When I am not here, on twitter or facebook, the other place that I hide is tumblr. You may not have heard of tumblr, but it's a micro-blogging site. Think: twitter, but with no character limit. You can post pictures, video, quotes, text, whatever your little heart desires. It is a neat system. But that's not why I stay. I stay because it is home to some pretty neat and creative people. People who make things. And this is one of the things they made. It is well-executed. It is funny. It is inspired. Watch and tell me what you think.
What if twitter came to life? Reenactments of favorite tweets. PG-13 for some words and subject matter. If you want to watch the second one first, knock yourself out. The second one is a bit better, I think.
I wrote this a couple of days ago, but couldn't publish until now. I wanted to post it, so I am going ahead and doing so.
I'm sitting here in my no-tell motel,a stone"s throw from califmom's house. she offered me the couch, but I didn't want to impose. Being that tonight is the night before her husband's funeral, it didn't seem right to stay. I flew up this afternoon, and spent the evening with her and some of our Blogher/twitter people. We laughed and ate and drank...almost forgetting what brought us together. Almost, but not quite.
I hate the fact that tomorrow we will be sitting in a church saying goodbye to her husband. Afterwards,we will drink. Sadly, I will board a plane for L.A. on Tuesday. I can't be here...I have my own obligations at home.
The good news is she has really good support here in real life. I just wish it could be me.
Still, she has angels, one of whom is, @mcqueenie23 who is organizing a meal fund, so if you want to donate, either message her on twitter, or hit her blog. All of you who read this...you are awesome, you know this, right?
UPDATE: Califmom posted her post about the funeral, you might want to read it.
Early this morning, Bob quietly went gentle into that good night. And we mourn and we rage along with califmom, Leah, and her kids. In a situation like this, I suppose it is human nature to make it about yourself. What if it had been my family? How would we survive? What would we do? But, tonight, I refrain from going there. Because Leah needs me. She needs us.
She needs us to mourn with her, and make her laugh, and remember to sling the sarcasm.definitely do not forget the sarcasm! At some point, Leah may appreciate that Bob ended this life on Velociraptor Awareness Day. It just seems...right. Bob was a nut. In any case, she needs us to acknowledge what has happened, and to cry with her and to carry on as though everything was the same. And as though everything were different. She needs us to post our ridiculous tweets and goofy pictures. She needs normalcy, or, as much as she can get.
Or at least, that is what I think she needs. To be honest, I have no earthly idea what she needs, I can only guess. Which makes me feel very helpless...not a place I am used to being!
Tonight, JNerd and I, for wont of doing something, raised our glasses and had a shot of Patron, the premium tequila that was Bob's favorite. We drink to a life well-lived, and well-loved. We honor Bob's life. And we drink to the missed opportunity of being able to drink that shot with Bob himself. Just before he got sick, I met Leah and Bob in San Diego. We had dinner, and since I was driving later that night, I conservatively refrained from doing shots with the two of them. Though I didn't leave for hours afterward, I stuck to coffee that night. We reasoned we would have a "raincheck." That raincheck never came. A month later, he was sick.
So, tonight, we raised our glasses to a wonderful guy. An amazing and supportive husband; a loving father. And though JNerd had never actually met Bob, it didn't matter. Imaginary unicorn internet friends are ALWAYS there for one another. But don't let the smiles fool you, I have been in tears for them all day.
You say you want to help? I am so glad. Because this is a family that has been fractured, and with the expenses coming, they will need your support. Bob was also the sole income, so there will be some adjustments and transitions made. (Though I am not sure what those will entail,I can only imagine). So, yes, they need our help. You can go here, and donate via Paypal. Don't feel awkward, just think if it had been your family. Also, for the record, this paypal account was NOT Leah's idea...it was borne at the request of those who wanted to help. Posting it on her blog made it readily accessible. They say it takes a village. Bullshit, it takes the Internet. And, when she is ready, we will be here.
SO MANY have asked how to help Leah and Bob, and this is the first thing we can do:
We can give. I know, I know..the economy. But. Every little bit helps. Can you find any amount? Not going to insult your intelligence to tell you to give up your Starbucks or any other thing. You know what you can afford. Do what you can.
Childhood friends of Leah's aka califmom, have started a fund to help the family with the expenses that come with Bob's illness. Insurance doesn't cover it all, and added expense of eating food out, keeping kids occupied... well it all adds up. So. Here is what we can do (posted from Michelle's facebook account):
Bank of America, Nevada Account Name: Norling Family
Account #: 501008379041
If you're making a deposit in person, you must have the account number. BofA can not look it up for you, even if you have the account name.
If you would like to handle your donation by mail, please make your check payable to the Norling Family. Remember to write the account number in the memo portion and mail it to:
Michelle Wolfkiel P.O. Box 193 Minden, NV 89423
She plans to make deposits on Fridays and balance updates will be available on Michelle's facebook account.
From Michelle:
Not going to worry about thank you's right now, but we will make every effort to keep track of everyone's name. Thank you all in advance for your love, prayers, and generous support of Leah, Bob, and their children.
As we celebrate Christ's ultimate sacrifice this Easter weekend, I ask you all to please give until it hurts.
Please feel free to repost this information wherever you think it might do the most good.
You should also know this is a non-interest bearing, free checking account and EVERY penny will be available to Leah's family when they need it.
I can't make you laugh tonight. Because all I can do is cry. I wish that wasn't the case, but it just is. Someone I care a lot about, one of my imaginary unicorn friends, my girl from BlogHer and beyond, is, as we speak, preparing to live her life without her husband.
And I don't understand. My heart hurts. No amount of glitter or kittens or rainbows can make this better. Not now. For her and for him, and for her kids. You see, this is not a divorce, this is not voluntary at all. This is about a disease. A horrible, nasty, debilitating disease that has stolen their lives and their family. A disease he beat once, and that came back with a vengeance. We of the Internet said fuck cancer. And he did for a while. Now he has run out of time. The crazy thing is that after all of this, the tumor is shrinking. But the damage is done...his lungs and heart are damaged, and they've reached the end of this journey.
I haven't been able to write this, because I guess I didn't want to admit it, and I didn't want to hurt her to see it in print, though God knows she is writing about it, probably to keep herself sane and try to comprehend the incomprehensible.
Her husband is dying of cancer. And he isn't going to leave the hospital. She is losing her love, and her best friend. Her children are losing their father. And I don't care who you are, or how much faith you claim to have, there is nothing, not one thing, that you can say to make me believe this is okay.
God works in mysterious ways, they say. I say, maybe he doesn't work at all. Someone has a terrible sense of humor. Are you listening, God?
Dear God,
you might want to get a joke book. You are seriously humor-impaired. I know, you are God, and perfect, all of that. But when it comes to jokes? Yours suck. You might want to spend some time on the Internet, twitter, tumblr. There are some wicked funny people there that might be able to show you the difference between good and funny and just …bad taste.
Because the idea of one of my best friends, my imaginary unicorn of a fierce, and funny friend losing her husband to cancer on April Fool's Day? Well, that's just the biggest cosmic joke, isn't it? Actually, it's in very poor taste, akin to telling a racist joke at the NAACP meeting. It's like telling old people jokes in a retirement home. Telling flood jokes in New Orleans. Bottom Line? That shit ain't funny.
She helped me eat kittens on Fridays. Well, we didn't actually eat them, we just discussed it. You see, we were annoyed with Follow Friday on twitter, and wanted to come up with something else.
Anissa is a trip. There is no other way to describe her. When I hang with her, I feel like I have been on vacation. On twitter she makes me laugh out loud. I can't drink anything when we are tweeting one another, lest I bathe my monitor! At Blogher she made me snort. Ask her about sex toys. In short, she's awesome. In September, I had the great pleasure of having dinner and drinks with her, Heather, Jim, Lori and Diane, from HP, a good friend of Anissa's. when she was here in town for a Disney event. We had a great time, and some wonderful conversation afterwards. Everything from favorite drink to gifted kids. Because that's what you can expect from Anissa. A laugh, some serious thought, then more laughs. Except for today.
She's a bloggy mogul, Aiming Low was her brainchild. She's a strong mother, she has three children. And Peyton just celebrated ONE YEAR cancer free. She has a lot to be thankful for. But today.
Today, Anissa had a stroke. I know, I was floored, too. There isn't much to tell. She is in ICU, and I will update when I know more. My heart aches for her family, but I know she is strong. She is a survivor. She is my friend. If you live in the Atlanta area and want to help, please check out this link. If you want to do something, and don't know what to do? Please pray for Anissa, and her family.
Ok so you heard about my new bloggy (ad)venture, Trampled with Zebras, and totally have no idea what it means, right? Well, I wrote an explanation over at OCFamily about it, so go read it! Then comment, so I don't feel like that kid in the cafeteria who ends up sitting by herself at lunch! Ok? Thanks!! [mwah!]
I just want to get this straight. I do live in Orange County, CA. Not the Orange County with the multi-million dollar houses. I don't live behind a locked gate, sipping vodka martinis in a hot tub. I haven't had any "work" done, besides the standard semi-exercise to keep my butt from sagging to my knees. I like yoga, and I flirt with Pilates, mess about a bit with karate, but don't have a personal trainer, and certainly not one with a six-pack named Del or Hans or Antony. I own a scale, but I never look at it. I would rather poke out an eye than to let anyone near my face with a syringe full of toxin, image bedamned.
I am not a Lady of Leisure. I have three kids, and they keep me hopping. I load my own dishwasher, and can't rationalize paying someone else to clean the hair out of my tub when I am home all day. (if you want to, that's cool, I just have that liberal guilt thing that plagues me). I don't play tennis, or belong to a country club. But I am still an Orange County resident, and proud of it. Orange County is a place like no other.
That's why when Suzanne asked me to be an OC Family mom blogger, I said yes. I am thrilled to be part of the new OC Family mom bloggers (and one dad!), from all over Orange County. We'll write blogs on the site, so visit us regularly! We are moms who work, play and live for real. I'm representin' North OC! Where my homies at? Fullerton, holler! My blog over there is called Trampled by Zebras, and anyone who deals with special needs will understand that often that's how life feels. Come join me!
These women (ok, the guy, too) are hawt, happenin' and here to stay. Check em out. And check out the new OC Family mom blogs. You can be part of the movement, too! They offer blogs for moms (and dads!) as well.
I haven't done this before, and I am sort of nervous. I know, there comes a day when you have to just, jump in. Because, everybody is doing it. But really, I have no idea what to do...and what if I get laughed at? Or worse, everyone finds out how inept I was, and it becomes the talk of the lunchroom! AHEM. Sorry, high school flashbacks from long, long ago...
My friend Adrienne is co-hosting this PR Spotlight thing with Tara, and well, I decided there's no time like the present...it's now or never. Strike while the iron is hot. (And can I get any more really bad cliches in this post? I bet I could, but I will take pity upon you.)
Hi! You want to know who I am. So here goes. I am a writer, first and foremost. It is in my blood. I get up at night to take notes and my Posts in Progress folder is full of ideas and half-written witty posts that I will eventually publish to this blog. I am a mom of a teenager who is probably more brilliant than I am. I have two kids with high-functioning autism, and I homeschool all three of them. They don't define me. I have been married for almost twenty years to my best friend and tech support, he is the best thing that has ever happened to me. He doesn't define me either. So how do I define myself?
I write. My blog is over three years old, and I write about life, but I don't take it too seriously. I focus on autism, homeschooling and whatever else comes along. I am probably not as funny as I think I am. (but still pretty funny) I have good regular traffic, and almost 4,000 followers on twitter. I am PG-13 for the most part. I will not represent anything I don't believe in, or that doesn't fit with my blog. If we have a working relationship, know that you will be fairly and accurately represented with integrity.
I am passionate about social media, and am an autism advocate for my children and for parents. I am a connector for parents, especially when they are dealing with autism and don't know where to turn. I very much want to help to equip other parents and caregivers in dealing with autism.
Special Needs families are a segment that PR is missing, because we are very loyal when it comes to products and services. My son is gluten-free and casein free and when we find products that work for him? We continue to use them. Due to sensory issues, I don't change products often. When I find something we love? We keep it!
I am very interested in homeschool products, special needs products, geeky stuff and toys for older kids. I love to do focus groups and really want to tell you what I think. I don't sugar coat things, I say what I think. Let's talk!
I am active in the community and have attended BlogHer the last two years. I am excited to see what social media is becoming, and hope to be in the mix as it continues to evolve.
I admit it, I love chocolate. Yeah, not exactly a newsflash, but there you go. I especially love dark chocolate. As those who love dark chocolate will attest, you have to take the bitter with the sweet. The opening notes of that first bite of deep, dark chocolate produce a sweet note on your tongue, but quickly gives way to an explosion of bitter that threatens to permeate your senses. To alleviate it, take another bricktruckload bite of the chocolate. And so, I am ready to talk about the last night of Blogher. wait, don't leave! I swear this will be the LAST post about Blogher!
It has taken me this long to write about it, because, Saturday night was exactly like the chocolate I describe. I had a wonderful time, it was the best night of the conference. But it did come at a price. Let me back up. The Party du Jour was BowlHer, a PR fest off-site at a local bowling alley. Proceeds for the tip jars and t-shirts sold went to Autism Speaks, so of course, we had to attend. Also, isn't it fun to have your name on The List, even if almost everyone else is on the List, too? We got our wristbands and our hot pink boas and headed up the escalators to the bowling alley. We decided to skip the red carpet, because, personally? I have NO desire to be famous and see my ass profile from a thousand different angles. It proved to be a wise decision, when we got inside and found that the pictures everyone was aping for were being broadcast in giant-screen glory. Phew! Dodged that bullet!
Lucky Strike is not your father's bowling alley. It is upscale, with billiards and bowling (of course!), and an attached bar. The lights are low, and the atmosphere is decidedly that of a cocktail lounge. Much of the noise that keeps me out of conventional bowling alleys is muted if you stick to the bar. (That's not to say the music wasn't deafeningly loud, but then, most bars have that issue, anyway.) Since there was free beer and wine, naturally, I had to have a pomegranate martini. Because? That's just me. I don't drink beer, unless it is Guinness.
Califmom made use of her Go Girl, (no, I am not kidding, that thing really does exist) and I hung with her and her and of course, her.(and him) Lots of laughter, and a couple of rounds to be had by all. A lap around the place and a stop to pick up the really awesome bowling bag-inspired swag bag (small, leopard print purse, that I LOVE) and then it was off to the CheeseburgHer party.
This year, it was held in the Presidential Suite, bitches! And it was wall-to-wall peeps, and it was hot. Yeah, hot as in, gotta be there but mostly hot as in, Lord, I must be going through menopause, ack, I need a cold shower, there's a lot of bodies crammed into this place! We were headed out, but took a wrong turn should have stopped for the map and ended up deeper in the bedroom instead of at the exit. Found some people we knew so we hung out in the Presidential bedroom, and really? Does that not have to be tweeted? I thought so, too.
While we were there, the party did not get busted, though I heard it was busted later. (See, that's the point.)
1) bag on head
2) eat cheeseburger
3)security shows up to impromptu party and throws everyone out.
Good time had by all. Since it was so crowded, we headed to the Chi-Bar for drinks, and I met miss britt and avitable, who, I am warning you now, has a site not for the faint-hearted. Adam is one of the most down to earth, kinda quiet, just genuine guys you will ever meet. Just meeting him? You would never know his testicles are famous. Miss Britt was a whole lot of fun tucked into a small package. (guys, the way into her pants heart is by reciting Shakespeare. Shhh!) I met Nancy, and ran into one of my favorite people, Lex. And I met church punk mom and Aman, both great people. It was my pleasure to finally meet Schmutzie and her husband, Aidan, the palindrome.
Because, I had a great time, hanging out with new and old friends, (and the remains of a bottle of bubbly that someone sent to our table when they left,) apparently, we were all knee-deep in conversation when another friend came over, said hello (though I didn't see her) and felt slighted and ignored. Because of how I grew up, I am the last person to want anyone to feel that way, but the damage was done. She was ticked, and made it clear. We'll get back to that in a moment.
After last call, someofus went to the lobby and did the late-night conversation thing that we are known for. We headed to bed around 4:30 a.m. Normal mode of operations at BlogHer.
Push came to shove, and through a series of events I still don't understand and can't process, based upon the earlier bar encounter, I lost someone I considered a dear friend. I now see that wasn't really the case, at least not on her side. Things were said to me that I wouldn't even let my husband say and get away with if he wanted to keep his um..equipment and I believe we are better off not being friends. I wish her well in her endeavors, and I don't hate her or hold her anger against her, though I don't accept or own it. Either way. I didn't let a decidedly difficult time color my entire conference. It was the best, and even with that incident (boil on the butt of BlogHer blemish), I am so glad I went!
And just wait until next year! We are gonna tear that city UP!
I am not really an extrovert, though I play one online, and in limited doses in real life. But I am truly an introvert, because the test is, do people drain you or give you energy? And honestly? people who don't start out online suck I need to have quiet time to recharge. I do genuinely like most people, and I enjoy hanging out with them, having conversations and just generally getting to know them. But eventually, I have to spend some time by myself, even if it is just a couple of hours. so don't let the door slam on your way out..your butt looks fab in those jeans! I'll call you!.
But some places, like BlogHer, I can keep going, (and going) for a finite period and figure I will crash once I get home. Breaks to take a shower in my room were really all of the time-out I needed. There were people to see, and new bloggers to meet and time to acquaint myself with others in my niche. Because? I didn't come all the way to Chicago to hibernate! I can sleep when I'm dead on the plane.
I met a lot of bloggers again, and some for the first time, and some for the first time but I felt like it was again and it was wonderful. My only regret is that I didn't get pictures with everyone; I did not want to appear to be some fangirl, I am a freakin' blogging professional dammit. So when I met Tanis again, even though her writing at Redneck Mommy rocks my socks, I didn't get a picture with her. (maybe it is better there was no evidence?) And same with Mr. Lady. I spent time talking to both of them, but didn't do the picture thing.
And when I ran into Her Bad Mother, again, no picture. And Casey, from Moosh in Indy...And, about a thousand otherbloggers that I know and lovefrom afar? Same thing. I am notorious for taking pictures of other people, with no evidence of my actually being there. What can I say? It's a gift. Some people are great photographers, I am great at ...leaving myself out of events.
But Friday night, I went to the official BlogHer cocktail party and met some longtimefriends from twitter. It was awesome to meet them. The party was a lot of fun, with karaoke, some dancing, and it was the first time I heard Michael singing Funky Cold Medina.(but didn't actually meet him until later.) Had a couple of drinks, the first one was a Sobe lemon martini. I swear Sobe water is not a good mixer... in any case. I make better drinks at home. You know when you leave ice cubes in a drink to melt and it tastes like booze-flavored tap water? Yeah, it was like that. The cranberry & vodka was a bit better, at the regular bar.
There was a photobooth , and of course, we couldn't resist, took some goofy pics with @califmom.(see? evidence I was there!). then we headed off to other parties.
I had to attend the Type-A Momfluence Party, since, well, I write for them and stuff. The bartender made the best drink: Starbucks Coffee Liqueur, vodka, Cream de Cassis and a splash of coffee. It was potent, and wonderful. At the appointed time, people showed up for the swag, after standing in line and just about killing one another for free crap. I mean, really. Is this how our mothers taught us to behave? I met more cool bloggers (Texas Red, Kelby Carr) But we were burning daylight, and there were more parties to hit! I mean, come on, when do I ever get to party hop??.
We sailed into the Mommy Needs a Cocktail Party, I was a tad tipsy, from the amazing Starbucks drink. The Mommy Party had an espresso bar and I was able to get me a nice mocha, with whipped cream. No more alcohol. I know my limits, people! And? We took these amazing pictures, because? It's just the way we roll. Silly, eh?.
A stop at the chocolate (dark!!) heaven fountain, and then we we headed to the MamaPop party...
After the check-in chicky found our name on the list at the door (which feels really good, by the way) we entered the bestest most Sparklecorniest MamaPop-iest party of the night, so says me. What made it so great? It wasn't the swag. (there was none!) It was the PEOPLE, people. All of the friends, followers and fun-makers from twitter and the Intarwebz were there. Megan, Miss, Yvonne, RLM, Michael, Britt, Leah, Shannan, Whit, George, Lex, Anissa, Shari and so many more. (I know I forgot you, and I SO hate that when it happens to me, so comment and I will add you, promise!)
The DJ was rockin and we all just danced up a storm. I dumped my shoes, which, by that time, though they were sexy, were making my feet hurt. I haven't danced like that in a long time, and it was absolutely the highlight for me. Again, no pics w/ me in them, since I took them. I really have to start accosting strangers asking people to take pictures of me at parties! @califmom ate unicorn ass, but I just wasn't in the mood. We danced some more and just had a grand time. Strains of "It Takes Two", "Word Up" and so many more songs I haven't heard in years just made our feet go with a mind of their own. It was a very successful party, and over too soon. But we weren't over. So.
We took the party to the Chi Bar and had a few drinks. Closed up the bar and ended up in the lobby, chatting, a bunch of randompeople, until bleary-eyed from lack of sleep, we trudged upstairs to get a few hours of shut-eye around 4 a.m. Just another night at BlogHer.
All too soon, Saturday was coming...and with it, our last day of BlogHer...
Can you stand another post about Blogher? No? Well, here are some cats that shoot lasers out of their eyes instead... still here? Alrighty, then. I'll carry on.
I went to BlogHer last year, and didn't know a soul, except for some I knew from twitter. I figured it was San Francisco, I knew the city, I had to go. I wrote about it here, and here and here...and oh yeah, and here, too.. about the friends I made, life-longfriends that I see and talk to throughout the year, on twitter, on their blogs, In Real Life. So with a successful BlogHer08 behind me, I knew I had to attend Blogher09, come hell or highwater. I said I would sell a kidney to get there.
Fast forward a year...I didn't sell anything, but I still managed to get to Chicago. I am so glad I went. It wasn't the sessions this year, for me it was, the people. People I already knew, I got to know better. People whose blogs I marinate in, I finally got to meet. And new discoveries abounded. Like carrots with ranch dressing, I discovered people I didn't know I couldn't live without until I met them.
I saw you. And we squee-ed, and I told you how hawt your shoes were and how gooood you look. And you said the same to me, and we hugged and squeeed again. We hit the parties, the People's Party, with the unfortunately placed apostrophe that my homeschooling teacher's brain tries unsuccessfully to ignore. We saw Jenny, the Bloggess, in her anxiety wig, hiding in a corner, eyeing the door, wondering if she could make a beeline for her favorite place, the bathroom, before she gets stopped 30 times on the way there. We ran into Chris (da) Mann, that hot hunk of manhood who not only is good looking, he's uber-sweet and can sing his butt off. The party itself was way too noisy and crowded, so we headed to the lobby outside, and met some wonderful people. With amazing shoes. No, I am not obsessed.
Then we went downstairs to the @Room704 party and stood patiently with a bunch of women who were way more insistent than we were that they neeeeded that swag bag. Luckily, @VDog, whom I love, made sure that those who had advertised in the catalog (to help pay for the booze, yo!) got their swag, first. After that, it calmed down a bit, and there was less jostling. And that's also how I ended up the owner of a mini bunny vibe. I would take a picture, but then my daughter would swallow her tongue, and I do say this is a PG-13 blog, after all. ::waving to teenage daughter:: Those Room 704 women are beyond the shit. (kiss, kiss)
We went to drop off our loot in our rooms, then headed to the lobby, just to hang out. The lobby is our favorite after-hours place to congregate, and with the $10,000 table to play with, well, hey, what's not to love? Around ...late, @highimpactmomand @ComplicatedMama decided to head to McDonalds and brought food back. Turns out it was further than they thought, but they still came through. @ComplicatedMama got blisters on her tootsies, just for us. And after that? Those french fries tasted really good. Who would have thought chopped potatoes fried in god-knows-what would be so yummy? But, I think everything tastes better at BlogHer.
Eventually, when we couldn't keep our eyes open anymore, we went to bed. Around 4-ish, I am thinking? I slept until 8:30, then got up and had some coffee, some breakfast (but not the egg-muffin thing with cheese, ham and whateverthehellthatwas...cheese and ham melted together make me want to barf). And, just like that...Friday started with, if not a bang, at least a whimper. The first day was over, too fast, too soon.
When I think of June, I think of June weddings. Blushing brides, fainting grooms, candid pictures and tacky wedding cakes. I liked these and wanted to share. Not that I would ever want a big wedding... almost 20 years ago, JNerd and I married in front of my parents, a minister and the two standing up for us. It was enough. We always said we would "do it right" but really? We are married. It's enough. Still...
This couple had a "proper" Vegas wedding. All guests dressed the part and the couple even got married in character. Every time I watch this it makes me laugh.
And this next one, I can't embed, but trust me, you want to see it. It's the best wedding toast, EVAR. Seriously, after this? Nothing else will compare.
Also, I found this great blog full of really tacky wedding stuff, you probably owe it to yourself to visit, if you like to laugh.
So now that you can see what is out there, make sure you pass it on to your friends who are getting married. I would LOVE to get married as Vegas strip aficionados. How fun!
As a writer, I always am interested in what makes a writer I admire tick. I like to know how and when they write. It's not like I want to copy anyone else's creative process, I just like to know their motivation. I enjoy being a part of something, sort of a club, I guess. (but a club where anyone can enter, not one of those exclusive clubs with a ten-year waiting list). I have always said you are either a writer, or you're not. I think you know. And it isn't about whether or not others recognize your creative output, it's about if you have the need to write. If others recognize what you do, if you get published, based upon what you do, that is certainly the icing on the cake. But I think there are a lot of people out there with great talent who haven't been discovered. Does that negate their skill? I don't think so.
I am very interested in how writers I admire do it. Megan over at Velveteen Mind has a writing sweater that she wears when she is creating. Whit creates bios. Jenn M. is not writing about politics or world events. FADKOG writes for her dad. And Loralee writes about the new. Jenny is writing about sex..for a living. (and though I love her, she is an acquired taste, so if you are easily offended, better not click that link. Though that link isn't bad, not really).
Thursday night, at the booksigning, Jen Lancaster told us how she writes (and who would play her in the movie version of her life) This is my video, go easy on me if the sound is too soft, it's from my new flip video camera I got for mother's day:
So how do I write? I spend a lot of time creating content for other websites and trying to find time for adding to my own. Consequently, I write late at night, when everyone else is in bed, usually. The house is quiet, and the cat is often next to me. There are rare times I write while everyone else watches television (like right now) My daughter has her little leg thrown over mine as we sit on the couch. I am hunched over my laptop, that sits on my IKEA Dave laptop table we actually have three of them, his, hers, and teen's) They are black so they match my house decently enough. and try to tune out discussion over bungee-jumping, speed of hiccups and discussions over the merits of cereal. This is a combination of family conversation and Mythbusters, see why I am creatively challenged inspired?
But what you really want to know is who would play moi in the movie version of my life. I have decided it would either be Tina Fey (she has that sexy, impolitic librarian thing going on) or Helena Bonham Carter (who, though elfin, has the crazy that is me, with the wit and the left of center vibe).
And you? What motivates you to click-click-click the keyboard and hit "publish?" AND (you knew I would ask this) who would play YOU in the movie version of your life?
T, who likes to think of herself as the Mythbusters of blogging
"Life. slightly dark, cheaper than candy, and half as sweet."
Glad you're here! I'm a freelance writer, specializing in autism, special needs and education. I freelance for numerous national publications. This is where I let it all hang out, sans editor.
send CHOCOLATE and love here:
Interested in REVIEWS?
All PR offers considered, let's talk!
these people think I'm hot
feel free to link back to me
me...working hard
fueled by coffee and chocolate..and the occasional martini
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_u-RqZPapbG5cDdJlnNIzOMtPYv2CYu0S_YjaICmKeZuu9WOn5vhxUT0R70OxOvsUBFjXRVl2Pf56fkwnnjGBM9A9bYCwc24VMJv737wjBkU3RiRO2fOee1ToLGEarc1y2udPi2qSNoc25d_Mz_KlTa=s0-d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vT0yNanFPeMURAOXU9ENmLysB_AqoESkmOhrpTnX-gR4KH1lsZZXhyoigaR4Fl8vR1LNDJrj9UsXWTHiqxMM7Dk8tmRNKpZSCR8b747RukFGtiyZ2xzJ7qw0mTSKQYb1xTXutFPRLrDhuIw4XJ8N1E=s0-d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tlZwyWDtfAIir7bQy6lrnaWP5mWb8ndEAsHpmuC9G6V_BV9IiCgThSDP4UZyK7zuBkccnlduJeUX7quYPjjHqpXYfN7QGcMbmK98GTOw55uRb1kVEcxpDW_EUoORjedZA4lSSnl7OMFs7ARbnqivR_=s0-d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tcDqVFDGNVwjjMzMc4EhNviI6GL2DhhbLADeoUocBJ_uEycyQJ8t0NpDYNhPjrboufDc1a5rSIHwGQLrrJfMfDbzA7BTETtMRp0u7SGEAqBDvCfq9fqi8k2Xrus-GhIVYG_0XKOfFTKAPdqEbz-iE=s0-d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_um1ueCfNc8J0DnWmJpExMKLpiQWZTjtg0gND0VidXovc3EIkjOqW3K5Ris8n30egRMlkydzj5DP_fMdkZogRE_KrQAAZ3-3WCmVAP_wV7alBPPKZgwWuS9ikhDwL0pw02iO2G2F2rNyeiGgF5WzXB_=s0-d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sAfWtEZJPazSDwytbYgZHf7zjbk6E9BoYvrc8iOtwUdit0R4A2WjNSJKFMRRqKhXjAUvsIvPTShH2uzHiHwGhb98VaLyDX5gEUQVFeJh1XAXfs8iDFUkowmZmEBnUZWOAKewkHR1riwbXtT3nJ5E8=s0-d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vHuh2eZPG2ZcXPDJTW-fqCwoDlYbRUGueAn5l5Zo916jBV5cQjr-8UkzMdUTcR9O0QaxF9Mv8Nqda8qYIqJT2-gRwcrwFpR3dP_ofXVzeniLi5bAY-d2cjW0lB_CMRulZ4XN7jLBw0P8Bdil48tFvk=s0-d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vKnquVKeTP_FzOC9pL24mVq68VMt-9MZGsqnRI5iPEq0XKbrzFs21OfW3ffaKQgQCo4CLYMpTnkaqZLVAwon8UFXRTJZENxl4sKvdB5GgFfw1Ia8hPUYI1jQ-iCsMlh-OD-wswl8Sf4TbxtYJuG3xR=s0-d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tNEuEMzjwTjS4wMQaUXuyiDqevQ-fhG_wccWIqGhPWJdM_FQ24zPHHCBmv9f-gIMY9GiUEkjfvaDMu7RlWdKqBYVu4VfBN2YirBf_Ij3A7B-Dm4mNbegRk1uEG8JOXeO6hZa5hMv0mKi_CEXKh9YbS=s0-d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uLan3X0J9eV_NVzYImUV8hybClGsPId4gdaRsoQprzNoLiR5awqdGQWm2Dj9ZqDpiMY0LY2BLRWjVWSDAqX_jECSNI_YV9DHv02vYlIxdhVAeyJKbPfPBePmY-rSUwQhGEt299ntbn_z5ckzUnoFEy=s0-d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tNtCIQXVWb3ZYnDBmhK4VJ6aFoQBqroosgewArpmf91y76JTj_w4JowVH0m_1hHnKo_3Otx7mB16LXIyz78b95DhF45xGR1wr_cSCfRowjSfvjDttDeSrqWmChoBJXrE26Muwr7laepPyX5KSdc8Xs=s0-d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uXuQiPXxSkSGvRaDsFWJ8_6Et2F5eeMGcwUOAFfVMmOOK-ikuBr6XtGgUJDcUD9MxEFh9B6QiWqFUzT63vl4r4-BijuHHb4JWjIV3w18aKTk28BLxBTtJO0T-_rRajEK5jLQYeDxSTqVWxtBb4hv5e=s0-d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uQHEBgZ9AeCT8j9NDjIlXu1wx5Xy_Y97nlby5jQ7SLtOCKRMOgsJrC0PpSxrEQlVY04fBdFTe74F91sVJe2r5aC74assSXc4KM5Q72muGRKRjxtuEstxQsWeHp-04YpqsGSjqHSHgmBiOj3kRNhTDD=s0-d)
