Grayt News! January 2009

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Grayt News!

January 2009

Compiled by Liiane al'Rhuidea



It's that time again... for the Gray Newsletter!

First off, congratulations to Melina Tashir, our newest Aes Sedai!

Somewhat like the sitewide Member's Choice Awards with a Grayt twist, we decided we are so awesome we should give ourselves awards too.

Voted on by the Grays, our Warders, and our Aspirants, the Grayt Choice Awards! Thanks, Jordan, for putting this together for us!


Grayt Choice Awards

by Jordan Rayne


First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their votes! It was awesome that so many of you cared enough to participate!!! This has been a lot of fun for me and I hope to be able to do it again next year! It'll be quite interesting to see how the results will be different, with new Grays and all that. So without further ado....

The Gray Ajah Member Choice Awards!!!

Results collected, and counted (three times!!!) By Jordan Rayne


The Most Helpful Gray - Magdalenna, our Awesome HoA!!!

The Funniest Gray - Liiane

The Grayest Gray - Magdalenna

The Most Optimistic Gray - Alyria

The Cutest Gray - Melina


And here I must pause briefly to thank Melisande Sedai profusely! She nominated the ENTIRE AJAH!!! So here's a round of applause for her!!!


The Gray Most Likely to Succeed- Melisande

The Gray Most Likely to Wake Up and Find a Dead Hooker Covered in Pie in Bed With Them - al'Cary

The Most Creative Gray - Camlyn

The Gray Most Likely to Get Arrested - A tie, Liiane and Mazarin

The Most Artistic Gray - Iteran

The Gray with the Most WoT Knowledge - Magdalenna


And we have some very interesting DIY catagories!!! These were the most fun for me!! I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!


The Most Sarcastic Gray - Tyla

The Gray Most Likely To Say Hi - Melisande

The Gray with the Smexiest Avatar - Jordan

The Gray Most Likely To Be In Chat(any hour of any day) - Mazarin

The Most Likely to Discover Travelling - Eriana

The Gray who is the Most Obsessed With The Wheelbarrow - Liiane

The Gray Most Likely to Kidnap People - Iteran

The Gray Most Likely to Enable - Therian

The Most Resilient Gray - Rowanne

The Gray Most Likely To Join MENSA - Myriam


Congratulations to all of our winners!! It was very close in most cases, but there is one thing I would like us all to remember:

WE ARE ALL WINNERS!!!



Iteran stumbled upon one of the most awesome things I've seen in awhile.


WoT Meme

by Iteran al'Wahid


OK boys and girls, check this out....

Few days ago, I started browsing through the DeviantArt site in hope that something would spark up my creativity and I'll get some cool new idea for the January Newsletter. So after sometime, I stumbled on this. And I totally flipped about it. And that's not even the best part. The artist RoseMuse, or Kayley in RL, has agreed to let us use it for the newsletter. She's an amazing young lady and I've enjoyed the few emails I've exchanged with her.

Link to Rose Muse's Awesome Wheel of Time Meme!

Interview with Kayley:


Where do you live?

I live in the crazy, snowy state of Utah. Yup, way out in the boondocks.


Are you a student or are you working? Where are you studying/working?

I’ve been doing just some simple freelance art for the past year, and I’m taking some courses in graphic design and animation at a local college.


When did you start drawing?

I don’t really know - it goes way back to beyond when I can remember. Even as a kid I knew I’d like to be an artist. I’ve mostly been self-taught, but a few art classes over the years have helped to hone those skills.


What techniques do you usually use?

I’ve always been a big fan of watercolors and their effects, so I always strive for that look in my art pieces. I picked up coloring things digitally about a year or two ago, and I’ve been working on improving my skills with that. I use a lot of effects with digital paints to try and make them look a bit like watercolors, too. It’s a lot easier to paint something with the watercolor style - it allows for a lot more freedom within the lines and it doesn’t require everything to look perfect. There are a lot of mistakes that actually turn out pretty cool looking.

I’d like to learn some different mediums, as well, particularly getting more of a painterly look for some pieces.

An artist, in my opinion, is always a student. There are always new ideas, skills and techniques to learn and experiment with.


What’s your favourite themes? Why?

First, and foremost, is definitely the fantasy genre. It’s what I started out drawing and reading as a kid, and it’s made such a big impact on my life. I think it was just looking at the descriptions and illustrations in those books, seeing these vast worlds and different times, that really sparked my interest. It always made me want to look deeper into those imaginings, and try to find the influences and ideas behind them - then bring those ideas out visually in art.


How did you find the WoT books?

Back in high school I was recovering from some back surgeries, (I’m doing much better, now.) Needless to say, lying around all day was incredibly boring, so one of my friends loaned me the series to read while I was out of school. I’ve always been a really big fan of fantasy books, (especially Tolkien.), so I was pretty much instantly hooked.


Who's your favourite WoT character and why?

Haha, my favorite would have to be Mat, without a doubt. He’s just got too much of a charismatic personality. I think, out of a lot of the characters, he’s the one who changes the most throughout the series and his story is absolutely fascinating. (Mostly because he just tends to attract so much trouble through his own actions.)

The character I’d probably relate - and really look up to - most, though, is Egwene. She just goes from being this dorky, wimpy little kid to an amazing, regal Aes Sedai and Amyrlin Seat. And the position wasn’t just handed to her, she really had to struggle through a lot of trials and pain before getting to where she is now. Just that calmness in the face of adversity is something to strive for.


What Ajah would you choose from the WoT books and why?

Sorry Grays, but I’m gonna have to go with Blue Ajah. I think it’s because the Blues are the ones who travel the most, (I love traveling), and they have a vast, spy network ranging over the continent. A lot of their work is based in perception of detail and observation, and, as an artist, that’s always something that’s been important to me. (Also, blue happens to be my favorite color…) (I know, I know. It’s one of the worst ways to choose an Ajah…)


Any plans for the future?

I’m hoping, within the next year or two, to get some of my own comics published, and possibly get a job with a big animation company.


How about a few words for your readers?

For fellow artists out there, I’d just advise staying confident in yourself. Art is just such a vast field that skills and levels shouldn’t make a difference - it’s an expression of yourself, and that’s what counts the most.

I’m just surprised and I really appreciate this! This interview was a lot of fun! It’s always just such an honor to hear that people enjoy my artwork and ideas, especially from fellow WoT fans. I absolutely love sharing with you all! Thank you.




AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND, a WOT meme put together by Meilen Sedai, using Kayley's template:

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Skillz.

But wait, there's more!


Get to Know Your Grays

Volume 2

By Camlyn al'Carr


Get to know your Grays, Vol 2. by Camlyn al'Carr

Happy New Year and welcome back to Gray HQ. It's been hectic this last month but putting that aside for now I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to another one of our grayts...... yes the drum roll is required.......I give you......

Melisande Arniel, Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah

Melisande.jpg

a.k.a

Crystal Dumonceaux (Hard worker, fellow news writer and loving mother)

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How long have you been a member for?

I will have been a member of TV.net for 4 years, as of January 2, 2009

What do you like the most about being a member?

The community and the opportunity to travel and meet other community members Honestly, if it weren't for the people here, and the chance to meet them, I wouldn't be here


Which forum is your favourite out of them all and why?

Hmm...good question! I guess it would be a tie between the Gray Ajah sitting room, and Olde Warder and Hen The Gray Ajah Sitting Room because that's where I catch up with all my Grays And the Olde Warder and Hen where I can meet up with everyone else! And, to be honest, I spend a ton of time in chat...so if that were a forum, it would be on top of the list!


Have you been to a real life event? If yes, which one/s and what is your favourite memory from attending?

Oh yes! I've managed to attend two Fall Ball events, and 2 Anni parties! My most favourite memory has to be from Anni in Corpus Christi...that's when Lireina and I became first sisters, and I met Jaim for the very first time Also, I got to meet up with more Grays! Definitely an awesome party for me


Real life to you is…?

...work and kids and love and fun and friends and playing WoW and TV.net and sleep!


When real life occasionally eats you, as it does to us all, what keeps you coming back?

Again, it has to be the people...all those friends and acquaintances that I've met at parties or chatted with in chat...that is what brings me back again and again. It's wonderful to be able to connect with people, and realize that you're not alone, even when you think you are.


How are you “Gray” on the site and/or in real life?

Hmm...well, I dislike drama, and prefer that everyone get along. I try to see both points of view, and sometimes like playing "devil's advocate", so I can inject a different viewpoint. I do get asked for advice on occasion, but mostly I listen and try to be a good shoulder to lean on This goes for both the site and real life.


What are your hobbies, aside from reading?

Well, I do play WoW...and no, it hasn't eaten me alive! Go figure! I also enjoy watching movies. But I have to admit, my biggest passion is to read...a good read that transports me away from real life is awesome!


What do you do for work or school in real life?

Right now, I'm holding down 3 jobs...I work for Canada Post, at a grocery store as a produce clerk/cashier, and do some paperwork for the ex-husband's restaurant. Add in being a mom, and yes, I'm busy! But it's awesome!


Lastly, an easy one, what is your favourite quote?

"Every man dies, but not every man really lives." or "You gotta do whatcha gotta do"...both are ideas that I try to live by


Well folks, we've reached the end of the interview but we hope that we were able to shed some light on Meli Sedai for all of you that have seen her around yet haven't had the chance to speak with her. We also hope everyone enjoyed their New Year's Eve celebrations. That's all from us Grays here at HQ for now. Bless you all and catch you next month.

The Origin of the Wheelbarrow

And by overwhelming demand, we present the origin of the Wheelbarrow!

Once upon a time, there was this three-word story...

Three-Word Story #1

June 6, 2008–July 9, 2008

-Note from Mariasha, who formatted this newsletter for the Library: WALL OF TEXT...I put some much-needed breaks in...


Once upon a rooftop, there grew mattress, in the very centre of a large town. It was the randomness mess of simul-posting which caused people to quote the poetic stylings of a gray but we digress.

Seven slippers were worn by seven tap dancing gorillas. Their faces grew so big that, after much debate, the princess tried chilled monkey brains while wearing no pink buttercup tassels. The consensus was blasphemous.

The icicle dripped slowly over the twisted remains of your mother's inconceivably large and dirty, hairy hands and caused a confusing ruckus of rodents of unusual cherry flavor to eat. "Look!" she shrieked, and kicked wildly until she hit her daughter's bookshelf, causing a disturbing turn of fabulously stylish events.

On the other side of the merry-go-round, , there were 24 horses, playing a dozen golden trombones. "I want cotton... pizza!" they screamed! "Right now, or... I'll smash a... guitar, and set things on fire Her eyes began to EXPLODE!

So she ran to the local Tupperware outlet, dragging a wheelbarrow full of bodies she had emptying the wheelbarrow which was previously full of bodies who had been in the wheelbarrow. But were now not in the wheelbarrow. She stepped on one of the dead bodies, and exclaimed, "Eek! I do not want this wheelbarrow that is no substitute for a purse! I must end this quote!"

She finally entered complete catharsis, not the Tupperware store. Thank goodness for natural cleansing! If only someone had washed my favorite wheelbarrow, instead of soaking the roof with jello. Why not visit the men in wheelbarrows who are dead?

The girl paused, by the wheelbarrow, pulled lighter fluid from under her skirt out, and set fire to the Tupperware store. Everyone in the streets started singing “Seasons of Love,” and began dancing on tables with enthusiastic circus bears! Those silly bears lost their hair. “Oh noes!” cried Magz Sedai, suddenly seeing the wheelbarrow tries to hurdle the dead bodies up the mountain but miserably fails.

She fell into the wheelbarrow, which suddenly broke completely, and then she catapulted to the bed of a monster covered in kittens and candy. After doing the Macarena with a toaster in her unitard and moccasins, everyone just stopped to stare disbelievingly.

Meanwhile, in a cornfield far away, Martians were constructing a huge dish-shaped hairpiece for Tinn, who they knew would never know the pain of a great sandwich which had been left under a hot noon sun. So the hairpiece, to Tinn’s bad fortune, left a huge dent in his head so suddenly he couldn’t use his brain.

Suddenly, a giant dingleberry flew from pie to cloud and bounced off an alien’s elbow. OUCH! Cried the elbow. “That hurt!” It continued, “Why did you have to fling poo?” The elbow replied “Sorry, the dingleberry just went astray.” Then Lii walked down the cliff and waited to meet a new seller of fine monkeys so that Nini could eat delicious monkey brains!

But the monkeys had a rebellion where they threw chocolate at zoo-goers. “Silly monkeys!” cried the alien elbow, and glared at the freshly-dug plot of the wheelbarrow’s final resting place. Suddenly, the wheelbarrow rematerialized in front of Lii, who jumped into it and sped off into the sunset where they lived happily together until Aintza stole Wheelbarrow and experimented on its molecules, resulting in its demise.

Lii was heartbroken until she saw a shiny new red land mower. She SQUEEEED gleefully, and promptly fell into a hole where she emerged with the wheelbarrow strapped to her like a big back with ducktape. Lii fell down, breaking the wheelbarrow, but fixed it.

But the wheelbarrow was so awesome that it imploded, scaring Kiti half nekked, which caused birds to shield Tinn’s eyes, because he would explode if he found a sultry, sexy, nekked Accepted in a wheelbarrow. Kiti loved the wheelbarrow but broke it. Everyone knew, though, that Kiti would resurrect the wheelbarrow, even though she would be punished by midgets carrying home-made tasers.

Pie of the Month

By Magdalenna t'Zai


Apple-Cranberry Pie

3 T chopped crystallized ginger (or more, to taste) 2/3 C sugar ¼ t salt ¼ C cornstarch ¾ t ground cinnamon 3 lb apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 1 C fresh cranberries 1 T fresh lemon juice heavy cream for brushing

preheat oven to 375°

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the crystallized ginger, sugar, salt, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Place apples in a large bowl and add the cranberries and lemon juice. Add the crystallized ginger mixture and stir to combine.

2. Transfer to pie shell, mounding the mixture in the center. Brush top of crust with cream.

3. Bake at 375 degrees in the lower third of the oven until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling, about 70 minutes.

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A note from Kitiarah, our resident pie lady:

Since we are having fun, posting the Pie of the Month, I thought, why not share that fun. If you would like to see one of your favorite pies in our monthy newsletter, whether it be Savory or Sweet, feel free to PM or email me(Kitiarah Lamseen) at kitiarah@tarvalon.net. I will send you a response to let you know that I have 1--Recieved the recipe and 2--When we will use it.

If anyone tries out one of the recipes we post in our Newsletter, Take Pics. Let us know how it turned out. We would love to know!!



As a special and super awesome treat, one of the Accepted currently Guesting with us offered to write up an article for the Newsletter.


Greyt Guesting

By Badria Aidan


Guesting with the Greys means fun. The forum is full of life, love and action and you are bound to become part of it. Not only do they welcome you most warmly, they also treat you as a full member from the very beginning.

They give you the opportunity to get to know them as well, be it in a “What does Grey mean to you” thread or just in some sort of random spamming that seems to be going on everywhere. If you guest with the Grey Ajah, you will be able to find out what the great Wheelbarrow is all about, will find out more about their shared history of pie-making and throwing and, most importantly, experience the Grey love first-hand. Upon entering the Greys, even if you are just guesting, you will be able to become somebody’s test subject, which means one grey Aes Sedai will from then on be like a special mentor from within the Ajah and you will be able to ask her tons of questions.

All in all, I am enjoying the greyt guesting experience and would encourage you to try it out for yourself – after all, in which Ajah are guests able to contribute to a newsletter?



Badria, you are awesome!

That's it for this month... Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed hearing about what we're up to... see you next month!





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