The Agony of Delete

how walking an old dog is like driving an automatic

2012-02-22T23:03:00.000-07:00

Old Gold, aka Blondie Boy, recently had the chance to give a little girl her semi-annual 'dog lessons.'

He is the old Caddy of dogs.

Sturdy.

Well built.

Handles well, but needs time to maneuver in traffic.

Superior alignment (meaning the leash is let go and he continues to go in a straight line until the driver gets an improved grip on the leash).

Unfortunately, the blond has instilled a false sense of ability into the small child.

She thought she was ready for the MG (the Midget sports car from once upon a time). [In this case, it is just a great looking old car ... ]

Fast.

Built to maneuver well in traffic.

Needs a firm hand and an alert handler. (The bushes smell better when there's no one at the helm.)

Ah.

When she is about 40 her parents will let her drive ... wonder what she'll choose?

Palm 101 - the thumb

2012-02-20T12:55:00.002-07:00

The thumb is a direct reflection of someone's ego.

If the thumb has no flexibility, meaning it always looks stuck in a more or less 'up' position, the individual generally has an over inflated sense of self. They are not, in general, flexible enough to accept ideas from others, nor are they necessarily willing to compromise on the standards they set for themselves or others.

If the thumb has absolutely no resistance and wants to go down, the ego is out of balance in the opposite way. Meaning, the person is often or can easily be made into a doormat. They have no sense of self, little confidence, and walk two to three steps behind the rest of their crowd - usually with head downcast.

A thumb that is able to be moved into an 'L' shape that has a little resistance, is generally an individual who is in good balance not only with him or herself, but with the world. They are able to listen to others, accept corrections, and have reasonable expectations.

When I was young, my thumb was either too far up or too far down - often in the same week. Then again, I had no sense of self and when I did, it was over inflated.

For many years, I was in balance even if the world around me was not. I knew who I was, what I could reasonably accept from myself and others, and I was reasonable most of the time.

I wish I could post a picture so it can be better imagined, but they have not turned out well.

palm reading and how things change

2012-02-19T19:39:00.003-07:00

Eons ago, I started to read palms. Nothing too heavy duty. No disclosing of the number of marriages someone would have, relationships that would go sour, money that was like sand escaping from the clenched hand.

It was more of an exercise in personality. As in did the subject have a personality? What was the temper? Was the ego so large it filled a room?

The ego check is the easiest part of a personality to check ... it has to do with the thumb and if it moves or how it moves.

For years, my thumb was still and stuck in a very 'up' type of position ... big ego and not necessarily well deserved. Later it was very balanced ... think Goldilocks and the ego that was just right.

Two weeks ago, I went to a party and wound up doing four or five hands. When I showed a woman how her significant other's ego worked and demonstrated it on myself, I was gobsmacked. It was stuck in the doormat position.

How long have I allowed others to trample my ego?

Longer than I'd like to think or admit.

Why so long?

Easy.

I no longer do freebies and seldom give the brief introduction to palms. So I hadn't checked myself in forever.

What to do about it?

Become aware and alert. Remove myself from people who take advantage. Look at my alternatives and options. Make better decisions. Write things down and develop responses.

It is kind of like weight loss ... it won't happen over night, but once the problem is identified, it can be corrected.

2012-02-17T23:20:00.004-07:00

nose to the grind stone.

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-12T22:44:00.003-07:00

waiting for my spinach to kick in ... really

2012-02-09T23:44:00.001-07:00

What I really want, or so I tell myself, is to be excited about everything to do with vegetables. Everything from selecting seeds to forgetting to water the plants to purchasing and overcooking them.

What I really want, if I am honest with myself, is for a pastry truck to back up to my front door and be full of calorie, guilt, and carb free pastries that are finger licking good.

I have a feeling that neither one of them is going to happen.

I don't have a green thumb.

I need a recipe to boil water.

And even the dog doesn't really want to eat any veggies I've ever cooked.

I have discovered something called a Green Julius ... think an Orange Julius that is constantly celebrating St. Patrick's Day (because it is a glorious green). No sugar high, but no crash. If you drink a double batch, no need to eat for the rest of the day!

Names and Offbeat Holidays

2012-01-17T00:56:00.001-07:00

It seems that there are oodles and oodles of holidays out there that Hallmark won't even acknowledge:

Backwards Day where everything you do is backwards ... but I do like the idea of eating breakfast at dinner.
Rubber Eraser Day (do they have a Pencil Day to go with this?)
National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day ... it makes meal planning for the day nice and easy
National Waffle Day ... I'm not sure how I feel about this, I'm waffling a bit
Johnny Appleseed Day ... something will drop from the sky and give me an idea, I'm sure
Get A Different Name Day

Of all of them, I think I like Get A Different Name Day best.

We define ourselves and others based on the names we use.

Does a boy named Chase get chased?
Does a boy named Dean become one later, even if he wasn't an early reader?
Are all girls named Tiffany or Brittany bouncy and blonde?

If I give myself a new and improved name, what would it be and who would I become?

Then again, I'd likely wind up with a stripper name of sorts. (I like May West, but it was taken - April East sounds like a stripper or a weather girl - June South sounds like she gives traffic updates.)

Ah, something to ponder as I drink my Swiss chard and blueberry smoothie.

Juicing?

2012-01-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

The Champion Juicer was the rockstar of the 1970s juice bars and health clubs of the time.

Somehow one of these wonders found its way into my kitchen ... and I used it for a while. The problem is/was just how many carrots do you need to drink for breakfast? How awful is cabbage juice by itself? How could I make it taste better without adding a lot of things to it that really weren't good for me?

I couldn't.

I drank carrot/celery/spinach juice until my hands turned orange.

I could never get the taste of all of that cabbage out of my mouth without the judicious application of a Snicker's bar.

Instead of feeling better about me and getting healthy, I gained a lot of unwanted and unneeded weight.

So the juicer went onto a pantry shelf and collected dust.

Since that fateful day, I've been haunted by commercials from Jack LeLane and Vitamix about the benefits of juicing and the importance of fruits and vegetables. But I couldn't bring myself to get the orange beast off the shelf and begin again.

A couple of days ago, I saw Dr. Oz and his Menopause Fat Blasting Smoothie. Supposedly it tasted good. Resembling more than one of those things on the list, I decided I'd give it a try. Just a little Swiss chard, a handful of blueberries, some flax seed, and some green tea. What could be easier (hint: Snickers)?

So I tried it, tweaked it, and didn't even need to get the industrial juicer out to make it.

I don't know if it will blast any fat or improve any part of my life, but it does get me one extra servicing of veggies each day.

If this fails, there's always chocolate.

I fell in love ... again.

2012-01-12T23:42:00.002-07:00

I stand before you, metaphorical hat in hand, eyes downcast, smile in my heart and announce that once again I have fallen in love.

Several of my uber smart friends have been trying to get me to read an amazing author Kevin Hearne. He writes urban paranormal adventures. He main character is Atticus O'Sullivan, and who doesn't love a good Irish boy, and his dog Oberon.

There are oodles of places to go to find reviews and buy his books ... so I won't get into any of that. What I will say is that he is my hero.

Paranormal books are often written by people who throw everything away except their own (small) view of the world. Usually set in a fictional city. Blood, violence, sex, and vampires abound. The stories aren't complex and aren't intended to be.

Not so in the Iron Druid series. There is plenty of blood, violence, vampires, and a smattering of sex, but none of it is just because - it all exists for a reason. Atticus quotes famous poets, the Bard, and lines from great literature. The pantheons all seem to play (not so nicely) together. Each character has a unique voice and cadence and Atticus keeps up with them all. Plus he's got a sword and knows how to use it.

Because the author is so skilled, the books are richly textured, very involved, and yet flow easily into each other.

The only author I think is similar to Kevin Hearne is Jim Butcher of the Dresden files. Hearne has a much deeper story line and reminds me of good chocolate. Really expensive (read good) chocolate is to be savored slowly and each nuance enjoyed to the full. The over the counter stuff (think Hersheys) is still chocolate and still wonderful, but some of the nuance and delicate notes are missing.

Plus the stories, thus far, are set in the Valley of the Sun ... not too terribly far from my college stomping grounds and my current residence. To know that the author knows and accurately represents a location so well without making the story seem over-full of details takes amazing alacrity.

So far there are but three (just three) books in the series. The fourth is out in late April - and the wait is killing me.

I'm in hot water ... and boy am I glad!

2012-01-07T02:48:00.001-07:00

Arizona is a great state to visit, but it can be murder on appliances and batteries. I married a man from the Pacific Northwest. He had the same battery in his car for seven years ... six months in the desert heat (and he came for winter) and it died. The lesson? You rent a car battery and sing praises to the manufacturer if it goes beyond two years.

This is nothing to say about our hard water. some say it is some of the hardest in the nation. Pools and hot tubs have to be partially drained annually so chemicals can do their jobs properly.

Hot water tanks?

Drain or die.

Sounds dramatic, but it is true.

Prior to the holiday, we weren't able to get enough hot water to shower for more than thirty seconds.

After the tank was drained, we broke up and removed a huge amount of calcium from it, plugged it back in, and saw no improvement.

We went to our favorite hard-lines store and bought a new tank and hubby installed it (not the Christmas present I expected, but important)!

Still no hot water.

Except.

Except for the fact that there was hot water ... in a pipe that had apparently developed a leak ... and was warming my kitchen floor.

Biggest problem?

We don't have radiant heat in the house.

Nope. We have/had a major leak ... just in time for the holidays.

After meeting with our handy-dandy plumber, it was determined we needed a repipe. Hot water could be turned on to the house for short bursts of time, but there would be no standing in the shower and watching troubles go down the drain.

My grandmother must have lived with an incredibly small hot water tank. As a kid, I remember watching her boil pots of water to add to the water that came from her faucet in order to scour pots and pans. At the time it was interesting and a cautionary situation (I got up close and personal with a few steam burns in my day).

I never thought I'd do the same thing with my own dishes some xx number of years later. Yes, I could say how many years, but let's not depress the author.

Today, the repipe was about 80% complete. Things aren't buttoned up quite yet, but hot water on demand is now available and I couldn't be more excited.

So I'm officially in hot water. What a great thing!

I collect smart people ...

2012-01-07T02:30:00.001-07:00

"I see dead people." Great iconic line from a movie ... I only see them at memorial services, etc. I don't tend to have strange encounters from the other side, unless I've lost something in my grocery cart and a clerk calls over from the next aisle to let me know.

More to my reality is that "I collect smart people."

Much more honest and a lot less creepy.

Why?

1) It is true. All of my friends are smarter than I am ... are articulate ... and are willing to share their wit and wisdom with me.

2) Did I mention that most all of them are really well read?

Yep. It is a big deal. I'm not talking about the heavy authors out there: Plato, Shakespeare, Dickens, John Grisham (just kidding). But they read a lot of different things with different points of view and different ideas of what the world should and could be.

Okay - so not everyone wants to curl up with a book and soak up someone else's ideas ... but those who read tend to have a wider world view (and in my case a larger posterior than I should, but that's another story).

3) They accept their superiority over me without making me feel badly about it.

I've been trying and mostly failing to write the 'next' novel or novella.

These smart friends of mine have helped me to let go of the stereotypes that are out there, especially in romantic fiction and in publishing in general, right now (first person is a "no-no", male POV only is "bad", sex needs to mean something in a story and should be there for formula or shock value only).

I'm lucky and am grateful I've found these kinds of people with whom to share my hopes, dreams, and stories.

2012 - my take

2012-01-04T01:07:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T10:04:00.001-07:00

To celebrate the new year, I decided to go with new hair and new make up - think permanent. Unfortunately for me, the only way to get truly permanent hair style is to go with a wig. My grandmother used to take her wigs into the hair salon once a week to be styled and set - and probably get the local gossip.

Then realize I am needle phobic - the only needles I like are the ones that go in and out of fabric. I wish I were braver about having permanent eye liner and eyebrows done. Then I think about all of those people who work in cosmetic factories I'd be depriving of work and I realize I'm doing a duty to the economy by NOT engaging with ink, needles, nerves, and fear of a person who might sneeze at the wrong time.

So tell me?

How do I look?

G-Mail for Christmas

2011-12-23T23:35:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas andHappy New Year!

You’ve got ‘G’ Mail(sort of)

Everyoneknows the lyrics to my favoriteChristmas song: White Christmas. Let’sall sing along, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…” I’ve always had a thing for the classics andwho doesn’t love the mellifluous voices of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, PerryComo or even Mel Torme?

Theimagery is great – all about nostalgia, family, and snow (and at the first ofwinter there is nothing better or more romantic than a snowfall). Who can get past the tinkling of sleighbells? Such a fantastic sound comparedto the sounds of today: crowded parking lots, engines grinding, and the bassbeing played way too loudly by the truck next to you.

Atleast I thought the imagery was great.

Thisyear, we in our own small corner of the Sonoran desert, are celebrating awhite Christmas almost daily. But there is no snow, nor is there any reallychilly weather. Let me tell you thatneither Bing Crosby nor any other crooner living or dead is involved.

Thisyear, the white in the white Christmas is being provided by the new dog, Gigi(part pug plus part beagle equals big dog attitude in a 25 pound package). Actually it is G.G. which could stand forGolden Girl because her fur has a golden cast, but then everyone thinks of BeaArthur, or Good Girl which she seldom is. So for now, she is Gigi but not of the “Thank heaven for little girls”fame either.

Duringthe true dog days of summer, late July, we were gifted with a young dog whoneeded a new home. We figured since she was in heat, had all of her teeth, andher paws weren’t very big, she was probably done growing. Even the vet estimated a year, give or take.

Itturns out that there are advantages to little dogs in heat: 1) you mop your floor daily and 2) thepheromones that were released made introducing her to a BOD (the big older dog, also known as Thunder)much easier.

Itwas as though George Burns was introduced to a showgirl. Our fifteen year old retriever admired thepuggle’s many qualities: long legs,fantastic wiggle, beautiful smile. Hedidn’t mind that she could leap over him like Superman leaps tallbuildings. He didn’t care that she ateout of his bowl. He was even willing toshare the nightly ritual of bedtime belly-rubs.

Until.

Untilshe was spayed. Then the ruleschanged. Without that fantastic drug inthe air, he realized there was someone trying to hone in on his territory,share his bed and nightly accolades, and pestered him to play.

Twoweeks later, he perfected ignoring her until they reached a truce.

Gettingback to the topic at hand: WhiteChristmas.

Why,you might ask yourself, would a dog create white Christmas? That is a very good question and one I wouldnever have come up with myself until I looked at my floor the other night. It looked like snow had fallen in unevenclumps in my living room. It was on thecarpet, the sofa, and even a recliner. Considering the warm temperature, there was no way it could have beensnow.

Infact, it was not. Gigi had taken threeof her many thrift store stuffed animals and proceeded to examine the poorcreatures’ construction from the inside out. Every bit of white polyester fluff was removed and deposited instrategic locations around the house.

Actuallythis is ‘our’ game. She tries to destroya poor defenseless toy and I fix it before it is too far gone. Granted none of them look store boughtanymore. The island of misfit toys has nothing on the little dog’s toy basket.

The artificial tree is up, and on a box so she can’t get to it, and I’ll beplaying the game of White Christmas – probably until she’s three or four. Maybelonger.

May2012 find you happy and healthy.

Power writing ...the NaNo Experience

2011-11-30T22:29:00.001-07:00

So, I decided to let the muse write, wander, ramble, and amuse itself (herself?).

NaNo is kind of like going to an all you can eat pasta bar. It is all about the pasta and not the sauce ... sauce comes in December when the editing happens (or the whole thing gets scrapped).

So, very late in the game I decided quantity was better than quality.

Write and keep writing - maybe 20% will be usable in something else. Maybe not.

The words are typed, submitted, tallied and just squeaked by the total necessary.

Next year, I'll plot and I won't pants. Next year I'll have an outline. Next year I'll get more in the spirit of the thing and cheer on other authors.

Now I think I'll go walk the dog.

I want a Mulligan

2011-11-26T22:10:00.001-07:00

Mulligan's are amazing. A friend married a Mulligan, he's the nicest guy I know. The stew is pretty good, it is the stew I was raised on plus cabbage. Most bars named Mulligan are warm and fun places to hang out with friends.

The best Mulligan?

The Golf Mulligan. Because in golf, the Mulligan is the do-over. Actually, it is the penalty free do over.

I have tried, most unsuccessfully, to complete NaNoWriMo this year. First it was a lack of muse (but I kicked his hind end back in October so he would be ready). Then it was lack of internet (there are friends there who spur me on to new and interesting places). Yeah, technically I could have hand written or actually typed using one of those old manual machines - but I can't find a ribbon for it. Yeah, that's it. Then my trusty steed, my semi-loyal laptop of three years, went feet up in the air and gasped a final breath last weekend.

So all of this had led to fits and starts. It has also allowed me to scapegoat my way out of writing this year.

Probably I should take up golf.

I live near a public course.
I need more fresh air.
Hubby has a set of old left handed clubs on the porch (not his but a friend's and they were lonely in his garage).
Most importantly, it is because I believe in the power of the Mulligan.

things to be thankful for

2011-11-24T00:46:00.001-07:00

Every year between Halloween and Thanksgiving, the goal is to make a list of at least one-thousand, yes 1,000, things I'm grateful for. No, I don't do it all in one sitting. It would be too much like eating an elephant in one afternoon. I like smallish elephants and smaller goals so I shoot for 50 to 100 per day until I'm done.

The more things I write down, and small works for this project, the more things I am grateful for.

American Express has a project once a year about shopping locally. So I do local gratitude. Little stuff like getting a great parking spot (and if I don't, that I'll get a great little walk on my way tot he store). The more little stuff I'm grateful for, the more big stuff I seem to have that I am grateful for.

Consider yourself one of the big things I'm grateful for. Because I do. Really.

Release Day Is Here for Speaking of Love

2011-11-22T22:38:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, I had a chance to go to a writers seminar in Phoenix. The keynote speaker asked how many of us had always wanted to be writers?

I couldn't say it was true for me. I was one of very few in the audience who hadn't felt the pull from kindergarten. I stumbled into writing a couple of years ago, but I've always loved a good story.

In grade school I wanted to be a fairy godmother and a storyteller - and in that order. That was about the size of it. Give the kid a wand and an audience and I would have been content for life.

Did you know there are precious few training programs or jobs available for fairy godmothers?

Until recently, there were just a scant few story telling programs. My advantage was the stories told to me, almost exclusively, on summer vacation. My sisters and I pestered aunts, uncles and grandparents to explain people in the pictures and the stories behind them. There were stories about horse drawn buggies that were driven in the snow by my great grandfather if he was needed to deliver babies. There were others about watering holes and who swam there a couple of generations prior. Then there were the stories about relationships and love.

A year ago, I combined stories from my grandmothers and aunts, twisted them and wrote "How Did You Know?" It was accepted by Bright Light Multimedia for their current anthology: Speaking of Love. It was officially released today.

I'm still looking for someone to make a real, working magic wand. While I wait, I think I'll continue to twist a few tales.

Written? Kitten! - aka the new muse on the block

2011-11-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

The muse is an illusive thing. 'We' blame her (or him) for not showing up to work on time and not assisting in finding the next big story inspiration.

Looking into the briefly recorded history of the muse, I was able to find the one who abandons me most often. Thalia, the Roman muse of idyllic poetry and comedy. It must be she who makes my straight lines go crooked. She should also take credit for making me forget punchlines and not getting setups exactly right (or is that 'write')? And yes, this is a picture of her according to the internet.

I had hired out my own muse a couple of years ago. A male muse. It was great. Only one of us retained water and got cranky once a month. He didn't get into the chocolate when I wasn't home and he never left his beer bottles around the house for me to trip over on junkets to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Plus we had a similar sense of humor. He didn't like to sleep at night and that was when i felt inspired. It was a match made in my own mythology. He'd whisper sweet nothings into my ear and I'd get the premise for something that was great, at least to me, and I'd run with the ball.

We had a falling out when he found out that I think really pretty men should probably never be allowed to speak. Sometimes the fantasy is so much better before they open their mouths. Well since he somewhat resembled those types of men he became sullen. Sadly, he went into retirement after I poked fun at him one time too often; he just didn't see himself wearing Richard Simmons's tank tops and short shorts. He claimed he had to wash his hair and he's been in the tub so long I think his important bits have shrunk.

So now the lovely people who are attached to NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) have a new muse for those of us who have been left alone and lonely. Written? Kitten! might just be my way out of the woods! Every one hundred words and the author is rewarded with a new kitty. I've not tried it out, but have seen a lovely sample of it. For more information click on this Huffington Post Article.

Maybe next year they'll do one with puppies. In the mean time, I think I'll go look for a ball of yarn.

Cows as the optimal audience

2011-11-21T10:24:00.001-07:00

Several years ago on a Prarie Home Companion, Garrison Keillor confessed how he kept his ego in check.

Once when he went to a book signing, there was a farmer with his wife who claimed to have purchased everything he did on audiotape. The went further to explain how he never missed a segment of Mr. Keillor's weekly broadcast.

As Mr. Keillor began to puff with pride, the farmer explained that he played the tapes in the milking room of his dairy to the cows.
"You see, your voice relaxes them and the milk production goes way up when they hear your voice."

Today, a link came from You Tube. I have a feeling that these French cows are as much treasured as the other farmer's were.

This just proves to me that you really should know your audience. Once you know them and hook them, they will be loyal!

Speaking of Love

2011-11-15T23:13:00.001-07:00

Drum roll please!

Robert Indiana Love Sculpture in Arizona

Speaking of Love has just been released by Bright Light Multimedia and I'm pleased as punch about it. I had the chance to write a short little something that was accepted into this august group! For over a year, I've known it was coming and I've been cheering them on all the way from the desert southwest to Australia. No doubt they didn't hear me, but it was good exercise anyway.

You see, I've always looked at anthologies like a buffet, there's a little something for everyone and all of it is good.

From a reader's point of view, it is a chance to sample something new from a new author or in a new genre. Stories are short enough to enjoy but long enough to really savor.

From a contributor's point of view, an anthology is a chance to stretch into a new genre, topic, or even point of view.

Even if my small piece hadn't been accepted, I would have bought and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm a romantic at heart and always have a little something in my purse to read.

A nice holiday gift, don't you think?

You can't win if ...

2011-11-13T00:22:00.001-07:00

Recently there was an old episode of Law and Order SVU and someone was talking to Det. Munch about the number of times he'd been married. It was along the lines of this:

"You've been four times. Why do you think you want to try again?"
"You can't win, if you don't play."

Truer words.

It is no new news that I got a late start on NaNo this year ... I was ready at 12:01 am on November 1st and was convinced that I had things ready to go. Knew I had a grip on my storyline. Convinced myself that my dialogue wouldn't fall flat. Unconcerned about the number of cliches I'd use. I didn't need to wait for a signal in the sky to tell me what to do. I was convinced I could and would do it. Batman or not Batman.

Then I went to bed and lost the inspiration.

I got it started a couple of days later and really felt the juices flowing.

(The fact that there were problems with the internet carrier shouldn't apply. I should be able to write by flashlight using a pen and legal pad, but I've gotten dependent on the connection with the rest of the world. That was my excuse and I stuck to it until the kind gentleman came and made my computer worries go away. Sort of.)

Then my computer crashed at the drop of a hat. Once a days is bad enough but three times in an afternoon was a bit of overkill.

The good news?

I've sequestered a lot of bad stuff that can and has harmed my computer.

The better news?

I've got lots of external drives that get used on a pretty regular basis, so it was time to check them out too.

The bad news?

The size of the external drives should be a benefit when backing up data. And it is. Unfortunately, scanning said drives takes a lot of memory.

I am day three on the scanning and counting. (No, I'm not that prolific, but have been more so in the past and archives take space, baby.)

So tonight, while I am on hour eight of the current malaware (sp) san, I have my flashlight out and ready.

Hey, even if I don't win in terms of the number of words I can complete, I will win because I am making the effort.

I can drive my own story anywhere I want. Any time.

Hey, does anyone have a quarter?

Why don't they have 'real' progress meters?

2011-11-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Hunter, gave me a link to a great progress meter to record my NaNo word count.

The problem is that it is accurate.

What I think I want is a 'real' meter. One that records all of the things I'm letting get in the way of the next America's best selling novel.

Things that could be recorded:

Loads of laundry that desperately need to be done.
Dog fights
Meals prepared
Dishes washed (from china cabinet that haven't been used for years)
Rotation of spices in the cupboard
Audit of medicine cabinet
Refiling fingernails so that they don't get stuck between keys forcing those pesky typographical errors
Hunting for Dust Bunnies (it is hunting season, right?)

On these things, I have made stellar progress.

Word count?

Well, I'm working on it.

Butt in chair.
Hands on keyboard.
Head in the clouds.

29 days of giving day 20 - 29 ... the gift of silence

2011-11-06T21:38:00.003-07:00

Well, it might seem like I gave up on the 29 days of giving ... I didn't. Not really. I did allow myself to get lazy when we had internet service interruption.

What that means is, no real attempt to go to the library to check e-mail or post anything.

It doesn't mean I gave up on the project.

I do feel a bit like Scrooge. I want to carry a bit of it around and keep it all to myself.

The project showed me more of my character flaws than I'd like to admit ... but it also showed me humanity and a need to be more humble every day.

Maybe later I'll be more like Scrooge when he discovers it is Christmas Day and he willingly shares everything with the rest of the world.

Life is a classroom.

The lessons are invaluable but only if you are willing to act on them.

29 days of giving - day 19 - organization

2011-10-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

The piles and stacks are high and deep in my office. The dust bunnies have become moose and then warped into elephants. Yet here I am, oblivious to it all organizing someone else's meeting.

Oxymoron?

Probably.

I organize well inside of my head and electronically. I can lay my fingers on virtually, no pun intended, anything I've written, read, or cared enough about to keep. Paper thiings, well, not so much. I recently sent a Christmas card to a friend, not because I'm early, but because I wanted to mail a real card and it was the first one I could actually find where the card and envelope matched (sort of) and no one got hurt putting the card in the envelope. Hey, it's a real problem sometimes.

Now on the computer, I'm a different person. Not only am I organized, capable of multi-tasking, I'm also tall, thin, about fifteen years younger than I look, and smart as a whip (then again, spell check works on most of the programs I use - it makes a difference). I finish projects quickly and easily ... not so much the case as I look around the house and see things that might have been finished long ago.

Anyway, I blather in person and her ... I put together a nifty form for meeting minutes for someone who runs a lot of volunteers on several committees. She's a terrific person and is a lot like me - paper flies out of her hands and flutters around her office.

29 days of giving - day 18 - the gift of awareness

2011-10-22T20:34:00.002-07:00

In the past, I've written on small (private) boards. One of the characters I retired from that setting was resurrected tonight on behalf of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

What's the point?

Everyone sees the pink ribbons on products during October. They hear blurbs about Racing for the Cure and wear pink bracelets.

At some point, it becomes like Christmas. It is about the things and not the message.

So, I penned a piece they can access that is about the message (and some about the stuff), about prevention, monthly self examination, and the lives it touches that we never see or know about.

I'll never know if it makes a difference for any of them. It doesn't really matter. The story will exist for them on the web for years to come, for them to read or not.

I got to say my piece and get a little peace. Saving TaTas one pair at a time.

Who needs a plot bunny when there is a Plot Moose?

2011-10-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

NaNoWriMo is coming and soon. NaNo (National Novel Writing Month) is every November. I have only been celebrating it for three years.

The goal is for writers to complete 50,000 words in one calendar month. No worrying about grammar, punctuation, plot holes, or concern about which Point of View is used.

So much for not planning ahead? Huh?

I did it last year. I mean I actually wrote 50,000 disjointed words. All of them were the misguided openings for the next mediocre American novel. It was kind of like getting to be Thomas Edison, so many problems getting things off of the ground hoping for that (forgive the phrase) lightbulb moment.

Because I have always collected people who are smarter than me, I have chosen to listen to their greater minds this year. (If it works, I'll listen to them next year, too.) I'm not waiting for the Great Pumpkin to show up in my front yard and deliver the Plot Bunny and his evil twists on a story. I'm not waiting for inspiration in the form of a divine idea to come by way of paper airplane from above.

The plot moose crash landed last year.

Nope. I'm taking the advice of a friend and several others who say you don't need to be creative. Just do. She is creative every day for very specific hours and has said the idea of the Muse is over rated. It is fun to think about them and blame a lack of production on the muse who didn't show up (or in this case, the Plot Moose). Put your nose to the grind stone and do the work.

Makes me think of the phrase attributed to Yoda in one of the first Star Wars Movies: There is no try, there is only do.

This year I have a much better idea of what it will take to do the challenge and to succeed at it. It is a long and rocky path, Moose or no Moose, I will overcome!

I just need to keep my nose to the grind stone (or in this case, matate)!

29 days of giving - day 17 - gift of youth

2011-10-21T14:07:00.003-07:00

So, youth really isn't a gift until a body has reached middle age. And then how do you really 'give' something that you can see in the rear view mirror?

I'm not altogether sure.

Fuzzy decided quite some while ago he wanted to feel the wind in his hair. A more challenging prospect than you might think since he is shiny on top.

Long ago he was into motorcycles. Having lived in the country and learned to ride in a field, he didn't struggle with the open road until he was old enough to drive (he did the motorcycle type thing when he was about 12).

He decided a few weeks ago he was going to be into them again.

It was the last thing I wanted for him (bad history and all that rot).

I struck a deal with the Universe, if he could find training and a bike for price under a set amount of my choosing, I wouldn't be horrible about it.

Dag nab if it didn't happen. He was the top of his class in safety school. He found a bike (and helmet) under the specified limit. And he bought the thing.

The real gift isn't the loud bit of mid-life crisis in my drive way.

The real gift is going to be MY silence about it. I'll be the one with my nose in a book and my cell phone ready to dial emergency services if things go sideways.

Fingers crossed and things will work out fine.

29 days of giving - day 16 - gift of time

2011-10-19T23:31:00.003-07:00

While I still believe whole-heartedly in NAVY (Never Again Volunteer Yourself), there are times when it is time well spent.

Actually the time I've spent playing on blogs, the internet, and listening to some podcasts on internet marketing haven't really been such a waste of time.

Today I helped a friend establish a blog with several static pages for her project at work. Their internet provider is expensive and difficult to get a hold of. Frankly, sometimes do it yourself isn't perfect, but it does get the ball rolling.

So today I gifted her with my time and she gifted me with an amazing lunch. Plus I got absolved of feeling like what I learn in the wee small hours of the night might just have value after all.

29 days of giving - day 15 - more following the leader

2011-10-18T13:19:00.002-07:00

Kindergarten was a traumatic time for me ... it was when I learned, really learned that you have to be careful who you follow when you play Follow the Leader. When we had to line up to go home for the day, I followed the leader - all of the way to her house.

This wouldn't have been so awful except that my mom was waiting at the front of the school for me and had no idea where I went. If memory serves, my posterior got a nice blistering after she got me safely home.

What's the point?

Since the trauma, I have gotten much more careful about the leaders I have chosen.

I stumbled upon Joanna Penn a Britt who is making her way through the maze that is fiction writing in the e-book age. More importantly, she is sharing the wealth with the rest of us. It seems to me that she must have taken a Zig Ziglar seminar. He was very big on getting what you want by helping other people get what they want.

Ms. Penn has a great blog and a lengthy podcast list that she shares at no charge to her readers/subscribers. She helps the authors/editors/creative people get their platform out, discussed, heard by potentially thousands and she gets some/many of the questions I'm certain she herself wanted and needed answered at the same time.

She and most of her guests are huge on Twitter/Facebook and the all important author's platform. Seems I can develop them for others, we'll see how I do for myself. So, I am dipping my toes into Twitter and Facebook ... we'll see how that all works out.

After having listened to most of her podcasts (I love my Sansa MP3 player, it's like a Timex - it takes a licking and all of that), I dropped another thank you note.

Not a huge gift, but I hope she liked it.

29 days of giving - day 14 - the voice in my head

2011-10-18T13:05:00.003-07:00

"The older you are, the smarter your parents become."

"Let a complaint letter sit for 24 or 48 hours before you send it because once it is out of your control, you no longer have control."

"When you are in a hurry, plod."

These are just a few of the phrases the voices in my head recite on a semi-regular basis. It seems that when I was originally told each of these axioms, I didn't get it or I just didn't want to get it.

Each of us has multiple voices in our head and all of the time.

Two years ago, I took a class in writing by someone who is smart, insightful, and diplomatic. (Some day, with luck and a little editing of the past, I might also be these things.) Just because I'm a bit late in telling her doesn't mean she didn't have a big impact.

The teacher has become the voice in my head when I write, edit myself and/or others, judge contests, etc. Today I realized just how much in my head she can be and quite how much space she can take up there.

I sent her a thank you note.

Technically the gift is for her because everyone should get an ounce of gratitude every now and again. But really it is for me. Appreciating others always feels good.

29 days of giving - day 13 - following the leader

2011-10-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that I have an addiction to audiobooks. They are amazing company when you are cleaning, driving, exercising, you know where I'm going. Sure I read a lot, but you can't read a page here or a paragraph there when you are in rush hour traffic. Well maybe you can, I can't.

I have followed Jennifer Crusie for a while. Recently, she teamed with another author Bob Mayer and together they wrote some fun romantic/suspense/paranormal books. Agnes and the Hitman was probably my favorite.

Anyway, to make a long post longer, I started to follow his blog. He's smart, witty, insightful, and an amazing leader (being former military can do that to a guy).

For a relatively low price he has two seminars available as MP3 downloads. Sure, I'd rather attend one and get the full impact of his presentations, but sometimes that isn't an option.

Why is this important?

Easy.

He is one of the authors to watch as publishing changes in the next several years. He doesn't claim to have a crystal ball but he knows the trends, follows them, encourages others to do the same, and shares the information with those of us who are still at the starting blocks because we never heard the gun go off.

I did send a quickie thank you note to him after I received the seminars.

Shouldn't the money have been enough?

Probably. But once in a while it is nice to know that you are appreciated.

29 days of giving - day 12 - a little kindness

2011-10-18T12:45:00.002-07:00

As posted, mentioned, earlier. The yard is going through a major transformation. Part of the reason for transforming the yard now has to do with Major Brush Removal from our city. Once per month, the city comes and will remove large batches of yard clippings and bagged/sealed items so the homeowners don't have to make a trip to the dump.

In the boys enthusiasm to clear the yard and get the most of our tax dollars, the pile for the city workers was high and deep. So high that we filled their hopper not once but twice. Had they had a bit more energy, we could have filled it three times.

Despite the fact the city offers the service as part of the utility bill, sometimes I still want to do the right thing.

A minor monetary contribution to their after 5:00 effort was made after the first load was filled.

I don't know if it did anything for them (maybe a beer or two), but it did something for me.

There are so many people in our lives every day who are unsung and under appreciated, it was nice to do something for them. To let them know that appreciation goes beyond their paychecks.

Thanks guys.

29 days of giving - day 11 - learning something new

2011-10-18T12:37:00.001-07:00

When are you the teacher and when are you the student?

My grandmother said, "Teach something and learn it twice." She may not have been the originator of the phrase, but it is a handy one.

The times I have learned the most I have taught things. More times than not, I frustrate the teacher in the process.

I had the opportunity to complete my Reiki Master/Teacher credential. A couple of years ago, I got the Master level of Reiki, but never did the final step(s) to get the teaching credential.

When the teacher arrived in my life earlier this year, I knew it was time. We got on well. I learned and actually didn't frustrate the life out of her.

I think the gift here was learning to keep my yap shut and let the learning flow.

Shame I didn't learn it when I was in college.

Maybe that's why my grades were poor?

Maybe not.

29 days of giving - day 10 - just saying yes

2011-10-18T12:12:00.002-07:00

TLC has a show on Friday nights "Say Yes to the Dress" of which I am a massive fan. I am probably a bigger fan of it because I have no daughter who is looking for a wedding dress that will set me back several thousand dollars and because I never went through the trials and tribulations of trying a bunch of dresses on.

Saying Yes is actually the big deal here.

Being willing to say Yes and go forward can be a massive step in any direction.

not my yard ...

I will never be P. Allen Smith (from PBS garden show) and be enthusiastic about garden work (read weeding and weed control here people). I do however appreciate a yard that is more or less free of volunteer plantings. So, I donned my ugly shorts, a borrowed baseball cap, my old and scratched sunglasses, and oversized leather gloves and got to work on one small section of yard.

After about an hour, my yard service of one was doubled. Then boyfriend no. one showed up an hour later.

Three hours, a pizza, a six pack of beer, and most of the detritus in my backyard was ready for major brush removal.

How is this saying "Yes" to anybody?

Hubby asked if I wanted a little help.

I said yes.

When the two boyfriends each called to shoot the breeze with hubby, he told them what we were doing.

I said yes to each and all.

I'm not quite sure who got the gift, feels like me, but I think they all got something out of it, too.

29 days of giving - day 9 - connection

2011-10-18T12:02:00.004-07:00

I'm the first to admit, and not proudly, that I have let more than a few people disappear from my life. It usually isn't intentional, it is more like muscle atrophy.

Luckily for me, muscles have memories and so do many friends.

Somehow, someone very special strolled back into my life. He is one of my 'boyfriends' without being one of those boyfriends. Hubby wouldn't approve of a real one, if you get my meaning. While I had missed him, I figured he had his own life and was going in a new direction.

We rediscovered each other in the parking lot of one of those big box stores.

He's back and I'm thrilled. I hope he's ok with it, too.

29 days of giving - day 8 - the gift of joy

2011-10-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

Paraphrasing the Christmas favorite, "Do You Hear What I Hear?" I hear success for someone special to me!

She has gone through several life changes (some voluntarily, others - not) and she smells of the all important rose. She has gone through a lot of muck and mire to obtain that sweet smell. No one I know more deserves it than she.

So, my small gift today was sharing in her joy at a fabulous life change and a new success.

To some, this might not be a gift - to me it is. Actually she gave the gift to me. She trusted me enough to share the trials and tribulations that have led to this new direction. I don't know if we would have shared the moment a couple of years ago. I'm thrilled we were able to do it now.

My hat is off and the loud, off key cheering you hear from the stadium bleachers is me!

Congratulations.

29 days of giving - day 7 - glasses

2011-10-10T23:05:00.001-07:00

The other day, I decided to clean out my dresser. I found an amazing number of things I had no idea I owned or just how long they had been living in my drawers!

Among the debris I found several pairs of glasses and a set of pearls. (The pearls were the perfect length for the new dog and she likes them. All young girls need a strand of pearls, right?)

The rule of thumb has always been to hold on to at least one pair of old glasses in the event the new ones are put into harm's way (or in my case in the event someone sits on them and breaks the frames - but I digress).

There was no way I needed eight pairs of glasses as 'back ups'. I'm not that forgetful about where I put them and I no longer leave them on the seat of my car, so no one has sat on them lately.

Today, the Lion's Club was gifted with several new to them pairs of glasses.

I feel better about having de-cluttered and I hope that someone gets the gift of improved vision.

29 days of giving - day 6 - the doll

2011-10-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, my mom acquired a compo baby doll. The kind that actually had a voice box in the body so she could cry the word 'mamma', and yes, the eyes even opened and closed. Just looking at her, you knew some little girl loved her with all of her heart. You can just tell when a doll has been loved.

The doll was well past her prime when she showed up on Mom's doorstep. Sadly, yours truly couldn't see much beyond the damage. Fortunately, Mom could and did. Then again, she has always been able to see beyond the first impression.

There were large gaps at every seam, and the crazing on the face was so bad I never thought she would survive. There were sections of compo missing from the back of the head.

Pessimist, that's me.

Eventually, after much internet research and a couple of trips to the hardware and beauty supply stores, I took on the project of closing the gaps, sanding the rough edges and sealing the crazing. (Really fine nail buffing blocks did amazing things with the back of the doll's head.)

Then I dropped the ball and didn't finish her ... just left a somewhat smooth, much cleaner doll in my living room.

I do love ACE hardware stores ... our local store had a supply of Benjamin Moore paint samples, 2 oz. bottles, for a song. So, hobby paint sprayer, a dozen bottles of paint, and two days later, she was more or less restored to her former painted glory. I say somewhat because she didn't turn out to be her original color (neither complexion nor hair), but she was finally finished.

The moral of the story?

Little girls who love dolls seem to love them even as they get older. Phoebe, as she has been dubbed, has been returned to her rightful owner.

I think she is as loved now as she was by her first owner.

29 days of giving - day 5 - technology (old)

2011-10-09T23:51:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who has a great heart and a skinny wallet. She has been in need of a new-to-her computer for quite some time.

In the spare room, there has been a homeless and no longer loved computer just waiting for someone to love it.

I loved it, initially. Then again, I've been told that I'm a bit conditional. Besides, a couple of years ago, Santa gave me a laptop for Christmas.

Today I finally got myself in gear and gave my friend that which she has needed and been patiently waiting for.

I hope it is a love match that will last a bit longer for the two of them.

29 days of giving - day 4 - the dog park

2011-10-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

The young, the athletic, the stubborn young dog has decided it is time to do some training of her newly acquired humans.

She walks like a cat on a leash. Lots of swivel and hip action (if she were a human it would be apparent that she preferred high heels and short skirts). She also likes to go where ever her nose leads her and she doesn't care if she pulls to get there.

Rides in the car where she is kenneled somehow didn't appeal to her. She doesn't just want to be in the driver's seat, she wants to help steer the car. Sadly she likes to drive on the left side of the street and not the right ... she could have had another career. The kennel was incorporated when she got tangled in the wheel and only the fact I was driving on a quiet and empty residential street saved an accident.

Blondie does well at the park, but now he has to have aspirin a couple of hours before he goes.

The Golden Girl isn't so sure how she feels about other dogs in her park. (She went one time when no one else was there so she claimed all of it.) She is starting to make friends. She is also behaving like a kid who doesn't want to go home when Mom says time is up.

The gift to her is socialization. The gift to the blond is extra meds for his hips. The gift to the humans? Fresh air, an extra walk, our own socialization.

29 days of giving - day 3 - donation to charity

2011-10-09T23:33:00.000-07:00

Did you know that consigning your clothes is a lot of work?

Did you know most consignment stores only want perfect, nearly new (as in no more than a couple of seasons old), designer pieces?

Did you know I own almost nothing like that?

There are times when I thank the storage gods that I don't have a very big closet. Then again, there are times when I curse those same gods because I have no attic and no basement.

By having a relatively small closet, I am forced to go through the bowels of my closet and remove items that just aren't right anymore (and some items that are old enough to be in middle school survive year after year). Said items are donated to shelters that give the clothing directly to people in need.

When I filled the black garbage bag, hubby asked if we wouldn't just go to a local thrift store that supports those same causes.

Nope.

I shop in those stores (I'm thrifty and I never have cared if my clothing is this season's latest and greatest).

Selfishly, I want my donation to count and mean something.

I felt better about me and my place in the universe as soon as the bag was in the back of the car.

I know I'd feel even better about life and my place in the world if hubby would only let me go through his goodies and donate from his side of the closet!

29 days of giving - day 2 - ecards

2011-10-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

Once upon a midnight dreary, I used to see myself as somewhat responsible for keeping the post office afloat. I wrote (read typed and then later printed from my computer) notes and letters to family and friends. I wrote somewhat regularly ... the habit was drummed into me as a child and the lesson(s) was/were well learned. Them that writes letters, gets letters - usually. So my best friend in college didn't always remember to write after she got a letter, she would write volumes a couple of times a year. They were worth the wait.

I hold myself partially responsible for the problems with the post office. In the past four or five years, I have gotten slovenly about writing actual letters and began sending e-cards and far more e-mail than in the past.

In the more recent past, my slovenly behavior has gotten even worse and I haven't even sent out many e-cards.

Again, them that writes (letters, notes, cards, blogs) gets acknowledgement down the road.

I fired up an e-card program to which I have subscribed and wrote several cards to my nearest and dearest. When I say several, read about 15 cards and more than that as recipients.

I am working on thoughtfulness and remembering important things ... now I am just doing much more of it electronically.

29 days of giving - day 1

2011-10-09T22:44:00.001-07:00

For all of my growing up years, I had a second family of sorts. I loved so many things about them including the fact they had their own mascot. Quincy. How many people adopt quails and allow them to live in the house with the family?

Why does this matter?

Easy.

Quincy's old nest periodically needs someone to look in on it and make sure things are going well. (The nest is still visited from time to time, but has no permanent residents save the jackrabbits in the yard.)

Thursday I discovered one of the agave plants was failing and some screens needed mending.

The agave I can't do much about, but I can let Quincy's sister know that the plant was either failing or had been vandalized. (It was failing and she knew.)

How is this a gift?

She can't check for herself and I'd rather check in when there is no cause and all is well than just show up for an emergency.

some days we are all a little bent

The gift is small, but I'm working my way back through things.

29 days of giving - life as the Ninny - starting over again

2011-10-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

Last week was not a failure despite the fact that I dropped the ball on the 29 days of giving challenge and am beginning yet again.

Why am I the Ninny?

Let's look at the obvious:
1. Some days I am more blue than I want to admit
2. I feel like I am as round as I am tall (not true, but I will never earn the nickname Willow)
3. I need to update my hair again
4. I tend to plod through life ... the Ninny only gets to make one move at a time and (if memory serves) can only go in one direction. Multi-tasking is over rated; we all do multiple things all day long but unless we are hooked to one of those one man band gizmos, we are really just doing one thing and then do the next thing.

Now that the identity crisis is over, I can begin (yet) again.

29 days of giving - the importance of being the numskull

2011-10-03T23:53:00.004-07:00

The 29 days of giving is supposed to be a somewhat organic experience. But to really do it, a person should look to each day and have the best possible experience on that day. It isn't supposed to be a game, but some days it feels like one.

When I was a kid, one of my favorite board (or bored - you choose) games was SMESS. Smess was a game of chess for those of use who didn't necessarily have all of the skills and couldn't remember quite which piece did what thing. Think of it as chess with training wheels ... except I like training wheels.

What does this have to do with giving and gifting?

Some days, I don't feel like I don't have any pieces on the board, so it really isn't a problem if I don't have any moves worked out.

Other times, I let the details of a project overwhelm what I think I want to do and/or achieve. I want to become the BRAIN. The Brain should be the best character on the board, after all, we fight to keep our brain.

In all actuality, the Brain doesn't have that much power and is only special since he is the only one on the board.

The NINNY pretty much just goes where he is told and does what the board allows him to do ... think corporate drone. I have spent way too much time being the Ninny in my life.

My goal is actually to be the NUMSKULL. The numskull can pretty much do as he chooses (within the rules) and has the power but not the responsibility. So I am shooting to be the numskull this time around. Enjoy what there is to enjoy and play hard.

Wish me well as I start over ... probably not for the first time.

29 days of giving, day 1 the power of sarcasm

2011-09-26T17:09:00.001-07:00

Did you ever own a Magic 8 ball?

I did. Actually, I owned several.

Unfortunately, I really had hopes, high hopes, that the secret to the Universe could be found by thinking up my question and letting the ball provide me my destiny.

With time comes age and should come wisdom. I know I have gotten the age part handled.

Wisdom?

I think the jury is still out and has been for quite some while - rumor has it they have ordered out for lunch, snacks and dinner.

Stumbling into sarcasm wasn't hard in my youth. Some of the funnies comedians I have ever heard have a touch of sarcasm and/or interesting twists on the truth or reality of the world.

This fall, my nephew has gone away to college (can anyone else hear the sniffing and notice the wadded up tissues by the keyboard?). Convinced that his parents only gave him the essentials (computer, clothes, new sheets, and a supply of ramen noodle packets), I knew something was going to be lacking - humor.

I dialed the Way Back Machine to my own college days and remembered that sometimes something unexpected from someone unanticipated could mean the whole world ... so I did it. I made the sacrifice and sent him my very own Sarcastic Ball.

I don't know if he will understand or appreciate the importance of his own Sarcastic Ball (the store didn't have any Magic 8 Balls), but rumor has it he has a wicked sense of humor.

I hope he doesn't use it when his father calls and asks about his grades.

back to the 29 days of giving ... the remix

2011-09-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, I did the 29 days of giving challenge - twice. I did it and dropped out and started again - so it was more like 35 days (or so) of giving.

I didn't think it changed me, but it did. Sort of.

I mean that I didn't perceive a huge shift in me or in my perceptions, but other people did - or at least they were able to see things about me they hadn't been aware of.

After I finished it, I missed it. It was kind of like when I've written something I've loved (either the plot or the characters) and missed it desperately when it was over.

So, much like an author who does a series (he/she knows the characters, the world, the primary conflicts), I am going to do the 29 days of giving again.

I am searching for the best possible series to write, too, but James Herriott covered a lot of ground with his animal stories and there is only so much one can say about those kinds of things ...

The giving has already begun, but the blogging/documenting is backlogged.

Here's crossing fingers that it will be a great month and that I can strike some of the right (and write) notes.

I always thought this was a joke ... it isn't.

2011-08-26T00:10:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, my father used to tell a joke.

Why does God make babies and puppies cute?

So they might live into adulthood.

I always ALWAYS thought this was a joke. Having a couple of nieces and nephews, I knew they were cute but didn't see or help them get into too much trouble - probably a distance thing. I never had a puppy, so I couldn't apply that knowledge either.

Technically, the new dog isn't a puppy. Technically based on her teeth and a lot of guessing, we have her at about one year (give or take).

The problem?

No one has told her yet that she is a full grown critter ... she has no idea that:

All gates aren't challenges to see how high she can jump.

Thunder's stuffed animals belong to him, and he can share if he WANTS to but isn't required to.

Sleeping on the bed is reserved for humans (usually).

Laundry isn't a chew toy ... at least it isn't her chew toy - it is an expensive habit.

Computer cables and power cords don't taste good - or they might, but it is a bit of a shock to think that she wants to chew them on a regular basis.My computer and internet service have been problematic since she moved in and escaped from jail on a regular basis.

Why jail? (Actually it is a kennel that has lots of toys, a blanket, and her kong - but it has bars and she acts like the warden is sending her up the river every time she goes inside.)

Jail is where I can put her when I need to work, want to catch up with friends/family, when I want to run the vacuum. I do know that if I sit still long enough, the desire to vacuum will go away on its own, but sometimes a woman's got to do what a woman's got to do.

The moral of this shaggy dog story?

In every joke, there is at least one nugget of truth.

I blame it on bifocals

2011-08-16T17:22:00.002-07:00

I stumble when I walk. I always have. The problem used to be problems with my inner ears which lead to poor balance.

Now I blame the problem on bifocals.

In fact, I blame most things that are wrong in my life on bifocals.

Why?

Even though the distance between the top lens and the bottom is minute, the gap is just enough for me to misread a recipe, to miss a step, to misread the speedometer in my car.

Today when I lost the little dog, the new one who is so dear and so rotten, I could easily blame the bifocals. She looked just like a wadded up pile of laundry stuck on top of the bed.

Funny thing is, I hadn't put any laundry on the bed.

By wiggling the lenses down on my nose to the right spot and squinching up my nose just right, I could easily blame her 'loss' on the glasses.

It isn't a governmental quality excuse, but I'm working on it.

Back to the Future with Writing Teachers

2011-08-11T23:58:00.000-07:00

Stumbling through a thrift store last weekend, I discovered a cache of writing books. Most were geared to high school research papers, but there was one that was spectacular. If You Want To Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit by Brenda Ueland has changed everything for me and just when I needed it.

She was a writing teacher who spent her time inspiring her students not criticizing them.

Her theory?

If you can tell a story to a child (and if you can tell a really big whopper), you can write.

The importance of the whopper? When I tell a whopper, the details are bigger, more intense, and clearer. For example:

I met Cupid's youngest son the other day in a parking lot outside of a Chinese restaurant. He was dressed like a peacock, sort of. His hair would have passed for feathers there were so many spikes that were independently colored. The shirt was about three sizes too large for the boy and was decorated in Hula dancers and surf boards. At a distance, I could only count eight or nine piercings on his face and ears; he probably had several covered by his clothing.

He crossed the parking lot in about three steps and propped his hip against the dirty door of my mini van.

"Are you Louise?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Cool. I'm Aaron. You're my first assignment. I don't like labels or restrictions, I hope you're good with that."

So this is my opening whopper ... not edited and not restrained, just like Ms. Ueland recommended. It gets the muse working, the imagination flowing, and joy back in the fingers.

Who knows? Maybe this will become something.

I thought I needed a 'new' writing teacher. Turns out I found one in an old book. Not bad.

re-writing history

2011-08-05T00:05:00.002-07:00

I have the opportunity to rewrite something for an anthology; it's due on Halloween.

Last year, I wrote what I thought was a decent story. The editors apparently liked it and we got about two-thirds through the editing process when my ego couldn't stand it any more and I withdrew.

The knock came at my door just this morning.

Now I have to decide if I want to try it again.

Is my ego stronger?

Are my skills better?

Have I learned anything?

Yep. I have and I will try it again. They bought it once; they'll probably buy it again.

Oh - I found a place that will take one of my favorite stories and post it. Humor. Who knew it was back in vogue?

love is in the air

2011-08-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

For all of the years Hubby and I have owned dogs, they always came in a team. Always. The dynamic between the animals was a given because they had already lived a life together. It made going along and getting along pretty darned easy.

Blondie has been an only dog for almost four years (hard to believe that much time has gone by). While he was part of a pair (eleven years), he was decidedly not the alpha and he didn't really want to be. He has always been a lover, not a fighter.

When the sweet young thing showed up, she was all long legs, attitude, and swish as she walked, he didn't know what to do. Then he discovered she was in heat and his eyes glazed over and a look of happiness (for the lack of a better word) washed over him. Think George Burns on his 99th birthday being presented with a showgirl, there was a fond recollection of how things were to go but not necessarily more than that.

That she was in heat made it easier for him to let the energetic thing into his territory and destroy his woobies (he has a large collection of stuffed toys that periodically get played with), sleep on his cushion, and eat from his bowl.

She was spayed last week (full shots and chip included) and given a clean bill of health. Who knew that diapers for a bitch in season were so expensive? Yeesh.

Now that lovely scent is gone and he sees her for the annoying pup she really is.

In his dreams he still gets the goofy smile and his tail twitches just so. Love may no longer be in the air, but acceptance sure is.

the new arrival ...

2011-07-23T23:54:00.000-07:00

For years it has been my fondest hope/wish/dream (too strong maybe) to actually name a dog. It may sound trite, but in my life, every dog has come to me prenamed ... disposition pretty well known ... and height determined (girth did sometimes change).

Today I got my wish. A dog literally fell into my lap - ironic as she is a lap dog of sorts.

My sister has a way with animals and she has a way of getting the right dog to the right person. She did it for me years ago and she did it again this morning.

Part pug and possibly part beagle, this sweet young thing came into my life. Dearest, darling husband hadn't quite vetoed getting another dog; he didn't encourage it either. He wanted Blondie Boy to enjoy his sunset years basking in the sun, sipping on fancy drinks with umbrellas, watching hula girls, and having humans peel him a grape when the whim struck.

I have found hubby holding her in his lap, snuggling with her while he was on the computer, and selecting just the right harness for her to use. Walking on a leash is not her strong suit, yet, and it is a bit like walking a cat. Right now we are all a little frustrated, but we'll figure it out.

Now the boy has someone who is young, female, playful, tiny, and incredibly leggy.

As the old man is oft called Blondie due to his coloring, we settled on Goldie for her. We also decided she could be considered gorgeous, glamorous, gracious, graceful, etc. So for now, she is GG (or Gigi) to combine the best of any at the moment.

This is the first of the baby pictures. I'm sure there will be countless others.

29 days of giving... day 29 - the gift of the muse

2011-07-18T00:33:00.001-07:00

The internet is an amazing place. You can meet and converse with people from all walks of life in any corner of the world. It can be easy to find commonality. Communities can form over small but significant things. (I am sure there is a community of soda fountain fans out there somewhere, but I'm not sure when I'll go looking for them.)

I began this project with less than a sincere heart. I knew I needed to change several things in my life, self absorption the least of my sins.

Challenges, obstacles, bumps in the road exist for us all.

This current 29 day cycle made me realize it isn't the challenge that is important, it is the attitude with which they are faced. Not saying I am a warrior of any kind, but that sometimes a smile or a wave can do wonders. Looking for the good can truly change everything - even if you are the one who has to go on the journey.

I have several fabulous internet friends, and they all know who they are, who are very supportive of my writing. They are also supportive of my storytelling (this skill my grandmother wished I had not honed - I told incredible whoppers). But it is all a journey and you never know what you will find when you embark.

Inspiration is everywhere and so are plot bunnies. For me it has been a matter of actually wearing my glasses and ensuring the lenses have been clean and not overly scratched.

The muse doesn't really sleep. At least mine doesn't. He has grown complacent, sullen and lazy. He likes to be front and center with all of the accolades and none of the criticism. (Yes the typos and punctuation errors are all mine, and he points that out on a regular basis.)

In addition to changing my outlook, this project has forced Raul (the muse) out of his slumber. Made him realize there is more than one type of story to write. More than one place to look for inspiration.

Will I do this again?

Maybe.

Will I blog about it again?

Probably not ... we'll see.

Hey, now that I've done something for 29 days, maybe, just maybe, I can follow one of those 90 days to a better life program. Or, I could just have liposuction from the nose down and be done with it.

I guess the keys to my outlook are all up to me.

29 days of giving ... day 28 the gift of thankfulness

2011-07-18T00:12:00.000-07:00

Every major city, and most minor ones, have areas that are known for the number of accidents. Sometimes it is due to the way traffic flows. Other times it has to do with the age of the drivers (young or old). And on occasion it is because the location is a tourist area.

I am grateful for the near miss. The neighborhood was less than safe. The heat was over 113F. I needed to use the bathroom.

Why was there no yelling or screaming at the individual who was texting instead of driving?

Easy. He didn't hit me.

He pulled to the side of the road and looked like he got himself back in order.

Eons ago, there was an astral target pained on my car. I know just how long even a minor accident takes and the amount of paperwork involved. There is a love-love relationship with my insurance agent, but meeting under those circumstances, well - not my favorite.

What was I immediately thankful for?

No damage to my passenger or to me.
No damage to either vehicle.
No delay in getting from point A to point B.
There was no need to experience the heat away from an air conditioning vent.

Overall, not bad.

29 days of giving ... day 27, the gift of dog kisses

2011-07-17T12:03:00.002-07:00

Blondie has a side career ... other than acting like he's cute. He actually gives 'dog' lessons to young kids. Because he's never been an alpha (read: he's a lover not a fighter) and he is smallish (80 pounds is smallish, isn't it?), he is very approachable by young and old alike.

Last night outside of his park, after reading the wee-mail left on the pillars and posts outside the entrance, there was a four-year old boy who wanted to see the dogs but had never been close to one before. The park was crowded and it was a little overwhelming for him. OK, it was overwhelming for Blondie, too - he likes it when things are quiet.

After getting the mom's permission we all got off the beaten path and I introduced them and showed him how to pet Blondie and what felt good.

Several minutes, lots of scratches, and several animal crackers (it just sounds wrong that my dog likes animal crackers, but I've never seen any human crackers to buy him), the mom was tired and hot.

The little boy didn't want to leave until he had a kiss goodbye. Evidently everyone he loved got kissed goodbye. Blondie didn't disappoint - he did however get a great giggle from the child in addition to a great intro to the dog world.

I wonder just what kind of dog he'll own before long?

29 days of giving ... day 26, the gift of proofreading

2011-07-17T03:19:00.001-07:00

Back in Vaudeville, there was once a woman who typed, perfectly mind you, a one page document at over 80 wpm.

Manual typewriters weren't forgiving. To get even keystrokes was the sign of a good typist. And to get a flawless page of type was pretty close to impossible and something that was valued.

Today, we don't necessarily think that the speed is that big a deal, but we have BACKSPACE and DELETE which can be utilized before someone realizes we have made booboos on whatever document we are working on.

We also have CUT and PASTE which look like good things until they are taken from one document and then used incorrectly in the next.

I had the privilege of proofreading a document for a friend today ... she relied on spell check and the Word grammar checker to ensure the quality of her work.

Spell check isn't content check.

Nor is cut and paste always a good thing.

So I shared the advice of my sage old granny:
Sit in an uncomfortable chair.
Don't try to do two things at once.
Take your time to do it right so you don't have to do it over.

Maybe the old manual typewriters weren't such a bad thing after all.

29 days of giving ... day 25, the gift of Disco

2011-07-17T03:08:00.003-07:00

A family friend has been going through some serious trials in her life recently ... I can relate. She lives at a distance and after a lengthy phone call, I didn't think I'd made any kind of a difference to her. I don't even think she vented all of the things she had on her chest.

Right before I hung up, I remembered an old song by KC and the Sunshine Band ... Give It Up. For the short term, she needs to give up control of the things she can't change or can't control.

This song made me think of all of the things you can't control - and if you could, would you really want to?

Plus, can you really not listen to this song and not smile, even if it is a little corny?

29 days of giving ... day 24 - the gift of story and appreciation

2011-07-17T02:59:00.000-07:00

Blondie took 'his' little girl for a walk at the dog park. I went with him, just in case he had too many admirers ... yeah, that's it.

Ok, so we borrowed K and her mom for the evening, but she who holds the leash and the bag of cookies has the loyalty.

After the boy had consumed most of his cookies and had gone as far as his old hips would allow, we headed back through the softball area.

Blondie met the most gracious man who knew exactly how to rub him and how to provide water from a bottle (I can do it, but it always tastes better if some one else is pouring).The gentleman fussed over Blondie and was very good with K, too.

While the boys were having their love-in, it came to light that he had just given the love of his life away. It was the most selfless thing he said he had ever done. Honestly, I think he spent weeks debating about it and choosing the right home for his companion. I know what he does for a living and I understand how a dog wouldn't work there and how h is life changed, but I could also see how much his heart had broken.

Next week, the boy and I are going to take a walk at about the same time and in the same place and hope he is playing ball again ... they could both use the support.

29 days of giving ... day 23 - the gift of exercise, what?

2011-07-17T02:49:00.000-07:00

I remember when exercise used to be called playing. When anything in the yard (or in my sisters' hands) was something to play with and magically turn into something else. We didn't need a rocket to get to the moon. If we pumped our legs hard enough and we pushed the swing high enough, we might, just maybe, possibly, get there under our own steam.

The important part about it was it was fun!

The gym?

Well, I'd love to say it is fun. It isn't. Not always. I am working with someone who more than keeps me honest. But I never considered a small ball to be a torture device ... that steps leading nowhere were enjoyable ... that a bench isn't just for sitting on.

Yes, it sounds like I am complaining. And my muscles - under loved and under cared for - would agree. But it has opened my eyes up to the possibilities of the playground all over again. I may still not LOVE what I'm doing there, but the whole experience has been valuable. The trainer has been incredibly kind, even though she looks like the cat that swallowed the canary after I can no longer move and am drenched from head to toes.

Besides, the recumbent bike has a great view of all of the junior college football team when they are doing their daily workouts. I might just learn to love it despite myself.

29 days of giving ... day 22 - the gift of imagination and hats - lots of hats

2011-07-17T02:38:00.000-07:00

My all time favorite place to eat and explore is MacAlpine's Soda Fountain in Central Phoenix. There is an old fashioned charm about the place that can't be rivaled. Really. But I am prejudiced because places like that run/ran in my family. Besides, I don't know any place else around where I can get an Egg Creme. (I haven't done it because I'm being good with my blood sugar, but I COULD if I really wanted to. Really.)

A friend and her family have been in town visiting. They wanted to go somewhere fancy for dinner. But when you've got an eight year-old in tow, you want something fun that has personality. I'm all for making memories that will come back over time ... and the look on her face when she got a clown sundae was priceless.

When my sisters and I were in high school, the ultimate test for any boy who took us out was the clown sundae - if they got embarrassed, there was no next date. What's not to love? It's got it all!

The restaurant also has a vintage clothing and antique 'stuff' section. Turns out they had a lot of hats and a three way mirror.

Three adults, 15 or more hats, one goofy child. That night, you might say hats were all the rage ... too bad they didn't have these lovely items on display, they would have gone over very well.

29 days of giving ... day 21 - the gift of creativity

2011-07-17T02:23:00.000-07:00

My mother is a multi-talented designer. She does amazing bead work and can slap a few beads together for a necklace faster than I can say Jack Robinson. At one point, I thought I was going to do some of it, then I figured out just how much it was going to cost me to do what I thought I was going to love. Besides, she has the better eye.

On this particular day, she needed someone to just be with her. Worked for me, too. Sometimes there's nothing quite like just being with someone you love.

Except we weren't ... I mean, we did quiet for a couple of minutes and then picked a project. In some ways it was a way for her to let her creativity out and in others, I directly benefited because I wanted a few new bracelets.

Actually, not so much bracelets as new bands for the ever present, ever ugly Medic Alert bracelet. I found some on line where I could swap around what I've got for what they had, but the money involved was huge!

So, we did it together. In under an hour I have three new bands for the charm. It now disappears and looks like I've got something nice on rather than something clunky.

A two way gift, not a bad thing.

Pictures pending - promise.

29 days of giving challenge ... day 20 quality work

2011-07-17T02:14:00.001-07:00

There is a lot to be said for doing something right the first time ... and it is something I try to do. Sometimes there are other, faster, ways to do things, but I always feel like I'm missing a step.

This curb, is one of the few examples I've seen of a WPA project in Phoenix ... as a relatively new city, we think if something is more than 10 years old, it is an antique and then we try to tear it down.

Today, I began work in earnest on a proofreading job for a family member. She paid a large sum of money to have several documents drafted and executed correctly. Nosy Nancy that I am, I asked for advanced copies.

When I read them with a highlighter between my lips and a red pen in my hand, all I could think of was my father. He was able to find the most minute errors in homework I did to the point, I refused to let him see my work.

His attention to detail is something I inherited after he passed. I still don't have his full and entire gift, for which I am grateful.

I have enough to catch the little and expensive things.

It felt good to help someone else achieve perfection and quality work, even if they didn't want to.

Pitbull vs kitten - Offbeat

2011-07-15T02:35:00.001-07:00

Pitbull vs kitten - Offbeat

So they aren't the same ones from the video. Still cute, aren't they?

29 days of giving challenge - follow through ... day 19

2011-07-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a huge fan of doctors, hospitals, laboratories, or tests of any kind.

Years ago, hubby and I actually took a course that had a True/False test at the end. Since I thought things could go one way or the other, I gave an essay answer. The teacher was beyond flummoxed and had to re-write most of his exam questions after we talked since I told him I could have done that to the entire test.

I digress.

Two years ago, I swore to myself that I'd get on top of my health issues. Keep and cheerfully attend quarterly doctor's appointments. And most importantly, I'd actually listen to someone who wasn't my chiropractor. (I happen to have a love-love relationship with my chiropractor and somehow I thought that was enough. I was wrong.) Turns out that things didn't get worse, but they didn't get better either.

Today, I actually followed through and joined a gym. More than that, I walked through the doors without bolting and searching my purse for money for the juice bar.

The upside? It will make a positive impact on my diabetes. Possibly it will make a difference for other things as well.

The downside? Admitting I don't like to follow through and hiring someone to make me do what I should have done voluntarily years ago.

29 days of giving challenge - Happy Birthday, Stinky ...day 18

2011-07-05T23:48:00.000-07:00

Nobody in my family has ever, really, gone by their given name. The tradition started with my mother's mother who seemed to rename everyone. Sometimes she'd fabricate great stories about it, other times she just liked the nickname she selected better.

The apple hasn't fallen far from the tree. Growing up, my mother called all of us Stinky (Stink for short).

It really wasn't as derogatory as it sounds, and it ensured that she didn't get the name wrong when she was talking to you. Since two of my sisters looked a great deal alike, it made her life immeasurably easier.

You could tell by the way she said it in a conversation which one of us she meant. Usually it was along the lines of 'Have you seen Stinky yet today?" or "Where is Stinky?"

Today is/was my brother,Stinky's birthday. He is no longer with us, but I see his spirit everywhere. Any off color joke, any time a story is twisted or the unexpected happens, I'm sure Stinky is orchestrating things so we don't forget him. I called my mom today to wish her well on Stinky's day.

The year he was born, it rained on July 4th. The city had its display the next night. We were all convinced that God knew how special he was and wanted a big celebration to mark his arrival.

Last night, there were some fantastic fireworks and plenty of ooohing and aaahhing going on. I can't ever watch them without thinking of him and hoping he celebrates with us.

Happy birthday, Stinky.

29 days of giving challenge - Discount Shopping ... day 17

2011-07-05T23:36:00.000-07:00

Larkin Brothers Department Store, Loogootee, IN

Shopping, according to my mother's side of the family, should be heralded as an Olympic sport. At least it would be if they had any say about it.

Retail has been in the blood for well over 100 years - or it was - seems to have skipped over my generation.

"If it is wholesale or less, God meant for you to have it." Also known as being able to recognize a value and not get blinded by the price. (Something you don't need isn't a good buy even if it is 90$ off.)

I was able to 'justify' new bathing suits for my sisters and my mom today.

How?

I found an outlet/liquidator about 20 miles from home that had them at about 12.5% of the original price in the store. I bought eight for the price of one ... not bad.

My gift is not just the swimsuits, it is also the family slogan/legacy.

Live long and shop well.

29 days of giving challenge - Tinkerbell ... day 16

2011-07-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

It has been said that there is nothing more intimidating to a writer than a blank page. You can edit horrible writing, but there's not much you can do with a blank page. Origami, maybe. Paper airplanes - that's about it.

I have a friend, Tinkerbell and she knows who she is, who has an evil sense of humor and sees the possibilities in everything.

Because there have been multiple stories in my head and I haven't been able to separate the voices, we had breakfast. I do have fabulous writing friends who live out of state, but sometimes there is something to be said about debating someone's backstory over hash browns and Diet Coke. It is just more interactive and besides, I have to listen to her - she aims a mean fork at me.

Jointly we pulled out the Writer's Tarot book I like so well I had her choose which layout and then her favorite numbers. The horseshoe is a great design and it is only seven cards. When I get stuck, I'm going to send her an email for one or two more numbers (to be used as clarifiers) and we'll move on from there.

Thanks for breakfast, Tink.

29 days of giving challenge - how a haircut can change your life ... day 15

2011-07-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

A generation or more ago, women went to the hair salon once a week to catch up on the gossip and to have their hair shellacked into weather resistant helmets. That may not have been the goal, but I was never able to touch my grandmother's hair without wondering if I was going to get a splinter in my hand after I moved it.

In the 80s (if anyone can remember that long ago), some of us suffered from a quarterly ailment referred to as PERM ADDICTION. Either at home or in a salon, you allowed someone to roll tiny strands of your hair onto itty bitty rollers and then pour on a vile smelling liquid. The liquid transformed straight hair or hair without a lot of body into other things. I usually looked like a deranged poodle after it was over and I smelled worse for about a week.

Now when my grey hair (or as my niece used to call them, my 'sparkles') get out of line and become far too visible, I have my hair both cut and colored.

What was good about those rituals?

Each time a woman changes her hair (drastically), it means she is able and often willing to make other changes in her life. I don't know if this is true of men but think about bootcamp and the big piles of hair the recruits leave on the floor.

I've allowed myself to wander and get stuck in a rut. So, when I had my hair cut/colored on day 15, I gave myself a gift. I let the person with the power (wielding the scissors and the one who knows which bottle looks good on my hair) to have free reign.

In some ways I gave her a present - the ability for her to let her vision free. In others I got the present, an attitude shift.

Don't get me wrong. The haircut is lovely and if you are in Phoenix, I highly recommend her. But the attitude shift is the big one for me.

It lets me become someone who is different, willing to take chances, willing to make changes, willing to clean out the old business cards cluttering a drawer in the kitchen.

29 days of giving challenge - a little charity work day ... 14

2011-07-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

Once again, I fall behind ... *sigh* One day, I'll remain on top of everything. But if I do that, will gravity still work? Probably (darn the luck).

I have always collected people who are smarter, better skilled, more thoughtful, and more charitable than me. It gives me a lot to live up to and it opens my eyes to additional possibilities. Consider me lucky to bask in the glow of their light(s).

For years, my mom has purchased fabric for all kinds of projects (from clothes to curtains to slip covers). She has an ability to see not only the possibility and timelessness of some patterns, but she is also able to engineer things to make the best possible use of the fabric she does have. As a result of frugal use and frugal shopping, she has an incredible store of fabric.

Somehow a project came to her attention as a way to use some of it and give back to the community. This project is one that gives kids in the foster system something of their own they can use to carry their belongings from place to place. Personalized duffel bags.

I am not a great sewer, I can barely make a straight line. I am great at turning things like straps. So, three of us worked on the project to develop our own prototype. One turned straps, someone else ironed seams and fabric, and finally my mom did the sewing.

The assembly line wasn't too efficient the first day, but I know we are going to get better. I also know this might change one child's life. Possibly two.

29 days of giving challenge - the power of the photographer... day 13

2011-06-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

King hunting a cat

Long ago and ever so far away, my father worked in his father's store. One of his many jobs was to process the film that came in for developing.

Because he had access to the chemicals and the dark room, he developed some of his own pictures, too.

Knowing Dad it was probably a case of waste not, want not.

The long and short of it is that there are several pictures of his boyhood companion, King.

What's the poing and what is the gift?

The point is even today with digital images the photographer and developer (photoshopper, computer person, whatever) can and does have tremendous power.

While working on a project for a family friend yesterday, I again realized just how powerful an image is. If it is cropped just so or if the lighting is enhanced, everything can and often does change.

The gift is perception - both given and received.

29 days of giving challenge - getting back in touch - day 12

2011-06-28T01:07:00.000-07:00

I'm the first to admit I'm not great at Reaching Out and Touching Someone. I do well for a while but then fall out of touch with people.

Today I got back in touch with four people who mean the world to me ... and we had, for no good reason, drifted apart.

Each brought me a nugget of wisdom, a bit of joy, and something to think (and talk) about. Each reminded me of a passion I had let slip and falter.

My list of special people is large and e-mail is cheap. 'Tis time to touch more and let them know how much they've touched me.

29 days of giving challenge - book thongs? yes, book thongs day 11

2011-06-27T17:20:00.001-07:00

Evidently we as a culture cannot get enough of all things flossy. And according to my dentist, I should spend much more time with flossy things (and not in the Victoria's Secret sense *sigh*).

Now only do our backsides have thongs, but now our books can have them, too.

Now I just wonder if the books have the same disparaging comments about them women do?

Hmm.

Why are book thongs a gift? Easy. I mentioned them to someone who mentioned them to someone else and now I have a project for the holidays!

It is ultimately another gift of time. In the desert in the hot temperatures (today was a mere 116F or 46.666C) it is hard to think about Christmas holidays. Sooner than later though I am going to be playing Perry Como and Bing on my MP3 player getting into the mood.

Maybe I should start thinking about my annual holiday letter. Then again, maybe not.

29 days of giving challenge - shifting attitude ... day 10

2011-06-27T10:57:00.001-07:00

Recently, a friend recommended me on LinkedIn. Out of the blue were lovely words about me. Wow. It was an incredibly lovely recommendation and one that I didn't feel I altogether deserved especially since we've fallen out of touch.

I sent a note via his facebook page (and I hate facebook) to thank him and to check up on him.

Like me, he is a cancer survivor. Unlike me, the cancers won't leave him alone. He has had several brain surgeries and undergone more chemotherapy than one person should have to endure.

We chatted briefly and to say that I was humbled and my attitude shifted is an understatement.

Maybe the gift was in my being able to recommend him as a writer, editor, co-conspirator. Maybe my gift was to be there for him since we have similar histories. Maybe my gift was that he has once again shifted my attitude and he doesn't even know it.

Sometimes something new grows and if we don't immediately assume it is a weed, it can become a flower.

29 days of giving challenge - chinese food ... day 9

2011-06-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Fuzzy has never really grown up, and I mean that in the nicest possible way.

He still has the joy and imagination of a kid when it comes to all things Sci-Fi and Fantasy.

This summer was made for him. I mean we had the Green Hornet (disappointment), Thor (ladies, I highly recommend this), the Green Lantern (more or less thumbs up), and soon to have Captain America.

The gift? I didn't fall asleep in the movie. Normally if there are enough explosions, special effects, and the theater is cool enough, it is beddie by time for me. I have slept through all of the James Bond, Star Wars, Die Hard, and Arnie movies that are out there. I do remember staying awake for Ironman, but I slept through Sherlock Holmes - go figure.

As a result of staying awake and somewhat engaged in the movie, I chose dinner at a Chinese place.

How is this a benefit to me? Easy. I've been stuck trying to find inspiration for a story. Sort of. I have ideas for several that have been in my mind and fighting for dominance. The lucky numbers from dinner will be the deciding factor of some of the characters and some of the issues that may (and may not) come up ... or could just be used for me and backstory.

29 days of giving challenge - celebrating someone else's muse ... day 8

2011-06-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

Nothing makes a writer happier than knowing that his/her work has brought something to the reader. [Ok, so I was going to say joy but if the writer did something angsty, that's just not right.]

I have several friends who write, most do it for pleasure.

Sometimes I'm lucky and I get to pre-read a sample of something and offer input. Other times, I an lucky and I get to read the finished product.

Today I had the gift from two such friends. The pieces were great, made me think, and offered details and perspectives I wouldn't have come up with.

My gift to them? Easy. I told them what I thought. It isn't much, I mean, that and $10 will buy you a fancy coffee drink (or maybe two). But, and there is a but, isn't there always, sharing my ideas and reflections on their wok feeds their muses and mine.

Besides, who doesn't like a pat on the back once in a while?

29 days of giving challenge - laughter ... day 7

2011-06-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

People who answer phones all day are seldom appreciated for their efforts. Having worked as the first line of defense for several businesses, I know this well.

Since Fuzzy's brush with fame, his neck has caused some little discomfort. As a result, he needs to do a little physical therapy to improve his quality of life.

When I called to set up his first appointment, the most charming person answered the phone. We had a little fun while attending business.

Blondie's current trick is stealth - well stealth for an old dog who is slightly hard of hearing and who has arthritis in his hips.

Why do I bring this up?

He crept into the room, blew out a sigh, and firmly placed his face on my thigh. Frankly, the bloody blue blazes were scared out of me. So when I said, "Grumpy, what do you think you're doing?" Her response was, "I think I like you."

I didn't have the heart to tell her I call both the husband and the dog by the same nicknames (well, both can be grumpy and both are fuzzy - only one is a blond though).

It made her day and Fuzzy Man didn't do too badly at therapy, either.

29 days of giving challenge - returning the favor ... day 6

2011-06-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

Arizona is a community property state and I was raised in a community property frame of mind. What that means is I don't limit the concept to my marriage ... it spreads to my entire family. What is mine is theirs for the asking and vice versa.

Several weeks ago, darling dearest had a brush with fame and our beloved and much used van died and went to heaven. The other driver would be considered famous, not the van. The accident is another story, but it always leaves me wondering if I will ever have my own brush with fame or if I will just brush with those who brush with fame.

A couple of years ago through a lot of swapping, the van which had once been my sister's became my mother's. It not only became my mother's but her favorite vehicle.

When our van went to the great parking lot in the sky, my mom generously offered us the use of her favorite. Then she let me buy it from her.

Since her 'other' van, much newer, needed a little work, she got to have her favorite back for a couple of days.

How is that a gift?

My sisters live out of town and when they come, they spend time shopping and really being with each other. Since I live down the street, we don't seem to come together the same way for each other.

We got the gift of company, shopping, some laughter, and a fantastic afternoon.

Soon, the car will be done and mine will be returned to me.

I hope we are able to share another day or afternoon like that and soon ... it is the most relaxed I've seen her in a long time.

Again it seems the gift is for me. But aren't they all? Really?


not current vehicle

29 days of giving challenge - gift of responsibility to others ... day 5

2011-06-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

The desert is survivable in the summer thanks in large part to swimming pools. A lot of swimming pools. The mere act of dunking the body in cooler than body temperature water drops the core temperature and ensures a better night's sleep. (And if there are children, the splashing and swimming use a lot of energy also ensuring sleep.)

Hubby, Blondie and I went to check the house and pool of a friend's home to discover the pool pump had been on (not unusual, it is cheaper to run at night than during the day); however, two to three inches of water were drained from the water level. This may not sound like much, but it is. A lot. It can take hours, and more than a few dollars, to recover the necessary water level.

After shutting down the pump, taking pictures, an e-mail was sent. I can't fathom the cost if this had gone on for a large number of days. Really, I can't tell how long it has/had gone on - at least two.

The owner was notified via text message (with picture) and e-mail.

Water is a huge responsibility, especially in a place that gets so little of it each year.

29 days of giving challenge - gift of support ... day 4

2011-06-20T00:30:00.000-07:00

Even though we all think that Beaver Clever should have been the norm, it wasn't. All families have issues. That's just the way it is.

When my folks raised us, we were told that no matter what happened, you may not like your sister(s)/brother(s) right now, but they were yours for the rest of your life. And there would be times when we wouldn't necessarily be the best of friends, but the tie among us was forever.

Later I discovered that no matter what, my sister(s)/brother(s) were there for me. In MY corner. NO MATTER WHAT.

I haven't always been good at expressing that to or for them, and I am making amends every day about that.

It is now my turn to be in the corner for my sister(s)/brother(s). NO MATTER WHAT.

When I read the 29 day gift challenge the author talked about giving away something that meant everything to her as part of her challenge. I realized that I never need to do that part of the challenge. There is NOTHING I wouldn't give to someone in my family. Anything (and I do mean anything) is theirs for the asking, taking, or needing.

I've never seen myself as being charitable, kind, or even indulgent to others. Maybe I am, just around the corners.

PS - if you guys are reading this, know that I love you.

29 days of giving challenge - the gift of comfort ... day 3

2011-06-20T00:21:00.000-07:00

I know that I talk too much about 'the boy' aka Blondie the old-golden retriever mix. But he is my only child and he is aging before my eyes.

As so many of us do, he has developed arthritis and joint pain and can no longer walk to the dog park without needing to stop and have a drink. (In his younger days he zipped to the park and around it with all of his friends.)

Today when he gave me the mournful look to be with his friends, I put him in the back of the van and drove him less than one-quarter of a mile so he could see and be seen. The van is an older Mazda MVP where the back seats can be made into a bench that doesn't quite span the full length of the area.

Style. Comfort. Respect.

Not such a bad gift to give, is it?

29 days of giving challenge - the history lesson ... day 2

2011-06-20T00:12:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm not as timely as I'd like to be with writing, but I am again doing the 29 days of giving.

Friday I took hubby with me to see a Golden Age of Comics exhibit at the library (1938-1950). I thought the gift was getting him in touch with his inner child. It wasn't.

The gift was for the teen-volunteer. His job this summer is to keep the exhibit clean, orderly, and answer questions to the gawking adults and find stuff for the little kids to look at so they are entertained.

Some of the most impactful adults I ever met treated me like a full-fledged person long before I was old enough to drive. They got me to value myself and to see how my ideas were important.

No, I don't think drawing him out and getting him to tell me about his favorite things (and who his favorite superheroes) were.

When he told me he didn't understand how the telephone in the phonebooth would have worked in real life, I was shocked. Such a simple, or so I thought, thing.

In his lifetime, there have been precious few pay phones, fewer phonebooths, and a rotary dial phone has never existed except in pictures. The thought of not having a cell phone or needing change to make a call was completely beyond his scope.

I became a history teacher, first the payphone and then 1930s/1940s economics.

Later I explained that when my dad was a kid, his father paid 3.5 cents per comic that sold for a nickle. (My grandfather owned the town pharmacy and soda fountain.) My father and his brother were allowed to take them home, read them (provided they didn't so much as breathe on the print), and return them to the store the next day for sale.

The fact that newspapers costing a dime was a heft investment was another idea he had a hard time fathoming.

I introduced him t The Shadow and he schooled me on the Green Lantern. My husband prefers Captain America.

All in all, it was a great gift.

29 days of giving challenge - starting over ... day 1

2011-06-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

The good news and the bad news about the 29 day gift challenge is that if you miss a day, you start over.

I skipped a couple of days and decided that instead of back peddling, I'd begin again. Hey, self honesty has been something I promised myself I would do this year.

I started again last night. I cleaned some of my mom's Indian jewelry collection. When I was a kid, it was something I enjoyed because I got to fondle all of her treasures and pretend that they (or something like it) would one day be mine.

Last night as we cleaned together, we told stories. When a piece was acquired. Which outfit would make something else pop. How many pieces is too many to wear at once. Most importantly, we laughed.

Who knew that by giving a gift to her, I really think I'm the one who got the gift.

29 Days of Giving - Day 8 - gift of laughter

2011-06-10T00:18:00.000-07:00

I love my insurance agent and the people who work in his office. I've been conditioned to love them because my agent's father was my father's agent when he moved to Phoenix long ago and far away. When I needed insurance, it was a no brainer to stay with the office even though the father retired and the son took over.

Even if it is months between phone calls or visits (which I view as a good thing), they always remember who I am. (Then again, some of my policies pre-date the births of some of the staffers - I inherited the numbers, so shoot me.)

Anyway, Mona and Diana made my life easier today by changing a policy for me.

At the end of the conversation, I said, "I will forever sing your praises. Thank you."

"Tell our boss!"

So I did. I told him, "I sing from the praise book of all of your staff. I might not be on the right hymn, and I sing off key and I can't hold a beat, but I sing loudly and proudly that they are amazing."

It probably won't get anyone a raise, but it did lift the spirits of at least three people, four if I include myself.

29 Days of Giving - Day 7 - Forgiveness

2011-06-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

When I attended college at University of San Diego, one of the non-official, but HIGHLY encouraged, requirements was a weekend retreat.

As I remember it, it was in the mountains not too far from campus, but it was bitingly cold. (Cold by San Diego standards was any day that didn't reach 65F ... and the true need for a heater.) There may have even been snow on the ground. But I digress.

USD is a Catholic university and no retreat would have been complete without mass and 'reconciliation.' I never got into calling it that, to me a confession is a confession.

I got the form wrong (beyond the 'Forgive me Father' bit I was a bit freeform). But the unburdening of my soul did feel good ... the fact that the priest recommended some intense counseling after the session (advice which was not heeded) somewhat dimmed the experience.

Today I touched base with a friend. She's got a wicked sense of humor, she's smart, and she undervalues herself.

Because I do healing work, to cover myself legally, I am an ordained minister. Nope, I'm never going to have a show on the religious broadcasting type networks and that wasn't the point.

Before we disconnected, she apologized for not being in touch. From experience, I know what it is to shut people who love you out; to disappear from their lives. It doesn't mean I quit thinking about them, it just meant that at the time, I didn't have it to give. She wanted to carry the guilt of not being in touch and she wanted to be taken to task for it.

Lapsed Catholic that I am and ordained as I am (that an $5 or more will get me something to drink at a fancy coffee place), I felt I could change her outlook - if only for a few seconds.

"Dearest," I said. "I forgive you on behalf of everyone you feel you have hurt. Go forth and sin no more."

I haven't heard such joyful laughter in a long time.

Forgiveness. It isn't just for breakfast anymore. Celebrate what there is to celebrate. Go ahead, you've got my permission to LIVE!

29 Days of Giving - Day 6 - Allowing the tears

2011-06-08T01:28:00.000-07:00

Years ago when my brother died, my own heart broke. I tried for weeks to cover the intensity of the pain and the depth of the loss.

When I thought I was past the worst of it and wouldn't embarrass myself in public, I had a meeting with my mentor. He was the first person outside of my family or friends I had exposed the soft underside of my belly and all of my vulnerabilities.

Ken was safe, kind and non-judgmental.

Today, it was my gift to offer that to a friend. Her loss was different, but in the end all loss is the same and should be respected.

Someone who can trust and know there will be no change in the relationship is rare indeed.

I think today we both received a gift.

Please pass me a hanky.

29 Days of Giving - Day 5 -Joy in the little things

2011-06-07T00:54:00.001-07:00

When I went to do a favor for a friend today, I decided that it was a two fold gift. I am gifting her with peace of mind regarding her vacation home and I gifted my 'old gold' with a car ride and new smells.

Like so many of us, I've gotten jaded about what has value and what is important.

Old gold, also known as a retriever mix who is old and no longer quite so gold as he once was, is a well seasoned citizen who gets such joy out of the odd car ride, fast food burger, or a brisk sit in a puddle, I've decided to adopt his view point.

Oh and the side benefit? Stories I wrote and sent for publication over a year ago are going into print very soon and I have been in touch with a client.

29 Days of Giving - Day 4 - Just a Matter of Time

2011-06-06T02:10:00.000-07:00

My mom is one of the most active, creative, and vibrant 60+ somethings that I know. She usually has so many irons on the fire, we seem to pass each other despite the fact she doesn't live but five miles down the street from me.

Today, I gave the gift of time and true conversation to her. We talked, laughed, and worked on jewelry. Did I mention that she is a great jewelry designer? Each piece is unique, textured and layered. Think of a painting from a great artist and notice that sometimes there is far more going on than just the still life, you might be able to see the reflection of the child in the mirror above the plate or you might notice that the person sitting for the portrait is painted in mismatched shoes. That is what looking at her necklaces and bracelets is like to me. Sure, I can look at the stones and realize what she's used, but when I look at the combination of the stones with the seed and other beads, combined with the copper or silver bits it takes things to a different level.

While I have always appreciated the pieces she's made for me, today I took the time to not only look and see, but truly appreciate her work for what it is.

All it cost me was a little time.

Thanks, Mom.

29 Days of Giving - Day 3 - Asking for Help

2011-06-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who is an incredibly gracious soul, creative spirit, and has amazing insight into so very many things.

Today she pointed out to me, kindly and delicately mind you, that on a different blog I could be doing things better. She even offered to help me in my conundrums and with the details that I hadn't considered. I hadn't considered that anyone might really read the thing, so never gave it enough consideration.

My gift? Accepting her generous offer of help. Sometimes to change yourself, you have to ask for help or accept it when it is offered.

With hat in hand and great enthusiasm, I thank her for her support, her help, and her generosity.

29 Days of Giving - Day 2 - Is peace a gift? How about self honesty?

2011-06-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

Is the gift of peace a gift? Hubby is off today and instead of presenting the 'honey we need to do list', I left him in peace to pursue his hobby. The 'we need to do list' is long and never seems to get shorter but peace never seems to make it to the list.

Maybe this counts. I hope so.

If not, I have a new diabetic glucose meter. It does everything, provided you actually puncture your skin and apply blood on the strips.

When I did it this morning, I was convinced the number couldn't have been right. It was just too darned high.

Then again, last night I ate before I went to bed and that might have had something to do with it.

Because the new meter can show you trends with the push of a button and I'd like to see smooth trending, I'll have to get more honest with myself about everything in my life. Maybe it is a gift to me?

29 Days of Giving - Day 1 - Leaping Before You Look

2011-06-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, my dad was incredibly cautious of all things his children deemed to be fun and adventurous. Then again, his job put him in a position to see the after effects that were suffered by many of those who leaped before they looked. (Did you know it isn't smart to leap off the top of a ditch in the desert until you are sure there isn't a cactus where your posterior is likely to fall? That's another story.)

As a result, I have spent a lot of time looking, evaluating, contemplating, and letting a lot of experiences just pass me by.

I have tended to wade into the pool to make sure I can cope with the temperature instead of doing a cannon ball and dealing with the shock. (So in the desert in August, the water isn't that cold, but you get my meaning.)

Anyway as I digress, for some reason, the idea of the 29 days of giving has more than caught hold of me. Blowing my own horn (yes, I played trumpet as a girl so I know how to blow a real horn, not that it makes a nice noise now), I have decided to make the leap and see if I can actually do 29 days of something and be consistent about it.

My first gift (and there may be more than one today) was to joyfully give the dog his peanut butter, animal crackers, and meds. He is always excited by the ritual. He associates the experience with tasting good and feeling better. I associate it with a pre-dawn activity and getting my fingers nipped.

After his meds, we played with his musty old bear, his favorite, until he realized how boring I am.

I only leaped into the shallow end, but the day is young.

29 days to change your life

2011-05-30T00:07:00.000-07:00

So, I'm addicted to things that don't require more than a one month commitment - hence I've never done a 90 day total body makeover. Frankly, they are 60 days too long.

I stumbled upon something at the library the other day: Cami Walker - 29 Gifts - How a Month of giving Can Change Your Life

After having read it and thought about it, I think I might just do it ... heck I might even play with facebook about it.

Story Inspiration ...

2011-05-14T01:20:00.000-07:00

My muse left me some while ago and left me high and dry looking for story inspiration. I used to be incredibly cocky because everything flowed quickly and easily.

These days, I feel like I'm in the Dog Haus or the Dog Zone ... because what was once so easy, has become rare as hens' teeth.

I've had a talk with my muse and my friends ...

For now, baby steps will do.

Easily Distracted

2011-05-12T00:08:00.000-07:00

Not long ago, the dog took the husband and me on a walk in a park. It's a natural area where horses, bicycles, and pedestrians play well with others.

Being less than graceful and walking a seasoned citizen (the dog, not the husband), I kept my eyes on the path and watched for cacti that might get into someone's tail ...

After safely avoiding the stickery things and keeping him hydrated, I stumbled into something that made me wonder if someone else wasn't quite so lucky.

So ask yourself, are you easily distracted? Are you, huh?

the perfect job

2011-03-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

I've done a lot of thinking about the perfect job.

I want to be a cow.

No one would care how wide my hips are/were. How low certain things hang. I'd be considered to be contemplating life when I chew with my mouth open.

Not just any old cow who stands around in a feed lot all day and can't move, run or play. I like the idea of being either a cow on an Amish farm or one of the spokes cows for the dairies.

The advantage of the Amish farms is the lack of ego involved. Everyone works and does their best.

The advantage of being a spokes cow is the Fame and Fortune. But Hollywood does have a way of looking for the flavor of the month. Remember Elsie the cow for the Borden Dairy? She had her own commercial series for years (and she had a great necklace and earrings - not to mention the apron). But now? She's been replaced with the Cool Cows from California. They go skiing, go to the beach, and they always look well tended.

But who does the quote apply to?

2011-02-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled on a great quote, but it does it really apply universally?

The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.
Dorothy Parker

Lovely, really, but not always true.

Think of the two year old who has put his/her hand on top of a hot burner?
What about the kid who discovers the truth about Santa?
In my own life, the dog who can't wait to find out what new goodies are in the trash can.

I don't even want to go into politics ...

The truth about universally true statements is that they are always true - usually. Right?

Doing the Little Things ...

2011-01-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

Zig Ziglar was required reading and listening once upon a time when I was in sales. He was usually motivating, generally entertaining, and always had a little down-home wisdom scattered through his stories.

One of the things he was a champion of was doing a little bit to make a large impact or change. In my 20s and 30s, the importance of that didn't really resonate with me. Why should it? I was still (more or less) immortal.

Unfortunately after reading an article in a women's magazine, I did the math. If I do each of their 'Five Minute a Day" items, my day will need to be 27 hours and 8 minutes - this doesn't count working or sleeping.

But I think I'll do a little bit to change this year - it might just add up.

Joe Vitale - Expect Miracles

2011-01-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

Joe Vitale, known to most for his fame in The Secret, has been around for years doing what he does best - making sense of what blocks us most.

I recently listened to Expect Miracles (not cheating, it is an audiobook). Anyway, he talked about the importance of gratitude. Frankly a lot of metaphysical gurus talk about that and just because it is a popular theme doesn't discount it's importance or relevance.

At one of his lowest points, he talked about being grateful for his pencil. With his pencil he could write his ideas and with the attached eraser, he could amend them. When he got truly intune with himself and his pencil, he realized just how much he really did have to be grateful for.

We all do. It was important for me to see it again.

Thanks, Joe.

http://www.amazon.com/Expect-Miracles-Joe-Vitale/dp/1897404069/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295548908&sr=1-7

the love hate relationship ...

2010-12-30T07:02:00.001-07:00

I love my computer ... really. I am also in mourning for it ... the operating system has died and the lovely people at HP don't know quite what to do with it/me.

I just had no idea it was like a co-dependent relationship (and not necessarily a good one).

How addictive it could be.
How I would feel when I wasn't in constant contact with it.
How much I took it for granted.

The things I assumed it would do for me.

Automatically remind me of appointments/birthdays/holidays
Keep me organized
Be there for me in the middle of the night.

I am waiting by the phone/mailbox (you get the idea) for replacement disks to replace the 'restore' discs that I made which do not work.

If they don't work - the next level decision will have to be made ... do I put it and me out of 'our' misery or do I force it to love me and recover another way?