Last week was the week when Word disappeared. Sure, in the beginning there was (the) Word, but then I couldn't access it at all. After many trials and tribulations somehow, it's working again. But it has led me to think about eventually purchasing a new Windows Vista program, since the problem originated in Windows.
All was well in computer-land, indeed, I even managed to file my taxes online today. That pleased me, since I'll get a refund. But now I know where some of that refund is going. When I printed out the 25 pages of my tax return (who knew it would take 25 pages for a low-income persons tax return?) the ink began to fade on some parts of the page, then on more. Apparently my long-lasting printer cartridge has finally reached the end of its life span. Admittedly, it has lasted longer than I expected. My HP printer is already obsolete, according the the HP site. I bought it in September of 2004. The cartridges cost $82.72, plus tax, so I'd better get one before they also disappear.
I've spent some time researching short story markets, and some more time researching the best place to buy a new printer cartridge. Then I went to the library to return some books and see if they had any by this year's Writer in Residence, Elizabeth Ruth. They do, but canny folk have already reserved copies of her two novels. Her bio makes her sound like an interesting choice, so perhaps I'll submit a story for an appraisal. First, though, I have to take care of my printer problem.
It's been almost luxurious, staying home, most of the time, for a few days, watching the snow, and doing a little of this and a little of that. I could get used to it again with no problem, but I think next week I'll be back in the office for some of the time. And before long, the spring lawn care season will arrive. Think busy, think very, very busy.
I'd better write some more and fart around some more, while I still can.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Slowest Typist in the East Forges On
I was going to title this post, Slowest Typist in the World but, having heard from my friend Lori, who also claims to be the slowest typist, I had to settle for a lesser title.
Its slow going because I'm learning to use a new and complex computer program. Or maybe I'm slow because I haven't done this sort of work for a long time. And I"ve never imported and exported information between two very different programs. It's more than three years since I worked outside my home. Excuses, excuses, just ask, I"ve got a million of 'em. The good news is, I haven't yet been fired. Then again, it might be hard for a daughter to fire her mother; though so far, she's had no difficulty in pointing out any errors. I think I'm improving s l o w l y.
In other news, the story that I revised and resubmitted to ye famous literary mag has been rejected, again. This time it was returned by a dfferent editor who had not read the first version.
Maybe there will be good news tomorrow, if not, there'd better be chocolate. And if no chocolate comes in the door, courtesy of my favourite Viking, this writer will finish off the Chapmans no sugar ice-cream that resides in the freezer. I wouldn't want the treat to gather ice crystals.
There will be enough ice crystals on my scarf tomorrow, if the weather forecast is correct.
I go to bed earlier and earlier, now that I'm working. In fact, it's time to go there now. Goodnght.
Its slow going because I'm learning to use a new and complex computer program. Or maybe I'm slow because I haven't done this sort of work for a long time. And I"ve never imported and exported information between two very different programs. It's more than three years since I worked outside my home. Excuses, excuses, just ask, I"ve got a million of 'em. The good news is, I haven't yet been fired. Then again, it might be hard for a daughter to fire her mother; though so far, she's had no difficulty in pointing out any errors. I think I'm improving s l o w l y.
In other news, the story that I revised and resubmitted to ye famous literary mag has been rejected, again. This time it was returned by a dfferent editor who had not read the first version.
Maybe there will be good news tomorrow, if not, there'd better be chocolate. And if no chocolate comes in the door, courtesy of my favourite Viking, this writer will finish off the Chapmans no sugar ice-cream that resides in the freezer. I wouldn't want the treat to gather ice crystals.
There will be enough ice crystals on my scarf tomorrow, if the weather forecast is correct.
I go to bed earlier and earlier, now that I'm working. In fact, it's time to go there now. Goodnght.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Grumbles and Accolades
I'd planned to update my blog sooner. In fact, I had updated it, but somehow the updated info vanished into cyberspace. So what's been going on? Plenty.
I enjoyed my trip to Myrtle Beach with my daughter. We were fortunate not to run into much snow while traveling through the mountains. I was the map-reader/navigator and I only made one mistake, but that took us onto a narrow winding two-lane highway for many many miles. At times, we could see the Interstate highway that we were supposed to be on, but it wasn't accessible until we reached a larger town. It was late by the time we found the hotel/conference centre. We were sure we were getting close when we passed the Mytle Beach information centre. But it is more than 60 miles away from Myrtle Beach itself. Deceptive advertising, I'd say.
The hotel was fine and there were even some perks, like cozy bathrobes and a very warm swimming pool and a salt-water hot tub. The hot tub was the perfect place to relax after a long day of listening to presentations and looking at screens. Or, almost the perfect place, if one didn't listen to the other people using the hot tub.
I went down to the beach twice and said hello the Atlantic ocean. It returned the favour by sneaking up on me and soaking one foot. There weren't many people walking the beach, but any good shells had been collected earlier in the day, I think. Or maybe I just couldn't spot any worth putting in my pocket.
One of the things that struck me as we travelled through the Carolina's was the contrast between the huge well-kept houses and commercial buildings and the abandoned houses and commercial buildings. I wondered why the buildings were allowed to stand and deteriorate. Why not pull them down since they are a fire hazard? I don't know the answer.
Another thing that impressed me, but not necessarily in a good way, was the size of the meals offered in restaurants. Larger is better - seems to be part of the American way. Even when we asked about the size of the meal, the server seemed to assume we wanted to know if there would be enough. Enough was never a problem. And even when we tried to make healthy choices, we were often foiled by the lack of information. A chicken dish that was noted on the menu as a healthy choice arrived swimming in some liquid that resembled butter, but wasn't. As my daughter said - the meal lingered on long after it had been eaten and gave her persistent indigestion.
But I have to praise the customer service people in the U.S. They impressed me with their willing attitude. Maybe it's part of their training, if so, it's a good idea. In only one case did we receive bad service. Well, actually it was no service, but I think that was an exception to the usual good service found in retaiI outlets and restaurants.
For example, we went into a fudge emporium, and the young man, the only staff person there, made the production of fudge into a show, complete with a running commentary that involved the audience. He was good, so good that a couple of the other potential customers who were watching asked him if he'd auditioned for the entertainment centre that is part of the shopping complex. He said he hadn't because he liked selling fudge.
It took me a few days to recover from the trip and while I was in recovery mode, my daughter asked me if I'd like come in to work sooner than I'd expected.
So, last week, I began my training. I'm in the office each afternoon and it's very strange to 'go to work' every day. Maybe I'll adjust after a while. But, at the moment, four hours per day seems to be a lot. Learning a new computer program is quite a challenge and I hope I'm up to it.
You might be wondering where the accolades come into this. We went to see A Note for Scandal and I thought it a wonderful film. Judi Dench is amazing in it. I hope she gets an Oscar for the role. Plus, any woman of her age who is willing to do a scene that takes place in a bathtub ought to receive a special award for courage. I'm younger than she is and I'd never consider it! That could be because I have more wrinkles in some places than she does.
A few more days of staring at a computer screen that is too far away will bring even more wrinkles, no doubt. After the person who is training me leaves, I plan to crawl under the desk and see if there is enough cable to move the screen closer to me. There is also an ergonomic keyboard and I haven't adjusted to using it yet. It's possible that I will. All things are possible, but some are less than probable. Maybe I can request a regular keyboard, instead. Maybe I'm not meant to be an ergonomic person - because, while the alphabet keys don't present a problem while using the ergo keyboard, the numbers do.
Will an old dog learn new tricks? Well, she'll try.
Off to work, perchance to type the right numbers.
I enjoyed my trip to Myrtle Beach with my daughter. We were fortunate not to run into much snow while traveling through the mountains. I was the map-reader/navigator and I only made one mistake, but that took us onto a narrow winding two-lane highway for many many miles. At times, we could see the Interstate highway that we were supposed to be on, but it wasn't accessible until we reached a larger town. It was late by the time we found the hotel/conference centre. We were sure we were getting close when we passed the Mytle Beach information centre. But it is more than 60 miles away from Myrtle Beach itself. Deceptive advertising, I'd say.
The hotel was fine and there were even some perks, like cozy bathrobes and a very warm swimming pool and a salt-water hot tub. The hot tub was the perfect place to relax after a long day of listening to presentations and looking at screens. Or, almost the perfect place, if one didn't listen to the other people using the hot tub.
I went down to the beach twice and said hello the Atlantic ocean. It returned the favour by sneaking up on me and soaking one foot. There weren't many people walking the beach, but any good shells had been collected earlier in the day, I think. Or maybe I just couldn't spot any worth putting in my pocket.
One of the things that struck me as we travelled through the Carolina's was the contrast between the huge well-kept houses and commercial buildings and the abandoned houses and commercial buildings. I wondered why the buildings were allowed to stand and deteriorate. Why not pull them down since they are a fire hazard? I don't know the answer.
Another thing that impressed me, but not necessarily in a good way, was the size of the meals offered in restaurants. Larger is better - seems to be part of the American way. Even when we asked about the size of the meal, the server seemed to assume we wanted to know if there would be enough. Enough was never a problem. And even when we tried to make healthy choices, we were often foiled by the lack of information. A chicken dish that was noted on the menu as a healthy choice arrived swimming in some liquid that resembled butter, but wasn't. As my daughter said - the meal lingered on long after it had been eaten and gave her persistent indigestion.
But I have to praise the customer service people in the U.S. They impressed me with their willing attitude. Maybe it's part of their training, if so, it's a good idea. In only one case did we receive bad service. Well, actually it was no service, but I think that was an exception to the usual good service found in retaiI outlets and restaurants.
For example, we went into a fudge emporium, and the young man, the only staff person there, made the production of fudge into a show, complete with a running commentary that involved the audience. He was good, so good that a couple of the other potential customers who were watching asked him if he'd auditioned for the entertainment centre that is part of the shopping complex. He said he hadn't because he liked selling fudge.
It took me a few days to recover from the trip and while I was in recovery mode, my daughter asked me if I'd like come in to work sooner than I'd expected.
So, last week, I began my training. I'm in the office each afternoon and it's very strange to 'go to work' every day. Maybe I'll adjust after a while. But, at the moment, four hours per day seems to be a lot. Learning a new computer program is quite a challenge and I hope I'm up to it.
You might be wondering where the accolades come into this. We went to see A Note for Scandal and I thought it a wonderful film. Judi Dench is amazing in it. I hope she gets an Oscar for the role. Plus, any woman of her age who is willing to do a scene that takes place in a bathtub ought to receive a special award for courage. I'm younger than she is and I'd never consider it! That could be because I have more wrinkles in some places than she does.
A few more days of staring at a computer screen that is too far away will bring even more wrinkles, no doubt. After the person who is training me leaves, I plan to crawl under the desk and see if there is enough cable to move the screen closer to me. There is also an ergonomic keyboard and I haven't adjusted to using it yet. It's possible that I will. All things are possible, but some are less than probable. Maybe I can request a regular keyboard, instead. Maybe I'm not meant to be an ergonomic person - because, while the alphabet keys don't present a problem while using the ergo keyboard, the numbers do.
Will an old dog learn new tricks? Well, she'll try.
Off to work, perchance to type the right numbers.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Road Trip
It's official. We are going to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina by car. At first, we were going to fly, but I like this plan better. It makes the trip longer, since we will be away for eight days. Nancy and I haven't had this kind of adventure since we went to New Brunswick by truck and trailer, back when she was single.
I haven't been to the Carolina's, or to any other part of the U.S., since the late 1980's. Yikes! Can it be that long ago? When I was there the last time, I stayed on one of the out islands, but this time we will be in the heart of Myrtle Beach, not on the ocean, but close to it. When we are not attending the training seminar, we plan to walk on the beach, swim in the hotel pool and eat. Okay, so the eating part is my idea, but I'm sure I can convince Nancy that we need to have some Calabash style sea food. After all, she's trying to convince me to take a bathing suit - and that may mean experiencing the horror of trying to find a new one. I can't quite remember how old mine is. It doesn't have any kind of support for 'the girls'. It's a plain navy Speedo. I don't want to be covered in flowers when I swim.
I'm making lists of things I need to do each day before I go. Laundry appears on the lists several times and so does - take American money. If an American wants to give me money, I'm all for it. Maybe I'll be able to write a piece about the trip after I return. Or maybe, a certain fella I know will be so happy to see me that I'll have to wait a bit to get down to writing business.
And speaking of writing, I now have a business writing assignment and I'm also trying to get a couple of stories back out in the mail. I guess I should get to work, in between loads of laundry.
Take care y'all.
I haven't been to the Carolina's, or to any other part of the U.S., since the late 1980's. Yikes! Can it be that long ago? When I was there the last time, I stayed on one of the out islands, but this time we will be in the heart of Myrtle Beach, not on the ocean, but close to it. When we are not attending the training seminar, we plan to walk on the beach, swim in the hotel pool and eat. Okay, so the eating part is my idea, but I'm sure I can convince Nancy that we need to have some Calabash style sea food. After all, she's trying to convince me to take a bathing suit - and that may mean experiencing the horror of trying to find a new one. I can't quite remember how old mine is. It doesn't have any kind of support for 'the girls'. It's a plain navy Speedo. I don't want to be covered in flowers when I swim.
I'm making lists of things I need to do each day before I go. Laundry appears on the lists several times and so does - take American money. If an American wants to give me money, I'm all for it. Maybe I'll be able to write a piece about the trip after I return. Or maybe, a certain fella I know will be so happy to see me that I'll have to wait a bit to get down to writing business.
And speaking of writing, I now have a business writing assignment and I'm also trying to get a couple of stories back out in the mail. I guess I should get to work, in between loads of laundry.
Take care y'all.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Recommended Reading
A few weeks ago, a friend recommended a book called The Kite Runner by Khaled Hossein. It isn't a new book, since it was published in 2001 but it certainly is relevant. The story is set in Afghanistan and reading it gave me a different picture of that country and its peoples and the long long roots of hatred between groups. The only quibble I had was that one of the characters seemed too good and selfless to be true.
Then yesterday on one of the internet bulletin boards I read, I found mention of this blog by an Iraqui woman. I only hope that she can continue to write and remain anonymous and safe. I haven't read all her blog entries yet, but I plan to. Some of her blogs were published in her prize winning book, Baghdad Burnng
Here's the link. http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com/
Then yesterday on one of the internet bulletin boards I read, I found mention of this blog by an Iraqui woman. I only hope that she can continue to write and remain anonymous and safe. I haven't read all her blog entries yet, but I plan to. Some of her blogs were published in her prize winning book, Baghdad Burnng
Here's the link. http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com/
Monday, January 01, 2007
For 2007, I Promise Not to Make Any New Year's Resolutions, Until Next Week.
Last night, I thought about making one of those lists. You know the kind. A list of resolutions for the New Year. But then I recalled how often I've made that kind of list and decided not to make one. I resolved to go to bed instead. That seemed like the kind of decision I could follow-through on. Naturally, the phone rang midnight and it was my daughter wishing me a very happy 2007, and once I'd found my voice, I wished her a brilliant year.
2006 was a year of changes for me and I'm still adjusting to all of them. It doesn't even feel like the New Year is here yet. So, maybe, for me, it isn't. Maybe I'll make some lists next week, when I've recovered from all the holiday hoopla.
I have a brand new 20 inch computer monitor, so at least I'll be able to see the resolutions I make, before I break them.
Happy New Year!
2006 was a year of changes for me and I'm still adjusting to all of them. It doesn't even feel like the New Year is here yet. So, maybe, for me, it isn't. Maybe I'll make some lists next week, when I've recovered from all the holiday hoopla.
I have a brand new 20 inch computer monitor, so at least I'll be able to see the resolutions I make, before I break them.
Happy New Year!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Passport to Nowhereville, or I am Not Worthy
For a number of reasons, I think I should acquire a new passport. Therefore, I read about the requirements on the Passport Canada website. According to them, I don't know anyone living in Kitchener or maybe anywhere else, who is worthy enough to be my guarantor.
Before this, I had no idea that I lived on the fringes of upright society. I thought I was quite a civilized and worthy person but apparently, I'm not. There are a number of professions listed as appropriate for guarantors but I don't know anyone who is a "professional" in this city (they need to have known me for two years), and I may not be able to find one in Toronto either. The list includes doctors, (don't have one), dentists, (don't have one) judges, magistrates and police officers (I haven't made the acquantance of any) lawyers, (don't have one) ministers of religion, ( I've know several, but none are around now - was it something I said?) and so on. If only social workers were still eligible to be guarantors my problem would be solved. Or what about writers - why can't writers be guarantors. Never mind - we know why. It's because we lie in the service of the truth.
The guy at the passport office was very kind and polite, especially considering that the office was filled to capacity. People were lined up just to get in the real line-up, probably the crowd was bigger because the U.S. is going to require Canadian visitors to have passports before the end of January 2007. The man give me an In Lieu of Guarantor form at my request, but he also warned me that since I'm a Canadian, it would seem odd if I didn't have a guarantor and would really slow the process down.
Oh well, at least I don't need a passport to travel inside Canada.
I'm staying close to home for now and I plan to enjoy my green Christmas.
Before this, I had no idea that I lived on the fringes of upright society. I thought I was quite a civilized and worthy person but apparently, I'm not. There are a number of professions listed as appropriate for guarantors but I don't know anyone who is a "professional" in this city (they need to have known me for two years), and I may not be able to find one in Toronto either. The list includes doctors, (don't have one), dentists, (don't have one) judges, magistrates and police officers (I haven't made the acquantance of any) lawyers, (don't have one) ministers of religion, ( I've know several, but none are around now - was it something I said?) and so on. If only social workers were still eligible to be guarantors my problem would be solved. Or what about writers - why can't writers be guarantors. Never mind - we know why. It's because we lie in the service of the truth.
The guy at the passport office was very kind and polite, especially considering that the office was filled to capacity. People were lined up just to get in the real line-up, probably the crowd was bigger because the U.S. is going to require Canadian visitors to have passports before the end of January 2007. The man give me an In Lieu of Guarantor form at my request, but he also warned me that since I'm a Canadian, it would seem odd if I didn't have a guarantor and would really slow the process down.
Oh well, at least I don't need a passport to travel inside Canada.
I'm staying close to home for now and I plan to enjoy my green Christmas.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Seven Days Until Christmas
And Ho Ho Ho to all of you!
There are no stockings hung by the chimney with care - because there isn't a chimney. And anyway, stockings wouldn't be hung until Christmas eve. I don't know if my grandsons will put Christmas stockings on their bedroom doors. But since it's their tradition, likely they will. I enjoy certain traditions too, and I plan to institute some new ones.
The first new one was a family party I hosted last Saturday in the condo party room. There's more space and a billiard room too. All went well, if one doesn't count blowing on one's fingers to keep warm while playing pool, the party was a time of warmth and frivolity.
It's been a challenge shopping for teenage boys, my son-in-law, and the man in my life. My shopping is finished, or at least I think it must be, since I've overspent my budget (another tradition). I'll worry about that in January.
I've found some time to practice my Christmas music and to play some of my old Christmas records. Every year I think I should buy a new and bigger print version of the Messiah sheet music, and every year I squint at my 40 year old tiny note copy instead. That's become a tradion too, I guess.
I tend to get senitmental at this time of year so here's my mushy stuff.
Whether your Christmas is green or white - may it be a time of joy for you.
There are no stockings hung by the chimney with care - because there isn't a chimney. And anyway, stockings wouldn't be hung until Christmas eve. I don't know if my grandsons will put Christmas stockings on their bedroom doors. But since it's their tradition, likely they will. I enjoy certain traditions too, and I plan to institute some new ones.
The first new one was a family party I hosted last Saturday in the condo party room. There's more space and a billiard room too. All went well, if one doesn't count blowing on one's fingers to keep warm while playing pool, the party was a time of warmth and frivolity.
It's been a challenge shopping for teenage boys, my son-in-law, and the man in my life. My shopping is finished, or at least I think it must be, since I've overspent my budget (another tradition). I'll worry about that in January.
I've found some time to practice my Christmas music and to play some of my old Christmas records. Every year I think I should buy a new and bigger print version of the Messiah sheet music, and every year I squint at my 40 year old tiny note copy instead. That's become a tradion too, I guess.
I tend to get senitmental at this time of year so here's my mushy stuff.
Whether your Christmas is green or white - may it be a time of joy for you.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Three Long Cheers for My Friend!
My friend and fellow writer, Lori Hahnel, has had three of her short stories accepted for publication in the last month or so. Her fiction is wonderful. It's original, sometimes quirky, and highly readable; and I recommend everyone run right out and buy any journal her work appears in.
The best news is that her short story "Leading Men" will be published in Prairie Fire. PF is one of the best literary journals in Canada. Her fiction is also going to be published in Rags, Southern Alberta's Creative Writing Journal and one her short stories is now in Menda City Review. Here is the link:
http://mendacitypress.com/12.2006Hahnel.html
It's great when talent, passion, discipline and persistence are rewarded. Here's to acceptances for all of us in 2007 - Cheers!
The best news is that her short story "Leading Men" will be published in Prairie Fire. PF is one of the best literary journals in Canada. Her fiction is also going to be published in Rags, Southern Alberta's Creative Writing Journal and one her short stories is now in Menda City Review. Here is the link:
http://mendacitypress.com/12.2006Hahnel.html
It's great when talent, passion, discipline and persistence are rewarded. Here's to acceptances for all of us in 2007 - Cheers!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Even Cats Can Nag
My daughter has three cats and I've had the opportunity to be educated by them this week since I am staying at her place while she and her husband are on vacation. Two of the crritters are quite vocal when their wishes have not yet been granted.
Dopey expects to have his water dish, which is located away from the other cat dishes, filled as soon as anyone is mobile in the morning, and he complains until his wish is granted. Emma is fairly laid back and quiet, but I've discovered that she expects my daughter's bed to be made, at least by mid-morning, so that she can take her cat nap(s). I had no idea what Emma was going on and on about as I prepared to take my shower, after the boys were off to school, and after I'd done the dishes and read the paper. When I descended the stairs to collect my clothes for the day. There was Emma, standing beside the bed and complaining vociferously. As soon as I made the bed, she hopped up and settled down for what she seemed to think was a well-deserved rest.
I plan to have my well-deserved rest Friday evening, and it will not be interruped by cats, though I'lll miss them.
Dopey expects to have his water dish, which is located away from the other cat dishes, filled as soon as anyone is mobile in the morning, and he complains until his wish is granted. Emma is fairly laid back and quiet, but I've discovered that she expects my daughter's bed to be made, at least by mid-morning, so that she can take her cat nap(s). I had no idea what Emma was going on and on about as I prepared to take my shower, after the boys were off to school, and after I'd done the dishes and read the paper. When I descended the stairs to collect my clothes for the day. There was Emma, standing beside the bed and complaining vociferously. As soon as I made the bed, she hopped up and settled down for what she seemed to think was a well-deserved rest.
I plan to have my well-deserved rest Friday evening, and it will not be interruped by cats, though I'lll miss them.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Men Don't Notice - So Why Must I?
I blame it all on my grandmother. The pre-Christmas, must clean and tidy and fuss compulsion, I mean.
Men never notice if you haven't dusted the top of the book shelves in two months.
Men don't care if your oven sparkles or not, as long as it doesn't make the food smell funny, or send smoke into the room.
Men don't mind if you haven't made the bed in the Martha Stewart fashion.
Men are not bothered by a square candle perched in a round dish, because you can't find the right one.
But the darn Christmas tree, whether it's real or fake, large or small, had better be straight. Where did I put my hammer?
Men never notice if you haven't dusted the top of the book shelves in two months.
Men don't care if your oven sparkles or not, as long as it doesn't make the food smell funny, or send smoke into the room.
Men don't mind if you haven't made the bed in the Martha Stewart fashion.
Men are not bothered by a square candle perched in a round dish, because you can't find the right one.
But the darn Christmas tree, whether it's real or fake, large or small, had better be straight. Where did I put my hammer?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
If People Would Stop Asking, I Might Get Something Done
It's not December, not yet, and already my neigbours are asking me if I'm ready for Christmas. An answer springs to mind, but I don't use it. I could say - Yes, I'm ready, I've even cooked dinner and it will stay on the table until the day. The truth is, I'm not the who will be cooking the dinner on Christmas day, my daughter will have that delightful task. I am planning a family party for December ninth and that seems to lead to things like soaking all my stainless steel flatware in the sink overnight, cleaning out my junk drawers in an effort to find certain kitchen implements I never use and wondering if two different types of salad dressing will be sufficient.
Then there's the tree issue. People are asking me if I've put my tree up yet. No, I haven't. It isn't December yet. If we have a snowfall that stays on the ground sometime before December first, I might become filled with pre-Christmas spirit and put the new tree together.
And, no, I haven't finished my Christmas shopping either. I'll likely go to the mall next Monday when I hope it will be quiet and maybe I'll be able to find what I want. If I knew what I wanted it would certainly be easier. But never mind, ideas will come, they always do.
Speaking of ideas that don't come easily. I went to see "Stranger Than Fiction" with the man in my life on Saturday. I won't reveal all of the plot, but if you are a writer, I think you would enjoy the movie.
Friends who know I write are asking me if I've had anything else published. Only a letter to the editor, I reply. I guess that answer won't change if I don't get some of my stories back on the road and revise the one I should be working on now.
It seems I've run out of excuses and will have to proceed with revisions.
Then there's the tree issue. People are asking me if I've put my tree up yet. No, I haven't. It isn't December yet. If we have a snowfall that stays on the ground sometime before December first, I might become filled with pre-Christmas spirit and put the new tree together.
And, no, I haven't finished my Christmas shopping either. I'll likely go to the mall next Monday when I hope it will be quiet and maybe I'll be able to find what I want. If I knew what I wanted it would certainly be easier. But never mind, ideas will come, they always do.
Speaking of ideas that don't come easily. I went to see "Stranger Than Fiction" with the man in my life on Saturday. I won't reveal all of the plot, but if you are a writer, I think you would enjoy the movie.
Friends who know I write are asking me if I've had anything else published. Only a letter to the editor, I reply. I guess that answer won't change if I don't get some of my stories back on the road and revise the one I should be working on now.
It seems I've run out of excuses and will have to proceed with revisions.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Strange Media Happenings
For the last week or two, CTV has been promoting its telecast of the Giller Prize awards evening. I find it more than passing strange that CTV and not the mother-ship (CBC) is broadcasting this show and in prime time. Justin Trudeau is the host and that alone will likely draw some viewers who don't usually watch literary television. All the promos for the show mention the "big" prize money. They don't mention how long the writers may have slaved before they became luminaries - but then again, why should they? - unless the writer has a personal Dickensian tale to tell.
Four of the five short listed books have been published by two small presses, House of Anansi and Cormarant Press. As more and more publishers get gobbled up by conglomerates, it seems there are few independent presses left, so I hope the publicity will be a helpful for both presses. Running a small press has to be a labour of love because it sure isn't the way to make piles of money.
Speaking of money and the media. Moses Znaimer, the guiding light behind CITY TV and MuchMusic and other successful money making ventures, has purchased a Toronto-based classical music station. There is speculation that either Moses has gone soft, or he sees a market trend that others have not noticed yet.
I'll be quite happy to have another classical station to listen to, if my tuner can pull it in. But I don't know if I can tolerate more than two ads per hour. Maybe I'll just stick with CBC Radio Two.
Four of the five short listed books have been published by two small presses, House of Anansi and Cormarant Press. As more and more publishers get gobbled up by conglomerates, it seems there are few independent presses left, so I hope the publicity will be a helpful for both presses. Running a small press has to be a labour of love because it sure isn't the way to make piles of money.
Speaking of money and the media. Moses Znaimer, the guiding light behind CITY TV and MuchMusic and other successful money making ventures, has purchased a Toronto-based classical music station. There is speculation that either Moses has gone soft, or he sees a market trend that others have not noticed yet.
I'll be quite happy to have another classical station to listen to, if my tuner can pull it in. But I don't know if I can tolerate more than two ads per hour. Maybe I'll just stick with CBC Radio Two.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Two 38C Specials Please and Other Nonsense
I wonder if there are now any unretouched photographs left in this world. There is one that I know of but I'll talk about that later.
CBS Sunday morning showed one of those 'real beauty commercials'. It starts with a good- looking woman who is then made-up to a fare-the-well, but the make-over doesn't stop there. The picture is then photoshopped to elongate the woman's neck, raise her eyebrows and make her eyes bigger. It's all part of the so-called beauty game I guess. It sure ain't real life, but it is on a billboard.
The Blind Date television program claims to be real. I've seen parts of it once or twice, by accident, and found it extremely silly but mostly boring. The producers use captions to indicate how the person's thoughts may not match their words. So, this weekend when we were trying to choose what to watch on pay-per- view, one of the choices was outakes from Blind Date. At least that's what the description said. The short film should have been called Boobs and nothing Butt. Every female blind date had visited the same plastic surgeon and no matter what size their other body parts were, all of them had breasts that were 38C. They all flashed their breasts at their dates and it became obvious that the women were all strippers in real life. The only funny part was the commercial for boobie beer. It was followed by a woman who burped all through her dinner date then later she shook her almost bare ass and farted. True class, or what?
Maybe her burps and the gas that is coming out of Tony Blair's mouth are responsible for the increase in global warming.
After we recovered from watching the Boobs R Us silliness, we watched Inside Man by Spike Lee. In most of the film, everyone is wearing coveralls. It was refreshing not to see many body parts.
I'd like to close with a warning. Do not allow anyone to take a picture of you before 8 a.m. and certainly not before you have imbibed an appropriate amount of caffeine. No amount of photo retouching is of any avail. I shall have to change my name and move to another country if the photo ever escapes custody.
CBS Sunday morning showed one of those 'real beauty commercials'. It starts with a good- looking woman who is then made-up to a fare-the-well, but the make-over doesn't stop there. The picture is then photoshopped to elongate the woman's neck, raise her eyebrows and make her eyes bigger. It's all part of the so-called beauty game I guess. It sure ain't real life, but it is on a billboard.
The Blind Date television program claims to be real. I've seen parts of it once or twice, by accident, and found it extremely silly but mostly boring. The producers use captions to indicate how the person's thoughts may not match their words. So, this weekend when we were trying to choose what to watch on pay-per- view, one of the choices was outakes from Blind Date. At least that's what the description said. The short film should have been called Boobs and nothing Butt. Every female blind date had visited the same plastic surgeon and no matter what size their other body parts were, all of them had breasts that were 38C. They all flashed their breasts at their dates and it became obvious that the women were all strippers in real life. The only funny part was the commercial for boobie beer. It was followed by a woman who burped all through her dinner date then later she shook her almost bare ass and farted. True class, or what?
Maybe her burps and the gas that is coming out of Tony Blair's mouth are responsible for the increase in global warming.
After we recovered from watching the Boobs R Us silliness, we watched Inside Man by Spike Lee. In most of the film, everyone is wearing coveralls. It was refreshing not to see many body parts.
I'd like to close with a warning. Do not allow anyone to take a picture of you before 8 a.m. and certainly not before you have imbibed an appropriate amount of caffeine. No amount of photo retouching is of any avail. I shall have to change my name and move to another country if the photo ever escapes custody.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Magic and Tricks
This week, I watched three movies and almost finished one book. Now that the grey and rainy season is here , I'm spending more time in front of the television screen, the computer screen and the movie theatre screen.
I borrowed "L'Age d'Or" from the library. I knew nothing about the film but noticed that Salvadore Dali was one of the writers and it was directed by Luis Bunuel. It's a black and white film made in 1930 and it's very surreal, some of the images are inexplicable, and I'm sure that's intentional. There's no point in mentioning the plot, since it barely exists, but the film is unique in its total strangeness. I understand that later on even Dali refused to be associated it with it, but I'm not sure why, since the film, while it offended many, has a strange magic to it.
And speaking of magic, yesterday we went to see "The Prestige" which opened this weekend. It's a movie about rivalry, tricks and magic and it's set in the early 1900's, more or less. I was fascinated by all the period details, as well as the tricks and the very convoluted way the movie unfolds. I won't reveal much about the plot because that would spoil the movie. I will say I didn't have a clue until the end, and the man in my life didn't either. That's unusual because he takes pride in being able to figure out all the twists and turns and in knowing the ending of a suspenseful film before it's shown. There are two women in the film, but they are merely there as props for the rivalry between the magicians. Too bad. Still, the film is a good solid two hours of entertainment. It was worth the price of two seniors tickets - and it has Michael Caine and David Bowie, in addition to the two main actors who are both excellent.
Friday night, I watched another movie from the library, "Silent Messenger." It's a documentary that "explores the mysteries of the Inuksuit" ... the standing stones found in the Canadian arctic. and also shows the changing ways of the Innuit people. It's outstanding, though not recommended (by me) for young children, since there are graphic hunting scenes. I was mesmerized by the beauty of the landscape and the people. The film was produced by Norman Hallendy who has spent almost 40 years in the far north. I've never been to the far north, yet somehow it is a part of my cultural unconscious. Maybe someday I'll see it for myself, if I'm very lucky.
Right now, I've nearly finished reading "Seek My Face," John Updike's 2002 novel about a 78 year-old painter, her life as an artist, the artists in her life, the transformative power of art, and some other themes as well. The novel is very introspective, but also very visual, and it's chock full of flashbacks and digressions, but it works. At first I found it difficult to stay inside it for long, but after a while, Updike's long paragraphs and the rhythm of them, seduced me. So did all the details about the postwar American art world and the struggles of those who try to produce art, especially female artists.
I was going to look for a book by one of the hot new young authors, but I'm glad I read Updike, instead.
I think I'll go and find some seductive adjectives.
I borrowed "L'Age d'Or" from the library. I knew nothing about the film but noticed that Salvadore Dali was one of the writers and it was directed by Luis Bunuel. It's a black and white film made in 1930 and it's very surreal, some of the images are inexplicable, and I'm sure that's intentional. There's no point in mentioning the plot, since it barely exists, but the film is unique in its total strangeness. I understand that later on even Dali refused to be associated it with it, but I'm not sure why, since the film, while it offended many, has a strange magic to it.
And speaking of magic, yesterday we went to see "The Prestige" which opened this weekend. It's a movie about rivalry, tricks and magic and it's set in the early 1900's, more or less. I was fascinated by all the period details, as well as the tricks and the very convoluted way the movie unfolds. I won't reveal much about the plot because that would spoil the movie. I will say I didn't have a clue until the end, and the man in my life didn't either. That's unusual because he takes pride in being able to figure out all the twists and turns and in knowing the ending of a suspenseful film before it's shown. There are two women in the film, but they are merely there as props for the rivalry between the magicians. Too bad. Still, the film is a good solid two hours of entertainment. It was worth the price of two seniors tickets - and it has Michael Caine and David Bowie, in addition to the two main actors who are both excellent.
Friday night, I watched another movie from the library, "Silent Messenger." It's a documentary that "explores the mysteries of the Inuksuit" ... the standing stones found in the Canadian arctic. and also shows the changing ways of the Innuit people. It's outstanding, though not recommended (by me) for young children, since there are graphic hunting scenes. I was mesmerized by the beauty of the landscape and the people. The film was produced by Norman Hallendy who has spent almost 40 years in the far north. I've never been to the far north, yet somehow it is a part of my cultural unconscious. Maybe someday I'll see it for myself, if I'm very lucky.
Right now, I've nearly finished reading "Seek My Face," John Updike's 2002 novel about a 78 year-old painter, her life as an artist, the artists in her life, the transformative power of art, and some other themes as well. The novel is very introspective, but also very visual, and it's chock full of flashbacks and digressions, but it works. At first I found it difficult to stay inside it for long, but after a while, Updike's long paragraphs and the rhythm of them, seduced me. So did all the details about the postwar American art world and the struggles of those who try to produce art, especially female artists.
I was going to look for a book by one of the hot new young authors, but I'm glad I read Updike, instead.
I think I'll go and find some seductive adjectives.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
It's All in the Chair
There's an internet site that features pictures of writers' habitats and I found it rather fascinating. No doubt their offices were spruced up for the photos, but I noticed that while many writers have small desks, some are almost as small as mine, they all seem to have very comfortable writing chairs.
Their chairs bear no resemblance my slipshod office chair. Maybe there's some mystic connection between the chair and the writer. My desk chair is both uncomfortable and uninspiring. It even mocks me by tilting when it sit on it. The adjustment handle has a mind of it's own and the fabric is beginning to come away from the seat. I think I'll demote it and start using one of my wooden kitchen chairs. That'll show it who's boss.
And furthermore, I haven't received any good mail.
It's raining so there's nothing for me to do but to stay in and try the kitchen chair.
Oh, and if you want to see the pictures, here's the link.
http://www.paigecuccaro.com/html/the_cave.html
Their chairs bear no resemblance my slipshod office chair. Maybe there's some mystic connection between the chair and the writer. My desk chair is both uncomfortable and uninspiring. It even mocks me by tilting when it sit on it. The adjustment handle has a mind of it's own and the fabric is beginning to come away from the seat. I think I'll demote it and start using one of my wooden kitchen chairs. That'll show it who's boss.
And furthermore, I haven't received any good mail.
It's raining so there's nothing for me to do but to stay in and try the kitchen chair.
Oh, and if you want to see the pictures, here's the link.
http://www.paigecuccaro.com/html/the_cave.html
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
That "F" Word
The local weather forecast for Thursday includes the word "flurries." Maybe the weather reporter was too chicken to say he meant snow flurries. Maybe Flurries or Blizzards from Dairy Queen are going to arrive instead.
I am not ready for even the non-stick kind of snow flurry.
I am however, about ready to spit nails at Mr. Harper, or use the other "F" word when referring to his recent actions. He's cut funding to the national Status of Women and cut funding for court challenges, and and and. It's weird that there are actually people, some of them are female people, who think that Status of Women groups are some secret feminist cabal that intends to rule the world. Not even close. Basic battles are still being fought. Heather Mallick's article on the CBC website has lots of food for thought and some interesting responses.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/vp_mallick/20061006.html
Here endeth the rant, because I am not feeling well.
I am not ready for even the non-stick kind of snow flurry.
I am however, about ready to spit nails at Mr. Harper, or use the other "F" word when referring to his recent actions. He's cut funding to the national Status of Women and cut funding for court challenges, and and and. It's weird that there are actually people, some of them are female people, who think that Status of Women groups are some secret feminist cabal that intends to rule the world. Not even close. Basic battles are still being fought. Heather Mallick's article on the CBC website has lots of food for thought and some interesting responses.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/vp_mallick/20061006.html
Here endeth the rant, because I am not feeling well.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Here's Lookin' At You, Kid
If you guessed Casablanca, you win.
It was weekend of movies. We saw Casablanca Sunday, on Rogers pay-per-view, and Saturday we went to see All The King's Men. I mentioned Casablanca first because it stands the test of time. Like an old friend, it has a few minor flaws but I love it and besides - who could resist Bogie? All the King's Men was very good and Sean Penn gives a powerful performance, but there are dramatic moments followed by lulls that maybe could have been fixed. Naturally, it's a great story with lots of plot twists and turns. Sometime, I'm going to watch the original movie version since some critics say it is better than the 2006 version.
Speaking of Bogart, the man in my life said he'd heard that Bogart and Ed Sullivan were brothers. That bothered me and I had to check it out. It isn't true. It's merely one of those legends that someone started. Don't people have better things to do and don't I have better things to do than to disprove said legend? Well, sure, and I mean to get to them. Right after I take a walk through the autumn leaves.
It was weekend of movies. We saw Casablanca Sunday, on Rogers pay-per-view, and Saturday we went to see All The King's Men. I mentioned Casablanca first because it stands the test of time. Like an old friend, it has a few minor flaws but I love it and besides - who could resist Bogie? All the King's Men was very good and Sean Penn gives a powerful performance, but there are dramatic moments followed by lulls that maybe could have been fixed. Naturally, it's a great story with lots of plot twists and turns. Sometime, I'm going to watch the original movie version since some critics say it is better than the 2006 version.
Speaking of Bogart, the man in my life said he'd heard that Bogart and Ed Sullivan were brothers. That bothered me and I had to check it out. It isn't true. It's merely one of those legends that someone started. Don't people have better things to do and don't I have better things to do than to disprove said legend? Well, sure, and I mean to get to them. Right after I take a walk through the autumn leaves.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
If it Bleeds, It Leads - Gore Sells
The shootings in Montreal yesterday at Dawson College are featured on the front page of our local paper, The Record. The two lead articles are about the "rampage" and I don't disagree with their placement. But - there's a picture - and a huge one of students leaving the college and at the bottom of the picture, there's the blood and the covered body of the gunman.
Gee thanks - I really needed to see that. My twelve year old grandson really needs to see it too. He reads the paper every day. I don't subscribe to the paper and only saw it by accident while having coffee at Tims. And you can be sure I'm not going to subscribe anytime soon.
Gee thanks - I really needed to see that. My twelve year old grandson really needs to see it too. He reads the paper every day. I don't subscribe to the paper and only saw it by accident while having coffee at Tims. And you can be sure I'm not going to subscribe anytime soon.
Wildlife and A Wild Life
Yesterday, people in the area were told to watch out for escaped bison and a couple of weeks ago, there was a black bear wandering somewhere on the outskirts of the city. But it won't be long before any large animal will have no space to hide in around here. I've had the opportunity to tour the outskirts, or what used to be the outskirts of Kitchener Waterloo. There are so many new subdivisions going in that I began to wonder if I was seeing Calgary.
What the hell are the so-called planners thinking? They're building houses in environmentally fragile areas and, according to the man in my life, one huge subdivision is being built on land that will surely sink. At this rate, we'll soon become just another suburb of Toronto. The Region and the Province keep talking about improving the "transit corridor" between this area and the Big Smoke, but nothing happens.
Since I live in what the city refers to as the Civic Centre area I do have the luxury of visiting any of the three court houses, if I want to be entertained. The court house that is closest to my apartment building is going to be renovated. It's the Family Court and they need a new court room that will be designed for children's needs. That's fine, but the contractor wants to work on the building from 5 in the evening until 6 in the morning so that the court will not be shut down. That's not fine at all, and no one in the neighbourhood was notified of the contractor's intent until the last second. The contractor claims not to have known about the anti-noise bylaw. City council has not approved an exemption yet, and if local residents can protest loudly enough, maybe the council will stand firm. I hope so, because I'd like to have a few quiet months before spring arrives and the city begins tearing up the street on the far side of this building to replace water and sewage lines and repave.
I've been reading "Floor Sample," Julia Cameron's memoir about her life. She wrote The Artist's Way and The Artist's Way at Work and several other books about the creative life. The Artist's Way at Work is on my bookshelf. I read it a few years ago and found that writing morning pages helped me to clarify why I didn't want to work at the community centre any more. So, I was interested in finding out more about Julia Cameron. She's led a "wild" life in many ways and seems to have always followed her creative instincts, sometimes without remembering to care for herself.
I'm going to write my morning pages again for a while and see what they tell me.
What the hell are the so-called planners thinking? They're building houses in environmentally fragile areas and, according to the man in my life, one huge subdivision is being built on land that will surely sink. At this rate, we'll soon become just another suburb of Toronto. The Region and the Province keep talking about improving the "transit corridor" between this area and the Big Smoke, but nothing happens.
Since I live in what the city refers to as the Civic Centre area I do have the luxury of visiting any of the three court houses, if I want to be entertained. The court house that is closest to my apartment building is going to be renovated. It's the Family Court and they need a new court room that will be designed for children's needs. That's fine, but the contractor wants to work on the building from 5 in the evening until 6 in the morning so that the court will not be shut down. That's not fine at all, and no one in the neighbourhood was notified of the contractor's intent until the last second. The contractor claims not to have known about the anti-noise bylaw. City council has not approved an exemption yet, and if local residents can protest loudly enough, maybe the council will stand firm. I hope so, because I'd like to have a few quiet months before spring arrives and the city begins tearing up the street on the far side of this building to replace water and sewage lines and repave.
I've been reading "Floor Sample," Julia Cameron's memoir about her life. She wrote The Artist's Way and The Artist's Way at Work and several other books about the creative life. The Artist's Way at Work is on my bookshelf. I read it a few years ago and found that writing morning pages helped me to clarify why I didn't want to work at the community centre any more. So, I was interested in finding out more about Julia Cameron. She's led a "wild" life in many ways and seems to have always followed her creative instincts, sometimes without remembering to care for herself.
I'm going to write my morning pages again for a while and see what they tell me.
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