Full Blown Addiction...

I know I've spoken about this before here on this blog, but I have to confess - this is one of the hardest times of the year for me.

BACK TO SCHOOL!

Not because I was once a teacher and I have this overwhelming desire to get back into a classroom. Although, come fall, I do think about the joy that a new class could bring. The excitement of going back to work after a couple of months off. The anticipation of an eager group of students ready to get to down to learning. The potential. Usually that wears off when I see teachers' cars parked in the school parking lot weeks before school really does begin. To think that teachers take 2 full months off is definitely off the mark - they're usually back well before they're 'required' to return in order to prepare for the new year.

The problem is the back to school flyers! Yes, I'm addicted (scary addicted) to school supplies and this time of the year gives me palpatations! Shiny new notebooks and binders. Wonderful pens and pencils, usually priced for a song. Clips, post-it notes (ooh, I have a real affection for those), file folders. And markers and highlighters, oh my! Then there's the funky new laptop bags and backpacks. Can you tell I'm glancing at the Staples Back to School Flyer right this very moment?

I do have some things to pick up - legitimately out of them - and now's the perfect time with the unbeatable prices. I think I'll wait until Thursday or Friday, when the kids are back in school, then I'll head into town and try to control myself. I'll take a list and stick to it...

Yeah, right!

Who out there in Blogland has an affinity for school supplies? I can't be the only one, can I?

Chapter Breaks...

When I write, I don't usually think about chapter breaks. OK - probably not the smartest thing in the world considering how hard it is to go in after and decide where to break up the prose. Most likely it's because I'm a pantser - I just write. Whatever comes out of the pen or however my fingers type, that's what I write. Writing Mickey's story has really shown me that I'm a storyteller. But it's also shown me the importance of hooking a reader at the end of the instalment.

Funny, in Lady Bells I was naive and innocent. I was writing for the sake of writing. Then, when it came time to revise - after I had made the decision to move on to the next stage - I instinctively created chapter breaks where there was a hook. I love reading books that give me that thrill at the end of chapter - lure me into 'just one more chapter' as my eyes are burning and The Husband has grunted for the umpteenth time to turn out the light, it's late. To me, that's the sign of an author who can write quite literally a page turner!

My beta readers (my wonderful beta readers) all commented on my ability to entice them to keep reading. My ability to hook the reader. Then came all the technical stuff - the reading about craft and how to create scene/sequel/scene. The three act 'rule' for writing chapters where there should be mini-beginnings, middles and ends in your chapters. I'll be quite frank (and you can be Frank tomorrow night) - I didn't get it! I still don't think I get it. But I do get the fact that I need to tempt my readers into turning that page.

Lu made me give thought to this issue when she commented on Friday's post, Mickey's instalment. I had confused her - and when I first read that I panicked. OMG, don't confuse your reader - they'll put down the book and they'll never, ever think of picking up any book you've written ever again! But, then I started to think. If I had confused her, and that had been a chapter break, would she have kept reading in order to figure things out? Yes, I admit, even I was worried that I hadn't given enough in the segment to tie all the pieces together. But this is the wrapping up of Carol's part of the story, the part where the real test for Mickey begins. I had to write it that way - besides, that's what came from typing on the keyboard.

Then, as I was doing a critique for a writing friend - I came to a scene ending and thought "That should be a chapter break!" The build-up was over - it was onto the big game, the part where it was either going to work itself out or the crap was going to hit the fan. It could go either way, but all the preliminary stuff leading up to that moment was done. To me (no expert - re-read the above paragraphs), it was the perfect spot to end the chapter. Would I have turned that page? Would I have settled further into the pillows in order to read just one more chapter? Would I have said "Yeah, yeah, I know." to The Husband and realize that I would pay tomorrow with burning eyes and exhaustion as I tackle the Day Job? Hell, yes!! Because there was a hook - a lure - and a burning question "What's going to happen?"

I've started reading Sophie Kinsella's newest, Twenties Girl, and I'm watching for her chapter breaks. Do you, People of Blogland, consciously look at chapter breaks when you're reading? How about when you're writing - is it in your mind as you either tell your story in chapters the first time or revise to create chapters? Readers - do you endure another chapter knowing that you'll be tired because the author's left you wanting more? Do you even think about chapter breaks? And last question (boy, I'm chatty, and nosey, about this topic) - have you ever read a book with no chapters? Would you want to? OK, can't resist, one more - are you a reader that must end your reading session at the end of a chapter or can you just finish anywhere when the time to stop reading comes?

*I think I may need to chat about this topic some more!

Sunday Salute - Gorgeous Weather...

This segment is usually reserved in order for me to give thanks - today is more of a gratitude day. I am grateful for all this gorgeous weather we've been, and continue, to have. The forecast for today and the rest of the week is sunny and hot - not 'warm', but hot! Exactly how I like it.

The summer has been amazing - hardly any rain and tons of sunshine and warm temperatures. I've loved it - sitting outside, basking in the beautiful weather. Some days it's been a little too hot, but then I remember that in 6 months time I'll be freezing - so I'm not complaining. The other day on the news it was stated that this has been one of the warmest summers on record for Canada!

So, here's to gorgeous weather! Now I'm off to sit on the deck with my morning coffee, The Husband and Taz. I may be there for a couple of hours ;)

Renovations - One More Time...

Bathroom renovations begin today! This is our main bathroom, the only room in the main part of the house we didn't do anything with (other than take down wallpaper, which covered the walls and the wainscoting) when we were getting ready to move in. My mom arrives in less than two weeks and The Husband decided he wanted it done before she gets here. There's not much to do (of course, I say that now and then when we start, we'll find 17 more things that need fixed or replaced), but it's a joint project.

That means I'll be wielding a paintbrush for most of the weekend. The Husband will be tearing out the old wainscoting and fixing drywall issues while I paint the new wainscoting before it goes up. And here goes the color issues again! Decided on painting the lower half (wainscoting) the same burgundy as our trim in the main area of the house and the walls a light gray (grey or gray - can someone explain the difference in these words and why my spell check always indicates one of them is wrong, which one I can't remember, but I seem to always get a red line when I'm working in word - which I'm not right now, just free typing right here in Blogger, let's hope it doesn't eat another paragraph like it did the other day). Our bathtub, sink and toilet are gray (grey) and the counter is a dark gray/black. I'm hoping the colors look OK!

Ooh, then I get to go shopping for new towels. I love buying new towels - they're always so lush and fuzzy. You know I'll have issues with color choices then, too!

Have you ever painted a bathroom in a dark color, People of Blogland? Am I going to regret this color choice? The bathroom's small, will it make it look smaller? Cross you fingers this turns out - I don't think I want to repaint burgundy wainscoting a lighter color if it doesn't!!

Friday Fiction - Mickey Spencer, AC ~ Part 23

Well, here we are again. For those playing along with the crossword clues - the last clue was in reference to Gomer Pyle, who used to say: "Surprise, surprise, surprise!" If you have a guess for this week's clue, leave it in the comment section. I'll post the answer next week.

This week we see the end of Carol's case, almost. Of course, Mickey's not off the hook for all the lies she's told and Jack's still missing; so Mickey Spencer, AC will continue! I hope you enjoy :)

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Part 23 ~ Case ______ (6 Letters)

Carol!

I had been saved by Evan’s private investigator’s discretion, I didn’t think I had the same chance with Carol. For what seemed like the twentieth time that day, I thought of plausible stories that would get me out of the jam I had one big toe firmly stuck.

Time stood still. No, really, it did. I still hadn’t released Evan’s hand and Carol stood in all her anger and beauty at the open door. Goddess-like with the bright sunny day creating a halo effect around her, we all stared at her. She glared back, pulling her sunglasses off in a dramatic sweep of her arm, one hand placed firmly on her hip. Ray emerged from the kitchen, his hands full of our lunch plates. He, too, froze into the little tableau, but only for a second.

“Carol?”

And that got the party started. Lisa jumped off the barstool. I released Evan’s hand and clutched my purse to my chest as if that would protect me from the big ball of crap that was about to hit the fan. Ray dumped the plates on the counter and moved with lightening speed to intercept Carol as she moved toward Lisa.

Evan leaned into me and asked, “Your client?”

“You think?” Honestly, sarcasm just oozed from me in times of stress. I regretted my quip, but couldn’t take my eyes from the train wreck long enough to send a silent apology to my boss. Soon to be ex-boss.

“And what kind of story are you going to make up this time, Ray Dixon?”

“It’s not what you think, Carol?”

“Really, because from where I’m standing it’s exactly what I think. You’ve been cheating on me. For years. With her.”

Lisa cringed. I didn’t blame her. Carol’s tone would send a shiver of fear down Freddy Kruger’s back.

“I told you the last time and I’ll tell you again, I’m not cheating on you.”

“Then who is she? And why do I always find you two together. The phone calls, the e-mails? Come on, Ray, I’m listening.”

Mandy had slid off her barstool and came to stand beside Ray, her head cocked to the side as she inspected Carol. Ray pushed her back.

“Oh, my God. You two have a love child?”

From where I stood, I could see Carol’s eyes tearing up. I looked at Ray, sensing Evan’s focus also moving toward the big man with the kitchen towel over his shoulder. I had the sudden image of a tennis game, the spectators watching the bouncing ball as it landed in one competitor’s court, then the other’s.

“No! No. Carol, you’re wrong. Lisa and Mandy are friends of mine.”

Our heads swung to Carol, but it was Mandy who spoke.

“I’m his daughter, she’s my social worker. I take it this is your girlfriend and you’re too ashamed of me to have told her I exist.”

Well, that put everything out there. I wondered what exactly Mandy was suffering from, from my point of view, she was the sanest one in the bar.

“That’s not true.” Ray had himself in a bigger jam than I did.

“She’s your daughter? When exactly were you going to tell me you had a teenage daughter?”

I figured the time was perfect to make a clean getaway. I elbowed Evan and tipped my head toward the door. He gave a brief nod and we headed into the fray.

“This looks personal and I need to be canvassing the other businesses about this missing man. Thanks for your time.”

“I should go, too. Like he said, this is personal and I…” I didn’t know what else to say besides a prayer that Carol wouldn’t rat me out.

Carol’s icy glare froze me to the spot. “Who’s that?”

Evan slipped out the door. Jerk. I did the only thing I could think of, I pulled out my business card and handed it over. “Mickey Spencer, journalist. Ray’s been kind enough to let me hang out here while I worked on a story.” I pointed to the door. “I should go.”

I didn’t wait around long enough to have any of them insist that I stay. But I did hear Ray. “I didn’t think you’d understand.”

He had a lot of explaining to do in a short amount of time. His bar opened in a couple of hours.

Evan’s car pulled to a stop in front of me. I had no choice but to get in. Looked like two of us were going to play Wheel of Interrogation. Vanna, can I buy an excuse?

Copyright: Janet S. Corcoran 2010

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Any news this week, People of Blogland? Any bits of writing you'd like to share - please do so in the comment section. What are the plans for the weekend?

To Cut or Not to Cut...

My hair, that is. I'm at that stage where I am tempted, yet again, to grow it out. It's a mess right now - definitely needing some shaping - but if I go into a hair dresser, I may be tempted to tell her to cut it all off. It definitely would be easier and cooler while out running. But short hair always reminds me of my youth (and I'm talking about 16) when I was stick thin with a very short hair cut and was constantly referred to as 'he'. Yep, 16 and still mistaken for a boy. There are some issues there - where's that couch?

Hey, that's me with my hair all pinned back with bobby pins. And turning gray, but I refuse to color it any more. At least with that, I've made a final decision.

Of course, it would help if I had a regular hair dresser - someone I could chat with, confide in, about my hair woes. Much like a bartender - no, I don't have a regular bartender that I confide in. Well, The Husband does mix a mean gin and tonic, but I certainly don't discuss my couchworthy stuff with him (he may finally consider me crazy and leave me with Taz and this big, old house - then who would make me a gin and tonic?).

Following the train of thought here - I've never really had a regular hair dresser. I go to someone for a bit, then when they insist on cutting my hair the same way every time, I seek out someone new. Ooh, remember the discussion the other day about my issues with shiny and bright and the connection with moving - oh, of course you don't, that was the paragraph Blogger ate! Anyway - I seem to need newness in my life and once the regular (like 4 times) hair dresser fails to impress me, I seek out another.

Yes, I am a hair whore! There - now you're my bartender because I've just confessed one of my couch issues.

Why am I wandering all over the place with this post? Could I get to a point? (This is why I have to cut words after I'm done a first draft - I write long) I'm off to the city tomorrow with my friend Anna - she's getting her hair done and I'm tempted to see if anyone at the salon has an opening and I'll park myself in that chair. I think it may be a spur of the moment decision. I'll let you know what happens!

Ooh, and we're eating out. Yippee - I love to eat out :)

So, what's on your agenda today, People of Blogland? Anyone out there make the rounds of hairdressing chairs or are you loyal to one? Come on - there's plenty of room on the couch!

Inspiration - Running, Writing, Life...

I went looking for sports, specifically running quotes, and found a bevy. Some are general, some are more specific and, even though they're focused on running, they really do apply to life. Just exchange the word 'running' for whatever it is you're trying to accomplish - and then go out and take the steps in order to get it done!

The will to win means nothing if you haven't the will to prepare. ~ Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner

Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired. ~ Jules Renard

What matters is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the dog. ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower

Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?' ~ Peter Maher, Irish-Canadian Olympian and sub-2:12 marathoner

Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired. When you were younger the mind could make you dance all night, and the body was never tired...You've always got to make the mind take over and keep going. ~ George S. Patton, U.S. Army General and 1912 Olympian

Which one speaks to you today, People of Blogland? The Patton one really strikes a chord for me today!

Woo Hoo!!

I'm writing!

I won't say more in case I jinx myself - or chase Muse away again. But I am writing!

See this paragraph here - yep, there used to be a brilliant discussion on comparing my running with my writing. I talked about logging the miles in order to run a race and the preparation I've undertaken to get me to this point of my writing. I went on to say how much my training is helping me in other areas of my life. And how I have a refined schedule, which is helping with time management. Yep, then as I was trying to format my picture and signature, the paragraph highlighted and with one simple click of a key, it was gone! And I'm too tired to figure out what I said - that'll teach me for writing in Blogger and not on word, then copy/paste! But how's that for tying into the next paragraph - where I also talk about more teaching...

And teaching me self-discipline, which I thought I had in spades, but really only have in fits and starts. (Did you know that the saying 'in spades' originated from the card game Bridge?) I freely admit I am not a finisher - I'm an Idea Girl and when the idea loses its sparkle, my enthusiasm wans. Ooh, maybe that's why I keep moving around - ooh, I don't want to start analyzing that one so let's move on before I end up on a couch spilling my entire life story!

Finally, I am running and writing on Canada's East Coast. And, BTW, I started The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - so that the reading part :)

Do you have self-discipline, People of Blogland? What motivates you - both internal motivation and external motivation? And if those are too personal and you don't want to end up on an adjoining couch, what are you reading right now?

*Next time, Blogger, could you delete the whole post? It would be much easier to rewrite everything rather than try and paraphrase only one paragraph. Thanks :)

Kitchen Tips...

Ooh, reaching for topics now! Hope you all don't mind - but as I was making supper tonight I had to chop some garlic and then, of course, my hands smelled like garlic. As I employed my kitchen tip, I wondered how many people know the 'cure' of de-garlicing their hands. Then, I wondered how many other kitchen tips I have that I could pass on - and how many out there I have yet to discover.

Wow - what a great topic for my blog, I thought. Yes, I often talk to myself like that! So here I am with the first post on Kitchen Tips. You know what's coming - I'm going to expect some tips in return, so get your thinking caps on in order to share in the comment section.

1. The ends of bread - I hate them. They're usually too skinny and when you toast them, they burn. Or they're rather dried out. Or, my favorite excuse for not eating them, I just plain hate crusts. I've gotten better over the years - I will eat the crusts of bread, but the end piece is just one gigantic crust. Yuck! So, I have a large plastic bread bag in the freezer and the ends of bread get shoved in there. When I have a bag full of crusts - I pull out my food processor and pulverize them - taadaa, breadcrumbs. I keep a bag full in my freezer so that I always have breadcrumbs handy!

2. Garbage Bowl - Nova Scotia has a great composting program and all food scraps go into a green bin for pick up on garbage day (so much better than throwing all that stuff in the landfill). There's a small bin that fits under the sink and the idea is you fill it up and then dump into the big one. But I find that it's just plain old messy. And no where near the area I'm using to chop and prepare. So, thanks to Rachel Ray, I use a garbage bowl. In reality, it's a really heavy duty plastic container with a lid that is big enough for a full day's stuff (from morning fruit cuttings all the way through to emptying the coffee grounds in preparation for the next day's brew). The lid keeps it all contained. And when I'm cutting and chopping, it's right there - convenient, as opposed to under the sink where I have to try and open the cupboard door and move the stuff carefully without dropping any on the floor. I empty the thing every night and it goes in the dishwasher - fresh for the next day. Even when we lived out west, I used a garbage bowl. At the end of the day, I emptied it into the garbage can under the sink.

3. Garlic Fingers - no not the kind you eat. Yes, cutting/chopping garlic can be stinky. A friend of mine told me she had bought a stainless steel 'soap' for her mother-in-law (who loved to cook and had everything). Then she said she would never want one since she had a big stainless steel sink. Yep, just rub your fingers/thumb around the inside of your stainless steel sink and then wash - garlic smell gone! Brilliant!

OK, People of Blogland, your turn. What kitchen tips do you have for us today? Looking forward to hearing them - and anything that makes my life easier in the kitchen, I'm all over!!

Sunday Salute - Those Who Believe in Themselves...

We talk a lot here about believing in yourself - taking strength from following your dreams and passion. I was going to save this for Inspiration Wednesday, but I just had to post it today.

You all know I'm a huge fan of So You Think You Can Dance - and the Canadian version has begun. I've been watching the auditions and when this came on, I became emotional.




I missed Thursday's show - the first of the finals held in Toronto - and didn't think any more about it until our good friend, Jacques asked if I had seen Lucas "LazyLegz" in the final? I had forgotten and was disappointed that I had missed it. Of course, I asked if he had made it through and was told that he had been cut. Luckily, Much Music replayed the Thursday show Saturday morning and I sat down to watch - for the simple pleasure of dance and to see Lucas.

OMG! Anyone unfamiliar with the show - the finalists are put through a grueling week of choreography, with cuts happening after every round (I thought submitting to agents was bad). The first round was Hiphop and Lucas blew the judges away. I couldn't believe his stamina and determination. He adapted the choreography to his ability and nailed it! Then came the Theatre round - unfortunately, way out of his genre (which is Hiphop), but he still adapted and danced his heart out. And the song they danced to - the perfect song about hope and believing and striving to be the best. Everyone was in tears after he danced - including me!

Then, because of the logistics of partnering, the judges cut him. More tears - the judges (you could tell they didn't want to), the audience (the other dancers) and me! They asked if he would dance once more and he did. Wow!

Today I salute Lucas "LazyLegz" and everyone who believes in himself. Thanks for showing others that anything is possible if you truly do follow your passion! Here's the link to his website: http://lazylegz.com/

Back in the Groove...

Or trying to get back in the groove. Boy, you take a couple of days to do nothing and suddenly your body, and mind, think it's a brilliant idea and balk at getting back into routine and 'work'! But I must return to the land of the working - and get myself organized going into the fall. I always view the fall, the beginning of September, as the "New Year" - perhaps it's the teacher in me.

While I was indulging in doing nothing, I took in a lecture/presentation by the artists in residence at NSCAD (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design) - Lunenburg Campus. The three women were 'in residence' for a year and each presented a power point show and talk about how the year had gone, the journey taken. It was fascinating! I was struck a couple of times by the similarity there is between artists and writers. And I was impressed with the growth they all found, both in their art and in their life. Afterward, the audience was invited to the old firehall (where the artists resided and created for the year) to view their work and chat with the participants.

One of the artists, Jennifer Green, is a spinner and weaver. She focused her study on flax - and actually grew and harvested some. As a weaver, I was inspired by her love of the craft (art, really) and I really want to get my loom warped and start weaving. Of course, I've always wanted to learn how to spin - but I'm trying to remind myself that I already have way too much on my plate, no need to add something else.

I think the biggest 'aha' I got from the presentation, and then afterward, was the importance of focus to an artist (and making the connection to writer). And how that focus can lead one from one 'idea' to another - as she grows, discovers and expands on the original plan. All of this while maintaining her 'voice' - because these women all had voice in their respective style!

I'll give you two links if you're interested: http://lunenburgstudios.blogspot.com/ - this is the blog for the residency and if you scroll down you will see pictures of the three artists' work. And: http://nscad.ca/en/home/academicprograms/extendedstudies/inthecommunity/nscadlunenburg.aspx - the actual website for NSCAD Lunenburg Campus where you'll find the bios on the three artists.

OK - off to finish my coffee and get my head back into the game of life. Question for you today, People of Blogland - have you ever considered the similarities between artists and writers? I know some of you who stop by here are artists - how does that discipline compare/contrast to your writing life? And for the non-writers - any artists in the group? Have you pursued your artisitic desires or considered trying your hand at a discipline (if so, tell us what)?

Who forgot to reformat her image size and is stuck with gigantic picture and signature!

Um? Yeah...

Not Here...

Anyone tuning in early would notive my absence! The Husband has returned safe and sound, so I'm taking the day off (minds out of the gutter, please ;)

I also have Mickey's next instalment to get ready, a post for The Chicks' blog tomorrow, a lecture on textile art in Lunenburg that I'm so looking forward to, and, of course, The Day Job! Busy day so I hope you don't mind my absence.

See you all tomorrow :)

Inspiration - Live...

Sometimes I get caught up in what others are doing - how they're doing it - and I have to give myself some self-love and really look and learn the lessons placed before me (see Monday's post). So today I thought it appropriate to share some poems about living that I return to often when I'm forgetting to listen to my gut. When I get caught up in craziness and forget to live -

Work like you don't need the money,

Dance like nobody's watching,

Love like you've never been hurt,

Sing like nobody's listening,

And Live like it's Heaven on Earth.- First line by, Satchel Paige, the rest by Mark Twain

Just for Today -

I will live through the next 12 hours and try not to tackle all of life's problems at once.
I will improve my mind, I will learn something that requires effort and concentration.
I will be agreeable. I will look my best, speak in a well modulated voice, and be courteous and considerate.
I will not find fault with a friend, relative or colleague. I will not try to change or improve anyone but myself.
I will have a programme. I might not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two enemies: hurry and indecision.
I will do a good turn and keep it a secret. If anyone finds out, it will not count.
I will do two things I don't want to do, just for the exercise.
I will believe in myself. I will give my best to the world and feel confident that the world will give it's best to me.- Anon

Life is...
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is bliss, taste it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfil it.

Life is a sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.- Mother Teresa

Do you remember to live your life, People of Blogland? Do you find you get caught up in craziness and end up being 'unauthentic'? Of the three poems, which one speaks to you the most?

Meatloaf...

No, not the rockstar - although I do love him and play Bat Out of Hell over and over (2 Out of 3 Ain't Bad is one of my favorite songs). No, I'm talking about the food, meatloaf! The Husband hates meatloaf (or maybe my meatloaf) and I very rarely make it anymore. But with The Husband gone on his holiday, I decided it was the perfect time to make meatloaf.

Yummy! I know, it's not fast food (I think I'm over fast food - for the next couple of weeks anyway). I make the onion soup mix recipe - and added mashed potatoes and steamed carrots and cauliflower to the dinner plate. A pretty healthy meal!

Which brings me to the 'meat' of the post (sorry, couldn't resist). I need to change my eating habits in order to be a better runner. Number one issue is my water intake - no wonder I'm huffing and puffing. I probably get about 16oz of water into my body every day (and that's when I'm out running or walking because I have my water bottle with me). If I don't exercise, maybe 8oz! Definitely not enough. It's not something I think of drinking - I'll reach for a coffee or tea or a glass of milk before I think about water. Must. Change. That!

And fruits and veggies! OK - I think I've discussed here before that fruits and veggies are not something I look forward to eating. But with all this running, I need to fuel my body - I think that means fruits and veggies!

There are 53 days left (WHAT? 53 days? Yikes!) and I need to enroll in a bootcamp, a food bootcamp. Hmmm, I wonder if cheese and crackers would be a part of that bootcamp?

Do you eat healthfully, People of Blogland? Do you get enough water? How about meatloaf - got a favorite recipe or are you in the 'meatloaf haters' camp? If you're interested, check out this link to a nutrition bootcamp (at the bottom of the page there's links to the 5 weeks of the program).

Interesting Discovery...

Leads to lesson learned!

As I'm banging out Mickey Spencer, AC, I'm posting what is essentially a first draft. Since I don't sit down until Thursday night to create the next instalment, I leave myself absolutely no time for serious revisions (other than spelling, grammar - and that I don't guarantee, and possibly a tweak of wording or phrasing). And I think this is where I've had issues in the past.

Let me explain - Lady Bells was written as a first draft (on yellow legal pad paper). I just picked it up and continued on from where I had left off, day after day until I wrote "The End". This, of course, was back in my naive stage where I had no idea about publishing or 'the rules'. Since then, I've attempted a dozen stories and I always, always stop when I think the story is derailing. Or when my brain suggests a different route.

For example - on Thursday, as I sat down at the computer and re-read the last couple of instalments, my brain insisted that I had gone down the wrong road. I shouldn't have had Evan standing at the car waiting for Mickey and Carol to drive past. My brain suggested that Evan should remain out of the story line and Mickey should resolve the case, return to the office and then discover that Jack was working for the parents of the missing woman and that he was missing. Only then would Evan be brought into the storyline!

But, I couldn't do it. The work goes live every Friday morning. I couldn't take back what I had already done. Ask my readers, "Oh, hey, could you go back to Part 17 and forget everything you read from then on? Here, we're going to go this way now." And this is the discovery. I need to stop - no, I need to go! Keep writing - don't stop because I think it would make more sense if I went a different route because if I take that route, then another detour will happen and I'll be derailed - AGAIN!

I have a story on my hard drive (Gillian and Mac's story) that I've started 5 different times. I get to a point and then I say, "Oh, I should have done this." Then, I go back and do that only to come up against a huge brick wall - or another revelation that sends me right back to the start. Writing that first draft should not resemble a game of Snakes and Ladders!

Interesting discovery - lesson learned :)

So, People of Blogland, have you learned this lesson or do you revise as you write? Have you come up against a brick wall because you overthink your first draft? Have you come up against a brick wall in life because you've overthunk your options? Is 'overthunk' a word?

Drive-by Check-in...

Ooh, very late on the Sunday posting - for good reason :) The girls just left after a night of movies, food, laughter, and a great morning out on the patio with coffee and sunshine. What a fabulous time!

We ended up watching The Duchess - which was surprisingly good. I wasn't sure what to expect with Kiera Knightly playing the lead role, but she did a fabulous job. And that period in history fascinates me anyway. The costumes were amazing - the movie won an oscar for costume design and no wonder! The story of the Duchess of Devonshire wove the requirements of women in that day (marry and birth an heir) with the desire and personal needs of those women. With the addition of another woman living in the same house, first as a friend, then as the husband's paramour, the complications and tragedy of the Duchess' life multiplied. A smattering of politics and a opportunistic mother added yet another layer. The taglines:

There were three people in her marriage.

The scandal that shocked a nation. The courage that defined a woman.

Definitely one I would watch again!

Then came Mamma Mia. Check here for my discussion on this movie - that I have watched tons of times and will watch again and again!

Did I mention the laughter? The food (shrimp, popcorn, pita and dips, pretzels, brownies with buttercream icing, sweet rolls and blueberries for breakfast - yum)? The wine? And perhaps just a few of us singing along? Then, there was the sky gazing - some of us saw shooting stars - the night sky was breathtaking. It really was a great night - thanks to The Girls (that one was for you, Alison) for coming over. We must do it again. And it was a very late night - I believe 1:30 - so I think a nap is in order this afternoon.

People of Blogland, I know some of you said you hadn't had a sleepover in years and years, I highly recommend you get your girlfriends together and do it! My only suggestion - make sure you have a Ouiji Board for the full 'sleep-over' effect (I must locate one before the next Girls' Night In)! ;)

Movie Night - Girls' Night In...

With The Husband away visiting his folks, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to invite a few 'girls' in for a movie night! I was planning on parking myself on the couch with some wine and popcorn anyway, so I thought "The more, the merrier!" So tonight, a bunch of friends will gather here and indulge in junkfood, wine, and chick flicks.

First on the list is Mamma Mia! You already know how much I love this movie - I've seen it a dozen times and still am not tired of it! Then, we'll have to decide. I have The Duchess, which I haven't seen yet, but am not sure if it's chickflickish enough. I think on an occassion like this the movie has to be fun! If I recall, The Duchess is pretty serious.

My day will be spent organizing the house. Yes, I have been a bit lax with my housekeeping since The Husband has been gone. I just now loaded the dishwasher - from Wednesday - and will run that only because I've run out of coffee mugs! And the place needs vaccuuming - Taz refuses to help out, even though it's her fur that creates the mess. Then there's the usual Saturday laundry - laundry always piles up! Then - let the good times start!!

So, People of Blogland, if you were hosting a chick flick night, what would be your choice of movie? Have you ever done a Girls Night In? And if you were coming tonight, what would be your junkfood of choice (you already know mine is potato chips - but I've eaten so many over the last three days, I think I need to go chocolate tonight - along with popcorn, of course)?

Fiction Friday - Mickey Spencer, AC ~ Part 22

That time of the week again - Fiction Friday! Previous instalments can be found under Mickey Spencer, AC tab at the top of the blog. And the answer to last week's cryptic crossword clue (Winging it - 9 letters) was Improvise! Play along with this week's clue - leave you answer in the comment section - and come back next week for the answer.

Enjoy :)

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Part 22 ~ Surprise, surprise, ________ (8 Letters)

Ray emerged from the kitchen, again. "Now what?"

Evan held out his hand. "You're the owner? I'm Evan Warner, private investigator with Warner and Sons."

"Ray Dixon." The men shook hands. Lisa shrugged her shoulders and slid back onto her barstool next to Mandy and I.

Slick sweat dampened my skin and my breathing was shallow. I exhaled quietly, slowly, forcing my shoulders down from around my ears. Then I scrambled to come up with a decent explanation when Evan got around to asking me just what the hell I was doing.

"Have you seen this man recently?"

Ooh, how I wanted to snap my head around in order to see what Evan was doing, what picture he was showing Ray, but I kept it cool. Ignored him while discovering I had shredded a paper napkin into confetti-sized pieces.

"He was in a week or so ago. Talked to Mickey. Mickey?"

My breathing ratcheted back up to hyperventilating level and my hands shook as I swiveled to face Evan. He held a picture of Jack. "What?" Like I hadn't been listening to every word.

"This guy, Evan?"

Evan nodded his head, but his cold, blue gaze didn't waver from my face. If it wasn't so darn hot under the pressure of getting caught in one gigantic lie, I’m sure the skin on my arms would have pimpled with goosebumps.

"He's a private investigator and he's looking for that guy you were talking to the first time you came into the bar. The guy who knew something about the missing woman."

Again, Evan stuck out his hand. "You are?"

"Mickey Spencer, journalist." I fished in my purse for a business card. If he was going to play along, I was right there on stage with him.

"I'm looking for this guy. Would you mind giving me a few moments of your time?"

I glanced back at Mandy, Lisa and Ray. "No, not at all."

"You don't mind if we use your table in the back?"

"Maybe we should leave. Ray's not open right now."

"No, it's fine, Mickey. I'll get back to cooking lunch."

"What are you doing here, Mickey?"

His butt hadn't even touched the chair and the questions I had dreaded were flying. "I could ask you the same thing. You followed me from work." Great, antagonize the boss.

He slid the picture of Jack across the table and glanced quickly at the bar. "Jack is missing. He's not in his usual haunts - bars, brothels, casinos. And you never take sick days. Let's just say I grew suspicious when you two had the closed door meeting a couple of mornings ago. Then there was the phone call from the family of the missing woman wanting to talk to Jack to see if he had discovered anything else about the case."

"What!" Certainly not my journalist's voice, the question came out as more of a high-pitched yowl. I didn't dare turn to see if the barsitters had noticed.

Evan tapped the picture. He lowered his voice. "I need you to come back to the office. We have a lot to discuss." The inflection did not go unnoticed. "And I want to know the exact day, hour and minute you last saw Jack."

He stood up, extending his hand. I followed his lead, the door to the bar opening as I grasped Evan's hand. Lisa must have forgotten to relock it after Evan had arrived. Ray should consider opening during the lunch hour. I froze, hand firmly secured in Evan's.


Copyright: Janet S. Corcoran

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How's the week been going, People of Blogland? Any annoucements (um, Silver?), news, break-throughs? Care to take a guess at who's coming through the door this week?

Book Club Zaniness...

OMG - put 9 women who love reading into a room for a couple of hours and watch the sparks fly. Add some white wine and a delicious blueberry cake topped with whipped cream and you'll really have fireworks.

What a fabulous bookclub yesterday. We met at Lyn's and the conversation took off. There was no rhyme or reason - although there's supposed to be - and the discussion moved from books read, books tied into those read, movies that tied into books read and previously read, how we read, why we read, dark reads, sad reads, personal likes, books made into movies and the actors and actresses who played in them, top ten books... Ok, you get the idea - it was crazy mad, but in a really, really good way.

I love talking books. Not just books with a theme or books I've read that someone else has read (the whole 'book club' ideal - which, BTW, we don't do). I'm greedy for names of authors I have yet to discover. I salivate over discussions about themes in books. And I yearn for titles that I may not come across on my own. Books take me to worlds I may never visit, situations I may never encounter, and emotions I may be too afraid to uncover. Books that make me laugh, cry, get angry, think. And I love to share my limited book knowledge, spread the joy I've found in a book.

Books have the ability to bring people together. Books have the ability to create community. And our community of women who come together for the love of books had a hell of a good time yesterday! There was a lot of excitement generated and there were a lot of books that changed hands. It may not have been the most organized or uncomplicated event, but it was an afternoon talking about books - nothing could be finer :)

So, one of the topics bandied about the afternoon was the idea of a top ten. My list is on my profile (down at the very bottom of this blog there's a "View My Complete Profile" - click there to see my top ten) and I was very pleased to know that others have a list of all time favorite books. My question today, People of Blogland, what's the name of a book on your top ten list (doesn't have to be the top and you can certainly name more than one if you want)? And, for the joy of talking books, what are you reading right now?

Inspiration - The Writing Career...

Well, at the time this gets posted I will be a couple hours away from getting up and driving The Husband to the airport (2:30 in the morning). And I plan on going to bed when I get back from the airport (around 6 in the morning). Today's inspiration will be short, but sweet. And something that I received from a writing friend (Anne Germaine - she posts over on The Prairies alternate Wednesdays). I loved it and I hope you do, too.

The career of a writer is comparable to that of a woman of easy virtue. You write first for pleasure, later for the pleasure of others and finally for money. ~ Marcel Achard

I'll check in later today - when I've rested and been to my book club meeting - and eaten some fast food :) Have a great Wednesday, People of Blogland.

Two Months and Counting...

Yikes - two months from today I'll be running my first 1/2 marathon. Just what was I thinking when I made this decision? Obviously, not thinking straight! But there we are and here I am - training to run 21K (13 miles).

The long run on Sunday was not what was on my schedule. I found a program on the Internet and decided it sounded good - 3 weeks in and I'm not happy. The two month mark scared the heck out of me - I still hadn't run for over an hour and in 8 short weeks I would have to run over two (three if my pacing is anything to go by). So, I took the matter into my own hands (or feet) and decided I needed to run an hour and half for my long run! This would be about half of what I will do on race day, my thinking (yeah, maybe I should stop thinking) was that if I can do this length of time, then I should be OK on race day.

I won't kid you, it was freaking hard! I did 10 minute run/1 minute walk intervals and was tired at the turn around point of 45 minutes. The 'run' back was more of a run for however long I could, then walk until I felt like running again (or convinced myself that I better run or The Husband would be out looking for me if I was longer than 2 hours). Strangely, the 'run' back also took 45 minutes - making me wonder exactly how speedy I was on the way out ?!

But I did it - met my goal of an hour and half! And when I clocked it yesterday on the odometer of the car, I ran 10.6K. Yes, I can hear you all doing the math - I'm looking at 3 hours with that pace. I still have two months left and I'm relieved to know that I can manage half the distance in a decent (decent to me) timeframe. I feel much better about my chances of finishing this race - as opposed to collapsing in a pathetic heap half way through!

And talk about some self-talk out there on the run! I won't bore you with the ugliness of it - or the cheerleading aspect when I could see the end of my route. Just let me say that with the amount of 'chatting' I do (yes, out loud), I don't really need a running partner to keep me company. Of course, it would be nice if I had one ;)

Any fitness goals, People of Blogland, that you'd like to share? Any words of wisdom - or words of caution - or words of "What the hell are you thinking?" Just read an interesting blogpost about running with music - do you think running with my iPod would be helpful?

Computer Switcheroo...

The Husband is off to visit his folks on Wednesday - flying to Northern Ontario for a week. That leaves me at home on my own with Taz - and I'll spend the time indulging in all the things I love to eat that he hates (read frozen food - sorry, I'm no gourmet - and perhaps a take out burger or two - I'm also a fast food junkie). And there will probably be a just a few chick flicks watched over the course of the week. Because of my teaching and his regular job, our past is filled with separate vacations - and I honestly don't mind. Gives us time on our own and usually time alone with our respective parents (which I think is a great thing).

But - because we both work from home, and we only have one laptop (mine), he'll be carting off my computer for the entire week! That means over the next two days we'll be switching back and forth to make sure we have everything we need in order to do our jobs (and my writing stuff) on each other's computer. Pain in the butt!! I just know that two days into his vacation I'll be on the phone telling him to e-mail me a certain file!!

On the plus side of trading computers for a week, it has forced us to back up our files. I don't know how many times we talk about doing this on a regular basis and then never do! And we've been so lucky (touching wood), we've never lost anything. Yikes, now watch - I've alerted the computer gods and they're planning a life lesson as I type. How does one appease a computer god? Perhaps leave them a byte of something (ooh, groan -that was bad - sorry)! So as of Wednesday morning, our computers will be backed up!!

Tell me People of Blogland, have you ever lost anything in a computer crash? Do you back up regularly? Have you tried those online back-up sites like Carbonite? (Funny, I went to find the link and everytime I clicked on the address it came up with an error message - I'd be pretty upset if I was looking for my files and kept getting that message. I'll stick with my USB Device - and e-mailing myself my writing files).

Sunday Satlute - Servers...

My friend Anna and I went to a lovely coffee house on Friday for lunch. Out in Broad Cove, the Best Coast Coffee Gallery is this old house that's been converted to a small (very small) cafe. With old wooden tables and even older wooden chairs quaint is the word. The walls are filled with local artists' work and there's a black paper mache cat hanging upside down from the ceiling. It's very cool and very busy! Voted one of the top places to eat in Canada, it's drawing quite the crowd for lunches.

Friday was a super hot, super humid day. I had suggested we head down that way thinking that the closer to the ocean, the less stuffy it would be. Not so! The place was packed, even though we got there closer to 1:30 than actual lunch time, and hotter than Hades. No air conditioning in this very old house turned cafe. But our server, a young woman, didn't let that stop her from being pleasant and very attentive. Nor did it stop the cooks in the back kitchen, which I'm sure was even hotter than Hades, from creating a wonderful feast (I highly recommend the pulled pork panini with sweet onion chutney - WOW).

I love eating out - and when the service is as good as the food I'm eating, I'm very thankful. Waiting on tables is not the most glamorous job, nor the most highly paid, so I love it when I find a waiter or waitress who truly loves what they're doing and truly loves people. I've been to many restaurants where the food is over the top fabulous, but the person serving obviously doesn't want to be there or they forgot to take their 'get-along-with-people' pill that morning. That kind of experience guarantees I will never return to that restaurant.

So, my Sunday Salute is to all the servers who love their job and make my visit to the cafe or restaurant memorable - not just for the food.

Where's the last place you ate out, People of Blogland? Was it good? Was the wait staff knowledgeable, pleasant, and efficient? Does a bad experience with wait staff alter how you think of an establishment? Anybody out there who used to wait tables?

Mom's Wise Words...

Last week at this time I was getting ready for our open house. How does a week pass so quickly? I always remember my mom saying how time goes faster the older you get - as a kid, I thought that made no sense at all. Now - here I am wondering not only how a week has managed to slip by, but it's August!

Another one of my mom's favortie sayings was 'Don't air your dirty laundry.' I never got that as a young person - the airing of laundry really didn't matter that much to me, whether it was clean or dirty. Now, with wisdom, and age :( I get it!

Of course, my favorite saying from my mom is "The Cat's Pajamas"! I love that - and whenever something's really cool, I think of mom's saying. I actually found, years ago, a nightie with cat's in pajamas! Of course, I had to buy it. Now, it's part of a rag rug I wove - along with other sentimental pieces of clothing (all clean - no dirty laundry on my floor, Mom). A really great way to keep those items that mean a lot but are too thread bare to wear.

My mom also did the whole superstiction/wives' tale thing. Bubbles in your tea, not touching the cup - good fortune heading your way. A knife dropped on the floor - male company would be arriving soon. An itchy nose - kiss a fool. An itchy ear - someone talking about you. Itchy feet - you'll walk on new ground. So many and I love having discussions with people on the variations out there (different cultures - perhaps different wives).

Missing my mom today - watched Georgia Rule last night. A story of a mothers and daughters. Of course, it's all disfunctional and although we were not perfect, my mom was pretty darn close. Hopefully, she'll fly out here in September for a couple of weeks - but it would be great to pop over to have a visit with her today. Another one of her sayings, and this one was personal, was "Never put an ocean between us" - she sailed across the ocean on her honeymoon, literally putting an ocean between her and her family. I'm in the same country, but somedays (like today) those 4 provinces seem like a huge body of water.

Any great sayings your mom shared with you growing up, People of Blogland? Have you seen Georgia Rule? If your mom's close by, give her a hug - and celebrate her wisdom! Moms are the cat's pajamas :)

Friday Fiction - Mickey Spencer, AC ~ Part 21

Last week's answer was "Franklin" - yes, Benjamin Franklin coined the phrase 'Honesty is the best policy'. And Mickey sure was honest. Let's hope it doesn't come back to bite her in the butt!

Previous instalments can be found under the tab above labeled Mickey Spencer, AC.

As always, enjoy :)

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Part 21 ~ Winging It (9 Letters)

"There’s a parking lot kitty corner to The Anchor. We’re going to go around the old train station and come in from that street entrance. I want you to park as far away from the bar as possible."

I had no idea how long Ray was going to take at the bar and I wasn’t even sure he would park in his usual spot in the back alley, but I didn’t want him spotting Carol’s car or Carol. As for the plan after we got parked, I had nothing.

Carol tucked the car beside a massive truck, leaving herself out far enough so we had a perfect view of the front of the bar. Ray’s vehicle was absent meaning he had parked in the back. Or outmanoeuvred us. I didn’t want to think of that scenario.

"Stay in the car." I stuffed my sunglasses into my purse and checked that I had the camera and tape recorder. On a deep inhalation to calm my racing heart, I opened the car door then looked back at Carol. "Stay in the car."
"I heard you the first time."

"Just like you heard the first private investigator?"

She pursed her lips and clutched the steering wheel. "Understood."

With my bag slung over my shoulder, I wiped my sweaty palms on my pants. This was not how I envisioned solving this case. A quick glance around told me Evan had yet to show up, although he was much more versed in surveillance and could be parked where I couldn’t see him. I’m not sure what that would accomplish. I think he would jump at the chance of firing me on the spot. I was toast.

The door to the bar was locked, just as I expected. With my hands cupped around my eyes, I peered in through the grimy glass not even wanting to think of the germs transferring to my skin. The lights were on. The young girl sat on a barstool next to Lisa, Ray was no where to be seen. I knocked on the door.

"Sorry, we’re closed."

"I know. Is Ray here?"

"Who is it, Lisa?" Ray emerged from the back, kitchen towel draped over his shoulder. "Mickey?"

"Hey, Ray. I saw the lights on and wondered if everything was OK?" I had yet to move into the bar, trying for a casual, in-the-neighborhood feel to my visit. Any sign of tension or suspicion and I was out of there.

"It’s fine, Lisa. Mickey’s a journalist working on the missing woman story. She’s become a bit of a regular."

I chuckled. At least I hope it sounded like a chuckle and not a gurgling of anxiety and stress. Lisa stood back and let me enter, locking the door behind me.

"Mickey. This is Lisa Johnson. And this is Mandy, my daughter. I’m cooking us lunch, you want something?"

"Whatever you’re having will be great. Thanks." I tried not to stare at Mandy. The daughter! "Nice to meet you both."

Ray headed back to the kitchen leaving me with the women-folk. Lisa resumed her position on the stool and I followed along, slipping my hand into my purse and clicking on the tape recorder. Why I didn’t do that in the car I have no idea? Nerves? No game plan? Stupidity? All of the above?

"You must be Ray’s girlfriend?"

Lisa looked genuinely shocked. "No. Oh, no! I’m just a friend."

"She’s my social worker."

Mandy didn’t look up, just uttered the words and kept picking at her black fingernail polish. I couldn’t get a read on how tall she was, slumped at the bar, her hair hanging forward covering her face and the brim of Ray’s hat covering her eyes.

Lisa gave a nervous laugh. Seems more than just one of us was in an uncomfortable position.
The knock at the door drew Lisa and my attention. Mandy continued to pick.

"Grand Central Station." Lisa got up and headed to the door. I couldn’t see who was there, the glare of the sun casting the new arrival in silhouette. I crossed my fingers it wasn’t Carol.

"Sorry, we’re closed."

"I just need to ask you a few questions."

Evan! I’d recognize that sultry, deep voice anywhere. My cover was about to be blown.


Copyright: Janet S. Corcoran 2010

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So, how was your week, People of Blogland? Any news to share? Snippets to post in the comments - please do? What are you reading? And for those interested in my soul-searching blogpost over on The Prairies, click here (I'll warn you, there's some deep emotion over there).

Your Assistance is Required...

OK - it's too late to call for help for this blogpost. I've been sitting here, spinning in my chair (literally - and I often like to sing "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" as I spin), counting down the minutes until So You Think You Can Dance comes on knowing that I should have a post written before then or it will be a very late night and I'll be cranky in the morning for my run, which I was supposed to do today, but it was raining and I'm not a running-in-the-rain kind of person. Can we all say "Run-on sentence"? Ooh, if I just string together another bunch of random thoughts, this post will have written itself ;)

But, you can help me with a couple of other things. First up - I have a blogpost to write for Prairie Chicks tomorrow (Friday). OMG - I didn't realize how easy it would be to run out of topics for a writing blog. Of course, it would help if I was writing and had something decent to contribute instead of more of the whining and complaining you all get to read (lucky you). And we all know I'm feeling rather unwriterly at the moment, so it's hard to 'advise' writers coming by for writely information. I feel like a fraud. So - can you offer up some ideas for a writing article?

Second - my good friend Lu (who you all know from this blog - she's been at RWA Conference so absent from the comment section) is 'in town' and I've invited her and her hubby over for supper on Saturday night. I can't wait to hear all about the conference - and her experiences at being a debut novelist (check out her website for information on her first of many novels Where There's Heat). My question to you, People of Blogand, is what am I going to feed them? Should I do BBQ since it's been so nice and then The Husband can do most of the work (!)? Or should I do a less casual meal? I know Lu and her hubby will be happy with anything I produce, but throw some ideas at me so I can get the creative cooking juices flowing.

ACK - I have to get the next instalment of Mickey written for Friday, too. I won't ask you about that - although I'm tempted to get your ideas of where I should go next. I'll leave that "Choose the Plot" for my next serielized work!

And just a head's up to all my writing friends - there's a new publisher starting up. LazyDay Publishing will launch on Dec. 1st of this year. The owner, Staci Helling, will be guest blogging on The Prairies on Saturday - so stop by and ask a question or two. Interesting information on the LazyDay website -they're looking for submissons including what they call 'Blog Book'. I wonder if that means they would look at a serielized story like Mickey Spencer? I know what I'll be asking on Saturday.

Ha - chair's stopped spinning, I only had to sing until there were 62 bottles of beer on the wall, and I still have 25 minutes until the dancing starts. The rest - well, that's where you come in! Looking forward to your suggestions and assistance, People of Blogland. Oh, and BTW, which version of "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" do you sing:

"Take one down, pass it around, 98 bottles of beer on the wall..." OR

"One fell, what the hell, 98 bottles of beer on the wall..."

Inspiration - Discipline...

Since I listed my top ten reasons that I'm not writing - yes, the excuses I use instead of creating a practice of writing - I thought that some quotes on self-discipline would be helpful.

Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability. ~ Roy L. Smith

Lack of discipline leads to frustration and self-loathing. ~ Marie Chapian (ooh, that one hit a nerve)

It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves. ~ Sir Edmund Hillary

It's not the work that's hard, it's the discipline. ~ Anonymous (yep, very true)

No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No stream or gas drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined. ~ Harry Emerson Fosdick

It takes one day of sitting down and writing - one day will lead to two, which will lead to three. The writing practice means being disciplined. I've learned that being disciplined in my exercise frees up an energy that would otherwise be wasted on feelings of guilt and dispair of not accomplishing that which I had hopes of doing. I think that's why Marie Chapian's quote spoke to me this week.

How about you, People of Blogland? Which quote spoke to you? Are you creating a writing practice? Are you disciplined in another aspect of your life and have yet to transfer that to your writing practice? Or any other aspect of your life, if you're not a writer?

Top Ten Reasons I'm Not Writing (or Excuses, Excuses, Excuses)...

I was inspired by Anne McFarlane's post the other day - a post that raised the question about "The Bike"! You see, Anne was stating how overwhelmed she is by all the things that need to get done - and she's not getting to them (Anne, correct me if I got the message wrong). Annette Gallant's comment about learning to ride a bike (if you fall, get back on and keep trying) made me realize that not only am I not meeting my goals, but I seem to have lost my bike. So here are the top ten things (basically excuses) keeping me from writing - might as well face them head on:

10. Fear of rejection - yes, I've had many rejections, you would think it gets easier. It doesn't and I seem to have let that fear eat away at my desire to get published.

9. The Day Job - possibly just an excuse my muddled brain is using to trick me into believing there is no time after the hours spent at the computer on spreadsheets and databases. Not to mention the fact that I'm on the computer in the office - the same computer and office I use for my writing job.

8. The Social Life - OMG, I'm busy! Teas, house tours, dinner parties, art shows, concerts...the list goes on. I don't think I've ever been this busy socially, with the exception of The University Years.

7. The Hours - hours and hours spent writing, revising, rewriting, revising, reading writing books, revising. Perhaps I should have listed this one as revising! I'm basically a lazy person and now that I know how many hours go into one manuscript, that work load scares the writing bug right out of me.

6. Originality - I'll be all fired up about an idea, actually put pen to paper, and then I'll come across an author's blog or a book review and discover that my totally original, totally unique idea really isn't. It's been done before - and obviously better because it's published.

5. Self-Doubt - yep, full of self-doubt. I think I commented on Nicole Murray's blog that self-doubt and fear are a writer's best friends.

4. Illusive Goals - everything you read tells you that the percentage of writers who actually get published is minimal. Sure, I can set a goal to be published, but with odds like that I could just as easily set a goal of winning the lottery. The road to winning the lottery is much easier - but costlier.

3. Fear of Success - I know this sounds absurd, but with writer friends getting published and blogging/talking about the headaches that come with finally reaching their goals - yikes. Publishers aren't willing to put in the time and money to market their writers, especially new authors. So after you've written the book, had your dream of publication realized, you then must become a marketing specialist while continuing to churn out more books. Did I mention that I'm lazy?

2. Voice - yes, I'm using that as an excuse again. I love medieval romance. I write comedy. I'm having a very hard time melding the two. I'm still torn as to who I am as a writer and it's causing some major stall tactics.

1. Discipline - I know it! And it's not like I'm an undisciplined person (even though I said I was lazy). I'm training to run a half marathon! The article I referenced last week touched on the fact that you stop writing 'one day at a time' and I firmly believe that's what's happened. I write my blog, I write Mickey Spencer, AC instalment, but I don't write everyday. My excuses outweigh my discipline!

I used to meditate every night before bed - a habit that was very hard to get into (sitting on the floor for 15 minutes focused on your breathing is much harder than it sounds). But I did it every night until it became an ingrained part of my nightly routine. Then, one night I didn't do it. Then another night became two. Over a period of time I had stopped meditating 'one day at a time'. I used to run (years ago) and the same thing happened. One day, I didn't. Then another day became two. A week without running. Now, I face a struggle trying to get back into shape 'one day at a time'.

Getting back on that bike (for it is not lost, only hidden), will take discipline. It will be a struggle. My only question will be whether or not I want it bad enough to ignore the excuses and focus on the goal of writing for the simple pleasure I get from telling a story.

Wow, People of Blogland, that got a lot deeper than I had planned starting out. And now my skin is tingling with the excitement of getting back to my writing 'one day at a time'. What about you - what excuses do you use to not write? Did any of mine touch a nerve with you? Do you sit down to write every day - do you have a writing practice?

But It Tasted Good...

I admire artists! Those people who can see a picture in their head and then, by whatever medium, bring it to life to let the rest of the world see it. I am not one of those people! I have known this for many, many years (mandatory school art classes taught me that lesson), but sometimes, I forget.

This past weekend was a fine example. Our housewarming party - and what's a party without a cake. I had this vision in my head - create a cake that looks exactly like our house. Here's a picture of our house:

See, I already had a picture. And in my head I envisioned the two 'wings' made from white cake and the main structure to be made from chocolate cake. My reasoning was that not everyone likes chocolate and not everyone likes white/vanilla. Ooh, it was all coming together brilliantly. I even had blue food coloring and the siding on our house is blue. Perfect!

Until the actual construction. Two 9 x 13 cakes - white one cut in two, chocolate trimmed to have the white ones snugged in. The cakes did not rise to the same height - already I'm off. Then, The Husband gets in on the adventure. He had no idea what I was trying to do - even though I drew him a picture (and my drawing is almost as bad as my cake decorating).

I'll give him credit, he mucked in with the icing once I had it dyed and piped on to look like siding - it looked more like a Smurf Log Cabin! Then came the eaves/peaks - whatever you want to call them. OMG - it was getting further and further away from the vision in my head. But I had already cut the cake and the siding was on, no choice but to continue. The roof! I couldn't get the blue any darker - so I remembered I had oreo cookie crumbs. That actually turned out really well. But still - what a goofy cake. My very own Cake Wreck:

Anyone out there in Blogland attempt cake decorating with less than stellar results? People, do you watch Cake Boss (I've included a link - if you have time, go see the amazing cakes Buddy makes)? I love that show - what those bakers/decorators/artists can do with cake is amazing! I just wanted a house. Next time - slab cake with icing and the word "Welcome" stenciled across the top (of course, in my head it's perfect ;)

Virtual Housewarming...

Ron and I welcome you to our home :)









Taz also welcomes you!





Grab a plate of food and we'll start the tour.






The first view as you come through the entrance way - Living/Dining.

The opposite view (from the back door). You can see the difference opening up the kitchen had - before reno pictured next.

The little alcove off the entrance way, at the door to the master bedroom was wasted space. We recyled the old kitchen cabinets and purchased a new counter. This will be Ron's office - right now, it's the bar. Red, white or punch?

The kitchen as seen from the front door. Open to the living/dining. And a big difference from the kitchen as it was before (next picture). I've got my butcher block countertop in - and I love it. And black appliances - so far, so good!

Some of our very good friends who came to the real housewarming yesterday. It was such a glorious day, perfect to sit out on the patio.

Of course, there's always those who hang out in the kitchen. Love ya, girls :)

Please make yourself at home - tour around. Plenty of food and drink. So glad you could make it! BTW - I love my house :) **As always, clicking on the picture will enlarge it on your screen.