Angela Verdenius's Blog, page 7
April 4, 2018
Still Studying
The writing? No go right now. Why? I'm studying and have to get this course for work done in a certain time limit, hence every second after work is spent studying studying studying. Had Easter Friday & Easter Monday off...and spent it studying.
Study looms its head everywhere I go. I'm at work...I think about the study waiting for me when I get home. I go for a walk...study waiting for me. I start the computer...groan at the study waiting for me. Look longingly at my book edits waiting for me, and the file of new story ideas...and GROAN BIG TIME because - wait for it - study is at the front! I'm even dreaming about study and work and stuff, I can't escape it right now. GROAN AGAIN!
GAH!!!!
Still, I am halfway through it, pounding towards the three quarter mark, sweating over the exams, and looking forward to finishing it so I can resume what I love - writing!
So yep, I have had my head down for awhile, but wanted to come up for air to assure you all that yep, I'm still here, and yep, I will still be writing - just have to get this &^%$@! study done first!!
Study looms its head everywhere I go. I'm at work...I think about the study waiting for me when I get home. I go for a walk...study waiting for me. I start the computer...groan at the study waiting for me. Look longingly at my book edits waiting for me, and the file of new story ideas...and GROAN BIG TIME because - wait for it - study is at the front! I'm even dreaming about study and work and stuff, I can't escape it right now. GROAN AGAIN!
GAH!!!!
Still, I am halfway through it, pounding towards the three quarter mark, sweating over the exams, and looking forward to finishing it so I can resume what I love - writing!
So yep, I have had my head down for awhile, but wanted to come up for air to assure you all that yep, I'm still here, and yep, I will still be writing - just have to get this &^%$@! study done first!!
March 21, 2018
Are You For Real?!
I'm under the pump right now with trying to complete some courses for work (which has stuffed up my writing royally for a couple of weeks, but I gotta pay the bills!) but I just have to take a few minutes off studying to share this.
Mum went to the bank this morning - apart from the fact that she couldn't get money out because the systems were down (we'd be so stuffed if there was a war and tech went down!), they have, what they informed her, was a new system of serving customers.
A queue.
I kid you not!
They used to have a ticket machine, you'd get a ticket with a number and letter on it and sit and wait your turn.
They're not doing that anymore.
Now it's a queue. The newest thing!
Mum told her it was the oldest thing, but the bank lady just smiled and said, "Well, it's OUR new thing!"
I'm still scratching my head in disbelief...
Mum went to the bank this morning - apart from the fact that she couldn't get money out because the systems were down (we'd be so stuffed if there was a war and tech went down!), they have, what they informed her, was a new system of serving customers.
A queue.
I kid you not!
They used to have a ticket machine, you'd get a ticket with a number and letter on it and sit and wait your turn.
They're not doing that anymore.
Now it's a queue. The newest thing!
Mum told her it was the oldest thing, but the bank lady just smiled and said, "Well, it's OUR new thing!"
I'm still scratching my head in disbelief...
March 11, 2018
Why? Just WHY? Argh!!!
I recently watched Fear the Walking Dead S3.
OMG - why do I DO this to myself? I don't like the characters, I wish they'd all get eaten by zombies, and the whole thing just drives me nuts.
So WHY did I buy it and WATCH it knowing this?
Self-torture?
Self-punishment?
No, I'm just jonesing for zombies. I'm waiting for S8 of The Walking Dead to come out on DVD in Sept/Oct, I'm waiting for a good zombie movie, so my next best thing is buying the freakin' Fear the Walking Dead.
Even though I can't stand it.
How's that for an addiction to zombie, huh? Needing a zombie flick so bad that I'll watch one knowing I'm going to blow my top.
And I did. I blew my top.
Within five minutes (I kid you not. 5. Five. FIVE MINUTES!) I was yelling at the TV, throwing my hands all over the place, rolling my eyes so wildly it's amazing they didn't just fall out of my head and roll on the floor for the cats to play with.
I wanted the lead heroine (Madison) to be eaten. Or smacked.
The son? Eat or smack, preferably both.
The daughter? She was okay until towards the end - that was a WTHell moment.
I'm telling you, this family is a walking disaster. They strut in there (that'd be Madison), do stupid things (cue the son and Madison), and then have a WTHell moment (let's just throw in the daughter here, okay?)
This family leaves death and destruction in their wake, they're worse than the zombies. I've said it before and I'll say it again - if there's a zombie apocalypse and someone says there's safety in numbers and to join their group - not on your freakin' nelly, people. Never. Nada. NO FREAKIN' WAY! I'll have a better chance with the zombies.
So as I sat there, the last episode finished, knowing there was no way I'd get those hours of my life back, and I'm fuming and a bit dry-throated from all the yelling and swearing at the TV, I just can't believe I have done it yet again. Been so strung out wanting a zombie flick that I watched FTWD S3. What is wrong with me? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?
I'm so tired just writing this. I'm exhausted. Now I hear that FTWD and TWD are going to do a cross-over.
My mouth fell open. (A fly nearly got in, too, but we won't go there).
Are you serious? Are you kidding? FTWD and TWD? All I can say is - nice knowing you, Rick! Here's a word of advice - RUN! As far and fast as you can from Madison and her kids. This little family has the capacity to wipe out every group - hey, ...wait a minute...just had a thought...
Send Madison and her kids against Neegan - that'd wipe him out! Secret weapon people, secret weapon! Why didn't I think of that before? Rick! Rick, listen to me! Send Madison and her kids to Neegan, wipe out your enemy (I know, it's ruthless, but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, right?), and then run, Rick, RUN!
BTW...I have to get the fast forward button on the remote control fixed again. I've worn it out...
OMG - why do I DO this to myself? I don't like the characters, I wish they'd all get eaten by zombies, and the whole thing just drives me nuts.
So WHY did I buy it and WATCH it knowing this?
Self-torture?
Self-punishment?
No, I'm just jonesing for zombies. I'm waiting for S8 of The Walking Dead to come out on DVD in Sept/Oct, I'm waiting for a good zombie movie, so my next best thing is buying the freakin' Fear the Walking Dead.
Even though I can't stand it.
How's that for an addiction to zombie, huh? Needing a zombie flick so bad that I'll watch one knowing I'm going to blow my top.
And I did. I blew my top.
Within five minutes (I kid you not. 5. Five. FIVE MINUTES!) I was yelling at the TV, throwing my hands all over the place, rolling my eyes so wildly it's amazing they didn't just fall out of my head and roll on the floor for the cats to play with.
I wanted the lead heroine (Madison) to be eaten. Or smacked.
The son? Eat or smack, preferably both.
The daughter? She was okay until towards the end - that was a WTHell moment.
I'm telling you, this family is a walking disaster. They strut in there (that'd be Madison), do stupid things (cue the son and Madison), and then have a WTHell moment (let's just throw in the daughter here, okay?)
This family leaves death and destruction in their wake, they're worse than the zombies. I've said it before and I'll say it again - if there's a zombie apocalypse and someone says there's safety in numbers and to join their group - not on your freakin' nelly, people. Never. Nada. NO FREAKIN' WAY! I'll have a better chance with the zombies.
So as I sat there, the last episode finished, knowing there was no way I'd get those hours of my life back, and I'm fuming and a bit dry-throated from all the yelling and swearing at the TV, I just can't believe I have done it yet again. Been so strung out wanting a zombie flick that I watched FTWD S3. What is wrong with me? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?
I'm so tired just writing this. I'm exhausted. Now I hear that FTWD and TWD are going to do a cross-over.
My mouth fell open. (A fly nearly got in, too, but we won't go there).
Are you serious? Are you kidding? FTWD and TWD? All I can say is - nice knowing you, Rick! Here's a word of advice - RUN! As far and fast as you can from Madison and her kids. This little family has the capacity to wipe out every group - hey, ...wait a minute...just had a thought...
Send Madison and her kids against Neegan - that'd wipe him out! Secret weapon people, secret weapon! Why didn't I think of that before? Rick! Rick, listen to me! Send Madison and her kids to Neegan, wipe out your enemy (I know, it's ruthless, but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, right?), and then run, Rick, RUN!
BTW...I have to get the fast forward button on the remote control fixed again. I've worn it out...
February 18, 2018
Won the War! & Stuff...
So I won the war against the Army Worms! I blasted them out of existence. Okay, I did feel bad because I believe everything in nature has a place and a job to do, but when they decimate the grass for every other living thing (such as the doves who like to waddle onto it and do *cough* naughty things while on there - and that's apart from pooping on the lawn), then we - me and the Army Worms - have a problem.
I fixed my problem.
I feel a little guilty, but it's fixed. My little patch of lawn is green again, the birds are enjoying it, and it’s wonderful.
What isn't so wonderful is that Bunnings no longer sells the product that works so well. So I had to go on-line to buy more. This irks me, because I like to shop local and keep our people in work, shops in business, etc, but nothing works as well as this stuff, so it's on-line shopping for it now.
On another note - completely different note - Mum was supposed to have the stent removed in Perth. We had flights booked, motel booked, days off work booked - and then when Mum was on the plane there was a technical problem and everyone had to get off - and the flight was cancelled. She was supposed to get into Perth at 9:20am, be at the hospital at 11:30, operated on in the afternoon and out that night. So, of course, that got cancelled as well. After a lot of back and forthing, a new appointment was booked at the hospital for Mum in the very near future, I got the motel re-booked and our travel agent (thank you Hello World!) got our tickets reinstated (thank you Virgin!), and I have more time booked off for the op date. Mum got a little upset because she felt so bad with me taking time off and losing several days, but as I said to her, I'd rather the tech problem was found while they were on the ground and not in the air, and that money can be saved, holidays saved, tickets re-booked, but a life cannot be brought back once it's gone. She means more to me than money. So she's okay now. My nurse manager (thank you, Susan!) has been so supportive of us during this time. We've got great friends who are happy to help out with the furries when needed during this time (thanks Rae and Ker!). I tell you, even though things have been all over the road (what is it with you, Mum, and this gall bladder op and complications post op?!) we've been blessed to come through it, and we're still standing, so we're a-okay!
Today is a day off, I'm sitting here with Diet Coke (I know, you're so surprised, right?) - music playing softly, computer revved up, and ready to continue editing and re-writing this series.
So saying, the first book is becoming a major re-write in some ways. I almost feel like it's partly the old story, but partly a new story as well, if that makes sense. The covers are coming along beautifully, I can't believe how truly awesome they are. And here's the funny bit (or odd, depending on your POV) - while re-writing this first book, I can see the impact it will have in some areas of the second book.
And let's just add, to confuse things even more, I had an idea pop into my head for another contemporary romance and have had to jot those ideas down. Possibly, in the future, there MAY be a new series of contemporary romances as well. I'm just sayin', not promising, but things are sparking in my brain.
I have to say, taking a step-back and taking the time to do this re-write of the old sci-fi romances, has started to get my love back into writing and the creative juices flowing.
I'm striking while the iron's hot! Back to the keyboard now...
I fixed my problem.
I feel a little guilty, but it's fixed. My little patch of lawn is green again, the birds are enjoying it, and it’s wonderful.
What isn't so wonderful is that Bunnings no longer sells the product that works so well. So I had to go on-line to buy more. This irks me, because I like to shop local and keep our people in work, shops in business, etc, but nothing works as well as this stuff, so it's on-line shopping for it now.
On another note - completely different note - Mum was supposed to have the stent removed in Perth. We had flights booked, motel booked, days off work booked - and then when Mum was on the plane there was a technical problem and everyone had to get off - and the flight was cancelled. She was supposed to get into Perth at 9:20am, be at the hospital at 11:30, operated on in the afternoon and out that night. So, of course, that got cancelled as well. After a lot of back and forthing, a new appointment was booked at the hospital for Mum in the very near future, I got the motel re-booked and our travel agent (thank you Hello World!) got our tickets reinstated (thank you Virgin!), and I have more time booked off for the op date. Mum got a little upset because she felt so bad with me taking time off and losing several days, but as I said to her, I'd rather the tech problem was found while they were on the ground and not in the air, and that money can be saved, holidays saved, tickets re-booked, but a life cannot be brought back once it's gone. She means more to me than money. So she's okay now. My nurse manager (thank you, Susan!) has been so supportive of us during this time. We've got great friends who are happy to help out with the furries when needed during this time (thanks Rae and Ker!). I tell you, even though things have been all over the road (what is it with you, Mum, and this gall bladder op and complications post op?!) we've been blessed to come through it, and we're still standing, so we're a-okay!
Today is a day off, I'm sitting here with Diet Coke (I know, you're so surprised, right?) - music playing softly, computer revved up, and ready to continue editing and re-writing this series.
So saying, the first book is becoming a major re-write in some ways. I almost feel like it's partly the old story, but partly a new story as well, if that makes sense. The covers are coming along beautifully, I can't believe how truly awesome they are. And here's the funny bit (or odd, depending on your POV) - while re-writing this first book, I can see the impact it will have in some areas of the second book.
And let's just add, to confuse things even more, I had an idea pop into my head for another contemporary romance and have had to jot those ideas down. Possibly, in the future, there MAY be a new series of contemporary romances as well. I'm just sayin', not promising, but things are sparking in my brain.
I have to say, taking a step-back and taking the time to do this re-write of the old sci-fi romances, has started to get my love back into writing and the creative juices flowing.
I'm striking while the iron's hot! Back to the keyboard now...
January 27, 2018
Spazzin' Out
I am spazzing out! Seriously! My lovely little patch of lawn that I have laboured over and tended tenderly (like that?), has got ARMY WORM. AGAIN! ARRRGGGHHH!
I knew it as soon as I saw those b****y dead patches appearing and spreading. SPREADING! Across my freakin' lawn! Again!
This produced the jaw drop (always a nice look), the bug eyes (another nice look), the red climbing my face (third nice look) and then the top of my head blew off as I screamed (spittle flying) “ARE YOU FOR FREAKIN' REAL? ARMY WORM? AGAIN?"
Not quite believing it, though the signs were all before my bug-eyes, I took the torch out as darkness fell, shone it on the lawn and yes...ARMY WORMS! ON MY FREAKIN' LAWN!
WAR! WAR HAS BEEN DECLARED!
I have just come back from Bunnings with 2 packs (yes, 2 PACKS!) of insecticide to rain down on those dastardly little buggers. Tonight, as dusk falls - WAR! I, the insecticide, and Army Worms are coming face-to-face, and I'm bigger, tougher, meaner and armed to destroy - those Army Worms are history.
Until next time...*sob*
I knew it as soon as I saw those b****y dead patches appearing and spreading. SPREADING! Across my freakin' lawn! Again!
This produced the jaw drop (always a nice look), the bug eyes (another nice look), the red climbing my face (third nice look) and then the top of my head blew off as I screamed (spittle flying) “ARE YOU FOR FREAKIN' REAL? ARMY WORM? AGAIN?"
Not quite believing it, though the signs were all before my bug-eyes, I took the torch out as darkness fell, shone it on the lawn and yes...ARMY WORMS! ON MY FREAKIN' LAWN!
WAR! WAR HAS BEEN DECLARED!
I have just come back from Bunnings with 2 packs (yes, 2 PACKS!) of insecticide to rain down on those dastardly little buggers. Tonight, as dusk falls - WAR! I, the insecticide, and Army Worms are coming face-to-face, and I'm bigger, tougher, meaner and armed to destroy - those Army Worms are history.
Until next time...*sob*
January 15, 2018
The New Year Begins!
Sorry, I've been kind of AWOL for awhile, but now I'm back. I cheer at the 'yahoos!' and pretend not to hear the 'boos!' LOL.
Anyway, I do hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.
So several things are happening/happened.
Mum's drain is out, she's been given the all-clear by the surgeon, she only has to go back to Perth to have the stent out sometime Feb/March, we're waiting to hear. She's resigned from the school crossing as crossing warden, as she states "I have 12 years until I'm ninety, and every year after is a blessing. I want to do what I want to do in the next 12 years." I completely understand. She is now 78 yrs old, has worked all her life, has been a crossing warden for 18 and 1/2 years in wind, rain, and heat. It is time for her to step back and do all those things she's wanted to do - craft work (masses of it in the cupboards for years untouched), gardening, photos, etc. So 2018 is a new beginning for Mum.
As for me, I've resigned from Discharge Planning at the local hospital, effective from 12th Feb, and will be going back to nursing full-time instead of part DCP and part nursing.
Last year was quite stressful at times (as we all have times like this) with surgeries for both of us, and since Mum was so sick I've also had time to step back and reconsider my life. I love my writing, like my work, but wasn't getting a good work/writing/life balance, so I'm determined that I will get that good level this year. By going back to nursing only for my day job, and writing while making sure I get a good life balance outside of both, the year is already looking rosier.
No, I'm not quitting writing! Could never do that. But I am taking on a few things I've always wanted to do in the writing field. One of them is re-working the sci-fi Heart & Soul series. These books were my very first works. Now they are dated, especially the earlier ones, and I'm working on revising them all. Some of the later ones won't need much work apart from editing, but the earlier books will need rewriting in areas, major overhauls, so that is what I am doing. I have a wonderful cover artist doing new covers and they look AWESOME! This series will be revised and relaunched this year.
So the first part of this year I'm working on this series. I haven't given up writing BBWs or contemporaries in general, but this project is dear to my heart and one I've finally taken up. Possibly in-between it I may put out a novella, but I really need to concentrate on getting this lot revised, finished and launched. Then it's time to take up a new writing project.
Oh yeah, I'm also re-doing my website! I can't help it, I do this every year LOL. Love fiddling with my website ;-)
So 2018 is a fresh beginning for both Mum and I. Do you have anything new for 2018 that you are starting or considering? Sometimes even the smallest changes can make a huge difference in your life.
Happy New Year, all!
Anyway, I do hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.
So several things are happening/happened.
Mum's drain is out, she's been given the all-clear by the surgeon, she only has to go back to Perth to have the stent out sometime Feb/March, we're waiting to hear. She's resigned from the school crossing as crossing warden, as she states "I have 12 years until I'm ninety, and every year after is a blessing. I want to do what I want to do in the next 12 years." I completely understand. She is now 78 yrs old, has worked all her life, has been a crossing warden for 18 and 1/2 years in wind, rain, and heat. It is time for her to step back and do all those things she's wanted to do - craft work (masses of it in the cupboards for years untouched), gardening, photos, etc. So 2018 is a new beginning for Mum.
As for me, I've resigned from Discharge Planning at the local hospital, effective from 12th Feb, and will be going back to nursing full-time instead of part DCP and part nursing.
Last year was quite stressful at times (as we all have times like this) with surgeries for both of us, and since Mum was so sick I've also had time to step back and reconsider my life. I love my writing, like my work, but wasn't getting a good work/writing/life balance, so I'm determined that I will get that good level this year. By going back to nursing only for my day job, and writing while making sure I get a good life balance outside of both, the year is already looking rosier.
No, I'm not quitting writing! Could never do that. But I am taking on a few things I've always wanted to do in the writing field. One of them is re-working the sci-fi Heart & Soul series. These books were my very first works. Now they are dated, especially the earlier ones, and I'm working on revising them all. Some of the later ones won't need much work apart from editing, but the earlier books will need rewriting in areas, major overhauls, so that is what I am doing. I have a wonderful cover artist doing new covers and they look AWESOME! This series will be revised and relaunched this year.
So the first part of this year I'm working on this series. I haven't given up writing BBWs or contemporaries in general, but this project is dear to my heart and one I've finally taken up. Possibly in-between it I may put out a novella, but I really need to concentrate on getting this lot revised, finished and launched. Then it's time to take up a new writing project.
Oh yeah, I'm also re-doing my website! I can't help it, I do this every year LOL. Love fiddling with my website ;-)
So 2018 is a fresh beginning for both Mum and I. Do you have anything new for 2018 that you are starting or considering? Sometimes even the smallest changes can make a huge difference in your life.
Happy New Year, all!
December 22, 2017
Yes! Mum's Home!
Whoooo! Have to share this! Mum came home yesterday. Still has the drain in, we're going early tomorrow morning to PACS (Post Acute Care Service) who will check the drain and re-dress everything, then we go again Tues afternoon and if all is well, the drain might come out. She's finished with antibiotics and now it's just rest, recuperation and gentle exercise. Evie (one of the furries) is stoked that her beloved Grandma is home! LOL What a relief. So awesome to have her home in time for Christmas.
Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and prayers, it has been a great help.
cheers
Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and prayers, it has been a great help.
cheers
December 17, 2017
Christmas Blue at Flynn's
Good news - Christmas Blue at Fynn's is now available from Kobo, iBooks, Amazon, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble! The links are all on my website http://www.angelaverdenius.com
On another note, Mum had complications following surgery and was flown out to Perth to one of the big hospitals there, so my presence here for the next week or so will be spasmodic. So if you're waiting to hear from me, please know that I will reply as soon as I am able.
Meanwhile, have a very safe, blessed and Merry Christmas if I don't get to speak to you before then!
*hugs*
On another note, Mum had complications following surgery and was flown out to Perth to one of the big hospitals there, so my presence here for the next week or so will be spasmodic. So if you're waiting to hear from me, please know that I will reply as soon as I am able.
Meanwhile, have a very safe, blessed and Merry Christmas if I don't get to speak to you before then!
*hugs*
