Just a quick note: Moving day is within days, my new life and new residence are in view. My house is being over run by boxes. Everyday I have access to less and less of my stuff. I’m living in a suitcase as of now. Tonight and tomorrow is the last of the packing and cleaning. Then the dreaded move on Saturday. (Raspberry sound with my lips)
“Why do I have so much stuff?” I hear it over and over from tenant who move in or out of our properties. And here "I" am saying it.
Why do I feel I need all this? Organizing and throwing away is going to be the priority once the moving is done.
The only regret is that it might take time away from my reading or writing. That I cannot allow. Slowly, I will toss and pitch unsavory items that have no use as I begin to pull together my new residence.
Notice:
Due to my move and being the first of the month, since I work in property management, my blog postings and storyline "Three Ordinary Lives" will have to take a back seat for a few days. Back on track after that, I can’t wait.
Update on Writing:
Or reading I should say. I was able to purchase a few books. I am so excited!!! Writer’s Digest has books out designed to help the writer. I read about them when I get my email newsletter. Well guess what! I found a few of them at the book store. I was able to buy two books.
1. Characters and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card.
2. Conflict, Action and Suspense by William Noble.
Book 1: Characters, what I learned about how to find characters is to look around you, be aware of the characters around you. Take from them but do not use them. The book will explain more on this.
When developing a story, the writer needs to dig deeper than just the clichés of life. Really take time to think about what could possibly happen, but then dig deeper, then dig more, and more. The characters and the story have to be original. The reason why they do something has to be original and what they do about it also has to be original. This book explains it easily and how each point can make the best character, story, and how to write it.
Viewpoint is something that I am in desperate need to understand, and that will come later in the book. Right now I’m only at part 1. Next part is Constructing Characters. That should be interesting.
I love learning. This is better than an 8 Week Creative Writing Class! Ha Ha. For those of you who are new. I had taken a 8 week creative writing course and was accused of using the class as a therapy session. Which is untrue and ridiculous.
Back to the books:
Conflict, Action and Suspense. I have learned some great techniques to creating conflict and the difference between passive and active voice. This is great!
I’m moving into chapter 3: Openings right now. This explains the correct way to hook the reader within the first few pages. It is really fascinating. There are a lot of way to hook the reader and what the reader expects from the writer and the story.
I’m thrilled about these books and grateful I found them. I am learning so much, and plan on working hard to put my new found techniques into my writing. Let me know if you like the improvements.
Update on Braveheart:
Braveheart moves too quickly for me to get a picture of him lately. He is fast, running, jumping, attacking and then hiding from everyone in the house. His attention span is small compared to the others but he is loved an accepted by all. I love to torture him with kisses.
Oh forgot to tell you. Since I’m moving into a cheaper place I can afford to keep him. He is mine.
(Mine! Mine! Mine!) No other capable arms can take him but me.
“How’s that for ya? Yeah I knew it would happen anyway. You could see right through me. You knew my soft heart wouldn’t be able to let him go, didn’t you?” (Sign.)
Once life cools down for a minute the posting will come again, and with my new found techniques and better writing skills the blog will be better than ever. Take care. Until next time.
Showing posts with label What Up Lately. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What Up Lately. Show all posts
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Back to Normal Update on Everything.
After a frustrating few weeks I finally got my car back on Friday. (Thank God.) It was very traumatic to be without it for two weeks. (Walking to work and home each day is no fun.) Now I have a lot to do to catch up on the things I couldn’t do while without it. One thing that cut my time in half to accomplish my errands, I had a date on Saturday, and the date was to begin at 3:45pm in the after noon.
There was several things wrong with this. One, it really was too early to start a date. Two, I had so much to do, errands and stuff, I was kind of annoyed. Three, by time 3:00pm came around to get ready for the date; I was ready for a nap.
The Date:
My date showed up around 3:50 which was fine, I wasn’t worried about it, there was traffic and stuff. But after spending some time with him I found him to be nice but very unemotional. The first time we dated which was the day that my car broke down. We had a good date. We went to the movies and then coffee afterwards. We have a nice conversation.
This time he stopped off at his sister’s house to work on her computer first before we were to go to the concert. His sister lived in a nice neighborhood in a large 10 story apartment building that was secured. She lived somewhere in the middle. We had to go up the elevator, and around corridors to reach it. I got lost.
The sister’s House:
Upon arriving at the sister’s house and having a brief introduction, those two walked into the other room and left me standing in her living room, with no instructions as to make yourself at home, please sit down, would you like something to drink? Nothing. I was standing there for 10 minutes until I finally decided to sit down, but there were towels on the chairs and I was unsure as to where to sit, or if I would disturb anything. So I sat on one chair on the end and waited. There was a huge TV on so I just watched that.
The entire time, which was more than an hour longer, I was hot, uncomfortable, and felt neglected. If I could have remembered how to get out of there I would have just left. I was debating of what to do. It that point I was very ill at ease and not wanting to continue the date.
When they finally came out of the room, they exchange a few brother and sister words then my date asked her for some drinks. They went through the assorted drinks list while her head was in the refrigerator. They did inquire if I wanted anything to drink but I told them. “No Thank you.”
On the way back to the car my date informs me that he is going to pick up someone else. A male friend of his, they were going to play guitar and jam with some others after the concert. (Originally I was just going to listen and enjoy my dates playing.)
What I thought was a date wasn’t really. I was not informed about picking up another person. I don’t know this other person. I barely knew my date. If I had to defend myself from my date if he got out of line, I felt confident but if there was two men. Plus I didn’t even know where we were going. Now I was really feeling uncomfortable.
At the car as he opened the door and secured me into the passenger side, and on his way to the driver side I had to think fast. How do I let him down casually, to not hurt him, and let me go home. When he got in and began looking at a map. I looked at him. “My date,” (Not using names here.) “I’m sorry but I’m really tired and could you please take me home.” He was surprised but did bring me home.
On the way back to my house I explained to him. “I’m doing you a favor by not going. (I had yawned twice on the way to his sister’s house, so I was not lying that I was tired.) “If I went.” I told him. “I would be tired and miserable and then you would be uncomfortable and then leave early to take me home and then you wouldn’t be happy.” Do you understand?”
“No.” was his answer.
Just that answer let me know that I was doing the correct thing for me. If he didn’t care that I was uncomfortable and tired the entire time then he is an unemotional person or a person who doesn’t care about the feeling of others. Before I would never have asked to be taken home. I would have endured through the entire day and been miserable and hating myself.
One lesson learned. Ask questions. Where is it that we are going? Will we be going alone? How long, what time will it be over? Etc… Make sure you have money in your pocket to get yourself home in case things do go haywire.
Sundays Excitement:
This may not be exciting to you but to me it is major. I woke up early and started working on my manuscript. I was scrolling down the pages and reading different parts and realized I still have a lot to do. My manuscript was very overwhelming so I decided to put my outlines into individual chapters so that I could work on them and finish my ideas for each of the chapters. I put them into a folder on my computer and labeled each chapter with something that is happening within. All in all I have 24 chapters, an epilogue and then some extra stuff that I might want to incorporate into the story. This doesn’t include any of the back stories except the ones that are in the manuscript as flashbacks.
After I finish each chapter putting all my ideas into them, then I will copy and past them into a new manuscript. That will be my 3 writing of the manuscript.
(I changed my mind a few times on how to begin the story. I still may make more changes, but at least I will see it more clearly.)
I’m not saying it is ready for publication, on the contrary, I still have to put the characters movement, explain about the room, sounds, feeling, smells, and everything that gives a reader a broader feel for the entire story.
After that come the revising, then more revising, then even more revising, until it is polished to perfection, or until I can clean it up and feel I gave my best work. It will get even more revisions when and if I get representation. In the mean time I will continue learning my craft and enjoy the process.
Weight Update:
Even though I walked the entire time I was without my car I don’t feel like I was really on the diet. So starting today the diet, exercise and health are on the forefront. Zumba class tonight and I brought my favorite foods to work. I also decided to read Dr. Phil’s Ultimate Weight Loss book. I want to go through the exercises and finally get over my problems with food. I don’t want them anymore. There are no more excuses.
If you would like to go through the book with me and want to discuss your progress, you are welcome to join me. Tell me of your hardships and struggles and we can decide on goals. Then we can help push each other towards those goals.
Join in the discussion of what is important to you. If it is something other than what I bring to the table, please comment and bring it forward. There is room for others opinions, I look forward to hearing from you and bonding with all of you. Share, learn, grow, laugh and bond with other women. By for now.
There was several things wrong with this. One, it really was too early to start a date. Two, I had so much to do, errands and stuff, I was kind of annoyed. Three, by time 3:00pm came around to get ready for the date; I was ready for a nap.
The Date:
My date showed up around 3:50 which was fine, I wasn’t worried about it, there was traffic and stuff. But after spending some time with him I found him to be nice but very unemotional. The first time we dated which was the day that my car broke down. We had a good date. We went to the movies and then coffee afterwards. We have a nice conversation.
This time he stopped off at his sister’s house to work on her computer first before we were to go to the concert. His sister lived in a nice neighborhood in a large 10 story apartment building that was secured. She lived somewhere in the middle. We had to go up the elevator, and around corridors to reach it. I got lost.
The sister’s House:
Upon arriving at the sister’s house and having a brief introduction, those two walked into the other room and left me standing in her living room, with no instructions as to make yourself at home, please sit down, would you like something to drink? Nothing. I was standing there for 10 minutes until I finally decided to sit down, but there were towels on the chairs and I was unsure as to where to sit, or if I would disturb anything. So I sat on one chair on the end and waited. There was a huge TV on so I just watched that.
The entire time, which was more than an hour longer, I was hot, uncomfortable, and felt neglected. If I could have remembered how to get out of there I would have just left. I was debating of what to do. It that point I was very ill at ease and not wanting to continue the date.
When they finally came out of the room, they exchange a few brother and sister words then my date asked her for some drinks. They went through the assorted drinks list while her head was in the refrigerator. They did inquire if I wanted anything to drink but I told them. “No Thank you.”
On the way back to the car my date informs me that he is going to pick up someone else. A male friend of his, they were going to play guitar and jam with some others after the concert. (Originally I was just going to listen and enjoy my dates playing.)
What I thought was a date wasn’t really. I was not informed about picking up another person. I don’t know this other person. I barely knew my date. If I had to defend myself from my date if he got out of line, I felt confident but if there was two men. Plus I didn’t even know where we were going. Now I was really feeling uncomfortable.
At the car as he opened the door and secured me into the passenger side, and on his way to the driver side I had to think fast. How do I let him down casually, to not hurt him, and let me go home. When he got in and began looking at a map. I looked at him. “My date,” (Not using names here.) “I’m sorry but I’m really tired and could you please take me home.” He was surprised but did bring me home.
On the way back to my house I explained to him. “I’m doing you a favor by not going. (I had yawned twice on the way to his sister’s house, so I was not lying that I was tired.) “If I went.” I told him. “I would be tired and miserable and then you would be uncomfortable and then leave early to take me home and then you wouldn’t be happy.” Do you understand?”
“No.” was his answer.
Just that answer let me know that I was doing the correct thing for me. If he didn’t care that I was uncomfortable and tired the entire time then he is an unemotional person or a person who doesn’t care about the feeling of others. Before I would never have asked to be taken home. I would have endured through the entire day and been miserable and hating myself.
One lesson learned. Ask questions. Where is it that we are going? Will we be going alone? How long, what time will it be over? Etc… Make sure you have money in your pocket to get yourself home in case things do go haywire.
Sundays Excitement:
This may not be exciting to you but to me it is major. I woke up early and started working on my manuscript. I was scrolling down the pages and reading different parts and realized I still have a lot to do. My manuscript was very overwhelming so I decided to put my outlines into individual chapters so that I could work on them and finish my ideas for each of the chapters. I put them into a folder on my computer and labeled each chapter with something that is happening within. All in all I have 24 chapters, an epilogue and then some extra stuff that I might want to incorporate into the story. This doesn’t include any of the back stories except the ones that are in the manuscript as flashbacks.
After I finish each chapter putting all my ideas into them, then I will copy and past them into a new manuscript. That will be my 3 writing of the manuscript.
(I changed my mind a few times on how to begin the story. I still may make more changes, but at least I will see it more clearly.)
I’m not saying it is ready for publication, on the contrary, I still have to put the characters movement, explain about the room, sounds, feeling, smells, and everything that gives a reader a broader feel for the entire story.
After that come the revising, then more revising, then even more revising, until it is polished to perfection, or until I can clean it up and feel I gave my best work. It will get even more revisions when and if I get representation. In the mean time I will continue learning my craft and enjoy the process.
Weight Update:
Even though I walked the entire time I was without my car I don’t feel like I was really on the diet. So starting today the diet, exercise and health are on the forefront. Zumba class tonight and I brought my favorite foods to work. I also decided to read Dr. Phil’s Ultimate Weight Loss book. I want to go through the exercises and finally get over my problems with food. I don’t want them anymore. There are no more excuses.
If you would like to go through the book with me and want to discuss your progress, you are welcome to join me. Tell me of your hardships and struggles and we can decide on goals. Then we can help push each other towards those goals.
Join in the discussion of what is important to you. If it is something other than what I bring to the table, please comment and bring it forward. There is room for others opinions, I look forward to hearing from you and bonding with all of you. Share, learn, grow, laugh and bond with other women. By for now.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
What Up Lately, The Little Stuff.
Reading:
I just finished reading another book called Streams of Silver by R A Salvatore. Its book 5 in the series of Drizzt DoUrden. A dark Elf. These are rich stories filled with wonderous creative adventure. The characters are exceptional and filled with good intentions. There are 5 friends. Dizzt DoUrden, Brunor, a Dwarf, Walfgar, A Barbarian, Regis, a Halfling, what ever that is, and Catti bri, a human women. They go to extreme lengths to save their friends when they get into trouble and back them up when asked and that the reader can come to care about. The stories are thrilling, and the world is wild with crazy creatures. If you love Fantasy Fiction this is the place to start.
Weight and Workout Class.
On my way home while walking I walked past the rec center where I do my Zumba Classes. I could not make it this time, but the nice thing was the entire class was outside in the cool air. I guess the gym was too hot. But there they were my Zumba buddies working out and looking good. I can’t wait to get back to class. As soon as my car is fixed and I don’t have to walk I will be back in class. I can’t do both walking and Zumbe right now. I will have to work up to that, but for now I can’t wait to get back.
Is the Car Fixed Yet?
I looked out and my mechanic still hasn’t touched my car to fix it. It’s still sitting in the lot. What is taking him so long? It has been nine or ten days. I decided to go ask.
“Hi, did you forget my car?”
“No I just have a few things to do first.” He said.
“I have the money. Money is supposed to talk you know.” He smiled. I continued. “I haven’t cried yet, maybe if I cried you would fix the car sooner, ha.”
He chuckled. “Okay let me finish the other car and then we’ll get to yours.”
“Thank you.” I smiled and winked at him, then walked away back to the office.
The funny thing is he is such a character. He gave me a ride home yesterday, the radio was playing Dean Marin and he was singing with his good voice. I asked him why he was listening to this music? He said point blank, “Because I like it.” I just giggled.
1 hour later. The car still hasn’t moved. (Rolling my eyes, can I hit him now?)
Here’s Mud On Your Shoes:
I stepped out to get some lunch; I walked the two blocks to a corner store. I ended up stepping in some mud with my right tennis shoe without realizing it. I came back to the office and started eating. I got up to get some napkins and noticed the mud on my chair. I have on white pants, so now I have to wipe mud off my shoes. What a day.
(Shouldn't I have wrote about this? I just wanted everyone to know I am normal like you.)
Wednesday:
I called today hoping against hope that my mechanic at least started to fix the car.
Nope. Not at all, he hasn’t even bought the parts. I am beyond mad now. When and if I get my car back soon, I will never allow him to fix it again. I will find another mechanic that will not make me wait 10 days or more to fix it. The stress of not having it is killing me. All the things I could do and get done, I can’t do any of it and with the bike stolen, I feel totally trapped.
What is taking him so long, and why won’t he fix it. I am very perplexed. I gave him the money for the parts days ago. When I told him I had the money he sounded like he was going to get the parts that day and at least start. But he got busy with other things he said when I called him later.
I am at my last hope. I can assure you that after this, he will not be getting my money or maybe not even my friendship.
Writing update:
I did some writing last night and this morning. I still have a lot to do. But I am determined more than ever to make the best manuscript I can. The amount of work is staggering, but one day, one hour at a time can accomplish much.
If you have some incident that you want to share with the other women, we would love to hear from you. Share, laugh, grow, cry, learn, and bond with other women. By for now.
I just finished reading another book called Streams of Silver by R A Salvatore. Its book 5 in the series of Drizzt DoUrden. A dark Elf. These are rich stories filled with wonderous creative adventure. The characters are exceptional and filled with good intentions. There are 5 friends. Dizzt DoUrden, Brunor, a Dwarf, Walfgar, A Barbarian, Regis, a Halfling, what ever that is, and Catti bri, a human women. They go to extreme lengths to save their friends when they get into trouble and back them up when asked and that the reader can come to care about. The stories are thrilling, and the world is wild with crazy creatures. If you love Fantasy Fiction this is the place to start.
Weight and Workout Class.
On my way home while walking I walked past the rec center where I do my Zumba Classes. I could not make it this time, but the nice thing was the entire class was outside in the cool air. I guess the gym was too hot. But there they were my Zumba buddies working out and looking good. I can’t wait to get back to class. As soon as my car is fixed and I don’t have to walk I will be back in class. I can’t do both walking and Zumbe right now. I will have to work up to that, but for now I can’t wait to get back.
Is the Car Fixed Yet?
I looked out and my mechanic still hasn’t touched my car to fix it. It’s still sitting in the lot. What is taking him so long? It has been nine or ten days. I decided to go ask.
“Hi, did you forget my car?”
“No I just have a few things to do first.” He said.
“I have the money. Money is supposed to talk you know.” He smiled. I continued. “I haven’t cried yet, maybe if I cried you would fix the car sooner, ha.”
He chuckled. “Okay let me finish the other car and then we’ll get to yours.”
“Thank you.” I smiled and winked at him, then walked away back to the office.
The funny thing is he is such a character. He gave me a ride home yesterday, the radio was playing Dean Marin and he was singing with his good voice. I asked him why he was listening to this music? He said point blank, “Because I like it.” I just giggled.
1 hour later. The car still hasn’t moved. (Rolling my eyes, can I hit him now?)
Here’s Mud On Your Shoes:
I stepped out to get some lunch; I walked the two blocks to a corner store. I ended up stepping in some mud with my right tennis shoe without realizing it. I came back to the office and started eating. I got up to get some napkins and noticed the mud on my chair. I have on white pants, so now I have to wipe mud off my shoes. What a day.
(Shouldn't I have wrote about this? I just wanted everyone to know I am normal like you.)
Wednesday:
I called today hoping against hope that my mechanic at least started to fix the car.
Nope. Not at all, he hasn’t even bought the parts. I am beyond mad now. When and if I get my car back soon, I will never allow him to fix it again. I will find another mechanic that will not make me wait 10 days or more to fix it. The stress of not having it is killing me. All the things I could do and get done, I can’t do any of it and with the bike stolen, I feel totally trapped.
What is taking him so long, and why won’t he fix it. I am very perplexed. I gave him the money for the parts days ago. When I told him I had the money he sounded like he was going to get the parts that day and at least start. But he got busy with other things he said when I called him later.
I am at my last hope. I can assure you that after this, he will not be getting my money or maybe not even my friendship.
Writing update:
I did some writing last night and this morning. I still have a lot to do. But I am determined more than ever to make the best manuscript I can. The amount of work is staggering, but one day, one hour at a time can accomplish much.
If you have some incident that you want to share with the other women, we would love to hear from you. Share, laugh, grow, cry, learn, and bond with other women. By for now.
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