This week's feel good moments...
1. The book is DONE!
2. The library inventory is being worked on and is about 1/3 or more done. Probably more.
3. Living through trick or treat night with a tired 8-year old who decided she was done when we were about 2 miles from home.
4. Supernatural.
5. Beautiful Sam and Dean Winchester.
6. Supernatural chats.
7. Birthdays.
8. Friday.
9. Being warm.
10. Tomorrow's meeting.
So...there you have it...
Behave!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Trick or Treat
Tonight is our Trick or Treat night in our town.
Which means around 6 p.m., the streets will fill with costumed candy hunters of all ages. There's supposed to be an age limit on who should go door to door and beg for treats, but I've never denied candy to anyone who appears to be over the age. The kids are always respectful and it's fun to see how they dress up.
We'll have a crew here. A crew to head out and ring doorbells and a crew to sit on the porch and dole out candy. My folks don't get any trick or treaters at their house, so they come here to watch the festivities. B's Mom comes up too. She lives right behind us, but since no one realizes there's actually a front door there, she gets no one either.
Now it's homework time - both K3 and K4 have quite a bit to complete before it's time to head out. And then there's the costumes to assemble, dinner to eat, pictures to take...you know the drill. K2 is going out, though she has no idea what she's dressing as. K3 has decided to be a Sith Lord from Star Wars. K4 will be a cat tonight.
*I started this post over an hour ago. During that time, my brother has come to change and head off to college. Various children and other adults have arrived. My folks aren't coming now because my mom's not feeling well and make up is being applied, teeth are being adjusted, and costumes are in the finishing stages. It's much, much calmer now than it was even ten minutes ago.
All I have to say is the chaos better be done before Supernatural comes on!
Behave!
Which means around 6 p.m., the streets will fill with costumed candy hunters of all ages. There's supposed to be an age limit on who should go door to door and beg for treats, but I've never denied candy to anyone who appears to be over the age. The kids are always respectful and it's fun to see how they dress up.
We'll have a crew here. A crew to head out and ring doorbells and a crew to sit on the porch and dole out candy. My folks don't get any trick or treaters at their house, so they come here to watch the festivities. B's Mom comes up too. She lives right behind us, but since no one realizes there's actually a front door there, she gets no one either.
Now it's homework time - both K3 and K4 have quite a bit to complete before it's time to head out. And then there's the costumes to assemble, dinner to eat, pictures to take...you know the drill. K2 is going out, though she has no idea what she's dressing as. K3 has decided to be a Sith Lord from Star Wars. K4 will be a cat tonight.
*I started this post over an hour ago. During that time, my brother has come to change and head off to college. Various children and other adults have arrived. My folks aren't coming now because my mom's not feeling well and make up is being applied, teeth are being adjusted, and costumes are in the finishing stages. It's much, much calmer now than it was even ten minutes ago.
All I have to say is the chaos better be done before Supernatural comes on!
Behave!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Progress
Managed a little over 4,000 words today. I'm getting there. But how the kitteh feels is how I's feelin', only a lettle more to the E. Bed now.
Update again tomorrow...
Behave!
Update again tomorrow...
Behave!
Getting It All Done...
Or at least trying...
I'm feeling a little behind the eight-ball here. This week is flying by and I have a massive amount of stuff to do before Saturday's RWA chapter meeting.
My goal was to finish my current wip. Which would have been done by now if I hadn't taken nearly a week off to write a short story, but that's beside the point. I have slightly less than nine-thousand words to write and only three days to do it. Normally, I would scoff at that - seems like a very doable thing for me - normally. (Not the "for me" - you shouldn't judge your output by anyone elses)
But, in addition to that, I have an obligation tomorrow for most of the day, Trick or Treat night tomorrow night (with guests coming to use my house as home base), costumes and snack food to prepare for the school's shindig on Friday, and a library to inventory. Not to mention a bunch of household admin duties - like long phone calls to our cellular provider to let them know the battery they sent for K2's phone doesn't work and is apparently not the reason her phone stopped working, and that's probably the least time consuming.
Since I'm running for chapter vice-president, I'll be giving up my librarian job. I have box upon box to sort through, catalog, organize, and remove items that no longer belong. A CD of information needs to be burned, as well as the current sign out sheet and copies of past newsletter articles. And I need to load everything up into the back of my Suburban for Saturday morning.
The thing you have to remember is that I've been the librarian for a long time - maybe 5 years or so. I'm not going to know what to do with the re-found space. I've been pretty good about keeping the items organized, but truthfully, this inventory doesn't excite me much. Shocker, huh?
Oh, and on top of all of that, my washing machine is making a very scary noise - like death knell scary - and Bob's car is making a similar noise.
Is it 2009 yet?
Behave!
I'm feeling a little behind the eight-ball here. This week is flying by and I have a massive amount of stuff to do before Saturday's RWA chapter meeting.
My goal was to finish my current wip. Which would have been done by now if I hadn't taken nearly a week off to write a short story, but that's beside the point. I have slightly less than nine-thousand words to write and only three days to do it. Normally, I would scoff at that - seems like a very doable thing for me - normally. (Not the "for me" - you shouldn't judge your output by anyone elses)
But, in addition to that, I have an obligation tomorrow for most of the day, Trick or Treat night tomorrow night (with guests coming to use my house as home base), costumes and snack food to prepare for the school's shindig on Friday, and a library to inventory. Not to mention a bunch of household admin duties - like long phone calls to our cellular provider to let them know the battery they sent for K2's phone doesn't work and is apparently not the reason her phone stopped working, and that's probably the least time consuming.
Since I'm running for chapter vice-president, I'll be giving up my librarian job. I have box upon box to sort through, catalog, organize, and remove items that no longer belong. A CD of information needs to be burned, as well as the current sign out sheet and copies of past newsletter articles. And I need to load everything up into the back of my Suburban for Saturday morning.
The thing you have to remember is that I've been the librarian for a long time - maybe 5 years or so. I'm not going to know what to do with the re-found space. I've been pretty good about keeping the items organized, but truthfully, this inventory doesn't excite me much. Shocker, huh?
Oh, and on top of all of that, my washing machine is making a very scary noise - like death knell scary - and Bob's car is making a similar noise.
Is it 2009 yet?
Behave!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Ridiculous Things...
Just a partial list of general ridiculousness...
1. I finally found the 99.5% of my missing towels...in K2's room. She had 17 towels stored in there. No wonder I felt like we were always out of towels.
2. Last night, while delivering the lit birthday cake to the birthday boy, I caught my hair on fire...are you done laughing yet?...I looked down and what I saw looked like how leaves burn. I managed not to drop the cake, or catch anything else on fire, but holy crap, batman, it stunk so bad - not just my hair, but the entire house. When I got in the shower this morning and the water hit it, I was treated to a replay of how great it smelled.
3. No walk today because of stupid wind and rain. And it's cold.
4. Putting dinner in the crock pot and forgetting to plug it in.
5. Sending the kid to the bus stop (without an umbrella), then realizing it's raining and you should have just taken him to school, but it's too late now because the bus is waiting at the traffic light. At least he didn't have to wait in the rain for long.
6. Programming music to play on my laptop and then forgetting to un-mute the sound.
I think that's enough for now...the hair burning and the towels are the most spectacular, at least to me.
Behave!
1. I finally found the 99.5% of my missing towels...in K2's room. She had 17 towels stored in there. No wonder I felt like we were always out of towels.
2. Last night, while delivering the lit birthday cake to the birthday boy, I caught my hair on fire...are you done laughing yet?...I looked down and what I saw looked like how leaves burn. I managed not to drop the cake, or catch anything else on fire, but holy crap, batman, it stunk so bad - not just my hair, but the entire house. When I got in the shower this morning and the water hit it, I was treated to a replay of how great it smelled.
3. No walk today because of stupid wind and rain. And it's cold.
4. Putting dinner in the crock pot and forgetting to plug it in.
5. Sending the kid to the bus stop (without an umbrella), then realizing it's raining and you should have just taken him to school, but it's too late now because the bus is waiting at the traffic light. At least he didn't have to wait in the rain for long.
6. Programming music to play on my laptop and then forgetting to un-mute the sound.
I think that's enough for now...the hair burning and the towels are the most spectacular, at least to me.
Behave!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Birthdays and Silliness
Last night B and I went to the toy store to birthday shop for K3. While we were there, this T-rex jumped off the shelf and tried to eat B's leg. First, I took a picture, then I saved B's life.
Then, gators jumped off the shelf and chased us. We were lucky to get out of the aisle alive. B screamed like a little girl and ran, but I stayed behind to take this picture with my phone.(We were lucky - okay - I was lucky they didn't kick me out of the store.)
Today is K3's 12th birthday.
I can't believe my baby boy is 12. I was talking this morning about how certain birthdays hit me harder than others. This is one of those with impact. He's already in middle school, already talking about what kind of car he likes, what he'd like to do as a career, and growing a mustache. Okay - the mustache is a joke. He's a great kid - polite, smart, enthusiastic, sensitive, and kind. He loves to cook and has more cookbooks than I do. He plans on being a chef and having his own Food Network show. When someone picks on his sister, he's there - defending her in this quiet way that usually ends the behavior. His sense of humor is amazing and never fails to catch me off guard. He's my baby boy. And he's 12. Sniffle.
Okay, enough mommy rambling. Today is packed full of birthday preparations though we're not doing a big shindig this year. There are gifts to wrap, food to purchase and prepare, and a cake to make, in addition to cleaning up the house and figuring out which kid has 90% of the towels in their room. I'm hoping to squeeze some writing time in there as well. I plan to.
I need to get moving...
Behave!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday
Random thoughts related to writing.
November is National Novel Writing Month. I've never participated, but I friends do and they love it. The idea of writing an entire novel in a month is appealing, the competition is also appealing. So why have I never done it? Well, mainly because I've never been in a position to do so. You're supposed to start something new - write word one on page one on day one. I'm always at a different place on day one - in the middle of something else or deep in edits I don't want to stop. Eventually, I'll get there. Even if I only participate on the sidelines. They even have a category for young writers, which I really love because my friend's daughters are participating and when I told my niece the glow of excitement and possibility in her eyes reminded me how I feel about my own writing. Young writers should be encouraged - but that's another post.
My point?
This past week, my writing friends and I have been reporting in daily on our progress. We weren't doing a challenge, there was nothing on the line, but we all had goals to meet and reporting in after meeting those goals was like icing on the cake. On Thursday, four of us wrote over 13-thousand words - the total would have been higher, but one of us had some serious non-fiction work to complete.
That's my point...(maybe, we'll see)
Writing is a lonely thing. We gather ourselves and spend our writing time in solitary confinement. No human contact, no gathering at the water cooler for a few moments of "real world" contact. When we take a break, it's usually to check email, switch a load of laundry, and maybe do a little research on the 'net. Sometimes, especially when the pages aren't flowing, you think about picking up the phone to call someone just to hear another human voice. Then, you force yourself to stop because you've been very specific about the time being dedicated to only writing and not social stuff. If you alter that, you'll throw yourself off track for the whole day. It's better to just get back to the pages even if you have to force yourself into it. A timer works well for that. A timer works well - period.
Setting a goal and having to report that you didn't make it when you had the whole day to do so isn't fun. All you end up doing is making excuses and I don't know about you, but my writing friends can see right through excuses and will totally kick my butt for that. Or they understand what knocked me off track and offer support and advice while I wade through it, and then kick my butt if I haven't gotten over it in a reasonable amount of time.
They're really good at reminding me of what I'm supposed to be doing, about keeping me on track and cheering me on when I meet or exceed the goals I've set. At the end of a long lonely day, that's usually just what I need to get me started on the next day.
(apparently, my point is multi-faceted)
And my point(s) would be this:
1. Set goals for yourself - whether it means setting the timer and racing yourself, breaking your writing time into small increments and seeing if you can beat your previous word count, reporting that goal to your friends at the beginning of the day, and telling your progress at the end of the day.
2. If you don't have some like-minded writing friends - get some. You won't be sorry. Not only do they help keep you accountable for the goals you've set, but the additional benefits help fill that creative well I've talked about. You don't have to be "close, personal friends" at first. That usually comes with time and familiarity, but make the effort to connect with other writers.
Out of every person you know, they're the ones that are always going to "get" you. They know what it's like, how if feels, what you're struggling with, and are fellow travelers on your journey. Your family can support you 200% - they can respect your writing time, your dreams, your ambition and listen to you ramble about your story, your fears, and your rejections and that's fantastic to have. But no one but another writer understands the highs and lows, the stark fear, the empty well, the satisfaction, the high that comes when out of many hours spent slogging through the wordpile you end up with two sentences that fill you with glee. That's the plain and simple truth.
3. Write. Don't spend too much time thinking about things. Sit down and write. If your stuck, write anything - nonsense, a silly story, a journal entry - anything, because eventually you'll break through whatever it is that might be holding you back and creative words will flow.
Behave!
November is National Novel Writing Month. I've never participated, but I friends do and they love it. The idea of writing an entire novel in a month is appealing, the competition is also appealing. So why have I never done it? Well, mainly because I've never been in a position to do so. You're supposed to start something new - write word one on page one on day one. I'm always at a different place on day one - in the middle of something else or deep in edits I don't want to stop. Eventually, I'll get there. Even if I only participate on the sidelines. They even have a category for young writers, which I really love because my friend's daughters are participating and when I told my niece the glow of excitement and possibility in her eyes reminded me how I feel about my own writing. Young writers should be encouraged - but that's another post.
My point?
This past week, my writing friends and I have been reporting in daily on our progress. We weren't doing a challenge, there was nothing on the line, but we all had goals to meet and reporting in after meeting those goals was like icing on the cake. On Thursday, four of us wrote over 13-thousand words - the total would have been higher, but one of us had some serious non-fiction work to complete.
That's my point...(maybe, we'll see)
Writing is a lonely thing. We gather ourselves and spend our writing time in solitary confinement. No human contact, no gathering at the water cooler for a few moments of "real world" contact. When we take a break, it's usually to check email, switch a load of laundry, and maybe do a little research on the 'net. Sometimes, especially when the pages aren't flowing, you think about picking up the phone to call someone just to hear another human voice. Then, you force yourself to stop because you've been very specific about the time being dedicated to only writing and not social stuff. If you alter that, you'll throw yourself off track for the whole day. It's better to just get back to the pages even if you have to force yourself into it. A timer works well for that. A timer works well - period.
Setting a goal and having to report that you didn't make it when you had the whole day to do so isn't fun. All you end up doing is making excuses and I don't know about you, but my writing friends can see right through excuses and will totally kick my butt for that. Or they understand what knocked me off track and offer support and advice while I wade through it, and then kick my butt if I haven't gotten over it in a reasonable amount of time.
They're really good at reminding me of what I'm supposed to be doing, about keeping me on track and cheering me on when I meet or exceed the goals I've set. At the end of a long lonely day, that's usually just what I need to get me started on the next day.
(apparently, my point is multi-faceted)
And my point(s) would be this:
1. Set goals for yourself - whether it means setting the timer and racing yourself, breaking your writing time into small increments and seeing if you can beat your previous word count, reporting that goal to your friends at the beginning of the day, and telling your progress at the end of the day.
2. If you don't have some like-minded writing friends - get some. You won't be sorry. Not only do they help keep you accountable for the goals you've set, but the additional benefits help fill that creative well I've talked about. You don't have to be "close, personal friends" at first. That usually comes with time and familiarity, but make the effort to connect with other writers.
Out of every person you know, they're the ones that are always going to "get" you. They know what it's like, how if feels, what you're struggling with, and are fellow travelers on your journey. Your family can support you 200% - they can respect your writing time, your dreams, your ambition and listen to you ramble about your story, your fears, and your rejections and that's fantastic to have. But no one but another writer understands the highs and lows, the stark fear, the empty well, the satisfaction, the high that comes when out of many hours spent slogging through the wordpile you end up with two sentences that fill you with glee. That's the plain and simple truth.
3. Write. Don't spend too much time thinking about things. Sit down and write. If your stuck, write anything - nonsense, a silly story, a journal entry - anything, because eventually you'll break through whatever it is that might be holding you back and creative words will flow.
Behave!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Feel Good Friday, The Saturday Edition
Yeah, I know I'm a day late. Forgive me.
Feel good things from my week.
1. Having a quiet week.
2. Finishing the short story I started Saturday.
3. Research that makes me giggle and say "wow, I had no idea".
4. Supernatural! Always!
5. Surprise endings to Supernatural. (see video below)
6. Chatting after Supernatural and all the goofy names we sign in with.
7. Plans coming together even if the purpose for the plans aren't all that great.
8. Hanging out with my sibs. (that's tonight - I have two of them staying here tonight because we have to get up at o'dark-thirty in the morning to make it to the funeral on time.)
The list looks kind of lame this week, but in all, it was a decent week.
That is all...
Behave!!
Feel good things from my week.
1. Having a quiet week.
2. Finishing the short story I started Saturday.
3. Research that makes me giggle and say "wow, I had no idea".
4. Supernatural! Always!
5. Surprise endings to Supernatural. (see video below)
6. Chatting after Supernatural and all the goofy names we sign in with.
7. Plans coming together even if the purpose for the plans aren't all that great.
8. Hanging out with my sibs. (that's tonight - I have two of them staying here tonight because we have to get up at o'dark-thirty in the morning to make it to the funeral on time.)
The list looks kind of lame this week, but in all, it was a decent week.
That is all...
Behave!!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Supernatural Thursday!
Long, but well worth the time. The boys in black and white and all of the funny moments from last week's episode!
Behave!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Booksigning!
Saturday, October 25
10am - 1pm
One Good Woman
1845 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA
The authors of The Shape of Love will be available to sign copies, as well as other local authors signing their books.
If you didn't get a copy of The Shape of Love, maybe you should stop by!
Unfortunately, due to a family funeral, I won't be able to attend.
If you end up stopping by to get your very own The Shape of Love, shoot me an email and I'll make arrangements with you to sign it for you.
Oh, and make sure you say "Happy Birthday" to Vicky Burkholder!
Behave!
Wednesday Why?
A list of why...
1. Why is it so cold?
2. Why is my dog acting like there are squirrels in the house? When she's outside, she barks like mad while watching the tree. When she's inside, she barks like mad and runs around the house.
3. Why are puppies such an effective bargaining chip? (we are NOT getting a puppy!)
4. Why do the stores already have Christmas items for sale?
5. Why is K2 trying to break her own texting record?
6. Why does no one in my house remember to pick up after themselves? What am I, the maid? (don't bother answering that!)
7. Why is it only the middle of the week?
8. Why is my cat claiming the dog's baby? (The dog has a stuffed pig that's her baby. She carries it around with her and sleeps with it. If you tell her to put her baby to bed, she takes it and shoves it into the couch.) Now the cat is carrying it around and biting it.
9. Why is this list so stupid?
Okay...gonna stop there before I start complaining about being cold again.
Behave!
1. Why is it so cold?
2. Why is my dog acting like there are squirrels in the house? When she's outside, she barks like mad while watching the tree. When she's inside, she barks like mad and runs around the house.
3. Why are puppies such an effective bargaining chip? (we are NOT getting a puppy!)
4. Why do the stores already have Christmas items for sale?
5. Why is K2 trying to break her own texting record?
6. Why does no one in my house remember to pick up after themselves? What am I, the maid? (don't bother answering that!)
7. Why is it only the middle of the week?
8. Why is my cat claiming the dog's baby? (The dog has a stuffed pig that's her baby. She carries it around with her and sleeps with it. If you tell her to put her baby to bed, she takes it and shoves it into the couch.) Now the cat is carrying it around and biting it.
9. Why is this list so stupid?
Okay...gonna stop there before I start complaining about being cold again.
Behave!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
It's Bedtime...
So why am I still up?
Well, I'll tell you...
I took care of 99% of my admin duties yesterday so I could have today as primarily a writing day. I only had 6 things on my famous "to do" list today, and this is the only thing not crossed off. Though it will be in a few.
Anyway.
I ended up staying up later than I'd planned, because, as usual, my best-laid plans went awry. The morning went okay, despite the frigid temperature in my house. I took a walk, then came back home and finished catching up on email. Well...then things kind of went haywire after that and I just now met the goal I'd set for myself. A goal, that on a day without haywire, would have been finished before the first kid came home from school. That's beside the point though. Some things just can't be helped. But there was no way I was going to give up this goal. I knew I'd be pissed at myself if I stopped before reaching it. Now I can go to bed feeling like I've accomplished something even while dealing with issues no one expects or likes to deal with.
The lovely thing is that when I came home from the monthly scout committee meeting, the house was nice and warm. It was hard not to melt into puddle of cozy bliss.
And now...
I'm crossing off my final item and going to bed!
Behave!
Well, I'll tell you...
I took care of 99% of my admin duties yesterday so I could have today as primarily a writing day. I only had 6 things on my famous "to do" list today, and this is the only thing not crossed off. Though it will be in a few.
Anyway.
I ended up staying up later than I'd planned, because, as usual, my best-laid plans went awry. The morning went okay, despite the frigid temperature in my house. I took a walk, then came back home and finished catching up on email. Well...then things kind of went haywire after that and I just now met the goal I'd set for myself. A goal, that on a day without haywire, would have been finished before the first kid came home from school. That's beside the point though. Some things just can't be helped. But there was no way I was going to give up this goal. I knew I'd be pissed at myself if I stopped before reaching it. Now I can go to bed feeling like I've accomplished something even while dealing with issues no one expects or likes to deal with.
The lovely thing is that when I came home from the monthly scout committee meeting, the house was nice and warm. It was hard not to melt into puddle of cozy bliss.
And now...
I'm crossing off my final item and going to bed!
Behave!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Moaning Monday
Well, it's Monday again. Bleech!
Here are my Moaning Monday issues:
1. 90% of the people I've interacted with today have been rude and nasty.
2. It's cold - currently, it's colder in my house than it is outside.
3. Getting everyone out of bed and moving in a cold house is really hard.
4. Groceries just keep getting more expensive.
5. My dog needs to keep her nose out of the trash.
6. Speaking of trash - the person responsible for doing dishes over the weekend (which would be 2 different people - one Saturday, one Sunday) couldn't be bothered to empty the trash and I came home to a very nasty odor all through my house.
7. Politics. Enough commercials already. (But you should know the issues and vote on election day-seriously)
It's a short list today. Probably because I'm still riding my creative wave and making good progress on my short!
Behave!
Here are my Moaning Monday issues:
1. 90% of the people I've interacted with today have been rude and nasty.
2. It's cold - currently, it's colder in my house than it is outside.
3. Getting everyone out of bed and moving in a cold house is really hard.
4. Groceries just keep getting more expensive.
5. My dog needs to keep her nose out of the trash.
6. Speaking of trash - the person responsible for doing dishes over the weekend (which would be 2 different people - one Saturday, one Sunday) couldn't be bothered to empty the trash and I came home to a very nasty odor all through my house.
7. Politics. Enough commercials already. (But you should know the issues and vote on election day-seriously)
It's a short list today. Probably because I'm still riding my creative wave and making good progress on my short!
Behave!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
It Never Left...
I've been struggling with my creativity and direction for a little while now. I've been writing through it, but it's been like walking through broken glass in my bare feet. The joy is there, but it's deadened by the pain in my feet. Every single time I think I've got it figured out, something happens to knock me back down and make me question pretty much everything. I know I'm not alone in this, most writers I know struggle with self-doubt, worry, impatience, as well as many other afflictions of the psyche that have the power to leave you a quivering mass of jelly. If you let it.
Sometimes you have to let it - you have to wallow in your self-pity and doubt for a short time. You say a bunch of curse words, eat chocolate, talk to your writing friends, and maybe drink a little Captain Morgan. Then, those feelings fade into the background where they belong. They never truly go away, but that's just part of being human.
Sometimes you've been at odds with yourself for so long, you've been dealing with the weight of everyday life for so long, that you wonder if your muse has taken a permanent vacation, leaving you to fend for yourself in a very scary place. Perhaps she's soaking up the sun with white sand beaches, adorable cabana boys, and an endless supply of umbrella drinks. That bitch. How dare she leave and not take you with her? But then, why would she want to hang out with you when you're not really listening to her, when you're letting everything else influence your time, ideas, and self-worth?
Anyway. I think I went off on a side trail there. I think I have a point.
Sometimes you forget about the things that inspire you. Sometimes your negative focus clouds your creative vision so much that you think you've lost the spark that made you write that first word on the page. That worry snowballs and the next thing you know, you're cleaning your house to avoid opening the document. And that, my friends, is troublesome.
So my point is...
That spark is here and as feisty as ever. That thing I thought I lost? I didn't. It's been here. Patiently waiting for me to figure out that the problem wasn't creativity, but me. I wasn't taking care of the writerly vessel well enough - not enough sleep, too much worry, not enough exercise, not stopping to take in the joy of what truly inspires me - you know what I mean. We're all susceptible to it. We get so caught up with everything else that basic needs slip through the cracks. We forget to refill the well, and sometimes, even when we think we are, we're so weighted down by things it's like having a hole in the bucket. It goes in, but doesn't stay in. That's what's been happening with me.
I'm not saying I have it all figured out, or that the stress and worry that have kept me feeling like a beat dog are suddenly gone, but I think recognizing the triggers is over half of the battle. And I actually had a brainstorm yesterday that netted some writing I'm really excited about. Of course, it's not on the wip I need to finish, nor is it on the next thing that needs written, but I'm going with the flow.
So, I guess that's just a long-winded way to say: Whoot! I'm working on something new!
Behave!
Sometimes you have to let it - you have to wallow in your self-pity and doubt for a short time. You say a bunch of curse words, eat chocolate, talk to your writing friends, and maybe drink a little Captain Morgan. Then, those feelings fade into the background where they belong. They never truly go away, but that's just part of being human.
Sometimes you've been at odds with yourself for so long, you've been dealing with the weight of everyday life for so long, that you wonder if your muse has taken a permanent vacation, leaving you to fend for yourself in a very scary place. Perhaps she's soaking up the sun with white sand beaches, adorable cabana boys, and an endless supply of umbrella drinks. That bitch. How dare she leave and not take you with her? But then, why would she want to hang out with you when you're not really listening to her, when you're letting everything else influence your time, ideas, and self-worth?
Anyway. I think I went off on a side trail there. I think I have a point.
Sometimes you forget about the things that inspire you. Sometimes your negative focus clouds your creative vision so much that you think you've lost the spark that made you write that first word on the page. That worry snowballs and the next thing you know, you're cleaning your house to avoid opening the document. And that, my friends, is troublesome.
So my point is...
That spark is here and as feisty as ever. That thing I thought I lost? I didn't. It's been here. Patiently waiting for me to figure out that the problem wasn't creativity, but me. I wasn't taking care of the writerly vessel well enough - not enough sleep, too much worry, not enough exercise, not stopping to take in the joy of what truly inspires me - you know what I mean. We're all susceptible to it. We get so caught up with everything else that basic needs slip through the cracks. We forget to refill the well, and sometimes, even when we think we are, we're so weighted down by things it's like having a hole in the bucket. It goes in, but doesn't stay in. That's what's been happening with me.
I'm not saying I have it all figured out, or that the stress and worry that have kept me feeling like a beat dog are suddenly gone, but I think recognizing the triggers is over half of the battle. And I actually had a brainstorm yesterday that netted some writing I'm really excited about. Of course, it's not on the wip I need to finish, nor is it on the next thing that needs written, but I'm going with the flow.
So, I guess that's just a long-winded way to say: Whoot! I'm working on something new!
Behave!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Feel Good Friday
Yay! Friday again!
Here's my feel good list from the week!
In no particular order:
1. The very-soon arrival of friends we haven't seen in ages.
2. Cool weather.
3. The crowd that came to watch the parade.
4. Two days of sleeping in when the kids had off school.
5. AT&T/Cingular for their excellent customer service.
6. Writing friends.
7. Fantastic episodes of Supernatural. In black and white. (the boys are beautiful in black and white)
8. Chatting with friends after Supernatural.
9. My laundry being as caught up as it can be, even if it's still piled up in my living room.
10. Writing progress.
I'm sure there's more, but see #1. I have to go to the grocery store and get #9 taken care of before they get here.
Behave!
Here's my feel good list from the week!
In no particular order:
1. The very-soon arrival of friends we haven't seen in ages.
2. Cool weather.
3. The crowd that came to watch the parade.
4. Two days of sleeping in when the kids had off school.
5. AT&T/Cingular for their excellent customer service.
6. Writing friends.
7. Fantastic episodes of Supernatural. In black and white. (the boys are beautiful in black and white)
8. Chatting with friends after Supernatural.
9. My laundry being as caught up as it can be, even if it's still piled up in my living room.
10. Writing progress.
I'm sure there's more, but see #1. I have to go to the grocery store and get #9 taken care of before they get here.
Behave!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Parade Recap...
Yeah, I know I'm a day late. Yesterday was kind of crazy around here.
So...the parade...
I think this year's parade was the best one yet. Not only was the actual parade longer than it's ever been, but the weather was gorgeous. And we had a great crowd - family, old friends, new friends, friends we haven't seen in a long time.
The chili turned out better than I thought, despite a slight scorching that had me freaked out. Okay, so it was a little more than slight since the pot is still soaking. Bleh. Most everyone loved it. Some said it was way too hot, others didn't noticed the heat level. We ended up with a ton of food, like I figured we would.
I have a picture of Jo to share once I find my camera cord. I think that's the only photo that was taken though.
And tonight! New Supernatural! Supernatural in black and white! I'm so excited!
Oh, and as of today, I'll be simul-posting on my word press page. Here.
That's all for now!
Behave!
So...the parade...
I think this year's parade was the best one yet. Not only was the actual parade longer than it's ever been, but the weather was gorgeous. And we had a great crowd - family, old friends, new friends, friends we haven't seen in a long time.
The chili turned out better than I thought, despite a slight scorching that had me freaked out. Okay, so it was a little more than slight since the pot is still soaking. Bleh. Most everyone loved it. Some said it was way too hot, others didn't noticed the heat level. We ended up with a ton of food, like I figured we would.
I have a picture of Jo to share once I find my camera cord. I think that's the only photo that was taken though.
And tonight! New Supernatural! Supernatural in black and white! I'm so excited!
Oh, and as of today, I'll be simul-posting on my word press page. Here.
That's all for now!
Behave!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Parading...
Tonight is our town's annual Halloween parade.
The parade route is right in front of our house, which makes for fantastic parade viewing. I'm not a parade person at all, but the fact that I can come inside my house anytime I feel like it makes this parade different. We usually end up with a houseful of people, tons of food, and a lot of fun. So, today I've spent all day so far getting ready for tonight. I could have done most of it yesterday, but didn't feel like it. I'm not stressed out or anything, so it's all good.
Bathtub chili's become a Halloween parade tradition. If I say I don't feel like making it, I get evil looks and whines. What's bathtub chili, you ask? Well, it's chili, with a little bit of everything thrown in. I usually clean out the fridge when I make it (and no, I don't put anything that's growing hair or nasty in it. I do have my limits). It's never the same twice.
Tonight's chili contains last night's cheese-cracker chicken, corn, rice, 5 kinds of beans, sausage, hamburger, mushrooms, onions, peppers, leftover spaghetti sauce (yes, it works-you can't even tell spaghetti sauce is in there.) and hot pepper tomatoes. I stopped myself from putting in the leftover beef stew. I think that's probably a good thing. My stock pot is full - almost to the top.
Almost everything is done, and I'm thinking it's time for my to crash on the couch for a little while. I've got a little while before people start arriving.
That's all from here.
Behave!
The parade route is right in front of our house, which makes for fantastic parade viewing. I'm not a parade person at all, but the fact that I can come inside my house anytime I feel like it makes this parade different. We usually end up with a houseful of people, tons of food, and a lot of fun. So, today I've spent all day so far getting ready for tonight. I could have done most of it yesterday, but didn't feel like it. I'm not stressed out or anything, so it's all good.
Bathtub chili's become a Halloween parade tradition. If I say I don't feel like making it, I get evil looks and whines. What's bathtub chili, you ask? Well, it's chili, with a little bit of everything thrown in. I usually clean out the fridge when I make it (and no, I don't put anything that's growing hair or nasty in it. I do have my limits). It's never the same twice.
Tonight's chili contains last night's cheese-cracker chicken, corn, rice, 5 kinds of beans, sausage, hamburger, mushrooms, onions, peppers, leftover spaghetti sauce (yes, it works-you can't even tell spaghetti sauce is in there.) and hot pepper tomatoes. I stopped myself from putting in the leftover beef stew. I think that's probably a good thing. My stock pot is full - almost to the top.
Almost everything is done, and I'm thinking it's time for my to crash on the couch for a little while. I've got a little while before people start arriving.
That's all from here.
Behave!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Meh Monday
Just one of those days...
It went fast...too fast.
Kids are off school, and they've been busy doing their own thing. They're off tomorrow too.
But...tomorrow will be different.
Tomorrow will be crazy running around and cooking and some last minute cleaning (that wouldn't be last minute, if I'd have gotten around to it today! ha!)
So, I find I have nothing much to say today.
That is all.
Behave!
It went fast...too fast.
Kids are off school, and they've been busy doing their own thing. They're off tomorrow too.
But...tomorrow will be different.
Tomorrow will be crazy running around and cooking and some last minute cleaning (that wouldn't be last minute, if I'd have gotten around to it today! ha!)
So, I find I have nothing much to say today.
That is all.
Behave!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Tagged!
Beth tagged me...
I'm supposed to list 5 things about each of the 5 items.
Let's go then.
10 Years Ago:
Still having babies.
Stay at home mom.
My oldest was the same age my youngest is now.
We would have just been getting back from the beach.
Seems like only yesterday.
Today's "To Do" List:
Take a nap.
Start dinner in the crock pot.
Scouts.
Write.
Laundry.
5 Snacks I enjoy:
Queso and chips.
Popcorn (but only if it's made the right way-not microwave!)
Cheese & crackers
chocolate
Fruit
5 Things I would do if I were a millionaire:
(A million isn't a lot of money anymore!)
Help my friends out.
Secure my kids college educations.
Secure our retirement.
Buy a beach house.
Pay off debt (duh).
5 Places I have lived:
Westminster, California
Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City, Missouri
Napoleon, Missouri
Oskaloosa, Iowa
5 Jobs I have had (or still have):
Chicken packer
Cashier
Deli clerk
(and the best two of all)
Mom
Author
-I'm supposed to tag 5 people, but I'm going to leave it open. If you want to take a crack at it, go for it!
Behave!
I'm supposed to list 5 things about each of the 5 items.
Let's go then.
10 Years Ago:
Still having babies.
Stay at home mom.
My oldest was the same age my youngest is now.
We would have just been getting back from the beach.
Seems like only yesterday.
Today's "To Do" List:
Take a nap.
Start dinner in the crock pot.
Scouts.
Write.
Laundry.
5 Snacks I enjoy:
Queso and chips.
Popcorn (but only if it's made the right way-not microwave!)
Cheese & crackers
chocolate
Fruit
5 Things I would do if I were a millionaire:
(A million isn't a lot of money anymore!)
Help my friends out.
Secure my kids college educations.
Secure our retirement.
Buy a beach house.
Pay off debt (duh).
5 Places I have lived:
Westminster, California
Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City, Missouri
Napoleon, Missouri
Oskaloosa, Iowa
5 Jobs I have had (or still have):
Chicken packer
Cashier
Deli clerk
(and the best two of all)
Mom
Author
-I'm supposed to tag 5 people, but I'm going to leave it open. If you want to take a crack at it, go for it!
Behave!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Maybe That's It
...
I wouldn't technically call it a block, but there's definitely some reason I find a million other things to do instead of opening the document. I even cleaned. That ought to tell you something. I'm working on it though. In my mind. ha! No seriously. I am. And it's not writer's block. It's writing apathy. Or something. Or maybe it's just because it's the weekend and there's a thousand other things going on.
Who knows.
Behave!
Who knows.
Behave!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Feel Good Friday
And actually on Friday!
My feel good list for the week:
In no particular order...
1. On sale Homecoming dresses and shopping adventures.
2. Gatherings with friends.
3. Visiting gnomes.
4. Supernatural.
5. Chatting with friends afterwards.
6. Friends who understand my mood and instead of trying to talk me out of it, fall into line with how I'm feeling and end up making me laugh.
7. B, for the same reason and so many more.
8. After everything that's happened this week, still being able to make this list when I didn't think it would happen.
Now I look forward to the weekend and to the kids having a few days off school. Sleeping in. Yay.
That's all for now.
Behave!
My feel good list for the week:
In no particular order...
1. On sale Homecoming dresses and shopping adventures.
2. Gatherings with friends.
3. Visiting gnomes.
4. Supernatural.
5. Chatting with friends afterwards.
6. Friends who understand my mood and instead of trying to talk me out of it, fall into line with how I'm feeling and end up making me laugh.
7. B, for the same reason and so many more.
8. After everything that's happened this week, still being able to make this list when I didn't think it would happen.
Now I look forward to the weekend and to the kids having a few days off school. Sleeping in. Yay.
That's all for now.
Behave!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Nic! The Visiting Gnome!
Nic, Draumr's Publishing Gnome, came for a visit after having a wild vacation at Misty Simon's. He arrived just in time for our farm trip, but as soon as he caught sight of the cows he locked the doors and refused to come out of the truck. I did catch him staring at the ducks with longing, but when he saw me looking he hid inside my bag. He did ask about getting a ride on one of the tractors as we were leaving. When I told him he'd have to get out of the truck, he changed his mind. Or maybe he was only freaked because of the dogs and cats. As much as I tried, I couldn't convince him to come to the barn with me. I don't think farm living's his thing.
I caught him under the hood of K2's truck when she was checking the oil, but he disappeared too fast for me to snag a pic. He was also trying to take K2's truck for a joy ride. K2's very possesive of her vehicle. She told him, in no uncertain terms, that no one but her was allowed to drive her truck. He couldn't talk her into taking him to look for chicks either, since she's not allowed passengers for a little while yet. I did get the one on the upper left. Preening. I'm pretty sure that's before he found out there are no fairies in my yard, and before K2 refused to take him to look for fairies. In fact, he was bummed that the yard gnomes were as hard up for female companionship as he is. Sorry, Nic. Not my job.
He went sliding. I think he wanted to claim the house as his love nest, but K2 talked him out of it when he asked for a bean bag chair, lava lamp, disco ball, bead curtains, and if we had any Barry White CD's. Again, this was before he found out we didn't have a fairy population here. He did spend some time hanging with the gnomes in the garden. I had to put him to bed after an all night card game that included copious amounts of Captain Morgan and bottom-shelf whiskey. The other gnomes said he was a lightweight since that's their nightly thing, but they also said he was welcome back any time he wanted to visit. I think that might be because he lost a fortune in pennies to them. Apparently, Nic sucks at poker. Not that the other gnomes really have anything to spend their money on. Though, I wonder if there's some kid of squirrel mafia going on in my yard. Protection money, baby. That was the night I had to talk him out of the tree in the back yard. It wasn't pretty, so we'll just leave it at that - except to say B really didn't appreciate Nic trying to climb into bed with us and the dog wasn't happy with Nic's suggestive comments.
I have to say, Nic was kind of a trouble-maker during his visit. I don't think he was as misbehaved for me as he was for Misty, but then I don't have any fairies to harass.Here's a shot of him writing on my Alphasmart. He was working on an erotic short story about fairies and gnomes when it was time for him to travel to Vicky Burkholder's.
I hope you enjoyed Nic's adventures at the Smith household. I know I enjoyed having him as a houseguest. He's welcome back whenever he wants. My couch is always open for him.
Behave!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Unplanned Tuesday
Yes, unplanned is a synonym for random, but it fits how the puzzle pieces of my mind have suddenly clicked into place.
Sometimes all it takes is hanging with like-minded individuals to fully round out your perspective on a lot of different things. Sometimes the inspiration from such an event doesn't happen for hours. Sometimes the inspiration hits you out of the blue with such force that you have no idea how or why you didn't realize it could really be that simple. And sometimes that inspiration comes even though the subject was only barely touched on.
I know I'm talking in riddles, but I have a new plan. Well, I'm working on a new plan, but in the few minutes since this plan began taking shape I feel the spark I've been missing. That spark is tiny right now. It needs nurtured and protected, but I feel it - growing.
And I like it. Much.
Oh, how I have missed that spark.
That's all for now.
Behave!
Sometimes all it takes is hanging with like-minded individuals to fully round out your perspective on a lot of different things. Sometimes the inspiration from such an event doesn't happen for hours. Sometimes the inspiration hits you out of the blue with such force that you have no idea how or why you didn't realize it could really be that simple. And sometimes that inspiration comes even though the subject was only barely touched on.
I know I'm talking in riddles, but I have a new plan. Well, I'm working on a new plan, but in the few minutes since this plan began taking shape I feel the spark I've been missing. That spark is tiny right now. It needs nurtured and protected, but I feel it - growing.
And I like it. Much.
Oh, how I have missed that spark.
That's all for now.
Behave!
Monday, October 06, 2008
Moaning Monday
Today has not been very fantastic so far.
No, I'm not going to go into it. Trust me, you really don't want to know.
Except...
1. I forgot to get something out for dinner and now I have no time to defrost and properly cook any of the choices in my freezer.
2. K4 spilled an entire cup of milk on herself. While sitting on the couch.
3. The dog is a super-spaz right now and won't stop running around and "talking". If she's out she wants in, if she's in, she won't stop barking.
4. The cat keeps trying to get out the back door so he can go eat green things and then puke all over my house. I've had to get him back inside three times already and it's getting old.
5. My sister is at the beach and I am not.
6. I overslept this morning.
7. Every thing I touch either breaks, spills, or is empty. Or I drop it.
8. Traffic is hell.
9. I can't decide if I'm hot or cold.
Okay, that's enough and that's just the easy stuff.
Never mind.
Behave!
No, I'm not going to go into it. Trust me, you really don't want to know.
Except...
1. I forgot to get something out for dinner and now I have no time to defrost and properly cook any of the choices in my freezer.
2. K4 spilled an entire cup of milk on herself. While sitting on the couch.
3. The dog is a super-spaz right now and won't stop running around and "talking". If she's out she wants in, if she's in, she won't stop barking.
4. The cat keeps trying to get out the back door so he can go eat green things and then puke all over my house. I've had to get him back inside three times already and it's getting old.
5. My sister is at the beach and I am not.
6. I overslept this morning.
7. Every thing I touch either breaks, spills, or is empty. Or I drop it.
8. Traffic is hell.
9. I can't decide if I'm hot or cold.
Okay, that's enough and that's just the easy stuff.
Never mind.
Behave!
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Feel Good Friday, The Sunday Edition
Sorry I disappeared for a few days. Between this cold, social stuff, and life, well, I'm sure you understand.
Here's my happy list for this week:
1. My writer's group.
2. Friends who show up at the door out of the blue and end up hanging out all evening.
3. A husband who's mechanically inclined and able to fix most issues with the vehicles.
4. Writing friends.
5. Wireless Internet.
6. Sleeping in.
7. Supernatural
8. Crazy children who make me laugh.
Yeah. It was a little harder to come up with a list this week. Probably because I spent most of the week in a cold-induced hazed. This cold has really knocked me for a loop and I just want it to go away.
That's all for now.
Behave!
Here's my happy list for this week:
1. My writer's group.
2. Friends who show up at the door out of the blue and end up hanging out all evening.
3. A husband who's mechanically inclined and able to fix most issues with the vehicles.
4. Writing friends.
5. Wireless Internet.
6. Sleeping in.
7. Supernatural
8. Crazy children who make me laugh.
Yeah. It was a little harder to come up with a list this week. Probably because I spent most of the week in a cold-induced hazed. This cold has really knocked me for a loop and I just want it to go away.
That's all for now.
Behave!
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Thursday Things
A random collection of different things and nonsense.
1. After taking Natalie's advice, I stopped paying attention to other customers when I use the self-scan at the grocery store. I haven't gone through with a big shopping yet, but my grocery store experience has been much nicer since I do everything myself. And, remember, big shopping is relative - I shop for 6 people, so a quick grocery store run means a small cart shoved full.
2. Having a cold/flu (whatever this is/was) sucks hard.
3. Yesterday as I was dropping K4 off at school, this high school kid on a little bike flew through the intersection without waiting for the crossing guard. I don't know what happened, but the next thing I knew he was on the sidewalk with the bike on top of him. He got up and took off in a hurry, but I felt bad for him. All I saw as a badly scraped up knee and a lot of embarrassment.
4. Hey! It's October already! Yeah, I know I'm a day late on that. But, wow, like usual. I love October.
5. Don't hurt me, but I'm looking forward to snow. I'm not interested in Christmas yet. It's just the idea of snow.
6. I've decided Friday's will be "Feel Good Friday" on the blog until next summer when "Fiesta Friday" resumes. And I'm working on bringing "Tall Tale Tuesday" back. Honest.
7. Supernatural is on tonight. I'm so excited!
8. I should be working on my wip instead of writing this blog post.
9. It is very noisy in my neighborhood this morning.
10. I'm done now.
Behave!
1. After taking Natalie's advice, I stopped paying attention to other customers when I use the self-scan at the grocery store. I haven't gone through with a big shopping yet, but my grocery store experience has been much nicer since I do everything myself. And, remember, big shopping is relative - I shop for 6 people, so a quick grocery store run means a small cart shoved full.
2. Having a cold/flu (whatever this is/was) sucks hard.
3. Yesterday as I was dropping K4 off at school, this high school kid on a little bike flew through the intersection without waiting for the crossing guard. I don't know what happened, but the next thing I knew he was on the sidewalk with the bike on top of him. He got up and took off in a hurry, but I felt bad for him. All I saw as a badly scraped up knee and a lot of embarrassment.
4. Hey! It's October already! Yeah, I know I'm a day late on that. But, wow, like usual. I love October.
5. Don't hurt me, but I'm looking forward to snow. I'm not interested in Christmas yet. It's just the idea of snow.
6. I've decided Friday's will be "Feel Good Friday" on the blog until next summer when "Fiesta Friday" resumes. And I'm working on bringing "Tall Tale Tuesday" back. Honest.
7. Supernatural is on tonight. I'm so excited!
8. I should be working on my wip instead of writing this blog post.
9. It is very noisy in my neighborhood this morning.
10. I'm done now.
Behave!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
I'm Alive!
Still not quite back to normal, but much, much better than I was yesterday.
Guess how close I was to these cows?
Well, there's no fence separating them from me. In fact, I was in their pasture. The girls had disappeared farther in and I walked down to find them building a fort out of fallen branches and stuff they found in the small stretch of woods. I could have walked over and touched this one, but she really didn't seem interested in friendly gestures.
That's all I have for today!
Behave!
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