B.B. Shepherd's Blog, page 24

Too Noisy!

I had great hopes of organizing notes, writing, and rewriting today. In fact, except for a short trip this morning, I thought I had all day to do it. Little did I know: it was a football (American) AND hockey day.



Now I love certain sports, but I'm not much of a stadium sport fan, except maybe baseball. My mother was a HUGE baseball fan (I mean that she was very enthusiastic, not that she was huge!) She even played on a community powderpuff team when I was a kid. Go Mom! So baseball is okay. And I love soccer (footy) but seldom get to see it played. I'll watch just about anything equestrian, and I adore board sports and "extreme" sports. But I'm not really a sports person.



I have quite a few neighbors and they ALL seem to be big stadium sport fans. And they want everyone to know about it too. Noise has been an issue ever since we moved in, but when it's a Big Game Day–oh boy. So I cleaned the house. I did research. I tried to read, but couldn't concentrate (I am VERY easily distracted.) Then I surfed, because sometimes it's all I can do, but I usually find really cool stuff. And I did, so I'll share. And try again tomorrow.



The Joy of Books

Snow "tubing" crow (or Russian equivalent–I think)

And because I loved it the first time I heard it (a couple of weeks ago), it's playing all over the place now, and I consistently wake up with it in my head, I'd love to give Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" to you, but I'm not sure the video is appropriate for here. So I'll leave you with this one instead.



WARNING: The lyrics are very sad, but the video is wonderful, and a little less sad, and if you let it, it will distract you from them (if you want). Full screen view is best.

 

Reviews for The Glister Journals: Bronze

 

More Glister info and chapters at the book's website here: theglisterjournals.com

 

The chapters can also be read here at the top of my blog. (and also in a menu in the sidebar!)

Writer's Block

This isn't really a post, exactly. More like an explanation of a category. Having a "Writer's Block" category will be very useful, I think. You see, I have never suffered from writer's block. There's always something rattling around in my head that I could write about if I put my mind to it. But sometimes that's the problem. I find it impossible to write if there's too much distraction, and there's plenty of that in my life. (Which is why we no longer watch television!)



I love being able to write (relatively) early in the morning when my brain is functioning at its optimum rate and it is (also relatively) quiet around here. I also like finding a quiet spot, say a park or at the ocean, to sit in my car to write. I actually get an awful lot of work done in my car when I have time to kill use creatively while I wait for–whatever or whoever I'm waiting for.



Which is the main problem keeping me from actually writing: time. Lack of it. Especially the optimum brain functioning type.



So sometimes I'll have silly, time and space wasting filling posts just so you know I'm still here.

Thursday's Child

Here it comes, ready or not! Another new year and I have to say, I'm ready for it! Not that 2011 was awful or anything, but I didn't accomplish what I'd hoped to, and the new year always holds promise for a fresh start . . . or at least another chance!

 

And what do I hope to accomplish? Well I admit, I'd hoped to get my first novel, Bronze, on the radar at least, but due to a lack of marketing/promotional knowledge and skills, was not able to see that happen. So we're releasing a hardbound edition (very nice, by the way) which we'll try to bring to media and trade attention. The book size itself is slightly larger, but there are fewer pages so it actually resembles a normal size book! (In case you didn't know, the paperback is quite a large book, being 720 pages, but is an easy read.)

 

Reviews for Bronze can be read here.

 

I especially like the way the book jacket came out. Because it wraps around the cover, I had to redesign the artwork, and decided to "reveal" the horse's face. (Yes, it is one of the characters in the book.) I may eventually have some posters made and will eventually get it on the website (maybe as a wallpaper or something).

 

The website desperately needs attention – I wish I had the resources to hire someone to do it for me, but I don't. It is HIGH on the priority list though. I also still have artwork and illustrations connected to Bronze that I hope to share soon.

 

There is also information to be released about Bronze which I hope will prove interesting and fun for fans of the series, but I'm not letting that go until there are more people to play along . . . You can help by spreading the word!

 

Finally, I also hope to at least have a publication date to share with you for the second Glister Journals book later in the year. There has been too much distraction for me to work much on it, but it is my ultimate goal for 2012.

 

So as we head into the new year, I'd like to leave you with two of my favorite things: dancing horses and singing children. This first video is of Frederic Pignon and Magali Delgado (personal heroes and founding members of Cavalia)

 

 

And the amazing PS22 Chorus led by Gregg Breinberg singing Two Door Cinema Club's (one of my favorite new bands) songs, and seeming extremely appropriate for entering the new year, "What You Know."

 

 

Oh and Thursday's child? That's me

 

Reviews for The Glister Journals: Bronze

 

More Glister info and chapters at the book's website here: theglisterjournals.com

 

The chapters can also be read here at the top of my blog. (and also in a menu in the sidebar!)

Twas a few days before Christmas . . .

. . . and I should have been cleaning and putting things away. I don't even have the tree up yet; if I don't do it soon it won't be worth doing! This will be a quiet Christmas–just two of my close family–but I look forward to seeing two of my very best friends and my aunt too, later this month.



Back to what I should have been doing . . . .

In repacking boxes for storage (the ones that I have to get out of the way in order to make room for afore-mentioned tree), I came across some old videos. Some very old videos. Videos of family gatherings, musical performances, dance recitals. Videos so old they're on video tape.



These videos include the most precious people on earth to me; some are just older now, but some are gone. How amazing to be able to watch them again, to feel their presence and hear their voices, especially their laughter. And look how young and skinny we all are!



Yes, I should be working right now, but I'm not going to feel guilty. I'm feeding my soul.



I hope to post once more before Sunday, but in case I don't: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!



Here's a couple of videos from members of the best steam punk band ever, Abney Park

The Top Ten Things I'm Thankful For

I try to keep a thankful spirit every day–when I don't it's easy to become discouraged and even a little bitter about some things–but regardless of historical accuracy or religious background, I see value in having a specific day set aside to really consider what it means, and what I'm thankful for. Some of these things may seem silly and I could probably come up with a much more impressive list, but this is pretty true for me personally:



10. My cat. Yes, I could live without him, but he's a lot of fun, very cuddly and talkative, and sometimes my only companion.



9. My car. I bought it used and now it's paid off. It's a plain, little economy car, but I love it. I've had it for seven years and it's never failed me!



8. My (formal post-secondary) education. It was hard-won, but I'm glad I got it! It has certainly opened doors for me that wouldn't have otherwise, and also validated and intensified my existing curiosity. I'll be actively learning the rest of my life!



7. This goes along with number 5 but is not necessarily related:

Enough money to pay the rent. There's not always a lot left over, but I have a roof over my head!



6. My health. It's true that you don't really appreciate your health until something starts to go wrong. In spite of "minor" annoyances like aches and pains and seemingly ever-increasing food allergies, I stay pretty healthy. I'm very thankful for that.



5. My job. Just the fact that I have one. I also really enjoy it. A lot of people don't (on both counts)and I know what that's like.



4. Music. Can you imagine life without music? Like life without food or oxygen!



3. Friends, old and new. You know who you are!



2. My family. For always being there, keeping me company, making me laugh, and loving me as I am.



1. God's grace. What a basket case I'd be without it. Then again, perhaps I am a basket case and just don't know it. In which case, I'm thankful for that!



I don't have a "Thanksgiving" song, but here's

one off Switchfoot's latest CD:

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

More Glister info and chapters at the book's website here: theglisterjournals.com



The chapters can also be read here at the top of my blog.

Gee thanks, Bethesda

Just when I think I've cut away the dross of superficial time-wasting (watching TV, video gaming, and rabbit-trailing on Facebook and Twitter – okay, I'm still working on that one) and think I'm going to have all this time to write, read (for fun), work on music, and maybe do the drawings that are stuck in my head, you have to go and release Skyrim. Couldn't you have waited another six months or more? Not that I'm going to get many opportunities to play, the copy residing in my home technically belonging to someone else, but you know I'm going to sneak some play time in every chance I get. There are so many other things I'm supposed to be doing!



Is anyone else playing?



The Making of Skyrim



More Glister info and chapters at the book's website here: theglisterjournals.com



The chapters can also be read here at the top of my blog.

Fall . . . finally!

After weeks of continuing summer weather, fall was most definitely in the air today. The wind was gusty, causing leaves to fall en masse and blowing them all over and it's a least a little cooler. It's a good thing too. I know I'm in the minority here, but I'm ready for winter!



And it's NaNoWriMo time! If you've ever thought about trying to write but not been sure how to start, or you've got a great idea but need motivation to put pen to paper and follow through, National Novel Writing Month is a great opportunity to begin. There are local "write-ins" all across the nation where all kinds of writers meet together to write, encourage each other, and share what they're up to. It's a great place to get advice too. There are tons of resources at the website: NaNoWriMo.org



This will be my first year participating (or at least trying to . . . November is a very busy month for me) but I have friends who have been involved for years who love it. No, I'm not working on The Glister Journals through it, I'm working on a completely different project, and yes, I am also working on TGJ Book Two (and Three and Four)!



I'd love to know if you're participating. Drop me a line and let me know!



As an extra added bonus (just so you're getting your money's worth) one of my two all-time favorite bands, MUTEMATH, released a new album in October: Odd Soul



Here's the "Blood Pressure" video. from Odd Soul. Enjoy!

A Little Music and . . .

Chapter Four is up . . . finally!



Okay, music . . .



I told you about a group called SPEAK a few weeks ago, with a link to "Carrie (Mindful)"



Well, their debut album "I Believe In Everything" is out, (Yeah…go ahead, check it out, and BUY it here) and it's fabulous. If you like synth/electro pop/alternative with tight vocals, bass (on the funky side), drums (WOW) and guitar (VERY versatile!) give them a listen. I really can't say enough of how impressed I am by these guys. They remind me of so many of my all-time favorite bands: the harmonies at times VERY Beach Boys, singer Troupe's alternately growly (Depeche Mode) and soaring (Civil Twilight/Passion Pit) leads, and Nick and Joey – how DO you sing that high, that well, and pull off the chops instrumentally at the same time? All driven by Jake on percussion. (Again…WOW.) Foster the People (funky, edgy, vocal ranges) comes to mind too. I wish them all the luck in the world!



Also . . . Switchfoot:



I've loved this band since the first time I heard "New Way to Be Human" way back in . . . (ahem) . . . the day. Their last album, "Hello Hurricane," is terrific and so far I'm liking the newest, "Vice Verses," but it was WONDERFUL to actually hear them on my local alternative station. It's been a long time!!! That single and my favorite track on that album so far: Dark Horses



Awesome.

The Ren Faire

This is just a follow up to last weekend's outing:



I arrived with one overwhelming, burning question . . . where is the jousting? Lead me to your horses!



The fields around Casa de Fruta, an oasis in the Central California Hills, had been converted into the likeness of an English village circa 16th century and was filled with merchants, artisans, musicians, and merry-makers dressed in varying degrees of period authenticity. There were also a few small boys 'slaying' princesses in ballerina skirts and somebody complaining that someone else's wings had just poked her in the eye.



Apparently this is "Fantasy" theme weekend, but really, I've never seen so many sparkles, tutus, or fairy wings outside of Disneyland (or a very small girl's party). Then there's the goth side too, with the black spiderweb hose and, well, mostly black everything. And wings. *Sigh* But there was plenty of true(ish)-to-history apparel too, and lots of noisy shenanigans all around. I especially loved the young man cantering around pretending to ride a horse, in peasant's clothing and a crown on his head, followed by another cantering peasant clopping coconuts together. Extremely silly and I loved it.



Soon after arriving I found an area that seemed suitable for equestrian maneuvers, but nothing was happening so I continued on my way. The best costume I saw was a man dressed as a tree, very cleverly too. I thought, "He's meant to be a bandit, perhaps from Sherwood." I asked him if this was true and he seemed disappointed that I didn't recognize him as an ent. Apparently my imagination is lacking. But then, I had forgotten that this was "Fantasy" weekend. It was an awesome costume though.



As usual, I was mostly drawn to the areas where there was music being performed. I was able to get short videos of this, so when I finally get my editing program figured out I'll put them together for you.



One of my favorite vendors was a man selling leather journals. (Gee, I wonder why that caught my attention?) They were lovely, all different sizes, and filled with cotton paper. His website is here: The Journal Guy Eventually (when The Glister Journals has enough fans) I would like to give one of those as a prize. Allison would love them.



I want to keep this post positive in nature so I am NOT going to mention the food.



I am still looking for the software that came with my camera so I can download the photos I took (I had lost it before I moved, then found it again, but haven't seen it since. I am still wading through boxes!) When I do, I shall let you know!



More Glister info and chapters at the book's website here: theglisterjournals.com

A Day Out . . .

I think I need to get out today. You know, just out of the house, clear the cobwebs out, jump in the car and drive, and blast my tunes. I'm going to head over to the Northern California Renaissance Fair (do you always have to check your spelling on that word like me?) I've been to smaller Ren Fairs, but not this one, and none so big.



A friend of mine is going as an assassin. A special assassin. She's going to try to give an apple to the Queen. (Favorite video game reference.) It might prove entertaining. I'll take pics, even try to get decent video (I'm STILL working on sharing that. I don't seem to have any time to work on it. Then again, I guess I could stay home today and work on it, but then I'd have no video. You see the dilemma.)



Meanwhile I have FINALLY got Chapter Three uploaded here. Chapter Two needs some revision to reflect any revisions in the book, and Chapter Four will be following. I'll report back on Ren Fair later.



Have a great Sunday!