Barrett's Blog, page 10

Roofs and Repairs on the horizon

 

Wednesday

I just wanted to provide an update to my sad story about the apocalyptic hailstorm last Thursday evening.

Yesterday, “Aaron the Allstate Good Hands” guy came out to do an appraisal. He was a nice chap former contractor who wandered around, took a bazillion pictures and measurements, and sat in his car for over an hour doing whatever adjusters do in their cars. When he came and he apologized that he had forgotten the checkbook but explained that he would call me today and go through it line-by-line so I would understand all the numbers. I haven’t gotten it yet however; suffice it to say I’m not qualified to be an adjuster. What I believed to be two broken windows, dented vents, and a few missing shingles turned out to be a more epic project, or projects.

As I said, I haven’t seen the numbers but he was talking thousands of dollars and new roofing. Whoops! So my summer of repairs is not over yet. Stay tuned.

After he left, I drove into town to get some grub and snapped a few pictures along the way. What surprised me most was that most of the storm damage was in the area north of town. As I got closer to the business district, the trees and grass to areas seemed untouched. They had enough water damage to lose power but the wind must have dissipated. Very strange, but probably a good thing. The adjuster did say that he had at least 20 calls to make in the area.

* * *

This is the time of year in the high desert when the air is filled with the scent of roasting

Hatch chile peppers and the rural roads are lined with tall resilient sunflowers.

The drought has diminished their numbers and the hail and 60mph winds succeeded in ripping the survivors to shreds.

Who knows where those seeds have blown and maybe next year they’ll be even more.

We live in hope!

Wind, Rain, Hail, Floods, and broken glass…oh my!

In our last episode–Thursday morning, you’ll remember, the morning coffee carafe exploded. No injuries, just great surprise. Late that afternoon, I drove into Albuquerque to meet several friends for dinner and we enjoyed a lovely meal on the patio at O’Niell’s on Juan Tabo. Darkening skies and a few large raindrops ended the evening and sent me back to the high desert.

I was surprised to pass three different traffic accidents in the canyon and the farther east I went, the heavier the rain. When I exited the interstate, the road crossing under the interstate was flooded and the power was out. Odd. As I drove north, I was amazed at the flooding on several sections of the highway. Adjacent fields and pastures were flooded or awash with running water. Half way home traffic came to a halt as one of the intersections was impassable. State troopers and local TV stations were set up and one by one, cars turned around to find another direction.

I didn’t have a choice and decided to navigate through some small neighborhoods to a dirt road west of us. The entire area was awash in mud and debris—it looked like a war zone. I imagine it must be what areas look like after hurricane, but hurricanes are not a common occurrence in the high desert of New Mexico.

I consider myself very fortunate Subaru forester was not only an all terrain vehicle but also a bit of an amphibious assault vehicle. We got to half a dozen flooded intersections and when I finally got home, I was pleased it was all in one piece.

The nightly news reported a large storm cell that passed through dumping 2 inches of rain in about 20 minutes, golf ball size hail, and 60 mph winds. My dogs were fine, thank heaven. Of the four windows on the north side, only two were broken.(shattered, screen-Gone). Half the bedroom floor is soaked.

There’s no major structural damage. It looks like the paint on the house was sandblasted as well as everything on the property.  I have insurance and I’m sure the damage will be covered. But the castle walls have been breached, and it leaves me feeling vulnerable and a little unsafe. It’s not as serious as so many have suffered, but it’s an awful feeling.

More news as it happens…

Plates are spinning

You know, this past year has been a little bit like Dating a Dervish. A wild ride filled with highlights, low-lights, deadlines, pressure, exhilaration, joy, and sorrow.

There’s no need to detail every event, since most of them are documented here on my site. Suffice it to say, that just over a year ago I was an aspiring writer and today I’m preparing second editions of both of my books. It’s thrilling and it’s daunting because the expectations are higher.

As I go through these manuscripts with fresh eyes and some wonderful feedback, I find that I’m hypercritical of each and every word. Yes, that’s a good thing. However, with the new agony of every sentence, I find even greater challenges to my limited skill as a writer. In the process of revising and rewriting roughly 150,000 words, I’ve learned new ways to add shading and depth to the already existing story. My goal is not change the original story arc but to add another layer. My critique partner calls it amplification—The ability to change one or more words to make the action or the scene stronger and more authentic—my definition.

As I have been doing this, I’m incredibly distracted by an array of disjointed thoughts, new story lines, new plot devices, and new actions for existing characters. And therein lies the rub. Two damn many plates!

The thing I like best about writing, is what I call “fresh writing “—you know, open a vein and let it pour out on the page. No expectations, no editing just let the story flow. As a rule, my stories are character driven. People show up, fictional people that is, and I observe them. As I do, situations develop and together we solve them. I create worlds and participate in the stories. When I’m fully immersed in a new story, I can’t wait to get up every morning and join my new friends to find out what we’re going to do that day. It’s terrific. That’s how I managed to rip through nine new manuscripts in about four years.

The good news is that four of them comprise The Damaged Series. The first two are published and now being revised for a second addition, the third draft is finished and ready to be polished for submission. The fourth is half finished. And don’t get me wrong, I love the adventures of Zeke and Anne because they’re like family to me, but I also love Meg and Nicole, Kirin and Silke, Sam and Gloria, Sam and Lucille, Kai and Riley. They each have a story to tell. Each one is different and each one as compelling. There’s even a new character, Brett Connors. I know very little about her, but she’s mysterious and has something very important to tell me. Oh yes, and a short story for an, as yet unannounced, anthology. (Stay tuned)

Aside from all that…

There’s the a life of a writer—the promotion/learning/networking duality. And the very real side of life that involves responsibilities to friends, family and four-leg-eds, car servicing, computer servicing, swamp cooler servicing, banking, bill paying, shopping, housekeeping, Dr. Visits, vet visits, monthly meetings, social obligations. Oh yes, where have I built in the time for worrying, agitating, handwringing, and a little bit of catatonia.

(this is just for fun)

>>>>>I won’t even discuss the Internet.<<<<<

I just wanna tell stories, that’s all.

Thanks for indulging me another rant, two weeks in a row. Who knew? I guess when the force is disturbed…

For the ever hopeful, my beautiful new cover

Love and Hate: Discuss

Time for another episode of “Barrett’s Erratic Ramblings” (I wasn’t going to post this and then I saw the news about the killing at the Sikh temple in Wisconsin.)

The growing atmosphere of hatred, bigotry, and selfishness has become almost too toxic to tolerate. It would appear that the lofty, noble principles on which this nation was founded have been jettisoned. To which universe, I have no idea. In place of the benevolent, collaborative, and supportive “US” as in WE THE PEOPLE… is now some version of “Us and Them” and Me & Mine, More & More, & More.

But even more than that, it’s become vicious, hate-fuelled, and dangerous. I know there are people who say it’s no different from any other period in history, but I’m not sure that’s true. I’ve lived through several of those decades and never been as fearful as I am now. Yes, fearful. Without doing the research right now, I recall in the last month or so, hearing about at least seven different individuals being beaten or killed because they were perceived as being gay or lesbian.           

Two teenage girls shot in the head, one dead. For no apparent reason. They did nothing wrong.

A young girl and two young boys were chased and the girl was severely beaten after the men screamed homophobic slurs.

In Nebraska, a woman’s home was broken into she was beaten up, the assailants carved words into her flesh, and spray painted hate speech on her walls.

In New York, two young men were savagely beaten for being homosexual.

In the middle of the night, a fire in front of the house awakened a man and his two roommates. The man’s car was spray painted with the word “Fag”. As he tried to extinguish the blaze, it exploded and he sustained first and second degree burns which seared his tee shirt to his body. (http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/hate-crime-fag-painted-on-gay-mans-car-then-blown-up-in-front-of-him/news/2012/07/25/44541)

(a recent reference: http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/08/lesbian-couple-attacked-by-neighborhood-youth-in-alleged-hate-crime/  )

I Just Don’t Get It.

Why? When did being different in a vast and wonderfully diverse country like ours become evil?

Even without all the details, but I’m reasonably sure that none of these people had done anything to injure or in any way harass their assailants.

So here’s a tough question to the hypothetical assailants out there, “before you decide to take the liberty of deciding how “My God” will judge me, answer one question; Can you tell me any time that I have infringed on your rights, threatened you, or tried to take away your Civil liberties?”

I didn’t think so. This just hurts my heart.

Here’s my two cents. I have been a Registered nurse for over 35 years and during that time; I have cared for thousands of individuals from all walks of life. People with money and those without; people who built the systems of Health Care and people who took advantage of it.

And you know what? I didn’t like all of the people I treated, but I cared for each of them equally and without judgment because it wasn’t my place to judge them it was my job to provide care. You might have even been one of those people.

I believe that I could pick any week during my professional career and truly know I did more to alleviate pain and suffering for more people than many of our illustrious politicians and corporate leaders have ever done in their lifetimes.

How about you? How many times have you put your personal beliefs in your back pocket in order to help your neighbor?

The hypocrisy and hatred has to stop. How can we be the greatest nation on earth when all we demonstrate is bizarre divisiveness? The beauty of our democracy is the freedom each of us enjoys—without exception. We can certainly disagree without violence.

There is greatness in compassion.

Peace, seriously, live it and BE it!

For my friend, Georgia…

As a tribute and an acknowledgement to Georgia Beers, who has been and inspiration to me and many others, I’d like to invite you to read an interview we did many months ago.

http://wordsofbarrett.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/without-further-ado-georgia-beers/

If you haven’ yet read her latest novel 96 Hours, please put it on you list.

Condolences to Georgia and her family.

A Tale of Woe and a new tingly announcement Zeke-Freaks

Caught in the morass of “tech services” this week and needing a life-line. Such a deal!  I’m telling you, a tiny kerfuffle with  the WiFi access has incurred the wrath of the Computer-gods. I’ve happily stayed under the radar for years…then I slipped up.

As I reported Monday, I spent three hours on the phone with my new BFF’s in India–Kahlil and Jogy. Delightful, patient, thorough and expensive. Now I have two warranties–software and hardware. Please, no helpful comments about why I did that.

I had both my laptop and mini diagnosed “remotely” (it’s weird watching the cursor fly around by itself making changes. Kind of like a Ouija board). Once the WiFi had a new driver all was good …except, the sound problem. Speaker didn’t work and the jacks didn’t work. Call transferred to “Hardware”. Jogy did his own diagnostics and decided it was the “motherboard and speakers” transferred to in home technician.

Wed. Jerry arrived, replaced the speakers and motherboard…several times and declared that the new board was DOA. yup. I needed another one. He replaced the original, ordered a new one. Back to normal status for one hour, the POOF! dead as a door nail. Could not even turn it on.

Grumble grumble…Jerry couldn’t get back until 9PM Wed night…um…No.

New tech–Anthony arrived Wednesday at noon.Worked fast, replaced motherboard, keyboard, wrist rest, start switch, and some other “stuff”. Looks brand new! But alas…mic and speaker still don’t work. So… he suggests I contact “software” service…in India….

to be continued…

*  In other news, because I’m impatient and a little giddy, I can’t wait for the formal announcement.   So…For those secret Zeke-Freaks…and you know who you are,          The Damaged Series has been in the shop for a tune-up and a new coat of paint.

The new shop is:                 

I am thrilled and honored to be a part of Bedazzled Ink Family. The first book in the series is in the capable hands of their editors, a new cover has been designed, and my signature affixed to the contract. As soon as I have a release date I will post it.

I want to thank all of the wonderful readers who have taken the time to write or comment on Damaged in Service and Defying Gravity and want to let you know that Book Three is on it’s way!

(The First edition of Defying Gravity will still be available through September 30th at Affinity eBooks, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.)

In other news….it’s HOT. But, thankfully, no new fires!

July and Monsoons

I suppose I could talk about weather, it certainly has dominated the news. So not much else to add. June was unusually hot, dominated by fires and I spent the better part of it in my car and rest rest NOT in my car. July started with the oddly named Monsoons. I know! in the desert? Whatev’s… Still, it’s been much more temperate with temps dropping tot eh 50′s at night, 70-80′s during the day.

After a three month, unexpected slog through this writer’s demoralizing wasteland dearth

of inspiration. I’m revitalized. That’s never happened before and I Did.Not.Like.It.ONE.Bit.

NO. I won’t elaborate, but it was icky and I’d just as soon see the dentist as go though it again. The energy infuser seemed to be four days with readers and writers. Elixer of Bubbling Effervescent JuJu at the GCLS con.

I listened to readings and wonderful, educational panels [hint: Ellen Hart, Elizabeth Sims, Jewelle Gomez--just to start]. I came away with new purpose, and a new game plan. I’ll describe that more as it evolves. Meanwhile, I’m working on some long-pondered revisions to “Damaged in Service” for a brand spanking new second edition.

It’s a labor of love. While the story will be the same, there were a few tweaks I wanted to make. Be patient. It is not available right now but I will let you know as soon as I know.

I also dabbled my toes in something different…which I will announce soon. After all, it’s all about working for the readers!

On Saturday I joined my Gal pals at our monthly COWW winefest. We’ve been meeting pretty regularly for about 7 years and it’s always great to catch up. Not to mention a fabulous meal, shish kabobs, chicken, steak, shrimp-pineapple with peanut butter sauce, guacamole, a  tasty hors’ d-oeuvre of Prosciutto, arugula,and apricot puree on a buttery cracker (you’ve go to try this), spinach salad with kiwi, strawberries, and almonds…and a homemade key lime fresh fruit tart. Mix together with a nice wine, love & laughter and you have the perfect evening.

Next weekend our local LERA chapter will host the NYT Best Seller, Susan Elizabeth Phillips for a short presentation and dinner.

Life is good at the Manse. It’s pleasantly cool and cloudy. The dogs are comfortable and happy, and some of the laundry is done.

Till next time…Barrett, and her faithful companions

ps  Check out http://caringforkara.wordpress.com/master-list/   I’ve donated signed copies of both my books along with donations from 35 other authors.

 

Coming Soon

…ok, I’m busy…but I don’t want you to be empty-handed.

So, Instead of a blog I added a new excerpt of a yet to be titled pre-quel about the young adventurous Zeke Cabot.

Check it out under the “Excerpts” tab.

Later, folks… Barrett

 

A Long Days Journey

The Author Barrett is gleefully back on the prairie after 12 days on the road. It’s hot, dry, and breezy–but comfortable  inside–PLUS it’s not moving.

Sunday the 10th, I set out for Minneapolis with my car loaded with snacks and entertainment. My enthusiasm carried me to Tucumcari and through the corner of Texas and Oklahoma. The CD player was a little spastic, but I enjoyed the sights and thought about who might be already in Minneapolis.

By 5pm I was flagging. 490 miles through 4 states was enough. I pulled into one of the first motels and decamped. A quick stop at KFC and I relaxed into the arms of Morpheus.

Day 2 was a 468 miles jaunt to Des Moines, IA…frankly, the bloom was off the rose. After 2 hours on the road, boredom set in. The CD changer spat the audio-book CD out 5 times, no matter how I tried to re-arrange the order. That’s major suckage, especially after listening to the first chapter of “Middle of Somewhere” by Cliffie Henderson. Mucho disappointo.

We’ll discuss the panoply of radio stations on another day when I can be more objective. For now, let’s just say that NPR was my best option, most of the time.

I had a few chew marks on my leg by the time I reached Des Moines and opted for a tier 2 motel which was worth the extra $20. Apparently there was some kind of NCAA something going on because the place was full of women. Dinner very pleasant. The room comfortable and the next day I had only 246 miles to go.

Iowa and Minnesota were lush and green, evoking wonderful memories of growing up in the Midwest. The Hilton Double Tree was easy to find and a pure delight. Roomy, spacious, tastefully decorated, and some of the finest hotel employees I have ever encountered. The prices were reasonable and there were some great dining options nearby. Oh yeah, and warm chocolate chip cookies!

To echo many other happy Con goers, the Con was well organized and flowed smoothly. This was only my third, but I appreciate the hard work of the Board and the volunteers to create this grand reunion and celebration of books. So many old and new friends. Again this year I invited 3 Con Virgins –all of whom had a great time.

This was the first time for me as a published author and let me tell you there is nothing like meeting people for the first time who’ve read and appreciated your work. Wow. Sitting alone at a computer every day I never thought what it would be like to face people who generously provide comments and feedback to me. I am humbled by the kindness.

I sat on two fun panels. One was for newly published authors, the other a terrific discussion on Women Who Serve and the effects on them and their families. I got a video and hope to salvage the sound track.

The awards ceremony went seamlessly. I was nervous because I presented with Erica Abbott, I had a speech in my pocket for another writer who couldn’t attend, and was deer-in-the-headlights to see my book flashed on the screen as a finalist. Surreal and heady. I celebrated the whole Con with champagne and good memories.

The high point was the new award–The Lee Lynch Classics Award for “The Swashbuckler” by Lee Lynch. Celebrating our heritage with an icon.

Then the Trailblazer Award for Marianne K. Martin. A gentle woman with a steely core who keeps a low profile while doing the right thing for all of us. I’m proud to call her friend. Both women are shining examples of what we could all be.

Sunday was bittersweet as we tearfully bade farewell to new friends and old.  There’s always a little sadness. Next year Dallas.

I napped, packed, ordered room service and slept. Monday I hit the road for Wisconsin for family, friends, and a bookstore stop. Note: I had some serious second thoughts about adding another 800 miles to my already long journey.(I shoulda listened.) Tuesday I made it to Milwaukee and Racine, but could not face a drive into Chicago. I abruptly changed plans and headed home at 7:15 Tuesday night.

Made it to Beloit,WI, crashed, then started early for Nebraska (439 miles). I stopped on the Iowa side of the river for the night. Poured rain- for the first time (and last). I had a great dinner at Cracker Barrel. Skeevy motel, but some function was happening in Coucil Bluffs, IA. What evs.

Wednesday  would be the Nebraska marathon 730 miles. Surprisingly it went quicker than I thought.  I-80 was a frustrating mix of Semi’s and construction for at least 100 miles. Eventually, I cut down through Kansas to I-70 then it was smooth sailing. I was prepared to spend the night in Limon, CO,but it was only 90+ more miles to Colorado Springs so I went for it. Great motel welcome and a good dinner.

Remember the lack of entertainment? While in Wisconsin I bought an iPod shuffle in order to transfer my iTunes files–including the books. Could.Not.Get.the Files.to transfer. F*** So in an effort to entertain myself,  I used my digital recorder to map out the story line for a new book, make a to do list. Then having shot dozens of ‘flat-lander’ pictures…I made videos of the prairie! Hysterically boring–except for the bugs on the windshield.

By early Friday morning I was ready to head home on the last stretch! 356 miles-6 hours!! It was intermittently lovely, mountainous,hazy, flat, dry, vacant. But I do love the west. As soon as I crossed out out Kansas, everything began to change. I saw the hazy grey silhouette of mountains and knew I was home.

I pulled up to my house at 2pm –7.5 days on the road. 3,147 miles. Stick a fork in me I’m done. I’m home, I’m Safe, I’m well, and my furbabies were thrilled to see me. My house sitter cleaned, vacuumed and took care of my girls.

Now I’m going to use some the inspiration and get back to doing what I love–

Writing!

Until next time…Barrett the Weary

Excitement in the air

Things are hopping around the Manse this week.(not that you could guess by the picture) Washing machines, vacuuming, suitcases being shuffled, and the requisite visit from the plumber-because-the cooler-ain’t coolin’. All this in preparation for a road trip to the Midwest.

Next stop–Minneapolis, MN! Well, not exactly…probably somewhere in sunny Kansas. Eventually, Minnesota for the 8th Annual Golden Crown Literary Society Convention. This will be my third year, but first time as a “published” author. Last year my book was just getting ready for release and this year its short listed for a “Goldie” in Romantic Intrigue. I’m honored and flattered to be in the same category as some terrific writers.

Also Affinity EBooks–my publisher will be there for the first time supporting three of us short-listed for awards (Erin O’Reilly and S. Anne Gardner)

Were that not enough to cause jitters…I will be reading a short excerpt, then later participating with Mary Griggs, Jesse Chandler, Rebecca Gold, Erica Abbot on a panel entitled “So I had this idea…” moderated by Karin Kallmaker.

Then Friday Afternoon…I wrangled some great folks into talking about “Soldiers, Spies, and Special Agents: Emerging trends in lesbian Fiction”.

In addition to the writerly wonderfulness of panelists: Bev Prescott, Tracey Richardson, Lynette Mae,  Cheyne Curry, and moi–the humble Barrett. We are indeed fortunate to have the ceremonial wit and wisecrackery of Salem West--The Faery Home Companion and Reviewer Extraordinaire from The Rainbow Reader!   But that’s not all!

The author’s have each agreed to offer a signed book to give away….and for everyone…Chocolate treats!

After the festivities, I will continue my journey through Wisconsin to see friends and family, Chicago to visit my niece, then I’ll head west! (for anyone who saw me in my HS musical, that line will have great significance)                    Hint:>>>>>>>

Don’t miss this panel. Friday 3:30-4:45pm.

(pictures at 11p or the following week or two weeks…)

In between chores, watching distant wildfires, and preparing for a house sitter, I continue to work on Book 3 of the Damaged series.

yeah, well….whew. You enjoy your week, too!