Torn Between Eras

I’ve been really gunning to start a new writing project based in a historical era, but I’m having trouble committing to the era. I’m torn between 1700’s America, Edwardian England, or Renaissance England/France.

I know I would have to do tons of research for all 3 because I want to make sure all the historical little details are right (even if I’m not completely historically accurate). This is where all of you come in! I need help to decide which era/country I’m going to write about.

Now, don’t stop there because I’m also looking for good music to add to my writing playlist. I do prefer the music not have lyrics, however, as lyrics can be really distracting. So far my playlist includes the following (artist followed by album):

David Arkenstone

The Celtic Book Of Days (See all New Age Music CDs)

Music Inspired by Middle Earth featuring David Arkenstone (See all Pop Music CDs)

Spirit of Ireland (See all New Age Meditation Music CDs)

Enaid

Avalon - A Celtic Legend

Secret Garden

Dawn of a New Century (See all Classical Music CDs)

Earthsongs (See all Pop Music CDs)

Once in a Red Moon (See all New Age Music CDs)

Songs From a Secret Garden (See all Classical Music CDs)

White Stones (See all Irish Folk Music CDs)

If you have an artist/band you think would be great on this list then leave a comment below with your vote for the era/location and choice of music!

Writer's Conference?

More and more recently, I've been seriously considering attending a writer's conference. I know going to one this year is not an option as I'll be using all my vacation time for my wedding, but that gives me more time to save money.

I plan on doing some research to find one somewhere in the northeast. That means Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Conneticut and possibly New York. I'm hoping I can find a great conference in NH, southern ME or northern MA so I don't have to travel/rent a hotel room. Although, I wouldn't mind traveling to the UK.

That said, I am open to any and all recommendations (even if they are outside the northeast). So please leave a comment! Also, many thanks in advance.

One last thing before I let you all go; I am looking for my next book of the month (July) so if you have a favorite book you'd like to see featured on here please leave a comment with the book title and author!

No Power Last Night = Glimpse inside my head

Good morning (or afternoon/evening depending on which part of the world you’re in). We finally have power back this morning. We had no power most of the day yesterday and the same transformer blew a second time about an hour after I got home from work. Since I had nothing better to do last night, I sat at the dining room table and wrote by candlelight. So for your entertainment, I decided to use today’s post for last night’s musings. Enjoy!

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2 June 2011 – Starting around 7:30pm EST

There’s not much else to do tonight as we don’t have power right now. Rick (my fiancé) told me the building had been without power most of the day; it came back on about 10 minutes before I got home. About an hour later, the same transformer blew out again.

We’ve been without power since then. It doesn’t appear that it will be fixed tonight. Right now I’ve got candles going so I have light to write by. Rick’s already gone to bed. Interestingly enough, we have power in the bedroom; only in the bedroom.

I was on the computer playing The Sims 3 until Rick wanted to go to bed. Now I’m writing. It’s been so long since I’ve written by hand (instead of typing), my hand is already starting to cramp. That’s pretty sad, I think.

It is going to be a very long and boring evening. Usually on Thursday nights, I watch Police Women of Broward County. Yes, I have no life because I stoop to watching reality TV. What can you do on a work night when you’re not really a partier though?

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Writing Prompt:

“You know, on some days it’s like I can see the whole ‘divine plan’ behind the universe. On others, I think the world was thrown together from whatever bits of trash the universe could spare.”

“Well aren’t you just a ray of sunshine today?”

“I’m serious Kaylee. Did you hear about that 16-year-old kid that murdered his parents? You can’t seriously think God had a plan for him.”

“Actually, I do. There is always something good that comes out of anything bad. Maybe one of that kids family members made a commitment to get off drugs before they’re murdered by a drug dealer or something.”

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I just took a glance outside and it looks like we may be in for another storm at some point (just an FYI…we did not get any storms last night). It’s gotten cloudy and it’s been windy most of the day. If we do get more thunderstorms, I hope it doesn’t spawn any tornadoes like those in Western MA (this happened on Wednesday).

Four people were killed by those. It’s really rare for us to get tornadoes this far north. Although, this is, I believe, the 3rd time that I can remember.

The first tornado in MA, that I can remember, was in Great Barrington, MA back in 1995 (I was only 11 at the time). That was 16 years ago. I think it stuck in my memory because I was a kid and up until that point, I’d never heard of such a thing.

Alright, it’s about 9pm now and honestly, the candlelight is making me drowsy. I’m off to bed now and pray to the gods we have power back tomorrow morning. I’ll be pissed if I have to throw out all the meat in our fridge and freezer.

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I hope you enjoyed the glimpse into my mind. And yes, we did have power back when I woke up this morning (around 5am). Nothing in the fridge spoiled (at least not the stuff I’ve checked so far). I might cook the chicken tonight if I’m feeling better.

Hope you’re all having a wonderful day!

Book of the Month - June

I read a really good book last weekend (in the evenings) called One Second After. It's basically a fictional account of a small North Carolina town after the United States is struck by an EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) that wipes out all electronics.


Think cars, lights, cell phones, electric stoves, computers, etc. The author William Forstchen really did his research right down to the nitty-gritty details. The storyline itself is really creepy (because it is dead-on and could happen). Mr. Forstchen really knows how to wrench your gut with emotion. I found myself crying more then once while reading this book.

If you're looking for something to read on vacation (or anytime really), I highly recommend this book. Just make sure that you keep a box of tissues handy because you'll need them!

Today is good

I tracked every last bite yesterday and today, so I'm doing much better then the first couple of days. Sadly, my leg is still swollen (all that walking this last week + heat/humidity). I did not walk at lunch today for two reasons: 1. It was humid and hot and 2. My leg still hurts.

On another note, I heard from a friend of mine that he's been reading my blog and wants to see more of my 'musings' on here. So, I went out and purchased a new notebook for writing and plan on doing some over the weekend. I'll post the better pieces/fragments here next week.

Disappointed in Myself

After all that walking and exercise that I'm not used to this past weekend, I ended up gaining 2 pounds. Our scale has me at 310lbs. That's 4 pounds less than my absolute heaviest last autumn. To say I am vastly disappointed in myself is an understatement. Below is a picture of me this past Sunday.

On the other side of the coin, I did make myself walk for 30 minutes at lunchtime today, even though every step hurt. As promised, below you’ll find some photos from our trip to the mountains. These were all taken at The Flume Gorge near Franconia, NH.

One of my favorite waterfall shots from this weekend. Considering I have a 5+ year old camera (that's maybe 5-6 megapixels), I'd say it came out awesome!

And of course, I had to add the obligatory shot of the mountains! Hope you're all having a great Tuesday!

Back from the Mountains

We got back fairly early this morning (around 9:30-10ish) and have been trying to cool off ever since. It is really hot and humid here today (around 80°F or 26°C). I decided to forgo the weigh-in until the swelling in my leg goes down.

We visited the Lost River Gorge on Saturday and the Flume Gorge yesterday (which is 2+ miles). Both were about an hour's drive from the cabin we rented in the Weirs Beach/Laconia area. At one point we considered checking out Canterbury Shaker Village...until we got there and realized they didn't open for another hour.

All in all this weekend went well, even if my leg does hurt like hell. It was worth it because I got some great pictures. I plan on posting a few of them with tomorrow's post. As for now, its getting late and I'm exhausted!