C. Lee McKenzie's Blog, page 64
June 7, 2013
Small Things Hop
This is my first Small Things post since March. I've been on blogging sabbatical--a much needed blogging sabbatical! It feels good to be back and to celebrate more small things.
VikLit
Today I'm going to celebrate an award! Thanks to Deanie Humphrys-Dunne for this splendid Dragon Loyalty Award
THE RULES:
Display the Award Certificate on your website.
Announce your win with a written post and link to whoever presented your award.
Present the award to 7 deserving bloggers.
Drop them a comment to tip them off after you have nominated them in the post.
Post 7 interesting things about yourself
If you don’t have a blog but have a website, Facebook, or Twitter or other type account, post there with a link back.
Seven more things about me:
I hope this isn't making you bleary-eyed already. My apologies if it is.
I’ve posted this before, but since it’s still true I thought I’d post it again. I iron my sheets. I love the feel of smooth, freshly laundered and unwrinkled white sheets. No color for me.
I’m a hiker and love to take off on long hikes in the mountains.
Coffee is my beverage of choice in the morning . Wine is my beverage of choice in the evening.
I love to make jam in the summer. My grandmother always did that and I grew up tasting hot fresh jam on home baked bread still hot from the oven. Yumm.
When I’m writing, I like to get up before the sun and put in a few hours before the rest of the house wakes up.
Writing is like being on the other side of reading for me, so I get double pleasure when I do either one.
I never had an imaginary friend, but did talk to my dog as if he could understand me. In fact, he did understand me.
I'm passing on this Award to 7 Bloggers--I could pass it on to a hundred, so the choice was hard to make.
Bish Denham (old friend), Laura Eno snarky and fun), Father Dragon (he has to have this award), Mary Pax her head's always in the stars), Empty Nest Insider (she says it like it is), Alex Cavanaugh (you can never have enough awards) ,Sheri Larson (witty and pretty).
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
VikLit
Today I'm going to celebrate an award! Thanks to Deanie Humphrys-Dunne for this splendid Dragon Loyalty Award
THE RULES:
Display the Award Certificate on your website.
Announce your win with a written post and link to whoever presented your award.
Present the award to 7 deserving bloggers.
Drop them a comment to tip them off after you have nominated them in the post.
Post 7 interesting things about yourself
If you don’t have a blog but have a website, Facebook, or Twitter or other type account, post there with a link back.
Seven more things about me:
I hope this isn't making you bleary-eyed already. My apologies if it is.
I’ve posted this before, but since it’s still true I thought I’d post it again. I iron my sheets. I love the feel of smooth, freshly laundered and unwrinkled white sheets. No color for me.
I’m a hiker and love to take off on long hikes in the mountains.
Coffee is my beverage of choice in the morning . Wine is my beverage of choice in the evening.
I love to make jam in the summer. My grandmother always did that and I grew up tasting hot fresh jam on home baked bread still hot from the oven. Yumm.
When I’m writing, I like to get up before the sun and put in a few hours before the rest of the house wakes up.
Writing is like being on the other side of reading for me, so I get double pleasure when I do either one.
I never had an imaginary friend, but did talk to my dog as if he could understand me. In fact, he did understand me.
I'm passing on this Award to 7 Bloggers--I could pass it on to a hundred, so the choice was hard to make.
Bish Denham (old friend), Laura Eno snarky and fun), Father Dragon (he has to have this award), Mary Pax her head's always in the stars), Empty Nest Insider (she says it like it is), Alex Cavanaugh (you can never have enough awards) ,Sheri Larson (witty and pretty).
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
June 5, 2013
Insecure Writers' Support Group
May swept by like a hawk on a mission. I'd hoped to get all kinds of things done while I took off time from blogging, and I did, but not half of what I wanted. I need to be more realistic in setting my goals, but I've know that since, like, forever. I don't think I know how to make a short list.
It was interesting not being at my computer, thinking of what to write or commenting on others' blogs. It gave me time to stare off into space a bit and shake the kinks out of my brain.
A pond staring moment.
That hawk that swept by on a mission.
I did go to one very interesting meeting where four eighteen-year-old women were awarded scholarships for letters. They read from their work, and I was blown away by their talent and their self-assurance in front of an audience of published writers. As they talked about their work and career goals I thought, "They don't need the Insecure Writer's Support Group. How come I feel I do?"
Then I thought back to my eighteenth year and I understood why. At eighteen I knew just about everything, and what I didn't know I was sure to pick up in college. It's only after all these out of college years where failures walk arm in arm with successes, where set backs come just after major accomplishments, where life doesn't always cooperate and lead me along a straight path to my goal that I'm wise enough to understand that nothing's always firm, nothing's always set, nothing's always safe. That's not what life is. It's filled with tricky things like illness, unexpected arrivals and departures, joys one minute, woes the next, so much love, so much hate, bad timing and good. Feeling a bit insecure once in a while has come from experience and prepared me to find my footing quickly, so when I take a step just as the earth shifts and leaves me off balance, I can regain that balance. I'm ready to catch myself.
And that's all the homespun philosophy I'm capable of today. Here's to the Insecure Writers' Support Group; glad you're around.
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
May 10, 2013
Gone Fishing
Back June 5!
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
May 6, 2013
AtoZ Reflection and Happy Trails to You
MY REFLECTIONS on the AtoZ Blog Challenge
There are some highly imaginative bloggers out there that turn their creativity into captivating moments or highly instructive ones. Either type of blog is great to me and I've enjoyed visiting each of them. I wish I could have visited more, but time . . . well, you all know about Time.
YAY! Here's my badge for crossing the finish line.
Here are a few of my favorites. This is not a complete list by any means, but only a sampling.
I learned so much about the lore of British Cookery from Hilary and she taught me about Pond Pudding. More about that in the near future.
D.L. Hammons had a great contest during this AtoZ. He posted bits about himself all month, and then gave his visitors a chance to win a prize if they answered quiz questions based on those posts. I didn't get all the answers to his quiz, but I had fun trying.
Medeia Sharif featured a book each day by authors in alphabetical order. My book, Alligators Overhead, was very lucky to have a spot in one of her posts.
Mark Means updated me on all sorts of super-powered heroes. Some I'd never heard of before this Hop.
Bish Denham gave me a brief vacation to her beautiful island every day.
Laura Eno delighted me with her cat sayings and, of course, her Snarky Teas.
Al Diaz introduced me to his very special dragon cave with minions and dwarves and magic, so each day was special when I stopped in for a visit.
Samantha was a delight with her "What I've Learned" theme.
Carol Kilgore made me want to read her book by giving me glimpses of her characters. Very clever theme.
There are so many I could mention, but another time--after I get some R & R and my head isn't buzzing alphabetical.
Thanks again to Arlee Bird and Alex Cavanaugh and all who co-sponsored this year's hop. It takes a lot of work and you made it smooth and easy for all of us.
The big news is that I already have my theme for next year. I feel like this smug pup or his twin, the president.
Now I'm mounting up on my trusty steed and riding off into the month of May. I'll leave you with these Happy Trails lyrics, but you'll have to hum the melody.
Lyrics to "Happy Trails" by Dale Evans Rogers
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here's a happy one for you.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
There are some highly imaginative bloggers out there that turn their creativity into captivating moments or highly instructive ones. Either type of blog is great to me and I've enjoyed visiting each of them. I wish I could have visited more, but time . . . well, you all know about Time.
YAY! Here's my badge for crossing the finish line.
Here are a few of my favorites. This is not a complete list by any means, but only a sampling.
I learned so much about the lore of British Cookery from Hilary and she taught me about Pond Pudding. More about that in the near future.
D.L. Hammons had a great contest during this AtoZ. He posted bits about himself all month, and then gave his visitors a chance to win a prize if they answered quiz questions based on those posts. I didn't get all the answers to his quiz, but I had fun trying.
Medeia Sharif featured a book each day by authors in alphabetical order. My book, Alligators Overhead, was very lucky to have a spot in one of her posts.
Mark Means updated me on all sorts of super-powered heroes. Some I'd never heard of before this Hop.
Bish Denham gave me a brief vacation to her beautiful island every day.
Laura Eno delighted me with her cat sayings and, of course, her Snarky Teas.
Al Diaz introduced me to his very special dragon cave with minions and dwarves and magic, so each day was special when I stopped in for a visit.
Samantha was a delight with her "What I've Learned" theme.
Carol Kilgore made me want to read her book by giving me glimpses of her characters. Very clever theme.
There are so many I could mention, but another time--after I get some R & R and my head isn't buzzing alphabetical.
Thanks again to Arlee Bird and Alex Cavanaugh and all who co-sponsored this year's hop. It takes a lot of work and you made it smooth and easy for all of us.
The big news is that I already have my theme for next year. I feel like this smug pup or his twin, the president.
Now I'm mounting up on my trusty steed and riding off into the month of May. I'll leave you with these Happy Trails lyrics, but you'll have to hum the melody.
Lyrics to "Happy Trails" by Dale Evans Rogers
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here's a happy one for you.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
May 3, 2013
Small Things That Count
Inspired by VikLit
As I was thinking about what small things I'd include in today's post, I realized that none of what I had in mind were small in the least. But I guess we call these small because they don't make a headline splash or they don't send us out to shout about them. They just bring a moment of joy, a chuckle, a sigh of satisfaction. So I'll say these are the small things I celebrate, but taken in total, they are amazingly large.
A Crecopia Moth's Brief Visit
He tucked himself under the handle of grocery bag for a nap. He stay all day, then flew off just as the sun set.
This year's crop of peas produced some beautiful pink and red flower, then gave us handfuls of the sweetest peas for dinner.
A first Iris all white and tinged with a royal purple. Loved his kingly arrival.
Off to celebrate more small things with others in this Hop. Hope you'll stop by and say hi to them.
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
May 1, 2013
Insecure Writer Me
Writers, consider this today, and then go write something good. I'm officially out of blogginess this first day of May, so this is short and to the point. It's not terribly creative, and I feel my insecurities popping out all over as I write it.
“Don't be afraid to write. I think a lot of writers of all ages have a fear that they aren't any good at writing. That fear is normal. I feel it. Most writers who care about what they are writing feel it. When you feel like you're not good enough, write anyway. It's just a pesky bug that's whispering lies. The best way to swat the bug is with your pen.” Anonymous
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
April 30, 2013
AtoZ Blogging Challenge Ends Today! Z Has Arrived At Last
The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at Tossing it Out
I ended the 2012 AtoZ Blogging Challenge in this same way. But I love this and I love the joy in the song!
Can I make this my tradition? What do you think?
Zippity Do Dah!
All this Zip brought to you by:
The Madlab Post (Nicole Ayers)
Tossing It Out (Arlee Bird)
Amlokiblogs (Damyanti Biswas)
Alex J. Cavanaugh (Alex J. Cavanaugh)
Life is Good (Tina Downey)
Cruising Altitude 2.0 (DL Hammons)
Retro-Zombie (Jeremy Hawkins)
The Warrior Muse (Shannon Lawrence)
The QQQE (Matthew MacNish)
Leave it to Livia (Livia Peterson)
No Thought 2 Small (Konstanz Silverbow)
Breakthrough Blogs (Stephen Tremp)
Spunk on a Stick (L. Diane Wolfe)
We also have a Facebook page, email address 2012azinfo@gmail.com, and the Twitter hashtag is #AtoZChallenge. Join in.
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
April 29, 2013
AtoZ Blogging Challenge Y!
The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at Tossing it Out
I'm back. Crisis somewhat contained on the MOM-Front. You must not fall is now my motto. I'll be around to say hi to all my favorite and new blogger friends and catch up on this Challenge. BTW did anyone notice this is Y day?
Yertle
Yertle is too a word.
Here's some sentences to prove it:
Don't give me that Yertle jive!
That new leader is Yertling over much, methinks.
She's not just any tryant; she's a Yertle.
See? Adjective, Verb, Noun, ergo word.
Did you love this story?
Which Dr. Seuss story was a hit at your house?
Anyone hate Dr. Seuss?
Yertle brought to you by:
The Madlab Post (Nicole Ayers)
Tossing It Out (Arlee Bird)
Amlokiblogs (Damyanti Biswas)
Alex J. Cavanaugh (Alex J. Cavanaugh)
Life is Good (Tina Downey)
Cruising Altitude 2.0 (DL Hammons)
Retro-Zombie (Jeremy Hawkins)
The Warrior Muse (Shannon Lawrence)
The QQQE (Matthew MacNish)
Leave it to Livia (Livia Peterson)
No Thought 2 Small (Konstanz Silverbow)
Breakthrough Blogs (Stephen Tremp)
Spunk on a Stick (L. Diane Wolfe)
Bloggers to visit
We also have a Facebook page, email address 2012azinfo@gmail.com, and the Twitter hashtag is #AtoZChallenge. Join in.
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
April 27, 2013
AtoZ Blogging Challenge. X?
The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at Tossing it Out
X is not the greatest letter to work into a creative post for this challenge. However, I've managed to find one word that applies to my life as a writer. Ready?
XEROTRIPSIS
Here's an example of xerotripsis. Can you guess what it means?
The day was very bright and sunny and I felt really good. Then Joe came by and we talked for ten minutes about the weather. He likes it when it's sunny, too. After that I went for a walk down the street to the store and said hello to my friend, Mary. She is the clerk at the store.
Xerotripsis, what does it mean?
This nap has been brought to you by:
The Madlab Post (Nicole Ayers)
Tossing It Out (Arlee Bird)
Amlokiblogs (Damyanti Biswas)
Alex J. Cavanaugh (Alex J. Cavanaugh)
Life is Good (Tina Downey)
Cruising Altitude 2.0 (DL Hammons)
Retro-Zombie (Jeremy Hawkins)
The Warrior Muse (Shannon Lawrence)
The QQQE (Matthew MacNish)
Leave it to Livia (Livia Peterson)
No Thought 2 Small (Konstanz Silverbow)
Breakthrough Blogs (Stephen Tremp)
Spunk on a Stick (L. Diane Wolfe)
Bloggers to visit
We also have a Facebook page, email address 2012azinfo@gmail.com, and the Twitter hashtag is #AtoZChallenge. Join in.
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
April 26, 2013
AtoZ Blogging Challenge. Wow! Almost At The End
The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at Tossing it Out
Wow!
Wowzer!
Woot!
Whee!
How can you have only one W word when these are so jam-packed with excitement? The fact that they mean nothing, but express so much makes them doubly interesting. Well, to me.
Of course, our "doing it backward" AtoZ Auxilary Blogger covered W back on April 3. With his Wee Folks Wedding post. Miss it? Go see it NOW.
I'm determined to go to the end in this Hop, but I may not be around to all the bloggers I enjoy in the next couple of days. My mom isn't doing well, and I'm off to see what I can do to make things work. Here's to wrapping 2013 AtoZ Challenge up. It has been a great ride.
All of this excitement is brought to you by:
The Madlab Post (Nicole Ayers)
Tossing It Out (Arlee Bird)
Amlokiblogs (Damyanti Biswas)
Alex J. Cavanaugh (Alex J. Cavanaugh)
Life is Good (Tina Downey)
Cruising Altitude 2.0 (DL Hammons)
Retro-Zombie (Jeremy Hawkins)
The Warrior Muse (Shannon Lawrence)
The QQQE (Matthew MacNish)
Leave it to Livia (Livia Peterson)
No Thought 2 Small (Konstanz Silverbow)
Breakthrough Blogs (Stephen Tremp)
Spunk on a Stick (L. Diane Wolfe)
Bloggers to visit.
We also have a Facebook page, email address 2012azinfo@gmail.com, and the Twitter hashtag is #AtoZChallenge. Join in.
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
