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Showing posts from May, 2021

15 minutes of drafting my cozy mystery #8

I'm using Google Docs to write it so it's not published, but you can read my draft here.: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PGHYTW1CKsMHmOSBZuwnEl3eP2unSVoQ2gU1_SWIMPM/edit?usp=sharing  This section starts at “Of course.” and ends with: "She immediately called 911." (Prompt by Emily Kleeman) "Woman making her dog sit up - Deland" by Florida Memory

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After? season 6, episode 6

Talk of cosponsors this episode. That horse appearing suddenly was hilarious Is there good money for translation work in Sequim? What does Natalie do all day? Ha! Natalie thought cows were horses Was the wood getting meant to be fun? This job conversation is rough Yay for Ronald's visa going to the next stage! So Tiffany's dad has not watched the show at all Angela finally found a liquid that she likes So now Angela may need a face lift Jojo is wise Is that how the term 'yogi' is used, Libby? Yes, Libby does have to tell Andrei about a babysitter or nanny What does Low do? Low didn't know what cosponsoring means...cool What Low and Kalani are now financially responsible for a lifetime Julia has both good and bad points Angela! Stop smoking! Angela, you definitely still have stuff in your bra How am I rooting for Michael and Angela? So Tiffany is going to play on her dad's guilt Tiffany, you have to tell your dad about Ronald's past if he is going to be a cos...

15 thoughts about a scene from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Season 1, episode 15, the scene with Rebecca's parents. I'm a little unclear how Rebecca is seeing this scene. The only way it works is if Dr. Akopian's as a dream ghost is actually magic because otherwise Rebecca is just imagining the part that she wasn't present for. Silas tells Naomi to not tell him how to be a father but he has no interest in being a father so he doesn't even realize what a hypocrite he is The tension in the scene is believable Silas has a point that he wasn't prepared but he should realize that his daughter did something drastic and she needs his love and attention Despite the height difference, Naomi clearly has a lot of power The scene stays dynamic by having Naomi move and turn around Calling Silas an ass is an effective and believable moment of swearing Naomi fiddling with her car keys helps sell that she is trying to keep her emotions in check and thinking This scene helps humanize the often irredeemable Naomi Silas lets Naomi have the...

15 questions I'd ask Steve Irwin

I would love to have met him. What are the best ways for people to help animals? How do you find the beauty in all animals? How do you help people find the beauty in all animals? How did you get so passionate about animals? What advice do you have for parents teaching their kids about animals? Do you have a favorite animal? Why? What zoos do you recommend people visit? What makes a good zoo? What advice do you have for zoos? What's most important in conservation efforts? What are good charities or organizations to support? Are there any animals you're afraid of? Are there any animals that gross you out? What impact do you hope to have on people? What would you say to all the people for whom you're a hero? (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "Steve Irwin and Koala Australian Zoo-1=" by John.   Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Thoughts on the Real Housewives of New York season 13, episode 4

Sonja is still druuuuunk. Sonja, do you have a solid financial future? Poor Luann Why does Luanna have a baton? Oof Leah's mom is being unfair What...Eboni's mom is making her make a decision about her grandmother? Ramona is right that one mortgage doesn't affect Sonja's daughter's future Ramona...there are no secrets on TV Eboni drinking from her wine glass will be a great gif Lol everyone is ignoring Garth Sonja, you don't have to work out The makeup people in hospital gowns is ridiculous Leah is taking a vow of silence for reasons... Uh Garth is not my speed How are we still talking about Tom? Oof things just got awkward between Lu and Sonja And just like that things are okay between Lu and Sonja You know stuff is going to get good when they give timestamps Oops Leah broke her vow of silence to say thank you Bravo, you just played that part...you don't need to show it as a clip You know food is cleaned, right Ramona? Shucking oysters is dangerous Aaand Le...

15 minutes of drafting my cozy mystery #7

I'm using Google Docs to write it so it's not published, but you can read my draft here.: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PGHYTW1CKsMHmOSBZuwnEl3eP2unSVoQ2gU1_SWIMPM/edit?usp=sharing  This section starts at "Ivy expected to see Ruby at the front desk, but instead there was a man at the counter." and ends with: “Oh, you mean the storefront.” (Prompt by Emily Kleeman) "Woman making her dog sit up - Deland" by Florida Memory

15 minutes of drafting my cozy mystery #6

I'm using Google Docs to write it so it's not published, but you can read my draft here.: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PGHYTW1CKsMHmOSBZuwnEl3eP2unSVoQ2gU1_SWIMPM/edit?usp=sharing  This section starts at "Ruby looked over at Ivy with a concerned look, but Ivy just smiled back." and ends with: “Moore Books was open til late, so she strolled in.” (Prompt by Emily Kleeman) "Woman making her dog sit up - Deland" by Florida Memory

15 minutes of drafting my cozy mystery #5

I'm using Google Docs to write it so it's not published, but you can read my draft here.: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PGHYTW1CKsMHmOSBZuwnEl3eP2unSVoQ2gU1_SWIMPM/edit?usp=sharing  This section starts at "Ivy was about to thank her, but was quickly pulled away by a customer." and ends with: “He looked mildly annoyed at the apparatus, but sighed and began to fill it out.” (Prompt by Emily Kleeman) "Woman making her dog sit up - Deland" by Florida Memory

15 minutes of drafting my cozy mystery #4

I'm using Google Docs to write it so it's not published, but you can read my draft here.: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PGHYTW1CKsMHmOSBZuwnEl3eP2unSVoQ2gU1_SWIMPM/edit?usp=sharing  This section starts at Chapter 2 and ends with: “But, okay, I did put up your flyer front and center at the store,” Ruby admitted, “and may have also put your book front and center.” (Prompt by Emily Kleeman) "Woman making her dog sit up - Deland" by Florida Memory

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After? season 6, episode 5

Lots of meetings this episode. We know Angela is going to wake up Aww Angela wants Michael there Angela is already being discharged? Andrei is swearing so much Andrei is too paranoid for a nanny Why don't they consider daycare? This music for Ronald is weird Ronald does love Daniel and I love that Ronald is having Daniel do his dirty work Low is here! What! They went to the shooting range when Kalani was a kid? White chocolate mocha ftw Low wants to talk about Kalani considering divorce I just want to go on record and say that divorce is sometimes the best choice Yara does look fantastic It's normal for Yara to be nervous to leave Mylah for the first time Mylah is so cute Jovi...you gotta get it that Yara isn't ready yet Michael, you should plan something for your mom's birthday Natalie is sitting weird Julia does not want to be here My god, Julia Julia...you asked what they used to do Uh oh...Brandon's friend is judgy I appreciate the show showing how much harder i...

15 lines of haiku poetry on my latest photo

I really liked this photo so I figured I'd do some poetry on it. Orange, black, and white Mingle into purple blooms, drinking in their sweets. Delicate flutters land on lovely lilac leaves wafted with sweet scents. Proboscis drinks in, Who knew that eating could be oh so beautiful? Wafting soft sweet scent draws me in, pulling at me to greet a winged friend. Delicate are the blooms, the scent, the wings, and the butterfly moment. (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy)

Dandelion Massacre

Here's a poem I wrote Nearby the lilac kingdom watched over As choppers cut into all green clover They sliced through all grass blades, even those bent, No more lovely white puffs of wonderment Such was the dandelion massacre Soft sweetness wafted through snipping-filled air Yellow tops no longer evoked sun's glare Stubborn stalks clung in circles to tree trunks No more easy field of flowers, just chunks Such was the dandelion massacre Practicality, uniformity were valued along with conformity Stiff lines preferred over joyful scatters No more blooms, everything just in tatters Such was the dandelion massacre (Prompt by me) "dandelion" by Stewart Bladen

Thoughts on the Real Housewives of New York season 13, episode 3

Sonja is gonna get druuuuunk. I would get worried if my dog was such a deep sleeper Eboni, Michelle isn't a waitress Wow that was an uncomfy package of Ramona Leah is wearing so many patterns Wow I forgot that Lu required an introduction before It is a tad weird to arrange a winery trip when you're sober Whoops seems like Ramona didn't donate the blood plasma Ramona and Sonja are just talking at each other Ew, Lu So many clips this episode I don't think you should bring wine in the van Garth also makes me think of Wayne's World Well...does Lu care about Heather coming? You shouldn't take your masks off (based on when this was filmed) "Too big is just a nuisance" "Why would we want to cancel culture?" Man so we're planning an attack on Heather Sonja competitively drunk dialed someone...classic Eboni is classy Aaaand Sonja loses it Next time Luann cries Next time Leah takes a vow of silence Next time there is a Breakfast at Tiffany's  m...

15 thoughts on Mexican Gothic - SPOILERS

I just finished Mexican Gothic  last night and I need to share. It is admittedly a slow start to the book so give it a chance I love the theme of how men use women and vice versa The theme of colonialism is also quite apparent and well done The prose gets very visceral which can be a lot when things get gross I love that it turns out it was a woman's power all along There is a solid opening for a sequel because IT'S IN THE BLOOD I can't with mushrooms at all I love that there is fan art of this book I think it's a pretty unique book with its setting I can't wait to see it made into a mini-series Even though I knew the good characters had to get out of the horrible situation, I really didn't see how they would which I think is good writing Every now and then there would be a word choice that would take me out of the moment What a beautiful cover I want to read more from this author I need more people to read it so we can talk about THE MUSHROOMS and what we think...

And still more D&D brainstorming in 15 minutes

I have another session coming up on Friday! I don't think my party reads my blog. If you do--STOP IT! I'm going to copy and paste a lot of my last post so I can build on it. Town of Talamh Should ask around about the sleeping spell Similar to Baile, but smaller Similar layout, but much smaller travelling merchant section, only one tavern Town was warned about the spell, but don't know what it was for Rumors are that the queen was conducting something evil (group of four) Rumors are that it wasn't from the queen at all, but from her brother so he could try and make the queen seem bizarre (group of five) Rumors say that one person was awake but he's not talking (barkeep, local crew, and couple) Have to talk to several patrons to find out where he is Only one person in town was a bastard, but they didn't want to go Abarat Dordan, full elf (see family tree) Convinced that he would be killed Paranoid Thinks the plague that wiped out a lot of the royal family was pois...

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After? season 6, episode 4

Lots of fighting this episode (I predict from the preview). Kolini always wears black, doesn't she? So Kalani and Asuelu sleep separately I mean if it was working for Kalani and Asuelu, I'd say go for it, but I don't think it is Kalani is right...you can't have a romantic relationship with someone you're mommying (at least not a healthy one) I want to hug Kalani I wish Jojo could stay with Angela during this part Can't they smell the smoke on Angela? I'm glad Michael spoke to the doctor even though it was mostly about boobs I'm also glad that Angela got to talk to Michael before the surgery The robe does not fit Angela I'm nervous for Angela "I've always been known as big tit Angie" I'm so glad that I've seen Angela be okay after the surgery Andrei does love his daughter Chuck is your boss, Andrei Andrei is a fish, this is what I got out of that conversation Mylah is in Calvin Klein Breastfeeding isn't odd, Jovi Jovi, Yara j...

15 things to see in Hyde Park/Kenwood

There are more than these! Bobolink Meadow Powell's Books U of C Quad Jackson Park's Japanese Garden Museum of Science and Industry Oriental Institute Medici Nichols Bird of Peace The Point "Under City Stone" mural Obama's house KAM Isaiah Israel (if they allow visitors inside, it's quite beautiful) Jackson Bark (if you have a dog or love to watch dogs) The cherry blossoms in Jackson Park Harold's (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "Art Palace" from The Field Museum Library

Even more D&D brainstorming in 15 minutes

I have another session coming up on Friday! I don't think my party reads my blog. If you do--STOP IT! I'm going to copy and paste a lot of my last post so I can build on it. Town of Talamh Should ask around about the sleeping spell Similar to Baile, but smaller Similar layout, but much smaller travelling merchant section, only one tavern Town was warned about the spell, but don't know what it was for Rumors are that the queen was conducting something evil (group of four) Rumors are that it wasn't from the queen at all, but from her brother so he could try and make the queen seem bizarre (group of five) Rumors say that one person was awake but he's not talking (barkeep, local crew, and couple) Have to talk to several patrons to find out where he is Only one person in town was a bastard, but they didn't want to go Abarat Dordan, full elf (see family tree) Convinced that he would be killed Paranoid Thinks the plague that wiped out a lot of the royal family was pois...

Thoughts on the Real Housewives of New York season 13, episode 2

What's gonna happen this episode? The bow on Leah is ridiculous Ah so Eboni's ex put his kids first Sonja is a lot Eboni...you were invited because you're a housewife Burning Man is a great party theme So a white woman has 16th century Tibetan instruments and heals people...sure Just them...plus the cameraman Do they say "leaky gut, crazy brain"? Sonja really did love her husband So Ramona still has the TIKI torches, huh? Ramona, you invited Eboni because she's a housewife Yes, Ramona did say she gets her help wrong Gotta love ex-housewives making an appearance Is "full as a tick" a saying? "Nothing works when you hit it anymore" Ramona did used to be a prude So how much of this evening did Leah plan vs. Ramona's hospitality director? I sympathize with Ramona wanting to know details about the healing I love Luann trying to rub Eboni's back but the spikes stopping her Sonja is allowed to wallow for a bit Sonja needs therapy This sess...

An old woman starts a fire in the fireplace in her cabin, and it sparks a memory

"I still know how to light the fire," Greta groaned as her children fussed over her having the long matches. They didn't think she could do anything these days, but she'd been lighting fires in the family cabin since she was small, it wasn't something you forgot how to do overnight. "But mom it'd be better--" "I said I still know how to light the fire," she interrupted gruffly. Her children were getting ridiculous. First it was a huge cause for concern that she misplaced her keys even though they did that all the time. Then she let some food burn, but that was just an accident. Now they wanted to stop her from her nightly ritual and that was just going too far. "Okay, mom." Greta stooped low slowly, feeling her bones creak with the effort, but she didn't mind. It was all part of the ritual. She had stacked the logs and added the sparse kindling in just the way she knew worked. She carefully-- see kids, carefully --struck the l...

15 lines of haiku poetry on potted plants

Who doesn't have a plant these days? Water for the roots Water for the leaves, the stems. Oops, I have killed it. Soil surrounds the roots, Sun cascades over green leaves, Water nurtures all. Potted plants: décor that comes with instructions or it will be no more. On trend home décor, Lively bursts of green nature filling space in pots. Green out of earthly soil breathes life from sun, water, and your loving care. (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "Hervás" by Frayle

15 cons of boredom

There are many. Nothing may appeal Your brain may feel off You may have too much to do You may feel lethargic You may be too tired You may have no ideas for what to do You may have too many ideas for what to do Nothing can be stressful You may feel lazy You may feel like you're wasting your time You may feel sad You may feel stupid You may feel like you can't do anything You may feel restless You may not be able to do what you really want to do (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "Boredom" by popo.uw23

15 pros of boredom

There have to be some, right? You have time to do something You may have nothing that needs to be urgently done You can find something new You can get suggestions for what to do You may be open to trying a few things before settling on one You can nap Nothing can be relaxing You have time to do things that need to be done eventually You can meditate You can take it as an opportunity to do something You can brainstorm what to do You can finally do that thing you've been meaning to do You can take a moment to be kind to yourself You can take the time to literally stretch as you figure out what to do You can write about it (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "Boredom" by popo.uw23

15 minutes on water feature merits

If you were to build a water feature for your house, what would be the relative merits of a moat, pond, fountain, etc.? Moat Epic Can have wildlife Good to defend your home Historic Good for solitude Impressive No one else has a moat Great for photos Pond Rustic Can have wildlife Can be a fun shape Good to swim in Good to canoe/kayak on Good for parties Good for fishing Good for campfires Good for spooky stories Fountain Classy Can be decorated any way you want Can be a fun shape Good to splash in Good for parties Impressive Can be timed with music Can have a light show Good for granting wishes Can make relaxing noise Great for photos Can include other water features Waterfall Can vary a lot in size Epic Serene Can have wildlife Good for parties Makes relaxing noise Good to stand in (depending on size) Not many people have a waterfall Great for photos Waterwall Like a waterfall More modern Serene Good for parties Makes relaxing noise Great for photos Can have lights and music Rain curt...

Lyrics to another song I wrote

Again, the pattern is copied from another song, but the idea is that the music would be different. They say we are made of our memories That they are our roots ensnaring stories But now yours have fell as you came to age And you have no words, and I don’t know what to say   Tell me of them, and now Your and my mom’s vow The scar on your eyebrow How grandma used to bake And swimming in the lake I can still get to know you   Dear dad, tell me what you can and I’ll Try to understand you've done your best The best you know how to. But who will I become? And who are you Undone   I know you’re there So help me find my way to you What do I ask? To unlock your mind’s dark chains?   Tell me of them, and now When you saw my eyes Your Halloween disguise How grandma used to bake And swimming in the lake I can still get to know you   Dear dad, tell me what you can and I’ll Try to understand you've done your best...

Lyrics to a song I wrote

Yes, the pattern is copied from another song, but the idea is that the music would be different. Even when I'm old and gray I hope that I will still remember you Oh, but after everything I know  I will watch memories slip oh so low 'Cause I've seen the their past and it's put me through Hell I had to watch how I fled from their minds  And who knows what tales that they have yet to tell? Yet how long til they bid them farewell? I hope to recall Odile playing, playing I hope to recall Ella swaying, swaying  I hope to remember  It all. And to know what I'm saying  I now know who I am Yet time's creeping, closer now and then And it says that I'll be done Well, you were wrong and now the best is yet to come Well for now hear me, soak up all of my stories  'Cause I try to take snap shots inside That I look back to, I find comfort in memories  Odile playing, Ella swaying, oh When the time comes, I may not even know their names 'Cause I've seen the their...

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After? season 6, episode 3

I think we get another couple this time. Omg they have Andrei building a playhouse In order to forgive Charlie, he needs to apologize I guess they have a dog Lol to Charlie trying to be an alpha male Jovi is bad at grocery shopping Instead of fruit, Jovi got lemonade Jovi, the diapers won't fit her...Yara isn't complaining Okay, Gwen, they did ask the doctor though Jovi leaving for work is going to be so rough So Angela is just not telling anyone she's getting a breast reduction Idk the chicken soup looks fine Jojo is a good friend I don't think Angela ever lost her groove Michael talked to Jojo about Angela's boobs? Aw Asuelu is playing with the kids I don't remember Kolini being called B before Where is Low? Did Kalani say she was 80% done? Well at least there is one animal on the farm Julia likes So Brandon doesn't have any proof that Julia lives at the farm...cool Brandon would not go to Russia, let's be real Tiffany, can you afford your own place? Y...

Thoughts on the Real Housewives of New York season 13, episode 1

Unlucky season 13? So Leah got a nose job So Luann's assistant grocery shops "Cray cray is the way we roll" Angel is precious Leah is converting? Luann's painting falling is hilarious Luann...it's not an allergy... Ha...it's still about Tom Do we have a new housewife? Poor Sonja's interns Sonja and Leah are in the tub on video call with a poor intern in the background I am nervous for how some of the housewives will handle having a Black housewife It does seem like Ramona Instagrams everything Sonja's garden is lovely Sonja trying to connect her fish to racial diversity is BAD Eboni is giving practical advice, not really legal advice (but Sonja needs practical advice too) Face kisses during COVID makes me squirm Harry comes up again Let Leah date who she wants "They're not just loaded, they're loaded with sperm" Sonja does seem to be implying Eboni trap a guy with a baby Luann and Leah are having a great and real conversation Are you ...

15 ways to stay focused in a Zoom meeting

We've all been there, right? Take notes Make it a goal to speak during the meeting Plan to recap the meeting to someone Turn your phone on silent Mute your email Don't be afraid to take a break if you need it Move the windows around so the person speaking is near your window (we all tend to look at ourselves, don't we?) Consider doing speaker view Go full screen if your background windows are too distracting Blur your background so that nothing is distracting you in your picture Make it a goal to reach out to someone during the meeting Have something for your hands (out of frame) to fiddle with If it's a meeting where you can have your camera off, talk to yourself about the meeting If focusing on your own video helps you focus, do that (no one can tell) Remember it's not the end of the world if you do zone out for a moment (you're not alone) (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "The New Normal" by Michale Dales.   Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC...

Thoughts on 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After? season 6, episode 2

Will new couples join us this time? I love the LA montage There are just fake boobs on the counter Why are they not wearing masks in this doctor's office? Angela didn't even move the pack of cigarettes from her bra Surgeries carry risks, Angela Tiffany is here with the cutest kids I forgot Tiffany didn't know she was pregnant with Daniel God Tiffany and Ronald shouldn't have gotten married when they did Ronald isn't even emotionally supportive??? Lawyers have to do so much emotional labor So Julia wants a boob job? Libby and Andrei made a cute kid To be fair, Libby, your family was awful in Moldova Seems like other spouses are here Y'all...Chuck said no to the loan, why are you talking like he said yes? Have you all been working your way up? CHARLIE! YOU ARE THE ONE WHO OWES ANDREI AN APOLOGY Charlie is nuts Now I want crepes Why are Kalani and Asuelu not wearing masks at all? Kalani, I can't believe you waited until day of  Asuelu is being super reasonable ...

Two friends go sledding for the first time since they were kids

"Oh come on." "I think this is a bad idea." "Then why did you agree to it?" "..." "I'm not that pushy." "And yet here we are." "It'll be fun!" "So you say." Chloe and Jessie stood at the top of what once seemed an impossibly steep hill to them. Now though, it seemed a little more than a speed bump. "What do you have to lose?" asked Jessie, putting the red plastic sled she'd been holding down on the frozen ground. Chloe looked around. True, the hill wasn't as steep as her memory had made it out to be, but still. There was ice everywhere. The air was so cold that it hurt when she breathed in. In her childhood memories of this hill you could smell the chocolate waft over from a nearby factory and it mixed somehow pleasantly with the smell of fresh smell of the pine trees. Now though, the factory had closed and the pine trees' scent must've been taken away by the harsh, biting ...