I got a new chair last night. It really doesn't take too much to make me happy. I sit in it all the time whether I'm writing or not. It has been so long since I've sat in a really good chair. This one is just wonderful. It's a task chair but it's pretty cushy. I got it at Office Depot. I had a coupon, making it even sweeter. I haven't done a whole lot of writing today, I was babysitting my two nephews along with my three kids. To prove I am insane, I took all five to the grocery store today. They weren't bad but it was distracting. That didn't mean I didn't sit in my chair.
In an attempt to keep my mind off my new "lifestyle change" as Melissa so elegantly put it, I created a page over at MSN Spaces. I played around with Myspace.com but it is so add heavy, it kind of drove me nuts. My son wanted a webpage so I set him up with a space at MSN. I thought I better get one too so I could get a feel for what he can and can't do. For a young kid, I think it works out nicely. Anyway, here is my page: Pen to Parchment. It is going to be geared to writing. It is easier to change than blogspot however it is also limiting. I like how I can add books and it automatically adds the Amazon link. I can also post my music list with a link to MSN music. I do have a couple of photo albums up there to. The ease in adding photos is great. I tried an MSN Space when they first came out and I wasn't impressed, so I went ahead and went with Blogger. I like my blog, but I like this other page too. Anyway, anything to keep me away from making a big plate of nachos.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Monday, July 10, 2006
A Very, Tiny, Itsy Bitsy Cheese with that Whine
Took the weekend off from the ol' blogosphere to interact with my family. Glad its Monday and got that over with.
Went to the doctor this morning for a checkup and get the results of my blood tests. The good news was that I'm not diabetic and I'm not showing any signs of going diabetic. I was pretty concerned with this because of my last two pregnancies. However, my cholesterol was 220 and my good cholesterol was low and the bad cholesterol was high. Yeah, my life is blown now. I love cheese and I cook in butter, lots of butter. His biggest concern is that I lose weight. You need an M.D. to figure that out? Sigh...so we will be going back to the "food that sucks" lifestyle. I also have to move going to the gym up the priority scale. How come diet and exercise is so necessary? Why can't sitting on the couch, surfing the web and eating bon bons be good for you?
I've set myself a goal of writing 5 pages a day. That's pretty ambitious for me. But this will be a week of ambition in both lifestyle and writing. So far I've eaten Lean Cuisine and toast and I've written four pages. So far so good, but its only Monday.
Went to the doctor this morning for a checkup and get the results of my blood tests. The good news was that I'm not diabetic and I'm not showing any signs of going diabetic. I was pretty concerned with this because of my last two pregnancies. However, my cholesterol was 220 and my good cholesterol was low and the bad cholesterol was high. Yeah, my life is blown now. I love cheese and I cook in butter, lots of butter. His biggest concern is that I lose weight. You need an M.D. to figure that out? Sigh...so we will be going back to the "food that sucks" lifestyle. I also have to move going to the gym up the priority scale. How come diet and exercise is so necessary? Why can't sitting on the couch, surfing the web and eating bon bons be good for you?
I've set myself a goal of writing 5 pages a day. That's pretty ambitious for me. But this will be a week of ambition in both lifestyle and writing. So far I've eaten Lean Cuisine and toast and I've written four pages. So far so good, but its only Monday.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Career or Hobby?
I got a new journal yesterday in the mail: "Eighteenth Century Life" put out by the University of Wyoming & Duke University Press. It is, as you would expect, light on the pictures and heavy on the history. I was showing them off to the hubby, teasing him that I had something as specialized as his gazillion car magazines. He replied, yes, but he made no pretensions that his car magazines were anything but used for a hobby. I, on the other hand, bought this stuff for my writing, something I haven't made a dime on.
I told him history is my hobby as well as part of my writing, but he brings up a point for the non-writers we live with. Unless you are selling your work, it really does appear nothing more than a hobby. And quite often writing gets relegated to that position.
I know there are some supportive significant others that see the writer's point of view. My hubby doesn't discourage me or try to hinder my writing, but he doesn't take it seriously. He would if I were Nora Roberts or J.K. Rowling, but at this juncture, he sees it as a hobby. He doesn't mean it offensively, to him a job is something you go to everyday and get paid for on a regular basis.
How do I feel about it? Well, I don't take it as seriously as some. I can't. I have three kids and a house to take care of. Those things will always have priority, they are really my job. I don't know how many articles I've read where a writer has told fellow writers they need to treat their writing like a job. Okay, I worked full-time and I didn't like it. Do I really want to do that to my writing? Those of you who are already putting in 40+ hours a week in a job don't need another one.
If I didn't have my kids, I'd definitely devote more time to my writing, but the experiences I have had with my kids are part of what goes into my writing. Honestly, I never wrote a violent scene until I had kids, I'd never experienced the kind of frustration that makes someone want to go out and stake a vampire. I now have. Anyway, real life often interferes. And not just with time. I have days where I have plenty of time. If I were to treat my writing as a job, I could manage to create a schedule for my time at the computer. But other things are also important and they need to be scheduled.
I don't know if there really is a point to this, but for writers, understand that non-writers don't see your writing in the same light you do. Non-writers, pretend you understand the insanity that grips your writing loved ones and friends.
I told him history is my hobby as well as part of my writing, but he brings up a point for the non-writers we live with. Unless you are selling your work, it really does appear nothing more than a hobby. And quite often writing gets relegated to that position.
I know there are some supportive significant others that see the writer's point of view. My hubby doesn't discourage me or try to hinder my writing, but he doesn't take it seriously. He would if I were Nora Roberts or J.K. Rowling, but at this juncture, he sees it as a hobby. He doesn't mean it offensively, to him a job is something you go to everyday and get paid for on a regular basis.
How do I feel about it? Well, I don't take it as seriously as some. I can't. I have three kids and a house to take care of. Those things will always have priority, they are really my job. I don't know how many articles I've read where a writer has told fellow writers they need to treat their writing like a job. Okay, I worked full-time and I didn't like it. Do I really want to do that to my writing? Those of you who are already putting in 40+ hours a week in a job don't need another one.
If I didn't have my kids, I'd definitely devote more time to my writing, but the experiences I have had with my kids are part of what goes into my writing. Honestly, I never wrote a violent scene until I had kids, I'd never experienced the kind of frustration that makes someone want to go out and stake a vampire. I now have. Anyway, real life often interferes. And not just with time. I have days where I have plenty of time. If I were to treat my writing as a job, I could manage to create a schedule for my time at the computer. But other things are also important and they need to be scheduled.
I don't know if there really is a point to this, but for writers, understand that non-writers don't see your writing in the same light you do. Non-writers, pretend you understand the insanity that grips your writing loved ones and friends.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
A Writing Post
Well, golly, I haven't talked much about writing mainly because I haven't been doing too much of it. I've been working on my historical and it is boring. The writing is good, descriptive, good dialogue, but *snore*. I've started in the wrong spot. If I start my story in the wrong spot, it throws me off the entire way. I started this story in a passive scene, the beginning of an action rather than in the middle and it has set the pattern for the rest of the story. So I need to start again.
I'm doing better on the contemporary paranormal because I started in the middle of a scene. I bring myself and my readers into a tension-filled moment. The heroine is not happy and she is immediately thrown into a situation she doesn't like and of course it can only get worse. The historical starts with the heroine watching something, she is irritated but lacks the tension to get her going. I've realized that she isn't the one suffering at the beginning, it is the hero and therefore he needs to start the story.
I usually figure these things out, I just wish I could do it in the first 5 pages rather than the first 30 pages. Do any of you suffer this same malaise?
And for a totally different topic.....
This time of year seems to see a snowfall of little red clearance stickers at Target. I traditionally start my Christmas shopping this month because of the deals at my favorite store.
I'm doing better on the contemporary paranormal because I started in the middle of a scene. I bring myself and my readers into a tension-filled moment. The heroine is not happy and she is immediately thrown into a situation she doesn't like and of course it can only get worse. The historical starts with the heroine watching something, she is irritated but lacks the tension to get her going. I've realized that she isn't the one suffering at the beginning, it is the hero and therefore he needs to start the story.
I usually figure these things out, I just wish I could do it in the first 5 pages rather than the first 30 pages. Do any of you suffer this same malaise?
And for a totally different topic.....
This time of year seems to see a snowfall of little red clearance stickers at Target. I traditionally start my Christmas shopping this month because of the deals at my favorite store.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not
with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show
of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the
potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think
you have overeaten, but it is patriotism--Erma Bombeck
. Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Americans. Celebrate in true style by eating too much food and drinking too much beer. Watch fireworks, wear red, white and blue and have a grand ol' day.
BTW, Peggy & Melissa, I think I got the blog fixed.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
A Whole Lot of Nothin'
Talk about unproductive. My most ambitious act this weekend was going to my chapter meeting. Oh, and re-doing my blog. I think I'm pretty much done with the tinkering. Thanks to those who commented and pointed things out, I think I fixed those. I'm not real wild about it, but I think I'll keep it through the summer. I'd like to do one in fall colors, maybe a Halloween one. Anyway, it's the words of wisdom I spout which is important, right? *VBG*
We did take the three demons to two different Target stores. Talk about stupid. It went as you can imagine. The Diva has been a royal pain. She has given obnoxious a new meaning. Her sister isn't far behind. Hubby is taking this as a 4 day weekend so that has been nice. He doesn't have any major projects keeping him outside so we've been hanging around together.
Didn't do any writing today although I had tons of time. My mind has been a bit fuzzy. I think the 105 degree temps have zapped any ambition from me. Hubby is going to Office Depot tomorrow to get me a new chair. Maybe that will get me going.
Because I'm insane, I'm taking the kids to IHOP for breakfast tomorrow. They are having their "Funnel Cake Carnival" and the kids would cut off their limbs for funnel cake. Frankly, I would too.
We did take the three demons to two different Target stores. Talk about stupid. It went as you can imagine. The Diva has been a royal pain. She has given obnoxious a new meaning. Her sister isn't far behind. Hubby is taking this as a 4 day weekend so that has been nice. He doesn't have any major projects keeping him outside so we've been hanging around together.
Didn't do any writing today although I had tons of time. My mind has been a bit fuzzy. I think the 105 degree temps have zapped any ambition from me. Hubby is going to Office Depot tomorrow to get me a new chair. Maybe that will get me going.
Because I'm insane, I'm taking the kids to IHOP for breakfast tomorrow. They are having their "Funnel Cake Carnival" and the kids would cut off their limbs for funnel cake. Frankly, I would too.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Pardon My Dust
Something happened to my blog and I lost my background...so, I'm doing a remodel. This blog will remain open during the remodel, but it may look a bit messy at times.
Hey cool! A new excuse for not writing today: I had to fix my blog.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Another Excuse
I thought this was a cool picture. It's a jellyfish. They keep them in a circular tank with some kind of black light on them over at the aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Very cool. I think one would look good in my living room.
I've decided I need a new chair. Previously, I was doing all my writing in the office on my computer with a proper chair. Well, at Christmas time my hubby took over the office and exiled me to the family room with my desk. I don't mind. It keeps me out where I can keep an eye on my kids and central to the heart of the home. I've been using a dining room chair but as soon as I get out of it, my back doesn't move. I can't sit more than 10 minutes without being in pain.
This kind of stuff never bothered me when I was younger. When I was in my early 20's I'd write in a pretzel position, sitting for 4 hours with a keyboard in my lap without feeling a thing. Now.... I suppose age does something to us. I'm sure the carrying of babies too large for my frame for 9 month spans hasn't helped either. I think its a pretty good one. I could sit down on the couch and stretch out in a reclining position, but after so many years as a proper Queen Bee secretary, I can't type without correct form. Also, the $#&* laptop runs out of juice in less than a half hour without being plugged in.
So that's my excuse why I haven't been writing. Do you have any good excuses? I'll probably need one if I get a new chair this weekend.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
The Aloha Spirit...
is alive and well in Vegas. If you have ever been to Hawaii, the ABC Store is a familiar site. For those who have never been, let me just say this store saturates the island in a way Starbucks could only dream of doing. They are everywhere. They are a combo convenience store and souvenir shop. And they are now my favorite Hawaiian store since Hilo Hatties got expensive and classy on me. By the way, this mall did have a Hilo Hatties. I really didn't bother with it because we have one in Orange County in California. Anyway, on our trek through the Aladdin's Desert Passage shopping center.
The Desert Passage is designed to look like an Arabian Nights type of village. As you can see, they really go in for the fake skies. The Forum Shops at Caeser's Palace also employs this technique. Check out this Bath & Bodyworks
Isn't that cool? This was a pretty nice mall. It had a Ben & Jerry's, how could it go wrong? This was the nicest part of the trip. It was just my mom, my aunt, me and my older daughter. The stores here were more my type, meaning I wouldn't have to sell a child to buy something. Plus, they had ship coming through the wall. Gotta love that.
Monday, June 26, 2006
You Look Like a Tourist
That's what my mom said while I was snapping away at the Venetian. This is a view of the Canal Shoppes. You can ride in the gondolas down the fake canals for a mere $15 per adult and $7.50 per child. What a rip off. They have a bridal gondola and I saw a line of brides waiting for their romantic cruise down the canal, being stared at by pasty people taking a break from the slots. Most of the stores are the pricey kind I don't go into but it is pretty.
This fellow above is a living statue. He stands there, people squint at him. Occasionally he blinks. As you can see, people give him money too.
Here is the ceiling to part of the hotel. Pretty impressive. The whole ceiling is painted like this in the one part of the hotel. Talk about opulent. No wonders they charge a screaming fortune for gondola rides.
So we are home now, safe and sound. I cannot tell you how glad I am. My aunt's place is a little small for me and my three kids. It was pretty stressed. Plus the heat was incredible. Of course I came home where the temperatures are in the 90's but the humidity is way up and there is the threat of thunderstorms. However, I am glad to be away from the family. A little family goes a long, long, long way.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Valium with a Beer Chaser
That's all I really want. It has been tense here in the desert. I won't go into it right now (it would take me an hour to write that post) but the title should give you a pretty good clue. HOME SWEET HOME has never sounded so good.
On the plus side, we went to Shark Reef today and The Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes. Both were pretty cool. We went into a store called David & Goliath. I could have gone broke buying tee shirts. They were so cute. They also had a Jimmy Choo store. I thought it wise not to go in. I could easily exchange a child for a pair of shoes.
Tomorrow we are headed to a brunch buffet. They aren't as cheap as they used to be. But then they are still cheaper than California, so I'm not too put out. Not sure what else we will do. When the temps are over 105 degrees, it really discourages one from doing anything.
On the plus side, we went to Shark Reef today and The Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes. Both were pretty cool. We went into a store called David & Goliath. I could have gone broke buying tee shirts. They were so cute. They also had a Jimmy Choo store. I thought it wise not to go in. I could easily exchange a child for a pair of shoes.
Tomorrow we are headed to a brunch buffet. They aren't as cheap as they used to be. But then they are still cheaper than California, so I'm not too put out. Not sure what else we will do. When the temps are over 105 degrees, it really discourages one from doing anything.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Stuck in Vegas
I've hijacked my aunt's computer this morning. We are stuck in Vegas. The motorhome went insane just as we pulled into town. Damn thing had to be towed. Ah well.... The decision has been made not to go on to Utah, we are taking it as a sign.
Today I think we are headed to Kohl's for a sale. I might take the kids to Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. I'm not sure when we are going to come home. My mom hates driving home on Sunday because of the traffic. At least the weather is nice...if you are a gila monster. Highs today are supposed to hit 112 degrees (44C).
No, I'm not going to go out and have a good time on the Strip. Yeah, I know what happens here stays here, but I'm just too dull for that. My big thrill for Vegas is if I can find a really good buffet.
Today I think we are headed to Kohl's for a sale. I might take the kids to Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. I'm not sure when we are going to come home. My mom hates driving home on Sunday because of the traffic. At least the weather is nice...if you are a gila monster. Highs today are supposed to hit 112 degrees (44C).
No, I'm not going to go out and have a good time on the Strip. Yeah, I know what happens here stays here, but I'm just too dull for that. My big thrill for Vegas is if I can find a really good buffet.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Travel Preparations
I'm leaving this afternoon for a trip across the southwestern desert to go to a family reunion. I'll be going in a motor home with my 3 kids, my parents and my aunt. I'm looking forward to this in the same way I look forward to oral surgery, food poisoning and scrubbing a refrigerator.
But you gotta do what you gotta do. I actually like the desert and look forward to sightseeing. I hope my kids enjoy it as well. I'm sure they will be too busy fighting and annoying everyone to truly appreciate it.
We are leaving this afternoon (I think) and I've only packed one thing: my books. What a tough decision. I wanted a nice variety. But it was the most important thing I could think of. I'm also bringing my laptop. The motel I'll be staying at in Utah has high speed internet, so I won't be totally lost. I'm hoping to get some writing done as well. My mom bought a laptop at Christmas time so I told I would work with her on using some of the features.
The biggest part of my trip I'm not looking forward to is the separation from my hubby. He isn't going because he has to go to Ohio next week. He'll be gone before we get back. I wouldn't feel so bad if he was going to be home when we get back, but we get home Monday and he leaves Sunday. He won't be back until next Wednesday. Not very long, really. But I can count on two hands how many nights we've been separated...and still have fingers to spare. We have been married almost 12 years and have never spent more than 2 nights apart. I thought this might be a nice break, but now I'm really dreading it. How could another person become so vital to me? We are each other's world. We don't do separate vacations. He doesn't do camping trips with the guys. I don't do girls' weekends in Palm Springs. We are content to be together. I can't imagine going on a separate vacation. However, I do think I will go to Dallas next year for conference. I'm not that bad.
But being the kind of gal that makes lemonade from lemons, I think these emotions will be great to use in my writing. It will help when I'm trying to write a scene where the heroine is being dragged away as the hero is about to be executed for a crime he didn't commit. Or when the hero watches helplessly as the heroine's life is sucked out of her by a demon. Yeah, those are far more extreme than what I'm going to experience, but that is the beauty of writing: taking everyday emotions and blowing them up to epic proportions. Its giving the reader something they can identify with and pumping it up, making it bigger and giving the reader a thrill.
Well, I'm going to start packing the rest of the boring stuff, you know, like clothes and toiletries. Maybe I should look for the suitcases. And the valium.
But you gotta do what you gotta do. I actually like the desert and look forward to sightseeing. I hope my kids enjoy it as well. I'm sure they will be too busy fighting and annoying everyone to truly appreciate it.
We are leaving this afternoon (I think) and I've only packed one thing: my books. What a tough decision. I wanted a nice variety. But it was the most important thing I could think of. I'm also bringing my laptop. The motel I'll be staying at in Utah has high speed internet, so I won't be totally lost. I'm hoping to get some writing done as well. My mom bought a laptop at Christmas time so I told I would work with her on using some of the features.
The biggest part of my trip I'm not looking forward to is the separation from my hubby. He isn't going because he has to go to Ohio next week. He'll be gone before we get back. I wouldn't feel so bad if he was going to be home when we get back, but we get home Monday and he leaves Sunday. He won't be back until next Wednesday. Not very long, really. But I can count on two hands how many nights we've been separated...and still have fingers to spare. We have been married almost 12 years and have never spent more than 2 nights apart. I thought this might be a nice break, but now I'm really dreading it. How could another person become so vital to me? We are each other's world. We don't do separate vacations. He doesn't do camping trips with the guys. I don't do girls' weekends in Palm Springs. We are content to be together. I can't imagine going on a separate vacation. However, I do think I will go to Dallas next year for conference. I'm not that bad.
But being the kind of gal that makes lemonade from lemons, I think these emotions will be great to use in my writing. It will help when I'm trying to write a scene where the heroine is being dragged away as the hero is about to be executed for a crime he didn't commit. Or when the hero watches helplessly as the heroine's life is sucked out of her by a demon. Yeah, those are far more extreme than what I'm going to experience, but that is the beauty of writing: taking everyday emotions and blowing them up to epic proportions. Its giving the reader something they can identify with and pumping it up, making it bigger and giving the reader a thrill.
Well, I'm going to start packing the rest of the boring stuff, you know, like clothes and toiletries. Maybe I should look for the suitcases. And the valium.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Structure
Hope all the dad's out there had a nice day. I got my hubby a couple of DVD's. I got him "Heartbreak Ridge" and the 4th season of "Home Improvement." He loves the first opening scenes of "Heartbreak Ridge" and knows the dialogue. Lucky me.
So yesterday was basically the beginning of summer break and it went well. I told the kids breakfast would be served at a certain time and gave them a choice of what they could eat. Same went for lunch and dinner. I gave them a time that I wanted them to work on cleaning their rooms and getting their laundry sorted. For the girls, I told them they could play in the sprinklers at a certain time. We're going to the library today and I gave them a time for that.
I never realized how structure provides such security for kids. I thought they would be more content with freedom. I'm sure the teachers out there are saying "DUH!" I wish I'd realized this earlier. Ah well. We are planning a trip to the zoo next week so my daughter is getting excited and starting to ask about the animals she'll see. For some reason she got on a cleaning kick yesterday and started cleaning. She went through a whole bottle of Swiffer solution when she mopped the floors upstairs. Yikes.
Now I need to work on structure for myself. I've got the housecleaning thing down, but not the writing. I give myself a schedule for everything else, why can't I do so with my writing? The "artist" in me is trying to "feel" the time to write. I suppose I'm waiting for a wave of creativity to crash down on me and flow me out into an ocean of brilliance. As writers know, it doesn't really work that way. Writing is focused work. It requires dedication and a willingness to sit down and do it. Writing is a disciplined craft. But I think the creativity spirit balks at the need to make writing time routine. Like everything else, it needs to fit into a routine. Like making coffee, fixing breakfast, washing dishes, writing needs a place in my day. I think I have a tendency to brush it off and put it in the same category as watching t.v. or sitting on the couch reading. But writing can't be treated as a leisure activity, not if I'm serious about it. I signed up for a BIAW so my goal this week isn't so much to crank out lots of pages but to make writing a part of my daily routine.
Here is something interesting I found. An agent weighs in on the "writing from your heart" theory which writers struggle with. You can see his comments over at Wylie-Merrick.
So yesterday was basically the beginning of summer break and it went well. I told the kids breakfast would be served at a certain time and gave them a choice of what they could eat. Same went for lunch and dinner. I gave them a time that I wanted them to work on cleaning their rooms and getting their laundry sorted. For the girls, I told them they could play in the sprinklers at a certain time. We're going to the library today and I gave them a time for that.
I never realized how structure provides such security for kids. I thought they would be more content with freedom. I'm sure the teachers out there are saying "DUH!" I wish I'd realized this earlier. Ah well. We are planning a trip to the zoo next week so my daughter is getting excited and starting to ask about the animals she'll see. For some reason she got on a cleaning kick yesterday and started cleaning. She went through a whole bottle of Swiffer solution when she mopped the floors upstairs. Yikes.
Now I need to work on structure for myself. I've got the housecleaning thing down, but not the writing. I give myself a schedule for everything else, why can't I do so with my writing? The "artist" in me is trying to "feel" the time to write. I suppose I'm waiting for a wave of creativity to crash down on me and flow me out into an ocean of brilliance. As writers know, it doesn't really work that way. Writing is focused work. It requires dedication and a willingness to sit down and do it. Writing is a disciplined craft. But I think the creativity spirit balks at the need to make writing time routine. Like everything else, it needs to fit into a routine. Like making coffee, fixing breakfast, washing dishes, writing needs a place in my day. I think I have a tendency to brush it off and put it in the same category as watching t.v. or sitting on the couch reading. But writing can't be treated as a leisure activity, not if I'm serious about it. I signed up for a BIAW so my goal this week isn't so much to crank out lots of pages but to make writing a part of my daily routine.
Here is something interesting I found. An agent weighs in on the "writing from your heart" theory which writers struggle with. You can see his comments over at Wylie-Merrick.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Father's Day
Some of us become parents and trip through it with the grace of a rhino in a Japanese tea garden. Others flow into the job with the naturalness of a river. My husband is one of those fathers who seems born to parent.
Without thought, he puts his kids first. As some of you know, he is a lawyer. He could be wealthier than he is now, more prominent in his profession, if he didn't put his kids first. He is rarely home later than 6 p.m. every night, sometimes earlier if he is coaching. When other attorneys try to schedule something for after 5 p.m. he refuses because he wants to be home with his family. He doesn't work on weekend ordinarily and if he must, he brings his stuff home and works on it in his office.
There are nights I watch him come home, the exhaustion apparent in the glaze of his eyes and the stiffness of his step. I know all he wants is to sit down on the couch and watch a ball game until its time for dinner. But then the Diva demands he play soccer or baseball with her. He never turns her down. Tired, he drags himself out there and plays with her.
When we bought our house, his primary interest was how it would fit with our kids. As he went about planning the landscape of his yard, he tried to create a place his kids would enjoy. He took an old shed in the back yard and worked for a month to make it a play house for the kids. Our yard is full of fruit trees and blue berry bushes because that is what our kids like. He wants them to have the experience of picking their own fruit, encouraging them to eat healthy things.
Our weekends are generally devoted to the kids. Saturdays are quite often sports and Sunday mornings are spent at the local farmer's market. My daughter doesn't like me to go because this is a special time for her and her daddy. My daughter's teacher told me she loves seeing my kids with their dad because they adore him. They shower him with affection which he returns with unabashed enthusiasm. And his attention isn't reserved just for his kids. He is popular with other kids as well. He coaches baseball and the kids think he's great.
I think my children learn a great lesson from this man. Not only how to be a great parent but other things. I hope my daughters realize how valuable they are. Their father ensures them everyday about how much they are loved and cherished. I hope as they enter adulthood they realize this is the type of love they should be looking for in their relationships. I hope my son understands what it means to be an adult, a father and a man through the example set by their father.
I hope everyone has a lovely father's day. I have an awesome catch for a husband and a man who truly knows what it means to be a father.
On another note....
Teresa has a new post at Age of Enlightenment for you 18th century history enthusiasts and Olivia talks about regaining her creativity over at Villa in Tuscany.
Without thought, he puts his kids first. As some of you know, he is a lawyer. He could be wealthier than he is now, more prominent in his profession, if he didn't put his kids first. He is rarely home later than 6 p.m. every night, sometimes earlier if he is coaching. When other attorneys try to schedule something for after 5 p.m. he refuses because he wants to be home with his family. He doesn't work on weekend ordinarily and if he must, he brings his stuff home and works on it in his office.
There are nights I watch him come home, the exhaustion apparent in the glaze of his eyes and the stiffness of his step. I know all he wants is to sit down on the couch and watch a ball game until its time for dinner. But then the Diva demands he play soccer or baseball with her. He never turns her down. Tired, he drags himself out there and plays with her.
When we bought our house, his primary interest was how it would fit with our kids. As he went about planning the landscape of his yard, he tried to create a place his kids would enjoy. He took an old shed in the back yard and worked for a month to make it a play house for the kids. Our yard is full of fruit trees and blue berry bushes because that is what our kids like. He wants them to have the experience of picking their own fruit, encouraging them to eat healthy things.
Our weekends are generally devoted to the kids. Saturdays are quite often sports and Sunday mornings are spent at the local farmer's market. My daughter doesn't like me to go because this is a special time for her and her daddy. My daughter's teacher told me she loves seeing my kids with their dad because they adore him. They shower him with affection which he returns with unabashed enthusiasm. And his attention isn't reserved just for his kids. He is popular with other kids as well. He coaches baseball and the kids think he's great.
I think my children learn a great lesson from this man. Not only how to be a great parent but other things. I hope my daughters realize how valuable they are. Their father ensures them everyday about how much they are loved and cherished. I hope as they enter adulthood they realize this is the type of love they should be looking for in their relationships. I hope my son understands what it means to be an adult, a father and a man through the example set by their father.
I hope everyone has a lovely father's day. I have an awesome catch for a husband and a man who truly knows what it means to be a father.
On another note....
Teresa has a new post at Age of Enlightenment for you 18th century history enthusiasts and Olivia talks about regaining her creativity over at Villa in Tuscany.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Hell's Kitchen
I don't have too many shows I'm into. I like Deadwood and I started watching Hex but my new favorite is Hell's Kitchen. The show is a competition for cooks to win the opportunity to be the executive chef of a restaurant in Las Vegas. They are put through all sorts of cooking competitions with the big contest at night when they try to serve a meal in a restaurant setting. What makes the show is the executive chef in charge, Gordon Ramsay. He is in turn bombastic and harsh, handing out insults and swear words with glee. Then he turns around is very charming to the same people he has been haranguing. An awesome character.
As a I writer, I love him. I've been working on a story which revolves around cooking and celebrity chefs in the 18th century. Yes, chefs were stars in that era and cookbooks were everywhere. I'm in the midst of research but I've had a problem creating the characters. The heroine I've got down but not the hero. Until now. Gordon Ramsay is excellent, a mixed bag of over-the-top characteristics which would make for good reading.
I'm not really one to base characters on people however I will use bits and pieces of people. This guy, however, really clicked with me. Not looks wise, I never base by characters' appearances on real people, I can't. Not that I would mind thinking about a character who looked like Johnny Depp or Hugh Jackman all day, but it isn't how my mind works.
Other stuff....
Last night was a two-Tecate night. Our first day of summer break was rather rough. The kids got into stuff. I went to take a shower and when I got out, I discovered my kids trying to clean up a broken bottle of General Tsao's Grilling Sauce. They made a bigger mess trying to clean it up. I was constantly reminding them to clean up after them selves and my 6 year old followed me around the house asking questions, asking for stuff and generally annoying the crap out of me. We picked up a couple of more fire-belly toads to keep our other one company and got some crickets to feed them. Dummy me, I didn't think about it, but I woke this morning to find the bag of crickets with a hole in it where the critters chewed through. I've spent my morning picking up crickets.
As a I writer, I love him. I've been working on a story which revolves around cooking and celebrity chefs in the 18th century. Yes, chefs were stars in that era and cookbooks were everywhere. I'm in the midst of research but I've had a problem creating the characters. The heroine I've got down but not the hero. Until now. Gordon Ramsay is excellent, a mixed bag of over-the-top characteristics which would make for good reading.
I'm not really one to base characters on people however I will use bits and pieces of people. This guy, however, really clicked with me. Not looks wise, I never base by characters' appearances on real people, I can't. Not that I would mind thinking about a character who looked like Johnny Depp or Hugh Jackman all day, but it isn't how my mind works.
Other stuff....
Last night was a two-Tecate night. Our first day of summer break was rather rough. The kids got into stuff. I went to take a shower and when I got out, I discovered my kids trying to clean up a broken bottle of General Tsao's Grilling Sauce. They made a bigger mess trying to clean it up. I was constantly reminding them to clean up after them selves and my 6 year old followed me around the house asking questions, asking for stuff and generally annoying the crap out of me. We picked up a couple of more fire-belly toads to keep our other one company and got some crickets to feed them. Dummy me, I didn't think about it, but I woke this morning to find the bag of crickets with a hole in it where the critters chewed through. I've spent my morning picking up crickets.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Day ONE
Today is the first day of summer vacation at my house. I told my husband I would try my best to remain sober by the time he got home. The Diva woke early and immediately started hassling me for a variety of things. I couldn't wait for The Thing to wake up so they could entertain each other. I put them in the bathtub just to give me some time this morning to blog.
I have a new challenge this summer. My kids are turning into vegetarians. I'm not kidding. We have to beg them to eat their meat on their plates. And I'm not feeding them liver or goat's head or anything scary like that. I made Milanesa the other night. This is basically thin steak battered and fried. They wouldn't eat it. Took seconds on the cauliflower and the salad, but skipped the meat. While I don't mind this so much (I'm a carnivore, I could skip fruit and veggies altogether), I am going to have to adjust our menus to reflect this change. The girls love cheese, so I can work with that. My son is obsessed with healthy food. At ten, he is constantly asking if one dish is healthier than another. Of course he won't go out and exercise which I've tried to explain is just as important as a healthy meal. The kid has this incredible metabolism. He out-eats me and yet he is so thin even the slim size pants have to be belted. Cinched, actually.
The kids get their freedom today but I think on Monday I'm going to start a schedule. There is no way I can have a summer like last year where the inmates ran the asylum.
I have a new challenge this summer. My kids are turning into vegetarians. I'm not kidding. We have to beg them to eat their meat on their plates. And I'm not feeding them liver or goat's head or anything scary like that. I made Milanesa the other night. This is basically thin steak battered and fried. They wouldn't eat it. Took seconds on the cauliflower and the salad, but skipped the meat. While I don't mind this so much (I'm a carnivore, I could skip fruit and veggies altogether), I am going to have to adjust our menus to reflect this change. The girls love cheese, so I can work with that. My son is obsessed with healthy food. At ten, he is constantly asking if one dish is healthier than another. Of course he won't go out and exercise which I've tried to explain is just as important as a healthy meal. The kid has this incredible metabolism. He out-eats me and yet he is so thin even the slim size pants have to be belted. Cinched, actually.
The kids get their freedom today but I think on Monday I'm going to start a schedule. There is no way I can have a summer like last year where the inmates ran the asylum.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Fred & Ginger
First,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!!!!
Moving on:
Last night hubby and I had our second dance class. I can safely say we aren't the worst couple there. We both have our strengths and weaknesses on the dance floor. I can't follow. It really is difficult not to try and lead. Or I try anticipating his steps before he leads me. He's much better at the fox trot than I am. I'm better at the swing. This is the first time we've done something together like this in a long time. I'm not sure why. Anyway, its fun to do something totally unrelated to the kids.
Moving on to kids, today is the last day of school. We have become the summertime home to one of my daughter's class pets, a fire belly toad. After reading about the toad, I found out it prefers to have others for company. The teacher who gave out the toads apparently didn't take that information into consideration. So we are headed to the pet store to buy at least one more. The Thing started the week off well by playing Vidal Sassoon with her hair. I had to make an emergency trip to Supercuts to get it fixed. She did a pretty good hacking job. Her hair went down most of her back. It doesn't anymore. I think its fine for summer anyway. I wanted to post a picture of her but I haven't been able to get her to sit still long enough for a photo. I'm not kidding. I've five blurry photos. I gave up.
On the writing front, well, I've taken a page from Kelly's book and started working on something unrelated, next thing I knew, I had 6 pages. Janie asked what I'm working on, so I thought I would give a quickie rundown. I'm working on an 18th century straight historical, two paranormal historicals, both 18th century although they are from different times, a contemporary erotica and now a contemporary paranormal featuring elves and fairies. Spread a little thin don't ya think? Yeah, but my mind is in a million places. I generally work on a couple for a week or so. The two historical paranormals are higher on my priority list than the rest. But historicals are more exhausting for me. Not just the research, but the use of voice and style. So the contemporaries give me a chance to write more informally and use a more staccato style.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!!!!
Moving on:
Last night hubby and I had our second dance class. I can safely say we aren't the worst couple there. We both have our strengths and weaknesses on the dance floor. I can't follow. It really is difficult not to try and lead. Or I try anticipating his steps before he leads me. He's much better at the fox trot than I am. I'm better at the swing. This is the first time we've done something together like this in a long time. I'm not sure why. Anyway, its fun to do something totally unrelated to the kids.
Moving on to kids, today is the last day of school. We have become the summertime home to one of my daughter's class pets, a fire belly toad. After reading about the toad, I found out it prefers to have others for company. The teacher who gave out the toads apparently didn't take that information into consideration. So we are headed to the pet store to buy at least one more. The Thing started the week off well by playing Vidal Sassoon with her hair. I had to make an emergency trip to Supercuts to get it fixed. She did a pretty good hacking job. Her hair went down most of her back. It doesn't anymore. I think its fine for summer anyway. I wanted to post a picture of her but I haven't been able to get her to sit still long enough for a photo. I'm not kidding. I've five blurry photos. I gave up.
On the writing front, well, I've taken a page from Kelly's book and started working on something unrelated, next thing I knew, I had 6 pages. Janie asked what I'm working on, so I thought I would give a quickie rundown. I'm working on an 18th century straight historical, two paranormal historicals, both 18th century although they are from different times, a contemporary erotica and now a contemporary paranormal featuring elves and fairies. Spread a little thin don't ya think? Yeah, but my mind is in a million places. I generally work on a couple for a week or so. The two historical paranormals are higher on my priority list than the rest. But historicals are more exhausting for me. Not just the research, but the use of voice and style. So the contemporaries give me a chance to write more informally and use a more staccato style.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The Black Moment
Some people are plotters, some pantsters. Some think of their characters first, others their plots.
I'm a black moments planner. I plan my black moments first then figure everything else out. I've discovered when I don't do this, I have problems with the rest of the book. I think of a couple of characters, and put them in a miserable situation, then I kick them and make the situation worse. From there, I pattern a plot and characters to fit the moment.
I generally have 3 or 4 black moments per story. Some of them are related, some of them aren't. The tough part is making sure I don't write myself into such a tight corner I don't know how to get out. But I would rather be in that situation than the opposite.
Too many stories I read lack a really juicy black moment. Sure, there are plenty where the hero or heroine are in mortal peril where the bad guy is dangling them from the top of the Empire State building or some other type of life or death situation. While these are exciting, they are over in an instant. I like those black moments which are internal. I like to read those situations where the hero or heroine has to make a choice which will cause them unimaginable misery either way. I like to see what they do and how they make an untenable decision, live with it and still end up with a happily ever after. It raises the stakes for me as a reader, makes me more concerned about the characters and makes the story memorable.
As a writer, it is a challenge. First, do I have it in me to put these people through the wringer? Ha! I have three children, I delight in suffering. Second, is it a tough enough moment to put the reader on edge? We all have our threshold. For some, a black moment could be breaking a nail, for another, it could be the earth being destroyed by an asteroid. But I think the most effective is the black moment which really tears the character apart emotionally. Third, the challenge of finding a way out is tough. As a I writer, I don't want to make it too easy but at the same time I don't want to write a 200K word book.
In one story I've started, the key black moment is a toughy and I'm not sure how to write myself out of it. I think is a tough enough conflict for the heroine that the solution will be a big pay off. In another story I started, the black moment isn't black enough to hold my interest, so I've put it aside until I can think of a way to make my characters sufficiently miserable.
How important are black moments to you? Do you have a process for creating them?
I'm a black moments planner. I plan my black moments first then figure everything else out. I've discovered when I don't do this, I have problems with the rest of the book. I think of a couple of characters, and put them in a miserable situation, then I kick them and make the situation worse. From there, I pattern a plot and characters to fit the moment.
I generally have 3 or 4 black moments per story. Some of them are related, some of them aren't. The tough part is making sure I don't write myself into such a tight corner I don't know how to get out. But I would rather be in that situation than the opposite.
Too many stories I read lack a really juicy black moment. Sure, there are plenty where the hero or heroine are in mortal peril where the bad guy is dangling them from the top of the Empire State building or some other type of life or death situation. While these are exciting, they are over in an instant. I like those black moments which are internal. I like to read those situations where the hero or heroine has to make a choice which will cause them unimaginable misery either way. I like to see what they do and how they make an untenable decision, live with it and still end up with a happily ever after. It raises the stakes for me as a reader, makes me more concerned about the characters and makes the story memorable.
As a writer, it is a challenge. First, do I have it in me to put these people through the wringer? Ha! I have three children, I delight in suffering. Second, is it a tough enough moment to put the reader on edge? We all have our threshold. For some, a black moment could be breaking a nail, for another, it could be the earth being destroyed by an asteroid. But I think the most effective is the black moment which really tears the character apart emotionally. Third, the challenge of finding a way out is tough. As a I writer, I don't want to make it too easy but at the same time I don't want to write a 200K word book.
In one story I've started, the key black moment is a toughy and I'm not sure how to write myself out of it. I think is a tough enough conflict for the heroine that the solution will be a big pay off. In another story I started, the black moment isn't black enough to hold my interest, so I've put it aside until I can think of a way to make my characters sufficiently miserable.
How important are black moments to you? Do you have a process for creating them?
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Projects
With summer having arrived in all its glory, I start thinking about projects. Not goals per se, but projects. Those mammoth or incidental tasks set aside for a time when I have time. While I'm not real thrilled with the prospect of having my kids home, it also means the end of their activities until fall. No more carting kids to ball games or practice, no after-school classes and no in-school events which take up so much time. Heck, I gain over an hour by not taking and picking the kids up. So I need to turn my attention to something.
My project for the summer is organizing all of my magazine cut outs. Oh, I'm a rabid recipe hound. I tear out so many recipes then stick them in a drawer. Then a file folder. And now they are residing in a huge plastic container along with organizing implements. I figure if I work on the project 15 minutes a day, I'll make some headway and actually have some of the pasted and able to use in a binder.
That's my big project. What about you? Any project you have pushed aside?
My project for the summer is organizing all of my magazine cut outs. Oh, I'm a rabid recipe hound. I tear out so many recipes then stick them in a drawer. Then a file folder. And now they are residing in a huge plastic container along with organizing implements. I figure if I work on the project 15 minutes a day, I'll make some headway and actually have some of the pasted and able to use in a binder.
That's my big project. What about you? Any project you have pushed aside?
Friday, June 09, 2006
Addictions
I'm a coffee junkie, I've accepted it, lived with it, understand it. I don't feel complete in the morning if I don't have a cup of java in my hand. I'd trade my kids for a tall brew of the day at Starbucks. But then, I'd trade my kids for a ball of lint, a bent paper clip and an unwrapped stick of gum, so that probably isn't a good comparison. The point is, my day doesn't start without my cup of French roast or whatever dark, road tar brew is in my cup. The addiction is as much psychological as chemical. It is my weakness, but livable, because nothing else debilitates me in such a way.
Until now.
I start my morning by going through my email then moving on to my blogs. If I'm going to blog on a day, I post then start going through my blogroll, cup of joe in hand. Yesterday, I got up, did my email, then started posting. My post was immediately eaten by the blogger demons. I tried again later, dang if it happened again. So I gave up. But the complete disruption of my morning lasted throughout the day. I was irritable and lost, a pathetic wraith wandering about the house in a daze. Well, I did do the laundry and cleaned the spa. I tried reading through my blogs but most of them are bloggers as well, so it did me little good.
I don't think it is the blogging so much as the change in my routine. I know I've blogged about my penchant for routine, so I guess it is logical a ripple in the blogging routine would make me edgy. I don't remember what I was going to post about yesterday. Heaven knows I typed it enough in a vain hope that blogger would be up and at 'em. Hopefully it wasn't something important like the cure for the common cold or the winning Lotto numbers for the weekend.
Until now.
I start my morning by going through my email then moving on to my blogs. If I'm going to blog on a day, I post then start going through my blogroll, cup of joe in hand. Yesterday, I got up, did my email, then started posting. My post was immediately eaten by the blogger demons. I tried again later, dang if it happened again. So I gave up. But the complete disruption of my morning lasted throughout the day. I was irritable and lost, a pathetic wraith wandering about the house in a daze. Well, I did do the laundry and cleaned the spa. I tried reading through my blogs but most of them are bloggers as well, so it did me little good.
I don't think it is the blogging so much as the change in my routine. I know I've blogged about my penchant for routine, so I guess it is logical a ripple in the blogging routine would make me edgy. I don't remember what I was going to post about yesterday. Heaven knows I typed it enough in a vain hope that blogger would be up and at 'em. Hopefully it wasn't something important like the cure for the common cold or the winning Lotto numbers for the weekend.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Website?
I've been pondering whether I should have my own website. A friend of mine has offered me free space as a subdomain to her site, so I don't have to worry about the cost and I'm sufficient enough on html to make a website on my own. But what would I put on it?
Plenty of unpublished writers have their own sites and most of them are full of interesting stuff. What would I put on mine? I know I could do a page of links, a page of writing articles and tips for writers, but what else? For those of you with websites, when you decided to have one, what was the reasons for it? What function did you want your site to play? Has it helped?
Did anyone notice that Blogrolling was down yesterday? I almost had a heart attack. After resisting using it for so long, I am now totally dependent on it. I saved a back up file on my PC when it came back up. I had no idea how dependent I had become on it. I use my blogroll everyday to visit my sites. I went crazy yesterday because I hadn't gone through my entire roll yet.
Directv added Sleuth to the channel line up. It is the crime drama channel. They already have the "A-Team" playing, if they would only add "Banacek" and "Quincy," my life would be complete.
I spent quite a bit of time yesterday whining about writing. Amazingly enough, I still found time to write hammered out over 4 pages on a new WIP. I really need to stick with something. I have 3 WIPs now that I feel connected to, so now it is time to focus.
Plenty of unpublished writers have their own sites and most of them are full of interesting stuff. What would I put on mine? I know I could do a page of links, a page of writing articles and tips for writers, but what else? For those of you with websites, when you decided to have one, what was the reasons for it? What function did you want your site to play? Has it helped?
Did anyone notice that Blogrolling was down yesterday? I almost had a heart attack. After resisting using it for so long, I am now totally dependent on it. I saved a back up file on my PC when it came back up. I had no idea how dependent I had become on it. I use my blogroll everyday to visit my sites. I went crazy yesterday because I hadn't gone through my entire roll yet.
Directv added Sleuth to the channel line up. It is the crime drama channel. They already have the "A-Team" playing, if they would only add "Banacek" and "Quincy," my life would be complete.
I spent quite a bit of time yesterday whining about writing. Amazingly enough, I still found time to write hammered out over 4 pages on a new WIP. I really need to stick with something. I have 3 WIPs now that I feel connected to, so now it is time to focus.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Goals Rehashed
Well, hell, I've failed miserably at working on my goals. I'm not sure what it is about January. Perhaps it is the newness, the feeling of a fresh start, the mental sense of starting things over, but I had some great goals. I've accomplished none of them, in fact, the waste away in the corner gathering cobwebs, forgotten in the midst of a life filled with the here and now rather than what could be.
They weren't particularly strenous goals, but it has been easy to push them aside. So now it is June and I need to give them some attention. I've been lazy, content to float along without really pushing myself. I set a goal of writing everyday. To be honest, I forgot. But that is an easy one to fix. Maybe I should put a big sticky on my laptop commanding me to write? My other goal was to lose weight, another one which I have been half-hearted in accomplishing. I did warn hubby this would be the beginning of the end this week. Summer is here and it is time for lighter foods. So that is what I am aiming for.
We are mid-year, how are you doing with any of your goals?
On another note, I found something interesting to do with the kids this summer and I talk about it over at Search for the Good Life.
They weren't particularly strenous goals, but it has been easy to push them aside. So now it is June and I need to give them some attention. I've been lazy, content to float along without really pushing myself. I set a goal of writing everyday. To be honest, I forgot. But that is an easy one to fix. Maybe I should put a big sticky on my laptop commanding me to write? My other goal was to lose weight, another one which I have been half-hearted in accomplishing. I did warn hubby this would be the beginning of the end this week. Summer is here and it is time for lighter foods. So that is what I am aiming for.
We are mid-year, how are you doing with any of your goals?
On another note, I found something interesting to do with the kids this summer and I talk about it over at Search for the Good Life.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Sometimes I'm Inspired
Today was the first meeting for my new RWA chapter. It was a great meeting. We initially thought we would only have 4-5 people but we ended up having about 15. We met at a Barnes & Noble but have decided it will be too small for our gathering. An interesting collection of people arrived, including to guys who just graduated from college and want to write. They heard about us and thought we could help them.
This group seems very interested in craft and they would like to spend some of our time on critiquing along with workshops. They seemed very enthusiastic. I feel inspired, the desire to write, particularly since I have to bring 5 pages next month to critic.
For something extra special, hubby cleaned and waxed the convertible for me so I would have a nice car to drive. He and the kids were gone when I got home, they'd gone to the gym then picked up lunch. It was one of those nice days which is pleasant in its simplicity. This day was made nicer not just because of the weather (which is lovely) or the activity but the people around me. Too often we forget how nice people can be and how being with others is fun rather than a chore.
So how has your Saturday been?
I did get a couple of new books. The British Housewife is a book from the mid-18th century which is full of recipes and tips for running a household. It is a facsimile so the type is the same as when it was originally published, meaning the "s's" look like "f's". But it is pretty interesting and though some of the names have changed, many of the dishes are current. I also got The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells. While I got that one for research, I'm hoping to find one which will make my children behave.
This group seems very interested in craft and they would like to spend some of our time on critiquing along with workshops. They seemed very enthusiastic. I feel inspired, the desire to write, particularly since I have to bring 5 pages next month to critic.
For something extra special, hubby cleaned and waxed the convertible for me so I would have a nice car to drive. He and the kids were gone when I got home, they'd gone to the gym then picked up lunch. It was one of those nice days which is pleasant in its simplicity. This day was made nicer not just because of the weather (which is lovely) or the activity but the people around me. Too often we forget how nice people can be and how being with others is fun rather than a chore.
So how has your Saturday been?
I did get a couple of new books. The British Housewife is a book from the mid-18th century which is full of recipes and tips for running a household. It is a facsimile so the type is the same as when it was originally published, meaning the "s's" look like "f's". But it is pretty interesting and though some of the names have changed, many of the dishes are current. I also got The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells. While I got that one for research, I'm hoping to find one which will make my children behave.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Satisfaction
How come I'm never satisfied? Is it a human trait?
I complained to Melissa yesterday that I was feeling restless. My house was clean, there were no tasks that needed to be done. I had plenty of time to write but I couldn't make myself sit down and do it. Here I had plenty of time to do those things I complain I never have time to do, and yet I couldn't get myself doing any of it. Why is that?
Mel thinks I need a vacation and maybe she is write. Perhaps a change of scenery is what I need. I also feel as if I'm on the edge of a precipice, that when the kids get out of school, the ground will fall from beneath my feet and everything will change. Not that it is a bad thing, I am looking forward to doing things with the kids this summer. There are a wealth of museums and libraries all over the area which would be fun to go to and there is also the beach.
But I can't help feeling this edginess, a feeling I can't put a name to. Do you get restless? Do you ever find yourself staring into space wondering what the heck you should be doing?
I did get some good news yesterday. My daughter has had the same teacher for kindergarten and first grade. She told me yesterday that next year she will be teaching a K-1-2 class, so my daughter gets her for another year. Poor woman, when my daughter finally leaves her class, my youngest will be there waiting. I'm very fortunate with my kids' school because the teachers are so available. This woman is amazing and I'm so thrilled my daughter will have her again.
I complained to Melissa yesterday that I was feeling restless. My house was clean, there were no tasks that needed to be done. I had plenty of time to write but I couldn't make myself sit down and do it. Here I had plenty of time to do those things I complain I never have time to do, and yet I couldn't get myself doing any of it. Why is that?
Mel thinks I need a vacation and maybe she is write. Perhaps a change of scenery is what I need. I also feel as if I'm on the edge of a precipice, that when the kids get out of school, the ground will fall from beneath my feet and everything will change. Not that it is a bad thing, I am looking forward to doing things with the kids this summer. There are a wealth of museums and libraries all over the area which would be fun to go to and there is also the beach.
But I can't help feeling this edginess, a feeling I can't put a name to. Do you get restless? Do you ever find yourself staring into space wondering what the heck you should be doing?
I did get some good news yesterday. My daughter has had the same teacher for kindergarten and first grade. She told me yesterday that next year she will be teaching a K-1-2 class, so my daughter gets her for another year. Poor woman, when my daughter finally leaves her class, my youngest will be there waiting. I'm very fortunate with my kids' school because the teachers are so available. This woman is amazing and I'm so thrilled my daughter will have her again.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
The Sacred Feminine Or The Boss
You get to take your pick today. I had two different ideas for posts so I decided to do them both.
Heaven help me that the "Da Vinci Code" actually made me think about something. I still didn't care for the book and a couple of times I just wanted to scream. Robert and Sophie weren't the sharpest knives in the drawer. But anyway, Brown did explore an interesting concept with his ideas about the expunging of the feminine from the world view. While I don't think the ancients had a utopian paradise of equal rights for men and women, it was far from it, the importance of the feminine was at least recognized through goddess worship.
Giving birth and caring for children became a weakness. Women were relegated to the home because they were too weak to deal with the fierceness of the world. The power of the female was seen as weakness.
I do have a point with relation to modern times and modern fiction.
The sphere or romance novels has been slammed since its inception. In the 18th century when writers tapped into the female market, the books were vilified as fluffy, silly books which catered to the weakness of women. Books that put feminine softness at the forefront were and are considered less than their male counterparts.
Romance writers have tired of the basement treatment so they've created female stories which the heroines have take advantage of their masculine traits. The heroines are tough and willing to do what needs to be done. She can shoot a gun, throw a punch and get along fine without a man. She suppresses her feminine side and gains the power of the masculine. We call them kick ass heroines and they are a lot of fun. I enjoy reading them. They are fun to write as well. She has wide appeal.
Writers have done something interesting with this character. She fears the feminine, fears the weakness she perceives it gives her. In the end, most of the time she is able to embrace the feminine, finding she can be in a relationship without giving up her power. But it says something about the value of female traits in society. We still don't see the softer feminine characteristics as powerful.
I do wonder if we as a society will ever recognize the power of the feminine. Can we not appreciate the true power of nurturing? The ability to raise a human from infant to adult is powerful indeed. It goes against our nurturing nature (both mothers and fathers) to see our progeny destroyed by violence. Our feminine half of our nature wishes to mold the world in softer ways.
I look out at the mountains, appreciating the fact that they have been molded over the millions of years not by violent explosions but by the erosion of countless streams of water. Certainly it took longer to create the landscape through such means as opposed to an immediate cataclysm like a volcano. But it was done none the less.
I suppose the whole point of this meandering post is the lack of appreciation of the feminine, the downplay of its power in society. There is an imbalance in the world and until the power of the female is recognized, the world will remain out of whack.
Now onto the Boss. Or the Sacred Springsteen as he is thought of in our house. My hubby loves Bruce. Do you know how many times I've heard "Rosalita" cranked up to full volume? *shudder* It isn't anything I really want to think about. But I have to tip my hat to the man. He writes some of the most depressing songs in all of music. So depressing, I have to laugh. We were listening to "The River" the other night. A quick rundown about the song is that the man gets his girlfriend pregnant, marries her, gets a crappy job and gives up his dreams. He goes to the river although he knows the river is dry, symbolizing the death of his youthful dreams and ambitions. I suspect there is another stanza where the dog dies too but Bruce cut it because the song was so damned depressing as it was. And he has more. "Nebraska" is an album dedicated to misery. Same could be said for "Tunnel of Love."
What is the most depressing song you've ever heard? Do you like depressing songs?
Heaven help me that the "Da Vinci Code" actually made me think about something. I still didn't care for the book and a couple of times I just wanted to scream. Robert and Sophie weren't the sharpest knives in the drawer. But anyway, Brown did explore an interesting concept with his ideas about the expunging of the feminine from the world view. While I don't think the ancients had a utopian paradise of equal rights for men and women, it was far from it, the importance of the feminine was at least recognized through goddess worship.
Giving birth and caring for children became a weakness. Women were relegated to the home because they were too weak to deal with the fierceness of the world. The power of the female was seen as weakness.
I do have a point with relation to modern times and modern fiction.
The sphere or romance novels has been slammed since its inception. In the 18th century when writers tapped into the female market, the books were vilified as fluffy, silly books which catered to the weakness of women. Books that put feminine softness at the forefront were and are considered less than their male counterparts.
Romance writers have tired of the basement treatment so they've created female stories which the heroines have take advantage of their masculine traits. The heroines are tough and willing to do what needs to be done. She can shoot a gun, throw a punch and get along fine without a man. She suppresses her feminine side and gains the power of the masculine. We call them kick ass heroines and they are a lot of fun. I enjoy reading them. They are fun to write as well. She has wide appeal.
Writers have done something interesting with this character. She fears the feminine, fears the weakness she perceives it gives her. In the end, most of the time she is able to embrace the feminine, finding she can be in a relationship without giving up her power. But it says something about the value of female traits in society. We still don't see the softer feminine characteristics as powerful.
I do wonder if we as a society will ever recognize the power of the feminine. Can we not appreciate the true power of nurturing? The ability to raise a human from infant to adult is powerful indeed. It goes against our nurturing nature (both mothers and fathers) to see our progeny destroyed by violence. Our feminine half of our nature wishes to mold the world in softer ways.
I look out at the mountains, appreciating the fact that they have been molded over the millions of years not by violent explosions but by the erosion of countless streams of water. Certainly it took longer to create the landscape through such means as opposed to an immediate cataclysm like a volcano. But it was done none the less.
I suppose the whole point of this meandering post is the lack of appreciation of the feminine, the downplay of its power in society. There is an imbalance in the world and until the power of the female is recognized, the world will remain out of whack.
Now onto the Boss. Or the Sacred Springsteen as he is thought of in our house. My hubby loves Bruce. Do you know how many times I've heard "Rosalita" cranked up to full volume? *shudder* It isn't anything I really want to think about. But I have to tip my hat to the man. He writes some of the most depressing songs in all of music. So depressing, I have to laugh. We were listening to "The River" the other night. A quick rundown about the song is that the man gets his girlfriend pregnant, marries her, gets a crappy job and gives up his dreams. He goes to the river although he knows the river is dry, symbolizing the death of his youthful dreams and ambitions. I suspect there is another stanza where the dog dies too but Bruce cut it because the song was so damned depressing as it was. And he has more. "Nebraska" is an album dedicated to misery. Same could be said for "Tunnel of Love."
What is the most depressing song you've ever heard? Do you like depressing songs?
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Happy Father's Day
...and anniversary, and Christmas, and birthday!
Hubby bought himself a new scooter. And not just any old scooter, he felt the need to get a Vespa. You know, with gas prices and all, it just made sense for him to get a scooter. You can't see this but I am rolling my eyes. He has wanted a Vespa since the day I met him. He'd really like a vintage one but they aren't the most reliable for what he needs. It is cool, I have to admit not that I trust myself to ride it.
He's had a pretty good weekend so far. Yesterday we had our team party for little league. For the first time in many seasons I'm sorry to see the season end. We had a great team with wonderful parents. I even found a great babysitter in one of the older sisters. After the party dh went down to the scooter store and bought himself this little number. Today he went off to an Angel game with his brother-in-law, leaving me home with the 3 kids.
I wasn't thrilled. I haven't talked about it too much but the kids have been extremely difficult over the last week, enough that I've had a few breakdowns. So he almost said no. I told him it was okay. I'm keeping score. I figure at this rate he'll owe me enough that I can go to the RWA conference next year in Dallas.
I got crabby over at Ainsley Park today. I'm tired of historical romance authors getting complacent about the details. I'm getting persnickety in my old age.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Dance Lessons
First, about summer: No, I will not be going to Atlanta for RWA. I don't think my family is ready to do without me for that long. Next year will work better, I hope....
I am supposed to go to Utah for a family reunion at the end of June. I'm thrilled. There is nothing more fun in my mind then riding in a motorhome with my 3 kids and my folks for 600 miles. All so we can visit relatives I've never met. Supposedly the reunion is being held on the property of one of my relatives. It's probably one of those polygamist compounds. I've been watching Big Love so I know what to look for. If these cousins of mine are dressed like extras for "Little House in the prairie," I'm outta there.
I signed up for ballroom dance lessons. I've been hassling the hubby for years that we should learn to dance. He's always paid me lipservice about it but I finally put things into action. My town's human services is offering a dance class. DH will be a good sport about it, its only one hour a week. He likes to dance, he's just not very good at it. I'm no Ginger Rogers myself so this should be an experience. I wanted to take a swing class but hubby ixnaed that immediately.
Do you dance? Is it something you and your significant other enjoy doing?
I am supposed to go to Utah for a family reunion at the end of June. I'm thrilled. There is nothing more fun in my mind then riding in a motorhome with my 3 kids and my folks for 600 miles. All so we can visit relatives I've never met. Supposedly the reunion is being held on the property of one of my relatives. It's probably one of those polygamist compounds. I've been watching Big Love so I know what to look for. If these cousins of mine are dressed like extras for "Little House in the prairie," I'm outta there.
I signed up for ballroom dance lessons. I've been hassling the hubby for years that we should learn to dance. He's always paid me lipservice about it but I finally put things into action. My town's human services is offering a dance class. DH will be a good sport about it, its only one hour a week. He likes to dance, he's just not very good at it. I'm no Ginger Rogers myself so this should be an experience. I wanted to take a swing class but hubby ixnaed that immediately.
Do you dance? Is it something you and your significant other enjoy doing?
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
The Apocalypse
The end of my world is nigh. It happens every year around this time, the ending of my peace and quiet for the next three months.
Yes, the school year is drawing to a close. I've spent the last few days curled in a fetal position, rocking back and forth, muttering incomprehensibly to myself.
I have no idea what this summer is going to bring. I'm sure it will include a lot of battles over video games, dirty rooms, the petty annoyances children seem to excel at. I've looked at the summer camps, but they are so expensive. Half the time my kids don't enjoy them and it is a battle to get them to go.
So I need to be more proactive. I'm going to try and have theme weeks where I work on something with the kids and include a field trip. Perhaps if they have something to look forward to, they will behave. We will probably do a lot of swimming at my folks house, so there is something else I can do.
Vacation plans are fizzling to zero. Hubby's summer at work has gone crazy plus the airline fares are so outrageous, it isn't something we can really afford. We could if we went in September, but hubby just got hit with a trial, so we can't go. That is the real problem with being self-employed. There is no one else to pick up the slack and no vacation pay.
What are your plans for the summer? Do you have a gameplan for the kids? Is this a season you dread or anticipate?
Yes, the school year is drawing to a close. I've spent the last few days curled in a fetal position, rocking back and forth, muttering incomprehensibly to myself.
I have no idea what this summer is going to bring. I'm sure it will include a lot of battles over video games, dirty rooms, the petty annoyances children seem to excel at. I've looked at the summer camps, but they are so expensive. Half the time my kids don't enjoy them and it is a battle to get them to go.
So I need to be more proactive. I'm going to try and have theme weeks where I work on something with the kids and include a field trip. Perhaps if they have something to look forward to, they will behave. We will probably do a lot of swimming at my folks house, so there is something else I can do.
Vacation plans are fizzling to zero. Hubby's summer at work has gone crazy plus the airline fares are so outrageous, it isn't something we can really afford. We could if we went in September, but hubby just got hit with a trial, so we can't go. That is the real problem with being self-employed. There is no one else to pick up the slack and no vacation pay.
What are your plans for the summer? Do you have a gameplan for the kids? Is this a season you dread or anticipate?
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Bring it On
Today is my birthday, my 39th to be exact. My last year of being in my 30's.
I've mixed feelings about leaving this period of my life. For the bulk of it, I have been raising babies. My first child arrived when I was 28, the next one when I was 32 and bringing up the caboose is my last who was born when I was 35. While other mothers are celebrating their child's graduation from high school, I'm celebrating the fact that my youngest is finally potty-trained. For the first time in nearly 10 years, I don't have to keep a diaper bag in my car. People keep telling me I'm going to miss these baby years. Ummm....I don't think so.
The 30's for many women is a decade of personal growth. Their children are in school, independent human beings doing their own thing while a mother gets to spend some time exploring her own persona. For me, well, I've spent these years at the beck and call of my little darlings. Not that I'm complaining (yeah, I am) but it doesn't leave a lot of time for self-discovery. But to be honest, I couldn't have raised kids in my 20's. At least I wouldn't have done as good a job.
This decade also brought out my writing. I completed my first ms when I was 34, something I'd never been able to do before. My writing developed in leaps and bounds and I wrote four complete mss in this decade. Okay, so only two of them are readable. But I went from horrible to pretty darn good in a matter of only four years. As a writer, the 30's were phenomenal.
So the big 4-0 looms in the distance. It doesn't bother me. When I turn 40, I will see my last child go to school. I will be able to spend some time on my own. I'm excited to see where my writing goes. Every year I've logged on this earth adds to my voice, giving it a richness that only aging can give it.
Bring it on, I'm more than ready!
I've mixed feelings about leaving this period of my life. For the bulk of it, I have been raising babies. My first child arrived when I was 28, the next one when I was 32 and bringing up the caboose is my last who was born when I was 35. While other mothers are celebrating their child's graduation from high school, I'm celebrating the fact that my youngest is finally potty-trained. For the first time in nearly 10 years, I don't have to keep a diaper bag in my car. People keep telling me I'm going to miss these baby years. Ummm....I don't think so.
The 30's for many women is a decade of personal growth. Their children are in school, independent human beings doing their own thing while a mother gets to spend some time exploring her own persona. For me, well, I've spent these years at the beck and call of my little darlings. Not that I'm complaining (yeah, I am) but it doesn't leave a lot of time for self-discovery. But to be honest, I couldn't have raised kids in my 20's. At least I wouldn't have done as good a job.
This decade also brought out my writing. I completed my first ms when I was 34, something I'd never been able to do before. My writing developed in leaps and bounds and I wrote four complete mss in this decade. Okay, so only two of them are readable. But I went from horrible to pretty darn good in a matter of only four years. As a writer, the 30's were phenomenal.
So the big 4-0 looms in the distance. It doesn't bother me. When I turn 40, I will see my last child go to school. I will be able to spend some time on my own. I'm excited to see where my writing goes. Every year I've logged on this earth adds to my voice, giving it a richness that only aging can give it.
Bring it on, I'm more than ready!
Friday, May 19, 2006
The Da Vinci Code- Because I Have To
Hubby is dying to see "The Da Vinci Code." He loved the book and is dragging me to the movies. Personally, I'm more of a "Poseidon" gal and I'm making my own plans (they are showing it on the local IMAX). Anyway, I tried reading the book and it didn't do much for me. It isn't the best written piece of fiction and the story line isn't one I find all that interesting. Hubby can't believe I'm not captivated.
So why do I bother? Because I hate going to a movie without reading the book first. It is my compulsion. I'm not one of those who generally slams a movie because it didn't follow the book. But I like to have the background. Sometimes its a great benefit and I read a good book I didn't think I'd like ("Silence of the Lambs") or sometimes the reading is pure torture and I just stick with the movie (the LOTR trilogy. Yeah, you Tolkeinites can start throwing the rotten cabbages, I'm ready).
I'm not sure why I am like this. How about you? Do you like to read the book before seeing the movie? Or do you purposely not read the book? Or do you wait and read the book after the movie?
BTW, "The Da Vinci Code" doesn't seem to be as bad this time around, maybe because my expectations are lower this time around. And least it isn't very long.
So why do I bother? Because I hate going to a movie without reading the book first. It is my compulsion. I'm not one of those who generally slams a movie because it didn't follow the book. But I like to have the background. Sometimes its a great benefit and I read a good book I didn't think I'd like ("Silence of the Lambs") or sometimes the reading is pure torture and I just stick with the movie (the LOTR trilogy. Yeah, you Tolkeinites can start throwing the rotten cabbages, I'm ready).
I'm not sure why I am like this. How about you? Do you like to read the book before seeing the movie? Or do you purposely not read the book? Or do you wait and read the book after the movie?
BTW, "The Da Vinci Code" doesn't seem to be as bad this time around, maybe because my expectations are lower this time around. And least it isn't very long.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Good, Evil & Nothing in Between
I love romance novels, have for a long time. But I do have a pet peeve that seems to pervade the genre. Characters tend to be either good or bad. Rarely do you find a gray character.
Maybe that's why I've really started reading mostly paranormals. The characters are inherently good and bad, struggling to balance the two sides. Too often in romance, the good guys are so supremely good and the bad guys so evil, it makes them predictable and uninteresting.
Even if the heroine is doing something bad, she generally has a higher reason for doing so, something so noble it totally counteracts whatever naughty she is forced to do. Same goes for the hero. The villain has no redeeming qualities about them, they are purely rotten, even if they do appear to be friends of the hero or heroine.
I'm not asking that bad guys get the girl or good guys die in the end. But it is difficult for me to see these characters as anything but two dimensional cut-outs. They lack a soul. Because humans are a combo of right and wrong. We sometimes do things for our own selfish pleasure. We try to take the easy course.
Perhaps I'm missing the point. Perhaps this is what romance readers want. Maybe they want the fantasy of a world where the good and bad are obvious and its easy to root for the hero and boo the villain.
What do you think? Am I too harsh? Should I be banned from the romance aisle at the Borders?
Maybe that's why I've really started reading mostly paranormals. The characters are inherently good and bad, struggling to balance the two sides. Too often in romance, the good guys are so supremely good and the bad guys so evil, it makes them predictable and uninteresting.
Even if the heroine is doing something bad, she generally has a higher reason for doing so, something so noble it totally counteracts whatever naughty she is forced to do. Same goes for the hero. The villain has no redeeming qualities about them, they are purely rotten, even if they do appear to be friends of the hero or heroine.
I'm not asking that bad guys get the girl or good guys die in the end. But it is difficult for me to see these characters as anything but two dimensional cut-outs. They lack a soul. Because humans are a combo of right and wrong. We sometimes do things for our own selfish pleasure. We try to take the easy course.
Perhaps I'm missing the point. Perhaps this is what romance readers want. Maybe they want the fantasy of a world where the good and bad are obvious and its easy to root for the hero and boo the villain.
What do you think? Am I too harsh? Should I be banned from the romance aisle at the Borders?
Monday, May 15, 2006
Another Mother's Day Post
This picture was a gift from my daughter. Her class went on a field trip to the Santa Monica Pier for a museum tour and they ate lunch on the beach. The teacher snapped photos of them while they weren't aware. I love this picture. The Diva made a frame for it, covered it with sand and a seashell she found.
My kids fixed me breakfast in bed. Then they decided to clean the house. I tried to convince them it wasn't necessary, but they insisted. I really just wanted them to clean their rooms. But they started sweeping and mopping. My house smelled like a Swiffer factory. They went through a whole can of window cleaner. Ah well, it was the thought. I was restless myself. I ended up cleaning the kitchen. Then I thought I would write but I ended up playing Rise of Nations for hours.
But now it is back to the grind. I'm kind of glad. As much as I like the thought of pampering, it goes against my grain. Perhaps it is the salt-of -the-earth farmer folk ancestors of mine (some of them were Amish) or my need to control my environment, but I can't sit still and watch others do MY jobs.
Is there any task that you prefer doing yourself? Do your loved ones try to do something you do and it drives you crazy? My particular one is coffee-making. I don't want anyone else in the house to make the coffee. Weird, I know, and I should be grateful, but still.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Happy Mother's Day
Do you know how hard it is to write about Mother's Day when your kids are running around the house, yelling, screaming and fighting? Do you think they will can it for one day? And why is Mother's Day just one day? Shouldn't it be a week?
When asked what I wanted, I said I wanted everyone to get the hell out of the house and leave me alone for the day. No one seems to believe me. Anyway, I got my present early, a digital camcorder that records to a hard drive. Then you hook it to the pc and save it to the computer hard drive. Hubby picked up an external DVD recorder for me today. I'm not smart enough to figure out how to use it. Of course it doesn't help that I am surrounding with screaming kids.
Hope everyone has a nice holiday. What did you get for Mother's Day? What did you give for Mother's Day?
When asked what I wanted, I said I wanted everyone to get the hell out of the house and leave me alone for the day. No one seems to believe me. Anyway, I got my present early, a digital camcorder that records to a hard drive. Then you hook it to the pc and save it to the computer hard drive. Hubby picked up an external DVD recorder for me today. I'm not smart enough to figure out how to use it. Of course it doesn't help that I am surrounding with screaming kids.
Hope everyone has a nice holiday. What did you get for Mother's Day? What did you give for Mother's Day?
Friday, May 12, 2006
Back to the World of the Living
I've been out of it for the last couple of days. Besides cleaning up flour (she got into it again two days later, I didn't find it nearly as amusing the second time) I've been reading.
I love getting lost in a book. It doesn't happen often. Too often the writer in me kicks in and whispers in my mind how I could have done it better or how I should just quit writing because I'll never be able to match this. When I can leave the writer behind and simply enjoy a book, I'm thrilled. I was reading Charlaine Harris' latest Sookie Stackhouse book. I had a hard time putting it down and finished it in a couple of days. It was just one of those books for me. All of her Sookie books are like that for me and it makes me happy. The one downside to being a writer is that buzzing in your head you have when you read for pleasure.
Another reason for my phantom presence is a far more bitter pill to swallow. I like video games. I bought myself a James Bond game (Everything or Nothing) and told my son he couldn't play it since it was rated "Teen." The truth was I knew if he played it, he'd do better than me. Well, the "Teen" argument doesn't hold much water because he has some Star Wars games that have that rating. So I let him play it. As I suspected, he immediately has gone further than me. And he used something to finish a level I could never get halfway with. Darn ten year olds.
On the writing front....sigh. I want to write to sell. Who doesn't? But I can feel it pressing on me when I am writing. And I end up writing stuff I don't enjoy. This has been preying on my mind a lot lately. It brings up the question how much I am willing to concede in my writing in order to get published? If I write strictly from the heart and it doesn't sell, it is painful in that I have poured time and effort into it for naught. Particularly if it is a historical. It means I've not only spent time writing but I've spent hours upon hours upon hours for research.
Another feeling I have is that I'm not mentally pushing myself as far as I can go. I'm allowing my creativity to get lazy and not demand more from it. I'm not sure if it is true, but I feel like I can do better. No, its not a perfection issue. It is more like there is a book in my head and it is trying to get out. Unfortunately, the route out from my brain to my computer is cloudy and blocked, probably from all the flour I've cleaned up.
I'm still working on a couple of things and I like them. But that haunting feeling is still there.
I love getting lost in a book. It doesn't happen often. Too often the writer in me kicks in and whispers in my mind how I could have done it better or how I should just quit writing because I'll never be able to match this. When I can leave the writer behind and simply enjoy a book, I'm thrilled. I was reading Charlaine Harris' latest Sookie Stackhouse book. I had a hard time putting it down and finished it in a couple of days. It was just one of those books for me. All of her Sookie books are like that for me and it makes me happy. The one downside to being a writer is that buzzing in your head you have when you read for pleasure.
Another reason for my phantom presence is a far more bitter pill to swallow. I like video games. I bought myself a James Bond game (Everything or Nothing) and told my son he couldn't play it since it was rated "Teen." The truth was I knew if he played it, he'd do better than me. Well, the "Teen" argument doesn't hold much water because he has some Star Wars games that have that rating. So I let him play it. As I suspected, he immediately has gone further than me. And he used something to finish a level I could never get halfway with. Darn ten year olds.
On the writing front....sigh. I want to write to sell. Who doesn't? But I can feel it pressing on me when I am writing. And I end up writing stuff I don't enjoy. This has been preying on my mind a lot lately. It brings up the question how much I am willing to concede in my writing in order to get published? If I write strictly from the heart and it doesn't sell, it is painful in that I have poured time and effort into it for naught. Particularly if it is a historical. It means I've not only spent time writing but I've spent hours upon hours upon hours for research.
Another feeling I have is that I'm not mentally pushing myself as far as I can go. I'm allowing my creativity to get lazy and not demand more from it. I'm not sure if it is true, but I feel like I can do better. No, its not a perfection issue. It is more like there is a book in my head and it is trying to get out. Unfortunately, the route out from my brain to my computer is cloudy and blocked, probably from all the flour I've cleaned up.
I'm still working on a couple of things and I like them. But that haunting feeling is still there.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Monday, May 08, 2006
What the Heck is a Gamma?
What do you get when you cross an Alpha with a Beta? Yep, a Gamma.
A Gamma is probably more of what we right these days. Sometimes they are more Alpha than Beta, like Indy here. While he seems fearless and physical, his true profession is a teacher. Plus, he is willing to admit his fears (remember the snakes?).
There's Aragorn, a physical hero with a very Beta nature. He understands that violence and death is part of his life, but he it makes him sad. And who can resist those tender moments with Arwen?The Gamma hero is all over the place, not just in romance. Jack Ryan, Tom Clancy's hero is such a good example.
This poor CIA analyst who is much more comfortable behind a computer screen or classroom is pushed into violent situations. Rather than shrinking from them, he meets the challenges.
Gammas seem to be the perfect hero. But it is essential he be given some kind of flaw or wound to make him interesting. I think for a Gamma, there is no way to make him strictly 50/50. Even better would be to make these two sides of him conflict. If you read Laurell K. Hamilton, you'll recognize Richard right away as heavy on the Beta side while suffering as a literal Alpha.
The Gamma is taking over as the hero of choice of romance authors. He reflects the changing mood of romance and he fits today's heroines. If you are interested in this topic, I suggest taking it further and looking at The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes and Heroinesby Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever, Sue Viders
And one last thing....
What does Hugh Jackman have to do with this discussion? Absolutely nothing but I'm on a roll with good looking guys today, so I thought he should be here.
Update
I posted today on
Villa in Tuscany about Women, Resilience and Romance
Sunday, May 07, 2006
He Loves You for Your Mind
He dominates the current romantic comedy movie these days. He's funny, cute, a good dresser and the last man the heroine has any idea she is attracted to.
Hugh Grant has made a living playing this same character over and over again. The Beta hero is the guy your mom wanted you to date while you were busy lusting after the Alpha.
He doesn't need to solve a problem with a gun or sword. His weapons tend to be his intellect and his savvy. But like his Alpha brother, he has his deep wounds which require a heroine's touch to heal. He just deals with them differently.
While on the surface he seems more the perfect man in many ways, he usually has a flaw which forces a wedge between him and the heroine or between him and his goals.
I like writing Betas myself. I wrote a good Beta who happened to be a vampire. Even though he should have a violent nature, he found he had no real stomach for it. When he seeks revenge, he has a breakdown afterwards because he had no taste for it. It wasn't the exciting moment he thought it would be. It didn't make him a wimp, but showed him how he was different from others and eventually how the heroine was the perfect mate for him.
I admire people who use their brains for problems. That isn't to say I don't enjoy the brute who comes in blasting. But for writing purposes, I tend to enjoy the challenge of wrting a man who pursues his goals strictly from a mental stand point.
Do you like Betas? What would you say about them?
And if you really want a chuckle, check out Brawny's Innocent Escapes. This guy is beyond Beta. It is so funny.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Go Ahead, Make My Day
I'm still talking Alpha males today but I keep getting distracted by the picture. Wasn't Clint a hunk back in 1971?
Anyway, Dirty Harry always epitomized the ultimate Alpha hero to me. Cold, handsome, smart, willing to break the rules to achieve a goal. And yet he still knew the difference between right and wrong. While he embodied much of a sociopathic personality, he always knew what evil was and dedicated his life to fighting it.
He was also very two dimensional. And that was okay. In real life, I'd run far from a guy like this. He has the emotional range of orange juice. But for a two hour movie, he's just fine. The same goes for novels.
I remember back in the '80's when I started reading romance novels. I went in for (and don't get offended) the "bodice rippers." The men in these books were hardcore jerks who walked all over the heroine until she stood up to him. Yeah, they were a little cheesy, but they were a helluva lot of fun. I remember in those days we'd been bombarded by the "sensitive man" thing. Remember Alan Alda? Remember "Real Men Don't Eat Quiche?" Anyway, these rough men fulfilled a fantasy. Women's rights were a real hot button issue back then. Believe me, I was one of those women. Those were great times. I was also reading Rosemary Rogers, Shirlee Busbee, Jennifer Wilde and Johanna Lindsay. All of those authors at the time wrote Alpha heroes.
The pure Alpha hero is a rare thing these days. Even if he is a macho guy in a studly profession, he does tend to have a sensitive side. It seems the Alpha is hiding out in the erotica genre and he is growing in popularity. One of the few authors I can think of who really writes the Alpha in mainstream romance is Angela Knight and her paranormals. I am sure there are others, I'm just not that familiar with them.
Has the Alpha outlived his usefulness in today's romantic fiction? What makes an Alpha hero today?
Tomorrow let's talk Betas and Monday we'll examine the Gamma.
Other Stuff......
Thinking about doing a website? Wondering about your web presence or lack thereof? My friend Becky is doing a workshop on websites and web presence over at the Romance Central Forums. She's a sharp cookie and knows her web stuff, so it might be worth a look-see. Besides, its free. Oh yeah, and yours truly is going to do a segment about blogs.
Friday, May 05, 2006
The Men in my Life
No, not the ones who think sweatpants with holes in the knees are the height of fashion. Nor the ones who open the fridge and ask where the milk is (that would be the big, white right in front). I'm not talking about the ones who clutch the television remote as if it was the Holy Grail.
I'm talking about my heroes, the fellows I create. In romance, they pretty much fall into two categories: Alphas & Betas. We love Alphas, those caveman/sword-wielding/SEAL/delta Force/cowboy/renegade FBI agent who shoot first, ask questions later and have thighs as hard as granite. They know what a woman wants, using their overwhelming masculinity to woo her into bed. But they don't fall in love because sometime in there past, some gal has done'em wrong. But the heroine is able to tame him while he maintains his brooding maleness. He's cool, he's fun and we ladies love'em.
Then we have the Betas. They think before they act. They are much more cautious when falling in love. They've been burned in the past. They too have trust issues like their Alpha compadres, but they tend to dress better. In some ways, they are harder to get to for the heroine. They talk too damn much. But they are interesting, usually have some tragedy in their past which makes it difficult for them to love and forces the heroine to use more than her hot body to get them into bed. He's a challenge, good-looking and we ladies love'em.
I tend to write Betas. Even my vampires are Betas. They may try and act like Alphas, but they generally can't maintain the illusion. I have to admit to admiring intellectuals so I go that way in my books. Physically, they are handsome, but without bulging muscles. While they are sexual creatures, they are not promiscuous but still they manage to please the heroine while enraging her at the same time.
I'm comfortable about writing these guys, I can see where they are going, see how they develop. But that isn't what being a writer is all about. Writing is about taking risks and not only facing but finding challenges. The two WIPs I'm focused on right now need Alpha males to make them work. Why these stories have cropped up in my Beta-loving mind, I don't know, but I like them and I want to write them. So I got to suck it up and write Alpha men.
It isn't easy for me, but I'm enjoying it. Definitely presents totally different issues with regards to my conflicts. Oh, I haven't given up my Betas. My straight historical features a Beta hero. But I'm having fun with my tough guys and I'm going to bet they creep into my writing even more now that I've experienced them.
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO
I love a holiday that encourages Tecate drinking.
I'm talking about my heroes, the fellows I create. In romance, they pretty much fall into two categories: Alphas & Betas. We love Alphas, those caveman/sword-wielding/SEAL/delta Force/cowboy/renegade FBI agent who shoot first, ask questions later and have thighs as hard as granite. They know what a woman wants, using their overwhelming masculinity to woo her into bed. But they don't fall in love because sometime in there past, some gal has done'em wrong. But the heroine is able to tame him while he maintains his brooding maleness. He's cool, he's fun and we ladies love'em.
Then we have the Betas. They think before they act. They are much more cautious when falling in love. They've been burned in the past. They too have trust issues like their Alpha compadres, but they tend to dress better. In some ways, they are harder to get to for the heroine. They talk too damn much. But they are interesting, usually have some tragedy in their past which makes it difficult for them to love and forces the heroine to use more than her hot body to get them into bed. He's a challenge, good-looking and we ladies love'em.
I tend to write Betas. Even my vampires are Betas. They may try and act like Alphas, but they generally can't maintain the illusion. I have to admit to admiring intellectuals so I go that way in my books. Physically, they are handsome, but without bulging muscles. While they are sexual creatures, they are not promiscuous but still they manage to please the heroine while enraging her at the same time.
I'm comfortable about writing these guys, I can see where they are going, see how they develop. But that isn't what being a writer is all about. Writing is about taking risks and not only facing but finding challenges. The two WIPs I'm focused on right now need Alpha males to make them work. Why these stories have cropped up in my Beta-loving mind, I don't know, but I like them and I want to write them. So I got to suck it up and write Alpha men.
It isn't easy for me, but I'm enjoying it. Definitely presents totally different issues with regards to my conflicts. Oh, I haven't given up my Betas. My straight historical features a Beta hero. But I'm having fun with my tough guys and I'm going to bet they creep into my writing even more now that I've experienced them.
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO
I love a holiday that encourages Tecate drinking.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
A Writing Post
Going through the titles of my past posts, I figure y'all probably think I'm losing it. I'm not, I'm just whining (hence the name of this blog). Truly, things are going well. Amazing how much easier life is with a potty-trained child at home.
Anyway, I've been writing. Not as much this week as last, but I'm definitely making progress. I like my WIPs. They are varied and I find when I switch back and forth to different ones, my creativity juices up for the others. Typical Gemini, I can't just settle with one. I don't know what I'd do if I had to choose between Johnny Depp and Hugh Jackman. My head would blow off.
My one WIP is a paranormal historical where the heroine reads Tarot cards for a living. I don't know how to read Tarot cards so I'm learning. I got the prettiest cards, they are the Harmonious Tarot. I just love looking at them. So I'm taking a course through Barnes & Noble University and I got a book. I have several friends who read the cards, but I wanted to know how to do it myself. I'm like that with my writing. I had a story with a sword fight scene. I couldn't mentally get the feel so I went ahead and took a fencing class. It really helped. Anyway, I figure if I learn how to read the cards, I could add some panache to family gatherings.
This week I'm back to my contemporary vampire story. I'm writing it for the new Nocturne line over at Silhouette and so this is a different experience for me. I have to constantly remind myself the book is about the hero and the heroine, the other stuff is used to enhance the relationship. Even if I can't sell the book, it is awesome experience in working with conflict for the characters.
In other writing stuff, I'm in a small group trying to start a new RWA chapter. We are trying to start one which will serve the eastern L.A. county area of Southern California. The L.A. chapter is pretty far for most of us to attend as is the OCC/RWA. I belong to that one and won't give up my membership, but my distance from the chapter interferes with my participation. So if you live anywhere from Pasadena all the way to the western section of San Bernadino county, let me know if you are interested.
After Lady M's comments about water, I decided to do a little research and I talk about what I've found over at Search for the Good Life. Melissa talks about her concerns about being "branded" with regards to her historical writing over atAinsley Park. While she enjoys writing about the Regency-era, she'd like to be able to branch out to other time periods. She worries that if she does publish in one time period, she will be stuck for all time in that era.
Anyway, I've been writing. Not as much this week as last, but I'm definitely making progress. I like my WIPs. They are varied and I find when I switch back and forth to different ones, my creativity juices up for the others. Typical Gemini, I can't just settle with one. I don't know what I'd do if I had to choose between Johnny Depp and Hugh Jackman. My head would blow off.
My one WIP is a paranormal historical where the heroine reads Tarot cards for a living. I don't know how to read Tarot cards so I'm learning. I got the prettiest cards, they are the Harmonious Tarot. I just love looking at them. So I'm taking a course through Barnes & Noble University and I got a book. I have several friends who read the cards, but I wanted to know how to do it myself. I'm like that with my writing. I had a story with a sword fight scene. I couldn't mentally get the feel so I went ahead and took a fencing class. It really helped. Anyway, I figure if I learn how to read the cards, I could add some panache to family gatherings.
This week I'm back to my contemporary vampire story. I'm writing it for the new Nocturne line over at Silhouette and so this is a different experience for me. I have to constantly remind myself the book is about the hero and the heroine, the other stuff is used to enhance the relationship. Even if I can't sell the book, it is awesome experience in working with conflict for the characters.
In other writing stuff, I'm in a small group trying to start a new RWA chapter. We are trying to start one which will serve the eastern L.A. county area of Southern California. The L.A. chapter is pretty far for most of us to attend as is the OCC/RWA. I belong to that one and won't give up my membership, but my distance from the chapter interferes with my participation. So if you live anywhere from Pasadena all the way to the western section of San Bernadino county, let me know if you are interested.
After Lady M's comments about water, I decided to do a little research and I talk about what I've found over at Search for the Good Life. Melissa talks about her concerns about being "branded" with regards to her historical writing over atAinsley Park. While she enjoys writing about the Regency-era, she'd like to be able to branch out to other time periods. She worries that if she does publish in one time period, she will be stuck for all time in that era.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Margaritaville
Do you remember that old Jimmy Buffett song? To me, its one of those songs which herald summer to me. Beach reads, days at the pool, a carefree season with an increase in foo foo martini drinking.
Only it isn't carefree. Sometimes being a grown up sucks. Having the responsibilities of adulthood can be so exhausting. And kids don't appreciate it, I know I didn't. Ah well.
Anyway, I'd love to have a "Margaritaville Week" where the only thing I was worried about was my lost shaker of salt. About a week is all I could take, but still. I watch those stupid Corona ads where the people sit on a pristine beach and drink beer. I'm envious except I would rather skip the Corona and go straight for a mai tai.
Unfortunately, I'm not a laid back person. Even on vacation I have planned activities. I think I take pleasure just in the fantasy. I have my mental place I go to and sip drinks with umbrellas and visualize a crystal ocean and sandy beach. Do you have a mental Margaritaville you keep in your mind? Do you ever retreat to some place else in your mind and take a break from reality?
No, I'm not overwhelmed or anything, I get summer fever as opposed to spring fever. I long for the heat. Then I break out the Beach Boys and the reggae discs.
Only it isn't carefree. Sometimes being a grown up sucks. Having the responsibilities of adulthood can be so exhausting. And kids don't appreciate it, I know I didn't. Ah well.
Anyway, I'd love to have a "Margaritaville Week" where the only thing I was worried about was my lost shaker of salt. About a week is all I could take, but still. I watch those stupid Corona ads where the people sit on a pristine beach and drink beer. I'm envious except I would rather skip the Corona and go straight for a mai tai.
Unfortunately, I'm not a laid back person. Even on vacation I have planned activities. I think I take pleasure just in the fantasy. I have my mental place I go to and sip drinks with umbrellas and visualize a crystal ocean and sandy beach. Do you have a mental Margaritaville you keep in your mind? Do you ever retreat to some place else in your mind and take a break from reality?
No, I'm not overwhelmed or anything, I get summer fever as opposed to spring fever. I long for the heat. Then I break out the Beach Boys and the reggae discs.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
The Vicious Cycle
I can feel it, waiting in the wings, ready to pounce. Remember when I talked about motivation? Well, I'm feeling unmotivated. Or at least my motivation is losing steam. And not just for writing. I'm not motivated to do anything but stare at my computer screen playing SimCity 4.
I'm honing in on the warning signs these days. I can feel my frustration grow with the things surrounding me. My kids are monsters, particularly the 3 year old although I'm pleased to say she is potty trained for the most part (finally). I'm tired of cooking and cleaning. I'm tired of playing chauffeur to my kids. I'm tired of writing. Basically, I'm tired.
But it isn't as if things have changed from two weeks ago. I think it is just the way my mental state works. But if I let myself slide into it, go with the flow as it were, I can get stuck in a whining rut accomplishing nothing and getting increasingly cranky.
So I started working out and focusing on my diet. I needed to anyway, but I think my easily distracted mind needs something new to focus on. I'm not the type of person who can focus their time completely around writing, I end up not enjoying it and if I don't enjoy it, my writing is garbage. The same goes for anything else. If I make it my life, I hate it in no time. So I needed something fresh to put my mind to.
I also must tip my hat to my trusty timer. It gives me the discipline I so badly need. I may not want to clean those bathrooms, but my timer tells me only have to worry about for a half hour and I can do something else. Same with writing. If I'm struggling, I still need to stick with it until my timer goes off.
I'm hoping this cycle is short, it certainly isn't as overwhelming as it has been in the past. I'm still excited about my WIPs and I'm hoping to maintain it. I'm learning to accept the fact that I do go through these cycles and its important to do something before they get out of hand.
Do you feel slumps coming on or do they hit you without warning? Do you have strategies to head them off or pull you out?
I'm honing in on the warning signs these days. I can feel my frustration grow with the things surrounding me. My kids are monsters, particularly the 3 year old although I'm pleased to say she is potty trained for the most part (finally). I'm tired of cooking and cleaning. I'm tired of playing chauffeur to my kids. I'm tired of writing. Basically, I'm tired.
But it isn't as if things have changed from two weeks ago. I think it is just the way my mental state works. But if I let myself slide into it, go with the flow as it were, I can get stuck in a whining rut accomplishing nothing and getting increasingly cranky.
So I started working out and focusing on my diet. I needed to anyway, but I think my easily distracted mind needs something new to focus on. I'm not the type of person who can focus their time completely around writing, I end up not enjoying it and if I don't enjoy it, my writing is garbage. The same goes for anything else. If I make it my life, I hate it in no time. So I needed something fresh to put my mind to.
I also must tip my hat to my trusty timer. It gives me the discipline I so badly need. I may not want to clean those bathrooms, but my timer tells me only have to worry about for a half hour and I can do something else. Same with writing. If I'm struggling, I still need to stick with it until my timer goes off.
I'm hoping this cycle is short, it certainly isn't as overwhelming as it has been in the past. I'm still excited about my WIPs and I'm hoping to maintain it. I'm learning to accept the fact that I do go through these cycles and its important to do something before they get out of hand.
Do you feel slumps coming on or do they hit you without warning? Do you have strategies to head them off or pull you out?
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Other Stuff
I've been a busy blog bee today and I've updated Search for the Good Life and Age of Enlightenment. Now I can get some writing done.
Six Weird Things About Me
I got tagged by Zephra to come up with six weird things about myself. So here goes....
1. I eat ricotta cheese straight from the container.
2. I gag on cottage cheese
3. I arrange my dishwasher in a certain order and will change it if it isn't in that order.
4. I won't wear a digital watch
5. I've never seen "American Idol"
6. I have to wear orthotics in my shoes because I walk "wrong."
I'm going to tag Melissa, Eve,Tori, Sandy, Bren and Melinda
1. I eat ricotta cheese straight from the container.
2. I gag on cottage cheese
3. I arrange my dishwasher in a certain order and will change it if it isn't in that order.
4. I won't wear a digital watch
5. I've never seen "American Idol"
6. I have to wear orthotics in my shoes because I walk "wrong."
I'm going to tag Melissa, Eve,Tori, Sandy, Bren and Melinda
Friday, April 21, 2006
AAAAAHHHH Make It Stop!!!
So I was bustling around the house this morning when a song started playing in my head. Usually it the theme to "Bob the Builder" or "Teletubbies" or someother kiddy show. But no, it was worse. How can anything be worse?
"Muskrat Love" by the Captain and Tenille.
I think this could possibly be the worse song ever although "Butterscotch Castle" from the same album could give it a run for its money.
What do you think? What song has hit the airwaves that has actually made you run screaming from the horror of its awfulness?
Other stuff...
Over at Ainsley Park I posted about historical romance and whether it needs to expand into other subgenres.
"Muskrat Love" by the Captain and Tenille.
I think this could possibly be the worse song ever although "Butterscotch Castle" from the same album could give it a run for its money.
What do you think? What song has hit the airwaves that has actually made you run screaming from the horror of its awfulness?
Other stuff...
Over at Ainsley Park I posted about historical romance and whether it needs to expand into other subgenres.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Finding the Balance
I generally write about motivation when I don't have any. I post my ramblings in a hope that such drivel will light a fire under my creativity get me writing. So this time around I thought I would write about motivation when I'm actually motivated in an attempt to keep the fire burning and get my story done.
First, I think for me I need to have some things going right in my life. Life doesn't have to be perfect, but I need that one thing in my world that doesn't require my attention or my concerns. My creativity needs room to expand in my psyche without competing for space with something else. Romance writing is emotional and it is essential it gets the space to expand in order to develop on the page.
Second, I really cannot write in a dirty house. I'm not a neatnik, but I do need to be able to finish writing and be able to go cook in a kitchen without having to do three loads of dishes first. The conflict for me is that I don't like to clean house. Ah well, we all have our burdens. Which brings me to my next point.
Third, I tend to go full force with my writing. If I'm in a groove, I could easily write all day, stopping only to pick up the kids, get something to drink, etc. Such an exertion of creativity tends to bleed it dry in me. Hence the timer. I time everything. The little "tic tic" is going right now as I write this. I make myself space my writing throughout the day. It also helps motivate me to do some housework. I may write for 20 minutes then spend 45 minutes cleaning up the house or working on laundry. This makes me get up and move around, get my house picked up and gets my writing done. I know that no matter how dreary sorting laundry is, I only have to do it for so long before I can stop and go write. At the same time, if I know I'm on a timer with my writing, I can write and make mental notes to myself to work on while I'm doing chores. Instead of worrying about a plot point while I'm writing, I can save it for another time and devote it to what I'm working on at that moment. Also, knowing my time is limited, I don't mess around, focusing all my energies on the page at hand.
Fourth, well, I really don't have a fourth. Perhaps I feel like I have the luxury of doing other things. I find I have time to read. I have time to blog or play computer games. I don't have time to eat.
I think I am a happier person (we won't count Easter Sunday). Perhaps it just took me finding the balance.
First, I think for me I need to have some things going right in my life. Life doesn't have to be perfect, but I need that one thing in my world that doesn't require my attention or my concerns. My creativity needs room to expand in my psyche without competing for space with something else. Romance writing is emotional and it is essential it gets the space to expand in order to develop on the page.
Second, I really cannot write in a dirty house. I'm not a neatnik, but I do need to be able to finish writing and be able to go cook in a kitchen without having to do three loads of dishes first. The conflict for me is that I don't like to clean house. Ah well, we all have our burdens. Which brings me to my next point.
Third, I tend to go full force with my writing. If I'm in a groove, I could easily write all day, stopping only to pick up the kids, get something to drink, etc. Such an exertion of creativity tends to bleed it dry in me. Hence the timer. I time everything. The little "tic tic" is going right now as I write this. I make myself space my writing throughout the day. It also helps motivate me to do some housework. I may write for 20 minutes then spend 45 minutes cleaning up the house or working on laundry. This makes me get up and move around, get my house picked up and gets my writing done. I know that no matter how dreary sorting laundry is, I only have to do it for so long before I can stop and go write. At the same time, if I know I'm on a timer with my writing, I can write and make mental notes to myself to work on while I'm doing chores. Instead of worrying about a plot point while I'm writing, I can save it for another time and devote it to what I'm working on at that moment. Also, knowing my time is limited, I don't mess around, focusing all my energies on the page at hand.
Fourth, well, I really don't have a fourth. Perhaps I feel like I have the luxury of doing other things. I find I have time to read. I have time to blog or play computer games. I don't have time to eat.
I think I am a happier person (we won't count Easter Sunday). Perhaps it just took me finding the balance.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
...and I'm not real wild about kids either
It's 5 a.m. and my eyes open. I long to go back to sleep, but I know my alarm is set for 5:30. I'm tempted, but I know how much worse I will feel when the alarm goes off and I have to get up. The Easter Bunny needs to get up and get her cottontail in gear. My eldest and youngest sleep in, the middle one greets the sun every morning, so I don't have much choice. Blurry-eyed, I get up, frowning at the clouds, wondering if we will get some morning sprinkles. I realize I don't really care. If their Easter eggs get damp, so be it. So I'm out there, the gray light of dawn guiding my way as I hide the Easter eggs. I can't be clever or creative, I have no interest in spending my entire morning hunting Easter eggs, besides, I know in another hour I will forget altogether where I put them.
An hour later, as predicted, the middle child arises and begins a campaign of such annoyance to get the other two up, I'm amazed she hasn't been contracted by the military for counter-terrorism strategies. I've sucked down a cup and a half of coffee at this point and I'm barely awake, dh is even worse. But we finally get to the Easter Bunny festivities. They are over in 5 minutes. You'd think I'd get to sit down and doze? Nope. In 90 minutes my house will be filled with relatives for a brunch I'm hosting.
Brunch went off well although I'm going to restrain myself on making comments about the family. Sigh.... Well, we all have families and they all have their foibles and idiosyncrasies. Some are charming, others are just plain annoying.
Brunch is over and the family has finally left. Now is my time to rest.
Ha!
First I have to fight the Battle of the Easter Baskets. My mother gives each of the kids an Easter basket loaded with candy. The youngest is determined to get to the baskets. I am forced to move the damned things five times before I find a spot she can't reach.
Second is the Water on the Laptop incident. My middle child decided she had to get her Easter basket and instead of asking me, she tried to get herself, knocking over a vase of flowers and covering my laptop with water as well as my desk, the floor, etc.
Third, I must face the Annoy, Annoy, Annoy tactic. I go lay down on my bed when dh joins me. We aren't there two minutes when the middle daughter comes in and starts bugging us. She wants a sandwich and she will not stop bugging us until she gets it. Since she is harping on her dad, I decide to roll over and ignore them. In 30 seconds the youngest joins us and proceeds to grab my glasses and jump on me. I get out of bed. Time for more coffee.
I moved the couch and try to doze but I'm interrupted multiple times with earth-shattering crises like the Kelly doll who loses her head and the "Can I have some candy?" request. DH decides he needs to go out and wash his cars. I'm finally asleep when he comes blasting in with the youngest asking how he can possibly get anything done AND watch a 3 year old. I'm torn between laughing hysterically and making derisive insults about his parentage. Right now I'm concocting a voodoo spell to curse his cars. I really hope a flock of geese land on them and do their business.
Anyway, hope everyone else's Sunday went smoother. The sun shines tomorrow as my kids return to school and dh goes back to work.
BTW, do you think I could use a hot wheel car for a voodoo doll?
An hour later, as predicted, the middle child arises and begins a campaign of such annoyance to get the other two up, I'm amazed she hasn't been contracted by the military for counter-terrorism strategies. I've sucked down a cup and a half of coffee at this point and I'm barely awake, dh is even worse. But we finally get to the Easter Bunny festivities. They are over in 5 minutes. You'd think I'd get to sit down and doze? Nope. In 90 minutes my house will be filled with relatives for a brunch I'm hosting.
Brunch went off well although I'm going to restrain myself on making comments about the family. Sigh.... Well, we all have families and they all have their foibles and idiosyncrasies. Some are charming, others are just plain annoying.
Brunch is over and the family has finally left. Now is my time to rest.
Ha!
First I have to fight the Battle of the Easter Baskets. My mother gives each of the kids an Easter basket loaded with candy. The youngest is determined to get to the baskets. I am forced to move the damned things five times before I find a spot she can't reach.
Second is the Water on the Laptop incident. My middle child decided she had to get her Easter basket and instead of asking me, she tried to get herself, knocking over a vase of flowers and covering my laptop with water as well as my desk, the floor, etc.
Third, I must face the Annoy, Annoy, Annoy tactic. I go lay down on my bed when dh joins me. We aren't there two minutes when the middle daughter comes in and starts bugging us. She wants a sandwich and she will not stop bugging us until she gets it. Since she is harping on her dad, I decide to roll over and ignore them. In 30 seconds the youngest joins us and proceeds to grab my glasses and jump on me. I get out of bed. Time for more coffee.
I moved the couch and try to doze but I'm interrupted multiple times with earth-shattering crises like the Kelly doll who loses her head and the "Can I have some candy?" request. DH decides he needs to go out and wash his cars. I'm finally asleep when he comes blasting in with the youngest asking how he can possibly get anything done AND watch a 3 year old. I'm torn between laughing hysterically and making derisive insults about his parentage. Right now I'm concocting a voodoo spell to curse his cars. I really hope a flock of geese land on them and do their business.
Anyway, hope everyone else's Sunday went smoother. The sun shines tomorrow as my kids return to school and dh goes back to work.
BTW, do you think I could use a hot wheel car for a voodoo doll?
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Telephone
I hate the telephone. Oh man, do I hate the telephone. I hate answering it, I hate talking on it. I hate looking for it when I've put it down. I don't like my cell phone. Half the time I have no idea where it is.
Except for those teen years, I've never really enjoyed talking on the phone. Pre-Internet days, it was about the only way to communicate. Now, with email, I'm much more likely to visit via email or MS Messenger.
I'm not quite sure why I have this intolerance. Perhaps it developed when I worked outside of the home and I spent so much time on the phone. But I haven't worked for 4 1/2 years and in that time, I've grown even more disenchanted with the phone.
I think it relates to the fact I'm a much better communicator with written words. Or maybe it is because email and Messenger is on my terms and not breaking into my important activities like bloghopping. Okay, so I could bloghop and talk on the phone at the same time, but people can always tell.
What about you? How are you with telephones? Is there another modern convenience you could not only live without but cheerfully chuck through a plate glass window?
Except for those teen years, I've never really enjoyed talking on the phone. Pre-Internet days, it was about the only way to communicate. Now, with email, I'm much more likely to visit via email or MS Messenger.
I'm not quite sure why I have this intolerance. Perhaps it developed when I worked outside of the home and I spent so much time on the phone. But I haven't worked for 4 1/2 years and in that time, I've grown even more disenchanted with the phone.
I think it relates to the fact I'm a much better communicator with written words. Or maybe it is because email and Messenger is on my terms and not breaking into my important activities like bloghopping. Okay, so I could bloghop and talk on the phone at the same time, but people can always tell.
What about you? How are you with telephones? Is there another modern convenience you could not only live without but cheerfully chuck through a plate glass window?
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Curiosity
One of the reasons I became a writer was because of my love and curiosity about history. I started out only being interested in small, definitive eras and topics, but as I researched, I found my interest growing, encompassing areas I'd never given much thought to.
When I moved into contemporary writing, my interests continued to go in directions I’d never thought they'd go. This is never more apparent to me than when I go to the bookstore.
Yesterday was the opening day for our new Barnes & Noble. My favorite section without a doubt is the bargain shelves. While it is an economical place to shop, it also has the most eclectic collection of books. I love the Barnes & Noble published books. For a bargain price I can get a smattering of a topic. Yesterday I picked up two books on Celtic mythology and a book on Slavic folklore. I also picked up a book on charms and spells. Since I'm working on a paranormal, I thought it might be helpful, stuff that I can weave into stories.
My interests have delved into architecture, fashion, guns, law enforcement, forensics and cars. I never thought I would find most of these topics too interesting, but as I go deeper into each topic, my curiosity continues to bloom and heads into other directions.
I think the Internet has given such easy access to information, it helps feed our curiosity. In order to research a topic, it isn't always necessary to head to the library and sift through books. What stimulates your curiosity? Do you find yourself looking up things online you never expected to perk your interest?
When I moved into contemporary writing, my interests continued to go in directions I’d never thought they'd go. This is never more apparent to me than when I go to the bookstore.
Yesterday was the opening day for our new Barnes & Noble. My favorite section without a doubt is the bargain shelves. While it is an economical place to shop, it also has the most eclectic collection of books. I love the Barnes & Noble published books. For a bargain price I can get a smattering of a topic. Yesterday I picked up two books on Celtic mythology and a book on Slavic folklore. I also picked up a book on charms and spells. Since I'm working on a paranormal, I thought it might be helpful, stuff that I can weave into stories.
My interests have delved into architecture, fashion, guns, law enforcement, forensics and cars. I never thought I would find most of these topics too interesting, but as I go deeper into each topic, my curiosity continues to bloom and heads into other directions.
I think the Internet has given such easy access to information, it helps feed our curiosity. In order to research a topic, it isn't always necessary to head to the library and sift through books. What stimulates your curiosity? Do you find yourself looking up things online you never expected to perk your interest?
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Touchy, Touchy, Touchy
Recently, Anna Genoese commented on the "Pro" designation for RWA. I cringed. Not because of what she said. I agreed with her for the most part but I knew what would happen. My email inbox was going to be overloaded with upset Pro's eager to defend themselves. My prediction was correct.
I'm not really commenting on the whole "Pro" issue. What I am noticing is how touchy people are in cyberspace. Everyone gets their noses out of joint because of one person's opinion and that is all it is. An opinion. Words are given far more power than they actually have. Also, it is far easier to go off the handle with the anonymity of the Internet. You can afford to be touchy because you can walk away from it so easily. In every day life, we are confronted by annoyances and opinions which we don't agree with regularly. But the truth of the matter is that if we made a big deal out of every slight, we wouldn't be able to leave the house. Online, all we need do is turn off the machine and go about our day.
I'm not sure what my point is only that taking everything you read online as a personal attack is useless and counterproductive. And yes, my inbox was full of Pro's waving their virtual pitchforks and cheering their compadres on. My only thought was perhaps the energy they spent on the topic should have been poured into their writing.
There are enough serious matters in the real world without finding them in the virtual one.
Yeah, I'm a little cantankerous tonight. First, my kids are home for spring break and they are driving me nuts. As soon as I sit down at the computer, they surround me like rabid piranhas. Second, I got a notice from the water company that they are shutting my water off tomorrow all day. To say I'm not happy is a gross understatement. Its bad enough they've been digging up the only direct street to my house, now they shut the water off during spring break. No, I didn't whip off an angry email, I called them and let if fly. Like they care. No good SOB's and they are applying for a rate hike. Ah well, aggravation seems to trigger my creativity.
I'm not really commenting on the whole "Pro" issue. What I am noticing is how touchy people are in cyberspace. Everyone gets their noses out of joint because of one person's opinion and that is all it is. An opinion. Words are given far more power than they actually have. Also, it is far easier to go off the handle with the anonymity of the Internet. You can afford to be touchy because you can walk away from it so easily. In every day life, we are confronted by annoyances and opinions which we don't agree with regularly. But the truth of the matter is that if we made a big deal out of every slight, we wouldn't be able to leave the house. Online, all we need do is turn off the machine and go about our day.
I'm not sure what my point is only that taking everything you read online as a personal attack is useless and counterproductive. And yes, my inbox was full of Pro's waving their virtual pitchforks and cheering their compadres on. My only thought was perhaps the energy they spent on the topic should have been poured into their writing.
There are enough serious matters in the real world without finding them in the virtual one.
Yeah, I'm a little cantankerous tonight. First, my kids are home for spring break and they are driving me nuts. As soon as I sit down at the computer, they surround me like rabid piranhas. Second, I got a notice from the water company that they are shutting my water off tomorrow all day. To say I'm not happy is a gross understatement. Its bad enough they've been digging up the only direct street to my house, now they shut the water off during spring break. No, I didn't whip off an angry email, I called them and let if fly. Like they care. No good SOB's and they are applying for a rate hike. Ah well, aggravation seems to trigger my creativity.
Easter
I realized Saturday that Easter was this weekend. I'm not a particularly religious person, but it is a holiday where the family gathers together.
We used to go out to one of the hotels for a big champagne brunch, but as the family got larger and the prices got higher, we decided to make brunch an at-home thing. Guess who hosts?
I don't mind hosting, I like to cook and I have the biggest house, so it is logical. But I have so much to do, I wish I had thought of this last week. DH warns me not to do too much and my in laws are telling me not to have as much food as I usually do. Not sure why they care, they aren't the ones doing the cooking. If I want to have a huge spread, I will. I cheat a lot, though. I get the croissants, muffins and danishes at Costco. I will probably get some of those little quiches as well. My mom got a chocolate fountain for Christmas so I'm going to set that up. And then there is the whole Easter Bunny thing.
I still haven't bought candy and I usually get the kids a little present from the Easter Bunny. My mom also gives them Easter baskets as well.
Do any of you have Easter traditions? Or Passover? I know that is occurring this week as well. Do you serve special dishes for Seder or Easter? Anyone have a good recipe for eggs benedict?
In Writing News...
I've signed up for a BIAW this week and so far have a big fat goose egg to show for it. My kids are home this week so I'm having a heck of a time finding the patience and focus required to write.
We used to go out to one of the hotels for a big champagne brunch, but as the family got larger and the prices got higher, we decided to make brunch an at-home thing. Guess who hosts?
I don't mind hosting, I like to cook and I have the biggest house, so it is logical. But I have so much to do, I wish I had thought of this last week. DH warns me not to do too much and my in laws are telling me not to have as much food as I usually do. Not sure why they care, they aren't the ones doing the cooking. If I want to have a huge spread, I will. I cheat a lot, though. I get the croissants, muffins and danishes at Costco. I will probably get some of those little quiches as well. My mom got a chocolate fountain for Christmas so I'm going to set that up. And then there is the whole Easter Bunny thing.
I still haven't bought candy and I usually get the kids a little present from the Easter Bunny. My mom also gives them Easter baskets as well.
Do any of you have Easter traditions? Or Passover? I know that is occurring this week as well. Do you serve special dishes for Seder or Easter? Anyone have a good recipe for eggs benedict?
In Writing News...
I've signed up for a BIAW this week and so far have a big fat goose egg to show for it. My kids are home this week so I'm having a heck of a time finding the patience and focus required to write.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
May 21
I got this from Tori's blog. She asked that we go to
Wiki and list three "fun" things, two birthdays and one death that happened on our birthday, so here's mine:
Events
1881 - The American Red Cross is established by Clara Barton.
1904 - Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) founded in Paris.
1936 - Sada Abe is arrested after wandering the streets of Tokyo for days with her dead lover's severed genitals in her hand. Her story soon became one of Japan's most notorious scandals
Births
427 BC - Plato, Greek philosopher (d. 347 BC)
1952 - Mr. T, American actor
Death
2000 - Barbara Cartland, English author (b. 1901)
Wiki and list three "fun" things, two birthdays and one death that happened on our birthday, so here's mine:
Events
1881 - The American Red Cross is established by Clara Barton.
1904 - Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) founded in Paris.
1936 - Sada Abe is arrested after wandering the streets of Tokyo for days with her dead lover's severed genitals in her hand. Her story soon became one of Japan's most notorious scandals
Births
427 BC - Plato, Greek philosopher (d. 347 BC)
1952 - Mr. T, American actor
Death
2000 - Barbara Cartland, English author (b. 1901)
Ch-Ch-Changes
As you can see, I'm into making changes. With the advent of spring, I'm eager to see the changes all around, including my blog. Anyway, I'm still playing around with it, so I probably won't post until Monday.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Opening Day
I've noticed a change in me this week. There is a lightness of heart, a feeling of hope which I did not feel two weeks ago. Yes, Spring is here.
Yeah, yeah, I know, it came in March, but spring doesn't come to my house until the first pitch. A joy invades our home, a sense that this could be the year. Well, being a Dodger fan, I don't have much hope for a playoff season, but still...
Baseball means a great deal to me. It is tied to so many memories, good memories, memories I continue to build upon. I remember being a little kid and playing softball then heading to Dodger Stadium to watch Steve Garvey and Steve Yeager play. I remember going to Angel Stadium, seeing Nolan Ryan pitching his last complete game, realizing how much in love I was with my boyfriend. We got engaged the next week.
When dh and I have nothing else to talk about, when things are rough, we always have baseball. We watch Super Vlad pound them out of the park, and while I'm not a big Angel fan (after all they are in the American League. Designated hitter, need I say more?) I feel my hubby's enthusiasm. Baseball is played in beautiful places full of history. In fact, baseball itself has a place in history. It bonds generations, gives people something to talk about. Yeah, the recent fiascos of steroid use and obnoxiously high player salaries have tarnished its image, but its symbolism to me and my family still remains shining like a beacon.
Oh yeah...
On Search for the Good Life, I share my latest epiphany thanks to a small household gadget. I swear, I go through epiphanies like some people go through Kleenex.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Sunday Dinner
Tonight we had an old fashioned Sunday dinner. My husband barbecued chicken and we had steamed spinach, cauliflower and artichoke, all picked out by him and our daughter at the farmer's market this morning. It is a tradition I'd like to establish, a large meal at the dining room table with flowers and a feeling of family. Too often during the week meals are a rushed matter, usually skinless boneless chicken breasts with a rice dish and frozen veggies. The meal is hurried and over before anyone has time to enjoy it.
Tonight we lingered over our meal. Hubby also made strawberry lemonade from homegrown lemons and strawberries from the farmers market. It was pleasant sitting with the kids simply enjoying the fact of being together and eating a good meal. Tomorrow we go back to our routines and while I'm a pretty good cook, Monday through Friday tends to have the rushed feel of getting through a meal between activities and bedtime.
While I do spend a great amount of time on tirades about my kids, sitting with them tonight made me appreciate what I have. I think it is important to have these moments with those you care about, to take the time to fix a good dinner and enjoy one another's company.
I'll be back to whining tomorrow.
Tonight we had an old fashioned Sunday dinner. My husband barbecued chicken and we had steamed spinach, cauliflower and artichoke, all picked out by him and our daughter at the farmer's market this morning. It is a tradition I'd like to establish, a large meal at the dining room table with flowers and a feeling of family. Too often during the week meals are a rushed matter, usually skinless boneless chicken breasts with a rice dish and frozen veggies. The meal is hurried and over before anyone has time to enjoy it.
Tonight we lingered over our meal. Hubby also made strawberry lemonade from homegrown lemons and strawberries from the farmers market. It was pleasant sitting with the kids simply enjoying the fact of being together and eating a good meal. Tomorrow we go back to our routines and while I'm a pretty good cook, Monday through Friday tends to have the rushed feel of getting through a meal between activities and bedtime.
While I do spend a great amount of time on tirades about my kids, sitting with them tonight made me appreciate what I have. I think it is important to have these moments with those you care about, to take the time to fix a good dinner and enjoy one another's company.
I'll be back to whining tomorrow.
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