Thursday, October 18, 2007

Thursday 13:Another Mish-Mash

1. In the last year I have finished a self-help book on Career Counseling, written 52 poems, am mid-way through the sweetest short story on Casey and Izzy, completed a first draft novel for National Novel Writing Month, and dallied in several other short stories, essays and articles.
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2. Some days I think I am a good writer and other days, especially when I compare myself to so many incredible writers I have met, I think I'm low average at best.
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3. I know it's not helpful to make comparisons.
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4. After leaving my agent, I have the interest and helpful support of a small publisher for my career book, but I am dawdling with the book proposal revisions.
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5. Turns out I like writing poetry best: I may self publish a book of my poems next year, depending on printing costs and my motivation to market it.
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6. Enough about writing: why are most ceilings painted stark white? When JB and I moved into this house, we painted the livingroom and guest bedroom ceilings the same color as the trim (creamy beige, kind of). Both came out terrific, adding a nice warmth to the rooms.
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7. This painter's trick comes from Martha Stewart: with a pencil write your paint colors and numbers on the walls behind the light switches. That way you won't forget when a touchup or re-do is needed.
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8. My dog Stella is now a relaxed, happy, loving, appreciative and always sweet girl who lives for walks, cookies and chicken. After Rosie, I never thought I would love another dog like this.
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9. Does anyone else besides me really like Roy Orbison? When I think of his song, "Love Hurts", I could still cry on the spot.
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10. This comes from a recent book on the Tarot: "There are forces that no amount of good will or proper training can overcome: sometimes you have to be willing to pick up a sword. You cannot compromise with your conscience; what is worth having must also be worth fighting for, if necessary. It is not enough to want peace and security, or even to teach it: sometimes you have to be willing--and able--to defend it. "
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11. Mr. Ryan is crawling. And laughing. And watching. He is patiently curious--his eyes follow every movement, his ears every sound, his hands everything in front of him.
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12. I am returning to meditation as a means of helping myself be more open and peaceful.
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13. Is it true I have begun and will continue to regularly cook again? Will I again bake bread on Sunday mornings? I hope so.

21 comments:

  1. You're a very busy Lady KJ and think the meditation will help with not feeling overlaoded too! IF you have time ;) Roy Orbison makes me cry ...

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  2. Roy Orbison makes good music, but he is not my cup of tea. His music is a bit too slow for me, I'm afraid.
    I'm more of a lover of fast guitar music, I'm sorry, but give me the RHCP.
    Rock is a fan of ghe RHCP as well, he has seen them live on a few occasions, the lucky American :-)
    Meditation must be a good thing.
    I could use something like that.
    I must say that the idea of carreer couceling does intrigue me. Sometimes I think: do I need this or not? I don't know any independent carreer coucellors in Belgium.
    I guess it can be an added value, but there is a stigma about needing coucelling. Not?

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  3. I didn't say it wasn't crying with pain ;)

    Feel like *Mutating* KJ?

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  4. You are an inspiration with all the work and love you've put into your writing this year. (throw those comparisons out the window -- you're an amazing writer) I love Roy Orbison -- remember when he died in the midst of the Traveling Wilburies fame? In the video for Handle With Care, when it comes time for his singing part, they have an empty rocking chair rocking in a train car -- always makes me teary. I love ceilings painted a different color -- in VT lots of front porches have blue ceilings! I'm going to tattoo that Tarot book quote on my forehead.

    Soon I will be able to hug you and JB!

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  5. anon, i LOVE that roy orbison makes you cry.

    peter, i don't know what/who you mean by RHCP. i'm so curious! there are two guys in the medidation class i'm going to and one of them kind of reminds me of you. and yes, counseling always has a stigma, until someone feels they have no other good choice or learns how helpful it can be.

    anon, holy moly! i hope i am smart enough to do this!

    melissa, soooooooooooooooooooooon..............................................

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  6. red hot chili peppers!

    do you know i'm not familiar with their music?!

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  7. You are an exceptional writer and you should pursue whichever avenue affords you the most latitude.

    I love the honesty of the Tarot pronouncement. Pick up a sword..it rubs against the political correctness of the day but it is definitely more accurate and realistic.

    I am a Painter and to the best of my knowledge ceilings, and I am doing one this morning, are painted white to give an exagerrated impression of elevation and to reflect light into the room. It raises the roof and the neutrality of the ceiling allows the colour (CDN)of the walls to stand out.

    It has been 6 years since our Jack died and we still haven't worked up the courage to get a new puppy ((sigh)) we compensate by smothering stranger's dogs on our walks...thanks for the encouragement.

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  8. Can you tell us more about the Career book. I've just decided to start on a new career path and am interested if you cover anything on finding your true career path, etc. Thanks.

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  9. he, thanks for your support! i stand my my support of non-white ceilings. they can soften the room and pull it together. we even did it in our kitchen and it came out great!

    michele, thanks for coming by. you might find help in my CAREERS blog-http://careercounselingoptions.blogspot.com

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  10. kj, I have been painting the ceilings the rooms color for 10 years now. I think it looks great, and people don't even really notice, unless you point it out. Ceilings don't have to be white.
    I love Roy Orbison. He's one ugly son of a gun, but man, can he sing! I love his duet "crying" with
    kd lang who can do that song like nobody's business :)

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  11. It's easy-peasy KJ ... promise! Red Mojo isn't that way ahead of you ... ;) I don't know how to spell easy-peasy!!!!

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  12. Youre a prolific writer KJ, thats alot of writing! Id dawdle on proposal revisions - sounds like about as much fun as doing ones taxes tehehe
    I might have to give your trim as cieling colour a go next time I have to paint...I can see how that would be much warmer than bright white!
    Cooking?! Such filthy language!

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  14. Good Lord, I forgot about Roy, and man can he sing! Your words are ribbons, girl....write on and on and on.....

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  15. Roy Orbison had a voice so pure and beautiful; it is so apt that it has aften been described as the voice on an angel. Has Ryan started speed crawling? I am always amazed how quickly babies can get around on their hands and knees. And...leave it to Martha to have the best ideas:> I love that your ceilings are warm... your whole house has such a warm. welcoming feeling. Finally... you are a marvelous writer! You tell the best stories, and your poetry rings true from your heart to ours.

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  16. Roy Orbison has what I call a primal voice-he hits a part deep inside my soul. I think of coyotes calling when I hear his voice-a sound that I adore. His voice lifts me.

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  17. Um errr, if you 'FEEL' you're not smart enough to mutate, I can help you KJ :)

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  18. dearest anon, here's how i'm doing: i printed out a couple of these mutations for reference. i am gaining confidence. however, my 'to do' list is now longer than my 8 by 11 envelope can hold, so maybe this weekend i'll be doing this meme. maybe with roy orbison music in the background....

    :)

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  19. OHHHHH I knew you were a BRILLIANT daughter! All daughters make their Mum's cry ... *sniff*
    :)

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