R.S. Emeline's Blog, page 3
January 25, 2013
On: Friday Tidbits
Life is moving along in my world. I haven't sat down to write recently, not something that a writer should admit.
I've been splitting my focus between school, Munchkin, and an uncontrollable need to create things with my hands.
Crocheted baby blankets, hats, scarves.
Plus, I've recently become the proud owner of a sewing machine, so I'm slowly learning the ropes on that.
I keep telling myself to sit and write, but it hasn't worked. I feel like I've got the attention span of a gnat on crack.
Soon, right?
What about you?
R.S.
January 18, 2013
On: Baby News
So, the Marine and I found out we are going to be the proud parents of a baby boy come June. The Munchkin is excited to welcome her brother, and is looking forward to being a big sister.
Now to just get through the next few months.
What things are you looking forward to in the coming months?
R.S.
January 12, 2013
On: Jimmy's World
* This was meant to go out at 0600 Friday, but some how I forgot to actually publish it. I blame pregnancy brain.
I don't know if many of you ever read the article "Jimmy's World", in the Washington Post on September 28, 1980. It won a Pulitzer Prize, that was later returned when the truth of the article came to light. Click here for the article.
Maybe it’s because I write fiction myself that the first half of the article actually sounded like the beginning of a story, not of an article in a well respected newspaper. The details were too flowery for me to not question the legitimacy of it. I’m not saying journalist don’t have a way with words, but there tends to be a more clinical feel to every article I’ve ever read.
Whereas, a lot of people wouldn’t believe it, because the thought of a child being shot up by an adult, and none of the adults doing anything about it, seems too horrible and farfetched, that isn’t what rings false for me. Granted, that could be, because I’ve seen the track marks first hand on a child who was much younger than eight (the daughter of a neighbor who, thanks to police intervention no longer has access to the poor child). This world is a horrible and terrifying place a lot of the time.
Which does bring me to another thing I found questionable, and had I not already suspected the article of being a mostly well done work of fiction, would have made me (especially if I was an editor) wonder about the authenticity of the article. Where was the police intervention? Where was the school or CPS? I realize in the 80’s things weren’t like they are now, but even then, as a child in San Diego, I remember my teacher showing up on my doorstep with my homework when I missed more than one day of class.
What are you thoughts and insights into this article? I'd love to know.
R.S.
I don't know if many of you ever read the article "Jimmy's World", in the Washington Post on September 28, 1980. It won a Pulitzer Prize, that was later returned when the truth of the article came to light. Click here for the article.
Maybe it’s because I write fiction myself that the first half of the article actually sounded like the beginning of a story, not of an article in a well respected newspaper. The details were too flowery for me to not question the legitimacy of it. I’m not saying journalist don’t have a way with words, but there tends to be a more clinical feel to every article I’ve ever read.
Whereas, a lot of people wouldn’t believe it, because the thought of a child being shot up by an adult, and none of the adults doing anything about it, seems too horrible and farfetched, that isn’t what rings false for me. Granted, that could be, because I’ve seen the track marks first hand on a child who was much younger than eight (the daughter of a neighbor who, thanks to police intervention no longer has access to the poor child). This world is a horrible and terrifying place a lot of the time.
Which does bring me to another thing I found questionable, and had I not already suspected the article of being a mostly well done work of fiction, would have made me (especially if I was an editor) wonder about the authenticity of the article. Where was the police intervention? Where was the school or CPS? I realize in the 80’s things weren’t like they are now, but even then, as a child in San Diego, I remember my teacher showing up on my doorstep with my homework when I missed more than one day of class.
What are you thoughts and insights into this article? I'd love to know.
R.S.
January 4, 2013
On: New Year, New Goals, New Plans
Everyone seems to make resolutions at the beginning of each new year. I've never been good with resolutions.
I'm much better with the word goals. Goals seem to be something solid. Something you can make legitimate plans for.
Anyone who knows me, knows I'm happiest when there is a plan of action in place.
Gone are the days when flying by the seat of my pants was the way to go. Anymore, the thought of that makes me a little queasy and ready to run for the hills.
I think I'm getting old.
Being pregnant doesn't help that either, especially when I have to hit the restroom every 45 minutes without fail. My bladder has shrunk to the size of a pea. Possibly a dehydrated baby pea.
Anyway, onto the Goals for the 2013 year.
Blog at least once every week, on Fridays.Become more active in promoting my blog, and connecting with others through social media.Write one piece of Flash Fiction each month.Self-publish two more works. Either novels or short stories.Give birth to a happy and healthy baby.Return to my everyday yoga practice.Finish my yoga instructor training (the one that got postponed due to pregnancy)Keep positive reminders around me, so when I feel down or dark I can remember the good.Snuggle with my children as often as possible.Take time for myself.Make time for at least one date night a month (when the Marine is home).Be the best version of me I can be. Make 2013 your year. I know I will.
What are your goals and plans for the New Year? I'd love to hear.
R.S.
I'm much better with the word goals. Goals seem to be something solid. Something you can make legitimate plans for.
Anyone who knows me, knows I'm happiest when there is a plan of action in place.
Gone are the days when flying by the seat of my pants was the way to go. Anymore, the thought of that makes me a little queasy and ready to run for the hills.
I think I'm getting old.
Being pregnant doesn't help that either, especially when I have to hit the restroom every 45 minutes without fail. My bladder has shrunk to the size of a pea. Possibly a dehydrated baby pea.
Anyway, onto the Goals for the 2013 year.
Blog at least once every week, on Fridays.Become more active in promoting my blog, and connecting with others through social media.Write one piece of Flash Fiction each month.Self-publish two more works. Either novels or short stories.Give birth to a happy and healthy baby.Return to my everyday yoga practice.Finish my yoga instructor training (the one that got postponed due to pregnancy)Keep positive reminders around me, so when I feel down or dark I can remember the good.Snuggle with my children as often as possible.Take time for myself.Make time for at least one date night a month (when the Marine is home).Be the best version of me I can be. Make 2013 your year. I know I will.
What are your goals and plans for the New Year? I'd love to hear.
R.S.
January 1, 2013
On: Soup On A Cold Desert Night
I know, it isn't much of a picture, but what can be expected from a cell phone. ;)
It's been a bit chilly here in the desert, so I thought I'd try out my new crockpot. The old one died a few weeks ago while I was making beef stew. That was a sad day.
Anyway, I grabbed the leftover turkey from Christmas, some carrots, mushrooms, onion and celery, and tossed it into the pot along with a can of of chicken broth and a can of cream of mushroom chicken soup. Did I mention the 'splash' of wine? ;)
Anyway after eight hours it was divine, and we'll have leftovers again tomorrow.
What is your favorite soup on a day like this?
R.S.
December 28, 2012
On: The End of Another Year
Hello Wonderful Readers!
Another year is about to close, and I can't help but reflect on all that has come to pass in the last twelve months.
Purrfect Storm, my short story was published in March.Murphy's Law, my first novel was published in July.My sister and I created a small craft business in January.I went through training and worked 40 hours a week as a Lifeguard in June. The Munchkin began Kindergarten in August, and I'm constantly surprised how smart she is.In June, the Marine returned to my little family from his deployment to Japan.April had me in Maui, Hawaii where I kayaked four miles through open ocean to watch whales. Just before my birthday in October, I found out the Marine and I would be expanding our family little family. There have, of course, been trying moments within the year, but overall, the year has been amazing and happy. I look forward to what this next year will bring to my life. The trials, the happiness, and the new experiences.
How was your 2012, and what are you looking forward to in the New Year?
I'd love to know.
R.S.
Another year is about to close, and I can't help but reflect on all that has come to pass in the last twelve months.
Purrfect Storm, my short story was published in March.Murphy's Law, my first novel was published in July.My sister and I created a small craft business in January.I went through training and worked 40 hours a week as a Lifeguard in June. The Munchkin began Kindergarten in August, and I'm constantly surprised how smart she is.In June, the Marine returned to my little family from his deployment to Japan.April had me in Maui, Hawaii where I kayaked four miles through open ocean to watch whales. Just before my birthday in October, I found out the Marine and I would be expanding our family little family. There have, of course, been trying moments within the year, but overall, the year has been amazing and happy. I look forward to what this next year will bring to my life. The trials, the happiness, and the new experiences.
How was your 2012, and what are you looking forward to in the New Year?
I'd love to know.
R.S.
November 28, 2012
On the Quiet of Morning
It isn't often I get to enjoy the quiet calm of morning. The Munchkin is a big fan of waking up before the sun, and since even as a morning person, I believe in waking up WITH the sun--NEVER before it-- the early morning quiet is a thing of rare beauty for me.
This morning the Munchkin woke up at 0530, but miracle or miracles, she fell back to sleep, and I've been able to enjoy a few solitary moments of quiet before the rush of the day begins. I know it is short lived, because I can hear her shifting and waking in her room, but those few moments of silence, of calm, has done wonders to recharge my weary, tired body.
What is your favorite time of the day? Do you enjoy the early mornings or the late nights, or are you the rare breed of mid-day lover? Please share.
R.S.
This morning the Munchkin woke up at 0530, but miracle or miracles, she fell back to sleep, and I've been able to enjoy a few solitary moments of quiet before the rush of the day begins. I know it is short lived, because I can hear her shifting and waking in her room, but those few moments of silence, of calm, has done wonders to recharge my weary, tired body.
What is your favorite time of the day? Do you enjoy the early mornings or the late nights, or are you the rare breed of mid-day lover? Please share.
R.S.
November 22, 2012
On Thanksgiving
Have a wonderful and happy Turkey Day. Full of friends, family, and endless amounts of food.
R.S.
November 12, 2012
On My Weekend
On Saturday the Marine and I attended Lexa's memorial. It was both heartbreaking and healing, but I guess that is the point, right?
So many people came out to say good-bye to the young girl who'd made their lives better. Outside on the green lawn that was scattered with leaves, people told their stories. Doves were released, and people laughed when the doves decided to do their own thing--something we're sure Lexa was responsible for.
I won't lie and say I'm healed from the pain, but I'm not as angry as I was. The sadness isn't taking up as much of my soul as it did in the beginning. Lexa never wanted people to be sad. She believed in happiness and living. Following dreams and attaining goals.
It's time for me to get back to that.
And I've started.
Sunday we joined some friends at the Olive Garden to celebrate Veteran's Day. It was nice to get out, eat delicious food, and laugh. People who know me well, realize if I don't get out of the house once in a while, I'll fall into a pattern of living, much like a hermit.
I like being a hermit. Things get done when I stay home.
Usually.
Okay, not much has gotten done since I started staying home after working at the pool. I've been taking it easy. Spending time with my family, helping the Munchkin with homework, and catching up on all the hours of snuggling I missed out on.
Housework can wait.
How did you celebrate Veteran's Day? Did you thank a Veteran for his or her sacrifices?
R.S.
So many people came out to say good-bye to the young girl who'd made their lives better. Outside on the green lawn that was scattered with leaves, people told their stories. Doves were released, and people laughed when the doves decided to do their own thing--something we're sure Lexa was responsible for.
I won't lie and say I'm healed from the pain, but I'm not as angry as I was. The sadness isn't taking up as much of my soul as it did in the beginning. Lexa never wanted people to be sad. She believed in happiness and living. Following dreams and attaining goals.
It's time for me to get back to that.
And I've started.
Sunday we joined some friends at the Olive Garden to celebrate Veteran's Day. It was nice to get out, eat delicious food, and laugh. People who know me well, realize if I don't get out of the house once in a while, I'll fall into a pattern of living, much like a hermit.
I like being a hermit. Things get done when I stay home.
Usually.
Okay, not much has gotten done since I started staying home after working at the pool. I've been taking it easy. Spending time with my family, helping the Munchkin with homework, and catching up on all the hours of snuggling I missed out on.
Housework can wait.
How did you celebrate Veteran's Day? Did you thank a Veteran for his or her sacrifices?
R.S.
October 29, 2012
On Rest in Paradise, Lexa
Yesterday, my dear friend, Lexa passed away after a nine day battle with an aneurysm. She was an amazing person, and had her whole life ahead of her.
She was Fifteen.
What makes things like this happens?
Why are the young, vibrant, good, and loving, so often taken from us, while the abusive, murderous criminals are given long lives?
Someone once told me, "Some souls are too good, too pure for the evil of this world."
I'd have to agree.
Her death has hit me hard, has made me re-evaluate life, but I'll be honest. Right now, I'm too angry to take solace in those re-evaluations. I'm too angry to remember the good times, the positives. I'm too angry to be thankful she is no longer in pain.
I'm angry she's gone. I'm angry this happened to her, and that she'll never laugh again, or show such excitement when she's able to hold a handstand. I'm angry the doctors couldn't do anything, and that I never got to say goodbye. I'm angry her parents had to go through this, had to lose their child.
I'm angry, because it isn't fair.
Life isn't fair.
I'm angry the sympathy vultures have come out. The people who couldn't be bothered with her in life are suddenly so "sorry" she's gone. They post their 'love' for her in every public forum, and are the first to seek out grief counselors at her school. They want to make themselves feel better, look better, and get the attention they feel they deserve, for having known Lexa.
They didn't care about her, they didn't take time to get to know her. They didn't laugh with her, talk about dreams, fears, and goals. And now they can't.
Everyone grieves differently.
Some people go about life like nothing has changed, because if they don't, they'll crumble into a ball.
Some people think 'that's life' and move on.
I hold my grief tight and feel every bit of the emotion. It colors my life. It will always color my life, though each day the colors will change.
Lexa isn't the first person who touched my life and was taken too soon, and she won't be the last, because, life isn't fair.
One day, I'll be able to be thankful for the positives, not cry, but smile when I think of her. That day isn't today.
Today, I mourn for the young girl who told me I was her big sister, and that she loved me even when I was grouchy. I mourn for the girl who strutted her stuff, because she was beautiful, and I mourn for the girl who was also oblivious to the guys who watched her.
Today, I mourn for Lexa, may she rest in Paradise, where her love and beauty can shine on the world without pain, without hurt, and without judgment.
Rest in Paradise, Lexa. Until we Merry Meet Again.
R.S.
She was Fifteen.
What makes things like this happens?
Why are the young, vibrant, good, and loving, so often taken from us, while the abusive, murderous criminals are given long lives?
Someone once told me, "Some souls are too good, too pure for the evil of this world."
I'd have to agree.
Her death has hit me hard, has made me re-evaluate life, but I'll be honest. Right now, I'm too angry to take solace in those re-evaluations. I'm too angry to remember the good times, the positives. I'm too angry to be thankful she is no longer in pain.
I'm angry she's gone. I'm angry this happened to her, and that she'll never laugh again, or show such excitement when she's able to hold a handstand. I'm angry the doctors couldn't do anything, and that I never got to say goodbye. I'm angry her parents had to go through this, had to lose their child.
I'm angry, because it isn't fair.
Life isn't fair.
I'm angry the sympathy vultures have come out. The people who couldn't be bothered with her in life are suddenly so "sorry" she's gone. They post their 'love' for her in every public forum, and are the first to seek out grief counselors at her school. They want to make themselves feel better, look better, and get the attention they feel they deserve, for having known Lexa.
They didn't care about her, they didn't take time to get to know her. They didn't laugh with her, talk about dreams, fears, and goals. And now they can't.
Everyone grieves differently.
Some people go about life like nothing has changed, because if they don't, they'll crumble into a ball.
Some people think 'that's life' and move on.
I hold my grief tight and feel every bit of the emotion. It colors my life. It will always color my life, though each day the colors will change.
Lexa isn't the first person who touched my life and was taken too soon, and she won't be the last, because, life isn't fair.
One day, I'll be able to be thankful for the positives, not cry, but smile when I think of her. That day isn't today.
Today, I mourn for the young girl who told me I was her big sister, and that she loved me even when I was grouchy. I mourn for the girl who strutted her stuff, because she was beautiful, and I mourn for the girl who was also oblivious to the guys who watched her.
Today, I mourn for Lexa, may she rest in Paradise, where her love and beauty can shine on the world without pain, without hurt, and without judgment.
Rest in Paradise, Lexa. Until we Merry Meet Again.
R.S.
