I've been battling my computer for two days. AJ's 'promptel' problem has spread; only instead of shutting down my internet, my computer simply refuses to cooperate.
A page loads and gets frozen; becomes 'non-responsive'.
I go to type a comment and nothing appears for several seconds. With my dyslexic fingers, how am I going to know if 'wioth' appears instead of 'with', or 'asw' instead of 'was'? And when I correct it, well, a simple sentance turns into a frustrating composition.
And when I get to the point where my patience runs out, and my computer parts are in danger of being smashed, I try to exit the program and reboot the system, except the icons are now missing from the screen. Nothing to do but shut the thing down cold. Even 'Ctrl' 'Alt' 'Dlt' has no effect.
Jackie says it's because everyone is trying to load that page at the same time. Okay; but explain my computer problem when I've shut down the internet? Virus scans and spyware scans reveal zip, and they are supposedly up to date.
At any rate, I'm having no trouble now, so maybe I need to a) Quit staying up late and sleeping past 7:30 am or b) Not attempt internet at all until after supper?
Outdoor Education
Saw an interesting ad on TV: Spend an hour each day outside. And for ideas on what to do, go to the website for creative ideas.
Excuse me?
Ask any child under age 6 and they will tell you the Great Outdoors is full of things to do! You can ride bikes; pretend your swingset is a tower; jump rope; go for a walk; smell the neighbor's flowers (just don't pick them!); lie on the grass and see the shapes in the clouds; play any number of sports...volleyball, baseball, kickball, croquet...anything that gets you moving.
Has an entire generation of people forgotten the joys of using their imagination? Play hide and seek with any group of kids. Go play miniature golf. Get a bucket of sidewalk chalk and take turns outlining each other. My sidewalk looks like a crime scene; remember the three extra kids I had yesterday? They were 8, 7, 5, and my 4-year-old. They spent an hour taking turns lying on the concrete while the others drew around them. They outlined the dog. They drew a flower garden. They even wrote a large "Welcome" on my porch.
In short, they had FUN. And without the use of electronics.
Jackie has a fence!
My older kids have been having a ball this week, putting together a chain-link fence with their dad. There has been little or no quarreling; no tears because of feeling left out; and best of all, no complaints because Mom's tying up the computer.
And Aunt Jackie even bought a Diego Slip 'N' Slide so they could cool off in the water after a hard day's work. Got some great pics of them! Jackie's dogs are thrilled to be let loose and not have to be on a leash.
The next project is a smaller pen, plus the patio. Best of all, they are doing something constructive and not just lying in front of the TV. And my son leaves for BSA summer camp in two weeks.
Missed it!
I forgot to call my mom before she left, to tell her about Jamie Carie's book signing. I hope she went! I wanted an autographed copy of her second book, The Dutchess and The Dragon. Otherwise, I'll just have to buy it and hope she returns to her home town again soon. Her 3rd book won't be out until January.
Wine and Art Fair
There's someone new in charge of the festival this year, and when I contacted him about being a vendor, he welcomed me with open arms, and was thrilled when I told him BB Walters was interested as well. If she's able to make it, she and I will both be selling our books on June 14th. More on this later.
Am I the Only One?
Have you heard Kid Rock's "All Summer Long". The kids swear they hear 'Sweet Home Alabama' in the background. I hear 'Werewolves of London'. Anyone else hear this song? Just like there's a Jessica Simpson song that I hear 'Jack and Diane', and Vanilla Ice's 'Ice Ice Baby' has 'Under Pressure' in the background.
Kids just walked in:) Have a good weekend!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Lazy Friday
Currently Reading: Both Servant of Magic and Fairy Dust are fantastic! I'm diving into Bronwyn's book later today. And hubby bought me a flash drive, so I can now put all my e-books onto it, rather than have several floppy disks. As he said, the next computer may not have floppy drives; I'd better get with the times! So....where's my e-reader? $20 or $200...yeah, he made the right choice for the moment!
I had such a productive day yesterday! I sent off another submission and made the final edits to another one. What sparked the burst of creativity? My family went to help some friends build a fence around their yard and left me alone for ten, uninterrupted hours! I cranked up the music, shut down the internet, and wrote.
I missed out on pizza, but I ate a peanut butter sandwich and kept going. Now I understand how people forget to eat when they are working!
In all fairness, I was expecting the family home around 5, so I'd laid out a pork loin. I've not had to cook for a week, and thought I'd dust off my culinary skills. But when they called and said they wouldn't be home, I went ahead and cooked it anyway. I just didn't eat any of it. It now sits in the fridge, sliced and marinating some more until tonight. Or I may serve it for lunch.
Today, I'm watching 3 small children until later this afternoon. Since I need to get off of here and give them my attention, check all blogs to the right and see what everyone else is up to. I discovered I won one of the prizes in Mona Risk's contest, and the news brightened my day!
I had such a productive day yesterday! I sent off another submission and made the final edits to another one. What sparked the burst of creativity? My family went to help some friends build a fence around their yard and left me alone for ten, uninterrupted hours! I cranked up the music, shut down the internet, and wrote.
I missed out on pizza, but I ate a peanut butter sandwich and kept going. Now I understand how people forget to eat when they are working!
In all fairness, I was expecting the family home around 5, so I'd laid out a pork loin. I've not had to cook for a week, and thought I'd dust off my culinary skills. But when they called and said they wouldn't be home, I went ahead and cooked it anyway. I just didn't eat any of it. It now sits in the fridge, sliced and marinating some more until tonight. Or I may serve it for lunch.
Today, I'm watching 3 small children until later this afternoon. Since I need to get off of here and give them my attention, check all blogs to the right and see what everyone else is up to. I discovered I won one of the prizes in Mona Risk's contest, and the news brightened my day!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
How to Handle a Critical Remark
Currently Reading: Lady of Quality by Georgette Heyer. It started off a little dry; I had no problem putting it down after the first chapter, but I wanted to keep reading after I finished the third one! But as it was nearly midnight, I put it down. I'll probably have it finished by this weekend.
E-book: Finally finished Cheryl Dragon's book, Sorority Girl Pledge Time. I enjoyed it, and was thankful it ended happily. I was wondering about a certain plot twist...Next up is Servant of Magic, by Elyssa Lynne. Just finished reading SOM, and boy is it GOOD! It's definitely a 'must read':)
I'm having some difficulty processing a remark made by a loved one yesterday.
I happened to call at the wrong time, and was very snappishly told, "Some people actually work for a living."
I started to lose my temper, but checked myself (thankfully!) and was able to end the call on a civil note, instead of tears and slamming the receiver into the cradle.
This person and I have been close friends for over two decades; she is going through a difficult life-change, and is probably over-stressed. She's changed jobs; moved; and we really haven't connected in several months. But this was after office hours; I just wanted to reach out say 'hi', and instead, got a grouchy, snarly person who took my head off for calling at the wrong time.
I'm just going to back off and give her space for a few more weeks. Maybe she's waking up this morning, regretting her choice of words. Or maybe she thinks she's justified. At any rate, should I send her a quiet email, reminding her I cannot read her mind; I did not know she was working late; and all I wanted was to let her know I was thinking of her? Or should I just let it go and see what happens in two weeks?
How do you handle friends who have apparantly gone over to the dark side, or had aliens take over their bodies?
E-book: Finally finished Cheryl Dragon's book, Sorority Girl Pledge Time. I enjoyed it, and was thankful it ended happily. I was wondering about a certain plot twist...Next up is Servant of Magic, by Elyssa Lynne. Just finished reading SOM, and boy is it GOOD! It's definitely a 'must read':)
I'm having some difficulty processing a remark made by a loved one yesterday.
I happened to call at the wrong time, and was very snappishly told, "Some people actually work for a living."
I started to lose my temper, but checked myself (thankfully!) and was able to end the call on a civil note, instead of tears and slamming the receiver into the cradle.
This person and I have been close friends for over two decades; she is going through a difficult life-change, and is probably over-stressed. She's changed jobs; moved; and we really haven't connected in several months. But this was after office hours; I just wanted to reach out say 'hi', and instead, got a grouchy, snarly person who took my head off for calling at the wrong time.
I'm just going to back off and give her space for a few more weeks. Maybe she's waking up this morning, regretting her choice of words. Or maybe she thinks she's justified. At any rate, should I send her a quiet email, reminding her I cannot read her mind; I did not know she was working late; and all I wanted was to let her know I was thinking of her? Or should I just let it go and see what happens in two weeks?
How do you handle friends who have apparantly gone over to the dark side, or had aliens take over their bodies?
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Downtime
There's nothing that infuriates me more than to have people imply I do nothing all day. My own niece said this to me a couple of years ago, when she was trying to start her own business: "It will give you something to do."
Excuse me? In between my-then Mommy chores, which included changing diapers and encouraging a toddler to play by himself; my daily housecleaning chores; my writing time; and cooking meals, when did I ever have nothing to do?
I rarily get bored by myself. Give me access to music, a computer, and a stack of books and I'm completely happy.
I used to have a neighbor who cried when her youngest child entered school. I didn't understand that at all; I treated myself to an aqua massage, lunch, and power shopping the day my daughter entered 1st grade. And the next day, packed her off to school and wrote nonstop for several hours.
My kids are now out of school for the summer. I cherish the early morning hours before everyone is awake. I can write; read; answer emails at my leisure without hearing, "Mom...can I please use the computer?" If their grandparents want to kidnap the kids for a few days (weeks??), I gladly let them go, because that means more writing time for me.
So what does that have to do with downtime? I have to schedule it in. Don't laugh; if my hubby wants me to sit on the front porch and waste time with him, I consciously have to give myself 'permission'. Otherwise, I'm inwardly fretting about all the things I 'should' be doing.
Excuse me? In between my-then Mommy chores, which included changing diapers and encouraging a toddler to play by himself; my daily housecleaning chores; my writing time; and cooking meals, when did I ever have nothing to do?
I rarily get bored by myself. Give me access to music, a computer, and a stack of books and I'm completely happy.
I used to have a neighbor who cried when her youngest child entered school. I didn't understand that at all; I treated myself to an aqua massage, lunch, and power shopping the day my daughter entered 1st grade. And the next day, packed her off to school and wrote nonstop for several hours.
My kids are now out of school for the summer. I cherish the early morning hours before everyone is awake. I can write; read; answer emails at my leisure without hearing, "Mom...can I please use the computer?" If their grandparents want to kidnap the kids for a few days (weeks??), I gladly let them go, because that means more writing time for me.
So what does that have to do with downtime? I have to schedule it in. Don't laugh; if my hubby wants me to sit on the front porch and waste time with him, I consciously have to give myself 'permission'. Otherwise, I'm inwardly fretting about all the things I 'should' be doing.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Research
Currently Reading: Sorority Girl Pledge, by Cheryl Dragon. I think I'm on chapter six or seven. Haven't read it since Friday.
I missed the workshop/discussion on the Novel Sisterhood on Sunday, because my mom's computer refused to let me sign in to my Yahoo account. Which is weird, because I successfully signed in Saturday night for Anny Cook's chat, even though I'd forgotten about it and only 'chatted' for the final 30 minutes! And didn't have access to my TBB list, so I'll have to go back and reread the excerpts.
Okay...got sidetracked for a minute. But it's the first day of Summer Break; I arrived home to a messy house and no coffee or tea bags. I had to make an early morning run to the store so I could have breakfast! So forgive me if I wander all over the place.
Research:
1) What is the first thing you do to research?
First of all, I write about what I already know. But last summer, when the character of a man who had spent time in prison entered my head, I did have to ask a law enforcement official about prison term lengths, and how long certain offenses warrented different prison sentances.
When I was writing my eating disorder book, I actually called a clinic and spoke to a therapist about how someone with anorexia would be 'rehabillitated'. And it took her several minutes to realize I was not just someone in denial; I really was doing legitimate research on the disorder! For the record, I was blessed with a wonderful metabolism in my teens and early 20's and could eat pretty much whatever I wanted. 3 kids and twenty years later has slowed it somewhat, but I like food too much to ever do that to my body. I'm somewhat comfortable with my extra 30 pounds, and as long as I exercise and don't go too crazy with certain foods, I don't obsess over my weight.
My bff knows to expect the random phone call with the dreaded words 'stretch your memory' when I get stumped about when certain events happened. She was also better at flirting, so when my characters need great comebacks, she's the one who supplies them.
So far, the book that I did the most research on was my alternative lifestyle one. I actually went to the library and spent several hours looking for articles on microfische about gays in the late 1980's, so I could present both the prejudiced view and the arguments my heroine was making to justify her choice. And as that particular book gets closer to publication, I'll probably conduct some more interviews, and I've already read some gay fiction to see how those authors handled the issue. So I expect to do some revisions in the next couple of years.
2) How do you research a town you've never been to?
Good question. The only place I've not visited, yet written about, was in Love Finds a Way. I interviewed my AF guy extensively on the layout of the George AF Base and Apple Valley; I also pumped a Marine friend who lives in 29 Palms, California, for information about Los Angeles and military men in general.
3) Do you research differently for 10 years or older time periods?
My series takes place twenty years ago; I visit IMDB.com to check for movies, songs, etc so I don't, say for example, having my characters going to see Pretty Woman before it appeared in theaters. And watching reruns of old sitcoms and teen dramas help to stay in touch with the teen mindset of the time period.
4) Any tricks you can share?
I just write as the story flows. If I get stuck on a certain detail, I stop and do specific research. And if I know a certain storyline is approaching and I see literature or an article, I'll pay attention and take notes or cut it out of the paper. For example, in 2003, while visiting a friend in another city, I saw a pamphelt on gambling addiction. Even though this story is still swirling around in my brain, I picked up the booklet and tucked it away for future reference. This seems to work for me; I know other authors who research first and write second. When you find what works best, then stick with it. My sister used to do tons of research, but would have no idea of how to start putting it all together. I spent two hours with her, listening to her describe what she wanted to say and looking at her large pile of notecards. I went through them; put them into piles; and organized her outline. I also started her off with a terrific opening paragraph, which she then developed into a 'B' or 'A' term paper. I did the same when she applied to the JET (Japanese Exchange Training) program which got her accepted and sent to Japan for 2 years. Incidentally, she also met her husband there, so you could say if it weren't for her older sister's written skills....
Okay, maybe that's not quite the case. But it's a thought!
So, what are your research issues? Which comes first, the research or the writing?
I missed the workshop/discussion on the Novel Sisterhood on Sunday, because my mom's computer refused to let me sign in to my Yahoo account. Which is weird, because I successfully signed in Saturday night for Anny Cook's chat, even though I'd forgotten about it and only 'chatted' for the final 30 minutes! And didn't have access to my TBB list, so I'll have to go back and reread the excerpts.
Okay...got sidetracked for a minute. But it's the first day of Summer Break; I arrived home to a messy house and no coffee or tea bags. I had to make an early morning run to the store so I could have breakfast! So forgive me if I wander all over the place.
Research:
1) What is the first thing you do to research?
First of all, I write about what I already know. But last summer, when the character of a man who had spent time in prison entered my head, I did have to ask a law enforcement official about prison term lengths, and how long certain offenses warrented different prison sentances.
When I was writing my eating disorder book, I actually called a clinic and spoke to a therapist about how someone with anorexia would be 'rehabillitated'. And it took her several minutes to realize I was not just someone in denial; I really was doing legitimate research on the disorder! For the record, I was blessed with a wonderful metabolism in my teens and early 20's and could eat pretty much whatever I wanted. 3 kids and twenty years later has slowed it somewhat, but I like food too much to ever do that to my body. I'm somewhat comfortable with my extra 30 pounds, and as long as I exercise and don't go too crazy with certain foods, I don't obsess over my weight.
My bff knows to expect the random phone call with the dreaded words 'stretch your memory' when I get stumped about when certain events happened. She was also better at flirting, so when my characters need great comebacks, she's the one who supplies them.
So far, the book that I did the most research on was my alternative lifestyle one. I actually went to the library and spent several hours looking for articles on microfische about gays in the late 1980's, so I could present both the prejudiced view and the arguments my heroine was making to justify her choice. And as that particular book gets closer to publication, I'll probably conduct some more interviews, and I've already read some gay fiction to see how those authors handled the issue. So I expect to do some revisions in the next couple of years.
2) How do you research a town you've never been to?
Good question. The only place I've not visited, yet written about, was in Love Finds a Way. I interviewed my AF guy extensively on the layout of the George AF Base and Apple Valley; I also pumped a Marine friend who lives in 29 Palms, California, for information about Los Angeles and military men in general.
3) Do you research differently for 10 years or older time periods?
My series takes place twenty years ago; I visit IMDB.com to check for movies, songs, etc so I don't, say for example, having my characters going to see Pretty Woman before it appeared in theaters. And watching reruns of old sitcoms and teen dramas help to stay in touch with the teen mindset of the time period.
4) Any tricks you can share?
I just write as the story flows. If I get stuck on a certain detail, I stop and do specific research. And if I know a certain storyline is approaching and I see literature or an article, I'll pay attention and take notes or cut it out of the paper. For example, in 2003, while visiting a friend in another city, I saw a pamphelt on gambling addiction. Even though this story is still swirling around in my brain, I picked up the booklet and tucked it away for future reference. This seems to work for me; I know other authors who research first and write second. When you find what works best, then stick with it. My sister used to do tons of research, but would have no idea of how to start putting it all together. I spent two hours with her, listening to her describe what she wanted to say and looking at her large pile of notecards. I went through them; put them into piles; and organized her outline. I also started her off with a terrific opening paragraph, which she then developed into a 'B' or 'A' term paper. I did the same when she applied to the JET (Japanese Exchange Training) program which got her accepted and sent to Japan for 2 years. Incidentally, she also met her husband there, so you could say if it weren't for her older sister's written skills....
Okay, maybe that's not quite the case. But it's a thought!
So, what are your research issues? Which comes first, the research or the writing?
Monday, May 26, 2008
Scott Dixon, Winner
The race was an interesting one. The weather was beautiful, and we had an unobstructed view of Graham Rahal, Justin Wilson, and Buddy Rice's pits. A little farther down, we could see Tony Kanaan's pit crew in action.
Julianne Hough (Helio Castraneves' partner on Dancing With the Stars) sang the National Anthem; Jim Nabors sand 'Back Home Again in Indiana'; Kristy Yamagucci waved the green flag, and they were off.
A series of crashes kept several laps under the yellow light, but no one was seriously injured. And a couple of crashes happened in our line of vision.
Our rookie this year was Graham Rahal; Favorite car was a tie between Marco Andretti (Indiana Jones) and Alex Lloyd (Wii Fit). Marco finished 3rd; Alex crashed around mid-race. We cheered on Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher, and groaned when Sarah and Tony collided. And again when, with 30 laps to go, Ryan Briscoe collided with Danica as they were leaving the pits and Danica's rear suspension broke. Her day was over, and she angrily stormed over to Ryan's pit to give him a piece of her mind. But the PR people were able to restrain her before the confrontation took place.
The end of the race felt anticlimactic. After all, Scott began the race on the Pole, and he pretty much stayed with the front runners the entire race. Aukland, New Zealand is very proud of its native son, and this is his first Indy win. But at least it didn't end under the yellow light. But the excitement of cars jostling for position just wasn't there this year.
Wonderful Visit
Today the kids and I are heading back home and my sister and her family will fly out tomorrow. Both D and R 'love their Aunt Molly' and R even shared my breakfast this morning. S had no problems watching the three toddlers while we were at the track; the toddlers played well together and I'm sure there will be tears when we have to go our separate ways later today. R wants me to come to her birthday party next August, but I think we're trying to arrange another get together in October. Maybe in Colorado?
Memorial Day
Saw on the news this morning there is only one remaining WW1 veteran. He is 107 years old, and a photographer is trying to get support for a WW1 Memorial. I hope his project is met with enthusiasm and success.
May we never forget those who gave their lives for our country.
Julianne Hough (Helio Castraneves' partner on Dancing With the Stars) sang the National Anthem; Jim Nabors sand 'Back Home Again in Indiana'; Kristy Yamagucci waved the green flag, and they were off.
A series of crashes kept several laps under the yellow light, but no one was seriously injured. And a couple of crashes happened in our line of vision.
Our rookie this year was Graham Rahal; Favorite car was a tie between Marco Andretti (Indiana Jones) and Alex Lloyd (Wii Fit). Marco finished 3rd; Alex crashed around mid-race. We cheered on Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher, and groaned when Sarah and Tony collided. And again when, with 30 laps to go, Ryan Briscoe collided with Danica as they were leaving the pits and Danica's rear suspension broke. Her day was over, and she angrily stormed over to Ryan's pit to give him a piece of her mind. But the PR people were able to restrain her before the confrontation took place.
The end of the race felt anticlimactic. After all, Scott began the race on the Pole, and he pretty much stayed with the front runners the entire race. Aukland, New Zealand is very proud of its native son, and this is his first Indy win. But at least it didn't end under the yellow light. But the excitement of cars jostling for position just wasn't there this year.
Wonderful Visit
Today the kids and I are heading back home and my sister and her family will fly out tomorrow. Both D and R 'love their Aunt Molly' and R even shared my breakfast this morning. S had no problems watching the three toddlers while we were at the track; the toddlers played well together and I'm sure there will be tears when we have to go our separate ways later today. R wants me to come to her birthday party next August, but I think we're trying to arrange another get together in October. Maybe in Colorado?
Memorial Day
Saw on the news this morning there is only one remaining WW1 veteran. He is 107 years old, and a photographer is trying to get support for a WW1 Memorial. I hope his project is met with enthusiasm and success.
May we never forget those who gave their lives for our country.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Indy 500 2007
This was the only picture I could find from last year. Peyton Manning, practicing waving the green flag before the start of the race. I have better ones, but in order to find the CD requires much digging through my photo box. And I'm not in the mood to do that right now.Wonder who will be the entertainment this year? Last year it was Daughtry. I aimed my camera blindly to the podium but can't tell if Chris is even in the shot! I'll try to do better this year.
I'm off to watch my Saturday morning shows and pack. As I stated yesterday, I'm not sure if I'll post tomorrow or not. Just depends on if I have access to the computer and when we're returning home.
Just hope hubby DVR's the race so I can see the parts I miss from the front straightaway! He thinks I'm nuts...I attend the race, and then go home and watch it all over again. But not all of the action occurs in front of me!
Have a safe and happy Memorial Weekend:)
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