Productive Day

This week's check-in...

This Week:
     *Reading: finished Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (Douglas Adams). What a strange story. It was engaging. I feel like I lost the story at a few points, but then found it again a few chapters. Adams is a strange writer, yet fascinating. still I liked it. Working on The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Agatha Christie).
     *Writing/Blogging: Not much really. I have to sneak time to write this week, but this afternoon and early evening I wrote a 99 flash fiction piece, and posted another piece for Tamara Woods' #writestuff monthly writing challenge. Read it here.
      *Social Media: have kept up with my sponsor duties and 4 blogs daily, except Saturday as I was directing and performing in a 1 act for 24 Hour Theatre.
       *House Tending/Exercise: did a lot of house work this after and afternoon from laundry to dishes, trash to vacuuming, and general tidying up around the house. This also included lots of going up and down the stair, so I probably did at least a mile in stair work today. Also I was walking around yesterday during 24 Hour Theatre. :-)
        *Theatre Stuff: finished prop list for The Music Man, updated cast/crew list.

This weekend was KLP's fall 24 Hour Theatre. This was the first time I wasn't writing for it since the very first one. I was directing and acting along side one of my best friends, Sara and my new friend Luke. The show involved elevator, a child with the chicken pox, over acting teenager, income tax, flirting, and talking with your butt. Yeah, good times! Oh and having my husband cross dress as Yasmine Sapphire! You have to be there. Back I've included a few pictures for those curious souls, Dear Readers.

Beauty Pageant

Untitled: A Working Title

Also, yesterday was the season premiere of Doctor Who and wholly crap, what a season opener. After 24 Hour Theatre we all trucked to Sara (she has BBA). Don't worry, Dear Readers, no spoilers! But WOW!!!

Also in the news, I have a smart phone now. I don't know if this is a good idea or not. We'll see...

Finally over thew crude from two weeks ago, just a bit of a runny nose and a small cough. At the Evil Day Job, I survived the week. Tomorrow will be long as I usually go in early to help with the Monday morning crazy. But I am more rested, feeling better, and having a better out look. Been writing more and after today's productivity am ready for a fresh week, Dear Readers.

This (upcoming) Week:
       *Reading: finish The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Christie), work on Fragile Things (Neil Gaiman).
       *Writing/Blogging: write daily, at least 300 words. Blog on Tuesday and Thursday.
       *Editing: look at The Real Road Trip, make a dent in the edits/rewrites.
       *Social Media: 4 blog daily and sponsor duties. Work on a sponsor post for Round 4 (maybe) before end of this Round.
       *Theatre Stuffs: get sponsors. Report progress on Music Man.

A Round of Words in 80 Days is a blog Challenge that knows you have a life. Here's what you do: write down some goals, follow the goals, blog about your progress twice a week, post to blog and linky list, visit fellow writers/bloggers, meet new friends and learn some new things. Come view the Blog Hop here.
 

First Wednesday, not a bad start...

I only just posted goals on Monday, how can it be Wednesday already? Okay fair is fair. I am starting off on a good footing. Hitting the ground running on some of the goals. This week is all goofy what what writing for 24 Hour Theatre and preparing for Connecticon. So much to do in so little time!

Onto the update~

This Week:
     *Reading: about halfway through The Subtle Knife (Phillip Pullman) and about a fourth of the way The Night Circus (Erin Morgensen). Hoping to have Subtle Knife finished by next weekend. Need to start Murder Comes Ashore (Julie Anne Lindsey).
through
     *Writing: wrote my ROW80 goal post Monday, almost 1000 words for my ROW80 sponsor post Tuesday, and today started my 24 Hour Theatre script. It's Superhero Theme in conjunction with the summer youth reading program. Going to get a little wacky, but will be a cute little script when I am done. I want a finished script by bedtime, also did a small  writing blitz this afternoon of about 15 minutes.
      *Editing: edited my ROW80 sponsor post and submitted it.
      *Social Media: did my sponsor duties and visited 4 blogs Monday and Tuesday.

This (upcoming week): Going to have to shove a lot into the next couple of days as I won't be writing at all Saturday and possibly Sunday. I am making the goals light this week to allow for Connecticon.
      *Reading: try to finish The Subtle Knife and start Murder Comes Ashore.
      *Writing: write daily, 300 words. Day off Saturday.
      *Editing: start up revisions on The Real Road Trip.
      *Social Media: sponsor duties and blog visits to 4 ROW80 blogs and/or blog I follow.
      *Submission: 1 submission before Saturday.

A Round of Words in 80 Days is a blog challenge. In 80 days set some goals, post your progress to a blog, add the link to the Linky Site. It is a Blog Hop, so come in and sit a spell. Listen to a few tales and maybe stay to share some of your own.

It's WIPpet Wednesday too! The idea is from K.L. Schwengel. You take the date, play with the math, and viola a snippet of your WIP. Post your link and /or visit the fellow WIPpeteers here. I have to use a small part of the secret project. I don't want to give anything any but it's time to start sharing it. Today is 7/8. Using the day 8, I will show 8 sentences.

Set up: Cumi was left alone and Marty is curious. If I gave you more it would spoil future WIPpet posts. There will be more later. I promise. This one is gonna be a longer project.

Marty raised his eyebrows, “Really? You and him close?”

Cumi was suddenly aware that she was alone. She didn’t know all of the rules that applied here and it was obvious that she was from out of town. “He’s like a mentor. He teaches me all kinds of stuff. You know,” she was at a loss for what else to say.

“I saw you kiss him earlier. That’s some mentorship you got there,” he grinned and turned away. 

Sunday it is...

Having one of those days, really bad headache and feeling generally icky, but still I persevere

Yesterday was the Hammondsport edition of 24 Hour Theatre. We had a great crowd of about twenty people. They are active and engaging, which is a great feeling to hear people who are responsive. The writers wrote some incredible works and the actors made them come to life. A good time for all.

Of course, while writing this I got another rejection letter for some of my poetry. It's a journal I have submitted to before. They give constructive critiques of my submissions. That is good, but I still feel like I am missing something. I thought I was getting better with my poetry. I know, I should take it hard. Most places don't give input on why they didn't choose my work. I am mostly being hard on myself. I just need to keep trying and keep the advise and input in mind when I submit works.

So, that happened.

This week:
      *Theatre: I directed and starred in one show, also hoad a small cameo in anther show for 24 Hour Theatre.
      *Writing: caught up on NaNo Novel, Road Trip Friday, almost 5000 words in one day. I didn't write yesterday because of 24 Hour Threatre, but I have clocked 1721 words today. Will catch up tomorrow morning. Feeling novel swinging into the homestretch. NaNoWriMo: draconicwitch (if you want to add me)
      *Reading: The Year of the Flood (Margaret Atwood) I can't put it down, will probably have it done by Thanksgiving. The Art of Asking (Amanda Palmer), I am enjoying this immensely, with her truths and humour.
       *Submitting: two poems submitted to a local calendar contest for the Friends of the Chemung Watershed. Deadline  is December 1st. I won't know about this until much later, but I am pleased with the poems and myself for trying.

This week To Do:
       *Writing: Continue to catch up and stay caught up with NaNo.
       *H'port Xmas show begins to organize this week, so writing will be on and off for this project based on what idea (there are three working concepts to choose from) is chosen.
       *Submitting: want to keep this at three per week.
       *Reading: finish The Year of the Flood and start MaddAddam (Margaret Atwood).

A Round of Words is a Blog Hop. Come and visit with other writers/bloggers.

Have a great week, Dear Readers! :-)

ROW80: A Writing Extravaganza

After binge writing/directing/acting for 24 Hour Theatre I always feel tired. Part of it is that I usually get between 0 to 4.5 hours of sleep from Friday night to when I crash Saturday night/Sunday morning. This time is no exception. I wrote my show from somewhere around 7:00 pm, get the cast list at 6:00 pm until 11:45 pm when I finished a complete rough draft. I then drove home and edited the script one last time before sending it off by 1:00 am, which then allowed me to crash until 5:30 am. I think you can see the theme here. I wrote a script, 4th script to be performed over the last 2 to 3 years, and the 5th script that I have written over all.

Let me tell you, it is an awesome feeling to see something you write come to life, not just on paper, but in real life, real time. I recommend it for anyone curious about writing. If you have a 24 Hour Theatre in your area, give it a try. TOTALLY WORTH IT!

This year had a theme. Each of the writing teams had to write their corresponding shows using a fortune from a fortune cookie. Mine was "A true friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out" using the concept of Jekyll and Hyde for a basis of the story. Here's my favourite part of the script:

Dr. Thomas: Miss Mackey?

(Megs jerks her head up. Dr. Thomas sits.)

Megs: (stuttering) Dr. Thomas. I didn't hear you.

Dr. Thomas: You were a bit distracted.

Megs: Then you heard?

Dr. Thomas: Yes. Sounds like a bit of Life imitating Art.

Megs: My best friend, Danni is dating my Ex, Alex. (laughs) It's funny; both of them seem to have a darker side to them and get along rather well.

Dr. Thomas: It's like the class discussion today.

Megs: Motives? Oh, you mean, (Dr. Thomas nodded) sometimes people are not happy. And sometimes they make bad choices, like when they are sure they are alone they act like their true self. Like the way, Danni acted around me. She thought I wasn't a threat so she dropped all pretenses and became a ‘monster’.

Dr. Thomas: Well, that is one interpretation, isn't it?

Megs: It just feels so wrong like the whole world walked out on me.

Dr. Thomas: It’s rough when you lose trust in someone.

Megs: Have you felt that way?

Dr. Thomas: I have, in fact that's why husband left. He wasn't the intellectual type, didn't liked that I knew more than him, so he left. I was pretty angry. I did something I wasn’t proud of.

Megs: How did you cope?

Dr. Thomas: I learned who I really was. Then, I started going back to school, teaching, reading books. I strove everyday to be that person, not my dark half, much like Jekyll tried to do.

Megs: But you didn't need a potion?

Dr. Thomas: Nope.

Megs: Then maybe I can find my true self and be the best I can. Avoiding the Hyde's in my life.

Dr. Thomas: Sounds like to you learn a lot in and out of class today.

 


Anyway, time again to get down to the hear to of the matter (thanks Huey Lewis, Not every listening to him at the moment). Twas ere the busiest, yet tis fruitful time I ere ever I spent amoungst commerades.

This Week:
      *Reading: I finally hit the half way point of The Gun Seller. It's a slower read. Hugh is very about the details and snarky wit. Sometimes I feel he goes faster than the reader. But, then other times the pacing slows down, so I don't know. I think I just need to continue reading. I tried to finish Misty of Chincoteague but I fell asleep. It was late and this was before the 24 Hour Theatre. It's a cute story and will post more later, after I finish the second half of the book.
     *Writing: wrote a blog and a script. Just feels good to write.
     *Blogging: see above. Only once (not counting my Round of Word check-ins). I love when I get inspiration from my fellow bloggers. Still want to continue to non-ROW80 blog twice a week. This is a time management issue. I will get there.
     *Visiting: I did go avisitin' everyday last week expect Friday and Saturday. I was a bit busy. Been making my goal of at least 2 to 3, hitting 4 most days. w00t!
     *Submitting: I did this Thursday. Finally. Discovered, or maybe get became aware that submittable post online to twitter. Since this revelation, I have been keeping track of new places to submit to on post it's and scribbles in several notebooks right now. The actual database needs to be updated now.
     *Scrivener/Editing: wrote the scrip in Scrivener. Played a little with the screenplay template. I edited "Road Trip". Planning on reviewing my script Wearing the Mask and The Audition (which sorely needs it). There are things that I see after watching it performed that I miss the first time. I want to be able to go back and make the scrip tighter; fixing grammatically and syntax errors, cleaning up the plot and developing the characters more or toning them down.

That which did not happen:
     *Mostly what I didn't get to was smaller stuff. I missed  a day of journaling and am a few days behind on the sticker journal (which rewards you, the writer for meeting your goals.

For next week:
     *Finish The Gun Seller and Misty of Chincoteague.
     *Edit Wearing the Mask, The Audition, Road Trip (yes again), using Scrivener.
     *Write some more on my Waiting Room story, no working title yet.

Now, Dear Readers, I want to know what you have been up to. Fellow ROW80-ers, how are the goals, books, stories, projects coming? What are your plans fro the rest of September? If you are curious check out the ROW80 Blog Hop. Go and see this new musician I started following, David Cavan Fraser. He's got a nice sound. Sat and listening some of his live stuff (from youtube) one day while writing this week. He does some fantastic covers and equally nice original material. I am fond of his song "Bagpipes". I leave you with that, Dear Readers.

A ROW80 check-in: Revison and Beyond

I am honestly really pleased with my progress this week. So much stuff and writing/revision happened this week. The weekend was a little less productive. After visiting some fellow writers, I have determined that "unplugged time", "Time away from the computer", or whatever you call it it is very important.

Spent Saturday evening having dinner and face time with fellow Whovians (Sara, Amanda, David, Ryan, Tara, and Kevin), watching the most recent Doctor Who, "Robots of Sherwood." We ate chicken parmesan and spaghetti and salad (made by Sara and Ryan Love. Yum!!!), hung out chatted about Doctor Who, books, movies, and all sorts of nerdy things, and of course watching Doctor Who. It was nice to see Clara fangirling in the episode. We also got a greater look at Teh Doctor. Don't worry, no spoilers today!! Oh and Robin Hood is my favourite legend and yes, I like the Kevin Costner and the Russell Crowe versions.

The other major thing is I am keeping my house cleaner. The laundry and dishes are getting the consistent attention they deserve. Not perfect, but seeing as I am not doing a fall show, I ultimately have more home time. Not to say that my fall and winter won't be full of stuff and things theatre related. In fact next weekend in the first of KLP's two 24 Hour Theatre events (September and November), I will be writing and directing for this one, I also need to work on the Ghost Walk with LCP and a possible Halloween  Improv Show in October, and the Hammondsport Xmas show in December. There is NaNoWriMo in November. OctPoWriMo in October. I also will be working on my Book to Movie Adaptations in October, as November is booked. So, yeah, I will still be busy-ish. I love it though, would change it for the work.

What I Did:
      *Writing: well, I wrote a scene with my protagonist/antagonist. Not sure which she is ultimately. I could turn "Road Trip" into a novel, or novella easily. It was a nice little scene. I do have to go back a re-read/revise it though.
      *Revision: I went and reviewed my rough draft for "Road Trip", imputed it into Scrivener, and completed a 1st draft. Actually, I discovered the ending needed a bit more fleshing out. That is next on the list. If I don't work on it tonight, that'll be Monday's project.
      *Visiting: since Monday, I have visited and/or commented on 3 to 4 blogs a day, except Friday when I was hanging with Brian at Soulful Cup and Saturday when caught up on Kait Nolan's blog (which I count, because I get email updates and made about 2 and half months of email updates to go through). That is the next plan, to keep up with my emails and blog comments.
       *Blogging: I have blogged twice this week, not including my ROW80 check-ins. I am really proud of this one. As the reason I started blog, is also the reason to return to it, because I have so many things to talk about and share, research and present.
        *Reading: finished "Abhoren"! w00t!!!

What I Didn't:
       *Submissions: I did not hit this hard this week. There are reasons, some are valid, others not so much. Let's just say that switching gears and changing ideologies, sometimes somethings get overlooked.
       *Reading: I actually was very good during the week, reading every morning and at lunch. Something about weekends and sunshine especially make it hard to read. Might be the summertime and the good weather. I did finish "Abhorsen" though and started "The Gun Seller" by Hugh Laurie, yes Dr. House writes and plays the blues. Also working on "Misty of Chincoteague" and "The Name of the Game" (Doctor 9 adventure). I and sill  4 book behind on my 2014 Book Challenge, so I need to work on that, without rushing the reading.

I just get wrapped up in the weekends and end up going out, hanging with peoples, and not doing my writing/revision/ reading goals. It's not a bad thing to actually interact with people. I did get much more accomplished this week, Dear Readers and that makes me feel wonderful.Anyway, a good week and a good weekend too.

Come and view the Blog Hop to catch up on what other ROW80-ers are doing.

Golden Shovel Poetry and 24 Hour Theatre

I miss yesterday, because some friends and I were making something rather awesome. Theatre in a day! So, with little sleep and 5 very talented dedicated writers and 5 equally talented and dedicated director and a slew of talented and dedicated folks (it was a dedicated crowd). We made art! We made theatre! We made something ALIVE and much larger than ourselves. We made the world smile, laughter, and exist inside the Old Havana Courthouse for over an hour.

It was glorious!

Of course, this means that I feel behind on NaPoWriMo and CampNaNoWriMo. But, it was in the name of art, theatre, and the Clown Porn in my Heart (okay, that was an inside joke. Once I get the DVD of the shows, I might post it. Maybe!) It's a line from my husband, David's show, "...because if I never share the clown porn in my head, I’ll never truly know the clown porn in my heart."

Today I present two poems. One is the Golden Shovel poem, that uses the last word of each sentence is used as the last word of the poem being written. This was created of a Terrance  Hayes, using the poem We Real Cool, by Gwendolyn Brooks.

I am using Edna St. Vincent Millay's poem "First Fig", to Golden Shovel-it! Ha! ~pauses~ That's kind of funny!

Edna St. Vincent Millay

Anyway, I not only desided to write using the last word's of Miss Millay's poem to finish my sentence, but I wrote a second verse using the first word of each sentence (I had to add a line, because It is hard to end on the is 'IT').

Hey, wait a minute....I just did, Dammit. Oh, well, I was experimenting. I hope to like it. It's the feeling I get after a successful show, or when I am hanging with good friends. I also chose Miss Millay's poem, because for this month I am incredibly busy and have felt the burning of the both ends.

First Fig

My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—
It gives a lovely light!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Golden Shovel Poem:

Day's End

Here at the end
at the fading of the light.
Come to me, my Friends--
And sit around the firelight.

Where we can talk of the times my
own memories recall, it
will be a grand time, but,
you can also remember your own, it
will be the best end of this Day's End.

The second poem is today's and it's a simple poem based on the view from my window, except I am not currently inspired by my view, so I am going to write a poem about the view during my Tempest rehearsal this afternoon. It was a beautifully sunny day, blue skies, and relatively warm-ish.

Outside Rehearsal

Blue skies arch across my vision,
as I movement to the theatrical rhythms.
There is the sounds of sweeping as the voice's ring out
of Miranda, Prospero, Stephano,
and Caliban--
criss-crossing the back porch, with cool breezes.
I am at peace,
watching Ariel lead dance Ferdinad across the way
and littlew Wendy running around
tall,
treeish forms of the actors.
It is a moment were the browns of winter's reveal
and the sapphire skies or the most alive.
The Tempest dost not blow within the
confides of the Love yard,
but makes a music all it's own.

A to Z Challenge: B is for Busy

This month is all about the busy. I am not kidding, April is a month full of theatre events and shows and lots and lots of writing. See, there comes a time when I realize that the winter months have gotten me dried up and uninspired. February and March definitely fell into this category. I was far less productive than previous months. It was like I was dropped in the middle of a desert and left to find my way way, and thus by April, POOF I have found a veritable oasis of muses and forms of expression. This includes the "Blogging A to Z Challenge" an obvious choice. Some of what my April will be including is:

*NaPoWriMo: the month long, poem a day challenge.

*Camp NaNoWriMo: the sibling to November's NaNoWriMo challenge, 50, 000 words in 30 days.

*Keuka Lake Player's production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest", most of you Dear Reader's are familiar with my blogs about this, but to the new Folks, I have been working on "The Tempest" since January.

*The Lake Country Player's 24 Hour Theatre and Lake Country Improve: the former is this Saturday and the latter runs one show a month April to August in Montour Falls, NY.

*On the production team (props and sets) for LCP's junior player's "Zombeo and Juliet".

*Plus trying to see fellow thespians productions and social gatherings this month and keeping my house clean and working my day job.

~DEEP BREATH~

So, yes, Dear Readers, B is for Busy, but B is also for Beautiful and I am quite happy with my Beautiful and Busy life! Have a great day and week!!

A ROW80 Wednesday Wrap -up!!

Words by James A. Owen

There are a number of things I am grateful for; the most is My Friends. There are those of us who find ourselves in a torrent of Orcs, Urgals, Shades, Demonic Kings, Tyrants, and Thieves (both physical and mental, Dear Readers). There are these the lighthouses that shine upon our darkness and help guide us a way out. And for those moments with the ethereal Gods and Goddesses descend from on high to light the way through the forest, I am and will be forever grateful. Thus being said a thanks to Krissy and Sara for yesterday.

This week find me FINALLY FREAKIN" FINISHING "Inheritance"!! Gods by Damn to the Neitherworlds!!!

To say I am glad, Dear Readers, is an understatement. Those of you who follow me regularly know this, know that I have been struggling to finish "Inheritance" since January. But, as with any book, there is a  price, that is sadness, a sadness of leaving the characters I have come to love and hold dear behind. I have said this before, but I am not going to review "Inheritance" right now. That's for a later blog. I must to clear my head.

Anyway, Dear Readers, "The Inheritance Cycle" is a good series to read. Even though at times it drags, feels too detailed (not that detail is bad, but sometimes 20 pages of Dwarven council is a bit much). The characters are different, the story is sound, if overly long at times. I did enjoy it. I might be less than other series, but it still enjoyed it. I might even say that it is a series to be put on the re-read shelf (and that is saying a lot). Not my favourite series, others hold that place, but "The Inheritance Cycle" is still a good read for fantasy lovers.

I have decided to do a full review later in the year. I have some to prospects, like NaPoWriMo and the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Also, I am going to continue into Round 2 of A Round of Words in 80 Days. This coupled with the upcoming storm of The Tempest going up April19th through April 26th (4 performances) with the Keuka Lake Players and 24 Hour Theatre with The Lake Country Players on April 5th. These are some of my challenges facing me this month and next.

I have learned a heck of a lot about managing my time and striving forward with my goals. There were a number of goals that I never come close to; but on the other side, I learned some new skills, made some new (better) habits, and pushed myself harder with my writing. There is SO MUCH more I can and will do. I am going to revise my goal from Round 1, add some new goals, and discard old ideas/goals that I do not think will work for me. It's not anything I am shamed off, in fact, I am that much more freer and confidant in my abilities to pursue those goals and dreams.


So, what have I been up since Sunday?

~Finished "Inheritance"
~Starting "The Hunger Games" tomorrow (need time to let "Inheritance"set in)
~Journaling twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
~Keeping up with the housework
~Starting hiking

It's a start and a decent way to end Round 1.


I have group rehearsal for the Tempest tonight. Will get to show off my stuff. Been feeling more like Trinculo lately. The director had to switch out our Stephano due to difficulty with the lines. But thankfully we have a new Stephano and the old Stephano still wants to be involved with the show. It was her first show EVER! That takes balls. She did an awesome job with what she could and for that I give her a huge ~DRAGON HUG~ and a toast from my bottle!! Other than that, it goes well. 24 Hour Theatre is going great. The excitement from the writer, directors, and actors is amazing. It's going to be good!!! The other theatre projects I am involved have started LCP's junior players Zombeo and Juliet (set master/props mistress) and LCP Improv. Like I said earlier, Dear Readers, it's going to be a busy April. But, it's what I do! And, of course, in between, find time to write. Oh, no rest for the wicked and the writers.

Come and visit my fellow writers and bloggers on the Blog Hop!! Have a great rest of the week, Dear Readers. Leave me a comment below. Spread some love. Enjoy the outside. And, remember that I believe in each and everyone of you and will not let you fall!!

AROW80: Why is it Still Snowing Sunday?

So, again I misjudge my end of ROW80, but that's entirely okay. I have been busy in a number of ways, so I
don't feel bad. It's March 23rd and this morning is bringing LIGHT snow flurries. I am SO SICK OF SNOW of any kind. It's not even pretty anymore. Most likely is a passing flurry, or barely able to be considered a flurry. AROW80 is all about writing and knowing that you have a life. This is very true of me in the last month. Life is certainly keeping me on my toes. So, I have a plan to keep the snow away....

~INSERT UKELELE MUSIC HERE~

I am listening to my collection of Hawaiian music. Not something I normally listen to, but I love a wide scope of music and I got curious. It's a two CD set with about 30 songs. Makes me wish I was on the beach. Some of the songs are rather hokey; I prefer the instrumental, they tend to bring out the best feel of the sounds of Hawaii. I have never been to Hawaii. I would love to go someday.

And upon reflection the track list on the CD and the list of the CD case in NOT correct! I just listened to Bali Ha'i, but is labeled as Pretty Red Hibiscus. So, I get to guess what songs I am listening to . JOY! At least I know Pearly Shells. The good news, it's a version by Burl Ives, so I can forgive the cheap CD makers.

Anyway getting distracted with girls in grass skirts, flowery leis, and rainbow coloured drinks!

Mine and David;s wedding anniversary was on Friday. I took him out to Breakfast Saturday morning and he brought us dinner (how very mutual,  right?). Saturday was a rather fabulous day of spending it together. We talked and enjoyed a nice, if damp hike up at Spencercrest Nature Center after breakfast. It was a nice day. Sometimes life gets in the way, it was a good way to reconnect with David. It's been 7 years of married life (married on March 21st, 2007, the first day of Spring), although we have been together since late 1999 (going on 15 years of being together).

Trinculo and Caliban are coming along, both David and I got to work us scenes together, filling in Stephano lines. As for memorization, we got this! Now it's firming up the scenes, learning the cure lines, which is hard we you rehearse by your self. The only way I have found that helps the cue lines is running the scene with others. Yes, I haven't forgotten to post me and my lines. I will make that a priority this week. Shakespeare is hard to memorize, but when you do get the words, it is really a beautiful language style.

Been making my way through "Inheritance", not slogging anymore. But with Tempest gearing up and my other Theatre projects I have less time to read. I usually am reading on my lunch at my day job. I am still on three days a week. Each week I hope for four days (It'll happen). There is less than two weeks until 24 Hour Theatre and Zombeo and Juliet's first read through is tomorrow, and there's Improv starting up (the season is April through August). Serious, no rest for the wicked! But, I really wouldn't change a thing about my theatre life. It's in my blood. I also have bought a number of used books recently Wicked, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency, House of Leaves, and some Agatha Christie novels. I think I am going to spend the summer reading in the sun. Next series, Dear Readers, if you didn't know is going to be The Hunger Games.

The writing has been less drought-like. As I posted back on Wednesday, I did revise a script with a more cohesive plot and have been writing haiku and random poetic words to keep the juices following in the mean time. Also, I posted a non-ROW80 blog yesterday, taking a look back at a series of Disney VHS tapes (Disney Wiki - Disney Mini Classics) that I remember from my youth (some more than others). You should check it out, Dear Readers. There are at least a dozen of these tapes. I may do a full Disney month coming up. Either that or a Lesser known Fantasy movie month, in the vein of Rigoletto, maybe? Between that and the journaling, I am feeling more confident with my own zen writing.

It was a pretty good week, very productive and I feel great. A sure sign that Spring is coming, even if the snow is still falling. Thankfully, at the time of this blog has stopped. It's a new day and there a new chance to make something awesome. I am going to see some friends in their final performance of Elmira Little Theatre's "Mornings at Seven" later this afternoon. Have a great day and a Great Week, Dear Readers!

This Blog is part of AROW80's Blog Hop! Check out my fellow writers and bloggers.

Today's song is:

Sunny Sunday and The Tempest

It's a sunny day and I am just trying to wake up after having lost an hour due to Daylight Saving Time. Do we actually save time? I don't think so. I know losing and hour suck horribly. Need MOAR COFFEE!!


[After several more cups of coffee]

Okay, time to finish this.

I have all mah lines in mah head! They seem to be sticking, but now it making sure that I get all teh words that Shakespeare put in his play. [shakes fist to the heavens] SHAKESPEARE! Just kidding, I love it, but there are time when the words get in the way. We are a little more than a month and a half away from the show. Holy Crap!

For the last two days I have been painting. I seemed to have found the painting muse, Urania the Muse of Astronomy, and as I have been painting the Tardis, she seems fitting. Part of a social media project to make something for random people within the year 2014. I have a lot of Whovian friends, so it was naturally going to fall to Tardises and Doctor scarves. I have missed painting. There is something soothing and meditative about smearing paint across canvas or paper. Might paint a bit more before the weekend is over.

See my Deviant Art Page: MissDragonLady!

Been working on getting Lake Country Improv geared up and prepping for The Lake Country Players, 24 Hour Theatre at Old Havana Courthouse Theatre next month. Theatre created in 1 day! Theatre is coming alive with the melting of the snow and the longer days. It's exciting to see new writers and old professionals coming together to make something great. Lake Country Improv is gearing up for a FULL season this year at The Montour Falls Methodist Church, the last Tuesday of every month April through August 2014.

Finally getting through "Inheritance", am surprised that it's still good. I am enjoying it, even with the feel of Tolkien coursing through the veins and lines and paragraphs. I am hoping to get a bit more consistent with my reading after "Inheritance", not that I will ever truly be caught up on books. NEVER!

Been a little dry with the writing over the last few weeks. I am trying to at least write poetry, mostly haiku and blogging. I think I am focus on other project  and those energies are getting re-directed. I am still writing. Been trying more writing prompts both on twitter and with my fellows at AROW80. It's not a bad thing. I have my WIPs "In the City" and the "Doctor Who" story, and I want to adapt my story "Crying Mascara" into a stage play (an 1 Act), and a few other smaller writing projects. I am going to focus on these in the coming months (March thru April) and see if I can get a bit more on track.

I want to thank you, Dear Readers, for the words of encouragement and advise. It has helped to get my brain focused, to try new things, and to not fall into a rut. Admin the some rough bumps that started this year, I am even more convince that this writing thing is for me. I enjoy it so much: blogging, poetry, stories/plays, novels, and such. Call me a Jack-of-all-Trades, I do a little bit of everything.

Upcoming shows April 2014

 Dear Readers have a great week! I am going to be busy this week. Spring has sprung (mostly), it's time to enjoy the weather. Be good to each other and find someone today, tell them you love them (or that you care for them). I'll be around if you have need of anything.

Remember this Blog is part of a Blog Hop! Check out some of my fellow writers and bloggers! Pay it Forward.

Sunday Check-in: AROW80 February

It's cold and snowy. Big surprise, right?

I had some grand plans for today, but my head seems to disagree with me. Woke up with a mild sinus headache and I was determined to not let it get in my way. I set about doing household chores so they don't get behind including laundry, trash and cat litter cleaning and removal. Then I thought it the brilliant idea to arrange and put away the board games, and that my Dear Readers it turned into an hour project. By then, my head was pounding. Now, it's time for some Advil and brunch (since somewhere between waking up and the headache of a closet project I hadn't eaten yet), at the time of this blog. For a house of only two people, it gets messy rather quickly. Since David and I do theatre, often the house is neglected during shows. Not this year, though! Trying to keep up with it. But, sinus headaches don't help with that. So, my morning has been cleaning and clearing. Also, I am trying to find a plastic box with some of my jewelry (found it while taking a quick writing break).

More snow falling and I am thoroughly sick of snow and cold and everything in between.

AnyWHO...it's Sunday! What have I been up to (set up for a bad joke *here*)? Five-Eleven (in height). I got notification that my story "Crying Mascara" was not selected as a winner for the contest I submitted to. Feeling a bit bummed. Got to keep trying! I started a new short story yesterday. Not sure yet where it's going, but I think it'll might be a Doctor Who story. Haven't tried my hand at Fan Fiction yet. I have a great image of a willow tree in a rainstorm and I needed to have Doctor #9 leaning against the tree. Being an avid Whovian, I thought that there needed to be another Eccleston Doctor story out there. Also last year a friend and I started writing a Fan Film script, it got put on hold, but we would like to get a finished script and maybe get around to filming it. That is another project for a later time.

My super secret part of the super secret project was completed yesterday. It's not a huge deal, but it's a huge deal. And it occurred yesterday...more on that later. Sorry to be secretive, but SHHHHH....

Working on my next theatre projects this week. Tempest lines are coming along. I am starting to find Trinculo, but that little bastard is being difficult. I really love Shakespeare's language, but holy cow does it become a mouthful. Next, I am doing props for The Lake Country Players Junior Players production of "Zombeo and Juliet", should be fun. I am organizing LCP's 2nd annual 24 Hour Theatre event in Montour Falls. For anyone who doesn't know what it is, it's where theatre is written, directed, and performed in 24 hours. I discovered this back in 2011. I acted in a show that I had to memorize in about 8 hours. I played 3 different characters in the one show, each with different voices and mannerisms (except I couldn't do a Minnesotan accent to save my life.). Hehehe! The following year I wrote my first 1 act and acted in another. Hint: don't try to write a script and get only about 2 hours sleep and espect to have much of your lines memorized! I will write and direct, write, or act, but nothing more. I know my abilities and my limitations. I have been organizing this event and possibly directing one of the shows. It's fun and after last year there is definitely more interest in fellow playwrights and thespians.

I actually started saving money, either 5 or 10 dollars each week goes into my piggy bank, Wilbur. Been meaning to start, but you know how some things go, you forget and what not. Not this year!

Not much else going on, just trying to keep the pace going. Finding inspiration here or there. Spending my time on my various projects. This coming week, the paying job will take up a full 40 hours (am on reduced hours throughout the winter) as my boss is on vacation. It won't deter my determination. I'm more worried the snow and the cold is doing that job fine enough.

Dear Readers, I hope you have a great week. I am going to have a fantastic week, by Hell or High Water! Full of stuff and things. :-) I am going to have a non-ROW80 up later this week. Been brain storming for something fun, maybe something to fight the winter blues. Remember, I believe in each and everyone of you!

Check out other in A Round of Words blog hop!

Lots of writing this weekend!

I am spending the day at home.

Why, might you ask?

Well, first off, it's rainy and cold!

And second, I have been super busy with rehearsal's for Best Little Whorehouse in Elmira. Go check it out if you are local! But, also, this weekend in the Keuka Lake Players "24 Hour Theatre". Where in the course of 24 hours, 5 shows are written, directed, and performed! Sounds amazing, right? You bet it is! And for the writer in me, I am all a-go to write one of these scripts. Having penned three 1 acts in to last couple of years, which is a pleasure to have done. It is giving me the chance to stretch my creative muscles. Last year (September 2012) was the first year I wrote a play and got to see it performed, twice actually. Once at 24 Hour Theatre, then the second at a 1 act festival for Mother's Day weekend (2013). Talk about the most AMAZINGLY AWESOME feeling EVER!!!!

Since then, I have penned two other (1 newly written a few weeks ago) 1 acts and working on a third as I type this. KLP has put on this '24 Hour Theatre' for three years now. Last year, I included my own 24 Hour Theatre with the Lake Country Players, with a delightful degree of success (I am planning next years already). So, now that world knows about this extremely fun and low cost fundraiser, the word is spreading.

So, this year I am staying home from work to write my 1 act, because I have an IMPORTANT dance rehearsal tonight and my gracious and sexy friend Sara, who is coordinating this event is letting me early. YAY! I am also directing one of the shows, not my own, thankfully!

The scripts need to be written and emailed to Sara by 4 am tomorrow morning (the other writers start at 6:00 tonight). While tomorrow morning dawns, the directors meet at 7:00 to get their scripts and prepare for the actors arrival at 8:00. Then it's rehearse, rehearse, REHEARSE until 5:45 when the show starts.

I am a bit nervous this year, partly because I am doing things out of order this year; and also I am trying to write more of a light comedy, instead of just drama, or suspense, as I have in the past. But what comes out, will be: Que Sera Sera. In about 2 hours I got a 7 page script, but I am not completely satisfied until I can read it again, find the mistakes, and weak points (without anyone's help), and refresh and revise it. I am also writing Toasted Cheese's Mini-NaNo's contest this month. A 5,000 words challenge gearing up for NaNoWriMo in November. I have to write at least 167 words a day until I hit 5,000 words or finish the story (but it has to be at least 5,000 words). Plus, I am revising a 1 act I wrote at my friend Amelia's 62 Hours of Art fest back in August.

All this and rehearsals for Whorehouse! No rest for the wicked!

I should go and review the script. Later internet! Leave me a Comment or some Love below: