I love these questions and will probably try to do bigger blogs on all of them...
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Waking up with Beloved beside me, knowing she is happy, I have friends who love me, enough money to get by and a job I don’t dread in the morning.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing someone I love without getting to tell them I love them
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Selfishness
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I’ll get back to you on that one :)
What is your greatest extravagance?
My collection of Christmas stuff
What is your favorite journey?
My first trip to OKC, OK with Beloved.
What do you like most about your appearance?
My eyes
Which living person do you most despise?
My ex fiancé, who I think is the biggest hypocrite in the world
What is your greatest regret?
Someone I loved that I didn’t tell I loved them, and we quit being friends.
When and where are you most happiest?
Home, in bed, with Beloved or at my desk ,writing
What is your current state of mind?
Stressed out and trying to calm down
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
I wouldn’t. I know that is a cop out, but I think I wouldn’t be me if I changed something. Unless you count that I would like to be more fit. But I am working on that.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Landing my new job, although this NaNo novel might be it soon
What is your most treasured possession?
My ring from beloved, which I wear on my right hand, and a scarf that used to belong to my grandfather.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Loneliness without someone to comfort you
Where would you like to live?
In the country, a samll house on a lot of land
What is your most marked characteristic?
Physically? My eyes and my teeth, which are quite pointed, although I have not had them sharpened. Personality wise? I am really quite eccentric.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Compassion
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Honesty
Who are your favorite writers?
Dostoyevsky, Dumas, Rowling, Shakespeare
Who are your heroes in real life?
My grandmother, Beloved
What is your motto?
Live with passion, Love unconditionally, never go to sleep worrying about something.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Rest
Someone in our group made it to 50K. I can relax now. I am not so far behind anyway. I just wanted to put up somethign new fo rnow. I will come back and whine tomorrow. Lovins-
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
*dances about*
Wow. I have been in a really good mood the past few days. Things are going well for my sotyr, although I took a night off last night to have some me time. I ended up spending it on the internet chatting anyway (shame on me, I didn't update here) and I felt really relaxed before bed last night.
Turns out, people actually do click on links, and Mystery, our ML for my reigon, came by *waves at Mystery in case she is reading* Which is nice. I did feel slightly guilty, because I had written about DJ, but there isn't much I can do about his antics, so I shouldn't, should I? I think sometimes I have too much concience.
I feel really pretty today, which doesn't happen very often, and that may be why I am in such a good mood. Beloved and I had an argument this weekend, but we made up and things are going well. I think it is really tense for her because of how much work she has been doing plus school. I wish she wouldn't work, I make enough we wouldn't be too badly off, and I think it would help her to relax. But she says we are too comfortable to do that, and we like to have nice things. I wish materialsm wouldn't get in the way of her mental health though.
Our anniversary is on Saturday (4 years) and we are going and painting pottery for eachother. Its a little tradition we have.
I am also going to post a bit from my story below, so if you are totally sick of my NaNo crap, feel free to skip strait to the comments section...;)
This is Chapter 13, which I think you can read without much need for explanation. Jeff is my main character Barb's uncle, Gail is her step sister, and that is about it. Oh, Moriah is her sister.
* * *
“Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail too!” * “Here We Come A Wassailing” – Traditional English Carol
Chapter 13 I
t is getting colder still, and I am sure the three of us are going to have dreadful colds in the morning, but it is worth it. Watching Gail give Jeff a blow by blow account of my talk with Moriah is amusing, and her imitations of Moriah’s screeches of protest, which followed us all the way down the stairwell, are priceless. Jeff is laughing hard, nearly bent over at some points with the hilarity of it all.
“Well, Barbie doll, I have to hand it to you. You are going to get it big when your mother finds out. But its good, what you did. Maybe it will shock her into behaving next year.”
“I doubt it. And yes, mom will be pissed, but she should be thanking me on bended knee. I can’t believe she let Moriah get drunk today. Still, if she’ll let her live at home at 21, she will probably let her do most anything. I just hope no one will suspect it is our fault she has mysteriously disappeared.”
“Well, I know Gail is far too sweet to do anything untoward, and I can vouch for you. You’ve been out here smoking with me the whole time. I mean, can’t argue with that, can they? And as your uncle, I couldn’t let you behave so badly toward your sister.” He looks up at the sky, squinting at the snow that is still falling upon our heads, “I certainly wouldn’t let you go driving about in this weather.”
“Aw, Jeffy Clause. You are my own personal Santa again this year, you know it?”
“I try.” He ruffles my hair affectionately.
“I have to ask, Barb,” Gail interrupts from her spot on the swing on the front porch, “Why can Jeff get away with calling you Barbie, and your mom can’t? It seems a little odd.”
“Oh!” I laugh. “Because, Jeff made up that nickname for me. It was a thing between us when I was little…well, even now. And I don’t like that mom calls me that, because she isn’t Jeff, you know? It’s a thing for us. And she makes it into something its not, like I am a doll or something. Jeff says it as a joke, because I was such a tomboy when I was little, playing with James all the time. I was his ‘uncommon Barbie doll.’”
“I get it.” She smiles. “I think I like Barb better anyway. Man, it is getting a little colder isn’t it. Almost time for a warm drink I think.”
“Yeah!” I exclaim, delightedly. “I almost forgot. We should grab some wassail while the getting is good. Jeff makes the best wassail in the world.”
“I don’t know about the best….” Jeff protests.
“Shut up Jeff. You know it’s good.” “Alright, its good. Have you ever had wassail before, Gail.”
“No, I am afraid I haven’t.”
“Its really quite good,” I put in. “He makes it from scratch, its not like the kind you buy in the stores. It makes you deliciously warms on the inside.”
“What’s in it,” she asks suspiciously. Gail, I recall, is a bit of a picky eater, and has some off the wall food allergies.
“Well,” Jeff grins mischievously, “That depends on which kind I make. At first I made it with hot apple cider and some spices. But then I came across a ore traditional recipe.”
“That means with alcohol, right?” Gail questions.
“Right. It starts with the same base, I make a cider by hand from the apples. And the I take other fruit and fruit juices, like pineapple and lemon and orange and I boil them in a pot with cloves and allspice. Nothing you are allergic to so far, right?”
“Right.”
“Then I add dry sherry and some ale. I know you can have that.”
“Oh yes,” she answers. “I can have that.”
“Its my favorite thing that someone brings every year.” I think back, and remember all the years we had it. “Do you remember, Jeff, the first year you brought the new version?”
“How could I forget? I thought your mom was going to kill me.”
“No! What did Charlotte do?” Gail eagerly inquires, almost salivating to hear another story about the family, especially one that involves her new step-mother.
“Well, I guess I should say I didn’t make a non-alcoholic version for the kids. So some of the kids, including Barb, got into the wassail. Now, she was old enough, I think, to know her limit. I think she was about 13 or 14. She and James had a few cups and got a little rowdy singing songs by the fire.”
“Yep, my stocking still has the singe mark on the bottom,” I put in. “So, anyway, earlier in the evening Charlotte, who wasn’t a big fan of the wassail I made before, got into the new wassail and could, of course, detect alcohol was added. So she comes stomping over to me, turkey carver in hand, and starts railing about giving the children alcohol and what the hell was I doing. Well, I tell her that it’s a traditional drink and I thought that the adults might enjoy it. In my opinion James and Barb were old enough to have a glass if they wanted, they had drank a glass of champagne the New Year before, and I didn’t see the harm in it. So she asks me if I ever considered that maybe no one wanted alcohol at Christmas. I made the mistake of laughing at her. I told her of course every one did. Susanne and Tony always brought wine, even back in the days when things were good. Gran, of course, had a vodka orange juice thingy while she was cooking to stay calm with all those extra women in the kitchen and Grandpa and I always had brandy after dinner together.”
“That probably wasn’t too bright Jeff,” Gail laughs.
“No, it wasn’t. All of a sudden she gets on this rant about how wassail is some pagan holiday drink and Christmas is a holy time and how dare I taint the lord’s birth celebration with pagan rituals that were going to damn me to hell if I wasn’t careful and she’d have something to say before I drug the family down with me in my determination to practice unholy arts.”
“Oh. My. God.” Gail whispers in awe. “I knew she was nuts, but really.”
“It gets better. So Barbie overhears her mom freaking out on me, and comes over to listen, glass of wassail in hand.”
“Oh no!”
“Oh yes. And she sweetly points out to her mother that wassail is a traditional British caroling drink, and that it was given to children who went door to door singing songs during the Yule holidays. She also points out that they learned the wassail song the year before in the church musical and there was a lyric, how did it go?”
“God bless the master of the house, God bless the mistress too,” I put in. “Ugh. Only good thing to come out of that awful choir, and chance to give mom a hard time.”
“I see.” Gail is in stitches at this point.
“Barb tells her mom all of this,” Jeff continues, “and you can tell she has nearly reached her breaking point. She says she can see we’ve all got it out for her, and she isn’t going to stand in our way if we wanted to drink and make fools of ourselves. This directly leads to two things. First, we all make a point of enjoying the wassail all night. Two, the kids got pretty tipsy too.”
“I think that was my first hangover, actually,” I muse. “Christmas Day. Oh how it hurt.”
“The best part of all of this is that Charlotte goes with the ‘if you can’t beat them join them’ philosophy and proceeds to get completely soused. It was unbelievable. She spent most of the evening running around the house singing the wassail song and telling everyone that wassail wasn’t a pagan tradition at all.”
“No, Jeff, that wasn’t the best part and you know it.” I interrupt. “The best part was when he bought her a wassail scented candle the next year for a Christmas gift. She was half pleased, and half pissed. She stammered out the most hilarious thank you. Something like, ‘Well, I don’t think you are implying anything, or at least I hope you aren’t but well, isn’t this a lovely gift and how thoughtful and amusing for you to think of this scent and my, while I think of it, why don’t I grab a cup, does anyone else want one?’ It was one of the few times I have ever seen Jeff lose his cool. He had to run off to the bathroom and laugh in there. It didn’t help because we could hear him anyway.”
“Sounds like a good time. Would you guys like some, I was thinking of going in a getting a cup. It sounds awfully good, and it would be better out here in the cold, wouldn’t it?” Gail offers, turning towards the door.
“Sure, sounds great,” I answer, looking at Jeff, who nods his assent.
“I’ll be right back then.” She slips inside and closes the door quickly, and we both feel a rush of warmth as the heart from the inside slips out. The scent of turkey and baking pies reaches our nose, and I can feel my stomach starting to growl.
“She’s all right, I think. That Gail.” Jeff says to me, looking out into the yard, where out little light display reflects colorfully off the snow.
“I think so too. Its been too long since I had someone I could chat to the way I can with her. She’s pretty funny too. A nice balance though. She isn’t nearly as much trouble as I am.”
“But still, a good person. I am glad your mom married, if only because you two met.”
“Thanks.” I look over at him, and his look tells me he is thinking the same thing I am. “I still miss him. And she can’t replace him. But it is nice.”
“It will quit hurting in time, Barbie, I promise. The holidays are always hard when you miss someone you love. But you have Gail, and me. And the rest of the family, even if they don’t show it.”
“I know.” I reach in to my pocket and grab another cigarette. He lights it for me. “Always the gentleman, aren’t you,” I tease.
“Ha. I wish your aunt could hear that.” He inhales deeply. “I think Gail must have been waylaid.”
“Maybe. I like having a moment just for us, though. I am sure she needs a minute away from me anyway. She’s been here all day with me.”
“I see.” I watch the snow fall under the street lights, and reflect the colors of the characters running around the yard. Across the street, I can see Miss Sunshine moving in front of her curtains, and her Christmas lights come on as well. The brilliant white lights are nearly blinding at first, and it is a little harder to see the snow from far away. Up close, though, they are as large as ever, and I maneuver my cigarette to prevent it from getting wet, still hearing the occasional hiss of the snow hitting the tip when I inhale. I hear a soft thud against the front door, and Gail is poking her head in the window. Her hands must be full, I think, and go to open the door for her.
“You’re right. Its delicious.” She proclaims, as she comes outside. “I had a sip, and then a glass, and so I had to get a refill.”
“Better be careful, or you’ll end up like me, singing the wassail song by the fire.”
“I think I could handle that.” We take our wassail and this time, the silence doesn’t seem to bother Gail. We stay here, watching the snow, smoking slowly and sipping our drinks quietly. The warm, musky taste of the wassail fills my mouth, contrasting with the sweet bitterness of my cigarettes. I sigh, and look at them, watching the snow catch in Gail’s brilliant red hair, and melt on the tips of Jeff’s old boots. They both seem deep in thought. Jeff smokes his slow steady pace and watches the street lamps. Occasionally he will bring the cup of wassail to his mouth, and gasp slightly at the feel of the alcohol.
Gail leans lightly against the side of the house, and sighs from time to time. I think I see tears glistening on her cheeks, but it could be the snow melting their too, I am unsure. She keeps her cup close to her mouth, and I can see the spirals of steam battling with the cold mist that rises from her mouth and nose when she exhales. She looks up. At the stars, which shine more brilliantly than I think I have ever seen in a snowstorm, and she tilts her head from side to side every few moments.
It is a happy silence, punctuated by the sound of the softly falling snow and out family, waiting just behind the door. But for the moment, it is just the three of us, enjoying a quiet Christmas. I think of them, and the things I love about my family and the people I love. I think of the happy things that this quiet time, and my family can bring to me. I think of my friendship, with these two people, maybe unlikely people. I think of how James and my Grandpa would have been happy to see this friendship.
I almost feel sane again.
* *
So?????
Turns out, people actually do click on links, and Mystery, our ML for my reigon, came by *waves at Mystery in case she is reading* Which is nice. I did feel slightly guilty, because I had written about DJ, but there isn't much I can do about his antics, so I shouldn't, should I? I think sometimes I have too much concience.
I feel really pretty today, which doesn't happen very often, and that may be why I am in such a good mood. Beloved and I had an argument this weekend, but we made up and things are going well. I think it is really tense for her because of how much work she has been doing plus school. I wish she wouldn't work, I make enough we wouldn't be too badly off, and I think it would help her to relax. But she says we are too comfortable to do that, and we like to have nice things. I wish materialsm wouldn't get in the way of her mental health though.
Our anniversary is on Saturday (4 years) and we are going and painting pottery for eachother. Its a little tradition we have.
I am also going to post a bit from my story below, so if you are totally sick of my NaNo crap, feel free to skip strait to the comments section...;)
This is Chapter 13, which I think you can read without much need for explanation. Jeff is my main character Barb's uncle, Gail is her step sister, and that is about it. Oh, Moriah is her sister.
* * *
“Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail too!” * “Here We Come A Wassailing” – Traditional English Carol
Chapter 13 I
t is getting colder still, and I am sure the three of us are going to have dreadful colds in the morning, but it is worth it. Watching Gail give Jeff a blow by blow account of my talk with Moriah is amusing, and her imitations of Moriah’s screeches of protest, which followed us all the way down the stairwell, are priceless. Jeff is laughing hard, nearly bent over at some points with the hilarity of it all.
“Well, Barbie doll, I have to hand it to you. You are going to get it big when your mother finds out. But its good, what you did. Maybe it will shock her into behaving next year.”
“I doubt it. And yes, mom will be pissed, but she should be thanking me on bended knee. I can’t believe she let Moriah get drunk today. Still, if she’ll let her live at home at 21, she will probably let her do most anything. I just hope no one will suspect it is our fault she has mysteriously disappeared.”
“Well, I know Gail is far too sweet to do anything untoward, and I can vouch for you. You’ve been out here smoking with me the whole time. I mean, can’t argue with that, can they? And as your uncle, I couldn’t let you behave so badly toward your sister.” He looks up at the sky, squinting at the snow that is still falling upon our heads, “I certainly wouldn’t let you go driving about in this weather.”
“Aw, Jeffy Clause. You are my own personal Santa again this year, you know it?”
“I try.” He ruffles my hair affectionately.
“I have to ask, Barb,” Gail interrupts from her spot on the swing on the front porch, “Why can Jeff get away with calling you Barbie, and your mom can’t? It seems a little odd.”
“Oh!” I laugh. “Because, Jeff made up that nickname for me. It was a thing between us when I was little…well, even now. And I don’t like that mom calls me that, because she isn’t Jeff, you know? It’s a thing for us. And she makes it into something its not, like I am a doll or something. Jeff says it as a joke, because I was such a tomboy when I was little, playing with James all the time. I was his ‘uncommon Barbie doll.’”
“I get it.” She smiles. “I think I like Barb better anyway. Man, it is getting a little colder isn’t it. Almost time for a warm drink I think.”
“Yeah!” I exclaim, delightedly. “I almost forgot. We should grab some wassail while the getting is good. Jeff makes the best wassail in the world.”
“I don’t know about the best….” Jeff protests.
“Shut up Jeff. You know it’s good.” “Alright, its good. Have you ever had wassail before, Gail.”
“No, I am afraid I haven’t.”
“Its really quite good,” I put in. “He makes it from scratch, its not like the kind you buy in the stores. It makes you deliciously warms on the inside.”
“What’s in it,” she asks suspiciously. Gail, I recall, is a bit of a picky eater, and has some off the wall food allergies.
“Well,” Jeff grins mischievously, “That depends on which kind I make. At first I made it with hot apple cider and some spices. But then I came across a ore traditional recipe.”
“That means with alcohol, right?” Gail questions.
“Right. It starts with the same base, I make a cider by hand from the apples. And the I take other fruit and fruit juices, like pineapple and lemon and orange and I boil them in a pot with cloves and allspice. Nothing you are allergic to so far, right?”
“Right.”
“Then I add dry sherry and some ale. I know you can have that.”
“Oh yes,” she answers. “I can have that.”
“Its my favorite thing that someone brings every year.” I think back, and remember all the years we had it. “Do you remember, Jeff, the first year you brought the new version?”
“How could I forget? I thought your mom was going to kill me.”
“No! What did Charlotte do?” Gail eagerly inquires, almost salivating to hear another story about the family, especially one that involves her new step-mother.
“Well, I guess I should say I didn’t make a non-alcoholic version for the kids. So some of the kids, including Barb, got into the wassail. Now, she was old enough, I think, to know her limit. I think she was about 13 or 14. She and James had a few cups and got a little rowdy singing songs by the fire.”
“Yep, my stocking still has the singe mark on the bottom,” I put in. “So, anyway, earlier in the evening Charlotte, who wasn’t a big fan of the wassail I made before, got into the new wassail and could, of course, detect alcohol was added. So she comes stomping over to me, turkey carver in hand, and starts railing about giving the children alcohol and what the hell was I doing. Well, I tell her that it’s a traditional drink and I thought that the adults might enjoy it. In my opinion James and Barb were old enough to have a glass if they wanted, they had drank a glass of champagne the New Year before, and I didn’t see the harm in it. So she asks me if I ever considered that maybe no one wanted alcohol at Christmas. I made the mistake of laughing at her. I told her of course every one did. Susanne and Tony always brought wine, even back in the days when things were good. Gran, of course, had a vodka orange juice thingy while she was cooking to stay calm with all those extra women in the kitchen and Grandpa and I always had brandy after dinner together.”
“That probably wasn’t too bright Jeff,” Gail laughs.
“No, it wasn’t. All of a sudden she gets on this rant about how wassail is some pagan holiday drink and Christmas is a holy time and how dare I taint the lord’s birth celebration with pagan rituals that were going to damn me to hell if I wasn’t careful and she’d have something to say before I drug the family down with me in my determination to practice unholy arts.”
“Oh. My. God.” Gail whispers in awe. “I knew she was nuts, but really.”
“It gets better. So Barbie overhears her mom freaking out on me, and comes over to listen, glass of wassail in hand.”
“Oh no!”
“Oh yes. And she sweetly points out to her mother that wassail is a traditional British caroling drink, and that it was given to children who went door to door singing songs during the Yule holidays. She also points out that they learned the wassail song the year before in the church musical and there was a lyric, how did it go?”
“God bless the master of the house, God bless the mistress too,” I put in. “Ugh. Only good thing to come out of that awful choir, and chance to give mom a hard time.”
“I see.” Gail is in stitches at this point.
“Barb tells her mom all of this,” Jeff continues, “and you can tell she has nearly reached her breaking point. She says she can see we’ve all got it out for her, and she isn’t going to stand in our way if we wanted to drink and make fools of ourselves. This directly leads to two things. First, we all make a point of enjoying the wassail all night. Two, the kids got pretty tipsy too.”
“I think that was my first hangover, actually,” I muse. “Christmas Day. Oh how it hurt.”
“The best part of all of this is that Charlotte goes with the ‘if you can’t beat them join them’ philosophy and proceeds to get completely soused. It was unbelievable. She spent most of the evening running around the house singing the wassail song and telling everyone that wassail wasn’t a pagan tradition at all.”
“No, Jeff, that wasn’t the best part and you know it.” I interrupt. “The best part was when he bought her a wassail scented candle the next year for a Christmas gift. She was half pleased, and half pissed. She stammered out the most hilarious thank you. Something like, ‘Well, I don’t think you are implying anything, or at least I hope you aren’t but well, isn’t this a lovely gift and how thoughtful and amusing for you to think of this scent and my, while I think of it, why don’t I grab a cup, does anyone else want one?’ It was one of the few times I have ever seen Jeff lose his cool. He had to run off to the bathroom and laugh in there. It didn’t help because we could hear him anyway.”
“Sounds like a good time. Would you guys like some, I was thinking of going in a getting a cup. It sounds awfully good, and it would be better out here in the cold, wouldn’t it?” Gail offers, turning towards the door.
“Sure, sounds great,” I answer, looking at Jeff, who nods his assent.
“I’ll be right back then.” She slips inside and closes the door quickly, and we both feel a rush of warmth as the heart from the inside slips out. The scent of turkey and baking pies reaches our nose, and I can feel my stomach starting to growl.
“She’s all right, I think. That Gail.” Jeff says to me, looking out into the yard, where out little light display reflects colorfully off the snow.
“I think so too. Its been too long since I had someone I could chat to the way I can with her. She’s pretty funny too. A nice balance though. She isn’t nearly as much trouble as I am.”
“But still, a good person. I am glad your mom married, if only because you two met.”
“Thanks.” I look over at him, and his look tells me he is thinking the same thing I am. “I still miss him. And she can’t replace him. But it is nice.”
“It will quit hurting in time, Barbie, I promise. The holidays are always hard when you miss someone you love. But you have Gail, and me. And the rest of the family, even if they don’t show it.”
“I know.” I reach in to my pocket and grab another cigarette. He lights it for me. “Always the gentleman, aren’t you,” I tease.
“Ha. I wish your aunt could hear that.” He inhales deeply. “I think Gail must have been waylaid.”
“Maybe. I like having a moment just for us, though. I am sure she needs a minute away from me anyway. She’s been here all day with me.”
“I see.” I watch the snow fall under the street lights, and reflect the colors of the characters running around the yard. Across the street, I can see Miss Sunshine moving in front of her curtains, and her Christmas lights come on as well. The brilliant white lights are nearly blinding at first, and it is a little harder to see the snow from far away. Up close, though, they are as large as ever, and I maneuver my cigarette to prevent it from getting wet, still hearing the occasional hiss of the snow hitting the tip when I inhale. I hear a soft thud against the front door, and Gail is poking her head in the window. Her hands must be full, I think, and go to open the door for her.
“You’re right. Its delicious.” She proclaims, as she comes outside. “I had a sip, and then a glass, and so I had to get a refill.”
“Better be careful, or you’ll end up like me, singing the wassail song by the fire.”
“I think I could handle that.” We take our wassail and this time, the silence doesn’t seem to bother Gail. We stay here, watching the snow, smoking slowly and sipping our drinks quietly. The warm, musky taste of the wassail fills my mouth, contrasting with the sweet bitterness of my cigarettes. I sigh, and look at them, watching the snow catch in Gail’s brilliant red hair, and melt on the tips of Jeff’s old boots. They both seem deep in thought. Jeff smokes his slow steady pace and watches the street lamps. Occasionally he will bring the cup of wassail to his mouth, and gasp slightly at the feel of the alcohol.
Gail leans lightly against the side of the house, and sighs from time to time. I think I see tears glistening on her cheeks, but it could be the snow melting their too, I am unsure. She keeps her cup close to her mouth, and I can see the spirals of steam battling with the cold mist that rises from her mouth and nose when she exhales. She looks up. At the stars, which shine more brilliantly than I think I have ever seen in a snowstorm, and she tilts her head from side to side every few moments.
It is a happy silence, punctuated by the sound of the softly falling snow and out family, waiting just behind the door. But for the moment, it is just the three of us, enjoying a quiet Christmas. I think of them, and the things I love about my family and the people I love. I think of the happy things that this quiet time, and my family can bring to me. I think of my friendship, with these two people, maybe unlikely people. I think of how James and my Grandpa would have been happy to see this friendship.
I almost feel sane again.
* *
So?????
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Depressed
Yesterday I wrote a part of my story that was rally hard for me. I was really depressed afterwards. I posted it in my excerpt section and I got a lot of positive feedback, so I suppose that's good at least. But, when I was finished I felt like I was going to be sick.
I don't like writing about death, or most days thinking about it. But it had to be done, and suffering for your characters is the best way to make them real. On the plus side, I broke 25,000 yeasterday. So that's good.
I don't like writing about death, or most days thinking about it. But it had to be done, and suffering for your characters is the best way to make them real. On the plus side, I broke 25,000 yeasterday. So that's good.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
10,516
Well, I passed the 10,00 mark this afternoon. I am very excited.
As promised, Sunshine, I will email it to you tonight, one I get it condensed into one attachment. I have WordPerfect, though, so I don't know if I need to send it in rich text format or not. Let me know.
Went to the write in last night. It was fun. I didn't get hardly anything done there last night. But I did have a good time. Our ML, Mystery, was wearing a really loud t-shirt sent to her form NaNo. I loved it.
There were a ton of people there, a lot more than we had previuously. So that's really cool.
I ended up not going to the movie. Everyone bailed, and I left early to go catch Beloved, who was going to meet me at the movie theater. But neither of us could find it. I ended up running in to her at a stoplight downtown after about 20 minutes.
Everyone in my group is zooming by. I feel almost slow. Although I think I am the first to break 10,000. Still. Most every one is right behind me.
I rea an excerpt from Mystery's novel on her profile, and it makes me feel like a terrible writer. I am a terrible writer. But I love to do it, and that's what is importnant right? Well, maybe I am not terrible, as much as you can't compare the styles of a Madcap Murder Mystery to a Lit Fiction peice, can you. I wish I could write humor, but I can't.
Anyway. I am going to run off and try tofocus on work.
Lovins'
AG
As promised, Sunshine, I will email it to you tonight, one I get it condensed into one attachment. I have WordPerfect, though, so I don't know if I need to send it in rich text format or not. Let me know.
Went to the write in last night. It was fun. I didn't get hardly anything done there last night. But I did have a good time. Our ML, Mystery, was wearing a really loud t-shirt sent to her form NaNo. I loved it.
There were a ton of people there, a lot more than we had previuously. So that's really cool.
I ended up not going to the movie. Everyone bailed, and I left early to go catch Beloved, who was going to meet me at the movie theater. But neither of us could find it. I ended up running in to her at a stoplight downtown after about 20 minutes.
Everyone in my group is zooming by. I feel almost slow. Although I think I am the first to break 10,000. Still. Most every one is right behind me.
I rea an excerpt from Mystery's novel on her profile, and it makes me feel like a terrible writer. I am a terrible writer. But I love to do it, and that's what is importnant right? Well, maybe I am not terrible, as much as you can't compare the styles of a Madcap Murder Mystery to a Lit Fiction peice, can you. I wish I could write humor, but I can't.
Anyway. I am going to run off and try tofocus on work.
Lovins'
AG
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
5128!
Yes!!!!! I broke 5,000 on day one! I am so excited. I can't wait for teh write in tonight.
The Muses are being good to me. I have to take advantage of it while I can.
*Waves to fellow NaNo bloggers* I hope things are going well for all of you.
Sunshine- you have already made your first appearance. And your Christmas ornament that hangs on the tree, guess what it is? Just guess. Haha.
Anyway.
I am going to try desperately to keep up the blog. If I keep up at this rate, it will onyl be 10 days before I can get back to blogging every ten minutes.
Lots of Love *dances around again, wandering off singing Christmas songs*
AG
The Muses are being good to me. I have to take advantage of it while I can.
*Waves to fellow NaNo bloggers* I hope things are going well for all of you.
Sunshine- you have already made your first appearance. And your Christmas ornament that hangs on the tree, guess what it is? Just guess. Haha.
Anyway.
I am going to try desperately to keep up the blog. If I keep up at this rate, it will onyl be 10 days before I can get back to blogging every ten minutes.
Lots of Love *dances around again, wandering off singing Christmas songs*
AG
Monday, October 31, 2005
Happy Halloween!
Yay!!!!!!
I really did mean to post this weekend. But I had to weatherize my house, caulk and I had a NaNo meeting. SO I was uber busy.
I got to go see my mom's new house, which was interesting. She bought all new furniture. I don't know how. It kills me.
I did enjoy the NaNo meeting. I love going to them. Afterwords, we went to a local drinking estblishment and had a fine time.
I spent it talking with our ML, Mystery, and listening to her stories about her home town and when she was growing up. I absolutely adore her, she's very funny. She also understands my "thing" for Alan Rickman, which I love. No one else seems to get it. Anyway. I had a really nice time. It was fun.
Went home and took a loooong bath. It was great.
Looking forward to tick or treaters this evening. This is teh first year I will not be going out and dressing up, which makes me rather sad, but at the same time, I am glad not tohave to mess with it. I will probably rent a scary movie and watch it instead. Should be fun.
NaNo eve tonight as well, and I think I am going to be okay. I am going to get started this evening if I can stay up that late. If not, we are having a "write in" tomorrow evening. Then everyone is going to our local indie film place to watch "The Aristocrats" which I hear is quite vulgar and quite good. I haven't gone to see anything at this new place, so I am looking forward to it.
I think Beloved is glad I am getting out of the house more, and she made a comment last night that I seem happier with something to do.
Happy Halloween Hugs and Lots of Spooky Lovin'
AG
I really did mean to post this weekend. But I had to weatherize my house, caulk and I had a NaNo meeting. SO I was uber busy.
I got to go see my mom's new house, which was interesting. She bought all new furniture. I don't know how. It kills me.
I did enjoy the NaNo meeting. I love going to them. Afterwords, we went to a local drinking estblishment and had a fine time.
I spent it talking with our ML, Mystery, and listening to her stories about her home town and when she was growing up. I absolutely adore her, she's very funny. She also understands my "thing" for Alan Rickman, which I love. No one else seems to get it. Anyway. I had a really nice time. It was fun.
Went home and took a loooong bath. It was great.
Looking forward to tick or treaters this evening. This is teh first year I will not be going out and dressing up, which makes me rather sad, but at the same time, I am glad not tohave to mess with it. I will probably rent a scary movie and watch it instead. Should be fun.
NaNo eve tonight as well, and I think I am going to be okay. I am going to get started this evening if I can stay up that late. If not, we are having a "write in" tomorrow evening. Then everyone is going to our local indie film place to watch "The Aristocrats" which I hear is quite vulgar and quite good. I haven't gone to see anything at this new place, so I am looking forward to it.
I think Beloved is glad I am getting out of the house more, and she made a comment last night that I seem happier with something to do.
Happy Halloween Hugs and Lots of Spooky Lovin'
AG
Friday, October 28, 2005
*Happy Dance*
Woohoo! I finally got the outline for my story done. I know I can do it now. I have a comprehensive beginning, middle and end to it. It doesn't suck too bad, so Iwon't feel like I need to edit the storyline a lot. That's Good. :)
Sunshine has become quite the character in the novel, I have to tell you. First I wrote her in as a cameo and then she just kept poping up! LOL. Now I am really going to owe her some royalty fees. I am even going to et a joke out of the fact that her name is Miss Sunshine, and that's her real name in the book. I am probably the only one who thinks that is funny, huh?
I see most everyone has jumped on the NaNo bandwagon. Hooray. Few more days until the suffering begins. I am such a massochist. I can't wait.
In other good news, I finally got Lil' Bit's constume done. I never thought I would finish.
And just in time, my mom signed forher house three days early and got it today, so I can crack into those pillows, blankets and comforters right away.
I am a glutton for punishment.
Hope everyone is having a happy day so far :)
AG
Sunshine has become quite the character in the novel, I have to tell you. First I wrote her in as a cameo and then she just kept poping up! LOL. Now I am really going to owe her some royalty fees. I am even going to et a joke out of the fact that her name is Miss Sunshine, and that's her real name in the book. I am probably the only one who thinks that is funny, huh?
I see most everyone has jumped on the NaNo bandwagon. Hooray. Few more days until the suffering begins. I am such a massochist. I can't wait.
In other good news, I finally got Lil' Bit's constume done. I never thought I would finish.
And just in time, my mom signed forher house three days early and got it today, so I can crack into those pillows, blankets and comforters right away.
I am a glutton for punishment.
Hope everyone is having a happy day so far :)
AG
Thursday, October 27, 2005
When I am Worried, and I Can't Sleep
Wow. Yesterday sucked. I hate being sick. I won’t go into the gory details, lets just say breakfast this morning was wonderful, since I haven’t eaten since noon on Tuesday.
I did get to indulge in one thing, though, that I always do when I am sick. I watched “White Christmas” last night. I can also chalk it up to research for my novel, I suppose. But I love that movie. It always puts me in a good mood. There’s something comforting about the classic beauty of Vera Ellen and Rosemary Clooney. There’s something that always brings a chill on my arms about Bing Crosby’s voice. Its nice.
Does anyone else have a sick day tradition?
I did get to indulge in one thing, though, that I always do when I am sick. I watched “White Christmas” last night. I can also chalk it up to research for my novel, I suppose. But I love that movie. It always puts me in a good mood. There’s something comforting about the classic beauty of Vera Ellen and Rosemary Clooney. There’s something that always brings a chill on my arms about Bing Crosby’s voice. Its nice.
Does anyone else have a sick day tradition?
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Alright. Its crazy post time. I do not know how many readers ( I am going to lay odds on one) do anything remotely witch-related, and I can't really call myself a witch, unless you use Spin's definition that I believe there is "magic" in the earth.
Anyway. Point.
I have dreams, like the ones I write about. But then I have otehrs that bother me. I think that people dream for a reason, and I have been having dreams lately of people from my past. People I would never normally think of in a days time. Last night I had one of someone I haven't thought baout in ages. But it bothers me.
Do you ever have dreams that came true? Or ones that made you know a certain thing was going to happen? When I was 13 I had a dream on the fourth of July that my brother was hurt in an accident. My mom chalked it up top my fear of fireworks. The next year it happened. Exactly as it happened inthe dream. It freaked me out. I have gotten a little more used to it, but it still bothers me sometimes.
I also read tarot, though hardly ever for myself (and NEVER for money). But today at lunch I had this overwhelming *feeling* that I should read for myself. Of course, I didn't have time to do it, sinceI was in teh car. But when I got back to work I pulled a card.
I got King of Pentacles. It means sucess in business ventures.
Anyway. Spin and Sunshine, I pulled one for you too. (Because you both immediately came to mind. So. I can tell you if you want.)
Anyway. Done freaking out. I just don't have a dream and get the *feeling* all in short succession very often.
Love-
AG
Anyway. Point.
I have dreams, like the ones I write about. But then I have otehrs that bother me. I think that people dream for a reason, and I have been having dreams lately of people from my past. People I would never normally think of in a days time. Last night I had one of someone I haven't thought baout in ages. But it bothers me.
Do you ever have dreams that came true? Or ones that made you know a certain thing was going to happen? When I was 13 I had a dream on the fourth of July that my brother was hurt in an accident. My mom chalked it up top my fear of fireworks. The next year it happened. Exactly as it happened inthe dream. It freaked me out. I have gotten a little more used to it, but it still bothers me sometimes.
I also read tarot, though hardly ever for myself (and NEVER for money). But today at lunch I had this overwhelming *feeling* that I should read for myself. Of course, I didn't have time to do it, sinceI was in teh car. But when I got back to work I pulled a card.
I got King of Pentacles. It means sucess in business ventures.
Anyway. Spin and Sunshine, I pulled one for you too. (Because you both immediately came to mind. So. I can tell you if you want.)
Anyway. Done freaking out. I just don't have a dream and get the *feeling* all in short succession very often.
Love-
AG
Drunk on the Roof
A Story. Okay. I can do this. How about a funny one?
Before I started seeing Beloved I dated a girl who lived in a little bitty town on the state line. I used to drive up to see her all the time. Um, I’ll call her Brain, because she was really book smart. Brain lived in this little bitty town, as I said, in a house that was all hers, because her mom had moved to her grandmother’s house, a few miles away. It was a beautiful house. It was a three story Victorian looking thing with gables and wrap around porches and servants entrances and all that. She had grown up in a room that was the attic before they moved in, and it had two gable windows.
At these gable windows, you could walk out on to a ledge and get on to the roof. Brain and I loved to sit on the roof and look at the stars, which you could see really well, because we were in the country.
Brain and I also liked to indulge in cigars and Scotch. I did not know I liked Scotch until I met Brain, but I do. One of the few things I learned from her.
One night Brain and I got the brilliant idea to crawl out on to the roof with a couple bottles of scotch and some cigars and chill out. Well, we drank until we couldn’t crawl back down into the house, and so we fell asleep on the roof.
We had forgot her mom was coming over for breakfast the next morning. Her poor mother pulls in the driveway and sees us, sprawled out on the roof spread eagle style, Scotch bottles in hand, stubs of cigars surrounding us. She promptly, and justifiably, freaks out. I am sure we looked like victims of some odd ritual killing. She woke us up with her screams, nearly causing us to tumble from the roof.
We managed to stumble inside, hung over as all hell (tip: do not drink scotch strait from the bottle with no chasers) and got the lecture of a lifetime.
Lesson: Drink inside the house, smoke inside the house, and don’t get caught by your prospective MIL.
Before I started seeing Beloved I dated a girl who lived in a little bitty town on the state line. I used to drive up to see her all the time. Um, I’ll call her Brain, because she was really book smart. Brain lived in this little bitty town, as I said, in a house that was all hers, because her mom had moved to her grandmother’s house, a few miles away. It was a beautiful house. It was a three story Victorian looking thing with gables and wrap around porches and servants entrances and all that. She had grown up in a room that was the attic before they moved in, and it had two gable windows.
At these gable windows, you could walk out on to a ledge and get on to the roof. Brain and I loved to sit on the roof and look at the stars, which you could see really well, because we were in the country.
Brain and I also liked to indulge in cigars and Scotch. I did not know I liked Scotch until I met Brain, but I do. One of the few things I learned from her.
One night Brain and I got the brilliant idea to crawl out on to the roof with a couple bottles of scotch and some cigars and chill out. Well, we drank until we couldn’t crawl back down into the house, and so we fell asleep on the roof.
We had forgot her mom was coming over for breakfast the next morning. Her poor mother pulls in the driveway and sees us, sprawled out on the roof spread eagle style, Scotch bottles in hand, stubs of cigars surrounding us. She promptly, and justifiably, freaks out. I am sure we looked like victims of some odd ritual killing. She woke us up with her screams, nearly causing us to tumble from the roof.
We managed to stumble inside, hung over as all hell (tip: do not drink scotch strait from the bottle with no chasers) and got the lecture of a lifetime.
Lesson: Drink inside the house, smoke inside the house, and don’t get caught by your prospective MIL.
Monday, October 24, 2005
A Lesbo Love Story
Yep. So I decided I would post this because it clarifies a lot of things. And I think its romantic, in a modern sort of way.
****
Once upon a time Alecya G. was a very sad, very lonely crackhead stripper, who worked at a gay bar in the midwest. Needless to say business was slow. Alecya was sad because she had traeled to The Great Windy City, and had gotten dumped by a hateful readhead vixen who also made her give away tickets to the greatest entertainer of the age, Ani D.
Upon return, she was at this particular place of employment when she became transfixed by a beautiful blonde woman with tall deadly looking spikes in her hair. Alecya immediately began to pursue this woman with an abandon previously only seen in her dancing, which was known throughout the land.
This woman, Sad Girl, was very lonely too. She lived in a two story astle not far away from where Alecya did, and so, Alecya began to visit Sad Girl when she could. Then Sad Girl became very ill and asked Alecya to take care of her. Nursing her through illness frightenend Alecya and so she ran away.
Once she was recovered, Alecya, undeservedly, sought out Sad Girl to apologize for her terrible behavior. In an attempt to make ammends, she brought Sad Girl the gift of Lavendar Roses, the only rose with out thorns, to try and cheer her up.
Sad Girl was afraid, and did not let Alecya in, but in time, she came to trust Alecya, and asked to to visit the caslte more often. One night, in a stupor brought on by too much crack and lots of alcohol, Alecya kissed Sad Girl. And then she knew she was in love with her.
In a further attempt to persuade Sad Girl of her love, she gave up all vices and sought gainful employment.
Sad Girl saw the love Alecya had for her, and rewarded her with a romantic ride through the counrty on horseback. At the end of the day, Sad Girl and Alecya cold not bear to be parted again.
They went to live in Sad Girl's castle, and she became the Beloved of Alecya.
They lived happily ever after that, and eventually built a castle of their own, had kittens and puppies and many wonderful dreams together.
The End
*************
And that is the fairy tale version of how Beloved got me cleaned up and we fell in love. And you now know all my horrible secrets....
Lovins'
AG
****
Once upon a time Alecya G. was a very sad, very lonely crackhead stripper, who worked at a gay bar in the midwest. Needless to say business was slow. Alecya was sad because she had traeled to The Great Windy City, and had gotten dumped by a hateful readhead vixen who also made her give away tickets to the greatest entertainer of the age, Ani D.
Upon return, she was at this particular place of employment when she became transfixed by a beautiful blonde woman with tall deadly looking spikes in her hair. Alecya immediately began to pursue this woman with an abandon previously only seen in her dancing, which was known throughout the land.
This woman, Sad Girl, was very lonely too. She lived in a two story astle not far away from where Alecya did, and so, Alecya began to visit Sad Girl when she could. Then Sad Girl became very ill and asked Alecya to take care of her. Nursing her through illness frightenend Alecya and so she ran away.
Once she was recovered, Alecya, undeservedly, sought out Sad Girl to apologize for her terrible behavior. In an attempt to make ammends, she brought Sad Girl the gift of Lavendar Roses, the only rose with out thorns, to try and cheer her up.
Sad Girl was afraid, and did not let Alecya in, but in time, she came to trust Alecya, and asked to to visit the caslte more often. One night, in a stupor brought on by too much crack and lots of alcohol, Alecya kissed Sad Girl. And then she knew she was in love with her.
In a further attempt to persuade Sad Girl of her love, she gave up all vices and sought gainful employment.
Sad Girl saw the love Alecya had for her, and rewarded her with a romantic ride through the counrty on horseback. At the end of the day, Sad Girl and Alecya cold not bear to be parted again.
They went to live in Sad Girl's castle, and she became the Beloved of Alecya.
They lived happily ever after that, and eventually built a castle of their own, had kittens and puppies and many wonderful dreams together.
The End
*************
And that is the fairy tale version of how Beloved got me cleaned up and we fell in love. And you now know all my horrible secrets....
Lovins'
AG
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Flying
I am so happy right now. I have had a fantastic weekend. i can't even believe how well it has gone.
I came home friday and Beloved had left flowers on the table for me (purple roses - may favorite) and she had picked up a bunch of movies and we spent the evening cuddled on the couch together watching the movies.
We got up on Saturday and drove out of town and spent the day together, and then ccame back to town, cuddled some more on the couch and watched more movies.
Today we went shopping and then I went to our first NANo meeting for our area. I had a great time.
I may not have mentioned this before, but I do not do well with friends, for some reason, I just can't pick them, and it always seems that Beloved's friends can't stand me. So. When I got there today and there were all these people that were like me that laughed at my jokes instead of giving me this glassy stare, I felt like a million bucks. I honestly felt like I was supposed to be there, which sounds pathetic, I know, but is a feeling I haven't exactly felt in a while. I even felt out-nerded, which I have missed so much. It seems like all the people around me have no clue what its like to want to be educated, or to want to read for fun, or create just for the beauty of reation.
I like that I can be around people who understand that. But I also like that they don't take themselves too seriously either. Yeah, its official, I feel like a complete loser for writing allt his.
But hey, that's what blogs are for, right?
So, this has been a pretty nice weekend. I and think the creative juices are flowing, because I have been feelign it more for my story lately. Which is good, because during November I have a feeling I am going to hate it. Which is fine. As long as I get through it.
So that is the story of my happy weekend. :)
I might get around to posting some writing pretty soon, because I atually feel like writing.
Oh! I also have to add, because it freaked me out. Did anyone see that ABC special about the little twins that looked like barbie's and sing (no pun intended I suppose) Nazi stuff. It frightened me. These kids said on camera that they didn't believe all those Jews were killed in the holocaust because there weren't 6 million Jews alive at the time. Is that crazy or what?
I mean, I am all about people being allowed to express themselves n any way they like. And I appreciate that the freedom they enjoy that allows them to think that also allows me to be a bleeding heart liberal dyke. However, I can't fathom the kind of people who teach, even encourage, hate so young in lidfe. It makes me sick to think that there are people so intolerant. I hate it. I could get started on the I wish rant of how tings could be so much better if we all loved eachother and were tolerant and understanding. But I think we all know that can't ever really happen. nd that really saddens me.
Wow. I am SUCH a downer.
So, er, have a good weekend. :{
eta. I tried to post this last night and blogger qas being stupid. So here it is now. But I wrote it yesterday.
I came home friday and Beloved had left flowers on the table for me (purple roses - may favorite) and she had picked up a bunch of movies and we spent the evening cuddled on the couch together watching the movies.
We got up on Saturday and drove out of town and spent the day together, and then ccame back to town, cuddled some more on the couch and watched more movies.
Today we went shopping and then I went to our first NANo meeting for our area. I had a great time.
I may not have mentioned this before, but I do not do well with friends, for some reason, I just can't pick them, and it always seems that Beloved's friends can't stand me. So. When I got there today and there were all these people that were like me that laughed at my jokes instead of giving me this glassy stare, I felt like a million bucks. I honestly felt like I was supposed to be there, which sounds pathetic, I know, but is a feeling I haven't exactly felt in a while. I even felt out-nerded, which I have missed so much. It seems like all the people around me have no clue what its like to want to be educated, or to want to read for fun, or create just for the beauty of reation.
I like that I can be around people who understand that. But I also like that they don't take themselves too seriously either. Yeah, its official, I feel like a complete loser for writing allt his.
But hey, that's what blogs are for, right?
So, this has been a pretty nice weekend. I and think the creative juices are flowing, because I have been feelign it more for my story lately. Which is good, because during November I have a feeling I am going to hate it. Which is fine. As long as I get through it.
So that is the story of my happy weekend. :)
I might get around to posting some writing pretty soon, because I atually feel like writing.
Oh! I also have to add, because it freaked me out. Did anyone see that ABC special about the little twins that looked like barbie's and sing (no pun intended I suppose) Nazi stuff. It frightened me. These kids said on camera that they didn't believe all those Jews were killed in the holocaust because there weren't 6 million Jews alive at the time. Is that crazy or what?
I mean, I am all about people being allowed to express themselves n any way they like. And I appreciate that the freedom they enjoy that allows them to think that also allows me to be a bleeding heart liberal dyke. However, I can't fathom the kind of people who teach, even encourage, hate so young in lidfe. It makes me sick to think that there are people so intolerant. I hate it. I could get started on the I wish rant of how tings could be so much better if we all loved eachother and were tolerant and understanding. But I think we all know that can't ever really happen. nd that really saddens me.
Wow. I am SUCH a downer.
So, er, have a good weekend. :{
eta. I tried to post this last night and blogger qas being stupid. So here it is now. But I wrote it yesterday.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Another Boring Story Update
Sunshine- I took your advice. I killed off an aunt. Technically, I killed off two, because one is dead in the story anyway. But you know what I mean. I’ve been outlining in all my spare time and I am getting a decent plot together.
I think I have also made the plot a little more clear, which is good. I have about 10 pages of outlining so far, and I am not done just yet. I think I am about halfway. I
Its really amazing how a plot can change and how you see you character’s moving.
I also took some of Spin’s advice and added some happy stuff in there, because all depression all the time won’t make for a bestseller either ;)
I think I also have a working title “Hang a Shining Star” which is part of a lyric from “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” I wanted something holiday-ish that still meant something to the plot.
Our group is going to meet this weekend at a Café in our area. I am looking forward to meeting all the different people. We have everything from a high school person to a Christian radio DJ (I have a feeling we’ll be really in tune with each other…haha) Actually, when I posted in out forum to ask if anyone else had any plot ideas, Mr. DJ told me that he doesn’t believe in even thinking about a plot idea before the 1st. I think he’s nuts. I told him I have to plan a little (okay, a lot) or I won’t get it done. I’m a planner.
On a totally unrelated note, you’ll notice I figured out how to link up. If I linked to you and you mind, let me know. Otherwise, hooray! I figured it out. About time too, I think.
Well, I am off to work. (Meaning, getting back to work, since I am already here.) I hope everyone is having a good morning so far.
Lovins’
AG
I think I have also made the plot a little more clear, which is good. I have about 10 pages of outlining so far, and I am not done just yet. I think I am about halfway. I
Its really amazing how a plot can change and how you see you character’s moving.
I also took some of Spin’s advice and added some happy stuff in there, because all depression all the time won’t make for a bestseller either ;)
I think I also have a working title “Hang a Shining Star” which is part of a lyric from “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” I wanted something holiday-ish that still meant something to the plot.
Our group is going to meet this weekend at a Café in our area. I am looking forward to meeting all the different people. We have everything from a high school person to a Christian radio DJ (I have a feeling we’ll be really in tune with each other…haha) Actually, when I posted in out forum to ask if anyone else had any plot ideas, Mr. DJ told me that he doesn’t believe in even thinking about a plot idea before the 1st. I think he’s nuts. I told him I have to plan a little (okay, a lot) or I won’t get it done. I’m a planner.
On a totally unrelated note, you’ll notice I figured out how to link up. If I linked to you and you mind, let me know. Otherwise, hooray! I figured it out. About time too, I think.
Well, I am off to work. (Meaning, getting back to work, since I am already here.) I hope everyone is having a good morning so far.
Lovins’
AG
Thursday, October 20, 2005
wandering
I am feelign really unmotivated today, and I think I am cranky with pre-girly time hormones.
Of course, it also might be that its getting ready to storm and I wish it would do it already.
I really want to be at home with my cats so...
Updates - Sweet avoided me this morning at breakfast, so I am letting it go. She must be annoyed I couldn't (wouldn't) go with her on Monday. Meh.
I had to rip out the seams of the princess dress again because I sewed them the wrong way. I am so sick of the color pink I hope I never see it again.
I am making good progress on the NaNo outline, and think I might actually make it, despite what Beloved says. She tells me not to get my hopes up, its a lot of writing.
And she's right. Plus Thanksgiving, her birthday, my grandmother's birthday and our anniversary are all in November as well. But I will get 50 K I am sure of it!!! Mwua hahahahah!
Gave Annie and Jolie (beagle and mastiff mix) a bath last night. Boy, it was fun. Annie is still missing fur on her rear from her allergies and she looks pathetic. I need to get them some new hay for the ban, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I want to go to a feed store and not Walmart, because they will leave their hay in the rain because its just for people who put it on their porch at Halloween.
Cats are still mad about their bath. Jack isn't as puffy as he was. That first day he looked like he had gotten into some fabric softener he was so fluffy.
I think s that s it, yeah.
AG
Of course, it also might be that its getting ready to storm and I wish it would do it already.
I really want to be at home with my cats so...
Updates - Sweet avoided me this morning at breakfast, so I am letting it go. She must be annoyed I couldn't (wouldn't) go with her on Monday. Meh.
I had to rip out the seams of the princess dress again because I sewed them the wrong way. I am so sick of the color pink I hope I never see it again.
I am making good progress on the NaNo outline, and think I might actually make it, despite what Beloved says. She tells me not to get my hopes up, its a lot of writing.
And she's right. Plus Thanksgiving, her birthday, my grandmother's birthday and our anniversary are all in November as well. But I will get 50 K I am sure of it!!! Mwua hahahahah!
Gave Annie and Jolie (beagle and mastiff mix) a bath last night. Boy, it was fun. Annie is still missing fur on her rear from her allergies and she looks pathetic. I need to get them some new hay for the ban, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I want to go to a feed store and not Walmart, because they will leave their hay in the rain because its just for people who put it on their porch at Halloween.
Cats are still mad about their bath. Jack isn't as puffy as he was. That first day he looked like he had gotten into some fabric softener he was so fluffy.
I think s that s it, yeah.
AG
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Much Better
I hate admitting it, but going back on my medicine now that i have nsurance coverage againi s better than I thought it would be.
I slept better than I had in ages last night.
Jack kept getting up against me though, and I think I squished him a few times.
I am still really pumped up for NaNo but I have a feeling my blog is going to suffer, and you'll be seeing a lot of input posting. My local area is having a get together this week, and I think I might go.
Work has been rough today, and I still have't finished out that constume yet. I worry I am going to be on it at the last minute. I need to exercise, but I am really not feeling it. Ah, well.
AG
I slept better than I had in ages last night.
Jack kept getting up against me though, and I think I squished him a few times.
I am still really pumped up for NaNo but I have a feeling my blog is going to suffer, and you'll be seeing a lot of input posting. My local area is having a get together this week, and I think I might go.
Work has been rough today, and I still have't finished out that constume yet. I worry I am going to be on it at the last minute. I need to exercise, but I am really not feeling it. Ah, well.
AG
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Beautiful Snowflakes
I learned about snowflaking today, at NaNoWriMo. I have my story summary all ready.
So wanna read it, huh? Huh? Okay. Twisted my arm. Tell me how it sounds so far. *Ahem*
This Christmas, Barb's family Christmas party will reveal some painful insights. Her granmother's age is beginning to show. Her mother's knack for spreading discord is brought to a new level. The aunts she loved as a child are too consumed with greed and grief to be bothered with holiday cheer. The nieve hopes of her sister drive her to despair, but remind her that family may change, but her love for them won't.
No title yet. Sound Awful? Feedback! Please :)
Especially Sunshine who put me on to this one...j/k
So wanna read it, huh? Huh? Okay. Twisted my arm. Tell me how it sounds so far. *Ahem*
This Christmas, Barb's family Christmas party will reveal some painful insights. Her granmother's age is beginning to show. Her mother's knack for spreading discord is brought to a new level. The aunts she loved as a child are too consumed with greed and grief to be bothered with holiday cheer. The nieve hopes of her sister drive her to despair, but remind her that family may change, but her love for them won't.
No title yet. Sound Awful? Feedback! Please :)
Especially Sunshine who put me on to this one...j/k
TOP 5 - Restaurant Edition
Had lunch with Beloved today.
Top 5 Ways to Kill a Tip
5. Don't refil drinks. Ever.
4. When asked the time, Cross your eyes, say 'I don't know I don't carry a watch and walk off"
3. Don't give them the time. Ever.
2. Build up you clientele on how great a specific desert is. Tell them how good it is. Have them order it. Tell them it is not available that day.
1. Call your clientele "kids" Make it obvious you are younger than them.
Next time I am picking the restaurant.
Top 5 Ways to Kill a Tip
5. Don't refil drinks. Ever.
4. When asked the time, Cross your eyes, say 'I don't know I don't carry a watch and walk off"
3. Don't give them the time. Ever.
2. Build up you clientele on how great a specific desert is. Tell them how good it is. Have them order it. Tell them it is not available that day.
1. Call your clientele "kids" Make it obvious you are younger than them.
Next time I am picking the restaurant.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Best.Excuse.Ever.
Gladys, you were close. LOL.
So Sweet just called me at work to tell me how incredibly sorry she was that she didn't get back to me sooner.
Apparently, she spent Thursday evening with her parents, left her cell phone in their car, and they went on vacation to Illinois for the weekend, they just now returned her phone and she feels really, really bad. And she invited me to dinner.
PLUS. If this wasn't bad enough, because missing drinks with me, as you all are sure to know, is devastating, her car got broken into while she was in town on Friday night, so now she has to drive with no rear window.
Please tell me that this is so far fetched t has to be true, because otehrwise my intelligence has been insulted so badly I don't think I could recover.
Beloved also called to let me know she was calling (after I already talked to her) because she called our house to get my work number.
I don't know whether to laugh or vomit.
AG
So Sweet just called me at work to tell me how incredibly sorry she was that she didn't get back to me sooner.
Apparently, she spent Thursday evening with her parents, left her cell phone in their car, and they went on vacation to Illinois for the weekend, they just now returned her phone and she feels really, really bad. And she invited me to dinner.
PLUS. If this wasn't bad enough, because missing drinks with me, as you all are sure to know, is devastating, her car got broken into while she was in town on Friday night, so now she has to drive with no rear window.
Please tell me that this is so far fetched t has to be true, because otehrwise my intelligence has been insulted so badly I don't think I could recover.
Beloved also called to let me know she was calling (after I already talked to her) because she called our house to get my work number.
I don't know whether to laugh or vomit.
AG
NaNo ideas. Input welcome.
I have narrowed it down, I think to two.
Lesbian fiction is totally out. I think there is too much for me to tackle in one go. I want to let this idea simmer, and I want this to be something for later.
So.
Option 1 – Story about Christmas Dinner for a family. Narrator granddaughter. Mom has five sisters. Things have changed a lot. She reminisces about past Christmases and family changes with another family member, possibly her sister. Literary Fiction Piece. Mostly sad, with funny moments.
Option 2 – Story about female who is taking a friend to the fair for the first time. Story told in pictures of their trip. Chapter titles reflect life lessons learned at the fair. Mostly funny, sarcastic and light.
Which sounds better?
Lesbian fiction is totally out. I think there is too much for me to tackle in one go. I want to let this idea simmer, and I want this to be something for later.
So.
Option 1 – Story about Christmas Dinner for a family. Narrator granddaughter. Mom has five sisters. Things have changed a lot. She reminisces about past Christmases and family changes with another family member, possibly her sister. Literary Fiction Piece. Mostly sad, with funny moments.
Option 2 – Story about female who is taking a friend to the fair for the first time. Story told in pictures of their trip. Chapter titles reflect life lessons learned at the fair. Mostly funny, sarcastic and light.
Which sounds better?
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