FSF : Ending

It's time for another of Lillie McFerrin's Five Sentence Fiction.  I really enjoy participating in this prompt-- it's really fun to see what other writer's have come up with!  Not to mention, it's a nice break from my WIP.  I'd highly suggest joining us!

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.

This week: ENDING

Hit play and read on...

Screech!  The brakes bared down against the tires of Sonja's blue Chevy Cavalier as she spun uncontrollably towards the exposed gathering of trees on the opposite side of the road.  It was as if her car was performing a scratch spin in a skating rink, tight and gradually increasing with momentum.  But, the brakes were no match for the slick, crystal clear ice that covered the road.  There was a loud crash!  followed by a boom! as her engine exploded into flames upon impact, her life gone within seconds.

Janel slowly removed her hands from the keyboard and interlocked them behind her head, a sadness took hold of her as the realization sunk in-- she had killed her favorite character.

Five Sentence Fiction : VISION

I decided to participate in Lillie McFerrin's Five Sentence Fiction again!  (Here's my November Entry.)

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.

This week: VISION

Rainbows and stars danced against the contrast of the vast, black sky, taking my breath away.  Once a few minutes had passed, I blinked but noticed that the scenery did not change.  If anything the sky became brighter and the colors more vibrant.  I didn't understand-- where was I?  I opened my eyes attempting to look down at my hands, but nothing was there, just the stars and the rainbows taunting me with their beauty.

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How can YOU help the families of Newton, CT?

My beautiful friend, Diana, has created a list of ways to help those in Newton, CT. 

Taken from Diana's post:

"there are so many articles // opinions out there talking about politics // feelings // gun control // aspergers // mental health // education // security. that is not what i want to share today.

like you, i want to help. but i am 20 hours a way.so, what can we do?below is a list of places you can send money // well wishes // blankets and a few other things.if you have other resources ; please leave them in the comments."

 Check out the list here.

Blogspiration : "..A Generation of Idiots..."

It's time for another Blogspiration!

Blogspiration is a new weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video  is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING

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I know the image is a little small-- but if you click on the source  underneath-- it'll make it bigger on the original site!

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 I picked this quote from Albert Einstein and the selection of images that accompany it because smart phones and technology (and social media) are taking over our lives.  It's scary, you guys!  I know you love your iPhone-- it's an addictive little piece of technology, I get it!  (I have one too... but not for long!  When my contract is up-- goodbye smart phone!  Hello simple life!)

Think of your day and how much time you spend on your phone-- texting, on Facebook, checking emails, playing games, using Instagram, browsing Pinterest, reading the news, apps apps apps apps apps.  WE ARE NOT MEANT TO BE GLUED TO A SCREEN!  So... this week, I ask you to become aware of your usage and the way it's affecting your interactions with others.  If you are having coffee with a friend- get off of your damn phone and have a conversation already!  The world isn't going to end if you don't "check in" so all of Facebook knows you were with Jed I. Knight at the Three Broomsticks (okay-- maybe that would  be newsworthy.  But, you catch my drift.)

Deja Vu Blogfest

DL Hammons @ Cruising Altitude 2.0 is hosting the Deja Vu blogfest!  I saw other people playing this game-- and I wanted to play too!  

click the graphic to check out all the other awesome posts!

How it works:
On December 14^th as the day unfolds and everyone hops from one blog to another, what they will be reading is the best of the best (as determined by you) from this year.  The blogosphere will be chock full 2012 writing brilliance!  Encouragement, enlightenment, knowledge, bared souls, stimulation, hilarity, insecurities, success stories!  All on display…the very same day.  And it couldn't be any easier to take part...no writing necessary!
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Here's a gem of a tale from last January-- hope you enjoy!

I shouldn't be blogging right now.  At noon I have a hardcore (as in: superduperImightfailhard) French Exam and I should probably do some last minute studying... But, I should be doing a lot of other things that I don't do.  So, I'm totally going to blog for a minute!

So... a couple of days ago when I picked Eva up from preschool there was a note on her daily sheet about an "incident" that had happened earlier in the day.

Apparently my child put her hand in a puddle of water in the bathroom..

and then...

proceeded to taunt another child that she was going to "Wipe Pee on Them."

Yep.  

You read that right.

I hate when stuff like this happens at school because I have to act surprised by her behavior and pretend that I feel it's completely unacceptable for her to do stuff like that.

But, I secretely think it's really, really funny... Not to mention, I know that it's completely my fault!

We're goofy... OKAY!?

She has seen me numerous times walk up to her father and wipe my wet hands on his arms and sweetly say, "We were out of toilet paper," and then burst into hysterical laughter. 

Stupid things make me laugh, get over it.

Or the fact that Eva and I make it a point to pronounce poop, PEWP... rather long and drawn out and then proceed giggle about how silly it sounds.  Pewp.

Or that she'll sometimes joke that she went potty in the tub and then take a drink of her bath water.

And we both laugh about it.

Shit, we are gross!  Shit.  Shit.  Shit.

But, back to the preschool.  I read the note, held back a smirk (I know she shouldn't do that stuff!!  I know it's gross... but it's my fault!  She acts JUST LIKE ME.  I'm inappropriate... I'm sorry!)  and go through the motions of being flabbergasted at such a shocking behavior.

"I'm so sorry."

"I will definitely talk about it with her tonight."

"Yes, you are right.  Completely unacceptable."

Do you know how hard it is to have a conversation with a 4 year about why she can't do something that she LEARNED FROM YOU??

Yeah, I felt about this big: .

That's right.  The size of that tiny period right up there.

Her response was that, "It was just water!  It wasn't really pee!  It was a joke!"

I just told her that only Mommy thinks that kind of stuff is funny, because Mommy is kind of weird.  And, maybe we should just stop with those kind of jokes.

She said, "Okay..."

Then she said, "Mommy, can you drive faster?  I really gotta... PEWP."

And then we both laughed hysterically.

Who's going to hell in handbasket?  This girl!

I've posted this video before- but I find it to be relevant:

touché

Source: Uploaded by user via JenNext on Pinterest

the freaking Internet when you hit a wall... it's like a blackhole of death that encloses around your brain.  

“I want her to melt into me, like butter on toast. I want to absorb her and walk around for the rest of my days with her encased in my skin.

I want.” 
-Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants 

I am completely in love with this book.  And, how can I not be?  That quote is just one of a million beautifully formed sentences that you can taste and feel.  Her writing is artfully descriptive... And, I just had to share this with you.

Catching Fire Set Photos!

Yes, I am a 26 year old mother with 2 children-- but that doesn't stop me from getting all Fan Girl over  the awesome photos being released from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie!

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It's freaking FINNICK!  I mean-- how awesome is that, really?  I know some people were disappointed that a pale, brunette, British guySam Caflin was cast as Finnick.  But, I'm just glad it wasn't Alex Pettyfer!  Anyway-- they are on the beach.  And that is Finnick and Peeta and IT IS EXCITING!

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Jena Malone was cast as Johanna Mason-- and basically, she rocks.  So, I know she is just going to nail the fierceness that encompasses that character!

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Donald Sutherland is the perfect President Snow!  Could you imagine being his wife?  Her husband has the most evil stare known to man!

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Katniss!  (aka Jennifer Lawrence!) and... Mags stunt double!?  Neato!

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I was expecting Mags (played by Lynn Cohen) to be a bit more frail/withered looking.  But, I was also expecting the tributes in the prior movie to look under fed and for Peeta to have lost his leg.  So, yeah...

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District 11!  Under constant surveillance by the Peacekeepers!  Scary!

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Action shot!  This must be from the initial battle at the beginning of the games.

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I was really, really hoping to see some picture of Phillip Seymour Hoffman dressed as Plutarch!  But, I guess the pictures of him hanging around on set will do (FOR NOW).

I can't wait to see the Arena this time around... And, I hope they add a little more depth to the characters-- but, a lot happens in this book, therefore I don't have my hopes too high.  Either way, I can't wait for this movie to be released!

You're A Writer. Claim The Title.

Source: kmweiland.com via Azia on Pinterest

Phew.

Okay... not to get into too many details here (and the novel isn't complete yet!)  But-- the story I started writing during NaNo is a dystopian (kind of?) YA (NA??) "Adam&Eve" story.

A few weeks ago, I was at the library and saw this:

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I was, as you can imagine, a little discouraged after that.  I refused to look at the book though... for fear that someone had the same idea that I did... and that my 39,000 word count was a waste of time.

But, after opening and closing the browser 5 different times today-- I finally read Romi @ Where The Writer Comes To Write's review of the novel.  The story line in my novel and the story line in Eve & Adam are completely different.

Thank Jeebus!

Needles to say,  I feel a lot like Carlton right now:

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Time to write.....

Blogspiration : J.K. Rowling on Failure

It's that time again!

Blogspiration is a new weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video  is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING

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I wanted to share this incredibly inspiring commencement speech delivered by J.K. Rowling to a Harvard graduating class.  She discusses the benefits of failure and of hitting rock bottom-- as well as the power that each one of encompasses.

It is long-- like 20 some odd minutes or so... BUT-- find the time to watch it!  Not only because J.K. Rowling is Godan amazing woman, but because the message she shares is one of true inspiration that will ignite a fire inside of you... I promise.

Insecure Writers Support Group (December)

It's that time again... where those of us who feel a little bit crazy find understanding thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh's project, the:

click the image to check out other participant's entries!

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. 

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I've put off talking about my NaNoWriMo experience because I thought the IWSG would be a perfect time to discuss the serious inferiority complex that has surfaced since November.

I wrote just under 39,000 words, which made me over 11,000 words short to be declared a "winner."  I've never been competitive, it's just not my nature to be so-- but something about not winning this challenge has struck a nerve.  I can't shake it!  The last week of November I didn't touch my WIP one time!  It's not that I didn't want to-- I couldn't find the opportunity to write.

Which brings about an entire slew of insecurities-- what if I never find the time?  I've yet to write anything novel length.  This 39,000 word count is the longest *anything* that I've ever written-- and I know I should be proud that I can pump out 39,000 words in a month-- but I'm not.  I wanted to be a NaNoWriMo winner, dammit!

I have 3 other WIPs in various stages of development- but they all range from 1,000-13,000 words tops.  What if I never finish a single one of them?  I feel like I'm in writing purgatory.  I have all of these ideas and characters (I have conversations in my head "with" my characters almost constantly-- yeah I'm a bit nutso) but I  never seem to find enough time to write on a consistent basis.  I'm trying not to get discouraged.  I've even nipped a project in the bud in order to give more time to my writing.  (Yes-- for those of you that followed my other blog- That is why Mama's Got A Big Belly! was put on an indefinite hiatus.)  There really isn't anything else I can cut out to make more time, minus sleep.  But, I hardly sleep as it is.  Ahhh!  

This was my nightcap last night:

 Library books smell amazing-- different notebooks for different WIP's

A glass of red, a little bit of time with Poe & various note taking, writing, etc.  About an hour into this creative break of mine, Abram started screaming (teething!  yay!) and I went to sleep as soon as I got him back to a peaceful slumber.  The only reason I have time to blog this is because I'm currently nursing him. 

Will I ever have time to finish these stories inside my head?  Or will I slowly be driven mad?  I know I'm young-- and that my best writing years are ahead of me... but, dammit!  I'm ready to be writing now.

Those of you who are parents, partners, in the workforce-- what do you do to make time?  I need your suggestions!

"And you are...?" Blog Hop

So-- neat stuff is happening today!  I'm participating in Emily & Tammy's "And You Are..." blog hop!

How does it work, eh?  Welp, participants are to answer the questions below, and then Emily and Tammy (with the help of their personal assistant, David Spade) will read through all of our answers and pick three people to win a Christmas present!  Isn't this fun!  So much fun is happening right now, I can hardly stand it.

Without further ado-- the questions!

1. How many speeding tickets have you gotten?  I have received ONE speeding ticket.  It was also the only time I've ever been pulled over.  I had just turned 20 years old-- Garrett and I were driving back to Minnesota from California and, if you've ever driven through Nevada-- it's flat, brown and boring.  Well, another car and I were going 25 mph over the speed limit (we both got pulled over!)-- the officer ticketed me... we drove on... And, I never paid it.  Yep, that's right.  No Vegas trips for me-- I probably have a bench warrant somewhere outside of Reno.

2. Can you pitch a tent?  Why does my mind go straight to the gutter on this one?  But, yes, I can pitch a tent.  A real tent.  Not the pervy one that is currently making me giggle.  I don't have the parts for that.  Garrett on the other hand....

3. What was your worst vacation ever?  Yikes.  Umm...  My last trip to California (2 years--ish ago) was about 50 kinds of awful.  Good thing I'm not telekinetic---  I probably would've gone Carrie on a bunch of shit.

4. What was the last thing you bought over $100?  Groceries?  Haha.  I never buy anything-- this is hard.  Oh!  The last singular item that I bought over $100 dollars was this "sit-n-stand" stroller right after Abram was born.  (It looked neat-- both kids could fit on it.)  Wanna know how many times I've used it?  Once.  ONE FREAKING TIME. 


5. We're handing you the keys to what?  The fully furnished flat in London that you just purchased for me... Oh?  And what was that?  Here's a credit card, put all of my expenses on it?  Just write and enjoy the city?  How thoughtful of you!  

6. What was the last meal you cooked that made even you sick?  Not to toot my own horn (toot toot!) or anything, but I'm a wizard in the kitchen.  I really can't remember anything within the last year or so that I've made that  came out awful.  When I was a kid, my sister used to have me prepare her summer sausage a la mode.  (Summer sausage "sauteed"with Lawry's and worsheschire sauce.)  She lurved it, but the thought of it makes me want to toss my cookies.

7. Fill in the blank: Oh my gosh! Becky, look at her butt! It is so big. She looks like  ____? one of them rap guy's girlfriends.  AKA- Kimmy K cuz she's datin' Kanyeeee.

Photo Credz

8. What was your first car?  Connie the Contour.  I was 19 years old (the age I was when I got my license-- I'm a late bloomer.)  Connie was a bitch!  She was always over heating.  ALWAYS.  I had to drive 30 minutes (an hour if there was traffic) to and from work in the middle of the summer with my heat on.  Who knew your eyelids could sweat?  Anyway, her final jab came on Thanksgiving Day 2005 when she decided to go to car heaven and leave us stranded in our college town  for the holiday.  Sarah and I manged to round up 3 other stragglers, and thanks to my Mom-- who purchased a Thanksgiving meal for us over the phone from a local grocery store-- the 5 of us feasted.  It was a blast!  Who had the last laugh, eh Connie!?  That's right.  Don't mess with the kitchen wizard!  Ya hear?

9. Your best friend falls and gets hurt. Do you ask if he/she's okay or laugh first?  I'd like to pretend I'd laugh and be all, "Har har har you silly devil, falling and stuff."  But, honestly, I'd rush to their side completely calm, cool, collected-- in "Mom-Mode" and make sure they were okay.  Really, really okay.  Not the kind-of-okay-though-my-arm-might-be-broken-but-I'm-going-to-grin-and-bear-it-because-I-don't-want-to-look-like-a-wuss type of okay.  But, legitimately okay.  Once I knew they weren't hurt-- then I'd laugh.  And possibly reenact their shenanigans for their entertainment.

10. What's the worst song ever?  Holy crap, I hate this question.  There is an infinite amount of shitty songs out there.  (Have you attempted to listen to the radio?  It's scary!)  That Beauty and the Beast or whatever  it's called song by Justin Bieber is prettyreally terrible.  Anything that feature's Niki Minaj (worthless) rapping about wanting to get up on that little boys "Weinerz but she better watch out for Selenerz" makes me wish for a death, or at least some type of momentary power outage.

Blogspiration (2)

I decided to participate in another Blogspiration!

Blogspiration is a new weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video  is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING

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I chose this quote because I know that for me, the works that I consider to be my "best" thus far have been the pieces that left me feeling naked, exposed, vulnerable upon completion...  My friend, Sarah, commented that voice also has a lot to do with good writing.  I feel like what she is saying, and what Arthur Miller is saying here, go hand in hand.  When your writing is honest-- that's when you're at your best: that's when your voice becomes distinguished and unlike any other.  Don't shy away from the embarrassing-- embrace it with all you have.

Each Moment is the Universe

Life moves on without a pause.

Each Moment is the Universe from bruce thierry on Vimeo.

Everyone's Got An Idea...

"The ideas aren't that important. Really they aren't. Everyone's got an idea for a book, a movie, a story, a TV series." 

-Neil Gaiman

I think this is something we all need to remember... You must act on these ideas, write the stories you think of, mold and perfect your art-- never stop creating!  (That being said, I really don't think I'm going to get to the 50k for NaNo this year.  Dammmmmmit.)

Also-- has anyone else noticed this?  When you tell someone that you're a writer, 8 out of 10 times they will remark that they have the "perfect idea for a book," and that they can tell you "the idea and you can just write it for me."  Um, no thank you-- I'll write my own books, thank you very much.  You can't make this stuff up.

Memes & "Temes"

No... not memes as in the hilarious internet sensations-- though this is where the name originated (I am ASSuming.)  I'm talking about memetics- the theory of mental content which is capable of being copied from one person's memory to the next and so on.  (Somewhat evolutionary.)  Anyway-- after taking a break from writing, I stumbled across an anazing TED Talk with Susan Blackmore,

"Susan Blackmore studies memes -- those self-replicating "life forms" that spread themselves via human consciousness. We're now headed, she believes, toward a new form of meme, spread by the technology we've created."

Anyway-- I found it to be mind blowing/thought provoking/perfect for keeping the mind stimulated whilst partaking in a novel writing break.  (I'm at 20k + for myword count for NaNo-- means I'm projected to get to 50k by December 7th if the same pace continues.  AKA- Not making me a NaNo winner.  Hopefully I'll just have a day when the kids decide to nap and let me write for a solid 12 hours straight.  HAHA YEAH RIGHT.)

Anyway, here's the video.  (Which I ironically viewed from my iPhone.  I must get rid of this temptress.  It's the work of the devil I tell ya.)  Hope it rocks your socks off.

Blogspiration : Everything in Life is Art

Blogspiration is a new weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video  is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

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Being a writer, you find yourself paying attention to the little things about people; their character "quirks."  The way the cashier at the grocery flares his nostrils with each vowel sound, the three stray hairs that reside between your brother-in-laws very prominent set of eyebrows, the way your best friend always smells of Zest bar soap and maple syrup.  

Sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed at the sensory overload that goes hand in hand with being a writer and living life--  you don't just see things like sunshine, you note the way it feels on your skin (a bit warmer on the top of your head), the shadows it creates on certain buildings and not others, the way you emotionally respond to it....  It never ends.  

Each life experience is valuable when it comes to writing.  It is something to fold up neatly, place in the pocket of your brain and use at a later time.  I hope to never stop experiencing life on such an intense, microscopic, emotion-driven level.  I need to do a better job of reminding myself of this when it seems like my brain just won't shut off.  Because it is quite the gift, no?