If you want to read an amazing book by an amazing author....and incredible human being....then read "Mesmerized" by David Matthew Barnes.
You won't be disappointed!
Check him out at:
http://www.dmbarnes.blogspot.com
http://www.davidmatthewbarnes.com
About the Author:
David-Matthew Barnes is the author of the young adult novel "Mesmerized" and the forthcoming literary suspense novel "Accidents Never Happen", both published by Bold Strokes Books. He wrote and directed the coming-of-age film "Frozen Stars", which received worldwide distribution. To date, he has written over forty stage plays that have been performed in three languages in eight countries. His literary work has been featured in over one hundred publications. David-Matthew received a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina. Currently, he is a full-time faculty member at Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin, Georgia, where he teaches courses in English, speech and theatre.
Brief Synopsis of "Mesmerized":
While being punished for writing a controversial article in her high school paper, Serena Albright is befriended by the enigmatic loner Brodie Wiles. Serena witnesses the first time that Brodie meets Lance Royal, who is secretly rehearsing to compete in The Showdown, the biggest dance contest of the year. Immediately, Serena is drawn into their world, inspired by the love she recognizes between them.
Through her close friendship with Brodie and Lance, Serena finds comfort for the grief and guilt she feels over the brutal death of her older brother, the victim of a hate crime. Frustrated that her deep-in-denial parents spend endless hours in front of the television and refuse to acknowledge the death of their son, Serena accepts the challenge to have a face-to-face meeting with the boy who killed her brother.
Some Reviews of his book "Mesmerized"
4.0 out of 5 stars Teen's coming out gives a family a second chance ..., October 29, 2010
By Bob Lind "camelwest" (Phoenix, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER) This review is from: Mesmerized (Paperback)
It's "love at first sight" for loner high school senior Brody Wiles meets Lance Royal, who is preparing to enter a local dancing competition. There as a witness is the high school paper's conscientious but socially-stunted editor, Serena Albright, who is especially attuned to the needs of gay teens, since her brother - who was never completely accepted by her parents or her after he came out to them - was the fatal victim of a hate crime. Serena makes it her mission to help Brody find happiness, the same way she wishes she would have been better attuned to her brother's needs. At the same time, she is working through the guilt she has for failing to have done so, and dealing with her parents, who have become emotional cripples since their son's death, failing to deal with their grief and move on. Like Serena, her parents find themselves involved in helping Brody after he comes out to his own parents, and decides to join Lance as his dance partner in the competition. At the same time, Serena and her parents have to deal with a request from the individual who is in prison for killing her brother.
The book is set in the late 1980's, but still relevant to the plight of many gay teens today. The author presents a vivid and realistic telling of the emotions and unfortunate realities that can face a teenager in reconciling his sexuality, as well as the confrontations this can cause with others. Very well written, meant for a younger audience, but a valuable read for all. Four stars out of five.
- Bob Lind, Echo Magazine
About Me
- Patti Dinsmore
- Beijing, Wangjing, China
- I set this blog up as a way to express myself creatively through my writing. I am a 'long distance' member of a writing group in Somerset called "Works in Progress" I am currently working on my first & second novels (simultaneously), along with multiple short stories, poems, and even a childrens story or two....which is very interesting...you know...all those voices talking at once!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The End of NaNoWriMo 2010
Well it is once again the end of NaNoWriMo....2010....and I did not complete my novel. When I first started this 'project' I thought about working on my current novel "Betrayed" but then I thought...."NO!" I am required to do a new piece of work. Apparently...that is not the case because 14 days into the "assignment" I saw that you could complete a novel you were previously working on.
*****I don't remember that being in the rules before*****
So now, instead of having 3 novels that I am working on....I now have 4 thanks to this one that I just started. FYI....it is really good!
Why is it that something always happens when I agree to do this novel writing assignment in November that derails me from completing the assignment? It can be a severe case of the flu (happened 2 years in a row), my sons broken hand (happened 1 year), or the need to complete everything on my to do list before I move to China (that was this year!).....There just seems to always be a force working against me in November!
I guess the good thing is I have a wonderful story line to work with....I have amazing characters willing to tell me their story....and I have a family that supports me working until all hours of the night so I can try to quiet the voices in my head! I will finish this novel...tentatively titled "Descent into Darkness"
If it wasn't for my dear friend in Georgia....Mr David Matthew Barnes...I would probably throw in the towel. But I just saw that he finally completed his 3rd novel...which he has been working on for 7 years. (Way to go, DMB!!)
This makes me feel like there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for me and my work!
Thanks DMB for always being an inspiration to me!
And for those of you who do not know his work.....go buy his new novel "Mesmerized".
You can find it at http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Mesmerized/David-Matthew-Barnes/e/9781602821910/?itm=1
All you need to do is copy and paste the address on Google and it will come right up!
November is finally over and so is NaNoWriMo. I guess it is time for me to enjoy the lack of pressure and take some more time to work on my novel because.......the only way to complete the novel is to work on it one day at a time.
That is exactly what I plan on doing!
*****I don't remember that being in the rules before*****
So now, instead of having 3 novels that I am working on....I now have 4 thanks to this one that I just started. FYI....it is really good!
Why is it that something always happens when I agree to do this novel writing assignment in November that derails me from completing the assignment? It can be a severe case of the flu (happened 2 years in a row), my sons broken hand (happened 1 year), or the need to complete everything on my to do list before I move to China (that was this year!).....There just seems to always be a force working against me in November!
I guess the good thing is I have a wonderful story line to work with....I have amazing characters willing to tell me their story....and I have a family that supports me working until all hours of the night so I can try to quiet the voices in my head! I will finish this novel...tentatively titled "Descent into Darkness"
If it wasn't for my dear friend in Georgia....Mr David Matthew Barnes...I would probably throw in the towel. But I just saw that he finally completed his 3rd novel...which he has been working on for 7 years. (Way to go, DMB!!)
This makes me feel like there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for me and my work!
Thanks DMB for always being an inspiration to me!
And for those of you who do not know his work.....go buy his new novel "Mesmerized".
You can find it at http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Mesmerized/David-Matthew-Barnes/e/9781602821910/?itm=1
All you need to do is copy and paste the address on Google and it will come right up!
November is finally over and so is NaNoWriMo. I guess it is time for me to enjoy the lack of pressure and take some more time to work on my novel because.......the only way to complete the novel is to work on it one day at a time.
That is exactly what I plan on doing!
Friday, November 26, 2010
A Thanksgiving Reflection
Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday because it is a time for me to reflect on all the things that I am thankful for and it is a time to tell all of those people that I am thankful to have in my life.....just that.
We have come a long way since last Thanksgiving when we were bundled up in coats and boots heading to our sister church in Somerset to help serve people at what had become our family Thanksgiving tradition. For 11 years we have gone into St. Pauls' United Church of Christ and helped the Salvation Army serve not only homeless people but people who have fallen on hard times and people who just don't want to be alone.
Jacob was 3 when we started helping the Salvation Army and boy has he come a long way. The first year we did it, Jake was more of the entertainment than really very helpful. He was an adorable blue eyed, very blond haired little boy who walked from table to table talking to all of the little old couples, families with children, and the occasional person who had arrived alone because they had no one else to share the day with. Now don't get me wrong...he did occasionally go to the dessert table and wrangle a piece of pumpkin pie back to the little old man who had asked for a piece, but overall....he was our talker. He would just sit there and talk to them about whatever popped into his head....of course, at that stage of his life, a lot of the conversation revolved around Buzz Lightyear and Woody!
As the years went on, he progressed to helping seat people, to getting their meals for them and then eventually he settled on helping his dad at the door. They would take peoples coats when they arrived, hang them up, and then retrieve them when they left. Jake and Bob have walked more than their fair share of little old ladies to their cars in the snow! :-) This is a tradition that we are very sorry to give up this year. It almost seems like it isn't even Thanksgiving because we are not trudging through snow to do something that started out as a way to help people but ended up enriching our lives more than we ever thought possible; when you put yourself out there for other people, what you get back in return is far greater than what you can ever give out.
As the years went by, we saw new people for us to get to know, we saw regular customers who wanted a moment of our time to reminisce, and we saw the tragedy of loved ones who didn't make it another year. Nothing was sadder than when a man or woman would come in for 3 years straight with their spouse of 50 years only to see the day arrive when one of them came in alone. It is those moments that make you thankful for the many blessings you have been given.
So as Thanksgiving comes to an end, I want to take the time to thank all of you who are a part of my life...whether it be a family member, a friend, a loved one, someone I have only recently met, someone I have known for years, someone I see or talk to all the time, someone who is sporadically in my life, and even those of you who are no longer active in my life. Thank you each and everyone for permanently leaving your fingerprints on my life because without each and everyone of you....I would not be who I am today.
So take today to value those in your life and remember those no longer in your life. Because we are just the sum of our relationships...both good and bad....and without those people, we could never become all we were meant to be.
I love you all very much and today is the best day to let you know that because you are what I am thankful for.
We have come a long way since last Thanksgiving when we were bundled up in coats and boots heading to our sister church in Somerset to help serve people at what had become our family Thanksgiving tradition. For 11 years we have gone into St. Pauls' United Church of Christ and helped the Salvation Army serve not only homeless people but people who have fallen on hard times and people who just don't want to be alone.
Jacob was 3 when we started helping the Salvation Army and boy has he come a long way. The first year we did it, Jake was more of the entertainment than really very helpful. He was an adorable blue eyed, very blond haired little boy who walked from table to table talking to all of the little old couples, families with children, and the occasional person who had arrived alone because they had no one else to share the day with. Now don't get me wrong...he did occasionally go to the dessert table and wrangle a piece of pumpkin pie back to the little old man who had asked for a piece, but overall....he was our talker. He would just sit there and talk to them about whatever popped into his head....of course, at that stage of his life, a lot of the conversation revolved around Buzz Lightyear and Woody!
As the years went on, he progressed to helping seat people, to getting their meals for them and then eventually he settled on helping his dad at the door. They would take peoples coats when they arrived, hang them up, and then retrieve them when they left. Jake and Bob have walked more than their fair share of little old ladies to their cars in the snow! :-) This is a tradition that we are very sorry to give up this year. It almost seems like it isn't even Thanksgiving because we are not trudging through snow to do something that started out as a way to help people but ended up enriching our lives more than we ever thought possible; when you put yourself out there for other people, what you get back in return is far greater than what you can ever give out.
As the years went by, we saw new people for us to get to know, we saw regular customers who wanted a moment of our time to reminisce, and we saw the tragedy of loved ones who didn't make it another year. Nothing was sadder than when a man or woman would come in for 3 years straight with their spouse of 50 years only to see the day arrive when one of them came in alone. It is those moments that make you thankful for the many blessings you have been given.
So as Thanksgiving comes to an end, I want to take the time to thank all of you who are a part of my life...whether it be a family member, a friend, a loved one, someone I have only recently met, someone I have known for years, someone I see or talk to all the time, someone who is sporadically in my life, and even those of you who are no longer active in my life. Thank you each and everyone for permanently leaving your fingerprints on my life because without each and everyone of you....I would not be who I am today.
So take today to value those in your life and remember those no longer in your life. Because we are just the sum of our relationships...both good and bad....and without those people, we could never become all we were meant to be.
I love you all very much and today is the best day to let you know that because you are what I am thankful for.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Gobble Gobble Everywhere....But I Don't Have $52.00 To Spare!
So this is our first big holiday in Costa Rica and I have to confess....turkey is my favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal! The smell of the house filled with turkey and stuffing and potatoes and cookies......yum!!
I'm not one to plan for the Thanksgiving meal...always been a last minute girl with all the turkey arobics in the kitchen sink to loosen its frozen legs....so why change my MO for this year? Big Mistake! Because if I had been paying attention, I would not have had to throw together a makeshift Thanksgiving dinner of steak, roasted potatoes, corn, and cookies. (Cookies ALWAYS make it on the list!)
So 3 days before Thanksgiving....that is a record of preparation for me....and I am standing in the grocery store with Jacob looking for a turkey. We find chicken...we find steak...we find porkchops....we find hamburger.....no turkey! When we finally get to almost the end of the aisles....we find a freezer with turkeys...yay!!
I tell Jacob to open the freezer door and pull out the smallest turkey that is sitting by the door....there are only 3 of us after all....which he does and hands it to me. I realize the turkey is prestuffed as are the other 2 smaller turkeys. Looking back at the freezer I realize that the next smallest turkey would feed an army of 20 so I decide to take the prestuffed one.
As I am getting ready to put it in the cart....I see the price....$52.00!!!! You heard me right....$52.00!
Now I REALLY love turkey and did the math on how much it would cost us per meal...figuring in the sandwiches that follow the next couple of days (I REALLY LOVE THE LEFTOVER TURKEY SANDWICHES!!!) but even I cannot justify a $52.00 turkey. So back in the freezer it goes and we slump our way back to the meat section to pick out some steaks for dinner. What are you going to do?
Now all I have to do is convince Angie, Julie, and Tim that chicken with rice and beans is a totally cool Christmas meal!
Maybe those $52.00 turkeys will be on sale on Black Friday.....wouldn't that be nice??
I'm not one to plan for the Thanksgiving meal...always been a last minute girl with all the turkey arobics in the kitchen sink to loosen its frozen legs....so why change my MO for this year? Big Mistake! Because if I had been paying attention, I would not have had to throw together a makeshift Thanksgiving dinner of steak, roasted potatoes, corn, and cookies. (Cookies ALWAYS make it on the list!)
So 3 days before Thanksgiving....that is a record of preparation for me....and I am standing in the grocery store with Jacob looking for a turkey. We find chicken...we find steak...we find porkchops....we find hamburger.....no turkey! When we finally get to almost the end of the aisles....we find a freezer with turkeys...yay!!
I tell Jacob to open the freezer door and pull out the smallest turkey that is sitting by the door....there are only 3 of us after all....which he does and hands it to me. I realize the turkey is prestuffed as are the other 2 smaller turkeys. Looking back at the freezer I realize that the next smallest turkey would feed an army of 20 so I decide to take the prestuffed one.
As I am getting ready to put it in the cart....I see the price....$52.00!!!! You heard me right....$52.00!
Now I REALLY love turkey and did the math on how much it would cost us per meal...figuring in the sandwiches that follow the next couple of days (I REALLY LOVE THE LEFTOVER TURKEY SANDWICHES!!!) but even I cannot justify a $52.00 turkey. So back in the freezer it goes and we slump our way back to the meat section to pick out some steaks for dinner. What are you going to do?
Now all I have to do is convince Angie, Julie, and Tim that chicken with rice and beans is a totally cool Christmas meal!
Maybe those $52.00 turkeys will be on sale on Black Friday.....wouldn't that be nice??
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Photo Montage's
Check out these two Photo Montage's my son did....one for his girlfriend and one for his best friend!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV0dB-OyiE8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmUm2sgUK7c
Just copy and paste to enjoy them.....They are great!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV0dB-OyiE8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmUm2sgUK7c
Just copy and paste to enjoy them.....They are great!!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
NaNoWriMo 2010
Well...it is that time of year again. Time to plant your butt in that chair, turn on the computer, and create that masterpiece novel you swear is inside of you!
Okay....even I cannot keep a straight face while writing that! Let me rephase that, using terminology that actually applies.........................................
Well, it is that time again. Time to drag yourself to the computer, force yourself to sit down, and type a whole lot of nonsense in an effort to complete something that sounded like so much more fun than it is actually turning out to be!
Don't get me wrong....I ALWAYS start with the best intentions. I am always very excited and thoroughly motivated to accomplish this task every November. At least I start out that way. Then the 7th of December rolls around and I am looking at 7000-8000 words and wondering...."Where the hell is this story going?"
Of course the month of November explains 2 of the 3 novels I am currently working on.....not counting this new one that just started the beginning of this November! In case you lost count....that will make it 4 almost finished novels I will have to juggle!!
Now I am a week into the novel, with all of these TOTALLY WEIRD people/voices in my head...telling me all of these strange things, and I am trying to figure out how to make it into a story people would be willing to pay money for! (Or at least not want to throw themselves off the nearest skyscaper after reading it!!)
And then there is the feeling that you will never be able to finish the story by the end of the month, and even if you do....does it even make any sense. Now I know the whole point of NaNoWriMo is to inspire you to just commit yourself to time devoted only to writing....no editing allowed...and hopefully create something that you will be able to turn into a coherent novel to be sold at a later date.
Do you even know me???? What do you mean....don't edit? What do you mean....just write what comes to mind???? What do you mean.....just get it out on paper????
Yeah....and why exactly do I have my shrink on speed dial? Oh that's right....I actually signed up, voluntarily, to do this NaNoWriMo thing....with out being forced at the point of a knife. Yeah....that's why they are on speed dial!
But enough ranting and raving...apparently Stormy (the voice in my head who is the main character of this newest...hopefully to actually be finished novel)just found out that the dead body they found in her brother's closet....after he commited suicide....is not the first dead person to have come in contact with him.
Sigh.....this is going to be a long night!
Why can't I ever have voices that talk to me about love and rainbows and unicorns?
Okay....even I cannot keep a straight face while writing that! Let me rephase that, using terminology that actually applies.........................................
Well, it is that time again. Time to drag yourself to the computer, force yourself to sit down, and type a whole lot of nonsense in an effort to complete something that sounded like so much more fun than it is actually turning out to be!
Don't get me wrong....I ALWAYS start with the best intentions. I am always very excited and thoroughly motivated to accomplish this task every November. At least I start out that way. Then the 7th of December rolls around and I am looking at 7000-8000 words and wondering...."Where the hell is this story going?"
Of course the month of November explains 2 of the 3 novels I am currently working on.....not counting this new one that just started the beginning of this November! In case you lost count....that will make it 4 almost finished novels I will have to juggle!!
Now I am a week into the novel, with all of these TOTALLY WEIRD people/voices in my head...telling me all of these strange things, and I am trying to figure out how to make it into a story people would be willing to pay money for! (Or at least not want to throw themselves off the nearest skyscaper after reading it!!)
And then there is the feeling that you will never be able to finish the story by the end of the month, and even if you do....does it even make any sense. Now I know the whole point of NaNoWriMo is to inspire you to just commit yourself to time devoted only to writing....no editing allowed...and hopefully create something that you will be able to turn into a coherent novel to be sold at a later date.
Do you even know me???? What do you mean....don't edit? What do you mean....just write what comes to mind???? What do you mean.....just get it out on paper????
Yeah....and why exactly do I have my shrink on speed dial? Oh that's right....I actually signed up, voluntarily, to do this NaNoWriMo thing....with out being forced at the point of a knife. Yeah....that's why they are on speed dial!
But enough ranting and raving...apparently Stormy (the voice in my head who is the main character of this newest...hopefully to actually be finished novel)just found out that the dead body they found in her brother's closet....after he commited suicide....is not the first dead person to have come in contact with him.
Sigh.....this is going to be a long night!
Why can't I ever have voices that talk to me about love and rainbows and unicorns?
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
I Really Saw You
You came into my life like a rocket ship out of control.
Swerving this way and that
Sparks shooting in every direction
Burning everything that crossed your path
Yet there I stood…..mesmerized
Unable to move out of your path of destruction
Held captive in that spot by all that was you
The contrast is what first grabbed my attention
The underlying warmth is what held me near
I was warned that you would burn me,
Never really let me in
But I saw you for who you were, flaws and all
And I stayed
You begged me not to look for the good
Swore that there was none
Tried to push me away
What you never understood was that I never had to look
It was always visible to me
You wore it like your most prized possession
Still it was not enough
That I saw…
That I cared…
That I loved…
You were too far inside
For even me to set you free
You were too far gone
For even me to return
But I was not the one to really leave
Distance is only a stretch of miles
That the heart can overcome
If it wants to
So once again your ‘theory’ has been proven
No one sees you for you
No one cares enough to search
No one will ever stay
And yet for all your wisdom
You never really understood
I wasn’t creating in you what I wanted to see
I was seeing in you what you wanted to hide
Swerving this way and that
Sparks shooting in every direction
Burning everything that crossed your path
Yet there I stood…..mesmerized
Unable to move out of your path of destruction
Held captive in that spot by all that was you
The contrast is what first grabbed my attention
The underlying warmth is what held me near
I was warned that you would burn me,
Never really let me in
But I saw you for who you were, flaws and all
And I stayed
You begged me not to look for the good
Swore that there was none
Tried to push me away
What you never understood was that I never had to look
It was always visible to me
You wore it like your most prized possession
Still it was not enough
That I saw…
That I cared…
That I loved…
You were too far inside
For even me to set you free
You were too far gone
For even me to return
But I was not the one to really leave
Distance is only a stretch of miles
That the heart can overcome
If it wants to
So once again your ‘theory’ has been proven
No one sees you for you
No one cares enough to search
No one will ever stay
And yet for all your wisdom
You never really understood
I wasn’t creating in you what I wanted to see
I was seeing in you what you wanted to hide
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Put the Bug Spray Away!
After having several weeks of not being able to write....I am so excited to have been bitten by the writing bug! (Not quite sure which bite on my leg was the writing bug and which ones are just bugs, but one of them is definitely the writing bug....I can feel it!)The move took a lot out of me...writing wise....what with the selling all of our posessions and putting our house on the market....I was wondering how long it would take me to get back in the groove. Well let me tell you....I've got my groove on! LOL!
Tomorrow is the 24 Hour Short story contests by Writers Digest and I am so excited. I wasn't sure if things would be settled enough for me to do it but things worked out and I am ready to sit down at 12pm tomorrow and write my heart out. Hmmmmm.....that is central time right? That means it will be 11am here.....guess we better leave for the street market early tomorrow so we can get our fruit and vegetables and get home before it rains!
With any luck I will be really inspired by the writing prompt and will put out one heck of a story. Keep your fingers crossed for me and I will keep you posted on my progress!
*****Okay, I actually did this last night but it didn't post until today because our internet went out...again! Darn those storms!*****
Tomorrow is the 24 Hour Short story contests by Writers Digest and I am so excited. I wasn't sure if things would be settled enough for me to do it but things worked out and I am ready to sit down at 12pm tomorrow and write my heart out. Hmmmmm.....that is central time right? That means it will be 11am here.....guess we better leave for the street market early tomorrow so we can get our fruit and vegetables and get home before it rains!
With any luck I will be really inspired by the writing prompt and will put out one heck of a story. Keep your fingers crossed for me and I will keep you posted on my progress!
*****Okay, I actually did this last night but it didn't post until today because our internet went out...again! Darn those storms!*****
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Giggling Mugger
FYI: I totally stole this post from my other blog page, but it was a piece of writing so I wanted to get credit for it on my writing page.....I don't care if it is cheating! LOL!!
I was wondering after our visit to San Jose today....what makes a mugger giggle?
Now I know that sounds like a strange question, but we experienced our first mugging (not personally mind you but 6 feet in front of us) today and it was the strangest thing because the mugger was giggling. No.....seriously.....he was giggling! I'm not even sure if it would qualify as a good mugging because he got caught a block down the road by a very short man with a heavy backpack on his back, but it was interesting none the less.
We had just finished mailing our final documents to Washington DC for authentication (Praise the Lord and Haleluiah that is finally over with......now if they just come back on time!)and had started up the road towards the park in the center of San Jose. We were being hustled and bustled back and forth with the large crowd of people when all of a sudden I see a man approach a women, coming towards me, from behind. You know that scene where a man sneeks up behind a woman and scares her? Well that is what it reminded me of because he was leaning over and giggling, like he was going to surprise her. And he did! Next thing I know, she grabs her head and yells and I see that he has her by the ears! Yes....the ears. She swats at him and after a very brief struggle....he laughs and runs off. That is when I notice that she only has one earring. Apparently this particular mugger must have lost one of the exact same pair of earrings because he only stole one of them. He was such a terrible mugger that he didn't even get both earrings!
A very short man to my left was watching the whole thing and with his heavy backpack on his back took off after the mugger. He chased him all the way to the next light....dodging in and out of traffic....hollering for someone to stop that mugger. Now this was a very long block but when they got to the light, the mugger turned left with the good samaritan close behind. Of course by now they have the attention of the police who all happened to be sitting at the corner the mugger ran too. So next thing we know there are about 4 or 5 police men chasing the mugger too.
We are still walking towards the park. As we get up to the corner, the good samaritan comes from around the corner with a policeman and they head back to where the woman who had been robbed was at. Point one for the good guy! I just hope that once the mugger gets out of jail he chooses another profession.....maybe as a juggling clown where he can laugh and giggle all he wants!
I was wondering after our visit to San Jose today....what makes a mugger giggle?
Now I know that sounds like a strange question, but we experienced our first mugging (not personally mind you but 6 feet in front of us) today and it was the strangest thing because the mugger was giggling. No.....seriously.....he was giggling! I'm not even sure if it would qualify as a good mugging because he got caught a block down the road by a very short man with a heavy backpack on his back, but it was interesting none the less.
We had just finished mailing our final documents to Washington DC for authentication (Praise the Lord and Haleluiah that is finally over with......now if they just come back on time!)and had started up the road towards the park in the center of San Jose. We were being hustled and bustled back and forth with the large crowd of people when all of a sudden I see a man approach a women, coming towards me, from behind. You know that scene where a man sneeks up behind a woman and scares her? Well that is what it reminded me of because he was leaning over and giggling, like he was going to surprise her. And he did! Next thing I know, she grabs her head and yells and I see that he has her by the ears! Yes....the ears. She swats at him and after a very brief struggle....he laughs and runs off. That is when I notice that she only has one earring. Apparently this particular mugger must have lost one of the exact same pair of earrings because he only stole one of them. He was such a terrible mugger that he didn't even get both earrings!
A very short man to my left was watching the whole thing and with his heavy backpack on his back took off after the mugger. He chased him all the way to the next light....dodging in and out of traffic....hollering for someone to stop that mugger. Now this was a very long block but when they got to the light, the mugger turned left with the good samaritan close behind. Of course by now they have the attention of the police who all happened to be sitting at the corner the mugger ran too. So next thing we know there are about 4 or 5 police men chasing the mugger too.
We are still walking towards the park. As we get up to the corner, the good samaritan comes from around the corner with a policeman and they head back to where the woman who had been robbed was at. Point one for the good guy! I just hope that once the mugger gets out of jail he chooses another profession.....maybe as a juggling clown where he can laugh and giggle all he wants!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
I'm Just Not Feeling It
Having only been a writer for a short time....and this is not just me saying that... I know people who have been writers for years.....I am still easily stumped when it comes to this "Muse" thing. I can feel the need inside of me and my fingers are itching to write something but it just isn't happening.
I know that writers suffer from writers block where they can't come up with a single idea of what to write, but I am finding that my problem is more of a "me" problem. My Muse is actually standing in the kitchen with no clothes on banging two pan lids together screaming "Look at me! Look at me! I have a wonderful idea for a story...you idiot!" Thankgoodness I took her matches away or she would have burned the house down a long time ago!
And what am I doing? Just sitting at the dining room table looking at the lights of the computer illuminate the cup of juice I have been staring into for the last 30 minutes. I have such an urge to write but in all honesty..........
I don't know if it is because this has been a very sad day for me (and you would think that as a tortured writer at the moment the words would be spilling out of me)or if I am too overwhelmed with our recent move....and all the things we have had to do.....to let my brain relax and write, but to tell you the truth...I write better when I am at peace. I am not at peace at the moment. I feel like my world has been turned upside down. I feel betrayed. I feel abandoned. And I feel used.
I acknowledge my blame in the way I feel, but I don't understand how one moment you can have a connection, one that you feel will stand the test of time, and the next....any connection you had is gone like it never existed.
I think it is that feeling of emptiness and (right or wrong) that sense of betrayal that I am feeling that is holding me back. How weird....those feelings should fuel my creativity. But all those feelings make me want to do is close my computer and sweep my floors. Do something menial and mind numbing. Of course there is nothing I can do to alleviate these feelings because that part of my life, my past is gone...that door has been closed. And if the truth be told....I don't even have the desire to try to fix it......it takes too much energy.
I don't want to sit down and rant about what has happened to me. It happened, it's over with, I'll deal with it and move on. The strangest thing is that I am unable to write about it because, even now, I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by saying the wrong thing. Oh how I wish I could throw caution to the wind and just write about it.
But I won't, because no matter how I feel at the moment, and how ever many things are going through my mind that are begging to be released.....that's not how I work.
The feelings are there...the story is begging to be written but in all honesty....I'm just not feeling it.
I know that writers suffer from writers block where they can't come up with a single idea of what to write, but I am finding that my problem is more of a "me" problem. My Muse is actually standing in the kitchen with no clothes on banging two pan lids together screaming "Look at me! Look at me! I have a wonderful idea for a story...you idiot!" Thankgoodness I took her matches away or she would have burned the house down a long time ago!
And what am I doing? Just sitting at the dining room table looking at the lights of the computer illuminate the cup of juice I have been staring into for the last 30 minutes. I have such an urge to write but in all honesty..........
I don't know if it is because this has been a very sad day for me (and you would think that as a tortured writer at the moment the words would be spilling out of me)or if I am too overwhelmed with our recent move....and all the things we have had to do.....to let my brain relax and write, but to tell you the truth...I write better when I am at peace. I am not at peace at the moment. I feel like my world has been turned upside down. I feel betrayed. I feel abandoned. And I feel used.
I acknowledge my blame in the way I feel, but I don't understand how one moment you can have a connection, one that you feel will stand the test of time, and the next....any connection you had is gone like it never existed.
I think it is that feeling of emptiness and (right or wrong) that sense of betrayal that I am feeling that is holding me back. How weird....those feelings should fuel my creativity. But all those feelings make me want to do is close my computer and sweep my floors. Do something menial and mind numbing. Of course there is nothing I can do to alleviate these feelings because that part of my life, my past is gone...that door has been closed. And if the truth be told....I don't even have the desire to try to fix it......it takes too much energy.
I don't want to sit down and rant about what has happened to me. It happened, it's over with, I'll deal with it and move on. The strangest thing is that I am unable to write about it because, even now, I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by saying the wrong thing. Oh how I wish I could throw caution to the wind and just write about it.
But I won't, because no matter how I feel at the moment, and how ever many things are going through my mind that are begging to be released.....that's not how I work.
The feelings are there...the story is begging to be written but in all honesty....I'm just not feeling it.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
My Goodbye Meeting :-(
Well, tonight was my last physical meeting with my beloved writers group; Works In Progress. :-( These are sad times for me where my writers group is concerned. While I truly enjoyed spending the evening with the group discussing all of our writings, it was sad because it will be the last time I can go to a meeting and talk to all of them in person.
I am in no way giving up my membership to this nut farm but I will have to do my participation from afar. This is one of the most supportive groups I have ever had the pleasure of being involved with and I know that whoever fills my seat in the future will be truly blessed to be involved with this group.
I will miss all of you and consider myself truly blessed to have been included in this group.
Keep writing...I know I will...and if you are ever in Costa Rica...Stop by!
I am in no way giving up my membership to this nut farm but I will have to do my participation from afar. This is one of the most supportive groups I have ever had the pleasure of being involved with and I know that whoever fills my seat in the future will be truly blessed to be involved with this group.
I will miss all of you and consider myself truly blessed to have been included in this group.
Keep writing...I know I will...and if you are ever in Costa Rica...Stop by!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
She's Back!
She's Back! She's Back! My Muse is really back! And boy have I missed her. It has been so long since I was able to write anything...at least it seems like forever. I had a really good run going just before my thyroid surgery, then after the surgery...nothing! I thought for sure that either they had cut out my Muse when they cut out half of my thyroid or the anesthetic had killed her! Apparently neither was the case. I guess she reacts to the anesthetic as badly as I do and it took her a little longer to recover. Or maybe I took longer to recover and couldn't here her through all of the fog in my brain brought on by the anesthetic? Either way, I don't care because she is back and I am VERY happy to see her!! Not to try to butter her up or anything but the story she came back with was pretty darn good; if I do say so myself! I will find out what the writers group thinks on the 16th. I hope they liked it as much as I did. She can be very annoying sometimes....but man is she gooooood!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
If a writer Loses their voice.....Literally....Do They Still Have Something to Say?
So I survive my thyroid surgery with my voice barely intact and yet....I lost my writing voice. How does that happen? You would think with all of this free (Ha!)time on my hands, the creative juices would be flowing. You think wrong!
When I found out that I would not be allowed to work for a week, I thought that I would have so many chances to write and yet the week is almost up and I haven't put so much as three words together. It is sooooooo frustrating!!
Our writers meeting is in three days and I have nothing ready. Sure, I've been exhausted from the surgery, nauseous from the anesthetic, tired from all the nurses coming in and out of the room, and busy painting the house....but surely there is some free time in there to write a short story! I mean I have been combing the internet everyday looking for some writing prompt to inspire me and just when I think one will.....it doesn't.
I am beginning to think that my Muse does not respond well to anesthetic and pain pills.....maybe she is still asleep in room 931 bed A and doesn't realize that I am at home now. I wonder if they will return her when they find her? She is a lot like that annoying neighborhood child....Dennis....that only spends three minutes with you before you are planning your escape route. Is gnawing off your arm the ONLY option you have to escape? How much will you actually miss that arm? Get the picture?
Don't get me wrong, she is my Muse and I adore her but she can be sooooooo annoying! All of the "I don't agree with you." and the "It's my way or the highway!" and the "I am not going to talk to you again until you agree to do things my way!" conversations we always seem to have. I mean, I actually do have good ideas every now and then....of course she will say "Technically....their my ideas." Grrrrr she can be so annoying!
If truth be told I would be lost without her so I guess the only thing I can do is go looking for her because since she disappeared I've had nothing! And her last idea, "Can Zombies Fall in Love?" was brilliant!
Just do me a favor....don't tell her I said so......she is hard enough to live with as it is!
When I found out that I would not be allowed to work for a week, I thought that I would have so many chances to write and yet the week is almost up and I haven't put so much as three words together. It is sooooooo frustrating!!
Our writers meeting is in three days and I have nothing ready. Sure, I've been exhausted from the surgery, nauseous from the anesthetic, tired from all the nurses coming in and out of the room, and busy painting the house....but surely there is some free time in there to write a short story! I mean I have been combing the internet everyday looking for some writing prompt to inspire me and just when I think one will.....it doesn't.
I am beginning to think that my Muse does not respond well to anesthetic and pain pills.....maybe she is still asleep in room 931 bed A and doesn't realize that I am at home now. I wonder if they will return her when they find her? She is a lot like that annoying neighborhood child....Dennis....that only spends three minutes with you before you are planning your escape route. Is gnawing off your arm the ONLY option you have to escape? How much will you actually miss that arm? Get the picture?
Don't get me wrong, she is my Muse and I adore her but she can be sooooooo annoying! All of the "I don't agree with you." and the "It's my way or the highway!" and the "I am not going to talk to you again until you agree to do things my way!" conversations we always seem to have. I mean, I actually do have good ideas every now and then....of course she will say "Technically....their my ideas." Grrrrr she can be so annoying!
If truth be told I would be lost without her so I guess the only thing I can do is go looking for her because since she disappeared I've had nothing! And her last idea, "Can Zombies Fall in Love?" was brilliant!
Just do me a favor....don't tell her I said so......she is hard enough to live with as it is!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sample of My Poetry
This is something I wrote right after someone my son knew committed suicide. This hit home for both of us because I also had a friend, several years ago, that committed suicide leaving behind three beautiful children
As Seen Through His Eyes
Soundly and snuggly he sleeps in his bed,
Not a care in the world, not a worry in his thoughts.
His dreams take him on wonderful and exciting adventures that
No waking hours can duplicate.
Signs of worry, about grades, games, and girls
--especially about girls…always about girls—
Not visible on his peaceful, angelic, sleeping face.
Days seem so long; worry waiting around every corner,
and anxiety stalking every movement from the dark shadows
of his mind.
Carefree moments are elusive and sporadic,
while confusion has no problem
mimicking his every move.
In his dreams, he can be the perfect student, athlete, or boyfriend.
He can say the perfect thing and be the perfect child.
Always striving to be perfect but,
In his eyes…….always falling short.
The light of day slowly creeps in through the blinds…waking him,
thrusting him into another day filled with uncertainties….
anxieties…..
confusion…..
doubt…..
and fears.
He hears the words of reassurance from his friends,
sees the expressions of love on his families face,
feels the warmth of his parents arms wrapped tight around him,
yet it is not enough to keep him safe…..it is never enough.
Doubt is strong but fear is stronger.
Slowly and methodically, doubt wiggles its way in…
between loves caring arms and his fragile sense of self worth.
It infects the goodness that cocoons his soul and slowly loosens loves hold….
Making room for fear to barge in.
Fear grabs hold with both hands and squeezes with all its might.
It suffocates every good thing in its path;
every loving moment,
every happy thought,
every caring touch.
It leaves behind only emptiness, and a sorrow so deep,
No amount of love can repair it.
The good things won’t go down without a fight.
Loving moments cling to his heart,
Happy thoughts swim in his memory,
Caring touches linger on his soul.
Fear marches on, squeezing tighter as it goes.
Eventually…….
Loving moments lose their grip and plunge to the earth in his tears,
Happy thoughts lose their grip and wander, disoriented, in a fog of confusion,
Caring touches lose their grip and cool; as fear’s cold breathe breathes down its neck.
Finally all that is left is just a hint of doubt; fanning fears flames.
Doubt that he is good enough, smart enough, loved enough….
Fear that he never will be.
The crossroad is now visible and his choices are clear.
One last chance to choose the right path
One last chance to choose the wrong path
And without asking for help…..he chooses.
Everyone left behind now lives with his choice,
Following a path they did not choose.
As Seen Through His Eyes
Soundly and snuggly he sleeps in his bed,
Not a care in the world, not a worry in his thoughts.
His dreams take him on wonderful and exciting adventures that
No waking hours can duplicate.
Signs of worry, about grades, games, and girls
--especially about girls…always about girls—
Not visible on his peaceful, angelic, sleeping face.
Days seem so long; worry waiting around every corner,
and anxiety stalking every movement from the dark shadows
of his mind.
Carefree moments are elusive and sporadic,
while confusion has no problem
mimicking his every move.
In his dreams, he can be the perfect student, athlete, or boyfriend.
He can say the perfect thing and be the perfect child.
Always striving to be perfect but,
In his eyes…….always falling short.
The light of day slowly creeps in through the blinds…waking him,
thrusting him into another day filled with uncertainties….
anxieties…..
confusion…..
doubt…..
and fears.
He hears the words of reassurance from his friends,
sees the expressions of love on his families face,
feels the warmth of his parents arms wrapped tight around him,
yet it is not enough to keep him safe…..it is never enough.
Doubt is strong but fear is stronger.
Slowly and methodically, doubt wiggles its way in…
between loves caring arms and his fragile sense of self worth.
It infects the goodness that cocoons his soul and slowly loosens loves hold….
Making room for fear to barge in.
Fear grabs hold with both hands and squeezes with all its might.
It suffocates every good thing in its path;
every loving moment,
every happy thought,
every caring touch.
It leaves behind only emptiness, and a sorrow so deep,
No amount of love can repair it.
The good things won’t go down without a fight.
Loving moments cling to his heart,
Happy thoughts swim in his memory,
Caring touches linger on his soul.
Fear marches on, squeezing tighter as it goes.
Eventually…….
Loving moments lose their grip and plunge to the earth in his tears,
Happy thoughts lose their grip and wander, disoriented, in a fog of confusion,
Caring touches lose their grip and cool; as fear’s cold breathe breathes down its neck.
Finally all that is left is just a hint of doubt; fanning fears flames.
Doubt that he is good enough, smart enough, loved enough….
Fear that he never will be.
The crossroad is now visible and his choices are clear.
One last chance to choose the right path
One last chance to choose the wrong path
And without asking for help…..he chooses.
Everyone left behind now lives with his choice,
Following a path they did not choose.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Up Coming Events Found On-Line
Here are a couple things I found on-line today.
1.) Tomorrow (Saturday May 1st)the Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum in Baltimore Maryland is offering free admission to face book users. Check it out on facebook ---under the search section at Macabre Edgar Allen Poe.
2.)There is a short story contest (1000 words or less) that ends tomorrow- May 1st - with a grand prize of $500 and publication. You can find it at American Short Fiction at www.americanfiction.org
You can include three stories for each entry which costs $15.00 (that comes out to $5.00 per story.)
Now I am off to see which three stories I may want to send in.
Happy Writing.....I hope you enjoy your weekend!
1.) Tomorrow (Saturday May 1st)the Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum in Baltimore Maryland is offering free admission to face book users. Check it out on facebook ---under the search section at Macabre Edgar Allen Poe.
2.)There is a short story contest (1000 words or less) that ends tomorrow- May 1st - with a grand prize of $500 and publication. You can find it at American Short Fiction at www.americanfiction.org
You can include three stories for each entry which costs $15.00 (that comes out to $5.00 per story.)
Now I am off to see which three stories I may want to send in.
Happy Writing.....I hope you enjoy your weekend!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Can Zombies Fall In Love?
You read that title right....that is a line I saw somewhere and had to write about it. I can't complain though, because I got a wonderful story out of it. At least I think I did.....no, I did! :-) As you can see, I am once again up late writing which doesn't mix well with my needing sleep so I can work. Oh well....such is life! I really need to get moved so I can concentrate more on my writing. I love it when the creative juices are flowing....and boy are they flowing right now. I love my Muse....even if she does play with matches! ;-) I hope all of my writer friends are having a great time writing too and that all of my regular friends are having fun too! I love you all!!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Lazy, Crazy Sunday
I didn't think I was going to be able to finish in time but I did.....with 4 minutes to spare. Thank goodness because after I sent my short story, Lost Memories, I realized that I forgot to put my information on the bottom of the email so I had to add that and resend it. I really enjoy doing that 24 hour short story contest and I try to do it every quarter. You can find out about it at the following webpage:
http://www.writersweekly.com/misc/contest
I have done it for a couple of years. It only costs $5.00 to enter.
Spent the rest of the day working on writing things and resting up. Jacob went to Isaiah's for his 15th birthday party. The homemade icecream was yummy!!
Now I need to get back to earning my ESL certification which I put off when we went to Costa Rica. Monday is as good a day as any to start back up.
I hope eveyone had a wonderful weekend. I know I did. I even got to spend time with my mom and sister who came up from Virginia for a visit.
http://www.writersweekly.com/misc/contest
I have done it for a couple of years. It only costs $5.00 to enter.
Spent the rest of the day working on writing things and resting up. Jacob went to Isaiah's for his 15th birthday party. The homemade icecream was yummy!!
Now I need to get back to earning my ESL certification which I put off when we went to Costa Rica. Monday is as good a day as any to start back up.
I hope eveyone had a wonderful weekend. I know I did. I even got to spend time with my mom and sister who came up from Virginia for a visit.
24 Hour Short Story Contest
So it is almost 1am on Sunday morning and I have been trying to figure out what to write for this 24 hour contest. I have started and stopped 6 different stories because they just didn't 'feel' right. I knew I didn't want to go with my first instinct because it was too predictable so I have been struggling with it all day. I finally figure out what it is I want to write but my eyelids refuse to cooperate: they keep shutting down on me. I just hope that it is still fresh in my mind when I wake up because I only have until 1pm eastern time to finish it and send it in. Who knows.....maybe I will dream something even better when I go to sleep.
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