A Writer Wrising

How To Train Your Dragon Widget

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:35:00 +0000

The New Me

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Here it is, the big moment, the surprise. After weeks or sweat and study, I've made a change (gasp).

I'm going to a new blog. This one will stay until the end of the year but the new one is now open. Please follow me over there and I promise - PROMISE - it will be more fun, more interesting and I will be much better about journaling.

Between The Lines

Reading, Writing, and...Wine!

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:52:00 +0000

I've updated my Library area for the last time this year and am very proud of myself for reading over 50 new books. What a fun discovery of new authors and styles! There was always this understanding that to write well you had to read well and the diverse group of works over this past year has been illuminating.

Beginning today I'm in "get-ready-for-the-holidays-mode." Today is the big grocery day, getting the turkey to start thawing (today!) for Thanksgiving, begin the house cleaning for decorations going up this weekend. So much to prepare but the rewards afterwards are my big payoff.

Last week, husband and I went to Childress Vineyards in Lexington, NC, for the fall Winemaker's Dinner. Held in the "Barrel Room" of this grand Italian Renaissance style wine house it was like going to an old fashioned Italian dinner in someones basement or backyard. Delightful! This was in the basement of the winery where the wine "sits" in barrels and ferments. Bulb lights were strung across the open space from one barreled side to the other and one looooong table seated 25 couples like this gigantic family. We were served the most amazingly delicious dinner and over eight palate teasing wines. It was the most fun! I love doing these types of dinners, learning about wines and history and meeting all these people.

How about a tease?...something new is coming. Stay tuned because it will be unveiled right here in a week or two! For now, I leave you with a view of the vineyard as I go off in search of turkey.

Veterans Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:32:00 +0000

God Bless all Veterans of all services and all wars. I stand with you and salute those who saw what should not have been seen yet did not flinch nor be deterred from duty sworn. Thank you.

To Melonie

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Happy Birthday, dear friend. Joy, peace and laughter! Oh and chocolate! :)

Vote!

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:07:00 +0000

Vote! This is your chance to speak powerfully. Exercise that precious freedom and speak your mind. Vote!

Counting down to Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Halloween has come and gone like my vacation. We went off to New Bern, NC for the last five days, returning last night. New Bern was a delightful historical town with a small town downtown area loaded with history and crafts and warm, friendly people. We really enjoyed ourselves and after I download all my pics, I'll select a few to share. I loved being in a town that is almost 300 years old (next year) with an Episcopal church est. since 1715 and streets lined with dozens and dozens of shops and delicious places to eat. It is the type of town that reminds me of where I was born and where I wished I lived. Since I don't live there (or like there), I enjoyed being there. More on that later, with pics.

Looks like my son-in-law (I think of him as my own), might be returning from Iraq on the 8th. We will take his truck to him and meet his returning plane. I'm excited to hug him and know he's safe. My daughter-in-law is still in Afghanistan and times are tense. I miss her and worry for her. I understand there is a chance she might - might - make it home for Christmas. Say a prayer, ok?

There is much to do now that vacation is over. I have to get the house ready for Christmas (determined to decorate the weekend before Thansgiving, so that gives me two and a half weeks to clean and dejunk. I have to finish ordering my Christmas presents so that all my shopping is done by Thanksgiving. And there you are. Oh and I have to order goodies for my friends, too -- things to tantalize...mmmm.

Let's see if we can't have another little chat tomorrow, shall we? Until then, stay safe, hug your loved ones, tell your friends how much they mean to you and that you love them.
Love you.

A Letter to the Etherfriends

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:06:00 +0000

Dear "Out There,"

It has been three months (yikes!) since my last ~~confession explanation apology.~~ Er...post. It isn't that I haven't thought of you; I have. It isn't that I haven't wanted to post; I have. It isn't even that I didn't have anything to say; I have. I guess I can be apathetic during the summer. And now, summer is gone and glorious, exciting, delightful, welcome Autumn is here and I feel rejuvenated.

I should mention that I have reached my reading goal! I begin book #50 today. I think I'll savor it. Perhaps I should mention that Wm. Mark Simmons is a deliciously intelligent, smart, interesting, clever writer and I am happily involved in this new supernatural series with a semi-vampire, werewolves (there wolves!) ghosts, dusty Fae and other diverse characters. More, this is sharp witted, adult (not young adult) and a male author. Not since Jim Butcher's novels has it been this good. I am learning a great deal about the publishing interest with all these books. With any luck, my writing style will show marked improvement buoyed by recent readings and more developed ideas.

Spent some time getting work done on the house this summer. New outside door to the crawlspace (you can stand up under the house), interior ceilings painted, cleaning closets and getting ready for annual clothes donations. Plus we've managed to clean out the den and clear off the table/counter which provides me a work space once more. No more dining room table! Ha! (I should say, at last. Again).

Delighted in some summer outings and one trip in particular to visit my best friend. Friends and fotos. (okay, lousy alliteration. Sue me).

And now here is my promise to keep writing here. I tend to ramble sometimes. I tend toward introspection often. I babble and extol. But if that's interesting, then there will be more.

Rainy day. Tea time, reading, laundry, quiet. Mortality becomes us but doesn't explain us. Cya.

123456789 Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Did you miss it??

Numeric Day

July 4

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:50:00 +0000

God Bless the USA, land of the free and home of the brave.

Summer Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:52:00 +0000

Huzzah! I completed book 25 (halfway)...yesterday! Yes! I am on target for my 50 books read this year. Currently I am self-indulging in a re-read of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince because I want to be refreshed when I see the movie in two weeks. See, I've forgotten little things...for example, in the movie trailer you see a bridge being destroyed. Hey, that is mentioned in the first page of the book! I, um, didn't remember that. So I'm doing mental catch up.

WIP: Also, mailed off the poetry chapbook and frankly I just wanted to be rid of it so I could push forward with my photography book. I'll have that in by July 15 and then it will be back to some prose while I continue reading.

There was a glorious lack of humidity this morning so I had the windows open for about 3 hours and I piddled around the kitchen as I enjoyed fresh air. Suddenly I was infused with all these memories of the past, of youthful summers in early mornings, bike rides and running through the grassy fields, climbing the side of a hill and squeaky front porch swings. Fresh mornings and fresh cut grass are a potent perfume.

Tonight, hubby and I are headed out to get a new grill (provided he can find one he likes) and maybe new patio furniture. We haven't had any for about 2 years and now that we have a nice deck, time for something to sit on. But the grill is priority. Need that excellent grill surface for fillet Mignon when Jeff and Wendi come to visit. And the ice cream maker is out too...going to make it a summer 4th to remember, I hope. It may be the last time we see both of them for 14 months. leSigh

Saw the movie, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Um. Wow. Potent. Not at all what I expected. Terrible and necessary. Worth renting if you haven't seen it. Also watched Defiance (about the Soviet Resistance - first time I've seen a movie about them) and it was also potent and good. Not so good and very predictable was Australia. I wanted it to be good because of Hugh Jackman but the movie - which billed itself as Australia's Gone With The Wind (I mean, please) did not live up to such lofty expectations except in movie length. Jackman was gorgeous but the plot could have been drafted by romantic-eyed 5th grader. Anyway, wait for that one on TV if you think you have to see it (like I did).

We're headed into the thick of summer now. Time for ice tea, watermelon, warm nights of fellowship and conversation. Live them!

When Legends Die

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:02:00 +0000

Michael Jackson is dead. The King of Pop has died at age 50. I am only five years older than he is - was. He was part of my generation, his music the stuff of legends. His style remade rock, r&b, pop, dance, videos, and the music culture in general. His music was larger than life, forgetting (if you will) the scandals that marred his preposterous life. Forget the whispers and the rumors and his insane antics. Forget that he was someone we didn't really know or understood. Forget everything else and remember he was King. And the King is dead. And there won't be another though many will try. Imitators all. RIP Michael. My iPod will continue to play your music and I will always mimic your dance steps. You, sad lonely man, will last forever.

Farrah Fawcett has died of cancer. Charlie's blonde angel, she who created hair sensations and made being blonde "fashionable," has gone to join the real angels. At least her pain is over and I think her light will shine on. Her love story with Ryan O'Neil surpasses any movie.

And then there was Ed McMahon, whose dead was not a surprise but one that catches us anyway. That amazing welcome for Johnny Carson, the voice of Star Search and Publisher's Clearing House. That laugh...that smile...that joy.

May we all be enriched by these larger than life people who shared so much and endured much. When Legends die, the world grows a bit darker and we reach for their stars in our dreams.
__________________________

Other notes: My son-in-law came home from Iraq on Monday, the 22nd. He will be home for two weeks and I look forward to seeing him and his wife over the July 4th weekend (3-5).

On my reading: Stephen King said, "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that." I have known this and I have forgotten. I get sloppy about both my writing and my reading. So this year I am determined to read a variety of styles in my genres and hone in on what's fine and what's lousy, then work on my own style as I go. This year has been one of improving the mind and the pen. Not to mention a few good vocabulary items too!

I've always believed I was a well-read person but my push this year has shown how woefully slack I've been, reading only about 5-10 books a year the last few years. And that is why the reading list and the push I've given myself. Besides the discoveries, I'm having a mental blast and delighting in some excellent literature.

Updating the reading list: I had to read while I waited for that box so I did finish the second Tanya Huff story and have moved on to the Jim Butcher book. I'm so bad. LOL

On Writing: I'm putting together the Table of Contents on the latest chapbook submission while organizing the pictures for my photo book submission. I'll print gallies the Tuesday after the 4th and then make my final submission.

Once these two WIP projects are complete, I intend to return to prose and put some work in on my mystery novel and stories. Time to simply write and see what comes out.

Finally, I don't get a chance to say this enough....so here goes...I miss my best friend and I love her dearly. Meli...after the 4th, you'd better get ready for me! :P Until then, Cya!

Summer Solstice and Fathers' Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:24:00 +0000

The Summer Solstice arrived around 1:45 a.m today and if you are outside around noon (and in the heat of the sun) you will see the shortest noontime shadow of the year because of the sun's arc. It is something to note if you've never done it. The Solstice brings the longest day and the shortest night. Too bad for vamps and fireflies but wonderful for the Fae and garden slugs. For us in the modern world, the solstice is a time to recall the reverence and understanding that early people had for the sky. Some 5,000 years ago, people placed huge stones in a circle on a broad plain in what’s now England and aligned them with the June solstice sunrise.

As for me, it signals a welcome if gradual return of Queen Night. I really despise Daylight Savings Time and Solstice to me means at least Nature can begin to work her natural magic on the ridiculously artificially extended hours. I'm all for Nature having sway, thank you.

And as way of celebration today, it is Father's Day. Since it is a nice long, hot day, I hope everyone spends it in the company of a loving father (or the memory of one). For those who cannot be with families, like my son-in-law currently in Iraq, I know the bond is stronger by the feeling of absence.

I miss my Dad. He died in 1999 and today I will have a beer in his honor, watch the NASCAR race and remember pale blue eyes that danced with humor and secrets.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there and Merry Summer Solstice.

Update: Finished my first Tanya Huff novel and will pause in my reading (have to reach 25 by end of the month) because I have books arriving on Tuesday and my next read will come from those: Jim Butcher! I have a Charlaine Harris arriving and a new series. So after I read the new Butcher (yay!) and Harris, then I will finish my other Huff novels and start the new series. NOTE: After 10 Butcher novels of first person, it was odd to go back to third person in Huff's story.

Updates and a Tweet Question

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:53:00 +0000

Book List: I have started another new Jim Butcher novel and the last one I own at the moment. Truthfully, I can't recommend this writer enough. He has written several series but the dry wit, honest style, clever plotting and continuing character growth with deep roots completely enchants and delights. I have laughed out loud, yelled at the books and sighed with satisfaction (all out loud!). Really, if you like urban fantasy, this guy is it. The Harry Dresden series.

Writing: I have several projects and I want to work on them all at once. Sadly, when I get to this feeling, everything suffers. I've learned that I'm better when I force myself to work on one project/story/novel at a time. Can't switch off to others during the day. I must be focused fully on one. So, today I intend to finish chapbook edits if I can and begin working the accompanying bio, acknowledgments and cover letter. As much as I want to work on the other stories and novels (things circle in my mind and characters are seriously bugging me), I cannot devote myself to multiple projects and do them justice. From here on out, will discuss current project as the WIP.

Personal: I read suggestions that a good writer's blog doesn't veer off course with personal ramblings. Okay, I understand a writer's audience may not want to hear anything about what I ate or said to the mailman -- and I agree with that part. But I do feel compelled to tell you a bit about me (now and then), if only so you will understand the writer better. Generally, my eating habits, hygiene and such are safe from you. You laugh, but honestly, there are people out there who carry blogging to silly extremes. Thankfully, my friends and fellow writers (and anyone I might recommend to you) aren't going to be that way. Same goes for Twitter.

Speaking of Twitter, here is my question for the day: I am only following about 120 people right now. Thankfully, not all of them post several times a day or even once a day. Seriously folks, how on earth can you follow several hundred, much less several THOUSAND and possibly see/read what they are saying? I understand a place like CNN Breaking news that has over 1.6 MILLION followers and they follow only about 6. Makes sense that. But on my end... I mean I really do want to read the items from those I follow (many racing sites and other writers and publishers) and I am very selective, not choosing to follow everyone who follows me (and we won't even go to all the Brittany xx spamers). So how on earth can you reasonably follow hundreds or thousands??? Who would have time to read all that?? What is the purpose of following so many???? I do want followers (and I see people chasing after numbers with PURPOSE, but....but other than to "have numbers" what does it serve??) but I want people to follow me because I'm interesting or might be, not just because they hope I will follow in kind (there are those too whom sucker people to follow and then drop them from their list just to collect numbers - and yes, I see you and know who you are, nah nah). Anyway, someone please help me to understand....

So stay cool, have some fun and remember life is very fragile. Do not hesitate to tell those you care about how you feel about them, be generous, show a kindness, physically touch and be touched. No regrets, nothing lost. That's key to a stronger, happier, richer life. Cya!

Sister mine

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 12:09:00 +0000

Happy Birthday to my sister who is a beautiful 42 today. :D

Last night's dinner was SO good. Even I was delightfully surprised (2 new recipes, you see). As a result, hubby and I both ate far more than normal and way too much. Oh, but it was really delicious.

The Shuttle's fueling didn't go well and the launch has been postponed until - hopefully - the 17Th.

Jeff Gordon's car blew and engine in practice yesterday, therefore, he will begin the race on Sunday from the back. Ugh. It will be a loooong race.

Hope to finish the chapbook submission today (might turn into two submissions if I feel brave).

You know that "old book" I mentioned yesterday? Well, reached Kevin and its going to get a dust off and a supreme make over. Last chance for this project. (I have to know I did all I could before I let it die). Work on this should begin after my photography submission.

It's hot and summer is pressing for an early arrival. She's such a bitch, ya know? HA! I may go stick my head in a Coke bottle. (after coffee, that is).

Stray Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:19:00 +0000

Checking in to bring updates. I'm hard at work on a chapbook competition submission due in by the end of this month. And I'm also working on a photography book submission due by July 15. Additionally, I'm reading my books with vigor and keeping my goal in mind (though I cannot truthfully say that this is any sort of a "chore"). I have one Butcher book left on the shelf (after the one I'm currently reading) and then will begin the Blood Ties series by Tanya Huff. Meanwhile, I am really, truly in love with Butcher's Dresden Files series. He has other books but they have not grabbed me nearly as well.

Also, I have several projects that I'm trying to get organized and continue. You know that book you wrote and tossed in the drawer because it was "so bad?" Well. I have one of those I've co-authored and I've decided it can be saved and I know how to get there. I'm going to talk to my co-author and see if it cannot be done. He may not agree with my proposal but this will be the last chance for it. If we don't pull this off, this poor bit of work will just have to go down as the one that almost was. (do you have one like that?)

So, my other writing projects include: Gypsy Red (turning outline from novella to perhaps longer) Snowflakes Turning (faerie arc story #2), Bones (murder mystery novel) and a writing project that I want to run by my best bud.

But today...today is the second anniversary of my mother's death and I am missing her so awfully much. Today she is with me and I am trying to hold onto the memory of her smile, her hug, her shining eyes, her laugh. It hurts but I need those things. My thoughts are with my sister today (my only sibling) as I know she's feeling the shadow, too.

Tonight I'm cooking a big German dinner: Bratwurst, red cabbage w/chopped apple, warm German potato salad, dark pumpernickel bread, served with a nice Bordeaux. Sound good? I haven't made a whole German dinner in ages. Hubby is of German descent and is really looking forward to the flavors.

Congrats to graduates everywhere and to teachers to made it to the end of the year. Good job one and all!

Have a good weekend. Cya!

(P.S. Shuttle Launch early tomorrow morning! Don't miss it!)

Perspective on Character

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:30:00 +0000

I'm curious....from what perspective do you present your characters?

I believe there are merits to the first person, allowing the character to have the strongest voice, putting you directly into their thoughts and feelings, making you an intimate part of the story.

I also believe there are merits to the third person where you allow all characters to be fully described and realized, where you are allowed to see and hear all, witness all (within any given moment) and have options to insert first person thoughts or take other liberties.

What style to do you gravitate toward and have you played with both styles? I should be curious to know both pros and cons from others as I continue to experiment with both perspectives.

Happy June! Let's Celebrate...something...

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:26:00 +0000

Hard to believe June has arrived and summer is on us. Blech. I really dislike summers only because I have never liked being hot. At least it gives me an excuse to stay in and focus on writing and reading. And I like to go out at night which is conducive to movie-watching (yay!). As to reading, I'm cruising along (if you are keeping up with my booklist) but must put a push on if I will succeed with 50 books this year. Must meet 25 by the end of this month -- that means I have to get to eight more books including the one I'm reading. Well, I have three more Butcher's, and six Tanya Huff's, and one Stephen King on the table, ready to go. That will get me into July. And I have a new Susan Carroll (last in the series you see on the left) releasing in July. There is a new Charlaine Harris out now and one releasing in October, plus a new Jim Butcher that came out last month. My total will then be about 32. Hm. I'll have to add a few things to my list.
-----What are YOU reading and how often do you start a new book?-------

Let's see, June is National Rose Month as well as National: Family Month, Ice Tea Month, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, Skyscraper Month and Candy Month! Whew! And June 1-7 is National Sun Safety Week, so go get your SPF 70 and above (because as global warming gets worse, so does your chances of burning and getting cancer!).

Additionally, today happens to be National Go Barefoot Day! Give your feet some breathing time and just let them walk around your house in freedom! No sandals, no flip flops, just au natural.

For Foodies, it's National Turkey Lovers' Month, National Papaya Month, and National Dairy Month (in addition to those fruits, veggies, ice tea and candy).

Hopefully there will be something in June for everyone to celebrate. Life is not fun if you can't find a reason for a party! Try an ice tea tasting get together, creating new tea flavors, blending and mixing, while serving small open face sandwiches and chips beside a couple board games or a good movie. Life is short, so live it up!

Finally, yesterday's race was awful for my racer JGordon #24 but it was good to see that karmic paybacks continue (re: Busch stricken again Lap 56). Poetic justice is just delightful. That must be why they call it "poetic." Iambic Karma!

P.S. re: Kyle Busch

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Sun, 31 May 2009 01:28:00 +0000

Two races lost/one to go. As previously warned Kyle, Karma's a bitch.. :D Ah, happy days. Nothing personal you know, its just racing, boy..

Catching Up

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Sat, 30 May 2009 19:23:00 +0000

Hi! Been a while and time to catch you up. First, you can see from the picture that my racing weekend was pretty much a washout. Yup, all things were terribly shortened and Memorial Weekend was disappointing. Not to mention that the 50Th Anniversary Running of the Coca Cola 600 - a 400 lap race - was whittled down to 227 laps. VERY sad. And my daughter-in-law who deploys to Afghanistan in August, went home on Monday not able to see the race run on Monday. Pits, baby. Pits.

New subject. I realize I don't write much about my writing. Perhaps I should do more just to let you know what I'm sweating over. I have spent a good deal of time reading (see column on side) and I'm cooking right along in the Jim Butcher series. I ADORE his style. And it's nice to read a strong male voice for a change, too. What reading more has done for me is show me a variety of styles to emulate and/or avoid. It has shown me great and poor writing styles and pitfalls to avoid. Best of all, it opened my inspiration. Add music to the atmosphere and voila, you have an energy charged writer.

Therefore, I've been writing with my vampire voice and tinkering on my faerie story (finding I must convert some of my first story in order to make the Fae world work and that is giving me a headache), plus I really want to dive into the murder mystery but...

Honestly? I have a nagging desire to dust off an old project with an old friend and fix it, then send it off. It needs fixing. Much fixing. But I think it could work as an old fashioned love story. It needs more umph though. Kevin, if you see this, we need to fix the old gal. I think I have a new vision!

Add to this, I'm trying to put together a chapbook for a competition and finish my photography book for another competition and my head is spinning. Thank goodness summer is here and I hate hot weather. It will keep me at my desk, cool and, I hope, motivated.

Shall I bore you with my progress (or lack of it) as I go? Will you respond if I run about screaming? I wish more would stop by and lend an ear. This writer needs a few strong shoulders once in a while. My best bud Melonie is going to be mighty sore.

On a different note, I saw Star Trek last night. Whoa and Wow and Yay. It was amazing and I really do hope a new franchise is born from such excellence. It would mean that a whole new set of generations can benefit from Mr. Roddenberry's insights and visions for a better world. I hope so, because the movie was freakin' awesome.

Oh, a little last bit for May...today is Hug your Cat Day. Oh, and in honor of it being National Hamburger Month, I ate a burger at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Honey, let me tell you that I almost had orgasmic spasms it was so good. Man alive! Sorry you missed out and boy could I ever eat another! Ahem. Oh yes, May 31 is National Macaroon Day, and it ends National Chocolate Custard Month! Get your goodies in because I will have LOTS more in June.

Happy inks!

That Fandom

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:10:00 +0000

fandom's "proof"

Fandom and Freedom

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Thu, 21 May 2009 11:26:00 +0000

Fandom: n., the kingdom where fans dwell to support a person, idea, sport, movie, philosophy or other thing that gives pleasure, satisfaction, hope or other positive emotion.

Okay, so that's not Websters New Internationally approved definition; it's mine. And today, and the next few days, life will be a lot about my own Fandom. Yes, I'm a fangirl. Big time.

When I was a young child I was a big fan of my father but a real geek over John Wayne, Burt Lancaster, Michael Landon (Bonanza!) and later, the Miami Dolphins. As a tween I loved (okay, now don't laugh) Bobby Sherman (alright that sounds silly even to me!).

Now, my fandom extends to literature and authors, philosophers, a few very old movie stars (can you say Sean Connery?) and as I have left football long behind me, I am a NASCAR fan girl. Specifically, I am a Jeff Gordon fangirl.

Therefore, I will be dragging my fanbutt around the local community, indulging in the Hendrick Motorsport facility with Museum, celebrating 25 years in racing. I will force myself to tolerate crowds in order to see my race car driver up close during SpeedWeek or in a Hospitality tent where I might luck into an autograph, like a real fangroupie. I will be attending NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying tonight, then two races over the weekend. And I will yell and cheer and stomp in frustration, and yell again with excitement. Perhaps I will get to see Jeff Gordon win! And I will be very fanwild and everyone will know my fandom (and I will probably know theirs too!).

Then I will be hoarse on Monday, Memorial Day, when I will really become a fangirl of every military man and woman who sacrificed their life for me. Those cheers will be silent prayers of gratitude, that their service allowed me to live a life where being a fangirl is allowed, encouraged, tolerated and a way of life for all who wish it. Their fandom allowed me to enjoy mine.

Yes, I am a fangirl. My biggest fandom is Freedom and those who sacrificed to insure it. And as I wallow in my weekend of indulgent fun, in the back of my mind are those who aren't here to enjoy it with me. I am their biggest fan.

Whatever your fandoms are, celebrate them then remember why you are free to enjoy your pleasures. God Bless every fallen soldier, sailor, and airmen who made sure I could enjoy weekends as this Memorial Day Weekend with racing and picnics and museums and parties and yelling and cheering and crying and laughing and hotdogs and beer and fandoms and friends and the right to talk about my fandoms without cynosure.

Thank you and God Bless the United States of America.

To Live, To Blog, To See

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Lately, I have been completely engrossed in experiences. That is to say I have been caught up in the space launch to Hubble, the space walks, the encroaching comets, the planetary alignments, military celebrations, recent deaths, celebrating our Armed Forces and getting heroes some recognition, creation of a new blog (that silly Daily Twitamin) and most recently NASCAR and my dearly beloved May racing.

Sounds like a great deal of diversions, no? Yes, it has been but isn't life about the things we watch, follow, initiate and ultimately, enjoy? Living is being IN the world, finding joy in what surrounds us as well as surrounding ourselves with what we enjoy. That may mean going out to seek that which pleasures us.

Experiences. Life is made complete from these things we breathe in and walk through. Whether it is the majesty and wonder of a silent night, a black sky, and the tail of a comet; or, a screaming crowd, a thunderous roar of engines, and the tail of white smoke from a car's burnout, what is important is the experience and that we have found joy in living the moment.

I encourage you to get up, go out and experience something old or new. Go beyond your normal borders and find the silence or the thunder, find a moment and let it fill you, renew you, and invigor you. Experience! You, the person, and you, the writer, will be so much more formidable when you do.
______________________

On a secondary note, I wanted to post a thought from this past Saturday's All Star Race where Jeff Gordon was crashed out (and it was his to win):

Kyle Busch, paybacks are a bitch. Just remember, it's not personal when it happens to you, ok?

Cup Qualifying is this May 21 and then racing all weekend. More substantive thoughts as the week progresses.
_____________________

Finally, I hope Summer's advent heralds a chance for more time with my best friend whom I never get to see anymore, more writing and some fun projects (which I hope my best friend has not forgotten or forsaken?). This summer should be a good one. There are many words hovering on the horizon.

See it, make it, be it, live it! And if you have a mind to, share it with me, won't you?

Armed Forces Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Sat, 16 May 2009 13:01:00 +0000

Today, we honor all living Military Personnel.

Initially, each branch of the military had their own day of celebration. But, on August 31, 1949 then Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day. President Harry Truman also announced the holiday in a presidential proclamation on February 20, 1950. All branches of the military were asked to celebrate on this day and they complied on the first Armed Forces Day, held the following year on May 20, 1950.

God Bless all our active and retired troops in all branches of the military. My especial prayers are given to my son-in-law Jeff, serving with the Army in Iraq and his wife, Wendi, special forces Army, who will soon be deployed to Afghanistan.

And God Bless the families of service men and women who stand by them, support them, pray for them, wait for them, believe in them, serve alongside them, worry for them, and share a tough life with them. I always think of them on this day. But May is also National Military Appreciation Month and includes Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 8), Armed Forces Day (May 10), I am an American Day (May 17), Memorial Day (May 25).

Mark your calendars and hug a troop or a veteran. (They never get enough)

It's Limerick Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:40:00 +0000

Yay! Limerick Day celebrates the birthday of Writer Edward Lear (1812-1888) who is well known for his limericks in his "Book of Nonsense." What is a limerick?

A limerick is a five-line poem written with one couplet and one triplet. A couplet is a two-line rhymed poem and a triplet is a three-line. So, what are the typical characteristics of Limericks?

-Limericks are a funny and nonsense poem.
-They have five lines.
-They have a rhyme scheme of A, A, B, B, A (lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyme; lines 3 and 4 rhyme).
-The syllabification (rhythmic beats) is 8, 8, 5, 5, 8.
-Most begin with "There once was a ____ from ____"

And what does that all mean? Well, here is a one of Lear's famous Limericks:

There was an Old Man with a beard,
Who said, 'It is just as I feared!
Two Owls and a Hen,
Four Larks and a Wren,
Have all built their nests in my beard!'

Lest you think Limericks are fluff and not considered "literary," then think again! Even Shakespeare wrote limericks. Just check out Othello or King Lear! Here's a sample:

"And let me the canakin clink, clink;
And let me the canakin clink
A soldier's a man;
A life's but a span;
Why, then, let a soldier drink."
~Othello, Act II, Scene III

So, have some fun today with a very loose form of poetry, the Limerick!