Archived Messages from November 26, 2000 to December 11, 2000

MARY -- I found your picture! Yes I did. Finally. And I was partly right. Those beautiful kids must have got their dad's good looks! I could tell, because their mom still has hers!!! :-)
Enjoy "Ender's Game!" it is a great read -- but two days!?

TEEKAY -- Glad you enjoyed "Midworld!" It's one of my favorites. Go ahead and send it on. I have a hardcover copy of it. May even have another paperback. I usually try to do that, just to be able to share something I think is worth reading. Only had one "Anything Box," though. Oh well, I'll get another some day.

We're waiting to hear from our daughter now. Her flight leaves Phoenix at 1AM their time, with a stopover to change planes at Midway in Chicago, then on to Philly. Travel looks dicey, what with all the storm warnings. They're just now giving high wind warnings, 20-30 mph winds, with gusts to 60mph tomorrow morning. Yow!

I see "The Stand" is on SCIFI channel again. It's another of my favorite books. The "made-for-TV" movie is not bad (I bought the video) except that Molly Ringworm is not my favorite choice for Frannie. The rest of the characters are pretty well cast though, and Tom Cullen (Dauber, from ("Coach") is excellent! I'm about due to read it again.

TEEKAY -- I'm a week into my new beard - you'd better like it when it's finished! :-)

gotta run
howard

Hi everyone, and now for something completely different:

What abbreviated handle are we going to tack onto Phantasium now that it has been initiated by Teekay's first contribution? Will it be.....

**P
P**
*P*
or(drumroll please)......

**P**

hehe. Ok enough silliness. See you guys.

TEEKAY: I ABSOLUTELY got it. VERY good! Thanks.

Hallee

I'm really sorry everyone, but if you go to phantasium and there are 2 copies of 'dimensions' there. Could you please read the 2nd one. That's the one without mistakes. (I hope)
Thanks,
Teekay.

JACK: Sorry for the bother.(again.)

Whooopsy almost forgot.
HEATHER: Do you want 'midworld'? It's a great read. Let me know okay?

Hi Everybloody,

MARY: Don't you just love getting packages in the mail??? I do.
Weren't you just a teeny bit worried that they may have been body parts?? :-D

HEATHER: TA DAAAAH. I have posted my first contribution in the phantasium.

If anybody doesn't 'get it' please don't let me know. None of my family 'got it' so I had to add a line just to make it a little more obvious. Fingers crossed it does the job.
I'm never asking my families opinion on my stories again. It's too depressing!

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy it. And if you don't please don't tell me. :-)

Seeya,
I'm still working on my 3rd contribution. Now, if I could only find where I put that dratted pen.

TEEKAY!!!! Woo hoo!! Ender's Game came today and I am doing the 'I found gold dance' from the old B&W movie, "Treasure of the Sierra Madres" . Can't wait to start reading it tonight. I must say it sure feels neat knowing some of you have had this very copy in your hands at some point. I will most likely be finished with it late tomorrow or Wednesday, so who wants it next?

Jack, the new round robin looks great - but where are all the stories?
I'll go and see if anyone has posted one!

Like a kid on Christmas morning.
Err, Halloween.

Heather

LITTER, and I think HOWARD and anyone else who has hundreds of CDRoms and don't know what to do with them! This link takes you to a site where you can make Christmas crafts out of them. Geez.

Hello everyone: Sorry about the snafu in the Workbook. The ghost story project in the round robin area has been updated and is now working. So, if you want to add stories to that section please feel free to do so.

Ok, here are my pics again.

LITTER: It is I who should be apologizing to you for thinking you could ever say anything callous on purpose. I should have assumed it was a mistake...I am just overly sensitive about those things I guess. Just ask Teekay.

Sooo....my pictures are intact once again and for good measure I have added a picture of Blythe Duff because, Litter, you are right. There is a strong resemblance between us. Will put the link up later.

For all of you who have no idea what I am referring to, Litter mentioned a likeness between me and an actress on a Glasgow police drama on television. OK....enough of that. Big hugs to Litter from someone feeling very small.

sasquatch: I don't even know what to say to you, but remember your faith is always sound advice in situations like the one you are dealing with now. Remember your faith and keep your matches dry.

Goodnight everyone.....keep your sticks on the ice.

What follows is an unequivocal apology:

I apologise to Mary for what was an unforgivable but genuine mistake. I removed a portion of text, as it would have been meaningless to most notebookers who live outwith the UK. I didn't remove it all and it made what was left read as if it were an insult. I've written to Mary and included the excised passage so that she can see where the mistake was made. The word 'though' was a refugee from the excised passage.

Mary, again I apologise for my careless stupidity, I didn't check the passage before I posted it -- Mea culpa! Mea maxima culpa!

Now, I think, I will shut up and find a hole to hide in.

Litter

Sasquatch - I can think of nothing to say, but can not sit and say nothing. Know that you are being thought of with fondness and warmpth.

Take care you,

Rachel

JERRY: HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH
AHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA. THat was great!!!!!! HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

SASQUATCH: Please tell us what's wrong.

MARY: I knew it! I knew it! As soon as I read that post that said your kids were cute, I though 'uh oh.' :-D

By guys. I have a new story that has me occupied at the moment. I love that feeling, while it lasts.

Sasquach, welcome home, I got this in my email today, thought I would share it with you:An English explorer was taking part in an expedition to the Himalayas.
Led by a grizzled local guide, they ascended one of the less frequently
climbed peaks. Roughly halfway up the side of the mountain, a member of
the expedition came across a set of large manlike tracks in the snow.

"Yeti tracks," the sherpa said with a gruff voice as he passed them.
"One thing you must know before we proceed; DO NOT, under any
circumstances, touch the yeti."

The expedition heeded his warning and continued to climb the slope.
Night fell, and the explorers set up their tents. In the dead of night,
the Englishman awoke to the sound of his tent entrance unzipping.
Half-asleep, he looked up to see an enormous eight-foot yeti standing
above him.

In fear for his life the explorer jumped up and ran out of the tent,
banging into the yeti in the process. The yeti, after being touched
by the explorer let out a deafening howl and began to chase the
explorer down the slope.

The explorer ran away from the camp as quickly as his legs could
take him, after he rounded a corner he looked behind him to see
the bounding form of the yeti still chasing him.

So the explorer continued to run, reaching the bottom of the mountain
in just two days, exhausted he paused to rest awhile. After just a few
moments, the explorer began to hear the soft 'thud thud thud' of yeti
feet on snow, he looked up the slope to see the yeti still chasing
him and only moments away.

The explorer took off again, reaching a supply shack a couple of
miles away, once there quickly buying a mountain bike and pedaling
his way to the nearest town, some fifty miles away. The journey
took him several days over the rough terrain and after his arrival
he booked into a hotel to recuperate.

Two days later the man left his hotel to see about booking transport
back to England. As soon as he turned around though he saw the form
of the yeti on the horizon, bounding towards him at great speed.
Horrified by this sight, the explorer hurriedly bought a car and
drove it away from the village all the way to Delhi. Once he arrived,
the man wasted no time in getting on the next plane to London.

After his arrival back in London, the man went back to his London
home for a while to recover and to plan his next expedition. He had
been there less than two weeks and was gazing out of a window when
he saw a familiar large bounding, manlike creature running down his
street; the man couldn't believe it -- somehow the yeti had followed
him to England!

The man had little choice but to run away again, he used any means
he could, bike, car, or on foot to try to escape the yeti, but each
time he looked behind him, it was just moments before the yeti came
into view.

Eventually the man made it all the way to Edinburgh and from there
ran into the open Scottish countryside. He continued to run but the
yeti just kept getting closer and closer, and in the end the man
could run no more.

With the yeti less than a minute away from him, the man finally
stopped and turned around to face the oncoming creature. With the
last of his strength he stood up straight as the yeti caught up
with him. The eight-foot tall yeti towered above the man, who
could only stare in terror. The yeti extended his hand and poked
the Englishman squarely in the chest with one long finger and in
a low rumbling voice the yeti said, "Tag! You're it!"

Jerry

Sasquatch! So good to see you posting, but it does sound as though you are in an awful predicament. You're not so alone here, at least not mentally alone!
Welcome home.

Going to the workbook to check out the new page in RR...

Heather

SASQUATCH! Welcome back, I think. Are you back? Or do you need help? Your post sounded a bit hopeless or at least lost. Please try to stay!

MARY -- I saw your post and spent the morning (part of it, anyway) looking back for your reference to pictures. Finally found it, but your picture is apparently gone already. I'm sorry I missed it, but I don't get to surf much at work, and I forgot all about it when I got home that night. Can you please put it out there again? Your hubby is a great looking guy (for a guy, I guess) but there's no way those kids got so beautiful just from his end of the bargain! :-) (I hope that sounded right)

sasquatch,
Welcome back. You have been missed.

That's it.....I am taking the picture of myself out of my online photo album. Sniffs...at least my kids are cute....boohoo.

darkened walking
silent crying
blinded seeking
knowing cold

deeper darkness
vanished gladness
voiceless whispers
cursing light

now a presence
close around me
maybe this time
leading home?

lying nearness
whispered laughing
gloating, taunting
willing pain

echoes fading
only dreaming
tears returning
alone again

Is anybody else unable to post their story in the round robin?

RICHARD: That sucks! Can't you get an Apprehended Violence Order out against him?? Another thought, why don't you take up a self defence course, then if anything does happen at least you'll be in a position to defend yourself.
Maybe he just needs a darn good whuppin' from you before he finally leaves you alone. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a violent person, but sometimes ya gotta do what it takes.

HOWARD: TA DAAAAAAA!!! I've finished 'midworld' Do you want it back or shall I offer it around to any of the veteran notebookers. I think you've already lost one book, I don't want you to lose another.

RHODA: You're supposed to give me a chance to guess!! :-)

Going.

Mary gets my vote also for best shortie, though they were all very good.

Teekay,

Got a riddle for you. What do you call Austrailian boxer shorts? Answer: Downunderwear.

Richard,

My niece recently had a similar problem with a bullyette at school. Unfortunately after getting no help from the principle or councilors her parents were forced to put her into another school (My sister-in-law had to threaten a lawsuit in order to get the transfer). Three similar situations that Jerry describes happened to my brother, and in these instances my brother fought back. He had to spend two days in detention for one of those fights, but in every case Jeff gave better than he got and the bullies never bothered him again.

That was years ago and in different times. Back in the '70's when my brother and I were growing up, parents did not litigate as much and kids were not so violent. I wish I knew how to help you because there is nothing worse than feeling physically threatened and having no one in authority to back you up. At least your parents are supportive, and that is a big plus. In my country if the situation gets really bad, you just threaten to sue. That is awful, isn't it, but I am afraid that is the one thing people respect now. We brandish lawyers here in the U.S. like some people once brandished swords and guns. Anyhow, best of luck in handling this, and do not underestimate your father's ability to help out. I think it is reasonable to try to deal with the parents first even if the likelihood of getting results from that quarter is remote. Let us know how it all turns out.

Well I had best go. I had some Christmas shopping planned for this evening.

Rhoda

Hi All:

Thanks for your e-mails guys. Jerry I looked at yours. Nice. Hallee I will read your momentarily. I just got home.


Thanks

Debra

Hi All,

Lots and lots of stuff to read and all of it different. How to choose. Nope! Can't, so I won't bother… except to say that I agree with you all about Mary's sparkling Christmas Poem.

HALLEE -- Rather belated congrats. Maybe now that you have started the prize ball rolling we can encourage a few (?) others to follow suit???

RICHARD -- Hang in there. Don't know what else to say. In my case when one of my girls was being bullied I approached the parents of the girl responsible (having heard that they were as bad as the girl) What seemed to work on them was that I told them that I thought of them as reasonable people (which I didn't) and it was on that understanding that I was talking to them about the bullying. It worked as they were wrong footed by me being polite and non-confrontational. They seemed to view it as a challenge to prove they were up to my expectations. I don't expect that it'll work in all cases but it did in mine, much to my relief and against my expectations.

USians -- Wot! Another recount…

ARIK -- nice to see that you are safe and that the Toledo steel missed all the vital organs :o)

MARY -- Sneaky sneaky to make people wait until page 7 of your photo album to see what you look like. Not as I had imagined. Don't ask, I have no idea what I imagined. Cute kids though!

ALL -- An apology for not pulling my weight in crits and such. It seems that my total productive time now stands at about 4 hours per day, (due to chronic health probs which worsen with winter weather) and that includes the time I take to make the kids meals when they come in from school, plus my share of the household stuff, etc..

Ciao for now

Litter

RICHARD: Really cool site...turns out I am only 94% Unbreakable because I stopped to help other people escape too often. Thanks for the link.

I honestly don't believe that even if I stood up to him, which would be pretty hard for me because I'm peaceful person (I haven't got anything to say 'no' to. I would refuse to give him money or something like that, but what he's seeking is physical violence), it would make a difference, because I've seen what he's like and it would just mean he'd want to fight me again until he thought he'd gotten the best of me.

Ah, anyway, don't want to focus on that. Somebody told me about a great site - it's a test to see how 'unbreakable' you are in the event of a real-life tragedy. It's a quiz-based sort of thing, and I don't think it's a real judge of whether youc an keep your head (unless you've been in such a sitaution before). Anyway, its interesting and I think i might write something about a disaster situation.

http://studio.go.com/movies/unbreakable/welcome.html

Thank you, Jack! Sorry about not warning you what my email was for... I wrote it that way so you could paste it as is into the round robin if you wanted to.

Did somebody say WHOOP ASS? I love Whoop Ass Cola!

Any other comments I'll reserve for after I have dinner.

Heather

DEBRA: You should have an incredibly LONG and probably equally boring email. I'm afraid I can get a tad anal about things.

Hallee

AND THE WINNER IS: - - - -- -- -- -- HOWARD
For his story "Clan of the Cave Chad"

TINA -- The last book in the "Clan of the Cave Bear" series has quite a simple plot line, really.
Ayla and Jondalar migrate to Palm Beach, where he runs for political office, but Broud's new voting machines produce nothing but stone-age chad, so it comes down to a "sudden death" bingo game to determine the winner.
Meanwhile, Ayla invents bypass surgery, DNA sampling, Santa Claus, PowerBall Lotto, the "two-martini lunch, and the slam dunk. Together they start a family, that eventually produces King Tut, Julius Caesar, Harry Krishna, Don Ho, Harry Potter, and Madonna. But not all at the same time.
Darryl Hannah has opted for the movie rights, and will play Lucy's great-great-great-great grandmother. She's still searching for the right person to repeat Broud's immortal line: "Ayla, Ugh!" Howard Stern refuses to return her calls. The film will be shot on location at the Florida Supreme Court, and PeeWee Herman will direct with his hand in his pocket (ostensibly feeling around for dimpled chads).
All Gore has promised that if he wins the election he'll not press for an adults-only rating, even though the film will contain brief nudity (a shot of Hillary Clinton, mooning Rush Limbaugh and the Republican side of the Senate).

RICHARD
Are you anywhere near Liverpool or Cheshire. If you are let me know and I'll go round and kick His shins.
Or we could make a voodoo doll that looks like him and stick needles in it.
Or order three tonne of red building sand to be tipped into his front garden.
Or send his picture to a local paper, advertising for a girlfriend in the lonely hearts section.
Seriously Richard, The more you show these people that you are affected by what they do, the more they do. Keep a low profile for a bitand if that doesn't work then see all of above.
Good luck.
Ed

RICHARD - I know exactly how you feel. Bullies have always been around, the police have never been able to stop them. Having your father speak with his father rarely brings the desired results, and usually makes things all the worse. I wish I could give you advice on how to stop it, but I really can't. Back when I was a boy, I faced the same problem for a couple of years until I had enough of it, and stood up to the bully. I was so surprised at what a difference it made once I bloodied his nose, he quit picking on me, and tried to befriend me. Of course I would have nothing of it. But that worked in my day may not work today. I wish you the best of luck, and take heart one day he may come to your door and ask for a job. You will have the joy of telling him no and sending him down the street. You see, all the bullies I ever knew made nothing of their lives, and usually ended up being the town drunk, laughed at and scorned by all. This will probably be his fate also, or at least we can hope so.

Jerry

Can you imagine what a publisher would have said, should you have walked into his publishing house with a book telling a tale of this election last year? He would have tossed you out on your ear because the story is just too far fetched.

Oh well it will soon be over, and we can get back on with our lives. The television will no longer be dedicated to one subject, nightly news will again get back to what is really happening in this wide wonderful world. Children will again run and play in the streets. America will again be a wonderful place to live. The nations of the world will stop laughing at our antics over chads. I don't think it really matters anyhow who wins or looses, this is still a great place to live, a wonderful place to raise our children.

To quote a great writer who I shall leave unnamed

"Ok back on your heads!"

Jerry

Bear: Yoda. Ask me any SW question to do with the universe, and I'll answer it.

Arg! I'm sick of this. That idiot threatened me again, said he was going to punch me in the face, kicked me in the legs and then walked off. My Dad is going to talk to his parents, but if the rumours are true, they're just as bad. I really don't know what to do, because the police won't reallyd o anything about harrasment, and he has assaulted people before, and he just gets away with it. I think this law system is crummy; arresting someone whose barely a teen may seem harsh to you, but not when you're the one threatened with GBH (Grevious Bodily Harm). Ok, maybe that's an exaggeration...

why isn't that glowing?

I would love that.

DEBRA: I've looked and cannot find where you've posted your email address. If you'll email me, I'll clarify Florida law for you so that you won't be so confused and taken in by what you're seeing by the media.

Hallee

Oh all right. I'm sorry.


It's just...........

Never mind.


Debra

Debra, I really don't want to get into a pissing contest over this election, at least not in here. So I will just say that I am a Republican, I go along with the actions of GW's attorneys. I don't think this is the proper place to discuss something that is so strongly on our minds right now. We as writers must remain above such fights, and dedicate our writings to the soul not to the candidates.

Jerry.

I'm gonna take a cautious step into dangerous territory here and suggest that if this was an all American forum, the political discussions might be a tad more well placed. It is, however, an international writing forum.
I totally understand the need to vent, and believe me I have a few choice words about Canadian politics and policies, but I'll keep them mum while here.

I'm not out to ruffle feathers, damage egos, or hurt feelings. I know that politics is something we all feel strongly about. But I'd hate to see politics invade this forum.

I'm afraid that my suggestion will be taken personally. Please don't! It's just the way I feel about this place. I love you all!

On another thought, Mary I dreamed about your neighbour last night. If you get a chance, give him a hug from me. :-)
Tina

Can I just say one thing? I have been paying attention. In Florida when the margin of counts falls below a certain amount and the race is close, the LAW states that a recount MUST happen.

So what if there are 67 counties with 67 standards they apply to the (R)'s and (D)'s equally. The standard will follow the county and the votes. Only the person with the least votes can lose.

We all know there won't be 67 standards. There are a few things, hanging, dangling, dimpled, pregnant. That's four. Whatever the county in question decides, the votes on both sides will benefit or not whatever the case may be.

The whole reason why we are still counting is that the (R)'s are blocking the law. If the (R)'s block this law from being carried out, that will be the most shameful thing I will have ever wittnessed. We won't have an elected president but a shoved up our ass one. I don't have room in my ass for a president. Do you?

The race is close the law must be followed. If George Bush wins after the recount I will be happy. I will at least know it was fair, square and legal.

We don't want the stock markets to go cookcoo do we?

Do we?

Debra

Now is Whoop ass::::::::::::: served hot or cold?


Debra

Ahh, the post below is me, not americo :-).

Americo - This is a great shot shortie....

what's a short shortie?

Heather,

   OK, I did get the Round Robin and have posted it to the workbook. However, one suggestion for everyone. When you send a suggested round robin, please mark it in some way as a round robin suggestion. From the context I got the idea, but just to make sure my sometimes sleep beffudled mind does not pick up the hints please include the hammer to beat over my head with. Other than that, looks like an interesting project.

It's me again. I have a photographic memory when it comes to movies and as soon as Arik mentioned he had been shopping for swords in Toledo I remembered a scene from "The Highlander."

The forensics team comes to the scene of a decapitation and eventually finds the murder weapon. It was a Toledo-Salamanca. A very rare sword. Sooooo...I searched around and found the screenplay for the movie. Kinda cool reading. Anybody wants to check it out, the link is right here.

See ya.

Mary, can you buy bottled 'Whoop Ass' down there? It's a carbonated drink loaded with herbs and caffiene, and it really packs a wake up punch!

Mary, you have a heart of gold! I'm so pleased, I'm sitting here crying and blowing my nose. That story is all fiction, but the idea came from a man here in town. He and his wife used to decorate their entire yard and people would drive up and look at it. When she died he stopped, didn't do it for two or three years. Then one year he put up a bit and kept on going. Now people go to see his lights and decorations, he makes tea and cocoa and has cookies, and he has everyone sign a guest book. His yard is a Christmas wonderland that you can walk through and no one leaves without a good bit of Christmas cheer.
And Hallee, I didn't wait til next year! The local paper publishes a Christmas suppliment each year, and I submitted the story to the paper today.

Laura, were you able to get the crit I did in the workbook? If not, I can email it to you. Just let me know. And if you want more, send me more of the story and I'll be happy to read it. :-) I've read the first bit a few times now, and I'm anxious to find out what happens next!

About publishing after death, apparently there's quite the court battle over what's to be done with Jean Auel's last book in the 'Clan of the Cave Bear' series. It's just a rumour I heard, but apparently no one can agree on who has rights to the book. Me, I just want them to publish it and fight over the royalties later! I want to read it!

Very tired tonight. Think I'll hit the sheets early.
TTFN
Tina

DEBRA: Wow! You opened a whole can of whoop-ass with that one, but it ain't comin' from me.

Mary Lockwood
(R)Ohio


I still love ya though. You are entitled to you opinion.

Oh and when they win with (D) judges," hey ins't this a great country with a great court system."

When they lose, "rouge judges rouge judges.

Do they know the difference between thinking and speaking into a mic that is wired across the country?

Just wait until they hear this replayed back on the miniseries. They will be saying we didn't say that. Some smart backside will roll the tape.

A little basis.

You know I don't like the attitude of the (R)'s you know why? Well I'll tell you. I can't imagine what they are afraid off. Are they afraid that their guy really didn't win the election? I also don't like the attitude of I won I won I won with glee.

If I had won an election under those close circumstances I would have a little more dignity. I wouldn't be saying," well this is what the voters want. Oh don't count those votes. Stop it. I called it. You took your hand off the checker. MOMMIE DADDY, JEB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to run the country. I want to. I want to."

But that's me.

Publish after death, yes I am sure I have heard of such things, and as someone mentioned, V.C. Andrew's passed away, and yet her books keep coming and coming and coming. My wife devourers them each as they are released. I wonder if it helps being dead, to get published that is. Well I guess if it were so, Dr. Kovorkian would have lines of writers fed up with the publishing world, willing to do anything to get published.

Boy this dang election just keeps going, even in my sleep now I see it, the energizer rabbit in the distance, and as he gets closer and closer, I can see his face has changed to that of Vice President Gore. NO, I can't even escape this election nightmare in my sleep.

Now where is it that Kovorkian lives again?

Jerry

HEATHER & JR: How about Virginia Andrews? Didn't her family publish works she'd started before her death, which is why they changed the name to V. C. Andrews, I guess.

TINA & MARY: See how what we do effects people in so many ways? I think that was a wonderful thing. The story and the repurcussions of it. Well done you guys.

I love you all and that's not just the Christmas spirit getting to me either. It's the whole bottle of whisky I drank while reading through these posts. *hic* I love use guys. Yer just *hic* great. :-)

Yo all,

Bear,
Yoda. (...and wouldn't it be better if the writer's decendants published the work? His ancestors are probably enjoying his company right now.)

8^)

Take care and Maligayong Pasco! (almost)
Jerry Lee

I am so impressed with how shortie night went! They were all just wonderful. If I had to choose a favorite, I would go with Tina's because it affected more people than those here on the Notebook. Let me explain.

TINA: I really hope that you don't mind. Knowing you what little I do, I don't think you will. I have a neighbor who's wife has had an illness for 37 years that is now coming to the point where everyone in her family knows the end is near. It has been difficult for all of them. This illness lived thru their children growing up, getting married, having children...the works. But every year this man decorated the outside of his house for Christmas. Except this year. Here is the part I hope you don't mind because I didn't ask permission first. I printed out a copy of your story large enough for him to read and put it in an enveloped embossed with holly leaves and took it over to him. I gave him a big hug before I left and told him I missed his lights even if he felt that nobody else did. He was his regular polite self and I headed home. When my husband came home from work this afternoon we all loaded up in the car to go shopping and when we returned I could see our neighbor's lights blazing from clear down the street! We unloaded everyone from the car and sitting on my front porch with a note was the big star that he used to put on top of the pine tree in his side yard. The note said, "This is where it belongs."

Thank you Tina. I am finally feeling the spirit of Christmas this year.

Big hugs to everyone, and thank you for making shortie night such a great success! (Yes Hallee......GREAT!)

Holy Cow! Traffic in the room has gotten high. Like Rachel, I'm fighting some kind of bug. I'm not going to try keeping up with everybody. Just want to add my two cents on shortie night. A triumph.

My vote goes to Mary for best shortie. Also a note of thanks to Jack for putting this room up for us to use. And a big pat on the back to all the contributors.

Mary! Your shortie is wonderful. It gave me a good laugh. Thank you (hugs).

All - I also may not be around as much as I would like. My children began their Winter vacation today. They will be off for the remainder of the month of December. I am also trying to get down the first draft of a novel that I am working on. I do not think that I will get that done with the children home from school. I have another novel that I can go to work on a strong edit with. I think that is what I will do. I am enjoying lots of excellent reading. I'm also fighting a flu/cold. That isn't much fun.

Hope all is well with each of you.

Hugs all around,

Rachel

Splendid job you are doing as shortie night Minister, Mary! In his glass submarine under the Pacific, Jon is enjoying himself. He stuck your poem on the largest pipe of his organ (the same that belonged to Captain Nemo).

As for the shorties. Heather's freedom with language is always a pleasure to see. But first prize this week goes to Arik : his going to Spain to buy swords from a poetry-lover is the best shortie. And yes, Toledo is the right place for swords since Medieval times-- that detail won him the day.

Caution: none of those swords can be used against people, just as ornaments above the fireplace.

Heather, you missed the deadline for your novel. It was the 7th, not the 9th December. Sorry. Good luck for the ghostie thingy.

Jack, you should resume your writing career. And why not become a publisher on demand (or some such Internet publisher)? Just a thought.

I won't be able to come here as often as I liked, as I am so busy. But I'll try to have a look at the NB from time to time.

Have fun.

Bear - I am not certain whether or not someone can publish a person's work after death unless they have been deceased for 50 years, and then their work becomes 'public property' to put into print (this may only apply to RE-prints, of course, meaning that the work was already published at least once). As well, this may only be the case if the author's works were not willed to someone. If the author bequeathed the work to someone, they should probably have full rights to seek publication, so long as the author is given full credit for the work. (On second thought, perhaps the question is better answered by a real live attorney!)

We have shortie night once a week, since Mary has been delegating. :o}

Americo, where have you BEEN? Email me when you get a chance - I've lost your e-ddress!

Laura! From what I've read of your latest drafts you have come a long way in a year. I'd be happy to give you a full-length crit, when I have some time. This coming week should be a little less harried than this past one, but I still have my number one writing priority to attend to: my novel. I'm at last able to make permanent changes to my first five chapters, saving them finally in top form - publisher-ready. (At least I pray they are!)

Speaking of which, I have to try re-sending that introduction to Jack. Just got back online and realized the email didn't get sent! (*Arrrgh* Just call me DAFFY)
Sorry, Jack! I'll try again!

feliz navidad
(soon)

Heather

Ahhhh... Here I sit with my oversized coffee. The smile on my face is half from the coffee and half from the rum in it. 8^)

After finishing my short shortie last night, I went to bed (~11:30PM) but all I could think of was that I actually wrote something and that it actually had a decent ending. I already have a plot for next Thursday.

Since I haven't been here long, I'm assuming that we do this every night. If so, I'd like to lift my mug in salute to the one who originated the idea and all the supporters and contributers since.

Also, just how big do the short stories in the workbook go? I don't think I'm going to play with it for a while. I just might look a bit and see what passes for the norm.

Was there ever a case where someone wrote a story and one of the ancestors of the author had it published after the author's death?

And now for a bit of fun.
Guess who said this:
"Fear leads to anger.
Anger leads to hate.
Hate leads to suffering."

Well, the house wouln't clean itself. Must go...
I look forward to hearing from you all.

Bear

Debra, don't even get me started on politics.

(Sung to the tune of silent night)
ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!ARCHIVE!!

And may I say again... yep, you've got it ARCHIVE!!

On a much lighter note, would you PLEEEEEEEASE do keep updated on the critiques... I also would appreciate it if you would both post the critique and E-mail me with the in-depth version....

Laura.

Okay so laws were broken in Florida but so what?


Did anyone else take that from Seminole county?

Debra

WOW! WOW and once again: WOW!

I didn't know you where that worried guys! thanks a lot, I am sorry for going away without letting you know, I'll try not to do it again.

Mary - GREAT SONG! ONE OF THE BEST i'V READ :-).

Hey everyone.. You know, while I was in spain, I met some guy in Toledo, I was there to buy swords, and he looked very intelegent. We started a conversation about stuff, and he told me that he likes peo

WOW! WOW and once again: WOW!

I didn't know you where that worried guys! thanks a lot, I am sorry for going away without letting you know, I'll try not to do it again.

Mary - GREAT SONG! ONE OF THE BEST i'V READ :-).

Hey everyone.. You know, while I was in spain, I met some guy in Toledo, I was there to buy swords, and he looked very intelegent. We started a conversation about stuff, and he told me that he likes peotry. I sad that I like it as well, and so we talked a little about it. The most interesting thing is that he loved M\The group Metallica, And I like it as well. Most people think that metal groups are supid, but I found out that they aren't. I wanted to ask if any of you like Metallica, and if you dont, do you know any songs of them?

Any way, I bought a wonderfull swords (the guy sure knows how to make them) and vent on with my trip. I descided to meet new people in spain, and look how they are. I found out that this can be fantastic - to go and meet people, hear each ones story, and to tell them yours. At the end of the trip, I understood that I almost didn't see any new places and things but I had a great time.

anyway, you should try once to go in a bar, take a vodka with some milk, look around you, look at the people, go and sit with the one that looks mostley interesting, and just start talking to him.... It's a great feeling.

WOW! WOW and once again: WOW!

I didn't know you where that worried guys! thanks a lot, I am sorry for going away without letting you know, I'll try not to do it again.

Mary - GREAT SONG! ONE OF THE BEST i'V READ :-).

Hey everyone.. You know, while I was in spain, I met some guy in Toledo, I was there to buy swords, and he looked very intelegent.

Postie scriptie:

Thanks everyone, for the sweet comments from the other day. Something about Socrates? (Teekay!!!)

Here is another quote:

"Remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else."

(Author unknown... at least to me)

Heather

Jack, best of luck finding a new job... and the down-time will certainly be a great break for getting some writing done. (Gee, you can have my job, and I'll stay home and write!) The introduction for Ghosties is in your email!

Howard - I knew it didn't sound right, but alas, I was up past my bedtime. (That's a good excuse, isn't it? YUP)
Should have said the 10,001th. Simplify, simplify, because I'm so darned simple.

Off I go to take a few mighty whacks at the laundry pile.

Then I'll take a few mild swings at my manuscript! It's slow going, but progressing at least.

Anybody know if you can scan in photos at home and burn them onto a blank CD? Are there 'home' PC programs for this? (I could get them done at the photo shop, but it would be far cheaper and faster at home...) I don't see anything that says this is possible in the manual for the cd writer.

So much on the platter
I can wait on the latter

Mary, your shortie was infectious! (BIG INFECTIOUS GRIN)
Be careful, it's getting itchy out there.

Heather

Great shorties all!

But I have to say that Tina's took the prize, 'cause it hit so close to home, with Mary's a close second 'cause it's about a place that's close to home!

But they were ALL good'ns!!

This place makes me laugh and cry, and I love it!

Best news of all was Jack's! That's one of those things that makes one just look up and say "Thank you!" Answers to prayer tend to be that way.

HEATHER -- it's "ten thousand and ONETH"

:-)

Mary:


May I say BRAVO?

Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Save that Christmas poem that's a keeper.

Debra

errr...the next time I post, I won't use the word great so many times...how annoying...ugh

::::slinking back to work quietly::::

Hallee

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! YOU'RE GREAT!!!!

Okay - had to get that out of my system - I don't think I tell you often enough.

This will be quick but long - ignore the typos - my boss is due in any minute (smile).

TINA: Since coming here you have so inspired me in my writing- thank you. As for your shortie - PLEASE print it out onto hard copy, stick it in next year's calendar around June or so, then start submitting it to magazines. WONDERFUL!!! Thank you so much for writing it.

HEATHER: Thanks. And your story was great - haha - I guessed the ending, though.

ALLEIN: Thank you.

MARY: You're awesome. I really appreciate what you did with my story - thank you a million times. And your shortie - HAHAHA- GREAT!!!

ARIK: I'll add an additional 20 lashes to the ones you've received. Welcome home - next time, a simple post wouldn't hurt. (hehehe)

FRAN: I'll just ditto what everyone else said. Oh yeah, and welcome. Pull up a chair.

JERRY LEE: Thank you. And your short - GREAT! I've had such a good time this morning reading them.

HOWARD: Is that how you take care of telemarketers in your house? hahahaha

EDDIE: Your story was wonderful - very sad and wonderful.

ROSEMARY: FUNNY!

RHODA - WELL DONE.

TEEKAY: Thank you. And thanks for the explanation about the rabbit - I had no clue what you were talking about.

LITTER: I knew your story had a twist - but it wasn't what I was expecting. Very good.

MARK: Great story.

JR: Thank you. Actually, my courage stems from people daring me to do things. :) And your story was great - had no idea what was coming.

JACK: WONDERFUL news about your wife! Answers to many prayers. What a blessing.

Okay - now I have to work really fast to make it look like I worked for the last hour. Hahahaha.

Love,
Hallee

Did I mention that those elaborate lolipops cost me six bucks?

They did!

I did have a shortie for last night, but I have been Christmas shopping with the girls all week and they have worn we down. I have to shop and baby wrestle while trying to keep them in the stroller. Yesterday they had complete strangers trying to help them get a lolipop I said they couldn't have. The strangers and babies won.

I sat down for just a minute last night and fell into a deep sleep sitting up. The only reason I woke up is because my two dogs Max and Pepper had to go outside and you know.

By that time woke up, I would have needed the Florida Supreme Court to prove that I wrote it before midnight and they would have passed it back to someone else because they are all cowards. That could have been my shortie but it wasn't.


I will prove it next week.


Debra

Forgive me for some obvious blunders in my shortie! (Carpet, hardwood, carpet carpet...duhhh)
It's really too late and I should be sleeping.

ARIK - Glad you are safe and sound of body. Don't know about the mind, yet. Have to test and see! (Kidding)

ZZZZZZZZ
Heather

Woah! Mary, you are indeed Queen of Shortie Short Night! (All we needed was a set night each week, and YOU to remind us! And inspire us too!)

So many good shorties, I quiver a little at the idea of coming up with one myself. BUT I shall try.

Welcome Fran! Here's a tidbit of extra advice to add to Rhoda's excellent points:

When submitting a manuscript/piece of writing, most publishers won't bother to read it if it is unsolicited. Basically, you've got to send them a written query first, after doing a fair bit of research on the particular publisher. You need to know exactly to whom your query is addressed, so you never send out generic submission letters. Be careful to search out the company that is looking for the type of writing you are submitting. Be certain you find the most recent information on the publisher, too - often the type of writing they are looking for will change. You don't want your writing to be rejected before it's even read simply because it's not the genre or length, or style they want. There are plenty of other publishers out there who just might be interested. Also, keep in mind that some publishers are more likely to look at new authors than others. The point is, there are so many publishers around, DO NOT GIVE UP IF THE FIRST TEN THOUSAND PUBLISHING HOUSES REJECT YOUR WORK. There is always the ten thousandth and one.

(Also remember that failure is an event, not a person.)

The best bet is to purchase a copy of Writer's Market 2001, specific to your needs. There are Writer's Market books for poetry, kid's books, novels and so on. Some are more than one genre and format rolled into one. Join a few online writer's information networks (ie: writersdigest.com) and they can email you newsletters, which often contain a tip on the latest market information.

Another note: Please give us more details about your experience, and perhaps we can zero in on what exactly went wrong. I have my doubts that your age was the defining factor; your manuscript may have been unsolicited, or unagented at a firm that accepts agent-only submissions. And then again, I may be wrong. You may have gone by the book, and the refusal was uncalled for.
Sometimes publishers are so swamped with what they call the 'slush pile' of manuscripts, they will refuse to read any more new submits. And sometimes an editor is just an asshole. (Pardon my english)

OK... Did I take up as much space as Mary, earlier? (Hee heeeeee) Mary - how did you know I'm Rachel's midwife? (another gleeful giggle) Rachel, call me when your water breaks! I'll boil water for coffee.

Joanie, WHERE ARE YOU? Miss YOU very much!

Everyone: Excellent shorties, I must say.

Leaves me a bit awed, and still nothing pops into my head for my own shortie contribution.

How about I just start and see what happens...

`~~~~~~~~~~~~~Oh, Tannenbaum~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Move it a little to the left. To the left!"
Tinkle, tinkle, sway, sway.

"There. How's that, sweetie?"
"My left, honey, my left! Watch the speaker!"
Tinkle, thud, thud, smash!

"How about tilting it a bit? It's almost horizontal! Watch my frame! Look out for my vase! You're killing the house!"
Crick, snap, tinkle, thud, curse...

"If you wanted a perfectly vertical tree, you could have picked one with a straight trunk," he sighed.
"If you hadn't rushed me, I could have found the one tree out of the entire lot that did!" she snapped.
Rustle, rustle, scrape, scra-a-a-tch!

"Good, perfect. Now the wallpaper has a gaping hole in it! Do you think we can wreck the whole place before we put the lights on, or after?" She flailed her hands at the wall.
"Fine! You hold the tree while I get the toolkit. If I just saw right through the wall, we can have a tree in both rooms, I'll tie it to the new doorway, and it can lean any bloody way it wants." His face flushed a crimson hue and sweat beaded up along his hairline as he wrestled with the six-foot jack pine.
She tapped her foot on the hardwood, running her tongue over freshly flossed teeth. She made a slight sucking noise with her lips. "Why don't you go get the chainsaw and cut the damn thing, we'll have a hissing-good fire in the fireplace. Rip ol' Tannenbaum to bits! Then we'll go and get a friggin' fake one!"
"With your luck, you'll pick a bent one." Scr-a-a-a-pe, scratch, pout, sweat.

"Oh, so I always pick bent things? I picked you, didn't I?"
His head snapped up, and she glared into his eyes through the tangle of sap-encrusted, thick-needled branches. He couldn't think of a snappy rebuttal, so said something he'd learned from childhood by rote: "Takes one to know one!"
She frowned, sputtered, and pursed her frosty pink lips together. She heaved a nasal sigh, and looked away. Through forty-five pounds of tree, he saw that she was struggling not to laugh.
THUD! Thud, swish, plunk, sigh....

The tree lay on the carpet as melted snow trickled onto the carpet, puddling underneath two pairs of bare legs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Oh, Tannenbaum!!!)

Heather

Thanks everyone for your comments and prayers. I was getting a little depressed a bit there, mainly since so many other places have laid off lately. But I am the terminal optomist and am sure something better will show up. In thinking about the place I got dropped from, I am just imagining what those that are left are feeling like. I just might be in a better situation when I think about that.

Actually, it might even give me some time to write. Hmmmmm. Now there is a really really good thought.

Another thing that happened this past couple of weeks of a positive nature. My wife was told she does not need to meet with her oncologist any more since she has gone five years without any additional appearance of cancer. So, good news along with the bad. Take care all and I am going to give myself a goal to write.

MARY: BRAVO! I loved it!

RACHEL: I guess there's nothing for it but to call the baby Isabella now wether it be a girl or boy. :-)

MARK: Please try and break up your story. Big fat blocks of posts makes my eyes all screwey and my brain get all jumbled. PLeeeaaaaaase.

TINA: That was lovely. You should have written it months ago and sent it to a magazine.

JERRY: Hahahaha goodun.

RHODA: *clap* *clap* *clap* Another goody. I thought it was wonderful.

In fact I thought they were all pretty wonderful. I for one really enjoyed reading them, but MARY, I think yours takes the cake. :-)

Oh my goodness! I've just laughed out loud, been angry, groaned at a wicked pun, and thoroughly enjoyed myself! Eveyone, you're all awesome!

Arik, I add my relief to the pile. I'm so glad you're safe.

Fran, welcome welcome welcome! :-)

What started out as my shortie became two pages long, so please bear (bare?) with me. Maybe I should put it in the workbook, but I'm too lazy to go there right now.


The Christmas Star

Taking the first box from the shelf, he set it down on the cracked linoleum floor. The brightly coloured label said ‘Angels’, but it seemed logical to check inside while he had it out, so he opened the lid and peered inside. Indeed, it held a collection of carefully packed angels, including a lacy one who’s trim read, ‘Baby’s first Christmas’. He picked it out and held it softly, remembering how Pam had cried when he’d given it to her. The slightly discoloured lace and faded face bore testament that his daughter was a woman now, not a child.

He set the angel aside and reached for the next box. Pam’s delicate letters told him this one contained lights, not the star he sought, so he pushed it to one side and pulled down a third box, called ‘Snowflakes’.

Pam had loved snowflakes. This box would be stuffed with various treasures she’d made over the years, some paper, some ceramic, even one she’d made from feathers. The memory of that brilliant white made him open the top and pull it out just to feel the softness in his hands.

The feathery snowflake kept the angel company when he returned to his search. He found several boxes simply marked ‘Ornaments’ and had to go through each one, just in case. Thirty-five years of tree trimmings lived inside, each one with an unusual story making it special. To anyone else the paper chains, egg carton bells, and painted clay candy canes were worthless. Maybe he should give them to the girls, they had more use for them than he did now.

He pulled out each box, searched them carefully, and still didn’t find the star. It must’ve been put with the lights. Knowing what a mess they were in – for all her organisation, Pam always just shoved the lights into the large container – he dreaded opening it up.

The carefully coiled and tied chains shocked him. Each line of lights had been bundled neatly and secured with a tie.

All those years of complaining had paid off. Or would have, if he’d had any intention of using them again.

The tiny bulbs pricked him as he checked for the star. No, it wasn’t in here either. But Pam’s favourite line of lights lay near the bottom. Each tiny, multi-coloured light would blink individually, and she always insisted on putting it in the bush outside the door where she could see it from her chair in the sitting room.

He carried the string of lights to the door, pulled on his jacket and shoes and went outside. He’d put up this set, just for her, but none of the others. All those years he’d spent hours putting up the lights had been for Pam, she’d loved them so, and he couldn’t see any point in wasting his time this year.

The lights began twinkling almost the moment he plugged them in. He stood and watched them sparkle, seeing Pam’s wide smile instead.

But the short chain of lights didn’t cover the bottom of the bush. It looked funny. Another line solved that, but it was too long. He spread them over to the light post and wound them around the pole. Except the light at the top should be green. The girls had bought him a green light the previous year and it still sat in the garage where he’d left it after the holiday.

In the glow of the twinkling lights and green bulb, he pulled out cord after cord of lights, some big, some small, even the tortuous icicle lights Pam had brought home a few years back. Those he placed over the door and along the trough. He had to wipe the tears from his eyes and hold his slightly arthritic hands to his face more than once that afternoon.

He was putting the ladder away when a voice called to him from the drive. “Dad? Are you in there?”

“Tory? I’m here,” he called back.

“Dad! We offered to put up the lights and you said no. You shouldn’t have done this alone.” His daughter entered the garage, her blue eyes disapproving.

“I didn’t plan to. I only meant to find the star for you to put on your tree.” He shrugged. “I can’t find it. I don’t know where it is.”

“You went through all the boxes?” she asked, her lovely dark hair drifting over her shoulder while she looked at him.

“I think so.” He led her down to the store room where the boxes sat scattered across the floor. He turned on the light, unable to see as the sun went down and the window grew dark. While Tory searched he tenderly lifted out a candle set that had graced the mantle for almost twenty Christmas holidays.

“Didn’t you make that for mom?” Tory asked, looking up from the box of snowflakes.

He nodded proudly. “I did. Took me almost a month. Look at the grain in this wood! Hard to find wood like this any more.”

She smiled affectionately and continued her search.

“Dad! Look! Here are the balls mom painted that year she took up tole painting!” Tory held up one of the spheres, spinning it so he could see the less than perfect birds painted there. “And here’s the tree skirt she embroidered!” The precise stitches boasted of the highly skilled hand that had made them.

He took the piece of round cloth and touched the tiny colourful stitches with his fingers, remembering how pleased Pam had been the first time they’d placed it under the tree.

“Aha!” Tory’s exclamation pulled his attention to the golden star held triumphantly in her hand.

“You found it! Where?”

She pointed to the box labelled ‘Angels’. “Right in there at the bottom.”

“I thought I looked there!” He took the star from his daughter and smiled. All six points retained their soft lustre, unscratched despite the years of use. When Tory started to close the boxes he shook his head. “I’ll do it later. It’s getting late.” The window carried proof of full darkness outside.

He walked her out to the road amid the dazzling glow of the many lights he’d spent hours stringing around the yard. Each bush, tree, window, and the fence provided support for the glittering bulbs.

“Sean!”

He looked up to where his neighbour stood by his car, waving and grinning.

“Looks great Sean!” the man nodded vigorously, then climbed in and drove away.

“He’s right, dad. It looks wonderful. The way mom liked it.”

Sean stared at the bush by the door. They’d planted that bush the first summer they’d owned this house, and each spring it burst into tiny pink blooms.

“Your mother liked those lights to go there because they reminded her of the flowers. She fancied that the bush enjoyed being beautiful twice a year instead of just once.”

Tory looked around the yard. “As soon as it snows the yard will glow. The girls will be thrilled when they see it.”

Sean watched his daughter look at the lights, a delighted smile on her lips. Then he remembered the angel sitting in the store room, the one he’d bought just after Tory’s birth. He hadn’t finished going through the box after finding that lacy angel, and that’s how he’d missed the star buried there. It usually bothered him that he could be distracted so easily, but not this time. If he’d found the star he wouldn’t have put up the lights, wouldn’t have enjoyed her delight or his granddaughters’ joy when they came over next.

“Tory,” he said her name slowly, “Maybe you should bring the girls over this weekend, to help me put up the tree. I know they love going through all those old decorations.”

She looked at him, a tear streaking her cheek. “Sure, dad. But in that case you’d better keep the star for your tree. That’s where it belongs.”



Night all.
Tina

Goodness, I can't say how much I've enjoyed this shortie night. Yes I can, I LOVED ALL YOUR SHORTIES!!! Wow, what a treat. Thanks guys, I think I'm finally getting a touch of that old Christmas spirit.

Mary, That was a true classic! I laughed and laughed!

Hugs and love to all you genius'. Wish I had the time to thank all of you personally.

Christi

Wow, so many shorties to read, and so little time, I must get my contribution in before I sit and read all yours, although from a quick browsing, I see great works await the eager reader.

It was from great Viking stock that Rudolf sprang forth. Rudolf and his wife Bess lived on a small farm near the seashore on Iceland.

One fine day Rudolf came in from feeding his cattle, and caring for his horse. He was covered from head to foot with white flakes of snow. Bess, in her most curious voice asked "Is it snowing Rudolf?"

"No!" Rudolf replied, his face turning the same color red as his bright red hair, "It is raining outside!"

Now Bess was a fine woman and very wise, and rest assured that she deffenetly knew when it was cold out in Iceland, moisture which falls from the sky was snow and not rain.

"Now Rudolf," Bess began, you know very well that in cold weather such as we have been having, moisture that falls from the sky is snow!"

Rudolf had been out to the barn, and as Bess was quite aware, he kept his bottle of vodka in one of the stalls, and took a nip now and then, and today it appeared he had maybe a few to many nips.

Rudolph began pacing back and forth, his hands rubbed his fine red hair back, the snow on his head was melted, and his hair was quite wet. The moisture made his hair even redder if that were possible. He thought of his younger days when he and his friends were aboard the Viking ships pillaging and plundering, before he met Bess and settled down on a farm of all things. The more he thought of it, the angrier he became. Then through the haze of the vodka, the found his wits and keeping his voice even and calm, he walked near his lovely wife, and placing his right hand on her left shoulder, he replied "Rudolph the Red knows rain dear!"

Jerry

Yo all,

Mary,
CLASSIC! If the notebook had a hall of fame, your shorty would be the first display on the right!

Mark,
I enjoyed your shorty, too. You write like someone who spent time at an Air Force job. The idea of lifers getting awarded for surviving the NCO club (or Officer's club) at their last base while real work goes unrewarded is a vivid memory. I spent ten years as a FLAP locksmith and not one awards presentation passed that I didn't wonder who this guy knew to get it.

All,
The shorties were all really good this week.

Take care,
Jerry Lee

Hi to all and a special hi to Mark and Christi. It's cold here in Toronto. I'm talking heavy sweater under a lined leather jacket cold.

JACK - I've been near where you are now. Remember, it's always darkest before the dawn. Just make sure that you don't choose too hastily. I amost made that mistake.

HALLEE - Congrats! You have more courage than I do. I'm going to make sure that I read your story. My interest is in science fiction but I have A LOT to learn about writing a good story. I'm fairly comfortable with creating settings and characters but my brain goes *tilt* on plot far too much for my liking. I'm going to try to stay as focused as I can which is a chore when you work 12 hour shifts with overtime tacked on just for fun.
I feel a rant starting so i'm going to stop now while I can.

++
A Commute to Remember

The train was really crowded. Mark knew that he should have left work at four thirty but he had to get the latest gossip on from Jean before leaving. Apparently, someone fell asleep on the last shift and was caught by another department's manager. He got a chuckle out of it then and a smirk formed on his face as he pictured Ross trying to explain exactly what he was doing.

The smirk disappeared as he also remembered that the thirty minute delay caused him to be caught up in the main rush out of the city. The subway car was packed. He had at least four people pressed against him. One smelled like he hasn't seen a shower in a week. There were two Asian women sitting near him chattering quite loudly in their own language. Mark strained to keep his grip as the car pitched left down the tunnel. The only thing saving him from being thrown was the rail running over his head. Unfortunately, the lady in the business suit lost her balance and stepped right on Mark's foot. She muttered what Mark took to be an apology.

He was thinking that he only had to endure this for four more stops when he felt a hand lightly caress his left buttock. His head came up in shocking surprise. He couldn't turn around to see who had groped him in the sardine can that was the subway train. He hoped that it was only a rogue hand not watching where it was going. Before he could contemplate more, he felt the exact same caress on his right buttock. This was no mistake. His heart raced in fear as he felt a very feminine shape press against his back.

"Stop that! I'm a married man for Christ's sake!" He tersely whispered over his shoulder. Both foreign hands clamped on his hips with an iron grip.

A sensuous voice whispered in his right ear, "I know that silly. I was hoping to bring you home tonight."

Before Mark could respond, a switch went off in his head as it processed the voice. He swung around to face the voice as best he could. The smelly man grumbled something under his breath at being jostled. His eyes looked into the brown ones of the woman behind him. The lips below the brown eyes opened from the Cheshire cat grin to kiss his. He returned her kiss and added a little pinch on her rump. He heard the bells sound as the doors opened at his station.

As he walked out of the train, he said "How was your day my dear?"

J R Deveau
++

Sorry 'bout the lenght but this was my first short story in almost nine years (school). It took me around 30 minutes while offline.

Good night all.

Sleepy Bear (aka J R Deveau)

Hi all. Just back from aerobics. Reading the shorts. Will get to the Workbook tomorrow. The stuff here is inspiring. Here's my longest shortie.
Biloxi, Mississippi. Keesler Air Force Base. May 1973. Vietnam winding down, I'm an Air Force photojournalist assigned to Keesler because it has a large military hospital. This is the place. MIA's and POW's from 'Nam will arrive here for care. My job is to write the "Operation Homecoming" handbook for men who have been held in Vietnam for as many as eight years. Three of us do the research on changes in America in order to make a presentation to men who won't know phrases like 'miniskirt' or 'flower child.' Men who think television happens in black and white will see it in color. Several men will only know 'Leave it to Beaver' as a popular show; they will arrive to watch 'All in the Family.' God I hate this job.
They tell us to be ready for men who won't leave their hospital rooms because they'll be afraid of freedom. Freakin wonderful. I'm writing a handbook that's supposed to reassure these guys. Yuh. Like they didn't see any handbooks over there. Lot of good men wasted in that nasty mess. Lot of saps chanting "My country right or wrong." I know who I'd like to write the book on.
Meanwhile, I'm a writer, I'm a photographer, Keesler has a base newspaper, I can write for it. Everybody must be "an outstanding airman." And on the radio, "everybody must get stoned." Just my luck -- I draw a Saturday job. Sergeant Joe Buttface is gonna get a meritorious service award. I'm gonna cover the presentation, I'm gonna take pictures. I'm gonna write it for the base paper. Fine. Lemme read the particulars.
Gawd. Can you believe it? This guy's last job was in Germany where he managed the Officer's Club. So the real story here is that Sergeant Buttface will be presented to the assembled base. Everyone can look at him and see a real go-along get-along guy. This guy's a lifer, and he's being brought in to his new job with a pat on the back in front of all the other career jockeys. He's an enlisted guy getting an award for kissing Officer ass, keping track of Officer bar tabs, calling Officer taxi, and smoothing over Officer ruckus when the bar was a little too open. Phooey.
Big dictionary in the news office. Must weigh 15 pounds. Wonder if I can find something that looks just like meritorious. I'll slip it in the story, go to the typesetter, make sure it runs, claim it was a typo. Meriter . . meritor . . merete .. MERETRICIOUS. Oooh, lovely. What's it mean? of or pertaining to a whore. HAH!
The story runs. Sergeant Buttface receives an award for meretricious service. Only one person complains. A colonel. The base vice-commander. His office is upstairs from the newsroom. He knows meretricious is a real word. He's sure some malcontent is surreptitiously modifying the content of the base paper. "Where's the airman who wrote this story?"
Crap.
"Ah! Here's what I need. A fine dictionary."

Chuckles...left myself plenty of room there didnt I? Oops. Sorry. Don't have the foggiest idea how that happened.

Shortie night! Yay! So many people have contributed already, this is great. Rest assured Howard...you put it in just right! Here is mine. Admittedly it gets kinda choppy in spots because this took me a lot longer than I thought it would and I was hurrying to get it here in time. Hope someone at least gets a laugh out of it. C-ya.



T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the site
Not a soul came to visit or argue or write;
The chat room was empty, the Notebook was bare
Too busy with children and families and prayer.

The crits were all written, the poems all read
Looked like a good time to head off to my bed
When in through the window there came a loud crash
A black cloud of smoke and some smoldering ash.

I ran out the side door to check out the scene
Imagine my shock to find Pussy, our Queen!
Her crown was all cock-eyed, she gave a weak mew.
Her sled was bad mangled, and so was her crew.

Now Howard, Now Tina, Now Christi and Jerry!
Now Teekay, Now Debra, Now Rachel and Gary!
Get in here this instant before you catch cold
I want the whole story, won't rest 'til it's told.

I brought them inside and I gave them some tea
I handed out blankets and waited to see.
"It's Jon," Pussy said when she finally came 'round,
"I thought he was dead, but he's hid underground."

"We thought we could save him," said Howard down low
"Coulda pulled it off too if it weren't for the snow!"
A twist of his handles and nod of his head,
"I hear my wife calling, I'm going to bed."

By now word had spread of the sleigh ride gone sour
The sled had been stuck in Jack's shrubs for an hour.
First Hallee arrived and picked through the wreckage
Then Litter just laughed and surveyed the damage.

Allein and Eddie, and even Rosemary
Came for a look see, and then things got scary.
"It's time," Rachel said, funny look in her eyes.
Pussy agreed," Yes, lets say our good-byes."

"That's not what I mean, I think I'm in labor!"
"What?" Teekay bellowed...."I'll go fetch the neighbor!"
Rhoda was running, said, "I'll boil some water."
Arik said simply, "I'd best call the father."

Rachel was calm, very cool and collected
Heather took charge and nobody objected.
"Mark, bring us some sheets and a couple of towels.
Then call 911, " in between Rachel's howls.

All of the hurry and panic went hush
No more of the hustle, the bustle or rush
A beautiful baby was born on that night
Amidst a sleigh crash and a horrid cat fight.

Daddy arrived not a moment too soon
And I must admit, he looked ready to swoon
Isabella the babe slept in Rachel's arms
Wrapped in white sheets, like a little pink charm

The ambulance came and it took them away
We all looked around and had nothing to say
So we waved to them all as they drove out of sight,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Quickie night and I normally don't get the chance! Waiting up for an itinerant daughter to come home give me the chance, but its 3.00am and I'm a tad tired...

His hand was damp with sweat as he gripped and eased the slide back. A soft click and the hammer engaged. He guided the slide forward as it chambered the fresh round. Struggling to keep his breathing slow and even, he raised the weapon to shoulder height and extended his arm.

"Rear sight to fore sight, fore site to target, just as you were taught…" he thought to himself. But it wasn't as easy as he thought it was going to be. His hand shook.

He checked his breathing and lowered the weapon, cursing his own failings. He was sure that his heart could be heard in the quiet of the semi dark around him.

"One perfect shot would do it. Just one." He told himself, remaining unconvinced. He had heard that it wasn't easy but in his naiveté he imagined he had what it took.

Quietly, deliberately, he raised the weapon again, mind racing through all the things he had to remember. "Squeeze, don't pull." His mentor's voice sounded in his head. "Gently, like stroking the skin of a lover."

A loud crack… His hand bucked and his knees all but buckled beneath him. Good shot or bad, he knew that it was over. He didn't want to look.

The door behind him burst open jolting him back to reality. He looked into the eyes of the man approaching. Was he smiling? For a moment he dared to believe…

"Unless I miss my guess," the man said, "it looks like we have a new club champion!"

Who would have believed that a few holes in a bit of card could bring such pleasure?


Now I'm going to bed,

Ciao,

Litter

HEATHER: I can only say that it is extremely lucky for Socrates that you were born long past his time. With your theories on life and love and closets and men, HEATHER would be the name that would go down in history. People would be saying Socrates? Socrates ...??? Wasn't that the soccer team Descatart played on? :-)
Keep'em comin'.

HOWARD: The wokking wounded. And for a moment there I thought you knew what you were talking about. :-)

JERRY: Veeeeery cool. I just love that laid back demeanour, and the ciggy is sooo James Dean. ;-)
Now I would never had pictured you to look like that from your recent photos.
Thanks JERRY, that was great.
And was that you as a baby? Joking. Joking.

MARK: Are you sure they were playing? Maybe the were just really p* and did fall down and break there leg, or is this some expression whichi is new to me? Probably. I haven't been in a bar for about 600 years now, so all my information is really out of date.

JACK: They sad bad things come in threes. Yours should be just about up now. Good luck to you.

ROSEMARY: I'm going to try it anyway and just slice open the top of the back near the end.

MARY: NO WAY!! I'm in the holiday spirit. I love Christmas and all the festive atmosphere. I'm like a kid counting the days till the big Happy Birthday. Can't wait!

CHRISTI: I was in a copper art type of store the other day and I saw a lamp that looked just like the one on Mary's desk. With kindness and love in my heart and a brain tumour in my head I hought of sending it to you as a special surprise-until I picked it up. I must have weighed nearly 30 kilos. But as they say, it's the` thought that counts. :-)

HALLEE: I'm popping open a bottle of champagne and one of sarsparilla. It's celebration time girl. CONGRATULATIONS. Are you going to let us take a look at it?

MARY: Ummmm, how do you make chili? I love chili. It's not chili con carne though is it? Because my first and onkly encounter with chili con carne was less that ammiable.

ARIK: Of course we were worried. You were in a war torn country and we didn't know what was going on and then we didn't here from you for ages. The least you could've done was ring! Do I sound like you Mum, only in English? However we are sooo glad your back. and well.
Did you get us any souveniers from Spain?

FRAN: Don't tell them how old you are if you think that's what's holding you back from being published.

JERRY LEE: Good story. I liked it a lot.

HOWARD: Very amusing. Gotta ask, where did that one come from?

here's my shortie.

George rabbit was feeling extremely peckish, so it was providential that he happened to notice a takeaway cafe just a few yards up the block.
Merrily he hopped in (as rabbits do) and ordered himself a tomato and cheese toasted sandwhich, which he took outside and promptly devoured at one of the cafes outside tables.
Unfortunately the sandwhich didn't quite abate th hunger so he hopped back in and this time decided that he would rather have an avacado and ham toasted sandwhich. Again he took his sandwhich outside and promptly devoured it.
Within seconds Geaorge rabbit was dead. It was very sudden, he probably didn't even see it coming. The autopsy revealed that porr George had suffered from a fatal case of mix a my toasties.

I don't know if you have it over there but, mixamatosis is a virus which was put around to cull the rabbit population.

Going now, last bit of Christmas shopping to do,
Bye.

I too will try my hand Thursday night shorties. It is a little long for a shorty, but I did the best I could.

Dr. Von Striburn’s gaze bored through me as he entered the office. I had almost walked away, for he was fifteen minutes late for our appointment. Evidently he had been called away shortly before I came, for a half-finished glass of ice-tea sat upon his desk and a book was opened in the middle of a chapter about free radicals.

The white painted bookcases against the white walls gave an atmosphere as sterile as the man who now stood behind the desk. Next to his name plate was another plate with the name “God” in large letters. Very appropriate, I thought, for not only did he consider himself God, but the whole scientific community considered him so as well. He had not as yet won a Nobel prize, but few doubted that one distinction would soon be added to his pile of accolades and awards. Dr. Maurice Von Striburn was certainly the star upon which our university’s school of biochemistry hung its future prestige.

Here I was, a lowly research assistant and doctoral candidate standing before this man who could not even condescend to teach a graduate class or visit one of the many laboratories where the data for his papers and experiments were churned out around the clock. Though I had seen him from a distance at many a seminar, this was the first time I had ever seen him up close.

Anger lit his small dark eyes as he studied me. He sneered at me in contempt. Suddenly I was aware of my ill-kept appearance, a consequence of spending most of my life holed up in the laboratory. I no longer shaved and so had a beard I never bothered to groom. The hair that hung to my shoulders was tangled and oily. Of course I never went to my apartment to eat. After two years of calling out for pizza or acquiring my meals through the drive-through windows of various fast food restaurants, I was at least fifty pounds overweight.

“How dare you question my results,” he said in a low voice. “That display you gave before the faculty sickened me. Of course no one believed you, you fool.”

“I-I w-was only stating what my research had shown,” I stammered.

“Your research,” he hissed. “You call that research. You whelp, I will have you drummed out of this university. After I am through with you, no research team will touch you with a ten foot pole. You are finished in biochemistry.”

“If I am to be punished for being right, then so be it, but I will not take back a thing I said. To begin human trials on your Zopplemax would be a big mistake. The stuff is toxic to humans.”

“How would you know? We have done animal trials, spectroscopic analysis, toxicological analysis. It is a derivative of salicylic acid. Of course it is safe. I have never patented anything that hasn’t been of profound medical benefit. I have thirty years of experience to my credit.”

“Zopplemax is deadly, believe me.”

His face flushed redder than a beet. I saw a pulse pounding in his forehead. He drew a deep breath in an effort to get a hold of himself. He reached for his tea and took a swig.
“Get out,” he groaned. “Get out before I forget who I am and slug you.”

I took a glance at the biceps bulging under his lab coat and reasoned that he could land me in the hospital if he had a mind to it. The guy must have worked out at the gym every day of his life.

“Is it hot in here?” he asked in a faint voice. “It is so hot.” Suddenly he clutched the corner of the table and held on as if for support. “Oh, my God, I am so angry at you I am having a heart attack.” He grabbed the phone and practically threw it at me. “Quickly, call 911 and get the paramedics.”

“You are not having a heart attack, Dr. Von Stribin. Your discomfort and your consequent demise only proves my claim. Zopplemax is indeed toxic. You see, while you kept me waiting for my appointment, I took the liberty of dumping some of it into your ice tea. You thought the stuff ready for human trial, and I took you up on your challenge, sir. You are your own first and only human trial. At least you won’t have to live down the humiliation for being wrong.”

I moved away as Dr. Von Stribin collapsed upon the desk.


For what it's worth,

Rhoda

Evening everyone.

This is my first try at a short short. It seems to have no beginning, very little middle and a sort of end. To keep it short, you have to give up something.


LOST

"Cindy, have you seen my book?" Julia was digging under the edge of the couch.

Cindy looked up from her reading and frowned. "What book?"

"You know, the one I had last night. I don't remember the title, but the author is what's his name and it's really really good." Julia gave up on the couch and moved on to the coffee table.

"Well--what color was it?" Cindy looked around but little interest showed on her face.

A pile of magazines landed on the floor as Julia plowed through the table. She stopped her search and sat on the sofa. "It was green. Or maybe blue. I know it had the name of it on the front in large red letters. Or maybe black."

Cindy glanced at the book in her lap. "Why don't you just start a new book. That one doesn't seem to have made a deep impression on you."

A disappointed sigh escaped Julia. "I really felt I was learning a lot from it."

"It'll show up. Things around here always do." As Cindy stood to leave, she slid into her purse a deep green book with bright red letters that blared, 'IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY IN FIVE EASY LESSONS!'

Have a good night all
Rosemary

Here's my effort for Thursday nights shortie.
Don't expect too much!

The Diggers day

Here they come. I'd better get out of the way. Bit early for lunch but what the hell.

Keep an eye on 'em from up by the oak.
Bloody back's acting up again this morning.

Not many of 'em come to see this one off. Who is it then? Let's see. Hmm plot 314.

Joseph Vaugn O'Farrell, aged forty five.
That must be his wife being helped up the driveway. Taking it badly eh?
Maybe he wasn't insured. Naw...she'd have a face like thunder if it was money, no...she's gonna miss 'im alright.
What's on these sandwiches then. Bugger..cheese and onion again.

That'll be the son there helpin' her to the grave. Looks like he's ready for home already. Nice coat, nice shoes.
Two daughters by the look if it. The one behind will be the sons wife. She looks pissed off too.

He's wasn't one of the boys then, no tricolor over the coffin, no shots over the grave today.
A quiet affair then. No bloody helicopters flyin' over all mornin' disturbin the peace.
Wonder what he did, before?
He was no bloody yuppie that's for sure.

Bloody hell..tea's lukewarm. I'll ask Catherine for a new flask this Saturday.

The son looks like he does alright though. He's the busy type, really busy, lookin' at his watch already.
Cheap coffin, one car, not a shipyard worker, Catholic.
Unemployed by the look if it. Best out of it if you ask me.
Girls will be gone soon, married off. There's no help comin' from the son.

If she doesn't get burned out by the heathens she'll be back under my shovel within two years.
Yep, I reckon I'll be seein' her soon enough.
Town's gone to the dogs.

Startin' to rain. Father Clancy'll not keep us too long then.

My back's achin' like hell already.
I'm gonna need that rubbin' linement tonight.

ARIK! -- It's good that you're back among the presently accounted for! Had us a bit worried, there!

FRAN -- I agree, there's no reason to volunteer any more information than absolutely necessary. Wait until they send you your first royalty check, and then tell them they can use your tender age as an advertising feature!

MARY -- What can I say? Except "Hmmpf hmpff hfmpp harumph har har har harhhr!!!! kaff kaff kaff! " Sorry, every time I'm caught up in hysterical laughter I get to coughing, and have to stop to catch my breath! At least I didn't ralf all over the keyboard this time.

Here's a stab at a "short shortie" -- hope I ppput it innn rriggghhttmmmmmmmmfhhhhahahahahahah! (ulp)

"Hello?"
"Hi! May I speak with Mr Saunders?"
"Who may I say is calling?"
"This is Maynard Flang, with Caller's Choice long distance service. Did you kno..."
"Just a minute, I'll see if he wants to talk to you. Dad, dad? Oh, crap!"
"I can call back later if that would be bet..."
"No, it's alright. Just wait until I get his respirator reconnected. Dad? Dad! O my God, DAD! MAYNARD! Talk to him while I get another oxygen tank!"
(slam)

Yo all,

Fran,
I agree with Rhoda on this one. Don't share information that they don't need to know. In fact, a bit of deception is not unheard of in the literary community. Remember "Little Women"? The author couldn't get published for her magazine articles until she stopped showing up in person and started using her initials so as to not give away her feminine name.

Arik!
Great to hear you're okay! We were all concerned. I guess that this means that you should not do anything before letting us know first. :)

Hallee,
Good for you! Congratulations on your win! (I knew you could do it.)

Jack,
Dang, been there, done that...That said, this too will pass. AND nine times out of ten, the people I've talked to about this kind of thing say that, in retrospect, it was really a good thing being forced into changes that they would not have made of their own volition. So be patient and be brave, we are all behind you, friend.

Litter,
Budgie Rustling?...isn't that a little helecopter? Does it pay well?

Jerry E.,
I enjoyed all but the last picture on your page, but I downloaded it and plan to post it myself (with minor changes) AFTER the fat lady sings.

My shorty.......

The radio played softly in the corner of the day room as the senior citizens talked in groups or stared out the big picture window that faced south toward the trees across the river.

Irma and Jerome's discussion of election-year politics was getting decidedly loud when Frank yelled loudly from the corner, "Shutup, everyone! Listen to this."

He turned up the volume on the radio sitting next to his rocking chair.
Immidiately, the conversations stopped and tinny sound ruled in the big room. After a few seconds of recognition, nearly half of the old folks began singing along to the old song, reminding each of happier times when they were young. Times when the back seat of a car was the ultimate destination and what movie had just started at the theater was the major topic of conversation.

"Inna-godda-da-vida, baby..."


Take it easy!
Jerry Lee

Fran,

Glad you have come to join us on the Notebook.

I would not mention to publishers that you are 18. Your age is none of their business unless you are submitting to a publication that has asked material from people of a certain age group. Besides if you don't give your age you know that no one will reject you on that basis.

I would venture to say that your age has no direct influence on your failure to get published. There are may reasons people do not get published and age is rarely a factor. It could be that you still have much to learn about writing. Heck, I am 40 and sure to succeed, but I have not learned everything there is to know.

It is hard to get published especially if you are writing book-length fiction. There are a host of very good writers who are not yet published, and some have been trying for years. Furthermore talent is only a small part of the equation. Consider how many books you have read by people who have very little talent. Yet these people had persistence, contacts, pure dumb luck, ruthlessness, or something other than talent that got them published.

I admire your teacher's support for your efforts and no doubt if you keep working at it you will succeed as a writer, but unless you are Anne Rice's teen-age son or Brittany Spears you have to consider that hardly anyone hits the ground running right out of high school and immediately publishes a book. I am sure there are exceptions, but statistically your chances are not so good.

There is so much to learn, and you are so young. Do not get discouraged; just try to find out why your submissions have been rejected and keep an open mind, because very likely there were good reasons. Also develop a thick skin. Most editors you run into are not going to be as kind as your teacher. These people are not so much into encouraging and developing young talent as they are into selling books and making money. Learn about the publishing business. Go to writing seminars and conferences and meet other writers. But just realize that getting published is for most people a very painstaking and sometimes very demanding process.

Arik,

I am glad to know that you still reside in the land of the living. Praise God, Israel is still around and so are you. Glad to know you had fun in Spain. While we were here worried sick about you, you were frolicking in the surf and sunshine. I'll forgive you for that this time.

Got to go pick a kid up from school.

Rhoda

Christi:

It's okay. I will stop crying now. Thanks.

I'm trying to sound like E-yore.


Debra

mary, I think the word you want is POST! POST a short shortie tonight! Post is the word. yes. post.

mary, I think the word you want is POST! POST a short shortie tonight! Post is the word. yes. post.

mary, I think the word you want is POST! POST a short shortie tonight! Post is the word. yes. post.

I am an aspiring writer. My English teachers said I was sure to suceed, however I don't get published due to my age. I'm 18 years old, and when I send off manuscripts I tell the publishers this. They don't even read my work. How does everyone feel about that?

Hi there,
It's a beautiful day here (for a change).

HALLEE:
Please, please post your prize winning story. I'm sure we all would love to read it, analyze it, tear it apart. Just to see how we should be doing it. And to enjoy your good fortune.

Good day all,
Rosemary

ARIK: For crying out loud I thought you were dead or something. 50 Lashes with a wet noodle! I will forgive you if you put in a short shortie tonight. Ummmm....that sounds funny but I think I will leave it. Glad to see your name here again. bye

Debra, Don't cry! I was saving the best for last! :( HI!!!!!!!!!!! (I'm vewwy vewwy sowwwy.)

Arik, It is so wonderful to see you and know that you are okay! Hope your trip was fun.

Yay, ghostie time is coming soooooooooooooooooooooon.

Off to read Hallee's story.

Christi

HALLEE: Read your story over in the workbook and enjoyed it very much. Left you a few notes on the crit page too. :-)

HOWARD: Dry perfection.

RICHARD: I like the way your mind works. Left you some notes on the crit as well.

Hallee - CONGRATULATIONS!! I look foreward to reading your story!

*smiles*
Allein

Yahoooooo! (ahem) YAHOOOOOOO! Congratulations, Hallee!
I agree with you about the difficulty of writing short stories - hard to develop characters with such limited space. In your winning story, you did a great job with the development. It's terribly hard, but when you're done, it only appears to be easy (introductions of characters, backround, etc). If only everything that looked so easy, was. But then, it wouldn't be much of an accomplishment...

Jack - will pop my intro for ghost stories your way and we can get the robin rolling!

YAHOOOOOO!

That's all for now,
time for my son to snork down some brekkie.
Heather

Christi:

You forgot me!


WWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Debra

Thanks guys...the story's posted. I had a feeling I wouldn't get away with not doing it.

It was titled "The Mystery of Love". It had to have a mystery and a love story and be under 3,000 words. I think mine was 2,998. It also had to contain 5 words..I can't remember all of them - vertigo, case, notorious - there's 2 more but I can't rememeber.

For those of you who do short stories on a regular basis - kudos to you. This was HARD. The plot, characters, conflict, resolution - all of it in a space that's about half of the size of one of my normal chapters - I wasn't sure I could do it.

Enjoy it - and thanks again.

Hallee

Guys, Guys! I am alright!!!
Thanks for the warrie!!!
I was in spain for some time and forgot to tell you. Everything is ok here! I am 100% safe. I was so suprised o see how much you have warried about me! thank you guys. thank you!

How are you? Whats new here? How is jon, mary, americana, RACHEL, rhoda, christi, Jerry, Howard, Mark, teekay Litter any the others... I am sure I forgot someone..... I am SURE of it :-).

HALLEE - WAY TO GO! I am looking forward to reading that great story.

Jerry

Er, that was me. And here's one more I forgot.

Mark, Cha-ching?

Too much to catch up on when I'm ever so tired. Here goes the quickest rundown I've ever accomplished!

Jerry, It was neat to see you through the years. Thanks for the pictures!

Jack, I wish I could give you a hug.

Heather, Liked what you said. ;0)

Hallee, Congratulations!!!!!!!! Yea girl!!

Eddie, Long live Homer.

Gariess, Now send that essay to your phone company and credit card companies for full retaliation. I loved it!

Litter, Can't wait to check out your essays.

Hi Rosemary, and Rhoda and Pepper.

Howard, Can't wait to check out your story.

Did I miss anyone?

Going ... going ... GONE!


Christi

HALLEE! -- Congratulations! Way to go!

MARK -- Sorry about that! :-) We used to write "shaggy dog" stories just for practice. Never got out of the habit.

JERRY -- I haven't been able to connect to your page yet, so I haven't seen your pix. Dunno why that is, but I'll keep trying.

MARY -- I thought I'd get a headstart on "shortie night" but got carried away again. Results (another dialog exercise) are posted in the workbook. Dunno where it came from, but my wife read it and now thinks I'm weird. Go figure...

gottagotabed
'nite

Talk about the power of suggestion! Nothing else could be done until I made chili! Awesome idea Mary!

Hallee, CONGRATULATIONS!
Post it! Please? You didn't mention where it's being published, but given circumstances I doubt I'll get any other chance to read it! Don't worry about the critique, I'll be reading for pure pleasure!

Jack, oooh that bites. But you're so talented that I'm sure something better is waiting. (((HUGS)))

Litter, I'll go find those pieces! I've loved the bit of your work that I've read.

Mary, I've worked in retail for so long that I'm a bit of a grinch until The Day is nearly here. My sure fire spirit-builder is to do Christmas crafts. I'm working on a wreath for my sister-in-law, and making Christmas cards. Now I just need a good, solid dump of snow so I can make a snowperson!

'Imagination is greater than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.'
Albert Einstein (paraphrased in case I worded it wrong)

Tina

Okay - caught up.

JACK: My prayers are with you. My husband just started a new job. Two more days until the first real paycheck in three weeks - and God provided even after the electric cutoff notice was on the door on Monday (notice - it's Wedneday and I have power (smile))

((Mary)) Hugs to you - we're moving into a new (somehow nicer and cheaper) house next week. Maybe you're feeling sympathy pains for my lack of holiday spirit until I can get my own decorations up.

MARK..errr...thanks for the change...I think.

Okay - that's all I had to respond to.

Have a great night all!

Hallee

Hey everyone!

It's been nuts lately. One thing after another.

HEATHER: As far as I know, nothing has changed. For the good or the bad. I had the kids tonight. The little boy - his behavior problems are getting worse - the girl - she's withdrawing from everything. Things at home must be bad.

Well - I wrote a short story. My first ever other than the very rare dabblings on shortie short night. I wrote it for a contest and entered (this was my first contest). I got the email tonight telling me that I WON FIRST PLACE!! HAHAHA I can't stand it - this is too exciting. I'd post it in the short stories section - but I have no time to read and critique right now, none at all, so it wouldn't seem fair since I'm not giving anything back. But still, it's hard to stay sitting in my chair.

Anyway, I'm off to get caught up on the posts. Happy Wednesday all!

Hallee

Jerry,
Not being one for newspapers I really couldn't tell you.
I can't remember the last time I bought one.
As for the election 'problems' over your side, our news bulletins have just about dropped the story to somewhere between the continuing rail network disruption and 'And Finally'

Mark,
Hya back.

Jack,
Been there soooooo many times. Something WILL come up. (That's our family motto)

Have a good evening all.
Later,
Ed

Hi again,
MARY:
The Chili sounds great. Especially today. Have you tried Mexican Corn Bread? It included canned corn, bacon, cheese and jalapeno peppers besides the regular cornbread mix. Good stuff. If you use creamed corn, it has a thick pudding or custard consistency. I found this out by accident. :o)

Going for sure this time.
Rosemary

Happy Wednesday all.

MARK -- Thanks for the Hundred Mumbled Welcomes. I'll overlook that you welcomed me in Irish Gaelic rather than Scottish -- no matter, welcomes are welcomes and the two grew out of one in any event. (Ceud, for those that are wondering…)

JERRY -- Is it the Guardian to which you refer? The only newspaper in the entire history of English printing to have spelled it's own masthead name wrong -- about 30 something years ago something like 300,000 copies of the newspaper were distributed before it was realised that 'Guardian' appeared on the papers masthead as 'Grauniad'… (smirk) The satirical magazine 'Private Eye' still uses Grauniad' when referring to the newspaper and goes to great pains never to correct the name to the proper spelling.

JACK -- you have my sympathies. There was something I heard a lot of years ago which seems strangely pertinent to your situation. It went something like -- I'm gonna have a nervous breakdown next week. It's my turn, I've worked hard for it and everyone round about me is having one, so now it's my turn and I'm gonna have one whether I need it or not.
It is probably hugely misquoted but you get the idea…

As for women using both sides of their brains at the same time -- Isn't that called Bi-polar disorder??? :o)

A little bit of writing news -- Wonderful article entitled 'Missing Scripture Found in Vatican Vault' can be seen at:
http://www.laughsend.com/index.cfm?takesectID=6

and another article on 'England Sinking' can be found at:

http://www.laughsend.com/index.cfm?takesectID=1

Both were written by someone very close to me -- me!

Have a look, see what you think. Now I'll go and read some more of the archives and get up to date.

Ciao for now,

Litter

Hi again!

ROSEMARY: It's cold here too--and speaking of crock pots (again), mine is full of five alarm chili! Good day for it I thought. If you are going to have chili you have to have corn bread, so that's in the oven now too.

Is anyone else having trouble getting into the holiday spirit this year? I just don't know what's the matter with me. I have all the decorations up, the kids are punching out doors of their advent calendar, and the dogs is wearing her antlers. I have been blasting my Tony Bennett and Johnny Mathis Christmas CDs all day trying to stir something, but no luck. I am going to read the "Gift of the Magi" tonight when I go to bed, maybe that will do the trick.


On a different note, this desk is driving me crazy! I miss all my stuff! I feel like I just want to dump my wastepaper basket right in the middle of the thing. It is supposed to make me feel serene and keep me from being distracted. It is not working. I am hoping this phase will pass and I will go back to loving my newly uncluttered desk~~~soon.

Went to Arik's site and found exactly what I expected to find: Nothing. Sent him an email, but I am not optimistic about getting a response. I think it must be proving very difficult for him to get online.

A Nice cold day to you all.

JERRY;
Really great pictures. Killer sideburns in the picture of you in the patrol car.

JACK:
Sorry about the job. That had to be a shock. The company that I worked for for 14 years was bought by Kodak. They said "don't worry. We'll only sell off the Retail portion of the company." I immediately paid off all my bills and started working all the overtime I could get and socked away every cent I could save. Sure enough, three years later they moved our office to Durham North(south?)Carolina. At least it wasn't a shock. Good luck in your job hunting endevors.

TEEKAY;
The roast you want wouldn't work in a crock pot anyway so it's ok that you don't have one. Enjoy and be happy.

HEATHER:
That nice long windy post was well done. I was able to read all the way through without losing interest. That's not easy in these days of short attention spans, which it seems that I have acquired right along with the younger generation. I must be reverting. If my joints would just go along with the program, everything would be great.

Got to go Christmas Shopping.
Rosemary

Mary:

Thank you I know I would feel better if I knew he was all right.

Debra

Cool site link of the day.

Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you.

HEATHER: How is your new machine? I would be jealous if I weren't having so much fun with my neighbor's new PC without having to make the payments myself.

Went to Amazon.com to get some music, and to listen to the samples they want me to download a liquidaudio player. Anybody here have that? I have windows media player 7, a couple of different juke boxes, and realplayer already. could that liquidaudio player replace them, or would I have yet another music icon on my desktop?

JACK: I remember once when I was young my father got laid-off right before Christmas...we thought it was the end of the world. He had nineteen years put in there at the time, and it had been his first and only job. (Except kid jobs)...It turned out to be the best thing that could possibly have happened for us. He learned that the skills he had were worth a lot to other companies, got a new job very quickly, and is a lot further along than he ever would have been if he had stayed with the first job. All things happen for a reason Jack, even when we don't know what that reason is. Good luck, and our thoughts are with you.

LITTER: Glad to see you.

DEBRA: I am worried about Arik too. I think I will go over to his site today and see if there is anything there to clue us in on whether he is alright or not. I am not expecting there to be because if he could get online....he would post at least a few words here. I would like to think he would anyway. He knows we worry.

Thursday night is short shortie night again. I can't wait! I would like to see everyone who has never participated put a little something in that night.

JON: Are you ready to be rescued yet?

AMERICO: I think I read somewhere that you want to brush up on your french? When I did that I logged on to French yahoo. Everything I did on the internet after that point was in french(if it went thru yahoo that is). Just an idea~~I thought it was a fun way to use it or lose it.

I guess thats it. Bye.

JACK - So sorry to hear about your job trouble, I wish there were something I could do to help, but alas, there is nothing to offer except some prayers, and good thoughts. As has been said, I am sure that one so talented will not be out of work long. Just look on the bright side, you will have some time to spend at home and if you are like most of us, it will be a very nice break. Oh and by the way, you have the right to be just a bit depressed, so just go ahead for a day or so, then smile and get on with life.

Jerry

Teekay - I'm a girl. And I won't get down, I enjoy kissing (licking) people's faces.
Pepper

Jack,

Frank and I will be praying for you in your search for a new job. My husband and i have been in this position before and know how rough it is. I am sure that someone as talented as you will be able to get a new job soon. If it is any comfort, for Frank his lay-off at first was at first the end of the world, for he had worked for AMACO since he had been out of college, but there is no denying that several years later he is infinitely better off than the folks who were kept. Frank was let go at the very first lay-off and for about the next ten years after, AMACO must have had at least one lay-off every year. Frank was able to get on with his life and his career without the shadow hanging over him speculating if he would be let go in the next one.

I have heard much about the problems with the dot.com's right now. I regret that these things spilled over into your life. Give my regards to Fran. I'm thinking of her also.

Take care,

Rhoda

Heather:

I can't thank you enough for that. I always need a good laugh when I get the kids off to the buss. I laughed so hard that the twins who remain behind were forced to look at me when they wanted to remain playing their little imaginary game.


That was goooooooooooooood!


Save that. You should publish it in a women's magazne.

Debra

Mark:

I knew you were not trying to make me feel bad. In fact, it is quite evident that you must be a Saint. God had a special place for you in heaven and I'm sure you will have closet space and always an open bathroom.

Bless you!


Debra

Well, all, it has been an interesting week. In the Chinese sense of that word. I spent the last part of last week going off to Florida for SMOFcon, unhappily arriving two hours after a shuttle launch took off in the immediate area of where I was at in Florida. Still, I had fun going to the Space Center and may in fact post some of the pictures online when I have a moment.

The big news, however, was that upon arriving back tired, but overall happy at the experience I had going to a convention for science fiction convention runners, I was ready to head back to work. Only problem was that when I arrived I discovered people saying good bye to each other. My dot.com had turned to dot.compost. Translation, half of the work force was laid off. Myself included. Just now revamping my resume and still a little overwhelmed by the sudden and unexpected nature of it all. I was working ten to thirteen hour days last week. Only to come back to this. All in all, between deaths, job losses and other issues, I am ready for a good depression somewhere down the line. Still, I should not be overly surprised. This seems to be the time for a general meltdown in the tech sector. Maybe after the first of the year some things ca