Home from work Wednesday

So today, I started my day with Tonsillitis. Yup. I haven;t had tonsillitis since I was much younger than I am now. But this would explain the tiredness I have been experiencing, that no amount of sleep seems to fix, that and the feeling I swallowed a couple of cotton balls.

I remember getting sick a lot growing up and having swollen glands A LOT. I wondered why they never took out my tonsils if I was always getting sick. Makes one wish they could just go and get their tonsils out, but I don't really have the extra money, even with insurance for something like that. The good thing about this is that drinking slushies/icees/slurpees are great medical therapy. It's kind of funny, because the main joke of "Zombeo and Juliet" was that Zombies and Zombie Hunters loved drinking slushies. Funny!

Now, I have 5 days Z-Pac therapy and resting at home. The day job involves talking on the phone and with my voice feeling as cruddy as it has been since Monday, I had to take the day off. Been drinking lots of fluids both hot and cold and watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Netflix. But, now's the time to get to work.

This week I have been writing, not anything specific, but just writing. I stockpiled a bunch of writing prompts from ealier in the year. I want to at least writing as close to every day, either on WIP or on free thought writing exercises. I thought this would be a good way to get me to write consistently, especially when not writing for things like NaNoWriMo. I have a page and a half about a moment that some friends told me about. Cow wrangling her step-father's loose cows. Maybe I can get a story out of it. Or not, but the imagery from her story about wrangling these cows in the middle of the night was one I could not pass up.

Also, I have submitted another set of poems to an online journal. That makes two submissions in less than a week. Granted, I won't know the outcome for a few weeks, but it's quite exciting. It's very similar to auditioning for a play/musical. The hurry up and wait syndrome! Check out Work to a Calm and CSHS.

Tarzan has started up, so my duties as the Producer has begun. A lot of it is being present and collect receipts and forms and monies, but I also get to watch a show come together, take pictures for record, and help out in anyway I can. But, not much else going on. It been quiet lately. The second of the improv shows on the 2014 season goes up next week, but that's cake. Improv rehearsal tomorrow and then Memorial Day Weekend in Fredonia. I am glad that it's been a slower week, being sick doesn't help, but having the time to rest and re-coup has helped.

I know what goals I want to work on next. I want to write regular blogs again; to find something to research and/or comment on. I miss that. Prior to starting A Round of Words, I blogged a lot more about specifics. I need to return to that. I have a list, should revisit that.

I will continue writing and reading, and being a theatre nerd! Dear Readers, have a blessed week, and a fantastic Memorial Day Weekend. Check out my fellow bloggers/writers at the Blog Hop. What is your favourite warm weather, summertime activity? Mine, Dear Readers is being out in the sunshine, whether reading on a blanket on the lawn, under a tree, hiking, going to the beach, or just going to a walk, anything in the sunshine is my favourite. Have a sunshine haiku!

Sun fingers trailing
Across the blue and white skies
This is a good day.

For sitting in the
Sunshine, with no cares in the
World, that is the now.

But the lawn is wet
After the rains have past through
Leaving ideas

To wither like worms
drying upon the hot bricks
after the rainstorms.

Whimsical Wednesday: A ROW80 update (and some poetry)

Sometimes in the darkest pits of ourselves, we find something to pull us back. To say that I am happy with my life right now is accurate, but sometimes I wish things were a little easier. That is to say specifically, I would love to have more money to pay the bills and not have to worry about money ALL THE TIME! Who doesn't, right? I get really caught up in this negative feeling quite a bit lately and sometimes I forget that I have a pretty awesome life. So, onto better and more positive things, right?

RIGHT!

I have since recover from the head cold of doom. Seriously, I am sick of winter and cold. I am sure that this winter will continued unperturbed into April. I do hope not! In between being sick and busy with upcoming theatre project, I have been writing haiku. A LOT!

I have all the haiku I wrote in the month of February, going to try an make a haiku book of these. Now to learn the fine art of Photoshop, or some other publishing program to make the pages of this and other in process projects.

The Tempest is coming along. I have 3 of my 4 scenes memorized and getting more comfortable with Trinculo. I am pretty sire that I will have time to record myself as Trinculo and post it for all you, Dear Readers. I want you to see my progress with this role. It's awesome!

The WIP stories have stagnated a bit. Not sure what's causing the blocking, except for maybe life. So, I am going to focus on writing little pieces to stretch my writing muscles. I need to write, even if it's a scene here or a random story there. Feeling positive, even if I don't get as much done as I wanted to. I started writing a scene that is turning into a clear story. That's why I love getting writing prompts via twitter, friends, and forums, or music too! Even when I feel that I am not writing, my mind is still working. Lindsay Katt and Meghan Andrews are some great music to write by, by the way. :-)

I am managing to keep up with the housework, even in the middle of a show. Granted it's mostly because i am only working my day job three days a week. I am glad that my theatre life is waking up, because that is what is helping to keep me on track. When I am busy, I find I can get more accomplished. Is that weird, Dear Readers? That I need to keep somewhat busy to stay productive?

But, I do! When I have a few things going on at once (at really at the same time, per se), but when I am working on a show and organizing Improv and other theatre events, I seem to be able to get more done. Why is that? I know can be a tad ADD at times, much in the way of Dug the Dog from "Up".

"Hiiiii! My name is Dug....SQUIRREL!"

Anyway, I'm gearing up for more stuffs and things to occupy and/or distract me. I have pulled out some of my old VHS tapes of cartoons and TV specials hat I want to review: "Donald Duck in Math Magic-land" and "The Reluctant Dragon", or an old episodes of "Are  You Afraid of the Dark?". I see a project for this weekend. Hehehe!! Have a positive mid-week, Dear Readers!  Question for you all: what is one or more TV show, Special, or movie you really remember watching a lot of as a kid/teenager? Leave me some love and an answer below. I believe in all of you, Dear Readers!

Check out the other writers within this Blog Hop Here!

Some March haiku for you:

Bleak half melted lawns/

Upon a Wednesday morning/

I am feeling just fine.

Wearing your most prized/

Dappled Grey pea-coat you got/

Under the Pear Tree.

Song of the Day: Eddie From Ohio - The New James Bond

 

More Damned Snow: An AROW80 Sunday Check-in

Before I begin this week, I want to say that this has been an wonderful experience. I know that this round is coming to a close (but not yet). I have learned a great deal about my writing habits and what gets me inspired. Maybe I wasn't as successful at some of my goals, or life real did get in the way, but I really did have fun. I have a greater understanding of what I CAN do as a writer.

Okay, I still have time in this round to be productive... ~clears throat~

I am back to reading. Plugging along with "Inheritance". I started to get overwhelmed by the stories progress and I felt there was A LOT of similarities in the story with "The Lord of the Rings" stories. And don't get me wrong, I do love Tolkien, but I started this series because of the Dragons, not a story wanting to be "The Lord of the Rings." I absolutely love the books "Eragon" and "Eldest," even "Brisinger" was a more mature novel, in Paolini's writing style. I loved it, except for the really long and detailed Dwarven Parliament. The interwoven stories and the depth to the characters pulled me in. Inheritance is also good in the same way, but there are also moment that you are slogging through. My biggest beef is the battles, they play out like mini Helms Deep battles. I hit a hump in one of the chapters, where I didn't want to go on. There will be no spoilers here! I will just stay that in the chapter called "Conclave of Kings" I was overwhelmed (as stated previously). Two days ago, I made myself resume reading and to my delight i can still read it. I really was a small speed bump that made my head go 'AHHHHH' for a bit. I am clearly pasted my date of February 15th to finish "Inheritance". Oh well! I am getting the most out of this book.

I am making progress on my WIP. (Oooh, first time I used that. I see all my fellow writers using it and these are WIPs). The "In the City" may in fact turn into a longer story, maybe novella length, not too sure. I am just really intrigued by the current story flow. I want to see where I end up taking it. i find that when I start a story I will get bored with the premise. Now "Crying Mascara" (recently posted to my deviantart page, if you are curious to read it), that one was really easy. It flowed like some sort of gently flowing river until it reached the seashore and made passionate love to the sea. I know, what a strange way to describe a story. But, upon reflection, it's true. "In the City" could very well flow with the same passion, I just need to direct it more.

On the other side, my Doctor Who story (fan-fic) is proving to be harder to kick start. I will admit that the In the City" story has taken my fancy, but I've not given up hope. I like my base, now I need that thing to happen or that person to do that other thing to suddenly make the trickle turn into a roaring river. Maybe I should just listen to the sound of the Tardis Interior Hum to get inspired. There is something to the sound, because I have journaled to this sound, blogged, and written. Maybe it's algorithms. Maybe it's just cause I really like Doctor Who. I know.
"

Gearing up for more blog entries for non-ROW80 blogs. I am thinking that I want to do another themed month, maybe not a poetry one this time. Although, they are fun and I get some really interesting poems out of it.Again, I throw this out there all the time, but I love to get interesting poetry topics to write about. Leave me a comment below, and I shall compose a poem about your topic for you, Dear Readers. I am thinking of continuing AROW80 into the next round.

It's Sunday and it's snowing, again Dear Readers. ~GROANS~ Why does it have to be so pretty, when I am so sick of it's presence? I have a number of things to still accomplish today. So go out there, Dear Readers and make something amazing or go watch Sherlock and then make something amazing. I am going to be writing and rehearsing lines and meeting with Stephano (that would be Antoinette) later today to run lines (as I missed Wednesday rehearsal because of plague). Gonna be a full day, but feeling rather good this morning. Maybe an impromptu haiku for you this morning.

When March had begun

And the world is still covered

Know this, Spring will be.

 Have a fantastic week! Like I said before, go out there and make something beautiful. Go and check out my fellow writers at the Blog Hop for A Round of Words in 80 days! Be good to each other and I believe in all of you!!!

Oh and listen to some Meghan Andrews cover of "Jolene" today, you won't regret it. Here's one of her original songs:

What? You've never heard of Lindsay Katt or Meghan Andrews? You should...

I love acquiring new music, especially when it's good music. I am funny with getting into new music; there is fear that I will have wasted my time getting into an artist, only to realize that they have only 1 good album, or worst 1 good song.

Lately, I have been proven wrong though. There are some pretty stellar artists out there that are just under the radar. I want to feature a few of them here. I have always loved the singer/songwriters, they have a way of touching my heart with their words and music. These are folks who can write a song and then song the said song; some of my favourites include Carole King, Dar Williams, Annie Lennox, Ingrid Michaelson, and Sara Bareilles. Yet, there are a whole slew of artists that are just under the radar; these are the indie artists, the non-mainstream musicians, and/or internet artists. These are the soldiers of the musical world, who fight the daily battle to get recognized, eking out a living in the modern world. These are the artists I have grown to love more than the main stream music, they who write and perform with their souls.

Okay, you might be thinking that I am about the bash the main stream music industry. Well, no! No, I am not. While I don't have love for most modern artists the likes of Ke$has, Beibers, Katy Perrys, Carly Raes, One directions, and Taylor Swifts of the world, I am far from being guilty as I like some of these artists. I don't generally listen to the radio, so I am somewhat out of touch with the current chart toppers, nor do I buy much music from the mainstream artists outside of Ingrid, Sara, and Adele (those of the model for singer/songwriters). I also like some Katy Perry. But lately I have turned to the internet to help me find more music, music that is *better, truer,  a realer type of music. And there are plenty of artists that fall into  category that have found their way into my ears and mind.

*Music is a personal choice and I do not judge! 

I have my own guilty pleasures (see past blogs for my guilty pleasure artist blog). I have found a home with the underdog artists, the indie artists that make music for the love, not necessarily because they get paid the BIG BUCKS. But then again, I have a rather eclectic music collection ranging from Meatloaf to Great Big Sea to Ingrid Michaelson to Blackmore's Night.

Okay, I am straying big time, back to the blog!!!

What draws me to these artists? There is power in simplicity; just a voice and guitar or piano. Also, there is greater care to reach the fan base when an artist is not attached to a major label. Maybe they have more to prove or that they enjoy the smaller scene.  I find that the indie artist is a harder worker. These artists are some of the ones that have captured my heart and eardrums, with a combination of vocals, lyrics, and personality.

Here are my top 5 or 6 or 7 (I could be here all day if I keep adding) lesser known/indie artists that are worth checking out:

7. Kathleen Edwards (Asking for Flowers, 2008): An alt country rock artist from Canada with a lot of soul. Favourite tracks: "The Cheapest Key" and "I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory".

6. Susan Werner (Time Between Trains, 1998): A silky and sultry voice. Anything from "Time Between Trains" is awesome, or this track from "The Gospel Truth", "Our Father". She also covers "Vincent", originally recorded my Don McLean and there the snarky, "Movie of My Life" , but a very catchy tune. She is deep and wonderful.

5. Boy: I acquired a free download of their EP from Noise Trade.  A female duo with some loverly vocals. I love "Little Numbers". They are worth a spin, so check 'em out!

4. Meghan Andrews (Lights Like This, 2012): I just discovered Meghan, partly because I was watching "The Babysitter's Club" series. She played Mallory Pike. I got curious and found a beautiful voice, "Run Run Run".  She does an amazing cover of "Jolene" (originally done by Dolly Parton).

3. Hannah-Rei (Time to Play, 2013): My fiend Hannah has been gaining a following with her music. She started posted cover and original songs on youtube. Also, a founding member of the comedy duo Rocky and Balls with Sophie Ball, Hannah is a R & B, soulful songstress, with a flare for pop. Her debut album "Time to Play" features a truly masterful skill of piano and vocals. My person favourite is "Upside Down", but "Superhero" and "Elastic". She is well on her way to becoming a main stream success, I wish her all the best with her career. Go and give her a listen! :-)

2. Sean McCann (Help Your Self, 2014): Former member of Great Big Sea has struck out on his own. He has three solo album that are bare bone and personal, but his voice is pure and mighty. Completely on his own, "Help Your Self" available on his website is a journey to help himself and find his happy. Stand out tracks from his second and first albums, respectively, "Simple Song" and "Peace Among the Bones".

1. Lindsay Katt (Picking Out Boxes, 2008): I found Lindsay on twitter one day and have really enjoyed her music since. There is a real feel to Lindsay's music. She rough and soft, upbeat and mellow all rolled into one. Her songs stand out as the vehicle for some absolute truths, those are usually my favourites. She reminds me of Ingrid and Sara Bareilles. That makes her cool, as cool as Bow Ties! Stand out tracks include "My Happy", "Two Little Birds", and "Wretched Unbeliever". Definitely one to check out!