For new (and I mean just out of the box new) writers.
I've been seeing and hearing enough things that they've festered in my brain, creating this post. Here goes:
So...you've finally decided you're going to write a book. Good for you! Seriously. Do it!
Here are some things to keep in mind though:
1. Writing is a solitary profession. It's lonely. Get some writing friends. People who understand the burning need you have to write. A good way to do that is #2.
2. Join an organization. Something that has a mission statement you agree with and meets your needs as far as the genre you're writing. A place that can guide you to educational opportunities. And get involved. Most groups have online resources where you can find answers to most of your burning questions. Some even have mentoring programs. Most have critique programs. Join them.
3. Do your research. Don't expect someone with more experience to do your homework for you, or expect they'll provide you with the answers you seek. Asking for clarification on something you don't understand is fine, but don't until you've reached that level of interaction with them. Which brings me to my next point:
4. Don't expect. The Internet has made it easier than ever to get in touch with your favorite authors. That's cool. But don't email them expecting anything. Don't ask them to read your manuscript. Don't ask them to put you in touch with their agent. Tell them you enjoy their work and have decided to pursue your own writing career, but don't expect anything but a "good luck".
5. Don't be a pest. So, you went ahead and emailed your favorite author and asked a ton of questions and asked her to read your work in progress and she didn't answer. Do not email her again. She's busy writing the books you love to read. She not only has the obligation to her career, but most likely she has a family to take care of, critique partners to read, her own duties to her chosen writing organization, and maybe a job outside of writing - she's not being mean when she doesn't respond to you, she's busy. Don't take it personally. Yeah, occasionally someone gets lucky, but not often.
6. Present yourself at your professional best at all times. In your blog: Don't post political/religious/rude and insensitive things. (Unless you're going to the Inspirational/Political market) People will look you up. In email: Grammar and punctuation matter. Spell stuff right. Use the caps key and the period key. Do not pepper your email with multiple "lol" and smiley faces. Don't demean yourself. Check yourself before sending nasty emails. Back away from the computer and give yourself time to cool down. Watch your attitude. You'll get nowhere if you bash others, even if they have nothing to do with publishing.
7. Make goals for yourself. Finishing a book is tough. Finishing your first book is even tougher. Keep at it. Keep writing. Make achievable goals, i.e. Writing one page a day, or 50 words a day. When you get published isn't up to you. You can say: "I'd like to have a book out by this time next year." but if you're not writing that book, there's not a chance. You can only control so much - mainly, how much you write and how dedicated you are.
8. Continue learning. If you know you suck at grammar or spelling, then work to get better at it. No, it is not the job of your agent or editor to fix your mistakes. It's not the job of your critique group. Your mistakes are off-putting and will most likely get you a big fat rejection.
9. Exercise. Trust me, keeping your butt in the chair and pounding out those pages will cause your butt to look like the chair if you aren't exercising. It's also easy to eat more than you planned when your mind is occupied creating. Also, a few minutes of fresh air will help your brain. The words will come easier. Ideas will sprout.
10. Find a critique partner. This is kind of scary. It's hard to put your work out there in front of your peers. It's also may take a while to find someone you mesh with. But it's worth it. Once you've established this relationship, listen to the things your critiquer is saying to you. They're your first reader. I'm not saying you have to agree with and change everything they mention. In a good relationship, you'll know. Also, be prepared to give critiques in return. No one wants to be in a one-way critique relationship.
I think that's enough. Welcome to the fabulous world of writing. You'll find most writers are more than willing to help guide you, but keep the above in mind. Asking questions on a forum or even in a private email, or say, at lunch after a meeting is fine, especially if you've been invited to do so. Take your cues though. Don't be so about what you feel you need that you miss out on the opportunity to cultivate an actual friendship.
Did I miss anything?
Behave!!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Feel Good Friday
The non feel good version.
I'm laid low by some vicious germs in perfect time to screw up the weekend. Yay me.
But, here's the list anyway:
1. Trick or Treating is over. (In my state it doesn't matter when the 31st is, we trick or treat on Thursday)
2. Supernatural last night. Loved it.
3. Sleeping in tomorrow.
4. My nice warm bed when my head is hurting.
5. Naps.
Which is what I'm going to do right now.
Zzzzz...
Behave!
I'm laid low by some vicious germs in perfect time to screw up the weekend. Yay me.
But, here's the list anyway:
1. Trick or Treating is over. (In my state it doesn't matter when the 31st is, we trick or treat on Thursday)
2. Supernatural last night. Loved it.
3. Sleeping in tomorrow.
4. My nice warm bed when my head is hurting.
5. Naps.
Which is what I'm going to do right now.
Zzzzz...
Behave!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Television Thursday
Thank goodness for "on demand". Without it, I would miss a lot.
Supernatural: No new episode last week and that was sad! This week is new, but it's also Trick or Treat night here. Supposedly over an hour before SPN starts, but I know I'm going to be stressing. I really, really wish Supernatural was available 'on demand'. Not so I don't have to watch when it's on, but so I can watch over and over!
Castle: I know I was late to the party (as usual), but I love it. I loved this week's ep and the Firefly references. I started watching Castle for Nathan Fillion, but have stayed for so many reasons.
Ghosthunters: I caught most of it last night. I'll have to watch it again later. Still love it.
Flash Forward: I'm not as late to the party on this one. I'm loving it, though last week's episode felt like I missed something. It wasn't the best one to get B hooked on it because he was more confused than I was. K2 is also loving this show and will be relentless until she gets her father hooked on it as well.
That's it for this week.
Must write now.
Behave!
Supernatural: No new episode last week and that was sad! This week is new, but it's also Trick or Treat night here. Supposedly over an hour before SPN starts, but I know I'm going to be stressing. I really, really wish Supernatural was available 'on demand'. Not so I don't have to watch when it's on, but so I can watch over and over!
Castle: I know I was late to the party (as usual), but I love it. I loved this week's ep and the Firefly references. I started watching Castle for Nathan Fillion, but have stayed for so many reasons.
Ghosthunters: I caught most of it last night. I'll have to watch it again later. Still love it.
Flash Forward: I'm not as late to the party on this one. I'm loving it, though last week's episode felt like I missed something. It wasn't the best one to get B hooked on it because he was more confused than I was. K2 is also loving this show and will be relentless until she gets her father hooked on it as well.
That's it for this week.
Must write now.
Behave!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Answer!
Ready for the answer?
1. We were at a Halloween party. I was dressed like a pregnant clown. I decided to try the limbo even with my large belly. My water broke as I went under the pole. Nope. Though it's a good story!
2. We were at scout camp for camp clean up day. I started having contractions early afternoon, but didn't feel the need to alert B. When I finally told him, they were six to seven minutes apart and we were at least an hour and a half from the hospital. Yes! We made it in plenty of time to realize it was a false alarm - only to head back for real an hour later.
3. We were home. We'd gone to bed, but I couldn't sleep. I was cleaning the house - doing laundry, scrubbing the living room floor - when my water broke. Nope. Not with this one.
Gotta jet. Wednesday is the new Monday around here...
Behave!
1. We were at a Halloween party. I was dressed like a pregnant clown. I decided to try the limbo even with my large belly. My water broke as I went under the pole. Nope. Though it's a good story!
2. We were at scout camp for camp clean up day. I started having contractions early afternoon, but didn't feel the need to alert B. When I finally told him, they were six to seven minutes apart and we were at least an hour and a half from the hospital. Yes! We made it in plenty of time to realize it was a false alarm - only to head back for real an hour later.
3. We were home. We'd gone to bed, but I couldn't sleep. I was cleaning the house - doing laundry, scrubbing the living room floor - when my water broke. Nope. Not with this one.
Gotta jet. Wednesday is the new Monday around here...
Behave!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tall Tale Tuesday
The Birthday Edition!
Today is K3's 13th birthday. So, in honor of my great kid, which of the below is the truth about his birth?
Information necessary to make this decision: He was born early Sunday morning - before I would have had to make a decision on his time of birth due to daylight savings. Therefore, any previous events I mention actually take place the day before he was born.
1. We were at a Halloween party. I was dressed like a pregnant clown. I decided to try the limbo even with my large belly. My water broke as I went under the pole.
2. We were at scout camp for camp clean up day. I started having contractions early afternoon, but didn't feel the need to alert B. When I finally told him, they were six to seven minutes apart and we were at least an hour and a half from the hospital.
3. We were home. We'd gone to bed, but I couldn't sleep. I was cleaning the house - doing laundry, scrubbing the living room floor - when my water broke.
So which is it?
Behave!
Today is K3's 13th birthday. So, in honor of my great kid, which of the below is the truth about his birth?
Information necessary to make this decision: He was born early Sunday morning - before I would have had to make a decision on his time of birth due to daylight savings. Therefore, any previous events I mention actually take place the day before he was born.
1. We were at a Halloween party. I was dressed like a pregnant clown. I decided to try the limbo even with my large belly. My water broke as I went under the pole.
2. We were at scout camp for camp clean up day. I started having contractions early afternoon, but didn't feel the need to alert B. When I finally told him, they were six to seven minutes apart and we were at least an hour and a half from the hospital.
3. We were home. We'd gone to bed, but I couldn't sleep. I was cleaning the house - doing laundry, scrubbing the living room floor - when my water broke.
So which is it?
Behave!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Birthday Partying
Saturday was the big 13th birthday party for K3 and my niece. They're 10 days apart and are best friends, and wanted to have their birthday party together. What started out as a skating party somehow turned into a costume party. Which was fine and appropriate considering the time of year.
The picture is my brother-in-law and K2. Their costumes were amazing. Everyone did a great job dressing up. Our parents even came in costume. We originally planned to have the party at the Meadow, but the weather was iffy - though it turned out to be a beautiful day. We set up and decorated my sister's garage complete with a live spider we found crawling across the garage floor. I don't have a decent picture of the inside to share.
At least 35 13-year olds showed up. I couldn't get a decent head count, they moved too fast. Add the adults and there were over 50 people there. My brother-in-law has a friend that DJ's and he was amazing. He kept the kids moving on the dance floor and even got the boys to step up and participate. The kids were hysterical. Watching them was a lot of fun. Boys and girls stayed apart for the beginning, then they slowly began hanging together. K2 did the Thriller dance and it was absolutely amazing. As weird as it sounds, I almost cried.
It was a long night. But fun. The kids had an absolute blast. The mess wasn't even that bad. And now, the birthday boy (tomorrow) is running a fever and is home from school. I'm not even sure he can go back tomorrow because of the school's policy, though I'm relatively certain his fever has nothing to do with swine flu.
So there you have it.
Behave!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Feel Good Friday
It's been an interesting, frustrating, but basically normal week around here.
The highlights:
1. Jason Manns! Whoot! Fantastic roadtrip with fantastic people.
2. Laughing with my kids about everything.
3. Today is Friday.
4. Birthday party planning!
5. Resolving stuff.
It's a short list, but a good one.
The big 13 year old birthday party is tomorrow. Pray for me. 2 birthday kids (K3 and my niece), who knows how many guests, a dj, and dance music. I'm going to need a huge bottle of aspirin when it's over!
Behave!
The highlights:
1. Jason Manns! Whoot! Fantastic roadtrip with fantastic people.
2. Laughing with my kids about everything.
3. Today is Friday.
4. Birthday party planning!
5. Resolving stuff.
It's a short list, but a good one.
The big 13 year old birthday party is tomorrow. Pray for me. 2 birthday kids (K3 and my niece), who knows how many guests, a dj, and dance music. I'm going to need a huge bottle of aspirin when it's over!
Behave!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Weird Wednesday
It's been a weird, weird day in Wonderland.
Experimental homeless guys.
Missing gas caps with no evidence of siphoning.
Tattooed guys at the grocery store with high pitch voices (mega tattoos, like all over his face). He looked scary, but he had the sweetest smile. He made me smile after a long and weary day.
A nearly teenaged boy with a rapidly changing voice.
Trying to explain author websites to the same nearly teenaged boy. You might not think this was weird, but believe me, it was.
Not busting out in laughter, somehow, when K4 said someone who's disfigured doesn't have a head and hearing her wonder how it was possible for him to wear a mask without a head. (We were discussing The Phantom of the Opera)
Trust me, there was more, but because of the weird day, I now have a weird headache and can't think anymore.
Behave!
Experimental homeless guys.
Missing gas caps with no evidence of siphoning.
Tattooed guys at the grocery store with high pitch voices (mega tattoos, like all over his face). He looked scary, but he had the sweetest smile. He made me smile after a long and weary day.
A nearly teenaged boy with a rapidly changing voice.
Trying to explain author websites to the same nearly teenaged boy. You might not think this was weird, but believe me, it was.
Not busting out in laughter, somehow, when K4 said someone who's disfigured doesn't have a head and hearing her wonder how it was possible for him to wear a mask without a head. (We were discussing The Phantom of the Opera)
Trust me, there was more, but because of the weird day, I now have a weird headache and can't think anymore.
Behave!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Roadtrip!
(No Tall Tale Tuesday today.)
Last night I went with my bff's to see Jason Manns!
I know. Again? Whoot!!
Go to Megan's blog for a funny video with a clip of me stuck in my seatbelt. Her post is beautiful and made me all sniffly. The only thing I can add is: Ditto!
And...Do you still have the pictures of us in the chicken hats?
Another recap from Natalie can be found here. I won't link to Misty's blog since she hasn't updated in something like 3 months and it's very unlikely that she will, but if you want to check out her previous posts check the sidebar. I'm sure if she did update, she'd mention how she got accosted for change before the rest of us even got out of the car, and how she was approached a second time on our way to the venue. Oh, and she might tell you about "pink shirt", too.
I don't have much to add to what they said. We laughed so much. By the time I got home my voice was raspy and my throat was raw. Dinner was fun and by eating at the restaurant downstairs, we were guaranteed reserved seating upstairs. Right in front of the stage. The venue was small and nearly packed, and I have to say, Jason's a class act. He handled the comments and interruptions pleasantly. I cringed at a few things that happened, but he never seemed bothered.
It was a very, very good night!
Behave!
Last night I went with my bff's to see Jason Manns!
I know. Again? Whoot!!
Go to Megan's blog for a funny video with a clip of me stuck in my seatbelt. Her post is beautiful and made me all sniffly. The only thing I can add is: Ditto!
And...Do you still have the pictures of us in the chicken hats?
Another recap from Natalie can be found here. I won't link to Misty's blog since she hasn't updated in something like 3 months and it's very unlikely that she will, but if you want to check out her previous posts check the sidebar. I'm sure if she did update, she'd mention how she got accosted for change before the rest of us even got out of the car, and how she was approached a second time on our way to the venue. Oh, and she might tell you about "pink shirt", too.
I don't have much to add to what they said. We laughed so much. By the time I got home my voice was raspy and my throat was raw. Dinner was fun and by eating at the restaurant downstairs, we were guaranteed reserved seating upstairs. Right in front of the stage. The venue was small and nearly packed, and I have to say, Jason's a class act. He handled the comments and interruptions pleasantly. I cringed at a few things that happened, but he never seemed bothered.
It was a very, very good night!
Behave!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Saturday Snippets
It's been raining all day. And it's cold!
I've been like a hermit. Haven't left the house once and am in my jammies. Yes, I put clean jammies on after I showered instead of getting dressed in "real" clothes. I made a pot of chicken rice soup, found my snuggly socks, and have been writing nearly all day. (Had to take a nap. It's illegal to not take a nap on a rainy day such as this. Couldn't break the law.)
So, since I've had such a good day, I thought I'd share a few snippets with you. (Torture or Good? You tell me)
From the unedited urban fantasy loosely called "Prophecy":
"Jack didn't understand why they'd stripped him of his power. If his job was to protect her, why would they purposefully take away the only thing that could save her. And for what?"
"Gabby glared at the woman. Mrs. Margaret Miller from Haven had interrupted one of the best mornings in her life. This had better be good."
Eh. At least I'm working!
(and I'm totally labeling this post "snow day" because that's what it feels like!)
Behave!
I've been like a hermit. Haven't left the house once and am in my jammies. Yes, I put clean jammies on after I showered instead of getting dressed in "real" clothes. I made a pot of chicken rice soup, found my snuggly socks, and have been writing nearly all day. (Had to take a nap. It's illegal to not take a nap on a rainy day such as this. Couldn't break the law.)
So, since I've had such a good day, I thought I'd share a few snippets with you. (Torture or Good? You tell me)
From the unedited urban fantasy loosely called "Prophecy":
"Jack didn't understand why they'd stripped him of his power. If his job was to protect her, why would they purposefully take away the only thing that could save her. And for what?"
"Gabby glared at the woman. Mrs. Margaret Miller from Haven had interrupted one of the best mornings in her life. This had better be good."
Eh. At least I'm working!
(and I'm totally labeling this post "snow day" because that's what it feels like!)
Behave!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Feel Good Friday
Let's see....
It's been a long week, but there's been good.
1. It's finally warm in my house!
2. The forecast. I'm loving the upcoming rainy weekend. I think it's going to be a LoTR weekend. Whoot!
3. Living through the massive amount of people in my house for our annual Halloween parade.
4. The noise in my house. Because it means my family is having a good time.
5. Supernatural! Loved it!
6. Watching Ghosthunters on "On Demand".
7. Warm socks given to me by a friend.
8. Lunch with my husband.
9. Getting words on the page.
10. Sleeping in tomorrow!
That's not everything, but it's enough!!
Behave!
It's been a long week, but there's been good.
1. It's finally warm in my house!
2. The forecast. I'm loving the upcoming rainy weekend. I think it's going to be a LoTR weekend. Whoot!
3. Living through the massive amount of people in my house for our annual Halloween parade.
4. The noise in my house. Because it means my family is having a good time.
5. Supernatural! Loved it!
6. Watching Ghosthunters on "On Demand".
7. Warm socks given to me by a friend.
8. Lunch with my husband.
9. Getting words on the page.
10. Sleeping in tomorrow!
That's not everything, but it's enough!!
Behave!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Answer!
Here we go!
1. The graveyard behind my dad's childhood home. It's an old family plot, just not his family. I've been fascinated by it ever since I was a kid. And yeah, I took the picture hoping something paranormal would pop out at me when I downloaded them. No such luck. Nope. Though there is a graveyard in the middle of the field behind his childhood home. And yes, I did take a picture of it, but I can't find the picture.
2. Retreat wanderings. It was early - too early to scare ourselves - which, when you get right down to it, is what we all wanted. Very cool place though. There's even a dead circle of grass and an old schoolhouse. Yes!! And I want to go there now, too!!!!!
3. B and I found this little graveyard on our way to pick up K2 from a weekend away. It's not far from an old bridge and the graves are way old. We didn't risk getting any closer because this was enclosed in a cow pasture and there was a big old bull watching us. But I really wanted to risk getting damaged to check them out. I wanted to know who was buried there, and why they were buried in what's basically the middle of nowhere. Nope.
So there you have it!
Behave!
1. The graveyard behind my dad's childhood home. It's an old family plot, just not his family. I've been fascinated by it ever since I was a kid. And yeah, I took the picture hoping something paranormal would pop out at me when I downloaded them. No such luck. Nope. Though there is a graveyard in the middle of the field behind his childhood home. And yes, I did take a picture of it, but I can't find the picture.
2. Retreat wanderings. It was early - too early to scare ourselves - which, when you get right down to it, is what we all wanted. Very cool place though. There's even a dead circle of grass and an old schoolhouse. Yes!! And I want to go there now, too!!!!!
3. B and I found this little graveyard on our way to pick up K2 from a weekend away. It's not far from an old bridge and the graves are way old. We didn't risk getting any closer because this was enclosed in a cow pasture and there was a big old bull watching us. But I really wanted to risk getting damaged to check them out. I wanted to know who was buried there, and why they were buried in what's basically the middle of nowhere. Nope.
So there you have it!
Behave!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tall Tale Tuesday
A spooky old graveyard...
Which of the below is the truth:
1. The graveyard behind my dad's childhood home. It's an old family plot, just not his family. I've been fascinated by it ever since I was a kid. And yeah, I took the picture hoping something paranormal would pop out at me when I downloaded them. No such luck.
2. Retreat wanderings. It was early - too early to scare ourselves - which, when you get right down to it, is what we all wanted. Very cool place though. There's even a dead circle of grass and an old schoolhouse.
3. B and I found this little graveyard on our way to pick up K2 from a weekend away. It's not far from an old bridge and the graves are way old. We didn't risk getting any closer because this was enclosed in a cow pasture and there was a big old bull watching us. But I really wanted to risk getting damaged to check them out. I wanted to know who was buried there, and why they were buried in what's basically the middle of nowhere.
So which is it?
Behave!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Dear Supernatural People,
I am writing to tell you how wonderful you are!
Even more wonderful than last week!
While I find wax museums to be about the creepiest thing ever (besides zombies), I was entranced. It looked easy - find the objects, torch them, and everything would be fine. Only I knew it wasn't going to be that simple. And I knew there was a "why" there, though I thought it would be linked to the apocalypse. Paris Hilton was the perfect choice and I loved that she took the role, though admittedly the media has not made me a fan. The fact that she wasn't "above" getting her head chopped off softened me towards her. I liked that it was a stand alone episode, but what I liked the most was the brothers.
Dean has been pretty douchey this season. I've been waiting for him to snap out of it. Waiting. Patiently. I was mad at him when he was on the phone and Sam walked in, but as one of my friends pointed out, we had no idea what he was going to say. He could have been talking about himself and transferring his own guilt and angst onto Sam. I didn't realize (forgot, or didn't know) anyone else knew he'd broken the first seal. I was waiting for him to own his participation in the coming of the apocalypse. I swear as soon as he apologized and eased up on Sam, his whole demeanor changed. And I loved it.
In the same vein, Sam has been a washrag so far this season. A hulking, beautiful washrag, but a mess all the same. No wonder. He did something very bad, but his intentions were noble. Even if getting there meant icky stuff I don't want to think about. Finally, he stood up for himself. Yay!
So, A+ Supernatural people. My faith is strengthened. I can't wait to continue the ride and see what happens next.
So, thank you.
and...
Behave!
Even more wonderful than last week!
While I find wax museums to be about the creepiest thing ever (besides zombies), I was entranced. It looked easy - find the objects, torch them, and everything would be fine. Only I knew it wasn't going to be that simple. And I knew there was a "why" there, though I thought it would be linked to the apocalypse. Paris Hilton was the perfect choice and I loved that she took the role, though admittedly the media has not made me a fan. The fact that she wasn't "above" getting her head chopped off softened me towards her. I liked that it was a stand alone episode, but what I liked the most was the brothers.
Dean has been pretty douchey this season. I've been waiting for him to snap out of it. Waiting. Patiently. I was mad at him when he was on the phone and Sam walked in, but as one of my friends pointed out, we had no idea what he was going to say. He could have been talking about himself and transferring his own guilt and angst onto Sam. I didn't realize (forgot, or didn't know) anyone else knew he'd broken the first seal. I was waiting for him to own his participation in the coming of the apocalypse. I swear as soon as he apologized and eased up on Sam, his whole demeanor changed. And I loved it.
In the same vein, Sam has been a washrag so far this season. A hulking, beautiful washrag, but a mess all the same. No wonder. He did something very bad, but his intentions were noble. Even if getting there meant icky stuff I don't want to think about. Finally, he stood up for himself. Yay!
So, A+ Supernatural people. My faith is strengthened. I can't wait to continue the ride and see what happens next.
So, thank you.
and...
Behave!
Feel Good Friday - The Saturday Edition
Here we go with the list!
1. Sleeping in! And boy, did I need that!
2. Having a wonderful dinner made for us by K1's best friend.
3. The cooler temps, though it's a little too cool this morning.
4. Reading a good book and drinking coffee in my jammies.
5. Hanging out with friends.
6. Evening plans.
7. Actually having people listen when I say something! ha!
8. Getting words on the pages.
9. Supernatural!!!!! (maybe more on that later)
10. Friends coming in from out of town.
Oh and on a hysterical side note: I woke up this morning to find K4's room full of balloons. K1, K2, and K1's girlfriend blew up 200 balloons and deposited them on K4's floor. Pretty darned funny.
Behave!
1. Sleeping in! And boy, did I need that!
2. Having a wonderful dinner made for us by K1's best friend.
3. The cooler temps, though it's a little too cool this morning.
4. Reading a good book and drinking coffee in my jammies.
5. Hanging out with friends.
6. Evening plans.
7. Actually having people listen when I say something! ha!
8. Getting words on the pages.
9. Supernatural!!!!! (maybe more on that later)
10. Friends coming in from out of town.
Oh and on a hysterical side note: I woke up this morning to find K4's room full of balloons. K1, K2, and K1's girlfriend blew up 200 balloons and deposited them on K4's floor. Pretty darned funny.
Behave!
Thursday, October 08, 2009
What's the Deal?
With zombies?
Why do they always have to show up and spoil a perfectly good movie? Ha!
I get it, I do. I just don't like them. At all.
K1 and his friend are completely in love with zombies. They talk about them all the time. All the time. To the point where B and I just roll our eyes and walk away/change the subject/anything to not have to talk about zombies. (B dislikes zombies as well)
When I think about the movies I've seen, and liked, that have had zombies in them: Night of the Living Dead, Night of the Comet, The Day After, ect. I realize it's not the zombie part I liked, it's the fact that there are not very many non-zombie people hanging around. That's one of the reasons I loved The Stand so much. (and there were no zombies!)
A long time ago B and I went with friends to look at this old house for sale. It was way out in the country and overgrown with weeds - clearly deserted. We walked around looking in the windows. When we got to the dining room, the table was still set - like the family just disappeared in the middle of the meal. All of their stuff was still inside, but they were gone. That has stuck with me always because I want to know what happened.
It's not the zombies, it's the world. The desolation. The walking into the diner and seeing plates and half-eaten food still on the tables, but no people. The empty houses and buildings. The not knowing if there's someone waiting to kill you because they're just as scared as you are. (but no zombies) The possibilities are endless. I want to know what happens when there's no one around to take care of things except a handful of people just doing their best to survive in a changed world. I don't think you need zombies for that - something scary, yeah, but not zombies.
Though...I guess you could outrun them...or something...ha!
Behave!
Why do they always have to show up and spoil a perfectly good movie? Ha!
I get it, I do. I just don't like them. At all.
K1 and his friend are completely in love with zombies. They talk about them all the time. All the time. To the point where B and I just roll our eyes and walk away/change the subject/anything to not have to talk about zombies. (B dislikes zombies as well)
When I think about the movies I've seen, and liked, that have had zombies in them: Night of the Living Dead, Night of the Comet, The Day After, ect. I realize it's not the zombie part I liked, it's the fact that there are not very many non-zombie people hanging around. That's one of the reasons I loved The Stand so much. (and there were no zombies!)
A long time ago B and I went with friends to look at this old house for sale. It was way out in the country and overgrown with weeds - clearly deserted. We walked around looking in the windows. When we got to the dining room, the table was still set - like the family just disappeared in the middle of the meal. All of their stuff was still inside, but they were gone. That has stuck with me always because I want to know what happened.
It's not the zombies, it's the world. The desolation. The walking into the diner and seeing plates and half-eaten food still on the tables, but no people. The empty houses and buildings. The not knowing if there's someone waiting to kill you because they're just as scared as you are. (but no zombies) The possibilities are endless. I want to know what happens when there's no one around to take care of things except a handful of people just doing their best to survive in a changed world. I don't think you need zombies for that - something scary, yeah, but not zombies.
Though...I guess you could outrun them...or something...ha!
Behave!
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Answer!
Here we go with the answer!!
1. Nudity. My brother stripped naked and jumped in the pool. The looks are for how he landed in the water and the fact he was naked. Who says women can't sympathize with man pain? (Except for Jo, since she looks asleep.) Nope. I can honestly say my brother never stripped naked at an inappropriate time. At least in front of me. Ha!!!
2. Our mom tripped over a toy boat and fell. Not into the pool, but close. She was okay, just scraped her palms and knees a little. (Jo, again, does not appear to care.) Nope!!
3. K4 jumped into the pool and landed wrong. My brother and brother-in-law were there to save her and she was completely fine, but based on our responses in this picture it could have been bad. (except for Jo, sleeping...) There were no blood or tears, which always counts as a good day. Yep!!
So there you have it. All's well that ends well. Right?
Behave!
1. Nudity. My brother stripped naked and jumped in the pool. The looks are for how he landed in the water and the fact he was naked. Who says women can't sympathize with man pain? (Except for Jo, since she looks asleep.) Nope. I can honestly say my brother never stripped naked at an inappropriate time. At least in front of me. Ha!!!
2. Our mom tripped over a toy boat and fell. Not into the pool, but close. She was okay, just scraped her palms and knees a little. (Jo, again, does not appear to care.) Nope!!
3. K4 jumped into the pool and landed wrong. My brother and brother-in-law were there to save her and she was completely fine, but based on our responses in this picture it could have been bad. (except for Jo, sleeping...) There were no blood or tears, which always counts as a good day. Yep!!
So there you have it. All's well that ends well. Right?
Behave!
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Tall Tale Tuesday
Beach style.I made the mistake of mentioning that normally we'd be at the beach right now, and not only did the kids get sad, so did I.
So...
Tell me what's happening that brought the looks of horror to our faces. (That's me, Jo, and my sister) We're at the beach, on the back stairs of our beach house. Pool in front of us, hot tub to the right, gate directly to the beach to the left.
1. Nudity. My brother stripped naked and jumped in the pool. The looks are for how he landed in the water and the fact he was naked. Who says women can't sympathize with man pain? (Except for Jo, since she looks asleep.)
2. Our mom tripped over a toy boat and fell. Not into the pool, but close. She was okay, just scraped her palms and knees a little. (Jo, again, does not appear to care.)
3. K4 jumped into the pool and landed wrong. My brother and brother-in-law were there to save her and she was completely fine, but based on our responses in this picture it could have been bad. (except for Jo, sleeping...) There were no blood or tears, which always counts as a good day.
So which is it?
Behave!
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
Feel Good Friday
Here's the list!
1. Friday! Holy crap! It's been one long week! I didn't think I was going to make it this far!
2. My writing group meeting tomorrow.
3. Sticking with the 50/50 challenge.
4. Supernatural!!!!!!!!!!!
5. Finding my glasses. Man, are my eyes bugging me lately.
6. Reading my own stuff (stuff I haven't read in months) and forgetting that I wrote it. (It's encouraging, not egotistical.)
7. Being reasonably organized despite the chaos going on around me.
8. Crossing stuff off the "to do" list.
9. The weather! I love that it's cool outside!
10. Knowing that even though I can't sleep until I can't sleep anymore tomorrow, that I'll at least get to sleep beyond the time I normally get up. (and then I have to face an insanely crazy weekend)
That is all!
Oh, and Holy Crap!! It's October already!!
ha!
Behave!
1. Friday! Holy crap! It's been one long week! I didn't think I was going to make it this far!
2. My writing group meeting tomorrow.
3. Sticking with the 50/50 challenge.
4. Supernatural!!!!!!!!!!!
5. Finding my glasses. Man, are my eyes bugging me lately.
6. Reading my own stuff (stuff I haven't read in months) and forgetting that I wrote it. (It's encouraging, not egotistical.)
7. Being reasonably organized despite the chaos going on around me.
8. Crossing stuff off the "to do" list.
9. The weather! I love that it's cool outside!
10. Knowing that even though I can't sleep until I can't sleep anymore tomorrow, that I'll at least get to sleep beyond the time I normally get up. (and then I have to face an insanely crazy weekend)
That is all!
Oh, and Holy Crap!! It's October already!!
ha!
Behave!
Dear Supernatural People,
I love you.
And I don't say that like a random stalker. ha!
I watched the first two episodes of season 5 in utter horror - worried about Sam, worried about Dean, hating the load of guilt they both carry, hating that they'd parted ways, but knowing for right now it was for the best. But last night...
My faith is restored. Though, to be truthful, I never lost hope that you'd bring the boys back together. I knew you knew what you were doing and that all time apart would be for the good of all. But I worried. I didn't want to lose my love. I didn't want to begin to feel blase if the potential for missing an episode came up.
Last night's episode is definitely one of my favorites out of all seasons. I loved (LOVED) the setting - the Croatoan virus and the post-apocalyptic streets (heee!), loved two Deans! And they contrasted! Future Dean was harder, bigger, darker, and meaner. Now Dean didn't agree with most of what he did and didn't care if telling him pissed him off. When Future Dean told him to say yes to Michael, I knew Now Dean never would. It wasn't Michael he had to say yes to, it was Sam. The condition the Impala was in was evidence to that. At least to me. Chuck was there and he seemed much higher functioning than he has in the past. I loved the changes in Castiel and how, despite being a druggie, he knew Now Dean. Sam in white and being smarmy was wonderfully done. (except for those shoes! ha!) And even when he told Dean they'd always end up in that garden, I again knew it wasn't Michael Dean had to say yes to, it was Sam. I loved how Cas pulled Dean away from Zachariah. And I loved seeing the boys together again! Finally!
I do wonder what happened to Bobby. I wonder about Bobby's journal and Castiel being in the picture. I'm sad Bobby was still in a wheelchair and especially that there were bullet holes in the chair. Poor Bobby.
I can't wait for next week!
Thank you!
and...
Behave!
And I don't say that like a random stalker. ha!
I watched the first two episodes of season 5 in utter horror - worried about Sam, worried about Dean, hating the load of guilt they both carry, hating that they'd parted ways, but knowing for right now it was for the best. But last night...
My faith is restored. Though, to be truthful, I never lost hope that you'd bring the boys back together. I knew you knew what you were doing and that all time apart would be for the good of all. But I worried. I didn't want to lose my love. I didn't want to begin to feel blase if the potential for missing an episode came up.
Last night's episode is definitely one of my favorites out of all seasons. I loved (LOVED) the setting - the Croatoan virus and the post-apocalyptic streets (heee!), loved two Deans! And they contrasted! Future Dean was harder, bigger, darker, and meaner. Now Dean didn't agree with most of what he did and didn't care if telling him pissed him off. When Future Dean told him to say yes to Michael, I knew Now Dean never would. It wasn't Michael he had to say yes to, it was Sam. The condition the Impala was in was evidence to that. At least to me. Chuck was there and he seemed much higher functioning than he has in the past. I loved the changes in Castiel and how, despite being a druggie, he knew Now Dean. Sam in white and being smarmy was wonderfully done. (except for those shoes! ha!) And even when he told Dean they'd always end up in that garden, I again knew it wasn't Michael Dean had to say yes to, it was Sam. I loved how Cas pulled Dean away from Zachariah. And I loved seeing the boys together again! Finally!
I do wonder what happened to Bobby. I wonder about Bobby's journal and Castiel being in the picture. I'm sad Bobby was still in a wheelchair and especially that there were bullet holes in the chair. Poor Bobby.
I can't wait for next week!
Thank you!
and...
Behave!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Television Thursday
Stole this idea from Natalie.
I don't watch a lot of television. B usually has control of the remote and to me, whatever he's watching is background noise because I'm usually doing something else, too. Occasionally I'll pay attention, especially if it's something interesting to me, but mostly he watches a lot of WW II stuff on the History channel - dogfighting, weapons, you know...guy stuff. So, with that in mind, here are the few shows I've either caught or make an effort to watch.
Ghosthunters: Always love it - even if they don't find any evidence.
Destination Truth: Recently started watching on occasion. Last night I was totally intrigued and ended up dreaming about the first half of the episode. (I fell asleep during the second half)
Supernatural: Well, duh! Today I watched the first six episodes of season 3 and it just reminded me of how much I love the show. I'm psyched for tonight.
Warehouse 13: On hiatus right now, but I love the way it developed. At first I was worried about how the characters interacted. They've done a great job with that and with the story lines. The kids also love this show and they're constantly watching it
Castle: Haven't seen any of this season yet. I plan to catch up "on demand". I don't have to tell you I love Nathan Fillion, right?
Life After People: Totally freaking cool. Totally mesmerizing. I dig it.
Extreme Foods: We watch this occasionally, and usually while we're eating. This one's always good for reminding me how glad I am that my mother rarely made me eat gross stuff. Love the host and the cultures.
Ghost Whisperer: My girls are totally hooked on the show. I think the concept is cool, but I'm not sure I'm going to be a fan of last season considering I already know what happens.
I've been falling asleep during tv watching lately, but I think that only has to do with my fantastic fatigue. There are only two shows I absolutely must watch: Supernatural and Ghosthunters. The rest of them I can catch "on demand" so I can watch at my leisure.
(Stupid computer shut off on me and I lost the last part of this post. Don't have time to recreate, so...)
Behave!
I don't watch a lot of television. B usually has control of the remote and to me, whatever he's watching is background noise because I'm usually doing something else, too. Occasionally I'll pay attention, especially if it's something interesting to me, but mostly he watches a lot of WW II stuff on the History channel - dogfighting, weapons, you know...guy stuff. So, with that in mind, here are the few shows I've either caught or make an effort to watch.
Ghosthunters: Always love it - even if they don't find any evidence.
Destination Truth: Recently started watching on occasion. Last night I was totally intrigued and ended up dreaming about the first half of the episode. (I fell asleep during the second half)
Supernatural: Well, duh! Today I watched the first six episodes of season 3 and it just reminded me of how much I love the show. I'm psyched for tonight.
Warehouse 13: On hiatus right now, but I love the way it developed. At first I was worried about how the characters interacted. They've done a great job with that and with the story lines. The kids also love this show and they're constantly watching it
Castle: Haven't seen any of this season yet. I plan to catch up "on demand". I don't have to tell you I love Nathan Fillion, right?
Life After People: Totally freaking cool. Totally mesmerizing. I dig it.
Extreme Foods: We watch this occasionally, and usually while we're eating. This one's always good for reminding me how glad I am that my mother rarely made me eat gross stuff. Love the host and the cultures.
Ghost Whisperer: My girls are totally hooked on the show. I think the concept is cool, but I'm not sure I'm going to be a fan of last season considering I already know what happens.
I've been falling asleep during tv watching lately, but I think that only has to do with my fantastic fatigue. There are only two shows I absolutely must watch: Supernatural and Ghosthunters. The rest of them I can catch "on demand" so I can watch at my leisure.
(Stupid computer shut off on me and I lost the last part of this post. Don't have time to recreate, so...)
Behave!
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