tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23305882543871618902024-03-04T20:17:06.763-08:00Wife of MonobotWife to an artist and mother to two crazy awesome kids, I am trying to start a career in writing. If persistence and determination count for anything, I should be fine!Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-73466139433329662132013-07-17T16:05:00.000-07:002013-07-17T16:05:02.049-07:00Breakfast of ChampionsI just wanted to take a moment to give a shout out to Marjorie M Liu. She is an author whose earlier work was one of my biggest inspirations for writing. As a matter of fact the first book of hers that I read had me running into the other room to tell my hubby that this author is already writing almost exactly how I'm going to write!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once I even had breakfast with her, just the two of us. We met at a reader/author conference thing in Cincinnati and I tried my hardest to play it cool. Apparently I played it cool enough that she was willing to meet for breakfast in the hotel restaurant. It was a huge moment for me, one that I will always remember. We talked about writing and publishing but also about life and family. Turns out bestselling authors are regular people, and that was the coolest thing of all for me. She was normal and I'm (relatively) normal so what is there to stop me from being a writer? Nothing!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So thanks, Marjorie! Someday I intend to dedicate my first book to you (and my family, of course). You may never see it or know it but it will be there. Because sometimes it only takes some eggs and toast to provide a life changing perspective. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-60901952153222368652013-03-20T16:43:00.000-07:002013-03-20T16:49:27.292-07:00Artistic Explorations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1OAjpnJZPzpQV8_agIf0-p9PX9ECQXVOP8ZNk7PSWyDY5CTNZ9Jl2CTM4qsXD6E6uzbJh1LXXBuaOWhDCHwlUpnFUW_wg_vNZQ81HIjyDp4qYRLnGOmgTOmV28STUHuaXg4DT3MX0Fk/s1600/imgres-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1OAjpnJZPzpQV8_agIf0-p9PX9ECQXVOP8ZNk7PSWyDY5CTNZ9Jl2CTM4qsXD6E6uzbJh1LXXBuaOWhDCHwlUpnFUW_wg_vNZQ81HIjyDp4qYRLnGOmgTOmV28STUHuaXg4DT3MX0Fk/s1600/imgres-3.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, I have been putting off this post for way too long, but now I need to just get it off of my chest -<br />
Gena Showalter's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Kiss-Goodnight-Otherworld-Assassin/dp/1451671598/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363823071&sr=8-1&keywords=last+kiss+goodnight" target="_blank">Last Kiss Goodnight</a> was not her best work.<br />
<br />
There, I said it. Gena Showalter, who I love and look to as an example in good writing, made a book with flaws. It wasn't as much of a fall-on-your-face problem such as Lori Foster's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Man-Michael-SBC-Fighters-Book/dp/0425226298/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363823113&sr=1-1&keywords=my+man+michael" target="_blank">My Man Michael </a>(which was well and truly awful), but it was not what I had come to expect from such a talented writer.<br />
<br />
First, my thoughts on the book - it was okay. Lower case 'l'. I dug the whole beauty and beast thing, the addition of demonic forces was worth a small nod and the circus environment was very cool. The hero was tough, vulnerable and worth rooting for. The heroine was...ok. I saw that I was supposed to see her as tough and vulnerable since she was abused by her father, had no place to go and yet maintained her compassion but I still never really grooved with her. She was a bit of a caricature to me: pretty + spunky + abused + gentle = perfect romantic novel heroine. Meh.<br />
<br />
But since I am such a sucker for the beauty and the beast story line I was totally willing to roll with it. Until the angel and devil popped up on the hero's shoulders. Really? Angel and devil speaking into each ear trying to tempt a man into good or evil? I kind of got my fill of that back in the Warner Bros days of my youth. If felt like it was a writing short cut for the hero's inner turmoil, his change of heart and ultimately his survival of the climax. (Oops, spoiler alert - but then the hero always survives so it's not exactly a big surprise!)<br />
<br />
And so even though I wanted to write my 'review' since the day after I bought the story I have held off. I even read the story again, hoping that it would be better. But not really. Still the same decent story sprinkled with way too much out of place hack. <br />
<br />
But then, after coming upon a scathing review of My Man Michael on Amazon I realized something - writers, even writers that you love, have no obligation to write the story that you want to read every time. They are artistic and creative people who are free to experiment, play and stretch their figurative wings in whatever way makes them happy. If an author stays in a place that I find to be weird and do not like then I don't have to read their work anymore, even if I might mourn the lose of what I thought they could do.<br />
<br />
Here's a secret, I'm married to a professional artist. Really. And he is always working to see if he can draw better, paint better, write better or try a new medium. If you don't live with and artist then that might seem flaky but here is the thing - art comes from the soul and the soul is constantly changing. Sure the basics are the same but the world and the input that you give yourself in books or art are always affecting it. <br />
<br />
So I am not a huge fan of Last Kiss Goodnight but I admire the fact that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gena-Showalter/e/B001I9RQQ8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1363823180&sr=1-2-ent" target="_blank">Ms Showalter</a> tried something a little different. And as for Ms Foster...I think that I am not her only fan to say, "Nice try, but I'm going to pretend that this never happened".Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-10169444912671481942013-02-06T16:14:00.001-08:002013-02-06T16:15:06.496-08:00The 5 Stages of WTFness.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatzFz9LEtBsS05JQ64Q07PS-Xuc5X43-eo-f7jrk_iU9O8iUh4xz9apFRx_wEp7rrw8_wZNXO7E9hf0wJRra2unxQzbQ6Rmlwk-TgQuPUwrUPwryqIHUvXx19YpfnEATpB-XJen1JN5Y/s1600/4358362133_e22dbc2e7f_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatzFz9LEtBsS05JQ64Q07PS-Xuc5X43-eo-f7jrk_iU9O8iUh4xz9apFRx_wEp7rrw8_wZNXO7E9hf0wJRra2unxQzbQ6Rmlwk-TgQuPUwrUPwryqIHUvXx19YpfnEATpB-XJen1JN5Y/s1600/4358362133_e22dbc2e7f_s.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Time for a little sharing, not too much, so don't worry! My dad has been diagnosed with a nice, slow growing cancer. <br />
<br />
That is what we in the writing biz like to call 'Bullshit'. Also, as a bit of history, I have a lovely slow growing cancer that is pretty much gone but refuses to look like it on blood work. So that makes this bit of news upsetting but kindof old hat. I know how this works, I know that the news is the most horrible part of it and I know that eventually life will go on as normal.<br />
<br />
But first there are stages of getting through it that must be lived through. Forget the Stages of Grief, to call this Greif is to give it too much power. I prefer to make my own names, my own ways and my own stages. And so I present to you...The Five Stages of WTFness!<br />
<br />
Stage 1. You just found out something truly life changing. Your child has autism (been there, got that t-shirt), you can't have anymore babies (that t-shirt is a lovely pink), you have cancer (a red t-shirt), your mother won't be getting better and will need a nurse to care for her when you and your dad are at work (wow, I have a lot of t-shirts!), your dad has CLL... You get the point, those moments when life HAPPENS to you.<br />
<br />
Stage 2. Shock and Awe. Numb, numb, numb. Your brain, who loves you, realizes that you need time to 'process' before you can reeeeally process and so it shuts you down a bit. You may or may not cry but you will probably end up on the floor staring at the wall at some point. It seems pathetic, but don't worry, it's all part of the process!<br />
<br />
Stage 3. Cry. Your. Eyes. Out. I mean cry until your sinuses swell shut, you can't put contacts in past your puffy eyes and you stop bothering with Kleenex because you are wearing a perfectly good and absorbant long sleeved sweater or shirt.<br />
<br />
Stage 4. Reason. Research your guts out on the internets. Read the facts and then read them again. They are bricks to tie to your ankles to keep you on the ground in case Stages 2 or 3 pop up again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Stage 5. What the hell am I doing with my life!? Any issue that is traumatic enough to trigger the Stages of WTFness is traumatic enough to effect your life whether in thought or deed. And so you can and should take the opportunity to look at your life with a critical eye. Kid has autism? Make sure I know how to love him in a way he understands and what I can do to be his biggest champion. No more bio kids? What is required for adoption and how soon can I start that process? Cancer? How do I simplify my life? My dad's cancer? What am I doing with my life that I would love to change? <br />
<br />
You see, for me and my dad we are not super emotional people. He is treating his cancer like I did mine, it's just a pain in the ass to get through and a warning to live with purpose. But since this is my second walk down C Blvd, I am feeling a bit more existential than that. <br />
<br />
If my life is full of crap to get over and live with then what am I doing to make sure that I am making the living part worth while?<br />
<br />
That is the question for this week's homework. <br />
<br />
Good luck.Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-25287817269820186252013-01-01T07:36:00.001-08:002013-01-01T07:36:56.950-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0XxYL9jYdkuCvVl5qsT_MSAO_o6GigN1GyprO64RIhyyifXjaR0D0In7gEdIVYMxUc5-5K8eTdhs90DlsbcyFrzIrLtuvco69-igmJKpbZ0SwIahFfrWxfHrejdFmLDoBCLEHPaKqgQ/s1600/Photo+130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0XxYL9jYdkuCvVl5qsT_MSAO_o6GigN1GyprO64RIhyyifXjaR0D0In7gEdIVYMxUc5-5K8eTdhs90DlsbcyFrzIrLtuvco69-igmJKpbZ0SwIahFfrWxfHrejdFmLDoBCLEHPaKqgQ/s320/Photo+130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Just found this quote and really like it. I think it explains what I was trying to get down in my post a couple of days ago.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="t1" style="background-color: #444444; color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: start; width: 784px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="td1" colspan="2" valign="middle"><div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>“You live like this, sheltered, in a delicate world, and you believe you are living. </b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Then you read a book (Lady Chatterley, for instance), or you take a trip, or </b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>you talk with Richard, and you discover that you are not living, that you are </b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>hibernating. The symptoms of hibernating are easily detectable: first, </b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>restlessness. The second symptom(when hibernating becomes dangerous </b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>and might degenerate into death): absence of pleasure. That is all. It appears </b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>like an innocuous illness. Monotony, boredom, death. Millions live like this</b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>(or die like this) without knowing it. They work in offices. They drive a car. </b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>They picnic with their families. They raise children. And then some shock </b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>treatment takes place, a person, a book, a song, and it awakens them </b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>and saves them from death."</b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~Anais Nin</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-16343276118768647012012-12-30T18:10:00.001-08:002012-12-30T18:10:23.076-08:00The joy of a new release!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhhO2XoJWQVZjjVcV2lv60HHy8KYChq8A9MUJros4u8lkUo3DnaRag1YYtlB6Gg2ewUG3gS0TC9k9HSVtIuG2-Q05oBd3og7zoquuWjRQKCAkSXqyFKIBdMvctLgCd9e8v-E683oIuYg/s1600/ref=sr_1_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhhO2XoJWQVZjjVcV2lv60HHy8KYChq8A9MUJros4u8lkUo3DnaRag1YYtlB6Gg2ewUG3gS0TC9k9HSVtIuG2-Q05oBd3og7zoquuWjRQKCAkSXqyFKIBdMvctLgCd9e8v-E683oIuYg/s1600/ref=sr_1_1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
I am so excited right now! There are many authors that I like, many more that I think are 'meh', but only a handful that I absolutely love. One of those few beloved authors, Gena Showalter, has just released a new book and I am about to download it. Yay, me! :)<br />
<br />
One of the things that I look forward to on this blog is talking about books and authors that I like. It's sad but I don't have any 'real life' friends who read paranormal romance, romance, sci fi or urban fantasy. All of my excitement is shared with my kindle and my hubby, who is patient enough to listen to me gush about stories that he has no interest in. <br />
<br />
But here on a blog that others may or may not read I can share as I please. It's going to be great! <br />
<br />
The book that I am about to start is The Last Kiss Goodnight by Gena Showalter. Here is the back cover summary -<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION . . .</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
THE ULTIMATE PRICE . . .</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different— he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him . . . and he’ll be put to a killer test.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
I am going crazy about this story already! Special Ops is super hot! The fact that she is deaf makes her more vulnerable and therefore her strength will be even more sharp and touching! The zoo thing is cool! The fact that the author shortened the primary's name to Solo is lame! But it's Gena Showalter so I'm sure she pulls it of nicely! </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
Geekfest at my house! </div>
Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-5496649798298129742012-12-29T18:54:00.003-08:002012-12-29T18:54:58.619-08:00Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6gdSxdT5hpox9l7u_PXiSb9LkO6ShBxYIv8QCdmBS_v7d7GEI_L2JDw9ySRSZ1cfNsbb3ufCXhfJkyGkUiZbVATs-fMuh6g3LmNE7Pjrgx1pyEeDyN8fmDYMxFzgs6MGBLM2E44tCXM/s1600/DownloadedFile-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6gdSxdT5hpox9l7u_PXiSb9LkO6ShBxYIv8QCdmBS_v7d7GEI_L2JDw9ySRSZ1cfNsbb3ufCXhfJkyGkUiZbVATs-fMuh6g3LmNE7Pjrgx1pyEeDyN8fmDYMxFzgs6MGBLM2E44tCXM/s1600/DownloadedFile-5.jpeg" /></a></div>
The new year is coming and with it the inevitable look at what I am doing with my life. The last two years or so I have batted aside this instinct and decided that it was better to not look too hard at myself. It was a wise choice I think, because I was doing what needed to be done and that was all that I was doing. I was working third shift, trying to be a decent mom and wife, trying to take care of an ailing parent and get a little bit of ever elusive sleep. Even though I liked the job that I had my life was a dogged march forward to get us through some tough times. I gave up my writing, all college plans and refused to feel bad about it. I still don't. It was necessary and good, I feel a little proud to have survived it.<br />
<br />
But now it is December 2012 and things have changed and settled into a nice comforting rhythm. I have a different job that I have come to like even though it is not in a field of my choosing. The schedule is fabulous and the company is really great to work for. There is a free gym in the building and lots of nice coworkers to make the day go by nicely. The kids are great. The hubby is doing well and his work is picking up. Everything is good. ...yup.<br />
<br />
Let me be clear, I have no complaints about current circumstances. They are better than I would have dreamed two years ago. But now that things are comfy and good I find that I am restless, sometimes cranky, sometimes grabbing a beer just to feel settled. I don't feel confident in myself as a person and don't really think of myself as a person per say, more like as the body I am in that does stuff. Not cool.<br />
<br />
So here it is, December 29 and the new year looms. What am I doing with my life? Well, lots of good stuff! But it's the things that I am not doing that tell the true tale of Rose. I am not striving for a dream. I am not writing, not creating, not working toward a goal that is outside the normal and inside my soul. I feel it and it is a major source of my frustration. <br />
<br />
Problem identified, solution in progress.<br />
<br />
First of all, I need to come out of hiding. I shut myself off from all of my writing stuff because it was too frustrating and painful to feel that I was failing at finishing stories or missing out on web seminars and blogs. So I just dropped it all. Again, no regrets, but I need to get back into the world of writers and publishers on the web. I need to participate and be a part of the group even if it's just by commenting on blog posts at first.<br />
<br />
Second, I need to break out the stuff that I left unfinished, finish it and send it out. I had such hopes and dreams for which agency I wanted and publishers I would like to work with. Those hopes and dreams still apply, now I need to follow through.<br />
<br />
Third, I need to remember to be proud of who and what I am right now. No more coasting on the good times with no sense of self, I need to stand up straight and be me. Because I am awesome.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So here goes, step one of step one is this post. I need to just plain get back into getting my thoughts down in a (hopefully) clear way. And since this blog actually started in 2009 (whoa) I think that it will be fun to have a history to look back on. My journey in words and pictures. My biggest hope and desire right now is to see that this continues. <br />
<br />
And it will.<br />
<br />
Because I rock.<br />
<br />
:)<br />
<br />
<br />Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-30194195826505970222010-09-19T03:36:00.000-07:002010-09-19T03:57:29.473-07:00Review:Happy Snak by Nicole Kimberling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Yk_LqTZDzXL_Eve1cV1O84rpWssB_QS0CUljy81Z4IU6aCwkaR1RkJBRDiwS6EdX99t-eW_mq0_HAjpZKjIzIpTZ76125qP_hkA235n-cAJbR38qWcLKKmzDsLMFiibsDurGtGKXvQ8/s1600/20162_1204501836571_1349397781_30510106_2051918_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Yk_LqTZDzXL_Eve1cV1O84rpWssB_QS0CUljy81Z4IU6aCwkaR1RkJBRDiwS6EdX99t-eW_mq0_HAjpZKjIzIpTZ76125qP_hkA235n-cAJbR38qWcLKKmzDsLMFiibsDurGtGKXvQ8/s320/20162_1204501836571_1349397781_30510106_2051918_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518577011611210226" /></a><br />I confess, it has been quite some time since I have read Happy Snak by Nicole Kimberling and just as long since I have owed her a review. But here it is and I must say, it is the same today as it would have been all those months ago...<div><br /></div><div>I found the book Happy Snak by Nicole Kimberling on the blog for Marjorie M Liu. After winning a contest for a free copy. I quickly read the book and then, I confess, got too caught up in circumstances to finish the review that I had started. So allow me to correct my mistake by telling you now that Happy Snak is an incredibly entertaining book!</div><div><br /></div><div>Short but engaging, I could not stop reading this weird and off beat story that takes place on an alien ship. I have decided to not go back and get actual names from the text as I feel that I would be too tempted to give spoilers, so let me tell you the gist of the story like this -</div><div><br /></div><div>An Earth woman who runs a snack store decides to sign up to be one of the people that are taken into an alien space station to travel to an alien world and learn about their race. She is an underdog, her advertising is not as slick as her competitor and she is her only real employee but she plugs along until one night when she witnesses the death of a very important alien.</div><div><br /></div><div>Witnessing that death puts her in a unique position and makes her the guardian of that alien's 'ghost'. A task which does not stop her from her primary job as snack seller to anything that might have the munchies.</div><div><br /></div><div>From there, secrets are found out, plots are uncovered, alien androgynous sex is explained and all sorts of hijinks and mayhem ensue. It's an enjoyable read and the concept of that world sticks with you. For me, if a world sticks with you and engages you imagination then it is a book worth reading! </div><div><br /></div><div>So pick up a copy or download it today. It's an easy read that will entertain you immensely and you will not be sorry! Remember, I read this story months ago and am still able to recall the whole thing - high praise from someone who reads as much as I do. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Snak by Nicole Kimberling --- A happy and fun time!</div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-38323781519721865682010-06-25T10:09:00.001-07:002010-06-25T10:16:31.995-07:00Game on!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBfthpQmIF23SqcLTf2boNDxiuE8_ei4N5kesK0b81ww-xiXBbA-d9A6lyK6RU3rJwvuY5cM2oaV6u4dXgisOvvOH41JQM_3xSpmUgsF7e-nPx7S9cjHvdiMlkhyphenhyphenk6XreG0ZczNMmgTo/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBfthpQmIF23SqcLTf2boNDxiuE8_ei4N5kesK0b81ww-xiXBbA-d9A6lyK6RU3rJwvuY5cM2oaV6u4dXgisOvvOH41JQM_3xSpmUgsF7e-nPx7S9cjHvdiMlkhyphenhyphenk6XreG0ZczNMmgTo/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486761346956075602" /></a><br />I have not posted in a long time and I apologize for the gap. A new job was started, a transition to third shift was survived and I even stopped reading books for a bit. I just didn't want to miss the thing that I had put to the side while attempting to get through a few things that were tough. <div><br /></div><div>But now I am happily nocturnal, employed and reading. So I'm back. And God help me but I am working on finishing two books at once. </div><div><br /></div><div>Game on.</div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-39447521783220144962010-03-08T12:16:00.000-08:002010-03-08T12:19:20.423-08:00A word from dinosaurs...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeouPV9WQYAoWGT4VO6Nl7DxnTzEV7MrwQpl2R-tVnX2I2P03BEAyrlDN8r-Rso8GDM-tW1SfJAL_hw7AZP92gwWHVl1iynSCXEFlLfRkVRUYtk-BODYMpP74vVYN_WZcZKq8iZqGNIM/s1600-h/5140PmqT57L._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA115_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeouPV9WQYAoWGT4VO6Nl7DxnTzEV7MrwQpl2R-tVnX2I2P03BEAyrlDN8r-Rso8GDM-tW1SfJAL_hw7AZP92gwWHVl1iynSCXEFlLfRkVRUYtk-BODYMpP74vVYN_WZcZKq8iZqGNIM/s320/5140PmqT57L._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA115_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446360197593916386" /></a><br />This is a series of books that my husband illustrates! If you have kids that like sports and dinos then these are the books for you!<div><br /></div><div>Check it out at this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BpvWawfnYk&feature=player_embedded">link.</a></div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-87200041623701872242010-03-04T13:32:00.001-08:002010-03-04T13:48:25.742-08:00Broken toe reading<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRY4EWML47M5P9HiESBu3NTkxg4vAvSsLF2Kg3NMXzQmr1uXFvfbA0oK6UaENx9wRaTUNXKnGMuldLXN2OseZt4_6kwWE4Ynh_bM78cna6YR22-GXRz5ZgpEDyvyMcTVyJWJbcqg2izY/s1600-h/4362155272_8a0ec3d3ec_s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRY4EWML47M5P9HiESBu3NTkxg4vAvSsLF2Kg3NMXzQmr1uXFvfbA0oK6UaENx9wRaTUNXKnGMuldLXN2OseZt4_6kwWE4Ynh_bM78cna6YR22-GXRz5ZgpEDyvyMcTVyJWJbcqg2izY/s320/4362155272_8a0ec3d3ec_s.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444898806482848546" /></a><br />Well, there has been a lot going on in the last two weeks. Colleges to visit, forms to fill out, hair issues with my poor daughter, work and then - breaking my fourth toe on Sunday. It was not the finish (or beginning, depending on opinion) to the week that I had been hoping for. But what are you going to do? Broken is broken and the biggest way to help it heal is to sit still and read.<div><br /></div><div>Maybe a broken toe isn't so bad! It's true enough that I haven't had much time to read lately. And now I can do it guilt free. Nice!</div><div><br /></div><div>So Far I have finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=second+skin&x=0&y=0">Second Skin by Caitlin Kittredge</a>. Last June I won it in a raffle and have been meaning to read it for some time. It was pretty good, lots of action and groovy, dark spooky scenes. My only issue was that sometimes in all the action I had moments of confusion. The what and why weren't always clear to me. Overall though, it was a great book and I recommend it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I am starting in on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=happy+snak&x=0&y=0">Happy Snak by Nicole Kimberling</a>. I also won this - free books being my favorite kind - and it's an ebook. My only issue with ebooks is that I get really tired of staring at the screen and that I can't just sit anywhere, take my book from my purse, and start reading. I prefer paper, but free is free. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll probably finish this one in the next day or so. Even with a broken toe there is only so much sitting around that a person can do so I tend to get up and wander. When I'm done I'll post my thoughts on it and a couple of other books I've been meaning to write about.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, I'll try to actually stay down and all of you watch where you're walking. Wooden toy boxes tend to pop up out of nowhere.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-18279455941014468222010-02-14T11:16:00.000-08:002010-02-14T11:23:56.746-08:00Beta Tester, Baby!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApR19h8YuNWsME6pKif-T7e-fFE-cHC1d2bZ7sv-HDbqcwg9GBdvMzo6qckMgs507nHc3HvwYEIrXPhkdr2oDtlvp2U68vymdpx4yv-iZOJ98XXCi3lAlpOIrwrBNUj3obJzQvWsxk3k/s1600-h/TigerEye_Logo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApR19h8YuNWsME6pKif-T7e-fFE-cHC1d2bZ7sv-HDbqcwg9GBdvMzo6qckMgs507nHc3HvwYEIrXPhkdr2oDtlvp2U68vymdpx4yv-iZOJ98XXCi3lAlpOIrwrBNUj3obJzQvWsxk3k/s320/TigerEye_Logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438182059499827330" /></a><br />The fabulous <a href="http://marjoriemliu.com/">Marjorie M Liu</a> has a game coming out to go with her first book Tiger Eye. I'm not sure what to expect, really. A paranormal romance novel made into a computer game sound right up my alley if done right, though. And I aim to find out if it's been done right!<div><br /></div><div>So head on over to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.passionfruitgames.com">Passionfruit games</a> by clicking on the name and check out the advance art. It looks awesome and it's cool to me that they previously asked for input on the look for one of the characters and I got to weigh in. I like being part of cool processes. : )</div><div><br /></div><div>Last - Hey, Passionfruit people, pick me for a beta tester!</div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-25423910308219121692010-02-11T19:30:00.000-08:002010-02-11T19:45:12.181-08:00News of the absurd.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg3rRlb-w7_dYo0-YFbLR7Gtp4gQ7spIQbn7qdf6rjkCDwB9RMK1lP04sh6f9R24HkdjIK6nL2ZCqcQrrYY8KEV-GVJqWc41v7T7l8QB6I-CY4jUdQAwglSa_n-7tkoFt9FIhe-xyvGQ/s1600-h/images-2.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 95px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg3rRlb-w7_dYo0-YFbLR7Gtp4gQ7spIQbn7qdf6rjkCDwB9RMK1lP04sh6f9R24HkdjIK6nL2ZCqcQrrYY8KEV-GVJqWc41v7T7l8QB6I-CY4jUdQAwglSa_n-7tkoFt9FIhe-xyvGQ/s320/images-2.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437197969256340626" /></a><br />Well, I just made an idiot out of myself in front of the agents I want. Talent. I got it. It's just in the looking silly department.<div><br /></div><div>There was an online chat and I loved it, lots of other people asked great questions. Got on the question list, last question actually! Only problem is that the question that seemed to be so important for the hour and a half that I waited my turn suddenly seemed lame and uneducated as I hit the send button. Boy, was it ever. </div><div><br /></div><div>I told them about my daughter being from Haiti and how I would like to write a book about the couple that ran her orphanage and have now opened a temporary clinic. I asked if I needed to query for interest or just start writing. It seemed to me that doing a book like that, in a country in crisis, was better served by having a publisher at your back. Instead of "Take time out of your insane day to talk to me, I might sell this as a book", it would be "Hey, I'm writing a book for HarperCollins, now talk to me, government people". But as I sent the question I realized that it sounded amateur and foolish. Like I had never even heard of the Writer's Market. </div><div><br /></div><div>My problem was that the book seems so important and special in my eyes that I assumed the process would be different. But it's not and now my name is seen as being funny but spectacularly ditzy. Not cool, but what are ya gonna do? </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, that makes me feel a little better about my second piece of news. I'm going out for my nursing degree. I know, how am I gonna write? Answer, more slowly. But I need some stability of income, we need savings and college funds and all of those grown up things that we have lacked for the last couple of years. It's something I know I'll be good at, I was good at it with animals. I'm excited about making decent money and a more secure future. At 35 with two kids, that's almost naughty it's so exciting. : )</div><div><br /></div><div>So I'm going to walk two paths, one will give me money. Which one will do it faster? Time will tell. </div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-21293758840199899422010-02-10T06:09:00.001-08:002010-02-10T06:22:36.089-08:00The home stretch!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu469WwTTY6kjY2NkUX3qpxQlbUcFHEyF8DAsJ7a5jUjtOsSR3jZLkOXQrWR_lnOdrTKQ0quH-tTCY2d1TDPhnW67O_za4_jvcmxWTOagDIP5IdrVAkUxnocrrkqbdqZGI53V1gPLiQ8w/s1600-h/172561952_b2a3ed683a_m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu469WwTTY6kjY2NkUX3qpxQlbUcFHEyF8DAsJ7a5jUjtOsSR3jZLkOXQrWR_lnOdrTKQ0quH-tTCY2d1TDPhnW67O_za4_jvcmxWTOagDIP5IdrVAkUxnocrrkqbdqZGI53V1gPLiQ8w/s320/172561952_b2a3ed683a_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436620055772264594" /></a><br />After going through another bout of "I'll never be published, I stink as a writer, I'm wasting my time, blah, blah, blah...", I am seriously excited to be so close to finishing my revision. Life and family health problems have eaten into my writing time lately but I am fairly confident that I will be able to query by the end of the month. I'm still aiming for The Knight Agency! As a matter of fact, I'm beginning to like them so much that I think I might hit them up more than once if they reject me. Maybe after three rejections I'll move on to my next choice. <div><br /></div><div>The first agency that I queried, oh so long ago, doesn't count. I picked them out of excitement rather than research and gut instinct, I totally fell for slick talking. As a matter of fact, I remember telling Hubby that I wasn't sure why I was querying them since I didn't think I liked them. But they seemed like players and I was thinking that players make good money. Now I'm looking to form a relationship with someone that I can work well with. Hubby has a great agent, has worked with her for eight years, and I'm hoping to have the same thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Right now, I am finishing the beginning and end to my story. (It's kindof funny how I go back and forth even in the middle of writing the scenes.) As soon as I'm done with that I'll print it out, hit it with a red pen and then throw it on out there. I have high hopes, it's a good story with some great spots, but I am new and I know that it's not all great spots. So I'll send it in and start on another story. If my theory that every story is a learning experience and hopefully a little better than the last then it'll be even better than this one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I have appointments and errands to do. I'm going to need to work hard for the next week to carve out writing time but I feel motivated to do it. I feel good. Hopeful, even!</div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-77232370939752909172010-02-08T04:24:00.000-08:002010-02-08T04:30:41.225-08:00Good morning, everybody!New post over on the autism blog about surviving parties!<div><br /></div><div>http://mykidissupercool.blogspot.com/2010/02/parties-and-autism-they-can-go-together.html</div><div><br /></div><div>--------------</div><div><br /></div><div>Woke up early this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. I purposely wouldn't even let myself think about my writing yesterday and had a real day off, mentally and physically. Going to a cool party ended things well and now it seems that the words are flowing. They are at my fingertips and I have been typing since 6am. (I am not a morning person so that is insanely early!) </div><div><br /></div><div>I know where the story is going and I feel good about it. It kicks ass so much more now that I revised it. I love being proud of what I write. It just gives me so much joy to know that I created something well. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm off to get the kids on the bus and sit down to write some more! Have a wonderful day, I'm thinking that I will. : )</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Up the stakes, drive the story, keep it simple, make it powerful, cut unessentials, don't be a coward, go all the way, write, write, write. - Marjorie M Liu</i></div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-26415832830153164562010-02-05T07:21:00.001-08:002010-02-05T07:32:40.991-08:00New blog for parents of kids with autism launched!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9zTgeddaCwddbdUhc4SuT1kS8BQpzmSHm0mynOgPNN9k10JSp-flgaA8-STeclJu5XwZh4sPx0XEQI69OWP0-mANEVeyNt521JPZv5S04_D6YJodwYJDuh12RK1KiUNMg4t1pGTCLk8/s1600-h/IMG_1363.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9zTgeddaCwddbdUhc4SuT1kS8BQpzmSHm0mynOgPNN9k10JSp-flgaA8-STeclJu5XwZh4sPx0XEQI69OWP0-mANEVeyNt521JPZv5S04_D6YJodwYJDuh12RK1KiUNMg4t1pGTCLk8/s320/IMG_1363.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434782693417771682" /></a><br />Sorry about the huge gap in posts! I have had some technical issues and couldn't even get on for about a week. But I have finally had time and the internet gods decided to be nice and let me back on my blog so I finally got done the thing that I have wanted to get done for so long--<div><br /></div><div>*drumrolllll*</div><div><br /></div><div>I launched a blog for parents with kids who have autism! The purpose of the Wifeofmonobot blog was to have a place to talk about my writing and books that I love. I was surprised to find that I really, really also enjoy blogging about parenting. Also, you guys seemed to like it, too! So I decided to separate things into a writing and parenting blog. It's clearer and more fun that way because I don't have to worry about visitors not getting what they came for when they log on.</div><div><br /></div><div>The title of my new blog is <a href="http://mykidissupercool.blogspot.com/">My Kid Is Super Cool.</a> It's also at blogspot, just click on the title to get there. Please, if you became a follower of this blog because of the parenting stuff then become a follower of the new one. I like seeing the friendly faces on the sidebar. : ) Share the link and let me know what you think! </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be putting a sentence or two at the bottom of my posts for a week or so to help everyone make their way over there. Hope you like it, post in the comments to let me know if you have any specific things you would like to see.</div><div><br /></div><div>Huzzah!</div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-88662455433113510292010-01-24T17:18:00.000-08:002010-01-24T17:26:49.396-08:00Back soon...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe0AKDjd7Y6_zN7erHWnz6KQRgwMIxPz874mVVAqB5sNp114_netzO4wPE8-vvdCGoN-crsaSynlB0vJEhZnFx9cE5iyXFNikIkFjSuxxpf0LZ3YrGgocrC9PzPWcW-EocW0v7zPpomI/s1600-h/IMG_1357.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe0AKDjd7Y6_zN7erHWnz6KQRgwMIxPz874mVVAqB5sNp114_netzO4wPE8-vvdCGoN-crsaSynlB0vJEhZnFx9cE5iyXFNikIkFjSuxxpf0LZ3YrGgocrC9PzPWcW-EocW0v7zPpomI/s320/IMG_1357.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430482741593930146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4Xq74FMm85u9Zyrz1LnLFIthciSSHSK0rE5_IWmUF1tq594gHQSiv6e6OEedlhsySg2lROGpwWhMleawv2y7tgHDgjyppy8ZA1CcmvmT0HapXeMvM3JDRIgCrX8O7yg7S5FoITA3Q5w/s1600-h/DSC03540.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4Xq74FMm85u9Zyrz1LnLFIthciSSHSK0rE5_IWmUF1tq594gHQSiv6e6OEedlhsySg2lROGpwWhMleawv2y7tgHDgjyppy8ZA1CcmvmT0HapXeMvM3JDRIgCrX8O7yg7S5FoITA3Q5w/s320/DSC03540.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430482515015358146" /></a><br />Sorry about the break in posts - I got really depressed about Haiti and very involved in raising funds for my daughter's old orphanage. So, after a week or so off, I'm planning on getting back to my regular schedule tomorrow of three posts a week.<div><br /></div><div>One thought that I have had is maybe separating things into an autism blog and a writing blog. There are two different distinct groups of readers that visit now and it might be easier for people to know what to expect if I focus on one topic. If I do this then I'll probably set up the new site tomorrow and put the details here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for all of your positive feedback. A lot of it has been through email or facebook and I am always excited to know what you guys are thinking. As always, feel free to share my blog with anyone that you think will be interested!</div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-21770793643188124842010-01-15T05:48:00.000-08:002010-01-15T06:21:14.796-08:00A note on autism, adoption and not underestimating your child.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHull6QatkqJAl8OlyneuANpqz2Wx4n590tqYxnof9mwkN3MLx-rzb_nufZg3ttZLMgml9h_E6G4Ca2mQ_A2rOmav9bhxb05HcSYGvSAkF75vUr4auagU-vnFYCftiXXzXVCB-bL1oGck/s1600-h/DSC03513.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHull6QatkqJAl8OlyneuANpqz2Wx4n590tqYxnof9mwkN3MLx-rzb_nufZg3ttZLMgml9h_E6G4Ca2mQ_A2rOmav9bhxb05HcSYGvSAkF75vUr4auagU-vnFYCftiXXzXVCB-bL1oGck/s320/DSC03513.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426971300880161682" /></a><br />Three years ago we adopted our daughter from Haiti. It took us 18 months to bring her home and in that time I visited her twice for a week each time. When we first made the decision to adopt we were still in the first year or so of finding out about our son's autism. The first foster/adoption certification class was taken in that first year but the whole process from first class to our daughter being home was closer to two and a half years. So by the time she came home our son was five and still had very little language.<div><br /></div><div>Some might have thought that we were crazy since autistic kids have so many issues with change. I do know of some people who would not want another child when the first requires so much of them and maybe that is the best choice for them. Myself, I was an only child and hated it so I had no intention of doing that to my son, autistic or not. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the part about not underestimating your child - they understand more than you think and quite often can deal with more than you think. Case in point, our son accepted it as fact when we showed him a picture and said that he had a new sister but she lived in Haiti and loved her from day one. If anyone asked him if he had siblings he would answer yes and if we were at our house he would point to her picture. When she came home he ran and jumped and generally stimmed in his excitement that she was home. Playing with our son was the first thing that made her really relax. There are five years between them and he has been a gentle and loving brother from day one. Honestly, no mother could ever as for more in a sibling relationship, fights are rare and playing together is a daily occurrence. His language skills picked up quickly as she learned English and she is always encouraging him to try new things. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since then our son has dealt with the death of a grandmother and beloved teacher, my cancer and done well in 40% mainstream schooling. He is amazing and if told the basics of a situation in simple terms can deal with these huge life issues better than he can someone turning a television of without warning him first.</div><div><br /></div><div>So don't underestimate your child and don't try to hide life from them. Be smart about it and be more than age appropriate but don't shelter too hard. One of your goals as a parent is to enable them to live in the real world. Shit happens. Teach them how to deal just as you would any other child with being a good example and answering questions. They might never thank you for it but it is more than ample reward to watch them excel.</div><div><br /></div><div>___________________________</div><div><br /></div><div>Our daughter's old orphanage, a wonderful place where there are only two children per nanny, is in Port Au Prince and sustained damage in the earthquake. If you are interested, John, the man who runs the place with his wife Beth, is blogging as often as possible since all of us are on the edge of our seats with worry. Luckily, no one in the orphanage was injured and all of the children are safe! But it is estimated that there is at least $30-50,000 worth of damage and money is needed. To see the blog click <a href="http://heartlineministries.org/Blog20.aspx">here</a> or donate money, please click on this link for <a href="http://heartlineministries.org/default.aspx">Heartline Ministries. </a> Thanks!</div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-41253471182450449532010-01-12T18:24:00.001-08:002010-01-12T18:29:39.912-08:00Today's questions<div><b>From Finn</b> - </div><div><br /></div><i>Question</i>: Mom, if I touch your uvula will you throw up?<div><br /></div><div><i>Answer</i>: Yes, yes I will.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Action</i>: Immediate chasing after me with pointed finger.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>From Nandi</b> -</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Question</i>: Since you saved ten dollars on lunch, can I get ballet classes?</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Answer</i>: No honey, ballet classes are a little bit more money than that but we'll try to get them for you soon.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Action</i>: Half second of sadness followed by a big smile and a complete change of subject. Gotta love the age of five!<br /><div><br /></div></div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-85828016093555157822010-01-11T07:49:00.000-08:002010-01-11T08:35:46.954-08:00Notes to moms of kids with autism. Pt. 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfG3urBUD4kBaOWKXqOrl0QnoVVZPupjm4FTyjVLE-ueFh4hQGfBQCGPWNyLDCDikrLFnTEtpzKvXUZvLl9ErtPO5wkm7LMPyavdTteqgs6MV98ZWZAoue8Pq4qIUWZS8jDFHYCygt8s/s1600-h/DSC03844.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfG3urBUD4kBaOWKXqOrl0QnoVVZPupjm4FTyjVLE-ueFh4hQGfBQCGPWNyLDCDikrLFnTEtpzKvXUZvLl9ErtPO5wkm7LMPyavdTteqgs6MV98ZWZAoue8Pq4qIUWZS8jDFHYCygt8s/s320/DSC03844.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425521357044139058" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>The importance of mentoring. </b></span></span></div><div><br /></div>I woke up this morning absolutely fried. There is a list of errands to be run and a meeting in less that an hour, plus a sick parent to visit. Needless to say, I didn't get any of it done yet. Sometimes you need to decide that just because writing and errands is done in the morning while kids are in school doesn't mean that it always has to be that way. I needed to veg this morning and for a long time nothing made me feel better. My head was just in a bad place and I was pretty determined that slime mold has more redeemable qualities than I do.<div><br /></div><div>Here's what pulled me out of my funk at the last minute. I found a post that included a letter written by one of the creators of Ren & Stimpy, an old favorite of mine. The link is <a href="http://www.lettersofnote.com/2010/01/your-pal-john-k.html">here</a>. Apparently, a 14 year old who had done his homework and knew a lot about animation and the business just from reading on the internet (something that not everyone does before approaching pros), sent John a letter with some questions. In response, John sent him not only answers but a book and very specific advice and methods for developing the skills needed to make it in animation. That got me to thinking...</div><div><br /></div><div>First of all, it reminded me of my interactions with Marjorie M Liu and Lynn Viehl, two professional writers who have given me their time, encouragement and advice. It has done me a world of good and will always be something that I remember and hope to emulate when I eventually succeed and have people ask me questions. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, it made me think about teaching and mentoring in life as a whole. As a friend to a wonderful 18 year old at my church there is definitely a mentoring aspect to our relationship even if it is unofficial. This thrills me because when I was in high school and college I had a few mentors, both official and unofficial, myself. It is important and so helpful when you are entering a new career, phase in your life or going through a unique event to talk with someone who has gone before you or who is smart enough to be a help. It's not that you can't figure stuff out on your own, but having a friend give you some insider tips or help make sense of issues that you struggle with is invaluable.</div><div><br /></div><div>This made me think about the autism series that I have been working on. First of all, any parent is their child's first and most important mentor. We are there to guide, teach and gradually get them to a point where they can figure it out on their own. The more time you invest the better mentor you can be, even if your child has autism and most of the mentoring is nontraditional or nonverbal. </div><div><br /></div><div>The thing about parenting is that it almost always puts parents, especially mothers since we are so social, into unofficial mentor relationships. We ask older mothers whose kids turned out well what their secret is and we talk about how to potty train or where to get cheap diapers. Friendship and mentoring relationships are a blended thing in most of life and when parenting, especially little ones, it's very apparent.</div><div><br /></div><div>But what about the mom in your group whose four year old is not potty trained? She has little to say, right? Maybe that mom doesn't even hang with the other parents, which would be a shame but happens. Would an average mom have any advice for a parent whose child runs into the street with a smile on their face at age nine? Who does?</div><div><br /></div><div>Parents of other children with autism do! </div><div><br /></div><div>It is important for parents of children with autism to find their mentoring system. It's also important to have a general support system, people who love you and your kid just the way you are, but right now I mean mentors. For me, my son's teachers in his autism unit as of kindergarden were mentors. They could answer a lot of questions, give advice and point me in the direction of web sites or organizations where I could find what I needed. Also, I have a friend who is a special needs teacher and another who used to be a social worker - both have been invaluable in their support and wisdom. My struggles were not new to them and they had helped others get through them. I don't know what I would have done without them.</div><div><br /></div><div>But these people did not just show up at my door. Hubby and I left the church that we had attended for years, met and married at, because they did not accept our son. We were asked if we were disciplining enough, pulled out of service because he wouldn't sit in story time and could not find a single place where we felt he was loved. But the day after our first visit to our current church, the head of the children's sunday school called and asked me if our son had enjoyed himself and if there was anything else that they could do to "make him feel loved". Well, I teared up and talked for an hour about our struggles and how much the call meant to me. Needless to say the decision to make it our new church home was an easy one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now some of you are not church going people so you will need to find other avenues for mentoring and support. First of all, talk to whatever organizations you are getting services through and ask for listings of support groups or respite providers. Go online and google your city name and autism services or support. The more local the group the easier it is to form good solid friendships because you live near each other and the groups tend to be smaller. Or start volunteering in your child's classroom, you should be anyway just to be involved and to learn from the teacher different strategies for dealing with teaching your child. When volunteering you generally get to form relationships with the teacher and are quite often able to meet other moms and some of them have older kids who also have special needs.</div><div><br /></div><div>So get out there and make friends! There is no reason to do this alone. And remember that when your kid is older than it is your turn to be the mentor. Don't keep your insight to yourself, use it and then share it. Failure stories can be as helpful as success stories, so just share what you do and let people take what they will from it. </div><div><br /></div><div>A note to all who already are the mentor moms: Thanks! And remember, when you are the one sharing your advice that dealing with autism is tough and we all do it different so don't be offended if people don't use what you know. What works can be as relative as what's normal! Just appreciate everyone's journey the same way that you want others to appreciate yours.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-68015338649173947662010-01-06T09:16:00.000-08:002010-01-06T10:21:42.912-08:00Notes to moms of kids with autism. Pt 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaASRwKmbz4KrbwN_XlonAEELIraILaMqZfzihe155yqCHoKL28C6JihDxou3I6XcrcU4O7nEHACT12GnQH7cgcAjXRtiDzd4dO5dNc2S7cn22WLV9kHNJC8x2LNJMXDwn4wmFMkozk4/s1600-h/Photo+51.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaASRwKmbz4KrbwN_XlonAEELIraILaMqZfzihe155yqCHoKL28C6JihDxou3I6XcrcU4O7nEHACT12GnQH7cgcAjXRtiDzd4dO5dNc2S7cn22WLV9kHNJC8x2LNJMXDwn4wmFMkozk4/s320/Photo+51.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423693676224525426" /></a><br /><b>Figuring out what you're dealing with.</b><div><br /></div><div>Autism is a neurological disorder that makes functioning, especially in society difficult. It's a spectrum disease, which means that you can be in a room with five kids that have ASD (autism spectrum disorder - anyone on the spectrum from high functioning to low) and everyone will look a bit different. This is why diagnosis is made based on observation and questions to the parents than by any diagnostic test. Especially since most kids are diagnosed between two and three, there are behavioral markers and developmental goals missed that are symptoms of autism and not a blood test or anything like that. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let me boil it down the way that I do when talking to my neuro-typical five year old about autism: Autism just means that your brain works a little different. It still works and there is nothing really wrong or broken, we just need to talk and play with an autistic person in a way that they can understand. </div><div><br /></div><div>Medically speaking, there has been some great research in the last five years about the mechanics of autism. We still don't know the cause exactly, though most believe that it is a combination of factors both genetic and environmental, but we are understanding more and more how their brains work. For instance, we now know that the two halves of their brains do not communicate very well. Actually, most of the different centers of the brain, like speech and sensory areas, don't communicate well. The neuro-pathways are either not connected or convoluted. What would be a single lane road in my brain is a twisted up mountain highway where the info can drop off of the side in my son's brain. For my son this was really obvious because he could echo speech but not talk intentionally more than a couple of words until around five. The echo part of his brain was hooked up but his attempts at intentional speech were gibberish. If I remember correctly he was five before he told me he loved me without prompting. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another fact that scans have found is that the memory center of the brain is larger than normal. (Some believe that most autistics have a photographic memory, a theory that I agree with.) This is why patterns and scripting (more on that later) are so helpful. They can memorize that someone saying "Hello" means that their response should be "Hello", but it will be awhile before they are the ones initiating. This is also a reason for many tantrums because, to use an example from my life, they have a memory of what the grocery store looks like. So when that store takes out the video store to put in a pharmacy, that is a big and unexpected change. Change is scary. Scared autistic kids are unhappy kids and they will let you know it. </div><div><br /></div><div>When your child goes out in the world it can be upsetting for them, mostly because of sensory issues. (And if you aren't paying attention and making adjustments at home then the house can be scary, too.) The equalizer on their senses don't integrate very well. It's like someone else turning the volume and brightness up and down all around you and your skin can be reeeeally sensitive or not feel much unless it's a more harsh stimulation. The rules can change from day to day and depending on mood. An already anxious child is more sensitive and has a lower tolerance to things that upset them, a happy kid will go with the flow a little easier. It's a lot to handle and takes a lot of bravery on your child's behalf. Realizing that the world is different on even these basic levels can help you to be more patient and creative in helping them to function. </div><div> </div><div>Okay, so I've given you a few basics on understanding the nature of autism. I didn't give sources because it's really just what I know after years of reading books and article and talking to doctors and wonderful teachers. I actually had to work hard to be concise because what I have gleaned and what I could find with a day of research could fill a book. (I'm enjoying writing this enough that I think one day it will!)</div><div><br /></div><div>That brings me to the final and maybe most important point - research with extreme prejudice. Everyone views autism a different way, as an enemy, or a sickness. People feel angry, sad, resigned or relieved to have a reason for the behaviors. So it stands to reason that these feelings and points of view will effect how and what you research. Some people are militant in their search for a cure, they read everything and can quote statistics and medical findings until they lose their voices. Some do nothing and assume that whatever services their schools offer will take care of it. But I urge a slightly different approach. First of all, accept your child for who they are and love them. <i>Don't be put off by their behavior, they can't help it, but instead of trying to find the magic bullet to make it stop - try to find the tools to help them manage a condition that they will live with for the rest of their lives.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>There is a book that was written by a man with autism. He can't talk but he can write and at the beginning of the book there is an explanation of how it was verified by several specialists that he was indeed the author. It was an odd book as one would expect from an person with autism, but there were two things that stood out to me and that I always remember. One was an explanation of self stimulating behaviors like jumping and hand flapping. He said that it was how he "found the lost pieces of himself". After I read that I lost any last traces of embarrassment over my son's stimming. In a store I will say, "Let's save that for at home" and he will take it down a notch. But at home he is free to do as he pleases because no one should have to lose pieces of themselves to make others happy.</div><div><br /></div><div>The second thing that I remember is that he recounts the many healers and men of faith that his mother took him to in order to heal him. He describes in his detached way, how hard his mother prayed and how hard she worked to make him like everyone else. Eventually, he was able to communicate to her that it made him sad. He wrote that he didn't want to be the cause of her upset, he just was who he was.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that in mind, do the research. Find out what autism is and look for advice on therapies and services in you area. Some people move to get better help for their child and I think that is great, we would if we needed to but we are extremely blessed where we are. When looking at therapies start with the big main ones, like ABA and a gluten free/casein free diet. For us, we can't feed our son GF/CF because he won't eat enough but we are able to be mostly dairy free and low on gluten. Too much and he gets disorganized, but we have to get enough calorie into him so he can grow. Regarding ABA, we opted to not do it. My husband and I decided early on that we wanted our son to have a childhood and not an endless progression of therapy sessions. I don't care how fun therapy is, it is not the same as family time in my opinion. </div><div><br /></div><div>After you have studied the main therapies and made sure that your school is giving proper support (more on that later), then you can start looking to more alternative therapies if you would like. But be warned, every therapy has a miracle case or two and those cases are shouted from the rooftops. It's great that they worked for those people and if you want to try it and it will not harm your child then do it - but remember that there is not one cure for everybody. "Recovery" is a dream that many chase but very few find. If you want to chase it then just make sure that you don't sacrifice yourself, your family, every last penny of your finances or your relationship to the child that you are trying so hard to help in order to do it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, love and accept. Give them tools and help them grow, but be a loving parent because they are still really just kids. </div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-58696466004441943022010-01-05T11:35:00.001-08:002010-01-05T11:38:11.216-08:00Taking a day off!While I do have another post in my head for my fellow moms, I am totally brain fried from my intensive writing hotel stay. S0 I'm taking the day off to clean up the much neglected house, hang with the kids and rest my brain. <div><br /></div><div>I'll be back tomorrow though, so don't forget to check back!</div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-64865547657561693692010-01-04T16:24:00.000-08:002010-01-04T17:14:57.072-08:00Notes to moms of kids with autism. Pt 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNvWJb_8_2_CfbZ80G-AI5CFa6Wq3zKfBv8Wn6qQOPXmDgUWV_IST11rHn9CzlkezPuXDsVGn36cFX8WpnlROda2vQLh3vvZfsXLlKXGNU5RW1oZgbmIH_VkIB0c7mQkpexTZOGXK80U/s1600-h/Photo+89.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNvWJb_8_2_CfbZ80G-AI5CFa6Wq3zKfBv8Wn6qQOPXmDgUWV_IST11rHn9CzlkezPuXDsVGn36cFX8WpnlROda2vQLh3vvZfsXLlKXGNU5RW1oZgbmIH_VkIB0c7mQkpexTZOGXK80U/s320/Photo+89.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423058018077049714" /></a><br /><b>It's going to be okay</b>.<div><br /></div><div>For this first post, let me talk to those moms who have just found out that their kid has autism or those who are still struggling with the idea even after some time has passed. There are so many things that I want to tell you, so many things that you will learn along the way. But first, as a mom with a high functioning but 'classic' kid with autism, let me give you a hug. Not a polite one but five seconds or more with a small rock to it. You need comforting by someone that's been there and I'm giving it to you. Enjoy. Cry if you want to, crying is part of the parent package. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, take a deep breath and settle yourself a little. Got get some tea. Because you need to pay a little attention and absorb a few truths. And you have to stop crying sometime.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. It will be okay. I swear to you that no matter what level your child functions at it is still possible for things to be okay. They will be okay because of truth number two.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. You can always make a new normal. Normal is a relative term. If you are one of those people who has spent your life concerned with what others think then this will be a harder concept for you. But if you go to any home, behind closed doors when it's just the family, you'll see that every family is different and yours is no exception. Whatever it is that makes day to day work for you and yours is your normal and you have a right to it. <i>Never let anyone make you feel bad about your normal. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">3. Try not to let the reactions of others dictate your actions and emotions. Are people shaking their heads at your four year old in a diaper? Do old ladies tell you that in their day kids were better behaved? Having a meltdown in a store with lots of people watching in apparent disgust or trying to get the attention of a security guard? Well, </span>learn to put on metaphorical blinders<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. Focus on what your child needs and controlling your emotions enough to give it to them. Who cares if strangers watch or judge, it's not their job and they are rude for doing it. And if one of them is rude enough to actually say something out loud then you give them a little piece of your inner mama bear. Protect your child from the scorn of others with a succinct snippet, like "I'm sorry if he's disturbing you. He has autism and I'm trying to help him calm down." Or just ignore them. I do and it feels great.</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>4. Cry after the tantrum is done. Children with autism have a hard time with the emotions of others. The first and sometimes only thing that they understand is smile means good and frown means bad. If you are upset and crying then it'll be harder for them to calm down. Fake it till you make it is your mantra with tantrums. Act calm, talk calm, know your child enough to understand what they need if you can. But saving the tears for later will help things to move faster. I'm not perfect at this, no one is. If I've been screamed at for 20 minutes or more I cry, hands down, and it never helps. So trade with your husband if you have to (that's a great system that we use - only one of us gets yelled at at a time so the other can calm down), but try to be the calm that you want for your child. When it's over and they are watching TV like nothing happened then you go in the other room and sob. Don't forget to bring tissue.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">5. Never be embarrassed by your child. This is related to numbers 2 and 3 but is very difficult for some adults to do. But let me tell you this, your child knows more than you think. They are just like any other child in that their view of themselves, especially when younger, comes primarily from how you view them. Ask yourself this: Do you cringe and try to hide your child as soon as the jumping, running and hand flapping starts or do you let it go if it's unobtrusive to those around you? Do you talk to your autistic child daily or help others try to talk with them - or do you figure that they have nothing to say and put your energy elsewhere? Remember, if your child were asthmatic you wouldn't be ashamed at their use of an inhaler to function. So don't be ashamed when your child uses self regulatory behaviors to function. It's part of his normal. Also, you would facilitate a child's use of an inhaler by buying and storing it and you should be a facilitator to your child with autism so that they participate in the social world around them as much as they are able. </span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">5a. If you are embarrassed of your child's autism then their siblings will be to. Teach your other children by example that autism is part of your normal and that there is nothing wrong with it. Praise your autistic child's advances and personality just as much as your neuro-typical child's. </span>Everyone is different and that's okay<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, it's a commonly known fact but one that is bigger and more meaningful in your family. Live it and you will teach it. </span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">I'll post more later. I want to cover some advice on marriage and school. But if you are visiting this blog and have friends with children who are autistic, please send them the link. It's my hope that people will find it helpful. </span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">One more thing, for any who are new, here's a little about who I am - I'm almost 35 and have been married for 13 years this February. My son is 10 and has autism, he's biological. My daughter is 5 and neuro-typical, she is adopted from Haiti. We are a happy and loving family with a wacky sense of humor, so I just want to share some of the things that have worked for us. : )<br /></span></i><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-56591449509098363012010-01-03T13:46:00.000-08:002010-01-03T14:14:07.760-08:00Alone in a hotel...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsU4mlYxlN3Wb79jN19ZOVDywtAdYve6oj6ZfwQMADPUpSapgsHB-9aKAFf6C4wlDtRFXXY9gYBLw-emVnFwxbCpYfKQVJM17OwrpMhHUpJTshjwezpgViGimPX8oAYqgV02aVLkJhkE/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsU4mlYxlN3Wb79jN19ZOVDywtAdYve6oj6ZfwQMADPUpSapgsHB-9aKAFf6C4wlDtRFXXY9gYBLw-emVnFwxbCpYfKQVJM17OwrpMhHUpJTshjwezpgViGimPX8oAYqgV02aVLkJhkE/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422640341200607666" /></a><br />Maybe I was a bit hasty and naive when I came up with my plan for today. See, since Hubby broke that leg in October and I had missed a lot of writing time because of it, we decided that I could/should spend a night or two in a hotel alone. <div><br /></div><div>That's right, three days and two nights with no kids, errands or chores - just me and a keyboard. Sounds like writing heaven, right? I mean, I had visions of all night writing sessions and looking adorably disheveled as I ordered more pizza to be delivered, barely looking up to see that the sun had gone down as I finished my revisions on Elemental. </div><div><br /></div><div>Honestly, I liked that Hubby was willing to do it but had absolutely no intention of taking him up on it. Money is tight right now and I had put the money elsewhere. But then this afternoon two things happened that changed my mind. One, I had an epiphany about my main character. Even though the book centers on her I couldn't quite pin her down. But there I was fixing my hair and boom... Anything that happened after that was just bidding time until I could sit and write. My brain was full and churning with words, everything was coming together - I just knew it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Second, I went to the blog for <a href="http://marjoriemliu.com/index.php?/blog/">Marjorie M Liu</a> and she said that she was going to be offline for the week while she wrote a book. Well, that could only mean that the universe was sending me a sign. Ignore the money and go write because you will succeed and then there will be more money anyway! </div><div><br /></div><div>So here I am, thanks to <a href="http://www.priceline.com/Default.asp?session_key=400011AC410011AC201001032213181243b1026262&plf=pcln&sttgt=Y">Priceline.com and William Shatner</a>. What I had not anticipated was the insane mental block that locked on as soon as I entered the hotel. All of that world building and plot untangling turned into thoughts of failure, fear and regret. I have sat here for almost an hour and not written word one in my story. It makes the negative emotions louder and I have to admit that I can't even remember half of what I had figured out this morning. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, the way that I see it these are the moments that show you who you are in life. I took a huge leap of faith here. Money is spent, Hubby sacrificed time with guy friends for watching kids, family time is on hold and I have done a thing that a non-writer would probably not understand. I feel exposed and challenged, humbled. So what am I going to do with that? </div><div><br /></div><div>This TV here has cable and it's tempting to turn it on. Just watch one show to calm down. But will I really turn it off? We don't have cable at home and it would be really easy to have one show turn into four simply for the novelty. I can sit and read work done by other authors which would kill lots of time and make me feel justified for not writing since I can't write as well as that person. Yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or I can use the advice that I have been collecting over the months and take a pick axe to my mental block. Whether I take it down stone by stone or blow it to bits with one good trick, I could put my energy into forward progress. No matter how slow it is, it would be the right direction and would keep guilt off of my list of negative emotions. </div><div><br /></div><div>But attacking my self doubt is work. Creativity is work. Wallowing however, is easy. Complacency is simple and effortless. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm alone in a hotel and all I want to do is relax. Right? </div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-25070081686896550442009-12-31T17:13:00.000-08:002009-12-31T17:20:12.922-08:00Ending the year right.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXGNMW2SpRbE5HqN6B4-JeAcg55kvSxc4FV7TyZ2CBFKWLL1p4WM75X-CpaiWBoYTQ6mY8fcDo-EMNWsXCTKmcMuUb3K_ieARJvwPM5xbMY3YXosyTgGSlXKuEMY_JUBO3UXHxO1CAjE/s1600-h/Photo+84.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXGNMW2SpRbE5HqN6B4-JeAcg55kvSxc4FV7TyZ2CBFKWLL1p4WM75X-CpaiWBoYTQ6mY8fcDo-EMNWsXCTKmcMuUb3K_ieARJvwPM5xbMY3YXosyTgGSlXKuEMY_JUBO3UXHxO1CAjE/s320/Photo+84.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421574999469381810" /></a><br />I had to work all day and then spent time with family to make sure that I ended the year on the right note. So there's no time for anything poetic or amazing from me right now and I am too tired to be profound. But I wanted to say that 2009 was a very good year for us and I liked it. It was low on money but high on good family time and happy kids. No one could ask for more.<div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year and may next year be even better!</div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330588254387161890.post-9518094491338910862009-12-30T05:52:00.000-08:002009-12-30T06:01:21.744-08:00Winter Break is a week too long.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FFyb0Ax_WAZTXYDyKis7NSyciP5on6nyevDWYLFrLVi5BiJ6ppeNKdznjeuth6XFfpuFvEGZoaZF8NwuX4XkWNbvYoXQf8dmO_w8FYg0RB-v3d33U6qDNfGyJZfQ17bXFK9eROke8_0/s1600-h/Photo+90.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FFyb0Ax_WAZTXYDyKis7NSyciP5on6nyevDWYLFrLVi5BiJ6ppeNKdznjeuth6XFfpuFvEGZoaZF8NwuX4XkWNbvYoXQf8dmO_w8FYg0RB-v3d33U6qDNfGyJZfQ17bXFK9eROke8_0/s320/Photo+90.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421029007476031058" /></a><br />Ah, winter break from school. A time when a parent's fancy turns to thoughts of "What the hell is wrong with the schools that they can't be open the week after Christmas!" This is always a tough week for every parent. The kids just had a super exciting week and, despite what the school district seems to think, none of us are out traveling - we are home and the kids are bored with the new toys and amped from leftover Christmas candy. Chaos reigns as the tree still fills too much of the living room and the dog is beginning to chew the ornaments. Cats have decided that said tree is their home and scratching post and attack any who disturb their sheltered slumber. Parents stare bleary eyed at all of it and sip more Winter Blend coffee as the youngest dances so fast to the new keyboard that they begin to blur around the edges.<div><br /></div><div>Well, sounds like a good time for me to either bury my head in my laptop and write with headphones on or go to work. Either one will do. As long as the house is still standing on Monday I will consider this week a success and begin the long clean up process. Until then - God help us all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy rest of Winter Break!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Little Bitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324107673573817188noreply@blogger.com0