Pamela Q. Fernandes's Blog, page 39
May 7, 2016
How a writer deals with rejection?
All of us face it, not just writers, but everyone. Rejection is a part of life. I'm yet to meet someone who has never met with rejection.
Yet for writers, whose work is lonely, it does zap your creative conscience. When a single acceptance can make your career, or add more pep to your next piece of work, rejection does weigh you down. Coming off the heels of three rejections this week, for both long and short works, I had a heavy dose. Enough to put a stop to my usual submission process and just sulk- which inspired me with this post.
In his book On Writing Well Stephen King mentions, he stuck all his rejection slips on a nail, until it weighed down. I was surprised to read that he didn't stop, just continued writing. So a few things to help you.
1. Sulk if you must
I don't know Stephen King, but I know myself. I'm a girlie. When I see that declined status( on submittable), I cry. Yeah you can bring out the wine and have a good, cleansing cry. I'm not sure what the guys do (let me know), but I'll cry and mope for a few hours. Give yourself some space to grieve, its only natural.
2. Shelve the project
Whatever you do, don't touch the story or piece, right now. You're too close to it, too emotional to handle it and probably the changes you make will be worse than the original. Put it away. Let it ferment.
3. Evaluate the rejection
After a day or two, read your rejection. What kind is it? Is it a form rejection, 'not for us', 'does not fit' kind? If yes, that's not so bad, they didn't like your work enough to go gaga about it. And believe me you really want them to love your work. There's a new high when an editor says, 'we loved this.' So form rejections with minor tweaking, can be resubmitted elsewhere. No harm done.
The editor that gives you specific feedback, maybe an R & R, now those are good rejections, because you know what needs to be done to make it better. Don't argue that the editor is wrong and why your perspective is right. Revising is up to you. But if they took the time to make suggestions, its likely they want your story. I remember for 'Where is Ally?' they wanted me to cut down. I had too much backstory in the beginning. The mystery was loose, there were too many characters and the story was long. I took nine months to edit the story. Yes, that long, to perfect and change it. Some people may laugh at that. But I'm not a prolific writer and I like for the draft to simmer after I've made an edit.
I don't see any 'please never send your work to me,' rejections. Editors these days are nicer people, who don't get sadistic pleasure in rejecting your work. They have to be able to justify paying you from their meager resources, for a mere 1800 words. They just want a good story.
4. Use your pain to keep writing
Not every one of us has cancer, or is going through a divorce or has a dead pet or has survived a natural calamity. Some of us are really boring people, with uninteresting lives and the pain of rejection is not frequent. So use the pain, to craft a scene or a story or paragraph, prose, post, whatever. When I get rejected, I find myself noticing the cerulean sky, the swish of the leaves and birdsong of bulbuls- alliterations I would never use on payday. So use your pain to write, trust me, the words will flow.
5. Don't fall off the wagon
If you have set a daily word count or a deadline, you're aiming for, keep at it. There's no need to completely stop writing. Keep going, if its any consolation, the piling rejections, are only evidence that you're out there, creating, drafting, submitting and revising. And if you've watched a game of football, the attacking side, that pounds the opposition over and over and over, that has shot after shot on goal, finally finds the back of the net. That's when my dad says, 'the goal is coming.'
And I couldn't agree more, rejections can mean, that the goal is coming. If you're keeping at your craft and working on it, your goal of publishing is coming. Don't give up.
6. Its not the end of the world
While rejections are painful, its not the end of the world. Its not like you've lost a kidney, or are a Syrian refugee. There are worse problems in the world. So put on some music, dance a little and get back to writing. Remember it takes only one yes, to make it.
Song on my playlist: Magic in the Air by Ahmed Chawki
Yet for writers, whose work is lonely, it does zap your creative conscience. When a single acceptance can make your career, or add more pep to your next piece of work, rejection does weigh you down. Coming off the heels of three rejections this week, for both long and short works, I had a heavy dose. Enough to put a stop to my usual submission process and just sulk- which inspired me with this post.
In his book On Writing Well Stephen King mentions, he stuck all his rejection slips on a nail, until it weighed down. I was surprised to read that he didn't stop, just continued writing. So a few things to help you.
1. Sulk if you must
I don't know Stephen King, but I know myself. I'm a girlie. When I see that declined status( on submittable), I cry. Yeah you can bring out the wine and have a good, cleansing cry. I'm not sure what the guys do (let me know), but I'll cry and mope for a few hours. Give yourself some space to grieve, its only natural.
2. Shelve the project
Whatever you do, don't touch the story or piece, right now. You're too close to it, too emotional to handle it and probably the changes you make will be worse than the original. Put it away. Let it ferment.
3. Evaluate the rejection
After a day or two, read your rejection. What kind is it? Is it a form rejection, 'not for us', 'does not fit' kind? If yes, that's not so bad, they didn't like your work enough to go gaga about it. And believe me you really want them to love your work. There's a new high when an editor says, 'we loved this.' So form rejections with minor tweaking, can be resubmitted elsewhere. No harm done.
The editor that gives you specific feedback, maybe an R & R, now those are good rejections, because you know what needs to be done to make it better. Don't argue that the editor is wrong and why your perspective is right. Revising is up to you. But if they took the time to make suggestions, its likely they want your story. I remember for 'Where is Ally?' they wanted me to cut down. I had too much backstory in the beginning. The mystery was loose, there were too many characters and the story was long. I took nine months to edit the story. Yes, that long, to perfect and change it. Some people may laugh at that. But I'm not a prolific writer and I like for the draft to simmer after I've made an edit.
I don't see any 'please never send your work to me,' rejections. Editors these days are nicer people, who don't get sadistic pleasure in rejecting your work. They have to be able to justify paying you from their meager resources, for a mere 1800 words. They just want a good story.
4. Use your pain to keep writing
Not every one of us has cancer, or is going through a divorce or has a dead pet or has survived a natural calamity. Some of us are really boring people, with uninteresting lives and the pain of rejection is not frequent. So use the pain, to craft a scene or a story or paragraph, prose, post, whatever. When I get rejected, I find myself noticing the cerulean sky, the swish of the leaves and birdsong of bulbuls- alliterations I would never use on payday. So use your pain to write, trust me, the words will flow.
5. Don't fall off the wagon
If you have set a daily word count or a deadline, you're aiming for, keep at it. There's no need to completely stop writing. Keep going, if its any consolation, the piling rejections, are only evidence that you're out there, creating, drafting, submitting and revising. And if you've watched a game of football, the attacking side, that pounds the opposition over and over and over, that has shot after shot on goal, finally finds the back of the net. That's when my dad says, 'the goal is coming.'
And I couldn't agree more, rejections can mean, that the goal is coming. If you're keeping at your craft and working on it, your goal of publishing is coming. Don't give up.
6. Its not the end of the world
While rejections are painful, its not the end of the world. Its not like you've lost a kidney, or are a Syrian refugee. There are worse problems in the world. So put on some music, dance a little and get back to writing. Remember it takes only one yes, to make it.
Song on my playlist: Magic in the Air by Ahmed Chawki
April 30, 2016
Getting Professional Author Photos Made: A few tips
So after my first official author shoot. I must say its not easy. According to me, you need three qualities to photograph well.
1. Good Looks 2. Good Looks and 3. Good Looks.
I don't have any of those qualities, so I was quite nervous when I spoke to my photographer Tejaswini Manerikar. She however, wasn't worried.
We planned and executed the whole thing in three days and I must say, it takes quite a few brain cells to come up with a good finished product.
The reason I'm writing this is because, I want other authors to learn from my mistakes. I wish I had a few of these tips before I went ahead and did my shoot. I did follow some advice from Creative Penn's website where Joanna Penn had some great information on this.
Here are a few additional tips, that I hope will help.
1.Planning
The first thing is to google author images you like. What suits you better? Do you want it indoors or outdoors? I didn't want an indoor shoot, the natural light is not good at my house despite beautiful french windows. The tall tress just smother any light coming in. I was pretty sure I didn't want library or bookshelf photos either. So ask yourself, do you want fun, serious, photos against a wall or on the stairs, with a book, closeups or full verticals? Convey this to your photographer. It seems silly when you first discuss it, but your photographer will take you very seriously, like mine did. I remember feeling so embarrassed saying I want it with that away look etc, but she didn't laugh.
2. Do the legwork and be open to ideas
Narrow down a list of ten photos or poses you like and swap them with your photographer (also send you own photo-so they know what you look like). I did this with Tejaswini on Friday night and we both had some similar pictures. But it means that you need to go through the tons of pictures out there and save them. Don't expect the photographer to get a dream of what you want. Do the legwork yourself, it helps her/him so much that you know what you want. Also be open to ideas. My photographer had done shoots before, so she knew what poses would work for me, what props to carry along. Don't reject her ideas. One of my photos writing, which I love, I'd never have thought of it, but she did and it turned out great.
3. Iron out details
We do this for our books, why not for real life? Details, Details, Details. What places are you going to go to? What time will the light be best, for me it was the slightly after dawn light that worked for my complexion. So that's the time we picked. Also costume, is there place to change, especially if outdoors? I carried a scarf, my jacket and a separate blouse, just in case. I ended up using two of those three things to change it up. Also do you have a colour scheme? All my books so far have been in shades of black and red, so that's what I wanted. Discuss this with your photographer. Mine actually found a red wall to photograph against. Talk about being creative!
4. Carry everything
Apart from your water bottle and deodorant, I would say carry all your makeup, a hairbrush and your tiny mirror. You know when they say less is more, for a photo shoot its exactly the opposite. I wore a ton of makeup, so much so, commuters were wondering where the hell I was going so early in the morning decked up. But believe me, for an outdoor shoot, the foundation gets lighter (I used MAC)
and the lipstick gets eaten up. So retouch. Tejaswini, was kind enough to say, 'I think you need to brush your hair,' when the wind made it look like I was some banshee or 'retouch this or that.'
5. Its okay to feel awkward.
Despite it being early in the morning and no crowds, it was kinda hard for me, to smile and pretend, when people walked past, mocked or snickered. In fact I have new respect for those who do this for a living, getting photographed. Its tough. We started out very awkward, she coaxed a little, and kept reassuring me, 'its fine,' but I didn't know what to do with my hands or legs, so practice that before hand, in the mirror. The only thing I had practiced was smiling and thank God I did, otherwise I would have that loony, polyteethemic look.
6. Take breaks
I can't stress this enough. Its important to take breaks, we had a two hour shoot, changing locations, she even bought me sugar cane juice (wink), but its important to take breaks. Smiling and posing saps away your energy. When I was tired or bored even, Tejaswini suggested a break and after that the photos appeared much better. She also used it as an opportunity, to show me what we'd done and which photographs I'd like. Remember you may think, that your photographer is taking way too many snaps. Don't worry its never enough, the more, the better. You want perfect photos. To get that just, oh so perfect one, hundred bleh ones have to be taken.
7. Photograph sets
I searched for a lot of photographers everywhere I went, the Rockaways, Mt Vernon and Brooklyn, and a lot of them will charge you a ton for one or two pictures, which is quite crazy. You want a set of pictures to upload on multiple sites for the rest of the year. I have short stories and medical articles, each of them would require different photos, from the ones I would put on a book jacket or book sellers site. So try to get a set.
8. Photoshop
I allowed editing of the background, but didn't allow Photoshop. Because lets be honest, I live in the real world where my patients, friends and fans see me everyday. My ice pick acne scars aren't going to disappear. When people see me in real life and they will, as long as I'm walking on God's green earth, they will notice that I don't look like the photo shopped pictures. I don't want to deceive anyone, besides, photo shopping makes me look like I'm another species- straight out of one of my short stories. I wanted honest pictures that people buying my work could relate to, I'm not headlining Vogue.
9. Sit down and go through the pictures
Your photographer will give you a chance to select what you like, but she will screen out the bad ones. So tell her which ones you prefer. I told Tejaswini, that I looked like a headmistress in some of mine, so I asked for a few softer images, where I'm all teeth.
10. Pricing
Always remember that you don't have spend a bomb for an author shoot. Meet and speak with freelance photographers, they're usually not as expensive, and they have time to talk to you. Moreover since they're building a name for themselves, they are more creative and generous.
I hope this helps someone, anyone out there. If it does let me know, it will make my day.
Song on my playlist: Be thou my Vision - Selah
Drama I recommend: Ms. Temper and Nam Jung Ki
1. Good Looks 2. Good Looks and 3. Good Looks.
I don't have any of those qualities, so I was quite nervous when I spoke to my photographer Tejaswini Manerikar. She however, wasn't worried.
We planned and executed the whole thing in three days and I must say, it takes quite a few brain cells to come up with a good finished product.
The reason I'm writing this is because, I want other authors to learn from my mistakes. I wish I had a few of these tips before I went ahead and did my shoot. I did follow some advice from Creative Penn's website where Joanna Penn had some great information on this.
Here are a few additional tips, that I hope will help.
1.Planning
The first thing is to google author images you like. What suits you better? Do you want it indoors or outdoors? I didn't want an indoor shoot, the natural light is not good at my house despite beautiful french windows. The tall tress just smother any light coming in. I was pretty sure I didn't want library or bookshelf photos either. So ask yourself, do you want fun, serious, photos against a wall or on the stairs, with a book, closeups or full verticals? Convey this to your photographer. It seems silly when you first discuss it, but your photographer will take you very seriously, like mine did. I remember feeling so embarrassed saying I want it with that away look etc, but she didn't laugh.
2. Do the legwork and be open to ideas
Narrow down a list of ten photos or poses you like and swap them with your photographer (also send you own photo-so they know what you look like). I did this with Tejaswini on Friday night and we both had some similar pictures. But it means that you need to go through the tons of pictures out there and save them. Don't expect the photographer to get a dream of what you want. Do the legwork yourself, it helps her/him so much that you know what you want. Also be open to ideas. My photographer had done shoots before, so she knew what poses would work for me, what props to carry along. Don't reject her ideas. One of my photos writing, which I love, I'd never have thought of it, but she did and it turned out great.
3. Iron out details
We do this for our books, why not for real life? Details, Details, Details. What places are you going to go to? What time will the light be best, for me it was the slightly after dawn light that worked for my complexion. So that's the time we picked. Also costume, is there place to change, especially if outdoors? I carried a scarf, my jacket and a separate blouse, just in case. I ended up using two of those three things to change it up. Also do you have a colour scheme? All my books so far have been in shades of black and red, so that's what I wanted. Discuss this with your photographer. Mine actually found a red wall to photograph against. Talk about being creative!
4. Carry everything
Apart from your water bottle and deodorant, I would say carry all your makeup, a hairbrush and your tiny mirror. You know when they say less is more, for a photo shoot its exactly the opposite. I wore a ton of makeup, so much so, commuters were wondering where the hell I was going so early in the morning decked up. But believe me, for an outdoor shoot, the foundation gets lighter (I used MAC)
and the lipstick gets eaten up. So retouch. Tejaswini, was kind enough to say, 'I think you need to brush your hair,' when the wind made it look like I was some banshee or 'retouch this or that.'
5. Its okay to feel awkward.
Despite it being early in the morning and no crowds, it was kinda hard for me, to smile and pretend, when people walked past, mocked or snickered. In fact I have new respect for those who do this for a living, getting photographed. Its tough. We started out very awkward, she coaxed a little, and kept reassuring me, 'its fine,' but I didn't know what to do with my hands or legs, so practice that before hand, in the mirror. The only thing I had practiced was smiling and thank God I did, otherwise I would have that loony, polyteethemic look.
6. Take breaks
I can't stress this enough. Its important to take breaks, we had a two hour shoot, changing locations, she even bought me sugar cane juice (wink), but its important to take breaks. Smiling and posing saps away your energy. When I was tired or bored even, Tejaswini suggested a break and after that the photos appeared much better. She also used it as an opportunity, to show me what we'd done and which photographs I'd like. Remember you may think, that your photographer is taking way too many snaps. Don't worry its never enough, the more, the better. You want perfect photos. To get that just, oh so perfect one, hundred bleh ones have to be taken.
7. Photograph sets
I searched for a lot of photographers everywhere I went, the Rockaways, Mt Vernon and Brooklyn, and a lot of them will charge you a ton for one or two pictures, which is quite crazy. You want a set of pictures to upload on multiple sites for the rest of the year. I have short stories and medical articles, each of them would require different photos, from the ones I would put on a book jacket or book sellers site. So try to get a set.
8. Photoshop
I allowed editing of the background, but didn't allow Photoshop. Because lets be honest, I live in the real world where my patients, friends and fans see me everyday. My ice pick acne scars aren't going to disappear. When people see me in real life and they will, as long as I'm walking on God's green earth, they will notice that I don't look like the photo shopped pictures. I don't want to deceive anyone, besides, photo shopping makes me look like I'm another species- straight out of one of my short stories. I wanted honest pictures that people buying my work could relate to, I'm not headlining Vogue.
9. Sit down and go through the pictures
Your photographer will give you a chance to select what you like, but she will screen out the bad ones. So tell her which ones you prefer. I told Tejaswini, that I looked like a headmistress in some of mine, so I asked for a few softer images, where I'm all teeth.
10. Pricing
Always remember that you don't have spend a bomb for an author shoot. Meet and speak with freelance photographers, they're usually not as expensive, and they have time to talk to you. Moreover since they're building a name for themselves, they are more creative and generous.
I hope this helps someone, anyone out there. If it does let me know, it will make my day.
Song on my playlist: Be thou my Vision - Selah
Drama I recommend: Ms. Temper and Nam Jung Ki
April 26, 2016
Rockaway Quietus: 1
Since I've spent a significant time in the Far Rockaways, I couldn't help but be inspired. So in order to reward my readers, I'm offering Rockaway Quietus free on Wattpad.
Its an ongoing mystery, where I will post two chapters every week (Monday), so that you can enjoy something of my latest. The book cover is an actual view of the ocean from a home on the islet.
Read and let me know what you think, I don't mind making it an interactive mystery. I hope you have as much fun reading it, as I did writing it. Also tell me what you think of my book cover.
Do check it out. Happy Reading!
Song on my playlist: Reta Ceol's Jerusalem of Gold (Haunting but sad)
Its an ongoing mystery, where I will post two chapters every week (Monday), so that you can enjoy something of my latest. The book cover is an actual view of the ocean from a home on the islet.
Read and let me know what you think, I don't mind making it an interactive mystery. I hope you have as much fun reading it, as I did writing it. Also tell me what you think of my book cover.
Do check it out. Happy Reading!
Song on my playlist: Reta Ceol's Jerusalem of Gold (Haunting but sad)
April 22, 2016
Review: The Embers by Hyatt Bass
Everyone knows that I had 'The Embers' -by Hyatt Bass on my to-read shelf for seven years. I hoped to get it as a Christmas gift, but nobody thought books are great gifts, so I ended up buying this myself. I feel the blurb was misleading. From the jacket description I thought this would be about Thomas's suicide. I was wrong on many counts. His death was not self inflicted.
What was the aim of the book? I think the family is on some sort of quest for redemption. They're all guilt of something. The women in this book Laura and Emily, I hated them with a vengeance. there's not one nice thing about them that I'd say makes them human. If I read this, it was for Joe. His experience, his loss and his hurt, just make it all worthwhile.
When I started reading this, the points of view kept changing, the head hopping was jarring for me so I put the book down. Once I crossed page seventy and Joe's POV came in I settled in and read this on my flight from NY to Paris.
The Ascher family has broken up and moved on from the death of their only son Thomas. As they reunite for Emily's wedding, their pasts come to the fore, and the role each played as Thomas passed away. The men in the family know their women are eccentric, too opinionated, too stubborn, too self centered and still loved. Yet as the author brings each characters inner thoughts forward, it makes you think how important communication is in a marriage, in a family and in relationships.
The best part is Ms Bass vocalizing the inner turmoil of her protagonists, their inner conflicts and for that reason alone I think its a wonderful read. Hope you can too!
Movie I recommend: Concussion (Fantastic movie, with research evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy)
Song on my playlist: SS301Pain,
April 11, 2016
Review: Killing Jesus: A history
Killing Jesus: By Bill O'Reilly and Martin Duggard
Wow! When I first started reading this, it was like a documentary of the assassination of Kennedy. True enough the authors have written a book on the subject. This is however a very accurate chronology of events. It has plenty of facts written down, without being preachy.
So you can make of it what you will but its fact.
The book is what it says, history being recounted, yet, in a very vivid style. You can almost touch the soft lime rock, hear the crowds of Jerusalem and feel the fabric of life. The introduction sets the tone of the book, which I think gives it so much depth. That of the Roman ethos at the time and the political situation that largely influenced all the decisions of the key players in the story.
The benevolence of Caesar, his grief for Pompey, are subtle details of the king that paint a different picture of him, one that you wouldn't read in a history text.
Following that is the admission of one of the the very own in the Sanhedrin, that if Jesus is an ordinary man his movement will die out, but if He's from God, they might have been fighting God himself. Its considerable food for thought, given that the Man did garner over a billions followers. Wonder what they think of it now?
The book also highlights the humanity of Jesus, so often we think of some divine form. But the book tells how he used the bark to brush teeth, or used the lavatory, a simple hole in the mud. It just makes me think of Him, as so much like us. Humanized.
I didn't entirely agree with the sketch of Herod Antipas as explained in the book. There are texts that say that he revered John the Baptist. That he felt convicted by his teachings and knew he was a holy man. Yes, he did kill to save face, but I think he did it with great sorrow, because he did keep John alive in his prisons for as long as he could, when he just as easily could have killed him, much earlier if he wanted to. Herodias, wanted to force his hand in the situation, she wanted him out of the way.
Judas Iscariot, to me believed he was called to reveal the kingship of Jesus. I think his is the saddest lot. How I wish he had taken the road of Peter and done something great. After all he did believe like Herodias, that he better force Jesus to reveal his kingship now, unknown to him that it would result in his death. The description of Judas here is a little different from the commentaries, probably more negative, but his circumstances are similar in description.
And why would anyone believe that Jesus would be killed? The rules were pretty clear, no trial after dark, wait twenty hours before sentencing, man to be provided a chance to prove his innocence. But nothing about his trial was fair. The book lays out these rules in clear details. It explains the trial laws, the timings, the decisions and how the powers that be manipulated the situation to suit themselves much like it happens today.
I often wondered where were all those people who welcomed Him on the donkey on Palm Sunday. How did they disappear when their king is crucified. The book explains that all of those people were busy getting ready for the Passover, last minute elaborate cleaning to purify their homes. Moreover this was a wealthy part of the city, none of Jesus followers (ordinary middle class and poor) would be allowed here. Its these tiny details which raise this book.
The most striking thing about reading this is the realization - how can humanity be so brutal? Brother killing brother? How did these esteemed high priests live with themselves knowing they killed an innocent man, even Annas was impressed with Jesus and his wit. He knew of his miracles. Did he realize he was pitting himself against divinity?
That said Annas and Pilate, all gave into political pressure, the lust of their power had blinded them. They'do anything to hold on to that seat of power.
Yet if anything this book shows that history repeats itself, today's times are no different, bloodshed continues, we turn away as wars are fought, we've become immune to the murder of innocent people.
Anybody in political office should read this. Its a stellar read which has science to back up the hematidrosis, the blood and water being of pericardial and pleural fluid, the comet the Magi followed. Its all there. Jesus was a real man. His times and ours haven't changed much. His message then is still applicable now. This book proves it.
Song on my playlist: Roxette- It must have been love- listen to it here
Drama I'm watching: Vera (love this)
April 4, 2016
'Nuff said
esmartass.comThis is kinda true for most of the world leaders. I mean honestly what are they really doing?
A new spring is here, though its still cold. Cherry blossoms everywhere, so pretty. Happy spring!
Song on my playlist: Flashlight Jessie J- check out this duet version here.
Em tua Presenca(This is an Adoration hymn in Portuguese, I'm learning lots of it since my parish is largely Portuguesa, I heard this and fell in love with it. The best version is embedded here. Check it out. ) This is a video of the RIO World Youth Day. Don't forget this year Pope Francis and the Catholic Youth go to Krakow, Poland.
March 8, 2016
Review of The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
The Art of Racing in the Rain*****This is fantastic. I would give it ten stars out of five. This should be recommended reading for all Formula One drivers, given their current bickering on the circuit. I loved this book.
One because I loved Senna. I believe he's one of the greatest drivers ever. And I agree with the author about Senna, in life and in death, he was truly enigmatic. It never rained on him.Written from a dog Enzo's point of view, this book is hilarious, a little sad and had me laughing out loud. Its vivid and beautiful. Full of alliterations and irony. I loved how the book closes as well. All in all, its a fantastic read. Recommended for all. I can't stop gushing about it.
As Denny struggled with a messy custody battle, his dog watched him finish the race. If you're a formula one lover, you will love this book, if you love dogs, you will love this book and if you love underdogs, you will love this book.
If you must know details, this book follows Enzo, a dog plucked from his farmland home in Spangle to the urbane Seattle where Denny, a racing enthusiast and driver lives. He grows up watching Denny's family grow, his marriage and his child. Enzo believing, 'he practically birthed her.'
Everything a dog experiences and probably thinks is in this book as he explains, how he will become a man in his next life. And all that he's doing now is preparation. When Denny loses custody of his daughter, Enzo influences his decision, stays by him and keeps him on the straight and narrow.
Denny does win the race at the close of Enzo's life, and life comes full circle at the end. My favorite line in the book is the analogy of a good driver always focusing on the next turn. I hope I've said enough to make you want to read this. Its fabulous.
March 2, 2016
Perfume Reviews for early 2016
So its been quite some time since I've reviewed fragrances. First, because I've stuck to my signature and didn't want to stray and second, because I'm, well a coward. I don't want to splash cash on something that I'm not sure about.
These three have been my newest buys and of course, I've been using for over a month or so.
Dolce and Gabbana THE ONE
I loved this perfume. Its just the right scent for date night or special occasions. Its well balanced, more oriental with top notes of madarin and bergamot. I loved this when I first tried a tester. It lasts four hours and really is fantastic. My only recommendation when you buy this, is that when you order -this is one of the MOST faked perfumes out there.
When I bought the perfume from another vendor, it was watered down, and smelt nothing like the original. Plus the perfume wouldn't last more than an hour. If you're paying 50$ a pop you would not be mad, you'd be enraged. So if you do order this from anywhere, no matter how much you trust the dealer, sniff, and if isn't strong or long lasting, contact the seller for a refund. The bottle as you see is simple to fake and you wouldn't know the difference. Also if you're under 25 please girls, don't wear this. Its a mature, classy scent that can be labelled a signature.
Calvin Klein's One
I just realized both these perfumes are 'one.' Coincidences, but ah, you say, there's no such thing. Shall we call it Synchronicity? This is a unisex perfume. Men can use it as a cologne and it does come with a sprayer for women as well.
I love this. Its expensive at 58$, but its clean and great when you'e travelling. Its small size makes it easy to carry on flight, Plus its fresh, has that wake me up feel, like the Cinthol girl in the waterfall.
For those who like aquatic scents, given the limited choice, this could be a alternative. Top notes pineapple, mandarin orange, lemon and bergamot, mind you, it doesn't make you smell like a fruit salad. And it lasts about four hours on me. Great for everyday use, I would say for any one under 40.
And finally S.T Dupont's Passenger Cruise EDT for women
This is exactly what it says it is. Smells like the ocean, very Mediterranean, but clean and simple. Doesn't last very long though. I think in the summer the dry down is better, so don't use it for winter. Its ideal for spring or summer. Top notes include pomegranate, lemon and grapefruit.
Its covered in this white flannel material, so you don't know how much is used up. I would say this is for middle aged women, but if you're a surfer, or beach goer, it would suit you fine. This one is the cheapest of the three.
As of now that's it.
Move I recommend: Fireproof (this should be recommended as part of syllabus for Pre-Cana)
Song I recommend: If by Elsa Kopf
Book I recommend: The Art of Racing in the Rain-Garth-Stein, will post a review soon on Goodreads as well as here.
Tata everyone, Happy Lenting
February 19, 2016
February 6, 2016
Best of Jan 2016!
Source: sassyecards.comI am doing the best of the month series, since folks can't or won't backtrack to posts for recommendations.
So I'm going to do this once a month or more if time permits.
My main reviews are always going to be books, because other than sleeping, eating and working I practically spend all my time reading and writing.
So top three books for January on my reading list are:
1.Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding
2.Magnificat-Year of Mercy Companion book
3.False Impressions- Jeffrey Archer
Not going to say much about the books, my reviews are posted in my Goodreads sidebar.
Top 3 songs for Jan
1. Fasateen- Mashrou Leila
I loved the Lebanese band with its strong violin. The song's lyrics are really poignant if you look at Lebanon and its culture or love in general.
2. Demons by Sam and Max
I heard demons for the first time when Mirai Nagasu performed a stellar short program. Knowing her career and what she's been through, this song was perfect for her. And you can tell she loves this song.
3. Oceans- Where feet may fail
Oceans by Hillsong is a moving song, that for worship would be really awesome.
Its chorus 'spirit lead me, where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the water, wherever you will call me,' echoes through your soul and it can be very uplifting if you're going through a hard time.
Top Dramas/Series for Jan
1.Last Man Standing
If you love the sarcasm and wit or vote conservative, you will love this.
2. Misaeng
I have to say I re-watch this from time to time, its such a riveting drama. Its basically about office politics and alot of us who deal with it everyday can relate.
3. Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
I recently started watching this whodunit series and its great. Its got a fantastic female detective lead and she can even shoot her pistol without missing. Love it.
