We’re writers. Storytelling for us is like breathing. Storytelling is as old as time. Oral storytelling is a long-standing art of most cultures. Much of it set to some form of music or through use of rhythms in word formation or a drum to remember the stories. I’m sure some of the stories were a way of sharing lessons learned, but I’m equally sure, making up stories were also a form of entertainment told around the cook fire. A way to also share the activities of the day and connect with one another.
Storytelling hasn’t changed all that much. We observe something in life that catches our interest. Maybe it’s something we’ve discovered through research, or something we’ve lived, or people watching, a snatch of a song, or a movie or show. As storytellers we take those observations, experiences, or snippets of life and give them emotions, setting, and an ending—sometimes happy sometimes not. It’s a way to take our experiences and knowledge and connect emotionally with our audience, the reader and ourselves. Our own campfire tales.
I read an interesting article not long ago, in The Scientist, about the Science Of Storytelling. The title caught my eye. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading it and it wasn’t what I thought it would be but it was interesting.
The gist of it was science is a story about ideas and lessons learned. Not all that different from the stories around the cook fire or in a shaman’s circle. Scientist tell their stories via published papers and books, which has little or no narrative or personal thoughts.
A non-profit organization, The Moth, sponsored an event at the World Science Festival, called Matter: Stories of Atoms and Eves, and the point of this storytelling session is each story of the event had to be true, short, and told without notes. Not easy for a scientist trained to tell the facts and nothing but the facts and removing any personal feelings from the information. Each of the participants shared their knowledge but from a personal standpoint designed to connect with the audience and perhaps show the passion they felt towards their area of study.
As writers and storytellers we know how to craft and tell a story, not so easy for the uninitiated as one participant, Irene Pepperberg, noted. “It was quite the effort trying to get a 40 minute presentation into 10 minutes.” She gamely shared the unique difficulties and excitement of working with her research subject and “colleague,” Alex the African Grey parrot. In 2007 Alex died and she said, “I realized I'd lost the most important being in my life for the last thirty years.”
Each of the highly regarded participants told their stories. It was actually very fascinating to read the stories and then look at the body of research behind them. For that night, they were storytellers and connected with a rapt audience of over 250 people. Well-respected “elders” sharing their experiences around the cook fire, so to speak.
The thought of “elders” isn’t that far removed in light of what The Moth’s executive and creative director, Lea Thau, said of the evening. “I was extremely moved by the evening. When you have someone who's contributed as much to the world as these people have, it adds a bit of gravitas, and we're all in awe. But the thing I love about storytelling is that it levels the playing field.”
Really, the art of storytelling, on one level or another, is merely tales around the cook fire or the dinner table. A way of connecting, sharing, and entertaining.
Any thoughts?
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Comments: 310
First!
Sneaky Jill. Are we here? Or are you just claim jumping?
I grew up in an uncomplicated land. Simple, life was to be lived and enjoyed. Ambition as most people understand it was absent. Often we'd have storms that would blow out the electricity, for days or weeks. I knew at young age how to run kerosene lamps and manually flush a toilet with a bucket full of water. We had to entertain ourselves. As kids we actually told ghost stories around the kitchen table or played cards beneath the glow of the single lamp.
Storytelling is one of the most basic human skills. How we communicate, the embellishment is what makes it memorable and personal. Each tale is a glimpse inside another world.
Innocent me, Viv? Would I jump over here just to claim first? While it might appear so, I just wanted to be first to wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July. That's all *cough*
I've come to the conclusion that storytelling is the only thing that separates humans from other creatures. I like the idea of stories within stories. In all my books, I have characters telling each other stories, and from these stories the truth emerges. Maybe it's a cheating way of writing, but it is what we do -- tell each other stories. And we don't always interrupt when the storyteller is speaking. Sometimes we just listen. So my characters do the same.
Vivian, those were some of my happiest moments too. Sitting around telling each other stories, playing games, enjoying conversation. I didn't grow up in a simple country, I grew up here, but we lived most of my life in the country and a simple life. My parents were big on enriching us. Both were well educated and well traveled. I can remember homes we renovated that were over a hundred years old and no electricity until Dad put it in. kerosene was the way we went until then, but it wasn't a loss. I learned very young to be self sufficient. Good lesson.
Perhaps 6th?
Hey, Sia, I don't think this published to the group (the Writin' Wombats) - can you edit and republish?
Went to read the article, great, thought provoking. I grew up like Viv, but here. We lived more primitively than others, I used a wringer washer, we grew lots of our own food, spent a lot of our time entertaining ourselves with stories, making paperdolls, drawing, playing cards, etc. We had to depend on each other for so much, my sister and I.
When we lived around cousins we would play out stories that I made up as we went along. We would take day-long hikes, over rough terrain, being gone all day and no one would worry a second about it. Times were so different and it was just in the 50's and 60's.
I've told stories as long as I can remember. I wrote my first murder mystery when I was 11. It was gory, poorly written(I'm sure) and written from the POV of the murderer, so not much of a mystery. But I loved it!
I don't suppose I will ever stop telling stories, even if I just tell them to myself (and I do that too) and I love the act of creating a world, peopling it and directing the action.
Do you suppose that's a God Complex???
Well, I tried to comment on Judi's guest blog but it just didn't work. Stoopid internet!
Could be the operator but I choose to think it's internet error rather than operator failure! Why?? hmmmm
We laid sod today, graveled in the island in the middle of our little lawn, began putting up the fence, white pickets and got the gate in. It's so pretty it made me cry. I've been wanting a picket fence since I was first married, eons ago now. Only took me about 45 years to get one.
I'll post pics as soon as the fence is up.
Happy 4th everyone. Be safe and enjoy!
I thought I had, Lisa. hmmm. Well, to be on the safe side, I repubbed it and got wombats on it for sure this time.
Can't wait to see your pictures Wanda. :-)
I'm going to bed guys and Lady Guys. Really tired. No adding of 'hands' to the wall, lol or messing with the ancient Story Robe. Feel free to sip wine or coffee around the campfire. The marshmallows were pretty tasty tonight. :-) Love them slightly burnt and gooey.
The picture-graphs are great -
I barely watched any television growing up and had the imagination of a schitzo, really, so I guess putting my tall tales on paper it was just a matter of some academic filtering (grammar, spelling etc).
I always wanted to wright humor but it never happened . Half my family is hysterically funny but I guess having a funny bone it skips a generation....
i gave it a very clumsy go here, see what you guys think :
Comedy
Diprivan, which has a milky appearance, is sometimes nicknamed "milk of amnesia."
- Powerful sedative found in Michael Jackson's home
To be clear, I'm not trying pile on the MJ thing or bring anyone down...'Milk of Amnesia' caught my eye. Hells bells, I could write a book with that title and I'll bet you could too.
If the media does not stop this broadcasting cacophony of MJ “news” I am going to need a doze of Diprivan myself
Hi all. I skimmed the rest of last thread, but am deliberately trying to keep Internet time to a minimum while I'm at the writing workshop. I can't believe it's already almost halfway over. I'm going to be a mixture of happy to see my wife and daughter and sad to leave the friends I've made here. I like Lawrence Kansas and I like the University. I especially like being among science fiction writers. It's unusual for me to be among a group of people where almost everybody gets some obscure science fiction in-joke, where everyone is seriously pursuing publication and has the talent to pull it off. So far this has been great.
Sia, outstanding article! 'm not much of a storyteller, though I did spend a lot of childhood with friends saying "Let's pretend...", so I suppose that's a form of storytelling. Or more like scriptwriting and acting it out (could explain how I got into drama classes). The stories around our kitchen table were all from Dad, and were all true, mostly of his 10 years in the Navy, in the Pacific during WWII and Korean War. Many a battle was enacted with silverware and salt shakers playing the part of islands and ships.
I notice everyone mentions cook fires and kitchen tables. What is it about gathering around food and food creation places that brings out the stories? One never mentions sitting around the family room telling stories. It's always around food.
Dale, glad to see you pop in and even more glad to hear you're having a fulfulling and successful workshop!
The sun has come out today, and it might even get up to 80! I do believe an afternoon by the pool is the appropriate way to celebrate independance! Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July!
OK, I've never read Black Tulip (and now I'm afraid to). WTF? Although I did like the phrase "dead as [a] milk-carton schoolgirl". And derkhead. I like that word. Derkhead.
G'morning.
So far, no rain. I want rain. We were suppose to get rain last night, but no. So now today is supposed to have scattered storms. We'll see. I'm sure I'm in the minority since it's the 4th. Many firework programs were done last night, but Fort Wood has theirs tonight. Poor Dan has to work since he's in charge of the voluteers.
Paul, thank you. I liked the story robe and it's well preserved.
Pat, I think there is always been a connection between food and storytelling. Usually, in ancient times, a meal was a time to relax and rarely did you share your fire with enemies.
Dale, what a wonderful time you're having.
Hmmm. Dumas and milk cartons? Fragtag? That's just weird.
Thanks, Sia! I'll take that as high priase.
Here's some story art for you, 'bats.
So, Boxtel, flying on addecrack, was all "Listen narv, I'm gonna conjure fragtag on your sorry ass if you don't give up the black-toast flower, dude."
Cornelius van Baerle whipped out his Mac-10.
"You'll taste epic proportions of smackeljack first...you'll be dead as a milk-carton schoolgirl."
"Pipe yourself, douchetard. The next time you see me coming, you won't see me coming, read?" Van Baerle gestured with the bang. Boxtel raised his hands and backed away. "For cert, I'll be back from the ashram when you're making sleeping noises."
"Make madd english, derkhead."
Sample of remixed Alexandre Dumas' Black Tulip
I hope you guys know I'm kidding around. Some of the words I made up, some I lifted from the hiphop dictionary. I'll post a serious remix clip later, so you'll know I'm not boogalooing on the master's grave. Just unraveling and cleaning up.
Sweet mother of God Ken! Funny and terribly frightening at the same time.
Wanda, by the age of 3 I would go exploring for hours, alone, as long as I showed up by dinner time no one cared.
Need more coffee. Be back.
I typed my comment before Ken submitted his addendum.
Good Morning. I'm listening to PP and DH argue over how much breakfast she needs to eat. lol
Adina I'm with you. Leave the family in peace.. I don't need, want nor desire a blow by blow. tyvm
Off to read Sia's article
I've never understood the whole rabid fan thing. Tickets for his funeral? good lord. And no, I don't need ablow by blow account of everything either, but it sells air time and print, so I can understand the whys as far as the media.
Sia, another take on storytelling — that it is the medium in which our minds function.
Roger Schank, who headed up Northwestern's Institute for Learning Sciences, in his book called "Tell Me A Story," essentially says that stories are the way we organize our minds and the way we organize our memory. In fact, it is the vehicle we also use to both store information as well as communicate information as well as think. And there is a lot of other interesting stuff he has to say about stories and how they form and how we use them.
I find fault with some of the logic he uses and feel he occasionally jumps from assumptions to conclusion, but regardless, there are a lot of concepts there that seem to have validity. It's fascinating reading and, at minimum, has a lot of intriguing hypotheses about what may be going on in our heads.
I think you're correct John. We do tend to make story narratives out of most things we see and do--just telling the days events we use story methodology. Bob screwed up the account, for example, is basic info. We rarely tell it that way. We launch into how he did it, we use sarcasim, satire, and humor; we add narrative to the basic. A way to remember, sure, a way to entertain, yes, and a way to put it into perspective, for sure.
Another line of thought on that is the way people remember names--they tell stories. I was watching, I can't think of his name now, lol, but he was on one of the morning shows and thats how he taught name memory. Interesting.
Thankfully I will be far far away from Los Angeles at the time of the MJ memorial. Do you think Beijing is far enough away?
I don't know, Lisa. He has lots of fans in the orient. lol!
Lisa, I'd remove anything with "southern California" from your pocketbook to be on the safe side.
Have a great trip.
Well, the sunny day didn't last (it's raining now), but I got enough to get a bit of flush to my skin and a quick dip in the pool (it's still too cold for me).
Sia, I hadn't thought about it, but you're right, most of our everyday communications are forms of story telling. And if that's not enough, some of us are further compelled to fabricate outright lies and try to get folks to pay us for them!
And like Adina and Sia and Lisa, yes, please, spare me the endless MJ stuff. And yes, I'm old enough to remember Elvis's death, and this is quite like that. Except I actually liked Elvis. But I thought my ex-MIL was going to go into mourning and shock when she heard. I'm far more interested in speculating about Sarah Palin's odd resignation.
BTW, if you haven't stopped by Sia's blog, what the heck are you waiting for?? Our own resident humorist is dispensing free advice on how to write humor! And it's a pretty funny article!
Nice article Sia. Actually, I have found that most scientists love to tell stories. I would even say that a well done scientific presentation is often in the form of a story. But usually, when scientists are sitting around (at dinner, or other food oriented occaisions) they tend to entertain each other with stories about colleagues, students, etc.
Last night Brenda and I heard some popping sounds, and we went out on the terrace and saw a great fireworks show. We have been exploring the area and love it. And there is nothing better than watching a fireworks show from your own balcony. Tonight should be interesting.
I find the whole MJ fascination depressing. I tend to try to avoid it.
Getting ready to fire up the grill. Some friends are popping by and wine will poured.
Sy that sounds delightful. Good pick you two. Enjoy your new home.
People who obsess, really obsess about other peoples lives need to get one of their own. The media that drills for ratings are disgusting. I hope those who pass and found no peace in this life will in the next. I haven't watched tv for a few days, okay I watched Dirty Dozen the other day with DH. Told him he better not cry.
Hoping all the Bats are having a sublime Fourth of July. Celebrate what this country stands for and revel in its eternal promise. A promise every generation is charged with fulfilling.
Pat the resignation was odd, but she was more of a celeb than politician. I think the country needs more politicians, not talking heads. IMO.
Lisa have a fabulous trip. See you later this summer? I hope.
Nephews baseball team won the championship game, 12-5. Woot!
Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats to him Jill.
And my new camera rocks.
Thanks, Viv.
Ah, to be eleven again :-) My nephew's on the bottom row to the right of the kid who's leaning back
Sarah Palin is an odd duck. I find myself curious about her resignation.
I don't remember such a Hoo-Haa over Elvis's death. Of course that was before 24hr News Channels and I was like 10 or so.
So far no one has been arrested and the Sheriff hasn't stopped or slowly driven by see if we're among the idiots shooting off, well, em, er.. very loud fireworks. DH, DS, BBF's son, DD's boyfriend, and his friend.. testosterone is thick on the ground today. There are rumors of more young men coming, who won't be eating. So don't worry mom. LOL
Hope everyone else is having an amazing day!
DH is starting to cook the meat.. I need to put stuff out.
WOOT! Yeah Jill's nephew!
Oh, and B-I-L is top row, white shirt, blue hat. Taller than the other white shirt, blue hat guy.
Congrats Jill on his win! Terrific.
Happy Independence Day all you loverly Wombats! Celebrate safely.
B-I-L counts the pitches. LL safety regulations don't allow a kid to throw more than 80 pitches during a game. Didn't know that until today.
Whoa. That was a loud *kaboom* outside my window.
Oh, yay for the team, Jill! Yeah, this is what this country is all about! Baseball, kids, fun! And Sy, nice score on the fireworks show!
Wendy, we've got lots of flash-bangs going off in the neighborhood, totally illegal. I don't mind so much, but it drives the neighborhood dogs insane and I feel sorry for them.
There was a lot of hoopla over Elvis' death too, despite no internet.
I'll take a glass of wine, Viv, especially if its what you picked up at Traders. :-)
Sy, lol, I wasn't saying that scientists can't tell amusing tales--aside from here, I've seen it first hand. More of the way they are trained to impart knowledge isn't usually in a story format designed to connect emotionally, especially in public. Imparting knowledge is all a story of sorts. The method of delivery and a person's interest in the subject determines whether they're hanging on every word or concentrating because they have to learn it.
That's a fabulous picture, Jill. They're a happy bunch, look at those grins. what kind of camera did you get?
Dan left for the Army Post to direct his volunteer corp. Jake's still at his cousins house and practically beside the area where they have a fabulous firework display called Skyfire. It's one of the best I've seen as they have some really skilled professionals running it.
Sy, I remember when we lived in DC, when I was little, going out on the balcony with my parents and little brother and watching the fireworks set off near the Washington Monument. We weren't that far and got a great view of it from our apartment. Dad was in the Navy at the time and mom worked for the Dept of the Navy so we were stationed in DC. DC has a spectacular firework display.
Ken, that's the first time I've heard the term Milk of Amnesia' the play on words alone could spawn several stories.
Ken, I ran across this in my files. Dave Barry cracks the DaVinci Code (that is, how to write a Dan Brown book.) Very funny.
I'll have to check that one out John.
Dang it, John. I was planning on stealing that for my next DB entry! Maybe if I change it to the Treaty of Ghent (I've no idea what that treaty is, but "Ghent" is a fun word).
Mike? Are you around? I bet he'd know what it was without even looking it up!
Jill, congratulations to your nephew! And YAY!!! My SD Padres beat the for-real Dodgers today. Heh.
Happy 4th everyone!!!!
I just enjoyed my 4 th of July burger. I don't have an outdoor (not into it), but I did use my George Foreman grill (or a reasonable, said CHEAPER, facsimile)
Sia, it's a Sony Cybershot. My other digital was a Sony too, and served me well for years. Still does, actually. It's just big and clunky. This new one? Sleek and slim. I was actually a good thirty feet (?estimate) away from the team photo, but between my zoom lens and my photo cropping software, I was able to get some really great photos.
Excuse the tag on your comment, Lisa. I deleted one of my comments, and didn't want James to be out of synch with his burger talk LOL
Treaty of Ghent ended the war of 1812 and restored relations between the US and England.
Mike, please tell me you looked that up LOL
Hi wombats. Jill, we cooked our burgers on the regular grill. My wife added onions and other goodies to the burgers and I had a glass of Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon with it. Delish. Congrats to your nephew. He must be excited.
My wife and I are watching the Boston Pops concert, which starts early here in Boston. We get 2 hours of coverage before it goes national. My oldest son and his buddies hopped the T and are supposed to be there. I look forward to getting his report.
My energy level is much better today than yesterday and the day before. I think it took a couple of days to recover from Wednesday's doing, plus I get more sleep on the weekend anyway.
Sia, our dehumidifier sucked out 34 pints of water from our basement air in the 1st 24 hours. We're very happy with how well it is working. The basement is MUCH more comfortable now.
I did after that to see what year it was in since couldn't remember off hand.
See, I knew I could lure Mike out! HA! Hope you had a good fourth, Mike and that all is well in your world.
Burgers sound sooo good Jill and James (I like mine with avocado slices). Hubs wanted pork chops (also done on the George Foreman--with just two of us, the big backyard grill really didn't make sense). But the sweet corn was yummy, and definately says "summer" (potato salad also says summer but I didn't get around to making any).
Beth, how was your fourth? Hope you got the computer issues resolved and had a great day with family. And to Jamie, wherever you are, happy fourth as well!
I'm getting new window, as in added window, to my office. Wah hoo. I have one puny one bigger than 36 inches which allows me to look out into the back yard more or less--I can see the dog pens and horses. this other one will catch the morning sun and let me look out in the front yard and see the drive way. It's going to be the width of a door but 56'' long.
The reason I'm doing it, aside from this office is like a cave, albeit a pretty one, is there used to be a door there with steps. The previous owner opened up the garage to be a breeze way and then enclose the room which is my office. Left the doorway on the outside, boarded in and painted to match. My contractor wants to put siding over that area so it matches the house. And I mentioned wanting a window there so he's cutting me a deal and will put some extra insulation on that wall--previous owner was very chintzy and this room is always warmer in the summer and colder in the winter. I'm thrilled. And I thought I would have to have insulation blown in for my office. Nope. He is also going to cover over the wood paneling on the outside wall of the office with siding and add insulation on those walls. Yay.
I've been looking over the his bids on each job that needs to be done and boy howdy am I glad I have insurance. whew. I'll have to pay a bit more here there to do some of the extras but it's so worth it.
mmm, a burger does sound good and I love avocado on it too. Used to be a great place outside of Sebastopol in California that did them that way. My son turns a bit 'green' when he sees me put them on a burger, lol!
I think I'm just making a sandwich as I'm by myself this evening. but I am either having some wine or a manhattan and I've been editing. Well, in between cleaning outside pens, waterers, and feeders. I brushed down the horses too. Can I say, they do not like taking turns, lol!
Paul, my son would be thrill with skulls on the house but, lol! I have to think of resale values and somehow skulls wouldn't quite do it.
Have too many trees to see anything but the very top edge of any of the fireworks coming in all directions. Oh, well, wouldn't trade trees for fireworks.
Here is the latest scoop. You heard it here first. Sarah Palin is quitting as Governor of Alaska to take over as governor of South Carolina. The present governor of SC, Mark Sanford is going to start a school for tango lessons in LA,. and will be a special guest at the Michael Jackson memorial, where he hopes to advertise the school. Former Vice President Dick Chaney has admitted to being the man behind the recent murders and deaths of so many celebrities. The motives are not yet clear, but the word around DC (where I picked up all this 411) is that he was spurned by both MAry Mattalin and Ann Coulter, and has become a neo com (the opposite of neo con) liberal.
Meanwhile on the creative scene, it turns out that MJ's children were actually sired by a strange guy named Glen Wilson, who himself has some reality issues. All that is known about the biological mother is that she teaches physiology and anatomy at a community college somewhere in the midwest, and is a tremendous fan of popular music (obviously).
Meanwhile everyone is talking about the social event of the year, in which a mermaid is expected to join up with a couple of Georgia gals, along with some guy from Brooklyn, and who knows who or what else, and get the country back on its feet.
Talk about telling stories!!
Our town fireworks were yesterday and you could see most of them over the tops of the trees. I should be able to see a few from Ft Wood, 30 mi by road but only about 18 as the crow flies. All I know is I can hear the mortars and the big guns when they practice--which they do frequently--not like it's next door but loud enough you can identify what they are. I can only imagine what the sound of a battle field must be..
Now that mermaid an Georgia gals meeting sounds fun...oh yah and that guy from Brooklyn.
Pat, you're right. Ghent is a funny word.
Sy, it's so great to be connected to a Washington insider who knows the straight skinny.
Spent the afternoon with the 4-year old and 10-month old (already walking!) grand-daughters — a) watching the world's slowest Fourth of July parade (but we knew that). All the floats throw candy to the kids so it's a big hit from their point of view. 10-month old Charlotte was quoted as saying that "this was the best parade I ever saw." Well, she didn't actually say that, but it is clear that's what she was thinking and b) having hamburgers and hot dogs at the local park festivities on the Bay with water and music and lots of fun.
Now, we've retired to the house while all our inebriated friends watch the fireworks from the Yacht Club and we watch from our bedroom window. Drinking but not driving.
DVR is set for early tomorrow morning to catch Feder going for a record 15 Major Championships at Wimbledon.
Life is good.
Happy Fourth to all.
What a wonderful afternoon you had John. Hard to believe Charlotte is already walking just seems like a couple months ago we were looking at her newborn pics.
Sounds like a smart way to watch fireworks too.
It's getting dark so they're just about to start. We can watch from bed.
That's either very cool or very old. :)
Sounds comfortable, John.
I've been pretty heavy into editing. Thirteen chapters down. Actually, I'm liking the flow and pace of the story. Love the flirting. I did some slicing and dicing but there is a couple of places I think needs a bit more. I'll have to leave that to the wonderful eye of an editor. I'm too close to it. I was having some trouble with a particular transition. It's a place where the tension is notched up and I couldn't figure out how to bridge from that scene to the next I had next So...I decided to cut the next scene entirely. It was like a rock stuck in a stream, softening the effect of the tension and conflict. So now, I'm more comfortable of where it's going. Just need to tweak a few things.
Those weren't sonic booms you heard from my direction. Just sayin'.
The pyromaniacs have all gone home. We only had one incident. A Roman candle tube split. Shots in every direction, but up. Several small fires, lost my coffee to put one out. One minor injury, poor kid was whacked in the face. It was more than enough excitement. The rest of the evening went without a hitch, per usual.
Grandma is one tired unit.
The rest of the neighborhood is still going strong. Peace and Quiet? Perhaps at 3 am.
It sounds as if everyone had a wonderful day. Mike so good to see you out of lurk mode.
Yeah on the editing Sia.
Goodnight Neverland
Well, Dan is home safe and sound. I'm now heading bed. I'll talk to you all later.
I'm drinking beer and staying up till 4 AM. And then going to LAX. Next time I so am staying in San Francisco for a few days.
Fare thee well, Lisa, and safe journeys! I'll be checking your blog frequently to see what you're up to. Good luck with the trip!
Fireworks around here stopped at about midnight. Folks in the neighborhood reached a new high on the concussion level this year. We've had firecrackers and the odd roman candle in the past, but never anything like the heavy artillary of last night. Plus, we're centered between two small towns that were apparently trying to outdo one another on the celebrations. Like Jill, we have too many trees to see the results, but it sounded like the 1812 symphony around here for awhile!
John, your fourth sounds wonderful! I'm not even going to say anything risque about fireworks and beds!
Sia, wonderful news on the editing! I think seeing what to cut is far harder than knowing what to add. Can't wait to see the final results! Will it be ready to pitch by September? Are you signing up for a pitch appointment at the conference?
Sy, so nice to get the insider scoop on DC happenings. Too bad our resident midwest teacher isn't around to comment. She'd bitch-slap MJ for treating his kids that way, then take the darlings on a road trip and teach them what real music is.
Wendy, glad to hear the injuries were minor. I always stress over the kids/fireworks combo.
I have an exciting day of housecleaning planned, and perhaps tinkering more with this synopsis. I have it down to one page, but it looks like it got drug through a briar-patch backward. Have a good day my dears.
If Chickenfoot ever made a tour stop in Ghent, we could safely say our work here is done and retire to our drawingrooms with a glass of brandy and a good, thick book.
Here is an accurate-enough report of a snippet of conversation from my deck last night.
B: I love the smell of fireworks, what is it?
K: Cordite?
B: Yeah, if that's what it is, I love the smell of cordite.
K: Uh, R?
R: Yeah? What?
K: I think you're married to a terrorist.
Lolol! I love the results but I never quite thought of the smell.
Pat, pitch session? uh...hmm. I think I need to go back to the site and see again all the stuff that's available.
I need coffee.
It's been a while since I've mentioned how much I love The Flower Kings. If you listen to this track, note in particular the drummer (Jaime Salazar) who is simply outstanding.
Clown
Great conversation Ken.
John, that sounds like the perfect place to enjoy fireworks. With a glass of wine I hope.
The sun is shining, no gray skies this morning! So bike ride or walk along the shore for me. There will be plenty of time to clean and do chores later. No writing yesterday. :(
Found another mutual acquaintence of Lisa and myself. Its getting kinda creepy. LA is not that small.
Mike good to see you.
Need more coffee and the to begin the sunscreen application ritual. No entrails required.
"Bloodied Skulls upon the hollowed facade would have been thrilling. Dam, I am, brilliant!"
I am writing a disturbing Novel, currently - - A Tale, SO terrifying that it emerges from a shell like tetter, from beneath the remains -
Hello - Sia - Secret Agents - Writers - and Authors -
Pat, if you're on, check your email.
This innocent magic, simultaneous fruit of childlike musings and manly genius--Boxtel knew himself now incapable of the patient, untiring labor--filled him with envy. Boxtel centered his life, thoughts, and hopes in his telescope.
Strange to say, love of horticulture and obsession with tulips did not deaden Isaac's fierce thirst for revenge. Sometimes, while watching Van Baerle with his telescope, he deluded himself--believing he aimed an unfailing musket, he sought the trigger to fire a shot and kill his neighbor. But it is time we connect the operations of one to the espionage of another and turn our attention to the visit Cornelius de Witt paid his native town.
Aleandre Dumas, The Black Tulip, remixed.
Now that made sense. I need a break. I finished another 7 chapters. I think I'll go clean some windows.
Clean windows over editing? Editing sounds better. lol
Yesterday DD brought her Springer. I fed him with my dogs. He's bowl picky, so it's one of my larger plastic bowls. It was on the patio last night. This morning I peer out of the kitchen window and there it is in front of the beauty bush. HUH? And it's filled with twigs, grass and such. When did PP do that? Thought full stare. She didn't. It was on the patio when she left. Wing a brow. It would appear one of the dogs, prolly the Newf mix, took the bowl out on the lawn and then proceeded to bury the food with yard litter. Either that or a squirrel came by and covered it, which seems more likely because it's pine needles and a pine cone. Shaking my head.
Ken don't you have something of your own to edit? smirk
Oh me? Edit.. well, em, yes I should be doing that. Off with me.
It's break time.
Oh, Mike or John.. do either of you know how to get to the settings for iWord proofreader?
I have gone everywhere I can think of and can't find it. Dammit.
The political correct mode is driving me nutz. I'm writer, not an idiot!
For spelling and grammer? If that's it, it's under the Word menu, then Preferences, then click on Spelling and Grammer. That's for Word 2004. Even though I have the new version, I never installed it.
Well, Ken, Feder was certainly interesting.
It's amazing how well you see out of windows that are clean--not that I thought they were that dirty until I cleaned them, and the screens, lol! Sheesh.
I'm loading this week's blogs so I don't have to deal with them this evening. Nicola Cornick is an English author that writes Historicals and quotes the Beach Boys, lol! My other author, Annie West is Australian author talking about releasing a book to the States. Amazing the things you learn with these authors.
Lurking here, nothing much to add or subtract for that matter. Happy Long Weekend with Loud Explosions and Much Food
Thanks Sy, wondered about those deaths/murders... so many in a row.
Sia, congrats on editing and home improvements.
To all a relaxing Sunday.
Wendy, I didn't clean them all. I did the front of the house last week and either end today I still have the west side of the house but that requires a ladder--actually so does the front bay window since I can not find my squeegee. Hmmm.
Actually cleaning windows help clear my mind--symbolic in someway I'm thinking. You know, clarity.
Sia, I often go off and do mundane tasks to clear my mind. I know.. good pun.
First blooms - For those of you who are interested, here are some of the roses blooming in the yard.
I've got a little PP video I'll load later of her in the wading pool. You'll have to be on my friend's list to view it. So if you have problems just give a yell.
Pixie Princess
"For spelling and grammer? If that's it, it's under the Word menu, then Preferences, then click on Spelling and Grammar"
I knew that. :)
So much for cleaning. I did about 10 minutes worth, then the sun came out, so I spent the day being lazy by the pool. Sia, you can come clean my windows any time. I generally get the insides, but can't remember the last time I conned anyone into doing the outsides. Sigh.
Wendy, the roses are just gorgeous and the video of PP was darling! And Wanda, hello to you as well!
And no, I didn't work on my synopsis, nor did I write, though I do have a scene floating around. Just waiting for it to be somewhat less amorphous being tackling it.
Sia, off to check my email now.