Ideas for books come from the strangest places and sometimes out of nowhere. Sometimes they are like a dream that reoccur over time. Sometimes they keep up like a nagging headache till you put down the beginning or plot to let it stew on the back burner, till you can find time to write that story.
I have my second novel in the series of The Kings of Angkor that I have started but had to put on the back burner while taking classes. I now have less then a month to go then I will be done. To say I will be glad to get this done is an understatement. This has been one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. BUT in that same breath I would say t’s very rewarding because if I can learn something that might someday save someone’s life then it’s all worth it.
So a month from now I can start writing full time.
Today as I powered walked up Chestnut Street which is all hill I did it in 15 ½ min compared to the time I started out at, 22-25 min going up hill. So my way of thinking is if I can get it to 9 min up that blasted hill then I will be cruising on a flat surface. If anything, doing this Fire Fighter 1 & 2 has made me more disciplined and pushed me further then I have ever gone or would have thought I could go back in December. I have overcome obstacles that will only make me stronger.
Does being in this class bring me ideas? No, not really but the music I was listening to this morning was helping me with a book that is on the back burner that is stewing…
What genre do I write? I write historical fiction with romance thrown in. There will always be romance in my writing. But I also have a paranormal manuscripts sitting on the back burner stewing. Always a larger then life, but realistic hero.
Ideas come from songs, newspaper articles, real life situations that might have happened sixty years ago. Some of my favorite times in history are WWII, Medieval , Viking.
A manuscript that is waiting very patiently for me to return to that is finished, is present day and takes place in the Middle East. I love the characters and like my book The Kings of Angkor that will be coming out this June, I fall in love with the characters and the story more each time I read it. When I wrote this book “Return to Me” I was still living in Cambodia. The story itself starts in Cambodia, goes to Afghanistan and then Iraq. I basically got the whole story in a song… Call that strange but I would play this song over and over and each time I would see the two characters more clearly each and every time and then support or secondary characters came in to support the two. What kind of story is it or what would it be classified as. Contemporary love story.
So ideas for stories come from all over and I never know when one is going to jump out at me and beg to be written.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Mind over Matter
I was told by someone who I admire and respect recently that it's "mind over matter". That person was saying this in regards to a skill I was working at. The said skill is an important skill and one that must be learned, a hurdle I am getting over. During this drill I went through and did this skill four times, 3 times I got stuck in an opening of the fake wall with complete turn out gear and air pack. While doing this drill my face mask had wax paper over it so to simulate being in a smoke filled interior, also the lights were out. We had to crawl on our hands and knees breathing air get through the hole in the wall and then follow the hose line till we got to a A-frame type thing to climb over, then continue to either the victim or to the tunnel made out of metal barrels. First time I was part of a 3 man RIT (Rapid intervention Team) we had to go relieve the team that was trying to rescue the victim. Got through the hole fine going out got to the victim and we got 'him' back. Got myself hung up in the wall a bit but worked it out and got to the other side. I didn't freak when taking off my air mask like I did at the first drill. I felt like I was gaining ground. We had a break and then we were up again. This time we were going to rescue the victim. I put my mask on, can't see a thing but by then I was becoming accustom to the feeling. I was working by just closing my eyes. You have to rely on touch and sound and I was getting over that hurdle of not seeing and breathing air and not freaking out. I felt like I was gaining ground. Even if I wasn't doing a lot I was trying. I did manage to pull the victim a bit but then my air was running out and I had the 'vibe alert'. So now we need the RIT team to come help us. So still I was not panicking. I knew in reality the air was fine, I still had air to breath from my tank and I knew I could get back to the opening. Got over the A- frame and then we got to the wall and I was up against the wall, the victim and my team members and trying to find the blasted opening. There was a lot of vocal instruction and the RIT team may have been there with us I don't know I couldn't tell or see. Someone pushed me to the opening and I went too high. I got hung up but this time while trying ... I wedge myself more. Then I panicked ! Someone said crawl through or something to that affect but I couldn't. That's when after someone tried to pull me I said "Get me out of here, I don't like this feeling" or something to that affect. Someone tried to pull me but that made it worse so then someone pushed me down more which did the trick. I still didn't rip off my mask when I got to the other side which for me I think was a victory.
At that point it was about 8pm and I needed my tank changed out. I wanted to go back again but they had teams picked. So I stood with my new air tank and drank water. Then one of my classmates came and turned off my tank but I kept it on till I knew for certain I wasn't needed.
I was told last night it's all in your head and you have to get over it. That it's mind over matter... Yes ,it's mind over matter and it's mind over matter each time I put that pack on or the mask. It's mind over matter each time I crawl or crawled on my belly to get through a small opening that some have to take their packs off to crawl through. It's mind over matter when you have your mask covered with wax paper but you keep telling yourself "it's ok, it's fine" and you manage to do the task given, even if you didn't think to crawl through the tunnel feet first (I didn't have to go through the tunnel this time)
Only one person said "good job" . My other classmates were told good job... I was only told basically "She knows what we talked about..." so despite the fact that I managed to do what I was told to do and did unstick myself 2 times out of 4 and not freak. The one time I did get royally stuck and needed help I was not told "Good Job" only "Mind over matter".
Lets discuss mind over matter for those who have never gone through some real life situations that REALLY at that time needed 'mind over matter'
Mind over matter:
May of 1997 on the road from Phnom Penh going home about 45 min . out from Kampot. To this day I will remember the spot. As we came round the corner a group of 3 men, Khmer Rouge soldiers came and stood in the road. I dressed with a head and face covering like a Cham Muslim to keep me safe so they wouldn't know(if this ever happened) I was a blue eyed American Woman. My driver said "head down, don't let them see your face or we are all done for." I had a 5 month old baby on my lap. He was asleep till he felt me tense. The men were screaming at us to open our windows, open our doors. My driver saying over and over "Don't, keep your head down!" My son starting to cry. He had blonde , blonde hair so he would have been a dead give away, never mind me... It was mind over matter to keep my head down and not panic like a rabbit cornered in the bushes. Even though on the other side of my window a man stood with a AK-47 pointed at my head, screaming at me to open the door. It was this same road that in 1995 backpackers were kidnapped and later killed by some of these same soldiers.
It was mind over matter during the Coupe that same year trying to stay calm for 5 days while we ran out of food and supplies and at night laying on the floor listening to gun fire.
It was mind over matter a month after loosing a baby, my neighbor's son, my own son's best friend drowned and me being the only person in the area trained in any kind of CPR or EMT skills brought him back.
I have had enough real situations that have shown me "Mind over matter". More then I care to relate. Grenade attacks... teach my children "Hit the deck drills" because it may save you some day. My daughter and I were laughing about it just the other day but it was no laughing matter living in Cambodia. It was mind over matter when my son's friend said to him when he walked out with a pirate shirt on. "We know where some are just behind your house..." We had a killing field behind our house. We walked out to the salt field and then it dawned on me with numerous children around me, "has this field been de-mind?" says I. No one knows. So mind over matter, calmly retracing our steps, get to safety , find out if the field had been de-minded, then call the monks. We indeed had a killing field behind our house. Our cook said she could remember people being marched past her house, probably to their deaths.
So yes, I still have a lot to learn. I will never be up to par with the young guys BUT I was told by someone "that everyone brings something to this..." "Even me?"
"Yes, you do."
I still don't know. I still feel pretty rotten. I think positive reinforcement works better with me .
So life for me every day is 'mind over matter'.
At that point it was about 8pm and I needed my tank changed out. I wanted to go back again but they had teams picked. So I stood with my new air tank and drank water. Then one of my classmates came and turned off my tank but I kept it on till I knew for certain I wasn't needed.
I was told last night it's all in your head and you have to get over it. That it's mind over matter... Yes ,it's mind over matter and it's mind over matter each time I put that pack on or the mask. It's mind over matter each time I crawl or crawled on my belly to get through a small opening that some have to take their packs off to crawl through. It's mind over matter when you have your mask covered with wax paper but you keep telling yourself "it's ok, it's fine" and you manage to do the task given, even if you didn't think to crawl through the tunnel feet first (I didn't have to go through the tunnel this time)
Only one person said "good job" . My other classmates were told good job... I was only told basically "She knows what we talked about..." so despite the fact that I managed to do what I was told to do and did unstick myself 2 times out of 4 and not freak. The one time I did get royally stuck and needed help I was not told "Good Job" only "Mind over matter".
Lets discuss mind over matter for those who have never gone through some real life situations that REALLY at that time needed 'mind over matter'
Mind over matter:
May of 1997 on the road from Phnom Penh going home about 45 min . out from Kampot. To this day I will remember the spot. As we came round the corner a group of 3 men, Khmer Rouge soldiers came and stood in the road. I dressed with a head and face covering like a Cham Muslim to keep me safe so they wouldn't know(if this ever happened) I was a blue eyed American Woman. My driver said "head down, don't let them see your face or we are all done for." I had a 5 month old baby on my lap. He was asleep till he felt me tense. The men were screaming at us to open our windows, open our doors. My driver saying over and over "Don't, keep your head down!" My son starting to cry. He had blonde , blonde hair so he would have been a dead give away, never mind me... It was mind over matter to keep my head down and not panic like a rabbit cornered in the bushes. Even though on the other side of my window a man stood with a AK-47 pointed at my head, screaming at me to open the door. It was this same road that in 1995 backpackers were kidnapped and later killed by some of these same soldiers.
It was mind over matter during the Coupe that same year trying to stay calm for 5 days while we ran out of food and supplies and at night laying on the floor listening to gun fire.
It was mind over matter a month after loosing a baby, my neighbor's son, my own son's best friend drowned and me being the only person in the area trained in any kind of CPR or EMT skills brought him back.
I have had enough real situations that have shown me "Mind over matter". More then I care to relate. Grenade attacks... teach my children "Hit the deck drills" because it may save you some day. My daughter and I were laughing about it just the other day but it was no laughing matter living in Cambodia. It was mind over matter when my son's friend said to him when he walked out with a pirate shirt on. "We know where some are just behind your house..." We had a killing field behind our house. We walked out to the salt field and then it dawned on me with numerous children around me, "has this field been de-mind?" says I. No one knows. So mind over matter, calmly retracing our steps, get to safety , find out if the field had been de-minded, then call the monks. We indeed had a killing field behind our house. Our cook said she could remember people being marched past her house, probably to their deaths.
So yes, I still have a lot to learn. I will never be up to par with the young guys BUT I was told by someone "that everyone brings something to this..." "Even me?"
"Yes, you do."
I still don't know. I still feel pretty rotten. I think positive reinforcement works better with me .
So life for me every day is 'mind over matter'.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
This Saturday morning
Well for the moment it is sunny which makes me really happy. Got up late this morning... 6:30. Normally I am up at 5am so this is late for me. Made my tea and came up here to look at email and such. This morning I am going to organize notes and prior tests I have taken to start studying for my written end test(s).
My book is back in the hands of my editor and I will see it one more time before it goes to print.
I am going to have a photo shoot with Patrisha McLean, who is a great b&w photographer and wife of songwriter Don McLean, who wrote 'American Pie'. You can see her work on the web by just typing in her name.
In between studying which I feel is all I do right now except when I have my manuscript back. I try to get knitting in and reading or research. Right now I am reading on my Kindle "Casting Off" by Nicole R. Dickson. I'm actually re-reading it and love. Then I am also reading the third in a series by Pamela Kaufman "The Prince of Poison". The first two in the series are "Shield of Three Lions" & "Banners of Gold". Two books are waiting, well no three... "Shadows of a Down East Summer" by local author Lea Wait. "Don't Worry, Mother" An Innocent Abroad on the Eve of War. By another local author Ann Morris and then "Here be Dragons" by Sharon Kay Penman. So maybe I will get them read but I know within the month I will have my book back for a final peek. Then it will get printed and become official. Also by then I will be done with FF 1 & 2.
It seems when things are so busy and there is an area of uncertain I gravitate back to books and or hobbies that bring me comfort. I love to knit but right at the moment I don't have the time for cranking out hats ,one a week or reading a book in a couple of days but at least I am finding the time to balance my self out so I don't burn out before I finish my classes.
With Fire Fighting and even in just my classes and training I'm maxed out physically and then I run at least 4 or 5 times a week. Last week I suffered a few more bumps and bruises from class and it took me a while to recover . This next week will be three nights of class and or training... Monday night will be cold water rescue. I have a feeling I will be Donning gear to take the plunge. Last time I just manned the lines. The next Monday will be Pump Operating with Bob as Instructor. Normally I wouldn't go BUT I want to just get the instruction for the hoses and tools that I might encounter on a call or on my end test. Then the following Monday will be Search and Rescue... I can picture my instructor and Assistant Chief doing entrapments. This will not be pleasant for me though I will be with a partner, (I hope). They usually lower wires like would happen if a ceiling fell on you. We will be in full turn out gear and with our air packs, crawling around in the freaking dark or have something over our mask. Bob purchased me Lineman cutters to keep in my gear. He assured me that any wires I may encounter in training and or the test wouldn't be live. In a real situation even then the wires will be phone and cable, nothing of any substance and the most that would happen is my cutters would get broken. It will be kinda of nerve wracking because if we have to activate the PASS device like in a real life situation, well that thing is so loud... So we will see.
So to say in the next two months I have a lot going on is an understatement. I told my class that when we finish our end test and if we pass I will provide Petron shots for those of us who are old enough to celebrate. We have just one in class who isn't. Then Bob said "And Mary wants to go out for drinks after." Since I don't drink much for fear we will get a call BUT I am planning and told Bob I plan on not going out for any calls that night...
Have a great day!
My book is back in the hands of my editor and I will see it one more time before it goes to print.
I am going to have a photo shoot with Patrisha McLean, who is a great b&w photographer and wife of songwriter Don McLean, who wrote 'American Pie'. You can see her work on the web by just typing in her name.
In between studying which I feel is all I do right now except when I have my manuscript back. I try to get knitting in and reading or research. Right now I am reading on my Kindle "Casting Off" by Nicole R. Dickson. I'm actually re-reading it and love. Then I am also reading the third in a series by Pamela Kaufman "The Prince of Poison". The first two in the series are "Shield of Three Lions" & "Banners of Gold". Two books are waiting, well no three... "Shadows of a Down East Summer" by local author Lea Wait. "Don't Worry, Mother" An Innocent Abroad on the Eve of War. By another local author Ann Morris and then "Here be Dragons" by Sharon Kay Penman. So maybe I will get them read but I know within the month I will have my book back for a final peek. Then it will get printed and become official. Also by then I will be done with FF 1 & 2.
It seems when things are so busy and there is an area of uncertain I gravitate back to books and or hobbies that bring me comfort. I love to knit but right at the moment I don't have the time for cranking out hats ,one a week or reading a book in a couple of days but at least I am finding the time to balance my self out so I don't burn out before I finish my classes.
With Fire Fighting and even in just my classes and training I'm maxed out physically and then I run at least 4 or 5 times a week. Last week I suffered a few more bumps and bruises from class and it took me a while to recover . This next week will be three nights of class and or training... Monday night will be cold water rescue. I have a feeling I will be Donning gear to take the plunge. Last time I just manned the lines. The next Monday will be Pump Operating with Bob as Instructor. Normally I wouldn't go BUT I want to just get the instruction for the hoses and tools that I might encounter on a call or on my end test. Then the following Monday will be Search and Rescue... I can picture my instructor and Assistant Chief doing entrapments. This will not be pleasant for me though I will be with a partner, (I hope). They usually lower wires like would happen if a ceiling fell on you. We will be in full turn out gear and with our air packs, crawling around in the freaking dark or have something over our mask. Bob purchased me Lineman cutters to keep in my gear. He assured me that any wires I may encounter in training and or the test wouldn't be live. In a real situation even then the wires will be phone and cable, nothing of any substance and the most that would happen is my cutters would get broken. It will be kinda of nerve wracking because if we have to activate the PASS device like in a real life situation, well that thing is so loud... So we will see.
So to say in the next two months I have a lot going on is an understatement. I told my class that when we finish our end test and if we pass I will provide Petron shots for those of us who are old enough to celebrate. We have just one in class who isn't. Then Bob said "And Mary wants to go out for drinks after." Since I don't drink much for fear we will get a call BUT I am planning and told Bob I plan on not going out for any calls that night...
Have a great day!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Musings
izthomasphotography.com/threeboysandathousandhills/index.php/2012/02/29/three-cozy-log-cabins-on-a-hill/
Well it's a snowy morning here in Maine and I've been up since 3am... I went to bed knitting instead of reading. It was no easy feat trying to do the basketweave pattern and stay awake long enough to not make a mistake. I hadn't knitted all summer and into the fall because I had gotten so discouraged because my daughter's Boxer puppy would destroy every project and needles I was using. I finally figured out I just couldn't leave any of my knitting around, not even in tote bags. She would figure out some way to get it out and destroy. So I am back to knitting again, not at the speed I was previously but knitting and enjoying. I have too many other things going. Editing my first book for publication in June and classes with my Fire Department for Fire Fighter 1 & 2.
I happened to read an article in last month's Down East Magazine about a woman who loves to knit. The title escapes me but it was about none other then Pam Allen who wrote "Knitting for Dummies" , is a sweater designer and now has a company in Portland called Quince & Co that sells yarn and patterns. What I like about the yarn besides the nifty names like Lark,Chickadee, Finch, Osprey,Puffin and Tern is like with Finch which is a fingering weight that could be used for knitting socks it's color names like Rosa Rugosa, Clay, Leak, Marsh, Honey or as in Osprey which is a Aran weight like what you would use to knit an irish sweater. She hopes to some day be using more Maine wool which I would find even more attractive.
I'm also besides my editing on "The Kings of Angkor:Army of a Thousand Elephants I am doing research on world history, but focusing on England at the times of 1113 and when Suryavarman II became king. Just to give a look at what was going on in the world besides Angkor Wat.
So those are my thoughts and musings on this snowy morning. It will be fun trying to find quiet with the boys home.
Well it's a snowy morning here in Maine and I've been up since 3am... I went to bed knitting instead of reading. It was no easy feat trying to do the basketweave pattern and stay awake long enough to not make a mistake. I hadn't knitted all summer and into the fall because I had gotten so discouraged because my daughter's Boxer puppy would destroy every project and needles I was using. I finally figured out I just couldn't leave any of my knitting around, not even in tote bags. She would figure out some way to get it out and destroy. So I am back to knitting again, not at the speed I was previously but knitting and enjoying. I have too many other things going. Editing my first book for publication in June and classes with my Fire Department for Fire Fighter 1 & 2.
I happened to read an article in last month's Down East Magazine about a woman who loves to knit. The title escapes me but it was about none other then Pam Allen who wrote "Knitting for Dummies" , is a sweater designer and now has a company in Portland called Quince & Co that sells yarn and patterns. What I like about the yarn besides the nifty names like Lark,Chickadee, Finch, Osprey,Puffin and Tern is like with Finch which is a fingering weight that could be used for knitting socks it's color names like Rosa Rugosa, Clay, Leak, Marsh, Honey or as in Osprey which is a Aran weight like what you would use to knit an irish sweater. She hopes to some day be using more Maine wool which I would find even more attractive.
I'm also besides my editing on "The Kings of Angkor:Army of a Thousand Elephants I am doing research on world history, but focusing on England at the times of 1113 and when Suryavarman II became king. Just to give a look at what was going on in the world besides Angkor Wat.
So those are my thoughts and musings on this snowy morning. It will be fun trying to find quiet with the boys home.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Journey by train to NYC
Well it's 6:13, have been on the train to Boston since 5:45am and was up at 2am! Boy I was not a happy camper when the alarm went off...
As the train gently rocks back and forth we go backwards... Well I am sitting backwards. I will be writing off and on on this trip to NYC. I just love hearing the Choo- Choo sound. It ranks up there as one of my other favorite sounds , fog horns off the coast of Maine ,which I can hear from my house. I love leaving my window open a crack to hear that mournful sound.
Going by rail or train is a much more relaxing trip then by plane. You board then they come and scan your ticket. They just ask who you are, no scrutinizing your ID.
The horizon is just starting to turn a yellow, orange. This is really a very civilized way of travel and less stressful for sure. I will add to this as I go along. 6:25am.
Dover ,NH 6:44 cool... Next stop Durham, UNH
Well I am somewhere in RI.
It was so strange when I got to Back Bay station and could feel and hear the trains underneath. I have never taken a subway and today was the first time... I went from North Station to Back Bay station.
Now we are headed south, the train is going faster, rocking back and forth, the sun is out and it's a very enjoyable ride. The wicked neat thing is there is wireless so I can be on here and the connection is better and quicker then at home.
As the train gently rocks back and forth we go backwards... Well I am sitting backwards. I will be writing off and on on this trip to NYC. I just love hearing the Choo- Choo sound. It ranks up there as one of my other favorite sounds , fog horns off the coast of Maine ,which I can hear from my house. I love leaving my window open a crack to hear that mournful sound.
Going by rail or train is a much more relaxing trip then by plane. You board then they come and scan your ticket. They just ask who you are, no scrutinizing your ID.
The horizon is just starting to turn a yellow, orange. This is really a very civilized way of travel and less stressful for sure. I will add to this as I go along. 6:25am.
Dover ,NH 6:44 cool... Next stop Durham, UNH
Well I am somewhere in RI.
It was so strange when I got to Back Bay station and could feel and hear the trains underneath. I have never taken a subway and today was the first time... I went from North Station to Back Bay station.
Now we are headed south, the train is going faster, rocking back and forth, the sun is out and it's a very enjoyable ride. The wicked neat thing is there is wireless so I can be on here and the connection is better and quicker then at home.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Working out Scenes
Well it's Saturday night. I got a bit of writing done which makes me feel better then I felt this morning. But I still feel the urge to write and I have things jumbled up, scenes playing out in my head that are wanting attention. What's a woman to do when she works all week, fights to get enough sleep and still has four children(all boys) at home.
So when I am not writing I am working on scenes in my head,then to paper that I later transfer to my laptop. I listen to music, hear tunes throughout the week that inspire me for certain scenes and conversations in my book. It's amazing what I get out of a song.
I have two books that I am writing at the moment. The second in the series of The Kings of Angkor. Also I am working on a book that is set here on the coast of Maine. I also have a paranormal that is on the back burner where I pull out from time to time to work on and then put back. When I have unlimited time to write then I can get these books done in better fashion.
Today while I was writing my cat Midnight decided he needed time with me so up he comes onto the bed and then plops right down on my lap and then goes fast asleep on my arm. Never mind that I had this part I wanted to get out. He wanted to cuddle and my lap was where he wanted to be...
So tomorrow I go to Fire Department training so nothing will get written unless I get up extremely early. Training is at 7am...
Good night
So when I am not writing I am working on scenes in my head,then to paper that I later transfer to my laptop. I listen to music, hear tunes throughout the week that inspire me for certain scenes and conversations in my book. It's amazing what I get out of a song.
I have two books that I am writing at the moment. The second in the series of The Kings of Angkor. Also I am working on a book that is set here on the coast of Maine. I also have a paranormal that is on the back burner where I pull out from time to time to work on and then put back. When I have unlimited time to write then I can get these books done in better fashion.
Today while I was writing my cat Midnight decided he needed time with me so up he comes onto the bed and then plops right down on my lap and then goes fast asleep on my arm. Never mind that I had this part I wanted to get out. He wanted to cuddle and my lap was where he wanted to be...
So tomorrow I go to Fire Department training so nothing will get written unless I get up extremely early. Training is at 7am...
Good night
Monday, October 31, 2011
Ghost Hunting 101
I think if most of us admit it, we believe in ghost to some level.
Growing up in New England and now living on the coast of Maine where I think there are probably more haunted houses then anywhere around. Wisscasset Maine on one street has I think four documented houses that are haunted not to mention other places in that town. Bath, Maine, Damriscotta, Maine. Washington County full of hauntings all documented. Now I don't mind if I am corrected on that and if you have places you know of that are documented hauntings then let me know. Also I don't claim to be a "Ghost hunter" or a Paranormal expert. I do though love to hear a good (real) ghost story and have been on a few Haunted History tours and this last week-end spent the night with some other women at a B&B that is haunted .
Did I see anything? No, I didn't. Thank goodness this ghost is not the malicious sort and the couple who run the haunted history tours in the Mid-Coast area have seen or felt the presence of malicious spirits before.
I did first hand feel 'her' presence and she did wake me up which read on my EMF detector. We each had our own room and after having a lovely dinner at the Newcastle Public House we roamed and investigated the basement of this over 200 year old building which housed the said ghost antique shop. We heard a first hand account from one of the cooks and how he felt the presence of 'her' but thought it was his friends upstairs. They were in fact upstairs and he was downstairs with 'her'.
We then went back to the B&B which was just up the hill and began to run EMF detectors in each of the rooms. We took photos which have been known to pick up things that the naked eye doesn't. Finally at midnight we all turned in. Me on the third floor attic room. I set up my EMF detector on the floor away from anything that would set it off and climbed into bed. I told 'her' that If she wanted to visit or chat I was more then up for it Just wake me up so I know of her presence.. My room, the previous B&B owners had a hair brush thrown at them because they wanted to change the rooms color scheme... They didn't. So after my little chat I fell asleep. At 12:57am my detector went off. I jumped off the bed and screamed "shit!" Then seeing my detector pegging I grabbed my camera and took a shot of that. I got up and after picking up the detector I walked around the room to see if I could get any other readings, couldn't so placed it in another spot, crawled back into bed and went back to sleep, soundly. Apparently one of the other women had a small visit from 'her' just after me. My detector went off again at 4:32 but it didn't peg this time just a calm reading. She was getting tired. I know I was. I went back to sleep till 7am when I got up and saw the snow and said "Oh shit!" again and decided it was time to get up and have tea.
The husband part of the team told me later that my visit from 'her' was a passive visit. That it happened when 'she'wanted not when we were expecting it.
I will post some photos later and another story about a visit earlier that night.
Do I believe in ghost? Yes. Would I do this again? I would love to.
Growing up in New England and now living on the coast of Maine where I think there are probably more haunted houses then anywhere around. Wisscasset Maine on one street has I think four documented houses that are haunted not to mention other places in that town. Bath, Maine, Damriscotta, Maine. Washington County full of hauntings all documented. Now I don't mind if I am corrected on that and if you have places you know of that are documented hauntings then let me know. Also I don't claim to be a "Ghost hunter" or a Paranormal expert. I do though love to hear a good (real) ghost story and have been on a few Haunted History tours and this last week-end spent the night with some other women at a B&B that is haunted .
Did I see anything? No, I didn't. Thank goodness this ghost is not the malicious sort and the couple who run the haunted history tours in the Mid-Coast area have seen or felt the presence of malicious spirits before.
I did first hand feel 'her' presence and she did wake me up which read on my EMF detector. We each had our own room and after having a lovely dinner at the Newcastle Public House we roamed and investigated the basement of this over 200 year old building which housed the said ghost antique shop. We heard a first hand account from one of the cooks and how he felt the presence of 'her' but thought it was his friends upstairs. They were in fact upstairs and he was downstairs with 'her'.
We then went back to the B&B which was just up the hill and began to run EMF detectors in each of the rooms. We took photos which have been known to pick up things that the naked eye doesn't. Finally at midnight we all turned in. Me on the third floor attic room. I set up my EMF detector on the floor away from anything that would set it off and climbed into bed. I told 'her' that If she wanted to visit or chat I was more then up for it Just wake me up so I know of her presence.. My room, the previous B&B owners had a hair brush thrown at them because they wanted to change the rooms color scheme... They didn't. So after my little chat I fell asleep. At 12:57am my detector went off. I jumped off the bed and screamed "shit!" Then seeing my detector pegging I grabbed my camera and took a shot of that. I got up and after picking up the detector I walked around the room to see if I could get any other readings, couldn't so placed it in another spot, crawled back into bed and went back to sleep, soundly. Apparently one of the other women had a small visit from 'her' just after me. My detector went off again at 4:32 but it didn't peg this time just a calm reading. She was getting tired. I know I was. I went back to sleep till 7am when I got up and saw the snow and said "Oh shit!" again and decided it was time to get up and have tea.
The husband part of the team told me later that my visit from 'her' was a passive visit. That it happened when 'she'wanted not when we were expecting it.
I will post some photos later and another story about a visit earlier that night.
Do I believe in ghost? Yes. Would I do this again? I would love to.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Thoughts on this new Spring Day...
Well it's officially Spring but it doesn't feel or look like it. We are suppose to get snow today into tomorrow. Oh well just because it's spring doesn't mean we are going to get balmy temperatures. There are signs of spring though. Last week I saw Crocuses and Snow Drops or Snow Bells coming up in various places around town. My Lilies are showing signs of poking through the soil. Skunks are out which means it's a sure sign of spring...
I am slowly getting editing done on The Kings of Angkor or as Brendan has on one facebook group page, Kings of Angkor or KOA. Another family member has done up two cover examples for my book. I love both. I am hoping to have a bit of control over that when the times comes . The word is getting out there not only about the book but the possibility of a movie. I am looking into ways to get the word out and want to take out a facebook ad when the times comes down the road. I was trying to explain to one of my kids that I will do all it takes to get my book sold . Some authors are quite content to just be regional or only known within their state. I am hoping to get past that. One of my daughters asked me about getting it in the NY Times... I told her every author would love that but to achieve that is some feat indeed but not unattainable...
So these are some of my thoughts on this early spring day.
So I leave you with a burst of color.
I am slowly getting editing done on The Kings of Angkor or as Brendan has on one facebook group page, Kings of Angkor or KOA. Another family member has done up two cover examples for my book. I love both. I am hoping to have a bit of control over that when the times comes . The word is getting out there not only about the book but the possibility of a movie. I am looking into ways to get the word out and want to take out a facebook ad when the times comes down the road. I was trying to explain to one of my kids that I will do all it takes to get my book sold . Some authors are quite content to just be regional or only known within their state. I am hoping to get past that. One of my daughters asked me about getting it in the NY Times... I told her every author would love that but to achieve that is some feat indeed but not unattainable...
So these are some of my thoughts on this early spring day.
So I leave you with a burst of color.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Classes and Writing
Well I tried to log into my classes for work but it wouldn't take the information that I provided. So I will have to wait till tomorrow and I'm at work to talk to my supervisor.
Excited that a new Vicki Doudera book will be out. "Killer Listing" is out at Amazon but I would rather wait to buy it at one of our book stores in Camden.
So since it's my day off and I can't start my classes I will write. You don't have to twist my arm I just need to switch gears.
A funny thing happened when Vicki's first book came out. A family member of her's, I think a brother ordered and had shipped her first book to her mother. The only thing was...
We got this Amazon package come to our house. Saw the UPS man drop it on the porch. I went out and at the same time my son Pat came out. He says "What's that?"
I was looking at the package, perplexed that a Amazon package would be coming for me at the house... Pat says "Well open it..." he grabs it not waiting cause I will still standing there perplexed and hadn't looked at the name on the box yet... He opens it up. In there was "A House to Die for". Well that really threw me as I hadn't ordered it or even knew of the author... Then I said to Pat, "Maybe Bob ordered it for me, knowing I love mysteries..." But it was then I flipped over the box and saw the name and the address on the package... It wasn't my name BUT my address. Pat then looked at the book and saw the author's name, he said. "Doudera, Doudera." There is a girl in my class and then as he is talking I get out the laptop and do a search and find out it's the girls Mom. Pat gets on fb and chats with her and we find out the book was suppose to go to her Grandmother who lives down the street. So Pat brought the book to school the next day. Though it was hard to part with a new book...
Fast forward to around Mother's day. Vicki gave a talk at West Bay Rotary. Bob remembering the little incident knew I wanted to now read the book. She had books there for sale and to sign. By the time he got up to her she was all sold out... Then on Mother's Day we were driving by The Owl and the Turtle Bookstore and I saw a sign for her book in the window. We ran in and I found one last signed copy from her book signing a few day before...
I have since been able to talk to Vicki and share all what transpired with her first book. We got a good chuckle over it.
Well now that my fingers are limbered up I will get to work.
Excited that a new Vicki Doudera book will be out. "Killer Listing" is out at Amazon but I would rather wait to buy it at one of our book stores in Camden.
So since it's my day off and I can't start my classes I will write. You don't have to twist my arm I just need to switch gears.
A funny thing happened when Vicki's first book came out. A family member of her's, I think a brother ordered and had shipped her first book to her mother. The only thing was...
We got this Amazon package come to our house. Saw the UPS man drop it on the porch. I went out and at the same time my son Pat came out. He says "What's that?"
I was looking at the package, perplexed that a Amazon package would be coming for me at the house... Pat says "Well open it..." he grabs it not waiting cause I will still standing there perplexed and hadn't looked at the name on the box yet... He opens it up. In there was "A House to Die for". Well that really threw me as I hadn't ordered it or even knew of the author... Then I said to Pat, "Maybe Bob ordered it for me, knowing I love mysteries..." But it was then I flipped over the box and saw the name and the address on the package... It wasn't my name BUT my address. Pat then looked at the book and saw the author's name, he said. "Doudera, Doudera." There is a girl in my class and then as he is talking I get out the laptop and do a search and find out it's the girls Mom. Pat gets on fb and chats with her and we find out the book was suppose to go to her Grandmother who lives down the street. So Pat brought the book to school the next day. Though it was hard to part with a new book...
Fast forward to around Mother's day. Vicki gave a talk at West Bay Rotary. Bob remembering the little incident knew I wanted to now read the book. She had books there for sale and to sign. By the time he got up to her she was all sold out... Then on Mother's Day we were driving by The Owl and the Turtle Bookstore and I saw a sign for her book in the window. We ran in and I found one last signed copy from her book signing a few day before...
I have since been able to talk to Vicki and share all what transpired with her first book. We got a good chuckle over it.
Well now that my fingers are limbered up I will get to work.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
My Book
Will try to get on here in the next couple of days BUT I am working hard at editing my book "The Kings of Angkor : Army of a Thousand Elephants". Though if I like the publishers proposal then I will be going with them .Then they will start looking over my book and then hand it back to me... Well then I am on my way to getting published. I am really excited but being cautious and my son Brendan reminded me about movie rights.
Writing for me is very therapeutic and I can't go for too many days before I have to be writing something. Making notes and getting my thoughts in order for the 2nd book. Now some would say 'You aren't even published yet, why write a 2nd book?' Because I want to and it's my story and my characters and I have to continue their story. I have invested a lot of time in this story, their lives as characters... They are part of me.
I am adding a photo of King Jayavarman VII at The Bayon at Angkor Thom.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Winter doldrums
What's a woman to do who feels like crap. I am stuck in the house with three warring boys, not necessarily at each other but I can hear "Black Ops" going on from the down stairs and the upstairs loft. My youngest is now happy for the moment playing with play dough :-) Otherwise he is quite happy irritating and aggravating his older brothers. And I can't think straight or spell because I am all stuffed up and congested... Whine,whine,whine...!!!
Well it could be worse I suppose. It's just when I feel this bad I can't think and or write and to read and get to read one page is like pulling freaking teeth. One of my sons just came in and got bent way out of shape because I didn't want company.
I have two projects(Books) that I am working on and I am at an impasse. One is just a plain romantic suspense. The other is a historical romance. Plus I am doing research for the sequel to "The Kings of Angkor: Army of a Thousand Elephants". The nice thing about that book is it is sitting at the Copy Right office but also with a publisher right now.
I think what I am going to do is go on a hiatus from writing and just do research. My eleven year old son said the other day when he saw me reading and doing research on my favorite subject, the Apsara's of Angkor Wat. He said "They (meaning the experts in the field of Angkor Wat and Apsara's and Devatas) couldn't possibly know more then you Mom. You have lived in Cambodia..." I went on to explain that is a field of study for them. They have money to do research and can travel to Angkor Wat if they don't already live n the country. I have to do any research by books and the internet. They have fallen in love with the country and now the Apsaras and Angkor Wat. BUT I appreciate his faith in me. His eyes became glazed over soon after I had gotten into detail about the fact that I think along with some of those experts that all of the reliefs are individual portraits of girls at the Angkor Wat Complex.
I can tell you I had quite a few serendipitous moments while writing that book. I had already decided about the characters and how they would be related to one another through the story. It's a story that takes place in the current times and then goes back in time or as a SCIFI relative told me who is only 13. It's a parallel time .(Yes!! He understood). I had to two main male protagonist as cousins in modern day and back in the time of the building of Angkor Wat. Then I find out through more research that Suryavarman II who build Angkor Wat was indeed a cousin to Jayavarman VII. I can tell you I got chills up and down my spine. I had quite a few of those moments.
Well anyway now that I feel better I will get back to research and check on my soup.
Well it could be worse I suppose. It's just when I feel this bad I can't think and or write and to read and get to read one page is like pulling freaking teeth. One of my sons just came in and got bent way out of shape because I didn't want company.
I have two projects(Books) that I am working on and I am at an impasse. One is just a plain romantic suspense. The other is a historical romance. Plus I am doing research for the sequel to "The Kings of Angkor: Army of a Thousand Elephants". The nice thing about that book is it is sitting at the Copy Right office but also with a publisher right now.
I think what I am going to do is go on a hiatus from writing and just do research. My eleven year old son said the other day when he saw me reading and doing research on my favorite subject, the Apsara's of Angkor Wat. He said "They (meaning the experts in the field of Angkor Wat and Apsara's and Devatas) couldn't possibly know more then you Mom. You have lived in Cambodia..." I went on to explain that is a field of study for them. They have money to do research and can travel to Angkor Wat if they don't already live n the country. I have to do any research by books and the internet. They have fallen in love with the country and now the Apsaras and Angkor Wat. BUT I appreciate his faith in me. His eyes became glazed over soon after I had gotten into detail about the fact that I think along with some of those experts that all of the reliefs are individual portraits of girls at the Angkor Wat Complex.
I can tell you I had quite a few serendipitous moments while writing that book. I had already decided about the characters and how they would be related to one another through the story. It's a story that takes place in the current times and then goes back in time or as a SCIFI relative told me who is only 13. It's a parallel time .(Yes!! He understood). I had to two main male protagonist as cousins in modern day and back in the time of the building of Angkor Wat. Then I find out through more research that Suryavarman II who build Angkor Wat was indeed a cousin to Jayavarman VII. I can tell you I got chills up and down my spine. I had quite a few of those moments.
Well anyway now that I feel better I will get back to research and check on my soup.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Things
Well another snowy morn here in Mid-Coast Maine. Is that surprising? No, not really. They were talking another storm for today last week. I don't think it will be a storm like last weeks but we are getting snow non the less and I get a few more minutes of 'peace and quiet'... like in the movie "What about Bob" that is one of my all time favorites, like when Bob is eating corn on the cob or when he and the son of his doctor are screaming names at each other and his doctor and wife come in and they (Bob and the young son) sit down trying to look like good little boys... and his doctor says I want peace and quiet and Bob says , "Well I'll be quiet' and then the son says "and I will be peace" which makes them all (except the doctor) start to laugh, even the wife.
I had a wonderful day yesterday. Saw an old knitting mentor of mine, got to talk with her. Walked 2 miles. Most of it power walking. Got a lot of writing done. Though it wasn't like 20 pages. I was at some times on my last book putting out 20 pages a day. Sunday I got 10 pages done. Yesterday it was only 3. BUT when writing the 1st draft some days I can fly with the words, other days it's like pulling teeth and my brain is seriously taxed. Yesterday it was working on words and scenes and conversations. Trying to create word pictures... That's where going over my work the next day of writing comes in handy and helps. I always read over what I last wrote. It helps me to get into the story again event though I am still thinking about the book long after I get done writing for the day. Sometimes I go to bed with music that I call my books sound track on my ipod. The other night I went to sleep listening to Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata". Though it's not part of the book that I am writing now it will be for a later part and scene. It's hard to explain but I know of other writers who do that. They have a sound track for their book, music that just kinda jumps out at them when they were writing. The curent book that I am writing is from listening to WWII era music, Glen Miller in particular and "Moonlight Serenade"
So that's my thoughts for this snowy morning. Some of my boys are up and my cats are sitting here waiting patiently for me to feed them their hard food. I feed them first thing in the morning with their soft food. They plow past me to get to the cellar so they are all lined waiting... they crack me up.
I had a wonderful day yesterday. Saw an old knitting mentor of mine, got to talk with her. Walked 2 miles. Most of it power walking. Got a lot of writing done. Though it wasn't like 20 pages. I was at some times on my last book putting out 20 pages a day. Sunday I got 10 pages done. Yesterday it was only 3. BUT when writing the 1st draft some days I can fly with the words, other days it's like pulling teeth and my brain is seriously taxed. Yesterday it was working on words and scenes and conversations. Trying to create word pictures... That's where going over my work the next day of writing comes in handy and helps. I always read over what I last wrote. It helps me to get into the story again event though I am still thinking about the book long after I get done writing for the day. Sometimes I go to bed with music that I call my books sound track on my ipod. The other night I went to sleep listening to Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata". Though it's not part of the book that I am writing now it will be for a later part and scene. It's hard to explain but I know of other writers who do that. They have a sound track for their book, music that just kinda jumps out at them when they were writing. The curent book that I am writing is from listening to WWII era music, Glen Miller in particular and "Moonlight Serenade"
So that's my thoughts for this snowy morning. Some of my boys are up and my cats are sitting here waiting patiently for me to feed them their hard food. I feed them first thing in the morning with their soft food. They plow past me to get to the cellar so they are all lined waiting... they crack me up.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
My thoughts for this morning...
Well we are suppose to be getting the mother of all storms today. I got up at 5:04 am to write...made my tea and sat down. Then I heard a "Mom?" It was my youngest and it was 5:30am... So now I have a very chatty Danny on my hands. No amount of "I'm writing" or "Mommy got up early to write" or "."If you don't be quiet I'm going back up to my freezing bedroom to write,"deters him. Wow, he has been quiet for two minutes...
I have a very hard time sleeping past a certain time. Also there is the fact besides wanting to write that I have my daughter's puppy who will need to get up and out... so I get my sleep knowing I will have to get up early. So what better time to write BUT when the house is quiet and I can piece two thoughts edge wise together in a coherent fashion without being interrupted?? All the boys aren't up, fighting or aggravating one another to distraction. So most are still asleep... ahhh. Thank goodness.
Research is a wonderful thing for me. I will be writing and then a thought will come to me. I am actually glad when these stray thoughts come to me. It gives my brain a break from working out scenes and thoughts. Trying to work inside the brain of one of my characters can be exhausting. Multiply that with working inside the brain of someone of the 1940s and how they would talk, think and or express themselves is not the same as we would today. Things were a much slower pace. Just like I am reading a book to Daniel and to any of the other boys who will listen called "The Winged watchman". Takes place in Holland during the 1940s and the occupation. I had read this book to my older children when they were younger and they really enjoyed it. It makes me think of another book of the same time period, actually a few. I can remember one's title but the other one is a blur and escapes me. Maybe a bit of searching will bring the title and author to mind.
I was reading a book yesterday at work at my desk. it's by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, better known as the Yarn Harlot. The books title "Things I learned from knitting whether I wanted to or not".
One quote is "You don't knit because you are patient. You are patient because you knit." A monogamous knitter is a rare thing indeed." Meaning and this is where her name comes into play. You will be knitting happily on a project and then you see this seductive little project that just begs to be knitted... SOooo you pick that project up and then another and another... and there you go. I think all of us knitters have a bit of 'yarn harlot' in us whether we want to admit it or not.
Back to research. I was talking to my 82 year old aunt the other day on the phone. Since she grew up in Camden, was a young teen during WWII I wanted her take on what she remembers. So I mailed her a list of questions and she called me. Like where Marshall Hill was on John Street? Since she grew up on John Street and still lives there. We finally figured out through my memories of my other Aunt and Uncle telling me to run across the road to see if the "Holy Rollers" were rolling down the hill... I would run across the street and my relatives would be heard laughing up a storm... We figured it was Josh Marshall's hill who was another relative. I asked her about going out for ice cream sodas, the movies. Where the hospital was. She told me her father was a Air Raid Warden, who would go up and down John Street with a flash light to make sure all lights were out till the "All Clear Signal" was sounded. How black masking tape was put on car head lights on the top to make them dimmer. I wrote to my mom and she is going to write down her recollections of growing up during the war in NYC.
So there you have it. My thoughts for this snowy morning. Somewhat scrambled but there they are .
I have a very hard time sleeping past a certain time. Also there is the fact besides wanting to write that I have my daughter's puppy who will need to get up and out... so I get my sleep knowing I will have to get up early. So what better time to write BUT when the house is quiet and I can piece two thoughts edge wise together in a coherent fashion without being interrupted?? All the boys aren't up, fighting or aggravating one another to distraction. So most are still asleep... ahhh. Thank goodness.
Research is a wonderful thing for me. I will be writing and then a thought will come to me. I am actually glad when these stray thoughts come to me. It gives my brain a break from working out scenes and thoughts. Trying to work inside the brain of one of my characters can be exhausting. Multiply that with working inside the brain of someone of the 1940s and how they would talk, think and or express themselves is not the same as we would today. Things were a much slower pace. Just like I am reading a book to Daniel and to any of the other boys who will listen called "The Winged watchman". Takes place in Holland during the 1940s and the occupation. I had read this book to my older children when they were younger and they really enjoyed it. It makes me think of another book of the same time period, actually a few. I can remember one's title but the other one is a blur and escapes me. Maybe a bit of searching will bring the title and author to mind.
I was reading a book yesterday at work at my desk. it's by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, better known as the Yarn Harlot. The books title "Things I learned from knitting whether I wanted to or not".
One quote is "You don't knit because you are patient. You are patient because you knit." A monogamous knitter is a rare thing indeed." Meaning and this is where her name comes into play. You will be knitting happily on a project and then you see this seductive little project that just begs to be knitted... SOooo you pick that project up and then another and another... and there you go. I think all of us knitters have a bit of 'yarn harlot' in us whether we want to admit it or not.
Back to research. I was talking to my 82 year old aunt the other day on the phone. Since she grew up in Camden, was a young teen during WWII I wanted her take on what she remembers. So I mailed her a list of questions and she called me. Like where Marshall Hill was on John Street? Since she grew up on John Street and still lives there. We finally figured out through my memories of my other Aunt and Uncle telling me to run across the road to see if the "Holy Rollers" were rolling down the hill... I would run across the street and my relatives would be heard laughing up a storm... We figured it was Josh Marshall's hill who was another relative. I asked her about going out for ice cream sodas, the movies. Where the hospital was. She told me her father was a Air Raid Warden, who would go up and down John Street with a flash light to make sure all lights were out till the "All Clear Signal" was sounded. How black masking tape was put on car head lights on the top to make them dimmer. I wrote to my mom and she is going to write down her recollections of growing up during the war in NYC.
So there you have it. My thoughts for this snowy morning. Somewhat scrambled but there they are .
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Creative Energy
Well it's one of those Sundays. I was able to do a bit of writing this morning then some research on my current book. Then a bit more work. I find I am at my happiest if I can be doing something. If I can get a great deal written on the week-ends then I am happy to do plotting during the week or revisions.
Today I was also able to get some photography in. Going out shopping I was able to capture some shots in Rockport. The first shot was at my door, the rest are in Rockport.
So at least if I'm not writing or knitting I can do some photography.
Today I was also able to get some photography in. Going out shopping I was able to capture some shots in Rockport. The first shot was at my door, the rest are in Rockport.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wild Fibers Magazine and my book
Well I'm off to work very shortly but had an interesting day. Am working on my copy right for my book. Spoke to my son Bren in Cambodia. It's always good to talk to him. I miss being able to talk to him on a more regular basis.
I went to the office of Wild Fibers Magazine and was met at the door by two Russian wolf Hounds (I think) One was older and more skittish, the other a puppy, very nosy. Just like Echo. The Editor Linda Cortright was there, not out globe trotting. She said she really liked my hat. One of my hats in 'Orange you glad' by Burly Spun by Brown Sheep. We talked about that yarn and company and then about colors and Americans and our hang up on gender colors... Over seas there is no such thing.
Last year my son Ian commented that I was really obsessed with yarn, knitting and anything to do with knitting. I tend to bring my knitting everywhere and get quite yansy if I don't have it to work on if I am just sitting. I don't sit still well...
Well anyway meeting the editor for Wild Fibers was like meeting a rock star. She is just so involved. Loves to find just the right stories for the magazine and travels to the most remote places on this planet. A very cool morning indeed!
I went to the office of Wild Fibers Magazine and was met at the door by two Russian wolf Hounds (I think) One was older and more skittish, the other a puppy, very nosy. Just like Echo. The Editor Linda Cortright was there, not out globe trotting. She said she really liked my hat. One of my hats in 'Orange you glad' by Burly Spun by Brown Sheep. We talked about that yarn and company and then about colors and Americans and our hang up on gender colors... Over seas there is no such thing.
Last year my son Ian commented that I was really obsessed with yarn, knitting and anything to do with knitting. I tend to bring my knitting everywhere and get quite yansy if I don't have it to work on if I am just sitting. I don't sit still well...
Well anyway meeting the editor for Wild Fibers was like meeting a rock star. She is just so involved. Loves to find just the right stories for the magazine and travels to the most remote places on this planet. A very cool morning indeed!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Yoga... and Anne Lamott
Well this morning as I was making my tea I was doing my "Morning cup of Yoga" Simple yoga to get me started then do more later. Well I am down stairs in the kitchen, knowing Lucy my Australian Cattle Dog was outside so I could do my Sun Salutation and then going to Downward Facing Dog and MaryKate's puppy comes and gives me a face washing... Normally it would have been Lucy "kissy face" but she was outside... The cats normally stay away or just come up and rub up against my legs as I do my poses but face washing makes it a bit hard.
Reading "Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott again. It's a book on Some Instructions on Writing and Life. I love her humor and love the ideas she gives in this one book. It was a present from my cousin in a low part in my life. She is like me. Always read and always loved to write, to play with words... Something she says in her book in the intro. "Writing motivates you to look closely at life"
That is so true. I am always thinking about what I see and how I can write about it.
Reading "Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott again. It's a book on Some Instructions on Writing and Life. I love her humor and love the ideas she gives in this one book. It was a present from my cousin in a low part in my life. She is like me. Always read and always loved to write, to play with words... Something she says in her book in the intro. "Writing motivates you to look closely at life"
That is so true. I am always thinking about what I see and how I can write about it.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
work, knitting and music, cats and plants...LOL!!
Well it's one of my work days that I don't have to be to work till 12:30 so I have the morning to clean, cook and go to the library to get books for my babies because when I get there the little ones look at me and say "got books, Miss Mary?" or just "got books?" They are so sweet. I work with two of the greatest groups in the world. Children and Special Needs adults. Yesterday was a day with my special needs and when I arrived at work the busses and vans were arriving too. One of my clients was getting off loaded and I called his name . He used to be a runner. I don't know the history on why he is wheel chair bound now but he looked at me and gave me that smile and then he yelled and one of the other clients said , "he is really excited to see you Mary." That was un understatement. I love the group I work with though.BUT it can be mentally trying and sometimes physical but I love them to pieces. BUT after a day like yesterday I needed to just relax and listen to music and vegg. My son Ian doesn't understand that after being with Special Needs all day I have 2 hours of down time. I cleaned and cooked then went and sat on my bed and put music on and relaxed. I saw the bus come and drop off the boys, the younger two BUT I just sat quietly. My older two that were at home sensed I needed that down time and so they didn't tell the boys I was only upstairs. So I got that quiet that I needed. :-) Then Ian came upstairs and said "Mom, you're home!!" So then he and I sat and listened to music for a few minutes together. I am trying to educate him on there is more to music then just Eminem. I have his music (the clean lyrics) on my ipod so the boys can listen to and I even have 50cents on there too BUT I am trying to get my kids to listen to a broad range of music.
Knitting... try knitting when you are tired and trying to count stitches. I wish I had a video of me... LOL it must have been funny.
My cats must have had a field day with my plants yesterday while I was at work... LOL I came home to my spider plant that needs transplanting anyway all over the floor. I fixed it, have to transplant today among other plants. Well while I am sitting here, Midnight is climbing into the plant pot of that same plant... no wonder. My supervisor and I were working on plants yesterday, clipping off pieces and I took a whole bunch home. Surprisingly they survived the night.
Knitting... try knitting when you are tired and trying to count stitches. I wish I had a video of me... LOL it must have been funny.
My cats must have had a field day with my plants yesterday while I was at work... LOL I came home to my spider plant that needs transplanting anyway all over the floor. I fixed it, have to transplant today among other plants. Well while I am sitting here, Midnight is climbing into the plant pot of that same plant... no wonder. My supervisor and I were working on plants yesterday, clipping off pieces and I took a whole bunch home. Surprisingly they survived the night.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
New Yarn
Well I have a picture of one of my projects and my new yarn that was a gift to me from my sister-in-law out in Oregon from her Alpacas and yarn I bought for myself for my next projects for my two older sons at home.
The first photo is of my current project, a hat for a friend in Canada. Then the yarn for my son's hats and then Alpaca Roving which my cat's love to play with... then my new Alpaca yarn in different weights from my sister-in -law's Alpacas.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
My black cats...
I live in a house of four boys, my husband , three dogs, one being my daughter's Boxer puppy then there is Mowgli the Black Lab and Lucy my Australian Cattle Dog. Then there are the cats and two hamsters... One of our cats, Midnight who is black of course we call our 'Vam-cat' due to the fact that he has two very long fangs. He is a sweet cat and often falls asleep on my lap at night and then curls up on the end of the bed. Now as I take a break from writing and listen to music he sits next to me. He is one of those cats that is a talker and greets me when I come home from work or errands. I love dogs and don't think I would be without one as they are my ears but I am a cat person and Midnight and I seem to understand each other. He doesn't have the stunning presence as Bagheera who will stare at you with those gold eyes... Bagh means tiger in Hindi. When he is calm enough I can get near him and pat and talk to him. He is still wild having been ferial. He still is in many ways. He is one of three of the same family that I have taken in. First him, then his sista Mika and now his mother Coon. From the time she was fixed she has put on weight. I mentioned it to my husband and he said it's probably because she has had to fight for everything all her life. Hunt for herself and then for her kittens, I figured she has had about 18 litters in her lifetime... Well now she has food at her disposal but she probably thinks "it may not always be there so I will stuff myself in case some day it's not there. It makes sense. So now how to put her on a diet when I have five other cats...
Sunday, December 26, 2010
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