Archived Messages from January 26, 2000 to February 8, 2000
Heather - Don't worry. I'm just a pup. If SKS_Perry were still here he could tell you. I'm not much to worry about (grins). I am by nature a gentle person. If I am put in a difficult situation I do not believe I would hesitate to defend myself. Don't know how much success I would have, but I would give it my best shot (grins).
I like your idea about the pov exchange. I will play if nobody else wants to. I think that Teekay will want to play or Kat might surpise the socks off you and spring up out of the lurkers (grins). I know your out there Katrina! Hope all is well with you.
I'll wait to see what develops.
Take care you
Rachel.
Rachel, I didn't mean I know karate - I meant the two could be a good fighting team... (in the below post it sounds that way).
got to perfect my techniques first!
Rachel... kickboxing... and karate!
What do you think of the idea that one writer could compose a story from one character's POV, then another writer compose it from another character's POV?
(the same basic story)
Might be interesting.
A fun exercise, anyhow...
any takers? Rachel? Teekay? Rhoda? Jerry? (gee this is a long list!)
Wouldn't need to be a serious topic...
Heather
T.O.M. - I am willing to help. Let me know what you come up with. I am interested.
I'm glad my e-mail got through. I have been having some problems with my computer (grrrrrrr).
Rachel
T.O.M.
Great idea!
A treasure, in fact.
Here, here!
I give my cheers.
Where to start? (or continue)
SM** must be completed with stunning genius, everyone!
Let's get fingers to keys, pen to paper,
ideas to fruition,thought flowers blooming...
And then we march on, across the keys
feverishly composing our work(and airing positive thought on the NB).
Or controversy, if you like.
At the very least the passion must be funneled into written form! Into the very lifeblood of characters, right here, within the medium of the WB and NB, and of course, in our personal work.
Like all good characters, we write ourselves...
Today I am wistful.
Heather
Greetings From Transylvania (stop)
Dear Mr. Sousa (stop)
You have left your coat and hat here from your short visit (stop)
Please leave your feline at home next time (stop)
He has clawed up my seven hundred year old sarcophagus lid(stop)
Although I enjoyed your fur-covered companion (stop) Please feel free to walk with us again soon
Sincerely (stop)
Count D (stop)
Greetings and felicitations,
Rachel, Upon reading your message here, I checked my e-mail and found the letter there. Why you had trouble, I cannot say, but it seems to be working now.
All, The internet is constantly on the news as being a place rife with danger. A horrible place to allow our children to roam freely in. For the greatest part, I agree with that assessment.
What Rachel and myself have been discussing is the idea that the internet can also be a place where great and new things can be accomplished.
Take this, Jack's notebook in example.Here are gathered the greatest assortment of creative thinkers I have yet to see on this medium. With what effort could we as a group, especially as a group of entirely worthy writers, combine our efforts to bring something great and new to the world.
We have here participants from all over the world and from a vast diversity of background. The fact that we are as a group, friends, would have been far-fetched only ten years ago.
Can we get a project going that would pool the talents seen here in some fruitful and positive way?
Think big, friends.
T.O.M.
I've just arrived from (guess)... Transilvania! The land of vampires. Jon took me there just for sightseeing. Splendid day. We talked about you all the time and laughed a lot. Jon even told me one of the best of Allein's funnies. He loves everyone and is a good cat. (Hope you did not read his telegram asking Pussy not to give cake to some people.) We met Count Dracula. Nice chap.
This is to tell you that tonight's topic is: love outside marriage. Can a woman love eight man simultaneousy? Dracula told me that his wife can, but he was certainly exaggerating. Henry Miller lived simultaneously with two women who loved each other. Probably to be a great writer one has to have strong experiences of this kind. I don't know. What's your experience? Be honest.
Rachel and Heather: I've made a lovely cake for you. Let's have a nice cup of tea.
© Pussy, the greatest cake-eater the world has ever seen.
Telegram from Jon:
List of the people who cannot have cake:
(censored)
Telegram from A*:
Have you read Somerset Maugham's "Cakes and Ale"? Almost as good as SM**
Save piece of cake for me.
Heather - I am sure that we would get along great. I'm with you! We will fight against... Well what ever it is that comes up!
KIA!
Rachel
I show up late to the so-called cat-fight, huh?
American? Rachel and I are fondly and proudly Canadian, thanks. Nothing wrong with our American friends, so long as that free trade agreement stays out of sight. And Mulroney.
Pussy, your eye-teeth are mine.
Say goodbye to chewing and tearing prey, you have snared your last.
And tea, you can put the cold tea bags on your little slit eyes. Better than to see me coming. Take two cat-tylenols and call your vet.
Oh, I'm in the mood for cat catching! Feel like having your fur petted backwards?
Jon, I see you have made yourself scarce, and quickly too, I dare say. But you held the cat door for Pussy in a weak attempt to let her escape to safety. Two legs can be faster than four. Her mouth is full of gauze so she can't say thank you.
No, I wouldn't fight Rachel, she is kin. We hold much in common and would love it to stay that way. We can karate and kick-box together, to fight against...against...
well, hey, we'll find a worthy cause!
Heather
T.O.M - I have tried to send you an e-mail in response to the one you sent me. I have not been able to send to the address that you left. Has your address changed? Let me know. My e-mail is danolson@sprint.ca. If you have problems with my address let me know. I do have a secondary one. I just don't use it often (grins).
Pussy - Well, hello little beauty. You are a lovely little thing. Where ever did you get those claws of yours? I really must find myself a set of those.
I might not want to fight with anyone. I would however fight for someone or something. That's just the sort of person I am. I believe in standing behind the things I say. I believe in the right of people to state their views and opinions. I believe in freedom. There is so much in this world that is worth fighting for. I see no reason to make up fights. There are countless ones right in front of each of us. We just have to open our eyes and take em on.
Then again lots of people could care less about what is happening. Just as long as it isn't happening to them.
Hum, I better dash. I don't seem to be very pleasant this afternoon.
Take care all
Rachel
A* could not come and sent me as a referee to the fight between Rachel and Heather. Both lost. Rachel made declarations to the press announcing her unwillingness to fight. Heather simply did not come. I declare the fight null and void (what could be expected from American women?)
Since Allein is around and the audience needs some action, I offer myself to fight with Allein. But only till 5 o'clock, as I don't like my tea to get cold.
©Pussy, the queen of fighters.
Greetings everyone,
Gotta go to work soon. I am finally back on-line. It was one heck of a move(whew) weel see ya.
Cassandra - I'll send you an e-mail within the next day or so. Perhaps, I'll catch you online too. Miss you. :)
Rachel - *hugs*
Jon - Good kitty. *a scratch behind the ears for you*
Ciao,
Allein
I would not want to fight with anyone. Least of all Heather. We are going to go for coffee. The only fight it would appear we would have, would be over who go to open the door for who (grins and laughter)!
Here is something I like.
Eleanor Roosevelt wrote:
Many people will walk in and out of your life,
But only ture friends will leave footprints in your heart.
To handle yourself, use your head;
To handle others, use your heart.
Anger is only one letter short of danger.
If someone betrays you once, it is his fault;
If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.
Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people.
He who loses money, loses much:
He who loses a friend, loses much more;
He who loses faith, loses all.
Beautiful young people are accidents of nature,
But beautiful old people are works of art.
Learn from the mistakes of others.
You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is gift.
Take care all
Rachel
Amanda,
Heather and Rhoda offered you some very good advice and I wish to put my two cents in as well. I am a non-fiction writer by profession. It's how I make my living. If you are freelancing, I would actually recommend querying the magazines with your story ideas before actually writing them. That way they can let you know in advance whether it's something they want or not and you don't waste your time. Most articles have to be very taylored for magazines so it is best to get their writer's guidelines before submitting anything be it a query or actual story. Plus with respect to emails, some publications don't like to get stories out of the blue that way and may not respond because of it. If you would like to talk more about freelancing I would love for you to contact me. It can be a very exciting way to work, but also tough when the assignments are slow in coming.
More later, all...hope everyone is having a productive day and not procrastinating like me...I'm supposed to be getting writing samples ready to send to editors to see if they want me to write for them! OK here goes...
Trudy
Tonight is fight night.
There will be two combats. Both deadly.
First (already begun): Rachel versus Heather. Or karate vs (what do you play, Heather? Be precise and concise. No one here reads posts longer than one line).
Second: cats vs humans (Jon against everybody).
I'll be the referee (as usual).
Jon, come back! I love you!
Jon - Relax kitty (soft smile). I would not shut a door on you. I have become fond of cats. Come on over here kitty. I won't pick you up, but I would like to share some of my salmon with you. Hey! Not the whole bag! Get back here (grins and laughter).
Americo - Do something about that cat!
Jon - You owe me some salmon candy mister! Give my regards to pussy and what ever kittens you have not eaten.
Have a great day guys.
Rachel
We are about to break a record: this page has reached 250K and I'm drowned with Internet information. Better read a book instead.
See you sometime.
Jon, the most cowardly and unjustly attacked cat in the world. But wait for my slow and cold revenge, you pseudo-humans.
Tonight there will be no topic for discussion here. I'm going for a night walk with my (only ) friend Americo. Perhaps you'll feel the consequences of this night walk in your skin, eyes, and mind (mind-- if you have any).
Of course that A on the essay wasn't for conjugating deflate properly... *snickering*
Hi all
I try holding doors for people, especially when they're carrying a lot. Unfortunately, it's hard to remember to do such things when you're in a rush... as I usually am if I'm out on campus. I always remember one thing though, no matter how bad a mood I'm in, or how exhausted I am, I always thank the person.
Actually one of my friends held the door open for one of the handicapped girls on campus, and all she got was an icy cold 'I hate you' stare. But this girl isn't known for being particularly nice.
Punctuation huh? That's usually what I get praised on in my writing... it's what gives my particular style such distinction (poking head with sewing needle in an attempt to deflated it). My English teacher gave me and A on our first essay, commenting 'nice style' as he handed it back to me. Surprised the heck out of me, I'm so used to boring assignments in English, and the first real chance I get to write about something that matters the slightest bit to me, I get praise for it! (it's too warm in Albany for hell to be frozen over!)
Americo- You were already going to mimic my punctuation for shadows way back when... I was quite sorry that I couldn't finish my installment. That section of my life was hectic with class requirements, and just plain aweful because of a sinking depression.
It took a while, but I got things cleared up. :) I'll try adding to SM** by writing something over the weekend... I just got a good idea too, loosely based on my actual life.
Listening to fast pased Celtic music here, just makes me want to get argle socks and start Scottish highland dancing... or get some tap shoes and Irish step.... Surely keeps the blood pumping.
Oh, and on the subject of weight, I'm actually trying to gain it, in muscle of course. I work out semi regularly, and results show pretty quick on such a small form. So I'm happy, and more energetic lately. :)
May the muse be with you
Cassandra
Heather - I was just teasing you (grins). I don't get crashed into in the door, but I get a lot of the arm grabbing stuff. People do seem to like to touch me. I guess I just look approachable(smiles).
Happy energy right back at yah!
Take care you.
Rachel
Rachel! I have been touched by many people I've held doors for, and have even had someone crash right into me. They weren't sight impaired, either. I didn't mind. I've just worked closely with people in most every job I've had, it doesn't even phase me if someone touches me; not if I'm in my usual good mood. I know I must give off those vibes, the kind that say, 'I'm giving off happy energy if anyone needs any'.
I can also clear out a space around myself in a room or bar, if I feel like NOT being touched. It happens all the time if I'm not in the mood to even brush another's coat sleeve. I'll bet that if they studied that kind of thing they'd find that the vibrations given off are very different than the 'it's ok to touch' vibes. Being a nurse, a lifeguard, babysitter to many, plus my own kids, etc., I guess I have become accustomed to sending out those happy touch vibes without any thought to it. Just happens naturally, just like when I repell people! I don't really contemplate it, it just happens.
Am I repelling anyone at the moment? LOL
Amanda, I am not an 'article' writer for magazines, but there are some things that apply to all of us. One tidbit is the same that Rhoda mentioned: Persistence.
Another is research. I'm sure you have done your share of market research, but are you certain that what you've sent a magazine wasn't too similar to another article they have published recently? One can never be too careful.
I'm sure you ARE careful and thoughtful about submitting, but you know that the mag market has a lot to do with timing, not just the content of your articles.
Do you write for adult magazines? If you do, have you considered writing or rewriting an article for a children's magazine? They are usually looking for animal-type articles; like World Magazine, Owl, Chirp, Chickadee, and the loads of other kids magazines out there! If you aren't getting through to the adult market, maybe the kids' would be refreshing for the time being? At least it will pay, better than rejection slips.
I have been thinking of writing articles too, but with so much on my plate, I feel very full indeed!
Take care, all, and have a nifty afternoon.
What is tonight's topic? Well, maybe I shall brew something up; coffee talk and so on. Perhaps short shortie night on small successes. Or small failures. We can all identify.
Heather
Amanda,
Everyone gets the blues, especially writers. I think it is our lot in life. I've been hounded by the constant rejections and they get to you after awhile, but there is nothing to do but to hang in there anyway.
At least you have been published in magazines. I have too but never in anything that had a circulation larger than 100. Then there were some newspaper articles in my old hometown. I look up to anyone who has sold stuff to real magazines.
Just remember, there is always someone worse off than yourself. That doesn't supposed to make you feel better, but a girl must count her blessings. I am convinced that persistence pays off. So, be persistent.
Happy Writing!
Rhoda
I just had to write something today so I thought I'd write to you lot. I was 37 on Sunday and I'm realy fed up today - not sure if the two are related. Actually I'm a bit sick of sending off article after article, feature after feature by e-mail and getting no comeback at all!! And I'm running out of money as all good writers always do.
It's not as if I hav'nt been published before either. I've got lots of stuff in mags. Obviously I'm just on a downer.
What I would really love is a regular column in a newspaper or magazine in the UK. Any ideas anyone? I write about all animal subjects including environmental, etc. You would think there was any amount of work out there that can write on those subjects would'nt you?
I think I'll take the dogs for a walk.
Maybe I'll feel better tomorrow if it stops raining.
Bye all
Amanda
Heather - I have had doors opened for me by young men and old. Women of all ages as well. I can not think of coming into physical contact with any of them. Then I am the sort of person who can walk into a crowd and not touch a single person. I touch when I want to. Accidental touch? Duno if I believe in that. Do you?
Take care.
Rachel (wicked smiles and laughter)!
Americo, you would hold the door for me because you want to feel me brush past. It is also a good way to look at people's ears without them noticing, as they are facing sideways to you...is that a fetish? Just checking. Another reason to hold the door for me is because I have my hands full! (out of gutters now, minds)
I wouldn't need to hold the door for Jon, as cat doors are without handles, not to mention diminutive ~ and cats can never make up their minds if they want to come in or not!
And excuse me for long and dreary posts...
Now that Trudy and I have pinpointed ourselves on the map, I'm sure we won't need to get into that again...:o)
Punc, tuation? Is this, the topic; or am I reading this with spots, on my sunglasses?
I believe it would be 'cows' milk', although you'd have to count the cows. Bessie, Berta, Whinnie, yup: Cows' milk it is!
Teekay, your poem sounds as if you are reminiscing of times long gone, with sour face and depressed will. Girl, we're here for you. Been there too. Hope you feel better after writing your poem - I liked it.
Heather
This is interesting. I know lots of women who get in a twist of a person opens a door for them. I love it. I think it is nice.
People always seem to be opening doors for me. I know, that I don't look helpless. I think, I look like I know how to open a door. I guess there are just a lot of door openers around my home (smiles).
I also open doors for other people. It just seems the nice thing to do. I am a proud door opener!
Or maybe, I just open doors for guys so I can get a look at their... Uh! Oh my God! Never mind (grins).
I will gladly open a door for Jon. I just don't know, when I'll close it (grins, followed by evil laughter - Bwah, ha, ha, ha, ha).
If I get to a door first, I'm not going to stand there and wait for somebody to open it for me (grins). I'll open it. Then end up standing there holding it for a flow of people. I don't mind. Most people say thank you. Some people don't.
That is another intersting thought. People who don't say thank you. What is with that?
Take care all.
Rachel
Oh and on punctuation...
I love it, when I can get it right!
I hate it, when I'm wrong or can't figure it out.
Tell me...is it cows milk or cow's milk? as in I went to buy some cow's/cows milk? Or maybe it's cows' milk, after all there would be more than one cow's milk in the bottle, wouldn't there?
Trudy
Hi all, just a quick note to Americo really because I wanted him to know it's my fault he's been bored with Heather's geographical posts of late. I am a newcomer to her area and we were trying to figure out exactly where each was located...I think we have it figured out so unless we decide to simply continue just to bore you some more, we're likley done (: What do you think Heather?
*Trudy offers to buy Americo his favourite drink and says thanks for holding the door for this returner NBer*
Teekay,
Hang in there. I hope your day goes better. That is a sad poem, but very good. I feel like that all the time.
Americo,
I would rather open my own door anyway. I think I can manage it. Just don't slam the thing in my face, if you please.
Happy writing!
Rhoda
Hi Teekay - Just wanted to send you a warm smile and a hug.
Take care you.
Rachel
this world is drained of colour.
a black and white ticks slowly, slowly
on a pale white wall.
outside the sun shines hot,
not in here.
here it is cold.
outside people talk and laugh and walk,
in here there is a muted quiet,
the hum of the computer, the tick of the clock.
my soul cries softly,for freedom.
I am feeling rather nostalgic for days of holidays and choices, now past. Hope you are all having a good day.
testing,testing
Hi everyone.
The power of punctuation, Hmmm.
Found in the school directory:
Dr Yoders office, located in the Admin building is spacious and well-kept.
(Are there any English majors out there that are embarrassed by this. Find two mistakes.)
Laura
Rach,
And the sentence could also have a different meaning this way: "A woman without her man is, nothing."
That's an excellent topic. Here's Jon on it:
Punctuation is the soul of writing. I'm going to imitate the style and punctuatin of some Nbookers. (Only of those I would hold the door for):
Allein:
Americo (:—)), *hugs*
The other people:
please state your reasons for me to mention you. Give a sample of your prose if you also want Jon to imitate your style and punctuation.
Allein, sorry, I've just noticed that I forgot you in my list. (smiles).
Addenda:
Holding doors also for Allein (because, because, she loves Jon... no, she doesn't... oh, well, HELP, because she's Allein).
There are still people that need to state their reasons for my holding the door to them. It's worthwhile trying. For instance, Allein got an open door in my heart just by stating her reason. It was a good reason.
Who's next?
Americo - you should hold the door open for everyone, because it's what a polite gentleman would do. Didn't your parents ever teach you any manners? Or have you just been around Jon too much lately?
*hugs*
Allein
Americo - Thank you for getting the door (smiles).
Americo - A topic? Yikes! Let me think, let me think.
How about the power of punctuation (grins). This is something I'm just learning about (grin, spreads to smile and I start laughing).
You just move one of those little commas and all sorts of things can happen!
Here is a little something that came across my other writers group. I'll share it with you guys.
It isn't really a topic, but its the best I can come up with right now (smiles).
An English professor wrote the words, "a woman without her man is nothing"
on the blackboard and directed the students to punctuate it correctly.
The men wrote: "A woman, without her man, is nothing."
The women wrote: "A woman: without her, man is nothing."
This little ditty got quite the conversation going (grins and laughter).
Take care all.
Rachel
This is a list of SOME of the people I would hold the door for:
All the new comers and old residents who have come back (they owe us a drink);
Rachel (for setting the topic tonight);
Teekay (for having published her second good story in SM**, thus entering the realm of the happy few);
Jerry Ericsson (for having the best stories in SM**, one of them a masterpiece-- after a little editing)
Eddie (for having built the backbone of SM**-- in such a way that I already have in my mind a nice structure for the collection, revolving around his Tom Sawyer from Liverpool (Liverpool?));
Heather (for trying to enlighten the NBook with fresh blood, but her geographical posts of late are boring-- just half a door).
Jack (for being our generous and patient host).
Anyone else wishing me to hold the door for them, please state reasons in the blank that follows.
This is just to know (with rigor and precision) how many people would hold the door to Jon.
(Not me!)
What's tonight's topic, Rachel?
(Must start distributing functions).
Lidia Sweet and Cassandra: glad to see you back.
Allein - I was very happy to see that you were just who you said you would be.
Heather - It would have been fun. I am sure of it.
Trudy - SMILES!
Lydia - It's nice to see you back.
Take care all.
Rachel
Trudy! You are even closer than I thought then... Highway 7 from Guelph goes through Acton, and I think it continues on into Georgetown.
As far as I know the Go-buses are still running, just not the Go-train. I could be wrong though!
I meant the go-train wasn't passing through, but it is a monday, and my brain creaks sometimes.
I think most of the go-buses from here go straight to T.O.?
If your schedule is recent then it's probably accurate!
I think I had better blow off the cobwebs lurking in my head.
Jerry, I'd certainly hold the door for you.
Can't remember what else I had to say, so sayonara for now, lovely group!
I'll compose something later...
Heather
Hi all,
Just catching up on the week-end posts.
Randall, I too reside below the Mason-Dixon line where "Yes, sir" and "No, ma'am" are a way of life that I still adhere to and teach my children as well. I always appreciated being treated like a lady when a gentleman opens the door or pulls out a chair for me, but I was also taught to do the same for my elders. I open doors for men if I'm the first one there and the older men will grab the door and hold it while I enter. However, I work at a University and when a group of students come along you can get stuck holding the door while they rush through never touching the door themselves. I think some parents still teach manners, however, because usually one of the young men eventually takes the door. I'll say "Thank you" and get a "Your welcome, ma'am" in return.
My muse is definitely female for she is fickle as the day is long. I can be writing fluidly for weeks and then nothing for months at a time. She will attack me when I am without paper or pencil or she will give me inspiration for a story I haven't touched in two years. I haven't posted in sometime because I have lost touch with her. Someone once said that a writer has to write or they are not a writer. I hope they are wrong because I love to write. I am not driven, I am moved, I am inspired. I may never be published, but I still will have written my stories. I may never be called an author, but I believe I am a writer.
It's good to see some new blood here, as well some of the older donors. The influx was needed and is welcome.
Lydia
Heather - well now days, the ladies hold the door for me more then I for them, due to the cane I must use to get around. Anyhow, sounds like a very nice wedding, we have on such places out here on the plains, I guess the nearest would be in Rapid City which is some 200 miles south of here. Reminds me of our wedding however, it was a very small wedding, held in the church, only close family in attendance. My best friend served as my best man, as he should, and my sister stood up for my wife. We were so very young then, I was just 18, and my wife 21. I can't believe we were ever so young, but we married in the summer of 69, the summer of love. It was such a different world back then, what with the war, the hippy movement, in fact our wedding was held on the same weekend as the great gathering at Woodstock. Well must sign off, and go play cards with mother, she is on the phone with my wife as I type, planning the great pinochle game.
Jerry
Morning all, well almost afternoon,
I have a ton to do on the freelance side of things (trying to drum up some work) but thought I'd pop in and catch up here so it isn't overwhelming the next time...this place has gotten very active these days, which is nice to see.
Allein...ok glad to hear you're exercising too...it's something many people leave out and wonder why they aren't reshaping the way they want!
Heather, I realized you were in Guelph...I'm in Georgetown, not Brampton...just having a hard time explaining where I am I guess. lol. I think I'll avoid those workshops too...while I write non-fiction (it's how I make a living) I'm not into writing Christianity based stuff.
As for where I am in Georgetown in case you know it at all...we bought a little house in Glen Williams which is an older part of the town near the arts area...If you've heard of the Williams Mill I'm just around the corner from that. And according to the Go Train schedule I have it goes to Guelph. I wonder why it says that if it doesn't anymore? Anyway I wouldn't have a problem driving to Guelph either...I just haven't driven into TO yet...chicken, you may call me! And as a James Joyce fan Molly Bloom's sounds interesting as does Van Gogh's Ear Cafe...oh so much exploring to do!
Your special dates out with hubby sound lovely! Mine isn't that romantic but since that's one of his few short comings, and he does surprise me once in awhile, I don't mind too much.
Jerry, really people should just be courteous, don't you think? If someone holds the door for them, say thank you. If I hold the door for someone that's what I hope I'll get. So you keep opening those doors. I absolutely hate it when peple just let them go in my face. Now that's rude!
Rachel, it's nice to be back! I hadn't realized just how much I missed the notebook until I came back!
OK off to drum up the work...have a great day all!
Trudy
Rachel, if you and I had known each other through the notebook, I would certainly have wanted to meet you and have coffee! Could have gone to the Boathouse tearoom or Van Gogh's Ear Cafe! Too bad the Meridian isn't there anymore...that was my favourite coffee house. Hung my art there for a while at one point. Beautiful old stone building with 20ft high ceilings and all. Maybe one day that will once again be a vacant building and I can create a new coffeehouse/bar there.(Cash providing)
It's now an Irish Pub (Molly Bloom's). The Meridian was sold to a German couple about a year and 1/2 ago, who made it into a super-fancy bistro type place, and then soon after opening, it had a massive kitchen fire and closed. The same thing happened to 'Vase', a super deluxe bistro that had gone through months of interior construction on the corner of MacDonnel and Wyndham st., which had a kitchen fire opening night! Needless to say, they didn't last long. Now it's a similar place called "Kaleidoscope', but I haven't been in.
I had been going to the Meridian for a few years with friends and such, and the owner had suddenly decided to sell when i didn't have the capital to purchase it or I would have. Miss that place. I would have kept it much the same as it was. Even had a small library to enjoy when you had some time free, sipping the heavenly lattes or espressos, etc... great food too. Very ethnic (diverse) and earthy, healthy dishes. The owner would even loan out the books if you were a 'regular'.
Maybe I will think of something to write about with that place in mind!
Anyway, I ramble on! Next time you are in Guelph we will have to get together and laugh! And gabble.
Trudy, I am glad to know there is someone close enough to me in Guelph and we should have coffee sometime. I do have wheels, so no Go Bus or Train is necessary (they don't reach Guelph anymore but at one time they did). I remember the days when I rode them. Mostly the go bus. The train was weird, like a double decker bus. Felt like it would tip over on the curves. Used to ride to T.O. from Brampton.
Where abouts do you live in Brampton? I know the city fairly well. I used to work at Loafer's Lake and Professor's Lake for a while too. Also, I started off at C.Gibson pool, man is it tiny! (I was a lifeguard and swim instructor at those places)
I remember the Bramalea city centre before they tore half of it down to add on the new wings! And I still have friends that live across the way from there, in Silver Maple Crt.
I went to highschool at Mayfield S S. My mom taught math for a while at North Peel, and then she decided to torture me by becoming a roaming substitute teacher, and although she wasn't allowed to teach her own kid's classes, she did end up teaching some of my friends as a sub at Mayfield. (that was awful but she is/was a terrific teacher! Even though math is eeeuughghghghhghgh)
well, enough of my bramptonian banter. I only lived there 4 years, but you'd think I lived there a century! Many things in my life changed and happened during those years though.
A trauma here, a blossoming there...
Jerry, I hold doors for people, male or female. I also don't expect men to hold the door for me, so am pleasantly surprised when they do. My husband does more often than not - when he and I actually have the opportunity to go out somewhere together! Maybe on Valentine's. We go out to the place we were married on Valentine's, and our anniversary; the cuisine there is so incredible we look forward to going there for months. It is very expensive, however, so we can't just go there all the time! When we do go, my husband has had flowers delivered earlier in the day and they are on our table, and our favourite champagne is waiting for us too. The nicest thing is that the Maitre'D and so on remember us by name.
We got married there in front of the fireplace, and my Mother's cousin actually did the ceremony. She was terrific. We wrote our own vows, and she was able to incorporate them into the ceremony without missing a beat.
I also did a wedding for our friends there, but they got married in the spring, so I decorated the Gazebo, on a little island in the lake behind the Mill, (Aberfoyle Mill Restaurant) even has swans swimming out there. I was the photographer, flower arranger, I did the dinner tables too, and the gazebo...wow was I busy and ended up staple-gunning my finger to the gazebo in last minute fussing over ribbons. And it was white ribbon - and I had no bandaids... I was so nervous that the tuelle 'draperies' and flowers would fall down in the breeze that my hands shook and blam!
We got married in November, so we couldn't be outside obviously...
AND NOW I WILL CHECK OUT OF THE NB...Too much gabbing on my part today...
later, friends and scribble hounds
HEather
Trudy - If you want to meet Heather, you guys should definately do it. Rachel came down to meet me in October and she's a wonderful person. We had a great time. It's weird 'cause you never know what they're going to be like (she thought I might be a 400lb man in tights). I do wear tights, but I'm not a 400lb man. :) I told her that if she wanted the closest thing, I could get my brother to wear tights and a tutu and prance around the house. Nightmares!
Ciao,
Allein
Well, yes there were a few kind ladies who held the door for we men from time to time also.
Hi Trudy - Welcome back (smiles). I can't get over how nice everyone is being about the stuff I left here. Weight and the issues around it. Not easy stuff. Not at all.
Heather! - I was in Guelph this summer. Wish I had known you then. We could have got together for coffee.
I think we are all our own muse. It can be easy to write in times of stress because we have so much that we are trying to express. If we can just let go, the words will flow out and find their way onto the page, screen, napkin...
Sometimes I feel like I might have a muse. That wild drive that seems to come out of the clear blue sky. The desire to write that is so strong it jolts you out of bed in the night. That feeling that will not let you sleep. It's either a muse, or the caffine...
I think that the notion of a muse is very romantic. It sounds wonderful. If there is such a thing as a muse. I think that I must have more than one. I have different feelings for different writing.
I am undecided about the muse thing (smiles).
Take care all.
Rachel
Trudy - I'm in Guelph, not Georgetown. Although I know just where it is - I lived in Brampton for four years, during the last of grade 8 and some highschool. We lived right across the street from Heart Lake (conservation area).
Guelph is closer to Kitchener than to Brampton and Georgetown. But who knows? We might find a little writer's group to infiltrate! Guelph did have writer's workshops (probably still do) but it was/is for those who write non-fiction Christianity based works. I'll stick to fiction thanks!
we'll have to find a topic for tomorrow, fellow key dancers.
Heather
Trudy - I've been walking, in additon to lugging around lots of school books up and down stairs and from one end of the school to the other. I have a lot of books (6) in the morning but hardly any (2) in the afternoon. And that doesn't count the little planner I have.
Allein
Hi all,
Hope everyone's having a fabulous weekend, although I guess it's technically over as we prepare for the new week.
Anyway, thought I'd catch up in the notebook...
So Rhoda, remember me yet? I am in the biographies though it's a little outdated now *grin*
Heather, Georgetown is actually right next to Brampton. We're even on the same Go Train line! Closer than I imagined...maybe we can do coffee sometime (although I also noticed that long reading list you gave with an invite for tea to others!)...I haven't met many people to hang out with who are not in Toronto so it would be nice...do you know of any real live writing groups in the area?
And I'm with you and Rachel on the weight issues...if only we could get more people into just being healthy...eating healthy and being active...the healthy bodies would follow...As someone from a family that has a lot of weight issues, I have a hard time not getting depressed about the extra pounds...it's tough! Allein...you don't mention what you're doing for exercise!!! Make sure it's in there too!
Rachel I enjoyed your poem and agree we are all our own universe...we just have to learn we control our destinies!
Eddie, what did he write to win? I suppose i could go look this up myself *grin* I'd love to read it and judge for myself! It is surprising the talents that people keep hidden.
Teekay, you're not running out of time because you're so disorganized...you just lead a full and interesting life. At least I never admit to being disorganized so that must be it right? I'm certainly never bored!
Jerry, and we're women holding doors for men? I mean it is a two way street this manners thing, isn't it?
Hema Ati, Americo, Viper Six, Laura, Lydia, Randall, Katarine...have I forgotten anyone...I'm so looking forward to getting to know each of you. I've been enjoying your posts!
Night all!
Trudy
Hi everybody,
Well it's the first day back at work *sigh*. Not as bad as I imagined it to be.
Thanks to all who said nice things about my burger my love.
Gotta go and do something less productive now. I'll catch you all later.
Randall - I think it was you that mentioned a while back that you were at vet sites, or maybe it was Howard, at any rate, whoever mentioned it got me to thinking about some of the guys I was in the Army with. I went looking on the web, and found a site for the last Unit I was with before I went recruiting, which was The Old Guard. Anyhow, thier new site has a link to The Old Guard Association. At that site, I found the E-Mail Address for my old boss int he Commo Section of HQ Co. I E-mailed hime, and we had a nice chat, he forwarded it to another old buddy, and we have been exchangine E-Mails ever since, kind of takes me back. I served with The Old Guard in Washington DC back in 75-76, during the Bi-Centenial of the US. It was an exciting time to be with a ceramonial unit, and I had the privalige of meeting President Ford, and a lot of other dignataries. At any rate, it was a nice on-line reunion. Thanks for mentioning it.
Jerry
Allein -
I don't think I'd ever even heard the F word until I was pretty close to 12. But then I made up for lost time later, as a teenaged foul mouth brat!
Just kidding.
MUSE: A fickle entity, entitled to tease, taunt, and then wax bountiful during times of increased agitation, (including nervous breakdown and heart failure, but not excluding frustration); only to take flight again when the receiving party is expecting its' presence.
Holds remarkable resemblance to airline attendants, and baggage handling devices.
Beware the Ides of Air: Agents tend to represent only those authors of training manuals for said airport employees.
You know, I agree with Howard about the wandering of the muse. He says his muse comes out during times of stress. My muse works best under pressure. I have created some of my best writing and art work when I am pressed by time or whatever.
Kat
Satires, huh? Ashling, I am certain that once I am able to get a bit more sleep, I will give that idea a hearty attempt. Who knows...
Ashling;
I haven't given comedy a try, really. Hmmmmm. Ok, my tinker is crimped. When I straighten it out and use it, (brain coils) I will give it a shot.
The shot will contain endorphins, Adrenalin, and maybe a little halucinogenic to give me a few ideas.
Ouch. That hurt going through the scalp!
The wishy washy's. Imagine introducing them at a gala affair. "And the speaker is... ZZZZZZZZ"
Oh, I feel bloated. Water on the noggin?
Teekay, I liked your story very much.
I thought the 'internal' dialogue (narrative) was excellent!
See? You certainly have the talent to pull it off.
Keep it up!
What might the topic be on a Sunday afternoon...
crimped tinker and all, I have not a single offering.
Offering!? Ooops. Didn't go to church (again).
Eddie and Howard can thump me with their Bibles. Might get this neuron-tangle pumping.
....uhhhh what was I supposed to write now? (Tired)
oh, yes....Heather
Hello all!
I guess Tobias and I are of like minds lately... as I could also not forget the notebook. (special thanks to Allein for being a persistant reminder of the void that conversation with other writers fills)
School gets more difficult every semester, and truthfully, it's hard to keep up with age old friends... those who have given so much, and would continue to give should I ever have the need. So, unfortunatly, the internet went first. It's only recently that I've been able to adapt my life, introduce some form of organization, no matter how much I despise that word. There is a silver lining to it though, I can come grace the notebook again- With new work no less!
I've been writing poetry, which I actually don't hate for once. There's 2 poems of mine on my webpage right now, and there definitely will be more to come.
Agsousa- And how is life treating our profound Portugese prince? Is Jon the cat still roaming these alleys?
Allein- *big hugs* Keep being a believing in you. You're exceptionally talented for one so young... or some so old.
I will be back, most likely late a night meandering the posts, or later in the week to add my thoughts to them.
Good writing to everyone, and I look forward to getting to know those names I don't recall. :)
Off to the art department with me (clanking chains as I go).
Bye for now
Cassandra
Being a slave to one's art sometimes gets on one's nerves... it's the times that it lifts your soul that makes all the pain more than endurable.
Hi all - Good Morning! In just a few moments I am off to my sons hockey game. It should be a good one (smiles). Know what? They are all good. These kids play so hard. I have come to LOVE hockey.
Rhoda - Thank you.
Take care all.
Rachel
Hi y'all. Welcome to the new folks!
RHODA: The rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated (Mark Twain??) You will have mail by Monday. Not a critque thing, just a little something I'm trying out & having much fun with.
HEATHER: I only pass through the Notebook Forest a few times a week, but luckily I caught your little dialogue scene illustrating the need for passionate characters. I dubbed them Wendy & Walter Wishy-Washy! Just fabulous, I laughed and laughed 'til my dogs gave me strange looks & left the room. Do you ever write satire or full-fledged comedy?
Marching off to ignite sparklers beneath the ass of a ho-hum character ...
Best regards,
Ashling
Evenin' you'uns;
What have I missed? Teekay, I'll be taking a gander at your SM** story in a moment or two. Excited!
Rhoda, thank you for your compliments. Better to just whip a poem off the cuff than work on it too hard - they turn out better that way most of the time. Got one to leave for our senses?
And LIFE, wow, my daughter loves that game too! And I am beginning to dread it as well, with those infernal little stick figures that are supposed to fit into the cars without going suicidal round the bend by the family picnic. They must feel like bailing too, by that point.
Ok, can't feel any more comments bubbling up this time being; I will drift off now into cybersnooze, and possibly reality snooze as well.
'night
Heather
Teekay - read your story WOW!
Jerry
Teekay,
That was a terrific story! You have a knack for short stories. Like Americo, I like your dry way of telling them.
Rachel and Heather,
I have been wanting to tell you both how I respect the way you can whip up a poem on the Notebook. I enjoy reading them all. I greatly respect anyone who can write poetry and write it well like you two do.
Well, time to run and spend some time with the kids. I promised my daughter I would play her LIFE (I really hate that game). Oh, the sacrifices we make for our children.
As my British friends would say, Cherio!
Rhoda
Teekay,
Do you think your mum would adopt me?
Teekay - Hi you (smiles). I didn't move far. Thank you for the compliment to my poem.
Tobias - Hi:)
Katarina - Thank you (smiles).
All - Know what gets me? When you write fiction, people think it is based on truth. When I write non-fiction, people think it is fiction! Argh (grins)!!!!!!! I guess it doesn't really matter, as long as people enjoy the story.
Take care all.
Rachel
That last post was mine.
Goodmorning Howard, good morning Jai, goodmorning T.O.M.
Hah you thought I'd forgotten you hadn't you?
AMERICO: Thankyou. I am truly glad you enjoyed my story. Yor praise means much especially as it is so difficult to extract.
Teekay,
You describe a trivial episode of the life of adolescents (a love declaration) in the most trivial way a non-romantic type can get. The narrator of your story is really " a bit long in the tooth for dramatics". No Romeo and Juliet sort of person. The title tells all: "My burger my love". It's not everyday that one reads a text so aparently void of "the stirrings of the soul" Gil calls "profundity." A tale where emotion is seen through the eyes of a dry heart. Where is your wastebasket, Teekay?
You can call it trash as well. Anything that by any other name should mean the recipient where writers throw their attempts at literature. A rose is a rose... (Romeo and Juliet).
But a rose is a rose only when a writer knows its real name. You know it and you use it with skill. Yours is one of the good texts of our collection. Read on and you'll see the full picture I took to your story.
Teekay, if your wastepaperbasket has more texts like "My Burger My Love" please do not send its contents to the fire. Pick them up and read them to us. They are good pieces of a talent for literature. You know that the most moving tear is the tear that one does not cry. And you know that the best story is nothing if not well-told. The episode you describe could be nothing, or worst than nothing, if told in a trivial way by a narrator full of great sentiments and desperately longing for a fify five year companion that died two months ago, leaving an unutterable space for insomnia and sleeping pills. You chose the other way round. You chose well. The burger is really the love of the narrator. But it's a marvelous burger: one whose smell projects a mind to a past where pofundity was still to be learned. The narrator can close her eyes at last and sleep like Juliet. She now knows the meaning of profundity.
A contemporary way of telling a love story. Katherine Mansfield would kiss your lashes.
Toby -- Congratulations! That's great news! And welcome back!
All --
Does your muse seem to draw nearer in times of stress? Then does she remain aloof when things are going well? That's the way mine behaves. Most of my writing has been done under extremely stressful conditions. When I have the luxury of a few moments to relax and think about it, I look around and she's gone. I think she has one of those tee shirts!
Hema Ati -- I'm sorry if I seemed to be ignoring you. I don't get to spend a lot of time here during the week.
That whole 'chivalry' thing reminded me of a little scenario that I heard about, and actually had the occasion to use once: I had opened the door to the cafeteria for a young woman, (a 'milfem') and instead of saying "thank you" she asked (in that snarly 'I-despise-the-estrogen-impaired' voice that we all know and love) "Are you doing this just because I'm a poor helpless girl?" I replied "No, I'm doing it because I was raised to be polite, even when it's undeserved."
howard
Tobias - Hi or whatever. *grins* :)
Allein
Clyde Dixon and Rhoda Fort and anyone else who may remember me :-)
I'm still around. Unfortunately I don't read the notebook like I used to. I've been very busy. I've never been much for talking too much about doing something, but rather doing it, and so have slipped away to focus on the craft. And I've been very happy in that decision. But if you're interested in what past posters here are up to, here is a quick summary;
I went to Clarion East this summer. After that I've sold a story to Science Fiction Age that is out right now in the February/March issue, called 'The Fish Merchant.' I won the last quarter of The Writers of The Future Contest, and I sold a story to Nalo Hopkinson's anthology of Caribbean Fabulist Fiction. So keep an eye out for me.
I mostly keep people updated through my homepage where I keep a journal and have a newsgroups for any pressing conversation, so I've withdrawn a bit from arenas like this. But I haven't forgotten the old notebook, but I only drop in maybe once a month :-)
Take care all, feel free to say hi or whatever.
Tobias
Okay Mum. Goodnight Mum,goodnight Allein, goodnight Americo, goodnight EDDIE, goodnight Heather, goodnight Hema Ati, Goodnight Jerry, goodnight other Jerry, goodnight jon, goodnight Katarina,goodnight laura, goodnight Lydia,goodnight Rachel, goodnight Randall, goodnight Rhoda.
Goodnight Johnboy.
Rachel: how come you maved and where did you move to?
Teekay get to bed. Not that you need your beauty sleep. You are already far too beautiful to behold.
My Mum knows everything.
Thanks Mum.
Teekay I think you are the most wonderful person. You are sweet, kind and funny (in a sophisticated and elegant way.)
You are also very, very intelligent and a joy to know. It would be a truly wonderful world if there were more people like you in it. I don't know how that Eddie person could have missed you out. He should be so ashamed of himself.
I think quite a few hail mary's would be in order for that man.
Oh and you are a really good writer too.
Back again. Have just reread my story and one word comes to mind. Amateur. I feel rather embarrassed to have posted it now. Well that's it for me. I'm going to bed before I have to get up.
Saying for the day, night, whatever. `If you can't say anything nice say something nasty.'
I think there's something in that for all of us, don't you?
Nighty night all zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzclunk.
Back again.
I've posted another story in SM*. Don't know if it's any good or not coz I've just finished it and haven't left much room to be judgemental about it. Besides it's 1:45am.
HEATHER & RHODA: Loved your stories.
RACHEL: Your poem was great. I think you should call it unity.
LYDIA SWEET: I think you have a really good bitch name.
Eddie,
So "Sir" Alex Fergusson got the Booker Prize? How interesting! The Booker has always been a source of surprise (sometimes of fun) to some of us. Most prestigious prizes are. I remember one year when one of the members of the panel, after giving the Booker to an insignificant novel, boasted himself publicly of never having read Marcel Proust. What a cretin!
Yet I like the English precisely because of that. When they want to play, they play courageously till the end. I'm sure that the book of the manager of the great Machester United has some interest, and I'm looking forward to reading it. (I cannot resist a Booker Prize).
It would be nice if you talked to us about contemporary English fiction from time to time. I like Ian McEwan, Rose Tremain, David Lodge, Anita Brookner on the beach (she also got the Booker), and let us not forget Salmon Rushdie.
As for literary Awards, do not forget that Churchill was given the Nobel! (In his History of the English etc, he starts a chapter this way: "Between 1650 and 1655, five years elapsed." I'm quoting by heart, but I remember that I was impressed by Churchill's genius for Algebra and his quick capacity for counting by the fingers-—).
PS. I'd like to see Manchester United vs Porto, my team. That may happen this coming Spring (if Porto beats Barcelona first, not an easy task). And I believe that England is going to be one of the victims of Portugal in the European Championship in June.
Which team do you support? Liverpool, probably. Don't tell me you don't like football! Together with chess, that's one of my hobbies-- I have no others.
PSS. Randal, when will you give us the pleasure of reading a short-story of yours? I love your posts.
Top of the evening to you all....I have the little ones tucked soundly in their beds (okay, almost soundly) and I sneak into my little private corner of the world to visit with my secret friends...
Rachel - I went back and read your poem. How beautiful. It makes me have this feeling of deja vu for some reason. Good deja vu. I have always loved and respected dance even though I am not a good dancer, myself.
Regarding obscenities...I have to agree with Heather's grandfather...there is a time and place for everything and if overused, obscenities get tiresome. I can remember the first time I ever heard my father say the "F" word. I was about 21. Just broke up with my fiance and went running home to mommy to let my wounds heal. Well, I did that for about three months and decided I had to get the heck out of there, so I found an apartment and harrangued my sister into moving in with me. Dad was kind enough to volunteer to help me move my stuff in the back of his pick up truck. (My new digs were only about 5 miles from their house.) One of my treasures to be moved, was a huge, oak rocking chair that my Mother had given my fiance and I for a Christmas present (I got custody). When Dad put that chair on the back of the truck and did not fasten it down, something went off in my head! I expressed my worries to him casually, but he shrugged me off. Do you know, not even half way to the new apartment, that rocker went flying off the back of the truck and shattered into a hundred pieces! Dad looks in the rearview mirror and out it slipped...."F----!" My jaw dropped and I sat in stunned silence. My Dad just used the biggest, baddest swear word!
Being the anal retentive, perfectionist engineer that he is, Dad ordered new spindles for the rocker, took it to his tool shed and glued every gosh darn piece back together. It looks as good as new and sits in my living room to this day. My Mother, bless her pea pickin little heart, was spared the details of the tragedy and was never the wiser. Sometimes when we are feeling devilish, we will kid and tease about the rocker, but she is still not hip to what happened. Dad, I think, just holds his breathe.
I come from southern baptist stock and swearing is frowned upon...as my mother would say, "You sound like a sailor!" The challenge is to express oneself with words. Big juicy, meaningful words that paint a picture so real, you could step into it...
Sweet dreams all...
Kat
Heather - don't worry about saying the F word in public. I learned it when I was seven from an older guy on my street. Then I make the mistake of going up to my mom and saying "Mom, can we use the word F*ck." Of course the answer was no and then I had one more question "What's it mean?" That answer was "Never mind." Incedently I found out three years later. In fact, a funny story about that. My brother got the F word mixed up with the word "chuck" - a slang term which means "to throw" and so, he stands up infront of all the other kids on the street, with a stick in his hand and proudly announces "I'm gonna f*ck this stick!" He was only six, so he didn't know what the word meant (neither did I at the time) but now it's pretty funny.
Anyway, see ya,
Ciao,
Allein
Oh, for BLEEPS sake!
I didn't mean to stick in the 'u' in the f-word (below post)
BUt, that * scrap of sensorship doesn't hide the fact I used it in the first place. Oh well.
Hema Ati, dear one, you were not forgotten. I was wondering where you had gone. Sorry if it seemed no one noticed, including me. I did! So, will you grace us with a hobby list? Are we forgiven?
Manners!
Well, I do treasure a man with manners and thoughtfullness.
Jerry, I would have thought it chivalrous if you held the door for me. Randall, glad to meet such a fine southern gent.
I like chivalry, ohhhh yes. I certainly miss Sir Lancelot, King Arthur, all the knights that I once knew.
Reminds me I haven't spent much time engrossed in those tales lately.
My husband has an Excalibur-like sword, and has chivalrous manners and honour to match, which is one big reason I was charmed by him. So few of yea men left? Possibly true. We need to infuse the youngun's with the code. Carry the torch. It still burns in some corners of the world.
Obvious here, in the NB - for the topic was brought to light in the first place!
Now, onto my own manners...
(Run! Run! Get Away!) I joke. (Butm notice I posted sh*t! father down in the NB! OOOPS)
I have quite good manners if I so choose (even know which is the shrimp fork), but sometimes I just feel like a mean cuss will express that pent up frustration, so long as I'm not in polite company... and, (gladly) I don't have an outhouse to curse by. I prefer indoor plumbing, and can go off behind the shed if I need to! I have let fly the F word once in polite company, and was surprised by the reaction after my embarassment died off. My grandfather came up to me in his kitchen as I was drying the dishes, and he said to me,"You know Heather, it's not like we all haven't said f*uck before, and it certainly isn't a new word. In fact, my golf buddies and old war companions probably wore it out before you were born. But I think using swear words all the time just shows lack of imagination. Don't you think?"
I must say, I agree.
Not that cussin' doesn't have it's place. And it doesn't USUALLY offend me. I enjoy all of our language, every itty bitty word, our languages' incredible diversities and great proliferance of words. Adjectives up to Everest, Nouns to the North Pole! Adverbs to Asia and back!
We don't have 80 different words for 'snow' as the Inuit do, but we certainly have a plethora at our fingertips. I was studying Chinese (Mandarine) characters for an art piece I did for a juried show last year, and learned so much just from looking into 6 characters(words). Amazing what that language involves, learning a separate 'drawing' for every single word! Like shorthand Good Lord! I saw a book on that, and nearly lost my jaw.
...My Thesaurus Loves Me! Because I love it.
Feather quill in hand,
Oh dear! That is terrifying news about the Literary Award. Does that mean I have to be a coach to win? Ha ha ha. That is not funny.
Have a great Friday (and Saturday)
Lady of The Lake is calling. Her siren song drifts across the ripples of the water, the droplets like stars upon her arm. She wears white linen, I see it shimmer beneath the waves. Under the sparkle of the sun.
Heather
Randell old man, your are so truely correct. If my words offended anyone on this notebook, I do so deeply appologize, however I do not appologize for such language in SM**, as my old Comp proffessor said, there are stories where such language is needed, and in such a story, it is fit and proper.
When on the Newspaper at the University of North Dakota, I once did an opinion story about manners. In the story, I complained that being older then average, I was taken aback when I held the door for one of the young ladies on campus, and was promptly called a male chaulvanist pig for my effort. The article went on to ask the question "what ever happened to manners?" - well for the rest of my time there, every time I held the door, I received a nice "thank you kind sir" from the ladies, guess the story hit home. But I noticed that more and more around campus, the guys were holding the doors for the gals, men were seating ladies in the dinning facility. Guess this goes back to last nights topic, about a writer expressing his strong opnion in his stories. It was nice to see that I made a little impact on the general population anyhow.
Jerry
PS - I did live in Texas for several years in the early 70's What a place, nothing like it.
Hi Guys,
I have banished Olga because Heather is right she is not my kind of bitch and your right I am not a bitch. I am too nice to be a bitch. I am a Betty.
RANDALL: On Friday you popped into my thoughts with your TGIF. Of course it was only your Thursday then.
I haven't had time to catch up on the posts yet so I'll read them off line.
Why is it that I seem to be running out of time lately? Bad organization? Probably!
`I have no food said the poor man so may sup at your table this day?'
Happy Friday afternoon:
Oh Yes!!!! YES!!!!!! I agree with my friend Americo :-) Thank you Americo for bringing this lapse of decency to our attention. Guys, I believe a round of apologies is in order for the ladies ... especially from you southerners. I mean below the Mason Dixon Line that is. You know that we pride ourself on being gentlemen. By far the worst offense in my book would be cursing. Gentlemen understand that cursing should only be done away from the ladies and in private ... behind the outhouse.
Along that line, I attended a writers club meeting several years ago and had to introduce myself. I spent several minutes detailing my life and goals and sat down. We had an hour long roundtable discussion and the evening was highlighted by a local author who received $1,000,000 smackers for her latest book? Yes that's right a million. Well, that was certainly exceptional but I nearly fainted as she related how her latest novel was accepted and sent to the printer AS IS!!!!! AS IS!!!!! Also, the proximity to so much wealth blew me away and it was all I could do to avoid throwing yours truly at her feet. She ended the discussion by welcoming me and told the other's. "I recgonize Randall the minute he began to speak. He is an old time southern gentleman and welcome to our club."
Yes I am and thank you very much kind lady.
So if any of you guys have used the F word in your posts recently, please acknowledge it now and make your peace. :-)
Or suffer the pain of strawberry ice creme in your shorts and pie on your face. :-) :-)
Randall "Heh Heh" H
Americo:
I thank you for your kind words and I am sure that Dragon Trenton thanks you as well. There was a third "Dragon installment" but it never posted and I have not redone it since. If you like that, I believe I also have some dragon stuff in the workbook (Novel? Short story?) I also have a novel begining called Song of the Stone.
As for Viper Six, the name belongs to a man. He will visit when he can but is currently unable to get to a computer with internet access, so it is hard to say when he will pop in.
Hema - I like to dance alone. My partner can live in my heart and soul. You do not need to hold a person in order to dance with them (soft little smiles). I had 10 years of classical ballet training. Dancing can bring me great joy. I have danced with my dreams for a long, long time.
I did notice that you were not around. I am happy to see you back.
Take care you
Rachel
This is not to say that I don't like to dance with flesh and blood sorts. It is just to say that I think the best partners I have ever had in dance are the ones that never took on solid form (grins and laughter). This way they can't step on your feet!
Hema Ati,
the behavior of the Notebookers who did not notice your absence is truly regrettable. I noticed it but I did not dare to speak, as we had not been introduced formally. I take this opportunity to do it.
My name is Americo. I am Portuguese. How do you do?
Is your name a real name or a pseudonym? I love it. It is so Romantic! It reminds me of Mata Hari -- the lady who was shot for being a spy to the Germans. I never believed she was a spy. A beautiful woman can never be a spy. And if she is a spy it's the others' fault, not hers. Wouldn't you agree with me, Hema Ati? Even if you don't, you are right.
The topic for this weekend is the lack of manners of the gentlemen of this forum —— and I hope the ladies do not spare their rashest words.
If you (both sexes) prefer something more to Jon's taste: etiquette on the Net and how writers should not swallow rules dictated by the bloody bourgeoisie in the name of a code subordinated to basically two principles: Anglo-Saxon hypocrisy and I am a white, middle-class, reactionary Christian (though my wife says I can be a hell of a Revolutionary sometimes).
Hema Ati, you can speak about whatever comes to your mind. The same generous freedom is hereby allowed to two people I most admire but who I never had a chance to talk to: Laura and Viper Sex.
I'm a reader of Laura's: I've read, and enjoyed immensely, the two installments of her dragon contribution to SM**.
As for Viper Six, I have seen him/her (?), from my window and behind curtains, walking elegantly on the streets of this lovely village called "House of Jacks" (from a tale by Mr Ericsson).
Hope Hema Ati, Viper Six and Laura enjoy this site as much as I do.
Happy and relaxing weekend to everyone (including the males)
Yo!
Eddie, thanks for remembering that I exist.The others
did not even notice my absence.They did not mention me in their posts.Not even a "where are you?"
Rachel , I would have danced with you , but I sprained my ankle.
Heather, I did not know about the existence of cheese cake ice cream.sounds yummy.
whats this week's topic?(tgif)
bye all.
Fellow scribes,
Down your tattered quills right now! The quest is doomed afore it's hardly begun. Waste no more precious hours about your faithless muse. Your fate is to be berated as no-marks, ignored with the rest of the unwashed, illiterate masses!
Hark, I hear you whisper. What brings on this black shadow of despair? Does Lord Foul the despiser walk the earth once more?
No
(Well not really!)
I just heard a little snippet of news. (I only got the last of the story so I don't have all of the gory details) but here is the gist of it:
'Sir' Alex Ferguson (Manager of Manchester United Football Club. Yes the most sucessful 'Soccer' team in the UK) has just been awarded the most honourable Literary prize that this country can award to it's literary genious.
FOR HEAVENS SAKE!
He was footballer, a team manager, a good one I admit.
Now, it may just be that in all those years persuing his career in football he hid from the world these wonderful literary skills. Somehow I doubt it.
Bloody stroll on!
(See, I swore!)
Later,
Ed
forgot this button; another favourite...
"No Muttering In The Ranks"
I have a button I like to wear if I'm going shopping:
"Just Lurking"
or another delight:
"You sound reasonable. It must be time to increase my medication" (wore it a few times, got more than a few weird looks).
One that's on a very strange hat:
"Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty"
And lastly, one that I should wear more often:
"Hair by Wind and Weather"
My husband has a few silly T-shirts:
One with two little penguins (upper left corner of shirt)
and:"It's nice, but it's not California"
"Give Blood, Play Hockey"
"THere's No Such Thing as Off-Season"
"Weather is Here, Wish You Were Beautiful" (my grandma didn't get that one.)
:o) ...have a few!
bye! Heather
Oops! Didn't mean to post that twice.
Lydia
Good Morning,
Howard, I love your friend's T-Shirt. I have a friend whose birthday is next week. I may just have to go have a T-Shirt made for her. She is one who would appreciate the sentiment! (Laughing out Loud).
The topic of writing without opinions or convictions or emotions: The overall feeling of a story will carry some feeling, even in a romance, such as I write, politcal, moral, and ethical convictions seep into the characters and even the background events of a story.
Journalism should be the exception, but so rarely is. I live in an area where there is only one major newspaper and it is decidedly Republican(Scripts Howard). Where truth in journalism exists for them is headlining stories that are negative in content toward their opponents and positive to their candidates. There is no false reporting here, just the manner in which it is presented which makes it opinionated. Their way of telling the story effects the importance of what is being told. A novelist may do the same thing with dialogue and adjectives.
"I dreamt I danced in the moonlight with my heart's desire, when I awoke I found moondust on my pillow."
Lydia
Good Morning,
Howard, I love your friend's T-Shirt. I have a friend whose birthday is next week. I may just have to go have a T-Shirt made for her. She is one who would appreciate the sentiment! (Laughing out Loud).
The topic of writing without opinions or convictions or emotions: The overall feeling of a story will carry some feeling, even in a romance, such as I write, politcal, moral, and ethical convictions seep into the characters and even the background events of a story.
Journalism should be the exception, but so rarely is. I live in an area where there is only one major newspaper and it is decidedly Republican(Scripts Howard). Where truth in journalism exists for them is headlining stories that are negative in content toward their opponents and positive to their candidates. There is no false reporting here, just the manner in which it is presented which makes it opinionated. Their way of telling the story effects the importance of what is being told. A novelist may do the same thing with dialogue and adjectives.
"I dreamt I danced in the moonlight with my heart's desire, when I awoke I found moondust on my pillow."
Lydia
Rachel - I like your poem. :) It's very creative and paints a picture in my mind. Keep up the good work.
*hugs*
Allein
"Here is a test to find out if your mission on Earth is finished: If you're alive, it isn't."
---Richard Bach
like that one. :o)
Heather
sh*t!
I meant big, not bug.
No laughing!
Beware, fellow NBer's!
Saturday is a solar eclipse!
OOOhohhhh. Bug uh-oh.
Like the lunar eclipse a while ago - does weird things to life-forms like people. And wolves?
Definately cats.
If it is a total eclipse, night creatures will be waking for the event. Batman will think it's OK to walk around nude, not knowing there are people up to witness. Tsk tsk!
Did I mention I need rest?
'bye.
Ahhhh, Rachel, you lit my eyes with sparkles.
*twinkle twinkle* I liked your Dance that you 'choreographed'!
It's a moon in Sagittarius kind of bond, I think. We seem to have a lot in common.
Egocentrism is an exaggerated sense of importance. You do not have this disease. Your dreams and dances are for the good of people as a whole, and your heart is in the correct space. The space of the conscious soul.
I agree, we all have complete control of our personal microverse. (Meaning our selves; bodies, minds, souls, and every thought, word and action; including our reactions.) CHOICE. We choose what we do, and what we allow to be done to us. (Could this simple concept be discussed for years, or what?)
We can choose not to choose, too of course. Let the ship be guided by so called unseen hands.(Bah!)
We are Masters of our destinies, Writers of our scripts, Players of our own making. (by William Shakespeare - a thought on reincarnation if you will: "The world is but a stage; men and women merely players") And I'll be darned if we didn't pick our own parts to play, make the costumes, and parade around as if we forgot the fact!
Read any Richard Bach? Or the Tao? Or Buddhist scripture?
Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East?
Edgar Cayce?
The best of R.Bach is 'Jonathon Livingston Seagull', 'Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah'---also called 'Illusions'; also 'There's No Such Place as Far Away', and 'One'. These by Bach are good as well: 'The Bridge Across Forever', 'Biplane' and 'Running from Safety'.
I know Mr. Bach seems an odd addition to the list, as does Edgar Cayce (Sleeping Prophet), but they are simply modern speakers of truth, rather than ancient. (or semi-ancient?)
L&T of the Masters is from 1930's, written by Baird T. Spaulding. Incredible read, those books are (there are 6 in the set). And Edgar Cayce was doing his 'thing' in the 30's too.
Anyone think I have lost a nut? Read the books in that list, then we'll have tea and discuss it! (And no, I do not wear a straight-jacket as a hobby. Or a pre-occupation...)
Tom Robbins might agree with aforementioned concepts, if he posted here. (Tom, where are ya?) And he has a lot to say on the topic of choice! (Still Life With Woodpecker, one of his greats)
THere is a wonderful little story I found on choice, in a book called 'Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart' which is filled to the brim with excellent stories and traditional teachings. Even some CHinese Proverbs and the like from varied cultures... some of my favourite little gems!
I will seek out that book and post the story -with due credit to the author - for y'all tomorrow or very soon.
Heather
((did I use enough brackets for your viewing interruption?))))HAHAHAH I am the mad bracket bomber...
I need sleep. Cackle cackle.
Heather - So yah liked my little dream. I will tell yah about the dance. I have a second (grins). This evening my hubby and I met the neighbours. We all sat back and had a couple (GRINS). They are all pissed beyond words. I am cautious around those I do not know. I can nurse a drink like there is no tomorrow and if push comes to shove I can hold a drink and a half above most. Lets just call is genetics (merry laughter).
Anyway.
I dance under the light of the moon.
The wind is my partner.
It sings sweet songs in my ears.
I feel its gentle touch.
I dance under the sun.
The wind still by my side.
Should my step falter, it swirls round me as my guide.
I dance with my dreams.
I dance with the earth, wind, water and fire.
I fear none of them.
I dance with the past, present and future.
All that has ever been and will ever be are alwas and for ever my faithful partners.
I dance in harmony with myself.
I am my own small universe.
Come dance with me.
Take care you.
Rachel.
All - Ya, ya. I know it sounds egocentric. But c'mon. Take a deep breath. Think about it for a second. Aren't we all just a little univers. Isn't it really up to us, who and what we let in? Let's be real here for just one little sec, okay?
Take care all.
Rachel
PS - I am delighted to be a part of any or all of your lives.
Allein - Be good to you. That is all I care about in this.
Heather - I wrote about "The dance" this afternoon. I always write that sort of carp (grins). It is an endless spill over of who I am. I call it my soul screaming to be heard (grins).
Take care all.
Rachel
Heather - I don't want to be a size one or two, so don't worry. I want to be maybe an eight or a nine. I'm a thirteen/fourteen now. I just want to look good enough to wear short shirts that expose my tummy, but right now, I have too much tummy to expose. But, I do eat - healthy stuff, sandwiches, soups, jello and Cheerios as a snack. Then whatever my family eats for dinner, only smaller portions if it's high in fat, like macaroni and cheese or other high fat pastas. My mom is doing the same thing, but she doesn't want to lose as much. She had surgery in May and gained some weight because she couldn't do much. She's not overweight, but she has a tummy and she thinks her thighs are fat, but not as big as mine. She'll probably only lose about 10 pounds. I'm going to have to go for 20 or 30, but after that my weight will stay in the acceptable range of 120-130 lbs. I'm like 150 right now, and that's after losing four pounds. I feel thinner already.
But, if you're wondering, I've been talking to modeling agencies and professional scouts, and they're now looking for more natural looking models, not the super skinny ones. Some girls I saw in my catalog just a couple days ago aren't the super skinny models, they're normal. The average american woman is 145 lbs and between 5'2" and 5'6". I wish I was 5'6", I'm 5'2".
Actually, I am aspiring to be a model (catalogs, maybe some commercials - nothing major - can't do shows, too short), which is one reason I'm trying to lose weight, because I might start this summer. Mainly, however, I have low self esteem because I'm heavy and for so long I've been wishing to be thin. But the problem with people is that they wish for something and don't do anything about it, so I'm doing something about it. But, I also hope to be a model. One agency called me like a year ago but my parents made up some stupid excuse just so they wouldn't have to go to Seattle. So, I'll probably contact them and a few other agencies this summer.
But, seriously, don't worry. My weight won't drop below 120. Everyone says I'm skinny, but in reality, I'm not. I just cover it up really well with my clothes. But, anorexia is a terrible disease (I've done research) and I choose never to go that way. Bulimia's even worse because it errodes your tooth enamel - and my teeth already in bad shape - I'm getting my braces off this summer, and after that, I'll have dental work done to make them look more normal.
Anyway, I have to go to bed.
Ciao,
Allein
"Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things."
Americo, that was supposed to be 'you would get MAD at me... not 'amd'... (speaking of chess)
Pawn to black 24.
Heather
Hmmm... nice topic, Americo...:o)
I can't think of a single classic or fiction title I've read recently that didn't have something strong or controversial to say - well, "Zen, and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" was borderline, had it's strong opinion points, then got watery in the middle. Not that it's really a classic. AN oddity perhaps?
There has to be a compelling reason to write. What better than a strong opinion about something? What better than a shocker? A grab-you-in-the-ass concept? Or a new twist and voice to (explode upon)shake up a 'common' topic.
The protagonist, vs. the antagonist - the head of conflict, the vessel of opinions, expressed by the writer through a noteworthy subject/character(s). (this is a generalization, everyone!)....
Would a book be interesting if both protagonist and antagonist felt wishy washy about whatever it was? (the main concept)
"I'm not sure," she said, staring a hole in the floor.
"Well, neither am I," he replied.
"Don't know what to think about that."
"Hmmm. I guess it's nothin'," he said, twirling his keys.
"Um hummm. No worries," she smiled, a glassy sheen to her eyes.
BORING!!!!
BORRRRIINGGGG
DULL
and DRY
ech. I could try that in exposition form, but you would all be asleep. Or dying.
Americo is right, even though that little splash I just wrote as an example was not terribly on target.
Conflict arises when opinions differ, actions differ, values or morals differ and you let others know - through words actions, etc..
("my moral standing is lying down..." nice quote by Trent Reznor)
You get the idea folks. Conflict. No matter what it stems from, is the plot engine. The story wings.
The fountain head.
Source.
And expressing a strong opinion in your writing is sure to stir the pot. What a juicy morsel. Sink in your teeth!
Trudy - I'm from Guelph, which is an hour away from T.O. I think Mississauga is on the other side of T.O. from here. Guelph is East of the city.
Oh, and welcome to the NB!
ViperSix - didn't know that was supposed to be an outline, Legend form or not. Add a blurb at the top so we know ahead of reading it! You posted that you had contributed a short STORY and wanted a critique.
Jon, does Euclidia have Euclids, those giant bulldozer/dump truck things? And, is the sky that flourescent green they paint the Euclids? Nice imagination for a cat.
Americo, play me a game of chess? I'll lose, but losing to you would be quite fun. You would get amd at me for thinking it fun to lose. Then again, maybe I would win?
Nice to have you DJ'ing the topic tonight! I'll think of one for tomorrow...take turns.
Howard, you are very cute! :o) It's an upright grand...
I'll sling it into the truck! I could stand some warm weather. And a helmet. (I mean giant puffball)
Allein, glad to hear you are feeling good about yourself. I think 1-2 lbs. a week is good, and 2-3 is still alright as long as you're careful! Rachel has every reason to worry - teenage girls are the prime sufferers of anorexia.
(here I go ranting)
Reasons? I'd say it's 90% magazines. Girls read all those stupid beauty mags and then every one of them thinks they are fat and ugly, and are desperate to find solutions. WHy is the mag and fashion industry so huge? Because we fall for it. And we buy into it.(how much do you spend on clothes, products and cosmetics you see in a magazine? Add it up now...) We also buy into the mentality.
Being a size 1 or 2 is not ONLY hideously thin, but weak! I have never seen a girl that tiny hold her own on the field, let alone in the world. A high percentage of the models in mags - the super skinny's, are doped out and don't even eat. Wonder why you'd only last as a runway or mag model for a few years? There's your answer. Not because of wrinkles! (but I hear dope and stress can give you those early.)
Here's a true story. My best friend throughout childhood had heart trouble (in the worst way- pacemaker, bipasses, patched holes, needed a transplant...etc) and was barely 60 lbs soaking wet all her life. She tried everything to GAIN weight, so she could have a better chance of survival - every year or so she had to undergo major surgery. She died at 21 years old, never making it past 65 pounds. She would have given everything just to be an average weight. ANd I would have given her my heart.
We can thank God we are so lucky. Lucky that a few pounds here and there (on or off) won't kill us.
OK Allein, now that I've ranted and shed my tears, I can say this:
If you feel better that you've lost weight, I'm happy for you! Just watch that the lure of beauty mag queen doesn't make you lose your sense. You've got a lot of it.
We love you.
Rachel, dream a little dream... nothing wrong with that, and I loved how you said it.
May the wings of Angels cradle your heads always.
Heather
Trudy,
Yes, I am that same old Rhoda. I will have to go back to the archives and look you up. So many have come and go since I started posting. It is always good to see someone from those early days.
Teekay,
I want to get out Chapter 7, but I am having a hard time with that chapter. I have worked on it all day. I am about
half way done with it. I will try to get it out to you tomorrow.
Hello all. I hadn't planned to write anything but I'm not good at lurking. I've enjoyed reading all of the posts on this page and thought "hey I'd like to join this group."
So Rhoda, are you the Rhoda that was here when Britomart, Ben and Kae Brown were part of the list? You mentioned Goodweed and Philip which is why I wonder. I am one of the "oldies" to this group...started posting on it back when it was only a single page, maybe two...if you check the archives. It's nice to see the notebook still going strong with such an interesting crew. Jump in KITTY if you're lurking...
Heather, I live outside of Toronto too but am very new to this area. I was living in New Brunswick (born and raised) but hubby was transferred to Mississauga so we have a lovely place in Geln Williams as of Nov. 15. That near you? Toronto is so big you could be anywhere.
Anyway just wanted to say hi. I'll be checking in regularly; I hope to see where the strains of conversations go. Nice to meet all of you.
Trudy
Kat - I've heard 1 to 2 pounds is good too, but 2 to 3 is generally what people loose. I'm about 30 pounds overweight, so I've got a ways to go.
Rachel - I know you care. I will not end up anorexic. My mom won't allow that - I think that was one of her fears, but I know better than that (hey, I had to study the disease for my character, right?). I lost another pound incedently, but I think it's 'cause I've been sick the last two days and haven't eaten very much. But today, I was feeling well enough to eat dinner. :) Anyway, (((BIG HUGS))) to you!
Allein
Jerry, and do not forget the drinks. "Stroz" is not that bad after all
People, the topic is "A writer must scandalize the world with his opinions, otherwise he cannot be very good."
Why is that so? Because everything is wrong in this world, and a great writer can see it and must proclaim the truth. I cannot see anything beautiful on the earth. Not if I compare it with Euclidian, the planet I come from. You should see what life is like that. Just strawberries and cream. You think that water is blue: You should see Euclidian water. You think children are beautiful? (I don't). You should see Eu..
Better go to bed.
Good night. And dream of Euclidian.
Just finished building my first "from scratch" computer, took me a couple of weeks surfing the web to find all the parts, bid on them on the auctions etc. Got the last part today via UPS. Sat down at the dinning room table and assembled all the parts. What a feeling to push that power switch and see the machine come to life! Don't exactly know what I am going to do with it, guess my sister told my uncle about it and he is interested in buying it. Only cost just under $200 bucks to put it togather. it ended up being a 300 MHZ (Cyrex instead) with a 1.6 gig hard drive and 32 meg of ram, 56K modem, PCI sound card (3D suround sound) with a good fast 3D video card. Hooked it to a used HP 14" monitor. Works great. Was fun to build too. Next I have to build my daughter a GOOD machine for her computer graphics programs that she has studied in college. She wants to work as a graphics artist so needs some power. I already have the case, mother board and memory, now looking for a processor (Pentium III). Have a sound card and modem ready to go but still need a high powered 2D/3D video card with a minimum of 16 meg of ram.
Anyhow that is where I am with my hobby.
Can a writer write without expressing strong opnions, yes but it is hard, I wrote for the college paper, some of the articles delt with dry information, and those were written without any opnion, however I loved doing my own little section in the Opinion page, there I could spout off with my conservative ideas to my hearts content, felt so much better!
Oh, someone asked yesterday where the food was it was in the title "IN THE MESS HALL" where else would you find food in the Army?
Jerry
Hi all:
Very tired. Unable to put thoughts together. 45 deliveries today for the store. My butt's a'dragging. My name is Tommy Tucker and I'm a tired Mother ------. Beautiful day, high in the 70's. Can hardly see the keyboard ... call me when the book deal comes through. Away to dreamland. Fluff up the pillow dear. Get the dogs OFF the bed!!!!! Here I goooooooooooo.
Randall "Wimped Out" H
Hi Everyone...It has been a while since I have posted and here it reads like eternity. Very interesting! A lot of people here seem to be very musical...wonder if that means any thing. Writing + music = ?
Allein - I have to agree with Rachel on the weight thing. 2 - 3 pounds a week is an awful lot. You will lose more in the first few weeks that you start changing your eating habits and then it will taper to about 1 - 2 lbs a week which is healthy. You have to think long term...modify your eating habits for the rest of your life. You can't be too much overweight? I have never felt that anything like drugs, funky contraptions, surgery etc. work for loosing weight. It is all about calories in < than calories out!
Here is my hobby list because I don't want to be left out:
Growing roses (latest passion)
raising pets (1 dog, 1 cat, 2 birds, 2 aquariums, and let's see, at last count, 17 hamsters)
Drawing (still life mostly)
Photography (children are favorite subjects)
Shopping
Antique hunting
Cooking (I DO love to cook!)
Hey, Randall. How's it going? I am going to the library this week-end to read about Utah and the mountain range you spoke of! It sounds so cool. One of my very favorite places that I have visited is Seaside, OR. The coast is beautiful up there. Maybe I will write about that experience.
Heather: No, I don't write Sci-Fi or Fantasy. I am more in the genre that you are...contemporary fiction, short stories and prose. Nothing published as yet.
And last but not least...the name of my bitchy half (and I know exactly where you are coming from, Rhoda!) - "Helga".
Have a wonderful evening...
Kat
Heather -- I forgot to mention that I was apprenticed to a piano tuner for a while. If you're ever down this way with your Baby Grand I'll take a look at it for you. :-)
Americo -- "Can writers write without getting personally involved in their subject, and without expressing strong opinions?"
I think that the answer can be yes,if you include journalists in that group. Honest journalistic effort reports facts, not opinions. There is time for the opinion piece, to be sure -- a very real need for it. But there is also a very real need for "just the facts, ma'am" in our news services.
If you do not include journalists, then by all means a writer must have that passion for the subject at hand, to the point of eating, drinking, embracing every nuance.
Rhoda --
I've met *men* who could be described as "bitchy." Didn't want to be around them much. I've heard some of those "gritty" expressions you speak of, but they're not for family consumption.
One of my favorite ladies wears a tee shirt that says
"You say I'm A Bitch Like It's A *Bad* Thing!"
howard
I have so many hobbies and so little time to do them. First and foremost is music. I play piano very well and I sing. I used to play a lot of classical music. I always tended to favor the romantics like Beethovan, Brahms and Shubert. I also enjoy Mozart. I have always enjoyed ballads and any kind of music that has a story. Music is more than a hobby. It is therapy. I always want to do it well, but I really do not have to please anyone but myself. Also fun is learning a new instument. A few years ago I taught myself how to play the recorder. When I was in grad school, I taught myself how to do guitar chords.
I did cross stitch several years ago and enjoyed that. I like to sew, but with all my moving, that hobby has gone by the wayside. I do enjoy cooking. I also enjoy finishing furniture. Reading could be considered a hobby, but to me, it is much more. Reading is my lifeline to the rest of the world, and without it I would go crazy (or crazier than I already am). I read history, biography and romance.
Then there is politics. I am a political junky. I read it and I discuss it every opportunity I get. I think it very important and very interesting.
I think every woman has her "bitchy" side. I call refer to mine as PMS because it usually coincides with that time of the month. Of course that doesn't jusify the nasty things I say. It doesn't justify me yelling at my kids. I try hard to hide away when I'm in these moods. Sometimes that is tuff to do. It is good to remember that the hormones churn on and change and soon I am my sunny self again.
When men are in bad moods, why don't we have some better way to describe it? "Caddy" or "tempermental" doesn't give the picture that "bitchy" does. I think someone should invent some good, gritty term to describe some man drawn into the throes of bad temper.
Happy writing,
Rhoda
Hi all - I dream.
I dream of a world with no pain, no suffering. I dream of a world where all mean are equal. I dream, but I keep bumping my head on reality.
I used to believe that I had simple dreams. That was before I examined them with a keen eye.
I dream of a world where people do not only hear, but where they truly listen. A world, where fear, does not choke out the gentle voice of reason.
Who am I to dream such dreams? I am a member of humanity.
I dream of a world where this word, humanity, could come into its fullness of meaning.
I dream.
Take care all
Rachel
I have posted some of my own work to workbook, it is in the novel section. It is something from the same universe but not the same character. I would apreciate any feedback on it.
(The Song of the Stone)
(If there are any typo's PEBKAC: Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair.)
Amt Gard rules!
To all parties concerned:
The piece put in by Viper six is a synopsis, a very compressed storyline. It is not meant to give the whole story. It is also written in the form of a Legend. Also, can good ever permanantly defeat evil, or vica versa?
I've read the "hobbies" thread with profit and pleasure. You people have many hobbies and a rich life. From the musical instruments of Howard to the computers of Jerry E. and the mushrooms of Heather or the karate of Rachel-- what a life you lead! You are all remarkable, and I know that, besides the hobbies you mentioned, you still have another one -- a secret passion for writing. That's why I love you.
What shall we talk about tonight? I have many ideas but I hate being the disc jockey of this wonderful bar.
Here's a question for you:
Can one be a writer without strong opinions strongly expressed? The answer is no. But I'm curious about where you go wrong. THis can be the topic for the night (right, Heather?)
Hi all,
I see we made it through the holidays and past the first month of the new year. I am not happy with the way my new year is going so far, so I'll skip to more interesting topics.
I was trying to get in touch with that bitch side of my personality and found she is the one on the outside most of the time these days and I am having trouble pushing her to the back side. I just call her "Mommy". I'm sure my kids do too under their breath. Just so long as "Mommy" doesn't hear them. "HAVE MERCY"!
That girl you knew named Patricia must have had some sort of identity crisis going on. I happen to share her name and if someone called me "Pa tree she a" I know I wouldn't have answered. Shoot, they call me by my full name at the doctors office and I don't realize it's me they are waiting on.
The bitchiest people I know have sweet names like Laura, Amy, Paige. You know, the ones that catch you off guard.
I looked at my hobbies and I have bokoos(anybody want to spell that?). Reading of course, is one of my biggest. The paperbacks that can no longer find a safe place to hide in my house slide off shelves and get kicked around before a child would think to pick it up.(I think "Mommy" slipped out there.) There are no more nooks and cranny's left to stuff. The attic is going to crash on our heads at any moment. Of course the attic contains no books, but remnants of my many other hobbies. Painting, cross-stitch, flower arranging, cake decorating, sewing projects. Now I'm into photography with my new computer and scanner and Adobe Photoshop software. My kids are my subject. I think I better try a little landscape. My kids are starting to hide when they see film in the grocery bag.
Oh, well, I'm running away at the mouth.
Have a good day all.
Lydia
Heather --
You reminded me with the bit about the bottle/stone on the guitar strings -- I've also built a mountain (lap) dulcimer that I've used a bottle or a piece of tubing to stop the strings with, like on the slide guitar that you mentioned. I want to build a hammered dulcimer one of these days...
howard
Heather - Each of my children either write, draw or both. They play durms, paino and guitar. It can get noisy over here (grins). They have a band called "Nasty Play" I think that is great. I also play guitar, piano and clarinet. I just never really think about that. I sold my guitar and clarinet years ago. The groceries for the kiddies just seemed much more important at the time (grins). I just don't seem to have the desire to play any more. My soul speaks better through writing, singing and drawing than through played music.
Well that will be enough from me for this morning. I have a house full of children to get out the door.
Take care you
Rachel
Yes, Rachel, I don't spend as much time as I'd like on my hobbies either! I think reading is a hobby - and it's scary to realize how many people on this planet can't read. (My Mom volunteers to teach for an adult literacy program in her spare time...you'd be shocked to hear what jobs some of the 'students' have and they never learned to read - how is it they slip through the school systems? Even College??) THat always makes my jaw unhinge.
Is playing with felt boards and dinky cars a hobby? It's my son's passion. He is only 2, yet holds the record in my family for having the most dinky cars in one room. He loves the felt board, too - and we make new shapes and things with felt every week so he doesn't bore of making felt pictures.
He is at this moment, eating a toasted bagel, and lining up his hundreds (cagillions) of cars.
I suppose it is good for the ears in this family that I don't practice my violin as often as I'd like to!
(The piano needs tuning, surrah surrah)
My daughter is sewing a stuffed purple heart to send to my best friend (her 'Auntie' Tanya)... who knew a seven year old was so good at stitching? She's incredible! Yesterday she bought really pretty fringe to add onto the edges of it --with her allowance. Yea Gods, wasn't she just turning a year old yesterday? Allowances these days (maybe I'm too generous) are so huge. I remember mine being what, a quarter? And I got a dollar if I mowed both the front and back yard. ANd I got a dollar an hour for babysitting my (terror) little brother once I turned 12. THat wasn't worth the cash, my friends; no amount of candy and goodies could make me want to look after him!
Now, of course, he is to me the dearest of my siblings.
A pinch in the cheeks for him... my little chemical engineer. His girlfriend (dear God!) has a family fortune in the millions and she's the only child. I don't have to worry about him having a college debt I guess. (No, I'm not his mother..)
anyway, good morning, friendly scribble hounds.
I'm off to a racing start with these keys.
Heather
Viper Six - OK... Right away I noticed that there isn't any 'real' action in the story.(so far - does it come later in the longer version?)
What you have may be an opener for a larger work, but it doesn't stand on it's own as well. It needs some action among characters (not description of what will come) to hold me spellbound.
(Me, I still have to watch I don't go too far the other way and give no backround, then get bogged up in detail of the action...)
Another note;
If Chaos and Order will ALWAYS balance out, then how is it possible for the End of Times? Always to me means always. (could be the wording of this statement - be careful that it isn't at odds)
You must create a believable outcome of these forces clashing. You hint at a battle, fought by two brothers. If Chaos was killed, leaving only Order - things would still run smoothly, don't you think? If I had complete order in my home, it wouldn't fall apart...but I might have to faint with pleasure.
Unless you think of Chaos not being a MESS but the potential of the energy of the Universe to act. (Chaos Theory 101)
I think you mean chaos as in similar to anarchy...or a universal riot. If Order is the one killed, then yeah - big giant cesspool on fire...
If the story was expanded, you might not want to give everything away right at the beginning. Take your time.
Here's an old tired phrase but important just the same:
Show, don't tell. That is, write what is happening, as if it is before your eyes. Give the reader tastes, smells, sights, sounds, the feel of it as if the reader is there, too. They will get sucked into the written illusion fast that way.
In the story, you have brought on a lot of characters and the imminent battle is downplayed within a few short paragraphs. I would mention the brothers last, or second last - just before the Human.
Build up to the battle introduction, or start the story off with it and add the history/backround in bits as you go.
If you begin with action, it won't give the readers a chance to set the book down!
Viper Six, I whole heartedly encourage you to keep at it! The work has real potential. I liked the titles you gave to the characters and their various roles as players of the 'Eternal Game'. A neat idea. Always keep a good idea; it will never tire of being written about!
I am not really into sci-fi, so don't take these comments without salt... and writers often break their own rules.
Sorry to critique it here - but have no other means of contact... (you will most likely see it here rather than in the unvisited shortie critique page)
A salute to you, V-6
Heather
Allein - Check again. I think that sounds like a lot. I could just be having a protective moment towards you (grins). My niece has just begun to recover from anorxia. Not a fun episode. I just don't want to see you get hurt. I will lay off (smiles). It was not fun to watch somebody I love fade away like that. I hope she continues to do as well as she has been.
I will not pester you about this any further. I promise!
Take care you.
Rachel
Heather - Yes, I have hobbies. That does not mean that I participate in them often (grins). I have a stack of others. I didn't mention reading. Is that a hobby? I love to read.
Take care you.
Rachel
Americo - Hi you:)
Rachel! See how many hobbies come out of the woodwork once you start listing? I didn't think I had as many as I did, and you have quite a few - think Howard has the most!
By the way, Howard, those harps sound cool - only had a chance to noodle with one once, in my grandmother's attic - like an old celt harp or something , I'm not sure exactly what it was. Love to learn the great(?) harp - meaning those giant ones with the swooping arm and 'thousands' of strings.
Also, have fooled around on a lap-steel guitar and used a bottle neck, steel tube and a stone for 'rubbing' the strings. Liked the stone the best - it was like a core sample or something, all smooth and shaped like a cylinder.
Anyway, I've been gabbling again... much too long.
Randall, Samurai swords - very cool. Making them yourself even cooler - cept for slicing off digits!
My husband collects swords and weaponry too, he has 3 Samurai type blades, and two pairs of Sai (not sharp) one has the three tongs, the other pair are like pokers. (the 3-prong are like the ones that the little cartoon mutant turtle character weilds!) Also, he has nun-chucks and has taught me to fight using a staff (the bamboo unbreakable kind) and I've gotten to be not too bad at it. Still -I wouldn't want to HAVE to use it. He also has a lot of swords from the Mint, a Scottish broadsword, etc.
He has a whole huge locked wardrobe dresser for this collection, and of course, he knows how to open it secretly without the key! (sheeeesh) I personally worry about these knife collecting(sharpening, tossing) obsessions - not that he'd suddenly get the urge to - you know - Marie Antoinette me, but that someone would try to break in and he'd kill them. I'd hate to have to clean that up.
Heather
Rachel - Both my doctor and my Sports Medicine teacher told me that 2 to 3 pounds a week is normal. However, any perminant change in weight will require a perminant change in eating habits. It hasn't been that hard to cut out the junk food so far. My parents got Jello for me, which is sweet and only 10 calories a serving. But, thanks for caring. It's nice to know someone cares. *hugs*
Ciao,
Allein
Americo, reply given - sorry to see you aren't accepting any! Missed that last note on your post...
Hey! I came back after posting and what do I see - Americo, you have posted while I was typing away!
Glad to hear you liked it. Pavlov thingy, I mean.
It is meant to be like that - the old woman prattling on.
Playing at more wisdom than can be comprehended.
Americo; Here's a large double cream coffee to you, and your kittens (tea for Pussy, very sweet) for having such inspiring topics in the workbook. It has really brought along some incredibly diverse ideas from we notebookers! Everyone's story revolving around food - yes - but every one so original.
I am excited to see more stories, everyone! Come on now!
Rhoda and Jerry and I are the latest... who can bring the next good read to the WB