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!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Food for thought
I just logged on to begin a post about inspiration at this time of year and found this one--still sitting in my drafts from the week after Thanksgiving. It appears that I have been working on the same idea for a month now. (I'll post the new one tomorrow). Happy Monday!
I pray; I attend church; I find the Bible fascinating though I'll admit I don't open it on a regular basis. I have taken enough women's bible study classes to know that I would not care to attempt what this woman did. Sure--I could try but it would be like trying to sit through algebra class again. You know, it would be HARD.
During a recent homily, a priest suggested we treat Advent more like Lent. (He admitted he did not expect anyone to find this Homily popular.) Rather than enjoying the Christmas season now, he suggested we use it as a time of preparation, contemplation and repentance. Then, on Christmas Day we would be ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus and continue to celebrate for the following eight days. (His suggestion to the children that they request presents for eight days in a row DID seem a bit more popular!)
Finishing my book is important--to me. The universe has bigger issues to worry about. You have bigger concerns. The book is important to me but not as important as family. More interesting but not as important as getting dinner on the table tonight.
I knew completing a NaNo novel this year would be nearly impossible but absolutely impossible if I did not try. I quickly decided to use NaNo as a way to get many more needed words into the WIP I am revising and watch the little blue bar move to the right, at the same time. Even with that cheating mentality, I did not get enough words into the WIP let alone start a new project.
This time of year is busy enough. Every year I say I need to let something go but end up doing everything halfway. So I took the laptop with me on a trip to Florida for Thanksgiving with my kids. (I had a fantasy about leaving my kids with their cousins and finding a Starbucks in my hometown.) Instead, I let my son play games on the computer (the one computer he is never allowed to touch) and watched my youngest play in the dirt. Aside from my son's time on the laptop, it was a mostly unplugged, unscheduled weekend with family. It wasn't perfect but it was perfectly good. Twenty years from now, my son won't remember if I finished my book this year or not but he might remember playing football with his cousins in the yard. He will remember the pie. Sweet Mercy, there were so many different delicious pies!
I have worked on the WIP. It still isn't done. It is not ready but it is better. I am learning to slow down and listen more (and if a main character in the book learns that lesson along the way as well, that's just gravy).
I pray; I attend church; I find the Bible fascinating though I'll admit I don't open it on a regular basis. I have taken enough women's bible study classes to know that I would not care to attempt what this woman did. Sure--I could try but it would be like trying to sit through algebra class again. You know, it would be HARD.
During a recent homily, a priest suggested we treat Advent more like Lent. (He admitted he did not expect anyone to find this Homily popular.) Rather than enjoying the Christmas season now, he suggested we use it as a time of preparation, contemplation and repentance. Then, on Christmas Day we would be ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus and continue to celebrate for the following eight days. (His suggestion to the children that they request presents for eight days in a row DID seem a bit more popular!)
Finishing my book is important--to me. The universe has bigger issues to worry about. You have bigger concerns. The book is important to me but not as important as family. More interesting but not as important as getting dinner on the table tonight.
I knew completing a NaNo novel this year would be nearly impossible but absolutely impossible if I did not try. I quickly decided to use NaNo as a way to get many more needed words into the WIP I am revising and watch the little blue bar move to the right, at the same time. Even with that cheating mentality, I did not get enough words into the WIP let alone start a new project.
This time of year is busy enough. Every year I say I need to let something go but end up doing everything halfway. So I took the laptop with me on a trip to Florida for Thanksgiving with my kids. (I had a fantasy about leaving my kids with their cousins and finding a Starbucks in my hometown.) Instead, I let my son play games on the computer (the one computer he is never allowed to touch) and watched my youngest play in the dirt. Aside from my son's time on the laptop, it was a mostly unplugged, unscheduled weekend with family. It wasn't perfect but it was perfectly good. Twenty years from now, my son won't remember if I finished my book this year or not but he might remember playing football with his cousins in the yard. He will remember the pie. Sweet Mercy, there were so many different delicious pies!
I have worked on the WIP. It still isn't done. It is not ready but it is better. I am learning to slow down and listen more (and if a main character in the book learns that lesson along the way as well, that's just gravy).
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Be careful what you ask for!
I asked for help.
I have three good kids but the older two have perfected the art of selective hearing. They hear what they want, when they want. The youngest simply thinks that every word that anyone says is always directed at him. (He's the youngest, he is cute, why would you be talking to anyone but him?) None of this is new, of course, but I don't have the best memory and forget to take all factors into account before I start my rants.
I have three good kids but the older two have perfected the art of selective hearing. They hear what they want, when they want. The youngest simply thinks that every word that anyone says is always directed at him. (He's the youngest, he is cute, why would you be talking to anyone but him?) None of this is new, of course, but I don't have the best memory and forget to take all factors into account before I start my rants.
I've been complaining about the lack of help rather than simply requiring my kids to help. I've been telling middle son he must fold laundry before he can play video games. They know what needs to be done but won't do it unless asked. Or, in my daughter's case, she needs it in writing! (If I give her a list, with boxes she can then check off, she will do the chores. Not on the list? Not going to get done.)
After lunch, I told my youngest to go upstairs and I would be right there to read him a story before his nap. "No," he said. "I am going to do laundry."
Funny. Cute. Sweet. "Go upstairs and I'll be right there," was all I said.
Unfortunately, I have taught my children that "I'll be right there" means they have at least three minutes, probably more.
So by the time I got up there, he was in his room. He didn't want to take a nap but he was where I asked him to be. We read a story, I kissed him goodnight and as I reached the door, he yelled, "Wait! Can you bring my hamper back into my room?"
"Your hamper? It's over..."
Hmmm. Not there. "Where is your hamper, buddy?" Oh. It hits me as I ask. "Is it in the laundry room?"
"Yes! I was doing laundry."
Indeed he was. Blue liquid was pooled on my laundry room floor, spilled after he put some in the machine with his dirty socks, pjs and the dirty towels. He can't read yet so he just turned the knob until it got to a spot he liked and turned it on. Turns out he picked the stain fighting cycle, which takes over two hours.
I received help. And in another hour or so, I am going to have some super-clean towels!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Indebted
A college roommate used to remind me to "make a wish" every time the clock read "11:11." I had never heard of such a thing before but now I do it often (and think of her each time)! Today, on 11/11/11 my wish is that each and every service member returns home safely--and soon.
When I was young and stupid, I declared that I would never marry a military guy. I grew up in a warm town near three naval bases and I knew there were only two things in life that I would never do:
1. Become a military wife.
2. Live in any location where it got cold enough to snow.
So I left home to go to college, met a guy with an ROTC scholarship and while the Army paid for him to go to medical school, I married him. He graduated and I became the wife of an active duty service member who, later, was assigned to Alaska.
I had my first child at an Army medical center and thought that "nervous" or "apprehensive" would be good terms to describe how I felt about having so many residents--most no older than me--coming and going, in and out of my room. I didn't realize that only a few short years later, each one of them would have a chance to assist laboring women in Iraq and Afghanistan. That sounds a tad more nerve-wracking.
Two of my children were born at that medical center. They saw men and women in uniform every day for the first few years of their lives. My daughter would yell, "Daddy!" and point at some man in uniform every time I took her to the PX or commissary. These were approachable heroes--my kids were impressed but not afraid.
Those soldiers put on a brave face before each deployment and a happy one upon each return. Of course they are afraid but they do not show it--the definition of courage. With the possible exception of one soldier. He was young, obviously new to Post, far from home, trying to find his way around the PX when a toddler in pigtails grabbed his leg and yelled, "Daddy!" I'm pretty sure I saw a flash of fear, that day.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
All a-twitter
I was hesitant to join Twitter. I
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!)
Monday, October 31, 2011
NaNo or No?
It's that time of year again! Gearing up for Halloween, my youngest's birthday, Thanksgiving and...NaNoWriMo!
For my non-writerly friends: NaNo is National Novel Writing Month, in which in a frenzy of frenetic writing, you attempt to compose 50,000 words in 30 days. (See? I'm already warming up, using wordy phrases rather than simple explanations like, "you write fast.")
One of the highlights of the SCWW conference was finding an agent who likes the idea of my book. I pitched him the basic story, he asked several follow up questions and said he would be interested in reading the first 30 pages -- after the book is closer to 90,000 words and "good." Which means I still have at least 10,000 to 15,000 "good" words to write.
I did not meet my 50K goal for NaNo last year but did begin a new novel that I love. Unfortunately, that one is still languishing in my hard drive at 30,000 words.
Can I write a novel in 30 days? No.
Can I write 50,000 words in 30 days? Yes.
Should I sign up for NaNo? Probably not. I just have a hard time resisting, even if it is just for that blue status bar and the pure joy I feel watching it creep to the right.
For my non-writerly friends: NaNo is National Novel Writing Month, in which in a frenzy of frenetic writing, you attempt to compose 50,000 words in 30 days. (See? I'm already warming up, using wordy phrases rather than simple explanations like, "you write fast.")
One of the highlights of the SCWW conference was finding an agent who likes the idea of my book. I pitched him the basic story, he asked several follow up questions and said he would be interested in reading the first 30 pages -- after the book is closer to 90,000 words and "good." Which means I still have at least 10,000 to 15,000 "good" words to write.
I did not meet my 50K goal for NaNo last year but did begin a new novel that I love. Unfortunately, that one is still languishing in my hard drive at 30,000 words.
Can I write a novel in 30 days? No.
Can I write 50,000 words in 30 days? Yes.
Should I sign up for NaNo? Probably not. I just have a hard time resisting, even if it is just for that blue status bar and the pure joy I feel watching it creep to the right.
I'm not really from here
My backyard backs up to a corn field. I live in Orville Redenbacher's home state. I have no idea how long an ear of corn can last before, you know, things fall apart.
My son has to build a grasshopper for a science project. (Each student has to research an insect, write a report and build a model). We were thinking of using an ear of corn to make the grasshopper but my daughter reminded me that it will sit in a display case for "a while." I have no idea how long that grasshopper would survive on display before it began to deteriorate. I feel like I should know.Looks like we're going with Plan B. Or C.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Back to work
The good news is: I can still be taught!
The SCWW conference is over and I am ready to get back to work! I knew the book was not perfect but I went to the conference anyway, knowing I would still learn a lot. I signed up for a critique, query and pitch. I was most afraid of the pitch. When people ask what my book is about, I tend to ramble...
(If I could get the idea across to you quickly, I'd write short stories, right?) Wrong.
While much of the information put out at conferences can be found on various websites or in countless books, it can sound different when you hear it. Thank God I took Chuck Sambuchino's class on Friday afternoon. When he said, "For those of you pitching at this conference..." I sat up and listened. He talked about summarizing your book in one sentence. (I couldn't do it then but I'm getting better.) He went on to say that the second paragraph in your query letter should be about 3-7 sentences. That paragraph should be your pitch when you sit down in front of an agent. I heard the lightbulb click.
I learned many other useful things in that hour and fifteen minutes. (There was more but I had to leave for a critique.) I took those suggestions and reworked, revised and rehearsed my pitch all over again. It worked. The agent requested 30 pages!
Of course, anyone can have an idea. That doesn't make me a writer. This same agent was not blown away by my first two pages in another seminar but now I have a second chance to impress. I have recognized that I was not just rambling about my book before--I was rambling in it, as well.
None of this is a guarantee that anything further will ever happen with this book but it is a step forward.
I was going to skip the conference this year, knowing the book wasn't completely right, yet. I was going to skip the pitch, out of pure and simple fear. I went and was inspired and challenged. If only I hadn't been too shy/embarrassed to offer to buy Chuck Sambuchino a drink at the bar, to thank him for the helpful advice! Maybe that will be my goal for the next conference...
The SCWW conference is over and I am ready to get back to work! I knew the book was not perfect but I went to the conference anyway, knowing I would still learn a lot. I signed up for a critique, query and pitch. I was most afraid of the pitch. When people ask what my book is about, I tend to ramble...
(If I could get the idea across to you quickly, I'd write short stories, right?) Wrong.
While much of the information put out at conferences can be found on various websites or in countless books, it can sound different when you hear it. Thank God I took Chuck Sambuchino's class on Friday afternoon. When he said, "For those of you pitching at this conference..." I sat up and listened. He talked about summarizing your book in one sentence. (I couldn't do it then but I'm getting better.) He went on to say that the second paragraph in your query letter should be about 3-7 sentences. That paragraph should be your pitch when you sit down in front of an agent. I heard the lightbulb click.
I learned many other useful things in that hour and fifteen minutes. (There was more but I had to leave for a critique.) I took those suggestions and reworked, revised and rehearsed my pitch all over again. It worked. The agent requested 30 pages!
Of course, anyone can have an idea. That doesn't make me a writer. This same agent was not blown away by my first two pages in another seminar but now I have a second chance to impress. I have recognized that I was not just rambling about my book before--I was rambling in it, as well.
None of this is a guarantee that anything further will ever happen with this book but it is a step forward.
I was going to skip the conference this year, knowing the book wasn't completely right, yet. I was going to skip the pitch, out of pure and simple fear. I went and was inspired and challenged. If only I hadn't been too shy/embarrassed to offer to buy Chuck Sambuchino a drink at the bar, to thank him for the helpful advice! Maybe that will be my goal for the next conference...
Friday, October 07, 2011
Olly olly oxen free!
My three-year-old still puts his hands over his eyes so that you cannot see him. He puts his head under pillows and, every Tuesday and Thursday, puts his head inside the back of my shirt as he walks into preschool. (I have to spin rather quickly to "find" him!) His actions are cute but not are not effective means of hiding.
I started this blog under a pseudo-anonymous name. I thought if it didn't turn out too well, or if I posted something I shouldn't have, only a handful of people would really know it was me. Over the years, I've shared the link in a few places so now it comes up as soon as you Google my name. This was not an effective way to hide.
I say I need a critique group but I don't do the work to find one or start one. It has been so long now--I hate to admit to anyone how long it's been since I have participated in such a group but waiting a little longer is not an effective solution.
Earlier this week, I impulsively commented on a facebook post from a local bookstore. This store happens to be my new favorite place to sit and write. I love going on Thursday mornings and often have the place to myself! (As a writer, the peace and quiet amidst shelves of books is perfect; as a mom, the peace and quiet is priceless!) Another writer was enjoying the space yesterday but posted on the site that she would love for other writers to join her. I spoke up--on facebook--using my real name.
I started this blog under a pseudo-anonymous name. I thought if it didn't turn out too well, or if I posted something I shouldn't have, only a handful of people would really know it was me. Over the years, I've shared the link in a few places so now it comes up as soon as you Google my name. This was not an effective way to hide.
I say I need a critique group but I don't do the work to find one or start one. It has been so long now--I hate to admit to anyone how long it's been since I have participated in such a group but waiting a little longer is not an effective solution.
Earlier this week, I impulsively commented on a facebook post from a local bookstore. This store happens to be my new favorite place to sit and write. I love going on Thursday mornings and often have the place to myself! (As a writer, the peace and quiet amidst shelves of books is perfect; as a mom, the peace and quiet is priceless!) Another writer was enjoying the space yesterday but posted on the site that she would love for other writers to join her. I spoke up--on facebook--using my real name.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Looking back
It has taken far too long to tell you about Karen Abbott's American Rose. I was lucky enough to win a hard copy of this book! (That makes this delay inexcusable but please forgive me and go out and buy this book. Now.) The book is the story of New York as much as it is the story of Gypsy Rose Lee. I am so glad I read this book before my trip to New York in August! It helped me to see so much of the city in a new way, especially Times Square. I love history and it never ceases to amaze me how little human nature differs, over time! It was a great read I won't soon forget. (I can't! My daughter is enamored with the show "Toddlers and Tiaras" and there is a stage mom in every episode that reminds me of Rose, Gypsy's mother! Almost 100 years have passed since Rose was pushing her daughter, June, along the vaudeville circuit claiming that her daughter was destined to be "somebody." I hear the same words in my living room today, but vaudeville has been replaced by reality television.)
I am sure you read The Help long ago. I have been meaning to read the book forever but just got around to finishing it last week. Though wonderful reviews abound, I knew I had to read the book when I read about it in Food & Wine magazine. (They featured many of the recipes from the movie.) Kathryn Stockett's writing was wonderful. I love southern writers and southern writing but so many writers slow the story down by trying to capture dialect. I have had to stop and re-read so many words so many times to understand what the characters are supposed to sound like. Ms. Stockett's writing is spot-on. Perfect. Her characters in this novel are unforgettable, the writing is compelling and the food sounds delicious--though it will be a while before I enjoy chocolate pie again!
I am sure you read The Help long ago. I have been meaning to read the book forever but just got around to finishing it last week. Though wonderful reviews abound, I knew I had to read the book when I read about it in Food & Wine magazine. (They featured many of the recipes from the movie.) Kathryn Stockett's writing was wonderful. I love southern writers and southern writing but so many writers slow the story down by trying to capture dialect. I have had to stop and re-read so many words so many times to understand what the characters are supposed to sound like. Ms. Stockett's writing is spot-on. Perfect. Her characters in this novel are unforgettable, the writing is compelling and the food sounds delicious--though it will be a while before I enjoy chocolate pie again!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Brotherly Love
Overheard:
3yr-old: "C? Can I tell you a secret?"
10yr-old: "Sure."
3yr-old:"I love you."
10yr old: "I know."
3yr-old: "C? Can I tell you a secret?"
10yr-old: "Sure."
3yr-old:"I love you."
10yr old: "I know."
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I hang my head (Mea Culpa VIII)
I have amended an earlier post but as most of you have no reason to re-read my entries, I include it here, as well. While I do aim to write fiction, I don't want to be known as a liar.
To that end, I submit my confession:
I was notified via facebook of an inaccuracy in this post, this morning. I have some great friends (with amazing memories!) who pay attention to what I write here. My own memory is not so good and I do not fact-check my posts well enough. I regret to admit that I have not completely avoided meat for two decades.
I tried. I failed.
Nearly two decades ago, I was working for J. We were working quite late one night and he bought dinner for everyone. I was hungry famished. I was tired. There were no veggie options and I caved. I confess--I ate a turkey sandwich. Nineteen years ago.
As long as I am confessing (and before my family members rat me out) I also ate a bite of kielbasa on Easter. In 2008. My son saw it and has proudly told everyone that I am not a real vegetarian.
I am a fraud.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Stalked by some bad battery karma
Every parent who has seen the Toy Story movies knows where the writers got the idea. There is some toy, somewhere in your house, with a dying battery. Batteries do not die quietly. Toys do not come equipped with a "low battery" light or a status bar, telling you just how much time is left. Toys...turn psycho.
I am not talking about the toys on your child's floor, nor the ones lying on the top of the toy box. Those toys have been played with recently. Those toys have received attention. Those toys are good.
It is the toy you haven't seen for a while. Maybe it isn't at the bottom of the full toy box but it is wedged in the middle, somewhere. In the middle of the night, while your family is sleeping, that toy will beep for no reason. When the children are in school, the dog is napping and the house is quiet, that toy will talk. And if you should dig for that toy, find that toy and hold that toy it will stop. (Think Rex in Toy Story 3: "He held me! He actually held me!)
But my latest silence-stopper? The potty.
Yes, for the THIRD child, I bought a potty that sings when you, well, you know. Except this one doesn't. It can--it simply won't--because no one uses it. Little guy uses it as a stool to step up to the sink. He uses it to hold his books while he uses The Big Potty but he does not sit upon it. So it has no reason to sing.
What to do if you are a potty with no reason to sing? Well, sing for no reason at all! It is 11pm. Everyone, including the dog, is asleep except for me--and the potty. So it sings.
I am not talking about the toys on your child's floor, nor the ones lying on the top of the toy box. Those toys have been played with recently. Those toys have received attention. Those toys are good.
It is the toy you haven't seen for a while. Maybe it isn't at the bottom of the full toy box but it is wedged in the middle, somewhere. In the middle of the night, while your family is sleeping, that toy will beep for no reason. When the children are in school, the dog is napping and the house is quiet, that toy will talk. And if you should dig for that toy, find that toy and hold that toy it will stop. (Think Rex in Toy Story 3: "He held me! He actually held me!)
But my latest silence-stopper? The potty.
Yes, for the THIRD child, I bought a potty that sings when you, well, you know. Except this one doesn't. It can--it simply won't--because no one uses it. Little guy uses it as a stool to step up to the sink. He uses it to hold his books while he uses The Big Potty but he does not sit upon it. So it has no reason to sing.
What to do if you are a potty with no reason to sing? Well, sing for no reason at all! It is 11pm. Everyone, including the dog, is asleep except for me--and the potty. So it sings.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Registered!
After much indecision, wavering and stalling, I decided not to go to the writing conference in October. As I sat down to compose a post about my reasons, I found a similar post I'd already written and posted three years ago. THREE YEARS ago.
I realized that I have no choice. I try not to accept excuses from my kids and it is time to stop allowing them, myself. I am going to the conference. Part of my hesitation was that my draft isn't "ready." But is much closer than it was last year (when I said it wasn't "ready.") It is not perfect. Of course, if it was perfect, I wouldn't need feedback.
So I have submitted pages for critique. I signed up for a pitch session and query session, as well.
So now you know. And now, I have to go revise other pages and forget that I have already sent some to complete strangers before I curl up into the fetal position and start sucking my thumb.
I realized that I have no choice. I try not to accept excuses from my kids and it is time to stop allowing them, myself. I am going to the conference. Part of my hesitation was that my draft isn't "ready." But is much closer than it was last year (when I said it wasn't "ready.") It is not perfect. Of course, if it was perfect, I wouldn't need feedback.
So I have submitted pages for critique. I signed up for a pitch session and query session, as well.
So now you know. And now, I have to go revise other pages and forget that I have already sent some to complete strangers before I curl up into the fetal position and start sucking my thumb.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Moving past Teeewwwsday...
Hey, boys and girls! It turns out, you're never really too old to have a theme for the day!
My youngest came home from preschool yesterday with an alligator pouch he'd made (full of "A" pictures) and an alligator dance. You won't be surprised to learn that it featured a big "chomp!"
On the way to pick up the older two from school, I heard a little more chomp chomping from the back of the car. This time, it was the dog. Hers wasn't so much an alligator impression as she was trying to taste the DS game left in a cup holder.
We picked up my son first and while he mourned the loss of his Mario game, we picked up my daughter. She placed a tiny present into my hand: the bracket that held her braces to her back molar.
I admire my friends and relatives who are dental hygenists and dentists. I have never had any desire to put my hand inside anyone's mouth. So after trying to coax Playdoh out of the dog's mouth a little later, I decided to open the wine, declare that I was off-duty and ordered pizzas for dinner. (Yes, one was cheese-free!)
My youngest came home from preschool yesterday with an alligator pouch he'd made (full of "A" pictures) and an alligator dance. You won't be surprised to learn that it featured a big "chomp!"
On the way to pick up the older two from school, I heard a little more chomp chomping from the back of the car. This time, it was the dog. Hers wasn't so much an alligator impression as she was trying to taste the DS game left in a cup holder.
We picked up my son first and while he mourned the loss of his Mario game, we picked up my daughter. She placed a tiny present into my hand: the bracket that held her braces to her back molar.
I admire my friends and relatives who are dental hygenists and dentists. I have never had any desire to put my hand inside anyone's mouth. So after trying to coax Playdoh out of the dog's mouth a little later, I decided to open the wine, declare that I was off-duty and ordered pizzas for dinner. (Yes, one was cheese-free!)
Monday, August 29, 2011
Who moved my cheese?
We talk about the "first 12-hour date" but that wasn't really our first date. The first one was a lunch date. I had a cheeseburger (and fries, I assume). He had an apple.
The following summer, I decided to try giving up meat for 30 days. Those thirty days turned into two decades, although for years my husband tried to wait me out, convinced it was "just a phase."
Just a little over a week ago, my husband decided to go on a "plant based diet" for 30 days and invited me to join him. He eased into it--the first day he just avoided "anything with a face or a mother." It's been a vegan week since--no dairy, no eggs. Unless you count the "butter" on our popcorn Saturday night. I don't. (Elaine Bennes covered the whole "is it real butter" issue for us, a while ago!)
We'll see how long this phase lasts! I know he'll make the 30 days--he sticks to his goals. He gave up wine for 40 days. (He invited me to join him on that venture, as well, but I couldn't commit to that one. This latest kick is much easier. Wine qualifies as "plant-based.")
Our first lunch date was during the week before Labor Day, twenty-two years ago. If you had told me then where I'd be now, I never would have believed it.
I never would have seen myself as someone who could give up cheese.
_________________________________
The following summer, I decided to try giving up meat for 30 days. Those thirty days turned into two decades, although for years my husband tried to wait me out, convinced it was "just a phase."
Just a little over a week ago, my husband decided to go on a "plant based diet" for 30 days and invited me to join him. He eased into it--the first day he just avoided "anything with a face or a mother." It's been a vegan week since--no dairy, no eggs. Unless you count the "butter" on our popcorn Saturday night. I don't. (Elaine Bennes covered the whole "is it real butter" issue for us, a while ago!)
We'll see how long this phase lasts! I know he'll make the 30 days--he sticks to his goals. He gave up wine for 40 days. (He invited me to join him on that venture, as well, but I couldn't commit to that one. This latest kick is much easier. Wine qualifies as "plant-based.")
Our first lunch date was during the week before Labor Day, twenty-two years ago. If you had told me then where I'd be now, I never would have believed it.
I never would have seen myself as someone who could give up cheese.
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An amendment for my loyal readers:
I was notified via facebook of an inaccuracy in this post, this morning. I have some great friends (with amazing memories!) who, apparently, do pay attention to what I write here. My own memory is not so good and I do not fact-check my posts well enough. I regret to admit that I have not completely avoided meat for two decades.
I tried. I failed.
Nearly two decades ago, I was working for J. We were working quite late one night and he bought dinner for everyone. I was hungry famished. I was tired. There were no veggie options and I caved. I confess--I ate a turkey sandwich. Nineteen years ago.
As long as I am confessing (and before my family members rat me out) I also ate a bite of kielbasa on Easter. In 2008. My son saw it and has proudly told everyone that I am not a real vegetarian.
I am a fraud. Now you know.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
School daze
The older two went back to school on the 16th and my little guy started preschool yesterday. So you're probably thinking that with all three kids in "school" I finished revising the novel, finished reading a book and folded all the laundry, right?
I was really, really close. I went to the dentist, bought a new bra and a coffee. Whee!
But I am revising the novel. At 0-dark-thirty. I've been getting less sleep during this last week than when I had newborns but I just might get this done, yet! (Delirious, bleary-eyed edits have GOT to be good, right?)
How's your week going?
I was really, really close. I went to the dentist, bought a new bra and a coffee. Whee!
But I am revising the novel. At 0-dark-thirty. I've been getting less sleep during this last week than when I had newborns but I just might get this done, yet! (Delirious, bleary-eyed edits have GOT to be good, right?)
How's your week going?
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Greetings, Friends!
Liebster means "friend" in German. I don't speak German (despite having a German maiden name) but am honored to be nominated for a friendship award, in any language! Many thanks to Jen McConnel for this honor! (I am also VERY late in posting this thank you here. I've known Jen less than a year but unfortunately, she has already learned that I am always late. I'm working on that!)
This award is intended to connect bloggers, specifically those with less than 200 followers. In accepting the award, I must:
* Show my thanks to the blogger who gave me the award by linking back to them.
* Reveal my top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
* Post the award on my blog.
* Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the internet—other writers.
* And best of all – have fun and spread the karma.
I want to thank Jen McConnel again for the lovely nomination and she is also my first "pick." I met Jen at a writing conference last October and she has been very encouraging here, on this blog, as well as in reading and commenting on some of my writing. I sent her a confusing, mess of an excuse for a "draft" and God bless her, she still read it!
I am also nominating Tracy. I've never met Tracy in person but we became online friends when we were both Kansas writers. (She still is but I've moved over to Indiana). Tracy always has an encouraging word here and inspiration on her site.
I'd like to introduce you to Caryn Caldwell. Caryn is another writer I've never met but always so encouraging! She is another mom-writer but is further along in her journey than I am--I love reading success stories!
Renee shares some wonderful ideas about getting into the world of your characters--as well as real survival stories about trying to balance writing with being a mother and wife. Renee is yet another "friend" that I've never met in real life but I knew I'd like her as soon as I saw the title of her blog!
Aaron is the other friend on this list that I have met in person. In fact, I'm sure we met before the internet existed! He's an excellent writer and we attended a writing conference together 14 years ago but we'd been friends for years before that. I decided to take the plunge and begin writing my own blog after reading his. So, who knows? If not for Aaron, I might not have started a blog, would never have met so many writers online and would never have learned the German word for friend. :)
This award is intended to connect bloggers, specifically those with less than 200 followers. In accepting the award, I must:
* Show my thanks to the blogger who gave me the award by linking back to them.
* Reveal my top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
* Post the award on my blog.
* Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the internet—other writers.
* And best of all – have fun and spread the karma.
I want to thank Jen McConnel again for the lovely nomination and she is also my first "pick." I met Jen at a writing conference last October and she has been very encouraging here, on this blog, as well as in reading and commenting on some of my writing. I sent her a confusing, mess of an excuse for a "draft" and God bless her, she still read it!
I am also nominating Tracy. I've never met Tracy in person but we became online friends when we were both Kansas writers. (She still is but I've moved over to Indiana). Tracy always has an encouraging word here and inspiration on her site.
I'd like to introduce you to Caryn Caldwell. Caryn is another writer I've never met but always so encouraging! She is another mom-writer but is further along in her journey than I am--I love reading success stories!
Renee shares some wonderful ideas about getting into the world of your characters--as well as real survival stories about trying to balance writing with being a mother and wife. Renee is yet another "friend" that I've never met in real life but I knew I'd like her as soon as I saw the title of her blog!
Aaron is the other friend on this list that I have met in person. In fact, I'm sure we met before the internet existed! He's an excellent writer and we attended a writing conference together 14 years ago but we'd been friends for years before that. I decided to take the plunge and begin writing my own blog after reading his. So, who knows? If not for Aaron, I might not have started a blog, would never have met so many writers online and would never have learned the German word for friend. :)
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Consequences I can live with
I love spending time with my children. I also love to read. I think it is important to read to your children.
But a day off from any one of the above wouldn't kill anybody.
After spending two hours at the muddy playground with my youngest and the dog today, everyone needed a bath! My exhuasted son did not want to get back out of the tub and was quite irritated that I kept trying to drain the tub.
"Mommy! If you touch that drain ONE MORE TIME, you will not get to read me a bedtime story!"
But a day off from any one of the above wouldn't kill anybody.
After spending two hours at the muddy playground with my youngest and the dog today, everyone needed a bath! My exhuasted son did not want to get back out of the tub and was quite irritated that I kept trying to drain the tub.
"Mommy! If you touch that drain ONE MORE TIME, you will not get to read me a bedtime story!"
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Summer vacation
How is your summer going?
Every year, I think the summer will be a time when I will get more writing done and every year, I am wrong! If I can't pull it off during the school year when two of my children are gone most of the day, I don't know how I think the summer will be easier!
The summer always seems to fly by but it has been great, so far! My daughter and I flew to Florida for my cousin's wedding and our whole family drove down to Florida two weeks later to spend a week on the beach! My son completed one Taekwondo camp and begins another tomorrow. My daughter attended a gymnastics camp in Indianapolis but her friend could not go--so that was a little bit of a commute each day but still an easy drive.
I am just now getting to the rewrite I had planned for the summer so it is progress--but I'm still far behind where I wanted to be. (It probably doesn't help that I keep thinking how nice it would be to be writing on the beach!) One day!
Having said that, I need to get back to work. I have not yet registered for the writing conference on the beach. Last year, I did not take full advantage and really need to get this rewrite finished if I am going to go, again!
How are you enjoying your summer?
Every year, I think the summer will be a time when I will get more writing done and every year, I am wrong! If I can't pull it off during the school year when two of my children are gone most of the day, I don't know how I think the summer will be easier!
The summer always seems to fly by but it has been great, so far! My daughter and I flew to Florida for my cousin's wedding and our whole family drove down to Florida two weeks later to spend a week on the beach! My son completed one Taekwondo camp and begins another tomorrow. My daughter attended a gymnastics camp in Indianapolis but her friend could not go--so that was a little bit of a commute each day but still an easy drive.
I am just now getting to the rewrite I had planned for the summer so it is progress--but I'm still far behind where I wanted to be. (It probably doesn't help that I keep thinking how nice it would be to be writing on the beach!) One day!
Having said that, I need to get back to work. I have not yet registered for the writing conference on the beach. Last year, I did not take full advantage and really need to get this rewrite finished if I am going to go, again!
How are you enjoying your summer?
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