Dragon ~ A new beginning

Live Writer and Live Spaces

2009-01-21T17:35:00.001-08:00

Downloadable from Microsoft, the Live Writer tool allows you to type up blog posts ahead of time, and if desired, publish the same information to more than one BLOB or JOURNAL with a quick click or two.

The interface is straight forward and easy to use, including the pesky spell check tool we wish many other web log programs applied actively instead of trusting your fingers to hit the correct key every time. Typing up a new post is as simple as most email interfaces with pictures, hyperlinks, maps, tags and much more.

Live Space is the Microsoft blog, email, networking tool and more in an integrated package with many modules used in other blogging and networking tools. Just what I need, one more blog or networking tool.

I think I’ll be using it a bunch in the future.

Test Live Writer on Weee PC

2009-01-21T14:46:00.001-08:00

Does it work? Do we like it? Am I more likely to blog if I can use this tool?

MAYBE!!

Happy to be running out of excuses!

2009-01-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

I've been writing on my work laptop (bad, bad Dragon) or my home desktop, but it's a challenge to use two different machines, even with the wonders of technology they have today with USB drives and data cards. If I'm using the laptop, there is often the lure of my email from the day job to distract me, and on the desktop there are chat programs and web site things I can play and learn with for hours!

In December I bot an Eee PC to use for writing. The little machine came with Linux, and while it's a fine OS, I just didn't want to learn something NEW while I'm supposed to be writing. It's not like I need an excuse to be distracted by technology, but it happens. Often.

Julia Hunter, a fellow writer and friend of mine, turned me on to this little Netbook at the 2008 ECWC and then volunteered her DH to help put the XP OS on it for me. Mr. Tech made it all happen, even adding MS Word so I had no excues not to WRITE, and he turned it over to me today - YEAH!

We hooked up at a local coffee shop and chatted a bit about the technology, and some things I was hoping to do, then we went to work. Julia wrote an article on body language while Mr. Tech grumbled about connecting to the computer in his office on one laptop and while poking around in his Zune list on another! (Yes, he had two!) Together Julia and Mr. Tech bring multitasking to a whole new level.

And I wrote. It's the first time I have committed a whole hour to my current WIP since the end of NaNo 2008 and I was thrilled when the fingers stared to fly over the little keyboard and my ideas were making it onto the page! YEAH!! Mucho thanks to Mr. Tech and Julia for the conversation, inspiration and assistance, I hope we can make a regular coffee shop thing in the future.

I'm happy to have the Weee PC (the current nickname) dedicated to writing. I'll be looking for a new meter for the current WIP, the second in the series, but I have until the end of the month to make the 10,000 works for my January goal, so I think I will begin NOW!

Tag! I'm it! Now you're it!

2009-01-17T17:52:00.000-08:00

SIX THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY-- Tag, now you're it!

Lynnette Baughman author of Love with a Welcome Stranger is blogging and playing tag at Authors and Books.

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, snow flakes that stay on my nose and eye lashes, silver white winters that ... wait, that's not quite right...

The Rules:
Link to the person who tagged you. (Check, double linkage!)
Write down six things that make you happy. (Check see the list below, in mostly no particular order.)
Post these rules. (Check)
Tag six others. (Check! x6)
Notify me that you've tagged six others--or not. (The mail is on the way, check!)
AND please check out the websites of the folks I TAGGED -- see the links below.

I did them a little out of order but here are the folks I've TAGGED!! (who may not have already been tagged *wicked giggles*)

Elizabeth Darvill
Kate Diamond
Strategerie at The Little Pink Clubhouse
Aurrora St. James
Emma Pedersen

My Six Happy things...

My family and friends, all of them. Thought they drive me bonkers most days, I don't know how I could live a day without them.
Sad songs, which seems weird, but I'm often happy that person is 'not me' but also I have had music help me through some of the worst times so I can find happiness again.
Chocolate - this may be cheating but I don't dare.
When the "Ah Ha!" moment finally comes on a problem I've been noodling for days!
Using video hack and slash game to take out my frustrations, and being happy afterward!
Reading and/or Writing (come on you knew it was going to be here, don't look so surprised)

Fun, but a good way to loose track of time!

2008-11-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

Ack.. see what visiting other blogs can make you do?

2008-09-16T14:22:00.001-07:00

RWA National Day 2.25 (10:45 am) News Flash

2008-07-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

B-Berry post, no spell check. :)

In line for 30 minutes for the Blaze signing. It is most annoying there people joining friends ahead of me and the line just doesn't move beause of it. GRUMBLE!!

And there is are group behind me having a very loud conversation, but we've made it to the corner and the door is 20 feet away.

On a high note, Stephanie Bond was chatting up the line 10 minutes ago, and not only remembered what I write from out conversation at the Lit Signing last night, but remembered I am not finished. Squeeeeee!

The HQ rep just came thru and asked folks to help speed things up bu taing just two books. I can do that, if I knew who was here.

RWA Conference Day 0.5

2008-07-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

Wow... Just Wow. This is Day 0.5 because the day's only 1/2 done and I have much to report.

I took some time for myself this morning, had Blueberry Pancakes for breakfast then hit the Bart for a quick trip to the Conference Hotel.

Registration was the first order of business, and digging into the material has been a blast. There were books, of course, many of them with a Paranormal feel, though to be honest I have not read the backs just yet. The program has many loads of information, the workshop schedule and all important map of the hotel. I'd be lost without it.

Grabbed a hug from Cherry Adair on the way back from Registration, gave Judy Weibe directions on the way out and passed Heather Davis on the escalator on the way to the Goody Room, she said she thought it was on the 5th floor. One of the San Francisco Chapter members, I'm so bad - didn't remember her name - said she thought it was down the hall from her room, and we walked there together. In case you have not located it yet, the Goody Room is on the 5th floor.

There are OOdles of book marks, buttons, pens and other artful things in the Goody Room, and I've been told there are new things in there all the time. I picked up some really fun stuff, some for me, some for the ECWC Goody Bag crew. My bag is already overflowing. I also ran into our very own Julia Hunter while I was in the Goody Room.

On the way out of the Goody Room, I ran into Christina and Ashley from Benefit at Bloomy's. YEAH!! Benefit At Bloomingdales in SFO - Awesome friendly service!! They're going to raffle off a basket of Benefit products for authors who stop by for a complementary facial. The girls are sweet, please, stop by!!

We rode down in the elevator with Chaoscat from RomanceJunkies.com and then while I was sitting here bootin' up the PC she came over and introduced herself and asked for clarification on what the Benefit Girls were babbling about. Seems she was waiting for the Ibuprofen to kick in and wasn't really understanding what they were saying. Chaoscat was sitting with two authors (I asked their names then forgot, jeepers do you see a trend?) but I took a quick picture and will post it up later when I can find out the names. I'm also supposed to say something about someone being a bitch, but that was too long ago - almost an hour - and I know everyone has the same problem, or I will hope they do have the same problem.

I chatted with Pat White for a little bit and then was joined by Trish Silver and Mary Beth Bass.
I'm signing off for now... to eat my lunch.

RWA National Conference Day -1

2008-07-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

The RWA National Conference begins tomorrow. The Marriott conference hotel in San Francisco is the place to be for Romance Authors this week. This is my first national conference after joining the RWA in July of last year. I'm not pitching (officially) this week because my manuscript is not finished, but I'm planning to talk with folks about the books while I'm here.

My flight this morning was delayed (a little) because of fog at SFO. When the visibility is bad, the close down one of the runways and delay flights at their point origin to help keep the traffic flowing smoothly. The delay gave me a chance to catch up with other GSRWA members Carolynn Estes, Kelli Estes, Jane Porter and Julie Revell-Benjamin also on the delayed flight. Friendly and familiar faces was a wonderful way to start the trip.

I took the Super Shuttle with Julie, Leanne Shawler and a couple other ladies to the Conference Hotel, saw Shannon McKeldon and Christina Arbini in the lobby and later ran into Ciara Stewart. Julie and I found a Sports Bar on the corner to refuel before making the journey to Bloomingdale's for a little bling shopping. We even stopped at the cosmetics counter, talked up the conference and gave Christina and Ashley at Benefit a chance to convince us to make a purchase. They were sweet and offered free glam every morning before the conference if we wanted to stop buy. Tempting, but I'm thinking I'll be running late like always, and will not have time.

I'm not staying at the conference hotel, and I wish I was, but then, glad I'm not. I know, confusing - right? Staying away from the conference will allow some down time, and I think it will be less tempting to stay out all night if I know I have more than an elevator ride to bed. The draw back here is I don't have a quick ride to a hiding place if I need to 'get away' for a bit. The Conference hotel has a nice lobby conversation area, so I'm thinking I'll hang out there - or the Starbucks. I don't know how much time it will take to walk to the conference hotel, I'll find that out tomorrow.

Speaking of time, I haven't even looked at the workshop information (yet) but I'm excited to check out all the options for learning. I'm going now, to put together a schedule for tomorrow.

More reporting (and more excitement) tomorrow.

The Wizard Whedon

2008-07-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

Streaming thru today, and then hopefully you'll be able to purchase the maddness on a DVD soon.

Emerald City Writers' Conference

2008-07-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

Join us at the 2008 Emerald City Writers' Conference, October 10-12, 2008.

World Record for the next generation!

2008-06-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

Firefox is trying to set a record for the largest number of downloads in one 24 hour period. Check it out, and be a part of history. Not to mention it's a good browser and worth the effort.

My kind of message pad...

2008-04-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

I rec'd this image in a message my mom sent. Where were these message pads when I was working as an Admin Assistant? It would have been perfect.

Problem is, I'd need a line after the brains entry because so many of the folks that called fit the description that it could have been confusing to know which of the mush brains to tie the stinky message with.

There are a couple others that I'll share later, this one just made me laugh.

Could you find this pad useful? Comments?

Google Supports Earth Hour - will you?

2008-03-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

I popped over to Google this morning, well ok it's my home page - but whatever. So when the screen loaded, it was dark.. at first I was confused. It was after 11 am on a Saturday morning, but still - there was confusion.

After reading the little tag line, about the lights I remembered that this is the day for Earth Hour.

From what I understand, from 8-9 pm local time tonight, folks will be turning off the lights, staying home and using as little resources as possible. I think is a wonderful idea. I'm not sure how fab Dub and Neeper will think it is, but we're going to do it anyway.

I'd almost consider going down to my office in Seattle to see from the 44th floor how many folks are participating. Almost!

Support your local Planet.

Participate!

My Marine

2008-03-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

I chatted with my Marine in the sandbox this morning via IM. He sent some pix I thought I'd share. There is an 11 hour difference, so when it's 9am here it's 8pm over there. This means most of our chats happen when I'm at work.

I usually here from him where they can use the Internet for 'free', but this location doesn't allow use pf outside media (no USB or CDs) to upload pictures. AND they have a 30 minute limit. It's not a bad thing, the PCs do have IM so we can have a quick chat now and again. I'm sure you're thinking the pic on the right could be anybody, but I actually can see it's my Marine by his hands. This was a chilling reminder that he's 'really there' ~ so far away.

Today when we chatted he was at the 'Internet cafe' on base where he is able to use his laptop for a cost of $5 per hour. Not too costly, but I guess it's located on the OTHER side of nowhere from his quarters and it's a mighty walk.

He wanted me to send pictures so I sent what I had at work, but I'm thinking I'll send more via email later from home.

Anyone interested in sending packages can check back next week. I'll post the address and 'requested items' after I have a chance to wrangle the list from my Mom. She was going to 'type it up' but I still haven't seen it. One thing they can always use is batteries. "AA" and "AAA" are always in demand.

Boy, just looking at this shot makes me tired.

Has this ever happened to you?

2008-03-05T19:39:00.001-08:00

Today on the way to catch the bus home, I lost my cell phone. I know, you're asking your self how is this possible? I asked myself the same damn thing when I couldn't find it to check the time.

It was a 'warmish' day in Seattle today, and I stuffed my sweater coat into the rolly computer bag plopped my purse on top and headed off to find my ride home. I work two blocks, a mere two blocks, from the bus stop. Somewhere along the bumpy ride over the curbs and uneven roadway the phone must have bounced out of the pocked in my purse.

When I realized it was missing, I scurried back the way I'd come, to track down my wayward technology. Sadly, it was not to be found on the street so I went back to the bus stop to wait for my coach. Then I pulled out my blackberry, and send an email to Dub, and "I'm thinking.. he never checks his mail.. now what?"

Thankfully my B-berry allows Yahoo! Messenger.. I figured there had to be someone I knew online just after 5pm to contact Dub and let him know I was on the bus, sans phone. I contacted one of the ladies in my writing chapter and she was kind enough to phone Dub and pass along the message.

I was also able to contact my carrier and let them know the phone was MIA. The customer support dude de-activated the phone, so that it could not be used to download things I didn't want to pay for.. and tomorrow AM I'll have it activated again and try to contact whomever has my missing communicator.

To Be Continued.....

Save the Cat! Falls In Love

2008-01-21T13:07:00.000-08:00

The GSRWA had a wonderful workshop last Friday, provided by Blake Snyder, author of Save the Cat: the Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need.

Reviewing the 15 Beats from his book helped many in our group see how these movie milestones could be applied to the world of romance writing. I'm excited to see what Beats I already have in my WIP and where the missing ones will come from.

Thanks Blake, for opening a whole new box of tools for me (us) and HUGE thanks to the fabulous Pat White for coordinating it all.

Resolution - Recycled...

2008-01-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

Resolved not to Resolve – does that mean I did??

I’m not sure why it is that friends and family expect you’ll make a resolution at the beginning of each year. What is the purpose?

Folks often resolve loose weight, for instance, at the beginning of the year. They make an attempt at it for the first couple days, heck even a month, and then they forget or become to busy and *poof* gone is their resolve.

It’s that way with many things that people think they should do, but don’t want to, or don’t have the strength or will power to follow thru with. Over the years I’ve seen many a friend make a resolution only to watch it go down the toilet. As I’m writing I think hard to find ONE, my own from the past or even one belonging to someone else, I’m aware of that actually was seen through to the end. Not the frivolous mind you – but a heart felt resolution that was completed. Sad to say, I’m at a loss for an example.

Among the many resolutions tossed into the ring each year (see if you recognize any of these) are:

Loose – Weight, baggage (boy or girl friend), clutter, chocolate craving, drinking habit, smoking habit and all other bad habits
Find or Make more time – or family, to read, to write, lost friends, the garage (the inside – of course) and journals
Do’s - finish projects, exercise, correspond, organize, limit TV time to 4 hours per week, cook at home, begin Christmas shopping in July, find a new job, and clean house every week
Do No More – drink (so much), smoke, over eat, stalk the ex-boyfriend, eat out every week (night), spend all free time playing video games, charge all gifts to the credit cards next year, complain about the job and attend gatherings as the wall flower.

My biggest questions or complaints – call them what you will – with the concept of resolutions are:

Why wait until the first of the year to resolve to do something you may have known about for the last 6 or 9 or even 12 months and should have been resolved to do all along?
What is so damn special about the first of the year that makes folks want to ‘be a better person’? Shouldn’t we want to be that better person when we realize there is a problem, instead of waiting until the beginning of a new year.
Do the many cocktails ingested during the celebration on the even of the new year make it that much easier to face the unpleasant task, therefore making it easier to resolve?

So this year (as I have done in the past) I resolved not to make any resolutions.. but again I have to ask, in doing so.. have I then made a resolution?

And would it be better stated, that I resolve not to make a “New Years Resolution” but resolve to make the changes during the year, as needed, instead of waiting 364 days to do something about it?

Food for thought? Happy New Year!!

This post (or most of it) was recycled from a now lost blog post in 2005.

Oh for want of a good meter!

2007-12-31T14:14:00.000-08:00

I have had the same little meter <--- to the left, for some time now, but the webservice seems to be scrambled.

I decided to update my word count (because working would be the wrong thing to do on New Year's Eve!) but it doesn't matter what I try, the site will not create an updated meter for me.

I diddled around (techy term for messed with the HTML code) and tried to update the numbers but didn't want to spend the time to figure out how to make the bar move.

Found the NaNo meter at... Language is a Virus and it is very nice, but it didn't much care for being centered in my side bar. I'll figure out how to fix that eventually (maybe) but for now, it will just have to be off center.. like me. This site also has some interesting NaNo Icons I want to investigate later.

I Googled word meters or word count meters, I don't remember which, and found this happy little group. I think Shelli may be using the picometer, the look familiar, and I believe it was her Bloggy I saw them on...

Then there is the progress meter (bottom of the same page) I just had to share. Looks like it has a built in cap at 50k, but it's kinda funny. Check out all this little potato guy's moods. I'm book-marking this little guy for next year's NaNo.

Wednesday: Wander, Wonder or Word Play

2007-12-26T15:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first Wednesday Edition of the for the New Year, Wander, Wonder or Word Play.

Wednesday's will be a day to wander around the web, wonder about this and that or play with words.

Today we're going to wonder what is the proper etiquette for a new (as yet unpublished) author. While that's an open question, and likely to be a wonder from time to time, let me be specific. Edit etiquette

I have been reading an book from one of the folks in my chapter, and I have found some things that make me scratch my head and re-read paragraphs to make sure things were comprehend correctly. I'm about 1/2 way thru the book and I've found two different items that have stopped my reading flow cold and I've had to read back a page, sometimes more, to address what seems like a glaring error. I don't know that it matters, but the book is an e-pub.

So my wonder is - should I ask the author about these things, or just let it go? I'm not more than an acquaintance with this author, but we've traded email on the group loop and she's an active member of our chapter even though she doesn't live in the area.

To tell or not to tell, that is the question. I already had planed to send a note when I have finished reading the book, but I also feel a responsibility to author to say something about what I've found. If this is really an error (at least one, yes) and if so, could a correction be made so other readers will not be stopped to wonder. I know I want to know, if it ever happens in one of my books. And them a question too, if the e-pub can be re-published (or uploaded, uploaded or whatever) with corrections if they are needed.

But would you want to know? Thanks for your comments on my wonder, I'll be sure to fill in the details when I have finished the book.

Christmas Cookie Recipe

2007-12-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

This is my kind of cookie~~
1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
lemon juice
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Crown Royal/Whiskey/Rum

- Sample theLiquor to check quality.
- Take a large bowl, check the Liquor again, to besure it is of the highestquality, pour one level cup and drink.
- Turn on the electric mixer...Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
- Add one teaspoon of sugar...Beat again.
- At thispoint it's best to make sure the Liquor is still OK, try another cup...just in case.
- Turn off the mixer thingy.
- Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.
- Pick the frigging fruit off floor...
- Mix on the turner.
- If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry i t loose with a dewscriver.
- Sample the Liquor to check for tonsisticity.
- Next, sift two cups of salt, or something.... who giveshz a sheet.
- Check the Liquor.- Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.
- Add one table.
- Add a spoon of ar, or somefink.... whatever you canfind.
- Greash the oven.
- Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.
- Don't forget to beat off the turner.
- Finally, throw the bowl through the window.
- Finish the bottle of Liquor.
- Make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.

Cherry Mistmas

National Novel Writing Month or NaNaWriMo

2007-11-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

Update: December sometime

I managed to finish the NaNo challenge, and mark can count myself as a winner..... YEAH!

My total word count was 50,523

Any bloggy thoughts I might have will have to wait until December 1st or 2nd.
All spare words MUST be used for my NaNoWriMo meter.

Check back later!

Meter Makes a Move - FINALLY!!!

2007-09-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

FINALLY - I can move the meter on my current WIP above the 10k mark. YEAH!!

I've been adding a few words to the document here and there since the last report in early July, but nothing of any weight that was worth mentioning or updating the meter code.

Today I did a bunch of brain storming with Aura on her book and she's on her way to some very interesting twists and turns with her current WIP.

Then I kicked in on my own work, this weekend I've added an impressive (for me) 2,000+ or so words to my WIP.

10,084 / 85,000

(11.9%)

Madness, Mayhem, Minneapolis and Manuscript pages

2007-08-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

Madness - Neeper fell off the bike a couple weeks back, broker her arm and had to have pins put in to hold the bones in place. It's tons of fun wrapping the arm and cast in a plastic bag so she can take a shower. She starts 6th grade this year, which means Junior High or Middle School in our district. Today Dub took her to orientation and picked up her schedule. It's going to be an iteresting year.

Mayhem - Seattle traffic, Airport Security and waiting in line. I missed a 7 AM flight to Minneapolis this morning, and waited on standby until finally being assigned a seat on 10:30 am fight. My own fault, yes, but security was wicked busy taking 55 minutes or more to move thru the line. BLICK. Next time I'm taking the shuttle - that way I KNOW I'll make it.

Minneapolis - I'm here in Little Apples for a few days, which means I might actually accompoish some bloggin' since my evenings will be mostly free. We shall see how it goes. There are supposed to be big nasty thunder storms this evening - and I'm not really looking forward to that. These storms could be filed under Madness or Mayhem - but we'll leave them here for now.

Manuscript Pages - for Aura that is.. calling you out girl. This young lady is supposed to be writing 90 minutes each day this week. I've already called Mario and left a message on his cell phone - and the house phone - to let him know you're supposed to be writing and that he needs to help you out by blocking the card sites. Ok, I didn't mention that yet, but it could come to that if there are not some serious page reports happening this week. I'll be working on mine when I can, and I'm setting myself a goal of 10,000 words for the week and holiday weekend, Lofty - yes, but it can be done. Are you up for it?

Later gators - I'm going to have drinks with a work buddy.

Vacation Post Part I

2007-08-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

I have much to tell, and little time so I'm putting up a place holder for my Vacation post.

Dub, Neeper and cousin Chicken went for week of fun in the 'sometimes sun' on the Oregon Coast. I have oodles of snaps to post and a few tales to tell.

I'll be back to fill this in when I'm back in the Emerald City.

We departed from Seattle around 2 PM on Sunday and drove to Portland, OR. Along the way we found a traffic jam just south of Chehalis because of an accident in the north bound lanes, with all the lookie-loo rubber neckers.
Just after that back up broke up there was another one around Centrailia because of a water park they're building on the west side of I-5.

The picture on the left I found on the net is from a Texas Water Park, and the funnel on I-5 is yellow and red, but you can imagine the folks driving by very slowly to take a look. If I head that way again any time soon, I'll be sure to have the camera ready, but we decided that this will be a hazard from now on, just one more reason to drive that stretch of road at night.
Here's a different shot of the Tornado in Darien Lake.

We traveled SW from Portland thru McMinville out to Lincoln City. By the time we made it to where we could see the ocean, it was quite dark. We made it to the cabin at the Waldport KOA around 1 AM, and crashed for the night. It rained quite a bit that night, I was very happy to be in a cabin.

Monday was typical of Oregon Coast weather, it wasn't really rainy, just low flying clouds, almost foggy. Dub and I put up a wind break on the cabin deck so I could make breakfast. We are very proud of our shelter. It was so well protected from the wind that we could sit a styrofoam cup on the bench and even with all the wind whipp'n around it didn't blow away. We stayed around camp, recovering from the long drive but when we ventured out late in the afternoon we headed north a bit to the Devil's Punch Bowl. The tide was in, so we didn't make it to the tide pools, but DID manage to have a late lunch at MO's. Good food and fun.

Tuesday was glorious and we headed south on this day to Florence, to the sand dunes. With Neeper's brokern arm in a cast, we were concerned about sand, so we wrapped her up in a plastic bag like she was headed to the shower, but told her not to try swimming. I'd hoped the girls would be able to climb the big dune like my Bordar and I did when we were kids, but the area has been taken over by ORV (off road vehicle) traffic and we decided it just was not safe for them to try it. The tide was just starting in when we made it to the beach at south jetty #2. The girls and Dub played in the surf, digging for clams and picking up shells. It was very nice to be back in my old stomping grounds, on the ocean where the sound of the wind and waves is very soothing. We BBQ'd dogs that night and made s'mores. Everyone was bushed from climbing around in the sand that day and we all had a solid sleep.

I'll add a few more snaps when I figure out how to download the remaining pictures from the camera, and will post part II (and maybe III) in the next day or four.

Come Fuck Me Pump....

2007-08-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

This gives a while new meaning to the "Come Fuck Me Pump" or maybe it's a pump with training wheels.

I like the concept and the proportions are pretty good. it's a little taller than your average truck, though - so you'd want to be careful taking it into a parking garage.

Ya have to wonder just how many pair of shoes you could fit in the trunk (if there is a trunk) or if that heel area is a back seat. Looks like you'd need goggles or a helmet with a face mask, since there is no wind screen. I think I wouldn't mind driving a few mines in this persons shoe!!

What have I done?

2007-07-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

Today I had a wilde moment and did something crazy... something I've been puttin' off for YEARS. It's not that I didn't expect to make the commitment in the near future, but what was I thinking? I'm a dabbler, it's what I do, I play with words - and it's serious, but not so when it comes right down to it.

You're wondering what I'm babbling about - I know.. so am I !

Drum roll please..... pthrrrrrrr!

I've been part of a Marine Corps Family Support group since late last year, and this morning I accepted a position with that group to help moderate the myMarine Yahoo! group content. My Marine (son) is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, but I remember what it was like right after he left for boot camp in August of 2006. There was SO MUCH I didn't know about boot camp, the Crops and what to expect that it nearly drove me crazy. (hush you!!)

Being a part of this group has been fun, interesting and a helpful way for me to cope with his pending deployment and to help others as they begin the journey with their recruit as they train and are accepted as Marines. But that wasn't all .. oh no...

... this afternoon, I faxed my application to RWA, yes, this afternoon. You now.. RWA as in Romance Writes of America. Yeah, that organization. I'm excited and terrified at the same time.

Why? Let me count the ways... (and in no particular order)

First, there's the membership fees. Not that I can't afford it, but I'm sure there is another application for those funds.
Then, that makes it official. It's like the start of clock - the first official step on the road to be published. YIKE!
And then, then that means (if only in my mind) that I need to start taking my writing seriously. Which translates (again, in my mind only) to, it's work.

Anyone reading this, rolling their eyes and/or shaking their heads - get over it - it's the way I feel, rational or not, there it is. I'm sure there are others who TOTALLY understand where I'm coming from, and I thank you in advance for your support and words of wisdom.

Then as if all that has gone before was not crazy enough, I marched (ok, clicked) myself over to the GSRWA website, as in Greater Seattle Chapter of Romance Writers of America, and proceeded to submit my application to that group as well.

I know, it's nutzy! My real life jobs, both corporate and domestic, are fucking crazy right now and it's like I've added more nails to my coffin. Well, not so much so, but here's what I'm thinking.

I'm not getting any younger, well ok, that's a given.. but no, not that. I work too much, at work stuff. So IF there are other things besides housework, bills and the four letter W.O.R.K. that I have a responsibility to do then perhaps it will balance out.

And what more responsibility is there than something you've paid money for the privilege to be a part of, really? And I need to make time for my writing, I want to do it, I have voices in my head that sometimes distract me from the W.O.R.K. which is frustrating and counter productive. So what it boils down to is accountability. Being a part of these organizations I hope will level out the effort for the fun work of writing and the W.O.R.K. of earning a living and being part of a family.

That is all the brain dump I have for now... thank you for listening, thank you for your support and thanks for all the fish.

And how much intel?

2007-07-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

I often wonder as I'm writing, do they really need to know this? Why is it important?

The scene I'm working on is important, and I guess the thing I have to ask is.. will the book make sense without it?

Maybe, but it would take more explaining later.

AH... I'll leave it in there now but it's not exactly my strongest work.

G'nite all!

6,709 / 85,000

(7.9%)

Words seem to flow like water, now!

2007-07-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

In the morning, I finished one of the four books I've been reading. I found an advance reader copy of Cherry Adair's White Heat on eBay and couldn't resist. I've never seen one before and was thrilled to be able to read the book before it came out. I have had the hard back on pre-order for a long time, and expect to re-read it before the conference in October.

I worked some, answered a few emails and was going to work on a form but became distracted by my email and ended up surfing the web a bit then I just sat at the PC for several hours yesterday, working on nothing in particular.

I wanted to write, but the words didn't seem to want to come. I talked with Dub about my inability and his words of encouragement prompted a Q & A session with my hero.

At first he was not very forthcoming, but then the answers started to flow. After that, I started working on Chapter 2 and it was after 11pm when I came up for air. One and a half scenes, 1,638 words later I had to call it quits for the night. I'm sure it will need a good polishing, it always does, but the point is the words did flow - finally. I'm headed back to the waterfall to see what else comes out.

6,200 / 85,000
7.3 %

Lazy Weekend - sorta..

2007-06-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

I feel a little bit guilty for not writing this weekend, but then I didn't work either. Neeper spent the weekend with Aura and Mario so we had the house to ourselves all weekend. Seems like she had a good time with A-button and B-button (Mario's Twins - to be renamed later, maybe), but I asked that the computer time be limited, and I'm not sure that was enforced. Out of my control, water under the bridge .. moving on.

I spent most of my time sewing a pair of PJ's for Neeper. It's been a long time, and I was feeling the need to be crafty. Dub worked on Saturday, so I spent some time with George, Brad and Matt (and the rest of the Ocean 11 & 12 crew) while I was cutting, pinning and stitching.

The PJ's are a custom 2 piece job with a longer than usual shirt and shorter than expected (capri length) pants. I intended the shirt to be long, sleep shirt length, so it could be worn on it's own or with the bottoms - and that works pretty well. I didn't want to fuss with buttons or snaps, so I stitched the front together and called it done. It looks a little bit like a Kimono, but she likes them - so all is good. I have muchos more fabric to work on, but this time I'll take measurements before I start cutting. ~ grins ~

I did a little laundry and other chores while I was at it, but mostly me and the cats!

I'm amazed, actually, that I felt much like doing anything. Friday night, after dropping off the Neeper in Seattle with Aura - I picked up Dub and we went to our favorite local watering hole. No wait, I met him downtown, I had a couple Jack/Coke combos while I waited for him to be off work. THEN we went to our favorite local watering hole and Zach was a nice bartender and gave me TALL Jack/Coke combos while we played video games and waited for our dinner. Bar Burgers at the BEST!! Several Jack/Coke combos later, Dub drove me home and I poured myself into our lovely (almost 45 days old) king size bed! AH... and I was out! This was early, actually, around 10:30 or so if I recall correctly.

I tried to watch TV, but I was exhausted and so J/C'd that it didn't pay to stay awake. Dub was in bed a little while later cause he had to work the next day. AH.. what a wild life.

Sunday, not much doing. I whipped the PJ pants together in morning but I needed to measure for the elastic. (oops) It was rainy off and on, and I cat-napped in the office in between chores but that's as close as I was to the computer all weekend.

Monday was total craziness again, and today has been just as weird. I guess I COULD have taken advantage of no interruptions and put some more words on the but it was damn nice doing must what I wanted.

This will not help me finish the MS on time, but.. WILL help me keep what little sanity I have left.

More words on the morrow!

Happy "D" Day to Me!

2007-06-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

Today is the one year Anniversary of my Liberation... that is, the day my divorce became final!

It seems like so much longer, but only 365 days have passed. I imagine the length of time from initial filing to signing has something to do with that, but I was shocked yesterday when I realized today was the day.

I'm not sure what I'll do to celebrate, perhaps this weekend I'll do something wicked, but for now - I'll just sing a little song!

Happy "D-day" to me!

Happily Divorced and now I'm a Dragon Day!!

Happy "D-day"

tooooooo mmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Thank you. Thank you, very much. I'll be here all week! ~ Grins ~

Why I find time only on Sunday

2007-06-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

It seems like I can only seem to write on Sunday, and I'm not sure why that is.

Sure, there is time during the week, but I guess I don't use it as well as I should.

There is dinner, shopping, laundry, homework, dishes, pets, bills... pick one.. not to mention the boob tube. And I'm working on a waking program with my Aunt to help motivate her to move more.

Every other week I spend time with the ladies of my family yacking about this and that.

Saturday's there are often things to do like driving to Everett for a book signing *waves to Pat, Anne, Yasmine and Alexis* and then finding you can't drive your way out of the Everett Mall area without checking the map. It took twice as long to make it home as it should.. I was very turned around, and there was not sun that day. (I couldn't tell my south from east with the sun behind the clouds.)

So today my Ex Roomie called and said she needed some motivation and would I be up for some timed writing. SURE!! After I finish with Capt'n Jack Sparrow, sez I.

We kicked in a little later, and between the research and general goofing around, I managed to put over 1,000 words in the computer today - and that wasn't even editing what was already there! YEAH!!

So Sunday is the day, but if that's the case I'm going to have to put more than 1,000 words per day.

I'm glad the meter moved today, I'll take the progress I can make, and be happy with it for now.

How'd you do today?

4,509 / 85,000

(5.3%)

Stoopid Meter...

2007-05-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

won't move if you don't write.

Turns out I didn't add any words, or even take more away last night. I was annoyed, but then I remembered I'm a part time writer - so I wasn't too hard on myself (this time).

And so... it begins!

2007-05-21T17:15:00.001-07:00

Today I will start what I hope is the first of many books that will actually be published. At the moment, I have a 4 book series that will not leave me be - so it's time to start them.

I'll find a progress meter after I have a few more letters on the page.

Not your average name TAG!!

2007-05-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

Shelli tagged Aura, and Aura tagged me to write about my random facts and habits.

Here are the rules:
1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Here goes:

1. My cats eat plants, so I don't have any in the house.
2. I have a pool table in my living room, and a TV in my dining room
3. I buy books without reading the blurb on the back because I like the cover or title.
4. I have lots of hand written notes, but nothing typed on my book - YET
5. I would rather buy new tools than new clothes
6. My garage is full of stuff I really don't need but can't part with just yet
7. As a rule, I don't like me-me posts
8. is my favoite number

Since one must tag.. I will tag the following:

Sadly, I can think of noone who would respond to the tag... (that have not been tagged already). So I choose to end the game here.

Sex-Ed in 5th Grade?

2007-05-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Not exactly a post for guys - but maybe....

You've been warned.

I'm sure there are many good reasons for including Sex-Ed in the 5th grade curriculum these days... I was just not at all prepared for it. Neeper came home this week with MANY questions about how the female body works. The school sent the kids home with a pamphlet about how their bodies would be changing in the next couple years and what to expect.

Neeper is SO excited to have her period... she just can't wait to be a 'young woman'. I keep trying to tell her she should enjoy the fact that she doesn't have to deal with that mess yet, and she'll very much want to be rid of it once it arrives. She says innocently enough "But you loose your period when you start menopause, right?" this makes me laugh, and then cry... cause I know it's not true, which I've informed her a couple times.

With the lovely little pamphlet are three different sizes of feminine pads from panty liners to an overnight pad. I went to the grocery store Thursday, the day the packet came home, and when I returned, it appeared Neeper was chasing Dub around the house with one of these pads still in it's pretty pink package. I don't think I was gone more than 45 minutes, but I cannot properly describe the look of relief on his face when I came thru the door. Neeper started chatting with me then, and tried to include Dub in the conversation but he tossed up his hands and said he was "Done talking about female stuff!"

It's funny, Dub will talk about almost anything with Neeper, sometimes in too much detail for her age (It's my opinion that there are some things kids don't need to know until they are older) yet he didn't want to talk with her about the nature of the female body. *giggles* I'll give him crap about that later, especially as she grows up.

Friday, I was taking a little nap in the afternoon when Neeper brought the pamphlet to me with 12 foot tape measure from the garage in hand and announced, "I don't get it!" and pointed to the instructions for measuring to find your bra size.

It seems there is a formula that goes something like :
1) Measure around your chest, just below the breasts.
2) Add 5 inches if it's an odd number; add 4 inches if it's an even number. This is your bra measurement. (Not sure why, I'm just going with what it says...)
3) To find out what cup size is needed, measure around the fullest part of your breasts.

It goes on to say the difference in the first number and second number will tell you what your cup size is:
AA - if numbers are the same
A - if 1 inch difference
B - if 2 inch difference
C - D more than any 5th grader should have unless they've been held back for several years.

Number 3 is what was confusing Neeper. See, those of us wearing more than an A cup these days know that this measurement is done around the chest, across the fullest part of the breast.. how far do the girls stick out, in other words. Neeper was thinking that she needed to measure around the beast area, only there's not much there so she's having a hard time coming up with a number. Not sure these yo-yo's who wrote the booklet kid tested it before taking it to press.

But reading it again, it doesn't tell you that you need the difference between the first measurement (before adding extra inches) so could be additional confusion when if you add 5 inches to 27, but your measurement around the breasts is 28, then how does that work exactly - the poor kid would end up in a DD cup .. talk about disproportionate! Anyway, measuring Neeper's way - she was coming with a much bigger number difference than she should.

It was very hard to hold in the giggles, but we managed to have a serious conversation and determined that at the moment she'd be an AA cup. Now we need to go bra shopping. UGH!

Whew... one down... many more to go...

From the dusty OLD email file ~ dated 10/21/2002

2007-05-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

I was messing around in an old email program, looking for .. something. I found this email, and figured I'd share - someone could use a laugh.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. (again)

If you have raised kids (or been one), and gone through the pet syndrome including toilet-flush burialsf or dead goldfish, the story below willhave you laughing out LOUD!

Overview: I had to take my son's hamster to the vet.
Here's what happened: Just after dinner one night, my son came up to tell me there was"something wrong" with one of the two hamsters he holds prisoner in his room.

"He's just lying there looking sick," he told me. "I'm serious, Dad. Can you help?"

I put my best hamster-healer statement on my face and followed him into his bedroom. One of the little rodents was indeed lying on his back, looking stressed. I immediately knew what to do.

"Honey," I called, "come look at the hamster!"

"Oh, my gosh," my wife diagnosed after a minute. "She's having babies."

"What?" my son demanded. "But their names are Bert and Ernie, Mom!"

I was equally outraged. "Hey, how can that be? I thought we said we didn't want them to reproduce," I accused my wife.

"Well, what do you want me to do, post a sign in their cage,?" she inquired.(I actually think she said this sarcastically!)

"No, but you were supposed to get two boys!" I reminded her, (in my most loving, calm, sweet voice, while gritting my teeth together).

"Yeah, Bert and Ernie!" my son agreed.

"Well, it's just a little hard to tell on some guys, ya know," she informed me. (Again with the sarcasm, ya think?)

By now the rest of the family had gathered to see what was going on. I shrugged, deciding to make the best of it.

"Kids, this is going to be a wondrous experience," I announced. "We're about to witnessthe miracle of birth."

"OH, Gross!", they shrieked.

"Well, isn't THAT just Great!; what are we going to do with a litter of tiny little hamster babies?" my wife wanted to know. (I really do think she was being snotty here, too. don't you?)

We peered at the patient. After much struggling, what looked like a tiny foot would appear briefly, vanishing a scant second later.

"We don't appear to be making much progress," I noted.

"It's breech," my wife whispered, horrified.

"Do something, Dad!" my son urged.

"Okay, okay." Squeamishly, I reached in and grabbed the foot when it next appeared, giving it a gingerly tug. It disappeared. I tried several more times with the same results.

"Should I call 911?" my eldest daughter wanted to know. "Maybe they could talk us through the trauma." (You see a pattern here with the females in my house?)

"Let's get Ernie to the vet," I said grimly.

We drove to the vet with my son holding the cage in his lap. "Breathe, Ernie, breathe," he urged."I don't think hamsters do Lamaze," his mother noted to him. (Women can be so cruel to their own young. I mean what she does to me is one thing, but this boy is of her womb, for God's sake.)

The vet took Ernie back to the examining room and peered at the little animal through a magnifying glass.

"What do you think, Doc, a c-section?" I suggested scientifically.

"Oh, very interesting," he murmured."Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, may I speak to you privately for a moment?"I gulped, nodding for my son to step outside.

"Is Ernie going to be okay?" my wife asked.

"Oh, perfectly," the vet assured us. "This hamster is not in labor. Infact, that isn't EVER going to happen... Ernie is a boy."

"What!?"

"You see, Ernie is a young male. And occasionally, as they come into maturity, like most male species, they um.... er.... masturbate. Just the way he did, lying on his back." He blushed, glancing at my wife. "Well, you know what I'm saying, Mr. Cameron."

We were silent, absorbing this.

"So Ernie's just...just...Excited?", my wife offered.

"Exactly," the vet replied, relieved that we understood.

More silence.Then my viscous, cruel wife started to giggle. And giggle. And then even laugh loudly.

"What's so funny?" I demanded, knowing, but not believing that the woman I married would commit the upcoming affront to my flawless manliness.

Tears were now running down her face."It's just...that...I'm picturing you pulling on its...its...teeny little..." she gasped for more air to bellow in laughter once more.

"That's enough," I warned.

We thanked the Veterinarian and hurriedly bundled the hamsters and our son back into the car. He was glad everything was going to be okay.

"I know Ernie's really thankful for what you've done, Dad," he told me.

"Oh, you have NO idea," my wife agreed, collapsing with laughter.

Cat Electric...

2007-04-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

One of my cats, Duz, has found a hole in the top of my computer monitor. All the cats like to sit on the monitor where it's warm, but Duz has decided it would be fun to dig round inside to see what treasures might be hidden in there.

When the monitor is turned off, which was most of the time until recently, I didn't think it was a huge issue - though I discouraged it when I was around to see.

This afternoon, I've had the monitor on and several times I've had to 'remove the Duz' from the warm spot because of his treasure hunting. I'm afraid he's going to find something to connect a claw with and will be jolted off the desk - not to mention short out the display.

I'd love to have a flat screen, and appreciate the Duz for his willingness to help with that, but can't afford the trip to the vet that would certainly follow.

Renovations in progress!

2007-04-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

I've been working on my template, making some tweaks here and there - making it custom!

Please excuse the dust while we're working.

Thanks!

Who writes this stuff?

2007-04-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

This evening I pulled a bag-o-frozen-pasta-dish from my freezer to use a a base for my mostly home-made dinner. This dish is a Bertolli Chicken Parmigiana & Penne Complete Skillet Meal for Four.

It's been a little while since I've used bag-o-frozen-pasta-dish so I read the instructions to make sure I didn't need to add water or something like that. I'm sure I've read the instructions in the past, but maybe I didn't read them all....

STOVETOP PREPARATION

~RECOMMENDED~

READY IN

MINUTES

Pour contents of bag into 12-inch nonstick skillet.
Cover and cook over medium-high heat 15 minutes or until pasta and sauce are piping hot, stirring occasionally. Toss and serve.

Now, I was ok with the piping hot instructions, but almost lost it with toss and serve. Maybe this is because deep on the dark corners of my mind I remember I like to play volleyball. When playing volleyball, one must know how to Set, Hit, Spike and the all important SERVE. There are two ways to serve in volleyball.. one is an underhanded lob that can arch or float over the net and drop with painful precision when the other team is not expecting the floaty serve. This is not the I deliver my volleyball serve. I toss the ball into the air and hit it for all it's worth.

Toss and Serve!

The hot PASTA? What a mess. I laughed out loud and had to read the instructions to Dub. He said that would be kinda messy, and you'd probably achieve more distance if a tennis racket was used. This had me laughing harder.

I understand the need for brief clear instructions, but I'm wondering if in this huge package, they could have found space for another word or three. And it's funny, the microwave instructions to not guide you to toss then serve, but stir before serving. Will the serve police come arrest me if I don't toss before I serve?

Going now, to stir, not sure I'll toss, before I serve.

The Mother of all excuses for not writing this weekend.. pun in tended.

2007-04-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while - things have been hectic and nearly non-stop both at home and at work.

On the home front, Aura moved in with her man - we will call him "Mario" for now. Mario sold his condo in Everett, and bot a house in Marysville - which is still a long long way from the community where I reside at the southern end of Lake Washington. We helped move most of Aura's stuff out then in two weeks ago. I don't think any of us knew how much "STUFF" she'd accumulated over the 4 years she's been here. And I'm not even talking about the 6 boxes of unread books (probably more like 8 all told) that were packed and moved. When we were done, there was an empty wall in the pool room (I have a pool table in my living room), a blank spot in the TV room (so then the TV is in the dining room), and the Master bedroom was now empty (I gave it up to her when she moved from Florida, so she could lock herself in her room to work on her book if it was necessary, but so there wouldn't be puddles on the floor. ~ Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! ~)

We cleaned away the accumulated dust and cat hair then re-arranged the furniture in the front two rooms while we decided what to do with the Master bedroom. I have plans to make it an office space or den, somewhere I can go to work from home or where I can write. Neepers computer is in the pool room at the moment, so we've also talked about putting her computer in the office.

Then, all hell broke loose with one phone call on Friday evening ..... Yeah, Friday, April 13th! Buffy called and said that she'd bot a ticket to come home (to stay) and would be arriving on Sunday, April 22nd, and would that be ok Mom? STUNNED. I did my best to contain my shock while we were on the phone and then after we hung up, I sat on the couch for several minutes watching my office plans melt into nothing.

See, when PFC left for boot camp in August 06, he didn't pack his all his stuff, so his room has been mostly untouched (and unusable) since his departure. Sure, he comes home every chance he can, and uses the mess as his base of operations, but there is no way anyone else could use that space... for anything. Before Buffy left for Florida in October 06, we had planned to pack up the rest of the PFC stuff and use his room as the new Neeper space. Having a 10 year old in your room tends to CRAMP your style when you're a social diva like Buffy. So when Buffy left, we allowed Neeper to keep the 'girl' room, and left the PFC mess as it was, as I had a hard time going in there without thinking about how empty the house was and how much I missed my kids. Of course, this was all when we still had Aura in the Master bedroom. Are you following?

SO, this weekend, we decided with Buffy returning we should go with the initial plan and clean out the PFC room (move his desk, bed, TV and bookshelf) into the Master/Office/Den/Guest Room and make the switch to from PFC Mess to Nice and Neat for Neeper. PFC can stay in the guest room when he's home, and when he's not around, it can still be an office or den.

MANY boxes of DVD, VHS, game systems (I think I counted 6 consoles), books, computer CRAP and electronic gizmos later we can see the floor, but the desk(with 2 computers) and bed still need to be moved. Oh, and the posters - the rooms walls are covered with Anime posters. We're going to prep and paint (maybe Tuesday or Wednesday) then look for a new bed and dresser for Neeper to start her bedroom transformation.

So, being a Mom is my excuse for not writing this weekend.

Buffy ~ Mom can I come back home and go to school, I didn't believe you when you said it's tough out here in the real world.
PFC ~ Mom, can you store my stuff for me while I'm in the Marines?

One of these days, I'll be able to start actually writing my book... instead of thinking about it while I'm supposed to be working.

Fun with fonts....

2007-02-16T07:10:00.000-08:00

Some of the most awesome fonts don't come standard with your computer. Sure, there are many to choose from - but there are loads of others out there.

I was looking for a specific font for a project at work, and figured I'd have to purchase it in order to create the graphics I needed. The price range for the set I was looking at was $24-$105 dollars depending on the website.

While searching the interwebs, if found this font site that allows you to test fonts before you purchase them. Not only that, but you can change colors during the test and actually save the test sample as a bit map file.

Like I mentioned before, there loads of fonts out there we never have a chance to use - above is my name, in a graphic font called Gargoonies... and there are many others to choose from. In the search or font finder option, type in anything, I tried "fun" and "goon", you'll be amazed with the different styles and options. Then click on the title of the font and select the option to create a sample. I found that it was necessary to put the cursor in the font size box, then enter before changes would be applied to the sample window below.

Just think of all the fun you can have making your own buttons and graphics. If you post something, come back and let me know!

I just can't see where it's right...

2007-02-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

I'll probably see a lot of flack for this post, but I don't really care, there are not that many folks that blog hop here anyway, and what the hell, it's my damn blog!

I loathe the Simpsons! Well to be truthful, I don't like many (read: NONE AT ALL) of the 1/2 situation comedies - Friends, Seinfeld, Everybody Hates Ramon - name one - and I'm sure I've tried it and failed to like it. In fact most, I can't even watch 10 minutes of before I'm searching for Discovery or the History Channel or something with claws and teeth!!

Neeper used to watch the Simpsons with her grandfather when he was alive. It was something that they did. I'm sure they talked about the shows, he was a very loving man and there is a very big hole in her life now that he's passed, but I still don't think it's something she or any child should be exposed to under the age of 15. Keep in mind Neeper also saw the Exorcist at age 5, and more than once, because the "adults" she was living with didn't see fit to wait until she was sleeping or even send her out of the room while the watched that nastiness!!!

Why, many ask, don't I like the show? Well... it puts a very bad, bad, bad (did I mention BAD) light on family life, and community. Of the shows I can remember, the kid or the father is always trying to get away with something (typical sit-com plot peeve by the way) and while they most likely don't... the fact that they even tried, sends the wrong message to children. So maybe you had a good childhood and nice family up bringing. You lived in an ok neighborhood and you find the stoopidness of it all funny. Fine.

But what if you didn't have a wonderful family life, and the best neighborhood to grow up in. What if the boob-tube was your baby sitter, and the Simpsons are where you learned your family values. GAG. ME!!

I didn't allow my kids to watch that crap when they were growing up, and I think they had a pretty ok up bringing. So I will not allow Neeper to watch the show, unless her dad watches it with her... and ... he didn't want to last night. So she cried about it. And then we argued about it... and feelings were hurt. It's a dumb damn TV Show, and I will not back down on this.

What is it about the situation comedy that I find so distasteful? It could not be the 'it's really stoopid but I'm going to do it anyway and see if I can pull it off' turkey on my head type of images that were relentless during sweeps. And who the hell cares who was the father of the baby? Give me sex in the bible any day, at least the fiction was original, not baked up crumbs from some other show.

I think I could go on and on and on - cause next I'd pick on un-reality shows - but I think I've ranted enough for tonight. Feel free to leave your comments - and unless they're full of stuff that is totally off topic, I'm sure I'll let them remain.

Ah... that feels better!

Actors in a action.....

2007-01-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

Not as recognizable as the pink ribbon, but it will be!!

During the Golden Globe awards tonight I saw several of the actors wearing a blue puzzle pin on their black tuxedos. I had no idea what this little pin symbolized, so of course, I had to look it up.

This little pin is from Autism Gear and some of the proceeds from the sale of the items on this site are used to support The Autism Society of America. I've never seen this little pin, but it made me look it up, so I figured I share.

Check it out!!

Christmas, the empty nest version...

2006-12-29T08:55:00.000-08:00

My nest is not empty, not really - but it feels that way.

I have mentioned that this year my son (PFC) joined the Marines, and my daughter (Buffy) moved to Florida to go to school. I have Dub, Neeper and Roomie living in house with me - along with 9 cats - so you see, the nest is not really empty.

PFC has been home since the 22nd, and will be headed to the midwest in early January for MOS training - but he has not been home much.

Christmas Day was really though for me, it was just all wrong. Showers took too long, the Fudge was not packaged and I was missing Buffy something dreadful. I took Neeper to Da'Rents (my parents house) for breakfast, but had to go back and pick up Dub cause the hot water was lacking after 2 had showered. (Neeper doesn't know the meaning of 'quick' in the shower)

Da'Rents house seemed REALLY empty. Brodar (my brother) was not around (yet), Mom was bustling around in the kitchen and Roomie and her guy (does he have a name yet?) were helping with vittles. PFC was sitting in the living room with his PSP, but I felt the hole.. the missing thing.. Buffy was not there. It made me cry, and just re-living it the tears are flowing again.

Some would say, that 'at least you had one of your kids there for the holidays' and that is true... but I really miss Buffy. I worry that she's not sleeping enough, or eating right. I didn't plan for her to be GONE so I didn't have the funds saved go pay for her to come home for Christmas. Next year, I hope will be better with that.

I'm not sure why I was dragging my feet when it was time to return to Da'Rents after Dub was ready to go, it just felt so wrong. When we arrived, the breakfast dishes had been cleared and folks had already started opening gifts. (Thanks for waiting people!) There was a flurry of activity as gifts were opened and for a while I was distracted. There were lots of ooh's and aah's, many nice things were gifted and some odd things too.

Roomie and her guy (I'll have to come up with something for him, I'm just not sure yet!) left for his family do. I had a short phone conversation with Buffy while she waited for others to 'wake up' or 'come home' so they could have their meal. Buffy and her crew didn't have anywhere to go for a Christmas dinner, so I'd ordered sammies, veggies and deviled eggs for them from Albertsons. Who knew grocery stores in Florida didn't do ham or turkey dinners for Christmas, or maybe it was that you had to order them more than 4 days ahead of time.

I mixed up some eggnog with brandy, then Mom, PFC and I started a game of rummy while Neeper talked with Valkyrie and Mr. Peabody on the phone. About 3 hands in, my head pounded so bad I needed a nap. Not sure if it was the brandy, stuffy sinus or stress, but the head won.

Buffy and her crew called and woke me from my slumber some time later, to thank me for the yummies I'd ordered. It was nice to talk with them, and some of the sorrow I had about Buffy's holiday lifted. She was having a good time, with folks she liked, and she was safe.

I'm still teary about it, even now.. though I'm sure it has something to do with the approaching new year celebration and PFC's departure soon after. I suspect it will be better in the years to come, but I'm not looking forward to my kids (that are not kids any more) having lives of their own where they are not able to be with me during the holidays. Is that selfish.. you bet, but I won't apologize for it. I love my kids, enjoy spending time with them, am proud of the adults the have worked to become and I miss them bunches when they are gone.

Beta is better ... how?

2006-12-14T15:46:00.000-08:00

I've done it.
I switched to Beta. Figured I'd better do it before they did it for me.

Already I don't like HAVING top put the damn labels on things before you can post put up a post, and that ASSUMES you remember how you have labeled things in the past... YUCK!

Crossing my fingers this doesn't turn out badly!

Support your local Sheriff? uh no..local Romance Author!!

2006-12-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

Multi-published author Shelli Stevens has a signing!!

Where: Saturday, December 16, 2006
What time: 2pm to 4pm

Where?
Lynnwood Borders at Alderwood Mall (upstairs!)
3000 184th St SW
Lynnwood, WA 98037
(425) 776-7530

Let's do the time warp again.... 6 mo in speed review

2006-12-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

This is a time warp of semi-weekly proportions...

June, My Mate (a.k.a. Dub) and I flew to MD to pick up the Neeper for the summer. The day we left, one of my kitties had a blood clot and had to go to the Vet. Then my daughter (we'll call her Buffy for now) reached the age of 18, and the family went bowling to celebrate. The next week my Divorce was final. Buffy graduated High School the following week and her dad came up for the event. June saw lots of calls from Neeper's mom, much turmoil (catch up here) and head scratching about her future. Kitty improved, and the mercury began to rise in Seattle. The work, it just kept coming.

July saw the passing of Dub's Mom, JEast, and more turmoil for the Neeper. Dub started working on the King County Airport Runway Project, and the hours were long! Neeper started coming to work with me more often, as Buffy was making noises about finding a job, and Kitty dislocated his back leg and ended up in a splint. The work, well, it was the work.

Mid/Late August my son, age 20 and we'll call him Jake for now, went San Diego, for Marine Boot Camp. I cried, was moody, and then there was lots of work. Buffy started working for Home Depot, that meant that Neeper had to come with me to work every day. Oh the work!

Beginning of September Neeper started school (hear the loud cheer: YEAH!) and work kept on keeping on. Kitty saw a specialist about the leg and we hoped that it would not come to that. I started cleaning in Jake's room, thinking to move Neeper in there so Buffy could have her space. It was more emotional than I thought - I cried and didn't make it very far.

Late September My Mate started working Sunday's in the bus tunnel and My Roomie started spending MORE time with her boyfriend. And the work kept coming.

In the Beginning of October there was the ECW Conference (note to self, finish the damn post that's in the drafts section) and then there was more work. Kitty's leg was so bad it had to be amputated. I cried, we paid the hefty bill and he came home as a tripod, but on aspirin for the rest of his life.

Mid October Buffy decided to move to Florida to go to school. I cried, was moody and there was the work. She at least packed up her stuff in boxes so I could send it to her, but there was cleaning to do in her room too. Kitty improved and things seemed to be going good, but there was always the work. Neeper had fun with her new cousins on Halloween, but I have forgotten where we hid her candy. Oops!

Early November Dub and I went to see Stephen King at Benaroya Hall. There is a post forthcoming on this one too... I think, a place holder at least! Kitty had a relapse and was back at the vet. They didn't know if he'd recover this time and I cried. Work was work, school was school and my Roomie kept putting words to file on her book. Work, work and more work.

Mid November Dub and I flew to San Diego for Jake's graduation from Marine Boot Camp. We'll call him Private First Class (PFC) or Marine now. PFC came home with us for 10 days, which included Turkey Day. The holiday was great, food and fun and family - but Roomie's boyfriend didn't make it. (He's still in trouble with me for that one!)

Late November we had snow, and it stayed for a couple days. School was closed and I worked from home. Work was done, but backed up more, just love the work.

Early December, Neeper reached the age of 10, though if she'd been any more excited about her birthday she may have exploded before making it there. She went shopping with Roomie for clothes and toys, then we met for lunch and had a mini celebration.

The work was the work, but Kitty had a relapse again and ended up at the emergency vet. I cried and was moody and worked very hard not to bite off the heads of those I love. Sadly I had to put him down the next day. I cried, and spent as much time with him as I could before he had to go. The rest of the day I spent with my folks helping them with a Christmas project, though my heart was not in it, at the very least it was a nice distraction. There is another post about the Moo (Kitty) forthcoming, but it's still too raw to do right now.

It's technically still early December, and I'm so ready for this year to end. Roomie's made leaps and bounds of progress on her manuscript, Neeper's doing well in school though she rushes her work and has nasty handwriting. Dub's been taking art lessons when he can and his drawing is shaping up nicely. I think Buffy's going to have a job at Winn-Dixie soon, if she doesn't already. PFC will be home on or around the 19th for another 10-12 days liberty, and some of the work is easing up. And I've cried all the tears I think I can, without dipping into next year's allotment, so I'm done ok.

That's the news, what there is of it... let's hope the posting will pick up now - these review shows are difficult when the memory fades.

Tag - I'm it!

2006-11-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, fine - I'll play along but I don't have done few MeMe posts, and will make an exception cause I've been tagged by my roomie - Aura. From her blog:

"The lovely Kristen tagged me to write 5 fairly interesting things about myself for all to see."

Fairly interesting? I'm the least interesting person I know, but as I said, I'll play along.

When I was in kindergarden, I was hit in the head with a golf club (3 wood I think) at a friends house. I think that crack in the skull could explain so much!
High School: I flunked typing freshman year (when it was still called typing), and now spend my day doing mostly that. I also played the flute all four years.
I love peanut butter and dill pickle sandwiches, I ate them even before I was preggers.
I wanted to join the Air Force and fly fighter jets, but I was told that not only was I too short (at 5' 2") but because I was a girl, I would be allowed to fly transports but not fighter jets. I decided to make movies instead, and have an 'almost' degree in Broadcasting, that goes unused as I work for a major financial institution as a business systems analyst.
My cell phone bill once showed I'd used 28,852 minutes in one month. This was an average month.

Happy now? In the spirit of Tagging - I'll tag my buddies Serra and Paula.

Blog about Stephen King...

2006-11-07T13:21:00.000-08:00

This is a place holder ... so I have a place to put the story when I can put all the works/thoughs together.

An Evening with Stephen King - TANKS ROOMIE!

2006-10-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

My Roomie left me a message this frosty October morning, that Stephen King was to be in town Wednesday for a lecture. She followed it up with a link to the details via instant message, and I checked it out - only to find all the tickets that included the reception afterwards were sold out. *pout*

Thinkin' Dub (My Mate) would appreciate the lecture, I prepared to buy tickets to listen to the Master of Horror talk about his body of work, while I pondered the chances of slipping into the reception unnoticed (FAT CHANCE!!) . One of the many voices in my head was chanting 'eBay. eBay. EBAY!' so on the off chance that someone had reception tickets for sale - I bopped over to the auction site and typed in 'Stephen King Seattle' - and was shocked.

Only one item, but there it was, my wish come true.... tickets to the King lecture with the RECEPTION afterwards. ~~ I heard voices in my head cheering as I clicked the link and found a BUY IT NOW option and did just that! ~~

Holy Cow ~ I'm going to have a chance to meet the Master of Horror... BUT more importantly, I'll have a chance to surprise My Mate with something extra special right here in our own back yard!

Now the worry begins:

How to tell Dub?
What to do with Neeper?
Where to dine that evening?
What to wear?
Where to park?
Will they allow cameras?
Will he sign book?

I'll post more when when some of these questions have been answered!

Not your normal song virus...

2006-10-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Goin' to the Conference and we're going to be in-spiiiired. (to the tune of "Goin' the the Chapel")

This weekend is the Annual Emerald City Writers Conference, and I'm attending with my roomie in an effort to kick start my writing now that the Big "D" is final and legal and done!

I'm taking some lovely Pepperminty Scenty Soapies from my buddy Serra, that I'm planning to give to the organizers and some of the authors I've met over the years as little 'thank you's' - but still trying to figure out what to do with the washy clothies. Serra suggested A China Rose fold, which is totally awesome, and I've been toying with an envelope - but so far that's a bust. We'll see.

So from this weekend conference, I expect to be inspired to park in front of the computer and write down some of the many ideas that have been floating in my head for years.. and who knows, maybe I'll actually finish one, sell it and eventually work as a writer full time.

or not..

perhaps I'll just continue to dabble at writing and work forever as a pawn in Corporate America. More news, later!

CHOW!

Stats, Traffic and Sundries

2006-09-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

I've never been one to watch traffic to my site, no need, I'm the only on that visits regularly, and that's not at all regular. *hee hee*

Serra had a post on her site for a new 'traffic' option or some such goodie, and I thought I've give it a try.

eXlinks traffic cops - monitors - whatever! Check it out!

Good stuff should come your way if you sign up pre-launch, so follow the linky above and join the club.

Just like that... She's gone!

2006-07-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Today's been a very rough day. My Mate took the bus to work and like most days while Neeper has been here, I returned home and started answering email and checking the to do items I had for the day.

My Mate Beeped* me, like always, when he stepped off the bus, but asked me to call him back instead of just using the radio.

The conversation went some like this:

Lesa~Dragon: Hi Dub**, what's up?
My Mate: I had a call from Mouse while I was on the bus.
Lesa~Dragon: Uh-oh, is everything ok?
My Mate: She said My Mother is dead.
Dragon: What?
Mate: My Mother is dead.
Dragon: How? When?
Mate: I guess she was having trouble breathing last night and went to the hospital. The Doctor called this morning and told Mouse she died in the night.
Dragon: Oh My God! No.
Mate: Yeah.
Dragon: Where are you? I'll come pick you up.
Mate: On the street. Yes, please.
Dragon: Ok, go to the office, and let them know what happened, and I'll be there to pick you up as soon as I can. I'll call when I'm close.
Mate: Yea, I'll go pick up the van first, then go into work.
Dragon: I'm on my way, be there as soon as I can.
Mate: Ok.
Dragon: Dub?
Mate: Yes, Dub?
Dragon: I Love You.
Mate: Thanks. Come get me.
Dragon: On my way.

JEast was gone? I was stunned,and turned circles for at least a full minute trying to decide if I should change out of my PJ's or just go. I went down the hall to brush the sleep out of my hair and pull it back, when my Roomie cracked open her door and asked if everything was alright. Apparently she heard my exclamations and was curious, thinking there was a new Neeper development. I told her as quickly and quietly as I could, Neeper's bedroom is right next door, and then dashed off to the city to pick up My Mate.

I called my Mom (as yet not nicknamed) on the way, and left a message on her cell phone. I asked her not to call back after a certain time, sure I'd have My Mate in the car with me, but when she called back I was still in traffic. I BAWLED while driving on I-5, talking to my Mom about My Mate's loss, our loss really, and trying to explain all the things that have happened with the Neeper over the last couple years. She didn't have any idea how Springer like things had been. I don't know if we will have the $ to send My Mate and Neeper back for a service, and if I had to tap into the International Bank of Dragon's Mom and Dad - I figured they needed to know ASAP.

Then I called a Co-worker in LittleApples and told him I had to cancel our weekly Power Hour meeting. He was very understanding and offered any assistance needed. He's a great guy.

I called My Mate when I was close, and picked him up near a local bar he has been to after work a couple times. Seems they're not open at 8 AM, go figure. We returned home in relative silence, and then he called Mouse back for more details and to check on how Grumpy took the news.

I just can't believe she's gone. It's not sunk in yet, and I don't know how long it will take before the hurt goes away, but it hurts really bad. There is a hole, a huge black hole inside both of us that will take much healing time to find the light again.

When Neeper wakes up, we'll have to break the news to her. Damn this won't be easy. Crap, I have a meeting I have to prepare for.. I just wish I could send someone else.
More update later, maybe, maybe not.

* Beep is the radio function on Nextel Phones
** We call each other Dub, like Silk Stalkings detectives called each other "Sam" - it's a long explaination.. someday I'll tell that story perhaps.

Mom Again?

2006-07-04T23:45:00.000-07:00

Or so it would appear... not that I'm complaining but it's just different.

My kids are now grown, graduated and gettin' on my nerves. (not really but sometimes) My Mate has a 9 year old daughter ~ "Neeper" ~ and she's come to stay with us for the summer the second weekend in June.

About two weeks after Neeper arrived, we received a call from her mom ~ "Valkyrie" ~ stating that the boyfiend ~ "Mr. Peabody" ~ had missed work, and was drunk and passed out naked on the living room floor. Valkyrie didn't want to have Neeper in the house with Mr. Peabody doing stuff like that, and suggested perhaps Neeper should stay with us longer than the summer. It seems Mr. Peabody has some dependency issues, and has been known to relieve himself throughout the house, not always in the bathroom. My Mate and I agreed it would be best that Neeper stay with us.

A few days later Neeper received an email from her mom saying that Mr. Peabody was being good again and they were acting loving again to each other. A couple days after that, Neeper told My Mate that she didn't want to go back and live with her mom, and then she told her mom the same thing during a phone call. Next think I know Neeper is crying because Valkyrie has told her she HAS to come home and that's just the way it is.

Additional informatoin that may fill in holes later on: Valkyrie was arrested in May for assalt, seem she used the flat edge of a knife on Mr. Peabody, the cops were called, and Valkyrie spent a few nights in jail. During the time she was locked up, Mr. Peabody was calling My Mate and asking what he intended to do, then saying he needed to 'be a man' and then demanding that Mr. Peabody be allowed to adopt Neeper. Uh.. HELL NO. We had thougt at that time that we may have to go out early and pick up Neeper, but we were able to let her finish the school year in MD.

Also, some time last year, Valkyrie took a baseball bat to Mr. Peabody - and the cops were called then too but I dont' think there was any jail time. They have a volitale relationship and there have been times when Neeper has called My Mate because her mom is drunk and nasty and Neeper just wants to be away from the house. At those times, she'd figure out how to make it to My Mate's Rents house for a couple days, until things settled down. It's tough for us to do anything about it, as My Mate's family lives in Maryland - nearly 2700 miles from Seattle.

It's been tough this year for the Mate-Rents too, Mom ~ "JEast" ~ has been having Kemo treatments since April for her lungs, and Dad ~ "Grumpy" ~ had his left leg amputated at the knee in early May and then a quintuple (5) by-pass heart surgery in the beginning of June. Since Grumpy has been unable to drive, and really in the hosipital or extended care for those two months (and still), Neeper has to less options for leaving the house when things grow too tense with Valkyrie and Mr. Peabody. To make things in MD even more like a Springer show, My Mates Sister ~ "Mouse" ~ her husband ~ "Saint" ~ and their family (5 kids total though not all of them live at home right now) have been forced to move from the house they've been in for over 12 years, because it's being sold and they can't afford what is being asked for it. (too much by the way, if you ask me) So Mouse and the three youngest kids ("BonBon" ~ age 9, Neepers best friend, "Thomas" ~ Age 5?(I think) and "Nate" ~ Age 13) are moving in with the Mate-Rents, while Saint is going to stay with his parents near by for the time being. The oldest is living with his other grandparents out of state and "Coyote" has been hanging out at the Mate-Rents off and on for the last 9 months - mooching.

This is not the worst thing that could happen, with Grumpy in the hospital still and JEast doesn't drive, but it's a small house, and the Mate-Rents have been sans little kids 24/7 for a lot longer than I have.

Back to the present ~ Last weekend, Valkyrie called, very in her cups (read: drunk), and a conversation with My Mate started out that maybe it would be best for Neeper to say with us. In the course of the 10 minute conversation, though she did a 180 and ended the call with "If Neeper is not back in MD by August 1st, I'm calling an Alphabet Goverment Agency, and reporting a Neeper-napping." to which My Mate replied, "Thanks for the warning."

Today - July 4th, Neeper was chatting with Valkyrie and again the subject of the return trip to MD was brought up, which sent Neeper into tears again. Poor thing! And of course, we were at the Dragon-Rents place with my family, so then others wanted to know "What was up?" Thankfully it was easy enough to say that she'd just had a disagreement with her mom on the phone and leave it at that.

We don't know what is going to happen from one day to the next, but at this point, we are not planning to send Neeper back to MD until we've talked with someone familiar with family law. There reasons too numerous to count why she should not return, and one really important reason she should stay ~ because it is what is best for her!

More Neeper Saga updates later as the story developes - Happy Fourth All!

It's Official...

2006-06-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Signed, Sealed and Delivered ~ I'm free!

At approximately 2:39 PM Pacific Daylight Time on June 12, 2006 ~ The BIG "D" is final, filed and finished!

I'm planning a definitely Divorced Party for myself and my Mate this weekend - there will be much drinking.

And in other Official News - My Daughter Graduated from High School last night and "Mom does the HAPPY DANCE!!"

More news later - too much work to do at this time for a long posty!

Book Review: Dark Prince and Dark Descent

2006-05-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

My Roomie is working on her 4th year in the Pacific Northwest, after moving to Seattle from Florida. Aura is a big fan of Christine Feehan, and the Carpathian characters she has been writing about since the late 90’s. Many times Aura has suggested I might like the series because it is contemporary, rather than historical. I’ve thought about it, but my TBR shelf was stacked with other authors at the time, and I figured I’d pick up Christine eventually.

Christine’s Wild Rain was just on the shelves when I bought it at the airport after I’d forgotten to bring a book along on a business trip. I really enjoyed the story and her writing style was easy to follow. Wild Rain is the first in a series of books about shape shifting cat people, and I look forward to the next in the series expected out later this year.

Aura splurged on an audio book version of Dark Prince, the first in the Carpathian series and was listening to it in the car one day when we were shopping.. uh, I mean running errands. The characters sounded interesting and I was intrigued by the parts I heard. Aura has offered her copies of the books to me many times, but I have always turned her down – I can be hard on paperbacks - thinking I would pick up my own copies when I was ready to read.

On a trip to the book store with the boyfriend and his kids, Aura picked up a copy of Dark Prince for me – little sneak – so I could read it whenever I was ready, and some how it ended up on the top of my TBR pile.

From the beginning of the book there was intense non-stop action. And too much sex. Yes, you hear me right, too much sex. Unusual for me to say, but I was about ready to put it down and find something else when I shared my thoughts with Aura. She said that she’d heard somewhere (perhaps even from the author herself) that the published version of Dark Prince was not the book Christine had written. I know publishers and editors often take certain liberties, and I really wanted to see how the story ended so.. kept on reading.

It was fascinating the way the author jumped form one characters head to another, yet the printed page did not offer any indication of the move form one character to the other – not even so much as and extra space between paragraphs. At times, with all the action, it was hard to follow who’s thoughts were who’s. Characters seemed to appear without much introduction, though the reader was supposed to understand and accept them without suspicion. That fact also made me uncomfortable and caused confusion.

I enjoyed the story and the adventure – but the writing, mechanics and flow of the book was a bit disappointing. I’m still not sure if I like the main characters. Raven started out as likeable, and when she confronted the vampire hunters in the forest I was with her every step. It was believable that when she first met some of the other Carpathians, she could hear their thoughts and it made her crazy… but it was really too much to expect that they’d have control all the time when they were around her, I didn’t buy that. I know that Mikhail is a prince, and old school, but he felt like an over bearing macho man, and I don’t think I can say that I ever really liked his character. He didn’t seem to let Raven grow and adjust to the changes, but his over protective assuming attitude was way beyond alpha male for my taste.

I felt there was much of the detail missing, and want to know more. I have to continue to remind myself this was the first in the series, perhaps the first book Christine published. I do want to read more, and plan to, but I think it will be a couple months before I visit with the Carpathians again. Withholding judgment on the series until I’ve read more.

The book Aura bought also had a novella length story from an anthology as a
bonus feature. Guess I’m going to visit the Carpathian Mountains sooner than I thought.

Dark Descent ~ initially part of The Only One Anthology ~ started with a bang, literally - with Traian fighting vampires and Joie was shot on the job, but the writing and syntax was much easier to read after struggling through Dark Prince. The characters jumped off the page and while I wanted to know more about the special gifts of Joie and her family, the shorter story was more cohesive and solid, and I would think that’s because the author is now very comfortable with the world she’s created and the publisher will print the heart of the book, not just the sex and action sequences. I hope that the story started here will be more fully explained in the series – there are still so many unanswered questions.

It is very apparent Christine knows the craft of writing and has good stories to tell. I think it will be easy to move past the disappointment from the first book and enjoy the series as the tale of the Carpathians unfolds. I will, however, read them in order of publication, including the other novella stories, because there was information in Dark Descent that will probably color the books about some of the characters already introduced but their full stories yet untold. I don’t think it was a good idea to include Dark Descent with Dark Prince.

Book Review: In Deep Voodoo

2006-05-14T22:22:00.000-07:00

The title alone made me pick it up, and the potential for paranormal had me taking it home. In Deep Voodoo was a delight to read though I did complain to my Roomie that there was not enough sex in the first 2/3 of the book. However, the mystery of who killed the ex-husband and the journey to find the real killer made up for the lack of steam between the sheets.

The suspense in the story along with the comic timing had me fit to be tied when I left the book on my desk over the last weekend. The characters remained fresh in my thoughts until I was able to pick up the story again on Tuesday after working from home on Monday. I was giggling at my desk during lunch at one particularly funny....

“Doing the research on dimethyl sulfoxide. The chemical has, shall we say, a checkered past.” He put a fork full of tofu in his mouth, then stopped, grimaced, and swallowed.
“It grows on you,” she said encouragingly.
“I bet this stuff would grow on just about anything,” he said, turning to the salad.
She bit back a smile. “So what did you learn about the chemical?”
“It’s a by product of wood pulp, used commercially in paint thinner and antifreeze.”
She made a face. “I thought the man in the square said it was used to preserve body organs.”
He nodded. “The medical grade of the substance was used for organ transplant preservation in the 1960s, but there were side effects, and the close kinship of the chemical to harsher commercial grades made it suspect. Apparently the cheep and potentially harmful grades were popping up at roadside stands and general stores.” He grimaced. “I image it tasted like this tofu.”
She laughed. “But it’s good for you.”
“What is it exactly?”
“It’s made from soy bean milk.”
He scratched his temple. “And I didn’t even realize soy beans had nipples.”
She bust out laughing; he was so…male.

I have wondered myself about how they milk soy beans, I’m glad I’m no alone not knowing… uh.. yes.. moving along.

I’m pleased to say I was surprised to find out who the killer was, I should have seen that coming but maybe I was too fixated on the lack of sex to see it clearly. I like to be surprised, it doesn’t happen often. While checking out the author site, I discovered there are several other titles that sound like they’d be a lot of fun to read.

I’ve added Stephanie Bond to my growing list of authors to look for at Half Price Books, and I’m sure I’ll be traveling to the Full Price store near me in October when the follow up to Voodoo comes out.

Classic Example..... of what NOT to do!

2006-05-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

I really like Miss Snark.

Her site is educational, entertaining and scares the b-jeeberz out of me all at the same time.

I have not had a chance to check in over there much in the last couple months, but today I was surfing (read: avoiding work) and ended up at her blog.

I've known some folks who didn't think their poo was stinky, and some other folks that were very full of themselves too... but THIS CLOWN is just SO over the top. Heed well the "beverage warning" within the Snarky One's post... it does not mean have a drink!!

Oh, Pinky!

2006-04-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

Bird Flu in South Florida

Aura is from Florida, and I think more than one of her family members has lawn art. We do not know yet the extent of the tragety for the Petersons, but a memorial will be held in a few weeks when the family is all gathered.

This was just so goofy I had to share.

Book Review: Breath of Magic

2006-04-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

Teresa Medeiros is known for her historical story lines having only recently ventured into paranormal. I’m not big on historical novels, though after reading the ‘blurb’ for several of her books on her website, there are one or two that intrigue me. Magic, time travel and betrayal are the elements for a fascination tale from the past into the present called Breath of Magic. My Roomie recommended this book to me when I said I needed something a little different than the contemporaries I’ve been reading lately.

With a bang the story takes off on a wild ride, keeping in the realm of possibility but still teasing the depth of my belief that there is magic in the world if you know where to look for it. After being catapulted from the simple Puritan life to the decadence of New York City the young Witch Wannabe discovers it might be easier to return to the past and face those who would put her on trial than to suffer the distain of the man she’s fallen head over broomstick in love with.

I enjoyed the way the characters in the present interacted as if they really had known each other since childhood, and the painful twist of mistrust that followed the lovers through their courtship and beyond was well crafted. There were times I wanted to toss the hero off the top of his mighty tower for being a jerk, and yet his tenderness and growth brought tears to my eyes in the end.

I discovered there is a follow up to this story and now I’ll be on my way back to the book store to track it down. There are also a couple other paranormal titles on Teresa’s shelf, if you like vampires. I here they’re pretty good and look forward to starting another Medeiros title soon.

Book Review: Almost Perfect

2006-04-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

Julie Ortolon has been on my must buy list since I read Lead Me On. LMO is the middle book in the series about siblings, ghosts and treasure with a whole lot of adventure and humor. I loved it and highly recommend it. After reading that series, I bought every Ortolon book I could find and even shared them with my Mate’s mother and now she’s hooked too. I was very pleased to hear she had another series in the works, A Perfect Trilogy. Almost Perfect is the first book in this new series where three friends make a pact (you might call it a bet) to take chances and follow their dreams.

The main characters in Almost Perfect are high school sweethearts now in their late 30s, that had a lot of growing to do before they would be ready to settle down. Through the story they find out things about each other they didn’t know to ask when they were younger, yet as much as they’ve grown there was much for them to learn together.

The characters were real enough, thought it was sometimes hard for me to read through the misinterpretations without wanting to scream “say what you really think, idiot” as the characters communicated. Misunderstanding and assumptions plagued their reintroduction of the characters from the beginning, but that was their biggest hurdle to overcome. At times the story was almost like a sitcom (which I no longer watch) where you can predict what stupid thing the character is going to do next and must agonize with them then as they try to pull themselves out of the mega mess they’ve created. The thing that kept me reading was that these were very real life messes, not a “Friends” or “Cheers” storyline with intentional lying and deception.

Dreams are important, as are love and trust. These are lessons hard learned by the couple as they struggle to understand how they fit into each others lives after 20 years apart. The supporting cast of characters are vibrant and worthy of their own stories. I look forward to finding the next two books in the series to see what kind of mess the Doctor and Nanny fall into as they fulfill the requirements of the pact.

Going thru the big "D" and I don't mean Dallas!!

2006-04-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

I spent the day at the King County Courthouse with my Daughter. She was there to observe a criminal trial, required for credit in Government class, I was there to atone for missing a status meeting with the court I didn't know I had. (Who knew there was a calendar at the back of the package they gave me on the day the paperwork was filed in August last year.- Oh, Wait! - I did, when I read it, but I forgot... oops!)

I needed to be in court at 9:30a, and not knowing where the heck I was headed, we decided to arrive early, pulling into the parking building at about 9:10a. The three story cement structure was very dark on the ground floor level, which we found very odd. There was no parking available on the street, so I drove on up to the second floor, found a spot, and spend a few minutes making sure the truck was positioned evenly between the lines.

The second floor of the garage has a sky bridge to the courthouse, and there were a large number of folks standing along the rail, smoking or talking on cellular phones. We entered the courthouse to find even more people lining the hall, sitting ~ standing ~ milling about, and still more folks filled the lobby.

Seems the power was out in the courthouse and the guards were not allowing anyone but court/state employees through the non-working metal detectors. I don't understand why... really. Pfht.

An announcement was made, and power was promised at 10:00a. We went back to the vehicle to wait out the electric in comfort, with tunes. At 9:55a we made our way back over the sky bridge to find the power had not been restored. We mingled with the masses, in the grey light of a rainy Northwest day, waiting. Then.. at 10 o'clock on the dot, the low hum of building systems powering up could be heard as lights began to flicker. The crowd cheered, and like livestock, people began to move into line to pass thru the metal detectors for their day in court.

We found what we thought was the correct room for my day in court after talking with the court clerk. As we waited outside there was a flurry of activity in the background to prepare and print calendars as the morning processes were stepped up to double time. Court clerks and advocates rush around in a flurry to post information and unlock doors.

We sat thru three different protection order hearings, and then the judge said they would recess until 1:30p. WHAT? I talked to the court clerk after the judge had returned to chambers and she told me we were in the wrong room. She told us the room she thought we should be in, so off we went to the other room. A case was being reviewed as we arrived so we slipped into the available seating until the next case was called, them I checked in with the clerk, but was again told I was in the wrong room. *sigh*

Third times the charm? Off we went, down the hall the last room on the right. I check in with the clerk, signed in, talked to the lawyer guy about what I still needed to do and what the judge wanted to know. We sat and waited while the judge handled three other cases and then I was up, last in line. *Yeah!*

I had some documents that still needed to be filed for the parenting plan, and a parenting class that the court required we take before the final decree could be filed. I'm not sure why a parenting class was required, my Daughter was 17 when the paperwork was filed last August, and would be the first one to tell them that she 'no longer needed parenting.' So I talked with the judge, set at date for the final decree after my Daughter's 18th birthday so the parenting plan and class would no longer be necessary. I filed the official paperwork to set June 12th as the day for the final decree and then it will be all over, and the new beginning can.. well, begin.

I think I'll check in with the clerks office in a couple weeks to make sure all the necessary documents are filed, so there is not more waiting.

Book Review: Deep Blue

2006-03-31T14:41:00.000-08:00

I have another book by Kat Martin on my TBR Shelf, in the living room. But I found the Deep Blue title in the $1 bin at 1/2 Price Books so I couldn't pass it up. I have read the backs of several of Kat's books, and they seem like a good adventurous read.

My first impression of this book, however, was that I was not going to enjoy it this author. My main objection is the choice of adjectives used to describe the people of Jamaica and what seemed like the constant re-use of the characters first and last names or descriptions of things that were already firmly set in my mind. One of the minor characters that appeared several times was always described with very black skin and bright white teeth - but I remembered that from the first introduction to the character.

As another example of beating the information over the readers head, a car is mentioned in detail in the beginning of the book - color, make, model and the reason for the silly thing being part of the story, YET every time the car was mentioned in the story, it seemed like 3 out of the four points were mentioned again as well. This was frustrating to me. Unless the plan was to repaint the vehicle, blow it up or take it off the island - there was no reason to repeat that it was an old blue, Toyota Corolla that was kept on the island for the purpose of running them around while they were there so it was not necessary to hire a taxi or rental car every time they were in port. DUH! On my death bed, I'm going to remember it was an old blue Toyota Corolla. I can't even remember what my Soon-to-Be Ex-husband's first car was, but this, I will remember. I'm not sure why I felt the need to do a mini-rant about this annoyance, but I feel better now, having typed it.

After I pushed past my annoyance the story was very engaging. Pirates and treasure have always held a fascination for me, even before being introduced to Captain Jack Sparrow. The adventure and excitement of the story pushed me along and I often found myself transported to the aqua colored waters where untold treasures could be found just below sand. The tale was gripping and I was very pleased to find that I didn't have any unanswered questions at the end.

This appears to be the last in a trio of books about the Sinclair sisters. I found a couple of text errors (wrong sister's name) that caused a wee bit of confusion during my adventure, but because my copy was a first printing, I'm sure they've already been corrected. I think I'll read the other book on my TBR shelf and see how I feel before making the decision to add Ms. Martin to my list of 'must have' authors. I do recommend this book, for folks who like suspense there is plenty of it. Readers who devour tales from Cherry Adair will enjoy this story too.

Book Review: Killer Curves

2006-03-19T13:50:00.000-08:00

My roomie has several Roxanne St. Claire books on her TBR (To Be Read) shelf, and she's been on a Historical bent of late, but she'll come round eventually. I picked up Killer Curves at 1/2 Price Books during my last visit, after reading the chapter one blurb on the author site. (I spent a bit of time reading the available excerpts and was thrilled to find even one book by this author on the shelf.)

Right off the starting line I didn't want to like the female lead, but it was out of my control by the end of the first chapter. With the difference in the up bringing of the two main characters, it could have been difficult to find a common ground, aside from the natural physical attraction. This common ground was one of the aspects I enjoyed the most in the development of the female lead. The sex was GREAT, steamy and exciting, while the base emotions and motivation was easy to believe, didn't seem forced. The cast of secondary characters was vividly drawn, leaving each firmly fixed in my mind between scenes. The action on and off the track was fast and I don't recall a time when there was too much drag. I'm looking forward to the other titles Roxanne has to offer, and will be visiting the NEW bookstore near me in the very near future. This author is on my 'must have' list.

Book Review: Bitten and Smitten

2006-03-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

Michelle Rowen is a new author currently working in Pranormal Romance, and her first book is called Bitten and Smitten. As excited as I was at the prospect of finding a new FAV to add to my list, I was a little disappointed in this book. The main female character is likeable and there is a lively group of seconary characters that were very well written. When my roomie asked me what I thought the first words that came to mind were 'not enough sex.' Not enough? Try none at all. This is fine, and would have been ok, if I had felt the two main characters had spent enough time together learning about each other to know their own feelings. It's not like they had different story lines that didn't cross, it was just not enough for me. I enjoyed the book, for a 'sweet' romance with a lot of violence, and the numerous Buffy the Vampire references were good for a number of laughs. I wanted more from the hero, but thankfully didn't spend much time at all wondering how the female lead could "be so dumb!" I could suggest this book to someone who doesn't like a lot of steamy action between the characters (but I don't know any) and I could even suggest this as something my teenage daughter might read. I will seek out Michelle Rowen's next book, and then decided if the belongs on the FAV list.

Attitude is EVERYTHING!

2006-03-10T14:33:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine I'd lost touch with until the first of this year is one of the 'forward everything' email personalities. I've known this since we met, and often allow email from her to gather in my inbox for a week or more before reading thru all the little "FW: ..of good will" she's prone to send along.

The text below is from an email sent in the "FW: .. of good will" mode, but I very much enjoyed the message - and realized I've worked to apply this logic to my own life for a long time. It's worth reading, it's worth doing, Attitued is everything!

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"

He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"

He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood.
I choose to be in a good mood.

"Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.

"Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.

"Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."

I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the company to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.
I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?"

I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

"The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.

He continued, "..the paramedics were great.

"They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'."
Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything.

She also added:
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34.

So remember... after all ~ today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

Sex, Lies and Vampires - Dark Ones, that is!

2006-02-27T16:47:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading the most current Dark Ones book by Katie MacAlister ~ Sex, Lies and Vampires.

It was a fun read, with plenty of all title elements. Katie's books are exciting because they jump right into the action and it helps to suspend reality for a bit. From each initial encounter for those not inducted into the other-realm of it all, the blend of humor and danger, sorrow and sex is right on the mark.

With very little effort it's easy to find your way to the world where Dark Ones must find their Beloved to save their soul, while mortals must work to fathom the reality of Ghosts, Wards, Mummies, Curses, Charms and Demons - let us not forget the Demons.

I have enjoyed all three books in this series and anxiously await number 4, Even Vampire get the Blues - due out in May 2006.

7-11?

2006-02-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

Not that all night store~

So, I haven't really done much of this, and not sure there will be more MeMe's in the future (tags or not) but here goes Dragon's 7-7 (Lucky/Unlucky you make the call)!!

7 things I can't get through the day without (not exactly this order every day):

1) Dub
2) Coffee
3) Friends
4) Laughs
5) Cell Phone
6) Sleep
7) Air
8) Chocolate

7 autobuy authors:

1) Cherry Adair
2) Katie MacAlister
3) Sharron McClellan
4) Julie Ortolon
5) Piers Anthony
6) Catherine Spangler
7) Lynn Ewing (for my Daughter)

7 things I wish I invented:

1) iPod
2) Blackberry
3) HDTV
4) 8 oz soda cans (they're so cute)
5) Fuel alternative to petroleum
6) Lint Rollers
7) Half-Naked Thursdays

7 movies we should be able to sue someone for wasted time:

1) Just plain SICK: Hostel, Saw, Texas Chainsaw Massacre - etc. WHY?
2) Slasher Sequels: Halloween 2-X, Nightmare on Elm Street 2-X - etc. STILL NOT DEAD?
3) Teen Trash: American Pie, American Pie 2, American Wedding, Band Camp GACK!
4) Jackass ~ The Movie
5) Dawn or Night of the ANYTHING
6) Reservoir Dogs and most the QT that followed
7) Remakes: When a Stranger Calls, King Kong, The Fog - etc. are there no more new ideas worth making?

**You'll note here that it doesn't say that these are movies you had to have watched, and this is a BIG winner here - cause most of the 'stuff' listed above I have not and will not waste any time on.

7 things I like to eat but shouldn't:

1) Ice Cream
2) Alfredo
3) Slurpee (or is that a drink?)
4) Fries
5) Bread Balls
6) Chocolate (to be clear: excess chocolate)
7) boiled peanuts

7 last books I've read lately:

a) Touch of Night
1) Smoke thief
2) Sex and the Single Vampire
3) A Girls Guide to Vampires
4) Blow Me Down
5) Red Hot Santa
6) Date with the Devil
7) Corset Diaries

7 things you remember from the days this week beginning today:

1) Thursday - I love it when a plan comes together!
2) Wednesday - Drinks with the Dub
3) Tuesday - Cough Cough Cough
4) Monday - Holiday - Thanks to the old Presidents and sewing
5) Sunday - Diablo II with DaBoo
6) Saturday - Reading, Dishes, Laundry and more Reading
7) Friday - Home Sick, Sleep, Pizza for dinner

So, where does the eleven come in here? I added another to the list so it would at least be 7-7 (yummmm), if not 7-11.

I'm not tagging anyone but if you wish to play along, please post a link/note in the comments and thanks for stopping.

Paper Work, love the Paper Work....

2005-08-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

It was painful, in the pocket book, $240 dollars later.... the paperwork has been signed and filed and now it's just the waiting. We have to attend parenting classes, even though my youngest is 17.. but whatever.

So 91 days from today, after I send the paper back to the court with the date I want for the case, it should be final. I wanted to set the date as 11-11, but that's Veteran's Day, and I don't think the court will be open on that day. Darn.

After that, the real fun begins. With papers in hand there is all the name changing things to do. So really, I will have spent $240 to get rid of the ex-baggage and the opportunity to change my last name to whatever I want. I've always believed there were dragons, I've always thought it would be fun to be a dragon, and NOW I will be one.

I'll have more to report after the parenting class, and when I decide on the final date.

Paperwork - it's all about the paperwork.....

2005-07-09T23:58:00.000-07:00

I'm doing the big D thing, by myself, without the benefit of legal representation. In Washington State you can file your divorce papers with the court for a mere $130 dollars or so, and there are forms online that make the process very easy. The biggest problem I've encountered is the parenting plan that WA requires. The want to know where all your money comes from and where it goes (household wise anyway). They require this information for both parents. This is where the struggle to finish comes to light.

My soon-to-be EX moved out of state which is making things easier, and harder. Easier because he's not stopping by every weekend for visitation my kids don't want, but harder because I have to send the paperwork down to him and wait for it to be returned.

I'm lucky, because we both want this action, and if we both sign the papers before they are signed, there are no extra forms and processes to be done before the action can be final. I think it's still going to take 90 days though, and that just seems wrong.

I plan to submit a letter with the paperwork asking that the court consider 30 days instead of 90, but I'm not holding out a lot of hope that it will be a shorter process.

My soon-to-be EX wants to file some other legal paperwork by the end of July, so I'm very in need of finishing the documents so I can forward them on for signatures.

I'm targeting mid next week for mailing, crossing my fingers that I don't find any missing items when I review the instructions one last time before it's all packaged and ready to go.

In the beginning...

2005-06-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

...this web space will be used for rants and raves, and all things transition. I'm going thru a divorce, beginning anew, and I'll not apologize for any content here, so be warned.