2/4/13

Well, the Elementary that was set to record last night turned out to be the last hour of the Super Bowl. Luckily for Time Warner, we found it on the video on demand channel and had a chance to see it anyway. LOVE that show.

Tonight is set up to record Castle and Monday Mornings. I really want to see that new show. Ving Rhames and Alfred Molina are always good.

Well, I got a rejection for the poems I sent off yesterday. Although they were quick to say no, they did say that “there were parts of them I liked very much” and ask me to submit again, so I consider that a win.

When we called about the car this morning, it was ready, so we went over, and the door looked great except for not having the pinstripe the old one did. We did ask if they could switch out the inner panel, because ours looked better, and they did for no extra charge, which was wonderful of them. Now, we just have to take it back and get the lock switched, because it got overlooked in the change out.

I wrote a little on the new story today, and a poem for possible submission to the market that rejected me yesterday–though I think I probably will save it awhile and see if I can’t do better. Watched the pilot of The Walking Dead while I was writing. I had forgotten how many other people they started out with… Left it on the machine, because I really would like to get Newell to watch an episode with me at some point, and I figure that is the best one to start with, but maybe I should go with the Netflix version if they have it so that the commercials are stripped.

Also did some more jewelry work — trying to build a fair stock for the convention. Anything that is left afterwards I can add to Etsy. Debating if I should take the pieces that I have up there now…what if I sold one and someone bought it there at the same time? But most of my big pieces are up on Etsy at the moment. Any one have any ideas on this?

Washed dishes and some laundry today. Sorted some things around in the Studio. That’s the cleaning bits.

So, time for your poem…hmmmm…what shall it be about today?

Misty

(one of my favorite photos, incidentally)

The Mist

The mist is magical this morning…
dawn light and dreamy
it dances across the lawn.

One could expect to experience
excitement in its exuberance,
or find fairies in its fleecy folds.

Today we travel in time,
stealthily slide through susurrating
sheaves of grass.

We play, pleased with the
perfection promised by the
mysterious, magical mist.

Tracking:

Today I cleaned ― dishes, laundry, sorting

Today I weighed ― 184.3

Today I wrote/revised ― worked on short story, wrote poem

Tomorrow!

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Don’t Stop Me Now!

As I posted over on Facebook today, I got my first acceptance of the year today. I am so excited! (But I’ve already used that song. ;)) I was really hoping to get into this anthology, and I’m stoked that I did.

Today was mostly about watching TV, finding something to submit for “No Excuses Sunday” and getting a few things out of the fridge. No cleaning again today. :/ I must start that again soon.

I may have to take Newell to work tomorrow, as he hates to drive the truck, and we don’t have the car back yet. If so, it is laptop to my friend Terry’s cafe tomorrow.

Aside from the main news, not much going on today. So, here’s your poem:

 

Back Lit

 

Back Lit

Sometimes, what we see
in sunlight
only reveals
the barest detail–
the simple truth–

To see the depths
we bear within,
we must look past
the mask and shine
a light from behind.

It might expose the
sharper flaws,
but it also highlights
the core beauty
of the soul.

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2/2/13

A bit sleepy tonight earlier than usual. Must be meat coma setting in. Couldn’t even finish my sampler plate at Iron Works Bar-b-Que…brought the ribs home for tomorrow! And I smell like woodsmoked meat…lol. Was a fun birthday party though. I don’t get to see Bubba Jim often enough any more. May have to remedy that next week.

The rest of my day was sorta evenly divided between watching Supernatural and making jewelry. About halfway through Season Two now — Yay, Netflix!

I have a whole tray full of earrings now, and half a box of other pieces. Trying to stock up well for ConDFW, the convention I am attending Feb. 15-17 in Dallas. I know I will have a little space on one table, and may have space on two!

But do not think I totally neglected my writing. I did work on my new short story a bit, and  Jim told me about another anthology he’s working on that I may be submitting to.

I’m a little worried about “No-Excuses Sunday”…I don’t know if I have anything to submit anywhere tomorrow. Guess I’ll think of something. 🙂

Newell wants to show me something in a video game, so I guess I better make today’s poem short and sweet…

Apple

 

The Apple

This apple will be sweet, she said,
and held it in her palm.
Its flesh was lined with age,
and bruises marred the skin.

That shows it has the wisdom
of experience, she said.
And because I trusted her–

I ate.

 

Tracking:

Today I cleaned ― Merged some of the storage containers in the Studio to consolidate parts.

Today I weighed ― 184.3

Today I wrote/revised ― worked on short story

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2/1/13

Today was about paying bills and the like. Aside from a trip to the store, not much else. We had to take the car into the shop to have the door replaced today. It’s going to take three days. *sigh*

Started a new story for a specific call today. And made more jewelry. Both good things.

Tomorrow is Jim’s birthday party, so I don’t know how much of anything I’ll get done.

I was going to try and move my little TV out of the office so I could watch something while I was making jewelry, and then I realized…I don’t have to go to all that trouble. Just plug in the tablet and watch Netflix. It was perfect! Three more episodes of Supernatural under my belt.

Daily poem time:

Restaurant

Hipster Chic

What’s the deal with blue and pink?
It looks like hipster chic, I think.
Trying hard to be real chill–
Instead it looks a little ill.

With such a lovely silhouette,
In cream and gold I’d gladly bet
It would invoke a foreign clime
Instead of just this silly rhyme!

Tracking:

Today I cleaned ― paid bills, grocery shopped

Today I weighed ― 185.9

Today I wrote/revised ― started new short story

 

EDIT: Saw this lovely link on Facebook, and thought I would share it with you too. Because it is at least a little about cleaning! 30 Easy DIY Ways to Improve Your Kitchen — looks like he has a lot of other useful advice too. 🙂

 

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1/31/13

Well, I’ve made it a whole month posting every day. Woot! That’s something.

I’ve also made it a whole month writing or revising something every day

And a whole month counting calories and working on the weight. So, that’s all good. 🙂

I even did some rearranging in the Studio so that I could move my jewelry making in there and reclaim my desk in the office for writing when I get it straightened up enough.

See my lovely jewelry set up?

Jewelry Set up

 

A lot more space to work now. And I sold that first piece officially today when I met the buyer for lunch. She may be asking for more pieces in the future…fingers crossed.

 

I made several more pieces today, including a second Owl on the Moon piece, in case I do decide to keep one. 🙂

Then I revised the story I’ve been working on here and there for weeks. I have a few specific calls I want to send something to that should keep me busy with new work for the next few days too.

Tomorrow we take the car in to get the door fixed. Hope all goes well with that.

It seemed like a full day.

 

Poem of the Day:

Full Moon

 

By Moonlight

 

Dark things creep through the still night air
Watch your back and have a care!

Wait until the full moon rises
Illuminating night’s surprises.

Trust the silver path that gleams
if you must forsake night’s dreams.

If you must move on tonight–
At least be sure it’s by moonlight…

 

Tracking:

Today I cleaned ― Some in the Studio, some in the office, did dishes

Today I weighed ― 186.7 (I really don’t trust my scale much, since I can manipulate it by moving…

Today I wrote/revised ― revised a short story and wrote your poem. 🙂 (By the way, I hope you are enjoying these poems, because I sure am…)

 

Tomorrow my children…

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1/30/13

Today has been a hustling day!

I had a lunch date with an old friend, and on the way, I went by the grocery store for cat food and to run my piggy bank through Coinstar. Got enough for the groceries and lunch. 🙂 Amazing how spare change can add up. I had almost $40.

After that, I came home and started laundry so Newell would have work clothes tomorrow. Three loads done.

I also made several more pieces of jewelry today–including one that may be my favorite piece yet:

IMG_7348

The discs are really copper and the owl silver, but the lighting was funky. I may have to keep this one, or at least make another one just like it. I only have two of the “Moon” disks (they are re-purposed earrings) so one more is all I can make. IF I have another owl this size.

My writing project today was a guest blog piece for National Horror Month. That was fun to do. When it is posted, I’ll link it.

Made delicious Chili Macaroni for dinner replacing most of the “hamburger” with a can of Amy’s Medium Chili. (I don’t buy it by the 12 pack, but that might be a smart idea…) Amazing what a little tinkering with a recipe can do.

And now for your poem of the day:

IMG_6173

Windows Within Windows…

 
The building is abandoned…
rough wood silvered with weather
the glass long gone if ever it was there.

The room inside is hollow,
empty without essence.
Shadows cast by nothing…

But, through quirk of Fate,
or loving care,
through a window is a window…

And through that window–
is the world.

Tracking:

Today I cleaned ― laundry, went grocery shopping

Today I weighed ― 184.3

Today I wrote/revised ― Horror blog post and your moment of poem 🙂

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1/29/13

Some days, Newell asks me to go in with him just for the company — and to make sure he doesn’t fall asleep along the way. If I don’t have plans, I go…especially since my job makes it easy to work anywhere. The writing part at least. The submissions part, not so much, since the WiFi at his workplace is locked down. But the writing part is actually easier without distractions any way.

Today, I revised a story I wrote about a week or so ago. I looked at it, and decided it chickened out on an ending and just quit. I asked myself, “What would Jim do?” and went in and made it about half again as long. It still may not be done, but it’s a better story so far. 😀

So, when I am out sitting in a car in a parking garage all day, I don’t really want to come home and clean. Sorry. I do realize how little cleaning I am doing…especially for a cleaning blog, but I hope you will bear with me a little longer until I get past this first stage of learning to write everyday. I think the balance will eventually come back. And I will document every stage of it!

I did have an idea today. I really have enjoyed sticking in the little poems here and there. Hands on who would like to see it a daily, or at least weekly thing? I have literally thousands of photographs on my hard drive, and I thought I would start posting one and writing a poem about it. At least until I get closer to running out of space.

Here’s today’s:

 

Zen

 

Zen State of Mind

Anywhere you are can be your temple…
Meditation is a state of mind.
Find the stillness in a salamander,
Write a song outside the lines.
Feel the energy of water.
Read a book if  so inclined.
Whatever calms the chaos.
Whatever makes you kind…
Nothing is as peaceful as a new
Zen state of mind.

 

Didn’t promise long or fabulous, just a poem. 😉

 

That’s it for me tonight. May go make a couple of pieces, may just pop balloons…but I’m done with responsible for today.

 

Tracking:

Today I cleaned ― nothing,,,wait, I did start dishes before we left this morning!

Today I weighed ― 185.4

Today I wrote/revised ― worked on new short story, wrote a poem — and there’s always at least one blog entry…

 

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1/28/13

If you are my friend on Facebook, you will have seen my lame writing for today. If you AREN’T my friend on Facebook…why aren’t you? 😉

But for those who aren’t, here’s the poem I wrote today:

 

When Life Gives You Lemons…

When Life gives you lemons,
They say make lemonade.
But that requires some sugar,
or at least some sweetening aid.

And yes, that rhyme is stretching,
but it’s been that kind of day.
When counting all your blessings
doesn’t take that long to say.

But I’m hoping that tomorrow
the sun will shine again…
An end to any sorrow always
starts with just a grin.

 

It was just that kind of day. My allergies are bad tonight, my throat feels on fire, I’m all stopped up, my eyes itch…if I didn’t love cedar, I’d burn them all!

The main reason I didn’t write much today — or clean… — was that I was getting my Etsy store open, finally. I have 10 items up. We’ll see how they do. And I need to make a lot more pieces, because I have two venues to sell at in the next couple of months, and I only have one of a kind pieces at the moment — so if I sell it elsewhere, it has to come out of Etsy and vice versa.

If you are interested, here’s a link to Tysche’s Trinkets.

I did nothing else productive today, and may not tomorrow either…I’ll be making instead.

 

Tracking:

Today I cleaned ― nada

Today I weighed ― 185.9

Today I wrote/revised ― one lame poem

 

Maybe tomorrow will be better…

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[Living for the Weekend!] (1/27/13)

So, I absolutely can’t think of a song for today…suggest something, and maybe your song will be edited into the blank in my head… * Title edited — thanks, Liz!

Been a fairly lazy day again today. Weekends tend to be more that way. 🙂

I do want to announce that I have a guest blog post up on my dear friend Wyndie’s blog — I told you guys it was coming, but now it is here. It talks about writing in multiple genres, in case that interests you. She did a fabulous job setting it up so I look good. 😉

We had a big laugh about some of the prices Barnes and Noble marketplace people are charging for my out of print books…

For “No-Excuses-Sunday,” I put some finishing touches on “Here We Go Round” and sent it out. Fingers are crossed hard on this one, because it isn’t a nice little story, but I like it anyway.

Did a bit of Zumaya work today too.

Other than that, it’s been a day to mostly sit and play Poppit on Pogo.

Got the garbage can out. Changed the filter in the Brita Pitcher. That was about it for cleaning. Isn’t that horrible? I may need a day mostly cleaning tomorrow. MUST FIND BALANCE!

Newell took me to dinner at Kerbey Lane, but I was good and only had a house salad and fruit bowl. To reward me for my conscientiousness, the pear in the fruit bowl was THE best I’ve ever tasted. Perfectly ripe. I wished there was more of that.

Guess that is about it for today. See you guys and gals tomorrow.

Tracking:

Today I cleaned ― got garbage out, changed filter in pitcher…sad really…

Today I weighed ― 188.1! Major regression. Walking in my future. Or dancing. Maybe dancing.

Today I wrote/revised ― “Here We Go Round” short story

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1/26/13

Slept in this morning, and it was heavenly…but stole a lot of time.

Still, I managed to bake my souffle — which didn’t turn out quite as well as the first time. Must make sure that the eggs blend into the milk well. But still tasted good. I made it half and half, and the half with the bacon and broccoli is gone. Of course, one piece of that hit the floor…*sigh* The cats nibbled it a bit…

Other than that, I washed dishes again, finished revising the story I was working on yesterday and watched most of Double Jeopardy, all of Catch Me if You Can (which I’d always wanted to see) and part of Gran Torino (I think I’d seen most of the rest of it.)

So, it was a lazy Saturday…but I still wrote something.

If I get the go back from my critique partner tomorrow, I will submit the new story for “No-Excuses-Day”. If not, I’ll have to see what I can come up with. 😉

 

Tracking:

Today I cleaned ― dishes, cooked souffle (and cleaned something plastic off the element inside the stove…yuck!)

Today I weighed ― 185.9 Need a big break! Have to walk more. Just counting calories isn’t helping enough.

Today I wrote/revised ― short story I was working on yesterday.

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