NaNoWriMo Bust

Man, I'm bummed about missing out on Nano this year. I was ghost writing an eBook and helping to write a training program, and with my regular mom duties, there just wasn't any time left over. Perhaps I'll resolve to write a book in the New Year, just because. Kudos to all of you who went for it, whether you passed 50,000 or not. It's a fabulous experience. I hope to do it again next year. And kudos to all of you who write all year round. That's the way to do it anyway, right? Go for it! Happy Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all!

Return to Reality

Although I keep returning to the NaNo site in the hopes that it will be reset for 2011, it is time to get back to work on the project that got tabled earlier.  This project I will get paid for, so I need to concentrate on it.  I already have a rough outline, but I will flesh that out some more today and do some more research.  I think this is going to be great.  I just hope I can move it along at a respectable clip.  I'm excited to see how it will shape up.

NaNoWriMo is Returning

On November 1, 2011, all the novelist hopefuls who have signed up for this awesome adventure will be hitting their laptops with abandon.  Many will be returning winners, like myself.  I have returned ever year for the past three years and now I'll be at it again.  Each year marks a return to a state of frantic creativity.  Trying to find that one great idea that is book material.  50,000 words is no easy task if you don't have the right premise.  I think I've got one that will fly.  I still have to work out some details in my mind.  I hate outlines.  Wish me luck.  Here's one of the goodies I got for "winning" last year.

Return to Solvency - I Hope

Well, it's September 3rd already!  I've been so caught up in my shrunken budget that I didn't realize I should "return" to my blog. Ha, Ha.

The most important return for this month, however, is the return of my most recent writing job.  It sort of fizzled out last month, along with the income it would have generated.  Now it's back, and I'm thrilled.  In fact, I should be working right now.  I'll return tomorrow and tell you how it's going.  :)  Thank's for reading and have a safe Labor Day weekend.

Maybe - What a Wonderful Word

Perhaps it will lead me to do even better than last month where I made it half of the days with the word "sprout". 

I like "maybe".  It has so much potential - it is potential.   "Maybe" just hangs on the air waiting to happen.  I think we can have a lot of fun with "maybe".

Sprouting Bunny Ears

All morning I've been working on Easter baskets.  I'm doing one for my daughter and her boyfriend, his little boy,  my son, and my best friend.  I bought some plastic Easter eggs to go in them yesterday and, of course, I had to wash them out before I could put anything in them.  I'm debating whether or not to wrap my best friend's in one of those basket bags - I have so many.  I know I will do the boyfriend's that way - his basket is very plain.  The little boy is getting a giant plastic egg with eggs in it and age appropriate goodies, including a chubby book.

I do love doing stuff like this.  I just wish it didn't add up so fast.

On another note, my replacement computer is on its way, so I will soon be back to business as usual - as soon as my computer guy transfers my info over, that is.  Wish me luck.

Angry Sprouts

Have you ever noticed that when you are angry with someone, even yelling at them, that your anger isn't sustained?  It comes out in spurts, like it's sprouting from your mind and heart.  Thankfully, these sprouts die back quickly, or at least we hope they do.

The Easter Bunny Tradition also Sprouts from Pagan Soil

The bunny, or rabbit, is one of the most fertile and prolific of creatures and served as a pre-Christian symbol of new life in Springtime.

It appears that the Germans may have been the ones to introduce the bunny as an Easter symbol.  There is evidence in writings in the 1500s to that effect.  It wasn't until the 1800s that the first edible bunnies were made, again by the Germans.  These were not chocolate, but pastries. 

Apparently, the Germans brought the concept of the Easter bunny to America in 1700s when they traveled here with the Pensylvania Dutch.

Please see http://www.easterbunnys.net/easterbunnyhistory.htm  for more information.

Interestingly, it seems that the goddess Eastre, or Eostre, had a consort.  That consort was a Hare, similar to a rabbit, but even larger.  The egg, like the hare, was also a symbol of fertility.  It was believed that the goddess gave the hare the power to lay eggs, but only once each year.

When the Germans came to America, the concept of the Easter Bunny,or Oschter Haws,  came with them.  The children would make nests out of their bonnets and caps, then hide them, hoping the Oschter Haws would leave them colored eggs.

Please see
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/19144/the_origin_and_history_of_the_easter.html?cat=7  For more detailed information.

Easter Sprouted from a Pagan Ritual

It seems that in 200 AD, while missionaries were still working hard to spread Christianity, Saxons were holding a festival honoring their goddess, "Eastre", and celebrating children and the coming of spring. Sound familiar? (except the goddess part, of course).  Anyway, in any effort to win them over to Christianity, and since the festival coincided with the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ, the early missionaries sort of snuck in the idea of Christianity over time as they celebrated with the Saxons.  Ultimately, the name "Easter" was taken for the holiday.

For a more in depth treatment of the subject, please see Arlene Wright - Correll's blog @ http://www.phancypages.com/newsletter/ZNewsletter2599.htm.

Sprouting Frustration

As time goes by without my replacement computer I'm getting more and more frustrated because I can't work on my book.  I went 5 months writing every single day to not writing at all.  It's maddening.  Right now the feeling is still in the sprouts colossus stage, but it's going to be in full bloom soon.

I think I'll write a short story.  That might appease my mighty need.  Who knows?.

Bloomin' Sprouts

The thing about sprouts is they often go on to bud, and then to bloom.  The sprouts "colossus" that I posted earlier are now buds and blooms colossus.  Check them out.

You know, ideas are alot like these flowers.  They sprout, they form into little buds, then, if you're lucky, they can bloom into something as amazing and beautiful as these Amayrillis.  

I'm still frustrated, not being able to work on my book.  Some time next week I'll get my replacement computer and probably go into shock trying to get my writing fix.

Sprouts of Love

My son and I have a very good relationship though it's hard to see from the outside.  He's 17 and "I love you" just isn't something that comes out of his mouth.  However, yesterday, I took a tumble and hurt my knees.  It was so stupid; I tripped over a cooler in the kitchen.  I should have put that thing away.  I was in a hurry to get my son's computer set up to print and the cooler was next to the printer.  It was lucky I didn't hit my head on the open dishwasher.  I had been filling it.  It seems my knees took the brunt of the fall, even though I ended up quite sprawled out.  In any event, my son came running and immediately moved the dishwasher out of the way.  Then he held out his hands to help me up.  Unfortunately, I couldn't see them, and he thought I was just being stubborn when I got up on my own.


Later, I made a special dinner for him.  He has been hating everything I fix and not eating well for a while now - very frustrating.  So, I broke down and bought some fish - which I hate - and got a great recipe for it from my sister - in - law.  He loved it.   He even complimented me!  He said he wished I'd cook like that all the time.  Unfortunately, I have no other ideas.  I've tried stuffed steaks, stuffed chicken, backed chicken, burgers, beef and pork tenderloin.  roast (which is too expensive).  Other than steaks, which I just can't afford, and sushi, which I don't know how to make, I don't know what else to do.


In any event, having those kind gestures from my son yesterday meant the world to me.  It just confirms that he really does love me, that the sprouts are there,  and that maybe they just need a little water splashed on them from time to time to shoot up.

Sprouting Madness

Yesterday, 12 children were killed by a gunman who opened fire in a school in Rio De Janeiro.  Witnesses were likening it to American incidents. See http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/rio-de-janeiro-shooting-claims-12-lives-13327420 for more on the story. 

Synonyms for the word sprout include develop, grow and emerge.  How do the types of thoughts that lead to such actions develop, grow or emerge in these shooters?

This devil left a note.  Wellington Oliveira, the 23 year old man who perpetrated this nightmare, talked about chastity and the forgiveness of God.  He gave no indications as to why he did this heinous thing, only discussing how his body was to be handled and his possessions disposed of.  For a complete translation of the letter see http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=13324247.

This man left us no real clues as to his motives.  The families are now left with this horrible tragedy and no reason why.

Baby Sprouts

When I was a kid, my greatest fear at dinner time, besides liver of course, was Brussels sprouts. I absolutely detested them. My mom loved them, so naturally, we had them from time to time. My parents weren't complete dinner Nazi's, but we did have to eat some of everything.

I remember going to a friend's house for dinner one night. She had those type parents who made you clean your plate regardless. You know the type. Anyway, they served Brussels sprouts. I panicked. I managed to choke down one or two. I tried to feed one to the dog, but he wasn't interested, so I stuffed them in my glove. It was snowing outside and I had full snow gear with me. I don't think I'd ever done anything so sneaky before in my life. I felt terrible, but I just couldn't eat those awful things. When I got outside to walk home, I threw them out in the snow.

Well, many years later, as an adult, somehow I discovered baby Brussels sprouts. Man, dress those up with some butter and they're wonderful. Even my daughter loves them. Talk about full circle! This is a sprout I can love.

Can You Say Münchhausen?

The first question you may ask is, "what does this have to do with sprouts?" Well, I've considered, what could cause the beginnings of this disease or syndrome or whatever it is to sprout in a person. What starts it? Why do they need attention so badly that they would hurt their own flesh and blood? I have no good answers. I think there are none.

I was watching GMA this morning and they had this little boy on with his mother. Apparently, the little boy - 8 years old - was maced when he threatened some teachers with a sharp piece of wood. He seems to have a history of anger and aggression problems at school. His mother allowed him to be interviewed directly on the subject! I couldn't believe she just sat there and let her son talk about his anger management problems and how school and the teachers made him mad and that he "sort of" meant that he wanted to kill them. It seems the teachers may even have hidden from him in another room. The police have been called three times for problems with the boy.

What mother would expose her child to such national scrutiny? Now everyone will know who Aiden Elliot is. She made some vague reference to the fact that it might be the school's fault since he didn't have the same problem with his other activities. Personally, I think, as apparently do most of the people posting on GMA's facebook page, that the mother is to blame. But more than that, I think she is clearly seeking attention for herself as a result of the trauma dealt her son when he was maced by the police officers in this incident. I think it's disgusting.

See the whole story and interview:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/aidan-elliot-pepper-sprayed-colorado-elementary-classroom-police/story?id=13307371

Phantom Sprouts

As I sit here writing this, I have so many ideas for the book I've been working on, fleeting thoughts, concrete plot points. Unfortunately, I received the word yesterday that my computer is officially DOA. I'm typing this on my son's uber old Precision M60 Workstation that I got from the Dell warehouse more years ago than I can recall. It is the back-up, back-up computer. The keyboard is lifted up and the screen is wonky. I hope it holds out until I can replace my Dell Latitude.

I'm afraid to work on my book on this machine because I have an older version of Word on here, and although I own the licence, I'm having difficulty getting it registered, so I have only 32 more uses before it shuts down. Fun. I don't want to lose my work.

Luckily, I saved my book to a flash drive every day, so I didn't lose anything when I lost the computer. Plus, the hard drive is okay, so my computer guy can transfer my data to the new computer anyway. Yeah! But it's going to be the end of next week at least before I can get a replacement.

It's just so difficult not being able to put my ideas down on paper. It's as if they sprout and then go back into the ground. I hope they will lie dormant there until I can write again.

Sproutus Interruptus

I had this idea for a sprout post yesterday, but it required cooking. I thought about it all day. Unfortunately, I never did the required cooking, so I forgot to post. I'm really beginning to think I'll never get a full month of posting.

But, I'm not giving up on this month yet. I'll keep trying. With any luck, I'll cook what I need to today and that will comprise my post tomorrow.

Happy posting and congratulations to all of you who haven't missed a day yet. Keep it up!

Sprouts Colossus

I planted these Amaryllis bulbs last year. At that time, they had a bit of green fronds peeking out from my mother's tender care. I plunked them in the ground and proceeded to water them and I may have given them some plant food.

As you can see, this year they have produced incredible sprouts. I can't wait for the buds to open so I can see what the blooms will look like.

Little Jack Sprout

Almost the first thing that came to my mind when I read about the April theme (my garden was first) was my son. Recently, he "sprouted" to 6'4 and 1/2" tall. Aside from feeling a bit overwhelmed, I'm 5'6", I feel the most amazing sense of pride. Pride. Like growing tall is a special accomplishment. Perhaps it's that he is a very attractive young man all around, with broad shoulders - and I could go on and on.

Both of my kids are blessed. They got the best of their dad and me and don't seem to have gotten any of our bad physical traits. I can't say they didn't pick up a few of our bad habits along the way.

When my daughter did her sprouting and was suddently taller than me, I felt left behind somehow. It was the strangest thing. I guess it was because I had to face the fact that she was growing up and learning to get along without me. She is fiercely independant.

Letting go is the hardest thing. Truthfully, the taller my son gets, the more I know I have to let go of him too.

Radiation Panic at Home

Today's word is Fear.

As you all know, Japan is dealing with the horror of impending nuclear meltdown at the Daiichi plant in Fuchushima. The news is filled with stories of the brave volunteer firefighters who are risking their lives to keep it under control.

Another story involves radiation poisoning, who is at risk, and what can be done. Clearly, many Japanese are in danger.

However, it appears Americans here at home are concerned for their safety as well. And not just on the West coast. Understand that Tokyo is 5478 miles from Los Angeles. Now, think about this. I heard a news story this morning about the town where I grew up, Fort Walton Beach. Apparently, the shelves in all of the health food and vitamin stores they checked were empty of potassium iodide. This is supposed to protect you from radiation poisoning in some way. By the way, Fort Walton Beach is on the Gulf Coast of Florida, 1870 miles from Los Angeles.

I got curious. So I did some calling around near where I live now, 40 miles West of FWB. I got through to a couple of major stores in Pensacola - sold out. I called a smaller establishment and they were sold out too. When I told the lady I wasn't interested in the supplement for myself, but that I was writing a little article, she told me that we weren't being told everything by our government about radiation exposure and we had another two to two and a half months of exposure yet to deal with. She recommended these potassium iodide supplements for pregnant women and children. (Please understand that I am not making any such recommendation. I believe a doctor's advice should be sought before taking anything like this especially if you are pregnant, or if you intend to give it to a child.)

Another lady I spoke with said these could be dangerous if taken too much, that Iodine isn't something you want to keep introducing to your system.

I'm sure this isn't the only item people are stocking up on. The question is, are they being paranoid, or is it possible, somehow, that we could be affected by this disaster?

DayGlow A Go Go

So, in an effort to save a bundle, ladies you know whereof I speak, I decided to color my hair myself. But instead of the drug store box - yuck - I ordered a professional haircolor application from an internet company. Everything looked great. It came with detailed instructions and all the tools I needed to do the deed. I invited a friend to come and help. We followed all of the instructions, but when I emerged from the shower, I was purple. You know the shade I mean. The color you get when you're going for red and you miss it.

What to do now is the question? I sent an inquiry to the company and they called me withing ten minutes! Now they're looking at pictures of the issue. The more I deal with these people, the more I like them. Hopefully, there is something they can do about the glow. The underlying color is very pretty. I tell you one thing. I don't have any stubborn roots! lol.

And no, I won't be updating my profile picture any time soon.

Villain

My word for today is Villain. My villain is about to get his comeupance. It's only taken 1212 pages, but it's going to be good. All of the story lines should be involved in this. Things are finally coming to a head, a big one anyway. Hopefully, I can put an end to this puppy.

Severe Weather

My word for today is Weather. I'm sitting here listening to a blow by blow of the Severe Weather bearing down on my little city in northwest Florida. We're under a tornado warning, there have already been 55,000 lightning strikes with this system and we are looking at possible inch size hail. The winds, of course, are an issue as will be the rain, with possible flash flooding.

The only room in my house that is suitable to hide from a tornado is a small internal bathroom built in under the stairs that you can barely stand up in. My son is 6' 4 1/2 " tall. The bathroom is not made for two, but I've used pillows to try to make it so. I will be sitting in the sink - lol. Of course, we'll have pillows to cover our heads. I really hope we don't have to cram in there.

Description

My word for today is Description. I don't have enough of it in certain areas of my book. I know 1160 some odd pages - what am I writing? Lots of dialog, lots of description of how characters are feeling and what they are thinking. What I'm missing is more about their physical appearances, their surroundings, and the characteristics of the world they live in. Don't get me wrong. That sort of stuff is in there, but for the size of the book, it is woefully lacking. So, my word is Description. Got to get to work on that.

In A Word

The March theme for NaBloPoMo is "In a Word" I think my word for today would be "behemoth". My novel is currently topping 1165 words and I'm still writing. I've slowed down a bit recently. It think it's because I'm in new territory. Until recently, I had already decided on the story in my head, so it was easy to write. Now, I'm having to create new situations as I go along. And I have to constantly go back to make sure my characters don't act out of character and don't do the same thing twice. It's definitely a labor of love though. I think when you can get caught up in reading past chapters of your book and they bring you to tears, you must be doing something right. Anyway, that's my word for today. I'll try to have another ready for tomorrow. I realize I'm behind again, but that's the story of my life.

What is my Book About?

For the kind person who asked this question, I will tell you. It is an erotic fantasy, though I'm afraid it has evolved into a more traditional romance. The fantasy part is alive and well I'm happy to say. I've got lots of conflict, adventure, betrayals. But now that I think about it, I am going to have to start spicing it up again.

As for February's challenge, right now I'm working with a character who is in love with one woman, obsessed with another, and taking up with a third to hide his relationship with the second. It's great fun. And, he's a good man, not a sleeze bag. But remember, this is fantasy.

NaBLoPoMo - February

February's Theme is Character. That can mean quality, temperment, personality, to be "in character", your favorite character, or typeset. I'm going to do my best to write about all of it. I've been falling down on the job lately, but if at first, right?

Google New Blog This

 

I’m giving this new extension a try to see what happens.  The set up is pretty strange and I’m not sure exactly what the fields are, but I guess I’ll figure them out as I go along.  One thing I don’t like already is the typeset is so very small my eyes are straining.  But, this could still be very conveinient, who knows.  Let’s see how it works.

Google

Blogging Bust and Computer Crash

Well, I have utterly failed to to keep up with my blogging. In my defense, I have been totally absorbed in my book. In fact, I was up to 719 pages before my computer came up with a fatal system error. I freaked out. I had 5 chapters that I hadn't backed up on my flash drive yet. My computer guy has had it for 4 days now. He says he was able to back up all my info, so I think my book is saved, thank goodness! But I don't know yet if my computer can be saved. I'm using my son's old broken computer. I'm writing on an older version of word, trying to write new chapters that I can paste into the book later. I also have a few unfinished chapters that I can work on. Let me tell you. As soon as I'm done every day, I copy them to the flash drive.

I'm still really nervous about those five chapters. I really did a lot of cross over of the story lines, bringing things together. Once the book is more integrated, I will start working on the ending. But I think there is still quite a bit yet to go. I imagine I will break the book up into two or three books in the end.

Thank you to those who are following. Sorry for the blackout.