Pam Webb

a writer's journey as a reader

Archive for the category “Uncategorized”

Those Tough Lit Chicks


I can’t resist those tough chicks of our favorite classic lit reads.

What are the qualifications for a tough chick of lit? Well, how about capable, quick of wit, common sense, a set of skills, determination, fudging the lines of feminine acceptability for the time period, and not necessarily physically a beauty contestant in looks but going for lots of personality?

Here is a grocery list of chicks of lit likables: (all images from GoodReads)

Pippi Longstocking

Scout Finch

To Kill a Mockingbird

Jo March

Little Women

Laura Ingalls

Little House on the Prairie (Little House, #2)

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre

Elizabeth Bennett

Pride and Prejudice

Janie Crawford

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Shakespeare’s Beatrice and Kate

Much Ado About NothingThe Taming of the Shrew

Lucy Honeychurch

A Room with a View / Howards End

Thursday Next

The Eyre Affair (Thursday Next #1)

Katniss Everdeen

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

Mick Kelly

Francie Nolan

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

That’s just a start. I’m working on round two. Any nominations? Who is on your list for literature’s tough chicks?

Writerly Wisdom IV


WordPress has that playful Pavlovian side in that every time we post a blog we are rewarded with a quote.  I liken it to the prize earned in my Crackjacks box.  The way notable and the everyman combines words to create a noteworthy thought is one of my happies in life and keeps me posting.

Even prior to joining the ranks of WordPress bloggers, I have delighted in gathering words. I save them and savor them. Like with many things in life, I have learned that the best way to enjoy something even more fully is to share it.  And so here–I am sharing my latest gathering of  various quotes, with the emphasis on writing. I hope you also savor their impact, their resonance, their form of sustenance as I harvest them from my hiding places and shake them to send them skittering across the page.  Enjoy!

 

I love being a writer. What I can’t stand is the paperwork. Peter De Vries

The best way to become acquainted with a subject is to write a book about it.Benjamin Disraeli

There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.W. Somerset Maugham

 

English: W. Somerset Maugham British writer

English: W. Somerset Maugham British writer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

I loved words. I love to sing them and speak them and even now, I must admit, I have fallen into the joy of writing them.Anne Rice

 

A plot is two dogs and one bone. Robert Newton Peck

Prose…words in their best order.

Poetry…the best words in the best order.

                                                Samuel Taylor Coleridge

 

 Out of the quarrel with others we make rhetoric;

Out of the quarrel with ourselves we make poetry.

                                                                W.B. Yeats

 

 

 

A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.

                                                                Robert Frost

The only reason for being a professional writer is that you can’t help it. Leo Rosten

There is creative reading as well as creative writing.Ralph Waldo Emerson

Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money.Jules Renard

The scariest moment is always just before you start.Stephen King

Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers. Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov Hails a Cab

Isaac Asimov Hails a Cab (Photo credit: zzazazz)

 

My ideas usually come not at my desk writing but in the midst of living. Anais Nin

The task of a writer consists of being able to make something out of an idea. Thomas Mann

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. Ben Franklin

The two most engaging powers of an author are to make new things familiar and familiar things new. Samuel Johnson

No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader. Robert Frost

Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass. Anton Chekov

Go to the edge of the cliff and jump off.  Build your wings on the way down. Ray Bradbury

The beautiful part of writing is that you don’t have to get it right the first time, unlike, say, a brain surgeon. Robert Cormier

 

 Nothing’s a better cure for writer’s block than to eat ice cream right out of the carton. Don Roff

 

image from members virtualtourist.com

 

What writerly quotes of wisdom inspire you? Oh, and what ice cream is your choice to thaw out writer’s block?

Happy Pages,

CricketMuse

 

A Dollar for Your Thoughts…


Confession time.  *sotto whisper* I really like Dollar Stores.  There are different names for them, but they all amount to the same thing: cheap goods for cheap. I’m admitting my age, I know, when I say I grew up with a Woolworth store.  Oh my, how I reveled in the those aisles of little boxy displays of toys and delights.  It certainly was a sad, sad day when the Woolworth closed its doors.

However, my spirits lifted when  the dollar store concept arrived redressed and ready to go on the scene; my level of thrill skyrocketed due in part to nostalgia, but mostly due to my (Scottish roots?) of thrift.  Here are the top ten favorite buys at a dollar store:
1.  greeting cards–two for a dollar!
2.  toys–everything from magic tricks to fairy princess dress up essentials
3. gift bags–two for a dollar small to big bags just a buck
4. school supplies
5. decorating items–a bag of multi-colored glass marbles only 100 pennies (a yippee! find)
6. hair dibdabs–barrettes, bands, bobby pins
7. smell goods–candles, oils, incense
8. candy–oh don’t be a snob (just watch the expiration date)
9. kitchen gadgets
10.  serendipity finds-I bought a retro purple wool blazer among a shipment of very wrinkled clothing items [do I hear oohs and aahs in the background?]
And of course there is a book section.
 
However, I can’t help but feel only sadness, instead of glee, at finding great books at the embarrassing price of $1.00.  I would hate to be an author and find  [gasp] my book on the shelf.  I often check to see what titles are among the “finds.”  Some books I’ve never heard of, and some are not so unexpected (we all need an inexpensive version of Oliver Twist) But goodness gracious I didn’t expect to see a Thursday Next upon the shelf.  I consumed that series and have hungrily awaited the movie version to appear (hint hint).
Haven’t been to a dollar store lately?  Well, don’t miss out on these treasures:
Mousetraps at a dollar store

Mousetraps at a dollar store (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Typical Dollar Store, San Francisco

English: Typical Dollar Store, San Francisco (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Being Happy with Bobby


Saturday I needed to suck it up and get happy about going back to work.  What better inspiration booster than with the original “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” guy, Bobby McFerrin.

image: listal.com

We should all be fairly familiar with McFerrin’s contribution to pop culture with his catchy tune about not letting life get us down.  That little song he wrote is not the real Robert.  Dig deeper and you will find he is the son of two opera singers who surrounded their impressionable son with music.  Yet, it wasn’t until his late twenties that McFerrin realized he wasn’t cut out to be a musician; he, with great epiphany, realized he should become a singer. The world is better place for that realization.

  • Highlights of McFerrin’s career include Bill Cosby’s discovering him, which led to his involvement in the Playboy Jazz Festival and performing the opening to The Cosby Show.
  • Ten time Grammy winner. Ten!
  • Began conducting at the age of 40 and has conducted all over the world.

Yet, McFerrin has not let the fame of his popular song direct his pathway.  In fact, he does not even sing “DWBH” in his concerts.  The fame spotlight actually made him disappear for nearly two years and when he reemerged he had learned how to conduct orchestras.

The concert I watched was his Bobby McFerrin–Live in Montreal. Clad in jeans and bright red t-shirt with his prominent lengthy braids tucked up around his head, McFerrin reminded me of a modern day Puck.  Even though McFerrin is in his sixties he is still playful and has been known to completely improvise concerts. This concert had a street tapper, a trapeze artist, a choir, musicians, and of course his trademark interactive style of involving the audience.

If you are not familiar with McFerrin’s style it would be difficult to pinpoint it.  He is a singer, true; however, he is a vocal virtuoso who is versed in the science and play of music. Watching him it is with disbelief how he can use his voice and his body to create a tune.  You haven’t seen anything until you see him perform his version of The Wizard of Oz, complete with tornado.

After the DVD ended I had to have more and hopped on my iPhone and spent the next three hours watching music videos.  One of the best finds was the hour-long Israel Symphony concert.  I’m still smiling thinking about the absolute  joy Bobby brings as a performer.  Whenever the audience begins to clap he lightly waves them off, as if saying, “ssh, just listen–this is no big deal.”

I’ve listened to McFerrin for years, enjoying his partnerships with various artists, an especial favorite being Hush with Yo Yo Ma.  But to truly enjoy McFerrin is to watch him live.

image: wikipedia.org

 

I hope to make my way to one of his concerts some day.  Until then–Yay for the numerous YouTube videos available.

Oh, and of course, there has to be a tie-in to books if I mention him in my blog.  And here it is:

  • image: ecrater.com

I hope when you need to not worry and need to get some happy you will look up Bobby McFerrin. Here’s the little song (video) he wrote:

Here is a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don’t worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don’t worry, be happy……

Ain’t got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don’t worry, be happy
The land lord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don’t worry, be happy
Look at me I am happy
Don’t worry, be happy
Here I give you my phone number
When you worry call me
I make you happy
Don’t worry, be happy
Ain’t got no cash, ain’t got no style
Ain’t got not girl to make you smile
But don’t worry be happy
Cause when you worry
Your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don’t worry, be happy (now)…..

There is this little song I wrote
I hope you learn it note for note
Like good little children
Don’t worry, be happy
Listen to what I say
In your life expect some trouble
But when you worry
You make it double
Don’t worry, be happy……
Don’t worry don’t do it, be happy
Put a smile on your face
Don’t bring everybody down like this
Don’t worry, it will  soon pass
Whatever it is
Don’t worry, be happy

source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/onehitwonders/dontworrybehappylyrics.html

 

Oops, on my anniversary


WordPress recently reminded me of my one year anniversary.  Oops. Time swiftly flies when having so much fun?  I didn’t acknowledge the anniversary with a card or make dinner reservations or even buy flowers.  And yet, my life has been enhanced by this relationship. I know my writing has improved, I’ve met an amazing array of people, I’ve been enlightened, amused, astounded, and decidedly enriched through my WordPress endeavour.  Here are some highlights so far:

  • first post on January 5th (I guess I took a bit between registering and actually posting)
  • Ordinary Days was my first blog offering (EagleEyed Editor commented and we have been happily exchanging commentaries since then.  Shout out to 3E!)
  • 128 posts so far
  • 4 pages
  • 44 categories
  • 430 tags (I have never really gotten the whole category/tag designation thing–open to clarification)
  • 698 comments
  • best day ever consisted of 86 views on March 17th and the post concerned itself with bookcases

But stats are rather dry.  It’d be like saying: “During our marriage I’ve cooked over 15,000 meals, washed the windows over 250 times, made the bed at least 565 times, and rearranged the living room at least 17 times.”  Of course these stats are bogus because who keeps track of that kind of stuff?  I do find it fascinating that WordPress keeps stats and sometimes I wander around them finding out what countries have visited, what posts have earned the most looks, and who is making the most comments.  Wouldn’t it be cool to have someone keep stats on our everyday doings like that?  Or not–

That reminds me of the opening  scene fromStranger Than FictionI don’t think Harold enjoyed having his life tracked in such a manner. Actually, I don’t think I would like it either.

After a year, especially moving into a new year, I should become reflective and resolutionated.  Nah.  That’s smacks of banal and boring.  I will offer the following on the evolution of this blog:

  • I felt I needed to create a blog since so many writing articles pounded the importance of establishing a platform.  I saw it as a “Build it and the agents will discover you.”  Didn’t that work for Julie of Julie and Julia?
    Cover of "Julie & Julia"

    Cover of Julie & Julia

    If you are an agent I am open to talking about that multi-media package of book, movie, and video game.

  • The original intent of my blog was to read books, review them, and address how the book helped me as a writer.  I still do that; however, after a few of these entries I decided to spice things up with different book related entries.  I’m still promoting my journey as a writer as a reader through my posts–I’m a bit more eclectic in my approach now.  After all, I don’t eat the same breakfast every morning.
  • I’m still learning how to blog.  I just discovered the kitchen sink widget.  Thank goodness I’ve located the undo button.  Colors are fun to write in as well.
  • Not content with one blog, I have developed another blog, Veranano, which was a vehicle for my 2012 NaNoWriMo entry.  I didn’t have the heart to disengage Vera once the novel project was completed so I am continuing her entries.  Thinking like a creative fifteen year old who has a singular outlook and variant lifestyle (did I mention her parents are professional writers?) is a stretch for me.  It’s been a while since I’ve been fifteen and she no way represents much of the way I lived life as a teen.  Two blogs with two different directions is a stretch and when I’m writing like Vera I feel a tad schizzy around the edges.
  • My Book Boosters page doesn’t rage up into the hundreds of committed bibliomaniacs as I had initially thought.  On the other hand, I’ve not aggressively promoted it either.  Serendipity signer-uppers has been a pleasant way of gaining growth.  Oh, here’s my chance:  Are you a Book Booster yet?  No? I will gladly sign you up and you will enjoy the benefits of finding yourself on the page with other BBers.  No dues, no annual meetings or conferences.  I’m still working on the secret handshake.

So–thanks to all those 153 followers who’ve made this year memorable.

Oh, and WordPress?  Freshly Pressed?  I wouldn’t mind.

WordPress

WordPress (Photo credit: Adriano Gasparri)

Happy New Year and keep on Pressing,

Blue Skies,

CricketMuse

Inspire me or Alice don’t believe everything you read (or eat)


free speech 2

free speech 2 (Photo credit: dogwelder)

Write about your strongest memory of heart-pounding belly-twisting nervousness: what caused the adrenaline? Was it justified? How did you respond?

Well, that was certainly unexpected.  Have you tried out the “Inspire me” Wordpress widget?  Click “new post” and among the various menu options there is a tantalizing bright blue Alice link.  I say Alice because when she stared at the “eat me” tag, how could she resist?  Naturally I succumbed and clicked and the above prompt is what I received.

In terms of nervousness here is an interesting paradox to consider.  I’m a teacher, right?  I face anywhere from 70 to 90 teenagers a day.  Mostly I know my lesson plan and what I plan to say, yet I am not nervous.  Nope, not at all.  Talking in front of people is what I do. This is why I sometimes am faced with a request to speak at a conference or at a retreat or at an event.

“You’re a natural.”

“I laughed so hard the last time you gave the book talk.”

“We really need someone who is comfortable being in front of people.”

All these comments trap me with their fluttering flattery.  I say “yes” and wither a bit each day until the appointed time.  Why?  I have to face a hostile crowd three times a day (okay, not hostile– how about reluctant?) as I teach high school English.  However, knowing I will be speaking and people will be watching and anticipating information or entertainment revs up the flutterbys to flim flamming around as they ride the nervous elevator up and down until my heart freezes after it’s flip flopped about like the caught trout on the bottom of the boat.  I an hooked, lined, and sinkered waiting until I trod up to the podium. But you know what’s really weird?  Once I’m there it’s okay.  I do much better at spontaneous delivery. Epiphany: It’s that countdown that does me in.

Secondary epiphany: Maybe it’s speaking in front of adults that’s so daunting.  Considering they are more polite than teenagers as an audience I should be thrilled at the aspect of having such a nice captive crowd.  This could be a problem should my all-American novel get published and I have to go on a coast-to-coast speaking tour.

Anyone else get nervous about presentations?

On to business, get off the rabbit trail. A couple of days ago Mary of MaryMeddlemore nominated me for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award and now it’s time to pass it on to other blogs that I find inspiring:
1.  http://mustardseedbudget.wordpress.com/ Speaking out about things of faith and importance

2. http://sethsnap.com/about/ Fabulous photography

3. http://bookpolygamist.wordpress.com Caters to my weakness for words

4. http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/a-glimpse-onto-my-real-life-with-instagram/ She is a rock star among bloggers–great blog, great success and to think she stops by and visits my posts now and then *wow*

5. http://thebettermanprojects.com/2012/12/21/day-369-my-life/ A most amazing motivational blog

6. http://mikeallegra.com/a-bit-of-bio/ Recently published his first children’s book and that is very inspiring to me

7. http://makesomethingmondays.wordpress.com/2012/12/14/ How does she come up with all those ideas?

 

Usually I don’t bend the rules (I’ve earned quite the reputation for being quite the policy stickler, in fact), yet I’ve got this Agatha Christie I’m needing to finish so I can go on to my next book in th bag. So instead of 15 blogs I’ve shouted out 7 which means instead of 7 facts I’ve done 3 (they are hidden in this paragraph.

Enjoy your holidays one and all!

Blue Skies,

CricketMuse

Fully and Truly


christmas paint

christmas paint (Photo credit: cassie_bedfordgolf)

 

It has been a full week and there is one more day to go.  Monday a snow day (yay!), vocab tests, To Kill a Mockingbird completions, giddy (if not rowdy) teens waiting for Christmas Break to begin, Professional Learning Communities, paperwork, grading, parent meetings, and I would say I am fully and truly ready for Friday to arrive.

 

And so it is ever so nice to click on the notification link and see an award nom.  Ironically, my energy being at its lowest and feeling fairly blah around the edges as I countdown minutes to Christmas Break, Mary Meddlemore nominated me for

 

 

Thanks Mary!!

 

I’m supposed to nominate 15 other inspiring blogs and provide 7 facts about myself…and now that you know how my week has been I know you will let me off the hook.  At least until the weekend?  Great.  Thanks.

 

Until I rally more energy and time I send hugs and luvs to all out there because I know I am not the only one who feels a bit bruised around the edges this week.

 

 

 

Bright Spots and Pass Alongs


When the world reveals too much darkness I tend to retreat.  I know I can’t just hide and pretend it will all go away, yet I don’t want to dwell on tragedies and troubling events.  So when the world is at its darkest I look up and out and around to find the bright spots.

Beautiful dramatic sky with sun rays  Blue Heavens Idyllic Wallpaper Broad Daylight  Stock Photo - 16019369

Whitetail doe eating with her twin fawns nearby a forest Stock Photo - 7770366
leaded glass dragonfly sticking to window with back light Stock Photo - 13175274
Sunset in autumn forest Stock Photo - 13041518
 The photo of beautiful beach and waves Stock Photo - 12003686
Cute little boy feeding ducks Stock Photo - 10488802
butterflies
readalonequote
And I escape by reading.
My love and prayers go out to those affected by the turmoil and troubles of the day.  I do encourage everyone to keep looking for the bright spots as I am reminded of Emily Dickinson who spoke of hope:

“Hope” is the thing with feathers

254
“Hope” is the thing with feathers— That perches in the soul— And sings the tune without the words— And never stops—at all—
And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard— And sore must be the storm— That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm—
I’ve heard it in the chillest land— And on the strangest Sea— Yet, never, in Extremity, It asked a crumb—of Me

Jane Eyrror


Disclaimer: my commentary (not to be confused with a diatribe) is by in no means a diss upon those authors who have achieved success in their ability to appease the hunger of a ready populace for further forays of their favorite literary characters. I applaud publication success, even though I may not applaud the content.

The Janes of my reading life have left me wanting.  Wanting more that is.  Having read through Jane Austen and desiring more of Jane Eyre, I have continued to found solace in the many continuations that are currently available.

As we all know, there truly is no satisfying replacement for the original.  However, when you crave a Godiva and only Hershey, sometimes you are willing to settle for less when the best is no longer available.  In my Search for More Jane (not a book title, but wouldn’t it be a fun one?) I have scoured my GoodReads lists to find plausible reads.  I attempted several titles and grew weary in my searches for a true Elizabeth and company.  Only JA knew Elizabeth best. Besieged by the plethora of Pride and Prejudice knock-offs, I have turned to other novels of classic inspiration.  Jane Eyre is one such hopeful.

I dutifully read Wide Saragossa Sea since it ranked a place on the AP Suggested Reading List. Touted as the prequel to Jane Eyre and hailed as a classic, I braved through the novel ever hopeful it would answer those nagging questions of how Edward Rochester became smitten and taken in by Bertha.  The novel turned out to be more of a stand alone than a companion read.

I then chanced upon Death of a Schoolgirl  by Joanna Campbell Slan at my local library on the new releases shelf.  Seeing it featured Jane Eyre in her married state of Mrs. Rochester I quickly plunked it into by book bag.  Overall, I enjoyed this as a weekend read with its premise that Jane’s curiosity and tenacity makes her a rival to Miss Marple in sleuthing skills. A fun read, granted, it offered only a shadow in terms of the depth of Jane.

image: amazon.com

 

I then remembered reading a book review about a contemporary version of Jane Eyre.  Setting the intrepid ET upon the search, she found Jane by April Linder. I too checked it out.  Here is the catalog summary:

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance.

Book Jacket for: Jane

image: amazon.com

I read it anyway.

No, Jane had not been what I had originally been looking for, and fortunately I found the lost review buried under my get-to-it-someday stack.  The Flight of Gemma Hardy, proved a much better replacement crave read and definitely proved the glowing review it received.

image: amazon.com

Set in Iceland and Scotland in the fifties and sixties, Gemma Hardy’s life parallels that of Jane Eyre’s in travail and hardships.  Gemma is a young woman who becomes an au pair for the precocious niece of a Mr.Sinclair, who infrequently visits his Scottish home.  Gemma’s journey and subsequent flight adequately pays tribute to that of Jane Eyre’s, yet manages to be a distinctive and well-written plot twist of its own merit.  I reluctantly finished Livesey tribute novel, quite satisfied with having found a glimpse of Jane through Gemma.  I am looking forward to discovering her other works.

Sometimes the best way to find a continuation of a familiar voice is to discover a new acquaintance.

Conclusion: There is real no “eyrror” in finding replacement reads for Jane; it’s only a matter of discernment.

 

R and R. Mmmhmmm


The "gravedigger scene" The Gravedig...

The “gravedigger scene” The Gravedigger Scene: Hamlet 5.1.1–205. (Artist: Eugène Delacroix 1839) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

After a couple of tough weeks of school there is nothing like a weekend getaway.  Grabbed a few foodstuffs, a couple of changes of clothes, and of course, school work.  But hey, at least I’d be doing lesson plans in a change of scenery.

 

First thing I did was nap.  Then I grabbed my Hamlet homework and dug in.  Even though I’ve taught Hamlet for the last three years, and really, really like the play, I know I have to up my game since I am know teaching it ala AP.  Deeper, richer, more insights–get some questions (try to know the answers).  I was delighted to find that my iPhone internet connection functioned which meant I didn’t have to pay the WiFi fee.  Heck, I didn’t even use my laptop this weekend.

 

I all kinds of Hamlet helps on the Internet.  One especially helpful site was called Shakespeare Navigators.  I drained my iPhone battery working the site so much and had to drive around to charge it up.  Gave me an excuse to go down to the Safeway (a good 40 minute drive) to stock up on essentials like Peppermint Bark Haagen Daz.  You know Christmas is around the corner when the Peppermint Bark comes out.  Fortunately MEPA met up with me on Saturday and brought my charger.  Whew.  A good personal assistant is more valuable than all the Haagen Daz in the freezer.

 

I tried to NaNo while R and R-ing and managed to get the posts up.  I didn’t manage to update my word count until I got home and looking at my statistics and posting three days worth of word count bloated my chart slightly.

 

Your Average Per Day: 1,934
Words Written Today: 4,967
Total Words Written: 34,827
Words Remaining: 15,173
At This Rate You Will Finish On: November 25, 2012
Words Per Day To Finish On Time: 1,168
There is no truth to the stat I wrote nearly 5,000 today.  Nope, didn’t happen.  I do like seeing I might finish early.  That would call for more Peppermint Bark.

 

 

 

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