Lorena Bathey's Blog, page 5
April 13, 2012
What’s your favorite word?
I love words. But not just the common everyday words. I like interesting words like loquacious. And confluence. When I met my fiancee he got under my skin because he used this word in conversation. Sensational!
I like words that describe, warm, and evoke. Words like permeate, possession, underscore, and elevate.
There doesn’t have to be a reason why a word moves you. It’s the way the sound hits your heart. The way it sounds tripping off your tongue.
Words have power. Never forget that. What you say and how you say it..well people remember that.
So don’t be a curmudgeon and trip fantastical about the plethora of words available. Just pick one and speak it.
Lorena Bathey
Author and Purveyor of Words
August 31, 2011
Words
It's amazing how many people have their own way of not only saying words but utilizing them.
And I'm not exempt..today I said I was voluptuous. But when I pronounced it I said volumptuous. I don't know why. I know how it's spelled and what it means but dang if I didn't add an M. Weird huh?
Sometimes there are just words you can't say right. My mom used to say Nakkin for napkin. She knew what it meant, how it was spelled...but that's how she said it.
Or 'breffast' as opposed to breakfast. And while it may be incorrect and would be considered an error in the world of words, it's kinda endearing and makes me smile thinking about my mom.
My son, when he was little, said 'bemember' instead of remember. I know, he was a toddler and he's supposed to mispronounce words, but still I knew he was grown up when he said remember correctly. And he knows its affect on me cause when he wants something he uses the 'bemember' out.
Of course we need to be cognizant of the weight of words and use them properly but sometimes a word that is said incorrectly can be pretty powerful in it's own right.
What words do you or someone you know say differently?
Lorena Bathey
Author, Beatrice Munson
www.LorenaBBooks.com
And I'm not exempt..today I said I was voluptuous. But when I pronounced it I said volumptuous. I don't know why. I know how it's spelled and what it means but dang if I didn't add an M. Weird huh?
Sometimes there are just words you can't say right. My mom used to say Nakkin for napkin. She knew what it meant, how it was spelled...but that's how she said it.
Or 'breffast' as opposed to breakfast. And while it may be incorrect and would be considered an error in the world of words, it's kinda endearing and makes me smile thinking about my mom.
My son, when he was little, said 'bemember' instead of remember. I know, he was a toddler and he's supposed to mispronounce words, but still I knew he was grown up when he said remember correctly. And he knows its affect on me cause when he wants something he uses the 'bemember' out.
Of course we need to be cognizant of the weight of words and use them properly but sometimes a word that is said incorrectly can be pretty powerful in it's own right.
What words do you or someone you know say differently?
Lorena Bathey
Author, Beatrice Munson
www.LorenaBBooks.com
August 23, 2011
Sniffles...
I must say that getting sick is not my idea of fun, although it's probably not anyone's idea of fun.
But I will admit that sometimes when a bug takes me down I don't mind a day or two of taking it easy on the couch and drinking too much green tea. Yet, when you have lot to do it is just annoying and frustrating.
At least today I can sit upright and do some work. But it's 1 o'clock and I can feel my head filling with the yuckies and the soup and couch calling.
Do I fight it? Do I just medicine up and suffer through? Or do I take this as a sign from above to finish reading the book on my bedside table?
What would you do?
But I will admit that sometimes when a bug takes me down I don't mind a day or two of taking it easy on the couch and drinking too much green tea. Yet, when you have lot to do it is just annoying and frustrating.
At least today I can sit upright and do some work. But it's 1 o'clock and I can feel my head filling with the yuckies and the soup and couch calling.
Do I fight it? Do I just medicine up and suffer through? Or do I take this as a sign from above to finish reading the book on my bedside table?
What would you do?
August 17, 2011
Back to school...
School will begin next week for us here in California. Oddly enough the change of not starting after Labor Day makes it kinda odd as far as seasons go.
There is no fall in the air when my kids took off this morning for walk-through and orientation. (I have a freshman and junior this year.) When they left the sun was blaring in ths sky and they were still a bit red from the sunburn they got at the beach yesterday.
Instead of purchasing sweaters and long pants we'll be uping our shorts for the beginning of the year. Not sure I like that.
Wow, two high schoolers is a reality check. I'm excited to see my little babies grow up and really interested to see where they are going to grow from here.
What makes me really happy is that both my kids love to read. My daughter would hole up in her room forever reading book after book and my son is always trying the new spy or thriller. He even has a knack for writing.
As they go back to school I know they will be filling themselves with knowledge and beginning to find their way on this big path called life. I am excited to see which way they twist and turn on the path and what they read along the way.
Lorena
There is no fall in the air when my kids took off this morning for walk-through and orientation. (I have a freshman and junior this year.) When they left the sun was blaring in ths sky and they were still a bit red from the sunburn they got at the beach yesterday.
Instead of purchasing sweaters and long pants we'll be uping our shorts for the beginning of the year. Not sure I like that.
Wow, two high schoolers is a reality check. I'm excited to see my little babies grow up and really interested to see where they are going to grow from here.
What makes me really happy is that both my kids love to read. My daughter would hole up in her room forever reading book after book and my son is always trying the new spy or thriller. He even has a knack for writing.
As they go back to school I know they will be filling themselves with knowledge and beginning to find their way on this big path called life. I am excited to see which way they twist and turn on the path and what they read along the way.
Lorena
August 15, 2011
Fun!
This last week I had fun. On a whim the busband (more than a boyfriend, more like a husband) the kids, and I headed to Magic Mountain in Southern Cal.
Oh..the anticipation as I saw all the roller coasters waiting for us. I had to temper my feet as they wanted to sprint off for the biggest coaster to be the first one to ride once the park opened.
But being in my forties I thought I should be dignified as I made my way to the lines. And I waited patiently with no shoving or pushing. But as the ride came into view..I couldn't hold it any longer.
I bounced up and down, I smiled, I laughed and said over and over, "I'm so excited." Once on the ride I giggled and held my hands up as we took off at breakneck speeds through twists and turns, over and under, and upside down.
I returned to the station with a huge smile on my face and the words, "Let's do it again."
We spent all day riding the rides and I was thrilled, chilled, and throughly scared out of my wits more than a few times.
But leaving the park with my skin sticky from the log ride and my feet aching from the miles walked through the park, I felt that indelible feeling of joy, peace, and sheer happiness.
It was a good day!
P.S. I also got an idea for a new book!!!
Oh..the anticipation as I saw all the roller coasters waiting for us. I had to temper my feet as they wanted to sprint off for the biggest coaster to be the first one to ride once the park opened.
But being in my forties I thought I should be dignified as I made my way to the lines. And I waited patiently with no shoving or pushing. But as the ride came into view..I couldn't hold it any longer.
I bounced up and down, I smiled, I laughed and said over and over, "I'm so excited." Once on the ride I giggled and held my hands up as we took off at breakneck speeds through twists and turns, over and under, and upside down.
I returned to the station with a huge smile on my face and the words, "Let's do it again."
We spent all day riding the rides and I was thrilled, chilled, and throughly scared out of my wits more than a few times.
But leaving the park with my skin sticky from the log ride and my feet aching from the miles walked through the park, I felt that indelible feeling of joy, peace, and sheer happiness.
It was a good day!
P.S. I also got an idea for a new book!!!
August 8, 2011
It's my birthday!
Hello all,
Today is my birthday. I'm ...wait I'm not supposed to say how old I am, right?
I woke up this morning thinking about my mom. She died ten years ago at the very young age of 54 from cancer. She was an amazing woman. She was beautiful, smart, stylish, brave, and wonderful. She cooked like a chef and did parties that Bon Apetit would be able to photograph.
But the biggest thing she gave me was the love of books. She read all the time and taught me from the time I was young to love books. I always received books on my birthday, Christmas, or any other holiday. It was my gift of choice.
I think when you love to read and enjoy books it opens up whole worlds that you never can get tired of. There are so many books you probably could never read them all and there are so many new ones being written that the world of discovery is immense.
So on my birthday I think about those things I am lucky to have like the love of reading, words, and books.
And if I am lucky then today at some point I can curl up with my book and celebrate the world of literature right along with my birthday.
Today is my birthday. I'm ...wait I'm not supposed to say how old I am, right?
I woke up this morning thinking about my mom. She died ten years ago at the very young age of 54 from cancer. She was an amazing woman. She was beautiful, smart, stylish, brave, and wonderful. She cooked like a chef and did parties that Bon Apetit would be able to photograph.
But the biggest thing she gave me was the love of books. She read all the time and taught me from the time I was young to love books. I always received books on my birthday, Christmas, or any other holiday. It was my gift of choice.
I think when you love to read and enjoy books it opens up whole worlds that you never can get tired of. There are so many books you probably could never read them all and there are so many new ones being written that the world of discovery is immense.
So on my birthday I think about those things I am lucky to have like the love of reading, words, and books.
And if I am lucky then today at some point I can curl up with my book and celebrate the world of literature right along with my birthday.
August 6, 2011
Book Club Rocks!
Last night I attended my first book club in quite a while. I read completely the book chosen, The Memory of Running. And I brought a delicious appetizer that I'd like to say I slaved over but really I just opened some well made products.
Getting to the event was easy, meeting the women ( I didn't know them all), and easing into the evening was wonderful.
I didn't love the book...I didn't even like it all that much. But what I loved was the sharing of thoughts, ideas, and even disagreements in a mature, strong, and wonderful way.
I walked away throughly happy that I had rejoined the book club world and looking forward to our next read.
It was decided that the groups tag line was to be "booze and books"! Now that's the way to read!
Getting to the event was easy, meeting the women ( I didn't know them all), and easing into the evening was wonderful.
I didn't love the book...I didn't even like it all that much. But what I loved was the sharing of thoughts, ideas, and even disagreements in a mature, strong, and wonderful way.
I walked away throughly happy that I had rejoined the book club world and looking forward to our next read.
It was decided that the groups tag line was to be "booze and books"! Now that's the way to read!
August 2, 2011
Off to the Library...
The Library...a wonderful place indeed. Awaiting you is a world filled with stories telling about intrigue, love, happiness, food, friendship, and more.
On every shelf is a tidbit of information or a nuance that will stay with you for a lifetime.
With every book you take from the shelf and open, you smell the use permeating your senses. Almost druglike, an aura surrounds you evoking you to take those words and cuddle into a chair to read for hours.
The silence, like a chapel, reverent and holy to the essence of reading.
The ladies sitting behind the desks who are eager to help you find the name of a book even if you only have the first initial of the author's name.
The feeling of holding a stack of books, probably too big to read before the return date, but you're sure you are up to the challenge and you walk to the desk to take on the quest.
Handing over your card and hearing the thunk as the book passes over the machine. Knowing that now it is yours.
Smiling as you receive your printed list of books you endeavor to add them to your side table, as least for the next couple of weeks.
All this...for free.
On every shelf is a tidbit of information or a nuance that will stay with you for a lifetime.
With every book you take from the shelf and open, you smell the use permeating your senses. Almost druglike, an aura surrounds you evoking you to take those words and cuddle into a chair to read for hours.
The silence, like a chapel, reverent and holy to the essence of reading.
The ladies sitting behind the desks who are eager to help you find the name of a book even if you only have the first initial of the author's name.
The feeling of holding a stack of books, probably too big to read before the return date, but you're sure you are up to the challenge and you walk to the desk to take on the quest.
Handing over your card and hearing the thunk as the book passes over the machine. Knowing that now it is yours.
Smiling as you receive your printed list of books you endeavor to add them to your side table, as least for the next couple of weeks.
All this...for free.
July 27, 2011
What is a writer?
It's funny but when people ask me what I do and I answer that I'm a writer, they always seem to pause and one of two statements are made.
Either 1) I have a book I want to write or 2)What did you write?
When I hear the first answer I smile and then give the one piece of advice any writer should always give, "Write it."
Of course when I hear the second statement I tell them about my novel, Beatrice Munson. (www.LorenaBBooks.com)
It seems a lot of people have books they either want to write or think about writing. And I know the concept of writing can be fearful but truly there is only one thing you HAVE to do to be a writer....write.
Yes, it may not be great writing to start out with but that's what re-writes and editors are for. But if you have something to say, then for goodness sakes, say it. Because I guarantee that someone, somewhere is waiting to read your words.
Writing does not have to be perfect. In fact, I found many errors in the recent novel I read. Think of it as art; writing is art and like art it has imperfections. I said imperfections not horrible blazes of bad spelling and unheeded grammar rules. A few errors in any book is possible and should be looked at like brush strokes you can see in a painting.
No matter what don't be afraid to write down what you feel in your heart. And then let someone read it. Ask them to be kind, gentle, and maybe not to wear their reading glasses...but let them read it and then take their praises when they give them.
Go ahead...write!
Either 1) I have a book I want to write or 2)What did you write?
When I hear the first answer I smile and then give the one piece of advice any writer should always give, "Write it."
Of course when I hear the second statement I tell them about my novel, Beatrice Munson. (www.LorenaBBooks.com)
It seems a lot of people have books they either want to write or think about writing. And I know the concept of writing can be fearful but truly there is only one thing you HAVE to do to be a writer....write.
Yes, it may not be great writing to start out with but that's what re-writes and editors are for. But if you have something to say, then for goodness sakes, say it. Because I guarantee that someone, somewhere is waiting to read your words.
Writing does not have to be perfect. In fact, I found many errors in the recent novel I read. Think of it as art; writing is art and like art it has imperfections. I said imperfections not horrible blazes of bad spelling and unheeded grammar rules. A few errors in any book is possible and should be looked at like brush strokes you can see in a painting.
No matter what don't be afraid to write down what you feel in your heart. And then let someone read it. Ask them to be kind, gentle, and maybe not to wear their reading glasses...but let them read it and then take their praises when they give them.
Go ahead...write!
July 23, 2011
Is it the same with writers as musicians?
This morning I heard Amy Winehouse had died. I felt sadness as the song, "They Tried to Make Me Go To Rehab" went through my head. Instantly I thought that she probably should've gone to rehab because I surmised that the cause of death would be drugs since her battle with illicit narcotics was very public. The others in the coffee store were reaching the same conclusion. My sadness grew as the store was playing her music and while listening to the songs she had written and her striking voice I couldn't help but feel a sorrow for that voice which had such power and soul infused in it.
Returning home from errends I hit the computer and saw that there is actually a 27 Club. This is for musicians that have died at 27 and they were great musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison.
Got me thinking, is there such a thing for writers too?
So I did some investigating. No such thing seems to be true of writers, although I guess there could be a 29 Club with Anne Bronte and Stephen Crane (Red Badge of Courage). Or maybe a 30 Club with Emily Bronte and Sylvia Plath. But not the same amount of writers die at the same age as musicians. Werid, huh?
Although, if you think about it many of these amazing musicans were writers so I guess that says it all.
So what is it about the age of 27 that sends these superstars spiraling out of orbit? Maybe we'll never know, but what is certain is that they lived too short and have left a mark on all who listen to their music.
To the family of Amy Winehouse I send my condolences.
Returning home from errends I hit the computer and saw that there is actually a 27 Club. This is for musicians that have died at 27 and they were great musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison.
Got me thinking, is there such a thing for writers too?
So I did some investigating. No such thing seems to be true of writers, although I guess there could be a 29 Club with Anne Bronte and Stephen Crane (Red Badge of Courage). Or maybe a 30 Club with Emily Bronte and Sylvia Plath. But not the same amount of writers die at the same age as musicians. Werid, huh?
Although, if you think about it many of these amazing musicans were writers so I guess that says it all.
So what is it about the age of 27 that sends these superstars spiraling out of orbit? Maybe we'll never know, but what is certain is that they lived too short and have left a mark on all who listen to their music.
To the family of Amy Winehouse I send my condolences.
