Love of Writing discussion
Writer's Block Café
I have noticed that many writers are also creative in other ways, too. Almost every afternoon, you will find me in my basement studio cutting, filing, taping, and soldering glass.
Mod
As in stained glass? Do you have a business on the side?
My husband and I use to live in Havre de Grace, Maryland, a really old city on the Chesapeake Bay North East of Baltimore. We lived there for five years. The city was incorporated in 1785. There is the Concord lighthouse there that we enjoyed going to when we took walks to the promenade along the water. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2322237...
Anyway what I'm getting at, you can imagine that some of the houses are very old. They have many Victorian style houses. This web site is an example of the housing there; scroll down to see stained glass windows.
https://www.oldhousedreams.com/2011/0...
Since I was a child, I had an interest in old chiming clocks. In the late 1970s, I saw an ad in the Wall Street Journal about a clock collection for sale. For $100.00 one could order one old piece, sight unseen, and hope for the best. I loved my old wall clock and soon it was chiming in the dining room wall. About three days later, a loud noise woke us up. A search of the house did not reveal anything out of order until my eyes rested on the clock. It was leaning to the right, the result of a broken spring. This sad event did not spoil my interest and soon I had acquired two more clocks from a collector, in perfect condition-- to be followed by others of USA or foreign origin. As I continued pursuing my banking career, I spent some of my free time buying and restoring various antiques including writing instruments, all the while hoping to make this my business after retirement. And, yes, earlier than planned, I did just that by opening Antiques are Forever. If I liked a clock or pen in need of repairs, I bought them which led to my dedicating a room for antiques restoration. I bought many books and materials and loved to see a “dead” clock or pen working again. This is a condensed version of what transpired and the joys of discovery and restoration of once beautiful pieces. Nothing beats creation—the foundation of any productive economy.
Mirta, I bought a German wall clock when I was stationed there in the 60's. I was told it was made between 1805 - 1815. I think it is called a Grandmother clock. It is on my wall and in full working condition. Any idea what it is worth? I was thinking of selling it to a local antique store, hoping to get about $300.
Terry, I hope I can help you to find the approximate value of your German clock. Too many things have happened since I closed shop, i.e., antiques are being replaced for the most part for new everything—more prevalent in some USA states than others. With that in mind, it follows that prices have also dropped for most items. While the rare collectibles tend to hold their values depending on condition, mass-produced items such as some clocks are not doing as well. Then, again, demand commands. Now, about your clock. You think it is a grandmother clock, meaning it is a floor model smaller in size than the grandfather one. While the latter one is taller, either model came in different sizes—some larger ones do not fit the ceiling height of some homes. In the then young America, clocks were mass-produced with cheaper materials than some foreign brands but at very low, competitive prices (refer to the old Sears catalogue—early 1900s); conversely, the centuries-old French clocks had elaborate bronze cases, barrels and fittings. And the movements received medals for their quality. Other countries also manufactured beautiful, expensive mantel, wall or floor clocks. There is more to be said about antique clocks but now you have an idea of where I am coming from. Since books are no longer reliable for prices, I would suggest that you start with a “generic” internet search of your clock, for example, “Images of antique German grandmother (or grandfather) clocks.” While you will see quite a few grandmother/grandfather clocks, they will include wall clocks which may not be what you are looking for (If it hangs "on your wall," then it is a wall clock; if it stands against the wall and it is the smaller size, it may be a grandmother clock). Also, trying more than one browser will yield different picture samples for you to compare to yours. When you have a better idea of what type of clock you have, use the description to start a new search in EBay. There they have plenty of choices and most have a good description as to type of wood, veneers, brass fittings, type of dials, condition (from a non-working movement or chimes to minor repairs needed to case and/or movements).
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I have sent out a broadcast to the group about who would like to host for the quarters next year. I can do the first quarter. Anyone up for the other 3? Time to walk to the mailbox, fix a concoction for dinner, and watch The Blacklist bluerays. And the cycle will start again tomorrow. Hope everyone is doing ok.
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I got to sleep in until almost 7 AM because Roxy didn't want to go out in the rain. Filet steak for lunch, then football on TV in the afternoon.
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I'm curious. What do you do when Roxy doesn't want to go out in the rain?
I've been buying these 20 lb. bags of mixed bird seed. I have a bird feeder hanging from my palm tree. I also put seed in a concrete statue of a cat that is sleeping with a hole where it's belly should be for the seed. Then I sprinkle seed on the patio itself below it. Fat pigeons and other small birds visit my yard every day. They have even been so bold as to walk up to my sliding glass door with their wings open and pounce against the glass if there is no seed out there. Well, I'm out of seed. I guess the cats will be pounding the glass to scare them away. :)
She is pretty good about holding it. I have stood in the garage doorway while she finds a spot and we have, on occasion, gone for a walk with umbrella if it is not raining too hard. But if she hears rain pounding the roof in the morning, she doesn't bother waking me. I have taken in another dog, Lucy, because the neighbors are not taking care of her. I feed the deer and eight ducks corn.
Glenda wrote: "TERRY wrote: "I got to sleep in until almost 7 AM because Roxy didn't want to go out in the rain. Filet steak for lunch, then football on TV in the afternoon."
I'm curious. What do you do when Rox..."
Glenda wrote: "TERRY wrote: "I got to sleep in until almost 7 AM because Roxy didn't want to go out in the rain. Filet steak for lunch, then football on TV in the afternoon."
I'm curious. What do you do when Rox..."
Mod
Wow. I don't feel so bad now spending money on bird seed. A deer, 8 ducks, and 2 dogs. God bless you for having a big heart to feed and care for those animals.
I found a small inspirational clipping on a shelf at my other computer that I work from here at home. I thought I'd share it here:
"Rather than focusing on why you can't become an author, focus on:
*Writing with emotion (Poet Robert Frost said, "No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.")
*Carving out the time to write every week
*Sharing your work with others - like a writer's group
*Finding a mentor who has been where you want to be..."
How to punctuate quotation marks in writing
Using periods and commas with quotation marks
In American usage, periods and commas typically go inside of quotation marks. When you’re quoting someone’s exact words, introduce the quote with open quotation marks, and end the quote with a period or comma and closing quotation marks.
The teacher said, “Your essay is due on Monday.”
“I am so tired,” Mom said as she sat down on the couch.
It is common to begin quotes with a comma before the opening quotation mark; however, this is not required in all writing styles. The most important thing is to keep your writing consistent. If you’re splitting a quote into two separate parts, you’ll end the first section with a comma inside of the quotes and begin the second section with another comma inside the quotes: “The problem is,” Rachel said, “no one wants to listen to anyone else’s opinion.”
Using periods and commas with quotation marks
In American usage, periods and commas typically go inside of quotation marks. When you’re quoting someone’s exact words, introduce the quote with open quotation marks, and end the quote with a period or comma and closing quotation marks.
The teacher said, “Your essay is due on Monday.”
“I am so tired,” Mom said as she sat down on the couch.
It is common to begin quotes with a comma before the opening quotation mark; however, this is not required in all writing styles. The most important thing is to keep your writing consistent. If you’re splitting a quote into two separate parts, you’ll end the first section with a comma inside of the quotes and begin the second section with another comma inside the quotes: “The problem is,” Rachel said, “no one wants to listen to anyone else’s opinion.”
Mod
Using periods and commas with quotation marks
If you’re splitting a quote into two separate parts, you’ll end the first section with a comma inside of the quotes and begin the second section with another comma inside the quotes: “The problem is,” Rachel said, “no one wants to listen to anyone else’s opinion.”
And notice that in the second section of the quote that the first word is NOT capitalized. :)
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Fred, I agree. In the times that we are living with pandemic and political unrest, people can find things that we share in common and not continually show hatred through social media. Writing not only gives us an escape, but it also allows us to write with kernels of truth and warning. Hopefully people will take it to heart for good change.
Thanks Glenda for letting me know you see that. Writing is a joy but it is not without using it as an opportunity to share things we see or know, for others to not miss who might miss it otherwise. I am not the only one with this approach to writing, I think many others who write and those who are writers do that. And such writers are needed. And we writing that way need others who read and see some of such things from that.
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I wish I could say the potato soup turned out well. I followed the recipe, and it turned out to be like a thick paste. But when I doctor it with more milk and veggies - walah! It is editable. :)
So while you're sitting in the Writer's Block Cafe, think about the next story you could be writing that includes angels or demons. In these dark days we live in, we need your stories of encouragement, how your angel(s) battled the forces of evil, saved people from accidents or suicide, and brought messages of hope.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
And I'll take my latte with vanilla-caramel creamer and whip cream on top.
What Is An Oxford Comma And When Do You Use It?
In a list of three or more items, the last comma is called the Oxford comma (or the serial comma). For example, in He bought eggs, milk, and bread, there’s a comma between each item listed. The comma before and is the Oxford comma. Not all style guides agree on whether to use the Oxford comma.
https://www.thesaurus.com/e/grammar/d...
In a list of three or more items, the last comma is called the Oxford comma (or the serial comma). For example, in He bought eggs, milk, and bread, there’s a comma between each item listed. The comma before and is the Oxford comma. Not all style guides agree on whether to use the Oxford comma.
https://www.thesaurus.com/e/grammar/d...
Mod
No, I didn't know that's what it is called. I do remember reading that the comma before the conjunctions "and", "or", "but" is optional though.
Too bad I can't order dinner at the Writer's Block Café. I need to scrounge up some dinner shortly.
POEM BY TERRY TURNER
We walk through the woods enjoying the morning.
Me and my dog Roxy who follows behind.
When a blood curdling scream comes without warning.
Our hearts start pounding, unsure of our find.
The wind moves the leaves;
is that thunder I hear?
Maybe we should leave,
as a storm may be near.
Roxy's low bark and muffled growl,
ears pointed and alert, rigid she stands.
Her eyes pierce the shadows on the verge of a howl,
how she knows something's there, I don't understand.
Another scream follows same as the first;
then a snort and feet pounding in fear.
Should we run or not, to Roxy I curse,
the menace is ever so near.
A bobcat and deer come into view.
The poor deer's chest is scratched and bleeding,
we stand in place, what else can we do,
I fear for her life and my heart is speeding.
She is determined to fight and will not be beat.
Turning her back, I thought she would run,
but she kicked at the bobcat with powerful feet.
I heard him cry out, I thought he was done.
But the cat rose from the pain and fled to the trees,
then the deer looks in our direction.
The sweat and blood glistening from her damp coat,
and I feel in some way we have a connection.
I can see she is tired, it shows in her eyes,
And her heart I see pounds in her chest.
When out of the shadows, to our surprise,
a fawn appears to suckle her breast.
Then the doe calls out with a high-pitched bleat,
I step back with Roxy, what should we do,
when from under a bush I see little feet,
and as the grass parts, there are two.
The fawns are beautiful with their furry white spots,
feeding on her breast they are hungry no doubt,
while mom lowers her head to inspect not just one,
and gives each a loving nudge with her soft wet snout.
We walk through the woods enjoying the morning.
Me and my dog Roxy who follows behind.
When a blood curdling scream comes without warning.
Our hearts start pounding, unsure of our find.
The wind moves the leaves;
is that thunder I hear?
Maybe we should leave,
as a storm may be near.
Roxy's low bark and muffled growl,
ears pointed and alert, rigid she stands.
Her eyes pierce the shadows on the verge of a howl,
how she knows something's there, I don't understand.
Another scream follows same as the first;
then a snort and feet pounding in fear.
Should we run or not, to Roxy I curse,
the menace is ever so near.
A bobcat and deer come into view.
The poor deer's chest is scratched and bleeding,
we stand in place, what else can we do,
I fear for her life and my heart is speeding.
She is determined to fight and will not be beat.
Turning her back, I thought she would run,
but she kicked at the bobcat with powerful feet.
I heard him cry out, I thought he was done.
But the cat rose from the pain and fled to the trees,
then the deer looks in our direction.
The sweat and blood glistening from her damp coat,
and I feel in some way we have a connection.
I can see she is tired, it shows in her eyes,
And her heart I see pounds in her chest.
When out of the shadows, to our surprise,
a fawn appears to suckle her breast.
Then the doe calls out with a high-pitched bleat,
I step back with Roxy, what should we do,
when from under a bush I see little feet,
and as the grass parts, there are two.
The fawns are beautiful with their furry white spots,
feeding on her breast they are hungry no doubt,
while mom lowers her head to inspect not just one,
and gives each a loving nudge with her soft wet snout.
Mod
A WAR LETTER
Dear Mom and Dad,
The war is done, my past is through,
but mom there's something great I must ask of you.
I have a friend, oh such a friend, he has no home you see,
so mom I would like to bring him home with me.
Dear Son, we don't mind if someone comes home with you,
I'm sure he could stay perhaps a week or two.
Dear Mom, there's something you must know,
now please don't be alarmed, my friend in battle recently
was hurt and lost his arm.
My Son, don't be ashamed to bring him home with you,
perhaps he could stay and visit for a day or two.
Dear Mom, but mother, he's not just a friend, he's like a brother too,
that's why I want him with us and like a son to you.
Before you give your answer mom, there's something I should say,
my friend fought in a battle in which he lost his leg.
Dear son, it hurts so much to say my answer must be No,
for your dad and I have not the time the boy is crippled so.
So months go by, a letter comes that says, "Your son has died"
and when they read the cause of death, the shock was suicide.
Days later when the casket came draped in our country's flag,
they saw their son lying there without an arm or a leg.
Author unknown
Dear Mom and Dad,
The war is done, my past is through,
but mom there's something great I must ask of you.
I have a friend, oh such a friend, he has no home you see,
so mom I would like to bring him home with me.
Dear Son, we don't mind if someone comes home with you,
I'm sure he could stay perhaps a week or two.
Dear Mom, there's something you must know,
now please don't be alarmed, my friend in battle recently
was hurt and lost his arm.
My Son, don't be ashamed to bring him home with you,
perhaps he could stay and visit for a day or two.
Dear Mom, but mother, he's not just a friend, he's like a brother too,
that's why I want him with us and like a son to you.
Before you give your answer mom, there's something I should say,
my friend fought in a battle in which he lost his leg.
Dear son, it hurts so much to say my answer must be No,
for your dad and I have not the time the boy is crippled so.
So months go by, a letter comes that says, "Your son has died"
and when they read the cause of death, the shock was suicide.
Days later when the casket came draped in our country's flag,
they saw their son lying there without an arm or a leg.
Author unknown
Thanks Glenda. I am glad you liked.
Glenda wrote: "I loved that, Terry, and I could just picture that in my mind. Based on true events?"
Glenda wrote: "I loved that, Terry, and I could just picture that in my mind. Based on true events?"
Mod
TERRY wrote: "A WAR LETTER
Dear Mom and Dad,
The war is done, my past is through,
but mom there's something great I must ask of you.
I have a friend, oh such a friend, he has no home you see,
so mom I would..."
Mod
I understand, Glenda. So sorry to hear about your brother and the cat. I already knew about Shae. May God's love envelop you during this time of sadness. Know that you are not alone.
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You might need to send me one or two every week.
Glenda wrote: ""Do you need someone to make you a paper badge with the word 'WRITER' on it before you can believe you are one?" Stephen King, On Writing"
Glenda wrote: ""Do you need someone to make you a paper badge with the word 'WRITER' on it before you can believe you are one?" Stephen King, On Writing"
Mod
Me too. I started reading Joanna Penn's ebook "The Successful Author Mindset". Authors who have written and published many books still suffer from thoughts of being a fraud or inadequate. She goes into that in the first chapter. So we are not alone.
I never give it much thought, really. Because I just write the monthly stories for fun, a hobby. Gives me something to do and keeps the old brain active. I already started on the July story. Thinking back on the June story....... I wish I had started the story in the ravine with the accident. Too late now.
Glenda wrote: "TERRY wrote: "You might need to send me one or two every week.."
Me too. I started reading Joanna Penn's ebook "The Successful Author Mindset". Authors who have written and published many books st..."
Glenda wrote: "TERRY wrote: "You might need to send me one or two every week.."
Me too. I started reading Joanna Penn's ebook "The Successful Author Mindset". Authors who have written and published many books st..."
Mod
The Porch ~
In the gathering darkness, lit by a flame
Casting its glow upon the spirit of the coming rain.
Grandmother gave me the flickering souls,
Flanking the porch I love so dear, that fill it with a
Presence only angels
Seem to hold. They see into the coming rage, and storms prevail but cannot
Augment, the beauty of the two orbits which look so much like eyes
Moving back and forth beneath the perilous sky,
Calming the storm before it hits,
Keeping my soul in place, a firmament with
Stable and implacable resilience,
Until the surges of the demonic force begin to
Die, and everything is gray and perfectly sweet again . . .
But Grandmother, the sky reflects the calm upon my face,
yet still I hate the fact that it is
YOUR candles which are the God of Light
That sheltered me from the rage tonight. I’d rather not remember where they came from, for you
Left me without a trace, you see, except for the
Stupid candle that will never dream
As you once did for me. Or make up stories for me from
Something white and totally inane. Or give me butterscotch underneath the
church pew. That was a cheap replacement, Grandma, to keep me happy, and hold the storm away from
Me.
I never knew my grandmothers. Oh, I remember their faces but that is about all. Lovely read on the poem.
Hi everyone, Thank you for the invite, Glenda! It's an honor and pleasure to be able to chat with all of you and be part of a writer's group again. I'm planning to take Glenda's invite as a sign to get help me reconnect with a part of myself that I've been sadly neglecting! Also thanks for the poem-share. Yes, 'Lady Katherine,' was the most wonderful person I've ever met, and a huge influence in my life (Glenda, I don't know if you know any of this, but she used to pull me under the covers when I was a kid and make up stories out of the top of her head. Sometimes it would go on for hours into the night!) I was probably nine or ten, maybe even older after she stopped- but then she did it with my sister. When I was a kid she was in her seventies, and had more energy than anyone I've met, saving your own grandmother. Ginger was well known for being a spark, and even though I didn't spend a whole lot of time with her, Dad was nuts about her and I know she had a ton of personality and flare.
If you want to hear more stories about Lady Katherine just ask me. I will have to put them all down to print at some point. Hoping to join in for one of your short story contests, SOON, if not this time then for next month.
Cheers!
Emerald ~
Hey again, Glenda,I'm just now getting to the point of looking at all these threads. I realize that you posted this now a month ago, but just know I am sorry to hear about all of the unrest in your home and in your heart (and praying that much of it has dissipated since you wrote this). It's been a very tumultuous and rocky year for me, too, in a lot of ways. I can totally relate to and understand the loss of a cat. Cat's are healers, and in my opinion one of the most intuitive and intelligent animals on the planet. I've had them ever since I was a baby in the crib, and even in most of my travels and my time in NYC have been compelled to adopt, because I can never be without one.
Much love ~
Hi Terry,Wow! This is SUCH a poem. Really cut me. The author is unknown? It's jarring.
Based on true events I assume? Wow, that is so beautiful . . . I'm glad the mother deer made it!
Hello Emerald. Yes it is. I have had this poem tucked away in my document folder for years. Glad to see you will join us in a monthly short story contest soon. T................
Emerald wrote: "Hi Terry,
Wow! This is SUCH a poem. Really cut me. The author is unknown? It's jarring."
Emerald wrote: "Hi Terry,
Wow! This is SUCH a poem. Really cut me. The author is unknown? It's jarring."
Well Emerald. The characters are real. My dog and I like our walks through the woods. It is not unusual to see deer along the way and I have seen Bobcat and hear them at night. I just looked out and saw a mother deer and her fawn checking to see if there was any corn left from this morning's feed. I will go out soon and give them more before bedtime. Thanks for commenting. T......
Emerald wrote: "Based on true events I assume? Wow, that is so beautiful . . . I'm glad the mother deer made it!"
Emerald wrote: "Based on true events I assume? Wow, that is so beautiful . . . I'm glad the mother deer made it!"
Mod
Thank you for the invite, Glenda! It's an honor and pleasure to be able to chat with all of you and be part of a writer's group again. I'm planning to take Glenda's invite as a sign ..."
Your comments about Catherine put a smile on my face. No, I never heard that about her that she told you stories. That is so neat. She was a special lady & my grandma Ginger too. And just yesterday Bob & I were talking about my cat Opie that died May 3rd. Bob made the comment that we should've had him euthanized on the spot after we got the news about his heart and lungs. No way! We needed to make sure of our decision and say our goodbyes. I cried again yesterday. Following Opie's death, Shae Hamrick who was an Admin in this group and who published our 31 Days of October series (see these on the bottom of our home page) that collaborated with me, passed away on Mother's Day this year. She will be missed.
I'm sorry to hear about your friend Shae. Reading and writing is bringing light back into my heart again- I do so miss doing things that I love, not just doing things to make a living!! Sigh, that seems to have become a pattern of late.
Opie sounds so sweet. She reminds me of my cat Lucy. I have to say that, hands down, Lucy is probably the most intelligent and intuitive cat I've ever seen. It's hard to earn her trust but once you do she gives you a lifetime loyalty-warranty. I know that I will be devastated one day, when we lose her. That said, I also understand your decision about how to handle the euthanasia process, for in the past, I've tried everything before taking that step with my pets because I have to make sure there's no doubt in my mind that I'm making the right choice. I can't even euthanize a fish when they get sick!! Lol. I just don't feel right doing that to another living thing- when at all possible, I like to let nature take its course.
Much love.
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Thanks, Terry. Believe it or not, I was just browsing at Amazon. In the past I've ordered a dried fruit and nut box for my mother & her husband for the holidays. I thought I'd try one so I just ordered a box. It's a healthy snack option.
Glenda I hope the doctors are able to help you with the pain. I will keep you in my prayers.
I hope your pain subsides. Take care okay...
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