Robbie Cox's Blog, page 11

“They Didn’t Stop Us!”

Our Disney hatsI had been planning it for a couple of months. The girls knew, of course. The 9-year-old didn’t, however, and that was the entire plan. We had planned a day at the Magic Kingdom to surprise her. She had been before but had no recollection of the previous adventure. This one she would remember.
We didn’t rise early as my parents made us when I was younger. I remember those mornings with fondness as my mother woke us up with an urge to go Messing. “Just for a little drive to see w...

The Crime of Silence

Stop Bullying!He could feel the stares. They all stood there, watching. His books were scattered on the floor, papers strewn across the grungy linoleum. His back pressed against the locker, the combination lock digging into his flesh, scraping him. No one moved to intervene. No one helped pick up his papers or books. No one drew attention to themselves.
The bully, laughing, feeling better about his own existence and suddenly powerful, walks away with his buddies. Still no one moves or says any...

“You Can’t Win Them All”

The 9-year old about ot hit the streetsChar and I went to the store the other day, why I am not sure, but I am positive it was of necessity for me to drag my carcass out of the recliner. As we ventured by a parked car, a grandfather was strapping his grandson into his seat belt. We couldn’t hear the conversation, but it was obvious that the little tyke was whining about something and just as obvious that he was not getting his way. He was giving it his best effort, however.

Just as we passed t...

Giselle Marks ~ My Writing Process

You may remember a few weeks back we had Giselle Marks join us here at The Mess as she discussed sex within the romance genre. Well, I am pleased to say she is back with us today. This time she will be talking about her writing process and I'm sure we can all gain some insight as well as tips. I always enjoy hearing how other authors go about their craft. It confirms things I am already doing or points me in new directions.
So settle back with that morning cup of coffee or tea and enjoy anothe...

Scrivener, My All-In-One Writing Tool

I went from this...So, as most of you know I have been on a path of simplifying our lives as well as our home. The girls and I have been slowly weeding through the clutter and storage tubs of miscellaneous “Why are we keeping this?” items and chucking things as soon as we can. We’ve even tossed furniture and I’ve whittled down my book collection. I know, I can hear the gasps of surprise from here. It wasn’t easy, but it was a step we needed to take.
We have also gone digital wherever we could....

The Jury Duty Draft

I received the notice three months before I was to report, which is good, I suppose. It gave me just enough time to forget that I had to appear. I have a hard enough time keeping track of when the 9-year old has early dismal at school, which happens every other week. How did the court system expect me to remember something three months away that I didn’t really want to do anyway?
Now, don’t get all civil responsibility on me and start emailing me about how it’s our privilege and responsibility...

Remember When They Meant All?

It seems to be a popular trend for people to fight their battles on social media sites. I know more about people’s dirty laundry now than I am truly comfortable with and, to be honest, I don’t feel bad for those who are spewing how terrible other people are, especially their exes. These bouts of verbal hanging do not cause me to sympathize with the one stringing up the noose. On the contrary, they force me to hide the bitter person and ignore them both.
I understand that something bad happened...

Take Back Your Pride

Dad enjoying the peacefulness of his backyardIt was 1961 in Korea. I was five years away from being born, my parents four years away from being married. My dad was in the army and while working on a jeep, the engine fell. He had been holding a bar at the time, which slipped when the engine fell and cracked him in the back, literally. He developed a hairline crack in his back, which caused him to have to wear a Jewett back brace later in life. When I saw the device, I was reminded of contrapti...

Reading and Reviewing

A Confused Life is out! I know you’ve probably seen the shouts and promos. My second book. This one is a collection of essays based off the Mess with a few new ones thrown in for good measure. I share the humorous moments of my life that taught me a lesson along the journey. I was excited to finally be able to say done and move onto the next work in progress.
Now comes the waiting. Waiting for people to purchase the book and waiting for people to review it. To be honest, until I started publis...

No Joking about Disney

We had had reservations at Outback Steak House, which had become our traditional Valentine’s Day dinner out. Well, not really reservations, because places no longer believe in those. They want to be surprised when people show up and then understaffed. Of course, you also lose business because people told that they will need to wait forty-five minutes for a table sometimes becomes a little extreme. The best they will do is write your name down on a list and the time you will be there. However,...