On: Friday Tidbits

Life is moving along in my world. I haven't sat down to write recently, not something that a writer should admit.

I've been splitting my focus between school, Munchkin, and an uncontrollable need to create things with my hands.

Crocheted baby blankets, hats, scarves.

Plus, I've recently become the proud owner of a sewing machine, so I'm slowly learning the ropes on that.

I keep telling myself to sit and write, but it hasn't worked. I feel like I've got the attention span of a gnat on crack.

Soon, right?

What about you?

R.S.

On: Baby News

So, the Marine and I found out we are going to be the proud parents of a baby boy come June. The Munchkin is excited to welcome her brother, and is looking forward to being a big sister.

Now to just get through the next few months.

What things are you looking forward to in the coming months?

R.S.

On: Jimmy's World

* This was meant to go out at 0600 Friday, but some how I forgot to actually publish it. I blame pregnancy brain.

I don't know if many of you ever read the article "Jimmy's World", in the Washington Post on September 28, 1980. It won a Pulitzer Prize, that was later returned when the truth of the article came to light. Click here for the article.

Maybe it’s because I write fiction myself that the first half of the article actually sounded like the beginning of a story, not of an article in a well respected newspaper. The details were too flowery for me to not question the legitimacy of it. I’m not saying journalist don’t have a way with words, but there tends to be a more clinical feel to every article I’ve ever read. 

Whereas, a lot of people wouldn’t believe it, because the thought of a child being shot up by an adult, and none of the adults doing anything about it, seems too horrible and farfetched, that isn’t what rings false for me. Granted, that could be, because I’ve seen the track marks first hand on a child who was much younger than eight (the daughter of a neighbor who, thanks to police intervention no longer has access to the poor child). This world is a horrible and terrifying place a lot of the time.

Which does bring me to another thing I found questionable, and had I not already suspected the article of being a mostly well done work of fiction, would have made me (especially if I was an editor) wonder about the authenticity of the article. Where was the police intervention? Where was the school or CPS? I realize in the 80’s things weren’t like they are now, but even then, as a child in San Diego, I remember my teacher showing up on my doorstep with my homework when I missed more than one day of class.  

What are you thoughts and insights into this article? I'd love to know. 

R.S.

On: New Year, New Goals, New Plans

Everyone seems to make resolutions at the beginning of each new year. I've never been good with resolutions.

I'm much better with the word goals. Goals seem to be something solid. Something you can make legitimate plans for.

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm happiest when there is a plan of action in place.

Gone are the days when flying by the seat of my pants was the way to go. Anymore, the thought of that makes me a little queasy and ready to run for the hills.

I think I'm getting old.

Being pregnant doesn't help that either, especially when I have to hit the restroom every 45 minutes without fail. My bladder has shrunk to the size of a pea. Possibly a dehydrated baby pea.

Anyway, onto the Goals for the 2013 year.

• Blog at least once every week, on Fridays.
• Become more active in promoting my blog, and connecting with others through social media.
• Write one piece of Flash Fiction each month.
• Self-publish two more works. Either novels or short stories.
• Give birth to a happy and healthy baby.
• Return to my everyday yoga practice.
• Finish my yoga instructor training (the one that got postponed due to pregnancy)
• Keep positive reminders around me, so when I feel down or dark I can remember the good.
• Snuggle with my children as often as possible.
• Take time for myself.
• Make time for at least one date night a month (when the Marine is home).
• Be the best version of me I can be.

  Make 2013 your year. I know I will.

 What are your goals and plans for the New Year? I'd love to hear. 

R.S.

On: Soup On A Cold Desert Night

I know, it isn't much of a picture, but what can be expected from a cell phone. ;)

It's been a bit chilly here in the desert, so I thought I'd try out my new crockpot. The old one died a few weeks ago while I was making beef stew. That was a sad day.

Anyway, I grabbed the leftover turkey from Christmas, some carrots, mushrooms, onion and celery, and tossed it into the pot along with a can of of chicken broth and a can of cream of mushroom chicken soup. Did I mention the 'splash' of wine? ;)

Anyway after eight hours it was divine, and we'll have leftovers again tomorrow.

What is your favorite soup on a day like this?

R.S.