The WOOFers, Mary (Milkbone) and Diana (d.d. dawg) have stopped by this weekend on their 2010 WOOF Blog Tour to promote reading for all ages. Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the newly released download, “Accentuate The Pawsitive.”
I’m pleased to report this WOOFer’s reaction to learning her granddaughter read Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. I did not go to that all-too-familiar place of feeling like a dinosaur. Instead, I was overwhelmed with excitement that she’d discovered Holden Caulfield.
I devoured the first-person narrative when I was about her age. I remember my daughter reading it when she too was around 15 or 16. A great age to be introduced to that icon of teenage rebellion while experiencing a master writer’s creative style.
As it turns out, my granddaughter inspired her mother to re-read the 1951 novel. My daughter related how she not only gained a new appreciation for the book, but more importantly, an opportunity to discuss its topics with her teenager.
So nothing would do but that I trek to the library and check out one of the worn copies lining the shelf, the one with the least amount of tape holding it together.
What a treat! How wonderfully the book has aged. It is truly timeless. The characters, the dialogue, the issues as relevant today as they were when the book was first published.
But the real joy of re-reading that book at this point in life has manifested in other ways:
• I appreciate that my granddaughter, my daughter and I shared the experience.
• I know I am still basically that same girl who first read those pages.
• I am grateful to authors who write books worth reading again and again.
• I am reminded that as we mature, we gain new insight and perspective.
Perhaps some books should be re-read every decade. Interestingly enough, I saw somewhere that a number of people feel guilty reading a book a second time. They say they feel like they’re wasting time. They believe they should always be reading something new. Exploring the unknown!
Well, I would argue I was exploring the unknown. I’d never read The Catcher in the Rye with +2.50 readers. I’d never read the classic after becoming a mother or being divorced or losing both of my parents.
And a waste of time? Did I mention the discussion with my “girls”?
So, if there is still anyone out there who thinks a re-read is frittering away precious hours, well, you can just give me back my hunting hat!
What are you reading now? In addition to WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty, that is. Leave a comment here and enter a drawing for “Accentuate the Pawsitive,” a WOOFers guide to realigning your life!
“Mind spinning? Mood Swinging? Middle sagging? Get used to it! When you reach 50, shift happens. But, you’re not alone. WOOFers to the rescue!”
Diana aka – d.d. dawg
______________________
WOOF – Women Over Fifty – “Hilarious! Made me laugh out loud!” Blog Critics – Reviewed by Mayra Calvani
Like to laugh? You’ll discover more funny women stories, limericks and poems when you…
Buy WOOF – Women Over Fifty – Amazon
Buy WOOF – Women Over Fifty at Echelon Press
Check out the rest of the WOOFers Blog Tour!
WOOFers Club
WOOFers Club Blog
______________________
Mary Cunningham is author of the award-winning, four-book ‘tween fantasy/mystery series Cynthia’s Attic (Quake) and two short stories Ghost Light, Christmas with Daisy, a Cynthia’s Attic Christmas story, and is co-author of WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty (Echelon Press). A member of the Georgia Reading Association and the Carrollton Creative Writers Club, she lives in the mountains of west Georgia.
Diana Black is the third author of the humor book WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty (Echelon Press). A published songwriter and cartoonist, her professional work also includes illustrating children’s books as well as graphic and cover design. Her project, Wendel Wordsworth: No Words for Wendel, a picture book, song and educational materials, is designed to encourage young readers. Black is a member of the SCBWI (Southern Breeze Chapter) and the Carrollton Creative Writers Club.
The Good Old Days
/in Uncategorized/by The Stiletto GangDana Cameron pointed out the good old days weren’t always that good. However, my memories of the ’50s which is a period that’s often mentioned as good old days, were for the most part just that.
This photo was taken in 1958, not exactly sure when though the baby in my arms was born at the end of 1957 and he only looks a few months old. The handsome fellow next to me of course is the one I always refer to as hubby, and the two girls are now grandmothers.
We were standing in my parents’ front yard in Los Angeles where I grew up.
At the time, hubby was in the Seabees (he made a career of it and did three tours in Vietnam) and we lived in Oxnard near the Seabee base.
Most of my memories of this time period are wonderful. Not all of course, it wasn’t easy raising kids sometimes alone when hubby was overseas. I was fortunate in having supportive parents and grandparents who didn’t live all that far away.
The baby in my arms was our first son and hubby was really proud of him. Unfortunately Mark died of cancer when he was in his early forties. We both feel blessed we had him in our lives for that long. He was a fun kid and grew into a remarkable man. He was always happy with whatever he had–which never was a lot. He never envied anyone. As a kid he had all sorts of jobs: dishwasher in restaurants, fileting fish on a fishing boat, janitor at the Navy base. As an adult, he worked as a janitor in two different hospitals, a gardener at a golf course, a bus driver for a camp for developmentally disabled children and adults, was an instructor at a sheltered workshop, ran a forklift at a Wal-Mart Distribution Center, and his last job was in a box factory. He helped raise his second wife’s three children and dearly loved his two grandchildren.
I didn’t mean to spend so much time talking about Mark, but talking about the good old days made me remember a lot about him.
Going back to the photo–I can see that hubby and I seriously need to go on a diet. Back in those days we could eat and drink what we wanted and still stayed skinny–may have had something to do with taking care of those kids. We had two more after that picture was taken, another girl and a boy.
Yes, I have fond memories of the good old days. And now you know I’m really as old as I’ve been saying.
Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com/
Sherlock Who?
/in Uncategorized/by The Stiletto GangI think it’s a generational thing. ***Spoiler Alert*** for books and movie.
We walked out of the movie theater: husband and wife of a certain middle age; son and daughter, young adults. The movie? Sherlock Holmes. The reviews? Nothing short of fantastic, according to the younger set.
For us older folks, it was a perfectly fine movie. Entertaining, beautifully shot, incredible costumes, and zero relationship to the books by Arthur Conan Doyle. Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law are terrific actors – but bear almost no resemblance to the Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson that I know.
I confess that I have special feelings about the Holmes books. It was probably the first mystery series I ever read – eagerly returning to the library to get another book as soon as I had finished the one I had in hand. Doyle taught me two things that have affected my writing. First, it never crossed my mind that an author could kill off his protagonist – but that is exactly what Doyle does in “The Final Problem.” I still love his mother’s reaction when Doyle informs her, “I think of slaying Holmes…and winding him up for good and all. He takes my mind from better things.” His Mom points out (and let’s hear it for Mom’s intuition), “You may do what you deem fit, but the crowds will not take this lightheartedly.” And guess what, Mom was right.
Which taught me the second important lesson – well maybe third, since learning that Moms are usually right is a point I often try to make with my own kids. But as to writing, under pressure from the public, Doyle brings Holmes back to life in “The Adventure of the Empty House,” and I discovered that an author creates and controls the fate of her characters. You may have some unhappy readers – you might even lose some of them – but as the author, it’s up to you.
But back to Sherlock Holmes, the movie. It’s been said that Holmes as portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr. has become an action hero, a romantic leading man. It’s not that Doyle doesn’t make reference to Holmes’ knowledge of the martial arts – but that’s not the focus of the novels. It’s his deductive powers that always resolve the mystery. Maybe having an actor who is good looking and in good physical shape made it an easy decision to have Holmes in one fight scene after another – preferably without his shirt. And the scene of nude Holmes, handcuffed to a bed and a pillow strategically covering his private parts is funny – and gratuitous.
Which leads me to Irene Adler, the romantic heroine for Mr. Holmes, played nicely by Rachel McAdams. But let’s put Irene Adler in perspective. In the Doyle books, she appears but once, in “A Scandal in Bohemia,” although she is mentioned in other stories. There’s no question that Doyle makes clear that Irene Adler is smart, a fitting intellectual foil for Holmes, but Ritchie puts the emphasis on the unfulfilled romantic longing between these two characters – and that’s a plot invention of the director’s imagination, not Doyle’s.
Maybe it doesn’t matter that Ritchie has essentially taken a well-known character and morphed him into someone that fits today’s movie standards. I don’t miss the deerstalker hat, but I do miss the concept that being smart is as valuable as being good-looking or an outstanding fighter. But maybe, a movie of watching someone think wouldn’t draw in the crowds? Instead, for me, one of my new year’s resolutions is to reread the original Sherlock Holmes books. Cheers to Mr. Ritchie for producing a pleasant afternoon’s interlude. Bravo to Mr. Doyle for creating characters that have lasted for generations.
Marian aka The Northern half of Evelyn David
Boning Up On Books
/in Uncategorized/by The Stiletto GangI’m pleased to report this WOOFer’s reaction to learning her granddaughter read Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. I did not go to that all-too-familiar place of feeling like a dinosaur. Instead, I was overwhelmed with excitement that she’d discovered Holden Caulfield.
I devoured the first-person narrative when I was about her age. I remember my daughter reading it when she too was around 15 or 16. A great age to be introduced to that icon of teenage rebellion while experiencing a master writer’s creative style.
As it turns out, my granddaughter inspired her mother to re-read the 1951 novel. My daughter related how she not only gained a new appreciation for the book, but more importantly, an opportunity to discuss its topics with her teenager.
So nothing would do but that I trek to the library and check out one of the worn copies lining the shelf, the one with the least amount of tape holding it together.
What a treat! How wonderfully the book has aged. It is truly timeless. The characters, the dialogue, the issues as relevant today as they were when the book was first published.
But the real joy of re-reading that book at this point in life has manifested in other ways:
• I appreciate that my granddaughter, my daughter and I shared the experience.
• I know I am still basically that same girl who first read those pages.
• I am grateful to authors who write books worth reading again and again.
• I am reminded that as we mature, we gain new insight and perspective.
Perhaps some books should be re-read every decade. Interestingly enough, I saw somewhere that a number of people feel guilty reading a book a second time. They say they feel like they’re wasting time. They believe they should always be reading something new. Exploring the unknown!
Well, I would argue I was exploring the unknown. I’d never read The Catcher in the Rye with +2.50 readers. I’d never read the classic after becoming a mother or being divorced or losing both of my parents.
And a waste of time? Did I mention the discussion with my “girls”?
So, if there is still anyone out there who thinks a re-read is frittering away precious hours, well, you can just give me back my hunting hat!
“Mind spinning? Mood Swinging? Middle sagging? Get used to it! When you reach 50, shift happens. But, you’re not alone. WOOFers to the rescue!”
Diana aka – d.d. dawg
______________________
Like to laugh? You’ll discover more funny women stories, limericks and poems when you…
Check out the rest of the WOOFers Blog Tour!
WOOFers Club
WOOFers Club Blog
______________________
Mary Cunningham is author of the award-winning, four-book ‘tween fantasy/mystery series Cynthia’s Attic (Quake) and two short stories Ghost Light, Christmas with Daisy, a Cynthia’s Attic Christmas story, and is co-author of WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty (Echelon Press). A member of the Georgia Reading Association and the Carrollton Creative Writers Club, she lives in the mountains of west Georgia.
Diana Black is the third author of the humor book WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty (Echelon Press). A published songwriter and cartoonist, her professional work also includes illustrating children’s books as well as graphic and cover design. Her project, Wendel Wordsworth: No Words for Wendel, a picture book, song and educational materials, is designed to encourage young readers. Black is a member of the SCBWI (Southern Breeze Chapter) and the Carrollton Creative Writers Club.
The Bad Old Days
/in Uncategorized/by Stiletto GangIn between gatherings with family and friends, we spent the end of this holiday season as we traditionally do: flaked out on the couch, eating too many chocolate shortbread cookies and drinking just enough whiskey, while watching whole seasons of serial drama. Last year, Rome was the focus of this marathon. This year, it was Deadwood, The Sopranos, and Mad Men. Criminal behavior set in the past (even seen through flashbacks) makes for a fine time, even if it meant our new shelter kittens Kaylee and Zoë learned some exceedingly bad language.
One of my most memorable moments as an archaeologist was the day I was working on a 17th-century house site. The guides would lead groups of visitors past, and usually they’d ignore me, pretending perhaps I was an over-sized and grubby garden gnome. Or maybe a vole. On this particular day, a woman gazed at me dreamily and said, “Wouldn’t you love to have lived back then?”
My first instinct was to say, “Lady, are you kidding me? Potential attacks from pirates, Europeans, andIndians? Rampant epidemics battled with medieval medicine? Limited legal rights for women? And that’s before you consider what this waterfront would have smelled like back then. Alex, I’ll take the category “Things That Make A Seagull Retch” for $100, please. Rotting fish, garbage dumped outside, oil lamps, and privies? I think not. Give me indoor plumbing, electricity on demand, and antibiotics any day.”
Being a well-behaved garden gnome, I said, “The past is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.”
Apparently, that was not concession enough; she looked disappointed. She clearly believed the good old days were better than these, that big skirts + petticoats + horse-drawn carriages = fine manners, crossed legs, and decency. To quote the Bart: Au contraire, mon frere. Do some spelunking through the court records of the era, and you’ll see what I mean. Better yet, check out The Naked Quaker. This splendidly fun book runs down some of the highlights of 17th-century New England police blotter: violent fisticuffs in church, highwaymen, sex scandals, theft, cheating, witchcraft. I mean, it might as well be an episode of Maury.
The story coming out in April is part of the MWA anthology Crimes by Moonlight. “Swing Shift” features elements from my “Fangborn” world. It’s also set in historic Boston, but this 1940s Boston is full of vampires and werewolves, as well as Nazi spies, jazz, and nascent computer technology. Greed, crime, and secrets are as old as humankind.
The bad old days are familiar to mystery readers. From Didius Falco to Benjamin Weaver to Amelia Peabody to Paddy Meehan—who are your favorite historical detectives?
(Thanks to Maggie Barbieri and the Stiletto Gang for inviting me!)
Dana Cameron
www.danacameron.com
Up in the Air, It’s Complicated
/in Uncategorized/by Stiletto GangIn keeping with my New Year’s resolutions in which I vowed to view more movies in the movie theater because that’s what Jim—aka best hubby ever—likes to do, we went to see “Up in the Air” this past Saturday. George Clooney stars, along with Vera Farmiga—who who did admit to having a body double for the nude scene and forever cemented herself as a new favorite actress in my mind—and spunky kind-of newcomer Anna somebody or other, who didn’t look old enough to get into an R-rated movie never mind act in one. I found the entire story line—man travels the country firing people—to be extremely depressing and in the third act, when the man finds redemption or something resembling it, I found myself not rooting for the man but wondering what had happened to all of those loyal, dedicated people that he had fired. People who had lamented that they would need to vacate their homes, use less heating oil, and go on food stamps, all in the name of a company’s “downsizing.” All of this was made more poignant because the people who were fired in the film were real people, not actors. And that made the viewing of this movie all the more depressing and sobering.
And now I am reminded of why I hardly ever go to the movies, and when I do, shy away from the “important” and “star-making” ones like “Up in the Air.” Because they are just too damn depressing.
As we exited the movies, I implored Jim that we see “It’s Complicated” next weekend. Because you know what? It doesn’t sound complicated at all. Middle-aged women has two sexy men vying for her affection. Sounds like it’s right up my alley. Sure, I’ve got the middle-aged deli guy at the local gourmet store who smiles at me when I go in, but two middle-aged deli guys? That’s something a gal can only dream about.
But as I was pondering when we would go see “It’s Complicated,” I came across a small blurb in one of my favorite magazines, which touted the movie as “feminine middle-aged porn.” Really? So this is what an enjoyable movie made for my demographic is described as? “Middle-aged porn”? It’s a popular movie, starring the wonderful, sexy, and gorgeous Meryl Streep and now we’re supposed to feel bad because we buy into the story that two men could be interested in her? Or that she lives in a gorgeous house that is almost a character in the movie, so well-appointed and decorated it is? That was described as “architecture porn.” Seriously, people, enough with the “porn” references. If it isn’t porn, well, it just isn’t porn. Don’t try to be clever.
Anyway, we’ll go to see it and I’ll let you know what I think. There are so few movies made for women like me—basically, women who are not seventeen yet want to be entertained—that I’m looking forward to it. Have movie makers not figured out yet that it is we women, the middle-aged ones, who have the money? Because if they did, we’d be seeing a lot more movies in which women like Meryl Streep, and Helen Mirren, Joan Allen, and Vanessa Redgrave, and a host of other gorgeous women over thirty are given interesting and compelling storylines that may or may not involve pursuit by the opposite sex. Or their own sex. I don’t care which. Just stop showing women being mean to each other, or not supporting each other. We don’t want to see that because although movie makers think that this is what goes on in everyday life, it’s just not the case.
Just look at the Stiletto Gang. One for all and all for one.
Maggie Barbieri
Looking Forward to 2010
/in Uncategorized/by The Stiletto GangI’ve been reading everyone’s resolutions with interest–some have long, long lists filled with self-improvement ideas, other write about hoped for achievements in the coming year, even a few include what they’d like to see happen on a more global aspect.
Frankly, I don’t write resolutions because to put them down on paper would mean I’d be overcome with guilt when I didn’t do them. Instead, I’m just going to try to do what I know I need to do.
First, because I write two series, I know I must hunker down in front of the computer and get my imagination fired up and put myself inside the world of Deputy Tempe Crabtree and make sure she has some intriguing mystery to solve along with a great deal of adventure. (That’s the book I’m working on now.)
My latest Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel will be coming out sometime soon and I’ll need to plan a book launch, a virtual book tour and all the other things I do to promote both books.
A little more exercise wouldn’t hurt since I notice I’ve gotten a bit rounder after all the good holiday eating.
Spending time with my hubby and family is always a must–I don’t need to write a resolution to do that.
As far as what’s happening in the world, I know I don’t have any control over that–frankly, I don’t have any control over what happens in my family. I’ll pray for them both, that’s the best I can do.
For my fellow members of the Stiletto Gang and all those who read our blogs, I wish you the very best of 2010 and may all your dreams for the year come true.
Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com
One Little Step or Maybe One Big Shove
/in Uncategorized/by The Stiletto GangAny task that seems impossibly big, incredibly complicated, or too much to accomplish can usually be done with some thought or research, careful planning, and pressing ahead slowly, one step at a time.
You think I’m talking about writing a book? Right?
Well, yeah, that advice applies to writing but it also applies to just about everything else in life that you’re unfamiliar with doing: like putting together one of those “some assembly required” vacuum cleaners or bookshelves; hooking up a new DVR or sound system to your tv; installing new software; or adding additional memory to your computer. Often you can palm those tasks off on someone else. Usually a guy.
I’m just old enough to have been socialized to think that the males of our species are more competent at building things and putting mechanical or electronic things together than females. I’m just young enough to know it’s not the “Y” chromosome, but experience that really counts. Guys had more chances to do those things; while girls from a very early age were subtly told that they were good at other things. No one told me I couldn’t learn to use a table saw, but no one told me I could either. And of course there is a difference between not doing something because you can’t and not doing it because it’s difficult and you choose not to try.
When you have an older house and live alone, it’s vital that you develop some courage and learn to do some things for yourself – that’s if you don’t want to be constantly at the mercy of other people’s schedules. I’ve found that, outside of climbing on the roof (I have this fear of heights thing I can’t shake) or crawling under the house (I have this fear of spiders thing that I won’t shake), I can do most things if I take my time and do a little research. I’ve changed out the guts on my toilet several times. I’ve figured out how to seal a broken window in the middle of the night during a power outage in the middle of an ice storm. I’ve had to find the outside water cutoff when an old plumbing value in the kitchen gave way. And I can follow the vague and deliberately misleading instructions that come with anything requiring “some assembly.”
Okay, I admit it takes me about four times as long to affect a repair or put something together as it would my father and the results aren’t very neat, but I am getting faster and better the more I try. And I confess that I don’t enjoy doing any of those repairs or furniture construction projects, but it’s my suspicion that my father doesn’t really like doing any of those things either.
My latest project was moving out my old non-working television so I could replace it with a new flat screen television. Besides having to make a major purchase at Christmas, the problem was that I had an older 46 inch Sony Wega with a picture tube – it weighed about 200 pounds and was as deep as it was wide. Think baby elephant with a glass screen. My father had promised me when he and a neighbor struggled to move it into my house in the late 1990s, that he would not be moving it again. I took him at his word. It was up to me to get it out.
I knew if I could get it off its stand – about two feet high – I could put it on a dolly and move it. The trick was getting it to the floor without breaking anything – my bones and/or the wooden floor. It took me about a week to figure out a way. I used large sofa cushions piled next to the tv stand. Then I tipped the front heavy (unplugged) tv onto the cushions. Having the tv on the stack of cushions, allowed me to tilt and move the tv anyway I wanted.
I know – I’ve heard all my life that tvs were dangerous and you could get an electrical shock from something inside them, even unplugged. I couldn’t figure exactly what that “something” was, but I was properly fearful the entire time I was gutting it. (Note: Nothing happened but I should probably caution you not to repeat my actions, just in case.) As soon as I had removed enough to make the size more manageable I got “walked” it out the door, then wheeled it to the end of my carport. I’ll figure out what to do with the carcass another day.
Meanwhile I’m watching my new 46″ HD Samsung flat screen, wondering why I had to upgrade my cable in order to receive HD channels, and contemplating knocking out a wall between my kitchen and my dining room. I’m pretty sure I’ll need a sledgehammer. Anyone know an easy way to pinpoint something called a “bearing” wall? Just kidding. Well, maybe not.
Rhonda
Starting 2010 on the Right Foot (or the Left Foot, If You Walk That Way)
/in Uncategorized/by The Stiletto GangI’m not sure how 2010 got here so quickly, but it did. Sometimes I’m glad when a year’s over, and other times (like now) I wonder how 365 days could’ve zipped by in a couple of blinks. Regardless, I like the idea of getting a chance to start over, if you will. What better excuse to attempt self-improvement than making New Year’s resolutions? So I’m going to show you mine, and maybe you’ll show me yours.
Resolution #1: Banish negative thoughts and stop dwelling on ickiness from the past. I just read EAT, PRAY, LOVE, and that’s a huge theme running through the book. My goal this year is to keep scooping out the poopy stuff like used cat litter so I can better focus on the positive. Or as John Burroughs put it, “One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.” Amen.
Resolution #2: Pause before I speak (or email). Instead of reacting emotionally and immediately to everything, I need to step back and take a breath first. I’ve had a few chances to practice this recently, and I did a pretty good job. Maybe one of these days it’ll become second nature.
Resolution #3: Keep cheering on my friends and their triumphs because a victory for one is a victory for all. Really. The more good stuff that gets spread around, the better.
Resolution #4: Practice random acts of “just because,” like surprising someone with a thoughtful note or kind word when they least expect it.
Resolution #5: Be self-disciplined enough to exercise regularly and eat good things because my body deserves it. How can we care for those around us if we don’t take care of ourselves?
Resolution #6: Enjoy the moment. I am famous for looking too far into the future and worrying about things that haven’t happened yet (although I’m not as bad as I used to be). If I stop and smell the roses more, I’ll spend less money on Tums.
Resolution #7: Forgive myself for bad judgment and recognize that everyone I’ve met who’s had an impact on my life, good or bad, has helped me to make a choice and/or learn a lesson and/or realize what I truly want/need/love. Stepping in doo-doo sometimes reminds us of how unpleasant it is to have stinky shoes. So next time, we’re a little more careful of where we walk. (If Confucius didn’t say that, he must’ve thought it.)
Resolution #8: Continue to test myself as a writer, tackling projects that once seemed terrifying and out of reach. Every time I survive something crappy or write something I never imagined I could write, I understand better how anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Resolution #9: Read as much as humanly possible in a variety of genres. Reading, like exercise, is something I’ve been carving out more time for. I love when I find stories that not only entertain me, but inspire me. Like, Garth Stein’s heartfelt THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN, Sarah Addison Allen’s magical GARDEN SPELLS, Kate Morton’s meaty multi-layered THE HOUSE AT RIVERTON, and Elizabeth Gilbert’s engagingly soul-baring EAT, PRAY, LOVE. I so agree with Thomas Jefferson’s remark that “I cannot live without books.”
A-hem. (Lifting a virtual glass.) Here’s my toast to everyone as we enter 2010: May we always strive to be the best we can be and forgive ourselves when we stumble now and then; may we never be too busy to appreciate the sweetness of a kind word or a held hand; and may we never run out of wonderful books to read so that our minds can explore new people and places without having to pack a bag or leave the house. Cheers!
Misa
/in Uncategorized/by The Stiletto GangIn a world obsessed with Social Networking, I thought I’d make my post Twitter friendly today (since everyone’s busy, busy, busy with New Year’s Eve festivities!). Here’s my life in 2009 in a nutshell, twitter-style.
http://twitter.com/misaramirez
*”Sadly, future as an Olympic Walker is not to be. Knee surgery and NO MORE WALKING FOR EXERCISE sealed the deal. What am I going to do?!”
*”Book 2 in the Lola Cruz Mystery Series comes on Feb 2, 2010! Other books being shopped now. Articles coming out. More info on developing writing career @ http://misaramirez.com. Working on Bare Naked Lola now. Fun!”
*Favorite books of the year: “The Help; The Sugar Queen; Outliers. Too many to choose just one!”
*Favorite movie of the year: “I think it will be Nine or Sherlock Holmes. Also loved Gran Torino. Great Hero’s Journey. I admit, I really liked Avatar, too, though I’m not a Sci-Fi girl. Want to see Nine.”
*”Am teaching again with SMU’s Continuing Ed Writing Program. Don’t like the commute to Dallas, but love teaching.”
*”I’ve learned to stand up for what I believe. It’s not always easy, but it’s a good thing. I’m too old (43) and opinionated to turn a blind eye.”
*”Favorite mystery: The Thirteenth Tale. I think it came out the year before, but I’m always slow on the uptake with trends and what’s H.O.T.”
*”Hopes for 2010…BOOK DEAL for Quiz Girl, Sister Charms, and continuing the Lola Cruz Mystery Series.”
*”For family and self…health and happiness. Can’t ask for more than that!”
How about you? Anything stick out about your year, twitter-style? Favorite mystery book? Favorite book? Things you’re looking to change for 2010?
Happy New Year!
~Misa
New Year’s Resolutions, Part Deux
/in Uncategorized/by Stiletto GangEvelyn David’s post on Monday got me thinking about what I will resolve to do this coming year. I think it is an exceptionally good idea to take stock at the end of every year and vow to accomplish one or two good things in the coming year, even though I also know that most New Year’s resolutions are broken by the middle of February. There have been a few years where I have vowed not to make New Year’s resolutions and have stayed true to my word for the entire year, but this year is different. So, for all to see, this is what I promise to do:
1. Lose that 15 pounds. Thanks to a wonky thyroid that ceased working around May of this year, I have packed on quite a bit of poundage that no dieting has helped to erase. Your thyroid can go one of two ways: hypo, in which your metabolism slows to a snail’s pace, and hyper, in which it runs at the speed of a hummingbird’s wing. I, unfortunately, fall into the former category and had felt sluggish, lethargic, and slowed down. Way down. But all that changed when I found the delightful and brilliant mystery-loving Dr. K., who diagnosed and fixed the problem in a relatively short period of time. Things are stabilized and now I can focus on getting this rather doughy body back into fighting shape. Or at least the best shape one can be after several different types of cancer treatment have been administered and the dreaded middle age has set in. Check back for frequent updates on my progress. I’m looking to you to hold me accountable. And I promise not to turn on you. Maybe.
2. Focus on the positive. We’re going with only happy thoughts in ’10. Well, we’re going to do our best. I figure I have to take the advice I always give my kids: it takes far less energy to be positive than negative. And at my age, we need all the energy we can get.
3. Write more, procrastinate less. I learned a valuable lesson from Rachel Brady, fellow stiletto wearer, at Crime Bake this past November. Rachel participated in NanoWrimo, an exercise in which you write 50,000 words—any words will do—in the month of November. December is for revision. I figure if I can set a goal for myself of writing a certain number of words every week, regardless of whether they make sense or advance the story, I’ll be in good shape. October through December will be for revision, and by that time, hopefully, I’ll have what amounts to a reasonable first draft of book 6 in the Murder 101 series.
4. Avoid the United States Post Office at all costs. See #2 above.
5. See more movies. My husband loves movies. Me? Not so much. You see, you can’t talk during the movies and one of my favorite activities is talking. But in honor of the greatest man/husband/father who has ever lived, we’re going to do more of what he likes and less of what I like. Which is talking. Did I mention that I like to talk?
6. Laugh more, fret less. See #2 above.
What have you resolved, Stiletto faithful?
Maggie Barbieri