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This is my first ever blog, so I'm not really sure what I'm doing  . I guess I'll learn as I go along.
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| Fun Fact Friday! On this day in 1926 a Scottish inventor named John Baird demonstrated a pictorial transmission machine called the television. Do you remember seeing your first television...the one your parents had when you were a kid? What were some of your favorite shows? Do you still watch any of the old programs you enjoyed as a teenager? This prompt has sent me meandering down Nostalgia Lane. The first thing I want to say, though, is I really didn't watch that much TV as a kid. Really. I'm going to mention quite a few shows, but that's purely because they have taken up residence in my head and are tugging at my heart to be mentioned. But, for most of my childhood, I was outside playing with my friends. I spent little time at home. And when I was at home, I spent most of my time reading and listening to records on my Dad's old gramophone player. Even so, this list is quite long  I don't remember the first time I saw my parents' TV. I do remember it, though. I remember it having a screen on the left of it, with four knobs on the right side (volume, channel changer, contrast, and on/off). Yes, we had to get up to change the channel. I don't know how we managed! It was colour, and it stood on four thin wooden legs. Okay, here's another disclaimer. I was an odd child (I guess nothing has changed there). I've never liked cartoons or animations, so most of the shows I remember watching as a child aren't aimed at children. The three that are children's shows are "The Flumps," "Scooby Doo," and "Jamie & The Magic Torch." I loved Scooby. He was so cute and funny, and I loved how the guys drove around in The Mystery Machine solving, well, mysteries. I have to link the theme to "Jamie & The Magic Torch" because, I think, it explains a lot about the kids of my generation who saw this when they were little. This show was insane. It was psychedelic, and I'm sure whoever wrote it must have been on something. But I loved it. Especially the dog: Wordsworth. As for the rest of the shows I loved in my childhood, they were all detective shows, or action based shows. These were my favourites, up until the age of about ten or so: "The Gentle Touch" "Hart To Hart" "Cagney & Lacey" "The Incredible Hulk" "The A Team" "Dempsey & Makepeace" "Van der Valk" "The Littlest Hobo" "Charlie Chan Mysteries" The funny thing is the part I remember most about all of these shows is their theme tunes. I've just watched all of them on YouTube and they all move a part of me deep inside. I could actually feel it turning. Especially The Hulk and "The Gentle Touch." Looking back at the latter, it was broadcast from 1980 - 1984. So I would have been 4/5 - 8/9. What was I doing watching a gritty detective show that dealt with rape and murder? I don't know. But I know I related to the victims. And I know I wanted DI Maggie Forbes to come and save me. Maybe that's why the programme affects me physically today. When I was nine (in February 1985) the first episode of a new British soap opera was broadcast: "East Enders." I remember watching it with my parents. They hated it. I loved it. I still do. It gets a lot of bad press. But it's always people who never watch it who think they are qualified to rubbish it. Anyway. I am a lifelong fan. Moving onto teenage years, I had a TV in my bedroom. I watched a lot of American sitcoms: "Cheers," "The Golden Girls," "Roseanne," "Charles In Charge." I think I needed programmes that helped me to escape. These did the job really well. I still love these comedies, and I've since added a lot more to my list of favourites. "Miranda" is right up there. I love the bones of that woman! I have a fond memory of watching "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." It used to be on Sunday mornings, and I vividly remember watching it with Dad. I googled the theme tune about a year ago (I can't remember why) and I had the strangest reaction. I started to cry. Like, uncontrollable sobbing. And I couldn't stop for about an hour. David looked kind of scared, if I'm honest. Which is fair enough. But it made me feel so sad. I couldn't explain it. So I don't think I'll be watching that show again. I still love "Cagney & Lacey." It's dated, but I love it. The other shows from my childhood, I would still watch if they were on. But they are never as good as I remember them. You kind of add a rose tinted filter to happy memories, don't you? In recent years, aside from comedies, I've discovered some amazing dramas. Unfortunately, most of them have now ended. "Sons Of Anarchy," "The Sopranos," "Breaking Bad," "Law & Order," Law & Order:SVU," "Broadchurch." (The British one - first series.) You see? I said it would appear I spend all my time watching TV. But I don't. I never have. You have to remember these shows cover forty-one years of life. Oh dear. I'm going to read other people's blogs now, and I'm sure I will find they mention three or four shows. I shall hang my head in shame. Believe me: I shall. |
| Plug time! What are some of the WDC events you'll be taking part in during the month of February? Well now . . . I've just had a look and I have lots of things happening in February. I was, actually, wondering if we could give the month, like, ten extra days this year? That should give me time to achieve everything I want. Firstly, most importantly, and most time consumingly, there is the Comma Sense Class with New Horizons. Oh my word. This class is kicking my butt! It's the most difficult class I've taken since I left school. It's way harder than my degree in Literature. This class continues through February, so I will be spending a lot of time with that. As I am a future Rising Star, there are certain activities we are asked to take part in. So at the beginning of February, there is "The Dialogue 500"  . I've entered that this month, and I like writing dialogue, so that should be fun. Also, and this is the one I'm looking forward to, GabriellaR45  has created a Musical Challenge. We have to write about six songs/pieces of music that mean something to us. This is exactly the kind of challenge I love. So I'm really looking forward to that. At the end of February, there is a Poetry Slam through Rising Stars, which I'm also looking forward to. I've never done anything like that before, so I'm eager to see how it works. Then there is the outside publishing challenge. We are to send items to outside publishers, up to a maximum of four items. I have some work to do before I am happy to send any of mine, but I aim to send a minimum of two.I am taking place in "I Write in December-January-February" at the moment. The challenge is to enter a competition every week, and also review the entry before yours in the I Write Forum. I haven't missed a single week yet, so I'm determined to to keep up through February.I help to judge the "Invalid Item" every month with my good friend, Elizabeth. I love this contest. I encourage everyone to take a look! That is one of my first jobs every month.Now. Last year, I ran the "Mad Hatter's Tea Party " in March. I aim to run this again this year. So I will have a lot of organising (and asking for donations of packages) to do in February. (I'm open to offers of packages right now, by the way  .) This year, the proceeds will be split four ways: 25% will be attached to one package, and the winner of that package will receive it, 25% to WDC Power Reviewers, 25% to Newbies Academy Group, and 25% to Paper Doll Gang. I'm really excited about this.I also have my usual tasks to complete. So, crediting Power Reviewers and running the "Special Occasions Forum" . My head's kind of spinning just thinking about all of this. I sense a fair amount of stress taking place in my household. Oh, that reminds me. It's David's birthday next month. I guess I'd better find him a present and arrange something nice for him! |
| Day Twenty-Five ~ Do you believe in miracles? Speculate on your idea of a miracle you'd like to see happen. Do I believe in miracles? In short: no. Sorry to be boring and unimaginative, but I don't. I believe we all control our own lives. At least, that's when we don't have someone oppressing us and controlling them for us. Sorry. I digressed. But I do believe that if we want something, we have to do whatever needs to be done to move closer to that dream. The kind of people who really wind me up are those who whine constantly about how much they hate their lives, and how they want a better job, more money. But they change nothing. They don't look for another job. They don't ask their boss for a raise, or more responsibility. They just keep everything the same, and expect change to fall into their laps. That pisses me off. Especially when I know people who have worked their butts off to get where they are. Continue to work their butts off. So that's my realistic take on miracles. Despite my thoughts above, I remember constantly wishing for a miracle when Dad was slowly dying of cancer. Especially in the last couple of months. I would see him growing weaker and weaker, and I would hope beyond hope that he would be one of those people you hear about who make sudden, miraculous recoveries when they are within days of death. A part of me genuinely thought he would. Until the last week. I had to keep hoping. But it didn't happen. Because miracles aren't real. If I could have a miracle, though, it would have to be world peace. I would make everyone tolerant of everyone else. People could live alongside one another, knowing their beliefs are different, and be happy to call them neighbours. The whole world would get along. Now, that would be a miracle. I really don't understand why it can't be that way. I don't understand why people who pray to different Gods must be enemies. I know it's been the case, like, forever, but I don't get it. I really don't. Alternatively, I would make chocolate the healthiest food on the planet. Ooh, world peace or healthy chocolate . . . tough call. |
Day Twenty-Four ~ If you had a "spirit animal" that wasn't an animal, what would yours be? (Pretty sure mine's a burrito in case anyone asks, but no one is and I could be totally wrong  ). And what would you think some of your fellow bloggers' "spirit animals (that aren't animals)" are?The first thought that comes to mind is I would have to be chocolate. Seriously. I would be, like, a big bar of Dairy Milk because it's my favourite. Also, because it has pretty, shiny, purple paper. So I would be delicious on the outside and smooth and addictive inside . Oh, so that's so funny. That's not me at all. But I do think I would be a big bar of Dairy Milk. Or maybe hot chocolate. Dairy Milk, again. I would come in a pretty purple tub, and then when made into a drink I would have super sweet marsh mallows on the surface, and as you dig deeper, you would find I am richer and have more substance than you first thought. I don't know. This is a tricky one, Fivesixer!As for other people . . . Jay O'Toole  , I think you would be the sun. You shine brightly everyday, lighting up the worlds of all you encounter.paddy1, my first thought for you was a butterfly. Then I realised that's an animal  . So, non animal . . . a set of watercolour paints because I know you are artistic. Also, paints can be used to create anything you wish, and can take you anywhere you wish. They have a freedom to them, in that you can create whatever you want.Lostwordsmith  , you are definitely a graceful fountain pen. Your writing is beautiful and creative, so this is perfect for you. It also reflects the way you have a need to write. After leaving us, you couldn't stay away. You had to keep writing. So you are a fountain pen.Schnujo's Doing Homework  , I think your spirit non-animal is a compass. You have travelled a lot, and I think sometimes it's been difficult to find your way home. Even once home, I think you lost your way a little, but now you're on track to finding it again. So a compass will help you with this.I can't think of any more. This was a tricky one. It will be interesting to see what everyone else has put! |
| Actress Tiffani Thiessen, born on this day in 1974, once said "When you interact with someone you always take something from them." What is something you've been able to take with you from any of your fellow challengers so far this month, and how have you been inspired by each other? I'm not sure anyone has been particularly inspired by anything I have said this month. I guess a couple of people have mentioned they liked certain things I've written (like, my actual writing) but I wouldn't go as far as to say I inspired them. It is the best feeling, knowing that other writers appreciate a specific turn of phrase, or style in your writing. I have found lots of inspiration is this blogging experience. I think right at the top of that is Schnujo's Doing Homework . After her brain injury in Iraq, and having to rebuild her life, she is doing so well now. She hasn't given up, and she's getting better all the time. She has bags of courage, and she supports others and frequently makes us laugh. That is inspirational.Jay O'Toole . . . What can I say? This guy is one big hunk of inspiration. He is always cheerful and supportive. His enthusiasm for everything he does, both in writing and real life life, is infectious. It's impossible not to feel inspired by him. And he is super talented, to boot!paddy1. I love how I've got to know her so much better through 30DBC. Her life story is one of great courage, hope, and belief. She came from a difficult childhood and made it through some horrible life experiences. Not only that, she moved, on her own with her daughter, to the other side of the world and started a new life. That must have taken so much courage. I can't even imagine doing that. But she came through, and found a wonderful new life. Now, in her writing, there is a positivity that I find inspirational. Truly. I'm so happy I got to know you better, Paddy! So those are the people who come to mind with this prompt. There are many others, and I'm sorry I haven't mentioned you! I have found this experience pretty inspirational, in general. It's interesting to meet new people, and to get an understanding for people I already knew. As for me? I can't imagine I have been that inspirational to anyone. Seriously. |
The Sunday News! Seven WDC authors were just promoted to Moderator status! ("Note: Congratulations to...") Visit one of their ports and review one of their items...and in your entry here, now would be a good time to tell us what your goals are for being with WDC (whether you're a newbie or someone who's been around the block awhile). Make sure you include your review, using the Invalid Review  tag. New Mods! Woohoo! I don't think I've seen a moderator promotion since I've been here. I could be wrong. This is the review I chose to write for Bruce.  : Review of "Dear Daughter" I chose to review Bruce because he was the only new mod who I don't think I've met before. I'm really glad I chose him because this poem is beautiful. It really touched my heart, and I know I will be returning to his port now I've found him.As for my WDC goals . . . I'm not sure really. When I first joined, I had no expectations at all. I just wanted to write, and joining writing.com seemed like a good way to help me. I was trepidatious when I shared my first poem. The idea of other people actually reading something by me made me anxious. But once I started to write more, and to get more reviews, I realised what a great opportunity there is to learn from other members.Constructive criticism is good. I genuinely think I've learned a lot since I've been here. And I continue to learn every day. At the same time, I've made some wonderful friends since I joined. People who know more about me than most of the people in my life. That's the great thing about writing.com: the members are supportive and non judgemental. We are genuinely happy for others when they win contests, or do well. So I guess one of my goals for my future here is to continue to interact with others, and to support others; whether that is by writing reviews, or sending them a cNote when they're feeling down. That's a massively important part of WDC for me. I was promoted to a yellow case at the end of November last year. I honestly didn't think being promoted mattered to me. Until it happened. Suddenly, it was a massive deal. I was so happy. It was (and is) an honour to be recognised in this way. I love being yellow. A blue case, though? Do I expect it? No. There are plenty of people who are ahead of me in that queue. Would I like it? One day. But, for now, I have plenty of other things going on. I'm a future Rising Star, and that programme is a lot of work. Right now, I'm taking the Comma Sense class at New Horizons, and that is sooooo hard. I'm a Power Reviewers Captain, a leader in Newbies Academy, and a leader in Paper Doll Gang. I have my contest, "Verdant Poetry Contest" which I would like to switch up a bit. I'm trying to figure out a new contest as well. There is the "Mad Hatter's Tea Party " which will run in March. So I'm spinning lots of plates at the moment. In answer to the question, I think my goals for WDC are:  Graduate from Rising Stars Make a success of Mad Hatter in March Graduate Comma Sense Continue to interact with my friends Continue to learn from people who know what they're talking about Keep running the "Special Occasions Forum" Take the exploratory writing course in New Horizons Launch my own contest Continue running Verdant Poetry Contest Continue taking credit and raid shifts for Power ReviewersThere are lots of other things I could mention, but these are the biggies. I should also add the goal of taking time to stop and breathe every now and then. |
| Creation Saturday! Describe how any personality trait would/could look as a physical characteristic, and create a character who embodies or uses this to his/her advantage. Okay. I'm going to ignore the obvious path here. I'm sure I wouldn't be alone in creating Mr Narcissist, who is tall and orange with a sandy combover. Nope. I'm not gonna go there. Instead, I'm going to focus on a positive character trait. Because, I think, we could all use a little positivity right now. Kindness. The Kindness Queen. I see kindness as a little old lady with silver hair and clear, sparkly blue eyes. She smells of face powder and peppermints, and stoops as she shuffles from person to person. She touches everyone she encounters with warmth, and leaves a trail of goodwill behind her. When face to face with her, you realise she is only 4' 11" tall. A permanent smile graces her face, and she dresses in pink and lilac. Her voice is soft and buttery, and she laughs in hiccups. It's impossible to dislike Her Royal Highness. Unless, that is, you have nothing but evil in your heart. Which too many people do these days. In the end, though, the Kindness Queen will win. I hope. She needs more followers, and it is her mission to convert everyone she can to the way of peace. And she will win. I hope. |
| Day Twenty ~ Fun Fact Friday! On this day in 1885, the roller coaster was patented by L.A. Thompson. Tell us about a time you visited an amusement park. Amusement parks. Oh joy. I hate amusement parks. I don't wish to sound like a miserable human being, but I really hate amusement parks. The biggest park in the UK is called Alton Towers, and it's in the Midlands. I have memories of visiting there with my school a few times. Once, when I was eighteen, I even drove an hour and a half to go there with my friends. I think we went on three rides the whole day. The rest of the time was spent queueing. I never really enjoyed the experience of being thrown around, and leaving your stomach half a mile behind you. The pressure on your eyeballs as you are twisted and turned upside down and inside out. It hurts. It's not fun. Then there's the nausea. Oh my days, I hate vomit! No, it's more like I have a phobia of vomit. I mean, nobody likes it, right? But I have a visceral reaction around it. It makes me cry, hyperventilate, heave, then run. All in the space of a few seconds. It's the same reaction I get to spiders. Which is why I call it a phobia. Well. One time, I went to an amusement park with some friends as we were taking part in a charity amusement ride thing. We had to ride as many items as possible. My friend, Tracy, for reasons best known only to her, chose to eat two hot dogs in between the waltzers and the corkscrew. She sat next to me on the ride. Pretty soon after it began, she threw up. It went everywhere. All over me, the seat, the people behind us. Which made me heave, cry, hyperventilate. What I couldn't do was run. I remember trying to move the safety bar in a crazy attempt to escape. When we came to a halt, I bolted the moment the bar was raised, and threw up on the floor. It was a nasty moment, that haunts me to this day. I'm feeling quite ill just writing about this. Oh. One last thing. I'm no longer friends with Tracy. We haven't spoken in twenty-two years. Not because of this incident. Though, it didn't help.That's for sure. |
Day Nineteen ~ Normally a two- or three-sentence response to a blog prompt doesn't seem like much of a response to me (personal opinion, that's all)...but today, come up with a couple sentences using as many WDC emoticons in place of words as you can. Any subject, any topic, and they don't have to be related if you just wanna make up random sentences. Have some fun with this!  My  , Alfie, has always been  . The day I brought him  , at eight weeks old, he actually made me  . He was a  of energy; tearing through the  and wreaking havoc. He took  in making me  . My favourite  and David's  s were among the many naughty things he loved to  . The  of evil became a permanent fixture on his face, and  became his best friend.Months of training classes made little difference. The two trainers said he was the  . So we left and tried to tame our little  by ourselves. Gradually, things began to get through to him. I'm still constantly  ed by his naughtiness, and David's favourite pastime is the Alfie- . Mostly, though, these days I am  with my cuddly, funny  . Okay, I find myself  ing a lot of the time. But I'm getting good at shoving my  on and  to block out the chaos. Of course, there is always Alfie's  . That is impossible to ignore! |
| What are some things you would put in a time capsule to be opened up one, twenty, and/or fifty years from now that shows the person you are today? Ooh, time capsules . . . I've always been fascinated by them. It would be so cool to find one from a lot of years ago, and to try to imagine the person who buried it. As for what I would bury, that's interesting. I think it depends on when they are supposed to be opened. If we're talking this time next year, I think I would probably enclose a copy of "Dear Me 2017" . I wrote a "Dear Me" letter last year, and it was cool to see how many of my plans I stuck to (not many!). It was quite therapeutic so see how okay I was with taking different paths. If the capsule was to be opened twenty or fifty years from now, I think the purpose would be more to show people how life is in the year 2017; as well as telling a little about me. Firstly, I would enclose photograph of me, David, and Alfie. Then I would leave a copy of my poem, "Letting Go" . This is my favourite poem of mine, and it holds a special place in my heart. I would also include one of my stories. An iPod would be a good choice, too. I could include a charger, and instructions on how to use it (just in case they're needed). I would have a playlist of my top 100 songs (which, quite sadly, I have compiled) and an episode of "East Enders," one of "Law & Order: SVU," "Only Fools & Horses," and "Sons of Anarchy." That would give the capsule opener a good taste of the things I like, and of life in 2017. (Kind of.)I would also include some books. "Rachel's Holiday" by Marian Keyes. I would include that, in case it's me who opens my own capsule. Then I could start reading something I know I will love straight away. I would also include, "Catch Me When I Fall" by Nicci French and some copies of Max Ritvo's poetry. My own special chilli recipe is a must. Everyone should know how to cook a good chilli. (When I say my own recipe, I really mean David's; he taught me all I know.) Finally, I might get a really good bottle of Scotch. In twenty or fifty years time, it could be worth a lot of money. That would be a nice present to leave. I can't think of anything else to include. That will have to do. |
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