Well, it IS raining today, while makes me a bit glum. Though I know we need it, so I'm trying hard to be okay with it.
It's also kind of chilly, but that just means it's time to pull out a comfy shawl. Right?
I was up in the middle of the night, sick as a dog, no idea why. That's my main Monday gripe. Thus today I've been eating very, very light. Not that it's a bad idea to eat light...but the house is full of lots of yummy birthday goodies, none of which will sit well on a sick tummy. (sigh)
So I'm trying to focus on other things, like work, and knitting. With mixed success.
Another gripe: just when I get to like a new show, they pull it. Last year I really enjoyed "Eastwick," for instance. It doesn't appear to be on the fall schedule, so I assume it's not returning. Why not? It was SO much better than many things that are returning. At least, so says Liz. ;-)
I also loved Flash Forward. A very clever show, that left me wanting more each week. And don't you just hate it when a show ends, never to return, and they don't tie up all the loose ends during the final episode?
I guess that's it for grumping today. Hope you all are having a tolerable Monday!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday Happies 9/24/10
Happies are often made up of many little mini-happies, rather than one large one. Here are mine for today.
My blood pressure is back to normal. Yay!
The leaves are starting to change and gorgeous color is popping out everywhere.
Seen on the road: license plate frame saying, "Once a Marine, always a Marine." The license plate itself read: "TNKRBL" Heeheehee!
Koko the parakeet has become a regular chatterbox, letting loose streams of words, whistles and chirps that last five minutes or more. In there I sometimes pick out new phrases. Today's new phrases: "You are the best boy, Koko" and "It's me, Koko" (the latter usually said when I enter the house, so he doesn't freak out).
Last but not least: licking the frosting spatula for the Shaker Pie my wonderful husband just finished making for my belated birthday celebration on Sunday!
Hope you're having a happy-full day too.
My blood pressure is back to normal. Yay!
The leaves are starting to change and gorgeous color is popping out everywhere.
Seen on the road: license plate frame saying, "Once a Marine, always a Marine." The license plate itself read: "TNKRBL" Heeheehee!
Koko the parakeet has become a regular chatterbox, letting loose streams of words, whistles and chirps that last five minutes or more. In there I sometimes pick out new phrases. Today's new phrases: "You are the best boy, Koko" and "It's me, Koko" (the latter usually said when I enter the house, so he doesn't freak out).
Last but not least: licking the frosting spatula for the Shaker Pie my wonderful husband just finished making for my belated birthday celebration on Sunday!
Hope you're having a happy-full day too.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Friday Happies 9/17/10
Today is my birthday, so that's a reason to be happy right off the bat, right? I'm one of those folks who's never grown up in terms of holidays and celebrations. I love 'em all.
I've also been feeling better the past few days, so that helps my long-term outlook as well. Maybe I'm climbing up out of the pit I've been in and getting back into the sunlight. Yay!
With that improving mood, I am trying to get back into the things I care about, like knitting. And writing. I hope it's a self-feeding cycle where the more I do, the more I want to do.
I'm continuing regular exercise and administering reading, chocolate, music, knitting, and loved ones as needed.
I have found, though, that my taste in some things has changed. For instance, although I've always enjoyed romantic comedy movies, they are much more helpful and enjoyable to me now. I need to laugh, and to have a happy ending. That gives me hope. Suspense and mystery movies I'm less interested in now, and horror is right out! I watch TV and read books to get away from the negative aspects of real life, not to immerse myself in them and get depressed all over again.
And those endless medical lawsuit/OTC medication commercials? I mute 'em. I have my own issues to deal with. I don't need to start worrying about someone else's. ;-)
I've also been feeling better the past few days, so that helps my long-term outlook as well. Maybe I'm climbing up out of the pit I've been in and getting back into the sunlight. Yay!
With that improving mood, I am trying to get back into the things I care about, like knitting. And writing. I hope it's a self-feeding cycle where the more I do, the more I want to do.
I'm continuing regular exercise and administering reading, chocolate, music, knitting, and loved ones as needed.
I have found, though, that my taste in some things has changed. For instance, although I've always enjoyed romantic comedy movies, they are much more helpful and enjoyable to me now. I need to laugh, and to have a happy ending. That gives me hope. Suspense and mystery movies I'm less interested in now, and horror is right out! I watch TV and read books to get away from the negative aspects of real life, not to immerse myself in them and get depressed all over again.
And those endless medical lawsuit/OTC medication commercials? I mute 'em. I have my own issues to deal with. I don't need to start worrying about someone else's. ;-)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday Gripes 9/13/10
Well, it's Monday. That's gripe-worthy all by itself, isn't it? Especially after a nice, if rainy, vacation.
It's gloomy here today, but I hope we DO get rain because unlike the northern part of the state, we sure need it. The rivers and ponds are quite low, some nearly dry, and some towns are putting water restrictions in place. While that was quite common in Kansas, it's unheard of here in New Hampshire, at least since we've been here.
Of course, I don't want it to go the other way and then we end up with floods. Yeah, I'm picky.
Today's gripe is road work. They've been working on the road I have to travel on to get to...well, just about everything except the yarn store. (That's one bright spot, at least.) At first they were just working on the bridges, of which there are several, but now they're repaving everywhere.
What irritates me is, they have repaved the lane going in one direction, but not the shoulder. Since they're paving the lane going the *other* way now, those orange cones direct us off onto the shoulder so the oncoming traffic can drive on "our" lane. But the shoulder isn't quite large enough in spots where there's a guardrail, so I end up driving with one tire on the new pavement and one on the old shoulder, with all that loose tar flicking up under the car. (eye roll)
Today I took the long way home from physical therapy, just to avoid it (though that involves navigating a traffic circle--a stupid invention if you ask me). And I drive a small car. Wonder how the 18-wheelers manage? I just hope they're done paving soon.
And the other related gripe is about people who feel that even though we're driving on the shoulder, half on and half off the new lane, with orange cones all around and oncoming traffic a few inches away, not to mention construction workers and their equipment, we should STILL be able to go at full normal speed, and they get irritated when I have the audacity to follow the construction zone speed limit. Sheesh.
Okay, back to work. Grumble, grumble, grumble.
It's gloomy here today, but I hope we DO get rain because unlike the northern part of the state, we sure need it. The rivers and ponds are quite low, some nearly dry, and some towns are putting water restrictions in place. While that was quite common in Kansas, it's unheard of here in New Hampshire, at least since we've been here.
Of course, I don't want it to go the other way and then we end up with floods. Yeah, I'm picky.
Today's gripe is road work. They've been working on the road I have to travel on to get to...well, just about everything except the yarn store. (That's one bright spot, at least.) At first they were just working on the bridges, of which there are several, but now they're repaving everywhere.
What irritates me is, they have repaved the lane going in one direction, but not the shoulder. Since they're paving the lane going the *other* way now, those orange cones direct us off onto the shoulder so the oncoming traffic can drive on "our" lane. But the shoulder isn't quite large enough in spots where there's a guardrail, so I end up driving with one tire on the new pavement and one on the old shoulder, with all that loose tar flicking up under the car. (eye roll)
Today I took the long way home from physical therapy, just to avoid it (though that involves navigating a traffic circle--a stupid invention if you ask me). And I drive a small car. Wonder how the 18-wheelers manage? I just hope they're done paving soon.
And the other related gripe is about people who feel that even though we're driving on the shoulder, half on and half off the new lane, with orange cones all around and oncoming traffic a few inches away, not to mention construction workers and their equipment, we should STILL be able to go at full normal speed, and they get irritated when I have the audacity to follow the construction zone speed limit. Sheesh.
Okay, back to work. Grumble, grumble, grumble.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday Happies 9/10/10
Okay, I'm a little late with the happies. But bear with me. We just returned from vacation yesterday, and if you look at this photo, it pretty much tells you about two of the three things our trip involved:
One of the two things is a little subtle, so I'll point it out. It was raining. It rained the entire time we were there, and rained on poor Dan on the few days of his bike trip the previous few days. I was starting to worry it was ark-building time.
But the second item--the moose!--was the end of a multi-year quest to finally see one. We were beginning to think they were mythical and only mentioned to entice tourists to visit.
We took a long drive Thursday morning out in the middle of nowhere, getting our so-not-made-for-muddy-dirt-roads car all messy, and after two+ hours were ready to give up. But we tried one more road and, voila! A moose! He looks like he's lying down, but really he's standing down in a water-filled ditch, eating watery plants.
Obviously, the rain didn't bother him a bit.
After we watched him for a while, he got annoyed with our presence, turned around and started walking away. We followed him slowly, and he began to trot. He whipped around a corner and when we got there, he had disappeared into the woods. This was the last we saw of him:
The other two things we did a lot of during the vacation were read, and eat. Well, what else IS there when you're stuck inside due to inclement weather?
But despite that weather, we had a nice, relaxing time. Maybe more relaxing than it would have been had the weather been sunny. So, happy time!
One of the two things is a little subtle, so I'll point it out. It was raining. It rained the entire time we were there, and rained on poor Dan on the few days of his bike trip the previous few days. I was starting to worry it was ark-building time.
But the second item--the moose!--was the end of a multi-year quest to finally see one. We were beginning to think they were mythical and only mentioned to entice tourists to visit.
We took a long drive Thursday morning out in the middle of nowhere, getting our so-not-made-for-muddy-dirt-roads car all messy, and after two+ hours were ready to give up. But we tried one more road and, voila! A moose! He looks like he's lying down, but really he's standing down in a water-filled ditch, eating watery plants.
Obviously, the rain didn't bother him a bit.
After we watched him for a while, he got annoyed with our presence, turned around and started walking away. We followed him slowly, and he began to trot. He whipped around a corner and when we got there, he had disappeared into the woods. This was the last we saw of him:
The other two things we did a lot of during the vacation were read, and eat. Well, what else IS there when you're stuck inside due to inclement weather?
But despite that weather, we had a nice, relaxing time. Maybe more relaxing than it would have been had the weather been sunny. So, happy time!
Friday, September 03, 2010
Friday Happies 9/3/10
Well, I'm happy the pre-recorded message from State Farm, telling me Hurricane Earl was headed my way and to board up the windows, was wrong. (eye roll) I need more stress like I need a hole in the head.
However, my mom, who might actually live near a spot that will get hit (i.e., Connecticut coast) and who is a State Farm customer, didn't receive a call. Go figure.
I'm happy to hear from my doctor that not only does exercise up my dopamine level, which should make me feel better, but she confirmed my belief that so does chocolate. She said it would take about an hour to kick in...but somehow I think eating chocolate has an instant soothing effect. I'll gladly do a study of this myself and see how it turns out!
I'm glad the Internet provides me a route to contact friends and family who don't live nearby. I wrote a lot of letters in my youth to family members, but friends I'd moved away from usually fell by the wayside as letter-writing was laborious and lengthy before you'd get a reply. Because kids just aren't that motivated to hand-write letters.
I guess we are the society of instant gratification.
So at least now, a friend can stay a friend for life. More contact beyond the annual Christmas card and those newsletters no one reads.
And now, beyond the magic of cell phones, we also have Skype. So you can call a friend on your computer, and see her too! Reminds me of the good old days of TV when a picture-phone was all the rage in all the sci-fi stories. And didn't Maxwell Smart of "Get Smart!" have a watch phone? I know he had a shoe phone...
Phew. Glad I don't have to take off my shoe to make a phone call.
However, my mom, who might actually live near a spot that will get hit (i.e., Connecticut coast) and who is a State Farm customer, didn't receive a call. Go figure.
I'm happy to hear from my doctor that not only does exercise up my dopamine level, which should make me feel better, but she confirmed my belief that so does chocolate. She said it would take about an hour to kick in...but somehow I think eating chocolate has an instant soothing effect. I'll gladly do a study of this myself and see how it turns out!
I'm glad the Internet provides me a route to contact friends and family who don't live nearby. I wrote a lot of letters in my youth to family members, but friends I'd moved away from usually fell by the wayside as letter-writing was laborious and lengthy before you'd get a reply. Because kids just aren't that motivated to hand-write letters.
I guess we are the society of instant gratification.
So at least now, a friend can stay a friend for life. More contact beyond the annual Christmas card and those newsletters no one reads.
And now, beyond the magic of cell phones, we also have Skype. So you can call a friend on your computer, and see her too! Reminds me of the good old days of TV when a picture-phone was all the rage in all the sci-fi stories. And didn't Maxwell Smart of "Get Smart!" have a watch phone? I know he had a shoe phone...
Phew. Glad I don't have to take off my shoe to make a phone call.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday Gripes 8/30/10
It's hot here. 90+ degrees. And we all know how much I love heat, right? NOT. I am perpetually thankful for the invention of air conditioning. Thank you, oh wise inventor, whoever you may be.
But even before the heat hit today, I woke up feeling really blue. No particular reason...just, that's what I got today in the dice-roll of life. (sigh) After a few hours moping around in my bathrobe, I'm finally up and doing fine. I don't know why mornings are so hard. They ARE getting better, but darn it, I just want everything to be happy. Is that so much to ask?
So I'm still working at the happiness-creating. Chocolate works sometimes. Knitting works once in a while. Music can work. Having my husband here, or some other family member, definitely helps. Koko the parakeet helps too! Even though he doesn't know it.
I just have to find the way to inspire myself to TRY those things when morning seems like it's not worth facing. Because some days, lying in bed until I fall back to sleep seems like the only reasonable option.
What do YOU do when you want to improve your mood? All suggestions gratefully considered!
But even before the heat hit today, I woke up feeling really blue. No particular reason...just, that's what I got today in the dice-roll of life. (sigh) After a few hours moping around in my bathrobe, I'm finally up and doing fine. I don't know why mornings are so hard. They ARE getting better, but darn it, I just want everything to be happy. Is that so much to ask?
So I'm still working at the happiness-creating. Chocolate works sometimes. Knitting works once in a while. Music can work. Having my husband here, or some other family member, definitely helps. Koko the parakeet helps too! Even though he doesn't know it.
I just have to find the way to inspire myself to TRY those things when morning seems like it's not worth facing. Because some days, lying in bed until I fall back to sleep seems like the only reasonable option.
What do YOU do when you want to improve your mood? All suggestions gratefully considered!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday Happies 8/27/10
As soon as I opened my eyes and saw the sun shining, that was my first "happy." We needed the rain--heck, we need more--but the gloomy, damp weather really affects my mood.
I'm looking forward to my daughter coming over this evening after work for a night of pizza, movies and knitting. I'm so happy to have a good relationship with all my kids, especially my girls. It just makes me pleased as punch to know they like me and actually want to spend time with me!
I'm delighted that my husband will be back tomorrow from his backpacking trip. I know he loves the outdoors and the more strenuous the hike, the more he seems to like it. So I don't begrudge him his outings. But I'm sure happy when he comes home.
And lastly, today seems to be spiderweb day. I have seen not one, but two perfect ones today. One is between the arm and back of the rocking chair on the porch. Must be made by a small spider as the silk is quite delicate, nearly invisible. I have avoided sitting on the rocker as I don't want to ruin it. Sooner or later, it will have to go; but for now I just enjoy the artistry.
I found a second perfect spiderweb over the license plate on the back of my car. It could have been made by the first spider's sister...very similar. Unfortunately, a little of it was pulled off when I opened the trunk to stow my groceries, but most of it is still intact.
There are so many small things in nature that hold such beauty, if we would not only take time to see them, but take time to FIND them, which isn't always easy. The next time you go out, look at your world from a different angle--kneel down, or tilt your head, or look way up or straight down. I bet you'll find something awesome you didn't know was there!
I'm looking forward to my daughter coming over this evening after work for a night of pizza, movies and knitting. I'm so happy to have a good relationship with all my kids, especially my girls. It just makes me pleased as punch to know they like me and actually want to spend time with me!
I'm delighted that my husband will be back tomorrow from his backpacking trip. I know he loves the outdoors and the more strenuous the hike, the more he seems to like it. So I don't begrudge him his outings. But I'm sure happy when he comes home.
And lastly, today seems to be spiderweb day. I have seen not one, but two perfect ones today. One is between the arm and back of the rocking chair on the porch. Must be made by a small spider as the silk is quite delicate, nearly invisible. I have avoided sitting on the rocker as I don't want to ruin it. Sooner or later, it will have to go; but for now I just enjoy the artistry.
I found a second perfect spiderweb over the license plate on the back of my car. It could have been made by the first spider's sister...very similar. Unfortunately, a little of it was pulled off when I opened the trunk to stow my groceries, but most of it is still intact.
There are so many small things in nature that hold such beauty, if we would not only take time to see them, but take time to FIND them, which isn't always easy. The next time you go out, look at your world from a different angle--kneel down, or tilt your head, or look way up or straight down. I bet you'll find something awesome you didn't know was there!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
New Classes Available
I'm teaching two courses starting on Thursday (8/26), and I hope you'll join me for one--or both! Here's the info.
ESSENTIALS OF ROMANCE WRITING
8/26/10 - 10/7/10
Does a deep love story live in your soul? Could you join the ranks of the Bronte sisters, Nora Roberts, Judith McNaught, Danielle Steele, or Nicholas Sparks? Discover your romantic writing roots while you familiarize yourself with the specific factors that create a successful romance story.
Essentials of Romance Writing
~~~~~~~~~~
WRITE GREAT FICTION: DIALOGUE
8/26/10 - 10/7/10
Dialogue may be the most important characterization - but most difficult to master - tool at a fiction writer's disposal. Stiff, unnatural or overdone dialogue will doom the liveliest characters or stall an exciting plot. Effective dialogue propels your characters and story off the page, deep into the imagination of your reader.
In this workshop, you will gain a thorough understanding of effective dialogue in fiction, including the functions of dialogue to develop characters, expose motives, reveal setting, create tension and suspense, speed up scene and more.
Abolish your fear of dialogue and access your story's unique voice!
Write Great Fiction: Dialogue
Hope to see you there!
ESSENTIALS OF ROMANCE WRITING
8/26/10 - 10/7/10
Does a deep love story live in your soul? Could you join the ranks of the Bronte sisters, Nora Roberts, Judith McNaught, Danielle Steele, or Nicholas Sparks? Discover your romantic writing roots while you familiarize yourself with the specific factors that create a successful romance story.
Essentials of Romance Writing
~~~~~~~~~~
WRITE GREAT FICTION: DIALOGUE
8/26/10 - 10/7/10
Dialogue may be the most important characterization - but most difficult to master - tool at a fiction writer's disposal. Stiff, unnatural or overdone dialogue will doom the liveliest characters or stall an exciting plot. Effective dialogue propels your characters and story off the page, deep into the imagination of your reader.
In this workshop, you will gain a thorough understanding of effective dialogue in fiction, including the functions of dialogue to develop characters, expose motives, reveal setting, create tension and suspense, speed up scene and more.
Abolish your fear of dialogue and access your story's unique voice!
Write Great Fiction: Dialogue
Hope to see you there!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday Gripes 8/23/10
Rain. Clouds. Gray. Fog. Mist.
Yuck!
It is SO dark and gloomy today, it's hard to stay positive. I'm trying, because I really need to keep a positive attitude. But the weather has a definite effect.
We do need the rain, I admit. We've been in a bit of a drought. The Souhegan River is so low, you can see all the rocks at the bottom.
But isn't it a shame it can't rain from a blue sunshiny sky?
That said, I just had a cheerful little interlude.
Every year, a little local boy comes around, selling gourmet popcorn as a Boy Scouts fundraiser. I only see him once a year, but he's bright and talkative and has no trouble chatting with an adult. He showed up just now at my door...riding his bike, despite the rain...and he sure has shot up in the past year! I had to remark on how much he's grown.
We had a lovely chat. He asked about our dog and cat, and I told him that sadly, we'd lost them both within the past year. He related that he, too, had lost both a dog and cat recently, but added they now have a new one of each. I introduced him to Koko (the parakeet), and he was absolutely fascinated. "That's so cool," he said. "He's so little. I want a bird!"
It was a small thing, but it really cheered me up. So even the Monday blahs can be chased away, with the right medicine! A little human contact is all it takes.
Yuck!
It is SO dark and gloomy today, it's hard to stay positive. I'm trying, because I really need to keep a positive attitude. But the weather has a definite effect.
We do need the rain, I admit. We've been in a bit of a drought. The Souhegan River is so low, you can see all the rocks at the bottom.
But isn't it a shame it can't rain from a blue sunshiny sky?
That said, I just had a cheerful little interlude.
Every year, a little local boy comes around, selling gourmet popcorn as a Boy Scouts fundraiser. I only see him once a year, but he's bright and talkative and has no trouble chatting with an adult. He showed up just now at my door...riding his bike, despite the rain...and he sure has shot up in the past year! I had to remark on how much he's grown.
We had a lovely chat. He asked about our dog and cat, and I told him that sadly, we'd lost them both within the past year. He related that he, too, had lost both a dog and cat recently, but added they now have a new one of each. I introduced him to Koko (the parakeet), and he was absolutely fascinated. "That's so cool," he said. "He's so little. I want a bird!"
It was a small thing, but it really cheered me up. So even the Monday blahs can be chased away, with the right medicine! A little human contact is all it takes.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday Happies 8/13/10
The past two weeks have been a challenge. Too dang depressing to call them gripes on Mondays, and too stressful to have anything to be happy about on Fridays.
Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I knew it was a possibility, but naturally it wasn't the answer I was hoping for.
Since then, I've struggled with trying to get through depression to acceptance. It's not an easy path, though I've had valuable tips from people who have walked their own roads of accepting a difficult diagnosis. I'm still working on it, but I've learned a few things so far.
Diagnosis or no, I still have a lot of things to be grateful for. Supportive family and friends, a comfortable home, a job I can adjust around my condition and schedule, a saucy little parakeet to keep me company, a beautiful state to live in...I'm grateful for them all, and more.
Exercise helps improve my mood, as long as I can get over the horrible hump of getting out of bed and getting started on it. Just moving around can give me a boost.
Singing helps. Listening to music helps. Sunshine helps. So does chocolate!
By far the most helpful thing is my family and friends. Hearing their voices, seeing their smiles, feeling their hugs, all help me put things in perspective and go on with my life, one step at a time, one day at a time.
I'm trying to get my life back on track, including posting regularly. I know I'll have challenges to face, but I can only tackle them successfully with a brave smile and courageous heart. So I'm working on it...
Happy Friday the Thirteenth to all of you!
Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I knew it was a possibility, but naturally it wasn't the answer I was hoping for.
Since then, I've struggled with trying to get through depression to acceptance. It's not an easy path, though I've had valuable tips from people who have walked their own roads of accepting a difficult diagnosis. I'm still working on it, but I've learned a few things so far.
Diagnosis or no, I still have a lot of things to be grateful for. Supportive family and friends, a comfortable home, a job I can adjust around my condition and schedule, a saucy little parakeet to keep me company, a beautiful state to live in...I'm grateful for them all, and more.
Exercise helps improve my mood, as long as I can get over the horrible hump of getting out of bed and getting started on it. Just moving around can give me a boost.
Singing helps. Listening to music helps. Sunshine helps. So does chocolate!
By far the most helpful thing is my family and friends. Hearing their voices, seeing their smiles, feeling their hugs, all help me put things in perspective and go on with my life, one step at a time, one day at a time.
I'm trying to get my life back on track, including posting regularly. I know I'll have challenges to face, but I can only tackle them successfully with a brave smile and courageous heart. So I'm working on it...
Happy Friday the Thirteenth to all of you!
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Sting of Rejection
Check out this great story of an unusual rejection letter:
Sting of Rejection
Makes you look at them in a different way!
Sting of Rejection
Makes you look at them in a different way!
Monday, August 02, 2010
Monday Gripes 8/2/10
Saw the neurologist today about my neck issues. As of tomorrow, I launch into a new round of physical therapy, to try to at least not lose any ground I've gained with the two spinal cortisone shots. And, if I'm lucky, perhaps the PT will give me even more relief. Fingers crossed!
It's a big pain in the neck, though (literally and figuratively) to drive over to PT twice a week--half hour drive, half hour appointment, half hour drive home. I already have other activities going on, and this basically fills up the rest of my schedule. Oy.
On the lighter side of Monday, check this out. It'll give you a much-needed laugh!
It's a big pain in the neck, though (literally and figuratively) to drive over to PT twice a week--half hour drive, half hour appointment, half hour drive home. I already have other activities going on, and this basically fills up the rest of my schedule. Oy.
On the lighter side of Monday, check this out. It'll give you a much-needed laugh!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday Happies 7/30/10
Today is my son's 27th birthday, and that's a good reason right off the bat to be happy. He has a lovely wife, a great job, and a new house--he, and we, are very blessed.
We just returned from a family reunion/vacation. First stop was Hershey, where we met with many members of my mother-in-law's extended family. Naturally, we also toured the chocolate factory, and took advantage of the many activities Hershey has to offer. Here's a picture of my grandchildren having fun at Hershey Park:
Then, we headed for Gettysburg with just our daughters and grandkids to continue our vacation. Definitely less interesting to the younger set! But an important spot in history. It is indeed a somber place, with so much blood spilled everywhere.
We learned as much as we could before going, so we would understand what we were seeing. Some highlights included the Pennsylvania monument:
and my favorite monument of all, with an Irish Wolfhound on it:
It was terribly hot and humid, which pretty much knocked the stuffing out of me. I spent mornings doing various touristy activities, and afternoons hunkered down in the air conditioned hotel room.
The trip home was long but uneventful, and we're all happy to be unpacked and back to our normal routine. Especially happy is Koko, to be ransomed from the bird boarding facility and back in his own comfy cage!
Now it's back to work, but with many good memories to think back on.
Hope you have a fun trip planned this summer!
We just returned from a family reunion/vacation. First stop was Hershey, where we met with many members of my mother-in-law's extended family. Naturally, we also toured the chocolate factory, and took advantage of the many activities Hershey has to offer. Here's a picture of my grandchildren having fun at Hershey Park:
Then, we headed for Gettysburg with just our daughters and grandkids to continue our vacation. Definitely less interesting to the younger set! But an important spot in history. It is indeed a somber place, with so much blood spilled everywhere.
We learned as much as we could before going, so we would understand what we were seeing. Some highlights included the Pennsylvania monument:
and my favorite monument of all, with an Irish Wolfhound on it:
It was terribly hot and humid, which pretty much knocked the stuffing out of me. I spent mornings doing various touristy activities, and afternoons hunkered down in the air conditioned hotel room.
The trip home was long but uneventful, and we're all happy to be unpacked and back to our normal routine. Especially happy is Koko, to be ransomed from the bird boarding facility and back in his own comfy cage!
Now it's back to work, but with many good memories to think back on.
Hope you have a fun trip planned this summer!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday Happies 7/16/10
I was thinking about skipping today's Friday Happies, since I'm not too happy. Have been sick all week with a virus in my inner ear, making me dizzy, nauseous, running a fever, etc. But then I saw this video on another blog and couldn't resist sharing it. If it gave me a laugh in my current state, I should pass it on.
Signing in the Waldenbooks
It's hilarious, yet all too true. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. (sigh)
So I've made a promise to myself. If I'm ever in a bookstore and there's a book signing going on, and there is NOT a big line at the table, I'm going to buy a book--even if I couldn't care less about reading it. (Naturally, I won't reveal my true motive.) No author should have to go home without making at least one sale.
Anyone want to join me in my promise? Authors everywhere will thank you!
Signing in the Waldenbooks
It's hilarious, yet all too true. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. (sigh)
So I've made a promise to myself. If I'm ever in a bookstore and there's a book signing going on, and there is NOT a big line at the table, I'm going to buy a book--even if I couldn't care less about reading it. (Naturally, I won't reveal my true motive.) No author should have to go home without making at least one sale.
Anyone want to join me in my promise? Authors everywhere will thank you!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
I Write Like...
I found a fun website for writers and wannabe writers. Go to I Write Like and paste in a few paragraphs of your writing, and it will analyze it and tell you which famous writer your writing style resembles. Obviously, it's not scientific, just for fun.
I pasted in a blog entry and got this:
And then I pasted in a few paragraphs of my time-travel romance novel Lady of the Two Lands and got this:
Hey! Two of my favorite authors. Maybe there IS something to this analysis after all. Let's make it three for three. I'll paste in a few paragraphs from my paranormal novella Restless Spirit and see what I get.
Woo hoo! I guess I'll quit while I'm ahead.
I pasted in a blog entry and got this:
And then I pasted in a few paragraphs of my time-travel romance novel Lady of the Two Lands and got this:
Hey! Two of my favorite authors. Maybe there IS something to this analysis after all. Let's make it three for three. I'll paste in a few paragraphs from my paranormal novella Restless Spirit and see what I get.
Woo hoo! I guess I'll quit while I'm ahead.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Friday Happies 7/2/10
If you...or I...just look around, there are always happy things. Sometimes we have to dig to find them, but they're there.
I was able to knit a whole, long row on my shawl last night without pain. That makes me happy.
The sun is shining and it's a comfortable 74 degrees. That makes me happy.
Koko the parakeet is getting braver, talks and squawks (if only he would enunciate!) and is very amusing. Another happy thing.
I have two shawl kits coming in the mail. A VERY happy thing! Yes, I am haunting the mailman.
This weekend I'll see my daughters and grandchildren for an Independence Day celebration, complete with food, fun, and fireworks. Oh, and the annual Pots and Pans Parade! Good thing I don't plan to sleep till it's over. ;-)
I have good friends and lovely family, and right now they are all relatively healthy and happy. That's a fine thing indeed.
Oh, and way back when, someone developed chocolate. That is definitely a happy-maker!
So, what makes YOU happy today?
I was able to knit a whole, long row on my shawl last night without pain. That makes me happy.
The sun is shining and it's a comfortable 74 degrees. That makes me happy.
Koko the parakeet is getting braver, talks and squawks (if only he would enunciate!) and is very amusing. Another happy thing.
I have two shawl kits coming in the mail. A VERY happy thing! Yes, I am haunting the mailman.
This weekend I'll see my daughters and grandchildren for an Independence Day celebration, complete with food, fun, and fireworks. Oh, and the annual Pots and Pans Parade! Good thing I don't plan to sleep till it's over. ;-)
I have good friends and lovely family, and right now they are all relatively healthy and happy. That's a fine thing indeed.
Oh, and way back when, someone developed chocolate. That is definitely a happy-maker!
So, what makes YOU happy today?
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday Gripes 6/28/10
Today has been humid. Moist? Sultry? At any rate, it's been hot. As I often say, "It's hotter'n Tophet."
But what just is Tophet, anyway? Why are there so many mysterious sayings and words of wisdom featuring words we don't know? Is the wisdom intended only for the initiated few? I mean, I have a suspicion about what "Tophet" means. So why not just say, "Hotter'n hell?"
Well, Liz, just go look it up. So, I did.
According to Wikipedia, "Tophet is believed to be a location in Jerusalem, in the Valley of Hinnom, where the Canaanites sacrificed children to the god Moloch by burning them alive. After the practice of child sacrifice was outlawed by King Josiah, the valley became a refuse site where animal carcasses, waste and the bodies of criminals were dumped, with fires permanently burning to keep disease at bay. Tophet became a synonym for hell." Read the rest of the article here.
I really did not want to know that. Geeze. Yeah, too much knowledge can be...um...depressing.
Well, off now to ruminate on all the possible interpretations of "forbidden knowledge."
But what just is Tophet, anyway? Why are there so many mysterious sayings and words of wisdom featuring words we don't know? Is the wisdom intended only for the initiated few? I mean, I have a suspicion about what "Tophet" means. So why not just say, "Hotter'n hell?"
Well, Liz, just go look it up. So, I did.
According to Wikipedia, "Tophet is believed to be a location in Jerusalem, in the Valley of Hinnom, where the Canaanites sacrificed children to the god Moloch by burning them alive. After the practice of child sacrifice was outlawed by King Josiah, the valley became a refuse site where animal carcasses, waste and the bodies of criminals were dumped, with fires permanently burning to keep disease at bay. Tophet became a synonym for hell." Read the rest of the article here.
I really did not want to know that. Geeze. Yeah, too much knowledge can be...um...depressing.
Well, off now to ruminate on all the possible interpretations of "forbidden knowledge."
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday Happies 6/25/10
Well! I'm back. It's been a wild week. I received a call Monday that there was a cancellation Tuesday morning and I could go in and have my x-ray guided cortisone shot. With great trepidation, and a spark of hope, I said "Yes."
The shot went well, if you don't count my anxiety beforehand. Oh, and if you don't count that two nurses couldn't find my vein for an IV, and where they eventually placed it turned out NOT to be in a vein, so I ended up with a big bulge of fluid under the skin of my arm. (sigh) But, my veins are notoriously hard to find.
I do think the shot is helping, some, and I'm hoping for more as I'm only now at the beginning of the time period when I might notice the full effects. They've set me up for another shot in three weeks, which I can cancel if I'm doing great. Otherwise, that will continue the healing process.
So I am cautiously optimistic and a teensy bit happy for my Friday Happies. Keep your fingers crossed for me that soon I'll be once again working in my office...knitting...shopping...sleeping comfortably...and all those other things I haven't been able to do since this debacle started. Here's hoping!
The shot went well, if you don't count my anxiety beforehand. Oh, and if you don't count that two nurses couldn't find my vein for an IV, and where they eventually placed it turned out NOT to be in a vein, so I ended up with a big bulge of fluid under the skin of my arm. (sigh) But, my veins are notoriously hard to find.
I do think the shot is helping, some, and I'm hoping for more as I'm only now at the beginning of the time period when I might notice the full effects. They've set me up for another shot in three weeks, which I can cancel if I'm doing great. Otherwise, that will continue the healing process.
So I am cautiously optimistic and a teensy bit happy for my Friday Happies. Keep your fingers crossed for me that soon I'll be once again working in my office...knitting...shopping...sleeping comfortably...and all those other things I haven't been able to do since this debacle started. Here's hoping!
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