Requiem for a Car

I haven't been around much lately. Mostly, because I spent the entirety of the weekend laying siege to my unruly yard (and winning). But also because I've been dealing with my car.

My car, a Honda Civic, is seventeen years old. It has almost 200,000 kilometers on it and I've been driving it since I was fifteen. I bought it from my parents when I was twenty and it's been my vessel to freedom ever since. It's always been an incredibly reliable car. It's gone through countless winters of -50 degrees Celsius without ever being plugged in and it's always started without a problem. It's crazy efficient on gas, eliciting moans of envy whenever I brag to people that I fill it up only once every two weeks. My car and I, we've had some good times together. I swear it can understand me, I've had more conversations with it than I can count. Most of them have involved me begging it to stop as we slid towards an intersection in the winter, but you know what? It always stopped.

But recently, my car has started to show its age. There's rust in a few places, and the battery has long since lost its will to amaze. The oil is always dirty and I'm no longer confident taking it on the highway. I was okay with all of this, I didn't mind treating my old girl to the long way around, to giving her extra long to warm up in the winter, or the fact that the AC stopped working. I didn't mind any of it, because she was still reliable. Sadly, that's changed.

Several weeks ago, my car started making horrible noises when I tried to start it, prompting me to bring it in for a full tune up. Over $1250 later, I was assured that my car still had many more kilometers ahead of her. Until less than a week later when there was a strange rattle and every time I braked my car screamed and jerked like it was being tortured. So, I brought my baby in again. As it turned out, they'd used the wrong caliper installing my new brake pads. (Don't ask me what a caliper is, I have absolutely no idea. In my head it's a metal caterpillar that lives in my brakes). Okay, no big deal, mistakes happen. Until a few weeks later when my oil light came on and my engine would rev at random when I put it in park. So, I checked the oil. They put WAY too much oil in my car. (I'm guessing they had someone new working on my car). So, I brought it in again. They took some oil out and handed me the keys. Finally, all should be well. Until a few days later, when I was driving and the engine light turned on. I drove straight to the mechanic's and by the time I made it there smoke was pouring out from under the hood of my car. I was terrified to say the least.

My car is in the shop as we speak, and I'm not especially pleased with my mechanic. I realize that this last event probably (I use the term loosely) isn't their fault, but I admit that I trust them about as far as I can throw them at this point. This is their last chance with my car before I find somewhere new. I realize that my car is old, and does not have long for this Earth. And so, I'm writing this for my car. You've served me well, beloved source of transportation. If you could possibly find it in your heart to serve me for just another year or two, I would be forever grateful (I just can't afford to replace you yet), but if you can't, I'll understand. You've been a great car.

Yard Work

I know I should have posted a lot sooner, put some time and effort into it, but all my time and effort was invested in my front yard today. I was up early this morning to go grocery shopping (my cupboards were EMPTY), and aside from walking the dog, the rest of my day was spent in my yard.

This year (same as every year) I've vowed to not be "that neighbour". I will not be the neighbour whose grass grows knee high before they cut it. I will not be the neighbour whose flower beds contain only the flowers of infesting weeds. I will not be the neighbour who never remembers to water her lawn, so while the weeds flourish, the grass is half dead and brown. This year will be different.

I've said this every single year since we bought our house, and every year I fail. But THIS year, I won't. I promise. And so far, I'm putting in the time to prove it. The garden patches I plan on keeping are all weeded and mostly planted. I'm turning the other ones into lawn to reduce maintenance. Tomorrow promises to be another full day of gardening, but I have to admit, I've been enjoying it. Last weekend it poured the entire time, and I found myself looking forward to work on Monday. I was so bored. But this weekend I've been loving it all. I can't wait to get back out there tomorrow. Yes, so far I'm doing great. Fingers crossed I don't peter out by the middle of summer. I tend to do that.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Sombrero

Welcome to Five Sentence Fiction Friday! This week's prompt from Lillie McFerrin's awesome website, Lillie McFerrin Writes, is Sombrero. I will admit, this one stumped me for a bit. I saw it and thought, "sombrero? How am I supposed to turn that into Five Sentence Fiction?". Well, it's time to see if I could do it. This is my attempt below. Enjoy!

"So, what do you think?" He wiggled his eyebrows at her playfully.
She couldn't help but laugh at the sight of him in the giant, multi-coloured sombrero, a mexican fiesta all laid out on the table behind him. The God-awful ugliness of her day melted away as she pulled off his sombrero, placed it on her head and stood on tiptoe to give him a kiss.
"It's perfect," she whispered.

There we have it! Just in time for the weekend. If you'd like to read my other attempts at Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below. As always I welcome you to leave your comments below in the comments section. If you've enjoyed this post, please feel free to follow this blog (it makes me exceptionally happy when you do) or follow me on twitter @MelanieKCole. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Candy
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Explosive
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Wicked
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Armor
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Tears

Interview with Freelancer and Author Extraordinaire: Amy Jo Ehman

It gives me great pleasure to share with you a short interview I did with the very talented writer and journalist, Amy Jo Ehman. She was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule and answer my questions about freelancing. I highly encourage you to check out her website http://www.prairiefeast.com/ and her blog Home for Dinner. Enjoy!

After receiving a degree in journalism, Amy Jo Ehman worked at the Ottawa Citizen, Saskatoon Star Phoenix and CBC radio/TV before establishing a freelance career. She currently works from home in Saskatoon. She writes a food column (Home for Dinner) as well as reviews restaurants in a weekly feature called Taste Saskatoon in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix and freelances to various media. Most recently, she filed articles to Zoomer, Nuvo, Alberta Venture, and Prairies North, and filed radio documentaries to CBC and NPR. Her book, Prairie Feast, A Writer's Journey Home for Dinner won the Saskatchewan Book Award and was shortlisted for a Cuisine Canada book award. It's available at bookstores and online at http://www.amazon.ca./


1. What attracted you to freelancing?

I worked in newsrooms for many years (newspaper, radio and TV) but I always had in the back of my mind that I would like to freelance one day. I was attracted to the freedom of working from home on projects of my choosing. As in anything, there are pros and cons, but for me, the pros far outweigh the cons.


2. In your experience, what have you found to be the Pros and Cons?

Pros:
- I don't wake up to an alarm clock
- Cheap coffee
- I can take time off whenever I want
- Interesting and varied writing projects
- Time to pursue personal interests, such writing a book
- I don't wear makeup to work (a relief to a former TV reporter!)

Cons:
- I took a significant cut in pay
- No benefits or paid vacations
- Workload ebbs and flows through the year

3. Have you found it difficult to make a living as a freelancer? What are your tips and tricks?

When I started freelancing, I wasn't sure I could make a living at it. My husband told me to try it for six months, and if it wasn't working out, I could find another job. That was more than ten years ago. In order to make a living, I have several projects on the go at all times. I'm constantly researching and pitching new story ideas. It's also important to have my personal finances in order so that I'm not relying on a set figure per month. Freelancing can be feast or famine, but I always have a personal project to turn to in the "down" times. For example, my food blog Home for Dinner. I also used my "free" time to write my first book, and now I'm researching a second book.

4. What can new writers expect should they choose a career in freelancing?

I started freelancing after working in the media for several years, so I had a number of contacts already in place before I set out on my own. That was a great base on which to start. Beginning freelancers may find it hard to open those doors. However, persistence and good story ideas will open the doors eventually. Very few freelance writers make "big bucks" so you should expect to trade some aspects of a consumer lifestyle for the freedom that freelancing brings.

5. What advice would you give to these budding writers?

Turn to personal contacts and referrals at the start. Pitch to media that you know well, with subjects that you know well, so that you can position yourself as the right person for the right idea. Put significant effort into your pitch letters and always maintain a professional tone, even in emails. Always strive to meet and exceed the editor's expectations. Never miss a deadline. Be a strong self-editor. Practice the simple skills of communication and negotiation so that you can manage your freelance career as a competent business professional.

Great advice from a great person. Thanks again, Amy! If you'd like to find out more about Amy Jo Ehman's blog or her book, check out the links provided at the top. Your comments are always welcome, so if you have any thought on freelancing or have any of your own tips, trick or cautions you'd like to share, please do so below in the comments section.

And The Liebster Goes To...

Me! I have been nominated for a Liebster Blog Award by Sarah Nego Writes for my work in finishing the April Platform Building Challenge! I was so shocked and delighted when I saw it there in the comments, but also a little confused as I'd never heard of it before.

Basically, the Liebster is a kind of pass on the love award. It's awarded to small blogs (under 200 followers) for being awesome in some special way. It comes with a few rules, of course. Once you've been nominated, you thank the person who nominated you by linking back to them (which I've done above). Next, you nominate up to 5 blogs with less than 200 followers that you feel are worth celebrating. Naturally, you let them know they're nominated, by leaving a comment on one of their blog posts. And tah-dah! The love has been passed on! It's a great way to get the word out about great undiscovered blogs out there.

So, here goes. These are my nominees for the Liebster Blog Award. (A little throat clearing, followed by a drum roll).

Ruth Long - Bullish Ink - Utterly charming and creative, I love taking a wander on this beautiful site.
Claudine Jaboro - Fiction, Family and Science - A mix of the personal and the scientific, you'll be fascinated and entertained.
Shelly VanBinsbergen - The VanBinsbergens - The captivating stories of a very brave woman who moved her family to Africa for one year. Their journey started in February, it's not too late to catch up and follow along!
Lillie McFerrin - Lillie McFerrin Writes - The genius behind Five Sentence Fiction.

Please go and check out these sites, they're absolutely wonderful!

When They Unfollow

Over the past week, I've had five people unfollow me on twitter. It's a natural part of twitter and platform building. Some people only follow you to get a follow back, and when you don't they promptly unfollow you. This doesn't really bother me. I want people to follow me because they find me entertaining or because they're looking to connect and socialize over mutual interests. These are the people I follow back, people with similar interests I want to get to know better.

The ones that hurt are the ones who unfollow because they find you boring, irrelevant or disagreeable. This is to be expected, you can't please everyone. It's better to just be yourself and if people don't like it, then so be it. But it's still hard not to feel a little stung. I (like most people, I think) just want to be liked. The reality that not everyone is going to like you is a hard pill to swallow.

Back in my retail days, there was a fellow coworker that just didn't like me. She wasn't overtly cruel or aggressive, but it wasn't hard to see that she wasn't fond of me. She was confrontational, always disagreeable and at every turn, condescending. She never included me in staffroom discussions and generally just gave off a judgmental, high school type mean girl vibe.

To be fair, I wasn't overly fond of her either. Her emotionally stunted, high school-esque attitude was grating, and her ego was unbearable. At one point, I remember her looking at me, completely serious, and saying that she could "pull off anything". I smiled and nodded, despite the voice in my head chanting, "no you can't! I've seen you in skinny jeans and leopard print!" Nor did it help that she was always muffin topping pretty bad. But mostly, I didn't like her because she didn't like me. I was insulted by her general attitude that I should earn her friendship.

What flabbergasted me - and still does - was how everyone else just seemed to adore her, including one of my favourite coworkers. I'd immediately adored her for her sweetness and goodwill, and yet, she loved this other self important girl, and what was more, she liked her a lot more than me.

At the end of the day, it was one of the reasons I left the job. Working in a store full of women did not do wonders for my self esteem and I picked up the broken pieces of myself and moved on. But it taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes there's no rhyme or reason for who people will like and who they won't. There's no point in taking it personally.

I don't kid myself that I'm different or more special than anyone else. I'm just working towards a dream. I'm trying to build a successful writing career. With that comes platform building. And with both it's always two steps forward, one step back. But you have to keep moving forward, no matter how frustrating. Without it you're just standing still.

It's hard to put yourself out there and open yourself up to the criticism and judgment of others. It will always sting when people decide you aren't for them, but remember, for every five people that don't like you, there's someone that really will. And if I touch or entertain just one person, it'll all be worth it.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Candy

Welcome one and all to a very special Five Sentence Fiction Friday. This week's prompt on Lillie McFerrin's Website (click the link to find out how you can join in the fun) is Candy. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I could write about candy all day long. It's one of my truest loves. So I was very excited to have a crack at it for Five Sentence Fiction. Below is my take. I hope you enjoy it!

Ooey, gooey toffee, soft, fluffy marshmallow and crisp, fresh peppermint; my hands were undiscerning as they pulled and tugged at the charming candy house. The angry rumble of my stomach quieted as I filled it with treats, licking my fingertips as I reached out for more.
"Poor, hungry child, come inside where the best candies are."
The wrinkled old woman stuck her white feathered head out the window, waving me inside. Still hungry, I did as I was told, despite the echoes in my head telling me I should never take candy from strangers.

So, what do you think? Did I make you hungry? I hope so, cause every time I think of soft, fluffy marchmallows my mouth waters. If you'd like to read my other attempts at Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below. You are more than welcome to follow this blog, as well as myself on twitter @MelanieKCole. Have a great weekend everyone!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Explosive
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Wicked
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Armor
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Tears

Time for a Tune Up

The pungent smell of rubber
The hideous whir and buzz of machinery
The sharp pokes and scrapes of metal tools
The toe clenching sound of those previously mentioned metal tools

Does it sound familiar? Can you guess where I was today? Yes, that's right. The dentist. I went to the dentist this afternoon for another semi-annual cleaning. And in two weeks I'll be visiting him again for two fillings. And tomorrow, I'm going to the doctor for a physical. I feel like a car going in for a tune up.

I won't lie to you. I'm one of the many, many people out there that hate going to the dentist. And it's not because my dentist is mean or cruel (he actually reminds me a lot of Mr. Rogers), or because the dental hygienists responsible for the cleaning are rude or rough. They're not. They're very pleasant and thoughtful. I go to a lovely dentist office. Even the receptionists are nice.

No, what I hate about the dentist office is the sensorial displeasure. I can't stand the sound of the metal tools on my teeth, the feel of the scraping and picking as they work. I have to close my eyes and concentrate on breathing so I don't tap out and running screaming from the office. The smell of the rubber gloves is nauseating, I hate the way they dry out my lips and leave their taste in my mouth. And the gritty, sand in the teeth feel of the polish has me white knuckling the arms of the chair, refusing to swallow for fear that I'll taste it. I require endless amounts of rinsing and I still swear I can feel the grittiness every time I clench my teeth.

Unfortunately, the dentist is an unavoidable part of life. As much as I hate it, the alternative is far worse. Any time I see someone with rotten or stained teeth, I store the image in my head for when I'm in the dentist's chair. One day (God willing) there will be a book out there with a picture of me on the back. And I want to have a nice (albeit slightly crooked) smile. So really, I do all this for you, beloved readers. Every six months I force myself into that chair and sit nicely through it all just for you. You're welcome. In return, I expect you to (one day) buy my book. I think that's fair.

The End of the April Platform Challenge

I've been putting off writing this blog post all day. Maybe, because I don't really want the April Platform Building Challenge to end. Or possibly because I had a very long and busy nine and a half hour work day and all I really want to do is sit on the couch and eat ice cream. (It's mostly the latter). But, I thought it was a good idea to take a moment and ruminate on the past thirty days and all I've learned.

It's been a busy month, but a really great one. Thanks to Erin Morgenstern and the Platform Building Challenge, I've gained several new followers to this blog, reached the triple digits in followers for my twitter account, and connected with a great community of aspiring writers. Some of the challenges were hard, they pushed me out of my comfort zone. I didn't enjoy signing up for LinkedIn or Google +, but I've really enjoyed setting up my new account on Goodreads. I never realized it could be such a great tool for keeping track of all the books I've read, and all the ones I want to read.

I've learned that it's important to break out of my shell and connect with other writers. I'm kind of a hermit, so it's good for me to try to socialize. This challenge has also taught me that it's important to take myself seriously as a writer and dedicate the time to it that it deserves. I have a full time job outside of writing and often times when I'm tired or stressed, it ends up on the back burner. This challenge has taught me a lot, and I'm so glad I gave it a try.

Did you complete the April Platform Building Challenge? What did you learn? What parts of your life deserve more of your time and attention? As always, I welcome all feedback in the comments section below. Please feel free to follow this blog (I do a happy dance every time I see a new follower - you are all very much appreciated!) and myself on twitter @MelanieKCole.

The Dress

Today was an awesome day! Not only did I get up early (which never happens), I also went wedding dress shopping with my sister. And we found the dress!! I'm so excited, there's nothing more wonderful than being witness to a friend, sister or daughter finding their perfect wedding dress. I got to tell you, I'm getting so excited for her big day.

When I got married (four years ago this summer), I found myself wishing I'd done it all differently. I'd opted for the medium size wedding with the church and the big reception, and I have to admit, when it was all said and done, I wished I'd just taken the money and eloped.

I got married in the Catholic church and it was the worst experience. I'm not religious, I was mostly doing it for my parents, and they were so rigid and unwelcoming and down right horrible (the priest yelled at me until I cried the night before). I've warned everyone I've ever met since that day to avoid the Catholic church like the plague. Nothing was allowed to be done our way, they even threatened that we might not be allowed to get married there because we aren't planning on having children. Sorry, but that's none of your business.

And the whole day was rather tedious and boring. The reception was filled with people I barely knew and had to make time for, people who were friends of my husband's mother and my parents, distant relatives. I didn't get to spend much time with my husband or any of the people who mattered to me. The only things I wouldn't change about that day, are the dress and the pictures (both of which were magnificent) and immediately leaving for the honeymoon after the gift opening the next day. (Take my advice ladies, don't splurge on the wedding. Go to the court house and spend the rest on the honeymoon. WAY BETTER).

But this time, with my sister's wedding, I'm hopeful that it will be exactly what she wanted. She's keeping it small (immediate family only) and intimate. It's simple, tasteful and not over the top with all the stupid decorations and flowers. Instead, a natural setting, no stuffy church administrators, no reception hall full of strangers. And I can honestly say, she will be beautiful. (I saw the dress so I should know). I can't wait to share her special day. After all, there's nothing better than a wedding that isn't yours!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Explosive

Well everyone, it's that time again. It's Five Sentence Fiction Friday! Hooray! This is fast becoming my favourite day of the week, and not just because it's Friday. I've been loving the Five Sentence Fiction challenges, and hopefully you've been enjoying them too. This week's prompt is Explosive. This is my take below. Enjoy!

Our eyes meet just briefly. I bite my lip gently, entreating. Your hand is on the small of my back, pulling me closer. Our faces tilt towards each other - one long, sweet moment of anticipation - and we give in. It's perfect, reckless and doomed for failure, but oh what a failure it will be!

How was that? Explosive enough for you? Heh, heh, just kidding. I love how each prompt pulls me in different directions. I could probably write three or four scenarios for each one. It's all just too much fun and such a great creative exercise! If you'd like to give it a try, just visit Lillie McFerrin's website. And as always, your comments and suggestions are welcome below in the comments section. I love reading your feedback! Please feel free to follow this blog, and myself on twitter @MelanieKCole. I've included links to all my previous Five Sentence Fiction attempts, in case you'd like to peruse. Have a great weekend!
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Wicked
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Armor
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Tears

Pinterest For Writers

We all know how great Pinterest can be for collecting recipes, DIY projects and various adorable and funny pictures. But what can it do for writers? Actually, quite a bit.

Self Promotion
A lot of writers out there use Pinterest to promote their blogs, books, articles etc. Just make sure that the pictures you pin all link back to where you want them to. It also helps to choose pictures that make viewers want to click through to your blog or article. If you've blogged about renovating your basement, don't just have a picture of your finished basement. Have a banner or title on the picture that says "How to Renovate Your Basement". Give people a reason to follow the link.

Story Mapping
Believe it or not, Pinterest can be a very handy tool when it comes to mapping out your story. I know plenty of writers who have specific boards dedicated to characters and settings. When they find a picture or diagram that fits, they pin it. It helps them visualize exactly what their character likes, looks like, does, or what that setting looks likes, feels like, reminds them of. It can be a very fun tool.

Inspiration
This is what I mostly use Pinterest for. Sure, I have a recipe board and a cute animal picture board, but what I really love is my Pictures I Love board. It's my inspiration board. Whenever I'm feeling dull or uninspired, I scroll through and pick a picture that intrigues me to tell a story about. It gets my creative motor running, so to speak. Someone once told me to always keep my creative well full, by taking nature walks, visiting museums, etc. This is how I do it. There are so many amazing and inspiring images out there, and when I can't visit a museum or take a walk, they're right there where I need them.

What do you use Pinterest for? Let us know in the commments section below. Don't forget to follow this blog and myself on twitter @MelanieKCole.

Fairy House

Today, I'm going to try something a little different. This is a short story (a very short story) based on the photo below. I hope you like it, and if you don't - cut me some slack, I'm being creative. All right. Enjoy!

It was so unexpected, nestled there amidst the branches. Such a pretty, ornate little bird house, resting, not by accident (for surely it was very carefully placed), in the middle of the uninhabited wilderness.
I'd almost missed it, hidden as it was in the trees, far from the beaten path. If I hadn't had my camera raised, attempting to capture the light filtering through the branches, I never would have seen it. But I did. And so, I paused, forgetting my nature walk, and crept forward, stepping off the trail and plunging into the trees. Going further and further, until my face was only inches away from the pretty, little house.
It was perfectly quaint and ever so tiny, finished with exquisite attention to detail. There were even two colorful little chairs sitting on the tiny covered deck, as though at any moment some Lilliputian figure would plop down and put their feet up. And on the door was the tiniest little note, no bigger than the size of the fingernail on my pinky finger, with delicate, scrawling print, which read:
Back soon. Help yourself!
Next to the door sat a teeny tiny bowl of itty bitty berries, perfectly red and gleaming.
I pulled the note from the door and helped myself to one of the microscopic orbs, praying that the occupant wouldn't mind that I'd liberated their note. I tucked it carefully inside my notebook and made my way back to the trail, stopping just for a moment to place the minuscule berry on the tip of my tongue. It dissolved in an instant, soft and sweet but entirely real.
I've never told anyone about the little house in the trees, never showed anyone the tiny, handwritten note. Instead, I move every few years, before anyone can notice that I haven't aged a day.
There are some secrets that are just too complicated to explain.

An Ode to Hank Williams and Immortality

It's been a rough couple of days. My car went on the fritz Wednesday evening, and after $1200 worth of repairs, I got it back yesterday afternoon. Couple that with the fact that I woke up sick with a head cold on Friday morning, and you'll see why I'm less than pleased with this weekend. Getting sick sure will throw a wrench in all your plans. I'd hoped to catch up on laundry, clean the house and do some yard work this weekend. And instead my biggest accomplishment has been getting dressed in the morning.

I will say this though, being sick does afford me with plenty of thinking time. I've spent most of it sitting in front of the bunny cage, mindlessly petting Widget and Poppet, but I've also been thinking a lot about Hank Williams.

Who was Hank Williams? He was a country music star that died at 29 on January 1, 1953. On Thursday night I saw a production at the Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon called The Last Show of Hank Williams. It was a play/musical recreating the last show Hank Williams was supposed to do, but never showed for. He was discovered dead the next morning, the circumstances of which you can read by following the link above.

Anyway, you're probably wondering why I was still thinking about Hank Williams. Well, first of all, the show was really good. But secondly, it really got me thinking about mortality and how easily life can just slip away. I'm not a religious person, I don't know if I believe in God or in any kind of afterlife. Frankly, I sometimes find the idea of an afterlife to be terrifying. But I do believe that there are ways we'll all live forever. Maybe it's in the way our bodies eventually get recycled into new living things, or maybe it's in the things we leave behind.

All we really want to do is create something that lasts, something meaningful that people will remember. I think that's why a lot of people have kids. They are creating a legacy, putting all their love, all their passion, into something beautiful that can live on after they're gone. Hank Williams wanted to create music, songs that people would remember and listen to long after he was gone. It's part of the reason why I write. We all want to be immortal, and in a way, Hank Williams is. His songs are way before my time, but on Friday night I found myself tapping my toe and clapping along to the music. I found him in my thoughts days later. Hank Williams died tragically far too young, but he did attain his dream. Almost sixty years later, people are still singing his songs. And that's pretty amazing.

Perhaps it's just my head cold and the reduced amount of oxygen making its way to my brain, but those are the conclusions I've come to this weekend. Life can be surprisingly short. Despite the plans we make, life (and death) can always throw a wrench in them. So why not live for today, why not contribute things we can be proud of? Because no one actually knows what's waiting for us on the other side, the only thing we can be sure of is what we're leaving behind. What do you want to leave behind? I want to leave my writing, and a tombstone that says 'Buried Alive'. (Because who doesn't want to prank people long after they're gone?)

Five Sentence Fiction Friday!

Welcome one and all to yet another Five Sentence Fiction Friday! Basically, the idea is to write a story in only five sentences, based on the prompt you'll find at Lillie McFerrin's website. This week's prompt is Your Choice, which means you can choose any of the prompts she's previously given. I chose Wicked. This is my attempt below. Please enjoy!

It cost a bit more, but revenge is not something you skimp on. She turned to look at herself in the mirror, admiring the snug fit of the soft black lace. With a smile she spritzed on just a touch of perfume and nestled the camera in amongst the books on her bookshelf. 
"Tit for tat," she whispered, as the echoes of the doorbell filled the room. She turned on the camera and went to answer the door.

There you have it. What do you think? Please feel free to share comments below, as well as share links to your own five sentence fiction. Happy Friday everyone! 

Update

I thought I'd take a moment today and give you an update on what's been going on in my life lately.

For those of you still waiting for the Before and After pictures of my office, please stay tuned. I've been holding off on taking the After pictures because I've been waiting until I get the bunnies in their big cage, which may take a little while, because on the bunny front there have been some new developments. First of all, they're doing great. They are ever so slowly losing their fear that I'll eat them, and have even climbed up on my lap a few times. We still have a ways to go before they'll be giving me as much affection as they give each other, but I'm being patient. Speaking of the love they have for each other, I've actually had to put them in separate cages. I'm not entirely certain of how old they were when I got them, but around now is when they should be becoming sexually active, if they aren't already. I haven't caught them humping each other, so I'm remaining positive that my little Poppet isn't pregnant, but I decided it was better to be safe than sorry. I'm calling the vet today to get her opinion on when I should bring Widget in, and then hopefully I'll be making an appointment. Because although their cages are right next to each other, it still makes me depressed every time I go in there. I feel like the evil jailer keeping two lovebirds apart. Not my style.

I"m still loving the office job, and my writing is progressing nicely. The April Platform Building Challenge is going well and I'm feeling pretty good. Overall, things are holding steady. I've also started eating healthier and bringing my lunch to work. It's amazing how much better I feel. My husband doesn't notice a difference as much, but I really have. Apparently all it took for me to wake up in the morning is vegetables. Who knew?

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about when I refer to the office, the bunnies, or the April Platform Building Challenge, feel free to check out the links below. As always, please feel free to follow this blog, as well as myself on twitter @MelanieKCole. Your comments are always welcome!

The Big Surprise
Introducing...
Too Busy
Oh The Horror!
Office Reno Update
The Quest for a Lamp

Obstacles to Writing

What obstacles are getting in the way of your writing? What's holding you back from picking up a pen and putting your thoughts down on paper? If you want to get serious about writing, it's time to take a look at what's holding you back, and what you can do to take control.

Time
If you're the same as me, time can seem hard to come by. I have a full time job outside of writing and by the time I get home every day, I'm tired with lots of other responsibilities that need my attention. There's supper to make, a house to clean, a dog to feed and walk and two bunnies that need exercise and attention. But honestly, you have more time than you think. If you need convincing, do what Alice Kuipers suggested in this post on her website. Keep a journal of your time for a week. Write down exactly how you spend your time, all day, every day. I bet you'll find that there's some time spent on unimportant things that could be reassigned as writing time. When you start looking for it, you'll be surprised by just how much time you actually have.

Inspiration
There's a lot of time spent waiting for inspiration. But if we try to wait for inspiration to come find us, we'll never get anything done. When I have time set aside for writing but I feel as though I have nothing to write about, I write about that. No matter how you get the words going, just get them going. The more you practice, the easier it'll be to get started.

Fear
Personally, I find this to be a big one. What if no one likes my writing? What if I try and fail? What if I never publish anything? These are the ghosts that haunt me every time I sit down to write. They keep me from starting big projects, from reaching out to other professionals. What if no one takes me seriously? But before you let these questions and fears get to you, remember that you're writing for yourself first. No matter how much of a success you end up being, you'll have followed your passion. You'll have tried something new and stretched yourself in a new direction. There's really nothing to lose when it comes to writing. Your words belong on paper, even if they're just for you.

What obstacles are keeping you from meeting your own writing goals? How do you get around them? I want to hear your opinion! Please share in the comments section below.

Unplugged

Today was a good day. I spent almost the entirety of the day unplugged from TV and the internet, and I have to say, it was nice. The only reason I'm on now is to write this blog post. It's amazing what you can get done when you take a step away from technology.

Since the start of the month I've been participating in a platform building challenge, and it's been great. But I've also been incessantly plugged into social media sites and it's amazing how quickly it can become redundant. For instance, today's challenge was to start a Google+ account. I wasn't pleased about this one, I'm not a big fan of Google, and I'm starting to feel as though I'm spreading myself too thin. Would it not be better to concentrate on making a big impact on small number of social media outlets, than a small one on a great number of them? Despite my personal feelings, I'm trying to keep an open mind. I'll decide which I'll keep and which I'll get rid of at the end. But it was frustrating enough to get me to put my computer away for the afternoon.

And when I did, I discovered something amazing. I could get a lot done in a day. I ran errands, did yard work, visited my sister, went to the farmers market, cleaned my house and walked the dog. And I feel great! I'm not suggesting that I've given up on social media, I enjoy it and I think it has a lot to offer. But it's nice to take a break from it once in a while. I think I'll remain unplugged for the rest of the weekend. I can't wait to see what else I can accomplish!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday!

What better day for story telling than a grey and drizzly Friday the 13th? Can you feel it? The air is full of suspense, magic and mischief. Not to mention it's Friday, and I feel like doing something fun. This week's Five Sentence Fiction prompt is Armor. Please enjoy my take below!

Beckoning and shining, it waited. The girl let her fingers play over the surface, felt the flutter of excitement in her heart. No one would be able to tell, no one would ever need to know it was her. She lifted the helmet and placed it over her head. Who would ever believe that the triumphant knight and the damsel in distress were one and the same?

There you have it! Short and sweet and oh so fun! If you'd like to read last week's attempt at Five Sentence Fiction, just click the link below. As always, if you've enjoyed this post, please feel free to share it with others. Don't forget to follow me on twitter @MelanieKCole. You can also follow this blog by email to get the latest updates. Have a great weekend everyone!

Five Sentence Fiction - Tears

The Way We Feel About Our Pets

A woman at work came into the office today, face streaked with tears, to ask for an advance. Her dog was sick and she had no way to pay the vet bills.

"Stupid men," she stuttered, "they all just keep telling me to put him down! But I can't do that. I love him."

"Men just don't get it," I nodded in agreement, looking over the quote the vet had printed off for her. I knew exactly how she felt. It was only a couple of years ago that I was faced with the same situation; one very sick puppy and some frighteningly high vet bills. I didn't have the money back then either, and my husband and I had paid for the bills with credit cards, an amount we're still paying off today. But I can honestly say I'd do it again in a second.

We don't realize just how much our pets mean to us until it comes down to that horrible moment when they're sick, and we realize we'd pay any price to make them well again. I did just that, and although the price was high, it was worth it. Today, my Great Dane, Maddie, flourishes. And the adventures she's given me have mad me laugh, scream in frustration, and cry with joy. I wouldn't trade a single moment with her, not even the ones where I've found myself lying on top of her kicking, squirming, biting form while she was in the midst of a full-scale toddler-style tantrum. And she's thrown plenty of those. I've never met a dog so sensitive and loving, mischievious and naughty. I remember the time I found an entire avocado hidden in her mouth, the time I came into the kitchen and found her standing on the dining room table with her head stuck in a box of cereal, and the time I discovered her decimating a pineapple all over the couch. If I hadn't saved her life I wouldn't have as much debt, and I'd probably have nicer furniture, but it wouldn't be worth it. Despite it all, she is my pet. She is my family. And I just don't get people who feel differently about their animals.

If you'd like to read more about Maddie's adventures, just click the links below! And as always, if you like anything you read please feel free to share it with friends! Don't forget to follow me on twitter @MelanieKCole.

Maddie the Unsung Hero
The Great and Nurturing Maddie
How I Found Out My Dog is Better Looking Than I Am

Should I Start a Website?

As you may or may not know, I'm participating in the Platform Building Challenge at My Name is Not Bob for the month of April. Every day we're given a task to help us build and improve our platform. (A platform is your potential readership, your audience, your niche). Today's task? Do a google, bing and yahoo search for our own name and see what comes up.

Now, what should come up is your website/blog and your twitter, facebook, LinkedIn account, etc. All that came up for me was my twitter handle, and not too near the top. According to My Name is Not Bob, my blog really should be at the top of the list, but I understand why it isn't. My name isn't even in the url. When I originally set up this blog, I had no idea what a platform even was. I just wanted something quirky and funny. Unfortunately, it also equaled obscurity and I'm realizing now that I need to upgrade and present a more professional image. Plus, it doesn't help that some of the top search results were for an old figure skater and a woman who killed a man with a bottle. Obviously, neither one is me.

Which brings me to today's query. Should I start a website? I've pretty much already made up my mind that I will, but I'd like to hear the pros and cons of anyone out there that has one. What are the must haves for writers? What are the dos and don'ts? Please feel free to weigh in with your opinion in the comments section.

The Long Weekend Lazies

Every long weekend seems to go the same way. I go into it with all these plans to get things done, clean the house, catch up on laundry and be proactive, and then I spend the majority of the weekend curled up on the couch, napping and eating junk food. Without fail, I get almost nothing I set out to do done. And what is the cause of such repetitive failure? Procrastination.

On a regular weekend I have only two days to get things done. On a long weekend I have three. I don't know what it is about that magical number, but somehow my brain interprets it as forever and I believe I have all the time in the world to accomplish my goals. So, I cut myself some slack on the first day. It's been a long week, month, etc. I deserve to take some time off to do nothing. Sure, except that it doesn't end there. My sloth-like behaviour drags on into the second day, and by the third I'm so deep in lazy town I can't pull out of it. All I can think about is how I have to go back to work tomorrow and the last thing I want to do is be productive.

And here I am. It's Sunday. Tomorrow I return to work and all I have to show for having three days off is a semi-clean house, a few loads of finished laundry and a quarter of my yard work is done. I haven't done much in the way of writing, and I seem to have a perpetual headache from too much TV watching. Honestly? I feel a little like death warmed over. If I could hit the restart button for this weekend I would. Yikes.

In other news, I have been keeping up with the April Platform Building Challenge. Today I had to sign up for LinkedIn (you can see my profile and connect with me here). Honestly, I'd never planned to sign up for it until it had come up as part of the challenge, and I don't especially like it so far. It's not very easy to use and it's purpose is unclear to me. I get that it allows you to make connections with other professionals in your field, I'm just not so sure how I expect it to accomplish that. It requires way too much information and you can only really connect with people you've already connected with. Not a big fan. But, it's only day one. I'll have to wait and see how I feel about it at the end of this challenge. What are your thoughts on LinkedIn?

Five Sentence Fiction

This week I'm trying something new. Over at Lillie McFerrin Writes, every week she posts a one word inspiration and anyone willing to participate can write a five sentence story based on that prompt. I thought it sounded like fun, so I decided to give it a try. Here is my five sentence story based on this week's prompt: Tears.

I wouldn't let him see me cry. He didn't deserve something as cliched as my tears. He'd made his choice, and now it was time for me to make mine. I stood up and turned to leave. I didn't look back as I walked away.

Practical Advice for Writers

I've only been writing professionally for a short while, but in that time I've received an immeasurable amount of invaluable advice. Some of which I'd like to share with you. Some of it has come from writing blogs, some from the always helpful Writers Digest, still more from workshops and classes and of course, from other writers. I can't claim to be an expert (I wouldn't dare!) but maybe a few of the tips that others have been kind enough to share with me can be of some help to you. Please enjoy and feel free to share your own words of wisdom in the comments.

• Just Write - It may seem obvious, but I still struggle with this one. I get stuck on the mayhem of platform building, publishing, marketing and editing before I even get the words down on paper. I get intimidated by the big picture, by the perfect manuscript that refuses to magically appear whenever I pick up the pen. My internal editor criticizes every word choice, forever scrutinizing whether future readers will find my prose awkward and derived. There is so much that can knock you down before you ever get started. Don't let it. Write first and worry about the rest later. 
• Put Your Work Out There - Again, it seems simple. You've finished your story, essay, novel, etc and made it as good as it can possibly be. The next logical step is to send it out into the world. But it's a frightening idea. It's easy to feel vulnerable and raw when we expose our work to the criticism of others. But if it's not out there then it can never be published. It's a little like the tree falling in the forest. No one can see your beautiful words if you haven't put them out there for people to see. 
• It Will Hurt - I learned this one from author Alice Kuipers while she was the Writer in Residence at the public library. She challenged me to send my work out into the world but cautioned me about the rejection. Rejection is inescapable (don't kid yourself) and it will hurt. A lot. Some days it will make you question whether you can write at all. But it's an important part of being a writer. It builds resolve, a thicker skin and if you're open to learning from it, you'll become a much better writer for the experience.
• Try New Things - When I started writing seriously I was only interested in two things: blogging and writing novels. But as I took more classes and started trying new things, I realized I also enjoyed personal essays and short stories. Likewise, I also realized I had no interest in journalism. I love getting to include a little of my own perspective in my writing. But if I hadn't branched out and tried new things, I never would have known. It keeps things fresh and exciting. It's a lovely gift to give yourself.

And there you have it! Just a few simple tips I've learned as I've explored the world of writing. This isn't everything, not by a long shot. If I tried to include every tip, trick and pearl of wisdom this post would go on forever. No, this is just a taste. I learn more and more every day and I love every minute of it. But now it's time to hear from the readers. What say you, readers? What great advice have you received over the years?

Introducing...

Poppet and Widget!

That's right, thanks to The Night Circus and the always wonderful Erin Morgenstern, the bunnies now have names.

Today, as I whiled away the hours in the twitter-verse, I saw a tweet by Erin Morgenstern regarding a beautiful drawing of Poppet and Widget from her book, The Night Circus, who are brother and sister. (Which if you haven't read, you REALLY should. It's amazing. Vivid, imaginative and utterly captivating). When I saw her tweet, it hit me like a bolt of lightning. I had the names for my bunnies!

Of course, I had to give credit where credit was due, so I immediately tweeted my thanks to Erin Morgenstern for her brilliant character names that would now also become my adorable bunnies' monikers. And she tweeted BACK! I'm always so excited when this happens. I think it's amazing that there are so many amazing authors out there willing to take the time to connect with their fans. I completely geeked out over our small twitter conversation and spent the rest of my day smiling like a fool. (I guess you could say I was "twitterpated". HAH!)

In any case, I know you're probably wondering who's who. Poppet is the little brown and white bunny, and Widget is the grey and white one. They're already as close and inseparable as their namesakes and I think it's going to be a really great fit.

So thank you Erin Morgenstern! Everyone go out and buy The Night Circus! It's a fabulous book and you can learn all about Poppet and Widget. In closing, here is another photo of the bunnies and the book that inspired their names.

Too Busy!

Today was a crazy busy day. Normally, my job is very relaxed and orderly, but today everything just seemed to go haywire. Simple tasks that normally took no time at all took up most of my day. Of course it had to be on a Monday when I hadn't had very much sleep the night before. When I got home from work I had to clean the house and run to the grocery store, as my parents were coming over to meet my two new baby bunnies. We had a really great visit, and afterward as I was hoping to crawl into bed I remembered that I needed to wash my husband's work pants for tomorrow, as well as write a blog post.

So, I ran downstairs, threw in a load of wash and plopped down on the couch to hammer out a quick post, only to get hung up in the world of editing for another project. It's now an hour past my planned bedtime and here I am, finally getting to my blog post. You'll have to forgive me if it feels a little thrown together, because it is. I had no idea what I would write about until I started.

Honestly, I don't mind the business. It's exhilarating to run around and get things done, just so long as it isn't on a constant basis. I've also started a month long platform building challenge (which you can read about here), so that's fun and exciting. I love opportunities to learn more about writing and all that goes into it. To top it all off, I heard back from an editor about a pitch from a few months ago, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

That pretty much sums up my life at the moment. I still haven't named the bunnies (still waiting on suggestions for that!), who are doing great and really starting to get comfortable in their new environment. It's fun to watch them flourish, to watch as their curiousity takes over and they begin to explore and introduce themselves. I'm loving every minute it of it. Maddie's had a few more encounters with them and so far she's doing marvelously. I'm so proud of my baby girl!

Stay tuned for news on the baby bunnies future monikers, as well as the Before and After pictures of my office. (That's right, I haven't forgotten. I was just sidetracked by bunnies). In the meantime, I'm rewarding myself with some much needed sleep.

The Big Surprise!

I know you've all been waiting in breathless anticipation of my big announcement (there's no sense in lying, I know you have), so I won't make you wait a moment longer.

Two days ago my husband and I got in the car and drove out to a farm about a half hour outside the city. Why did we do this? To pick up the two newest members of our family. Yes, you heard that right. TWO. I am the very proud mommy of two adorable baby bunnies!! I wish I could tell you their names, but to be honest I haven't decided them yet.

I wanted to take pictures and tell you all about it that same night, but the babies were still pretty terrified of me and their new surroundings and I wanted to give them the chance to come out of their shell a bit before assaulting them with the camera. Two days later they're adjusting beautifully and starting to get really curious. I'd taken over Maddie's old dog crate and re-purposed it into a giant rabbit cage with cardboard box castle for them to play and hide in, but unfortunately they're still small enough to fit through the bars. (Surprised the hell out of my husband and the bunnies when he came in and they were loose in the office). So, Georgie's old cage has been hauled out of storage until they get a little bigger.

I know you must be wondering how Maddie is getting on with our new additions, and so far so good. I'm keeping them apart for now until the bunnies are more adjusted, but Maddie is being very good in the few encounters they've had so far. I brought out the towel they rode home on to let her smell and I'm confident we'll have them used to each other in no time.

And as a special reward for sitting through all my ramblings please enjoy these adorable pics of my cute new babies! And if you have any name suggestions, let me know!

Teaser Post

Hello All!

I have fun news to share, but I'm afraid I'm not going to today. I want to properly convey today in its entirety, but it's late and other obstacles prohibit me from telling you all about it. So, think of this as a teaser post. An exciting, albeit slightly mean, announcement of what is to come.

Naturally, I don't want you to get your expectations too high. It's nothing Earth-shattering. I'm not being published in the New York Times or have a book that just sky-rocketed to the top of the best-seller's lists, but its fun news all the same and I can't wait to share it with you. So, if you'll please be patient, I'll be back on Saturday, when I'll have the time and resources to properly present to you my news.

Stay tuned!

The Despair and The Hope of Another Culinary Endeavour

Lately I've been going through one of my culinary phases, usually brought on by one of the mouth-wateringly detailed stories my sister brings me from her own kitchen. It also might have had something to do with my recent voyage into Pinterest and the eye-catching recipes it holds. Either way, the other night I was captivated by the desire to pull out a particularly tempting recipe and give it a try.

The weather has been particularly grey and drizzly, so I was in the mood for soup. The recipe in question was for a Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon and Apple, the recipe for which can be found here. In the picture you'll notice the pretty, inviting orange colour of the thick, delicious looking soup.

Seems good, right? Unfortunately, mine did not turn out that way. Instead it was a sickly greenish brown sludge, too watery and lumpy. If I'd known I'd be bloggging about it, I would have taken a picture, but trust me when I say it did not look very appetizing. As for the taste, it wasn't horrible but it sure wasn't good. My husband, sweetheart that he is, ate the whole thing and tried to tell me it was good. But I'm just not that good at lying to myself. It was bad and the whole pot went in the trash.

Normally, a failure such as this would put an end to my culinary endeavours for a while, but this time I would not be dissuaded. The very next night, after hearing about a great homemade gnocchi recipe from a coworker (recipe can be found here), I decided to give it another try. I went home and made it, as well as some Acorn Squash to go on the side. (I don't know why I've been so into squash lately, perhaps all the cold and drizzle?) This time: success!! I did as the recipe suggested and pan fried the gnocchi with butter and garlic. Delicious. And my acorn squash? Equally successful.

The best part? After lamenting my failed soup on twitter (follow me @MelanieKCole), my friend Amy Jo Ehman sent me a link to one of her blog posts with her favourite Squash soup recipe. (Find it here). It seems there may be hope for me after all! I can't wait to try her soup recipe, not to mention trying to make the sweet potato gnocchi. If I can make regular gnocchi, sweet potato can't be that hard right? (Famous last words).

Getting Older

I'm not old. I know that. And even if I didn't, if I ever dared say it out loud everyone older than me would collectively punch me in the face and be right to do so. But lately, I've been noticing some changes. The other day, as I flipped through old pictures, I came across an album from my honeymoon and saw a snapshot of me in a bikini. It was taken almost four years ago and the difference in my body was astounding. The younger body in the picture had great abs, was lithe and graceful, while my current body is softer and rounder. It's still pleasing to look at and I'm happy with it, but the change was undeniable.

In recent years I've noticed the slow of my metabolism, the small, almost imperceptible changes that signal the advance of time, but I'd managed to deny it to myself until I saw that picture. And then, today came the last piece of evidence. The undeniable truth that I'm no longer as young as I used to be. Today I was at the grocery store when a teenager called me ma'am. Not an especially youthful teenager either (although to me he appeared to be fourteen). Judging from his conversation with another cashier of the same age, he was apparently eighteen or nineteen. And yet, to him I was a ma'am. How utterly tragic. I gathered my things and headed home, chin held high. I would not let the offhand remark of prepubescent child get me down. The fact that I seemed mature to him was a good thing. It meant I looked like I had things together. Besides, when he looked in the mirror he probably still believed he was twelve.

And yet, the advance of time is a frightening thing. When we're confronted by its evidence it's hard not to think about our own mortality. I'm still very young, but time slips by so swiftly, like grains of sand through our fingers. In the blink of an eye I'll be an old woman. It's a scary thought. I realize I'll have to come to terms with this reality, time stops for no one, and I have to remember to enjoy each day as it passes.  But I still don't think I'll ever be okay with being called ma'am.

A Call to Arms for My Brain

It's quiet here at work. Most people have gone home for the weekend and I have just a half hour left to go. With all my work done for the day I can think of no better way to spend my remaining time than by writing.

But what fresh stories are waiting to be put down on paper? I must admit, the blank page frightens as much as it excites me. I feel the pressures of untold stories bearing down on me with relentless energy. They remain at the ends of my imagination, hovering on the edges, veiled in fog. I long for them to come into view and present themselves clearly, but it's a useless wish. I must fish for them, dragging my net through the foggy waters, fighting and pulling stories into the light. Some are thin and small, not worth the effort, but they're good practice for those big, meaty, gleaming ones I know lie just beneath the surface, wating to be found.

I get frustrated a lot, tired of fighting and pulling at my own imagination. Why must it be so willful? So tired and preoccupied? Doesn't it know that within its folds lies my liberation? But I am so easily distracted, so quick to shut down and give in to outside temptations. Why is it so hard to realize that the depths of my imagination hold far greater treasures than TV or the internet could possibly provide? The delicacies of the imagination are far superior to the junkfood diet of one-sided entertainment. The glowing box on the wall will not fulfill me the way writing can.

Is it no wonder then, that my imagination is fat and lazy and refusing to cooperate? Silly, lazy brain. You're supposed to hum with electricity and ideas, and instead you soak in a stew of bland, shallow thoughts. I will put you on a diet! Strip you of your fatty, unnourishing, unstimulating enterprises and exercise you! My imagination shall be as fit as a marathon runner, as flexible and artistic as an acrobat. I shall put down the remote and take up the pen!

Broken Birds

Yesterday evening I didn't go to the gym. I stayed home to write. At least that's what I told myself. But as I went into the office to work, I was arrested by the unfinished state of the room. It was almost there, very nearly the perfect writing retreat, but remained unpolished. It was missing all the special little details that would make it sublime.

I'd bought four ceramic birds from a home decor store, 3 white and 1 blue, to hang on the wall. They were still sitting in a box on the floor, waiting. Before I could sit down and start writing I decided that I must hang those birds. If they were no longer sitting on the floor bothering me then I could concentrate on writing. I grabbed a hammer and nails and set to work. But the birds were finicky, slippery, refusing to hang on the nails, and before long two had fallen and broken into pieces on the floor.

With a string of obscenities I crumpled to the floor, gathering the broken pieces in my hands. I felt like the shattered birds I was holding. Broken. My incompetence with such a simple task seemed like the perfect metaphor for the rest of my life. I could start things but not finish them. I'd painted and wall papered the entire room, but I couldn't finish the bits and pieces. It was the story of my life. I got the broad strokes right, but not the details.

And yet, there I was, writing the first draft of this post. I'd stayed home from the gym to write and instead I'd fixated on hanging the birds, positive that inspiration would come in a good working environment. But it was the broken birds that had inspired me, not the room. Breaking them had broken my resistance. I wanted to write.

There are two birds left. With a hot glue gun the other two are probably salvageable. I'd be lying if I said I didn't still equate myself with the birds. Because I can't help but think maybe I'm salvageable too.

Ugly, Dreary Day

It's cold, drizzly and grey outside. Despite the fact that Spring is technically supposed to start tomorrow, it still feels like a long way off. I really shouldn't be complaining, we've had one of the mildest winters I can ever remember, but I can't wait for summer. I'm one of those people who'd prefer to be sweating bullets over a little chilly any day of the week. I make for a ridiculous Canadian.

This is the time of year when we're all getting a little impatient, even if we don't realize it. On nicer days when the kids are out playing in the streets they're rude and rambunctious. People are tailgating each other in their cars, impatient for no particular reason. We're all sick of waiting, sick of being cooped up inside and nearing our breaking points. And this drizzly weather feels more like fall than spring, which is just depressing.

The weather forecast only goes five days into the future, and the next five days are a mix of rain and snow, grey and dreary. I realize it won't last forever, but when it's all that's in the forecast it's enough to make you want to hide under the covers. Which is where I'm hanging out for the time being. I have the fireplace on, a movie playing on the TV, and a hot chocolate nestled in my hand. And I'm not coming out until spring. (Except to go to work. A girl needs to eat).

The Truth About Me and Dresses

Everyone in the world has at least one lie that they tell themselves. Maybe it's that they can cook, that they're intellectual when they're really not or that they're much more physically fit than they actually are. We all have that one blind side, those truths about ourselves that we realize and we just refuse to accept. For me, among many others, it's dresses and skirts. I just can't accept that I hate wearing them.

Every year, as spring approaches I go through my girly phase. All I want to do is wear pretty, feminine things and channel Audrey Hepburn and the 1950's. I go out and buy new clothes, twirling in front of the mirror as I picture Maddie and myself strolling through the sunshine of summer, looking like we belong on the streets of Paris. Do I ever wear these clothes? No. I don't. By the time summer arrives I'm over it, and even if I think of wearing the cute skirts and dresses, I take one look outside and change my mind. It's too windy, they're uncomfortable, bla bla bla. And I end up going out in jeans and a t-shirt, looking like a slob. Okay, maybe not a slob, but definitely not like I belong in Paris.

I like to pretend that my hatred for wearing skirts shows that I'm a more evolved woman, that I won't sacrifice something as crucial as comfort for style and beauty. But the truth is, I think taking the time to dress in something nice and take pride in your appearance shows a lot more dignity and respect for yourself than throwing on jeans and a t-shirt and calling it feminism. After all, a feminist is above all proud to be a woman. Why would a feminist look down their nose at something feminine? And you know what else? I love skirts! I love the way they look on me, they way they make me feel when I stare at myself in the mirror. So, I buy them. And they sit in my closet unworn, because I hate how careful I have to be when I sit down, how I have to be nervous every time there's a breeze. And yet, despite my knowledge of their fate, I can't stop buying them.

Maybe the reason we tell ourselves these lies, is because we refuse to give up. If we admit that we can't cook, or we're not intellectual, what reason would there be to pull out the frying pans and works of Shakespeare? We tell these lies because it's who we hope to be. It's the ideal version of ourselves. If we give up the lie do we give up our hope? Or would being honest with ourselves give us the kick in the pants to actually make it a reality? I don't know. But I bought a dress today, and I'm going to try to wear it. Just as soon as I find a cute pair of comfortable shoes to go with it. (What? At least some part of me has to be comfortable).

Birthday Fun

Wow, I cannot believe how busy I've been for the last two days. I can't believe how busy I was today. Wednesday was my birthday, so I took the day off work to have fun and treat myself right. In the morning I went out for smoked salmon eggs benedict with my sister, followed by a 90 minute massage, then she and I went shopping and had sushi for lunch, followed by even more shopping. After which I was tired and went home for a nap before going out for dinner and dessert with my husband. It was a fabulous day, just what I wanted for my birthday.

Yesterday, I went back to work and had a full two days worth of business to catch up on. It kept me running all day, leaving no time for my scheduled blog posting and I didn't get a chance to do it afterward either. After work I went straight home to feed the dog and let her out before jumping in the car with my husband to go pick up my mother in law, who wanted to take us out for supper. Supper ended up taking several hours and by the time I got home I could only get ready for bed and crawl beneath the sheets for some much needed shut eye.

Tonight is also a busy evening, as is tomorrow night, but I don't mind. That's four days in a row I don't have to cook supper. Can you think of a better birthday present than that? Yep, it's been a really great week. Sorry I'm a day late with the blog posting. But I think when it comes to birthdays, we all deserve a little slack. I'll post again tomorrow and get our schedule back on track. Thanks for your patience!

The Quest for a Lamp

Yes, I know. You all raced to your computers today, delirious with the expectation of stunning Before and After photos, and here I am disappointing you again. Unfortunately, the office just isn't quite there yet. But it's very close. There are just a few small details left to be finished. But those will come with time. Every day I get a little closer, and yesterday I took a big step in the right direction.

Yesterday, I spent most of my free time in search of a lamp. A floor lamp. With no overhead lighting, the office relies solely on the power of assorted lamps for proper illumination. And I was currently not in possession of anything suitable, both in brightness and style.

I should tell you, my husband was away this past weekend on a ski trip and due to arrive yesterday evening. The office had gone through its weekend transformation entirely without his knowledge, and I was desperate to have it completely finished for his return. So, I only had until 6:00PM to find a lamp and assorted artwork to finish the room and surprise and delight my husband. The most important object being the lamp. If I could just find a lamp, I'd be satisfied.

I don't know if you've ever been on the hunt for a reasonably priced and stylish floor lamp, but it's not easy. I spent most of the day on the internet, perusing the websites of various local stores trying to find the perfect floor lamp. It was not to be found. Finally, I discovered a possibility ot Rona, but I couldn't be sure due to the poor quality of the photo.

After work I hopped in the car and raced to Rona. It wasn't there. When I found an associate and had her look it up on the computer, she immediately cried, "Oh! THAT lamp. Yes, we don't have it anymore because it was always getting returned due to problems with the wiring and the stand. But if you like, I could order you one."

I looked at her for a moment, silently contemplating why she thought I'd still want one, before politely declining and leaving the store. Undetered, I went to Pier 1, Home Outfitters, Canadian Tire and Home Sense before I finally ended up at Urban Barn. I didn't have high hopes. Although they have beautiful lamps, they're always way too expensive. ($350 for a floor lamp? No thanks. Knock off $200 and then we'll talk). But low and behold, I found it. Sylish and a modest $140. And to top it off, they had it in stock.

So, I returned home with a new floor lamp and a few decorative accessories I'd found along the way, with just enough time to set it up and surprise my husband. But it is done? Not quite yet. Stay tuned, faithful viewers. Stay tuned.

Office Reno Update

As you may recall, I've been working at cleaning up and redecorating the shameful mess that is my office. This weekend I made a huge leap forward, thanks to the help of my very good friend and design genius, Chelsea. All this past week I'd been cleaning out the clutter and reorganizing all my receipts, files and so on, until at last the office was clean. On Friday night, Chelsea met me at home depot, helped me pick out a paint color and wall paper and we got to work. In that single evening we painted the entire room (two coats) and wall papered the focal wall. It was amazing. Not many people have a friend so willing to drop everything and spend their entire Friday evening painting and working with wallpaper. Which let me tell you, is a frustrating endeavor. I chalk it up to the strength of our friendship that we weren't at each others throats by the end of the evening. We'd made it through without a single fight.

The next day (Saturday) I repainted the trim around the window and the closet door, fixed up a few oops on the ceiling, cleaned and put away all the paint stuff and moved the furniture back in. Not only that, but I cleaned the entire house from top to bottom, walked the dog and did a few loads of laundry. (Yes, I am the champion of productivity).

Today was all about accessories. I went shopping for cute knick knacks and things to put in the room, a new floor lamp and some wall decor. I only found a few knick knacks, so the search continues for a new floor lamp and wall art. I did however, manage to make it to the fabric store and picked out some nice material to re-cover the office chair. I don't think I'm going to do the whole thing, probably just the arms, which are getting a bit worn. I might make a matching throw pillow to go with the chair as well. To top it off I walked the dog and had coffee with my mother in law. There's still more I want to get done tonight, but I'll have to wait and see if I can pick up the tools I need.

So, to sum up, it's coming along nicely. I was really hoping to have it all done and be able to put up 'before' and 'after' pictures, but it's not quite there yet. Instead I'll try for Tuesday. I decided not to put up midway pictures, I'd rather give you the shocking 'before' with the jaw dropping 'after'. That way you're duly and properly stunned. Not to mention, I don't want to show you how bad it was before without a truly awesome after to redeem myself. So stay tuned, there's more to come!

40 Things I Want to Tell You - A Book Review

Last weekend I had the good fortune of sitting down to read Alice Kuipers' new book, 40 THINGS I WANT TO TELL YOU. As you know, I already think Alice Kuipers is a remarkable human being (read my tribute to her here). But I can honestly say (without fear of being biased) that her latest book is a true work of art. Everyone, adults and youngs adults alike, should read her book. It's just that good.

Here is the synopsis from the book jacket:

"Amy (a.k.a. Bird) seems to have the perfect life: loving parents, a hot boyfriend, the best friend ever. She even writes an online advice column, full of Top Tips, to help other teens take control of their lives. But after a new guy shows up at school, Bird can’t seem to follow her own wisdom.

Pete is the consummate bad boy. He’s everything Bird is not: wild, unambitious and more than a little dangerous. Although she knows he’s trouble, Bird can’t stay away. And the more drawn she is to Pete, the more cracks are revealed in her relationship with Griffin, her doting boyfriend. Meanwhile, her parents’ marriage is also fracturing, possibly for good.

Bird is way out of her comfort zone. All it takes is one mistake, one momentary loss of control, for her entire future to be blown away . . ."

The book is amazing. The writing grabbed me right from the start. At one moment I was in my own world, the next I was in Bird's. I couldn't believe how immediately I connected with the character, how I felt watching her entire world fall apart around her. I felt as though I were reading the story of a close friend, not a made up character.

I think the reason Bird is such a compelling character is because she's so human. Who hasn't missed the warning signs? What hasn't had their expectations fall to pieces around them? Who hasn't, at some point or another, felt utterly alone? Bird is a character with such depth, such undeniable hope, it's impossible not to identify with her.

The story progresses beautifully, near impossible to put down the whole way through. (And I should know, despite having a full time job and countless other responsibilities I read it in 48 hours). It's a wonderful story, skillfully told and deeply moving. It's the kind of tale that sits with you, that teaches you something you never knew about yourself. Do yourself and your weekend a favour, go out and buy this book.

The Unevolved Man

As you may or may not know, my beloved new office job is with a construction company. On a daily basis any number of truck drivers, carpenters, electricians, and etc will pass through my office to visit with my boss. It's amazing how amongst all these masculine jobs are some of the least manly men I've ever seen in my life.

More often than not, these are the type of men to curl their lip at anything they feel is even the least bit 'unmanly'. Unfortunately, they don't realize that it is exactly this sort of attitude that renders them as unappealing and 'unmanly'. Working with your hands is sexy, but not when it comes with a side of homophobia, sexism, racism or cruelty to animals. This is not manly. These sorts of prejudice are based in fear. How 'manly' is it to be afraid you "might catch gay" from someone? Or work as equals with a woman? It's pathetic.

A real man is secure enough in himself that he doesn't care what other people say. A man who thinks it's "being a pussy to wear a helmet" when riding a bike or skateboard isn't a real man. A real man would protect his brain and not worry about what anyone else thinks.

I understand that to some men, farmers and ranchers mostly, animals are seen more as utilitarian. And that's fine. Generally, there's still a line of respect for what the animals gives them. But a man who thinks it's okay to kick a dog when it's in his way, who takes for granted the automatic and unconditional love a pet has for him, isn't a real man. Because a real man knows that true strength is found in mercy. That it takes courage to love and forgive.

No, the kind of man these certain fellows are is not a masculine one. It's an unevolved one. Weak and pathetic, these unevolved men need to be trimmed from the herd. Because the rest of us have no patience for the unevolved. We want real men, not unevolved ones.

Five Hundred New Fairy Tales

Guardian Books tweeted this link today, and I have to say, I'm very excited. Apparently five hundred new fairy tales, locked away for over one hundred and fifty years, have been discovered in an archive in Regensburg, Germany. The collection was gathered by a local historian named Franz Xaver von Schonwerth. (Awesome name, am I right? Whatever happened to four word names?)

The reason this is so exciting is because I love fairy tales. Old ones. Not the disney versions, but the dark, twisted real versions. I once read the German version of Snow White and do you want to know what happened to her wicked stepmother in that one? They made her dance to death on hot coals. Twisted, just as it should be. And now, there are five hundred new ones. FIVE HUNDRED. That's a lot of fairy tales.

I've always wanted to create my own fairy tales, but it's surprisingly difficult. Every time I try they just end up as a new version of an old one. This must be why so many of the old story tellers took drugs. It's probably a lot easier to imagine trolls and dragons when you think they're wandering around your living room. Anyway, I'm getting off topic. (Nothing new there). The point I'm trying to make is that a discovery like this is special. The world needs stories, and when we discover ones that were lost, it's pretty amazing. Not to mention, we can never have enough fairy tales. I don't think there's an English translation of the stories yet, but I encourage you all to read the article. It's pretty neat.

A Tribute to Alice Kuipers, Writer Extraordinaire

On Thursday night I attended the launch of Alice Kuiper's new book, 40 THINGS I WANT TO TELL YOU at McNally Robinson. It was fabulous! I had SUCH a good time. The place was packed with friends and fans, with the staff having to scramble to bring out more chairs. It's not a surprise though, because not only is Alice an exceptionally talented writer, but she's also an exceptional human being. If you want the truth, here it is: Alice Kuipers is my hero.

In December of 2010, I sent her an email while she was working as the Writer in Residence at the public library. I was nervous about coming in. I'd been thinking about writing for a long time, considering whether or not it was a possible to do it professionally, and I suffered from a supreme lack of confidence. Alice encouraged me to come in and bring some of my work. And with a little convincing, I did. It was one of the best things I've ever done.

Going to meet with her was positively nerve wracking. I remember sitting in the chair outside her office, feeling queasy and embarrassed. I so desperately wanted to hear that there was hope for me, but at the same time I was positive she was going to gently break the news that dreams of professional writing were unrealistic. After all, my entire life I'd wanted to be a writer, but everyone had always told me it was a pipe dream - like wanting to become a movie star. When I was twelve, an auntie once broke out laughing when I told her and reminded me through giggles that writers don't make any money. Defeated, I'd stopped telling people. Instead, I followed other paths, but none of them ever left me feeling fulfilled or happy. I hated every job I tried.

The first thing Alice did when I met her, was sit me down and ask me questions. Why did I want to be writer? What kind of writer did I want to be? What was I working on now? It was amazing. I sat there, flabbergasted, unsure of what to say or how to answer. She was asking me real questions. She was taking me seriously. There wasn't a trace of amusement on her face. She wasn't humoring me. She really wanted to know. And so it began. I saw her every month for her entire residency, each time sending her my work to critique. I took classes she was teaching and grew a lot as a writer. Granted, I still have a long way to go and plenty more to learn (I don't think anyone ever stops learning), but Alice Kuipers was the first person to ever take me seriously. She made me believe it was possible.

And so, as I sit here on a quiet Saturday afternoon, enjoying my signed copy of her latest book (which you should all run out and buy, it's fantastic!) I think about how Alice Kuipers took the time to talk to me, to help me, and most importantly, to take me seriously. It is because of her help that I am working at my dream, and I know I'm not alone. Alice Kuipers, not only are you a fabulous writer, you are an amazing person. THANK YOU.

*If you'd like to learn more about Alice Kuipers and her books, visit www.alicekuipers.com

Feeling Crafty (But Not Evil)

This post could also have been titled "Pinterest, What Have You Done to Me?" because I'm holding them entirely responsible for my recent voyage into the world of crafts.

I can't help it. Lately, I've felt the need to make pretty things, even if those things are slightly useless. The other night I sat down and spent the entire evening making bookmarks. Why? Because they're pretty. And as I was assembling them and realized I was out of glue, I looked up a recipe for glue online and made some. Why? Because I couldn't stand the thought of waiting until the next day to finish them.

The day after that? Homemade envelopes. That's right. I made my own envelopes. And I was so excited about it that I sat down and wrote a letter just to use one. And why did I do this? You guessed it. Because they're pretty.

I don't know if it's an abundance of creative energy or a hatred of this still unending winter, but every time I see a beautiful craft on pinterest I can't resist. Who knows what I'll end up making tomorrow? As long as it's pretty it could be anything.

Although on the bright side, I am watching less television.

*Now, for your amusement I've included a few pictures to show off the fruits of my crafty labours. If you would like to learn how to make your own bookmarks click here, if you'd like to learn how to make your own adorable envelopes click here. Enjoy!