tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45912470763840731102024-03-12T22:32:06.968-07:00The Year of Writing DangerouslyImprove your writing. Live dangerously (more or less).Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-78125484935767038772019-07-13T13:31:00.001-07:002019-07-13T14:16:51.014-07:00If You Only Have 24 Hours in Chicago...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay, I had more than 24 hours. 48 maybe. Give or take.<br />
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I was thrilled to participate in a reading of my published short story "Google Answers Everything." I was equally thrilled to take in some of what the Windy City had to offer.<br />
<br />
So, at the risk of sounding like a travel blog--here are some great things to do with 24 hours in Chicago--<br />
<br />
1-- Have lunch in Millennium park.<br />
Okay, maybe the "bean" thing is totally touristy. Maybe its where all the newbies go and you're overwhelmed with a group of Chicago school kids on their break from something. But it's still well worth taking in...and a good spot for some down time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the Cloud Gate ("Bean")</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May in Chicago</td></tr>
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2--Yes, take one of the cheesy hop-on-hop-off tours...<br />
If for no other reason than to just be able to get around town easily. You learn things, get an idea of where the locals like to go--it's an easy win.<br />
<br />
3-- Allow yourself to let go of the cynical. Embrace a chance to take in the wonder of a new place, to imagine what it would be like to take the green line every day, to live in a borough where you can see the Willis tower, where you wonder how the so politely put up with tourist. And marvel at how the locals enjoy the greening of the city after a rabid winter. An emerging. A rebirth.<br />
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4-- Visit the public library and the Chicago Cultural Center<br />
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I always like to visit the public libraries of the cities I visit, and Chicago did not disappoint.<br />
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There are incredible art displays and impressive galleries. <br />
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The cultural center --which is also free-- provided great information on the city in a setting that was spectacular.<br />
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5-- Bike along the riverfront and marvel at the many shades of blue of Lake Michigan. And marvel at why there are so many TULIPS in Chicago. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiffany glass rotunda in the cultural center.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-12169781066958399572019-05-24T14:12:00.001-07:002019-05-24T14:14:15.137-07:00Book on Bipolar Disorder on Sale in Honor of May as Mental Health Month <br />
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I’m a bit behind this month---okay, VERY behind. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<h3>
As many of you know (or don’t know) Mental Health is an
important subject to me. </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FlRRyKPdo6fyjb7xujjBCnbr0DiVRJgAXT1i1uiyBEI_PattOTXNZd3bwmSZ28B0wMUrCom4FeFzZeYr4nyHgnEqUjdH0O-CakPYuVHQ-lFbKeAufou0gigVfhPcP9C2lwo60e_B7oki/s1600/jude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="373" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FlRRyKPdo6fyjb7xujjBCnbr0DiVRJgAXT1i1uiyBEI_PattOTXNZd3bwmSZ28B0wMUrCom4FeFzZeYr4nyHgnEqUjdH0O-CakPYuVHQ-lFbKeAufou0gigVfhPcP9C2lwo60e_B7oki/s320/jude.jpg" width="238" /></a>I honestly feel that if there is still a lot of stigma
that needs to be eliminated. I honestly believe if this were any other kind of disease
that no one would be treated as unfairly. There would be more Congressional
funding for research, there would be better access to physicians, and there
would be more funding for mental health centers.</div>
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Could you imagine if this were
the situation for major causes such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes? There
would be protesters at the Capitol with pitchforks and torches like on the old
Frankenstein movies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But I digress.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The novel I'm putting on sale is "Saint Jude," which was first published by Tudor Publishers of Greensboro (traditionally published). It's about a teen who has bipolar disorder.</div>
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BTW-- It
takes place in the 80s--so you’ll not see any texting, tweeting or yeeting. I
still honest to God have no idea how yeeting works.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the rest of this month, I’m going to have the book on
sale for 99 cents. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here is a link to it on Amazon.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Jude-Dawn-DeAnna-Wilson-ebook/dp/B004KABIBG/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=saint+jude+by+dawn+wilson&qid=1558731855&s=gateway&sr=8-4">https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Jude-Dawn-DeAnna-Wilson-ebook/dp/B004KABIBG/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=saint+jude+by+dawn+wilson&qid=1558731855&s=gateway&sr=8-4</a><br />
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I hope it speaks to you, especially if you or someone you love has bipolar disorder.<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-14660003779198731162019-05-24T14:05:00.001-07:002019-05-24T14:05:12.281-07:00John Oliver on Mental Health for May is Mental Health MonthI don't always agree with him...<br />
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... but I totally fell in love with him when he did this segment.<br />
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You can also read some of my<a href="http://dawn-theyearofwritingdangerously.blogspot.com/2015/05/is-mental-health-only-remaining-stigma.html" target="_blank"> earlier posts on mental health</a>.<br />
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When someone you know and love has a mental illness, you have a completely different perspective.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-83886905560193111512019-02-14T13:29:00.005-08:002019-05-24T12:40:19.550-07:00A Week at a Magic Mansion<h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "arial" , serif;">Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "arial" , serif;">So if you write during your day job, and you write for a hobby, when you go on vacation you...write?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "arial" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "arial" , serif;">Yes. As a matter of fact I do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "arial" , serif;">I wish I could explain the hold writing has on me. Many writers say that to go without it is like telling someone to go without breathing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "arial" , serif;">One of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had as a writer/ novelist has been my time at the <a href="https://weymouthcenter.org/" target="_blank">Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities.</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: "georgia" , "arial" , serif;"><u><br /></u></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "arial" , serif;"><a href="https://weymouthcenter.org/" target="_blank"></a></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writer's bliss. My view from the writing residency.<br />
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It's a gorgeous mansion --- complete with a ghost. I'm naturally skeptical, but I've had some supernatural experiences there. (Doors slamming in parts of the house where I know no one is staying, finding personal objects arranged neatly on dresser or "hidden" in drawers.)<br />
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The last time I was there, I was fortunate enough to witness a fox hunt. And before you get started:<br />
<h3>
No, they do NOT kill the fox.</h3>
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Instead, they do something called "grounding" the fox, where they chase it into a den.</div>
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Here are some pictures.</div>
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Interesting fact: The hounds all have GPS collars because they often catch the scent of a coyote (and the coyote is far to smart for the dogs). These dogs have been found as far as 10 to 15 miles away. </div>
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I'll post some pictures when my wi-fi starts behaving. I have evidently angered the computer gods.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-22831960936839416212016-10-08T11:16:00.000-07:002019-05-24T12:53:59.276-07:00The Sort of Calm Before the Storm<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLiTanDisKXreNcgmhnZcqTfn68lYPpL2Vk8yu4yqwt4yP_DmQtpolqpUm1t0XM9Erfy1P53UTJFefz4Ht5wIZCy-we8e90JsQhFKC3DthtDFyvKX5hdWf3ShIQtGpFNge7q-7YLxLnF8/s1600/WP_20161008_13_33_02_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLiTanDisKXreNcgmhnZcqTfn68lYPpL2Vk8yu4yqwt4yP_DmQtpolqpUm1t0XM9Erfy1P53UTJFefz4Ht5wIZCy-we8e90JsQhFKC3DthtDFyvKX5hdWf3ShIQtGpFNge7q-7YLxLnF8/s400/WP_20161008_13_33_02_Pro.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Writing Desk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Confession: I've always loved rainstorms.<br />
<br />
The weather is perfect for writing, like the rain is sending out tons of great ideas that drip down onto your laptop computer (well, not literally of course, because that would suck.)<br />
<br />
An Appalachian mountain girl, I've found my career path took me down into the "flat lands" of North Carolina, and just two years ago I found where I believe I truly I belong: the gorgeous coastal town of Wilmington, NC.<br />
<br />
But with Hurricane Matthew --- well, let's just say there is TOO much storm.<br />
<br />
We've been very fortunate and my hearts and prayers go out to those in hard-hit areas.<br />
<br />
My understanding (but I'm not a #WeatherChannel guru) is that #HurricaneMatthew will hit us around early AM Sunday. (My church services at the Episcopal church are cancelled. So with all those Episcopalians running around, you know there's an empty ABC store somewhere.)<br />
<br />
But all kidding aside, there was no mandatory evacuation for our area, so I'm just hunkered down and prepared in case the power does go off.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping the wind and rain catch my ideas and let them flow into me...but as it looks, they are all being flowed into the tree outside my window.<br />
<br />
Everyone stay safe during the #hurricaneWatch. <br />
<br />
And for my family and friends in Asheville. You may not see effects from Andrew, but hold on, you'll have your chance when you get snowed in this winter because #WinterIsComing.<br />
<br />
Here are some pre-landfall pictures from #CarolinaBeach. They were taken Yesterday 10-8. The picture outside my window was taken 10-7.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-57291205106524625402016-04-04T10:29:00.001-07:002019-05-24T12:55:16.572-07:00If the Political Candidates Were Downton Abbey Characters<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPog4g-FlWijbvBLQQAn1bXW9xBiqyGC2_rbCRQvzIJz78PecqtE6pT91fELLezRVNkbhsygY8IV8zIHU7bc6JDTMWK1vrZhkbFY0fZJn8enfDW2uBtyJtJJOL0W47bJ-tRZD_eJdCFKJ/s640/blogger-image--782676890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPog4g-FlWijbvBLQQAn1bXW9xBiqyGC2_rbCRQvzIJz78PecqtE6pT91fELLezRVNkbhsygY8IV8zIHU7bc6JDTMWK1vrZhkbFY0fZJn8enfDW2uBtyJtJJOL0W47bJ-tRZD_eJdCFKJ/s320/blogger-image--782676890.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, it's not Downton Abbey. You know, that copyright thing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Millions of Americans recently bid farewell to the Crawley family, and while we said goodbye to one period drama, we're still stuck in the middle of the political drama race to the White House. The presidential candidates and Downton Abbey characters have a lot in common. We've matched them with their counterparts, as well as some reasons you should (or should not) vote for them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Hillary Clinton:</b></div>
<div>
<b>Violet Crawley</b></div>
<div>
Why? She's been playing this game longer than anyone realizes, which is why she's able to get stuff done. When she can't, she will send a zinger when you least expect it, nailing you to a wall. Something warns you that turning your back on her may be the last thing you do.</div>
<div>
<i>Pros: Would always get the last word in diplomatic negotiations.</i></div>
<div>
<i>Cons: Would always get the last word in diplomatic negotiations.</i></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Bernie Sanders:</b></div>
<div>
<b>Tom Branson</b></div>
<div>
Why? Revolution! Everyone deserves a chance! Triumph of the middle class! Who cares about your damn emails! Sanders would be right there with Tom, waving signs at the socialist meetings, maybe even marrying into the Crawley family to bring down the system from the inside.</div>
<div>
<i>Pros: A good driver.</i></div>
<div>
<i>Cons: Well, that socialist thing.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Ted Cruz:</b></div>
<div>
<b>Lord Grantham</b></div>
<div>
It's not that he's a bad guy, it's just that he's just so much BETTER than you. And he's always right. Except when he isn't. Then he's still right.</div>
<div>
<i>Pros: Impeccable taste in dressing gowns.</i></div>
<div>
<i>Cons: Losing half the family fortune.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>John Kasich</b></div>
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<b>Dr. Clarkson</b></div>
<div>
Why? You forget he's there, then suddenly he shows up and delivers a life-changing diagnosis that puzzles everyone. When you want to know more, he fades into the background. </div>
<div>
<i>Pros: Definitely who you want around during childbirth.</i></div>
<div>
<i>Cons: How often will he deliver babies at the White House?</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Marco Rubio:</b></div>
<div>
<b>Ms. Pattmore</b></div>
<div>
Wait, is he still in the race? We don't know because he's running around behind the scenes just trying to keep the GOP family together and afloat, making sure everyone thinks the production was effortless, although it was nothing but blood, sweat and tears. </div>
<div>
<i>Pros: Creates a fabulous Crepes Francaise</i></div>
<div>
<i>Cons: Has a bed and breakfast of "ill repute."</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Donald Trump:</b></div>
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<b>Lady Mary</b></div>
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Why? Looks great on camera, and despite being mean and spiteful, everyone still likes them. Is able to ruin your life and still somehow convince you that it's all your fault.</div>
<div>
<i>Pros: Lots of money, and comes through when the chips are down...eventually.</i></div>
<div>
<i>Cons: Must stay away from Turkish diplomats.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I'm typically an apolitcal person, but with the train wreck that is our recent elections, I'm wondering if, like Edith, the voters will ever be happy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, Frank Underwood from "House of Cards" could wipe the floor with all of them.<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-37554790475818482982016-03-17T05:46:00.001-07:002016-03-17T08:51:02.862-07:00Seven Things You Didn't Know About Saint Patrick (and Why He's Cooler Than I Ever Thought He Was)<div>
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Confession: Technically, I took this picture in Scotland. But that's okay. Saint </div>
<div>
Patrick may have been from there...</div>
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No matter where you're from, or where you were born, today, you are Irish. What better way to celebrate one of the great saints in Christendom than with green beer?<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
But seriously, the more I learned about St. Patrick, the more I learned he was even more cool than I ever knew. Here are the<a href="http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day" target="_blank"> top seven things you probably didn't know</a> about St. Pat. for #SaintPatricksDay </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>1. He was loaded.</b></div>
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At least, his parents were. While St. Patrick may have become a priest and lived a more modest existence later, in his earlier life, his parents were very well-off, particularly by the standards of the time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>2. He wasn't Irish.</b></div>
<div>
He was Scottish. Or English. Maybe Welsh. No one is 100 percent sure where he was from--tradition says his parents were Roman citizens who were most likely living in England. One thing is for certain: <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day/videos/st-patrick" target="_blank">he wasn't Irish</a>.</div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>3. Blue is actually the color traditionally associated with St. Patrick -- not green.</b> I'm not sure why. You can see a traditional<a href="http://www.catholic.org/news/saints/story.php?id=45045" target="_blank"> artistic rendering of his icon here</a> (or as I call them - Christian Super Hero Trading Cards)<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
4<b>. He was a slave.</b></div>
<div>
Raiders took Patrick when he was a young man and sold him into salvery where he wokred in Ireland as a shepherd. Patrick leaned on his faith to help him through this difficult time.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>5 After he was freed, an angelic vision told him to go back to Ireland.</b></div>
<div>
Imagine going back to the people who enslaved you! Patrick, guided by God, returned. As a result of God working through him, many of the Irish converted to Christianity.</div>
<div>
<b></b><br /></div>
<div>
<b>6. He used the shamrock as a teaching tool.</b> </div>
<div>
Patrick had a heart for the souls of the dear Irish people. At the time, the pagan celts were worshipping the sun, moon and other parts of nature. used the shamrock to explain the Trinity--how three separate elements of Father , Son and Holy Spirit can be both three in one, both different, yet the same.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>7. Your odds of finding a four-leaf clover?</b></div>
<div>
This has nothing to do with Saint Patrick, but it's 1 in 10,000.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Happy St. Patrick's Day. #ErinGoBraugh!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-15826371066289256022015-06-16T21:56:00.001-07:002019-05-24T12:24:33.607-07:00Things I'd Like Millennials to Know About the 80sI can remember looking through my sister's yearbook and laughing. My sister graduated in 1977. This was the 80s, and I was totally mortified by the long, straight, hippie hair everyone had.<br />
<br />
<div>
"Just wait," she said. "Some time folks are going to look back at your 80s styles and laugh."<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
"Never gonna happen," I said.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
After all, how could you NOT love the 80s? Neon. Hair teased to heaven. Parachute pants. These things would be trendy forever, right?<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay, I stand corrected.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Each year, college professors are given a list that lets them know about the world of incoming freshman. The point is that not all of the students are going to get cultural references. After all, this is a generation that has ALWAYS had computers, and never remembers a time when Bill Gates was not the richest man in America.<br />
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<div>
Stirrup pants aside, honestly though, there are some things I'd like Millennials (such as my niece) to know about the 80s:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
1. First and foremost ---and I think this is pretty darn cool-- I remember when things were transitioning to using the computers as a regular part of a classroom. </h3>
No, incoming college freshmen weren't required to have computers, but there was always a computer lab in each dorm. I remember in 7th grade, so fascinated by the first Apple IIe . Of course, in 7th grade, all I did was this program that moved a mouse around a maze to get cheese, seeing this transition was cool.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT8rkoifeUBWspzcs1uiVKMmHBqQ4nx4LwN0EPCxswTIJ3r0RFxtiLPfLL5IWFzXVXUixD_zYB3d30OSUoJU7bje8bZOEGqepVDuIuDq4PiwNd2V3X8Vr7WAzDveZIUsui9sMacjD7EC9/s640/blogger-image-1343384705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT8rkoifeUBWspzcs1uiVKMmHBqQ4nx4LwN0EPCxswTIJ3r0RFxtiLPfLL5IWFzXVXUixD_zYB3d30OSUoJU7bje8bZOEGqepVDuIuDq4PiwNd2V3X8Vr7WAzDveZIUsui9sMacjD7EC9/s640/blogger-image-1343384705.jpg" /></a></div>
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So, 80s folks are not amazed by the new technology---we are amazed that the new technology doesn't doesn't $8,000 grand a pop. </div>
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<div>
<h3>
2. We were absolutely convinced that, at some point, the Russians were going to nuke us all to Kingdom Come. Just watch Fox's "The Americans" if you don't believe me. </h3>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of the things that blows me away is that my niece (born 1996) HAS NO CONCEPT OF THE COLD WAR. It was starting to warm up a bit in the 80s.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
3. Yes, esp. looking back at the movies of that decade, we had some cringe-worthy lack of political correctness. I'm not proud of it. I'm just saying.</h3>
</div>
<div>
<h3>
<br />4. We all remember where we were during the Challenger disaster.</h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
5. Teachers put the fear of God into us that by 1990 the U.S. was HONEST TO GOD going to be on the METRIC system. </h4>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
6. What Lady Gaga is doing now, Madonna did back then. And with male dancers. In cone bras.</h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
7. Our music was better. Sorry. It just was. </h3>
</div>
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<h3>
8. I clearly remember seeing my first cell phone.</h3>
<br />
A friend's dad had one for business and we were carpooling and he let me use it to call Mom. It cost like a gazillion dollars a minute. I thought I was so cool.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
9. Republicans and Democrats still threw bricks at each other, but it was almost tame compared to the level of things now.</h3>
<br />
There was a lot of voter apathy in the 80s (I remember doing a speech about it for a class assignment.) Now it seems folks are gearing up to vote a whole year before the election. People were passionate about politics but they weren't bonkers over it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
10. Millennials will never know the sheer joy of wearing parachute pants. </h3>
<br />
Sorry. I pity you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
11. Yes, we really did wear neon and parachute pants and HUGE glasses and "jams" and yes, we really did think it looked great.</h3>
<br />
And while I confess that pictures of me from way back when make me think "what was I thinking?" I always get a bit sentimental when I watch "Halt and Catch Fire" on AMC.<br />
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<h3>
12. Our high school had a special session where teachers taught us about AIDS and how it was spread.</h3>
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I'm not sure if this was a state thing or CDC or health department thing. The "press" over AIDS was like the coverage of breast cancer now. It was a big scare and teachers were trying to eliminate a lot of confusion over how it was spread. </div>
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<h3>
13. We loved computers, but movies like "Wargames" and "Tron" gave us a healthy dose of skepticism. </h3>
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If the Terminator worldview has taught us anything, we know that all machines eventually become self-aware and enslave us all.<br />
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Hey, hear us now and believe us later.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirT855fVGJE3miOv4hDX8OxU_CToHoWI97vo_DbtdZbMGb5B_YnTrwwtW2NJJMD86sVAYgmhJK-4NpNNkTqdMNuKWM7PkD3TnxNs0jvkOOYtXGyviK6fJQxXJwuHa5a5pC_OL0z-ZcVv8M/s640/blogger-image-214111231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirT855fVGJE3miOv4hDX8OxU_CToHoWI97vo_DbtdZbMGb5B_YnTrwwtW2NJJMD86sVAYgmhJK-4NpNNkTqdMNuKWM7PkD3TnxNs0jvkOOYtXGyviK6fJQxXJwuHa5a5pC_OL0z-ZcVv8M/s640/blogger-image-214111231.jpg" /></a></div>
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14. The first floppy disks for Mac computers sometimes got stuck in the drive, and you had to uncurl a paperclip and stick it in this hole to trigger a spring to pop it out. </h3>
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I saved my college roommate's English essay by using this method.</div>
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<h3>
<br />15. The suckiest printer of 2015 is gold compared to the best dot matrix printer of the 80s. </h3>
</div>
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We used to link different sheets together to make banners. </div>
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<h3>
16. Millennials: You don't remember the joy of reading the new "Calvin and Hobbs" cartoons.</h3>
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I had college friends who got a newspaper only to read that comic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJ7gyScgMNbiuioHBsldcOyO-ojjZg-ka3C-eOGXsZT9lWlmj-bVuP8sOKX4OxhmzC5rMSs_VLsK9M3BkPtJ4Iid5jFdPvdvwVJaw_9ub8VBCllL4EbQpFuKAYGszPKiEK6X6WHQGhSLU/s640/blogger-image--1362037187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJ7gyScgMNbiuioHBsldcOyO-ojjZg-ka3C-eOGXsZT9lWlmj-bVuP8sOKX4OxhmzC5rMSs_VLsK9M3BkPtJ4Iid5jFdPvdvwVJaw_9ub8VBCllL4EbQpFuKAYGszPKiEK6X6WHQGhSLU/s640/blogger-image--1362037187.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />17: Airport security was, of course, nothing like it is today.</h3>
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I think that was the last time I actually enjoyed flying.</div>
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<h3>
18: Atari video games required a good bit of viewer imagination to make them work. And we were fine with that. </h3>
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<br />19: I remember watching Michael Jackson (when he was black) debuting the moonwalk at the American music awards.</h3>
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Mom rarely let me stay up so late when I had school the next day, but she had a feeling this would be like my generation's Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. Of course, now everyone has seen the moonwalk, but when you saw it, for the first time on TV, it looked like this dude was defying the laws of physics. I remember thinking "how is that happening?" Of course, I shortly got out my penny loafers and learned how to do it myself.</div>
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<h3>
20. I think this is one thing that really makes me pause: not only will my Millennial niece not understand the Cold War, she will NEVER remember a time of EAST and WEST Germany.</h3>
<br />
I was in college (in the 90s) when the wall came down. I was blown away. It was something I never thought would happen.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
In closing, I'd like to leave this AWESOME poster by Stephen Wildish. It's an 80s movies alphabet. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9Fg3p8J32r5hSNNlchDCGXWDxQSMqH683ud9H9DfuA4tC2WpHs5JbCSXtQqYgfHWtfYfks7TmsTAHMCCxAALrIa8EjbH2NcohmdROfIMjegQSMfHHFPn-4_bJoMYvfizG0lddiYRBCQc/s640/blogger-image--834216083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9Fg3p8J32r5hSNNlchDCGXWDxQSMqH683ud9H9DfuA4tC2WpHs5JbCSXtQqYgfHWtfYfks7TmsTAHMCCxAALrIa8EjbH2NcohmdROfIMjegQSMfHHFPn-4_bJoMYvfizG0lddiYRBCQc/s640/blogger-image--834216083.jpg" /></a></div>
See how many you can name and check out the answers and his awesome cool stuff here <span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">http://www.stephenwildish.co.uk/images/Film_Alphabet_Answers.pdf</span></div>
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So, what do YOU want Millennials to know about the 80s? Or better yet, what do you want Gen Xers to know about YOU?</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-91594381684781829372015-05-24T20:07:00.000-07:002019-12-16T18:23:14.512-08:00Is mental health the only remaining stigma? My mental health heroes (and a free book!)May is coming to a close, but before it does, I wanted to share some information for Mental Health Month. May is Mental Health Month, designed to promote education and awareness of mental health issues. Recently, John Nash, the schizophrenic mathematics genius featured in the movie, "A Beautiful Mind," was<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/john-f-nash-jr-dies-nobel-laureate-was-subject-of-a-beautiful-mind/2015/05/24/61463418-0219-11e5-bc72-f3e16bf50bb6_story.html?tid=sm_fb" target="_blank"> killed in a car accident,</a> along with his wife, Alicia.<br />
<br />
Mental Health is an issue near to my heart. My first novel, "Saint Jude," dealt with a teenager with bipolar disorder, and I have had dear friends struggle with this disorder. I have been amazed and dismayed that, at a time when it seems like nothing is taboo, that mental health still seems to be one of the few, remaining conditions for which it is "acceptable" to stigmatize. Angelina Jolie takes a preventative mastectomy, and she is on the cover of Time. Catherine Zeta-Jones takes a preventative hospital stay to deal with her bipolar disorder, and the response is something more like what you would see in a gossip tabloid. (Before someone makes a statement that breast cancer is fatal and bipolar disorder is not, please remember that suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young adults and teens. I mean no disrespect toward either woman.)<br />
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I wanted to share some of my mental health heroes. Some folks who inspire me, and some pieces of information. Read down to the end of the article where you can get a FREE coupon for my novel, "Saint Jude."<br />
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In no particular order:<br />
<br />
1-- Kay Redfield Jamison<br />
Not only is Dr. Jamison one of the leading experts on manic-depressive illness, but she also has the disorder. Her book "An Unquiet Mind" is a brilliant perspective as a clinician and a patient. Here's a clip from a UVA interview...<br />
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<br />
2-Vincent Van Gogh<br />
While his artistic temperament seems to be synonymous with the troubled artist stereotype, the bottom line is that he was a troubled, talented man during a time when there were few, if any resources available to help him.<br />
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I'm a huge sci-fi (and Dr. Who fan) . One of my all time favorite Dr. Who episodes was "Vincent and the Doctor," where he goes back in time and meets Van Gogh . It does a good job of showing the struggle with mental illness. Even if you're not a sci-fi fan, you'd love this episode. It's all over Netflix and several areas for free viewing I believe. Here's the full episode on You Tube.<br />
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3-- George Handel<br />
Handel wrote one of my all-time favorite pieces of music, the "Messiah." (which , btw, is actually supposed to be performed at Easter instead of Christmas, which is when many places present it. ) Handel wrote this is a little over two weeks in what was believed by many to be a<a href="http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/15/172064/frederick-handel-appreciation/" target="_blank"> manic episode</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0L2vJJVtiUo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0L2vJJVtiUo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Here is one of my favorite pieces from it - "And He Shall Purify"<br />
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4-- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nellie_Bly" target="_blank">Nellie Bly</a><br />
While Bly did not have a mental disorder (at least, not one that I am aware of), she made a big difference in how the mentally ill were treated. As a reporter in the 1800s, she went undercover in a mental institution to expose the conditions there. It was a breakthrough for investigative journalism. It shed light on many atrocities I will not go into detail here.<br />
<br />
5-- Winston Churchill<br />
<i>"Had he been a stable and equable man, he could never have inspired the
nation. In 1940, when all the odds were against Britain, a leader of
sober judgment might well have concluded that we were finished,</i>" wrote
Anthony Storr about Churchill's bipolar disorder in Churchill's Black
Dog, Kafka's Mice, and Other Phenomena of the Human Mind.<br />
<br />
This is by no means, an exhaustive list. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill <a href="http://www2.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Helpline1&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=4858" target="_blank">has a list of famous people who had mental illnesses.</a><br />
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If you or someone you know is battling mental illness, there is help. Speak to your doctor and find a mental health counselor.<br />
<br />
If you feel you are in the middle of a mental health medical emergency, you should call 9-1-1. You can always call the National Suicide hotline at<span style="background-color: white; color: #ba0008; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> 1-800-273-8255. </span><br />
<br />
And now for the free book.<br />
If you would like to get a copy of my novel "Saint Jude" (which was rated one f the "best 100" books books for teen readers in a guide by librarian Nancy Keane) you can order it on Smashwords. Enter the following code for the coupon before June 6, and when you check out, the book should register as free.<br />
<br />
Here is the page for the book: <big><strong>https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/58667</strong></big><br />
And the code is: <big><strong>TR27J</strong></big><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-36322838703512469832015-05-18T18:57:00.000-07:002015-05-18T18:57:25.783-07:00Ice-T--- Sweet or not?Without doubt, this is, quite possibly, the coolest sign I have seen in a restaurant. Period.<br />
Props to Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn of Wilmington, NC.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmWDzhYiBq7Lior2GWkmsBFBTQEQ6PwCGO4fzNbakyt30SpouUo_6SeqsDMKCarQiPuRZQ1NZvRj6Ag7p6i9I8yXtIqgYO3nLmkOVbtBmrPyw0JFyTiSH1nH8pQp0kaWb8UfpUnIe0m_X/s1600/T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmWDzhYiBq7Lior2GWkmsBFBTQEQ6PwCGO4fzNbakyt30SpouUo_6SeqsDMKCarQiPuRZQ1NZvRj6Ag7p6i9I8yXtIqgYO3nLmkOVbtBmrPyw0JFyTiSH1nH8pQp0kaWb8UfpUnIe0m_X/s640/T.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-39958229895443229442015-03-30T10:46:00.000-07:002015-05-18T18:54:54.373-07:00Is your website mobile responsive?<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I confess, as a writer I never gave this much thought until I started doing some research for this <a href="https://www.proclaiminteractive.com/blog/entryid/296/why-you-need-a-mobile-responsive-website" target="_blank">blog post</a>. Don't know what a mobile responsive website is? Well, it's a website that is designed with mobile devices in mind, so the website looks equally appealing on your laptop and your cell phone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 300 16px/22.39px Muli, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Not sure if your site is mobile responsive? Google has a handy tool where you can test your site.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; color: #f8981d; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font: 300 16px/22.39px Muli, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just click here.</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-72607637017834759352015-03-28T20:44:00.001-07:002015-03-29T19:01:34.315-07:00On meeting David TennantI confess, the last time I had my heart flutter was probably at some point during the Clinton Administration. But I was totally thrilled and, yes, a bit fan girl giddy, at the prospect of meeting David when he came to Wizard Con in Raleigh this year. <div><br></div><div>Meet is probably a stretch. I was one of the tons of people who lined up for an autograph, I was one of the few who got to ask him a question. <br><div><br></div><div>" He smells so NICE" said the girl in front of me, who was waiting to ask a question. </div></div><div>"He really does," said someone else.</div><div>"So, is it a cologne or something?" I asked.</div><div>"No... he just smells so nice."</div><div><br></div><div>Well, because of my chronic allergies, I cannot attest to the scent of Mr. Tennant. However, I can say he is an incredibly gracious guy. I confess, it hasn't been since high school that I felt my heart race like this, totally teeming out over someone. </div><div><br></div><div>Below is a link to the session where I asked him a question. I am the girl with the radio voice at 13:00. I ask him about his role in the BBC TV movie Recovery, which was brilliant..</div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mNHvfUa7PE4</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce7a87NpJfBhFRs0aiWvUSQxn-7-f19v6T7qVRmreluA-67QhGy2oKGuazi23lylqtBvYKxualz5Px3kKtA_2R3Znkyod9YYqAuV8tJWRzQjqcnYgiwterTlLRcHufVH1dP6bT_gDFSnj/s640/blogger-image-1283136573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce7a87NpJfBhFRs0aiWvUSQxn-7-f19v6T7qVRmreluA-67QhGy2oKGuazi23lylqtBvYKxualz5Px3kKtA_2R3Znkyod9YYqAuV8tJWRzQjqcnYgiwterTlLRcHufVH1dP6bT_gDFSnj/s640/blogger-image-1283136573.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That is me in the blue, trying to suppress a fangirl squeal....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I know my interaction with him was probably a whole 30 seconds, but from what little I saw, he seemed like such a classy guy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thank you Mr. Tennant.</div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-54763447631912176902015-03-14T07:15:00.001-07:002015-03-14T07:15:20.696-07:00Real-time blogging from Raleigh's Wizard World Comic Con - And top five
David Tennant roles..number one may surprise you....Hi all,<div>I am right now at a Holiday Inn in Raleigh, gearing up to go to the Wizard World Comic Con. No, /i wasn't there yesterday, because I had to drive in from the coast, but I am gearing up today and will post periodically (with a hopefully great internet connection) and upload photos from the evening. </div><div><br></div><div>I am thrilled because I will get to meet David Tennant, one of the most popular Doctors to take on the lead role in Doctor Who. But aside from being a science fiction celebrity, Mr.Tennant has some serious acting chops. </div><div><br></div><div>Following are my favorite David Tennant roles--hint, Dr. Who is only #3!</div><div><br></div><div>5. Peter Vincent in "Fright Night" -- for totally reinventing the character and doing it with humor and panache. Following is the link (I hope it works)</div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m_tw5RMqdLs </span></div><div><br></div><div>4. Alex in "Broadchurch"-- while theAmerican version of this didn't fair so well, the BBC version is absolutely wonderful. Tennant brings such depth to the character. </div><div><br></div><div>3. The Doctor in "Doctor Who."</div><div>How you could not love him? Not only did he take the role at a pivotal point in the series, but he broadened its audience, and I think was responsible for paving the way for a lot of new American fans....</div><div>here is a tribute post.. <span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cSXc9qkESkM</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">2. Hamlet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Just playing one of the most iconic characters in all of literature. No pressure there...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">1. Recovery</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Seeing Tennant as a man recovering from someone with a traumatic brain injury was so powerful it was almost</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">physically painful to watch...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">More anon...</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-62126514742248916602015-03-12T06:57:00.003-07:002015-03-12T06:57:58.968-07:00The Rise of Telemedicine<span style="color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 300 16px/22.39px Muli, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 300 16px/22.39px Muli, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong><span style="color: black;">The use of telemedicine has increased exponentially</span>.</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>More than half of U.S. hospitals use some </strong></span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; color: #999999; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font: bold 16px/22.39px Muli, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">form of telemedicine</span>.</b></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 300 16px/22.39px Muli, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444;"> In addition, there are 200 telemedicine networks in the U.S., with 3,500 service sites</span>....</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 300 16px/22.39px Muli, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 300 16px/22.39px Muli, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 300 16px/22.39px Muli, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 300 16px/22.39px Muli, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">...read more on my <a href="https://www.proclaiminteractive.com/blog/entryid/298/the-rise-of-telemedicine" target="_blank">guest blog post</a> for Proclaim Interactive.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 300 16px/22.39px Muli, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #999999; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 300 16px/22.39px Muli, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-14690687528504775362015-03-09T10:27:00.001-07:002015-03-09T10:27:03.040-07:00Front Street Books... How cool is this?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Perhaps the only thing cooler was that a random stranger gave me a quarter so I could get one.. Did I mention I love Wilmington, NC !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGeMwt9pYvOkiuh2Xmj4KDX3veSBpjZd3KUh0sGycD2hkDA-s82IWe5hXRT2WCQB9cxZZzeq2e1PqVfejSXJzuZI0LxxMpJjTTsLacZkwEnIAfJm4yY0KHxo2_tuWK832pvMxL3NsR3LK/s640/blogger-image--220804443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGeMwt9pYvOkiuh2Xmj4KDX3veSBpjZd3KUh0sGycD2hkDA-s82IWe5hXRT2WCQB9cxZZzeq2e1PqVfejSXJzuZI0LxxMpJjTTsLacZkwEnIAfJm4yY0KHxo2_tuWK832pvMxL3NsR3LK/s640/blogger-image--220804443.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-87407015253663445752015-03-02T10:17:00.001-08:002015-03-02T10:30:59.747-08:00Cool winter treesWilmington had a rare blast of cold weather ( this is Wilmington, NC, not Wilmington, Delaware. I am sure Delaware is used to much colder weather. )<div><br></div><div>Anyway, I was in the Staples parking lot and saw these totally cool icy trees... And with the lights and black pavement, it made an eerie and cool picture. I think this may be the setting for a fantasy world in my next book....</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoZqMb7BFnalp6Edwaxr7A323KFHd9bPBImyTk16Ez9P4LWEonHkfZFrQGXgiR90ALfrv22cEEVBpClUpKVGhNsOzpBLVLANArYfC_EcHL6AqUl3VngIx4wOLvn2sbHqlKkv0dd1gWyEd/s640/blogger-image--1381840072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoZqMb7BFnalp6Edwaxr7A323KFHd9bPBImyTk16Ez9P4LWEonHkfZFrQGXgiR90ALfrv22cEEVBpClUpKVGhNsOzpBLVLANArYfC_EcHL6AqUl3VngIx4wOLvn2sbHqlKkv0dd1gWyEd/s640/blogger-image--1381840072.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwopDIi7F5uHku_3is3xW8AOiq8S8BiRZVX-i5adlnDYps_AtUeaWoTTKufFUOjOOeOB4Czuff_RpABoyJ2zHqGLxRqq_C8TF6hyrkQmxWgp7Ro1mw0vScSSgY5MLnKRv6CGBUey_7-_S/s640/blogger-image-1764690717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwopDIi7F5uHku_3is3xW8AOiq8S8BiRZVX-i5adlnDYps_AtUeaWoTTKufFUOjOOeOB4Czuff_RpABoyJ2zHqGLxRqq_C8TF6hyrkQmxWgp7Ro1mw0vScSSgY5MLnKRv6CGBUey_7-_S/s640/blogger-image-1764690717.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-40710192753230290932015-02-16T17:39:00.002-08:002015-02-16T17:39:45.055-08:00Zen and the Art of Packing Up Every Piece of Crap You Own: Part Three- The Seven Deadly Sins of StuffI guess I finally reached that critical mass.<br />
<br />
In the mad fury to get everything together, my packing method soon resorted to "dump and sort later." I kind of think that's the way Congress operates: everything starts out with good intentions, we really will get a lot done this year... then near the end---- just dump everything and say you'll deal with it later.<br />
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I guess I finally reached the point where I had just had it with boxes. Some of the boxes I had barely gone through, but I just threw them away. I've got far too much stuff.<br />
<br />
Here is what I see as the Seven Deadly Sins of Stuff---and hopefully I'll be set free from them this year.<br />
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These are things moving has taught me that I need to let go of... both physically and metaphorically<br />
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1 -- Greed: Do I really NEED all that stuff. And why, oh why did I go to a consignment shop the other day looking for MORE stuff? Seriously. <br />
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2-- Sloth: Time to finally get cracking and get this stuff organized. Oh hey, what's happening on Facebook...<br />
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3-- Pride: Do we have stuff so that other people will see our stuff? I confess, I had a moment of "do I really want people to see this old couch? I need a new one" instead of--- this is the best couch ever. As long as it stays reasonably clean, don't ditch it!<br />
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4--Envy: I have a friend whose house is always in perfect order. Perfect. I have no idea how she does it. I want people to see me as this organized person. But to be honest, I'm kind of a mess.<br />
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5--Wrath: I usually get kind of pissed off at myself for "how did you let the place get to be this cluttered?" And then sometimes I throw things. Not usually. But sometimes. Esp. when the internet is out.<br />
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6--Gluttony: I guess any type of over indulgence can be seen as gluttony. I'm tired of the stuff. I'm tired of apartments looking like an all you can eat buffet of stuff. <br />
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7-- Lust: Okay, I can't make this one work. I have a picture of Johnny Depp on my desk. Can that count for something?<br />
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Anyone else had experience with these seven deadly sins of stuff? I never realized how much they were around me until I tried to move everything. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-36452752008128133752015-02-13T21:13:00.001-08:002015-02-13T21:13:05.522-08:00Over 40 and Single on Valentine's Day....No problemI always feel I have to write some kind of post about my singleness on the day reserved for lovers. Or I feel the need to launch I to a tirade about men and what ( fill in your choice of insult here) they are. or maybe just make snarky comments about the greeting card industry, the floral industry , and how it is all a big conspiracy to get us to spend money.<div><br></div><div>But I won't. </div><div><br></div><div>See, despite the fact that I haven't had a decent date since the Clinton administration, I still like valentines day. I am not sure when this took hold. Decided instead of thinking of all the disastrous. Valentines days I had ( one boyfriend's "present " to me was a message on my answering machine of him imitating ALF and wishing me a happy Valentines day. I was not impressed.)</div><div><br></div><div>Instead Im thinking of those days when you bought the 36 pack of car to give to everyone in the class, and everyone got one---- even the kid who smelled funny and the guy who had boogers. that one day, we were reminded that we were Valentines before it got to be such a loaded word, There was fun and, at the time I grew up, an innocence about it,</div><div><br></div><div>I like to think of Valentines day like that, The point is to show as many people as possible that they are special. doesn't matter if they are friends or strangers.</div><div><br></div><div>so, this Valentines day, I will happily meet up with my writing group, spend some to eat a coffee shops working on my final book in a you g adult series... And I will return home to clean house for my parents upcoming visit. </div><div><br></div><div>that is a good Valentines Day. why? Because I am loved, I have a home and a job. I have a family and friends. I have a Messiah. </div><div><br></div><div>love---- not the steamy, kind--- is around us everywhere, in simple things and unexpected places. I am going to look for it on Saturday. I will report what I find.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-19825784462734696662015-02-03T20:16:00.002-08:002015-02-16T17:28:34.625-08:00Moving Tips No One Ever Tells You About: Zen and the Art of Packing Up Every Piece of Crap You Own-- Part Two"Now, pay close attention," My dad said, as if about to impart some long-awaited secret. "Be sure to write on the outside of the box what you put inside."<br />
<br />
Um.. well, of course, I thought. Didn't he have any confidence in me? That should be obvious. And it is. But I've discovered something:<br />
<br />
No matter how clearly you label the box, what is on the outside is no where near what is on the inside.<br />
<br />
Packing up all the crap I own made me realize some tips that movers never tell you---or at least, tips I had never considered before.<br />
<br />
1. Do you really need all that crap? <br />
<br />
I've become convinced that I have much more than any single person should have. It's an embarrassment of riches, a wonderful blessing that I am both thankful for and mortified by when there are so many people in the world who have so little. Each time I move, I debate just getting rid of everything, and starting anew. I could sleep on an air mattress while I save money adding piece by piece to my home. And I almost do it.<br />
<br />
Then I remember the sentimental pieces I have: my grandmother's rocking chair, the first bedroom suite my parents bought, the tin knight in armor a friend gave me for my 30th birthday... and I start packing again. <br />
<br />
Keep what you want, but be sure you keep what you love. Clutter hinders creativity.<br />
<br />
2. Whatever you put on the outside of the box will never be what's inside the box.<br />
<br />
Because at the end you play, "hey, I have some space in this box, let's throw in hangers, washcloths, cat toys, bedroom slippers, knickknacks and basically anything that can fit in this narrow space. Then I open it up and it's like a buffet of madness.<br />
<br />
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help<br />
<br />
I like to fancy myself an independent person. Asking for help was a big deal to me, and I'm thankful for R who helped me haul some things away and E and C who gave me boxes, and some extra help. C is even keeping one of my sentimental items that almost got lost in the shuffle. But I should have asked for more help, because----<br />
<br />
4. You will be (fill in the blank) sick, lost, on deadline, with sick kids, out of town, car broken, etc. the days leading up to or the day of the move.<br />
<br />
I tend to be a pack rat, and I'm thankful that I had at least started to get rid of some clutter, but the week before I had bronchitis and a sinus infection (though thankfully escaped the flu this year)--and of course, that has a domino effect because I couldn't get work stuff done because I was sick, yada, yada, yada. <br />
<br />
Just plan for Murphy's law.<br />
<br />
5. Be afraid to ask for help. <br />
<br />
This may seem to contradict what is before, but hear me out. Asking someone to help you move is not like asking them for a ride to the airport. In fact, other than asking a friend for a body organ or carrying a baby for someone, there's very little that can be more miserable than moving. <br />
<br />
My point is--- your friends aren't moving professionals, and you shouldn't expect them to be. Likewise, be aware that, if they fall and get hurt, they won't get workman's comp. <br />
<br />
6. Be aware of what places will and will not move.<br />
My movers wouldn't move anything flammable. No problem, I thought. <br />
But then I realized, that includes hairspray. Nailpolish remover. <br />
<br />
They wouldn't move any toxic substances. No problem I thought.<br />
Then I realized, that includes household cleaners. (and in some cases, my cook books)<br />
<br />
So what may not be obvious to you at first should be evaluated. (Imho, if you can at all afford it, hire someone to move you. It's like ripping off a Band-aid. Do it quickly.)<br />
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7. Your new home will be chaos for a while. Just accept it.<br />
<br />
Everything will not be organized. Don't expect it to be. Take it one day at a time.<br />
<br />
8. Put all your boxes in one room. <br />
<br />
If you have a guest room, or office, or room that you will not be using on a daily basis, put as many boxes as possible in there. That way, you can gradually remove one box at a time while you live your life, and you're only walking through boxes in one room of the house.<br />
<br />
9. Your cat will view this as both the ninth circle of hell and the best playground ever. <br />
At the same time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-71576923499166569822015-01-29T20:20:00.001-08:002019-02-20T18:53:36.955-08:00Zen and the Art of Packing Every Piece of Crap You Own ( part one)Waiting sucks.<br />
<div>
As much as I tell myself it is a spiritual exercise-- and I honestly believe that it is-- that doesn't make it any easier. </div>
<div>
I have returned to this blog after a long hiatus. I was working through some personal issues and realized, that the more time I spent on this blog, the less time I spent on my novel writing,</div>
<div>
I was waiting; my life was stuck in second gear. I tried to make changes, but circumstances never lined up. But now, thank God, things are moving now, and I am convinced it had unfolded in God's timing.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
In short, I am in a new city.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
At 43.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Starting over.<br />
<br /></div>
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And I couldn't be happier.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I am now in beautiful Wilmington, NC, on the coast. Being from the mountains, I love the novelty of being able to go to the beach every weekend.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Packing up all my things has made me realize how I need to take stock--what to take and what to leave behind. Not just stuff, but thoughts, ideas, misconceptions. I need to embrace truth and become introspective, letting the things a out myself that I don't like of that are unhealthy peel away and dissolve behind me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have learned that moving and packing is a metaphor for pretty much anything you want it to be a metaphor for... </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I started my packing organized, I was not going to carry any unnecessary thing with me, I was going to pack like a squirrel on Adderall, I was going to have a completely clean slate. </div>
<div>
<br />
Then I got bronchitis, And a sinus infection.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
That organization soon turned into "dump everything into a box and go." After the movers had taken the big stuff, I had to stay behind for another week because I had missed too much of my work while I was sick, and the leisurely two-week notice I was working out ended up being one week of sick leave.<br />
<br />
The movers took my furniture down almost a week before I left, so I was in my apartment with only the bare necessities. I slept on the floor on a yoga mat. Although my back ached, it reminded me of a Maya Angelou quote I have hanging in my apartment: " We need much less than we think we need."</div>
<div>
<br />
I found out how much less when I tried to cram everything remaining I into my small Toyota and join the rest of my belongings on the coast. There was only enough room for me to safely see out the windows and for me to sit down. I felt like I was strapped into Apollo 11, surrounded by things that promised adventure, but having very little legroom, </div>
<div>
Time to blast off.</div>
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Time to rediscover myself.</div>
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Time to find a new shore and a new world.</div>
<div>
Time for a new adventure..</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-6319263528343871102013-11-28T07:02:00.000-08:002013-11-28T07:13:37.243-08:00Thankful for the Little Things that Actually Aren't so LittleMany people I know have been practicing days of Thanksgiving by listing the things they are thankful for—I have enjoyed seeing these proclamations on Facebook and other social network sites. It’s a great reminder that, despite all our complaints about the (Insert whatever is frustrating you here) we have a pretty cushy existence compared to most places in the world. <P>
But today, I thought I’d try something different. I’m thankful for the BIG things, of course! The things we all realize: family, freedom, food, health, faith (for me, this means Christ as my Savior) and so on…I think we all are. There is a book that says, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.”<p> I disagree. I say the big stuff is made up of small stuff…and I wanted to try something different this Thanksgiving. I am definitely thankful for the BIG stuff (but you all knew that already) so I’m going to mention some of the small stuff. The tiny, everyday blessings that really aren’t so tiny. Things I don’t even think about that, well, maybe I should think about.<p>
So here are ten “minor “things (that really aren’t that minor) I’m thankful for: <p>
1. Going to the bathroom. <p>I know, that sounds silly, but until you have a friend on dialysis, or a relative with a blocked colon, you realize this is one of those things that happens every day that you never think about until something goes wrong.<p> 2. Pajama days <p>I maintain that having a day to spend in your pajamas is one of the great simple pleasures of life. We don’t think about it because 1—we take for granted that we HAVE pajamas, 2—we take for granted that we can (generally) afford to have at least one morning a week in relative safety where we can do that.<p> 3. A church on every corner. <p>A friend of mine from up North laughed at all the hundreds and hundreds of churches in Rocky Mount—especially the “storefront” ones with names like “Temple of the Power House of Christ’s Holy Spirit.” Now, I can’t speak for what all these folks believe theologically, nor can I speak for any of the storefront worship centers of other faiths, but while he found all this variety laughable, I thought it was fascinating. We forget in many countries, not only is there no religious freedom, but differences/ dissention within denominations is met with much more than some bad press and heated exchanges at annual conferences. And to display your affiliation in bold letters in the front window? Not possible in some areas. <p>4. My big-butt can o’ change. <p>Which in itself is more money than most people have in some countries. Maybe I need to give that change to a charity.<p> 5. Spiders <p>Until you are surrounded by the Eastern North Carolina Mosquitoes of Summer (that always deserved to be capitalized) you really appreciate any critter who makes mosquitoes a part of its everyday diet. Heck, I’ll even throw bats and frogs in there as well. <p>6. Breathing <p>Two of my closest friends have cystic fibrosis, a horrible disease that, until I met K and T, I knew very little about. One of my friends said it was like trying to breathe through a straw in a room full of cotton. Many with CF have to have lung transplants, and because that is still a relatively uncommon procedure (as compared to kidney or liver transplants), the NIH doesn’t dedicate as much money (or maybe any) to lung transplant research. If you are looking for a worthy charity this year, I suggest www.lungtransplantfoundation.org <p>7. Better living through chemistry <p>All Prozac jokes aside, I take it for granted that when I have a massive headache, I can have an Advil, or if I have a cold, I can take some vitamin C. Even herbal remedies are available (or easily shipped ) . Even as recently as the 60s, treatment options for several conditions were limited, and it’s only been in the past 20 years that we’ve really gotten a grip on what is going on in relation to how the brain works, and thus giving new insight into brain injury, brain tumors, autism, mental health and a host of other conditions. Check it out at www.silverribbon.org <p>8. That God cares about the little things.<p> Seriously, the fact that God is even aware that I am doing this silly little list astounds and humbles me. <p>9. Milk coming out my nose <p>Remember in fourth grade when you laughed so hard at lunchtime that milk came out your nose? I mean, it hurt like blue blazes, but it touched upon what I think is one of the greatest gifts God gives us that we fail to recognize: laughter. And not just laughter, but unrestrained, guffawing until you start crying, laughing until you throw up type of mirth.<p> If you have not laughed this hard in a while, then by all means, let this thanksgiving be the time to do so. (well, maybe not the throwing up part) <p>I’ve been blessed that I have a family with an exceptional sense of humor. Case in point, I once left a voice mail message for my mom, and , out of force of habit from leaving messages from work all day, I told her this message was from Dawn Wilson. Her response? <p>“Thank God you specified Dawn Wilson, because I would have confused you with all the other daughters I have named Dawn.” Touche. <p>I have no brothers, but we used to joke about an imaginary brother named Wilson. Then we wait to see if anyone picks up that his name would be Wilson Wilson. <p>And while this may not get in the “milk coming out the nose category”—here’s my favorite LOL cat vs. a printer. Wait for it. It’s worth it.<p> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua4nDQ-IGbY <p>10. The flip switch<p> I know a few physicians who dedicate their time to treating patients in third world countries, and mention that they have to carefully schedule surgeries for “the three hours that the hospital has power.” <p>I turn on the light switch, I turn my key in the ignition, I boot up my PC, I Netflix the latest Dr. Who episode, I dial from my cell phone and ---unless something has gone wrong—I have a reasonable expectation that something is going to happen 98 percent of the time. This predictability often causes me to take things like this for granted. So that concludes my list of little things that aren’t so little.<p>Anyone want to share any of yours? Pleace them in the comments below.<P> I’d like to close with this prayer of general Thanksgiving from the Book of Common Prayer:<p><i> Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.<p> We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.<p> We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.<p> Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.<p> Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know him and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen. </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-325288597137602272013-06-20T15:44:00.000-07:002013-06-20T15:44:00.771-07:00The Summer of GATSBY-- No. 8 ---The best Great Gatsby Book Covers from Complex Art and Design<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i><i>Welcome to all things Great Gatsby: chances to explore, chances to learn, and chances to win.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>What's all this about? Read the intro to <a href="http://dawn-theyearofwritingdangerously.blogspot.com/2013/05/introducing-summer-of-gatsbyt-at-year.html">Summer of Gatsby here...</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Whether you've read TGG in high school and are revisiting it or rediscovering it for the first time, enjoy our discussion. And warning--HEREIN BE SPOILERS!</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i><a href="http://dawn-theyearofwritingdangerously.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=vJnHvz4BAAA.vjdfE_greiMnQ_teLECZeA.Y9L_HWaHm38C_ApYo-O0bQ&postId=7447693398686025781&type=POST">And check my last post for a chance to WIN free Gatsby-inspired bookmarks.</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>So pull up a chair, and get a glass of bootleg hooch (we're still mixing some in the bathtub) and we'll get going:</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Reminder: Prize drawing is June 30!!!! for Gatsby-inspired homemade bookmarks. Check the link above for details.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>
<b>The Best Great Gatsby Book Covers</b><br />
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I'll confess, I'm not one who was overtaken by the complexity, blah, blah, blah of the iconic blue Great Gatsby cover (I'll bet dollars to donuts that's the cover of the one you read in high school.) But maybe it was because it took me a while to see the face in it. Still even longer to see the reclining nudes in the pupils (I'll also bet dollars to donuts the Buncombe County School Board didn't know those were there).<br />
<br />
But I came across this article. My vote for the top covers? Well, my faves didn't make the list. (Though I do like numbers 11 and 12--but only because you can't see Gatsby's face. Let the reader fill in with their imaginations.)<br />
Look at the faves for Complex Art and Design and my faves found on the net.<br />
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<a href="http://www.complex.com/art-design/2013/05/the-15-best-great-gatsby-book-covers/">http://www.complex.com/art-design/2013/05/the-15-best-great-gatsby-book-covers/</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My three faves:</span><br />
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(as you can see, I come from the school of thought that less is more. Note how the black and white make the green really pop.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="http://hfour.jp/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/The-great-gatsby1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="142" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From hfour. We don't talk a lot about<br />the car, and I don't think that there's<br />really even a good description of the car<br />in the book. But I love this. Understated.<br />Also remember: this is the last thing<br />Myrtle sees....</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="http://wallppaer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/the-great-gatsby-cover.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="154" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From wallppaer.com Not a<br />typo, that's the name. Why?<br />Understated. Classic. Emphasizes<br />the green.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://neilcommonplacebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/9781922079558_large_cover.jpg?w=304&h=467" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://neilcommonplacebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/9781922079558_large_cover.jpg?w=304&h=467" width="129" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Neil commonplace book<br />I like this one, too. Esp. the title<br />type face. I can still see<br />Robert Redford in that, though.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-60469412302351248312013-06-15T15:04:00.000-07:002013-06-15T15:04:00.034-07:00SUMMER of Gatsby-- No. 7 -- The Great Gatsby video game: We may never leave the house again.<br />
<i>Welcome old sport!</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Welcome to all things Great Gatsby: chances to explore, chances to learn, and chances to win.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>What's all this about? Read the intro to <a href="http://dawn-theyearofwritingdangerously.blogspot.com/2013/05/introducing-summer-of-gatsbyt-at-year.html">Summer of Gatsby here...</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Whether you've read TGG in high school and are revisiting it or rediscovering it for the first time, enjoy our discussion. And warning--HEREIN BE SPOILERS!</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i><a href="http://dawn-theyearofwritingdangerously.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=vJnHvz4BAAA.vjdfE_greiMnQ_teLECZeA.Y9L_HWaHm38C_ApYo-O0bQ&postId=7447693398686025781&type=POST">And check my last post for a chance to WIN free Gatsby-inspired bookmarks.</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>So pull up a chair, and get a glass of bootleg hooch (we're still mixing some in the bathtub) and we'll get going:</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Retro 80s style Great Gatsby Video Game</b></div>
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Sure, there are ones with more sophisticated graphics, more detailed storylines, but do they feature Nick Carraway with ninja moves busting flappers and drunks with his cap? </div>
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<div>
<a href="http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/05/is-this-8-bit-the-great-gatsby-game-better-than-the-movie-video">http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/05/is-this-8-bit-the-great-gatsby-game-better-than-the-movie-video</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I bleepin' love this video game....</div>
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Here's a link to the game</div>
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<a href="http://greatgatsbygame.com/">http://greatgatsbygame.com/</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-43613377403371436292013-06-12T11:39:00.000-07:002013-06-12T11:39:00.085-07:00The Summer of GATSBY No. 6. -- My FAVORITE Gatsby cartoons by Kate Beaton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Welcome old sport!</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Welcome to all things Great Gatsby: chances to explore, chances to learn, and chances to win.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>What's all this about? Read the intro to <a href="http://dawn-theyearofwritingdangerously.blogspot.com/2013/05/introducing-summer-of-gatsbyt-at-year.html">Summer of Gatsby here...</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Whether you've read TGG in high school and are revisiting it or rediscovering it for the first time, enjoy our discussion. And warning--HEREIN BE SPOILERS!</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i><a href="http://dawn-theyearofwritingdangerously.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=vJnHvz4BAAA.vjdfE_greiMnQ_teLECZeA.Y9L_HWaHm38C_ApYo-O0bQ&postId=7447693398686025781&type=POST">And check my last post for a chance to WIN free Gatsby-inspired bookmarks.</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>So pull up a chair, and get a glass of bootleg hooch (we're still mixing some in the bathtub) and we'll get going:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
AWESOME Gatsby Cartoons by Kate Beaton<br />
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If you're not reading Kate Beaton Comics, you're missing one real talented gal.<br />
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I highly recommend her book (warning to the easily offended, some of them are R rated).<br />
She is witty and clever and has a great take on classic literature that is funny and understated at the same time. <a href="http://www.harkavagrant.com/index.php">You can check her out here.</a><br />
All images copyright by Kate Beaton (you HAVE to check out her Anne of Cleves stuff. Hysterical! Please click on the link above to her stuff.)<br />
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These are some of my favorite Gatsby cartoons she did--- click on them if the sidebar gets in the way...<br />
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STill, the link to these and other AWESOME literary comics (One of my faves is "Dude Watchin' with the Brontes") can be found above. Her book is "Hark! A Vagrant!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLKZNq-gj1wbK388M5ltKdq0MA_vB2FTfvgmKQpQO878j5KsdsE8gYVZjtMb4oquUeZ14gD-TXrAHxaBbJ0SDuPCxm5p4q6G3jhb_UNVAnyrpVt5ebJjCzu3ThO1N-p4VB9ooSvJarI2_/s1600/gatsby1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLKZNq-gj1wbK388M5ltKdq0MA_vB2FTfvgmKQpQO878j5KsdsE8gYVZjtMb4oquUeZ14gD-TXrAHxaBbJ0SDuPCxm5p4q6G3jhb_UNVAnyrpVt5ebJjCzu3ThO1N-p4VB9ooSvJarI2_/s400/gatsby1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBC6jMpUJMSgcX1u3FrUFPI59MzGe1-AIJgfHaxHwr3qSsnd0tAl3AHlAAar7DLrCMonJINLQD1vxI_OWcGhFAvBXY4kAwXDemId_JhgDuD5rXkaEIOJlnH9LpVHKrBn-2G7O7lfCcHDkW/s1600/gatsby2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBC6jMpUJMSgcX1u3FrUFPI59MzGe1-AIJgfHaxHwr3qSsnd0tAl3AHlAAar7DLrCMonJINLQD1vxI_OWcGhFAvBXY4kAwXDemId_JhgDuD5rXkaEIOJlnH9LpVHKrBn-2G7O7lfCcHDkW/s640/gatsby2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jIRqRUVz-ln1I3J9C8R3nwbb45fJgybyG_42tQuZ_V0asF6k397gXW3esii2eCFbhHqbGYrgyGwatB8skEmFPLEAm0G5mUaJVAg5964dNKL2j8MS0ygT42TpBlicxf3ChFHm3ErlaTm5/s1600/gatsby3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jIRqRUVz-ln1I3J9C8R3nwbb45fJgybyG_42tQuZ_V0asF6k397gXW3esii2eCFbhHqbGYrgyGwatB8skEmFPLEAm0G5mUaJVAg5964dNKL2j8MS0ygT42TpBlicxf3ChFHm3ErlaTm5/s640/gatsby3.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
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Thank you Kate for a big SMILE.</div>
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You can buy her book here:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hark-A-Vagrant-Kate-Beaton/dp/1770460608/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368989891&sr=8-1&keywords=kate+beaton">http://www.amazon.com/Hark-A-Vagrant-Kate-Beaton/dp/1770460608/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368989891&sr=8-1&keywords=kate+beaton</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591247076384073110.post-27988244405707937462013-06-08T11:23:00.000-07:002013-06-08T11:23:00.049-07:00Summer of Gatsby No. 5--- Five Reasons Daisy is a B--<br />
<br />
<i>Welcome old sport!</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Welcome to all things Great Gatsby: chances to explore, chances to learn, and chances to win.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>What's all this about? Read the intro to <a href="http://dawn-theyearofwritingdangerously.blogspot.com/2013/05/introducing-summer-of-gatsbyt-at-year.html">Summer of Gatsby here...</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Whether you've read TGG in high school and are revisiting it or rediscovering it for the first time, enjoy our discussion. And warning--HEREIN BE SPOILERS!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And check my last post for a chance to WIN free Gatsby-inspired bookmarks.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>So pull up a chair, and get a glass of bootleg hooch (we're still mixing some in the bathtub) and we'll get going:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Five Reasons Daisy is a B---</span></b><br />
<br />
Maybe it was because I was so crushing on Robert Redford in the 1974 film version. Maybe it was because I was going through some unrequited love of my own. Maybe it was because adolescent hormones made me so incredibly stupid. Maybe I was PMS-ing (if that's not verb, it should be).<br />
<br />
But regardless, I have to be frank. After reading the book and watching the movie, Daisy. Pissed. Me. Off.<br />
<br />
Feel free to disagree (hey, I love a literary discussion) but here are the facts IMHO.<br />
<br />
<b>1-- Spoiled, spoiled, spoiled.</b><br />
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Rich family. And not just a rich family, but "old money." Not just any rich kid would do. As Tom said to Gatsby later, "You're not like us. You can be rich but you'll never be like us." (I'm paraphrasing.)<br />
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Really girl? Personally, I'd rather be shopping at K-Mart with my true love than sipping champagne with Tom (who, btw, is a brute and racist. Not the top qualities for guys in my book.)<br />
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<b>2-- She led Gatsby on.</b><br />
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Okay, so he finds you and he's rich and all that is awesome so you are all "yes, yes, yes!!! Let's continue the affair! Dance with me in your uniform! Mother of GOD what beautiful shirts!!! Kiss me!! (and btw, since my husband is having an affair, I guess I will too) ."<br />
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But when it comes down to the wire, are you going to leave Tom? Really? Are you?<br />
<br />
Don't start something you aren't going to finish. Gatsby isn't just looking for a roll in the hay for auld lang syne ("roll in the hay" --do other people say that? I'm from the South, curious if it is elsewhere. RJ-- do they say that in England? Michael, how does my resident Aussie add in to this?) This leads to......<br />
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<b>3-- "But I love you NOW, Gastby. Isn't that enough?"</b><br />
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Um, nope.<br />
Read: I love you now that I have my courage up and I don't care what my family thinks and now you have money and it's more socially acceptable and oh wait, despite that, I'm still going home to Tom.<br />
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Daisy: I don't want to go home.<br />
Gatsby: Then don't.<br />
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Not that I'm advocating adultery, but I AM advocating not marrying a racist brute because you sort of love him and his family has money.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTLvz3g0hEFGnmw8TdVApyIO7Zb0_xZqvIMbHdzIW6lYznL0hLF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy says, "OMG, Gastby! I just looooooove those shirts. Can you wear your uniform for me?"<br />(and while you're at it, I scuffed up your car a bit, can you take care of that for me, too?)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>4-- You weren't at Gatsby's funeral.</b><br />
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Grrrr. You'd think Tom would let her go if for no other reason just for him to get the chance to dance on Gastby's grave. Okay Tom. You won. We hope you feel good about yourself.<br />
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<b>5-- The crappy way you acted when you ran into Nick later.</b><br />
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This wasn't in the 1974 version of the film. Nick basically runs into Tom and Daisy and is like "oh<br />
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<b>BONUS: Number 6--</b><br />
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<b>6-- You let him take the fall for you which led to his death.</b><br />
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I don't know why the bleep Gatsby let you drive on the way home, but he just can't say no to you, can he? Even then he's willing to take the fall for manslaughter for you when you rammed into your hubby's mistress. This all leads to Gatsby's death. I mean, it was like by pretending it never happened meant it never happened.<br />
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Denial ain't a river in Egypt, sister. And after all of that, you STILL did #4 and #5.<br />
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[insert string of expletives here]<br />
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You and the horse you rode in on, Daisy.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0