JacketFlap connects you to the work of more than 200,000 authors, illustrators, publishers and other creators of books for Children and Young Adults. The site is updated daily with information about every book, author, illustrator, and publisher in the children's / young adult book industry. Members include published authors and illustrators, librarians, agents, editors, publicists, booksellers, publishers and fans. Join now (it's free).
Login or Register for free to create your own customized page of blog posts from your favorite blogs. You can also add blogs by clicking the "Add to MyJacketFlap" links next to the blog name in each post.
Blog Posts by Tag
In the past 7 days
Blog Posts by Date
Click days in this calendar to see posts by day or month
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: Random Thoughts, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 26 - 50 of 97
How to use this Page
You are viewing the most recent posts tagged with the words: Random Thoughts in the JacketFlap blog reader. What is a tag? Think of a tag as a keyword or category label. Tags can both help you find posts on JacketFlap.com as well as provide an easy way for you to "remember" and classify posts for later recall. Try adding a tag yourself by clicking "Add a tag" below a post's header. Scroll down through the list of Recent Posts in the left column and click on a post title that sounds interesting. You can view all posts from a specific blog by clicking the Blog name in the right column, or you can click a 'More Posts from this Blog' link in any individual post.
I'm so behind in my writing. I haven't gotten past chapter 3 of novel #2; I haven't even started revising novel #1; I have EIGHT books I need to review...Argh! Sometimes, I just wish I could put life on pause, just so I can WRITE. Since that won't happen, I gotta make do with what I've got. I'm working on catching up. You know what I didn't do that I need to do? Make deadlines. I'm not sure why I didn't give myself deadlines this time. I'm thinking I let life's struggles get in the way. Doesn't matter. I need deadlines, so I'm gonna give myself deadlines. Ooh! What if I posted my deadlines...put it out there so people can see. Then, I'd HAVE to adhere to them. So, yeah. Deadlines it is. Deadline post coming soon...
0 Comments on Random Thoughts Thursday as of 1/1/1900
My goodness, where has 2010 gone? This year has gone by pretty fast. If you haven't noticed, I haven't been blogging consistently. That's cos I'm trying to prepare for the new year. I'm so excited cos I'm updating my blog's look! Yay! It's looking awesome so far. Of course, Zoe from Chic and Sassy Designs is updating it. She's awesome, btw.
Anyway, I won't be blogging as much, but I will be back in 2011 with a new look and maybe some new things. Happy holidays, everyone!
0 Comments on Three Weeks til 2011! as of 1/1/1900
Let me say one thing about stealing someone's fiction and claiming as your own: it doesn't pay. It doesn't pay in financial terms, and it sure as hell doesn't pay in the destructive force said plagiarist calls upon him/herself, especially in the era of Google searches and the interwebTM. Not to mention a whole slew of explicatives I'd love to sling at plagiarists for being total %($&#@s, but this is a "family oriented" blog after all. (Like hell it is.)
Evidently there's a new plagiarist in town, but he's not new at all.
This has happened before, to me. I'm sure it happens all the time. I don't understand the mind of some people, especially when stealing someone's story and posting for free online...or giving away to a FTL market...dude, nobody's reading your steaming, stolen, pile of dog sh*t. (Not that the original story was dog sh*t...it just became so when you put your name on it, thief.) Are you trying to build a reputation? Well, you have one. Jerk.
Speaking of names (cool off, Angry Aaron), I intended to post a little bit about fake names (for fiction). Yes, we're all familiar with random name generators, especially for fantasy and science fiction...check out this site for run-of-the-mill, normal people names (and other information). Kind of spooky...it gives you a fake credit card number even. (I hope those are fake--sheesh.)
Sometimes people aren't trying to make a name for themselves, sometimes these nards are just having a laugh at everyone else's expense. It is just something to keep those of us who are honest, talented and true on our toes and gives us another bit to learn from.
While I and I'm sure the rest of the writing community would much rather NOT have to deal with it, sadly some people are just sucky.
(How's that for family explicit?)
Baby name books are also a good idea for coming up with names when the character is too shy to give up his/her/its name :) Thanks for the link!
This pisses me off something awful. When I give the whole plagiarism speech to my students, it takes everything I have to keep from it turning into a diatribe.
Geez, not another plagiarist. At least they're pretty easy to catch these days.
I like the Baby Name Wizard for my character-naming needs, but that name generator sounds like fun (and now watch me waste the next hour playing with it).
Speak Loudly. Last Saturday, a man by the name of Dr. Scroggins, wrote an editorial about how parents need to speak out about what their children are learning in schools. I'd agree with him if his comments were so off-based.
Sex Education. I'm not sure how they do it where in Republic, Missouri, but in the district I work in, kids are taught about reproduction and the body in about 4th or 5th grade. This is no cause for alarm, though, because letters and permission slips are sent home before, letting parents know. If parents aren't comfortable with their child learning about reproduction from the school, they can choose "I do not allow my child to participate" option. It's not forced on the children. Now, in my opinion, if parents don't want their children learning about reproduction, the body, or sex in school, they had better be teaching it at home. Why? They're gonna learn it from somewhere. What better place to learn it than home? If parents keep their heads buried in the sand and refuse to talk to their children, they'd have no right to be upset if the child ended up a mother or father-to-be. If you're not telling your kids about the right and wrong way to touch, how will they know if a family member, friend, or even stranger, is touching them inappropriately? And kids are learning things earlier and earlier. I've heard kids in 2nd grade talk about what they plan to do with their boyfriend/girlfriend after school. I'm sure some are talking about it earlier than that. Sad? Yes. It's very sad. Some of these parents need to take off the blinders and stop saying, "Not my child." I'm all for parents choosing whether or not their kids have sex ed at school, only if the parent is giving them sex ed at home.
Book Ban. Ok, I get it. There are some books that some people feel isn't appropriate for kids to read. I agree parents need to be more aware of what they're kids are reading in school. What I don't agree with is comparing the books he listed to soft porn. I mean, really? I've read both Sarah Ockler's, Twenty Boy Summer and Laurie Halse Anderson's, Speak. Twenty Boy Summer is basically about a girl dealing with the death of a loved one. Speak is about a girl dealing with rape. How he compares it to soft porn is beyond me. And thing is, he has disputed comparing the books in that manner. Some of the comments I've read is saying he didn't compare them that way. He said, and I quote, "In high school English classes, children are required to read and view material that should be classified as soft pornography. One such book is called "Speak."" Those were his exact words. Sounds like comparing to soft porn to me. And really, there's something seriously wrong with people who'd think rape scenes are like soft porn. And I'm sure both books have helped teens across this country...maybe even the world...through some very difficult times. Through Speak, victims of rape have a voice, which is normally silenced. So parents, yeah, be aware of what your kids are reading. Speaking as an educator, we need parents to become involved in their child's education. Instead of banning the books, read them with your kids. Discuss the book. Talk to your kids.
In the name of Christianity. I am a Christian. I'm in love with God, believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and believe that He'll be coming back again. I believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven. I read my Bible daily (seriously, I do) and I am very active in my church. With that being said, I am so sick of people doing and saying things in the name of Christianity. I don't know about the god some of these people serve, but the God I serve wouldn't be happy with some of these goings-on. I do not profess to knowing what goes t
2 Comments on Random Thought Thursday, last added: 9/25/2010
I LOVE that kids (and other readers) are picking up my new book, THOMAS AND THE DRAGON QUEEN (Knopf). Here are a couple of pics folks have sent me.
This is Aiden who read through a weekend visit to family and then on the way home in the car. Thanks, Hope for sending this to me!
This is Dillon Marx who, is not quite ready to read THOMAS yet, but who is trying to figure out why his older brother is so engrossed by this book. Thanks, Sueanne, for letting me post this picture!
Finally . . . a couple of favorite pics a friend sent of Bertie “reading” THUNDER-BOOMER! Thanks, Alice!
I wish he could tell me what he truly thought of it. THUNDER-BOOMER! does have a dog in it. At least he is not trying to bury it in the backyard!
Way to go, Bertie!!
See my contact page if you have photos you’d like to send me of your family members reading my books.
Quran Burning. So, Pastor Terry Jones has decided not to burn the Quran, because the Ground Zero mosque will be moved (a fact that the group building the mosque denies). I'm wondering if he's reveling in the attention he's gotten from the media. Don't get me wrong, I have no doubt he would've burned the Quran. I just think the media attention didn't make things any better. Now that I think about it, does it (media attention) ever make things better when something negative is showcased? I really think part of this is for attention...and he got just what he wanted. I will be surprised if his church membership doesn't increase after this. smh
And what about him representing all of Christianity? Um....no! I'm a Christian (very faithful and active in my church; in love with God) and I do NOT agree with the burning of the Quran. Do I agree with the Muslim faith? No. But do I believe I have the right to judge Muslims and go about burning the Quran? No. As Christians, our job is to tell people about Jesus and let them make the choice. Whether they choose Jesus or not, we're supposed to love them anyway. How is burning the Quran spreading the love of God? Yes, people around the world probably burn Bibles everyday, but two wrongs don't make a right.
And blaming the whole entire Muslim faith cos of the 9/11 attacks is pure insanity. So, I guess that means African Americans can blame the whole entire white race cos of slavery and the injustice our ancestors suffered, right? Or Jews can blame everyone of German decent because of the Holocaust. Maybe everyone of Native American descent can blame anyone of European descent cos of Christopher Columbus and others following him took their land away. Am I the only one seeing the silliness of this?
Willow Smith. I have mixed feelings about Willow Smith signing on to Jay Z's label. I'm hoping and praying she doesn't grow up too fast. She's only 9. I'm a firm believer in letting kids be kids. On the other hand, I'm kinda feeling her song. I love the beat. It's a great dance song (and I love dancing). Plus, if this is really her singing, she has a nice voice...very Rihanna like. I'd have to hear her live to make sure auto tune didn't doctor her voice up. Judge for yourself.
0 Comments on Random Thoughts Thursday as of 1/1/1900
I’ve noticed something disturbing as I criss-cross the continent—people seem to have developed a widespread, persistent fear of handrails.
For example, I am in Acadia National Park and we are descending a steep stairway to Thunder Hole, where the ocean crashes into a narrow passageway, spewing high into the air.
Seems like a place where handrails would be a good idea, right?
I observe a young girl reaching for the handrail to steady herself.
“Don’t touch that!” her mother bellows, grabbing her daughter’s arm and yanking it out of danger.
Days later, in Quebec City, we are climbing the long staircase from the Rue du Petit Champlain to Haute Ville—a staircase aptly named Escalier Casse-Cou, or the Breakneck Stairs. Again, a child innocently takes hold of the handrail, and her mother scolds her, whipping out a container of antibacterial foam and smearing it all over her daughter’s hands.
We’ve gone beyond aggressive handwashing and anti-bacterial dispensers on every street corner. These days we’re air-kissing the handrail.
Having been a recent victim of Norovirus, I totally appreciate the dangers in touching contaminated surfaces. But in a risky world, we have to prioritize. I can’t help but wonder if we’ll have an epidemic of people falling to their deaths over cliffs and down staircases and escalators.
I recently climbed the Beehive in Acadia, clinging for dear life onto those iron handholds bolted into the rock. Believe me, I wasn’t worrying about whether I might develop symptoms tomorrow. I was worried that I wouldn’t see tomorrow.
More important than fear of handrails? Fear of falling.
My opinion—handrails are our friends. With handwashing to follow.
1 Comments on Fear of Handrails, last added: 9/1/2010
As I was reading your comments about handrails and hand sanitizers, I was wondering how many new germs have mutated so they will be able to live on in spite of being sanitized? I remember an earlier post of yours about how the weather always seems to be out of the ordinary when you are on vacation. It made me recall the vacation I took several years ago with my family to Acadia. The temp was over 90 degrees when we visited which was unusual, or course. Nothing like climbing mountains when it's so hot the park service closes down it's information center! Did you get to experience temps over 90 degrees in Maine too with it's non-existent air conditioners?
Katsaridaphobia. I finally found out the name of my fear of roaches. It's actually a phobia! Katsaridaphobia. YAY! Not that I'm celebrating my irrational fear of cockroaches...just that I'm not the only one with that irrational fear.
Rae's Ultimate Career Dream. My ultimate career dream is to be a successful business owner who doesn't have to go in to work everyday (I'll have people who'll run things while I'm gone cos I'll be the boss chick); write books for children and teens full time; continue to research in reading and education...become an expert of some sort that people come to; and travel the world doing conferences and motivational speeches for girls and youth.
Fall Lineup. Shows I look forward to this fall:
Old Favorites. Dancing With the Stars, Castle, NCIS, NCIS Los Angeles, The Good Wife, Glee (OF COURSE), Criminal Minds, Law & Order SVU, CSI, CSI NY, CSI Miami (OF COURSE), Desperate Housewives (only cos Vanessa Williams will be on it), and Grey's Anatomy (only cos cutie pie, Jesse Williams is on it).
New Must Sees. The Event, The Defenders, Law & Order Los Angeles, Undercovers, Blue Bloods, Melissa and Joey (um, 2 words...Joey Lawrence).
Of course some of these shows are on at the same time, so I'd have to choose. I so can't wait til the fall!
Rock Star Dad. My dad was a member of the group, Merge, popular in the late 70s/early 80s. He's the one at the top of the pyramid. This is one of their popular songs, Take it to the Top. Cool, huh?
0 Comments on Random Thoughts Thursday as of 1/1/1900
We attended an author event at the Rathbun Library in East Haddam, CT. It opened with wine and hors d’oeuvres on the lawn. The author spoke in the Reading Garden behind the library. He was the author of a number of mystery novels and nonfiction books about forensic science, focusing on the most lurid murders of our century, including O.J. Simpson, Sam Sheppard, JonBenet Ramsey, et al. During the Q&A, someone asked the author whether researching such heinous crimes had given him a morbid outlook on human nature. “Some people will disagree with me,” the speaker said. “But I think rock and roll has a lot to do with what’s wrong with this country today.” Huh? I must confess a certain ambivalence regarding the effect of art on human behavior. It’s like I’m back in Problems of Democracy class when we had to debate first one side, then the other side of a controversy. On the one hand, I am totally convinced of the power of art and literature to change people. On the other, people who blame art for human wickedness never fail to annoy me. The notion that a book—or a movie—or a video game—or a piece of music can derange one’s moral compass seems silly to me. Humans were behaving badly long before rock and roll came along. People—women especially—were paying the price for unprotected sex long before the jazz age. Teens don’t learn profanity from books, as a rule—they learn it the old fashioned way—at home or on the street. Art is rooted in experience, emotions and opinions that already exist. It can be a means to communicate between like-minded folk. It is expressive. It can crystallize and clarify. It is a medium—but it is the artist and the audience who provide content and context—the fertile ground in which ideas can grow. Yes, art moves people. Yes, the creators of art may have an agenda. The Declaration of Independence articulated an argument for freedom on behalf of a group of educated white men, many of whom were slave-holders. The men were flawed, but their art was brilliant—so brilliant that it should have been used to argue for freeing the slaves. The flaw was in the men who created the art—not in the art itself. In fact, art is more likely to drive moral behavior than immoral acts. What makes us human is our ability to empathize. Great art creates connections between us—it allows us to see the world through the eyes of another, and so understand. Abraham Lincoln famously called Harriet Beecher Stowe “the little woman who caused this great war.” He didn’t really believe this—that taking out Harriet before her book was written would have averted the clash of interests, economies, and culture that caused the Civil War. But her views were representative of an ethical shift that made slavery no longer acceptable in a nation that claimed to be free. Mark Twain continued this work in his masterpiece, Huckleberry Finn. Everything Huckleberry knows about slaves and slavery is contradicted by the reality of Jim. And the reader’s assumptions are confronted as well. As Pablo Picasso said, “Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.”
2 Comments on That Dangersome Rock and Roll, last added: 8/15/2010
I couldn't help but listen to this story from NPR...a bit of human evolutionary history coupled with mention of "storytelling" as uniquely human behavior (you have to listen closely for that last bit, but it's in there).
Further proof that barbecue is good for you. Mmmmm.
Jamie - Funny how the Enlightenment started when people started to drink tea and coffee (the only other drinks besides booze which were "safe" to drink before we learned to boil water). Sober folks up, and they start thinking, I suppose.
Danielle - How's about beer with the barbecue? Now there's heaven.
Earlier this year, God gave me a few assignments and, sadly, I haven't completed the assignments. I don't want this year to end with my being disobedient, so I have to re-prioritize and get things in order. After prayer and deliberation, I've decided to give up the 4 things that keeps me from focusing on those assignments: Facebook, Twitter, blogging, and Pepsi.
All 4 will be a challenge. I can't say which will be more of a challenge cos they're all things I'm addicted to. BUT, I need to refocus, and the only way to do that is to fast from the things that take my focus away. I'm praying that, by the time I'm done, I'll have my priorities straight. It's funny: now that my followers list is (slowly, but surely) growing, I have to take a blogging break. This break is important, tho, so I'm not worried.
Ok, so I agree that the whole Lebron-a-thon deal was a bit much - it was as if we were waiting for the president to make an announcement - but I'm in awe of all the "hater-aid" these people are dishing out to Lebron James. I mean...wow!
First of all, people are making a big deal out of ESPN's coverage. I mean, HELLO! They could've chosen not to watch it. I'm assuming, since they were whining about the coverage and how egotistical LJ is, they did watch it. It was their choice. When it got to be too much for them, they could've...oh, I don't know...changed the channel. But, they didn't. And now they choose to berate LJ and ESPN for it?
And the Cav fans...whoa, boy those Cav fans. I'm confused. Maybe someone could help me out. When did doing what's best for you become a bad thing? Huh? When did Cleveland, Ohio become...entitled to all that is King James? One of the fans interviewed said he hopes LJ doesn't get a ring in Miami and comes back to Cleveland to win one. Um, if I'm not mistaken, he was in Cleveland for 7 years and the treasured ring eluded him. So, he chooses to go where there's an even better chance of getting that ring, and he's "cowardly"? I mean, really, people? REALLY?
#1, this is the NBA. Players switch teams, teams trade players. IT HAPPENS. I guarantee you, if he'd have stayed, and the Cavs used up all of his talents and he couldn't do on the court what he's doing now, they would've traded him without a second thought. He would've been gone...outta there...buh bye King James. I guess the fans would've burned his jerseys and called him "disloyal" or "traitor" then, right? smh I wonder how many of those fans are divorced (meaning they left a marriage because it wasn't working out) or went to another job (meaning they left their previous job because it wasn't working out), or bought a new car (because...yep, you guessed it...it wasn't working out). #2, I can't even fathom an owner spewing such words of hate about the same man he was just courting - and probably begging - a few days ago. Read Dan Gilbert's reaction to LJ's decision to leave here. And the fact that he personally guarantees the Cavs will win a championship ring before LJ does astounds me. Do they have another player on the same level - or higher - as LJ? Will he have something better than James, Wade, and Bosh together? They may win a championship in the future, but before Lebron James wins a ring? I don't think so. But I guess miracles happen, right?
There's a saying I like to use for certain circumstances, and I think this circumstance is perfect: build a bridge and GET OVER IT! I'm sorry if it sounds harsh, but come on! It's okay to be hurt and upset at LJ's decision, but it's NOT okay to take it to the level these people have taken it. He's on a quest for a championship ring. Players move all the time to the team they think will help them get that ring. Why isn't it okay for LJ to do it?
I hope he does get his ring. In fact, I hope he gets several rings. Maybe that'll shut the haters up. Then again, maybe not. Haters never quit. That's ok. If Lebron James is anything like me, he'll use the haters as motivation. He'll work even harder to prove them wrong. Go for it, King James. Your real fans are behind you.
NBA Finals. Tonight is the night. Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals. I knew it would go to a game 7. Not to sound jaded or anything, but it's all about the money here in the U.S. Either teams winning too early wouldn't have garnered alot of money...especially if it were a sweep. Now, the finals going to a game 7? That's guaranteed money, especially since it's between the Lakers and the Celtics. People are going to watch, no doubt about it.
So, with that being said. Game 7. Tonight. Lakers vs Celtics. Who do I want to win? The Celtics. Not that I'm this huge Celtics fan. I like them, but I'm a hometown team kind of girl, so it's about the Rockets (can we go back to the glory days of the mid '90s when our team was HOT). I'm not a Laker fan. I think it's more because I'm not big on Kobe. I know, shocking, right? Finally someone who doesn't live for everything Kobe. Don't get me wrong. Kobe's got skills. Some of his moves are just like...wow. I can't take that away from him. The man's good. I just don't particularly care for him. I won't be cheering him on, which means, I won't be cheering the Lakers on, which means, GO CELTICS!
By the way, in my eyes and heart, Michael Jordan will always be the best. The way Jordan played...pure art in motion. Kobe's good, but he's no Jordan, at least not to me, a Michael Jordan fan for life.
0 Comments on Random Thoughts Thursday as of 1/1/1900
Right out of seminary, I interviewed for a job in California (which I happened to get - shout out to my LBUMC peeps!). The position was Director of Youth and Family Ministries. One of the initial phone interviews was with a child/teen psychologist, who asked me what my primary purpose in ministry was. Keep in mind I was newly graduated, full of theology and polity and all kinds of "right answers." But before I could use any of my school learning, my heart made me blurt out, "To help the kids know who they are."
In so many ways my life has been about discovering who I am. I've preached that the actual definition of sin is not being true to yourself. I've worked very hard to be someone who is honest, caring, compassionate, endlessly forgiving, someone who brings anxiety levels down and seeks to find the best in others. I've spent a lot of my life chasing perfection - not Wesley's kind, but actual physical, mental, social, academic perfection. (You'd think by now I'd have learned.)
For some reason, when I went through Facebook this evening, I was overcome with waves of disappointment - in myself. I made a couple of mistakes this past week, and I'm still not at a point that I can be okay with making mistakes. Several someones pointed out my errors, called me on my posturing. I guess they meant well. I should try to see where they're coming from.
And yet, all I want to do is to scream, "Get off my back!" The pressure is intense - and almost fully self-imposed, I know this. At the end of the day, I still want someone to tell me that I am loved - just for who I am - strengths and weaknesses and silliness even when it goes a little too far. In the Christian church we call that "grace."
I don't buy the idea that if you know who you are you'll know where you're going. I feel more like Hansel and Gretel, who must have despaired when the bread crumbs ran out and they were left alone in the forest, far from the home they knew. Don't get me wrong. I'm a big girl. I can find my own way. Just don't be surprised if I look down, now and again, hoping to catch a crumb, any kind of trace, the trail that leads me forward - and back to myself.
10 Comments on Bread Crumb Trail, last added: 6/11/2010
My most frequent feeling about myself is disappointment. Not that I make mistakes, for I'm uncommonly good at making mistakes. But that I haven't been able to overcome the challenges in my life, in our lives. That every day is a struggle, that we work our fingers to the bone. That my inability to do better hurts someone who seldom complains, and who has never given me anything but kindness and love.
But for her sake, and for my soul, I won't give up. And I'm still going to fight to change the world, even though I can't even change my life, for I find nobility in struggle against insurmountable odds.
It's not the life I would wish, but it's the life I have. So what can I do, besides what I do.
1) I think one of those FB instances was genuine nostalgia, not criticism. I'm almost sure of it.
2) Even given point 1), I don't mean to invalidate your feelings...I struggle with my own imperfections daily--and student evaluations make the illusion of perfection impossible. We're never done with bettering ourselves, and the attempt is it's own reward.
I think that part of knowing ones-self is knowing that there are stumbling blocks and it's not the blocks that define anything, but how we deal with them and continue onwards. Doesn't make the blocks any easier, though.
Also, I really like the Hansel and Gretal analogy. I totally feel like that sometimes too.
Today I found myself pondering the following questions:
What would my life be like during this allergy season if there were no disposable tissues and I had no choice but to use a hanky (more like 500 hankies!)? Gross.
How can my puppy spend so many hours per day chasing his shadow without getting bored?
How do so many parents tune their misbehaving children out in grocery stores? Oh how I wish they woud listen.
How does all that dust get in my house every day?
How much junk mail in pounds do we toss every single day in this country? Why can’t we stop it from coming?
Who are “They?” when people say “They say…”
Why did I complain when it was cold here this winter? Now it is boiling hot.
Why are people who talk on cell phones while walking not able to look both ways when crossing a street?
What does a person do for a living who majors in Latin, Women’s Studies, Philosophy or Gay and Lesbian Studies?
Why would anyone take medicine advertised on TV that disclaims it may cause the illness to get worse or may even cause death?
1 Comments on 10 Ponderables, last added: 5/6/2010
This photo is of the castle in Iwakuni. And there are gorgeous views from the castle perspective, high on a mountain overlooking an island-speckled bay.
I am touring schools on American military bases from Sasebo on the southern island of Kyushu to Masawa at the northern tip of Honshu–the main island. It is wonderful and fun! More later.
Ugly Betty. OK, I'm kinda over the demise of one of my fave shows, Ugly Betty...kinda. It was weird not watching it this past Wednesday. I liked how it ended, tho. Glad they left it with the possibility of a Daniel/Betty relationship anddidn't just throw them together. And what's this I hear about a possible movie? It's only a rumor, but I would definitely be in the theater opening night if they decided to go with it. At the end, the title, Ugly Betty, came up, then Ugly faded away which just left Betty? Could it be? A new show called Betty coming out in the future??? Am I the only one who noticed that? I get the whole "Betty isn't ugly anymore so she's no longer Ugly Betty, she's just Betty" deal. I guess it's just wishful thinking. I'm SO gonna miss this show. *sigh*
Writing/Business. So, I haven't had the chance to really write much of anything these past few weeks. My family and I are starting a family business and the time has been spent mostly on researching and getting things ready for our business plan. I'm SO excited about this business. It's an awesome idea that God put on our hearts. When - not if, but when - Weakly Family Ministries officially opens, I just know it'll be a blessing. There's no doubt in my mind that it will be...we're in the will of God with this thing. Here's to making a huge impact on the kingdom of God.
It's time to get back to writing, tho. I miss it. I find that, if I go days, or weeks, without writing, my word isn't right. I have to write, whether I'm writing fiction, letters, or just journaling, I MUST write. Now that things are kind of settled with the business - we're waiting for word on our business plan - I can get back to my writing. This means that my novels and blog can once again become a focus. I can finally write/blog consistently. My poor Writing Wednesday story was pushed waaaaay back on the burner. Not sure if anyone was reading it, but no worries to those who were. It'll be back in June with a few changes.
Dancing With The Stars. I wasn't as excited about it as with other seasons, but I love DWTS, so I can't not watch it. I'm so glad Kate is gone. I have nothing against her, but she is not a dancer. Seeing as though this is a dancing show, I'd think only the best would win (but you never know with fans voting). Am I the only one annoyed by Pamela Anderson's 'sex kitten' poses? Who am I voting for? Hmmm. Nicole or Neicy.
And am I the only one who thinks Erin's dance partner, Max is a cutie?
Challenges. I like challenges...the kind that get my brain synapses fired up and adrenaline pumping through my veins. The weird thing is, the older I get, the more I like them. What's the number one way to challenge me? Tell me I'm limited in what I can do...especially when it comes to my race, ethnicity, gender, or even size. Tell me I can't do something and I'll work hard to prove you wrong. Sometimes, I'm the one who needs to be proven wrong. One of my favorite scriptures is, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). I don't take that scripture lightly. If Christ is the one providing the strength, I believe I can do it. So who are you to tell me I can't?
So, with that being said, let me tell you about a challenge I've decided to take up. About a month ago, I began training for a half walkathon. It was going well until I really thought about it. Why should I stop at a half marathon (13.1 miles), when I could go for a full one (26.2 miles)? I love to walk. Seriously. All I need is my iPod and I can walk my behind off (literally, if I do it long enough...not that I want to lose my behind). A 13 mile walk would be a lot of work, but would a challenge? Not so much. A 26 mile walk, on the other hand, is definitely a challenge. So, I've decided to go for the whole shebang. My goal? Participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer April 2011. We have two choices: (a) walk 26.2 miles - 13.1 miles on Saturday and 13.1 miles on Sunday; or (b) walk 39.3 miles - 26.2 miles on Saturday and 13.1 miles on Sunday. Guess which option I'm going to try?
Even if the going got so tough that I had to do option a, at least I'd be able to say I tried. I'm now realizing (at the ripe "old" age of 33) that I don't want to go through life wondering "what if" cos I was too darn scared to go for something. When I look back at my teens and 20s, I see that, I chickened out on some things. I also notice that there were a few times that I went for it. I participated in a beauty pageant (during a time when I was working on my body image), a scholarship pageant (I won), and kept working during my first year of teaching, even though it was difficult (peeps were surprised I came back). I also got my first tattoo (my brothers challenged me when they said I wouldn't do it) and climbed to the top of a mountain in Mexico. I'm now looking to challenge myself a little more - go a little further out of my zone. Participate in a 39 mile walkathon. Go skydiving. As an author of kids' books, become one of the few people of color that reaches the same heights as J.K Rowling and Stephanie Meyer. Become a successful entrepreneur in spite of a wavering economy.
Oh, you may not have told me personally that I can't do these things, but, society, as a whole, has. And, with God's help, I plan to prove them wrong! Don't think I can do it? Watch me!
0 Comments on Random Thoughts Thursday as of 1/1/1900
While I don’t have time at the moment to update my site, I thought I’d post some pictures of my granddaughter Chloe—-following, I hope—-in Grandma’s footsteps! The photo in the red (taken about 1 year and a half ago) lets you know that she was an independent reader from a very young age. Don’t let the fact that the book is upside down fool you!
This reading stuff is easy!
Hmm . . . what to write? If Grandma can do it, I can. We’ll start out with a hook . . . It was a dark and stormy night .. .
So about 2 years ago, I came up with a list of things I wanted to do before I turned 35 (Rae's List). Clearly, I'll be 35 next year (Yikes!!!) and haven't really crossed much off the list. Sooo, I'm updating my list and making it a list of things to do before I turn 40...which - not that I really wanna think about turning 40 - but will happen in 6 years (Yikes!!!). This gives me 6 years to concentrate on crossing things off my list. I think the fun comes with trying to do each thing. Of course, I'd love to get married and have a child before I'm 40, but that's not my call. That's all on God. BUT, I'm putting it on my list. I'll update every few months and blog about my progress. For most of the things on my list, it's not that I'm afraid to do it or don't have the time. It's that I don't have the funds to do it. I'm not worried though. Let's see how much I can cross off in 6 years, 6 months, and 24 days. Ready? Set? GO!
Updated List:
Become Dr. Rae Weakly, EdD
Get counseling license
Sky dive
Para sail
Jet ski
Swim w/dolphins
Bungee jump
Cliff dive
Stay in a hotel (or beach house) on the beach
Stay in a resort
Stay in an expensive hotel for at least one night without worrying about price
Learn Spanish - be able to hold conversation with native speakers & my sister
Learn a 3rd language (Portuguese, Italian, French, or Japanese)
Learn to play acoustic guitar
Shake hands w/a celebrity
Become a published author
Fall in love
Get married
Have a child
Travel to other countries/cities/states - Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Brazil, Holy Land, St. Thomas Virgin Islands, Italy, Spain, Japan, Cuba, Columbia, Tahiti, Philippines, Virginia, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Phoenix, Jamaica
Become owner of THRIVING business, AYM Enrichment Center
Learn to belly dance
Learn to Salsa
Take Hip Hop class
Get a professional makeover
Go to a spa
Get 3rd tattoo
Ride a motorcycle
Take kickboxing class
Fly first class
Have at least one of my novels optioned for film
Wear shorts in public *NOTE* When I wrote this 2 years ago, I hadn't worn shorts in 12 years cos I was self-conscious about my legs. Still kinda self conscious, but I have worn shorts since I added this to the list. Yay me!
Wear a daring (yet tasteful) dress
Start research on what makes other countries' educational system work & what America can do to catch up
Comfortably wear a swimsuit without cover (no shirt over it...no beach pants to cover my legs, etc)
Participate in a walkathon
Run a mile
Go white-water rafting
Learn how to ski
Try a fruity alcoholic drink: Had a margarita...pretty good!
Sing at a karaoke bar
Learn sign language
Become debt free
Buy first house
Buy my Escalade EXT
Approach an attractive guy (if only for conversation. Even @ 33, I clam up around cute guys)
Attend a Superbowl game
Go to an awards show
Get nose pierced
Climb the Statue of Liberty
Eat @ an expensive restaurant: Did this for my birthday, thanks to my friend!
Set up a foundation for kids
Become a motivational speak/mentor for young girls/teen girls
Play basketball without dying
Buy my parents their dream house
Spend a whole day doing absolutely nothing (take a me-day): Had my 1st "me-day" early last year...have had several since then.
Donate a substantial amount of $ for a worthy cause
Learn how to play piano
Plan a camp for girls and/or creative kids
Experience Las Vegas (or Atlantic City) gambling once
Research bo
0 Comments on Random Thoughts Thursday as of 3/4/2010 6:54:00 PM
Writing Wednesdays. After a few false starts, I'm glad to report that my Writing Wednesday posts will start back up in March. I've been having a hard time because of my limited access to the internet access, but things are slowly changing, which leads me to my 2nd point...
New Toys. I just received my new netbook. I was a little worried that it would be a little too small to use (as oppose to the 15+ in screens that I'm used to) but I absolutely LOVE it! It's little and cute...like me. I can easily carry it along with me. Here's an example of what my laptop looks like:
Now, all I'm waiting on is affordable internet service and I'll be good. The funny thing is, my laptop was delivered on the same day I got a few books that I ordered. A pink laptop and books delivered on the same day...you know I was in nerd heaven! The books I ordered, by the way, are: A Match Made in High School, Eighth-Grade Superzero, Wish, and The Mark.
At-Home Retreat. So, unfortunately, I can't afford to go somewhere for a sabbatical, so I'm going to plan an at-home retreat. I'm including time to spend with God, catch up on things that have fallen behind (blogging, reading, writing), and just have some me-time. It's going to be during my spring break. I can NOT wait!
0 Comments on Random Thoughts Thursday as of 1/1/1900
Call me naive, but I can't understand why politicians can't set aside self for one moment and agree on what's best for this country. They're so busy arguing about "Republicans this" and "Democrats that" that they're forgetting about what's more important than they're inflated egos...THE PEOPLE! I'm so tired of hearing each party go back and forth about who did what. At times, they sound like the little kids I teach, tattling on each other. I really wanna tell them, "Get over yourselves and start focusing on what this country needs!" I'll tell you what we don't need: a bunch of bickering peeps (doesn't matter what color, age, or race) who's main focus is to push their own personal agenda forward.
I am SO glad I do not put my trust in politicians. I am a supporter of President Obama, but my trust is not in him. I do not count on him to help me in my daily living. Yes, he's the leader of our country - whether you like it or not - but I don't trust him to make my life here on earth livable. My trust is in God and God alone! He is the one who sustains me day-by-day. He is the one who keeps me, in spite of our tumultuous economy. It is God who will lead me to my promised land. Not President Obama...not Democrats...not Republicans...but God.
0 Comments on Random Thoughts Thursday as of 1/1/1900
Mayor Goodman/Obama. Ok, so am I the only one who is perturbed at Las Vegas' Mayor Goodman's reaction? I mean, come on! Obama's statement: "You don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college. You prioritize. You make tough choices. It's time your government did the same." I'm sorry, but I don't see anything wrong with that statement. Is it just me?? I don't see him saying anything negative about Vegas. I can sum up his statement in one word: budget. If I'm trying to save $ for college, will going to Vegas and blowing it really be a smart thing to do? Doesn't Mayor Goodman know that people come to Vegas from all parts of the country - the world - so they can experience the casinos and flashing lights? Does he not know that people do, in fact, go to Vegas to blow a bunch of cash? I can't see people going to Vegas and not spending a dime...not experiencing the casinos. If you have, well, good for you. But I'll probably be right in saying most people don't. They go and they spend. They gamble and they spend some more. So why in the h*ll is Obama's statement so bad? Why did it warrant Mayor Goodman's statement that Obama's a "slow learner"? Looks to me like Goodman's the slow learner here. smh
Blog Awards. I've received my very first blog award: a Silver Lining Blog Award (for blogs that always help others in some way or focus on the good things in life and uplift others), thanks to my friend, Karen Strong over at Musings of a Novelista. I kinda feel like Betty did last night on Ugly Betty when she won a Blobby award for her blog, lol! So, according to the rules, after thanking Karen (thanks SO much), I can answer the following quiz (no more than two words) and pass the award on to 5 blogs I feel deserve the Silver Lining Award.
Where is your cell phone? Desk
Your hair? Medium
Your mother? Beautiful
Your father? Strong
Your favorite food? Mexican
Your dream last night? None
Your favorite drink? PEPSI!!!
Your dream/goal? Become virtuous
What room are you in? Parents' office
Your hobby? Reading
Your fear? Cockroaches
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Bestselling author
Where were you last night? Home (duh)
Something that you aren’t? Talkative
Muffins? Chocolate chip
Wish list item? Books
Where did you grow up? Alief, TX
Last thing you did? Wrote
What are you wearing? Jeans/Sweatshirt
Your TV? Off
Your pets? Not yet
Friends? Awesome
Your life? Blessed
Your mood? Happy
Missing someone? Deceases grandparents
Vehicle? Ford Mustang
Something you’re not wearing? Shoes
Your favorite store? Barnes & Nobles
Your favorite color? Pink
When was the last time you laughed? Earlier
Last time you cried? Can’t remember
Your best friend? Awesome
One place that I go to over and over? Parents' home
One person who emails me regularly? My family
Favorite place to eat? Applebee's
Now for the 5 blogs that always help others in some way or focus on the good things in life and uplift others: hmm...
I will be speaking and signing books at Central Michigan University on Tuesday, February 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at the Park Library Auditorium. Bring your questions, bring your laughter. I’ll speak about the good, the bad, and the just plain silly aspects of publishing for children these days—where we’ve been, and where we’re headed . . .
A reception will follow in the Clarke Historical Library. Admission to this event is free and open to the public. Information is available here at the CMU site.
.jpeg?picon=3626)
.jpeg?picon=1637)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6101107216396092506-537299914070276651?l=raeweakly.blogspot.
</p>
<div class="post-comments">
0 Comments on <em>Random Thoughts Thursday</em> as of 1/1/1900
</div> <!-- end post-comments -->
<a name="commentsforpost539528target" id="commentsforpost539528target" style="text-decoration:none;"></a>
<div id="commentsforpost539528" style="display: none;" ></div><a class = "leavecomment" title="Click Here to Add a Comment" href="/redirect.asp?kind=3&value=1875&t=http://raeweakly.blogspot.com/2010/04/random-thoughts-thursday_23.html" onclick="window.open(){kind=small}
Add a Comment
I've received my very first blog award: a Silver Lining Blog Award (for blogs that always help others in some way or focus on the good things in life and uplift others), thanks to my friend, Karen Strong over at Musings of a Novelista. I kinda feel like Betty did last night on Ugly Betty when she won a Blobby award for her blog, lol! So, according to the rules, after thanking Karen (thanks SO much), I can answer the following quiz (no more than two words) and pass the award on to 5 blogs I feel deserve the Silver Lining Award.
Another plagiarist rearing its ugly head? Sometimes words fail me – nice words, that is.
I often forget that I am supposed to keep my own blog family friendly as well...which is odd because my fiction is most definitely NOT.
Sometimes people aren't trying to make a name for themselves, sometimes these nards are just having a laugh at everyone else's expense. It is just something to keep those of us who are honest, talented and true on our toes and gives us another bit to learn from.
While I and I'm sure the rest of the writing community would much rather NOT have to deal with it, sadly some people are just sucky.
(How's that for family explicit?)
Baby name books are also a good idea for coming up with names when the character is too shy to give up his/her/its name :) Thanks for the link!
Thanks for the heads-up, angry one! (That nick-name may stick).
Won't this story stealing madness never end?
L.R. - What scares me here is this fellow was snagging submissions from unsuspecting writers. Ouch.
Barry - We can try. We can try.
Kara - Baby name websites have been a big help when writing a story set in another culture.
Alan - I think it will get worse, to tell the truth.
Argh, I'm so going to play with that name generator thingy for hours now (small minds and all that).
Argh, plagarists make me so mad.
This pisses me off something awful. When I give the whole plagiarism speech to my students, it takes everything I have to keep from it turning into a diatribe.
Hope this guy gets what's coming to him.
Plagarists = scum of the earth.
Ugh. It's doubly sleazy to court people's stories, and then steal them : P
I'm right behind you, Angry Aaron. It's a comfort to see the writing community band together and brandish their pitchforks.
-Mercedes
Man oh man. It's one thing to plagiarize. It's quite another to deceive authors by having them submit their work, then steal it. Wow.
Sometimes it's easy to hate humanity. At least the monkeys haven't started these kinds of shenanigans ... yet.
Geez, not another plagiarist. At least they're pretty easy to catch these days.
I like the Baby Name Wizard for my character-naming needs, but that name generator sounds like fun (and now watch me waste the next hour playing with it).