tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37352155648417000852024-02-22T16:03:14.757-06:00Emerging from CocoonMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-63766976653922911752014-03-31T11:43:00.000-05:002014-03-31T11:43:06.861-05:00Emerged...At the time I started this blog, approximately ten months ago, I knew that it would be a temporary space. My first blog, <a href="http://mycozybooknook.blogspot.com/"><b>My Cozy Book Nook</b></a>, seemed too confining for the diversified posts I wanted to write, and yet my life was in transition and I was not sure what the next step should be. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://steppingstonesphotos.wordpress.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-NCWodY1RlKLowCI3Z4ibBgKDjUes22UxBcTT-xYoCECuK62Y2Owf04KjdyaQxpWi9ZY7Z0c7uPQLM5C7Ked31D95B71dA6vmb-_wGuTud19EHPoa-HBWMKEs9S4f2QVfTeLx27uagbE/s1600/caterpillar-emerging.jpg" height="115" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: www.thebutterflysite.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A year ago I was overwhelmed by the changes in life, seemingly all at the same time: hitting that "half century" mark which officially qualified me to become a member of AARP; the death of my mother which resulted in me becoming an orphan and the matriarch of the family; and the birth of my granddaughter on the day of Mom's memorial service - and only six months after my youngest left the nest. I needed to retreat and regroup and I did so... here in the cocoon and at home in the nook.<br />
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Over these past few months I have done much soul searching and gained quite a bit of insight. I am learning to accept myself more and compare myself with others less. I am learning to come to grips with my perfectionism and realize that I do not have to be the best to have purpose in life. I am learning that God does not love me because of what I do, but simply because of who I am. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://steppingstonesphotos.wordpress.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHOntZxFqfPecXqv_k1wu5xX2ER2K3_pBsZcXBdLDYFi3CK0QsicSLadvo12S1YYyirwE4FPRgaGOPIwqBNo9YK2OKIxRAHOUkxgf2faSkDSoBXp96vyXOrQnz5kXXQW_bD-Pb26ig9eU/s1600/monarch-emerging.jpg" height="139" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: www.thebutterflysite.com</td></tr>
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This transformation takes about two weeks in the life of a butterfly - a bit longer for me. But that's ok. Through this process I have discovered my next step.<br />
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I will be retiring in six weeks: May 16, 2014. I have adored my teaching career and I know that I will miss it greatly; but it is time to move on. I plan to follow a passion, something I have never done in life. I plan to write.<br />
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I have developed a business website, <a href="http://steppingstonespublications.com/"><b>Stepping Stones Publications</b></a>, where you can learn more about my interest in becoming a personal historian. I have also developed three blogs that will allow me to write more freely without self-imposed limitations.<br />
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<a href="http://steppingstonesblogs.wordpress.com/"><b>Stepping Stones Blog</b></a> will be my personal blog. I anticipate many entries will focus on my writing endeavors, or books read, or personal discoveries. The first post will be up tomorrow.<br />
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<a href="http://steppingstonestravel.wordpress.com/"><b>Stepping Stones: Travels</b></a> will document all my posts related to exploring the world, from local Kansas City to exotic Europe and beyond. The first post should be up by the end of this week.<br />
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<a href="http://steppingstonesphotos.wordpress.com/"><b>Stepping Stones: Photos</b></a> will not only showcase pictures I have taken, but will also discuss how photography has taught me valuable life lessons. I hope to have something to share in the next couple of weeks.<br />
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As with any venture, I am a bit tentative. There is comfort in the cocoon, even if the space is cramped and confining. But I know that staying within prevents me from becoming the person God desires me to be. The wings have developed, it is now time to take a step of faith and fly. I hope you will join me on this journey...<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-18706811404080687602014-03-09T10:21:00.001-05:002014-03-09T10:21:06.328-05:00Sunday Salon: March 9, 2014<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>From the <a href="http://dhamel.typepad.com/sundaysalon/">Sunday Salon's original website</a>: <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">Every Sunday the bloggers participating in that week's Salon get together--at their separate desks, in their own particular time zones--and </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">read</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">. And blog about their reading. And comment on one another's blogs. Think of it as an informal, weekly, mini read-a-thon, an excuse to put aside one's earthly responsibilities and fall into a good book. </span></span></i></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Today's Weather</span></b>: This time last week the temperature was below zero.... today the high will be in the 60s. I wish I could say this was uncommon for Kansas...<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the menu</span></b>: I think in celebration of our extra hour of light this evening... as well as spring-like temperatures... we may grill something for dinner.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Highlights of the week</span></b>: In some respects, this week was no different than the past two: a limited focus on teaching, a greater focus on Stepping Stones, and some time connecting with friends. However I would have to say that the highlight was spending time with my granddaughter last night while her parents went out to dinner. <br />
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We took her to the mall where we shopped at <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Barnes and Noble, American Girl</span>, and the <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Disney Store</span>; we ate dinner at <span style="color: #c27ba0;">5 Guys Burger and Fries</span>; and we rode <span style="color: #c27ba0;">the carousel</span>. Afterwards we came back to our house and had <span style="color: #c27ba0;">a tea party </span>with my mom's china set. While tending to a (nearly) three-year-old can be exhausting, it can also be energizing and ever so rewarding.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Overview</span>: <b><i>Brit Lit</i></b> is still conducting read-arounds of the research paper - spending on average about thirty minutes per student - revising three paragraphs. It is my sincere hope that these students are learning the craft of writing while listening to these suggestions for improvement.<br />
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<b><i>English Comp</i></b> has finished the required textbook assignments (except for the research paper, of course) and we are now experimenting with other writing styles. On Thursday we took a break and just played.... but I was so impressed how ALL the students stayed on task and helped create a viable story. We used <b><a href="https://www.storycubes.com/">Rory's Story Cubes</a></b> as the basis for our narratives and shared many laughs. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Currently Reading</span></b>: I read/skimmed about six books on the writing of memoir - three of which I loved and have added to my own personal library for on-going reference:<br />
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<ul>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10376310-the-memoir-project?from_search=true">The Memoir Project</a></i></b> by Marion Roach Smith</li>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6528475-naked-drunk-and-writing?from_search=true">Naked, Drunk, and Writing</a></i></b> by Adair Lara</li>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3133355-shimmering-images?from_search=true">Shimmering Images</a></i></b> by Lisa Dale Norton</li>
</ul>
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While I won't take the time to review each one of the books here (perhaps I will in a separate post), I can summarize and tell you the reason why I loved them is because <b>they are concise, informative, and focused on the writing craft as opposed to writing prompts. </b> I have plenty of books (and online resources) should I need help in <b><i>what</i></b> to write; I am looking to learn <b><i>how</i></b> to write a life story in an engaging way.</div>
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I am currently reading Beth Kephart's <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16087843-handling-the-truth?from_search=true">Handling the Truth</a></i></b>, which I am enjoying. The author knows her craft and she presents the material in an informative way. However, she uses many examples from published memoirs to help the reader understand her teaching point, which I do not think is my learning style. I would rather read the author's words and then read the memoirs for myself.</div>
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I still have about ten more library books to review on the subject, and then I plan to transition to reading memoirs themselves. There are several that are mentioned in nearly every book on the subject: <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12528.An_American_Childhood?from_search=true">An American Childhood</a></i></b> by Annie Dillard, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13214.I_Know_Why_the_Caged_Bird_Sings?from_search=true">I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings</a></i></b> by Maya Angelou, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14241.The_Liars_Club">The Liar's Club</a></i></b> by Mary Karr, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/88612.Growing_Up">Growing Up</a></i></b> by Russell Baker, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7815.The_Year_of_Magical_Thinking?from_search=true">The Year of Magical Thinking</a></i></b> by Joan Didon, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7445.The_Glass_Castle?from_search=true">The Glass Castle</a></i></b> by Jeanette Walls, and <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68783.Girl_Interrupted?from_search=true">Girl Interrupted</a></i></b> by Susanna Kaysen.</div>
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If you have read a worthy memoir lately, I would love to hear your recommendations.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing Progress</span></b>: I have met with the two beta readers for <i>First Impressionism</i> (my NaNoWriMo piece) and discussed their valuable input. I will now begin to assemble those comments, as well as my own, on the excel spread sheet with the hopes of starting the revision process by this time next week (this is taking longer than I first anticipated...so while it appears that I have made little progress in this area, it is not because I have lost focus)<br />
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<b style="color: #e06666;">Weekly Exercise</b>: Ok... it is hard to get motivated to exercise when it's below zero outside (I can justify anything...) BUT... the weather is warming up and spring break is next week. It is my intention to get back into a routine during the break and hopefully maintain it until the end of the school year. Once June arrives, I am confident that I will return to the 5k walk-a-day routine that I began last summer. And I am excited!<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Stepping Stones</b></span>: Since developing this Sunday Salon template, my life has changed significantly. And while I want to try to incorporate <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Artist's Dates, Craftiness</span> and <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Photography</span> into my life, I feel as though the development of this new venture feeds that "creative" side. Perhaps this summer I will delve into those activities on a weekly basis, but for now, all my free time seems to focus on this area.<br />
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Developing a website --- what a learning curve! Two weeks ago I had no idea that <a href="http://wordpress.com/">WordPress.com</a> and <a href="http://wordpress.org/">WordPress.org</a> were two completely different animals. Now I do... and while I know that WP.org offers more versatility, I am not sure I want the hassle of transferring the domain name (which is another steep learning curve...)<br />
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The reason for the possible transfer is that WP.com allows for little customization. It is not that I want to do anything flashy --- just have the ability to use different font sizes and colors for subheadings on a individual pages (a piece of cake in Blogger)... but apparently that requires learning the basics of CSS code (?) Since I only discovered yesterday that CSS stands for <b><i>Cascading Style Sheets</i></b> you can understand how inept I am.<br />
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And then there is <a href="http://www.twitter.com/">Twitter</a>.... I have never experienced such poor customer support. And if I could find a way to communicate that to Twitter, I would write them a terse email. However, the only way to contact Twitter with a question is to send a form email... which results in an instant canned reply that directs you to support links on the website (which I have already read.. multiple times). Perhaps my "business" can survive using other social media like Facebook and Google Plus.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the Horizon</span></b>: Grading <i>compare and contrast papers </i>before Tuesday; introducing <i>Tale of Two Cities</i> (my favorite unit of the year); reading more books on memoir; developing a revision schedule for <i>First Impressionism</i>; working on the business website. In other words... more of the same, and I LOVE it!<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-74362722969343131402014-03-02T07:30:00.000-06:002014-03-02T07:30:08.881-06:00Sunday Salon: March 2, 2014<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCTeOXCSSBiC0IMdWi0fWiooJc5XiA86q3mN989sXMLfR1AtqfM1gKsCH9IEK_OFmB5x-z1FDkJv3o2O69YgJG4MUedAwM2L5iUeqggkUfA-XutsPHkBjVWpbPwpSkw-mMGhk3o7RE4sm/s1600/sunday+salon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCTeOXCSSBiC0IMdWi0fWiooJc5XiA86q3mN989sXMLfR1AtqfM1gKsCH9IEK_OFmB5x-z1FDkJv3o2O69YgJG4MUedAwM2L5iUeqggkUfA-XutsPHkBjVWpbPwpSkw-mMGhk3o7RE4sm/s1600/sunday+salon.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>From the <a href="http://dhamel.typepad.com/sundaysalon/">Sunday Salon's original website</a>: <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">Every Sunday the bloggers participating in that week's Salon get together--at their separate desks, in their own particular time zones--and </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">read</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">. And blog about their reading. And comment on one another's blogs. Think of it as an informal, weekly, mini read-a-thon, an excuse to put aside one's earthly responsibilities and fall into a good book. </span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Today's Weather</span></b>: March certainly came in like a roaring lion this year! We have a couple of inches of snow/ice on the ground with a couple more expected throughout the morning and afternoon. The high today is seven (7) degrees!! I am missing the consistently topical temperatures of St. Martin....<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the menu</span></b>: Since my husband has to be in Des Moines by 8:00am Monday morning, he left yesterday afternoon to avoid the hazardous weather. It's just me and the dogs... and I don't cook much for us. I made sure to have enough staples in the house to see me through Monday afternoon, but I anticipate some warm soup and a hot sandwich with several cups of steaming tea.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Highlights of the week</span></b>: Unfortunately the highlight - the memory that I won't soon forget - was having to replace everything on my hard drive; not a task I had anticipated this week. It all started rather innocently.... my system was a little sluggish and I made an appointment with an Apple Genius. I figured there was quite a bit of unnecessary "stuff" running in the background and they might be able to clean it up for me. Just a little.... not a big deal.<br />
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The genius who ran the diagnostic test concluded that my "1's and 0's" were confused (whatever that means.. I don't speak binary code) and he recommended erasing the hard drive and starting over. I expressed GREAT concern: erasing the hard drive sounds like the equivalent of a major stroke to me. He indicated that my time machine had completed a backup just two hour before, and there would be no problem. Well, he was the expert, right? So I agreed.<br />
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It was a relatively quick and easy operation. I left the store with instructions of how to transfer the backed up files from my time machine and was told that everything would be exactly as it had been. It should take a couple of hours. Perfect.<br />
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Except - as the Apple Care representative told me in a ninety minute subsequent conversation - my time machine had a little "hiccup" and we eventually determined that I had to manually move all the files. What he did not tell me ... and I eventually realized... is that not all files are backed up every day. So I had to search through several folders to find everything that I <b><i>think</i></b> I need.<br />
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Needless to say... it was a tense, frustrating, L-O-N-G Friday afternoon.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Overview</span>: Brit Lit completed <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> and all scored well on the final exam. We have now begun the read-arounds for their research papers. This group of students have been leery of read-arounds in the past... not understanding the process that many minds make for positive improvements. But I had a couple of English Comp students <u>volunteer</u> to come to this class to help them feel comfortable with the process. It was WONDERFUL --- one of the rare teaching days when I left the classroom completely satisfied with the positive learning that took place. We will continue with read-arounds this week until all students have had the opportunity to receive appropriate feedback.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Currently Reading</span></b>: As is my typical Mode of Operation, once I get an idea I run full-speed ahead. I have developed a library list of about 15-20 books related to the craft and/or importance of writing personal stories/memoirs. About half of those were currently available and they are now home ready for the next step. <br />
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Typically, I skim through the table of contents and read the first few pages. If it seems to be a book that I know I will want to read in more depth, I will put in the "keep" pile. If it is a book that I think might be too much review of what I have already read, I will put it in the "return" pile. This process can be done rather quickly.<br />
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Next, I will begin to read the books from the "keep" pile and perhaps find one or two that I really enjoy and want to add them to my own personal library. The remaining books I will read, take notes, and then return.<br />
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Today's weather is perfect for this kind of leisurely reading activity.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing Progress</span></b>: I commented to a good friend earlier this week that I "felt like a writer" today ... It wasn't that I wrote new material, but I focused my efforts on writerly activities. <br />
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I modified my Editorial Calendar, which I think will keep me focused not only on the micro tasks that need to be completed in a given week, but also on the macro view of maintaining and developing new projects for the future.<br />
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In addition, I received the edits and suggestions from one beta reader regarding my NaNoWriMo project. I am now in the process of reviewing those suggestions and making a spreadsheet that summarizes those comments per chapter. Later this week I hope to start the rewrite, with the goal of completing about two chapters per week.<br />
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I met with my writing coach, and she seems to think I have enough valid material to try writing a travel essay for publication. Just typing that causes my palms to sweat, but it is an exciting challenge to pursue.<br />
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Stepping Stones Publications continues to be a focus for me as well. I have created a <a href="http://steppingstonespublications.com/">website</a>, a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stepping.stones.publications">Facebook page</a>, and a <a href="https://twitter.com/SteppingStone_P">twitter account</a>. I managed to learn how to create a designated email, and I have ordered business cards. Now I need to put flesh on the bones - especially with regards to the website.<br />
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<b style="color: #e06666;">Weekly Exercise</b>: UGH... need I say more?<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Artist's Date</span></b>: I am having such fun with the creation of a new business, that I feel as though each day is an artist date; however, I know that I need to get outside the house and rejuvenate the other senses. I did manage to take time Saturday afternoon to watch my favorite movie of all time: <b><i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vngB182CBQ">You've Got Mail</a></i></b>. It was the perfect stress-reliever following the computer experience of the day before.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Craftiness</span></b>: I am excited that Stepping Stones Publications can incorporate a bit of craftiness as well. Finding the perfect photo to coordinate with the meaningful story to create a lasting legacy has been my vision for a very long time. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Photography</span></b>: I did manage to select, edit, and upload about 125 cruise pictures to Flickr and then take advantage of a Shutterfly special to print those photos. While digital photography is convenient to view and share with others, there is nothing quite like looking through a stack of pictures and reliving each moment.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the Horizon</span></b>: More of the same... and I love it! There are two more weeks of classes until spring break, so there will be a focus on preparing the students for that last push to the end; I will continue to read memoir writing books to help me identify key elements that I need and want to include to create my own writing style; and I will use my editorial calendar to keep me on task for developing the website in order to make it a viable presence ... as well as revising my NaNo manuscript. Busy... and it's all good!<br />
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-9653935063005440082014-02-23T17:21:00.001-06:002014-02-23T17:21:19.107-06:00TSS - February 23, 2014<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCTeOXCSSBiC0IMdWi0fWiooJc5XiA86q3mN989sXMLfR1AtqfM1gKsCH9IEK_OFmB5x-z1FDkJv3o2O69YgJG4MUedAwM2L5iUeqggkUfA-XutsPHkBjVWpbPwpSkw-mMGhk3o7RE4sm/s1600/sunday+salon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCTeOXCSSBiC0IMdWi0fWiooJc5XiA86q3mN989sXMLfR1AtqfM1gKsCH9IEK_OFmB5x-z1FDkJv3o2O69YgJG4MUedAwM2L5iUeqggkUfA-XutsPHkBjVWpbPwpSkw-mMGhk3o7RE4sm/s1600/sunday+salon.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>From the <a href="http://dhamel.typepad.com/sundaysalon/">Sunday Salon's original website</a>: <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">Every Sunday the bloggers participating in that week's Salon get together--at their separate desks, in their own particular time zones--and </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">read</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">. And blog about their reading. And comment on one another's blogs. Think of it as an informal, weekly, mini read-a-thon, an excuse to put aside one's earthly responsibilities and fall into a good book. </span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Today's Weather</span></b>: I'm not really sure.... I have remained inside most of the weekend working on an exciting new project (see below)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the menu</span></b>: Absolutely nothing! Geoff left before noon today for an out-of-town case and I do NOT plan to cook. Whatever leftovers are in the fridge (which might be yogurt and stir fry) is what I will eat. After the cruise last week.... I can afford to skip a meal or two.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Highlights of the week</span></b>: Well... highlight of last week was the week long cruise to the Eastern Caribbbean, which I documented <b><a href="http://emergingfromcocoon.blogspot.com/2014/02/cruising-saints.html">here</a></b>. This week... I just tried to readjust to real life routines.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Overview</span>: In Brit Lit we completed <b><i>Pride and Prejudice</i></b> this week, which will culminate in the final exam on Tuesday. Next on the books (no pun intended), <b><i>Tale of Two Cities</i></b>, my favorite novel of all time ... and most probably, the last novel I will ever teach. Bittersweet emotions here....<br />
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English Comp continues to work on research papers, while writing a short <b><i>Compare and Contrast</i></b> essay. We are in the midst of read-around revisions, and final drafts of those short papers will be submitted the week of March 3rd.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Currently Reading</span></b>: According to my Kindle, I have read 74% of Edward Rutherfurd's historical novel, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6257535-new-york?bf=1000&from_search=true">New York</a></i></b>. Interestingly enough... my husband chose to take the paperback version on the cruise and we are nearly neck-and-neck in our reading progress. It is a good, entertaining read of my favorite American city, but I must confess that preferred the author's novel, <a href="http://emergingfromcocoon.blogspot.com/2013/08/trying-new-genre.html"><b><i>Paris</i></b></a>. Hmmm... this seems to be a case of fiction mirroring reality here.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing Progress</span></b>: In the span of 36 hours I have managed to go from floundering writer to one with a definitive purpose. It is as though all the events of my life, the stepping stones if you will, brought me to this point in time. It feels RIGHT... if feels GREAT... it feels EXCITING... and I am indeed BLESSED.<br />
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To make a long story relatively short... I decided to read my two most recent editions of <b><i><a href="http://subscriptions.writersdigest.com/Writers-Digest/Magazine">Writer's Digest</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="http://www.pw.org/magazine">Poets & Writers</a></i></b> magazines on Friday morning. I was in a rather lazy mood, and so I not only read the articles, but also reviewed the advertisements and even the classifieds. One in particular caught my attention with the title, <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>The Life Story People convention</b></span> - which will be held in St. Louis in October. Perfect place ... perfect timing... intriguing subject. I immediately checked out the website: <b><a href="http://personalhistorians.org/">Association of Personal Historians</a></b> - the Life Story People. I had NO idea that such an organization existed - one that marries my passion for writing, teaching, and leaving a legacy for future generations. I must have spent two hours reviewing the material on the site, and following links to member blogs.<br />
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With laser lock focus - as I have no idea how much time passed - I brainstormed a company name, checked into its availability, created a WordPress site, and purchased the domain name. While it will be a while before I am fully operational, the website is <b><a href="http://steppingstonespublications.com/">Stepping Stones Publications</a></b> and I even created a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stepping.stones.publications"><b>Facebook page</b></a> as well. If interested... take a look.<br />
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I like the name <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Stepping Stones</span></b> because it not only reflects my philosophy of life, that is, nothing in life is by chance by rather by design - stepping stones that lead to the place we are supposed to be and the person we are supposed to become. In addition, while I have found a focus for my writing, I do not want to be limited. I still desire to write fiction - especially middle grade stories that educate as well as hopefully entertain, and travel articles. I think this website will allow me that freedom.<br />
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While I will maintain this site for a bit, it was always intended to be temporary .... a transitional blog just as the caterpillar transitions to the butterfly. Well, I feel as though the butterfly is developing her wings and soon, she will be ready to soar.<br />
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<b style="color: #e06666;">Weekly Exercise</b>: Ugh... I am certainly on the roller coaster with regards to exercise. I seem to establish a working routine for a few days, and then life happens. While I walked a bit on the beaches of the Caribbean, I have not returned to the regular treadmill workout since I have returned. Hopefully this week I will make the time, as I would love to participate in a 5K event each month starting in April. Yes, I am a fair-weather walker...<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Artist's Date</span></b>: The entire cruise was an artist date as far as I am concerned... but I need to begin to be more proactive in planning dates for the future. Now that I have a specific direction for writing and a renewed energy ... I anticipate more focus in this area as well.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Craftiness</span></b>: I did manage to create a few Valentine's using my <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/shop/machines/item-number/silhouette+portrait">Sihouette Portrait</a>, which I mailed prior to our Caribbean cruise. I must admit that it was fun to escape from the reading/writing/teaching routine and do something totally right-brained. Perhaps it is not too early to start planning Easter card creations?<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Photography</span></b>: I am not sure how many pictures I took on the cruise, as I uploaded each evening and deleted unsatisfactory images right away --- maybe 2100. I am now at 1500 photos for the entire eight day cruise (and there are many others that could/should be deleted) but I managed to edit and upload about 125 to Flickr. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the Horizon</span></b>: Well, there is the focus on Stepping Stones Publications.... researching other websites to help create my own... developing a rough draft of parent memoirs to use as examples... and brainstorming possible workshops that could be offered beginning next fall. In addition, there are English classes to teach, faculty meetings to attend, and everyday life activities to keep me busy. I must confess, however, that I am very excited about the future. Life is indeed... Good.<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-73391864348037045392014-02-18T20:28:00.000-06:002014-02-18T20:28:04.500-06:00Cruising the Saints<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Cruising the Saints</span></i></b> is the working title for the journal of my recent travel adventure. We left on Sunday, February 9th for a 10:00pm departure from San Juan to the Eastern Caribbean. The seven day cruise took us to five islands before returning to port the following Sunday. We chose to stay an extra day, in part to save money on airfare, but also to take-in the sights of another "saintly" destination.<br />
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I plan to write in depth about the trip, and perhaps post a few snippets here on the blog as well, but for now I thought I would give a <b>Best of</b>... summary of the trip.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Day 1: Departure</span></b></div>
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We had booked the trip over six months ago. At the time, Geoff and I decided to try a balcony room - a slight upgrade from the ocean view stateroom from our first cruise last year.</div>
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As luck would have it... we received a call from <a href="http://www.carnival.com/">Carnival</a> on Saturday afternoon offering us another upgrade for an incredibly low price. The room was a suite, which included a couch and comfortable seating for eight, plus a vanity area and desk, plus a bath with double sinks and jacuzzi tub, plus a double-sized deck area on the port side. </div>
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While the room itself was far larger than we needed, I must confess that the double balcony was well worth every penny. This was our view before leaving the San Juan port .... and an equally nice view each and every day.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Day 2: St. Thomas</span></b></div>
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In preparation for the trip as well as my writing plans afterwards, I did some preliminary research for each island. St. Thomas was probably the most commercial of the islands we visited, but I did learn that the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147405-d148860-Reviews-99_Steps-Charlotte_Amalie_St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html">99 steps</a> (which really consists of 103) offered a nice view of the port area, and for those who are so inclined, a tour of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147405-d148109-Reviews-Blackbeard_s_Castle-Charlotte_Amalie_St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html">Blackbeard's Castle</a> provided a historical perspective.</div>
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We considered two beaches: <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147407-d184550-Reviews-Coki_Beach-East_End_St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html">Coki Beach</a>, associated with the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147405-d313611-Reviews-Coral_World_Ocean_Park-Charlotte_Amalie_St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html">Coral World Ocean Park</a>, and known for its snorkeling adventures, and <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147406-d149849-Reviews-Magens_Bay-Magens_Bay_St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html">Magen's Bay</a> which is considered one of the world's top ten picturesque beaches. We opted for the latter and were not disappointed. </div>
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The beach is small and one can easily walk from one end to the other. We were surprised to find pelicans nesting in the trees above the rocks, and took great joy in watching them dive into the water for a bite to eat.</div>
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As a side note... the sun in the tropics is fierce and while I tried to stay in the shade the entire time we were there, the one-hour beach walk was too much for my sensitive skin. The tops of my feet were burnt to a crisp.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Day 3: Day at Sea</span></b></div>
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While St. Thomas is but a short 75 mile jaunt from San Juan, the itinerary for the rest of the trip was to travel to the southern most island and then backtrack home. The total distance between St. Thomas and Barbados is about 500 miles, which takes the 3,000 passenger ship approximately 36 hours.</div>
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To be honest, I was looking forward to this leisurely day at sea, and in my element on the Serenity Deck (21 years or older) lying on the shaded couch reading and journaling to my heart's content. There were plenty of on-board activities for those who desire a bit more excitement in life, and the food, of course, was never-ending.</div>
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Unfortunately, there was an emergency on the ship and we had to make a detour to Martinique so a passenger could receive medical attention. We were very impressed with the constant communication that the ship maintained with the passengers, and with the dignity that was afforded the patient.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Day 4: Barbados</span></b></div>
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We decided to try our luck and find a local taxi to give us a tour of the island. They can typically be found in every port and at times can offer quite a bargain experience over the cruise-line excursions. We were blessed to meet Colin within five minutes of arriving in the city. Colin quoted us a three hour tour of the island, and noticing our cameras, appealed to our interests by promising to stop at all the best photo opportunities, including the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147263-d147805-Reviews-Jewish_Synagogue-Bridgetown_Saint_Michael_Parish_Barbados.html">Jewish Synagogue</a>, and <a href="http://www.barbados.org/btown.htm#Parliament">Parliament Buildings</a>. He was true to his word, and allowed to stay as long as we desired at each location.</div>
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In the end the three hour tour was actually four hours - and he took us to an unplanned stop at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g148422-d147789-Reviews-Bathsheba_Beach-Bathsheba_Saint_Joseph_Parish_Barbados.html">Bathsheba Beach</a> - a true highlight of the island. The large rocks, powerful waves, and smooth sand made for perfect photos and island relaxation. If you are ever in Barbados.... definitely visit this serene piece of heaven on earth.</div>
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As a side note, all beaches in the Caribbean are public beaches, even those outside the swankiest hotels. You may not have access to the hotel amenities, but the sand and waves are available to all. <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147265-d669598-Reviews-Paynes_Bay_Beach-Saint_James_Parish_Barbados.html">St. James's Parish</a> is the elite section of town and I am sure the snorkeling and swimming adventures are fantastic. I was too burnt from the previous day's experience to take part in any sun-soaking beach activities.</div>
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Additionally, the beach closest to port is <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147262-d147728-Reviews-Carlisle_Bay-Barbados.html">Carlisle beach</a>. I had read that sea turtles are prevalent and it makes for a great snorkeling activity. Our traveling companion tried to snorkel out to the site on his own, but found it too difficult to swim against the waves. I had read on Trip Advisor that "Nevile" offered a great deal and we did indeed see his boat carry out a family of four ... allow them to snorkel around the site... and brought them back to shore. I would think it would be a good investment of time of money to search out Nevile, if you are so inclined. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Day 5: St. Lucia</span></b></div>
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In my preliminary research I learned that St. Lucia is probably the most diversified of the islands we visited. Of course there is beautiful beachfront property, but in addition there is a <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147342-d313421-Reviews-La_Soufriere_Drive_In_Volcano-St_Lucia.html">drive-through volcano</a>, a <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147345-d313420-Reviews-Diamond_Botanical_Gardens-Soufriere_Soufriere_Quarter_St_Lucia.html">botanical garden</a> with beautiful waterfall, several <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147342-d148987-Reviews-Canaries-St_Lucia.html">small fishing villages</a>, and <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147342-d150512-Reviews-Pitons-St_Lucia.html">the Pitons</a>, two large volcanic formations that rise large in the distance.</div>
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I also learned that the island is filled with hills, valleys and hairpin turns that can make your hair stand on end. We decided that rather than take a chance on a local driver - we would splurge on a ship excursion and again... we made the right choice. Our tour guide, Felixia (like Felicia but with an "x") was extraordinary. Not only was she knowledgeable about her island, but her personality made us all feel like family. </div>
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St. Lucia is sometimes called the Helen of the Caribbean due to its tropical beauty.... but there is also another side of the island - one that claims 25% unemployment in an economy that charges 15% taxes and has seen an increase of over 50% in utilities. There is much poverty in this area and it is heartbreaking. We visited the fishing village of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147342-d150331-Reviews-Anse_La_Raye-St_Lucia.html">Anse La Raye</a>, where the panoramic views are spectacular but the lifestyle is depressing. I do believe there were as many wild dogs and chickens roaming the streets as there were people panhandling their wares.</div>
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While we did not opt to tour the drive-through volcano (I was leary of exposing myself to the smell of sulfur, given my propensity to motion-sickness), we did see much of the island and then took a catamaran back to the port area. As introverted as I am, I must admit that the deck party was fun and I was somehow coerced to get out and dance a bit myself.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Day 6: St. Kitts</span></b></div>
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This island proved to be the biggest surprise. Again, my research led me to believe that we might spend a couple of hours wandering the port area, but I really anticipated an afternoon of leisure on the Serenity Deck. Instead, we booked another taxi excursion and saw a large part of the island that is not easily accessible otherwise. </div>
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As is the case with most of these islands, they are formed from volcanic activity and there were several "black sand" beaches that offered a unique experience. Unfortunately, most of these beaches are polluted and not fit to soak up the rays or swim in the water, but the views are still quite spectacular. <br />
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We visited a rum distillery on the <a href="http://www.caribellebatikstkitts.com/wingfield.asp">Wingfield Estate</a>, which used the islands native sugarcane to make the popular Caribbean beverage, and that was adjacent to the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147375-d2645837-Reviews-Caribelle_Batik-Basseterre_St_Kitts_St_Kitts_and_Nevis.html">Caribelle Batik</a>. This was the highlight of the island for me - and I would highly encourage anyone to take the time to visit the beautiful grounds, watch the demonstrations and browse the lovely handmade items in the shop. We only had ten minutes which we managed to stretch to twenty... but I could easily spend an hour or more here.</div>
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The most beautiful beach area was <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147374-d150301-Reviews-Frigate_Bay-St_Kitts_St_Kitts_and_Nevis.html">Frigate Bay</a>, which is completely surrounded with upscale hotels and condominium apartments. The setting is simply spectacular and the water is that perfect shade of turquoise that you think only resides in photoshopped pictures. </div>
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As a side note, the port area is extremely clean and offers a wide variety of shopping. The clerks are kind, courteous and not at all pushy. The monkey men on the street, however, are a different story. The native Vervet monkeys are adorable and the handlers take full advantage of their charming appeal to tourists. They put the monkey on your shoulder without asking and then demand $2.00 for a photo opportunity --- not a bad deal if you want the picture, but be aware of the expectations.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Day 7: Sint Maarten/Saint Martin</span></b></div>
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This island was the highlight of the entire trip - as far as I am concerned. It is the only Caribbean island that I would love to return and spend an extended period of time.</div>
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Now, I am sure that a portion of the love-affair has to do with the French influence, as many of the people speak the language and maintain the culture that I adore. And the fact that tourism accounts for 100% of this island's economy certainly contributes to the friendly welcoming atmosphere. There is so much to see and do on this small 37 square mile island that I could easily return for a week and not grow weary.</div>
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The island boasts being the smallest land mass that houses two completely separate territories: Sint Maarten, the dutch land to the south... and Saint Martin, the French land to the north. Boats dock at the southern end and a brief walk down the pier takes you directly into the heart of Philipsburg. The closest beach to the port is clean, well maintained with plenty of chairs and umbrellas to rent, and a <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147347-d4115293-Reviews-Boardwalk-Philipsburg_Sint_Maarten_St_Maarten_St_Martin.html">boardwalk</a> that offers any and every restaurant and shopping experience you could desire. Just a short walk from this location and you will arrive at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147347-d147595-Reviews-Frontstreet-Philipsburg_Sint_Maarten_St_Maarten_St_Martin.html">Front street</a>, which is a major tourist destination for duty-free bargains.</div>
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My preference, obviously, was to the north, where we managed to see the bi-weekly <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147346-d538058-Reviews-Marigot_Market-St_Maarten_St_Martin.html">Marigot Market</a> area (Wednesdays and Saturdays). There are two distinct areas of the market: food stalls selling fish and local produce/spices ... and then across the way there are booths selling crafts, clothing, art and other such items can be obtained for a good price if you like to bargain with the vendors. We purchased a few watercolor prints among other things, and then treated ourselves to a couple of macaroons and a tarte de pommes (apple tart) at an authentic patisserie. Tres formidable!</div>
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The highlight of this trip was not the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1073588-d2008464-Reviews-Orient_Bay_Beach-Orient_Bay_Saint_Martin_St_Maarten_St_Martin.html">clothing optional beach</a> nor the market area, however, but <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147346-d539433-Reviews-Maho_Beach-St_Maarten_St_Martin.html">Maho Beach</a> (Airport Beach as it is known by the natives)... where the planes fly overhead so low you think you can touch the wheels. It is most definitely worth a visit. I would recommend standing a bit further down the beach in order to capture the "money shot" of the plane's logo, but this picture is good enough for this first time visit. Believe me, I will return.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Day 8: Old San Juan</span></b></div>
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Debarkation for self-assist passengers (those willing to carry their own luggage off the boat) began at 7:00am. We were downstairs by 6:50am which proved to be the ideal time. We were able to board the elevator with little trouble and we passed through customs and were in a cab heading to the hotel by 7:30am.</div>
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I wish I could say the people we encountered in San Juan were as friendly as those of the other Caribbean islands. Sadly, there were several who didn't seem to care if they helped us or not, and many spoke very little English. We were unimpressed with the staff at the <a href="http://www.caribehilton.com/">Caribe Hilton</a> (whose daily rate of $199 plus per night should indicate otherwise)... however... the visit to <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147320-d147759-Reviews-Old_San_Juan-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html">Old San Juan</a> was indeed worthwhile.</div>
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Since we arrived so early... and were not allowed to check into the hotel... we were in desperate search for breakfast. We managed to find a terrific local place, <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147320-d1234687-Reviews-Cafeteria_Mallorca-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html">Cafeteria Mallorca</a>, which served good food, strong coffee, and a healthy dose of authenticity. Afterwards, we enjoyed walking the cobblestone streets in search of the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147320-d148184-Reviews-San_Juan_Gate-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html">San Juan Gate</a> and then we made our way towards the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147320-d4700220-Reviews-Castillo_San_Felipe_del_Morro-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html">Fort del Morro</a> on the grounds of the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147320-d149852-Reviews-San_Juan_National_Historic_Site-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html">San Juan National Historic Site</a>. While we wanted to visit the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147320-d148186-Reviews-Castillo_de_San_Cristobal-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html">Fort San Cristobal</a> as well, our stomachs were crying for food and the crowds of the first annual <a href="http://gopuertorico.about.com/od/eventsandholidays/a/FebruaryEvents.htm">Circo Fest</a> were a bit overwhelming. <br />
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While I do enjoy history, I must admit that my favorite part of Old San Juan were the colorful houses, the Spanish architecture and the cobblestone streets. I truly felt as though I had been transported to a different time and place --- so European!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">In Conclusion...</span></b></div>
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We were quite blessed by <i>the weather</i> on this trip (when I reviewed the ten day forecast, all islands showed a high chance of rain but in reality, we only experienced morning rain in San Juan the day we left) and the <i>moderate tourist population</i> (many times we were the only boat in the port when research showed that often five boats are more visit these islands in a given day). The accommodations were perfect and the travel companions ideal. In fact, as we were waiting in the airport to return home, we were already perusing the <a href="http://www.carnival.com/">Carnival website</a> to find our next cruise destination.<br />
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And as a side note.... while we did not specifically plan this cruise to be a Valentine special event, we did happen to celebrate the occasion while in St. Kitts. I have avoided the Pandora bracelet craze mostly because I really did not understand the concept but... duty free shopping has a way of opening my eyes. Geoff purchased this bracelet and cruise ship charm on the actual day, and then we commemorated our love for St. Martin's by buying one additional charm. Thanks honey... for a great gift that will be sure to keep on giving.<br />
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-30718874810005515832014-01-26T09:36:00.001-06:002014-01-26T09:36:54.083-06:00Sunday Salon: January 26, 2014<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>From the <a href="http://dhamel.typepad.com/sundaysalon/">Sunday Salon's original website</a>: <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">Every Sunday the bloggers participating in that week's Salon get together--at their separate desks, in their own particular time zones--and </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">read</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">. And blog about their reading. And comment on one another's blogs. Think of it as an informal, weekly, mini read-a-thon, an excuse to put aside one's earthly responsibilities and fall into a good book. </span></span></i></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Today's Weather</span></b>: We continue on the roller coaster ride that is Winter 2014. Today will be sunny with a high near 55... and tonight the temps will bottom out near zero with a high tomorrow of only 18. So I plan to get outside a bit this afternoon and enjoy the glimpse of spring before I must return, once again, to hibernation.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the menu</span></b>: Last night I improvised with a few leftovers in the house: frozen shrimp, canned water chestnuts and fresh zucchini and created a stir fry that I served over plain rice. It was surprisingly tasty. Today we plan to treat ourselves and have brunch on the Plaza followed by a nice walk around the area.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Highlights of the week</span></b>: It was indeed the low-key week that I had hoped. There was not one great event that occurred, but I did manage to begin a walking routine (more to follow) and I learned how to convert my manuscript into a mobi file that can be read on a Kindle - complete with a hyperlinked table of contents. While the <a href="http://literatureandlatte.com/">Scrivener software</a> does all the work, there was most definitely a learning curve to complete the process.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Overview</span>: Both Brit Lit and English Comp had in-class sessions to work on their research papers. <i><span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>Brit Lit</b></span></i> learned how to organize their completed notecards and create a detailed outline to help with the flow of the essay and discover if there are any research holes that need to be addressed. We also reviewed the structure for an introductory paragraph, which culminates with the thesis statement. <br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #76a5af;">English Comp</span></i></b> is just getting started on their papers, so students brought in two resources on their chosen topic and began writing notecards, making sure to include the source (for citation purposes) and only writing brief fragments to avoid inadvertent plagiarism. They also began work on a K-W-L chart, that is: list what they currently KNOW about the topic and then... what they WANT to know about it (L stands for what they LEARNED ... but cannot be completed until research is done). As students research, they should constantly be asking themselves questions... adding those questions to the "W" list... and then finding more resources to address those concerns. This is what will allow them to dig deep into the topic, rather than just settle for surface information.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Currently Reading</span></b>: I am still working my way through <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6257535-new-york?from_search=true">New York</a> </i>on my Kindle; I believe I am now on page 176 which represents 17% completion. This will take a while....<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7005317-writers-and-their-notebooks?from_search=true" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0NkA8q_tlapfNHhsWRoHIHFGrzrei-PY4CigKlsvaJ5Q16xwe_qCqxXNHWUEXVWEJLvtCEsvH-5SUtNaUowVLjEJid1Dj76HEfxBHZTYFZ0VdVjpBQBoTOv9AN1QXZiI0ePG9oVUzrum/s1600/writers.jpg" height="200" width="128" /></a></div>
I also read a book on writing this week, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7005317-writers-and-their-notebooks?from_search=true">Writers and their Notebooks</a></i></b>, which I thoroughly enjoyed. One of my assignments over the next two weeks is to begin a writer's notebook to capture those fleeting ideas or observations or snippets of conversations to be gleaned for future projects. I seem to have a mental block, however. There is no good reason for it... I love to write... I love journals. But perhaps it is because I still do not consider myself a "writer"... and because there is no "right" way to use a journal that stymies me. But the book helped, and I would recommend it to anyone who writes and enjoys reading about others who love the craft as well.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing Progress</span></b>: Inspired by the above reading, coupled with my need to be a good student, I bought a few journals. A good friend turned me onto the website, <b><a href="http://www.live-inspired.com/Her-Words-C233">Live-Inspired</a></b>, which sells unique writing supplies at an affordable price. I ordered several different journals last Saturday, one for each project, and received the package on Friday. Great service and a very nice product.<br />
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In addition to the journals and the manuscript compilation, I also used some time this week to conduct some online research for our upcoming cruise. I have revised the working title of that compilation of future essays to <b><span style="color: #76a5af;">Visiting the Saints</span></b> and have a special journal devoted just to that project. <br />
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I have another idea for a middle grade novel and I have begun preliminary research into that as well. While I know the subject, I am playing around with possible ways to structure the book. One idea is to continue a "series" of the NaNoWriMo project; another idea is to tell the biographical story in first person and present it as a "year in the life" series. It was a noodling kind of week...<br />
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<b style="color: #e06666;">Weekly Exercise</b>: As it turns out, I am highly motivated by accountability. You see, we are a family of type A personalities (some would even argue A+) Even those who marry into the family as a laid-back B become As after spending time with us. After Christmas four members of the clan purchased <b><a href="http://www.fitbit.com/">FitBits</a></b>... which is a device that not only monitors your own exercise levels, but also allows you to create a friend list and monitor their levels as well. As you can imagine, competition is fierce in the Totoro household.<br />
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Last Sunday I finally decided to join the craze and purchased a FitBit One, and while I only use it as a glorified pedometer, the comparison of stats with other members of the family urges me to get off the couch and to the gym more than anything else. I managed to walk on the treadmill six out of seven days this week and I feel accomplished. I hope the competition does not grow old, but continues to spur me to maintain a healthy lifestyle.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Artist's Date</span></b>: None per se... but the low key week did provide me time to reflect and ponder creative projects. Just looking at the pile of new journals is invigorating to me: the endless possibilities! <br />
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I plan to bring my camera with me to brunch today and I am sure the walk along the Plaza will provide some photographic moments.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Craftiness</span></b>: Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and I did spend some time this week looking for greeting card ideas and then posting them to my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/molly_totoro/greeting-card-ideas/">Pinterest Board</a>. I have all the supplies in house: paper, stamps, ribbon, etc. I just need to settle on an idea and then create. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Photography</span></b>: While I did not take any pictures that are worth posting... I did spend quite a bit of time learning my camera this week. I discovered the use of a few buttons that will help me quickly meter and focus, and I even practiced with Manual mode (I tend to shoot in AV or TV modes only). <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2567281-photos-that-inspire?from_search=true" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRJrNdLpf7-V58f92Eiclpu7lE-o8n_JcNeP_MVJOPHEeK_oxmbjt-H3WDxw7VCLtGNmgmQ34AUi-wD0vQP_-S86WYPGZQCTozEpr30fX8jVMf-OoeKRzSAZgbW1LYFW4-ST17qPO5-S7/s1600/photos.jpg" height="200" width="159" /></a></div>
I also skimmed the book, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/599028.How_to_Photograph_Absolutely_Everything?from_search=true">How to Photograph Absolutely Everything</a></i></b>, paying close attention to beach and landscape scenes, since that will be the focus on my photography on the cruise, and I began re-reading the book, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2567281-photos-that-inspire?from_search=true">Photos that Inspire</a></i></b>. <br />
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The mechanics of photography are not intuitive for me. There are some people, like my son, who can quickly assess a scene and know how to set ISO - aperture - shutter speed - white balance - spot meter - picture style - and the variety of other options that I often forget. I am lucky if I can remember to change the white balance (although the horrid color tinge of the photo instantly reminds me). But I am determined to learn. And while the learning curve is quite long... and accompanied by many frustrations and poor shots... I know that I am in this for the long haul.<br />
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In addition there is the creative side of photo composition, that is also difficult for me. I used to think that symmetry was the ideal; but I am learning that is not the case. And there is so much to consider: the horizon, the rule of thirds, the point of view, the depth of field. This is truly a hobby that requires me to use both sides of the brain ... and while that is a real challenge, I like it.<br />
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And finally there is the post-processing, which I am learning is another craft in and of itself. While I strive to take a quality picture, there is comfort in knowing some imperfections can be reduced after-the-fact. But post-processing does not only improve a photograph, it can in fact, be a creative endeavor. And I enjoy the opportunity to create art when I have no drawing or painting skills.<br />
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Yes, photography is indeed a life-long learning endeavor.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the Horizon</span></b>: More of the same, I think. This was a good week and I hope to continue the momentum with walking, writing, journaling, reading, and photography.<br />
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I wish you all a peaceful, warm and relaxing week as well.<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-19400306649127568282014-01-19T10:10:00.000-06:002014-01-19T10:10:21.054-06:00Sunday Salon: January 19, 2014<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>From the <a href="http://dhamel.typepad.com/sundaysalon/">Sunday Salon's original website</a>: <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">Every Sunday the bloggers participating in that week's Salon get together--at their separate desks, in their own particular time zones--and </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">read</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">. And blog about their reading. And comment on one another's blogs. Think of it as an informal, weekly, mini read-a-thon, an excuse to put aside one's earthly responsibilities and fall into a good book. </span></span></i></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Today's Weather</span></b>: Unseasonably warm.... a high near 60 degrees! I think I might take advantage and go for a walk this afternoon, for they are predicting a high of only 21 degrees by Tuesday.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the menu</span></b>: brunch with good friends. Life prevented us from getting together much during the holidays, but today we are going to enjoy a leisurely meal. I am sure talk will turn to our cruise trip, which is only three weeks away.... and we are all more than ready to set sail!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Highlights of the week</span></b>: dinner with a good friend on Tuesday, and then, quite honestly, Friday morning when I was home alone with no responsibilities of any kind (that hasn't happened much lately). I did, however, meet the Princess for a quick lunch before she and her family embarked on a magical vacation to Disney World. I anticipate many FaceTime calls over the next two weeks.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Overview</span>: A good week.... but I don't really expect anything less this semester. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">Brit Lit</span></b> began the study of Jane Austen's <i><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19657711-the-annotated-pride-and-prejudice?from_search=true">Pride and Prejudice</a></b></i>, and I am always curious to hear the students' reactions to the Bennet family and Mr. Darcy at the beginning of the book. Since the original title for this work was <i>First Impressions</i>, I ask the students to not only pay attention to the character's first impressions of one another, but to also pay attention to their own first impressions of the characters. I want the students to discern, if in fact, we as readers are a bit prejudiced as well.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">English Comp</span></b> is beginning the major writing assignment of the semester, the research paper, which is worth 50% of the grade. In addition, they will also have to give a 20 minute multi-media presentation on the topic as a final project, which is worth another 15% of the overall gpa in the class. Needless to say, they are a bit anxious... but I know they will do fine. Topics have been chosen and research will begin in class on Tuesday.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Currently Reading</span></b>: I had some time yesterday, so I decided to once again catch up on library books that have been sitting on my shelf for quite some time. Both of them have to do with writing.<br />
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The first one I read/skimmed was <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12786668-outlining-your-novel?from_search=true">Outlining Your Novel</a></i></b> by K.M. Weiland. While the content is fairly basic, I was surprised how much information she packed into this relatively small book (176 pages). It would be a fine resource to have in any writing library, and the author interviews at the end of each chapter give the reader a number of different perspectives.<br />
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The second book I finished was <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13094231-writing-and-selling-the-ya-novel?from_search=true">Writing and Selling the YA Novel</a></i></b> by K.L. Going. I am still not convinced that this is the genre that I am supposed to focus my writing endeavors, but I enjoyed the book and the insight it offered. Each chapter is given the title of a course in high school (including gym and lunch) and the author gives a nice overview of how to properly target this audience.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6257535-new-york?from_search=true" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfp9FHaBUiYVQpo42e8n2S3kKmdUIOKvNEV06nTT5jO7wRC1PemNRAeBLAEnQTL4j0Lt63Q5XqUxr2luqee_1uji7lrepwMP8kOiJode7Of94a6syshZtQUtyqU4RRVx9E0IHlVrVgonT/s1600/NY.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
In an effort to balance my non-fiction reading with fiction, I decided to tackle the historical fiction tome, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6257535-new-york?from_search=true">New York</a></i></b> by Edward Rutherfurd. I used to live in New York City and I am still in love with that place. I enjoy the author's writing style, identifying a few key families at the beginning of the city's history and then following them throughout the centuries. I am reading the book on my Kindle, so the massive 800 page book is easy to carry and read whenever I have a spare moment. Currently I am on page 120, which Kindle tells me is about 11% complete.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing Progress</span></b>: I am learning that writing progress is measured in baby steps, at least at this point in my writing career. In an effort to get over my fear of letting others read my work, I have sent out about six copies of my rough draft manuscript to <b><span style="color: #76a5af;">beta readers</span></b>. They are friends whom I trust, and I have made it perfectly clear that this is a VERY rough draft. I know that they will be kind... but I am also hopeful that they will provide valuable input to help improve the plot, the characters and the overall writing.<br />
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My coaching session this week yielded a few more writing directions. <br />
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<ul>
<li>I am currently working on a theme for a memoir. I have developed several key "defining moments" in life, and now the idea is to try to find the one thread that is common to all of them.</li>
<li>I have begun preliminary research for the upcoming cruise in an effort to write a few personal travel essays with the working theme of <b><i>Traveling with the Saints</i></b> (we are visiting the islands of St. Thomas, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and St. Maarten) </li>
<li>I have also begun some preliminary research for a middle grade historical fiction idea that will blend the biography of Jane Austen with the story of <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>. </li>
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In the meantime, I have been chastised for not keeping a <b><span style="color: #76a5af;">writer's notebook</span></b> (chastised in the most pleasant use of the word).... and have been instructed to begin using one immediately. I am not sure why I have this hang up. Perhaps it is because "real" writers use notebooks and I still do not consider myself a true writer. Anyway, I am a good student... and I will of course complete this assignment.<br />
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<b style="color: #e06666;">Weekly Exercise</b>: ah... best laid plans you know. I know a large part of my problem is that I have not yet established a walking routine... and because of that, I always run out of time (or to be more honest with myself, I do not make the time). This week I hope to discover a good time that works on a daily basis, and then institute it.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Artist's Date</span></b>: Well, not exactly an artist date, but last night my husband and I went on a date to see <b><i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140373/">Saving Mr. Banks</a></i></b>. If you have not seen it, I would highly recommend it! I did not realize that there are two parallel stories, one told with wit and good-natured humor, the other more serious and thought-provoking. Of course, Tom Hanks is absolutely wonderful as Walt Disney, and Emma Thompson gave an outstanding performance. I am anxious to purchase the DVD when it is available, and then my plan is to watch the original <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058331/">Mary Poppins</a></i> before re-watching this behind-the-scenes tale.<br />
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The most significant quote from the movie (for me at least): <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">That's what storytellers do. We restore order to imagination. We bring hope.</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Craftiness</span></b>: No craftiness but... I did take time yesterday to organize my space. This is a necessary step for me to actually begin to work. I cannot think in clutter and I almost feel claustrophobic. I am hopeful that the clean desk, the organized stamps and ink pads, and the color coordinated papers will soon inspire me to create.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Photography</span></b>: Again, no photo sessions this week (although the nice weather today provides the perfect opportunity) but.... I have also organized my bookshelves and found a place to store all those "books and works in progress" close to my sitting area. <b><span style="color: #76a5af;">Travel writing and travel photography</span></b> are in that basket. See, my vision for this upcoming trip is not only to document <i>Traveling with the Saints</i> with written description, but also to capture the personality of the islands in photographs. <br />
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I know that in order to effectively (or at least decently) accomplish that goal, I need to practice before I go. And of course, the more I practice the more I will improve. So I hope to read the tips in these books today, and then find time over the next three weeks to go out and explore my own hometown through a 2.5 inch viewfinder. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the Horizon</span></b>: Nothing... absolutely nothing out of the ordinary and I am thrilled for that. Perhaps I will be disciplined enough to actually use this time to devote to crafts, photography and artist dates.<br />
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I wish you all a peaceful Sunday afternoon that I hope is filled with at least a few minutes of leisurely reading.<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-33774989906801066312014-01-12T09:39:00.000-06:002014-01-12T09:39:02.550-06:00Sunday Salon: January 12, 2014Is it really the middle of January?! Even in the effort of trying to slow myself down and appreciate each day for what it has to offer, the weeks still seem to zoom by. But as I reflect on this first full week of the new year, I am pleased with the balance of activities and I look forward to exploring more of the interests in the weeks and months to come.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Today's Weather</span></b>: My... what a difference a week makes! This time last week we were looking at sub-zero temperatures with wind chills approaches -30 degrees. Today? Sunny with the possibility of reaching 60 degrees. Such is the joy of living in the midwest.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the menu</span></b>: A family pizza dinner (ordered from the local Pizza Hut... not homemade). My eldest and her family will be leaving for a magical vacation to Disney World on Friday and will be gone over two weeks, so we need to get our Princess-fix before they depart. In addition.... we need to put away the Christmas decorations and (hopefully) our son-in-law can help carry them up to the attic....<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Highlights of the week</span></b>: There were a few highlights this week...which I will detail below.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Overview</span>: Classes started this week, and while it was difficult to get back into the routine, it was good to see the students again. The highlight, however, was the return of several alumni for an all-school assembly and then a more intimate lunch with faculty. The tables were turned a bit, and the students gave us a report card of sorts, that is, they told us what we do well to prepare them for college, and what areas we can improve. It was encouraging to hear that my rigor in the writing class pays dividends, as the students felt that they were well-equipped to handle any essay assignment and they were amazed at the vast difference in writing ability when placed in peer edit groups.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Currently Reading</span></b>: Since school just started, I had quite a bit of free time this week and decided to use a portion of that time to review all the library books sitting on my shelf. I managed to read one in full, quickly read another (<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/191709.First_Impressions?from_search=true">First Impressions: Degas</a></i>, a YA book I used for research), and after skimming the rest, decided that I could return four to the library without reading them in full.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/287818.Refuse_to_Choose_?from_search=true" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-8sZPtXQTeCk0ro-cmEtsI7gsVQ3awvGSkvOp-R8iylVnd7xgtCp8i5XRHdwClljaRVUtiJTXZuMMX9UL6F0kMy5JhyEnP3IdFi4O4nKYyi7SgtrXk7mWWbHOObPdLoqrcyWS32ujnhw/s1600/refuse+to+choose.jpg" height="200" width="123" /></a></div>
The book I read in full was <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/287818.Refuse_to_Choose_?from_search=true">Refuse to Choose: Use All of Your Interests, Passions and Hobbies To Create the Life and Career of Your Dreams</a></i></b> by Barbara Sher. I owe <a href="http://www.joyweesemoll.com/2013/12/30/resolved-be-more-purposeful-and-get-things-done-a-book-list/">Joy Weese Moll</a> the credit for introducing me to this author and while I borrowed three of her books from the library, this was the one that seemed to hit me where I currently live. <br />
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The author identifies personalities who have so many viable interests that they never seem to get anything done as <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Scanners </span></b><i>(I fit the definition ... how about you?)</i> It isn't that scanners are unfocused, and often it has nothing to do with time management or organization deficits, but rather we are so intrigued with life around us that we are naturally curious to learn more. She offers some good, practical advice to help us satisfy this need to learn while at the same time (finally) accomplishing projects that we want to do. <br />
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Interestingly, she also gives scanners permission to abandon projects that have lost interest. She says that the passion is gone because we have already gleaned what we needed, so there is no reason to continue. She advises wrapping the project with some brown paper, tie it with twine, label it, and include a sheet that details what was completed, as well as what is left to be done. Then place the parcel on a bookshelf entitled, <i>My Life's Projects</i>...<i> or My Autobiography</i>...<i> or My Adventures</i>... anything that helps us realize unfinished projects do not translate to failure, but rather, knowledge gained and joy derived for that moment in time.<br />
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In an effort to try to create a balanced reading life, however, I want to read a work of fiction next. My natural inclination is to read self-help or memoir, but recently I heard a quote that has resonated with me:<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">Non-fiction gives us facts; Fiction gives us truth.</span><br />
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My brain is full of facts and I need to balance that with truth. I am considering either <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6257535-new-york?from_search=true">New York</a></i></b> by Edward Rutherfurd (I read <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15786792-paris?from_search=true">Paris</a></i></b> this fall and really adored the author's development of generational stories in a historical fiction work) or.... a short story collection recommended to me by a good friend: <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13330767-the-news-from-spain?from_search=true">The News from Spain</a> </i>by Joan Wickersham. Short stories are not something I typically read, but I have no good reason why. <i>Perhaps I could read both?!</i><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing Progress</span></b>: Drum roll please..... I actually finished the rough draft of my NaNoWriMo novel, <b><i>First Impressionism</i></b>! While I wrote more than 50,000 words in November, which qualified me as a "winner" - I still needed to write two more chapters to complete the novel. And even though I was sick with the flu (twice) and had to prepare for the holidays, I still had a mental block in completing the book (this had nothing to do with being a scanner, by the way... but rather facing fear).<br />
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My schedule Wednesday provided me with an unexpected block of time and I decided to put it to use. It only took about 2.5 hours to complete and I must confess, that the satisfaction I have experienced in completing this project is pretty awesome.<br />
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I even formatted the manuscript into a PDF file and printed it off: all 182 pages. I hope to spend a bit of time each week in the revision process and perhaps have a copy ready for possible beta readers by spring break.<br />
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<b style="color: #e06666;">Weekly Exercise: </b>I have decided to add a new category to the Sunday Salon in an effort to keep me accountable to this lifestyle goal. For about two months last summer (until I experienced a knee problem) I walked a 5k four to five times per week and I LOVED it. I felt a sense of accomplishment and I know my body enjoyed the workout. But once out of a routine, it is difficult to establish again.<br />
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So in October I decided to join a local gym in the hopes that walking inside on a treadmill would take away the excuse of not walking outside in the cold. And of course... the day after I joined, I came down with round one of the flu... which turned into round two... which segued into the holidays.. which led me to the first of the year. So last Saturday I joined the rest of those who made healthy resolutions, and went to the gym once again. I walked about 2.5 miles in thirty minutes, a good first day effort.... and then Sunday I stubbed my toe, which sidelined me yet again.<br />
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I am determined, however, to return to the summer level of activity - and then to maintain it. I am determined to begin walking in an official 5k a month - starting this spring when the weather is warmer. And the only way I will attain this goal is if I put it out here for others to read. I may not be accountable to myself, but I am not about to lose face in front of the world.<br />
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So this week.... I will once again go to the gym and get on that treadmill for the first time.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Artist's Date</span></b>: Good news: I actually completed my first planned Artist Date yesterday. A good friend of mine and I treated ourselves to a "day in France" We began the morning by having breakfast at <b><a href="http://chezelle.homestead.com/">Chez Elle</a></b>, a lovely creperie here in Kansas City that provides good authentic French food in the perfect ambient setting. <br />
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We then had tickets to the <a href="http://www.nelson-atkins.org/art/exhibitions/impressionist-france.cfm">Impressionism Exhibit</a> at the Nelson-Atkins museum. The exhibit featured artwork as well as photographs that depicted the change in the cities and countryside from approximately 1860-1880. I had seen the exhibit in October, but it was nice to revisit the collection and share personal insights and reactions with one other.<br />
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<a href="http://www.afkc.org/">The Alliance Francaise</a> partnered with the museum to offer a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Day in France</span></b> experience. The pastry tasting and wine tasting events were sold out, but we chose to register for a class in <i>French Travel</i> (a brief discussion of sights to visit in Paris and Bordeaux) and another class on <i>The Destruction and Transformation of Nineteenth Century Paris</i>. Both of us truly enjoyed the latter class and could easily have spent a few more hours learning from this passionate instructor.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Craftiness</span></b>: Now that I know I am a scanner.... I do not feel quite so guilty reporting no activity (again) in this area. Yes, I did "shop" for a few more dies to download from the <a href="http://www.silhouetteonlinestore.com/">Silhouette</a> website, and yes, I did take advantage of the Archiver's sale and purchase some decorative paper to use in card making activities... but I did not actually create. <br />
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I am learning, however, that I need to schedule this time - <b><i>put it on the calendar</i></b> - and then honor the commitment. And... I need to define the underlying fear that prevents me from pursuing this creative outlet. I am not quite sure if it is because I cannot play without a specific purpose (quite possibly....) - or if it is because I don't think I am creative enough (quite possibly..) - or if it is because I am afraid if I start I won't want to stop. All these are silly, I know.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Photography</span></b>: And... I could just do a <i>copy-and-paste</i> from above and put it here. I love photography ... I love learning about the technical aspects of photography ... I love learning about the creative and compositional aspects... I love taking pictures of memorable moments to savor for generations to come. I am constantly reading blogs and books on the subject, and I can spend hours on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a> and <a href="http://500px.com/">500px</a> studying the images and the exif data associated with them. But for some reason I don't pick up the camera and practice.<br />
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Again, there is some mental block that prevents me from doing what I know I need and want to do. And I am determined to overcome it ... some day.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the Horizon</span></b>: This past week was jam-packed for me, typically two or three calendar activities per day. I am hoping that this week is a little more subdued, with time to stay home and write, read, craft(?) and revise. Getting into a regular routine would indeed be a highlight.<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-15094695664031188882014-01-05T09:30:00.000-06:002014-01-05T09:31:23.770-06:00Sunday Salon: January 5, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, here it is... the first Sunday Salon of the New Year. This is always an exciting time - starting the year with a clean slate. There are so many possibilities ahead and the regrets of the past have been silenced with the flip of the calendar. While I have many life changes that await me this year, I am still committed to enjoying each day - live in the moment - and find contentment with what I have.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Today's Weather</span></b>: <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">F-R-</span></b><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I-G</span></b><span style="color: blue;"><b>-I-D</b></span>!! At 8:00am the newscaster stated that the temperature was 10 degrees, and that is the warmest of the next 48 hours! Tomorrow the low is -11 temperature with windchill of -30!! Fortunately, we did receive the first real snowfall of the year... approximately four inches of fluffy beauty, but the cold will keep us indoors, next to the fire, with a hot cup of <a href="http://www.stashtea.com/Christmas-in-Paris-Herbal-Tea/dp/B00F3JZ8U0?class=quickView&field_availability=-1&field_browse=2734900011&id=Christmas+in+Paris+Herbal+Tea&ie=UTF8&refinementHistory=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Csize_name%2Ccolor_map&searchNodeID=2734900011&searchPage=1&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12"><i><b>Christmas in Paris</b></i></a> tea.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the menu</span></b>: leftovers. The New Year's ham was postponed until yesterday, but rather than the traditional dinner with savory green beans and mashed potatoes, we simply had sandwiches while watching the Chiefs vs Colts game (ugh!!) Geoff is out of town for the next two days, so I may make the green beans for myself and enjoy the comfort food during this cold snap.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Highlights of the week</span></b>: It was a low-key week. We kept Brynn over New Year's so her parents could enjoy an adult celebration... and there is nothing quite so entertaining as watching a 2.5 year old view the Disney movie <b><i>Frozen</i></b>. She adores the theme song, <b><i><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://youtu.be/moSFlvxnbgk">Let it Go</a></span></i></b>, and sings it at the top of her lungs. I am sure we listened to the soundtrack a minimum of 20 times over the course of 18 hours. That definitely could be considered the highlight of this last week of Christmas vacation.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Overview</span>: I spent Thursday developing lesson plans for both classes, <b><i>Brit Lit</i></b> and <b><i>English Comp</i></b>, to take me from the present to the end of the year on May 13th. It was bittersweet... knowing that when I retire I will have free time to pursue personal interests, and yet having to say good-bye to what has been a fulfilling career.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Currently Reading</span></b>: I picked up the book, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15799151-daily-rituals?from_search=true">Daily Rituals: How Artists Work</a></i></b> by Mason Currey at the library today. It is essentially a brief summary of the daily routines of many popular artists, writers, filmmakers, composers, and other creative personalities. It is a quick read, but interesting... and what I have discerned is that many of the authors tend to get up early <i>(which I do)</i>.... have a morning routine <i>(which I do)</i>.... focus on writing between 8:00 and 12:00 <i>(which I plan to do)</i>... take a daily walk <i>(which I hope to do)</i>... and then spend the rest of the day socializing, drinking, and/or taking drugs to help them sleep <i>(which I have no plans of doing)</i>.<br />
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I found it quite interesting that most authors consider it a productive day if they write 1,000 words. That seems doable to me. <br />
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On another note.... I have discovered that I read far more non-fiction than I do fiction... and while there is nothing wrong with that, I am constantly pondering the quote I heard a few weeks ago that says: <b><span style="color: #e06666;"><i>Non-fiction gives us facts but fiction gives us truth</i></span></b>. I want to be more balanced in my reading. I want to continue the study of writing as a craft.. but I also want to read more in my chosen genre. I think perhaps I will try to read one non-fiction book and then follow that with a fictional narrative. Hopefully this will give me a more balanced reading life... and one that I can use to help me in my new writing career.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing Progress</span></b>: I met with my writing coach for a second time this week and have grown to appreciate her wisdom and support even more than before. I love the accountability she provides and her action steps are quite practical and just a bit outside my comfort zone - the perfect combination.<br />
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This week I need to develop an "editorial calendar" (a new term to me, but I have researched it online and created one that I think will suit my personal needs) ... order business cards that confirm that I am indeed a writer ... complete my NaNo story (which I plan to do prior to the first day of class on Tuesday morning) ... and discover a theme for my memoir. All of these are good action steps that I am certain will bring me closer to my goal of creating a writing routine once I retire.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Artist's Date</span></b>: Making strides here... that is a good thing!<br />
I have joined a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/158351647672532/">Facebook group</a> that is going through <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/615570.The_Artist_s_Way?from_search=true">the Artist's Way</a></i></b> over the course of 12 months rather than 12 weeks; this seems doable to me and I am looking forward to the longer, more relaxed study.<br />
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To that end, someone on that loop posted a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Miracle-Artists-Date-Activities-ebook/dp/B00DIQ9K22/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1">Kindle ebook</a> that gives some ideas for <span style="color: #e06666;">Artist's Dates</span>, and while nothing is a big "aha" moment... there are some good ideas that get the creative juices flowing. I have some concrete ideas for future dates, and I am sure that I will be able to develop more as time goes on.<br />
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In the meantime, I have my first artist date scheduled for this coming Saturday, January 11th. The Nelson-Atkins museum is sponsoring a <b><a href="https://peo.nelson-atkins.org/show.asp">Travel France Day</a></b> to spotlight the current exhibition of <b><a href="http://www.nelson-atkins.org/art/exhibitions/impressionist-france.cfm">Impressionist Art and Photographs</a></b>. A friend of mine and I plan to walk through the exhibit in the morning and then take part in a couple of the events in the afternoon. It should be fun, cultural, educational, and inspire me to revise my NaNo project.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Craftiness</span></b>: And believe it or not... I am making very small baby steps in this area as well!<br />
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In November a good <a href="http://wordsworldandwings.blogspot.com/">blogger friend and scrapbooking lover</a> posted about her recent purchase of a <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/">Silhouette Portrait</a> die cut machine. I was intrigued, so I followed the link. OH MY... what a glorious invention this is. <br />
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To make a long story short... the holiday special was two machines for the price of one <u>plus</u> $35 in free die cut downloads <b><i>for each machine</i></b>. This was simply too good a deal to let slip by.<br />
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With the help of my eldest, I sold all my Cricut supplies online for $100 and then she and I split the cost of the two-machine deal. And while I have not actually used mine ... I have downloaded several dies and have a long list of potential projects to create. I am excited about future Artist Dates with this machine!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Photography</span></b>: And I have given this topic some serious thought as well.<br />
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I have decided that a 365 project is simply not for me. There is too much pressure to take a picture a day and quite frankly, writing needs to take the priority in my life right now.<br />
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HOWEVER.... I am still devoted to this hobby and I have a desire to improve. So I think a 52 Project is much more in keeping with my schedule, my priorities, and my goals. I hope to take my camera out at least a couple of times a week... and then I will post one picture for the week - on Flickr and on the blog. I am excited about this prospect and have already begun making a list of possible subjects to photograph each week.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the Horizon</span></b>: The first week of school of my last semester of teaching. That is the big deal. On Monday there is an alumni chapel that I will try to attend, as I love reconnecting with these students and learning about their life after high school - and then on Tuesday we will begin second semester. I calculated that I have 36 more days of teaching..... not sure how I feel about that.<br />
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I wish you all a great first full week of the new year....<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-48079001950621586682014-01-02T00:27:00.001-06:002014-01-02T00:27:57.687-06:00One WordI just glanced at the clock on my computer and realized there are ten minutes left to the first day of this new year and I find myself asking already ... "<b>Where has the time gone?!</b>"<br />
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My mother said the older I got, the faster time would pass... and I hate to admit that she was right; perhaps this is why I have been focused on learning to <span style="color: #e06666;"><b><i>live in the present</i></b> </span>these past few months. I spent so much of my youth wishing I was "<b>old enough to....</b>" and I have spent many mid-life years just waiting for <b>this phase of life to pass</b>. And now I find myself wanting time to stand still.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Living in the present</span></i></b> won't add minutes to my life, but I do believe it will enable me to better enjoy those minutes. I cannot slow down time, but I can slow down myself. Rather than focusing on <b>doing</b> and productivity, I can begin to focus on <b>being</b> and the sensory details of the world around me.<br />
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There is a movement in the blogosphere to select one word for the year. One word that will help focus energy and bring about change in a very subtle yet permanent way. I have participated in this tradition for the past two years. In 2012 my word of the year was balance... a great word, but in the end, I realized was not at all practical. Last year I chose the word <a href="http://mycozybooknook.blogspot.com/2013/01/peace.html"><b>peace</b></a>... which moved me to closer my desired destination.<br />
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This year I did some research.... yes, I want peace, but that is a rather lofty goal; what is the best path to achieve peace in life? I researched the definitions of words such as: <b><i>joy - happiness - satisfaction - contentment - harmony - tranquility</i></b>. And I concluded that one of the key ingredients to finding peace in life is learning to be content: <span style="color: #e06666;">content</span> with what you have; <span style="color: #e06666;">content</span> with where you are; <span style="color: #e06666;">content</span> with who you are.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Content</span> to me does not mean laziness. It does not mean that I will say "this is the best there is ... or this is the best I can be" and just lay down and give up. <b>NO! </b><span style="color: #e06666;">Content</span> means being satisfied with the way things are <i><b>today</b></i>. I hope that I am never too old or too weary to stop growing, for to me lack of growth or learning is certain death. But I do want to learn to be content ... accepting... satisfied... that what I have and I have achieved today is good (enough). <br />
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So my word for 2014 is: <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Content</span></b>. <br />
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And as I glance once again at the computer clock and realize that it is already the 2nd day of this new year, I will look back at yesterday and say.... <b><i>It was good</i></b>.<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-34115454714467605432013-12-29T08:07:00.003-06:002013-12-29T08:07:50.793-06:00Sunday Salon: December 29, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, it is hard to believe that this is the last Sunday Salon of 2013. The holidays have come and gone; out-of-town family members have returned home after a nice long visit; and we are now mentally preparing for the start of a new year - deciding what we should "let go" in order to free space for new goals and adventures.<br />
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I do not make New Year's resolutions, per se, but I do believe that this week is a time for reflection - to review the previous year and decide what went well (and therefore focus more on that in the coming year) and what did not go so well (and therefore focus on change in the coming months). I already know one significant change in 2014: <b><span style="color: #e06666;">I will retire</span></b>. And I want to gain a firm understanding of what that means: discover new interests and set new goals that will proactively fill the void that will certainly be felt when I leave the classroom for the last time.<br />
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I also know that I want to <b><span style="color: #e06666;">focus more on health</span></b> - not in a lose-weight sort of a way, but rather in a lifetime change way. I would like to eat more organic fruits and vegetables and less processed food; I would like to pay attention to the diet of the meat I consume; I want to drink more water (and have discovered that water flavored with orange slices is a tasty way to accomplish that goal) and I would like to add moderate exercise to my weekly schedule. I thoroughly enjoyed the few weeks last summer when I was walking a 5K four times a week, and I would like to make that a regular routine.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1999475.A_Million_Miles_in_a_Thousand_Years?from_search=true" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRLHL7qgX9UfljXkEdOlJo_7QRyi1V9_uWbZ9tkWDAnabK_KyiwZNRqWfgT3_r26J8buddefwXWF28V3GGjjX_W5KnsmCR2HZoNuepTJambGOwv4DslNF3W6QA_-KdDrH7IMCwowsGk8A/s1600/million+miles.jpg" height="200" width="128" /></a></div>
A first step in this week of reflection included a re-read of the book, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1999475.A_Million_Miles_in_a_Thousand_Years?from_search=true">A Million Miles in a Thousand Years</a></i></b> by Donald Miller. This was the third time I read it (the last time about three years ago) and I will probably read it again before the end of this holiday break (I plan to review it in English Comp). <br />
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For those who are unfamiliar with this non-fiction book, here is a brief summary: a publishing company has decided to make the author's previous bestseller, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7214.Blue_Like_Jazz?from_search=true">Blue Like Jazz</a> (</i>a book I have not yet read) into a movie. The problem, however, is that the book is a collection of personal essays which does not translate well into narrative film. They must write a screen play that includes the essence of the essays while maintaining a proper narrative arc to hold the interest of the audience.<br />
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While working on the screen play Donald Miller discovers that we are in fact characters in our own narrative story. And if we do not like our current story, we have the agency to change it. The point of narrative is to transform character: giving the character something they want desperately enough to overcome conflict in order to get it. <br />
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The book begs the reader to consider his or her own life: are you living the story you want to live? Are you living the better life that God desires you to live? When your life is over, will your story be meaningful and memorable? If not, what can you begin to do now (the inciting incident) to set a new story in place?<br />
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As a writer-to-be, it is fascinating to think of my own life as a story. And while I do believe that God is the ultimate author, I have a responsibility as His character to make the most of this story: to be willing to dream dreams that require risk (and therefore character transformation) in order to make those dreams come true. <br />
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In life we are destined to play a variety of roles. For me, those roles might include: mother - grandmother - wife - friend - teacher - writer - traveler - photographer - dog lover. And each of those roles has its own character arc - its own set of dreams/goals/desires. What story do I wish each of those characters to tell --- so that at the end of my life here on earth I can leave knowing that I was indeed a "good and faithful servant" with the talents and gifts that I was given.<br />
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So in this week of reflection and consideration of the future, I hope to brainstorm some life stories for each of these characters (and I may use the author's interactive website, <a href="http://mysubplot.com/">My Subplot</a> to help me do that). I hope to develop some dreams that will require some risk and sacrifice in order to achieve them. I hope to institute some inciting incidents that set the story in place - that require me to dive into the story and live - rather than sit on the sidelines and observe. As the author notes in the book, characters in movies must act.... no one wants to watch a protagonist sit and think.<br />
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A rather deep Sunday Salon ... not my original intent... but I suppose it is what I needed to write.<br />
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I wish all of you a relaxing end to 2013 and a joyous beginning to 2014... filled with love, hope, and peace.<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-30746479343470773962013-12-22T08:53:00.000-06:002013-12-22T08:53:33.919-06:00Sunday Salon - December 22, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been a long time since I have posted, but there is a bit of an explanation. I have managed to contract the flu twice in one month (!) and had final exams to develop, proctor, and grade. I am hoping that I can find a more regular blogging routine in 2014, but in the meantime, here is a bit of a catch up:<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Today's Weather</span></b>: Finally... the first snow of the year! Although we did not receive the predicted 3-6 inches of the fluffy stuff (more like one inch plus)... the white landscape does make it feel like Christmas.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the menu</span></b>: Not sure what we will be eating today and tomorrow... but boy do I have two feasts to prepare for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. <br />
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Christmas Eve is the <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Italian Vigil</span></b> - originally the "feast of seven fishes" that we have adapted to the feast of shellfish. I serve the <b><i>aioli pasta</i></b> (olive oil and anchovy sauce... don't knock until you've tried it), <b><i>shrimp, crab</i></b> (this year we will do a taste comparison of snow crab and king crab), <b><i>salmon and scallops</i></b> (my first time to prepare scallops ... so if you have any foolproof recipes, I would love to hear). Dessert is an assortment of Christmas cookies and the Italian <b><i>Strufoli</i></b> (little honey balls).<br />
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Christmas Day is celebrated American style with <b><i>standing rib roast</i></b>, <b><i>mashed potatoes</i></b>, and <b><i>green bean casserole</i></b>. Dessert includes pumpkin as well as mincemeat pies.<br />
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I am always amazed how much time it takes to prepare these meals... and how quickly they are devoured. But the joy around the dining room table - from the food and the fellowship - is worth the effort.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Highlights of the week</span></b>: Well, before the flu bug hit... there were actually several highlights. On Tuesday students completed their final exams... and by Tuesday night all grades had been entered and my Christmas break officially began. <br />
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On Wednesday the girls and I went to see the Disney movie, <b><i><a href="http://movies.disney.com/frozen">Frozen</a></i></b>, which was delightful. And on Thursday afternoon the girls came over to help prepare Christmas cookies: chocolate covered pretzels, M&M cookies, Pinwheel cookies, and Bishop's Bread (similar to fruitcake but with chocolate chips).<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Overview</span>: Well, it is now official: I will retire in May, 2014. <br />
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I actually made the decision in October, but waited to tell the students until the last day of class for the semester. It is with mixed emotions for sure... but I do feel that it is the right time. I have several ideas for ways to fill my time, most notably writing, photography, and as finances allow... a bit of travel. <br />
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In the meantime, I shall thoroughly enjoy second semester, knowing that it will be the last time that I will introduce the classics like <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> and <i>Tale of Two Cities. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZSvcvQICBI7QjntbpUo7OZ9PEhfCOggmQpD1bJqt4BHTLpw_iGARv65dhLdvA5-lLZLsvddI-meWib64C5nDswDr5rCQVYV3DTnolTa0aKvRw5CF5BZfQyN8eQEXwlE5K8QcHD1c49GO/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZSvcvQICBI7QjntbpUo7OZ9PEhfCOggmQpD1bJqt4BHTLpw_iGARv65dhLdvA5-lLZLsvddI-meWib64C5nDswDr5rCQVYV3DTnolTa0aKvRw5CF5BZfQyN8eQEXwlE5K8QcHD1c49GO/s1600/photo-2.jpg" height="200" width="115" /></a><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Currently Reading</span></b>: Well.... not sure what I will be reading, but I can tell you that I will be reading it on my new <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Paperwhite-Ereader/dp/B00AWH595M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1387721265&sr=1-1&keywords=kindle+paperwhite">Paperwhite Kindle</a></i></b>!<br />
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My dear brother and sister-in-law give me amazon gift cards every year for my birthday and Christmas. Typically I hold on to these for months before I finally decide what to purchase. This year, however, I knew well in advance that the Paperwhite was going to be my treat and when the gift card arrived early, I did the unthinkable and actually opened it. I ordered my Kindle on Tuesday and received it on Friday. It is now fully charged, loaded with several books, and ready for reading.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing Progress</span></b>: In November I attended a breakout session at the writers' conference which awarded a free "writing coach" session for anyone who set and completed a writing goal for the month. Since I won the NaNoWriMo event ... I secured a session. <br />
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A week ago I met with the coach and really enjoyed our time together. Not only will she be an accountability partner, but she will also help me to fine tune the direction that my writing should take. I will probably meet with her about once every three weeks for the next few months and then hopefully I will be on my way to knowing what to write and how to make it a priority in my life.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Artist's Date</span></b>: Hmmm.... not sure when was the last time I scheduled one of these. That needs to be remedied after the Christmas festivities....<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Craftiness</span></b>: Most creativity has taken the form of baking cookies ... but I have great plans to use my brand new <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/">Silhouette Portrait</a> --- thanks in part to <a href="http://wordsworldandwings.blogspot.com/2013/11/weekly-writing-update-setting-your.html">Catherine's post</a> which inspired my daughter and I to trade in my cricut and take advantage of the holiday special: essentially two machines for the price of one!<br />
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Megan has already made several beautiful holiday crafts, including a canvas painting for the wall and holiday gift bags.... and hopefully I will soon use mine for a few greeting card ideas.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Photography</span></b>: After reviewing my "failed" attempts at the <a href="http://365project.org/">365 Project</a> for the past three years (I always have great intentions...) I have decided that a 52 project is much more in line with my personality and photography routine. I do take pictures several times a week... just not everyday. And I like the idea of selecting one "best" photo of the week. So, come January, this will be my new (more plausible) challenge.<br />
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And it should be a fun challenge as I use my new camera lens: the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/680103-USA/Canon_2751B002_EF_70_200mm_f_2_8L_IS.html">Canon 70-200mm f/2.8</a> (with image stabilization). This is the lens of my dreams... and if it weren't for being at the right place at the right time on Craigslist... it would still be on the list. But I managed to find this powerhouse lens for half price - and since it was owned by a professional photographer, it is in super shape. <br />
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Needless to say, there will not be any gifts for me under the tree this year as I have received all of them early.... but I shall dearly love each and every one throughout the coming years.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the Horizon</span></b>: Well, according to a text message time stamped 1:00am this morning... my son and his wife are now in Kansas City! So, I am sure we will have the first of many "Totoro" gatherings today... perhaps for a late brunch.<br />
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As an early Christmas gift, my youngest gave us tickets to the <a href="http://www.sprintcenter.com/events/detail/trans-siberian-orchestra-the-lost-christmas-eve-1">Trans Siberian Orchestra</a> concert tonight at the Sprint Center - and I am beyond thrilled! I have had this item on my bucket list for years and while there was some concern whether my health or the weather would prevent me from attending... I can now guarantee that I will be there... with Jingle Bells on.<br />
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I know that the Totoros are looking forward to a wonderful celebration of our Savior's birth... and I wish you and your families blessings throughout this holiday season.<br />
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-65267822838375278432013-12-01T18:57:00.001-06:002013-12-01T18:57:57.449-06:00Sunday Salon: December 1, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is the first day I have felt semi-normal in nearly two weeks. Fortunately I don't get sick often, as I believe the last time I was this ill was in 1999, but when I do feel under the weather, I do so in style. By my calculations, however, the next time I can anticipate the flu should be in the year 2027.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Today's Weather</span></b>: After a frigid Thanksgiving week, we are experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures this weekend. Yesterday my husband put up the Christmas lights in just a sweatshirt and it is supposed to reach the mid-50s by Wednesday. However, this is the Midwest and there is snow in the forecast for Thursday, so there is enough variance in weather to please everyone.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the menu</span></b>: Leftovers of course - but I intentionally over-prepare the Thanksgiving meal so we can enjoy turkey sandwiches and turkey tetrazzini the following week.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Highlights of the week</span></b>: aside from wonderful time with family this week (cookie decorating on Wednesday afternoon.... tree trimming party on Wednesday night... and Thanksgiving celebration all day Thursday)... I actually FINISHED NaNoWriMo this week!!! This was no easy feat as I started yesterday at 39,500 words. But I managed to write nearly 11,000 words over the course of eight hours and actually declared my winning certificate with six hours to spare.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Overview</span>: I only taught one class this week, Brit Lit, and it was a low-key class at that. I have introduced the research paper (due Spring break, 2014) and the class was introduced to note-taking styles. Students brought books and index cards to class and spent the morning getting a head-start on the project. I brought in sausage balls and other tasty treats in an effort to make light of the required attendance.<br />
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This week Brit Lit will continue to act <i><b>Macbeth</b></i>, and English Comp will be peer editing persuasive essays. There is only two weeks of class left and then finals, so the time is sure to fly.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Currently Reading</span></b>: Well, due to Thanksgiving preparations, dealing with the cold/flu, and writing furiously to complete NaNoWriMo, it is no surprise that reading took a backseat. However, I have over 30 books checked out of the library (mostly children's books related to my NaNo project and/or writing books to help as well) which I want to review and determine whether to renew or just return. That will be today's project.<br />
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I noticed that CB James is offering his <a href="http://readywhenyouarecb.blogspot.com/p/tbr-triple-dog-dare.html"><i><b>TBR Triple Dog Dare Challenge</b></i></a> again this year (January1 - April 1) and I am seriously considering registration. My bookshelves are out-of-control and my self-discipline is at an all-time low. The conditions are ripe to take advantage of this fun, no-risk challenge.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing Progress</span></b>: Well, as indicated above, I actually completed the NaNoWriMo goal: I wrote 50,771 words in 30 days. I still have a little over a chapter to write, which I plan to do today and tomorrow, then I will put it aside for the month of the December. My plan is to use the month of January as a NaNoReMo session (National Novel Revision Month) and then perhaps utilize one of my "prizes" by having a copy bound and published by <a href="https://www.createspace.com/">CreateSpace</a>.<br />
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In the meantime, I would like to continue a writing schedule. I think I will start practicing my travel writing skills in anticipation of (hopefully) some future trips, and perhaps develop another historical fiction idea. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Artist's Date</span></b>: Oh, I had some great ideas, but being sick curtailed all of them. The cookie decorating party was fun to watch, but I did not really participate. I hope to rectify this problem in December. I am feeling better (just a lingering cough...) and I love everything Christmas. I anticipate at least one visit to the <a href="http://nelson-atkins.org/art/exhibitions/impressionist-france.cfm">Nelson-Atkins museum</a>, perhaps a carefree walk along the Kansas City Plaza to enjoy the festive lights and window displays, and I know that on December 22 my husband and I will thoroughly enjoy the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert at the Spring Center... thanks to an early Christmas present from our youngest!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Craftiness</span></b>: Nope, nothing here either. BUT... I am looking forward to more baking opportunities this month and I have some ideas for Christmas gift tags and holiday cards.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Photography</span></b>: Somehow I have managed to take a photo a day, despite illness and busyness. Most of the photos were last minute iPhone pictures, but I did manage to maintain the discipline. I am hoping that December will be more purposeful in my photography sessions. I still want to spend Sunday afternoon planning the week's photo shoots, trying to not only capture daily life, but also adding a creative perspective as well.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the Horizon</span></b>: I plan to complete the NaNo novel tomorrow and then clean up the house from Thanksgiving dinner and holiday decorating. Every year I say that I am going to start gift wrapping early in the season; perhaps this year I will actually follow through on that commitment. I joined a gym two weeks ago and 18 hours later I came down with the flu. I am hoping that I can begin an exercise routine this week as well. Other than that, I am hoping for a relatively low-key week filled with the peace and joy of the season.<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-9474555149700205202013-11-24T07:39:00.000-06:002013-11-24T07:39:15.727-06:00Sunday Salon: November 24, 2013<b><span style="color: #e06666;"></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: black;">First, a note of apology. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: black;">I had a Salon post ready to write last Sunday, but unfortunately blogger had other plans. After several failed attempts, a bit of a rant, and finally seeking the opinion of others, it was suggested that I try a different web browser. I downloaded FireFox for Mac and I have not had a problem since. Apparently when I upgraded my operating system, the Safari upgrade did not play well with blogger. Go figure....</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: black;">As luck would have it, however, once I solved the blogger issue, I caught the flu and have not had the energy to do much of anything but lay on the couch with my box of tissues and watch mindless television. Here's to hoping the bug departs soon and I can get back to a regular routine ... and prepare for the holidays.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Today's Weather</span></b>: absolutely F-R-I-G-I-D!! It is currently 12 degrees - with a wind chill of 8... Brrr....<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the menu</span></b>: right now, nothing more than a cup of hot, cinnamon hazelnut coffee next to the cozy fire. We have some leftovers in the refrigerator that need to be used in order to make room for all the Thanksgiving staples.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Highlights of the week</span></b>: Well, this week.... nothing much since I became sick on Tuesday morning. I suppose I could rate <span style="color: #e06666;">joining the gym</span> as a highlight, although I have not yet had a chance to workout. <br />
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I thought long and hard about this decision but the bottom line is that I do enjoy walking... once I actually get my sneakers on and out the door. But I also know I am a fair weather exerciser... and there won't be much fair weather for the next few months. I am not locked into a contract and the gym is open 24 hours and in a convenient part of town. If I do not take advantage of this membership, then it is my own fault.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Overview</span>: It was a fairly low-key week. <span style="color: #e06666;">Brit Lit</span> began <i><b>Macbeth</b></i> and they are learning how to dramatize the reading rather than just speak it. We are starting to have fun and it is my hope that will only increase as time goes on.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">English Comp</span> has a busy Thanksgiving break, which is why I have given them Tuesday off to use as a work day. They will be finalizing their narrative stories as well as writing a rough draft of a persuasive essay. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Currently Reading</span></b>: I'm not sure.... how sad is that. I think my focus for the next two days will be to skim the thirty-something library books I have currently checked out and decide which ones will be worth a thorough read later, and which ones can be returned. Several of these include children's books, which I want to study to determine how to write for this audience and if my story idea has already been published, or if it has a unique perspective. <br />
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Other books include those on writing... books that I had hoped to skim before NaNoWriMo but which I will have to content myself to review them prior to the revision process.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing Progress</span></b>: I did SO well last week. I was on-a-roll! Not only did I develop a viable conflict that involved my protagonist in a real way... but I actually fleshed out a small subplot that required a bit more weave through the story from the beginning. I had written a total of 14 chapters (out of 21) and 35,199 words. I was sitting pretty!<br />
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And then...the flu happened. This time last week I was ahead of the game, and now I am significantly behind. Fortunately, I have quite a bit of free time this week and "only" 15,000 words to go. I may not finish the story by the 30th but I am bound and determined to finish the word count. I am hoping to have the rough draft complete by the time I return to school on December 3rd. <br />
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I will take the month of December off and then I plan to use January as <span style="color: #e06666;">NaNoReMO</span>... National Novel Revision Month. I would love to take advantage of a few of the "prizes" for winning - one of which is a free copy of my bound manuscript via <a href="https://www.createspace.com/">CreateSpace</a>... the self-publishing arm of Amazon. I believe I have until June to use the coupon code, which is kind of them to allow us that much time to revise.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Artist's Date</span></b>: Despite the flu, I did have two creative dates planned, which I kept. The first was a <span style="color: #e06666;">sugar cookie date</span> with my youngest daughter. She came over on Thursday afternoon and we cut and baked well over four dozen cookies. I have an entire bag filled with cookie cutters of every imaginable shape, size and holiday theme. We selected about ten different cutters and had a good time baking, talking and listening to Christmas music in the background. <br />
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This Wednesday the Totoro girls will come over around noon to decorate the cookies - complete with colored icing, piping bags, and decorative sprinkles. It is always a fun ... and messy... time. We may also make a few other tasty treats, like chocolate covered pretzels and M&M cookies, before the guys arrive after work to help us decorate the house and put up the tree. It is beginning to look (and smell) a lot like Christmas....<br />
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This weekend was also the <span style="color: #e06666;">Scrapbook Get-Away</span> that I have anticipated for the past couple of months. And while I did not actually scrapbook, I did manage to visit the group yesterday afternoon for a couple of hours. They had rented <a href="http://creativecottagekc.com/">Creative Cottage</a> - a cut little bungalow in the heart of our downtown area - and there was lots of productive scrapbooking taking place. I mostly sat and watched, but I am sure another event will be planned sometime this spring, and I will most definitely be taking part in that one.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Craftiness</span></b>: Nothing more than the Christmas Cookie bake. I need to think about making some holiday gift tags though, so maybe this week I will find the time to escape to the nook and create.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Photography</span></b>: No creative photography this week, but I did manage to continue taking my picture-a-day, which was no easy feat. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the Horizon</span></b>: Well, Thanksgiving, of course. We will have two out of the three children at home, for a total of seven around the table (we will miss my son and daughter-in-law, who need to stay in Nashville this year --- we are hoping to see them here at Christmas though!) I truly love this time of year, however, so I am looking forward to the decorating party on Wednesday, where I think I will serve a collection of fun appetizers rather than our typical pizza fare. <br />
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I will make the traditional cinnamon roll monkey bread and sausage balls Thanksgiving morning - to munch on while watching the <span style="color: #e06666;">Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade</span>. Dinner will be served around 5:00 to allow our youngest time to eat before reporting to her retail job at 7:00pm (don't get me started on Black Friday starting on Thanksgiving Day....) And while I enjoy the holiday meal of turkey, dressing, broccoli casserole, etc ... I really love the leftovers. I try to buy twice as much turkey as we need so that we can have turkey sandwiches for lunch and turkey tettrazini for dinner. <br />
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Oh my... I am getting hungry...<br />
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I wish you all a most joyful, peaceful and blessed Thanksgiving!<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-4136802397872768542013-11-19T19:33:00.002-06:002013-11-19T19:33:38.059-06:00Blogger Issue Solved...... at least for now, and I owe a HUGE thank you to <a href="http://wordsworldandwings.blogspot.com/">Catherine</a>!<br />
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Last week I upgraded my operating system and apparently the Safari upgrade does not play well with Blogger. Cathy suggested that I try FireFox ... which seems to have solved the problem.<br />
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So, now that I know that I can blog again, I hope to update shortly.<br />
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In the meantime, thank you again, Cathy, for helping me out!<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-69798754060666564612013-11-19T05:51:00.002-06:002013-11-19T05:51:56.545-06:00Blogger Issues....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am having MAJOR issues with blogger lately.</div>
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I can rarely write in the body of the post - and that is becoming increasingly frustrating.</div>
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I had planned - and attempted to write - a Sunday Salon post but there was always a major glitch.</div>
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SO... I am focusing on the completion of NaNoWriMo for the rest of the month and then I will see if I can fix whatever issue I am having.</div>
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Did I mention how frustrating this was?!</div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-5379936702509264822013-11-14T13:50:00.000-06:002013-11-14T13:50:25.893-06:00Writing Wednesday: Mr. NaNoWriMo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is not often that I can boast of meeting such famous celebrities here in the Midwest. I always feel those privileges are reserved for residents of New York City or Los Angeles. But last night I had the opportunity to hear Chris Baty - Mr. NaNoWriMo himself - speak at our local library, and he was indeed a celebrity to all those in attendance.<br />
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I wan't sure what to expect, since registration was not required and it was a free event, so I arrived about a half hour prior to the 7:00pm start time. A few were already seated, laptops in tow, working on their novel while waiting for the guru. I was able to find a nice end spot about three rows from the front. The perfect place to capture a couple of pictures while remaining somewhat inconspicuous.<br />
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Chris arrived shortly afterward for set up, and I was surprised by how tall he was and... how much he smiled. He is such a pleasant person to be around. He brought a couple of books to share, and had a typed speech available for a quick review. He is quite professional.<br />
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The room filled up quickly and he began at 7:00pm on the dot. I like a punctual speaker.<br />
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He began by telling us a little bit about himself (he was actually born and raised in Prairie Village, Kansas and his hometown library was the Corinth branch). In fact, his father was in the audience, supporting his son in this endeavor, which explains why Chris is so supportive of every one of us.<br />
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He gave a brief history of the NaNo phenomenon: it began in 1999 as a wild and crazy idea. Chris emailed his contact list saying that he was going to write a novel in a month and would love some company. The email was sent May 30th and the first NaNo event was held July 1st, with 21 participants. Most of the writing occurred in coffee shops using laptops ... which Chris was quick to remind us that in 1999 coffee shops were not wired for writers and laptops were as big as a washing machine. The budding novelists brought their own power strips, orange extension cords, and set up shop for thirty days.<br />
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The next year the participant list grew by word of mouth, with 140 writers taking part. The following year saw a total of 5,000 participants and the numbers have increased ever since. This year, which marks the 15th anniversary, the website shows just shy of 300,000 registered writers. Chris has participated and won every year.<br />
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The one point that he repeated over and over - which we all needed to hear - is that NaNoWriMo is not intended to promote quality writing; rather it is to focus on quantity. One problem we writers face, however, is that we also love to read. And when we sit down on November 1st to set out on this quest, we are comparing our first draft to the polished prose of the novels we read. We simply cannot do that. All first drafts are awful... period. And to prove his point, he read a bit of dialogue from one of his first drafts. And you know what? It was indeed awful -- and I can't imagine how many writers (including myself) he inspired by doing that one humble act.<br />
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Bottom line: We need to learn to lower our standards on first drafts. The bar should be raised in the revision process, but we need to be willing to allow imperfection (and sometimes downright awfulness) in the first draft phase. One of his quotes of the evening was, "<i><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>You can always revise a bad draft into a good novel; you can only revise a blank page into a blank page.</b></span></i>"<br />
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One tip he shared for those of us who have a difficult time turning off the internal editor was: <b><span style="color: #e06666;">set the font to white</span></b> and just start writing. You can't see the words on the page and that is enough to silence the critique for a while.<br />
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Chris stated that novels are not written by novelists, but by everyday people who have a story to share (therefore... if you think about it... we all have a story to share ergo, we are all writers). He surmised that the reason we don't have more people writing novels (or.... completing any kind of creative endeavor)... <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>is NOT because we lack talent; NOT because we lack self-discipline; but rather because we do not have a deadline</b></span>. NaNoWriMo is intended to help with that hurdle. <br />
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He told a short anecdote of the first year and how the pact between friends was they were not allowed to go to the bathroom until they had written a thousand words. Now, they were in a coffee shop, after work, guzzling coffee to try to stay awake. This was true motivation!<br />
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Since NaNo's inception, there have been 200 traditionally published novels drafted during the event; 9 best selling novels; and currently 1 major motion picture (<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43641.Water_for_Elephants?from_search=true">Water for Elephants</a></i>). Who knows how many countless more novels could be added to these numbers if we would take the time to revise our first drafts. Food for thought....<br />
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The final tip of the night, before he volunteered to sign autographs, was this: <b><span style="color: #e06666;">FINISH</span></b><br />
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I absolutely loved the evening! And while Chris gave some great advice for the NaNo event, I believe much of what he said could be applied to life in general. Lower the bar - set goals with deadlines - and commit to finishing the task at hand.<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-47591373917973436882013-11-10T08:49:00.000-06:002013-11-10T08:49:21.472-06:00Sunday Salon: November 10, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been a very busy week … but I am grateful to have made it to another Sunday Salon.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Today's Weather</span></b>: A beautiful fall day, with sunny skies and a high near sixty. However, they are predicting a major cold front moving through tomorrow night with lows in the 20s, highs in the 30s, and a chance of SNOW!! I am certain I will be stoking the first fire in the fireplace this week.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the menu</span></b>: nothing much… my husband will leave this afternoon for a solid week of travel, and I tend not to cook when he is away. Today is probably some leftover roasted chicken with a slice of french baguette and perhaps a bit of bruschetta and mozzarella cheese. One of my favorite "go-to" dinners.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Highlights of the week</span></b>: Hands down - the writing conference sponsored by <a href="http://www.hacwn.org/HACWN/Welcome.html">Heartland of America Christian Writers' Network</a>. This was my first writing conference and it truly exceeded all my expectations. <br />
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The conference started Thursday evening with a brief introduction of the editors/publishers in attendance, as well as the Key Note address by <a href="http://www.angelahuntbooks.com/">Angela Hunt</a>. At that point I knew I had to take every breakout session she offered! She is a prolific author with a wealth of expertise that she delivers in a professional, entertaining manner. Her three classes included: <i><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">The Plot Skeleton</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Point of View</span></b></i>, and <b><i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Creating Extraordinary Characters</span></i></b>. If interested, she has written short books on these subjects, plus four others - and you can find more information <a href="http://www.angelahuntbooks.com/books/a-christian-writers-possibly-useful-ruminations-on-a-life-in-pages/">here</a>.<br />
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The day began at 9:00am on Friday and aside from a one hour lunch, we were basically in sessions until 5:00pm: two in the morning and then four in the afternoon. Saturday's schedule was similar, except there were only three course offerings in the afternoon to allow time for the closing ceremony.<br />
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The registration fee included eleven breakouts plus a FREE ten minute critique session with one of the editors/publishers. For an addition $40 - participants could have a twenty minute in-depth critique of their manuscript. I am too new to writing to take advantage of these offerings this year, but I have challenged myself to have something prepared to share next November.<br />
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While the conference definitely cut into my NaNo writing time, it was most definitely worth the time and expense.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Overview</span>: <b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Brit Lit</span></b> completed the medieval unit - culminating with final drafts of Knightly Tales and taking the final exam. This week I will introduce Shakespeare and we will begin acting <i style="font-weight: bold;">Macbeth </i>-- a great way to end the semester.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">English Comp</span></b> continues to workshop narrative essays. Thursday's class was such fun! A student read her story and after working through the plot issues, we discussed the title. It was delightful to hear the suggestions, each coming from a different perspective. In five minutes we developed six or more viable titles - and it truly showcased the value of brainstorming as well as "two or more heads are certainly better than one."<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Currently Reading</span></b>: Quite frankly, the week was too busy to read, and NaNo should take up my available time this coming week. However, I have nearly fifty library books in my nook, ranging from children's picture books to YA fiction to non-fiction books on writing that I hope to delve into shortly.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing Progress</span></b>: the good news is that I did indeed make progress on the NaNoWriMo project. I have completed four chapters and written a total of 11, 565 words. The bad news is I am behind…. the writing convention was a priority and prevented me from focusing on this project. However, with my husband out-of-town and school work kept to a minimum, I am hopeful that I can catch up on word-count by this time next week.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Artist's Date</span></b>: no time for a designated artist date, but I do think the writing convention should count for artistic inspiration… don't you?<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Craftiness</span></b>: *sigh…. no craftiness. However, there is a scrapbook retreat scheduled for November 22-23, so I am hopeful that I will be able to report something at that time.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Photography</span></b>: I have not yet missed a day of the <a href="http://clickitupanotch.com/project-365-and-project-52-link-up/">365 project</a> (that is good for me… even though it is only day nine). I decided to focus on the themes of Gratitude, Thanksgiving, Blessings, and/or My Favorite Things for at least a portion of the month of November. The mosaic to the left includes the first nine pictures I have taken. If interested, I am blogging about this photography project on the dedicated blog: <a href="http://myspiritualjourneythroughphotography.blogspot.com/">My Spiritual Journey through Photography</a>. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the Horizon</span></b>: It will be another busy week, but not as chaotic as this past week. The highlight will be a library presentation by <a href="http://www.chrisbaty.com/">Chris Baty</a>, the initiator of NaNoWriMo several years ago. <br />
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Besides school, visiting a writing critique group, and a hair cut… the bulk of the week will be focused on catching up on the NaNo project and writing a minimum of 2,000 words each day.<br />
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I wish you all a great week, and for those affected by this upcoming winter blast, I wish you warmth and a good read while snuggled in a blanket next to the fire.<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-83605037715842842902013-11-06T22:17:00.001-06:002013-11-06T22:17:45.144-06:00Writing Wednesday: A NaNoWriMo PanelOur local library is fully on-board with the NaNoWriMo fever. They offer weekly write-ins (typically on Wednesday nights) and a couple of special programs. The first one was last night and I thought I would summarize what I learned.<br />
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The event was a panel discussion where the authors answered prepared questions which focused on their writing journey from novel inception to publication, as well as their personal writing process. Those in attendance included:<br />
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<li>Gennifer Albin (<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11556960-crewel?from_search=true">Crewel</a>)</i></li>
<li>Leigh Bardugo (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194157-shadow-and-bone">Shadow and Bone</a>)</li>
<li>Jessica Brody (<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9791906-52-reasons-to-hate-my-father?from_search=true">52 Reasons to Hate My Father</a></i>)</li>
<li>Anne Aguirre (<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7137327-enclave?from_search=true">Enclave</a></i>)</li>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Question 1: <i>How long does it typically take you to write the first draft?</i></span></b></div>
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Answers of course varied by author but typically a first draft was written between six weeks and four months with another two to six months of revision before ready for submission.</div>
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Two of the authors said that they typically write 50,000 words a month - every month - not just for a special project like NaNoWriMo. In other words… writers write!</div>
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They also commented on the importance of completing a work. Many of them had quit projects after just one or two chapters. "A messy first draft is far better than several perfect first chapters"</div>
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In addition, many of them truly enjoy world building, or character development (or in my case… historical research). But they all cautioned that a writer cannot allow these useful tools to become distractions to writing the draft.</div>
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In addition, they all said that they are usually working on at least two different projects at one time: writing a draft of one and completing revisions on another.</div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Question 2: Where do you find inspiration for your stories?</span></b></i></div>
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Again, the answer varied by author but in essence they all said … ideas are everywhere - from overhearing casual conversations at the coffee shop, to watching the evening news, to just people watching at the mall or park. Jessica Brody volunteered that the idea for 52 Reasons came when she was parked outside a building and watched the meter maid make the rounds. She wondered what it might be like to be a meter maid … just for a week. And that led her to wonder what other jobs she might like to try for a week.</div>
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She shared that "what if" is a powerful tool. Her tip of the day was to take any non-fiction story - and ask <i>what if </i>… find a way to make it "cooler"</div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Question 3: How do you structure your novel? What is the process?</span></b></i></div>
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Again, the answers varied. Some authors had a general idea of the characters, the fictional world in which they lived, and a basic story line, but the process was organic. They allowed the story to go where it desired.</div>
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Others were more structured, like Jessica Brody, who utilizes the <b><i>Save the Cat</i></b> method. In essence this screen play structure of 15 beats can also be applied to novel writing. (as a side note, I have this book reserved at my local library)</div>
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One author had always been a linear writer until one day she was stuck. So instead of fretting on what came next, she decided to write a scene she wanted. In the end, she found this method quite liberating and now rarely writes in linear fashion. Often she will start with the end, then write the beginning, then ping pong back and forth until she concludes in the middle.</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Final question: How long did it take from finished draft to publication?</span></i></b></div>
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A loaded question, to say the least. While some of them shared a Cinderella story, that is, the first agent signed them within a week and had the manuscript sold within days…. they were also quick to note that there was a lot of behind the scenes writing before that magical moment.</div>
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I particularly enjoyed Anne Aguirre's candid response. She wrote her first novel at the age of fifteen and received her first rejection a year later. This did not deter her, however, In fact, over the course of twenty years she wrote numerous novels, all them rejected. She realized she was writing to the market rather than her passion, and so finally sat down and wrote the novel of her dreams. Her agent tried to convince her to tweak it, but she held firm. In the end, she left that agent, found another, and <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Enclave</span></i> became a bestseller. Quite the inspiring story!</div>
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The panel discussion was only an hour… but there was a lot of useful conversation. I am most definitely glad that I attended, and I am looking forward to next Wednesday when Chris Baty, the founder of NaNoWriMo, will be presenting the history and future of this November writing event.</div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-68071347275613981542013-11-03T18:42:00.001-06:002013-11-03T18:43:31.220-06:00A New Photography BlogAfter much consideration (and frustration with Blogger) … I have decided to create a new blog devoted to the <a href="http://clickitupanotch.com/project-365-and-project-52-link-up/">365 project</a>.<br />
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While photography is most definitely a part of my life… and a part of the transforming experience in becoming who I am meant to be… it is by no means the single priority of my life. And while I want to actively participate in this project by posting daily pictures, I do not want these posts to dominate this blog; that is not my vision for <b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Emerging from the Cocoon</span></i></b>.<br />
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So… if you are interested in following my 365 Project daily updates, please visit my new blog: <b><a href="http://myspiritualjourneythroughphotography.blogspot.com/2013/11/welcome.html">My Spiritual Journey through Photography</a></b>. I will more than likely provide a weekly post here, but in an attempt to maintain the personal, intimate focus of this blog, I will not clog the feed with more than an occasional update.<br />
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Now… after this nice little diversion… it is time to return to NaNoWriMo. I have a knack for procrastinating…..<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-7664853342949297312013-11-03T07:52:00.001-06:002013-11-03T07:54:15.167-06:00Sunday Salon: November 3, 2013It is hard to believe that it is the first Sunday of November, which also signals the end of daylight savings time. Were you able to enjoy the hour of extra sleep this morning? Unfortunately our dogs have no concept of time (like toddlers) and so my daily routine was not altered. Oh well, I suppose I could say I now have an extra hour to work on NaNoWriMo….<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Today's Weather</span></b>: Sunny and chilly, with a high near 60. Fall is most definitely here to stay.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the menu</span></b>: not quite sure, but I am hoping to be inspired at the <a href="http://www.henhouseculinarycelebration.com/">Culinary Celebration</a> this afternoon. There is some leftover chili in the fridge that might make some good nachos while watching the Chiefs win their ninth game of the season.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Highlights of the week</span></b>: it was a busy week for someone who typically spends her time in the nook<br />
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<ul>
<li>Lunch at <a href="http://www.chilis.com/EN/Pages/home.html">Chili's</a> with a good friend on Monday</li>
<li>Dinner at <a href="http://www.bravoitalian.com/index.html">Bravo's</a> with another good friend on Tuesday</li>
<li>A visit to <span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Costco</span> with Brynn and family on Wednesday (which resulted in signing up for membership)</li>
<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Halloween</span> with Brynn on Thursday</li>
<li>The start of <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a> on Friday</li>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;">Teaching Overview</span>: a very low-key week, for which I was grateful. It won't be this relaxing until after finals in mid-December. <br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Brit Lit</span> peer edited "knightly tales" on Tuesday, which means I only oversee the process rather than teach. On Thursday we finished discussing the pilgrims of <b><i>Canterbury Tales</i></b> and we will finish the prologue this week. Students began to recite the first 18 lines in Middle English and I was once again impressed by their ability to rise to the occasion. Two weeks ago they thought I was crazy… now they may still think I am crazy, but they were able to complete the assignment with ease.<br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">English Comp</span> is in the revision process of their narrative stories. We are workshopping one narrative per class, and it is exciting to not only hear their story ideas develop, but to also witness the synergy of brainstorming, playing off one another's suggestions to help make a good story great. This class demonstrates that the solitary act of writing is improved with the fellowship of trusted friends.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Currently Reading</span></b>: I have almost completed, <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17018531-writing-irresistible-kidlit?from_search=true">Writing Irresistible KidLit</a></i></b>, and will begin <b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/340389.Writing_Children_s_Books_for_Dummies?from_search=true">Writing Children's Books for Dummies</a></i></b>. While working on the NaNo project, I will probably focus my reading on non-fiction rather than clouding my brain with another narrative.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Writing Progress</span></b>: Slow and steady wins the race, right? I had great hopes for writing ahead of schedule on Friday, the start of NaNoWriMo, but instead I decided to plot the story chapter by chapter. While I did not write one word toward the ultimate 50,000 goal, I felt that this was time well spent. I not only know where I am going to start and end, but I have a good map to help me get there.<br />
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On Saturday I officially began. It took me a while to find the writing rhythm, but by the end of the day I had finished the first chapter and logged 3,173 words. I have the goal of writing the next three chapters over the next two days and hopefully have 10,000 words under my belt.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Artist's Date</span></b>: Not a planned date, but I did make a spontaneous visit to the local <a href="http://www.archiversonline.com/">Archiver's</a> yesterday afternoon. I always enjoy looking at the colorful paper and whimsical stickers and imagine myself creating memorable scrapbook pages or encouraging greeting cards. It was a good way to clear my mind from the writing focus this month.<br />
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I met a friend for coffee at the Market Cafe in the local <a href="http://www.hy-vee.com/stores/detail.aspx?s=128">HyVee</a>, and I was reminded how much I enjoy that environment. There is plenty of seating, even a fireplace to add to the cozy atmosphere. The servers do not intrude and the noise is kept at a minimum. I need to take advantage of this opportunity more often during the NaNo season. A change of setting could work wonders when I find myself stuck in the mucky middle.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Craftiness</span></b>: Ah… once again no crafts this week, and in all honestly, probably no crafts until November 22nd when I have registered for an overnight scrapbooking retreat.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Photography</span></b>: Success! A spur-of-the-moment decision resulted in registering for another <a href="http://clickitupanotch.com/project-365-and-project-52-link-up/">365 project</a>. On the one hand, I wondered if I was crazy adding one more daily task while trying to write a 50,000 word story… but on the other hand, photography is a serious interest too. However, week after week I report that no progress has been made and I had to face the truth: we make time for what we deem important and I obviously don't consider photography a priority in life.<br />
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It is my hope that this project does not become a noose around my neck, but rather a tool to help me reconnect with this passion and improve the craft for future writing endeavors.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">What's on the Horizon</span></b>: another busy week ahead (I fear this will be the norm until after the holidays). I plan to attend a <a href="http://calendar.jocolibrary.org/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=23838">NaNo event</a> at the local library on Tuesday; participate in the <a href="http://jocolibrary2.tru-m.com/default.aspx?id=3154">library's used book sale</a> on Wednesday; and attend the <a href="http://www.hacwn.org/HACWN/Conference_Info.html">HACWN writing conference</a> on Friday and Saturday. Oh yea… and write another 11,500 words. Lots of literary goodness and I love it!<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-14712920531616698602013-11-01T14:12:00.001-05:002013-11-01T14:12:36.828-05:00A Day of Firsts<b><span style="color: #e06666;">November 1st</span></b>: The first day of <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a> and the first day of a new <a href="http://clickitupanotch.com/project-365-and-project-52-link-up/">365 project</a> (and for some members of my family, the first day of the Christmas season). I promise I won't give constant updates on these personal challenges, but it did seem appropriate today.<br />
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Today's photo showcases just a few of the books that I have used to research my NaNo project. I did not include any of the adult non-fiction books relating to the French Impressionists that I have read over the past three years, although the three pink moleskins at the top are filled with notes from those books.<br />
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Most of these books are in fact children's books, historical fiction of 19th Century Paris, written for an audience that is similar to the middle grade audience I will target. A couple of the books are adult historical fiction novels which focus on the ballet dancers of Degas' famous paintings, a major component of my storyline. <br />
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And while I have read more books than I can count over the past several months on the craft of writing, these two books, which focus specifically on writing children's literature, are the ones that I am currently reading.<br />
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I love to write, and I look forward to devoting more time to this pursuit… but I <u>adore</u> research: reading and learning something new, taking notes, organizing information, and planning the project. It would be quite tempting to lose myself in the research and never follow through on writing the novel. I need to mindful of this and discipline myself to find an appropriate balance.<br />
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So here's to the start of a new season, a new project, and a new vocation…. perhaps life does begin again at the age of fifty.<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-60725576912460980262013-10-31T16:20:00.001-05:002013-10-31T16:20:43.167-05:00Here Goes Nothing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6JOW1Mzkgl4t9MjeIjGJwqkeFQ6sRNu-OkNkaPW2fB0PgXr8riyngWz3yAv54Lp7jmR4YAYlWt-f9sFXz9Mpuiwfi6SvxpZBoRAXsAmWArP-swSulZmM5TNd4vXaOQGvwMBZ3J27-y00/s200/crest-bda7b7a6e1b57bb9fb8ce9772b8faafb.png" width="146" /></a></div>
For most children (and some adults) October 31st is greatly anticipated because of Halloween: the opportunity to dress up and play pretend while gorging on lots of free candy. For a few literary folks, however, October 31st is significant because it is the Eve of <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a> (National Novel Writing Month) when passionate (crazy?) authors commit to writing 50,000 words in 30 days. I, along with nearly 200,000 other writers have committed to this lofty goal.<br />
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Do I expect to have a well-crafted publishable novel by the end of the month? Hardly. I expect to have a mess… but I also expect that somewhere in that mess is a nugget of story that can be mined, shaped, and crafted into a decent narrative, if I am willing to do the work of several revisions. <br />
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The goal of this sprint writing, for me anyway, is not to have a polished novel, but rather to stop procrastinating and just get the story down. I have been mulling and researching and developing this idea for nearly four years and the time is right. In fact, it is my secret desire to just put nose to grindstone, start writing tomorrow and hit the 50,000 word goal by November 22…. but I won't say that too loud so as not to set myself up for failure.<br />
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The advantage to writing at this breakneck speed is that there is no time to stop and review --- I just need to plow ahead and keep writing, no matter what. There is no time to allow the inner critic to voice his negative commentary, nor to let the editor stop and agonize over the proper word choice or correct punctuation. I will be required to remain in that unfamiliar "right brain" territory - the land of the creative, and not retreat into my comfortable "left brain" territory - the land of detailed analysis. There will be plenty of time for that after December.<br />
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Do I fear failure? Well, I suppose it depends on what you consider failure. Do I fear that I won't complete the goal? Yes. I have actually attempted NaNoWriMo three other times, but only successfully completed the challenge the first year (and even then, I never finished the story, just the word count). But I know that whatever I write this month will be more than I would have written if I didn't try… and that is not failure - that is progress.<br />
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So… here goes nothing.. and I am very excited!<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-90788806364026966522013-10-30T14:07:00.000-05:002013-10-30T14:07:10.897-05:00Dare I try again?From the title of this blog, <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Emerging from the Cocoon</span></i>, you can probably surmise that I am on a quest to discover myself at this stage of life. The children are grown and live productive independent lives, the torch has been passed and I am now the matriarch of the family, and the hectic career days are giving way to a more relaxed and peaceful life. All of this is good stuff … but it takes a bit of readjustment to learn my place in this "life after fifty" world.<br />
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For years I allowed the responsibility of life to dominate my days and consequently the creative pursuits disappeared on the back burner. For those who read this blogs on a regular basis, however, you know that I am trying to reconnect with those passions, which tend to take the form of <span style="color: #e06666;">paper crafts</span> (such as greeting cards), <span style="color: #e06666;">writing</span> (a true compulsion), and <span style="color: #e06666;">photography</span>. Unfortunately I have talked more about photography than actually practiced it, which is not in keeping with my ultimate dream of marrying pictures with writing to document travel adventures. Practice makes perfect. And if I want this dream to be anything more than a vapor in the wind, I need to do the work now in order to achieve the results later.<br />
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It is for this reason that I am ready to once again attempt a <span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b><a href="http://clickitupanotch.com/2013/10/project-365-here-we-go/">365 project</a></b></span>. I have tried (unsuccessfully) two previous times, but I think I have learned some valuable lessons to help me triumph this go around. After all, third time's the charm, right? Here is what I plan to do differently:<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Be intentional</b>. Of course, this is good advice about life in general, but especially true of this project. In the past I would wait to be "inspired" to take a picture and more often than not, I would find myself scrambling for a photo right before going to bed. Since that time, however, I have found several sites that offer monthly photo challenges that should provide me with some creative suggestions when I am stumped (such sites include <a href="http://captureyour365.com/category/idea-list/">Katrina Kennedy</a> and <a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/photo-a-day-challenge-lists-see-them-all-here/">Fat Mum Slim</a>). I plan to use Sundays to review my calendar for possible photo opportunities, as well as scan these challenge lists in order to create a weekly line-up of possible photographs. This should provide a good starting point - one that is not too rigid to allow for last minute changes, but one that hopefully will help me to create and then maintain the daily photo habit.</li>
<li><b>Make the Time</b>. I am a routinized person… I enjoy a schedule and am fairly disciplined to stick to it. The problem in the past was I never included this daily activity on my to-do list. And… as is wont to happen, I rarely bothered to remember. We make time for the things we deem important… and the question becomes, how important is photography to me? I need to be honest with myself here, but if it is as important as I want it to be… then I need to make time to practice the craft. Period.</li>
<li><b>Don't Compare</b>. Oh boy… this is a BIG one for me. I am constantly comparing myself to others and the result is always personal dissatisfaction and a desire to give up. I need to recognize that we are all in different places on this photography journey, and we all have different goals. I have no desire to become a professional - I only desire to improve. I can look at others' pictures and learn from their talent, but I cannot compare my work to theirs. I must learn to embrace their talent while at the same time accepting my own.</li>
<li><b>Give Yourself a Break</b>…. but don't let yourself off the hook. Life happens - and while the goal to take a picture a day is an admirable one, there will be days when it is just not going to happen. For a perfectionist like myself, this can easily derail me because I "failed" the task. But the truth of the matter is… I did not fail. Tomorrow is another day. However… I cannot confuse the inevitable conflicts with personal mood swings. There will certainly be times where I am able to participate but I simply do not "feel" like it. I must be willing to do it anyway; practice the craft no matter what.</li>
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I know many participants have started a blog specifically devoted to this 365 Project. I will not. This photographic journey is a part of my "emerging" process and I want to incorporate it here. My plan is to post a week's worth of pictures each Friday (Photo Friday). Some photos may inspire commentary, others may have only a title. Some photos may be SOOTC ("straight out of the camera") … others may have extensive Lightroom edits, as I am discovering that I enjoy creative post-processing. In other words, I will make this project my own and enjoy every minute of it.<br />
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Thank you, <a href="http://clickitupanotch.com/">Courtney</a> and <a href="http://365herewegoagain.blogspot.com/">Jil</a> for inspiring me to focus on photography once again. I'm going to have a blast!<br />
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<br />Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735215564841700085.post-35811545120972400162013-10-28T07:39:00.000-05:002013-10-28T07:39:08.486-05:00Everything Pumpkin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lovelaughterinsanity.com/2013/09/pin-it-and-do-it-challenge-october-2013.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDd8feQZ-0qCwTFapGVLLF72hird1NyLBfblgRWmLTEa9s_CrL_hDNvTZPU50nApVtOShbngyFX-FOHwoRBfLInSs7XNCKVZIvyYbPPFQbpJt0bK1n1w7xwXYFTevYOKABwJ7muIsll_Dk/s200/October+2013+Pin+it.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I had intended to wait and post this recipe in the next segment of <a href="http://www.bethfishreads.com/2009/10/introducing-weekend-cooking.html">Weekend Cooking</a>, but I was so excited by its success that I simply couldn't wait that long. <br />
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I do enjoy pumpkins. I enjoy the annual visit to the patch, I enjoy watching Charlie Brown and Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin's arrival, and I enjoy the festive decorations using these lovely gourds. Along with many others, I greatly anticipate the first offering of Pumpkin Spice Lattes in coffee shops across the land. And I have used pumpkin in a variety of recipes: the quintessential pumpkin pie, frosted pumpkin cookies, and even turkey pumpkin chili. This morning however, I tried something new… but it will definitely become a staple this time of year: <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Pumpkin Oatmeal</span></b>.<br />
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I probably pinned this recipe over a month ago, and I had great intentions of trying it immediately. But you know, life happens and the pin was forgotten. However there is nothing like a challenge and a deadline to motivate me to action. Since Trish's <a href="http://www.lovelaughterinsanity.com/2013/09/pin-it-and-do-it-challenge-october-2013.html">Pin It and Do It challenge</a> ends this Thursday (and I have two more pins to complete), I decided that now is the time to try this unique breakfast item.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1n0OYFOoNWyDSkq-K7kMiJ4dR4RPeGG3HajHWXygiCs52iAutb-Z8gURPTS1LPEk9BH9ujxL68oYpQtRZlcup6jtSoaGJjMLB0Ub-2JuVRyD6zp3ltrH68QlNHiPSdC20aTq-OyvOhr8/s1600/IMG_8682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1n0OYFOoNWyDSkq-K7kMiJ4dR4RPeGG3HajHWXygiCs52iAutb-Z8gURPTS1LPEk9BH9ujxL68oYpQtRZlcup6jtSoaGJjMLB0Ub-2JuVRyD6zp3ltrH68QlNHiPSdC20aTq-OyvOhr8/s200/IMG_8682.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I have never cooked oatmeal in a crockpot, but I am now a convert! I loved waking up to a warm, filling breakfast without having to mess and fuss first thing in the morning. And the creamy texture was the perfect consistency. The recipe first appeared on the website, <a href="http://www.peanutbutterandpeppers.com/2013/10/14/pumpkin-oatmeal-in-a-crockpot-crocktoberfest2013/">Peanut Butter and Peppers</a>, and it is most assuredly a winner! I encourage any pumpkin devotee to add this to your fall recipe collection.<br />
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<a href="http://www.peanutbutterandpeppers.com/2013/10/14/pumpkin-oatmeal-in-a-crockpot-crocktoberfest2013/"><b>Pumpkin Oatmeal in a Crockpot</b></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Ingredients</span></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 cup steel-cut oats</li>
<li>1 cup pumpkin puree</li>
<li>3 cups water</li>
<li>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (I used a rounded measurement)</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (again, I used a rounded measurement)</li>
<li>1 teaspoon stevia, or to taste (I omitted)</li>
<li>1 pinch salt</li>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Directions</span></b></div>
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<ol>
<li>In a bowl that will fit inside your crockpot (this inner bowl makes clean-up a breeze and eliminates a crust forming on the top of the oatmeal)…. add all of the ingredients and stir to combine.</li>
<li>Place bowl in the crockpot and then fill the crockpot with enough water to come up half-way on the inner bowl. Set crockpot on low for 6-8 hours</li>
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When ready to serve, I added a bit of brown sugar in the bottom of the bowl, ladled in the oatmeal, sprinkled a few walnuts on top and then drizzled with a bit of maple syrup. The result was a rich, decadent and filling dish that will keep hunger at bay all morning.</div>
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There are plenty of leftovers that I anticipate will make a quick microwave warm-up for easy breakfasts the rest of the week. Mmmmm…. quite satisfying….</div>
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Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08414201637917215413noreply@blogger.com2