Suburb Adventurer

Music for 7th and 8th of July

2011-07-10T10:36:00.006-06:00

currently listening to: T3's Anything for Youfrom: Paula's collection
So for the end of the week I listened off my Color Nook the 8 CDs I uploaded to it:
70's Groove Machine (disc 1)
Confessions- Usher
Hotter Dance
Labour of Love- UB40
Let's Get it: Thug Motivation 101- Young Jeezy
Soul Food
Wilson Philips-Wilson Phillips
The first part of the Thursday, I listened to the CDs on random. The Nook clearly took a clear liking to UB40's Red Red Wine, playing it 4 times with in a 3 hours time period. After talking to coworker Jen, I changed the listening by playing by CD so I would know what artist/song was actually playing.

Thoughts so far: for not really listening to rap before, I thought Young Jeezy was decent. There is background music in all the songs. Some of the genera's traits as in saying the raps name repeatedly and telling you what type of music you are listening to was funny to me since it seems as if you bought the CD and are listening shouldn't you know what type of music this is and who the artist is? The CD was the clean version and I didn't really like the hiccups of blocking out the bad words. I had a great time getting Paula to laugh at what I thought the lyrics are- which were probably more innocent than the real ones.
Here are some of my lyrics:

Vampire so white it hurts my eyezzzzzzz

sitting here now on a trap
I'm a bridal
I'm the soul survivor

They want to lock me up like an acorn

Oh I really loved the 'boom boom clap' in And Then What. Out of the CD I liked And Then What (probably because of the catchy snare drum sound) and My Hood- where my car model is mentioned *squeal*

I was surprised that I really enjoyed Usher. Usher is like the R&B soully Prince- where all his songs seem to be about sex. I admitted that I blushed while listening to his That's What It's Made For song- I felt completely guilty on listening to this song at work. I was most interested on hearing the first Confessions song, since Confessions, Pt. 2 is played on the radio with some regularity. Clearly there is a reason why the second one is played-- it's a great song and has the meat of the matter in it. coworker Jen informed me that Usher had a tour where only his female fans could buy tickets. He sure does love the ladies ;)

Wilson Phillips- throw back to the 80's is the main feel of the CD. However, they were easy to listen to. The most annoying thing however was that some of these songs have been covered (or did Wilson Phillips do the covering?) by other artist and I was driving myself insane trying to figure out the who sung the other versions. Favorite on this album: Reason to Believe.

Groove Machine- I was expecting to have more songs on this CD. Of course some of these songs were familiar like Mungo Jerry's In the Summertime, Raiders' Indian Reservation 9which was remade by a country star), Tommy Roe's Crimson and Clover, and Badfinge's Day After Day. It's nice to know the artists and song titles- so yay music project. Favorite on the CD- Tommy Roe-Crimson and Clover; Badfinger's Day after Day (though it somehow reminds me of Rockey Horror Picture Show) and Atlanta Rhythm Section's Imaginary Lover.

I'm planning on listening so more to the other CDs since I felt I didn't give them quality time like the other ones. I did really dig Ziggy Marley's Never Deny You. I think it may be my favorite of this batch, and oddly enough it's a religious song.

Taylor Swift's Dear John

2011-07-10T10:25:00.003-06:00

Long were the nights when my days once revolved around you
Counting my footsteps praying the floor won't fall through again
And my mother accused me of losing my mind
But I swore I was fine

You paint me a blue sky and go back and turn it to rain
And I lived in your chess game, but you changed the rules everyday
Wondering which version of you I might get on the phone tonight
Well, I stopped picking up and this song is to let you know why

Dear John, I see it all now that you're gone
Don't think I was too young to be messed with?
The girl in the dress cried the whole way home
I should've known

Well, maybe it's just me and my blind optimism to blame
Or maybe it's you and your sick need to give love then take it away
And you'll add my name to your long list of traitors who don't understand
And I'll look back and regret how I ignored when they said run as fast as you can

Dear John, I see it all now that you're gone
[From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/t/taylor-swift-lyrics/dear-john-lyrics.html ]
Don't you think I was too young to be messed with?
The girl in the dress cried the whole way home

Dear John, I see it all now it was wrong
Don't you think nineteen's too young to be played with?
Your dark twisted games when I loved you so
I should've known

You are an expert at sorry and keeping lines blurry
Never impressed by me acing your tests
All the girls that you've run dry have tired, lifeless eyes
'Cause you've burn them out

But I took your matches before fire could catch me
So don't look now
I'm shining like fireworks over
Your sad, empty town

Dear John, I see it all now that you're gone
Don't you think I was too young to be messed with?
The girl in the dress cried the whole way home

Dear John, I see it all now it was wrong
Don't you think nineteen's too young to be played with?
The girl in the dress wrote you a song
You should've known

You should've known
Don't you think I was too young?
You should've known

I remember hearing somewhere that Swift's songs are very autobiographical. So who is this 'Dear John'? Here is a common theory.

2011-07-10T10:12:00.003-06:00

currently listening to: Bob Marley and the Wailers' "No Woman, No Cry"
from: Paula's Collection
for July 5th and 6th- I listened to Taylor Swift's Speak Now-- a CD that co-worker Angela gave me for my birthday. She got it beacuse one day I was listening to 'Mean' on the way to work and got it stuck in my head. 'Mean' is such a earworm. the only song I think that is more addicting is 'All the Single Ladies'
Speak Now has the following songd on it:
1. "Mine"
2. "Sparks Fly "
3. "Back to December"
4. "Speak Now"
5. "Dear John"
6. "Mean"
7. "The Story of Us"
8. "Never Grow Up"
9. "Enchanted"
10. "Better Than Revenge"
11. "Innocent"
12. "Haunted"
13. "Last Kiss"
14. "Long Live"

Mine, Back to Decemebr, Mean are always played on the radio...they're good well rounded songs. However, my personal favorites on the alumb is Speak Now and Dear John

Joan Armatrading's Weakness in Me

2011-07-04T14:18:00.002-06:00

I'm not the sort of person who falls
In and quickly out of love
But to you I gave my affection
Right from the start.
I have a lover who loves me:
How could I break such a heart?
Yet still you gained my attention.

Why do you come here
When you know I've got troubles enough?
Why do you call me
When you know I can't answer the phone?
Make me lie, when I don't want to
And make someone else some kind of an unknowin' fool
You make me stare, when I should not
Are you so strong or is all the weakness in me?
Why do you come here
And pretend to be just passing by?
But I need to see you,
And I mean to hold you
Tightly.

Feeling guilty, worried,
Waking from tormented sleep
This old love has me bound
But this new love cuts deep.
If I choose now, I'll lose out
One of you has to fall
But I need you, and you.

Why do you come here
When you know I've got troubles enough?
Why do you call me
When you know I can't answer the phone?
Make me lie, when I don't want to
And make someone else some kind of an unknowin' fool
You make me stare, when I should not
Are you so strong or is all the weakness in me?
Why do you come here
And pretend to be just passing by?
But I need to see you,
And I mean to hold you
Tightly.

2011-07-04T13:38:00.006-06:00

currently listening to: Rod Stewart's (I Know) I'm Losing You. From Co-worker/Friend Paula's Library

So, I'm still getting set up for my music month. I have singed up for Pandora. The original song used is Lips of an Angel by Hinder. I also continued to rip Paula's CDs. I only have 32 more to go (or at least on this binder)!!

Facebook friends chimed in on what they think I would like. The clear winner suggested by three people is Abney Park, a steampunk group. Which I've already You Tube and absolutely adore! Very Scottish feel well done and easy to listen too.

Here what facebook friends' picks:

Cassandra (high school friend)
album:Heartland: An Appalachian Anthology.
style: folk/bluegrass/awesomeness
artists: Joshua Bell, Yo-yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, etc.

Heather (Met through Friends)
song: Airship Pirate
style: Steampunk
artists: Abney Park

Tate' (Elementary/Middle School Friend)
album: Brother (and older stuff)
style: blues/jazz/rocky goodness
artists: The Black Keys

Jason (Friend's husband)
local bands
artist: The Heyday
artist: Churchill

Libby (College friend)
songs:Listen to Water with the Wine, Like Fire, Down to Zero, Help Yourself, Somebody Who Loves You
artist:Joan Armatrading.

artist:Clapton.
artist:Steve Winwood.
artist: Ray LaMontaigne

artist: Al Stewart
album: Year of the Cat, Time Passages

Jessica (College Friend)
Abney Park
Nightwish
Kamelot
Blackmoore's Night
Gaelic Storm
Joss Stone- Introducing Joss Stone Album.
Anna Nalick's Wreck of a Day
Meg & Dia's Something
Rea and Renee Olstead's Skylarkl.
Brian Setzer's Wolfgang's big night out.

Spring Lea (Library Friend)
They Might Be Giants.
Start with Flood.
Abney Park. Sleep Isabella is my fave track. :)

Katina and Shawn (Sister and Brother-in-law)
Ghost Buffalo
Map and Atlases
August Burns Red
Death Cab for Cutie's Soul Meet Body

And It Begins....

2011-07-03T07:23:00.008-06:00

currently listening to Brian McKnight's "When the Charoit Comes" from Paula's library.

June 30th-
So not only do I not listen to music-- I have no clue on how to use any of the cool music players thingys out there. (heck I don't think I own a CD player anymore). So first things first-- learn how to download music--simple but needed style to have for this month.

I got a Color Nook for my birthday and apparently it has the accapablity of playing music--but it has to be in MP3 format. This is where You Tube videos actually are helpful and after a few pauses and clicks I got my Window Media Player ripping CD like it's on a cabbage diet. Coworker/Friend Paula was kind enough to hand over a fourth of her collection to me so that I could have a large and vast array of music to start from.

I looked at the cost of guitars online. I thought it would be great to start learning an instrutment and experience that side of music. However, I have to admit I'm starting to feel overwhlem with just LISTENING to music. So picking up an instrutment might be a different month's project.

Anycase, it looks like at one time I downloaded my CD to the computer. I came across a mix CD I created in College. I entitled it 'The Smell of Bees.' I use to drive my roommate insane with just listening to this mix over and over and over on hours on end. Sometimes I even would just select one song and listen to that over and over. I have no problem listening to the same song on unless looping for months on end. Heck if anything, it helps me focus on work.

There was a song on the mix CD that I totally forgot about, but by just listening to it I was 'Oh yeah I really love this song.' The Weakness in Me by Joan Armatrading. I love songs that deal with being in love with two people why is that?

Music Project Month

2011-06-30T21:56:00.007-06:00

It has occurred to me that I don't really know anything about music. When asked the ever popular first question of 'what type of music do you listen to?' the answer normally is a quick enthusiastic "EVERYTHING!" and an even quicker topic change. Or a more resounded "I don't listen to music" Which more or less ends the whole conversation. I just don't get the connection that others find with a sequence of notes. Maybe my lack of connection is that I haven't been introduce to 'my' music. Maybe it's because I'm a visual creature that rarely understands verbal directions without vast amounts of follow up questions.
So for the month of July I'm going to be a scholar of music and this is where I need your help.
Give me suggestions on what to listen to. Tell me what is your favorite songs and artist and why-- help me understand the passion that so many of you seem to have for music.

Friday Conversations

2011-06-24T11:43:00.000-06:00

Ron: Got them!

Me:Excellent *evil Mr. Burns’ grin as fingers lace together*

Ron:YOU LIKE SEE GARS AND THE SIMPSONS!!!!??? MARRY ME!!!!????

Me:Lol you are already married!

Ron: I am not!!

Me: What?

Ron: Who would be stupid enough to marry me? I’m nuts!!!

Me: So I shouldn’t marry you then, because you’re nuts and I don’t want to be stupid?

Ron:Exactly……… Unless you’re nuts too!!!

Me:I don’t think two nuts make a right.

Ron:Your loss…………….

Me:I know- cigars, The Simpsons, beer and Nacho lifestyle does sound really good right about know… but I have interest outside of those things that you would be- “what-that’s so girly.” And you would random throw fish and rocks at me in disgust.

Ron:Fish and rocks?

Me:The first things that came to mind.

Ron:Your nuts!!!!!!!

Me:Does nuts equal god-like?????

Ron:It could!!!

Friday Conversations

2011-06-17T11:33:00.001-06:00

Hi Ron-Please give your approval, blessing, etc. for this.

Approval……..blessed!! I am chanting over it right now!!! Where is my incense????

How is your day going, Blesser of Approvals?

Going……. Yours?

Going sssssslllllllllooooowwwww.

LOL- take a nap

Mmmmmmmm nap. I like naps… they’re in my top three things that I like. Too bad I sit right next to the bosses’ offices

Dark Glasses!! Oh please tell me the other top two? Please, Oh please………

Well If you must know Food and Sun Warmed Cars…. There is nothing better in the world than getting in a warm car with a round tummy and taking a nap… best thing in life I tell you.

Mine is a little different. Beer, Nachos and Riding my Bike

Bike as in cycling or motorcycle ?

My motorcycle days are over. Just a bike now.

Well good for you. I took a little time off in March to go up to Grand Junction. I had a great idea of renting bikes for a friend and me to visit all the wineries Palasade- yeah we did maybe a half mile of a eight mile bike ride before I said- this wasn’t my brightest idea/ My friend was freezing cold (since it is March) and I was huffing and puffing and totally out of shape. I have a new found respect for bike people.

I ride 13/15 miles most days. If not outside then inside. Still fat though. Beer does that to you.

Wow—very impressive. The riding not the fatness.

I know. God like!!!

Lol- well I don’t know if I would go as far as to say god-like.

Whatever…. Hater!!!

lol you’re right. I am completely jealous of your god-like abilities- that’s the only reason why I’m a hater.

It is ok… Most people are……….

Well it’s good that you have a realistic look on other people and their inability to get pass their jealous of your god-likeness. That’s not only kind but very modest of you.

And God like!!!

Lol yes and most importantly God like

Want a statue of me to put up?

How tall is it? I only have so much room in my cube.

I have a bobble-head God Like Ronnie Doll!!

I want one!!!!! And I can ask it to bless papers and staples and rulers, and cups……

It can definitely do multi-task blessings…………..

Yes I have decided that I need one of these bobble-head God like Ronnie dolls… where can I get one?

Amazon

Amazon doesn’t believe I exist.

What did you do?

Apparently popped out of existence.

I can see that. If you had God Like Status then you wouldn’t have……….

I know!!! See I have a whole list of reasons to be hater of the god-like people. But maybe If I had my own bobble head god like Ronnie Doll it would prevent these minor technical issues.

Friday Conversations

2011-06-10T11:25:00.000-06:00

Hi- Both the 3P and Fed recons are off… do you want to handle this or should I?

That is strange…………

Can I ask you to do it? Busy here. If not, let me know and I’ll do it later after I set all the paper on fire.

I want to be invited to the paper fire party!!! I’ll see if I have time this afternoon-I’m having a busy morning as well. I’ll let you know if I can’t squeeze it in or when I’ve completed it.

Thanks D. Just let me know.

Hi Ron,

I got that Journal Entry taken care of. If you want to know why the recons were out: my transaction was offsetting 3P and when you reversed it you used the offset FW.

Duh…… That makes sense………….. Your fault!!!

Lol yes I know. All that taking funds from where they’re suppose to come from. What was I thinking?!?

Exactly!!!! You need a refresher!!!

Friday Conversations

2011-06-03T11:06:00.000-06:00

Andrew :...I’ll let you know for sure…and I’ll stay away from gutters.

Me: Good because gutters are very dangerous- I’m planning on creating and handing out pamphlets about the dangers of gutters and ditches. It’s just best to avoid those dodgy places altogether.

Sunday Quote

2011-04-24T20:53:00.000-06:00

We can do not great things; only small things with great love.

--Mother Teresa

Sunday Quote

2011-04-17T20:46:00.000-06:00

Very often a change of self is needed more than a change of scene.

--Arthur Christopher Benson

Sunday Quote

2011-04-10T20:43:00.000-06:00

Too many people overvalue what they are not and undersvalue what they are.

--Malcolm Forbes.

Sunday Quote

2011-04-03T19:49:00.000-06:00

There are two kinds of lights- the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.

--James Thurber

Sunday Quote

2011-02-27T07:37:00.001-07:00

He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.

--Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was one of the main activist for the African American Civil Rights movement. He is best known for "I Have a Dream" speech that portrays a color blind society. King not only received the Nobel Peace Prize, but also the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

2011-02-23T03:10:00.000-07:00

In Case of Identity Theft...

File a police report immediately, then register as a victim on the Federal Trade Commission's website.

Contact the three credit reporting bureaus. Ask to have a victim's statement added to your file, so future applications for credit will be verified by you.

Go over your credit report with a fine-tooth comb. Zero in on new accounts and inquiries, which lower your credit score, and report them to the credit bureaus in writing.

Keep track of any correspondence you have with the credit bureaus about your identity theft. getting mistakes fixed can be a lengthy process, so record dates, times, and individuals you have talked to.

Only change your social security number if your name has been associated with bad checks and credit. it's a record-keeping nightmare.

Sunday Quote

2011-02-20T07:19:00.002-07:00

When you follow your bliss... doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors, and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else.

--Joseph Campbell

Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) is best known in the literary world for his "Hero's Journey" philosophy. He study many cultures' mythologies, and wrote and lecturer on this focus.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

2011-02-16T02:50:00.000-07:00

Put your tax refund to good use by making an extra mortgage payment. Depending on where you are in the repayment process, you could save tens of thousands of dollars in interest. Use your tax refund to get your finances in order by paying down credit card debt, setting up an emergency cushion, or doing some tax advantaged investing in a 401(k) or IRA

Sunday Quote

2011-02-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

Love the moment. Flowers grow out of dark moments. Therefore, each moment is vital. It affects the whole. Life is a succession of such moments and to live each, is to succeed.

--Corita Kent

Sister Mary Corita (1918-1986) was an artist that help establish silkscreen and serigraphy as art mediums. Since the majority of her work was during the 60s and 70s, her art focuses on social justice and peace.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

2011-02-09T00:20:00.000-07:00

Reduce the term of a 30 year mortgage to 24 years by making one extra payment each year. You'll save thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan.

Toe in the Kitchen Tuesday

2011-02-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

Title: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tried it: This has been a family favorite for over three years now.

Source: Some magazine--Mom cut it out and we cooked it first on our speical dinner day for mom. original the recipe was for 20 servings-- below is a fourth of that (still enough for a family of four, seconds, and leftovers)

Easiness: 3 stars. I buy rosettary chicken already cooked. Half the items (the corn, broth, green chiles, black beans, and tomatoes) come from cans. Onions and garlic both need to be perpared (though this is easier if you mince the garlic in a garlic press and cut the onion in discs and chop up with a food chopper).

Rating: 5 out 5. One of my favorite dishes and the leftovers taste as good as the first night.

1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil

1 medium size onion cut into meidum dice

2 large garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons of chili powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 28 ounced can crushed tomatoes

1 pint of chicken broth

1/2 16 ounce package of frozen corn

4 ounce green chilies chopped

15.5 ounce can of black beans

2 cups of shredded, cooked chicken

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Heat oil in large soup kettle over med/high heat.

Add onions and saute' until tender (4 minutes)

Add garlic cloves, chili powder and oregano, saute' 1 minute longer.

Add tomatoes, broth, corn, chilies, beans and chicken.

Bring to a simmer.

reduce heat and simmer, partically covered to belnd flavors, about 20 minutes

Stir in cilantro

serve warm with tortilla chips

Sunday Quote

2011-02-06T05:55:00.000-07:00

Every man is the son of his own works.

-Miguel de Cervountes

Miguel de Cervountes (1547-1616) was a Spanish author. Not only did he write Don Quixote (considered by many to be the first modern novel), he also was a novelist, poet, and playwright.

Finanical Wednesday Advice From Jean Chatzky 2010 Calendar

2011-02-02T08:43:00.003-07:00

If you read the same magazines every month, it's time to pick up the subscription. You can often save more than 50% off the cover price.

Which I did with Juxapoz--an art magazine with its figure on the pulse of whats happening in the United State art world. Although it seems that it mainly focuses on the LA and New York scene, they do interviews from different locations. Juxapoz was a serendipitous find from my one month obsession of Matthew Gray Gubler. His sketches were apparently featured in Juxapoz last year.

Toe in the Kitchen Tuesday

2011-02-01T03:41:00.001-07:00

Title: Chicken Mozzarella
Tried it:1/22/11
Source: Campbell Casseroles: Great for Cooking
Easiness(out of five starts: 5-the only way to make this more easy is not baking at all)
Rating (out of five stars): 4 stars on taste
Full time: 25 minutes

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano leaves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups corkscrew-shaped pasta (rotini), cooked without salt and drained

1. Place the chicken in a 11x8 inch shallow baking dish. Stir the soup, Italian seasoning and garlic powder in a small bowl. Spoon the soup mixture over the chicken.
2. Bake a 400*F for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken. serve with the pasta.

Review: Like all the recipes in this book, the Chicken Mozzarella had three steps and less than seven items. This makes this the ideal type of book for beginning cooks. Also, the recipes do have the 'out of the can/out of the bag' approach to cooking, which makes it less time consuming and simple. Since I'm not a huge fan of tomato soup in general I was expecting this to be less than great. But doctoring it up with a little bit of spice and the garlic powder, really picked it up. I think I made way too much pasta for the amount of sauce we had... I am not even included it the next time I make this. Mom also enjoyed it.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

2011-01-26T01:15:00.005-07:00

Balance your long and short term goals to be sure your retirement is covered. When saving for a house, you can cut backon your retirement contributions, but don't stop making them altogether.

Sunday Quote

2011-01-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.

--Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela is best known for his activist work againist South Africa's racial segregation laws. After sending 27 years in prison, he become the president in the first fully representative democratic election in South Africa. Mandela has recieved the Nobel Peace Prize and over 250 other awards.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

2011-01-19T01:15:00.005-07:00

It may sound premature, but it's important to teach your kids the expenses that come with a credit card. Run some numbers so they see how the interest adds up if they only pay the minimum amount.

Sunday Quote

2011-01-16T06:06:00.001-07:00

There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.

--Mark Twain

Mark Twain (1835-1910) is one of the most beloved American authors. He is best known for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Born under the name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, Twain was also a popular humorist of his time and actually invented a few items.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

2011-01-12T01:13:00.004-07:00

Before you make a donation, ask what cause is benefiting and what percent of your gift gets passed on.

Sunday Quote

2011-01-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

First it is necessary to stand on your own two feet. But the minute a man finds himself in that position, the next thing he should do is reach out his arms.

--Kristen Hunter (Lattany)

Kristen Hunter was a well known Pennsylvanian, African American writer. Works including, God Bless the Child, takes a serious look on issues such as race and gender.

Working Effectively with Difference

2011-01-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

Had a class yesterday entitled: Working Effectively with Difference. the facilitators, Dan Distelhorst and Gordon Watanabe, were entertaining and presented a full and 'different' look on diversity.
Key points pointed out in handout from group performance (Scott Page's "The Difference" is referenced as the research source):

'Difference' primarily refers to a diversity of perspectives and ways of approaching a situation.
Diverse teams tend to outperform homogenous teams- even if those homogenous teams have stronger individual performers.
Not only does difference trump sameness, difference also trumps ability.
Well facilitated teams, with lots of thinking and value differences, will outperform homogeneous teams but will have more conflict.
There is a connection between difference of thinking and identitly difference (e.g. gender, ethnicity, national culture, etc.) so recruiting people with diverse identities enhances group performance.

It was a great class-all corperate enviroments should have this approuch to this topic.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

2011-01-05T01:16:00.002-07:00

When investing, conside I bonds, which are inflation-protected savings bonds. Tey'll pay no interest until you redeem them (and you owe no taxes until then) but the payout increases to keep pace with the cost of living.

My Bone! 01-03-11

2011-01-03T21:34:00.001-07:00

Sunday Quote

2011-01-02T05:13:00.001-07:00

Our imagination is the only limit to what we can hope to have in the future.

-- Charles F Kettering

Charles Kettering was an inventor, engineer and businessman. He is best known for being the founder of Delco and his involvment with General Motors and DuPont Chemical Company. Becuase of Mr Kettering here, we have the luxury of air conditioning and colorful cars.

project for week of 12-13-10

2010-12-19T19:56:00.006-07:00

The other week I went out with Erica for lunch. We ended up walking down to B&N and looking at the craft section. I found this amazing book about a guy that created a skull everyday for a full year. After looking at his site and some other 365 project I have to admit I was envious of the creativity that these individuals experienced. So I sit up my extra room as a craft room. my first project was creating paper doll models. I first draw them on normal paper, and then traced them on a thicker blue paper. These are going to be the templates for a larger project I have in mind.

the political warhorse

2010-11-02T15:05:00.002-06:00

Yes I have voted. And Yes I will be more than happy not to get phone calls from political agenda people any longer. yahoo for voting day!!

word count

2010-11-01T00:44:00.001-06:00

1050 for the first 40 minutes of NaNoWriMo. Off to bed.

NaNoWriMo in less than a hour!!!

2010-10-31T23:20:00.002-06:00

so my day was spent watching TV-- hiding for trick-or-treaters (no one even tried us)--doing slight clean up from Halloween cookie/makeup mess. about an hours a go I started organizing the books I got the one's unpacked (not in the books shelf) alphabetized A-M, N-R, and S-Z-- oh and separated fiction from non-fiction. Had no desire to place in the book shelves... well because they're in the basement and it's cold.
tomorrow's plans:
walking the dog
making a nice really breakfast with pancakes and hash browns
quick clean of the bathrooms
paying rent (this should be fun)
and vacuuming
Oh-- and writing you know that thing.
the idea is if I'm not writing I'm cleaning or doing something else boring and adult. I may even unplug the Internet. I'll let you know how it goes.

Share with us: What is the first sentence you write for NaNoWriMo?

White Rabbit and good night!

Wow it's been a year...

2010-10-30T11:53:00.003-06:00

It's been a year since my last entry. I'm going to try yet again to do NaNoWriMo. This time around I have created an outline (33 points) We will see if this is a helpful tool or not. I've never tried writing something with an outline in mind--but it was important for this story because I'm adopting someone else work. I have to admit last year fantasy book did better because I didn't have a plan for it- I created twists and turns that I wasn't excepting.

share with us: So tell me how do you normal start a project... do you have an outline, a scene in mind, or character? Or is just writing and see where the characters take you more your skill?

Finical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

2010-01-05T01:09:00.000-07:00

What if? for a stuck story

2009-11-08T17:31:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite advise for writer's block:
On a separate shee of paper write: What If. Now write five ways of continuing the story, not ending the story, but continuing the story to the next event, scene,e tc. Let your imagination go wild. Loosen up your thinking about the events in the story. your what if's can be as diverse as your imagination can make them. More than likely, and this has proved true through years of teaching and writing, one of the What Ifs will feel right, organic, to the story and that is the direction in which you should go if you can't see it write on a few of them and see where it takes you.

Dialog

2009-11-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

Get a friend and improve a scene you're writing about. Make sure that it's a disagreement or an emotional event. does any snippets of dialog work? If so write them down!

For the Plot

2009-11-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

Break your story idea down into 3 sentences of 3 words each. this will give you a beginning, middle, and end and help you understand the architecture of the work. By having to choose 3 verbs you'll be forcing yourself to consider the 3 pts of the action.

Scene Change

2009-11-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

If a scene isn't working try changing the action or setting the scene is housed in.
For example how does a scene read different if a couple is planning their honeymoon while painting a room versus in bed after making love?

Character exercise

2009-11-04T05:23:00.000-07:00

Write the character's name on top of page and write 10 sentences:
He or she is the sort of person who:________.

Stuck?

2009-11-03T01:58:00.004-07:00

The dread writer's block. I read an article online the other day about this writer who has never had writer's block. She defined it as when one can't write about anything at all. That if you get one, one should either a) stop writing b) or change subjects/projects.

I have a different definition. I believe that starting a project isn't difficult.... heck I can start millions of writings with out a problem; however, when I get done with my beginning scene, I have nothing more to add, since I don't know what happens next. That to me is a writer's block when your just stuck on ANY one project.

With NaNoWriMo you don't have leisure to walk away from your piece for too long. Yeah you might be able to leave it for the night or take a much needed R&R day, but really how long can one go without writing and meet the deadline? If worst comes to worst then go for a change in subjects because the most important thing about NaNoWriMo is the word count... it doesn't have to make sense or even be good--just the amount of words matter.

The problem with writer's block is it so individual and there many reason why some one might be blocked.

The internal critic is being a bully and telling you everything you write sucks
You can't focus because the bills are due, the dog needs to be walked, the children are screaming.
You just don't know what happens next
Tired of writing or you find yourself in a rout
you're really procrastinating
You need facts or information about something for the story to move on

So, here's today's advice: walk away for the day. Try and figure out what's stopping you from writing. Take a walk, nap, do yoga, mediate, take shower. Come back to your writing. If you're still stuck, write a scene later in the story that you already have planned, write a 500 word description about your setting, make a note to insert a needed fact in the story or look it up, basic write something that deals with your story. If you do this for a few writing sessions and still can't get 'un-block' write on a different story idea.

Share with us: What's the normal reason why you have writer's block and what works to get your creative juices flowing again?

What's in a Character?

2009-11-02T01:48:00.001-07:00

Write the character's name on top of the page. write 5 to 10 lines that start with:
He (or she) is the sort of person who...
Come up with some fresh unquie traits and qualities about your character.

Share with us: What's your favorite trait about your main character?

GO!!!!

2009-11-01T01:34:00.001-06:00

Some people (I'm not one of them) believe that the blank piece of paper is a dunting task. That the start of things is the most difficult thing an author does. I find that most writer's block advice deals with this stage so if you have difficulty finding the opening words just look around the internet or book store for these excerises. Here are some that I have saved from my favorite writing books:

remember to start in the middle of the story. The reader needs a hook and therefore start were they're action!!! Think about Fight Club-- the movie starts at the end of the actual story, but it's way more interesting to start with your main character with a gun in his mouth than with a man who finds he can't sleep and hates his job.
ways to start:
With a generalization-- Any man with a large fourtune is in hunt of a wife.
With a description (character or setting--though personal I find this one weak)
With a narrative summary--I was born...
With dialogue-- "Where were you last night," John asked
with serveral character but no dialogue-- Betty and Ralph silently ate they're food in the bar
with a setting and only 1 character-- Mary sat in central park alone on a Monday night.
with a reminiscent narrator-- THe summer of 1985 was when I first fall in love.
With a child narrator-- Mommy throw a potted plant at Daddy's head--after that we never saw him again.
By establishing point of view--Elm was an eldery lady or I never saw myself as old-- just not fresh.

Share with us: What's your first line? What's your favorite first line in a published book?

Get Set....Outline

2009-10-31T01:44:00.003-06:00

Ok, so you might not have to know EVERYTHING about your NaNoWriMo project. And the use of a 50 point summary outline with raising actions, character profiles, and hours worth of research isn't needed. However, it might be a good idea to have SOMETHING in mind before you start your frantic writing. NaNoWriMo allows writers to have outlines, summaries, character profiles-- ready before the month begins... these items however, cannot be counted in the total word count. NaNoWriMo also suggest to start with new characters and a new story because if you already put time and energy into a story you're not willing to just willy-nilly write on for just the word count *because you're too invested* and if you're trying to write a complete thing in a month your critic needs to be turned off. Again for more 'rules' on NaNoWriMo visit their website. So here some ideas for different stages of 'outlining.'

I have nothing yet...
If you don't have any idea what you want to write about, invest some time searching writing exercises in books and online.
here's a few that I find helpful:

Write for 10 minutes on I want to write....
Do a 10 minute exercise that starts with "Where were you last night?"
Everything changed when...
Pull out a poem or a paragraph from an author that you enjoy. Read it. now write a time writing on either a phase or the theme or anything that triggers a thoughts and just go with it.

I got an idea...

So you have a snippet. It might be a scene (normally what I start with), character, a setting, or some vague thought, item, or setting. Good let's build on it.

create 1 sentence that your story is about. take sometime and think about it until you can narrow it down. Example: Puppet attempts to become a real boy. Guy loses girl and goes all out to get her back. Write it down on the top of each page and make sure that the story follows this one sentence.
Brainstorm-- write out a list or do a web chart to organized your thoughts. This is really helpful for vague ideas or subjects. example: Say you want to write about masks. get a fresh piece of paper and write it in the middle of the paper. draw line and write something about the masks you want to write about like 'history of masks' and then jot down all the details that you already know about the masks you want to write about (when they were made, who made them, what culture are they from.). Another line from the middle and write another broad thing about the masks like 'appearance' and continue doing the web until you have all your know details. Hopefully by writing down everything you already know about this idea you can conjure up elements of the story behind it.
Do you have a character in mind? Write down everything you know about this person, fill out a character profile (a form that you create or find one of the Internet that tells you the basics about your character's appearance, family status, dreams, goals, background everything you can think of), or do a character chart.

In a character chart is a two column three row grid. at the top write down you main character. on the left column write down these questions one in each box: What does the character want? Why does he want this? (or what's his motivation?) and What's stopping him from getting what he wants? If you can answer all three of these questions you have your complete story. In your revision process, if a scene doesn't deal with any of these three questions... you don't need it (granted for the three question it's more of a does this get your character closer or further from their goal that you want to keep in mind for the scene).

I Know My Story

OK so you know what's your doing. You have your characters and main plot points in mind. So what should you do?

If your character is doing something you don't know much about (say he's a doctor) you might want to research and stash articles, jargon, and other things about his field or anything else you need to research.
Write out the whole outline. Either do a report outline or get different colored index cards and color code your characters, scenes, themes, settings, or any other story element you want. I actually have a poster broad with Velcro strips running across it. I then put Velcro strips on the back of my cards and use this as a visual story broad to keep all my facts straight. Having these on note cards make it easier if you want to use flashbacks or rearrange the plot order of events.
skim through like genera's to get your creative juices flowing, bookmark, websites, writing books, or favorite reading books for inspiration. etc.

Share with us: What's your favorite writing prompt? How do you 'outline' your writing?

Get Ready

2009-10-30T01:27:00.002-06:00

Sign up with NaNoWriMo site or create your own goal. Write down this goal down somewhere where you can see it daily. Make sure that the goal has:

a due date (Exp due date is November 30th at 11:59 PM)
is attainable (50,000 words = roughly a 3.3 pages a day for a month)
is measurable. (50,000 words)

2. Get the materials you need:

How do you write? pens, paper, computer, ink, snacks etc.
Where do you write: set up a space used for writing where you can keep it free from other distractions. Make sure to let family and friends know when you're writing so you won't be disturbed.

3. Set a Plan

If you lead a busy life it's important to cut out time to focus on your writing. If that means cutting out an hour at the same time each day make sure you schedule it in to your life.
Also make a plan on how you're going to handle writers' block or any other writing problems.
Do the math. If you are only planning on writing on the weekends make sure you're hitting the right word count each time you write, or create extra time to dedicate to catching up.

4. Get support!!!

Visit with other writer friends
Join online communities that NaNoWriMo offers
borrow or buy writing books or post inspirational sayings around your writing space
attend writing groups in your area provided by libraries and other community hubs.
Have a 'bitch-with-friend' that will listen and understands your writing pains

5. Write!!! As the saying goes 'A writer is someone that writes today.' You can't achieve any of your writing goals if you don't put your sweat and blood into it. So tie and gag your internal critic and let your hand fly across the page. Even if what you write is silly or stupid or doesn't fit into what you're trying to illustrate-- keep going.

Share with us: How do you set yourself up for a new project? Or what type of support or writing method really works for you?

NaNoWriMo is almost here!!!

2009-10-25T13:06:00.004-06:00

Yes, that's right, NaNoWriMo starts a week from today. And is NaNoWriMo? National Novel Writing Month were crazed writers attempt to create a piece of writing the length of a novel, 50,000 words in one month. Insane, I know. I first heard about National Novel Writing when I was in college. I happened to be looking through a writing magazine when the ad jump up at me. Since then I've been supporting and promoting this event for all my writing friends. Funny, that this year is the first that I'll serious attempt to do it myself. Last year I did create a November writing goal for myself, which quickly went to the way side in a few days. This time I'm planning on really trying this out. So join me as I arm myself if my trusted pen and paper and support group to attempt something I've yet to accomplish. I'm going to attempt to actually finish a piece of writing longer than 20 pages. I know, scary isn't it?

If you have more questions about NaNoWriMo please visit their website at http://nanowrimo.org/. Of course I you don't have to attempt something so massive as a full novel-- but if you write, use this month to come up with reachable goals for you. Since National Blog Writing Month is also in November, maybe you should start there and attempt to write daily. buy a journal and try to fill it by the end of the month, commit yourself on researching agencies and publishing houses if you have already finished a project. Fool-proof you query and cover letters, research/save for/and sign up for a writing conference this month or in the future -- there's some many wonderful things you can do with this.

Check in with this blog--I'm planning on posting solutions to writer's block and inspirational quotes daily. Happy Writing!

What do I look like?

2009-05-31T07:54:00.013-06:00

The first thing anyone says about me when they met me is: Look at those ears!

I've been describe on being part:

Bunny

Fox

Donkey

Kanagroo

Dingo

(Grated I am part Austerlian Cattle Dog which were breed from Dingos)

So, what do you think I look most like?

Update on Book Challenge

2009-05-31T07:16:00.005-06:00

So I'm on track with my book challenge. Yay for keeping up with goals! Hopefully I'll be adding the dates on the entries when I have the list in front of me. This is what I got so far:

Amazing Gracie by Dan Dye
B Burroughs, Augusten; Sellevision: a novel.
C
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron
E
Feist, Raymond Magician: Apprentice
Gosling, Sam Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You
Hughes, Marcia Life's 2 Percent Solution: Simple Steps to Achieve Happiness and Balance
I
J
Kirshchner, Diana Love in 90 Days: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Own True Love
Lundin, Stephen C., Harry Paul, John Christensen Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results
Magician: Master by Raymond Feist
N
Oolong Dead by Laura Childs
Pausch, Randy The Last Lecture
Q
R
Secert Diary of Ann Boleyn by Robin Maxwell
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

I'm thinking next year I'm going to do a simaliar challenge but using the name of subjcts in biographies. I also some day want to read all of the Greek classics back to back and read all of Shakespeare's plays in a month.
So how is everyone else doing on the yearly book goals?

Dang it! they thought of my idea

2009-05-31T07:03:00.003-06:00

So I came up with this amazing idea back at the beginning of the year. Imagine it... a website about trading and tracking books...all over the Denver area. Seeing if people would really give away they're books and to whom and what type of person would do it most willingly. That's right just like Find George but with books. Friend Rachel even came up with the best name: BookRipple. I researched the web, couldn't find anything like it, I bought the domain, started designing the web page. I even started getting books to start passing out. And what do you know? It;s already been done. To a 'T" actually better than a "T". But the wonderful thing about this is it was successful... over 700,000 members around the WORLD!!! Check it out at http://www.bookcrossing.com/. Well here's to a great idea.

Remi's letter to Godmother Michelle

2009-05-16T18:55:00.002-06:00

Dear Godmother Michele,
thank you so much for convincing my human on coming to DDFL. She truly is a wonderful and overly concern owner. I also wanted to thank you for the lovely toy. It's my favorite 'killing' toy-- and I reserve all my growls and head swings for it. Maybe I can convince my human on buying me more of these type of anaimals. I haven't tired my cookie yet since I've had an upset tummy of late, but it sure does smell good. Thank you again for all your thoughtfulness, support and love.
From your Godson puppy,
Remington

It's A Boy!!!

2009-04-29T16:38:00.000-06:00

Yes, that’s right I made a commitment and got myself a dog last night. A beautiful boy 9 months old Australian Cattle/Corgi (and probably some type of hound since he has had his nose to the ground since coming home) is now part of the Butler family. He was adopted at the Denver Dumb Friends League at 8:00 last night. I’ve named him Remmington Alexander Butler. Both owner (guardian, human companion—anything but the ‘m’ word) and dog are doing great.

The Book Challenge-- from Goodreads

2008-12-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Good Reads is one of my favorite sites. Not only do you have a community of book worms to share your favorite books with, but also a large database to find new books to read and an easy way to catalog/record your reading process. Simple put, it's a great site for book lovers. Heck, every time I log in, I discover a new feature. Today (being Sunday although this will be posted on Tuesday) I discovered a book group called 'The Book Challenge.' The originally idea for this group was to verbally comment to reading a self chosen amount of books. A couple of it's members made the challenge a little more difficult-- read 26 authors (or books) each starting with a different letter in a years time. Of course, everyone said it would be difficult to find an author with a name that started with 'X.' But I think it's doable (especially with Chinese names). I think I might start this goal at the beginning of the year.

Yes Man by Danny Wallace

2008-12-01T11:52:00.001-07:00

Danny Wallace creates a fun and witty way on presenting his life as a 'Yes Man' for almost a year. When Wallace is told to 'say yes more' from a stranger on a bus, he decides to take the man up on the offer and ends up saying yes to everything until the beginning of the next year. He gets himself in situations that no one would ever want to be in. Very funny, although it did have a lull in the later part of the middle. Overall, great book and I can't wait to read more by him. This is a great read for everyone :)

Upcoming Events for the week of December the 1st

2008-11-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Comedy for Cats
December 4, 2008,
Presented by Bovine Metropolis Theater
As part of the "Comedy for a Cause" series, Bovine Metropolis is hosting an evening of laughs to benefit Rocky Mountain Alley Cat Alliance. Come experience Denver's premier improv theater while supporting RMACA.

The SantaLand Diaries by David Sedaris
December 4th-22nd
Presented by The Bug Theatre.
Adapted by Joe Mantello and directed by Donna Morrison, “The SantaLand Diaries” chronicles author and NPR host David Sedaris' stint as a disgruntled Christmas elf at Macy's in New York.
Now in its tenth year, “The SantaLand Diaries” is the perfect antidote to all the holiday schmaltz.

9NEWS Parade of Lights
December 5th, at 8:00 and December 6th at 6:00
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is presented by Southwest Airlines and the Downtown Denver Partnership. The Parade starts in front of Civic Center Park and the City & County Building on Bannock Street at 14th Avenue.Watch the Parade along the two-mile route, as Downtown Denver's skyline provides a stunning background for the lights and sounds of the parade.Purchase A Grandstand seat convenient Grandstand seating is available at the start of the parade route across from the beautifully lit City & County Building.

Winter Wonder Lights at the Wildlife Experience
November 28th- December 28th 5:30-9:00 P.M.
This holiday season, take a magical journey to the North Pole for a whimsical light display. Enjoy: sparkling light displays along the museum's Nature Trail, Festive holiday crafts, The Merry Winter Wonder Ville, How the Grinch Stole Christmas on the Extreme Screen, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The Wildlife Experience is also having Santa breakfast December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 24th.

writing prompt-- A box and a discussion

2008-11-09T15:44:00.003-07:00

I got this at the writers' conference I did a few months ago. Funny, my friend Amanda and I actually did this one without having it as an exercise.
write a scene that begins with 'What's in the box?' Make sure you have at least two characters in the scene and that your reader knows the relationship, the age, the gender, etc. of the characters through the discussion that they have.

writing prompt-- amnesia in an igloo

2008-11-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

(From Writer's Digest website):
You awaken with amnesia in what looks to be an igloo. You have $4 and a rock in one pocket, and a toothbrush in the other. Someone is staring at you. Write this scene.

Writing prompt--What I want to write

2008-11-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

(Think this one comes from Natalie Goldberg's Writing in the Bones but I'm not sure)
Free write for 10 minutes starting with the pharse "I want to write..." brain storm everything it can vage like 'I want to write about truth.' or something that's very particular like "I want to write about our first camping trip when I was five.' If you get stuck just start again with 'I want to write' or you might want to do 'I don't want to write...'

Writing prompt-- A different type of writer

2008-11-06T15:33:00.003-07:00

Every writer I know has their special type of writing. So lets try and branch out get out of those old comfort zones. So if you write non-fiction articles try poetry. If you write poetry craft something for a short story. If you write romance novels try your hand at a crime story. The results might surprise you.

Writing prompt--Your personal island

2008-11-05T15:25:00.001-07:00

I awake up to Mix 100 hosted by Dom and Jane. Dom Testa is not only a radio star, but also a published author of young adult books and an advocate for young people striving to be their best. He has even created a website named Big Brain Club. This site has articles that Testa has written on peer pressure, a teacher forum, and writing exercises for budding authors.

lifted from the Big Brain Club website:
For many people, the idea of getting away - or escaping - is a powerful emotion. That's why the concept of being stranded on a deserted island is so powerful in literature and film. This month you're going to be that castaway. Here's what you'll do...
Gulliver, Robinson Crusoe, Swiss Family Robinson...they all told stories of people who found themselves stranded in a far-away location. For many people the fantasy involves a tropical paradise, with sandy beaches, palm trees, and perfect weather.
But what would that life really be like? This month's exercise will have you living alone on an island, and you'll write a two-page journal entry (or longer if you get caught up!). Perhaps your island is different; maybe it's cold, or maybe it's inhabited by fierce animals. With the Big Brain Club we always ask that you use your imagination and think of settings - and situations - that nobody else has thought of. Your journal will describe what life is really like.
Will it be dangerous and haunting? Will it be rather funny? Will it be suspenseful, perhaps with a mystery involved? Your journal is a blank slate, and the finished product will be going into a bottle and into the sea, ready for the rest of us to read when it washes ashore.
Have fun!

Writing Prompt-- Personal Ad

2008-11-04T15:18:00.001-07:00

So of late my mom has been really pushing for me to start dating again. And one of the new suggestion she has is going an online dating service. I've played around with the idea but, lets face it how do you present yourself to complete strangers with just a picture, a list of interest, and a written paragraph about who you think you are? So this exercises is all about writing an interesting, fun, and truthful personal ad about yourself in 700 words are less. Avoid boring verbs and helping verbs and think of a creative way to present yourself. This is all about tooting your own horn-- so lets make some beautiful music.

Writing Prompt-- Writer's Block

2008-11-03T10:43:00.002-07:00

There are hundreds of books out there telling people how to begin a story, what to do when you have a blank page in fornt of you. But to tell you my opintion, the blank page is the easiest part of the whole writing process. You don't have to worry about if your voice is the same through out the piece, you don't have to worry about if what your character said goes with their personality and you don't have to worry about tone or little details about characters, events, etc that has already happen. But what do you do when you're mid-story and even through you know your ending you just don't know how to connect the dots?
Yeah, Natalie Goldberg suggest stepping aside and getting a big glass of water and thinking about it. Stephen King goes on long walks. But really that's the only advice I've received on this little problem... until I read What If? A great little book. One of the authors points out that most writers-block is due to either not having enough information, just plain old confidence issues, or you just don't know what happens next. If you're having problems with the last one, the book suggest that when you get stuck think of three ways to get out of the scene or problem. For example, say your main child hero just stole candy from the store. What are some ways to move the scene forward
a.) the clerk catches him and they have a conflict.
b.) our hero's starts feeling bad about stealing the candy and tries to return it.
c) our hero doesn't get catch and this starts his life of crime.
write on each path for at least 10 minute and see which one jumps out at you. so brush off some dust on an old scene and see if this method works for you.

Writing Prompt-- Scrabble Anyone?

2008-11-02T10:33:00.001-07:00

Grab some friends and play a game of Scrabble. Make sure to write down all the words that are used in the game. Write a short story using all of the words on the list.

This writing prompt has been brought to you by Mrs. O'Connal's advance creative writing class. I did this prompt when I was in high school and I had to admit that it will changelle you it figure out how to place non-related words together.

NaNoWriMo is finally here!!

2008-11-01T17:45:00.004-06:00

That's right, November is National Novel Writing Month. Although I've known about this little holiday for a few years I've never attempted it. I mean you have to be a die hard writer to even think you could possibly write 50,000 in a month. Of late I've been reading Jack Kerouac's journals (Windblown World) where he writes about his daily life and more important about his writings and how much he does in a day. He calls 2,000 words a day pitiful-- wow I feel achieved when I write half that in a couple of days.

But I figure this year I'll try it... with alterations. I bought a blank book and the goal is to complete it by the end of the month.

So what am I going to write about? Originally I just figured I would write on random things: my series of one acts, making Dirty Virgin into a novel, writing an update screen play of If a Man Answers. I realized that I've never really finished anything longer than twenty pages and a part of this experience is to have something completed by the end. So instead I've combined a few of my ideas into one story about 'finding love' after a divorces. I know, it kind of smells like Open House by Elizabeth Berg (great book by the way), but I'm planning on following both characters (the divorce couple) and they're search for happiness. I'm also adding in an idea I had a few years ago about a robber falling for a women due to the content of her house. But instead of a robber-- it will be a maintenance man at the apartment building she's renting from. Yep I'm writing a romance novel, folks.

So what are you writing for NaNoWritMo?
I'll be posting writing prompts that I found useful in the past or one's that I've read and thought were interesting to help you if you get a stuck.

An Evening with Dave Barry-- Sept 25th 2008

2008-10-27T08:36:00.000-06:00

An Evening with Dave Barry was held at the Wildlife Experience and was hosted by the Douglas County Library Foundation. Dave Barry is an humor writer who has written over thirty books including the Starcatcher series, a young adult series that explores the history of Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Neverland. Amazingly enough Barry has also won the Pulitzer Prize and formed a ban with Stephen King and Amy Tan. Overall, Barry was delightful and interesting to listen to (even if I couldn't see him since we were in the back of the room) His 'stand-up' act entertained and he pretty much saved the Q&A session that wasn't nearly as fun since the questioner didn't have interesting questions.

Rock Solid Writer’s Conference-- Sept 20th

2008-10-27T08:33:00.000-06:00

The last couple of years the PSM library in Castle Rock has hosted the Rock Solid Writer's Conference. It's an all day experience with key speakers, classes taught by published authors and the opportunity for people to pitch their books to agents. this year my mom was kind enough to get me a spot in the conference. Overall, a wonderful experience. The speakers Margaret Coel and Jim Sheeler. Coel used humor and charmed to win over the group talking about her Native American mystery novels and her non-fiction book on Chief Left-Hand. Sheeler moved the audience with his powerful slide show on his new book Final Salute which takes a close look of the morning families of soldiers killed in Iraq.
Everyone signed up for four sessions of classes; mine were:

"Make Your Poetry Come a Live" taught by Gail Waldstein
"The Care and Feeding of Editors" taught by Marni Jameson, Sally Stich and Carol McAdoo Rehme
"Structuring the Screenplay" taught by Ryan Kelly
Dialogue and Setting in Fiction" taught by Todd Mitchell

Overall the first and last one fall flat. Waldstein was unfocused and used the time to talk about personal manners which wasn't helpful or professional. and ended the class with an exercise that she got from the second worse writing conference she attended plus an exercise she didn't even try herself. The last class taught by Mitchell just didn't add anything to my knowledge and felt like it was geared towards a young/less experience audience. The only interesting thought he presented was using dialogue to hide the truth.

The other two classes were fantastic. I singed up for 'The Care and Feeding of Editors' because of the name. What a creative name-- how couldn't I reward these ladies for such wit!?! Two of ladies (Jameson and Stich) come from a freelance writing for magazine background and spent they're 20 minutes on what editors want/don't want, your relationship is always going to be one sided, and fresh is important to any sells pitch. McAdoo Rehme's background deals with editing collection of short story books such as Chicken Soup for the Soul. The one piece of information that really stuck out to me was that the writers sometime shape the collection. A wonderful punctual, precise, and focused presentation. Finally, Ryan Kelly's 'Structure for Screen Plays' blew me way. Kelly's enthusiasm propelled the whole class and carried our awkward answer to a new heights that added to the discussion. Kelly focused on the plot structure of a good screen play and gave helpful advice as when key events are suppose to happen and what moves a screen play is a characters desire/need and the bigger the consequences the better the movie. Both classes was worth the entry fee for the event.

Burgundy vs. White Scrimmage

2008-10-26T08:39:00.001-06:00

So in an attempt to be more social (and to avoid another chest hurting belly dance class) I went with friend Michelle and her friend Dee to the Avalanche pre-season scrimmage in Colorado Springs. Where we had a great time making silly eyes at our favorite picks. since it's been years, and I do mean years, since I've gone to a game I had a great time scooping out all the guys and picking my favorites (#16 Darcy Tucker). The White team totally beat the Burgundy team during the actually game, even though Burgundy had Captain (and Michelle's future husband) Joe Sokic on it. The shoot out at the end was a different story. All and all a great time and I'm glad I missed out on a Belly Dancing class to experience it.

Kansas Trip

2008-10-25T08:31:00.000-06:00

So friend Labecca was in need of a computer, and it turns out that my job gave us great deals on our old computers. So we did a friendly exchange in Hays, Kansas. I wish I could say we had a great night on the town but really we just got to the hotel, drank at the bar, and then drank again in our room later. I tried a new beer called Shock (very similar to Blue Moon) and played what can we order that the kitchen actually has (apparently it was off season to visit Kansas). I also enjoyed the amazing bill board signs that advertised six legged cows and over 20 pound prairie dogs. On the boarder of Colorado and Kansas there is a McDonald's with video games for the kids (looked like Mario go-cart) and although everyone says the drive to Kansas is boring (which it did drain me more than driving to GJ which is the same distance) I did find many thing that were beautiful and photograph worthy-- unfortunately I was driving and couldn't pull over to take shots of everything that I wanted to. How can someone say that sunflower fields, black birds, old rusty trucks, grain elevators are anything but beautiful?

Upcoming events for Halloween

2008-10-20T15:52:00.002-06:00

The Firehouse Ghosts
October 25 - October 26, 2008
PRESENTED BYDenver Firefighters Museum
The Denver Firefighters Museum invites the whole family to bring their sleeping bag and learn why things still go bump in the night at haunted old Fire Station No. One. This old fashioned sleep over in a haunted fire station built in 1909, is anything but old fashioned. The evening will open with a traditional firehouse spaghetti dinner and progress with spooky movies, titles early on such as Casper the Friendly Ghost, and get spookier as the night wears on. Ghost stories, children's crafts, Halloween cookie making, and a behind the scenes tour by flashlight of the basement haunted house will conclude the evening. For those that survive the night, a continental breakfast will be served. The evening is designed for all ages and costumes are encouraged! Important Information Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Trick or Treat Train and Railroad Halloween Town
October 25 - October 26, 2008
PRESENTED BYColorado Railroad Museum
Catch a ride and visit all the town's special stops to fill your treat bag, visit the kid friend haunted house and silly graveyard, the pumpkin patch, and Hobo campfire with kid-friendly storytelling.
Helpful Information: Train departures every 20 minutes between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

Boo at the Zoo
October 25 - October 26, 2008
PRESENTED BYThe Denver Zoo
Discover "spooktacular" Halloween fun at the Denver Zoo. Costumed kids get a real treat as the zoo fills with mysterious creatures and lots of sweets!

Bikes On Main Street

2008-10-19T17:42:00.000-06:00

Sun Swirl

2008-10-18T17:40:00.002-06:00

Clock on Main

2008-10-17T17:39:00.000-06:00

High Heeled Feet by Clee Richeson

2008-10-16T17:38:00.000-06:00

"Can I keep him?"

2008-10-15T05:37:00.004-06:00

A New Adventurer-- Belly Dancing

2008-10-14T20:42:00.000-06:00

What can I say? Since my college days I've been dying to try out Belly Dancing. We had a group of older ladies that would shake their stuff at every event and I always wanted to be as beautiful as these ladies. So I signed up with a local place that offers Belly Dancing for an once a week two month section. So far we've learned Ciro walk, shim, freeze, grape vine, ball in chain, step ladder, hula ring circle, camel, head slides, and the many different ways to move one's hips. And I've learned that I differently do not have any skill in this type of dance at all. She keeps on telling us 'have strong inter thighs" and although I get the idea I have no clue how do it-- and control my movement because of it. For the most part I look like a lanky five year old roughly playing at a princess dance. And my chest hurts horrible while doing most of the moves.

I'm afraid I'm really looking forward of this experience being over with.

Train on GJ's main street

2008-10-14T17:35:00.000-06:00

Grand Junction Trip

2008-10-13T08:48:00.002-06:00

At the beginning of September, I visited my old college town. Main Street has always been littered with beautiful art piece. Also on Main Street is Main Street Bagels; a Bagel shop that was very important to me the last few months I lived in Grand Junction. The last few months I had been craving they're Skyway Bagel (spinach cream cheese, tomatoes, and melted Swiss). I stop and wrote a little while listening in an old folksy group play their banjos.

Upcoming events for the week of the 13th

2008-10-12T16:05:00.008-06:00

Kim Barnes
October 15, 2008
PRESENTED BY Tattered Cover Book Store--Colfax location
Barnes will read from and sign her new novel A Country Called Home, a luminous story in which she returns to the great forests of Idaho to offer a powerful tale of hope and idealism, faith and madness.

Refuge Roundup at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
October 18, 2008
PRESENTED BY Rocky Moutain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Free family celebration of the American West and National Wildlife Refuge Week featuring bison tours and hayrides, a singing cowboy, square dance exhibition team, Aztec dancers, Buffalo Soldiers mounted cavalry drills and more!Important Information: Reservations are required for bison tours and hayrides.

The Emerging Filmaker's Project
October 16 - May 21, 2009
PRESENTED BY The Bug Theatre
Held the third Thursday of every month, the EFP focuses on really independent short films by local filmmakers.

Daniel Sprick Solo Show
September 19 - October 31, 2008
PRESENTED BY Gallery 1261, LLC
Daniel Sprick produces paintings where objects appear familiar at first glance, but upon closer examination, one notices that some key attribute has been withheld or altered. His engaging images will be featured in a solo show at Gallery 1261 in Denver this September, allowing viewers the opportunity to delve into the translations of what he sees around him in everyday life. His images surround the process of contemplation - the odd associations one makes, and the way one's inner world may spontaneously ignite as a result of one's prolonged interaction with a fixed subject.

Noises Off
October 3 - November 1, 2008
PRESENTED BY Denver Center Theatre Company
This side-splitting farce chronicles the misadventures of a bumbling theatre troupe as it struggles to rehearse Nothing On, a seedy British sex comedy. As the action spins out of control onstage, even worse chaos ensues backstage. The plots collide head on, resulting in a hilariously disastrous final performance. Performance Location: The Stage Theatre

Mr. Marmalade
October 3 - October 25, 2008
PRESENTED BY Next Stage Theatre Company
Lucy is a four-year-old girl with a very active imagination. Unfortunately, her imaginary friend Mr. Marmalade doesn't have much time for her. Not to mention he beats up his personal assistant, has a cocaine addiction, and a penchant for pornography and very long dildos. Larry, her only real friend, is the youngest suicide attempt in the history of New Jersey. Mr. Marmalade is a savage black comedy about what it takes to grow up in these difficult times. Important Information This event requires attendees to be at least 16 years of age or older.

Upcoming events for the week of the 22nd

2008-09-19T19:33:00.000-06:00

Exhibit Darfur
August 25 - September 26, 2008
PRESENTED BY Ditto Gallery
Ditto Gallery is honored to present Exhibit Darfur, a multi-media experience that will take visitors on a photographic journey through the lens of four astonishing artists: Mia Farrow, Brian Steidle, Izabela Lundberg, and Aaron Cohen. The artists' personal experiences of the genocide and slavery in the Sudan provide unique perspectives on the conflict and serve to make Exhibit Darfur an unprecedented opportunity to view their collaborative efforts.

Dr. Seuss For President
August 15 - September 30, 2008
PRESENTED BY Gallery One Writer's Square
Coinciding with the historic 2008 Presidential election, Dr. Seuss throws his hat into the ring by releasing the first-ever political print editions to the public. Featuring imagery from politically charged artworks, books and editorial cartoons, the Dr. Seuss for President art exhibition offers an unusual glimpse into the sociopolitical-minded imagination from the world's most celebrated icon of popular culture.

IMAX Film Festival
June 13 - September 25, 2008
PRESENTED BY Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The Museum will host an IMAX Film Festival featuring the most loved IMAX films of all time as selected by the public earlier this year. The festival will feature: Alaska: Spirit of the Wild, Beavers, Coral Reef Adventure, Greece: Secrets of the Past, Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure and To Fly!

Eye Believe Independent Filmmakers Competition
September 26, 2008
PRESENTED BY Denver Public Library
Partnering with Denver Open Media, and sponsored by Westword and Westwood College, Fresh City Life launches its newest interactive, community venture.

Cafe Nuba Spoken Word and Music Showcase
September 26, 2008
PRESENTED BY Pan African Arts Society
Cafe Nuba is a multi-award-winning monthly microcinema, poetry and music showcase set at the historic Roxy Theater in Denver's Five Points neighborhood - featuring local, national, and international artists and performers, independent films, and live music. Some past guests of note include; Oscar Brown, Jr., Dead Prez, Amiri Baraka, Staceyann Chin, Ursula Rucker, The Last Poets, and Suheir Hammad.

train by Fortune Valley Casino

2008-09-08T05:15:00.001-06:00

Chair Garden in Central City.

2008-09-07T05:04:00.001-06:00

accompied plaque reads:

Chair Garden: this Chair is a replica of the hickory chairs which were placed in the opera house in 1932. These Chairs were in use until 1999 when new seating was installed.

The Plaques on the wall recognize the major donors to the chair campaign. these generous patrons made the new chairs possible.

Opera House's Garden

2008-09-06T05:02:00.001-06:00

Central City's Fire House and Church

2008-09-05T05:00:00.001-06:00

Day Lilly at Central City's Opera House Garden

2008-09-04T09:00:00.001-06:00

Central City

2008-09-03T08:53:00.001-06:00

Central City Up the Street

2008-09-02T22:14:00.001-06:00

Events for the week updates

2008-09-02T19:36:00.003-06:00

So it occurred to me that it might be helpful to have a weekly Event Blog for people that are actually interested in going somewhere and not just reading about it after it's over. So I decided to add a weekly blog about upcoming events with (that is if I'm not lazy) links to the event's site. I haven't really thought of the layout (say splitting things up by type of event or by day). For right now it's just going to be Denver events but maybe if I get into it and seems to be beneficial to people I might include the surrounding areas too. We'll shall see.

Central City

2008-09-02T14:33:00.000-06:00

I took a week off from work and did small adventures around Colorado. Central City was one of them. Mom was a true sport since she not only drove in horrible weather but also followed me around with an umbrella so I could get the shots. We took the Teller Hotel and Opera House tour. I loved the whole thing to Teller being the best hotel this side of the Mississippi in the 30's and that President Grant almost, but didn't stay there even though the redecorated a room for him and created a walk way of silver that he ended up not using. In the Teller Hotel, there is this bar that a painter painted a face of a girl on the floor. There is a tale about how this old man painted it to pay for beer and ended up having a heart attack and dying right after he finished. This of course wasn't true. Apparently, an artist was hired to paint the bar, but was going to be fire-- so out of out of spite he painted the face as graffiti and the building owners left it.
The following weeks photos will be my favorites from Central City. On a side note, I decided that over cast days are the best for photographing.

For more information about the Opera House click here.

My Life in France by Julia Child

2008-08-29T11:43:00.003-06:00

I don't really read bio's; so when I saw a special about Julia Child on Food Network I thought she was a very interesting person/cook and wanted to learn more about her. A few weeks later, I saw this book at the library and had to get it. It's a beautiful piece that starts when Julia and husband Paul move to France a few years into their marriage. The book follows through her first cook book, many moves, the beginning of her TV show career, and the death of her beloved husband. It has a few recipes in the book that I might try and this book has differently made me a fan of French cooking. The book also has some black and white pictures that her husband took. Overall, an interesting and inspiring read (specially since she didn't start cooking until while in to her thirties)

Square at Castle Rock

2008-08-28T11:25:00.000-06:00

Columbine Memorial at Clement Park, Littleton

2008-08-27T11:00:00.001-06:00

Wall at Columbine Memorial

Festival Park, Castle Rock

2008-08-26T11:29:00.000-06:00

McKinley Carson Park, Greenwood Village

2008-08-25T11:38:00.000-06:00

Changes on the Site

2008-08-23T15:15:00.002-06:00

Recent changes:

Probably the most noticeable change is the color scheme. I don't know if I'll keep it this way or not; we'll see. It was getting hard to figure out colors that looked good with the background in case I wanted to change the color of the text in blogs.
I add hangman to the side bar. I've been trying to get him bigger, but at least my poor computer skills have caught up with me, and my attempt of improving this have failed.
I changed the look of a list. Now the blogs that I read will show when they were last updated. I also added a few blogs I read outsider of blogger.
I figured out how to schedule posts!!! This means easy picture posts will be popping up during the week.
I added another site www.sspr.org to the 'About the Cities' list. It pretty much is a community hub site for Centennial, Littleton, and Lone Tree. Complete with recreation centers, parks, and trails that are in these towns and trust me when I say there's many parks to choose from.

That's pretty much it for now. If anyone has any suggestions, please leave them in a comment. You don't have to be a member of blogger to comment.

Statue at G.M. Wallace Park, Greenwood Village

2008-08-22T11:31:00.000-06:00