Lara Schiffbauer's Blog, page 18
April 10, 2014
Funny Friday Photos - A Unique Variety
A very happy Friday to everyone!
This week flew by. It was just Monday ten minutes ago. And what a weird week--for me at least. On Monday I ended up on the edge of a police standoff (guns drawn and pointed at a flower delivery van - of all things) while driving my children to the dentist, and on Wednesday, Boy 1 got sent home from school because he fell off tall playground equipment at morning recess. I'm a little worried about what Friday will be like.
And then there's this:
All week long I haven't slept. Well, I sleep, then wake, then sleep, then wake, then sleep, then wake... You get the idea. Someone sure is enjoying my dream-state company.
I may have bad news next week. The Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest will post the stories that move on to round three on Monday. It's not that I don't think Finding Meara isn't good, it's just that there's so many good books out there. I know three of the other contestants (Linda Hatton, Monica Frazier and AJ Sikes), and they are all really good writers, and with more experience than I have. It'll be nice if I get to move on, but it's also pretty cool to have made it to round two. We'll have to wait and see.
No winner for funniest photo last week, so we'll just head on to the new:
So he's the good boy!
We had a black cat that used to do this. He looked like a demon hanging on the window screen, waiting to get inside and steal our souls.
It's hilarious because if I tried to do this, it'd end up the same.
We have two puns today. I couldn't choose.
Yes, yes it is.
You may have seen this already, and I don't know why I think it's funny, but I do. I laugh pretty hard. So, I'm going to share it with you. Goats sing Let It Go from Frozen...
I think my favorite photo this week is the dog with its nose pressed up against the window. Coupled with the caption, I crack up each time I look at it.
What's your favorite? Did you have a normal week, or did anything bizarre happen?
This week flew by. It was just Monday ten minutes ago. And what a weird week--for me at least. On Monday I ended up on the edge of a police standoff (guns drawn and pointed at a flower delivery van - of all things) while driving my children to the dentist, and on Wednesday, Boy 1 got sent home from school because he fell off tall playground equipment at morning recess. I'm a little worried about what Friday will be like.
And then there's this:
All week long I haven't slept. Well, I sleep, then wake, then sleep, then wake, then sleep, then wake... You get the idea. Someone sure is enjoying my dream-state company.
I may have bad news next week. The Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest will post the stories that move on to round three on Monday. It's not that I don't think Finding Meara isn't good, it's just that there's so many good books out there. I know three of the other contestants (Linda Hatton, Monica Frazier and AJ Sikes), and they are all really good writers, and with more experience than I have. It'll be nice if I get to move on, but it's also pretty cool to have made it to round two. We'll have to wait and see.
No winner for funniest photo last week, so we'll just head on to the new:
So he's the good boy!
We had a black cat that used to do this. He looked like a demon hanging on the window screen, waiting to get inside and steal our souls.
It's hilarious because if I tried to do this, it'd end up the same.
We have two puns today. I couldn't choose.
Yes, yes it is.You may have seen this already, and I don't know why I think it's funny, but I do. I laugh pretty hard. So, I'm going to share it with you. Goats sing Let It Go from Frozen...
I think my favorite photo this week is the dog with its nose pressed up against the window. Coupled with the caption, I crack up each time I look at it.
What's your favorite? Did you have a normal week, or did anything bizarre happen?
April 3, 2014
Funny Friday Photos: Dogs and the Ood
Happy Friday!
Actually, I'm sad Friday has arrived, because on Monday I must return to work. Even with my spring cold (which started last Tuesday), I've really enjoyed being home and only worrying about writing and mom-ing. I wish I could be home all the time, but alas, it's highly doubtful that will ever occur.
Last week's funniest photo is:
It was actually a really spread out vote, so since sour puss got two votes, it won.
Here's the new ones!
It's the way I feel when I see a spider on the ceiling. Or on the floor. Or on the wall...
Don't know why this one cracks me up so much, other than I can totally hear the dog on the right cackling maniacally as it runs down the beach.
Aah! The poor thing! I've always thought sending dogs down slides was so mean.
What a great optical illusion!
I'm hoping that many of the people who come to visit my blog are Doctor Who fans and know what the Ood are. However, if you don't know, the Ood are an alien species on Doctor Who, who have a hive mind and sing beautiful songs collectively through the psychic connection similar to the Borg in Star Trek. Normally a peaceful race, they were easily enslaved by humans to act as servants or disposable labor.
An Ood prior to processing, which entails cutting off it's external brain (which removes the Ood's personality), and attaching a translator. I've been a little Ood obsessed this week. With the cold medicine I've been taking, and watching a lot of Doctor Who, I had odd Ood dreams. Something about them, twitter and me - me tweeting to an Ood? I can't be sure. They were those disjointed medicine-head dreams.
If I hadn't recently read an article about creative people which states creative people get "stuck" on things that tweak their imagination, I'd be worried. But really, I'm just Ood fascinated right now. I wish they had used the Ood more in the show. The episodes that do have Ood are very entertaining and surprisingly humorous and/or poignant.
The video is a Dr. Who Prequel titled Pond Life part 3 series 7 from the BBC. It's one of my families favorite Ood jokes, and only 55 seconds long, so isn't a huge time investment to watch.
Ood on the loo. It never gets old.
Yes, I probably will.
The next photo counts as the pun of the week, doesn't it?
Well, thanks for indulging my Doctor Who fandom this week. I can't pick a favorite. All the dog pictures crack me up, and I just love the Ood jokes.
Do you have a favorite?Is there something that's captured your imagination this week?
Actually, I'm sad Friday has arrived, because on Monday I must return to work. Even with my spring cold (which started last Tuesday), I've really enjoyed being home and only worrying about writing and mom-ing. I wish I could be home all the time, but alas, it's highly doubtful that will ever occur.
Last week's funniest photo is:
It was actually a really spread out vote, so since sour puss got two votes, it won.
Here's the new ones!
It's the way I feel when I see a spider on the ceiling. Or on the floor. Or on the wall...
Don't know why this one cracks me up so much, other than I can totally hear the dog on the right cackling maniacally as it runs down the beach.
Aah! The poor thing! I've always thought sending dogs down slides was so mean.
What a great optical illusion!I'm hoping that many of the people who come to visit my blog are Doctor Who fans and know what the Ood are. However, if you don't know, the Ood are an alien species on Doctor Who, who have a hive mind and sing beautiful songs collectively through the psychic connection similar to the Borg in Star Trek. Normally a peaceful race, they were easily enslaved by humans to act as servants or disposable labor.
An Ood prior to processing, which entails cutting off it's external brain (which removes the Ood's personality), and attaching a translator. I've been a little Ood obsessed this week. With the cold medicine I've been taking, and watching a lot of Doctor Who, I had odd Ood dreams. Something about them, twitter and me - me tweeting to an Ood? I can't be sure. They were those disjointed medicine-head dreams.If I hadn't recently read an article about creative people which states creative people get "stuck" on things that tweak their imagination, I'd be worried. But really, I'm just Ood fascinated right now. I wish they had used the Ood more in the show. The episodes that do have Ood are very entertaining and surprisingly humorous and/or poignant.
The video is a Dr. Who Prequel titled Pond Life part 3 series 7 from the BBC. It's one of my families favorite Ood jokes, and only 55 seconds long, so isn't a huge time investment to watch.
Ood on the loo. It never gets old.
Yes, I probably will.The next photo counts as the pun of the week, doesn't it?
Well, thanks for indulging my Doctor Who fandom this week. I can't pick a favorite. All the dog pictures crack me up, and I just love the Ood jokes.
Do you have a favorite?Is there something that's captured your imagination this week?
March 28, 2014
Funny Friday Photos and Gratitude
Hello to one and all! It's Friday, and even better, today after school marks the beginning of spring break at my school. That means one full week off--and I'm saying it here so I'll follow through--to write my little heart out. Fingers crossed I'll log some serious wordage.
Last week's funniest photo is:
And here's this week's!
The water is clean, so what the heck is with the algae behind the fish? Maybe that's why it's so grumpy.
No, he will not cheer up. I know people like this.
All the creative kittens are...
Oh the poor thing!
Some days I could go this way...easily.
And the pun:
I think my favorite is the shrinking cat. Of course, the dog that ate the bee is hilarious, too.
I found this video about gratitude while preparing for the Mindfulness Groups I do at school, and thought it was the most beautiful, accurate, inspirational video I've seen in a while. Gratitude is actually a practice of mindfulness, and many people keep gratitude journals to help them focus on what they have, rather on what they don't.
The nifty thing about our brains is that just by being thankful, thinking thankful thoughts, it releases neurotransmitters that make us feel all warm and fuzzy. Or at the very least, better. You should try it, because it's really easy. Just count your blessings!
Have a very good day. :)
Did you like the video? Do you have a favorite photo?
Last week's funniest photo is:
And here's this week's!
The water is clean, so what the heck is with the algae behind the fish? Maybe that's why it's so grumpy.
No, he will not cheer up. I know people like this.
All the creative kittens are...
Oh the poor thing!
Some days I could go this way...easily.And the pun:
I think my favorite is the shrinking cat. Of course, the dog that ate the bee is hilarious, too.
I found this video about gratitude while preparing for the Mindfulness Groups I do at school, and thought it was the most beautiful, accurate, inspirational video I've seen in a while. Gratitude is actually a practice of mindfulness, and many people keep gratitude journals to help them focus on what they have, rather on what they don't.
The nifty thing about our brains is that just by being thankful, thinking thankful thoughts, it releases neurotransmitters that make us feel all warm and fuzzy. Or at the very least, better. You should try it, because it's really easy. Just count your blessings!
Have a very good day. :)
Did you like the video? Do you have a favorite photo?
March 23, 2014
A Blog Hop and a Blog Award
Mike Schulenberg must have read my mind last weekend. I was thinking how I haven't participated in a blog hop in forever, and voila! He e-mailed me and told me he had tagged me in the My Writing Process Blog Hop. And then, several weeks ago, my friend, David Walker, had nominated me for the Shauny Award, so I decided to combine the two into one post. This post!
Blog Hop: My Writing Process
The rules, as taken from Mike's post, require one to publish their post on a Monday and tag three people, who are supposed to publish their posts the next Monday. They tag three more people, and the blog hop spreads.
Here are my answers to the blog hop questions regarding my writing process.
1. What am I working on?
As most of you who will read this know, I'm working on the second book of the Adven Realm Adventures. I'm almost half-way through the first draft and I still don't have a title.
2. How does my work differ from others in its genre?
Oh, let me count the ways. The Adven Realm Adventures take place in the Darag-Realm (fantasy) and our world, the Adven-Realm which I've been told is unusual. The books are a genre conglomeration of fantasy/adventure/romance (which apparently bothers some people.) There aren't many fantasies around (that I know of) where the heroine is a parent. There are adult themes, but my style of writing apparently is Young Adult-ish. I'll just stop there, as those are the biggest.
3. Why do I write what I write?
Because I'm a mother and work with children and they are important to me. I write fantasy because I love the fantasy world, with magic, and monsters, and beasts, and heroes, and elves, and where anything can happen.
4. How does my writing process work?
Oddly. About the only thing I know for sure is that I really like using the technique for scene construction Jack Bickham outlines in his book Scene and Structure. It saves me a ton of time and effort.
Developing story ideas seems to work best by talking about the story out loud. It's that external processor thing. My husband is great at letting me rattle on and work stuff out. For some reason it doesn't work as well if I'm just talking to myself. I also daydream a lot.
I've been using a mind map this go round, because the plot is more complicated than in Finding Meara. The sub-plots all are tied to the main plot, and there's a lot to keep track of.
Shauny Award for Blogging Excellence
Here is what David had to say about the Shauny Award:
It was created last November by Doctor Rex (Horty, as she likes to be called) in honor of Shaun Gibson, a Scottish blogger who lives with chronic pain syndrome. I know little about either of these people, but I know Raani has been a faithful follower, and I appreciate the award because it’s from her.
The sentiment in which the award was created is just beautiful and the only rules, if you can call them rules, are these:
Show Humanity, Show Love, Be Yourself, Don’t Be Others, Don’t Gossip, and Share This Award with 10 others.
I am very honored that David thought of me.
So, as for the tagging. Most of the people I would tag are not really actively blogging right now. So, I'll just list the people I believe demonstrate the characteristics of the Shauny Award, who are writers, and they can participate in both or either blog hop if they want to. :)
1.DD Falvo - one of the classiest, self-aware, kindest, talented writers I know. She also happens to be one of my critique partners and I am so lucky.
2. Suzi Retzlaff - Suzi is so loyal and always helpful and supportive. And talented! Another talented writer who I'm fortunate to have willing to give me feedback.
3. Stacy Jensen - Best copywriter I know, as well as web designer and book trailer creator in the making! She also happens to be super nice, assertive in the kindest of ways, and strong.
But! I also appreciate Lexa Cain, Tonya J. Loveless, Linda Hatton, Brin Jackson, Claudine Jaboro, Lara Britt, and Tonia Harris, because they all are inspiration to me as writers and as human beings.
Oh my gosh! This is me adding to this post, because I forgot someone. I don't know how I forgot Roland Yeamons to start with, but he definitely needs to be included. He is the epitome of persevering through adversity. I'm so lucky he's become my tweet-friend. He always has a smile in 140 characters.
Have a lovely week, and I'll see you on Friday.
Blog Hop: My Writing Process
The rules, as taken from Mike's post, require one to publish their post on a Monday and tag three people, who are supposed to publish their posts the next Monday. They tag three more people, and the blog hop spreads.
Here are my answers to the blog hop questions regarding my writing process.
1. What am I working on?
As most of you who will read this know, I'm working on the second book of the Adven Realm Adventures. I'm almost half-way through the first draft and I still don't have a title.
2. How does my work differ from others in its genre?
Oh, let me count the ways. The Adven Realm Adventures take place in the Darag-Realm (fantasy) and our world, the Adven-Realm which I've been told is unusual. The books are a genre conglomeration of fantasy/adventure/romance (which apparently bothers some people.) There aren't many fantasies around (that I know of) where the heroine is a parent. There are adult themes, but my style of writing apparently is Young Adult-ish. I'll just stop there, as those are the biggest.
3. Why do I write what I write?
Because I'm a mother and work with children and they are important to me. I write fantasy because I love the fantasy world, with magic, and monsters, and beasts, and heroes, and elves, and where anything can happen.
4. How does my writing process work?
Oddly. About the only thing I know for sure is that I really like using the technique for scene construction Jack Bickham outlines in his book Scene and Structure. It saves me a ton of time and effort.
Developing story ideas seems to work best by talking about the story out loud. It's that external processor thing. My husband is great at letting me rattle on and work stuff out. For some reason it doesn't work as well if I'm just talking to myself. I also daydream a lot.
I've been using a mind map this go round, because the plot is more complicated than in Finding Meara. The sub-plots all are tied to the main plot, and there's a lot to keep track of.
Shauny Award for Blogging Excellence
Here is what David had to say about the Shauny Award:
It was created last November by Doctor Rex (Horty, as she likes to be called) in honor of Shaun Gibson, a Scottish blogger who lives with chronic pain syndrome. I know little about either of these people, but I know Raani has been a faithful follower, and I appreciate the award because it’s from her.
The sentiment in which the award was created is just beautiful and the only rules, if you can call them rules, are these:
Show Humanity, Show Love, Be Yourself, Don’t Be Others, Don’t Gossip, and Share This Award with 10 others.
I am very honored that David thought of me.
So, as for the tagging. Most of the people I would tag are not really actively blogging right now. So, I'll just list the people I believe demonstrate the characteristics of the Shauny Award, who are writers, and they can participate in both or either blog hop if they want to. :)
1.DD Falvo - one of the classiest, self-aware, kindest, talented writers I know. She also happens to be one of my critique partners and I am so lucky.
2. Suzi Retzlaff - Suzi is so loyal and always helpful and supportive. And talented! Another talented writer who I'm fortunate to have willing to give me feedback.
3. Stacy Jensen - Best copywriter I know, as well as web designer and book trailer creator in the making! She also happens to be super nice, assertive in the kindest of ways, and strong.
But! I also appreciate Lexa Cain, Tonya J. Loveless, Linda Hatton, Brin Jackson, Claudine Jaboro, Lara Britt, and Tonia Harris, because they all are inspiration to me as writers and as human beings.
Oh my gosh! This is me adding to this post, because I forgot someone. I don't know how I forgot Roland Yeamons to start with, but he definitely needs to be included. He is the epitome of persevering through adversity. I'm so lucky he's become my tweet-friend. He always has a smile in 140 characters.
Have a lovely week, and I'll see you on Friday.
March 20, 2014
Funny Friday Photos
Woohoo! It's Friday!
Do you have any fun plans this weekend? I think we're going to see the Muppet Movie. We ended up not going to the movies last weekend because Boy 2 got sick.
This week was kind of exciting on the writerly front.
I've entered Finding Meara in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards, and it made it into Round Two. It's just the first step, but being chosen out of 10,000 entries is pretty exciting, none the less. In Round One the book pitch was judged. In Round Two a 3,000 - 5,000 word excerpt is judged, and the contestants are whittled from 400 in each category to (I believe) 100. So, I'd appreciate any positive thoughts and energies and good luck you want to send my way!
If you're looking for free, quality poetry or a great free novel (wink, wink) this is the weekend for you!
Poetry - My editor, David Malone, is also an accomplished poet who even has had a twitter poem on National Public Radio's Tell Me More. He currently has his works up on his website, davemalone.net for free download. I love how his word choice evokes the sense of surreal nature with a twist.
Novel - Yeah, it's just me. I'm almost done with this go-round of Amazon Prime, and still have some free days to use up, so Finding Meara is going free this weekend. I marked it up to $3.99 several weeks ago, so if you can think of someone who might enjoy the story, this is the weekend to share the news!
Last week's favorite photo was:
Here's the new ones!
Only to be seen in shadow.
Yes, I would, because it took me close to a minute to find it when the picture was small.
Bill and Ted of the insect world.
They perform an important doggy service - demon removal. The dog in the pic above needs to come here.
All I could see for the longest time was the aliens with tiny antennae.
Our pun this week:
My favorite was the exorcism picture. Totally hit my funny bone.
What's your favorite?
Have a great weekend!
Do you have any fun plans this weekend? I think we're going to see the Muppet Movie. We ended up not going to the movies last weekend because Boy 2 got sick.
This week was kind of exciting on the writerly front.
I've entered Finding Meara in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards, and it made it into Round Two. It's just the first step, but being chosen out of 10,000 entries is pretty exciting, none the less. In Round One the book pitch was judged. In Round Two a 3,000 - 5,000 word excerpt is judged, and the contestants are whittled from 400 in each category to (I believe) 100. So, I'd appreciate any positive thoughts and energies and good luck you want to send my way!
If you're looking for free, quality poetry or a great free novel (wink, wink) this is the weekend for you!
Poetry - My editor, David Malone, is also an accomplished poet who even has had a twitter poem on National Public Radio's Tell Me More. He currently has his works up on his website, davemalone.net for free download. I love how his word choice evokes the sense of surreal nature with a twist.
Novel - Yeah, it's just me. I'm almost done with this go-round of Amazon Prime, and still have some free days to use up, so Finding Meara is going free this weekend. I marked it up to $3.99 several weeks ago, so if you can think of someone who might enjoy the story, this is the weekend to share the news!
Last week's favorite photo was:
Here's the new ones!
Only to be seen in shadow.
Yes, I would, because it took me close to a minute to find it when the picture was small.
Bill and Ted of the insect world.
They perform an important doggy service - demon removal. The dog in the pic above needs to come here.
All I could see for the longest time was the aliens with tiny antennae.Our pun this week:
My favorite was the exorcism picture. Totally hit my funny bone.
What's your favorite?
Have a great weekend!
March 13, 2014
Funny Friday Photos
Happy Friday once again! This was the longest (yet fast) week I've had in a while. I hope you all fared better.
One bit of good news this week was learning Amazon has added a new (I believe) category called "New Adult & College." I found this out by checking stats and Finding Meara had a brief time on the top 100 paid list in the category. This is good news because a New Adult category is really where the book belongs. It has adult themes, but a Young Adult feel and I've gotten reviews complaining either way (too YA to be adult or too adult to be written so YA.) So, hopefully the book will appear on the list again sometime.
I'd like to apologize for not replying to comments last week. I totally thought I had, and then realized mid-week I hadn't. Even with cutting back on my social media time, I struggle to keep up. Of course, when I'm not on the internet as much I seem to lose track easier than when I'm glued to the computer. But then no writing gets done, so I guess I'm still trying to find that balance. Yes, I'm rambling now.
Last week's funniest photo is:
And here's this week's!
Totally reminds me of the dance scene in Pulp Fiction.
Actually, it happens when my husband drinks all the coffee and I only get one cup. Every. Night.
The bird looks like the Skeksis Chamberlin in the Dark Crystal after he has been plucked.
Reminds me of Boy 1 and Boy 2.
Oops. Hate it when that happens.
Can't decide if the picture is noble or sad.
The bacon dog is just cute.And a pun:
I think I need to do this at work.
I hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing weekend. My list of things to do is basically write, clean, and maybe see a movie with the boys. Do you have anything fun planned?
My favorite photo this week is the Beluga Whale bump. What's yours?
One bit of good news this week was learning Amazon has added a new (I believe) category called "New Adult & College." I found this out by checking stats and Finding Meara had a brief time on the top 100 paid list in the category. This is good news because a New Adult category is really where the book belongs. It has adult themes, but a Young Adult feel and I've gotten reviews complaining either way (too YA to be adult or too adult to be written so YA.) So, hopefully the book will appear on the list again sometime.
I'd like to apologize for not replying to comments last week. I totally thought I had, and then realized mid-week I hadn't. Even with cutting back on my social media time, I struggle to keep up. Of course, when I'm not on the internet as much I seem to lose track easier than when I'm glued to the computer. But then no writing gets done, so I guess I'm still trying to find that balance. Yes, I'm rambling now.
Last week's funniest photo is:
And here's this week's!
Totally reminds me of the dance scene in Pulp Fiction.
Actually, it happens when my husband drinks all the coffee and I only get one cup. Every. Night.
The bird looks like the Skeksis Chamberlin in the Dark Crystal after he has been plucked.
Reminds me of Boy 1 and Boy 2.
Oops. Hate it when that happens.
Can't decide if the picture is noble or sad.
The bacon dog is just cute.And a pun:
I think I need to do this at work.I hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing weekend. My list of things to do is basically write, clean, and maybe see a movie with the boys. Do you have anything fun planned?
My favorite photo this week is the Beluga Whale bump. What's yours?
March 7, 2014
Funny Friday Photos
Happy Friday!
I don't know about you, but a majority of my week was spent waking up like this:
I do not know why, but this week I was dragging. All. Week. Long.
Exciting Knitting News
I am very pleased to share that a friend of mine, Sarah Perkins, is a knitter and she designs her own knitting patterns. She is designing two shawl patterns based off the Adven Realm Series. Don't be thinking Granny Shawl. She makes beautiful, lacy creations (fingerless gloves, shawls, hats, mittens...)
The first shawl will center around the owl theme and the second will revolve around the fairy/pixie theme. When I have the book release for Adven 2 (I really, really need a working name) they'll be a part of the release day festivities. I'll keep you updated as Sarah progresses on them. So far, the direction she is taking the designs sounds extremely cool. Sarah has a page on Ravelry.com, a free knitting website, so if you're a knitter you can go over and check it out! Just search for her by name: Sarah Perkins.
What I learned this week:
I am a Facebook Quiz Addict. It is true.
Below I detail the priceless information gained by said quizzes.
If I were a Star Trek Character I'd be... Kirk! (Really? I guess I am emotional.)
If I were an Avenger I'd be... Black Widow! (Totally don't get this at all. But I'd be okay being Black Widow. Smart, sexy and kick-a$$. What more could a woman want to be.)
If I had a Patronus it would be a... Horse! (It said I'm an underrated bada$$!)
If I were a food I'd be... Cheese! (I've always felt I don't belong anywhere, but the quiz reframes it so nicely into the idea that I belong everywhere. I don't even mind being cheese.)
If I were a Shakespeare Character I'd be... Hamlet! (I get this even less than Black Widow.)
Yes, this is what I'm doing instead of writing. I am so sorry.
Last week's funniest photo is:
And here are this week's photos!
It's like one of those wavy line pictures from the 90's! If you're having trouble, the tongue is the rabbit's nose.
Can't decide if I'm jealous or having sympathy back pain.
Which is why I wear contacts. And my vision is much blurrier!
The other day I about broke off two fingers to get all the bags inside in one trip.
No caption needed.
I'm not a pretty crier. I'm not a pretty exerciser.
This made me laugh so hard I cried. Please, someone else tell me you understand and find it that funny.
That just makes me uncomfortable.
And our pun is:
While I die over the Joker/Pop Ice photo, I'd have to say my favorite is the two way looking pug.
What's your favorite?
Have a fun, relaxing weekend!
I don't know about you, but a majority of my week was spent waking up like this:
I do not know why, but this week I was dragging. All. Week. Long.
Exciting Knitting News
I am very pleased to share that a friend of mine, Sarah Perkins, is a knitter and she designs her own knitting patterns. She is designing two shawl patterns based off the Adven Realm Series. Don't be thinking Granny Shawl. She makes beautiful, lacy creations (fingerless gloves, shawls, hats, mittens...)
The first shawl will center around the owl theme and the second will revolve around the fairy/pixie theme. When I have the book release for Adven 2 (I really, really need a working name) they'll be a part of the release day festivities. I'll keep you updated as Sarah progresses on them. So far, the direction she is taking the designs sounds extremely cool. Sarah has a page on Ravelry.com, a free knitting website, so if you're a knitter you can go over and check it out! Just search for her by name: Sarah Perkins.
What I learned this week:
I am a Facebook Quiz Addict. It is true.
Below I detail the priceless information gained by said quizzes.
If I were a Star Trek Character I'd be... Kirk! (Really? I guess I am emotional.)
If I were an Avenger I'd be... Black Widow! (Totally don't get this at all. But I'd be okay being Black Widow. Smart, sexy and kick-a$$. What more could a woman want to be.)
If I had a Patronus it would be a... Horse! (It said I'm an underrated bada$$!)
If I were a food I'd be... Cheese! (I've always felt I don't belong anywhere, but the quiz reframes it so nicely into the idea that I belong everywhere. I don't even mind being cheese.)
If I were a Shakespeare Character I'd be... Hamlet! (I get this even less than Black Widow.)
Yes, this is what I'm doing instead of writing. I am so sorry.
Last week's funniest photo is:
And here are this week's photos!
It's like one of those wavy line pictures from the 90's! If you're having trouble, the tongue is the rabbit's nose.
Can't decide if I'm jealous or having sympathy back pain.
Which is why I wear contacts. And my vision is much blurrier!
The other day I about broke off two fingers to get all the bags inside in one trip.
No caption needed.
I'm not a pretty crier. I'm not a pretty exerciser.
This made me laugh so hard I cried. Please, someone else tell me you understand and find it that funny.
That just makes me uncomfortable.And our pun is:
While I die over the Joker/Pop Ice photo, I'd have to say my favorite is the two way looking pug.
What's your favorite?
Have a fun, relaxing weekend!
February 27, 2014
Funny Friday Photos and the (Almost) 300 Likes Giveaway
Happy Friday to you!
I'm going to remember this when I get discouraged. Maybe I should just buy my own bunny.
Anyway, the weekend is upon us. Because I almost reached 300 followers on my Facebook Author Page (298) I am having a giveaway this weekend! Late Saturday I'll randomly draw four names out of the followers list to give away three owl necklaces and one owl ring.
If you want to get in on the giveaway, just go follow my Facebook Author Page before 8pm EST on Saturday. Also to celebrate, I'm having a free weekend for Finding Meara, so if you haven't gotten the book yet and would like to try it without any risk, go to the Amazon page Saturday or Sunday and download it!
Oh, and next Wednesday, March 5th, I'll be interviewed via twitter chat by Kasie Whitener of Wordsmith Studio. If you want to talk books and writing with us, we'll start at 9pm EST, with the hashtag #wschat.
All right! Last week's funniest photo was:
And now to find some new photos!
Yummy. Nope - actually that would be repulsive. Not guacamole. I like guacamole. It's whatever is in the water that's gross.
I love forehead kisses.
This would totally freak me out. It brings back memories of when my sister and cousin thought sticking a knife murderer style into my shower - when I thought I was home alone - was funny. That was the first time in my life I can say I screamed a blood-curdling scream. The second involves my father and aliens... Welcome to my family. I did forgive them all, by the way.
I think this is amazing! Next week I'll share some knitting news in regards to the Adven books. Are you curious now?
This one has begged to be included for two weeks, so I gave up this time. It's so child/parent-ish.
It's the expression. You know what just happened...
Pretty much my reaction to every failed dream/daydream that I've had. Time for a bunny.
Ah, no. How I feel when I check my stats on Amazon. Then see the picture above.
And the pun:
Birds of Pray.
Well, that's it for this week. I hope we all have a wonderful weekend, because I'm sure we all deserve it! I think my favorite is the dog in the car.
Do you have a favorite this week? Any fun weekend plans?
I'm going to remember this when I get discouraged. Maybe I should just buy my own bunny.
Anyway, the weekend is upon us. Because I almost reached 300 followers on my Facebook Author Page (298) I am having a giveaway this weekend! Late Saturday I'll randomly draw four names out of the followers list to give away three owl necklaces and one owl ring.
If you want to get in on the giveaway, just go follow my Facebook Author Page before 8pm EST on Saturday. Also to celebrate, I'm having a free weekend for Finding Meara, so if you haven't gotten the book yet and would like to try it without any risk, go to the Amazon page Saturday or Sunday and download it!
Oh, and next Wednesday, March 5th, I'll be interviewed via twitter chat by Kasie Whitener of Wordsmith Studio. If you want to talk books and writing with us, we'll start at 9pm EST, with the hashtag #wschat.
All right! Last week's funniest photo was:
And now to find some new photos!
Yummy. Nope - actually that would be repulsive. Not guacamole. I like guacamole. It's whatever is in the water that's gross.
I love forehead kisses.
This would totally freak me out. It brings back memories of when my sister and cousin thought sticking a knife murderer style into my shower - when I thought I was home alone - was funny. That was the first time in my life I can say I screamed a blood-curdling scream. The second involves my father and aliens... Welcome to my family. I did forgive them all, by the way.
I think this is amazing! Next week I'll share some knitting news in regards to the Adven books. Are you curious now?
This one has begged to be included for two weeks, so I gave up this time. It's so child/parent-ish.
It's the expression. You know what just happened...
Pretty much my reaction to every failed dream/daydream that I've had. Time for a bunny.
Ah, no. How I feel when I check my stats on Amazon. Then see the picture above.And the pun:
Birds of Pray.Well, that's it for this week. I hope we all have a wonderful weekend, because I'm sure we all deserve it! I think my favorite is the dog in the car.
Do you have a favorite this week? Any fun weekend plans?
February 23, 2014
Special Edition: Coriolanus and Shakespeare
This post is dedicated to my friend, Tomoenuru, who asked if I would share my experience of seeing the NT Live showing of Coriolanus. She has been in South Korea for the last several years teaching English, and will not get the chance to see the production.
Before I get started, I have to say that it's really hard to find words that can accurately describe my feelings, without using cliched words like powerful, fantastic, amazing. The play was just awesome in every sense of the word. After it was over, all I could think was "Wow."
Regarding Coriolanus
As I mentioned before, my husband teased me about going to Denver, which is several hours away, to see a recording of the play. However, the quality of the filming was excellent and after the first minutes of the play I kind of got lost into the production, and stopped noticing that it was on film. The illusion of actually being there may have taken over because the Donmar Warehouse is tiny and the stage is small so the filming was up close and personal.
The staging was bare and minimalist, and the actors stayed on the stage for much of the production, sitting on black chairs at the back of the stage. This allowed for some interesting placement of the actors in relation to each other, although I'm not sure if it was on purpose or not. Modern (and cool!) music was used during some of the scene transitions which gave me the sense of the play being current (not several hundred years old), and evoked a kind of wild, battle-ready feeling. (I know that sounds weird, but it's the best I can do. Like I said, really hard to describe my feelings.) I really liked the set up, and think Josie Rourke should get huge props for a very creative and engaging staging.
The acting was top-notch, from all actors. I enjoyed the banter between Menenius (Mark Gatiss) and the tribunes and people of Rome. The humor in the play was lost in the Ralph Fiennes version, which is too bad, because it really does make the play more enjoyable.
The range of emotion that Tom Hiddleston, as Caius Martius Coriolanus, portrayed was absolutely astounding. One of my favorite moments was early on where Martius walks forward out of the waiting area at the back of the stage (within the battle scenes, I just can't say for sure when) and the expression on his face was so menacing it honestly gave me goosebumps. Then, at the end, the tender, tragic, tear-filled scenes where he capitulates to his mother's request to spare Rome (which sentences him to death) and says good-bye to his family, is heartbreaking. I was doing all right until he said goodbye to his son, and then I had some of my own tears. In this production, Coriolanus was very human - strong, fierce, tender, broken, and then ultimately destroyed by his mother's ambitions for him and for herself. Very, very sad and it wouldn't have been nearly as evocative if Tom Hiddleston wasn't the strong, expressive actor he is.
So, I despise Volumnia (mom). I don't know why his family didn't just leave Rome when they knew he was coming to destroy it, instead of forcing him into a no-win situation. I'm guessing it has to do with his mother's ambitions. She ended up the hero, and her son ended up dead. Earlier in the play she says a line about how if Martius had died in battle that the good report would be her son. She got her wish.
Regarding Shakespeare
I recently read a discussion about if the Tom Hiddleston fans were taking away from the Shakespeare fans - as if you have to be some literary snob to enjoy Shakespeare. In my mind, Shakespeare was one of the first genre writers. He did it all - Romantic Comedy, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and more. He wrote for and appealed to the people - all people.
The argument regarding the supremacy of literary or genre fiction continues on today. The thing is, with Shakespeare, you get the best of both. The characters are very human, their difficulties very applicable to today's struggles. Coriolanus was an astounding production, with excellent action, very human characters and strong plot.
I really feel, as did the people I went with, that we saw something that is really rare and were lucky to view. I'm sure being there would have been so much more amazing, but it was fantastic none-the-less. Here is a video trailer of the NT Live production, and I recommend, if you have the chance, that you go to the show.
Before I get started, I have to say that it's really hard to find words that can accurately describe my feelings, without using cliched words like powerful, fantastic, amazing. The play was just awesome in every sense of the word. After it was over, all I could think was "Wow."
Regarding Coriolanus
As I mentioned before, my husband teased me about going to Denver, which is several hours away, to see a recording of the play. However, the quality of the filming was excellent and after the first minutes of the play I kind of got lost into the production, and stopped noticing that it was on film. The illusion of actually being there may have taken over because the Donmar Warehouse is tiny and the stage is small so the filming was up close and personal.
The staging was bare and minimalist, and the actors stayed on the stage for much of the production, sitting on black chairs at the back of the stage. This allowed for some interesting placement of the actors in relation to each other, although I'm not sure if it was on purpose or not. Modern (and cool!) music was used during some of the scene transitions which gave me the sense of the play being current (not several hundred years old), and evoked a kind of wild, battle-ready feeling. (I know that sounds weird, but it's the best I can do. Like I said, really hard to describe my feelings.) I really liked the set up, and think Josie Rourke should get huge props for a very creative and engaging staging.
The acting was top-notch, from all actors. I enjoyed the banter between Menenius (Mark Gatiss) and the tribunes and people of Rome. The humor in the play was lost in the Ralph Fiennes version, which is too bad, because it really does make the play more enjoyable.
The range of emotion that Tom Hiddleston, as Caius Martius Coriolanus, portrayed was absolutely astounding. One of my favorite moments was early on where Martius walks forward out of the waiting area at the back of the stage (within the battle scenes, I just can't say for sure when) and the expression on his face was so menacing it honestly gave me goosebumps. Then, at the end, the tender, tragic, tear-filled scenes where he capitulates to his mother's request to spare Rome (which sentences him to death) and says good-bye to his family, is heartbreaking. I was doing all right until he said goodbye to his son, and then I had some of my own tears. In this production, Coriolanus was very human - strong, fierce, tender, broken, and then ultimately destroyed by his mother's ambitions for him and for herself. Very, very sad and it wouldn't have been nearly as evocative if Tom Hiddleston wasn't the strong, expressive actor he is.
So, I despise Volumnia (mom). I don't know why his family didn't just leave Rome when they knew he was coming to destroy it, instead of forcing him into a no-win situation. I'm guessing it has to do with his mother's ambitions. She ended up the hero, and her son ended up dead. Earlier in the play she says a line about how if Martius had died in battle that the good report would be her son. She got her wish.
Regarding Shakespeare
I recently read a discussion about if the Tom Hiddleston fans were taking away from the Shakespeare fans - as if you have to be some literary snob to enjoy Shakespeare. In my mind, Shakespeare was one of the first genre writers. He did it all - Romantic Comedy, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and more. He wrote for and appealed to the people - all people.
The argument regarding the supremacy of literary or genre fiction continues on today. The thing is, with Shakespeare, you get the best of both. The characters are very human, their difficulties very applicable to today's struggles. Coriolanus was an astounding production, with excellent action, very human characters and strong plot.
I really feel, as did the people I went with, that we saw something that is really rare and were lucky to view. I'm sure being there would have been so much more amazing, but it was fantastic none-the-less. Here is a video trailer of the NT Live production, and I recommend, if you have the chance, that you go to the show.
February 19, 2014
Funny Friday Photos
It's Friday again! Amazing how that works, right? Just like clockwork, a Friday shows up every seven days. Or would that technically be every six days, because the seventh day is Friday?
I am excited for Sunday, because that's the day we go to Denver to see Coriolanus! Otherwise, it's business as usual around my house. What do you have planned for this weekend? Anything fun?
I learned some things this week:
*Just Dance is more fun if you don't play for points. Also, it's easier to dance with abandonment when my husband isn't around. Self-consciousness = crappy dancing.
*If you're over 20 years old and want to take a selfie and you don't want any wrinkles to show, don't wear foundation and take the picture in natural light.
Hardly any wrinkles!
*The children I work with live in a bizarre world that I'm grateful I wasn't raised in. (I knew this before, but the lesson was reinforced this past week.)
*I'm going to write stories as long as I have people who want to read them.
*My son is a pacifist.
Please forgive the poor spelling. We're working on it. Plus, he's only 8.
All right! Last week's favorite photo:
And now for this week's photos!
And it really, really does.
It took me a second to see the photobomb, and then just laughed!
"Nature's first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold." Robert Frost
Must have been really tired.
This has to have been photoshopped, don't you think? Those faces are too perfect!
I'm starting to think Pandas are rather skittish animals. They look frightened a lot.
And the pun!
My favorite photos is the anesthetized cat. What's your favorite?
I am excited for Sunday, because that's the day we go to Denver to see Coriolanus! Otherwise, it's business as usual around my house. What do you have planned for this weekend? Anything fun?
I learned some things this week:
*Just Dance is more fun if you don't play for points. Also, it's easier to dance with abandonment when my husband isn't around. Self-consciousness = crappy dancing.
*If you're over 20 years old and want to take a selfie and you don't want any wrinkles to show, don't wear foundation and take the picture in natural light.
Hardly any wrinkles!*The children I work with live in a bizarre world that I'm grateful I wasn't raised in. (I knew this before, but the lesson was reinforced this past week.)
*I'm going to write stories as long as I have people who want to read them.
*My son is a pacifist.
Please forgive the poor spelling. We're working on it. Plus, he's only 8.All right! Last week's favorite photo:
And now for this week's photos!
And it really, really does.
It took me a second to see the photobomb, and then just laughed!
"Nature's first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold." Robert Frost
Must have been really tired.
This has to have been photoshopped, don't you think? Those faces are too perfect!
I'm starting to think Pandas are rather skittish animals. They look frightened a lot.And the pun!
My favorite photos is the anesthetized cat. What's your favorite?
