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 |   Exploring the future through the present. One day at a time. |
| Short and stout. But that's sharing nothing new. I've admitted more than once I'm short and stout. That's not all I have in common with a teapot, though. I'm full of water - 78% if I remember my biology class correctly - and I tend to percolate. Percolation is my state of mind, and has been for the last few days. That's why I haven't blogged or commented in yours much. Writing ideas keep bouncing around in my head. They mostly pertain to what God expects of me, and how I need to open up more with my faith - a no-compromise approach. This comes mostly from the devotional book I just finished called "Write His Answer" by Marlene Bagnull and a writing instruction book called "Introduction to Christian Writing" by Ethel Herr. I feel God pushing me to write about him with no apology. That's scary, because inevitably I'll step on a few toes. That's how it's supposed to be. Jesus didn't compromise, and he stepped on some very big toes - hard. If I am to live as he lived, I can do no less. Anyway, that's what's going on in my head. Hopefully I won't let these ideas percolate so long I'll explode. Now for a Thomas update: He's sleeping in his swing right now. He's in a growth spurt right now, so all he does is eat, sleep and super-poop. Yep, his diapers can't contain his poo sometimes. In the last four days, he's slept most of the night, not waking up until about 4:30am. Whew! We'll see how long that lasts! He's also turned into quite the talker. He can't form words as yet, but he does love to coo. I'm teaching him how to stick out his tongue on command. Dave's teaching him how to blow spit-bubbles. Rude, I know, but fun. Anything to get Thomas to smile and try to laugh. We had supper with our neighbors last night, Wayne and Karen. Thomas fell in love with Wayne right away. He grinned every time Wayne spoke, and was so comfortable in his arms, he fell right to sleep. He also enjoyed Karen - probably because she fed him. Who wouldn't like someone who gives you food (or milk in this case)? They offered more than once to take Thomas so Dave and I can have a few hours alone. Seeing how well they treated Thomas and how much they enjoyed it, I'll be comfortable leaving him alone with them. We have a long list of offers for babysitting, but so far only three are on my Okay List. Boy I do go on and on about Thomas now don't I? I suppose that's normal for a parent, yes? Thanks for enduring me! |
| Needles never bothered me. Oh, sure, I cried when I first remember receiving Penicillin shots in both my butt cheeks to help alleviate my tonsillitis. I used to get it every year, so I anticipated those shots. The last time I had to get the shots was the first time I didn't cry. Go figure. Though they hurt, they didn't bother me, if that makes sense. They still don't. Whenever my blood gets drawn or need a shot for something, I actually enjoy watching. I'm sure I wouldn't feel that way if I didn't have such good veins. Rarely has a nurse or doctor have to try more than once to stick me in the right spot. The only exception was when the nurses tried to give me an IV for Thomas’s birth. Apparently the veins in my hands are squirmy, and I have a lot of little valves that it took them four tries to get it in. Still it didn't bother me. In fact I teased the nurses about it. Was that mean of me? Though I didn’t see the needle, I felt it go in my back for the epidural. Granted I was already a bit drugged up with a painkiller called Nubane (I think), but before going in I knew I would handle it okay. I never thought a needle would bother me until now. Thomas had a follow up doctor’s appointment on Friday. They checked is weight; he gained 2.5 pounds in the last month putting him at 11 lb, 6 oz. He also grew an astounding 2.5 inches as well making him just shy of 24 inches. He’s a little weed that one. The doctor was also impressed at how well he’s holding up his head, moving his arms and legs and how alert he is. He also received his first vaccinations. One was oral, which he seemed to enjoy, but the other three were shots in his thighs, two in one leg, and one in the other. I watched the nurse stick him as I held his hands so he wouldn’t squirm too much. She was very quick about it. I was fine until he screamed in pain, his face turning red and tears filling his blue eyes. After she put the Band-Aids on I held him close. He didn’t cry long, thank goodness. The doctor recommended we give him children’s Tylenol for the pain, which we did first thing when we came home. It seemed to do the trick. For a while. He cried a lot that night, more than usual, and I could tell it was a pain-filled cry. I couldn’t help but cry with him. While I’ll still be able to watch Thomas get shots, it’ll hurt, more than those Penicillin shots I received as a child. Huh. I just realized this was is a morose subject; not quite appropriate for Easter, now is it? So on that note, as Thomas sleeps contentedly with no memory of his shots, I wish you all a happy and peaceful Easter. Much love to you! |
| karabu asked in my previous entry to see if she could read the back cover. In case you were also curious, here it is: Hope comes in unexpected ways, and from unexpected people. A fiery shuttle accident leaves Preeah Neyshal so disfigured, returning to her old life is impossible. She soon finds herself with little money, no prospects, and a singular desire to buy her next Crystal fix. Quinley Lear, a man with a past eerily similar to hers, gives her an opportunity for a better life. What he expects in return, however, is more than she can accept. Preeah tries to run away, but her past catches up to her. Now lives other than her own are at risk. She must choose between the two people she loves the most, a choice that will result in death either way. This is also far from perfect, so I welcome any suggestions. Happy Hump Day! |
| I'm never satisfied. Maybe that's why I like to edit. I've edited my first manuscript over a dozen times - I've lost count. My other novels I'm working on at least the third major draft of each. If I could keep my short stories short and not turn them into novels, again I'm in constant edit mode. While good in a way, editing can also get me into a rut. I'm not coming up with new ideas as long as I edit my old stuff. Working with graphics helps. For instance, did you know writing is actually a left-brain (logical) activity along with mathematics? I learned that from an article in "Writer's Digest" - except I can't find it online, darn it. If I do find it, I’ll link it. Here it is: http://www.writersdigest.com/articles/vaughn_meeting_minds.asp Switching then to a right-brained activity gives my left-brain time to rest and simmer on the things I’m stuck on, or tired of. In this case it was working on those book covers. Like with my writing, I’m never satisfied with my graphics. I’m always going in and tweaking them. Even though I liked how the second cover turned out, it wasn’t perfect. It’s still not perfect, but I think it’s much better now:  Whether or not I’ll soon gain motivation to write new stuff, or once again tackle old stuff remains to be seen. |
| Since my last entry was so long, I'll make this one short. Actually, I'm making this one short because I only have short thoughts. It's only logical (have I been watching too much Star Trek?) since I'm so short. Tall thoughts simply wouldn't fit in my frame. The baptism was nice. Thomas behaved himself. Plus Pastor Kermit has that special touch. I have yet to see a child cry when he holds them. I wasn't certain he remembered I asked for a private service (Dave's choice, not mine), so my mother and Thomas's godparents (Dave's cousin and his wife) were forced to suffer through the church service. HA! Ain't I a meany? I hope my mother won't think she's going to Hell now because she attended a church other than a Catholic one. Kidding! We have a nice certificate as proof he's now spiritually legal  . We also received a silver spoon we can send in to have his name engraved for free, a quilt with his name and baptism date, and a hand-carved cross to hang above his bed. We dressed Thomas in a nice shirt and pants, with a hand-made crochet white sweater a family member of Dave's made for him. I have pictures, but have yet to download them. Too lazy. I think Thomas is starting to teethe already because he's drooling more and chewing on his hands. He also cries like he's in pain and only a pacifier to chew on or me rubbing his gums quiets him down. It's a bit early, but not unheard of. How do you know when you've been spending too much time on a computer? When you're writing or editing something by hand, and you keep searching for the save button. |
| That’s a question people have been debating for centuries. Those on each side of the argument are adamant their point of view is correct, and they each have the scripture to back it up. On the side of baptism being a requirement: Matthew 3:13-15: “Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. ‘I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,’ he said, ‘so why are you coming to me?’ “But Jesus said, ‘It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.’ So John agreed to baptize him.” Mark 16: 16: “Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” Acts 2:38: “Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:24: “Before [Jesus] came, John the Baptist preached that all the people of Israel needed to repent of their sins and turn to God and be baptized.” Colossians 2:12: “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” On the side of baptism being unnecessary: Mark 1:4 “This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.” This could be used to prove both sides of the argument, but notice the word should instead of must. Also, it states that baptism shows they had repented, not that baptism was required for forgiveness. Mark 16: 16: “Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” You may wonder why I use this scripture for both. Simple. The last sentence does not say anyone who refuses to believe AND be baptized will be condemned. Luke 3:16: “John answered their questions by saying, ‘I baptize you with [ Or in.] water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. [ Or in the Holy Spirit and in fire.]’” Acts 8:14-17: “When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15 As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Another example that can be used to prove both sides of the argument. However, Peter didn’t baptize the believers with water, but laid hands on them instead. So which is it? Must I be baptized with water in order to receive salvation? Since there are scriptural references going both ways, I turn to what I know about the nature of God. There are many churches such as the Salvation Army who don’t believe water baptism is a requirement. Does that mean every member of the Salvation Army is doomed to Hell? What about the countless children who didn’t live long enough to be baptized? Does God send them directly to the fires as well? If God is love, I suggest not, any more than my parents would permanently turn their backs on me because I refuse to shower. I also have never been baptized, nor do I anticipate ever doing so. Is my soul in jeopardy though I’ve given it and my live to God, and asked forgiveness of my sins through the blood of Jesus Christ? If I am to die without a minister or preacher pour water over me, is my entire life a waste? I’m willing to acknowledge I perhaps test God by not being baptized. But I also trust in God’s love enough he won’t hold it against me. As Mark 1:4 said, baptism is an outward expression that we have repented of our sins. It comes after we accept salvation, not before or even during. I show through my other actions I have accepted Jesus as my savior. It’s baptism of the Holy Spirit that matters. Why then is Thomas going to be baptized tomorrow? Does that make me a hypocrite, or at least uncertain as to my belief, willing to jeopardize my soul, but not my son’s? No. As Mark 1:4 said, baptism is an outward expression of what’s already taken place in the heart and soul. Dave and I wish to show our friends and family that we will raise Thomas to learn about and (hopefully) accept Jesus as his savior for himself. That’s what baptism means to me. Change ‘o subject! I played around with creating my book cover over the last few days. This is my first idea:  I like it, but it doesn’t quite fit a science fiction novel. I would expect to see something like this in the literary fiction aisle. I’ll keep it though. If I ever write a literary fiction novel, or even a memoir, this might come in handy. I gave it another try. I was at first going to use something from my many clipart collections, but then feared I might be violating a copyright. After reading the fine print, I discovered my collections all state the artwork belongs to them. I have free use of it, as long as I don’t seek to make money off of them. Using it on a book cover I intend to sell would be considered a copyright infringement, I’m sure. I had to come up with something unique and all my own. I must admit I’m a bit surprised how well it turned out:  ‘Nother change o’ subject! I was feeding Thomas last night, and I noticed he was making funny noises, and his eyes were bright and squinty as though he was very happy about something. I removed the bottle from his mouth, and sure enough he was grinning. And then he laughed. And laughed. It was still a bit breathy, but most definitely a laugh. It lasted long enough Dave took a few 5-10 second videos from my digital camera of it. The videos turned out so dark we could barely see him. You can hear him, though. I’ve watched the videos at least a dozen times now, and I still giggle. These constant milestones of Thomas’s growth – however tiny – are a blast to watch. Lastly! Special thanks to zwisis for the merit circle: ![Merit Badge in Opinion
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If you ever doubt your voice read the description on both your Opinion badges. I am proud to give this to a lady who writes beautifully and presents her point of view in a clear, concise and respectful manner.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/genre-Opinion-1150.gif) I’ll try to be opinionated more often  . |
| I really did. After 2½ years, I shouldn’t have difficulty writing about what matters to me. But I do. Reading zwisis’s last two entries and subsequent comments didn’t help any. Here she writes about the things she cares deeply about, and does so with eloquence and reason. Her entries are so well-researched, it’s difficult to find argument. All the subsequent comments (except mine) are equally eloquent and well-reasoned. I can’t do that. I thought I had the confidence and the talent to do so, but since I haven’t written about deep or controversial issues, I haven’t been challenged. I've lost the knack. However, I always say bravery is not the absence of fear, but moving on in spite of it. Writing about the weather or what my little one did yesterday takes no courage. Writing about subjects that people have strong – and varied – opinions about does take courage. I know what you’re going to say now. It’s my blog and I can write about whatever I want. What does it matter what other people think? It does matter. I don’t write this for me. If I did, I may as well make it private and leave no opportunity for others to comment. I write to communicate, and if I can’t communicate my thoughts or beliefs, then I waste everyone’s time. I’ve also learned I can’t write about anything else except what’s burning in my mind. No more entries on any subject until I write the one that scares me. I will do so, just not today. Tomorrow or Sunday most likely. I have to do some research before I go any further, because it’s easy to state what I think or believe. It’s quite another to prove it, or at least back it up so you understand how I came to a specific conclusion. Right now I have to go to work for a bit. One of my bosses needs to talk to me. I hope I’m not getting fired . . . I doubt it, but I can’t help but think it since I’m not getting what he wants done. Geez, am I a worry-wart today, or what? |
| I don't have much to say other than the desire to jump to the top of the blog list for 34.56 seconds. Actually, that's a bit optimistic. Make that 0.154 seconds. When Thomas finds ways to either sleep or entertain himself, I'm finishing up my novella for publication. I'm leaning toward BookSurge, a subsidiary of Amazon.com. If I create my own cover as well as format the manuscript according to their specifications, publication - which includes the ISBN number and listing on Amazon as well as a few other online bookstores - and 20 copies for my personal use will cost a mere $299. I could add on a bunch of features such as professional editing, but that can easily jump the price up to over $2,000. $300 sounds much more appealing. Plus I'm working with a gal there who so far is very helpful. It's nice to have a real person available to hold my hand through the process. I don't have the cash now, but hopefully by the time I'm finished, I'll have scraped enough to pay for it. After that comes some promotion (don't worry Voxxylady  , I'll keep the quality of my writing a priority ). With so much technology at my disposal, I'll be able to get a good start, such as my portfolio, creating a website, and myspace. The book isn't big or important enough for other types of promotion such as book signings; I want to use this book to gain a following for when my other books get published. It probably sounds like a pie-in-the-sky dream right now, but that's what writers do best - dream. May as well dream big if I am to dream at all. Plus, with so many of you publishing on your own, I have many a resource to answer any questions that come up. Anyway, that's the thought bouncing around in my brain. Not much else going on except trying to figure out why my little one is so fussy today. Later! |
| This just in! I agree with the Democrats! I’m shocked, stunned, and I don’t think I’ll tell many people (family especially, the Libertarians that they are) I’m in agreement with something the Democrats said. Here’s the article in question: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080307/ap_on_go_ot/dear_taxpayer_3 Lucky those who filed tax returns are going to get a letter from the IRS stating they qualify for the tax rebate and will soon receive it. The Democrats state it’s a waste of time and money. Well, duh! Wouldn’t a simple press release suffice, like, I don’t know, the article above? After all, I’ve known I’ll be getting a rebate for over a month now. I don’t need the government to spend an extra $42 million to tell me again. It reeks of a teenager telling everyone he or she knows that he/she (I hate political correctness!) scored the winning point on the basketball game so as to gain more friends. Sorry, there is nothing this government can do that will impress me, unless they decide to cut my taxes, quit paying subsidies on money-losers such as ethanol (some may disagree with me on this), teach people to become self-sufficient instead of paying them to sit on their ass, have more children, and never marry - oh, I could go on, but you get my point. I do disagree with the Democrats on where to spend the money, however. They want it spent on catching tax-evaders instead. How’s this for an idea: put it toward the national debt?! But that’s too risky, ain’t it? That helps no one on the short term (read: no good for our politicians; money placed in people’s pockets right this instant equals more votes). It is, after all, an election year. |
| To help prepare for writing a cover letter to a literary agency, I re-read "How to Write Attention-Grabbing Query & Cover Letters" by John Wood. He stated at the beginning that writing letters has become a lost art. No surprise considering we now communicate via email, text messaging, and phone calls. With this fast-paced world we live in, we simply don't want to take the time to write a long letter to family and friends who live far away. Mr. Wood said at one point, ". . . we'll drive across country to say "Hi" before we drop anything in the mail. I know for certain I've lost the knack for writing letters, and not just because I'm daunted by writing a simple cover letter. I'm sending a bunch of photographs of Thomas to his grandpa, and wanted to include a letter with it. Ha! Talk about a pathetic letter. It's a measly five sentences long, and that includes a P.S. my hubby wrote. You'd think a writer would have more to say to her dad. Truth is, I probably do, but don't want to take the time and effort to do it. Well, that's not true. I want to, but what do I say? Write about the weather? How boring is that? I could add all the funny things Thomas does, but he's still not doing much beyond eating, sleeping, pooping and crying. Like anything, writing letters comes with practice. I would like to master the art of writing letters, just like I mastered (somewhat) the art of writing a blog. Certainly I can even take what I've written here and make a letter out of it. I like to write letters by hand to friends and family. It makes it much more personal. For instance, as part of a Disciple III lesson, we had to write an encouraging letter to someone who needed it. We wrote two, and I was the only one who wrote it by hand. Everyone else used a computer. I ask you a question. Do you appreciate handwritten letters more than typewritten ones? Before I close, I want to express a little annoyance. I went to work today for a little bit to pick up some stuff they want done. I then got a frustrated look from the project manager when I told him I didn't finish other projects they gave me a few weeks ago. For one, they kept giving me other stuff that needed to be done first. Oh, and I have a newborn to take care of. Yeah, that takes a little time - when I'm not zoning in front of the television watching soaps and eating bon-bons  .Sheesh. You can always tell the person who either never had children, or it had been so long he forgot how much work it is. Okay, rant done. Happy Friday! Now where did I hide my bon-bons? |
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