So I went shopping today at Whole Foods (what else is new) for mangoes (yeah bet you didn't see that one coming) and when I go to check out, the card machine denied my card! Whole Foods had never denied me before and I couldn't figure out what was happening or why my card had suddenly turned on me when I swear I've always been nothing but nice to it. So luckily I had checks with me and got out of there and then you know what I find out....
Someone has made a copy of my bank card and they were using it buy gas in NY. Huh????? How in the world does that happen?
So luckily my bank is awesome and caught this immediately and everything will be kudos. But the wierd thing is that something just like this happened a few weeks after I got back from Scotland with another card ( a card I only used in the UK). So something fishy happened at some point when I was there.
I really want to blame this all on those credit card fraud commercials, because I never thought this could happen to me until I started watching those commercial and then I was like, OMG what if that happened to me? And BAM! Incidents of fraud in Florida and NY, my little criminal person got around. The funny thing is they didn't use my card for anything big, mostly just gas, and with the prices as they are now, I can kind of understand, but seriously, credit criminal person, NOT COOL!!!
Anyway, it's all taken care of, I'm getting a new card. So there!
On a lighter note today is my dad's birthday, so....HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!
And...revisions for chapters 1 and 2 are well underway, and chapter 3 is coming along just fine. Woohoo!!! At least I have class tonight, that's safe!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
SCBWI and other things!
So I finally made it to Friday and ended up having a wonderfully productive night, revising the new chapter 1 which I love, and writing a brand new chapter two, the reincarnated version of the crack chapter that I hated. Right now its all love for me and the book:-)
The only downfall...I was writing until 1am (which is GREAT) except I needed to wake up the next morning at 6am (that is NOT GREAT).
But I did it (yawningly).
Somehow I made it out the door in time to drive to Exton, PA for the Fall Philly SCBWI Conference. And I would have been there exactly on time at 8:15 except that my mapquest directions confused me into going North on my route's exit instead of South. I got there a little bit late....but still on time, because the program hadn't begun yet. Thankfully SCBWI events seem to run on Frankie time also.
I met up with my advisor and Joanne! I was so excited to see her and catch up. We had a few presentations from authors, editors and agents. Nothing was that new or informative I thought, and the director spent half the day complaining about how awful it was to direct this conference and how someone else needed to take over for her. That was a little bit strange I thought. However there was a talk after lunch by Lin Oliver which was golden.
Lin was one of the co-founders of SCBWI and she told us the story of how the organization came together which was hilarious and bascially two people deciding to throw a writers conference on a whim without having any idea of what they were doing at all.
She also offered a bunch of writing tips she collected from various children's author's over the years. Here, I will share them with you:-)
1. From Richard Peck: For every book you write, read 1,000. WOW is this even possible? Later on in the day Nadia Cornier from Firebrand Literary Agency said something similar, except she said to read 100 books which is far more doable. But basically, this is about reading books like a writer, analyzing your genre, trying to understand why a writer made certain decisions in their story telling and how it could have been done better.
2. Jack Gantos: Keep a journal or idea book with you at all times (omg, who doesn't do this?)
3. Judy Blume: Write the kind of book you want to read. (This is great advice, and it seems simple, but I think a lot of people try and write the book they think they should write rather than what they really want to. Another great way of saying you should stay true to yourself.
4.Paula Danziger: This one was pretty priceless. Create a character you love, think about what s/he wants most in the world, decide what's keeping them from getting it, force them to make tough and moral choices. The tougher the choice the more integrity the book has. This is very similar to a principle I try to live by in my writing by Linda Sue Park, which is that every scene in the book should bring the character either closer or further away from their goal. This is brilliantly done in A Single Shard, one of my favorite books.
5.Bruce Coville: Follow your wierdness, play around with it and take big chances.
6. Sid Fleischman says to write in scenes, so in every single setting or scene, something new happens. I think I try and do this, not sure if I succeed, but it's a good thing to keep in mind.
7. Norma Fox Mazer: She actually writes with her eyes shut. All I could think of when I heard this one was the guidance counselor in 10 Things I Hate About You, writing her smutty romance novels in between seeing students. It cracked me up, but then again, this might be great advice. Because closing your eyes brings you more into the story and you can't obsess over the structure of a sentence since you can't see it. I'm going to try this one.
8. Richard Peck: The first chapter of your book is your last chapter in disguise. When a book has been done well, this is SO true!
9. Sid Fleischman: Make sure the plot is clear (this one has a bit of a duh factor involved, but I think sometimes its easy to overconfuse your plot).
10. Susan Petron: Begin on the day that is different (this is priceless advice, and again should be obvious).
11. Sid Fleischman: In writing, nothing is wasted but the paper. This is a good thing to remember, because sometimes it can feel unproductive to write badly, or write things you won't use, but all writing is practice and makes you better. It's all worth something even if it ends up in the trash.
12. Bruce Coville: Take a lot of showers (haha). He means to do something that allows you to clear your mind, and not stress over your writing. That's when the good ideas come:-)
13. Richard Peck: Eaves drop. The best writers are the best listeners. Yep!
14. Jane Yolen: Don't talk down to anyone.
15. I don't know who said this...but don't write from childhood recollected, but from childhood revisited. Easy to do for me, since I don't feel like I'm too far away from my childhood.
16. Tomie de Paolo: You have to have courage to stay with your voice and your vision. Another be true to yourself, write what you like, but what's true for you. Lin kept talking about how she wanted to write beautiful transcendent things, but she could only do comedy. Her voice is a comedic one and she is one of the funniest speakers I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.
17. Claim your profession. This is important. Too many writers say "Oh I want to be a writer." But the truth is, if you write, you're a writer. it doesn't matter if you're published or have any idea what you're doing. If you put things on paper you are a writer. So...I am a writer.
18. This was from Lin, and I agree with it, though it sounded a little too much like a shameless plug for SCBWI events in her delivery. But basically, you shoul spend time with other writers.
So that was the conference. I got to say hi to Nadia Cornier who actually has critiqued some of my manuscript though I won't get to see what she said until probably next week. That should be interesting.
After catching up some more with Joanne, I raced back home, made a vegan chocolate cake and then drove over to Jen's for a Scottish reunion dinner which was a blast. I wish I could have stayed all night, but I was so tired and had to get up for work this morning. Working on Sunday mornings is the one downfall of my job.
And then after work, the critique group and I had an extended session which was really helpful. I'm so glad I get to bounce ideas around with them and I love reading their stories.
Afterwards I finally took a nap which I desperately needed. And now its back to work.
OOoh yeah, the vegan shoes are here! And I plan to post the vegan shoe fashion show soon. The only problem is there is something about shoes that beg for pictures outside, (you know, the place where you are supposed to wear them) and it's been raining non-stop all weekend. So hopefully I will have some pics tomorrow. The vegan boots are all great, I'm a little addicted now that I finally realized that with vegan shoes, I can have my vegan cake and eat it too!
Until tomorrow...
The only downfall...I was writing until 1am (which is GREAT) except I needed to wake up the next morning at 6am (that is NOT GREAT).
But I did it (yawningly).
Somehow I made it out the door in time to drive to Exton, PA for the Fall Philly SCBWI Conference. And I would have been there exactly on time at 8:15 except that my mapquest directions confused me into going North on my route's exit instead of South. I got there a little bit late....but still on time, because the program hadn't begun yet. Thankfully SCBWI events seem to run on Frankie time also.
I met up with my advisor and Joanne! I was so excited to see her and catch up. We had a few presentations from authors, editors and agents. Nothing was that new or informative I thought, and the director spent half the day complaining about how awful it was to direct this conference and how someone else needed to take over for her. That was a little bit strange I thought. However there was a talk after lunch by Lin Oliver which was golden.
Lin was one of the co-founders of SCBWI and she told us the story of how the organization came together which was hilarious and bascially two people deciding to throw a writers conference on a whim without having any idea of what they were doing at all.
She also offered a bunch of writing tips she collected from various children's author's over the years. Here, I will share them with you:-)
1. From Richard Peck: For every book you write, read 1,000. WOW is this even possible? Later on in the day Nadia Cornier from Firebrand Literary Agency said something similar, except she said to read 100 books which is far more doable. But basically, this is about reading books like a writer, analyzing your genre, trying to understand why a writer made certain decisions in their story telling and how it could have been done better.
2. Jack Gantos: Keep a journal or idea book with you at all times (omg, who doesn't do this?)
3. Judy Blume: Write the kind of book you want to read. (This is great advice, and it seems simple, but I think a lot of people try and write the book they think they should write rather than what they really want to. Another great way of saying you should stay true to yourself.
4.Paula Danziger: This one was pretty priceless. Create a character you love, think about what s/he wants most in the world, decide what's keeping them from getting it, force them to make tough and moral choices. The tougher the choice the more integrity the book has. This is very similar to a principle I try to live by in my writing by Linda Sue Park, which is that every scene in the book should bring the character either closer or further away from their goal. This is brilliantly done in A Single Shard, one of my favorite books.
5.Bruce Coville: Follow your wierdness, play around with it and take big chances.
6. Sid Fleischman says to write in scenes, so in every single setting or scene, something new happens. I think I try and do this, not sure if I succeed, but it's a good thing to keep in mind.
7. Norma Fox Mazer: She actually writes with her eyes shut. All I could think of when I heard this one was the guidance counselor in 10 Things I Hate About You, writing her smutty romance novels in between seeing students. It cracked me up, but then again, this might be great advice. Because closing your eyes brings you more into the story and you can't obsess over the structure of a sentence since you can't see it. I'm going to try this one.
8. Richard Peck: The first chapter of your book is your last chapter in disguise. When a book has been done well, this is SO true!
9. Sid Fleischman: Make sure the plot is clear (this one has a bit of a duh factor involved, but I think sometimes its easy to overconfuse your plot).
10. Susan Petron: Begin on the day that is different (this is priceless advice, and again should be obvious).
11. Sid Fleischman: In writing, nothing is wasted but the paper. This is a good thing to remember, because sometimes it can feel unproductive to write badly, or write things you won't use, but all writing is practice and makes you better. It's all worth something even if it ends up in the trash.
12. Bruce Coville: Take a lot of showers (haha). He means to do something that allows you to clear your mind, and not stress over your writing. That's when the good ideas come:-)
13. Richard Peck: Eaves drop. The best writers are the best listeners. Yep!
14. Jane Yolen: Don't talk down to anyone.
15. I don't know who said this...but don't write from childhood recollected, but from childhood revisited. Easy to do for me, since I don't feel like I'm too far away from my childhood.
16. Tomie de Paolo: You have to have courage to stay with your voice and your vision. Another be true to yourself, write what you like, but what's true for you. Lin kept talking about how she wanted to write beautiful transcendent things, but she could only do comedy. Her voice is a comedic one and she is one of the funniest speakers I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.
17. Claim your profession. This is important. Too many writers say "Oh I want to be a writer." But the truth is, if you write, you're a writer. it doesn't matter if you're published or have any idea what you're doing. If you put things on paper you are a writer. So...I am a writer.
18. This was from Lin, and I agree with it, though it sounded a little too much like a shameless plug for SCBWI events in her delivery. But basically, you shoul spend time with other writers.
So that was the conference. I got to say hi to Nadia Cornier who actually has critiqued some of my manuscript though I won't get to see what she said until probably next week. That should be interesting.
After catching up some more with Joanne, I raced back home, made a vegan chocolate cake and then drove over to Jen's for a Scottish reunion dinner which was a blast. I wish I could have stayed all night, but I was so tired and had to get up for work this morning. Working on Sunday mornings is the one downfall of my job.
And then after work, the critique group and I had an extended session which was really helpful. I'm so glad I get to bounce ideas around with them and I love reading their stories.
Afterwards I finally took a nap which I desperately needed. And now its back to work.
OOoh yeah, the vegan shoes are here! And I plan to post the vegan shoe fashion show soon. The only problem is there is something about shoes that beg for pictures outside, (you know, the place where you are supposed to wear them) and it's been raining non-stop all weekend. So hopefully I will have some pics tomorrow. The vegan boots are all great, I'm a little addicted now that I finally realized that with vegan shoes, I can have my vegan cake and eat it too!
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
How is it Wednesday already???
Just wondering because this week is flying by way too fast for my taste, though I guess that is good because it means the weekend is almost here. But what's not good about this week's speedy pace is that tomorrow is Thursday....meeting with my advisor and I'm not much further along than I was last Wednesday...AAAAAAHHHH!!!! I seriously don't even remember what I did last Saturday...and where did Monday go and Tuesday????? I need to keep much better track of my time and spend it writing.
I am putting out my intention right now-to have "draft 2" (I guess you can call it draft 2, though there are chapters that are like on draft 1,000) of The Seven Sisters Brandywine by the end of October! So October 31, which is perfect because that's the date that my book ends on and all the you know what hits the fan. Then I can put it away for 2 weeks, because that's what the experts say, and then revise again...again...again...NO, actually than I am going to decide on my agent and move forward. I want The Seven Sisters Brandywine in book stores Summer 2009, that's right!!!
In other news...I'm suddenly like the babysitting queen at work. I don't know when that happened...it's nice and fun and extra money (yays) but aaah I need to do work. Ok, going off to write...
Hoping the vegan shoes arrive soon. I want my vegan shoe fashion show!!
I am putting out my intention right now-to have "draft 2" (I guess you can call it draft 2, though there are chapters that are like on draft 1,000) of The Seven Sisters Brandywine by the end of October! So October 31, which is perfect because that's the date that my book ends on and all the you know what hits the fan. Then I can put it away for 2 weeks, because that's what the experts say, and then revise again...again...again...NO, actually than I am going to decide on my agent and move forward. I want The Seven Sisters Brandywine in book stores Summer 2009, that's right!!!
In other news...I'm suddenly like the babysitting queen at work. I don't know when that happened...it's nice and fun and extra money (yays) but aaah I need to do work. Ok, going off to write...
Hoping the vegan shoes arrive soon. I want my vegan shoe fashion show!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
De-Crazying and Whatnot
Ok, so I met with the fabulous ladies of my critique group who assured me that the chapter on crack was really not on crack and here and explained to me why and I feel so much better and now understand how to use the good things in that chapter with the other chapter that I kind of love...alot...and they loved it too. YES!
Also, I've been making up with a really amazing old friend and I could not be happier about this.
Had a blast in my writing class tonight. I just love it! I think creative writing classes are the best and I just want to always be enrolled in one. I had to write a story that included thirteen random objects my professor came up with including: a lima bean, a wrench, rope, a candle snuffer, measuring tape.... All completely random things that don't really go together and there was to be no cheating by creating a shopping list. I think mine turned out alright in the end. It was about a girl in therapy after she had been raped and tortured. I just said that a little too lightly. It was a very serious story actually, mostly about her dealing with the fact that she is projecting her hatred of her attacker on all males she encounters. But we shall see how my professor feels. Apparently he didn't understand my pregnancy test story:( Must fix that up!
In other super exciting news about things of which I am excited for
I'm going to the Fall Philly Society for CHildren's Book Writers and Illustrators this Saturday (YAY!) followed by dinner with my Scotland pals:-)
Also, there are several pairs of vegan shoes making their way to my house and soon there will be a fashion footwear shoe on this blog. I can't wait!!
Also, I've been making up with a really amazing old friend and I could not be happier about this.
Had a blast in my writing class tonight. I just love it! I think creative writing classes are the best and I just want to always be enrolled in one. I had to write a story that included thirteen random objects my professor came up with including: a lima bean, a wrench, rope, a candle snuffer, measuring tape.... All completely random things that don't really go together and there was to be no cheating by creating a shopping list. I think mine turned out alright in the end. It was about a girl in therapy after she had been raped and tortured. I just said that a little too lightly. It was a very serious story actually, mostly about her dealing with the fact that she is projecting her hatred of her attacker on all males she encounters. But we shall see how my professor feels. Apparently he didn't understand my pregnancy test story:( Must fix that up!
In other super exciting news about things of which I am excited for
I'm going to the Fall Philly Society for CHildren's Book Writers and Illustrators this Saturday (YAY!) followed by dinner with my Scotland pals:-)
Also, there are several pairs of vegan shoes making their way to my house and soon there will be a fashion footwear shoe on this blog. I can't wait!!
Friday, September 19, 2008
I'm A Writer, But What Do I Know?
You know that whole death of the author concept by Barthes- that once a book or any sort of writing has been written, than the author is "dead." They can not shed any light on the text or enlighten us with information or explain anything about it's meaning. They've written it, but they don't understand it and everything they say and think about it are null. The interpretation comes from us readers. End of story. While I find this concept fascinating in a sense, the idea that I can be writing something that even I don't understand, that has secret hidden meanings well beyond even my deciphering ability. But then again, we writers are not writing in a vacuum. We are pouring our hearts and souls into our works and a good deal of our life story, even thought we probably don't realize it half the time. I am constantly shocked to see how closely an event or character in my stories reflect something in my actual life even though I swore I wasn't thinking about said event or him or her at all when I was writing. So in a sense, I think for sure that we can learn a lot about a text from the author, from studying their life, their influences, etc.
All this is just fine and makes sense to me. Maybe there is more to a work than the author knows, maybe understanding their childhood reveals the secret of the text as well. But what do we as authors know about the quality of our work? Until this past week, I thought we knew a lot. I thought I knew when something I wrote was good, and when it was crap. Or maybe I thought it was good when it was crap but then I could start to see it for the crap that it was after a day or two. But the 13 page chapter I wrote (how appropriate that it was 13 pages) was, I thought, absolutely horrendous crap on crack! I thought I had somehow deleted all of my knowledge of craft and story and characterization when I wrote it and I was beyond embarassed turning it into my advisor.
So when I went to see her this week, I was bracing myself for a lecture or for the harshest critique of my life, and instead she said it was pretty good, she liked it and I was improving. WHAT!?!?!?!?!
I don't trust a lot of opinions with my work. Someone might say it's great when I know they are wrong and that's fine because I know they are wrong. And sometimes someone might say something is crap when I know for sure that they are wrong and it is good. But my advisor is someone I do trust and I feel she is usually pretty sound with her opinions and her advice. So I kind of believe her when she says that this chapter is decent. or er...good.
So now the question is...have I lost all ability to judge my own work? Does this happen to writers? Is this some new affliction to go alongside writers block. Writer's Blindness? I'm so confused. Maybe its just because this is my millionth draft of the work. I dont know. But now I'm not sure what I know. Ummmm, here's hoping that it will pass and my intuition outwits my brain in this endeavor (if intuition is capable of wit).
All this is just fine and makes sense to me. Maybe there is more to a work than the author knows, maybe understanding their childhood reveals the secret of the text as well. But what do we as authors know about the quality of our work? Until this past week, I thought we knew a lot. I thought I knew when something I wrote was good, and when it was crap. Or maybe I thought it was good when it was crap but then I could start to see it for the crap that it was after a day or two. But the 13 page chapter I wrote (how appropriate that it was 13 pages) was, I thought, absolutely horrendous crap on crack! I thought I had somehow deleted all of my knowledge of craft and story and characterization when I wrote it and I was beyond embarassed turning it into my advisor.
So when I went to see her this week, I was bracing myself for a lecture or for the harshest critique of my life, and instead she said it was pretty good, she liked it and I was improving. WHAT!?!?!?!?!
I don't trust a lot of opinions with my work. Someone might say it's great when I know they are wrong and that's fine because I know they are wrong. And sometimes someone might say something is crap when I know for sure that they are wrong and it is good. But my advisor is someone I do trust and I feel she is usually pretty sound with her opinions and her advice. So I kind of believe her when she says that this chapter is decent. or er...good.
So now the question is...have I lost all ability to judge my own work? Does this happen to writers? Is this some new affliction to go alongside writers block. Writer's Blindness? I'm so confused. Maybe its just because this is my millionth draft of the work. I dont know. But now I'm not sure what I know. Ummmm, here's hoping that it will pass and my intuition outwits my brain in this endeavor (if intuition is capable of wit).
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Focus!
I had another meeting with my wonderful adviser today to talk about the latest developments in my plot and rewrite for The Seven Sisters Brandywine and after we discussed where I stood with the publishing house I am currently talking to, I realized I need to have this book finished and revised and polished shiny like a pearl by yesterday. Now, I can't go back in time, but I think I can do this. No, I KNOW I can do this. But something has to give. Immediately after our conversation I began to wonder if maybe taking three classes this semester and working all of the jobs I currently have is the best idea. I had been set on graduating this May, but I started to wonder what graduating this May would cost me. If I need to finish my book because opportunity has come knocking on my door, than I must jump at it. Does it really matter if I take a particular class this semester or not? But having my book ready when its asked for is not something negotiable. And since my true reasons for going back to school were so I could focus on my writing and improve my skills (I can't not think of Napoleon Dynamite whenever I say the word skills), not getting my MA by such an such a date, I have decided to drop one of my classes. The idea never really occured to me before, but if I want to make my dreams come true, and have them come true now, I've got to take a few risks. Going back to school was a risk and I jumped. And so here I go, jumping again :-)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Score! Chapter 2=0 Frankie=WIN
I finally feel like my inspiration is back! I've been having a bit of trouble sitting down and fully writing out my story, although I've been doing some great work with plotting and character development (all VERY Important) but sometimes plotting doesn't feel as productive as an entirely written out chapter does. But, tonight I was able to write thirteen brand new pages of a newly plotted out chapter two. It is going to need a lot of work, but I feel really good about it, accomplished!
I decided to go ahead and make myself a playlist of songs that I felt fit my story, some that seem to symbolize certain themes and some that just remind me of particular scenes and I've been listening to it on (REALLY low) all night and I think it's done the trick, because this chapter just poured out of me. :-) I'm really excited, now I just need to do this about 24 more times and Book 1's revised draft will be complete! At least other chapters read more closely to the way they were originally written. But I am SUPER excited about this.
In other very exciting news...I found ripe mangoes today and had a feast! Yummm!
I decided to go ahead and make myself a playlist of songs that I felt fit my story, some that seem to symbolize certain themes and some that just remind me of particular scenes and I've been listening to it on (REALLY low) all night and I think it's done the trick, because this chapter just poured out of me. :-) I'm really excited, now I just need to do this about 24 more times and Book 1's revised draft will be complete! At least other chapters read more closely to the way they were originally written. But I am SUPER excited about this.
In other very exciting news...I found ripe mangoes today and had a feast! Yummm!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Strange Coincidence?
How random is it that I just met someone who happens to have their very first book coming out with the same publishing company I am working with???? Coincidence or law of attraction in action? I don't know...except that I need to kick my writing booty into even higher gear!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Wonderful Saturday!
Saturday was a pretty top notch an inspiring day for me. For one, I got to wake up and head straight over to meet with my critique group, aka the most awesome girls in the world. Every single time I leave from our meetings I feel super charged with creativity and excitement and their insight never ceases to amaze me, not to mention they are all great writers themselves. I got to discuss my new ideas for The Seven Sisters Brandywine book 3 and now I'm really pumped!
Later on, Eva Jinee and I created one of our gargantuan sized fruit salads and headed over to the Raw Harmony Potluck, this time hosted by the fabulous Jean! This was my first full out all raw dinner since before I left for Scotland and it was tasty and made my stomach happy. Jean made a really great lasagna, there were chocolate brownies, a make your own pizza station, and then chocolate, strawberry and vanilla "ice cream" made from frozen bananas with chocolate sauce. Yummy!!!! I got to meet Jean's sisters and I'm just in love with their family. Everyone was so sweet, welcoming and loving. Jean also got me to speak to the group about my raw experiences in Scotland which was fun. I left the potluck on a complete happy rawfood high that pretty much lasted me the rest of the night. I'm definitely feeling inspired to kick my raw food consumage (I think I made that word up) to a higher level. Right now I'm eating about 50-75% raw foods, the rest is vegan cooked.
So after Raw Harmony (I just love that name), I met up with Sara for a Ben Folds Five concert which turned out to be great (even though I only knew one song of theirs). After the concert and an extended walk through the unmarked grassy parking lot to find the car, we ended up dissecting all of our favorite tv shows based on whether or not we felt the writers stayed true to their characters and storyline, knew where they were going, or dropped the ball and started writing plots for the sake of ratings.
So now, I'm going to finish plotting out the Book 3, and then hopefully working on a brand new chapter 2 for Book 1. :-)
Later on, Eva Jinee and I created one of our gargantuan sized fruit salads and headed over to the Raw Harmony Potluck, this time hosted by the fabulous Jean! This was my first full out all raw dinner since before I left for Scotland and it was tasty and made my stomach happy. Jean made a really great lasagna, there were chocolate brownies, a make your own pizza station, and then chocolate, strawberry and vanilla "ice cream" made from frozen bananas with chocolate sauce. Yummy!!!! I got to meet Jean's sisters and I'm just in love with their family. Everyone was so sweet, welcoming and loving. Jean also got me to speak to the group about my raw experiences in Scotland which was fun. I left the potluck on a complete happy rawfood high that pretty much lasted me the rest of the night. I'm definitely feeling inspired to kick my raw food consumage (I think I made that word up) to a higher level. Right now I'm eating about 50-75% raw foods, the rest is vegan cooked.
So after Raw Harmony (I just love that name), I met up with Sara for a Ben Folds Five concert which turned out to be great (even though I only knew one song of theirs). After the concert and an extended walk through the unmarked grassy parking lot to find the car, we ended up dissecting all of our favorite tv shows based on whether or not we felt the writers stayed true to their characters and storyline, knew where they were going, or dropped the ball and started writing plots for the sake of ratings.
So now, I'm going to finish plotting out the Book 3, and then hopefully working on a brand new chapter 2 for Book 1. :-)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Total Randomness
So lately I've been mentally cataloguing strange and random things that I have seen or that are happening to me for just, you know, amusement. These things included seeing a woman getting married in a green wedding dress by the edge of Tookany Creek, and a man in a parking lot with a SERIOUS mullet that I could not stop staring at because it was so wierd and I'd just had a conversation with someone about whether or not mullets would ever come back into style.
But today, it's official, I've had the most random moment EVER! So...here's the scoop:-) I was walking into B&N to get a soy latte before I headed off to class and as I was walking in, a man on a bike appeared and said, "Excuse me, but can I ask you just one question?"
Since I wasn't in a total rush, I said, "sure."
So then he says (I'm NOT making this up!) "Have you ever seen the movie, Honey I Shrunk The Kids? You know the movie where the guy shrinks all the kids really small?
Me (laughing): Yeah, a really long time ago.
Guy: Ok, well what if I told you that this morning, you somehow shrunk me as small as those kids and I was crawling up your hair.
Me (mouth hanging open): ????????????????
Guy: What kinds of problems would I encounter in your hair.
Me: Ummmmm well I guess you might get tangled in my hair?
Guy:Ok, but what else? What would that be like, what would I have to worry about?
Me: Ok, well what if I brush my hair. I might brush you out. Or if I wash my hair and shampoo it, that could be an issue for you.
Guy: What if you brushed me out of your hair, then what kinds of problems might I have in your hairbrush?
Me (thinking, is this conversation over yet?????????????): You know, that's really very interesting to think about, but I have no clue. So uh...(heading for the door) you have a nice night.
Guy: Yeah, you too, it was nice to talking to you.
Me: BYE! (Runs into store like a crazy person) OMG I NEED A LATTE.
Ok seriously!!! That was my encounter, word for word, none of my writerliness is enhancing it. So yeah....anyone else have any total random encounters of late? Because I'd like to see who can beat out my shrunken man lost in my hair convo. :-)
But today, it's official, I've had the most random moment EVER! So...here's the scoop:-) I was walking into B&N to get a soy latte before I headed off to class and as I was walking in, a man on a bike appeared and said, "Excuse me, but can I ask you just one question?"
Since I wasn't in a total rush, I said, "sure."
So then he says (I'm NOT making this up!) "Have you ever seen the movie, Honey I Shrunk The Kids? You know the movie where the guy shrinks all the kids really small?
Me (laughing): Yeah, a really long time ago.
Guy: Ok, well what if I told you that this morning, you somehow shrunk me as small as those kids and I was crawling up your hair.
Me (mouth hanging open): ????????????????
Guy: What kinds of problems would I encounter in your hair.
Me: Ummmmm well I guess you might get tangled in my hair?
Guy:Ok, but what else? What would that be like, what would I have to worry about?
Me: Ok, well what if I brush my hair. I might brush you out. Or if I wash my hair and shampoo it, that could be an issue for you.
Guy: What if you brushed me out of your hair, then what kinds of problems might I have in your hairbrush?
Me (thinking, is this conversation over yet?????????????): You know, that's really very interesting to think about, but I have no clue. So uh...(heading for the door) you have a nice night.
Guy: Yeah, you too, it was nice to talking to you.
Me: BYE! (Runs into store like a crazy person) OMG I NEED A LATTE.
Ok seriously!!! That was my encounter, word for word, none of my writerliness is enhancing it. So yeah....anyone else have any total random encounters of late? Because I'd like to see who can beat out my shrunken man lost in my hair convo. :-)
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