New Year’s Eve Thoughts

It is New Year’s Eve, 2010 will soon pass, and 2011 will begin. It is time to appraise 2010 resolutions and make new resolution for 2011. It is time to look at the accomplishments, if one can remember them.

Looking back over 2010, I remember completing the NaNoWriMo Prep Challenge and writing a 50,000 word novel during NaNoWriMo. In 2010, I accomplished both in the same year, which was one of my writing goals. There were things I did not accomplish and some of those I need to focus on in 2011.

I sit down yesterday and wrote down nine goals for 2011. The first thing on that list is move 27 things in my house. I decided to make that the first goal because of this quote (from an unknown source): "If you want to change your life, move 27 things in your home." Looking around, I can see a lot I want to move, but I only have to focus on moving 27 things during 2011. I believe I can accomplish that task.

I am not going to list everything on my 2011 goal list today. I will wait to post my goal list until the New Year because I want to review the list again before I post it.

My Birthday presents

My brother sent me a Border’s gift card for my birthday. I went to the bookstore on my birthday and bought two books. One was a science fiction book and the other fantasy.

On December 24, I bought The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide by Douglas Adams. This book contains a story and five novels. The fantasy book is The Dragon Book edited by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois, which contains nineteen short stories about dragons. I decided to read The Dragon Book first. After I finish the fantasy book, I will read the science fiction.

Four Days remaining in 2010

In four days another Gregorian year begins. Friday, December 31, is the last day of 2010. Saturday, January 1, is the first day of 2011. There are four days left to accomplish any 2010 resolutions that remain unaccomplished and to set new goals for a New Year.

I prefer to set goals rather then make resolutions. Resolutions seem to be things that people drop between January 1 and January 31, every year. Goals are a little more concrete and we can accomplish them in steps. Think of the year as a staircase with 12 landings and 365 steps divided into sections leading to each landing. Each stair step contains an action necessary to the accomplishment of the final goal.

I have my 2011 planning calendar set up with the important dates and writing deadlines, I know about inserted. The only I have to do now is decided on the daily steps to accomplish each writing project by the deadline. I know accomplishing my goals will not be easy, but I also know that if I “keep on keeping on” I can accomplish my goals.

Happy Christmas from Las Vegas

A Merry Christmas
Echoes from my T.V. set
Christmas Day specials

Christmas music with ringing bells and happy singers are on television today. My mother is sitting on the love seat listening to Channel 10. I have a slow cooker of soup waiting for us to eat. The sky is partly cloudy and the garbage trucks have gone. I bought everything we need for this weekend so I can stay home today. It is a good Christmas.

Making a list and checking it twice

I need to listen to some of the old Christmas songs and follow the advice they contain. In this case, I am writing about “Santa Claus if Coming to Town”. Lines in that song goes something like this “He’s making a list and checking it twice”. I made a grocery list a couple of days ago; however, I did not check it “twice” before I left the house yesterday.

I did not put light bulbs on the list; therefore, I did not get light bulbs when I went to supermarket. I have to go to the store again this afternoon to get the light bulbs. I need a light bulb for the back porch and for the bathroom. I probably should get two light bulbs to put in the bathroom.

I also have to check my list twice before leaving the store because there were a couple of things I did not buy yesterday. Since I have to go back for the light bulbs this afternoon, I will make another list. In addition, to the light bulbs and the two items I did not buy on Thursday, I need to get a filter for the heating unit. I have to change the filter on either December 31 or January 1.

I made Chili Mac today

I made Chili Mac today. I did not make the way my mother made it I used my own recipe. When I was a child, Mom made it will chili powder, macaroni, and ground beef. My recipe uses macaroni and cheese and a can of chili add. I like to experiment with family recipes and see what I create. Perhaps I should put my recipes in a book.

I Missed the Total Lunar Eclipse

It rained in Las Vegas all day yesterday. In Las Vegas, a cloud cover concealed the full moon last night. Everyone in Las Vegas missed the total lunar eclipse. The next eclipse, in June 2011, will not be visible from North America. The next eclipse on winter solstice will occur on December 21, 2094.

Parker's December 9th Write Big Event

On December 9, Parker's Write Big event combined writing, art, and technology in New York. Parker displayed this 3D projection of the skyline onto the facade of the Museum of Arts and Design. This thought provoking and beautiful projection transformed the exterior of the Museum into a work of art and technology. Watch the inspiring video of this performance.

A Total Eclipse of the Moon

On Monday night, at 11:41 PM Pacific Standard Time on Monday a total eclipse of the moon will occur. The eclipse will last about three and a half hours. North America is supposed to be the best place to view it; I hope we can see it here in Las Vegas.

For the past several nights, we have had cloud cover and rain here in Las Vegas. If the clouds continue to hide the night sky, we will not be able to view the eclipse. I hope the clouds part long enough for us to view this eclipse. Because of volcanic eruptions around the world, this eclipse is supposed to be more spectacular then normal.

Usually the moon glows orange-yellow during an eclipse, but because of the dust from the volcanic eruptions the moon will be red or brown. I am looking forward to seeing this eclipse; if Las Vegas has cloud cover then the only way for me to see it is on television. Television cameras do a good job of showing an eclipse, but I would rather stand out in my front yard and watch the lunar eclipse.

For more information about the upcoming lunar eclipse see Early Christmas treat: 2010's total lunar eclipse by Alicia Chang Associated Press Science Writer.

Christmas is next Saturday

One week until Christmas, I have not watched a Christmas special. I have not watched a Christmas show of any type. I have not listened to Christmas music on the radio. I have sat on the couch; I have looked at the house across the street, which the people living there decorated for Christmas. When I drive after dark, I have noticed the houses decorated for Christmas and pointed them out to my mother.

I have written one Christmas poem this year. I may or may not write another, it depends on the inspiration. I wrote the Christmas poem in before Saturday, December 4. After December 5, things got a bit hectic boarding on chaotic. This week the chaos subsided a little, next week I have other writing projects to complete. Since I do not celebrate Christmas, writing a poem on the subject is not urgent.

Becoming caught up with work around the house, writing projects, or work online is much more urgent then writing a Christmas poem. The only Christmas thing I can think to write is a letter to Santa Clause. I remember writing letters to Santa as a child, it was fun and I could list the things I wanted for Christmas.

A Christmas Eve Birthday

I was born on December 24, 1946 about 11 minutes before midnight. I missed being a Christmas baby by 11 minutes I am not disappointed. When I was growing up, I wanted my birthday to be any day except Christmas Eve. I have changed my mind; I now enjoy being a Christmas Eve baby. I enjoy being my mother’s Christmas present (never mind that technically I am her Christmas Eve present.

My perception of my birthday changed when I sixty years old. Age and maturity had a great deal to do with this change of perception. Every birthday has become precious and a new chapter in the adventure of my life. This year, I decided to go out to eat on Christmas Eve, now this may not sound like an important decision, but it is.

I do not like to drive on Christmas Eve. I do not like to shop on Christmas Eve. The reason for this is that people are doing their last minute Christmas shopping and every mall in Las Vegas is packed. Traffic is terrible and most people are in a “Bah Hum Bug” mood, with drivers honking because the car ahead is obeying the speed limit. I am going to ignore the chaos and the bad moods; I am going to a nice restaurant and enjoy myself.

Sebastien International: the web series

October 2010, Sebastien Eckersley-Maslin began his journey to become the world's Smallest Multinational. Follow Sebastien on his quest to prove that you "don't have to be big, to be big". Watch the video and root for Sebastien to achieve his goal to become the world's Smallest Multinational.

Port Cleaning

I spent the last couple of days cleaning out my port at writing.com. I am back down to a upgraded membership. The upgraded membership expires February 15, 2011. My goal for the next two months is to earn enough GPs for a 12-month premium membership. If I have enough in my savings account by February 15, then I will buy a premium membership. I have to increase my membership level because I need more room in my portfolio from my writing.

The house is silent

The house is silent
As evening fades into night
Another day sleeps

Holiday Must haves at Pier 1

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

The holiday season is here and Pier 1 has everything to decorate the house and entertain guests. One of my must haves for holiday entertaining is a set of Amber Beamline dinnerware and assorted Ceramic Leaf bowls because the would go beautifully with my Grandmother's lace table cloth. Another must have for the holiday season is decorations. In this case, a Blooms and Berries Wreath hanging on the front door and a Potted Red Amaryllis in the center of coffee table.

During the holiday season someone always want to know what type of gift I want. This year I know they type of  holiday gifts I want. I want a Purple Gem Brooch. My mother wants a pair of Pewter Chandelier Earrings, Mom loves earrings that dangle and she wants a Jewelry Roll for earrings because she likes to keep an extra pair of earrings in her purse. Mom likes to change earrings several times a day.

It is the holiday season and time to consider Toys for Tots. In November and December, drop off a new unwrapped toy at Pier 1 or donate cash at the register. In addition, like Pier 1 Imports on Facebook and the company will donate $1.00 to Toys for Tots.

Saturday Nap

I got extremely tired this morning, so I sit down on the couch and went to sleep. All right, I know that going to sleep on the couch is not a good idea, but I was so tired that I went to sleep almost as soon as I sit down. This is not the first time this has happened. This happens about once or twice a month.

I had a dream and in the dream, a neighbor gave me some money. I do not know how much money he gave me because I put it in my pocket as soon as he gave it too me. I said thank you and he left. This just another interesting dream I experienced while dozing on the couch.

I always have interesting dreams when I sit up and sleep on the couch. In fact, the dreams that occur when I am sitting up on the couch dozing are more interesting then the dreams I have lying down. Perhaps I should incorporate this into one of my short stories.

Sunset on a cloudy day in Las Vegas

Pastel pink sunset
A barbeques dying coals
Where did summer go

Dehumidifiers for the home

Everyone needs a dehumidifier especially during the winter. In winter, the effect of dampness is felt everywhere in a house and this is the time when a dehumidifier is needed. Buying dehumidifiers for home is an important decision because you have to consider which dehumidifier is most effective in your house.

The Cleave Poetry Form

The Cleave Poetry Form is three poems in one. The first two poems are the left and right hand poems, which you read separately and the third poems is the combined poems, which you read as one poem. I will write more about this poetry form after I do some more research. See my example below:

Solar Day

One day ends in glory, another day begins,
rotates into the past, the present never ends,
seasons revolve in order, nights grow longer or shorter.

Be a Hero in the Lego Universe

Be a hero in the Lego Universe and defeat the evil Maelstrom. This game is rated E for everyone age ten and over. This game lets you build, battle, explore, and become a hero in the Lego Universe. It is fun for the entire family, so go to LEGOuniverse.com to find out more about this exciting and fun game.

Writing in a warm house

I scraped together enough money to get the heat pump fixed. The techs came yesterday and spent two hours fixing the unit. I now have heat in the house. It is nice to write in a warm house again.

I can write in a cold house, but it is distracting when you are cold. I wore three or four layers of clothing and I was still cold. I am not sure yet how I am going to use this experience in my writing, but I will use it in some way.

Getting the heat fixed was less then I originally thought, but the cost still put a dent in this month’s budget. I have to raise the money for some prescriptions this week, but I have some recyclable items to sell and a couple of accounts to check online. I find some money somewhere; I just do not know where it will come from at this point.

Natural Products by Tom's of Main

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Toms of Maine. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tom's Of Maine has produced natural oral and personal care products for 40 years. Tom's Wicked Fresh toothpaste protects your teeth against cavities and freshens your breath with botanical extracts and natural flavor oils. Tom's Wicked Fresh mouthwash does not burn your mouth while stopping bad breath and leaves your entire mouth feeling clean.

My wicked fresh moments usually occur in the morning or in the evening  I love the fresh feeling mouthwash leaves in my mouth. Using a mouthwash that does not burn is a pleasant experience that starts my day off right and assures me that my breath is fresh. I look forward to using Tom's Wicked Fresh mouthwash it an experience that begins my day with a smile and ends my day with a grin.

A wicked fresh moment occurs each time I use wicked fresh product. I like the taste of Tom's toothpaste and I like the taste of the mouthwash. My wicked fresh begins when I use the toothpaste and continues with the mouthwash. It is carried through into the fresh feeling that remains in my mouth after if finish.

Click on That's Wicked Fresh contest page and share your wicked fresh moment for a chance to win the Wicked Fresh prizes. Then follow Tom's of Maine on Twitter and Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A chilly fall morning

A chilly morning
When the damp air penetrates
Oak leaves warm the ground

The tech arrives this afternoon to fix the heat pump, but I’m cold right now. I am wearing three sweaters and Mom is sitting on the couch under a blanket. I checked the thermostat a few minutes ago and it indicated the temperature in the house is 60 degrees. I know it got down to at least 59 degrees last night in the house. I am not sure what the outdoor temperature was, but I know it must have been between 45 and 55 degrees. Leaves from the neighbor’s oak tree cover the ground. The lawn next door looks like it is wearing an orange sweater.

I need an international holiday vacation

I need a vacation. I need to take a winter holiday and visit another country. Since I have ancestors from Scotland, Ireland, and England, I would enjoy going to one of those countries. In fact, the more I think about Scotland the more I want to visit that country. I want to see a Scottish castle and hear bagpipes echoing through the rugged mountains.

I think I would like to visit the Southern highland of Scotland. I want to take my mother and my nieces with me. My mother would like to see the Northern highlands, while my nieces want to see Edinburgh and South-West Scotland, so I would have to pick some place that everyone could enjoy.

Maybe I should choose a caravan park. I am sure we would all enjoy this type of holiday. I have not taken a vacation in several years because I do not like to travel alone. I enjoy family vacations and holidays. I think this comes from my childhood.

I remember the caravan holidays from my childhood. My grandfather and my cousins' parents would take us to lakes where we camped out. I enjoyed those vacations because we took them as a family and everyone had a good time. I think a vacation at a caravan park in Scotland would be fun especially if I could visit a castle.

19 Days Until my 64th birthday

On December 24, 2010, I will turn 64 years old. I was born on December 24, 1946 about eleven minutes before midnight. I’m not sure what I’m going to do on my birthday this year. I think I’ll stay home because I don’t like to drive in Christmas Eve traffic. I don’t think I’m going to drive in Christmas Eve traffic this year.

I’ll stay home and celebrate my birthday. I think I’ll get some chocolate ice cream and chocolate cake, so that I can celebrate at home. I hope it isn’t cloudy on my birthday, but considering we’ve had clouds almost everyday since December 1 I’ll expect clouds on my birthday.

Thoughts on Rewriting

“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.”

Thomas Jefferson

Rewriting is the process of finding the right word to replace two words. All ways right more the necessary on the first draft. Write down everything you can think of about the character. Write down everything about the setting. Description to minutest detail, because when you begin rewriting you will cut words and replace two words with one word.

It is difficult to find the right word to describe a sunset that burns like a barbecue briquette. What is the precise color of red? What is the exact tone of gray ash in the burning briquette? Rewriting, cutting and replacing is difficult, but it is necessary to make a novel or short story readable.

Rewriting is a process of sculpting. When a sculpture carves a stone or piece of wood, he or she removes everything that does not resemble the vision of what the finished piece looks like. When a writer rewrites he or she removes all the unnecessary words, those words that do not add to the plot or the climax of the novel or story.

I want blinds for my living room window

I used to think I wanted curtains for my living room window, but I have decided that blinds would look better and work better. My computer is next to my window, so about 3:00 PM in winter the sun shines directly into my eyes. This is distracting, especially when I am working on a short story or poem. This situation is so distracting that sometimes I have to stop writing until the sun is lower in the western sky. If I had blinds at the window I could write without the sun shining in my eyes.

My grandmother always had venetian blinds at her windows. I remember everyday she would dust her blinds. She would start in the living room and go through each room until she had all the blinds dusted. I do not want venetian blinds nor do I want vertical blinds. I think both types look nice; however, I want something that is a little more sophisticated.

I want roman blinds because they have a festive and sophisticated appearance. If I put roman-blinds at the window, I can choose a fabric that enhances the appearance of my living room. I can choose a fabric with a pattern or without a pattern. I think roman-blinds are functional and beautiful.

Maybe I don’t need a vacation after all

“A writer never has a vacation. For a writer live consists of either writing or thinking about writing.”
Eugene Ionesco

When I am not writing, I think about writing so maybe I don’t need a vacation. I think about writing when I am washing dishes and as a result, I wrote a poem about washing dishes. Yesterday, I wrote a poem about a Christmas miracle, when I went to bed; I thought about the poem and decided to divide one line into two lines. It turns out that dividing the line made the poem read better.

Watch the Nokia Pocket Dance

Watch the Nokia Pocket Dance, the video that introduced the Nokia Bluetooth Headset collection for 2011. This is an intriguing video showing how people look for their phone when it is ringing. Everyone with a cell phone can relate to this video.

It’s Christmas Time in Las Vegas

Christmas has come to Las Vegas. Today I took Mom to an appointment with a skin and cancer specialist. Before we went to the appointment, I stopped to fill the car up with gas, get the fluids checked, and get air in the front tire. After we left the gas station, I stopped at Smith’s Food and Drug to see if my prescription was ready. There was a Salvation Army Bell Ringer with his red bucket outside of the Smith’s store.

Tonight after I went to check on Mom, I glanced out my front window. The neighbor’s across the street the outside of their house decorated for Christmas. There are red, green, white, and blue lights with Santa and a sleigh in the window. Mom always enjoyed going out to see the Christmas lights; we haven’t did that in a long time. I think this year we’re going to go see look at Christmas lights. It gets a bit cold here this time of year, I’ll have to make sure Mom wears a good coat to keep her warm.