Darla M. Sands

Thursday Thirteen - The View From My Back Porch

2011-12-22T01:37:00.000-05:00

Sitting outside to write on a chill day, I couldn't help be distracted by the view. It's not oceans or mountains, but I still see some fine things. You can't help noticing that many are birds. I only miss my summertime friends, the turkey buzzard.

1. Cardinals

2. A red bellied woodpecker

3. Black capped chickadees

4. Neighbors visiting

5. Starlings

6. My bare Japanese maple

7. A tufted titmouse

8. Sparrows

9. A stalking cat (okay, that was yesterday, but still)

10. The barren "vulture tree"

11. My neglected Eastern Bluebird house

12. Grass that needs cutting

13. House finches

~

Thursday Thirteen - Vacation Wishes

2011-12-15T01:51:00.000-05:00

As I type, I'm looking forward to a vacation. I hope:

1. That I won't be groped too badly by airport security

2. It won't be too hot and humid in Florida

3. Mom and Dad are both well for our two night stay

4. Dad has another good fishing day out his back yard while we're there

5. The Salvador Dali museum is as cool as I hope

6. There are some awesome things to buy at the museum shop

7. The hotel is as swank as expected

8. Beach time is cocktail hour

9. The big cat rescue visit is half as fun for the animals as for us

10. Restaurants are excellent and relaxing

11. Shopping might unearth some fun fashion finds

12. The cat sitter comes in and out without setting off the alarm system

13. I come home with a demeanor other than wanting to bark at everyone at work

~

Thursday Thirteen - Inspiration from Author Chris Cleave

2011-12-01T03:39:00.005-05:00

I make no secret of the fact that I'm an aspiring writer and am participating in National Novel Writing Month. Recently I read on the NaNo website an inspirational message from writer Chris Cleave and decided to share thirteen of my favorite sentences from that message. I can only hope he would approve. Here goes:

Often sheer euphoria at your own brilliance will keep you writing late into the night, and you can hardly sleep because what you’ve written is so damned good. Then you wake up the next day and read it, and you realize it’s a pile of self-indulgent crap. This happens to me two days out of five. Then you get the opposite case, where you beat yourself up because the ideas are coming so slowly and all your dialogue seems timid and pedestrian. A week later you might look back on that day as a pretty solid performance, where your characters were honest with each other and maybe even created a couple of touching moments.

The more I learn about the writing process, the more I suspect that there is no such thing as a bad day at the keyboard. Sometimes you need slow days where you work through a dozen ideas that aren’t destined to fly. It creates a kind of intensity that eventually goads your brain into giving you a good day. Or sometimes, if you keep having slow days, then perhaps the novel really is asking you a deeper question about whether your plot, or your characterization, or your theory about the human heart really is up to scratch. Experience is knowing when you’re having a slow day, versus when you’re having a slow novel.

The good days are when you perform; the slow days are when you learn to perform better. The only bad days as a writer are the ones when you are too cowardly or too lazy to sit down at the keyboard and give it everything you have.

If you can sit down at the keyboard every day in November and give it everything you have, then there is no writer on earth who is better than you.

~

Thursday Thirteen - Thanksgiving Foods

2011-11-24T07:57:00.001-05:00

Our family actually celebrated Thanksgiving in the US early. Still, I wanted to pay tribute to the holiday if only in a frivolous way. Here are thirteen foods besides the ubiquitous turkey that have graced the family table:

1. Mixed nuts - from the can, not the family tree, thank goodness

2. Cheese cubes

3. Vegetable tray

4. Green bean casserole

5. Cranberry sauce

6. Rolls

7. Sweet potato casserole

8. Cheese ball and crackers

9. Taco dip and chips

10. Dad's outrageous stuffing full of chestnuts and rice and bread

11. Pumpkin roll - a favorite of mine from my sister-in-law

12. Cherry cheesecake

13. Pumpkin pie and whipped cream, of course

~

Thursday Thirteen - Images From My Hot Air Balloon Ride

2011-11-17T01:39:00.024-05:00

I''ve had these on my camera for a while and it's high time I share. They're by no means professional grade photographs of the dual balloon flights, but I hope you enjoy...

Thursday Thirteen - Observations on Cats

2011-11-10T09:38:00.000-05:00

I grew up having dogs around. We had a cat briefly, but the barn raised animal never did like city living. Eventually, I found myself living with a cat lover. Since I love all furry creatures pretty equally, this didn't pose a problem. Today, surrounded by the three female cats that make our house a home, I decided to share things I adore and some, not so much.

1. Any time you put something in front of a cat's nose, she cannot resist sniffing it.

2. A cat will turn her nose up at you if she's not in the mood for your company.

3. Our cats our almost always in the mood for our company.

4. Last night we had all three kitties and both humans on the love seat in front of the television.

5. Every day I leave is hard because I'd rather stay home and watch their antics.

6. Our cats have more toys than probably exist in some third world countries.

7. Felines don't need to go outside to do their business at inopportune times.

8. Soiled cat litter is no fun to swap out.

9. Fur is soft and fun to caress.

10. Fur balls tossed up on the carpet are not fun to step on.

11. Any human with a cat on the lap is entitled to ask for favors so as not to disturb the creature.

12. They eat better than we do.

13. I'm going to need serious therapy when any of our trio passes away.

What pet(s) do you have, or would if you could?
~

Thursday Thirteen - Sentences from My NaNoWriMo WIP

2011-11-03T04:40:00.002-04:00

Here is the opening to what I hope will become a novel for National Novel Writing Month. I hope you enjoy the snippet.

Story:

“What am I doing? I’m acting like a teenager trying to impress the boys,” Lita muttered at her reflection.

Her admonition didn’t stop her from further fluffing her short, highlighted hair or adding eyeliner to already large hazel eyes. She might be out of college but she was no old maid.

With a look through her closet, she decided to drive to the party. The cream colored high heels would go well with her outfit but weren’t good for walking the many blocks to Rhonda and Pete’s house. Pale rose and ivory on her matched skirt ensemble set off the fading summer tan from her trip to Bermuda.

She snagged a bottle of wine from the counter along with her purse. A glance at the clock showed she would be fashionably late.

The ringing phone caused her to hesitate on the way to the garage door. She hated to miss a call from her mother, who would be equally happy to hear that her youngest daughter planned to socialize after a slow and agonizing breakup with her fiancé.

A glance at the caller id showed the name of the very friends she prepared to visit.

“Hello.”

~

Thursday Thirteen - My Short Story Titles

2011-10-27T03:57:00.003-04:00

To help bring back my muse, I thought I'd share thirteen unpublished titles I've written. Someday I hope to have the courage to present my "Blood Moon" shapeshifter short story series to someone in the business.

Cat's Meow
Nine Lives
Wolf's Bane
Man's Best Friend
Letting the Cat Out of the Bag
Dog Days of Summer
The Wolf at Your Door
Beware the Black Cat Crossing Your Path
Obedience Training
Top Dog
Leopard Print
'Shift in the Wind
Dog is My Copilot

Thursday Thirteen - A Lamentation in Thirteen Words

2011-10-20T16:11:00.000-04:00

Why

can't

I

think

of

anything

to

write?

Where

is

my

muse

lately?

Thursday Thirteen - Moments in My Life

2011-10-13T01:52:00.000-04:00

Here are many mundane and a few interesting things I've been up to lately.

1. Working too hard - What can I say? Somehow, the car business that affects my company seems to be booming. I need two of me and should be grateful.

2. Playing Scrabble - It's fun on an android tablet with the automatic scorekeeping and all.

3. Camping - We take an awful lot of gear for supposed "roughing it". Next, we'll have to hire movers. Still, it's a nice change of pace.

4. Paying the Maid Service - Why didn't I do this years ago? Seriously, it's worth the monthly cost.

5. Picking Up Cat Toys - It's amazing how they migrate from the "toybox" during the night.

6. Watching "Burn Notice" - We enjoyed the season ender of this great spy action/drama for a second time after the last quarter hour went mysteriously missing from the recording.

7. Visiting family - A neat reunion of the families was staged by my brother's in-laws. It's lovely to have a wonderful extended family.

8. Eating Out - This guilty pleasure needs to be put on the back burner. There are just so many good restaurants in the area!

9. Not Writing - What a downer this has been. I need to unearth my muse.

10. Getting My Hair Done - This is a much needed item I tend to put off because the two-tone look I like takes a good three and a half hours with cut and styling. It's always worth it when the stylist's done.

11. Sleeping In - Last done while camping, this is much coveted. I'm lucky to have the opportunity most weekends (within reason).

12. Feeding Fish - My two freshwater aquariums require regular attention but are well worth it.

13. Considering NaNoWriMo - Participating in November's National Novel Writing Month takes up a lot of my thoughts lately. I need to consider an appropriate project and commit to writing 1,600 plus words a day for 50,000 for the month.

What's on your agenda? I'd be interested to know.

Thursday Thirteen - My Hairdresser

2011-10-06T04:33:00.002-04:00

One of the longest relationships in my life is with my hairdresser. She's really something and, since I need to visit her soon, the lady's on my mind. So, here are thirteen facts about her.

1. She’s a talented stylist

2. Her salon is in her home

3. Her husband and children are a delight to know

4. She enjoys my experimentation

5. Her prices are very reasonable

6. She is very caring

7. She’s as dependable as the sunrise

8. We laugh a lot together

9. Her knowledge of diverse subjects is fascinating

10. There is always some extended family drama that makes me grateful for my life

11. She introduced me to her long-time friends in the rock group Tesla

12. Her opinions are rock solid and never wavering, almost to a fault

13. She loves animals

~~~

Thursday Thirteen - Blessings

2011-09-22T10:50:00.000-04:00

Today I thought I’d count my blessings. It’s been too long.

1. We have the financial means to meet our needs, obligations, and wants while still donating to charity.

2. I am relatively healthy outside of a sprained ankle (from walking the treadmill!).

3. Both my parents are alive and in my life.

4. My folks love my husband and vice versa.

5. My husband and I still enjoy one another’s company after twenty-two years together.

6. Our pets are healthy and happy; my fish even had babies I hope to raise to adulthood.

7. Well, one cat needs medication but it’s inexpensive and doing the trick when I can get it in her.

8. I own a reliable car and have no car payments.

9. We live in a safe, comfortable neighborhood.

10. My husband asked for a stress test that saved his life.

11. The triple bypass surgery went well and he’s recovered nicely.

12. My husband is in the best health since his Air Force days.

13. I wrote this at a clinic waiting for blood to be drawn but it’s a rare event for a simple health checkup.

May you have reason to give thanks today!

~

Thursday Thirteen - Albums I Own

2011-09-08T04:37:00.003-04:00

Out of curiosity, I looked on my iPod to see how many female vocalists are listed. You see, I have a guilty preference for male voices. However, I found thirteen female artists with no problem. Just for the fun of it, here are the woman fronted groups and the albums I own in no particular order:

Flyleaf - Flyleaf

Otep - House of Secrets

Madonna - The Immaculate Collection

The Birthday Massacre - Walking With Strangers

Alanis Morissette - Flavors of Entanglement

Etta James - The Best of Etta James

Cyndi Lauper - Twelve Deadly Cyns

Jem - Finally Woken

Rasputina - Transylvanian Regurgitations

Garbage - Bleed Like Me / Version 2.0 (I like them so well I bought two titles)

Ace of Base - The Sign

Anna Nalick - Wreck of the Day

Ego Likeness - The Lowest Place on Earth

Bonus:

Connie Francis - Christmas Cheer

Thursday Thirteen - The Color Blue

2011-08-25T04:34:00.000-04:00

Thirteen things that are blue; inspired by number 13.

1. The Caribbean Sea

2. Smurfs

3. My novelty pen from a colleague’s trip to Las Vegas

4. The background of MS Word on my company desktop

5. A vintage name patch from Walt Disneyworld

6. Part of a short story title I need to finish writing (“Into the Blue”)

7. The aptly named Blue Jay, a native bird of North America

8. Those distinctive veins in gorgonzola cheese

9. Jugs for our home water cooler

10. Brilliant Irish actor Cillian Murphy’s eyes

11. Blooms of the Heavenly Blue morning glory, a favorite flower

12. The ink on a good friend’s inspirational postcard

13. Tor Cyan, a Genetic Infantryman from futuristic British comic “2000 AD”

Thursday Thirteen - Jet Mykles

2011-08-11T01:55:00.004-04:00

In celebration of an interview and contest on my group writer's blog (here: Nightlight), I decided to list thirteen reasons to read Jet Mykles's books.

1. Hot, romantic m/m - what can I say? I'm hooked

2. "Heaven Sent" - hot rockers with a classic Yaoi feel to their tales

3. Darl Elves - gotta love fantasy

4. "Reverb" - more rock 'n roll with a darker flavor

5. The "Leashed" series - shapeshifters!

6. Threesomes - she makes them seem workable

7. Realistic characters - including side characters

8. World building - she really draws me in

9. Johnnie Heaven - Heaven Sent's sexy front man

10. Lucas Sloane - Heaven Sent bass player

11. Darien - Heaven Sent drummer

12. Brent Rose - Heaven Sent lead guitarist

13. Heller Witting - Heaven Sent keyboard player

Can you tell I'm a fan of the "Heaven Sent" series?

~

Flash Fiction - A Short Story Packed into One Chapter

2011-07-31T17:54:00.002-04:00

First Date

Marko crooned in stooping to pet the cat, earning him points in Frank’s book. Thumb and forefinger formed an “O” to swipe the circumference of the upright tail to the end. The tip flip flopped encouragingly.

“Male or female?”

“Female.”

“What’s her name?” Marko asked, petting her behind the ears so that she purred.

“Miss Whiskers,” Frank said, feeling his face flush slightly. “My sister and I were kids when we named her.”

“It’s cute. What do you call her for short?”

“It used to be Missy but now I’m more likely to call her Whiskey. It fits her better; she’s a no fuss cat.”

“And she responds to any of the three?”

“Are you kidding? She’s a cat. She’ll respond to a plate of food. The rest of the attention she gives me is icing on the cake.”

Marko stood, swiping long hair from his neck. A grin lit his angular face, softening attractively sharp features to make him look younger than his professed twenty-four. Frank suddenly thought he looked better than any old cake, even one with his favorite butter cream frosting.

“Your bio mentioned two cats.”

“Bigelow is a big fraidy cat. He hides the moment the doorbell rings.”

“Bigelow?”

“He’s huge. Has been since I got him from the shelter. They just called him Big Boy.”

“I hope I can meet him later. Maybe after the movie he’ll be willing to greet me without the doorbell to scare him.”

Frank couldn’t believe he’d heard right. Marko acted awfully sure of this first date. Their eyes met over the silence. Standing about the same height as Frank, Marko seemed to suddenly realize what he said by the slight widening of his eyes.

“Uh, shall we go? We’ll have time to get snacks and watch all the previews if we leave now.”

“Sounds good. We might not catch a cab right away, anyway.”

“I told the driver to wait.”

Frank liked that Marko showed no ulterior motive in agreeing to meet at his apartment. He tested his first dates that way, and most never survived to a second. They usually pushed intimacy too fast for Frank’s comfort

He shut the door soundly on that thought and locked it just as surely as he did the physical door to his New York apartment. He might have needed a shoehorn to move in but it served well as home for the three “people”, as Frank liked to think of his feline buddies.

“Your place is nice,” Marko praised belatedly.

Following on his thought about the size, Frank almost laughed. Instead, he managed to thank the other man with only a slightly self deprecating comment.

“It’s tiny, but it’s home.”

“Who needs a big place when you’re young, anyway? I have a shoebox, myself. I’d rather spend my money on living than a place to sleep my life away.”

“I like the way you think.”

They exchanged good humor at that, their chuckles echoing in the elevator they entered. The pair already knew what movie to see, having decided while communicating through the gay dating website.

Plans changed when they agreed that the movie stunk. The conclusion occurred to Frank early on but Marko spoke up first.

“You’re an old movie buff. What about watching a classic instead of this 3D mess?”

Plan B took shape by the time they returned to Frank’s place. Soon they munched popcorn and sipped beer over a romantic comedy from the forties.

“Better?”

“Much,” Frank agreed.

The clean-cut brunette’s agreement grew when Marko’s hand brushed his in the popcorn bowl. An on-screen kiss led to an admirable imitation on the couch with Marko taking the initiative. He turned Frank, whose fingers tangled in shaggy blond locks. Frank tugged lightly until their lips parted.

“Too fast?” Marko breathed.

“I don’t know.”

“Then let’s just relax and watch the DVD.”

“Okay,” Frank answered.

The coiled heat in Frank’s abdomen protested a shift to again face front from the sofa. Reaching for his beer, he saw Bigelow chose that moment to walk in front of the television.

“Hey, boy!”

The Maine Coon mix trotted to Marko’s outstretched hand. Bigelow sniffed, then batted his forehead against the back of Mark’s knuckles, a sure sign of acceptance.

“I think he likes me,” Marko enthused.

“I’ve never seen anyone allowed to touch him on the first visit.”

“Technically, it’s my second.”

“Oh, yeah,” Frank mumbled. “I guess it is.”

“You’re really cute when you blush. What if I told you I’d like to spend the night and make more of you blush?”

“I’d say we’re definitely rushing things, then.”

“All right. Let’s finish the movie and I’ll go.”

“Really? I don’t mean to be a jerk.”

“Hey, you’re just being honest. I respect that.”

After the closing scene, Marko stuck to his promise. Frank saw him off with a chaste kiss and plans to go out the following day. Nothing specific set other than where to meet, not even a time, Frank found himself unable to sleep.

The doorbell rang about forty-five minutes later. Wide awake, Frank walked to the door in his boxers figuring his neighbor just wanted to talk about her boyfriend trouble. He never should have started offering an ear at all hours. Instead, Marko stood in the doorway with a box of donuts.

“Hey, Frank. I figure it’s tomorrow. I hope you don’t mind.” To the unasked question, he answered, “My uncle owns the pastry shop around the corner. These were just made for the morning rush.”

“They smell like heaven. I don’t know, though. I’m dressed for bed and everything.”

“Perfect,” Marko growled. “Oh, yeah, there’s that red face. Come on, let me in. I won’t go any farther than you want. We can even watch another movie if you like.”

Frank nodded, smiling. Bigelow liked the man, after all, which said a lot. And the donuts would help keep his inner werewolf at bay. It wasn’t meat but, with any luck, Marko would survive the night so they could enjoy getting to know one another.

Mostly, anyway.

-

Thursday Thirteen - Signs of the Times

2011-07-28T01:27:00.004-04:00

My partner and I recently went to a bar and grill that struck us as open and inviting. Later, upon trying to recall the name for posterity, I found online the following wardrobe restrictions that seriously opened my eyes. They all seem to relate to gang attire. It sure surprised this suburban girl. What do you think of all this?

-All hats must be straight forward/backward
-All loose neck jewelry must be tucked in
-No men's sleeveless shirts/tank tops
-No wave-caps/headbands
-No bandanas
-No athletic jerseys (except collared jerseys)
-No jump suits/athletic wear
-No baggy clothing
-No exposed men's underwear
-No sunglasses after sunset
-No hoods pulled over head
-Home and Away Jerseys allowed on game day only
-Clothing or jewelry which poses a safety risk to customers or employees is prohibited. You may not modify your wardrobe at time of entry to meet the dress code.

~

Thursday Thirteen - My Clutter

2011-07-14T01:20:00.002-04:00

I surveyed what resides on my desk and thought it worthy to share. Some is mundane but not all, as I hope you'll agree. Here goes:

1. A miniature jar of Play-Doh - this came from a local chapter of NaNoWriMo last November when I joined a great group of people writing a novel in November; it's a great stress reliever for playtime

2. My digital picture frame filled with photos of favorite drummer Ukyou Kamimura (Kami), now deceased member of the former Japanese visual kei band Malice Mizer

3. Logitech speakers for my laptop - a good, portable way to get good sound

4. A paper holder like a miniature paperweight with a curved slit for propping paper at the proper angle for reading at a keyboard

5. Advair 500/50 diskus for my asthma - thank goodness for good health insurance

6. One tire shaped squeeze ball - good to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome

7. A tea bag holder for when I'm done soaking the elixir in my drink

8. CD cases - a slew I need to put away after having downloaded them to my iPods

9. One of four Southpark coasters for my tea or other drink of choice - this is one of Stan while the rest of the guys' faces are strewn about the family room

10. A Red Rock Canyon postcard from precious friends - I should have joined that writing group on their excursion

11. TretraMin fish food flakes for the nearby aquarium - the eldest cat knocked it over out of curiosity and I need to buy more

12. A commemorative coffin shaped desk clock from Japanese rocker Gackt - the thing is so cool that it runs backward with a reverse Roman numeral face

13. Two tickets for a hot air balloon ride courtesy of my parents (!!!) - it's a gift I can use all over the country (where would you suggest?)

Thursday Thirteen - How Much Stuff is Too Much?

2011-06-30T00:42:00.004-04:00

I’ve taken to watching a show about hoarding lately. The tales are sad but hard to turn off and make me realize that there are collections in my home that could stand to be thinned out. While my buying isn’t out of control, I do have these things in abundance. Many will probably surprise no one within the writing community.

1. Books

2. Pens

3. CD’s

4. Greeting cards from loved ones

5. Notebooks

6. Clothing

7. Hair accessories

8. Halloween decorations

9. Comic books

10. Cat toys

11. Jewelry

12. DVD’s

13. Mugs

-

Thursday Thirteen - Father's Day Special

2011-06-16T01:36:00.002-04:00

I am probably not alone in appreciating my father for this Thursday's list. I can only hope that you have a special dad with whom to share mutual affection. Here are thirteen cool things about mine:

1. Dad calls me regularly so that we keep in touch even when I get wrapped up in life and neglect picking up the phone.

2. He treats his children’s spouses like they’re his own. Dad (and Mom) basically adopted my husband.

3. He cooks most of the Thanksgiving meal for the whole clan from turkey to pumpkin pies.

4. He employed all of his adult children at various times and did his best to act as a fair boss.

5. He refitted a vintage bicycle so I could ride in comfort cheaply.

6. He graciously trades valuable services for neighbors’ small favors.

7. He loves dogs and all his kids’ various other critters

8. He built a basement underneath our existing ranch house when I was a toddler.

9. He maintained numerous simultaneous jobs so our mother of four could stay home for the full-time occupation of child and household care.

10. He’s built three (!) cat trees for my pets. Those things cost a fortune and each is unique.

11. He used his time, energy, and expertise to renovate our second floor deck. That bought us years before we need to replace the expensive thing.

12. He drove my mom clear across the state so they could both kindly stay with me while my husband underwent major surgery.

13. Last but not least, Dad and Mom left the hospital that recent day while giving me the impression they were heading straight home. Instead, he took the time to mow my lawn so I had one less thing to worry about during my husband’s recovery.

Thanks, Dad, for being you!

Thursday Thirteen - Crayon Castles

2011-06-02T01:46:00.001-04:00

If you're a parent who has several thousand dollars burning a hole in your pocket, here are thirteen bedroom creations available to purchase from the talented people at Crayon Castles. Even if these might be out of your price range, I must suggest that you check out crayoncastles.com for smaller accent furnishings and neat ideas.

Thursday Thirteen - Thirteen Culinary Terms

2011-05-19T04:55:00.000-04:00

I may have been hungry when this topic appeared in my head. Whatever the case, here are thirteen food related terms that double as nouns and verbs.

1. Cook

2. Grill

3. Fillet

4. Roast

5. Milk

6. Rice (as in a potato ricer)

7. Pickle

8. Steam

9. Salt

10. Oil

11. Spice

12. Juice

13. Slice

Thirteen Thirteen - Facts about Tigger

2011-05-05T04:42:00.005-04:00

1. Winnie the Pooh’s friend is almost always upbeat and enthused

2. He first appears in “The House on Pooh Corner”

3. Tigger originally introduces himself with a big bounce on Pooh’s doorstep late at night

4. He lives with Kanga and Roo in the books but has a treehouse in the Disney rendition

5. Eeyore gets bounced into the river by Tigger

6. Rabbit disapproves of Tigger’s boisterous ways

7. Piglet is somewhat nervous of the bigger, bouncy Tigger

8. Pooh states that Tigger only seems large because of his bouncing, indicating their other friends in the Hundred Acre Wood think of him as bigger than he actually is

9. Capable of holding a pen, he nonetheless jumps on all four feet more often than not in Ernest H. Shepard’s illustrations

10. While he has his own theme song, “The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers”, he is not in the Winnie the Pooh theme song

11. The rather egotistical Tigger tends to get into projects over his head and cause more harm than good

12. He is never mentioned as being a tiger, only ever as a Tigger

13. The proper way to spell his name is T-I-double-guh-err

Amorphophallus conjac

2011-04-29T11:19:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited! My Amorphophallus conjac is presenting not one bloom, but four this year! Click below for pictures from last year. I'll take pictures as the show commences in the coming weeks. Hopefully the weather will continue to cooperate with temperatures low enough to keep it from wilting quickly.

Amorphophallus conjac

Thursday Thirteen - Garlic

2011-04-21T01:57:00.001-04:00

April 19th was National Garlic Day in the United States, and I’d like to celebrate that fact by sharing some. Thanks to Dilo Keith for letting me know of the obscure holiday!

1. The fear of garlic is alliumphobia.

2. Eating it reduces the buildup of plaque in arteries.

3. Consumption also lowers blood cholesterol levels according to some studies.

4. China produces over 77% of global output.

5. The compound known as allicin from crushed bulbs exhibits both antibacterial and antifungal properties.

6. Phytochemicals in garlic are believed to protect against stomach and colorectal cancers.

7. Eating garlic before mosque attendance is inappropriate according to Islamic views as subsequent bad breath may irritate fellow worshippers.

8. Parsley supposedly provides relief from garlic breath, but the reprieve is temporary at best.

9. The purported protection against evil such as vampires may be well known, but there is also a reverse Islamic myth that Satan’s left footprint sprouted garlic in the Garden of Eden.

10. Another name for garlic is “stinking rose” due to its strong odor.

11. All plants in the allium family can cause allergic reactions that range from the uncomfortable and disgusting to the dangerous, such as anaphylaxis.

12. Korean treatment of fermentation of the cloves within their skin creates black garlic that is soft, sweet, and mild (I recommend and have even snacked on the treat by itself).

13. Dating at least as far back as the time the Giza pyramids were built, garlic’s use as food and medicine covers thousands of years and countless cultures. Since that’s probably no surprise, as a bonus I’ll add that the most coveted type today originates in Syria.

Flash Fiction Friday

2011-04-15T09:51:00.001-04:00

Eye of the Beholder

The fight started like many others, with innocent mistake. In this case, Marko backed into a table while playing pool. One of two seated women squealed when a drink splashed her. The man next to her exploded out of his chair.

“What are you, an idiot?”

Marko threw up his hands, pool stick and all, and backed away in a clear gesture of apology. In a case of rotten luck, he didn’t notice another man coming up behind him to head toward the disrupted table. He stepped on the man’s foot, eliciting a grunt of pain.

“That’s it,” snarled the first man.

“Shawn, don’t,” implored the woman with the stained blouse. “Carl, don’t you go encouraging him, either. He didn’t mean to step on your toe.”

Shawn didn’t appear to even hear her. His red face and balled fists caused Marko to cringe before the punch connected dead center on the nose. Blood squirted like ketchup from a burst condiment packet. Shawn’s pal locked his arms around Marko’s, trapping him.

Marko’s brother Pablo stepped up, then, determination wrinkling his forehead. Dropping his pool stick to the table, he put his hand on Carl’s shoulder in an effort to dislodge him from Marko. Carl shoved the stunned Marko toward Shawn and spun about.

Pablo took on a defensive boxer’s pose, pure reflex saving him from a black eye or worse as a strong maneuver deflected Carl’s swing. Pablo dodged the next one with some fancy footwork. Meanwhile, Shawn turned poor Marko into a punching bag. A mist of red sprayed the floor.

That must have been the final straw for a hulking figure seated at the bar. A regular, he launched himself into the path of Shawn’s attack upon Marko without a sound. He grabbed Shawn’s wrist and twisted. Shawn screamed.

Then the girlfriends shrieked. Or one of them did, anyway. The increasing din made it difficult to tell for certain and all eyes were on the struggling group.

Another person joined the fray. I didn’t recognize him. He grabbed the abandoned pool stick from where Marko had dropped it and turned the weapon on a surprised Pablo. He failed to fend off the next strike from Carl in favor of keeping the stick from connecting with the back of his head.

The kidney hit dropped Pablo to his knees and the next swing of the pool stick struck his lower jaw. Spittle and blood flew out in what seemed to be slow motion. The onlookers sucked in a collective gasp. A long moment made me wonder if the entire place would erupt in violence. I tried to make myself as small as possible.

As if fortune smiled upon the wounded, that’s when the police showed up. Blue uniforms swarmed over the fray and zip ties quickly tied the perpetrators’ wrists. Names were taken down alongside statements of witnesses as the five fighters were hauled out. To my surprise, Marko managed to walk with minimal help. The worst abused of the bunch, he looked like hamburger about the eyes and mouth.

Wondering if the dropped peanuts and broken tortilla chips were really worth the drama, I trundled to my hidey hole as fast as my four feet could carry me. I twitched my whiskers and began to plan my move.

Thursday Thirteen - Feel Good Movies

2011-04-07T01:21:00.001-04:00

My partner brought up the idea of listing thirteen movies that always brighten my mood. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it turned out to be.

1. Young Frankenstein - endlessly quotable and forever a favorite

2. Top Secret! - a spoof that barely edged out the classic, darker flick, Kelly's Heroes

3. Clerks II - not really better than the original but I made myself choose one of the two

4. Best in show - Catherine O'Hara is just one brilliant comedic star in this

5. Sean of the Dead - genius

6. Joe's Apartment - roaches are actually cute in this outrageous romp

7. Real Genius - another Val Kilmer project, in it he stole every scene

8. Heathers - dark, dramatic, deliciously funny; a must see

9. Beetlejuice - makes me want a haunted house

10. Willow - while very different, this edged out Napoleon Dynamite on my list

11. Dark City - the surprise ending still blows me away

12. Cousins - the love story never fails to put a smile on my face

13. Dodgeball - this was the best part of the vacation during which I first saw it!

Thursday Thirteen - Custom Scooters from Japan

2011-03-24T02:01:00.000-04:00

I never dreamed scooters could look so cool. These machines are so low to the ground that it's a mystery to me how they clear the pavement, though.

Helping the Pet Medicine Go Down

2011-03-19T15:34:00.001-04:00

I recently had to start giving my cat medication for her thyroid. What a nightmare. Then the vet said she needed half a pill two times a day! I couldn't believe my rotten luck. The single afternoon event had been stressful enough.

Then the veterinary assistant told me about Greenie's pill pockets. Skeptical, I took the sample offered. I figured my cat would chew the soft treat and spit out the medicine.

Was I ever wrong, and thrilled to be! We haven't had an issue since. I just pop the halved pill in the cup shaped treat, squeeze closed the opening with my other hand (we don't want the scent of the medicine on the outside of the treat), and feed the cat. She gulps them down with a vehement and hearty head shake as if she's killing prey!

They also have them for dogs, and I can't recommend them enough. Here's the link to Feline Pill Pockets.

I hope this wonderful product helps you, too, if you're in the same boat.

Thursday Thirteen - The View Outside My Window

2011-03-10T01:16:00.000-05:00

1. Snow - it's falling as I type, though it might not be by the time I post this

2. Squirrels - tails fluffed up against the cold

3. One stubborn leaf clinging to the neighbor's tree

4. A tiny, shabby motel - I often wonder what type of people stay there

5. Life size concrete animals - oddly, the neighbor has deer and cows lined up in a row

6. Grey skies - I don't really mind since we're getting the snow

7. Minivans and SUVs - doesn't anyone drive a sedan around here but me? At least I'm not looking at a parking lot, just a few vehicles

8. The road out of town - it's surprisingly quiet for the time of day

9. A mysterious evergreen tree - I've left the volunteer plant because the shape reminds me of something out of Dr. Seuss

10. No vultures - I really miss our summertime flock

11. The neighbor's shed, barn, and carport - really, how much stuff does one family need?

12. A dense line of bare winter trees - we live near a river that hides just out of sight of the vegetation

13. A cardinal - his plumage is a welcome splash of color

Supernaturally Charged - Tatiana Caldwell's "The Summoning"

2011-03-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

NEW RELEASE: The Summoning by Tatiana Caldwell, from Liquid Silver Books.

Everything comes with a price …

Gailyn Bridges is a psychic who is ready to end her troublesome career as a private investigator. For the last time, she summons a powerful spirit to help her close a final case.

However, the mysterious entity who answers, Malak, is no ordinary spirit. He’s more than willing to help Gailyn save the would-be victim of a violent crime.

But who’s going to save Gailyn when Malak returns to collect payment for lending her his power?

Read a free excerpt and buy the book here.

A Sensual Read by Portia Da Costa ~ "Far From Perfect"

2011-03-01T08:49:00.002-05:00

FAR FROM PERFECT - Portia Da Costa

Enduring passion, turbulent emotions, and an engagement of convenience…

Anna Felgate and Nick Lisitano shared a night of passion together four long years ago, and even though the sex was perfect, the emotional aftermath and the estrangement that followed were about as far from perfect as it's possible to be. Both strong willed individualists, they've been keeping their distance ever since - even though they both secretly admit that they're still hot for each other. But the best laid plans of estranged lovers never run smoothly, and a crisis in Nick's family brings the two of them back together again. For the sake of his ailing father, Nick proposes a daring plan - a temporary engagement - and even though she knows she's playing with fire and putting her heart in deep peril, Anna is compelled to agree to it.

Can these two former lovers pull off their deception without tearing each other apart in the process? And will they manage to resist their mutual desire and keep their hands off one another... or will they plunge headlong into an affair, perfect or otherwise?

Read an excerpt

Read a longer excerpt at Google Books

Read an excerpt and BUY from Samhain

Thursday Thirteen - Childhood Memories

2011-02-24T03:25:00.004-05:00

Thursday Thirteen – Childhood Memories

1. There once existed lists of my stuffed animals so I could rotate weekly which ones slept in my bed. We wouldn’t want unfair treatment!

2. Same said stuffed animals were often the imperfect ones found at the store. I wanted to make sure they got a home.

3. I remember having a fit in anger during which I threw a favorite book across the room. Then I cried over the broken binding.

4. In all kinds of weather I used to join our dog on the roof of her doghouse for gentle companionship. She never did like being inside.

5. During my teens, my fingernail polish matched each and every new day’s outfit. I still wish I could get that time back for something more productive.

6. When little, a favorite play spot was the staircase of my grandparents’ home.

7. Eating walnuts in my grandfather’s woodworking shop is another favorite memory from that era. He used to sit and talk with me for hours.

8. Squirrels running around in the trees and power lines entertained me for hours. My grandfather taught me patience to the point we could feed some of the squirrels on the porch.

9. Winters at my other grandparents’ country home displayed a vast array of wild birds visiting for a free feed. The background noise of adults chatting as I stared out the window was a soothing sound.

10. A great flood once allowed us kids to use pool floats in the neighborhood streets. Mom was a dear to let us get away with that.

11. My brother used to drive me around in his car and I still remember the neat park road that dipped below the level of a creek. It became impossible to traverse after a particularly heavy rain.

12. Caring for houseplants and gardening with my grandmother taught me a lot, and not all just about vegetation.

13. Snuggling with my dad on the couch, we would often snooze on Sunday afternoons while watching NASCAR. I never saw the checkered flag as often as the start of the races.

Advice from Author Ann Somerville

2011-02-23T10:48:00.003-05:00

I decided to share something I think is really interesting to aspiring authors. Now I need to go back to reading it myself!

Publication, self-publication, and getting yourself out there

~~~~~

Key to My Heart - Chapter One

2011-02-19T17:58:00.004-05:00

Kyle surprised me by running out of the apartment building at my heels. He actually panted lightly from the strain of running. Then he held up his hand and I saw what made him chase me.

“You forgot your keys, Brian.”

I accepted them gratefully but dodged the kiss he offered. We were outside, after all. His happy expression deflated and I felt bad. I squeezed the fingers that gave up the keys but Kyle pulled his hand away.

“I’m sorry. I forgot where we were.”

“That’s okay,” I answered honestly.

The night before had been heaven hanging out at an openly gay bar. With pride and joy I’d let Kyle wrap himself around me. This neighborhood was a different story, however. We’d just moved in, for one thing.

At least I didn’t make him set up the extra bedroom as if he’d be sleeping there. I’d done that to my last guy for those occasional apartment inspections. It hadn’t gone over well but I did learn my lesson. I exhibited that now by what I said next.

“Are you free for lunch today?”

“You packed,” Kyle said, pointing to my lunch bag.

“I can save it for tomorrow. Come out with me to that Thai place you love.”

“I suppose.”

“I’ll take that as a ‘yes’.”

“Okay, Brian. You always could twist my arm.”

“And what a fine arm it is,” I pronounced luridly.

The morning at work crawled as I looked forward to my lunch date. I’d decided to make a concerted effort not to act like a closet case. Then my former wife and good friend called. Could I host a surprise birthday party?

“You can use my house,” she offered cautiously. “My mom is in the hospital or I wouldn’t do this to you, Brian.”

“Of course I’ll do it, and I hope the best for you mother! I take it this is for one of Sarah’s friends?”

“Yes. Molly is turning twelve and her parents are getting divorced. We wanted to make this birthday special by inviting a bunch of friends.”

“How many in all?”

“Ten.”

“All right then. I guess I’d better go make arrangements.”

The worst part was cancelling my lunch date. Darling Kyle understood, though. Sarah was my former wife’s daughter by her second husband. I acted as more of a dad to her than that loser. Kyle had become like an uncle.

I left work early and swung by to pick up Sarah from school and the cake from the baker. Sarah already had a pair of skis as a gift to Molly. We popped a giant bow on them and called it a done deal.

Kyle had agreed to help chaperone, so he showed up before the first guest. He bore a bowl of green goop.

“I don’t mean to look a gift horse in the mouth, but what is that?”

Before he could answer, guests started to arrive and we were swamped with giggling girls. The catered food went over well, dessert complete with trick candles was a hit, but the games my ex had prepared didn’t hold anyone’s interest. The girls quickly became restless. One girl who looked way beyond her age suggested spin the bottle. She had her gaze pinned on my boyfriend like a tail to a donkey’s butt. Desperate, I looked to Kyle for a different reason. He went into the kitchen and reemerged with the bowl he’d brought.

“Who wants some gelatin salad?”

That earned him disdainful glares. Wondering what we could do to wear down their energy, I thought of going outside. The latest storm would make for great snowball fighting.

Before long, everyone was laughing and having a good time. Sweet Sarah even came up with the idea of building a fort, started with a large hole dug in a towering, crusty snowdrift. That project enthused the girls and tired them out even better than running around making targets of one another.

By bedtime, we had them warmed up and relaxed with a chick flick and tons of popcorn. The girls all collapsed in their sleeping bags and we prepared to hit the sack, ourselves.

At the top of the stairs, Kyle said, “You know we can’t share the master bedroom.”

“They’ll sleep through the night. They’re not little babies. Besides, Sarah understands we love one another.”

“We don’t know about the other girls or what their parents might think. We have to do this for Sarah,” Kyle continued. “This is one time I believe in maintaining the ruse.”

“All right. For Sarah.”

At least tomorrow was Saturday. All we had to do was survive breakfast and get everybody carted off. Sarah’s mom would be returning either to stay or pick up her daughter, depending upon the seriousness of the grandmother’s illness.

I kissed Kyle with promise of much more when we returned home. He cooed in my ear in a way that made me want to tell the world I loved him. We had time for that tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~

To continue reading, please click to follow along on my steamier blog:

Sand Castles: Key to My Heart - Chapter Two

~~~~~~

Interview with ZA Maxfield and Contest for Her Book

2011-02-14T09:33:00.000-05:00

Click here and comment on Nightlight for a chance to win!

Thursday Thirteen - Japanese Snow Monsters

2011-02-10T08:33:00.000-05:00

Once again, the website Pink Tentacle offered some spectacular Asian flavored images for me to share. Here are some of the amazing snow and ice sculptures formed around trees in the northern mountainous regions of Japan:

Perennial

2011-02-02T14:54:00.001-05:00

Summer grasses blown
Winter wind bends, not breaking
Leaves curl in, frozen
~~~

Interview of "Kelland"

2011-02-01T17:42:00.001-05:00

If you're looking for something to read, come check out my review of "Kelland".

The Writer's Retreat

~~~~~

Thursday Thirteen - Asian Foods

2011-01-27T01:36:00.021-05:00

Here are some of the interesting things I've encountered among the various Asian dishes available in the Midwest of America:

1. Unagi Don is broiled eel over rice - a rich and flavorful Japanese dish I've been enjoying for years. It's even better broiled than grilled, probably because of all that fat.

2. Hwe Dup Bap combines lettuce, rice, and raw fish with a delicious spicy bean paste. It sounds like an odd mix but I've enjoyed it on several occasions.

3. Seafood salad from my favorite sushi establishment is a mysterious mix of plant and animal matter that tastes fabulous with a lightly sweet and sour dressing. Sesame seeds add a perfect little extra flavor.

4. Flying fish roe is a crunchy treat for sushi lovers. Putting a raw quail egg over the mouthful adds a creamy texture that is to die for.

5. Kani Su from my local Chinese/Japanese fushion restaurant is a delicious blend of artificial crab (kani), cucumber, and seaweed in a light sauce. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

6. 1,000 year old egg is a bit gamey for me, made with duck egg the way it is. The gelatinous white was especially unappealing. I'd still be curious to try a milder chicken egg given the same clay pack treatment.

7. Seaweed salad is something I first enjoyed while visiting North Carolina's Outer Banks. I'm so glad our local place serves this crunchy treat.

8. Grilled squid warms my tummy with its spicy mayonnaise sauce. Chewy and delicious!

9. Cold, steamed spinach is a refreshing appetizer with its light vinegar dressing.

10. Dol Sot Bi Bim Bap is a tasty Korean blend of rice, beef, vegetables, and bean sprouts topped with a cooked egg. Sizzle it to crispy in the hot stone pot, top with hot bean paste, and enjoy real comfort food.

11. Katsudon makes for a great winter Japanese meal. I really enjoy breaded pork and egg as a savory mix over rice.

12. Sea urchin has recently reentered my menu at our local sushi restaurant. Raw, it's pretty pungent, but unique and worth a try.

13. Natto is fermented bean curd, quite tasty over rice if you can get over the slimy threads. I usually enjoy it for lunch as opposed to the typical breakfast time dining. This food is allegedly becoming less popular in Japan but I appreciate the taste and texture on the tongue.

Crystal Sky

2011-01-24T14:25:00.001-05:00

Swirling crystal sky

Snow falling; squirrels tuck tail

The earth lies dormant
~

Thursday Thirteen - Marilyn Manson members

2011-01-12T23:35:00.000-05:00

1. Founding singer Brian Warner paired Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson for both his stage name and that of his band (formerly Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids)

2. Twiggy Ramirez combines the iconic model with Richard Ramirez, who remains on death row

3. Ginger Fish represents Ginger Rogers and Albert Fish, the "Brooklyn Vampire"

4. Zsa Zsa Speck links Ms. Gabor and mass murderer Richard Speck

5. Olivia Newton-John and the unforgettable rapist and killer Ted Bundy go together to create Olivia Newton Bundy

6. Gidget Gein pairs the novel by the name "Gidget" with the notorious Ed Gein

7. Sara Lee Lucas twists the baked goods company with a link to Henry Lee Lucas, whose guilt in hundreds of murders is now questioned

8. Daisy Berkowitz combines the fictional Daisy Duke with David Berkowitz, or "Son of Sam"

9. Madonna Wayne Gacy links the talented singer with John Wayne Gacy, the Killer Clown

10. Zim Zum is said to be from the concept of Tzimtzum, which kabbalistic teachings define as the place where creation can begin

11. John 5 is another name not following the original formula but he's a great guitarist

12. A fine keyboardist, Chris Vrenna dared to keep his own name

13. Likewise, Tim Sköld rocks out with his birth name - sorry the original intention here lost steam

However you name the members, the band is definitely worth checking out. Happy listening.

Flash Fiction - A Short Story Packed into One Chapter

2011-01-08T16:06:00.001-05:00

Marmalade Jam

Sometimes, bitter can change to sweet. You just have to open yourself to life’s possibilities.

Carol put down her book and looked at her hands. The fingers were straight and strong, but the skin looked thin and fragile.

“Marmalade, how did I get so old? I was an old bitty before you were a kitten.”

The cat blinked sleepy golden eyes and nodded her regal, orange head to honor her mistress. The fat tail bounced languidly against the carpet. Any lover of felines would recognize a happy, healthy cat. Carol smiled.

Trying to get back into her reading, Carol realized what was nagging her. She put the book down again and stretched.

“You’re probably hungry, aren’t you? Let’s get you some canned food, Marm.”

She rose without so much as a wince, grateful for the martial arts class that kept her limber. Carol had realized a long time ago that it was never too late to start anything. While she might never be a black belt, she felt better nearing eighty than at forty.

“What’ll it be? Do you want ocean whitefish or chicken medley? I swear, your food sounds better than some of the stuff I ate before my writing took off.”

Carol listened to the sound of the surf through the open window as she held two cans of cat food down for Marmalade’s interested inspection. Whichever one ended up being marked with a cheek would be the cat’s dinner.

“Chicken it is.”

A knock at her door straightened Carol from her task with a start. She couldn’t imagine who would be calling. Setting the empty can on the counter, she whirled toward the sound. From the end of the hall she made out a compact figure.

“I’ll be right there.”

A young man’s voice called, “Mom?”

Now Carol had been a lot of things in her life but a mother wasn’t one of them. Intrigued, she picked up her pace. Now she could make out a duffel bag being swung upon the narrow shoulder. She unlocked and opened the door.

“This is Mrs. Youngblood,” she announced. “Carol Youngblood. Can I help you?”

“Oh. This isn’t the Negalis residence?”

He was obviously of Asian descent, with effeminate Japanese features and friendly brown eyes. Carol didn’t recognize the name.

“I’m sorry. I’ve lived here about a year but don’t know who owned the house before. I got it anonymously through a broker.”

Just then, an orange streak flew out the door. Alarmed, the young man looked at her.

“Is that your cat?”

“Yes! And he shouldn’t be outside! He doesn’t have any of his shots for that, let alone flea prevention treatment.”

“I’m Hiro,” the young man said. “Let me get him for you.”

He dropped his bag and darted off her porch. The cat made a beeline for the neighbor’s sandbox with Hiro hot on his trail.

Hiro never did catch the cat. Instead, he tripped over a child’s toy and landed in a heap. Carol resisted the urge to laugh, not certain if he was really hurt. She raced to the groaning man’s side.

“Are you all right?”

“I’m… how did you get here so fast?”

“I ran. You could have been seriously injured.”

“You’re not even out of breath,” he panted.

“This was nothing compared to my classes. Sensei Yamamoto works his students, even us old folks, very hard.”

“You’re in martial arts?”

Nodding, she helped Hiro stand and together they made it back to her home. A quick phone call to her attorney would solve the mystery of what happened to Hiro’s family. In the meantime, he’d dusted himself off and found himself facing her blunt questions.

“What happened with your family? Did you have a falling out? Forgive me if I’m being forward. I’ve learned that life is too short to do anything short of getting to the point.”

“That’s okay. It’s refreshing, Mrs. Younglbood.”

“Please, call me Carol, Hiro.” A scratch at the back door interrupted her. “Excuse me but it seems my wayward cat has made her way home.” She introduced Marmalade, who entered and resumed eating at her food bowl as if nothing had happened.

“Does that happen a lot?” Hiro asked, laughing.

“Honestly, no. I think someone wanted us to meet in more than passing.”

“Someone?”

“God, for lack of a better name. Would you still be here if you hadn’t just about been knocked senseless?”

“No. I’d be looking for someplace to stay. But… Why?”

“You look like you need a friend.”

“I guess you could say that.”

“Then tell me about your family. Say what you were considering before we were so rudely interrupted,” she continued, giving Marmalade a mock angry look.

“They kicked me out when they learned that I’m gay. Well, Dad did.”

“Oh? I’m so sorry. And they moved without telling you?”

“They didn’t know where to find me, but then I read in the newspaper that my father died.”

“That’s horrible! We need to get you home. How about some tea?”

“Yes, please. Thank you.”

Within an hour, Carol learned where Hiro’s family had moved. Before he left, impressed by her agility, the amused Asian American arranged to accompany her to her next karate class and fill out an application.

“I think I’ll be staying, Carol, thanks to you and Marmalade.”

“And I think you’re the inspiration for my next story. I hope you don’t mind.”

“You’re a writer?”

“CW Youngblood, at your service.”

“I’ve read all your books!”

“Then let me pour another cup of tea and we’ll drink to Marmalade.”

A Review of the movie "The Sensei"

2011-01-08T13:54:00.000-05:00

Come on over for an interesting read:

Darla's Sand Castles

Thursday Thirteen ~ Clouds

2010-12-22T22:59:00.000-05:00

13 Facts About Clouds

1. Paintings are common enough that there is a name for the artists’ works – cloudscapes.

2. There are a tremendous number of names and classifications. Many of these can occur together in the same stretch of sky.

3. Irisation is a type of rainbow affect from the sun named after Iris, Greek goddess of rainbows.

4. There actually exists a cloud appreciation society. You can find their website here: Cloud Appreciation Society.

5. Morning Glory clouds are rare most places except for the southern part of Northern Australia’s Gulf of Carpentaria. Glider plane pilots are actually attracted to the location to “surf” these cylindrical clouds. Here’s an image of several:

6. A cloud field is the name for a group of them but these can also have their own classification.

7. Cloud Feedback is the name for the interaction between the cloud cover and ground surface air temperatures. The temperature can alter the cloud formations which in turn can change the temperature.

8. Pilots should know the names of clouds and how they pertain to the weather. A friend of mine could always identify them from his private piloting days. It’s a fond memory of him now that he’s passed away.

9. Earth is not alone in having clouds. Any moon or planet with an atmosphere can have them.

10. Liquid methane is thought to make up the clouds of Titan, Saturn’s moon.

11. Fog can be a result of the lowest clouds, called stratus, contacting the ground.

12. Most clouds form in that part of the atmosphere called the troposphere. A few occur as high as the stratosphere and beyond that middle layer to the mesosphere.

13. Iridescence is an uncommon phenomenon caused by uniform water droplets caught by the light of the sun or moon. Here’s a picture:

The Hunt

2010-12-20T05:35:00.000-05:00

Calm tracks in the snow

Water drips; icicles melt

The cat hunts his bird

~~~~~

Captured Attention

2010-12-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

The cardinal leaps

Tiny avalanche - silent

The writer looks out

~~~~~

Snow Day

2010-12-18T14:59:00.001-05:00

Songbirds mostly stilled

Wind whistles from western skies

Snow rules all this day

~~~~~

Thursday Thirteen - Dekotora

2010-12-16T01:36:00.079-05:00

Having recently heard of these decorated trucks, I was happy to have found a good selection of photos on Pink Tentacle. Here are thirteen right off of that website.

1. Blinding is the only word that comes to mind.

2. Love the dinoasaur theme!

3. That's a lot of chrome

4. I wonder what these additions cost

5. Do truck stops bother with overhead lights?

6. I wouldn't want to put anything in this beauty

7. This reminds me of a slot machine somehow

8. Can you imagine a parade of these things?

9. I can't imagine this clearing a bump in the road

10. Is this really street legal?

11. Hitting deer must not be a fear for these drivers

12. I'd love to see these going down American freeways!

13. This rivals the Las Vegas strip

My Virtual Sit-Down with Ally Blue

2010-12-13T11:21:00.001-05:00

Come read my interview with this talented author!

The Nightlight Blog

~~~

Versatile Blogger Award

2010-12-12T13:15:00.002-05:00

I was just awarded the Versatile Blogger Award by the talented Janice Seagraves! Thank you, dear. It means a lot that you would think of me.

If you haven't been there, dear reader, please visit her website: Janice's Home

Here are the rules:
1. Share 7 things about yourself
2. Pass The Award to 15 bloggers recently discovered (or however many you can manage).
3. Notify the blogger recipients.
4. Link The blogger who gave the award.

So, here are seven things about me:
1. I am studying Japanese and finding that I still know only a fraction of the beautiful language.
2. My favorite color is purple but it really doesn't look that good on me.
3. A dream of mine is to open a ryokan in Japan. I imagine a bed and breakfast welcoming tourists from abroad.
4. As an asthmatic, my biggest trigger used to be cats. Now I have more than one! Modern medication is wonderful.
5. A Catherine Noon is the author who got me started on blogging. I'm still influenced every day by her attitude and enthusiasm.
6. I'm part of two group blogs besides two of my own.
7. I have a pet betta fish virtually alone in a ten gallon aquarium because a tiny tank just didn't seem right.

My list of award recipients follows. Please check them out!

A Catherine Noon

A B Gayle

Ally Blue

Nicole Gordon

A Bit of Sunshine

Fireman Pat

The Pack Rat's Nest

Eaton Bennett

Simple Observations

Jennifer Leeland

Robin L Rotham

Tatiana Caldwell

Word Trix

~~~~~~

Thursday Thirteen ~ Reasons I like Cold Weather

2010-12-02T04:04:00.005-05:00

1. No more sweating. I always find it easier to get warm than cool.

2. There is a definitive end to lawn mowing.

3. Weeds have finally stopped popping up and taking over in my perennial garden.

4. My few perennial grasses look stunning in snow.

5. The same can be said for my couple of evergreen trees and shrubs.

6. When leaves are gone from my Harry Lauder’s walking stick it’s even more striking.

7. Animal tracks in snow are fun to see.

8. There is always a chance that snow will shut down my place of employment early an afternoon or two.

9. The purple coneflowers attract finches by the droves.

10. The buzzards are gone but that anticipation of their March return gives me a big reason to look forward to spring.

11. My weeping crabapple tree looks especially pretty with nothing dressing its limbs except the fruit.

12. Gnats and flies have disappeared for the season.

13. I might actually get to drive in snow, which I really enjoy from my upbringing in the Lake Erie snowbelt.

Rain

2010-11-30T13:51:00.006-05:00

Grey, white, like most souls

Skies open, rain falls like tears

Birds sing, joyful spite

I could have spouted about finishing my rough draft of the NaNoWriMo novel but a friend inspired me with his Haiku, instead. Well, the weather has something to do with it. Anyway, come check out his blog!

The Pack Rat's Nest

~~~~~~

Thursday Thirteen ~ Butterflies

2010-11-18T02:45:00.010-05:00

I honestly don't know the names of most of these but I hope you enjoy this random display of butterflies from around the world.

Interview with A. B. Gayle

2010-11-08T11:27:00.002-05:00

Come on over to The Nightlight for a good read!

Nightlight

Thursday Thirteen - Dad's Woodworking

2010-11-04T02:08:00.002-04:00

Thirteen of my dad’s amazing woodworking projects:

1. Lighted glass curio cabinets

2. Cat climbing trees – three popular roosts standing almost to my seven foot ceiling; these were made without written plans when I sadly turned down one of the aforementioned open-shelved units due to the three felines enjoying these carpeted monstrosities

3. A coffee table that looks like a Quaker antique

4. An ornate DVD cabinet, overflowing the moment I received it but still beautiful

5. Several miniature end tables that also serve as magazine racks and remote control holders; it’s perfect for my slightly narrow living room

6. Six cedar chests, uniquely crafted for high school graduation gifts

7. A vintage ice box designed for use as a TV stand

8. One coat rack, specifically for a crowded apartment with no entryway closet

9. Halloween decorations – witches who smacked face-first into something while riding their broomstick; Mom did an awesome paint job and it looks great in my chestnut tree

10. A heated birdbath – the wooden box has a hole in the top to hold the dish above a light bulb providing warmth

11. His rolltop computer desk, complete with slide-out keyboard shelf

12. A giant dollhouse, made before he had a fraction of the tools in their cellar today; his little girl wanted one we couldn’t afford and mine turned out even better, with real glass windows, lots spacious rooms, and a hinged, foldable roof! Many pleasant hours were whiled away playing with that lucky doll family

13. Not one, but five grandfather clocks for loved ones, the final created with lighted side shelves for my mom’s collectibles

The GLBT Bookstore is Up and Running

2010-11-02T10:17:00.001-04:00

I'm thrilled to report that two of my titles and a slew of others by talents like Mel Keegan and Nicole Gordon are now available directly through The GLBT Bookstore blog page. Come for some great deals and excellent reads!

GLBT Book Binge

~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday Thirteen - Japan After People

2010-10-21T01:27:00.075-04:00

I have another list courtesy of Pink Tentacle. I hope you enjoy. These post-apocalyptic images struck me as eerily beatiful. Click to enlarge.

1. The Rainbow Bridge - note the ship at the bottom left to give you a scope of the scene

2. The iconic International Conference Center at Tokyo's popularly termed "Big Sight"

3. Kabuki-za Theater, Ginza - I like the storm clouds

4. Sofmap building in Akihabara - this building might be the headquarters for the retail computer store, either way it looks cool under snow-covered vegetation

5. Haneda Airport - this curving horizon is spectacular

6. Akihabara - what a stunning night sky

7. Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka - now that's a leaning tower

8. Osaka street scene - I can't stop thinking of that show, "Life After People" and its great narrative

9. Hato Bus - the blue sky makes a great contrast with the other images

10. Ueno - I don't know what we're looking at exactly, the train station, perhaps; the sun beams are amazingly depicted, though

11. Wako Building, Ginza - the artist's decision to leave the car untouched is genius

12. Hanayashiki Amusement Park, Asakusa - the colors here really catch the eye

13. Shinjuku Skyline - this just blew me away; it's actually how the Pink Tentaccle pictorial kicked off (you can find it here, by the way: Post-Apocalyptic Tokyo

Thursday Thirteen - Songs with Breath in the Title

2010-10-06T21:56:00.001-04:00

Listening to a station that’s not usually on my rotation, I heard a vaguely familiar and very haunting piece of music. Generous author Nicole Gordon from my Writer’s Retreat and Nightlight Blogs found the tune simply by knowing it was a female vocalist other than Faith Hill. It’s “Breathe (2 AM)” by Anna Nalick. I now own the full album “Wreck of the Day”.

Nicole even included lyrics, and I especially like this:
Here in town you can tell he's been down for a while,
But, my God, it's so beautiful when the boy smiles,
Wanna hold him. Maybe I'll just sing about it.

That’s sure to inspire an m/m story. Thanks, Nicole! And since I had such difficulty tracking this down due to the prominence of the word “breath” in titles, I decided to look and see what else my iPod contained. Here are 13 songs eulogizing that vital biologic process:

“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin: one of the most romantic cinematic songs ever, from “Top Gun”

“Breathe” by Bon Jovi: not a single, it’s nothing like what casual fans would expect, but a nice ballad nonetheless

“Breath” by Breaking Benjamin: I like the line “You took the breath right out of me and left a hole where my heart should be”

“Breathe” by Disturbed: David Draiman’s vocals make this great

“I’m Breathing… Are you Breathing Too?” by Envy on the Coast: I enjoyed this alternative band live and regret that they’re no longer together; live performances were better than the recordings!

“Breathe Today” by Flyleaf: good choice for a single

“The Trick is Keep Breathing” by Garbage: I’m still grateful for a coworker for introducing me to this female fronted group

“Breathing in Sequence” by Hawthorne Heights: It’s sad how the death of their guitarist is what I think first whenever I hear this music

“Locomotive Breath” by Jethro Tull: a classic, funky song

“Breathe” by Nickelback: The State is a ten year old album that still holds up well

“Speak to Me/Breathe” by Pink Floyd: epitomizes the album “Dark Side of the Moon” and never fails to lower my blood pressure

“Every Breath You Take” by The Police: reputedly about Sting’s stalker infatuation with his ex-wife

“Can’t Breathe” by Tanya Stephens: her song is a classic romantic lament with reggae style, very cool

Microsoft Word Help

2010-10-03T10:34:00.004-04:00

No matter where I am, on my office computer or at home, both my old 2003 version of Word and the newer one at work have increasingly stopped capitalizing the first word of a sentence. It's not every time, and the auto correct is set to capitalize them. These sentence openings are not following anything but average sentences previously, either.

With a neurotic tendency to fix this as soon as it comes up, usually before beginning the next sentence - which is capitalized almost 100% of the time - I really don't want to be dealing with this problem during NaNoWriMo. I'm nearly ready to pull my hair out. The only time in the past few years that this didn't plague me is when I first got my laptop. Then, once the problem settled in it has become more insidious every day.

I'm about ready to try different software. The only reason I haven't is because sometimes the problem is less intrusive. Well, that and I'm just used to MSWord. At this point, though, I'll gladly learn new word processing software just to make this stop.

Nothing online has given me any help. My partner, a computer guru, thinks I'm crazy and doesn't know how to make it go away. Does anyone have any suggestions?

~~~~~~~~~

PS Dilo Keith found a resource that may have solved the problem. The excluded words option under AutoCorrect was stopping a huge list of items from allowing the capitalization of the following sentence! I hope that turning off this automatic function and deleting items off the list will work.

~~~~~~~~~

Banned Book Week

2010-09-28T15:42:00.002-04:00

This week, the American Library Association is promoting the right to read anything we want. No fan of censorship, I like the idea. Various libraries have displays of banned or threatened books. I imagine it's a big thing in some schools.

Have you heard of this peaceful protest? I'd like to know what you think of the idea. Any suggestions on such a book I should read?

Thursday Thirteen - Parkside Observations

2010-09-23T03:05:00.000-04:00

Thirteen things I can see from my picnic table at the park. I decided to write at lunchtime, and this odd little exercise came to mind. Let’s see…

1. A bag of pretzels, now scattered those for the birds, the bag tossed – why are people such pigs?

2. Butterflies, too far away to determine breeds

3. A big yellow beetle whose type I’ve never noted before

4. Robins, patrolling the field for insects

5. One large squirrel, not something I see here every day

6. An abandoned playground set, which Mr. Squirrel is now checking out

7. Distant shimmers from the hot summer sun

8. No crows – I’m seriously surprised and rather disappointed in their absence today

9. A port-o-pot, one reason outside of crowds that I avoid going to most summer festivals

10. Falling leaves, reminding me that cooler days will be here before I know it

11. A tiny, curious bee who seems to think there’s something good to eat around here

12. Still more plastic bags – how many do I have to pick up today?

13. And yes, a garbage can, several, in fact, in strategic points all over this park

What Marriage Means

2010-09-19T09:00:00.002-04:00

I ran into an online discussion of marriage and read the most beautiful definition. Kindly, my friend gave me permission to share his explanation. Here it is:

Love is the first and foremost part of any marriage. This sounds obvious, but I am amazed at the marriages I see that you wouldn't think would work but they do because there is love there. But, oddly enough, love is not enough. Your spouse is your best friend. Not your only friend, but the friend you can tell anything to, the person that will not judge you, the person that accepts you, completely, for who you are. I have met both women and men that say if only they could change a couple of things about their spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend, they could be totally happy. Rawr? No no no. If you love that person, completely, than you love all of them, completely. There is no such phrase as "I love you, but...". It's "I love you."

There must be trust, again, completely. Trust that your spouse or partner loves you and accepts you. Trust that your partner is loyal and true to you. Trust that your partner can forgive you, and believe you can forgive them, for minor trespasses, and major ones as well.

There must be honesty. Truth can be painful, but lies build upon lies and will be the death of a marriage.

There must be partnership. Your world is not completely your own anymore. You have agreed to share your life with another human, with someone that you have sworn to love and be one with. You certainly do not subsume yourself to another, but the world is not all about you anymore, either. Suddenly, maybe you shouldn't go out drinking with your buddies, but should stay home with the wife. Maybe you shouldn't have sex with the hot pool boy, but should be true to your marriage. Life is a choice of maybes, and with marriage the choices we make can have a larger impact than expected.

I know, for me, if I were single I would have a house, with my wife I have a home. I love coming home to her after work. I love being able to hold her when I am sad, and comforting her when she weeps. I love the decisions we make together, and our support of one another. Being married to her feels right.

I think that's the key. Being married should feel right. When someone asks me why I love my wife, I can't give them an answer. I just know that I do, that I can't imagine being married to someone else, or being alone. We never ask the question "Will we make it fifty years?". We ask the question "What will we do on our fiftieth wedding anniversary." There should be joy and happiness, pain and heartache, and all the emotions in between. There should be a life between a married couple.

Perfect, isn't it? Thank you, my friend!

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Thursday Thirteen - Celebrating The GLBT Bookshelf Rummage Sale

2010-09-09T01:02:00.004-04:00

To promote Mel Keegan’s GLBT Bookshelf rummage sale, I’ve listed thirteen books from the sale “table”.

1. Miya – of course I have to plug mine; this one is returning from the March sale

2. Unmasking Miya – this brings back the characters in a new tale

3. Almost Home by Nicole Gordon – I’ll have to buy my friend’s ebook even though I’ve already had the pleasure of reading

4. A Case of Mistaken Identity by Nicole Gordon – ditto; it’s a good read, folks!

5. Aquamarine by Mel Keegan – all his books that I’ve read are compelling; to keep with the theme, I already enjoyed this one

6. Painting Stephen by Jayne DeMarco – I had the joy of helping with final edits on this one

7. Queerpunk by Cecelia Tan and Kelly Kinkaid – now I’m out of titles I’ve read and will list ones I want to buy; this futuristic collection sounds quite titillating

8. Umbriel by Mel Keegan & Jayne DeMarco – a collaboration! I’m intrigued

9. Fun with Dick and Shane by Gillibran Brown – I can’t resist a bit of humor

10. The Game in Spain by Lydia Nix – this trio sounds sexy

11. The Geography of Murder by P.A. Brown – a mystery with sex in it? I’m there

12. Man’s Best Friend by P.A. Brown – ditto

13. Moving On by Fabian Black – about the only one I listed with a heat rating lower than five (tells you what I like, huh?), its theme of redemption caught my eye

And here's the sale page!

~~~~~

Thursday Thirteen

2010-09-02T11:05:00.003-04:00

I have neat, family and work safe images on my Sand Castles blog today:

Sand Castles

Save! Save! Save! The GLBT Bookshelf Rummage Sale is Here!

2010-09-01T14:54:00.001-04:00

It's September, and that means Mel Keegan's GLBT Bookshelf is hosting its second rummage sale. I'm honored to have two titles alongside the talented Mr. Keegan, the original "Miya" from March's discount sale table and now the characters are back in "Unmasking Miya". There's a little something for everyone among the offerings, so I hope you'll join me in checking out the bargains!

The GLBT Rummage Sale *

* for mature audiences only

Hide and Go Seek

2010-08-30T11:12:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I trimmed the dead blooms off my rose bushes. Suddenly realizing that a bright green leaf sprouted legs, I found myself confronted by a katydid. These used to get into my parents’ house when I was a kid and disturb me with their sheer size. Now, I found it beautiful and decided to share the lovely image that an online conservation report borrowed from Mjlaff on Fickr. Happy gardening!

Thursday Thirteen

2010-08-26T01:17:00.012-04:00

Out of my interest in Japanese culture, I've compiled images of architecture, both indoors and out.

1. Here are two highly recognizable traditional Japanese elements, the sliding panels called fusuma and tatami floor mats.

2. A private guest house at Yagyunosho looks like my next vacation accommodations.

3. I really like this garden at Tofuku-ji in Kyoto. It looks like a model.

4. Here's something you don't see everyday, and I'm not talking about the deer. This structure is one of the oldest wooden buildings still standing in the world, Todai-ji in Nara Prefecture.

5. Washitsu is the term for traditional interiors. This is a gorgeous sample at an unknown location, which is probably just as well or I'd be trying to move in on unsuspecting homeowners.

6. Here's the Yugao-tei tea house in Kanazawa. A cup of green tea sounds mighty fine right about now, if you ask me.

7. These ornate screens are called kin-busuma (golden fusuma). Have you wondered yet why the spaces don't showcase furniture? Japanese dwellings, particularly in past eras, did not have rooms dedicated to specific functions such as Westerners are accustomed. A bedroll might be stored away and replaced by a table, for example.

8. This might be familiar to world travelers. It's the Ginkaku-ji Zen temple in Kyoto. I understand that "-ji" designates a building's status as temple.

9. Here's another classic, a 7th century pagoda and kon-dō (main shrine of a Buddhist compound) in Nara. I can't wrap my head around a structure surviving even a fraction of that time.

10. Here is a Kyomachiya Ryokan guest room. Panels can open right to the garden. Apparently, insects aren't a terrible problem. I like that idea.

11. This is the Mutsukaze Ryokan, which looks to have very cozy bedding. It makes me want to take a nap.

12. There's nothing like fall foliage, especially outside the Tanzan Shrine, Nara Prefecture. I'd never heard of Nara before doing this research. Now I might make a point of seeing the area.

13. This is actually a tea garden in San Francisco. I missed this on my visit years ago and need to back for it!

Hello Kitty

2010-08-16T11:50:00.001-04:00

I have to admit to being a sucker for the cute Japanese phenomenon of Hello Kitty. As I type, there is a notebook on my desk featuring her little face. And there have been other items, as well, such as a Hello Kitty freezer pack for my lunch bag. Unfortunately, it finally sprung a leak.

Now this find, though, really blew me away. Liking futomaki, I want to try this at home. I can only imagine getting pink by chopping up the artificial crab leg so the red mixes with the white. What do you think? The only thing wrong, besides anyone seriously having this much time on her hands, is the absence of chopsticks. Then again, those are hotdog hearts. I guess they do deserve forks.

Seventeen

2010-08-14T12:02:00.000-04:00

Day seventeen. I feel like something is about to happen, for good or ill. The number seventeen must mean something.
We’ve been stuck seventeen days. Seventeen plants survived in our garden to feed seventeen people. An unfortunate early graduate from high school, the youngest in our group is seventeen years of age.

What happened to the children, you ask, dear diary? Martha Whitehouse bussed hers to school along with the rest of the kids from our little community. They were all in Reed Walters Elementary when the slip happened. Heaven knows what the extended families did when all the kids’ parents disappeared.

Perhaps they no longer exist just as we fell out of our own time? That prospect is too horrible to imagine. I never had kids, but can’t imagine my parents not remembering their only daughter, or my brothers’ families not having me for an aunt. I love those boys.

Oh, and another thing, I still remember when it happened. The time said 10:17 AM. If my clock read military time, I suppose whatever higher power messed with us would have made the event at 5:17, seventeen past seventeen hundred hours.

Who knows? I sure don’t. I hear Kyle calling. I’m supposed to be hauling water.

Day eighteen. My optimism that this would end one way or another, even with my death yesterday, led me astray. I’ve returned to numb hopelessness.

We’ve all long since stopped paying attention to the cars that pass through our ghost town. Do the people driving them see the houses? Do they see when Joe and Marie leave their front door open during the day and then close it at night when the chill fog rolls in from the ocean?

Or do these back road commuters see nothing? Is Buxton wiped off the map along with seventeen of its formerly alive and well occupants? I don’t think we’re dead, that’s inconceivable, but we’re certainly not well. We’re saving the canned goods and the few squirrels we’ve caught don’t offer much protein to split between us.

Thank heaven, our garden produced potatoes from last season that weren’t completely rotten. It’s not easy roasting them over an open flame, though, waiting for them to cook through when our bellies are rumbling and achy.

I miss electricity. And air conditioning. Boy, do I miss that and hot showers. It seems our water got cut off along with gas and power.

Speaking of water, Mark, whom I formerly only knew as Mr. Thompson, is offering to watch for intruders while I bathe in his pond. I know he really likes to sneak peaks but he strikes me as a harmless old man. I’m more concerned about the threat we all consider. Are there others like us? Out there in the hinterlands they might wander, neither so elderly and infirm nor female and defenseless.

Either way, I could drive myself crazy. I’d rather have a bath after gathering wood all morning and turning it into useable kindling. We’ve started burning furniture, which isn’t as easy as it sounds. I only hope the varnish burning off the glossy surfaces isn’t terribly toxic. If we run out of tinfoil, I don’t know what would protect us from the bad stuff in any of that material.

Day nineteen. I treated myself to body lotion after my pond “bath” yesterday. That luxury is in greater supply than shampoo, since I’d found a sale a few weeks ago at the grocery store. Too bad Buxton never got its own mega-mart superstore. We never qualified, and Crawford is beyond our range on foot. I wish we could drive one of the cars. And we’ll never be able to cut the grass once the summer growing season starts.

Oh, who cares? Why am I worried about a manicured lawn when I can’t log onto my computer and contact my agent? Do I have an agent now? Will I ever get another book published?

I hear a train, one of the several that come through every day. This time, though, I might see what happens if I can climb the embankment and look down at the tracks in the ravine. What if some engineer is actually able to see me? I’m surely fooling myself, but a little hope is better than none. I’m gonna run for it.

Crap! Someone was out there, but it wasn’t some innocuous train engineer. They looked like thugs, armed with guns and who knows what all. We’re going to try barricading ourselves in the Jameson house. They have the biggest place. I don’t think they saw me but I can’t be sure. It looked like there were seventeen of them.

Thursday Thirteen

2010-08-12T01:10:00.002-04:00

I’ve needed to face a lot of stress at my day job lately that has me wondering if facing that place every day is worth the money. My partner, accustomed to a certain lifestyle, insists the answer is yes. So I’m going to list thirteen things, besides the paycheck, which are good about my place of work.

1. The company will pay for one pair of safety shoes every year, which means I haven’t paid for sneakers in years.

2. My office is only ten minutes from my house.

3. There is virtually never overtime required.

4. Nobody looks over my shoulder as I perform my duties.

5. My wardrobe can be as outlandish as I like. Marilyn Manson provides some deliciously rude images and slogans, though I do wear a jacket to hide the back of my “I am the God of f@%#” shirt.

6. I can sometimes write fiction if my tasks are done and there are no crises.

7. We’re sometimes allowed to leave early if things are quiet.

8. Holidays are paid time off.

9. Management usually leaves me out of pointless meetings.

10. Upper management offices are at the opposite end of the building.

11. Either people don’t notice or don’t care that I wear a right earpiece for constant iPod listening.

12. The climate control is fairly consistent.

13. A decent municipal park is mere minutes away for bird watching as I study Japanese on my lunch break.

PS Check out a link to a Josh Lanyon interview posted below on 8/9. Though the Nighlight blog is adult oriented, his comments on writing are sheer G-rated fun and enlightenment. The author's kind gift of his time and experience was a true blessing!

Wiley Wednesday ~ Comments on Writing

2010-08-11T09:30:00.001-04:00

My humble treatise on the use of language is rather amusing today. I'll hope you'll stop in and have a read. Happy Wednesday!

The Lady with Dust Bunnies in Her Hair

~~~~~

Interview with Josh Lanyon

2010-08-09T10:33:00.003-04:00

Come enjoy my quirky email interview with gifted writer Josh Lanyon. I'd love comments to make him feel welcome!

Nightlight

Thursday Thirteen

2010-08-05T09:29:00.002-04:00

Join me on my Sand Castles for thirteen reasons I enjoying studying the Japanese language.

Turning Japanese

Going With the Flow

2010-08-03T10:35:00.001-04:00

Life has been very interesting lately, and I mean that in all the best ways. The timing, as I journey with other dear travelers along Julia Cameron’s Artist’s Way, can’t be a coincidence. Every day seems to bring a new sense of hope for a bright future. Granted, we never know when our time will be up, so I look forward to making the most of this newfound wellbeing.

A part of my calm came from my decision not to actively pursue publishing. I decided to polish my craft and focus on blogging for now. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t keep feelers out, but I have to be honest and admit that active pursuit never had taken off in the first place. Blaming either the inner critic or laziness, I found the result was the same ~ a big nothing.

On the other hand, I’ve been surprisingly bold in approaching writers I admire. In less than a week I’ll be posting an interview with one author on the Nightlight blog (Josh Lanyon, famed for his Adrien English series) and look forward to a similar kindness from Mel Keegan. The mind behind the N.A.R.C. series and The GLBT Bookshelf even published two ebooks of mine, which anyone reading probably knows very well from my initial, excited tell.

And that brings me to the most exciting news of all. While I’m awaiting details from Mr. Keegan, he has honored me with an offer to join his writer’s consortium! This puts me in some great company and gives each of us more clout with which to approach publishers. Before midnight last night when I read the email, I didn’t know such possibilities existed.

I’m going to keep my feet on the ground but definitely go with the flow. It should be fun to see where this takes me. Wish me luck and best wishes in your own endeavors!

Blessed Being

2010-08-02T01:16:00.001-04:00

Need a boost? Read my Writer's Retreat post. Blessed be!

Blessed Being

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday Thirteen ~ Plastic

2010-07-29T05:32:00.004-04:00

Plastic can be a controversial subject, but I personally don’t want to live without it. Whether they’re lighter, cheaper, more durable, more effective, or just plain inconceivable without the diverse polymeric materials in the world, here are thirteen things reliant upon plastic:

1. Pens – How many of these have I used in my lifetime? I just wish they were all refillable.

2. Feminine hygiene products – I can’t imagine what life would be like.

3. Flooring – Laminate flooring is what I want to replace my home’s old, nasty carpeting.

4. Toothbrushes – While fine for hairbrushes in my book, these bristles used to be made out of boar’s hair! No, thanks.

5. Sports equipment – Not a fan nor a player, I do appreciate the safety afforded to some might fine hardbodies.

6. Cars – I think my sedan is made from far more plastic than metal.

7. Window panes – The window replacements we have are a dream, they never warp or stick.

8. Refrigerators – Appliance surfaces are so easy to clean, I really appreciate that.

9. Condiments – I can’t imagine not being able to squeeze out my mustard.

10. Compact disks – Gotta have my music!

11. Litter boxes – What did cat slaves do before this?

12. Electrical wiring – Ever strip a wire to do a little electrical work? What was used for insulation before plastic?

13. Paint – While not technically plastic, the polymers in latex and polyurethane paints make them what they are.

Nightlight

2010-07-25T15:05:00.004-04:00

Some fellow talents have invited me on a new endeavor featuring steamy adult material. Nightlight already offers two great story premiers! Come check them out!

Coffee and the Collar, Chapter 1 by Nicole Gordon

Trust and Desire, Chapter 1 by Sunshine

We'll leave the nightlight on for you!

Have You Thanked an Author Today?

2010-07-23T14:22:00.000-04:00

I've gotten in the habit of contacting an author when I enjoy his or her story. It's been rewarding on both ends. Just today I read the short, romantic m/m piece "Lilac House" by Jay Starre. The e-book listed his email address at the end, so I immediately fired off a short note to praise his clear, concise storytelling and nicely developed characters.

Within ten minutes, I think, he replied with gratifying appreciation. So I'll ask again, have you thanked an author today? You'll both be glad you did. Now, I should probably go through my library and give a shout to one or ten others one of these days.

Rice Paddy Art

2010-07-19T16:12:00.004-04:00

I found stunning images on a favorite website, Pink Tentacle. Here's the link if you wish to see more:

Pink Tentacle ~ Rice Paddy Art 2010

Not My Mommy's Back Rub

2010-07-17T11:28:00.003-04:00

After a particularly rough patch at work, I decided to get a massage. I've had them twice before, nice and relaxing periods of about a half hour. Each time, I've walked out feeling relaxed and a little disoriented.

Today was a new experience. Besides extending the session to ninety minutes, I had a man who must have gone to a very different school of massage than the others who've attended me. Instead of teasing knots out of the muscles, he would put very pointed pressure onto the spot. It felt like fire running through my nerves on several occasions.

One spot in my thighs sent pain shooting into the middle of my stomach. It was surreal, though at least that pain hasn't lingered. More than an hour later, I feel like bruises are going to appear inside my upper arms. The skin is actually sensitive to the touch.

I hope my $120 pays off with fewer tension headaches or something. Otherwise, I'll find somebody to beat me up for free.

Thursday Thirteen

2010-07-15T06:07:00.022-04:00

I was stumbling around the internet and found an unusual collection of pictures on Flickr. So, here are thirteen images of very interesting bedrooms. They are mostly beautiful, but there are a few pretty horrific ones I couldn't resist sharing.

1. There's nothing like camping in style:

2. Here's a love nest right out of the seventies:

3. I officially want to stay in an ice hotel some day:

4. Cozy comes to mind here:

5. I like the skylights:

6. This must be from a museum:

7. The implication that we're on a sailing vessel of some kind really intrigues me:

8. I'm dizzy, but like that it looks to be straight out of a sultan's tent:

9. I appreciate all the wood here, even though the camera angle and covered windows make me feel claustrophobic:

10. I want to sneeze, imagining all the dust that would be trapped in the hangings:

11. This is just eerie, like something out of a nightmare:

12. I just love the horror movie quality of this one from an abandoned asylum:

13. And to leave you with an image of beauty:

Wiley Wednesday

2010-07-14T09:02:00.002-04:00

Today is my opportunity to talk about writing on The Writer's Retreat Group blog. I ended up talking about my trials with "The Artist's Way", Julian Cameron's guide to unlocking your creative mind.

Cruel & Unusual ~ An Artist's Trials

In the Name of Love

2010-07-10T09:57:00.004-04:00

In discussing the lack of alternatives for the word "support" with my friend Dilo, I realized another big fault in that department. One of the very most annoying thing about English, if you ask me, is the word "love". We seriously need more than that and "like". Don't you agree? It's quite absurd.

In thinking about it, I'm reminded of Rosaria Dawson's great character in "Clerks 2". Her character, Becky, really illustrates my point in an acerbic way.

"I love my parents, I love my car, I love you. But romantic love? Hearts and Flowers. There's only one person out there for me... ugh... chances are there is always a better match for you out there than the person you end up marrying."

I would like to put forth the idea to fellow writers that we add some word to the English language that defines more flavors of love. What do you say, friends? Any suggestions? If we have to put up with "staycation" as a noun and "texting" as a verb, I think we deserve to take this initiative.

Thursday Thirteen

2010-07-08T15:22:00.003-04:00

For something a little different, my list is from a friend on Sand Castles. I hope you'll come on over and read:

Sand Castles

I refuse to be like Fluffy but I just loved the picture...

2010-07-02T11:34:00.001-04:00

Thursday Thirteen

2010-06-30T23:57:00.004-04:00

Today I'm sharing images of my most surprising garden success, the Amorphophallus conjac (thank you for the correction to "conjac", Lucius Antony, from the incorrect "titanum"!). This so-called "corpse flower" actually bloomed this year! It's the third time since being introduced out of a little pot as an interesting but mysterious foliage specimen. The garden center owner didn't seem to know that he sold me a renowned food source from Asia. It's the tubers that are edible, though I do believe I'll pass on trying to eat mine.

Before I could even photograph the nub of a flower shoot protruding from the soil, this ubiquitous shape formed. I'll let the first few pictures speak for themselves.

After many days of stinky glory, the beautiful cloacking spathe shrivelled and the spadex at its center collapsed. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

This isn't the best focus, but it sure reminds me of Jar Jar Binks from "Star Wars".

It lingered, getting uglier and uglier.

Then, the joy of rebirth brought these darling little shoots.

This mottled stem is what drew my eye at the garden center. That guy called it a "snake plant"!

This shows off the tropical leaves of an individual stalk.

Here you can see the resulting miniature jungle. Now, it's chest high and still spreading!

Summer Projects

2010-06-30T10:54:00.009-04:00

A new, better retaining wall meant I finally had a good reason to plant the barren spot of my cottage garden. After much deliberation, I finally settled on grasses. They give pretty winter interest and even an invasive species won't be able to spread too far with a brick wall and another sturdy native like my Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium spp.) just to the right. I'll post more photos as it blooms.

In the meantime, here are the newest additions, which will hopefully fill in quite nicely through the seasons. I put in two northern sea oats and a perennial whose name I can't recall beyond the local common name of "chocolate plant". ~blush~ Research isn't turning up anything. Anyway, it's got nice contrasting summer foliage.

Image for the Day

2010-06-25T12:42:00.004-04:00

I really like Pink Tentacle for strange and wonderful articles regarding Japanese history and culture. Today, I found a great showing of more art dedicated to the plethora of Asian demons and spirits. You can find theme here:

Pink Tentacle

This is my favorite since I adore both the cat and the fox (click on the image to enlarge):

Brain Boosting

2010-06-24T12:03:00.009-04:00

I’m no self-help fanatic, but I do like to keep my brain sharp. When my email homepage listed a link for ways to help with that, I had to click.

What I found actually pleased me. I’m ahead on the curve with these suggestions:

1. Use your non-dominant hand – I spent months writing with my left hand when working in a lawn care office during a slow winter period. The legibility became quite clear by the time spring arrived. I also do things to give the right wrist a physical relief, so it’s nice to know there’s a side benefit.

2. Work out your brain – Just for fun I took up learning Japanese and, let me tell you, it’s a fun challenge. Word search puzzles used to be a favorite pastime and I still like to read upside down occasionally. The options are limitless but I don’t think this passive online game counts: Sushi Cat. What can I say? Sushi cat is adorable and I fell under his spell exactly twice. That’s all, I swear.

3. Move your fingers – Someone actually suggested I use a squeeze ball while studying Japanese and I think it makes a difference. Also interesting, the article brings up the connection between Asian intelligence and the use of chopsticks. I bought a set that is specifically made to Japanese standards; they’re pointed instead of square. My partner thinks I’m crazy.

4. Stimulate brain acuity with self-massage – Pressure points are mentioned in the article. I recall a former boyfriend being quite familiar with them. Oh, yeah. Wait, sorry, I digress. Anyway, I’d prefer to have a friend work on this part. I’ll be visiting a local spa in a few weeks. It’s timed to coincide with my colleague’s return from a two week vacation. I’ll probably need more than a massage by then, but one can always hope.

Thank you, Dr. Mao. Here is the article if you’d like to read for yourself:

4 Exercises to Sharpen Your Brain

Now, go stimulate your brain!

~~

Something it doesn't take much to make me happy.

2010-06-22T16:32:00.003-04:00

I ordered a bench recently. I'm so pleased with the design and quality that it seemed a fun thing to share.

Well, I'm no photographer but here you can see how cute my African giraffe works with it.

Thursday Thirteen

2010-06-17T09:45:00.002-04:00

Thursdays mean listing thirteen random things. Whoever came up with the idea, it's fun to read (or view) whatever bloggers compile. Come enjoy a peak into my mind. This week I listed blessings I take for granted.

Darla's Sand Castles

Flash Fiction Friday

2010-06-11T09:14:00.001-04:00

This was inspired by a picture prompt, and I thought I'd share the image and the results. I hope you enjoy the brief read...

Distant Drumming

Waukeen gulped a few swallows of water, conscious of conserving the precious fluid. He had been at the drum nonstop through two moon rises. He couldn’t say exactly how many hours passed, but his formerly smooth scalp badly needed shaved.

As son of Chief Wauk, he lamented that more than the gnawing hunger or numbing fatigue. Word of encroaching war took precedence over ritual grooming.

His fingers holding the flask felt odd clutching something other than the bamboo bachi. He’d had these sticks since he was a boy, and always held them the exact same way, the grain familiar as his own fingerprints. Any other grip lacked the sharp sound needed to carry. Other, more decorative sticks waited at home, and he retained hope of returning soon for a victorious, celebratory performance.

He listened for a long moment, then repeated the rhythm precisely. When he finished, Waukeen waited for his brethren across the southern valley to relay the message to the next drummer. Then Waukeen would receive a new communiqué. The length of each passage, the pauses in between, were specific rules handed down from a generation so distant that none alive new who decided them.

The system worked, and that was enough. News of distant happenings, good or bad word simultaneously translated in Waukeen’s village, occupied those dedicated to the service. Musicianship was Waukeen’s gift to the Forest People. He mused for a moment on the sad message he’d imparted the year before, when his mother died in childbirth. Waukeen shook his head, refusing to be distracted by old sorrow. If war came, he’d have more grief than he could stomach.

A twig snapped in the trees at his back. Too exhausted for more than a faint prickle of adrenaline, he relaxed upon hearing the voice of his clan-sister, Eilakarn. She was much more welcome than a tiger or baboon.

“My mother sends her regards, Waukeen.” When he nodded tiredly, she said, “I see your water is holding out. I have brought fresh, as well as food from Eila’s kitchen.”

“I can’t take time to eat! I thank you for the thoughtfulness, though, and apologize for my harsh tone. I know you’ve walked far on my behalf.”

“We are all tense. And you must be exhausted. As for the food, you will eat. I even brought your favorite.”

He could smell the dumplings now, rice flour wrappers filled with minced elk meat and wolfberries. His stomach growled and she laughed. With the next messenger still completing his staccato phrase, Waukeen enjoyed the moment. The pair could have been embarking on a carefree summer swim for the joyful sound of her laughter.

“I’m glad you’re amused.”

“Well, your belly sounded like a bear.”

“Wait. I must listen.”

She folded silently to his side as the eerie sound of a lone Taiko carried from the north. The musical words were a mystery to Eilakarn, and barely understood by Waukeen. He knew the message said something about their warmonger neighbors, the Roon, but that went without saying. As the last beat echoed, his hands took over from instinct. He felt his clan-sister’s eyes on him and sensed heat rising in his cheeks.

Waukeen had successfully ignored the fact that her witness to his drumming was taboo. Only married women were allowed to attend performances by men. The driving music was considered too passionate for virginal ears, the body movements of drumming too sensual. Performing the music, on the other hand, was said to release sexual tension. For his part, Waukeen looked forward to the day he could watch a woman play.

As his latest finishing note reverberated, he set down both sticks and picked up his water. Eilakarn took his free hand in hers. She turned it palm up and traced the calluses, smiling boldly. A shiver travelled down the young man’s spine.

“What news have I been relaying?”

“First, eat,” she ordered happily, releasing his limb and opening her basket.

He didn’t wonder at her mood, simply grateful for the lightness of it. And the smells of the food dispelled any lingering dread. The dumplings were specially made, smaller than normal, so that he could chew and swallow quickly. The gesture struck him as both sad and thoughtful.

“Eila has outdone herself,” he remarked, mouth watering at the offering.

When Eilakarn didn’t reply, he looked up. Her long, dark hair framed a beaming smile.

“What is it?”

“Our warriors turned back the Roon. The battle is over. Your father is well and on his way back. When he returns, we can be married.”

“These messages have been honoring the fallen.”

“Yes, Waukeen. First our men, and then the Roon. You should soon be done and we can go home together.”

As she snagged a morsel and popped it in his mouth, Eilakarn leaned forward for a kiss. Her lips felt warm and very soft. He regretted the slight scratchiness of his chin whiskers against her silky cheek.

Against her mouth, he repeated, “And we can be married.”

She sat back, giggling, and rubbed his head. “After you have a bath and a shave!”

13 Amazing Ice Cream Flavors

2010-06-10T09:01:00.001-04:00

Not surprisingly, the Japanese have managed to turn a favorite treat into something either incredibly wondrous or utterly disgusting. I decided to share what I found on the amusing Who Sucks website. You can see for yourself, here: http://www.who-sucks.com/food/101-frightening-ice-cream-flavors-from-around-the-world.

This ain't your typical vanilla soft serve:

1. Miso – this one actually sounds good if you ask me; the bean paste should lend its flavor well to either sweet or savory foods

2. Genmai – brown rice is healthy but I have yet to appreciate the chewiness, I’ll stick with the white Japanese style (Kokuho Rose is good, and thanks to this site I want to try Koshihikari rice!)

3. Sesame, Soybean, and Dried Kelp – Call me crazy, but I’d give this a taste without hesitation

4. Silk – actually made with the fibers, it can’t possibly have a flavor; silk should forever remain strictly as a textile if you ask me

5. Stout – thumbs up; dark beer strikes me as a pretty clever and intriguing taste

6. Potato Liquor – not so much, if this distilled form has the null properties I associate with vodka

7. Red Wine – staying with the alcohol theme, it sounds downright nasty to me, like a combination I saw the other day of Merlot and chocolate blended in a drink

8. Natural Salt – being a fan of salty more than sweet, I’d nonetheless have to add something sugary if this is as briny and unembellished as it sounds

9. Cherry Blossom – said to be delightful, the idea sounds quite wonderful!

10. Cheese Risotto – the gag factor strikes me as really high on this one

11. Chili Pepper – I want some without a doubt; bring on the burn

12. Indian Curry – sounds like a winner in my humble opinion but I’m also not your typical consumer of chocolaty sweets

13. Before reading, know that this last is really horrific…

…

…

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I’m serious, it’s not for the faint of heart…

…

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Raw Horseflesh – said to literally have chunks of the meat, this completely sickened me – Flicka? No way. Raw? That’s just nauseating.

13 Amazing Ice Cream Flavors

2010-06-10T08:15:00.001-04:00

Wiley Wednesday

2010-06-09T09:03:00.001-04:00

Today's the day I try to say something worthwhile and pertinent to writing. I hope you check it out and enjoy. Happy Wednesday!

The Writer's Retreat

Wild West

2010-06-08T15:53:00.001-04:00

However much I complain about my job, the boss is cool. He rides a beautiful Harley and has a very open mind. My father sent me a funny email and I'm forwarding my supervisor this picture with the caption that he needs one:

Thirteen reasons I should have stayed home from work today:

2010-06-03T12:04:00.000-04:00

1. It’s raining, and my muse thrives on rainy weather

2. Imagining a beautiful exchange between two fictional characters, I would have preferred to keep daydreaming in bed until the urge to write the scene forced me to get up

3. I’m actually in a good mood and should let my work-from-home partner enjoy this side for a change

4. My Thursday 13 list wasn’t already written as I’d wrongfully thought (a blog post is in the pipe for another topic– duh) and I could concentrate better away from here

5. The day job isn’t any fun

6. The one and only street out of my neighborhood was blocked by a fire truck due to a fallen tree (unfortunately, the fireman waved me on before I came to my senses and went home)

7. A constant stream of emails distract my attention from the fiction I’d rather be writing

8. Painting on my home’s interior is done and tons of artwork needs re-hung

9. Three cats would rather have me there

10. The floor needs vacuumed and I won’t want to do it by day’s end

11. My daily Japanese lesson could be done with a cat on the lap instead of sitting in my car or the company break room

12. It’s noisy here and I like things quiet (music in my ear keeps me somewhat sane)

13. To bastardize a quote my dad taught me about fishing, “A slow day of writing beats a good day at the office”

I hope that, wherever you are, you have a good Thursday!

Writer's Retreat Blog Post

2010-06-01T09:12:00.001-04:00

Today I expounded upon the type of gaff that I sometimes feel alone in being able to achieve. Click for a laugh and I hope you'll share experiences of your own...

Writer's Retreat Blog

Thursday Thirteen

2010-05-27T05:09:00.000-04:00

I just found If Shoes Could Kill dot com the other day and just had to share. The variety is astounding! It was very kind of them to provide links, making my list easy.

1. It does beat stepping in poo...

2. Can you imagine trying to keep these clean?

3. Not bad, as long as you don't get ants...

4. I can't decide if I'm more horrified or amused...

5. And to follow a theme...

6. I hate going barefoot, so these just make me cringe...

7. Ditto...

8. An ode to the "Tron" remake?

9. All right, these are kind of cool. They would also help me stand taller at rock concerts, but I suppose bouncers wouldn't let me in if they won't allow me to carry a lousy pen in my purse...

10. Just... wow?

11. Footwear? Or should I get my bug spray?

12. Feathers! I like!

13. I definitely want these...