Mental Meanderings (Book) http://www.Writing.Com/main/books.php/item_id/954458/action/archive If you're reading here you've probably noticed that I haven't blogged very much lately. The truth is, I'm rarely online here on WDC. My freelance writing keeps me busy and I move in different circles now thanks to my other blog, The Writer's Round-About ([Link: 'http://www.writersroundabout.com']) That blog is going stronge...[Read Full Post] Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:13:59 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/562670 I really enjoyed the five facts PlaidEarthworm covered at Squiggle ([Link: 'http://plaidearthworm.blogspot.com/2007/12/in-orbit.html']) so I thought I'd tag myself for the meme and see what I learn (and share) about myself with some little tidbit facts about me. Link to the tagger and post these rules on your blog. Share five facts about y...[Read Full Post] Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:39:46 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/554872 Well it's been a long time since I regaled you all with useless tidbits of semi-reliable information but I figured you're all long overdue for an intriguing update. So, without further ado I present another captivating Libra Odd Spots episode, brought to you by Rebecca Laffar-Smith: # 295 - A lobster's kidneys are in its forehead and it...[Read Full Post] Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:49:00 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/554826 I really enjoyed the idea of this meme that Michele posted in her blog Writing the Cyber Highway ([Link: 'http://writingthecyberhighway.blogspot.com/2007/12/weekend-fun-with-alphabet.htm...'] so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm looking forward to seeing what I come up with each letter. Here are the rules: List a word that describes ...[Read Full Post] Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:16:13 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/554275 A friend of mine posted up some weekend fun and I thought I'd share it with my friends here. Apparently I'm ***A Good Friend Because I'm Supportive*** Do you want to know what kind of friend you are? Check out this interesting quiz: [Link: 'http://www.blogthings.com/whatmakesyouagoodfriendquiz/'] What's your result? Do you think y...[Read Full Post] Mon, 26 Nov 2007 02:45:48 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/551607 Do you ever deal with fear when it comes to your writing? I wanted to share this one with my friends at WDC as well as those that frequent The Writer's Round-About. I'd love your feedback. How do you deal with fear and do you ever experience it like this? Let me know your thoughts (either here or join the conversation on the main blog!) [Link:...[Read Full Post] Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:06:33 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/549856 *chuckles* Another much delayed Meme response thanks to Michele ([Link: 'http://writingthecyberhighway.blogspot.com']) who seems to be the only one who has been tagging me lately. 8 things I'm passionate about: 1. Writing and Reading (and the world's literacy) 2. Education (and the people's right to learn) 3. My Kids / Fa...[Read Full Post] Tue, 06 Nov 2007 06:42:26 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/547199 Ok, this Meme looks remarkably familiar. Michele ([Link: 'http://writingthecyberhighway.blogspot.com/']) tagged me with "8 Things That Make Me, Me" last month so I guess this Meme is doing the rounds. I'll see if I can come up with seven more things you mightn't have known about me. 1. My bloodgroup is B Positive...[Read Full Post] Tue, 06 Nov 2007 05:12:21 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/547192 Michele of Writing The Cyber Highway ([Link: 'http://writingthecyberhighway.blogspot.com']) has been tagging me for these meme's but I keep putting them off. No longer! I must respond and challenge my other blogger friends to reciprocate. First, "If you had an extra hour each day, what would you write?" I honestly don't know. I...[Read Full Post] Tue, 06 Nov 2007 05:16:03 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/547188 I hate teeth. Some days I wish I could have them all ripped out and replaced with everlasting plastic alternatives or something. Maybe I should go gums and eat through a straw the rest of my life instead. Ok, I don't really, most of the time I'm very happy with my teeth, but today I have a toothache. This side of my jaw has bothered me on and ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 23 Oct 2007 01:13:25 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/543662 Ok, well I've not been blogging, but what else is new. lol Apparently some people have been missing my Mental Meanderings. I can't imagine why, they're just a collection of pointless rambles and rarely offer anything interesting. I have been blogging, just not here. Each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday I update The Writer's Round-About ...[Read Full Post] Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:47:51 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/543414 On the 2nd I got tagged by *Michele L. Tune* for *8 Things That Make Me, Me*. I've had a busy week, what with keeping up with my Writer's Round-About entries and kids home for term holidays. We DID go to the Royal Show and had a great time. So, back to this 8 Meme. Apparently there are some rules I have to post: The Rules: * Link to your t...[Read Full Post] Thu, 04 Oct 2007 21:26:07 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/539642 Ok, so it's Monday and I have to figure out what the hell to write about today. Not for here since I can write or not write here but Monday's is when I update Kids, Pets and Family! I keep trying to run around in my mind with fresh ideas. Something captivating and interesting. Something to draw in the readers. I've contemplated running wit...[Read Full Post] Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:54:47 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/538796 How many clocks do you have in your home? If you're like me you'll have at least a few. Most people have a side table alarm clock in the master bedroom. Families might even have clocks in the kid's rooms too. You can usually find one on at least the microwave in the kitchen if not also on the wall. These days in super techy houses you migh...[Read Full Post] Wed, 26 Sep 2007 05:33:46 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/537774 It's strange the way moods seem to come and go. After an intense few days I started getting into a spin today. I feel like a magnetically rocketed compass. You know the kind right, they've stumbled over a charged magnetic spike which sends their dial spinning in hyperdrive because they can't figure out which way is up? I suppose it's t...[Read Full Post] Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:23:02 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/537334 Hi, My name is Rebecca and I'm an addict. I'm addicted to stationary. Ok, ok, I confess it already. I have a lunch box full of blue bic biros. They're my backups because I already have at least three in every room of my house. Yes, even the bathroom. I have even more pens in my purse and still more in my bag. With all of these pens however I&...[Read Full Post] Sat, 22 Sep 2007 22:32:26 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/536986 Ok, so all that talk about finally updating my biography had me spending a lot of time looking at my website, and Writer's Round-About, an the website and the blog and the website. And I just didn't like it. Every few months I redesign the website. Each transformation takes it another stretch closer to looking professional. I was looking at re...[Read Full Post] Sat, 22 Sep 2007 02:44:55 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/536833 Have you ever tried to write a page about yourself for the consumption of readers? No, I don't mean filling in those little quizes about your age, star sign, likes, turn ons and hobbies but an actual biography page that is clear, informative, interesting and doesn't jabber on about how lame you are but actually makes you sound like you know what ...[Read Full Post] Fri, 21 Sep 2007 02:27:33 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/536620 *frowns* Ok, so I'm sure I had a few blog ideas yesterday and last night but right now I'm facing the blank page of doom. I have no idea what I might have wanted to talk about but I remember reflecting about this time yesterday that I'd already had a September 18th post because of posting late last time. I was struck by inspiration last ni...[Read Full Post] Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:03:56 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/536326 I got an email at the end of last week from Dymocks that invited me to an author event for Kevin J. Anderson at my favorite Dymocks Bookstore. I was excited and very much looking forward to checking it out. I was pleased it was on a day and time I could manage to be there. But alas, the best laid plans of mice and men... The journey into town is not a...[Read Full Post] Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:48:05 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/535894 Procrastination, again... I COULD be writing but I keep wanting to do anything else. ANYTHING ELSE. There isn't even a reason why I don't want to write. It's not painful, I'm not blocked, I have topics I could write about, lots of them, it's just any time I start thinking I should write I get this niggle. Do you get that niggle too...[Read Full Post] Sat, 15 Sep 2007 22:28:49 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/535404 [Authors Note: For all those Australia-challenged readers I mean 'cellphone' or some other yanky term. Yeah, get over it, I'll always call it a mobile phone. It's a phone, that is mobile. DUH!] Two of my mobile phones ringtones have become corrupted... I've no idea why but for the past few days I've been not hearing my p...[Read Full Post] Sat, 15 Sep 2007 06:05:08 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/535270 Hands up if you're ever attempted to toilet train a three year old boy... Ok, well, if you HAD attempted this miraculous feat you might understand my present dilemma. I'm busting, bladder-bulging kind of busting for the loo (a pommy [English] term for lavatory or toilet that Australians sometimes steal). Alas, there is NO TOILET PAPER!!! Becau...[Read Full Post] Thu, 13 Sep 2007 21:54:14 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/534994 *ponders* This list was surprisingly challenging to make. Do you have a list of your own? [Notes: Credit goes to [Link To User hermione] for the idea.} 1. Raise my beautiful kids to adulthood. - I'd like to do a good job of it too, with children who are happy, healthy and confident, make friends easily, hold down a job they love, marry for love...[Read Full Post] Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:24:54 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/534795 My blog is so old that I'm pretty sure in it's earlier entries there is mention of my attending weight watchers. I really loved going to meetings each week and while it was a struggle with tears and triumphs I felt great about myself and knew I was creating a healthier, happier me. In the six months I attended I lost 15kgs (33 pounds), was only 3...[Read Full Post] Tue, 11 Sep 2007 22:27:11 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/534585 ... even if it's just this blog. I've actually been feeling good lately but a bit at a loose end. I could get some housework done I suppose but more often than not I'll procrastinate thinking, I could spend time at the computer to write but of course, I've not been writing, video games and repeated email and web site checking happens inst...[Read Full Post] Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:32:07 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/534324 I've been wanting to post a blog entry for ages now but could never really think of anything to write about. Thanks to the beautiful [Link To User hermione] I've been giving the perfect torture for you all. (001) Your gender: Female (002) Straight/gay/bi?: Bi (003) Single?: Physically yes, emotionally no. (004) Want to be?: No ...[Read Full Post] Wed, 05 Sep 2007 01:53:00 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/532916 Ok... So I honestly did consider answering the little quizzy thingy when I saw that Rain had so little faith in us. In fact, if she had said I, specifically, wouldn't respond to it I'd have responded yesterday, just to show her a thing or two. But since Hermi said I might in her own one today I figure yeah, why not. It's another wa...[Read Full Post] Tue, 24 Jul 2007 04:00:36 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/523384 In about 20 minutes I'll be the proud new owner (or rather co-owner) of the lastest and final installation of the Harry Potter series from J.K. Rowling. *celebrates* But I'm not going to blog about it right now beyond gloating because I have to go pick it up from the book store. *waves* Happy Reading everyone! ...[Read Full Post] Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:45:54 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/522614 Months ago I was doing some writing exercises and I really didn't think too much of what I'd created. They were just exercises, fifteen minute productions where I had some sort of vague goal to produce something coherant but wasn't expecting anything brilliant. So, imagine my surprise when I was digging through my archives and came up agai...[Read Full Post] Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:11:39 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/521755 I've had a blog on writing.com for a couple of years now and used it to discuss life and love and family along with writing. Strangely enough it's been a nice release to be able to come in here and share reality with the page and even more so to have wonderful readers who follow along actually finding interest in my entries. As my regular read...[Read Full Post] Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:07:33 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/521117 It's a strange feeling. Wordlessness. A sense of silence in the creative soul. My thoughts are running, I'm percolating, I have story (FoT) doing spiral staircases in my mind but I'm totally wordless. It's not like writers block. It's a sense of waiting instead of a sense of frustration or procrastination. Wordless... In a way this...[Read Full Post] Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:52:10 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/520941 Well it certainly didn't last very long but I expected it at least. Manic highs are ALWAYS followed by equal lows. I DID force myself out of bed and I'm blogging which is a good sign. All is not lost I suppose. Still, it's the same old rollercoaster and I'm very sick of it. Don't you hate feeling like there are limited choices?...[Read Full Post] Sat, 07 Jul 2007 21:16:39 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/519721 I've actually been accomplishing things lately. The sort of accomplishments even I notice and that is saying a lot because usually my minor accomplishments are shoved under the rug. Of course, I don't have a rug but that's besides the point. I mean that sometimes I just don't give myself credit for many of the things I do. Mostly, if I ha...[Read Full Post] Tue, 03 Jul 2007 10:55:52 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/518761 I was reading online and captured a quote I wanted to save and share. "If you can't find much wrong with your manuscript, then it's probably so awful it should be burnt." - Sara Douglass Sat, 30 Jun 2007 05:38:40 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/518165 Yeah, so that time of the month has come and gone but I saved these wonderful, insightful and always entertaining and informative Odd Spots for you all. Prepare to be enthralled... #390 - The Eiffel Tower has 1792 steps. #111 - If you attempted to count the stars in a galaxy at a rate ...[Read Full Post] Thu, 28 Jun 2007 01:31:51 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/517823 Aww, look how sad my little black and blue calender looks this month. I guess I've just found that blogging isn't particularly important to me. I used to think that it was a way of writing every day but really that's a delusion, like writing email, or grocery lists or wasting hours in chat. Ultimately writing this blog hasn't gotten me an...[Read Full Post] Mon, 18 Jun 2007 06:47:55 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/515840 *sighs* It's happening again... That seemingly endless carousel that plays corny music and goes around and around so often that you feel sick and just want to get off. This is life I suppose. Or the moodswings of a bipolar writer. I WANT to be writing and I'm ripping myself up about it because I know the only reason I haven't been writing is ...[Read Full Post] Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:35:52 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/515188 Ok, so I don't have a laptop and there have been many occasions when I wished I could go to bed with something other than a book or a DVD. I have a portable DVD player which I keep in my room (plugged in rather than using battery). It's wonderful to be able to deal with late night insomnia with this little magical gadget but I started wondering r...[Read Full Post] Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:06:38 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/514558 I had a good day today. It's wonderful to get out and about and while I knew I wasn't looking forward to the day out I did also know that I'd enjoy it while it happens. My sister spoilt me today for my birthday. I started the day same as normal but instead of heading home to work for a few hours after dropping my daughter to school I drove th...[Read Full Post] Thu, 07 Jun 2007 08:49:26 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/513648 While working on [Link To Item #1150155] tonight I stumbled across a small snippet of extra interest: "The muses, the Greek inspirers of the creative arts, were the daughters of Memory, or Mnemosyne."*#* Ok, so I'm sure some of you already knew that the translation of Mnemosyne was Memory but I didn't and so I found it intriguing ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 05 Jun 2007 12:08:19 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/513192 Today is another day... It's my birthday but one of those things I've noticed as I've gotten older is it's still, just another day. I still get up in the morning and get my rug rats dressed and fed. I get the oldest off to school. It's just another day. I visit my mother, we chat and have coffee and cake for morning tea. Just another ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 05 Jun 2007 09:41:13 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/513157 For those of you who are interested here is a great article by Howard Fast called, "A Writers Real Worth Is Inside". [Link: 'http://www.beliefnet.com/nllp/ChickenSoupSoul.aspx?date=6-01-2007&WT.mc_id=...'] Mon, 04 Jun 2007 09:05:19 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/512871 Ok so I've been gone, again... Not a great track record lately. *sighs* My excuse? Well... I've basically been on a rocky rollercoaster from hell mood wise. No promises which way up you'll find me today either and it doesn't help to get a strange illness as well. Not quite flu, not a cold, not really anything but pain and irritated glands. I put it down to the physical rottenness brought on by the...[Read Full Post] Mon, 04 Jun 2007 08:29:30 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/512861 *cough, splutter, sleepy, pain* I know, I should blog, and I will, in the morning. Meanwhile here is a place holder to tide you over. *** I told you I'd be back. I know, you all doubted me didn't you? You thoughted I'd be knocked for six with this icky cold/flu/whatever and never return. I know, you secretly HOPED that would ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 29 May 2007 21:24:07 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/511643 You know it's not until we start to really look into this subject that you come to realise there are a great many markets for poetry around the world. That's what I did with my work hours today. I had a list of markets that I'd gathered from various bio's and from the [Link To Item #1193142] . I'm no where near the end of that list a...[Read Full Post] Mon, 28 May 2007 09:02:22 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/511444 Ok, so I've gone and put Page After Page down someplace that isn't the place it's supposed to be which means of course that I can't find it and I have no idea what the next exercise is supposed to be. Never fear, I'll find it tomorrow when I'm not so tired and wanting to get off to bed. Instead tonight I figured I'd grab a sni...[Read Full Post] Thu, 24 May 2007 09:29:59 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/510671 [Author's Note: Ok, so with her permission I thought I'd regal you all with a conversation I had with [Link To User falling_rain] last night via Yahoo/MSN. Obviously, it's only a snippet of our conversation, the part relating to my very good black cat, Phantom. Those with a queasy stomach should ensure they have a bucket nearby.] ...[Read Full Post] Wed, 23 May 2007 02:26:15 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/510425 O: On The Book Club tonight we're very lucky to have with us an acclaimed author known best for her fantasy series, "Torque". she has been awarded for her fiction, non-fiction and yes, even poetry. Please put your hands together for the lovely, Rebecca Laffar-Smith. [Audience goes wild as the...[Read Full Post] Tue, 22 May 2007 09:44:20 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/510223 I'm strangely tired tonight. It's only 9:30 and I'm struggling to keep my eyes open. It could be in part to having this new cat around. That's right, I got a cat. *chuckles* Some of you might remember that I have a mouse problem? They've grown too clever for the mousetraps and baits so I adopted a beautiful black cat dubbed, Phantom. ...[Read Full Post] Mon, 21 May 2007 10:05:59 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/509992 I'm one of those writers who has trouble starting things. It's not that I'm not enthusiastic it's just I get these anxiety build ups that hold me back in procrastination mode. And hold me back, and back, and back where I'll dither all day long unless I put into practice the "butt in chair" method of writing. In Heather Sell...[Read Full Post] Sun, 20 May 2007 12:52:11 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/509771 *chuckles* I really enjoyed chapter 6 of Page After Page by Heather Sellers. It's all about the relationship you have with your writing (and reading) and its priority in your life. Heather talks about 'sleeping with books' and I'm sure most writers know exactly what we mean by this. How many of us have books by the bed or even in bed with...[Read Full Post] Sat, 19 May 2007 10:00:30 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/509565 You know in a way I'm thankful today for this low. I know I'm on day three of it so I should be heading up tomorrow which is part of why I'm probably feeling a bit better but I've suddenly realized that while I've not accomplished the 'work' I feel like I should have been doing I've been in the remarkable position to help ...[Read Full Post] Fri, 18 May 2007 12:23:18 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/509369 I want to tell my blog to go to hell. But I don't want any of you to think I mean you. I don't. My readers, my friends, I adore you all, thank you for your support. But seriously, today, the blog can go to hell. Thu, 17 May 2007 11:43:16 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/509133 I think someone primed my power into the off position. My energy is pretty much non-existant and I can't will myself to do much of anything. It doesn't help that stupid power blackouts (real ones) wake me up with screeching alarm systems at 3 in the morning. I swear that alarm is designed to wake the dead and scare them to death. Anyway, I hav...[Read Full Post] Wed, 16 May 2007 22:11:57 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/509005 Ok, so I'm at my desk today. It's strange to be here. For days now I've not written anything at all. I felt that tug that was telling me I was doing the wrong thing by staying away but I firmly ignored it. I knew that even if I came to my desk I would struggle to write because my mind was elsewhere. But in not even trying I also know, in the ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 15 May 2007 10:46:03 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/508491 Just going to do the exercise tonight. My mind is preoccupied and while I want to be here to maintain my streak I don't want to spend too much time doing it. Exercise 10: This exercise focuses on capturing a snapshot moment of your real life on the page. rite for 15 minutes but cover only the happenings of a couple of actual minutes. Pick ...[Read Full Post] Wed, 09 May 2007 09:48:45 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/507251 I didn't get much work done today. I stopped in for a snatch of grocery shopping this morning and snuck into the video store (which is actually really a DVD store these days). On Tuesdays they do "A Dollar Day" which means every movie and game in the place is only $1 so I had a look and picked out two DVD's and a PS2 game. I haven't p...[Read Full Post] Tue, 08 May 2007 09:55:44 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/506913 I always feel strange when I talk to people in real life about my being a writer. I was on the phone the other day to a woman who was booking an appointment for me and we were in a chatty frame of mind, "What do you do?" she asked me. My standard response these days is, "I'm a writer". It's easier to say I'm a writer rather th...[Read Full Post] Mon, 07 May 2007 09:52:18 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/506693 Ok, some strange, evil trid talked me into actually creating an account on YouTube today. I've known of YouTube for months. I've enjoyed occasional browsing sessions there and I've had a few friends point me to various videos, usually for their comic value. But never before have I bothed to create an account. I have to say that not doing so, was sim...[Read Full Post] Sun, 06 May 2007 23:43:20 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/506499 Pre-blog Blog: Ok, I'm going to do another Page After Page entry but I wanted to begin with a sidetrack. My daughter asked me today, "Why does the word 'knife' start with a k?" I of course have no idea. So I attempted to find out via google. No luck finding an answer other than, "Because some tosser said so." What I did...[Read Full Post] Sat, 05 May 2007 09:07:51 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/506321 Ok, so I'm abusing my blog time. Or rather I'm multitasking it. This book I'm reading Page After Page by Heather Sellers has exercises at the end of each chapter. In that way it's like many books on writing and sometimes I do the exercises, sometimes I don't. This time I thought I might as well, no harm in putting that much...[Read Full Post] Fri, 04 May 2007 08:04:00 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/506085 I ordered a selection of books from Amazon recently. I love books. I especially love brand new, just off the press books. Amazon is fantastic for these, books in pristine order that arrive neatly packaged in the mail. I've got a very lengthy wishlist on Amazon and somehow I keep adding more books to it faster than I could possibly afford to purchase ...[Read Full Post] Thu, 03 May 2007 09:08:36 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/505856 Isn't it strange how we can come to points where it just feels like our brains shut down? I feel like that right now. There is so much going on and yet it feels like overload, shutdown. I can't seem to pull enough threads of thought together to stimulate any particular idea or focus on any specific topic. This whirlwind of everything and nothing ...[Read Full Post] Wed, 02 May 2007 09:23:27 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/505611 Today was the day. Well for my sister it was the day she gets on a plane and flies to Europe for 7 weeks. But for me and the kids it was our "Adventure At The Airport". The whole reason we REALLY went there was to spend some time watching the planes coming and going. It was really quite a show too. The kids loved it. The noise, the smell, the ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 01 May 2007 09:43:35 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/505348 I have a car for 6 weeks. One that I obviously cannot crash and that I'd prefer DIDN'T break down while I'm driving it. lol I swear, I have the worst of luck with cars. I'm an anxious driver at the best of times. When I was sixteen I had vowed never to get my license. I just don't like cars. But I went for a job a few months after ...[Read Full Post] Mon, 30 Apr 2007 22:19:03 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/505216 It's my daughters birthday today. Well, actually it'll be tomorrow for WDC but it's already morning here in Western Australia so it's actually today already. This day way back in the year 2000 I was 17 and at about this time I'd have been at rest in a dark and rather dismal twin room with a newborn baby at my side. I was supposed t...[Read Full Post] Sun, 29 Apr 2007 21:44:12 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/504960 Ok, here are some new odd spots. I know you've all been eager for new and interesting snippets of trivia just just NEEDED to know about. I'm pleased to once again bring you a mixture of the weird and wonderful, curtesy of Libra. 269: The garfish has green bones. 275: Hair grows slowest at night. 210: The skeleton of a 70kg body weighs about ...[Read Full Post] Sat, 28 Apr 2007 08:47:54 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/504694 With everyone around me seeming to delve deeply into serious issues today I did consider writing a general, "Go read these guys!" kind of entry but instead I turn my sights towards education. Not that education isn't one of those big issues we should delve into seriously. It is. But that's not why it's formost on my mind today. Tod...[Read Full Post] Fri, 27 Apr 2007 10:18:03 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/504494 My back hurts. Not the regular did too much kind of hurt but the deep to the bone ache that is a herald of tension, stress and strain. I haven't physically been doing very much, which is actually part of the problem. If I were working out more regularly and getting back to the daily walking I'm sure I'd be feeling better. Instead I've gon...[Read Full Post] Thu, 26 Apr 2007 06:53:59 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/504240 Ok, so blogging time has come and gone but nothing interesting wants to be written about. I'm suffereing from flights of mindlessness. It's not that I'm without mind really, it's that today I've been so focused on doing things that require the left brain (logic) that I can't seem to get a right brain switch happening. That leav...[Read Full Post] Wed, 25 Apr 2007 09:58:50 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/504088 Today was an total flop. I did get up an get some digging done outside for the vege patch but that must have used up my dedication, enthusiasm and energy because the rest of the day has passed in a strange kind of buzzing blahness. There were so many things I wanted to get done but I just couldn't call myself to action on anything. Anything I attempt...[Read Full Post] Tue, 24 Apr 2007 09:25:05 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/503873 Autumn in Perth is a beautiful time of year. The summers tend to get very hot and while I love the rainy weather of winter it can get a little monotonous. Autumn is a balance of the two extremes. The weather is cooling down and the bright, sunny days are interspursed with cloud and rain. It's just warm enough to enjoy a few hours in the sun down at t...[Read Full Post] Mon, 23 Apr 2007 09:42:36 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/503643 They ALL do. They ALL work, and they ALL fail. 'Diets' become 'diets' because they work, have proven to work, are seen to be working, and provide success. They're all measured on the terms of losing weight in the short term and you can take any obese person, put them on any diet and if they follow it, they will lose weight, guarant...[Read Full Post] Sun, 22 Apr 2007 09:16:05 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/503342 I've been hearing a lot about VA Tech, the college in the US where a student killed a lot of people. Now I admit I'm not completely up to speed with what happened. Australia is far removed and while we have the issue scattered on the news it's in highlighted snippets of scare-mongering rather than facts. The scare-mongering is what has me ...[Read Full Post] Sat, 21 Apr 2007 08:06:58 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/503119 Right, to work then I guess. It's already 9PM and I have a smashing headache. I think it's because I'm not getting a full 8 hours sleep each night. My alarm goes off at 6AM and I bounce into my morning, determined to make the most of the day and start off with a good workout (usually involving housework to kill two birds with one stone). A...[Read Full Post] Fri, 20 Apr 2007 09:36:26 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/502946 *sighs* Time is compounding on me again today. I was blazing through this evening feeling like I had time to spare, sat down to read an item, got drawn in enough to leave a comment, got into an email conversation with the author of that item while also checking out some forums and reading and responding. Now I find an hours gone by when I should have bee...[Read Full Post] Thu, 19 Apr 2007 09:26:12 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/502713 I was reading a fantastic book today, by Nancy Pickard and Lynn Lott. The book is brilliant and I recommend all writers click that link there to see the product review I wrote and get yourself a copy to read cover to cover and keep on your writer's shelf at home. Anyway, one section really caught my eye and sparked my interest. It made me want t...[Read Full Post] Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:53:31 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/502520 In the days of multimedia the web is a wonderful resource for writers’ workshops. Poets are turning to online means of learning the art and craft of poetry, for gathering with other poets, sharing written works and having a warm, considerate environment to express their creative aspirations. One fantastic community, found on writing.com ([Link: ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:14:02 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/502276 I finally got to see 300 yesterday. My mother took the kids to see Mr. Bean and she surprised herself by actually enjoying it. The kids had lots of laughs all through it and I got to see something I actually really enjoyed. It's the kind of movie that, if you enjoy this kind of movie, you should definately see on the big screen with st...[Read Full Post] Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:32:47 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/502174 Do you "Judg[e] your own parents differently after you become a parent"? It’s amazing how quickly we grow up with expansion from couple to family. A new child is suddenly a huge responsibility. I remember looking down on my daughter the day she was born. I was a very young parent but in that moment I think I aged ten years. Sudden...[Read Full Post] Fri, 13 Apr 2007 22:13:47 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/501576 This blogging every day idea is a bit wacky isn't it? I mean did I just blog like more than twenty-four hours ago? Not to mention the fact that because I wasn't home to blog in the evening yesterday I'm blogging before noon today which means today technically gets TWO blogs! Of course I have nothing to blog about. I read recently that peop...[Read Full Post] Fri, 13 Apr 2007 23:29:01 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/501314 My dog got hit by a car today. I bought Puppy almost seven years ago. He was born 3 days after my daughter and I bought him as a birthday gift for myself from a reputable pet store. Those were the days when you could get dogs from pet shops. These days all you can get from a pet shop is fish. All other pets seem to be pound or breeder available only. ...[Read Full Post] Wed, 11 Apr 2007 06:03:32 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/500913 *coughs and splutters* Ok, so the day-trip to the zoo yesterday was a bad idea on the health front. I'm not as over the flu as I'd like to be and the hours in transit accompanied by lots of wind, sunshine and junkfood has done me in. I'll return to bed shortly but I really better sneak this blog in before noon because I've been slacking o...[Read Full Post] Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:53:53 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/500881 Ok, attempting to bouy up my mood a little so I can write this entry. Anyea wants chocolate. That woman always wants chocolate. I used to always want chocolate too but the past year or so I've learnt to loath it. It's amazing how much chocolate affects my moods and self esteem. I feel guilty eating it because I know how bad it is for me in so man...[Read Full Post] Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:32:52 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/500559 Just a short entry tonight because I'm tired. Really, really tired. I don't know why I feel so wiped out. It's not like I've done anything today. In fact I've done a whole load of nothing but still whenever I lean back I start drifting off to sleep. I even slipped in a nap earlier today. It could be related to the heat. It's a ...[Read Full Post] Wed, 04 Apr 2007 20:43:59 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/499485 FINALLY!!! I HAVE THEM ALL!!! *evil witchy cackle* *winks* For years there has been a TV show I've loved. Unfortunately Australian free tv viewing seems to have degenerated into reality tv and cop shows. There isn't a whole lot else available so one of my must see tv series keeps getting bumped off the station in favor of CSI or Australian Ido...[Read Full Post] Tue, 03 Apr 2007 07:32:58 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/499272 It's April at last. My kids and I have been looking forward to this month all year. In fact my daughter has asked about every week if it's April yet and she's so excited that I'm finally saying yes it is. Why? I hear you all asking. *eyes you all shiftly* You ARE interested stop pretending you aren't. Celebrations! Lots of them Wed...[Read Full Post] Mon, 02 Apr 2007 09:23:26 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/499069 Ok, so much for me getting back to blogging last week. 6 days later and I get a reminder to blog today. I hadn't forgotten, just been too sick and haven't been online a whole lot lately. In fact mostly I've been sleeping, checking my email in the morning and evening, and sleeping. Being sick is horrible. I don't like being sick. For so...[Read Full Post] Fri, 30 Mar 2007 08:29:41 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/498469 Ok, I've been a bad girl. I was supposed to review today. I should have been able to manage at least ONE review but I successfully avoided doing it all day. There is no excuse, I'm just bad. *sighs* I'm way behind on my review a day idea. I've a list in my notepad of items I've queued up to review. It keeps growing, and...[Read Full Post] Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:13:58 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/497108 Ok, much to the disappointment of all those breathing a sigh of releif at my 5 day absense I'm back. To some degree. Right now I don't much WANT to be here. I'm dying, slowly, painfully, from the throat out. Energy is run down and I'm in agony, lots and lots of agony. It doesn't help that I feel like there is a pressure on to get s...[Read Full Post] Thu, 22 Mar 2007 06:37:55 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/496811 I really enjoyed reading the For Authors Newsletter this week and [Link To User phil1861] 's article about collaboration and the involvement of others when it comes to writing. Writing isn't a solitary pursuit and producing a book is not something that can be done alone. I wanted to share the email feedback this issue provoked me to write. *^...[Read Full Post] Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:34:16 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/496752 There are two kinds of people in the world. Don't you love hearing that basic truth/untruth. Obviously there are millions of kinds of people in the world. Every unique person is their own 'kind' in a way and we all compartmentalize in our own boxes. However, for the sake of clarity and to give me something to blog about (for lack of a better ...[Read Full Post] Thu, 15 Mar 2007 09:24:20 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/495253 Yeah! That's me in a grumpy, stubborn, frustrated mood. Torn between telling my writing to go to hell tonight or getting it over and done with like I should. I really, really, REALLY don't want to tonight but if I let slip tonight then it's another night it doesn't happen which empowers all those others nights it doesn't happen. I ...[Read Full Post] Wed, 14 Mar 2007 08:53:25 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/495008 Today, I am a plumber! Or rather for a few hours yesterday and even less then that today I was a plumber. It's an exhilarating feeling being a woman in today’s world. There are things we are still expected to let men do for us. Culture and years of oppression have taught us that we are weak and incapable and need a man by our side to survive. ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 13 Mar 2007 18:20:36 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/494744 Ok, so I'm tired and couldn't think of anything to write about tonight. Thankfully I have this fantastic list of Random Topic's to resort to. I keep a few notes in a folder on my HD that are lists designed to spark 'something' to write about. Today this one jumped out at me, it's as good as any other. Anyone who has...[Read Full Post] Mon, 12 Mar 2007 08:17:55 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/494470 On Wednesday I mentioned working up the courage to, at last, submit one of my poems to a publisher. Part of the process as a writer is submissions. Unfortunately the financial backing just isn't there for poetry agents so we poor poets have to do both the creative and the logic aspects of being published. Part of the process involves writing a cover ...[Read Full Post] Fri, 09 Mar 2007 07:21:59 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/493640 I'm one of those really lucky people who live in a world fairly sheltered from crime and disasters that effect whole communities. We're an antigun country. I've never seen a real gun in my life and I'm glad. I can't remember a local bank being robbed or a child being stabbed in a school. I like to pretend that sort of thing just doesn...[Read Full Post] Thu, 08 Mar 2007 08:57:48 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/493355 Ok, so I just clicked send on my first official poetry submission. That's right, other than my few stints with poetry.com I've never really attempted to have anyone publish my poetry. I submitted a flash fiction a couple of years ago that was firmly rejected (rightfully so) and I've had a couple of articles published but I've never really...[Read Full Post] Wed, 07 Mar 2007 09:39:03 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/493128 There are fantastic days when you feel like you really get a lot accomplished and others when you feel like you're barely out of bed before it's all over. Some days drag on and you get by doing nothing. Other days you're doing so much but there just isn't enough time to do more. Today was more like the latter. I woke, bright and modera...[Read Full Post] Tue, 06 Mar 2007 07:37:51 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/492879