Tricky Tuesday morning

Are you superstitious? How would you approach an obviously sinister threat, directly outside your door?
Our fluffy, Golden attack-chicken would like to know.

Human visitors are easy.  She will BARK loudly and be THERE.  (Preferably ON THEM.)  But what if the threat is more sinister?  What if you were to look out and see the tall grass swaying in front of the corn fields, only to see a black cat taking her time, poking around the outside of your fence?  Bark!  Right?    Yet one bark caused the cat to turn and look this way.  Looking into the direction of the rising sun, her eyes were glowing.

Golden chicken looked back at me, to be sure she had human back-up, before proceeding half-way out the door, barking and wagging her tail, simultaneously.  She cautiously made it all the way out on the deck,  bark-bark-barking until the cat stopped.  Sat.  Stared.

Golden chicken came back inside.  It's better to protect the home from the inside.  When the cat was ready to move on, gc did go back outside to bark the dog equivalent of "that's right, you'd BETTER go!" until the cat finally sashayed to the next yard.  Our fierce, fluffy protector then felt empowered enough to venture out into the actual yard (ever so slowly) for one last bark ("yeah!") before running back into the house to make sure I was okay.

She's chewing on her security blanket, now.

You may ask yourself, well, how did I get here?

I love American history.  I am intrigued by World history.  I am amused by my personal history.

I was the geek who truly enjoyed learning about our country's history in school.  My kids believe it is dull so I try to explain a different way of looking at history.  For example, I wonder what Paul Revere's horse looked like.  (That one is guaranteed to make my son roll his eyes!)  I remind them that "those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it."  (Have you ever looked at the causes of the Boston Massacre?  My son just studied it and I mentioned that he could find some eerily similar news stories today.)

My daughter is home sick and is worried about missing the review for her Social Studies test.  THIS I can help her with!!  (Unlike her 8th grade math homework last night that kicked my butt!)

World War II and U.S. Civil War stories enthrall me.  (And yet the WIP I can't quit is based at the onset of World War I--which gives me an excuse to learn new, true stories!)

As for "those who do not know their history:" I am old enough to look back now and see the patterns I have followed for the past few decades and recognize my default settings.  ("Finding yourself" isn't so great when you aren't impressed with who you find!)

Musical history!   From classical composers to classic rock--what's not to love?  The History of Jazz and musical history courses were some of my favorites in college.  My first work-study job in college was working for a music professor compiling tapes (yes, cassettes) for her courses and proofreading a book that she had written!  (Excellent early experience for a budding writer but I willingly asked to be assigned to a different job sophmore year--part of that whole personal history pattern where I don't recognize stupid mistakes until much, much later!)

Music is great for time travel.  One song can transport you back to an exact time and place.  You remember where you were, who you were with when that song was playing.   When the trip down memory lane becomes music trivia or "history" however, it is my turn to roll my eyes.  I know exactly where I was and how old I was when I used to listen to "The Joshua Tree" with my friends.  I did NOT need the perky DJ to tell me yesterday that the album is now 25 years old.  Nor did I appreciate it this morning when another DJ announced that "I Melt With You by Modern English is 30 years old this year!"  I much prefer my alternate version of history, in which these songs came out yesterday.

You can't judge a book by its cover...

...but you can get more readers if you pick the right title.

You can certainly increase your blog traffic by picking the right title!  I am very thankful for my few loyal readers but maybe I should include the words "Navy," "Secret" and "Weapon" in all of my titles!
(I am not complaining--I have neglected this blog terribly.  I get page views every day, so I am happy with that, for now, even if they are often in the single digits.  Having said that, I had over 250 a few days ago!  I can't say it was the spectacular writing--there were only two sentences!)

For more fun: I was searching for an image of a book cover to include with this post and found these amazing book sculptures!    

While I am one who hesitates to dog-ear my pages, this artist has certainly brought new life to outdated/older encyclopedias and dictionaries!  Check them out!

The Navy's secret weapon

I know I am not the only one who thinks of Mr. Limpet when there is a story about bomb-detecting dolphins.  Of course the dolphins were well trained!

Fun Friday

I rarely post movie reviews here.  (OK, it's been a while since I've even posted a book review but I am feel confident in saying that this is the first time I've posted a movie review.)

You don't even need my review:  it is hard to go wrong with a film produced by Steven Spielberg.  If you have kids, especially bored kids at home over Christmas break--check this one out.

If you have a teenaged daughter who will not get out of bed if the clock has not yet flipped to "p.m" and two boys who are UP and READY to do SOMETHING in the morning, even if it is a cold, rainy day (especially if it is a cold, rainy day) you might consider going to the movies and you might consider "Tin Tin."

I'd never heard of Tin Tin until I was in my twenties.  I am not a big comic book aficionado but an old friend was shocked that I'd never even heard of the comic and presented me with a copy of "Tin Tin and the Red Sea Sharks."  I read it.  It was good, as far as comics go but again, I'm not a huge comic book fan.  

The movie trailer excited my boys and reminded me of good friends and a good comic book I had...somewhere.  So this morning, the boys and I headed off for a Spielberg/Herge adventure.  We had the (11:30 showing) theater to ourselves and it was great!  The boys loved the movie and it reminded me of an animated Indiana Jones movie.  Not a bad way to spend a rainy Friday morning.  Not bad at all.

As a bonus, I found that lone comic book and my son was reading it in bed before falling asleep a few minutes ago!

All a-twitter

I was hesitant to join Twitter.  I waste spend too much time on facebook and was afraid that I would get sucked into twitter, as well.  I was right.


I thought it was cool that I could follow anyone, including other writers.  I can follow writers I have met, writers I have not met, even writers that I have apologized to while getting a book signed while explaining I'm not really a stalker.  But now?  Writers are following me!  (Even writers who have said that I am so not a stalker and that she kind of enjoys having fans!)

I feel fine!

It's a beautiful day, I'm taking the dog and youngest child to the park and I'm singing. 

Enjoy today as if it were your last, just in case, but I'll plan to check back in with you tomorrow!

A little luck of the Irish

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Here's hoping you all have a lucky day!

A genealogy project is on my "to-do list" (along with publishing a few books) but in the meantime, I don't think I have any Irish blood flowing through my veins.  I married a guy who is part Irish AND who is an alumnus of The University of Notre Dame.  He seems to be a pretty lucky guy, so maybe there is something to it! ;)

It's been a productive mom-day morning so I'm hoping, if I am lucky, it'll be a productive writing-afternoon!
My next non-writing project is finding that right project!  I do a few things in our community but not much--certainly not enough.  Just in case I wasn't aware of my shortcomings in that arena, I am currently (slowly) making my way through both The Rule of Benedict and Three Cups of Tea.  The former is a spiritual book that makes much sense but I can only absorb a few pages at a time.  It's a good reminder that good intentions are not enough.  The latter is an inspiring tale of one person who lives that idea and proves how much difference one human can really make in this world!  It makes me feel inadequate, thinking of the small impact I've made so far but is a compelling story!

Speaking of making a difference and people who could really use a little luck, I've been reading a few articles about the delays in getting "text-to-donate" donations to the poor people in Japan.  If you are considering sending funds to help in the efforts over there, please donate directly to an organization (use their website, call them, etc.) rather than texting.  Phone service providers are waiting until the end you a billing cycle before sending the funds so if you text your donation, it could take up to three months to get where it needs to go!

Enjoy the blessings today brings!  (Everything else can wait for tomorrow!)

Reckoning

Why're you trying to second guess me?
I am tired of second guessing
What will be your look this season?
Who will be your book this season? ...
~ R.E.M., "Second Guessing"

Once upon a time, a girl met a boy.  Or a boy met a girl, however you want to put it.

Many months later, she had no recollection of the first meeting but he remembered her.  He decided to call her, as she was no longer dating his friend.  He left a message with her roommate.  She did not call back.  One day, after two shelves worth of sticky-note phone messages, she answered the phone herself.  (Our story takes place long ago, before caller I.D.)

The boy begged her not to hang up and then convinced her to join him for one lunch, on campus.
After lunch and a walk, he asked her to join him for dinner, that weekend.  She explained that she was already busy on Friday.  (It was true.  She already had a date with a very nice guy on Friday).  This boy nodded and quickly said that he was busy Friday, too, but would like to take her out on Saturday.    She was at a loss for a quick excuse so she said yes.  (She could call and cancel, later.)

The weekend in question was Labor Day weekend, however, and our girl was not creative enough to come up with an excuse that would keep her busy for the rest of a long weekend.  Saturday night the boy picked her up in a friend's car and popped a cassette into the tape deck.  The girl started to relax, a little.  He had chosen one of her favorite bands!  This was an album that she loved but did not own.  It brought back memories of riding in friends' cars back home.  She started to think the boy had pretty good taste and the evening might not be a total waste, after all.  In fact, if all went well, maybe she would get to know him well enough to borrow the tape!

Twenty-one years later, a woman was running errands and heard an old favorite on the radio.  She smiled as the song brought back memories of riding in friends' cars back home and a particular first date, as well.  She even laughed as she realized that she never did borrow that tape.

She came home, downloaded the song and has enjoyed listening to it often, lately.  She asked her husband if he had ever really owned that tape, or just borrowed it from the friend who told him to play that particular album.  Her husband swears he owned it.  Of course, he gave away all of his cassettes a few moves ago, so there is no proof.  When questioned, he was able to provide the correct title of the album on the first try, so it's possible.

Spending what I don't have

I have not been shopping, just spending far more time than I can afford on silly wanderings around the internet.  It is time to get back to writing and reading.  (I am finally reading The Book Thief, at the moment.  You should be, too, if you have not yet done so!)  I heard (read) about The Book Thief over on Joshilyn Jackson's blog, put it on my Christmas list and am finally getting around to reading it!

I am already taking a break from the things that I should be doing, however, to tell you about another great book that I have not yet read.  Another book that I have found via Joshilyn Jackson's blog, as a matter of fact.  I want to read it.  You will want to read it.  So I am telling you about it for two reasons:

1.  Pure selfishness.  I want to read this book.  Joshilyn Jackson is picking four lucky winners to receive a free copy of American Rose. If I post the link here, and then comment over there, I am eligible for the drawing. 
2.  You will want to read this book. Go on over to Joshilyn's page and leave a comment yourself.  Maybe you will win!  (And maybe you will loan me the book, when you're done.) ;)

And now (again) for something completely different...

I am proud to be an American. I was born on the Fourth of July, for Pete's sake.
I am a former military spouse, my three-year-old already not only knows the Pledge of Allegiance but knows where to put his hand. We are proud Americans.

Despite what late night television commercials tell me--or you--I do not need this to prove it!

Perspective

We are driving past the frozen lake, on our way to pick up the "big kids."

"Oh, no!" my three-year-old yells. "There is snow on top of the water! The birds can't swim!"

"That's OK," I say, "they can just walk on it until the ice melts."

"Oh. I didn't know. I never been a bird, before."

A little pick-me up

Only two mugs of coffee into my busy morning, I stopped at Starbucks for a little more help.

This afternoon, after picking the kids up from school, they all asked to stop at Starbucks for their after-school snack. So I got yet another latte--with this suggestion, wrapped around it! :)

Childhood wisdom

The voices rise from the backseat, Sunday night, after a long drive and a longer day.
"Mom! She keeps hitting me!"
"I am not hitting. I am just violently touching him."


Today, after I told the three-year-old not to touch anything. (He had just finished a few Cheetos and had very orange fingers). I found an open drawer and reminded him that I'd asked him not to touch anything.
"I made a fist," he tells me, "like this." He shows me the fist.
"Then I used the side of my fist to pull the handle. Like this. I didn't touch it."
I try not to laugh but smile. "Actually, that was pretty smart," I say. "But I still don't want you opening that drawer." I shake my head. "You are a smart kid."

He nods. "Sometimes."

Social consciousness

You just never know what your kids are gonna say!

The boys are watching Lilo and Stitch. (I only gave them the choice of that or Finding Nemo. The little one is tired, cranky...no way he was sitting through iCarly!)

Even the dog is cranky. It's cold and wet outside. We needed some tropical fish!

My son has a religion quiz, this week. So I prefaced my preference with, "We are Catholic and of course, Catholics believe that when you die, your soul doesn't come back again. But IF the Hindus end up being right, I hope I come back as a fish."

My son's response? "MOM! How can you say that?! You could be reborn in the GULF!"

(He still curses BP every time we pass one of their gas stations.)

I love this kid!

The voices are getting louder

I mentioned characters and, perhaps, an actual person from the past speaking to me.

Yesterday, I was upstairs and heard my son calling me from the backyard. He was out there with the dog, so I came running down to see what was wrong. When I made it to the backyard, I found them running in the grass. Both were FINE. So I asked why he'd yelled.
He shrugged. "I didn't."
Oh.

Last night, I was in my bedroom when I heard my daughter call me. (I thought it was her. I am always getting in trouble for going to the wrong room when the other has actually called me.) But this time, they both frowned at me for coming into the wrong room. Neither of them called me. I was sure my youngest was asleep so I gave up.

At 4am, I nearly jumped out of bed when I heard a door slam. I looked at my husband--he'd heard it, too. We looked at each other, then heard the gate at the bottom of the stairs slam shut. We both got out of bed but after I second, I told my husband I was sure it was our older son. (He offered to sneak down and scare the snot out of him but wisely refrained.) When I did not hear any refrigerators opening or water running, I went to check. He was in bed. I checked my daughter's room, and she was in bed. Our youngest never gets out of bed in the middle of the night. Ever. (If he wakes--he cries, calls or just sits there but he does not even get out of his bed in the morning until someone comes to open his door).

But it had to be him. His door was still shut but that would explain the slammed door we'd heard. Sure enough, I went in and found his bed empty.

I went downstairs and found him standing in the dark living room. "I heard Daddy calling me so I came down here," he said, "but now I can't find him."

(I got him back upstairs and we assured him it was a dream. He wasn't completely convinced. He asked his Dad twice more why he'd called him.)

While I was putting him back in bed, I remembered the Bible story where the son woke his father three times, asking why he'd been called. The father finally realized it was God calling his son. My son was, apparently, only called once. And he is three. I don't think God has a message for a three-year-old that can't wait until morning.

Clearly then, there are only two possibilities:
I've invited spirits into the house that want to mess with us (now I know I'm not the only one hearing them) or, the dog has taken up ventriloquism.

Mission accomplished

I cannot say that I got much sleep or got much writing done. I learned a lot, met some new friends and, most importantly, got that new mug! ;)

(The old mug. I swear, it says "Haystack!")

More on the conference and the writing after I have actually slept!

A day late

Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.
~ Don Marquis

(I'm still behind but I can laugh about it, now!) ;)

Our youngest

The good news is that I have no excuse not to write--the laptop is on the kitchen counter and our new pup lays on my feet WHENEVER I stay still.

Of course, my family would probably prefer that I fold a little laundry--but she wakes up as soon as I move my foot--so I'm staying and playing, er, writing.

The skinny on the fat

I bought a Florida avocado which bears a sticker claiming "30% less fat than the leading California avocado."
It is also at least three times the size of the California avocadoes, so I'm not sure I come out ahead.