tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81090982088264676942024-02-02T01:10:46.755-08:00Isobael LiuIsobael Liu's official blog: Where magick dances in the moonlight, and wild things come to play.Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.comBlogger252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-25574415467939311602018-05-27T08:05:00.002-07:002018-05-27T08:05:47.756-07:00Do you believe in life on other planets?I think it would be extremely arrogant of us Earthlings to believe we're the only life in the universe.<br />
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Why only Earth? Why would we think we're the only ones out of thousands of planets? Just because *WE* cannot live on them doesn't mean no one else could.<br />
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I truly believe there is life out there.<br />
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Are we ready to find out? I think we are. I think we're at a place in our own evolution that we could start to learn about aliens existing out there, perhaps develop tentative learning alliances.<br />
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Maybe that's why I love Stargate and Stargate SG1 (Before Hammond died and O'Neill left the show!)<br />
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What do you think? Is there life on other planets? What do you believe?Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-41255436600071534912018-05-17T07:55:00.000-07:002018-05-27T07:51:01.911-07:00Name one good thing that's happened to you this year...Name one good thing that's happened to you this year, so far...<br />
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December, of last year, I received a very welcome surprise. My Mom and Dad found airline tickets to Taiwan at a reasonable cost. Now, we'd already been planning to travel to Taiwan together, but we'd planned it to be October or November of this year, but one of my dream goals was to go to Taiwan during Chinese New Year, a notoriously expensive time to travel to any Asian country, but somehow, my parents pulled a rabbit from the hat.<br />
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Mom and I flew to Taiwan Jan 31st and we spent February rekindling memories (the last time I'd been back was in 1986), visiting with family members, meeting a LOT of new family members, and learning more about my Taiwanese heritage by living it.
We split travel and food, but she paid airfare and hotel, as a treat and sort of "inheritance", to build a lasting memory together.<br />
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It was wonderful! Exciting, and yet felt like home. I didn't want to leave.
We're planning a return trip in two years; with the plan to take my husband with us. If we can swing the cost, of course.
They say travel is good for the soul, that everyone should experience traveling to new places and new cultures- but they sure don't make it very easy for people like us to afford it!<br />
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So, what good thing has happened to you this year?
Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-40955959646455643032018-05-06T07:56:00.002-07:002018-05-06T07:56:58.859-07:00What I feel today...I'm suppose to write about what or how I'm feeling today.<br />
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This one is going to be difficult for me.<br />
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As most of you know, I suffer from depression and social anxiety. Today is one of my down days. Actually, this week has been difficult. I'm mourning the loss of a friend.<br />
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I've come to the realization that maybe I wasn't good enough, or I've done something wrong. I really have no idea though.<br />
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Ghosting sucks, people. In this day and age, there's no excuse for it. As easy as it is to send an email, a text message, a FB messenger message...there's NO reason why there can't be some sort of final note.<br />
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I would rather get my feelings hurt with a simple, "I think, after all these years, we've just grown apart and I don't want to be friends anymore" than absolutely nothing. The first gives me a reason, the second leaves me wondering and doubting myself.<br />
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Maybe I expect too much from people. Maybe I just suck at being a friend. Maybe I have no concept of friendship.<br />
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What I feel today is hurt.Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-8727780591765424112018-04-29T09:31:00.000-07:002018-04-29T09:31:27.095-07:0020 Random Facts About Me...Taking a break from plot outlining...<br />
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I used to be a write by the seat of my pants type of writer, but I'm finding it more and more difficult to get my word counts in. I'm almost rushing as I write - then I peter out in the middle. So, my WIP is stalled and I'm going back to plot outline, to give me a map.<br />
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In the meantime, while taking a break from that and enjoying a cup of London Fog, here's my blog post.<br />
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1. I am bi-cultural - Taiwanese American.<br />
2. No, I do not speak Chinese.<br />
3. I have Depression and Social Anxiety.<br />
4. I LOVE to cook - just not for a career. Tried it once, got burned out on it and hated to cook at home.<br />
5. I would LOVE to live in Taiwan, or at least, visit more often.<br />
6. I prefer Taiwanese and Chinese food over American.<br />
7. Kwan Yin is my patron Goddess - I am a folkloric Buddhist.<br />
8. I am a licensed falconer.<br />
9. I LOVE tea!<br />
10. I used to write poetry.<br />
11. I love recording EVPs (electronic voice phenomena).<br />
12. I have had many paranormal experiences with ghosts and truly believe they exist.<br />
13. 13 is my lucky number!<br />
14. Spiders squick me out!<br />
15. I hate yard work.<br />
16. I was thrown from a horse when I was trail riding, nearly broke my back, and after many years of not riding, I want to ride again.<br />
17. I love camping and hunting.<br />
18. I used to do the Rendezvous, while I was a kid. I miss those days!<br />
19. After nearly 10 years, I'm writing again.<br />
20. I have a hard time understanding people and why people do things to hurt others.<br />
<br />Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-51979587455778734582018-04-27T08:42:00.002-07:002018-04-27T08:42:22.586-07:00What is your zodiac sign?Luckily for me, I'm bi-cultural, so I have two zodiac signs.<br />
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In the western world, I'm a Sun Taurus, and in Eastern, I'm a Water Rat.<br />
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While both have good and bad points, as well as indications where they do NOT match me and my personality at all, I find that the Eastern zodiac is closer to who and and what I am than the Western.<br />
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The Eastern zodiac is also more in depth, gives greater details.<br />
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Also, as an FYI in regards to looking up your Eastern zodiac sign - it's not JUST what year you were born. Don't go by the Chinese take out menu's chart!!!<br />
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Chinese New Year does not fall on the same day every year, as it goes by the Lunar cycle, not Solar. The best way to find out is look up what day when the Chinese New Year fell on. If your birthday falls ON or AFTER that date, you are that zodiac sign. If your birthday falls before that day, you are the previous year's sign.<br />
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Example: 2018, Chinese New Year fell on February 16th, Year of the Dog. Your birthday is March 10th. You would be a Dog. If your birthday was February 2nd, you'd be the previous year's sign.<br />
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Now, go forth and explore!<br />
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What's your sign and does it match your personality?Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-67888428724764498772018-04-22T21:23:00.003-07:002018-04-22T21:23:39.538-07:00Still pecking away at the keyboard.<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Completely gutted the last two chapters I've written (seven and eight) of my WIP in order to walk it back and change directions.</div>
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Decided the two characters would not have been ready for romantic moment; my heroine was in a weak mind space and the hero wasn't ready to move past his own goals and plots.</div>
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He doesn't know it yet, but he's going to come to a rude awakening if he doesn't straighten up.</div>
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Still trying to establish his thoughts and his mindset. He's not easy to write. I have an image of him, and how he is, but converting this into written form is difficult.</div>
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Basically, he's an arrogant ass - but he has good reason to be. So, I need to make him more...hmm...not sinister, but along those lines. He's not evil, but he's the type to figure out what use you'd be to him before he lets you into his circle. Right now, he's plotting, but I don't think he realizes the trouble just yet with his plan.</div>
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Right now, my heroine is the key to his success, and they're both fighting it. There's attraction and suspicion, and soon there will be trouble, and a reckoning for him if he can't figure this out.</div>
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I'm not happy with the current word count. I might have to take a break from writing in order to go back and see what can be done to add to it in the individual chapters.</div>
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Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-8628779369797027312018-04-05T11:26:00.001-07:002018-04-05T11:26:40.268-07:00I'm back, and I'm alive.After a year of silence, I'm back.<br />
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The past year has been difficult, with my depression and social anxiety. I've also seemed to have lost a friend I thought was close.<br />
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Ghosting hurts, people. Don't do it unless there's a real good reason - like they're toxic and you fear for your life, or something.<br />
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This wasn't the case, and I'm not sure what I did or said, but I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I suck as a person if I can't keep friends.<br />
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February, I took a much needed break from my life with a trip back to Taiwan with my Mom. One full month of escapism did some wonders on my confidence, my nerves, and my life. It's been 32 years since I was last back, to see family, and I didn't want to leave when it was time to go! I loved every moment there. However, I don't speak Taiwanese or Mandarin, I wouldn't be able to find a job, or a place to live, so it wasn't feasible to stay - plus my husband threatened (mostly joking) me with a divorce if I did not get on the plane.<br />
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In fact, I plan to return in two or three years time, a shorter trip and with my husband, but I do plan to go back.<br />
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Now that I'm back, I've been revitalized in my writing and have dug out a couple of old unfinished manuscripts. I've settled on one using Chinese and Taiwanese characters, sort of a combination of current time with some very old traditional ways and beliefs. This story might not get published because a lot of publishers do not want "diversity" or they'll want "whitewashed" characters. Worse, they may consider it "too Chinese" and reject it.<br />
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If that's the case, I'll just post it as a free read and move on. At least I'm writing again, and while it's been frustrating, the word counts aren't where I want them to be, I just keep telling myself I'm writing again!<br />
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Let me scream it to the universe! I AM WRITING AGAIN!<br />
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The title is yet to be determined - I have three options I keep going back and forth with - and currently, I'm on chapter five.<br />
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In the meantime, I'm getting my FB author page back into circulation.<br />
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http://www.facebook.com/IsobaelLiuAuthor/<br />
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If I can just keep the momentum going, I could finish!<br />
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<br />Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-74410332723793517542017-03-03T13:45:00.000-08:002017-03-03T13:47:12.425-08:00Writing...Took the dogs out this morning to do some running in the hunting field, sans bird. Athena had a blast chasing a cottontail into the brambles, but ultimately, the bunny escaped. We don't mind...it was just to get Athena out and keeping her up on the flushing and chasing.<br />
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I think I finished chapter two. Still well below the 2200 word count I'm shooting for (it's currently at about 1600 words), but it ended at a good spot, establishing some background and motives. Now, to start on chapter three.<br />
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I think I'm the type of writer that does better without plotting and outlining. I didn't do it with my first book, and after false starts and eventually writer's block when I tried to plot and outline, I'm finding the "JUST WRITE!" philosophy works best for me. I have a general idea of what I want the chapter and the book to be about, the general plot, but for the most part, I like to be surprised with the twists and turns that come from head to fingertips to computer.<br />
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I'm still debating whether or not to try and publish the story I'm writing now, or post it to share, and use it as practice. If I do post it, it will be in its most raw form, unedited, because I don't want to take the time to edit it.
Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-56575058357254134382017-02-06T15:12:00.000-08:002017-02-22T19:01:35.800-08:00Social Anxiety SucksSocial anxiety sucks.<br />
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It reduces you to feeling you aren't good enough, you aren't friend material, you're easily ignored, forgotten, that no one cares what you think, feel, or say. It puts you in a corner to watch the world have fun, but you're in "time out" and not allowed to partake of it.<br />
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It makes you feel incredibly selfish, in the way that everything seems to be "about you". When friends no longer contact you, it's your fault. You must have done something wrong. You must have said something wrong.
It tears at your self confidence, if you had any to begin with. I'm not good enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough, not skinny enough, not rich enough.<br />
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It makes you stop trying to extend a hand in friendship, or to help others, or contribute to the conversations, or attend gatherings, because no one seems to take the hand, or acknowledge your presence, or allow, or invite you...
So you withdraw. You think, "I'll be fine by myself, I don't need them" or "I can't ask for help...no one ever answers, or hears me" or "What's the point of going? I'll just be alone and ignored the whole time."
Then, people begin to call you names, think the worst of you. "She's a snob...she doesn't come to any gatherings" or "She never socializes with us. She must think she's better than us."<br />
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All the while, you just want a crumb of kindness, a small gesture of friendship. You just want to join in on the conversations, or go to that outing and be greeted with more than some fake, polite smile and blank, unwelcome look...or worse...the not so subtle retreat from your direction.<br />
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Social anxiety sucks.
Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-49711352803154458382016-11-18T13:44:00.001-08:002016-11-18T13:49:19.319-08:00New Project!So, this morning we went out to a former co-worker's place (mine...she's a current co-worker of Jerimy's), to try and trap what we believe to be a Sharpy or perhaps a coops, who's been picking off her pullets (teen chickens). We set up a trap...and watch from her kitchen window...a kitchen window belonging to a house that was built in the late 1800's - not quite a Victorian, but too early to be a Craftsman - Craftsman style but still had many of the Victorian elements and roo<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ms. It's a fixer, but you can see the beauty of the bones and once she's done, she's gonna be GORGEOUS. I fell in love with it when I walked inside! </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Anyway...instead of bringing home an accipiter, we brought home a new project for me. This door...oh, this door...the three center areas are carved out in this design, as you can see from the pictures. With some sweat equity and a new stain, I'm going for a red - not a dark cherry like I'd normally go for, and maybe some gold leafing in those center pieces, and a final finish to seal it all, it's going to become a desk top in my office/parlour. We're going to get a piece of plexi for the top to protect it and yet still show off the decorative elements. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">I'm so stinking excited, it's not even funny. This door/tabletop is gonna be drop dead sexy when we're done...and it's perfect for the Victorian era look I want to do this room in.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /></span>Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-24548266011485119602016-11-17T18:22:00.002-08:002016-11-17T18:22:40.384-08:00$1,000,000...If I had a million dollars, I'd...<br />
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Heck, I'd be happy with $50,000...but since I was given a budget of a mill, here goes...<br />
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1. Pay off my bills - house, vehicles, utilities...so that we're caught up and not struggling. We'll say $200,000 for this.<br />
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2. Put money aside for my daughter as an inheritance, let it collect interest. We'll say $100,000.<br />
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3. Pay off my parents' house and bills, so they can actually enjoy retirement and not have to worry about money. We'll say $200,000...maybe $300,000 as I'm not sure what they have left owing.<br />
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4. Give a little to my brother and sister. We'll say $25,000 each.<br />
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5. Put money aside for my husband's retirement, and some aside for my retirement. We'll say $100,000 each put in some form of interest collecting accounts. Separate, of course.<br />
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The $150,000 left is for vacations, investing, living off of, bills, gifts...<br />
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<br />Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-28863303188625082262016-11-14T12:28:00.000-08:002016-11-14T12:28:26.788-08:00I never told him...Did you ever like/have a crush on someone but never told them?<br />
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Yes. OMG, yes.<br />
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He was my best friend, we could talk and talk...or we could sit beside each other in total silence and it was still the most comfortable thing. He played the piano and sang, I'm musically challenged and couldn't carry a tune if it was put in a bucket with a tightly sealed lid.<br />
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We role played...Rifts, TMNT, AD&D, with our group of friends...<br />
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He was a year ahead in school, but we had senior year together and graduated together because he spent a year overseas in Germany, for a foreign exchange program.<br />
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He loved my mom's cooking...and wasn't afraid to try something new.<br />
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He was so far beyond me in intelligence, but he never made me feel stupid.<br />
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I loved him dearly, but never told him, and when he tragically died, I lost the chance.Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-66718207412242210282016-11-13T09:51:00.001-08:002016-11-13T09:51:22.922-08:00Five Things That Make Me Very Happy...1. Tea<br />
Need I say more? Really, I'm absolutely bonkers for tea. I love a good tea store, online or otherwise, and can happily plunk down more money than I should to buy my favorite teas. Don't even get me started on tea sets and other supplies!<br />
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2. Falconry<br />
I adore this obsession. To take a wild bird, have it accept you as a hunting partner, and to go out together, hunting, and catching prey, is a rush.<br />
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3. Paranormal Romances<br />
Does this even need an explanation?!?<br />
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4. Camping<br />
This is my chance to regroup, relax, and unwind from modern day. Away from the computer, away from the phone, just myself (and family), the river, the woods, a campfire...THE QUIET.<br />
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5. Antique Stores<br />
If you think I'm bad in a tea store, you should see me in an antique store! I could (and have) spend hours meandering the aisles of antique stores, perusing items, waiting for something to jump up and scream my name.<br />
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What five things make you happy?Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-22471982812462795852016-11-10T14:18:00.001-08:002016-11-10T14:21:21.457-08:00My Favorite Drink...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'd have to say tea is my favorite drink. Black tea, or flavored black tea, would be my ultimate fave. I do not like green or white teas, and do NOT get me started on Rooibos (it's NOT tea!).<br />
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Seattle's own <a href="https://www.marketspice.com/everything-cinnamon-orange/1052-marketspice-cinnamon-orange-10-teabag-pack.html?search_query=Market+spice+tea&results=79">Market Spice</a>, in Pike Place makes an excellent Cinnamon Orange tea that is to DIE for. You don't even need to sweeten it (naturally sweetened); I just add milk.<br />
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I'm also very fond of spiced chai, which is what I was drinking in the first picture. Sugar and milk and YUM!</div>
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No lemon for my tea, thank you. I much prefer milk and sugar, depending on the tea.</div>
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If I can't go to a tea shop to get my loose leaf teas (I only use bags when I must, or when I make sweet tea, or iced tea), I order from <a href="http://www.adagio.com/">Adagio</a>. Excellent teas, a good selection, fair prices, and a reward program that everyone could easily use.</div>
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<br />Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-49879916279736473502016-11-08T13:10:00.001-08:002016-11-08T13:10:52.633-08:00Returning to writing...I think I'm ready.I think I'm at a point in my life where I can carve out some time to write now. So, starting today, I'm going to try to make a daily post.
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Today's blog post...a picture of me and 15 interesting facts.</div>
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1. I love tea. I love tea ceremonies, and the Victorian afternoon teas. I collect loose leaf teas and tea paraphernalia. I'll even put on afternoon teas for the family or close friends, cooking and baking the treats for tea.<br />
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2. I am a licensed falconer. Currently, I fly a Harris Hawk named Keeva.<br />
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3. I still listen to the music of my childhood - the 80's. =) I dislike modern music and prefer New Wave, Goth, and Electronica from the 80's. Sirius XM Satellite radio has been the best thing since sliced bread to feed my need for music.<br />
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4. I'm spiritual, not religious. I prefer a more Earth based, natural spirituality, without the pomp and circumstance and all the trappings organized religion calls for. I have less rules, less scare tactics, less punishment, less guilt.<br />
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5. I love to record EVPs. I'm not part of any ghost hunting group, due to time constraints and lack of local groups, but I do record EVPs on my own and have some great responses.<br />
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6. Along the lines of #5, I am a firm believer of spirits, ghosts, and the afterlife. I've had too many personal experiences and family stories to not believe.<br />
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7. I LOVE to roleplay. I used to do it all the time, but life got in the way and now, I just reread the logs to get my fix.<br />
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8. I adore fountain pens. I own one, use it occasionally, but I will window shop for them. The bolder the better, to write with.<br />
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9. I used to be terrified of cemeteries. Really. One day, our neighbor who was watching my siblings and me, stopped by a local cemetery and I refused to get out of the car at first. After some coaxing (about 30 minutes of such), she finally got me out of the car and made a game of who can find the oldest headstone. I think that hour of wandering the headstones clinched my paranormal obsession.<br />
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10. I am introverted. I also have social anxiety and Depression. There are days you couldn't drag me out of the house, and some days I feel all right enough to leave the house for socializing. I do not like to go to a strange place to meet strangers without having a support buddy with me, usually a close friend I know and trust, or my husband, present for the first few times.<br />
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11. I can't dance. Really...I suck at it. I look like a floundering, beached whale.<br />
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12. I collect Guan Yin statues and artwork.<br />
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13. Eventually, my office will be turned into a Victorian-esque parlour, for not only writing, but for reading and relaxing, complete with tea cabinet and kettle for serving tea.<br />
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14. I collect boxes. Those boxes that look like books. Boxes to put things in and organize with.<br />
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15. I can trace my paternal side of the family back to the 1100's.<br />
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<br />Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-7179537656399769472015-02-20T14:53:00.004-08:002015-02-20T14:53:38.245-08:00"Moonlight and Magick" going into print...My book is going to POD status...<br />
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Not exactly sure how that works, just yet...but to have an actual, physical book? Hell, yeah...Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-11134850518701283862014-08-05T18:39:00.003-07:002014-08-05T18:39:54.717-07:00Last week, an old friend invited me to go dancing with her and one of her friends, on Sunday, whose birthday they were celebrating. I hemmed and hawed over it before finally giving in and saying yes. Why did I hem and haw? Because it's been about 17 years since I've been to any sort of club to dance and I have social anxiety. Plus, I'm fat and I don't want to be stared at by a bunch of skinny people looking at me in horror. Social anxiety...gotta love it. NOT.<br />
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And...we went to a club called Kremwerk. It was SOOOOOOOO much fun. But of course, when you play too hard, you pay the piper. I was sicker than a dog before we even left the club, but my friend took me back to her place and put me to bed. I left in the morning feeling all right, head achey, slightly nauseous, but on the way home, got the spins again...and came home to Spike's care, who put me in the shower, made me toast (I took one bite and gave up) made me sip some water, and then I went to sleep off the hangover. I woke up five hours later feeling much better, and finished the toast he left me, but still could not handle regular food as the taste was off.
I met so many nice people there...many of which I don't remember their names because I am horrible like that, but we want to make it a once a month thing (without so many lemon drops!) and I'm all for it. I just won't drink so much (see: AT ALL). LOL. Ahh, well...it has been a LONG time since I was that stupid...and it'll be a long time ever again...but I still can go and enjoy myself with the dancing. Yes, I did dance. Liquid courage, but still...I think I could do it without...<br />
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The music was a mix of 80's and 80's industrial...and if you've ever been to the Catwalk in Seattle, it has the same feel. At least, it did to me. We had some industrial gothlings, some quasi Victorian goths, some people dressed in normal street clothes, and it was perfect.<br />
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Gonna take the hubby too...he might not dance, but I will! And I want to make some bustle skirts to wear with my fascinators...and get all gussied up to go. I miss the goth style I had before...and I miss going out.Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-13690174129201095742014-08-02T16:07:00.001-07:002014-08-02T16:07:09.916-07:00<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Went to bed last night with a headache brewing. Went on all night. Went to work this morning with a migraine so bad that even turning my head too quickly sent me running to the bathroom with dry heaves. I had half the lights shut off in the kitchen because they were like ice picks stabbing into my brain. Luckily, my awesome honey brought me some coffee, which helped immensely. When the Boss came in, he looked around and was like, "Why are the lights off?" So I told him. He said I better not call out tomorrow or he'll track me down. LOL. I told him if I didn't call out this morning, I won't call out tomorrow. He said, "Way to man up!" about coming in today.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Scottish meat pies and shortbread for lunch today. It must have passed muster as Boss said, "You should have a migraine more often." I asked why, and his reply was, "Your food is better and you're more on top of things."</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">He was teasing, of course...</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">I do need to learn to build flavors better, but that comes with experience and trial and error, he said. For someone who's only been a cook since April, I'm on track and doing fine. Now, he's changing the menu a bit to challenge me, make me think and explore a bit with cooking. While I do get a little stressed sometimes, I'm learning to run the kitchen, not let it run me, like Boss reminds me. When I'm slammed with grill orders, I don't freak out...I take them one server at a time. Slower, yes, but the residents don't need their food OMG RIGHT NOW! like they think, and hey, grill orders take 15 minutes to do. So, why should I stress out?</span>Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-11852711156338472092014-05-30T15:49:00.001-07:002014-05-30T15:49:52.541-07:00Breakfast at work today...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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They were a HIT! Even the lead cook liked them (I had saved a bit on the side so I could make him a fresh plate when he came in at 1030am). Gawds, I love playing, exploring, and experimenting in the kitchen!</div>
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<br />Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-63224588066682664932014-05-29T19:12:00.003-07:002014-05-29T19:12:59.363-07:00CookingI like how my Boss has a menu printed out for the week, sometimes the month, so we know what we're serving for each meal, but what I like best is the freedom he gives us in order to make these items. If I don't know what an item is, he'll explain it, but other than that, unless he has a specific way he wants something (say for an event or special occasion), he allows his cooks the freedom to find our own recipe, or add our own little touches.<br />
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Example: Tiramisu pancakes. He told me to make pancakes, add a little marscapone dollop on top, lightly dust with cocoa powder. Before I left work today, I made some espresso syrup which I'll add to the pancake batter, as well as whip into the marscapone. The pancake batter will get a bit of chocolate flavoring as well...and the maple syrup we'll serve with it will also get a little coffee flavor.
As long as we don't deviate from the menu (other than desserts), we're given some freedom to explore. I love that.<br />
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Now, if only I could make friends with that stupid convection oven. -.-Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-49469970020774075662014-05-28T18:16:00.002-07:002014-05-29T19:17:19.753-07:00So, I get to live another year...Had blood work done. My levels are awesome for a fat chick.
First, I better clarify. When I started working at Harbor Place, 2+ years ago, I weight 276 pounds. As of two days ago, I'm at 209 pounds, although i seem to fluctuate between 209 to 212 pounds.
Last week, I went in to see a doctor. Technically, it was a followup for my bladder infection and UTI, but I had also wanted to establish a primary care routine. She told me to fast for 10 hours and then come back in the morning, for blood work, and we'll get that rolling since I'd never had anything checked. Heck, hadn't even seen a doctor since my hysterectomy, nearly 10 years ago.<br />
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So, I got the results. Everything was on the low end, although I do need to work on my good cholesterol as even that was low (39 when they want to see me at least 49 or above). Bad cholesterol was at 93.0 (they want me under 130) My sodium is at 137 (they want me between 135-145), and my A1C is at 4.8 and they want me under 5.7 (if I was diabetic, they'd want me under 7.0). My glucose was at 70.0 and they want me between 60 to 105 fasting, and 70-114 non fasting.
So, I'm trying to get my good cholesterol up. One of the things I found online was refrigerator oatmeal. It is AWESOME!
It's so easy to do, no cooking required.<br />
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<instructions efrigerator_oatmeal="" here:="" http:="" www.theyummylife.com="">You can do with or without the chia seeds as they are a bit spendy. Mine has the seeds.<br />
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Even the hubby and the kidlet loved it. I have a feeling I'm going to need more jars and lids so we ALL can have a quick and easy, yet HEALTHY, breakfast. I grab and go, eating mine at work when I first get there and it lasts me all day (1/2 pint jar). </div>
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Other than that, I'm still working. I'm still a cook. I'm still in the beginning stages of a midlife crisis. </div>
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Now, if only I could find some way to get back into writing again...</div>
Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-19890333820824459342014-04-30T18:06:00.001-07:002014-04-30T18:06:10.024-07:00<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">So, let's catch this baby up, eh?</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">I started out as a part time, evening shift server at Harbor Place, an upscale retirement home and assisted living facility in Gig Harbor. Less than 9 months after starting, I was promoted to evening shift dining room supervisor, then roughly 9 months after that, i became the sole dining room supervisor. Lo and behold, 9 months after THAT, I was promoted to day shift cook.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">I see a pattern...</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">LOL.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">I am having a blast at being a cook though. It's a tough gig, and the learning curve is rather steep, but because I knew the routine, all he's really doing is teaching me the cooking aspect (which is great as I know how to cook, just learning the fancier stuff), and time management as I not only cook breakfast and lunch for residents, if there are any events (outside groups using our facilities), I have to provide them food as well.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Unfortunately though, this means i have not been able to do any writing. Whenever I start, something happens and I get sidetracked - promotions, extra hours, problems...etc.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">However, we also are homeowners. We bought a house in August of 2013, so it's nice to say I own my own home. We can decorate, wander around in skivvies, cook whenever we want, watch movies however loud, dance in the dining room, whatever. Not that I'm complaining...we lived with my parents for two years and it was great. Very communal living - shared chores, bills, cooking, etc...but it's even better to own our own place and not have to worry about renting.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Anyway...that's my update. =)</span>Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-21689967453812617542012-10-15T17:43:00.000-07:002012-10-15T17:43:10.344-07:00Almost a year since my last post...Wow, it's been a while. Time sure does fly when one is busy, yes?<br />
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In any case, I last posted that I might be rejoining the work force. This is true. I was hired in late December at a retirement home and assisted living community as a server in their dining rooms. I started working January 2012. As of September 1st 2012, I was promoted to evening shift Supervisor to improve the working conditions and morale of the servers. We had a supervisor, but she made working conditions difficult and the servers constantly fought her. She was not a team player and the crew did not respect her in any way. After 8 months of it, I finally sat down and wrote a four page email to my boss and had started to seriously look for another job. A week later, I was made supervisor, she was moved to Day shift, and morale has improved greatly. Now, I need to fine tune the servers, to watch for details, etc.<br />
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Very difficult to do because they are kids. For many of them, this is their first job, and most of them are in or just out of high school. Still, they are a good crew and once their enthusiasm is up and going, work is fun and they do well.<br />
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Day crew is now losing a server due to the supervisor and I've heard grumbling of the others wanting to leave or looking for other jobs.<br />
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Due to life, with moving and sharing a household, a job, and other life ups and downs, writing has become nearly non existent. I've started projects but ended up putting them aside. I think my life has settled enough and my writer's block has started to loosen and crumble, that I might be able to write again. Not much, and I really need to figure out a schedule and routine, but I've picked up a project I started a while ago and never got into.<br />
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We'll see how it goes.<br />
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<br />Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-60135177949813534012011-12-17T11:41:00.000-08:002011-12-17T11:41:39.525-08:00Let's catch up on this...I know it's been a while. I've been busy with odds and ends, life in general.<br />
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Falconry - still going strong. SgianDubh caught starling #15 this morning. You can read about it on my falconry blog.<br />
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Writing - non existent. Depression and writer's block.<br />
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Speaking of writing, I love getting notices in my email box telling me someone posted about me. Went to the link. <a href="http://www.sharetermpapers.com/general-b35/looking-for-'isobael-liu-moonlight-magick'-!!/new/#new">http://www.sharetermpapers.com/general-b35/looking-for-'isobael-liu-moonlight-magick'-!!/new/#new</a><br />
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You can read my reply.<br />
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*Sigh*<br />
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Oh, and it looks like I'll be joining the workforce, after 15 years of being a homemaker.Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8109098208826467694.post-20370412768122963862011-08-11T19:29:00.000-07:002011-08-11T19:29:02.027-07:00Yay...?Currently in an Irish and Scottish music kick. Obviously these weeks after the Highland Games has increased my craving for Celtic excitement.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i> (Actually, it might not be that bad as I'm not having Spike use his Scottish brogue on me....YET.)</i></span><br />
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Writing has been incredibly slow to non-existent. Writer's block compounded with Depression and a bad case of extreme isolation. Spike's car's transmission is pretty much shot (short distances are best) so he's been taking my Beast to work, leaving me without transportation. Not that there's anyplace to go. The mall, maybe...<br />
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Corset is due next week. I cannot wait. I'm so excited!<br />
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I've picked out one of my previously written and nearly round-filed <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(deleted)</span></i> novellas to edit and rewrite. I'm liking the ideas so far. We'll see how long it lasts.Isobaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03761115379482525260noreply@blogger.com1