Last night I attended my Critiquing Writers Group and had a blast. The group is full of talented writers. We take turns reading our work and others critique it with gentle suggestions.
We had two new people in the group. One of them read a short story called “Exotic”. The story was very original and very funny. All of us were cracking up and of course the woman who was reading had a thick Russian accent. She did a very good job reading and on the story. The group organizer also read a chapter of her manuscript. The chapter was almost to the end and it was well written. I was able to picture in my mind the story and found a lot of curious goings on that would make me want to continue reading her story. Another group member wrote a proposal he wanted to go over with us about an idea for a blog he’s thinking about. It was well written and a terrific idea and he received a lot of good feedback. Another group member had a 2 minute animation pilot on her computer to show us but time ran out so she will show us next time I hope.
I got to read a chapter of my manuscript. What I find interesting is that not much is said about my writing. I was asked a lot of questions as to the content of the story. Such as what are the characters powers? Are they human? Who is this person and what powers does this other person have, if any?
I am amazed at the interest that is generated by the questions. One person went as far as asking what my main characters power was. “I’m not telling you that.” I smirked. Everyone else just groaned. I heard muttering of Darn, and shoot.
After the meeting we all went out for a drink, green tea or cappuccino, at a local vegan café nearby. We talked about all kinds of subjects for an hour. It was great. We are all becoming fast friends and supporters of each other.
It’s a marvelous thing to have supports with the talents that this group has. I feel I picked the best place to continue my writing growth.
Continuing story of Braveheart the Warrior:
Braveheart the Warrior is a little baby kitten I rescued. I am chronicling his recovery and life until he can be placed into the capable hands of a new companion.
Braveheart sat perched on a ledge, looking at his domain. (An animal carrier) The surface had a softness that cushioned the hardness of his roost. (A towel.) After roaming for hours playing with a ball honing my skill to perfection, the rest was well needed. Suddenly he heard the door open and the girl walked in.
He jumped up and stretched, happy to see her with eager anticipation. “Now I get to have fun. She is always wrestling with me and I get to show my latest exploits.” She sat down and talked to me in a soothing voice.
“Good morning little warrior.” She crooned.
Walking to her I rubbed my body across her legs and let her know my pleasure. I purred in comfort at her presence. She picked me up and cuddled me. I wrapped my arms around her face and nuzzled her chin. She kissed me and then puts me down.
Feeling rambunctious I took a runing leap toward my toys and stopped short of almost hitting the wall. I turned around and saw another toy. I took a dive and landed on it and fell over it grabbing it to my stomach. Biting it I tried to rip it to pieces. I kicked with my back leg and it fell away. I got up then noticed a bowl of food my girl placed for me.
Realizing I was hungry I ate to capacity, devouring the delicious food, not knowing when my next meal will be. I licked my chops then washed my paws, then washed my face in strokes that covered my ears and eyes. I did both sides.
Stretching again, I spied a hand tapping again. “I know this game.’ I mused. “I come at it and it looms quickly and scares me half to death. But this time I will acquire it.” He bounces toward it and the tapping stops and goes directly into a claw. Upon seeing the gigantic claw and the enormous site he falls back and decides another tactic might work.
He feigns not knowing about it, and runs around looking for anything to distract the hand into thinking he doesn’t want it. But he comes around for another try. This time his back is arched and he bounces with a feral look. “You’re mine.” He snarls.
The tapping hand once again looms in front of his eyes and almost past his head and grabs him, once again he backs off.
After numerous attemps to capture the hand he finally decides he wants to jump. He jumps into the lap of the girl looking for anything to sink his teeth into. Soft flesh maybe. He looks up to see a smiling face looking back.
“Oh that girl, I am so grateful for her assistance that I want to grab her.” He leaps up nails snagging into the garment of her clothes and hangs there, he’s stuck, and she is looking at him. “Oops.” He grumbles.
She giggles, “What are you doing little man?”
She picks him up and places him back on the floor. Off he goes grateful again for the help.
He spies a foot and tries unsuccessfully to bit a toe. The toes wiggled too furiously for him to grab. And so it continues until he exhausts himself out and plops himself in his box to sleep. He hears her leaving, so he picks himself up and goes back to his perch. There he stays until his strength is recovered.
Side note:
Bravehearts’ recovery is remarkable. He is full of life and running around at top speeds. His appetite is much better. He makes a mess with his litter box and I have to clean it up. (He is worth it, though I grumble at him.) He fusses when I place the drops into his eyes, but the antibiotic taste okay and he doesn’t seem to mind it.
I hope you enjoy the chronicling of Braveheart. I really enjoy writing it.
This is the average life of an ordinary person. As of now I am going to begin packing my stuff for the move and cleaning my apartment. I'll start with the basement. Those things I won't need anything soon. I will probably throw out some more stuff. Stuff I don't need. (How did I get them in the first place?)
I am not looking forward to this move. But what can I do? The hosue was sold and the new owner want to live in my apartment.
If you have a story to tell and/or an similar experience we would love to hear it. Share, laugh, cry, grow and bond with others. Take care.
Showing posts with label Surprise Surprise: Movie Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Surprise Surprise: Movie Review. Show all posts
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Little Worrior: Braveheart
A few days ago I acquired a little boy kitten. This little thing was sick and had puss in its eyes. Yesterday I was able to take him to a vet for much needed medicine. This morning the changes are significant. I call him Braveheart because he is a little warrior. When he first arrived he slept most of the time, battling with his inadequate eyesight and persistent sneezing. The sneezing has slowed down and his eyes don’t hurt anymore. I saw him change almost immediately as soon as the drops were placed in the eyes. It was as if he understood the need and was grateful. (By the way his weight. 1 pound. What a big boy.)
He also received a bath, which he fought as well as his spirit would allow with his small strength. He wasn’t happy but resigned into it, his paws in a vice like grip around my hand. And like his namesake he was brave. After I wrapped him up in a towel and dried him off he then got real rambunctious. I recognized the signs. I placed him in my lap on a towel where he proceeded to attack my hand as I read my book, trying to bit me and let me know he wasn’t going to take a bath any more. After playing for a moment he grew bored and crawled off my lap to explore his surrounds.
He eyed a box, a box I placed him in when first I protected him, propped by the wall and saw an edge that looked inviting. Getting a start he dove into the box edge claws out and wrapped his paws around, grabbing as much of the edge as he could, while biting with fervor. He was doing his best to hone those fabulous features that gives cats their reputation.
After attacking the box edge he fell to the floor and decided he had enough, he looked around and saw a ball with a cross like top that allow the toy to wobble. He gave it a bat and then attacked it, the movements sparking a frenzy imagining of a future of mice catching, batting it this way and that. Oh, wait he hear tapping, looking away he see a hand tapping the floor. “Well now here’s a challenge, I can get that.” He thinks. He arches his back and bounces towards the hand sideways, confidence that he can get it, with his ferocious look. It moves around him continuously tapping. He stops short, sees the way its going and takes up pursuits. The hand lunges forward and attacks him. He flops down embracing the hand with all his strength biting furiously.
Suddenly the hand is gone and he hears tapping again. “Where did it go? It’s behind the large leg.” He trots around the leg and the hand lunges again. Down he goes and he bites into the soft flesh.
(Ouch! I squeal. * Wink* even though he doesn't hurt me I just don't want him used to biting hands.)
The hand is gone in mere moments. Upon getting up he spies the food dish. His attention diverted. “Hmm I think I’ll take a bit. “ The hands is there again tickling him, and he whips around and follows it trying to overtake it. The challenge is exciting and unpredictable. “I will have to work hard to defeat this foe.” He says.
The hand picks him up and places him in front of his dish. “Food, oh yeah, I’m hungry.” He meows. After gorging himself on the food he sees the water dish. Stops to scratch an itch and then attempts to take a drink. Only the water ends up his nose. "Wow that hurts." as he tries to snort the water out. He tries again only this time tipping his head so the nose stays out of the water. “Ah yes the refreshing taste of water.”
Yawning he wobbles over to the box and flops down in the corner. He had his workout for now, after a little rest he will continue on to hone those cat skills to be the brave warrior of the future.
Book Review and Update on Weight.
I finished another book. “Legacy” by RA Salvatore. A Drizzt Do’Urdan book 8 in the series.
The writing was fabulous in this one. Drizzt is known for his fighting prowess. But Drizzt has a nemesis who is just as good as he is only they fight for different reasons. No matter how long or how far a person can go their past comes back to haunt them. In this book that is what happens and almost kills all the five friends. The entire book was almost one day in the life of the five friends but some hardships and shocking revelations that shake them up and change some of them forever. What is next for Drizzt, a dark elf, Bruenor a dwarf, Regis a halfling, Wolfgar a barbarian and Catti-bri a human women. Life is never easy in the Forgotten Realm.
Weight:
I am not doing well in the weight issue. Since my car broke down, accident and then my wrist and arm hurting I haven’t been to Zumba exercise class. The heat is causing me to eat lots ice cream. With the move and the kitty and writing and the ice cream among a bunch of other stuff I feel I am spiraling downhill. I can only hope that I have enough strength to battle through this tough time.
If there a subject that you would like to discuss? An issue that you need help with. Sometimes just talking about it helps. Well In this case writing about it helps. Share, laugh, cry, grow, and bond with others. Until next time.
He also received a bath, which he fought as well as his spirit would allow with his small strength. He wasn’t happy but resigned into it, his paws in a vice like grip around my hand. And like his namesake he was brave. After I wrapped him up in a towel and dried him off he then got real rambunctious. I recognized the signs. I placed him in my lap on a towel where he proceeded to attack my hand as I read my book, trying to bit me and let me know he wasn’t going to take a bath any more. After playing for a moment he grew bored and crawled off my lap to explore his surrounds.
He eyed a box, a box I placed him in when first I protected him, propped by the wall and saw an edge that looked inviting. Getting a start he dove into the box edge claws out and wrapped his paws around, grabbing as much of the edge as he could, while biting with fervor. He was doing his best to hone those fabulous features that gives cats their reputation.
After attacking the box edge he fell to the floor and decided he had enough, he looked around and saw a ball with a cross like top that allow the toy to wobble. He gave it a bat and then attacked it, the movements sparking a frenzy imagining of a future of mice catching, batting it this way and that. Oh, wait he hear tapping, looking away he see a hand tapping the floor. “Well now here’s a challenge, I can get that.” He thinks. He arches his back and bounces towards the hand sideways, confidence that he can get it, with his ferocious look. It moves around him continuously tapping. He stops short, sees the way its going and takes up pursuits. The hand lunges forward and attacks him. He flops down embracing the hand with all his strength biting furiously.
Suddenly the hand is gone and he hears tapping again. “Where did it go? It’s behind the large leg.” He trots around the leg and the hand lunges again. Down he goes and he bites into the soft flesh.
(Ouch! I squeal. * Wink* even though he doesn't hurt me I just don't want him used to biting hands.)
The hand is gone in mere moments. Upon getting up he spies the food dish. His attention diverted. “Hmm I think I’ll take a bit. “ The hands is there again tickling him, and he whips around and follows it trying to overtake it. The challenge is exciting and unpredictable. “I will have to work hard to defeat this foe.” He says.
The hand picks him up and places him in front of his dish. “Food, oh yeah, I’m hungry.” He meows. After gorging himself on the food he sees the water dish. Stops to scratch an itch and then attempts to take a drink. Only the water ends up his nose. "Wow that hurts." as he tries to snort the water out. He tries again only this time tipping his head so the nose stays out of the water. “Ah yes the refreshing taste of water.”
Yawning he wobbles over to the box and flops down in the corner. He had his workout for now, after a little rest he will continue on to hone those cat skills to be the brave warrior of the future.
Book Review and Update on Weight.
I finished another book. “Legacy” by RA Salvatore. A Drizzt Do’Urdan book 8 in the series.
The writing was fabulous in this one. Drizzt is known for his fighting prowess. But Drizzt has a nemesis who is just as good as he is only they fight for different reasons. No matter how long or how far a person can go their past comes back to haunt them. In this book that is what happens and almost kills all the five friends. The entire book was almost one day in the life of the five friends but some hardships and shocking revelations that shake them up and change some of them forever. What is next for Drizzt, a dark elf, Bruenor a dwarf, Regis a halfling, Wolfgar a barbarian and Catti-bri a human women. Life is never easy in the Forgotten Realm.
Weight:
I am not doing well in the weight issue. Since my car broke down, accident and then my wrist and arm hurting I haven’t been to Zumba exercise class. The heat is causing me to eat lots ice cream. With the move and the kitty and writing and the ice cream among a bunch of other stuff I feel I am spiraling downhill. I can only hope that I have enough strength to battle through this tough time.
If there a subject that you would like to discuss? An issue that you need help with. Sometimes just talking about it helps. Well In this case writing about it helps. Share, laugh, cry, grow, and bond with others. Until next time.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Review of Writers Group and Update on My Surprise Kitty.
I had the pleasure of attending the Greater Cleveland Writers Group last night. Every time I go I learn a lot about writers, as people, as the storytellers, and as the individual. Everyone seems to have their own opinion of how a piece should be written. My opinion is there are many ways stories can be written.
Let’s say you, as a writer, heard a story. If you are a mystery writer that story will be different than say a romance, or fantasy, or a memoir. If you are an article writer or a journalist that same story will be told extremely different.
The one sure thing is no matter what type of writer you are, story telling in all genres is extremely important.
There are a few professionals in the group who are very valuable. They consistently explain when you are writing a story to show us don’t tell us. Well I say, sometime showing us is better then telling us. The reason is because sometimes the reader needs to use their imagination. There is a wonderful article that I read regarding this. I have included the link, because they can explain it much better than I.
Click here: When-to-tell-instead-of-show
Surprise Package: My Little Kitten.
As some of you read yesterday I found a little kitten. It is sick witha cold and has puss in its eyes, one eye may even be rendered useless. A Carpet Cleaning Company was at the office in the apartment above the office. One of the guys saw the kitten and said he was going to bring it to the APL. I took it in and tried to clean out some of the puss out of its eyes. Later the Carpert Cleaning Company was gone and I got worried. I wasn't going to stop though, this little thing needs help. There is a man that lives in a small house behind the office. He has many cats. He doesn't have the money to get them fixed or for medicine. So right now all the cats have the same eye problem.
The Capet Cleaning guy stopped by the office later and we made arrangements to take kitty to the vets. Which will happen later today. I wanted to show you some pictures of the little guys. Becuase he is sick he is separated from the other cats.
Let’s say you, as a writer, heard a story. If you are a mystery writer that story will be different than say a romance, or fantasy, or a memoir. If you are an article writer or a journalist that same story will be told extremely different.
The one sure thing is no matter what type of writer you are, story telling in all genres is extremely important.
There are a few professionals in the group who are very valuable. They consistently explain when you are writing a story to show us don’t tell us. Well I say, sometime showing us is better then telling us. The reason is because sometimes the reader needs to use their imagination. There is a wonderful article that I read regarding this. I have included the link, because they can explain it much better than I.
Click here: When-to-tell-instead-of-show
Surprise Package: My Little Kitten.
As some of you read yesterday I found a little kitten. It is sick witha cold and has puss in its eyes, one eye may even be rendered useless. A Carpet Cleaning Company was at the office in the apartment above the office. One of the guys saw the kitten and said he was going to bring it to the APL. I took it in and tried to clean out some of the puss out of its eyes. Later the Carpert Cleaning Company was gone and I got worried. I wasn't going to stop though, this little thing needs help. There is a man that lives in a small house behind the office. He has many cats. He doesn't have the money to get them fixed or for medicine. So right now all the cats have the same eye problem.
The Capet Cleaning guy stopped by the office later and we made arrangements to take kitty to the vets. Which will happen later today. I wanted to show you some pictures of the little guys. Becuase he is sick he is separated from the other cats.
Take a look at his eyes. I cleaned out a lot of the puss but he still needs medicine.
and the poor thing has a cold. He sneezed all over the place.
Here he is in the box under my desk at the office. Tiny isn't he?
I took him home and he's eating some softened dry food. This is my bathroom.
After eating he walked around meowing softly. I might call him squeekers because when he meows he actually squeeks.
Later we sat together on my recliner wrapped in a towel, he's playing with my fingers.
He is so cute I couldn't help but snap this picture.
I may call him Braveheart because he is being very brave right now.
Brave in trusting me to take care of him.
I tried to get milk for him this moring but the grocery story I went to wouldn't let me take him in. The car is too hot for him to stay in while I shop. I will continue the water and softened dry food until I see the vet later today. He will only be with me until he gets well, and his eyes clear up. Then I will look for a good home for him.
I have three rescued cats and I cannot keep him, but I can care for him until a wonderful person steps up. (Hint Hint.) or if you know of someone who will be a good human companion for him let me know. I will continue updates on his progress. What do you think I should name him? I am taking suggestions.
If there anything that you want to discuss? An issue that you feel is important? I'm sure my little voice isn't the only one in the world. Don't be afraid, Join in the disussion and let your issues and voice be heard. Share, laugh, cry, grow, and bond with others. Until next time
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Surprise Surprise: Movie Review.
I got to work this morning to have guys waiting to clean the carpets for one of our apartment above the office. Our tenant recently moved. In the fray of hoses and chaos of people was a tiny baby kitten, just weeks old.
I know where it came from. There is another tenant that we have behind our office. This is a man that loves cats but doesn’t believe in getting them fixed. So guess what happens. He has lots of baby kittens around until they are run over or someone walks by seeing a lone kitty just sitting by our office, taking pity will take them home, or better yet they die of injuries from fights with other bigger cats in the neighborhood for territory.
This little one has puss filled eyes and one looks like he’s already lost it, plus it is sneezing and is coughing.
One of the carpet cleaning guys is going to call the Animal Protective League to have as many of the cats taken away including this little one sitting in my lap.
I will watch over it until the time for it to leave. I already rescued three cats and cannot take any more. But I can protect this little one until its time to go.
It seems content to sit in my lap while I stroke it soft fur and continue to try and clean its eyes. My hope is that someone will take him home and love him.
I just looked outside the carpet cleaning guys left. Now what do I do with this little one?
Review of Movies.
The Last Airbender. I was introduced to this story from my daughter. It’s a Japanese cartoon and a very popular one. I only saw the first part of it so when I saw the movie I was quite surprised. The movie was done really well. The actor who played the last airbender was perfect for the role. I didn’t see the 3D version because it was too expensive and I have to economize. (Yeah I’m cheap.)
The other thing was the musical score. It was very beautiful. It was a wonderful experience and worth the money to see.
Eclipse. Twilight Series. This movie was much anticipated as you know, but when I arrived at the movie most of the seats were empty. I was very curious as to why. I really enjoyed the movie, but some of the emotions were hard to portray. Reading the book in some parts were absolutely heartbreaking, and the movie couldn’t get it. Some of the parts of the movie were done very well and breathtaking. Most of the back story about the newborns was not in the books so that part was interesting.
Some of the sequences were not in the correct order but I guess it really doesn’t matter as long as they were included because they were crucial.
All in all Eclipse was extremely good and I recommend it.
Have you been to a movie lately? Or wish to comment of seeing one of the movies that I reviewed. Your opinion matters. Share, laugh, cry, grow, and bond with others. Until next time.
I know where it came from. There is another tenant that we have behind our office. This is a man that loves cats but doesn’t believe in getting them fixed. So guess what happens. He has lots of baby kittens around until they are run over or someone walks by seeing a lone kitty just sitting by our office, taking pity will take them home, or better yet they die of injuries from fights with other bigger cats in the neighborhood for territory.
This little one has puss filled eyes and one looks like he’s already lost it, plus it is sneezing and is coughing.
One of the carpet cleaning guys is going to call the Animal Protective League to have as many of the cats taken away including this little one sitting in my lap.
I will watch over it until the time for it to leave. I already rescued three cats and cannot take any more. But I can protect this little one until its time to go.
It seems content to sit in my lap while I stroke it soft fur and continue to try and clean its eyes. My hope is that someone will take him home and love him.
I just looked outside the carpet cleaning guys left. Now what do I do with this little one?
Review of Movies.
The Last Airbender. I was introduced to this story from my daughter. It’s a Japanese cartoon and a very popular one. I only saw the first part of it so when I saw the movie I was quite surprised. The movie was done really well. The actor who played the last airbender was perfect for the role. I didn’t see the 3D version because it was too expensive and I have to economize. (Yeah I’m cheap.)
The other thing was the musical score. It was very beautiful. It was a wonderful experience and worth the money to see.
Eclipse. Twilight Series. This movie was much anticipated as you know, but when I arrived at the movie most of the seats were empty. I was very curious as to why. I really enjoyed the movie, but some of the emotions were hard to portray. Reading the book in some parts were absolutely heartbreaking, and the movie couldn’t get it. Some of the parts of the movie were done very well and breathtaking. Most of the back story about the newborns was not in the books so that part was interesting.
Some of the sequences were not in the correct order but I guess it really doesn’t matter as long as they were included because they were crucial.
All in all Eclipse was extremely good and I recommend it.
Have you been to a movie lately? Or wish to comment of seeing one of the movies that I reviewed. Your opinion matters. Share, laugh, cry, grow, and bond with others. Until next time.
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