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April 29, 2007
Freaking Out a Little
I'm freaking out a little because when I tested my blood pressure yesterday it was 160/114. I think the official, medical term for that is "much, much too high."
When the resting pressure is almost as high as the normal blood pressure….well, I'm no expert but that doesn't sound good to me.
Thankfully I just came across this verse on a ShoutLife Profile:
2Timothy 1:7 "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind."
Thanks. I needed that.
:)
Posted by Selena at 07:14 PM | Comments (0)
April 28, 2007
Craving Don Pablos
For the last couple days I have been craving Don Pablos like mad!
Problem is – tortilla chips, queso dip, and tacos aren't on my new heart-healthy, low-sodium diet.
So, instead it's another round of salad, whole grain toast, and an apple for dessert.
Bleh. It's just not the same.
Posted by Selena at 06:15 PM | Comments (0)
My ShoutLife Page
I just started my own ShoutLife page. Pop over and check it out.
Bill also recently started one for DKA. I'm trying to administer the DKA page, but I'm still learning how ShoutLife works.
If you have a page over at ShoutLife, send me a friend request. I'd love to add you as a friend. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 08:27 AM | Comments (0)
Postal Rate Change
What?!? Postal rates are going up AGAIN!
Effective May 14, a first-class letter will go up 2 cents, to 41 cents total. (I hate having to use all those 1 cent stamps during the transition. Don't you?)
Here's the breakdown of the new rates.
My next question is why did I find out about this from Duotrope's email newsletter on short fiction markets? While I appreciate the headsup from Duotrope, shouldn't I have heard about this from a more official source, i.e. someone other than a writing markets resource?
I really should start watching the news.
Posted by Selena at 07:24 AM | Comments (0)
April 27, 2007
I Miss Studio 60
Why isn't this great show back on my TV?
I guess I'll just have to keep watching the episodes I have saved on TiVo.
Posted by Selena at 08:06 PM | Comments (0)
Meatloaf at Mimi's
Yesterday was a stressful day at work. I knew it would be because I had decided to resign. Even though I was (and am) sure of my decision, I knew that actually giving my notice would be an uncomfortable, guilt-ridden thing for me to do. So I promised myself dinner out if I went through it.
I did go through with it, of course. (There was really no question, just a lot of discomfort.) So, last night featured meatloaf at Mimi's.
Mimi's Café is one of my favorite restaurants in Brandon. It’s actually the first one I visiting upon arriving in Florida. After driving 16 hours straight with a car-load of miserable cats and my helpful, non-complaining mother, Mom and I unloaded the cats into their new home then went looking for dinner. We turned into Mimi's because I liked the looks of the place.
We had meatloaf that night, just like I did last night. Situations such as these call for comfort food. (I rarely eat meat, but sometimes I just want meatloaf.) I've eaten at Mimi's several times and have never been disappointed. (Well, expect for that time I discovered they had taken my favorite breakfast, Mediterranean Vegetable Omelette, off the menu. Bummer.) The food is always delicious and the service good. The meatloaf though holds a special place in my heart.
I almost ordered dessert but decided to try a near-by ice cream place instead. I had a craving for a vanilla shake. I got one at the Cold Stone Creamery and WOW it was great! That place is dangerous. I don't know how I managed to get out of there with just a small vanilla shake!
Posted by Selena at 08:13 AM | Comments (0)
A Near Perfect Night at Carrabas
Recently, hubby offered to take me out of dinner. I jumped at the chance and suggested an Italian place that I had seen advertised and that looked good. So, we went to the Carrabas in Brandon, Florida.
(I specify which location because not all restaurants are created equal, even if they are the same company. Sure, the menu and such are the same, but the execution often varies from place to place. And execution really matters.)
When we first entered, I was surprised (and a bit put off) by how dark it was inside the restaurant. There was spot lighting on each of the tables, presumably so diners could see their food and companions, but otherwise it was too dimly lit for my tastes. My eyes did adjust though and then it didn't bother me anymore.
We were warmly greeted by a waiter who started off great and continued to provide first-class service the whole way through, despite the fact that he seemed to have an obscene number of tables to care for. (We were pre-dinner rush, about 4:30pm, so maybe not all the staff was on yet.) He was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive – all the things you want in a waiter. I realized too late that I should have jotted down his name, but I'm pretty sure it was Sean. (Not sure if he spells it that way or not.)
I ordered a sangria because I love sangria. But it was too wine-heavy for me. I wanted it to be sweeter, fruitier, and fizzier. More fruit juice and Sprite, less red wine. I'm sure it was fine, just not the type of sangria I'm used to. (My favorite sangria can be had at Jaleo in Washington, DC. Yum.)
The sangria didn't appeal to me, but otherwise the meal was delicious in the extreme! We had sausage and peppers as an appetizer. I just ate the peppers since I don't like sausage and hardly ever eat meat. The peppers were so good that I saved some to add to my entrée.
I was in the mood for a ravioli or tortellini dish with veggies instead of meat, but didn't find such a thing. So, I ordered the Mezzaluna: "Delicate half moon ravioli stuffed with chicken, ricotta and spinach, in a tomato cream sauce." I hoped it wasn't big chunks of chicken, because I don't really like chicken that much. I needn't have worried though because the dish was all kinds of wonderful. (No discernable chunks of chicken in ravioli that small.) I was in heaven. I don't think there was a scrap of food left on my plate by the end.
I asked about dessert and Sean became our "walking, talking dessert menu." I ordered the Blue Bell vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce and (what my memory recalls as) sugared walnuts (or maybe pecans). It was also delicious.
All together, it was a stellar experience. Delicious (and plentiful) food. Great service. Nice ambiance (once I got used to the dim lighting).
I'll be back at Carrabas for sure. (Is tonight too soon?) And I highly recommend it to you. Probably most Carrabas could provide you with the same stellar experience I got at the one in Brandon. (At least that's the way it's supposed to be.)
If you've had a similar (or dissimilar) experience at a Carrabas, feel free to post about it in the comments. (The comments are moderated and won't appear until I approve them, but I'd still like to hear from you.)
Happy dining, everyone!
Posted by Selena at 07:44 AM | Comments (0)
Dining Out Intro
I love dining out. It is one of my favorite things in the world. It probably has something to do with how I hate to cook and how I worked for about six years in the restaurant business and loved it. Whatever the reason, I dine out any chance I get.
As much as I love going out to eat, I also have high standards about it and it really annoys me when I get bad service, bad food, or both. My restaurant experience has taught me how it should be done and I hate to see it mucked up.
I note the quality of food and service so much that people have often told me I should write restaurant reviews. After a particularly wonderful meal at Carrabas, I decided to go ahead and start that restaurant review blog I'd been thinking about for so long. But then I couldn't get the new blog to work. So, I decided to just make it a category on my main blog.
So, here it is people! The good and the bad. But mostly the good because I hate to name names on the bad.
One exception though. My biggest pet peeve is waiters who bring me the check before asking if I want dessert. (Because, let's face it, I am always on the verge of ordering dessert, even though I know I shouldn't. And it's just dumb for waiters to not try to sell me dessert because HELLO if I order dessert then that increases my check total which increases the waiter's tip. Get it? What waiter doesn't want a bigger tip? Apparently, a whole lot more waiters than I would think.) So, if someone brings me the check before offering me dessert, you'll probably hear about that.
Happy dining!
Posted by Selena at 07:40 AM | Comments (0)
April 26, 2007
GH: Mr. Craig = Jerry Jacks!
A couple days ago I was barely watching General Hospital as I surfed the web and fast-forwarded through the scenes that weren't even worth barely watching.
But then a wild thing happened! It was revealed that Mr. Craig a.k.a. Mr. Brosnan is really Jerry Jacks with a new face. Suddenly I was paying attention. That is a luscious twist!
I can't help but wonder if the writers had this twist planned all along. I wish I could go back and watch Mr. Craig's scenes during the hotel takeover and hostage crisis to see if there is any indication he was really the "much discussed but long gone from the GH scene" older brother of Jasper Jacks. I suspect it wasn't originally part of the plan because Craig was depicted as such a ruthless, sadistic, one-sided bad guy. It's been a long time since Jerry Jacks was on the show, but I remember him as a rogue who was always in some kind of trouble but was deep down a good guy.
Still the twist is perfect and very watchable. Suddenly Craig/Brosnan/Jerry is a multi-dimensional, conflicted, interesting character.
Plus, it's a nice coincidence that the actor who plays Craig/Brosnan/Jerry looks so much like the rest of the Jacks family. The last actor who played Jerry didn't.
So, now there's one storyline worth watching on GH.
I still can't bear to watch Lorenzo's scenes though.
Posted by Selena at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)
April 24, 2007
SR: "Polar Daughter" by Sharon Irwin
Yeah, one of my favorite SR stories is now published. I highly recommend this one!
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The Sword Review: Apr. 24 Update
This is a rich, rich story full of metaphor and meaning! You're going to want to curl up with this one and slip into it for a good, long read!
"Polar Daughter"
by Sharon Irwin
Set in the arctic, a bear discovers he loves a young girl as much as he would have loved a cub of his own. For him and for her, that means everything changes.
Posted by Selena at 07:20 PM | Comments (0)
DKA: "Beyond the Abattoir - Metamorphosis" by Chris Miller
To close out April's issue we have a poem by Chris Miller. (No relation to the other Millers in this issue. At least as far as I know. ;) )
"Beyond the Abattoir - Metamorphosis"
by Chris Miller
Tease:
A tiny dragon is captured, fed, tamed and mutilated by the narrator. It spins a cocoon, then, upon his death, emerges an angel, to return the favor and carry what good remains of him “beyond the abattoir.”
Get the print edition that includes this story!
Posted by Selena at 08:08 AM | Comments (0)
April 23, 2007
SR: "About Leviathan" by David C. Kopaska-Merkel
The Sword Review: Apr. 22 Update
"About Leviathan"
by David C. Kopaska-Merkel
Author of "Leviathan, rising" David C. Kopaska-Merkel offers a look at the ancient legend and its modern interpretations and gives a peek into how it inspired the previously published poem.
Posted by Selena at 07:25 AM | Comments (0)
April 21, 2007
DKA: "Tiny Man and the Dragon" by Daniel Miller
To complete our father and son double-header, here is the son's story:
"Tiny Man and the Dragon"
by Daniel Miller (A Student Contributor)
Tease:
When Thrase and his master, Sir Benald, encounter the king dragon, something happens no human could ever have imagined.
Get the print edition that includes this story!
Posted by Selena at 07:58 AM | Comments (0)
SR: "Leviathan, rising" by Kopaska-Merkel
The Sword Review: Apr. 20 Update
From where do fears come? Where does dread abide? What is it that troubles us? Consider this poem from one of our favorite poets!
"Leviathan, rising"
by David C. Kopaska-Merkel
Nightmares lie beneath the surface.
Posted by Selena at 07:54 AM | Comments (0)
April 20, 2007
Can't Sleep
For the second night in a row, sleep eludes me. So, after a couple hours of trying to fall asleep I have given up and decided to work instead.
I can hardly wait for the weekend so I can take a long afternoon nap. Funny how I never have trouble falling asleep in the middle of the day.
Posted by Selena at 12:02 AM | Comments (0)
April 17, 2007
Flooded by Fiction
I am currently in the overwhelming but pleasant condition of being flooded by fiction.
Right now my "to be read" list includes:
7 entries for the Liberty Hall fiction contest that DKA is sponsoring
19 entries for DKA's own fiction contest
4 DKA submissions
8 SR submissions
That's a total of 38 stories I am supposed to be reading right now.
I guess I better get to it.
Posted by Selena at 07:53 PM | Comments (0)
Must Relax
"Three little birds sat on my window and they told me I don't need to worry."
That quote and the song it's from ought to be written on a prescription slip because it's a big part of my current treatment protocol.
You see, in addition to drastic diet changes, I also have to learn to relax and stop being such a perfectionist, worry-prone, type A personality. It's all part of the "Lower My Blood Pressure Before It Kills Me" Plan. I think this aspect of the lifestyle changes I have to make is going to be the hardest.
I've been trying to catch myself before I get worked up about things and say to myself, "Yeah, this is the sort of thing that would upset (or worry) me in the past, but I just can't afford to stress over it anymore. So, I am going to do what I can do then I am going to let go and trust God to work it out." I think I'm getting better at it. It takes practice like everything else. Long-ingrained habits are hard to break.
I also find that I am listening to my "Happy & Upbeat" Playlist over and over again. The quote above is from the top song on the list:
"Put Your Records On" by Corrine Bailey Rae
It is impossible to be in a bad mood while listening to that song! The song is "relaxed and happy" encapsulated into an easily transportable audio clip.
As a public service here is a sampling of my "Happy & Upbeat" playlist.
"Bad Day" by Daniel Powter
(I love that a song named "Bad Day" can be so uplifting.)
"Lover Come Up" by Josh Kelly
(from the soundtrack of "My Super Ex-Girlfriend" which includes several H&U songs. The movie is really good too.)
"Baby Girl" by Sugarland
"O What a Glorious Thing" by Akira The Don (also from the "Super Ex" soundtrack)
"Everything's Right" by Matt Wertz (also "Super Ex")
"Why Don't You & I" by Santana and Alex Band
"Streetcorner Symphony" by Rob Thomas
"Make It Happen" by Mariah Carey
"Love Love Love" by Tristan Prettyman ("Super Ex" strikes again!)
"The Joker" by Fatboy Slim (Also "Super Ex")
"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina (classic 80's happy)
I used to have this quote on the wallpaper of my computer:
"Good morning. This is God. I will be handling all of your problems today. So, you can just relax and enjoy the day."
Maybe it's time to put that quote back up.
Be happy, all. God really is in control. And that's a very safe place for us all to be.
Posted by Selena at 09:14 AM | Comments (0)
Ray Gun Revival Issue #20
There is also a new issue of Ray Gun Revival!
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Ray Gun Revival Issue #20 is ready to blast off!
Final Exam by Edward McKeown
Fiction
New Mexico desert, 1950s: boy meets monster in a battle to save earth.
Jasper Squad: Choices by Paul Christian Glenn
Serial Fiction
The crew of the Jasper are on the run from their own government, and they don’t know why. But can these people really trust each other with their lives?
The Adventures of the Sky Pirate: "Cliffhanger" by Johne Cook
Serial Fiction
This episode starts and ends with a cliff, has espionage, counter-espionage, a love triangle, and the birth of an entirely new scientific principle.
Memory Wipe, Chapter Ten: "Descent" by Sean T.M. Stiennon
Serial Fiction
Takeda and his companions arrive in orbit around Nihil only to find that someone else is there ahead of them—the alien assassin Lashiir, out for their blood.
Posted by Selena at 08:19 AM | Comments (0)
SR: "Sarah's Stone" by Joan L. Savage
Whoops. I just realized I'm behind on my (other) magazine updates. So let's start with Sword Review.
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The Sword Review: Apr. 16 Update
This is an interesting story from an author new to SR. I'm sure you'll find this a great read!
"Sarah's Stone"
by Joan L. Savage
When Sarah sets out to save her Papa, little does she know what her love for him will cost her.
Posted by Selena at 08:09 AM | Comments (0)
DKA: "Rain Mirror" by Joanna R. Smith
Welcome to New Poetry Tuesday. Today's offering is a poem that gets to me every time. Especially that last line.
"Rain Mirror"
by Joanna R. Smith
Tease:
"The mirror reflects only what is true."
Get the print edition that includes this story!
Posted by Selena at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
April 14, 2007
Getting Old Sucks
This week I was diagnosed with yet another health problem that requires drastic alteration in my diet. Bleh. Of course, it should be noted that if I had stuck with the "eat right" thing when it was first suggested to me years ago then this particular health thing might never have appeared. (Might have, might not. We'll never know. Diet's only one factor.) Ironically just recently someone suggested I eat healthier and my immediate (and thankfully unvoiced) thought was "Pshaw! Eating right is for sissies who want to live forever!" Problem is I do kind of want to live a really long time. There is so much I still want to do in this life.
I miss the days when I could just eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, however much of it I wanted and never gain weight or suffer any ill effects. But let's face it, those days are long gone. I am simply not that young anymore.
Over the last ten years of so, I have been diagnosed with what seems like one thing after another and ALL of them require drastic alteration in my diet. Okay, I'll admit freely that my diet is pretty bad to start with. I am all about the junk food and sweets. I only like a few fruits and vegetables. I eat tons of carbs and virtually no meat. So, really I shouldn't be surprised that I keep hearing "dietary changes" from my doctors.
I've improved my diet in the past, but I always slack off after the initial "problem" or whatever dies down. Unfortunately I may have to stick with this one.
I have to tell you though, grocery shopping this morning was just not as much fun as it used to be. I waved forlornly at my favorite aisles: the salty snacks, the frozen dinners. "I'll miss you, my darlings." Instead I spent an inordinate amount of time in the fresh produce section trying to make new friends.
Posted by Selena at 11:52 AM | Comments (0)
DKA: "Fun with Humans" by S. A. Miller
Today we have the first of a father and son double-header. (We didn't know they were father and son when we accepted the stories; it just worked out that way.)
"Fun with Humans"
by S. A. Miller
Tease:
Just when you think you know a story, an angel comes along and puts a humorous twist on it.
Get the print edition that includes this story!
Look for the son's story next Saturday.
Posted by Selena at 07:38 AM | Comments (0)
April 12, 2007
SR: "While The Wyverns Watch" by Dean F. Wilson
The Sword Review: Apr. 12 Update
Inspired by one of our covers, this poem is a real pleasure to read!
"While The Wyverns Watch"
by Dean F. Wilson (A Student Contributor)
What would you do if you found the last of a dying species?
Posted by Selena at 08:22 PM | Comments (0)
April 11, 2007
Quote of the Day
Today's quote is from a bumper sticker:
"You don't have to believe everything you think."
I'm no sure what to make of that exactly, but it speaks to me on some level.
Posted by Selena at 10:17 PM | Comments (0)
Fascinating Experiment on Art Out of Context
I came across this article via Mir's blog:
I don't know (or even know of) Joshua Bell but I gather from the article that I should have heard of him. My husband immediately recognized the name. Turns out he actually knows him. They've worked together or something.
Anyway, it's a great article and a fascinating experiment. I wonder what I would have done if I had been passing through L'Enfant Plaza while this wildly famous, highly accomplished violinist was playing.
The article also made me homesick. I don't live in the Washington, DC area anymore but I still consider it my hometown. And one of the things I miss most about DC is the Metro. Really and truly.
Posted by Selena at 08:31 AM | Comments (2)
April 10, 2007
DKA: "Hierophany" by Patricia Kelly
Our first poem of the month is…
"Hierophany"
by Patricia Kelly
Tease:
...not all visitors come in through the front door…
Get the print edition that includes this poem!
Posted by Selena at 08:36 AM | Comments (0)
April 09, 2007
Angels in the Everyday
Another part of the Gethsemane sermon that stayed with me is how one passage mentions that an angel appeared to Jesus and strengthened him. The preacher spoke of how sometimes when we are going through our own Gethsemanes, angels appear to us in the form of people in our lives.
That happened to me today. I was walking around the neighborhood—getting some exercise, and thinking and praying about the problems of the day—when a couple women called out a friendly greeting as I approached.
I was stunned. I had actually stopped walking in the neighborhood because the people always seemed to look at me like I was a suspicious interloper and they were considering calling the police. My attempts to reach out to my neighbors had so far been met with indifference and suspicion. I've lived here in sunny Florida for just over six months now, and I still haven't made any friends here. Only very recently have I started experiencing the beginnings of possible friendships.
While I don't know if these neighbors and I will become friends, I am sure that their sudden presence in my life today is a sign from God that it'll be okay. I feel certain that they were the faces of angels in my everyday.
Posted by Selena at 11:47 AM | Comments (0)
Writing: My Will or God's?
Yesterday in Sunday School we listened to a sermon about Gethsemane. Several things struck me, but the one that I have been thinking about most this morning is the part about how our will has to be set aside in favor of God's will. The sermon put it even more strongly: our will must be torn out like a cancer, that it won't go quietly. At one point the preacher even used the term "dreams," that our dreams for ourselves have to die in order for God's dreams for us to become manifest in our lives.
That hit me hard. My mind immediately went to my one remaining dream: seeing myself as a successful, professional, published author. I have given up on and set aside all of my other big dreams. It is only this one that I am still clinging to. I'm holding onto it with desperation and passion. Does God really want me to let this dream go too? It seems like such a cruel thing for a loving God to ask.
Of course, there is also the parable of the talents. Maybe God wants me to use the meager writing talent He has given me in ways that glorify Him. I have tried to do that for the most part, but not everything I've written can be said to glorify God. Maybe that's the problem.
Anyway, it's a quandary, and bears thinking and praying about. At this point I have no answers, only questions.
Posted by Selena at 11:16 AM | Comments (0)
April 07, 2007
April Challenge Week #1
Well, I made the 20-hour goal on editing this week, but not the 20-hour-on-writing goal. I've only gotten 10 hours of writing done this week. I may include tomorrow as part of week 1 since it's Sunday. Even then I don't think I'll make it.
But maybe I can make goal 3 out of 4 weeks.
Posted by Selena at 08:05 PM | Comments (0)
DKA: "Pilgrims" by Diane Gallant
"Pilgrims" by Diane Gallant
To start off our April issue, we have a story by an author new to DKA.
"Pilgrims"
by Diane Gallant
Tease:
An aging man finds the desire of his heart aboard an amazing vessel.
Get the print edition that includes this story!
Don't miss this story! I found it so moving. I just loved it.
Posted by Selena at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
Sword Review: a new cover and a couple articles
Oops, I'm behind on my Sword Review updates. (And a lot else. But I'm trying to get caught up today.)
So, here's the latest from SR: a new cover, an article about SR and DEP's other ventures, and an article on getting out of the slush pile.
Enjoy!
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The Sword Review: Apr. 04 Update
A long-time supporter shares her talent for this month's new cover. With this, we begin Issue 25, marking the end of two full years of publication and beginning our third.
"Black Sheep Dragon - The dragon who wanted to be a knight" by Melinda S Reynolds
To begin this issue, we start off with an interview of Bill Snodgrass, co-founder of Double-Edged Publishing. Bill shares his views of where DEP has been and where it's heading.
"Third Year Begins - What's in store for DEP?" by Staff
Find out what's in the works for Double-Edged Publishing.
The Sword Review: Apr. 05 Update
Writers often ask and fans often wonder what it takes to get a story or novel published. Nancy Fulda, writer and editor, shares her insight into what happens on the editor's desk.
"Beyond the First Two Pages - A Three-Step Guide to Getting Out of the Slush Pile" by Nancy Fulda
“Hook your reader in the first paragraph,” the advice goes. And it’s good advice. The logistics of slush piles demand ruthlessness, and stories that don’t intrigue the reader early on won’t get a second chance later.
So, you’ve got your hook. It’s dramatic, it’s ingenious, and it’s free of typos. Your first two pages have been polished to near oblivion. Now what?
Now you must face an agonizing truth.
Getting the slusher to read your story is not the same thing as getting your story out of the slush pile.
Posted by Selena at 07:54 AM | Comments (0)
April 04, 2007
Aargh!
I woke up this morning, synched my pda to my laptop then discovered that everything had disappeared from my Entourage. It is now as pristine as the day installed. No email, no contacts, no tasks, no notes, no nothing.
I am trying not to panic.
Posted by Selena at 07:38 AM | Comments (0)
April 03, 2007
April Challenge Update
I am failing miserably at my April Challenge. I just can't seem to get much of anything done this week. There is always something getting in the way – the cold I woke up with Monday morning, the unplanned errands that keep popping up, the new phone service that still doesn't work….And I was going to work on writing at least 20 hours a week? What was I thinking?!
Posted by Selena at 08:17 PM | Comments (0)
Artist Attitude
A few times lately I've caught myself displaying a stereotypical "artist" attitude: the crazy idea that as a creative person I shouldn't have to concern myself with mundane things like making money and holding down a job. That I actually had these thoughts simultaneously amuses and frightens me. After all, who do I think I am? Seriously.
Sure, sometimes I feel like my minimum wage job is a waste of my time, that I've got more important things to do. But that's so arrogant, a quality I don't like to see in myself.
Most people have to work a full-time job. Most people have to make a living. Who am I to complain about a measly 20 hours a week?
Besides it's all really about the writing anyway. Even the job. Everything I do is fodder for writing.
Posted by Selena at 07:53 PM | Comments (0)
Quotes From My Day So Far
Today it's the moments that keep catching my attention:
Like the rare, maternal moment when I voiced the desire to have my daughter and soon-to-be-born granddaughter close by so I could make sure they are okay. (They are currently 2,000 miles away and planning to stay there.) My husband was almost as shocked as I was to hear that maternal remark come out of my mouth. Of course it was followed by, "It's a good impulse, but maybe not a practical one."
The situation, as they say, is "complicated." My frustration showed in my next observation: "I have lots of dreams, that doesn't mean any of them are going to come true."
Then later, I was dealing with the phone company and voiced this all-purpose declaration:
"We'll just have to see how it plays out."
That's my life in a nutshell. I can plan and dream all I want, but things will still go however they are going to go.
Posted by Selena at 12:28 PM | Comments (0)
RGR: The Real Issue #19 Arrives!
For all you space opera fans out there, the new issue of RGR has arrived!
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Ray Gun Revival Issue #19 has made it past the dimensional boundaries!
Nor to the Strong by Michael Merriam
Fiction
A weary soldier must come to grips with the line between being a warrior and being a murderer.
It Happened One Sunday by Tim Baer
Fiction
Something crashes into the parking lot of the Church one Sunday morning...
Deuces Wild: "In the Lap of the Gods, part four" by L. S. King
Serial Fiction
Can our heroes escape the self-destructing palace of the dead Eridani emperor?
Posted by Selena at 07:41 AM | Comments (0)
April 02, 2007
Ted King Leaves GH-and really who could blame him!
I heard recently that Ted King is leaving "General Hospital." The news saddened me a bit because he is my favorite actor and favorite character (Lorenzo Alcazar) on GH. For the longest time, he has been the main reason I watched, especially during the CarLo heyday when he was paired with the luminous Tamara Braun. Ah, those were the days! Back then, GH was must see TV.
But I wasn't surprised to hear that King has quit GH. (I love King's quote about how the people who have been paying attention won't be surprised by his announcement.) The writers at GH have been marginalizing the character of Lorenzo Alcazar for a long time now. It's been a waste of King's talent and charisma. And, as if that wasn't bad enough, lately the GH writers have been writing Lorenzo in a way inconsistent with the character people like me grew to love back in the day. Are we really supposed to believe that Lorenzo would let Skye think he is still mentally impaired (from brain surgery) so that he could hide behind her, thus putting her and his daughter in danger? Come on! No way!
And I can't tell you how much that scene with Carly, Skye and Lorenzo pained me. Carly and Lorenzo had something once. I was there. It was real. (Well, not really real, but you get my drift.) Plenty of viewers, like me, found their romance compelling. Sure, a different actress was playing Carly then, but still it's supposed to be the same character. To now see Carly be so hateful to Lorenzo, and for Lorenzo to be so indifferent to Carly—it was more than I could bear.
As I watched last week's scenes, I kept thinking, "no wonder he quit!" I'm only watching and I can't stand to see what the writers have done to the character of Lorenzo. How much worse must it be for King to have to act the part?!?!
The good news is that now Ted King can move on to someplace that values him, and I now have all this extra time in my schedule because there's no longer any reason for me to watch GH at all.
Posted by Selena at 10:44 AM | Comments (0)
April 01, 2007
April Challenge: 20/20/20
This month I decided to challenge myself to devote as much time to writing and editing as I do to my new "day job." It seems only fair since writing and editing are the tasks closest to my heart.
So, that's 20 hours a week on the J-O-B, 20 hours on writing, and 20 hours on DKA and SR editorial duties. A total of 60 hours a week.
Pretty ambitious, I think. I may have to give up watching TV in order to make time. ;)
For the writing part, I've decided to focus on improving my craft. 'Cause it seriously needs improving if I hope to ever be able to make a living at this writing thing. Or even minimum wage, or even "McDonald's money." (By "McDonald's money," I mean enough cash to keep me in French fries and cheeseburgers, i.e. little more than pocket change.)
I'm not doing so great on my goal though. I've only logged a couple hours of writing and a couple of editing so far today. I better get to it.
I guess it's time to crack open that "Portable MFA in Creative Writing" again.
Posted by Selena at 05:51 PM | Comments (0)
RGR: Special Edition
You've got to check out the latest edition of Ray Gun Revival!
How's that for some fantastic cover art!
In this issue:
I See Dead Space Monkees by Haley Joe Osmond
Fiction
A bold story from an avant garde author, this story asks the question, ‘what is real’? Is this story even here?
Flaming Snotballs by Ebix Van Beagle
Fiction
A spirited story from a youth author about matters left unspecified. (The kids will [b]love[/b] it.)
The Adventures of the Sky Pirate, Chapter Ten, "Aye, Robot!" by Johne Cook
Serial Fiction
Flynn dialogues with a killer robot in an phony pirate dialect.
Deuces Mild, Chapter Elevensies, “Time Enough For Tea?” by L. S. King
Serial Fiction
After facing killer cartels, fierce assassins, predatory princesses, and a horse, Slap and Tristan take some time off for afternoon tea. Crumpets, anyone?
Hehe. I'm still laughing about Slap and Tristian taking tea.
Posted by Selena at 05:31 PM | Comments (0)
Dragons, Knights, & Angels - April Issue (#43)
The print edition for DKA's April issue is now available for sale through Lulu.com.
Just $6.49 (+ shipping)
This issue includes:
"Pilgrims" by Diane Gallant
"Hierophany" by Patricia Kelly
"Fun with Humans" by S. A. Miller
"Rain Mirror" by Joanna R. Smith
"Tiny Man and the Dragon" by Daniel Miller
and "Beyond the Abattoir – Metamorphosis" by Chris Miller
These works will be published online in April. Look for the first story to be published Saturday, April 3. (Fiction is usually published on Saturdays and poetry on Tuesdays.)
Or you could just buy the print edition now and read them all at once.
Enjoy!
Posted by Selena at 01:06 PM | Comments (0)