Monday Musings...On Saturday

I'm behind with my weekly blog by almost a week...for a variety of reasons. I was out of town last weekend on a retreat, my wisdom teeth recovery is taking longer than planned, and I've come down with a bad sinus infection. Life happens, right? And thank goodness for Sudafed!

This week was favorite TV shows and movies. My fellow bloggers faves can be found at Christine Allen-Riley, Kirsti Jones, Tess Grant.

Sooo I love history and at least 80% of what I read are historical fiction novels, so it only makes sense that my favorite show is Downton Abbey.




I started watching it a few weeks ago, swept through season one, and I'm irritated by the long wait on Netflix for season 2. I'm also restraining myself from watching the current season (three) on Sunday nights at 9 pm on PBS (Yes! PBS- how awesome is that?). It's no surprise to me that I love this show, but I admit I'm shocked to hear how many other people are as obsessed as I am. Normally I'm in the minority when it comes to entertainment. (I've never seen Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or Twilight, just to give an example).

It takes place in England in the early 1900's, starting in 1912 with news of the Titanic, into WWI, and well, we'll see I guess. Not many movies, much less TV shows, take place in this time period. I actually started growing an interest in this era before I even heard of Downton Abbey. I'd been brainstorming a story of my own set around this time. Downton follows the lives of a wealthy family as well as their servants, exploring different class systems and each of their challenges.I enjoy the multiple story lines and looking in depth at the servants and working class characters. Servants are fleshed out as full characters rather than cast into stereotypes. The show has breadth and depth. Something that's hard to pull off.

Many people think of historical movies that have corsets and British accents as slow, stiff, and boring with twenty minute declarations of love by a Jane Austen character. But this show has enough suspense and is well paced, giving it a modern feel. I'm wondering if this is part of the appeal for mainstream audiences.

My husband insists on calling it Downtown Abby because he says, the British are just being British-y by calling it Downton. He's not quite as enraptured as I am.

Another favorite TV series of mine is United States of Tara.

 

It's about a woman with Dissociative Identity Disorder (previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder), and you get to see her alters, the messes they cause, and the stress it causes her family. The driving force is not just for her to recover from the mental illness, but to understand why and how she developed the disorder. Toni Collette is excellent in it! Like any TV show it's not an exact replica of what this disorder looks like, but I was very impressed with how they did it. Most TV shows are notoriously bad at mental illness.

Last night I did a marathon of season 3, only to learn that they cancelled the show after that! Unfortunately they weren't able to finish Tara's story. I was so disappointed that I emailed Showtime- even though it was cancelled in 2011. I've never done anything like that before. Apparently I was distraught enough. How frustrating to not have any closure- it's like reading a book and finding out that the author died before it was completed! Maybe I should write my own ending!

I have several favorite movies, but one that's dear to my heart is Elizabeth. This came out when I was in high school.



 When I was in 7th grade we had "research week" where we could pick any topic to research and then put together a display to show what we learned. I'm not sure how, but I became hooked on learning about Henry VIII  of England and his numerous wives, two of which he beheaded. Elizabeth was his second daughter who later became queen and ruled for many years. She never married. She was an excellent diplomat. This was the time of Shakespeare. Her story always captivated me, and one of my favorite actresses (Cate Blanchett)  played the part!

I've always loved the opening scenes. There was something romantic, innocent, and whimsical about it. I haven't seen the movie since high school, but it's still a favorite. I believe this is a shot from one of those opening scenes that has always stood out in my mind.

Monday Musings- Virtual Office

The blog hop continues with a virtual tour of our offices! Feel free to mosey around my fellow author's blogs:
Christine Allen-Riley
Kirsti Jones
Tess Grant

I confess I don't have a specific physical space that I always use to write. So to cover up my disorganization,  I'm going to refer to it as a mobile office or WIP (work in progress) office.

Here's the thing. We moved into our house about six months ago and each room has been a WIP. We actually have a room that we call "the office", but it's not a fully functioning office. My goal is to frequently write in there, although I can never imagine always writing in one spot or to be honest, even at a desk.

Which brings me to my beautiful desk! (Yes, I know this is confusing)

I found this beautiful wooden desk at a second hand shop. It was crying out to me for new paint and a home. It was a hideous green and yellow. I re-imagined it in duck egg blue and old ochre. It might be hard to see from the picture, but I love how it curves in the front and the detail along the edges, not to mention all the deep drawers! The handles are original and I'm guessing it's circa 1950? I'm still learning vintage furniture so let me know if you have an idea.

My inner romance novelist wants to pull up a chair to this desk with a quill pen and ink, a cup of cocoa, and gaze at the snow laden pine trees for inspiration.

Practical lazy me tends to sit on the couch with the laptop (i.e. right now).

The desk will at least serve the purpose of filing my writing supplies, even if I don't write very often at the desk....and my husband and stepdaughter have been using it.

If you did a 180 turn from the desk, you would see my "new" comfy chair, which is my next project- either slip cover or reupholstered. We'll see how ambitious I get. Like I said, I often plop on the couch in our living room, but sometimes the husband wants to watch Family Guy or sports, and I'm not one of those people that functions better with music or noise in the background. I envy those people, but give me a library any day over a distraction ridden Biggby's.

I have a desk at work and I squirm all day at it. Gimme a lazy boy, this behind needs some cushioning! 95% of my college homework was done in a reclining chair. I swear I'd be more productive!

My sister's friend had the awesomest cushiest hugest sweetest chair that she no longer wanted. Overzealous for a comfy spot in the "office", we hauled it to our house. Then we discovered that it actually was a gargantuan of a chair and wouldn't fit through any of the doorways. After sweat and tears, and a trail of carnage that has yet to be fixed down the hallway, we managed. And it was worth it.

This, my friends, will be my writing chair. It is heavenly.

I think it is more bed than chair.

Our "office" also has a bookshelf, printer, and some other yet-to-be-organized bins, folders, and such. A friend of mine is replicating a witty collage I found in a writer's magazine, in the form of a hanging quilt, which will also go in the "office." I promise to show it once it's done!

The mobile part of my office is my mind and a notebook. I love a clean crisp notebook. Walking into Staples makes me giddy, and I inevitably buy a new notebook or pen even though I have a stack at home.  I used to hand write everything. Then type it when and if I had to. I'm old fashioned. There's something to be said for how thoughts flow from the brain to arm to scribbling flow of the fingers. I've always felt that typing creates a disconnect.

Then I realized I live in the modern world and if I wanted to make the most of my time, I should learn to type my thoughts directly. Or at least try.  The transition has been difficult, but now I mostly type on the laptop. (At least I'm not stuck at a desk, I decided).

But don't stop buying stock in the notebook companies. Inspiration has a tendency to pop up at inopportune moments such as in the shower, the fleeting 5 seconds before I fall asleep, or in the car.  I've lost several gems simply because I was overconfident that I'd remember it later and then never wrote it down.

I've tried various notebook sizes for mobile purposes. I had a 3" x 3" one in my purse for awhile, but it was too small and would never stay open while I tried to write. Now I keep this one nearby, usually by my nightstand and sometimes it wanders to other rooms or places...

I'm afraid my virtual tour has been a little bumpy and sidetracked, but it's actually pretty reflective of my experience as a writer: A WIP in finding a system, style, and well, an actual office.

How about you? What kind of office do you have? Is it all in your head, mobile, fragmented, or maybe centers around a well loved piece of furniture?

Monday Musings- Dream Home

When I returned from my honeymoon, the first thing I noticed about my Midwestern town was that it seemed junky. It's not known for pollution and probably ranks as one of the top 100 cities to raise a family in, but I saw billboards, drab buildings, traffic, road signs, and most of all- the roads dominated everything. Nature shyly popped it's head where it could. I'D NEVER VIEWED MY HOME ENVIRONMENT THIS WAY BEFORE. I was appalled, and a little depressed.

In Colorado, the roads wind around nature, and are barely noticeable. (Granted, road design is probably limited when you have mountains). There was no traffic and few billboards or advertisements. You are immersed in nature. Today's topic is "Favorite place to live" and I'm choosing Southwest Colorado, near Durango and the Four Corners.

I'm not sure I'll have to say much because the pictures speak for themselves. I'll take you on a tour of my "dream home."

We'll start with the house. I'm thinking my husband and I could live in one of these:

Kidding! This was Mesa Verde National Park and was filled with ancient history. We stayed in a cozy bungalow filled with local art, unique decor, and organic food that sat on a lake and overlooked the mountains.

I loved the constant immersion in nature, the wide open spaces, the jaw dropping beauty, and privacy. The landscape varied from mountains, lakes, open fields, snow capped mountains, white river rapids, ravines, and wildlife. Even the desert was within driving distance. Southwest Colorado borders Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico where you can easily take day trips.

*Sigh* I miss and can't wait to return even though I didn't fare real well with the frequent changes in elevation. I had nausea and headaches, but it was well worth it. I'm sure I'd adjust if I lived there.

Most people travel to a tropical  island for their honeymoon. We had snow. Of course, it's nice when you can drive a few thousand feet lower in elevation to leave the snow whenever you like. The big difference though is that Colorado is sunny!

When we drove the day long trip on the scenic Million Dollar Highway, we reached the tippy top of a snow covered mountain.

 Another day we took a train to the small isolated town of Silverton nestled in the mountains. This was the end of May so I'm guessing they have a very short summer.

We also embraced whatever we came across whether it was baby and mamma bear tracks, getting locked out of our car without cell phones in a remote and snow covered region, or the drive along a mountain edge with no guardrail to protect you from the harrowing drop off . The picture doesn't do it justice- feel free to Google it. It's near Ouray.

In the wilderness I could Think. We often forget the healing potential nature offers for our minds and bodies. Maybe I wouldn't need yoga, meditation, massages, or couch potato time if I lived IN nature, rather than ON nature. I'm not sure, but it's something to think about....

I love how this region embraces nature and health. They not only respect and care for the earth, but the people are very health conscious. I was surprised to see how many restaurants offered local organic food.

Given the beauty, peace, and health, it makes me wonder how living here might affect my creativity and writing?

Remember to check out my fellow blog hopper's (Christine Allen-Riley , Kirsti Jones, Tess Grant ) favorite places to live! You may just end up with a world wide tour. :)

Monday Musing- The fictional debate

This week my fellow authors (Christine , Kirsti, Tess ) and I are exploring the topic Literary vs. Genre Fiction. Genre can also be known as Popular fiction.

First impressions (free association really) when I started thinking about this topic:

Literary: (sometimes) boring, insightful, symbolic, school, themes, complex, deep, real life characters, awards, To Kill a Mockingbird, subtle, school, okay I'm repeating myself.

Genre fiction: paperback, straightforward, fast pace, cookie cutter, then I drew a blank because genre fiction is really quite open...

I don't care to promote one above the other since I think they each have their place. Personally it depends upon my mood and how much work I want to do as the reader. Do I want to be whirled away from the troubles of my life or do I want to dive into and examine the troubles of life?

I also have a looser definition of literary than I'm guessing most people do. Literary shouldn't mean critically acclaimed with awards. For me it means, did it make me think? Do I view the world slightly different because of it? Literary work is often subtle, and doesn't answer all your questions with a pretty pink bow. It asks "why" but doesn't offer an answer. It may leave many unanswered questions.

The timing of this topic is perfect since I just read The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, (who is by the way my new favorite author.) I harassed my husband enough into reading it because I wanted another person's opinion on it, especially the ending. He even pulled a late-nighter to finish the end despite it being a work night! Normally he reads a chapter before going to bed and I'm the one huddled under the blankets with the mini reading light until 3 am. The next day we held an impromptu book discussion in the kitchen.

I won't give anything away since I recommend it as a good read. It's not a very long book and it's a Dystopian novel, similar to 1984, in a sense. But after watching the movie together over the weekend, the literary pieces really stood out to me. Since the movie was made in 1990 and still heavily influenced by the 1980s, I did my best to ignore the awful hair, music etc.

We all know that books and their movies are rarely exact, and are often quite different. In this case, some key points were very different, and afterwards my husband put it pretty well: "If I hadn't read the book, I wouldn't have really known what it was about."

Of course you get that it's Dystopian, the handmaids wear red, they're supposed to bear children, and so on with the basics but many of the literary elements were ignored OR the movie took the liberty to answer some of the unanswered questions that the book poses (and not in a thoughtful way).

 Again, I don't want to give anything away, but the movie ramped up a few scenes, adding events that were not in the book, probably to add more drama and give the audience that feeling of connecting the dots. Oh, this happened, so that's why that happened. Oh, and just to make you feel better, we'll add this so you're content with the love, motherhood, and survival aspects of it.

As the credits were rolling, I told my husband I didn't like how they did it. I'd just eaten pink cotton candy when I was expecting Mackinaw Fudge.

The movie was genre fiction and the book was literary fiction- evoking two very different feelings and experiences.

I'm not saying that genre fiction is unable to be deep or complex. But I would argue that in order to be considered literary (even my broad definition of it), it needs to be more than cotton candy.

I'd been internally debating the subject for a few days so it was nice to unexpectedly experience the difference, rather than simply thinking and writing about it.

Feel free to share your own thoughts below on the subject or The Handmaid's Tale. Remember to check out Christine , Kirsti, and Tess 's blogs to get their thoughts on it!

Monday Musings

I'm excited to be in my first blog hop! We're all writers at various stages in our careers, and we've committed to writing about a shared topic every Monday. It's my least favorite day of the week so I like the idea of adding something fun and new on the dreaded day.  I'll provide the links so you can, well, hop, to the other writer's blogs to read their views.

Bloggers and authors often interview each other, but we're starting with a Self Interview. Be sure to get acquainted with Kirsti Jones, Chris Allen-Riley, and Tess Grant.

Self Interview

What’s your favorite word?

Namaste- partly for what it means and if you do any yoga, you'll know. I also love the way it rolls off my tongue.

What’s your least favorite word?

I'm cheating and picking a phrase: "Just sayin", it's overdone and half the time it's not used right. Pet peeve I guess.

What sound do you love?

Rain, thunderstorms, the woods, mourning dove- at our old house I used to wake every morning to this bird!

What sound do you hate?

Traffic, commercials

What’s your favorite curse word?

Sh*t usually sums things up quite well.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

Writer of course, travelling writer would be nice. If I can dream big- probably an actress in a Jane Austen film. A bit specific I know, but I can dream..

What profession would you not like to do?

Anything with public speaking like politician, lawyer, CEO etc. These are about the polar opposite of my personality anyways!

What do you like best about writing?

For some reason this is really hard for me to answer. It's like asking me why do you have brown eyes? It just is. Pure and simple. It's my favorite form of expression and I love the process of creating. 

What do you like least?

It prompts such great self doubt and exposes my flaws (i.e. self confidence)

Do you have a day job aside from writing?

I'm a mental health therapist by day. (I typically refrain from saying psychologist because I get the most bizarre reactions from people)

What’s your favorite animal?

Dog

Favorite color?

Green- all shades

Coffee or tea?

Tea

City or country?

Country, although I just bought a house in the city...

Pirate or ninja?

Pirate, but with both eyes

If you were a book, which book would you be?

Pride and Prejudice- I adore historical fiction, especially if it's Jane Austen, Victorian, Tudor, Medieval, and/or takes place in England. Yes, I think I was born in the wrong century!

Feel free to comment below with an answer of your own from one of these questions!