Tag Archives: writing

Me & WP – One Year Now!

December 17, 2014Appreciation, NaNoWriMo, OpinionJust Something I Was Thinking About, Life, notable occasions, Opinion, writing~ Sadie ~

Hi Blog Buds! I have been missing you 🙂

I’ve been trying to catch up here and there the last few weeks – which might I add have absolutely flown by!! Finally getting over the crud that was going around, and trying to get it together to end this semi-crappy year and move on to a new year, and hopefully some wonderful new adventures and opportunities. I say semi-crappy because in the scheme of things, it could’ve been much worse.

My philosophy in life, generally, is if by the end of the day no one has died, no one is terminally ill and no one is scarred for life, it’s been a damn good day – or at least it wasn’t as bad as it may have seemed.

So, though I have spent the last year “job free” against my will, and we have really pillaged our “retirement” savings, which we will pay dearly for – all in all, it could have been a worse year.

Last month, I wrote ~29,000 words of the novel that has been inside me for years. NO, I did not “win” NaNoWriMo, but I still consider it a success for me. I am very happy with how some of it is going, and stuck in a few places, as well. I’m working it out . . . and I do plan on finishing it. (Here’s a few excerpts, if you like a little romance and contemporary fiction.)

I have just reached my one year anniversary on WordPress. This is where I started blogging. I’m just tickled that I have found not only an audience for my musings (72 blogs thus far), but another family — of writers all motivating, inspiring, and encouraging each other. So many of you I miss when I have been away from my blog for any length of time, and I try to find the time to catch up with you when time allows.

Anyway – I wanted to thank you all for making me feel special, for allowing me into your life by spending your precious time with me, and for sharing with and teaching me, as well. I am truly honored!!

Hugs to you all ❤

Just something I was thinking about . . .

Hey Blog Buds!

November 4, 2014Current Events, Elections, NaNoWriMo, Politics, Women in Politics, World EventsAmerica, current events, Democrat, Elections, Government, Just Something I Was Thinking About, Opinion, Politics, Republican, Thought, unemployment, writing~ Sadie ~

Hello my Blog Buds!!

[I used that term in a comment to another blogger, a fav of mine Opinionated Man and decided to keep it 🙂 ]

I just wanted to thank you again for following me – reading, commenting, and engaging! I doubled my number of Blog Buds over the summer, something I never expected to happen. I’m glad you are enjoying my random rambling thoughts, as I have many! I read as many of you as I can when I can.

I mentioned I am participating in National Novel Writing Month. Yes, I am definitely a glutton for punishment!

This is not my first attempt at this, but I hoping this will be my first success. I am proud to say that as of the end of today, Day 3 (just finished up for the day), I am 6543 words in, though my friendly counter reminds me that I still have 43,457 to meet my challenge goal.

I voted early last Friday. Political races are nasty here, so I’ll be glad when it’s over, tired of hearing all the bullshit. Today is Election Day – I hope you go and exercise your right to vote. Though inherently we all want and need the same things, we will never all think the same, nor should we – BUT we should think ☮

I’m Doing it – NaNoWriMo

October 31, 2014Creativity, Current Events, Inspiration, NaNoWriMo, Opinion, Thinking Independently, Writing Promptscurrent events, goals, Just Something I Was Thinking About, Life, NaNoWriMo, Thought, writing, writing prompt~ Sadie ~

I’m doing it! I’m going to attempt NaNoWriMo again for the like the 4th, maybe 5th time. I was always working before, so it really was hard. Last year, I was still in a daze, but this year, I can’t help but wonder if this is destined to happen 😉

It’s really fun, this National Novel Writing Month annual event that started in 1999. So, even though I have some really interesting things on my agenda to share with you, I may be a bit MIA even more than normal this next month – yeah I know, you never know what to expect from me . . . sorry — though I kind of like it LOL 😉 (Like today for example, you get to hear from me two or maybe even three times – that’s a record!!)

If you want to join me in this journey to attempt 50,000 words in 30 days, the links are provided above. Notice, I did say attempt – though I am going to work it hard this year!! Maybe this is the something I felt coming, hell who knows 😉

Wish me luck!!

Just something I was thinking about . . . that novel burning up inside me 🙂

China’s Moon?

March 23, 2014American Infrastructure, American Jobs, China, Current Events, Education, Employment, Future Generations, NASA, Opinion, PoliticsAmerican infrastructure, American jobs, Authority, China, common sense, Dreams, employment, flirting with disaster, future generations, Government, Life in America, Musings, NASA, Opinion, Politics, thinking independently, unemployment, writing~ Sadie ~

When our government decided to cancel NASA’s Constellation Program several years back, which would have taken us back to the moon and to Mars, Homer Hickman (author of Rocket Boys and October Sky) wrote a short story set in the not-so-distant future. This was his take on America in a “post-NASA” world, a world where the United States is not the leader in human space flight exploration. I wanted to share it with you, as I have some specific opinions that are of a similar topic I will be writing on in the future, and thought this would be a perfect preface. It’s an interesting tale, for sure – and a little disturbing to say the least.

I hope you find it interesting, as well, whether you support NASA’s endeavors or not. Oh, and were you aware that China landed its first rover on the moon last December?

The Boy Who Looked at the Moon by Homer Hickman

Just something I was thinking about . . .

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 and The Blacklist

March 19, 2014Creativity, Current Events, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Opinion, Politics, Reality, Thinking Independently, UncategorizedBlog, common sense, cover-ups, current events, Government, Just Something I Was Thinking About, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Musings, Opinion, Politics, suspense, The Blacklist, Thought, writing~ Sadie ~

Like many of us, I have been wondering when and if they are going to find Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. I am praying for the families of the 239 souls onboard. I know the general information that has been released. The flight left Kuala Lumpur the night of Mar. 8, then disappeared en route to Beijing. While the backgrounds of the seasoned pilot and experienced co-pilot are under investigation, so far nothing out of the ordinary has been discovered. The FBI has now taken possession of the pilot’s homemade flight simulator to retrieve and analyze some deleted computer files.

Besides the FBI, the NTSB and FAA are involved, as well as 26 countries who are assisting in the search for the plane. As more information is obtained, the search area is redefined. There’s been talk about an island in the Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia, a British territory where the plane may have landed or crashed. It was reported that we have a military presence there in the form of a U.S. Navy support facility, so it seems doubtful they wouldn’t be aware if something had happened near there. I read two-thirds of the passengers were from China, not sure about the rest.

I am a huge follower of NBC’s The Blacklist, meaning I never miss an episode. In one of the early episodes, Raymond Reddington, the main character in this show played by James Spader, tells the special U.S. government agency he is working with that many accidents or catastrophes that have occurred were to cover up other things – things that were not considered when investigating these events, things not on anyone’s radar.

Who were the passengers on the plane? Who and what were they involved with, as well as their families? What were their occupations? What type of influence did they have on upcoming events like elections, law, policy or decision making; money changing hands; financial, political, humanitarian, scientific, or technological deals in progress or under consideration? Who are the people who own or are in charge of the airline and their families? What’s been going on with the Malaysian airline and its competitors lately? What’s been going on in the country politically and economically? There are so many different questions that could be asked, depending on which perspective you look at it from. Maybe this wasn’t an act of terrorism or a suicide mission, maybe this is something else. Maybe I watch too much television.

I don’t know – just something I was thinking about . . .

What Women Look Like Naked. Really

March 8, 2014Appreciation, Education, Future Generations, New Blogger, Opinion, Reality, Self Esteem, Thinking Independently, Uncategorizedappreciation, Blog, common sense, Musings, Opinion, Reality, Self Esteem, Thought, writing~ Sadie ~

Couldn’t have said it better myself . . . thanks Laura Quick & The Daily Think!
And the imperfections and subtleties we each have are where our beauty lies – this is what makes each of us special and unique.
Just something I was thinking about . . .

The Daily Think

I normally see semi clad women on a fashion shoot, so my perspective has been somewhat distorted. That and all the magazines. Well might I suggest a trip to your local swimming pool. Gentlemen (and I think you already know this) This is what the majority of women look like really. You naughty lying magazines, you.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: YOU’VE BEEN TRICKED.

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Writing Skills Not Valued

March 7, 2014American Infrastructure, American Jobs, Education, Employment, Future Generations, Opinion, Thinking IndependentlyBlog, common sense, education, elementary students, employment, future generations, Government, high school students, Opinion, SAT, writing~ Sadie ~

I was listening to the news today, which is always an adventure for me. There was a report on changes to the high school SAT, which is required by many colleges for admittance. These changes, taking effect in 2016, are to make the test more relevant and to make it easier to pass. Changes included the elimination of the essay portion of the exam, making it optional. Now maybe I am a little biased, as I am a writer, but this says to me that being able to write coherently and mechanically sound is not a needed skill. Then we wonder why we rank so low on the list globally regarding education.

Being a good writer, albeit good communicator, is important. I realize being a good writer does not measure intelligence and that many incredibly brilliant people are not necessarily good writers. That does not mean we should not strive to master this area in some sort of capacity. I am always amazed at the atrocious writing skills I have seen in those who have master’s degrees and always wonder how they managed to get that degree as poorly as they wrote.

When it comes to jobs – pretty soon, other countries will have the ability to write English better than us – so those jobs will begin to be shipped overseas too. I do some contract copywriting for an internet marketing firm at times. When I was hired, the owner shared with me that the computer programmers and graphic designers he employed were in India. He had found he needed American writers, as it is difficult to find good writers of the English language in other countries. It seems the way we are going, we will outsource ourselves right out of those jobs, too.

I could go on. I have certain reservations about testing protocols, too. But that’s a story for another day. I just know that being able to write well is a valuable commodity, and lowering the standards isn’t going to accomplish what the “powers that be” are trying to accomplish. I don’t believe this is going to make our future leaders as globally competitive as they will need to be – thus, as a nation, we will fall further behind.

Did you know that cursive writing has been removed from the curriculum from many schools? Don’t get me started on that one . . . that’s a subject for another day!

Anyway, just something I was thinking about . . .

I Believe In . . .

February 28, 2014Gun rights, Opinion, Politics, Thinking Independently, Uncategorized, Women in Politicscommon sense, FaceBook, Gay Marriage, Government, Gun Control, Gun Rights, Musings, Opinion, Politics, Thought, writing~ Sadie ~

I had to laugh at this pic I saw on FaceBook, mostly because it’s pretty much how I feel. Probably doesn’t make me too popular with some people. I have always been told I tend to have a very unique way of looking at things, and at life. Quite frankly, I am happy about and proud of that fact. I am sure my dad, a raging Republican would cringe. Though he knows these things about me, I am quite certain he doesn’t understand me.

My significant other always tells me that when God made me, he didn’t throw away the mold, he locked it up to ensure he never used this combination of traits again . . . for whatever reason. I am told this is a compliment of the highest order. I often laugh when this is said, as I am not so sure.

I think I have mentioned, I do not have a political party line per say. I guess I am what some call an Independent. I just consider myself a person with a modicum of common sense, integrity, intelligence and compassion. I do not want others involved in my business without being invited, nor do I want to be involved in anyone else’s. For the most part, unless someone is being abused, I do not care what goes on behind other people’s closed doors, including their bedroom – as long as it doesn’t spill out of their doors. Nor is it anybody’s business what goes on behind mine.

I do not have a problem with gay people. I know many. I think if a person can find someone to share their life with and they love each other and are not hurting anyone else, then why is that even anyone else’s business. I’d be willing to bet you all know, and love or respect or both, someone who is gay – whether you are aware of it or not.

I believe if one wants to own guns and is responsible with them that is their personal business. I do not have a problem with that or background checks, only because I have had them done on me to get a job, so why not to buy a weapon with the capability of killing someone from a distance. If you asked me if I have a problem with the amount of information the government collects about us – I would tell you I most certainly do. But, there’s nothing I can do about that, per say, other than to go off the grid, which I must admit has been a tempting thought at times, if I had the resources.

Having been around the block a time or two, I am aware of what marijuana, alcohol, and other illegal and prescription drugs do to people, and often times their loved ones. Personally, I think cigarettes, alcohol, and prescription drugs are incredibly more harmful to people’s bodies than marijuana. But let’s be honest, the liquor and pharmaceutical companies are scared to death about their market shares and profit margins now that people’s attitudes about marijuana are beginning to change and the public opinion is influencing legalization laws – be it medical or recreational.

Having said that, we also have to remember that often what we do affects others. No one is an island, regardless of what one may think. The government shouldn’t have to point these things out to us, nor police society in that manner. Unfortunately, though I am glad we do not all think the same, there are some who have no common sense, intelligence, integrity or compassion. And compromise – many act like they never learned what that word means and it certainly does not apply to them.

So, if I have pissed you off, I certainly didn’t mean to. I just have my own ideas and opinions about things. I am sure you do too, and I’m the type of person, I would love to hear your ideas and opinions. I call it learning . . .

Just something I was thinking about it . . .

Image courtesy of: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152007476084915&set=a.375215934914.157525.299509864914&type=1

American Jobs Needed

February 22, 2014American Infrastructure, American Jobs, Opinion, Politics, Thinking Independently, UncategorizedAmerican infrastructure, American jobs, Blog, blogger, common sense, Government, Opinion, Politics, unemployment, WordPress, writing~ Sadie ~

So the other day, I was watching some talking heads show & it was mentioned how the infrastructure of the United States is in dismal need of maintenance & repairs. It was mentioned that the current president had talked about putting American people to work on these projects – thus fortifying America and bringing much needed employment to many areas of the country.

Sounds like perfect sense to me, but we all know those are not the types of jobs that can be shipped overseas to be done for pennies on the dollar of what it would cost here by paying a decent living wage. These are NOT the types of jobs that bring big bucks to corporate America, so no one seems interested in getting these projects started, let alone completed.

I remember years back the former president made the statement that we need to train Americans for jobs needed in the 21^st century. What we have seen is that most of those jobs are being sent overseas to be done cheaper – so I never understood how that was going to help Americans stay employed and help this country prosper.

Unfortunately, when our bridges start collapsing at a quicker pace, our water systems start malfunctioning and the worst nightmare of them all, we start having power grid issues, these corporate tycoons and government buffoons are going to wish they had invested a little more here in their own backyards. I have always said, the one act that will bring this country to its knees is to take out the power grid – our aging, antiquated power grid that we ALL depend on for every aspect of our lives – communication, power, heating, running water systems, pumping gas, banking, checking out at the grocery stores, etc., as the list goes on and on and on.

It just seems like we are setting ourselves up to be ambushed, caught with our pants down, to fall hard, and to lose much. There’s a song I like by Toad the Wet Sprocket called Whatever I Fear and part of the chorus goes like this:

“Whatever I fear the most is whatever I see before me
Whenever I let my guard down, whatever I was ignoring . . .”

We, as a nation collectively, better start paying attention. We better quit ignoring the things that don’t seem to affect us right this instant, but will when we least expect it.

Just something I was thinking about . . . what do you think?

Women’s Libidos – Really?

February 12, 2014Healthcare Issues, Opinion, Politics, Reproductive Rights, Thinking Independently, Uncategorized, Women in PoliticsBlog, common sense, Democrat, Government, healthcare issues, Opinion, Politics, reproductive rights, Republican, sexual harassment, Thought, Women in Politics, women's rights, writing~ Sadie ~

I have been hearing and reading a lot lately about Mike Huckabee’s comments about women’s libidos and contraception. Apparently he said something to the effect that the Affordable Care Act provided free contraception to women because essentially some people think women can’t control their libidos.

As a journalist my first instinct was to go find the video and see it for myself, in complete context, but I didn’t – and I’ll tell you why. Regardless of what exactly was meant by what was said exactly and the various interpretations of this comment, my question is . . . .

WHY are we talking about women’s libidos and personal health care choices that involve their quality of life? This discourse included married women – like their husbands are going to be onboard 100 percent with their wives “limiting their libidos” to avoid pregnancy. And I have to admit – I believe the old joke 99 percent of the time – what do you call women who you use the rhythm method of contraception? The answer is mothers. Even weathermen and farmers use more than a calendar to make predictions and determine action.

Do we have these discussions about men and their “little blue pills,” or whatever they take, for their erectile dysfunction? It’s also pretty well known there are many men who take these pills who don’t need them, they just want to be able to have more sex or extended sex – but that’s a libido discussion for another day.

Do we have women in our congress – Senate and House of Representatives, as well as in other key management positions in our government making healthcare decisions for men and their quality of life? The sexual part of their lives and identities in particular?

There is not equal representation out there for women when it comes to government mandated decisions regarding women’s reproductive rights and lives because women make up a small percentage of those who hold office. This is a problem, and I think we need to start thinking about that in our future voting decisions – as well as the fact there are many young ambitious intelligent thoughtful women who could run for these offices now and in the future.

Notice I have not mentioned party-lines – not interested in that. I am interested in women who understand the ramifications, situations and specific concerns of being a woman being responsible for, or at least involved in, making decisions or at least having a majority say in legislation passed that affects women.

And one other point . . . this is 2014. Have we not learned that sex is an essential emotional, psychological, physiological and personal part of being a human – whether you are male or female? Again, why would this or any political discussion involve the word libido at all?

Just something I was thing about . . .

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