Upside Down Cats

Twenty-one days of NaBloPoMo...I am curious to find out if I will fulfill my promise to write about things for which I'm thankful every day throughout November.

I guess there's only one way to find out...

Continue reading "Curious Gina" »

I was reading News of the Weird and I found this interesting tidbit to share with the class...

Here's what the piece said:

Australian Les Stewart holds what the Web site Oddee.com calls the "third most bizarre" of all Guinness Book world records: having typed out the written numbers "one" through "one million," over a period of 16 years from 1983 to 1998, according to an August story in his local newspaper Sunshine Coast Daily. He said he typed for 20 minutes at the beginning of every waking hour during that time because he "wanted something to do." "It just came naturally to me." - [Sunshine Coast Daily (Maroochydore, Australia), 8-22-07]

I am going to remember this man's work ethic the next time I feel that an undertaking is too daunting. He is proof positive that a little consistent effort on an enormous task over the course of time - eventually - pays off.

I wonder...if this endeavor holds the distinction of being the "third most bizarre" of all Guinness Book world records, what are the first and second? The mind reels...

While reading Michael Wade's blog, Execupundit, yesterday, I came across his post about the ninety year old author who has just had his first novel published. And I thought I was a late bloomer!

Talk about inspiration! I have struggled for many years with the feeling that I am leading an incomplete life. The work I do with the daycare children is fulfilling on one level, but I have always known that there should be more to my life than that. I am and have more than I can express through my role as daycare provider. I feel like an untapped well waiting to be brought forth.

Continue reading "What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up?" »

"Life isn't fair. It's just fairer than death, that's all." - William Goldman, "The Princess Bride"

I guess no one ever promised this ride was going to be fair at the beginning, middle or the end...

 

Although I've never read The Princess Bride, it is one of my favorite movies! It's one of those movies I can watch again and again, or even pick up in the middle and watch the remainder without feeling I've had an incomplete experience!

In fact, we incorporated copies of the DVD into some very unique Christmas gifts we gave last year...We made "Family Movie Night" gift bags which included The Princess Bride DVD, several blanket throws (how many depended on the size of the family), and tubs of homemade flavored popcorn. We love to give different and meaningful gifts, and we felt really good about these!

In looking over William Goldman's biography, I have discovered that in the course of his writing career (which spans the last five decades) he has written 26 screenplays which have been produced into movies and 14 novels. I think that qualifies him as prolific! Check out his credits by clicking the Wikipedia link to his name above...it's like a list of some of the best movies ever made, and he wrote them all!

I love finding out surprising facts about someone...I only knew his name as the writer of The Princess Bride before I found the above quote. Now I know a bit more about a very talented man.

Here's an amusing quote in light of my previous novel...um, I mean post.

"I might repeat to myself slowly and soothingly, a list of quotations beautiful from minds profound – if I can remember any of the damn things" - Dorothy Parker (1893–1967)

Here is - hopefully - the first of many installments of "Bitchin' Broads," a collection of writing about some extraordinary women I have discovered.

Occasionally I come across a quote or a snippet of information about a person, and I become intrigued. With my curiosity piqued, the quest to learn more begins...As I grow into my maturity, I seek to fill in these holes in my knowledge, hopefully creating a more well-rounded, interesting me. In the words of my first subject: "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." - Dorothy Parker, (attributed). So, since - according to Ms Parker - I am incurable, I shall pursue my 'disease' in search for an understanding of this most fascinating woman.

Continue reading "Bitchin' Broads - Dorothy Parker" »

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss (1904 - 1991)

I just really like this affirmation. Who better to get "words to live by" than Dr. Seuss?

No, it's not what comes out of a writer when you squeeze her...

I've got it! This blogging is new to me, but after only a few weeks of being back in the habit of writing - or at least thinking about writing - every day, my creative juices are flowing again! This morning in the shower (one of the two places where I get my best "ah-ha" moments) I actually had a new - and really good - idea for a children's book! I have wanted to write one for years, but somewhere along the line, every time I think I can, the process stalls, the ideas end up partly finished in a drawer, and my enthusiasm for them grows stale. I'm sure my excuses are not unique...not enough time, too many other commitments, lack of "juice"...I'm sure other writers - and anyone who has an unfulfilled dream - can relate, too.

Continue reading "Writer Juice" »

"You do not chop off a section of your imaginative substance and make a book specifically for children, for — if you are honest — you have no idea where childhood ends and maturity begins. It is all endless and all one." - P. L. Travers

P.L. Travers (Pamela Lyndon Travers) was the author of Mary Poppins. I found this quote by her just this morning, following my inspiration to embark on my dream of writing a children's book. I thought it apropos to the subject, and interesting food for thought.

Today I've been pondering an imaginary gathering of people I'd enjoy meeting and/or conversing with over dinner. I call it my Fantasy Dinner Party. Like Fantasy Sports, the participants need not live in the same time or place. I think I originally got this idea from a PBS show I watched with my older brother many moons ago called Meeting of Minds. (Go ahead...mock me for being a nerdy PBS-watching girl...!) Steve Allen hosted this round table discussion which brought historical figures together to discuss their views on a variety of topics. As a kid I was fascinated with this concept of defying the space/time continuum to bring these diverse people face to face. I admit the fascination remains, though my guest list has certainly evolved through the years. Imagine all that could be learned from hearing these eclectic people share their knowledge, experience and insight!

The criteria for getting on the list is that you need to be an interesting person or someone I admire - or both. Click read more for a list of some people who should expect an invitation.

Continue reading "Fantasy Dinner Party - Vol. 1" »