Ah... the first pages of the novel are written, with more words flowing down to the paper. It's a lovely feeling.
Unfortunately our weekend travel plans to Wooster fell through, but it was a relaxing weekend nevertheless. We plan to go after Labor Day weekend, which will be spent at the cottage in northern Michigan, canoeing and swimming in store (along with the opening game of The Ohio State football team... ironic that we shall watch it in Michigan...). But first, I must get through the drunken endevour of the big 3-0 day. As carefully planned, the party location is within walking distance. One does get smarter about their drinking as they get older, eh?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
One should not dwell too long in the words of Nietzsche, lest one becomes blurry and must retreat to eating icecream.
Perhaps the last words spoken by one character in the novel:
"He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. And if though gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee." (Beyond Good and Evil)
Perhaps the last words spoken by one character in the novel:
"He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. And if though gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee." (Beyond Good and Evil)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The hateful heat wave has now passed and left us our reward for survival: the romantically breezy days of summer.
The heat has a murderous effect on this city, where people are already too uptight. They become vengeful, like a psychopath ready to jump out of their own skin. The smiles are melted off their faces and the heat becomes the fault not of Nature, but of everyone around them.
Tempers rage at children, who don't yet feel the affect of heat, they rather enjoy it as they splash around in swimming pools and run through backyard sprinklers. Tempers rage at husbands and wives who already hate each other. The heat makes them think of murder. Tempers rage at other drivers on the road, who likewise are only trying to get home and into the comfort of central air and out of the smoggy humidity-filled passage of the highway.
They cannot control their tempers in this heat. To them, the haze of humidity penetrates their lungs, giving their speech only bouts of comments, the fewer words the better. It penetrates their skin so that they recoil away from the loving touch of others. It penetrates their skin and goes into the blood stream such that it boils with anger and infects their logic and reason.
Thankfully, the heat wave only lasted a week. Any longer and their might have been a jump in the homicide rate.
The haze has now lifted and one can see the blue skies again. The trees oblige with cool wisps of air, felt through open windows and doors, a glorious dance of acceptance of Nature's change of plans. The chirping of birds now sounds of a welcoming song to enjoy the day.
And now the people of this city relax and ease their temperament. The husband kisses the wife in the morning on his way out the door, knowing of the pleasantness outside. People smile at each other once again.
The heat has a murderous effect on this city, where people are already too uptight. They become vengeful, like a psychopath ready to jump out of their own skin. The smiles are melted off their faces and the heat becomes the fault not of Nature, but of everyone around them.
Tempers rage at children, who don't yet feel the affect of heat, they rather enjoy it as they splash around in swimming pools and run through backyard sprinklers. Tempers rage at husbands and wives who already hate each other. The heat makes them think of murder. Tempers rage at other drivers on the road, who likewise are only trying to get home and into the comfort of central air and out of the smoggy humidity-filled passage of the highway.
They cannot control their tempers in this heat. To them, the haze of humidity penetrates their lungs, giving their speech only bouts of comments, the fewer words the better. It penetrates their skin so that they recoil away from the loving touch of others. It penetrates their skin and goes into the blood stream such that it boils with anger and infects their logic and reason.
Thankfully, the heat wave only lasted a week. Any longer and their might have been a jump in the homicide rate.
The haze has now lifted and one can see the blue skies again. The trees oblige with cool wisps of air, felt through open windows and doors, a glorious dance of acceptance of Nature's change of plans. The chirping of birds now sounds of a welcoming song to enjoy the day.
And now the people of this city relax and ease their temperament. The husband kisses the wife in the morning on his way out the door, knowing of the pleasantness outside. People smile at each other once again.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Ovid's The Metamorphoses has provided quite a bit of good reading in relation to the novel I'm writing. A brief description of the novel in Ovid's tonuge:
"I swear by all the rivers
Of deepest Hell my best is done to conquer
Human Ill: the best is not enough; taint
Must be cut from flesh as with a cleansing
Knife the body cured."
(Book I, Ages of Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron)
Her words in tears: "How can I desecrate
My mother's spirit? O forgive me, Goddess."
(Book I, Deucalion and Pyrrha)
"One day - and that was very long ago -
We lived within the womb of our first mother,
And we were scarcely more than hopes of men,
Seeds of the first beginning, till Nature's hands
(How artfully she worked to suit her purpose!)
Gave us our destiny to live beyond
distending walls which held us coiled in darkness,
So from that home we fell to worldy being.
...
Time wears away the engery, the vigour
Of earlier years within the wasting body."
And the most important one...
"Nothing retains the shape of what it was,
And Nature, always making old things new,
Proves nothing dies within the universe,
But takes another being in new forms.
What is called birth is change from what we were,
And death the shape of being left behind.
Though all things melt or grow from here to there,
Yet the same balance of the world remains."
(Book XV, The Philosopher)
"I swear by all the rivers
Of deepest Hell my best is done to conquer
Human Ill: the best is not enough; taint
Must be cut from flesh as with a cleansing
Knife the body cured."
(Book I, Ages of Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron)
Her words in tears: "How can I desecrate
My mother's spirit? O forgive me, Goddess."
(Book I, Deucalion and Pyrrha)
"One day - and that was very long ago -
We lived within the womb of our first mother,
And we were scarcely more than hopes of men,
Seeds of the first beginning, till Nature's hands
(How artfully she worked to suit her purpose!)
Gave us our destiny to live beyond
distending walls which held us coiled in darkness,
So from that home we fell to worldy being.
...
Time wears away the engery, the vigour
Of earlier years within the wasting body."
And the most important one...
"Nothing retains the shape of what it was,
And Nature, always making old things new,
Proves nothing dies within the universe,
But takes another being in new forms.
What is called birth is change from what we were,
And death the shape of being left behind.
Though all things melt or grow from here to there,
Yet the same balance of the world remains."
(Book XV, The Philosopher)
Friday, August 1, 2008
Absolutely disgusting outside. You can feel the humidity the moment you step outside, and it's haze permiates everything, including your skin and lungs. The heat isn't too bad. I've lived in hotter weather in Phoenix in the summer. And there, it doesn't really matter if it is dry or humid, 115 is still 115. But this... blah. It's been threatening to rain all week, but no relief is to be found apparently for the moment.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
It was extremely difficult to stop myself from continuing to write last night, but it became the middle of the night and my hand was cramping so bad I nearly took a muscle relaxer. Twenty-five pages of writing on the first two chapters, both which will be longer than I anticipated. The earlier days of the week were mainly spent doing some necesary research before I could write the first two chapters.
Now, I need A LOT of research for the third and fourth, so other than re-writing out the actual long versions of the first and second, as my writing last night was not the complete version, some dialogue and outline of events in very specific detail, but not the actual chapters themselves, so there is still much work yet to be done to the first two chapters.
The third and fourth chapters require a good deal of geographical research on the location in which the second main character lives. This will require my computer to stop acting like a bitch. Or I guess the easier solution would be to get the internet finally hooked up to Matt's computer and use it during the day when he is not home.
Besides, we need to get our cable account set up anyway as the new football season will be starting up very soon. For all the football naysayers, just remember that a man used to be well-rounded, sound body and sound mind, for him to be considered a great philosopher or poet.
Hemmingway liked football. Enough said.
Now, I need A LOT of research for the third and fourth, so other than re-writing out the actual long versions of the first and second, as my writing last night was not the complete version, some dialogue and outline of events in very specific detail, but not the actual chapters themselves, so there is still much work yet to be done to the first two chapters.
The third and fourth chapters require a good deal of geographical research on the location in which the second main character lives. This will require my computer to stop acting like a bitch. Or I guess the easier solution would be to get the internet finally hooked up to Matt's computer and use it during the day when he is not home.
Besides, we need to get our cable account set up anyway as the new football season will be starting up very soon. For all the football naysayers, just remember that a man used to be well-rounded, sound body and sound mind, for him to be considered a great philosopher or poet.
Hemmingway liked football. Enough said.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Today's post will paint a much nicer, and more appropriate, image of my wonderful man. Even though I did wake up, walk down the hall, into my den and nearly stepped on a sopping wet cloth that turned out to be his running shirt from this morning. Really, why the fuck is it lying next to MY desk? Anyway...
It seems, even after almost 4 years you can learn something new about a person. In this case, this evening while discussing cameras, since I intend to purchase one finally in a couple of weeks, Matt goes to the closet and breaks out a large box that contains photography equipment. A nice camera, a movie camera, darkroom equipment, etc. ??????
Okay, when did this happen, I ask, a bit confused as to why it took this long to discover. "Um... I did go to film school sweetie." "I know, but why didn't you show me all this before?" [Needless to say, there was a good answer, just not one that needs to be shared with the world as it is Matt's personal reason and this is not his blog, nor does it have any meaning to the point of this story.]
And that point being, is that I'll finally LEARN how to use a camera the correct way instead of paying for a class at the Art Academy like I was intending to upon making the decision to purchase a good camera because I will finally have someone to teach me.
And the man redeems himself nicely so.
It seems, even after almost 4 years you can learn something new about a person. In this case, this evening while discussing cameras, since I intend to purchase one finally in a couple of weeks, Matt goes to the closet and breaks out a large box that contains photography equipment. A nice camera, a movie camera, darkroom equipment, etc. ??????
Okay, when did this happen, I ask, a bit confused as to why it took this long to discover. "Um... I did go to film school sweetie." "I know, but why didn't you show me all this before?" [Needless to say, there was a good answer, just not one that needs to be shared with the world as it is Matt's personal reason and this is not his blog, nor does it have any meaning to the point of this story.]
And that point being, is that I'll finally LEARN how to use a camera the correct way instead of paying for a class at the Art Academy like I was intending to upon making the decision to purchase a good camera because I will finally have someone to teach me.
And the man redeems himself nicely so.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Well, I finally did it. After all this time saying I wouldn't, or that I didn't have the time or any other excuse I could think of, I decided to finally do it.
I joined Facebook. AHHH!!!
Now, on to a rather important subject. My dear Matt seems to have formed some impression in his mind that I should be acting more housewifey since I'm home all day long. He hasn't actually said those words, but he frequently makes the comment, "You're the one who's home all day." Yes, that is true. Home, attempting to HEAL, not clean up after YOU. Because his idea of doing the dishes is to fill the sink with water and put the dishes in the sink. Or starting the laundry means picking up the clothes and putting them in the laundry basket.
Close baby, but no cigar. And then he wonders why I've left it that way to see if he finishes what he started. No. He doesn't. And unfortunately I'm not the type who lets it stay unclean.
A reminder to Matt is #1 We're not married, #2 I'm not your bitch and #3 I might be at home all day right now but I'm still the one bringing in the money and paying the bills. Get off your ass and do it yourself. :)
He never reads this blog, so I can say whatever I want.
I joined Facebook. AHHH!!!
Now, on to a rather important subject. My dear Matt seems to have formed some impression in his mind that I should be acting more housewifey since I'm home all day long. He hasn't actually said those words, but he frequently makes the comment, "You're the one who's home all day." Yes, that is true. Home, attempting to HEAL, not clean up after YOU. Because his idea of doing the dishes is to fill the sink with water and put the dishes in the sink. Or starting the laundry means picking up the clothes and putting them in the laundry basket.
Close baby, but no cigar. And then he wonders why I've left it that way to see if he finishes what he started. No. He doesn't. And unfortunately I'm not the type who lets it stay unclean.
A reminder to Matt is #1 We're not married, #2 I'm not your bitch and #3 I might be at home all day right now but I'm still the one bringing in the money and paying the bills. Get off your ass and do it yourself. :)
He never reads this blog, so I can say whatever I want.
Monday, July 28, 2008
The weekend was pleasant. After recovering from Friday night, taking our 2 female cats to be fixed bright and early on Saturday morning, Matt and I continued on our writing. My computer was acting like a bitch, so I did some manual research, found a very appropriate book on my subject and digested it as quickly as possible as it was not pleasant reading material. And so, now Matt returns to work and I remain at home to make sure the kittens are okay and that our male kitten doesn't attack the females in their delicate state, continue writing and putting to use all of the interesting information I've learned.
It's rather nice to stay home and still get paid 100% of my salary and work on writing.
It's rather nice to stay home and still get paid 100% of my salary and work on writing.
Es ist nicht so, als ob ich jeden Glauben wird er tun, wie versprochen. Ich kenne ihn zu gut. Aber nach all diesen Jahren, ich hatte noch etwas Hoffnung. Ich weiß jetzt, mit seinem Schweigen, er ist nur möglich nach Erklärungen dafür, warum kann er nicht sein Versprechen zu halten.
Dieses Mal werde ich warten, für ihn zu finden, eine Entschuldigung anstatt Entschuldigungen für ihn. Wenn er sein Versprechen gehalten, wenn das Versprechen gemacht wurde, vielleicht wäre es nicht offensichtlich Heimsuchung der jetzt eine Aufgabe.
Ich frage mich nur, wie lange es dauert, ihn zu kommen, um seinen Grund.
Dieses Mal werde ich warten, für ihn zu finden, eine Entschuldigung anstatt Entschuldigungen für ihn. Wenn er sein Versprechen gehalten, wenn das Versprechen gemacht wurde, vielleicht wäre es nicht offensichtlich Heimsuchung der jetzt eine Aufgabe.
Ich frage mich nur, wie lange es dauert, ihn zu kommen, um seinen Grund.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
A Night at the Pub
Matt and I joined up with Eva and BJ at The Pub this evening, where they have plenty of great English and Irish beers on tap; expensive but well worth the money. It was a rather lovely evening, though separating the guys was nearly impossible as they engaged in lively discussions about everything from Buddism to the recent Indiana Jones movie and gushed over The Dark Knight. After knowing each other for over 11 years, Eva and I experienced the first time where WE were the designated drivers. (We're not usually drank under the table.)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
I was able to accomplish quite a bit on the novel yesterday, working on and off for almost 12 hours. it is amazing how much easier it is to do this writing when there are no other obligations. I will be finishing up a few of the outlines today, but need to work on the wedding invitations I'm designing and making for Eva's wedding. The design itself is actually done and a proof approved, so it's just a matter of printing and cutting and putting everything together. Nevertheless, 10 pages is still my goal for the day.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Today I learned that my 3 year old nephew was hit was a car yesterday. Luckily the car was only going 10 mph and basically just knocked him over and the guy driving the car was an EMT, so he was able to treat Ethan immediately. They took him to the hospital for evaluation and within hours he was already playing and laughing. It's amazing how children just bounce back after events like these. He's already been released from the hospital and is hom with his mother and doing well. Ethan's grandmother on his mom's side sent me these pictures of him.
Pathology results came back and there was no cancer! And I still have an additional five weeks off of work so that I can fully recover without the stress and pressure of working. Which also means I should be able to accomplish a considerable amount of writing. At a minimum of 5 pages written per day, 175 pages completed before returning to work, if not more. At my current rate though of 10 pages, double it and I should be completed with the entire novel. I'm not writing an epic, so 350 pages should be more than enough and probably a good 50-100 pages of that would probably be cut out in editing anyway.
I was looking up names and their meanings for determining character names and discovered the meaning of my own name.
Michelle (godly or god-like) Renee (born again) Rose (flower). So apparently I'm a godly born again flower. Matt's full name equals out to "gift of God" "little king" "ruler or saint." Not bad.
Now I'm on to the third character sketch and will probably do a general outline of the first 5-10 chapters.
It's finally cooled off here to a lovely 81 degrees, so there's no excuse not to sit out on the balcony and enjoy the fresh air without the humidity that's been smoothering all of us here in Cincinnati over the last week.
I was looking up names and their meanings for determining character names and discovered the meaning of my own name.
Michelle (godly or god-like) Renee (born again) Rose (flower). So apparently I'm a godly born again flower. Matt's full name equals out to "gift of God" "little king" "ruler or saint." Not bad.
Now I'm on to the third character sketch and will probably do a general outline of the first 5-10 chapters.
It's finally cooled off here to a lovely 81 degrees, so there's no excuse not to sit out on the balcony and enjoy the fresh air without the humidity that's been smoothering all of us here in Cincinnati over the last week.
Matt and I separated after dinner into our own private studies (it's very nice that we each of a room of our own aside from the bedroom) and began working on our own writing. I had custody of the kittens initially, but they began to drive me mad with their playing around my desk and feet that I banished them to Matt's study.
My hand is cramping so bad, if that gives any indication of how much writing was accomplished this evening. The character sketches are complete for 2 of 3 characters and the major storyline has been outlined. And just some basic ironing out of thoughts, a working journal you might call it.
Need to go to bed now. I won't be able to sleep in tomorrow as I have my post-op appointment with the doctor. I should know the results of the biopsy as well, though the doctor has assured me that he is very confident that there was no signs of maligant cancer when he removed the mass. Very good news to come I'm sure.
Guten Nacht.
My hand is cramping so bad, if that gives any indication of how much writing was accomplished this evening. The character sketches are complete for 2 of 3 characters and the major storyline has been outlined. And just some basic ironing out of thoughts, a working journal you might call it.
Need to go to bed now. I won't be able to sleep in tomorrow as I have my post-op appointment with the doctor. I should know the results of the biopsy as well, though the doctor has assured me that he is very confident that there was no signs of maligant cancer when he removed the mass. Very good news to come I'm sure.
Guten Nacht.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Chapter One of the novel begins again, anew. As I may have mentioned this in an earlier post, I've completely changed this novel from how it started out seven months ago. There are only two main characters now, both female, on different sides of an event that happens when both girls are young. They may never actually meet each other, that is yet to be decided and even when I do make that decision, I doubt I would tell... that would be the point of reading the novel. :)
Overall, it's been a rather creative day today. Oh, how I wish every day could be like today. But alas, working a job is necessary to keeping the soul fresh and in touch with reality.
Overall, it's been a rather creative day today. Oh, how I wish every day could be like today. But alas, working a job is necessary to keeping the soul fresh and in touch with reality.
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