Tagged

Tristi tagged me to find the 6th photo in my 6th folder.  Let's see what it is:

While at our a family reunion my daughter took pictures of little butterflies. 

Now I tag you, dear blog reader.  What will you find? 

Writing (not writing) update

This year I made a few goals in regards to writing.  I went to the local library, plugged in my laptop and turned on my iPod.  I had decided my goal for January would be to finish tweaking my LDS YA story. I was excited as I had edited a major character and was going to move things around in the story. I hoped it would give my main characters a chance to prove they could change. 

I opened documents and looked at the various drafts of this story.  I could not find the one I had started revising in December.  I was getting really frustrated!  I spent or wasted a good 30 minutes of writing time searching for a document that wasn't there.  

The light finally grew bright as I realized I had the oppurtuntiy to try this story from a different angle.  Yes, it would take more writing time, but the story would be clearer. I took a deep, happy breath and plunged in. I was on my way! I patted my laptop with affection. 

From my last post you can see my writing BFF is sick. I have become so attached to my WBFF I haven't written for a few weeks now.  Luckily, I did save my last draft to my jump drive!!

So now I am practicing short stories and articles until I can figure out how to get data off  WBFF or get her fixed.

UPDATE

Now I am posting short stories/articles around the web.  I've been going through Triond thus far and having fun!  I have been enjoying this type of writing though it is NOT easy. I have put the links on the side of this blog.

This afternoon/evening I am going to sit my rump down at my PC and work on my book. 

Quotable Monday

"When we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics. will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, 'Free at Last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!'"

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Crash of '09

A few rules about computer usage from the local junior high that we should incorporate into our own personal lives:

1. Do not move the computer until you have completely shutdown Windows and powered the computer off. (Makes sense)


2. Do not write or draw on the laptop screen, even with a finger or an eraser. (Again, makes sense. But not to toddlers.)


3. No game playing unless authorized! (get your writing done first!)


4. Handle the laptop like a baby. Carry with two hands at all times. (so carrying the laptop under my arm like books is a no-no? I'll do better!)


5. And lastly! Do not wear a robe while transporting the laptop to another room!

A look at my laptop screen will let you know how important rule#5 is:

Book Review

My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

Have you ever been dumped by your boyfriend for your sister? Have you ever made 3 bad wishes? Have you had to serve ungratious princes or nervous dwarves while trying to evade the WSM (wicked stepmother)?

Then run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore/library and take home My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison. This book will speak to you! Our troubled heroine is not having a good month either. After her boyfriend dumps her for her older sister, Savannah wants to find a prince. Heard the adage, "be careful what you wish for?" Savannah has lived this saying thanks to her 'fair' godmother, Chrissy, who is doing 'fair' on her godmother test. She sends Savannah to the Middle ages to find her prince. Only now she is dirty, bullied and has no running water. Oh, and the prince isn't charming.

After Savannah finally pulls her fair godmother away from shopping, Chrissy sends her to a different house in the Middle Ages. This one full of dwarfs who think she is two berries short of a pie. And the WSM is trying to give her a poison apple.

Finally making back to her own time zone, Savannah realizes she has to go back to the Middle Ages to save a prince-in-training. But this time she is prepared and packs shampoo and soap!
There are a few lessons Savannah learns from her misguided godmother: beauty is only skin deep and she, Savannah, really is smart.

But what happens to the dragon, cyclops, the WSM and the Dark Knight?
Well, they all live happily ever after!
You didn't honestly think I would tell you the ending?

Quotable Monday

"Far better it is to dare might things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure. Than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."

Theodore Roosevelt

Book Review

Arabella by Georgette Heyer

When the librarian handed me a worn, red book with no dust jacket, I smirked.  I judged the book by its lack of cover and decided I wouldn't like the story.

I am glad to say I was wrong!  

Arabella is the oldest and most beautiful daughter of a Yorkshire clergyman.  Her mama sends her to London to make a suitable match (hopefully wealthy).  On the way, Arabella's borrowed coach breaks down and she is thrust into the acquaintance of Mr. Beaumaris.  

Mr. Beaumaris is the most watched man in London.  He can set a new fashion by the way he wears his cravat.  He can also make or break any young lady in society with a nod of his head.

Arabella overhears Mr. Beaumaris (or Nonpareil, as he is known in London circles) arrogant speech of the lowly and announces she is an heiress!

Mr. Beaumaris decides Arabella will be the most sought after lady in London and what ensues between his mischievousness and her trying to hide her lack of fortune is a delightful story.

What I really liked about Arabella was how she was true to herself, whether it was taking in strays or rebuffing flirtations, she didn't let society tell her what was right or wrong.

If you like Jane Austen, I think you will enjoy this story!