Am I the only one within my generation who thinks the weather is worse now than when we were kids? We had some gully washers and frog strangers back in the late 60's and 70's. But even those did not approach the ferocity of the past several storms which have rocketed across our state in the past months. One group screams "Global Warming!"; while the other side touts Corporate abuses of the Clean Air Act.
I don't pretend to know why our weather is in need of a nice vacation, I only have to worry about weather when my real job interferes with my writing. When the two work together and I have to take time away from writing to fix problems in my reality then I tend to grump. This weekend has been one of those days.
By all appearances Mother Nature has menopause. Really, think about it. Hot flashes, crying jags, moody swings - if these are not symptoms of full blown menopause then I am not a woman! Human women take hormones and anti depressants and any other manner of artificial and natural remedies to deal with their 'change'. What, however, does one give Nature?
Would a large glass of Pinot and a 500,000mg Xanex help? Perhaps a trip to the beach with some girlfriends. Chocolate produces wonderful feelings in human brains, would it would on Mother Nature? Maybe that's why she created cocoa beans in the first place?
So how do we calm a planet wide menopause attack? I don't know, but I sure hope someone figures it out soon!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Mr. Clean or Strickolean?
We just returned from a cruise vacation in Mexico. We took our kids and our son's girlfriend. For the most part it was a fabulous vacation. We made some fabulous new friends at our table during dinner and had some memorable conversations. However, there were a few flies in the ointment.
1 - Rain in LA and San Diego happens occasionally. They do not have a good highway system out there. The roads are not gently beamed to let the water flow away. Instead it just lays on the road and causes massive flooding. It took us six hours to drive down to San Diego, normal drive time is two hours.
2 - The last time I took a trip from San Diego (four years ago), it was in the 70's during the day and 50's at night. This trip was 50's during the days and 30's at night. Everyone was bundled like a snow blizzard in Atlanta. Even the first day headed south was cool. They closed the ceiling of the pool deck is was so cool. Even in Puerta Vallarta it was only 68. Four years ago it was in the 80s.
3 - Don't always take the early seating options for the dining room. We never got to see the sun set in the West. Also, eating at 6pm guarantees you will be starving again before midnight and will need to order room service. This took approximately one hour each time we ordered. What sounded good at 10pm isn't so wonderful at 11pm.
4 - Driving to LAX from San Diego has a toll road. Be prepared to ante up $5 for the toll. On the plus side, it is a beautiful drive, with the Pacific on one side and sweeping vistas inland to the mountains. I wouldn't ever live in California, but it sure is a beautiful place to visit.
5 - Don't drink the water or eat the lettuce in Mexico. It might not be infected, but do you really feel lucky?
All in all it was a fabulous vacation. The weather was warm, the food was plentiful and the time all to short. Once again we found our slice of heaven on a secluded beach in Puerta Vallarta. But that is a tale for another day.
1 - Rain in LA and San Diego happens occasionally. They do not have a good highway system out there. The roads are not gently beamed to let the water flow away. Instead it just lays on the road and causes massive flooding. It took us six hours to drive down to San Diego, normal drive time is two hours.
2 - The last time I took a trip from San Diego (four years ago), it was in the 70's during the day and 50's at night. This trip was 50's during the days and 30's at night. Everyone was bundled like a snow blizzard in Atlanta. Even the first day headed south was cool. They closed the ceiling of the pool deck is was so cool. Even in Puerta Vallarta it was only 68. Four years ago it was in the 80s.
3 - Don't always take the early seating options for the dining room. We never got to see the sun set in the West. Also, eating at 6pm guarantees you will be starving again before midnight and will need to order room service. This took approximately one hour each time we ordered. What sounded good at 10pm isn't so wonderful at 11pm.
4 - Driving to LAX from San Diego has a toll road. Be prepared to ante up $5 for the toll. On the plus side, it is a beautiful drive, with the Pacific on one side and sweeping vistas inland to the mountains. I wouldn't ever live in California, but it sure is a beautiful place to visit.
5 - Don't drink the water or eat the lettuce in Mexico. It might not be infected, but do you really feel lucky?
All in all it was a fabulous vacation. The weather was warm, the food was plentiful and the time all to short. Once again we found our slice of heaven on a secluded beach in Puerta Vallarta. But that is a tale for another day.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
On this day in history....
February 2Nd.
Groundhog Day.
In 1977, Radio Shack officially began making the TRS-80 computer. Such a short time ago, compared to the rest of history.
Working with computers has been part of my job history since 1985. Less than ten years after the TRS-80 began production. What changes we have experienced.
As children, would our generation have ever dreamed of television with remote controls or telephones you could take with you when you drive? Movies in three dimensions? Gasoline costing more than a meal at McDonald's?
What about the negatives we have experienced in that same time period? Coarse language and nudity accepted on prime time television? Teenagers hooked on prescription drugs they steal from their parents? An entire generation raised without two parent homes and dependant upon the government for their survival?
What would our founding fathers say of this America? Would they be proud of what we have bled and died to maintain? Or would they hang their heads and turn away disgusted with our avarice and complacency?
Make this day in history one you will be proud to point out to your children and your children's children. Take a stand for what you know is right. Stand apart from the masses. Think for yourself!
Groundhog Day.
In 1977, Radio Shack officially began making the TRS-80 computer. Such a short time ago, compared to the rest of history.
Working with computers has been part of my job history since 1985. Less than ten years after the TRS-80 began production. What changes we have experienced.
As children, would our generation have ever dreamed of television with remote controls or telephones you could take with you when you drive? Movies in three dimensions? Gasoline costing more than a meal at McDonald's?
What about the negatives we have experienced in that same time period? Coarse language and nudity accepted on prime time television? Teenagers hooked on prescription drugs they steal from their parents? An entire generation raised without two parent homes and dependant upon the government for their survival?
What would our founding fathers say of this America? Would they be proud of what we have bled and died to maintain? Or would they hang their heads and turn away disgusted with our avarice and complacency?
Make this day in history one you will be proud to point out to your children and your children's children. Take a stand for what you know is right. Stand apart from the masses. Think for yourself!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What the heck happened to this year?
OK - today is the 9Th day of November. I have a simple question -
What the hell happened to the rest of this year?
Ever since my mother-in-law died the end of July, the days have been flying past. School started, my daughter had a birthday, my husband had a birthday, I had a birthday, my mother turned 90 - all events that sped past so fast none were given the attention they warranted. Especially my mother's 90Th birthday.
My whole family came to town. Once again, I felt left out of everything. It would be nice to not feel like the outsider inside of my own family. But I've grown comfortable on the outside looking in. Some of the observations of my family become fodder for my characters.
I am still trying to market book one, and I have a new story percolating. Problem? It isn't a fantasy story. It's more of an adventure/romance. I don't normally write pure romance. I can't come up with enough story to carry a romance only book. There has to be a hook for me to want to invest the mental energy to harvest.
Soon, the holidays will be here. Am I ready? No. This will be a hard time for my hubby and his family - the first Christmas without Sue. I don't know what to do to help my kids with the sadness they are going to have the next few weeks. All suggestions are welcome.
What the hell happened to the rest of this year?
Ever since my mother-in-law died the end of July, the days have been flying past. School started, my daughter had a birthday, my husband had a birthday, I had a birthday, my mother turned 90 - all events that sped past so fast none were given the attention they warranted. Especially my mother's 90Th birthday.
My whole family came to town. Once again, I felt left out of everything. It would be nice to not feel like the outsider inside of my own family. But I've grown comfortable on the outside looking in. Some of the observations of my family become fodder for my characters.
I am still trying to market book one, and I have a new story percolating. Problem? It isn't a fantasy story. It's more of an adventure/romance. I don't normally write pure romance. I can't come up with enough story to carry a romance only book. There has to be a hook for me to want to invest the mental energy to harvest.
Soon, the holidays will be here. Am I ready? No. This will be a hard time for my hubby and his family - the first Christmas without Sue. I don't know what to do to help my kids with the sadness they are going to have the next few weeks. All suggestions are welcome.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Yes, I know... it's been a long time!
Wow.
I knew it had been a long time since I blogged, but May? I really thought it had only been a few weeks. Time flies when I work too much. So, a quick recap...
June and July were work, work, work. We had a big July 4Th event which actually went rather well. So well, Steve and I decided to take two weeks vacation. After a lot of back and forth we decided to go out to the Pacific Northwest and drive down the coast.
Just as we got heavy into the planning phase, Steve's mother died. Very unexpected and very painful. Steve originally wanted to cancel everything, but I think his mother would not have wanted us to stop our plans because of her death. We made some alternate arrangements and here we are.
Flying into Seattle, we spent the first day wandering the city with friends. Did some of the regular tourist stuff, like the Space Needle, but also wandered into small stalls in the Pike Place Market for infused oils and vinegar and marvelous breads. Had lunch in a little out of the beaten path restaurant and ate the most incredible White truffle chicken salad I have ever had. The sun came out in the afternoon and we continued to wander the waterfront.
Second day was spent picking up the rental car, finishing up Seattle (we tried to find the Deadliest Catch fleet to no avail) and then to Mt. Rainer National Park. The volcano played peek-a-boo all day, but we saw awesome giant redwoods and cedar at the Garden of the Patriarchs. Then we headed to Portland and family!
I knew it had been a long time since I blogged, but May? I really thought it had only been a few weeks. Time flies when I work too much. So, a quick recap...
June and July were work, work, work. We had a big July 4Th event which actually went rather well. So well, Steve and I decided to take two weeks vacation. After a lot of back and forth we decided to go out to the Pacific Northwest and drive down the coast.
Just as we got heavy into the planning phase, Steve's mother died. Very unexpected and very painful. Steve originally wanted to cancel everything, but I think his mother would not have wanted us to stop our plans because of her death. We made some alternate arrangements and here we are.
Flying into Seattle, we spent the first day wandering the city with friends. Did some of the regular tourist stuff, like the Space Needle, but also wandered into small stalls in the Pike Place Market for infused oils and vinegar and marvelous breads. Had lunch in a little out of the beaten path restaurant and ate the most incredible White truffle chicken salad I have ever had. The sun came out in the afternoon and we continued to wander the waterfront.
Second day was spent picking up the rental car, finishing up Seattle (we tried to find the Deadliest Catch fleet to no avail) and then to Mt. Rainer National Park. The volcano played peek-a-boo all day, but we saw awesome giant redwoods and cedar at the Garden of the Patriarchs. Then we headed to Portland and family!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wow
Lots of things going on, which is why this hasn't been updated in a while!
Work is busy, but we have a bit of a down week this weekend, so I can spend some time with the family, the horses, and most important - the new book.
CATALYST is with my awesome editor. For the next six weeks, he will be dissecting and correcting my baby. The good part is - I know he loves the story and will not try to swing things away from what I am trying to accomplish. A good editor is a price beyond measure. JD is great, I am so lucky God sent me in his direction.
Still trying to get noticed by a publisher, but I know that will happen when God is ready. It's a good story and I know it will resonate with someone.
School is almost over for the year. Standardized test scores are in and we are ready (almost) for summer. Daughter has lots planned - son intends to work and save for a car.
Not too much else to post, I really have some words burning for book two of the trilogy. I have to strike while the words are hot!
Work is busy, but we have a bit of a down week this weekend, so I can spend some time with the family, the horses, and most important - the new book.
CATALYST is with my awesome editor. For the next six weeks, he will be dissecting and correcting my baby. The good part is - I know he loves the story and will not try to swing things away from what I am trying to accomplish. A good editor is a price beyond measure. JD is great, I am so lucky God sent me in his direction.
Still trying to get noticed by a publisher, but I know that will happen when God is ready. It's a good story and I know it will resonate with someone.
School is almost over for the year. Standardized test scores are in and we are ready (almost) for summer. Daughter has lots planned - son intends to work and save for a car.
Not too much else to post, I really have some words burning for book two of the trilogy. I have to strike while the words are hot!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
10K Miles from ATL
Still leaving, still breathing, and still humpin it to get through the second and third periods
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