Hounding After Hours

[EFCollins]

This thread is for our horror silliness. Poor DL has to scroll on her phone through all those weekend report posts. So now, we goof off here!

That said, the bar is open, I've stocked cookies... now all we need is Lily's BBQ and victims...guests.

[dgrintalis]

We are very bad houndies on the progress thread. I'm glad we have a new playground. Wait, are those bones I see? Oooh, cool!

[EFCollins]

Heck yeah! I jazzed it up in here. No shrunken heads, though. They are too self-righteous.

[dolores haze]

*heads straight for the booze*

I freakin' hate editing.

[EFCollins]

Don't we all? What's your poison? *pointing at the bottles* We got it all. :D

[dgrintalis]

I just ate two cookies. Non-vegan cookies that will make my stomach hurt. But oh gosh, they were so good.

:)

[dolores haze]

I'm sneaking out with one o' them bottles of tequila. I'll replace it, I swear. I have a chapter to finish and still the dishes to do. *sigh*

[EFCollins]

I make darn good cookies. You better eat 'em. :D Tummy ache or no!

No need to replace it, Dolores. On the house. Opening night special.

[CACTUSWENDY]

Sniff....sniff......all I have is popcorn? May I still come in?

[EFCollins]

Absolutely! I love popcorn with marshmallow cream. (Seriously.) I got the marshmallow stuff. :D You have ze popcorn, oui? C'mon in.

[CDaniel]

I make darn good cookies. You better eat 'em. :D Tummy ache or no!



Hey! Now that sounds good. Pass them thar cookies over on this away, little lady. :D

[EFCollins]

Sure thing Dan. :) What kind ya want? We got chocolate chip, peanut butter and macaroons. I still have some baking to do.

[CDaniel]

Well...I'm athinkin'...better throw me one of them thar chocolot chips.;)

My favorite!:D

[EFCollins]

There you go. A chocolate chip cookie!

Night guys. I'm out. :) See y'all tomorrow.

[CDaniel]

Night, EF.

[bsolah]

Ok, I think I'll join you guys. So do we only post writing progress in the other thread? And chat here?

*buzzes from his Coke*

[LaurieD]

*Drags in comfy chair, flops in said comfy chair with glass of lemonade and Jack*

Cool place Ef.

[dgrintalis]

Good night Ellen! Okay folks, I have to get the words cranking. I have not written much today and that has to change. I have four hours until bedtime. Wish me luck!

[bsolah]

Good luck :-)

[dgrintalis]

Hmmmm...

Redhead wanders in, looks around, scratches head.

"Nope, no one here."

Sigh.

[EFCollins]

Hey! Anyone here? I have coffee!

[CACTUSWENDY]

Marshmellow cream? lol.....wow. I must say I would never think of doing that.

<<<<<<<<rolls my red popcorn machine in and gets the popping going.

[EFCollins]

Seriously, you have to try it. Just melt the marshmallow cream a bit and drizzle it over unflavored popcorn. (No salt, no butter or anything). It doesn't sound good, but oh wow. It's the greatest. I'm thinking of trying to make popcorn balls with it.

[callalily61]

Effy, I just drooled on my keyboard. Evil woman.

[EFCollins]

Hehe. :2angel: It really is good. Drooling is a side effect, though. Sorry Lily. ;)

[dgrintalis]

Did somebody say coffee?!?!

:snoopy:

You can keep your popcorn and your cookies. Just hand over the coffee and no one gets hurt.

;)

[EFCollins]

*Hands DG the entire pot and backs away slowly* There you are, Miss Lovely. How are you today?

[Kerr]

:welcome: Hi you guys! Oh...is this the wrong time of day?

[Shail]

Kerr, it's never the wrong time of day for Horror hounds. They have odd hours. Like me for example. My day starts at about 3:00 PM, but it ends at 4AM the next day. Job hunting is best done when children are sleeping.

Oooh! Is that popcorn? With marshmallow cream? *quivers* Excuse me. Munchies.

[dgrintalis]

*Hands DG the entire pot and backs away slowly* There you are, Miss Lovely. How are you today?

Rushing around with a caffeine buzz and feeling good! LOL

[Shail]

Glad you're feeling good. Mind hopping inside my head and turning the hampster wheel generator in my brain for a while?

[dgrintalis]

Glad you're feeling good. Mind hopping inside my head and turning the hampster wheel generator in my brain for a while?

Like the commercial for the Kia Soul? I love those little furries! :)

[Shail]

This one? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ-CDE_r_wg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ezercustoms%2Ecom%2Fnews%2F Kia%2DSoul%2Dmice%2Dcommercial%2Ehtml&feature=player_embedded)

Yeah. I love it too. Cute and funny, but it doesn't sell cars. (okay, shail burning soapbox now.)

[CDaniel]

Ahhhhh. Can't I have some coffee too, EF? Pleeeaaaasssseeee?

[Shail]

How strong Daniel? Army strong, Air Force strong, Navy strong, or 'dip dirty socks in it and watch them walk into the washer for you' strong?

[CDaniel]

Now the latter sounds interesting, better slide over a cup of that.

[Shail]

Right. Don't drop any dirty laundry in it. I hate killing grodey socks.

*watches sock slither across the floor, produces baseball bat, beats sock to death*

[EFCollins]

Kerr, no wrong time of day. It's only after hours because... well, because I couldn't think of a better name LOL

Guys, the pot is miraculously refilling, so help yourselves. I need to find some severed hands to hang. The ceiling feels so bare.

[Shail]

Thanks Effy. This is a good lounge. I'm always up for goofing around. Life in RL is too serious. bleh.

Hmmmm. Know what we need to go with that coffee?
http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:awMbdizESK4VHM:http://www.delicedefrance.co.uk/dynamic/img/LUN3-Cherry%26CreCheesePastryL.jpg (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.delicedefrance.co.uk/dynamic/img/LUN3-Cherry%26CreCheesePastryL.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.delicedefrance.co.uk/our-products/continental-sweet-pastries.asp&usg=__Ex_DIZ-g5OalLLZER31zs-aA_BE=&h=471&w=471&sz=38&hl=en&start=17&sig2=BkU2D1LH0lwk-zOXoJmKgg&tbnid=awMbdizESK4VHM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpastry%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DRN WO,RNWO:2008-24,RNWO:en&ei=JnQgSvH1J9TemQfsiNG7CQ)

Pasteries. Did you request severed hands?

http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:gvxZgD3gef2eYM:http://www.indiescene.net/archives/hand.jpg (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.indiescene.net/archives/hand.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.indiescene.net/archives/cat_film_publicity.html&usg=__5s6wAqBKD6GAWfRK2AbI8tfAE5s=&h=80&w=111&sz=3&hl=en&start=8&sig2=kxcYhw8irZuRLCoAXwCHDA&tbnid=gvxZgD3gef2eYM:&tbnh=62&tbnw=86&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsevered%2Bhands%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%2 6rls%3DRNWO,RNWO:2008-24,RNWO:en&ei=d3QgSpTvKpmDmAfRmaSjCQ)

[EFCollins]

Woo! A severed hand! Hang it up right over the bar, Shail. :D That pastry looks just too yummy. And yes, RL can be too serious. That's why we have the bar. *rolls around in the bloody goop on the floor* Oh yeah.

[Shail]

This guy (http://www.irelandcostumes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/cimg2168thumb.JPG) would fit right in too. But we'll have to keep Haggis from chewing on his entrails.

[EFCollins]

Hey... that looks just like my husband in the morning.

I'm sure we'll find something else for Haggis to chew on.

[Shail]

:ROFL:

[callalily61]

*tosses annoying client at Haggis*

Could you keep the sounds of bones crunching down a bit, please? I've got an Evil Dead marathon queued up in the lounge. Serving pomegranate martinis for effect.

[CDaniel]

That pasterie should do the trick. This coffee is reeeeaaaallllyyyyy stong.

*eye twitching, hands shaking.*

[Kerr]

I need to find some severed hands to hang. The ceiling feels so bare.

Coming up.

http://www.indiescene.net/archives/hand.jpg Oh, was this already served?
http://www.freakingnews.com/shake-hands-Pictures-3824.asp

[EFCollins]

Heck yeah! Another severed hand! *happily hangs it up on the other end of the bar* Hot damn, it's starting to look classy in here.

[Haggis]

Coffee?

Coffee?

And this is supposed to be some kind of after hours joint?

Where's the booze, ladies? I'm needing me some Lagavulin.

Oh. By the way. I didn't kill my boss today. I left him for you. He's in the trunk of my car. Who's hungry?

[EFCollins]

Hey. We have booze too, Haggis. Full bottles. I even gave Dolores one to take with her. Tequila, if memory serves.

Where's Lily's BBQ when we need it? Haggis brought us his boss!

[Haggis]

Booze me, please?

[EFCollins]

Here ya go. *hands Haggis a glass and a big bottle of Lagavulin* Bad day?

http://markjberry.blogs.com/way_out_west/lagavulin.gif

[dgrintalis]

I'm home from work and ready to party! I think we need martinis! Vampire martinis, made with Vampyre Vodka, Pomegranate Liquor and cranberry juice. I make them here at home and they are delish! And the Vampyre vodka is red so they are a lovely dark color!

:)

Shake, shake, shake, that's the shaker going. Who wants one?

[EFCollins]

Sure, DG. Hit me with it. :D

[Haggis]

Here ya go. *hands Haggis a glass and a bottle of Lagavulin* Bad day?

Not the best. But it's over now. Plus I'm taking Monday off.

Thanks for the booze. :Hug2:

No, no you guys. Thanks, but you go ahead and eat him. I've had enough of him for today. :)

[dgrintalis]

Here you go Ellen! Cheers!

My husband would like a wee dram of Scotch. Haggis, will you share? ;)

[EFCollins]

You're welcome Haggis. Hope the weekend is better for you.

I'm going to have a strange day tomorrow. My kids are leaving me for three weeks. I haven't been away from them for three years or so, and never for this long. What will I do with myself?

[Haggis]

Here you go Ellen! Cheers!

My husband would like a wee dram of Scotch. Haggis, will you share? ;)

Sure. :e2teeth:

You're welcome Haggis. Hope the weekend is better for you.

I'm going to have a strange day tomorrow. My kids are leaving me for three weeks. I haven't been away from them for three years or so, and never for this long. What will I do with myself?

Um,write?

[dgrintalis]

You're welcome Haggis. Hope the weekend is better for you.

I'm going to have a strange day tomorrow. My kids are leaving me for three weeks. I haven't been away from them for three years or so, and never for this long. What will I do with myself?

Enjoy the silence, shed a few tears because of said silence and write, write, write!

[Haggis]

Night, kids. Puppy's sleepy.

Dream good nightmares, y'all.

[EFCollins]

Um,write?

Well, yeah. But I'm used to juggling what I'm writing with all the "Mommy, I'm thirsty" and "Mom! Tell Nick to stop hogging the TV!" and "Mama, Kota's being a brat!" (Yeah, my kids call me by three different names. Weird huh?) Will I be able to write in all that quiet?

DG, I'll probably shed a couple tears... every minute... until they come home. All day in my head I've been arguing with myself

Me1: What if something happens and I'm not there?
Me2: Nothing's gonna happen. Greg and Shatze are both trained medical professionals. They'll be fine.
#1: Yeah, but what if something happens?
#2: It won't.
#1: Yeah, but what if it does?

I seriously need to cut the apron strings... well, at least loosen them up a bit.

Good night Haggis. Sleep well. :)

[dgrintalis]

I think this three week trip will do your apron strings some good. Every parent needs a little break sometimes.

[EFCollins]

Yeah. I'm not one of those clingy super moms. I'm really not. It's just been a looong time. I think it'll do us all some good. They're going to have so many adventures!

Be back in a few. Hubby wants French Fries.

[Kerr]

Three weeks EF? Where are they going, summer camp? I always wanted to do something like that when I was young. It would have been such a great adventure. Mine went to my mother's two summers in a row for two weeks. It was hard when they returned on all of us to get back in position. LOL Yes, cry, and get all your sad parts of your novel written. They'll be outstanding. (;)

[EFCollins]

Not camp, yet. My boys go to camp in July with Boy Scouts. (They just got their badges too! Oldest is now a Webelos and youngest is a Bear Cub!!!) Tomorrow, they leave for Grammy's in Alabama. (My hubs' Mother). She's taking them to the space center and botanical gardens and a whole bunch of other places. She has it all planned out. They're going to have such fun! I'm excited for them, but oh I'm gonna miss them so very much.

My eldest nephew graduates high school tomorrow afternoon, too. Me and my mom practically raised him, so it's going to be like watching one of my kids graduate. Heck, I cried when he got prom king a couple weeks ago, so we know how that's going to go. *sigh* I'm feeling old again.

[CDaniel]

Buck-up there kiddo. ;)

*pours another cup of strong coffee with a little bit of Jim Beam added for flavor*

[CDaniel]

I must've scared everyone off. :(

*sips on coffee*

[EFCollins]

Thanks Dan. :)

Well, I got to go. I have to be in a not-so-next-door town by noon with the kids to meet Grammy and do football and cheer leading sign-ups before that. Good night, y'all. Don't get too drunk. Remember, the levels in the bottles never go down. ;)

Peace & Love to each and every one of you wonderful Hounds
~Ellen

[bsolah]

Hey Hounds.

My head hurts. I went out last night and wrote myself off. Missed an awesome protest this morning so am feeling like a bad socialist. Oh and got a rejection, but should I discuss that on the other hound thread?

[EFCollins]

You can discuss anything you want in here. This is just so we CAN talk about all this stuff without clogging up the weekend report for DL. She nets from her phone and I felt like *total* crap with all that constant posting I've been doing up in the weekend report.

[dgrintalis]

G'morning folks. I'm still working on my first cup of coffee so I'll just sit quietly here in the corner, okay? ;)

[EFCollins]

I'm lurking. I'm in a weird mood today. I think I slept too long.

No writing. Maybe a hundred words or so. Got an edit done, though.

[Cranky]

Wow, I *have* been away too long...didn't know we had new digs! :D Excellent idea.

[dgrintalis]

Edit are good, Ellen! I'm working on Ink, as usual. I woke up this morning unsure of what the next chapter should be. I am just writing this from the hip, no outline, so I scratched my head a few times and then just put fingers to the keyboard. A few minutes later, I was scrambling like a madwoman for the notes I handwrote the other day while waiting for a friend caught in traffic and voila! The answer was there.

My brain is moving a little slow so I've only managed 600 words so far. I gave myself bad dreams last night so I woke up a few times and interrupted sleep is the worst.

And maybe it's sort of masochistic, but other than the unwelcome brain fog, I really don't mind when my own writing messes with my dreams. I kind of like it.

I just hope the tale gives other people nightmares, too. Is that too much to ask? LOL

[dolores haze]

Wow, I *have* been away too long...didn't know we had new digs! :D Excellent idea.


There's a fully stocked liquor cabinet.

*grin*

[EFCollins]

Thanks Cranky. :) And yesss, you have been gone too long. Good to see you!

DG: Yup, edits are good. In this case it was a whole sentence that needed reworked. *Waits for her awesomeness to die down* I think I've done my very last edit on that story. :D So, I'm happified. Still in a weird mood though.

Hey, anyone know if Weird Tales really did reopen submissions after Memorial Day? Their website hasn't changed.

[dgrintalis]

Ellen - did your kids leave for Grandma's house yet? That might explain the weird mood.

(((((((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))

[EFCollins]

Yeah. They're gone... already in Alabama too. They got there this morning. It does feel a bit strange with them gone. They called me at about 11 this morning, said they were having a blast. They were making plans to go swimming. Hubs and I were going to go out a bit, but I think we're probably going to end up staying in today. It's raining off and on.

[CDaniel]

Raining, ahhhhh. I wish it would rain out here. We've got clouds, but there not going to do anything.

I'm sure once they're back, EF, it will be like they were never gone, you'll see. :)

[Cranky]

There's a fully stocked liquor cabinet.

*grin*

I'd call dibs on the tequila, but it seems you've already made off with it. :D

Thanks Cranky. :) And yesss, you have been gone too long. Good to see you!



Aw, thanks. Still gonna be out of it for a couple of days...gotta take Jase to the hospital for dental work, and they're keeping him overnight, to make sure he's okay after the anesthesia. Fun times! But I don't know if they have wi-fi, so no posting for me 'till probably Tuesday night, maybe Wednesday. At least I'll be able to have time to write and read, in between bouts of mommy-freakouts. :D

Where's that tequila, again?

ETA: Between the rain and the kids being gone, yeah, I bet that accounts for the weird mood. :) Try to enjoy the break, though!

[dgrintalis]

Uh, no AW for 2 or 3 days? Cranky, you poor thing!

[Cranky]

Uh, no AW for 2 or 3 days? Cranky, you poor thing!

I know! Usually, I at least lurk for a couple minutes every day. *cries*

[dgrintalis]

I know! Usually, I at least lurk for a couple minutes every day. *cries*

We will save some...hiccup...tequila for you.

;)

[dolores haze]

Big hugs to the suffering horror moms!

*stocks the liquor cabinet with tequila*

[dgrintalis]

I've got the lime and the salt!

(And now, I have the line "You put the lime in the coconut and mix it all up" stuck in my head!!)

[EFCollins]

Oh yeah, hospital's always much fun. I feel for ya Cranky. I hope everything goes okay, though.

It's been raining for nearly a month now, it seems like. I just hate being cooped up inside so much. I wish I actually had some alcohol. I had a nice set going, had seven or eight different types of liquor. Then, my hubs and his buddy get on a kick one night and drank everything. All of it. I haven't been alcohol shopping yet. I don't mind, though. He doesn't drink often, maybe twice a year, so I'm not complaining. :) But darn, it's expensive when he does, lol.

[Cranky]

More tequila, yay! :D

Save some for me, folks. I'm off to bed now, so I can be up at four tomorrow morning. *sigh* We just HAD to be the first procedure of the day, didn't we? LOL!

Have a good night, and see y'all again, soonest.

[CDaniel]

I don't have much, EF. Will a Jack-an-Coke do?

[EFCollins]

That'll do Dan. I'm lurking again. Nurse Jacky's on, lol.

[CDaniel]

I'm kinda coming in and out of here,too.

[Kmcelhinny]

Holy Crap... you go away for a few days and out sprouts a whole new fun thread... Man... I missed everyone!

*takes a look around*

Nice place Effy! Is there any beer here, or is it just liquor? If so can I bring some wine? Can we bring ANYTHING we want?

*knocks on screen* Is anyone here? I'm in an out but I would like to play too!

:)

[dgrintalis]

I am popping in and out because, dare I admit it? I'm watching the MTV movie awards! LOL

Please don't think poorly of me. I didn't even know they were on until my daughter claimed the tv and since I've written 1900 words today, I deserve a mindless break!

[EFCollins]

I got distracted by swimming birds for a while. My hubs watches the discovery channel a lot and they were showing the coolest stuff on that show. I don't just mean these birds were diving in the water. They were friggin' gettin' it. It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. I am easily amused lol.

And yep, Hinny. Bring whatever you want. I won't object and I doubt anyone else would. But you have to share. (Except the beer. I don't want any. Yick!)

[CDaniel]

Yick!

Beer is not, Yick! Okay, sometimes it can get a little old. But never Yick! ;)

[EFCollins]

Yes, it is. It's disgusting. I won't even think about it. It tastes like chilled bile, so no thank you. I can't stand beer.

I do love a dry gin and cran, though. Or a rum and pineapple, vodka up... :D I don't drink much either though.

[bsolah]

Oh I usually like beer, but not after Saturday night. Consumed too much. And now I'm back at work wishing I was at home because I don't get to rest until Wednesday night.

[EFCollins]

I like to cook with it. That's all. Beer burgers are awesome. Beer glazed ham is spectacular. I won't drink it though. No frigging way.

[bsolah]

Beer burgers sound real nice.

[CDaniel]

Ah ha, sooooo EF dosen't like beer. That gives me an idea.;) :D

*tell me what the secert formula is now, or dink this 24 pack. Your choice. Hahahahaha*

[CDaniel]

A beer badder for Rocky Mountain Oysters, yes sir!

[EFCollins]

I've never actually eaten those Dan. Got a recipe for them once in the research thread, lol. The thread was about the removal and consumption of testicles, lol. Don't ask, don't ask.

I like to cook though. I don't want to, more often than not, because my children are not equipped with adventurous palates. They aren't picky, ut it's hard to get them to eat something if they don't know what it is. Like Greek foods, stuff like that.

[CDaniel]

They are a required taste, to be sure. But if there fried up in a beer batter of some kind like I said, they're pretty good.

[dolores haze]

I love GOOD beer. I can't stand that pale, fizzy piss water stuff.

*stocks bar with a keg of Brooklyn Brown Ale*

[EFCollins]

Hmm. I've never cooked with a dark beer. I might have to try it. What's the difference in taste? Have you cooked with it?

[Kmcelhinny]

Beer Batter for Onion Rings!

[dolores haze]

Dark beer is a lovely addition to the stock of a rich stew.

[EFCollins]

Really? I'll have to try it. Damn, now I need to go shopping.

I can't make onion rings to save my life. I've tried. They always mess up, somehow.

[CDaniel]

The lights are flickering, I think the power might go out again. If that's the case I think I'll call it a night. But if the power dosen't go off, more than likely I'll go and get some writing done. I've been slacking lately.

Night all. Night, EF. Talk to you later.

[slcboston]

I go away for a bit and the whole place changes...

sheesh. :D

(this was a cool idea... I know how the scrolling vexes the mistress on her iphone... though I am still jealous she has one)

[Kerr]

Whoots! I got tied up all weekend but I'm ready to crack the whip on myself now. Mush!

[LaurieD]

About the dark beer, hubs uses it to add flaver to baked beans and chilli - comes out great.

[Shail]

Hey all. Looks like the thread is sleeping. That's okay. I'll just take a bottle over to the corner and wait for wakey time. Then I'll be back to normal obnoxiousness. :D

[EFCollins]

Until about twenty minutes ago, I was still sleeping. :D How's y'all this morning? Err.. afternoon. *blush*

[dgrintalis]

I just woke up, too. ;)

On my first cup of coffee!

[EFCollins]

LOL Me too DG! It's about halfway gone. I take mine with cream and sugar, how about you?

[dgrintalis]

Soy milk and Splenda for me. :)

Yes, I need to go make cup #2!

[Shail]

Ah, I've been up for a bit, but I haven't really done anything yet except drop a few inflamatory comments.

I need to vacume and mop. Meh. Not my favorite chore, but better than *shudder* the dishes.

Even the dishes wouldn't be so bad if the mommy in the house would scrape them instead of dumping them in the sink still full of half eaten food. And if she'd quit dumping the leftovers in the sink after they've grown apendages that allow them to crawl away. *produces ball bat, beats slithering moldy leftovers to death* See what I mean?

I hate summer vacation.

Ah, Effy. My li'l sis is away for three days. She's on her first ever overnight trip. Her 8th grade class trip to DC (the city, not the comic strip). I know the feeling of 'what do I do now?' It's lonesome without her chatting in my ear 24/7.

[LaurieD]

I'll send my kiddos to you Shail - they'd make a sane person crazy...

[Shail]

Okay, let's trade. You can have my parents.

My mom's a slob, and a whining harpy, and my dad's idea of summer vacation includes pressure washing the deck, weeding the garden, hanging drywall, rewiring the walls of the house, cleaning corners that haven't seen the light of day in two years . . . You get the idea.

I guess I'm a little grumpy today.

My dad had a spaz attack this morning when my sis left for her trip. He's one of those old fashioned guys who clings so tightly to female children that they grow up sheltered and childish. He sabatoges female efforts to become independant and confident in one'self. Grrrrrr.

[EFCollins]

Thanks Shail. :) I feel lost without my babies. They're beautiful. Have you guys ever seen my kiddos?

[CDaniel]

Just thought I'd drop in and see how everyone is doing today.

[dgrintalis]

Coffee cup #2 almost gone. We are meeting my in-laws for lunch at 2:30. They are up from Florida for a few days. I'm...ahem...lucky and have 2 sets of in-laws. Hubby's parents are divorced/remarried.

[Shail]

No, I don't think I have seen your kids Effy. You're right about feeling lost, but I like the school year better. I don't have to focus on: 'sissy sissy, john hit me. No I didn't you're a mag fag, ect.' 24/7. (don't ask what a mag fag is, he picked it up from his teenaged brother). *eyeroll*

Sometimes they can be hilarious though. Murph. Like John. He used to wear camoflouge everything to everywhere. Never changed into normal clothes. Then he got a suit jacket and a nice shirt as a gift for Easter. Now he loves to dress up for church of a sunday. I have trouble distinguishing him from the rest of the boys at church now. It makes me chuckle.

And Mandy's just fourteen. She's learning about prissing in front of the mirror, and the joy of dancing at parties. She came home from eighth grade graduation drenched in sweat and chattering on and on about how fun it was to do the electric slide with her lady friends. She's more girly than I was at that age.

Hi Dan.

Hey Dgrin. Sympathies. We got a surprise visit from my father's estranged brother and wife not long ago. Charming. Talk about walking on razor blades.

[EFCollins]

My hubs' parents are too. I have Shatze and Greg (Jay's mom and step-dad) then Harold and Pat (Dad and step-mom). Poor Jay. He just ended up with my mom and dad. Now he just has Mom, since Dad passed. When Daddy went was the first time I'd seen Jay cry like that. He was heartbroken. My hubs and my dad were close. Jay went to my dad for advice about me all the time. Now he doesn't have that anymore. It sucks for him.

Shail, kids are weird, yeah. Mine do this thing called "berry twisters" where my boys, if they are pissed off at one another, they will grab each others testes and twist 'em. Dunno where they got it from.

[EFCollins]

My kiddos are here (http://s578.photobucket.com/albums/ss225/EFCollins/?action=view&current=HanginoutsideKotaSisNick.jpg). Tell me if the link doesn't work.

[Shail]

Good looking kids Effy.

[EFCollins]

I like to think so. ;) My oldest boy looks like my dad, my daughter looks nothing like me (Yeah right) and my youngest looks like hubs. They all have the weirdest eye color ever. Kind of a dark amber color. Hubs has hazel eyes and mine are black, no not brown, black. That's what's on my ID. How they got their eye color, I have no idea.

[CDaniel]

How far apart are they?

[EFCollins]

My oldest boy and my daughter are 13 months apart. My daughter and youngest are 18 months apart. So, I had three kids in about two and a half years.

[dgrintalis]

Ellen, your kids are beautiful! Genetic coloring is pretty interesting. I am a redhead with blue-grey eyes and pale skin. Ex-husband has dark, dark, dark brown hair, brown eyes, and darker skin - think Mediterranean pigment.

My daughter has medium brown hair, green eyes and skin closer to her dad's shade. My son has dark blonde hair, vivid blue eyes and pale skin that tans.

My son looks so much like my brother, it's scary and my daughter looks like me. I joke that our family's genes are very strong and like to take over. My brother's daughter looks just like my brother, too.

[CDaniel]

My oldest boy and my daughter are 13 months apart. My daughter and youngest are 18 months apart. So, I had three kids in about two and a half years.

Whoa!

[EFCollins]

Thanks DG. :) There's actually only one natural difference in me and my daughter (Her hair color is pretty close to my natural color. In that piccie she's had it dyed.) Her nose is straighter and pointier than mine. I tell her she's an improved me, lol.

And Dan, yeah. I was preggers for a looong time. I had my oldest when I was 16 and was done by the time I was 19. Honestly, I think if I had waited until I was older, I wouldn't have the energy to chase after them! If I could just bottle it... *sigh*

[dgrintalis]

My oldest boy and my daughter are 13 months apart. My daughter and youngest are 18 months apart. So, I had three kids in about two and a half years.

Wow! Mine are 22 months apart. I cannot imagine 13 and 18 months apart. Kudos to you!

[EFCollins]

It was rough. They were all in diapers together. My oldest boy had a pacifier until he was nearly five. I had to just break them all at the same time. I was still a kid myself, so I messed up a lot, but they're pretty good kids, so I guess a pacifier isn't the worst mess up I could make.

Any of you other peoples have kids? I know DG and Hinny do. And Haggis, but what about the rest of ya?

[EFCollins]

I'm out guys. Have to go visit hubs' grandparents. See y'all laters. *hugs*

[Shail]

No kids of my own, unless you want to count the three half Burmese kittens I raised. They act just like li'l babies, and they think they're dogs.

I do have two younger siblings though, one thirteen years my junior, and one eighteen years my junior, so I did a lot of the care giving for them. I'm kind of the unofficial mommy, because my mother and father decided to take a hands off approach with the youngest two, until they were old enough to be 'interesting'. Again I say: Grrrrrr. Let's see if I can find a pic . . .

Yeah, this one's about three years old, but the most recent of both of them together. Sis looks like a combination of me and my mom, and bro looks like me and dad. The fourth kid, the brother between me and sis, doesn't look anything like the rest of our family. We tease him about being the mail man's son.

http://mail.google.com/mail/?attid=0.1&disp=emb&view=att&th=1219d1630254ae52

[Shail]

Bye Effy. Later.

[Kerr]

My girls are old enough to worry more about me now than I do them. And my granddaughter is like a fantasy creature dredged straight up out of the brightest parts of my previously unknown desires. If I occasionally gush, forgive me. I waited a long time without knowing what the wait was for.

[Kmcelhinny]

I need a job... does anyone want to hire me? Anyone have any ideas? Anyone?

[Shail]

Nope. Sorry Sis. I'm job hunting too. It sucks. Like an Oreck.

[bsolah]

Soooooooo tired! And have lots of things running through my head. Kill me now.

[FOTSGreg]

Hinny wrote (pleaded), I need a job... does anyone want to hire me? Anyone have any ideas? Anyone?

Wish I could, but I'm in the same boat. I'm trying to re-invent myself and a former 8-year career as an accountant and tax professional (practicing before the IRS as a responsible individual for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy - the enforcement agent thought I was good enough to take the test and qualify). I've got 1 client so far, but I need about 3-4 more to really start making good money and it's slow going.

My suggestion - Don't sell yourself or your talents short. Find something you're really good at and start doing it. Talk about it with others. Eventually, people will start coming to you and asking you questions. Tell 'em up front you charge for such advice.

Don't give it away for free after you've got a couple customers (much like our writing) and make sure everyone knows you do what you do for money.

[bsolah]

Hate to whinge about my job seeing as you guys all want one, but my boss wants me to go up to Sydney for three days for work.

I don't want to go simply because I don't want to spend the night away from my partner. Stupid?

[EFCollins]

This is going to sound silly, but if you can learn how to do it, soap making is decent money. I make home made soap, bath salts, bath and massage oils, incense, body lotions, body butters, bath beads, floating soap stones, scent stones... well, you get the picture.:tongue

It's not hard to do, either. I use glycerin, which is a by-product of vegetable and animal fats, and a natural humectant. There's a bit of chemistry envolved, but for me it's more like cooking. You can use milks to make soaps as well, but they soaponify slower and end up being a harder base. You can add natural oils, such as palm, olive, coconut, mango, shea or coco butters, which help with moisturizing. I love it, it's just fun as hell, lol. You can do all kinds of stuff with soap, once you learn how to do it right. They sell fairly well, too. My bars sell better than the liquids.

[Kerr]

Do you have an on line store EF, drive around to different locals and take orders, or have a store of your own? That does sound very fun. I love any experimenting that goes on in the kitchen.

[Shail]

I don't want to go simply because I don't want to spend the night away from my partner. Stupid?

No, not stupid. Neither married nor part of a couple myself, but I know plenty of people who are one or the other. They hate being apart. My father, for instance, gets nightmares when he's away from home. He hates hotel rooms.

[bsolah]

I think I managed to negotiate it down to one night. We haven't been apart since I moved in. It will be so so weird.

[Shail]

Good luck. And don't watch any horror movies about hotels or read any books about them. It makes it worse. Blech.

[bsolah]

lol - that just makes it tempting :P I think I'll be drunk most of the time though.

[Haggis]

I think I managed to negotiate it down to one night. We haven't been apart since I moved in. It will be so so weird.

Sometimes the homecomings make it well worth the time apart.

If you catch my drift. :e2brows:

[bsolah]

Cheeky Haggis :tongue

[Haggis]

Cheeky Haggis :tongue

Moi? :rolleyes:

[EzraHoliday]

I GOT IT!

Colonel Mustard in the library with the candlesti-

Wait, what are we doing in here again? :gone:

[DL Hegel]

This thread is for our horror silliness. Poor DL has to scroll on her phone through all those weekend report posts. So now, we goof off here!

That said, the bar is open, I've stocked cookies... now all we need is Lily's BBQ and victims...guests.

EF gets 6 boxes of girl scout cookies, a sheep, and turkey leg.

Big hugs!!!!

[bsolah]

I just had the best rant on my blog. It feels so good!

[LaurieD]

Nothing like a good rant B!

I am happy to report that I have nothing to rant about tonight :)

No emails from that certain person I have asked to leave me alone yet feels obligated to flood my inbox. :)

Kids made me nuts this morning but chilled this afternoon :)

Didn't have to go anywhere at all today :)

Got in 600 odd words so far on my wip tonight :)

My house is clean - even the surface of my desk is visible :)

[bsolah]

Wow LaurieD sounds like heaven...almost.

I'll be a little more relaxed after reading group tonight.

[bsolah]

I'm back from reading group. My head is cleared now and I feel on top of things again.

Where is everyone? I guess I'm off to bed in an hour or two.

[callalily61]

I'm at the Day Job, bsolah.

Glad you're back to your normal self again.

[Haggis]

bsolah's head unexploded? Man, I wish I could have been there to see that. :D

[dgrintalis]

<----- Steps in room, looks around. Anyone else in here?

[Shail]

*Bounces up and down with joy that she's not alone anymore*

Me! Me! I'm here!

[CDaniel]

I'm here too. Well...sort of... kind of...more or less...ah you know, in and out.

[Shail]

*Shaily wolf attacks Dgrin and Dan, slobbers them with wolfie greetings*

Sorry. I get a little enthusiastic with my greetings.

[dgrintalis]

I like wolfie greetings! And for a minute, I thought no one was here!

Oh and I think the muse is trying to kill me. Seriously. Ink is screaming in my head and the ideas for the SO rewrite are there too, simmering under the surface.

[Kmcelhinny]

Hey drgin I feel for you... I had that happen over the summertime for me. So I hear ya!

It's kind of nice in here, I just found out my 6 year old, super smart, boy has been hiding his F*****G homework from me so he can play his DS instead... it's not alot of homework but F*** I'm pissed

[Shail]

Aw. Feel bad for Hinny. *Wolfie snuggles* I hate when they do that stuff.

Yeah, I've got rewrites howling in my brain too. Ack! On top of the monthly prompt.

*thud* And summer's coming on. With the kids home 24/7 my computer access will most likely be limited. Bleh.

Oh well. I'll make the best of it, I guess.

[dgrintalis]

Ugh! I'm sorry.

I just found out my 6 year old, super smart, boy has been hiding his F*****G homework from me so he can play his DS instead... it's not alot of homework but F*** I'm pissed

[dgrintalis]

Can't you just growl at the kids when they get too close to the computer? ;)

And summer's coming on. With the kids home 24/7 my computer access will most likely be limited. Bleh.

Oh well. I'll make the best of it, I guess.

[Kmcelhinny]

Way to think positive Shail! I'll send my son to your house! WooHoo... it'll make me almost miss him. If he wasn't such a lying little twerp *grumble grumble*

OH here everyone... I brought some pepperoni rolls! have some. *Set's plate on the table* There are some veggie ones too! Enjoy!

[dgrintalis]

So I just had the most random thought pop up in my head. What does a vegan cannibal eat?

Hmmm....

[LaurieD]

My kids are home for the summer - they're each allowed an hour a day, between the hours of noon and four pm to play games on my laptop.

[dgrintalis]

I'm so glad my kids have their own pcs. My daughter, who turns 20 this month, has a laptop we bought her for college and my 18 year old son has a desktop.

If I had to fight for pc use, I think it would be ugly. Really ugly.

;)

[Shail]

It gets quite bloody between the two youngest. The li'l boy has been allowed to run wild, no discipline at all from Mom and Dad, so he just does whatever he wants. The girl will say 'I want the computer', and the boy will immediately jump in the chair and say 'nuh uh, I had it first'. I have no authority with them. Their parents made sure of that.

Besides, my dad feels my writing is wasted time and wasted electricity. He pretty much told me that he'll sabatage my efforts to buy myself a laptop. He's being a jerk about this writing thing.

Hey, he's not a virgin, or a newbie, but could Mistress Lily maybe BBQ him?

[Kmcelhinny]

So I just had the most random thought pop up in my head. What does a vegan cannibal eat?

Hmmm....


Eyelashes and Hair?

[Shail]

Fingernails?

[dgrintalis]

Besides, my dad feels my writing is wasted time and wasted electricity. He pretty much told me that he'll sabatage my efforts to buy myself a laptop. He's being a jerk about this writing thing.

Hey, he's not a virgin, or a newbie, but could Mistress Lily maybe BBQ him?

I'll bring the BBQ sauce! And that sucks that he's not supportive. I am so grateful for my husband's support. When I have doubts, he's always there for me. There are plenty of days when I think he believes in me more than I believe in myself.

[Kmcelhinny]

It gets quite bloody between the two youngest. The li'l boy has been allowed to run wild, no discipline at all from Mom and Dad, so he just does whatever he wants. The girl will say 'I want the computer', and the boy will immediately jump in the chair and say 'nuh uh, I had it first'. I have no authority with them. Their parents made sure of that.

Besides, my dad feels my writing is wasted time and wasted electricity. He pretty much told me that he'll sabatage my efforts to buy myself a laptop. He's being a jerk about this writing thing.

Hey, he's not a virgin, or a newbie, but could Mistress Lily maybe BBQ him?


I second that Shail! My sister of blood, I see no reason why we couldn't Mistress tried to BBQ her son just last week... I'm kind of hungry for repressive father... he might be tasty :D

[Shail]

It just occured to me that this discussion is remeniscent of Haggis' short for May. The one about the vampire that needs a nightlight. Ew.

[Kmcelhinny]

I'll bring the BBQ sauce! And that sucks that he's not supportive. I am so grateful for my husband's support. When I have doubts, he's always there for me. There are plenty of days when I think he believes in me more than I believe in myself.

That is crazy sweet Drgin

[dgrintalis]

LOL Shail!

[dgrintalis]

That is crazy sweet Drgin

Yeah, he is pretty awesome. When I got laid off last year from my day job, he supported my decision to dance full-time. My dance income isn't even close to what I made. He also supports all the hours I spend in front of the laptop. I got lucky the second time. Very lucky. The first husband wasn't so supportive.

I've promised hubby that if I get published and actually make some money, I'll buy him a new motorcycle. :)

[Kmcelhinny]

See. That's sweet too. It's hard when you don't get support, and it's nice when you do.

[Shail]

Aw. That's sweet. Present for hubby is good.

Ah, there's my demon. He was hiding. Let's see if he's ready for some rewrites?

Oh, you pathetic human, I've been ready for ages. Stop wasting time and get on with it. I'm stuck in limbo.

*sigh* Sorry, he gets cranky when there's no virgins to devour. *shrug*

[LaurieD]

It gets quite bloody between the two youngest. The li'l boy has been allowed to run wild, no discipline at all from Mom and Dad, so he just does whatever he wants. The girl will say 'I want the computer', and the boy will immediately jump in the chair and say 'nuh uh, I had it first'. I have no authority with them. Their parents made sure of that.

Besides, my dad feels my writing is wasted time and wasted electricity. He pretty much told me that he'll sabatage my efforts to buy myself a laptop. He's being a jerk about this writing thing.

Hey, he's not a virgin, or a newbie, but could Mistress Lily maybe BBQ him?

I'm sorry Shail, that truly sucks.

I'll bring the special sauce for the bbq... oops, dgrin's bringing sauce... I'll bring the Doritos...

[Kmcelhinny]

I'm sure we can find someone somewhere Shail... Give me some time, see what I can scour up for your demon

[dgrintalis]

Okay, Hounds, my muse just tapped me on the shoulder. I will stop by a little later!

I have to admit, I'm a little afraid of this tale. I keep thinking good things about it and then a little voice of self-doubt whispers "it's crap girl, utter drivel". I hate that voice. Can we BBQ it?

[Kmcelhinny]

NO! That is just your ex husband talking to you... :)

We all do that to ourselves. I'm an expert at it. Just keep going until you finish and then before you make a final decision, do your second draft. Flick that annoying little voice hard into the back of your mind and tell it to piss off! You are good and that little shit voice doesn't know what it's talking about :D

[LaurieD]

Lets do a massive bbq of those little doubting voices - I'll bring mine, Hinny - you bring yours, drgin - bring yours and some more bbq sauce...

[dgrintalis]

Thank you Hinny. And your advice is spot on.

((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))

[Shail]

Oooh. I've got the perfect instument for BBQing small annoying voices. Hang on. I'll go get it. Nom!

http://www.mtforge.com/Catalog/page1/thumbnails/squirrel%20cooker%2020b.jpg (http://www.mtforge.com/Catalog/page1/pages/squirrel%20cooker.htm)

http://www.mtforge.com/Catalog/page1/images/squirrel%20cooker%2030.jpg

[LaurieD]

I bet that'll do the job nicely Shail.

I've gotta get back to work...Pay-The-Bills-Work, not writing I'm afraid...

[Kmcelhinny]

I'm game, but can we throw Shail's 'fire' stick and impale the things first? I'm in the mood for some squelching and some gore...

[dgrintalis]

Hugs to everyone. I love you guys! And yes, Hinny, let's impale them - slowly. Mwahahahahaha

[Shail]

http://members.fortunecity.com/bucwheat/julien/impaled.jpg

[EFCollins]

EF gets 6 boxes of girl scout cookies, a sheep, and turkey leg.

Big hugs!!!!

Thank you DL. :) I will share my girl scouts... err.. I mean girl scout cookies ;) (Now Made With REAL Girl Scouts!) Who wants a cookie?!?

[DL Hegel]

Thank you DL. :) I will share my girl scouts... err.. I mean girl scout cookies ;) (Now Made With REAL Girl Scouts!) Who wants a cookie?!?
:roll:

[EFCollins]

;) So, how is everyone today? I had a long day so far. Hubs had a dentist appointment to get new teeth. When we were teenagers, a group of guys beat him in the face with a log... not a stick, a friggin log buddy. Anyway, they cracked the sinus cavities in his face, which drained into his teeth and destroyed them totally. He had to get a new set of uppers. And he hates them LOL! I don't think he'll wear them. Oh! AND guess what? He found another job! And just in time too. We were starting to run out of money and options. He's going back to construction for now, but will return to the mines when they go operational again. So, it's been a long day, but a good one. :)

[Shail]

Oh, I'm feeling rather energetic, for once. Maybe it's the heat. My blood pressure hates summertime.

*poing*

[EFCollins]

LOL. I'd rather be cold, myself. It's easier to get warm than cool off. But, I don't do anything but complain when it's cold that I want it to be warmer, but when it gets too hot, I'm practically begging for cool weather.

[dgrintalis]

Bloody hell. I just finished a chapter that is only 535 words, but my heart was racing the entire time! It's so f**kin creepy, I love it! I think it might be my favorite part so far.

Whew. I'm really glad it's daytime, though. The muse is cackling with delight.

Oh and it's a bright, hot sunny day here. My inner vamp hates it!

[dgrintalis]

And now I have to take a shower. I mean, really. It's 4 in the afternoon. But no one else is home and I've given myself the creeps, big time.

[EFCollins]

Just take a deep breath. And don't think about that movie Psycho while you shower. :D

[Shail]

Hey, Dgrin. Does your shower curtain look like this one?

http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:DHdZN4yXpyd_8M:http://www.gizmodiva.com/entry_images/0708/28/shower_curtain.jpg (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.gizmodiva.com/entry_images/0708/28/shower_curtain.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.gizmodiva.com/home_improvement/psycho_shower_curtain_is_a_good_tribute_to_the_mov ie.php&usg=__tsFmslu_Yg3fqYnOmW_o-MyY0cs=&h=350&w=450&sz=41&hl=en&start=2&sig2=_d8b0hhmahi660D7sY7AXg&um=1&tbnid=DHdZN4yXpyd_8M:&tbnh=99&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dscary%2Bshower%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DRNWO ,RNWO:2008-24,RNWO:en%26sa%3DG%26um%3D1&ei=joslSsLpBsODmAfv06DrBw)

[EFCollins]

:ROFL: :roll:

[Kmcelhinny]

Shail that's awesome! I want one! I want one!

Hey Effy!

[EFCollins]

Hey Hinny! It's been a while since we've been on a thread at the same time. How the heck are ya, woman?

[dgrintalis]

I love that shower curtain! I'm afraid the rest of my family would not like it. I just took the fastest shower ever and I locked the bathroom door, too.

I am really glad my bathroom walls are tile, not wallpaper with designs that look like faces...screaming faces.

;)

[EFCollins]

LOL ;) I still have faces all through my house.

I have to type up hubby's resume for his new boss. It's on his hard drive, if I can get it to work as a slave drive on my pc, I'll be happy. Be back later, y'all. Love yous all!

[EFCollins]

NVM... hubs is busy guitar hero-ing and doesn't want to hook up his drive in my pc right now. *big eye roll* I'll have to print up his resume later.

It's so funny. He got the job because he has a driver's license. Sad, huh? The construction company that's hiring him has one other worker with a license. Jay has a lot of carpentry exp. too, though. He loves to build stuff. (He's how I know all that technical stuff I'm using for Descent into Madness. Hey, tap what sources you got. ;))

[Kmcelhinny]

Alright, I have to get going for a bit. It's been nice ladies! I love you all! Thanks for the laughs my wolfie sister! and keep one writing everyone! Hope you don't get too scared drgin!

later,
Hinny

[slcboston]

A job that only requires a driver's license? Where do I sign up... and how many bodies do I have to transport? :D

[EFCollins]

LOL Boston, that's what I'm saying! But, you have to be able to build stuff too... or at least be willing to learn how. They are contractors, so that's a must. But my god! They called the house before we even got home. We stopped by after the dentist and he talked to the woman in the office... hasn't even put in a resume yet or anything, and they called twice before we got home. Hubs called them back when we got in and miss secretary lady said for him to be there at seven in the morning, resume in hand. Big boss wants to meet with him before they go to work. Not before the crew goes, she said before "y'all" go. When she asked if he had a driver's license and he said yes, she said "Oh thank God! We have one guy that can drive in the whole crew!" Jay's a really good carpenter, so that's no trouble. He loves it too. More than the mines, but mining is better money. Much, much better.

[FOTSGreg]

Shail wrote, Besides, my dad feels my writing is wasted time and wasted electricity. He pretty much told me that he'll sabatage my efforts to buy myself a laptop. He's being a jerk about this writing thing.

All too many times our family and friends will not recognize the work we put into our writing. They believe that we should be out there in the trenches like they are slaving our lives away to make someone else rich for $7.25/hour.

They don't understand that we are slaving away and putting as much sweat, effort, and even blood into the work we choose to do rather than the work we have to do as they are. They don't understand that the person we are trying to make rich is ourselves. They simply do not understand that to a writer, the word "rich" has several different meanings and not all of those are monetary.

We invent rich and meaningful art for some people with our words. We create rich and meaningful worlds for others to enjoy and explore with our words. We sometimes even enrich our own wallets with our words.

Artists are rarely recongized by their own communities until long after the artist has left.

Never let yourself forget that if you are able to string words together to form sentences and stories that mean something, that entertain others, that occasionally put a dollar or two in your pockets, that you are an artist and your art has worth and merit.

Not just anybody who can string a few words together can do that, ya' know?

Keep the faith and when someone starts criticizing you for being an artist point a finger at your bookshelves and say "Tell that to King or Asimov, Bradbury or Keats, Kipling or Norton. They all had to start at the bottom too."

[CDaniel]

;) So, how is everyone today? I had a long day so far. Hubs had a dentist appointment to get new teeth. When we were teenagers, a group of guys beat him in the face with a log... not a stick, a friggin log buddy. Anyway, they cracked the sinus cavities in his face, which drained into his teeth and destroyed them totally. He had to get a new set of uppers. And he hates them LOL! I don't think he'll wear them. Oh! AND guess what? He found another job! And just in time too. We were starting to run out of money and options. He's going back to construction for now, but will return to the mines when they go operational again. So, it's been a long day, but a good one. :)

That's great, EF. I'm glade things are turning out all right for you guys. :Thumbs:

[bsolah]

Morning Hounds.

I'm kind of tired. Might have to go find coffee soon.

I have one modest goal today, to review [REC]. Me and Miss bsolah watched it on Sunday night and it might be the scariest movie I've actually seen. It was pretty good.

[TedTheewen]

When I was a kid, I got hit in the head with a baseball. the whole side of my face was swollen and purple for the summer. My mom says I ain't been right since.

[bsolah]

Random Story Ted...

Anyone else around?

[LaurieD]

http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Others/grave-110.GIF

[bsolah]

Hey Laurie. What you been up to?

I'm bored as hell, want to find a new job because this one sucks, and I'm tired.

[LaurieD]

I'm working on my wip but my attention span is rather short tonight (it's almost 1 am in my corner of the world) so I'm posting randomly here too.

Sorry your job is boring as hell - I know the feeling. I don't want a new job. I want to be able to afford to NOT have to have a job

[LaurieD]

I am finally going to bed - my muse is satisfied - 585 down on my primary wip, 350 on my secondary.

See you guys tomorrow. Or later today...

:hi:

[dgrintalis]

Good night Laurie! It's 5 a.m. here, my bedtime. I managed a total of 1,600 words today. Not as good as I've been doing, but I didn't have as much writing time as normal.

See everyone later!

[Kerr]

Hey dgrin, you've got me pumped again. My last chapter ended right where i wanted, now to see if I can creep myself out similarly. Whoots! Can I barrow the curtain Shail? I think I'll take the shower first to get in the proper mood.

Oh, and here's my inner voice turd-deposit for the roast. Anyone wants it, you're welcome. I'm full up and done. Hi-ho hi-ho, off to work I go.

[LaurieD]

After 5 hours of sleep (I need a minimum of 8 to be nice, minimum of 6 to be aware of what I'm saying) I'm back.

I love my children, srsly, I do. Even if they did wake me up. Even if they do have Hannah Montana on. Again.

Yesterday I was trying to think of what made hubs change his thinking that my writing was more than just a hobby and inexpensive way for me to vent... and I finally remembered -- it was when I posted bits of my story here and there for help/opinions/expert advice and got honset positive feedback from several different people -- I read him a few of the comments/suggestions and what everyone said impressed him enough that he doesn't complain about me staying up all night working on my stories anymore.

Where's my coffee....

[dgrintalis]

Hey dgrin, you've got me pumped again. My last chapter ended right where i wanted, now to see if I can creep myself out similarly. Whoots! Can I barrow the curtain Shail? I think I'll take the shower first to get in the proper mood.

Oh, and here's my inner voice turd-deposit for the roast. Anyone wants it, you're welcome. I'm full up and done. Hi-ho hi-ho, off to work I go.

w00t! w00t! Sending some creepy-crawlies your way.

And I've impaled your inner voice. I'd offer it up for roasting, but it's wriggling quite nicely on the stake. I think I'll let it stay there for a few days! ;)

[dgrintalis]

Hannah Montana. Shudders.

;)

And here, have a cup! :Coffee:

After 5 hours of sleep (I need a minimum of 8 to be nice, minimum of 6 to be aware of what I'm saying) I'm back.

I love my children, srsly, I do. Even if they did wake me up. Even if they do have Hannah Montana on. Again.

Yesterday I was trying to think of what made hubs change his thinking that my writing was more than just a hobby and inexpensive way for me to vent... and I finally remembered -- it was when I posted bits of my story here and there for help/opinions/expert advice and got honset positive feedback from several different people -- I read him a few of the comments/suggestions and what everyone said impressed him enough that he doesn't complain about me staying up all night working on my stories anymore.

Where's my coffee....

[EFCollins]

I can't write.

Shit.

[dgrintalis]

I can't write.

Shit.

Okay, you need an intervention. Pulling myself up, puffing up my chest, donning camo uniform.

"You secure that shit, Effy. Put your butt in that chair and give me 100 words! I don't care if they are good words or bad words, just give me 100."

You can do it!

[EFCollins]

LOL! Seriously though, I've been staring at my open project on ywriter all morning. Since just after 6, actually, with occasional pops in here (AW is almost always open on my pc in case I need to look up something or ask a ?). I know exactly what happens next, but for the life of me, it's just not coming out today, or at least not yet.

Thanks DG. I needed that, Drill Girl Sargent!

[dgrintalis]

Effy, maybe it isn't coming next, maybe that's the problem. I started writing something after the scene that gave me the creepy-crawlies and it didn't feel right. I realized that I needed a boring, 'breather' chapter. While I think there might be something important for later in that boring bit of dialogue, I'm not sure.

Why not write some boring dialogue between your MC and another character? Have them talk about the weather or paint colors or anything at all.

[EFCollins]

That's actually exactly what I just did. (And made it to 195 words for the day, woo-hoo!) They ended up talking about dinner. Just food, making plans again that have been made several times already, but it worked. Now if it will just stop thundering... (Thunder storms are a big inhibitor for me. Can't write when it's raining. Weird huh?)

[dgrintalis]

That's actually exactly what I just did. (And made it to 195 words for the day, woo-hoo!) They ended up talking about dinner. Just food, making plans again that have been made several times already, but it worked. Now if it will just stop thundering... (Thunder storms are a big inhibitor for me. Can't write when it's raining. Weird huh?)

Woo-hoo! :) I knew you could do it!

Bright sun is my inhibitor. I normally write so much faster between midnight and 5 a.m.

[EFCollins]

I write during the day, but if it's raining, I always end up watching out the window.

Thanks DG. Dunno why, but that kick in the butt is what I needed.

But for now, me lovelies, I must fly before the electricity goes out. I've already burned up four different routers by leaving them on during a storm. If it stops raining, I will be back. Later y'all. *hugs*

[Shail]

Urrrrr. Thunderstorms most of the night. I had to jump ship pretty quick before the lightning decided my computer looked tasty. We live on top of a ridge. The transformers get hit by lightning pretty often. Bleh.

Anyway, laundry to finish, and then writing! Yay. I'm glad it's cooler today. The heat makes my computer screw up. We need better cooling fans.

[LaurieD]

Daytime is my nemesis - can't write didly crap unless it's dark out. Or dark where I am. Last Friday, my girl had dress rehearsal for her dance recital ... for 5 hours ... I went prepared with laptop securely stashed in my bag along with my cameras. The sound and lights guy kept the audience seating area in semi-dark while he fiddled with stage lighting, so my muse woke up. In between costume changes and watching my girlie dance, and a couple others that were either really good or really "omg - you've got to be kidding me" I got in a total of like 500 words between my wips.

I was so tempted to ask the mom behind me - who was reading a Laurell K. Hamilton - what she thought of my Butterflies, but I didn't.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev4AJ0WLRdw If anyone is interested in one of the really good dances - video of one of the older girls at a recent competition

[FOTSGreg]

Let's see, 2 brief critiques, another 1600 words, and a comment re: a comment from cathyfreeze regarding the Third Pulse chapter I posted.

I'd say I deserve the beer I'm having right now...

[Shail]

I'd say so too, Greg.

[bsolah]

I have two or three blog posts to write today. Not sure if any fiction planning will happen.

[bsolah]

Here's a writing type question: Is there something weird or wrong about most of my story ideas being set in offices with pissed off office workers.

[Haggis]

Here's a writing type question: Is there something weird or wrong about most of my story ideas being set in offices with pissed off office workers.

Frank answer. Neither weird nor wrong, but limiting.

[bsolah]

I agree, and I hope more types of ideas come to me, but more to the point, I find if I get an idea set in an office I think, "Not again! I like it but I shouldn't write about it."

Should I still write these stories?

[Haggis]

I agree, and I hope more types of ideas come to me, but more to the point, I find if I get an idea set in an office I think, "Not again! I like it but I shouldn't write about it."

Should I still write these stories?

I'm no expert, Ben, but I would never tell you to not write a story that comes into your head. On the other hand, you can make a conscious effort to bring other stories into your head. I'm not saying it will be easy, I'm just saying you can do it.

The prompts we are doing here now are one way. Another is to engage your environment when you are out of the office. Pay attention to little things--a bird eating a worm, an ice cream vendor giving a treat to a little girl, an old man and an old woman sitting on a park bench holding hands. There are stories in everything you see.

I know you're a Marxist horror writer. I'd rather you'd be a horror writer who is a Marxist. I'd like to see you put the story first and the politics second--not necessarily in your life, but in your stories. There's plenty of room for both, honestly. I just hate to see you limiting yourself.

Does that make any sense?

[bsolah]

Well I think stories can involve politics without having to surround the workplace. I would say in regards to writing, I am a writer first, a Marxist second. It just happens that the politics will come through even if I try to write something apolitical. It's just the way my head works.

I think I need to have fun experimenting with new setting though and see what ideas organically come out of it. I'm reading a good novel at the moment, American Rust, and the descriptions of the rusted out factories in this small American Town are great.

[dolores haze]

That could be really cool, Ben. I love post-industrial squalor. Seriously - fond childhood memories and all that.

[Haggis]

I think the new settings is an outstanding idea. It may well take you places you've never dreamed of.

Best of luck. I want to see them when you do them.

[bsolah]

And I'm thinking flash fiction at the moment. I need to avoid drawing things out and then it'll help me get in the right frame of mind when it comes to editing An Abused Mind, and that Vampire story.

[Haggis]

Good place to start.

[dgrintalis]

Ben, I think Haggis's advice is spot on.

And Haggis? I want to give that pup in your avatar a big kiss. He is precious. ;)

[bsolah]

Haggis is pretty much always spot on. He's one of the people I've learnt a lot from.

Though it's always hard to articulate to people the issue of mixing my writing with my politics, even if you put aside the fact that most people don't agree with me.

To be honest, I struggle with it sometimes myself.

[dgrintalis]

I forgot to share a funny story with everyone. This weekend, my stepmother-in-law, after my hubby told her a bit about the nature of my WIP, looked at me, shook her head, and said "But you are so petite and so pretty and you have such dark things in your head."

I took all three as a compliment and smiled and said thank you. :)