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Short Stories, Poetry, NaNo, Ideas & Articles about writing. |
| Short Stories, Poetry, NaNo, Ideas & Articles about writing. https://elfindragonlisag.blog |
| You know you're having a bad day when you find out miscommunication has happened with several people all at once. It's easy to have miscommunication via email, internet messaging, twitter and even snail mail letters. You can't see what the other person's visual cues are as they're speaking, or their tone of voice. You hope you can get your message across with not just words but also a few emoticons and/or abbreviated acronyms. But you can't always get your point across without making someone upset, which then makes you upset because that person didn't understand what you intended. I often have this problem with my family because my mom has a thing for texting. Though she really wants to talk with me at length, she texts. Today she actually called and I was trying to tell her about the difference of disability money and state assistance. The conversation quickly became a round robin of which was which and the fact I had one and not the other. Yet still I could not get my point across of the difference nor which I had. Talk about miscommunication. I also have problems with my current part time employer. I'm quickly finding that even the simplest of conversations may need to be written down for clarification. We can often forget our first intentions or we may think we state our intentions but in reality have only stated part of them. That's what happened today, we both seem to remember things differently and - of course - none of it was written down this time. Sometimes there really is a purpose for a contract, even with friends. Someday I'm hoping there will be an invention to prevent miscommunication of any sort but I'm not holding my breath. If you've not figured it out yet all the above happened today. I'm hoping all will be forgiven, forgotten and/or resolved in some form. It usually is but in the moment it's hard to digest. Anyway, I thought I'd share so anyone else out there knows they're not alone in the fight to be understood in tough spots. Hang in there everyone, we'll get this communication thing figured out. Elfin Dragon ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **
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I wanted to share a little ditty someone sent to me some time ago and I just rediscovered. For those of us who are over 30 (or 40) you'll definitely appreciate the humor of this. For those of you who are younger, well read and learn what we grew up with and without.  Subject: GROWING UP WITHOUT A CELL PHONE When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were. When they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning...Uphill...Barefoot... BOTH ways yadda, yadda, yadda And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on my kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it! But now that I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia! And I hate to say it, but you kids today, you don't know how good you've got it! I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the damn library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!! There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter - with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox, and it would take like a week to get there! Stamps were 10 cents! Child Protective Services didn't care if our parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to kick our butt! Nowhere was safe! There were no MP3's or Napsters or iTunes! If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself! Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio, and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up! There were no CD players! We had tape decks in our car. We'd play our favorite tape and "eject" it when finished, and then the tape would come undone rendering it useless. Cause, hey, that's how we rolled, Baby! Dig? We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal, that's it! There weren't any freakin' cell phones either. If you left the house, you just didn't make a damn call or receive one. You actually had to be out of touch with your "friends". OH MY GOD!!! Think of the horror...not being in touch with someone 24/7!!! And then there's TEXTING. Yeah, right. Please! You kids have no idea how annoying you are. And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your parents, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, the collection agent...you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister! We didn't have any fancy PlayStation or Xbox video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your screen guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination!!! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen...Forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your ass and walk over to the TV to change the channel!!! NO REMOTES!!! Oh, no, what's the world coming to?!?! There was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying? We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little rat-finks! And we didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove! Imagine that! And our parents told us to stay outside and play...all day long. Oh, no, no electronics to soothe and comfort. And if you came back inside...you were doing chores! And car seats - oh, please! Mom threw you in the back seat and you hung on. If you were lucky, you got the "safety arm" across the chest at the last moment if she had to stop suddenly, and if your head hit the dashboard, well that was your fault for calling "shot gun" in the first place! See! That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled rotten! You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980 or any time before! Regards, The Over 30 Crowd. |
| So I'm taking the Exploratory Writing Coarse from our lovely school New Horizons Academy here at WDC into the second week as we're drawing out character sketches it occurs to me that I really know my characters a little too well. And I've been told this before by a few people. And I've been given "THE LOOK" when I start talking about what I'm writing and what my characters are doing in the story. You know the one I mean. That look that says you've gone a bit off the deep end because you're characters are becoming a little too real. But let's face it...They are real, at least to us they are. We live them, we breath them, we ARE them. As I'm writing this I'm reminded of a ventriloquist by the name of Jeff Dunham. Maybe you've heard of him? He breathes life into characters like Peanut, Walter, Ahkmed, The Dead Terrorist and Juan Jalepeno on a Stick. He's much like us, only he actually shows us his characters on stage. So smile everyone, show people your crazy side a little more. Be proud of all your characters. As Clint Eastwood may say "All the good, the bad and the ugly ones".  Let them look at as crazy and let us reply to them that, "All the world is a stage and we are its authors." If they don't believe us have them read Robert Heinlein's "The Cat Who Walked Through Walls". Perhaps then they'll have a different mindset.From the crazy side of life. Elfin Dragon "Preferred Author"  ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
| I must admit that I'd never believe I'd be writing a blog concerning Marijuana. I grew up knowing that drugs, as a whole, were not good for the body. I've lived my life by the adage of never smoking and as I came of age never drinking to excess. It's simply a part of who I am. When I married my second husband, he worked for a hospital as an administrative aid on the oncology ward. A very difficult place to work due to the nature of the patients problems as well as the ages of the patients. Because of their many problems there were more than a few who used medicinal Marijuana. Both my husband and I agreed that if it helped with their pain we certainly had no right to tell them no. As the years went by and my own medical problems grew it had suggested to me that Marijuana would help my own pain. However, our state has strict laws and what my doctors were giving me was enough. Yesterday after work I ran into a couple of my neighbors and we, of course, began chatting. One had some medical Marijuana and insisted I at least try. Well, after some thought I agreed to at least try and was pleasantly surprised by the effect. It took a bit getting used to (seeing as I've never smoked anything) but after only two puffs and 30 minutes my pain was definitely reduced. I now understand why people use it. Although I will say I would still never use it in excess because I do understand the dangers of abuse of any drug or medication. I will let you know that the effect of one "joint" last night has lasted pretty much for this whole day and I'm hoping it will last a bit longer. For the first time in several months last night I was able to sleep without waking up several times because of pain. Anyway, I'm not saying everyone should use medicinal Marijuana. And even I must still consult with my physicians, especially because I'm with the VA and I need to follow physicians orders when it comes to narcotics (or other things). But it's nice to be able to sleep in peace for at least one night, or two. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
| Of all the interesting places you meet writers, where's the most interesting place? The reason I ask this question is because of all the places I meet people I never expected to meet a new young writer while playing an MMORG. This particular game is Wizard101. The vast majority of people who play vary from the very young to about 40 (sometimes older but rarely). It's fairly simple, you're given quests as a young wizard and you get to choose the type of wizard you want to be. Then you roam the various worlds as you do your quests and fight various creatures and bad guys. The cool thing is that today I met someone who is a young writer and loves creating fiction works. It's very interesting chatting and trying to fight battles at the same time. But it's also fun. I certainly don't need to tell any of you how it feels to meet a kindred soul in the world of writing. I asked if he was a part of WDC, or had heard of WDC (which he hadn't) and he promised to look us up. So hopefully we'll have a new member soon. So the moral of this little tale is that you never know when or where you're going to meet a kindred writer. Keep your ears and eyes open. It seems we're everywhere. Even roaming around wizarding worlds.  ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
| Prompt: What do you think darkness is and why is it important to understand your own dark side? For those of you who know me you know I don't often reply to prompts but this one is actually important to me. Darkness is not just a cliche, it's real and more than what we see outside at night. It's a combination of our own fears and imaginations as well as things which are real. You might not believe Satan, witchcraft, voodoo and such things exist but much of it does in science as well as magic and mysticism. Understanding our own dark sides is extremely important. It involves understanding not just oneself, but one's history of family background, genetic history and mental history. All these can play into the kind of person you are, will be or can be. For instance, many criminals share the common background of some kind of abuse in the family. Or they have some sort of genetic tendency toward violence. Many people who are alcholics often have family members who were also, whether mothers, fathers, or grandparents. And it's now showing that mental diseases can be passed to children with regards to genetics. But back to Satan, witchcraft, voodoo and such things. I, personally, have witnessed that people who practice what they call the "darker arts" are not safe to be around. They do project a sense of what I can only call "wrong" about them. It's like throwing a weegie board into the fire and watching it not burn. Scary and unsettling at the same time. (Yes, it's happened) I have a friend who was into witchcraft at one point in her life. I can't remember the question she and her sister asked the weegie board, but it frightened them so much they threw it into the fire and it didn't burn. That was when she decided to get out and it was hard for her. When I met her 20 years later she said it was still hard - kind of like a drug that didn't let go but understanding it makes it better. I have my own demons, I think we all do. And I believe we should understand them if we want to live a good, even happy life. When I was younger I found I had a terrible temper and had to learn to control it. My brother, only 11 months younger, had a habit of following me everywhere. Once, I beat him up - once, I beat my cousin up. Terrible thing for a girl to do. I think it was that second time (as well as watching too many mystery shows) I realized anyone, even me, could be capable of murder given the right circumstances. I understand that my darker side is extremely angry and if I let it rule me no one will be happy, especially me. Ex: During one of my Air Force Reserve tours some of my friends were talking about drinking and asked if I'd ever been drunk. I replied that I never had more than one drink, two at the most, when I go out and had never been drunk. Their reply, "We can get anyone drunk." Of course mine was that you can't get me drunk because I had no desire to be. Why? Because I knew if I did that angry side of me would show itself. That darker side of me and if I were drunk I could not account for what would happen. That scares me the most. I also have mental and medical issues which plague me. It's difficult to stay out of a darker half with pain and depression. But you have to let life give you opportunities to do so. I guess what I'm saying is don't be afraid to explore all the corners of your mind, know yourself fully and you'll find a host of ways to express yourself. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
| In this day and age (even here in our wonderful WDC) I know there are a lot of sufferers of Chronic Migraines. At this current time I've been trying to get rid of a migraine from hell for the past two days. Mine start a few different ways. 1) There's the kind the start mildly but I know it's no regular headache because it's beginning in the back of my head and starting to wrap around. Not to mention the light and sound is beginning to be too much for me. By the end of the day I've turned off all the lights, taken my rescue medication at least twice, my nausea medication at least once and praying the dizziness will go away. 2) There's the surprise kind. The kind that hit me up-side the head (literally). People look at me when all the sudden I say "Ow!" and put my and to the side of my head. For me it's usually the right side but the left is no stranger to them either. And if I don't take my rescue meds right away I'm in deep trouble. Only problem is those meds cause that fuzzy headed feeling so I don't think too well. And on a bad day they can cause nausea so I have to take my other medication. 3) The last is the one that's right in the middle of these two. The annoying migraine which begins not too strongly but not mildly either. It definitely requires meds, no light, no sound and rest. It's been awhile since I've had a migraine this bad. Bad enough for me to consider going to the ER which I positively hate because if I do that I know the only thing they can do for me is give me a really powerful drug. And if that doesn't work it's in the hospital for at least three days worth of a concoction of meds just to get rid of a migraine. Not a thought I relish. So, I sit with the lights out, a heating pad to the back of my neck and a hope my head will keep from bursting from its skull. Now What causes these migraines? A variety of things. For some of us it's different foods or drink combinations. Others, like me, its weather (heat is a large factor for me, I know so why the heating pad? I'll get to that) Anyway, so chronic migraines are treated in a variety of ways. Medications can be given to help prevent them as well as medication to be taken to help once you get them (rescue meds). They can also be treated by knowing what causes them and staying away from the foods which causes them. As for the weather issue, most of us do the best we can with either staying indoors or just keeping our meds at close hand. Oh, the heating pad I'm using. You see migraines can also be caused (and cause) stiff muscles in the neck muscles, right where the head meets the neck. Very painful. This can be treated with either ice or heat - sometimes switching between both. I also use a cold rag over my eyes, haven't figured out why that helps yet. So I guess what I'm saying is that this particular blog is for all of us who suffer from migraines. |
| Here it is the new year, 2015. We all seem to want to make those new year resolutions which either stick with us or fade into oblivion as the year passes on. As writers we have our own resolutions we want to make, especially if we've not been formally published yet. We crave that time when we can wrap our fingers around a book and confidently state we wrote it. Or perhaps we have smaller ambitions and simply want an article or short story to be published in a magazine. But still those resolutions are there. Now I'm usually not one for writing them down or proclaiming them to anyone else. But this year is different for me. I suppose because I wanted something concrete to keep me going. Something I could keep looking at throughout the year to remind me of what I told myself I would do. (mostly because I've a terrible memory) So, I'm using a contest to help me. More specifically
And the letter I wrote to myself...
I realize the contest may not be for everyone. But consider the possibilities as you write a letter to yourself and what you've not only accomplished (or not) in the past year, but hope to accomplish in the coming year. We all need some type of motivation. So think about what motivates you and then perhaps put it to paper so you can remember it better. Sometimes goals need encouragement. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
| Hopefully the title of this particular blog hasn't scared everyone away. Yes, I have bouts of depression. More specifically, I've been diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder and unfortunately it includes depression. I've found a good way to deal with it though, one which actually involves writing. When depression sets in I know I need an outlet to describe what I'm feeling. Something which will help me feel better, whether I share it with others or it stays with just me. If I don't, then the depression stays with me and I wallow in self pity and doubt. I've found writing to be a great outlet, especially with poetry. I can put feelings into words on the page and my depression is somehow transferred from me to those words. The page takes on my feelings and I can breathe some fresh air and think a little more clearly. It's true that it doesn't always work and I end up writing more than just one poem or even on rare occasions a story. (And the story ends up quite depressing) But I'm still writing. It's certainly better than any alternative outcome. Although I sometimes worry if I'm writing more than one (or two) within a single month because depression is not something to laugh at. I watched my mother deal with it growing up and she had no outlet such as I. She tried suicide several times, I hope to fair better in life. Thus the reason I'm glad to have writing as an outlet for my depression. I suppose that's the real reason for my writing this particular blog. For anyone who might read and have the same problem. If they may or may not have tried writing poetry before. Or put their words to paper. I'm here to say it's worth the try. Whether you do try to write your words in poetry or story form, simply try. You just might find, as I have, that writing will help. If you need an example I'll put two recent poems in this blog. So you are forewarned, they are definitely on the dark side but as I mentioned; they helped me with my own depression.
I wish all who read this blog and the poems good will and hopefully a bit of knowledge. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
| It's amazing what we learn as we grow older and how we learn it. Or perhaps I should say as we grow. For me patience is one of those things in which the saying, "Patience is a virtue", has never escaped my notice. I have, however, marveled at how it seems to have escaped the notice of others around me. Though today I was reminded there are those in which patience and even manners still apply to. Growing up waiting, for me, was a way of life. When you grow up with a dad in the Navy, there is nothing but waiting. You go shopping for food, you waiting in line. And we're not talking Wal-Mart wait in line, we're talking Disneyland wait in line. You call it a store, we call it the commissary. You go to see a doctor, you wait in line. (yep Disneyland again) And don't even get me started on the ER for a military base back then. Now it's a bit better but not by much. So basically, I was learning patience when other kids were just learning to walk. Maybe a slight exaggeration, but not by much. Now that I'm older I'm learning patience in a whole other realm of existence. Oh sure I knew I'd have to learn about time management, people management in jobs, finance management, heck even pet management. All of these, of course, came on different levels and scales as all things did and somehow in the middle of all of it I was still playing the waiting game. Go figure. No one, however, told me I'd also have to learn pain management and time management in relationship to it. And no one definitely told me I'd have to do parent management as well. (at least not before they hit 70) (Sigh) Enter the biggest teacher of patience there is. The deterioration of one's mental state of mind, to be exact; my mothers. It's not Alzheimer's, it's more dementia and an inability to control her own emotional state. Think of a teenager in an adult form with the attitude of a 5 year old who doesn't get their way. Yeah, very frustrating at times, but you can't exactly blame her because she can't control it. So you take a VERY deep breath, ignore what you want to say, and move on. Because you know she knows she'll realized it in a few minutes, apologize, and everything will be back to norm. Or, even if she doesn't realize it, things will still be back to norm within at least an hour or so. Like I said, the biggest teacher of patience I've come into so far. And even with all these frustrating moments I've decided it's worth it to spend more time with her. God help me I don't know why. Perhaps because she really does try so hard or maybe simply because she is just mom in the end. I would like to say, as noted at the beginning of this blog, thank you to those who make it a point to teach patience and manners to their children. Why you ask? Today I was sitting in a surgery waiting room and there were, of course, children who were waiting with their parents as well. I had brought coloring books to relax and decided to share. The children were nice, polite, quite and patient. A very refreshing thing to see, so I thank you all. And remind you that yes, "Patience is a Virtue" indeed. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
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That is like A LOT of accomplishments. 
Rock the Red Cross!!!
