One of my saddest regrets is that I never had children. I have to believe God has other plans for me. I comfort myself by swearing I was meant to be a writer, instead. As a writer I wouldn't have time for a child...they are so needy! Sometimes I convince myself it's true that I am destined for other roles in life. Sometimes I throw my hands up in defeat, hang my head, and tears escape...
I am a great Auntie Lisa! I'm a wicked good Great Aunt Lisa. I'm a pretty good Stepmother to a stepdaughter that doesn't really need me.
It is my greatest joy to have my young niece be such a huge part of my life these days. For half a day on Thursday (& other days when she requests a visit) when my niece comes over to spend time at my house, I get to pretend I'm the mother I would've been...if...
Some things happen or don't happen, I believe, for a reason...still I wonder what the reason is...often I get sad, but God knows I tried!!! (Lord, how I tried!!!)
(I am posting this at 11:32 p.m. - Clearly, I have no children...)
Anybody childless out there besides me?
Got any comforting words???
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Sex and the City...Marathon
I LOVE SEX AND THE CITY!!!
For several past seasons my sister taped the HBO jaw-dropping show and happily shared this awesome series with me. Over the weekend, I watched a marathon of the classy sitcom. I watched about twenty-five half hour shows of season five and six.
I knew I had gotten into the groove of Sex and the City when I was in town on Monday and something pissed me off. I said to my husband, "Let's get the f*** out of here!"
I enjoy Carrie Bradshaw's character and root for her to find the perfect love...but none of her lovers can hold a candle to 'BIG'. I am aware of the new, long-awaited movie that is coming out soon and I am anxious to go see it.
I love Sex and the City and realize that there could never be a Sex and the Country...it just wouldn't be the same. But sex in the country is very nice! So is sex on a little peninsula on Ossipee Lake!
Are you a Sex and the City fan?
What are your thoughts about Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte?
For several past seasons my sister taped the HBO jaw-dropping show and happily shared this awesome series with me. Over the weekend, I watched a marathon of the classy sitcom. I watched about twenty-five half hour shows of season five and six.
I knew I had gotten into the groove of Sex and the City when I was in town on Monday and something pissed me off. I said to my husband, "Let's get the f*** out of here!"
I enjoy Carrie Bradshaw's character and root for her to find the perfect love...but none of her lovers can hold a candle to 'BIG'. I am aware of the new, long-awaited movie that is coming out soon and I am anxious to go see it.
I love Sex and the City and realize that there could never be a Sex and the Country...it just wouldn't be the same. But sex in the country is very nice! So is sex on a little peninsula on Ossipee Lake!
Are you a Sex and the City fan?
What are your thoughts about Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte?
Friday, May 23, 2008
Make Every Word Count
Contemplation is a big word for 'think about it and figure it out.' I am in contemplation mode on my novel. I have written a dozen chapters. I've described neighborhoods, characters, and feelings. I've described relationships, sex, and breakups. But have I described them too much?
In contemplation mode I like to take a breather from my story. I step back and put some space between us. By doing this I hope to come back to the piece with a fresh perspective. With fresh eyes I can pick out things that I thought were working, but aren't. The hard question is: am I so in love with my words that I can't nix them?
My wonderful niece and editor brought to my attention some things about the story she would like to see added, and some things she would like deleted. She told me some things she loved and some things she didn't love. Some things she feels I should simplify and some things should be harder. She is a wise writer, so I am taking heed and pondering her suggestions/comments.
I am also reading K.C. McKinnon's "Candles on Bay Street" and one of many Danielle Steele's books. Doing this will aid me in seeing how much description is necessary and how effective are short or longer dialogue. Already I have noticed that one story has very little description and dialogue and the other thrives on minute details to the point that it makes me want to gag!
Should I bend my story to fit some kind of mold, or write it my way and let the chips fall where they may? If I want to get published, I believe I should follow in the footsteps of those who have successfully been published before me. That said, I will compromise and do an adequate amount of description, introspection, and dialogue. I must remember to make every word count and to show, not tell. Plus there are so many other rules to writing. It's not as easy as one might think.
I am thinking about it and figuring it out...this process is called contemplation. Some enter this phase with trepidation. I enter it with an open heart and mind. Being flexible and persistent is the key to success!
In contemplation mode I like to take a breather from my story. I step back and put some space between us. By doing this I hope to come back to the piece with a fresh perspective. With fresh eyes I can pick out things that I thought were working, but aren't. The hard question is: am I so in love with my words that I can't nix them?
My wonderful niece and editor brought to my attention some things about the story she would like to see added, and some things she would like deleted. She told me some things she loved and some things she didn't love. Some things she feels I should simplify and some things should be harder. She is a wise writer, so I am taking heed and pondering her suggestions/comments.
I am also reading K.C. McKinnon's "Candles on Bay Street" and one of many Danielle Steele's books. Doing this will aid me in seeing how much description is necessary and how effective are short or longer dialogue. Already I have noticed that one story has very little description and dialogue and the other thrives on minute details to the point that it makes me want to gag!
Should I bend my story to fit some kind of mold, or write it my way and let the chips fall where they may? If I want to get published, I believe I should follow in the footsteps of those who have successfully been published before me. That said, I will compromise and do an adequate amount of description, introspection, and dialogue. I must remember to make every word count and to show, not tell. Plus there are so many other rules to writing. It's not as easy as one might think.
I am thinking about it and figuring it out...this process is called contemplation. Some enter this phase with trepidation. I enter it with an open heart and mind. Being flexible and persistent is the key to success!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Classical Music
I have recently gotten into classical music. I have even gone online and printed out brief synopsis' of the most popular composers: Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, and Shubert.
I say recently, but in actuality I have been married to a wonderful man who always liked classical and we play it during...
Anyway, in my novel my hero took piano lessons as a kid and now he plays for fun. He's awesome and once won a piano contest while in college at Harvard. He won the prize of playing two of Mozart's piano sonatas with the Boston Pops.
In my story my character begins dating his old girlfriend and he plays her his favorite sonata and to watch his hands stroke and make love to the keys really turns her on!!! (I think he will be playing to her often.)
Anyway, to experience the thrill of classical music I have begun listening to CDs my husband had. I listen while I write and drive. I listened to the Boston station on the radio at work.
Yes, I like classical music and I'm not ashamed to admit it!
I say recently, but in actuality I have been married to a wonderful man who always liked classical and we play it during...
Anyway, in my novel my hero took piano lessons as a kid and now he plays for fun. He's awesome and once won a piano contest while in college at Harvard. He won the prize of playing two of Mozart's piano sonatas with the Boston Pops.
In my story my character begins dating his old girlfriend and he plays her his favorite sonata and to watch his hands stroke and make love to the keys really turns her on!!! (I think he will be playing to her often.)
Anyway, to experience the thrill of classical music I have begun listening to CDs my husband had. I listen while I write and drive. I listened to the Boston station on the radio at work.
Yes, I like classical music and I'm not ashamed to admit it!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Just the Facts, Please...
I received a thick envelope in the mail from NH Superior Court.
I am a candidate for jury duty in a double-murder trial.
Inside was a juror questionnaire.
I was under the threat of perjury if I lied to any of the questions I was forced to answer.
I bit my lip and dreaded having to share private information.
I got a letter from my chiropractor saying I have back problems.
There are at least 300 other potential jurors.
One hundred of them showed up when I did for orientation.
I met a woman named Lorna, who was a nurse in her scrubs, and we conversed to pass the time.
I brought my condensed version of Bronte's Jane Eyre as reading material.
Because I answered 'affirmative' to one of the judge's questions I had to tell my secret.
The judge and council for the State and the Defense did not excuse me from jury duty.
I have an appointment next week for an interview with council on both sides.
I plan to produce the medical letter if my back hurts me during the trial.
It is my civic duty to be on a jury if I qualify and am picked as a juror.
If selected, the trial is expected to last four to five weeks.
I am holding my breath to see if I am picked...
My employers are also holding their breaths...
I am a candidate for jury duty in a double-murder trial.
Inside was a juror questionnaire.
I was under the threat of perjury if I lied to any of the questions I was forced to answer.
I bit my lip and dreaded having to share private information.
I got a letter from my chiropractor saying I have back problems.
There are at least 300 other potential jurors.
One hundred of them showed up when I did for orientation.
I met a woman named Lorna, who was a nurse in her scrubs, and we conversed to pass the time.
I brought my condensed version of Bronte's Jane Eyre as reading material.
Because I answered 'affirmative' to one of the judge's questions I had to tell my secret.
The judge and council for the State and the Defense did not excuse me from jury duty.
I have an appointment next week for an interview with council on both sides.
I plan to produce the medical letter if my back hurts me during the trial.
It is my civic duty to be on a jury if I qualify and am picked as a juror.
If selected, the trial is expected to last four to five weeks.
I am holding my breath to see if I am picked...
My employers are also holding their breaths...
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