I've been a little silent with the MEMEs lately so I thought I'd jump back on the bandwagon. I've really missed them. Musing Mondays is a bookish meme hosted by MizB on Should be reading.
This week’s musing asks…
Describe the last time you were stumped for something to read, and you took measures to remedy that — either by going to the bookstore, the library, or shopping elsewhere. What book did you choose? Did it get you out of your slump?
Since I have several stacks of TBR books screaming for me to get to them I can say that I haven't ran into this problem lately. I did, however, have this problem or shall I say a several year period that was my reading slump a while back when all I ever did was read textbooks. One night, after several in a row battling insomnia, I decided to go looking for a book and couldn't find any that either didn't have textual content or pictures of Star Wars storm troopers in them. My oldest, who was at the time freshly graduated from high school, came to my rescue with a little series he had read in high school English. Now don't judge me. lol It was the Twilight series. I am usually an anti-crazy book fiend. I steer clear of all the "IT" books of the time. Let me just add this was several years after the books initially were released. The first movie had been released (which I had to take my son and his little girlfriend to see). So I feel confident that I did not sell out. I read all 4 books in less than a week and half. After all, I had finals, kids to raise, work to work, and a household to run. I could have read them all in a few days but as usual life gets in the way. All I'll say about the books is that at the time I was mesmerized by them. Blame the insomnia or the lack of entertainment reading for an extended period of time because now, although I like the stories, I doubt that I could read them again. My tastes have matured.
Now a days as I said before there's always a book within reach. I will say that I can not avoid bookstores, book racks, online book places, or even the little spinner thing at the Dollar General store. I must always touch a book when I go to a store. It's not an illness, it's a way of life. Right now I'm working to finish a book I flew through for a review but want to really get the whole picture and then I'll tackle that TBR list. The physical one and the Kindle one. You just gotta love a good book!
So what about you? Been in a slump? What got you out of it? Or what do you think it will take to get you out of it?
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your answer in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!
It's been a week. Not a good one but it's come to an end. Thank you Big Guy above! I just want to chalk this one up to experience and growth. (By the way, I'm getting a little weary with this personal growth spurt I'm going through) I've complained a lot this week. Cried. Whined. Snapped at people. Even contemplated dropping out of society but then remembered I really like electricity, running water, and food.
To end the week on a more positive note and to encourage my excitement for a four day weekend, I present you with my Friday favorite: DJ Draco's remix of Otis Day and the Knights version of Shout.
I hope everyone has a great and safe Memorial Day weekend!
Yep. I've done it again. I've bitten off more than I can even put in my mouth let alone chew. I am taking an intersession Developmental Psychology class. If you aren't familiar with intersession courses let me try to explain. They're classes that insane people think they can accomplish. It's a 16 weeks worth of class work crammed into 4 fun fast paced weeks of hell. Yes I said hell because that's what it feels like. I have never been one of the people who was afforded the slacker professor who modifies the work so that you can just slide through the 4 weeks with no stress. No, I've always had the one that packs every last tid bit of info into the session. Giving me my money's worth. This is no exception. I think this professor even packed in a few extra bits of knowledge just for fun. I've spent the past two days pouring of the development of young minds and raising a virtual child. (Yes, you read that right. A virtual child - That's a topic for another post though). Just as I was 2/3 of the way through my online test my work computer (the College's work computer) jumped off line...jumped, ran, skipped, vanished, whatever you want to call it...I didn't finish my test. I can't get it rest and now after a mental and semi-physical meltdown (post it notes really don't get good distance as a single sheet), I've decided no to sweat the small stuff. I failed the first test. Big deal. It's only a failure if I don't learn from it. I'm learning. What you ask? Not to wait until 2 hours before the testing window closes to take the dang test. Oh well. Se La Vi! Life goes on. I have faith that I'll survive this calls and live to stress another day.
No that I've left you with all that useless knowledge about my present state, let me just say that during the next 3 weeks I won't be getting through my Review reads. At least, I won't be posting the reviews here until after my temporary insanity has been completed. I'm working through quite the stack but I promise to have them posted as soon as humanly possible. Thank you for your patience!
I love music. Not just a kind of music but all music. There’s something I envy in those who can turn a string, a key, even just some air into an awesome piece of music. It ranks right up there with books for me. I have no musical ability whatsoever. I do; however, have a fine appreciation for what others can do.
Recently, I was introduced to the fine art of Dubstep. Dubstep is an art form. It truly is.
Dubstep is like audio thunder. It’s roots come from experimental UK garage sounds who sought out ways to incorporate elements of drum and bass in their sound in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. It’s basically instrumental music that has been crafted into an amazing arrangement of sounds. These sounds range in style from melodic instrumentals to a dark, techno distortion. There’s an entire subculture vocabulary that revolves around this growing industry. Wobble bass…rewinds…bass drops…Structure…four-to-the-floor…
It’s been around for over a decade but this middle aged lady just discovered how awesome it can truly be. Recently I was introduced to the sounds of a young up and coming artist called Terabyte Frenzy.
I recently had the privilege of getting to interview this artist and get a little background on his sound and where it comes from. Here’s that interview:
Cat: Thanks for taking time to give us a little insight in your sound. So tell us a little about your background.
TF: Well I was born in London but I've lived in a County called Devonshire in Southwest England most of my life. I'm heading off to University later on this year though in Bath.
Cat: What does your musical background consist, did you study music before?
TF: I've been playing the bass guitar since i was 10. I always loved the deep sounds of a bass and i think that's what attracted me to dubstep. I was the bass player and singer in several bands during my earlier teenage years but i disliked the whole idea of everyone having a say in everything. I'm a bit of a control freak, so working on my own is a must. a lot of the vocals in my tracks are sung by me and I enjoy the freedom to do whatever I want.
I've never studied music. I got bass guitar lessons for about a year but i didn't like being shown what to do so i taught myself. The same goes for my singing and my production skills."
Cat: How did you first get into this kind of music?
TF: I’ve been creating EDM (electronic dance music) for about a year now. I used to try my hand at some production in my old bands and found i had a bit of a talent for it. Soon i started experimenting with electronic music and this coincided with the rising popularity of dubstep so i suppose i just 'jumped on the band wagon'
Cat: Who are your musical influences?
TF: I used to be a fan of metal so I’m into my loud noises and aggressive sounds. I find metal too 'samey' and uninspiring recently and I find everyone grows out of that kind of music eventually.
The first dubstep artist I heard was Mt Eden who produces really mellow, relaxed dubstep so I didn't understand the whole concept of heavy dubstep at first. As I started to explore the genre I listened to artists like 16 bit and bar 9 and Bassnectar. Although I liked the traditional sound of dubstep it wasn’t until I heard Skrillex and his way of doing things that i decided 'right. This is what i want to do'. The hectic, aggressive energy to the music appealed to my old taste of metal and I felt excited about trying to create my own take on it.
Cat: What kind of mixing programs have you used?
TF: Cubase and Logic I’ve had a go at. I didn’t like them much though.
TF: My first program was Ableton live and still is till this day. My brother introduced me to it around the age of 14 but it wasn’t until I was about 16 that I started to use it. I had no one to show me what to do and the tutorial videos confused me so I just worked it out over time. I probably would have benefitted from a music production course at school or something but I feel a sense of achievement that I taught myself.
Cat: Where do you get your ideas for mixing and remixing?
TF: This is gonna sound weird but my main inspiration is my shower. I don’t know what it is but there’s something crazy in that water. Whenever I have a shower I’ll start humming a tune or think of a beat and the second I get out I’ll have to record it. Most of my songs to this date have been created this way, no word of a lie!
Cat: How did the whole iTunes album come about?
TF: I wanted to understand the industry a little more so I got some advice from a few connections and released my first EP independently. I think I rushed into it a bit fast because my music is constantly progressing and I’ll look back at that EP in a years’ time and think "Why the hell did I release that" but it's all part of the learning process I guess.
Cat: So tell us about the album. What's the name of it? Is it available in the US as well as the UK?
TF: Well it's only an EP. It’s not a full length but it was my first set of songs that I felt I was happy to release to the public. The release is self-titled (Tetrabyte Frenzy) and its available through the iTunes store in the UK and the US.
TF:Using the sales from my first EP I’ve bought new equipment to help perform live. So yeah I’ll be playing anywhere and everywhere that i can.
Cat: Where do you want to go from here?
TF: Well, I have University ahead of me but I’m hoping that being 10 minutes away from Bristol (which has a really lively music scene) I will be able to focus on both my music and my studies.
Cat: What is your favorite mix that you've done so far?
TF: Every time I make a new song I think it’s my favorite and then I’ll hate it as soon as I’ve made a new one. It’s hard to say.
Cat: Thank you for taking the time to answer all my questions. Is there anything you'd like to add or say?
TF: Thank you for giving me the opportunity! All I’d like to say is keep listening to my music as I promise it will get better!
Terabyte Frenzy has some a great talent. If you get a chance check out his music on iTunes. This is a great music genre and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have.
That is the question. At least my question. I discovered an unknown ability of mine this past semester. I can write poetry. Which is odd because I'm not a big poetry person. I wrote more poetry than I did short stories for my Creative Writing class and was told that my poetry blew away my prose. I don't know if that says much but I'll run with it anyway.
In my last Creative Writing class, the professor gave his farewell lecture. It included the usual things about writing everyday, reading everything you could your hands on, and finally to submit and forget. Let me explain that one. He's little pep talk was that we shouldn't fear submitting our work. Submit it. Once we've done so, don't agonize over it. Remember who you submitted to but don't lose sleep over it. Let it go. What can you do once it's out there? You just have to let it find its home. Move on to the next work and if you get something back on it? Great. But what if it's a rejection letter? That's not a failure. That's another chance to seek out its proper home.
I love this. After all, Thomas Edison once said "I didn’t fail ten thousand times. I successfully eliminated, ten thousand times, materials and combinations which wouldn’t work." The same can be said for submitting writing. Rejection letters are failure. Look as them as one less place to look for a home for your writing. That's the approach I think I'm going to go for.
But as my title says, I'm pondering whether I'm ready to submit or not. I wrote three great poems. One even had the professor and fellow student compare me to Dickenson (quite an honor for this dark soul let me tell you). But are three scribbled poems enough to think I can submit my work to anything? I don't know the answer to that. I do know that if I wait until I'm ready there may be no time left to do it. So now I'm off to search the web for literary mags that take open submissions. I may find a home for them. I may not. The best I can hope for is finding out where they don't belong and perhaps there may come the day when a letter or email comes and says "Home Sweet Home".
What are your thoughts? If you've submitted work before what's your story? Why did you submit? How was your first go 'round? What would you do differently? If you haven't submitted your work, What's stopping you? Leave me a comment and give me some ideas where to go from here.
My sons have recently introduced me to Julian Smith. He has his funny moments. He has his WTF moments. Overall, I like him. He’s quite funny. The boys played this song for me below and said the video is me to the T. I laughed but they’re right.
Those of us who are die hard book readers take reading to a whole new level most of the time. Interrupting us can be equated to interrupting brain surgery. We take our books very seriously. For me reading is like mental time travel. I allow myself to be transported to this alternate world, this different time, this new place, this vacation of the synapsis. I don’t want the real world invading my peaceful escape…or to steal a term from one of my favorite paranormal book sites, a Literary Escapism. Don’t tear me away from this small piece of heaven. What happens if someone dares to interrupt me? I’m pretty much like Julian is in this video…at least momentarily until I mentally adjust my mind to the quantum leap it has just made from my escape to the fictious worlds of the pages back to the humdrum life in reality. I ask for forgiveness to anyone I’ve snapped at in the past, present or future…however, just be warned that if there is a book or Kindle within my eye sight…interrupt at your own risk because…I’M READING A BOOK!
It’s Friday the 13th! The day that some people are frozen with fear; armed with a lucky rabbit’s foot, four leaf clovers, and horse shoes. Ok maybe not but traditionally this is the day people associate with bad luck. Personally, it’s always been the opposite for me. It’s a day of abnormally good luck. In the 2nd grade while walking home I found a $20 bill on a Friday the 13th and a few other really cool events that I won’t bore you with happened on Friday the 13th.
Just for kicks and giggles let’s talk about why this day is marked as one of the most superstitious days of the year and where did it get all its bad luck from?
Here’s your semi short history lesson. Ultimately the day is a combination of some pretty unlucky events. First the fear of the number 13 itself. It is believed to be contributed to a Norse myth. Twelve Norse gods were having a dinner party (always centered around food these old myths, huh?). This little gathering was in their version of Heaven called Valhalla. An uninvited guest, Loki (quite the mischievous little trickster), made himself welcome at their little gathering. He got bored so he decided to have a little fun by arranging for the blind god of darkness, Hoder, to shoot Balder the Beautiful, the god of joy and gladness. (Told you he was mischievous). Balder died and the whole Earth was engulfed in blackness while they mourned. From that day number 13 is unlucky.Seriously? That’s just one of a million stories about the unluckiness of 13. Even the Bible references unlucky 13…after all, Judas was the 13th guest to the Last Supper and he betrayed Jesus after that. There’s accounts of witches gathering in groups of 12 with the 13th being that nasty red guy with the pointed tail and horns.
But why is Friday singled out so rudely? I mean, have you ever heard anyone panic because it’s Wednesday the 13th? Nope, I haven’t either. The common belief is that it relates back to Good Friday and the day that Jesus was crucified. Another factor of this crazy (or is it crazy?) superstition is the fact that it’s a rare occurrence. Friday the 13th usually happens once a year but rarely more than three times in any given year. Here’s a secret (ok not really but it is overlooked): Any month that’s first day starts on Sunday will have a Friday the 13th. SPOOKY??? No, just basic math.
However, 13 isn’t the only bad number out there. In Korea, China, & Japan, residence suffer from Tetraphobia…the fear of the number 4 because the word for it is very similar to the word for death. In Italy, the number 17 in Roman numerals (XVII) can be rearranged as VIXI which is Latin for “I have lived” or twisted around could mean “I am dead”. While 13 is still the unlucky factor in Romania, Greece, and some areas of the Spanish world, it is the day of the week that is considered unlucky. They fear “martes trece”…Tuesday the 13th.
Whatever day or number the day is though, do we really need to fear it? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Whatever your belief or fear or inclination of today is, just enjoy it and make the most of the breathes you get to take today.
BTW: Remaining true to my geek nature…the word for the fear of Friday the 13th is friggatriskaidekaphobiawhich comes from the Greek treiskaideka meaning “thirteen” and phobia meaning “fear”. The “frigga” prefix comes from the name of the Norse Goddess for whom Friday was named after.
Side note: I had really cool pictures to follow along with this post; however, blogger has been down with no explanation for quite some time and I’m resorting to emailing my post. I hope it makes it and I hope we’re all back up again soon.
Thank you to everyone who sent their congratulations and well wishes on Friday. I had the most amazing day. While I wasn't too keen on going through the ceremony I have to say I've changed my tune. It was the most gratifying experience I've been through in quite some time. After years of hard work and sometimes no so hard work that should have been hard work I donned my boxy gown and placed the cap upon my head. What looked back at me in the mirror was a woman who stood tall, more confident than years gone by, smarter yes but more so wiser in so much as to know in the grand scheme of things I'm more aware that I know even less than I thought I did in the beginning and that in and of its self has been the greatest lesson.
Mom, Me, & Dad
As my dear blog friend Gigi Ann stated the best education comes after classes are over. So what did College do for me? It opened my mind to the possibilities that are out there. It gave me a new appreciation for different people and a better understanding of tolerance for those who think differently from me. It also taught me that focus and determination are wonderful and necessary but there comes a time when it comes down to your support system. My family has been amazing in my journey through Higher Education. I couldn't have made it this far without my boys or my parents or my friends. They all have as much to do with me reaching this mile stone as I do. Another great lesson that I gained was that we never really realize what role models we truly are for our children. My boys blew me away with their pride in their mother. Facebook statuses were updated about my graduation, cards with handwritten note about how proud they were of me, and more hugs than I could ask for (not that I could ever get too many especially now that they are outgrowing me). My boys now talk about what they will study in college and how they will pay for it not what job they'll get but what they need to do to get there. That is a cycle long in need of breaking.
In the past, our family only worried about putting food on the table in the here and now (which is a necessity yes) but there is more to life than just putting food on the table. I want them to find themselves and still be able to put food on the table.
I entered the Commencement hall Friday night and felt the surge of over 300 graduates plus their families and it was like electricity. I smiled and did not quit until...well, I think there's a part of me that is still smiling. My degree was great to get. I didn't want to walk originally but did so for my parents and my children. What I found was that walking made me fully experience the last few years: all the sleepless nights, tears, laughs, struggles, hard work, new found interests, determination, and the new found interests and direction. They all came into focus. That silly hat and hot gown was the culmination of academic, spiritual, and emotional growth. When it was all done all I could think of was I wanted to do it again. And so I shall. How funny a silly ceremony can drive you to want more but it did. I'm even more inspired than I was when I began.
So off I go to hit the books again in a week to push forward. I'm headed for an English degree with a minor in Adult Ed and who knows where I'll stop. Thank you all for your kind words. It was a wonderful experience and I would highly suggest no one miss theirs!
I’m graduating today! Yes, I am finally, after two decades, receiving my Associates in Arts. I have more credit hours than any one undergrad would ever need but I did it. It feels like I’ve broken an invisible barrier. I was the first person in my family to graduate high school (although my father is the most intelligent man I know). That was an accomplishment then. After that, anyone who was in school, finished.
Now I’ve gone on to achieve my Associates. I know it’s just an Associates degree but it’s so much more to my family. I knew it was important to me and to my parents but I wasn’t expecting my children to get so excited. They’re all teenagers and if I’ve heard them complain once about me doing homework, I’ve heard it a million times. What a surprise I had when they got uber excited! They even tried to pick out something special to wear…these are all boys by the way.
This is just one small step for me. I’m off to the next step come fall. I’ll continue taking classes this summer to help with the transfer process. I’ll remain a book bound student but now with a little something extra to help me through my way. I’m going to focus on getting my BA in English Lit with a Minor in Adult Education. My mission? I want to let adults who didn’t get a chance to get the education, or any education for that matter, know that they can do this. It’s hard word but no one is unlearnable if given the right tools. Some times it’s just takes someone to let them know and show them what those tools are. Some times it’s just having someone pat them on the back and listen to their struggles. I want to make a difference and I want to share my love of written language. I also want to continue develop my writing. I’m not focused on publishing anything just developing my abilities.
One important thing I’m taking from my Associates Degree is that you should never stop learning. Always look for a new way to look at an old idea and keep your eyes open to what lies ahead. I’ve got a bright future and although, I’m entering my forties this next year, I can do anything I set my mind too as long as I keep my eyes, my heart, and my soul open. I’m graduating from Community College but entering the next phase of an amazing adventure of my education.
Recently, I was chastised because of something I do that apparently isn’t the norm. We’d gone out to a local pizza place for my Grandfather’s 85th Birthday. (What can I say, he LOVE pizza…well, anything with cheese really). At the end of a great meal I started scrapping off plates and stacking them, placing all the napkins in a pile on the empty pizza pan, etc. My darling father said “What are you doing? That’s why we leave a tip.”The conversation then quickly shifted to my habit at hotels to “tidy up” and how I pull the bed linens up when I’m done. Yes, I do these things. I can’t help it. I used to think it was just because I didn’t want people to think I was a slob. That’s not it though.
In my lifetime, I’ve had many jobs. I’ve worked in offices, customer service, I’ve waited tables, I’ve been an annoying telemarketer (please forgive me & it was local so I’m sure I didn’t call you), and so many other things. I’ve gained something from each of those positions. I can remember managing a little boutique a few years ago and I had to pick up all the stuff people just laid down. I’d stay after closing for hours picking things up. When I waited tables I picked up more chewed up food than I ever did for my own children. It was disgusting. I’ve got a ton of stories I could go on and on about but I won’t punish you with them.
All of this to say, I can’t help but I feel compelled to help people out. It only takes me a few seconds to stack a couple of plates. That waitress, while yes, she’s being paid, stacks dozens and dozens of dishes, works standing on her feet, then more than likely goes home to laundry, homework help, cooking supper, and the usual. It’s a hard job. Same goes for hotel staff. They get the worst of the worst when it comes to hospitality. People traveling are grumpy!!! It doesn’t bother me to toss in a helping hand. It doesn’t hurt anyone and hopefully it brightens someone’s day a little. Maybe they’ll get home a few minute early to tuck in their little child or make it a school play or maybe just to be able to sit down for a few minutes and rest their feet before hitting the books for an exam.
Basically, even though I’m leaving them a tip, I feel compelled to make a small part of their day a little easier. Whether they see it as that or not, doesn’t matter. I did it for me as much as for them. Hopefully though, the kindness will shine through and they’ll have a smile on their face when they meet you at your table. How awesome would that be?
Thanks to a friend's Facebook post, I discovered a cool writing site called 750words.com. What is 750words.com you ask? So glad you asked because that's why I'm posting about it. It's a website that encourages you to type 750 words a day...the equivalent to 3 pages of writing a day. It's based on a book called The Artist's Waywhich basically says you should write about 3 pages a day preferably first thing the morning. The concept is that you'll purge all the stuff in your head that needs to get out in order for you to have a productive and creative mindset the rest of the day. 750words.com is from the maker of 43Things.com , a site dedicated to listing the things you want to do in life and linking you with others who have the same goal and even lets you tell how you reached those goals. Below is what happens when you finish. You get a nice, neat little package of what mindset you were in, what your thoughts were geared around, and much more. There's a detailed breakdown on your word usage and the type of feelings or mindsets they suggest you're in. If nothing else? It's a great indicator of how you're projecting.
I'm not sure how far I'll go with this but I like the concept. It's kind of an accountability system. Your word count is tabulated at the bottom of the screen and your work is private. You can set it to share but I chose to keep my words to myself...at least, for now.
I'm sure there's other sites like this but it was the first I found and it was free...at least for now. Have you found any like this? Let me know. I love playing with online toys!
Well, I did it. Among 1200 plus bloggers, I blogged through the month of April in the A to Z Blogging Challenge hosted by Arlee Bird over at tossingitout.blogspot.com . I blogged on the scheduled alphabetized 26 days PLUS I started Sunday Sayings, posting a quote I've stumbled across that week. I've met a lot of fellow bloggers. Gained a few followers. I've even found that I can set a goal and follow it through without to much fuss about it.
I'm not sure how I'm going to approach posting after this challenge. I liked being connected everyday to the blogosphere but it does take a lot of mental ability to post daily. I don't know that I can go back to my weekly memes either. It was great to participate in them when I didn't have any real content but I've learned some things about myself and my writing ability in the past month. I don't want to follow along. No, I don't have any delusions of being some great writer that can pump out mind thrilling content. I just feel like I'm finding my groove and before I was afraid to even look for my groove. I hid behind the creativity of others. Don't get me wrong I love those memes but i want to spread my blog wings and see if I can do what I set out to do with this blog...find out what composes me and develop my writing ability...oh and of course continue to share the words I find myself getting lost in aka books!
I hope those of you who began following me as a result of the challenge continue to be entertained or at least take something from my posts. I know I ramble but that's just part of my charm. (*grins huge grin) I've enjoyed getting to know all those out there and will continue to check out those who signed up. There were just way too many to get through them all in the month alone but I don't want to miss anyone. I'm so glad I decided to jump in with both feet and join in. It's been a blast, a whirlwind, and a real growth experience.
Now off to a nice relaxing month of May! Oh who am I kidding...May is just as crazy as April. But doesn't that just make life fun?
An avid reader, life long writer, and lover of life, I am here to shares my love of books and writing in hopes to spread a little knowledge and entertainment to the rest of the world. (and truthfully...to help make sense of it all)
A common theme is the ramblings of my bipolar world which I share without shame so no one else has to hide or be ashamed of themselves or the ones they love. Knowledge is power and the more you know the more you grow.
which basically says you should write about 3 pages a day preferably first thing the morning. The concept is that you'll purge all the stuff in your head that needs to get out in order for you to have a productive and creative mindset the rest of the day. 
