Barrett's Blog, page 11

A birthday to remember…

“…sometimes one needs to get off the bus for awhile, grab something cold to drink, and go to the loo…”  the words of a wonderful therapist I knew back in the day.

I was younger and filled with angst. I kept asking when the pain and worry would stop.

“It’s a process, not a task. It takes as long as it takes.”

I just HATED that answer. I wanted an answer, a specific date, or at least a ballpark figure.  She never gave me one, but she was right. It got better–eventually.

Birthdays often make me think about the past in order to get perspective on how I arrived at this point in my life. That will be a story for another day. This year I was fortunate enough to be invited to spend a few days with friends in North Carolina.  They fed me wonderful food, exotic drinks, and toured me around to see grass, trees, and flowers.

We talked and laughed as we shared a glass of wine or a breathtaking recording of music.  We enjoyed frolicking dogs, the hum of lawn mowers, a chorus of bird songs and a majestic thunderstorm. After sleeping soundly each night, awaking to coffee,  I was treated to down home breakfasts at the local diner.

The first night we had grilled pork tenderloin with pirogi’s.

Birthday morning–champagne! the-best-french-toast  Ever! country ham and potatoes.

one of my gifts was an antique drawer with delicate old fashioned ink wells (now sitting above my desk)

Birthday dinner was marinated steak, fresh green beans, cheddar mashed potatoes, a great red wine, and…

Evenings on the screen porch with a cocktail and snacks….

There are so many more memories which will flicker to the surface for days and months to come.  Thank you, my friends, for an unforgettable holiday.

And thanks to all who sent messages with your good wishes. I am very grateful.

 

a little homage to the Land of Enchantment

Hola and Bienvenidos!

These photos are from the online Face Book “The New Mexico Fan Page“…check it out, you might actually “like it”

Below are: The Chaco Canyon,  the Sandia Tram 1966,

and Chimayo.

Space view of White Sands –largest gypsum field, and north of there the lava fields.

Two nice images of the vast New Mexico landscape

 

La Luna                

and, of course, the Famed Green Chile Cheeseburger!

What’s not to love about New Mexico?

Treachery afoot…

Bonus Blog!

Apparently Spring is in the air. In the space of about two weeks there’ve been three different rattle snake sightings. That’s kind of unusual. During my first ten years in the high desert, I think I saw five–and that was walking across uninhabited areas. In the last two years I’ll bet I’ve spotted at least a dozen.

No injuries to me or my furbies, but there is also a dearth of the all too frequent bunny sightings.  Used to be hundreds of them.

In front of the garage… 

A miscellaneous Albert Squirrel who graciously posed at Bandelier Monument.

Behind the garage. * Remember folks, telephoto lenses are a very good thing.

Walk softly and watch where you’re going. I do.

My excuses for goofing off…

Hi There! Uber slacker here! (along with the furkids)

Yup, missed a week being distracted by “stuff”. Mea culpa. I had the best of intentions, really. April has gone faster than a speeding bullet. I’m working on revisions for book 3–with lots of new ideas and draaaama.

Plus, The GCLS Con is in about 40 days. I volunteered a panel idea on “Women in Service” and gathered some great talent. Bev Prescott, Lynette Mae, Cheyne Curry and the amazing reviewer from The Rainbow Reader–Salem West as moderator. I Know!! This will be an incredible session. If you’re going to the Con, don’t miss this one.

Plus…The amazing Karin Kallmaker invited me to join her panel titled “So I had this Idea…” Yup, THRILLED.Time to do some shopping!

I’ll be doing a reading from my nominated “Damaged in Service” which finaled for the Romantic intrigue category. (I’m so honored). Plus, I’ll be hanging  around signing books with my publisher, Affinity eBooks for their first Con appearance.

Meanwhile, I need to interview my new house-sitter, meet with a new critique group, plan a birthday getaway, get the car serviced…Again, make arrangements for a post-con visit to my family, and …oh, there will be more.

Alright, I’m a little crazed–but it will be fine. Spring has arrived in the High Desert–sunny, seventies, breezy with a few brave and tiny wildflowers appearing…along with a junior rattler. Ah well, roses, thorns, you get the picture. 

More news when it happens–BUT I would like to take a second to THANK All of the wonderful folks who went and bought copies of both books, making April the BEST sales month yet. Each and every one of you will get  a big hug whenever I meet you!

Happy Cinco de Mayo

“…when is book 3 coming?”

Alright, you’ve read Damaged in Service, maybe you’ve even started Defying Gravity…or not. (There’s still time, both are available at Amazon, Affinity eBooks , or Barnes and Noble)

But for the wonderfully insatiable Zeke-Freaks out here, I shall provide a quick scene from the Book 3 work-in-progress…

****

Zeke jumped when the garage door opened. Running to the door primed to pounce for the aggravation that she had endured. “Where the hell have you been? Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been…what were you thinking?” Zeke’s accusations echoed in the large garage.

***

Anne stood stock-still like a deer in the headlights, brought up short from her rather pleasant beer buzz by a screaming banshee; it was not a good feeling. They stood face to face, both buzzing with adrenalin, both breathing heavily, but now, it was Anne getting angry. “Are you just about finished screaming at me?” Anne said calmly, belying her growing rage. Shouldering her bag, she then slammed the car door.

Zeke stood her ground. “I have been worried sick, I was afraid that you had been picked up again and that I wouldn’t be able…”Her voice cracked.

“Stop. Just stop shouting!” said Anne a bit louder than necessary. “Christ. I am not going to stand in the garage freezing my ass off while you berate me with ridiculous questions. I’m going in the house.” She pulled her cooler out of the back seat, slammed the door again and went into the house.

***

Zeke stood rooted the spot, weaving, hyperventilating and feeling fear and anger tearing at her, alternately. She reached out for the hood of Anne’s car to steady herself from the lightheadedness. She wanted to run and she wanted to break something, and she wanted to cry. What’s happening?

It took ten minutes before Zeke composed herself enough to come into the kitchen. She found Anne at the stove stirring a steaming pot with one hand and drinking a beer with the other. She went to the other side of the island and stood facing Anne. “I’m sorry if I yelled…I was worried,” she said softly.

Anne paused, her eyes dark, then slammed the wooden spoon on the stovetop. “Clearly you do not recall me telling you last night that I was going to Mountainair—which, as I told you, is nearly thirty miles south of here on two-lane roads, with a technician to learn to set up a telemetry unit.” She spat each word clearly. “You may also recall that there is no cell coverage. I should think, with your remarkable memory that it would have been simple to recall…if, you had been listening to me.”

Zeke remembered the word Mountainair, and that she had tuned out the rest of the conversation. Properly chastised, she sat down at the table holding her throbbing head while her heart continued to jack-hammer in her heaving chest. This felt so out of character. Zeke rarely over-reacted. Even worse, Anne did not seem to be in a listening frame of mind. Besides, this was not Anne’s problem. An icy fear pushed up into Zeke’s chest.

Anne didn’t let up. “I was going to tell you about the difficulty with the patient and the installation and why we stopped for a beer; but that can wait for some other time.” After she finished setting out the plates and sitting down, Anne took a deep breath and said, “I don’t know what’s going on with these wild mood swings, Zeke, but I will not be a verbal punching bag, not again, not ever.”

They ate chili in silence.  Zeke cleaned up the kitchen while Anne went up to take a bath. An icy stillness dominated the remainder of the evening. Since Anne chose to read, Zeke opted for a long walk before bed hoping she could engage the logical part of her brain. Clearly, Anne was safe and still pissed. And Zeke’s behavior–inexcusable.

The effect of the cold dark night was bracing and emotionally sobering. There were only a few houses lit and the leafless trees afforded a clear view of the black night sky replete with an extraordinary number of small twinkling dots. The air smelled cold and crisp and Zeke felt safe in the forest surrounded by the giant oak and pine sentinels stretching up to the night sky, which had remained a constant for the millennia of troubled men and women looking to the heavens for reassurance and strength. Homes in communities of urban sprawl provided a network of connection but the perpetual solidarity of earth and sky provided the life giving energy. Zeke calmed and redirected after walking.

 

 

Stay tuned, and thanks for stopping by.

A little local flavor

Once a month I schlep into Albuquerque to our local RWA (Romance Writers of America) chapter meeting. LERA is a small but amazingly successful group of fresh newbies and seasoned pro’s all of whom are serious about developing the skills to be the best writers possible.

Each month many of the members travel short and very long distances to hear excellent programs designed to enhance skills, knowledge or both. Sometimes there’s even a boatload of goofiness and joking. Hmm…can there ever be too much silliness?

This week we had the good fortune of hearing from one of our original members/teachers, Robin Perini. As usual, we were gifted with a thorough and well-prepared discussion on how to improve our manuscripts with careful use of language. Robin provided a detailed outline with tips and short exercises. (check out more of her work and writers tips: http://www.robinperini.com/ )

But, beyond the normal business meeting, the regular book raffle, homemade cookies, and the great program…there is a different kind of magical connection that occurs at these meetings. Before each meeting is a casual gathering for lunch—at chance to schmooze a bit. When we join up with the others at the normal site (a local church), we always start the program with what we call “successes” where each person has an opportunity to share a special achievement—large or small. Sometimes, it’s as simple as ‘making’ the meeting after missing a few. Often it’s getting back to a neglected manuscript, finishing a chapter, or completing overdue edits. More and more, lately, it’s selling a book, signing a new contract, qualifying for an award, great reviews, increased sales, or getting to hold a copy of a first book.

One of the ironies of this tiny RWA chapter is how many of its members are published authors. From the RWA website:

Romance Writers of America has more than 10,000 members worldwide (primarily the United States and Canada).

1,885 RWA members are published in book-length romance fiction.

Of our, approximately, 40+ members I’d guess that about 20 have published. You do the math. It’s a pretty impressive number. It’s also inspiring to be present with folks who are that serious about their craft.

But there was something else very special at this meeting. One of our most prolific and special members couldn’t attend the meeting because she is battling breast cancer and this week was a treatment week.  So…one of the gals stepped up to solve the problem. She fixed it so we connected via Skype. We all got to say Hi and our missing warrior enjoyed the talk from sick-bay.

Who wouldn’t want to belong to a group willing to go the extra mile for one of their own? I wish I could say the same for every group to which I belonged. The energy, enthusiasm, and support I’ve gotten in the past few years has really made a difference in my writing. Every month I leave inspired to go home a write. LERA Ladies Rock it!

feelin’ the love

It’s just about two months before the 8th annual Golden Crown Literary Society convention–where it all stared.

Two years ago–with the help of Diane Gaidry, my very supportive Life Coach–I cobbled together some presentation packets for pitches, sent five chapters of my fledgling novel to the mentor program, and packed a bag for Orlando.

The Con felt like a big reunion. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. The names and faces were so familiar but I didn’t know a soul. The pitch sessions with five different publishers scared the poop out of me but proved to be a really valuable experience. And the session with my mentors was well worth the time. They provided me with some great advice and I went home to rewrite my book…again.

Flash forward to the next convention, again in Orlando. This time I *knew* people and was no longer a ConVirgin. I had friends with whom I’d corresponded throughout the year…and I participated this time with a contract from a publisher! Affinity eBooks bought my first book. I felt incredibly proud.

Now the time has rolled around for the next chapter. This year I’ll be attending the annual convention (this time in Minneapolis) as a Published Author of not one, but two books! My first child, “Damaged in Service” published in July 2011 and “Defying Gravity” March 2012.

Oh…but that’s not all. My first book was nominated for a Goldie in the Romantic Intrigue/Suspense category and just (4/8/12) made the short list. squeeeee. This has been such an extraordinary experience for me and I’m incredibly grateful to so many people who have supported me on every step of this path. I’m very blessed to have found another career that I truly love for my third act. And just so you understand how very serious I am…

Here’s a list of of some possible upcoming projects.

7 First drafts complete: Books 3&4 of the Damaged series, Tattoo: Scenes of a Crime, Rekindled (a Sam Stone novella), Peace Accord at Iona (Sam Stone),  Diva, Crossroads (spec fic/YA)

 5 Works in Progress: She Touched Me, Belizean Odyssey, Zeke-The early Days, Children’s Angel, A nurse’s Tale.

Hmm…guess I better quit jawin’ and get back to work! Thanks to everyone of you that has chosen to hop this express train with me. Hugs!

2012 GCLS Conference:
Minneapolis, June 13-17, 2012

http://goldencrown.org

feelin' the love

It's just about two months before the 8th annual Golden Crown Literary Society convention–where it all stared.

Two years ago–with the help of Diane Gaidry, my very supportive Life Coach–I cobbled together some presentation packets for pitches, sent five chapters of my fledgling novel to the mentor program, and packed a bag for Orlando.

The Con felt like a big reunion. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. The names and faces were so familiar but I didn't know a soul. The pitch sessions with five different publishers scared the poop out of me but proved to be a really valuable experience. And the session with my mentors was well worth the time. They provided me with some great advice and I went home to rewrite my book…again.

Flash forward to the next convention, again in Orlando. This time I *knew* people and was no longer a ConVirgin. I had friends with whom I'd corresponded throughout the year…and I participated this time with a contract from a publisher! Affinity eBooks bought my first book. I felt incredibly proud.

Now the time has rolled around for the next chapter. This year I'll be attending the annual convention (this time in Minneapolis) as a Published Author of not one, but two books! My first child, "Damaged in Service" published in July 2011 and "Defying Gravity" March 2012.

Oh…but that's not all. My first book was nominated for a Goldie in the Romantic Intrigue/Suspense category and just (4/8/12) made the short list. squeeeee. This has been such an extraordinary experience for me and I'm incredibly grateful to so many people who have supported me on every step of this path. I'm very blessed to have found another career that I truly love for my third act. And just so you understand how very serious I am…

Here's a list of of some possible upcoming projects.

7 First drafts complete: Books 3&4 of the Damaged series, Tattoo: Scenes of a Crime, Rekindled (a Sam Stone novella), Peace Accord at Iona (Sam Stone),  Diva, Crossroads (spec fic/YA)

 5 Works in Progress: She Touched Me, Belizean Odyssey, Zeke-The early Days, Children's Angel, A nurse's Tale.

Hmm…guess I better quit jawin' and get back to work! Thanks to everyone of you that has chosen to hop this express train with me. Hugs!

2012 GCLS Conference:
Minneapolis, June 13-17, 2012

http://goldencrown.org

Gobeklitepe The world’s first temple built 12,000 years ago

(In a break from the routine, I’d like to share this little nugget)

I do not profess to be an archeologist, nor do I play one on TV, but I found this report riveting. Almost made me consider writing historical fiction.  Hmm, there just might be a story here… 

This site was unearthed in 1995, and the discovery changed much of the scientific theory of man’s origins. 

This is from the web site. but check out the video.

Welcome to the presentation of the The World’s First Temple, Gobeklitepe … a pre-historic site, about 15 km away from the city of Sanliurfa, Southeastern Turkiye. What makes Gobeklitepe unique in its class is the date it was built, which is roughly twelve thousand years ago, circa 10,000 BC.

Archaeologically categorised as a site of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A Period (c. 9600–7300 BC) Göbeklitepe is a series of mainly circular and oval-shaped structures set on the top of a hill. Excavations began in 1995 by Prof. Klaus Schmidt with the help of the German Archeological Institute. There is archelological proof that these installations were not used for domestic use, but predominantly for ritual or religous purposes. Subsequently it became apparent that Gobeklitepe consists of not only one, but many of such stone age temples. Furthermore, both excavations and geo magnetic results revealed that there are at least 20 installations, which in archeological terms can be called a temple. Based on what has been unearthed so far, the pattern principle seems to be that there are two huge monumental pillars in the center of each installation, surrounded by enclosures and walls, featuring more pillars in those set-ups.

All pillars are T-shaped with heights changing from 3 to 6 meters. Archeologists interpret those T-shapes as stylized human beings, mainly because of the depiction of human extremities that appear on some of the pillars. What also appears on these mystical rock statues, are carvings of animals as well as abstract symbols, sometimes picturing a combination of scenes.

Foxes, snakes, wild boars, cranes, wild ducks are most common. Most of these were carved into the flat surfaces of these pillars. Then again, we also come across some three-dimensional sculptures, in shape of a predator depicting a lion, descending on the side of a T-pillar.

The unique method used for the preservation of Gobeklitepe has really been the key to the survival of this amazing site. Whoever built this magnificent monument, made sure of its survival along thousands of years, by simply backfilling the various sites and burying them deep under, by using an incredible amount of material and all these led to an excellent preservation.

Each T-shaped pillar varies between 40 to 60 tonnes, leaving us scratching our heads as to how on earth they accomplished such a monumental feat. In a time when even simple hand tools were hard to come by, how did they get these stone blocks there, and how did they erect them? With no settlement or society to speak of, with farming still a far cry away, in a world of only roaming hunter-gatherers, the complexity and developed blueprints of these temples represented another enigma for archeologists. Do we have to change our vision of how and when civilized human history began? The plot thickens …

Please check this out, it’s amazing  http://gobeklitepe.info/index.html

Gobeklitepe The world's first temple built 12,000 years ago

(In a break from the routine, I'd like to share this little nugget)

I do not profess to be an archeologist, nor do I play one on TV, but I found this report riveting. Almost made me consider writing historical fiction.  Hmm, there just might be a story here… 

This site was unearthed in 1995, and the discovery changed much of the scientific theory of man's origins. 

This is from the web site. but check out the video.

Welcome to the presentation of the The World's First Temple, Gobeklitepe … a pre-historic site, about 15 km away from the city of Sanliurfa, Southeastern Turkiye. What makes Gobeklitepe unique in its class is the date it was built, which is roughly twelve thousand years ago, circa 10,000 BC.

Archaeologically categorised as a site of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A Period (c. 9600–7300 BC) Göbeklitepe is a series of mainly circular and oval-shaped structures set on the top of a hill. Excavations began in 1995 by Prof. Klaus Schmidt with the help of the German Archeological Institute. There is archelological proof that these installations were not used for domestic use, but predominantly for ritual or religous purposes. Subsequently it became apparent that Gobeklitepe consists of not only one, but many of such stone age temples. Furthermore, both excavations and geo magnetic results revealed that there are at least 20 installations, which in archeological terms can be called a temple. Based on what has been unearthed so far, the pattern principle seems to be that there are two huge monumental pillars in the center of each installation, surrounded by enclosures and walls, featuring more pillars in those set-ups.

All pillars are T-shaped with heights changing from 3 to 6 meters. Archeologists interpret those T-shapes as stylized human beings, mainly because of the depiction of human extremities that appear on some of the pillars. What also appears on these mystical rock statues, are carvings of animals as well as abstract symbols, sometimes picturing a combination of scenes.

Foxes, snakes, wild boars, cranes, wild ducks are most common. Most of these were carved into the flat surfaces of these pillars. Then again, we also come across some three-dimensional sculptures, in shape of a predator depicting a lion, descending on the side of a T-pillar.

The unique method used for the preservation of Gobeklitepe has really been the key to the survival of this amazing site. Whoever built this magnificent monument, made sure of its survival along thousands of years, by simply backfilling the various sites and burying them deep under, by using an incredible amount of material and all these led to an excellent preservation.

Each T-shaped pillar varies between 40 to 60 tonnes, leaving us scratching our heads as to how on earth they accomplished such a monumental feat. In a time when even simple hand tools were hard to come by, how did they get these stone blocks there, and how did they erect them? With no settlement or society to speak of, with farming still a far cry away, in a world of only roaming hunter-gatherers, the complexity and developed blueprints of these temples represented another enigma for archeologists. Do we have to change our vision of how and when civilized human history began? The plot thickens …

Please check this out, it's amazing  http://gobeklitepe.info/index.html