Archived Messages from February 12, 2003 to April 16, 2003
Hi all!
Litter, congrats again! very very cool. I'll go check out the link to your book soon as I post this.
Howard, I think you won the 'warm and fuzzy' award of the month. and oh! I'd loved to have seen the look on the poi's face.
Jack, watch it! As tempting as it is to push those extremes, they bite back.
Hey, I've been crafting a poem for the last two weeks, and am looking for input. Anyone game? E-mail me if you are.
So we found a house to buy, she accepted our offer, and now we wait for the bank to okay it. Waiting, waiting...
Also waiting for Mary's Big Announcement! Anyone have news?
Blue skies!
Tina 4-16-2003 0:35
ANFSCD: Here's an interesting article that might generate some SciFi action -- it's about the Human Genome Project.
http://tinyurl.com/9ml7
If that doesn't show up as clickable, copy/paste it into your browser address space and hit 'go'.
The original url should show up, and take you to the article.
I'm finding www.tinyurl.com increasingly handy for compressing those horrendously long addresses into a useable one.
howard 4-15-2003 22:35
I just received a pointer to a chilling passage in Isaiah 17:1-3 -- a reminder of a prophecy that has taken on new significance in the past few days. Not a doubt in my mind that it will happen someday -- just pretty sure it won't be for a few years yet.
:-)
howard 4-15-2003 22:12
Randall
Evening all...
Cheri...thank you. I have taken a hand off from Jerry and submitted two "Red" stories to a ND newspaper. What the heck, maybe the ship will float. I need help with bills also. Don't we all ...'cept maybe Litter. :-)
Very tired...had to cut my Toprol in half from 100 mg to 50 mg last week. I was wasted halfway through the day... It's a heart or artery medicine, not sure. The heart doctor was very blunt when he prescribed it to me. "Take it or die!"
You'll never find a Texan that will pass up a little gallows humor. I hesitated. When the seconds stretched out he asked, "Well?"
"I'm thinking about it! I'm thinking about it!"
:-)
Randall
Randall 4-15-2003 21:34
Hello all: Been a bit sidetracked of late what with being a guest at Norwescon - http://www.norwescon.org as well as being vice chair for Westercon 56 - http://www.wester56.org . Wanted to mention that Westercon is doing a Buisness of Writing Workshop prior to the con. You can find out more about it at http://www.wester56.org/workshopflyer.html .
Well, Fran and I scared ourselves a bit when we attempted to do a wall in the San Juans. We were pushing to envelope as far as being on the wall before the currents changed and did some things we know better than doing and ended up doing a 116 foot dive that totaled five minutes in length, down quick and up quick. As it turned out, no harm done. Just our nerves. I also will likely archive in the next day or so since things are up close to a meg. Take care everyone.
Jack Beslanwitch Business of Writing
4-15-2003 17:54
DAMN that weatherman!! a week of wonderful summer-like warmth, trees budding, grass growing, now we're under a winter storm warning, expecting 4-8 inches of snow along with 20 -40 mph winds!!
Guess we pissed somwone upstairs off
Jerry 4-15-2003 14:41
RAMON -- Yes, Playboy is tough to get into, and yes they pay well. I was surprised (years ago) to see a classmate of mine from high school (Laurence Leamer) published there. He's gone on to several best-seller lists since -- for The Kennedy Women and a couple of others.
Haven't seen him since graduation night, though.
howard 4-15-2003 14:36
Ramon: PLAYBOY is one of the toughest markets to get into. But they pay huge. Five thousand for a short story. They usually only publish one a month, sometimes two, and they are all written by well established scriveners--we're talking Updike, King and the like. They do take new writers though. It's a quality magazine. We have a load of them that come into work once in a while, and I go through them with a fine tooth comb looking at every story they have. I actually "read" the stories in PLAYBOY. The pictures are no big deal since all four walls, the ceiling, the fridge door, and even inside it, are all plastered with nudie pictures. But by all means, give them a shot. They have a web site, and you can get to their guidlines, but it might take a little snooping around.
ben 4-15-2003 14:07
hehehehehhehe!
Debra 4-15-2003 13:35
Just got this from a newsletter -- I love it!
A woman gets home, screeches her car into the driveway, runs into the house,
slams the door and shouts at the top of her lungs, "Honey, pack your bags. I
won the lottery!"
The husband says, 'Hot dog! What should I pack, beach stuff or mountain
stuff?"
"Who cares?" she says. "Just get out."
howard 4-15-2003 13:22
Ramon:
Here's a link I think I got here some years ago.
It's horror, but I don't know if it's all horror.
Debra http://atoledo.freeyellow.com/stories.html
4-15-2003 10:12
Just a Quickie
The litterali.com web address no longer works properly. I had changed the directory to make it work and it bumped my other three web sites in the process. The original link: http://www.litterali.com/Watchers/home.html now works again. I'll make up a gateway from my .com web address to the other sites when I get a minute. Promotion is very time consuming especially with me living on the other side of the pond. PA will be publicising the book on the internet an in the US but I'm doing the UK side. Anybody got any original ideas for marketing to those who may be missed otherwise? This would be a benefit to me but also (I sincerely hope) to other Notebookers.
I have been writing emails and releases all morning and I am knackered. All I want to do is get on with other writing – typical – I always feel more like writing when there are other things to do…
Myriad ideas and myriad possibilities (that's for Howard :o) … My head hurts!
Byeeeeeee,
Litter Again LitterAli Writing
4-15-2003 9:38
Hello all!
RANDALL: I know its been said before, but I felt it needed to be said again; GET THOSE RED BRITCHES STORIES TOGETHER AND GET THEM TO A PUBLISHER! They are great, wonderful, fantastic! If I could tell a story half as well as you, I wouldn't be worrying about my bills half as much.
Just felt that needed to be said.
Back to lurking!
Cheri 4-15-2003 9:17
Hiya Guys. Haven't been here for a while as I have been somewhat distracted but I am still writing. I am still trying to make up clues to my murder mystery after having devised the who, what when where how and why. Just need to figure out a way for my smart arse hero to piece it together. I am also developing some short story ideas if I only have say 30 mins or an hour of time free.
Hands up any guys/girls (I am not biased) who ready Playboy. Reason I ask is that I am looking for publications for short stories and I know Stepehn King had "Word Processor of the Gods" published in an edition of playboy. Having never read it myself, ever, I was wondering if they still publish such stories? WHy haven't I read some may ask? It just never appealed - I love women believe me.
Short story publications seem to be diffcult to find in the UK so if anybody can throw some names at me I would appreciate it (especially any Britons out there who know of any UK magazines that also publsh short stories). It doesn't matter if its US or Australian or whatever.
I see the political climes in the middle east are getting progressively worse. No surprise there.
Cheers Y'all
Ramon
Ramon 4-15-2003 7:50
No Jerry, you're not. What the hell are those two idiots thinking?
ben 4-15-2003 2:43
Am I the only one a bit nervous about the new rumblings of war against Syria?
Shades of 1930's Europe?
Naaaaaa...
Jerry 4-15-2003 0:03
Randall
Hey!
HOLY JIHAD!
By
Randall Henderson
In a move that has surprised the "gang" Red Britches recently evolved into quite the business man. What was once a weekend job of cutting firewood evolved into a full time occupation for Brownwood's most prominent character and wine bon vivant. This was brought home when I saw a gangly man astride an all terrain vehicle motoring stately down the highway. Red waved gaily as I zipped by the trailers loaded with wood behind a straining ATV.
An hour later I delivered a load of tune up accessories to George's shop. Fuel additives and WD-40 mostly. "Saw Red a while back George."
"Hauling wood on trailers pulled by an ATV?"
"Yeah. First time I've known Red to be so occupied."
"He has his moments." George paused and looked hard at me. "You haven't heard the latest?"
"I don't suppose..."
George poured a pint of liquid tune up into the gas tank of a rough idling 1976 Buick "Roadmaster." He wiped clean a three-legged bar stool (one leg heavily wrapped in electric tape) and motioned me to sit. He walked to a nearby propane powered refrigerator and hauled out a couple of long neck, Lone Star beers.
"Red has a partner in the wood cutting." George explained as he tossed me a brew. "Miss Shari..."
"Miss Shari, the largest land owner in Central Texas ... who owns Catalina the Longhorn?"
"One and the same. That ATV you saw Red riding belongs to Miss Shari. The wood belongs to Miss Shari, the chain saw, and the ax and the land. About the only thing that she don't own ‘round these parts are Red and that old she devil Catalina."
At my frown George added. "Catalina is her own boss. I suspect she stays with Miss Shari because the mood suits her." He paused and sipped from the beer. "Red cuts the wood, hauls it to town, sells it and splits the proceeds 50/50 with Miss Shari."
"Neat deal."
George snickered. "You ain't heard it all Randy. For all his well-meaning intentions Red is a real test for Miss Shari. She opened an account for the enterprise at the Tackle Shop which is on the way to the ranch. Red was supposed to buy a few groceries there ... butter, beans, bread, gasoline, two-cycle oil for the chain saw. He does that but no matter what he gets Red always includes a little libation on the ticket, if you know what I mean."
"Just a little?" I joked.
"Well, more than a little. A gallon of Mogan David every morning might be more like it."
"It's hard to imagine Red running a chain saw."
"Well he starts out with a double bit ax and a chain saw in the morning. He can do as much work with one as the other, but at the end of the day only the ax will be running. But the old fool hasn't cut anything off yet so I guess he knows what he is doing."
"So is that the latest George?"
"Not quite. Last weekend Red was headed in, way past sundown. The highway patrol has stopped him a couple of times for driving the ATV at night on the highway. It's only because they know he is working for Miss Shari keep them from hauling him in. That old gal has a lot of pull in these parts and since the highway patrol to a man belong to the local fishing club..."
"And Miss Shari has a dozen government reservoirs on the ranch full of black bass and channel catfish ... and sponsors most Bass Tournaments."
"Yup, you understand. So they give Red a good chewing out, take his wine, then let him go. Red has learned the highway patrol for that highway eats supper around ten at night. He makes a dash for town about then cause he wants the rest of his wine for a bedtime snack."
George paused. "Ain't ya gonna drink that brew?"
I handed it to George. "I'm on the job George."
"Grown awful particular ain't ye! Red is darn good at avoiding the law. There is a great big concrete culvert box system under the ranch highway about halfway into town. A three-box culvert, each one eight-foot wide and ten feet tall connect Miss Shari's ranch which is on both sides of the road. Red will pull out of the ranch gate, look both ways and race for the culvert with his trailers loaded down. He has slipped the fence so he can zip in under the bridge if he feels the highway patrol is in sight. Well, according to Red he spotted headlights ahead and discretion being the better part of valor headed for the culvert box at high speed. Only thing was a new pickup was parked in his hidey hole."
"Someone else was inside the culvert?"
"And not only that, had Miss Shari's current crop of longhorn calves out of you know who."
"Catalina's twin calves!"
"Exactly. Someone was stealing Catalina's calves. Had both loaded up in the bed and sitting on the tailgate drinking beer!"
"Oh shit!"
"Yeah, that's just what Red said. Red said both the guys were staring at him like they had something bad in mind. You know rustling is a no-no here ‘bouts. It is said some rustlers that disappeared after being caught on Miss Shari's ranch vanished rather mysteriously. Slim Lee, Miss Shari's foreman is mean as all hell when it comes to protecting ranch property. He doesn't carry that old six-shooter for show. Lots of deep ravines way back inside the ranch."
George set an empty bottle on the workbench and opened the other. "But Red said oh shit for another reason. He looked beyond the pickup and said he saw a pair of flashing sparks about eight feet apart. Coming right at the pickup. The sparks were from Catalina's horns as they scrapped against the sides of the box culvert. Catalina was coming for her calves at a high trot, her old bony head high and homicide on her mind. Red said he shot the gas to the ATV and raced out on the road running Chief Deputy Lawdog and his new patrol car right off the road."
"Oh my God!"
"Apparently Deputy Lawdog was madder a wet hen. But just when he reached Red there was a loud crash from inside the culvert. Then another. Seconds later the two rustlers were ejected rather forcefully from the culvert box followed by Catalina. Red said she was breathing fire but that was just the wine talking."
"Now wait a minute George. That box culvert is only eight feet wide. Most vehicles would fit rather snugly in that thing. How did Catalina get around the pickup?"
"Jumped it. Saw it myself cause I was duty wrecker that night. I hauled the pickup in. Catalina first bashed the grill in. Then put the neatest set of hoof marks in the hood and on the cab you ever saw."
"Did Red get in trouble?"
George laughed. "Are you kidding? Deputy Lawdog was handed a rustling bust by Red! That alone is a $10,000 reward from the Southwest Cattle Raisers Association! Besides that he stopped Miss Shari's pride and joy from being stolen. Old Lawdog has an invitation to hunt and fish on the ranch, probably forever! The two rustlers were wanted all over the state on multiple charges."
"Red will come out smelling like a rose, eh?"
George grinned widely. "Nice word play Randy. But not in an olfactory sense. Red said when he saw Catalina coming through that culvert he said, ‘Oh shit' and then he did!"
Good night all
Randall
RANDALL 4-14-2003 22:49
Pamela - You're right, of course, since we have only one cafe that is available for coffee's we wouldn't give it up, and the wife did have this strange little smile on her face for several hours after we left. I guess it gave me a sort of boost too in the long run, knowing that I have what others want, kind of a nice feeling after all.
Now just so the wife doens't get any ideas....
Jerry 4-14-2003 22:37
LITTER -- Oh sure! Now I see how you managed to get published! Not only did you write a good looking book, you also used 'myriad' correctly on the first page! :-)
Nice web page too!
howard 4-14-2003 22:21
OOOOOPS!
that web site link doesn't work and I have no idea why, so it is back to the generic http://www.litterali.com and that will get you there.
Sorry
Litter Again Link
4-14-2003 20:58
Grrrrr! I had a long message that disappeared, so this one's going to be shorter. (Sighs of relief)
Things are a bit strange just now.. I still haven't heard officially the book has been released, but as I live in the UK, my mail is going to be a week or so behind all of you in the good old UsofA…
I had a plan: Revamped website, follow up articles (from recent local press interviews) of the launch of the book, parties… sex, drugs, and Rock and Roll… (OK so the list should have stopped at parties!) I had, by PA's reckoning, another 2 to 4 weeks – plenty of time for all that I wanted to do. It has taken a mere six days from the acceptance of the cover design. I think they are trying to get it on the streets before official notification of the comet that is inbound on a near Earth trajectory… Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do… UFO's up in Fife are getting a bit frisky as well…
Anyway, I revamped my website in record time in an all-new livery. It is smaller than before but contains an extract from the beginning of the book and a couple or three 'new' poems. I'll be adding some links and stuff when I get the time.
Check it out at – http://www.litterali.com/Watchers/home.html
ROWHAD – the vexing question of while v whilst. Hmmm. Encarta has 'whilst' as a English equivalent of the US while, but I don't think that there is really a clear-cut proper usage in the UK or the US. I use it the way I was taught at school – 'while' I would use in relation to time. E.g. It happened while she was away : it happened at the same time, or, It was a while before the royalties rolled in, i.e., it was a length of time. 'Whilst', on the other hand, I tend to use for more abstract comparisons/discourse (as opposed to inter…) such as, He had many good points, whilst that bad ones could not be overlooked. Subtle differences, and down to individual taste I reckon.
Interestingly, the etymologies of the words are not quite the same. 'Whilst' is from the Middle English 'Whiles' which means 'against'. (As with pitching one idea against the other.)
But the etymology of 'While' is from the Germanic (Close relation of Middle English) which then became the Middle English 'the while that'. (As in a measure of time.)
Even back then you could probably get away with either?
Must dash,
Litter LitterAli Writing
4-14-2003 20:50
"Day of the Weed." Wasn't that a '60s protest song?
Mark 4-14-2003 19:45
EDDIE/LITTER/(or anyone) Here's a question from a member of a group that dates back to my IBM days. Mayhap you can answer the first part -- the second is an interesting observation:
"I keep reading the British "whilst" as our (American) "while"
Is this always so? Or is there a subtle but deeper difference?
Also, interesting & similar factoid recently confirmed:
In the Persian language, there is no translation for the
word "too" used as " .. too many " or ".. too much". They
use the word "very" instead as in " .. very many"/"very much"
My friend Jim, who was born/raised there (here for 40+ years)
recognized that was correct and undersood the difference,
had a long discussion (argument?) with his brother (who's
been here much less time). His brother couldn't understand
the distinction between "too many" and "very many"!
Language does reflect AND control thoughts & ideas!"
howard 4-14-2003 18:03
Pamela:
No I don't do the weed. The best way I can tell you is a line on the Roasanne Bar show. Remember that? Dan asked her one day how long it had been since they quit somking pot,.....15 years? She said "we quit? I thought we were just out!" That's hysterical. Although, it might actually depict how some people found out they quit.
Eddie:
You're not telling me????? Please tell me!
Also, Roy just died. I missed that one last week. Why did he die? Why does his son think it's her fault?
You can tell me that! I wouldn't call it gloom and doom. It's seems more true to the things that actually happen in life.
Are there other soaps in the UK? Also, if the UK is small TV wise, why is it everyone they surprise on "What not to wear" all seem to never have heard of that show. They all have that look like "what not to wear" What show is that? That' impossible that not one of them know. Isn't it?
Debra 4-14-2003 17:18
Debra,
Is Phil a killer?
Does Noddy drive a red car?
Does Litter enjoy a wee tot?
Hmmm.........
No....Not telling
No.....
And yes......
You are Waaay behind!
I really can't stand the accents in that show. It is also known as the doom and gloom soap. It is really the most dire, depressing soap on British tv.
And that Dot!!!
Eddie French 4-14-2003 14:54
Debra-- and here I thought "day of the weed" meant you got high while doing laundry.
I'm feeling better now, much thanks to you guys. Jerry, I don't really expect to get anything from my BBB complaint, I'm into my book now instead of the architecture anyway. I just want the bastids to have a complaint on their record. What an embarrassing situation for you and your wife, small town life indeed. It might be nice for her to know she had an admirer (always good for one's ego) except for far too much detail in much too public a place. I wouldn't avoid the restaurant altogether but would sure check for their car in the future.
Yes, Nashville has a hockey team, heaven only knows why, I really will have to get to a game sometime.
Welcome to the world to wee Claire....
pamela 4-14-2003 11:14
Okay week not weed.
Debra 4-14-2003 10:21
Eddie:
One more thing, I'm glad you're laughing. Laughing is good.
I'm now involded in the show Eastenders. You had asked me if I watched that one, and I said I didn't. Well I started. It comes on the day of the weed I fold all the clothes for the house. So I finish my laundry and watch Eastenders. Great show! I think we might be behind over here in the U.S of A. We stil don't kow if Phil is a killer or not yet.
Is he?
Debra 4-14-2003 10:20
Eddie:
Actually it was more than a friend and she lives in a country, which shall remain nameless, who was invaded by the Russians for her whole life time. The Russians have now left of course, but the people they invaded still don't like the Russians as you can imagine and tell me that they can't be trusted ever. I'm sure she is talking about the government.
Let's not talk about it any more. Let's just pray that Iraq embraces democracy forever. That could only lead to great lives for every last person in that country.
Debra 4-14-2003 10:16
Debra,
The next time some paranoid friend tells you that 'The Russians are coming' you just tell them that you have many friends on the other side of the water who, being much closer and so much more in tune with events over here, who laugh at the thought.
The Russians could never mount such an attack, even if they wanted to, which they most certainly don't. it wont be long before they are applying for EU membership!
Ed
Eddie French 4-14-2003 5:51
**Taylor**
Jerry: I know I saw Star Wars at a young age, but unfortunately being only 3 at the time it was in the Cinemas I only saw it on video.
My brother and I saw Empire Strikes Back in the Cinema when it came out... Really loved it.
It took me a long time to see Return of the Jedi because I thought it would be just another Star Wars movie. I didn't see it till it came on television.
I thought it was heaven to have the chance to see all three Star Wars pictures in the Cinema... But I had to laugh at hearing this comment from a mother and child as the movie started.
Child: "Oh this movie screen ain't so big."
Mother: "Well it's bigger than our television"
Having been brought up around Horror movies such as Friday the 13th, Amityville and House even, I find that watching a really good horror movies relaxes me.
On that note, I finally got my hands on Halloween 1... But I think I may have seen it because one part seemed so familiar in it... That was when the children were taunting the boy saying that the Boogeyman was going to get you. Over and over.
I felt cheated about Halloween 3 though... No Michael Myers.
Taylor 4-14-2003 3:19
Litter, It looks wonderful! I can't wait to buy it. Going to request it as part of my B-day present in May, yeeeehaw! BTW, I've checked out PublishAmerica before and they look (to me) like one of the more reputable publishing houses out there. CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!
Teekay, Beep beep! Christi's email delivery, late, never on time, and yet so happy to be back in your box! :D
Jerry, Oh, I love this! I saw Star Wars with my family when I was eight years old at an old drive-in called the De Anza. The six of us sat on a blanket and were made instant fans as soon as the first spaceship swooped into view. Sigh.
Christi 4-14-2003 0:12
JERRY -- My first time? I was on a business trip, and saw it in 1980 at a drive-in theatre in Poughkeepsie, New York. That's pronounced Po-Kip-See, (accent on kip) for anyone not familiar with the town. I liked it right off (the movie, not the town) and have seen it several times since then.
howard 4-13-2003 22:41
LITTER -- No problem! I got a Litter letter. They're advertising it for you -- quite well, I would say. Very professional and to the point.
Their web site looks impressive as well!
howard 4-13-2003 22:36
Where were you when you saw your first Star Wars Movie?
I saw mine in 77, at the theatre at the corner of 12th and Lyon in Marshall Minnesota (Schwann's anyone). I was an Army Recruiter, and our office was in the theatre building, one of the perc's was free movies for us and our families, well we were expected to buy popcorn, can't beat a deal like that. Ever since that day, I've been a Star Wars fan, we have the movies on VHS, and I've now downloaded several of the movies off Kazaa.
Use NvidaDVD to watch them, it seems to work the best on my machine, and allows me to move the screen to our television and watch it that way, beats the heck out of my little fifteen inch monitor, and the wife can enjoy them with me.
Yesterday I watched the Red Dragon, wife was gone to a meeting, she doesn't like any of the Hannibal series, I love them, also have downloaded the entire set off Kazaa.
Write on...
Jerry 4-13-2003 21:20
Damn - Is this global warming or what? Got up to 87 today, the last week has been nearly all record breaking highs. Everything is still way too dry, that fire I mentioned a few days ago is still burning off and on, when they think it's out, a few hours latter it flares up again, thus far it has consumed over three thousand acres of grassland. If that's not bad enough, our fire department is out as I type working on a fire about fifteen miles from here, and on their way out, they reported another fire out of their district, this one is bad enough that they've sent units from a neighboring town.
I sure hope it rains soon, the weatherman is predicting the highs to drop to the low 40's and snow by Tuesday, that would be nice.
Been watering every day on my new grass, it's coming and you should see the birds rejoice in the sprinklers, like a bunch of little kids playing splashing and chasing each other. The wonders of life.
Still loving this duragesic patch, I used the nicotine patch to stop smoking some eight years ago, now this. Seems everything is being offered in patch form now, the Doc offered the wife hormone patches, but she turned him down, now I see you can get arthritis patch for local application, better living through chemistry.
Jerry 4-13-2003 21:08
HOWARD: Oh my golly!!! Now couldn't I make myself some fine ol' snowballs with that!!
Teekay. 4-13-2003 19:14
ben,
Hockey rocks! How about the singing of the Canadian Anthem! Holy wow... That was something to listen to. I love that the Canucks won. I love my home team. I love, love, love em!!!!! I even loved them when they took that 6 nothing loss. Ahhh, hockey.
Rachel 4-13-2003 18:49
Litter:
Thank you for those kind words. I do believe you completely. I'll relax. All what you say makes sense too. I can't understand that the Russian (people) not politicians want war of any kind with any one, especially us. I don't mean because I think we are a super power, did you see the Chinese Army do back flips off the trucks with their guns in hand and land on their feet in formation, it's more because they want to be our allies. I think Russians like most countries want to rule themselves like we do.
I'm praying democracy takes in Iraq.
Debra 4-13-2003 17:41
Hi People.
You Guys and Guyesses are amazing! You knew my book was available to order before I did!
Thanks for the interest, congrats, and for being my cyber buddies (and for the sales of course :o). I got a big adrenalin hit when I read the Notebook today. I wonder when PA are going to tell me? I'm more than a little surprised at how rapid the progress has been as the cover was only confirmed last week. The cover art is all my own, with one little exception – They wanted two little changes in the artwork that I produced but we settled on one – they moved the title and name down an inch or so. I think the Cover Design Department felt they needed to have some input?
To say this an interesting time is somewhat of an understatement – the highs of the publishing process against the lows of a financial shit storm – but the highs are winning at the moment…
JERRY – I can appreciate a little of how you feel (shit-storm-wise) and I feel doubly honoured that you want to spend some hard to come by dollars on the book.
CHRISTI – Don't you just hate it when people get precious about their work at the first opportunity? Not me! (he boldly exclaims, splitting his infinitives, fingers crossed behind his back.) Although I might have to start charging an 'appearance' fee. :o)
ROWDAH – What can I say? Thanks pal! Did you get a postcard or are you psychic?
PAMELA – A few of us have been where you are. You're among friends. I normally find solace in music from my teens and twenties and old comedies – Monty Python's Life Of Brian always gets a smile, especially the song 'Always Look On the Bright Side of Life' at the end of the film. Such an incongruous scenario. I also tend to lie down a lot and think, 'What If?' Failing that, I have car that tops 120mph and a lovely strait bit of road nearby. (My wife doesn't like it much.) As a last resort, I have my limited but glorious selection of Malts in ascending order of age; 10, 12, 15, & 20 years old. (The 12 year old took a bit of a beating last week.) … Or then I could always write something? Nah!
DEBRA – Don't Panic! The Russians are making the political noises that are expected of them. Vlad Putin has appeared on TV throughout Europe stating that 'An American defeat is not in Russia's best interest'. Note the word 'not'. The Russians do not have the will or the resources to do anything other than commit suicide. Remember, a great many Russians are now enjoying freedom (and some of the flotsam of capitalism) that was undreamt of 20 years ago. The Russian people are neither stupid or belligerent, and wouldn't put up with hostile political decisions. I don't know where your friend is getting her information?
BEN – Way to go! I'm Still waiting to see if the 'money' question is a myth or not. Nice thought though…
MARY – Let us know when it is time to wince :o) May the Angels watch over you.
Got another book about the paranormal. I didn't buy it, it just appeared one day…
I haven't seen this one this time around – Definition of a well balanced Frenchman: A chap with a chapeau and a chip on both shoulders.
Hope I haven't ignored anyone.
TTFN
Litter 4-13-2003 17:03
**Taylor**
Unfortunately, the place where I live there's no chance in hell of it snowing. Since we live close to a desert. But there was an old report where it rained fish here, but haven't found it.
I've never seen snow.
I don't think I've talked about Kalgoorlie too much. I'm going to describe it in three words.
Mining, Pubs and Brothels.
Not neccessarily in that order. In Kal there's at least 24 pubs.
Taylor 4-13-2003 10:35
Oh yeah Howard, I checked out those pictures, and thank God I live on the West coast. We don't get snow out here.
Ben 4-13-2003 1:27
Go CANUCKS go!!! God I love hockey, especially when the home team wins. And Pamela, Nashville has a team in case you didn't know. Of course, they're not in the playoffs, but Dallas is. Of course, I'm going for the Canadian teams...like Rachel. :-)
ben 4-13-2003 1:23
Overheard in a café;
Lady: “You’re looking at her aren’t you?”
Man: “No, I was reading the desert board!”
Lady: “Don’t give me that shit, you’re looking at her, I can tell!”
Man: “So what if I am, I married you!”
Lady: “Do you think of her when we’re making love?”
Man: “Of course I don’t!”
Lady: “Then why did you scream her name when we were making love?”
Man: “That was a long time ago!”
Lady: “Three weeks is not a long time ago!”
Man: “I haven’t even talked to her in over thirty years, you know that!”
Lady: “How do I know that?”
Man: “Well for over twenty-five years they lived in a different state!”
I just couldn’t take it any more, I took my wife (Who they were arguing about) by her arm and we left. Guess we will have to find some other café for coffee, only problem the only other café’s are either a night club, or the A & W/Cennex gas station.
Ah small town life, you gotta love it.
Jerry 4-13-2003 0:45
Teekay - Yep, we's smart!
Pamela -- I know that feeling, I had to fight with Workers Comp for several years, I think my lawyer was right when he said, "they ALWAYS turn you down the first few times!"
I was lucky, in North Dakota, Workers Comp is a State Agency and can't screw with you quite as much as insurance companies do. That and the law said that they HAD to pay for my attorney if they turned me down. (That has since changed, progress, go figure!) We went through the whole deal, ending with them looking like total fools in court, but just to keep me guessing, they screw with me every once in awhile when I least expect it. Since they are a State Agency, I keep regular correspondence with the Governor's office of North Dakota and notify them each time I get one of their "YOU ARE ORDERED TO REPORT!" letters.
I guess that is no help to you, lawyers are EXPENSIVE and usually not worth even one percent of what you pay them. Again I was lucky in the fact that my former partner on the PD, and best friend for years quit police work and went to law school, he specialized in Workers Comp, and is well known in ND as one of the very best WC attorneys in the State, when the bureau see his name on the bottom of the legal papers they quake in their boots. He is also number one in my address book and I scan every note I get from the bureau into my computer and send it off to his office. Sure glad he works pro bono for me on the stuff that the bureau refuses to pay for.
At any rate, good luck, I hope it all works out for you.
Litter -- Congrats on the book, right now we're way short on funds and I can't order it, but if I manage to sell one computer I just put together from left over parts (not one of the give-away's I'm building, this one is a bit faster and more modern) I'll get an order off, I am anxious to read your work.
Jerry 4-13-2003 0:28
I'll never complain about snow again!
Check this out: http://www.edu.gov.nf.ca/snow/photo.htm
howard 4-12-2003 19:59
LITTER: Just went and checked out your book. The cover looks good and the story sounds fascinating!!
Teekay 4-12-2003 19:46
LITTER: Your book is on the shelf?? That's absolutely BRILLIANT!!!!!
I am sooooooooo happy for you.
You are one of my great inspirations!!
HOWARD: What a beautiful story.
You also are one of my great inspirations.
CHRISTI: Don't worry about it. And don't go feeling any email pressure, I know you will when you want to.
Hmmmmm, so nice, basking in the glow of the success of others :-)
Ciao ciao.
Teekay 4-12-2003 19:38
Where? Where can I get me a copy of The Watchers?
Ahhh!!!! OH! NO! MY! EXC!AMA!!ON KE! IS STU!K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!
HEE HEE
!!!!
OH DARN!!!!!!
Heather 4-12-2003 17:30
Forgot to say big, BIG, B I G Congratulations to Litter on the release of his book, hooray for you! Can't afford to buy it right now but will see if the library can order it.
pamela 4-12-2003 17:22
Thanks again, everyone, things ARE looking up. An old friend expressed an interest in renting a room from me, which would mean that my daughter could move out, she has been staying here helping me; so sweet of her but that has made me feel bad too, she's 21 and deserves to have a place of her own (she's had apartments before and moved in with me to get away from roomates and into her own place, then got stuck). Also I filed a complaint against Metlife with the Better Business Bureau, I don't expect to get my disability back or anything, it's just me stepping on the toe of the giant who crushed me and it feels GOOD!
Heather and Taylor, hope things are looking better for you too. Who could help but laugh at the picture of a horse tromping through Rachel's house! Or smile at the thought of swimming in a rainbow pool...
pamela 4-12-2003 17:18
CHRISTI -- and others -- thanks for the kind words. Nothing special about me, though, lots of people do things like that.
Dunno why that link to Litter's publisher didn't show up as a link -- here it is again.
http://www.publishamerica.com/
If that doesn't work, just copy/paste.
I just sent a note to Jack -- the notebook is over 1 meg now, and might be a tad slow for dialups.
howard 4-12-2003 15:57
Whups, Hey Litter, it looks like Howard answered my question. But still, a link would be nice ...
:P
Christi 4-12-2003 15:28
+Christi+
Hey Viv, Saren Wrap universal? Coool!
Rachel! That's hilarious! Act of horse, yeesh. At least he didn't do his 'business' in there. Man, I'm so jealous of yours and Rosemary's horses. I've longed since I was two. Someday ...
Howard, I had tears in my eyes early on in your telling of the events in the Chinese restaurant, and by the end I was not so prettily sobbing. Thank you for relaying such a beautiful story. You're one of the things that's right with the world, Howard.
Teekay, Nice words from the Guru! I'm so sorry I've been such a brat about mailing you! I even got you a little something to make up for it. :) I've been doing nothing but shopping at ebay for about ten days and it's getting ridiculous. Somebody stop me!!!!!!!!!! But I did get some really cool LOTR bookmarks, LOTR audio cds, soundtrack albums from you-guessed-it. And at least four books at last count. Droooool, slobber.
Pamela, Despondence is an awful place to be. Doesn't matter how guilty and ungrateful you feel about everything being so bad everywhere else, it still seeps in sometimes. So you stop beating yourself up for every last thing, girl; you're a pretty terrific person who's made it through some pretty terrible things. You deserve a break and I hope you get one in a big way very soon. I hope something makes you smile and the clouds break up and a great double rainbow dives from the heavens right into your window and lands in a pool at your feet. Wouldn't it be great to swim in a rainbow pool? :)
Taylor, I just jumped with delight when I saw you were back. Be gentle on yourself too. You're a VIP, here and lots of other places I'm sure. HUGS!
Hee hee! Heather, I just got to your posts. Whups, you're absolutely right! I think I sign off in my EMAILS that way sometimes, not here. My bad! So please, won't you tell me your funk has turned around as well? I'll lend you some of my cheer, I seem to have some to spare today. And give P** a break if that's what you need. Sounds like you've been working much too hard!
Mare!!!!!!! She's probably already here! Well good luck, even if I'm a little late, and welcome to the world, Claire Marie! You got lucky--you were born into a fabulous family.
Hey, I love Oprah! Nah, she's not perfect, but for the most part I enjoy her shows immensly. I used to think Mr. Rogers was a little creepy until a friend told me that he was the only person who ever told her she was special when she was a kid. The cool part is that she listened to and believed that tennis shoe tossing, make-believe having, kind-spoken man on her television. I think he was boss! There oughta be more Mr. Rogers' in this here world.
I said it once, and I'll say it again. Sasquatch for president!
Litter, Your BOOK!!!!!!! It's so cool to see you excited about it. So many writers act bourgeois once it happens, and it IS so exciting. Stressful at times, I'm sure, but there should be excitement too. BTW, I would dearly love to have a copy when I've saved up a little (after having won all my auctions :/). Is it available yet? Is there a link I could follow? Advertise, man!
I've used up my !!!!!!s for a month. Anyone who catches me using one next post can slap my hand. But I'll most likely do it on my first sentence. I swear I don't do this in my fiction! Whoops. I mean, I swear I don't do this in my fiction. ? ! HAHAHAHAHA! Okay, I can't stop myself. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Going now. Where did I place those crazy pills?
XOXOXO,
Christi 4-12-2003 15:23
I just ordered "The Watchers" by G.K. McLaren, from
www.publishamerica.com
Now I'll have to remove the "No Littering" sign from my bookshelf -- but that's okay, it's a great looking book!
howard 4-12-2003 15:08
Howard, I knew that 'Angels on Street Corners' was inspired by someone. Now I know who!
;o)
Heather 4-12-2003 15:06
PAMELA -- Hang in there! Stick around and you'll find this is one great group of encouraging people!
VIV -- thanks! that really happened a couple of years ago, and I'd all but forgotten it, but I stopped at the same restaurant yesterday and saw an old man there with his family, and that brought it all back again. Deja warm all over again! :-)
howard 4-12-2003 7:27
Howard: Wonderful! You probably gave that man the sunny spot and the thing he'll remember about his vacation. It's always terrible to watch a group doing a close out on a single person. I'm glad you told the "koi" that he was going to sit with you.
I was shopping today and the same thing about fluency not being a necessity occured to me. All one really needs to communicate is an understanding heart. Today I had a real difficult task and one of those I dread. I had to get a giant sized roll of saran wrap. (Plastic wrap) I am wrapping up rugs and these strange trianguar cushions I bought in Thailand. So I go to the local building supply store and I have to ask for help. I drag myself over to the counter to ask...dreading the answer. Usually it's arimasen...even if it's on the shelf in front of me.
Today the young woman and her friend behind the counter had curious eyes. As I approached they didn't turn around and start searching for other work. They waited and listened. They obviously didn't understand, but one woman said, Ahhhh Saran wrap. A one word Gotcha'. She led me over to a counter where they had the king sized rolls of saran wrap, then to the other counter where they have the "keeps stuff dry" packets. No words other than saran wrap were necessary.
It helped a lot. I'm going in to teach the kids that all flunked English last year. I have 45 of them in one room. You know what I think...I'm going to keep my standards low. As long as they know please, thank you, I'm from... where are you from? This is my family...This is my pet...we're in business. (Oh and Thanks to Randall...one very special word....Texas.)
Viv 4-12-2003 4:41
Pamela,
You do sound like one to go on. Good for you (hugs). It takes a lot to move forward in the face of adversity. My hat is off to you.
Heather,
Glad you got the message :o)
Pamela and Heather,
If you are still feeling a little blue, I've got a story from my life. This happened this evening...
Our horses seem to think that they should live in the house. It has been an issue for some time now. When we are outside and then go into the house, the horses try to follow us. This evening I was out closing the gate as a friend left. I had told my daughter to be sure to close the door when she went in. Jordan forgot to close the door, and one of the horses was up that step faster than I could run across the yard. I was yelling the whole time "The horses are getting in! The horses are getting in! I guess it was pretty hard to hear me over the screaming of the birds, the laughter of Sebastian and stomping of hoof beats on the hardwood floors :o) I'll let you in on something that I bet a lot of people don't know. Horses look a lot bigger inside of a house than they do outside of it. I just about had a fit when she made for the stairs. If she had gone to the second level I don't know what might have happened. I doubt it would have been any good thing. As it is we are down the contents of our china hutch. We've collected the remains in a box and plan to call the insurance company. I don't know if they cover act of horse...
Take care all.
Rachel 4-12-2003 1:27
Thanks so much to Rachel, Heather, Rhoda and Rosemary for your encouraging words regarding depression. It does not just have to do with the goings on in the world (although that sure doesn't help) but with very real financial problems brought about by our federal government (no offence to you flag-wavers). I became disabled for my profession, which was supposed to be covered by the long-term disability that I purchased through my employer, but they denied it on the basis of bulls**t trumped-up charges which I never had a chance to defend myself against. Just to pass the word along to others considering insurance purchased through your employer, this falls under Section 502 of the Employee Retirement income Security Act of 1974 which, in the words of the attorney I consulted, gave insurance companies "carte blanche to rip people off" since lawyers can't afford to handle federal cases on a contingency basis. I had spent quite a bit of money (purchasing this computer, for one thing) to start a new occupation in architectural design, having been offered Voc. Rehab. and with the understanding that this was an approved return-to-work plan. Then they found a bunch of excuses to pull the plug and I find myself in dire financial straits, not to mention my long-time dream crashing around my head. Oh well. When I look at those in war-torn countries who only have the clothes on their backs, I realize how lucky I am and hate myself even more for wondering how I will survive for the rest of my life. Love it or leave it? I would happily leave for a socialistic society like Canada or the U.K. where my tax dollars would ensure that I could survive, but I can't afford to leave! Anyway, I AM a survivor, I've gotten through child abuse and prison and insanity so I will make it through this somehow. Some disassociation is good. Realizing what a tiny speck we are in the totality of it all can be frightening but also reassuring. Reading mysteries is good (I've read some of the cat books) as is volunteer work, which I have done in the past but have been remiss on lately. Thanks, guys. I'll be back instigating before too long.
pamela 4-12-2003 0:26
I stopped for lunch today at one of our many Chinese buffets. This particular restaurant is just about half-way between health department closings, so I knew it would be a pretty good balance between ptomaine and good eats. The department had closed it a while back only because the inspector had been driving by on the highway behind the restaurant and spotted a couple hundred frozen chickens thawing out (unwrapped) on the roof, right out in the open. Definite no-no there.
Anyway, I had just set down to my usual first course - a Mongolian hot plate, bowl of hot and sour soup, and a dish of kim-chee, when a tour bus full of elderly Chinese folks from New York City pulled into the parking lot, and about 75 of them poured into the place.
It's a big restaurant, so there was just about enough room for all of them, except for one wrinkled up, shabbily dressed old man who looked lost, and it was obvious that the rest of the bus folks were real satisfied with that state of events. Every time he'd head towards a likely looking spot at a table, it would close up, and they would not-look at him. It wasn't just that they didn't look at him, or see him - it was more of an obvious choice to not-look, if you know what I mean.
He just stood there looking helpless, and I felt bad taking up a whole booth by myself while he just stood there, so I motioned for him to join me. He looked around, not certain that I was looking at him, so I nodded and pointed to the seat across from me. He lit up like the sun coming out on a cloudy day, and came and sat down, nodding and smiling all the way, and began to thank me. At least I gathered that's what he was doing - I recognised right off that we had a language barrier here. He had no English at all, and my Mandarin is even more of a no-show, but we had smiles in common, so I figured we'd get along pretty good.
Then a woman (one of the group leaders, I think) came stomping over, looking very official, and said something not so nice (also not sure because of the language, but the tone was unmistakable), and the sun went out. She turned and began to apologise to me for his unseemly behaviour as he slowly started to slide out of the booth. I reached out and put my hand on his arm and stopped him, motioned for him to sit down again, and told her I had, in fact, invited him to sit there, and she should please learn to mind her own business and show a little more respect for us older folks.
He smiled and lit up again, and she just stood there with her mouth opening and closing, looking for all the world like the koi in the tank behind her. Then she turned and went away, and I noticed the folks at the nearby tables and booths not-looking at both of us.
By this time the crowd at the buffet had thinned out, so I motioned for him to go and get something to eat. He looked confused at that, so I took him by the arm and led him over to the food, and helped him get some fried rice and soup.
We sat together in silence, enjoying our meal, not conversing (except with an occasional smile) and then he reached in his jacket pocket and took out a picture and showed me his family. I could tell they were his family because of the way his eyes shone as he pointed to them. He said these were his grandkids, and he was on his way to see them. Don't ask me how I knew for sure what he was saying, because he said it in his language. I only recognised the pride - and the love - not the words themselves.
Then he made me understand he wanted to see my family as well, and I took out pictures of my wife and kids and grandkids, and showed him, and he lit right up again and I know he said they were beautiful too.
I finished my lunch and got ready to leave, and got up and reached over to shake hands with him, and he struggled to his feet and said the first and only English words I heard him say - "Thank you!" Well, that turned the handshake into a bear-hug, and all the not-looking people started to not-stare instead!
I went out through the foyer, and paid for our lunches on the way, and went out to my truck, parked just outside the window. I got in and fastened my seatbelt, started the truck, and looked up to see him standing in the window, smiling and waving goodbye, just like a little kid. Then I turned to back out, had to blink more than a few times before I could see clearly, and drove away.
howard 4-11-2003 23:10
My life's not stolen away. Don't worry.
I don't care if they have legimate reasons to complain about how we did this war. I'm so very happy for the people of Iraq. They've had enough torture and death. They needed this.....political or not.
I'm over joyed.
Debra 4-11-2003 22:03
Sorry, I should have included the author of that series. It's Lillian Jackson Braun. Just in case someone wanted to know.
Stuff to do---Gotta go.
Rosemary again 4-11-2003 20:25
Evening all,
I'm getting ready to go to a Market Trail event in a small nearby town. My crochet items do not do well in hot weather so this will probably be the last time until October. Got its good and bad sides.
Last weekend, I took some of my hats to the book fair and traded for a couple for books. That worked out pretty well.
PAMELA,
One of my favorite remedies for the blues is a nice easy cozy mystery. 'The Cat Who. . ' series is one of the best for this problem. And if you think it might take a while, there's about twenty of them in the series and she's still cranking them out.
Be happy all,
Rosemary 4-11-2003 20:23
And I hope the daily Guru, doesn't mind me sharing this with my friends, it's today's deep thought and it just seems appropriate :-D
"A new life of abundant cheer is found in one way and one way
only. All others lead to endless anxiety.
It is found through an awareness of its existence.
This is the entire secret. We must catch a glimpse of this fresh
life for ourselves. We can start by remembering that it exists
within, not without. We already possess this higher state. But we
must become aware of our rich possession. This awareness will break
through, with increasing force, as we dare to seek it beyond our
present mental attitudes."
THE DAILY GURU
Teekay 4-11-2003 19:24
Hey, JERRY, maybe we weren't so far off the mark :-)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s830646.htm
Teekay 4-11-2003 19:20
Happy Very Belated Birthday to MEL and LITTER!
MARY,
Looking forward to hearing good news soon. Take good care of yourself and your little one.
DEBRA,
I get a lot of world news (Foxnews, ABCnews, Drudge, and the radio reports not to mention lots of magazines), and the Russia thing has not come across my radar screen. Don't let fear and speculation steal your life away.
PAMELA,
Best thing for depression is to get your mind off yourself. Get out of your house and do some volunteer work at a local school or maybe a nursing home. Even going shopping helps for the short term. A good Bible study is a big help too. I know what I am talking about, because I have dealt with it too, and refocusing your energy will help. Also, watch that self-talk. Be positive when you think. Good outcomes are always more likely than bad outcomes in situations.
Rhoda 4-11-2003 15:22
RACHEL - THANK YOU! )))Well received, well received. (The brackets are me catching the vibes!)
PAMELA - No more of the deep dark indigo funk! Spread yourself out in the sunshine and see if that helps, ok? Try not to allow depression to sink it's purple talons into you. I love when you're here and you're inspired and rarin' to go - it really rubs off. :o)
Speaking of depression... there is sunshine abounding, so I think I'll go soak some up. I could use it right about....now.
Heather 4-11-2003 15:04
Debra - radioactivity and Russia. Hmmmmm. I haven't seen that on the news, but it doesn't seem to be front page, or I would have heard something on radio, the TV, or the newspaper, I'm sure of it.
I will look out and see if I hear anything, but remember, it is easy to get actual news details and rumour mixed together! The best way to handle rumour is to ignore it - it only spreads panic.
Heather 4-11-2003 15:01
Pamela,
Don't buy into the blues. Try to swim out of that stinking rotten ocean of despair. I know that there are times when the tide seems to be sucking one out into the depths, but don't give up. I think the most depressing thing about depression, is how much time a person spends thinking about the state that they have fallen into. I kind of wonder if it isn't a bit of self fulfilling prophecy sort of deal. I think I am depressed, therefore I am. I know that depression is real, but I think that it can be a lot less destructive if a person takes a hold of it and tries to choke the living shit out of it. Fight for you life! Fight for your right to have the same moments of joy and happiness that are out there for the taking. I don't think that happy is a state that one can live in long term, it is a transient sort of thing. Love it while you have it and never look for it, or it will avoid you like the plague. Seems to be how it works.
Rachel 4-11-2003 14:31
Debra,
I don't think that the people who are no pleased with the way that the United States did are limited to Russia. I can't think of a place I have gone that I have not heard people picking up different positions. I do not believe that anyone in their right mind is "mad at the States" that would be foolish. The United States is a body of people who are not defined or represented in completion by the actions of their government. There are lots of people right in the United States of America who are "mad" about how this was done. What do you think? Do you think people are mad at the States? Or do you think people are upset with goverment action and policy? I believe it is the latter.
Ah well...
Heather,
A patch for the blues? How about I send you an energy patch. Here it comes >>>>>>>))))))))))))))) Hope it gets to you :o) Hang in there girlie!
Ciao for now :o)
Rachel 4-11-2003 14:23
I was just pulling out of my depression but now I think I'll go back in again.
Ben, big congrats on the story, I'll watch for it to come out.
pamela 4-11-2003 14:21
The planning something big, that's still rumor.
Debra 4-11-2003 8:51
Heather huney bun (hugs)
That's where I got this new information, the news.
They said all roads lead to Russia, including the find of radioactivity in the site they found.
Debra 4-11-2003 8:50
DEBRA! Stop that rumour mill, you are like the ceaseless mouse on the wheel! Always have to have something to make you run. It's doing you no good. (((HUGS))) to you, and relax! There would be something on the NEWS if there was anything true about it, don't you think?
Heather 4-11-2003 7:59
Hmmmmm. I wonder if there's such a thing as the 'Depression Patch'? Think I might need something like that, and soon.
Still working on Phantasium, getting pickier by the day. Someone stop me!
:o/
Heather 4-11-2003 7:56
I told you my friend who lives in Europe, was hearing rumblings that Russia was really mad about us invading Iraq.
It was Russia the whole time doing this.
She also heard they are planning something.
Big!
Debra 4-11-2003 7:07
Woohooo got my lawn seeded, spread fertilizer on it, watered it, everything, what a wonderful day.
Bright sunny, my new specs arrived from the VA all was as they said they would be, had to get them adjusted a bit by the local eye guy, cost five bucks but well worth it. Even got my ears lowered. Busy day, but a great one.
My Doc put me on the pain patch, this is my second day and it kicked in full force today, it's like having a five ton weight lifted off my back, I'll have to ask him why he waited so damn long.
Feel so good, I think I'll get back to some writing again, I've been letting that slack way too much of late.
Jerry 4-11-2003 0:22
Martin:
Hasn't everyone received inspiration from Mark Twain? He wrote a simple story, not simple, but you know what I mean.
It was just the nature of humans getting to know each other. They were surprised at the similiarities of those people we thought were so different. Humans are the same, no matter where you find them they are the same. Simple! Inspiring!
Debra 4-10-2003 18:40
MARTIN -- Sorry, but the only one that comes to mind right now is H.L. Mencken. But I'm not sure if he's the kind of author you're looking for. He was a journalist, and a dyed-in-the-wool curmudgeon. Had little use for most everything in society, and no use at all for politicians.
howard 4-10-2003 18:33
BEN -- Congratulations! Way to go! I'll look for it.
howard 4-10-2003 18:29
Yee-ha!
Finally, after two years it seems, or maybe longer(?) my story's comin' out on the web. It's at PAPERPLATES.ORG. I was wondering if it was ever going to come out. It was pretty strange clicking onto the website just to check and see. I was going to send an e-mail asking if they were still publishing it--you know, curiosity--and then followed a few little pages here and there, and voila, there it was in the upcomings: ST. FREDA. My heart leapt into my throat, and just at that moment, my son walked in from school and I called him over to see. He looked at me and said: Are you published? See? Long time to wait, but well worth it I guess. Now, if I could only find someone to publish me and PAY me, life would be good. Anyway, just dropped in to let you guys know the good news.
ben 4-10-2003 17:37
HELP !! I need urgent help! Could anyone please informe me of some authors who have recived inspiration from mark twain !! please! write here, or email me. I need it tonight !
Martin Salazar dá beauteey
4-10-2003 14:43
Taylor--don't feel alone, I've been broken lately too.
Sasquatch-thanks for nice easter poem.
pamela 4-10-2003 10:51
TAYLOR -- Welcome back! It's good to see you're on the mend.
BEN -- Did someone contact you for YT...? If not, and you'd still like to participate, send me a starter and we'll have a go at it!
ALL -- The following website looks like fun!
Don't let the media destroy English. SPELL members fight their abuse.
Grammar counts. Web: http://spellorg.com E-mail: spellgang@juno.com
howard 4-10-2003 10:14
**Taylor**
Thanks guys.
Yes, I have been writing since I got back, but so far only in sporradic intervals(sorry if it's spelt wrong... I just love the sound of the word sporradic)
I had no intention on catching the news late last night(A little after 10pm my time)But isn't it funny how you get that feeling sometimes that something is happening. Typing on my computer last night, I got that very feeling and turned on Fox News and watched the Troops in the Centre of Baghdad assist the Iraqis in tearing down that monstrosity that is Suddam Huessein's statue.
Randall: I liked your analogy of the German Shephard and the SS Gestapo guys. Never thought of it that way before, but it makes picturing your story much easier.
That tv show I was trying to think of awhile back where that Mountie goes to New York Police department is called "Due South" I have stayed up late a couple of nights and been watching it on good old Foxtel. I remember that I attempted to model myself after that Mountie on the show a few years ago, but it was totally unrealistic to do that... Nobody's "That" nice.
Taylor 4-10-2003 6:27
Wow, summer is here hit 79 today, along with the warm weather came the first prairie fire of the season, big one south of Bismarck, nasty stuff.
Still haven't gotten my grass seed spread, computer crashes took up my day, the daughter's and the nieces both went down hard, strange exact same symptoms, totally different causes, and on the same day, how strange is that?
Anyhow got them both up and running again, so my time's my own again for a day or so, hope the weather cooperates and I can get the grass seeded, I did manage to get the well turned on and running so we can water when I get the seed down. We've had so much drought that most of my lawn is bare ground now with little trace of the wonderful lawn we had just three years ago. Oh well I guess it'll look all the better once I get the seed down and we get the massive rain storms that all the population have been praying for now all these dry years.
So great to see things are drawing down in Iraq. Hope our troops will be safe, but I fear that the dying is not yet done.
Randall - wow, you do bring a smile to my face with predictable regularity.
Taylor so great to see you back on the notebook, welcome back. Hope you're up and writing again.
Jerry 4-10-2003 0:19
Randall
Hey!
That scene in Baghdad this morning? Nothing to compare with what I saw next door...
Had a bit of a fracas at the house this morning. Yeah. Terrible row. My neighbor owns a large German Shepard, Klaus. Nice animal, but Klaus is a dog totally lacking with the milk of canine kindness. He guards his backyard like German SS fanatics guarded Hitler's favorite brewery. Satan's bodyguards could not have a more grim aspect and outlook on interlopers than Klaus. No one, and I mean no one walks into his yard. Anyone strolling down the alley is greeted with a rousing vocal assault. Klaus tips the scales at 125 pounds, and is a credit to his species...a rabid werewolf with an impacted fang.
So ... just as I was leaving for work our house cats, "Suzy Cat" and her two half-grown kittens "Jack" and "Ripper" made a blatant and flagrant three pronged assault on Klaus. Our neighbor, Kenneth, normally a shy, retired school teacher displayed several signs of a major heart attack at the height of the fracas. Pale faced and clutching his chest he raced around the yard holding a hummingbird feeder high overhead. He was right behind the cats who were chasing Klaus who was right behind a terrified squirrel. The squirrel was chattering, Kenneth hollering, Klaus barking as the silent trio of killer house cats slowly closed the gap. Kenneth was moving in rapidly but a wayward clothesline flipped him end over end. His wife hearing the uproar rushed to Klaus's defense. She executed the finest column interdiction under fire I have ever witnessed, cutting through fluid battle lines with grim determination and elan. Apron flying in the morning sun she leaped over her downed husband and routed the "killer cats" with a two-pronged assault of kitchen broom in one hand, fly swatter in the other. This no doubt saved Klaus and her husband from a fate worse than falling into a two-week-old kitty litter box. Despite my feeble attempt to apologize all three disappeared into their house ... Klaus leading the way.
It seems a squirrel intent on self-preservation sought sanctuary on Klaus's dog house. To no avail but for darn good reasons. When my cats go after a squirrel, they GO after the squirrel! By my count in the last four weeks the trio have accounted for five rats, four squirrels and innumerable birds. From the feathers I have observed in our front and back yard there couldn't be a bird in a six-block area. The nesting bird population is decimated and I spotted flocks of English sparrows, sans baggage, departing just two days ago. My wife informs me that she was in the backyard right after lunch and heard a loud whistle. She scanned the area and saw a squirrel high in a tree with a silver chain around its neck attached to a small whistle in one paw. She glanced around and saw Suzy Cat, Jack and Ripper cat-footing around one corner of the house.
So it seems the battle is on ... cat versus rodent and bird. Who will win? I don't know but I would have to bet on my trio of Big Bad Mama and her brood. Dare I say...the game is afoot?
Good evening...
Randall
RANDALL 4-9-2003 21:35
Hello Guys!
With the imminent arrival of my wee Claire promising to keep me away from worldly communications for at least a small while, I thought it best to check in with you all and let you know I have been thinking of you. Hope that you are all happily writing and rewriting, submitting and resubmitting your literary offspring and feeling the satisfaction of accomplishment that only creativity can bring.
Personally, life has been filled with too much lately and I will be glad to sit back and reap some well-earned rewards. (Needless to say, none of the rewards will be writing-related, but I have invested nothing into that lately and you get what you give.)
This is just a hit-and-run visit to send my best to you and most likely you will be hearing from Heather within a few days when she lets you know there is a new girl in town! (Please keep your fingers crossed for us that we make it to the hospital in time...I have this sneaking suspicion that we aren't going to and Claire Marie Lockwood will come into this world at a speed of 65 miles per hour in the back of our car.) We made it to the hospital with only 7 minutes to spare last time.
OK, I am off for now, but I will return...I always do! Take care.
Mary 4-9-2003 21:34
TAYLOR!!! Welcome back to the fold!
Just shrug that embarrassment off, no need for that.
Glad to hear from you, and glad you're back! ((((HUGS)))
Heather 4-9-2003 20:36
TAYLOR: Welcome back!!!! :-)
VIV & TINA: I don't get it, what's wrong with Oprah?
I admit she's a bit of a pain mentioning her vast amounts of wealth all the time,
and when she does boring celebrity interviews,
and when she big notes herself,
but other than that what's wrong with her?
You can dislike her all you like, I'm just curious as to why.
Pee Wee Herman, well, no explanations necessary :-D
Have a good day all.
Teekay 4-9-2003 18:32
Hey Quasimodo -- I'll be back!
Arnold Hunchenegger 4-9-2003 18:02
Hi All!
Great pics from the centre of Baghdad. I was more than a little surprised when I got up this morning to see the US forces driving into an area where news crews were being mugged, to the relief of one Sky News reporter in particular.
They've dragged the statues and portraits down, but where is the sod? Some reports are still saying he was killed or injured on day one, others that he was killed last night, with more saying that he is still alive????? I hope there are no 'suicide surprises' still waiting in the wings and that Saddam is caught or identified soon. Despite the sporadic fighting still going on, there seems to have been a huge drifting away of soldiers of the 'Elite' guards units. A few of those US soldiers in the centre of Baghdad seemed to be genuinely dazed at how easy it was for them to enter and secure a lot of the city regarded to be where the real fighting was expected…
Better days ahead, I hope, and some peace for the families of the killed and injured.
HORWAD – I did get the Celtic competition email. Thanks, I'll be having a good look at that one. Meant to reply sooner than this. Sorry :o
I'm not going to mention the book… I'm not going to mention the book… Oh, bugger, I mentioned it…
Litter 4-9-2003 16:26
Hi all :-D
Taylor, warm ((((HUGS)))) from my little corner of the world.
Viv, I SO agree with you on those three! Mr Rogers gave me the heebie-jeebies. I was a Friendly Giant kinda kid.
Heather, no I didn't receive any e-mails from you. As for the title, how about just 'Fountain of Youth' I like that! Much better than anything I've come up with. Thanks!
Okay, back to work...
Ooh yeah, we're putting an offer on a house tomorrow, so cross your fingers and send lucky vibes my way, if you please.
C-ya!
Tina 4-9-2003 15:24
Happy belated B-days to Mel and Litter! Sorry for not coming in earlier, but school life is getting hectic again, projects creeping up, snow storms coming at unexpected moments, the musical taking up all my afternoons (even Saturdays!) church on Wednesdays in the evenings, Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, Good Friday, Maundy Thursday, reports, a couple pages here, a couple poems there, and still enough time to get a few hours of sleep. WHEWWW! I don't have any poetry with me, otherwise I'd share it with all of you. Wrote a new one just yesterday, it was about writing, funny enough as it sounds. I wrote in paragraph form so now I have to put it in verses, well gotta go, Bible reading on Wednesdays and we have to read.
Till Niagara Falls!
Elaine 4-9-2003 10:32
Hey Taylor: Good to see you back. Stop worrying. We've all been chomped in the pants by life now and again. Thank goodness this isn't a website bent on creating perfect people. I'd have to throw up my hands and quit. I fully intend to go on being my upsie-downsie self. How in the world can you write about emotion unless you've experienced it. Wait about five years and look back on this, you'll realize you've added an emotional dimension to your characters that adds depth to your writing. I only know one person who was completely placid...Mr. Rogers. Personally, I could only take his neighborhood for about 15 minutes. I know he was a wonderful influence, but Oprah, Mr. Rodgers and Pee Wee Herman kind of set my teeth on edge like fingernails on a chalkboard. To everyone I just insulted, pardon. Personal taste I guess. I like my reality real.
Viv 4-9-2003 10:31
Study, don't study, weep don't weep it doesn't matter. All I know is I wouldn't want to be saddam right now, or ever.
Debra 4-9-2003 10:00
**Taylor**
Well for the last day or so, I've been scrolling up & down, reading a few posts and debating whether to post or not. Kind of still slightly embaressed by the whole thing.
But I'm back now.
Thanks for the messages people.
Taylor 4-9-2003 9:29
I have a hunch the movie will be over soon.
quasimodo 4-9-2003 9:22
There's a real pretty song at
http://www.andiesisle.com/If-I-Die-Before-You-Wake.html
Bring Kleenex™
howard 4-9-2003 8:30
HEATHER -- We already have "obsolescense," but "Obseletion" might work too -- sort of a cross between 'obsolete' and 'absolution' -- positively gone!
Maybe not -- that would be 'obsolution' or absolescence' -- I love words! :-)
howard 4-9-2003 8:06
Oh Randall:
I couldn't agree with you more. The issue I was writing about was weeping. Let's study those who will be weeping as well, if we can find any. Don't say his mom. His mom will weep. She doesn't need to be studied. We understand mothers.
Debra 4-9-2003 7:34
Tina - how about 'Fountain of My Youth' as a title instead of 'Sandra and Lily'?
Let me know what you think of the idea.
I tried sending Daniel (final copy) but my email program went down for the count. I'm able to access it now, so if you didn't receive the email and attachment, I'll resend! I honestly can't recall if outlook express managed to send before the driver went splat or not!
LOL
Having fun with the prep for reformatting, actually....yeah. Sure. I am quite sure I've got all of the files I need to save already saved, but better saved again than sorry!
The lingo of the times! That word came up in conversation yesterday, and my kids looked at me strangely. The word 'lingo' is fading into obseletion! (Perhaps 'Obseletion' shall be a new word?)
Heather Hemlock Bags
4-9-2003 6:51
Jack - Too bad we missed each other. ^.^ Actually the wait for the dealer room wasn't that long. We got in twice and waited about 15-20 minutes each time. I had fun, I was dressed as Ranma (girl Ranma - there's not enough chest tape in the world for me to pass as boy Ranma).
Next year I plan to dress up as Asuka from Evangelion, I love Eva!! It's the best anime show ever made!! I recall saying this about Kodocha not too long ago, I'm sure it'll pass, but I really love it now. :)
Toodles!
Allein Peachick's Gallery
4-9-2003 0:48
Mark - each to their own I guess, I've had nothing but problems with Mcaffee's but Norton's anti virus has yet to let me down. As far as the utilities, I use them, at times I cuss them but they seem to do a fair job of keeping things running smoothly. I've tried the others and always come back to Norton.
Ever go to a Doctor and make HIM happy? Had that happen the other day when I went for my regular appointment, the local guy here. At any rate he'd put me on a new pill to control nerve pain, but the pill had a strange side-effect, it fixed another problem that I've been fighting since 1984. He was tickled pink said he has yet to find anything that worked much on colitis so he's going to try this on his other patients with that problem.
Sometimes things just work out I guess.
Oh Mark - I guess I've been screwing around with computers at least that long, I began with the old Commodore 128 and worked my way up. I still have my old Commodore SX-64 that I picked up many years ago to play around with, and it still works as good as the day I traded an old replica of a Colt Navy .36 cal cap and ball pistol for it.
I think it was like '85 when I got my first machine, I've used Norton in one form or another since the early 90's when I got my first PC.
Jerry 4-8-2003 23:30
Evening all,
HOWRAD,
That eyeball needs Visene.
Went to a city college book fair with my friend with the 2 published books. She didn't sell a one. I think she has finally decided that being one more book (or 2 as the case may be)in a sea of other books for sale might not be a good idea.
See ya,
Rosemary 4-8-2003 22:45
Check this page -- put your cursor on the image and move it around!
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/stu/eye.htm
howard 4-8-2003 22:23
HOWARD:
*sigh*
Oh alright, I confess, I am not really the talented Sasqy, but our legs really do look rather similar.
Teekay 4-8-2003 19:26
RANDALL: Maddy Saddy had a horrible upbringing. He was aboandoned by his parents as a young 'un. I think his mother was a bit mad, so he had a head start, there is a lot of inbreeding in that part of the world, (Saddy's wife was his first cousin)
Saddy was raised by a brutal Uncle,so we can guess what happened, and he grew up and passed on what he knew onto his sons. A viscious circle.
Personally I think Saddam suffers a little from America Envy.
But it is true. He is worthy of our empathies. His soul had a huge challenge, put into a body with a deranged mind, and an ego the size of Texas, this guy really had his work cut out for him.
I confess to feeling a little bit more empathy toward his victims though, but that is speaking from the limitations of my earthly knowledge.
Teekay 4-8-2003 19:15
HOWARD: I am the talented and furry SASQY, it's true, look at my legs.
Teekay 4-8-2003 19:04
Randall
Hi...
Debra ... :-) I know these guys are evil. But it is the mechanics of WHY that I ponder. Persons like these need to be captured and studied, at least for the human race. We must find out why they are as they are. I believe the execution of Tim McVeigh the OK bomber was a mistake. He should have been studied till he died of old age in prison. For humans to advance within our humanity, we must understand why, as Howard said, why some take a wrong turn.
One time Saddam was an innoncent youth with good intentions...Wasn't he? But something turned him away from good...what was it? I hope they did not kill him last night. I want him alive, in prison, and a long line of doctors and shrinks waiting to see him. (Real torture, huh?)We have to understand evil, maybe develop methods of turning unproductive humans into good citizens.
Then we enter the "Big Brother" arena... I just don't know. I do know that behavior like his retard advances in humanity.
Randall
RANDALL 4-8-2003 19:03
JERRY -- I have worked with computers professionally for 12 years. You are the first person I ever heard give Norton Utilities a good grade.
Mark 4-8-2003 13:04
Randall:
You're writing as uaual is beautiful. Saddam was the worst of all of them, even Chemical Ali, Udai, and Quasay all put together.
Just to paint a picture, Chemical Ali, invited thousands of people to a gathering. He flew over in a helicopter and dumped gas on them and had another helicopter right behind him with a flaming of some sort. Fify thousand people died there. Then he had them all dismemberd and forbd the arms and legs to be buried just to send a message to who ever did not die.
Udai, tried to pick up a girl she said no. He took her to a farm tortued her and disfigured her for three months, and when he grew tired of her, he fed her to his dogs.
Saddam is worse.
It's a good question, who will be weeping.
Keep me posted if you find out.
Debra 4-8-2003 9:36
SASQUATCH -- I love it! Who are you?
RANDALL -- You're not alone in feeling these things. In Jeremiah God said "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it?" And in Ezekiel 18:23-32 God says "Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die... and not the he should return from his ways and live? But when the righteous turns away... shall he live? All his righteousness that he has done will not be mentioned: in his trespasses and in his sin shall he die... For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves and live."
Saddam, like all others, had a choice. He chose the wrong.
howard 4-8-2003 7:27
Heather - I've found that once a computer is infected with that damn virus about the ONLY real cure is a total reformat (low level) and reinstall. I've seen those damn things live through a regular format (that really only erases the computer's reference to where the data is located) and flare right back up after a reinstall of the operating system.
What I do is check with the outfit that made the hard drive, (Maxtor or IBM someone like that) and get their low level format software, use that, then fdisk, format and reinstall the OS.
What a low level format does is to write 0's to every sector of the hard drive thus removing absolutely everything (including the virus) and making the hard drive like it was when it was brand spanking new.
Then when you are finished with the reinstall of the software and OS, you have a well running machine ready to again be invaded by some ass hole somewhere who thinks it's fun to screw with other peoples systems.
One time my sister brought over her machine that was infected, the damn virus moved onto my boot disk when I went in to do the reformat, and that disk spread it to every machine I had and a bunch of my floppy's. Needless to say, I was mad enough to throw things (floppies bounced off walls for days!) and every once in awhile, Norton tells me that the floppy that I have inserted is infected.
I've noticed that when I gave up McAffes anti virus in favor of Norton my trouble with viruses have dwindled down to none. Norton does a super job and regularly updates itself. Mcaffes allowed my machine to become infected once and that was enough for me.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are plenty of folks who love Mcaffe's but I guess I'm just not one of them. Since I moved to Norton, I also got there super Norton System Works and use it go keep my systems healthy, as well as Norton Firewall to keep prying eyes out of my system. I wasn't all that impressed with their firewall but it does seem to work well and integrated itself with the whole Norton Suite, it does keep programs under control as far as connecting to the internet. Some of them I don't think should contact their owners no matter what their reason, and Norton does allow one to decide for themselves weather to allow such connections.
Besides that, I use Ad-Aware to keep down the spyware, as well as SpyBot that tackles a few of the spy programs that Ad-Aware doesn't. Both are available for free download, and make your machine run better with less advertising, which is something I like.
Enough free advertising.
Hope your machine get's it's health back.
Jerry 4-8-2003 0:51
I've got a hunch it was Esmerelda!
quasimodo 4-7-2003 22:42
Randall
Who weeps for Saddam?
Now that the regime is in ruins, who cries for the despot? Saddam may be dead by now, or in flight, in fear of discovery and punishment. I cannot help but wonder...what went wrong? Genetics awry? Mental trauma? Physical influences? What happened to this man, one of humanity? By all accounts he wasn't stupid. Smart like a desert fox someone said. Like Adolph Hitler he actually helped his country ... up to a point. He relaxed Islamic codes, kept the radical religious movement in line ... for a while. Allowed women of his country freedoms other religious countries forbid. He created beautiful cities out of the oil his country was so blessed with. But then he brought it all down ... political control by bloodshed and terror. Mass murder, torture and fear evolved into a means to an end. Self-destruction claimed him and he fell deeper into evil, even embraced it. Did he recognize evil when it came into his soul? Did he embrace the double-edged sword? As I strike my enemy, I bleed, so I strike.
Saddam was a baby boy born to a man and a woman. Did they smile and laugh at the wonder of creation as he kicked and squirmed in their arms? What were his single digit years like? Did he run and play with neighborhood children, run through dirt streets laughing? Maybe he once went to a movie where he gazed in wonder at images on the screen. Did his eyes light up as an American-made movie played out? Did he peer into local stores yearning for the goods inside? Did he have a puppy to cherish? A first love? A broken heart? What made him cry? Laugh? What went wrong? Was there an event so traumatic in his life he evolved into evil? Did absolute power corrupt? When did he lose the grasp on what it was to be human? At what point did he realize he could kill and kill and kill without emotion?
Once an ally of America, Saddam fought another country. Did he realize he was being used, like a knight in a world chess match? At what point did he feel the need to use terrible weapons on his enemies that were more like family? When did compassion leave and cruelty arrive? Why didn't he become more like the kind and benevolent ruler of nearby Jordan? Will the real Saddam stand up? Was his persona so tainted by unknown influences he evolved away from normalcy and into corruption, greed and murder? At what point in life did he change? Why?
Was Saddam a "good" father? A good husband? Did he teach his sons justice and the wholesome goodness of right? What was his definition of right? Did he court his wife with gifts and love? Was he faithful? Come home at the end of the day? Did he wrestle with his sons, tease his wife about her cooking? Did she ask him for another dress? Did his sons ask for toys? Did they pray together? Take outings together? Laugh when together as a family? When did his sons begin their slow slide into the hell he created?
Or was Saddam so isolated in absolute power that aides and advisors fed a raging psychosis, striving to outdo each other for attention and favor. A glorious statue here, another bigger one there, an airport with his name, thousands of men in arms responsible to him alone. And the money, the oil money, truckloads of gold, fine palaces, private planes, world travel. And the women, always the women so eager to please ... for the money, the power. Finery beyond the poverty of his early years, the power of a ruler, the power of control, the absolute power. God like. His every command obeyed. Only speak and it is done.
Who weeps for Saddam?
Humanity should. Like it or not, Saddam is one of us ... a human, deeply flawed for sure, but human. He once was an infant, a young man, a son, a father, a husband with an open world ahead. Bright with the promise and the intelligence God gives all, Saddam stood on the brink. But in a moment of time, days, months, years he slipped away from human kind. We lost him. He became an enemy of humanity, his own enemy, the destroyer of rational, the corruption of simple goodness and right. Stripped down before God, in judgement, a soul in torment Saddam must answer, as we all have to do, to a higher power and authority. Who weeps for Saddam? God? Humans? No one? Surely this is the worst punishment for all deserve tears when they die.
Maybe no one will weep? On dark nights will a desert wind weep as it sweeps sand among the debris of war. A thousand years ahead will isolated humans seek shelter behind the rusted and sand scoured remains of an ancient war machine. Will an old man began a story..."There was once an evil man near here. A confused man. We must pray for him, to ease his torment, because no one wept as he died so long ago..."
Good evening
Randall
RANDALL 4-7-2003 20:54
greetings humans persons. i sasquatch memory this time long ago when Yeti saw this. Yeti memory this when trees and earth become again green. it is old memory of the One.
Yeti memory
beast and earth,
heaven, tree, and sky
all witness
men take him
the One who made
the One who loves
earth would help
still the way is hard
ground trembles
stones cry out
this cannot be
he did no hurt
tree would shield
heavy though, the beam
weighs on him
grown for this?
to lift the One
who gave it life
beast rages
let us rescue him
he says no
came for this
now he forgives
and now he dies
heaven sighs
why could we not go?
old One turns
cannot look
it is finished
now all is done
sky weeping
wash his blood from stones
angry wind
thick’ning cloud
now hides the sun
the darkness grows
in the ground
now men seal their work
roll the stone
hide him now
they have done it
why do they fear?
creatures wait
he cannot be gone
he was good
he made all
he is our life
he cannot die
morning comes
how the earth does shake
stone is gone!
empty grave!
he is not here!
Alleluia!
sasquatch 4-7-2003 20:07
Tina - I'll send 'Daniel' to you, the final copy version as soon as I can - the computer is acting up and giving me good reason to pull my hair!
Not right out, but I believe I've lost more than my hundred hairs of the day..... and it's MONDAY.
SIGH
Heather 4-7-2003 17:14
Hi all!
Heather, about Phantasium... maybe send me 'Daniel' again so I can double check, but I think I okayed the changes. The title for the other one is completely wrong, but sadly I can't think of another that isn't MORE wrong.
Thanks again for all the work you're doing on this!
Haven't received an e-mail about the YT. How about if I promise not to mention skydiving? ;-)
oops I said I wouldn't mention it again. sorry.
Happy Happy Birthdays to Mel and Litter!
Allein, good to see you on here again. Long time no post!
Jack, ditto. How are you feeling?
Well, I'm posting from work and lunch is over. Must run.
Blue skies!
Tina 4-7-2003 15:33
Hi guys,
Wanted to clarify that disaster does not mean that I failed. I did pass the essay, just *phew*
Rachel
Rachel 4-7-2003 15:31
Hi all,
Yikes! I just got back a preliminary mark for my final essay in one of my classes and have been informed that it is a disaster :o) I know I shouldn't be laughing, but I am. I read the comments and had little bursts of laughter througout. It is funny in an awful sort of way. This was the creative muse essay. I had thought it might not be received well (grins). There was a time when news like this about my school would have caused me a good deal of stess. Now I find that I am not so worried. I don't know if that is a good or bad indicator. Maybe it is that the end of the semester is here and I've all ready turned off for the break. Hum... I just feel bad for the teacher. I hope he doesn't think it is his teaching that is the issue. Up to this point I have been an 'A' student. I guess it is a surprise to him to see such an essay from me. Ah well, I imagine I'll be writing a new essay.
Rachel
Rachel 4-7-2003 12:00
Allein: glad you had a great time at Sakura. I was nosing around a bit today mostly as part of our Westercon meeting. Hope you were able to get into the dealers room. Heard there was an hour and a half wait yesterday.
Jack Beslanwitch 4-7-2003 2:16
Randall
Hello...
Nope, still here. We had our NAPA tool and filter sale Thursday and it wore me out. Spent most of the weekend in bed, that is after a visit to our local gun and knife show where I bought a .22 rifle and companion pistol...for the camper. Beautiful weather, a shame to spend it indoors. Still... Looks like our guys are kicking butt in Iraq... Well gonna go, see ya!
Randall
RANDALL 4-6-2003 20:09
I've again been dipping into the writings of early American historians. Wonderful to read, albeit a bit on the hard side. They wrote in such long sentences, some taking up an entire page, and use words now strange to our modern tongue. I have my dictionary program up on the computer so I can seek meaning of some of the texts. I am at present reading the second volume of American History covering that period from the end of the war of Revolution to the administration of John Adams. Very in-depth coverage on nearly all aspects of the birth of our nation. It talks of the institution of slavery, the "red savages" and the treachery English, who at one time during the Revolution freed the slaves in the colonies, took them to their breasts, then placed them aboard ships and resold them in the British West Indies.
The Copy write on the book is 1894. Strange how our language has changed, words seem to have shrunk, I was surprised at the usage of very long words who's origin is at once recognized.
The authors - Julian Hawthorne ?-1783; James Schouler (1783-1865); and E. Benjamin Andrews (1866-).
Somehow I find this history book believable since it was indeed written by those who lived very near the time involved. You can see their personal prejudices and political beliefs in the text, these guys were very anti-slavery, but also traced the origin to the very early days of our land.
Jerry 4-6-2003 12:04
Wow...I've been away a while. Mainly cause my muse has been gone and I haven't done much writing. But I just got back from Sakura Con and am really pumped to write an anime Con chapter for my story Fragrance of Flowers.
But I have a question, I'd like to add cosplay into the Con experience, but how do I do that and still stay within legal boundries when it comes to mentioning character names, series names and small descriptions (ie: they saw a girl with pig tails in a sailor outfit or it's a movie about a girl raised by wolves). Basically, these two original characters of mine dress up as characters from an anime and my friend Frank, who's pretty knowledgeable about the law, says as long as I mention the names of the characters they're dressing up as, the series they're from and who created it (thus giving credit to the creator where it's due) that would be fine, so people would know that the characters they're dressing up as are not mine.
Anyway, any help would be appreciated in this, also I'll post when I finish the chapter and if anyone might be able to help me with all the legal red tape matters, I'd be happy to e-mail the chapter to you and see what you suggest so that it's completely within legal boundries (I don't want to get sued - I have NOTHING).
Thanks. It's good to see all the old faces and nice to see some new ones too. ^.^
Ja-ne!
Allein Peachick's Gallery
4-6-2003 5:09
Hey what a great idea for a little project--re: "Your Turn". Count me in. I've just been laid off for a little while. Had all of this last week and next week off. So I guess I have time on my hands...
ben 4-5-2003 15:00
By the way, in case anyone's interested, our new HEMLOCK site has been launched!!!!
Knock yerselves out browsing!
This time it's much easier to do just that.... :o) Thanks to Mary's hard web-work!
Heather Hemlock Bags
4-5-2003 14:23
OH SURE!!!!!! My first post didn't show up, so I wrote another one......and then it didn't show up either.
And to my embarrasment, embarrassment? Bare-ass-ment.....
here are all three right before my eyes!
SO bite me, I'm gouda.
Heather 4-5-2003 14:20
Christi - have I ever missed a single post you've written? I'm sure I haven't!!! (Well, maybe one... or two?)
You always sign off with something original, so I've probably just forgotten about the Goota Guy......
LOL
HUGS to ALL,
AND EXTRA HUGS FOR ALL THE BIRTHDAY PEOPLE!!!
Heather 4-5-2003 14:18
Christi - have I ever missed a single post you've written? I'm sure I haven't!!! (Well, maybe one... or two?)
You always sign off with something original, so I've probably just forgotten about the Goota Guy......
LOL
HUGS to ALL,
AND EXTRA HUGS FOR ALL THE BIRTHDAY PEOPLE!!!
Heather 4-5-2003 14:16
Ohhh, dirty indeed, Christi!!! LOL
I have probably read every single post you've written, Christi, and you always sign off with something original... but I don't remember 'Goota Go'! Still cute, and I'm still giggling. :oD
Heather 4-5-2003 12:57
Babe Ruth got a candy bar, Clippy (from Microsoft) got a game!
Destroy Clippy. (game)
http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/xtractpaperclip.html
howard 4-4-2003 18:22
Litter:
I hope this is the happiest birthday yet!
Debra 4-4-2003 15:38
=Christi=
Hey Heater! SOOOO great to see you back to your old self. And I hope this doesn't make it any less amusing, but I often sign off goota go, or goota guy as a nod to my slight dyslexia. Hey if you can't have fun with yourself who can you have fun with? :D Does that sound dirty? Heh heh.
HAPPY Late Birthday, Litter! My Dad's birthday was yesterday. Ah you Aries, so strong, so bold and witty. Late {{{Hugs}}} to ya!
Kari, Hi and welcome! Think about what it is you REALLY want to say about time. Is it that it is cruel, or that it was always there and always will be there, dependable? Or is it a new thought you had on the essence of time? You want to convey with strong, vivid words and thoughts that make the reader feel and hear your voice. Keep writing! There aren't enough poets out there.
Howard, You know, as much as I'd love to be in this new thread I don't think I have the time. I'm finally writing on my book again and don't want to distract from it. I'd love to see what you guys come up with though. Give us a looksie, won't you?
Love to all,
Christi 4-4-2003 11:32
Kari:
Poems. Say what you want to say then smooth it out.
Debra 4-4-2003 7:56
i'm a little young but i started writing when i was in the 1st grade.i need so advice on how the write better poems.if you wounder how i write,here is a sample:
Time
Time is nither here nor there,
But you can find it anywhere.
Time went back to the old Romans,
Time went back to the Egyptians.
Time is nither here nor there.
kari tachai (aka lisa terek) 15 years old
thanks alot!
kari aka lisa 4-3-2003 22:20
Mel,
I should lend you my muse. My Muse is awake, well and kicking. The only problem is that a Muse and an essay do not always walk hand in hand (grins). I just turned in quite an imaginative Philosophy paper... I only have one last paper to write and am very excited.
Here, I've sent over my Muse, oh! The other one wants to come along as well. You better hang on to your boots with those two about ;o)
Take care you.
Rachel
Rachel 4-3-2003 20:30
MEL & LITTER: HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES.
Teekay 4-3-2003 19:24
Dang, lost my post!
I said Happy Birthday to Mel and Litter, a bit late I guess never got up here last night.
Viv I have used CuteFTP and WSFTP both are easy to use and both have shareware versions that work fine if you just need to upload occasionally. Of late I've simply used the software supplied by the sites where I have my web pages. I have most of my stuff on Geocities, simply because it was the place I put my very first page up on back in the mid 90's when they first came available. I moved one to another of the free sites because Geocities is getting picky about what they allow you to do anymore, for instance you can no longer place a file up there and link to it at another site, like here!
Most of the places that furnish free web space also have built in file utilities to help you upload the files making the FTP software unnecessary, and Internet Explorer also has built in FTP software that works fairly easily too if the FTP site is set up to accept it.
Jerry 4-3-2003 19:06
Hi, You-uns,
Thanks for b'day wishes. I'm at home today but will be back at work tomorrow (and my email)if anyone's waiting on a YT... from me.
Ms. Muse is sleeping today, darn it... maybe I can rouse her before the evening is over...
Catch y'all later!
Mel 4-3-2003 18:02
Back up! Took a nap while the 80gb hdd was formatting, and now all I have to do is connect the old hdd a slave and copy all my stuff -- there's an awful echo in here!
howard 4-3-2003 17:06
Okay -- update time! Had to wait for the confirmation on my tax filing, but now I'm ready.
See you on the other side! :-})
howard 4-3-2003 14:30
Mel and Litter,
Happy Birthday!
Taylor,
I'll look forward to reading your posts again when you return :o)
Rachel 4-3-2003 13:42
VIV -- The idea is to send a YT... to someone and work with them to complete the story. Some folks here don't post their Edress with each post (it's optional here, and if you enter your Edress in the Email: space when posting, your name shows up in blue at the bottom of your post. Anyone can click on that to send you a note.)
Use that to send a note to one of us initiating the YT... exchange.
My suggestion was that anyone not wishing to post their Edress here could send it to me and I can forward it to anyone else in the group wanting to YT... with them. That way no one knows who is working together until they're all revealed on the target date.
Several have already indicated that they're open for YT... and all anyone has to do is Email a starting paragraph to one of them.
I've got room for one or two more, if anyone hasn't got started yet, and I've got Mark's Edress is anyone wants to have a go with him. Just send me a note.
howard 4-3-2003 9:07
Friend of Taylor: Thank you for the update, and also passing along our messages. Got one more for Taylor:
We're looking forward to seeing you again on the notebook. Don't feel shy. We've all been there and back.
Howard: I don't understand the e-mail addresses. Are these for the add on story or something different.
Jerry:
Do you use cuteFTP to upload or something different. I have Windows 98 and am trying to upload something to a site. Can't seem to get the job done. Is there any shareware for cuteFTP or should I just buy it for $43.00?
I am still a dinosaur when it comes to making websites. I'm so ashamed. After everyone has helped so much, I continue to be a butterfingers on these websites. Ugh! Ignorance here is not bliss. It could cost me a job if I don't learn how to do this easily.
Viv 4-3-2003 6:56
Excuse this... But just letting you people know that Taylor could be back home at beginning of next week.
I was able to contact him and relate messages and talk for quite a bit. He's doing better. Could tell. Taylor says thanks guys
Friend Of Taylor's 4-3-2003 3:41
LITTER -- Happy Birthday indeed! And many more! Did you get my note about the Celtic writing contest?
As I said -- don't wait, if you haven't been approached for the YT... round 1, approach someone! And note Litter's Edress here.
----
Encounter in a restaurant:
The meal was decent, the service adequate, even though the waitress was a bit preoccupied with her friends in the next booth. She did ask if I wanted a warmup of my coffee, then forgot to bring it.
The check came to a little over $11, and I only had a $20, so I went up to the register to pay and get change for a tip.
Got back to the table just in time to hear the waitress saying (to the next booth) "...Asshole didn't even leave a tip!"
I just stood there until she sensed my presence and looked up, face reddening instantly, then dropped a fiver down the front of her shirt (there was plenty of room) and said "Asshole had to go get change," and smiled, and turned and walked out.
The look on her face was worth it all.
howard 4-2-2003 23:14
Mark - in 1971 I stopped in at the Gunfighter PX in Danang and bought a watch. The one I pointed at was a small cheap little Siko that you had to wind, no date or anything, I just wanted one that kept time, and I had never heard of Seiko. The gal behind the counter gave me a watch box and I went and paid my fifteen dollars for it. When I got back to the unit, I opened the box and inside was a Seiko self winding, day/date 25 jewel stainless steel watch. I've had it on ever since, once in, I think it was 74, the self winding weight came loose and I had the PX send it in and get it repaired, I was lost without it for the couple of weeks it was gone, and very happy to have it back. I've worn it ever since.
I have received many watches as gifts since, and they all lay in a drawer in the bedroom. I dig one out when I have to go to a funeral, wedding or such, but just for that part of the day. Funney how one can become attached to such an object. However it's kept perfect time since the day I bought it so I can't complain.
Jerry 4-2-2003 21:09
What ho, fellows?
Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday dear me-ee,
Happy Birthday to me.
MEL – I too am another year older (and deeper… etc.) I am also a year older than you too. Coincidence or what? Happy Birthday to you too.
HORWAD – I'll have a go at the 'Your Turn'. Email as at bottom of page.
ALL and EVERYONE – Anyone using my 'madasafish' email address, please use the link below for now on. I'm in dispute with the ISP for offering such a crappy service and I anticipate retribution. The new email address is with an ISP recently voted the UK's best ISP, so I don't anticipate any problems with the new addy. litterali@onetel.net.uk (Famous last words.)
Joy, Joy, Happy, Happy.
Litter 4-2-2003 20:39
Christi, Goota!!! Love the typo! (I'm serious, it actually caused all sixteen of my smiling muscles to work today!)
Hugs to you, sweets, and I've missed you around here!
(Or has it been me, delinquent as usual?)
Sorry again on the Phantasium news....though I am progressing quite quickly, my computer has not been the same since the worm virus, so I'll have to reformat pretty soon. Of course, I do have extra backups of my backups for Phantasium, so no worries there.
Actually, I may have them all printed and ready to go before I reformat anyway!
I'm almost there!
Carol - I finished up your 'Grandma Rose' last night, and I changed a number of things....
I'll email you a copy of the revisions by pasting it into an email, so don't mind the lack of proper formatting! Let me know as soon as you can whether you approve my changes - there aren't that many!
The last two lines are probably most noticeable, but I really think the revision creates more punch - definitely a more memorable and meaningful ending with only a slight change.
Thanks Carol!
Tina - Daniel has been fully edited and is printed and ready to go with the collection. I'm not sure if you approved my changes/edits on it or not, so if you want me to send the revised 'Daniel' to you just to be sure, let me know! Email me or leave me a note here. :o)
Oh, and 'Sandra and Lily' didn't need any real alterations; perhaps one sentence had rewording, that was all. Did you still want to re-title that one, or is it fine as is?
That one is also ready to send, but if you wanted to change the title, I can just change that and re-print the first page without a problem.
Tomorrow I should have the finalized list of stories in the order I've placed them, (a little different than my initial list about three months ago)
.....
and tomorrow looks good for mailing. I've said that before, so just ignore me until I come onto the NB and shout 'I MAILED IT!' in huge purple lettering.
LOL
Take care all,
~~Bug-eyed and lovin' it,
Heather 4-2-2003 17:57
CHERI -- I think that's "museability."
CHRISTI -- You'll have to post your Edress, send it to me, or start a YT... ("Your Turn...") with someone whose Edress you already know.
howrad 4-2-2003 15:08
Include me in the Shared Story please!
Happy Birthday, Mel! Glad you finally told us, you little so and so!
Goota catch up on the posts, whew.
Christi 4-2-2003 14:00
MEL: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!;) I also would like to participate in the paragraph writing, but am limited as to time and muse availability(did that sentence make sense?).
Just a quick note to say HI ALL!
Back to lurking.
Cheri 4-2-2003 13:41
HOWARD: Good idea on the "Your Turn" naming. Thanks for the whole idea and for being willing to post them on your website for us. :-)
I forgot to mention I used to do this sort of thing orally as a child with my dad. He'd start a bedtime story (about a paragraph's worth) and then he'd pass it, by pointing or with his eyes, to me or whoever else was listening too, with a "And then--." They were great fun. :-]
Mel 4-2-2003 8:48
GREAT news from Iraq last night! A special team of heroes went in and rescued one of the POWs! Thank You LORD!
Here's an additional tweak on our "your turn" stories. By the third round, the person first receiving a "your turn" paragraph had to name the story (not the person initiating it).
I think this will be fun!
And anyone who has not been approached with a "your turn" yet, who wants to be involved, don't be shy -- either start one yourself (there are Edresses in recent posts) or say here that you haven't got into one yet. We don't bite, (except maybe HEATER -- I got the impression she's into that kinky sort of thing...) ;-}) and we'd hate to leave anyone out!
howard 4-2-2003 8:31
*Mel*
Hi, You-all!
HOWARD, SUNNY, ANYONE ELSE Wondering: Yes, I'm another year older now (yesterday). I try to be humble about having birthdays - don't know why. I guess they're about as troublesome as a yearly physical at the doctor's - you don't want 'em but you gotta have 'em. Birthdays make you reflect on the past and I'm not too keen on most of mine. BUT! A bright spot was my cake - my husband lit forty eight candles on it and, man, was it warm and bright in the room! ;-] Now I can move on to more pleasant things, like scheduling eye-doctor appointments for my changing eyeballs, and hoe-ing out the attic for a Spring yard sale. Yippee. 8-/
I too am open to the email paragraph writing thingy - my additions will probably be VERY short for lack of muse-time, but maybe they will give her a jolt of inspiration!
It's a rainy day - I feel like Eeyore. Maybe one of you Tiggers will bounce by for a visit and bring the sunshine with you! :-]
A productive writing day to each of you!
Mel 4-2-2003 8:02
Just in case anybody was, don't wait for me to start it -- there are a bunch of Edresses posted (for the newbies, a name in blue means an Edress), so have at it with one another!
Also -- if anyone has trouble seeing the Operation Iraqi Freedom Powerpoint presentation I sent, or have posted on my page, you might need the free viewer available at
http://office.microsoft.com/downloads/2000/Ppview97.aspx
There's more viewers and MS Office file converters (free also) at
http://www.microsoft.com/office/000/viewers.asp
If the two urls are not completely hilighted in blue, copy/paste them into your browser starting with the http.
My page (with the pps file) is
http://home.stny.rr.com/htuckey/
howard 4-1-2003 21:55
Count me in, HOWARD. Sounds like fun.
Rhoda 4-1-2003 21:23
ROW HARD -- You already have my edress (mlenihan at). Send paragraphs. I woke up in the middle of the night a week or so ago and wrote a note to myself. I can make those sentences the start of something. Well, hell, you knew that. Anybody around here can tell you, "Yeah, that Mark, he can start something, alright."
Mark 4-1-2003 20:40
Randall, the umbrella bit is brilliant! Just hilarious. Thank you!
Both of my grandfathers fought in WWII. Both lived. My english grandfather was a pilot in the RAF, my german grandfather was in the Canadian Forces (I believe Navy) and landed on the beaches in France.
Heather 4-1-2003 20:28
Howard - the writing prompt stuff - I have a book by one of the editors at Writer's Digest, and the whole thing is filled with writing prompts. I believe it is called 'The Writer's Idea Book' (which is a tad misleading, really!) but I'll have to check. Hmmmmmm. That prompts me......
LOL
Heather 4-1-2003 20:09
Count me in, too!
:o)
Heather 4-1-2003 20:05
Randall
Evening...
This arrived as an e-mail from a friend and I'll post it without comment.
"To nobody's surprise there were protesters today in DC, they attempted to disrupt the metro system and block the Key Bridge, a leading artery into DC from Northern Virginia. I got hosed twice because I come in from Northern VA. on the metro and it is raining hard which makes traffic worse any way. My commute was long and arduous and only caused further resentment for protesters (but that isn't the point of this thread).
"Anyway, I'll get to the point.
"I got off the train in Rosslyn because I had to use the bathroom and the train was moving quite slowly. When I was getting back on the train, there were protesters on the train platform handing out pamphlets on the evils of America. I politely declined to take one. An elderly woman was behind me getting off the escalator and a young (20ish) female protester offered her a pamphlet, which she politely declined. The young protester put her hand on the old woman's shoulder as a gesture of friendship and in a very soft voice said, "Ma'am, don't you care about the children of Iraq?" The old woman looked up at her and said, "Honey, my first husband died in France during World War II so you could have the right to stand here and bad mouth your country. And if you touch me again, I'll stick this umbrella up your ass and open it."
"I'm glad to report that loud applause broke out among the onlookers and the young protester was at a total loss for words.
Evening...
Randall
RANDALL 4-1-2003 19:53
This SARS epidemic reminds meof Stephen King's book 'The Stand'.
Now that was a good book.
Teekay 4-1-2003 18:40
I'm not a fiction writer, but I'd like to participate. Is that OK?
Sunny 4-1-2003 18:35
I'm game for Howard's co-written shortie idea. Anyone interested, drop me an e-mail. In the spirit of the surprise factor, I won't mention it again.
Tina 4-1-2003 17:19
HOWARD: That sounds like a fun idea. Count me in.
Teekay 4-1-2003 17:12
Just received this in a Writer's Digest newslette