Y'all gonna make me lose my mind.. (NaNoWrMo)

Composed by Cat
Guess who has two thumbs and just lost her mind? This girl! (points thumbs at self) Ok so that may not be news to most of you. If you've read at least one of my posts here you know I've always misplaced a bit of my gray matter. However, about an hour ago I took the plunge and signed up for NaNoWrMo! 

For those not familiar with this, it's basically writing a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. It's not really to get a quality bestseller cranked out but to get people writing. I'll write everyday (hopefully) without going back and editing, revising or thinking what the heck was I thinking? It's a way to get people to remember what they love, to write. So I have no clue what to write but I have half a month to coming up with a plan. I don't know whether to write something of fiction or whether to work on that autobiography piece of being a bipolar parent. That one might be a bit emotional to work on in one month, especially right before the holidays. My mind is racing like crazy trying to figure out my game plan, my story idea, my plot, my everything. It'll be fun! I decided when I turned 40 this year to stop saying someday. So TODAY I'm pledging myself to this endeavor. I'm going to give it a whirl! (love that saying) 

If you're participating this year and looking for 'buddies' my user name is composingcat. (Big surprise, huh?) I'd love a buddy or two. We can all use as much support as we can get. I'll try to keep everyone updated. I have to be held accountable or I'll flake lol I'm off to find some cool mojo word count keeper for the blog because I'm that much of loser lol As for those of you who have participated and completed, I'd love some tips. And for those of you who started it but didn't quite get there or even quit, let me know what went wrong or what you'd advise to do it differently. I"m really excited. I don't think it'll really be worth reading but hey, it's something on my Bucket List so why not, right? 

Wish me luck...and my family too...they're going to need it!!!


Happy Reading! 

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I'm hot and I'm cold. I'm yes and I'm no. Wait? what?

Composed by Cat
I remember when my mom went through that hellish period we all call "the change". It was a scary time for everyone. She was happy one moment then mad as a hatter the next then would wrap it up with a face full of tears. That's what I remember. It took my mom almost 11 years to make it through it. She was is in her late 30s early 40s when she started this torment. She was in uncharted territory. You see, my grandmother, her mother before her, and her mother before her all had had to have hysterectomies either at childbirth or shortly there after. There was only once child born to each of them...including my mother with me. My mom was the first woman in our family history to have to go through the change. Bless that brave woman's heart. She suffered both mental and physical hell that I can not imagine. She went through this for 11 years before she completed this rite of passage. She's an amazing woman with a  big heart and a hug for everyone. I don't know how she made it but she did. I think it made her even sweeter; although, she says she can't cry since she went through it. I am a crier. I cry at sad stories on Facebook and don't get me started on those old OnStar radio commercials. Just thinking about that has me tearing up. 

I tell you all this because I am so afraid I'm starting to enter into this wonderful rite. I'm not sure; like I said, mom was the first woman in our family to do this. Here's why I think this...I have had the usual abnormal TOM for most of this year. (If you don't know what TOM is...goggle it) It's been all out of whack and while it's back to normal within in the time frames it's always something different. At first, I contributed it to what a havoc Mono had left my body in after last year. As I said, it's back on a normal time schedule but each time it's something different. I won't go into details. You're welcome! I know, that's just something normal especially with what I went through with Mono. So why would I think I'm starting to go through this wonderful change crap? Well, recently I can't shake being hot AND cold. It's a lot like how you feel when you're getting a cold but it comes in waves. I feel clammy most of the time and I've always been one of the paranoid people about smelling. I don't wear perfume, although, I do wear vanilla lotion and body spray. To make this worse, I am not a sweater. I practically boil inside my skin because I don't sweat. I know, I know. I shouldn't complain but while all you sweaters are out there complaining about getting sweaty and all I'm sitting there boiling my brain holding in  my body heat. This is why I love winter. It's my friend. (Just not my arthritis' friend...btw: I've had Arthur as a visitor since I was 15 thanks to multiple knee and ankle injuries...it's not just an old person's pal). But back to my point. I am constantly feeling like I'm sweaty but of course, I'm not but at the same time I've got goose bumps/flesh on my arms. The hair on my arms stand straight up! 

One advantage is that I get a work out. I remove and replace my jacket at work a million times a day. Which brings me to today. I decided after we went hiking yesterday that I would continue the physical activity and get back into working out in the gym that is directly below my office and free. I know. I know. I have no excuse for not being in peak physical shape but I'm human. So I took it easy and just went down stairs and road the cycle for half an hour during my lunch hour. Holy cow! That made the hot/cold atmosphere within my body go wild! I felt wet and clammy and like I was about to break out with a horrible flu. It wasn't until I got home and put a tank top on that I got some relief. Now does this mean I'm getting all changey or does this just mean I've shorted out my internal thermostat? I don't know. Most of my female friends are younger than me and those that are older say I'm too young. Who knows. I'm not hateful. I'm no more moody than a bipolar princess should be. So I guess I'll just keep going like I'm going and just layer for work until it either stops or it breaks me. 

It's so odd how our bodies try to tell us something but we just didn't get the manual. For now I'll just keep on being me. I'm already a whack job mentally so I don't really think the change will mess with my mind any more than my normal life has. I guess I can thank Bipolar Disorder for something good ha! ha! I'll do my normal nerdness and look up the signs and symptoms and remedies I can use to get through it when it does come. Until then I'll just keep a jacket and fan close at hand. Maybe I'll warn my kids or maybe I'll have fun with them. Bawahahahahah!

I'll keep you up-to-date in case I end up in an orange jump suite picking up trash on the side of the road on work release. Thanks for listening and if anyone has any tips or advice for whatever I'm going through or will be going through, let me have it. 
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Musing Rainy Day

Composed by Cat


I woke to the sound of the rain dancing on the tin roof above my head. What is it about rain that awakens my inner Muse? I'd love to sit by the window, listening to the liquid inspiration fall to the cool ground below me and write until my Muse drops from exhaustion. Atlas, I must be a grown up...well, maybe not completely. Errands to run this morning; then home again to jot down the plethora of images flooding my mind. Please let the rain continue for the day so I can finish my duties and then come out to play!

P.S. Once I came home the rain went away and the sun came to stay. My Muse took a nap. My she'll wake up, perhaps!

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From shy to outspoken...it only took a couple of decades

Composed by Cat
"I'm shy" "You?" laughs ensue. "There's no way YOU can be considered shy. If you're shy, so is Lady GaGa." 
This is an actual conversation at a training I attended last month.  Our group was looking for a spokes person. I was immediately chosen. Apparently, during the week long training I had showed myself to be outspoken. That's really not that big of a surprise for those around me now but it was the first time it really sank in to me. You see, growing up I was painfully shy. I was always hidden behind my mother's pant legs. I was that little toe-headed girl peaking around her to see who was there.  Sure, when close family and friends were around I was relaxed and semi-outspoken. I've always had a wild imagination and loved to make up stories. I was a military brat who only let people get so close because while we didn't move a lot others did. In high school I hid myself with Olive Oil like long skirts and long sleeves before they were the "in" thing of the 90s and hid my long lanky body behind a mound of books. Flash forward a few decades and I'm the outspoken women who finds herself nominated to speak for the group. 

The situation triggered some self inventory (personally I hate this term when workshops say it but I get it). I realize that while my toe-head hair may be going to more of a brown with sprinkles of "arctic" blonde and I've got more padding on all areas of my body...I'm so much more comfortable in my skin than I ever have been in my life. Yes, I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up but that's only because I don't want to grow up. Yes, I'm still a student and you know what? I will be for the rest of my life simply because I LOVE learning. (Reminds me I've got to make some posts about my Supernatural Folklore class I took this summer...amazing!). Yes, I drive a 97 Jeep Grande Cherokee with the front rubber bumper slightly amiss and the roof lining sagging a bit. Yes, I work in a cubicle the size of a refrigerator box (I kid you not) & have no jazzy titles.  Yes, my house is way to small for me and the two giant boys with feet the size of John boats and one mini boy with a huge heart and a collection of end of the world survival items. Yes, I have dental problems, leg pain, bipolar, low blood sugar, need bifocals, and have inner ear issues that cause me to fall...a lot. And yes, I live within shouting distance of my parents and I'm 40 years old. (Just to clarify, I don't live with my parents just on the same property). 

Yet all those things make me appreciate so much in my life. Yes, I'm outspoken. No, I'm not shy anymore. Yes, I'm happy with where I am because it's getting me to where I'm going. I'm glad that in a group of strangers I'm recognized as being outspoken in a positive way and that the shy little girl who's second grade teacher told her parents she need psychological evaluation for being to introverted now is not afraid to ask strangers questions or stand before an entire mall of people to make an announcement or even act goofy in front of strangers. I'm so comfortable with being me. With being where I am...right here...right now. So yes, I'm a spokesperson for being comfortable with who you are. If you aren't who will be? and if you aren't why not? Not to drag religion in but God loves you so who cares what anyone else thinks! Be happy with who you are, where you are. 


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To MIA post or to not MIA post...

Composed by Cat
Do I write yet another MIA post? Here's the condense version: 

  1. New position at work that is part of a large system wide pilot program..leaving little room to not stress or to eat lunch anywhere but at my desk. 
  2. Began my program at WKU taking intense summer classes that involved research and homework from the time I came home from work until I passed out in my bed. 
  3. I lost faith in what I came here to do. (this one is a work in progress)
  4. My son cabbaged my laptop most days leaving me with but pen and paper. 
  5. I don't know if I'm coming or going
  6. I'm a loser who didn't do it. 
I'm sure there's a few other issues in there that I could bore you with but I won't. I will say that I have enjoyed my summer courses at Western Kentucky University. I didn't realize how much  I missed academia. I know I needed the break especially after my lovely round of mono but a taste of knowledge, class discussion, and a research paper has made me thirst for more and more and more and...well, you get the idea. Fall session begins on the 27th...I've already got the plethora of books required for just one class (6 books total) and then a book for my biterm class. Even school books make me giddy! 



While I'm excited to be back in the game, I'm glad that there's a small break between my summer and fall classes. As some of you may know I work at a community college...which classes begin on Monday and my new position is in solution support for financial aid!!! It's a special kind of hell we work in. Exhausting and draining to say the least. It will be this way for about 2 more weeks and then class starts. I hope that somewhere in there I can find my way back here to share some kind of something...hopefully insightful or entertaining, or at least worth reading. 

So that's it for now. I have so much more to  say but you haven't done anything to be tortured that bad. 

So have a great Sunday and happy reading!

Cat


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Please Be Kind, Don't Be A Behind

Composed by Cat
It's been an insanely busy day at work. More than half the office called in on a Monday morning which just happened to be the first day of Summer session. In case some of you aren't my usual stalkers let me catch you up. I work in student services at a local community college. We operate a call center that answers questions for financial aid, admissions, business office and of course the central switchboard for eight campuses. First day of any session is crazy but with half staff it was almost a nightmare. No, it IS a nightmare. After a 10 hour day and 800 + calls later my  head is pounding and my neck is tighter than Ebeneezer Scrooge but I'll live. This is why I get paid the big bucks. I've done this for over 6 years at the college and I've always worked in customer service in one way or another. I've had just about everything said to me...everything from explicit direction of what I could do to myself,  to attacks on my intelligence or lack thereof, to my personal favorite "I'll drive this car right through the front door." That one was my favorite because in that particular office the front door was the back door and the back door was the front door. I'll let you ponder on that one. 

Since most of my day is dealing with people who are either really excited about starting school or confused or frustrated or mad or just calling because either their child won't tell them what's going on or their parents are making them call, I have a lot of negative energy flowing towards me each and every day. I balance it some how. I have never lost my cool on the phone. I may make fists with  my toes. I might even drop my head onto my hands but I never take any of my frustration out on the person on the other end of the line. I have been told I am good at what I do because of my patience. Here's my confession: I just remember that each call is a new person. They haven't called a million times (well, usually not) and I haven't told them this  information before. Therefore, I treat each caller with respect and try my best to help them. 

This is the point I explain my title... Please be kind. Don't be a behind. When you call anywhere to do any kind of business, remember that while you may have a legit complaint with that particular business, the person who answered the phone did not do anything to personally attack you or cause you any personal harm. They have a job to do and for the most part people who work on the phone try very hard to help you. Remember they are given a certain amount of information to work with so please remember that while you are frustrated at your particular situation attacking their intelligence will not help. It will not get you fast results. It will not make the person on the other end of the phone instantly remove their head from their rump and magically find the perfect answer you want to hear. Remember that the person on the other end of the phone is not incompetent nor are they their to make you hold on the line long enough to put you into a complete tizzy in order to hear all the profanity you have learned since middle school. For the most part those who work on the other end of the phone are your sisters and brothers; your mothers and fathers; your wives and husbands; your sons and daughters; and basically your everyday person trying to work and feed your family. (Even if they are a continent away) Be nice! Remember the rules of the civilized world. Remember your rules you learned in Kindergarten. Treat the person how you would if you were looking them eye to eye in front of  your mother. So from one tired customer service rep to the frustrated public, I leave you with one tidbit of advice:

Please be kind. Don't be a behind!

Thank you & have a nice day! 
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Wet/Dry vote rant

Composed by Cat
I'm going to rant, vent, ramble, whatever you want to call it. I'm doing this here because quiet honestly I don't want to start yet another heated debate. One of many that have been raging for the past month or so in the county where I work. I don't live there but I spend most of my time during the week there with it's citizens. There's a special election in this county. It's actually for one of the cities there. The county seat to be exact. It's a wet/dry vote. Let me give you a little background and clarification if like me when I first moved here you have no idea what a wet/dry anything is. As a matter of fact, when I was first told this was a dry county my response was, "It'll rain soon I'm sure". After the laughter quit, it was explained to me that a dry county is one that prohibits the sale of alcohol. I am a Navy brat. Alcohol has always been sold where ever I've lived. I never really thought about it to be quite honest. 

Back to my rant. This special election has created a verbal civil war for this small town. The Yes people are bashing the Bible thumping No people for stopping progress. While the Bible thumping No people are criticizing the Yes people for creating the downfall for the future of their children. No people are stealing Yes people's signs out of their yard and vice versa. Both sides are spouting off statistics to support their sides. One thing about statistics? When in the proper hands they can be powerfully misleading (on both sides). 

I'm not saying which side is correct or which side is wrong. However, I want to say what I think without getting my dog in this fight and skinned alive for it. I don't think it should pass. Why? Am I Bible thumper? Well, I don't thump my Bible but yes, I'm a Christian (Baptist even wooo). Do I think alcohol is deadly sin? No. I even have a nip here or there. Does that mean I'm going to hell? No, not for having a drink once in a while. The Bible states not to be a DRUNKARD. It doesn't say alcohol is a sin. But this isn't my real objection to it. There is nothing in my faith that is leading me to be against it. It's practicality and the knowledge of how people behave. This community is not ready. It's not mature enough to deal with all the things that come along with alcohol sales. They barely have enough police to deal with the meth problems. The other thing is, the industry and fine eating establishments they think this will bring in will not have enough people to sustain them. 

In the same county, just below the city limits, it's sister city went wet a few years ago. All the same promises of growth and industry were made. As of this past week, no new industry or big name business came. As a matter of fact, the grocery store (the one and only) closed. Several establishments have come and gone trying to keep up their liquor license but losing them to illegal procedures and employees. The town's own Mayor was involved in a police chase through 3 counties while driving under the influence of alcohol. Do I think it was the evils of alcohol that did this? No. I think it was irresponsibility.  So why am I against it? Neither of these two towns are mature enough or rather evolved enough to handle a community with alcohol sales. This county has been dry since prohibition. Most of the residence have never lived in a place that sold alcohol. This is the same town that everyone still knows everyone's business. There isn't even a real mall and they have just recently became a 3G zone. They can't agree on the reasons for the alcohol sales and I truly feel that the town as a town has not yet evolved to the point that they can have alcohol sales and handle it properly. 

Whatever happens, I'll be glad when June 26th comes and goes. The fight of brother against brother, church member against church member, and sign thief against sign thief will be over. I don't like this kind of thing. I know it's our American right to disagree and debate  but I feel that progress will come when we work together. That's not what this community is doing. The vote will come and go. No matter what happens, it's going to take the citizens quite some time to recover and heal from all of this. 
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Book Review: Completely In Blue: Dispatches for the edge of insanity by Chris Curry

Composed by Cat
As soon as the bullet-proof door closed in the Bubble Room, the orderlies held me down, the needle went in and the straight jacket was affixed, I knew that I was in the midst of a story that needed to be told.  ~ Chris Curry, Completely in Blue: Dispatches from the edge of insanity. 
I recently completed Completely In Blue: Dispatches from the edge of insanity by Chris Curry. Most of you know that I am quite outspoken about my life as a bipolar. Chris Curry tells his story in a brutally honest way in this book. His is a story of drugs and alcohol and the mental psychosis that both the chemicals he purposely put in his body and the so called treatments of the time threw him in. He goes in to great detail about the things he put himself, his friends, and his family through. He holds no punches as he tells of his fast decline from sanity by somehow becoming a drug dealer just like that, his lack of sleep thanks to the drugs, his run in with law enforcement, his lock downs in mental hospitals, a couple of very unhealthy relationships and several violent episodes both by him and to him. As the book goes on, Chris Curry tells how his personal quest to sanity and desire for answers to his questions ignited a passion about mental health that lead him to a calling and career in the very field he tried for years to get away from: mental health. 

This book is very well written. Chris Curry has a wonderful way with words and with the ability to be both witty and brutally honest. His descriptions of both his attitude and the attitudes of those around him along with the descriptions of the atmosphere around him has you feeling the tension in the room at times. I was sucked into the book from the very first page. While many autobiographies tend to give a story that tends to lean one way or the other Chris Curry tells things in a way that you know it isn't one sided. He's honesty about the darker parts of his life is what makes this book so creditable. It's a great read for anyone dealing with drugs, alcohol, or just mental illness in general. It's more than another boring "I did drugs. I went crazy. I'm better now. Read my book." kind of book. You'll feel his pain at times. You'll hate him at times. You'll fear for him at times. Most of all, you'll learn from him. I'm happy to say he's winning his battle and helping others. He's also quite a musician. You can check out some of his work with his Bohemian Cove project. 

Completely in Blue: Dispatches from the edge of insanity is published by Post Mortem Press, 
is 169 pages in length and available in paper back and digital versions:

Happy Reading!
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Musing Mondays

Composed by Cat
Why not? I kind of told myself I wouldn't be doing any memes or try to write to please anyone but rather stay true to myself and my constant rambling about who knows what. However, I decided I WANT to do this meme because I love the question.


Musing Mondays is a bookish meme hosted by MizB on Should be Reading. This week’s musing asks…
If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop and look it up right away? 
 This depends on what I'm reading on. If I'm reading on my Kindle, I usually go ahead and click to look it up since it's as simple as scrolling and clicking (my favorite feature by the way). It also depends how much it effects the meaningful reading flow. If I can read through it and get the meaning, I'll just let it stew until I can go back and look it up without losing my place in time of the story. You know? When you just really get sucked into a story and don't even want to put it down to pull your pants up in the bathroom so you just keep reading and end up leaving the bathroom/reading room with a ring around the rump? Yep, we've all been there. If I can't make it through it without racking my brain for the meaning or if it takes away from the story by not knowing, then I'll stop to go find the meaning behind it all. 
So that's my musing. How about everyone else? Are you a word junky like me or do  ou just roll your eyes and press on? 

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! 
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Book Review: The Legend of Souls Chapel By: Steven Dowell

Composed by Cat

I was really excited when I first heard about this book. Souls Chapel is a local spot with generations of lore to be told around the campfire. An old church, a grave yard, stories of satanic rituals, orbs on cameras, a fire, and all kinds of bumps in the night have given this little spot in the woods in small town Kentucky it own unique local legend. So when a local writer, Steven Dowell published a paranormal fiction based the legend, I jumped at the chance to dive in and share a piece of Kentucky culture. 

To top off this book having been written by a local writer, the book was also published by a local publishing company. Just so happens that Maple House Publishing, the publishers of this book, is also locally owned and operated. As a matter of fact, Maple Hill Publishing is owned by Steven Dowell himself. 


Let me take a moment to say that I know the rap that Indie books and self-published books get. You hear that they aren't edited, they're poorly formatted,  and in some cases written by someone with little to no talent. This is the moment I'd like to say that's not the case here. Unfortunately, I can't say that. I have honestly struggled with what to do with the book since I started page two. I was so looking forward to a good old fashion bone chilling suspense story. What I got was scary alright. Only what was terrifying was that this book could make it out in the world without a good edit. Even more terrifying is the fact that the author of this book let his own work come out of the publishing process seemingly untouched by the the mighty sword of an editor. 

In the remote hills of Pulaski County, Kentucky is a place so evil, that many would be terrified to find themselves anywhere near its proximity. To this day there are strange occurences there. Reports of glowing eyes behind broken tombstones, voices warning of impending dangers, feelings of intense evil, visions of an innocent little girl dressed in white and even being attacked by dagger like fingers still occur there to this day. There are those who would deny the Legend that is said to have took place there well over 100 years ago is true. Still, there are those that claim they know the Legend is very real and they have risked their very souls to prove it. For those whose eyes have seen, whose ears have heard and whose hearts have felt the evil that lurks there have been thoroughly convinced of the Legend's authenticity, and they would tell you that belief may well be the reason they still exist today! By the time this book has finished with you, you will question everything you thought you knew about good and evil and you will be terrified to think about what terrible hidden secrets may lie within your own family history! Now, the time has come for you to learn of the Legend already known the world over..... IF YOU DARE!!!


Sound intriguing? Other than the standard legends of the old place, this has nothing to do with the actually story you'll get. The story centers around the main character, Mr. Powell and his daughter who he has recently regained custody of. Throughout the book he refers to his daughter as "Baby".  Yes, I understand it is meant as a term of endearment but it comes a cross as whiny and wishy washy. Yes, I said wishy washy. You never get the feeling of any strength from this character. It feels like one big "Woe is me" moment after the next. While the book is just roughly 250, I found it to be agonizing to shift through the pages. When he wasn't calling out to his "baby", he was saying a whole lot of nothing with a whole lot of words that are in desperate need of both cutting and condensing. While the ending wasn't necessarily predictable, by the time I got to it, I was rooting for the bad guys. The ending was meant to be some what of a cliff hanger but it appears both physically on the page and figuratively as if the story was left unfinished. It just hangs there. Taunting you. 


This wasn't my first bad read. I'm sure it won't be the last either. What really disturbs me about this book is that the editing process was obviously ignored. Commas ran a muck, words are out of sequence, and blabbering sentences run on.  Maple Hill Publishing, the other baby in Mr. Dowell's life, didn't even take the time or care to treat his own creation with respect or the attention a raw novel so desperately needs. I found myself asking would I have any confidence in dropping of a manuscript I spent many hours, days, nights, even months pouring myself into only to have Maple Hill ignore one of the most important processes in the book publishing process. It's unsettling to know that many indie book publishers and authors who choose self-publishing have to work doubly hard to live down reputations that books like this give to the market. 


I found both the book, whose story line lacked personality to carry it with or without the editing process, and the services (or non-services as it may be) of Maple Hill Publishing lacked professionalism or even spirit. I sincerely hope that Mr. Dowell and his partners at Maple Hill Publishing will take a step back, reassess it's policies and procedures, and find a more professional approach to the world of literature they have jumped into feet first with. 
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Fail but win!

Composed by Cat
So I bombed out at the last moment for the A to Z Blog Challenge. I started to beat myself up mentally for it. After all, it was the second challenge I've failed at this year. But I realized something during the challenge that helped me twenty fold. I had lost a bit of focus on why I write this blog. It started several years ago to help me balance my insane mind and life. It was never to get lots and lots of readers. Don't get me wrong. I love that someone likes to read my ramblings but I don't want to write just so someone will read it. I write because it keeps me sane and it give a place for the many voices that fly around my head to scream, cry, laugh, and confuse the world. I like the challenge because it does get you in the habit of writing something everyday. I already do that in a very old fashion way...I write in my beat up little old journal.  Well really there's several. One is at home...sometimes it's portable but usually not. I know carry one around with me in my purse...it's a tiny one...and I have a composition book that's never far away when the Muse hits and poetry decides to regurgitate itself out of my brain. Any way I look at it, I have no excuse for not having a moment to write. As a matter of fact, today I've started letting the crazy voices out onto the page. I like where it's going.

By failing the challenge, I regained my focus. I'm back to reading and writing and finding my way in the world. So really the challenged worked. So off I go to work on my poetry and this new piece that seems so much more than a short story. I'm also reading The Legend of Souls Chapel by Steven Dowell. It's a fictional story based on an actual local legend and written by a local writer. I'll have a review up later this week...hopefully. Also, I'm finishing reading Compass by Erik Hansen a collection of great poems (I'll review this soon too). It's a great collection of poetry that really pulls nature and the human experience into a song like flow.

I have my crazy focus back and I'm looking forward to getting back to what all this was originally started as...all the things that compose me. Hope you enjoy the ride because I never know what direction I'm going in. Happy reading everyone!
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A to Z Blogging Challenge 2012:Wesley

Composed by Cat


This letter is one I've been looking forward to simply because it's the one I get to brag on my middle child, Wesley Andrew. I just sent him off on a bus to Florida for his senior trip. He's earned it. He makes good grades, goes to church because he wants to, doesn't get into real trouble (other than the great egging incident of 2010) and he has worked his butt off...literally. Wes was born in August of 1994, two weeks late, and weighing in at 9lbs 11 oz. with a length of 21 1/2 inches. All his life he has been the "big boy", the "Hoss", big boned (his most hated phrase), and just an all round hefty boy. He was born with a personality that was even bigger than his body. He's always the life of any party and has never in his life met a stranger. He's got a heart the size of Texas and loves little kids. When he was in the nursery crawling around he would hug and kiss the other babies. To this day he loves little ones and old ladies too. 

Middle School years 
 All his life we've encouraged him and surrounded him with positive reinforcement. Ha! Still to this day he says that we should have told him how big he was. How do you tell your child his overweight? At least, how do you do it without killing their spirit. His Sophomore year he decided to take Jr. Guard. It's very much like JROTC but sponsored by the National Guard with a few differences. He could barely do a push up or run a mile in anything less than 15 minutes. He failed ever PT test the first year. But he was determined. One thing about my son...he's extremely driven. 
Jr. Guard was his first real push to get fit.
 It's amazing  how you look at your loved ones day in and day out and really don't see what is right in front of you. Before we knew it, he was topping the scales at 310 lbs. He was 15 and he was large. This picture below is one he made to remind himself of where he was. He improved but he was still quite large, no muscles and still couldn't pass a PT test. 


At his heaviest he was 310 lbs.
On May 1st last year, without a lot of ceremony, Wes decided he wasn't going to take any more. No more excuses for his size or health. He decided to take it all into his own hands. This video is his story...(By the way, it's time for him to update this since it's been about 6 months since this video was made.)
(I found out after posting that due to him using a song owned by WMG you have to click and view on YouTube...please do. It's worth it)



 The jacket in the picture on the far left fit him with little to no extra room. The jacket in the mirror shot on the right is the same jacket...with room for another person. 

Dedication, hard work, and the belief in himself made this happen.
People ask me sometimes if he is sick because he lost so much. I always get what kind of diet is he on or what is he taking to lose weight. Here's the big secret...I don't really cook anything special. He eats what we eat. Dietary here's the deal. He does not drink pop (or soda if you live in certain areas). He stays as far away from HFCS has he can...that's High Fructose Corn Syrup. The rest is moderation. He doesn't deprive himself of anything (including chocolate). He simply balances it out and doesn't pig out on any one thing. 

The second key ingredient to his success is physical exercise. He finally passed a PT test Junior year and then he was hooked. He's true love is running. He runs anywhere from a mile to 9 miles on any given day. He loves it and misses it dearly when he doesn't get to. In 2010, he ran his first 5k coming in 99 with a 34:33 minute placement. This past December he ran it again. This time he was in the top 50 with a 26 minute time. He was awesome and made not only proud but so happy for him. He made one of his dreams come true. He didn't rest on the idea that he was born this way and there was nothing he could do about it. He made a decision, set a goal, and went to work on it to make it happen. Let me also add that in addition to eating in moderation and running, he also does P90X and 8 minute abs. Personally, I think I've died several times just watching him do that P90X.

Sr Night & one proud momma
In the middle of his Junior year, he came home and announced he was going to play football his Senior year. Low and behold, he did. He started that January lifting weights then practiced and played until the season was over in November that year. He once again had a huge obstacle to overcome. You see, these other boys had been playing since conception practically. Other than little league and one year of 7th grade football, he was way behind. They had one of the best seasons they had had in years and he played hard and he got in even better shape. 
  

You're supposed to teach and inspire your children but my son has taught and inspired me for the past couple of years. I've learned from  him to respect yourself and your body for its all you have. I've also learned that if you want something bad enough you have to be willing to make the sacrifices.

Wednesday night, I sent him off on his Senior trip...they're going to Cocoa Beach, Florida. For once he won't be the "fat kid" on the beach. He's going to be one of the best looking, fit young men out there. To top it all off, he's still got that big heart of gold and would do anything to make a child giggle and an old lady smile. He's truly amazing. He's inspirational. He's Wesley Andrew.

Today's homophone...


 weather (noun) the conditions outside
For Example, I hope the weather is nice and warm for all the seniors who have traveled to Florida. 
whether (conjunction) used when talking about a choice between two things.
For example, It's only a matter of days before you learn whether or not you can finish this challenge.


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Happy Reading Everyone!
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A to Z Blogging Challenge 2012: V for Vendetta

Composed by Cat

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Shall ever be forgot...

This little poem is recited in the film V for Vendetta but you may not know that this poem actually refers to a real event and person. Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up Parliament with barrels of gunpowder to over throw the government on November 5, 1605. You, however, have probably heard this recited in the film V for Vendetta. It's a dystopian view of the events of Guy Fawkes. V for Vendetta was actually a graphic novel before the movie came out in 2005.  I loved the movie and it's one of those that I watch periodically and love. I know the true story but know that this is a work of fiction but still pretty awesome. Not sure why, but I love a film or book that has you rooting for who essentially is the bad guy.  

There was some great acting in this one but the story line could fit in pretty much any society if you dig deep enough. Truthfully though, the reason I like it so much is that it was one of the first graphic novels that I thought translated very well into the movie genre. (Forgive me Batman)

If you ever get a chance , watch but watch it carefully and keep your mind open. It'll move you...even a little. 
Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

veil (nown) a piece of opague or transparent material worn over the face for concealment.
For Example, No one was able to identify the strange woman with the black veil. 

vale  (noun) the world, or mortal or earthly life
For Example, This vale of tears.

vail (verb) To be of use or profit
For Example, She tried and tried to reach him by phone to no avail. 


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Happy Reading Everyone!
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A to Z Blogging Challenge 2012: Uninspired

Composed by Cat

I'm uninspired today. I'm getting my son ready for his Senior  trip to Florida. It's amazing how long a 17 year old boy can procrastinate.  We've known this trip was coming for 6 months and at this moment  he's just now washing up his clothes. I worry about him being several states away especially since he can't remember where he puts his wallet half the time. However, I do know that this is a great trip for him and his classmates. In a couple of weeks they graduate and go their separate ways. It'll also be a growth experience for this kid who has grown up in the foothills of Kentucky. Oh he's been out of the state but this will be his first independent trip. Frankly, I think his brothers are just as happy he's going away for a while. Ha! Ha! Senior year has been very focused on him and all his many activities; as it should be and as it will be when Little Bit makes this trip four years from now. 

So this is why I am quite uninspired to post today. I've thought about it several times but couldn't think of a thing except what to remind him to pack. So that is it for tonight. I'll leave you with a picture we snapped this weekend. It was one of those great moments with my guys. I love these moments and so glad I have the pictures to remember them by. I know one day they'll be what I have to hold on to. 

family picture
Me and my Loons!
Ok! I'm one of the Loons too! 

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

Unreel (verb) to unwind from or as if from a reel.
For example, She needs to unreel 40 yards of rope to reach the bottom of the cavern.


Unreal (adjective) not real or actual, imaginary; fanciful; fantastic
For example, The unicorn in the front yard was unreal. 




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Happy Reading Everyone!
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A to Z Blogging Challenge 2012: Typing

Composed by Cat

When I was started high school, my mom told me "Whatever you do in high school, make sure you learn typing. If you learn to type, you'll always have a job." Now this was back in the day when you learned to type on an actual typewriter with correction tape and all. I took typing as instructed. I remember my typing teacher hating me. She told me I should look into another skill because I would never make it as a secretary. That's what they were called back in the day. Not Administrative Assistants or any of the other many cool titles. They were secretaries. Let me just say that true secretaries could work circles around the modern day Admin Asst. Anywho, I muddled my way through typing and somewhere along the way I actually picked up the skill. I think my teacher had issues with me because like all things my brain processes them slightly different. Basically, I used the wrong fingers. Seriously, who cares if I don't use my middle finger to type a C? I use my index finger and it works for me. I will have to say  my mother was right. The one thing that got me out of part-time retail jobs and waitress gigs, was that I could type. Eventually, I picked up my speed and now on an average day I type anywhere between 60 and 85 wpm. Not that I actually use it at my day job now but it comes in handy when I'm on a roll with a story idea or a poem or just a rant about any number of thing. 

So just as my mother advised, I always tell the younger folk (ok my kids) to learn typing...or rather keyboarding as it is now. The odd thing is though, is that they really don't teach it at my kids school. Weird I know. I mean they learn computer skills as soon as the cut the cord these days but no keyboarding. So I found a way to at least work on it with them at home. There's several programs out there that teach typing. They've all got their pros and cons. Mostly the price tag. But there's also several great websites that have typing games that challenge and teach anyone and everyone to type or improve their typing. 


http://www.freetypinggame.net/

Whatever you decide to get into in life, it never hurts to learn the keyboard. I'm glad I listened to my mother for at least one thing she told me in life. Well, ok, more than one thing but typing or keyboarding or whatever it is you want to call it, is now one of those essential skills that comes in handy for everyone. 

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

There (adverb) describes a location
For example, You can find your shoes over there.

Their (possessive adjective) belongs to someone or something.
For example, The readers waited anxiously for their next blog post to be read. 

They're ( short form "they are") 
For example, They're not always allowed to run freely around the blogsphere.

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Happy Reading Everyone!
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A to Z Blogging Challenge 2012: Supercalafragalisticexpialadoshus!

Composed by Cat
I should call this post slacker Saturday for being so late but it's been a crazy day to finish off a crazy week. I have had this post planned since the first of this challenge so I have to follow through. So here it goes. This is something I learned as a child and from time to time I remember it. We should all remember it. It's the one word that no matter the circumstances, you can pull out a good mood and a positive attitude. If you can't you need therapy or your childhood back one. Next time you are at a loss for words, find something so amazing you need something extra special to express it or need an icebreaker in a tense situation, just remember to say this simple word. So without further ado here's Mary Poppins' Supercalafragalisticexpialadoshus!


(This version is not from the movie. It's Kristen Bourke's audition apparently. I own none of this material. The song is owned by Disney as well as Mary Poppins it self. The talent is owned by these fine actors. I was unable to share Disney's version due to restrictions)

Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

So (adverb) to the extent or degree indicated or suggested.
For example, Don't read so fast. 

Sew (verb) to join or attach by stitches
For example, I'll have to sew the seat of his pants after he ripped the pocket off.

Sow (verb) to scatter seed over land, earth, etc., for growth; to plant.
For example, The old farmer is tossing seeds across the dirt to sow his crops.

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Happy Reading Everyone!
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A to Z Blogging Challenge 2012: Rapture Riders

Composed by Cat
It's Friday! Woo Whoo! To celebrate I'm posting a musical salute to two of talented musically pioneers...Jim Morrison (The Doors) and Debbie Harry (Blondie). This is an awesome blend of the two, who had a unique sound all there own. Personally I think this is a brilliant project marrying the two tracks. Hope you like!



Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

rein (noun) a leather strap, fastened to each end of the bit of a bridle to control a horse or other animal.
For example: The farmer tugged forcefully on the reins to bring the giant horse to a halt .

rain (noun) water that is condensed from vapor into the atmosphere and falls to earth in drops.
For example: The rain washed all the pollen from the cars.

reign (verb) to possess or exercise sovereign power or authority.
For example: Doctor Who reigns as the leading expert on Wibbley-Wobbly Timey-Wimey. 

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Happy Reading Everyone!
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A to Z Blogging Challenge 2012: Quaint

Composed by Cat

I've written before about the great state I live in, Kentucky. I think I've also mentioned I'm a transplant - city girl gone country. Of course, when some hear country they think of a quaint little place off the beaten path. Today I realized something. I realized what quaint really is and yes, I do live in quaint. Well, actually I live on the Ridge (Pond Ridge to be exact) but it is the epitome of quaint.

I live on farm. It's not what you would call a working farm but it's a farm nonetheless. We lease the fields out. Basically, someone pays us x amount of dollars to use our fields. One year it's for hay, the next for pastier, last year it was fro corn, and this year it's for soybeans. Who knows what next year will bring. I'm surrounded by lush green foliage of all variations, birds tweeting, the occasional flock of geese , wild turkey (the actual fowl not the drink),  a deer or two, a family of raccoons that terrorize our poor lazy dog, and my neighbors are few and far between. My folks live on one side of the farm (or as I like to call it "The Ponderosa") with my grandparents just up the hill from them. Like I said, it's quaint but it's not really the full quaintness.

You see, I live in a community where I'm "Roy & Sue's girl". I'm the one living on the ol' Stonecypher place. In town, I'm the boys' mom - the one from the east coast who uses big words.(I just know in about 20 years I'll be known as the crazy cat lady who reads big book on her front porch drinking hot tea all year round). In town, my quaint town (which is either 18 miles north or 30 miles south) people smile at you. They make eye contact. When you ask someone where something in the store is, they don't just tell you where it is, they actually walk with you to show you. This is a big box store not just the little country store up the road. 

Speaking of the little country store, we have one "up the road a piece, down through the holler". They know me there. They know my boys. They know my Momma & my Daddy.  They even know my aunt who passed away 18 years ago. It never fails when I go in that I hear "How's your momma?" When I'm solo or minus a boy or two, Pete, who owns the country grocery (which by the way is there everyday including Sundays when they open at one) always asks "Where's that boy of yours?". They always ask how everyone is and always remember what's been going on. Heck! They still have charge accounts for the locals. Like I said, it's quaint. 
Future Reading Garden 
I moved here thinking it was a temporary place to rest until moving on to bigger and better (aka more exciting) things. It was too quaint for my taste. Today, it's perfect. Sure. It's the Bible Belt but I've grown to know that's not such a bad thing. This county, and the ones east, south, and west of here, are dry...no, it's not a drought...that means no alcohol sales since I guess the prohibition days. Don't worry...go one county north and you can have your B, double e, double r, u, n (or wine if you prefer). Like I said, it's quaint. 

Now I know what you're thinking. Do we have any modern pleasantries? I said quaint not ancient. We have running water, electricity, internet, and Dish. Heck! We even have WiFi at the local MickeyDs in town and paved roads too. 

I work 30 miles from home in a growing town that's practically a grown up city these days. After a long day in my cinder block office and asphalt everywhere, my 30 to 40 minute drive I get to mental let go of it all so I can relax in my quaint little world. The world where the limestone spring water is sweeter than wine, the air's fresher than any expensive artificial air freshener, and the natural landscape is better than any manicured garden. 

Yes, it's quaint. It's my quaint little heaven complete with a mighty acorn tree looking over the Ponderosa. You can have the concrete jungle if you prefer. I'll keep my quaint world if you don't mind. 
The Mighty One


Now for my "theme" of the A to Z Challenge:

Today's homophone...

quartz (noun) Common mineral, having many varieties that differ in color, luster, etc...a crystal
For example: The ornate pendant was absolutely glowing when the sunlight hit the stunning quarts center piece. 

quarts (noun) a unit of measure for either liquid or dry material. 
For example: The remaining vinegar mixture filled 4 quarts worth of plastic baggies. 

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Happy Reading Everyone!
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