Hiatus

Sorry, this blog is taking a winter hiatus.

Webster's:  hiatus--any gap or interruption, as in continuity or time

I am working on a book, and helping another person get started with his blog.  

You might want to check out some of my older posts:

1) if you are interested in writing:

http://atticreflections.blogspot.com/2011/02/abbys-house-guest.html  (all time favorite post) The original inspiration for my first novel.

http://atticreflections.blogspot.com/2011/09/jop-link-party.html  Or you might search 'JOP' in the search bar to see several other short creative writing entries from the past Jumping Off Places series.

See also, the small stones page or search 'Haiku' for a series of haiku writings.

2)  if you are interested in crafts, sewing or Etsy, you might be interested in these highly popular posts:

http://atticreflections.blogspot.com/2015/09/new-project-romantic-wrist-cuff.html

http://atticreflections.blogspot.com/2014/04/family-baby-quilt.html

or just search 'creativity'

3)  if you are interested in art:

http://atticreflections.blogspot.com/2012/08/negative-painting.html

http://atticreflections.blogspot.com/2013/05/header-sketch.html

Or just search, 'art', 'watercolor' or 'sketches'

4)  Also, I have another blog, which I will post to occasionally; it may have more current posts. 

SabbaticalVenture.blogspot.com

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Thanks for visiting and I hope to be back to blogging here in the Spring! 

New Project--Romantic Wrist Cuff

Seem to have had writer's block lately, so I have been filling in with creative projects.  The book will have to wait!  (Re-writes in progress.)  I needed some new items for my Etsy shops anyway, so here is one that I just completed and just listed!   A romantic wrist cuff.

I could use a young model!!  This cuff looks awful on my wrist--for picture that is!

 . . .ugh!

Even tho' I can't wear this one, I love making them!  I love the creativity!  And, just so you know, I do wear wrist cuffs.  I like a more simply styled cuff, and often wear one like this patchwork quilted one. It inspires my quilting work and reminds others of what I do!

Age shouldn't be a factor to pull them off, if you like them!   

Confidence and style is all that is needed!

Ever try wearing one?

Practice Makes Perfect!

"Practice makes perfect", my mommie used to tell me!  So since I am not as accomplished as I would like to be as an illustrator, I practice how I will draw a particular page.  I suppose professional illustrators do this too :)  First, I sketch the idea:

Then I try out some color:

I add a few more details.

And finally work out the page.  (Just a snippet of it, of course!)

Grandma just doesn't like the stairs!

New Adventure!

I am currently in the process of changing my focus for creativity.  For the last few years, I have been concentrating on my Etsy businesses of hand crafted jewelry and hand sewn products and not my art or writing.  Oh, I have had two blogs to keep my hand in writing practice and I have participated in Blue Chair Diary's Sunday Sketches but mostly this blog has been an 'on again, off again' project as far as any writing is concerned--not consistent nor concentrated.   My other blog  has been my focus, including my Etsy businesses, my BBA team, my handcrafted business friends and acquaintances.

Since recently re-thinking my outlay of time in regard to blogging and writing, I have decided to take August thru October to rest from my other endeavours and return to my writing and illustration in this blog.  I will concentrate on a couple of writing projects that were left on a back burner in my brain.  One project is actually a part of this blog, called Abby's story.  There is a tab on my home page to find this project.  But, alas, it is unfinished.  Another project is a children's book series that I started about eight years ago.  Then my breast cancer tragedy struck, my life changed a bit, and I just let my book writing plans go.

So if you are up for it, I will pull out one of these latent projects and take it up again.  I hope you will go on this journey with me to see if I can complete it. I will try to post about three times per week plus posting on Sunday's with my illustration progress on Sunday Sketches.  Your participation with me may be the boost that I need to keep plugging along toward the finish line. 

And, just as a taste of the future, these pictures show what I pulled out of a closet of that old project.  (I will explain in subsequent posts.)



Some old practice pieces

What have you dreamed about completing?

Join me, won't you? 



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!

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!

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.)

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!

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'. 

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!

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!

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!

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."

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!

JOP - Inconceivable

This entry is for 'Jumping Off Places' for Friday February 18th. Please visit my Friday post to see the other submissions by the other participants. (And an explanation of the exercise.) Thanks! She was sitting, all crouched down, in the corner of the room, staring at the side wall. Shock was threatening to set in as she held her phone out in front of her. Everything had seemed like it was moving ahead in an acceptable manner up until the phone rang. Granted, she was waiting for the call, had been all morning. Surgery was scheduled early and it was impossible for her to schedule her flight to Minneapolis in time, so she had kept busy preparing the house for her absence and packing all morning, even managing to stay hopeful on the phone when friends called offering encouragement. But this . . . . this was just too much! Mom came thru the surgery OK, as expected, and had a long recovery road ahead of her, but this . . . to find out that some one set the fire--on purpose! It was inconceivable.

Life Spark?

(Part 9 of Abby' Story)

"Life does seem like it's full of meals and crafting and . . . I . . . I need some more purpose in life, Sasha, now that hubby is gone. I know, I have the kids and grandkids, but I need a spark somewhere. Oh well, I won't dwell on it. Maybe I will return this call from the folks at Thomas House and and see what they want."

(Phone available from zanylainee on Etsy) She walked over and sat down at the antique school desk that now doubled as a phone desk and picked up the handset. Dialing the number and waiting for an answer, she glanced around the room at her treasures. Treasure of framed photographs, mostly, but interspersed with trinkets of meaning. Most of them given her by the family on different occasions. There were the Willow Tree angel figurines, one holding a puppy on her shoulder, one kneeling in prayer, and the other posing holding a bouquet of flowers behind her back. All gifts from friends and colleagues of the past. On the bookcase were the forties style little boy and girl figurine that had belonged to hubby's mom. So sentimental, they were, when she gazed at them remembering . . . . . "Oh! Yes . . . hello there! I was returning your call . . . Well, yes, I would be willing to meet with her . . . ."