My Wyrd World

Merry, merry!

2009-12-24T15:04:55Z

Whether this is your spiritual holiday or just the one you celebrate with your larger family, I wish you peace, joy and harmony. Travel safely, indulge responsibly (and if you don't, drink plenty of water, take aspirin before you go to sleep and please, please don't get behind the wheel of a car!!) Above all, enjoy yourself - life's simply too short not too!

I thought the quote I shared last year was worth repeating:

As you gather with extended family, remember: good karma is the best present you can give yourself. - Heather Roan Robbins

Gods bless us, one and all!!! :)

Sun, sun, sun...here it comes.

2009-12-21T16:05:46Z

The darkest night has passed. The Holly King fell to the Oak King, who will lead us into the greening time. Like anything and everything that matters, it's a slow process, a quiet unfoldment that can't easily be seen or felt. Nurture the seed of hope in your heart, the promise of new beginnings. Keep the fire of your spirit burning bright and remember: the meaning of life is life. Embrace it. Blessed Solstice, everyone.

Thursday Thanks

2009-12-17T19:42:01Z

Today, I'm grateful for Lush bath meltaways, winter sunlight, sparkly fresh air, windchimes singing through my open window, a market I can walk to, music, enlightening - if rather frenetic - dreams, meditation, caller ID, writing, chocolate and love.

I'm also thankful for Yeah Dave's blog. http://www.yeahdave.com/blog/

I love his book and generally dig his musings. His latest hit me exactly right, especially this quote from Gandhi:

"I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet."

Thankfuls... and a Fangirl Squee

2009-12-10T14:37:43Z

We'll start with the squee - one of my favorite YA authors, Holly Black, is guesting over at the Witchy Chicks. She's talking about one my favorite subjects, critique partners! Stop by and check it out:

http://witchychicks.blogspot.com/

Now, on to Thursday thanks! This week I'm thankful for:

Happy birthdays.
My ability to organize things on short notice.
Being nearly done with holiday shopping.
The promise of rain.
Christmas lights.
Friendship and love.
Coffee - and gifts related thereto! (I think my status as a caffiene junkie is firmly established. Heh.)
Direct TV, for keeping Friday Night Lights alive.
Winter skies.
An entire day of writing ahead.

Silent Nights

2009-12-07T14:24:00Z

I have a post up at The Witchy Chicks about the Cave Time - and how to reclaim a bit of it for health & sanity. Stop by if you're so inclined...

http://witchychicks.blogspot.com/

OMG, Gorgeous...

2009-12-03T22:19:38Z

I've mentioned a few times (okay, maybe ad nauseum) that I love Green Day's 21st Century Breakdown. It is hands down my favorite album of 2009 - maybe of this decade. (Yes, I'm serious.)

I wanted to see American Idiot - The Musical when it was playing at the Berkeley Reperatory Theater but never made it happened. Talk about shooting myself in the foot. From the sound of the track Spinner is streaming - 21 Guns, which is actually one of the few songs from 21st CB featured in the musical - the show would be freaking amazing. It is headed to Broadway next and should I find myself in NYC, I know what show I'll be seeing!

Check it out here:

http://www.spinner.com/2009/12/03/green-day-with-american-idiot-cast-21-guns-song-premiere/

Thursday Thanks

2009-12-03T18:55:02Z

Eep...busy, busy, busy...

Almost forgot to take time and say THANKS -

To J & K for their time and our amazing ritual
For fabulous magic
For knowing which of my inner voices deserve to be heard - and which one needs to be permanently shushed (Anyone have any duct tape?)
For sparkly holiday decorations
For determination (and the occasional bout of irrational optimism)
To my husband for giving me as much time as it takes
and last but never least, to Yemaya ~ Omio, Mama. You make everything better.

Thankful Thursday - The Wednesday Edition

2009-11-25T13:43:31Z

We're leaving today for Santa Cruz (WOOHOO!), won't be back until Sunday. Since I'll be unplugged during that time - in more ways than one - and since tomorrow is the national holiday for thankfulness, I'll do my gratitude now.

This year, I'm thankful for:

My healthy, funny, intelligent, constantly eating and growing sons.
My huband - I love you, babe. You are my center of gravity, even when you're a smart ass punk.
My family, especially the soul variety.
My friends. You guys rock.
The chance to follow my bliss and do what I love.
Hope, dedication, inspiration and creative flow.
My cozy little cottage, my beautiful garden and all the wildlife that visits it - even the damned opposum and the pesky racoon.
Vacations at the beach.
The writers, musicians, filmmakers and artists who inspire me.
Awareness of the beauty all around me.
Belief - in Divine presence, in the wonder of life, in the power of words and in myself.
You. Yes you, the eyes at the other side of this blog.

May your holiday be sweet and peaceful, no matter where you are or what you eat. =)

Namaste and brightest blessings.

Happy Birthday, PB!

2009-11-21T16:17:04Z

Hope you have a great day. Your card will get there eventually... *face palm*

You might be a writer if...

2009-11-21T14:14:10Z

I have a post up over at The Witchy Chicks blog. Stop by and check it out. =)

http://witchychicks.blogspot.com/

Thursday Thanks.

2009-11-19T13:41:54Z

Today, I'm thankful to my critique partners for saving my butt and my sanity on a regular basis. They're amazing women, fantastic writers and the best friends I could ever have.

I love you guys. *smishes*

It's so weird.

2009-11-15T00:52:53Z

When I pick up something I wrote a year ago - or even six months ago - I'm always surprised by how much of it I've forgotten.

It's like my brain is a colander and it only holds in the big chunks. I remember the story arcs, the characters, some pieces of dialog or scenes I'm partial to. But it's always a revelation (and usually a joy) to revisit a work that I've set aside.

And yeah, I'm listening to holiday music, because I've been working a bit on the holiday script I wrote last winter. Yeah, it's early, but sue me. Because damn, what a great playlist.

Thanks.

2009-11-12T14:54:41Z

I'm thankful for the many things I inherited from my parents, especially the willingness and ability to get up well before the sun because, as Dad always said, "Early morning is the best part of the day!"

I'm not sure I buy into that completely, but it's a comfortable time for me to work. The house is quiet, my mind is calm and refreshed (or still full of dream images that I can work into my writing). I have hot coffee. My pesky familiar Oberon is still in bed so he's not trying to sit between me and my monitor or sprawl across my desk. My kids are sleeping peacefully and making no demands...you can see why it works.

After realizing what the rest of the year will be like between the holidays and my kids having 4 weeks (FOUR WEEKS!) of vacation between now and January 11, I had a decision to make. Either throw up my hands, say I'm not under contract at the moment so why not relax and take time off OR make writing a priority and adjust my schedule accordingly.

Taking time off might seem like the saner path, but after my down session this summer, I had an incredibly difficult time getting back into the swing of my writing. And I believe that now - when I'm feeling momentum and getting hopeful responses from agents - is NOT the time to lose steam. Now is the time to keep the energy moving, the words flowing, the power building.

So. I set a new alarm on my phone. It will go off every day at 5:30 a.m. except for Sundays, which will be my one day off. Doesn't matter if I write 5 words or 5 pages, I'm here at this desk in the wee hours of dawn. And I'm not just blogging or surfing the Net, either. I'm writing, because it's what matters and in the end, it's what keeps me sane. =)

Obviously I'll grant myself sick days as necessary, but this will mean not losing entire days when my kids are home sick. It will also alleviate guilt for days when I have appointments or want to meet a friend for coffee. I can do that, since I'll already have clocked some writing time.

The new alarm plays "It's the End of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" - because I do. As a matter of fact, I'm feeling great about this decision. I've tested the pattern out this week and I'm loving it so far. It's a new way of doing things, but it feels like the right way, at least for now.

I've embraced the passion and the fearlessness, now it's time to really dig into the discipline!

My Favorite Veteran.

2009-11-11T16:25:12Z

It's a day to remember those who selflessly gave of themselves in service to our country, and I'm thinking about my father.

He was in highschool and World War II was raging. He couldn't wait to get into the action and follow all his friends and family who had already gone off to fight. He graduated 6 months early and when he turned 18 in March, he enlisted in the Navy, joining the crew of the U.S.S. Slater, a destroyer escort headed for Japan.

Check out the handsome sailor boy. =)

Here he is on the Slater:

This is Dad by his other favorite boat - the Highliner, a commercial deep sea fishing boat and his retirement plan. =)

He'd been wanting to fish out of Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, California, since he was a boy. Here he is on the bluff above it, and yep - that little blonde thing is me.

Dad's gone beyond now, but the Slater lives on. It was purchased by the Greek Navy in the 50's (I think?) and in the 80's it hit dry dock. The crew of the Slater got together, raised a bunch of money and brought their ship home. She's parked in Albany, New York, and is a museum open to the public. I've kept up the family membership in honor of Dad and someday, when the budget allows, I'll be taking the Things there to walk the decks Grandpa swabbed, see his nameplate over his bunk and his uniform and cap in their glass display case. .

Thanksgiving.

2009-11-06T14:06:41Z

I have a post up over at the Witchy Chicks about thanksgving - the verb, not the noun. Stop by if you can. =)

http://witchychicks.blogspot.com/

Thursday.

2009-11-05T15:17:41Z

Today I'm thankul for my Shiny New Story Idea. WHEE!!!!!!!! *runs around squeeing madly*

I'm also thankful for conversations with friends, great research connections, healthy comfort foods, my loving family and an incoming rainstorm.

ETA: ooh, and coffee. All hail the Great God Java! *bows*

ETA.2: The ever-hilarious Terese Ramin has posted "A Brief Song About Coffee" over at the Witchy Chicks blog. I'm calling her later to make her sing it for me, since it's my new personal anthem. *grins*

Check it out: http://witchychicks.blogspot.com/

Three Wishes.

2009-11-02T15:02:25Z

To heck with setting goals. Let's take a leap, believe in the magic that exists in a seed, a dream, the beginnings of a new year. Let's make three personal wishes for the next full turn of the Year Wheel - we're being selfish now, we'll go for the global stuff later - and believe that they can and will come true!

Remember, when setting intentions it's always good to be specific. Also, these are wishes. Reach for the stars! (And be ready to do the appropriate work to back them up. *grins*)

Here are mine:

1) I wish for an offer of representation by a reputable, committed agent who loves my work.
2) I wish for a multi book contract from a big publisher.
3) I wish for continued good health and happiness for me and my beloveds.

Your turn. The circle is open, anyone can join in.

*waves wand* For the good of all and harming none, so mote it be.

Happy Halloween/Blessed Samhain!

2009-10-31T16:34:42Z

As the year wheel turns into the deepest darkness, may the ancestors whisper loving wisdom in your ears, may your cauldron be full of magic and may the bulk of your chocolate NOT be Tootsie Rolls.

Here's wishing you many more treats than tricks!

Thanks.

2009-10-29T13:17:20Z

This Thursday, I'm thankful to the writers, producers and cast of Friday Night Lights, who rolled out the most gorgeous, heartfelt, bittersweet, funny, well-written, flawlessly acted season premiere I've seen in a long time. Maybe ever. It embodied everything I love about this show, had me laughing, got me teary-eyed and made me fall in love with the residents of Dillon, Texas, all over again.

Also, I'm grateful for Direct TV, without whom this show would have already been cancelled. And I'm grateful I have DirectTV so I can watch it now instead of waiting until next summer. Woot!

Want.

2009-10-28T16:46:36Z

I really need a wireless ergonomic mouse. I love my Goldtouch ergo mouse, but its cord is too short to pull it down on my keyboard tray. In fact, I can't even pull it all the way to the edge of the desk. So when I'm using it a lot - like when I'm editing - I'm leaning forward in my chair, reaching over my tray, which is not good for my back or right shoulder. I've been editing for two months straight, so I'm really feeling it. (Plus, I've been seriously slacking on the yoga. Bad Lisa.)

When I get a book contract or another script option, I'm so buying this mouse:

http://www.thehumansolution.com/evoluent-vertical-mouse-wireless-vm3w.html

Goldtouch has discontinued their line of mousies (how is that word pluralized??) but they're selling this brand in packages with their keyboard and gel wrist/mousing pads. I love their products, so trust that this would be good.

Actually, I highly recommend The Human Solution to anyone shopping for ergo products. Their prices are competitive and they're so nice to work with online or over the phone. Very knowledgeable and helpful.

Okay, 'nuff shopping and dreaming. Time to work.

ETA: Yo, FTC. I'm not being paid, bribed or rewarded for endorsing The Human Solution, Goldtouch products or the Evoluent Vertical Mouse. If I were, I wouldn't be wishing for this mouse. I'd already have it. =D

It's Saturday?

2009-10-24T18:35:29Z

*blinks* Wow. Where did the week go?

This week really flew. Made great progress with my editing. Clocked 9 miles on the track. Hung out with a friend and her kids. Read Lauren Dane's "Undercover" (which is so hot it almost melted my eyes out of their sockets). Mix in the usual blend of cooking, parenting and chores and BLAM. Another week bites the dust. =)

The DH is home today, which is lovely. He usually has Sunday/Monday off, but this week, it got changed up so he's home both weekend days. I met a friend to walk this morning, leaving him and the Things shooting aliens and blasting Green Day. They broke to join me for breakfast, now they're back at it and I'm roasting butternut squash.

I've been noodling with a recipe for Thai curry butternut soup. If it's worth eating, I'll share it here.

I'm cooking mostly to avoid cleaning the house. *sighs* Of course, I can put it off 'til tomorrow, but I should probably get outside and rip up the veggie garden. No more tomatoes this year. We've had some rain and, the last couple of mornings, a light dusting of frost. It's time to tear everything out and till in a bunch of chicken manure. I'll probably hold on that part until the cats have decided it's time to hibernate and have moved back indoors. Otherwise, rolling and the subsequent stench will ensue.

This afternoon we're going to see Where the Wild Things are. I can't wait!! Then we're going out to dinner, not sure where yet.

That's all I've got folks, which probably explains why I haven't been posting much lately. =D TTFN.

A Dread and Awful Secret

2009-10-23T13:32:03Z

The Witchy Chicks' annual Round Robin Tale of Terror is underway. Today is my turn. *holds flashlight under chin* It was a dark and stormy night....

http://witchychicks.blogspot.com/

Gratitude, dude.

2009-10-22T13:41:51Z

For:

Coffee.
Goldfinches!
Walks.
New tunes.
Good editing mojo.
Books.
Yoga classes.
Friends.

And now for a woofreakinghoo...

Friday Night Lights season 4 starts next week!

And a BWAHAHA...

The Witchy Chicks annual Round Robin Tale of Terror has begun. 9 days, 9 writers, 9 kinds of crazy fun. Don't miss out on the madness!

http://witchychicks.blogspot.com/

It's Thursday...

2009-10-15T13:21:07Z

....and I'm thankful for:

stormy weather
dinner out with a friend
Thai food (Yum! Leftovers!)
new eps of my favorite shows
reconnections
pumpkin patches
partners in crime - er - I mean critique partners
and love, twoo wuv...

A Haunting Treat

2009-10-14T13:38:06Z

I posted a piece of Halloween-y flash fiction over at the Witchy Chicks blog this morning. (Actually, it's more Samhain-y. Go figure. *grins*)

Stop by if you're up for a wee shiver.

http://witchychicks.blogspot.com/