Sorry I missed you all on Monday-- it was the start of a busy week after a busy weekend.
Friday, with all of us off for Veteran's Day, we headed to New Jersey for the Devil's Capitol's hockey game. And what an experience it was. We had planned to go to the Liberty Science Museum, but traffic delays had us arriving almost an hour later than planned, so it will have to be on a different trip.
We did spend time in the Ironbound district (learning afterward that this is known as Little Portugal). It was fun walking around the shops and eating there.
Then came the game. We had seats 11 rows up from the ice, near the goalie. I love hockey, we go to a few (more now that dear son is playing) AHL games a year, but none of us had ever been to an NHL game before. I cannot tell you how amazing it was. The speed of the game, the agility of the players. I had always known Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitol's Left winger) was an awesome player, but seeing it in person put it in perspective. The speed, the effortless look to his skating, and the stick handling were so much more impressive in person.
Being Veteran's Day, they had several times they honored the men and women who sacrifice and serve to allow us the freedoms we have today. It was so wonderful to see the applause and standing ovations from the crowd.
So, how was your long weekend/week? Share below.
NaNo Update:
11/11- 0
11/12- 1241
11/13- 4781
11/14- 309
11/15- 739 (finished TLP!!! YAY!!!!)
11/16- 1913 (Started Quest!)
Total so far: 16351 (Hmm-- if I keep it up, I might just make that goal after all!)
BTW- thanks for all the support in the comments last week. I really appreciated it. Just want you all to know, I am happy with what happens, no matter the word count. The story is my real goal!
Showing posts with label Trip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trip. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
You Know You're a Writer When. . .
This past weekend my family and I went on a day trip to Roseland Waterpark. (Yes-- I did the 60' water slide that goes 30 MPH. It was awesome! The twisty one was not as fun for me, but I would do the white one again in a heartbeat!)
Before meandering our way through wine country (stopping to get a few bottles from some of our favorites), we went to breakfast at a local diner. As we were leaving, I caught a glimpse of a sign that made me laugh.
It read "We are not responsible for lost articles."
Now, I know it isn't really that funny, but when I turned to my husband and our friend and said, "So, if you lose an a, an, or the, they aren't responsible," it took on a totally new meaning for me, and I thought it was funny.
What signs have you reinterpreted in a different way than they are meant? Share in the comments.
Before meandering our way through wine country (stopping to get a few bottles from some of our favorites), we went to breakfast at a local diner. As we were leaving, I caught a glimpse of a sign that made me laugh.
It read "We are not responsible for lost articles."
Now, I know it isn't really that funny, but when I turned to my husband and our friend and said, "So, if you lose an a, an, or the, they aren't responsible," it took on a totally new meaning for me, and I thought it was funny.
What signs have you reinterpreted in a different way than they are meant? Share in the comments.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Trip to the Fair
The New York State Fair started this week, and yesterday we made our yearly trek to the event. On a record breaking attendance day, no less.
We had a very good time wandering around the exhibits. We spent some time listening to Adam Richmond, of the Travel Channel's Man vs Food (unfortunately there were microphone issues-- seriously, you couldn't see a stand mic wouldn't work for doing a cooking demonstration???), so we left before his demonstration was finished.
We had great food. A garbage plate for lunch, and German meal for dinner, as well as a healthy sampling of the maple foods booth (coffee, donut, slushie, sno-cone, and ice cream between the three of us!)
The cap of the day, for me at least, was seeing Styx in concert (a free concert, no less!) It was wonderful! (Except for the rude people who kept shoving their way around us, trying to break through the barrier to a walk way we were standing next to. ) It was great to hear the songs I love-- and to hear the crowd sing along with the band!!!! It was the largest crowd I have ever seen at the free concert area in all the years we have been attending.
On the way out, I was reminded of how disgustingly rude people are becoming as we walked through discarded cups, bottles, and other trash people had dropped on the ground where they stood, instead of walking just a few feet to a garbage/recycling can. This lack of respect still amazes me.
Still, a wonderful time was had!
What I'm Working On:
- Putting the finishing touches on Quest of the Hart and hope to be sending out queries this week.
- Finished up a query letter to send out (with lots of comments to work at improving it from the Query Critique page at Writer's Digest)
- Finished chapter 2 of The Lost Princess and sent that off to Katie for comments.
Upcoming Posts:
-Writing with a plot summary
-Trying a new writing process-one chapter at a time
We had a very good time wandering around the exhibits. We spent some time listening to Adam Richmond, of the Travel Channel's Man vs Food (unfortunately there were microphone issues-- seriously, you couldn't see a stand mic wouldn't work for doing a cooking demonstration???), so we left before his demonstration was finished.
We had great food. A garbage plate for lunch, and German meal for dinner, as well as a healthy sampling of the maple foods booth (coffee, donut, slushie, sno-cone, and ice cream between the three of us!)
The cap of the day, for me at least, was seeing Styx in concert (a free concert, no less!) It was wonderful! (Except for the rude people who kept shoving their way around us, trying to break through the barrier to a walk way we were standing next to. ) It was great to hear the songs I love-- and to hear the crowd sing along with the band!!!! It was the largest crowd I have ever seen at the free concert area in all the years we have been attending.
On the way out, I was reminded of how disgustingly rude people are becoming as we walked through discarded cups, bottles, and other trash people had dropped on the ground where they stood, instead of walking just a few feet to a garbage/recycling can. This lack of respect still amazes me.
Still, a wonderful time was had!
What I'm Working On:
- Putting the finishing touches on Quest of the Hart and hope to be sending out queries this week.
- Finished up a query letter to send out (with lots of comments to work at improving it from the Query Critique page at Writer's Digest)
- Finished chapter 2 of The Lost Princess and sent that off to Katie for comments.
Upcoming Posts:
-Writing with a plot summary
-Trying a new writing process-one chapter at a time
Friday, August 13, 2010
Camping and Show Week
Last weekend I split my time between camping with friends and ferrying Dear Son to practice and fittings for his show. While it made for a busy weekend, it was great seeing everyone who we haven't seen in so long.
I know several of you asked for me to post some recipes here and do a recipe type exchange of things we cook for camping. I will try and make a post for that next week.
This week went from busy to insane, but somehow we made it through! Brett's show is this weekend, then, other than work next week, things should slow down just in time for school to start :)
Brett has the part of the Gryphon in the musical Alice in Wonderland. It is his first show, and he is very excited about it. I will post up pictures for you all of him in his costume.
What I'm Working On:
This week I've been working on a new story. It is the tale of Trevor and Sabrina (two characters from Quest of the Hart. I wrote the prologue and have a draft for the beginnings of the first chapter. Katie will be getting the prologue this weekend. I am using the working title of The Lost Princess for now. I am excited to work on this story with someone editing as I write-- it will be a new experience for me, and I am hoping it will improve my writing.
I am also fine tuning my query letter so it is ready to go after I get my feedback from Katie.
What I'm Reading:
Hunted by Katie Taylor- I am finishing up my read through on it from start to finish
On the Prowl by Patricia Briggs and others- I read Patricia's story so far- the introduction to her Alpha and Omega series. It was great. I have now read three of the books (in complete reverse order- which, turned out OK- I kept wanting to find out what had happened before and an interested in seeing where they go next.)
Upcoming Posts:
What I listen to while writing
Where I write
(Camping) Recipe exchange
I know several of you asked for me to post some recipes here and do a recipe type exchange of things we cook for camping. I will try and make a post for that next week.
This week went from busy to insane, but somehow we made it through! Brett's show is this weekend, then, other than work next week, things should slow down just in time for school to start :)
Brett has the part of the Gryphon in the musical Alice in Wonderland. It is his first show, and he is very excited about it. I will post up pictures for you all of him in his costume.
What I'm Working On:
This week I've been working on a new story. It is the tale of Trevor and Sabrina (two characters from Quest of the Hart. I wrote the prologue and have a draft for the beginnings of the first chapter. Katie will be getting the prologue this weekend. I am using the working title of The Lost Princess for now. I am excited to work on this story with someone editing as I write-- it will be a new experience for me, and I am hoping it will improve my writing.
I am also fine tuning my query letter so it is ready to go after I get my feedback from Katie.
What I'm Reading:
Hunted by Katie Taylor- I am finishing up my read through on it from start to finish
On the Prowl by Patricia Briggs and others- I read Patricia's story so far- the introduction to her Alpha and Omega series. It was great. I have now read three of the books (in complete reverse order- which, turned out OK- I kept wanting to find out what had happened before and an interested in seeing where they go next.)
Upcoming Posts:
What I listen to while writing
Where I write
(Camping) Recipe exchange
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Back from Vacation!
We're back after a four day trip to the Jersey Shore!! It was a great time (I will try to put up pictures later this week).
On my plate this week is to do more edits on my Princess story. Katie found some gaps I need to plug and I am working those issues out. (She said she liked what I've done so far for the world building that was missing). I am really enjoying this critique group and weekly challenge (even though I am behind on my word count for the week due to vacation!)
I will be working 3 days this week, and will also be taking a trip to the wineries on Wednesday (we're out of wine and need to restock). Hubby's mom and dad will be joining us for the trip and we are sure to have a blast!
What I've been reading:
Going to the beach left time to sit in the sun and read some books. While I was away I read the following:
Janet Evanovich's Twelve Sharp (another Stephanie Plum novel)-- it was great!
Patricia Briggs' Moon Called and Blood Bound (The Mercy series)-- WOW! What a story teller! I liked them so much that I picked up books 3 and 4 at Barnes and Nobles today.
I also read Hot Stuff by Janet Evanovich and Leanne Banks. It was a hoot. Her books read quite quickly for me, as they are action packed and just plain fun to read.
What are you reading???
On my plate this week is to do more edits on my Princess story. Katie found some gaps I need to plug and I am working those issues out. (She said she liked what I've done so far for the world building that was missing). I am really enjoying this critique group and weekly challenge (even though I am behind on my word count for the week due to vacation!)
I will be working 3 days this week, and will also be taking a trip to the wineries on Wednesday (we're out of wine and need to restock). Hubby's mom and dad will be joining us for the trip and we are sure to have a blast!
What I've been reading:
Going to the beach left time to sit in the sun and read some books. While I was away I read the following:
Janet Evanovich's Twelve Sharp (another Stephanie Plum novel)-- it was great!
Patricia Briggs' Moon Called and Blood Bound (The Mercy series)-- WOW! What a story teller! I liked them so much that I picked up books 3 and 4 at Barnes and Nobles today.
I also read Hot Stuff by Janet Evanovich and Leanne Banks. It was a hoot. Her books read quite quickly for me, as they are action packed and just plain fun to read.
What are you reading???
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Where has the Time Gone?
I can't believe it's already almost Memorial Day weekend! Seems like it was just beginning to warm up and be spring, and now summer is almost here. (Thank God for air conditioning!!)
In April, my husband and I celebrated out 15th anniversary with a trip to Pittsburgh. We stayed at a great B&B called The Inn on Mexican War Streets. It was great. The area was named the Mexican War streets because after the war Pennsylvania had no money to pay the returning soldiers. So, Governor Penn gave them this section of Pittsburgh. Part of it was to farm , the other part was for residences. It is a neat area that is being revitalized.
While we were there, the Penguins were playing a home play off game, so we went and watched on the jumbo-tron screen outside Melon Arena. It was a great experience. It was really neat to see some of the players who used to play for the B-Sens playing for Ottawa. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh lost that game (yes, we're Pen fans), but won the next, only to be eliminated by the Habs. Oh well, there's always next year.
We took a day and went to the Phipps Conservatory and the Cathedral of Learning (we looked at the Nationality rooms there). It was great. I'll try to link to the photos later!
We also went to the Frick Museum. That was a neat place as well. Before we left, we went back and toured a Victorian Mansion, and learned about the Frick's. (Andrew Carnegie's right hand man, so to speak.)
We also went to the Church Brew Works. It is a brewery/restaurant built in a church that was closed. We both thought it was a great way to keep a historic building open (and cared for) while serving a need for the community.
Since then, I have been working my way through several books. I read the new book in Lisa Shearin's Raine Benares series (Bewitched and Betrayed)-- it was awesome!!! If you haven't read them, and you like fantasy with a modern twist, these are great. The first book is Magic Lost Trouble Found, then Armed and Magical, the The Trouble With Demons, then, asa I said, Bewitched and Betrayed. She will have a new book coming out next spring, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
I also read my way through Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series. It was great (eight books, plus a few short stories). She put a new twist (at least for me) on witches, demons, elves, and vampires.
If you decide to read them, let me know what you think.
I've also starred writing again. I needed some time away to get my muse back I guess, and I think it is finally here! Yea!!! I am seeing my princess story in a whole new light and am anxious to see where the characters take me this time.
I'll let you know how it goes.
In April, my husband and I celebrated out 15th anniversary with a trip to Pittsburgh. We stayed at a great B&B called The Inn on Mexican War Streets. It was great. The area was named the Mexican War streets because after the war Pennsylvania had no money to pay the returning soldiers. So, Governor Penn gave them this section of Pittsburgh. Part of it was to farm , the other part was for residences. It is a neat area that is being revitalized.
While we were there, the Penguins were playing a home play off game, so we went and watched on the jumbo-tron screen outside Melon Arena. It was a great experience. It was really neat to see some of the players who used to play for the B-Sens playing for Ottawa. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh lost that game (yes, we're Pen fans), but won the next, only to be eliminated by the Habs. Oh well, there's always next year.
We took a day and went to the Phipps Conservatory and the Cathedral of Learning (we looked at the Nationality rooms there). It was great. I'll try to link to the photos later!
We also went to the Frick Museum. That was a neat place as well. Before we left, we went back and toured a Victorian Mansion, and learned about the Frick's. (Andrew Carnegie's right hand man, so to speak.)
We also went to the Church Brew Works. It is a brewery/restaurant built in a church that was closed. We both thought it was a great way to keep a historic building open (and cared for) while serving a need for the community.
Since then, I have been working my way through several books. I read the new book in Lisa Shearin's Raine Benares series (Bewitched and Betrayed)-- it was awesome!!! If you haven't read them, and you like fantasy with a modern twist, these are great. The first book is Magic Lost Trouble Found, then Armed and Magical, the The Trouble With Demons, then, asa I said, Bewitched and Betrayed. She will have a new book coming out next spring, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
I also read my way through Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series. It was great (eight books, plus a few short stories). She put a new twist (at least for me) on witches, demons, elves, and vampires.
If you decide to read them, let me know what you think.
I've also starred writing again. I needed some time away to get my muse back I guess, and I think it is finally here! Yea!!! I am seeing my princess story in a whole new light and am anxious to see where the characters take me this time.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Spring
Wow! It's hard to believe that spring is finally here. We have been teased with temperatures in the upper seventies, followed by days in the thirties and nights in the teens. I know, I should be used to it after all these years.
I have been busy doing lots of reading over the last couple of months. I go through periods where I read very little, to times when I have all I can do to put a book down and do what I need to be doing. I figure I have re-read somewhere around 80 books and read about five new ones (I have a couple of new ones I am waiting to start so I can read them without interruption, as well as a few I am waiting to be released.)\
Last Sunday, my husband and I enjoyed a trip to Syracuse to watch Tran-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) perform Beethoven's Last Night. It was performed at the Landmark Theatre, a 1920's movie theater. What a beautiful setting for a wonderful performance. We had a great time.
Before we watched the show, we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Clark's Ale House. I had the beef and barley soup, while my husband had a roast beef sandwich-- it was delicious. The perfect spot for a quick bite to eat before the show.
Easter is just around the corner and will be followed by camping trips once school is out. We are looking forward to all of our scheduled trips with our friends.
I have been busy doing lots of reading over the last couple of months. I go through periods where I read very little, to times when I have all I can do to put a book down and do what I need to be doing. I figure I have re-read somewhere around 80 books and read about five new ones (I have a couple of new ones I am waiting to start so I can read them without interruption, as well as a few I am waiting to be released.)\
Last Sunday, my husband and I enjoyed a trip to Syracuse to watch Tran-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) perform Beethoven's Last Night. It was performed at the Landmark Theatre, a 1920's movie theater. What a beautiful setting for a wonderful performance. We had a great time.
Before we watched the show, we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Clark's Ale House. I had the beef and barley soup, while my husband had a roast beef sandwich-- it was delicious. The perfect spot for a quick bite to eat before the show.
Easter is just around the corner and will be followed by camping trips once school is out. We are looking forward to all of our scheduled trips with our friends.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Where did October go?
Wow- I can't believe it is the end of October already. It was such a busy month here. I am putting in my request t the scheduling gods that next year all the things that I need/want to do in October be spread out a little more.
The 4-7 of the month found me in Albany for training for work. I attended classes, taught a class, carted stuff around, and hung out and partied with a great group of friends (I had an absolute blast and my co-worker saw me let my hair down for the first time ever!!!!)
I returned home on Wednesday, worked on Thursday and Friday found me packing up for a weekend trip to Ives Run State Park with our camping buddies from the internet. I know- we're crazy. I still remember when, about 6 years ago, my DH told me he had just booked a camping trip for us with a group of people he had been chatting with online. I believe I said, or at least thought, "Are you nuts?" We had a great time and could not have asked for nicer people to hang out with. We try to hit at least one trip with all of them a year.
During the trip I picked up a miserable cold which tried to keep me from having fun (it did not succeed, it just kept me from staying up late). We had a great time. My DS and the other kids had a Hickory Nut factory going. They were cracking open the nuts, taking out the meat inside, and piling them up to cook over the campfire.
After this trip, my good friend and I took a trip to Ohio to an Eric Church concert. As my DH will say, I did not go to the concert to see Eric Church, but to see Christian Kane. Christian and his band were the opening act. They did a great job (even though he was sick and losing his voice). My only complaint is that the Church fans where we were sitting were rather rude- chatting through the whole set. I know they weren't there to see the opening band, but still, have we lost all of our manners?
If you are interested in the photos and video that I have from the concert it can be found here. (Link has been fixed). I used the new camera DH bought for us. It takes HD video and is good in low light- great camera and easy to use (thanks, honey!!!). I have 2 videos in here- the first is very short as I thought I was recording, but wasn't- got the whole second song, though.
Now we are getting ready to host a Halloween party for family and friends. Hopefully things will slow down here a little and I will get back to work on my writing. I have decided to hold off on sending my Princess story to Lulu. I am thinking my Princess might be too MarySue (For those of you who, like me, had never heard this term before, it means she can do anything, always saves the day, never has any problems, etc.) So, I am still thinking about what to do with this, as well as working out the logistics of my knight story. If you are interested in giving an opinion, let me know- I can use all the eyes I can get.
The 4-7 of the month found me in Albany for training for work. I attended classes, taught a class, carted stuff around, and hung out and partied with a great group of friends (I had an absolute blast and my co-worker saw me let my hair down for the first time ever!!!!)
I returned home on Wednesday, worked on Thursday and Friday found me packing up for a weekend trip to Ives Run State Park with our camping buddies from the internet. I know- we're crazy. I still remember when, about 6 years ago, my DH told me he had just booked a camping trip for us with a group of people he had been chatting with online. I believe I said, or at least thought, "Are you nuts?" We had a great time and could not have asked for nicer people to hang out with. We try to hit at least one trip with all of them a year.
During the trip I picked up a miserable cold which tried to keep me from having fun (it did not succeed, it just kept me from staying up late). We had a great time. My DS and the other kids had a Hickory Nut factory going. They were cracking open the nuts, taking out the meat inside, and piling them up to cook over the campfire.
After this trip, my good friend and I took a trip to Ohio to an Eric Church concert. As my DH will say, I did not go to the concert to see Eric Church, but to see Christian Kane. Christian and his band were the opening act. They did a great job (even though he was sick and losing his voice). My only complaint is that the Church fans where we were sitting were rather rude- chatting through the whole set. I know they weren't there to see the opening band, but still, have we lost all of our manners?
If you are interested in the photos and video that I have from the concert it can be found here. (Link has been fixed). I used the new camera DH bought for us. It takes HD video and is good in low light- great camera and easy to use (thanks, honey!!!). I have 2 videos in here- the first is very short as I thought I was recording, but wasn't- got the whole second song, though.
Now we are getting ready to host a Halloween party for family and friends. Hopefully things will slow down here a little and I will get back to work on my writing. I have decided to hold off on sending my Princess story to Lulu. I am thinking my Princess might be too MarySue (For those of you who, like me, had never heard this term before, it means she can do anything, always saves the day, never has any problems, etc.) So, I am still thinking about what to do with this, as well as working out the logistics of my knight story. If you are interested in giving an opinion, let me know- I can use all the eyes I can get.
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