Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Introduction: The Girl Behind The Blog

The Girl Behind The Blog:

My name is Lauren Parker. I'm an author, and my pen name is Lore Scarlet!

(Feel free to call me Lauren or Lore, either one's fine!)
(A recent picture of me! Yes, I do my own hair!
I have to dye it about once a month to keep it this red.)
I'm a Professional Writing major at the University of Oklahoma. I'm currently writing on a Young Adult Novel, that I will publish!

I also have a Healthy Vegan Cooking and Baking blog called HappyHealthyNoms. I plan on turning that blog into a Vegan Cookbook. (Yes, if you haven't guessed--I am vegan!)

I'm a vegan, because I think that it is the healthiest way to eat for ME. Which means, that it isn't as much as I am a huge advocate for Veganism, I also respect and understand that it's not for everyone!

I'm also a vegan for the animals! The movie Vegucated is the reason for that. If you are at all interested in Veganism or animal rights, I HIGHLY suggest watching that movie (it's on Netflix!) Seriously, that is the movie that made me switch from being a mostly vegetarian to a strict vegan!

When I'm not writing or blogging, I have several other hobbies!

I hula hoop dance, which is so much fun. Have you ever seen hoop dancing? If you haven't, check out this video of me hoop dancing:





I also enjoy cosplaying with my boyfriend. We go to 4 anime conventions a year (which I talked about in my Favorite Places blog post.)

I love anime and manga! My favorites are:
  • Attack on Titan
  • Fairy Tail
  • Black Butler
  • Neon Genesis Evangelion
  • Vampire Knight
  • Seraph of the End
  • Tokyo Ghoul
  • No. 6 
Besides anime, I LOVE Star Wars. My favorite character is Boba Fett.

(Boba Fett and I)
I enjoy playing Tabletop Role Playing Games (RPGs) like Dungeons and Dragons, World of Darkness, The Dragon Age RPG, and the Star Wars RPG, Force and Destiny.

I'm working on a minor in Literature, and I love to read! 

My favorite classic writers are: Ernest Hemingway and Oscar Wilde. My favorite modern authors are Holly Black and Laurell K. Hamilton. My favorite books are:
  • The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
  • The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
  • The Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter Series 
  • And, I simply cannot choose a favorite Hemingway novel, they're all perfection!
To see all the books I read, check out my Goodreads. (And feel free to add me!)

I love video games. I own a Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii, 3DS, and a Nintendo 64. My all-time  favorite video games are:
  • Skyrim
  • Zelda: Ocarina of Time
  • Kingdom Hearts 
I love mythology--my favorite is Norse Mythology! Check out my Pinterest for all my Norse Mythology pins:

That's a basic idea about me, the girl behind the blog!

It's nice to meet all of you! 

31 comments:

  1. Hi Lauren,
    I think it is funny that I know both people from week one's group outside of this class. But we've only really just met, so conversation is quite possible. I'm not as hardcore dietary wise (halal + vegetarian, sigh - cheese). I love "The Darkest Part of the Forest" and after you see my Pinterest boards, you'll see that I have even more dimensions that some of which we share. You hoop dance, I contact juggle for instance.

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  2. Hey Lauren!
    The two things that really caught my eye from your blog was your love for hula hoop dancing and being vegan. Although I am not vegan, I do love to eat very healthy and that is something that is very important to me. What made you choose to become vegan? I have thought about making that lifestyle change quite a bit. Also, the hula hoop dancing looks like a really fun and interesting hobby! I typically don't think about using a hula hoop to dance but I would love to learn! Good luck this year!

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    1. Hoop dancing is SO fun! If You life in the OKC-Norman area, there are hoop classes at Yoga Life in Norman Mondays at 5:45 or at Teaze Dance Studio in Oklahoma City at 6:30. I go to the ones at Teaze--you should totally go! I have bright red hair, so if you decide to go, say hi!

      As for my veganism, the short answer why is: for my health and the for the animals.

      If you want to read the long answer: I started to eat less meat for weight loss! And then I watched the documentary called Vegucated (which is on Netflix,) and that opened my eyes to the cruelty that the animals endured. Like, I was eating grass fed, pasture rasied dairy, so I thought I was doing a kind thing, but turns out I was NOT. So I decided to drop dairy because of the animals. But, as I started to eat Vegan, the pounds of fat just started melting off. I had actually been 30 pounds overweight, and I lost all of it with my vegan diet! I started to feel AMAZING, like high energy and elevated mood, so I stuck with it, and I have been enjoying it ever since!

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  3. It is always exciting to have PW majors in this class, Lauren - fabulous! I hope you can find a way to use the writing in this class as a low-stress, totally fun place to experiment with things... and maybe they will even be part of or connect with your other big writing projects! And your blog looks delightful (such yummy pictures!)... maybe you will want to do a food-related project for this class. If you keep an eye out, you will find FOOD, all kinds of food, playing a role in the myths and legends of the world, and of course stories about food can easily become part of a cookbook, adding a fun dimension to the cookbook beyond just the recipes.

    And I have to say that the hula hoop dancing is mesmerizing: wow! It's like it has a mind of its own... a pink glowing mind of its own! And did you build the LED hula hoop yourself...??? Very cool!

    Finally, I have to ask if you know about Oscar Wilde's GORGEOUS fairy tales...? People have used those for projects in this class in the past, so you might want to take a look: they really are remarkable stories! You can find them all at Sur La Lune:
    The Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde
    If you have not read them before, I bet you would enjoy exploring them! If you do, let me know what you think. I read them as a child and was enchanted. They were so different from the other kinds of fairy tale books that I had.

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  4. Yes, I am very much enjoying writing for this class. It's a great chance to do something other than the two novels that I am writing for my PW classes!


    I had not thought of incorporating mythology with my cooking, but that is an AMAZING idea!

    Thank you so much for saying my hoop dancing is mesmerizing, that's the goal! I did not make the hoop! I bought it from MoodHoops.com!

    AND thank you SO much for giving me the link to the Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde! I actually had not read any of those, but they look GREAT! (Hello project topic!) I just love his writing. Dorian Gray aside, Oscar Wilde is my favorite writer!

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  5. I think it is awesome that you are pursing a career in writing! Its so inspiring to see someone pursue what they love.

    The hula hoop dancing is really cool and a great form of exercise. Have you ever used the weighted hoops? Those things will bruise your ribs!

    I just added "The Darkest Part of the Forest" to my overdrive wishlist and I can't wait to check it out. I'm always looking for a new author to check out.

    It's great to see what a diverse student population we have at OU. I learn about new things from classmates on here every week.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words! And I have used the weighted hoop. It waas WONDERFUL for my abs, however, it bruised me so bad! I stopped using it finally, because it left a knotted bruise on my tummy (and it took FOREVER to heal!) So, no more weighted hoop for me. I stick with my nicely weighted dance hoops!

      OH you will love it, and check out anything by Holly Black, and you won't be disapointed. After your read it, you should check out Tithe and the Modern Faerie Tale series. They are her older faerie books, and it's neat to compare them to her newer fairie book!

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  6. Hey Lauren, so I think its pretty cool that your vegan because it is something that I find hard to keep up with. The reason I say that is because honestly here in the society we live most things have meat. It is part of the culture to always have meat on your plate so it is pretty impressive that you are able to stay vegan. Keep up the good work!

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    1. Thank you! It isn't as hard as you would think it is to be vegan, BUT that being said, I do eat at home a lot more than most people. Oklahoma is especially not vegan-friendly. However, I do have 4 restaurants here in Norman that I can eat at! Which, I think it pretty great, since it's Oklahoma! It is true, so many people are focused on protein, the most common question I get is, "Where do you get your protein?" But more research is showing that we are getting enough protein, even without emphasizing it. That's because things you wouldn't think of like Romaine Lettuce actually have a lot of protein.

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  8. First off let me say I love your hair. So red! Like I really like it, it looks good. Secondly, Lore is a cool name. I also like Attack on Titan. My primary video game is FIFA though hands down haha, not exactly a role playing game I know. Let me say again, I really like your red hair haha. What is the title of your novel? Nice meeting youuu!

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    1. Thank you so much! I actually used to do hair (I went to hair school, hated doing hair as a living, and thus I'm at OU.) So, I actually dyed my hair red myself! And thank you, Lore Scarlet is my pen name, so I appreciate the positive feedback!
      Sports games are fun! Especially on the next gen consoles--the graphics are AMAZING!
      I do not have a title yet, but I will post it as soon as I have one. I actually have to design the cover for it soon, so I'll post that here, and let you know!👍

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  9. Hey Lauren!! I have never met anyone that is vegan, or that does cosplay. That's awesome. I wish you the best on your book publication. I also enjoy reading. My favorite are young adult mystery/romances. I can spend days reading before coming out of my room. Hula hoop dancing is something I don't see very often. I like when people have different hobbies that aren't as common. I'm looking forward to reading your stuff!

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    1. Yay, I'm happy to be the first Vegan Cosplayer you've met! And thank you so much, the writing novel process struggle is real. And hoop dancing is so much fun, and great exercise!

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  10. Hey I like the novel idea! My buddy is a professional writing major. He and I plan to move to LA to so he can write screenplays and I can act. We are looking forward to it. I also can tell that you have a huge personality and I love it. You are totally someone being themselves and that I respect more than anything in a person.

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    1. That's such a awesome plan! Also, thank you so much for your kind words. I completely agree! Individuality is one of the most important things to me. We all need to be our own guiding lights!

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  11. Hi Lauren,

    I must say, your hair is absolutely beautiful! Do you do it yourself or do you get it professionally done? I love cooking, so I will be definitely checking out your vegan blog. I am trying so hard to go vegan, but I quickly realized how much I love cheese. D: It's such a hard thing to give up. If you have any tips, please let me know. I look forward to reading your work! Wish you the best of luck this semester!

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    1. Thank you so much! I did it myself! I actually went to hair school and got my hair lisense right out of high school (and obviously decided to go to college!) So in a way my hair is professional done by me! lol Also, cheese was my hardest thing to give up, but thanks to Daiya I don't miss cheese anymore! They make AMAZING vegan cheddar slices, cheddar shreds, mozzerella shreds, and cream cheese. I also sprinkle something called nutritional yeast on my food, which gives it a cheesy taste. Also, Earth Balance makes Vegan Mac n' Cheese, and Daiya makes frozen pizzas and cheesecakes, and So Delicous makes super yummy ice cream and yogurt. Silk makes great Almond Milk. So, with all that I never miss dairy!

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  12. Hi there Lauren! Wow, you have such beautiful red hair. I tried dyeing my hair red once and because I didn’t bleach it first (because I was scared I would damage it), it didn’t come out as vibrant like yours. Being a professional writing major means this class will be a breeze for you, huh? I loved reading Young Adult novels growing up, so whenever your novel comes out, you should let me know so that I can check it out! OMG YES ANIME/MANGA FAN HERE TOO!! I haven’t been able to watch many new ones, but the most recent one that I enjoyed was Charlotte!

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    1. Thank you so much! Yeah, I had to bleach it first, but it didn't damage it, so yay!
      Also, that's awesome! I bet you'll like my book, since it has some anime influences to it. I'll let you know when it's out!
      I've never heard of Charlotte, I'll have to check that out!
      Also, yes and no. It is easy to write stories for me, however I have to write two novels in my PW classes, so my brain is like NOOOO, no more writing! haha

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  13. I grew up playing Kingdom Hearts! I was obsessed with that game. This summer my brother downloaded it onto his computer and played that way. I can’t tell you how much time we spent sitting there playing. We got to relive our childhood! I’m also a big Star Wars fan. I remember my dad taking e to the movies when the more recent ones hit the big screen!

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    1. Same! Kingdom Hearts and Star Wars (among other things) is basically my childhood!

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  14. Wow! Nice to meet you, Lauren! It sounds like you live an interesting lifestyle revolving your career around your work! That’s awesome. I think it is pretty cool that you will publish your own book soon. I worked at a summer program and we had someone come and perform hula hoop dancing with the LED’s, the kids loved it! Takes a lot of practice I’m sure!

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  15. It's nice to meet you! Your blog is so well designed and organized! My sister is also very into manga and loves going to conventions. I think it is so cool that you are a professional writing major,and think that it is even cooler that you plan on publishing a novel. That is amazing! Good luck to you!

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  16. Hey Lauren,
    What an awesome blog design! I also loved that you shared videos in your introduction as well. You'll have to send us an email once your book is published! You seem like a really fun person to be around. I'm excited to read some of your writings this semester!

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  17. Lauren, nice to meet you! I really like your pen name, Lore Scarlett. How did you come up with that? It’s really pretty. I also, like most people who have commented, like your red hair, very unique and pretty. You can tell that you really like to write and are good at it. I look forward to reading your work. Good luck on the novel, maybe I can read it one day when I see it in Barnes and Noble.

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words!

      How did I come up with my penname? Lore has been my nickname since I was 14, and scarlet because it's another word for red--like my hair. I also like it because scarlet reminds me of Miss Scarlet, who was my favorite character to play in clue!

      Also I cannot wait for the day when my book is on the shelf at Barnes and Noble! I get all spazzy and happy just imagining that, and imagining someone buying it makes me even more happy!

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  18. Hey, Lore!

    I just LOVE your blog title! You can never go wrong with superheroes! Also, it was awesome hearing that someone else played AC IV!

    I have a high level of respect for all cosplayers – y’all put so much effort into it and everyone always looks great! It’s awesome that you and your boyfriend go together and get to go to a bunch of conventions!

    I haven’t seen any of the anime you have listed, but I haven’t really watched anything new recently. I’m re-watching Big O right now and then I’ll probably do a re-watch of Trigun or Wolf’s Rain. SInce you like vampires, have you seen Hellsing?

    It’s been great getting to know you :D

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  19. Hey! My hair was actually the same color until two weeks ago! Pretty sure some parts of my shower will never un-pink from all the dying to keep the color up, lol. It really is a beautiful color and you wear it well!

    I've never gotten to cosplay but I've always wanted to! Life's just always been too busy and I could never really figure out how to get into it, you know? Not to mention I'm the only one of any of my friends who'd really be interested in it (so lonely ㅠ.ㅠ). It's awesome that you go to conventions four times a year! That only thing I manage to do on a fairly annual basis is KCON.

    Your anime list is top-notch, mhm. Black Butler, that show. It does things. It's...ugh. I like some of the more old classics because...I have no idea. v.v (Trigun and Wolf's Rain mentioned above, so much yes.)

    Video game and tabletop RPG lists, also amazing. You're whole introduction and blog is amazing! I love the names and titles and pictures!

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  20. Hi there Lore! So cool that you're a professional writing major. If I wasn't pre-pharmacy, I think that's what I would do. Also, extremely awesome that you're writing a novel! I hope that goes well for you! Wow! You are really talented at hoop dancing. How long did it take you to learn? A few of my friends enjoy cosplay as well as anime and it's great to see that you do too! Good luck with everything and nice to meet you!!

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  21. Hi Lore,
    How I envy your beautiful hair! I imagine the maintenance on that color is pretty high but totally worth it. I think it is really cool that you are a vegan and I respect that you don’t push that on others. However, I think it is awesome that you are so passionate about it. I think it is cool you play RPGs. Do you play World of Warcraft? I played for many years but had to put it down because it is kind of a soul sucker. Nice meeting you!

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