I think I mentioned in an earlier blog that our new house was near the Bridge Center. Took me weeks to realize it meant 'bridge' as in the card game and not 'bridge' as in the Golden Gate and other bridges. In fact, I only discovered it when we went by one day and saw cars parked on the road with signs directing people to where the tournament was being played.
Naturally, the Bridge Center being so close to us and all, when an ad came out for beginning bridge lessons, I signed me and my guy up. Despite his rather vocal protests.
Good for the brain, I told myself. A chance to socialize and meet new people, I told myself. One day a week for two hours can't be that bad.
We have gone to two lessons now and his protests are fading. As for me, I must have been out of my mind.
There are rules in bridge. Me being the tell-me-I-must-do-something-and-I'll-immediately-do-the-opposite kind of person I am, discovering this has been a big shock.
And you have to remember things. Counting points is fine, but figuring out what to do with them...
I can't very well quit if he doesn't though. Not after I forced him to go.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Saturday, September 14, 2013
VINTAGE DRESS
I blogged a few days ago about the wedding that took place under the great oaks at the historic county courthouse. I even put in a picture of the gorgeous bride and handsome groom. I didn't put in a picture of myself, you are probably happy to know.
I will tell you I wore my "vintage" dress, though.
I keep most of my clothes until they become ragged so I have quite a few old dresses. One Thanksgiving when we were alone, I wore this particular one out to a nice restaurant. This well-dressed couple finished before us and as they walked by our table, the gentleman stopped. "I have to tell you I just love your dress. Is it a vintage?"
I started to deny it hotly, then realized: 1) It wasn't new. 2) He wasn't being facetious. 3) "Vintage" sounded a whole lot better than "Uh, no, I've just had it for years."
So I smiled graciously and said, "Yes. Yes, it is."
After his wife chirped her admiration, too, and they left, I started eating again. "Imagine that," I told my guy. "Vintage. Why, that means it had to be made in the..."
I counted back to when I'd got it and realized the awful truth. It was indeed vintage.
I feel so old. But at least when I wear it for special occasions, I know at least one couple thinks it's stylish.
I will tell you I wore my "vintage" dress, though.
I keep most of my clothes until they become ragged so I have quite a few old dresses. One Thanksgiving when we were alone, I wore this particular one out to a nice restaurant. This well-dressed couple finished before us and as they walked by our table, the gentleman stopped. "I have to tell you I just love your dress. Is it a vintage?"
I started to deny it hotly, then realized: 1) It wasn't new. 2) He wasn't being facetious. 3) "Vintage" sounded a whole lot better than "Uh, no, I've just had it for years."
So I smiled graciously and said, "Yes. Yes, it is."
After his wife chirped her admiration, too, and they left, I started eating again. "Imagine that," I told my guy. "Vintage. Why, that means it had to be made in the..."
I counted back to when I'd got it and realized the awful truth. It was indeed vintage.
I feel so old. But at least when I wear it for special occasions, I know at least one couple thinks it's stylish.
Monday, September 9, 2013
AGATHA CHRISTIE RETURNS!
Uh, not exactly.
It seems her grandson and the company responsible for her book rights have decided to bring in a ringer. Sophie Hannah, who writes mysteries under her own name, will pen the new Hercule Poirot mystery. This despite the fact Agatha Christie finished her Miss Marple and Poirot (actually killing him off) series so no one could do this very thing.
Christie isn't the only one being exploited this way. Gone With the Wind had a sequel by a romance writer, Alexandra Ripley. Eric Van Lustbader is singlehandedly keeping Ludlum's Bourne series going. The James Bond series has had several writers since Ian Fleming's death. One of these trying-to-be Flemings is Sebastian Faulkes, who is also -- da da dum!!! -- penning a new Jeeves book!
Say what? How do you reconcile Fleming's voice with Wodehouse's?
As an author, I detest the idea that some other writer would take characters I dreamed up -- sweated over, brought to life -- and do whatever they like with them. And I hate it for these other dead authors. Especially when one of those characters is the beloved Poirot.
I didn't buy Scarlet O'Hara's imitation and I won't buy Poirot's. In fact, I try not to buy anyone's work who exploits that of another writer.
So take that, HarperCollins!
It seems her grandson and the company responsible for her book rights have decided to bring in a ringer. Sophie Hannah, who writes mysteries under her own name, will pen the new Hercule Poirot mystery. This despite the fact Agatha Christie finished her Miss Marple and Poirot (actually killing him off) series so no one could do this very thing.
Christie isn't the only one being exploited this way. Gone With the Wind had a sequel by a romance writer, Alexandra Ripley. Eric Van Lustbader is singlehandedly keeping Ludlum's Bourne series going. The James Bond series has had several writers since Ian Fleming's death. One of these trying-to-be Flemings is Sebastian Faulkes, who is also -- da da dum!!! -- penning a new Jeeves book!
Say what? How do you reconcile Fleming's voice with Wodehouse's?
As an author, I detest the idea that some other writer would take characters I dreamed up -- sweated over, brought to life -- and do whatever they like with them. And I hate it for these other dead authors. Especially when one of those characters is the beloved Poirot.
I didn't buy Scarlet O'Hara's imitation and I won't buy Poirot's. In fact, I try not to buy anyone's work who exploits that of another writer.
So take that, HarperCollins!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
LABOR DAY 2013
Fort King George celebrated Labor Day with one of their living history weekends. People camped from Thursday night to Monday, with visitors welcome in the daytime Friday through Monday. Thought I'd focus on the cooking and game stuff.
Some pots, tea kettle, and coffee pot:
Turkey roasting over a colonial type grill:
These belong to the nine pin game. Don't know what happened to the two balls the players use.
And here are the hoops. One little boy got pretty frustrated because he couldn't keep one rolling.
Not cooking or games, but had to get in the cannon being loaded. Those things are loud!
Hope everyone else had a good Labor Day, too!
Some pots, tea kettle, and coffee pot:
Turkey roasting over a colonial type grill:
These belong to the nine pin game. Don't know what happened to the two balls the players use.
And here are the hoops. One little boy got pretty frustrated because he couldn't keep one rolling.
Not cooking or games, but had to get in the cannon being loaded. Those things are loud!
Hope everyone else had a good Labor Day, too!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
WEDDING
I was fortunate enough to be present when a young couple exchanged vows in front of the old courthouse on the mainland. They fell in love on our island and wanted to marry down here so they eloped -- kind of. Relatives and friends knew they were going to do it but since they've thought about it for years, no one was really sure what would happen.
It was a gorgeous day, not too hot but sunny. When the probate judge came out of her office, the bride chose the patio surrounding the stone-walled planter for the ceremony. There, under the magnificent oaks dripping spanish moss, the bride and groom said their vows as their daughter watched.
The bride was beautiful, the groom handsome and the little girl an absolute doll.
Oh, and before the ceremony, we had to have an obligatory whale picture of little Miss Julia!
A shame they couldn't stay with us longer, but pre-K awaits the little one and a cruise awaits the honeymooners.
All good wishes go with them. May the rest of their life go as smoothly as the ceremony.
It was a gorgeous day, not too hot but sunny. When the probate judge came out of her office, the bride chose the patio surrounding the stone-walled planter for the ceremony. There, under the magnificent oaks dripping spanish moss, the bride and groom said their vows as their daughter watched.
The bride was beautiful, the groom handsome and the little girl an absolute doll.
Oh, and before the ceremony, we had to have an obligatory whale picture of little Miss Julia!
A shame they couldn't stay with us longer, but pre-K awaits the little one and a cruise awaits the honeymooners.
All good wishes go with them. May the rest of their life go as smoothly as the ceremony.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
SPIDERS - UGH!
I stepped out into the garage this morning to put out recyclables. (So thrilled that now we can separate them!) Started to step back inside and noticed this huge, quarter-size-body, spider right in the doorway. I hyperventilated but stepped on it.
It was a her. Hundreds of tiny little spiders went scurrying everywhere. I started stomping here, there, everywhere... Squealing all the while.
No one came to my aid. My guy was in the bathroom. My girl cat who chases and eats insects had, unbeknownst to me, slipped into the garage when I opened the door. My boy cat is blind and I think he's hard of hearing, too. (Except when it's mealtime.)
So there I was. Dancing and stomping and screaming with no audience and no rescuers. Just me.
Once I didn't see any more gnat-sized spiders scurrying, I grabbed the insecticide and sprayed wildly. That's when I saw my cow-cat, sticking her little face in the door, wondering what the commotion was about.
I dragged her in and closed the door. Looks like I may need to get another bodyguard.
It was a her. Hundreds of tiny little spiders went scurrying everywhere. I started stomping here, there, everywhere... Squealing all the while.
No one came to my aid. My guy was in the bathroom. My girl cat who chases and eats insects had, unbeknownst to me, slipped into the garage when I opened the door. My boy cat is blind and I think he's hard of hearing, too. (Except when it's mealtime.)
So there I was. Dancing and stomping and screaming with no audience and no rescuers. Just me.
Once I didn't see any more gnat-sized spiders scurrying, I grabbed the insecticide and sprayed wildly. That's when I saw my cow-cat, sticking her little face in the door, wondering what the commotion was about.
I dragged her in and closed the door. Looks like I may need to get another bodyguard.
Monday, August 19, 2013
FOR HOPEFUL ROMANCE WRITERS
A Florida RWA chapter I'm in sponsors a contest every year and it's time for it again. It offers really good feedback so if you're interested, here's the announcement:
*Permission to forward granted and encouraged!*
> *Hear ye, Hear ye! *
> Is your manuscript ready to submit? Are you looking for a contest with a
> track record of success?****
>
> Or are you wondering how to get your work in front of prestigious agents
> and editors? ****
>
> ** **
>
> Wonder no longer. The Unpublished Beacon Contest can help! ****
>
> ** **
>
> In the past five years, nine of our finalists have gone on to become
> Golden Heart Finalists and four of them have sold the finaling manuscript!
> Last year, there were ten (10) requests from our finalists for partial or
> full manuscripts from some of the best editors and agents in the industry.
> In 2011, TWO finalists found their agents through our contest! This year it
> could be YOU!****
>
> ** **
>
> *Judges:* First round will be judged by at least one published author and
> one trained judge.****
>
> ** **
>
> Final round will be judged by either two editors or one editor and one
> agent in each category. ****
>
> ** **
>
> Finalists will have an opportunity to revise based on judges’ comments
> before the final round.****
>
> ** **
>
> Final round judges are subject to change when unavoidable.****
>
> ** **
>
> *Rules ******
>
> ** **
>
> THE BEACON—Unpublished Division Contest for 2013—accepting entries August
> 1-31, 2013. ****
>
> ** **
>
> All finalists notified the week of October 22, 2013.
> ****
>
> ** **
>
> *Feedback will be sent to all entrants by Oct. 31st, in time to prep for
> the Golden Heart®!*****
>
> ** **
>
> Winners announced the week of December 15.****
>
>
> *Eligibility: Open to all authors of romantic fiction.* Published authors
> are eligible to enter any category in which they have *not been
> contracted and/or published* in book length fiction (40,000 words and
> over) in the last* 3 years*. *(Self-published authors are considered
> published.)*****
>
> RWA membership is not required for entry. Contest is limited to the first
> 125 entries.****
>
> ** **
>
> *Fee: *$25 FCRW members, $30 RWA member (not FCRW), $35 non-RWA member****
>
> ** **
>
> Our Beacon_Scoresheet_Sample<http:
> designed to provide detailed critique and feedback. Per RWA rules, this
> contest will NOT be extended past the midnight on 8/31/13 barring acts of
> natural and manmade disaster including but not limited to hurricanes,
> fires, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes. *For a complete list of rules
> and to register for the contest visit
> http://www.firstcoastromancewr
>
> ** **
>
> *FINAL ROUND JUDGES*****
>
> *Contemporary Series Romance*
> Agent: Marisa Corvisiero, Corvisiero Literary Agency
> Editor: Christina Brower, NAL/Penguin Group Publishing****
>
> *Erotic Romance*****
>
> Agent: Beth Miller, Writers House, LLC
> Editor: Linda Ingmanson, Samhain Publishing****
>
> *Historical/Regency Romance*****
>
> Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency
> Editor: Elizabeth Poteet, St. Martin’s Press****
>
> *Inspirational Romance*****
>
> Agent: Mary Sue Seymour, Seymour Agency
> Editor: Shana Smith, Harlequin Love Inspired****
>
> *Fantasy, Futuristic, or Paranormal Romance*
> Agent: Andrea Somberg, Harvey Klinger Inc.
> Editor: Kerri-Leigh Grady, Entangled Publishing****
>
> ** **
>
> *Romantic Suspense*
> Agent: Courtney Miller-Callihan, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates
> Editor: Allison Lyons, Harlequin Intrigue****
>
> ** **
>
> *Single Title Contemporary Romance*****
>
> Agent: Rebecca Strauss, DeFiore & Co.
> Editor: Kate Dresser, Harlequin ****
>
> *Women’s Fiction, Chick Lit or Mainstream Romance*
> Agent: Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary Agency
> Editor: Leis Pederson, Berkley Publishing****
>
> ** **
>
> *Young Adult*
> Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Agency
> Editor: Audrey Poole, Sourcebooks****
>
>
> Questions? Contact our contest chair at
> beaconunpub@firstcoastromancew
>
> ** **
>
*Permission to forward granted and encouraged!*
> *Hear ye, Hear ye! *
> Is your manuscript ready to submit? Are you looking for a contest with a
> track record of success?****
>
> Or are you wondering how to get your work in front of prestigious agents
> and editors? ****
>
> ** **
>
> Wonder no longer. The Unpublished Beacon Contest can help! ****
>
> ** **
>
> In the past five years, nine of our finalists have gone on to become
> Golden Heart Finalists and four of them have sold the finaling manuscript!
> Last year, there were ten (10) requests from our finalists for partial or
> full manuscripts from some of the best editors and agents in the industry.
> In 2011, TWO finalists found their agents through our contest! This year it
> could be YOU!****
>
> ** **
>
> *Judges:* First round will be judged by at least one published author and
> one trained judge.****
>
> ** **
>
> Final round will be judged by either two editors or one editor and one
> agent in each category. ****
>
> ** **
>
> Finalists will have an opportunity to revise based on judges’ comments
> before the final round.****
>
> ** **
>
> Final round judges are subject to change when unavoidable.****
>
> ** **
>
> *Rules ******
>
> ** **
>
> THE BEACON—Unpublished Division Contest for 2013—accepting entries August
> 1-31, 2013. ****
>
> ** **
>
> All finalists notified the week of October 22, 2013.
> ****
>
> ** **
>
> *Feedback will be sent to all entrants by Oct. 31st, in time to prep for
> the Golden Heart®!*****
>
> ** **
>
> Winners announced the week of December 15.****
>
>
> *Eligibility: Open to all authors of romantic fiction.* Published authors
> are eligible to enter any category in which they have *not been
> contracted and/or published* in book length fiction (40,000 words and
> over) in the last* 3 years*. *(Self-published authors are considered
> published.)*****
>
> RWA membership is not required for entry. Contest is limited to the first
> 125 entries.****
>
> ** **
>
> *Fee: *$25 FCRW members, $30 RWA member (not FCRW), $35 non-RWA member****
>
> ** **
>
> Our Beacon_Scoresheet_Sample<http:
> designed to provide detailed critique and feedback. Per RWA rules, this
> contest will NOT be extended past the midnight on 8/31/13 barring acts of
> natural and manmade disaster including but not limited to hurricanes,
> fires, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes. *For a complete list of rules
> and to register for the contest visit
> http://www.firstcoastromancewr
>
> ** **
>
> *FINAL ROUND JUDGES*****
>
> *Contemporary Series Romance*
> Agent: Marisa Corvisiero, Corvisiero Literary Agency
> Editor: Christina Brower, NAL/Penguin Group Publishing****
>
> *Erotic Romance*****
>
> Agent: Beth Miller, Writers House, LLC
> Editor: Linda Ingmanson, Samhain Publishing****
>
> *Historical/Regency Romance*****
>
> Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency
> Editor: Elizabeth Poteet, St. Martin’s Press****
>
> *Inspirational Romance*****
>
> Agent: Mary Sue Seymour, Seymour Agency
> Editor: Shana Smith, Harlequin Love Inspired****
>
> *Fantasy, Futuristic, or Paranormal Romance*
> Agent: Andrea Somberg, Harvey Klinger Inc.
> Editor: Kerri-Leigh Grady, Entangled Publishing****
>
> ** **
>
> *Romantic Suspense*
> Agent: Courtney Miller-Callihan, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates
> Editor: Allison Lyons, Harlequin Intrigue****
>
> ** **
>
> *Single Title Contemporary Romance*****
>
> Agent: Rebecca Strauss, DeFiore & Co.
> Editor: Kate Dresser, Harlequin ****
>
> *Women’s Fiction, Chick Lit or Mainstream Romance*
> Agent: Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary Agency
> Editor: Leis Pederson, Berkley Publishing****
>
> ** **
>
> *Young Adult*
> Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Agency
> Editor: Audrey Poole, Sourcebooks****
>
>
> Questions? Contact our contest chair at
> beaconunpub@firstcoastromancew
>
> ** **
>
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