Hi all! How about that MU upset?
Er... yes, let's just pretend I didn't say that. I know nothing about basketball. In fact, my boys are forbidden to entertain the idea of the sport because I hate the squeaky shoes. However, with everyone around me riled over that particular issue, I couldn't resist.
Guess what today is?
International Goof Off Day and As Young As You Feel Day. What an awesome day to blog. I don't have to think! Mwahaha!
In fact, I can go romp in the mud and be perfectly justified when I hand the demidemons my soaked clothes and say, "Your turn to wash." They might look at me like I'd lost all my marbles, but... the calendar says I can.
So anyway -- Recall I was bemoaning the Christmas tree still being up. Well, I did get it taken down, and the stockings. I still have two Santas sitting out but that's because I keep forgetting to buy the new storage containers when I make a trek to Wal-Mart. Last year the mice had a bit of fun with them, so they will sit on my table until I remember a plastic tub is a necessity.
I do intend to make use of Goof Off Day. Coffee with my writing cohort tomorrow, dinner out, and a movie maybe. I've been ticking through deadlines and buried so far into my computer it wouldn't surprise me if there's a thumb drive sticking out my ear or something. I intend to reward myself tomorrow... particularly now that I have an excuse.
What about all of you? The Powers That Be say you have the right to set everything aside and do whatever the heck you want today. How do you intend to spend it?
As far as the Only As Old As You Feel part -- this one I'm actually going to object to. This month, I think I'll stick with calendar years!
And while I'm rambling, let's talk spring a minute. It's here FINALLY! (Did I mention mud?) Are you all in your yards planting flowers, gardens, and cultivating beds? I made a grand attempt at that two days ago, and I have a mountain of yardwork awaiting the dry spell that's supposed to come this weekend. I cleaned out half a fence line that I've let go for way too long. I discovered the ivy that I thought was "oh so pretty" ten years ago is really "oh so destructive", and I spent two hours plucking vines off my root cellar.
It's storm time again in my neck of the woods, and I'm one of those people who both fears and loves a good storm. I can even sit back and enjoy a severe storm, as long as the threat of tornadoes isn't high. (Primarily because the basement has spiders and the idea of going down there... shudder.)
I've found that one of the best times to write is when it's dark and the silence is interrupted by the rumble of thunder.
Do you read or write when it's storming? Does that intensify the words somehow for you?
Well, it's time for coffee with that writing cohort. I'll check back in, but I'm really interested in hearing how you all intend to goof off today.
~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
What happened to the First Day of Spring?
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| A walk in the countryside |
What happened to the First day of Spring? Why do they
change things? I wanted to write about
the first day of Spring, March 21 and found my traditional day is not quite the
same. The day moves. Okay. I can
understand some government bureaucrat said let’s do it different and screw
everything up.
So I did a little research. Every culture has the celebration of Spring
around the spring solstice. From Aztec to
Egyptian, stone calenders were set to highlight the sun on certain days of the
year. The spring solstice was prominent. Look at the remains of Stonehenge or
the monuments on Easter Island.
Going back several thousand years, we find the
Celtic Lá na Féile Bríde, or the “Festival
of Saint Bridget”, in Manx as Laán Arragh (Day of Spring), and as
Candlemas or Bridget’s Day in English. Brighid, Bride or Bridget is yet
another Pagan deity turned by the Christians into a “saint,” in order to co-opt
Her worship. This
goddess was a triple-faced deity, originally a Sun and Fire Goddess, of
Poetry/Divination, Healing and Smith-craft, whose followers kept an eternal
flame burning in Her honor. Note that as Brighid, a Druid and Celtic entity,
Her three aspects are all the same age as each other, not the
“Mother-Maiden-Crone” trinity.
Interesting is that St Bridget’s Day is the celebration of the lambing and lactation of the ewes, a basic source of food and clothing. The occasion of the birth of lambs (not to mention kids and calves) was a cause for rejoicing and a sign of life in the “dead” world of a Northern winter. Probably why we eat roast lamb on Easter.
This leaves me with my original question why change it?
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Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Irish Words that Came to America
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| Laura Breck |
I was fascinated when I found out how many Irish words are used in the English language. Here are a few of my favorites.
banshee
(from Irish bainsídhe/beansídhe, "female fairy")(M-W), "woman of the fairies" (AHD) or "...of a fairy mound" (RH). The Modern Irish word for woman is bean /bæn/ and síd(h) (or sí in modern spelling) is an Irish term referring to a 'fairy mound'.
bog
(from bogach meaning "marsh/peatland") a wetland (OED).
brogue
A strong regional accent, especially an Irish one. Presumably used originally with reference to the footwear of speakers of the brogue (OED).
clock
O.Ir. clocc meaning "bell"; also Welsh cloch but the giving language is Irish mediated by Irish missionaries. The same source has German Glocke "bell".
cross
The ultimate source of this word is Latin crux, the Roman gibbet which became a symbol of Christianity. Some sources say the English wordform comes from Old Irish cros. Other sources say the English comes from Old French crois and others say it comes from Old Norse is a technical word in geology.
galore
(from go leor meaning "til plenty") a lot (OED).
hooligan
(from the Irish family name Ó hUallacháin, anglicised as O'Houlihan) one who takes part in rowdy behaviour and vandalism.
kibosh, kybosh
to finish, to end. The OED says the origin is obscure and possibly Yiddish. Other sources, suggest that it may be from the Irish an chaip bháis meaning "the cap of death" (a reference to the "black cap" worn by a judge passing sentence of capital punishment.
Leprechaun
(from leipreachán or leath bhrogán) (OED).
phoney
(probably from the English fawney meaning "gilt brass ring used by swindlers", which is from Irish fainne meaning "ring") fake.
slew
(from sluagh meaning "a large number") a great amount (OED). Note: as in a slew of new products, not as in slay.
slob
(from slab) mud (OED).
smithereens
small fragments, atoms. In phrases such as 'to explode into smithereens'. This is the word smithers (of obscure origin) with the Irish diminutive ending. Whether it derives from the modern Irish smidrín or is the source of this word is unclear (OED).
whiskey
(from uisce beatha meaning "water of life") (OED).
Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English_words_of_Irish_origin
Here's hoping your Saint Patrick's Day was full of Leprechauns galore, a slew of Irish whiskey, and only a smithereen of hooliganism!
Laura
Secret Vegas Lives
Scandalous L.A. Desires
both available from Red Rose Publishing
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Awkward Moments
By Jannine Gallant
Did you know that March 18 is Awkward Moments Day? Neither did I, but when I checked out March’s list of funny observances and saw it there in black and white, I couldn’t resist. Who out there hasn’t had an awkward moment? I know I’ve had my share.
The awkward moment at a party when you pop a whole appetizer in your mouth just as someone asks you a question.
The awkward moment when you say, “Thank you, sir,” and later discover the helpful clerk in the hardware store was a woman.
The awkward moment when you’re introduced to someone and can’t remember their name two minutes later.
The awkward moment when you notice the man you’re talking to didn’t zip it up all the way, but you have no excuse for looking that low.
The awkward moment when you realize no one liked or commented on your last Facebook update.
If you didn’t cringe a little reading these, then you’re far more socially graceful than I am! It also occurred to me that awkward moments play well in fiction. What reader can’t relate when your poor heroine walks out of the bathroom with toilet paper stuck to her shoe? In my most recent book, Bittersweet, there is a scene involving my heroine cooling off in the creek in her chemise when near tragedy strikes. After the commotion is over, she discovers her wet chemise revealed a whole lot more than it covered, and she is unbearably mortified. Even women in 1880 had wardrobe malfunctions. LOL
Let’s hear about your awkward moments – real or fictional. Don’t turn my blog into another awkward moment…
For information on Bittersweet and my other books, check these sites.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
KISS ME I'M IRISH!
May the sun always shine on your windowpane, May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain, May the hand of a friend always be near you, May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you! Irish Blessing.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! A day when the whole world is
Irish! Have you ever wondered why everyone wants to be Irish…even for a day? Oh…there
will always be the stereotype of a typical Irishman, probably best known for
their ability to out-drink most other races. Or do you think it is the Luck of
the Irish that everyone is seeking? Seen any little Leprechauns lately or
chased any pots of gold?
I believe there is a romance to the thought of being Irish. Perhaps
I’m bias because I married myself an Irish Lad…twenty-five years ago. I’m
excited because to celebrate the family is traveling to Ireland this summer. I’ve
never been. Looking forward to the adventure and it will be an adventure!
So today everyone is Irish. What does that mean to you? Here
are a few tips on being Irish that I have learned over the years.
The Irish never know how to tell a short story.
The Irish may not know the words to a song, but it doesn’t
stop them from singing it.
If you’re Irish you can't wait for the other guy to stop
talking so you can start talking.
Matter of fact, why wait? Without question, the Irish like
to talk.
I hear the Irish like their beer.
Being Irish means you have this need to know everything
about everyone.
Being Irish means you have a big heart.
One more thing, St. Patrick’s Day is St. Paddy’s Day.
Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever met an Irishman I didn’t
like. Have a great day. May you always have the luck of the Irish on your side.
May you live a long life Full of gladness and health, With a pocket full
of gold As the least of you wealth. May the dreams you hold dearest, Be those
which come true, The kindness you spread, Keep returning to you. Irish
Blessing.
This coming week, Patriot Secrets with Wild Child Publishing is going FREE on Kindle Select. I'm so excited because I love this book. It's my mother's favorite book of mine. So if you want a copy, wait until Wednesday, March 21st. It will be free until the 25th. Tell your friends and join me over on my blog for a contest!
Happy St. Paddy's Day!
This coming week, Patriot Secrets with Wild Child Publishing is going FREE on Kindle Select. I'm so excited because I love this book. It's my mother's favorite book of mine. So if you want a copy, wait until Wednesday, March 21st. It will be free until the 25th. Tell your friends and join me over on my blog for a contest!
 |
| PATRIOT SECRETS Today Dreamscape is free! Don't miss out on your free copy! |
Friday, March 16, 2012
You Can't Go Wrong Today!
I’m writing this with a smile on my face. I’ve just finished getting my records together from last year and can now walk happily into the accountant’s office to file my taxes with everything in order. It’s a wonderful feeling especially after spending the last three nights up until 3A.M. working on it. Tonight I can pillow my head without regret, knowing I’ve accomplished the task.
Once that was out of the way, I moved on to writing this piece for this wonderful group of writers and readers. I wanted to share some happiness so I did a search to see if there is anything special going on for March 16th. I was amazed at what I found.
March 16th, in every year without fail, is “Everything You Do Is Right” day. Wow! How perfect is that? Imagine a day where you can’t go wrong. Imagine a twenty-four hour period where no matter what you do, you’ll do it right, without failure lurking around the corner to mess up an otherwise perfect day.
Think of all the things you’ll be doing today. Getting the kids off to school will be a breeze. After all, they will be doing everything right today, too. Breakfast will be perfect and on time. Getting the Significant Other on their way will be so smooth, you’ll want to call them home to do it again.
Getting yourself ready for what ever is in your day planner will be a cinch. The perfect outfit is ready and waiting for you in the closet. Everything you need will be where it is supposed to be, including your keys, glasses and cell phone, the three elusive items in my day. Today is going to be sheer heaven on earth.
You might think I’m being dramatic, but why not? How often do we get this opportunity to dream? As a writer, I love to take a small idea and run with it just to see how far it will play out. Three little words, “I wrote it”, were the beginning of my writing career. It turned into one 50,000+ word novel that grew into a six book series.
A little idea about revenge became an eighteen year writing exercise entitled Her Perfect Man, the story of Anna Scott, a girl in Southampton who thought she knew who her perfect mate would be. She senses things before they happen. Everything she did should have been right, shouldn’t it?
Her Perfect Man is available at Red Rose Publishing. It takes place in Southampton in the early 1900s and is an historical romance with a touch of paranormal. Here’s the blurb:
Anna Scott could see snippets of the future, what was going to happen before it happened. She learned at a young age how to use this gift to her advantage. She planned out her life, and knew that she would have everything she wanted. She could see it. Unfortunately, she couldn't clearly see the perfect man she knew she should marry, or the years of unhappiness she would have to endure before her dreams came true.
Colin Marsec would do anything to be close to Miss Anna. As they grew up together, he tried to make her see beyond her dreams, to see him as the man who loved her as more than just a surrogate sister. Once she chose Chase Trent over him, his reckless living trapped him into an unwanted marriage with a woman who would ruin his life.
Chase Trent breezed into Southampton fresh from America, presenting himself as the perfect man. Good looks, charm and money blinded the saucy Anna who was five years his junior. Chase was used to having the best and, on the surface this little sample of English tart would look good on his arm. To top it off, she thought he was perfect. On their wedding day, Chase proved to his bride that he was the furthest thing from the man Anna expected him to be.
And what of the flattering and attractive Justin Waring? With so many choices, will Anna find her perfect man?
Read an excerpt from Her Perfect Man HERE
I hope that what ever your day brings your way, everything you do will truly be right for the next twenty-four hours. You deserve a great day and I pray you’ll reach the end of the day with a satisfied smile.
Cheers!
Once that was out of the way, I moved on to writing this piece for this wonderful group of writers and readers. I wanted to share some happiness so I did a search to see if there is anything special going on for March 16th. I was amazed at what I found.
March 16th, in every year without fail, is “Everything You Do Is Right” day. Wow! How perfect is that? Imagine a day where you can’t go wrong. Imagine a twenty-four hour period where no matter what you do, you’ll do it right, without failure lurking around the corner to mess up an otherwise perfect day.
Think of all the things you’ll be doing today. Getting the kids off to school will be a breeze. After all, they will be doing everything right today, too. Breakfast will be perfect and on time. Getting the Significant Other on their way will be so smooth, you’ll want to call them home to do it again.
Getting yourself ready for what ever is in your day planner will be a cinch. The perfect outfit is ready and waiting for you in the closet. Everything you need will be where it is supposed to be, including your keys, glasses and cell phone, the three elusive items in my day. Today is going to be sheer heaven on earth.
You might think I’m being dramatic, but why not? How often do we get this opportunity to dream? As a writer, I love to take a small idea and run with it just to see how far it will play out. Three little words, “I wrote it”, were the beginning of my writing career. It turned into one 50,000+ word novel that grew into a six book series.
A little idea about revenge became an eighteen year writing exercise entitled Her Perfect Man, the story of Anna Scott, a girl in Southampton who thought she knew who her perfect mate would be. She senses things before they happen. Everything she did should have been right, shouldn’t it?
Her Perfect Man is available at Red Rose Publishing. It takes place in Southampton in the early 1900s and is an historical romance with a touch of paranormal. Here’s the blurb:
Anna Scott could see snippets of the future, what was going to happen before it happened. She learned at a young age how to use this gift to her advantage. She planned out her life, and knew that she would have everything she wanted. She could see it. Unfortunately, she couldn't clearly see the perfect man she knew she should marry, or the years of unhappiness she would have to endure before her dreams came true.
Colin Marsec would do anything to be close to Miss Anna. As they grew up together, he tried to make her see beyond her dreams, to see him as the man who loved her as more than just a surrogate sister. Once she chose Chase Trent over him, his reckless living trapped him into an unwanted marriage with a woman who would ruin his life.
Chase Trent breezed into Southampton fresh from America, presenting himself as the perfect man. Good looks, charm and money blinded the saucy Anna who was five years his junior. Chase was used to having the best and, on the surface this little sample of English tart would look good on his arm. To top it off, she thought he was perfect. On their wedding day, Chase proved to his bride that he was the furthest thing from the man Anna expected him to be.
And what of the flattering and attractive Justin Waring? With so many choices, will Anna find her perfect man?
Read an excerpt from Her Perfect Man HERE
I hope that what ever your day brings your way, everything you do will truly be right for the next twenty-four hours. You deserve a great day and I pray you’ll reach the end of the day with a satisfied smile.
Cheers!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Singing Dragons and Other Silliness by Alison Henderson
I’ve never been a huge fan of poetry; it tends to remind me of high school English class. But March is National Poetry Month, so I decided to share a couple of poems I love with you. They remind me NOTHING of high school English.
In fact, these poems come from a wonderful book of children’s poems I bought for my daughter when she was little, entitled The Dragons Are Singing Tonight, by Jack Prelutsky (Greenwillow Books, 1993). I read it over and over to her and have saved it to read to any future grandchildren I’m lucky enough to have. The book also has fantastic illustrations by Peter Sis, although I couldn’t use them here.
Here are two of our favorites:
The Dragons are Singing Tonight
Tonight is the night all the dragons
Awake in their lairs underground,
To sing in cacophonous chorus
And fill the whole world with their sound.
They sing of the days of their glory,
They sing of their exploits of old,
Of maidens and knights, and of fiery fights,
And guarding vast caches of gold.
Some of their voices are treble,
And some of their voices are deep,
But all of their voices are thunderous,
And no one can get any sleep.
I lie in my bed and I listen,
Enchanted and filled with delight,
To songs I can hear only one night a year—
The dragons are singing tonight!
Nasty Little Dragonsong
I’m a nasty, nasty dragon,
I’ve been nasty since my birth,
When it comes to nasty dragons,
I’m the nastiest on earth.
I’ve a nasty, nasty temper,
And my breath is nasty too,
I was nasty to my parents,
I’ll be nastier to you.
It’s my nature to be nasty,
Nasty, nasty night and day,
I will act completely nasty
If you’re in my nasty way.
Yet I largely pass unnoticed
As I nastily go by,
I’m a nasty, nasty dragon
Just a nasty half inch high.
I hope you enjoyed these!
Alisonwww.alisonhenderson.com
In fact, these poems come from a wonderful book of children’s poems I bought for my daughter when she was little, entitled The Dragons Are Singing Tonight, by Jack Prelutsky (Greenwillow Books, 1993). I read it over and over to her and have saved it to read to any future grandchildren I’m lucky enough to have. The book also has fantastic illustrations by Peter Sis, although I couldn’t use them here.
Here are two of our favorites:
The Dragons are Singing Tonight
Tonight is the night all the dragons
Awake in their lairs underground,
To sing in cacophonous chorus
And fill the whole world with their sound.
They sing of the days of their glory,
They sing of their exploits of old,
Of maidens and knights, and of fiery fights,
And guarding vast caches of gold.
Some of their voices are treble,
And some of their voices are deep,
But all of their voices are thunderous,
And no one can get any sleep.
I lie in my bed and I listen,
Enchanted and filled with delight,
To songs I can hear only one night a year—
The dragons are singing tonight!
Nasty Little Dragonsong
I’m a nasty, nasty dragon,
I’ve been nasty since my birth,
When it comes to nasty dragons,
I’m the nastiest on earth.
I’ve a nasty, nasty temper,
And my breath is nasty too,
I was nasty to my parents,
I’ll be nastier to you.
It’s my nature to be nasty,
Nasty, nasty night and day,
I will act completely nasty
If you’re in my nasty way.
Yet I largely pass unnoticed
As I nastily go by,
I’m a nasty, nasty dragon
Just a nasty half inch high.
I hope you enjoyed these!
Alisonwww.alisonhenderson.com
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