tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340754922024-03-12T22:03:06.533-04:00travelthrutimewithmeMy ramblings about the twilight zone that is my life.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-49355301402228366072013-03-17T20:37:00.004-04:002013-03-17T20:37:52.896-04:00Have you ever had someone come into your life and change it, in a profound way? By the time the dust settled, they were not around to thank. <br />
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Thanks to a very special person who came into my life when I needed them. I am now working a new job, in a new state and living on my own, and happy.<br />
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It's me and the cat...enjoying apartment life. <br />
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Thank you...<br />
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Hope all is well with you and yours...Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-13146972607606065372011-10-20T17:40:00.002-04:002011-10-20T17:43:48.006-04:00The Joys of Work<span style="font-family:georgia;">You just got an email from Cousin Susie telling you the news about Aunt Bea’s Sunday Brunch. She is having one every Sunday at the new house they bought down on Mulberry Lane, huge dining room, antique furniture with a huge china cabinet and everything! The entire family will be invited and Aunt Bea is planning a new theme dinner each week starting with a Polish Polka Extravaganza. Bill <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Garbonski</span> will be bringing the boys down to play polka’s during dinner. But not to worry, she will make her special pickled pig’s feet recipe every week no matter what.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Cousin Susie can’t wait she is so excited to enjoy every single Sunday Brunch. Of course she works at a bank down town; they are closed on Sunday’s, which leaves Cousin Susie free to attend each and every Sunday event.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">You on the other hand, work the front desk at the motel down on Route 36. They are open every day of the week, so this means you will not be able to attend every single exciting Sunday Brunch with the whole clan down on Mulberry Lane. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">You are just heartbroken and upset that you are going to miss such an important event in your life. You will only be able enjoy Aunt Bea’s special pickled pig’s feet every other weekend. Sigh.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">What can you do? There has to be a way for you to not miss these phenomenal Sunday events each and every week.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">There is. Go get a job at a bank.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Your co-workers do not want to work every weekend just so you can attend Aunt Bea’s themed Sunday Brunches every week.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">We hear her pickled pig’s feet are tough anyway. </span>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-77858236366583504522011-06-21T19:25:00.001-04:002011-06-21T19:27:07.752-04:00For You, D<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NAc83CF8Ejk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-89874650454343816672011-03-01T11:06:00.001-05:002011-03-01T11:14:32.667-05:00Diamond Eyes<div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I consider myself a morning person, but getting up before 6am just feels wrong. On Sunday I had to do just that…got up at 4am for work. Knowing the opening manager doesn’t show up until the exact hour, I got in my car about 15 minutes later than normal. First song on the radio was one of my current favorites and for some reason, on that day it touched me deeper. So there I was 5am, radio blasting…made for an awesome day. I feel like I’ve turned another corner and life is all good!<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Im on the front line<br />dont worry I'll be fine<br />the story is just beginning<br />I say goodbye to my weakness<br />so long to the regret<br />and now I see the world through diamond eyes<br />Shinedown </span></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-2818901256283728642009-03-23T06:45:00.002-04:002009-03-23T07:29:33.327-04:00New Year, New ChallengesI have been quite neglectful of this poor blog as well as many other aspects of my life. The main <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">culprit</span> has been our four-legged kids. We lost our precious India to cancer back in September of 2008 and still miss her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mischievous</span> actions that kept us on our toes. She was the most recent greyhound we adopted and our first experience with the loss. Even though you know their lives are shorter compared to we humans, it does not make the event any easier to deal with.<br /><br />We didn't have a quiet house for long. The next month we 'rescued' my sister's Boston/Rat Terrier mix from her. Seeing as both she and her husband work this little bundle of energy was just too much for them. We spent the following months slowing integrating Maggie, the newbie, with our greyhounds. This was quite an adventure since our male grey, Callin, has never been small animal friendly and we feared for Maggie's safety. After weeks of working with them we were astounded by the progress and the tolerance of our greyhounds. And now after 6 months all three dogs co-exist together in harmony, for the most part. Maggie has learned when Callin growls he means business and she should stop trying to play with him. Tooni, our female grey, has taken over the mothering/playmate role with Maggie and the two of them are constantly interacting in one way or another. Tooni does an excellent job of trying to teach Maggie manners, but alas Maggie is a poor student.<br /><br />We have gotten to know the veterinarians quite well over the past few months. Callin needed some surgery of his own and we recently went through more surgery with Maggie just last week. So yes there will be more posts to come about my four-legged little bundles of joy.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-14091295838539532462008-06-08T09:08:00.003-04:002008-06-08T09:37:28.919-04:00Infomercial WeaknessWell color me crazy. For the first time in my life I picked up the phone and dialed the 800 number from an infomercial. So in 5 to 7 business days I should have this great package from 10 Minute Trainer that is going to change my life. (rolls eyes) I still don't know my motivation for doing this. Could have been the fresh determination to lose weight that radiated off my sister at the latest family gathering yesterday or the fact that 70 percent of my warm weather clothes do nothing to hide what I call my '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pudgies</span>' around my middle. Either way I'm going to give it a try. The promise of only 10 minutes a day was the biggest draw for me. I have a drawer full of various workout videos that all promise the perfect body, but they take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes a day. And saying "I don't have the time" is such an easy way to avoid the arduous sweat inducing activities they contain. Even I can find 10 minutes a day to punish my out of shape body in hopes of fitting into my clothes again. And the cost of the package I ordered (somewhere in the $80 range) is much less than a new wardrobe. I did manage to avoid half of the other 'offers' the operator is poised to sign you up for. The extra workout <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DVDs</span> and more exercise bands for a mere $60 more and the $9.98 warranty on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DVDs</span> were the two I said a firm 'no' to. I did accept the 30 day <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">supplement</span> for $1 and the 30 day free online access with the plan to cancel both before they continue to on and cost me more.<br /><br />Even though they promise six-pack abs, I'm just looking for abs that don't flop over the waistband of my jeans. :) Of course I am sharing all of this info so I will be forced to follow through with the workouts and post my progress or lack there of depending on how accurate the advertisement was. They say you will drop a jean size in 10 days or your money back. (raises eyebrow) We'll see how that goes.<br /><br />I've never had a 'hot' body in my life. Years ago I was thin with no shape what so ever. In my mid 20's I developed a thyroid condition that packed on 30+ pounds and spreading shape that is unflattering and continues to widen. I turned 40 last year and am noticing the unwanted gravitational pull on some areas of my body and the lack of stamina that I had in my 20's and 30's. My main goal is to tone up what I can, get some more energy and feel more comfortable in my current wardrobe which hovers in the size 8-10 area.<br /><br />And the added bonus I am aware of with improved physical activity is mental stimulation which can only enrich my writing life. <br /><br />I will take before pictures of myself and based on the results I will see if I am brave enough to post them here. :)<br /><br />So look for my daily progress reports to begin in 5 to 7 business days and support and encouragement is always welcome.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-31521574569546197272008-03-24T11:40:00.000-04:002008-03-24T11:43:19.289-04:00Ups and DownsThis month’s writing has been sparse to say the least. It could just be the time of year that has my emotions in turmoil, or maybe not. As much as I love winter and the hibernation that it brings for me, I am now ready for the warmer temperatures of spring. The back and forth between sunny warm breezes and cloudy cold snow mimic my own moods. Through it all I hang on to whatever brings the slightest smile to my face and keep moving forward no matter how small my steps may be. <br /><br />I did manage to work on my novel last week and did a whopping 935 words, ha ha. Well, it’s better than no words at all. Or at least that is what I keep telling myself. This week begins second shift for my husband, so my afternoons and evening are my own to do what I wish for the next five days. Last month during this shift I managed to write a few of the days and worked on organizing myself. I wonder if I’ll ever get to the end of that task, likely not. But even though I slept in today, not in my plan, I am confident that I will accomplish more today than I have in recent days. I am focused and determined to get through the fog that surrounds me and find the sunshine in my life no matter how many clouds hover over my heart.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-32626546716345124212008-02-13T15:32:00.001-05:002008-02-13T15:34:43.320-05:00Emotions in MotionI am an emotional person, probably an extra emotional person if the truth were told. Usually when I’m having a rather over emotional day I don’t do well with productivity. Well I found myself in a position just this very day where my surge of emotions came upon me in the middle of a writing session that had been previously moving along very slowly. Instead of giving up and losing myself in some mundane activity I found the words flowed from my fingertips more quickly with each passing moment. I hadn’t previously tried to start writing while battling what I always considered a distraction to my work. Rest assured next time I feel a flood of emotions overtaking me, I’ll pull out the laptop and start clicking away.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-26499851824419279362008-02-04T11:47:00.000-05:002008-02-04T12:43:25.587-05:00Weekend DistractionsMy writing for the weekend was a bust, which I suspected it might be. A distraction that I couldn't put out of my mind kept me from doing much on Saturday, but I did manage to put together some notes and suggestions for the next chapter.<br /><br />I had previously planned to visit my parents on Sunday to help them with my 2 year old nephew they were babysitting over the weekend. He is such a joy! He was sitting in front of my mother's book case pulling his favorite paperbacks off the shelf. He searches the book until he finds the author's picture on the inside back cover, holds it up for all to see and says, "Stevie". He is one of the next generation readers for author Stephen King. For now he is happier hearing the words from his children's books. <br /><br />Then to top off the weekend, our greyhound India had to be rushed to the hospital late last night. We were worried she had bloat, but it ended up being pancreatitis. She is now being cared for in the animal hospital and we hope for a full recovery. <br /><br />I'm so hoping this week will be better.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-23046564107844052672008-02-02T09:31:00.000-05:002008-02-02T10:59:34.066-05:00Multi-taskingI dusted off my novel in progress to begin the writing marathon that had been planned for the month of February by a few fellow writer's. Knowing they are expecting to hear of my progress each day will hopefully motivate me to actually follow through with this project. I reread the 43 pages of the new draft I started in November and then added 4 more pages to it. All while preparing a turkey dinner and whittling away at a monsterous stack of laundry. No I was not trying to test myself to see if I could potentially write on Thanksgiving day. It just so happened the turkey I had thawing in my refridgerator picked the first day of my scheduled writing marathon to say, 'ok, I'm ready, roast me now'. Normally I would have postponed my writing to take care of these Domestic Goddess duties, but instead, I opted to forego the pumpkin pie baking and pound out those 4 pages instead. This compromise was good for my writing as well as my waist-line.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-89873156856079038312007-12-31T22:56:00.000-05:002007-12-31T23:05:06.384-05:00Moments of InspirationHe came to her in a dream as vividly as if he stood before her. Even though his face was the only familiar sight, she knew deep in her heart what the rest of him could bring. The sound of his voice as he whispered in her ear, the touch of his lips as they grazed her skin, the feel of his warmth as he held her close would ignite the small flame that burned deep within her. And when that moment came whether in this life or the next she knew it would be magical. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">This moment came to me one morning as I woke up to a new day. Is it wrong to feel things so strong about a mysterious stranger? Who is he and what will she do when the day comes that they actually meet? I cherish these moments that come to me. I grab hold of them and relive them in my mind and heart until the characters come to life and tell me about their lives, their loves and what has connected them. Sometimes the obstacles that keep them apart are simple or just a matter of miles. But the ones who are separated by time and space have the deepest connections and the most passionate stories to tell. They are kindred souls searching for each other and when they come together, it truly is magical. </span>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-82637588214925555482007-12-17T06:46:00.000-05:002007-12-17T06:57:11.852-05:00Merry ChristmasThe holidays are almost upon us and as usual I am not ready. But no stresses here. The shopping is done, the baking is started and the tree and decorations are out of the attic, but still in the boxes. With all of the activity I have had to put writing on the back burner. I've had a pretty big set back with my current never-ending novel project, but I do have some other ideas moving toward the top of the list and look forward to digging in after the first of the year.<br /><br />I have lots to celebrate this holiday season. With the husband back to work and doing well, life has improved drastically from last Christmas. We survived so much in these last twenty months, but we did it together with the love and support of family and friends. <br /><br />We are both looking forward to what 2008 will bring for us and plan to enjoy every moment to the fullest.<br /><br />So Merry Christmas to all our family and friends!! Enjoy the season and don't stress over the details.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-90644489720077303422007-12-06T09:39:00.000-05:002007-12-06T09:48:00.905-05:00Family PoetI want to share with you a poem written for my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">niece's</span> birthday party invitation by her mother.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;">She was a performer from the start,</span></div><div align="center">From the very beginning she melted our hearts.</div><div align="center">She loves to sing and dance,</div><div align="center">She'll preform any time she gets the chance.</div><div align="center">She loves her kitties, her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">blankie</span> and lollipops too,</div><div align="center">She loves to go shopping, especially for shoes.</div><div align="center">She loves fairy tales, the stars and finding the moon,</div><div align="center">She's getting bigger <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">everyday</span> and growing up too soon.</div><div align="center">She loves putting on a show in a fancy dress,</div><div align="center">She's our very own little princess.</div><div align="center">Let's celebrate together, You're invited to be</div><div align="center">A part of this special day as</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>Grace Catherine turns 3 !!</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="left">For those who know Gracie, this captures her perfectly. Reading the invitation brought a smile to my face. My sister-in-law's poetry was a pleasant surprise. I had no idea she had it in her. Way to go Nikki!!</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-85530274561791037312007-12-06T09:26:00.000-05:002007-12-06T09:39:18.019-05:00NaNo NoNoWell my attempt at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NaNo</span> was a bust. I lasted barely a week before real life pushed its way in and took over. I did learn a few things about myself and my writing in that short time though, so I walk away with almost 10,000 words and some lessons learned. <br /><br />Now that the other half is back at work (Woo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hoo</span>), my life is slowly adapting to the schedule. In as much as you can adapt to swing shift. I am working through a productive stage right now and will take all I can get with the holidays looming. I never expect much from my writing self from Thanksgiving to Christmas, so I am never disappointed. <br /><br />This holiday season my goal is calm, quiet celebrations. Alan is working over Christmas and is still adjusting to increase in physical activity, so getting him plenty of rest is my main focus. So far that is working out fine. (Knock on wood)<br /><br />I spend most of my writing time working on the writing group I am a part of. The end of the year brings about surveys and ideas to help us improve in the coming year. The ladies of this group have been a big part of why I managed to keep my head above water during our medical drama. They are a very special part of my life, not just the writing one. <br /><br />I am not let down by my lack of words during <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">NaNo</span>. I am instead inspired to try a personal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NaNo</span> one of these months before spring arrives to fill my days with outside work that was neglected this fall.<br /><br />I am determined as ever to keep chugging along toward my goal of seeing my words in print.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-38431808304665130012007-11-05T09:04:00.000-05:002007-11-05T09:11:36.075-05:00Too Busy Writing?I have been so busy writing, I haven't had time to blog!! Can you believe it? It is surprisingly true. On day 2 of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NaNo</span> I managed to get 2019 words and then on day 3 my expectations were not so high. Falling on a Saturday and knowing I don't spend enough time writing on the weekends I hoped to reach the halfway goal of 1000 words for each day of the weekend. Well Saturday surprised me with 1403. I even managed to accomplish some Domestic Goddess duties as well. Then Sunday became a day of relaxation for hubby and I. So alas no writing happened, instead I fulfilled my addiction of playing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mahjong</span> while catching up with television and laundry. Of course the time change did not help me on Sunday as I woke up at 3 am unable to go back to sleep. Slept for a couple hours later in the morning and just decided to fudge the whole day and start new on Monday. So here I am ready to go!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-79658556968915164652007-11-01T16:18:00.000-04:002007-11-01T16:30:48.176-04:00NaNo Day 1I did it!! I survived the first day of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NaNoWriMo</span>!! I managed to get 2028 words and could have gone on further, but I know how easily I can burnout and then not finish the month out. I always manage to do well the first day of any goal I may set, so I am celebrating small at the completion of day 1. My project for this month is my poor neglected historical romance novel. Once I decided to change my century from the 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> to the 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> I realized it would require so much work. Upon looking over some of the writing I have done over the X number of years I also realized I needed to start at the beginning and do a brand new complete first draft. Because there have been so many years that this project has been in progress my writing skills have improved, ( I hope ) and much of what I had written previously is completely unusable. So I sat down and started from the beginning and now have a completely new prologue that does a lot to introduce my female protagonist. My first chapter now includes a much more rounded and three <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dimensional</span> character than before. So tomorrow I hope to jump back in and continue with my plan to write at least 2000 words for at least 26 days this month. I've given myself 4 days to fall off the writing wagon, because I know I will not be able to write full time every day this month. Well, my pot of green tea is done, my dishwasher is running and I'm ready to enjoy some brownie pudding while I put up my feet and enjoy some TV and knit.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-81806076225950688652007-10-08T10:26:00.000-04:002007-10-08T10:33:51.605-04:00Reading MaterialWell the last few days have been spent alternately between working on items for the writer's group I belong to and Domestic Goddess duties. I have managed to write something each day, even something small.<br /><br />With a new week beginning, I have swept up the over abundance of cat hair in my office and am working on digging through the piles of stuff to get reorganized once again. I have also gone through and pulled a book off each book shelf and out of each bin shoved under the beds to create my latest stack of reading. Much to my husbands glee, I have been putting the occasional book in the 'I can part with this book' box. They will be donated to the next book sale for Monica's Heart Greyhound Adoption. Perhaps by the time they have the next one I will have a decent donation, since I always come away from the sale with a box of my own to take home to read.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-18475667676867179782007-10-04T10:53:00.000-04:002007-10-04T10:55:49.990-04:00Distractions, distractionsI was not as productive as I would have liked yesterday. We had a couple errands to run and then the evening was spent doing a little yard work. I did manage to type the equivalent of a page of words, which is one more page than I had previously. I'll take what I can get and do more the next time.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-59122076172135351202007-10-02T14:22:00.000-04:002007-10-02T14:33:58.265-04:00Writing MarathonI don't know why, but I woke up yesterday with a renewed desire to be productive. It may have just been the last of my hormones calming down for another month, or maybe the effects of my new walking schedule. Either way I am rolling with it and going to keep <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">doin</span>' what I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">doin</span>'. I have walked now 4 days in a row and thanks to the greys I'm not likely to miss a day. <br />My productivity with writing has been small, but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">consistent</span>. There is more to writing than the actual act itself and I am working towards a friendlier writing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">environment</span> with the hopes of more productivity. Yesterday I finished a long over due critique, started cleaning out the inbox (again) and did some mailing for the Word by Word Writer's Society.<br />I have also stepped it up a bit on my blogs, I have dedicated my Yahoo 360 to Greyhounds and Gardening and this one to my writing. And then there is my alter-ego over on <a href="http://www.onelonelyviewer.blogspot.com/">http://www.onelonelyviewer.blogspot.com</a> that handles my television viewing and opinions. I am hoping to do a better job all around as far as my work goes and so far, so good.<br />I am toying with the idea of jumping into the November <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NaNoWritMo</span> next month. We'll see how that goes.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-84049675863183645302007-09-23T10:40:00.000-04:002007-09-23T10:48:29.771-04:00My Twilight Zone Moment for SeptemberI awoke Saturday morning to discover I had been bush whacked!! Someone put their hands on my bush without an invitation. Or more appropriately the butterfly bush in my front yard was MIA. Someone had decided they needed it more than me. I have to admit this is a new one for me. Bush thieves skulking in the dark of night plucking unsuspecting victims from their dirty depths. There are just too many <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">humorous</span> ways to look at the latest <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">occurrence</span> in my otherwise mundane life. Perhaps <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lowes</span> should have advertised the meager $5.98 it cost to have one of your own butterfly bush more often in their fliers. Either way, I should be able to find a story in this one.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-21806502135200849622007-08-18T13:50:00.000-04:002007-08-18T13:57:40.815-04:00OrganizationAfter over a year of scattering my work between my laptop and my PC, I have finally organized it for easy access. I had duplicates on both the laptop and PC, and some would get updated and some wouldn't. Some items were in one place some in others. I had an obstacle course of folders to try and find what I wanted. But now, I have my writing and my writer's group on the laptop and everything else on the PC. Each has their own back up CD and my dear hubby has networked the two computers so I can access each from the other. Of course now that I am organized I will have to actually buckle down and write.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-60236469608373884832007-06-19T11:48:00.000-04:002007-06-19T12:01:48.548-04:00Yes, I am crazy...After years of working on my novel, set in the 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> century, trying to work past obstacles that I set myself up for. I have a vision of what I want in my novel, but having it set in the 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> century caused a couple of problems as far as how life was and how I wanted my characters' lives to be. Then while doing research yesterday I discovered the one item that kept me in the 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> century was also present in the 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> century, in a different form, but one I could work with possibly. Moving my novel to the earlier century excited me because it would make the castle life I see my characters living more accurate. But naturally it poses some other roadblocks that would require some changes in other areas that play a role in the ending and the personality of a secondary, but important character. <br /><br />Why oh why? Is this just another way for me to postpone actually finishing this book? Or am I finally on to a way to make it better? <br /><br />I will spend some time weighing the pros and cons of the two centuries while I research them more deeply before I make a final decision.<br /><br />I really need to put this one to bed and move on to my other projects that battle for attention in my over crowded imagination.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-72695247048489542312007-06-13T16:54:00.000-04:002007-06-13T17:06:44.247-04:00JerichoThank goodness there are intelligent people watching television. The choices for good entertainment in prime time television are dwindling with all the new reality shows that have oozed out of the woodwork. When I heard that a group of viewers had managed to get CBS to take a second chance with Jericho I was thrilled to say the least. Hopefully they have learned a lesson and will do away with all the winter hiatus' that make the shows disappear over the months of November and December. I would prefer to watch them beginning in January all the way through like they do at FOX for the show 24. As far as the Neilsen ratings go, how on earth can they be very accurate? I would like to know. I watch a large number of dramas on TV, and most of them I record on my 3 VCR's to watch at my own convience. Last season they cancelled some good entertaining shows way too soon, Kidnapped for one, and they continue to show more and more reality drivel. How many times do you want to watch certain personality types go at each other like junior high children. (I can see that next door with my adult neighbors, whole other twilight zone) Back to the good news, Jericho's second chance at life. Watch this show, you will not be disappointed. It is entertaining while at the same time an intelligent look at 'what if'. If you missed the first season, go online at cbs.com or look at your television listings this summer, they are supposed to show some of the reruns. Thanks to all the viewers of the show that sent the e-mails, phone calls and nuts to CBS.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-37071116033331528642007-06-07T21:37:00.000-04:002007-06-07T22:06:59.904-04:00Another successful day at work in the office. I finished the newsletter for the Word by Word Writer's Society and everything is almost ready to pack up and send out to the members. I did a couple of novel critiques, which means I am caught up with my critiques, but I did not manage to send out my chapters this time around. Of course, now that I am back in the saddle of my work horse, I will have a good offering for the next round.<br /><br />I also received the mystery story in the mail today that I am co-writing with my friend Barb and I can't wait to work on it. She has some great ideas that have sparked ideas from me. I won't get as much time to work on it this weekend as we are getting house guests, but it will be at the top of my pile next week.<br /><br />I am looking forward to the weekend, Alan's brother and his wife are coming for a visit. We always have a good time visiting with them. It will also be a nice distraction from our daily problems.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34075492.post-16526929135342746842007-06-05T18:26:00.000-04:002007-06-05T18:35:36.713-04:00Long Time, No BlogWell I could list numerous excuses for why I have not posted, but what it boils down to is I've been too damn busy dealing with my emotional turmoil that has been my life for the last 15 months. As far as Alan goes on the medical front we never did go back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Geisinger</span>, instead I insisted we be sent to Hershey. In one visit with a urologist at Hershey they discovered a problem that Alan must have had for decades. When he pees, he doesn't empty his bladder. He had no symptoms, but the doc caught it on a simple exam. He is now on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Flomax</span> and can feel a difference. The first 7 days after he took <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Flomax</span>, no pain. Of course that was too good to be true, but at least now 2 months later his pain does not occur every day. The doc seems to think he will get better over time, but we are also seeing a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">gastro</span> doc and have an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">appt</span> in July. Hopefully by then we will be able to see if he is going to get better enough to return to work.<br /><br />My garden is finally started, partially, tomatoes and peppers are in the ground. We are going much smaller this year since I can't count on any help. Alan does what he can when he can, but at least this way I can handle the garden myself if needed. My gardening has been a great source of therapy for me and I am getting better at handling the down side of this medical dilemma.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03979698074946893081noreply@blogger.com0