Carley's Corner

Fun Blog and Moving On

2009-03-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while, time to post again. First I'd like to share link to a blog that's pretty cool. Rick, a fellow reader of Agent Nathan Bransfords blog, started his own blog called the Public Query Slushpile, the link is http://openquery.blogspot.com/. I posted my query first, because no one else had, and I really wanted this thing to take off. I thought, if one person does, I'm sure others will follow. Well they did, after mine was shredded to bits, (sob, sob) but I loved it. It was nice to have other writers look at it and give me an unbiased opinion.

So, I've started yet another query, which can be re-posted on the above mentioned sight, and hopefully it will be better. Along those same lines, I read a post where a writer mentioned his first novel, which he loved dearly, calling it his precious, and it reminded me of...me. I have come to the conclusion that it's time to put my book (1and 2) on the proverbial shelf and move on. Let them marinate for a bit, things always taste better when they marinate right? After I finish this new query and see if I am at all any closer. Then, I move on. (sigh)

But, I have a new story in my mind, which gets the juices flowing again. I also think some of the problem is...I like to write romance. Not the hot steamy kind, but just a good ole fashioned love story. Fantasy was a bit...forced for me. So, I'll try out what feels natural and see. I may end up right back where I started, but it's the journey that makes it all worth while. So, I step aboard my latest ship of adventure, anxiously looking to the skyline to see where it'll take me.

Now, off to the basement I go. There is a full fledged Rock Band emergency.(thankfully no one called 911) The drums have stopped working (gasp) mid song!!! Squash is quite panicked about this. Battery change me thinks! Super mom to the rescue!

A Happier Story

2009-02-25T19:27:00.001-08:00

As requested by Platelet girl, (my number one fan-whoop,whoop) a happy short story. This is another from the IWW group I'm in, the next in line as a matter of fact. The premise for this one was an opening paragraph; make it so good that the reader just has to read more. Of course, it has to be in 400 words or less. So, you tell me how did I do? As a side note, this is actually an opening paragraph for a WIP of mine that is on the back burner while I finish the other book. I am really itching to get this one started, actually, it's constantly playing out in the back of my mind! Soon, soon it will get to be clickity clackity out on word!

Looking back, there were probably a hundred different times I should have told him I couldn’t marry him than the one I had chosen. But I didn’t. As he lifted the veil from my face I just knew. It was at that moment that I discovered I had a backbone and my undying need to please others ceased to exist. What timing. It was then, for the first time in my life that I had done the unexpected, that I had actually done what I wanted.
I looked into his warm brown eyes and said, “I can’t marry you, I’m sorry.”
And then I left. Left the church, left the city, left that life.
I pushed my carry on bag into the overhead compartment on the airplane, buckled my seat belt, and let out a soft sigh. Unexpected; it had become a sort of mantra for me. First the wedding; then I had unexpectedly quit my job. Next I had sent an email to Maura, telling her I’d be there in a day. She had replied that this would be an ‘unexpected surprise’.
Finally I’d made an unexpected stop to mother’s house on my way to the airport to tell her goodbye and left her astonished that she had not been able to make me see her way.
“Margaret, this is so unlike you, you were always such a good girl. It isn’t like you not to listen to Me.” She had said.
I kissed her cheek and climbed back into the cab.
The plane lifted off from the runway. I watched the cars and buildings turn into ants as we climbed; soon only blue water stretched out below us. Next to me sat an unusual man. Not in a bad way, just not in my way.
Unexpected chanted in my head. I threw caution to the wind, tapped him on the shoulder and found my self looking into the darkest pair of eyes I had ever seen.
“Yeah?” he said.
“Hi, I’m Meg.” I said my voice shaking just to spite me.
“And?” he said.
“Umm, well I just wanted to, you know say hello and everything.” I stammered.
He broke into a grin, “Ah don’t go carryin’ on like that love. I’m just pushin’ yer buttons.” He held out his hand, “I’m Ian Meg; it’s a pleasure meetin’ ya.”

Next!

2009-02-17T12:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, just a quick one today, menu's to plan and such. This is the next exercise we did. The premise, as usual, was in 400 words or less, show the down fall of a character due to the demons with in. (reader's digest description.) And so, here is mine, which I felt better about. I spent more time on it, (more than 10 minutes, which is always helpful) and let it sit, then edited it. I haven't made any of the suggested changes, which were really good, I was too busy writing other stuff, but it's still alright as is. Ok, anywho, here it is:

I pulled into the garage, shut the door behind me, and sat alone in the dark, dreading what waited for me when I went inside. Two weeks ago Chelle would’ve been inside getting dinner on the table. My son Drake would run screaming “Daddy!” and then fly into my arms. Lucy would be in her highchair munching on a cracker, smiling at me.
That was two weeks ago. I sighed, got out of the car and went into the house. It was dark and quiet, like a tomb. I turned the kitchen light on. Lucy’s empty high chair stared at me from across the room. A toy truck of Drakes, you know the little kind, sat on the counter, I pulled up a bar stool and sat down, pushing it back and forth. It wasn’t long before the tears streamed down my face; soon the sobs replaced the sound of the toy car.
What had I done? I knew it was wrong, with every fiber in my being I knew it was wrong, but still I kept looking. I had to. I couldn’t stop. Chelle had tried for a year to deal with it. At first she had even put pictures of the kids on the computer screen so I would have to look at them first before I looked at my porn. Like it mattered; I just had to get my fix. We had gone to counseling. I fooled her into thinking it was working, while I watched porn videos at work and got up in the middle of the night to look at more on the web. She had caught me doing that too, and still she had stayed. She put up with so much, until I crossed the final line.
She had left me with the kids to go to the store; golden opportunity I thought. I put Lucy to bed, Drake was playing with his trucks, and I was online, getting my fix. I didn’t even hear the garage open. I also didn’t hear Lucy screaming upstairs. Chelle did though when she walked back in to grab her cell phone. She took one look at me, went and got Lucy, took Drake by the hand and left. Even though I was begging her on my knees to stay promising it was the last time. Again. My wails echo in the empty house that was once my home.

IWW Exercises

2009-02-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

While in the shower yesterday, (it's where I get all my best ideas!) I thought, I should stick a few of my IWW Practice Write exercises on here, just for the fun of it. So, I'm going to. Now, the majority of these are 'in 400 words or less' type deals, with a topic assigned. So, I'll start at the begining, my first one, which I don't love, so please don't judge me to harshly! I wrote it in ten minutes, then hit send. Not my favorite way to write, I like to let things sit for a bit, then look at them with somewhat fresher eyes. But I was excited to begin and nervouse. Anyway, (enough excuses already) this one was called Generation Gap, the premises being ,write an encounter with someone 70 or older and someone else who is a generation or more, younger. So...here it is, in all it's very unedited glory. (Drum roll please.....)

She heard the tractor running outside.
"What on earth is he plowing now?" She wondered. She wiped her hands on the towel in the kitchen and made her way outside to the yard. Sure enough, there he was sitting on top of the tractor plowing the fifteen rows of green beans he'd planted. Beans that were just now ready to begin picking.
She strode across the lawn and stood in front of the tractor where he could see her.
"Granddaddy what are you doing?" she asked in amazement.
"I don't know why I planted all these beans, no one's going to eat them anyway." he answered, pushing the straw hat back and brushing his silver hair back off his face.
"I would've eaten them, you would've eaten them...." She began, struggling to find the right words for this bizarre situation.
"To much work now to pick them sweetheart." he said smiling, his brown eyes twinkled as he smiled.
She was a sucker for that smile, always had been since she was a little girl. "Well, alright. Are you almost finished? Dinner's just about ready."
"Just about, I want to plow the empty field next to this one, weeds'll be out of hand if I don't get to it soon." he said, reaching to start the tractor back up.
She looked over at the field he reffered to, the one that had just been plowed yesterday. "Oh, well, don't be to long, it's almost time for your pills. You'll eat upstairs with us won't you granddaddy?" she asked.
"Yes lil' darlin', I wouldn't miss it." he said, turned the tractor on and put it in to gear. She had to move quick to get out of the way. He was laughing, it was a trick he'd played on all the kids for years. She watched him as he continued plowing row after row of green beans under. Some people would say it was crazy, but she knew it wasn't, she understood. And that's why she was here.

Chicken Little and Black Clouds

2009-02-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

This post is right out of left field; but I think I may be Chicken Little, and the sky may be falling! Seriously, well alright, not literally, but it sure has seemed like it. My poor family, they are unraveling left and right! This has been one heckuva few months for us. But, if you have even the tiniest bit of a sense of humor, (which we all do, thankfully) you can laugh at it. And when it's all added up, then looked at, on one page mind you, it's just crazy. So...here is it 3 mos ago, dad lost his job, (who hasn't at this point), no worries though mom went back to work at a grocery store, not exactly her dream job, but it pays. Oh, I neglected to say that before that, sister Batgirl got a divorce. Then sister Platelet girl got this crazy disease where her body stops making platelets, which they discovered when she was in labor, really great timing there.

This was followed by brother Boy Wonder, losing his job, topped off by him breaking his thumb on one hand, and tearing all the ligaments in his elbow on the other arm. Nice. Pretty fun year so far right? Yeah really fun, but wait, it's not over yet! This week, sister Double H can no longer take her three week headache, as it has become debilitating, and has spent the last two nights in the ER, being testing for everything from strokes to MS. Nice. As for me? Well, sister Batgirl called last night, and said, "I've just got to ask you, to you feel like you've got a black cloud over your head?" I said, "Whatever do you mean sister dear?" (well not quite like that) and her reply was, "You're the last one standing, are you scared?" We both laughed our heads off. Well, I wasn't scared, but now, I'm looking up for black clouds! :)

And through all this, what has my beloved family done? We've circled the proverbial wagons. Meals were brought to those who couldn't prepare them, children were taken in by aunts when their parents had appointments, there were endless phone calls of concern, or the kind where you just listen as the other person unburden their selves. I have the most incredible family, our bonds are of super human strength. We don't pick each other apart, we pick each other up. And through all of this madness, we've laughed. Yep, laughed. Bill Cosby once said, "If you can laugh at it you can live through it." (or something along those lines.) How true that is. It may make us sound a bit unwell, but really if you can find humor in yourselves, the rest is cake. That, and surrounding yourself with those you love.

So, lets fix what was broken, Dad has a new job, Platelet girl is cured after a splenectomy, Batgirl remarried her ex, whew, I love happy endings; Boy Wonder....well he's still broken and unemployed, but I'm sure there's a silver lining in there somewhere, and Double H? They couldn't find anything wrong yet (hopefully ever), we're still waiting for test results on some of the uglier stuff, and she's gone to see a neurologist as I type. Fingers crossed, but with the Lords ever watchful eye, everything will work out, I know it. If not, we've got each other, and nothing else matters. And so it goes.

Keep on Keepin' On

2009-02-07T15:36:00.000-08:00

Just another short post since it's been forever since I've posted. So, I'm still really enjoying IWW; I'm learning so much, and I think (hope) that it's helping my writing. For one thing it's defiantly making it tighter...I tend to babble. On the writing front, still plugging away on book 2, slowly but surely. It's been really fun developing this world a bit more, and dipping into a few others. When I'm done with this bit I have something on the back burner that I'm dying to get started. On the reading front, I haven't had much time, with all the writing that I've been doing.
:( That and the Wii, which is quite addicting have closed the book on that front for the moment.(pun intended) So that's about it for me right now. Off to start dinner for my herd!

IWW Update

2009-01-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I've been participating in the IWW (the link I posted last time) for about a week now. I love it. You've got to try it. Especially the 'Practice Write' bit, which is really fun and has been so informative. My only complaint, is I hate to critique peoples work when it is...ummmm....less than great. I know how personal each everything that we write becomes and I feel terrible ripping them apart. I do it nicely though. On the flip side of that, I have appreciated every critique I've gotten. The bad ones are helping me to grow as a writer, and I'm learning so much from them.

So, give it a try. For me so far it's been really great. I love associating with other writers, it's fun to share a passion like this with other people.

Now, on the book front....still working, working, working, and having the best time. So, that's all that matters right? Right!

Critique Groups

2009-01-08T15:51:00.001-08:00

I have always said to myself that if I ever became a published author I would help others that were just getting started. Now, since who knows when that will happen, I thought for the sake of good Karma I'd start now! I have a friend who is a published author of several books. (she's been really great for tips) I was asking her opinion on critique groups, because I have to admit I am a bit leery of them. However, she gave me a site that she used before making her break through into the industry, and so I'm going to share it! I just signed up and am still wading my way through it, but so far it looks pretty beneficial...time will tell. As my friend said, the best thing about the site is that it's free. Anyway, the link is this: www.internetwritingworkshop.org Give it a try, as I do and let me know what you think about it. I'm hoping this will be a flashlight in the strange and dark world of publishing!

On the writing side...well book one is receiving rave reviews from my very professional reviewers-my sisters. One of them even liked it as well as Twilight! Yeah, back to earth, they are my sisters, lol. But still it is fun to have people actually liking your work, even if they are your own flesh and blood! Book one is done editing for the umpteenth time, and now my sisters are all picking their way through a printed copy, highlighting my every mistake, thanks girls! Book two is well underway...I've been super disciplined since I got a cheering crowd and am up by 5 or 6 am to write every day before getting the kidlets off to school. I also squeaked out another painful query letter, sent it to the query shark, and am hoping she will tear it to pieces. If not, a fore mentioned author friend has offered to later this month....that would be a real dream there! But mostly....I am just loving the writing, which is good, since that's what it's all about anyway. Heck, Maude even had me help her with a Limerick for school, so I whipped one out for her, then told her to work with it. But being the teenager that she is, she just used mine-which was read aloud in her English class! Do I rock 8th grade English or what! (hahaha) I should totally go back and do it all again! NOT!

Lastly, a special 'editors note' to Platlet Girl and her hubby: THANK YOU! Hubby, for orchestrating the printing of my book and Platlet Girl for reading it and giving me such great input. Mostly though for just reading it...that meant a lot! You two are the bestest! :)

Writing the book was the easy part!

2008-12-22T16:18:00.001-08:00

As I sit with my head in my hands trying to think of a great 'hook' for a query letter, it occurs to me for the millionth time, that writing the book is the easy part. Really, it is. People are always so awed by the fact that I have written a book or two, so I hate to break the spell, but I'm to honest not to. It's really easy to write a book, to pitch it, not so much. I have to say it's killing me! And then, that's not even counting the fact that once you think you have a good letter, or pitch, is it really? How do you know? You just don't...unless some lovely agent out there asks for a partial or (gasp) offers to rep you...now that's a dream all writers hang on to. Anywho, those are my thoughts on the strange and dark world of publishing that I have somehow ventured into. Maybe I should do as Super Spouse has suggested, just write for the love of it and bag making anything of it. Naw, that's to easy!

Thanks Maude

2008-12-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

Just a quickie to thank my Maude. What a girl! She is reading book one again, bless her. Even though her opinion is obviously tainted by the fact that I am her mother, she still raves on and on about it. Going as far as calling it the cure for her O.T.D. (teen lingo for Obsessive Twilight Disorder, lol) Now, while I am not so naive as to believe that my book is that awesome, it's still feels good to have her say it, over and over. She even used a character comparison out of my book yesterday. Usually all her real life scenarios always end back at Edward and Bella. Yesterday, she used two of my characters, it was pretty cute. Super Spouse had to rein her in from telling all her friends about the plot of the book, and convincing her that having them read it was not the best idea-yet. Personally, I think he likes to keep my madness under wraps! ;) (kidding, Super Spouse is actually wonderful about the writing bit-he even went so far as to buy me my own laptop last year in a grand show of support.) Anyway, thanks Maude, for puffing my sails up again, giving me courage and that little bit of hope that maybe what I write isn't all that bad. You help me see the light at the end of this winding tunnel I'm in. You're the best! xoxox Now, back to work!

Time Out

2008-12-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

Just a quickie...I am taking a 'blogger time-out'. The only writing I'm doing at the moment is on my book. I'm in the zone, no time for distractions, all that sort of thing! Wish me happy writing and off we goooo!

Arghh...Twilight!!!

2008-11-20T21:09:00.001-08:00

It's the eve of Twilight, the movie, and my Maude has absolutely driven me CRAZY this last week. Now, don't get me wrong, I adore the fact that this book has gotten teens to pick up books in general, stop texting and start reading, but seriously??? No, really, seriously?? It was ok, it was entertaining, perfect for the genre it was written for. But these nutsy Twilight moms???? What on earth is that all about? There are old ladies, yeah, that means they are my age, drooling over this fictional character, who, in my opinion doesn't have a tenth of the depth of Mr. Darcy. But, that's a whole other ball game. Well, I guess it's not really, you see Mr. Darcy was written I think, (and humor myself) for the more mature mind. And really, Edward...really? So, my question is, are there honestly that many middle aged, miserably married, longing for the teenage twitters of years gone by women??? Apparently so. It has been my finding (yes it was a very extensive research project-not) that the women (and that's what we really are ladies, grown women)who didn't fall deeply in love with Edward and said books, are educated, well read, and pretty happy. (of course I found that, since I fit into that group.) But that's just me. All the rest of you...well you seem a bit unhinged to me. It's terribly odd. And that, my now much offended friends, is what drives me batty about Twilight.

That being said, I will let you know if the movie is better than the book (I think it will be) because I am taking Maude tomorrow night. Pray for any crazy Twilight Moms that I may encounter, and maybe, just maybe I will hold my tongue and only smile sadly at them. :)

Post Election Thoughts

2008-11-12T06:18:00.000-08:00

Well, finally a week ago it was over! Didn't it seem like it was the longest election ever? Even my kids got into it, asking me the week before who I was going to vote for, and then telling me who'd they vote for. As with anything that involves children, there was a great deal of humor! Sprite cannot say Obama, she came home from school wanting to know if I was 'going to vote for that Oakabama guy.' We all laughed and laughed, so now she won't quit saying it! On election day itself, the kids all inquired had we voted, yes of course, early voted in fact, (bad move, we had to wait in line for an hour and a half) Squash and Sprite were so relieved at this. Now, what kind of mother would I be if I didn't take this golden opportunity and mess with Sprite a bit? After all, she had been so very serious about this election, as involved as a child could be. So naturally, I asked her had she voted today? Oh to see the look of panic on her little face, priceless! She stammered on and on, 'teacher didn't tell her too', 'she didn't know where she was to have voted', 'could I still vote?' Now, Squash being a very decent older brother, told her 'we all voted in the lunch room, didn't you?' Sprite lost it, started crying and wanted to get back to school to vote. At that point Squash was rolling and I told her it was all a joke. Squash gently told her 'duh, we can't vote until we're 18!' Isn't he the best brother in the world? Truly a tribute to all big brothers.
That evening we all gathered around the ole telly and watched the results roll in. The kids turned it into a game of sorts, some choosing the 'blue' team others the 'red' team. And then the results were in, we had a new president. It was really great to be able to explain the whole process to them. However, the three younger children learned something they had never noticed before-that there was a difference between white & black people. Truly, they had never noticed it. Yes, they noticed different skin colors, but we've long told them God loves all colors, so he makes people just as colorful as nature. They where told by there dad, see how McCain skin is white, and Obama is darker? That's what the news people are talking about, that's why they keep calling him black. Sad. How sad. They honestly never knew any of the race stuff that we grew up with. And so with the media going on and on about how monumental it was that perhaps the race barriers were finally down, they managed to put up a few more with children that had never even known they existed. Brilliant.

On the writing front, still editing what the computer tried to kill, and it's actually going really well. Plus I found parts of book 2 in an email I sent to my mom, thank heavens for moms, so after I polish book 1, I have the pieces of book two to start with. Reading....ahhh, finished Sense & Sensibility, which was good, not as good as Pride though. And of course, as I was wondering the Library, I sorta got sucked into the isle with Binchy, so I am reading a bit more of her.

It is feeding time at the zoo, and there are terrible screeching noises coming from the kitchen...as the zoo keeper I am obligated to check this out!

Great Aunts and Irish Bands

2008-10-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

So, it's been ages, but since I am the only avid follower of this thing, I suppose it doesn't really matter! As the title reveals, we had a visit from my great Aunt, who is well into her 80's, and I must say, a wonderfully charming lady. She is a retired librarian, so as you can imagine, topics were not scarce between us. She had dinner at our house with us, and she and I talked and talked. Ma and Pa scurried her off home, and at about the time I was closing the front door, it occured to me that I had just met my future self in my 80's, no wonder I liked her so well! Super Spouse is always teasing me that I get on better with the elderly, which is probably true, so he just loved this moment. Apparently I am an 80ish old lady trapped in a mid 30's body. Go figure. (don't worry, the body is doing it's darnedest to get to 80 faster than I'd like)

On the reading front, I just finished off 3 more Maeve Binchy books, quite addicting those, and I've started, then stopped, then started Austen's Sense & Sensibility. I really do love Binchy, although, since her books tend to be so full of life, even the icky parts, they tend to get me down. The upside is, it's like being able to slip over to Ireland at any given moment, which if you know me at all, is truly a dream come true. So, I think I'll put Binchy aside for a bit, fatten myself up on some flowery Austen, and then get back to the business of writing. One I seem to have totally neglected. Hear one, hear all, I do solemnly swear to begin again. Since the laptop crash book one really needs to be repaired, and patched up, as so much was lost, and you know what they say...there is no time like the present! The wind went out of my sails as I watched a year of work wither away, got me down, but I'm up now so why put it off right? Right. I wonder, as I get the book back into shape, would it be a grand idea to put bits of it here? Hmmmm, have to think that one over a bit. I was awfully secretive with it, only a select few have been allowed to read it, but now I find I really don't care. At first I thought it only confirmed that I was indeed a raving lunatic, but now, I learn it actually happens to other people-stories playing on in their heads that is. So, anyway, I'm more comfy in my new skin, so to speak!

The animals in the Zoo are wonderful. All reved up for Halloween. The excitement gets a bit contagious. Super Spouse & I got to go to a NBA game last night with Pine Nut & Angel, which was fun. But as usual, I enjoyed the people watching far more than the game. Apparently it's catching, this people watching, even Super Spouse got in on the action! He leaned over and said, 'So do you think that couple is married, or just flirting like mad? There not sitting with each other, and the little girl with the man, I'll bet she is telling him she's going to tell mom.' I had to laugh, as that's just the thing I'd have said. People are the best subjects to study, next to music & nature they are the best muse's.

Speaking of Super Spouse, he rode in on his white stallion and presented me with the latest Snow Patrol album the other day, which was quickly added to my Ipod and has been playing ever since. It's wonderful. Truly. There's music, and then there's music that beats in tune with your own heart beat, and this is that for me. Lightbody's (lead singer) voice once again wraps it's self around you, carrying you away into the music. So really, you should give it a listen. My fav tracks are 'Crack the Shutters' and 'If there's a rocket Tie Me To It'. Overall, it's a great album with so much depth. Oh, and did I mention, they're an Irish band? No, well they are, so that makes it perfect, lol. The Irish have a way with music and story telling. So, go give it a listen!

Computer crashes & Mono invasion

2008-10-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

What I'm reading: Just finished Quentins, by Maeve Binchy (adored it, my favorite yet of hers). Halfway through Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. And recently read: Tara Road, The Glass Lake both by Maeve Binchy, and Pillars of the Earth finished. (yeah, so I'm on a reading binge of sorts, so kill me!)

I am officially the worst blogger on the face of the earth. Fortunately, no one really reads this, so the fact that I haven't written in weeks will go unnoticed! However, I have numerous spectacular excuses. Such as: every one of us got a terrible stomach flu, except Maude. Then when Sprite got it, she also got strep throat followed a few days later by a Mononucleosis diagnosis. Then, my lap top crashed, fizzed, committed suicide, you get my drift. Did I mention I lost everything that was on it? No? Well, I did. Including my books. It's true. Fortunately, book one was on my zip drive. Wish I could say the same for the beginning of book two, but I can't. I'm still numb with grief over that one. But book 2 was just started, and book one was complete, so I suppose it was the lesser of two evils. (sorta like the upcoming presidential election?) So really, when you look at the pretty much crap month I've had, I think it's all quite excusable. That being said, let's get down to business.

On the writing front. As you can see by my sub title, I've mostly been reading, not writing for the last little while. But! I have started a new book, entirely different genre than the first two. This one will be chick lit. And it's fun. But, considering my lap top death (no worries, it has been reincarnated) I have loads of work to do on books 1&2. But, I'm in lazy mode right now, so not to much is getting done on that front. Also, I'm feeling a bit self indulgent, and book 3 is curbing that need. So, I'm working, running in place and going no where fast, but such is the life of the tormented artist. Hahaha.

Onto the books I've read. I did finish Pillars of the Earth, and was still not won over by it. However, I do see the need for the coarse way in which it was written, but as I've said before, just not my cup of tea. As stated above, I've taken to Maeve Binchy again. I adore that woman. She writes a most restful book. Warm, inviting, where the numerous characters have such depth. And somehow, even though each book has about 4 plus main story lines and yet, you grow to love each of them and in the end they all tie together. I've read a lot of what she's written and highly recommend her for a good read. She's one of my all time favorites, so give her a try. I have to admit Mansfield Park is not my favorite Austen novel, but, it's still classic Austen, and you really can't go wrong there. Next in line is a refresher of my newly purchased (thank you Pug's wife) copy of Sense and Sensibility. I read it ages ago, but can't really remember it, so I thought I'd give it another read through. Then, as I'm feeling greedy, I have a copy of Maeve Binchy's 'The Lilac Bus' calling to me from the bookshelf, so I'll just have to read that one as well.

As to the fam, we are all finally well! Hallelujah! It's been nearly a month of constant illness here at the Zoo I call home, but I am pleased to say I really think we are all on the mend. Whew. Also in the goings on of the Zoo, I had a birthday come and go, making me older. Unfortunately wiser didn't seem to come along with older for me. Just gray hairs. Super spouse decorated the house for me, and had a take away meal brought in, which he insisted I eat by candle light. Not to mention the lovely bouquet, and numerous cards stashed about the house. And, a mushy voice mail message that I saved for a rainy day. And you wonder why I call him Super Spouse? Mom made me my favorite Red Velvet Cake, which I shared a bit of with the kids, then made quick work of the rest by myself. Sprite is feeling better, she went to nearly a whole week of school this week, and did really well. She just can't play outside or have contact sports (no soccer for her!) as her spleen in enlarged, a side effect of Mono. On the brighter side, Maude finished her soccer season with a win (that's not the brighter side, the finished part is.) so now we will only be having to run her to soccer twice a week, rather than 4-5 times. I'm sure glad we have winter where I live!

So tonight, on this fabulous Saturday evening, Super Spouse is taking me out to dinner with our friends Pine Nut (named himself trying to get into my book-don't ask) and Angel (because she just is, never met anyone as nice as her), then coming back to the Zoo to watch a movie. And on that note, I must go feed the animals as they will not be coming with us.

The Flu

2008-09-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

What I'm Reading: Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett

So, I've managed to pull my aching body over to the computer long enough to write a quick entry. I've had the stomach flu for the past 24 hours...and it is kicking my butt! I am generally blessed not to get sick when the kids do, but this one got me, and has left me pretty much incapacitated! But, it's another day, and I do feel a lot better than yesterday. Super Spouse once again donned his cape and played Soccer mom for me yesterday, while Squash and I lay prostrate on the floor, moaning in pain. Poor Squash had the back luck of getting sick at the same time as me, so neither of us could take care of the other. There was however the solace of misery loving company, so it wasn't to bad.

On the literary front, I am reading Pillars of the Earth, as a fore mentioned, and really, while it is spellbinding, I have to say I don't like it. It's quite vulgar, written by a man, so of course all the women are sexed up and throwing their selves at the men in the book, or they are getting raped left and right. I know, it's time period is in the 1100's but still, it's so coarse! But, have I closed it with disgust? No, I am 700 give or take pages into it, and determined to finish it. However, I have decided not to read the sequel, Worlds without End. And technically, I could say that reading the book made me sick, so sick that I puked, but that wouldn't be completely honest, since it was a flu bug that got me! So, it's not one that I would recommend.
Also, I read 16 Sandpiper Way in about 3 minutes. Entertaining but not much to chew on literary wise. There are 8 books in that series, and I don't know that I'll read any others there either.

Well, that's all I have time for right now. Sprite has decided to return to school, after having me come and get her claiming to be sick. I guess being home wasn't all she thought it would be.

Middlemarch

2008-09-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

What I'm reading: Finished Middlemarch...still ruminating on that!

Well, 800 and some odd pages later, I am pleased to say that I have finished Middlemarch! Since hind sight is 20/20 I do have to admit, it is probably one of the best books I've ever read. Seriously. I know, who'd of thunk? Not me, as it took almost 200 pages to really get into it, but it was so beautiful. So full of philosophy, that it has left me thinking ever since I finished the last page. It's one of those books that you actually stop and highlight or mark a clever phrase in it. And besides, it is quite an insight into marriage, which is really interesting considering the author was only married for under a year before she died. The bouncing around from various groups of characters was at first annoying, but in the long run, it did keep hour attention. Also, it was brilliant the way all the characters were ultimately tied together, some without really even knowing the others in the book. And, the heroine....wow she was really something else. Talk about one classy lady! Not to mention the fact that it had romance woven all the way through it, which I adored. So, as I said before, it proved to be one of the best books, although a bit slow at first, that I have ever read. Up next, possibly something by Ken Follett, I hear he's pretty good. Besides, it's probably a good idea for me to come back to my own time period!

Now, as to my book- oh it's still there, and coming along. I am editing it, AGAIN, this is like the 4th time, but perfection doesn't usually come on the first try right? Well, as Winnie the Pooh said, "I have a rumbly in my tumbly." Tata!

Revise!

2008-08-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

What I'm reading: Middlemarch, by George Eliot

On the literary front...ever heard the word revise? Yeah, me too. Really stinks, but quite necessary. And so after much thought, numerous rejection letters, and a bit of revelation ;) I have ripped the book apart (not literally) and started the beginning over again. Oh, and the ending as well. Sorta. In all reality, ego aside, I think it will be much better this time around. But, on the up side, the bits taken out should fit perfect into book 2. Which would explain why they never really belonged in book 1. Although it's been a bit of work, I love it. Crazy, but I freaking love it. I hadn't been writing for a bit because of the kidlets being ever present. (Oh dear, my biggest fan, Maude, just read this and is distraught....she loved the book as was...well, she'll like it this way to.) So, I'm back at it, up at 5:30am and writing away, cup o' hot chocolate on the side...it's so nice to be home! Reading wise, I'm still plugging away at Middlemarch, and shocker, I'm enjoying it! It did take a 150 odd pages to get into it properly, but now, it's quite good. I think after that I'll read Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. You do know it's going to be on the telly soon, so I thought I'd give it a read. Besides, I really liked Moll Flanders, and I'm curious to see how different this will be in comparison to that. Silly, I know. (Maude seriously just asked me if vampires (as in..sigh from her...Edward) could taste food. For the millionth time I had to explain that there are NO SUCH THINGS as vampires...thanks Ms. Meyers.)

On the home front....I still can't believe it, the kidlets started school on Monday (woohoo!) and the house is so quiet! I think if I yelled "Hello" it may echo, seriously. That being said, I feel like I've spent the entire week getting the house back in order from a summer of fun. It's almost there! I have numerous little chores set aside for myself when Salsa starts pre-school (or pretty-school as she calls it) next week. So, yeah, I've been happily occupied. The kids all love being back in school, even Maude, who daily tells me how absolutely annoying all seventh graders are, now that she's an eighth grader. Remember those days???(she just started up again, I can't take much more!) So that's about it on the home front. Oh yeah, we did venture up into the mountains last weekend to take the kids hiking. All four of them walked, which is huge, considering for the last 13 years Super Spouse has carried one of them at one time or another. He never realized how easy the hike was with out a child in arms! On the down side, we did encounter a bee hive, and sadly, Squash & Sprite were stung. Maude & I ran quickly, Squash had the misfortune of having a bee fly up his shorts and sting his bum. (I think I made him made because I was laughing so hard) Sprite froze with fear, until Super Spouse swooped down and she clung like a monkey to his leg, while he carried Salsa. That too was funny. So obviously I have an odd sense of humor. Can't help it. Ever since I was small I've always laughed, or tried very hard not to, when someone got hurt. My mom is the same way, it must be a genetic thing.

Well, it's feeding time at the Zoo for my herd!

Back from far away....

2008-08-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

So, Maude had a soccer tournament this weekend far, far away from home. What is it about these tournaments that makes us continue to sign our kids up for the craziness? Her team took second place, so that's all well and good, but it did cost us a small fortune in gas money. I used to think as the kids got older, out of diapers & formula, they would be cheaper to keep-boy was I wrong! I'd love to be able to just feed them formula all day now! That's not to mention the clothes, (Maude's clothes are now the same price as mine, and we share a shoe size, lol) the activities...the list goes on and on! The other kidlets endured like little champs, and we all returned home safe, if not a bit dried out from the sun & heat. Besides, we managed to still catch exciting Olympic events each evening, so I'm not complaining.

What is it with the Olympics? They are so contagious! I have been shocked at how my kidlets have tuned in religiously each day & night to watch sports they have never seen before. They loved the swimming (and Squash hates water) but who didn't love the Michael Phelps Phenom? Sprite is determined to become a gymnast, in her words, "I've just got to be on TV!" It's been a great way to wrap up the summer....hey have I mentioned that fact that the kids go back to school in 5 days? (Hallelujah!) But whose counting? Not me, obviously.

As to other things, I've picked Middlemarch back up again, this time I am determined to finish it through. I have to share a line from the book that just cracked me up. I seriously chuckled out loud, causing Super Spouse to raise a curious eye brow.(he can't believe that anything written in 1871 could be that funny.) Anyway, the line sums up so perfectly the definition of 'keeping up with the Jone's'. It explains why we all outwardly try to appear the same as everyone else, conforming to society, keeping our true opinions tucked safely away, showing them only to those who we really and truly love, where we know they'll be safe. That being said, here is the line from the great George Eliot, pg. 5, "Sane people did what their neighbours did, so that if any lunatics were at large, one might know and avoid them."
The book thus far has plenty of moments such as that, and just to save face, I am actually on page 168. (of course there are 799 pages) Now, the truth is out, I have an odd sense of humor, I know.

On the writing front, I think I'll start the new book, it's simply screaming to be written. I'm still going to finish the sequel to my YA fantasy, on the side, but I need to get this one out. That being said, with all the kids back in school in 5 DAYS (I'm really not counting!) I will have grundles of time to write, and the rigorous writing schedule will resume. (ie: 5:30am rise & shine to write.) But I love it to much to complain. I find that when I write I am a happier person. Somewhere I read that authors don't write for fun, but that they write because they have to, just like they have to breathe. Or something along those lines, which I think is exactly how it feels.

Soccer Game vs. The Wedding

2008-08-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

What I'm reading: Finished 'Moll Flanders'

Well, I can't believe the week is almost finished, or that today Super Spouse and I celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary! (Yeah us!) Or, that I just registered Maude for 8th grade, when I'm fairly certain that I just finished it, well at least it seems like it was yesterday. And, my baby, sweet little Salsa, starts preschool this year....add it all up and that makes me O.L.D.! (I'm not even mentioning the grey hairs on my head either!) But, I still feel young inside and that's what matters, so I've been told. Today my sis...hmmm, we'll call this one Bat Girl, is getting remarried to her ex husband. It's a good thing, but still funny to say isn't it? The blessed event happens to be at the same time as Maude's first game in a soccer tournament, oh, did I mention it's also our anniversary? Decisions, decisions! Super Spouse has nobly volunteered to take the brood to the game, whilst I attend the wedding, bless him. And so, with minimal guilt from my mom as to attending Bat Girls wedding, wedding I will be attending.(with a lovely bouquet of freshly cut Zinnia's in hand for the bride.) Wedding is declared the winner. Hope Maude will forgive me (she will, angel that she is) and kick some major butt on the field.

As to Moll Flanders...great read. As I've said before, I didn't think I'd like it, but I really did. I loved watching a person come completely undone, one tiny little step over the line at a time, until she found herself completely on the other side. I think that must make me a bit morbid, but there where a billion great lessons to be learned from the book. I've already mentioned the bit about honesty, and the value of ones word, but namely, from this book I learned that honest people will always be done a bad turn by a dis-honest person (no shock there) and that that fact has not changed in over 400 years, well probably longer(Cane vs. Able). Also, the book brilliantly proves that the old saying "You'll rationalize your way to hell" is 100% true, ask Mrs. Flanders. Or better yet read the book and watch her jump through hoops to try and stay out of hells flames. No really, give the book a read, it's a good one.

Next on my list is 'Paradise Lost' which looks like a yawner, but I thought 'Moll Flanders' would be too, and I was wrong there, so who knows. But, first, I need to vacuum the house, clean the kitchen, get the brood ready for the game and me for the wedding, so really 'Paradise Lost' will sit on the back burner for the moment!

Monday? Already???

2008-08-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

What I'm reading:'Moll Flanders' by Daniel Defoe

Was it just me or did the weekend seem to vanish into thin air? Once again, not nearly long enough for my tastes! However, it was a good one! Martha Stewart had us all over for a party that ended in fireworks, which was very nice. Good food, great people, and fabulous conversation, who can complain? Super Spouse returned from girls camp a day ahead of Maude, his ears demanding reprise from the constant chatter he had incurred at said camp, at the hands of the many teens there. Upon returning, he promptly donned his cape and set out to mow the neighbors yards, since they were now up at camp. Isn't he just a Saint? And good looking to boot! The rest of my brood and I were treated to the opening ceremony of the Olympics, which was really really impressive. It left us awestruck several times. Upon seeing several of the events Sprite has decided that she will be going to the Olympics as a gymnast, now she just needs to start lessons, lol. Maude returned from girls camp, and has not shut up once about it-apparently she had a good time! I think I've heard all her stories three times now-each. Squash got to have a sleepover with his grandma, which he loved, then got to go miniature golfing, and has decided he loves golfing. Even more so when I told him how much Tiger Woods pulls in a year, haha. Little Salsa has been flitting about from friend to friend playing her heart out. She also received a letter from her school telling her about the meet and greet. She's absolutely over the moon about finally going to school like the bigger kids. And as for moi, not to much, just enjoying watching my brood play for the last few weeks of summer vacation.

Of course, I have been reading-writing-not so much. I started reading 'Moll Flanders' this last week, and am really enjoying it, in spite of my self. Remember, I told you I knew something was wrong with me when I loved 'Canterbury Tales', not much has changed there. I really recommend this book though. It's quite an interesting view point on the ups and downs of life, and what makes us do the things we do, whether bad or good. It's very well written (obviously) in a unique style. Almost like you are reading someones journal. I haven't finished it just yet, and I think back in the day it probably had the ladies fanning themselves in horror at some of the things Moll did, but loving it none the less. I'm also pretty sure smelling salts sold out over and over around the time this book was published. So far it has been a good insight at how life was back then, which so far is quite a bit rougher than we have it. For the most part though, I am struck at how much honesty played a roll in day to day life. People took you for your word if they knew you were an honest person-really you could tell them the sky was pink and they'd believe it. As one whose best and worst quality is her honesty, I really envy that way of thinking gone out of style. Anyway, I'll give a better opinion of the book as a whole once I've finished with it, which should be soon as it's not that big. I'm not sure what I'll be reading next, any suggestions, please let me know. Otherwise it will inevitably be another literary great, lol.

Well, the laundry needs folding, and as it's my job, I suppose I ought to get it done!

Scratching a Poetry Itch....

2008-08-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

I did it! I finished a few of my required poetry reading, and in the mean time remembered I actually quite like the stuff. So, being in an excited frenzy to share, I thought why not share it here? So enjoy a few lines from the greats courtesy moi!

Sir Walter Raleigh: The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd
If all the world and love were young,
And truth in every shepherd's tongue,
These pretty pleasures might me move
To live with thee and be thy love.
Time drives the flocks from field to fold
When rivers rage and rocks grow cold,
And Philomel becometh dumb;
The rest complains of cares to come.
The flowers do fade, and wanton fields
To wayward winter reckoning yields;
A honey tongue, a heart of gall,
Is fancy's spring, but sorrow's fall.
Thy gowns, thy shoes, thy beds of roses,
Thy cap, thy kirtle, and thy posies
Soon break, soon wither, soon forgotten.
In folly ripe, in season rotten.
Thy belt of straw and ivy buds,
Thy coral clasps and amber studs,
All these in me no means can move
To come to thee and be thy love.
But could youth last and love still breed,
Had joys no date nor age no need,
Then these delights my mind might move
To live with thee and be thy love.

A Cradle Song
The angels are stooping
Above your bed;
They weary of trooping
With the whimpering dead.
God's laughing in Heaven
To see you so good;
The Sailing Seven
Are gay with his mood.
I sigh that kiss you,
For I must own
That I shall miss you
When you have grown.
William Butler Yeats

Didn't I tell you he was brilliant?? :)

A Drinking Song
Wine comes in at the mouth
And love comes in at the eye;
That's all we shall know for truth
Before we grow old and die.
I lift the glass to my mouth,
I look at you, and sigh.
William Butler Yeats

Lastly, a line I found rather humorous while making my way through George Eliot's 'Middlemarch'.( which so far has mostly proven to be more of guaranteed sleeping pill for me, but I will not quit, for it does have it's moments of greatness.)
So, my quote of the day:

"Sane people did what their neighbors did, so that if any lunatics were at large, one might know and avoid them."

The summer haze is clearing!

2008-08-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a great summer- I can hardly believe it's winding down! We've been camping with the kidlets a few times, and despite their fear they ended up loving it. It seems as though I've been in a bit of a summer haze from which I have emerged, rubbed my eyes, had a good look around and realized,-I have so much to do! Spice has requested that we now call her Sprite, and so we shall. Maude is at girls camp & hopefully loving it-Superhero Dad is en route to assure that this is the case- along with keeping a masculine eye on a camp of full of teenage girls! Bless him, I've already talked to him tonight and he's bored out of his mind. Despite his outrageously good looks, girls make him skittish! The other three offspring and I have just cleaned up our chocolate marshmallow milk-shakes and are preparing for bed.

On the writing horizon-well it's been dark and dreary. I really haven't written to much this summer, I suppose having the four wee ones running about has contributed to that somewhat. But, never fear, I have picked up the proverbial pen and paper to begin again at last. I am several chapters into my second book, along with an plot outline drawn up for a third. (which I am just itching to get started on...discipline....must finish book 2!) I have spent most of my time this summer tweaking my query letter, I think I'm on my 3rd or 4th draft, and I still don't know if it's any good or not. I really wish there was some one who could say it was rotten or passable, oh well. I've also pulled out my 'required reading list for English Lit. majors' and began ticking through it again-I find my writing betters as I read the literary greats, go figure. Honestly, I've probably done more reading than writing as of late, so I feel a bit over indulged, but full of lovely literature!

As to what I've read, I must confess I was 'bitten by Twilight' as they say and just finished the 4th book of that series. I hated the first, liked the 2nd, enjoyed the 3rd and thought the fourth was quite good, it tied up all sorts of loose ends, and even left more room to grow if the author wanted to, without leaving you hungry for anything left unanswered. Well done Stephenie Meyers. Maude followed me around begging me to read it, hoping above all hopes, that I two would fall as deeply in love with Edward as she was. I caved, and began reading, but alas, I did not fall deeply in love with Edward-who needs him when I have my own? They are however, quite entertaining books, that are well written though, so whose complaining? (hardly a soul if you looked at Ms. Meyers bank account I should think!) I've also read Maeve Binchy's 'Scarlet Letter', (again) I thought I hadn't read it, and a few pages into I discovered I had, but it had been a while, and it was still good, so why not finish it! Of course what reading binge could be complete without a Catherine Cookson novel, several of Jane Austens, and of course, the endearing Jane Eyre, for the 100th time...sigh....it was bliss. I even veered off the Twilight path, when my dear Martha Stewart sis in law recommended the Vampire Diaries, which were good entertainment, but eerily similar to Twilight, and turns out they were published when I was a teenager-guess I missed that one!

So yes, now the truth is out, I am a BOOKWORM, unashamed and loving it. I suppose I knew I was different when in high school we were forced to read "The Canterbury Tales"-while everyone else moaned and groaned, I read it quickly and loved every word of it. Sadly I suppose that makes me not only a bookworm, but a book nerd as well! It could be worse!

Now, for my final confession; it turns out I quite adore poetry. Poor platelet girl has had to endure two poems read to her over the phone tonight as I read my required W.B. Yeats. Is he brilliant or what??? I've also been reading a bit of Shelley & Keats as well, but the Irishman holds my attention, and quite possibly my heart at this point!

Well, my eyes grow heavy and Salsa is needing her bed (shhh, I think I hear Yeats complete works is calling to me from my night stand)! Another day done, ready for the next one when Squash will inevitably continue his quest in building the perfect club house, Sprite will pick a fight with someone (I still think Spice is a better name, but she's awful bossy) and Salsa will skip about smiling her adorable crinkle nosed smile, as Demon dog chases her! And what adventures will Maude have at girls camp, only time will tell!

Dance Mom Day

2008-06-16T11:35:00.001-07:00

Just a few minutes before I get ready to run Maude & Spice ready for their big ballet recital. Now, mind you this is strictly ballet, no Brittney Spears dancing here, and the girls get to dance to a real orchestra in the pit and everything.....ahhh memories....I was always worried about falling into said pit. It's always a fun day with the girls and we are taking Salsa with us this time to join in the bonding. However, I much prefer the soccer mom role versus the dance mom one I'll be playing today. That, and I have a terrible tooth ache and can't get into the dentist until Friday! I don't think people fully understand how badly a toothache is until they've had one. Having had a full blown toothache, they are awful! But I shall persevere onward.
As to the strange and mysterious world of publishing; I think I'm upto 4 rejection letters....I'm getting used to it. I really think my query letters just stink, that has to be it, it couldn't possibly be my writing could it??? NO! hahaha. Anyway, it's still something that I love doing, and Maude won't let me quit, always breathing down my neck (like she is now) to write more. Besides, some of the drivel that's printed out there, mine can't be much worse than that, right?? Well, time to go beautify Maude & Spice...it could be a long process, so must get on with it! Tata!

Losing my blogger virginity

2008-06-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I've finally done it. It's been all the rage, everyone talks about it, and so I've steered clear of it. The it being blogging. But alas, I have succumbed to the temptation and created my own blog. As to what it will hold, I know not yet! I can only guarantee that there should not be any dirty diaper stories, as all my children are potty trained! Time to drive my (sob,sob) gas guzzling SUV to retrieve one of my offspring from a dance class!