Giggles and Guns

Some days I just don't care

2012-03-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

Some days I justdon't care. Not about a darn blogging thing. In the bigger scheme of thingssome things slip to the back of my bus. I do get excited about my friends beingpublished. They work very hard to reach a point of publication and recognition.I really want to promote my friends.

But then ...

Something happens thatchanges what I do on a certain day or how I look at something at least for amoment. I wanted to participate in Alex's party for CassaFire. Then a shootingtook place at a high school here in northeast Ohio. I know people in that area.More than that I have grandchildren near the age of the victims and theaccused. One of them recently left a program where he was bused from a hublocated in one local high school to hisown school just a few miles away. I couldn't help thinking what if ... . I'msure thousands of others were having that same thought. I'm sure many relativesof children in bussing programs will be anxious for a while.

Three of the fivevictims have died as I write this. The others are in serious condition. Theshooter has already made his first court appearance. Six families and an entirecity and school district have been changed forever. Innocence has been lost.

Do I feel bad that Imissed a release party? Not really. It was more important for me to check on myfamily in one way or another. More important for me to pray for the families ofall involved in this tragedy. More important for me to ponder how blessed I am.

And Alex, the best Ican promise you now is that I will read CassaFire.

My how things have changed

2012-02-22T07:34:00.001-05:00

A quote from:

Ain't too proud to beg.

"Please don't leave me, girl (don't you go)
If I have to sleep on your doorstep all night and day
Just to keep you from walking away
Let your friends laugh, even this I can stand
'Cause I wanna keep you any way I can
Ain't too proud to beg, sweet darlin'"

My favorite version was: Temptations around 1966.

Back in the day this was romantic. Now the schmuck would be arrested for stalking.

My how things have changed.

"Ain't Too Proud to Beg" is a 1966 song and hit single by The Temptations forMotown Records' Gordy label, produced byNorman Whitfield and written by Whitfield and Edward Holland, Jr.

H Q X

2012-02-16T01:30:00.000-05:00

I admit it. I'vesecretly work on finding A to Z Challenge words all year. I have a pocketnotebook full of words, ideas and snippets.

There's a file on mydesktop called April. In there is a list of chosen words and the day they aredue. (Obsessive-Compulsive was not a choice) It holds pieces written and rejected.There are pages of notes, examples of definitions and pictures forillustration.

You think I'm ready,don' don't you? I'm not. I still have three letters open H, Q and X. I totallyget Q and X but H. H is after all a common letter. I bet I say, write or readhundreds of words that start with H. Why the block? Nothing looks good to me.Nothing is inspiring me to ...

Excuse me a minute.

Sorry. I'm back now.Had to make note of an entry for X. Still no H or Q. I need a nap. Maybe I'lldream something. You never know. It happens, right?

Breaking news! Thisjust in! Q is taken and I didn't even get my eyes closed.

Damn H!

Tall Tales

2012-02-13T02:30:00.000-05:00

DL Hammons

From birth until fiveor six I had no idea I wanted to write. During that time I was occupied withshadow dancing (a light behind me and my shadow dancing on the wall), drawing,swinging high on the great swing set my dad had built for me and as my familyso nicely put it, "telling tall tales". Making up my own stories fromthe pictures in my extensive collection of Golden Books.

Dog and I would spendhours laying in the grass watching the Ohio River roll by. Dog (Yes, that washis name.)was a great listener. He had to be. After all he was imaginary and Icould replace him with another pet any time I wanted. At any given time I wasknown to have quite a zoo traveling with me. As I recall this time, I find itodd that my imaginary friends were always animals but the characters in my talltales were never animals. No Ugly Ducklings. No Chicken Little. Only Sally'sand Susie's and Bobby's and Tommy's. Even now when I write, and read, animalsaren't something I care to have in the mix. Okay, except Cujo.

Kindergarten was aneye opener for me. Until then copying words was a fun past time. Rewriting frommy storybooks was great penmanship practice. Somewhere though it finally dawnedon me that these words could be my tall tales. I remember looking for the wordsI wanted but that took way too much time. I started printing the words as theysounded. It amazes me now that my mom could read the stories back to me exactly asI wrote them. The poor woman tried to correct my spelling but I wasthen, and remain to this day, bullheaded. Spelling my way or by the bookremained a source of frustration for my mom, the nuns and especially me forseveral years. Right up to the time when it dawned on me teachers refused torecognize my stories unless I spelled their way. A few would even return mywork with a large ugly red CORRECT THE SPELLING sprawledacross it without so much as trying to read. I caved. To this day in roughdraft when in doubt I spell phonetically. It makes for interesting and sometimeshumorous suggestions in spell check.

There youhave it. The origins of my writer's life. Some things in life don't change andI'm very happy about that.

Just another Winter Sunday

2012-02-12T09:21:00.002-05:00

I sleep with my eyes under cover no matter the weather. Every child knows if you can't see monstersand nightmares they can't hurt you. You forgot that didn't you? Seriously, haveyou grown up that much? I factored in a few other things, other than monsterand nightmares, that made me want to hibernate.

1) The weatherservice said I would awaken to 3-5 inches of snowfall ending by noon. Growingup by a ski resort does not a snow bunny make. I'm living proof.

2) This morning theweather phone app said outside it was 16 but feeling like -8. In other words,it's colder than a ___ never mind. Just know I didn't want to face it.

3) The previouspoints cancelled everything I needed to do today. Everything required I leavehome. I've reached a point in life where I can use age as an excuse not toleave home in weather I don't care for. That's not altogether true. I was neverone for the cute boots, shiny slickers and fancy umbrellas. I'm more the comfycouch, hot chocolate, good book and or movie kind of gal -- always have been. Ilive by the motto ...

Weather is what youwatch from inside.

For one tiny momentas I lay there this morning I thought the weather service got it wrong. They domore times than not. I heard cars speeding by my window (through the four waystop). People wouldn't drive like that if it were snowing, would they? Justshows I can be as wrong as the weather service. I got up. Looked outside. Theroads were wet. Sidewalks were covered white. The snow was falling at a steadypace. Were those idiots trying to outrun the snow? Anybody's guess on that one!

Now it's a change ofgame plan. IF the weather service is right I can rush through everything Ishould have done today VERY early tomorrow morning and still get to my clienton time. Not my favorite way of doing things but that's life. If they're wronganain, I am, as they say screwed.

Soon the sun will beshining and the clean snow will make everything beautiful -- from the inside.As I sign off here the idiots are slowing down, not stopping but by the looksof things that might not be the safest bet anyway. Brick is slick in wetweather.

Happy Sunday! Have agreat week.

Mary

Don't forgetDL Hammons Blogfest tomorrow.

Come join the fun!

My Inquiring Mind Wants to Know

2012-02-09T02:00:00.000-05:00

How the heck do youdo it? I really want to know. It can't all be my ADD. It has to be somethingelse. I can't be the only one. I refuse to believe that.

How the heck do youvisit so many blogs and still have a life? Circumstances have made it necessaryfor me to cut back on a lot of things I enjoy -- eating out often, going to movies, jumping in the car to headto PA to visit the great grandson. What that means is I'm home a lot more. Iwrite a lot more. When friends discover cheap or free entertainment, we're onit. And of course, I'm back to walking, with or without a destination orpurpose.

One thing I don'thave time for is reading hundreds of blogs. Not that I don't want to visiteveryone. I miss reading those who entertain me. I love blogs that lift myspirits, make me laugh and if they can make me think at the same time that'sgreat. I admit feel guilty because Idon't visit and comment every day.

BUT... I feel moreguilty when I turn down a visit with family, lunch with a friend or a phonecall that just passes the time of day with someone who is lonely. So I opt tolet the blog reading slide. Why? Because family is the single most importantthing to me. Friends are a very close second. And because I have been thatlonely person, I refuse to skip that call. A friendly voice saying"hi" can make a big difference sometime.

I know that you allwill have readers and comments, though it may not be me, every time you post.You may be pleased when you see my name. I hope so. Heck, you might even missme (but not until I come back) but those other folks are important to me. Inthe big scheme of things, if I have to answer for my deeds, it will be peoplewho matter more than reading -- or anything else.

I ask you again. Howthe heck do you visit and comment on all those blogs?

Doomsday Preppers

2012-02-06T10:53:00.000-05:00

This morning my favorite radio show interviewed the host of National Geographic's show called Doomsday Preppers which premiers February 7 at 9pm.

He said the government has been making serious underground bunker preparations for our Washington leaders since 9/11. I'm wondering. If these are the guys who set us up for the Doomsday do I really want to live in a desolate world with them.

We should be stocking up on freeze-dried food because it has a shelf life of 25 years. My first husband went on a freeze-dried food kick. Making his own. It wasn't what I would call tasty. Not even by survival standards.

He kind of skimmed over those who take daily medication for survival now. According to drug companies medications have a shelf life of 3 to 12 months. So IF you could stock up, what good would it do you? Not a positive outlook for sure.

You would have to stay "in your safe place" until the all-clear. Just curious. How will people underground know it's safe to come out? If the so called leaders who got us into this survived wouldn't we be in the same mess when these worms come up-ground again? Wouldn't a lot of them be too old or dead by then? The series will probably address all of this but do I really care?

Here's my take on the whole thing.
If the earth and all of her beauty is destroyed along with many if not all those people I love, is that really living or just survival? If I have to live in a hole and watch others die as medication and other necessities deplete is that living or surviving? Without the sun, the beauty of the earth and most especially the love of my family that's only survival not life.
I guess I won't be ordering a cro-shovel (combination crowbar/shovel) or wrinkled food any time soon.

Feels Like

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

If weather reportswere on target last Monday morning I would have enjoyed my morning coffee withsun streaming through the window. Instead I was seeing snow through gray air,and hearing thunderous winds. I'm used to that sort of weather forecasting Ilive in Ohio.

The only part of theweather forecast I don't get it this one.

Let's face it. Ifyou're outside and it feels like 30your body believes it's 30! At least mine does. No meteorologist, web site, ornewspaper is going to make these bones believe it's warmer than they feel.

Better yet, why notsay,

"Bundle up, folks. Todayyou're going to freeze your buns off."

At least I'd know howto dress.

2012

2012-02-01T09:34:00.000-05:00

Thought I might checkin with my 2012 List (sidebar).

#2 -- I blew it one week. Sometimes it happens.I'm not giving up though. I'm aiming for about 155 posts for the year (notcounting the 26 for A to Z). Who knows?

#3 -- Depends on howyou look at your outline. Mine is, I guess, technically finished. Thoughchanges are made as the need arises. Does that mean it's ongoing?

#6 -- I've writtenone Drabble. Slacking here.

#7 -- One story is inrewrite. I feel pretty good about this.

#11 -- I've readthree books. Posted one review. One is in rough draft. The other is in my head.

#13 -- I've read onebook on writing. I LOVED it and will review it here before the madness of A to Z takes over.

All in all I'mpleased, though I know there's room for improvement. How's your 2012 writingplan going?

Mary

WAAAAAH!

2012-01-31T00:30:00.000-05:00

WAAAHH! A to Z Challenge doesn't want me!

Is it a sign? ShouldI pass this year? I can't. Most of theposts are at least started if not complete. Not only that. I've just emailed apost to Lee (Tossing It Out) about my experience last year and how I'm lookingforward to this year.

One more time. I'mgonna TRY to register one more time tonight. If it doesn't accept me --- Grrr!I'm going to contact that Mr. Linky dude who keeps asking if I want his help.If he can't fix me it ... then it's up to Lee or Alex or somebody butthey're not gonna ditch me that easily. *BWAHAHAHAHA*

Encouraged and Energized

2012-01-30T00:03:00.000-05:00

ISBN: 978-0-9834512-1-1
Now available on Kindle!!

Everyone knows I sometimes buy a book basedsolely on the front cover picture. It may be the child in me. Whatever. In thiscase the title intrigued me more

Two Buck$ to Happiness.

Two Bucks foranything today is either a rip off, a bargain or a loaf of bread. This was obviously not a loaf of bread. Whichof the other choices would it be?

Neither!

Two Buck$ is anenergetic love story about Richard Grudzinski, a man who loves his life andeverybody in it. That's not to say there were no hard times, no sad times. Itis to say the man started out with $2 and I suspect a very big smile. He builta life hand in hand with his Creator and shared it all with everyone. Mostimportantly his family. Richard doesn't just "want" for others. He'swilling to share the "how" with them. Ask any Boy Scout he's spokento and provided with the same $2 he started with.

Vicki Stanley took mewith her on her own particular writer's journey as she pens this fast-pacedstory. It is a journey writer's take with each creation. All the ups and downsare there. But all the while I just knew Richard would help her through it.Once, in a way I admit I didn't see coming.

As I read Richard'sstory, I smiled. I questioned his sanity and my own. And best of all, for meanyway, laughed out loud. At the end of it all, I came away with a renewedfaith in "eve-ry-th-ing."Wondering about that spelling? Read the book. You won't regret it!

__________________________________

Disclaimer: Idiscovered the book in an office I was cleaning. Checked out a sample onlineand knew I wanted to read it. Meeting Richard and Vicki was icing on the cakeand in no way influenced writing this review. I would recommend this book toevery person I know. And I have.

Kindle version comesout it ~~May~~ NOW!

Published by: Dad, Ink

Ah, Saturday

2012-01-28T10:23:00.000-05:00

Saturday, the day youget to do all the things you couldn't get to all week. The really import thingsshe says with tongue in cheek. Laundry. Vacuuming. Dishes -- Ok, I admit Irinse and stack until I have more than one place setting. E-mail. And ofcourse, reading all my favorite blogs until my eyes cross.

It'll be easy tostick with this today. The weather calls for 40, cloudy and flurries. In Ohiothat could mean exactly what it says or ... 40 feeling like 3, so dark you'relooking for the moon and you could be digging out like a hyper-active mole.Ohio weather is about the only thing that changes faster than my mind.

I did manage to catchup with my e-mails this morning. Yea, me! Must admit there were a fewsurprises. Several requests for book reviews.

A request from e-collegewhich I totally missed. *insert sad face here*

Best of all Lee askedme to write a post for the A to Z Challenge site. He said it didn't have to beserious. Good thing, huh?

I miss you guys and Ipromise to do better about visiting and commenting. In case you're interested,I'm pretty close to on target with the 2012 sidebar list -- if you don't countthe three posts here each week thingy. Perfect is obviously a state I willnever meet.

So how's your year,month, week, day, etc. going? Have you reached this point yet?

Over a week

2012-01-25T08:22:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it'sover a week since posted. Things are just going crazy. The day job is gettingmore clients. That's a good thing. Life won't be the way it was but that'sokay. I've learned a lot about what is truly necessary in the last three years.The things I can do without surprise me.

I'm back to doinghousework -- for seniors mostly. A senior cleaning for seniors. It's honest,hard work. About three years and maybe I can retire. I won't be able to afforda housecleaner but that's life. *wink*

One of my clients isan author, Vicki Stanley. There's a quote in her book, Two Bucks to Happiness,that I'm trying hard to live by:

It is what it is.

You can't choose whatcomes to you.

You can only choosehow you respond or react.

When I keep this inmind I smile more and stress less. It's not always easy for me to recognizethat I can only control how I react to life, I can't control life.

Have a great Wednesdayand embrace life.

Mary

I'll be posting a review of TwoBucks next week.

Whoa! I won't do that again

2012-01-18T08:03:00.001-05:00

It's Hump Day.Wednesday. Mid-week. I get the concept. Make it through this day and it shouldbe clear sailing to weekend fun and relaxation. I was going to tie the week goingso fast to being unable to do three posts. I was going to tell you I knew thatwould happen from time to time because I realize life and writing don't careabout New Year's resolutions. All of this is true. What else is true? With myfirst cup of coffee I went looking for a funny illustration to accompany thispost. Let me tell you, typing hump dayin the image search is not gonna give you a cute, clever, funny illustration. Itwill wake you up and wipe your mind clear of any ideas you were organizing fora post.

I'm going off now torecover the mind files I need to get through today. I know I wanted to let youknow I'm not really disappointed I won't have three posts this week (seeresolution #2). I knew life and writing would sidetrack once in a while. Thewriting is close to what I want to do. My outside job is finally starting to get me caught up a bit. Allin all I'm on target. Or at least I was until this January Hump Day.

All the closings Ihad for this post sound a little seedy now. I'll just say have a great rest ofthe week.

Mary

Guilty Inspiration

2012-01-13T03:44:00.000-05:00

At the beginning ofthe year while I was setting up my writing space Jan at This Crazy Writing Life posted this and Ifound it inspiring.

"Even though I am distracted by ever damnthing, I will sit down and write (draw, paint create) for an hour.

I will ignore my distractions by gently bringing my focus back to mywork. All my distractions will wait for me or hopefully get lost!"

Words in red are mychoice. You can add your own distraction.

I printed this and ithangs above my desk. I read it, well, let's just say several times a day beforeI write or budget or whatever. Now when I want to goof off I get these awfulfeelings of guilt. It's almost as if Jan is there watching. Smiling or frowningdepending on my choice. I admit I write more now but am I doing it because I'minspired or I feel guilty if I don't? Maybeit's a little fear. Like having a teacher standing over me. I don't know. Idon't care. I'm on target and I'm thrilled!

Thanks so much, Jan.

How about you, what gets your keys clackin'?

Mary

OMG It’s Tuesday

2012-01-10T02:01:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it? It's Tuesday! What happened to the weekend? Two clients on Friday. One daughter moving. Grandson and great grandson in town for a visit. Granddaughter flying out to Wisconsin for a few days. I can't find my lethal flashlight (traumatic to say the least). That's what happened to the weekend.

As if all that's not bad enough, I forgot I scheduled posts. Except for A to Z and blogfests I don't do that as a rule. So imagine my surprise when I checked my email Monday.

There were comments to answer from last Thursday along with about a hundred items needing varying degrees of attention.

As much as I' like to stay and chat ...

I will leave, crawling on my knees begging your forgiveness, to go answer more comments and correspondence. How fast is your week moving?

Commitment Fear

2012-01-09T03:30:00.000-05:00

Commitment

That list in thesidebar. It scares me. That's a commitment, isn't it? I don't do commitment. Everytime I post or answer a comment I break out in a cold sweat. Fear? Ya think! CanI succeed at this? Who knows. I'm giving it my best shot.

Cleaned my office andmoved back in. Has it helped any? I think so. Why? Limited internet access. SometimesI have it, most times not. I have to physically move my laptop to another room ifI want to spend time on Facebook, blogs or reading emails. It's not heavy andI'm not that lazy but I find that I get wrapped in projects for longer periodsof time. Seems losing track of time is as great way to accomplish goals as itwas to avoid them.

Have I really doneanything this week? I think so.

-- Chose a theme formy Flash Fiction

-- Outlined three ofthose FF projects

-- Started the roughdraft of one. Must say it's moving faster than I thought.

-- Read one writingbook and started a review of it to post here.

-- Read a book topost a review (as soon as I design a page for this on the blog)

It's time to get backto writing goals. I now it's still early in the year but how are you doing?

Mary

Planning Ahead

2012-01-06T00:30:00.000-05:00

Every once in a whilea piece of spam gets into my inbox. Personally, I think Chip (the guy who sortse-mails) passes things on so he can picture the reaction of the person on thereceiving end.

Either the companysending this mailing is seriously getting the jump on every other company orthey dropped the ball big time in the last part of 2011.No matter. The firste-mail I received in 2012 read...

Chip

"Christmas is coming. Order yourpills today. USPS fast delivery in time for Christmas"

I like the idea ofplanning ahead. Don't always follow through but I like the idea of a plan. Thisparticular plan reminds me of relatives and friends who bought Christmaspresents for the coming year at the after Christmas sales. They always braggedabout their cleverness and were sometimes hurt that the presents didn't bringgreat enthusiasm and shouts of thrills when the wrapping was removed elevenmonths later.

I'm not familiar withthese pills but I do wonder about buying this early. If you never had cause touse it in eleven months, what if the fizzle is gone? If you didn't need it allyear why would you need it on Christmas? (Could only needing the pills at holidaytime mean your relationship(?) is in trouble? Ya think. Duh!)

And you guys thought Iwas planning big with my 2012 Writer's List -- somewhere out there guys areplanning REALLY BIG.

What are youplanning to get at the After Christmas Sales?

Time to Move

2012-01-02T17:26:00.001-05:00

Nowhere spectacular.Out of the living room and back into my office. I miss being in my office. Ireally do. But, I am a procrastinator. If I find a comfy spot I can find dozensof reasons not to budge.

In my office I have asix foot work table (picnic table). Everything I need is on that table and Ihave it set so I'm facing my most creative direction (that's another post).It's all perfect. It's all cluttered just right. Once a year youngest daughter sheepishlyasks to borrow my table. She has a large family and many guests for Christmasdinner and buffet style is the only sane way to serve.

So once a year myoffice gets a major overhaul. Files cleaned out. In/out baskets sorted andpitched (the mail and notes not the baskets). Clean, clean, organize. This yearwhen the table left I moved to the living room to enjoy my decorations. Since Iusually have them on the sun porch the neighbors get to enjoy them but I don't.This year the porch stayed empty and I enjoyed my decorations.

Thedaughter did something new this year. She returned my work table on the 26 of December.What's up with that? Didn't matter. I still didn't move to my office. You see,in that short time I managed to cover every open surface with "somethingto take care of later." Now it's later. *sigh* There's a mess in there. Ihave straighten it all up before I can work in there. I hate the idea ofstarting the year by repeating what I did less than a month ago.

Before

Later...

After

It's all done now. Readyto welcome me to write. Must admit I'm more than a little excited. Does a cleanorganized workspace excite the creative juices for you?

Mary

A Few New Year's Notes

2012-01-01T11:19:00.000-05:00

First and foremost, A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL! May2012 be your best year so far with each future year being better than the last.

Next, I know I've been lax in visiting your blogs and answering your wonderful comments. I apologize. Theselast couple of weeks has been really strange. Allergies that usually kick mybutt in April and August are hitting me with hurricane force. This brings me to...

Last night while exchanging New Year well wishes along withjokes and puns with family and friends, one of my friends said something that Iquestioned. Jules (yes, our Jules from Trying to Get Over the Rainbow) e-mailedme this as part of her message.

So spend theday doing something you want to all year because that part I know is true.

To which I replied, with both jokes and apprehension.

Did you mean whatever I do tomorrow I'll do all year?

*insert Gmail laughing head and another comment which was personal*

Several more exchanges were made and I passed theconversation on to family and friends who had laughs and their own set ofcomments. Come on, guys, you know me. The Tart is my idol. Use yourimaginations. We can't start the year with me spelling everything out for you.

Anyway, this morning I awoke with allergy eyes. The onesthat are still running but glued shut. They popped open rather suddenly, taking a few eyelashes along, when Igreeted the world with a loud obnoxious sneeze.As I type this both my eyes and nose are running faster than an Indy car. Ifthis is what I'll be doing the next twelve months all I can say is..

"Achoo! Please pass the tissue."

Oh yeah, Youmight want to buy stock in companies that produce tissue. I'm not brand sensitiveonly nose sensitive.

Happy New Year! Do something on this first day you really love repeating.

A Writer's New Year

2011-12-30T04:00:00.000-05:00

2012

This list is notnecessarily in working order. Just listed as they popped into my head.

1. Finish and publish a short story

2. Blog 3x a week

3. Secrets outline by February 1

4. Rough draft of Secrets by April 1

5. Write two dozen flash fictions pieces

6. Write two dozen drabbles

7. Write six short stories

8. Compile the dozens into an e-book

9. Find readers for Secrets

10. Find readers for e-book and post very shortreviews on book page and other sites

11. Read two dozen books

12. Find and read Christie books or storiesI've missed

13. Read at least three books on writing

14. Make better use of the writers programs I'min

15. Find freelance work

Some of the writing is well on its way butfor whatever reason was never completed. Hopefully this will be my incentive. Ilove marking things off, don't you?

source

HappyWriting New Year!

Mary

The Last Decoration

2011-12-28T16:08:00.000-05:00

By the 23rd I got thetree the way I wanted it -- finally.

On the 26th Ireceived a gift with just the right bow to be a topper.

On the 28th the treeand all decorations are packed away for another year.

Maybe not all thedecorations. I see one across the room I missed. I'll put it in a box in adrawer and open it at least ten times before decorating next year. Then I'llforget it. Won't display it.

Just maybe remember it when packing thingsaway in 2012.

Posts in Space

2011-12-27T11:55:00.001-05:00

Oh heck! I really thought I'd scheduled posts for this week. I did but it seems only for Friday. How can that be? I remember writing at least three others. Okay, I think I wrote them. Can they all have been just ideas in my mind as I snuggled under the warm covers just after dawn?

I've searched everywhere. It's not like they're on paper. They can't be lost, misplaced or accidentally thrown away. They should be in my laptop but where.

Looked in documents.

Looked in December 2011 folder.

Looked in January 2012 folder.

Backup drive.

Blogger Draft Schedule (for at least the fifth time)

Nowhere to be found, as in NO...WHERE...

*sigh* Back to the laptop ... with maybe a stop under the covers. Just for inspiration you understand.

2011-12-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

To You and Yours

A Very Merry Christmas

Mary

Jumping the Gun

2011-12-17T02:00:00.000-05:00

Let me get this outof the way. I am so not ready for Christmas!

The tree has half itsornaments and no topper.

The door wreath isstill in the box as are the window clings.

I have unidentifiedfuzzies multiplying themselves on my carpet. I've discovered they're from thecrocheted slippers my aunt made.

There are no cookiesbaking -- but the recipe is out of the box and on the table.

I'm running out oftime for all these things.

Bet you're wonderinghow the title fits. I know you are because most of you are writers and writersthink like that. I'm going to tell you how I am Jumping the ~~Gin~~ Gun.

I have my 2012Writer's Resolutions written and no, you can't see it yet. If I show you now I'll have to write another post closer tothat holiday. I'm not that silly :)

Yep, I'm ready tostart a New Writer's Year.

Mary

Got Memories?

2011-12-13T02:00:00.000-05:00

I'll share if you do.Heck it's my blog and I'll share even if you don't. But I hope you do.

Christmas Eve

St. Felix, Freedom, PA
A midnight picture is too dark.

EachChristmas until I graduated high school we made the trip back home to share theholidays with my aunt's family and the families of some of the most lovingwonderful people I have ever known. The town was small, barely bigger than avillage, but it was home in my heart then and remains home in my heart to thisday.

Christmaspreparations began with Halloween. There was so much to do. t was an ethniccommunity full of great nationalities. Each having their own traditions andfoods. On Christmas Eve after dinner everything stopped. That's when everyone preparedfor midnight church service. Whatever your church, it didn't matter. You attendedmidnight service. If you lived close to your church you walked. When you werereally lucky it snowed just enough to make the power glisten in moonlight. Likebeing in a live Christmas card.

After churchwe would make our way to the homes of family and friends gathering loved onesand goodies as we progressed from house to house. Our group of more than fiftymade their way to my aunt's home for breakfast, love and laughter.

With allthat I remember I don't remember falling asleep or anyone leaving. I know islept because I always woke in my bed and the house was always quiet with theonly light being the star over the manger.

Every year onChristmas Eve in my mind's eye I see all those people sharing love -- and Imiss each and every one of them.

Your turn.

Mary

Santa on my Mind

2011-12-12T01:00:00.000-05:00

Some Santa things Ithink about this time of year.

If Santa gains weightdoes that mean less goodies for everyone?

If Santa eats allthose snacks does he get a bellyache or worse?

If Santa gets stuckin a chimney who gets him out?

If Santa's reindeerdoo-doo does he stop to clean it up?

If Santa needs arestroom where does he go?

If Santa goes to hotplaces does he change to shorts?

If Santa can't fiteverything in his sleigh where does he reload?

If Santa can't findsomeone does he use a GPS?

If Santa knocks thetree over does he blame the cat?

If Santa gets tired does he take a nap?

What Santa things doyou think about this time of year?

Mary

It would have been a memory

2011-12-11T02:00:00.000-05:00

My afternoon coffeehas become a ritual. It started with my dad and me sharing a cup each afternoonwhen I returned from work. Sometimes on the sun porch. Sometimes in the kitchen.But every day the same.

Dad's been gone alittle over three years and I've only just started to work again part time but thecoffee break remains the same. Only now instead of a small pot I only make acup. I make it with my Keurig (a Mom's Day/birthday present from my daughter'sfamily). Friday was no different, by thetime I hung up my coat and booted up the laptop my steaming cup was ready. Iheaded for my rocker don't say it, got all comfy andtook a big gulp. What should have been relaxing ended with a jump from thechair, a burnt mouth and hand and even a few @#$%$.

source

That's when it hitme. Dad would have loved this darn machine. Single cup. Extrastrong. Definitely EXTRA hot. Just the way he liked it. That man could drink boilingsoup or drinks the way I drink iced tea. Everyone thought he didn't drinkrestaurant coffee because it cost so much. The truth was no place ever made itstrong enough or hot enough, except McDonald's. He said they got it right everytime. He wouldn't have cared much for all the flavors but the extra bolds wouldhave made his day.

This Christmas I'lltry to drink one to my dad without injury.

Here's to you, Dad, MerryChristmas! I love you.

Mary Beth

Writer's Sprints

2011-12-10T04:00:00.000-05:00

Hart the Watery Tart

Our wonderful friendHart Has taken to writing in "sprints" since last month's NaNoWriMo.I don't know exactly how long a sprint is in writing but I was inspired. If Hartcould knock out all those words in sprints I could do it too.

So this past weekI've been writing in ten minute sprints of my own. Sometimes a little longer butnot less than ten minutes. I'm shocked at how much I can write in that amountof time. With all the other stuff that went on Thursday (see previous post SomeDay) I managed to get a little over a thousand words written. Yah, me!

Now for the bummer. Fridaysucked. No words written. All day spent with clients, running errands and beingjust plain pooped. I'm not beaten though. Saturday I'll get back on track.Maybe even do twice as many sprints and hit two thousand words. Who knows.Maybe I will and maybe I won't but I'm sure gonna give it a my best shot. Illlet you know Monday.

Until then. Thanks,Hart.

Mary

Some Day

2011-12-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

What I really wantedto do yesterday was visit all the Insecure Writers Group Blogs and maybe postone myself. Yeah, like that was gonna happen. Best laid plans and all that. Somebody'sbest laid plans worked but they sure weren't mine.

Had an earlyappointment with my oldest daughter. She bought me a large Dunkin Donut Coffeeand a coffee cake muffin. I loved that muffin and tuned out my hips snickering at I devoured it.

I hardly got my coatoff and my other daughter was at the door to visit and have me hide presentsfrom nosy grandkids. Her ulterior motive was to get me to clean some ties fortheir family Christmas picture. (Don't ask. I didn't.)

Then there were phonecalls from work and friends. The next thing I knew it was eight o'clock. Toolate to post but not too late to visit and comment. I did do the visit part butevery comment required me to preview before the post comment button wouldfunction. That little step got old real quick.

So I wrote this post,scheduled it for today and went to bed. Hope we all slept well.

source

Monnnnday

2011-12-05T09:09:00.001-05:00

I woke up this morning -- a very good thing.

I realized it is Monday -- oh well, it was bound to happen.

I opened my eyes to gray ugly rain -- disheartening for theholiday season.

It came to my mind, Zombies are based on the movements ofhumans coming out of sleep and not quite able to function. I shuffle throughfist movements on my way to COFFEE!

Text from my daughter asking me to let her dog out when the rain stops. Weather report saysrain until Wednesday. Hope Daisy can hold it.

I'm looking at my Christmas tree. It's been up five dayswith only the lights for decoration. Don't get excited, it's a pre-lit. The topleans a bit. I'm sure a few drinks will fix that. If not I can keep trying.

Fore mentioned coffee is not kicking in. It's gonna be alooooong Monday. Murphy said so.

Not my Daisy but very close

PS Please don'treport me. Daisy got to doo-doo. I lovethat Beagle

SNOOOZE

2011-12-02T07:55:00.001-05:00

What do you do whenyour alarm goes off? Get right up? Stay in bed grumbling a few minutes untilyour mind kicks in? Snuggle with your sweetie? Or like the average American, do you have the ability to hit the Snooze buttonthree times in the dark without opening your eyes and, I might add, hitting themark without a miss or a fumble?

My alarm has been inmy house for about six years. It's a digital clock with three and a half inchnumbers and a large silver Snooze button. (My dad requested such a clockbecause of failing eyesight, as long as it works...) I've never had a chance touse the button. I know you dyeing to know why so I'm going to tell you.

It seems my body isdirectly wired to this clock. When the obnoxious buzzer sounds, I have nochoices. No staying in place until the mind fog lifts. No snuggling with asweetie. My alarm is a direct connection to the bathroom call button in mysystem. That very same button which switched on twenty minutes into a three hour(or more) car trip when dad or hubby refused to stop because you would losetime in their imaginary race. It triggers that URGENT feeling that I can'tignore.

When my alarm goesoff, I'm up and running, literally. How bout you, up and running or average American button hitter?

Well I Never

2011-12-01T08:41:00.001-05:00

Right there in myGmail early this morning was a gentle reminder about Vicki's Blogfest scheduled for today. Vicki said it was early and she knew I would post. Moreimportantly, she would be back to check.

I've decided to giveyou a short list of my own Well I nevers, as in things I never do (or almostnever), things I never thought about (and wish I hadn't for this list). You getthe idea.

Well I never...

-- thought of Vickias an ethnic mom but is she good with the guilt or what?

-- remember to readthe Post It notes that are all over the house, until long after the time to acthas passed.

-- almost neverremember to put the garbage by the curb after school on Wednesday. I thinkabout it all day but experience has taught that trash cans with wheels are tootempting to the elementary children who pass my house in their way home.There's no telling where my trash will end up.

-- almost never,remember to connect my external hard drive for back up on the day it'sscheduled. I full backup twice a week, just hardly ever on Tuesday and Friday.

-- thought I'd belaughing with so many great people. This blogging thing has been a lifelinethrough the last three years of turmoil.

-- thought I'd wakeup on a cold December morn with a full blown allergy attack. Except for foodallergies (I don't remember eating in my sleep) my allergies usually hibernatein winter. I think they build strength for that eight or nine months when theyperform like that damn bunny.

Well, there you gowith a few of my G rated Well I Never. There are others but my family readsthis blog so-o-o-o...

Stop by Vicki's,Rambles and Randomness and check out all the great bloggers who I hope did abetter job at this than I.

Royalty free clipart

CRAP

2011-11-29T10:32:00.001-05:00

It took three years,with debt trying hard to win the race, and finally steady work presents itself.Things look great and may even break even by the end of the year and then BANG!life happens.

Last night I go forgas so nothing keeps me from work in the morning. I get up early, make coffee,get dressed, pack the car and sit down to check my email before I leave.

My first stop isFacebook to check in with family. I find a link to Hart's post about grammar.The snippet makes me smile so I click over, laugh aloud and write a comment. Ihit publish and get a message, "Mary, you must sign in to berecognized." If Blogger can't recognize me how does it know to address meas "Mary"? Or do they call everyone "Mary" with thismessage? Anyway, I should become wary right here but not me. I'm an optimist!

I shut down, decidingto try after work. After work turned out to be ten minutes later. When I pulledout of the garage, I discovered a flat (only on the bottom). Call work. Call mymechanic. Look like this....

December has toimprove. Doesn't it?

It's back ... All of it!

2011-11-15T09:21:00.001-05:00

A while back as part of a post I wrote something like,"Five cups of water poured into the coffeemaker, four cups of coffee showup in the pot. Where's that other cup?"

This morning all those cups returned from Never- NeverCoffee Land. I poured the usual five cups of water in and I returned to a sightsimilar to this...

It's back ... All of it!!

Where was all this water stored for all these months? Shouldn'tI have noticed a barrel of some kind in my kitchen?

Start with a Smile

2011-11-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Ah, the beauty...

Autumn Landscape by Sir Jacob Epstein

Ah, the frustration...

Ah, the wisdom...

Have a Great Week andwhether you're NaNo-ing or writing on your own Isabelle says...

Write, Write, Write!!!

Things I've Learned about Leaves

2011-11-12T10:35:00.001-05:00

Over the years I've learned a lot about leaves. None ofit very scientific.

1) You don't have to have a tree in order to rake. Yourneighbors are willing to supply you from their trees.

2) These same neighbors are willing to tell you when torid your yard of this supply -- so the leaves don't return to the yard thatactually has a tree.

3) Econuts would like me to compost these leaves eventhough I don't garden. (A nut of anysort is one who tell me how I should live without knowing anything about mylifestyle.)

4) I can buy 250 paper leaf bags for $35. That would beone season for me. If I had that much extra cash I can think of several moreimportant items I would purchase before paper leaf bags.

5) When I bag my leaves in paper and it rains, I have amuch bigger mess than I started with. I now have to gather up the soggy paperand the very wet leaves. Both tasks are gross. I know from experience.

6) If the leaves stay on the ground, I have a thick greenhealthy lawn the next season -- without the commercial lawn guys and withoutthe costly fertilizer and with the joy of knowing I'm again frustrating myneighbors who "do all the right stuff."

7) The city sets a date in mid-November for final leafpick-up. How do they know when the last leaves will fall? (Another governmentstudy?) What happens to the late-fallers? I'm pretty sure they end up in myyard, that's what happens to them.

8) This last bit I can't prove but I'm pretty sure MotherNature does not make the Wood Nymphs and fairies rake the forest. They do,however, have a good time running through the fallen leaves. I'm just going bythe way the school kids enjoy my leaves.

What fallen leaves are really made for!!

So the lady with one small Dogwood tree will frustrateher neighbors for yet another season by neither raking or bagging. I really dolove the seasons.

Exercise Can Lead to Murder

2011-11-09T10:55:00.000-05:00

Those who know me have already written in their mindswhat they think I'm about to type. (Make sure you tell me in the comments incase I can use it later :-] ) Bet you're wrong.

Yesterday was sunny and around 70. No way could I stayinside the house. No sense to rake because the wind was strong enough to replaceevery leaf I moved. Instead I opted to walk my DVDs back to the library.Getting there was uneventful, discounting getting across a major highway (mightbe a great place for a suicide or murder scene).

Innocent man on a curb?

Ah, the library, one of my favorite places. As I wentdown the aisle to check for other DVDs I began to smell fish and onions comingfrom the tech section. Didn't take me long to realize the odor was emanating froma small, greasy, pacing person. The smell wasn't at all fascinating more like nauseating.What did intrigue me, I still don't know if the small person was male orfemale. I didn't want to get to close because I'm not sure if you can catch asmell. I did not want to catch that smell. So I checked out two books andheaded for fresh air and sunshine.

Why did it look so heavy?

On the way home I passed a man carrying a large blacktrash bag. When he turned the corner I lost interest and began to take in thescenery. As I approached that same corner the smell of cigarettes floated pastme. There on the curb sat the man with the bag. Tiny bits of What if... beganto form replacing crunching leaves and deadly traffic. Turning anothercorner barely missed tripping over thenine or ten black trash bags that had tumbled from their stack. More What if...added to the first and by the time I finished my second mile I had outlined mynext story.

Great place for a bagged body, no?

Exercise Can Lead to Murder.

Did you get anyideas from my walk?

The Treasures of Carmelidrium (Book 1 of The Chronicles of Gil-Lael) by N R Williams

2011-11-08T09:31:00.001-05:00

I promised to tell you the name ofthe book I was reading last Friday. I apologize. No excuses but I will tell youwhy I'm late. Part of it was life, things that had to be done. The other part,I stopped reading out of anger.

Let me explain. VHS and DVD weregreat inventions for someone like me. I'm a person who wants to yell, "Don'tgo in the basement!" When they go anyway, I want to scream, "You,dumba**, you deserve to die." It doesn't mean the movie sucked (maybe itdid, how do I know) it just means I really got into the story/characters.

Great Read!

That's exactly what happened withthis book. I realized I was reading with two sides of the old brain. They werearguing with each other. Don't forget to throw in me answering both of them (attimes out loud). You know how tiring that can be? One side yelling, "Whatare you doing? THINK, you dummy!" The other side remaining calm andreminding us that the characters mayknow what we know but they don't yet really believe it yet. To which I mentallyscream, "Shut up! They're ticking me off and you're not helping."

See where I'm going here? I lovedthis book. I loved that I really was in this other world. I loved that the heroine,Michelle, was stronger than even she believed. I loved that Prince Healden wasopen, loving and loyal. I even liked his moments of what the heck are youthinking (more like no thinking) choices. Good grief, I even loved the villain,Renwyk. There were moments I felt for him -- to me that's a great villain.

The only drawback. I was so slowgetting around to reading this work. It's been out several months. I apologize to Nancy for that. In case you haven'tguessed -- I recommend this book for ages 12 and up.

The book which I read on Kindle andpurchased from Amazon is:

TheTreasures of Carmelidrium (Book 1 of The Chronicles of Gil-Lael) by N R Williams

From Amazon:

Missie, a modernAmerican University student, is thrust through a portal into a medieval worldwhere her flute has magical powers to heal and destroy, and to empower, TheTreasures of Carmelidrium, to defeat Renwyk, Lord of the Symberveen. She isromanced by a prince and hunted by the Symberveen. Will she find her way home?Does she want to?

Product Details

· Format: Kindle Edition

· File Size: 673 KB

· Sold by: Amazon Digital Services

· Language: English

· ASIN: B0055OHYDM

· Lending: Enabled

· Price: $2.99

Start with a Smile

2011-11-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

You can’t start the week with a smile without Maxine.

I checked for just one cartoon but since I couldn’t make up my mind (they all seemed as if she’d spent the weekend with me) I decided to send you five.

Enjoy a laugh before you get back to NaNo or your day job or even raking.

Maxine

Told you so

2011-11-04T08:12:00.000-04:00

Didn't Itell you? Yes, I did. I'm not gonna bore you with a link to what you've alreadyread but trust me... I told you so.

Status

FirstFacebook woke us up with the news they would now decide what we would like tosee from our friends on our News Feed. We all complained in our little statusboxes. (We couldn't really contact Facebook because "Contact us" is ahamster wheel posted just for looks.) Did it do any good? Of course not! Weadjusted and Facebook techies high-fived in pure delight.

Blogger.com

Next cameBlogger, inviting us to their "new, improved format". Please try it.We are sure you'll love it. Some of us loved it (not me BTW) or at leasttolerated it enough to remain. We'd just been through Facebook. We knew thedrill. Some of us switched back to Old Blogger because the choice was there ---plus we were frustrated.

Did youmiss the note they sent? It invited you to try new Blogger with the gentlenudge that warned soon everyone would wake up to the change-- more or less likeit or not. Get ready, the time is nearbecause...

mail.google.com

Gmail hasannounced their new format by inviting us to give it a try BEFORE it'simplemented. Coming anyway, baby! There is a feedback button if you click to try.It works. Takes you to a form where you not only enter your opinion but thesubmit button works.

Haha, GmailTechie, here's a shocker. I didn't switch back. I like the new setup. It'ssleek and clean and easy to use. Poor Techie. You're slipping. Maybe Santa willbring you a new motherboard after all.

What do youthink? Where's the next change?

HappyWeekend!

November

2011-11-03T10:35:00.000-04:00

First, letme offer encouragement to all you wild and crazy NaNoWriMo writers. The task you're undertaking seems impossibleto me yet many of you thrive on the tension of the month. For me, Novembermarks the beginning of the holiday season and all the craziness thataccompanies those days. I can only do so much extra crazy at one time.

Isabelle

To all ofyou, I wish great success. GO WRITE!

Blogging isa bit sporadic this month. It's not just NaNo. I've been reading. I can do both-- read and write -- as long as I don't get so wrapped up in a book I don'twant to do anything but read it. I'm into a book like that right now. It's a YAnovel and I'm late reading it because I don't read much in summer). I feelbadly about that especially since I like the book so much.

I'm onlywriting this post because I'm angry at the main characters. Why can't they seewhat's going on? Why did they listen to directions but not hear anything? I was telling them to "THINK" allday yesterday. Did they hear me? Of course not (did you miss the part wherethis is a book)?

Any waylater this week I'll post a review. In the meantime, you all go write and I willgo talk to someone else's Main Characters.

Start with a Smile

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

What kind of holiday would it be without the Queen of Halloween

the one and only

Maxine

To all of you...

Have a great week!

Maxine

Source

Catching Plots is Hard to do

2011-10-28T00:30:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning and wrote anentire story before I got out of bed. That's really not unusual but this time Ididn't grab a pen and paper and since Idon't sleep with my laptop (I'm not that deparate , yet.) ... You can see wherethis is going.

I tried for hours to bring it back.Between the job interview the phone calls and just life it wasn't working. ThenNeil Diamond popped into my head. That in itself is strange as I'm not aDiamond fan, never was. I didn't have the radio on as I find it hard to writeto music of any kind. I play old BBC television DVDs in the background.

Neil Sadaka

There I was singing Breaking Up isHard to do while putting in the laundr and doing dishes. This is what came of that.Not what I was looking for but maybe the story will return later if I offer youthis parody.

Don't you take that plot away fromme

Don't you leave my story hangin free

If you do then I'll be screwed

'Cause catchin' plots is hard to do

Remember when I wrote so tight

How I typed and typed all throughthe night

Don't you say I have no end

Instead of filing you away I that wecould plot again

I beg of you don't fly away

Can't we give our plot another day

Come on story, start anew

'Cause catchin' plots is hard to do

Stop groaning. I never claimed to bea poet or a song writer.

That story is floating before myeyes, just out of reach. Tiny, tiny pieces look back at me for maybe a nano-second.Then it's gone and I swear I hear muted laughter as it leaves. How about you, lostany good stories lately?

If you're interested in hearing thisthrow back to the 70's click here.

Songwriters: Neil Sedaka/Howard Greenfield

New and Improved

2011-10-26T09:53:00.000-04:00

It's just so tempting to switch back to the previous Blogger. What's the use? In a couple of weeks I'll have no choice -- their way or go elsewhere. I spend so much time looking for things tat used to be at my fingertips, I almost don't want to post. In fact I didn't for a couple of weeks. I gave up.

Coming back was something I had to do for selfish reasons. I missed everyone. Missed reading the posts. More than anything I missed the laughs. Sometimes I think my posts are okay -- no Erma Bombeck or Andy Rooney but okay. Then the comments start. I laugh. I snort. I spit beverages. And sometimes I even cry. I like people. Can't live without them so blogging is great for me.

That doesn't change the fact that I'm having a heck of a time with Blogger. They had it set up so nicely for me. Every button right where needed -- when I needed it. Now it's like a corn maize ( a story there, Children of Blogger). I wanted to edit something the other and it took me so long to get the page the new post was up.

Having lost posts and pictures on Blogger I became a cut and paste poster. I write in Word, edit and move it. Now if I do that the post is in a big white block. That makes me feel as if I stole it from somewhere and I don't like the look.

I know a lot of you switched at the first invitation. I switched half dozen times but always went back. Now I find this is it. We're down to the final weeks and I don't have a choice. If I can't handle these wonderful upgrades how could I possibly think about a new service. So I'm asking, no I'm begging, for any hints you can give me about using the New Improved Blogger. Ple-e-e-e-e-z!

Bear with me here

2011-10-25T09:04:00.000-04:00

Think Halloween costume. It's better than what I'm thinking.

Technologyis great but how great remains to be seen.

Here's afew things I've experienced recently.

1) Aftermonths of automatic billing suddenly a number is changed and I no longer existas a customer with my phone company. I don't think I was the only customer this happened tobecause it only took about three minutes to 'find' the problem and correct.

2) Mygarage door goes up on its own unnoticed by me. My neighbor sees it and tellsme hours later.

3) Twomonths ago, $179 is withdrawn from my bank account. No one seems to know whotook it or where it went. While it's being looked into I'm out the money. It isthe same amount as a check I wrote for insurance the month before. Maybe Iwatch too much TV but shouldn't the authorities be able to trace this stuff. (Checkyour accounts often. This happens more than you can imagine according to an investigatorI know.)

4) I stillcan use the internet everywhere in the house BUT my office. Go figure. I meanwhat writer would need to do research in their office.

How longhas this stuff been going on?

I rememberwhen ATMs first became popular in the early 1980s. (Yes, that ages me.) One ofthe banks had a major problem. Someone hacked into their system. When youinserted your card it gave you a message (usually foul) and kept your card. Betyou can guess the age of the hackers. The teens were caught and punished. Of course I was a customer. You expected me to miss this one. Huh! I seemto have a knack for this going way back.

How do youget along with technology? Maybe it's just Halloween (but I doubt it).

Start with a Smile

2011-10-24T00:01:00.001-04:00

Thoughts on Monday...

Where's the damn Keurig?

And you thought writers had a low self esteem...

How to be alone in a crowd

What's a Monday without Maxine?

Maxine's view from under the covers

As I was lying in bed pondering the problems of the world, I rapidly realized that I don't give a rat's***. It's the tortoise life for me!

1. If walking/cycling is good for your health, the postman would be immortal.

2. A whale swims all day, only eats fish, drinks water and is fat.

3. A rabbit runs and hops and only lives 15 years.

4. A tortoise doesn't run and does nothing, yet lives 450 years.

And you tell me to exercise? I don't think so.

I'm a senior. Go around me.

source

Letter to the Candidate

2011-10-21T00:02:00.022-04:00

Make it count!

Dear Candidate,

You stand before me now in fear. anxiety and confusion. Much the way I stood before you not so very long ago.

Do you remember the look you tried so desperately to convey? Do you remember how you tried so hard to convince me that you cared? That it wasn't you who made this choice but the "others" that you could not question. How naive you must have thought me.

Now you and others like you stand before me and others like me to plead to keep your lifestyle. You continue to believe you have nothing to do with the starving people in the streets. Nothing to do with the families torn apart by unemployment and homelessness. Nothing to do with the early deaths of children and the elderly.

We elected you to do a job -- Speak for us. You chose instead to murder us. You chose to ban with those who share your greed. Now you and your friends are paranoid. But it isn't paranoia when someone is really out to get you. We are out to get you. We will get you -- in the voting booths across America. We will bring you down and we will learn. Learn not to leave you in office longer than eight years. Because we know, after that you owe the "others".

From this point on we will give you eight years -- four to try and four to make the change. After that, you're on your own. Get a job. Plan your retirement. Find a reasonable healthcare plan. In other words, live the way we live. If you've worked hard, paid taxes, and invested in your future you should be fine -- as long as the bankers, Wall Street and the other politicians don't take it all.

Yours truly,

The American Voter

Can You Say No Focus

2011-10-19T10:29:00.001-04:00

When you blog you make connections with other bloggers. Like meting people at cocktail parties or other gatherings only you get to do it in your PJs or even naked cuz no one really sees you (unless you Skype then I suggest clothes be more than optional). I correspond with one friend on pretty much a daily basis sometimes more. (Hi Jules!) We have a lot in common and make each other laugh.

Our most recent correspondence concerns Facebook, Google+ and Twitter. I wrote her saying that since several people twitted, twittered, tweeted (whatever *sigh*) my writings maybe I should take the plunge. Jules answered with a question about how I made her a friend on G+ -- I have no idea folks. I know that several of you are now something with me on G+ but I've no idea how I did it. I seem to remember clicking a button in an email from my daughter. Please forgive me if I have somehow insulted, overlooked or listed you in the wrong category.

LaughinglyJules wrote that she too doesn't really get G+ or Twitter (at least she's trying with the Blue Bird which is way more than I'm doing).

This, friends, is my final answer about the Bird, Facebook and G+.

Ah, so now the war begins --

Facebook makes an upgrade (what a laugh) then G+ will do the same then repeat. Since I'm still figuring out email and blogger I could be in a world of hurt.

Ok, you're like the tenth person who told me Blue Bird is a real crazy maker. Even my kid who thinks I do pretty well on the computer for an old gal warned me away from that one. We won't have to worry when all this shit crashes and the world ends. (Does that happen this month or next year? Changing the date all the time is so confusing, don't you think?)

Gee. I hate Wednesday. My mind never stays on track. I didn't even post today because I keep changing my mind about a topic. (Adult ADHD is not a hoot that's for sure. Oh look a flying pumpkin!)

Maybe I should copy and paste this email on my blog as a post. It makes about as much sense as most of what I write.

Don't be mad -- I'm posting this.

Thanks for writing my post, Jules. Now that's a real friend.

Start with a Smile

2011-10-17T08:29:00.000-04:00

I think housework is the reason most women go to the office. -- Heloise Cruse

The trouble with living alone is that it's always your turn to do the dishes. -- Unknown

on the other hand...

The best time for planning a book is while you're doing the dishes.

-- Agatha Christie

in my house ...

Have a great week!

Mary

Maxine

Cheerios

Things You Learn From Spam (not the funny meat)

2011-10-15T02:45:00.001-04:00

Well, I don't really read it but I scan it because sometimes important things end up there for whatever reason. I do know you can learn a lot for your spam.

For instance ....

--you can borrow massive amounts of money at the highest legal(?) interest rates and use this money to make you happy. (Isn't this why we had to bail the banks out?)

--purchase life insurance no matter how old you are and even if you're on your death bed in which case it then becomes burial insurance (who knew)

--register with any number of dating services promising you the perfect mate in the race, religion or even monetary background of your choice

--you can purchase a particular male appendage or enlarge the one you have and keep it enlarged to make you and someone else very happy. I never get emails about the obvious female enlargement, why is that?

--someone named _______ has the perfect job for you. He's been looking for you longer than you've been looking for a job. Amazing! So why am I still unemployed?

--you can pay off your house in as little as 5 years WITHOUT A JOB with this little known banking secret. (Can you repeat, "Occupy America?")

--"Mary, you can date a married but lonely woman" -- did anyone read this before they sent it? It is so not written correctly. Even if I were Gay why would I want to date a married woman on purpose?

--you can review local dentists, then borrow more money from Christian lenders to fix your teeth. How charitable! If you don't pay the loan do they come and pull your teeth out?

All of these wonderful things can be done from your spam box. You can live your entire life from your home on someone else's money and do it much better than you are now -- kindda like Wall Street gurus, bankers and politicians, huh?

And I thought Spam was just another word for trash? Silly me.

PS - I don't advocate actually opening the spam. I only read the titles. Call me leery.

Occupy America

2011-10-13T08:22:00.002-04:00

The end was closing in; the signs were all there. She'd seen this all play out so many times. The rally of energy, the smiles, the jokes and the way things appeared to be getting better. She recognized the signs. The end was close.

She'd worked all her life. She didn't know any other way. Parochial school didn't prepare a girl for much back then. There was the convent or the marriage. Neither suited her. She entered the world blind and naive. So many mistakes but few regrets and never thinking of giving up. Not until now. Now she was tired and beaten and again unprepared.

She paid her taxes and invested in her plan to retire. Then it all blew up. The bankers and investment gurus stole everything, got richer, stayed richer and ridiculed those from whom they stole. When their own bags began to split, off to the politicians they ran telling them they must convince the victims to bail them out and pay their bills. Make the victims take care of the thieves in the way they had become accustomed. It was one of the few times the politicians agreed. There were no party lines, only blatant greed.

For the first time in her life there were no jobs In loosely disguised words, they said she was too old. "Too experienced" they called it. The fat politicians told the world the jobs were there but she was too lazy to work and too greedy to take less. They called their job fair a success. Thirty companies came with a total of 1100 hundred jobs to fill. The jobs were pretty basic. The young, old and lazy were surprised to learn there were 3 to 30 applicants for each opening. Few were really hired but the media lauded the success of the fair.

Time went on and the old lazy woman ran out of benefits. She took early retirement. The politicians criticized her. How dare she ask for the money she paid into a program meant to help in her later years. She took the money anyway. It was barely enough to exist -- a little over $600 per month to cover everything. She kept smiling and she kept looking.

After three years (and three months) she found a part time job. She celebrated by crying. She started to figure how to turn the gas back on for winter was only a few weeks off.

Then it all fell apart again. No one seemed to know who withdrew the money or why no one could trace it. But there it was $179 to some cyber crook. The rent bounced. The fees mounted. Now she found herself with a job, a small retirement check and no place to live.

Living longer was no blessing and she knew the politicians, the same ones who kept getting fatter while she starved, were doing all they could to shorten her life. She was very cold and very tired and very hungry. Sleep would be the true blessing. Finally, she gave up.

Julia Botello, 85 leaves Bank of America

( Since so many asked... Julia's picture appeared in my news feed and seemed to me to illustrate my story. If Julia's story is available I haven't been able to find it. Mary)

2011-10-12T04:44:00.001-04:00

It occurred to me, in the middle of this night that Wednesday is as good a day as any to share snippets of my life, parts of me in around a hundred words. That's about all either of us can take.

Coming and Going

I entered this life exactly as everyone else, naked and penniless. My parents may have a little money, enough to get by, but I was broke. It has remained, for me, much the same to this day. When the time comes to make my exit I'm sure I will be dressed appropriately for send-off, in something I have chosen to give a chuckle to several of those who will truly mourn me. The others will make snide remarks to one another criticizing behind their backs those who permitted such a display. No matter. Truly I will leave just as I arrived, naked and penniless.

Coming and going, either way it's wrinkled.

Start with a Smile

2011-10-10T08:35:00.000-04:00

Yes, I've been missing. I'm sorry. I really am. After three years o unemployment I landed a job that left my muscles feeling a lot like this --

Twisted

When I had a chance to get online I discovered that I only had 2% power because of this --

RIP

It became obvious that I needed not only a new wall charger but a plan. Of course I turned to my friend Maxine. She worked it all out for me --

Maxine's Organized Life

I wish you all a very good week and I want to say --

You're so sweet!

to everyone who checked up on me.

Love you all!

Mary

Fighting for Position

2011-09-30T08:45:00.000-04:00

I apologize. I really do. I had a direction I wanted to go. It's not happening. I have to meet with some important in a couple of hours and a lot is riding on how things go.

The list in my head has lists of its own. If I look straight ahead I see check marks fighting with each other and items fighting for list position.

Fighting for Position

Later today I'll post something more coherent. See you later, promise.

Setting

2011-09-28T09:14:00.000-04:00

I love a great setting. Whether it's for the entire book or just a scene setting can make or break a story for me.

In high school I gave up on Bronte, Austen, Dickens and company. I still don't read them. All because of setting that for me was overdone. I know most of my friends online and off love these books. I respect that. Please give me the same courtesy.

It must have been the way it was done then because they all did it. Told me about every nook and cranny, flower and weed. Reading that someone lives in a cold, dreary run-down castle or cottage, I get it. I can picture that surrounded by an overrun, unattended garden. And unless there's a body or a fortune behind those cracks don't tell me about them at all much less every time a character enters the room.

In the past two weeks I've only read two books. (I don't read much in summer.) Both these works had gardens so I'll use hat example. Each was handled differently.

In the first, the garden housed certain insects important to the plot. The original picture painted with words was a museum piece in my mind. Then it all changed. Every time the insect was presented it came with a repeat description of the blooms in the garden. IMHO there's only two reasons for these repetitions -- word count or underestimating the reader. Either way, I stopped reading half way through, giving it more time than I normally would. The physical garden could have been left out without changing the plot or the metaphor of life.

The second garden is in a work yet to be published. It's a beautiful garden -- in my mind's eye. I see it now as I write this. The garden was painted in detail only once. Afterwards small details were mentioned here or there. It doesn't matter because I know that garden. I feel it. No matter what takes place in that garden I will know where to place the action. It's my garden. The author gave it to my mind, my imagination.

Giving me the garden, the battle, the murder that's setting. Do your readers move within your setting or do you force them to see it from the sidelines?

Ah, Yesterday

2011-09-27T12:15:00.000-04:00

Smile, smile, smile -- or grit your teeth whichever suits you.

We had cool, dark and ugly here yesterday. It was Monday. You were expecting sunshine and buttercups? In Ohio? In late September? Get serious!

I had two appointments, interviews actually. Arriving at one with the sun peeking out, I was feeling positive. The interviewers were late but the crowd was friendly as we waited outside for their arrival. Unfortunately, the downpour arrived first and we didn't make it to our cars. Professional was not the way I would have described any of us. Not even the guy with the beautiful bald head. The attitude of the late arriving interviewers seemed to be that we somehow planned to look like rag-muffins. Not so much as an apology for being late by almost half an hour.

I'm thinking, might not be the best folks to work for.

Afterwards I had time to go home and dry off before an evening appointment. Maybe lightening doesn't strike twice but downpours could care less. You guessed it. I was nailed again crossing the parking lot. This time everyone was good-natured about it. Laughs all around. Since the session was held in the meeting room of a McDonald's those kind folks provided coffee to warm our soaked-selves.

At this point I've no idea how the interviews went. I do know that I squished until well after 10pm. For those of you who love Mondays I have this

Nothing personal, you understand.

source

Start With a Smile

2011-09-26T08:22:00.000-04:00

I saw this on a t-shirt at Goodwill. The size and color were way wrong but the thought is so me.

It's MONDAY!

I'm not legally

responsible

for my actions

"He who laughs last probably didn't get the joke."
---Unknown

Have a great week ~~wvweyinw~~ everyone! (oh boy. *sigh*)

Pictures

A Day Late ----Again

2011-09-24T08:24:00.000-04:00

AGAIN

What I did on my summer vacation a blogfest sponsored by Michael Di Gesu for September 23, 2011. 300-500 words and pictures (are you kidding)

I wrote myself a note.

I forgot anyway.

I tried to pretend I wasn't here. (just like school)

It didn't work. (just like school)

"Post it (Bring it) tomorrow." (just like school)

Here it is, then.

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

I mowed. It rained.

I played with my great grandson (Army Guy) while the Army kept his parents busy for a month. My daughter and granddaughter were nice enough to share.

I mowed. It rained.

Army Guy and I made sand castles and race tracks. Played football (guess who got tackled). Target shot with Nerf guns (one of us is very good -- not me). We cuddled and watched movies (I liked this best). We napped (that was even better).

I mowed. It rained.

Granddaughter1 decided to go away for her junior year of college. I encouraged her but am sad just the same. Long emails are not the same as long walks or sharing ice cream in the park. This is the sign the grandchildren are growing up (I am growing -- let's leave it at that).

I mowed. It rained.

I set out to gain the record for Most Cyber Resumes Submitted in One Summer. I haven't heard from the judges or the employers. I'm thinking I may not have won and I'm still unemployed.

I mowed. It rained.

Reading took my vacation. I can't get into it in summer. Writing took me to the land of short stories and essays. I like it there very much and think that's where I'll stay.

I will mow one more time if the rain stops long enough. Or I won't. Who knows? I live in Ohio. It could snow before the end of the day.

The End

(of summer and my late assignment)

A Day Late

2011-09-23T04:20:00.000-04:00

source

Just a few short questions about email blog subscriptions.

Do you know for sure if your subscribers are receiving your posts?

Do they receive them the day they post or a day later?

Is there a certain time to subscribe to ensure post day service?

I'm asking because some blogs I subscribe to by email arrive a day late and I wondered why. Getting a post a day late is like watching the news on Tivo, why bother? A random check of my email subscribers shows they get my posts the same day after 4 pm.

Just wondering. Got answers?

Wasted Day(s) and Wasted Night(s)

2011-09-21T08:46:00.000-04:00

Freddie Fender sang this song years ago about his lost love. For me, the phrase is about an entire afternoon wasted trying to program my phone for data and in the evening watching a season premiere I've waited for since spring only to be disappointed.

source

First the phone. Why are the Quick Guides cover things the average person will never (at the very least hardly ever)? I want to be able to do a few things immediately. After that I'll play around until I figure out the other stuff.

I want to:

1. Turn it on/off

2. Send/receive a text or a photo in three steps or less. Does anyone ever use the preprogrammed messages? Why not? Extra steps, that's why not.

3. Set up the voicemail without going on a scavenger hunt for instructions.

4. Reprogram the shortcut key(s) with things I want instead of shortcuts that are already buttons on the phone.

Yesterday's problem was a change in my data plan that needed an update download. For some reason the update wouldn't work. It happened to others as well. I know this because the tech was a little tired by the time he got to me and admitted he found the whole glitch rather a pain as each one seemed to require something different to fix it.

I fixed it myself last night but the shortcut web key still gives an error. So three steps to the internet. It doesn't matter because I hardly use i the net on my phone.

Now the show, NCIS Los Angeles. The story line was so weak. I waited all summer to find out why Hetty resigned and went overseas. Why did she risk her life (We still don't know if she dies.)?

Because some old lady's dad vowed to make sure Agent Callin's family line comes to an end because of something that happened in the middle of the last century.

The dad didn't complete the vendetta. The daughter took it up as did her children. Really? With everything going on in that world this is still important to them? Some of you may have loved it. I didn't. I found it a waste of a pretty good cliffhanger.

Happy Hump Day!

_______________________

My red face.

Monday I asked for guest bloggers to showcase their work on Fridays. I even entered my email in the text. (It also appears in the upper right corner.) I spelled my name wrong in the text.

MaryannMiller was kind enough to hunt me down and point out typo. (blush) Better than that, Maryann has agreed to guest blog on a Friday in late October.

So Tuesday wasn't wasted after all. Whoo-hoo!

Start with a Smile

2011-09-19T09:31:00.001-04:00

Monday with Garfield (a fun site BTW)

My Monday started with this FaceBook status:

The sky was beautiful at 6:20 a.m. So, I went out to take pictures. I took aim and the rain started falling. Yep, it's Monday!

Since I know things are starting to look up I've made some adjustments to my posting schedule. As posted on the sidebar: Monday, Wednesday, Friday -- Until the snow blows away.

Monday, I'm sticking to Start With a Smile. I need it!

Wednesday, will be open subject matter - whatever strikes my fancy.

That brings me to Friday. I'd love Friday to be dedicated to books and those who write them. It would be wonderful, for me at least, if any of you who have a book already out or coming out would drop by and tell us all about it. Otherwise, I'll tell you about my favorites and why chose them and what I'm reading now.

If you're interested in telling us about yourself or your projects contact me by email: mbethvaughn at gmail dot com or post your email in the comments.

Have a great week everyone!

Another Week

2011-09-18T12:07:00.000-04:00

Well it's been another week of applying for jobs that don't exist.

Another week of being fed bs by people who really are very good liars.

Another week of hearing that I am over-qualified -- meaning my age is against me. I would answer if I am applying for a job that pays considerably less than I'm used to making, I'm probably serious about working for less.

Another week of insinuation at the very least or outright insults by politicians who say I must not have a job because I am lazy and I'm having a rough time because I didn't plan on anything but social security.

To the first I say, I have worked since I was eleven and paid taxes since high school. That's almost 50 years of working and paying taxes. I'd hardly call that lazy.

To the second accusation I say. I did everything I was told. I paid into social security thinking it would be a cushion. I invested in 401Ks and pension funds. Does anyone other than those who lost money to the crooked bankers, investment brokers and politicians remember how those funds were stolen? And by whom?

I'm finished ranting ... for the moment. Have a great week full of blessings and happy thoughts. I'll be back to silliness with the next post.

Does anyone know how cold it has to be for the damn grass to stop growing? I'm really ready to move on to raking my neighbor's leaves from my treeless yard.

Changes Ahead

2011-09-16T12:09:00.000-04:00

This morning there was a field trip planned with daughter2 and granddaughter3, age 8. Not a fun trip but one of those that leave you with a rough night and a rough stomach.

A couple of months ago gd3 fell from her bike and broke both front teeth leaving a gap in the middle. Several steps were outlined over a period of time beginning with a double root canal for today. We arrived 15 minutes early looking like three scared mice (no matter how brave we thought we were being).

We wait. Ten o'clock comes and goes. 10:20 sees d2 and gd3 head back for the procedure. I head to the car to read. Ten minutes pass and mom and daughter are tapping on the window to be let in. Seems the teeth haven't come together enough to do the procedure. So we wait a few months to see what happens. Now we wait.

My writing has been like this field trip lately. The novel has hit a place where I need to back away a bit. I need some research and my attention to detail right now sucks to say the least. Too much life going on.

I wrote the first draft of a short story. It was a mystery and I was so excited. went back to reread and do the rewrite only to find the mystery had somehow morphed into a paranormal. I like it better this way. Actually, I like more than like it this way. Rewriting is enjoyable, fun even.

Everything is changing direction becoming anything but what it started out. For the most part I'm okay with that. Sometimes I have to say Whoa! and walk away for a bit. I used to think walking away was procrastination brought on by anxiety. Not that I don't have anxiety. I have enough for myself and a few friends. Lately the procrastination is more regrouping. Accepting changes and learning to make the right adjustments.

I'm learning sometimes it's best to do nothing with a piece until the gap comes together just like my granddaughter with her teeth.

How's your work going?

Picture

Hmmm.....

2011-09-14T08:52:00.001-04:00

**Note: Been trying to visit blogs today but not having a lot of luck. Four out of the first six I went to had the dreaded malware popup. Guess I have to mow and try you all later.**

It's too Wednesday, meaning another week is on the downside and I don't know that I've accomplished much. Has time always moved this fast?

The kids outside sound loud and grumpy, almost aggressive. Is it loss of sleep or a scheduled test? Maybe it's hunger -- it's that kind of neighborhood, middle income to no income.

Faithful Guard

The regular crossing guard isn't well (he's close to 90). The substitute works in fear realizing the Stop sign means nothing to these drivers. When she leaves the speed limit will change from 25 to 50mph -- no stops, not even a pause.

Rain used to be guaranteed by washing my car. Now all have to do is roll the mower out of the garage. I don't even have to start it.

I weeded between the bricks by my curb about two months ago. They haven't come back so far. Weeds in the sidewalk cracks are different. They're back in the first crack b the time I get to the last. I wish money grew that way.

If only...

Finished my coffee. Morning radio show is winding down. Time to start the end of the week. Finish my story. Pay bills. Oh yeah, and mow the damn grass.

Disconnected

What disconnected thoughts do you have before you really function?

Opening Weekend

2011-09-12T06:52:00.000-04:00

To sum up my first football weekend of the season, I offer you this ...

"I knew we were in for a long season when we lined up for the national anthem on opening day and one of my players said, 'Every time I hear that song I have a bad game.'"
---Jim Leyland

and this ...

Guess who represents my teams

What a Day

2011-09-08T00:01:00.002-04:00

It was too cold to get out of bed yesterday. Not winter cold but not summer great to get up warm for sure.

My grass is growing so fast you'd think it had somewhere to go. It's been raining often enough in the last week that mowing isn't an option.

I haven't felt much like laughing lately. It's been a rough couple of months and it looks to get rougher. With that in mind, Blogger had to do a number. The dreadful Malware box that has been visiting blogs came to see me. I knew what to do but it didn't work.

I went to my page elements and deleted the blogroll. When I went back to check I couldn't access the dashboard. Late in the evening, I gained access to the page elements only to find that the roll was back or still there. I removed the gadget again. It worked. It worked so well that blogger took my followers along with it.

My followers are back. My blogroll is gone. Hopefully today everything will work as it should. Everything except the mowing. They're calling for rain for four more days because of what's-his-name the storm. By the time the rain stops and it's dry enough to mow I'll either need a machete or a snow blower.

So, tell me again why writer's are insecure. It's not all about the actual writing, is it?

Insecure Writers Group

2011-09-07T08:07:00.000-04:00

When I put my name on the list I hesitated. I wasn't sure I'd be around the blogging world to participate. I'm still not sure and so I've notified Alex to remove my name from Mr. Linky.

Before you ask, insecurity about writing has nothing to do with any of this. Practical issues of living a daily life are taking the front and center in my life and they must be handled before anything.

I'll still continue blogging as long as time presents itself but just no lists or fests for a while.

Good luck with the group and most of all keep writing.

Blog, What Blog?

2011-09-06T09:59:00.000-04:00

I haven'tposted for four days. Two blogs with my schedule. Do I feel bad? Not in theleast.

My oldestdaughter made me an offer I couldn't refuse. A spur of the moment trip tosurprise my granddaughter who started her junior year at a new school out ofstate. Plus I would get to see my grandson and his family.

Honestly,what would you have done? I threw a toothbrush and a change of clothes in a bagand took off for Pennsylvania.

I tradedthe blog for six hours of time alone with my daughter, having fun with mygrandson and granddaughters and spending quality play with "ArmyGuy." Army Guy was the name of the day. I think it's his super hero persona.

"Army Guy" and his dad

I'm aimingfor tomorrow to be back on track. In the meantime, thanks again, Cha-Chi fortaking me along.

Respect

2011-09-02T11:08:00.000-04:00

Long may it play!

Today a morning radio show I listen to had their regular Free For All Friday. Callers call in and say what they're thinking on any subject.

A woman caller mentioned that she and her husband attended a football game and were appalled at the lack of respect during our National Anthem. Her husband is a vet and wondered if anyone really cared about that song.

Anyone who knows me knows this lack of respect is a very sore spot with me. Attending sporting events week after week and hearing the talking, the cow bells and general hoopla going on for those three minutes is sickening. There was a time I would say something and be met with laughter and cussing. I soon learned not to say anything at all. Instead...

I stand as I always have with my hand on my heart and I sing. Not loudly. It's a difficult song and I am not blessed with a singing voice. I sing with respect and love for the song that represents my country and the people in it, even the ones with no respect. I sing with love and gratitude for those who fought to insure I can sing the Star Spangled Banner, in private and public.

I think the feeling must enter the air because people around me become quiet, one by one. Sometimes they even sing. When even one person quiets and another begins to sing it brings tears my eyes and laughter to my soul. It is freedom at its best.

God Bless America and all of your beautiful countries as well.

Facts

2011-09-01T11:05:00.000-04:00

Bloggers are always curious about one another. If we weren't we wouldn't ask those ridiculous questions when we make up an award. So today I'm writing some facts about me.

If I oversleep, like today, my timing is off sometimes for a day or more. I thought today was Friday.

I embrace change. Look at it as a challenge and a sort of game. This doesn't mean I like all changes. Hear that Blogger? What the heck did you do with the edit button?

I am on Facebook to keep in touch with people I care about but mostly to get the pictures set by my family. Lately I admit to adding bloggers that I'm fond of.

I don't have a Twitter account. Talking too much is not good for anyone. Guess my writing career is doomed.

I like pizza with anything but anchovies and it must have jalapenos. It's also best when shared with grandchildren.

I like jalapenos on almost everything. Hot peppers are heavenly.

I love fresh fruits and veggies. When I want a burger, I want a BIG sloppy burger -- with jalapenos, of course. Served with a tall cold draft.

I cook almost everything on my small George Foreman my daughter gave me. Saves electric and grilling is healthy even if it's a chocolate marshmallow banana peanut butter sandwich.

There you go. Little know facts about me and no award to pass on. Sorry. Now it's your turn. One fact about you, please. Come on. One isn't that hard.

Story

2011-08-30T08:00:00.002-04:00

Story

I looked out the window and what did I see?

I saw a story looking back at me.

Try as I might to ignore the call,

I finally gave in and went to the wall.

I closed my eyes and what did I see?

I saw a story writing in me.

"Pick Me! Pick Me!"

2011-08-29T07:26:00.001-04:00

Back in the day, I was a tomboy. The days before the knees started making more noise than an old elevator. In high school gym class there were days when my mind cried out, "Pick me! Pick me!" Those were the basketball and track days mostly. There were other days when I wanted to hide under the bleachers (rope climbing and tumbling days for sure).

Pick me! Pick me!

These days writing takes the place of gym class. Joints still ache but now I've added new ones -- thumbs and wrists. If you get me on the right day, I can ache all over. There are days when my mind cries, "Where's the stuff!" the days when I couldn't get an idea if they came in the junk mail.

There are other days when the writing is going well and it's all I can do to get it all typed before it gets away. Why is it that those are also the days when my mind resembles the audience of Let's Make a Deal -- dozens of ideas yelling, "Pick me! Pick me!"

I hope the ideas are better than the outfits on that show. Are your inspirations always solitary or do they come in crowds?

Start with a Smile

2011-08-28T00:01:00.002-04:00

"There are two different kinds of people in this world: those who finish what they start, and"
---Brad Ramsey

Maxine

This just won't do

2011-08-26T00:18:00.002-04:00

AGH! NO COFFEE! It's ok to scream loudly when you realize you're out of coffee. It's raining. Not just raining -- downpour, thunder. lightening and don't forget the high winds. Nope. Not even for coffee am I venturing out into that mess.

What can I substitute until the weather changes?

Apple-Cinnamon Tea? Not likely, the sent makes me hungry. Think apple pie and ice cream.

Chamomile? Not unless it guarantees a short comatose state.

Wait, wait. Ooo, ooo! Here's a box of something. Looks like it might be tea. Never mind not the real stuff. *sigh*

Green Tea

What is Green Tea? According to the box, it's 100% Natural. I'm pretty sure in this case natural means empty. The box says zero for all those things they put on the boxes now.

Healthy stuff? Not according to some because it contains milligrams of CAFFEINE. Not enough caffeine to do any good if you're addicted-- trust me on this one.

Yeah! The sun is out. Roads are dry. Gotta go now. Grocery store calls.

If it looks like Green Tea and tastes like Green Tea --- IT'S NOT COFFEE.

Ahh!

Ah, Technology

2011-08-24T13:06:00.000-04:00

I rarely read anything with "Fwd:" in the subject line unless I'm expecting it. This may or may not be true but it doesn't matter cuz it's cute (and it's not cluttering your inbox). Hope you get at least a smile.

source

For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives, read on....

At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated,

'If Ford had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.'

source

In response to Bill's comments, Ford issued a press release stating :

If Ford had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics:

1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash.........Twice a day.

2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.

3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.

4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.

5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.

6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single 'This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation' warning light.

7. The airbag system would ask 'Are you sure?' before deploying.

8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.

9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.

10. You'd have to press the 'Start' button to turn the engine off.

PS - I 'd like to add that when all else fails, you could call 'customer service' in some foreign country and be instructed in some foreign language how to fix your car yourself!

I wish I'd thought of this but I've been busy working on a tech problem.

My Name and a Win

2011-08-23T00:47:00.001-04:00

Taking a Signature

I am going to go with my Google induced name, M Beth Vaughn. That's the name they suggested for my email account along with maryvaughn5796437. Which would you have chosen?

As a kid my family called me Mary Beth (that plus Vaughn also came in high numbers). In high school (think Catholic school) there were 21 girls in my homeroom. 17 of them were named Mary something. A frustrated nun sighed, "You're Beth. Got it?" Maybe she knew something.

I've been answering to Mary and to Beth for -- Ha, you thought I as gonna let that out, not a chance. -- let's just say most of my life, no problem there. I won't have to change any records. Best of all I won't have to remember a new name.

Mine is more of a signature since it was my name to begin with. How did you choose your signature?

_____________________

I Won! I Won! I Won!

I admit I entered Jen Daiker's contest at Unedited because of the awesome title and cover. You know those are my weakness. I can't wait to get this book.

Putting Makeup on Dead People by Jen Violi

Publishers Weekly had this to say:

Since Donna's father died, she prefers to go inside herself to a "quiet place.... the only spot I feel at home," until she finds another comfortable place--a funeral home--and decides to become a mortician. But even as Donna applies to mortuary school after high school and starts work at Brighton Brothers Funeral Home, she must learn to connect with the living, including her well-meaning but disapproving mother and an offbeat friend who may be crushing on her. Readers will find Donna's job choice intriguing, as well as the descriptions of her education, including restorative arts class, where "people in lab coats are working with what I think is clay, shaping it into things I have to squint to realize are parts of the human face." Violi's first novel is swimming in unusual characters, from the people--both living and dead--who pass through the funeral home, to the eccentric members of Donna's church drama troupe. These characters and their many plot lines distract from Donna's journey to embrace both those around her and those who have died. Ages 14–up. (May)

Yeah, I know it's a YA novel but I find I miss many good reads if don't try everybody. (Harry Potter was YA, remember?)

Winning is a great way to start my week. Thanks Jen!

Start with a Smile

2011-08-21T09:40:00.000-04:00

This was scheduled to be up Saturday but the Cyber Culprit at blogger didn't feel like it I guess. It left altogether. To make the day even better, Culprit allowed me to read all my friends blogs and write a comment before sending them to the same place as my post. I'm sorry everyone. I came by really.

Have a great week everyone! I am, in spite of Cyber Culprit.

Photo source

This just in...

2011-08-18T12:20:00.002-04:00

In answer to comments on my previous post I went and took the vegetable personality test. (The link, through the wonders of the edit button. )

I have a split personality. Not a shock, since my bestest friend ever says going out alone with me is the same as going out with a group only the car's not so crowded.

It seems I am half bouncing pea and half lazy potato. I guess that makes me

A Bouncing Lazy Pea-tato

I simply roll along.

Blog on Fire Award

2011-08-18T08:17:00.000-04:00

My friend Siv bestowed this award on me. Obviously she did it on a day when all of her little marbles would not stay in a tidy row. It happens to all of us. As I answer these questions, which I admit I don't for the most part understand, I realize my marbles are also more tad a bit out of kilter.

Thank you, Siv, for thinking of me and for giving me some fun time.

Rutabaga

Are you a rutabaga? I had to look up rutabaga. Found out it's a kind of turnip. That wasn't any help so I'm going with no. I've no idea what vegetable I am but it's definitely not a rutabaga.

Who is your current crush? Shemar Moore from Criminal Minds. This picture shows off his beautiful eyes but there is so much more to him. (Pardon me while I drool.)

Oh those eyes...

A picture that makes me smile.

Greater than any movie star!

When was the last time you ate a vine-ripened tomato? Today for lunch. It was so sweet.

Name a habit that causes other people to plot your demise. If you know me at all you realize no one would want to even plan my demise. Stop laughing this minute *stomps foot* Maybe there are a few with such a plan but if they post them (or the reasons for them) here I'll erase the comments and make them the victim in my story. Writing about murder is so clansing, don't you think?

What is the weirdest most disgusting job you ever had to do? For a couple of years I worked in a hospital laundry. Trust me, it's disgusting.

Where da muffin top at? Muffin top? What muffin top? No way do I admit to muffin top. They have ways to disguise those babies.

Describe yourself using obscure Latin terms. Rideo, ergo sum -- I laugh, therefore I am

If you aren't familiar with these folks check them out. It's worth the time.

Kelley at Moments. A Glimpse of Life, Love and Writing

Marcy at MaineWords

I know you know this next lady but I want to see her answers. (sneaky, huh?)

Jules at Trying to get over the Rainbow

See you Saturday!

Giggles and Guns

Some days I just don't care

My how things have changed

H Q X

Tall Tales

Just another Winter Sunday

My Inquiring Mind Wants to Know

Doomsday Preppers

Feels Like

2012

WAAAAAH!

Encouraged and Energized

Ah, Saturday

Over a week

Whoa! I won't do that again

Guilty Inspiration

OMG It’s Tuesday

Commitment Fear

Planning Ahead

Time to Move

A Few New Year's Notes

A Writer's New Year

The Last Decoration

Posts in Space

Jumping the Gun

Got Memories?

Santa on my Mind

It would have been a memory

Writer's Sprints

Some Day

Monnnnday

SNOOOZE

Well I Never

CRAP

It's back ... All of it!

Start with a Smile

Things I've Learned about Leaves

Exercise Can Lead to Murder

The Treasures of Carmelidrium (Book 1 of The Chronicles of Gil-Lael) by N R Williams

Start with a Smile

Told you so

November

Start with a Smile

Catching Plots is Hard to do

New and Improved

Bear with me here

Start with a Smile

Letter to the Candidate

Can You Say No Focus

Start with a Smile

Things You Learn From Spam (not the funny meat)

Occupy America

Start with a Smile

Fighting for Position

Setting

Ah, Yesterday

Start With a Smile

A Day Late ----Again

A Day Late

Wasted Day(s) and Wasted Night(s)

Start with a Smile

Another Week

Changes Ahead

Hmmm.....

Opening Weekend

What a Day

Insecure Writers Group

Blog, What Blog?

Respect

Facts

Story

"Pick Me! Pick Me!"

Start with a Smile

This just won't do

Ah, Technology

My Name and a Win

Start with a Smile

This just in...

Blog on Fire Award

Kelley at Moments. A Glimpse of Life, Love and WritingMarcy at MaineWordsI know you know this next lady but I want to see her answers. (sneaky, huh?)Jules at Trying to get over the RainbowSee you Saturday!

Kelley at Moments. A Glimpse of Life, Love and Writing

Marcy at MaineWords

I know you know this next lady but I want to see her answers. (sneaky, huh?)

Jules at Trying to get over the Rainbow

See you Saturday!