C.J. Galaway's Blog, page 2
April 12, 2020
Ooh Those Summer Nights...Music and Memories
So a friend from high school challenged me to post an album cover a day for twenty days with no explanation, just the cover.
Easy right?
Well today I posted the soundtrack from the movie Grease. I was obsessed with that movie as a child and imagined I was Danny Zuko, leader of the T-Birds. I swear I drove my mom crazy that summer playing that album over and over. That's how kids drove their parents crazy before VHS, DVD, and on demand movies...lol.
It got me thinking about the friends I hung out with then and the crazy things we did as kids. I led a relatively sheltered life (that's a story for another time). The girls I took dance classes with and I had the same tastes in music as well as movies so we would bug our parents to take us to see those movies together of course.
I had this one friend, Danielle, that I hung out with more than others the summer that Grease came out. I don't remember how many times we saw the movie, but I know it was more than once. When the soundtrack came out, my mom bought it for me. It was a two album set and I would play it over and over as Danielle and I sang the songs and acted out the parts. We skipped the songs that were played during the school dance because we thought they were boring. The only female song I sang was There Are Worse Things I Do sung by Stockard Channing who played the leader of the Pink Ladies. Even then those lyrics struck a cord inside me and spoke to me like nothing else.
So with the help of Facebook I reached out and messaged Danielle, whom I haven't thought of in decades...and she answered! we spent some time going down memory lane and getting caught up with promises of getting together as soon as we are able in light of the COVID pandemic sweeping the nation at this time.
So I challenge you to reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in a while. That friend you spent crazy summer nights with, that friend you suffered through dance lessons, girl/boy scouts, church camp, marching band, or whatever sport you played in school...reach out!
Who knows what may happen?
Easy right?
Well today I posted the soundtrack from the movie Grease. I was obsessed with that movie as a child and imagined I was Danny Zuko, leader of the T-Birds. I swear I drove my mom crazy that summer playing that album over and over. That's how kids drove their parents crazy before VHS, DVD, and on demand movies...lol.
It got me thinking about the friends I hung out with then and the crazy things we did as kids. I led a relatively sheltered life (that's a story for another time). The girls I took dance classes with and I had the same tastes in music as well as movies so we would bug our parents to take us to see those movies together of course.
I had this one friend, Danielle, that I hung out with more than others the summer that Grease came out. I don't remember how many times we saw the movie, but I know it was more than once. When the soundtrack came out, my mom bought it for me. It was a two album set and I would play it over and over as Danielle and I sang the songs and acted out the parts. We skipped the songs that were played during the school dance because we thought they were boring. The only female song I sang was There Are Worse Things I Do sung by Stockard Channing who played the leader of the Pink Ladies. Even then those lyrics struck a cord inside me and spoke to me like nothing else.
So with the help of Facebook I reached out and messaged Danielle, whom I haven't thought of in decades...and she answered! we spent some time going down memory lane and getting caught up with promises of getting together as soon as we are able in light of the COVID pandemic sweeping the nation at this time.
So I challenge you to reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in a while. That friend you spent crazy summer nights with, that friend you suffered through dance lessons, girl/boy scouts, church camp, marching band, or whatever sport you played in school...reach out!
Who knows what may happen?
March 5, 2019
Starting Over...Again
They say starting over is easy, it's just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward until you achieve your goal. Sometimes it is easier said than done.
This is my second attempt at starting over and I'm hoping to get it right this time. Then I thought who decides what is right or wrong? And does it even matter? Oh the questions that go through my head, I wonder about them sometimes myself.
Anyway, when I put my first novel out I truly didn't think about all of the additional work that would be required of me. I thought hey I wrote this really great book and people will read it and fall in love with it and me and then I'll be set.
Just like everyone else out there that has ever self published a novel.
I have learned a lot since putting that first book out and I still have a lot more to learn. The best lesson I have learned is that I am both my own worst enemy and my only competition. I have changed the way I look at things and the focus of my goals. I still want the fame and success, after all who in this profession doesn't want it? My focus now is to let my books speak for me and put my all into my writing so that I can feed your imagination.
So keep an eye on this blog as i will be posting here more often to talk to you and give you insights into the world that is C.J. Galaway.
My best and most valuable resource and source for inspiration will always be you my readers.
This is my second attempt at starting over and I'm hoping to get it right this time. Then I thought who decides what is right or wrong? And does it even matter? Oh the questions that go through my head, I wonder about them sometimes myself.
Anyway, when I put my first novel out I truly didn't think about all of the additional work that would be required of me. I thought hey I wrote this really great book and people will read it and fall in love with it and me and then I'll be set.
Just like everyone else out there that has ever self published a novel.
I have learned a lot since putting that first book out and I still have a lot more to learn. The best lesson I have learned is that I am both my own worst enemy and my only competition. I have changed the way I look at things and the focus of my goals. I still want the fame and success, after all who in this profession doesn't want it? My focus now is to let my books speak for me and put my all into my writing so that I can feed your imagination.
So keep an eye on this blog as i will be posting here more often to talk to you and give you insights into the world that is C.J. Galaway.
My best and most valuable resource and source for inspiration will always be you my readers.
August 11, 2018
Collecting stuff and the people who tolerate what we do
There's a saying that goes one man's junk is another man's treasure. Does this apply to the things people collect as well? How would that apply to the people who collect things and the people who try to tolerate those collections?
Me I collect trading cards of all sorts along with books, cds and dvds and stuffed animals. The only one my spouse really doesn't get is the books. I've been told I have too many (600+ but who's counting, lol.) In my defense I have read 80% of them and they are like dear friends I simply cannot part with.
My spouse loves to collect Mc Donald's happy meal toys, which I must confess baffles me sometimes, but I won't say anything because it is her thing and she enjoys doing it.
She also collects model cars, which I find totally fascinating. And she feeds my love of stuffed animals by bringing me ones she has won from claw machines and she's quite good at winning them.
So the thing is, if you collect does your better half support what you do? Or do they tolerate it with some form of grumbling for form?
Have fun collecting whatever it is you collect!
Me I collect trading cards of all sorts along with books, cds and dvds and stuffed animals. The only one my spouse really doesn't get is the books. I've been told I have too many (600+ but who's counting, lol.) In my defense I have read 80% of them and they are like dear friends I simply cannot part with.
My spouse loves to collect Mc Donald's happy meal toys, which I must confess baffles me sometimes, but I won't say anything because it is her thing and she enjoys doing it.
She also collects model cars, which I find totally fascinating. And she feeds my love of stuffed animals by bringing me ones she has won from claw machines and she's quite good at winning them.
So the thing is, if you collect does your better half support what you do? Or do they tolerate it with some form of grumbling for form?
Have fun collecting whatever it is you collect!
April 25, 2018
Q is for Quotes
People love to quote...well, quotes. I am no different. I love movie quotes and music quotes. So I;m simply going to leave a few of my favorites and see if you can identify any of them.
Here they are in no particular order.
I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog too!
Sometimes there's not reason to justify the meaning.
Leave the gun, take the cannoli.
What we have here is a failure to communicate.
Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.
There's no crying in baseball!
Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
Shaken, not stirred.
Here they are in no particular order.
I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog too!
Sometimes there's not reason to justify the meaning.
Leave the gun, take the cannoli.
What we have here is a failure to communicate.
Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.
There's no crying in baseball!
Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
Shaken, not stirred.
April 21, 2018
P is for Procrastination
Which is something I seem to be very good at, judging by how behind I am on this blog challenge.
Why do people procrastinate? That is a very good question.
Laziness is one simple reason...I'll do it tomorrow and tomorrow never comes.
Fear is another one...what if I do this and bad things happen?
Indifference is another...who cares if it gets done?
All of the above are roadblocks to hinder you from success, because procrastinating keeps success at bay unlike anything else does. And it is the hardest thing to defeat. I should know because I've been the victim of it for quite some time now. It is easier to do nothing than to try and maybe fail.
Let's make a pact. No more procrastination.
Why do people procrastinate? That is a very good question.
Laziness is one simple reason...I'll do it tomorrow and tomorrow never comes.
Fear is another one...what if I do this and bad things happen?
Indifference is another...who cares if it gets done?
All of the above are roadblocks to hinder you from success, because procrastinating keeps success at bay unlike anything else does. And it is the hardest thing to defeat. I should know because I've been the victim of it for quite some time now. It is easier to do nothing than to try and maybe fail.
Let's make a pact. No more procrastination.
April 18, 2018
O is for Opportunity
I've heard many things about opportunity; it only knocks once, you've got to listen for it, seize the opportunity.
I say opportunity is what you make it to be and is yours to grab...if you dare.
If not, then why work hard, plan and dream if putting the effort into chasing your dream isn't in your hands?
I firmly believe we set our own courses, decide our own fates, and plan our own destinies. Achieving one's goals can be done through dedication and hard work. Desire and talent don't hurt either.
I know, it's easier said than done and I often do not listen to my own advice...thought I try my best to. Failure sadly is a part of the process and one that tends to derail those that do not see it as a learning step. I know it's temporarily derailed me once or twice...maybe more.
So will you wait for opportunity to knock...or will you go out and grab it?
I say opportunity is what you make it to be and is yours to grab...if you dare.
If not, then why work hard, plan and dream if putting the effort into chasing your dream isn't in your hands?
I firmly believe we set our own courses, decide our own fates, and plan our own destinies. Achieving one's goals can be done through dedication and hard work. Desire and talent don't hurt either.
I know, it's easier said than done and I often do not listen to my own advice...thought I try my best to. Failure sadly is a part of the process and one that tends to derail those that do not see it as a learning step. I know it's temporarily derailed me once or twice...maybe more.
So will you wait for opportunity to knock...or will you go out and grab it?
N is for Novel
Ah the great American novel. The dream of every aspiring author across the globe, me included.
Webster's defines the word as follows:
a fictitious prose narrative of considerable length and complexity,portraying characters and usually presenting a sequential organization of action and scenes.
Novels are all shapes and sizes, some fast paced, fast moving while others are pulling you in and leading you down the rabbit hole, so to speak.
Starting one as a reader is easy. As the writer...well, that's a different story.
As a reader, what pulls you into a novel? What causes you to lose a nights sleep just to find out how the story ends?
As an author, what causes you to create the story that draws the reader in? How do you create the world that readers get lost in?
Webster's defines the word as follows:
a fictitious prose narrative of considerable length and complexity,portraying characters and usually presenting a sequential organization of action and scenes.
Novels are all shapes and sizes, some fast paced, fast moving while others are pulling you in and leading you down the rabbit hole, so to speak.
Starting one as a reader is easy. As the writer...well, that's a different story.
As a reader, what pulls you into a novel? What causes you to lose a nights sleep just to find out how the story ends?
As an author, what causes you to create the story that draws the reader in? How do you create the world that readers get lost in?
April 15, 2018
M is for Melissa
This is going to be a bit of a different post from the others for this challenge, as it is about someone who is rapidly becoming a dear friend of mine.
Her name is Melissa and she loves all kinds of animals...except for birds, but she loves those at a distance. (don't ask)
Now where do I begin? This lady first of all is 100% pure Southern sass, class, and charm...and also one of the most caring, kind individuals I've met since I moved to North Carolina.
We really didn't get to know each other well until we started working together at a job she helped me to obtain. She has taught me more than how to properly wait on people. She is showing me that people can be trusted and that it isn't wrong to open up to someone.
We've not always agreed about things and have butted heads from time to time. Who doesn't?
Yet we always sit down and talk things through and in the end do not let our differences interfere with the friendship we are building.
She was recently married to Gregg, a wonderful man who treats her like the Queen she deserves to be treated like. They are having second ceremony at their home for family and friends and I've been lucky enough to be asked to officiate this one, since they are already legally married.
I'm lucky to have Melissa as a friend and think everyone needs at least one Melissa in their lives.
Her name is Melissa and she loves all kinds of animals...except for birds, but she loves those at a distance. (don't ask)
Now where do I begin? This lady first of all is 100% pure Southern sass, class, and charm...and also one of the most caring, kind individuals I've met since I moved to North Carolina.
We really didn't get to know each other well until we started working together at a job she helped me to obtain. She has taught me more than how to properly wait on people. She is showing me that people can be trusted and that it isn't wrong to open up to someone.
We've not always agreed about things and have butted heads from time to time. Who doesn't?
Yet we always sit down and talk things through and in the end do not let our differences interfere with the friendship we are building.
She was recently married to Gregg, a wonderful man who treats her like the Queen she deserves to be treated like. They are having second ceremony at their home for family and friends and I've been lucky enough to be asked to officiate this one, since they are already legally married.
I'm lucky to have Melissa as a friend and think everyone needs at least one Melissa in their lives.
L is for Love
All right, let's get our minds out of the gutter now. I said love , not lust. Yes they are two completely different animals. And this isn't about the popular Beatles song "All You Need Is Love" either; which is a pretty cool song to be honest.
This is about the word L-O-V-E.
It's a word I feel is way over-used today...really it is. Don't get me wrong it's wonderful to meet someone and feel a connection, but to love that person instantly? I simply don't get it. To me love is something to be nurtured and permitted to bloom.
Plus when it comes to friendships, we toss the 'love' word around even more casually. The ones that kill me are people who will tell someone they love them to their face then talk about them behind their backs.
How is that love? I don't get it.
This is about the word L-O-V-E.
It's a word I feel is way over-used today...really it is. Don't get me wrong it's wonderful to meet someone and feel a connection, but to love that person instantly? I simply don't get it. To me love is something to be nurtured and permitted to bloom.
Plus when it comes to friendships, we toss the 'love' word around even more casually. The ones that kill me are people who will tell someone they love them to their face then talk about them behind their backs.
How is that love? I don't get it.
April 12, 2018
K is for Kindle
As much as i love the feel of a book in my hands...yes I have a Kindle.
I actually enjoy reading on my Kindle. I've found new authors to obsess over and a world of free books out there to read.
The downside? It's like buying book s to read and never getting to them.
Like I'm the only one with a to be read pile that's taller than I am.
The other wonderful thing about my Kindle is that I can access Facebook and other sites while I'm away from my computer.
It's travel friendly and you can sit and read without anyone knowing what you're reading, especially if you don't want people knowing you're madly in love with the Fifty Shades series. I'm not judging, I've seen the first two movies and want to see the third.
So do you have a Kindle?
I actually enjoy reading on my Kindle. I've found new authors to obsess over and a world of free books out there to read.
The downside? It's like buying book s to read and never getting to them.
Like I'm the only one with a to be read pile that's taller than I am.
The other wonderful thing about my Kindle is that I can access Facebook and other sites while I'm away from my computer.
It's travel friendly and you can sit and read without anyone knowing what you're reading, especially if you don't want people knowing you're madly in love with the Fifty Shades series. I'm not judging, I've seen the first two movies and want to see the third.
So do you have a Kindle?
