Friday, May 30, 2008

Class Notes

As you might remember, my critique group decided to take an online class called Dirty Little Secrets taught by Keena Kincaid. I've learned a lot. It's very thought provoking and makes you realize how many dirty little secrets we all have that makes us who we are. Yes, that's a little cliche, but it's true.

At our critique meeting last Wednesday, we actually broke into a character discussion - and it was fun! We were all a bit surprised about it, but I guess it shows that we're thinking about what we're learning. HA. Good for us.

We began the class by studying several pictures then taking one and examining the secrets as told by the description of the person. Their dress, how they hold themselves, expressions, where they are, everything about them can point to a secret.

After we completed this assignment, we moved to our own work-in-progress (wip) and defined the major secret of our protagonist (or antagonist). How did the secret affect how they acted (or didn't), dressed, their mannerisms, and many more questions?

My character, Jack, has a fear of being considered abnormal because he has visions which come true. So, being an outcast for a 12 year old is a major big deal. How does Jack deal with his visions and with his family and friends? Well, for that you'll need to read my book Dragon Tears once it's published. However, I'll need to go back to the beginning (after I've completed this draft) to pull Jack all together.

I love taking these little short online courses, or attending a workshop, or conference. But it also makes me realize how much MORE work I need to do with my story. It's a bit frustrating because I have so many other stories waiting to be told, and I just can't seem to finish this one.

Guess I need to sign off and clean house. My parents and sister are heading into town for Jim's graduation on June 6th. Should be a wonderful time.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Thank You. Thank All of You.

Yesterday was Memorial Day.

People my age are the children of those who fought in WWII and Korea. Can you imagine your father or uncle, mother or aunt, grandfather or grandmother tossing grenades or firing upon another human being? I can't. But I'm grateful. And I'm terrified my sons might one day need to fight in a war.


My generation fought in the Vietnam War and yet we're the same generation who spit upon the soldiers when they returned home. It wasn't the soldiers' fault they had to go to war. So why did we punish them? Instead, we should have offered hugs and quiet THANK YOUs to these men and women. Just like we should do to those fighting in Iraq and elsewhere.

How have I celebrated Memorial Day?


When I was in my early twenties, I would celebrate the first official weekend of summer with a camping/canoeing trip. Nary a thought about the veterans who were killed fighting for my freedom.

Then I got married and had children. We didn't camp and canoe anymore, but we bar-b-Que'd and went to movies and slept in late.


Now my children are both heading off to college and I pray they will never experience the horrors of war.

Why it's so hard to say THANK YOU to the veterans I know? I want to let them know that what they fight for, what they endured for my freedom is truly meaningful to me. Yet, I feel awkward so I say nothing.

Well, not anymore. I shall try to let every veteran I know understand that I truly appreciate them and what they have had to do for this country, for my family, for my boys.



Thank You.
Thank all of you!

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Cell Phones

We transferred from Alltel to Verizon today. Our sons have been after us for at least a year to make the transition. It's difficult to do when you're in a comfortable groove even though you have complaints about your service. I mean, who doesn't have complaints about something?

I lost my razor about a month ago. Had to borrow an old LG phone to be able to keep in contact with the family. It's got pictures, and neat ring tones, and just about everything you need in a phone. Except it's like 3 years old! Archaic! Efficient but old.

My husband, Ed, had been the proud recipient of phone hand-me-downs from our children for years. I can't remember the last time he actually held a new phone in his hands. The kids always get the fun stuff and us old "fogies" get their leftovers.

Not today.

Due to Tom, who's been the major instigator in wanting us to transfer our cell phones from Alltel to Verizon, who grabbed an old phone bill and headed off to the nearest Verizon store. It didn't help that he had just dropped his red razor on the sidewalk and it smashed the corner of the phone to partially tear the wire strip connecting the display to the main circuitry. Then, when he tried to use duck tape (courtesy of his dad) to try and tape the phone together, he only succeeded in ripping the wire even further so there ended up being no display.

Plus, it didn't help that Jim's display on his razor began to intermittently stop working for not apparent reason.

So, on Memorial Day weekend, when we're supposed to be off in the wilderness and enjoying the scenery, we're off to Verizon. I bring a book, crocheting, water, and a pillow. I anticipate that the boys (Ed and Tom) will be in the store a long time trying to figure out if Verizon can come close to what we currently pay with the conveniences we currently have. And in particular, to check into those "hidden charges."

I didn't even finish a chapter. The sales woman, Vickie, a young, attractive blond (gee, what a surprise) convinced both lads that they could match our service.

Guess what. They did!

We got four new phones, with unlimited texting, and a whole bunch of minutes - plus the boys have extra stuff that kids need (like email and movies etc.) for the same price we were paying before! How fun is that?

We rushed to Costco to pick up our Memorial Day dinner, and stood in the checkout line - all of us playing with our new phones. The woman in front of us, wearing a blue tooth ear phone, laughed and said she wished she had a camera to get our family in action pressing all our phone buttons. HA. As the people behind us didn't have a clue what was going on.

Jim lost his service on his phone for a couple of hours when we transferred his account over to his new phone. He grumbled and complained, not knowing what was going on. Then when he arrived home we handed him a bag with his new phone with all his contacts.

Happy Birthday, Jim. Hope you enjoy your surprise!

It was a great day. Spent way too much money, but it was still a great day. Everyone smiled.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Prom Nite

My youngest son attended his Sr HS Prom Nite tonite. It was great fun during the preliminaries where parents took tons of pictures, including moi. I've posted them on my facebook for the kids to enjoy.

I can't remember the last time I dressed formally and had a true 'date' with a man. I miss that. The closeness - the uniqueness - the specialty of the evening. I know I can get this at a picnic at Pilot's Mountain, or a private camping trip. But it's been a long time since I've experienced this kind of intimacy. Now I have wrinkled hands, age spots, and flabby arms. But I still smile and am happy. Wonder why?

I won't be able to share this level of closeness again with either of my children. My boys are turning into adults, responsible and self-sufficient. They don't need me any more - at least until they get married and have children of their own. Then, perhaps, they might need me during those first few weeks with a newborn, or later, they might remember that they don't know everything about raising a toddler, and maybe both sets of parents might know a tiny bit.

I'm happy I'm not young. But I'm not happy that I'm so old. Yet I'm happy with my life. This doesn't make sense, but if you think about it, it just might.

I love my life. My family. My everything. :^))

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Giving Up the Challange

I don't feel like working today. My thumb hurts where one of my cats clawed it thinking I was bringing him grass to eat. It's hard to type cause I keep hitting the gouge next to my thumbnail.

Plus the birds are making a racket outside my window which makes me want to head outside and lay in a hammock to read/nap.

And a fruit fly (or something) keeps buzzing around my nose and eyes making me afraid my next inhale will include extra protein.

Lastly, I've decided I need to give up on the writing challenge. I haven't touched my story (or any story) in several days and I can't keep starting the challenge over and over, can I? It's not that I'm unmotivated, which I am, but it's all the other distractions in life. The prom my youngest son is attending this coming Saturday. His graduation from high school in two weeks. The family coming to visit (yeah!!) and all the housecleaning that needs to be done (boo).

Oh, I have to tell you that all insurance companies are alike. Whether they're health or homeowners or property liability. I think they all operate the same way. You remember that a tornado touched down here a couple of weeks ago and my church suffered some roof damage. We finally get the "Statement of Loss" from our insurance adjuster, and on the quote he includes line items that reads: "less 70% depreciation". We're all running around like headless chickens when I decide to phone the insurance company. The representative (a very nice woman) told me not to worry about that line because the insurance company will pay the entire amount.

So why put that line item in there? I'm guessing so the people who DON'T call in will accept the lesser amount. The same thing happened to me when I was undergoing cancer treatment. The health insurance company seemed to spin a wheel to determine what item du jour they wouldn't cover. Unless you called them, you didn't get coverage. How many millions of dollars are bilked out of people like you and me because we're too busy working to call and wait 20 minutes for a representative to pick up and clear up our "misunderstanding?"

Oh oh. I think I stepped on one of my soap boxes. Sorry. But that's just how it is. Some days are warm and fuzzy while other days just suck.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Create-A-Story

How about we create our own story? Here's the beginning. You just add whatever you feel should follow. Together we can create a fun "masterpiece." Or not. LOL
--------------------------
It's sticky warm tonight. The wind finally ceased rocking the tree limps back and forth across the yard. Stillness quiets even the crickets and peepers. Nothing moves. Except me.

The ground sinks beneath my feet, squishing water between my toes. Yet I walk on toward the shadows under the trees. They're calling my name and I cannot resist. Shadows, bleak and stark. Waiting.

I'm breathless with anticipation. I am breathless as fear courses through my veins leaving me tingling. I pause.

They call.

I step forward. Pause. I turn back the way I came, back toward the gloomy shack that I called home. But there's nothing for me there. Not any longer.

Once again I face front and step even closer to them. Giving myself to their ways, I surrender to the dark.
------------------
OK, now who's going to add the next piece of the story??

Monday, May 19, 2008

Dirty Little Secret

I've begun an online course taught by Keena Kincaid. It's only a two week course and I'm really looking forward to it. Tonight's the first night - and many (human) errors (mine) were ironed out. :^))

The course is called "Dirty Little Secret" and we're going to concentrate on how a little secret can completely affect our character's behavior...from how they sit, smile, hold their head, to how they speak and the clothes they wear.

It's going to be exciting - although, sigh, I can already see how it's going to affect my main character in Dragon Tears. NOOOOOO!!! I don't want to do yet ANOTHER full revision!!!!

But Keena's already gotten me thinking about a secret that's affecting my character, Jack. No, not my horse, Jack. My character. Jack in Dragon Tears had his name long before I bought Jack the horse. Is it coincidence? Or something else...... You decide.

I've got to download some pictures for my class and then study them.

If the course gets me thinking like it's already doing, it's well worth the couple of bucks to take it.

I'll keep you posted without giving away how Keena's secrets. All I know is that it should be very fun.

And no, I haven't completed today's writing challenge of spending 15 minutes with my novel. I'm off to dinner instead.

Ciou. And bon appetite!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Horse Facts

I received this email from a horsey friend of mine and thought I would share it with y'all....

1. People who don't take care of their own horses will be the first ones to tell you how to care for yours.

2. You should never buy a cheap girth!

3. A handsome horse that's badly behaved will become a lot less attractive in about 15 minutes

4. People who think they have nothing more to learn about riding hit the ground the hardest.

5. Children and ponies are natural allies and often have identical dispositions.

6. The richest horse people often look the poorest.

7. The closeness of a horse is one of the sweetest smells in the world.

8. A solitary ride through the bush is more beneficial than six months with the best psychiatrist.

9. The worse a person rides the more likely they are going to blame it on the horse.

10. The best thing about going to the barn first thing in the morning is that horses don't care how you look.

11. If a dealer insists a horse is worth twice what he's asking he's usually worth half that much.

12. The best way to appreciate how another person rides is to get on their horse.

13. I can recognize another horse person no matter what town, city, state, county or country I visit.

14. You can never have too many hoof picks.

15. It is not wise to argue with something that outweighs you buy 1,000 pounds.

16. I'd rather have a horse with a perfect mind then a perfect head.

17 Eight hours is too long to be in the saddle!

18 If you think you have left the water on in the barn you have, if you think you have closed the pasture gate you haven't.

19. When someone asks you if you like their horse always say yes :)

20. The happiest people I know own horses, dogs, cats and at least one deranged goat.

21. If you're looking for the perfect horse you will never own one.

22. Owning a horse can either make a marriage or break it.

23. I'd rather lose my lipstick then my curb chain.

24. You shouldn't talk about your first place ribbon to someone that came second.

25. If someone says that horse has a little buck, it has a BIG buck.

26. If we need rain, schedule a horse show or trail ride.

27. I've never warmed up to some that didn't want a walk down to the stables to see the horses.

28. A clean stable and a sparkling horse are among life's great pleasures.

29. Even given-away horses can be too expensive. Especially give- away horses.

30. No matter how badly behaved you are, your horse always gives you a second chance.

31. A more expensive horse doesn't make a better one.

32. Losing a horse can break your heart, but it will have been worth it.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Saturday

A day off. Relaxation. Calm. That slight tingle twitching in my muscles as I sit perfectly still, listening to the wind chimes. The sun beating on my shoulders.

Trail rode this morning. Didn't even shower (cause you get filthy on the trail). Grabbed a cheese sandwich and a bottle of water and headed to the stables.

It was a lazy day for Jack (the horse) also. As we walked in from the paddock to the barn, he stopped to check out a bicyclist on the road. Then again 'cause the wind blew. Then again to see if any horsey-friend was going to run to the fence to say "hey." Then again ... just because it's Jack.

Ran into a buddy of mine and we road together. The horses walked - so slowly they were almost stopped. Relaxed and half-asleep on their feet, each of them tripped over their own feet. Several times.

The landowners had mowed trails in the hay fields which made it interesting. I never knew where they would lead on their 120 acre farm. Some of the land is wooded although most of it is open hayfields. All of it is hilly and great exercise for both Jack and me.

Flies are buzzing, flitting on necks, around eyes, anywhere annoying. Head flips and tail swishes chase them off. But they only return again.

The slight breeze, the warm sun, the gentle rocking and swaying on the horse lulled both my thoughts and body into one-ness with everything - the rippling grasses, the crows chasing a kestrel hawk, the butterflies sipping nectar from the wildflowers.

Trail riding grounds me. It's real. No pretenses. No expectations. Just the horse, me, and the trails. What a wonderful life!
Yawn. I think it's time for a nap.

Friday, May 16, 2008

The Challenge - Day 4

Yes, I know today's Friday and it really should be Day 5, but I didn't have a chance to write yesterday. That all changed today. Wow! Great Muses struck at Bonnie's house this morning. Jack and the gang wanted me to crank out their story and I sure did. What also helped me keep writing was ordering a sandwich that wonderful Frank picked up for me. And even though I hit a break point, Frank hadn't returned with lunch so both Bonnie and I kept plugging. What a GREAT morning! A morning that lasted until 2:30 pm. HA HA

Then the reality of paying work settled upon me and I put in a couple of hours. But it's almost 6 on a Friday night. Jimmy has two friends over - they're playing guitars, singing, and giggling. It's wonderful noise that fills me with peace. This is what I miss when the boys are away. This is what's going to be so hard to stand next year.


But they're growing up. And I'm growing rounder. I'm trying a new form of exercise - reading while I walk. I've discovered that my peripheral vision can keep me on the edge of the road without distracting me from my book. Great way to accomplish something I love (reading) with something I need (walking). My foot hurts from the surgery, so maybe I pushed a little too hard, but hey, I gotta get back into my pants!

The pictures are from my front yard. I love spring and all the colors it brings. :^))

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

The Challenge - Day 3

It's Day 3 - and I didn't get a chance to write anything. Business is booming (hooray!) and there's not sufficient time to write. Actually, there's insufficient time to finish all the projects for my clients. Where is all the time going??

Its 11:21 pm and I've just returned home from our bi-weekly Piedmont Plotters meeting (our critique group). Trying to settle down after an hour & half ride, I'm too keyed up to sleep but too tired to write. I've reviewed everyone's comments about my latest chapter, and while there's some clean up to do, it wasn't that bad a critique.

Good news, Bonnie and I will have our Friday Writing session. I'm tickled about that.

Betsy? Where's your next chapter? I'm waiting girlfriend.

How's everyone else doing with the writing challenge???

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Challenge Status

OK, it's day 3 or is it 2 of the writing challenge? I'm not sure as it's approaching the transition of night to morning. I critiqued manuscripts today - not my own, so does this count as part of the challenge? Unfortunately, I think not.

I've failed to maintain the conviction of my own challenge to spend a measly 15 minutes a day to create. Sigh.

My latest 15 minute-venture into my book left me swooning with amazement as a new chapter / idea formed on it's own accord. It left me breathless. I need some time off to reconsider and reflect upon what's happened in the fifth re-write of my book. I do know it needs to be strengthened, intensified, hardened. Does this make any sense? My protagonist took me over and created a new scene which needs to ferment a few days until I can actually mold it into a more final form. This is my excuse. I edit others' work instead.

Work is piling up. That's a good thing. It'll keep me busy for most of my free time for the foreseeable future and that is also a 'bad' thing. No time for Jack. Little time for creating. I guess I'll need to schedule carefully all the tasks I must attend to so that all will get done.

Ah that the mighty dollar (needed for 2 college tuitions) intrudes upon my creative solitude.

HA. And such is life.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

I'm a Happy Mother!

Today began differently than any other Mother's Day. It's been 19 years I've been a Mother.

Today I did not get my usual breakfast in bed. They boys slept hard, all wrapped in their sheets. My husband was kind enough to let me sleep late when he couldn't arouse the boys. Yeah for hubby! :^))

Then I couldn't sleep anymore. My back crunched and grinded whenever I moved. Time to get up. After a quick shower, I checked on the boys who were still out cold. Teenagers. 10:30 am is way to early for them to consider placing their feet on the floor.

Ed (hubby) has made me coffee. :^))

I searched for news articles to send to http://www.breastcancer.org/, a website I'm proud to be a member of. (oops, dangling participle).

It's now 11:30 am. Still no movement from the boys.

At noon Tom stumbled into my office. "Happy Mother's Day." He hugs (feels wonderful) then said "How come you didn't wake me for church?"

I laugh.

It's time to jump onto Jimmy's bed and yell "Happy Mother's Day!" He grabs me for a hug (feels terrific).

I return to my office and continue my web-surfing for more news articles.

The hall closet opens then shuts as they dig out wrapping paper (I can hear everything that's going on.) Then the heavy footed trot down the stairs. Finally Ed appears and requests my presence in the family room.

It's time. I smile, wondering what they have in store for me.

After settling comfortably between my two little boys (who are now both taller and smarter than I), they hand me a box.

Humm, not the typical gift of flowers, or candles, or books. I gently shake it. No noise. I slowly peel the tape from the edges of the wrapping paper, drawing this out as slowly as possible, like my grandpa Banta used to do. Finally, unfolding one layer at a time, the box is revealed.

A digital photo frame. I plugged it in. Turned it on. It was loaded with images of my boys and covered their activities over the past year! Some were fantastic images, some made me laugh, and one or two made me cringe. But I saw parts of their lives I never knew about.

What a thoughtful gift. I'm glad today's Mother's Day is different than the others. My boys are growing up and becoming wonderful young men.

I am so very lucky. I am so very proud.

I love you boys.


Saturday, May 10, 2008

The Challenge - Day 2 (Tornado Pics)

DAY 1 (yes, I started over):
Well, I didn't quite make 15 minutes writing today. Fortunately, I was prompted by my fellow writers to work on a chapter of my novel just so I could submit it for their review. Our critique group meets every other week just to keep us (me) on our toes and cranking out at least one chapter. It works unusually well. So I did a little editing on chapter 16 of Dragon Tears (children's middle grade fiction), then popped it off on a trip through cyberspace in an email. Now I really need to get working because I'm only partially finished with chapter 17 and I'll need to charge ahead with both creative and editorial juices surging through my veins. HA.

BONNIE! No more Friday morning doctor's appointments - I need you to help with my lack of self-discipline! Are we on for writing next week???

OK, back to the tornado. The power returned around 9 pm last evening, way ahead of schedule. You should have seen the Duke Energy people work. There were at least 10 heavy duty trucks working on the six power lines that had been ripped apart by trees and winds. And while the traffic became a tad snarled as they hauled the lines across the highway and hoisted them to the top of the power poles, it was tolerable.

They opened up Underpass, where a house was destroyed. I haven't been back to snap a picture of it yet as time hasn't permitted. When I played voyeur on Friday morning and had pulled over to the side of the road to take what pictures I could, a county sheriff (young AND cute) pulled along side and asked "What are you doing here?" "Taking pictures." Then I smiled remembering I'm an old chubby lady in glasses. "Best move on then." He waiting until I pulled away before he moved.
Dang.
I'm acting pretty glib about this because no one was really hurt. Only material things were damaged. (And none of mine were.)
Can you see the stairs that lead nowhere?

Friday, May 9, 2008

The Challenge - Day 1 (tornado pictures)

Day 1: It's 3:45 pm and I have not yet worked on my novel for my 15 minutes. Perhaps later I might, however, it's going to be a difficult challenge. You see, I'm distracted.

Why?

A tornado landed in my town last night - and people have been without power since around 10:15 pm. Duke Energy indicates it might not come back on until at least late tomorrow night.

Well, here are some pictures I thought you might find interesting. Double-click the picture to make them larger.





I'll post more pictures tomorrow.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Time for Air? No - A Time for a Challenge.

I tossed and turned so much last night both the bottom sheet AND the mattress cover were rustled off the corners and bundled together in the middle of the bed. At least the mattress itself felt pretty cool. I hate to say it, but it might almost be time to turn on the A/C, symbolizing the end of spring.

WOW! My youngest son, Jim, asked me to proof his English paper last night. I'm very impressed! He's quite the wordsmith. When did this happen? Jim's the guy in the red shirt and Tom's the blue, just like their college colors. And yes, that's a House Divided License plate for the front of my car.

I slept really well last night even though it was so hot, because my house was full again. :^)) It really is nice having them home - even though I won't see either of them much what with their visiting, and working out, and just plain being away.

A friend of mine spoke at an SCBWI conference in New England and offered them a challenge ----to write for 15 minutes every day for 21 days.

THE CHALLENGE Part Deux:

I'm going to change this challenge to one where I spend 15 minutes writing my own stories (not blogs and such) for 21 days.

Can I do it? It will be hard to get into the routine - to train myself to quickly focus on my subject matter and create or edit. Sometimes it takes me 15 minutes just to get back into the swing of the story. But I'm going to try.

15 minutes, how hard can it be?

Somehow, I think it will be very hard.

Monday, May 5, 2008

College Daze

My eldest son is coming home from UNC on Tuesday. I know this isn't a particularly flattering picture of Tom, but I'm expecting to get a lot of these looks this coming summer. This is his first extended time home -- after all the freedom he's enjoyed during the last school year. I guess I should get ready to be suddenly stupid.

His dad is out getting the truck ready by removing the teenage friendly muffler that gives instant headaches to any adult driver, and installing the original, quiet one. Then he'll remove all the seats from my van so we can head to Chapel Hill tomorrow morning and pack up Tom's room while he's taking his last final. He has to vacate the dorm the same day he takes a final? That doesn't seem fair to me. And thus we need to pack for him? I don't seem to recall my parents doing this for me. Or has age affected my memory?

Food Lion will love Tom coming home. Our food expenditures dwindled while he was away, but now they should triple with his hollow legs that never seem to fill.

And the quiet will be shattered with constant noise, confusion, and mess. Talk about mess! I don't think that boy ever picks up after himself. As a friend of mine told me just the other day, there's got to be some rules made for these college kids. Not difficult ones - just simple things like: Put your dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Throw out your own trash. Do your own laundry. Tell me when you're going out - and when we should expect you home. I think that will be the most difficult to follow. It was for me when I was his age.

Oh, but the house will also be filled with sounds of laughter, and music, and whispers, and thumps as the boys wrestle their welcome home into each other. And calls of "Mom, where's my ......." and the occasional yells at each other.

I hope the ceiling holds up. :^))


Is it ready for school to begin again?

Sunday, May 4, 2008

2:25 pm and I Need to...

And there's so much to do and I don't want to do it. My desk is piled so high with papers my elbows are way higher than my keyboard and it's difficult to type.

I need to buy gas for the lawn mower and finish cutting the back lawn.

I need to clear my desk off.

I need to run to the grocery to get food and drinks for the youth (before 3 pm today!).

I need to put my laundry away so I can do more laundry.

I need to pay bills.

I need to collect cardboard boxes to bring to UNC to help Tom pack on Tuesday.

I need to think about what to have for dinner.

I need to write.

I need to see my horse.

I need to water my plants

I need to clean my fish tank which I can't do until I order a new part for my cleaner thingie.

I need to clean the cat box.

I need to get the blower working so I can blow the dead leaves and grass off the driveway.

I need to weed my back garden, front garden, by the mail box.

I need to get all the kindling sticks off the back porch to make room for my plants.

I need to get the back porch ready to use.

I need to ...

You get the idea. So instead, I play a game called "avoidance." It's easy to play, just sit and doodle on the computer , or whatever is your fancy, and waste day. I suppose I could even read!

Nope, I'm going to get to my feet, put on my sandals, and wander outside. I guess out of all my "needs," I'll weed. At least I'll get some fresh air and it'll make me bend. Although that's becoming difficult lately. Have you ever experienced pushing your rolls of fat aside so you can bend over to tie your shoe? It's really gross.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

I Can't Wait!

Tomorrow is Friday and I can't wait to head to my friend Bonnie's house and write. I need to finish re-visioning of my novel, but at the same time, I'm discovering I need to re-visit my analysis of the protagonist, nemesis' (what's the plural of nemesis?), and antagonist. It's distracting to have all these thoughts collide while I'm trying to only do one task at a time.

Why don't I schedule time to analyze that distinct from my writing time? I don't know. There never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done. Take today, for example. I finished work at the office around 2 pm then headed home to toss the sheets into the laundry and see if there was anything important that I needed to attend to with regards to my printing business. There wasn't. Yet it is now 4 pm and I've still not put the sheets into the laundry and I didn't have any pressing work issues.

Where has the past 2 hours gone?

Yes, I did pay some bills and transfer money around online.

Yes, I did play 2 games of spider solitaire.

Yes, I followed my son's directions and looked at a video on youtube.com which led me to look at others as well. Oh, I get it. This is where my time went. Hummmmm.

So I leave everyone with this one thought: If you really want to get something done, DO NOT USE your computer! It's way too distracting. HA HA HA

And now it's also too late to see my horse. But definitely tomorrow after I spend a good several hours writing!

Thanks for coming home, Bonnie!!