Soul Echoes

Fiber Artist's Giveaway

2011-09-13T17:14:00.003-04:00

You are in for a treat! Visit Neauveau Fiber Arts for a chance to win on an Art Batt.

http://www.handspunartyarn.com/p/giveaways.html

Getting Back into the Grove of Things

2010-02-18T16:10:00.008-05:00

As the title infers, albeit slowly, I am working my way back from dealing with online identity theft, blue moods, and health issues, etc. That said, I also need to get a handle on some of the online games I've been playing at Facebook. Though they've helped in maintaining my sanity, they can also be a huge distraction.
.
This post is to introduce the following coding [a necessary required placement], in hopes of winning a Janome 350e Embroidery Machine, [Oh! What I would LOVE to do with machine embroidery.] sponsored by The DIY Dish:
.

.
They are also giving away a Janome DC4030 Sewing Machine. Believe it or not, I'm still learning my way around my Viking 200, so I would re-e-e-e-e-e-ally like to opportunity to [win, and] work with an embroidery machine. And I know that Janome is synonymous with quality.
.
Wish me luck!
.
More soon. Blessings

My Muse has Returned

2010-01-09T12:05:00.004-05:00

.
Though Life has a way of interrupting even the best of a writer's or artist's intentions, my not following through in last year's NaNoWriMo had nothing to do with an unavoidable diversion. I merely began to question the relevancy of it all.
.
What changed my mind from November 2009 to January 2010? I now know why the subsequent Fire Orbs were created!
.
More soon. My Muse calls.
.
Blessings

It is Risk-taking Time

2010-01-07T10:33:00.035-05:00

.
My Muse showed up yesterday and we waltzed through Time and Space. Today I though it time to bear a writer's soul and share a snippet of the work. The following rough draft is history to:

The Forbidden World Chronicles

by L.L. Abbott

There is more of this storyline drafted out under the a working title:

The Fire Orbs

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There was a time when all was new. And another, when in the vast and great darkness there shone a light. A fire orb breathed into existence by the Old One. The Primal Element of Creation, and first of the First Ones.
.
In that light smaller orbs of earth, water, and rock came into view; an on-going experiment and tinkering of the mind. Done long into his exile from the rest of the Primal Elements of the Universe—the First Ones, the Ancients—they existed as a testament to his self-imposed aloneness.

.
Though all of the First Ones bear the responsibility of creation, each effort took on different and unique forms. While some are considered as Beauty, there are those considered as Horrid. But what is simply is. Beauty, or otherwise, is forever held in the eye and soul of its maker. But. While the other Elements busied themselves in their own directions, and children—the Creator Race—the Old One brought light and shadows into the farthest and emptiest regions of the Great Darkness.
.
Assured of his secret (it would, after all, take millennia before even the faintest of glimmers of light betrayed him), he traversed his creation to observe the strange happenings. Waters warmed upon the smaller terran orbs. Loam sprouted green. Organisms enveloped by the new-found warmth flourished in unexpected turns. And in his uncorrupt wonder of it all— the Old One tinkered more.

Comments and input are welcome!

Season's Greetings

2009-12-23T14:41:00.001-05:00

Saturday the 7th's Quatrain

2009-11-07T10:45:00.003-05:00

Another day is begun, full of promise and zest
as the Sun rises still in the East.
And with the moon all but set on horizon West
the last of the Fall lettuce goes to Harvest.
.
Blessings

A 5K Day

2009-11-05T17:53:00.008-05:00

NANOSTATS: 5029 words

.
Yay! Though the breakdown of 50,000 words into 30 days means I should have, at very least, a little over 8300 words by today, I am quite happy that I made it to 5000.

But. This is Day Five and I should really want to be ahead of those daily goals so when Life decides to get in the way I won't feel so far behind. Yeah, well-- Life tripped me up before I even started. But. I've plenty of time to gain ground.

I finished up the Prologue and keyed out Chapter Eight ~ Allied Forces, which needs a definite boost. The gist of the storyline is there, but the required depth is not. For now though, I'm moving ahead and currently working on Chapter Nine ~ The Sound Check.
.
This one's going to keep me busy for the next day or so. And I need to look for some old research notes, which I believe are in a box in the bedroom. Time to retreive some wayward files.
.
That's it for me today. I need to get my back out of this chair and my legs up as well.
.
Blessings

It's That Time of Year Again! NaNoWriMo.

2009-11-04T16:44:00.028-05:00

Switching gears....

NANOSTATS: 1992 words
.

Never say die! I first discovered NaNoWriMo in 2006. The only year to which I can attach any sort of bragging rights. I won in 2006. Yay! Unfortunately not long after, a virus attacked my PC and I lost everything on my harddrive. Yeppers! All that work-- completely undone. In January of 2007, I fought off a serious SPAM and Malware attack.

It took weeks to get back to normal. And juuust as I was rolling along, ramping up for NaNo2007, my PC monitor died a most untimely death. I never had a chance. But it helped to reinforce my belief in the underhanded [yet purposeful], reasoning of why they 'just don't make things like the used to.' It's not that they can't! Or even that parts and/or labor are cheaper offshore. If they truly did make certain things like they used to, we'd have no reason [new and improved aside] to buy new ones! But that's a whole other Oprah show.
.
Last year, due to health issues, I simply ran out of physical steam. I need to look up my final word count, but I don't believe I even reached 10K words. This year I'm relying heavily on that old adage about the third time being the charm.
.
Sunday last [November 1st] was the ever-precious Day One. Where was I? Sleeping. Friday and Saturday I started coughing, and by Sunday I was a tad bit concerned that it might be the beginnings of the flu. I really don't want to have to deal with the flu right now. Therefore I reasoned it more likely to be a chest cold; as I'm prone [this time of year] to forgetting about a window or two being left open at night. I hate when it's time to start closing up the windows.
.
Anyway! I digress. I made a trip to the drug store and have since stepped up my intake of vitamins. I pretty much spent Sunday and Monday curled up on the couch, dressed in warm sweaters; underneath a cozy blanket of down. And though I woke up hoarse, yesterday, I actually felt much better. But before I could settle in, and key with wild abandon, I had to address the c:drive.
.
It started screaming at me again so I backed up and cleared out a few more pdf and Word.doc files. Late in the evening, I finally keyed in some roughed-out handwritten notes and updated 35o [and some odd] words into my NaNo profile. I was ON THE GRID!
.
... And so it begins!
.
Today, feeling much, much better, I started NaNo by finding where I left off last year and finished keying in the last half of Chapter Seven: A Run Through the Forest, which happens to be the end of Part One.
.
I've got a mishmosh of scenarios for the Prologue to Part Two, and I've decided to just key them all in. I'll decide later where and/or how best to use them. For now, I'll close this post with the opening verse of Part Two, The Searching:

Where are you
.who sees this world
..through eyes of emerald green
Who lies in wait
.and shares the pain
..we suffer when we dream

..........~Perrie Stevens, Part Two of Caged Heart
..........~Dellasseea N'Syis, The FirstBorn Daughter of the Primal Elements, The First Ones.
That's pretty much it for me today. I do not intend fretting over being a few days behind at this point. Especially when, in 2006, I didn't even discover the world of NaNoWriMo [that's 50,000 words in 30 days], until almost an entire week into the month. That's the year a won! Remember? And seeing as how it's time for another break, I'll consider the makeup strategy tomorrow.
.
Blessings

Goblins and Ghosts and Ghouls, Oh My!

2009-10-31T03:35:00.000-04:00

Friday the 30th's Quatrain

2009-10-30T15:21:00.008-04:00

the great Day Star radiates across a clear blue sky
as the warm winds of Autumn whirl
and while embroidered sheers billow upon the current
newly fallen leaves scatter and clatter and twirl
.
Blessings

A Ghostly Moon

2009-10-29T15:05:00.009-04:00

It's wasn't quite 5p.m., yesterday afternoon, when I got up from my desk to take a much-needed break. Before I head down the stairs, though, I always take a look out of the window to check on the birds and the sky. And this time of year the trees, especially.
.
More than half of the trees, in this old growth tree neighborhood, have yet to let loose of their leaves. And I love the stark contrast between the autumnal colorings and the dark bared branches.
.
The dappled greying sky held both puffy white and ominous dark storm clouds. But what caught me by surprise, was seeing the moon already well above the eastern horizon. It appeared more as an ethereal ghost--awakened mid-sleep--not quite knowing exactly what time it was.
.
I shared the following post on Facebook.

A three quarter moon is risen and looks as a ghost amid the clouds in a
threatening Autumn sky.

Blessings

HeartSong Studios Website

2009-10-29T09:15:00.019-04:00

This blog was silent a few months back. It's not like I have a major following, but-- in trying to keep up with my own interests in writing and blogging, along with other creative and artistic endeavors, I became quite overwhelmed by the need to keep up with the necessary techno-based social media practices of Tweets and Twitter and Facebook. And with all of that then comes the desired following of the blogs and websites of either the newly discovered, or of those I have come to know and respect over the years.
.
Due to my health issues, what time I focus on any given subject is limited and oft times severely challenged. Brain fog and loss of concentration are frustrating at best. The circle can begin to seem quite vicious. And once anxiety rears its ugly little head I am left with the choice of taking a few measured steps back and away.
.
But sitting things out is not what I like to do best. And to my disfavor I do not multi-task as well as I used to do. But I also knew I needed to set limitations and focus my limiting time only on what best suits my needs.
.
I’ll speak to Facebook and Twitter and their ilk in an upcoming post. After visiting Vintage Legacy Studios yesterday, I have somewhat of a good head start on the matter. For now, though, I want to introduce a new website; built out of need to serve a friend’s suggestion [and her helpful subtle attempt to refocus my attention] and subsequent needs. I may not have been aTweeting, but I was not totally Tweetless.
.
Enter:

When asked basic questions like, how long will it take to build one and to best serve their needs, I pulled these pages together in order to remember all that is required to build a website. Little things are easy to forget until you are forced to institute them into reality. Juuust a slight bit important when asked to build one for someone else.

I'd built a website many years back and designed several websets and mock up pages. But it’s a long story as to why it and the graphics no longer exist. It died around the time I designed a series of black lace graphics, of which only a fragment survived.

Though HeartSong Studio was built using backgrounds tiles found at Graphics by Ivy, [and which I still consider a work in progress], I have since created a whole range of new background tiles. If you follow me on Twitter, you’ll recognize one of my Vintage Collection tiles. Click on the banner above and it will take you to the first of two pages of coordinated tiles. I’m still trying to decide which to use when I completely redesign this site.

I’ve used many tiles and websets, over the years, from many other designers. I offer mine, now, free for use on any personal, non-commercial website or blog, and it is my way of giving back. I merely ask for the standard reciprocal link back to HeartSong Studio. http://heartsonggraphics.tripod.com/ [Studio logos are pending.]

This site will also showcase EarthSong Photography, along with my current sewing and other creative projects. Another good reason to focus on setting up my Etsy shop?

Yesterday I pulled out the hand knit sections I want to use to create a shawl. And I have a scarf, hat, and fingerless gloves set to complete. Also coming soon? Look for my Knitting Jewels. I just figured out how I want to photograph them, so they're on their beautiful way.

That's it for now.

Blessings

A Very Cool Door Prize!

2009-10-28T10:39:00.015-04:00

I wanted to take some time to thank Cate Prato, from Quilting Arts' IN THE STUDIO WITH CATE, for the perfect door prize.

The first 25 people to join the tour (i.e. leave a link to their tour announcement in my blog comments, below) will win a door prize from the Studios storage closet (books, fabric, craft bags, art supplies, and more).

I was lucky enough to have seen the Twitter post from @InterweaveNews and be among those first 25 people to join the incredible opportunity, via Cloth Paper Scissors' Studios Magazine, earlier this month.
.
The funny thing is I'd only just discovered this product [from Canvas Home Basics] while doing a little online window shopping at JoAnn Fabric and Crafts. I even bookmarked the page for later reference, when lo-and-behold! What arrives in my mailbox a few days later?
.
It's an item that I added to my Wants & Needs list. Well, -- it went on the Wants side. I'm living on a limited income, these days, so it's simply not a Need.
.
Thank you very much, Cate. It could not have been more appropriate.
.
Blessings

Studio Tour ~ Part Two

2009-10-26T17:18:00.071-04:00

The Closet
.
That’s right. Though it wasn’t even that messy, I let this little niche of my creative world go undiscovered. I didn’t open the doors to this part of my studio for the virtual studios tour, earlier this month. I had stacks of projects and fabrics on top of the tubs instead of back inside; from whence they came. Due to pending work on an art quilt [more likely a journal quilt], this particular issue has since been resolved.
.
Some will remember I spoke about my ironing board [though considerably useful in more ways than one] , as the sore point in the studio. When I leave it out it restricts my movement. And I’m constantly dragging it back and forth; in and out of the way. I’ll address the suggestions made during the tour soon. For now, -- if anyone can figure a way to put wheels on this, I’m game to give it a try!
.
Also, when it’s up [and not really in use], it becomes the favored place for either Lucy or Pearl to preen and nap. When I collapse it down and lean it against the closet doors it becomes a tempting scratching post. They are usually dissuaded from either activity when I opt to use it as a clutter catcher instead. Okaaay! So it doesn’t always work!
.
ANYway, here’s a look [below] inside my studio closet. Yardage is generally relegated to the shelf. I picked up three lap throw-sized fleece blankets on sale for $1.99 each. I used one as the batting in the log cabin quilt that I finished earlier this year.
.
I have several tubs that I use for my fabric stash. All sorted out by use, i.e., quilting fabrics; fashion fabrics; scraps; holiday fabrics; wool blends etc. The suitcase is currently the home of projects that remain either unfinished, still in the mulling-it-over stage, or are no longer relevant, but I can repurpose the fabrics for something else.
.
Due to my health limitations, I need to seriously readdress the use of all of these tubs. I can’t move them about like I used to; they’re simply too heavy. Hence, whenever I return something to that area, it all gets layed out on top of the tubs and not back inside. I need easier access to the fabrics, and was truly inspired by many of the fabric artists and quilters [of the above-mentioned tour] who store their stashs out in the open; whether in baskets or shelves or bookcases.
.
Note: As I'm still making my way through the tour list, I'll come back and update this post with a few examples and links at a *later date.

*ADDED 10-28: Candied Fabrics, Cloth to Creation,
.
I took a day last week, when I felt like getting out and about, and stopped in a local thrift store to see what I might find. Nothing to use for shelving, but I did leave with a vintage handkerchief and a small beaded bracelet that I may work into a handbag or an art quilt.
.
To the left is where I hang certain yardage such as velvets and recently-washed unbleached muslin. These are waiting for various dye baths. There are also a few tops and skirts waiting to be repurposed as well. I bought two tops a few years back and tried on only one of them. Though the inserts and fabrics were nothing but a variation on the same theme [and pattern], when I got home I found that one sleeve was a good 2-3 inches longer than the other. Needless to say, it still has the ticket on it and waits patiently for my undivided attention.
.
There's one tub that's filled with nothing but recycled/repurposed paper; different colors and textures for future hand made papers. In the full on shot above you can see a tall stack of cup carriers that I’ve saved from numerous trips to Tim Horton’s, for cappuccino. In the previous shot you'll notice a few paper egg cartons; all destined for papermaking.
.
To the right are storage units for printer and graphic paper, along with photo mats and small picture frames.
.
At the top are a few bolts of various cording and trims. About 3-4 years back, one of the local JoAnn Fabric and Crafts stores closed down [to move into a much larger facility], and I bought seven yards of that 3” burgundy bullion fringe [which generally runs anywhere from $11-12 a yard], for 90 percent off. Oh yeah! For me, that was the buy of the sale.
.
Let's go back to my display hutch for a moment. During that same sale [which lasted a few weeks], I bought a good twenty yards of various fabrics, lots of cards of buttons, and dozens of spools of organdy, satin, and silk ribbons for 70 to 90 percent off.
.
A couple of years later, Hancock Fabrics went out of business, but by then I no longer had the funds for that kind of shopping, as medical bills took priority.
.
Well, that’s it for the extended portion of my tour and this little diatribe. My next post will be a thank you to Quilting Arts' [IN THE STUDIO WITH CATE], Cate Prato, for the very cool door prize.
.

.
.
.

.

On a closing note: Anyone need a little flat bottom one of a kind status bag?
.
This is my Garden Lantern Handbag [named for the oriental lanternesque beads that I used.] and it is ju-u-ust about ready for sale. It needs a finishing touch here and there, and then it is done. The surprise is the beadwork and silk ribbon embroidery on the inside of the bag.
.
Time to focus some attention on building up my Etsy account. I registered for HeartSong Studios earlier this year, but I don't like some of the things I've heard, recently, about PayPal, i.e. putting holds on sellers's accounts [a huge complaint on ebaY], and most recent, putting holds on revolving balances. Okaaay, that's another topic for discussion for another time. But-- if anyone has any input on Etsy and PayPal, feel free to leave a comment. I value enduser experience.
.
Thanks for stopping by.
.
Blessings
.
Hummmmm.... Who's that napping underneath the overhang?

Quality Control

2009-10-17T07:35:00.026-04:00

If you visited my blog during the Virtual Open Studios Tour you caught a glimpse of the lap throw I finished recently. I used the basic Stockinette Stitch and knit it off size 13 aluminum needles. I used three skeins of RED HEART Light & Lofty yarn [in Antique Rose] for the body, and two skeins for the crocheted lace edge.
.
I can tell you right now, though, I will not pick up those needles again any time soon. While they are quite light and knit beautifully, once they are weighed down by 73 stitches of super bulky yarn, they become too heavy to deal with for extended periods of time. And I say this based on health limitations. I could only handle knitting two, maybe 3 rows at a time [and sometimes only one], before my shoulders ached and my hands started to go numb. And this was a recovery mode project; knitted while giving my back and legs a break from other strenuous activity.
.
In retrospect, this project ended up serving as a reminder to consider working with circular needles the next time around [though that would require a financial investment], and-- it reinforced my desire to continue practicing, and learn to knit Continental style.
.
I'm not sure, though, that if switching styles would aleviate the weight-related strain from my hands, arms, and shoulders. Especially when my right arm and shoulder were not as bothered by the right hand throwing, as much as my left in dealing with the weight coming off the giving needle. But. This is likely a discussion [and reasoning] for another time.
.
As soon as I got things set up and shot off a couple of photos, Pearl jumped from the desk [directly behind me] and landed in the middle of the folded throw; which then slid across the table top. I pulled at the throw, bringing it and her back into position. Where, without missing a beat, she proceeded with the Quality Control portion of the process.
.
Here she is testing the Knead Factor.
.
Yes! I drew in a quick intake of breath, and surpressed the initial desire to say, "N0-o-o-o-o!"
.
Regardless whether it was straight off the needles, it's a lap throw. And in this house it is going to get kneaded on!
.
So. I resumed breathing and left her to do her job.
.
Pearl went straight to the Whole Heart Test, where she opted for the Full-Throttle Purr Long Draw Method. In other words, she really pulled at the threads. And, suffice it to say, it doesn't mean I wasn't standing there and musing over some form of, 'I haven't even used it yet.'
.
But. It passed. And with flying colors. Which is why I like this novelty yarn. It's pet tested. Literally. (~: When she jumped down to chase after her sister, there wasn't even the first snag to work back into place.
.
As I've gotten side-tracked a time or three, there are still a few loose ends to weave in before it's put into full use, but-- that's simply another Recovery Mode Project.
.
More soon! Blessings

Friday the 15th's Quatrain

2009-10-16T10:26:00.011-04:00

The air pressure plunges and frigid days bring out familiar sweaters, layers of socks, and blankets of cozy down.
And while torrential rains pour and autumnal winds rage,
remnants of a season past float like colorful jewels upon the currents,
rocking—back and forth—to fall gently upon a road, in back yards, or a distant forest floor.

OK. It may need a little work. But it's fine for now.

Portrait of a Little Equine

2009-10-15T17:35:00.005-04:00

Many Thanks

2009-10-14T18:26:00.009-04:00

............... I am just now getting back to my blog. But I wanted first to say thank you to everyone that virtually stopped by my studio, during the Cloth, Paper, Scissors Studios Magazine Virtual Studios Tour, and left a comment and/or offered suggestions to my ironing board dilemma. I'm trying to figure out a way to put wheels on the darn thing! (~:
.
I need to respond to all the kind thoughts and will do so shortly. Since that weekend I've been in Recovery Mode, and [this past week] I've been struggling to fend off a bout of melancholy. It's hitting me very hard this year, not being able to go out and hike like I used to. I miss losing all track of Time and getting lost in Nature.
.
But-- That's another topic for another time! For now, I'm still making my way through the Tour. Still adding new blogs to my Blogs I Follow list. And, I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who took time out of their day and stopped by my humble little corner of the creative world. May all of your days be filled with Creative Joy!

Such Wonderfully Creative Spaces!

2009-10-04T09:47:00.003-04:00

I'm exhausted from getting things ready for the launch of yesterday's Tour. Today, I'm basking in everyone else's creative spaces. The styles are so uniquely different and inspiring. And I've added several blogs to my Blogs I'm Following list, like a newly found kindred spirit Vintage Legacy Studio. Her studio is a wonderful blending of the Old and New.
.
I'm also in Recovery Mode, today. [More on that later.] For now, I'm firing up my heating pad, because there are comments and suggestions to respond to, and several more studios to discover and explore.
.
Blessings

HeartSong Studio ~ The Virtual Tour

2009-10-03T10:17:00.050-04:00

Welcome to my HeartSong Studio! And thank you so much, Quilting Arts and Interweave's Cate Prato [Cloth Paper Scissors ~ Studios] for providing the opportunity to share my humble little space with everyone.

You're getting the still shots version today. I'm just not skilled enough yet at shooting video. And though I can rightfully claim very bad lighting, I also admit to having difficulty setting up shots indoors. Turn me loose out of doors [with my big Nikon], and I can present some very nice end results as regards Nature. So, could this be a psychological nudge that I’d rather be outside? Hummmm. I’ll ponder that more later.
.

Granted, it is somewhat eclectic. And though some of the furniture was supposed to be only temporary, i.e. my sewing tables, I am quite comfortable here. .I will take you around the room from right to left; entering the room and upon leaving it.

This is the view as you enter the room.

Along the back wall are two of my storage chests and the painted table and chairs, the other one is over to the left juuust peaking over top of my sewing machines, I found at a local second hand store. They were already painted and intended for an outdoors garden setting. But. As my back porch area is not a proper place to serve tea and/or a light lunch [too much traffic] I moved it inside where I can better enjoy its use. And just below the window is my grandmother's thread chest. Well, it's also the step up to the window sill [for the cats] when the shears are pulled back.

My desk, hutch, and beading work table all came to my front door [via Office Depot] in boxes. And yes. I put them all together myself. The hutch serves not only as a display area, but also stores files [in the bottom drawer], and knitted wear in the upper drawer; shawls, scarves, both finished and unfinished projects. Oh! And that's my antique spinning wheel and basket of alpaca roving in the background. I've had to extend out into the hallway.

In the foreground is my beading work table. When I moved into this townehome, I couldn't fit that spice rack anywhere in the kitchen. So, I brought it up here to help organize my beads and findings. This part of the room is also being set up for my forthcoming work in clay. The lap drawer is filled with my beading and clay work tools. And that's a vintage [close to being considered an antique] heirloom pillow top; made by my grandmother.

And all those boxes and tins hold buttons, ribbons, embroidery floss and more. I'm still working on a way to better display my Scissor Fobs and Knitting Jewels [stitch and row counters] than in traveling display cases.

The chest atop the garden table is an antique typesetters desk, which I found at a local antique store about 10 years ago. I use it to store paints, brushes, stamp pads, bricks of clay, etc. But the top part, where the desk top lifts up, is my [pseudo] sewing chest. The other is a replica of the old library index card files. That's where I store my beads and wire, and other various craft related items and tools.

The closet, which shall remain closed for now, houses several tubs of fabrics, photography mats and frames, vases, baskets, and more. Yes, I've no shortage on "more."

The basket of log the cabin lap throw and assorted pillows are up from the kitchen [where they usually reside and are used], as it is time to sew the new Fall pillow casings.

I enjoy decorating for the Autumnal season about as much as I do for Christmas. Last year I did the pot holders. This year it is new pillows.

Here it is! My sewing corner. These tables were supposed to be temporary. Right before two of my lower lumbar discs ruptured [and took me off on disability], I was shopping for the large square work table that matched the desk and hutch. I now feel stuck with them. But at very least, I have them. For which I am most grateful. I use the old suitcases [and numerous hatboxes] to store everything from laces, bindings, and trims to patterns, tear away and freezer paper, and assorted fusible webbings.

Here's that other piece of vintage lace I talked about in one of my last posts. I'm auditioning it for an art quilt. Inspired by a recent Quilting Arts episode on Journaling, it reminded me of a very old piece of lace that waited for me, everso patiently, to decide how and when to use it. I don't remember the guest's name [I'll try to find out and post it here later], but she created a small quilt every week, until she had a year of quilts.

The general items I use most are settled within easy reach. And I keep a foot stool handy to change the position of my legs throughout my short periods of sewing.

My favorite piece of furniture in the whole room. My father was in the antique furniture business for many years; before it basically fizzled out in these parts. This is one of his finds. I fell in love with it. And is one of the first large piece I ever bought. And there's my Lucy. She joined me, again, for this morning's "re"shoot. Actually she is my studio girl. Pearls is taking a nap there, now, as I write. And yes. This chair sits there solely for them.

Actually, I’m ready to sacrifice the desk to the living room; downstairs. So that I can open up space and keep the ironing board set up permanently. Which brings me to the problem with my sewing space. Aside from having to raise and lower it, the ironing board is simply too much of a strain on my back; having to shift [and by that I mean drag] it around.

This is how it looks on any given day. Because of my degenerating discs [and other health issues: OA, FM, & Carpal Tunnel] I tend to leave it out and up. And I work best with it by the window. I like having the natural morning light coming in over my shoulders.

Because I can raise or lower it, I use it for much more than just pressing seams. It's become another work space, in and of itself. But, I am constantly dragging it back and forth and out of the way when I need to access my sewing table. And that takes a toll on me as well.

If anyone visiting can see or offer a solution, I will entertain any and all suggestions.

Here we are, at the close of the tour. This is my home office. The first thing you might notice is that I raised my monitor. Another thing I did [similar to utilizing the iron boarding] to keep myself from hovering and it helps to keep my head in a more natural position. I offer this tip to everyone who feels stress and strain in their necks. If you work regularly at a pc, you need to raise the monitor off of the desk! I did it with glass blocks and shelving board. I'll leave everyone to determine their own option.

There’s also a high back office chair that I’ve got my eye on, at Office Depot, and is another way I can keep myself seated back and in a more relaxed way. Which will take more strain off of my spinal column. And, once I get the new chair for my office, I can move this chair to my sewing corner. I will greatly appreciate the wheels over there.

At the front side of my desk, is my small studio kitchen. No. Not for preparing lunch or afternoon snacks. The coffee pot is for hand dying. The blender is for papermaking. And the oven is for my work with clay.

Behind the manequin is where I hang dry the coffee-dyed laces. It's the back rail from an old day bed. It's perfect to display scarves and such, like my knitting sampler at the top.

Here are two of the handbags I designed last year.

I do hope you enjoyed a look at my studio. I don't know if this is what anyone expected from me. It has taken many years to pull this all together. And, as I have been inspired by so many others, so I too hope someone finds inspiration from my efforts.

Click on the Fall Issue of Studios [to the right] for the links to the rest of the Quilting Arts/Cloth Paper Scissors ~ Studios Magazine's Virtual Open Studio Tour.

Blessings

Studios Magazine's Virtual Open Studio Event

2009-10-03T07:57:00.009-04:00

UPDATING NEW PHOTOS AS WE SPEAK .......

.
Preparing for this event has proved quite the challenge for me. I so wanted my first line here to read: Welcome to HeartSong Studio. In stead, I'm making a excuse; albeit a temporary one.
.
Shooting indoors, with my little Nikon 6.0 Coolpix, is proving difficult. I do not have the best lighting, and after having shot some 50 images, the simplest thing to have considered, I did not remember to do. I forgot to turn off my Time/Date stamp. Just one item that never made it onto the list of things I need to do. I rightfully [and quite frustratingly!] plead Brainfog. A major side effect of NSAIDs and Fibromyalgia. .

So, I'm in the process of reshooting, and will return shortly with my portion of the Tour.

In the meantime, here is my Lucy napping during yesterday's shoot.

.
Thank you for your patience.

Blessings

Needles and Pins and Fine Old Laces

2009-09-29T10:20:00.052-04:00

In yesterday's post, I shared the end product. Today I thought I'd share some of the shots I took throughout the creative process.
.
To the right is the pin cushion that I designed [earlier this year] to fit my old, but very faithful, Singer sewing machine. I found it rather tiresome having to either look for where I last laid my little scissors, or pick them up from the floor after having brushed them off the table top.
.
I used sticky-backed hook and loop tape to secure the removable cushion to the small ledge at the front of the machine. It's quite handy and I always know where those particular scissors are!
.
After auditioning several laces from my hatbox stash, to make the pin cushion for my Husqvarna Viking, I settled on this scrumptuous piece of vintage lace.
.
My father came home after one of his many long weekends of scouting antiques [many years ago now], and gave me several pieces of old lace that he sorted out from a lumped together, boxed up purchase.
.
I have another one of those finds that I'm going to work into an art quilt. But, I'll be working from the same piece of forest green organza as the background. More on that later.
.
I read somewhere that if you wanted a permanent ink, use coffee. I took that to hold true with hand-dying as well, so-- I fired up the studio coffee pot and dropped the smallest piece into a coffee dye bath.
.
It drank in the dye and the coloring is quite beautiful. And, do they even make lace like this these days?
.
In the meantime [while waiting for the laces to dry], I finished the construction of the body of the pin cushion. Of which is made entirely of tightly rolled strips of wool. I then covered it with the above-mentioned organza.
.
At this point, though, I'm still auditioning the skirting lace. Once I decided on the floral edging, I ran a gathering cord, not only to see how it would look, but how much bulk it would add to the bottom edge of the vintage lace.
.
As I worked with it, I wondered how it would look after bathed in java. No sooner was it thought--- and I had a fresh pot of coffee abrewin'.
.
When I pulled it out, to transfer to the bowl with a vinegar rinse, I wasn't so sure I'd made the right decision. It looked mottled. And all too quick, I hated thinking I'd made a mistake, having just ruined a very nice piece of lace. But as it dried, I could see that it merely took the dye differently; front to back. Meaning-- the right side of the lace looks richer than the back side. So all was good.
.
While this piece of lace dried, I still had to determine where and how best to affix the corresponding pieces of hook and loop tape.
.
Plus, there was still a matter of which coloration of the vintage top lace to use. Dyed or un-dyed. I hadn't made a firm choice.
.
I really, really liked the muted and the more subtle contrast of the dyed swatch. But, as I shared yesterday, I opted to use the untouched lace.
.
That will definitely change, though, when I tackle the free-standing design. I fully intend to use the coffee dyed lace; which-- is hanging to dry [along with several others] as I write!
.
Before I made any cuts, I worked with said virgin lace, molding, stretching, and pinning it to form, in order to determine the least possible amount of waste.
.
I should also state, at some point, this pin cushion was made entirely by hand. No machine sewing whatsoever. I used both straight and curved upholstery needles.
.
The finished cushion has a felted bottom [for that I used a piece of double-sided adhesive webbing], and the corresponding strip of tape secured to the back side.
.
Yes. This is the Cliff Notes version of the process, and I'm trusting right now, that it's not too confusing.
.
I need to take a break from this chair. It's taken me the better part of ALL DAY to write this piece, and my back is screaming!
.
[Added 9-30-09] As I stated above, this short little piece took me all day to put together. Reloading the pictures from CDs, resizing them, drafting, editing, etc. ... I should also indicate that prior to my ending up on LTD, this project would have been completed in a weekend's time. Instead, it took a couple of weeks from start to finish. I need many breaks in between sewing sessions. Not only from sitting in a wrong position, but from the carpal tunnel in both hands, and FM in the shoulders. And then there's times when my concentration is challenged! It gets very frustrating, but-- I am pleased with the final result; even though some of my stitches aren't as perfect as they used to be.
.
Blessings
.

~If you have any questions about this project, please do not hesitate to ask!

Interweave's Cloth, Paper, Scissors Open Studios Event

2009-09-28T12:31:00.017-04:00

Okaaay! So- I found the following Twitter post from @InterweaveNews:

Attn all crafters/artists w/blogs: You're invited to participate in Studios mag virtual Open Studio Event Sat Oct. 3! http://bit.ly/pexRa

I've shared only a few images of my studio office, so look for a few more on Saturday, October 3rd. It may get a bit messy in here, at times, but it's my favorite room.
.
I'll shoot a video, but I'm not quite sure about getting it embedded here; or anywhere else for that matter. BUT, this is the perfect opportunity to give it a good go.
.
Check back on Saturday, this coming weekend, for stills [at very least] or a video! [Not making any promises there!]
.
This should be fun. .[Click on magazine cover for event details.]
.
In the meantime, here's a look and my latest project. This is my hand-dyed [coffee-dyed] vintage lace pin cushion.
.
There's a strip of hook and loop tape that afixes it to the base of my Viking sewing machine.
.
I have a little bit more of the same vintage lace to do a free-standing cushion. The coffee-dyed swatch came out quite lovely! I simply opted to stay with the ecru for mine.
.
Blessings

Monday the 28th's Quatrain

2009-09-28T10:00:00.002-04:00

The Sun shines bright, the new morn’s air is crisp,
and a blustery wind rustles throughout the trees.
And while I make ready to harvest more White Sage
the transplanted lettuces Bibb thrive.

Exercising Quatrains

2009-09-27T21:21:00.009-04:00

.
Yes! It's been way too long since my last post. And I regret having to admit to being overwhelmed by the whole social media networking scene. Trying to keep up with my blog, blogs of friends, Twitter, and Facebook, etc., -- it all just got to be too much. I don't multi-task as well as I used to, and I've needed to learn my limits. More on that later.
.
For now, I want to use this opportunity to share my recent poetic observations. I wanted to collect a few of my Facebook postings, and share them here; in one place. They began merely as a way of encapsulating the high points of a given morning or afternoon. And knowing my penchant for cadance, it's now become a true exercise in quatrains.
.
Seeing as how I've reproduced them in the order they appear on my Wall, they may read better from the bottom up. You can see how they began to evolve. Enjoy!
.
Sept. 27 ~ Summer gave way to yet another Autumn. And while the Tree Clans begin to loosen their seasonal growth, we celebrate and welcome the Moons of the Harvest and the Falling of Leaves.
.
Sept. 20 ~ The Morning Star faded, giving way to yet another day, as the great Day Star rose in the East. And while the Tree Clans hint at the color to come, dark and ominous shadows traverse the sky in the West.
.
Sept. 19 ~ Cassiopeia showed bright in the pre-Dawn sky, and Clan Sparrow now delights in the newly filled thistle feeder. And while I still recover from my outing to the market, SOMEone dug up ANOTHER patch of freshly sprouted seedlings!
.
Sept. 15 ~ The newest Fall seedlings are asprout in the garden, and Clan Daddy Long Legs has taken up the Guard in the lettuce Bibb. The girls are bathing in a patch of morning Sun, and there's still more tech stuff to tackle.
.
Sept. 13 ~ The Winged Ones are afeasting, and Pearl is basking is a patch of morning Sun. Lucy is napping on a chair tucked up under my beading worktable [I don't know how she even gets there], and I MUST tackle the c:drive!
.
Sept. 11 ~ The Great Day Star radiates and blankets this little corner of the Earth in a gentle warmth. And while the day is still begun, may All face their choices, certain to follow, with Patience and Wisdom and lots of Love.
.
Sept. 10 ~ Fog continues to blanket the Dawns, and a front now shadows the Sun. And while the Winged Ones are noticeably elsewhere, I make ready to don a thimble to play with needles, pins, and laces.
.
Sept. 5 ~ The gorgeous full Moon is long set, and the great Day Star shines now in its stead. The Between Ones are achirp at the feeders, and I long for a French Vanilla Cappuccino.
.
Sept. 2 ~ Dawn's Touch upon the new day wanes as the Sun takes its place in the sky. And as the Winged Ones gather to break their fast, the Waste Management tanks clamor about the neighborhood.
.
Aug. 26 ~ The Fall berries are forming, and the morning dew sparkles across a Sun-lit lawn. And while the gentle remains of fog slowly dissipate, the Winged Ones are happy with seed.
.
Aug. 25 ~ The cicadas are singing, while Clan Starling gathers and chatters in the trees. The Ruby Red Lettuce sprouts are juuust turning red. And the Sun is ashine in the sky.
.
Aug. 20 ~ The Sun now rises behind the tree across the street. Its march to the South and the Autumnal Equinox has begun.

In My Garden ~ A Slideshow

2009-06-16T10:31:00.001-04:00

Giving In

2009-06-12T18:20:00.029-04:00

No Friday Five Favorites today. Just a quick update.
.
I gave in this week. I determined to let my body take the sleep it cried out for and craved. I gave in to the exhaustion of FM. And instead of thinking of it as losing precious time, I looked at it as a period of restoration. [Thank you, Alethea!] Time will tell whether it makes the difference. I am sure of one thing though. One day it was Tuesday, and the next it seemed--- was Friday. No. It doesn't mean I slept straight through. But the week simply came and went; much too quick.
.
There's a local health food store that sets up weekly for B12 injections; $15 per shot. I've determined to go next week and give it a try. Can't hurt. Well, yes it will! (~: ANYway, if it helps me to feel less tired, it will be $15 well spent.
.
And as regards my pc monitor dilemma. That resource did not pan out. The power switch is "not fixable," and he didn't have any monitors to sell. So, I gave in today and started to do a little online window shopping. I'm going to take my time. But. My saving grace in all of this? Comparable 19", wide flat screen monitors are a good $100 less than what I paid just a year and half ago. Still-- it's a strain on my already fragile budget!
.
Remember my work on refurbishing my Saxony spinning wheel? Well, I finally got around to taking that polishing cloth to it today. I still need to purchase a maintenance kit. But what with needing a new monitor, the kit will have to wait. Besides, I still have the cord band drive and I can fudge a connector to the peddle. And wheel oil? I'll think of something.
.
Oh! And the basket behind the wheel is that rose gray alpaca roving I bought from Marathon Alpacas, on ebaY. I picked up another bag of loose black alpaca roving about two weeks back. So, I've got the fiber. I just need the wheel.
.
There's also the matter of finishing up work on rejuvenating the small drop spindle for spinning that silk hankie.
.
In the meantime, I need to finish reading Stella, by Colin Galbraith. More on that soon. [See the side bar for my Review Queue.] For now, have a look at the book trailer.

I looked and looked, last year for a battery recharger system, and couldn't find one to save my proverbial soul. BUT, after using up the last of the throw away variety, I renewed my search effort and found a Kodak Value Charger. My digital camera is now back in 'greener' business. So is my tape recorder, which I intend to use, to take notes, as I read the hardbound Every Heart Has Its Day, by Lynda Lukow. [Scroll down the page and you'll see I am one of the winners of her Sweet Treats contest. Thank you, Lynda!] I find hardcopy books great for those periods when I'm relegated to the couch; in Recovery Mode. And the tape recorder will also help cut down on the use of notebook paper. Oh! My Kingdom for a Laptop! (~:

Look for my Sunday morning gardening updates.

Blessings

Sunday Morning Gardening

2009-06-07T08:10:00.034-04:00

.
The Sun was barely up when I set out to putter in my humble little garden. That's the one I planted while I was a few weeks offline; with another dead pc monitor. I'm currently using a loaner [Thank you, Raymond!] , but have a resource to see if my 19" Flatron can be repaired. More on that later!
.
This post is about gardening. I'd already set the stakes for the two tomato plants, earlier this week. But today, it was time to tie them up.
.
Oh! And let me offer one helpful hint. If you decide to cut costs this year and purchase a package of those green bamboo stakes, just remember to use gloves! That dye brushes off onto everything you touch and does not wash off easily. My hands and nails were a faded green for days.
.
There's another helpful hint I now have the experience to offer. Before anyone sets out to create their own Victory Garden, take in the full account of the project and know your limitations. I wanted to do my part and plant [albeit a small one] and grow my own food, but failed to give consideration to the entire process.
.
Knowing I can no longer plant and work a proper garden is one thing. Deciding to utilize the empty containers sitting in my garage doing nothing, is another. But failing to consider the basic maintenance and the toll it has already taken on my ailing body, well-- for now, let's just write that off to brain fog.
.
I also believed that gardening would help get me outdoors and keep said foggy brain more active. But watering my future crops has me in recovery mode every morning. I make at least 3-4 trips, inside and back out, with my watering cans. At very least, I eventually gave thought to, and now take a foot stool out so I can sit as I water. That's been of tremendous help.
.
Getting it all planted had me recovering for days. Setting out and fussing with those tomato stakes had me in recovery mode for hours. Even container gardening goes not well with a degenerating and OA-ridden spine. Securing the tomato plants this morning, has me sitting here, again, with the heating pad on HIGH! And I can't sit here much longer.
.
But here's a quick update on the fruits of my labor.
.
That first little everbearing strawberry that formed in my hanging berry patch, is just turning red and will be ready to pluck in a matter of days! And my first Roma tomato has taken its beautiful meaty oblong shape. Oh for the first salad they end up in!
.
There are also the bush [not vining] cucumbers. I found the first liddy biddy inch long cuke nestled underneath all those prickly leaves. I'm so looking forward to the first few slices of homegrown cucumber.
.
I need to do a little research, though, as I've discovered SOMEthing is nibbling at my eggplants. Only one plant so far [of the two varieties I planted], is showing wholes in the leaves, but I've never grown eggplant before, so I'm not familiar with the possible pests.
.
The Radicchio is coming along nicely [as you can see to the left. I have two pots of that.], but I've had to go out late in the day to re-water. And, I've already harvested a few White Sage leaves and brewed my first pot of tea. I've found absolutely nothing more soothing than the first swallow of sage tea.
.
I came up here [to my studio office] with the scent of tomato plants still on my hands. Regardless the pain, I've been too long away from that kind of smell. Purchasing twine isn't in my budget right now, so I made a quick decision on which spool of 1/4 inch ribbon to sacrifice to the cause. And as I tied, pulled at, and straightened the branches and stems, I took the quiet of the new day to thank them for being here. With the sky as my church, this is where I find and have known the Creator. By being with and respecting Nature.
.
Need to go now; my back is screaming!
.
Have a wonderful day, and Blessings to All.

A Story of Prompt and Circumstance

2009-06-06T12:03:00.023-04:00

.
I took a little time out today to practice my craft. The following exercise comes via a writing prompt from one of the Daily Writing Challenges, found in the forums of The Working Writer's COACH.
.
The Prompt:
.
Candace looked up at Mark. “You know what this means, don't you?”
.
He gulped, then nodded. His head bounced like a bobble-head ball park figurine or one of those dogs seen in the rear windows of cars that have known better days.
.
"Well!" The one syllable word flowed sing-song (not quite a statement; not quite a question) out of his mouth, as he turned to meet— well— what he alone perceived as doom.
.
However adept back home, Professor Townsend now knelt in the company of a long-drawn-out avoidance of Fate. Oh! He talked the Talk. But when faced with the more mobile aspect of said equation, his flair for the verbal banter knew no bounds. And, it actually stood beyond reproach.
.
Too excited to wait for him to answer, Candace continued. "I get to see your brilliance at work. First hand!"
.
Though several years his junior, and at times markedly naive, Mark knew Candace was no fool. He watched her drink in the excitement of the moment. And revel in the grandeur of the exotic and other-worldly surroundings.
.
"If you like, I can step aside and grant you the honor of coaxing it back out." Mark craved the luxury of knowing how much longer he could stall.
.
"Oh no, Professor!" Dark ringlets of damp hair clung to the sides of her face. "I couldn't imagine missing out on such a rare opportunity; seeing you in action."
.
'There it is.' Mark reflected.
.
He’d savored every gradation of their well-meaning, if ill-placed praise. And he'd been fortunate, all the years of his tenure, to be the sole witness to the extent of his fraud. Relatively speaking, Mark found Candace a credit to her species. But her incessant public requests, demanding a spot on his next expedition, completely wore him down. Even more when the Dean of Faculties insisted he open up and garner field experience to commendable students; i.e. Ms. Foster.
.
“Alright— ” He replied, running the backside of his hand across his forehead.
.
As Candace moved to the fore to set up the camcorder and documentary video, Mark drew in and released a hard-drawn breath. His eyes rolled up and to the back of his head as the lids crept over them slowly, and then shut.
.
Pulling a frayed and faded plaid hanky free from the upper pocket of his photographer’s vest, Mark wiped it across his face. And here, in the sweltering heat of the Amazon Rainforest, Professor Mark Ellsworth Townsend, wet to the core with sweat, had no choice but to shake loose the shackles of his fear. Trapped by the inevitable, and regardless how ungracious his potential undoing, Mark turned back to the earthen doorway of the elusive long-haired Giant Hissing Arachnoid.
.
“I’m ready when you are, Professor.”
.
“Yes. Well. Your eagerness is— well— It’s—” Mark practiced pointing to the tree when his head started bobbling again.
.
While Candace focused the lens and her attention on the base of the massive and ancient tree, Mark wrestled with the image of eight long legs jutting out and wrapping about his hand. And while the question of his manhood never once entered the student's mind, Mark struggled with the subsequent sensation of being dragged through the comparatively small opening and down into a dark and vast abyss.
.
Though he also gave thought to feigning heat stroke it was sooner, rather than later, that Mark's pride in his standing in the academic community triumphed. With a tinge of salt in his left eye and every ounce of courage he could in secret muster, Mark braced himself against the lichen-covered tree and plunged a very, very, very long stick forward and inside the whole; to poke at a monster of both dire and imagined proportion.
.
Story draft by L.L. Abbott
.

The Friday Five Favorites of June 5th

2009-06-05T16:13:00.027-04:00

.
Though I've been back online since last week, getting a post updated has proved difficult. More on that later. For now, I merely want to get a Favorites out to everyone. This week I thought I would address five of my favorite RSS feeds. So here we go.
.
.
No. 1—Words on a Page
I’ve posted a link to her blog more than once already, but it bears repeating. Lori Widmer is a great resource for freelance writers. She is also a champion for fair working wages [Writer’s Worth Day], and not selling oneself short.
.
No. 2—The Urban Muse
I found Susan Johnston’s site via Twitter [UrbanMuseWriter], and find it to be another great source of information. See: 5 Tips for Organizing Source Material or I Said, He Said, We Said
.
No. 3—Freedom From The Mundane
Okay! I’m more familiar right now with his website and Twitter posts, but— I’m a few chapters into Colin Galbraith's, Stella, [Yes. You read right! Review pending—and more about that soon!], and subscribed to his blog a day or so back. Check out his first stop on the blog tour for:

No. 4—Quips and Tips
Another Twitter find, Laurie Pawlik-Keinlen’s site is another great resource for both the beginning and seasoned writer. As goes her Tweets? They're filled with inspiring quotes and quips.

No. 5—Working Writer’s Coach
Lastly, I met Suzanne Lieurance during last year’s Muse Online Writer’s Conference, and subscribed to her Build Your Business Write newsletter soon after. Do yourself a favor and meet up with her as well.

Though I linked only a few, all [myself included] tweet regularly on Twitter.

That's it for today. More posts pending. Reeeeally!

Blessings

A This-n-That Update

2009-05-07T10:43:00.048-04:00

.
Remember the shopping I did on ebay? The rose/gray roving from Marathon Alpacas, arrived in Tuesday's mail. Lucy and Pearl buried their noses in the fiber. They approved! And where I'll likely spin the recently-purchased silk on a drop spindle, I really want to use my wheel for the alpaca.
.
I spent a little time this morning working on said spinning wheel. I took a damp [and then dry] cloth to the dust. I set it in front of the window to let the cool breeze air it dry. I'll take a polishing cloth to it tomorrow. Look for a picture some time next week. In the meantime, I need to shop for a maintanence kit. Drive band, footman joint, wheel oil , etc.
.
Here's a photo of Lucy playing Tower Guard. As I brush her I've been saving her discarded hair for spinning into [hopefully] a viable yarn. I need to buy some smaller carders for that, and I believe I know just the ones. This would be another drop spindle project, which is why the Spring 2009 issue of Spin-Off caught my eye the other day. Looking forward to opening the mailbox for that one.
.
I've been considering a new and separate blog for my creative interests. The working title is: All About The Craft. Something I could tie in with an Etsy account. I'm registered there as Heartsong Studio. Maybe the new blog should reflect the same name?
.
I finished knitting one new pattern for the sampler I want to update with an upcoming review. But the second line of written instructions for the second stitch choice stopped me cold. This will be one of the negative aspects of said review. Suffice it to say, I couldn't have picked a more perfect example of the main, but significant, problem I have with this particular INTERWEAVE PRESS book. I'm shooting for posting my review early next week.
.
Time to think on how I will contribute to and support Writer's Worth Day. Aside from upcoming Soul Echoes posts, the first thing that came to mind [as I've got medical bills to pay] was-- find a paying gig! I pulled up the Online Job Boards found @ The Working Writer's COACH, and will get familiar with what's available. I surfed through LinkedIn a couple of weeks ago. And there's Anne Wayman's regular posts on @ About Freelance Writing. There's also an article that Devon Ellington wrote--but I don't remember whether it's one of her blog articles, or a guest blog post. Aa great deal to learn before I signoff on anything. But one thing I need to ask of myself, is surfing the boards the best use of my limited time? Or should I make my interests work for me? More on this in a separate Writer's Worth post.
.
I finally updated my review of Hex Breaker. But with that, along with trying to figure out how the Twibes feature works on Twitter, I totally forgot about this week's Tuesday's Tip. How am I going to manage a paying gig [albeit a temporary one], when I forget the commitment to my own blog?
.
I made three trips to the garage this morning, with the items I'm downsizing to a future garage sale. I have one of those collapsible carts to help with transporting boxes, but you wouldn't believe how long it took me to dawdle both ways. Cart handle in one hand; cane in the other. But, I also looked for and brought out a few old terra cotta pots to clean up and use for planting my strawberries.
.
Getting the kitchen ready for some serious food dehydrating, as the oxygen absorbers arrived in the mail earlier this week as well. The overall problem is my counter space is soooo small! I'll get it figured out though.
.
I'm starting to feel those trips to the garage and am now heading down to the couch for recovery mode time.
.
Blessings,

Hex Breaker, by Devon Ellington ~ A Review

2009-05-04T06:54:00.031-04:00

.
I really hate to say how long it has taken me to get this read and reviewed! And I apologize to Devon for having taken this long. But~ I want to get this out before Old-Fashioned Detective Work releases.
.
I won the ebook version of Hex Breaker [first in a series] from the Interviewing Authors contest, and one of Devon Ellington’s many online interviews. She signed the CD, “Welcome to the adventure!” Adventure indeed! The novella length action is concise and fast paced. Were it not for my health concerns and needing to force myself to take a break from my PC after 2-3 chapters, had I read from a paperback I could easily say I could not put this down!
.
I did a little community theater many years ago [in my youth] so I enjoyed learning about the workings and goings on of a location movie set. And while it wasn’t necessary for me to meet pretty much everyone in chapter one, Devon sets the stage for her protagonist’s practiced ability to size up everyone.
.
The production of a paranormal film is in jeopardy. The cast and crew believe it’s cursed. And Jain Lazarus arrives—incognito—to help solve the mystery. Jain was invited to join the wardrobe crew, but it’s not her skill with kits or a needle that makes her invaluable. When she finally reads the script [where the main character unwittingly awakens a demon] it's her specialized education that helps in uncovering the dialog and incantation that's key to the source of trouble.
.
Jain Lazarus is a young take charge urban-chic woman, and a quick study. Where Jain may be a little too quick to defend her actions, much of her tough façade comes not from a need to appear self-assured, but to protect herself from those who would wish her harm—which she seems to have in spades. There is also a childhood fraught with bad memories, and the more recent pain of love foolishly lost.
.
Wyatt East is the detective who ends up shadowing Jain on the set after the unfortunate beheading of a member of the crew who is found to be nothing more than a walking corpse. OK! A Zombie. And where Wyatt comes off as the more confident of the two, it’s a truism when he’s on his own turf. He’s a little less sure of things when forced into Jain’s world. But he’s also at somewhat of a disadvantage from the start. Where he’s put in the position of verifying who Jain Lazarus is, she’s known about him from the dreams that plagued her prior to arriving in his neck of the woods.
.
Though I’ll watch a good [Oh! Who am I trying to kid, I'll give a fair or bad one the benefit of doubt!] vampire or werewolf flick [and I grew up on the original black and white classics], I never really got into the whole zombie scene. But this is much, much more than a story about the brain-eating walking dead. Devon’s story is rich in history, with a mystical hall of records to equal The Library of Congress. It’s about arcane knowledge and magic. It’s also about scorn and exacting revenge, and the never ending presence of greed.
.
Throw in an unlikely admirer, a car chase [in Jain’s “customized” car], another dimension, a god to truly fear, and a dragon whose name—in this lifetime and possibly the next—I shall never know, and you’re on one hell of an adventure.
.
What I liked about Jain is her use of communication skills. She reasons first and wields her blade last. But when Jain’s cover is blown and her words are too late, she has no choice but to separate a head from its body. And at first, I wondered if Wyatt may have accepted Jain and all of the querks of this case juuust a little too soon and/or easily. But then I wrote it off as being part of his growing attraction to this dark and fiery woman. Afterall, isn’t that what one does for the sake of Love?
.
Though I was confused a couple of times by the longer drawn out sections of dialog, having lost who was speaking, I loved the puns “… she’d have to dig a little deeper into Billy Root,” and the way Devon mingles a tense moment with sharp wit. She lays out the rules of Jain’s world quite well, and I love, luv, LOVE the Chaos Dragon! Having been a long-time fan of Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series of books, I admit to having a tremendous soft spot for dragons. This sole character of the tale stole my heart.
.
I highly recommend Hex Breaker as a very good read, for one simple reason. It is an innocent wish, in the end, that saves the day.

.
ISBN: 9781935141082
Firedrakes Weyr Publisher
Jain Lazarus Website – look for the free downloads of two more Jain Lazarus Adventures:
The Possession of Nattie Filmore & First Feet.
INK IN MY COFFEE Devon Ellington’s webblog

The Friday Five Favorites of May 1st

2009-05-01T06:06:00.015-04:00

I pulled these from my Soul Echoes Mood Music YouTube Channel. Unfortunately, since Google took over, I can no longer get into my account to add to, or make changes in the playlists. When I log on, using my Google account info, it does give me the opportunity to access an existing account. But when I say yes, it simply will not load. If anyone has the secret to making it work, please let me know.
.
That aside, many writers, depending on what they're working on, have some form of music in the background playing to their Muse. And many do not want to be distracted by voices or lyrics.
.
So, here's this week's five favorite non vocal soundtracks--courtesy of the YouTube phenomena.
.
No. 1— ANCIENT WAY from Earth Drum ~David & Steve Gordon
The video opens with the rise of the sun in the American Southwest. And after a wonderful tour of images, it closes with the setting of the sun. It's easy to become entranced by this piece
.
No. 2— NARA from Unearthed ~E.S. Posthumus
Though the video is visually-stunning, to say the very least, this is one of my favorite instrumentals. It's intensity stirs the very Soul of imaginings! This is also a piece I would love to crank up to full volume.

Another version ~ with images of Fantasy both Dark and Ethereal

.
No. 3— ADAGIO FOR STRINGS ~Samuel Barber
Need to be brought to tears? This one does it for me. Everytime! I have wondered what it was that touched Barber so, while he composed this piece.
Though it's not exactly my favorite video, it's one of the cleanest audio tracks. The live orchestral versions out there have too much audience interaction, coughing, etc.
.
No. 4— MOONLIGHT SONATA ~ Ludwig van Beethoven
Nothing embodies Melancholy more than Beethoven’s sonata. .

Here's another version with various images of the Moon that would inspire any writer of Urban Fantasy.

.
No. 5— THE SUN from Point of Origin ~Yanni
"And so the First One, the Primal Element of Creation, hurled an orb of flame out into the Great Void, and the marvel of Light shone and pierced the veil of the vast Dark."

~Dellasseea N’Syis, the FirstBorn Daughter of the Primal Elements,

after being granted the memory of the First Light.

From The Forbidden World Chronicles ~L.L. Abbott

Enjoy! And may you all have a wonderful weekend.
..
Blessings

The End of Another Month

2009-04-30T11:16:00.028-04:00

.
It's already the end of another month in 2009. It doesn't seem that long ago when it was New Year's Day.
.
I accomplished no where near what I'd set out to do for April. Had a lot of down time though. But-- I did manage to finish up a quilted pillow top for a new pillow for my chair at the sewing table. What is so damn frustrating is knowing that what would have once taken me a weekend to complete, now takes a couple of weeks!
.
Enough said; as I do not wish to give my health issues any more power than they already possess.
.
I finished reading Hex Breaker, by Devon Ellington, but still need to key in my hand-written notes and then write a proper review. But-- my favoritest character returned to save the proverbial day!
.
One of my goals for April was to work with my food dehydrator. Well, I didn't get the first thing dehydrated, but I did do some research on the subject and found an excellent series of videos, Dehydrate2store, by a woman who truly knows her stuff! ANYway, after watching the first few videos, I went about looking for and just purchased [online] the 100cc oxygen absorbers. While I wait for those to arrive, I picked up a case of wide mouth canning jars and laytex gloves. I forgot the lemon juice, but I'm not working with anything right now that requires that kind of treatment.
.
Tuesday, I found the first of the season Vidalia onions and have them ready to prep for dehydrating. I also picked up a bag of organic celery hearts. I like to cook with celery salt and thought-- hey, now I can make my own. There's a couple bags of frozen organic corn in the freezer, that I can work with as well. So, I may not have written my article yet. But I'm not shy on research.
.
Yesterday, I drove out to the local garden center and picked up a tray of Everbearing Strawberries. Since I can no longer handle gardening in the ground, I though I would try a few hanging baskets. And, this is also something I can dehydrate and store for later in the year. I may pick out a few herbs next month; sage for one.
.
Though there's no real excuse for not having written my article about Sprouting, after reviewing a few more YouTube videos, I know what I did wrong as regards the soaking of anything one decides to sprout. I also didn't consider the casings of the chickpeas. Another thing just learned; though not that I saw it as an issue. More on that later.
.
I also finished reading through knit & purl ~ 250 stitches to knit, from Interweave Press, and have drafted out my review in a Word.doc. There's the matter of picking up a skein of fingerling weight yarn, and practicing a few new stitches. Just something I would like to include as a sampler in my update.
.
Did a little shopping on ebay this week, and won the bid for a basket of rose/gray alpaca roving. This gives me reason to get my antique saxony spinning wheel in better working order. I need to see if it will take one of those new elastibands. More on that endeavor.
.
I also picked up a vintage millinery hat frame. The explanation for that purchase will not be immediately obvious, but suffice it to say it goes along with a current work in progress.
.
Almost forgot about setting up an Etsy account. I know it's the hottest thing going online for artisans and crafts people. So, I need to study up and determine how best to use it.
.
And sad, sad news this week, as regards a local fabric store [in both Dayton & Columbus OH] going out of business. The Stitching Post has been a mainstay in this area for 50-some years, and I couldn't believe it when I received an email about it's Going Out of Business Sale. I figured I could finally take my Viking machine in for repair [end of this month], but now I need to look for another shop for servicing. I loved that store. Due to my limited income [after going on LTD], my patronage fell short. But knowing it was there--- Well--- Very sad day!
.
OH! I also changed out my Soul Echoes header; again! I like the texturized background better than the stark white. Let me know what you think.
.
That's it for today. I've got laundry to switch out, hang, fold, and/or bring updstairs.
.
Blessings

My Little Copy Cat

2009-04-26T08:47:00.023-04:00

I never gave much thought to the old "copy cat" axiom until I brought Lucy and Pearl home from the Humane Society-- what? Four years ago now? They were presented as sisters [and are very good with each other], though I suspect each simply befriended the other and the HS did not have the heart to separate them. I say this because their records show two different birth dates.

I also suspect it had more to do with them noticing some health issues in Pearl that I will be forever watchful of, and is why the two kittens were adopted out as two for the price of one. No worries! I am quite thankful for both of them. For these last few years, they've truly been my saving graces.

But! What have I learned while growing up with these two? I now know exactly from whence the above axiom is derived! My Lucy is the quintessential example of a Copy Cat.

It started when my little tuxedo kitty would dart under the bed to play the kitten version of peek-a-boo. I would say, "Where'd Pearl go? ... Where's my Pearl?" And she would lift her head from under the bedskirt and rush back out. I would then respond, "There she is!"

Well! It didn't take long for Lucy to follow suit; with Lucy being much the quicker at reappearing upon hearing, "Where's Lucy?" Sometimes I can walk into the bedroom, carrying fresh laundry, and she heads straight away under the bed. She won't come out until I ask, "Where'd Lucy go?"

I've actually left the room, having forgotten she was under there, and returned to say, "Where's my Lucy?"

"There she is!"

There are other examples of copycatism, though the most recent is due to Pearl's fascination with playing feetsies while I'm trying to write. First she sits and scratches at the front panel of the desk. To which I respond by tapping with my foot from this side of the panel. Then we play off of each other, tapping back and forth. Eventually Pearl pounces with both feet and it then progresses to reaching under the desk to grab at my ankle or foot.

One afternoon I stopped to look under to find the four-footed-furry-person who just snagged my sock was in fact Lucy! And once again, there's my little Copy Cat. In action. One too many, "Pearl! You silly girl!" I suspect.

That's it for today. I've had three days of running errands [as I can handle only one stop a day] and my back needs a break from this chair.

SPECIAL NOTE: My review of Hex Breaker is coming soon!

Blessings

A Writer's Worth

2009-04-25T07:03:00.031-04:00

..
What would that be, exactly? A fair wage to be sure. But when a writer works freelance, the old mercenary reference [attributed to Sir Walter Scott] does NOT imply a writer's lance (his or her services) is free (of charge).
.
Somewhere along the great wide way, to those holding what is deemed a real job, freelancers [understandibly self-employed] are considered casual, irregular, and temporary in their work assignments. Regardless the societal conditioning, the contract any given writer enters into, deserves and warrents proper merit. That means maintaining a fair pratice of standard industry fees for services rendered. And to my understanding they're out there.
...
Worth denotes personal value. But worth is also a matter of perspective. And everyone’s worth is gained through the never ending experiences, or the lack thereof, of that which we lovingly refer to as Life. Though I’ve yet to earn any form of living from my writing, I do not intend—if and when the time comes—to sell myself short. But above all, I do not want someone else doing it for me by undermining [whether intentionally or un-] a proven profession.
.
I’ve learned, over this past year, there is a burgeoning struggle between the Doer and the Wannabe Freelancers. The Doers know, achieve, and expect their worth. The Wannabes are foolishly taking it all away. A demise not worthy of the loss.
.
To learn more about what's going on, click on the statue above and visit Lori Widmer's blog, Words on the Page. Check out the Comments to her numerous posts on the subject matter and find outwhat a writers worth is truly all about.
.
Blessings

On the mend again...

2009-04-24T13:00:00.026-04:00

.
Yes. I've been in recovery mode a couple of times in the last two weeks. More on that later. I just wanted to let everyone know that I hope to be blogging regularly again by next week.
.
In the mean time, here's a quick catch up: Working, albeit slowly, on client's details, requirements, payment options, etc., for pending website. I let her know about some of the negative issues with PayPal before she offers it as her only option.
.
Reading Hex Breaker, by Devon Ellington. Her dark winged one, whose name I will never in this life time know, stole my heart. Look for a review to appear here shortly!
.
Also, as regards a recent Twitter exchange with Kate McKean, I'm giving strong consideration to writing reviews of craft books. Seeing as how I've had my hands into everything from weaving and hand spinning; to sewing garments and accessories, home dec, and quilting; to beadwork, knitting, crochet, wreath-making [I'll stop here], I simply never even considered this might be a niche to be filled.
.
Due to my health issues, I took up knitting, early in 2007, to help pass time while in, what I've termed as, recovery mode. I decided, last year, that I needed to look for a book on stitches, and purchased the following last month from Interweave Press. It's from their Harmony Guides series, Knit & Purl. Just paging through, I'm finding it an excellent collection of got-to-try stitches.
.
But before I simply write a review, I want to start a sampler to include in my update. And that requires a trip to the local craft store for some proper fingerling weight yarn. So, look for my review to be posted relatively soon.
.
What craft and related book might I tackle next? I have a couple of ideas [i.e., polymer clay. And-- I just purchased 25 grams of delicious 100% raw silk hankies. So-- what's the latest book on hand spinning? There's also an interest in papermaking and hand-dyeing with natural ingredients: onion skins, turmeric, beets, dandelion root & coffee--], but I would appreciate readers' suggestions. Look for that opportunity as well.
.
Oooo! Remember the Sweet Treats contest I shared a couple of weeks ago? I won the print copy of Lynda Lukow's, Every Heart Has It's Day. So, you might say I have a queue going now! Not going to promise when a review for THIS one will appear, but this one, at very least, I can curl up with on the couch. All too soon it will be too hot to knit.

Created a new Soul Echoes header; but-- will probably tweek it. Too much white space. It needs a little something more. Just not sure yet what it is. What I DID know? It was time for the other one to go! Let me know what you think.
.
There's more to update, but my back has about had it for today. So-- I'll save the rest for upcoming posts.
.
Blessings

Tuesday's Tip for April 7th

2009-04-07T09:37:00.024-04:00

.
Remember that nail file I talked about? Well, just as I opened up this editing session, Lucy dropped and gifted another one at my feet; the dark grey finishing file. Yes. She targeted both of them.
.
It's official. The crazy weather has just set in. In less than four days, SW OH went from couldn't-have-been-more-perfect 60 degree-ish Spring weather, to tornado warnings [late Sunday afternoon and into the night], and then back down [literally overnight] to freeze warnings and snow. It is currently snowing. Big flakes. Enough to create a light dusting on the ground. And all this extreme up and down is wrecking havoc on my inner ear. This is the time of year I need the air pressure to go one way or the other. And I usually don't much care which!
.
An email exchange, which began over the weekend, will hopefully and finally [long story there] result in being able to meet with a friend in order to get her communication website up and running. How soon depends entirely on how I manage health-wise. I did accomplish a good hour's worth of research this morning, looking at and bookmarking sites similar in nature, in order to better suggest her wants and needs.
.
I keep adding more items to my Focus for April list, so-- it is likely more fair to consider this as my overall 2009 To Do list. Oh. I have a Word.doc which shows a much greater focus; most of which I've yet to publish here. Or anywhere else for that matter.
.
Since I don't have a major following, it's not like today's post would even have been missed, but-- I almost forgot what day it was. And one of those Focus items is maintaining my Tuesday’s Tips and Friday Five Favorites. With that said, here is this week’s health-related tip.
.
Clean your keyboards on a regular basis.
.
Especially when working in an environment where others have access to public computers, i.e. shared workspaces [1st or 2nd shifts, etc.], training rooms, public libraries, etc. That’s a lot of cross contamination going on. Any given individual knows where his or her own hands have or have not been. But we simply cannot know and/or trust what someone else does.
.
Think on the number of times you may have witnessed someone walking back out of a public restroom without having washed their hands. I’ve been there and seen that happen. And was TOTALLY amazed by one executive who did so.
.
Swab tests show keyboards are the perfect host of bacteria that is hazardous to our overall health. A recent televised episode indicated women's keyboards were the worst, because women tend to keep food and eat at their desks.
.
Certain of our writing tools are too easily taken for granted. A keyboard is one of those things no one truly gives much thought to when they get too busy with or are mired in Life. One merely pulls out the lap drawer, flips up the top, or unburies their keyboard and gets to work.
.
So! Pull out a few cotton swaps and the bottle of rubbing alcohol and carefully clean those keyboards and keys.
.
Blessings

The Focus for April

2009-04-04T12:20:00.011-04:00

I thought this deserved its own separate post. Especially since I've been adding to it the last couple of days.
.
For the month of April:

Draft out notes [possible How To article] of my recent experience with Bean Sprouting
Diary of a Prisoner blog entries [When Last I Saw Him, Honoring the Dead, The Ancients, & The Day the Music Died]
This article rekindled my interest in the Day at the Marsh picture book proposal. [Thank you, Lea, for the Tweet & Follow] Lots of CDs to sort through.
Script Frenzy--REMEMBRANCE
Maintain: Tuesday’s Tips & Friday Five Favorites
My annual Earth Day Letter [which still has me- I'm totally clueless. I don't have the first word.]
How Would You Live ~ Quill of the Heart blog post [an email this morning, went a long way in reviving this one]
Renewal Journal blog post
Edit Blogger Bio.
Knitting book, book review

Non-writing-related focus:

With my next trip to grocery, I want to experiment with dehydrating onions and celery. [This relates to another article/blog post/How To, i.e., bean sprouting]
Work on building a website for a friend.
Update Pearls of Wisdom
Need to add the final finishing touches to the Garden Lantern handbag [to the right] I designed last year.
Finish reading intro to Knit & Purl, by Interweave press.

I know much of this will not come to fruition. But this does give me a plan from which to work and focus.
.
Blessings,

The Friday Five Favorites of April 3rd

2009-04-03T09:49:00.018-04:00

.
Well, it's the end of another week and April Fools Day came and went with the biggest joke expected yet to be played. The last few days were exceptionally gorgeous, but the thunder rumbled in during the night and the monsoon has arrived. The bird feeders are teaming with activity, and the first of the female Brown-headed Cowbirds finally appeared this morning.
.
There's a new Quote of the Month in the sidebar. And what of those two nature-related poems sent out earlier this week? This morning I found they were rejected. I'll assume, for now, they'll be better suited else where. I'm heading off for coffee and to reflect on this month's game plan.
.
Today I thought I'd focus on five blog and web posts that gave me serious pause to think. All were found while following My Tweeps!
.
#1-- Writing Professional Blog Posts to Improve Content & Readership – How to be better?
.
I found something helpful with every tip offered. Where Soul Echoes does help in collecting my thoughts and practicing my craft, I am trusting my entries give people an insight into who I am. I also like to think my perspective brings something new to the writing mix.
.
#2-- Monthly Assessment – March
.
Lori Widmer’s post helped in assessing I’d accomplished more, last month, than I'd initially given myself credit. I continue to read her blog as it proves an excellent window into the world of freelance writing. With my time management skills having deteriotated over recent years, this helped in my posting an actual plan for the month of April.
.
#3-- Marketing and Promoting a Picture Book – One Writer’s Journey
.
I suffered several co-workers my extensive collection of nature photos. One commented that I should do a children's picture book, as "there's nothing out there with real photos. It's all artist's renderings." A few years ago I loaded some of my photos, taken one summer at a local marsh, into Slide. As I added captions, it occurred to me that this is exactly what one might look like.
.
I found the above post an invaluable view of what I might be in for if I fully immerse myself into A Day at the Marsh.
.
#4-- Blogger’s Blogs I’m Following Reading List
.
OK. n-n-n-Not so much a specific post, but, with the brainfog related to Rx drugs and Fibromyalgia, I've found this Dashboard feature very useful. And my list has grown by several entries just in the just last couple of weeks. I know there are blog rolls and favorites lists on everyone’s blogs. I avail myself of, and hope to find Soul Echoes listed in any one of them one day. But this particular feature resonates best in my keeping up with everyone. I may not have time to respond, or leave a comment, but maybe with my Friday Fives I can periodically give everyone their due.
.
Like today’s charming post at Paperback Writer. Her story brought to mind the childhood memory of the efforts my mother and father took in order to protect a mother dove’s nest and babies. The doors of the old family home garage opened outward similar to how certain closet doors fold open. Think cottage-styled wooden louver shutters. A Mourning Dove started to build her nest in the ‘v’ of the fold on one of the doors that was left open over a weekend's time. Dove nests are surprising fragile so my father pulled out a couple of large cinder blocks and placed them one on either side of the door. The wind alone moved those old doors. That left the garage open to the elements for all the weeks it took the mothering dove to lay and hatch her eggs, and the twin chicks to grow and fledge.
.
#5-- My Home page on Twitter.

Again, though not so much a blog or web post, I feel the need to give it fair due. I understand that self-marketing is part of the whole package of the publishing industry these days. Twitter is helping me to better learn the art, albeit one facet, of Social Media Networking. And I am grateful to my Followers. You are my mentors and teachers!

Blessings,

A-n-d they'r-r-r-e OFF!

2009-04-02T07:34:00.036-04:00

Up and down the street, the Ornamental Pears are in full bloom. Even the dandelions are flowering. It’s another beautiful sunny day. A bit nippy though. I opened the window and have a knit throw over my lap and fingerless gloves on while I type. But this morning's local weather report shows a spring monsoon is about to settle in (SW Ohio) for the next week or so. And I've so enjoyed having the windows open!
.
I am so grateful to my neighbor for her help in feeding the birds. She is quite able to keep her feeder filled to the brim. I, on the other hand, am no longer able to do so. Instead, I fill the trough with a few scoopfuls of seed, and then sprinkle another few upon the ground, along with the planter-turned-feeder [by accidental proxy] that’s right under the front window. I’m also quite thankful two of neighborhood strays are no longer attacking my birds. Yes! When they’re at my feeders, they’re MY BIRDS! It was quite disheartening last fall, when the mottled tiger cat killed one of the Red-wingeds.
.
I was downstairs, in the living room, when I heard the ruckus and scream just outside the window. I rose up from the couch, as fast as I could, and went to see what happened. There, crumpled and writhing on the ground, laid a male Red-winged Blackbird. Blood oozed from a wound to his head. I hurried outside whispering, “Oh no! NO!” I’m not so much mad at the cat. He did only what stray cats do. But MOST of us, keep our cats INSIDE.
.
I bent forward and picked up the seemingly small bird. He made no protest. His life force quietly ebbed. Blood trailed across my fingers from the mortal wound. And little by little, his head lowered until his coal-black beak rested gently upon the palm of my hand. He took his last breath, and I felt the beat of his heart— stop. I would hear him sing his arrival at the feeders, no more.
.
This season, there are three male Red-wingeds that, well— though one is a Juvenal; his yellow band is still small and a faded yellow, where one is, the other two are not far behind. And I always know when they are here. Their song is quite bold.
.
And what, as you might be inclined to ask, is my nail file doing on the floor? Well, 1) I relegated that file, many years ago now, to my design tools drawer. It's quite handy at cleaning up rough edges on man-made beads. And 2) After leaving it out, on top of the work table, Lucy targeted it as the perfect cat toy. Go figure! She carries it around, upstairs and back down, crying like she's just caught one of those rabbit-fur mousies. But what's most special is when she brings it around to the back of the desk and gifts it next to me.

I'm reminded of the time I stood in the cat aisle of one of the large pet store chains, looking at the wall of cat toys. A very nice woman walked up beside me and said, "I just got a cat. I've never had a cat before. What kind of toys do they like?" I laughed and replied, "Probably nothing you're going to find here!" I then proceeded to help pick out a few basic toys.

I polished up two poems, yesterday, and sent them off; out into the big wide world. I cannot hold their hands any longer. I also cannot but fret. Will they hold their own? Will they make new friends and/or influence lots of people? Or will they return from their grand adventure with nary a word? No story to tell. Leaving me to wonder where I went wrong?

Can't worry on that now!
.
As for what I can accomplish today? Tuesday's post was rather long, and the time it took to flesh out took a toll on my back. Yesterday I tried to catch up on some reading; blog posts, etc. And today's post is running longer than I first intended. So, I need to take a break from this chair this afternoon. I need to get my legs up and head back. I will NOT be back up here this evening.
.
But. After sorting through all of those files last week, I pulled out a few folders and topics to focus on, i.e., notes of my recent experience with bean sprouting; three Diary of a Prisoner blog entries [When Last I Saw Him, Honoring the Dead, & The Day the Music Died]; and yes, I’m actually still considering Script Frenzy. I’m not going to sweat missing the first day out of the gate. But I pulled all of my notes, research, and storyboard cards. Everything is ready. Except for loading Final Draft. I'm not going to sweat that one either!

So, that should keep me busy on the couch for a while. That and the following.

For the month of April:

This article rekindled my interest in the Day at the Marsh picture book proposal. [Thank you, Lea, for the Tweet & Follow] Lots of CDs to sort through.
Script Frenzy--REMEMBRANCE
Tuesday’s Tips & Friday Five Favorites
My annual Earth Day Letter [which still has me- Oy! I'm totally clueless. I don't have the first word yet.]
How Would You Live blog post [an email this morning, went a long way in reviving this one]
Renewal Journal blog post
Update Pearls of Wisdom
Edit Blogger Bio
.

Non-writing-related:

With my next trip to grocery, I’m going to experiment with dehydrating onions and celery. [This relates to another article/blog post, i.e., bean sprouting]
Work on building a website for a friend.
Need to finish the small handbag that I designed last year.

That’s aLOT for me!!!! It's not all going to happen. But this gives me a plan, at least, from which to work. I'd better go.

Blessings,

Tuesday's Tip for March 31st

2009-03-31T13:12:00.052-04:00

.
The day started out beautiful. The sun peaked over the horizon and rose into a cloud-filled sky. We’ve a bit of a storm front moving in today, so that luscious blue sky is now a wintery gray. I can report, though [while out picking up another chance at a laptop], much of the Forsythia are abloom. And there are daffodils and hyacinths about as well. The Magnolia’s are in full array. And the Ornamental Pears, Dogwoods, and Crabapples are just beginning to unfold and show their color. The Midwest is mere hours away from the full delight of Spring.
.
I do miss the Crabapple tree, though, that stood across the street, and straight out of my second floor window. It was my true herald of the new season. I love the contrast of the generally darker bark against the new fresh foliage. But, as some of you might recall, the trunk of that tree suffered severe damage last year when it split, after a high winds storm, and needed to be felled. There is nothing to its compare in my immediate view.
.
As I drove along this morning, I also noticed the current price of regular gasoline, up .30 cents literally overnight to $2.09, is now back down [for today anyway] to $1.97. Funny how the price at the pump came down so drastic last year, but the food pricing never followed suit. My favorite whole grain/sprouted breads are still well over $5 a loaf. And the two quart jug of my favorite orange juice has climbed to almost $7.00.
.
One week it was at the regular price of $5.49, and not looking like it was selling, I might add. That section of the case was full, while the quart-sized containers looked picked over. I’m in the store just a few days later to find the regular price of $5.49, is now the sale price. Did they up it in order to sell it at the new sale price? Are we that gullible and/or willing? Or is it merely more along the lines of climate change and crop damage and the price is not coming down; regardless the prices at the pump? I luvs me orange juice, but-
.
I’m getting a little more Twitter Savvy each day. I’m still learning the little ins and outs, so—if I’ve missed answering or responding; ReTweeting, or simply understanding all the Tweells and Tweestles— please forgive. But! I just added a new background tile to my site, and rewrote my bio. I do have one complaint, though. When trying to access the more option, at the bottom of the page, it simply will not load the older posts. I'm dead in the water as regards my attempt to catch up on a conversation or posts from an offsite conference.
.
All of this should have been yesterday’s blog post, but I was busy with [what time I could spend in this chair], making sure I have all the necessary Patches, System Packs, Upgrades, and overall Dewormers in place for the Conflicker Worm! [See: Cool down on Conflicker panic…] Thank you, Lynda, for helping my brain-fogged mind to remember.
.
By the way! Romance writer, Lynda Lukow, is giving away a print copy and pdf copy of Every Heart Has Its Day. To win, visit her site and enter the Sweet Treats Contest. Winners will be announced on April 13th. And just in case you'd care to know, Reese Easter Eggs are my absolute favorite!
.
Finally! ~~ Here we are at today’s portion of the post. ~~NOTE: Next week’s tip is already in the can, so next time around this'll appear all the more concise. Now, here is my preliminary delicacy of advice.
.
Getting Your Point Across.
.
Tip: Never underestimate the value of allowing someone else to read your work prior to submission.
.
How much new advice can any given writer offer another? Lots! There's as much as anyone is willing to share. And it's out here. As much as any new writer is willing to absorb. I've found writers are quite wonderful at sharing. But that can be said of much of the artistic world. Whether you find what you're looking for online, at the bookstore, from a writer's conference, within a group, or all of the above, most understand it's simply the need to express oneself.
.
I read a great article many years ago in a popular nature photography magazine No. Unfortunately I remember neither the publication nor the photographer being interviewed. But— the writer asked whether he [as most of the professionals are still men] saw new photographers as a serious threat or competition. He said no. Not at all. Because he knew that no two people would ever see the same landscape, on the same day, in the same light. Their vantage points, their point of view, would always be different. That answer thrilled me to no end!
.
Every writer, whether of fact or fiction, writes based on their life experience. And every new writer inevitably searches for another pair of trusted eyes. We all suffer the pangs of bearing one’s soul and eventually offer up some portion of our manuscripts to critique. What we get back, depends entirely on where we are in the process. For the sake of today’s tip, let's say it’s a matter of perspective.
.
A writer being too close to his or her own work is an occupational hazard. Before any given manuscript ends up in the hands of a potential editor, it behooves us to ensure the words written, read as we intend them understood. Especially when building enticing new worlds, it’s important to know we’ve not taken anything for granted. And it’s each writer's responsibility to ask the necessary questions, so that our intentions are not be misconstrued or twisted around by someone else’s ill interpretation.
.
So. It's up to every writer to muster up the strength to dust off their courage and hand over their heart to someone they trust. There's great value in another pair of eyes. Ones that might find a whole that needs to be filled. Or a landscape in need of a better, stronger view. And who knows. One day while you're paying it forward, those invaluable eyes may well end up being yours.
.
Blessings

The Friday Five Favorites of March 27th

2009-03-27T08:30:00.021-04:00

.
After several days of rain there is a beautiful sunrise filtering in through my studio office window. With the return of Spring, the sun [weather permitting], is now in perfect view.
.
Yesterday afternoon I peered through said window to find the first of the Clan Redwing females, had finally arrived at the feeders. Though they generally dine among the ground feeders, it was good to see her there. She holds her own amid the Grackles, Cowbirds, and Starlings.
.
As for today, they're all out there. Clan Sparrow and the Mourning Doves. My BetweenOnes-- the Cardinals. The Grackles, the Brown-headed Cowbirds [still males only], the Starlings, and the Redwings. I have the window up and my ears are filled with their chirps and squawks and whistles. There is also the sing-song from Clan Robin.
.
Since I’m trusting the day will come when I garner a more regular readership, this is my shameless ploy to reap that reward.
.
The plan is to publish that which relates to the craft of writing, like: my current favorite website finds; weblogs; or specific Blog Posts of the Week. They may also feature five favorite authors or tweeters, or the helpfullest of hints. Look for formidable quotes or excerpts; books and/or reviews. Links to online interviews or favorite letters of news. But! Since this is my blog, I may opt (on the occasionalist of times) to share five photos, or projects, or interests of mine.
.
That is somewhat the case with today’s introductory contribution. These are five of my favorite videos. Some were sent to me by friends, and some I found, happily, on my own. Why these? Because! What with all the bad news, bad weather, bad health, and the like, I thought I’d ration out a few heartwarming smiles.
.
So, at the risk of coming across like a segment on Ellen, here are this week’s five favorite videos.
.

OBLIGATORY WARNING: There may be a few heartfelt tears to be shed as well.

#1-- Cat Man Do?
.
It’s the paw tapping the face that resonated with me. My first cat used to do that when he wanted me to, Wake up! These days, Lucy will sit in front of me, but not directly in front of the monitor, and try to gather up my attention. While I’m still keying, she'll reach with her right front paw and tap tap, ever so lightly, on the left side [cheek] of my face. Her claws are lethal, and I don't feel a one.
.
#2-- A Wonderful Reunion
.
If you haven’t already seen it, this article explains it best.

"But it may be something more: the indelible image of a creature that could kill a man in seconds behaving like a pussycat with two men it obviously loves, smack in the middle of the African bush."

I say we can make a lasting impression upon one another, cross-species, and goes toward proving we are indeed all related.

A related video & Wikipedia

#3-- What the ... ?
.
Well--- This one just speaks for itself. Let me know how many times YOU hit the Replay button!

#4-- Playing in the Sprinkler
.
Could this one make you feel any better? A happy accident, this one. I don't remember what I was looking for on YouTube when I found it, but whoever posted it initially could NOT have picked a better song. For me, it’s the sharing of worlds, and one person caring enough to share it with those who have no other way to experience such a moment. And I was truly grateful for such a find.
.
#5-- English Opera
.
I watched this on GMA, one morning, and ended up in tears. This shy and seemingly unassuming man, walked out on that stage and bravely showed the world exactly who he truly is. Dreams do indeed come true!

Have a wonderful weekend, Everyone!

Blessings,

Thesaurus 101

2009-03-25T13:47:00.018-04:00

.
Today’s post comes after reading Nathan Branford’s current blog post: Know What Your Words Mean.
.

And again, I’d like to comment on Blogger’s Blogs I’m Following feature.

What with the brain fog of Rx drugs and fibromyalgia, this is a god send! Thank you, Blogger.

.
Several of my earlier posts speak to the power of words. [See: The Power of Words or The Impact of Words] So Mr. Branford’s piece today speaks rather loud, and evoked a fond memory this gloomy rain-drenched morn.
.
Prior to my going on LTD, I worked [for almost 18 years], in the field of electronic publishing. Editing, enhancing, and verifying the accuracy of legal citations and text. A good 10 years ago now, a fellow co-worker became known for writing reviews for a local paper. Via recurrent email exchanges, he would voice his disgust for being edited and repeatedly told to, ‘dumb down your work.’ An interpretation, to be sure, of his editor’s words. Though I fully supported his arguments against being forcibly dumbed down, there were times [after reading his latest review], when I had no choice but to write [and say with Love], “You’ve been reading the Thesaurus again, haven’t you?”
.
He moved out west to pursue better employment [and weather no doubt], and we have since lost touch. So on now, to how I use a thesaurus.
.
When I first decided to put pen to paper and release the stories in my head, I had nothing but a beautifully crafted hard bound book. What did referring to this thesaurus teach me? That a word here and there, ones I’d grown up hearing and subsequently used, did not mean exactly how I understood they should be used.
.
While majoring in English helps to unlearn bad usage, it is no light matter when hearing someone say, “what difference does it make whether I say I or me?” or “you should write the way you talk,” one feels duty bound [regardless the come back] to explain and defend why..

.
The only time I lay claim to what I call Writer’s Block, is when I’m simply stuck, or brain-dead, on what word to use. I’m talking about moving along, keying out a perfectly good thought into sentence form and then--- the flow just stops. The next word--- Think, think, think--- [I know it’s just behind my e-y-e-s, but... ], it juuust isn’t there. That’s when I skim through a thesaurus. Though now I use the Research feature in Microsoft Word.
.
Let’s say ramparts eventually comes to mind; but— No! Ramparts is too Francis Scott Key. So, with absolutely nothing else springing to mind, I highlight ramparts, click Thesaurus--- and there it is. Battlements. THAT’S the word I was struggling to find. Now I can get back to work!
.
What I find most important to remember is the need to have an understanding of the words one seeks. I could very well have said, Hummm, how about parapet instead? n-n-n-No. That doesn’t even sound like me much less blend with the tone of the storyline. And I wouldn’t have considered stockade, because in my head stockade equates to brig.
.
A writer truly needs to keep his or her readers in mind. When brig is an informal reference to a *prison on a warship, one needs to maintain the proper context. Especially if a writer, working on a period piece, describes a protective enclosure built of felled wood and spiked posts, then stockade is clearly the word of choice. Which is also [using North American vernacular], precisely where one might choose to store a particularly naughty character. It’s knowing when to use stockade instead of brig. Or vice versa.
.
So! A thesaurus can be quite useful in jump-starting a blocked brain [regardless whether it’s the right word or one that will inevitably read as having been plucked from a hardcopy or digital lexicon], as it is in teaching a writer what words NOT to use. All I’m saying is we simply can’t go about substituting words nilly-willy! It's about knowing the craft. [And yes. I know it’s willy-nilly.]
.
In the end, thesaurus-based word usage, while not going anywhere, will eventually [and quite rightfully so], imply either the writer is not versed in the proper jargon and/or history, or will never even give an editor pause for concern.

I’d prefer to work toward the latter.
.
Blessings

From AskOxford’s free online dictionary:

stockade • noun 1 a barrier or enclosure formed from upright wooden posts. 2 chiefly N. Amer. a military prison.

brig1 • noun 1 a two-masted square-rigged ship. 2 *informal a prison on a warship.

A Little of This, and a Little of That

2009-03-23T14:29:00.019-04:00

It was another beautiful spring morning until the sunrise became criss-crossed with heavy trails that eventually overcame the Sun. Clear blue skies seem rare these days. On a cheerier note-- along with the return of the Clan Robin, the Grackles, Cowbirds, and Redwing Blackbirds are all back as well. And one interesting thing to note, as goes the Cowbirds and Redwings, I've seen only the males. But, the feeders [with my neighbor is still helping] are teaming with activity.

.
Some of you will remember the Slide proposal I posted the first week or so of January [which has since been pulled off into the Draft folder], for a children's picture book: A Day at the Marsh. Well, I opened that file and keyed the text into a Word.doc for further fleshing out. I also need to go through my photo CDs to collect the required images; both for the subsequent manuscript and future submissions and queries. Reading through Top Ten Writing Mistakes Made By New Children’s Writers helped to steer me toward [aside from keeping up with my blogs], what project to focus on next. While I still monitor my BP, I can go through the CDs and photos while on the couch. And though I’m practicing a new stitch, my knitting can wait.

There is also the fact that Script Frenzy begins April 1st. I very much enjoyed the process of scriptwriting, but failed to finish Remembrance, in 2007. I have my Final Draft software out and ready to install, I just need to make the commitment and follow through. I would like to see a complete first draft. I can decide what to do with it later.

I’ve got a few hand-written notes on the results of one of my NON-writing-related goals for 2009. While offline I worked with sprouting lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans and split peas. Though the split peas have since been relegated to future soups, the other three worked wonderfully well. A post on all of this will likely be found in my Quill of the Heart blog.

.
To close, here are a few photos of a recent sewing project; again, done while off line. I came to the point where I needed a case to properly store my knitting needles. The only thing is, it just wasn’t something that was going to fit into my limited budget anytime soon.

So, I pulled out a couple of fat quarters of this Victorian print flannel [from my quilting stash], and went about designing a case. I didn’t have a zipper [another something I simply could not afford], so I looked through my hatboxes of laces and trims and found this silk frog closure, and dyed it in a coffee bath. I believe, though, I'm going to remove the fire-polished crystal drop; as it detracts somewhat from the closure.

.
Here's a look at the inside pockets. The small one, upper left, is for row and stitch counters. The gussetted one holds my circulars. And those to the right, pretty much speak for themselves.

It took a few weeks to accomplish; what with not being able to sit so long at either the table and/or the sewing machine. But I’m quite happy with the end result. Enjoy!

This is it for today. I need to give my back a break from this chair.

Blessings,

Tweet Tweetly-tweet...

2009-03-21T11:28:00.015-04:00

.
While I get the value of networking on Twitter [See, Lori Widmer's What I Finally Get About Twitter], I'm finding it juuust a little harder to navigate than what's professed. I know interviews and conversations are held there on a regular basis, and I've seen other writers posting numerous updates a day. But I seem allowed only one.
.
If I post one even few hours from the initial day's update, either the first one disappears, or my current one doesn't post at all. Though I'm still waiting for my ticket to be assigned, any help will be greatly appreciated.
.

[Update: I just managed a second post on Twitter!

Fingers cross-ed that my dilemma is solv-ed!]

.
I had a bad reaction, this week, to the new NSAID Arthrotec. Exhaustion set in Wednesday, to the extent I felt ready to crash, and was followed by a spike in my blood pressure Thursday evening. I started feeling bad around 10:45pm. There was nothing to explain the change since I'd been sitting, with my legs up on the ottoman, all evening. I took a BP reading and found it at 150 over 101. Pulse was a seemingly normal at 65.
.
When I woke at 5:15am the next morning, still feeling bad, I took another reading. 160 over 101, though my pulse was up to 70. I took myself off the dosage for the day, called my personal physician [who wants me on one tablet a day], and woke up this morning at 148 over 90. Pulse down to 61.
.
My prescription was changed as the OA is now showing up in my hands. That along with the fibromyalgia in my ankles, needless to say-- I've been concerned.
.
Part of this year's writing-related goals was to set up for writing-related activities downstairs; when I'm in my all-too-often, periodic recovery modes. I generally use this time for my knitting. But, as I was able to accomplish Wednesday, I had several notebooks [too many notebooks!] and topics to sort through and into their own respective files. That was partially achieved. As I could no longer sit at my desk, I did feel I accomplished SOMETHING along the lines of productivity; while sorting through all that long-hand.
.
Oh! Yesterday I won a free coffee from Tim Horton. They're playing RRROLL UP -THE RIM TO- WIN, again, and I'm shooting for a laptop. One of those would be quite helpful when I'm relegated to the couch and recovery.
.
Though I still need to take it easy today, there is also laundry to tackle.
.
More soon,
.
Blessings,

New to the RESOURCE & Favorite Sites Lists

2009-03-19T11:35:00.019-04:00

.
I want to post another quick update regarding a few recent side bar additions to my RESOURCE list; all found while following Twitter.
.
Today's additions comes via Linda Jo Hutchinson's Twitter link to: 101 Essential Resources For Freelancers. From there I found: Social Media Starter Moves for Freelancers. Both are excellent must-read pieces. Needless to say I subscribed to Mr. Brogan's community and social media newsletter and I've bookmarked his site for further reference! And, there is still so much to review from the initial 'essentials' list.
.
Yesterday's additional link came from Devon Ellington's Twitter update, and where I found her article @ Scruffy Dog Review: Where's the Work? I plan on visiting the boards she shared, sometime early next week.
.
I also added a link to Suzanne Lieurance's: The Working Writer's Coach; an excellent resource for tips for writers at any stage. See Your Professional Writers' Resume.
.
My Favorite Sites list also has a few new links; two of which are: Nathan Bransford Literary Agent, and Alan Rinzler's The Book Deal. Both found via Lea Schizas. Check out her new header @ The Writing Jungle. [And thank you again, Lea, for lending a kind ear yesterday. It helped to keep things in perspective!]
.
More soon. I've got to go for now. The new stronger NSAIDs have me feeling quite exhausted.
.
Blessings

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T14:35:00.002-04:00

Back Up and Running?

2009-03-17T12:00:00.009-04:00

.
N-o-t entirely. I still need to complete the proper install of my security suite. The Spyware Protection did not install. So-- this is merely a quick post to let you know that I hope to be blogging again soon. My next serious post may well be found at Diary of a Prisoner. I fleshed out a couple entries in long hand; during my unintentional down time.
.
I added a link in the side bar, so-- scroll down and Tweet Me! For my more personal side of life, you can also find me on Facebook.

Please let me know if either link doesn't function properly and I'll look into resolving the issue. I'm still trying to figure out things at both sites.
.
More soon, Many Blessings, L.L.

Queries and Ghosts

2009-01-10T09:38:00.006-05:00

This is a very quick post today.

Stop by Lea's blog for a wonderfully insightful discussion [resulting from yesterday's post] regarding query letters, and whether a writer should seek help in writing one, hire it out to a freelance ghost writer, or summon up the courage and perfect it his or herself. The respect that we've all a right to expect, whether we be the writer, the potential agent, editor or publisher, also factored and weighed in from all sides of the table.

You might also want to stop by the following blog: Nathan Bransford~Literary Agent [soon to be added to my Blogs I'm Following list!], and read More on Ghost Queries, which is what fueled Lea's post and subsequent intellectual rant. Their perspectives are invaluable; whether old or new to the business of words.

Blessings

The Sum of a Word

2009-01-09T10:38:00.015-05:00

You see life as precious, and you wish everyone was safe, happy, and taken care of. Social justice, human rights, and peace for all nations are all important to you.
.
While you can't stop war, you try to be as calm and compassionate as possible in your everyday life. You promote harmony and cooperation. You're always willing to meet someone a little more than halfway.

While visiting Chad's blog, I decided to find out just how those five little questions would sum me up. I couldn't get the code to work, so I had to finagle it into this post. If you're interested, surf or skitter on over to Blogthings, and discover your word.

My writing goals for January, as of yesterday, now have a new focus. Earlier this week, I posted a Slide presentation—in pseudo book format [which has since been pulled from this blog]—to solicit reader input. I gave thought, while brainstorming, to the possibility of reformatting it into a children’s picture book, A Day at the Marsh. I also contacted Lea Schizas, direct, for her perspective.

So, part of January will now be devoted to: pulling the text from the slide show presentation; drafting out an outline for a more fitting storyline; pull appropriate photos to include in the submission package; research the submission requirements; and whatever else I need to do to get A Day at the Marsh into proper format and hands of an loving editor.

I must admit, excited doesn’t begin to explain how I felt when I found new life and a hopeful purpose for some of all those photos I shot off that year, while studying a local marsh. Thank you, Lea. Your guidance was most appreciated.

There are also a few dozen quotes I need to pull together for Pearls of Wisdom’s Winter Update. Plus it deserves a new tagline. The current one is years old. I’m also collecting all the Think Green tips [from past updates], to include in an upcoming Quill of the Heart post. I thought it wise to get them all in one place. So, I’m off for now.

Blessings

The Brain is a Stormy Place

2009-01-08T09:34:00.008-05:00

This will be a quick post today. I spent yesterday in serious brainstorm mode, listing out 2009 Goals and To Dos. Plan A was to have all of this done by end of December. Plan C, is now in affect. On top of the primary list? Determine what is absolutely necessary. Key for me this year is to continue downsizing my personal lifestyle; to keep it simpler.

Late in the evening I finally opened up Excel in an effort to get everything better organized. I’ll work to prioritize a few of them today, but for the most part, I need to finish up getting my workspace and studio straightened up, vacuumed, and smudged. Then I can sit down and concentrate on the long and short term goals. I'll post some of them here. Plus, I want to finish writing and post the information about my Renewal Journal; most likely to update over the weekend. I'm also going to need some recovery time.

.
I answered and posted my 2009 GDRs, as relates to my writing, back on Tuesday, but have added to them since. I’m also updating my Pearls of Wisdom site for the Winter Update. Check out the following link: Sacred Lands – Interactive Map, posted to my Turtle Island Links. I believe the whole of the earth, That Which Sustains Us, should be considered sacred. I've written about this before, and because of this new-found link, I'm mulling over future writings.

.
That’s it for now. More soon.

.
Blessings

A Year of Renewal

2009-01-02T13:48:00.050-05:00

I meant to have this post up yesterday, but my pc started giving me fits and I decided to shut it down for the rest of the day. The whole business left me in a foul mood; but, I had some knitting to finish up; two scarves-- ends to weave in, corners to mold, leaves to attach, etc. Today I laid the ribbed and flowered scarf out on the ironing board to block. I’ll do to garter stitch scarf tomorrow.

Right now I want to get on to the main reason I wrote this post. My year of renewal, and I should add, my invitation to a shared accountability.
.

I’m not one for making New Year’s Resolutions. But I do like to set certain goals for the coming year, as regard specific projects I’d like to accomplish. I admit though, to being a tad bit preoccupied the last two and a half years with my health concerns. Though it most likely should have, goal setting hasn’t exactly been high on my priorities.

.
Frustration continues to linger even though I did spend some time earlier this year, coming to terms with the fact that— well, it’s probably better to say I finally realized I’d been mourning the life I’d known and enjoyed, and no longer lived. I miss my hiking and nature photography. I can no longer hover of frogs and geese and dragonflies. I am no longer that person who forgets about time as she hiked woodland trails; lugging a tripod over her shoulder, stepping off trail and exploring, shooting countless rolls film along the way. Getting on the ground to capture images of little horses and miniature goats is an ordeal; one that can leave me in recovery mode on the couch for days.

Many women today feel a sadness we cannot name. Though we accomplish much of what we set out to do, we sense that something is missing in our lives and—fruitlessly—search “out there” for the answer. What’s often wrong is that we are disconnected from an authentic sense of self. ~Emily Hancock

Yes. Many times throughout the course of any give month or year, our lives get broken. Life interrupts the best laid plans and dreams. And sometimes we merely deal with a situation and then return to the rut we didn't even know we were in. But last year I reluctantly accepted the certain things that I could not change. But what about what I can change? That's where I realized I simply needed to reinvent myself.

We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. ~Joseph Campbell

[I found the above quotes while reading through

SIMPLE ABUNDANCE: A DAYBOOK of COMFORT and JOY,

by Sarah Ban Breathnach.]

Fair enough! Setting goals helps us to see what might be waiting up ahead.

.
Writing has always been a passion. But my health concerns limit and restrict my time. So, I have to make the best use of the time I am able to sit here. And I learned a few things about myself while I pressed on through a week-long writers conference and a month long write-a-thon. That’s where setting goals some can come into play.

But before I venture into all the long and short term goals for what I want to accomplish, writing-wise, in 2009, I desperately need to focus first, on myself. My primary resolution, throughout the coming year, is to resurrect my Renewal Journal [focusing on my Intellectual, Spiritual, Physical, and Emotional well-being] and share the premise [activities as well] here in my Soul Echoes blog.

Not that I haven’t already spent a great deal of time brainstorming current WIPS, etc. And it doesn't mean I'm completely putting off, or aside, anything relating to my literary projects. Far from it. I enjoyed building my blogs in 2008 and creating more of a presence on the web; along with meeting other writers in the process. I want to get back to my FWCs storyline, along with both the chronicles website and companion blog. I desperately want to get back to Diary of a Prisoner, which got a little face lift back in October. And I’m currently reading and working through the questions from Devon Ellington’s 2009 GDR.

..
But I did spent a great deal of time during my former professional years, learning and coaching the setting of goals. I know the value of taking time to focus on oneself, so that friends, family, and those not yet known, will know the true self I purport at times to be. And it was during my participation in two of the organizational forums throughout the week of Muse2008, that I gave thought to re-establishing this proven practice.

Some of the other things I intend to address in 2009, as part of a better me?

Growing my own sprouts. I looked into hydroponics, but it all seems a little too much for me. I’m not able to physically handle that much or kind of work. Sprouting just looks more doable, and a better route. We’ll see how it goes the first time around.

I found a few good videos on YouTube, which I'll share later. In the meantime, I’ve got some small jam/jelly canning jars from when I used to make honey butters. I think they'll be good to start out. And I’ve got some cheese cloth hiding somewhere in the studio; that gave up waiting for me to decide just how I'd thought I might use it.

.
I’m also saving my glass peanut butter jars and plan to puncture a few drainage holes in the lids. I'll see how that works before I search out larger canning jars. Though I'll hit the thrift store before I buy retail. There's also space on the counter to set aside. But I already have lentils, chick peas, and kidney beans on deck and waiting.
.

Dehydraton and Food Storage. I pulled my food dehydrator [along with the instruction/recipe book] from the pantry and determined to use it this coming year. Especially when the Vidalia’s are in season (my favorite aside from shallots), and I miss them when they’re not. And with the escalating prices of food, it's wise to consider what we can do to preserve. If and when we have the means.
.

So, there are a couple of my “resolutions” for 2009. Next week I’ll go into more detail regarding my Renewal Journal. I’ll talk about how I modified the seventh habit [from Sharpen the Saw: Principles of Balanced Self-Renewal, see also: Habit 7 Sharpen the Saw], by Steven Covey, to fit how I lived at the time. There will also be an open invitation to join me and create that shared community of accountability, I hinted at earlier.

.
I’ve already mapped out my activities for January. For week ending Sunday, 1-11, I’m going to focus on my Emotional Renewal. The week ending 1-18, I’ll focus on renewing Spirit. Week ending 1-25, I have something planned to help renew my Physical self. And for the week ending Saturday, 1-31, I’m going to nourish myself intellectually.

That's it for now. I need to get back to my scarves. But, in keeping with my resolutions, I’m going to close with a recycling tip. When I send out my quarterly updates to my Pearl of Wisdom website, I usually include a tip for living a little more green. I’ve stated in the past that we’ve bought way too far into the convenience of things. We NEED to revert back to some of the simpler ways of life. The following tip will go out in the upcoming Winter Update, and comes via a memory of my grandmother Abbott’s kitchen, remembering all the jars she used to save, and the lids drawer.

Think Green:
.
Start saving and recycling emptied glass jars, i.e. peanut butter or jelly jars, and use them instead of so many zip lock bags or disposable plastic storage containers. They are great for left over servings of soup, corn, peas, rice, etc. And that’s less plastic to buy, recycle, or end up in a land-fill.

Blessings

It's 2009!

2009-01-01T01:30:00.000-05:00

Soul Echoes wishes you much Joy, and Prosperous New Year!

Blessings, L.L.

Thank You Everyone

2008-12-30T11:09:00.007-05:00

I want to take some time to say thank you to all who visited my humble little weblog this year. Though I have other writing I worked hard to accomplish, one goal for 2008 was to further build my presence as a writer online [both here and at Soul Echoes~Quill of the Heart], and to keep this blog active and up to date.

My health issues kept me from completing a great deal of what I'd set out to do, but I'm learning from this experience. The Draft Folder still holds tidbits that have yet to see the digital light of virtual day. I've also mentioned a time or three, I continue to maintain a word.doc file for blog pending entries. And, I remain hopeful that I'm not merely talking to myself.

.
I view this blog as my journey as a writer. And I can only trust that one day, someone else may find some inspiration in my efforts; some humor to brighten their day; wisdom or source of information they may otherwise not have found. Not everyone ventures to leave a comment, and others will never return. But to those who do or will, I say thank you for finding your way to my thoughts, my words, my rants and ramblings, and to my echoes.

Though there is much strife in the world today, may those who found their way here know much peace and joy in the coming year.

You can have anything you want if you want it desperately enough. You must want it with an exuberance that erupts through the skin and joins the energy that created the world.
~Sheila Graham

Many blessings to you all

Side Bar Add Ons

2008-12-29T16:13:00.017-05:00

This is just a quick update to let you know there are a few new features on my side bar.

I added an inspirational Quote of the Month. There's also a Word of the Day widget from http://www.dictionary.com/. Plus, if you scroll down past the Writing Tip of the Day, you'll find that RESOURCES list I mentioned a few posts back.

[ADDED/UPDATED 12-31-2008] Buy way of an invitation to be a Friend, I opened up a FaceBook account today. Just click here and view my fledgling profile. I don't know all the ins and outs of FaceBooking, so be patient with me while it grows. It will blossom in its own time. Whilst the seed doeth germinate, stop by and say a writerly hello.

Scroll down a little farther and you can enjoy my YouTube Playlist of Music to Inspire Your Muse. There are currently 40 songs in my Soul Echoes Mood Music Channel; a companion to this blog. You'll find several videos in the playlist from both David and Diane Arkenstone, and almost as many from Loreena McKennitt. There are also the Adagio for Strings, Agnus Dei, and Moonlight Sonata. And, a few vocals from Josh Groban, Peter Gabriel, Enrique Iglesias, and Jon Secada.

So, you can take a gander below and see what might inspire, or simply scroll through, find a song you like, and partake in a little background music while you visit my blog. If you click on the arrow on the left, that will take you to the Adagio, a couple versions of the Sonata, and to the vocals. Clicking on the arrow to the right starts you off with the Arkenstones, followed by Loreena McKennitt.

My list of favorites will grow with time, and I'll no doubt create more mood-specific playlists, i.e., native drums and flutes, vocals separate from instrumentals, etc.; but, for now~~ .. I offer the current list purely for enjoyment! Okay-- I'd like to inspire as well.

More soon.

Blessings

Happy Kwanzaa

2008-12-26T09:38:00.005-05:00

Kwanzaa begins today. And for the next seven days, each of the following values will be addressed, honored, and celebrated.

NGUZO SABA Swahili for~ The Seven Principles

Umoja (Unity)To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for
ourselves and speak for ourselves.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Nia (Purpose)To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (Creativity)To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (Faith)To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

This is the time of year when many of us focus on setting goals for the coming year. But before we can chart the proper long and short of it all, one needs to focus first on their core values; those principles and qualities that are of the highest priority.

First comes [and in no particular order]: honesty, integrity, family, service to others, health, frugality, generousity, community, financial security, justice, attitude, spirituality, and these are but a few. And second, the setting of one's goals is a matter of renewal; Sprititually, Physically, Intellectually, and Emotionally. Hence the tradition of New Year's resolutions. I'll speak more about this in the days to come.

In the meantime, Happy Kwanzaa!

Blessings

Merry Christmas to All

2008-12-25T00:22:00.015-05:00

These are my favorite songs of Christmas. Enjoy!

What Child is This?

O Holy Night~Josh Groban or O Holy Night~Celine Dion

O Holy Night~Trans-Siberian Orchestra

[take your pick of the versions.]

Wizards of Winter~Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Carol of the Bells~Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Do You Hear What I Hear?~Carrie Underwood

Little Drummer Boy~Josh Groban

Blessings to you all on this day of days

Merry Christmas Eve!

2008-12-24T21:18:00.008-05:00

Just in case you haven't found your way, here's the link to Norad Tracks Santa. He's currently over Uruguay, South America.

As for me, well the last few days have not been good. Though I did get out to the grocery, I spent the day before in recovery; from trying to finish up with my Christmas decorations. And yesterday it would seem the flu may have hit. It was a miserable afternoon and night.

I'm still not feeling right and I may not make it out to my sister's farm tomorrow for Christmas. No one out there needs what I may be suffering through, so-- it would seem I'll be spending Christmas at home, alone, with my girls.

Speaking of whom-- while they laid all nestled in for a long afternoon nap, I stuffed their Santa stocking with sparklely goodies: various balls, mousies, and these new little pastel color-blocked cubes that Pearl likes. She's so darn hard to shop for. And, we spent a little while, this afternoon, playing in fresh catnip.

Fatigue is setting in and I need to get back to It's a Wonderful Life.

Blessings

Happy Hanukkah!

2008-12-22T07:53:00.010-05:00

Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights. It is an eight day holiday which commemorates "miracle of the container of oil" at the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem, during the Maccabean Revolt [Second century, BCE].

There was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. The miracle is the oil burned for eight, which was the number of days it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.

If you are wondering why there are nine candles represented on the menorah, the ninth serves as a reminder to adhere to the prohibition [Tracate Shabbat 21b-23a], against using the Hanukkah lights for anything other than the celebration of the holiday. The light emanating from the eight candles should not to be used to read by, or as the primary source of household light. So the ninth candle, or light [servant or guard], is made available if extra illumination is required. It is also used to light the eight.

The reason for the Hanukkah lights is not for the "lighting of the house within," but rather for the "illumination of the house without," so that passers-by should see it and be reminded of the holiday's miracle. This is why the oil lamps or candelabrum are set in prominent windows. Hence, the Festival of Lights.

Blessings, and a Happy Miracle to All

Winter Solstice

2008-12-21T12:48:00.005-05:00

Today marks the Winter Solstice; the longest night of the year. Where many consider this to be the beginning of Winter, for many cultures it marks the middle of winter and the return of the Sun's for its winter nap.

I intend, this year, to light a candle at sundown and let it burn through the night; saying good-bye to the longest of nights, and the gradual return of the light of day.

Blessings

To Say, or Not to Say

2008-12-18T09:12:00.012-05:00

I'm sorry, but I have to ask why is there even a question?
.
Earlier this week I forwarded an update of my Pearls of Wisdom site, and I offered a rare quote of my own on, Pearls of the Holiday Season. You'll find it by scrolling down to the last section of quotes. Granted this is not the time of year to aggravate my readers, but someone needs to put an end to the whining about, "We're not allowed to say Merry Christmas anymore!"
.
Let's expound upon that here. Yes we are! No one ever said we couldn't. As I indicated in my Pearls quote, we can say Merry Christmas to our family and friends and those we know celebrate in the same way. This isn't a matter taking the Christ out of Christmas, for heaven's sake. But the birth of Christ is not the only recognized holiday celebrated at this time of year.
.
There are those who honor the Winter Solstice, which falls on Dec. 21st; this coming Saturday. Hanukkah begins at sundown on the same day, and is celebrated by millions through Dec. 29th. And, though still relatively new (and its validity questioned by some), Kwanzaa begins Dec. 26th and ends Jan. 1st. Least we forget there are those who don’t follow the Christian or Judean faiths, but work among those of us who do.
.
I worked for a Dutch-owned corporation (prior to my going on LTD), and my co-workers came from all walks of life, beliefs, and nations; Christians, Pagans, Muslims, and Jews. There came a day when our supervisors could no longer schedule a "Christmas Luncheon," and called it instead, a "Holiday Luncheon" or-- outing of such. Worked for me!
.
Unfortunately, it’s the Christians that put up the greatest fuss. I was baptized as a Methodist and grew up within the Christian faith. But I know Christianity is far from the only belief system, and there are hypocrisies that can be argued of any faith. We’ve all seen them play out in the news.
.
But this is a season that claims above all else, ‘good will towards men.’ Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings are matters of Grace. They are salutations that exclude no one. I argue here that when we find ourselves gathered among people of many faiths and nationalities, the gracious thing to do is to be respectful and inclusive.

Many Blessings and Happy Holidays, to All

So That's Why!

2008-12-17T12:01:00.016-05:00

I opened up an email today and found the following link to a very funny video. I tried to embed it, but the only option available is to upload from my personal files. So, here is: Why the Printer Won't Work. Enjoy!

My long-haired tuxedo kitty, Sophie [who has since passed], used to sit in front of the printer and wait for the paper to come out. I dubbed her My Little Printer Guard. I still have a few hard copy sheets torn by her claws. I thought of her today, while I watched and laughed out loud at PerthPurplePenguin's cat.

There's a picture of Sophie, somemheres, guarding that printer. I'll have to dig it out and scan it in. Check back. I'll update this entry when I find it.

The photo to the right is Lucy and Pearl at the birding window, downstairs.

Now, Lucy [she'd the dark one, more chocolate than black] comes running every time I hit print. Where Sophie merely wanted to help the paper out, Lucy's interested in catching the cartridges as they ride back and forth. Pearl? [she's the one in the tuxedo] She could care less. The printer holds no interest for her whatsoever.

..The photo to the left is them up here in the studio. Pearl claimed the stash of fabric on the pending projects chair, and Lucy's back there lounging on top of an old typesetter's desk.

I should take this time to give them their due. They've been my saving graces these last couple of years. Were it not for them, I would have spent far too much time on the couch and stayed in a much darker place, emotionally. And, while answering a few workshop-related questions during Muse2008, I also know them as my stress relief. The simplest of antics make me laugh, and for that I am truly grateful.

They are as much my therapy as they are caregivers. Pearl keeps a watchful eye on me when I'm not feeling well. She can be quite attentive, and there's a true look of concern on her face. And Lucy always lets me know when it's time to take a break. She can also be quite the Shakespearean tragedy when it comes to her hunger pangs. Though she wants what she wants, when she wants it, her patience with me is commendable.

Needless to say, there will be something quite special [as much as I can afford] in their Santa stocking next week.

That's it for me today, I need to take a break from sitting up here. I need to get my legs up and I've knitting to finish for Christmas.

Blessings

Dear Santa

2008-12-16T06:30:00.017-05:00

Blogger.com Reading List

2008-12-15T14:57:00.014-05:00

...Today I thought I would comment on how much I'm enjoying the relatively new feature on Blogger, Blogs I'm Following. The feature allows us the ability to add any blog, regardless the service, i.e., Wordpress, Quick Blogcast (GoDaddy), etc., [you get the picture], and it provides a list of daily updates of all the blogs I'm interested in following. Every morning I simply review the Dashboard and see who's updated. This is quite handy, what with my struggle with memory lapses. After the holidays I'll spend a little more time and add to my current list.

I looked out of the studio office window one afternoon last week, to check on the birds, and was so pleased to find one of my neighbors added a brand new feeder to the humble little pine out front. How sweet! I've yet to determine exactly who it is [this is a four unit building], but I will extend my gratitude, for their joining in the cause, as soon as they are discovered.

Over the weekend, I put a hold on the pending Quill of the Heart update. The subject matter is somewhat heavy, and I gave thought to its not being appropriate to the season. So. I've decided to leave, How Will You Live, until after the first of the year. Also, I spent a couple of days updating my Pearls of Wisdom website and will spend tomorrow collecting the quotes for the Winter/Holiday update. You can check out the four new videos added to Pearls of Turtle Island.

That's it for today. I'm trying to get some things done around here like: clean the kitchen; pack away the Autumn decorations; pull out the ones for Christmas; and start a load or two of laundry. Drafting out this post is merely me, taking a break. So! Since I know I'm not going to accomplish all of the above yet today, I'm off to do what I can get done.

Blessings

Unsuccessful Queries

2008-12-14T21:17:00.007-05:00

Saturday I shared, A Family Tradition. That story came about when I responded to a writing prompt on the Writing Exercise Board, back in 2007. One of the community leaders at the time, suggested the possibility of publishing it. So, earlier this year I bought a Writer's Market and researched potential publications. They all prefer to be queried. If they want the manuscript, they will ask for it later.

I sent queried six different publications. Several online, via e-mail. Others via snail mail. None showed interest. I gave the first two the benefit of doubt. Maybe they'd seen or already had enough Christmas stories related to family traditions. No worries! When no one requested to see the story itself, I began to wonder whether I even nailed the query letter.

It's not like I didn't research the requirements of a good query. But-- that I lack any true publishing credentials isn't exactly in my favor. After the first of the year I'll take a look through the handouts from Muse 2008, and see what I can glean from the workshops.

Below is the actual query letter. Feel free to offer a critique if the notion strikes. I'm open to wizened observations.

Blessings,

Dear [Editor],
.
Each family celebrates Christmas based on their own long-established traditions. I’d like to tell you how my mother and father took the wrapping and opening of packages to a grand level.
.
My family has never been satisfied with the idea of a simple gift box, wrapping paper, and a bow. I grew up seeing a reproduction of a steam engine near the family Christmas tree, along with a battle ship, space shuttle, and an Apollo-style rock over the course of as many years. There were also follow-the-string and riddle games that took us all to task and throughout the whole of the house. We’ve all become experts with what I term bait-n-switch boxes, but when my father passed, it all changed. A Family Tradition was inspired by a gift to my brother-in-law; one that returned a very special memory of our father.
.
When I shared an earlier draft with a former co-worker (to get a feel for how someone else would read my story), she wrote the most kind-hearted email, “I remember you telling stories of your Christmas traditions … and one Christmas I did do to a version of your game with the clues with my kids and my little nephew … it was so much fun.” I was so touched and surprised. I admitted, “I never knew (or shamefully forgot) that you’d tried some of our ideas.” To which she replied, “You didn’t know because I don’t think I ever told you. I just though it sounded so fun. I think wrapping a gift is so much of a waste, because most people don’t even look at it; they just start ripping at it. But, if you do something like what your family did, making it look ships and space rockets— that is so cool.”
.
The length of A Family Tradition would run the standard 2000 – 3000 words. This query is being simultaneously submitted.
.
I publish the following blogs: Soul Echoes, Soul Echoes – Quill of the Heart, and Diary of a Prisoner.
.
Thank you for your consideration of this article. I hope to hear from you soon.
.
Sincerely,

My Christmas Story

2008-12-13T01:45:00.044-05:00

A Family Tradition

..........................by L.L. Abbott

My father ruled as the wrapper of grand packages. An endearing tradition that grew over the years. My mother had not choice, at times, but to comply. She decorated around an old-fashioned steam engine one year. Made from torn down cardboard boxes and left-over paints, we could stand inside and wave out the window.

I remember a package in the shape of a house, with a steep pitched roof. Smoke billowed from the chimney on Christmas morning. And arguably his weirdest package is when he collected all the emptied wrapping paper tubes, rewrapped them in various new papers, and then taped them all together to form — an abstract sculpture. I don’t know how long it took my mother to pull out all the crumpled news and tissue paper [from most every tube] until she found that little velvet box with a ring inside.

He had one bad year, though, when he bought a huge lava rock for her garden, and couldn’t come up with anything better than draping it with one of those quilted blankets that movers use to pad furniture. He affixed a big red pre-made bow; but, didn’t get off without being chided for the effort.

.
There were the years where my sister and I actually had to work for our gifts. Follow the string or cryptic message games lead to pre-placed envelopes, and could take an hour of riddle-solving torment. They would take us to every room in the house and depending on the weather, the clues could also lead outdoors.

One year my sister and her husband took our parents to task. The new sunken family room proved the perfect stage for that year's riddle game. We'd been through several rounds of presents—everyone took a turn; everyone watched the other—when my sister provided them with their first envelope. They had one minute to solve the riddle, find the next envelope, and return to the top of the stairs.

Once back they opened and read the next riddle aloud. Each riddle led them to another room. The basement, den, bedrooms, bathroom, the attic— I don't remember the order. Each time they returned, both breathed a little heavier. Each stood giddier with laughter. And each reading got progressively more difficult to understand. And every time they took off—after a "times a wastin'" or "the clocks ticking" jibe—my sister, brother-in-law, and I giggled just a little bit harder.

When they finally returned with a box that took both of them to carry, we cheered. We let them catch their breath and spout off their 'how-could-you-do-this-to-us' complaints as they lowered the heavy box on the floor. When they sat beside it and started to tear off the paper, Grandma (who sat comfortably; waiting for their return and the silliness to end) said, "It looks like a microwave!"

My sister turned immediately around and shot a look my way.

Oh Dear!

Her stern eyes and pursed lips told me that's exactly what it was. We both looked at Grandma, who sat oblivious to our stare, then back up at our parents. By then the gift had been revealed. Though completely surprised, my sister felt, after all that effort, somewhat let down. For years (though lovingly at our grandmother's expense) depending on which package best resembled it, someone would inevitably exclaim, "It looks like a microwave!"

Over the years the packages became more elaborate. There was the USS Bud Light. Four feet of cardboard and Navy drab paint; with turrets and guns. He modeled a striking replica of the space shuttle that hung suspended over the pool table. A lot of aluminium foil was sacrificed for that one.

My brother-in-law eventually took on the challenge the following year and built an Apollo-style rocket; made from graduated PVC piping. Complete with tinsel at the base—backlit with a strand of red lights simulating take-off—it stood over 6 foot tall and hid components of the garage door opener.

Over those same years, I became the official judge of the unofficial Christmas Package Challenge. Unfortunately, that pleasure lasted only two more years. When my father passed [some eleven years ago now], so too ended the most fun part of Christmas.

Oh. We still have what I liken to Bait-n-Switch packages. Boxes within boxes. Boxes substituted for what's actually inside. My mother mastered the art of opening boxes—sealed in cellophane—emptying the contents and then using them for socks; a bowling ball cloth; or teddy bears. There can be a Box No. 2 to the Box No. 1. And there is the occasional envelope bearing a riddle inside. Anything is fair game; anything to throw off the other.

I removed the holiday trappings one year to find a box of dog biscuits. "Do I need a box of Dog Biscuits?" I asked.
.
"It’s not biscuits." She replied, before I started to look for the dog to go with them.
.
Because the cellophane was sealed, I asked, "How did you get this open?”
.
She just sat there beaming with Mom-gotcha pride.
.

A few years back, I made what I considered a grand package attempt. Only because I believed I had my father's blessing. I bought one of those extra large balloons and a tank of helium. I gathered up some light-weight cording, a rattan ring, and one small basket. I wrangled up a few macrame knots, and attached the basket, and yes! Think Wizard of Oz. My little hot-air balloon held a stuffed kitty hugging an envelope with tickets to see one of the last performances of Cats. Oh, she loved the tickets. [And enjoyed the show!] But my grand effort went completely unacknowledged. I never tried again.

That said, a couple of years later, I found these beautiful hand-blown glass butteryfly ponds. They came with a steel rod stake with a spiral base where the glass sat down inside. I bought one each for my sister and mother. I wrapped the stakes inside an emptied wrapping paper tube and the colored glass flower ponds in a separate box.

On Christmas day, I gave my sister the long tube package, and my mother: Box No. 2. When my sister found the gift tag also included my mother, she called her over to open it together. They pulled the steel rods, with the spiral tops, free of their trappings and sat bewildered.

When they looked over to me, I hummed, “Hum. There must be another box.”
.
“Oh! That’s mean!” they declared.
.
You’ve got to be kidding! I mused. “I learned this stuff from you people!” I said.

My mother then searched for and they opened the other box. They marvelled at the glass and talked about where they could put them in their respective gardens. My brother-in-law sat quietly and said; in my direction, “Wait until next year!”

O-o-o-o-o! If I had my boots on, I'd so be shakin'. NOT!

2007

With absolutely no money to spend last year, I had to depend entirely on my creativity and what lay stashed in my studio. My mother and sister were easy. A hand knit scarf for one [the wind blows hard and harsh during winter on a farm] and a hand beaded brocade bookmark for the other. For my brother-in-law? Though it took weeks to figure out, I remembered a treasure I alone knew existed.

In 1974, after loosing her only other son [my grandfather died many years earlier], my father's mother decided to move out of her two and a half story house and into a much smaller single level ranch. It took weeks to sort through everything and left dozens of boxes piled up for future garage sales. Certain of things, though, were gifted to one family member or another. I received the small black King James Bible my father received, from his pastor, when only 5 years old.

I had only to turn to the first page to read the hand-scribed passage I knew to be there:

This book will keep you from sin, and sin will keep you from this book.

The old blotted-ink coffee-colored inscription was followed by the name of the church; my father's childhood name; and the date of 1935.

It was fragile the day I accepted it, and read through it with great care. Thirty some years later, bits of the frail yellowed paper crumbled and fell away in my hand as I carefully flipped through the pages. The edges of the cover and binding were thread-bare, and the gold gilding from the words Holy Bible had long worn away. And each sewn section of pages threatened to separate from the next. I didn’t want to cause it further damage, so— I set it down and left it alone.
.

I looked at it for days wondering how best to clean and restore it. When I picked it up the Saturday before Christmas, I knew exactly what to do and to whom it should now belong.

My brother-in-law loved my father. He lost his own to leukaemia. When my father passed two years later, he not only lost a second father, he lost his very best of friends. I thought of this as returning a part of my father my brother-in-law never even knew.

That morning, I cleared space on a worktable in my studio and collected a bowl of water, a pair of surgical gloves [from a first aid kit], a handful cotton tips, mineral oil, and a towel.
.
I pulled on the gloves and began to dampen the first cotton tip. I worked very small areas at a time and then blotted with the towel. I laid the aged book to rest upon a clean sheet of printer paper. I used mineral oil next; repeating the same tedious process. The old leather-like cover drank it in. The oil helped to restore a little lustre and made the words Holy Bible (the gold gilding long worn away), stand out more.
.
I clipped off the longer strands of tattered threads, but left the rest. I reglued sections of the cover that had split apart; along with where the end sheets were torn from the spine. I then laid the book down, lined up all the sections square, and left it to set and heal.
.
Throughout I kept thinking, how am I going to wrap this?

The following morning, I collected tissue paper and a few boxes. But, before I wrapped it, I cut a piece of mid-night blue organza ribbon. I sorted out various seed beads, threaded a needle, and beaded (encrusted) the top edge. I cut the bottom at a sharp angle and placed it inside the first page. I wanted the inscription to be the first thing he saw.

As for the wrapping? In order to make sure I didn’t cause more damage, I needed to make sure (once wrapped) it wouldn’t move around. That meant I could use only one box. BUT! It didn’t mean it had to be the first box he sees.

I rolled a piece of tissue paper and placed it under the edges so they wouldn't get turned under or bent, then wrapped tissue paper around the entire Bible. I secured it with a very narrow black grosgrain ribbon. I set it back down upon the printer paper to lift and set it inside an old Ralph Lauren perfume set box, i.e., the Bait-n-Switch begins! Then I stuffed it with tissue paper to insure it wouldn't slide around.
.
Another thing to consider-- Pocket knives were standard issue Christmas Day implements. They were freshly sharpened and readied for any one who couldn't tackle the ribbon drawn up all on four sides or those tape-jobs that covered every point of entry; meant to keep you at bay for as long as possible. I would need to make sure my brother-in-law didn’t use of his pocket knife to cut the ribbon; so as not strain the precious little book. Wrapping the box took a little longer since I didn't want to turn the package upside down.

Once wrapped it was time for the traditional cryptic message, which I wrote inside a fancy die-cut card and sealed it in an envelope; with the subsequent boldly written message:

THIS SIDE UP
HANDLE WITH CARE
FRAGILE! ~ FRAGILE!

Now— On to the Bait-n-Switch!

.
I made a very small envelope out of the same gift wrap and sealed the spare key to my car inside. I wrote the following verse inside another die-cut card:

So sorry that these boxes
were nothing more than junk.
To find your real gift
you'll need this key to my trunk.

The envelope with the key went inside this card, which I then slid into the matching envelope. That envelope went inside a larger manila envelope, which I placed inside a small gift box. I wrapped this box in gift wrap and tied it with ribbon. This package went inside another box, which I set into yet another box. Again, wrapped and then tied with a much larger bow. That’s a total of four boxes, four envelopes, two cryptic verses and one key to the trunk of my car.

Christmas Day!

That morning, I spread a fresh laundered sheet inside the trunk and secured the real gift and envelope; with the cautionary instructions. The other box and gifts, along with my homemade whipped cream and eggnog, sat up front as I drove to my sister’s house.

After dinner my brother-in-law took his brother downstairs to shoot a few rounds of pool, while the rest of the family [that would be the females of the respective clans] passed out and opened presents. The lonely Bait-n-Switch remained under my sister’s tree.

When everyone started to pack up and say their good-byes, my brother-in-law saw everyone to their cars. I sat around the table with my mother and sister, contemplating eggnog and more dessert. When he returned, I merely pointed him and then toward the tree. I pointed back to him and said, "That one’s yours!"

He walked on into the family room. But when my mother and sister showed no interest in joining him, I remained seated, reluctantly, at the dinning room table.
.
Though I watched him pick up the package, he turned to sit in an over-stuffed chair that had its back to me. I couldn’t even see as he opened it. [Remember that 'let down' my sister experienced?] I listened, but could not hear the first audible word. He suffered my trial in relative silence. Until— He rose and came back into the dining room, grabbed his coat, and mumbled something about, 'so many BOXES!' [not entirely sure there wasn't an expletive in there somemheres!] then headed through door to the garage.

My sister whispered harshly, "I told you not to spend any money!"
.
"I didn't." I replied.

When I heard the door close behind him, I broke the conversation to relay, "I cannot stress enough how fragile this is. I would prefer that he open this box, here at the table. And, I don't want him using a pocket knife to cut the ribbon. Can you get a pair of scissors?"

As she went for a pair of scissors, my mother remarked, "You should have told him how fragile it is."
.
"Oh! He'll see that when he opens the trunk."
.
"Are you sur..."
.
I interrupted her to indicate, "Handle with care is printed loud and clear on the envelope.”

When my brother-in-law returned, my sister told him where to sit and he quietly opened the next envelope. Though he read the card to himself, she took it from his hand and then read it aloud:

Seventy two years ago
a now fragile page was signed,
and given to a father
of both yours and mine.

"Hunnnf!" she mouthed thoughtfully; to no one in particular.
.
She's clueless. Good! So was my mother who hovered quietly over my shoulder.

As he gingerly peeled away the wrapping paper and removed the lid bearing the designer logo, I stated, "I cannot stress enough, how careful you need to be with this."

I watched as he gingerly he removed the top layers of tissue paper which revealed the bundle tied with the grosgrain ribbon. He gently pulled out the rest of the tissue. Taking hold of the edges of the printer paper he pulled it free. My sister pushed the box away, handed him the scissors and told him, "You need to use these."
.

He cut the ribbon and pulled the rest of the tissue away. "Wow! It's an old Bible.” Since he has a fondness for antiques he thought I'd just given him an old timey Bible.

He lifted the bottom edge of the bookmark, opening to the pre-selected page and read the inscription and our father's name aloud.

"I'd forgotten all about that." My mother said softly.

The thoughtful look from my sister told me I couldn't have found it a better home. But, in the next moment, my brother-in-law picked up the key to my car, and announced he wanted to check the oil. On Christmas Day? He took off and remained gone far longer than it took read a dip stick and top off the oil.

In his absence my mother said, "He'll find a very special place to put this." [As I knew he would.] She and my sister continued to relay where he puts all of his special and secret things.

When he came back in, my sister followed him as he headed for their back room. She returned with a gift box of tea. "Yes, we're re-gifting this, but no one here drinks tea.” Then my brother-in-law walked up with a little gift bag of cookies and gift cards.

I hadn’t needed anything more than they’d already given and maybe my package wasn’t all that grand. But I left their house knowing I did a very good thing. And whether it revives a cherished family tradition— who knows what this year will bring or whether someone will choose to retaliate. At this writing, I no longer care. What's done is done and most likely belongs in the past; where some of the best of our memories live.

THE END

My Seasonal Prayer

2008-12-12T12:25:00.003-05:00

I wish for all
a wonderful holiday season
filled with peace, joy, and
the bountiful love of family and dear friends.
May you all know safe roads for your journeys
and may those far from home
find warm hearths upon their returns.
May the spirit of the season live on in all hearts.
And may the new year ahead
hold many blessings in store.

Stop by tomorrow for My Christmas Story ~ A Family Tradition.

Blessings

Editing Fibers

2008-12-10T08:59:00.014-05:00

Oy! As Lynda would say. This upcoming Quill of the Heart post is giving me fits. The draft is currently around 1500 words, and though the numerous tangents are obvious, it's still missing certain fibers to complete the thread. And only just yesterday, I found a couple more sources from which to glean perspective, and a better focus of the matter behind the question I mean to pose. I am reminded that all things come in their proper time.

While considering the subject matter for today's post here, my mind wandered to recent thoughts of shopping for and replacing my old carders. And there is was! What are carders you ask? And how could readying fibers for spinning have anything at all in common with writing?

Organizing one's thoughts is a little like the preparation of wool into roving for the spinning of yarns. After washing, carding helps to remove any further impurities [i.e., sundry barnyard anomalies] from the raw fleece. It also combs out the tangles of the precious natural fibers. But in the end, the handspun yarn is only as good as the splices of roving.

Communicating one's thoughts, the delivery of words—whether spoken or written— requires purposeful preparation. Editing, like carding, works to remove certain impurities and brings out the words best suited to task of relaying the echoes of one’s soul. For once an echo is set free, it can never again be caged.
.
Hold on! Blue Jay is here, or-- [dashes (being a relative term these days) off to the window!]
.
Okay, I'm back. I’m not always sure whether it’s the jay or a hawk out there. Especially when opening the door a few days back, to take out seed, I saw a small hawk fly into the pine, flutter about, and carry off a member of Clan Sparrow. I saw its little silhouette in the hawk's talons as the hawk flew across the street into the neighboring tree. It all happened so quick and I've yet to specifically indentify the species, but— I digress!
.
Blue Jay found her way to my feeders recently, and dines daily among the squirrels, Clan Sparrow and the Mourning Doves. How apropos that she announced her arrival during the writing of this entry. Whether she comes to ensure I use my power properly, to remind me to embrace my talents and life to the fullest, or merely to partake of a seed or three, I welcome her as a royal guest.
.
It's a cold, grey, and rainy day. And there's a nagging unfinished blog post that requires my attention; if I’m to see it to fruition. I've fibers to comb and roving to spin; thoughts to provoke and echoes to inspire.

Blessings

A Recipe from Me to You

2008-12-08T08:40:00.013-05:00

I'm working on a post for my Quill of the Heart blog, so today I thought I would offer up the recipe for that Sweet Potato Souffle. It's the long time favored dish of a local dinner theather, La Comedia, and it made the rounds at many a corporate holiday luncheon.

For the best, optimum flavor-- do yourself a huge favor and don't skimp on the ingredients! DO NOT use canned sweet potatoes. Trust me on this; peal and cook them fresh. Use real vanilla extract [the best you can afford], butter [not margarine], milled cane sugar, sea salt, and eggs from free-range chickens. [rant]Keep it as organic, unprocessed, and free of growth hormones as possible. And please don't ruin it by topping it off with Cool Whip.[/rant]

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Potatoes:

.
Cook the sweet potatoes and set aside. Blend together the following ingredients:

.
...1 cup sugar

...2 eggs

...1/2 cup milk (half/half-for richer flavor)

...1/2 tsp. salt

...1/3 stick butter (melted)

...1 tsp. vanilla

Add mixture to:

...4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (in a large bowl)
.

Pour into a buttered 9 x 12 baking dish.
.

Topping:

.
...1 cup brown sugar
...1/2 cup flour
...1/3 cup butter (melted)
...1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Crumble topping evenly over souffle mixture.

Place dish on middle rack. Bake (uncovered) for 35-40 minutes. Serve warm. [with or without homemade whipped cream]

.
.

Blessings & Enjoy!

Partners in Marketing

2008-12-07T09:45:00.011-05:00

Writing Tip of the Day: Dec. 7, 2008

Every book author (whether fiction or nonfiction)

needs to partner with their publisher to sell books.

Each author must create their own marketing efforts.

I cannot emphasize my amazement enough, in regards to how much is expected of an author’s participation in initializing the marketing of their published work. It’s not just talent that writers must bring to the table, but their marketing skills as well. My fear is that I'll fall short in this area and my physical limitations will be seen as a hindrance. But, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

First, I need to start looking at my writing as a job and not just what I do when I have time; when everything else is done and out of the way. I also need to look at marketing as part of the craft of writing. Where one goes the other simply follows. What time I carve out to write must also compete with the time allotted to market.

.
Lastly, I’m devoting part of December to organizing my writing goals for 2009. Though it'll more than likely carry over into Jaunary [Christmas is nigh, so-- I've got to keep it real!], I’m readying my planners and To Do lists; updating my Wants & Needs; and pulling out my recent brainstorming Word docs. And, with this particular tip in mind, I recognized the one missing factor. Marketing is nowhere to be found. As of this post, that factor is now remedied.

But first-- I believe I'm going to focus on getting something published! Well, before anything else, I truly need to focus on my health, or I'll accomplish nothing.

[See my comment to Lea Schizas' question regarding Writing Habits]

MIA, but-- On the Mend!

2008-12-06T13:21:00.019-05:00

I trust everyone had a good Thanksgiving dinner, and that it was spent among family and friends. Though my oven ended up on the fritz-- No Worries! I merely went ahead and cooked the sweet potatoes, prepared the soufflé and topping, and cooked it once I got to my sister’s house. It's more like a dessert anyway, so it didn't interfere with her preparations and it baked while we ate dinner. I also took along some fresh made (all organic) whipped cream. After learning the true ingredients of Cool Whip--a family holiday staple [See: wired magazine: issue 15.05 Polysorbate 60 & Sorbitan Monostearate]--I vowed to never eat it again. So, I now take my own dessert topping to all holiday functions.
.
And yes. As the lack of entries shows, I admit to being out of action since my last post. When I last communicated my NaNo Stats, that break ended up much longer than I'd intended. And when I came back up here that night (and in the days that followed), to resume my effort, aside from the pain, I simply couldn’t concentrate! But-- I'm back. Well, sort of-- though, in a different kind of recovery mode.

Earlier this week I had one of my regular follow up visits with my GP. After reading off a laundry list of issues, he said it was time to run a few tests. He had a technician draw blood and then sent me home. The initial blood work revealed I’m dehydrated. "You’re kidding!" I replied in disbelief when the medical assistant called to tell me to, "stop taking your PB meds and drink plenty of fluids."

"I drink all kinds of liquids." I assured her.

She indicated there was likely another cause, but wouldn't say anything further. Except that my GP wanted me back in straight away. That was Wednesday.

.
Once in the examination room, the technician came in to draw more blood. And when my doctor finally walked in [to ease my burgeoning wonder], his first words were, "You’re in trouble!"

Okaaay! Not my first choice of introductory words. And I admit I sat there agape; absolutely speechless. He then proceeded to explain the tests indicate a severe depletion of potassium. The numbers were such that it warranted another test to verify that they were indeed correct. He also stated my blood sugar was too low and mentioned the dreaded “D” word. When he asked if Diabetes ran in my family, fortunately, I was able to say it does not.

.
The good news of the day? My thyroid is fine. Woo-hoo there!

.
So. After doing my own research, Thursday, on the depletion of potassium and low blood sugar, the symptoms I’ve suffered of recent [i.e., that laundry list of complaints], now makes much more sense. I filled the prescription to supplement my potassium and am working to get myself back up to par. Though I'm still waiting for the results of the second round of tests, and further instructions from my GP, I feel better just knowing the foundation. The rest will come in time.

That's it for now. More soon.

Blessings