Well Now...

Seems like the last time I was here was back in August of last year.  Shame on me!  One day I'll get this journalling/blogging thing down straight.  *LOL*

I find myself looking for a place to put down thoughts and observations I have that is longer than Twitter and less... well, less possibility for douchebaggery than Facebook.  God only knows what these thoughts and observations will be other than mine - we'll just have to see.  Hopefully this means my hibernation/anti-socialness/depression is finally lifting.  *crossing my fingers*

So what was I on about today.  Well, to start off with, I was bemoaning the fact that most authors don't put maps up on their websites.  See, I read a lot of fantasy and a lot of the books contain maps of the made-up lands/worlds.  And I read a lot - a whole lot - on my ereader, which doesn't show maps very well at all.  Or, as one of my Twitter pals pointed out when I tweeted my desire, family trees.

I stitched some this afternoon while I watched my soaps and my Bondi Vet show.  I'm working on a new project that I have to add to my cross-stitching blog.  It's for Michael because he loves, loves, LOVES wolves.  This is what it looks like...

I really hope my writing mojo comes back soon.  I miss it.  I miss my writing buddies too.  I hope I get over this stupidity soon.  

I also have to think about upgrading to Windows 10 on the desktop.  I've been using it on the laptop for a couple of months and I can't say I've had any problems with it.  I still have a few months - until July I think - to make up my mind.  One of these days I'll have to do some online research and see what folks have to say about it after using it for a bit.

And speaking of the desktop, I really have to find a new chair.  The one I bought last spring is not working for me.  I need to get a new one that has a tilt seat and adjustable arms as well as the height, of course.  Michael needs a new one too.  His is totally falling apart.  So if I get a new one, he can have my old one.  And then maybe I'll be able to sit at my desk for longer than a half an hour.  

Y'know, I wish I could still drink coffee at night.  I'd do damage to one right now.  

Monday Morning and I'm Blogging...

This is me trying to blog every now and again about something other than the books I've read.  :)   I don't know that I've got anything interesting to say, but... what the hell.  Gonna try.

So, yesterday afternoon and evening, I mainlined (via Netflix) the 5 episodes of the TV series The Fall out of the UK.  DAMN, it was good.  I watched the first 3 eps in the afternoon and then the last 2 after Once Upon a Time (PLEASE let this Frozen plot be DONE DONE DONE).  The series stars Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan and is quite honestly one of the most compelling things I've seen in a long while.  I am not really a fan of either of those actors, BTW.  Never was an X-Files fan and ever since Dornan signed on to do 50 Shades of Crap, my lip tends to curl in his direction.  *LOL*    I know, it's not fair and rather small-minded, but I can't help it!  But even though I am not a fan, man, can these two act!  Well the whole cast can, but these two are front and centre and quite fantastic.

This series is set in Belfast and so very, very dark.  There are a few different plot lines, the main one being that of a serial killer.  Gillian Anderson portrays the police inspector come north to 'help out' the Belfast force with one of the murders.  Dornan plays the killer.  And that's not a spoiler, it's revealed from the get-go.   This murder also ties into another plot arc about cops on the take and the internal workings of the Belfast police department.  There's also a whole current of comment on the devaluation of women in today's society as the police investigate these murders as well as follow the Dornan character in his day to day life as a bereavement counselor.

Now, unlike American cop shows, this one moves slowly and there are no bursts of explosions and gunfights and stuff like that, so the feel is quite different.  Felt a lot like the UK Line of Duty or Luthor, to be honest.  That type of show.   Anyway, if you like good good TV and can deal with intense and dark, give this show a watch.   Series 2 (as they call them across the pond) is playing now and sadly it's almost done.  It's showing on Bravo up here in Canada, so maybe I can find it On Demand or it will show up on Netflix really soon.

In other news, I started reading my Christmas novels and stories.  I started with Sleigh Ride by Heidi Cullinan and read the first 3 chapters last night.  It was like coming home, I have to say.  I love Heidi's writing and this felt like slipping on a pair of the most comfortable and warm slippers.  

Today, I might put up the Christmas tree.  Well Michael will put it up and put the lights on and then I'll do the decorating.  I will post pictures whenever it gets done.  :)

Let's see... what else can I natter on about?  Well, there's talk of there being a snowstorm tomorrow, but looking at the weather forecast, it only seems like we're going to get a normal snow fall.  Between 5 - 15 cm of the white stuff.  Which is like... 2 - 6 inches for you non-metric type folk that might possibly be reading this.

There's a bit of a snit happening in the book world I frequent, the usual suspects ragging on an author for not totally focussing on every last aspect of racism and bigotry in a historical romance.  It's called critical reading.  Personally, I read to relax and when I read romance, it's to enjoy the unfolding relationship between two people.  Yes, in the period under question there was much racism, classism, bigotry, narrow-mindedness... all that bad stuff.  And these are all represented in the book, but the main focus is the romance... and well... I just think they, the critical readers, are harping on a little too much about a lack of representation of racism and how one of the main characters is a total racist.  I also don't understand how a person can absolutely LOVE the book and then turn around and pillory the author for not addressing the things they thought should be addressed.  And as a corollary to this... people wonder why so many authors are wary of writing anything diverse or outside their own (straight, white) experience.  Because of fear of being raked over the coals in just this manner, that's why.

Anyway, that pissed me off over the weekend.

I'm mulling over yet another novel idea.  Something to do with Christmas and fae-types and a specialty shop... we'll see.  The nasty natters mentioned above are no help whatsoever.  I must learn to not give them purchase in my brain.  Once I figure out how to do that.  *LOL*

And now, I need another cup of coffee and my breakfast of bagel and cretons.  I've earned it,  I think!

My Week

I'm going to try free-styling about my week to kind of break up what seems to be only redirects to my book blog entries.  Honestly, I do more than read!  :)   At least this way I'll have one entry that's about more than books.

As I write this, I'm looking out my window at a bright and sunny day  I wish it was a little warmer.  15C or 59F isn't exactly closing in on balmy.  But it's great for the sun to be out and there to be no rain or cloudy skies.  It's tough on the allergy suffers though.  Hay fever season is supposed to be short this year but very intense.  After the crazy polar vortex stuff this winter, it's only to be expected.  Also, as I look out, I see that the windows need some cleaning.  *LOL*  Ah... spring.

What am I reading?  Well, I'm reading The Tomb by F. Paul Mitchell, the first Repairman Jack novel.  It was recommended to me by a bunch of my friends.  It's not my usual fare, it's a horror novel, but halfway through, I think I'm finally getting invested.

This past week I've been following many of the romance writers I follow on Twitter at the Romantic Times conference down in New Orleans.  I'm SO envious!  My good friend, the writer Zoe X. Rider is there and from what I can tell from her tweets and pics, is having a terrific time!  As are most of my other faves.  A couple of the gals had to leave the con early because of health issues which is a total bummer.  Anyway, maybe one day I'll get to go and meet all those lovely people in person.  RT and GRL (Gay Rom Lit) Retreat are the two I'd love to attend.  I guess I should get writing then, eh?

So yeah, writing.  I have a bunch of ideas being fleshed out.  The afore-mentioned Zoe, henceforth known as H, pointed me towards a software program called Scapple that's from the same folks - sorta - as the Scrivener people.  It's basically a plotting program, like a whiteboard on my computer and it's pretty nifty.  I'm using it on my m/m fantasy novel for the moment and so far so good.  It's given me some ideas and put some structure to the ideas that I already had.  What I really miss though, is that person that I can jaw with about this.  Exchange ideas, brainstorm, just sort of meanderingly conversate about character and plot points and arcs and things of that nature as well as be a cheerleader with feet planted firmly on the ground.  This, apparently is something I need in my so-called creative process.    What I don't need is all these people whining about privilege and representation and diversity and who make it sound like you have to be a card-carrying, minority, survivor, special snowflake to be allowed to write anything worthwhile.

I watched The Preakness yesterday and was pleased that California Chrome won.  The backstory of that horse, the sire and dam being bought for peanuts and bred to produce a champion is amazing!  I'd love to see him win the Triple Crown.  I suppose this means I'll have to watch the Belmont Stakes now.  *LOL*  I also found out that my Grandad was a part of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.  I don't remember knowing that and I think it's way cool.  :)

The finale of Dancing With the Stars is tomorrow and Tuesday.  I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see Meryl and Maks come home with the mirrorball trophy and I'll be doing my best voting for them to achieve exactly that.  When I set aside my skepticism that it's all been predetermined and filled with production/network meddling to present the winner they want,  I still find myself thinking that there's no way anyone can overcome the pairing of two prosthetic legs and Derek Hough.  Even if Meryl and Maks have been presenting the most exquisite dances all season.  It's disheartening if I pause to think about it, so I do my best to focus on the joy and emotion that Meryl and Maks have brought to me this season and know that they are really the best.

I have to get my RPG tagging mojo back.  I love it so much and I feel like I'm letting the side down, so to speak.  I think I need to just stop thinking so much about it and just do it.  *LOL*  I have pups in my head who need letting loose or they get unruly.  :)   Maybe with the sun coming out, things will flow easier.  *crossing fingers*

I watched the movie White House Down yesterday and while it had one of the most preposterous plots ever, it was a lot of fun to watch things get blown up and enjoy both Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx.  I like no-brainer movies every once in a while.  :)

I discovered some good music yesterday... the day before... um... the day before, thanks to the DWTS dancer Tristan McManus.  It's a band called Big September and their first album (I think) has just come out and it's called, appropriately, Ballroom Addicts.  But it's got nothing to do with ballroom dancing.  :)  It's just some good music by a young Irish band.  Check 'em out!  They sort of remind me a bit of Runrig, a Scottish band I like alot - rockish, popish with a bit of je ne sais quoi in their sound that piques my interest.




And in closing, I came across a wonderfully hot picture of my Sully, Sullivan Stapleton and I NEED to share it.  Because... reasons!

And that's that.  :)

I Was Busy Today

I rearranged my living room today; I moved my computer desk from right in front of the window and pushed the sofa further down the wall and switched around little tables and bookcases.  This is an urge that hits me on a fairly regular basis, every couple of years or so.  I'd rather buy new furniture but the bank account can't afford that!  So I'm totally exhausted and my knees aches.  I've done just about everything, but I have a few pictures to hang, a few tchotchkes to stow away and then I need to give the rug a good vacuuming.  I want to clean the sofa too, maybe get one of those cleaners from the grocery store, I shall have to ponder.

This is what the room looked like when I had moved my desk and gotten everything in disarray.  *LOL*  It's much better now... MUCH BETTER.

And this is the view from my chair

But I'm pretty much wrecked for the rest of the evening, so it's chill time, put my feet up and watch the tube.  :)

2013 - The Year that Was

It was a year.  :)  And it's just about done.  Reflecting back on it, there were more good times and things on it than bad, so we'll put it in the plus column of the ledger book.  There are some things that stick out in my memories and thoughts of the year.  Things other than the day to day activity of life that is really what living is.  :)

My blood was good all year!  Go me!  The COPD and phlebitis sucks and makes things difficult to do at times, but it is what it is.  I've not smoked in 2 and a half years, which is a good thing.  (I still do crave a good cig every once in a while, but it passes quickly.)  In the coming year, I have to find a way to get more active.  I had the greatest plans for walking when I retired but the COPD put a HUGE spoke in that wheel.  But I am going to work on that.  For now it will have to be inside because the lungs really, really, really don't like this arctic cold thing the weather has going on this winter.

I had some family and friends going through really shitty times this year and I wish I was closer to them so I could help, you know?  At the very least to offer hugs and coffee.  To them, I hope the new year brings peace, happiness, good health and a very limited amount of crapola.  *hugs them all*  

Speaking of friends, I got to know someone a whole lot better this past year and she's become a very good and close friend.  The internet is really good for some things.  

I read a lot of good books this past year, among them, Dirty Laundry by Heidi Cullinan, the Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy by Nora Roberts,  Beyond Shame, Beyond Control and Beyond Pain by Kit Rocha, Touch & Geaux by Abigail Roux, Forever Promised by Amy Lane, Catch a Ghost and Long Time Gone by SE Jakes are all among my faves.  Here is my Pinterest Board of Books I Read in 2013 if anyone is curious.  

Movies that I saw this year include Frozen from Disney that I highly recommend to anyone who will listen.  *LOL*  It turns all those Prince Charming, romance and Knights on white chargers tropes on their heads in a most wonderful way.  I wanted to have All The Daughters so I could take them to see this one.  :)  And this song... THIS SONG!!  There are no words to describe how I love this song.  Yeah, I'm a headbanger, I know, but THIS SONG!!!!

Some great TV watching this past year.  All the regulars of course, Dancing With the Stars, The Voice, NCIS, NCIS:LA, Hawaii Five-0, Survivor, Arrow, Revolution, Chicago Fire, White Collar, Once Upon A Time, The Amazing Race... there are even more.  *LOL*  I've enjoyed them all.  And the new additions to the schedule, Blacklist, Almost Human, Sleepy Hollow, Agents of Shield, Tomorrow People, The Originals and my latest total obsession Strike Back.  They have all kept me occupied in the best ways.  :)  Check out one of the best opening credit sequences in television -

So that's about it.  In the coming year?  There are things I want to do, get more active, write and complete something, things of that nature. I want to enjoy my family and friends.  I want to read good books, enjoy good movies and watch good TV shows. I want to enjoy my retirement.  :)

Happy New Year, everyone!!  *HUGS FOR ALL*

Here I Am!

I have been so lax in here for the past couple of days, but truth be told, all I've had the urge to do is tag in my RPGs and chat with my buddies.

Anyhoo, I just finished doing a tidying up of the vestibule and the 'junk' corner of the kitchen - a job very well done if I do say so myself.  I had stuff for the garbage and the recycling, but Michael tells me that they are both full.  Oops!  Wait until next week for that then!

I have to go out later to get a few groceries - it's cold and grey, a real November day and I'd rather not, but we have no bread!  *LOL*

I hope to get some NaNo writing done later.  We'll see how that all pans out.  I have to get Keiron and Jamie on the road!  :)

All things being equal, I shall check back later, but until then...

From before last night's live Top 12 Show.

I got some NaNo done - Go Me!  :)   And I only wrote the last little while this evening because there was NCIS stuff to watch with the boy and then The Voice and dammit, I need more hours in the day!

So I really have nothing much else to go on about.  My leg is achey and I'm tired, so I won't be staying up late tonight.  I shall take my book - I finally settled on Rush! by Maya Banks, an erotic romance that should be light and fun and easy reading.

Who shall I post tonight?  Matt, I think.  Lovely, handsome man with the greatest hair!  :)  And I'm SO SO glad I don't have to see all that campaigning for him to be in that Movie That Shall Not Be Named any longer.

 

Plans Awry

All my plans went awry yesterday, it seems.  Not in a bad way, just, not as I was expecting.  I ended up on the phone with my aunt for 2 hours and 41 minutes (thank you smartphone log. *LOL*)  last night.  She's off to California and Texas for 4 months, visiting her daughters while getting away from the horrible Quebec winter climate... both political and actual weather.  Anyway... there went my night!  I loved talking with her though, it had been far too long.  But the time I'd planned to spend getting some wordcount on my NaNo was nowhere to be found when I got off the phone, so... no NaNo update for yesterday.

BUT, since I have decided that the only way through this NaNo thing is to not put any stress on myself, I'm okay with it.  I'll catch up somewhere.  :)

Today I will get some done, but I have some RPG tagging to do first.  :)

Slow Day...

Not much happening today.  I spent a lot of it mulling over names for my two MCs for NaNo and I think I've come up with a couple.  We shall see if they stick.  :)  I'm actually getting excited to start tomorrow night after the stroke of midnight.  I do have an RPG thing to help host this weekend, but that's just the evenings - I should be able to write at least my quota during the day.  1,670 words per day.  I can do it!!

There was grocery shopping done today.  More great sales on sausages...we have enough sausages to see us through the month and then some.  *LOL*   But at least the freezer is full as is the pantry.

Today was the last day of my 30-Day Book Challenge over on my BookLikes book blog.  I shall miss it.  Especially since I seem to make so little time for reading these days.  I do most of my reading up in bed before I turn out the light and it seems that I seldom  last more than 15-20 minutes before my eyes start to close.  And it's not because what I'm reading is boring... I'm LOVING it!

Anyway... time for tonight's eye candy.  It's Maks' turn.  And this is one of the hottest pics of Mr. Chmerkovskiy that I have in my collection.  DAYUM!

I Have an Idea!

So it's been a decent day all around.  I got things in the mail that I'd been waiting for.  I had some lovely conversation with my friend Lottie over across the pond, as they say.  It was cold out, below freezing when I woke up, and I didn't have to go out!  That's a plus for me.  I got stuff done for the various blogs, games, and websites I'm involved with and my 30 Day Book Challenge (see sidebar for the link to my book blog) for today didn't get me tossed by the hordes.  *LOL*  Today was a book that everyone hated and I loved.

I came up with a viable idea for NaNoWriMo, so I think that's going to be a go.  I've been mulling over plot points and characters - both main and secondary - all evening.  I even know how I want the final scene to go before lowering the curtain.  That's good, right?  And I have to think of names before I start because I can get so damned bogged down by searching for the right names that I'll NEVER meet my daily quota of words.  To reach 50,000 words by the end of November, I'll have to produce 1,670 per day.  No screwin' around folks!

And I need a hottie for tonight.  Lemme see.  Oh, I know!  I found a great one of Sully and his smile today.  Perfect for the night I decide that I can do NaNo.  :)  God, he's such a GUY.

Sullivan Stapleton Smiles

Dancing and Singing and NaNo - Oh My!

It's been a busy night.  I've watched Dancing with the Stars and thoroughly enjoyed most of it.  I was surprised by the elimination.  I figured that Snooki was good for another couple of weeks at least.  And then I watched The Voice and was totally enthralled by Tessane Chin again.  And Josh...Langdon(?).  Those two were AMAZING!!  And Adam looked damned fine!  

Been doing some blog stuff for CoP as well as modly stuff for the RPG game I play.  I also mulled over stuff for NaNo.  I have a fix on a couple of Main Characters, I think.  And maybe a way to throw them together and just see what happens when I do that. I'll think more on it when I'm laying in bed tonight.  

And I need a hot guy to post for tonight.  Who should it be?  Hmm....  OH!  Have you seen this?  Who do you think this is?  Yep, it's Lance Bass, my friends.  Very interesting indeed!  :)

Lance Bass

Lazy Sunday Night

So I spent most of the day working on the other blog, getting the fic set up at the new place and all.  I thought I'd NEVER figure out how to do it, but in the end I did and it looks not too shabby!

So now I'm watching The Amazing Race.  Michael's gone out with his buddies to watch the wrestling pay-per-vew so I'm on my own for the evening.  I'm watching my Twitter feed and wondering what upheaval is going to be in the forefront tonight.  So far, the ranters have been quiet.

Other than that, I guess I'll be back later to post my hottie for the night.  ;)