I think it would be extremely arrogant of us Earthlings to believe we're the only life in the universe.
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.
I truly believe there is life out there.
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.
Maybe that's why I love Stargate and Stargate SG1 (Before Hammond died and O'Neill left the show!)
What do you think? Is there life on other planets? What do you believe?
May 27, 2018
May 17, 2018
Name one good thing that's happened to you this year...
Name one good thing that's happened to you this year, so far...
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.
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.
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!
So, what good thing has happened to you this year?
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.
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.
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!
So, what good thing has happened to you this year?
May 6, 2018
What I feel today...
I'm suppose to write about what or how I'm feeling today.
This one is going to be difficult for me.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Maybe I expect too much from people. Maybe I just suck at being a friend. Maybe I have no concept of friendship.
What I feel today is hurt.
This one is going to be difficult for me.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Maybe I expect too much from people. Maybe I just suck at being a friend. Maybe I have no concept of friendship.
What I feel today is hurt.
April 29, 2018
20 Random Facts About Me...
Taking a break from plot outlining...
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.
In the meantime, while taking a break from that and enjoying a cup of London Fog, here's my blog post.
1. I am bi-cultural - Taiwanese American.
2. No, I do not speak Chinese.
3. I have Depression and Social Anxiety.
4. I LOVE to cook - just not for a career. Tried it once, got burned out on it and hated to cook at home.
5. I would LOVE to live in Taiwan, or at least, visit more often.
6. I prefer Taiwanese and Chinese food over American.
7. Kwan Yin is my patron Goddess - I am a folkloric Buddhist.
8. I am a licensed falconer.
9. I LOVE tea!
10. I used to write poetry.
11. I love recording EVPs (electronic voice phenomena).
12. I have had many paranormal experiences with ghosts and truly believe they exist.
13. 13 is my lucky number!
14. Spiders squick me out!
15. I hate yard work.
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.
17. I love camping and hunting.
18. I used to do the Rendezvous, while I was a kid. I miss those days!
19. After nearly 10 years, I'm writing again.
20. I have a hard time understanding people and why people do things to hurt others.
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.
In the meantime, while taking a break from that and enjoying a cup of London Fog, here's my blog post.
1. I am bi-cultural - Taiwanese American.
2. No, I do not speak Chinese.
3. I have Depression and Social Anxiety.
4. I LOVE to cook - just not for a career. Tried it once, got burned out on it and hated to cook at home.
5. I would LOVE to live in Taiwan, or at least, visit more often.
6. I prefer Taiwanese and Chinese food over American.
7. Kwan Yin is my patron Goddess - I am a folkloric Buddhist.
8. I am a licensed falconer.
9. I LOVE tea!
10. I used to write poetry.
11. I love recording EVPs (electronic voice phenomena).
12. I have had many paranormal experiences with ghosts and truly believe they exist.
13. 13 is my lucky number!
14. Spiders squick me out!
15. I hate yard work.
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.
17. I love camping and hunting.
18. I used to do the Rendezvous, while I was a kid. I miss those days!
19. After nearly 10 years, I'm writing again.
20. I have a hard time understanding people and why people do things to hurt others.
April 27, 2018
What is your zodiac sign?
Luckily for me, I'm bi-cultural, so I have two zodiac signs.
In the western world, I'm a Sun Taurus, and in Eastern, I'm a Water Rat.
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.
The Eastern zodiac is also more in depth, gives greater details.
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!!!
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.
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.
Now, go forth and explore!
What's your sign and does it match your personality?
In the western world, I'm a Sun Taurus, and in Eastern, I'm a Water Rat.
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.
The Eastern zodiac is also more in depth, gives greater details.
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!!!
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.
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.
Now, go forth and explore!
What's your sign and does it match your personality?
April 22, 2018
Still pecking away at the keyboard.
Completely gutted the last two chapters I've written (seven and eight) of my WIP in order to walk it back and change directions.
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.
He doesn't know it yet, but he's going to come to a rude awakening if he doesn't straighten up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
April 5, 2018
I'm back, and I'm alive.
After a year of silence, I'm back.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Let me scream it to the universe! I AM WRITING AGAIN!
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.
In the meantime, I'm getting my FB author page back into circulation.
http://www.facebook.com/IsobaelLiuAuthor/
If I can just keep the momentum going, I could finish!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Let me scream it to the universe! I AM WRITING AGAIN!
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.
In the meantime, I'm getting my FB author page back into circulation.
http://www.facebook.com/IsobaelLiuAuthor/
If I can just keep the momentum going, I could finish!
March 3, 2017
Writing...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
February 6, 2017
Social Anxiety Sucks
Social anxiety sucks.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Social anxiety sucks.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Social anxiety sucks.
November 18, 2016
New 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 rooms. 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
November 17, 2016
$1,000,000...
If I had a million dollars, I'd...
Heck, I'd be happy with $50,000...but since I was given a budget of a mill, here goes...
1. Pay off my bills - house, vehicles, utilities...so that we're caught up and not struggling. We'll say $200,000 for this.
2. Put money aside for my daughter as an inheritance, let it collect interest. We'll say $100,000.
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.
4. Give a little to my brother and sister. We'll say $25,000 each.
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.
The $150,000 left is for vacations, investing, living off of, bills, gifts...
Heck, I'd be happy with $50,000...but since I was given a budget of a mill, here goes...
1. Pay off my bills - house, vehicles, utilities...so that we're caught up and not struggling. We'll say $200,000 for this.
2. Put money aside for my daughter as an inheritance, let it collect interest. We'll say $100,000.
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.
4. Give a little to my brother and sister. We'll say $25,000 each.
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.
The $150,000 left is for vacations, investing, living off of, bills, gifts...
November 14, 2016
I never told him...
Did you ever like/have a crush on someone but never told them?
Yes. OMG, yes.
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.
We role played...Rifts, TMNT, AD&D, with our group of friends...
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.
He loved my mom's cooking...and wasn't afraid to try something new.
He was so far beyond me in intelligence, but he never made me feel stupid.
I loved him dearly, but never told him, and when he tragically died, I lost the chance.
Yes. OMG, yes.
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.
We role played...Rifts, TMNT, AD&D, with our group of friends...
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.
He loved my mom's cooking...and wasn't afraid to try something new.
He was so far beyond me in intelligence, but he never made me feel stupid.
I loved him dearly, but never told him, and when he tragically died, I lost the chance.
November 13, 2016
Five Things That Make Me Very Happy...
1. Tea
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!
2. Falconry
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.
3. Paranormal Romances
Does this even need an explanation?!?
4. Camping
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.
5. Antique Stores
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.
What five things make you happy?
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!
2. Falconry
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.
3. Paranormal Romances
Does this even need an explanation?!?
4. Camping
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.
5. Antique Stores
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.
What five things make you happy?
November 10, 2016
My Favorite Drink...
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!).
Seattle's own Market Spice, 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.
I'm also very fond of spiced chai, which is what I was drinking in the first picture. Sugar and milk and YUM!
No lemon for my tea, thank you. I much prefer milk and sugar, depending on the tea.
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 Adagio. Excellent teas, a good selection, fair prices, and a reward program that everyone could easily use.
November 8, 2016
Returning 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.
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.
2. I am a licensed falconer. Currently, I fly a Harris Hawk named Keeva.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
11. I can't dance. Really...I suck at it. I look like a floundering, beached whale.
12. I collect Guan Yin statues and artwork.
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.
14. I collect boxes. Those boxes that look like books. Boxes to put things in and organize with.
15. I can trace my paternal side of the family back to the 1100's.
Today's blog post...a picture of me and 15 interesting facts.
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.
2. I am a licensed falconer. Currently, I fly a Harris Hawk named Keeva.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
11. I can't dance. Really...I suck at it. I look like a floundering, beached whale.
12. I collect Guan Yin statues and artwork.
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.
14. I collect boxes. Those boxes that look like books. Boxes to put things in and organize with.
15. I can trace my paternal side of the family back to the 1100's.
February 20, 2015
"Moonlight and Magick" going into print...
My book is going to POD status...
Not exactly sure how that works, just yet...but to have an actual, physical book? Hell, yeah...
Not exactly sure how that works, just yet...but to have an actual, physical book? Hell, yeah...
August 5, 2014
Last 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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
August 2, 2014
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.
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."
He was teasing, of course...
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?
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."
He was teasing, of course...
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?
May 30, 2014
Breakfast at work today...
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!
May 29, 2014
Cooking
I 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.
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.
Now, if only I could make friends with that stupid convection oven. -.-
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.
Now, if only I could make friends with that stupid convection oven. -.-
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