PEACAN PIE
Margaret showed up with peacan pie as a treat for Bob. Bob brought magazines for Margaret, and I gave her some books to take for the library at her building.
Bob read first, a little more of Trayling and Waters. In the 1970’s they were asked to make a mold and cast a brass replica of a very large gold nugget. It was gold plated and put on display at Eatons, near their front door. Somebody smashed the showcase and stole it.
Margaret read “Rev. Peabody Decides”. He considers Peasly’s request for a lifetime commitment, while Marie arrives and refills his hot water bottle. He knows he can’t do without her so goes to see Peasly who admits he had been going to propose to Marie. Peabody had thought he wanted Marie as a housekeeper, so says he wants to keep her for himself. So of course, Peasly then tells Peacock that Peabody’s going to propose to Marie.
I started re-reading my novel, chapters 1 and 2, showing the scene of the second fire in the townhouse complex where Fiona works, and she and her son live. I’ve been re-writing, adding descriptions, trying to up the suspense by making the cause of the first two fires similar, and just cleaning up the prose generally. It’s a lot of work.
There is an extra Thursday in May, but the next meeting is still Thursday, June 5th at 7:00 p.m. here at my place. Hope you can make it whether you’ve written anything new or not. Writers still need to meet with other writers. Always happy to see you.
Lisa
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
THE REVIEW
DEDICATED WRITERS
Bob and Margaret and I were the three who met here on Thursday, all with something to read. But I should tell everyone, that even if you haven’t written anything to read, you are still very welcome to attend, as those who have written still need your support, too.
Still writing about Trayling and Waters, Bob read that he had perhaps downplayed their importance. They were, in fact a very large and successful operation for many years, and also very good to their employees. Their operation had a magnificent view of the North Shore mountains, but Bob did notice they replaced clear windows reinforced with bars, with opaque windows that employees could no longer see out of as they worked. When their business ended, their models and molds sold for higher than usual prices to other businesses.
I read next, a piece I now call “Mom’s Memorial, May 1, 2008”. It was to acknowledge my Mother’s love and the loss I feel since she passed away in March. Since Mothers’ Day is next Sunday, I will also post this piece on our Blog, right after this Review. And if anyone else has something about Mothers’ Day that has not yet been posted to our website, and would like to see it on our Blog, then by all means, send it to me and I will put it up. Just make sure it has a title and your byline on it.
Margaret was able to read 2 chapters from her Peabody section. The first was “Solitaire” and tells of Marie, Rev. Peabody’s housekeeper, finding a solitaire engagement ring in his desk drawer and she assumes he’s going to propose to her. She then tells Marigold, who is Rev. Peasly’s housekeeper. But Marigold has assumed Peabody was going to propose to her, and is consequently very upset and tells Peasly and Peacock, who then hatch a plan for Peasly to propose to Marie himself to make sure the truth comes out. The next chapter sees Peasly fortifying himself with alcohol to go to Peabody’s to propose to Marie. But she is out and so he tells Peabody that he had come to ask for a lifelong commitment, neglecting to say he meant from Marie. Peabody misunderstands and tells Peasly he’ll think about his proposal.
Margaret had a number of drawings to show us. She usually prints them out on envelopes, but was having trouble doing so with her new copier. The pictures were done in stages, with trees, buildings, and human figures drawn separately and then added on wherever she wanted them to form a whole picture.
I mentioned two books on writing that I had purchased and recommend. One is “How I Write” by Janet Evanovich. It is a fun-to-read overview of steps in creating and publishing a novel, by a bestselling author. The other book is “Writer’s Guide To Character Traits” by Linda N. Edelstein, PH.D. This one is published by Writers’ Digest and the author is a practicing psychologist and uses over 30 years of experience to explain and give very useful lists of character traits seen in people, relationships and in group situations. The book is written specifically as a resource for creative writers. Just amazing information.
Also of interest to local writers, there is a huge used book sale happening every Saturday in May in otherwise empty shop space on the SE corner of the old Safeway Mall in Cloverdale. It is just across the lane from the Legion’s north side. Books are $1.00 each, 6 for $5.00, or $20.00 for a box full. Bryon and I spent two hours there yesterday and came away with a box full. These are mostly books now discarded from public libraries. Awesome.
Next meeting will be here at my place on Thursday, May 19th at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you then, even if you haven’t written anything.
Lisa
MOM'S MEMORIAL, May 1, 2008
The icy fingers of winter still clench the land, holding back the luscious green of spring. And frosty breath still blows through the walls, shivering my aching bones. It is the first of May, but summer’s balm is still just a dream.
Mothers’ Day approaches and my heart is heavy. This will be the first year since being a youngster that I cannot give my Mother a card or a gift. She has left this plane of physical existence, and I can no longer touch her or see her smile. It has been forty-three days since she left, but I am only now starting to feel the loss. The hours spent on the paper detritus of death staved off my grief. Now there is nothing to hold it at bay and I must face the loss of the one person I know loved me unconditionally. And it is here that my tears begin.
She loved all children, not in an overly sentimental fashion, but by her calm and quiet acceptance of each child exactly as is. She told me once that it was in caring for children that one could keep going in spite of any difficulty. Striving to meet their needs always put your own in balance. And the all consuming necessities of children could always obliterate one’s selfish preoccupations with self. It’s hard to bemoan the loss of frivolous pursuits when a child needs feeding or any kind of caring. Mom taught me to care for the child first, and everything else would work out, too, in its own good time.
And she taught me there is nothing wrong with putting family first, that they are the ones who need you the most. She was always there for her own, even though I often sought outside the circle of her love. But each time I realized that coming home to where I knew I was loved was always the best way for me. In return, I hope I was able to give that same love to my own children.
She suffered greatly in the end, and I do not know why. Or maybe I do. Maybe I wasn’t ready to let her go. When I did pray for her release from pain more fervently than I did for her to continue living, she left very quickly. I wasn’t there at the end, but seeing the peace on her countenance soon after, I know she’s gone to a better place.
So, Mom. I cannot give you a physical card or gift this year, but I can give you all the love in my heart and tell you it will always live on, because of your selfless devotion to me. That is my Mothers’ Day gift to you.
Love forever,
Lisa
Bob and Margaret and I were the three who met here on Thursday, all with something to read. But I should tell everyone, that even if you haven’t written anything to read, you are still very welcome to attend, as those who have written still need your support, too.
Still writing about Trayling and Waters, Bob read that he had perhaps downplayed their importance. They were, in fact a very large and successful operation for many years, and also very good to their employees. Their operation had a magnificent view of the North Shore mountains, but Bob did notice they replaced clear windows reinforced with bars, with opaque windows that employees could no longer see out of as they worked. When their business ended, their models and molds sold for higher than usual prices to other businesses.
I read next, a piece I now call “Mom’s Memorial, May 1, 2008”. It was to acknowledge my Mother’s love and the loss I feel since she passed away in March. Since Mothers’ Day is next Sunday, I will also post this piece on our Blog, right after this Review. And if anyone else has something about Mothers’ Day that has not yet been posted to our website, and would like to see it on our Blog, then by all means, send it to me and I will put it up. Just make sure it has a title and your byline on it.
Margaret was able to read 2 chapters from her Peabody section. The first was “Solitaire” and tells of Marie, Rev. Peabody’s housekeeper, finding a solitaire engagement ring in his desk drawer and she assumes he’s going to propose to her. She then tells Marigold, who is Rev. Peasly’s housekeeper. But Marigold has assumed Peabody was going to propose to her, and is consequently very upset and tells Peasly and Peacock, who then hatch a plan for Peasly to propose to Marie himself to make sure the truth comes out. The next chapter sees Peasly fortifying himself with alcohol to go to Peabody’s to propose to Marie. But she is out and so he tells Peabody that he had come to ask for a lifelong commitment, neglecting to say he meant from Marie. Peabody misunderstands and tells Peasly he’ll think about his proposal.
Margaret had a number of drawings to show us. She usually prints them out on envelopes, but was having trouble doing so with her new copier. The pictures were done in stages, with trees, buildings, and human figures drawn separately and then added on wherever she wanted them to form a whole picture.
I mentioned two books on writing that I had purchased and recommend. One is “How I Write” by Janet Evanovich. It is a fun-to-read overview of steps in creating and publishing a novel, by a bestselling author. The other book is “Writer’s Guide To Character Traits” by Linda N. Edelstein, PH.D. This one is published by Writers’ Digest and the author is a practicing psychologist and uses over 30 years of experience to explain and give very useful lists of character traits seen in people, relationships and in group situations. The book is written specifically as a resource for creative writers. Just amazing information.
Also of interest to local writers, there is a huge used book sale happening every Saturday in May in otherwise empty shop space on the SE corner of the old Safeway Mall in Cloverdale. It is just across the lane from the Legion’s north side. Books are $1.00 each, 6 for $5.00, or $20.00 for a box full. Bryon and I spent two hours there yesterday and came away with a box full. These are mostly books now discarded from public libraries. Awesome.
Next meeting will be here at my place on Thursday, May 19th at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you then, even if you haven’t written anything.
Lisa
MOM'S MEMORIAL, May 1, 2008
The icy fingers of winter still clench the land, holding back the luscious green of spring. And frosty breath still blows through the walls, shivering my aching bones. It is the first of May, but summer’s balm is still just a dream.
Mothers’ Day approaches and my heart is heavy. This will be the first year since being a youngster that I cannot give my Mother a card or a gift. She has left this plane of physical existence, and I can no longer touch her or see her smile. It has been forty-three days since she left, but I am only now starting to feel the loss. The hours spent on the paper detritus of death staved off my grief. Now there is nothing to hold it at bay and I must face the loss of the one person I know loved me unconditionally. And it is here that my tears begin.
She loved all children, not in an overly sentimental fashion, but by her calm and quiet acceptance of each child exactly as is. She told me once that it was in caring for children that one could keep going in spite of any difficulty. Striving to meet their needs always put your own in balance. And the all consuming necessities of children could always obliterate one’s selfish preoccupations with self. It’s hard to bemoan the loss of frivolous pursuits when a child needs feeding or any kind of caring. Mom taught me to care for the child first, and everything else would work out, too, in its own good time.
And she taught me there is nothing wrong with putting family first, that they are the ones who need you the most. She was always there for her own, even though I often sought outside the circle of her love. But each time I realized that coming home to where I knew I was loved was always the best way for me. In return, I hope I was able to give that same love to my own children.
She suffered greatly in the end, and I do not know why. Or maybe I do. Maybe I wasn’t ready to let her go. When I did pray for her release from pain more fervently than I did for her to continue living, she left very quickly. I wasn’t there at the end, but seeing the peace on her countenance soon after, I know she’s gone to a better place.
So, Mom. I cannot give you a physical card or gift this year, but I can give you all the love in my heart and tell you it will always live on, because of your selfless devotion to me. That is my Mothers’ Day gift to you.
Love forever,
Lisa
Monday, April 21, 2008
THE RAM'S HEAD REVIEW
SPRING QUARTET
Four of us met Thursday night, glad it’s spring and glad to be with other writers. I chatted first with Margaret, trying to explain to her how to achieve double line-spacing in Wordpad, since it can’t be formatted to do so automatically. She says there are days she would far rather just deal with a typewriter.
Bob read more about Trailing & Waters, who were the largest jewellery manufacturers in Western Canada, and Jacoby Bros.’ biggest competitors. It was common to offer credit to customers, but T & W were quite generous in their terms of credit. In the 1970s they became members of the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and were then required to have a fully qualified gemologist on staff. In 1982, they were required to supply an audited financial statement to their bank, which was not supplied. Their loan was called and the business shut down for a month. T & W reopened, and later manufactured a number of pieces that were sold at Expo ’86. It was common for their employees to bank their overtime and unfortunately they were unable to collect it when the company went into receivership in 1987.
Margaret read “Outfits For Joey” from her Peabody collection. Rev. Peacock washed Joey’s dress and asked Marigold to sew more outfits for him, but she adamantly refused. So he took Joey in his wet dress to shop for new attire. Joey started swearing again. They first looked at baby clothes that were still far too big, and then went to a shop that sold doll clothes. At the latter establishment, a little girl made friends with Joey and dressed him up. Joey loved the attention and insisted on more than one outfit. Peacock gave in to keep Joey from swearing.
In April’s edition of Seniors’ Newsmagazine was an article of Margaret’s entitled “Yesterday’s R.V.”. It was a write-up that had been published in England years before about a motorhome from 1923 that was quite lavishly equipped for the time. It was large enough for a family of four plus a cook/maid and chauffeur. The butler slept in the van that traveled with them to carry all their supplies. This was in Europe. It sold for 7000 British pounds and only went 15 kms/hr.
I read two short pieces. One was written several days after the death of my mother, telling of how our roles reversed in the years I spent caring for her. The other piece is a comment about being devalued in society as I age. I haven’t quite finished the second piece yet.
Marilyn also read two pieces. The first was “Pillar Of Strength” which gives personification to a marble pillar that is surrounded by ivy. The second piece was “Illuminations”, telling about words bursting into her conscious awareness and the frantic need to write them down. And then she talks of finding words in her pen, and what incredible loss she felt when her favourite pen ran out of ink.
Amanda’s house has been sold and they will soon be moving, but she wasn’t sure where yet. Elaine’s father passed away, this morning I think, and she has headed to Thunder Bay to be with her mother and other family at this sad time.
Next meeting will be here at my place on Thursday, May 1st at 7:00 p.m. Love to see you then.
Lisa
Four of us met Thursday night, glad it’s spring and glad to be with other writers. I chatted first with Margaret, trying to explain to her how to achieve double line-spacing in Wordpad, since it can’t be formatted to do so automatically. She says there are days she would far rather just deal with a typewriter.
Bob read more about Trailing & Waters, who were the largest jewellery manufacturers in Western Canada, and Jacoby Bros.’ biggest competitors. It was common to offer credit to customers, but T & W were quite generous in their terms of credit. In the 1970s they became members of the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and were then required to have a fully qualified gemologist on staff. In 1982, they were required to supply an audited financial statement to their bank, which was not supplied. Their loan was called and the business shut down for a month. T & W reopened, and later manufactured a number of pieces that were sold at Expo ’86. It was common for their employees to bank their overtime and unfortunately they were unable to collect it when the company went into receivership in 1987.
Margaret read “Outfits For Joey” from her Peabody collection. Rev. Peacock washed Joey’s dress and asked Marigold to sew more outfits for him, but she adamantly refused. So he took Joey in his wet dress to shop for new attire. Joey started swearing again. They first looked at baby clothes that were still far too big, and then went to a shop that sold doll clothes. At the latter establishment, a little girl made friends with Joey and dressed him up. Joey loved the attention and insisted on more than one outfit. Peacock gave in to keep Joey from swearing.
In April’s edition of Seniors’ Newsmagazine was an article of Margaret’s entitled “Yesterday’s R.V.”. It was a write-up that had been published in England years before about a motorhome from 1923 that was quite lavishly equipped for the time. It was large enough for a family of four plus a cook/maid and chauffeur. The butler slept in the van that traveled with them to carry all their supplies. This was in Europe. It sold for 7000 British pounds and only went 15 kms/hr.
I read two short pieces. One was written several days after the death of my mother, telling of how our roles reversed in the years I spent caring for her. The other piece is a comment about being devalued in society as I age. I haven’t quite finished the second piece yet.
Marilyn also read two pieces. The first was “Pillar Of Strength” which gives personification to a marble pillar that is surrounded by ivy. The second piece was “Illuminations”, telling about words bursting into her conscious awareness and the frantic need to write them down. And then she talks of finding words in her pen, and what incredible loss she felt when her favourite pen ran out of ink.
Amanda’s house has been sold and they will soon be moving, but she wasn’t sure where yet. Elaine’s father passed away, this morning I think, and she has headed to Thunder Bay to be with her mother and other family at this sad time.
Next meeting will be here at my place on Thursday, May 1st at 7:00 p.m. Love to see you then.
Lisa
Sunday, April 6, 2008
THE RAM'S HEAD REVIEW
REUNION
Thursday’s meeting was a wonderful get-together for four of us. Margaret, Marilyn and Bob joined me after a month’s hiatus due to my Mother’s passing. My sincere thanks to all for your expressions of sympathy during that time.
Marilyn read two of her poems for us. The first one was SKINS, a listing of all the different types of skins found in nature and daily life. The second poem was NORTH WORDS, enumerating words like Inuit and kayak, that are particular to the Canadian north. Interesting concepts in both these poems.
Bob read more about T & W, (Trailing and Waters) who had been his competitor in the manufacture of jewellery. In the 1960s, the making of charms became very popular, and T & W had some unique pieces. Jack Waters, still a heavy drinker, died in November of 1970 at the age of 53. The company seemed to be overstaffed and Bob thought it was because many of their procedures for labeling and packaging were outdated and time consuming. Drinking continued to be heavy at T & W, and some salespeople who called on them preferred to do so in the morning while others who liked to party did so in late afternoon.
Margaret read another story from the Peabody collection, JOEY SEES DR. NOAH. Rev. Peacock takes Joey, the parrot, to see the Doctor because of his penchant for cursing. Peacock had dressed Joey in a dress and bonnet as he thought the Doctor was allergic to feathers. When they arrived, the parrot was given a stool to perch on, but poor Peacock was made to stand. Dr. Noah told Peacock to replace Joey’s vocabulary with words that were more acceptable, but Peacock already read the bible to him every night. The doctor wanted to know why the bird was in a dress, and Peacock said it was to visit him. The doctor then said Peacock needed help more than the bird. Peacock later learned the Doctor was allergic to ferrets, not feathers. But Joey now refrained from cursing any time he was wearing the dress.
I read a short, first person piece called THE PERFECT SIZE. It is a funny account about my acquisition of a used dress form for sewing and Honey’s attempts at making a stand for it. And I know it was funny because everybody listening had to remove their glasses and wipe tears from their eyes at the end. I have since submitted it to THREADS magazine for consideration. Writing something short gave me a nice sense of completion that takes so very long to get when writing a novel.
Marilyn read again, a piece called END OF THE LINE, written by her friend Mike Malone. It is written in two points of view, father and son, and tells of their inner thoughts and feelings when the son admits, at 36, that he is transgendered. The father is a widower who has one daughter living far away, and though he dearly loves his son, he also sees this will be the end of the line for his family. Meanwhile, the son misses his sister’s female companionship and sees his own decision ending a time of pretending to be someone he is not. Pretty deep emotional issues at play for both these individuals and you can’t help but pray they get past the feeling of deep sadness this piece evokes.
Margaret brought me a book called SOURCES. It’s a resource of names and contact info for organizations, companies and agencies. Quoting the book they are “Canada’s finest directory of human contacts. When you need analysis, commentary and information from people in the know, this is the place.” If anybody would like to borrow it, it’s here.
I had a number of books to give away and all but one was fiction. Margaret took most of them for the library in her apartment building.
Ann wrote her piece on floods and mailed it off. Robin was going to attend our meeting but came down with a cold. Last Sunday Bryon and I ran into Nathaniel and Tracy at Princess Auto. (Writers hang out at strange places.) They looked great, and love the sunshine they get living in Victoria’s harbour. Their boat is now moored in front of The Empress Hotel. And Nathaniel says it’s been difficult getting a regular writers’ group over there. People seem to be kind of cliquey. One group was full of drama, and while he was away on a road trip, it just disintegrated. But he’s trying to start another.
Marilyn said she would like to host a meeting sometime, but no definite date has been set for that yet. So unless you hear otherwise, the next meeting will be here at my place on Thursday, April 17th at 7:00 p.m. Love to see you then, with or without your Muse.
Lisa
Thursday’s meeting was a wonderful get-together for four of us. Margaret, Marilyn and Bob joined me after a month’s hiatus due to my Mother’s passing. My sincere thanks to all for your expressions of sympathy during that time.
Marilyn read two of her poems for us. The first one was SKINS, a listing of all the different types of skins found in nature and daily life. The second poem was NORTH WORDS, enumerating words like Inuit and kayak, that are particular to the Canadian north. Interesting concepts in both these poems.
Bob read more about T & W, (Trailing and Waters) who had been his competitor in the manufacture of jewellery. In the 1960s, the making of charms became very popular, and T & W had some unique pieces. Jack Waters, still a heavy drinker, died in November of 1970 at the age of 53. The company seemed to be overstaffed and Bob thought it was because many of their procedures for labeling and packaging were outdated and time consuming. Drinking continued to be heavy at T & W, and some salespeople who called on them preferred to do so in the morning while others who liked to party did so in late afternoon.
Margaret read another story from the Peabody collection, JOEY SEES DR. NOAH. Rev. Peacock takes Joey, the parrot, to see the Doctor because of his penchant for cursing. Peacock had dressed Joey in a dress and bonnet as he thought the Doctor was allergic to feathers. When they arrived, the parrot was given a stool to perch on, but poor Peacock was made to stand. Dr. Noah told Peacock to replace Joey’s vocabulary with words that were more acceptable, but Peacock already read the bible to him every night. The doctor wanted to know why the bird was in a dress, and Peacock said it was to visit him. The doctor then said Peacock needed help more than the bird. Peacock later learned the Doctor was allergic to ferrets, not feathers. But Joey now refrained from cursing any time he was wearing the dress.
I read a short, first person piece called THE PERFECT SIZE. It is a funny account about my acquisition of a used dress form for sewing and Honey’s attempts at making a stand for it. And I know it was funny because everybody listening had to remove their glasses and wipe tears from their eyes at the end. I have since submitted it to THREADS magazine for consideration. Writing something short gave me a nice sense of completion that takes so very long to get when writing a novel.
Marilyn read again, a piece called END OF THE LINE, written by her friend Mike Malone. It is written in two points of view, father and son, and tells of their inner thoughts and feelings when the son admits, at 36, that he is transgendered. The father is a widower who has one daughter living far away, and though he dearly loves his son, he also sees this will be the end of the line for his family. Meanwhile, the son misses his sister’s female companionship and sees his own decision ending a time of pretending to be someone he is not. Pretty deep emotional issues at play for both these individuals and you can’t help but pray they get past the feeling of deep sadness this piece evokes.
Margaret brought me a book called SOURCES. It’s a resource of names and contact info for organizations, companies and agencies. Quoting the book they are “Canada’s finest directory of human contacts. When you need analysis, commentary and information from people in the know, this is the place.” If anybody would like to borrow it, it’s here.
I had a number of books to give away and all but one was fiction. Margaret took most of them for the library in her apartment building.
Ann wrote her piece on floods and mailed it off. Robin was going to attend our meeting but came down with a cold. Last Sunday Bryon and I ran into Nathaniel and Tracy at Princess Auto. (Writers hang out at strange places.) They looked great, and love the sunshine they get living in Victoria’s harbour. Their boat is now moored in front of The Empress Hotel. And Nathaniel says it’s been difficult getting a regular writers’ group over there. People seem to be kind of cliquey. One group was full of drama, and while he was away on a road trip, it just disintegrated. But he’s trying to start another.
Marilyn said she would like to host a meeting sometime, but no definite date has been set for that yet. So unless you hear otherwise, the next meeting will be here at my place on Thursday, April 17th at 7:00 p.m. Love to see you then, with or without your Muse.
Lisa
Sunday, March 9, 2008
THE REVIEW
ANXIOUS FOR SPRING
Bob and Margaret joined me Thursday for a meeting. We are all hoping for a warmer Spring to start happening soon. Maybe the time change will help. At least it will be lighter longer in the evenings for those of us who don’t like driving in the dark.
Bob read more about Trailing and Waters, the manufacturers who were their main competitor in the jewellery business. We learned they seemed to be heavy drinkers and could be seen going out and returning to their premises with a brown paper bag every day.
Margaret showed us a drawing she made of the dog, Barker, who turned out to be a spaniel. The chapter she read was about Barker going to see a pet psychiatrist for excessive barking. The good Doctor blamed Rev. Peasly for the problem because of the name he’d given the dog. But the dog quit barking after having a good chew on the leg of the Doctor’s Chippendale chair.
I had a letter from John Ireland that I read. He and his wife are now back in New Zealand, enjoying their summer weather. They are at Napier, on the east coast of the North Island. John is working at rewriting “Brown Girls” to see if a friend’s publisher might be interested in it, as well as hoping to get hired by the community newspaper. He says a paperback costs $25.00 there. And he says hello to all the Rammers.
I read two versions of my one-page synopsis, first draft and rewrite. I had some good suggestions from Nathaniel and also did research online. But every time I read it I still want to tweek it here and there. Gave it to my husband to read, and he said it moved and conveyed a story line with lots of action, so I guess that’s good, coming from somebody who never reads fiction? However, he did take exception to my starting a sentence with the word “But”, as it is a conjunction and the PEng. in him believes in correct grammar. I ignored him on that comment.
Nathaniel seems to be busy working on his boat and doing repairs on others. Last two entries I read on their blog were about boat repairs. I told him he should be writing a manual on boat repairs. He could probably make a fortune at it.
Amanda is working on formatting her Robot poem and another story for submissions. Last I heard from Carolann was that she and her husband were trying to move from Walnut Grove to Surrey. I haven’t heard from anyone else lately. Any updates out there on writing endeavors you’d like to send me?
Next meeting here at my place on Thursday, March 20th at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see some more of you then, even if you haven’t written anything. Communion of writers is always important. Good luck with your writing.
Lisa
Bob and Margaret joined me Thursday for a meeting. We are all hoping for a warmer Spring to start happening soon. Maybe the time change will help. At least it will be lighter longer in the evenings for those of us who don’t like driving in the dark.
Bob read more about Trailing and Waters, the manufacturers who were their main competitor in the jewellery business. We learned they seemed to be heavy drinkers and could be seen going out and returning to their premises with a brown paper bag every day.
Margaret showed us a drawing she made of the dog, Barker, who turned out to be a spaniel. The chapter she read was about Barker going to see a pet psychiatrist for excessive barking. The good Doctor blamed Rev. Peasly for the problem because of the name he’d given the dog. But the dog quit barking after having a good chew on the leg of the Doctor’s Chippendale chair.
I had a letter from John Ireland that I read. He and his wife are now back in New Zealand, enjoying their summer weather. They are at Napier, on the east coast of the North Island. John is working at rewriting “Brown Girls” to see if a friend’s publisher might be interested in it, as well as hoping to get hired by the community newspaper. He says a paperback costs $25.00 there. And he says hello to all the Rammers.
I read two versions of my one-page synopsis, first draft and rewrite. I had some good suggestions from Nathaniel and also did research online. But every time I read it I still want to tweek it here and there. Gave it to my husband to read, and he said it moved and conveyed a story line with lots of action, so I guess that’s good, coming from somebody who never reads fiction? However, he did take exception to my starting a sentence with the word “But”, as it is a conjunction and the PEng. in him believes in correct grammar. I ignored him on that comment.
Nathaniel seems to be busy working on his boat and doing repairs on others. Last two entries I read on their blog were about boat repairs. I told him he should be writing a manual on boat repairs. He could probably make a fortune at it.
Amanda is working on formatting her Robot poem and another story for submissions. Last I heard from Carolann was that she and her husband were trying to move from Walnut Grove to Surrey. I haven’t heard from anyone else lately. Any updates out there on writing endeavors you’d like to send me?
Next meeting here at my place on Thursday, March 20th at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see some more of you then, even if you haven’t written anything. Communion of writers is always important. Good luck with your writing.
Lisa
Sunday, February 24, 2008
THE REVIEW
GOING GREEN
Hello Dear Fellow Rams. There were only three of us here Thursday night and we made a decision to “Go Green” and reduce our carbon footprint, in accordance with the goals of our Provincial Government. Meetings will now be just twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Same place and same time. Next meeting will be Thursday, March 6th at 7:00 p.m.
Bob read from his history of the jewellery business about Trailing and Waters. At one time their payday was Saturday morning, and the boss would offer employees a drink and ask if they wanted to play cards. And he often won back the money he had just paid them.
Margaret read from the Peabody collection. Marie tells Peasly and Peacock that the button had been found in Peobody’s pocket, and they accept her apology for having them treat the bird and the dog with laxatives, after which the bird took up swearing again. Peabody arrives and apologizes, too, and they all end up having a drink together.
I read Ann’s “Peacemakers”, which she had emailed me. It’s about a future genetically selective society in which fat people are preferred as they are considered more peaceful, something wanted after nuclear destruction. But the twist is their leader is secretly slim and fit, and wears a fat suit in public. Really funny.
I am currently looking at writing a synopsis of my novel for future attempts to have it published. Am still gathering information on how to do this. By what I see from looking at markets, everybody wants one in a different length (one page, two page, chapter by chapter). So that’s what I’m working on.
Enjoy all that gorgeous sunshine out there and I hope the extra dose of Vitamin D inspires all in their writing. Again, next meeting here at my place, Thursday, March 6th at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you then.
Lisa
Hello Dear Fellow Rams. There were only three of us here Thursday night and we made a decision to “Go Green” and reduce our carbon footprint, in accordance with the goals of our Provincial Government. Meetings will now be just twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Same place and same time. Next meeting will be Thursday, March 6th at 7:00 p.m.
Bob read from his history of the jewellery business about Trailing and Waters. At one time their payday was Saturday morning, and the boss would offer employees a drink and ask if they wanted to play cards. And he often won back the money he had just paid them.
Margaret read from the Peabody collection. Marie tells Peasly and Peacock that the button had been found in Peobody’s pocket, and they accept her apology for having them treat the bird and the dog with laxatives, after which the bird took up swearing again. Peabody arrives and apologizes, too, and they all end up having a drink together.
I read Ann’s “Peacemakers”, which she had emailed me. It’s about a future genetically selective society in which fat people are preferred as they are considered more peaceful, something wanted after nuclear destruction. But the twist is their leader is secretly slim and fit, and wears a fat suit in public. Really funny.
I am currently looking at writing a synopsis of my novel for future attempts to have it published. Am still gathering information on how to do this. By what I see from looking at markets, everybody wants one in a different length (one page, two page, chapter by chapter). So that’s what I’m working on.
Enjoy all that gorgeous sunshine out there and I hope the extra dose of Vitamin D inspires all in their writing. Again, next meeting here at my place, Thursday, March 6th at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you then.
Lisa
Thursday, February 14, 2008
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Here’s to my friends who answered the call
And met at The Ram’s Head, one and all
Writers, editors, poets, too
Such joy in knowing all of you.
My life was blessed when we came to meet
And brought our words to share and read
I’ve known for years, only a writer understands
The wrestle to express
Through pain and tears
All that we see and comprehend
Writing down in verse or line
Explaining life and love
In runes of time
To leave some proof that here we are
Who gather close from near and far
In praise of writing from the heart.
Convened together, we are a troupe
Here’s to The Ram’s Head Writers’ Group!
Lisa A. Hatton ©
And met at The Ram’s Head, one and all
Writers, editors, poets, too
Such joy in knowing all of you.
My life was blessed when we came to meet
And brought our words to share and read
I’ve known for years, only a writer understands
The wrestle to express
Through pain and tears
All that we see and comprehend
Writing down in verse or line
Explaining life and love
In runes of time
To leave some proof that here we are
Who gather close from near and far
In praise of writing from the heart.
Convened together, we are a troupe
Here’s to The Ram’s Head Writers’ Group!
Lisa A. Hatton ©
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)