Think I'm gonna save my hermit story for another night... forgot there are a few things around the house I have to finish before tomorrow...boohoooooo
H**

I can spell
antidisestablishmentarianism,
but I can't spell 'next'
or 'repeated'.

A long brain and a short set of fingers.
Well, neither is true. I have a teeny mosquito mind, and big hulking hands. I swat myself in the head often... Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
H**

I think I think I don't feel too confident about it but
I think I think it might be

Iambic pentameter [sic] where the line in the poem is reapeated. I think with I.P. you are supposed to have changed the reader's pre-conceived ideas about the meaning by the time you repeat the line.

Hoardw,
Is that it?

It sure was a mouthful. I'll be furfing it around for a week now, trying to get it into a ball to cough up - that glue, how horrid it is!
I'll have to be gagging on that, and upon
antidisestablishmentarianism 'til nest lousy Wednesday.
I was wrong - the glue of words trapped in the cortex is certainly without contest in the hoof kingdom.

certainly without contestants.

whatever.

night,
night,
that one loooong word
just pooped out my typing digits.
Now I'll have to finish up with my toes.

fhgierui4eui439
km,kl
0986 b

Alright,
Arik, you must take over again - Jon has been sent to a retire-puss villa.
Tell me, Jon, will you continue your Editorial forays from the comfort of your recliner?

Wait, I think I had a crossed wire - (hmmm - new technology prevents the validity of that statement) no no my modem burped. I must have misread Jon's last comment.

Let's see;
Everyone needs to look at things positively here -
not IF you write and publish a best-seller, but WHEN. RIGHT? yes, I know, rhetorical Q.

WHEN I do,
here is a short list of what I will be doing:

Send my best friend a one way airline ticket home, to Guelph. Buy exotic seafood and gourmet items, and cook up the most wonderful BBQ for my family and friends you have ever seen.
Have a big party, pass out the wine, the champagne, the mushroom caps filled with imported cheeses and baked in the oven (mmm I'm hungry, obvious, isn't it?)
Then I would hire a cleaning person to come over in the morning to give the house a shine - no, perhaps that would be FIRST). And if they were really great at it, I would hire them for as long as I live.
(Interview: Do you do windows? How about laundry? Do you do manicures? Ooops, sorry)
Then, the very next day, I would sit down and start writing again. With a fever, a passion, a hunger that no amount of money fills or feeds - that crazy drive to write that superceeds all monetary reward. (EVEN 'CEEDS THE GREAT ACCOLADE of all)
I would also plan a trip to visit the grave of my best friend from my childhood. I would also visit my birthmother and her family while I was there. (Soo, Ontario)
and I would want to take the kids to Disneyland, you know they would just split themselves in glee.
I think I would also take a lot of long, bubbly, hot baths.

I don't know what my husband Wayne would like to do - although I'm sure Scotland, his motherland, would be the number one place he'd want to see. But, knowing Wayne, he would be content to stay home. We're homebodies mostly. Is that a genetic thing? Howard??? Instinct? A symptom of underlying introvertism? Is he going to be a hermit when he grows up? It's the mysterious reclusi. (reclusi being plural of reclusus)

So, what would be the greatest accolade of all for you?
Can personal triumph be considered of the accolade persuasion? How about that Nobel thing-a-ma-jig?
The pulitzer? What is that anyway?

Howard, did you remember what the type of verse was that you had on the tip of your tongue but couldn't spit out? It was in reference to Sasquatch's immensely powerful poem.
WE LOVED IT, SASQ!
I think it might be wait - oh no! I had it really I did!
Must have rolled off the end of my tongue and I lost it on the chair. Must be one of those phrases that comes ready-glued to stick to anything but a tongue.

I will rove around in my desk and see if I can't
oh---- something pantameter?
wait, I will verify...
back in a jiff
Heather

speaking of 'jiff', where is Jeff by the way?
Haven't seen him here in a month or more.

I think I'm going to write about the hermit. Used to be one that visited out cottage in the off-season...
SM** are you calling me?

Hello all,

JERRY: *SMOOCH*
AMERICO: *SMOOCH*
MARY: *SMOOCH*
and I went and bought some lip vaseline so nobody has to worry about my lips drying out. I know that you all may have been concerned.

Bliss and glory. I have discovered that I am able to access Writer's Digest from the uni!!!! When I discovered this it felt like Christmas. I was soooo excited. I raced home and told Hubby, but he just couldn't summon up the same enthusiasm. I'm trying to order it in through the newsagants, but if it can't happen, then I can still get to it. FANTASTIC!!!!!!

Love you all.

Here are the prizes:

First prize — not awarded.
Second prize — "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in a petty pace from day to day", by William S.
Dumbest sentence prize — not awarded.
Comments:
1.Welcome, Bill. I thought of giving you first prize but there was a missprint in your sentence; on the other hand, I suspect you borrowed your sentence from one of A*'s books.
2. The prize for the dumbest sentence was not awarded because A* knelt at my feet and implored forgiveness for all his sins and flowers.

Conclusion: this ends my job as selector of the things. Arik, please take charge of that again. I cannot afford time to read all the posts.

A long long time to load
I can still remember when
Downloading used to make me smile.
But I knew if I had my chance
I could make these pages dance
And maybe we'd be happy for a while...

Hi All,

Continued thanks for prayers and good wishes for Liz (and us). After a day of feeling nauseous, yesterday/Tuesday, she is now feeling much better than was expected at this time. She is up and walking about although she tires easily. She is expecting to get home tomorrow (Thursday) a day or two earlier than expected. So it looks promising at this time.

Christi - I have a really sucky memory, I thought that I had sent my own prayers and support for Sandy, you and your family, but I just checked back. Sorry. I know how it feels to watch someone you care for going through such an awful time. There are no other words that make much sense at the moment.

Hodraw - naughty naughty! (But I have to agree with the selfish bit ;o)

Sasquatch - your poems is haunting and beautiful. It is like and extended Haiku in its style - as much hidden as is said… And thank you for your kinds words on my owm poem. Long may the foliage around you flourish.

But now it is back to getting ready for Liz's homecoming.

Litter

PS If I achieved overnight fame I would sort out some problems that a few of my friends are experiencing, but I would retain my anonymity and lurk in book-shops to see what people really said about my masterpiece. (Or would I?)

Jon is busy analysing your sentences (all your sentences!) in order to select the best, the dumbest, etc., and asked me to come here and do some writing for him.

Jessica has a new text in SM**. I like these attempts at literature from teenagers' voices (regardless of their authors' age). To use a single adjective, this latest story can be classified as "beefwrenching".
Jessica: any story needs a title — you forgot that little detail.

Teekay: Jon printed and read your story till the end, and so did I. We both agreed that the adjective that best classifies it is "heartwrenching".

The page where SM** is growing like a hungry tiger is also brightened by comments of generous and sensitive notebookers. Some of them are "soulwrenching".

The deadline for that collection is the 7th July, so hurry up, if you want to have any luck.

Heather: If I wrote a best-seller I would be so worried about either my talent or my audience — or both — that I would probably go on a trip around the world to forget my failure.

Christy: good vibes for Sandy.

Jack - Congrats on the mention of your site in the May/June Issue of WRITERS' Journal, just happend on it today has it increased your hit rate on the main site? I would expect it would. They did a nice description of your site.

Jerry

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow keeps in a petty petty from day to day...

I got a message from William S (probably a relative of Gary S):

Jon, having trouble to download the NB. The old chap insists on not having cable Internet and I have to go to the nearest shop to get a decent connection. Too hot for me there. So I must be quick.

I have been mumbling this sentence for an eternity. Perhaps you'd like to consider it in your contest (I'd be delighted to get the third or fourth prize):

"Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow keeps in a petty pace from day to day"

Bill

PS. Hope you remember me from your days in heaven. We all miss you (except the old chap).

Hi everyone!

I want to say a huge THANK YOU, my friends. It makes me so happy to know that so many care and are pulling for us during this trial. This is the last I'll say for awhile about the subject, so not to take away from the true nature of the NB--talking about writing. Sandy will be going through six weeks of radiation treatment (five days a week). The doctors say that only thirty percent of people with this kind of cancer stand a chance of living through it. But they also say there is still hope, and that thread of hope is what spurs us on.

Heather,
I teared up when I read your thoughtful, kind words, though I don't know if I deserve such wonderful words. Thank you. I read your post outloud to my husband and he expressed his appreciation too.
I know how it feels, hovering over that 'publish' button, wondering if you really should go ahead and let everyone read your private thoughts. Thanks for doing it and letting me read your message. I'll remember the things you said when I need that extra bit of courage later on.

And thanks to Rachel. I'm taking you up on your offer and am sipping a mug full of mocha almond coffee as we speak. STRONG hugs back to you.

Thank you Howard, Mary, Teekay, Jerry, and everyone else who either has said, or wished positivity our way. All of you have come to mean a great deal to me; I thank you for letting me say the things that are on my mind, and for still liking me after the fact.

And now bring on the jokes! And the best, worst, and funniest (especially the funniest) sentences!

Americo,
A single red rose doth surely smell sweet, but two roses smell all the sweeter. Now how about some nice crumb cakes and tea?

Americo and Jon - I put a new story in SM** I even read the part about checking the story before you put it in. I did check it, really I did. Then, after I had posted it, I noticed that I was missing the word "him" in one place and that I had "fell" instead of "feel" in another. I will be more careful next time.

Jessica

Americo - Thank you for the beautiful flower. Let me offer one to you. A rose for you desk. Now we both have a flower. I send you warm hugs.

PS - You know I would pay you a visit if I were to make a killing on a book. Of course I would!

Christi - you and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Heather - so, my novel Twin Terror on the Prairie hit the best sellers list, what would I do; What would I do?

First off, I would head to England, why, because just the sound of a fair young lady speaking with an English accent makes me hot. I would enjoy the sight seeing, then off to Sweden to see the home of my ancestors. Next down to Germany to visit my second cousin with whom I have been exchanging letters for several years (I am a few years behind). Next to finish off the trip, tour the rest of Europe with a stop to visit Americo, then on around the world. When I am home, a meeting with my fellow writers from the Notebook, maybe at a well known hotel in New York, but that is a different story.

Write On.
Jerry

HOWARD: *SMOOCH*. I think JON may have given away the ending. Now I'm going to SM* to see the nice things you wrote.
Had a giggle at the upfront bit. I have a giggle at a lot of your posts.

JON: *SLAP* I think *SLAP* you gave away the *SLAP* ending. Or was it obvious?? I still love you though. Of course.

HEATHER: Hmmmm. What would I do. First I would just be totally stunned and while I was being stunned I would eat out for a week at least. It's hard to know what I'd do money wise. Probably invest it, but the main thing I'd do is keep on writing.
What would you do??

CHRISTI: I feel totally inept at this. There are no words I can think of to bring you comfort, just know I am thinking of you and your family, every day.

AMERICO: To have your flower is to be in heaven already.

Heather - I believe that fame is a fickle thing. As are the general public and likely publishers too. For this reason the first three things that I would do, would be to secure the publishing of my next three novels. I would write, write, write. Then I would write some more.
I would not want to rest for a moment. I would want to be sure to estlablish myself while the interest was alive and well.
Money doesn't go bad. It would still be there to play with after I had a toe hold.
I am sure that I would have lots of time to work on these new projects. My husband and children would likely be taking vacations all over the world!
I know that my ideas don't sound very fun.
I also think that by the time I had come to a stage in the publishing process where I was getting money, I would have been elated and devestated so many times during the negotiations, re-writes, edits and so on, that I would just be emotionally spent. I would probalby just smile, check my bank account, pour a glass of wine and read a book.
I wouldn't even tell my family right away. I would just let it soak in. I would bask in the notion that it was done.
Howard - You bust me up! Uh, er, I mean crack me up:)

Take care all,

Rachel

PS - Jon - I really think that the best sentence should go to Americo.

SASQUATCH -- I can't get that poem out of my mind. At least the style of it. There's a name for that -- where the last line of a stanza is repeated as the first line of the next. Do you know what it is? I have a book on structure of poetry that should tell about it, but I can't find it in my stacks.

TEEKAY -- I meant what I said in the SM posting area. Thank you for that story. I think I've read it a dozen times already, and it almost seems new every time. I've showed it to several people, and every one of them -- without exception -- got nearly through it and said "Oh, my...," or simply "Ohhh," and finished with tears in their eyes. I believe you have a winner there, young lady!

CHRISTI -- I haven't said much, but I've been thinking of (and praying for) you and your family.

LITTER -- How's Liz?

JACK -- How's Fran?

Gee -- this notebook has us caring and concerned about people we've never met, in places we've never been, for reasons we've never imagined. Do you suppose this is all somehow a part of some grand scheme of things?

howard

HEATHER -- Depending on the size of the pile of gelt (I'm assuming a VERY large pile for these purposes) I'd:
1 -- Finance the Senior Living Center our church is planning for low cost housing for our older folks.
2 -- Make my banker (and myself) very happy by paying off all that's left of my debts.
3 -- Spring for an all expenses paid week (including air fare) for all my loved ones (including our "extended family" here on the notebook) at some wonderful place, like Pango-Pango, or the Isle of Man, or Hawaii, or Canberra (I've always wanted to visit Canberra), or maybe Fort Smith, Arkansas. They've got a great steak house in Fort Smith Arkansas. Might have to be two weeks, just so I could get to see everybody. Then again, it might have to be in the northwest U.S., just so Sasquatch could attend. Then again, maybe we could pass him off as a Wookie heading for a Star Wars reunion. :-)
It's really rather a selfish thing -- I'd do *anything* to get to see Rachel and Heather "up fron-- er, up CLOSE and personal!" :-)

Okay -- I showed you mine...

Not wanting to undo Americo in his 'Best Sentence of the Day Award', I shall refrain from attempts.
Besides, Americo deserves the ride of glory, and of fame.
Let him preserve his minutes a little past fifteen.

Let's all be dreamers, weaving a most fabulous dream:

You are suddenly the SUCCESSFUL author you have worked so hard to become for a long time. You have just sat back to enjoy the feeling. Once you've let the great news sink in, and jumped for joy in your heap of royalties, (and in your bounding sense of personal achievement)
what would be the first THREE things you would do?
It can be things you'd do with the money,(or the fame?)
a place you'd love to go,
a person you'd visit, say something you have always wanted to say... or even satiate oneself on a nice cool accolade with one of those little paper umbrellas, sipped in pure, unadulterated sunshine.
Or would it be a dance where you'd close your eyes and swear you were Cinderella (or the Prince)?

You are the author - of everything in your life, including your dreams. All you have to do is write the ending. Will it be all you hoped it would be?

Do tell.

I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours.

Heather

I'm going out on a limb here to say that the only way anyone is beating A*'s sentence is to translate it into a language that would roll off his tongue like silk.

Aqui esta minha flor, faz exame d e esteja no heaven.

HAH!

Just to check if A*s sentence has hit the target — and put all of you KO.

I myself cannot imagine anything more beautiful, more "best sentence of the night" as his "here's my flower, take it and be in heaven." More than genius! Heatherly, Christly, Howardly, Teekayly, Rachely, Etcly- like!!! But the contest is not over yet. Unless everyone gives up (which, I think, you'd better do). In which case he will win for one thousand and one nights.

Hello, notebookers, people of the heart, imagination and all that makes the world a fascinating place.

Since Arik, in his extreme generosity and wisdom, has granted Jon the power to make us happy by choosing one of our sentences as the dumbest, best, etc., let's try Jon's critic spirit and write here something remarkable. This is the first great sentence of the night :

"Here's my flower, take it and be in heaven."

I think that will give me the best prize, but you never know...Your turn.

Christi - I think that right now I will brew us a nice pot of tea or coffee, what ever your preference. I send you very strong hugs and will focus much good energy in the direction of Sandy, your family and yourself. There are so many strong, beautiful people here. I know that all of them will direct their hopes, thoughts, prayers in your direction. If a stiff drink is what you really crave then drop down on the floor, I'll open the bottle and we will drink all day, all night and through to dawn if you would like. I send you more hugs.
Take care you,
Rachel

To Sandy,
May you feel the love that is showered upon you by some very incredible people. You have a most spectacular son and daughter in law. Physically strong past the point of all measurement, she has found it not only in herself and in you, but also within the relationship you and she have fostered. I'm certain your son is just as strong.

Though you may not be able to tell her so, she and your son and their children are, right now, creating a legacy that will forever enlighten life, and are raising a brilliant torch of courage. You have lit this torch, and may it's brightness touch you and comfort you in ways that no words can.

Blessings to you and your loved ones now and in all tomorrows.


Hi all, thought I'd take a moment to tell Sandy what a terrific family she has; even if she will not read it personally, somehow, the message will get through.

Sasquatch, I loved your recent poem, and it struck a resounding cord within me.

Jessie,
Much hotter lava beds have I walked over, and still remain
reasonably (NOTE REASONABLY)intact of body, and of spirit; the mind, well, that is still to be judged! (hardy har har) But losing my artwork just helped brace me for all that was to come, after all. A loss like that just forced me to change in a way that proved beneficial, though I resented it at the time. I suppose some of the events that had come before that should have left me none too surprised, but there I was, shocked all over again. Dare I say close enough to devastated? But at least that time it wasn't losing a best friend, a fiancee, or myself.

I could explain further, but right now I'm thinking of Christi and of Litter, and of Sasquatch, and Americo too, who has expressed his love for his parents and put it so beautifully that one had reason not to comment for a week. The fact is, I couldn't.
Teekay, as said already, yours was a touching story in SM**. Now why would Jon think that 'genius' was the least of the compliments? Surely Einstein would feel quite filled from the calories of such a declaration?

You know, I'm thinking of not posting this.
That funny feeling just before you click on 'publish message' that says 'You've said something not meant for other eyes!'
But I will post it and please know that my intentions are in the right place. No, that's supposed to be HEART.

I left my intentions in my other jacket.

Heather

Teekay,
Smooch right back at'cha. You deserve a smooch.

Litter,
I'm very glad that everything went well for your wife. Here's to a smooth and rapid recovery.

Jon,
It's so lovely to see you!

Mary,
Glad you're still here!

Rachel,
If your offer still stands, I'll join you now. I will be needing a drink with a substantial kick to it.

A big 'hello!' to all my friends here. I've been out for a few days. As Teekay knows, my Mother-in-law is in the hospital right now. We had to take her to the emergency room on Sunday; a task we had dreaded, but anticipated, though not so soon. Her tumor has run rampant and is taking over her body and mind. For those who don't know, my husband's mom has a tumor on the stem of her brain, and it's a grade four (the worst kind). It's a malignant and very aggressive tumor. In only three weeks, she has gone from being able to walk (with help), talk, and get up and down, to barely being able to move her knees while lying in bed. She doesn't make much sense most of the time now, but she is still coherent enough to get my jokes every now and then. It's wonderful to see her smile in a moment of perfect lucidity. In that moment it's hard to believe that there is anything wrong at all. The one good thing that's happened in all of this is that our relationship has never been better. I've never had to take so much on, never wanted to; the personal care involved threatened to overtake me, but there's something really special that happens between patient and caregiver that I never knew about. Maybe it's even stronger because she's family. I feel a fierce protectiveness where she's concerned, and have turned from a 'Please, walk all over me' person, to a 'Kiss my ass if you don't like it!' person. Life is damnably short, and we have to make the most of every moment; screw the small stuff.

Please, if you feel the urge, say a little prayer or send a little thought towards Tucson, Arizona, to a lovely woman who can certainly use some positive thoughts. Her name is Sandy, she's fifty-one, and she's a fighter.
We see the Neurologist tomorrow (we were supposed to today, but that fell through), and will know then what the next step should be.

Goodnight all, and thanks for listening.

Christi

Mornin' all y'all,

CHRISTI & HEATHER: I blush prettily and kiss you both for your lovely, kind words. *smooch* *smooch*.

SASQUATCH: Very sad. Very beautiful. It made me cry. Not sob, just get a bit teary. Not a bad thing, but I'm at work. Guess I could just blame it on the job.

LITTER: Sorry, I'm a bit late, but I would've sent my good thoughts. Glad to hear it all went well.

HOWARD: I'm loving the book. I've almost finished it.

have a great day all.

What a crazy couple of days I have had. I can see that this place keeps busy. WOW!

Heather - The things that you shared about your past touched my heart. I can not even begin to think of how distressing something like that would be. You must be a very strong person. I am pleased to have met you.

sasquatch - Thank you for the words of welcome. Once again you draw your artful words across my heart.

Litter - Let me add my thoughts and prayers for your wife and family during her recovery.

Jon - I should have a new story for SM** soon. I have my outline. Now I just need to find some time. Who am I kidding. I'll find the time. I love this writing stuff. It really turns my crank. What a blast.

Jessica

New on SM**

Jessica's "Ice-Cream anyone?"
On her 17th birthday a girl is "presented" with ice-cream on her nose and hair. But nothing like a good licking to clean all sticky spots from a pretty face.
Appetizing in more than one sense.

Teekay's "Butternut Cookies and Lemonade"
How sad for a child and a young mother to lose a father and a husband (respectively). The story is greeted by Heather and Christi with an enthusiastic string of words, among which "genius" is probably the least generous... With such friends, who needs critics?

Litter. Good vibes for Liz.

Dumbest sentence of the week: Jon, will you please choose the best sentence for me? (Arik)
Best poem: the latest by sasqwatch
Worst topic (ever): the one about anatomy.
Best sentence: none.

ARIK -- Thanks -- I'll post this book shortly. I'll try to help with your sentances also.

SASQUATCH -- You made me cry with that one. I could feel the loneliness and the loss in it. Thank you for sharing it.

LITTER -- Great news! Give Liz our love and best wishes! And be nice to her -- she deserves it!

suppertime
howard

Dear All,

Many thanks for those who offered their prayers and support for Liz, myself, and our kids. Liz is now through the surgery and she came out of it well. She is groggy but in good spirits and wishes me to thank you all - your prayers, good wishes, good vibes, positive thoughts and support are much appreciated.

Tomorrow she will undergo further torture, sorry, she will be encouraged to get up and walk around a bit and, all things being equal, she will be home by the weekend.

Ta muchly,

Litter

Litter - My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Allein

howard - Did you read my post about my last name? it is Arik Nesis... I wasn't sure.

PEOPLE - Have you forgot me? I am having troubles for the next week with the sentances of the day so... Jon.. Will you PLEASE do this thing for a week?

thank you.
Arik

Rachel person you asked to see another but i fear this may be too sad. i can do it again if you do not like.

alone by sasquatch i wrote this

in a safe place
under tall stone
nothing harms here
alone so alone
alone so alone
when fearful of harm
i come to this place
with mate safe and warm
with mate safe and warm
with cub small to love
we rest in a safe place
with tall stone above
with tall stone above
then noise from the ground
i go to protect them
then tall stone falls down
then tall stone falls down
and earth moves and cries
i turn back to help them
tears fall from eyes
tears fall from eyes
when i see where stone land
i call for my mate
see only her hand
see only her hand
from under tall stone
i hold until cold
and cry so alone
and cry so alone
for young cub and mate
i tried to help them
it was too late
it was too late
but they do not fear
for they are now safe
nothing harms here
nothing harms here
but alone so alone
in a safe place
under tall stone

still i come here to remember

Litter - My thoughts are with you and your family.

Heather - Wow! What can I say. You've got heart. Good for you!

Howard - My daughter is also seven years old. Heather and I have more in common than our bust line (grins). My daughter also dreams of having a nice set of breasts. I have told her that all breasts are beautiful, all breasts are different. That if we were all the same the world would be a dull place. She just says "Yah, but do you think I'll have big ones?" *sighs*

Sasquatch - I would enjoy getting to see more of your poems. If the one you left is anything to go by, they will be great (smiles to you)!

Tina - In my art, kubodo used to be part of getting your belts. Now that has changed. I am the last student who will be trained in both. Now the two arts have been seperated. When I graded from orange to green I didn't have to present my bo kata, but I did because it was ready. Now I guess for my green to blue I'll present a tonfa. I might do a tombo kata. We recently had an Arnise workshop at the dojo. I'm not sure I'm ready to look at the tombos again just yet (grins). We also do knife fighting and jo work. Just the basic stuff, nothing exotic.

I have a couple of stories in SM* I have some other projects that I am working on. I keep my stuff pretty quiet while I'm working on it. I should leave more in the workbook. I'll see what I can do (smiles).

Let me know when you go for your grading. I'll be sure to let out a big KIA!!!!!!!! of support (smiles).

Now it is time for me to pull my Gi out of the dryer and get dressed for karate.

All - HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!!

Rachel

Has anyone checked out the site: Authorlink
I really liked it-they seem very legitimate and long standing. Sometimes you really have to dig to get to the good stuff, but it is worth it. Contributing editors have monthly interactive columns about relevant issues. No glossing over. Several published writer's have monthly columns also. There are links to other sites of course, and its main function I believe is as a manuscript showcase. A portion of the site is restricted to publishers and editors. I know this for a fact because I tried to access it and they kicked me out. I guess its worth a look-see even if it ends up not being your cup of tea. The site address is as long as my arm so I recommend you just ask Jeeves about Authorlink. Or go Yahoo.
Mary

Litter, my prayers are with you, your wife and your children today. I am probably typing this after your wife Liz's surgery has already been completed, but still,
I send prayers and positive thoughts for fast healing and no complications.
Bless you all.

Thanks, Tina, Jerry.

Sasquatch, I loved your poem, and would like to read more!
Keep composing, you have a very wonderful innocent manner with which you perceive the world.

Howard, that Santa story is indeed a belly acher! My seven year old daughter is fascinated and unusually pre-occupied with growing her own 'boobies'. I think it started around the age of four... I hope the Santa she inundates with wishes this year won't have to evaluate my chest!

Heather

Hi ! I received a note from that 399novel.com also, and it doesn't look all that scary. There are several POD (print on demand) publishers out there now, trying to get themselves established, and I think that the market is ready for them. Fewer mainline publishers are willing to risk $$ on new names, and even some of the established writers are dipping toes into the POD swimming hole. The e_mail had no attachments -- just a pointer to a web page that explains their process. I think that if I had a ms to send them I would give it a try.
In a related note, I've heard that Barnes&Noble is planning to install POD machines in their larger stores. I was also told that some of the product is really quite nicely done, both soft and hard covers, with good quality artwork and bindings.

TEEKAY -- Don't sweat the cover -- I have a couple more copies of that one anyway, and it's not the cover that counts anyway. The fact that you enjoy the book is all that counts.

LITTER -- Prayers from here also. Hope all is well.

JERRY -- Gotcha by ten years -- 59 this coming November. Don't feel a day over 70, though. :-) Frost warnings again tonight -- better listen to our shaggy friend!

ALLEIN -- All the Chinese buffets around here also serve sushi. It's not bad, but not my favorite. I usually start with the Mongolian hot bar, with chicken, shrimp, and squid, with lots of mushrooms, onions, and sliced jalapenos. The pile on 2 or 3 dozen mussels in fermented bean sauce, and I'm good 'til supper!

RACHEL and HEATHER -- (I keep wanting to type Heater!) -- A girl I worked with has two daughters. She took them to see Santa a couple of years ago. When he asked what she wanted for Christmas the older one (4 at the time) said "I want Hoo Hoo's like my mom." Santa did a quick appraisal, and said "I don't blame you!" Everybody roared!

SASQUATCH -- What I wanted to know is where is *here* ? What part of the country do you live in? And just so you know, "groovy" went out with love beads.

MARY -- What about the bear?

back to work
howard

Litter,
I send you and your whole family my prayers, well wishes, good vibes AND positive thoughts. You can never be too thorough about these things.
Mary

sasquatch: I am here. We have met in the real world--or maybe you have a brother in my neighborhood. We didn't speak so there is no way to know for sure--unless you remember saving a young girl from a bear about ten years ago. If that was you, thank you from the heart of my bottom. 8-)

Hi guys and guyesses,

Just a quickie to request your prayers/good wishes/good vibes/positive thoughts/etc., for my wife Liz. She is undergoing surgery to repair her pelvic floor, this morning. (The ladies will know what that means!) It is routine surgery but obviously still a time of concern for her, me and our kids. So, if you would be so kind…

Many thanks,

Litter

Heather - WOW, to open you soul in such a way!

I was just working on my short ghost story, which by the way has exceed the length of most of my shorts, and is quickly becoming a long-short story, when it came to me. Here I sit pushing keys on a small insturment which sits in my lap. What exactly does this machine do, simply it accepts the 120 volts of electricity and reduces it to 12 volts, and 5 volts, then with millions of small switches which are implanted in a "chip" located somewhere inside this device, and then transmits them out over my network, finding just the right connection, then goes out on the internet, a network of millions of other computers and somehow it will appear on your screen, possiably half way around the world. Had I written about doing this a short hundred years ago, it would have surely been classified science fiction, yet today, even my 75 year old mother finds noting odd about this happening. - just thought I would share that thought with you.

Some nights are like that.

Write on
Jerry

Hello!

Rachel,
Ah! The bo! My favourite as well. I'm actually testing for my bo ranking on Tuesday. Sai are my husband's favourite - we train together - but I haven't had the chance to work with the tonfa. With some perseverance and luck I will test for my brown belt this summer, but I'm not rushing it. Fighting scenes have taken on a new edge since I began training; it's not easy to describe honest technique but I feel the scenes come across much more realistically now.
I haven't found any of your writing, and it sounds like I'd enjoy it. Is it posted anywhere and I just haven't seen it yet?

Teekay,
Ironic, eh? I'm just complicated, ya know? Like, unstable? (maniac eyes widen in anxiety) I just... can't... help!... myself...
I know my artist-self pretty well, and I know she will continue to create regardless of the accolade (with ice? a twist of lemon?). I'm also a control freak who won't be abused by a system that has little concern for the artists.

Heather,
That would've... crushed me. I'm glad you let art back in. A creative soul can atrophy so easily, but art has a way of healing it.

(I'm paranoid now. What rhymes with atrophy? Sugar free accolade anyone?)

T.J.

Hello my friends I am sasquatch and I am again here. My thanks for all kind words to my poem. There is more if friends wish to look on it. Howard person I am here. I do not know on pacific time what it is. Hello Jessica person I welcome you and yes I am hairy but all Yeti are hairy so what makes that difference.Litter person I think you make much fun in poem of body parts. sasquatch toes thank you for laugh ha ha. Jerry person it is again cold this night and I think plants will thank you from roots of their bottom for covering up. Hee hee I think I like Litter person way of poem. But I learn not to do more than enough. Teekay person do not worry about size of things. Not useful as big back end for sitting long on hard cold ground to wait for food. Yeti more like big back end. You have? sasquatch like. Gary person you have good humor sense also, but what is funny about weasel with only one eye? It would get in trouble if not able to see where it goes. Might go into wrong burrow in the dark and get in trouble. Allein person sasquatch has sushi all time, only way to fly like young humans persons say groovy. Rest of persons hello. Especially Rachel and Heather persons and where is Mary person? I must go.

'Allo, notebook friends.

I also received a 399novel.com or whatever-you-call-it email also, but deleted it immediately. I wouldn't want to take a chance with that sort of thing. Illegitimate is what it sounds like to me. You send them your manuscript via email and never hear another word about it until one day you happen across a web-site...

Here's what I was reminded of on reading here in the NB about that 399.com email and accompanying offer (since now we all know what was in the email!:

(First, let me sit down to some blue accolade, with a red and white striped straw...)

I remember well the feeling of my art portfolio being stolen, around 6 years worth of my best work in it. And photographs of my best friend that had died; pictures, of which I had no other prints. I was to go to an interview at an art college that very day.
There is nothing more doom-infested than the feel of many years' work slipping through your fingers and down the drain, right before the most incredible opportunity of your life had had the chance to welcome you. Of course, my lifepath did not take me to that College of the Arts.
For a long time I kept my eyes open for signs of my drawings somewhere, a lead to the guy who stole it, but nothing came.
I can never draw or paint or airbrush those exact pieces again, in fact I've never tried. Too heartbreaking.
It took several years to feel that there was any use picking up a squirrel hair brush, a 6B stick of graphite and a rendering stick, a micro-pigment felt-nibbed pen, pastels, charcoal, or even my calligraphy pen. So, instead of those mediums, soon I picked up my dusty camera and took photographs. I picked up a regular ballpoint, and wrote poetry again. I see it now as a metaphor for the stages of life I was then passing through. I could no longer escape to my dream world, where everything in my imagination was evidenced upon the face of my page. Now I must see what was truly there, and interpret angles and the way light struck objects, in a relatively new discipline for me. Pictures? Sure, I'd taken many - but never did I depress the shutter for the simple reason of looking at life the way it appeared. And with the poetry, I began to unravel what had been in reality, all tangled inside. Through expression, those knots slowly came undone; open for a new spindle on which to weave a different future.
The fantasy world I had previously constructed had been torn apart. Now it was time to see.
Fantasy can take you places far away,
but it may also ignore the most important place: whithin.

To remind me to always keep copies of my work as well (reality sure has a way of knocking harshly) when I had forgotten the lesson, my computer crashed. And out of the ashes, rose a much more finely featured pheonix.
The path has a funny way of winding! Life has many so-called mysteries.

And here I am. I am so glad you are all here. Have I said that enough times?
It has been a long journey to here. As I'm sure all of your lives have been such a journey here as well.


Gariess, I do so admire your wit and charm.
I have, in my possession, a Thesaurus that is not a traditional one. It is a sexual thesaurus, called "The Blad-Headed Hermit and the Artichoke", filled with every uttered nickname for body parts and sexual activities of which the whole of human-kind loves to find tags for.
It is not denail of our own sexual thoughts and feelings? A cover for embarassment and discomfort with the subject?
Or is it also a virtual veil at times, making the atmosphere more mysterious for ourselves?

Rachel's world sounds like one devoid of these stigmas, and I for one,
find the thought of it very interesting and free. I'd miss calling on the doors of my woodland friends, however;
Miss Beaver, Mr. Woodchuck, Mr. Peckerhead and The Moose with Balls to Spare. I'd miss The one-eyed sea snake, coullions (a lovely dish) and the old trouser mouse. I'd pine for the hedgehog twins.
I'd shed a tear over the diappearance of the Elephant's trunk, the Kiwi's beak, the trusty tripod, the octopi's tentacle, the horses' extra leg. I'd reluctantly give up my friend the horny toad. I'd not be too sad over a goodbye to the porcupine, however, (what a prick), nor would I feel badly about the loss of skunks (wherever did you buy that cologne dear? It's enchanting).
(No wonder Pepi was always depicted babbling smooth talk).
I can't find my book so am taking these from the tip of the brain pan, a little unsuccessfully. Why do those names just disappear into the recesses until someone cuts you off in traffic?
Sorry, Americo, there's the garage door opening again.

Gadgets galore for making life interesting
Must go blend up a few things.
My my, what lovely handles you have, sweet shy toaster. How about you get those elements all hot for me...
Gawd, now look what happened!
I'm getting squirmy, and all over the nicknames of anatomy, the suggestions of sex where it really isn't.
Look how conditioned I am to react that way!
Cutesy isn't supposed to take over! And my bedroom isn't filled with animals, well- heh heh
never mind that there, people

in fact just ignore everything I said altogether, it might be healthier for your minds.

A heavy dose of Valium for all concerned with my neuro-capacity fluctuator.

They're coming to take me away ha ha he hee ho ho
Little men in their clean white coats
they're coming to take me away
to the rubber room, with the rubber walls
and rubber plants
in rubber halls
They're coming to take me away
to the funny farm
where life is beautiful all the time
...ha ha he hee ho ho


UGGGHHH I can't recall the lyrics exactly...but
I had that 45. On the flipside, the entire song was recorded backwards.
Now how's that for a trip - on an 8 year old mind.
Cracked. Why must I convince people I'm nuts?
Maybe so they'll leave me alone and not wonder what I'm muttering.
Yeah, Im muttering dialogue from my novel...a conversation between two characters that don't exist... ha ha hee hee ho ho

Heather

HEATHER: In my last post to you I said something like 'age isn't important, it's how stupid you are that matters. It is supposed to read like ; 'age isn't important, it's how stupid one is that's important.' I thought about it in the wee hours of this morning and it occured to me that with the initial wording it may be construed wrongly.

I'm exhausted. Last night I dreamt about the notebook and I did a lot of thinking because we had to keep making up stories!!

AMERICO: I've finished it YAAAY. It's called butternut cookies and lemonade and is in SM* as I sit here and type my merry little fingers off.

TINA: You did make me laugh. (In a good way.) In one of the first posts you posted I had a vision of you sitting at a table, pen in hand, halo in place and a beautific smile upon your face and saying "It's not for the money I do it, it's for the love. Money is just the accolade." and then a few post later I had a vision of you, your eyes manic, your hair dishevelled and through gritted teeth you snarl. "They're preying on new writers so's they can rip 'em off. The smarmy b********."
I know, I used a bit of literative license with your words, but the idea's the same.

If I had a novel written I'd send it to them. I'd be happy with pittance right now. Hell. I'd be happy if they even considered it.

HOWARD: Don't be scared, but the front cover of 'holding wonder' is a bit worn and was starting to fall off, so I taped it up. Neatly. So don't worry, I just thought I'd let you know.

CHRISTI: I'm going to check my email now and it better be there or else....... my Mum'll getcha.

Well, tis Monday and another working day, so I'll be off and I wish you all a very pleasant day, and also for me.

Hello notebookers,

My, hasn't it been busy, I almost cannot keep up with the goings on of late, especially on the bosom front (redundancy?). All I will say about that is that gravity is being more unkind with the passing of the years.

Tell me gentlemen, do you feel intimidated with all this talk of breasts and nipples tucked into waistbands?

Saw the bit on political correctness. I think PC sucks, being told what to say and what to call things, yada, yada, yada.

Had a look at the poetry section too, don't have time to offer individual critiques (nor would I want too) but there is some really good stuff in there, and on this page. And yes, Litter, I DO love you with all my spleen.

Jack, I am glad that things turned out OK for Fran. That must have been a load off your mind.

Lots still to say, but I have to go and Champion the cause of those crapped upon by an uncaring materialistic culture. (Sorry, I shall have to leave my soap-box behind.)

Hugs all round, especially to our warm furry friends,

Dot

Ohh damit... I am so stupid... if this was a sentance it'll sure win the dumest sentance award :-). my full name is Arik Nesis.

Sorry again for my really bad working brain

Tina - My art is called Goju Ryu. It is a hard and soft style. Our sparing sempi uses much Shotokan in our training. I have had some exposure to juijitsu. I also have worked with some other arts. They all blend together vry nicely. A littl kick boxing, boxing, you know. I don't think that anyone really spars in just one style.
I can be a bruise factory. I work with a bo and tonfa as well. I like the Sai, but I think that bo and tonfa are plenty for now. With these two weapons I from time to time batter myself stupid. I either clip my knee, or catch one in the jaw. With the bo it is just learning to place it correctly. I'm getting much better at this. Thank goodness! Now I don't get bruised so much from my bo. I also spend hours just snaping it into the correct position. That helps.
I got into karate as research for a story I was writing. I was not happy with my fight scenes. It was also one of those things that I wanted to do before I turned thirty. I really cut it to the wire on that one. I'm not fierce or anything like that. I'm at green belt level. I don't exect to grade for another two or three months. I hope my Sensei will give me that long. I have just come off some injuries and pnemonia I don't want to over do it.
Well, enough of Rachel and her passion for karate. Now I am off for a run. Soon my husband and children will wake up. Then they will want to spoil me.

Take care you,
Rachel

Heather - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Do not be sad when you hit the big 29, rest assured many of us have reached that point, and we live on and on and on.

My next birthday approaches the crest of the hill, I will be (hold your breath now) (ok now let out just a little)
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{FORTY NINE}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
and yet I will live on - at least I hope I will.

Haven't had time to work anymore on the ghost story as yesterday was my youngest child's graduation day - nine years after exiting High School, she graduated from college with a BA in Business Administration and Art - a minor in Spanish. We are very very proud of her.

Happy Mothers day to all the mothers in our fine little group, and to all those who will be mothers one day.

Jerry

Teekay - I got a mail from 399novel.com as well. I figured it had to come from someone who had read this notebook, as they used an address I have only recently started using. (Post aol as it were.) Haven't checked out the site yet as my daughters party deprived me of my computer space for a while :o(

I'm not quite as sceptical as some, as I have heard much good about publishing on demand, from excerpts on internet sites - cuts down costs for everybody and seems to work well for certain genres. I cannot comment on the standard or fidelity of this particular site, but I have to admit to toying with a similar venture myself, at some point in the future.

Can anyone shed any more light on 399novel.com?

Ciao for now,

Litter

Sorry guys,

I just realized I did not sign that prior post. I also posted it before I read all the other posts about... well, about the Notebook breasts... the boobies of the forum if you will. I must say I can't recall a time when I have heard so many women discuss their endowments so freely. Such fun getting to know you all a little better, well perhaps not all of you, but no shabby little number, indeed. And what we lack in numbers, we seem to compensate in weight rather handsomely.

What always strikes me is the many ways that we make cyptic references to body parts we associate with sex. I don't have to point out how many names we invent for this small number of anatomical enhancements. Considering how relatively featureless, how recognizable a breast, a penis or a testicle is, isn't it incredible that we think we can make oblique references to them in such a way as to detach responsibility for our remarks. Consider the following:

"Did you get a load of those hangers?"

"Did I? You ever seen such melons?"

"You don't get many of those to a pound."

Another curiosity is how much we associate these things with edibles.

Of course the salient point is, nobody seems to want to decryptify the language of sexual equipment in conversation. Perhaps this is one of the ways we have fun with the subject of our sexual being. When the day comes that Rachel goes to the mall and everyone is walking around naked she won't be prompted to ponder the questions she raised in her posts. But then there will never be a shortage of questions to ponder, will there?

In any case, it is edifying in a way to know that Rachel, by her own analysis is well endowed. It never hurts to have something to add to one's visual impression of an otherwise wholly conjured image. Although I can't say that I really needed to hear what Heather looks forward to tucking into her waistband. I'm not offended, Heather, make no mistake, but these things can have an eerie effect on me; something like those Irish Riverdance people who flail their legs all about while they keep perfectly still from the knees up. To me this is disturbing; whenever I see that commercial I get this sub-perceptive notion of dozens of legs coming loose at the knees and clattering about like so many uncontrolled bowling pins. Still, you mustn't let my squeemishness inhibit your candid examination of the human booby here in the Notebook. This is, after all, the refuge of uncensored literary consideration. I suppose it probably has to do with Mother's day and all that.

So, I suppose on father's day, we lads might feel free to open the discussion of the human weenie, the schlong, the one eyed weasel, the wanger, the dong, the sausage... Ah, yes, I don't think the ladies could ever match us for sheer numbers in the way we make reference to our appendages. Of course, I suppose someone could argue that it is men who invent these names and not women at all. So be it, it is not just the names, but the idea of NOT calling something what it actually is. After all, where would be the fun?

Later, my good freinds,

GS

Teekay,
I just linked over to my work site, and it didn't open 'cause it went in as 'halcyon.com/columbia yada yada yada. Just type in siriusscience.com instead of hyper-linking. It's there.

T.J.

Mary,
I bet your instructor didn't expect that! (another wicked giggle)
I did open that email. It's a new publishing company using a new approach. They market your book on their website - not the whole thing but a blurb and review - and when a buyer wants it, it's printed on demand and shipped out. No stock sitting around. They want 'new' authors, to give 'em a break into publishing. My cynical side says it's because if you're new you don't recognise when they're ripping you off. My Pollyanna side says if they're honest it's not a bad approach. Steven King already proved that marketing books exclusively on the web can work. If you're established.

T.J.

HOWARD: YAAAAY You're back!!! Lousy excuse for being away so long. Even if it was made up.

RACHEL: I was sorta only joking about the depressed part. I wouldn't be depressed. Some might, but not me, no sireee. Well I would if it were winter, especially a really, really cold winter.

MARY: It's a site saying they want to publish 500 novels from new writers by the end of this year and to send them in your writing. Do you want me to forward it to you?
I'm not feeling any itches or flushes yet, but I hear these viral things take time. Do you want to wait and see if I'm still posting by the end of the week before I forward it to you? I can be, like, the virus tester person. It's the modern day equivelent to the food taster from days of old.

TINA: I'm pretty sure they've gotten the emails from this site coz they've addressed it to Teekay.
Tried to visit the site where you worked and couldn't get in. It's not top secret stuff is it? If it is could you please just send me the password.

GARIESS: It was TINA who said those immortal words, and I didn't even have to go check.

AMERICO: The plan for today was to finish the short for SM*, but on this day of sort of holy days we are going to MIL's for lunch, dinner, foodstuffs. Where are you anyway??

RHODA: Missing your posts.

Tina: I accidentally roundhoused my tai-bo instructor in the face--does that qualify as sparring? Knocked his tooth out. I don't go to tai-bo anymore. It's a shame too because I really loved it. I took Tae Kwon Do for about six months, but the local school closed down. I'm jinxed in the martial arts department.

I also received a questionable email from 399novel.com or whatever it was. I didn't think anything of it because I am involved in so many writing related sites. I didn't open it however--I never open email unless I recognize the sender. I delete imediately. No amount of missed information is worth the risk--I love my new computer too much. Teekay--Did you open it? What was it if you did?

Me again. Rachel, you say sparring and I say what kind? I agree, it's just a baaaad feeling. I'm a student of jiu-jitsu, and while the bruises, bumps, and occasional blood don't bother me, the squished booby isn't fun. Gives me respect for the guys when they get sacked; I know that THAT hurts way more. And I love the look on guy's faces when they realise what they've done. (wicked chuckle)

T.J.

Hello!

Teekay,
I also received an email from 399 novel.com. I'm leary. They must be lurking around here and using our email addresses to contact us, because I've made no other contacts at all with anyone involved in writing/publishing. I'm a huge skeptic of unsolicited anything. Anyone else know more?

Heather,
Another birthday thought. I'll be 29 this year, too, and can't wait 'cause then it's 30. Just to buck the trend, I refuse to think of 30 in a negative way. I'm looking forward to it. Really! I know more happy thirtysomethings than happy twentysomethings, and can't wait to join the ranks.

T.J.

Teekay - Big breasts aren't all they are cracked up to be. You try sparing with those things! I don't even want to think about all the times I have been pounded in the breasts. I find that making a "BOING!" sound, when the pound you one in the titties works really well for distracting an opponent If nothing else, it provides a little comic relief in the ring.

As for the depression. I have to say if we all grew up with a realistic expectation for what the normal human body looks like, none of us would be depressed at all. At least not about this. I'm sure we would find something to stress about.

We are fed an image from the time we can see. Even before we are conscious of what we are seeing, we are told it is beautiful. This sickens me. I am not one to go in for beauty on a physical level.

Take care you

Rachel

Notebookers,

I don’t intend to usurp the office of Arik and start naming the best sentences, but I do want to point to one that I think I like for today. Already I forget who wrote this but that’s just a problem I have. How about this: She looked at me like I'm pyscho. I think that like any art, it's the doing that matter's, not the accolade.

Okay so that’s two sentences, but we don’t quibble, here, over such banal technicalities. What is important here is that the writer subscribes to the idea that writing, in itself, has value beyond being a means of material exchange. Writers do trade their art work for currency but writers write for other reasons. God knows there would be a scant few here, if it were not so.

The writer points out that the accolade is a secondary consideration. I tend to agree; I like accolade, but for a cool summer drink, I think iced coffe is very under-rated. Now, consider a nice picnic lunch with a cooler full of accolade. Tuna sandwiches, a bit of potato salad… perhaps a few pieces of left over chicken breast. For me, about the best I can say for the accolade is that it doesn’t attract ants, at least the diet kind doesn’t; that’s probably because it has that artificial stuff instead of sugar. Come to think of it, I guess it’s the sugar that attracts the ants, mostly… what’s that, Hayden? What about accolade? Oh, okay. Uh, guys, never mind.

GS

Happy Birthday Heather-from one twenty-niner to another.

I only have a moment, but I want to use it to wish a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you mothers out there--and fathers too because we couldn't all be mothers without you!

One more thing...nevermind.

Howard - I do not serve my fried eggs up often to the public. I am really quite shy. They don't come with a side of anything. Trust me, they are plenty and enough. When I dish up fried eggs you will not be wanting for anything else (grins, blush and much merry laughter)

Jessica - I to have hit the vino this evening. Well, I also had a couple of beer. I wonder if that was a good idea? I'll let yah know in the morning.

Christi - Not drunk on literature tonight. Where are yah girl!

Take care all

Rachel (I can't believe how many times it took me to spell my name correctly)!

TEEKAY -- Ouch! Leggo my ears! Sorry, I was unavoidably detained. But I'm out on bail now, so all should be okay. My lawyer says he thinks he can get them to drop the public lewdness charges, but I might still have to pay a fine for loitering with intent. Whatever that means. You realize, of course that I am making this all up, in an attempt to keep up with Heather and Rachel's tittillating revelations.
Fried eggs, indeed! Are they *fresh* is what I wants to know, eh? An' I likes 'em over easy too -- or soft boiled. With a rasher of bacon and a side of 'shrooms,

ARIK -- You'll have to post your last name as well. Unless you think they'll deliver that package to just Arik at your PO box. I went to send it this morning, when I realized that all I had was your first name. Now I've had things delivered to me addressed only to my last name and zip code, but I live in a town much smaller than Jerusalem.

JESSICA -- Welcome! Or did I say that already?

HEATER -- Happy Birthday! You'll find it's not the actual age that's unsettling, as much as it's the rate of settling. Anyway, 29 isn't all that far over the hill. Matter of fact, it isn't anywhere near the peak. And I'll wager that you're not so stoop-shouldered that you can't lean backwards enough to see the top.

SASQUATCH -- That's a very nice poem! Almost puts one in mind of the Ents, what with talking trees and all. Do you know any Ents? Have you ever run across them while lurking? I understand they're still looking for their wives. And what a sad love letter! You'll never seek another mate? I think I would, if something were to happen to mine. What about the other notebookers? And Sasquatch, where do you live? I thought I could figure it out from the time stamps on your posts, but then realized that they're all stamped with Pacific time, so that wouldn't help at all. Can't you give us a clue?

ERIN and TINA -- Welcome to you too -- and I'll get out to the workbook and check it out as soon as I can do it.

Gotta run along now -- it's past my bedtime!

Teekay - I didn't say that just to impress Arik. You go right on ahead and feel warm and fuzzy.

I'm not so buxom as these other fine ladies. I think I'm feeling a little jealous. Not bad jealous. Just poor me, I don't have glorious large breasts jealous. I'm being serious when I say this. My breats are fine. I have never had any complaints. Not yet... I am kind of getting old. Maybe when they fall down and can't get up I'll have complaints. Uhhhh, I am afraid. I can't think of this any more. I need to go. Not to bathroom, I need to go to look up a good plastic surgeon. Not one of those hacks how leaves your nipples someplace round about your armpits. BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID. I know women who this has happened to! It happened to a friend of a friend of a friend of mine!!!!!!!!

Jessie after some wine

JESSICA: Have left a critique for you.

ERIN & TINA: Forgive me for my lack of critique, but I just cannot get interested in sci fi or fantasy.

JESSICA: I meant the best sentence award. I don't know where I got present from. Must have presents on the brain.

Does anybody else here feel bossomicatically inferior?

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY ALL YOU MOTHER'S AND ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO HAVE MOTHER'S.
I'm a great advocate of MOTHER'S DAY. Breakfast in bed, presents, practically housework free - without the guilt. All the family being really nice to you.
I think I could fancy being the Queen.


HEATHER: This may be sort of good news or not, depending on how you feel about being the big 2 9. Well, it's a bit complicated (for me anyway, but I shall try to explain, JERRY could probably do it heaps better.) Okay here goes. Ahem... Okay, well, you know how there was no year 0?? Okay, good, well then your not really 29 years old until next year, your really only 28 years old. This is good news for me, because I'm actually younger than I thought I was. Now I shall switch into my higher mind state and tell everyone that age is not important, it's how stupid you are that really counts.

HEATHER: Ignore that first post because I actually thought about it and what I said was totally wrong. Not about the stupid part though. I really shouldn't have thought about it so hard coz now I have a headache and am still as old - no young as I was before I hadn't thought about it.
I think.

RACHEL: I think your perfectly right in saying there wouldn't be such a hang up about the perfect body if it wasn't always hidden away. There would probably be a lot less sex crimes too. But there may be an awful lot more depression

ARIK: JESSICA'S post was not pointless. "Hello - Teekay" made me feel all warm and fuzzy and warm and..and..fuzzy and nice and warm. You're not going to use this for the next dumbest sentence are you? Are you? I think maybe I have had my quota of dumb sentence awards. I know, I know, can there ever be too many.

JESSICA: I just saw your other post and at first it made me feel all nice and warm and fuzzy, but then I read on and I fear you were only saying that to impress ARIK. I think everybody tries to impress ARIK, they're only after the best present award.

GARIESS: You've been very, very quiet. I hope Bitchslapper hasn't given you too hard a time - no pun intended.

JERRY: Can't wait to look at that ghost story. I LOVE a good, scarey ghost story.

Has anybody here received an email from 399 novel.com?

Gotta go and check out the workbook.

In case some of you think that I was spelling birthday wrong the other day. I was not. I was simply spelling it with a French Canadian accent for the amusement of Heather. I don't know how well that worked... I am well aware of how to spell the word birthday.
EEEEK, AAAH are there claws about? Ohhhhh, I was sooooooo verrrrrrrryyyyy afrrrraaaiiidd. I have awful spelling. I have been writing most of my posts on my word processor, then moving them to the notebook. This is one of my first free from processor attempts.

This note has been left by the girl with no fish to call her own.

Jessica

Litter - My eyes are not scary at all (grins). In fact they are very nice and receive a regular thought not much appreciate stream of comments. Hum, the above post sounds like I have a big head... Well, I have a big something (GRINS)! In fact I have two.

Hi Peeps,

The following has been extensively spell-checked to ensure that the message is clear, concise and correct, so that the recipient is appropriately greeted on this special of days - so,

HARPY BIFDAY HEATER…

Oh, and the smile was the thought of putting a previously discussed Polaroid of you at your BBQ, sans supportive engineering device ;o)

Rachel - I believe there are web-sites for 'fried egg' scans (according to a particular tv programme in the UK, although they refer to them as 'scary eyes'. Also, there is a guy in the UK that has been parading publicly, in the bare buff, since the late 60's. He is regularly chased up trees and lampposts by the police and has been taken to court on scores of occasions. He believes it his the right, and that of whomsoever else wishes it, to be naked in public. His 'face' is quite well known now.

Tina - There is one occasion that I remember vividly that so many ideas, words, phrases, bits of poetry, etc., etc., were flooding into my mind that I did not physically have the time to write them all down. It lasted several days and I ended up writing on anything that was available - tissues, envelopes, the back of my hand, if I was without my notebook. I actually felt pain and a sense of loss for all the ideas I missed during this time - it just wasn't possible to get everything down. At the end of it I was shattered, but it was only then I began to write seriously. It was scary for me but even more so for my wife, especially when I rifled her handbag for lip-liner to write things down on items that I'm too modest to mention. I guess I was kinda obsessive!

Jessica and Christi - thank you for your kind comments.

All y'all - It is almost 2.00am here and I am just recovering from a party my 17 year old daughter had for her friends - 30 or so people in our house, most female 16-18 years old… damn it was tough for a while :o)

Hi and goodbye,

Litter

Heather - Are you going to b-b-q today (grins)? I could never do something like that. I am really very shy. I did once do something that I call fried eggs. Not a very lady like display. I'm sure that you can sort out what it is that I did.
We have a lady in our community,she walks topless everytime the rain stops. She gets a lot of attention. Her breasts aren't what I would call a joy to view, but they are breasts. By the end of summer she has a couple of other women who will join her on her little walks.
She feels that if she wants to be topless that should be her right. I suppose in some ways I agree with her. I was thinking about nudity today.
I was at the mall watching all the people and decided that if we all walked around naked we would have more realistic body images. While I was there I didn't see even one "perfect" body go by. Just a bunch of everyday people with their everyday body.
Maybe there would be less hang ups if everything wasn't always covered up.
I know that all around the world women go topless on beaches. Just not here. Even here we have some beaches where you can go if you want to be naked. I think it would be great to run naked on the beach. As long as it was my own private beach and nobody else was around (grins).
Yikes, I think I have said enough.
Take care you,
Rachel

Hello all: Cleaned out that bit of strange URL pointing to a Russian page. Have been severely under the weather. And, yes, my birthday is May 27. Fran is doing well. At some point in the next day or so or three I will archive. Oh, and no, I have not cleared out the Workbook. However, I suspect that until I have time to create the more user friendly version where you post your manuscripts and others respond on the same page, more or less like a topical discussion board, things will be somewhat quieter there. This version of the guestbook script also has the value of not being quite so bandwidth intensive. No promises when I can get to this. Life has been severely busy and complicated this last couple of weeks.

Oh, you sweet people, thank you for all of your birthday wishes!
Today I am now considered twenty nine years old and feeling not so badly about it. Could be worse, I could be zero. All those people's fuzzy faces hanging down, and not being able to type. And having to cry to be fed and changed - well! Now that's just something I'm glad to be over. Now I just cry when I need to be held.

(Isn't that sexist!)

You must all know that without you I would be a writer in the depths of a pit of 'literary' aloneness, so indescribable that suffice to say I am more than grateful to know you all exist, and are out there struggling to express your written selves as arduously as I am. I am a writer in the midst of realists, analysts and fundamentalists. I am a burning artist staked in the midst of a crowd of voyeurists. Puritanical vengeance has so far merely grazed me, and even though I have been made a spectacle, I refuse to grant their desireless demands. I will not fail. I will not succumb. And I will not censor, for the sake of my own expressive purity. Not of Puritanistic value, but not without some semblance of Grace.
Make it not a crusade but our birthrights to do so, and unbind ourselves to leap upon the steads and never, not ever, look back.
There are many who will look you in the eyes with no thought of how nicely their daggers will slide into your spine. Keep them your fences. Keep them your gates. And ride.

Saddle up, partners!

Oh, my mistake - we've already been saddled.

Next destination? What's this new round robin I heard a peep about?

Did I rant much, a paragraph earlier? Sorry,
I suppose I feel entitled on this day of reckoning.

I reckon....

Thanks again for your thoughts of me - even Rachel's thought of my gravity-defying bosom (heh heh) and how sooner or later I'll be able to tuck my nipples into my waistband.
By that time, dear friends, they'll have invented a hovercraft bra, of sorts. I'll be dreaming of the patents tonight.

Pillow dreams and floorboard fancy,
Heather

Hello!

I have a brief moment to dance with my keyboard. A friend asked me a question yesterday, something I thought I'd share just to see how many of you agree. While at work on my dinner break, I almost always write. My friend came along and said, "Don't you ever sit and do nothing? How can you write ALL the time? Every time I talk to you you're writing!" I told her that my brain never really stops writing, and I compelled to write it all down whenever I get the chance. Then she said, "I guess it'll be worth it if it gets published and you make some money." I told her it's worth it if nobody ever reads it, I don't do it for the money. She looked at me like I'm pyscho. I think that like any art, it's the doing that matter's, not the accolade.

Jessica,
Hello! Hurray! You came, you saw, you stayed to talk! I've checked out your poetry, and will comment on it soon. I like to read, let it settle, re-read, then I feel comfortable giving an opinion.

Heather,
Happy Birthday! Hope it's as sunny on your end of the country as it is on mine!

In general...
There's less posted in the workbook than I'd expected. I gather that Jack cleans it out periodically, so where can I find stuff by everyone who isn't posted? Personal web sites? Let me in on the secret, 'kay? I'll even take Arik and Jon's test.....
Speaking of the workbook, I'm nervously waiting for a voice from the void to say.... SOMETHING! Even if the only two words are, to quote Nicole, Mule Puke. (Nicole, where did you go?)

Must be off, get ready to go to work. Another sunny day, shot to #*#*!
(shameless attempt at self-importance...my workplace is at siriusscience.com - see above link. It's actually a fun place, so my distaste is undeserved. The picture of the store is where I work.)
TTFN!
T.J.

P.Cushing - I am not one of the old faces. I am a new face. This new face would like to tell you to feel free to talk to me anytime. I will talk back.

Arik - I will see about leaving an e-mail address. Your fish sounds like he could survive my attention.

So slowly at first. Then, as if by magic, the warm glow cascades through my senses, a wonderful sensation coursing about my being. The power reaches my head eventually and it manifests itself in visible form. I show my feelings without shame. My face contorts as I welcome the inflowing powers.......I

(((((((( S M I L E ))))))))

Thank You!

Jessica - Usually I dont feel sorry for people that lost their fishes.... but with you its special! I will send you alfred and you will forget about your fish in 2 days! no one compers to alfred!

Arik - Let me make amends.

Teekay - How pleased I am to meet you! Your words are splendid, your style, your flair. You make me gasp with pure delight.

Arik - Better? About the fish, nobody could ever replace my dear sweet Fred. I won him at a school fair with my nephew. I tried to give him to my nephew. My sister would not allow it. I knew the fish was damned to die when I took him home. I can't even keep a plant alive. I have fake plants. Good ones, but fake plants none the less. My Fred was one of those fighter fish. Some fighter he turned out to be. Ah well, what am I to do. It is my lot in life to be alone. Not even a fish to warm my home. This is the part where you feel very, very sorry for me.

okey people... sorry for bothering you again but I thought about something... I think it will be interesting to see how many visitors we have a day... wont it? I am putting a counter with my post and hope no body will care...

and todys sentances are:

The funniest is by Teekay:

"ME: Why thankyou me. If you think that is something then you should see me spell subacalerfrengilisticexpiyalidoshis, or something like that. It isn't pretty, but I like a challenge. "

-----------------------------------------------------------

The best sentance is by Jessica:

"Hi, my name is Jessica Moore, I like long walks, rainy days and men who...
Damn! Wrong site!"

-----------------------------------------------------------

And the dumbest sentance is also by Jessica. I want to tell you guys something PLEASE DONT WRITE POST THAT SAY ONLY HEY.... ITS POINTLESS!!!!!:

"Teekay - Hello."

-----------------------------------------------------------

Jessica - I also had a fish.... Alfred! it died and then Rachel returned it to life... If you want (and he'll agree), I'll send him to you on the e-mail.

people. I'll give ya the sentances in 30 min.... ok?

Anyone know anything about collegesatire.com. Just stumbled upon it on the net. Looks brand new and their looking for writers... wanted to see what people knew before i sent in some samples. Thanks,
- J.Keane

P. Cushing - Welcome home.

Seems that, as usual, we are suffering from seasonal amnesia. Woke up this morning, and it was SNOWING! Snowed all day, but luckily the ground was warm enough from the nice weather that it all melted when it hit the ground. Weather man says to cover the bedding plants tonight, as there will be frost in the morning. Some times I wonder why I ever moved back north. Oh well it really is nice to be home even with the late snow.

The ghost story is going nicely, about half done now. Should be posting it within the week.

Write On!

Jerry

PCushing - I'm here and I am willing to listen. You sound like you need a hug. I am sending you a bunch of them.
Take care you
Rachel

Well, I didn't get sushi - I got Chinese which is good so I'm happy. Luckily, Chinese food always makes me full so I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. :) Besides, my Japanese teacher offered me a piece of her sushi at lunch. :p Yummy.
Allein

Dear every body,
Please do not mistake the word volumptous for voluptuous. Like I did. Okay, well, I know how to spell other stuff.

Thanks Mum. And er, it's spelled thoughtful.

DEAREST MOST TALENTED BEAUTIFUL KIND NICE DAUGHTER OF YOUR FATHER'S LOINS: When you were little you had the messiest room, but now I am happy to say that you live somewhere else and I don't have to see it. Thankyou for your thoughfulness. I'm sure there are not too many so thortful.

P.CUSHING: How sad you must feel to find what was once a wondorous playground full of chatter and friendly faces is now filled with the coldness of strangers. You should not have left, for without you it was no longer what it had been and slowly, slowly it began to fade away, and slowly, slowly others came to take the place of those gone before.
Aah alright, that's a load of bull cacka. Depending on how far you want to go back a lot of the old folk are still alive and kicking today. They're just being a little negligent with their posting just now. As for EDDIE well we think that maybe he is still sulking over a lost soccer game. RLH aka RANDALL is doing a temporary disappearance, but shall be back and there's RHODA and RACHEL and JERRY and ALLIEN and HOWARD and GARIESS who has shunned his more interesting name for the likes of GARY S. I ask you? JON and PUSSY are here and they have brought AMERICO with them. LITTER is here. And of course I've missed some.
So never fear, this playground still rings with happy laughter, poetry and prose with faces old and new. But next time your going to be away so long you'll need a note from your Mother.

CHRISTI: Thankyou so much for all the nice things that you say about me, but I don't think it's totally fair. You seem to be doing all the hard work and the others just sit back reading about it. I think it's about time you all pulled your socks up and said something nice about me. After all fair's fair.
I'll start just to get the ball rolling.

TEEKAY: although your bossoms may not be as volumptous as HEATHER's, you really know how to spell volumptuos.

ME: Why thankyou me. If you think that is something then you should see me spell subacalerfrengilisticexpiyalidoshis, or something like that.
It isn't pretty, but I like a challenge.

GARIESS: I shake my head sadly. You mean your not a girly??

HEATHER: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR HEATHER WHO IS SLOWLY, SLOWLY ENTERING THE REALMS OF THE GRAVITATIONALLY CHALLENGED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.

Would ya lookit that. It's almost 11:30. Where did Saturday morning go? Where is my life going? Do I have MPD? These are all questions we must ask ourselves at one time or another - or not.

HOWARD: Do I have to conme over there and drag you back to the notebook by your ears??

EDDIE: What are you doing. I think if people are going to go away for a while they could at least get permission first.

I have to go and hassle the kids or something.

Forgive me, esteemed Notebookers
I find myself in a strange place.
Where are the people whom I know so well.
Americo...Wherefore art thou?
My compatriots....I fear for you all!
I fear I am as the dinosour...alone at the end of time!
My magic no longer thrills you!
I am spent!
I search now avidly for the titbits that will once again enthrall you.
Will you of the new blood listen?
Without your countenence I will fade into the background and eventually disappear!
How say you, dear notebookers?

Heather - Some of the greatest people in the world were born in May, there was you, your husband, Jack (if I remember right from last year), and ME, my birthday is on the 26'th.

Hi, my name is Jessica Moore, I like long walks, rainy days and men who...
Damn! Wrong site!

Arik - I'm 33, I work for the government. Have worked for them for the past 13 years. I get a lot of time off. I live alone. I like living alone. I had a fish, it died. I'm almost over that.

A test? Drat! Nobody mentioned any test! Could there be more than one? I'm afraid. I AM AFRAID!!!!! Just kiddin. I'll be happy to take a test.

The un-birthday thing came from Alice in Wonderland. Does anybody remember that one? A tea party and all of them singing a very happy un-birthday to you, to you. Maybe I should just stop here... Nope, more to say.

Sasquatch - You are probably the big hairy one Litter told me about. I like your poem. You seem like a shy guy. I like yah. Hey, I'm not trying to pick you up. Just cause a gal is single, doesn't mean she's doing the pick up thing. Okay? Although, I do like hairy men...

Litter - I like my name too. It's a pretty good name. The poem you wrote about love was perfection!

Teekay - Hello.

Heather - I will post more poems. I liked what you had to say.

Christi - Who says I haven't changed poopy drawers? I have a nephew. I could eat him up! I have changed his poopy bottom more times than I care to remember. That part of him, I do not want to eat up. I think that you thought I was young. That happens to me in person to. I look younger than I am.

Heather - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Hi people,
Today is my parents' anniversary so I get to go out and get whatever I want for dinner and that means - SUSHI!!! :)
I'm happy.
Allein

Arik - I left you a note on your page.

Gary - OH MY GAWD!!!!!!!! You are cracking me up in one breath. The next I am full of dreaminess over your water talk. Beautiful water talk to Bitchslapper, quite the leap. I think I'm feeling a little dizzy.

Sasquatch - The poem you left is beautiful. It touched me. Thank you for sharing it.

HEATHER - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Christi - I am still drinking in all the words I can find. I am loving it. Feel free to join me in a literary bender. These are the best kind. You don't get a hang over from reading.

Jessie - Happy un-birthday! I love it!! You a funny girl. I read your story in the workbook. It took me back as well.

Hello!

Jerry,
I posted some thoughts on the short story crit page about 'Hero' and 'Woman'.
Enjoy Saturday and congratulations to your daughters!

Now, I have two hours, hopefully uninterupted, to write before I go to work. Hurray!
'Til later
T.J.

Hey everyone, thought I'd write before I left. My Geography class is going on a field study trip to the Rocky Mountains for 13 days. That should give me some inspiration.

Here's a quote I found in The Day of the Triffids that I thought was fairly amusing: "You mean you don't love me enough to take on two other women?"

Anyway, gotta go to Multimedia class and finish my Chess Tutorial program.

I'll try to post more often in the future. Bye for now.

\ch{:)}

Okey guys... since you are so nice... the 12/05 is my unbirthday.... H A P P Y ? ? ? ?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Jesica - Mybe you'll tell us a but about yourself?(by the way... to be here we have to test you on some things...)

Jon... will you do it or I will?

"Argh! I'm hideously behind on the posts!" she cried. To all whose posts I read through, enjoyed, laughed it up at, cried with, etc., thank you for coming here and inspiring me to keep writing, and for helping me get through the tough times with my smile still intact. The last few days were especially hard, where keeping a smile was concerned. Some of you may have gathered that from the vehemence of my recent posts. I especially thank you, Teekay, for being such a true bosem buddy and also for reining me in when I need it. Er, she said bosems . . . heh heh.

Heather,
Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuu! I forgot, exactly what day is it? My husband's is the 16th and mine is the 21st of this month. You never struck me as a Taurus, but now all the peices are falling into place. What do you think of astrology? Think it has any merit?

Rhoda,
Thank you for the compliment; It means much coming from you. I'm so glad you're back, and I'm glad you're writing again. You certainly have earned your way to that writer's conference. When is it? Did you say it already?

Litter,
Thank you. I loved your poem (the one on bodily love) so much I think you should send it out. Surely SOME editors must have a sense of humor.

Charles,
Thank you sweetly.

Jessie,
Welcome!!! I enjoyed your poem very much. Your short story cracked me up; reminded me of myself in high school. Live it up girl, for tomorrow you shall cook . . . and clean . . . and change poopy drawers! Don't worry though; some of your very best days may be spent with that little one in the poopy drawers.
You may disregard this if you don't want kids.

Tina,
Welcome also! Did I say that already? I can't wait to read your novel beginning.

A*,
Surely you must have realized that the mystery poster was Teekay. Her deductive logic is right on, I think. Isn't it nice to see nice things said about one's self? Excuse me, is my scitzophrenia (sp) showing? How embarrassing.
Seriously now. Your parents sound like people I would have liked to have met. Your description of them was colourful, brilliant and full of life, making them live in my mind. Now I almost feel that I HAVE met them.

Rosemary,
I can't wait to read both versions of your stories. You must figure out the problem!

Gariess and Gary S.,
Me sad. Me love Gariess. Sound so mystical and different. No think it sound like girl name. Me had much fun trying figure out you name and name of Teekay in past. Fun exercise in how think of gender. Also much giggle at "Bitchslapper" joke. Tee hee!

Sasquatch,
I wasn't trying to sound like you, I was just trying to write in halting fashion, but it seems you have influenced me to some degree. I don't claim to have any of the brilliant insights that you come up with on a regular basis however. You are your own. You are you.

Teekay,
Fooled ya, eh? I was a little timid about showing my mom that poem, thinking she'd worry that her daughter was writing porn, but she told me that even if it had BEEN porn she would have understood, poetry being what it is. That's an artist for you.

Rachel,
You sober yet? Where were you getting drunk, and why wasn't I invited?


To anyone I have so rudely missed, I love you too. I just HAVE to go to bed now because tomorrow is another day. Oops. Nope, according to my clock, tomorrow is today.

Night,
Christi

Hello!

Erin,
I just read your 'chapter 8'. I'm intrigued but completely unable to comment since I haven't read 1-7! Is it available anywhere? Love to read it. Let me know.

Time to write. Words wait for no one...
T.J.

One more thing,

I didn't mention that I have gone back to using my original screen name in the NB. Only a scant few would remember (and even fewer could care) that Hayden, with his fine eye for detail, noticed that an alternative to the pronunciation of "Gary S" could be "Gariess." In keeping with the spirit of the suggestion that no good deed goes unpunished, I adopted this option as my permanent screen name in the Notebook. After all this time I noticed that this spelling could create a gender confusion, and could even account for the mash emails I keep getting from a biker called, Bitchslapper_99, who, by the way, is big and hairy and not the least bit freindly, at least not in the way that our beloved Sasquatch is. How you doin', Sas?

I have a problem, myself, with these annoying gender mistakes here in the NB. It often takes many posts before a person says something that denotes the gender of the writer. If the writer uses a screen name of say, "Playdo," I may not know if this is a male or female for a long time. There is something about knowing which side of the biological table a person belongs on. Well, I just wanted to explain this break in my NB habits. For now, I am a few emails behind with Bitchslapper_99. I have to go and find my dog collar. He hates excuses.

Later,

GS

Heather,

My dear Heather, you are quite right, of course; the nature of cynicism and the viewpoint of cynicism are not the same. There exist so many views of life that I may choose to see through one as I would from many different glasses arranged before a window. Some glasses are arranged before the window on the inside looking out. Others, the opposite.

I also love the smell of a river. In places where there are such things, but on this tiny land mass where I abide, rivers find the sea too quickly to amount to much. Still, the smell of the sea is another thing entirely. We are taught that water is an element without taste or smell. If what we are taught is true, how is it that certain beasts are known to smell water in places where a man might die of thirst?

One evening a friend who has fished the waters of this cape for years said to me, "It’s not the water you smell, it’s the fish." Certainly what he said made sense. He explained that we smell all the things the water bears. The night in question was a time when the air was warm and heavy. Scents moved slowly and were rich in the air. The great bays and the southward sound hosted large schools of migrating bluefish, striped bass and hundreds of other species, huge tuna and great whales not being the least. These fish fed upon schools of smaller migrant fish, squid, resident minnows and aquatic creatures of various life forms. The whole combining of all this living action creates an atmosphere that carries something of each individual event. The result is that very special, very heady, intoxicating summer evening sensation we call, "the smell of the water." It’s not a Maltese Falcon, but it is the stuff that some dreams are made of. The dreams of people like my friend, Ernie, who was the best seaman I ever knew.

GS

Happy un-birthday, Arik!
Thanks for the birthday happy greeting - Jessie.

Litter, what did I do to make you smile? I never knew I did. ALmost wrote id there, instead of 'did'.
Yikes, sleepy Freudian symbology or something; or something-or-other. Mumble mumble, mur mur mur.

THings are speeding into blur.

Jon, I'm sure A* exxagerates about his glasses. I like a man in lenses. Even if they're only for reading and writing.

Jerry, just try not to think of pain medication on the same level as the drugs you taught others to avoid at all costs. Glad to hear something of alternative medicine also works, at least sometimes.

G'Nightol, or whatever medicine works.
Heather

Been busy preparing for our daughters graduation from College on Saturday. Seems the extra work has had an effect on my writing. Sat down to write tonight, and came up with what looks like the beginings of a good ghost story. If it turns out as good as I think it will, I will post it in the short story workbook. Wern't we talking about starting a new collaberative thing with horror or ghost stories as the main theme. Sounds like fun to me, maybe after SM** is done.

Jerry

Hey there everabuddeee

Jessie - I was honest in my crit of your poem, but I forgot to say that I also have trouble with my poetry. Out of the many I've written, only a few make it to the stage of even posting them here, among confidants, fellow aspirators, friends of the highest order. Mostly my work that doesn't rhyme, since I feel my voice is clearer in those works.

I posted another two poems in the WB, and I didn't post them as counterpoints, except to show you that sometimes a poem just lives as is, regardless of whether it esteems approval by other eyes. The latest two never really satisfied whatever it is poetry satisfies... Maybe you or any others have some pointers?

Thank you for joining this illustrious notebook. Looking forward to seeing your spark grow.

I haven't read all the recent posts - so will do that now. I may have to post again (oh, no!)

Heather

Tina- many thanks for the crit on the Novel Page. Totally agree and I thank you.

S*- tree speaks deep like river
may your leaves be always green green

Hello all.

Sasquatch, that's a beautiful poem.

Charles,
I've just posted a note for you on the critique page. I've only ever critiqued my own writing and art, so I hope I'm on track.

Heather,
I know you said where in Ontario you live in a recent post, but I'm not wild about searching through everything to find it. Where abouts was it again? As I find out where everyone's from my interest goes up and up. An international, witty, intelligent bunch.

Okay, I'm gonna clench my teeth, take a deep breath, and post the very beginning of my story in the novel workbook. (Heartbeat getting louder, sweat beading on brow...) Happily will I receive all comments.

T.J.

Arik - missed your un-birthday so berated happy unbirthday to you.

is this a poem? i could not find way in to place where all put poems but it is okay to post here because it is maybe not like good poem persons writing. But i want to try to be more like persons if i can do. like Gary person maybe. Here is poem?

tree speaks by s* is this a good name?

tree near water growing
bigger than tree on rocky hill
look at me tells one near water
i grow larger than you

then rains come

water large

tree on hill looks down to friend
water has taken
says my roots were counted
who is larger now

i miss you

by sasquatch i wrote this

I must go

Whooo hooo, any body home?

ARIK: Happy unbirthday to you, happy unbirthday to you. Happy unbirthday dear ARIK. Happy unbirthday to you.
What a dear sweet boy...and so shy too.

GARIESS: Well of course you can't write a love letter seing as you've not written one before. Nobody told me that though and I wrote one anyway. Well more of a note really.

JESSICA: Hello.

HOOOOWAAAARRRDDDD: Where are you?

Hi Jessica,

Welcome! I once wrote a poem to someone called Jessica...

I had a look at the poetry page (Going back to Feb 14th) - Kudos to all: Chris(ti), Howard, Cassandra, Teekay, 'M' (Blank verse counts too), Mary, Charales/Charles :o), short, unusual and cryptic Clayton. I didn't see anything that I either didn't like or thought didn't show potential. Much of it I liked very much.

Poetry is one of those thing I hate commenting on, as it is such a diverse medium and I'm a great believer in breaking the rules if they need to be broken, for me mostly anything goes/is relevant/is acceptable… It can also be a very individualistic medium in which dissimilar styles cannot really be compared in a normal good/bad, or acceptable/not acceptable, way. I know what I like and I saw a lot of it on the Poetry Page.

Hang about for a while Jessica (love that name), continue on the poetry path and maybe you will learn to trust us? I think that even the large and hairy among us are friendly :o)

Having said all that I thank all those who comment on my own stuff - long may I make epiglotti 'all quivery'! Allein, Rhoda, Charles, Heather and Ms Anonymous, (I know who you are…;o) I thank you.

I had a look through some more of my own stuff but after a while I had to stop and mop-up the blood pouring out of the monitor. So here, instead is a little offering penned whilst under the influence of a friend of morphius.


Elephant trilogy No 1

As I awoke
Several things ran through my mind,
And then out of the other side,
Leaving only
An elephant
On a skateboard
Wearing a leotard.
Later on that day I drove to the beach.
The leotard lay neatly folded on the sand,
The skateboard was broken and scattered,
There was a note that said
“I’m sorry!”
I wonder what that was all about?


Elephant Trilogy No 2

I went to the doctor’s.
He asked what was wrong.
“My elephant has gout’” I said.
“Gout, that’s serious,” he replied,
“How do you now?”
“She told me,” I said.
“A talking elephant,” he mused…
“Doesn’t yours talk?” I asked.
He thought a while -
“Now that you mention it, Yes!
But only when she’s ironing!”


Elephant Trilogy No 3

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The elephants have left the building.
Thank you.

I shudder to offer up copyright on that!

Litter has left the building,

Thank you.

Jessica - WELCOME!!! :)

Please note that I have a new e-mail address - my inbox is lonely. Please feed it with lots of e-mail. Thank you.
Allein

Arik - HAPPY UNBIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!! I didn't hit Jon. I'll leave the hitting of Jon to Pussy.

Bye!

NOW MY BIRTHDAY! NO BIRTHDAY ME! ME BE NO BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

Welcome Jessica, Don't you hit on jon or pussy will eat you for lunch (right pussy?). I am so people but today I wont tell you the sentances of the day :-(. Tecnical problems!

Rachel - Please check my page up... I wrote you nice things down there :-).

I LOVE THIS PLACE!

Jon - Thank you. I do like to think that I have some talent for writing. There is lots of room for improvement, I know that. It's nice to have somebody say you have talent. I really like that. What do you want to talk about?

Heather - I saw your words to me in the poetry section. Thanks. Poetry isn't easy stuff to write. I know that I do the rhyme thing way to much.

Jessie

Jessica,

Given your talent, we can start speaking to each other. Starting... now!

Here are A*'s words onto Heather before he went out nobody knows where to:

"Heather, the problem is not that the glasses ruin my face, but that my face ruin the glasses."

I wonder if he were talking about glasses of wine or glasses to see. Anyway, he went on a long, frozen weekend. Poor guy.

But I'll be around, I'm afraid.

Heather - yep, have had accupuncture - accupressure - massage therapy and a bunch of other things, didn't seem to make much difference. What does bring some relief is TENS unit, which is an electrical gadget that puts a current to the back via patches. This the bureau was good enough to buy for me, so I have access to it and use it from time to time, the only other thing that works are drugs but I hate to use them, makes me feel groggy and somehow goes against the grain, having taught anti-drug classes in the schools for so many years. I do know that they are legal and everything, just kind of goes against the grain, but I do use them when I need them anyhow. Thanks for your concern and support.

Jerry

Heather - GREAT! I love talking. Happy early birhday.

Jerry - I went to look at the poetry place. Thank you. I left a short in the Strawberry and Moon section. I was excited about getting something in when I wrote it. I hope it isn't too lame.

Americo - I am sure that you look fabulous with or without your glasses.

Bye!

To Jack and Fran; with gratitude to the Powers that Be, I am grateful that both of you have been delivered from encountering sadness and pain. Continued blessings are sent your way whilst you await further news.

Tina! With excellence your words resound. Rain opens my senses to the Earth as well, and my heart begins to chime along. Sap is the lifeblood and pure source from the surging pith of trees. There is no shame in it. Drippy passages, however, might twinge this writers' mind, but your post wasn't drippy at all.

Rachel, that is the best way to feel the river - in the air, and secondly on your skin. Lush is my home, drenched in green this spring. It makes for a freshness that is not gathered elsewhere. Hurrah! I celebrate alongside you.

And I'm doing just fine, thanks Rachel!

Americo, glasses will not ruin your beautiful face for me.

Gariess, allow yourself the pleasure of a bright spirit. It is already you. Cynicism is only one small facet of your wonderful demeanor, but brilliance is your true colour.

Jerry, I have a few questions for you. Have you tried alternative medicines for your back? Acupuncture, massage therapy, magnetic therapy, etc.? You never know what might work if you give it a try. And my best wishes and blessings have been sent to you; may you find comfort from what ails you.
Litter, I bow to your poetic mastery. GENIUS!
Christi, Howard, Teekay, Charles, and any I haven't mentioned...
Great posts. GREAT! AWE ME SOME MORE!

Find awe in each day, reverence for life's wonders, and a thankless day you shall not live.

Welcome to Jessie.
I'll talk to you, too!
In fact I'm in a chatty mood already.

Cheers! I'm 29 on Saturday.
Heather

Jon - I'm glad that you will talk to me! Here is my attempt at a love letter thing. These are hard! No laughing. At least not out loud.

Gentle thing that I do feel,
beyond all hurt you actually heal.
You make me care for others more,
so much that I no longer care
what my fate will chance to dare.

This gentle thing makes me want for you,
To be so happy all your life through.
This thing I feel is new to me
Is thins thing love?
Do I finally see, what love is in actuality?

It's a thing that fills you with a calm.
It's a thing that says life will go on.
Obsession is all pain and tears.
Love erases both.

It grows with warpath.
It heals the hurt.
So, forever I will smile,
Cause love will be with me all the while.

Tina & Rachel - Thanks for the welcome.

Tina - I like what you wrote. That was nice.

Jessica

Hello Jessica, fellow lurker, welcome. We've been admonished to work, so off to work I go. (Actually, last night I didn't check in and see the excercise because I WAS working, seduced by my story to spend many hours writing. I'd resolved several difficult transitions and needed to write!)

My Dearest Friend,

There are days when the rain sets in, and while some see cold, wet isolation, I feel the grateful earth come to life and breathe gratitude. Should it storm, with thunder and lightening to shake our souls, I do not hide away in fear. Soft mist clouds some eyes in gray, while I know tranquil welcome. A sharp summer shower is respite from the rushing cares of the world.

There are days I forget these things and dread the rain, but those are the days I'm not with you. My love for you opens me to joy, to the world's pulse, and thrills my heart. It is enough that I give you this love, set it before you with careful affection, a brilliant blossom of our friendship that you may one day pick and hold close until it's fragrance brings you to me.

Until then, I will cherish the rain.


Okay, sappy I know. The letters and poems I write for my husband are even sappier.

Going now, my story demands my return. It's been a slice!
T.J.

Charles - Thank you for the lovely compliment.

Pussy - Now I feel like such a bitch... I never intended for you to see that post. Least of all for you to know who I was talking about. Then again, how many amazing cats have made trips to the moon and returned to tell the tale? I bow to your superiority. I am but a humble dog. You are the pussy queen.

I have to get off the computer. I can hear the can opener and we all know what that means. BREAKFAST!!!

All - What a beautiful morning! It is pouring rain, but it is still gorgeous. Everything is so green, so lush. I can smell the river in the air. The birds are sing their songs.
I have robins hunting worms in my yard. I love the way that they listen then PECk! I don't think I have ever seen them miss their mark.

Jessica - Welcome

Any other new people that I have missed - Welcome, WELcome, WELCOME!!!

Heather - How are yah?

Take care all

Rachel

My love letter goes to Zoe, who tried to steal me my Jon. I could really do with a bit more room in my happy home — if only Jon emigrated for a while!
PS. I am not jealous at all! Isn't this amazing?

Jessica,

I'll talk to you.
But first you must write the best love-letter your talent allows. In other words, work first, pleasure later.

TO the unknown person who was so kind to me in a yesterday's post:

I have everything you say I have (possibly), but I have no cats (they have me) and I do NOT wear glasses. Just for reading and writing. Don't spoil my pretty face in front of all these wonderful ladies...

Sasquatch. I rarely say these nice things to anyone, but go on writing your most interesting posts. You are inventing a language and creating a great character. You are a hobbit, I suppose. Marvellous creation on our beloved notebook.
(Please do not thank with the heart of your bottom but with the bottom of your heart. Better, do not thank my compliment at all.)

I wonder if any of you are going to talk to me? I hope you do.

Jessie

PS - You can call me Jessica or Jessie. I like both. People call me both.

Hi, I'm Jessica. I am as old as I am and that is all I'm going to say about that.

I left some stuff on the poetry page. I would like to hear back from you. Only thing is that you have to tell me what you think right here on the Notebook, cause I'm not givin out my home address!

You all seem nice enough but... Hey a gal never knows.

Jessie

PS - To Jack and Fran - I don't know