Pam Webb

a writer's journey as a reader

Archive for the category “Writing”

01 Jan 2015
21 Comments

33 in 2015: a love story


Marriage is like a long-playing record–a bit of static, some scratches, a couple of skips now and then, but overall the music compensates for the irregularities that occur. image: bunko/morguefile

 

33 years ago, my hubs, whom I affectionately designate as MEPA (most excellent personal assistant) and I, stood on a slip of beach in the calm of a January storm and exchanged vows. I was 25 and he 36.

Neither one of us thought marriage when we first met. Both of us, tired of the dating game and relationships gone wrong, thought it satisfying to have a working relationship. You see, I hired him to help me remodel the little shop I had decided to set up my balloon bouquet delivery service. The landlord had cut me a deal: remodel the store–I provide labor and he provide material. I gained six months free rent from that little agreement. I signed the line and upon recommendation, hired the cute guy sporting the fu manchu and curly hair who worked at the local hardware store. Auburn gingers are a weak spot.

The first night of work involved sheet-rocking the ceiling. It took the two of us, my entire repartee of elephant jokes, and about five hours to finish the job. I paid him the agreed sum of $65 and threw in a deli sandwich.
We met in October. I proposed two weeks after meeting him and we eloped 56 days later. I thought getting married January first would be a significant way to start our new life together. Too broke to afford a reception or honeymoon, we found a pizza place open and had the place to ourselves.


Last night we celebrated our anniversary with dinner at a new restaurant and the owners sent over a delicious complimentary slice of key lime pie. The evening was topped by watching Anything Goes with Donald O’Conner and Bing Crosby. The Cole Porter score fits the general theme of our marriage: a bit whirlwind and somewhat lyrical.
We are opposite in tastes, strongly singular in outlook, and much more mellow than we used to be.
33 used to be a LP record designated for long playing–yup, just like it should be for marriage.
Happy New Year!!

Posted in America, celebrations, Family, Reflections, Writing and tagged , , ,
30 Dec 2014
10 Comments

Blog Spotlight: Reading with Rhythm


As a professed Book Booster I have a definite soft spot for a blog that promotes books. The added bonus of Reading with Rhythm is that this is all about a dog dedicated to sharing the love of books with children through visits at schools and libraries. This gets double Shazam points!
Just who is Rhythm and why is this dog so besotted with books? Rhythm’s story is quite interesting. She first trained to become a guide dog, but like some first pick careers, things didn’t go according to plan. However, her second career is just as special and important, because she is enriching many lives now that she is a registered therapy canine. To read more about her career change, read this post.

Rhythm’s Mom Person keeps readers updated with books of note, along with keeping readers entertained with the various adventures she and Rhythm’s family and extended network of pals enjoy and experience.

Rhythm also is the star of her own book! Now that’s something to brag and wag about.

book

Image: Amazon Books

Rhythm and her Mom Person provide a lively and light-hearted perspective to life and life with books. Hoping you’ll stop by and extend your paw of approval for this lovable labrador’s love of reading.

Posted in Animals, Blogging, Libraries, Reading, reviews, Writing and tagged , ,
27 Dec 2014
20 Comments

Winter Wondering Land


Our region is experiencing the strangest winter. Usually the first snow hits around Thanksgiving and keeps increasing until even the snow aficionados are satisfied. Not this year. No snow outside. Nada. Nuttin. It felt more like Easter service than Advent Sunday service stepping outside of church recently. Sunny skies, a light, yet chillish breeze, a hint of better weather around the corner. I am not complaining. Not at all.

My idea of winter. See that touch of touch way up on the mountain? image: morguefile

Originally I grew up in the wet Northwest and snow at Christmas was an unexpected bonus. I even participated in the usual winter sports of skiing, skating, and sledding. I moved away and traded the dreary rainy winters for snowy ones. Change of pace? No, temporary insanity. Snow is definitely for the younger crowd. Growing older, having to deal with snow as an adult, the fun factor gets zipped out when one must zip into the expense of snow tires, the heave ho of shoveling snow, and surviving the tedium of four months of various shades and stages of this winter wonder as it passes from winter wonderland to icky icy mess.
Yet, Christmas is a bit more special with the lacings of snow. I’ll concede that point. Look at all those Christmas movies that require snow as part of their plot.
So, out of curiosity I hope you take my snow poll:
Show of hands, please…
“Bring on the snow!”
“No way, no snow.”
“Snow in the mountains only, thanks.”

Posted in Reflections, Seasons, Uncategorized, Writing and tagged , , ,
22 Dec 2014
12 Comments

Bookish Boosterings: Perfect Gifts


When it comes to pondering presents it becomes clear books are pretty much perfect.
1. There is something for everyone. Pick a subject, any subject–there’s a book out there waiting to be read.
2. Size is never a problem. Books come in all sizes, all shapes–one size can, in fact, fit all.
3. No assembly required. Simply turn page and open mind. Batteries not included and not necessary.
4. It’s fun shopping for them. Have you noticed how relatively calm bookstores are, at least compared to other stores? Everyone is quietly selecting, contemplating, reflecting–aah. No carts to maneuver around either.
5. Obviously used can be considered a bonus factor. Books carry the distinguishing aspect of appreciative value if previously owned, such as first editions, special issues, heirloom copies. Regifting a book means passing on the enjoyment baton.
6. There’s a type for every perference: paper, audio, e-reader–no problem.
7. Ease of presentation. Books are incredibly easy to wrap and always look so tidy and inviting with their linearliness.
8. They wear well over the years. Slip them on the shelve with an occasional dust and they remain good as new ever so long.
8. As a present, they have presence. When sharing with others what presents were received? Books get that nod of approval.
9. They are undemanding. No watering, no washing, no renewing, no parts to replace. Perfect.
10. Best of all, they are non-fattening and non-allergenic.

Like I said–perfect gifts. And not just for Christmas.

As the kinder arrive, and we enjoy a house full of family for the holidays, I wish everyone the joy, wonder and blessings of this joyous season!

Posted in Writing
19 Dec 2014
3 Comments

Breaking Out


December 19th is a happy day for several reasons:
1. Christmas Break begins as soon as I turn the key on my classroom door.
2. I’m invited to the library staff Christmas party (being a trustee has it’s perks)
3. The next time I enter my classroom it’ll be a new year, meaning we’ve turned the corner and we’ll be heading towards June graduation.
4. Because the 20th is when our very own kinder plus the wunderkind begin arriving for Christmas.
5. I will not be grading papers and don’t have to create lesson plans, although I might fuss and dabble with the ones I have ready to go for January.
6. My room is prepped ready to be painted over break, transforming it from bowl-of-oatmeal-blah-grayish taint to contemporary calming tan and teal.
7. I anticipate two weeks of napping, reading, exercising, visiting, snacking, writing, celebrating a joyous season, and overall relaxing.

I’m contemplating some serious Shakespeare reading–I have a mungo long TBR list of background bio books on the Bard. I’ve a hankering to write a middle grade novel about Wm. Shakespeare, something that will fetch up some interest in him prior to forced readings of his plays in middle school and high school–something that will pique their interest. To go where no author has gone before with the Bard. I know, that’s a tall order for two weeks.

I’m also considering revisiting former reads such The Hobbit and then watch the film adaptation.

I might also start a series I’ve never encountered before. Mystery? Adventure? Sci-fi? Historical? So many options. Any suggestions?

Of course, I could do a thorough scrubbing of my writing and edit and revise and market and well, that sounds an awful like work and aren’t I supposed to be relaxing?
Whatever I decide to do, I want you all to know I appreciate your comments, views, likes, and follows. I hope to end out the year with 25,000 views and a 1000 followers.

Happy joyful season of friends, family, feasting, and most of all, thanks for the Star of Bethlehem.

Posted in America, celebrations, holidays, Reflections, Teachers, Writing and tagged , , , ,
08 Dec 2014
14 Comments

Romeo, Romeo. Wherefore art my balcony?


As a professed Bardinator, I must admit my dismay upon learning some shocking information concerning Shakespeare’s most famous scene from Romeo and Juliet–perchance there was no actual balcony in the balcony scene. I will give you a moment to recover. Basically, this:

Balcony_Scene

image: education portal presents the traditional view

 

is what we have grown accustomed to over our years of study and admiration of this endearing romantic tale of woe, that of Juliet and her Romeo. However, according to The Atlantic, this is more in align to actuality:

image: rapgenius.com presents as Shakespeare liked it

that Juliet, like most Italian girls of her time period, lived protected behind the walls of her father’s villa. Traipsing about on balconies wouldn’t have happened. For one thing, Shakespeare didn’t know what a balcony happened to be, because no balconies existed in England when he wrote R&J.  From the article:

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest known use in English of the word “balcone” (as it was then spelled) didn’t occur until 1618, two years after Shakespeare died. Even the concept of a balcony was (literally) foreign to Shakespeare’s British contemporaries.

Why then, do we associate a balcony with our two tragic lovers? Blame it on Thomas Otway, who heavily borrowed  from Shakespeare’s play for his own 1679 play, The History and Fall of Caius Marius. Otway places his lovers on a balcony, a known bit or architecture adornment by then, and somehow over the years when Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet returned to public favor–yes *gasp* it wasn’t always popular, the audience simply filled in the gap and placed Juliet on her own balcony.

You don’t believe me? Here, check out why Sparknotes did with the scene. They have  perpetuated the mistaken notation of balcony traipsing versus window leaning. As for me, I go with the balcony. Window leaning just doesn’t cut it for romance. What do you think?

 

Posted in Literature, Reflections, writers, Writing and tagged , , , ,
05 Dec 2014
11 Comments

Why We Say #12


Continuing on with our foray into unveiling the meaning behind those idioms we know (or not know) so well…

 

Jimmy Cagney voice: “You’ll never take me alive, copper.”

Gotta love those vintage gangster movies. Tommy guns blazing, trench coats, peroxide gun molls, and the dedicated police officers. “Copper” or “cop” an Americanism for police officers, actually owes it origins to London. Police uniforms of London’s finest were once adorned with large copper buttons–I wonder are they still?

I’m looking to get a cord of wood to bolster against winter’s chill. Red fir is the preferred wood by the MEPA’s standards and it has to be cut an irregular 14″ due to our small stove. Wait–what exactly is a cord? At one time a cord or string was used to measure a stack of wood to make it equal _____ feet long, _____ feet wide, and ______ feet deep. Got the answers? Try 8, 4, 4.

However, I still have to round up the wood before I can measure and it might be a wee late in the season to secure my snap, crackle, and poppers for the long winter nights. Presto logs just don’t lend the same ambiance.

Now, this is what I call combining a bit of fun with a full day’s work. Image: http://www.lumberjocks.com

“Oh, don’t give me those crocodile tears. You’re not really hurt.”

Crocodile tears–fake crying–insincere remorse–hypocritical sadness. We attribute that empty crying to being as empty as crocodiles shedding tears as they chomp down their victims. Wait–do crocodiles really cry? Apparently it’s been witnessed that these primitive reptilian cry when they are snacking? Try out this link. It’s more complicated than my little Why We Say book explained. Crocodile tears do make for some great social commentary:

http://www.frustratedteacher.com

image:kmuw.org

 

 

image: http://robertariail.com/2012/05/16/crocodile-tears/

Posted in Expressions, Reflections, Words, Writing and tagged , , , , ,
01 Dec 2014
14 Comments

Wish Me Well…


A couple of years ago I participated in NaNoWriMo and even have a manuscript and certificate to prove it. Day Two

Considering it took about two years to untangle the 1,600 words I wrote everyday for 30 days, I decided to pass on attempting NaNo this year. Instead, I entered the New Look Writing Contest sponsored by WestBow Publishing (connected to Thomas Nelson/Zondervan/Harper Collins).  The specifics couldn’t be resisted: at least 10,000 words, inspirational or positive message, YA acceptable, and it’s FREE to enter. Plus, the winner package had quite a few attractive options including publishing packages. I’m in. I have to admit I squeaked in under the deadline of 11/30 by submitting my manuscript on 11/29.

I hope to have good news to share with everyone!

Posted in Books, creativity, Writing and tagged , , , ,
29 Nov 2014
6 Comments

Blog Spotlight: Jilanne Hoffman


Jilanne would have received my recent pick of nominating a blogger for One Lovely Blog, yet she has one already. In fact, she has a bunch of awards–well deserved, I might add.
Upon visiting her site you have to stop a moment and decide what to visit first. Her book reviews? Her writing challenges? Her impressive bio? I especially like her Picture Book Friday entries because there will always be a place on my reading list for picture books. She is definitely a book promoter–not just picture books. A definite Kindred Spirit for Book Boosters out there.

Jilanne also provides readers with unique stories (check out her O ring entry). You will not be bored, that’s for sure, with so many options to select. And that’s what makes her site so diversely interesting.

I also get a kick out of her friendly mutual pokes and swipes with Mike Allegra. In fact, I think that’s how I connected with her, through his site. You really do meet up with the nicest people on WordPress.
So I hope you check out Jilianne’s blog and enjoy your visit, I know you’ll find something of interest there.

Posted in Blogging, Books, Reflections, writers, Writing and tagged , , ,
12 Nov 2014
23 Comments

It’s So Lovely


I do so enjoy serendipity finds, those unexpected moments of joyful surprise. The other day as I was scrolling through my notifications I discovered Megan of Make Something Mondays. provided one such moment, by nominating me for the One Lovely Blog Award. Having just finished a long week of parent-teacher conferences and staff meetings, this proved to be just the pick me up needed.

For once I’ll try not to scribble outside the lines in the midst of the procedure.
So, thanks, Megan who can be found at Make Something Mondays

The Rules:
1. Thank the person who nominated you and include a link to their blog in your post [check]
2. List the rules and display the award logo [check]
3. Include seven facts about yourself [check]
4. Nominate ten others and let them know you’ve nominated them [working on…]

Seven Facts About Me:
1. I am a librarian at heart who teaches high school English
2. Absolutely crave light–I have two Happy Lights to survive winter
3. Walking is preferred form of exercise, unless turning pages in a book counts
4. Resisting dark chocolate is tragically pointless for me
5. Soggy cereal is worse than creamed corn in my opinion
6. The Dick Van Dyke show of the sixties is still my all-time favorite TV show
7. I tan walking to the mailbox–is that bragging or a fact?
I nominate the following for also having lovely blogs:
1. Reading with Rhythm–a dog who promotes reading is irresistible
2. Mike Allegra--well, he isn’t lovely but he is lovable
3. Paperback Princess–a definite Book Booster
4. The Room Mom--a cheery, update blog about being a parent/teacher
5. Friendly BookWorm–another wonderful Book Booster
6. Writer Side Up--always lovely to have such an enthusiastic blogger about
7. Sorry, I’m Booked–yup, another Book Booster
8. A Writer’s Life for Me--I do appreciate another writer
9. Mustard Seed Budget–providing thoughtful uplifting messages
10. Eagle-Eyed Editor–one of my first blogging buddies

Wait–only ten?

Drat…

You do know you are ALL lovely, right?

Thanks for stopping by and please visit the others–you won’t be disappointed.

Blue Skies,

Cricket Muse

Posted in Awards, Blogging, Writing and tagged , ,

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