Merry Christmas!
I hope everyone had a wonderful day!
Friday, December 27, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
Updates on Puppies and Poetry
Puppy!
So, I haven't been blogging too much lately because it's been really crazy around here. Our new puppy, Rory, is adorable...
but he sure gets into a lot of trouble and keeps us on our toes. The kids each have their own day to take care of him and for the most part they are doing a great job.
He's actually been a very good puppy so far and is learning the household rules quickly. :) (Wouldn't you just do anything for that face?)
Back in School!
I guess I didn't think a new puppy would be enough, so I decided to enroll in some classes from Coursera.org. I'm taking Modern and Contemporary Poetry; Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas; Plagues, Witches and Wars: The Worlds of Historical Fiction; and Design: Creation of Artifacts in Society.
The poetry class has been tons of fun so far, partly because my husband and I are taking it together and it's opening my brain up to a whole new way of thinking. It has even inspired me to write some poetry again, which I hadn't done for years. I might even decide to share a few. The historical fiction class just started on Wednesday and I'm super excited to learn more about that genre.
They are all a lot of work, but I'm really excited about what I'm learning and I love the platform. Coursera.org is a free educational website that offers actual courses from top universities around the world. As a student, you watch the lectures, do the homework and interact with other students online, and you even get a certificate of completion for each course! I've done some other open course sites before but this is so much more interactive!
And I'm still working on revising my Fantasy novel which I think is now going to be called, The Night Years.
I'm crazy busy, but it is all good stuff and I'm having a great time, I'm just exhausted!! I need about four more hours of the day just for sleep. :)
So, I really am still here just not as often. I keep saying I'm going to post more, but realistically if I get one in a week I'll be happy for now. I'm going to try to make the rounds around the blogosphere, but it will be slowly.
Thank you so much to everyone who wrote wonderfully supportive comments on my IWSG post! :)
Hope everyone is having a great October so far!
Kathy :)
So, I haven't been blogging too much lately because it's been really crazy around here. Our new puppy, Rory, is adorable...
but he sure gets into a lot of trouble and keeps us on our toes. The kids each have their own day to take care of him and for the most part they are doing a great job.
He's actually been a very good puppy so far and is learning the household rules quickly. :) (Wouldn't you just do anything for that face?)
Back in School!
I guess I didn't think a new puppy would be enough, so I decided to enroll in some classes from Coursera.org. I'm taking Modern and Contemporary Poetry; Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas; Plagues, Witches and Wars: The Worlds of Historical Fiction; and Design: Creation of Artifacts in Society.
The poetry class has been tons of fun so far, partly because my husband and I are taking it together and it's opening my brain up to a whole new way of thinking. It has even inspired me to write some poetry again, which I hadn't done for years. I might even decide to share a few. The historical fiction class just started on Wednesday and I'm super excited to learn more about that genre.
They are all a lot of work, but I'm really excited about what I'm learning and I love the platform. Coursera.org is a free educational website that offers actual courses from top universities around the world. As a student, you watch the lectures, do the homework and interact with other students online, and you even get a certificate of completion for each course! I've done some other open course sites before but this is so much more interactive!
And I'm still working on revising my Fantasy novel which I think is now going to be called, The Night Years.
I'm crazy busy, but it is all good stuff and I'm having a great time, I'm just exhausted!! I need about four more hours of the day just for sleep. :)
So, I really am still here just not as often. I keep saying I'm going to post more, but realistically if I get one in a week I'll be happy for now. I'm going to try to make the rounds around the blogosphere, but it will be slowly.
Thank you so much to everyone who wrote wonderfully supportive comments on my IWSG post! :)
Hope everyone is having a great October so far!
Kathy :)
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
IWSG
Well today is the first Wednesday of October already! I can't believe it. That means it is time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by Alex Cavanaugh. I don't want to be a big downer, but I have felt quite insecure these past few weeks...months. I don't even really know why, other than it seems like my life just keeps getting crazier and crazier and I hardly have time to sleep let alone sit down to write something decent.
But sometimes I wonder what I bring. Do I have anything unique to say that hasn't already been said by a million other writers? I'm not sure. I'd like to use my love of writing for something good, to inspire or help others. But how? I feel like I don't know enough.
Yesterday, I was reading a book by Karen Armstrong about Buddha. It said that every day on his search for enlightenment, he would sit and direct the feeling of love to every corner of the Earth, sowing the seeds of friendship to every single living thing, even his enemies.
I thought that was wonderful. Maybe sending love and support is enough. Maybe one comment I make can help someone's day be a little brighter. And the IWSG is such a great way for all of us to send even just a little love and support all around the globe. Thanks Alex for creating a platform for us to help each other!
So here is my little bit of love that I'm sending to all of you! (I'm closing my eyes and concentrating so I can get it to each and every one of you!) I hope your week is full of good thoughts.
Have a great day!!!
Kathy :)
Saturday, September 21, 2013
It's Time
So... my bad! I signed up to help Jeremy Hawkins promote his new series of art/design books and I feel awful because I missed my day. There's no excuse, I just plain missed it. So sorry Jeremy!
Anyway read on to hear more about his unique series of books.
It's a four book series 40 pages each and it is the art/design from things I had designed over the years. It's a mish-mash of things that I had seen in my head... and some are future designs that will become shirts. Places I wanted to go artistically as you travel from where I was to where I am now. Is it great journey! Titles came from the idea of time "12:34, 35, 36 and 37” seems that is when my best ideas came to me... day or night. It's funny I never considered myself a "writer" just a man who likes to paint a canvas if it be words or my art/design.
Jeremy's books, Twelve-Thirty-Four, Twelve-Thirty-Five, Twelve-Thirty-Six and Twelve-Thirty-Seven are a fantastic collection of unique art. His work runs the gamut from movie inspired, where some of our favorite characters are portrayed with a fresh perspective, to cute and funny to scary. There is something for everyone here.
Now here's Jeremy to tell us a little bit about some things he's noticed.
What do these all have in common;
The Wedding Singer, The Blues Brothers, Anchorman, 40 year Old Virgin, Indiana
Jones and the Temple
of Doom
The Blues Brothers
Anchorman
The Wedding Singer
40 year Old Virgin
Armageddon
Top Gun
******************************
Thank You, for letting me play host and to all who took the “time” to
read this… you are all the best.
Jeremy Hawkins
Being Retro
beingretro.com
Direct Links:
Main Page:
Direct Amazon link
Support Jeremy and enjoy his take on the world.
Again, Jeremy I'm so sorry that I messed up! I hope your launch is super successful!
Kathy
Friday, September 20, 2013
CassaStorm is out!
I wasn't creative enough to come up with a unique question for Alex, but I do want to say a few words of my own about him.
Even though I've never met him in person, I feel like I've known Alex for years. I first "met" him three years ago during the A-Z Challenge. I was nervous about being a new blogger but Alex commented on every one of my posts about a minute after I had posted. It was so encouraging. I felt like I was really part of something.
I made it through my first A-Z excited about the possibilities of blogging, but I figured someone with as many followers as Alex wouldn't continue to read my posts after the challenge was finished. I was wrong.
Three years later he still comments on almost every post I write. WOW!
I made it through my first A-Z excited about the possibilities of blogging, but I figured someone with as many followers as Alex wouldn't continue to read my posts after the challenge was finished. I was wrong.
Three years later he still comments on almost every post I write. WOW!
He continues to inspire many new and old bloggers with his comments, frequent blogfests and IWSG (Insecure Writer's Support Group).
Alex has a unique capacity to bring people together.
Thanks Alex for all that you do for us! I hope the launch of the third book in the Cassa series is a huge success!!
Kathy :)
Comment on Alex’s blog this week for a chance to win a Cassa mug, mousepad, magnet, and swag!Alex has a unique capacity to bring people together.
Thanks Alex for all that you do for us! I hope the launch of the third book in the Cassa series is a huge success!!
Kathy :)
CassaStorm
By Alex J Cavanaugh
From the Amazon Best Selling Series!
A storm gathers across the galaxy…
Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.
After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.
Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…
“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.”
- Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries
“I thought the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm pushes the limits…”
- Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews
“…mesmerizing story of survival, personal sacrifice, tolerance, and compassion. It’s a rare jewel that successfully utilizes both character and plot to tell a story of such immense scope and intimate passion…” - Nancy S. Thompson, author of The Mistaken
- Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries
“I thought the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm pushes the limits…”
- Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews
“…mesmerizing story of survival, personal sacrifice, tolerance, and compassion. It’s a rare jewel that successfully utilizes both character and plot to tell a story of such immense scope and intimate passion…” - Nancy S. Thompson, author of The Mistaken
$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera
Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019
$4.99 EBook available in all formats
Find CassaStorm:
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1116848619?ean=9781939844002
Amazon -
Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-ebook/dp/B00F2O9QMC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378811366&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm
Book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Umm2l0XdHc&feature=youtu.be
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
Website – http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
Book Trailer html -
Monday, September 16, 2013
It's a Boy!
 |
| Alyssa with Rory |
He joined us on Sunday for Jessica's 17th birthday! He's an 8 week old beagle. We are all thrilled to have him join our crazy gang.
I had no idea we could decide we wanted a puppy and then five days later actually have one.
Hope you are all having a great week!
If you have any puppy training tricks I'd love to hear them!
Kathy :)
Monday, September 9, 2013
TV or No TV
That is the question.
Our family has lived happily without TV for 9 years now. Okay, we actually have a TV but we don't have cable so that means we don't get any channels. Sure, we watch movies and use Netflix instant stream to introduce the kids to the great old shows, like Star Trek, Doctor Who and a few others. But for the most part our kids, especially our 9 year old son, have grown up without normal television programming.
We don't miss it, even my football loving husband. A couple years ago we still would watch some TV in hotels, but on our last trip, no one even turned the tube on.
It was great to have family time to read and talk, but we began to realize there might be a flaw in our thinking.
Living in Cleveland, someone asked our son what he thought about LeBron James. He stared blankly back like the person was speaking a foreign language. Embarrassed, I had to explain, "Well we don't have TV so he doesn't even know who that is."
Later someone else asked him what his favorite teams were. Again the blank stare. He couldn't even name any teams. Yikes.
Were my husband and I depriving him of essential knowledge in our sports crazed world?
Especially for guys, it seems like the default entry into conversation always revolves around the game, "Hey did you see the game last night?" or "Can you believe that catch?"
It's one thing to not play sports but for a boy to not know anything about any teams, players, or even the rules of the games...well maybe that's going too far.
Worried that if we didn't act fast, it may be too late for him, we decided to take the plunge back into the world of television and give our son a proper sports education.
The cable guy is coming this morning ...and I'm kind of dreading it.
What do you think, do our children need to have a working knowledge of sports to get by in today's world?
Have a great week!
Kathy :)
Our family has lived happily without TV for 9 years now. Okay, we actually have a TV but we don't have cable so that means we don't get any channels. Sure, we watch movies and use Netflix instant stream to introduce the kids to the great old shows, like Star Trek, Doctor Who and a few others. But for the most part our kids, especially our 9 year old son, have grown up without normal television programming.
We don't miss it, even my football loving husband. A couple years ago we still would watch some TV in hotels, but on our last trip, no one even turned the tube on.
It was great to have family time to read and talk, but we began to realize there might be a flaw in our thinking.
Living in Cleveland, someone asked our son what he thought about LeBron James. He stared blankly back like the person was speaking a foreign language. Embarrassed, I had to explain, "Well we don't have TV so he doesn't even know who that is."
Later someone else asked him what his favorite teams were. Again the blank stare. He couldn't even name any teams. Yikes.
Were my husband and I depriving him of essential knowledge in our sports crazed world?
Especially for guys, it seems like the default entry into conversation always revolves around the game, "Hey did you see the game last night?" or "Can you believe that catch?"
It's one thing to not play sports but for a boy to not know anything about any teams, players, or even the rules of the games...well maybe that's going too far.
Worried that if we didn't act fast, it may be too late for him, we decided to take the plunge back into the world of television and give our son a proper sports education.
The cable guy is coming this morning ...and I'm kind of dreading it.
What do you think, do our children need to have a working knowledge of sports to get by in today's world?
Have a great week!
Kathy :)
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