SIWC - decision made. FEATHERS - great writing stuff.

The Master Class options for the upcoming SIWC are impressive.

There are two awesome choices in the time frame that fits my schedule.

It’s been a while now since my superpower (of being in two places at the same time) stopped working so, like you mere mortals, I was forced to choose.

Choose I did.

I chose door number two - the class given by Donald Maass, titled The Emotional Craft of Fiction. 

I was leaning toward the class given by Sean Cranbury, on Owning Your Online Space. I had the pleasure of having coffee with him the other day and, given he resides in my fair city, I felt I could book subsequent time (at a fee of course) for some one-on-one time to address how best to use social media (his specialty).

He’s also giving other classes, at the SIWC, which I will be checking out.

So, you see, since Sean Cranbury is readily available for consultation here, close to home, whereas Donald Maass is located in New York - just a bit out of the way - my choice, thought difficult, was based on geography. 

My final decision was further based on my immediate interest in all things emotional - namely the current state of emotional unrest my characters are experiencing - they've requested I seek immediate help. Some characters are so pushy.

Decision made!

✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻

I was out on a run the other day. I ran into a cemetery and found all the makings of a great story. 

So… I ran with it!  Oh gosh… it’s getting late and I’m running into a brick wall (aka writer’s block) - or maybe falling headlong into a freshly dug grave.

Have you ever seen feathers after a bird fight… here, look at these.

You know the drill, if you click on the photos they will get bigger… wow!  Really!

From a distance, as I entered the cemetery - I thought it was the remains of a small fire.

Up close, look at the feathers, the way they are thrown into the ground… weird.

See the crow - he circled me, like I was some kind of prey… (fool)

Just as I was leaving the cemetery, this caught my eye - truly beautiful… but still eerie!
It looks like a book, right, but it was a solid object.
Click on it to read the verse - it's touching.

Here are a few extra photos I took on my run… one always needs to balance the weird with the normal… right?

While having a coffee I thought my new runners deserved a little attention!
Now they are immortalized… 

Where do you find material for your writing - deep within the recesses of your mind, or out in that oasis called reality?

Cheers, Jenny

SIWC - it’s all about CREATIVITY and ABUSING TWITTER.

I’ve decided to abuse* Twitter - okay, maybe that’s way too strong of a word. So… how does “utilize” sound - so utilitarian, but hey, anything to not look like the abuser I am!  :P  *make excessive and habitual use of (according to Mac’s Dictionary)

I am taking advantage of my creative juices, that are freely flowing thanks to Brenda Ueland’s book, If You Want To Write, whereby I am not thinking (easier than I thought) just typing what comes to mind.

My copy - but you can get yours HERE.

Back on May 26th, in light of discovering the SIWC twitter site, I tweeted this:

Johnny asked, “How many more sleeps till Christmas, mommy?” Mommy smiled, “153 dear, just 153!” #siwc14 My gift to me.

When I got a reply from the SIWC Board I thought, “Hmmm, let’s play with this a little.”

And so it went…  

I found Johnny and Mommy taking on a life of their own through my tweets. It got me thinking how much fun it would be, given this is a Writers’ Conference’s twitter feed, to use (or abuse) Twitter shamelessly and write a story, in 140 character bits, as a way of partaking in the world of social media. 

If you want to see the story unfold… it’s HERE!

Given my love of social media (if you know me well, you’ll see I’ve lodged my tongue in my left cheek as I type this) I figured, hey, what the heck, give it a whirl - really, what can happen? I might even get a few extra followers to keep my stalwart 37 in good company. 

In fact, I’ve been toying with attending a Master Class, at the SIWC, given by Sean Cranbury on Owning Your Online Space. Talk about a lot of links...

I imagine he will be supportive of my using (or abusing - see earlier definition) Twitter in this shameless fashion. If not… oh well, can’t fault me for finding the teats and milking them on the old Twitter cow, now can you.

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On to the conference… which can be found at SIWC.ca

I have decided to book myself into the conference hotel, up on the Club floor no less - really, go big or stay at home. 

Staying at home was not an option as I plan on consuming the occasional adult beverage (it’ll be noon at some point throughout the day) - and driving would not fit that plan. (I might borrow Drake’s costume if I go the route of imbibing too much. If you read comments you’ll get the reference if not - you know; you snooze, you lose.)

I’m springing for the whole enchilada - not just one of those taco things - no siree - I’m going for the beans and the beef! 

In other words, for you that don’t get my humour (so sad, isn’t it - you not getting it) I treated myself to the 3-Day full conference package - listed as the best value. I’m all about the best… value!

Now, if you’ve made it this far, and actually read most of it, Tex would say I’ve done something right in the layout, colour choice, picture selection etc… ‘cause she knows all about this stuff.

Now, back to some spontaneous writing… oh wait, that’s what this was… silly me!

I think I’ll lace up my new runners and head outside - sunny and warm, with a little breeze - just how I like it!

Cheers, Jenny

Well, how are you in the social media department - twitter much?

Or is Facebook your bent?

SIWC - cute picture - EPIC BLOGGER - your blog's status!

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho it’s home from work I go…

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All right.

Seems like HAPPY is joining me this evening!

Why?

Because I’ve signed on for the SIWC. In October I’ll be rubbing shoulders with fellow writers, published authors, agents and publishers.

The last time I attended the SIWC was back in 2006 - and, dare I say, it was epic. (yes, yes… gotta love epic!)

SIWC has been around a long time - this LINK will take you to their ‘History’ page if you’re inclined to want a little more meat on this bare bone. Suffice it to say it’s year 22 and they are still going strong.

If you want to see what I've been doing to help promote the SIWC check THIS out.

But, there’s more to the Why?

Happiness is:

I’ve had the pleasure of reading a blog out here for over four years; a blog that runs the writing gambit from posts on gardening (which are colourful and educational); to posts with snippets of works in progress; to posts bearing the tragic tales of life’s cruel and unforgiving hand.

The blog I speak of recently reached the 500 post milestone and is still as entertaining and full of great writing as it was back when I started reading it.

I am pleased to call the writer of this blog my friend and writing buddy. His compassionate, kind words have bolstered my spirits, as of late, as I journey uncharted roads. He is epic - in every sense of the word.

He is also embarking on a journey, a writing adventure, on which he has posted his thoughts HERE, eloquently and as he often does, in a short story to set the stage. Worth taking a moment to pay him a visit, you'll be glad you did. 

I give you

BUSHMAN 

the creative force behind

The High Cost of this Low Living 

blog. 

Thanks to Bushman I have not given up completely on my blog and have found the passion deep within me to fire it up again and continue what I started. 

There is no mistaking the journey I am now on is a different one, filled with a reality that is disconcerting yet, in its own way, enlightening. In the midst of my hurricane lives the calm eye, it is in this calm I presently find myself taking up residence. 

For how long? 

All we ever have is today so it is a pointless question. Not worth the asking, not worth searching the endless tomorrows for answers that may never come.  

I will be here, now and then, mostly then… as for now I am busy dancing on my keypads with wily fingers itching to tell a tale of long ago and far away… in the world of dreams, and nightmares, where I have know the cast of many that make up the uncharted realm of my mind.

Well… it’s off to sleep I go… Heigh, Ho!   Maybe what I really need is a map-maker!

Cheers, Jenny

Have you ever attended a writers’ conference? Share the details - any suggestions - any insights?

Footnote: A special thanks goes out to Tex, over at the The Tex Files, for inspiring this post with her own witty and extremely informative (giggle) post on the topic of “10 Reasons Your Blog Sucks”. A must read for every blogger! Thanks Tex. 

Back, but only barely… just in time for Father’s Day.

Monday found me sporting a little circular bandage after, yet again, more blood work. I’ve turned into a human pincushion and I’m not liking it one little bit - though the actual poking and extracting blood is not bothersome in the least; it’s the fact that it needs to be done at all that’s annoying.

After my weekly light banter with the guy that does the poking, and after holding the little circular bandage for two minutes (he insists), I was outta there and a free woman for another day or two. 

This little heart was blowing gently in the wind, outside the medical building.
It paused long enough for me to capture it on film.
Everyone needs a little heart now and then.

My route home takes me in the general vicinity of my dad’s place and given this is Father’s Day month I thought I’d snag him early and take him for lunch. He was willing, and still pretty able, so off we went down to the beach. 

It was epic (yes, yes, Bushman… I know, I do overuse epic) but it truly was - and I really enjoyed some quality time with my dad.

Here are photos of our outing… 

Taken from the bench we sat on while enjoying a tasty grilled hot dog!
This is English Bay!

The Sylvia Hotel - a heritage building from 1912

We ended up at Seasons in the Park Restaurant (a favourite of mine), up at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park, for coffee and dessert - the last photo was taken from there. 

All in all, a spectacular day… well, after the poking!

Thanks for dropping in and taking a visual walk with Dad and me. 

Cheers, Jenny

Modified June 4/14

PS - I’ve done some house cleaning around this place, thinned out some old - making room for some new. I love sharing photos and have decided when the mood moves me I’ll pop in and leave a few treasures behind. Enjoy!

And you thought the ocean was dangerous… read on Lizzy, read on...

Sunday evening my daughter and I went swimming at the Canada Games Pool in New Westminster.

It’s a great pool - it has two moving bulkheads so the lane lengths can change according to the needs of swimmers/events.

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Last September the pool got a much needed paint job… and this is where the story takes a dive.

Those of you following me for a while may recall that I have a mermaid for a daughter. 

Part of the fun of swimming with a mermaid is donning my flippers and pretending to be one too. I will swim for as long as I can on one breath with my body inches from the floor of the pool.

As a runner I have lately been working on lung expansion exercises and was eager to see if I could swim the length of the pool without coming up for air. (can you see where I’m going with this)

Okay, so, my lovely mermaid daughter was out in front and since Courtney was using her mono fin there were bubbles in my vision - what I didn’t see was the bulkhead which I was approaching at a fast speed with my hands by my side (using only leg power for this kind of swim) and just like that I went face first into the bulkhead.

OUCH TO THE TENTH POWER.

My daughter, who witnessed this, as she tried to reach out and grab me before impact, was mortified. 

You would think I was blind, right, but here’s the thing, the bulkhead and the pool are both white - I am swimming low to the ground all I see in front of me is water, bubbles and white - there is a large gap under the bulkhead as I am swimming toward the deep end - I don’t see the bulkhead because it is blending in with everything around it. Water is moving freely under it -  and… I’m wearing goggles to boot so it’s not like I’m swimming with my eyes closed.

WHO THE F*&% THOUGHT OF PAINTING THE BULKHEAD THE SAME COLOUR AS THE POOL - F*&% - F*&% - F*&%

MY FACE IS A MESS… NO, I'M NOT UPSET - WHAT WOULD EVER GIVE YOU THAT IDEA! 

Anyway… the paramedics arrived followed by the ambulance and about five hours in Royal Columbian Hospital.

Having had a pretty good concussion last year I was given a CAT scan to make sure my brain was okay - hmmm, that in itself was interesting - but verify I still have a brain isn’t a bad thing, eh!

I was sent home where I went to my daughter’s place to be resurrected by some wickedly good chicken soup that her man, Eric, had made hours earlier.

The kids looked after me real well and with the help of the hospital administered Gravol and Tylenol I made a go of getting some sleep.

Here’s the thing - after two horrific car accidents it's this accident which is causing me no end of nightmares. Every time I close my eyes I am swimming, full speed, into a brick wall with my bare face - yikes, once was enough thank you very much.

Seems I did okay the first night because the Gravol made me drowsy. Since I’m not a person that struggles with falling asleep I’ve not had to rely on “help” in that department. Trying to get some shut eye proved more difficult last night as I don't stock Gravol at home - note to self… pick some up!!

And typing this - I’ve done it in fits and starts - but thought it might be of interest to read what happens when common sense is not prevailed upon when painting these bulkheads.

Source

A simple bright red line, about six inches high, running the width of the bulkhead’s base would have prevented this accident from happening. 

Source

It is negligent on the part of the pool administration that this type of accident should even have the potential to happen.

All bulkheads which are regularly repositioned where they DO NOT come in contact with the floor of the pool SHOULD be painted with a bright colour to be visible to all swimmers.

You see, I’ve swam at this pool many a time - and I get it - I know you might think, well, shouldn’t she be aware of her surroundings - yes, I should - and I was.

I was swimming the length low to the ground and here’s where the problem lies - the bulkhead does not touch the ground as the floor at this point is sloping toward the deep end and there is a gap about a foot high so from my position all that was visible was water. 

Had a bright red line been painted at the base of the bulkhead it would have caught my eye - I was careening at full speed toward that exact area - only visually my senses couldn’t separate the wall from the rest of the pool because there was no wall that low to the floor -  get it! 

Well I sure did!! Smack in the face - my nose looks like I’ve been in the boxing arena for more than a few rounds. Yup - real pretty!!!! NOT!

So… where does this leave me…

ON A MISSION… besides healing my noggin, resting and recovering I will be doggedly pursuing a positive outcome from my encounter with this bulkhead!

I went looking to see who manufactures bulkheads and ended up on a website (where all these photos came from) and had the weirdest conversation with one of the owners. Actually, it begs some blogging time - and I will get to that later. 

I also googled FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) the International Swimming Federation and read their Facilities Rules and determined that there are no restrictions on having a bright red line painted around the bottom of a bulkhead. I will be emailing them about it nonetheless. 

Also, I’m in dialogue with the pool staff - just waiting to hear back from management. I was called today re “how I was doing” and indicated that while I will survive I am handling this like a dog with a juicy bone - not letting go until it’s done - to my satisfaction.

Well… I dare say you’d like to see my face now, eh…

Okay… I know, you’re going to say, “What’s all the fuss, it’s just a scrape”, right - well, it’s what you can’t see or feel - the pain of my eye sockets, front teeth and mostly my nose - I feel like someone's come at me with a bat. The skin around my eyes is starting to turn a greenish colour and while the swelling has come down my nose is too tender to touch. I'll be going to my family doctor for a follow up x-ray and check-up.

The worst part is I have a moderate concussion - more than the visual stuff it's what the brain goes through when it has had this kind of impact that makes this very scary.

The saving grace was getting ice on my face right away at the pool and then keeping it on while I was in the hospital; icing an injury really does make or break the impact bruising has on it.

Still - I guess it could have been worse… 

So… have you ever swam head first into anything - pool wall, dock, side of a boat… come on… fess up. (I won't tell anyone if you have)

----------------------------------------------------------

To end on a lighter note - I'd like to give a shout out to my friend, Botanist, and thank him for partaking in my January 1st questionnaire - which he answered over on his blog, Views From the Bald Patch. Drop by and give him a read - I find it interesting how he sees his year unfolding. 

Have you answered the questions? I answered them HERE.

Here they are just in case you missed them - feel free to copy and paste if you want to use them over at your place. If you do a post with them let me know and I'll link to it here on Pearson Report.

Did you accomplish what you had set out to do in 2013? 

Are you happy with your journey so far?

Will 2014 be “the year”? What does that even mean to you?

Did you make any resolutions? Have you made the same ones before?

Why is the first of January different than the first of any other month? Or is it?

And… last but not least…

If you could change one thing about “you” what would it be?

Cheers, Jenny

Questions answered… hmm… okay - these will do.

Me - hard at work, no hammer is too small!
No question is too difficult...

On January 1st I posed a few questions at the end of my post. I suggested that you might like to answer them yourself, and even throw them into a post…

Well, seems like my good buddy Bushman got with the program and did just that - thanks!

You can drop by and check out his answers (they are at the bottom of his great post, a worthy read) and then pop back here and see if I copied him!! 

Without further ado - here are the questions… and my titillating answers. (and can you just feel the grin on my face) 

Did you accomplish what you had set out to do in 2013? 

For the most part - yes! 

I had two objectives - one, renovate my house and the other, renovate me.

As to the house - it will occupy my thoughts again this year!

As to me - success! 

I set out to reshape my body and regain my youthful energy to which I am happy to report I have done just that. My objective for coming years is to maintain my efforts.

Are you happy with your journey so far?

I am! Really that sums it up.

But, for those wanting a bit more meat on the bone here’s the 411 - as my general countenance is “happy” no journey is ever less than that. 

Hence I am happy, journey or no journey.

Will 2014 be “the year”? What does that even mean to you?

2014 is just a number. Shockingly enough I’m in awe that I’ve made it to this number without being incarcerated much to complain about.

It means this is the number I’m living in, at present, so I’ll do my best to stay in it and not drift back into the past with wishful refections, nor look too longingly into the future at what may or may not come my way.

Did you make any resolutions? Have you made the same ones before?

No. 

(I love using “no” like that - all by itself, on a limb, just waiting for other words to come along and keep it company - alas it will shiver in the open - alone, but brave, and not needing to lock a door either - eh, Al)

Why is the first of January different than the first of any other month? Or is it?

I’m partial to the firsts of all months and will on occasion use one as a benchmark of sorts. 

Mostly, going rogue, I will randomly select a date, with the help of a dart and my calendar, and start something without rhyme nor reason in the middle of the month.

Now that’s living on the edge.

And… last but not least…

If you could change one thing about “you” what would it be?

If you only knew me personally - you’d understand this answer…

I’m as close to perfect as the gods could make me - therefore I cannot risk their wrath by ever entertaining the thought of tampering with near-perfection. It could backfire and then what… I’d be like… you know… like, average! 

YIKES - not in this lifetime!

And… if you’ve read this correctly you’ll understand that to me perfection lies in one’s ability to laugh. 

Those that can laugh at themselves, with others, and in the face of adversity are truly lucky and blessed for they get to grow old with happy lines etched on their faces.

What else could the gods be thinking when aiming for perfection…

Cheers, Jenny

So… yet another question coming your way… (this will be the year of “the questions” here at Pearson Report… must know, must know… all there is to know)

“Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone” - does this mean anything to you?  

Good Morning and Welcome to 2014!

Yes, we resolve to get as much sleep as possible!

I had a post all ready but at the tenth hour I pulled it, seemed all wrong in light of some sad news I received hours earlier.

I’ve had a quiet easing into this New Year - I went all out and purchased a book, Zoo, by James Patterson, to bring in 2014.

I made it halfway (it’s a page turner) and then the calls came - daughter and a few close friends wishing me a good one.

I tucked the book in my nightstand, headed to the bathroom for a final tinkle and as it was the start of a new day I stood on the scale (as I do every day) and smiled. Yes, 2013 had been a great year in the weight and health department!

I then crawled under the covers of my warm sheep-fleece comforter and said good-night to the universe - a nightly ritual.

I lay there, mind swirling with thoughts of the sadness that had engulfed me earlier, and wondered how people carry on after a devastating tragedy. 

Were these people even worrying about resolutions - I think not. No, they will be more grievously occupied - death has a way of doing that.

I thought of all the resolutions that were being made; lose weight, stop drinking, start exercising… the list goes on.

A few weeks into this shiny, squeaky-clean New Year and many will have fallen off the scale; the wagon; the treadmill and sunk deep into the pit of failure, shame and despair. 

All to what end?

In the meantime the year ticks on - January 1st loses its lustre as February 1st looms on the horizon with March 1st nipping close on its heels.

And so the months drift on.

We fall back into our “old” ways (of yesteryear) - eating the things we know aren’t good for us; pouring that extra drink when a long hot bath or leisurely walk would equally release the day’s stress; forgoing simple forms of exercise such as walking to the corner store, taking the stairs two flights instead of the elevator…

There’s always next year, the first day of another New Year, to try it all again.

So, here’s the thing…

We are all mere mortals, full of failings, shortcomings and flaws. Stop aiming for perfection… it is unobtainable. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Instead seek out a happy medium - find a good balance - be gentle on yourself if you don’t hit the mark the first time.

Remember, if you are desperate to start something on the ones - there are twelve first-of-the-month days - and then there are fifty-two first-of-the-week days - and if you really want to be different start a resolution on a random day and see how much fun that can be! (works beautifully for me)

Eventually you’ll toss the whole "first day of a New Year" aside for a good book, or a quiet night curled up with a loved one by the fire laughing at all those sillies out there stressing over a day that has no more significance than any of the other 364 that follow it.

Seriously… ask a person how important the first day of a New Year is when they are grieving over the loss of a loved one… and the only resolution they wished they had made was to say “I love you” a little more often, to hug a little longer, and show kindness daily.

Thank you for stopping in and letting me share my thoughts.

Cheers, Jenny

I would like to leave you with these questions - to ponder, and to answer, if you’d like, in one of your future posts; link it back here and I’ll make mention of it on my blog.

Did you accomplish what you had set out to do in 2013? 

Are you happy with your journey so far?

Will 2014 be “the year”? What does that even mean to you?

Did you make any resolutions? Have you made the same ones before?

Why is the first of January different than the first of any other month? Or is it?

And… last but not least…

If you could change one thing about “you” what would it be?

Look for my answers to these questions in an upcoming post...