-image-Back from Away

January 31, 2008 | Writing, home life

I was missing from here for a bit while we went there, but now we’re here again. :) Went to the movies a bit – tried to watch Beowulf, but sadly it wasn’t something I could get into. I left, in fact, and went to the next-door theater and watched August Rush. The writing was execrable but the music was good, so there’s that. Then on another night, I saw Sweeney again, and this time, I sang. Softly, but I did my sing-along as there were only a few people in the theater. I was so glad I went again.

Interesting experience – I’ve been having difficulty with the tone on the WIP. I want it to be sarcastic and funny and hot, but it just isn’t clicking. So I dug out a copy of an older Temptation of mine called HOT AND BOTHERED. It was as if I was reading someone else’s book. I have almost no recollection of writing the words. It was a good thing to do as it has exactly the tone I’m after, so we’ll see if I can still write like that. Oh, and how very much I wanted to do another edit, even though I’m pretty pleased with how the book read. It’s hard to read older stuff.

Now it’s crunch time on the book, so I’m going to be setting timers and meeting page counts and deeply immersing myself in the world of the page. I’ve still got three RITA books left to read, so I need to finish those.

And I got new glasses. I adore them. They’re different. And kind of purple.

-image-Too Cute not to share

January 23, 2008 | home life

This is my great-nephew, Malachai who is 6 months old, and is more adorable than lolcats. Sadly, he lives far away, and I haven’t actually met him in person yet.

-image-SWEENEY!

January 20, 2008 | home life

First, before anything else, I had a wonderful birthday yesterday and I thank all of you who wished me well! Dotes got me a gorgeous 3-D card and a simply wonderful painting of a green garden. It’s done in ceramic, like a big tile, and it’s stunning. It’s hung in the bedroom, and I love it. :)

Okay, on to Sweeney:

I feel so much better now. Months of anticipation. Listening to the original Broadway recording over and over again. Deep, ugly jealousy just knowing others had already seen Sweeney, while I had to sit on my heels and wait. Finally, I saw it. Uh, I mean we saw it.

I loved, loved, loved it. Not to say I didn’t have some quibbles (cough: helena bonham-carter’s voice) but mostly it was thrilling and wonderful and yes, I missed my chorus of ghosts and happy meat-pie customers, but mostly I was simply thrilled. The moment the score began on those big speakers, I actually shivered.

I didn’t even sing. Not out loud, at least. But I did mouth every syllable except for dialog that was not on the original cast CD, and in my head I was singing quite loudly. On the ride home I bored Dotes to the point of tears with my second-by-second analysis (I couldn’t help myself). I thought Depp did a masterful job. Truly awesome. I would have made some different musical decisions (alas, although I was at the ready to talk to Mr. Burton before and during the filming, he didn’t call) it was true enough to the original show that I was transported.

The minute we got home, I not only listened to the CD, but this time I did sing, quite loudly, and only then was I able to relax for the evening.

I have to admit that perhaps the truest mark of my admiration for the film is the fact that I didn’t finish my popcorn. Whoa.

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January 2, 2008 | home life

We had a safe, uneventful holiday season, and I have to admit, I’m really glad it’s over. I don’t like the disruptions, which makes me rather a scrooge, I know. I just wasn’t into the season this year. I’m also very, very cranky about the tv strike and I’m going to pout until it’s put right. That’ll show ‘em. :)

I finished the last Harry Potter. I loved it. I keep thinking about it. Rowling is brilliant.

We also went to see Charlie Wilson’s War, which I loved. I was engaged every minute, and I think Phillip Seymour Hoffman should get an Oscar for his performance. I’m also totally buying the soundtrack.

Only 9 more days till Sweeney comes near! Whoo Hoo!

And I’ve been struggling like mad to come up with what my hero sounds like in this new book, and today in the shower it hit me. Yay!!! I simply can’t write until I hear them. Now, I can.

News? Presents you loved? Movies I should catch? Soundtracks to rec?

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December 30, 2007 | home life

I spent yesterday reading HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE. Wept like a child at the end. I don’t often do that. I believe the last book that made me blubber like that was THE GREEN MILE by Stephen King. ::sniff:: Today, I’m diving into HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS. I simply can’t do anything else. It’s imperative. I haven’t read any spoilers, really, although I have heard a few things.

I just can’t say enough about how impressed I am with J.K. Rowling. I can’t begin to fathom the pressure she lived under. To have done this incredible task is akin to magic, only that’s not fair because she clearly worked her tail off. She deserves every inch of praise and thanks. Holy crap. I wonder if non-writers can even get an inkling of what a herculean job she not only did, but did fantastically well. Oddly, rather than making me feel like a tiny little bit of a writer, her accomplishment makes me want to give writing my all. Not that I believe I can write anything like her, but I can write pedal-to-the-metal like me.

Anyway, I hope you’re all doing something wonderful in the last days of the year. I miss egg nog.

-image-Jessie the Christmas Elf says…

December 24, 2007 | home life

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December 16, 2007 | home life

I’ve been sadly under the weather for a couple of weeks and therefore have been incredibly slug-like. I’ve continued to read which has been wonderful, but often I find myself in bed, the TV on to something-or-other with the sound very low, trying to become one with my pillow. Being sick sucks, in case you didn’t already know that. The worst is my energy level is -10. That’s minus 10. Not the best way to get things done, although I have done 2 copy edits and have managed at least some portion of my regular work. I’m determined to feel better, and damn fast, too. I only have five days until Sweeney Todd comes to theaters, and I intend to be there at the first possible showing. I know you might not believe this, but I know deep in my heart that they made this movie as a present for me. Yep, little old me. I’ve been listening to the music so often the songs just spin in my head, I’ve watched every commercial and interview, and the more I see, the more convinced I am that the whole project came about so I would have a perfect Christmas. (Yeah, I’m Jewish – what’s your point?)

I’ve also been listening to other music – a lot of Copland, some Gershwin, and Prokofiev piano concertos. Very healing and wonderful. If you’ve never heard Copland’s Quiet City, get thee to iTunes and download it this second. It will make you weep with its beauty.

I’ve finished my Xmas shopping, because I basically did none. That certainly makes things easier. :) I’ve only dipped my toe into the online world, so I’m happily clueless as to any shenanigans going on in the romance world. When one is bonding with one’s pillow, life becomes very narrow. Narrow is good.

I hope all of you are doing other things, that you’re all feeling well and energetic. That you’re enjoying the season and that you have warmth and love all around. Now I must go – the pillow calls.

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December 6, 2007 | home life

I’ve been reading a bunch of stuff lately, enjoying Tess Gerritsen’s backlist books among others, and wallowing in the joy of the read. I’ve actually turned off the damn tv several nights just to turn one delicious page after another. Although I dearly hope the writer’s strike is settled soon so everyone can get their jobs back, I’m thinking it might be very very good if a bunch of people, tired of re-runs and reality shows, turned their attention to books. See? Silver Linings R Us.

I’ve not just been pulling away from television – I’ve been withdrawing from the internet as well. I’m not surfing much, and sorry, not posting much. I’ve got a very busy year ahead, chock full of deadlines (which is a good, but tiring issue) and I have this teeny little break. I can’t really go off on vacation as I’m expecting gallies from two books any minute, but I suppose this is a sort of vacation. I believe the inner, saner me who is usually shoved to the side when things have to get done, is very wisely putting books in my hand and not letting anything else distract. Not the holidays (we’re doing nothing – seriously nothing) not the weather (snow with a chance of more snow) not baking (no cookies this year). So it’s books and more books. I feel as if I’ve been given the opportunity for a fabulous holiday season – Bookmas perhaps, or possibly Novelkah?

-image-Nov 27 – Jessie

November 27, 2007 | home life

Jessie’s at the vet today getting her teeth cleaned. I’m the biggest woos mom in the world. I couldn’t stand leaving her there. I’m worried about the anesthesia, and I want her back home right now. Yes, I made the appointment. Yes, I know she needs to have good teeth for a long, healthy life. Still, I want her home.

Something has happened to me in the last few years. I’ve always been an animal lover, no question. But for a long time now, I’ve been obsessive about it. Not just my pup, but all animals. I wept during the big fires here, knowing so many critters were scared, hurt and worse. I can’t bear to think of animals being hurt to the point of losing sleep over it. I understand I can’t do much about it, other than volunteering for a pet organization, donating money to the ASPCA and Humane Society, and making sure those animals near me are protected to the best of my ability. But I feel as though all animals everywhere are my responsibility, which is unrealistic and frankly quite painful. I don’t know why this shift has occurred. Just that it’s here and it’s difficult. I worry about the local deer, the horses that are left out in the freezing nights. There must be some psychological reason for this obsession, and I wish I understood it.

If I had the room and the money I would have a gazillion pets. Alas, we live in a very tiny house. Thankfully, Jessie has a pretty decent yard, but to add even a kitty would be tough in this miniature home.

I’ll just feel better when Jess is home and safe.