I Was Writing, I Swear!

I sat down and started writing chapter 6 of my pirate story, but my eyes started to close. Now I can barely keep them open. I apologize, but I will attempt to get up early and write chapter 6.

Ahoy, mateys!

Proofreading Help

How do self-publishers go about getting their short stories proofread? I know I could ask friends, but if it's something I don't necessarily want anyone to read until it's published, how can I trust a proofreader not to steal my work? It's a scary thing.

I'm pretty good at proofreading, but I can sometimes see words that aren't there just because I know what it's supposed to say.

Pirate Fantasy, part 5

The office was immense. It was more like a library, with books lining three of the four walls. Directly across from the entry was a set of large french doors that opened to a patio and garden. Throughout the room was plush furniture for conversation or lounging.

"If you are quite finished examining my office you may have a seat, Mr. Lafitte!" Old Hopewell bellowed.

Edward tilted his head, hoping to express he was not impressed, as he slowly took a seat across from the massive mahogany desk. In a practiced French accent he said, "Merci, Monsieur Hopewell. It ees an interesting little home you have here on ziss island."

"You think my home little?"

"Forgive me. My English iz not so good. I find it... quaint?" He fluttered his hands at the room. "My own estate is quite large and can accommodate two of you own. But zen I have many people who work for me and live on my property. I am a very powerful man looking for an equally powerful family in zee Americas wiss whom I may combine resources."

"What can you offer me in exchange for my daughter's hand?"

What a pig! He was selling his daughter off with no care for her feelings? He cleared his throat. "I have many trading ships. I am zee most powerful trader in all of Europe, and soon to be zee Americas. Zere is no one comes close to my connections and operations."

Hopewell grinned at him and nodded, looking him up and down. There was actually a twinkle in the old man's eyes. Edward tried not to shudder at the fact this man would give his daughter over to an obvious pirate.

"You'll do nicely."

A woman's gasp came from across the room. She had been half hiding in the shadows of a bookshelf. She stepped into the light. "You cannot be serious, Chester!"

"Do not speak against me, woman! You of all people should not be surprised by my choice." He glared over at her and she shrank back, staring at the floor.

Edward maintained his persona and flashed an arrogant smirk at the old man. "We must keep our women in zere places, yes!" He laughed loudly.

Chester Hopewell stood and extended his hand to seal the deal. "I will have a marriage contract drawn up immediately. We can have the ceremony at your earliest convenience."

"Zat would be most appreciated." Edward shook the disgusting man's hand before turning to go. He was in shock. What sort of man would give his daughter to a pirate? For all he knew she could be sold into slavery or used among the men on the ship. He was not about to let anything like that ever happen to his midnight angel. Once she was his he would protect her with his life. For she would soon be his wife in truth.

Pirate Fantasy, part 4

Chester Hopewell sat back in his gloriously plush desk chair and puffed away on his cigar. He eyed the man who hoped to marry his daughter. "Why should I let you wed her?"

Douglas Redding, Esquire came from new money in America. Something to do with railroads or shipping or something. He was the youngest son in that family, though, and most likely did not stand to inherit much at all. Businesses usually fell upon the eldest sons. He had a weak chin and a lisp.

"Thir, I can athure you your daughter would not want for anything. I will treat her like a queen!" He smiled proudly.

"Why the hell should I care what you can do for that chit? Tell me what you can do for ME!"

Douglass shrank under the older man's intense glare. "Well, I-I-I'm not thure what you mean, thir. My family is quite rethpectable, revered in fact. It thertainly would not hurt your reputathion should our families align."

"Get out, you ninny!" He nodded to his butler. "Send in the next candidate, Collins."

"Right away, Sir." He led Mr. Redding away and announced the next potential groom. "Mr. Jebediah Crabbich."

Mr. Hopewell squinted at the skinny, smarmy old man as he daintily seated himself across from his desk. "And tell me why I should let you marry my daughter."

The older man snickered and licked his lips. "I own several thousand acres of certain medicinal plants, if you take my meaning."

Hopewell sat up straighter and raised his eyebrows. "I think I do." He smiled.

Outside the office, Edward paced in the hallway. He was next. Thankfully, his informant on the island had met with him late last night when they docked in the cove. The man had mentioned the husband interviews and that Hopewell was seeking someone to align his business with. Edward had the perfect proposition, not that he had any intent of making good on it.

Upon hearing that the man apparently had no love for his daughter, Edward decided a disguise was in order. After all, the man surely would not want his daughter to have a happy marriage to a nice gentleman. That idea held more merit when he viewed the trail of men who had left with their tails between their legs. Each one was more hideous than the last.

The butler led out the next man and pointed to Edward. He reached up and adjusted his eye patch, stroked a hand over his facial hair, adjusted his sword and pistol and followed the servant into the lion's den.

Pirate Fantasy, part 3

Edward forgot how to breathe as he gazed upon the girl in the window. She had golden hair that hung to her waist, full pouting lips and big sad eyes. He wanted nothing more in this moment than to make them shine with joy. Why was she so unhappy? Could she be a prisoner? He hadn't been made aware of such happenings here. He knew this island well, including every access point to the entire fortress. If she was being held against her will he would make it his personal mission to rescue her.

"What you lookin' at?"

Edward barely heard Cookie, but spoke, still mesmerized. "An angel in white."

"Ya don't say? Might I take a gander at such a vision? I've ne'er seen an angel meself."

Reluctantly he passed his glass to his friend and pointed. "See that light in the distance there?"

"O'ho! She is indeed a beauty. So sad, though."

"I think she may be a prisoner."

"Or perhaps she's Hopewell's daughter. I'd be miserable too, were he my da."

Edward chuckled. "Either way, we need to get her out of there."

Cookie nodded. "I agree. Fire is about to erupt. We don't want the little lady caught in the crossfire. 'Sides, she might be mighty grateful, if ye catch me meaning."

"I do, indeed." Her gratitude would be most welcome, especially if she afforded him a thank you kiss. "I need to tell Captain."

"You do that," Cookie smiled knowingly as the boy walked away. He was the only other one on board who knew of the captain's illness, but had sworn loyalty to Edward. He knew the rest of the crew would do the same when they found out he had been their leader all this time.

Pirate Fantasy, part 2

Edward stared out at the waves, letting the lull of the water calm him. Being on the ocean was home to him. He had never felt like he belonged anywhere until he was taken aboard this ship. That was nearly ten years ago. He knew this ship like it was his own. Someday it would be.

"What ye be doin' out here, boyo?" Old Jim croaked. "Dreaming again?"

"Drinking again, Jim?"

"Always!" He laughed and tottered off.

Poor Jim. He hadn't been the same since his wife died last year. He had been out on a job when she passed. Fortunately their three sons were there taking care of her. Jim had provided for his family the best way he knew how, even if he had missed out on raising his children.

Edward knew he would never have a family of his own. He could never give up this life and he would not want to abandon his family. A ship was no place to raise children.

After one last gaze out at the waves he walked around the deck, inspecting rigging and making sure everyone was doing their jobs. He had come a long way since his thankless job as cabin boy.

"Evenin', Eddie!"

"Evenin' Cookie. Out for a smoke?"

"That and some fresh air, mate. It's hotter than Hades down below, especially in the kitchen."

"That it is. It's calm enough to sleep on deck tonight, if you prefer."

"I might indeed."

"And I just might join you." With a pat on his back from Cookie, Edward finished up his rounds, before heading down below to the Captain's quarters. He rapped quietly before stepping inside. He walked over to the bed and looked down at his mentor.

"Ah, Edward my boy, you're here."

"And where else would I be, Sir?"

"Oh, I don't know. Out looking for mermaids, perhaps? You're a fine looking lad. They would not be able to resist you." He laughed until he started wheezing.

Edward quickly helped him sit up. "Here now." He grabbed a mug off the table and made him drink.

"What would I have done without you these last few years? You are literally my right hand." He waved his stump of an arm in the air then let it drop to stare at the wall.

This strange behavior was happening with more frequency. Edward had secretly been making all decisions for years, ever since their ship had been bombed by an enemy of The Crown. The Captain had been severely injured and had never fully recovered. He made an appearance to the crew every now and then, but usually it was to tell them all that Edward was in charge when he wasn't around. That hadn't been a problem, as he was well liked by all. He just didn't want to make all the decisions alone. Sadly, his captain could no longer help him.

After seeing to his captain's comfort Edward went back to his favorite spot on deck, staring out at the waves. A point of light caught his eye and he glanced up. It looked like a window. He pulled out his spyglass.

Gazing out of that window was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen!

Pirate Fantasy

Carina stared out the window of her parents' island estate, at the vast expanse of dark blue. The sun had set nearly an hour ago, but under the moonlight she could make out the white tips of the chopping waves. How she longed to sail away from here. She didn't even care where she went. Anywhere was better than this prison.
She slapped her hand against the stone wall. No matter how much plaster was slathered over it, the imposing weight of what was beneath radiated through.

"Miss Hopewell, I have your dinner."

She turned to see Frannie or Fanny. Or was it Federica? It seemed like her mother hired a new lady's maid every other month. What had been the problem with Anna? Was it that she had been too nice? Carina still longed for her first maid, Beth. They had been close in age and she had sorely needed a friend when she had first come home from boarding school. She heaved out a sigh. There was no point dwelling on the past. It had been two years.

Now her life was this tower cell awaiting an arranged marriage.

"Thank you, um--"

"Francesca, Miss."

"Yes, thank you, Francesca." Carina sat down to dine on roast beef and asparagus in a rich cream sauce. One would suppose when one lived on an island there would be an abundance of seafood. Of course, since it was her favorite, her parents would never serve it. God forbid, they allow their daughter a modicum of pleasure. She chewed the beef slowly, while longing for branzino.

"Will there be anything else, Miss?"

"No, thank you. Good night." She watched her maid leave then set down her fork. She got up and went back to the window. She let the waves calm her worried mind.

Out in the distance, still out of sight, a small ship with black sails crept around the far side of the island.

Waves In My Head

I've been picturing rolling waves in my mind's eye. I think my next story will be about pirates.

I've always loved stories about pirates and old sailing ships, so long as the pirates are the heroes. I obviously don't like real life pirates. I don't like to read about serious pain and suffering. I want my heroes to triumph with the least amount of agony possible.

I love happy endings. Sure you need struggle and strife, but it doesn't have to be horrific. Well, that is unless you're writing horror.

Booming Bass Haiku

it pounds on my head
the booming of the music
that is not my own

--

This haiku was brought on by the intrusion of a neighbor's stereo while we were trying to watch a movie.

Are some people deliberately inconsiderate or just plain clueless?

Turn down your bass response. If you can hear it outside your house (or car) so can your neighbors. They are just too nice to say anything to you.

Writing for Comics

We had a nice visit with some old friends today. We got to talking about the comic book industry and how some companies care about their artists more than others. The one my husband works for doesn't seem to care anymore. They just want to make a quick buck and get into television.

Our friends suggested my husband start developing his own book and posting it as a web comic first. That was funny because it's the same advice Mick gives to his students. He never considered it for himself because he's so busy and doesn't think he would have time to do his own book. That's not really true, though. He gets bombarded with tons of work for two weeks, but usually gets little to no work for the next two weeks. I told him it was a great idea. As we were all discussing this a big lightbulb flashed over our heads. We all basically had the same idea for the topic!

So now, as a family, the Gray's are going to develop a comic book that we will give away for free on the web, until we pitch it to one of the comic book companies that care about new and innovative ideas.

I will keep you posted!

Movie Review: Mockingjay, Part 2

Yesterday I took my daughter to preview night of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2.

In a word it was AMAZING! It was so close to the book that I cannot complain much. The only problem I had was a lot of important moments went by too quickly, but when you're reading something it does get stretched out a bit with commentary. Then the ending I just had hoped would be embellished a bit. The book jumped to the epilogue too abruptly for me and so did the movie. It was still great. I just wanted more.

In this final chapter we follow Katniss and company into the Capitol on her quest to assassinate Hitler, er, President Snow. He knows they're coming and has booby trapped the entire city. With cameras rolling he intends for this to be the greatest Hunger Games ever.

The special effects worked seamlessly. There were jump scares throughout, making everyone scream and gasp. My daughter and I were clinging to each other at one point, knowing what was to come (since she's the one who made me read the books).

By the end of the film you don't know who is the real enemy and who is just trying to keep the peace for the greater good, no matter how screwed up their thinking might be. Well, if you read the books you know.

This story is quite a political statement on war. You may think your government is doing the right thing, but there are hidden agendas everywhere.

The theater was pretty packed, but everyone was respectful and vocal at the right times. We laughed and booed and cheered together.

The series has ended, so I guess you could say I am hungry no more.

Back Off

Today on my way to work I nearly had a heart attack. A man behind me kept stopping right on my bumper. I kept giving him hints by moving a few inches and stopping again and again, but every time he would pull up behind me as close as possible. I know I’m short and have a hard time seeing how close I am to other cars, but I couldn’t see his bumper, not to mention the entire hood of his car. I kept thinking that I would jump out of my car at the next light and lay into him for being such a moron, but I didn't.

I don’t know how most people learn to drive, but one of the most important lessons I ever learned was to always make sure I could see the back wheels of the car in front of me when stopped at a light. That prevents two things:  getting stuck behind the car if they break down -AND- rear-ending the car if someone hits you from behind (thus destroying the front of your own car)

Did this guy behind me never learn the rules of the road or was he just completely “asleep” at the wheel? That scared the crap out of me! I was still shaking when I sat down at my desk.

When you get behind the wheel of a car you are responsible for everyone else out on the road. Be awake and aware at all times. Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you at all times. Remember the “three second rule”? Well, now it has been increased to four or more seconds when driving conditions are worse, according to the DMV.

Even if you don’t ever cause an accident, any bad driving habits can cause someone else serious emotional and psychological harm.

Be safe.

Click here to check out some important driving tips.

Writing in the Car

I have been searching all over for a writing notebook I had taken from my daughter's stash a few months ago (she is so over glittery cupcake designs) and I finally found it!

This notebook will be for the car. I will keep it with me at all times so I can write down any ideas that come to me as I look out the window or listen to the radio. Don't worry, I won't do it while I'm driving. My husband usually drives us when we're together, so I can sit and write my heart out.

Do you keep a notebook in your car?

I Needed to Smile

The last few days have left me depressed and angry.

Time to just chill...







You're welcome.

To Unfriend or Not Unfriend

The other day I posted about the terrorist attack in Paris. I don't usually post about such heavy stuff, but so many people were talking about it and it really got to me.

Sadly, I tend to zone out when I hear the words "terrorist" and "military" because I'm already so paranoid and upset to know these things are going on in our world and I don't want to hear about it, lest I become Agoraphobic completely (I already don't like to leave the house). I don't know why this Paris attack affected me so deeply. I've never been to Paris and I don't know anyone there. Maybe it's because I think of Paris as a hub of artists and I identify with that.

I share all my blog posts on Facebook because it's the best way to lead people to my blog. Right away a friend of mine attacked me with this meme.

I say attacked because that is exactly how I felt. It's like they were telling me who I could and could not grieve. I have asked this person to stop commenting on my posts because they say things in a very hurtful way.

It's like they were calling me a racist because I'm not posting about the atrocities that happen in other countries. I don't usually post things about other countries, period.

I'm sorry our government is also apparently a terrorist organization. I have complained about "the war", too.

I'm sorry I'm not voting for your perfect candidate. I don't think they stand a chance, so I would rather use my vote to prevent someone horrible from getting into office. That may change. Who knows?

I'm sorry, but I believe that no matter who becomes our next president, they won't be able to stop the military machine. There are too many powerful corporations out there with too many business interests overseas paying off too many people.

I'm sorry I'm not brave enough to be a vocal political activist like you.

All I can do is voice my opinion and hope that somebody with more skills can pick up the ball and run with it.

What I don't need is somebody telling me I'm wrong for feeling the way I feel. They are MY FEELINGS, not yours.

So now I wonder if I should just unfriend this person so they cannot comment on my posts anymore.

To unfriend or not unfriend, that is the question.

High Tide

We went to the beach today and the tide was higher than I'd ever seen it in my entire life. Maybe it had something to do with the storm that hit overnight.

As we trekked down the stairs to the walkway I noticed dark clouds in the distance. My friend assured me there would be no storm today, so I shrugged it off. When we got to the bottom I was shocked. What was normally a good sized beach was just a skinny strip of sand. The waves were coming in and spreading out almost all the way to the cliff.

We decided to go for a walk. After all, we did pay $10.00 for parking. I was getting nervous as the water kept getting closer. About halfway down to the next beach there was a lagoon cutting off our path. The ocean had cut right through the sand, leaving a three foot deep canyon. The few in our group who had removed their shoes tried to walk across the water where it was most shallow.

My family and I stood on the side and shook our heads. It was cold and we had left our shoes on. When the waves crashed and the water rushed in again, the lagoon started to fill like a rushing river! Our friends shrieked and ran back to us. Then we all went back to the car. It was still fun, even if we didn't get to go the entire length of the beach.

We all drove to Santa Cruz and had a nice lunch.

The photo above is my husband and me next to the lagoon. Crazy!

Why Paris? Why Anywhere?

My heart aches over the atrocities in Paris last night.

What affected me so deeply is that all the people who were targeted were simply out having fun on a Friday night, trying to relieve the stresses of the work week. Some were having a cup of coffee at an outside cafe, some were at a rock concert, some were at a sporting event, while some were just walking around taking in the ambiance of a beautiful historic city.

I read something about these extremists claiming Paris was a city of prostitutes and the obscene. That's not who they were targeting, though.

Since when is having a cup of coffee obscene? Is it prostitution to sell concert t-shirts? Are these terrorists offended by rock music? Do they hate tourists? Beauty? Art? Community? Love? All of the above?

These murderous groups are the obscene ones. They are prostituting their souls for their sick enjoyment of killing people, anywhere, anytime, for any reason.

I guess the one tiny bright spot in all of this is that what they are doing is rallying the entire world together.

Yin and Yang.

Starbucks is Evil

I'm not making a political statement or anything. I'm just saying Starbucks is The Devil. Every day I say I'm going to avoid that place and every day I find myself wanting to go there. On many days, I find myself going there.

Their coffee isn't even that good. I swear they must have heroin or something in it! I just can't stay away!

Or maybe it's that I love the style of their stores. They're all a little different, but arty and inviting. Their cups are adorable, They always have some great gift items (usually way too expensive, so I wait for the clearance sales).

They have a membership plan, ways to earn extra bonus points towards free coffee and food. I have gotten tons of free lunches out of them. Of course, their coffee is way overpriced, so I guess it averages out. Actually, I think coffee drinks cost pretty much the same everywhere these days.

To top it all off, they came out with an app that lets you order and pick up, usually within five minutes. So if I'm rushing to work in the morning I can place my order and pay with my membership card via the app, rush past the twenty people in line and grab my stuff, which is waiting for me at the pick up area.

Damn you, Starbucks, for making me so addicted to you!

If only Peet's had a points program. *sigh*

Gotta run. My cafe mocha is getting cold.

Dreaming in Movies

Do you ever wake up from a dream and think, "Whoa, that would totally make a great movie!"

I do that all the time. The problem is I usually start to forget the story within a few seconds and when I wake up I'm usually too tired to write anything down. I really should, though. I have my journal right next to my bed. I may not be writing films, but I could definitely add some of these scenes and characters to my stories.

This morning's dream included aliens taking over human bodies and infiltrating the religious right. I was the only one noticing that their human forms were being eaten away by alien features. I think this little dog was aware of it, but I woke up before I could see his reaction.

Hm, it sounds almost like a movie I saw in the 80s. It was called They Live. There was one guy who could see these creatures and he was on a mission to destroy them all. But they were everywhere, in all walks of life. I wonder if that's where the premise for Grimm came from.

Maybe my subconscious was remembering a radio show I heard a few weeks ago. My husband and I listen to a Coast to Coast AM, as well as The Art Bell Show, where they discuss alternative news and paranormal events.

A couple different people had called in to say they had weird experiences. One was a massage therapist and the other was a hair stylist. Each of them were with a client when they either saw their client morph or change into some weird alien being. One woman said it looked like a hologram coming out of the person. The other said their client looked as if the human form was a hologram losing its power, like the human features were a forcefield. Creepy, eh?

Many people believe that aliens are here on earth.

What do you believe?

Spinning

Round and round.

My head was getting dizzy. When would it stop? I had been sitting here waiting for what seemed like forever. I must have gone through this cycle at least three times.

My clothes still weren't dry! And I was running out of quarters.

Damn laundromat!

California Freezin'

I'm shivering!

Freezing rain hit California the last two days. We do need the water, but I'm a big baby when it comes to cold weather.

This meme today totally cracked me up. It was a bit chillier than 63 degrees, but still we are such wimps.

Now I know why people retire to Florida. I could never live there, though. They have ginormous bugs. I'd rather deal with the cold, thank you very much.

Frost warnings for tonight. Where's my Snuggie?

Take The First Step

I was so inspired the other day when I saw this photo.

It came from the Facebook page of an author I admire, Vicki Lewis Thompson. She writes contemporary romance novels that don't take themselves too seriously. They are fun and quirky, just like her! (You gotta love a woman whose favorite vacation is a trip to Disneyland.)

The image above is a page from Vicki's writing journal. This is how she starts her novels. She figures out the who, what, where, when and how in simple notes. It's not an organized word file or spreadsheet. It isn't a character study or research assignment. It's just jotting down a few ideas and building from there.

Starting a novel doesn't have to be an overwhelming ordeal.

So, no more excuses! All it takes is that first step (or second, or third). Write down those notes on a piece of paper or a cocktail napkin. Get those ideas out of your head and onto something tangible. BAM! You're suddenly writing that novel.

Thank you, Vicki, for the inspiration!

Outlander DVD Set 2

I got my Outlander DVD set of Season One, part 2 a couple months ago, but my husband had been too busy to watch anything. We finally popped the DVD in this week. Yay!

Tonight we watched one of my favorite episodes, titled The Devil's Mark. It contains the pivotal scene where Claire tells Jamie that she is from the future. This episode had so much going on: a witch trial, where witnesses were making stuff up just so Claire would be out of their lives, a revelation that Claire was not the only time traveler in town, Claire's return to the standing stones and her emotional decision over which husband to choose. Of course, we already knew who she was going to choose, otherwise the series would be over already.

For anyone who doesn't know what the heck I'm talking about, please refer to this old post.

So now we only have to wait five months or so until the show returns for the second season. Thankfully, I have a friend who has the Starz channel. This is one show I don't want to miss!

Bullying

I had lunch with a friend recently and we discussed the fact that I have a mental block that keeps me from succeeding at what I really want to do.

It turns out we had both been bullied when we were kids. She told me that sometimes we, as victims of bullies, grow up and continue to bully ourselves because a small part of us believes the things that were said to us. That was a jaw dropping moment for me because I could totally see that.

A part of me believes I don't have what it takes, that nobody is going to enjoy what I write and that I don't deserve success as a writer.

Screw that!

As I told my friend about the book series I had planned she could see how happy I was, the passion in my voice as I spoke. I was lit up from the inside. That is what you are supposed to do with your life. Find the thing that makes you most happy and turn it into a career.

I have to channel Stuart Smalley again and repeat his mantra: I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!

To all the once-bullied out there, stop bullying  yourself! Move on. That period of your life is over and you are destined for greatness.

Not tonight

I had a busy day and now I'm too sleepy. Back to writing tomorrow.

Nestle Boycott

I have been hearing for months how Nestle has been stealing water from California to bottle Arrowhead and Pure Life Water.

They have no remorse for the fact that this state is going through one of the worst droughts in history.

I just found a quote from Nestle CEO Tim Brown, when asked if his corporation will ever consider halting the company’s unprecedented water extraction (like Starbucks did). He replied, “Absolutely not! In fact, if I could increase it, I would!”

What the-- WHAT?!?

What sort of lunatic takes water from a dying state and sells it back to its own residents? It's like something out of The Lorax.

Hardly anybody reads this blog, so I doubt my saying "Boycott Nestle!" is going to do much, but I cannot imagine activist groups will let this one go. Nestle has plenty of water bottling factories elsewhere so they can afford to close this one. If they don't, the people won't forgive their actions.

I have already stopped buying Nestle products and will avoid them until they stop stealing our water.

Asthma

Breathe in. Breathe out. Then repeat.

For some it's not so easy.

I have asthma. I've had it most of my life, but didn't realize it until my twenties. I think being a serious singer helped. I did more breathing exercises when I was younger, so my lungs were strong with a big capacity. Then I got older and left school. I didn't do my vocal exercises anymore, even when I was singing in rock bands.

I was finally diagnosed, but the medications didn't help much. The only thing that makes a difference for me is the rescue inhaler, but I'm not supposed to use it unless it's an emergency.

So now it's back to the breathing exercises. I have to retrain my body to take deeper breaths and expand my lungs.

Breathe in deeply. Hold it. Let it out as slowly as possible. Then repeat. I've considered wearing an ipod with a breathing exercise track to remind me every day.

Now I refuse to be a slave to drugs that don't show me any obvious sign of relief. I'm sorry, but my asthma attacks went away just as quickly before I was on QVAR. And it never prevented anything. Every winter, coughing fits. Now that I've quit taking it I haven't noticed anything different. I just need to stay out of cold air. That's mainly what causes my attacks (also cigarette smoke and perfume). A scarf around my mouth and nose works just as well.

And before you all start freaking out, I have researched it. It is possible to manage my asthma without drugs. And I will keep my rescue inhaler with me at all times for emergencies. Fortunately, it's never gotten too bad.

FYI, I don't recommend this for anyone who has severe asthma. If you have had moments when you could not take a breath at all, that is different. Please take your medication!

Have a beautiful day!

Blown to Bits

"You may be shining now, but I will destroy you. I will line up those of your kind side-by-side until your are erased from my sight. You will be gone and the others behind you will fall into place. Then they, too, will be blown to bits by my bombs and arrows."

With one tap of my finger, I fired the missile. I watched with glee as the glowing blades pierced the colorful gems.

I did it! My kingdom was now restored!

Glancing at the clock, I gasped and quickly shut down my laptop. 

"Damn you, Jewel Match 3!" I always lose track of time whenever I play this stupid game.

--

Seriously, I am obsessed with this video game, Jewel Match 3. I think I go into a trance watching these colorful jewels fall and burst apart. Not only is it a beautiful gem matching game, but there are puzzles to put together, hidden objects to find, gardens to plant and castles to build.

Review: American Horror Story

I always say I don't like violence, yet American Horror Story is one of the most violent and disturbing shows I've ever seen and I love it. What the heck does that say about me? Am I psycho?

Oddly, when I first watched it a few years ago I could barely handle the first episode. I have always been a fan of horror films and I had been anticipating this new show, really looking forward to it! It was just too upsetting for some reason. It felt too real, I guess.

Last year my daughter got me to watch the fourth season with her. The writing and acting was so good I decided to check out the first season again. This time I watched it knowing what to expect. I think that made all the difference.

For anyone who hasn't seen American Horror Story, but are curious, let me explain a few things. Each season is a completely different show, set in a different city with different themes. There is a core ensemble of actors in every season, but they play different characters.

Even though there is every kind of monster represented (evil spirits, demons, aliens, witches, zombies, etc.), the core of the show is about the human psyche and the darkness people are capable of. Thankfully, each season has a happy ending. If not, I probably wouldn't like the show as much.

Here is a brief summary:
Season 1: Murder House - This focuses on infidelity and how it affects a family. The setting is a haunted house where many grizzly murders took place over the past 100 years. There were so many ghosts, sometimes we wondered who was alive and who was dead.
Season 2: Asylum - The season was all about faith. It was probably the most disturbing and bizarre for me. The setting is the 1960s in an asylum for the criminally insane, but it's not just the inmates who are scary. The show included alien abduction, Nazi experiments, demonic possession and serial killers.
Season 3: Coven - The theme was racism. This was set in modern day New Orleans, but flashed back to the 1890s. It was about a group of young witches learning to harness their powers as they faced off against a Voodoo priestess and witch hunters. Ghosts and zombies and Hell, oh my!
Season 4: Freak Show - The focus was on tolerance and acceptance. A group of "freaks" are the heroes of this season, which is set in the 1940s. The monsters in this season are mostly human.

Season 5 has started, but I won't watch it until next year when it's on Netflix. I hear there are vampires and ghosts in this one.

Warning: This is not for kids. Duh.

Wedding Anniversary 23

It was 23 years ago that I married my sweetheart on Halloween, our favorite holiday.

We met while working at a little electronics company. I was the receptionist and he was a consultant in the drafting department. It was love at first sight for me; love at second sight for him (he says).

He broke the ice by helping me move into my first apartment with my girlfriend. Two months later I was practically living at his apartment. Within six months we had officially moved in together. I felt bad for my roommate, so I continued to pay my share of the rent until she found someone else.

Six months later we bought a house together, a month after that he proposed and 12 months later we were married. We've been in the same house all this time.

I guess when it's right you just know it.
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How did you know you had met "the one"?