Enviromental Preferences

Ever thought about what kind of terrain you prefer to live in and why? 

Many of us have not had a choice of the environment that we live in, because jobs have taken us where we currently live.  Many of us have been in that particular area for many years. Some of us have moved around frequently and have lived in many areas.  And, a few of us have been in our home town and it's environs all of our lives. We don't often think about our personal preferences, but, just for the sake of this article's question, "What do you prefer and why?"

I have resided in four different states--Texas, Missouri, California and Oregon--and not in that order.  Some areas I have loved, some I have tolerated.  Now, mind you, I am not talking about the people of these states.  Granted, in each area the culture and customs of the people are different, but I have found that I have loved all the people that I have met and still have friends in every area.

Some areas that I inhabited, to remain unnamed, were actually just an occupation of sorts, because I barely tolerated the setting. One such place was in a flat land with no trees anywhere, except where man had planted them, barely even shrubs native to the area.  Mostly grass land and tumbleweeds. The 'native' people loved it!  A friend bought a piece of property there and built a house.  When we went to see her new house, she stood in the driveway and said, "Isn't it so beautiful here!  You can see for miles around!"  I could see nothing but dirt and sky.  My feeling was shock, I felt it was stark and desolate.  It felt uncomfortable and exposed. 

As to the territories around each place that I lived, I won't go into each one, but I do have a preference.  As you can probably ascertain by the  last sentence in the previous paragraph, I need an environment of coziness with a feeling of cover.  I prefer a forested area.  There is just something about a habitat of old growth living green pines, firs and oaks with a lush undergrowth of ferns growing on fallen trees and underbrush where birds hop in and out looking for forage, that I truly love.  It gives me that warm, comfy feeling of being under my favorite quilt on a frosty morn. And like the patchwork quilt, my preferred environment would be so much more to look at than just dirt and sky.  My dream home would be in a cleared section of that forest, house facing the south to capture a little morning sun, and I would be in heaven!

How about you?

It's Sunday!

I celebrate with other people of a local Christian community on Sundays.  I offer this psalm as a part of my celebration of a God who loves people and provides a way for them to have relationship with Him.

Ps 32:1-6

a Psalm of David

1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" — and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Selah
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach them.
NIV

Don't Blink!

You watching me?

I'm climbin',

I'm exercisin' and

growin' tall.

Don't you blink,

You'll miss the link

between childhood

and me.

A Tendering in the Storm

I found this Linky party that involves BOOKS!  I love to read, and to write, so I decided to participate.
You grab any book--ANY book--and turn to page 56.  Then share a sentence or two that grabs you. 

After you read mine, please go to Freda's Voice and read a few of the other participants entries!  This ought to be fun!!!

"Just before dawn, twenty-five Indians drove a dozen oxen and neat cows into our camp.  They were animals we'd lost, and we were grateful to see them.  The natives brought fresh meat, too, and berries.  We made ready, my girls and I, to serve the men and their families with them.  My girls were eleven years, eight years, and six years old then, but they all knew how food was the servant of the heart."

I like this passage, because it shows acceptance of other cultures to the point of being a servant to them.  Also, I like it because it models mentorship--A mother mentoring her daughters.  Both of these principles seem to be lost to our generation, at times, with so much disagreement, and fighting over principles while vilifying others!   It's shameful and we would do well to learn kinder and gentler ways!

This excerpt is from A Tendering in the Storm by Jane Kirkpatrick.  It is book three in a series that starts with A Clearing in the Wild.  The books are based on the true story of a woman who was part of the Aurora Colony that settled here in Oregon.  The middle book is called A Mending at the Edge.  I love these historical novels, a fictionalized story of Emma Wagner Giesy.  I have visited the museum at Aurora and have even shown several of my quilts at their annual quilt show.

If you enjoy historical fiction, you might like to read this series!

Fall Small Stone

Photo is by pbphoto on Etsy

Misty drops on my forehead,

Wet grass underfoot.

Leaves of yellow and brown,

Crackling under with each step.

Crisp moist Fall air

In my nostrils.

Aw, Autumn

you're here again!
 lp

Photo is by phpoto on Etsy.  Please take time to visit the shop!  (click the link above) Thanks!

HEAT! Small Stone

Heat, heat, here again!  

Sweat I hate, uncomfortably sticky.
Fires everywhere, lightning go away!
Is this actually the pre-Autumn season? 
                                                 lp

Over the River--JOP Link Party!

Over the river and thru the field of wheat, the carriage raced for it's destination. That river crossing, well actually a large stream, had Ruby jostled pretty good, not to mention the water and mud spatters all over her new satin dress!  But no matter, they just had to reach the destination in time.  She yelled out the window at the driver, "How much longer? Will we make it?"  There was no answer. Probably the driver was so concentrating on the rutted dirt road that he didn't hear anything over the rattling noise of the carriage speeding along.  Ruby tried to settle back into the uncomfortable seat holding on tight to the open window frame.  She tried to ascertain where they were by the markings of the countryside.  There were thatched roof farm houses and huge haystacks everywhere dotting the fields.  In the distance she could see the rock outcroppings of the near coast.  But how far were we?  The ship just wouldn't wait, she had to get there!  

Did anyone else pick this sentence today?  Hope you had fun writing your piece today! Practicing our writing skills, is what this party all about!  This is your opportunity to 'Just WRITE'! We write from our hearts, our experiences, and our imaginations!  Join us next week (or this week if you haven't already done your blog post for today!)  Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome.  Challenge yourself.  START with one of the first lines provided here every Friday--thus the name: Jumping Off Places! (A review of how our party works can be found at the top of this page under the Jumping Off Places tab.)

First Lines for Next Week --Week TWELVE--the September 16th JOP Linky party. 

1)  There is was again, a faint tinkling sound.
2)  Ships sails were flapping in the wind fiercely.
3)  She sat in the corner, back to the wall, looking intently at the mouse.
4)  Manuals of all kinds lay on the floor at her feet, all around the desk. 
5)  Piece by piece, they worked.  

It's fun to see what everyone comes up with!   Link your submission below so we all can read and ENJOY!

Back to School Small Stone

Third Grader Indi

Eat breakfast, start engines human and mechanical, arrive new surroundings, smile big, stuff fear and enjoy! 



(Proud grandma presenting handsome hunk Indiana.)

Tight Writing Skills

Writers love words. 
But too many words make writing obese and unhealthy.
Writers spend time finding the perfect words for their descriptions;  so, it can be hard to slim down words to make a better more succinct writing product which is, therefore healthier.  Good writing is a rich idea with an economy of words.  Since re-writes take time, a few healthy habits at the beginning of a project will improve writing.

Here are just a few rules that may help:
1)  Check for run on sentences.  Thoughts are difficult to follow when the sentence goes on and on. Short sentences are easier to read and keep the meaning clear.
2)  Words like there, it, those, and that are vague and indefinate subjects. They should alert you to a problem.  i.e That should be elimanated. BETTER--These combinations should be elimanated;  i.e.  It is a difficult read that has no specific subject.  BETTER--Sentences with no specific subject make difficult reading.
3)  Check for wordiness.  One  or two adjectives will get your point across. You don't need a string of words to explain.
4)  Check for "deadwood" -- a word or phrase that adds nothing.  i.e kind of, sort of, the fact that etc.

Hope this helps . . . have fun with your writing. 
(If you are interested, check out the tab at the top of the page called Small Stones.  These exercises are fun and help with writing skills.  Tomorrow's post will be a small stone.)

JOP Link Party

(This is my submission from one of the first lines provided in last weeks JOP post.)

The squirrel in the tree sat extremely still with his eyes fixed on the stealthily moving cat below. The all black feline's eyes were trained on a little blue bird hopping along the pine needle covered terrain.  A petite looking bird, cute with her newly formed azure feathers, pecked among the needles here and there, not aware of any onlookers.  As she continued hunting and pecking, the cat drew closer and closer.  The little bird disappeared for a moment behind the pine tree's trunk, but soon reappeared on the other side and hopped under the blackberry fronds. Certain of his next meal, cat had inched forward, hidden from the bird's view.  From the high limb, squirrel was now twitching his tail back and forth in a jerking rhythm, but remained quiet and alert.  Sounds of the little bird scratching the ground and flitting from the low branches was all that filled the air. As the bird began to approach the open ground below the tree once more, and the cat prepared to pounce, the squirrel let out a loud piercing chatter. The air filled with the startling sound of fluttering wings in full flight as the cat's jump missed the mark.  Continuing his chatter, I wasn't sure if the squirrel was rebuking the cat for his unacceptable behaviour or the young bird's careless inexperience with life.  Either way, I turned from the window with a smile and hoped that I would again see that smart squirrel again soon one day.  -- lpruitt    

Well, that's my submission for the JOP party today!  Wonder if anyone else used that particular sentence to start their writing? Practicing our writing skills, is what this party all about!  This is your opportunity to 'Just WRITE'! Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome.  Challenge yourself.  START with one of the first lines provided for you every Friday--thus the name: Jumping Off Places! (A review of how our party works can be found at the top of this page under the Jumping Off Places tab.)

First Lines for Next Week --Week ELEVEN--the September 9th JOP Linky party. 

1)  Over the river and thru the field of wheat, the carriage raced for it's destination.
2)  Her face was wrinkled with a furrowed brow that looked like a full life had been lived.
3)  It was an eerie sound, a  high pitched skreech and then a chilling silence.
4)  Mom and daughter entered the room with a wary look on their faces.
5)  I recognized the picture.  

It's fun to see what everyone comes up with!  And how many of us chose the same line to start with today?  Link your submission below so we all can read it and ENJOY!

Planning vs. Just Starting

Writers often just start writing and see where it takes them.  Sort of like a journey to discover what is in a head and how it will come out on paper in the end.  Do you write like that?  Or do you make a plan?  Most of us were taught in school to make an outline before we start to write our story, essay or thesis.  The trouble with just starting is that you get lots of sentences on the paper, capturing your thoughts, but they may be disjointed, and scrambled.  At some point you must fit them together to present the overall picture. 



Writer's Friend by frenchiefoo Etsy shop



On the other hand, some of us plan extensively before we write.  We think about it.  Test out several scenarios in our mind.  Talk about it, bouncing ideas off of a friend.  All this should be a part of the process to good writing and, I find, helps dispel writer's block.  I have been blogging for almost three years now and have experienced writer's block several times.  I believe this is due to lack of a plan.  I have learned, the hard way, to sit down at the beginning of the month and scribble out some probable blog posts for the coming days.  This planning keeps me focused and on track with consistent posting and takes the pressure off of trying to come up with something new all the time!

A plan is important. 

Plan your writing. 

Plan your blog posts in advance. 

Do some "homework" setting your plan to paper.  It can always be revised as you go, but a good plan (outline) is essential to good writing. Try it, and see if it helps you have a better writing product or blog.

JOP Writing Party RESTART

Jumping Off Places Writing Party!!

WELL, it's been a long time!  Our last writing party was back in April!  I took a break from this blog, thru some life hardships.  I have just returned from a restful vacation and it is time to restart this party!!  Write something if you like, write it in your blog then add your link here next Friday, or just keep coming back each Friday to read what everyone has written and enjoy!  Maybe the reading will stimulate your creative juices!!

 

We have all experienced writer's block.  I guess you could say that it is all part of writing.  [I have had writer's block: I was writing a story about Abby, (see the tabs at the top of this page) and got stuck!  It's time to take it up again! Been mulling over some angles and you will see a resumption of the story in this blog shortly.  In the mean time, please feel free to read or re-read the story to get up to speed. ]

 

Now for our Friday linky party! Practicing our writing skills, is what this party all about!  Just WRITE! Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome and START with the first lines provided for you--thus the name: Jumping Off Places! (A review of how our party works can be found at the top of this page under the Jumping Off Places tab.)

First Lines for Next Week --Week TEN--September 2nd. 

1)  She browsed the offerings in the street market, all the while pulling along her whimpering little boy.
2)  As I entered the office, I noticed it was filled with diplomas, degrees, and official looking certificates.
3)  Her smart gray suit belied her chosen profession.
4)  The squirrel in the tree sat extremely still with his eyes fixed on the stealthily moving cat below.
5)  Gasping for air, I literally thought my lungs would burst!

It's fun to see what everyone comes up with!  And how many of us chose the same line to start with!  Here's hoping that you will participate and ENJOY!

Sabbatical

Taking a leave of absence--indefinite period of time--to regroup. 
See you later!

Common Writing Errors - Dictionary Use

Today, rather than discuss a grammar error, I want to discuss a discipline error.  "What?" you say! "You want to address my personal discipline?"  Well, yes.  A writer needs discipline and the first discipline he needs is to keep his dictionary handy.  The second discipline is for him to USE it!  I know, we have spell check to use these days, but  I want to encourage you to also use a dictionary.  You can use the old fashioned kind in book form or there are some very good online sites that will add the dictionary to your homepage, like iGoogle.  You might even opt for the Merriam-Webster site which has free resources.



Vintage Dictionary Art Print by littlebluebirdstudios on Etsy 



Often, when I am writing, I stop and ask my husband, "How do you spell . . . . ?"  He tells me his thoughts as I reach for the dictionary.  We confer on the word, arrive at a spelling and I go on with my writing.  It seems, sometimes that I spend a lot of time looking up suitable words to use.  But, this is a good discipline.  It helps me with my spelling, enlarges my vocabulary, and enhances my writing.  I learn something new every time I open the book.   If we use only the spell check, we are not challenging ourselves to use new words, that we can't spell, or explore new possibilities in our writing.  Just sayin'. 

JOP Writing Party - Week nine

Jumping Off Places Writing Party!!

WELL, look at me, I haven't written anything all week!  What is that?  I advocate practicing our writing and I don't write anything!?  It's been a crazy week.  And I have had writer's block.  I am writing a story about Abby, (see the tabs above) and I am stuck!  Been mulling over some angles but have not decided which way to go with it.  I guess you could say that it is all part of writing. 

So, don't feel bad and go away  if you don't participate for a week or so.  Keep coming back, read what everyone has written and enjoy!  Maybe it will stimulate your creative juices! 

Now for our Friday linky party! Practicing our writing skills, is what this is all about!  Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome! Just WRITE!

First lines for writing something this week were found in my April 15th post.

A review of how our party works can be found at the top of this page under the Jumping Off Places tab. If you have written something for this week, please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. Then everyone who visits will be able to come read your creativeness!

First Lines for Next Week --Week TEN--

1)  She browsed the offerings in the street market, all the while pulling along her whimpering little boy.
2)  As I entered the office, I noticed it was filled with diplomas, degrees, and official looking certificates.
3)  Her smart gray suit belied her chosen profession.
4)  The squirrel in the tree sat extremely still with his eyes fixed on the stealthily moving cat below.
5)  Gasping for air, I literally thought my lungs would burst!

Spring Bee

The bee flitted from blossom to blossom in an erratic pattern. It felt like my life, the erratic pattern but without the flowers!  I chose to forget about my life today and enjoy the little bee while I sat in the sun on the patio. After all, it was the first really warm day in a long time.  I guess that's what the insect was taking advantage of too!  I watched him busily flit from the cherry tree blossoms to the forsythia to the tulip beds with determined ambition. My life should be so determined.  I really am blessed, like living among the flowers, but my attitude has been in the pits.  If I could just go about my business like this little bee, I would soon be basking in the honey!  Well, I guess the break on the patio is over, it's time to go back to the computer and back to work!  Bye little honey bee!

(The awesome art listed above is from Claire Burke on Etsy!  I love her style of art illustrations of children and animals.  Please visit her shop.http://claire.etsy.com/ )

JOP Writing Party - Week Eight

Just 'jump right in!'

(when it comes to our writing, that is!)

Jumping Off Places Writing Party!!

Well, I  got the formatting right this time!  I upgraded my blogger editor and that worked!!

Now for our Friday linky party! We hope you might choose to join us! Practicing our writing skills, is what this is all about!  Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome! Just WRITE! First lines for writing something this week were found in my April 8th post.

A review of how our party works can be found at the top of this page under the Jumping Off Places tab. If you have written something for this week, please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. Then everyone who visits will be able to come read your creativeness!

First Lines for Next Week --Week NINE--

1) Discovering my unique gifting, opened my eyes to new possibilities.
2) The bee flitted from blossom to blossom in an erratic pattern.

3) Zzzzzzzzz was the only sound I heard in the frozen ice land.
4) The first line of my favorite novel is . . . .  

5) I turned to take the path to the left, but it was another dead end! 

Don't forget to come back next Friday and link in!

The Hair Cut

Out the door she went, sporting a new haircut, skipping and wagging her head, obviously proud of her new do!  I felt as if I had been on a battleground. The hairdresser had tried to to her best, but those gouges were hard to cover with a good cut! But now it was done!  Would it stay done?! She had taken a scissors to her own hair--this was the third time!  Why did this little girl insist on taking my scissors and clipping snippets of hair from her head?  As she walked in front of me to the car, I could still see the little short patches on the back of her head. Was this five year old destined to become a hairdresser herself or was it indicative of a passion for patchwork?  "Who knows," I said softly to myself, "I just hope this haircut lasts a week!"

This story is real.  I visited by son and his family this week.  My daughter-in-law told me about my five year old granddaughter LaRaya, who had done just what I wrote about, cut her own hair three times.  I just embellished it a bit! 

Common Writing Errors - Sentence Variation

Today's tip is for all of us who write descriptions of our products on Etsy or Artfire. Most of us already know that writing a good engaging description is a key to good online salesmanship. It is very easy to be factual and straightforward in describing our items, such as starting our sentences with the same word or word structure, repeatedly. Try not to use the same successive sentence structure over and over, i.e. there is, there are, it is, this, the, we, I. Especially for myself, I tend to overuse these phrases, since I am trying to present my item with as many facts as possible. I want my item to be truthfully presented. But, occasionally changing the usual word order of subject + verb + complement will avoid monotony and will attract attention.

Sample:

Those who can sleep through a strong rain storm are fortunate.

Better:
Fortunate are those who can sleep through a strong rain storm.

Sample:

It is a lovely shade of lavender.
Better:
Lavender is the loveliest shade in this print.

Print fabric available from PruittSupply on Etsy.

Tip:

Sentences should usually be built with the most important idea at the beginning or end; or in places where the reader's attention is most at its peak. Where do you want to grab your potential customer's attention?

Now to go look at my own descriptions and do some re-writes!

Jumping Off Places - Week Seven

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing, that is!) I am so bummed! I'm having trouble with blogger. It is not formatting anything correctly! Sorry, everything is all smunched together in one paragraph! I have tried everything! It is not spacing correctly! It shows correctly when I am writing it, but when I publish the post, it is all together with no spacing! Arghhhh!!! If anyone has any suggestions, please leave me a comment! Now for our Friday linky party! We're off on week 7! We have had several faithful bloggers enjoying this party. We hope you might choose to join us! Practicing our writing skills, is what this is all about!Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome! Just WRITE! First lines for writing something this week were found in my April 1st post. And don't forget our Saturday FUN! My "Common Writing Errors" post should be informative and FUN! See you tomorrow. A review of how our party works can be found at the top of this page under the Jumping Off Places tab. If you have written something for this week, please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. Then everyone who visits will be able to come read your creativeness! First Lines for Next Week --Week EIGHT-- 1) A hand full of the most awesome set of cards is what she was dealt. 2) Out the door she went, sporting a new haircut. 3) The inward journey is a lifelong pilgrimage. 4) But with rumors flying among my co-workers, I felt like running away. 5) "That's fine," Faith said, waving good-bye. Don't forget to come back next Friday and link in!

Conclusion--?

A door slammed and someone ran down the stairs in an obvious hurry! As Roberta went to the window, she thought to herself, "What is going on? This is such a quiet complex!" As she pulled back the curtain, she was shocked to see a flashing light and a fire engine in front of the garage! The apartment manager was standing in the crowd talking to someone. "Oh, no, not one of my neighbors!" As she continued to watch, she spotted Mr. Perget's grandson talking to a fireman. Mr. Perget had been ill, but he had been feeling better. Her downstairs neighbor, Mrs. Graham, who looked in on him occasionally, had told her just this morning, that he was recovering nicely. "What could have happened?" Roberta rushed down the stairs and thru the carport to see if she could help in any way. As she got closer, she could see that everyone was laughing and visiting and she just didn't understand. "What's going on here?" she asked. "Oh, sorry to startle you, Roberta, nothing's wrong, we just got a cat out of the tree! Everybody's just enjoying seeing the engine!"

Firetruck Personalized T-Shirt by Sweet3leafprints on Etsy

Easter Fact

FACT -- FACT -- FACT -- FACT During the days preceding Easter, Napoleon Bonaparte was about to overtake the Austrian village of Feldkirch. The villagers gathered to pray for deliverance on the Eve of Easter. On Easter morning the church bells rang to signal the day of worship. Napoleon heard the bells but didn't realize it was Easter. He thought those bells meant the Austrian armies had come to reinforce the village, so he sounded retreat.

Get ready for Easter!

Easter Banner by inspirationalbanners on Etsy

What next, Sasha?

"You want me to adopt her?! Mom, you've lost it! You know that I'm already way too busy ALL THE TIME! My family, the shop, home schooling, the farm, watching after you!" Suzanne practically shouted at her mom, which was surprising. "But, Suz, you . . . . " Abby tried to say. "No, mom, I don't want to hear it!" she shouted, as she rose from her chair, put her cup in the sink and went for the back door! "Well, Sasha, that went well!" The cat meowed back, as if understanding just what was said. Wiping off the table and adding her cup to the sink, Abby headed for the wing chair in the living room with Sasha right behind her. "I didn't see that coming!" She picked up her embroidery, did a couple of stitches, and sat it down again. Rising from the chair, she paced across the Persian rug a couple of times then headed for the phone. She dialed the number and waited for an answer. "Ms. Cathy Griffith, please." After leaving a message for Ms Griffith, since she was not available, Abby went back to pacing. She sure hoped Suz wouldn't stay angry with her. She just wanted the best for Patricia and for her own family! Suzanne would never have a little girl of her own. There were no girls in the Hamilton family, hadn't been in generations. Always boys. Suzanne was resigned to it. "She loves her boys and I do too, Sasha. But I just wish she could have a girl. Sasha, maybe I have overstepped my bounds."

Common Writing Errors #2

Apostrophe pin from tiarabuttons on Etsy

It's Saturday! It's April! Yay! Isn't Spring wonderful? Today's post is about possession! No, not like possessing wealth or property, or even being in control of the ball out on the field! It's (it is*)about using apostrophes. 1)Apostrophes can be used to denote the absence of a letter/s in a contraction i.e. can't, won't, I'll. 2) They are also used to indicate plurals of figures, letters or words designated as a plural word like: a Wheel of Fortune statement: "There are three t's in that sentence." But where most of us make the errors in our writing, is when they are used in the possessive case when writing about who or what belongs to whom. "I left the girl's room." Meaning: I left the room of one girl. The room belonging to one girl. "I left the girls room." Incorrect! "The page's focal point was . . . . " Meaning: the focal point belonging to the page seven's layout! "The pages' focal point was . . . " Incorrect! This way it literally means: the focal point of all the pages (plural) was . . . ? did you really mean that all the pages of the magazine had one focal point? Anyway, you get the picture! Tip of the day: There is a notable exception to the rule! Never use an apostrophe with the possessive its. "It's" is actually a contraction meaning 'it is'. *See an example in the first part of this post.

JOP - Jumping Off Places - Week #6

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing, that is!) OK! A linky party! We're off on week 6! Join us! Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome! Just WRITE! that's what this is all about! Practicing our skills! First lines for writing something this week were found in my March 25th post. And don't forget our Saturday FUN! My "Common writing errors" post should be informative and FUN! See you tomorrow. A review of how our party works can be found at the top of this page under the Jumping Off Places tab. If you have written something for this week, please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. Then everyone who visits will be able to come read your creativeness! First Lines for Next Week --Week SEVEN-- 1) Panic filled my being as he moved swiftly toward me. 2) As I watched the ants carrying one their tasks, I pondered the events of my day. 3) At the concert, we had to scream in each other's ears just to talk. 4) A door slammed and someone ran down the stairs in an obvious hurry! 5) I could hear music, was it from the apartment next door? Don't forget to come back next Friday and link in!

Thoughts

This is for 'Jumping Off Places.'

The coupon fluttered out of her hand and landed among a sea of legs. She looked desperate-- every penny important. As she scrambled down on the floor, reaching frantically for the elusive little paper, the clerk looked from his supervisor and back to the cash register avoiding the irritated looks on faces of people waiting in line. He thought to himself, "Why doesn't anyone help this young mother? Are they so calloused that they just don't see her plight? Are they so in a hurry that they are only concerned with their own situations? Are they embarrassed for her?" So many questions.

As the young woman rose, coupon in hand, baby whimpering by this time, the clerk, while finishing the sale, could be heard to say from behind his counter, "Mam, I'm so sorry that no one saw it fitting to help you. I sure hope you have a better day!"

Cranky Men art by KieferClayworks

You ever want to speak up and didn't? Or thought to help and didn't?

Common Writing Errors

Since this is a Creative Writing blog, today I want to start a new column (continuing blog post), to be posted on Saturdays, entitled "Common Writing Errors". Those of you who blog might be interested in this on-going discussion. I will not be posting anything on Sundays, so you can visit anytime on the weekend and find this column. Don't get me wrong, I don't have all the answers, and YOU WILL find errors in my writing, but I want to do better, and I am sure that you do too! I will do the research, and I hope that you will benefit as much as I do. Today's error has to do with the words 'than' and 'then'. I commonly find this error in written communications of all kinds. Business e-mail messages, web sites, pamphlets, EVERYWHERE! On lots of ocassions, I even hear people speak these words incorrectly. The word 'then' is an adverb and has to do with time, as in "Then he went to the store". The word 'than' is a conjunction and is used in comparisons. "I would rather go to the store than stay here and clean!" Often I have seen erroneous sentences like: "We will be participating in the meeting than having a potluck." "I'm smarter then him!" Most commonly, 'then' is used in the comparison mode. And . . . . one freebie Hint of the Day: Make sure you re-read your blog before posting, preferably in another font. It helps you catch your own errors before posting.

JOP - Friday Linky Party - Jumping Off Places

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing, that is!) Our linky party is continuing!! This is week 5! You can still join the fun! Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome on your blog! Just WRITE something! That's what this is all about! Practicing our skills! NEW: Also,introducing a new continuing post, starting tomorrow: My new column will post on Saturdays. It's called Common Writing Errors. I'm sure that if you are like me, you struggle with some English grammar. I don't have all the answers, but will promise to do my research. It ought to be fun and informative! Review of our party works: 1) First Lines provided here (for next week--Last week's post is the basis for today's links.) 2) Write a post on your blog anytime next week using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) OUR PARTY IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT! Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in with the URL of your post! (Not just your blog address, please.) 4) On Fridays we'll read each other's work and Enjoy a creative moment! If you have written something for this week, please drop down to the link portion of this post and add your name and your URL. Then everyone who visits will be able to come read your creativeness! First Lines for Next Week --Week FIVE-- 1) "How near are the horsemen right now?" 2) It was like a scene from On Golden Pond, with lunes on the pond and the serene surroundings. 3) Chatter was everywhere around me, at the next table, over the counter, and walking past my table. 4) The coupon fluttered out of her hand and landed among a sea of legs. 5) Smoke filled the room like a cloudy day. Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in on Friday!

Ashen Skies

(This entry is for Jumping Off Places. Info here.) The view outside the window had been gray for days. Inside, I was beginning to feel gray, as well. I needed some sunshine! My background included sunshine nearly 300 days a year! But to live here in Seattle now, I didn't know how to handle all these ashen wet days. What was I to do? I knew that I was sliding into a depression feeling like I just had to do something or I would scream! Cleaning projects, cooking and laundry, kids games, television, even craft projects couldn't fill the void. I needed the outdoors! The sunshine! Even a break in the clouds for a few minutes! I'd take it! Sam just doesn't understand, he grew up here. No longer will I call this "Sea" attle but "Gloom" attle! Sun, bright yellow light, where are you? As I gazed out the window, a little bird flitted into the tree, as though to say, "Will you settle for Blue?"

Fine art photograph available from ORphotography on Etsy

Thoughts Delivered

(Abby's story part 18) Since the morning sun was no longer streaming in the front window, it was a little cooler to sit at the dining room table as they talked. "Suz, you saw my pros and cons list. But I want you to know that I, also have looked at all the things that have happened in my life over the last several years as to how they relate to important decisions. I think it has helped me see more clearly." "You sound like you have really been thinking about this, mom" said Suz as she tilted the lovely porcelain clad kettle that was always ready on the stove and filled her china tea cup with hot water. "So, what do you mean?" she asked, while dipping her tea bag up and down in the water and taking her chair at the oak table.

teapot available from REtroGalore on Etsy

"Well, I mean that I have thought about your dad's death and where that has left me--both emotionally and financially. I thought about my heart attack and fitness level--or lack thereof! I though about the purpose of this family farm--emphasis on 'family'--that we are all in this together for a favorable and profitable outcome. I thought about adoption as a long term commitment and my age. And I think that I have decided that adopting Patrica is not for me, as much as I want it. I was thinking that I wanted her to have a stable home, and she got along so well with Paddy and Owen. I could see her here in this house, filling it with laughter and chaos. My heart is full of love for her and, I know, all the other children who need love. But I think that my stamina is not the greatest and my years on this earth may be more limited that I would really like to admit. So, I have come to this conclusion: I have decided that adopting Patrica is not for me, as much as I want . . . " "Oh mom," Suzanne interrupted, "I know that this was hard for you, but I really do think it is for the best. Little Patty will go to a good home, I know it! You needn't worry." "Suz, you didn't let me finish! I am no longer worrying. I want you and Terry to adopt her!"

A Tear and a Small Stone

(Small stones are short written thoughts that describe what you see or think succinctly. See the tab above for more info.)

teardrop locket by oceanblueseaglass on Etsy

"Tears cleanse the heart, release emotion whether joy or grief,

and are encased by God as preciousness." -lp

Jumping Off Places- Friday Linky Party #4

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing, that is!) OK! A linky party! We're off on week 4! Join us! Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome! Just WRITE! that's what this is all about! Practicing our skills! First lines for writing something today are found in this post! Also, next week, I will be adding a post about common grammatical errors, should be informative and FUN! Watch for it either Monday or Wednesday! A review of our party works: 1) First Lines provided here. 2) Write a post on your blog next week using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) OUR PARTY IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT! Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in with the URL of your post! (Not just your blog address, please.) 4) On Fridays we'll read each other's work and Enjoy a creative moment! If you have written something for this week, please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. Then everyone who visits will be able to come read your creativeness! First Lines for Next Week --Week FOUR-- 1)Shoreline waves were getting larger by the minute. 2)Careening down the hill . . . 3)A bead of perspiration rolled from my temple down across my cheek. 4)The view outside the window had been gray for days. 5)The room's tropical decor revealed her past and her love of color. Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in on Friday!

JOP - Silent Music

(This is for Jumping Off Places.) On the top of the piano sat a beautiful gilded frame with a yellowing newspaper clipping inside. The date read, July 16th, 1948. The frame sat upon a gorgeous linen embroidered doily. This was obviously the treasured focal point of the room. Everything else in the room was dated and a bit understated; a Victorian settee with a simple wool rug underneath, one oak pressback chair in front of the Steinway and next to the three legged swivel piano stool, rows of music books in a simple bookcase by the huge double leaded glass windows with mahogany shutters to close the bottom half when needed. The room's purpose was clear: it was to be filled with music, just music, during lessons and, the master's alone. Life in this room had not changed much since the late forties. I stood taking it all in and trying to imagine what had been played in this room in all those years, trying to hear masterpieces and sour notes alike--all mingled together in a symphony that no one would now hear.

Moles and Decisions

(Abby's Story - Part 17) Ronda was a short little lady with a round face and dark hair to match her dark eyes. The smile she wore was all over her face and twinkled out her eyes. One could readily tell that she was happy and friendly! After speaking with her for a few minutes, Abby decided to excuse herself and head for the office in the back of the shop. Suz, probably already having decided that she wanted to hire her, entertained Ronda for a few minutes, enlisting her help folding some linens on a shelf.

Towels available from pruitthandcrafts on Etsy

Abby took the time to look over the application lying on the desk. She was wondering if Ronda had been a punctual employee at her last job, or if she had skipped around from job to job. BLAM! The back door slammed, as Owen ran up to the desk! "Owen, you know you are not supposed to run in the shop! What is up with you?" "Grandma, we found a mole hole in the garden. And a few of our baby carrots are missing! I came to tell mom!" "Your mom is busy right now, and mole stories can wait. Why didn't you go get your dad? He's better equipped to help you with a little mole" instructed Abby. "But, grandma, he's way out at the shed in the back 40!" Owen protested. "Well, I'll let your mom know and you head back to the garden. As soon as you see your dad, let him know. We can't have a little mole ruining our harvest!--And don't slam the door this time!" Owen scampered out the back door again, this time closing it carefully, as Abby headed to the front of the shop. Suz and Ronda had finished rearranging the linen cupboard and were standing at the cash register. "Everything looks fine, I would agree with your decision, Suzanne, and I hope that Ronda can join us for some of the morning hours around here. Also, Owen will have some news for you when you go home, and I need your help with that decision, soon."

Jumping Off Places -reprint of week 3

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing, that is!) Thanks for all the well wishes, everyone! I am feeling better and will re-post last weeks first lines. I appreciate you all! A review of it works: 1) First Lines provided here. 2) Write a post on your blog next week using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in with the URL of your post! (Not just your blog address, please.) 4) On Friday's we'll read each other's work and Enjoy! If you have written something please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. We'll then be able to come read your creativeness! First Lines for Next Week --Week THREE: 1) On the top of the piano sat a beautiful gilded frame with a yellowing . . . . 2) All I could hear was the flapping of the sails. 3) A diploma! I thought I would never see one in his hands. 4) The floor creaked, a light flashed, and my fellow actor was lowered down on a rope. 5) She stopped me in mid-sentence. Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in on Friday!

Shop Appointment

(Part 16 of Abby's Story)

“Nearly two o’clock,” thought Abby, “I need to stop working on this list and get over to the shop!” Leaving the tablet lying on the dining room table and she headed to the back door, down the steps, and following a well worn path across the yard behind the house till she reached a vine covered arbor gate. Through the gate was a large parking lot of gravel and a rustic building, formerly a large shed that currently served as the family farm shop. The building was a simple board and bat construction with corrugated tin roofing. Abby remembered when it had a large sliding door on the front and a dirt floor. The previous owners had used it to house their tractor and their mechanic shop. The heavy wood door slid open to allow the tractor easy access. When she and the family purchased the property, they had remodeled the building for their retail operations.

As she rounded the corner of the building to the front door, she noticed only one car in the parking lot, which was not unusual, this early in the season. While pulling the glass door open, she inspected the front window displays that Suz had been working on for the last week.

"Suz, these look sharp! You've done a nice job. Is that our applicant's car out there?"

Reading the List

(Part 15 of Abby's Story--You can start at the beginning here.) Suzanne set her lemonade glass down on the little crocheted coaster, saving the beautiful finish of the old oak tabletop, while she read the list. Pros: 1) I love kids! 2) I have the finances to support a child 3) I love little Patricia Cons: 1) My stamina is not very good. 2) Health concerns/life expectancy, I'm nearly 65! 3) Limits on my freedom-I already raised ten kids! 4) Total changes to my everyday routine

Lemonade dress by CappysCloset

Questions:

1) Schooling? Where? How? 2) Her family's involvement? If any? 3) Will it prevent me from helping other kids? "Mom, these are all good questions. I see that you have been seriously thinking about what to do."

"I have, Suz. Even though I have all of you, I still have time to give to someone else."

"Well, I think that you should make another list. This one should be about you're daily routine, as it is now and how it would be if you had a child living with you. Can you do that?" asked Suzanne.

"I believe I can, I have be thinking about it.''

"OK then, we'll talk again, once you have completed the list. Let me know. Now, I saw the vegetable order ready on the porch table, I'll have to be going to get to Clark's in time. By the way, I liked that gal, Ronda, that came for the interview. I would like you to meet her, and see what you think. She's coming back tomorrow around two. Can you come over to the shop at that time?"

Jumping Off Places - Delays and Disappointments

Friends- I am sorry to say that there will be no post for "Jumping OFF Places" today. My hubby and I have had a huge disappointment, and I really don't feel like posting anything. We are taking a few days away. I felt an obligation to let you know why it is not here today. Can you let me off the hook today and we'll pick up where we left off next Friday? Thanks! Linda (Abby)

Vegetable Order and Decisions!

(Part 14 of Abby's Story--You can start at the beginning here.) Breathing heavily, Abby opened the gate of the vegetable garden and sat down on the bench just inside the fence for a rest. Pulling weeds from the flower border had been a little more bend-over exercise than she needed. "You done?" asked Suz, as she placed an arm load of lettuce and squash on the garden table. "No, I just need a breather. I need to pace myself." "Well, don't over exert. The flower bed can wait." Suzanne kept busy loosening and aerating the soil around the tomato plants. "But we do have this vegetable order to deliver to Clark's Corner." "Yes, I know. I just wanted to give a bit of time for the flowers, too. Anyway, I can use this rest time to talk to you about something. Since little Patricia stayed with me, I've been thinking. I really need an outlet for my love for children, but I don't know how. I've made list of pros and cons of reasons to adopt, but I am still undecided." "Adopt? Oh, mom, I know that you have a big heart for kids, but at your age? Can't you do something else that will pacify your passion?" "Patricia's family is giving her up and she needs a home!" Abby retorted with vigor! "I understand that, mom, but I worry about your health. You just said that you need to pace yourself. You already volunteer at Thomas House. They love you there. And you can still have the kids stay in the summer for a week at a time." Abby put her gloves away on the garden shelf and replied, "You are probably right, but my heart just bleeds for that little girl. I wish she could have a good home." Putting her gloves away too, Suzanne walked toward the gate and said, "I understand mom. I would like to see your pro and con list and talk to you about it later; right now I've got a gal coming to interview for the shop sales position. Why don't you go make some lemonade and I'll be over later to talk." "O.K., I'll spend a few minutes washing the veggies and packaging the order, then I'll go in and make the lemonade. See you later."

Pros and Cons

(Part 13 of Abby's Story)

. . . ? . . . ? . . . ? . . ? . . ? . . . . . ? . . . ? . . . . ? . . .

Hair Clip by bourdiers on Etsy

Abigail's day mostly done, she found herself again in the wing chair enjoying the warmth from the fireplace. Tonight, as she lifted her feet to the footstool and pulled the Afghan over her legs, she was well into thought . . . . "Am I too old? I still love kids. Being a foster mom or adopting just appeals to me. But . . . where could I do the most good? After all, I have a large enough home and am fortunate enough to be able to afford all the expenses. I could care for a child, easily. I could love a child. I really enjoyed having Patty here with me for a week. But then . . . I was tired. It does take a lot of energy to follow after a little one and make sure they are always safe and entertained." As she pondered adding another log to the fire, she thought better of it because it was almost time to turn in. As the warmth from the fire began to die, the afghan felt so good. She sure enjoyed her quiet time; would that be sacrificed with a child in the house? Thoughts were flying in her head. Tomorrow . . . tomorrow she should make a list of pros and cons, and talk with Suz about possibilities. necklace by noyasilverjewelry on Etsy

Jumping Off Places - Week Three

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing). Our first week was very interesting, the second week had a couple of glitches--Hope everything works just right today! A review of it works: 1) First Lines provided here. 2) Write a post on your blog next week using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in with the URL of your post! (Not just your blog address, please.) 4) On Friday's we'll read each other's work and Enjoy! If you have written something for week two (list of first lines in last weeks post) please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. We'll then be able to come read your creativeness! First Lines for Next Week --Week THREE: 1) On the top of the piano sat a beautiful gilded frame with a yellowing . . . . 2) All I could hear was the flapping of the sails. 3) A diaploma! I thought I would never see one in his hands. 4) The floor creaked, a light flashed, and my fellow actor was lowered down on a rope. 5) She stopped me in mid-sentence. Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in on Friday!

Abby's House Guest

(Part 12 of Abby's Story)

The house had never been so "lived in" in such a long time! Toys on the oval rag rug between the wing chairs, and in the chair. Sasha didn't know where to plop herself down in the evenings. Crayons on the kitchen table with lots of artwork tacked on the refrigerator and on the dining room wall. Dishes in the sink--not rinsed and put in the dishwasher. Towels and pint-sized clothing items to pick up from the bathroom floor, guest towel to hang back up on the rack and shampoo lids to return to their originally planned positions.It wasn't Patricia's fault at all, there was just so much activity right now with the beginning of harvest season. It was nice having little "Patty" stay for the week, but we had been running all week and things needed to get done! New laborers were showing up needing direction. The storefront was opening this weekend, shelves still needed to be stocked and new applicants for the sales position were arriving in response to the sign in the shop window. Last minute deliveries needed to be signed for, and in the midst of all this, a house guest from Thomas House!

"Whew! But, then, I knew it I was going be like this, the only time for it was before the harvest season, I just didn't think about it being the last week before the season started!" Abby argued to herself,

Dolls by polywen on Esty

"And, Patty had been such a delight! But my Paddy was a little confused having a 'Patty' around; they have had so much fun playing in the yard, hunting for caterpillars and bugs between doing the chores. I'd call out 'Patty' and they would both come running!" She smiled at the thought as she picked up the toys from the chair and placed them in the small cupboard. "I'd do this again . . . next year--next spring or, maybe even, after harvest season."

JOP - Fabricaholic

(This is for Jumping Off Places.) The texture of the fabric was intoxicating, I knew it was expensive. Black, soft, soothing velvet! I wanted to buy it; I though about it. But I turned away, looking for something that would save my pocketbook bottom line. There was moleskin, at half the price, that looked much the same, except not really as plush. I walked down the isles, looking at brocades, crushed panne, and even embroidered satins. I had a project in mind and tried to picture it with these alternative fabrics. Finally, I knew what I would do--I'd try the project with the a lesser fabric first. Sort of a practice project, instead of possibly wasting the expensive supplies on my first try. I pulled the bolt, walked to the counter with the moleskin. "A quarter yard please."

After Tea

(This is part 11 of Abby's Story) Ms. Griffith was an immaculately dressed forty-ish woman who was on time and very friendly. Tea was cordial--full of thank yous from Ms. Griffith, for all the vegetable donations--and a time for getting to know one another. After teatime, there was the tour Abby's home, and the farm, and some chatting with Suz and the boys in the garden. Abby and Ms. Griffith, Cathy at this point in the relationship, finally settled in the wing chairs in front of the fireplace.

Art card by artbylia

"Abigail, you have been highly recommended to me by all the staff and friends of Thomas House. I know that I am new, but I respect their opinions, and from what I see here, I must agree! I have a proposition for you. I have used a model in my previous job, it worked well and I would like to try it here. " Abby replied, "Well, I'm always for anything that will benefit the kids. What do you have in mind?" "We would like to start a new program", Cathy continued, "where you would host a child from Thomas House for a week. This would help the parents while they are finishing their studies, help the kids to be exposed to new experiences with all that goes on here at the farm. Some of these kids need a new sense of family which I believe they would see here at Blueberry Hill. We would like to start by just bringing groups of children for an afternoon tour of the farm. Then we can talk later about hosting a child and all the possible training and paperwork involved." While Abby and Cathy discussed the particulars, the afternoon was vanishing away. The sun was flooding thru the craft room windows and Sasha was brushing up against Abby's legs; she knew it was the time to be working in the sun filled room.

Art by deezart

(Art for today's story was from Etsy sellers. Please visit their shops for more great offerings.)

Pine Sprigs II

Green in the midst of winter! Six inches of character, texture, and unbending order with confident directional points on a limb. This 'Small Stones' post corresponds to my Sunday Sketch on my other blog. Please visit!: http://pruitthandcrafts.blogspot.com

Jumping Off Places - Week Two

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing). Our first week was very interesting, to see what each writer/blogger chose as their jumping off place! Today I'll provide a new list of first lines for you to write about next week. If you have written something for week two, please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL so we will all be able to read your creativeness! A review of it works: 1) First Lines provided here. 2) Write a post on your blog using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in! 4) On Friday's we'll read each other's work and Enjoy! First Lines for Week THREE: 1) As he sauntered down the hall, he dropped each page one at a time. 2) A man in a pin striped suit with a bright blue paisley tie, walked thru the lobby and pushed the elevator button to the penthouse. 3) The texture of the fabric was intoxicating, I knew it was expensive. 4) It was bright this morning, the first sun shinny day of this week. 5) Two glittering little eyes shined out of the hole in the baseboard at me and . . . Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in! Note: I'm having a bit of trouble with the html and it looks like last weeks posts are listed from 1-4 I will try to get that fixed, but go ahead and link in anyway. Thanks!

Tea and Flowers

(This is part 10 of Abby's Story.)

Today, Abby was to have a guest. She spread the new patchwork tablecloth on the kitchen table, the dining room table was just too big for two people; she rinsed the dust from the china cabinet off the tea pot and cups and left them on the drainboard to dry. She made fudge last night and now she set about making some little finger sandwiches, arranging them with strawberries and kiwi slices on a three tiered plate with some of the fudge on the top plate. She made some lemonade, putting it in the refrigerator to cool, just in case her guest was not a "tea person" and then there was the coffee too. She always had a hot pot thermos of coffee ready for anyone who stopped by. "I think I could use some flowers for the table. They are always so charming and calming. Besides, I sell them in town, and everyone else gets to enjoy the benefit from all our hard work in the garden, so my guest and I should enjoy them too!" She walked out the back door, thru the porch screen door and around the corner of the house, to the side yard, past the vegetable garden and on to the flower garden. "We've planted cosmos, daisies, zinnias, echinacea, day lilies, rudbeckia, and sweet peas to name a few." She said it to seemingly no one. The plot was edged with rose bushes dividing the flower garden from the lawn. She found Suz and Paddy pulling a few weeds between the rows. "Good morning, no studies this morning?"

"Yes, we're going over our botany lesson, while we work. What are you doing?" said Paddy.

"The new director of Thomas House is coming for tea and I need some flowers for my table. I'm excited to meet her. I told her come all the way out Beavercreek Road until she saw . . . "the most beautiful flower garden around" and that would be my house! Since it's the first thing that you see as you drive in the driveway. hmmmm . . . . I think I'll choose some cosmos for today's table."

"What does she want, grandma?"

"Owen, I really don't know. The people at Thomas House called me and made the appointment . . . ."