My Irish Adventure!

Why, hello everyone!

I'm back from my two week adventure across the ocean to my mother-motherland, Ireland. It was a whirlwind trip, but the most amazing one of my life. I fell in love with that country, and already achingly miss it.

View from the sky of Toronto!

My trip started off the worst way it could: I got sick. By sick, I mean so ill I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get on the plane. My parents and I arrived Person Airport (after the five hour drive to get to Toronto), and said a very tearful goodbye. I've never gone on a trip this big, let alone gone on one by myself. When I went past security I was in a bit of a panic. Terrified, nervous, and not really sure what to do with myself. Then I heard my name called on the loud speaker. Turns out, I left my coat with my dad, and had to go back to the main area (and sadly go through secrity again) to get it. I felt a lot better though, after I saw them laughing instead of teary. Once I was back on my own, the ill feeling started and I spent the next two hours feeling like absolute garbage. Thankfully, my friends with on Facebook chat so I got some pep talks from them. Finally it was time to get on the plane, and I was feeling a lot better.

Spent most of the plane ride going in and out of sleep (or being bugged by my seatmate but that's a long, irritating story). I woke up at 3am eastern time to have breakfast and got to see the most amazing sunrise. 

Gorgeous, huh? A few hours later I was finally in Dublin! 

I was greeted by my aunt Siobhan, and she took me on a mini driving tour around Dublin. We then got to my aunt Maeve's house (who I was staying with), and I ended up napping since I was sick again. When I woke up, my cousin Emily and her boyfriend took me to a pub. Going to pubs is very much a THING in Ireland, and I went to my fair share. The next day, I walked the pier with my aunt and did a little too much drinking with my cousin. Sick, again, on Sunday but this time I wasn't letting it ruin my day. So my family and I went to Glenalough!

Guys, it's honestly the most gorgeous place I've ever seen. Pictures don't do it justice. I was stunned, and completely fell in love with it. Bed early that night cause it was off to Liverpool the next day!

My favorite band, Mayday Parade, was playing and I just had to see them! While we were there, my cousin and I...got lost for five hours searching for Eleanor Rigby's grave, ate lots of toast, walked around pretty much the whole of Liverpool, went on a ferris wheel, went to The Cavern Club (where the Beatles first played!) and, of course, saw Mayday Parade!

Mayday Parade!

I adored Liverpool, which I didn't think I would. On Wednesday it was off to Nottingham to visit my other cousin. 

On the train!

Nottingham consisted of lots of drinking (at one point drinking at a Beer Festival on castle grounds), visiting the oldest inn in England, shopping, posing with Robin Hood and lots of cheese fries. It was so much fun, and I loved getting to see my cousin, whom I'd only met once or twice before (and YEARS ago).

It was back to Dublin on Saturday, and I was determined to jam pack as much as I could into my last week. Sunday we went to Killiney hill, which has one of the most stunning view of Dublin. Although I was dying from walking up the crazy hills, I was awed by what I saw at the top!

Monday, I traveled to Centre Dublin! My aunt lives in Dun Laoghaire, which is just outside of Dublin proper so I hadn't been to town yet! I went to visit Christ Church, which was stunning and grand. After that, my aunts and I went to St. Michan's Church, which is a 900 year old church on the North side. I did a tour of the crypts they have under the church (which was so creepy...and cool) and got to touch the hand of an 800 year old Crusader!

Christ Church!

Tuesday brought the day I had been looking for the most: when I got to go to Newgrange. I love history, and I couldn't wait to visit a place so magical and enchanting as Newgrange. I was especially excited because one of my favorite series, Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready has Newgrange as a central focus! (And to all you #TeamKilt members reading this, be sure to stalk the #ZOGANplank thread because I posted a bunch of pictures of the pair around Ireland!) My aunt and I arrived after lots of the tours were booked, so we ended up going to Knowth before going to Newgrange! I was really excited, and Knowth was absolutely fantastic! Our tour guide was great, and I learned a ton about the history of the site. We even got go inside of the grave! We also got to climb on top of the mound and had a gorgeous view of Ireland.

Knowth!

At the top of Knowth

After Knowth, we took a bus that led us up to Newgrange! I had my eyes glued out the window and my jaw was agape when it finally came into view. I jumped off the bus and impatiently waited for our turn for the tour. Walking up to the monument I could feel a tug in my chest. There's just something special about it. I could feel all the history of the site surrounding me, and was in awe thinking about it. Finally, we were allowed to enter the site, and I couldn't contain my excitement. I'm surprised I didn't hit my head because I was bouncing into the monument. And the chamber room? Oh, the chamber room. You guys, you need to see it yourself. It's impossible to aptly describe it, and I don't think I even want to try. This is a place you need to experience. I was the last one to leave the chamber, trying to linger in the moment for as long as I could. When I left I think I left a little piece of my soul in those walls. I have to go back. And I can't wait to do just that.

Newgrange!

Outside the entrance of Newgrange

After Newgrange my aunt and I drove to The Hill of Tara which, although just a field, had just a mythical air to it. I got goosebumps there, and the view was fantastic. I also tied my wish to the wishing tree! I went to the James Joyce tower, Dalkey, and Trinity College the last few days and, of course, a ton of pubs. 

Hill of Tara

On top of James Joyce Towe

It was great to spend time with my family, and to travel this beautiful, lush country. I had the best time, and I can't wait to get back there. Magical, visually astounding, and more than I could ever have expected, Ireland has always had a place in my heart, but now it holds a huge chunk.

In other news, I'm slowly but surely getting myself back into blogging. There's TONS of awesome stuff that's going up on the blog in the next few months and I cannot wait! Hope you guys are excited too.

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Author Love, Zachary Moore, And Team Kilt

Hi everyone!

Today I have a very special blog topic to post about. I'm sure you've all heard about the YA Crush Tourney happening over at the YA Sisterhood Blog (if you haven't go click the link and check it out! It's awesome). One of tomorrow's matches is between Will Herondale, the top seed of the entire tournament, and Zachary Moore, the sexy Scottish lad from the Shade series. Will, and all other Cassandra Clare characters, have been sweeping these tournaments, beating their opponents by thousands of votes. Yeah, THOUSANDS. Now, I can understand why. The Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series are great and very popular. I've loved TMI since I was fourteen and consider Jace, last years' Crush Tourney winner, to be extremely swoon-worthy. But, isn't it time to give the underdog a chance? Isn't it time we end the total wipe-out of the other, lesser known crushes? Well, I think so. But I also think that Zachary Moore deserves your vote, regardless of who he's up against.  He's everything and more you could want in a crush. He's melted my heart, made me laugh, smile, tear up, and been a part of a story I love so dearly. 

Now, I have yet to read Shine. Yeah, it's a bit mind-boggling but I have my reasons. One of them being I simply don't want this series to end. I love it too much! I remember picking it up, two years ago right before the Smart Chicks Signing in Brampton. I wasn't sure what to expect, but what I got was an amazing story, one cheer-worthy protagonist, one ghostly rocker, and one smile inducing Scottish boy. 

Haven't heard of Team Kilt? Well, we #TeamKilt members just so happen to be huge fans of the Shade series. We love everything about it, we love talking about it, we love having #TeamKilt chats, and we love men in kilts. I mean, who doesn't? Team Kilt is just such a fun, supportive group to be a part of, and I've loved every mad lib, #SHADEboys chats, blog post, and Nessie in lingerie that's happened.

Another reason to vote for Zach? Well cause of his creator, Jeri Smith-Ready. I don't think you understand how awesome she is (well, you might, but I'm going to tell you why anyways). I actually had the pleasure of meeting her two years ago. I happened to fan-girl and mumble and mentioned her other adult series, in which I share the same name as the protagonist (first time that's every happened), and probably embarrass myself. But she was super welcoming and friendly, with this big smile on her face, which helped (some what) to ease my fan-girl jitters. My friends and I were trying to get our tank-tops signed and we spotted Jeri outside the book store (she'd left the panel early). We went up to her and asked to have her shirt signed and even though she was in a huge hurry (on her way to catch a flight) she still took the time to sign them and thank us for coming. Then there's the online presence she has. Always keeping her fans updated, responding to tweets we send her, participating in online chats, hosting giveaways, sending bookplates, and always being her awesome and fun self. She may say that her fans are amazing but really, she's just an amazing person.

So, now that I've given my reasons for voting Zach...what do you think? Wanna vote? (I'll love you forever) 

How YOU can support Zachary Moore and Team Kilt!

1. VOTE. Vote an every browser, mobile device, and computer you have for Zach. Or, just vote once. Either way, you're awesome! All it takes is three clicks: one on the link, and one on the "Zachary" button" and one on the "Vote" button.

2. Spread the word! Even if you tell just one person, that's another vote that Zach could have. And we need every single one we can get! Tell a friend, or neighbor, or sales clerk, or sports coach, or the person standing next to you in line! We need thousands of votes to win this round. It's all up to us!

3. Spread the word in different ways! You can also post about it on your blog (and you could win prizes!) change your display picture, pin it on Pinterest, retweet the links, anything! Just get the word out that Zachary needs our help!

Links, Links, Links Galore! (To be updated when more links appear!)

Still not convinced to Vote Zach? Or, wanna find out more about him and Team Kilt? Well, here's a list of links that will answer all of your burning questions and curiosities!

*UPDATED: VOTE HERE*

Shade (find out more about the book!)
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Jeri Smith-Ready's Website

Jeri Smith-Ready's Website

- Team Kilt Post

- YA Crush Tourney Post Round One (including incentives to vote)

Team Kilt (and some giveaways!)

- Kilt and Keeley Fansite

- Fictitious Delicious

   * What's Happening for Round Two!

- Team Kilt Blog Hop

- GReads Giveaway

- Team Kilt Pinterest Board

- Shade Boys Tumblr

Twitter:

- Jeri Smith-Ready (the woman who started it all!)
- Zachary Moore (yeah, he has a legit Twitter account)
- Logan Keeley (the other awesome swoon-worthy guy from the Shade series)
- Aura Salvatore (the crazy awesome protagonist)
- Kilt and Keeley (Shade Fansite)
- Fictitious Delicious (Zachary's advocates)

So, at midnight tonight VOTE ZACH! And leave a comment here if you do! I'll give you a big virtual hug!

- Ciara who is lost at midnight  

Waiting On Wednesday (7): Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, in which bloggers talk about the books they are most eager for!

This week's pick: Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: May 1st, 2012 

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.
As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced that she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart. (Summary from Jeri Smith-Ready's website)

Okay, it's time for me to gush like a crazy fan-girl, because I love everything about this series. The story, the characters, the writing, the concept, the author, and of course, the amazing group called Team Kilt all come together to make one of the best combinations in the world. I'm going to be terribly sad that this amazing series is coming to an end, but I know Shine is going to be one heck of a book. 

The reason I first picked up Shade was because Jeri Smith-Ready was going to be at a signing I was attending later in the year (2010). I read Wicked Game, one of her adult novels, first and absolutely adored it (I knew I was going to love it when, on the first page, the main character clarified "It's KEER-ah, not see-AIR-ah"). I purchased Shade not long after, and loved it even more. Such an interesting and original concept. Such fantastic characters (the only books in which I can truly say I can't choose between the guys), and such a fantastic (Irish) author. Pick up this book! You will love it. Seriously, I kid not, you will LOVE IT. The entire trilogy will even be out in paperback for the May 1st release of Shine!


For fans of the series, make sure to check out KiltandKeeley.com, the Shade fansite which is always up to date with information! They're planning an exciting Team Kilt Con, which sounds amazing! Too bad I live in Canada making it a little difficult to attend. 


Also, the website above is doing a fantastic pre-order giveaway! Just pre-order the book and win fantastic prizes!


Check out the Shine trailer below! Only a couple more weeks!

- Ciara who is lost at midnight

Find this book: Jeri Smith-Ready's wesbite | Amazon | Goodreads