Much to Report at Round's End

Today I did something different. The Steele Memorial Library in Elmira had a Bad Art Night. It is where you can bring your art supplies and share with others an make "Bad Art". I don't think I have the capacity to make "Bad Art", but I do love making art in any form, whether its good or bad. It was fun to make, see for yourself, Dear Readers. Also, can you guess my favourite TV show?

So, its the Last Day of the Round. Yeah, that's it...

This Week:
        *Reading: finished The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Agatha Christie). I read this back in college, but not since then, so the twist was a surprise. I am in awe of any mystery writer. A mystery needs to be written backwards. An heck, writing can be hard as is, but to write a story backwards. I remember when I took English Detective Fiction in college, which was where I was introduced to Ms. Christie. The big project for the semester was to write a detective story. I did it. I did do it. Hmmm...Maybe I should try writing a mystery story again, or at least pull out that long forgotten story and see if it still holds oup. Also, I dove back into Fragile Things (Neil Gaiman) and I swear his writing is just so addicting.
         *Writing: wrote Sunday (ROW80), Monday (99 word challenge), Tuesday (986 words - started a new story, based on a dream, very Twilight Zone).
         *Editing: edited a flash fiction piece for #writestuff monthly writing challenge. You can read The Birthright here, if you like.
         *Social Media: visited 4 blogs daily and my sponsor duties.

How did I measure up this Round? Well...prior to Music Man started up I was writing everyday and throughout the summer. I finished my read through of The Real Road Trip and was preparing to type up my edits, organize, and re-write the novel to prepare it for my first CP.

This month I have not done much editing. There has been much with Music Man vying for my attention. I even came up with a new schedule to accommodate my rehearsal nights. I think I am just adjusting still. Good things are on the horizon: an awesome show, Doctor Who is back on, I have a new WIP for NaNoWriMo (Modern Muses is already at 17000+ words), and a new short story (currently Top Secret Project).

I think my current problem is that the next step in revising The Real Road Trip feels daunting, and I am scared that after these edits the novel is going to suck. I need to take that fear by the horns and run with it, tackle it and give it a good cuddle. I did my read through edit and was still convinced it was a workable story back in August. What I need is to push myself. Also, I need to revise the editing goal (which I think I already did), to make the revision of draft 2 (I think that's right) complete by Halloween. I can do it, in fact I WILL DO EEET!!! Note and question to you Dear Readers, is the rough draft  technically a 1st draft? What do you consider a rough draft, versus 1st draft?

Overall, I am happy where I am with my goals and my habits at the close of Round 3. And I know where I need to be for Round 4. I have my work cut out for me though as October is OctPoWriMo and followed by November is NaNoWriMo. I want The Real Road Trip, 2nd draft complete by Halloween. Also, will continue to work off the revised schedule throughout Music Man.

WWW Wednesday!
To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
     Fragile Things (Neil Gaiman(. I love the way Neil spins his stories. Oh and he has a new book out now too. Must get all the Gaiman.
• What did you recently finish reading?
    The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Christie), see above.
• What do you think you’ll read next?
    Deep Time, 12th Doctor adventures.


This (upcoming) Week:
       *Reading: finish Fragile Things (Gaiman) and start my recently purchased Deep Time (Doctor 12 adventure) before Round 4 starts.
       *Writing: write daily, at least 300 words. Refer to new goals in my new schedule.
       *Editing: type in edits, organize an outline, and and re-writes for at least an hour a day, at least three days week on The Real Road Trip. Update twice weekly.
       *Social Media: 4 blogs daily, sponsor duties, sponsor post.
       *Theatre Stuffs: report of show's progress.

A Round of Words in 80 Days is a blog challenge that knows you have a life. Call on in and visit the Blog Hop, meet some new friends, learn a few things about writing and/or how to crochet or how to make a gluten/dairy meal. We have an eclectic group here. I love them all.

WIPpet Wednesdays, the brain child of K. L. Schwengel, where writers share a bit of their current WIPs. Using today's date to pick a snippet of said WIP, this means that the date is 9/23 and by this logic I will share 5 sentences (2 + 3 = 5 sentences). My current WIP, Modern Muses, and it's been a week since I shared anything. We left off with Teri as she was trying to get Mel's help through a Dream Form (think something like an out of body experience, but you know where you want to go), but he is just a ittle distracted.

“Mel? Are you listening to me?”

“Mmmm…” he purred to himself. Teri turned, she saw Mel lying on a fainting couch and getting a massage from a woman in a tight dress. She could feel Mel’s mind slipping away from her and she suddenly caught Mel and the woman kissing and then she was able to reach Mel’s steel walled mind and his memories previously hidden from her.

“So, I am on my own then,” as she turned away from Mel in disgust.

Go and visit the other  WIPpeteers here.

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.
 

Random Geeky Stuff and Finally a Schedule

Somewhere over the week I caught the "Plague" that that was going around at work. Funny that it should hit right when the weekend starts. Irony? Maybe. Yesterday was the sore throat and tired feeling, and today seems to be the stuffy/running nose and more tiredness. This and the weather has flummoxed my weekend plans, but not one to give up I am taking this afternoon caught up on a few things at home, writing and blogging stuffs.

This is also a good time to let to know, Dear Readers that I am planning a blogging schedule. Finally! i have been thinking for years that I need a schedule to hold me accountable. After this summer, I have grown into my own dedication, but one can ALWAYS do better.

The Music Man has started. Seeing as I am stage managing this show, I have three days a week devoted to rehearsals, plus I am now down a vehicle as the spring in my front driver side strut is toast. The worst part is that even IF I fix it (at a cost of 722.00 cost ), there is a chance that with the rust on my van that one hit of a pot hole could junk my van for good. This van has brought me much luck and had MANY adventures...

The Scooby Gang during Sesame Street

Also, being under the weather I am loath to leave the house, so plans for this afternoon have been rearranged. Still planning on going to my weekly (most weeks) Who Night. As long as I am still feeling better that is.

Plus, I now have at least 4/5 hours to work on writing projects, and resting, should the nap attack occur.

Sheesh, that's a lot to soak in, Cindy. Sorry, Dear Readers. I meant for something more glorious for today's post and you get a longish thread about being sick, broken vehicles, etc.

~Drum roll~ 

I am hear to reveal my new blog schedule. I have missed writing here about things and stuff, so I am returning to regular postings and mixing it up a little too. As you probably know, I am involved in A Round of Words in 80 Days. A blog challenge that I post twice a week about my progress on my goals and writing plans for the future. I also write poetry and do the challenges OctPoWriMo and NaPoWriMo, these are monthly poetry challenges where yo write a poem a day (either free write or the provided daily prompt). I also do NaNoWriMo in November and #writestuff tweet chats on Tuesday nights. I am networking more, meeting new writers and colleagues. Lots of fun stuff, but sometimes I feel the hermit because of it. Does anyone else feel that way?

Also, I do theatre. LOTS and LOTS of theatre and I thus be busy until November 15th with the Music Man.

Instead of feeling weird about not sitting down to write, blog, or edit; I am going to make sure I schedule some time to devote to write on the days I can, this includes posting interesting blogs on Here, There Be a Writer. This is a little new for me so bear with me.
 
             *Mondays: Music Man rehearsal 6-9 pm. Write for an hour after coming home.
             *Tuesdays: Poetry Corner posts. Will post a recent or archival poem from my collection. I have a lot of poems. Also, spend time writing and editing. Tweet chat: #writestuff at 9 pm.
             *Wednesdays: ROW80, WIPpet Wednesday, and WWW Wednesday. Write and Edit on current WIP and EIP projects.
             *Thursdays: Music Man rehearsal 6-9 pm. Random flash fiction or blog about something after rehearsal.
             *Fridays: Write for 30 minutes sometime before bed.
             *Saturdays: Unplugged day, unless I choose to write or blog, edit, read. This is generally my hang out day, where I can go and do stuff with friends. Now that it is fall and th weather will start to change, I will have more days to inside and write, edit, read, etc.
              *Sundays: ROW80 post. Music rehearsals in the afternoon. (not always needs as we rehearse just music on Sundays. Write and edit sometime during the day, as much as I can.

Okay, so that part is free and clear. Onto random blog about random fun things. I love a good trip down memory lane. So, in the search of things of my youth I happen upon this...

...It's a Zag the Zebra, circa 1987 (ish?). My mom sold a lot of Avon, and often I got a lot of bubble bath, skin-so-soft, pins with hidden doors with perfume in them, and toys. I think I got Zag when I was sick and home from school, or maybe a birthday. I really can't remember that detail. I just remember the fuzzy, stumpy legged rainbow zebra that was my favourite toy for years. Then like it happens Zag disappeared or became lost. I never forgot. But is conversations with the hubs about Avon memorabilia, Zag came up. To the Google I say, and poof, there was proof he existed and on eBay. Yes, you know the rest of then story. I now own a Zag the Rainbow Zebra. I do feel like a dork, but a happy dork!

Next...

       ...just when you think you have it all!

Yes, Neil, thanks for hitting me in the wallet. I don't regret my choices, but sometimes my pocketbook begs to differ. Upside, I hadn't purchased much for my self in the last few week, so the Zag and the new edition of Neverwhere was totally worth it. I have already read Neverwhere, but now I can re-read it and enjoy it anew. I am a nerd!

Just like the nerdiness that allows me to go to Weird Al concerts, listen to Tardis sounds while I write. Go check out the 1 hour video of the interior Tardis Hum from the 9th and 10th Doctor's Tardis. It's really a good sound to write to and not creepy at all.

So, Dear Readers, what are some things that you geek out to? Things you like to reminisce about?
   

Saturday Shenanigans

There are things we geek out for right?

I know I do.

I love books. In fact, if go into a used books store, I am prone to spend too much. I have a small library in my study.

I love music. Music of all kinds and styles. See above except with CD's.

I am a Whovian. If you don't know what that is, it is a fan of  Doctor Who. I only started watching the show back in 2012 and have watched all of the new series that was rebooted in 2005. I have mini Tardis' all over my study and posters on my wall, and too many tee-shirts in my closet.

What does this mean? Well, yesterday one of my best friends decided to kidnap me and my hubs and go someplace new. We were bound for Saturday Shenanigans to the Nerd-Vana: Sound Go Round (nerd haven of video games, music, movies, comic books, etc) in Vestal, NY and followed by dinner at the mostly famous Blue Dolphin Diner in Apalachin, NY. I had the Greek combo platter which introduced me to more Greek cuisine and gave me plenty of leftovers. Oooof, so full butt so tasty!!

While at Sound Go Round, I found a DVD of the first season of The Sarah Jane Adventures, one of the Doctor Who spin-offs featuring Sarah Jane Smith. So I splurged. I also picked up Weird Al's Bad Hair Day. I am slowly collecting all teh CD's. 'Twas a good day.

This also caps the audition weekend for The Lake Country Player's production of The Music Man. Interesting to note that I knew almost nothing about the show except that Matthew Broderick played Harold Hill in a TV version a few years ago, Gary Indiana is a catchy song, I know more song than I thought, and I am glad to have a new theatre project again. Those of you new here, I am a writer and a theatre geek. I will have my ROW80 post up later today with my progress for Round 3 goals.

To embrace my nerdiness and because I haven't done a top 10 (or 5) list in months. I present my top 5 Doctor defining moments. For those maybe a little confused, these are the moments where the Doctor is truly embodies what the Doctor is. These are the moments that usually melt your heart and/or make you cry. *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

#5: Christopher Eccleston in The Empty Child. "Everybody lives, Rose! Just this one time, everyone lives."

#4: David Tennent in the Fires of Pompeii - The end of the episode

#3: David Tennent in the Forest of the Dead - The end of the episode

#2: Matt Smith in Vincent and the Doctor - The end of the episode

#1: Peter Capaldi in Flatline - The end of the epsiode

Sunday Afternoon and Coffee

Christmas is finally packed away. FINALLY!!!!

No Tree, just a Hubs! 

Funny how Christmas is shoved back into boxes after being rushed up during the month of Turkey or earlier. Okay, maybe that's a bit harsh, but i was hearing about Christmas trees being on the curb by the afternoon of Christmas Day. And yes, i did wait until almost the end of January before shucking the Christmas off the walls and stowing everything back into the bowels of my house. (Can you tell I am a theatre person with a flare for the dramatic).

Okay check-in time...

This week:
     *Submitting: I submitted to 2 journals. Actually it was this morning, because I didn't get to it yesterday.
Working on a rhythm and system to this goal. Still figuring this one out.
     *Blogging: I did post once this week. It was my flash fiction for a challenge, but I had be meaning to post it. So it worked out for this week.
     *Reading: making my way through The Story of Martha by Dan Abnett (Doctor Who novel). Not much else reading wise since Wednesday.
      *Editing: revised my flash fiction piece The Bridge (1419 words). You can read it here. Edited my press release, which is now being used to promote my show (The Mousetrap). Finished 1st draft of The Audition (re-write).
      *Writing: finished writing a rough draft of my holiday story currently titled Christmas Trees.
   
For this week:
      *Novel: finish the last 66 pages of The Real Road Trip and begin the small fixes (spelling, grammar, tense shifts, missing words, etc.).
      *Writing: look at Doctor 8 fan-fic story I started last year. Try to write at least 200 words on that. Try to continue to write 500 words a day. Not been good with this. I usually get at 200 - 250 words a day, when I am able to write.
      *Blog: 1 new post this week.
      *Edit: review my edits on The Audition begin edits on the The Real Road Trip.

While a quiet week at the day job; it was a busy week with theatre, directoring, and being VP of a theatre organisation. Yesterday was shopping at Salvo for costume pieces and getting familiar with my costumers ideas and syncing up both our ideas. We made a HUGE dent in the costume needs! Will have a poster sometime today and will include in future posts. So if you are in the area in March, I would love to see you at the show. This week is a busy week for Mousetrap, with rehearsals three days in a row and the Golden Age of Radio show that happens next weekend (I have 3 cast members in the radio re-enactment show too).

A Round of Words in 80 Days is a Blog Challenge that knows you have a life. Visit the Blog Hop and see what we writers are up to in writing, crocheting, theatre, gardening, etc.

Also, things you can't UNSEE, crocheted shorts!! Allison, maybe you should try this :-)

Music of Today:

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.

The NEW Doctor: Thoughts on "Deep Breath"

I have been thinking a lot about the new doctor, the season opener, and the direction that the show is headed in. It has been eight plus long months of waiting for Capaldi's Doctor to emerge. In that time I have had a lot of time to think about what will come next and a singular line from the Doctor about his Kidneys. This has all been swimming in my head, with the eagerness of a kid in a candy store.

First, yes this blog will contain SPOILERS, but as the episode and theatrical release has aired and I have waited more than 72 hour, I am finally going to pen (or type) my thoughts on this episode n and the sew season. If you DO NOT want spoilers, then please refrain from reading further Thank you!

My first thought was, wow, Clara is very whiny and needs a good on the face! Not going to lie, I was a little put off by the MOFFS [Steven Moffat] choice to make her a whiny, stammering idiot for the first third to half of the episode. Clara has NEVER been one to back down, nor be a weakling, even though it ultimately took her a brunt of season 7 to get her to that point. Her superficial view of the Doctor's new face in this episode really bugged me at first. It was very in Clara like. That bothered me, a lot!

This is the Impossible Girl, the one who saved the Doctor time and again in "Name of the Doctor", she also was the one to change his mind about burning Gallifrey in the Time War. She's smart, sassy, and a great companion. (oh I know some are groaning at this statement as they read this, but it's true). So, why make her this very unattractive and catty type persona? Where she is written as a selfish and superficial female, that in some ways cared more about the Doctor's appearance than about the Doctor himself, post regeneration and when he is most vulnerable. It was very hard to grasp, especially knowing that Clara had been in the Doctor's timeline, saved his life time and again. She witnessed first hand each of the Doctor's previous incarnation. So, why then make her fuss and angry about the Doctor's older face? WHY????

Okay, back to this later....

On another noted, I absolutely loved the Dynamic Trio of Vashtra, Jennie, and Strax. While highly entertaining when played with the Doctor, these three can hold their own. Here you get a deeper look into Vashtra and Jennie's relationship, being married in Victorian Era London and a the bickering that comes with being married. Strax is just fantastic with his comedic timing; best part was when he asked Clara if she wanted the times and when he was sent it up. SMACK! Right in the kisser! Vashtra is definitely a voice of reason, almost a Doctor like character. She's definitely a favourite!

Then there this...

I was a little worried that it would get too serious, too soon. I like a darker story and can handle something that is a bit grown up. Hence why I like Torchwood. But, there is also the camp that come with Doctor Who. Would they completely lose that with Capaldi? It's not a Matt Smith episode, or season, but there are less goofy moments. But it is not without it's lighter moments either. Yes, this new doctor is going to be more more serious than his previous personality, not take things as lightly, but he  is the Doctor. He is not afraid to tell it like it is or burst into banter and charades with a Dinosaur.

Stand out lines; "Doors. Boring. So not me," [Opens window] "Me!" or "These are attack eyebrows!"

So...

The Doctor, he is well, I just get all full of smiles when I seem him on the screen. Capaldi is the Doctor. He is my Doctor! With everything moment and line delivered I feel fully invested in his story. Especially when he has Clara's back, after what is presumed to be his desertion of Clara in the Larder of Mancini's Restaurant. Clara is holding her own against the half-faced man, and then as she reaches behind her someone grabs her hand, rips the face off and there is the Doctor. He brings something real to the Doctor, almost like he voices his own thoughts as they happen, like when he gets something wrong and tries to gloss over, "I hate it when they see me get it wrong. Pretend you didn't see that." But he is still the Doctor, he saves the day in the nick of time, he's protective of the human race, and he's Scottish (thus he can complain about stuff). Must get use to hearing the Scottish accent now.

Back to Clara and other stuff...

And even after the second viewing, at the movie theatre, I found stuff I missed, like the Sweeney Todd reference or his reference to Amy Pond. But I could understand Clara's motivation a bit more knowing that this regeneration she was seeing live. Her Doctor was gone and that is a lot to take in when you have know someone for a long time. Also, the Christmas episode "Time of the Doctor" into "Deep Breath" was one right into another, where the rest of the world had to wait eight months for the out come of Trenzelore. That's a lot to take in, especially for one person. Yes, she is still whiny, okay, a lot whiny, but I can understand her reasoning, mostly. I would probably feel something similar.

Then there are the questions...

Of course there are things that I am still confused about. Like Missy! The mysterious woman in "heaven" with the half-faced man. Is she Idris? Is she a version of River Song (seems unlikely, but who knows)? An enemy? A friend? What is this promised land to where the Half-faced man was seeking? What is the connection to the episode "The Girl in the Fireplace"?

There is much more to the season, more adventures. Heck, it has only just started and already I can't wait for Saturday's episode! What do you think, Dear Readers (of the Whovian persuasion)? About Capaldi as the new Doctor? The new season? Thoughts in general? Leave me some love!

*Pictures from Google search, and used to enhance this blog. Doctor Who is own by BBC.

Post Doctor Who Season Premier, Pizza, and Porch Side Conversing

Sitting on my porch this afternoon and into the evening conversing about the new season of Doctor Who with the Hubs. We watched the season premier last night with friends, while eating twice annihilated Sontarans and The 12th Doctor's Kidney Bean Chili (twice baked potatoes and chili), Jammie Dodgers and Tardis Cookies.

It was a great episode. I am loving Capaldi's Doctor, Madame Vashtra, Jennie, Strax, and Clara. Except for some weird writing of her character, the episode was really freaking awesome. Don't worry, NO SPOILERS HERE, DARLING! Hoping Clara's character will be smoothed out a bit more in the subsequent episodes. She's not bad, but she comes off as kind of annoying. Mostly, I blame the MOFF [Steve Moffat]. But with that said, I am looking forward to the new season. Even going to see it in the theatre tomorrow night, with a crap ton of other Whovians. Not gonna lie, really excited about this. Probably going to dress up too!

Today is a rest day for sure, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Actually, I had a great week, just not feeling the greatest physically, so this will be short check -in.

After a bit of realization about myself, I am changing up my game plan. I came to a few realizations about myself and my writing that I need to change. I am going up to the next level. Being a writer means growing

New (or revised) Goals for the coming weeks:
     *Write everyday! I have started receiving daily writing prompts in my email. This proves to be helpful

getting my gears turning.
     *Spend at least twice a week revising and editing anything that get to rough/1st draft status. This might not be possible to do everyday, but I want to start with reasonable goal. Thus eventually I will find a rhythm and have a regularly scheduled editing time (at least that is what I am aiming for).
      *A return to submitting. I am going to submit at least twice a week. Nothing has been accepted from my first round of submissions. Time to dust myself off and try again.

These will continue into future rounds, the daily/ongoing goals.

Accomplished this week:
      *Completed two writing prompts, one that could be a flash fiction of it's own, or potentially a story.
      *Started revising WIP, "Road Trip". More on that progress of this, in the coming week.
      *Well, into "Abhorsen", and back to reading in the mornings before work.
      *Making good on the visiting other blogs, mostly on AROW80 check-in days. It's a good reminder at least.

It's very relaxing and I've come to enjoy my mornings with my book, journal, and sometimes my writing. Mornings are really good times for me creatively. I remember during last year's NaNoWriMo using the morning hours to write gave me some great material and freed my evenings. I had some good stuff come out of those times that and want to return to that.

That's about it for now, Dear Readers. Have an amazing week. Doctor Who in the theatre up in Ithaca tomorrow, Improv show Tuesday, State Fair on Thursday, and then Labour Day weekend with my Dad and Aunt and the "End" of Summer. The Round of Words Blog Hop, check us out!!

Day #21 - "New York School" Poem and Raxacoricofallapatorius

Today's blog is going to be a bit Doctor heavy. Today's poem for NaPoWriMo is a "New York School" Poem. I have never heard of this style, but it seems to be a style influenced by art, philosophy,emotions, and surrealism/modernism. I am still a bit unsure of how to write a "New York School" poem, but it feels like I am having a conversation with the reader, or at least whomever I am writing into the poem. So, I am writing a conversation into a poem, that includes several "ingredients": emotions, places in New York City, celebrities, dates and times, pop culture and the like. I use the "Recipe" provided by Thom Donovan. 

Chase to the Doctor

 

Sara Love, this is your moment

Where you walk the trails of Central Park

Seeking the Doctor

Who is new reading a book of Sonnets

Upon a large rock.

His glasses, round upon his nose

And he squints his eyes in the early morning light.

Amy and Rory are by his side,

Enjoying their picnic lunch—

They are full of life,

But how close are they to death.

Oh, Sara Love you are running

Aren’t you?

Can’t you see, Dear Readers

How she runs past John Lennon’s Strawberry Field

And the sunshine is obscured the sudden snow that it falling

Within the crystalline blue of the sky.

She can hear the sounds of Amy laughing,

The time is short.

There time is short,

And she knows it,

Before the Winter Quay occurs.

Amy bites into an apple,

Giggling at Rory and the memories.

Sara Love runs faster,

In her hand is a letter,

A letter for Amy and Rory,

And the Doctor,

They must know.

“Ah-ha,” shouted the Doctor,

“There is she!” He stands and waves,

As Sara Love comes running

around past the fountain,

her breath coming in gasps,

“Doctor? Doctor! I have this letter…”

“Yes, Love, I am well aware of your letter,”

Chimes the Doctor.

“But, the Winter Quay is blowing. It is coming!”

The Doctor stand upon the rock,

Pulls off his glasses,

“It’s coming?”

His eyes go soft, remembering,

And then nothing…

“I’ve forgot!”

6:37 pm

Also, today's letter is "R". I have another poem that features, Raxacoricofallapatorius, the planet that the family Slitheen comes from. I couldn't even use it in the sonnet itself, because it has 12 syllables in 6 feet. Sonnet in iambic pentameter has 10 syllables in 5 feet (1 foot = 1 unstressed syllable and 1 stressed syllable).

There's Rose Tyler. I haven't written a poem about her yet. For a future poetry blog post, maybe a Villanelle or Terzanelle.

Raxacoricofallapatorius (or There Was Once…)

There once was a planet that some would say

Has lovely seas that shine burgundy bright

It is also said you can pass the day

Upon the beaches that are quite the sight.

Family Slitheen

They say that there are four polar regions--

Can you imagine the mountains of ice,

They say are guarded by many legions.

Do you wonder if they are very nice?

A rather famous place to breeze on in--

If you are lucky enough to trek there

You might get to see the egg fields of Kin,

But watch out for the Slitheen and take care.

For all though quite a planet of allure

There are those from who you would well detour.

3/12/2013

Another "R" thing, "Rocky and Balls", the great internet comedy duo, Sophie Ball and Hannah Rockcliffe! Here's a bit of their stuff, involving cake and kazoos!! Rocky and Balls was a things that Hannah and Sophie did while going to University. They are now making working on their own musical careers. Check out their stuffs at Sophie Madeleine and Hannah-Rei. They are pretty awesome!

 

Have a wonderful night, Dear Readers! I will see you tomorrow, with a new poem for Day #22 of NaPoWriMo and the Letter "S".

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.

"The Day of the Doctor" Review ~Spoilers, Darling~

I never thought that there would be a moment where Moffat seemed to get it right, but the 50^th anniversary is simply stunning, gorgeous, and awesome all rolled into one. I think that the reason is because I didn’t have any expectations of what the 50^th should be. I just watched it and enjoyed it, from acting to story. Everything about the episode is full of AWESOME.

~SPOILERS~

What we got was a strong story about the last day of the Time War and a nice dialogue with the Doctor and “The Moment (Galaxy Eater).”

I find it fascinating that the 50^th anniversary episode has brought Whovians from all walks of life, together. It really is a celebration of all things Whovian. I also think that everyone involved in the 50^thseemed to have a lot of fun making it.

I could good through each and every point in the special and dissect it, but I want to talk about my favourite points of the episode. Maybe even talk about the things that raised a few eyebrows. Every Whovian with whom I have talked is-in general-in agreement that the episode stand well on its own; from example, I have two friends who went to go see it in 3-D at the movie theatre the following Monday. They had seen very few episodes of the New Who or only episodes of the Doctor they grew up with (that be you Mr. Baker). Yet, when they talked about it, it was only with a sincere joy and pleasure. Mel and Dee really enjoyed watching it. How many TV series can say that, that folks who have only seen a few epsiodes can still enjoy watch the big 50^th? It means there was stellar writing to back up the story and lots of care too. Yes, there are nay-sayers and pessimists, but on whole some most seemed to honestly enjoy it.

First, I give Steve Moffat credit for finally making Clara into a character, a real character. So many times I wanted to like Clara, but was left feeling that she wasn’t a part of the Doctor and his life. Her part-time status always felt like it weakened her as a character, even when she did the most impossible things, "The Name of the Doctor" or "The Rings of Akatan". This time, I felt that she is worthy of the title the Doctor’s Companion; to have her question the choice of the Doctor’s decision on the fate of Gallifrey? It was brilliant! It worked. It feels like Clara was the next generation of Companion. I can only hope that continues into Peter Capaldi's time as the Doctor. As touching as it was to have 10, 11, and the War Doctor to share the burden of that choice; there was something equally fantastic about Clara asking if there was another way.

Second, the choice of Billie Piper in the form of Bad Wolf as “The Moment”, the sentient Galaxy Eater was rather confusing. It left me wishing there was a Rose sub-plot, as I never really got over the Rose in an alternate dimension world story arc. I was a bit frustrated, not at Billie Piper, but that hole in my heart after "Doomsday" wanted it to be Rose Tyler. But after watching the 50^th a second time that I realized that the choice to use Rose as the interface of "The Moment" was the better choice.  By having Bad Wolf there (even only in form alone) made John Hurt’s War Doctor that much stronger. Billie Piper did an excellent job as “The Moment”, fun and mischievous, yet sad at it's role in the story of the Time War.

There were many a moments of SQUEEING and fan girlness, which included Peter Capaldi's eyes in the battle to save Gallifrey, the introduction of the Curator Doctor,Tom Baker, and (my personal favourite) the machine that goes DING!

Those eyes!!!

I loved seeing how Tennant, Smith, and Hurt worked off each other. There was this energy that linked them all together, whether they were mocking each other or working together. "This is what I am like by myself," Matt Smith Doctor. Or seeing the man behind the stories of Jim Henson's "The Storyteller" in the garb of the (War) Doctor It was touching when it needed to be and dark  when it need to be. He is every much the Doctor as is Smith, Tennant, Baker, or Hartnell, even though it's a grittier Doctor. He is the War Doctor after all. I couldn't have picked a better Doctor (well except maybe Hugh Laurie. Hey, a girl can dream, right?). You should check out "The Storyteller" and "Greek Myths: Storyteller" DVDs.

A girls' dream! (borrowed from Tumblr)

The biggest enigma and what EVERYONE seems to want to talk about is what number in Matt Smith's Doctor and what it means for Capaldi's Doctor. Is Matt Smith 11 or 12? Do you count Tennant's mini regeneration at the end of season 3? Can there be more than 13 lives of a Time Lord? What can we see in season 8? 

Some things are pretty obvious, to me at least. The search for Gallifrey? I think so. It's sounds like the next great adventure. I bloody well excited!

Now I have 24 more days before new Doctor Who, the regeneration of Matt Smith, and all of that good stuff!! I might have to watch the 8th Doctor's movie and review it....Stay tuned, Dear Readers!!

Birthday Weekend 2013

I had a few ideas for things I wanted to write about this week, but couldn't really settle on enough to make a blog worth while. It is almost like over the last 2 weeks I got some great snippets of neat nostalgia and inspiring things, but not enough for a full blog, or so I thought.

I am sitting here in my study, listening to "Welcome to the Neighborhood" by Meatloaf, second time through actually, drinking coffee I starting thinking. Why not just blog about the last 2 weeks. There is a lot of stuff that can be connected and sometimes it's nice to see what I've been up to. Today is my low key lazy day, filled with running some choreography for the parts I am in "Best in Little Whorehouse in Texas", drinking coffee and catching up on life. It rather a quiet day, but the perfect day for reflection and chore doing. But, that's not relaxing, is it? For me, doing laundry and putting the dishes away is completely relaxing. And since my dryer still hasn't been replaced, it's line drying for me, but today is breezy and partly sunny. So, while the clothes are 'drying' in coffee and dancing for me, followed by Meatloaf. ~SIGH~

What have I been up  to lately? Well, first of all, you all should know by now that (from the above paragraph) I am currently rehearsing for a production of "Best Little Whorehouse". It is definitely in my top 10 of musicals (see previous post about musicals). I am in the chorus with a slew of other talented folks and some freaking talented leads too. Often the choral parts are more demanding, having to learn more songs and dance steps than the lead (although not always). Today's work includes "Texas Has a Whorehouse In It" and "24 Hours". I haven't dance and sang together this heavy since the Lake Country Player's production of "Beauty and the Beast" in 2006.

"Watchdog's gonna get you. He's gonna shine his light on you...."

This weekend was my 34th birthday weekend. I am not ashamed of my age, I prefer to live and NOT be worried about a number. My birthday was August 2nd, a Friday. I got to sleep in and in the afternoon visit some of my favourite people, the Love's (Ryan, Sara, Wendy, and newborn Daphne), where I got a birthday cake, a balloon, and sung to by some of my best theatre friends. I even placed Candyland with Wendy Love, Sara's adorable 3 year old daughter. The game board has changed quite a bit from the 80's, there a few characters added and a couple have been removed, while others have been re-tooled. I guess my nostalgia really kicked in when I saw the Queen Frostine is now Princess Frostine and looks more like a tweaked up version of a Bratz doll/Disney Princess. Also, there no Plumby, Grandma Nutt or Mr. Mint, having been replaced by the likes of Grandma Gooey, Duke of Swirl, and the Gingerbread Kids. I guess it's a sign of the times, but wow! It was still fun to play, and I never thought I would be playing Candyland on my birthday.

I also drew a picture of Maximus (from Tangled and Wendy's FAVOURITE movie) in Banana Pants. I am working on a full colourized version for all to see (I've included the pencil sketch here).

Me and Sara Love

Carousel Shot

Carousel Shot

Yesterday my friends Amy (from college) and Richard came down from Rochester to play Putt Putt, ride the Dragon Boats and the Carousel at Eldridge Park in Elmira, NY. It felt great to be a kid again. After being an adult for far too long, it's nice to revert back to childhood, the good parts at least, and play skeet ball, pinball, ride the Carousel (picking your favourite animal to ride is a tough choice), and laughing. This is the second such day of youthful shenanigans I have had with DAScottJr; last weekend it was Darien Lake. Where we rode the Viper, Sleighride, and Grizzly Run to name a few. It was only the fourth time going to Darien Lake in my life and the first since Six Flags left...eh, oh well, it still look basically the same since the last time I had been there. There were new rides and what not, like the wilderness area with the GIANT wooden rocking chair and the Motor-Coaster (that was a fun ride), but I still knew where most of the rides were located, like the Predator, the Carousel, Grizzly Run, and the Pirate Ship. It was a blast!

Some shots from Darien Lake.

Some shots of our day at Eldridge Park.

Hole-in-One David

Weeping Amy

Lake Eldridge

Riding Eragon

Dragon Boats

The Ladies on Eragon

The Men on Eragon

Meet Gaspara the Red!

Cute!

I love these guys!!!

Saphira the Indigo Dragon

And today, the 12th Doctor is revealed! Oh, the excitement!

Thanks The Doctor Who Hub for the picture

It's been a fantastic weekend! Not read to go back to work, but lots of exciting stuff coming up. The summer is going by really fast, but I guess I am not surprised, it seems to happen every year.It was the best birthday ever! Thank you!!!

"Y'all come back now, Y'here!"