, I Play, You Sin, nearly 3000 words of Blaise/Hermione silliness! Chapter 3 of Immortal is up, and chapter 8 of DS is in the queue - that fic is going to be my focus from now on. I want to finish it before I continue with the other ones.

Graphic requests are currently CLOSED. Sorry, but I am very busy with RL as well as Net Life, and I just do not have time to make anything for anyone. I'm struggling to make time for my own work, and it doesn't help that I have been severly unmotivated when it comes to graphics of late.

Still looking for a job - sigh- hopefully someone will phone me over Christmas and beg me to work for them. yeah right. But it would be a nice present and a load off my mind.

So thats it for now my chickens. Hope you're all well!

Maji <3

[November, 26]

Will you take a look at this? Celtic is my goddess. I love this layout! I loved the others too and am forever indebted to Kate for all her help *huggles Kate and Ahna*. Isn't this gorgeous??

Not a lot to tell you. I am still in the same position job wise - just waiting now, which frustrates me to no end, but there is nothing I can do about it. I have a new fic up - Arcanum - written for Elysium's Reflections Challenge so if you're bored, go take a look! Chapter 5 of Queen's Revenge was indeed in the queue and is up, and I have put chapter 16 of TDYK in for validation. Next, I will update Deadly Sins and then possibly Broken. Not sure yet.

I have a new project which I am tremendously excited about, but I won't tell you what it is yet. You shall have to wait and see ^_^

So thats it. I'm rather boring today aren't I?

Loves Maji xx

[November, 19]

Well, it's been a while between updates - sorry for that. The first thing, and some of you know this already, is that I have lost my job. I wasn't fired and I didn't quit; I have been relieving/working in a temporary capacity for the last two years, and now the position I was standing in for has been filled. Frustrating, actually, the way the system works when it comes to staffing. So, at first I sat around and got mightly depressed over the issue, but then, things changed. First, I realised that I do still have other skills. I'm not unintelligent, and I am capable of doing whatever I want to. Secondly, and most importantly, I realised my job does not define me. It is not all I am - it is only part of who I am. So I may not be teaching next year - I'll get over it. But if someone were to tell me I could not write, or make graphics or play music for an indefinite period of time...that would be very different indeed. There is, of course, the usual stress with finding oneself suddenly unemployed. Money worries. And that is something that I will have to deal with aswell. I have applied for three jobs in the last day, so cross your limbs for me. Hopefully something will work out there.

I have updated my TDA gallery so if you feel inclined to do so, take a look. Also, chapter 7 of Deadly Sins is up, and I am not sure what to post next. I have chapter 5 of Queens Revenge in the queue (at least I think that is what I put in...) and I have the next chapters of Alecto and Immortal ready to go. It's been a long time between chapters for The Devil You Know but chapter 16 is almost ready to go up, and then there is one more chapter before it is done.

I'm working on two fics for challenges - Kate's Ship challenge on TDM and Kylie's Reflections challenge on HPFF. I have also posted a challenge in HPFF and will add it to TDM aswell - it's a second person narrative challenge, so if you are looking for something that will test your technical skills as a writer, check it out!

I have a new affy - say hi to Stacy. Her link is in my affy's page.

And I am playing with the idea of changing this layout again. I haven't asked Kate yet - Kate??? are you busy??? lol - so a work in progress. I am just bored with this header really :P

That's it for now. Hope you are all well!

Love Maji xx

[November, 3]

So right now we have been experiencing crazy storms here. It's okay now - I don't mind if it floods cause I don't live near the river anymore! Before we moved, I was on high alert for floods. The river was right behind our house, and this place...boy does it like to flood! Anyways, so the rain is constant. I drove the 100kms home from work on Friday afternoon in the worst rain I have ever driven in. It was a very slow journey. Thankfully, there was a car in front of me. I had to use his tailights as a guide because I could not see a thing! Everything was grey - the sky, the road, the trees, the bush...it was very tense. It's time like that I wish I had a 4WD. It hailed at school on Wednesday - pretty heavy too. But, luckily, I was at home with the stomach bug. Rather nasty that was, but it meant my car was safe!!

Went to the doc to inquire about the cervical cancer vacinnation. It's going to cost me a packet since I am too old to get it for free. That always happens to me, no matter what it is. Free stuff - I'm too old. But, my mum is gunna helo me pay for it. The needles are about $145 each, and you have to have three!! Yikes.

Please please please please, if you send me an email about a banner request, you HAVE to let me know you have done so in the c-box or I simply won't know. I have several email addresses, and the one set up here is only for things relating to this site. It is not my regular email address so unless you tell me you have requested, your banner/graphic will not be made!

Not alot more to tell. Busy grading papers, setting exams and setting assignments. Boring really.

Writing wise, I have a new Dramione up - Dissolved Girl, and have chapter 6 of Try and Deny Me in the queue at the moment. It should be up in a few days. Working on chapter 16 of TDYK and I have chapter 3 of Immortal written as well as the first 2 chapters of my new fic about Alecto Carrow. So yeah, busy there. Also, I have plans for a Harry/Pansy, for Kate's challenge on TDM.

Okay, gunna go. It's 11.40pm and still muggy and humid. I hate days like this - I go to write or do work for school and end up sitting staring at the computer screen in a heat-induced daze.

Love to all!

[October, 21]

Well, I've been back at work for a week. It wasn't as bad as I had anticipated - a rather slow week, but we have a very busy term ahead of us, so it's only going to speed up from now on. 9 weeks to go until Christmas holidays, and then I have 6 weeks off. It's a good life.

Chapter 2 of Immortal is up, as is chapter 15 of TDYK and chapter 4 of Queens Revenge. My Blaise/Ginny fic is up too. Next updates - well, hoping for chapter 6 of Deadly Sins and not sure after that.

Not a whole lot more to say actually. Been making graphics and filling banner requests - remember, if you want a graphic from me, request at TDA or at the Dark Mark.

I have updated my Favourite Stories page and my Dedications page, so if you are looking for a new fic to sink your teeth into, go have a look there. I have some new affy's too - Cassy and Tana.

And thats it. Really really boring.

[October, 15]

Like the new layout? Say a massive thank you to the marvellous Kate for me *huggles Kate*. You rock darling - thank you so much!!

So, I am preparing to go back to work in a day. Yes, one day of freedom left, and then I have to collect my thoughts and focus on my job. It's been nice to have a break - I seriously needed it. Teaching is rather...stressful at times. But rewarding. I do enjoy it, just not all the ... less fun parts that come with it. It's very very hard not to take your work home with you when you are a teacher.

This is going to be a rather boring update. Sorry. I can tell you that Chapter 4 of Queen's Revenge has been validated and is up on HPFF, and I just put my Blaise/Ginny one-shot in the queue, which is currently only at 1 day, so keep an eye out for that fic. I have been thinking of making it a short story or something, but that will all depend on how it is recieved.

TDA gallery has been updated, so go take a peak. Banner/graphic requests are Open so if you want something from me, fill out the request form here, or request through TDA, or The Dark Mark, if you happen to be a member. Which brings me to my next point. If you are reading this, and you wish to find a new place to go on the Net for a bit of fun, for writing tips and challenges, for graphics or just to meet new people, then join The Dark Mark. You can find the link in my affy's page.

I have a new Recommended Read - A Vampire's Tale, by Dracana, further fuelling my addiction to vampires. It's a fabulous piece already and no one writes Blaise Zabini quiet like Helen.

So thats seriously it for now. I'm still dealing with my Twilight/Edward Cullen addiction, but the heart fluttering is lessening day by day *grins*. Take care guys.

Maji

[October, 9]

I finally got around to reading the Twilight series and...woah. That's all I can say - I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but all those who have will know what I am talking about with that simple 'woah'. And must I add anything at all about Edward Cullen? I don't think so. I think we all know what I want to say, but at the risk of offending the real man in my life I shall remain tight-lipped. Kate knows how I feel...I found myself unable to put the books down. Read the three in two and half days, and have since read them all again (I purchased them last Thursday) and am actually reading Twilight again at the moment. Obsessed? Yes, yes I am.

I have only a week of holidays left and still have done no work for school, but it won't take me long so I have put it off for another few days. Naughty, I know, but I have more interesting and relaxing thing to do at the moment.

I have finished writing chapter 2 of Immortal and have been trying to work on the next chapter of TDYK but really, after reading three books about vampires, I am finding it hard to think about anything else, so my vampire fic it is! Chapter 5 of Deadly Sins is in the queue and should be posted in a few days hopefully.

We got hit with a mega hail storm today, and one yesterday too, which resulted in me running around outside dodging hailstones the size of golf balls at some stages to try and save my car! I have already used my one free windscreen from my insurance company (stupid trucks throwing stupid rocks) so the windscreen was the priority. So I got the front half of the car in the shed behind my boy's car, and then we had to cover up the rest of mine with blankets. I copped a hail stone in the shoulder yesterday - still waiting for the bruise - and one in the knuckle on my little finger today! That one hurts - alot. I thought it may have been broken to start with, but it seems I was just overreacting. The worst thing about it all though - my garden got nailed! It looks like someone has taken a gun and blasted holes in everything! My tomatoes and herbs are pretty much gone, my strawberries and passionfruit - smashed, and all my catci and succulents...gah!! And the lillies - it's so sad cause everything was looking so pretty in the lovely spring weather. So storm season is upon us here! *sigh* Can't wait until tomorrow - lets see if it's a hat-trick.

Thats about all for now! New layout coming soon thanks once again to the wonderful Kate!

Maji xx

[September, 29]

I am officially on holidays *dances*!!! Such a long term - 11 weeks - so it is good to be able to have a break. I'm actually going to be really boring and say I have nothing planned - just a bit of time in the house, spring cleaning, a bit of gardening, some shopping and of course, I actually have a truck load of stuff to get ready for next term *sigh* so I will be doing school work as well. Am all alone for at least a week - my boy has gone to the Northern Territory to see some friends and go 4WD-ing!!

Onto fanfic news - chapter 1 of Immortal is now up so GO AND READ IT!! I'd love to know what you all think. Chapter 14 of The Devil you Know is in the queue, so it should be up soon, and I'm not sure what to update after that. Am working on filling graphics requests and working on some pics for Celtic's Arabesque comp, and I plan on updating my TDA gallery again soon, and I have updated the Poetry section with 12 more poems.

Really, thats about it. Again, a boring update, but I'm just glad I'm on holidays! It's been a tough term.

Maji xx

[September, 22]

I have decided to remove all unvalidated material from the Sneak Peaks section so that I can link this site through HPFF. What I am going to put in there now will be story ideas, perhaps a place where you can comment on them...not entirely sure and my brain is not working correctly this morning. Work was long, tiring and ... well ... its best if I leave it there I think.

I have put the first chapter of Immortal in the queue and hoping it will clear soon. And I am thinking of taking Nagini/Kate's unusual pairing challenge at TDM. Have some ideas, so I'll have to wait and see how it goes.

Thats kind of it. Boring hey? I have heaps of marking to do this weekend, a bit of gardening and that is all. Oh, I've been reading Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials series, in time for the movie release later this year. I'm onto the last book now, and I love it. I remember reading somewhere that a lot of people were comparing Pullman's series to the HP series, but there really is no comparison. Both series are standout in their own ways, as they are both incredibly different.

I have a new Recommended Read - Disturbance, by the amazing Elysium! Check it out!!

So until next time, luv to all. Maji xx

[September, 15]

So not alot to tell you all, so this will be a short update. I have had an incredibly busy week - the term is winding to a close, so school is a bit hectic at the moment. I tell you what, I am getting really sick of raising my voice at kids! I feel like all I have done at work this week is write discipline slips and yell! *sigh*

So I am feeling very jealous of Dani (Skin and Bones) at the moment for being made a TA. But, she deserves it! If you haven't yet read any of her fics, I highly recommend you check them out. On the subject of fanfic, I have a new fic up - I Will Not Forget You has been validated, as has chapter 13 of The Devil you Know. I have put chapter 7 of Broken in the queue and am currently working on my Alecto Carrow fic. I have not decided if it will be a really long one-shot or a short story yet, but it will all depend on how it goes. It is so far proving to be the most difficult thing I have written. The first chapter of Immortal is ready to go as well, but I'm not sure if I will put that up next or update one of my chaptered fics first. And in other fanfic related news, I won a Dobby! Best New Author. Wow. Thanks to everyone who voted for me - it's really quite an honour and the support has been rather overwhelming.

I have been talking to Kay (BitterEpiphany) about what I have to do to make this site HPFF friendly, and at the moment, all she said that needed to change was the Sneak Peaks section, because of ToS and unvalidated material, so I am still considering what to do. What do you think? Can you guys live without the Sneak Peaks section or not? I really would like to link from HPFF...

I have writers block at the moment. Feeling rather uninspired, so I have been making alot of new graphics. TDA gallery was recently updated so have a look!

So that's it! Love to all, Maji xx

[September, 7]

Okay, so I am onto day 3 of fighting off a crazy mutant strand of the influenza virus...*sigh* I can't be like normal people and just catch the "cold"; I have to be different and actually get the flu. So it's been three days of rest, lots of fluids, vitamin C and painkillers. I feel like someone has punched me in the solar plexus region...my ribs are killing me! I hate this *makes angry face*!!

I have managed to crawl to my computer periodically and do some writing. I Will Not Forget You is ready to go, and I may post it next. I haven't decided yet. Chapter 4 of Deadly Sins is in the queue, and should hopefully clear tonight or tomorrow. The first chapter of Immortal is also ready to go, but I have no idea when I will post that one. Epitome has hit a standstill - I am not really liking what I have done with it so far, so it may go through a re-write before it gets posted. Also, I have started working on an Alecto Carrow fic, which is quite difficult as we know nothing about her, but my cry for help on the HPFF forums has heeded some answers, so that is progressing.

I got promoted to Junior Artist at TDA!!! I'm so very surprised. I nominated myself for a laugh really, and to see what would happen, but I never really expected to get promoted, so it was a lovely surprise. Make sure you all go and check out my gallery! There will be new pieces coming soon.

That's about it, really. I have to get my tax done on Monday - finally made an appointment with an accountant. I paid so much tax last year I want to get as much back as I can. I think, all up, I paid about $12,000! So yea...normally I do it myself, but with that much money...I'll leave it to the experts!

One more thing - I hope George Bush enjoys his stay in Australia (can you feel the sarcasm) and especially his time at the 'OPEC' summit! Teehee...

Luv Maji

[September, 3]

It's my birthday!! *dances and throws out a hip* I'm 28. Someone pass me my walking stick...hahahaha!! Tis a strange thing. I don't actually feel any older than I did a few years ago. So many things have changed in my life - I have grown up alot in the last 12 months, but essentially, I think I am the same person I was a year, maybe more, ago. I know for sure I am not the same person I was when I was 20, but that in itself is not a bad thing. I don't look back and think, 'I didn't like me then', it's more...reflective *shrugs*. Hard to explain.

Anyways, down to business. I have been slowly updating my poetry section, so go and have a look. I have worked out that I have about 140 poems written, and gradually I shall post the majority of those. Am waiting patiently for HPFF to not only speed up the queue, so I can post the next chapter of Deadly Sins, but also waiting for Logical Raven to reply to the email I sent her. I was, briefly, a TA, but owing to a silly mistake on my behalf (breaching ToS) I lost my status, so I sent her an email to see if it could be reviewed. So, yeah, waiting...

I want to know what you all think of this - it's for a new one-shot I have written...inspired by and will be dedicated to CelticKisses!

I Will Not Forget You.

“I remember the nights I watched as you lay sleeping. Your body gripped by some far away dream,” she whispered to the bed, her fingers reaching the pillow. Rolling further onto her stomach, she lifted her arms, the pillow coming away from its permanent resting place to be pulled against her chest. She buried her nose against the softness, breathing deeply, hoping to catch a lingering hint of his scent. All she could smell were roses, the fragrance that constantly littered her house, her own hair and her clothing. The garden outside had grown wild in recent months. She had not felt the need or the desire to maintain it, letting it stretch and twist where it willed, shielding her from the world like some magical forest. But she knew, deep within her heart, that her prince would not be coming to cut away the thorns and take her in his arms.

Her mind returned to the man she so desperately wanted to hold once more. A man with a shock of tumbling dark hair and glittering green eyes. Those eyes had become sadder over time, and she recalled countless nights when she held him to her chest, rocking him back to sleep as he tried to shake the stickiness of nightmares from his skin. “I was so scared and so in love then, and so lost in all of you that I had seen.” The woman spoke the words sadly to the pillow in her arms, to the scent of roses and misery. The scent of grief and despair, and love. Tossing the pillow aside with finality, she sat up and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, determined not to cry. Across the room, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror that stood proud and intrusive above the dark timber dresser. The last time she had truly looked at her reflection he had been standing behind her, his eyes meeting hers in the glass, filled with promise and false lies. It had been the night before he left her. Dark, liquid eyes stared back at her now, accusations and misgiving painted in their chocolate depths. Her hair fell wild and untamed around her body, long and tangled like her heart. She bit her lip, the sharp shock of pain bringing a gasp from her throat. With a final glare at her pale and lifeless face, she climbed from the bed, not looking back at the empty space she longed to fill. Outside, it continued to rain, heavier now, the droplets larger and filled with life. It tormented her, the rain, and she scowled at the stained glass bay window in her bedroom, watching the water run along the outside of the glass, drawn towards the earth in a dance it could not prevent if it tried. Gravity comes to everything in the end, she thought as she turned and fled her room with its empty bed and staring eyes. Everything falls.

So what do you think? It's my first Harmione fic, and I quiet like it.

Been busy filling graphic requests and working on my own stuff for my TDA gallery. I'm going up for promotion this month, so I'm in the process of purging the gallery and getting rid of the rubbish.

That'll do for now! *hugs everyone*

[August, 24]

Well, as of today, I am going to be rearranging my poetry section, just to make things easier. So I do hope you will have a look, although it will take me some time to get all the poems posted. Not alot of other news really - it's still raining, which is wonderful, but I hate driving in it. I have a couple of new one-shots that will be going up as soon as possible, once my two lovely Beta's finish their work (yes Drew I am calling you a beta too now...) so keep an eye out for those.

I have heaps of new affy's - Steph, Saba, Rhiannon, Drew, Skye, Kiandra, Danielle and Amber - so make sure you check out their sites!!

Like my icon? I need advice on making those, so any help will be appreciated. Also, updated my TDA gallery recently. Again, banner requests are OPEN so if you want one, request through TDA or request through here.

I entered another challenge over at TDA. What do you think of my entry? Clicky. Let me know!

[August, 21]

A quick reminder to you all - you have to vote again in the Dobby's at HPFF due to the whole voting thread going missing. So, if you were one of those people who voted for me, please please please do so again!! I know it's a pain, as I have to go re-vote for everything to.

Graphic Requests are open. I will only take two at a time at the moment however. Make sure you follow my rules for requesting or your graphic won't be made.

Raining raining raining!! Its been raining for a few days now and its BEAUTIFUL!! I'm not sure I like the gale-force winds though...

Deadly Sins chapter 3 is up!! Also, I have written the Blaise/Ginny I was planning, and it is currently being read over by Kate and Drew. I'm not sure when I will post it though - I put chapter 12 of The Devil You Know in the queue today, and after that I'm thinking of updating Queen's Revenge. I also want to get the first chapters of some new fics up soon. I wrote a Harmione last night, but it still has a lot of work needed before it can be posted, but I will keep you all informed about that one.

I have a new recommended read - Of Dogs by the wonderful Elesphyl. It's only got two chapters so far, but its fabulous.

[August, 18]

I have a few ideas for new fics - I'm thinking of writing a Ginny/Blaise songfic, if I can ever find the lyrics on line. If not, I'm going to have to sit down and work them out myself! I'm also toying with the idea of writing a Ron/Hermione. It's an idea I have had for a while now, and at first I pushed it away, because I hate that ship, but I'm finding it will not go away, so I guess I'm just going to have to write it. Immortal has hit a bit of a standstill, so it might be a while before that one is up, but the first chapter of Epitome is ready to go.

I have a few new affy's - Steph, Dani and Rosette. Check out the affy's page to see their sites. I also added some more fics to my Dedications page. Be sure to have a read - they are fabulous!

That about covers today. Oh, Kate tagged me...but I don't have eight people to send it too yet...I shall work on that, Kate, so don't worry, I will do it!

Attention here please

Please, answer the following questions in your head and if you agree with even half of them, The Dark Mark is the place for you!

Do you like Harry Potter?
Do you wish to better yourself as a writer?
Do you like to get banners but seldom get them?
Do you like forums?
Do you enjoy playing games?
Do you like meeting new people?
Do you like reading fanfiction?
Do you like entering competitions where you can win prizes?
Do you like to discuss the Harry Potter books yet can't find people willing enough to listen?
Do you like to have FUN?! This might just be the place for you!

http://thedarkmark.forumlivre.com/

The Dark Mark! This is a brand new forum where I am a moderator, and where you can talk about Harry Potter until your hearts content! You can request banners and actually get them from our very talented artists! You can play loads of fun games, or even start your own in our off topic area! You can get help with your writing from REAL teachers who know what they're on about and are willing to help! You can even show off your original writing work in our Muggle threads! You can rise through the ranks from a mere muggle to a Death Eater and have a lot of fun along the way! The possibilities over there are endless! If you're interested in joining the Dark Mark, please, do so! Sign up and join the fun! But please, if you like it or even if you'd just like to help promote this really fun site, tell all your friends about it and hopefully they'll come and join the fun over there too! The more members, the merrier! Can't wait to see you over there!

So what are you waiting for? Go join up!!

[August, 15]

On another note, I saw the saddest thing driving home this afternoon. There was a dead cat on the road, that looks just like one of mine!! I almost cried. I was driving along, singing and chilling out and wham! there it was!! The thing is, I understand it's a main road and there is a lot of traffic and things like that happen, but the cat was not there this morning, so it's been hit some time during the day, and whoever hit it did not even bother to a) stop and see if it was actually dead; b) stop and see if anyone owns it cause there are houses around there; or c) move it off the road! What is wrong with people? Seriously, it justs makes me angry that people just don't care. It was probably a feral cat, but still, it could have been someone's pet and they didn't even stop to check.

Things like that just make me sad.

In other news, I started a fictioncentral account yesterday. You can find the link under my authoress page. So far, I only have some poetry up, but it needs reviews, so...*big grin*. I also updated my TDA gallery yesterday too if you were wanting to have a look.

I will be open for graphics requests shortly. I have a few more to get through and then I will be able to take requests again, but at the moment, they are still closed, so if you have requested either on HPFF (except for Rachel :) ) or at TDA - sorry, but I cannot do it yet.

I think I have wasted enough of your time, so that's it for the moment. Remember to check out the recommended read!

[August, 13]

Well, here it is. My site. Like it? Leave me a comment in the C-Box and tell me what you think. Forgive me if I do not update this all that often - I have a very busy life, both on-line and off, so yeah, I'll only really update when I have something important to tell you all. Like, for now, Broken has been updated!! Chapter 6 is now on the HPFF archive for your viewing pleasure. Next in line to be updated is Deadly Sins, followed by The Devil you Know.

I got myself some new books to read today. One called Claudia, by Anoinette May, an historical fiction set in Ancient Rome. The other, Season of the Witch, by Natasha Mostert, is a bit of a mystery thriller.

While you are here, remember to check out my Praised section for the recommended read. The story at the moment, Judas Kiss, is simply stunning and I urge you all to read it!

Blessings!