Round 3: The Peanut Gallery

[Birol]

Dang! Jenna's not giving them a moment's rest, is she? You have to start the entry with one of two sentences? That's, that's tough. I mean, outside of the contest, people do things like that all the time as a starting point or a jumping off point, but if it doesn't work later, you get to delete it. But that's not Jenna's rules.

Hmmm.... Wonder if the readers will get glossy-eyed reading the same opening sentences over and over and over again....

:Cheers: :popcorn:

[JennaGlatzer]

I will get progressively more evil. Just warning you.

[Melina]

Oooooh! Brilliant! I'm wondering now, will the required first sentence stifle the contestants, or inspire them? There were several of them who were struggling last week, trying to think of something to write. Will this make it easier? I can't wait to find out!

Melina

[Birol]

Get as evil as you want, Jenna. I'm not a contestant. :D

[awatkins]

Same here. Heh. :D

[firehorse]

Get as evil as you want, Jenna. I'm not a contestant. :DOh, you sadistic voyeurs! :whip:

;)

[firehorse]

Geez, I didn't mean you had to stop ;) (I don't like killing anything, even threads)

[astonwest]

Next week, you'll have to start with the word 'Hominy' and finish in 100 words...just warning everyone up front...

:)

[firehorse]

:roll: :roll: :roll:

Would a recipe count? ;)

[reph]

Next week, you'll have to start with the word 'Hominy' and finish in 100 words.
Hominy words? A hundred, was it?

[JennaGlatzer]

Reph, I do hope you're saving these usage tips somewhere. They're excellent. And someday, we're going to have a real live grammar board for you to put 'em on.

[reph]

Reph, I do hope you're saving these usage tips somewhere. They're excellent.
Thanks. I'm keeping a handwritten list.

[astonwest]

Hominy words? A hundred, was it?
Yup, you've got it...
Although maybe we'll have to set it up like the Price is Right. The closest piece to 100 without going over...

"Hominy is the cause of all my problems..."

[firehorse]

Although maybe we'll have to set it up like the Price is Right. The closest piece to 100 without going over... But then we'd have to guess the correct word count, wouldn't we? :idea: "953!"

What about a Jeopardy round, in which each contestant picks her own category (first come, first serve): "I'll take Paleontology for 800 words, Jenna. No, wait. I'd rather take Crypts of Note [famous musicians' interrment places] for 1200... What do you mean, Haskins already took that one?!"

[Unique]

Next week, you'll have to start with the word 'Hominy' and finish in 100 words...just warning everyone up front...

:)

"Hominy! Yum, yum. Nobody cooks hominy like my Aunt Martha.":Coffee: If I don't get enough hominy in my diet, I get:Hammer:. My friends don't like to be around me because I'm always:Headbang: . Everyone needs to :popcorn: hominy once in a while. Even if it does taste like:horse: .

S orry. Newbies shouldn't be :poke:smarta$$, but I couldn't resist. :wag:

[DJP]

Finally, someone found somewhere to use the horse smilie! That brings to mind a story. When I was in Switzerland, my host mom cooked steak for supper. AFTER the meal was done, she fessed up that we'd eaten horse, imported from Canada, no less!:faint:

[astonwest]

But then we'd have to guess the correct word count, wouldn't we? :idea: "953!"
And you would be DISQUALIFIED!
953 is way over 100... :)

[SueB]

Next week, you'll have to start with the word 'Hominy' and finish in 100 words...just warning everyone up front...

:)
Well, kiss my grits!

[pepperlandgirl]

I'm going out of town this weekend, and next week I'll be busy, so I went ahead and posted my entry tonight. :)

[Birol]

Yea! Something to read while I should be procrastinating. Err... Wait. That didn't come out quite right.

[jdkiggins]

Congrats! on posting first again Pepper. I was right behind you. :)
Woo Hoo. Party time.

[BlueTexas]

We're all speed queens this week, aren't we? I have mine written, just finished, but I need to let it sit a day to proofread. It should be up tomorrow night.

Congrats you two! Let's make the guys feel REALLY slow this week!

[jdkiggins]

Woo Hoo. Congrats! and good luck, Blue.
Three up, five to go!
:partyguy:

[BlueTexas]

I can't believe I was able to come up with something that fast. Last week I didn't even have a workable idea until the day before the deadline.

Good luck everyone!

[pepperlandgirl]

Eh, don't be freaked out by how quickly I write. See, unlike other people in this contest, I don't have a life. I don't have anything better to do with my time. No kids to worry about, my husband is more than able to keep himself entertained, I don't have a full time job, I skipped my classes this week...there'd be something wrong if I didn't get any writing done....

[brinkett]

Finally, someone found somewhere to use the horse smilie! That brings to mind a story. When I was in Switzerland, my host mom cooked steak for supper. AFTER the meal was done, she fessed up that we'd eaten horse, imported from Canada, no less!:faint:
I was with a tour group in France. One evening, we all split up to do our own thing for dinner. There was a mother, daughter, and friend travelling together, and they told us all afterwards that they'd gone to some swanky french restaurant, couldn't understand the menu, but didn't want to sound ignorant. So they ordered meals without knowing what they were going to end up with. The meals came. Nothing looked too weird, so they dug in, and were pleasantly surprised.

Afterwards, they moved out to the patio for dessert, struck up a conversation with the occupants of an adjacent table who spoke both French and English, and decided to find out what they'd actually had for dinner. It turns out the daughter, who owns horses, had eaten horse. She threw up. Right there on the patio. From that point on, they stuck to MacDonalds.

[DJP]

It's amazing what your mind can do. When you don't know what it is, it actually tastes pretty good.

[Mr Underhill]

We're already up to three stories posted in the Finalist's thread, and it's not even the weekend yet! :Clap:
Might be another tough round. :box:


And we have quite a few in the JFF thread as well. Already 8 posted, compared to 10 for all of week two. I even finished mine well before deadline, which is unheard of. Of course, once I decided to use the two sentences as first and last lines, it pretty much wrote itself.
:popcorn:

[Marisa Louise]

Where do we go gaga over someone's work in the just for fun thread!? I'm rarin' to go!!!!! LOL.

[BlueTexas]

Marisa Louise, post it here and PM the writer. I'm sure they'd love the public and private acknowledgement.

[Marisa Louise]

What You Are Looking For


. . . people
say "you"
always


find what
you're looking for
when you stop


looking people
say, you always find
what you’re looking for

when you stop looking,
people say . . .
you always find

what you are




I simply have to share how wowed I am by this entry. Although it was incredibly simple, and nowhere near the 1500 word limit, it said a lot to me, more than the 1500 words could say, and I just really am in love with it!

I love writing poetry. It is something that I do often, but when given a theme, I find it harder to do than just writing what comes to my mind. None-the-less here's an entry given a specific LINE that the entry was written with!

I'm IMPRESSED!

[JennaGlatzer]

I think that's a really neat one, too!

[MacAllister]

This whole contest has produced some intensely impressive stuff, both from the finalists AND on the Just for Fun thread. :)

[Rhush]

I just wanted to tell jdkiggins and djp that we all must be on the same brain wave. I haven't potsed my enrty yet beacuse I've been so freaking busy, but mine is kinda along the "scary" line too!

[JAlpha]

Thank you Marisa and Jenna for the postive feedback on my JFF entry. I have to admit, I was grinning from ear to ear when I first thought of the idea.

The poem itself is a manifestation of Jenna's prompt. I spend a great deal of time removing cliches from my writing, and the idea of starting a piece with a cliche frustrated me to no end. So I just gave up and typed the sentence into my word processor for the sheer pleasure of deleting it. I had no intentions of wracking my brain all week for a JFF entry.

But, somehow I hit shift when I hadn't intended to, and I liked the way the line break read, so I kept going--ultimately finding what I was looking for when I STOPPED looking :roll:

[jdkiggins]

I just wanted to tell jdkiggins and djp that we all must be on the same brain wave. I haven't potsed my enrty yet beacuse I've been so freaking busy, but mine is kinda along the "scary" line too!

Wow, Rhush. I've not read entries until after I post my Idol entry for fear that someone else's brain waive might stick in my head. I've got enough problems sorting out all the scary garbage that floats around in my brain. You've got more guts than I. :)

Good luck. Hope you post soon.

Joanne

[Marisa Louise]

Thank you Marisa and Jenna for the postive feedback on my JFF entry. I have to admit, I was grinning from ear to ear when I first thought of the idea.

The poem itself is a manifestation of Jenna's prompt. I spend a great deal of time removing cliches from my writing, and the idea of starting a piece with a cliche frustrated me to no end. So I just gave up and typed the sentence into my word processor for the sheer pleasure of deleting it. I had no intentions of wracking my brain all week for a JFF entry.

But, somehow I hit shift when I hadn't intended to, and I liked the way the line break read, so I kept going--ultimately finding what I was looking for when I STOPPED looking :roll:

Well, you know what people say....................... :)

That's really interesting. Thanks for sharing the story behind the creation.

[Rhush]

Thanks Joanne! That's me with the guts alright! :Guitar: Ha. No, I kinda cheat on the guts because I always make sure I have my own idea before I check the others. If they're rubbing off on me, which they very well may be, someone shake me out of my own little world!

[jdkiggins]

Rhush, I think you have your own very clear and decisive voice. Probably a very clear brain as well. :)

I look forward to reading the rest of the entries when they're posted. It's wonderful to see each individual's voice shine.

[BlueTexas]

A thought occured to me...were we supposed to also use the first sentence for this round as a theme, or just a first sentence? I thought of it as a theme, and I can see Joanne did, too.

[DJP]

Congrats on surviving round 2, finalists!

Your next challenge has arrived.

This round, you have two options for first sentences...

"Only one person in the world knew what I had done, and I intended to keep it that way."

or

"People say you always find what you're looking for when you stop looking."

Choose either one. You have up to 1500 words to finish the story.

Deadline: Wednesday, May 4, 11:59 ET.

Good luck!


This was Jenna's post. She said they are two options for first sentences, so I don't think the theme has to be about one of them. But, it's not a bad thing if you wrote it on that theme, I think they're all good.

[firehorse]

Wow. All of these are amazing. I'm so glad I didn't read the others until I posted, because I would've been too intimidated to write anything.

[Rhush]

Since I need to "spread my points around" before adding, I just wanted to tellfirehourse, djp, pepperlandgirl, blue texas, and jdkiggins... great entries!

[rhymegirl]

Great stories, you girls! Notice the guys are last again?

[Paolo]

Hi.

I'm unsure of where to place a JFF entry for week 3, so I started another thread to post my story. I don't think that's the way it goes, but I can't tell because I'm that awkward kid in the playground trying to join in the game. I think I just hit the tetherball in the wrong direction.

I'm seriously inspired by this forum and the fantastic energy people put into it. All the stories have me completely fired up. I love this place. I can hardly contain myself.

I'll close this note before I start gushing (if I haven't already).

Thanks folks!

Paolo

[mommie4a]

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9994

[Paolo]

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9994

Oh, ok. I thought that was just for week one. There seems to be another thread for week two.

Now, would it be rude to post it again or should I just link to it in that thread?

[mommie4a]

I don't know the perfect answer to that, but I can tell you that I expect to post my Week 3 entry in that thread. I don't know - I guess it would be fine for you to do either - but folks look for the JFF entries in that thread so...you decide! Don't worry - we troll around here A LOT!

[Mr Underhill]

Oh, ok. I thought that was just for week one. There seems to be another thread for week two.

Now, would it be rude to post it again or should I just link to it in that thread?

The week three entries begin here. Please post your entry in that thread, as that is where we will be looking for them. You might even pull your other thread – I think if you click on Edit in your post and delete it, it will delete the thread also. Though perhaps you need to be a mod to do that.

In any event, thanks for joining in! :welcome:

[Paolo]

The week three entries begin here. Please post your entry in that thread, as that is where we will be looking for them. You might even pull your other thread – I think if you click on Edit in your post and delete it, it will delete the thread also. Though perhaps you need to be a mod to do that.

In any event, thanks for joining in! :welcome:

Ok, groovy. That sounds good. I'll delete my other post, before I start hopping around yelling "Look at me! Look at me!", or the literary equivalent.

You folks Ruckin' Fock!

Paolo

[Sarita]

Great stories, you girls! Notice the guys are last again? Apparently Haskins is having some sort of tar problem... Not sure what Zach's excuse is... :)

[William Haskins]

what was the theme again?


oh ya, nevermind...

[mommie4a]

My submission for the JFF thread is a little R-rated, but I'm actually not sure if a more adult rating is necessary. Is there a guide thread anywhere in these forums that explains what kind of warning to give to a post, to let folks know it has mature content? It is NOT x-rated - I don't think (no naked people, no salicious or truly lewd interactions), but I want to be sure that no one reads it who wouldn't want to. And, for the record, I feel like I'm drawing attention to it just by asking this darn question, but I want to avoid offending anyone.

Thanks!

[three seven]

Finally, someone found somewhere to use the horse smilie! That brings to mind a story...

Cheek! (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=173160&postcount=56)

[Paolo]

My submission for the JFF thread is a little R-rated, but I'm actually not sure if a more adult rating is necessary. Is there a guide thread anywhere in these forums that explains what kind of warning to give to a post, to let folks know it has mature content? It is NOT x-rated - I don't think (no naked people, no salicious or truly lewd interactions), but I want to be sure that no one reads it who wouldn't want to. And, for the record, I feel like I'm drawing attention to it just by asking this darn question, but I want to avoid offending anyone.

Thanks!

I dropped the F-bomb in my story (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9994&page=3&pp=25) twice and some folks talk about murder in theirs. I've also read some very tempered and even discussion about the merits of the line "You know the pope's a robot, right?" (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9958). I think most people around here reserve judgement to let art be art. So come on in, the water's fine. From what you described, your content doesn't sound offensive.

That's my humble advice.

[Birol]

:popcorn:

Today's Wednesday, right? The day of the Idol deadline? So, what've I missed?

[DJP]

(http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=173160&postcount=56)Cheek! (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=173160&postcount=56)

(http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=173160&postcount=56)

Sorry 3-7, there's a lot of content on this site, no way can I catch up on everything!

[firehorse]

Page views are waaaaay down from last round. Discouraging. Even before everyone had posted last time, I think there were close to 1000 page views. Let's just hope everyone votes!

[Sarita]

I haven't read any yet. Last time I read as they were posted, but I'm waiting until they're all up to read at the same time. So, there's at least 5 views that are missing. :)

[Birol]

I've been busy with finals, but I'm through with those now and intend to catch up this evening and vote as soon as the polls or open or I can make up my mind, whichever comes last.

[mommie4a]

Count me in that batch - I print them all out, then read. I'm still finishing up my JFF entry. Waste of trees, I know, but I usually use the back of other stuff.

[Unique]

They all be good this time. Tough, tough, tough. Is there any more? Who hasn't posted? When's the deadline to vote? Do I need to get on the horn?

[AncientEagle]

(no naked people, no salicious or truly lewd interactions), but I want to be sure that no one reads it who wouldn't want to. anyone.

Thanks!

None of the good stuff? Well, durn! Guess I just won't read it then. lol.

[trumancoyote]

Apparently Haskins is having some sort of tar problem... Not sure what Zach's excuse is... :)

Zach's excuse is that it's finals, and he's obsessive compulsive.

:D

[mommie4a]

None of the good stuff? Well, durn! Guess I just won't read it then. lol.

Yeah, I know - word choice can be a real b*tch.

[Sarita]

Zach's excuse is that it's finals, and he's obsessive compulsive.
:ROFL: That's not what a little birdie told me...

[BlueTexas]

They all be good this time. Tough, tough, tough. Is there any more? Who hasn't posted? When's the deadline to vote? Do I need to get on the horn?

We're waiting on Truman and William to post. They have until midnight eastern time. And then Jenna will annoucnce voting, which usually lasts for a couple days. And then the seven that are left will begin again...

[MacAllister]

WOW! Just read everything that's been posted so far...Ya'll make the voting tougher every week. *whew*!

We need a cafepress shortstory anthology, sorted by theme, or something. There's some terrific stuff here. :)

[awatkins]

That's kind of a cool idea, Mac!

C'mon, people, get those last entries in there. Yer makin' me nervous, waiting till the last minute!! :Jump:

[Sarita]

Classic Haskins and Zach. They're procrastinators!! And they make me nervous, too! :eek:

[BlueTexas]

WOW! Just read everything that's been posted so far...Ya'll make the voting tougher every week. *whew*!

We need a cafepress shortstory anthology, sorted by theme, or something. There's some terrific stuff here. :)

Neat idea, Mac. Isn't Lulu cheaper, though?

[trumancoyote]

Classic Haskins and Zach. They're procrastinators!! And they make me nervous, too! :eek:

I'm not a procrasturbator! I figure: I've got a whole week, better use up as much of it as I can to polish this m.f-er. Y'know?

[jdkiggins]

I'm not a procrasturbator! I figure: I've got a whole week, better use up as much of it as I can to polish this m.f-er. Y'know?
Truman,
You have three and a half hours left to polish. :D
You too, Haskins!

[William Haskins]

yes... polishing.

that's what i'm doing.

[mommie4a]

I can't resist - if you want to read about polishing, wait until I post my JFF entry. Oh Gawd I can't believe I said that! :ROFL:

[jdkiggins]

William, don't you go and get too shiny on us. :)

Two hours and 43 minutes. Careful, the board goes down this time of evening sometimes.

[Paolo]

I'm holding my forearm over a candle until the last Write Idol theme for this week is posted. Starting............now.

[William Haskins]

i need to actually write something before i can polish it.

[jdkiggins]

Oh, William. You said the same thing last week and the week before.

:Guitar:
Two hours and forty minutes and counting........

[William Haskins]

what's another word for "said"?

[Unique]

what's another word for "said"?

"*&^%^", she growled between her teeth as she impatiently waited for him to post.

[jdkiggins]

what's another word for "said"?
:Shrug: Dead, if you don't hurry up.
One hour, 57 minutes.

[mommie4a]

Even though it's only JFF, I can't believe I beat Haskins and truman re: posting.

[William Haskins]

dammit, joanne.

i'm typing as fast as i can.

[jdkiggins]

Uh huh!

(As he sits watching the clock, waiting for 11:58, looking at his finished story, making everyone droll, and laughing at us as he's typing in this thread because he knows he wrote it and had it finished before any of us posted.) LOL

[William Haskins]

how pathetic is it that i'm sitting on a finished story for a cheap act of last-minute drama (for the second week in a row, yet!)?

but then, how pathetic is it that i'm still trying to work a story out of a mass of tangled incoherence?

one of them is the truth, so either way i'm pathetic.

[Elincoln]

Pathetic or not, you're holding us up. I've heard of last minute work, but this is...

Sorry if I sound grumpy, but I've had a bad week.

Come one Williams, or I'm going to swipe Paolo's candle and place it under your chair.

[mommie4a]

Hey Haskins and Zach - I just finished printing up all the entries posted so far, so I can take them with me to bed and READ them, and VOTE on one. Wouldn't you like a consistently voting person to read yours too!? I look so AWFUL the next day when I don't get my beauty sleep. Please don't do this to me. I'll scare my kids.

[Cassie88]

what's another word for "said"?

What a riot!

I hope it's a comedy.

[jdkiggins]

[QUOTE so either way i'm pathetic.[/QUOTE]
Oh no you're not!
OK everyone, quit picking on William. He's trying to meet a one hour 12 minute deadline, and if he keeps posting responses here, he's not going to make it. That would be pathetic!

Good luck, William.

Let's pick on truman. :D

[William Haskins]

the story may not be comedy, but the process sure as hell is shaping up into one.

[mommie4a]

Oh no you're not!
OK everyone, quit picking on William. He's trying to meet a one hour 12 minute deadline, and if he keeps posting responses here, he's not going to make it. That would be pathetic!

Good luck, William.

Let's pick on truman. :D

Great idea, Joanne!

[jdkiggins]

LOL, Jill.

Truuuummmaaaannn! Where are you?

[mommie4a]

Ok - I just stapled eight that I printed out from the entry thread - are there just the two more - truman and Haskins? For some reason, I thought we were down to seven already?

[jdkiggins]

Jill,
I think maybe you counted wrong.
Pepper, Blue, DJP, firehorse, Rhush and I have posted. That's six.
Truman and Willaim will make eight.

[mommie4a]

Oh geez! I'm more fargone than I thought - better check that out!

[Birol]

No, there have only been two eliminations. We'll be down to Seven if Truman ever gets his posted.

[mommie4a]

Ok - it's official - my five year old counts better than I do. Yup - six - I have six. WILLIAM - TRUMAN - POST THE DAMN THING, would ya!? My skin cells are DYING here!

[jdkiggins]

:roll:

[mommie4a]

Hey Joanne - systems says I have to spread love - my husband doesn't like that idea, but just so you know, I'd give it to you. :-)

[William Haskins]

you people cut me deep.

[jdkiggins]

Thanks, Jill. I appreciate the thought.

Hey everyone, Truman is online! Woo Hoo.

[jdkiggins]

you people cut me deep.

Sorry, Chilly Billy. :D

[Birol]

If it helps, Jill, there were seven posts in that thread. Six entries + Jenna's initial post.

[Birol]

58 minutes....

[mommie4a]

Thanks, Lori - yeah, you know, I confess - I've had two glasses of red wine, I'm feeling fine and just letting loose. Five - six - seven - whatever - I'll read 'em and see which one's on top in the morning.

NOW GET YOUR ENTRIES POSTED WILLIAM AND ZACH! God - I'm so glad I'm not their mother.

[jdkiggins]

Good idea, Jill. You may need a few more glasses of wine to appreciate my entry. :partyguy: Party on, dear. :D

[jdkiggins]

Oh shoot. On second thought, don't vote with a hangover.

[Birol]

Oh, BTW, I'm done with finals now, which is a large part of what has been distracting me since the tail-end of the last round, so I now have the entire summer to devote to taunting the Idolists. As long as my workgroup doesn't catch me, that is. They have their own idea of what my summer should consist of.

[mommie4a]

http://www.smileys.ws/sm/laughing/00000014.gifhttp://www.smileys.ws/sm/laughing/00000014.gifhttp://www.smileys.ws/sm/laughing/00000014.gifhttp://www.smileys.ws/sm/laughing/00000014.gifhttp://www.smileys.ws/sm/laughing/00000014.gifhttp://www.smileys.ws/sm/laughing/00000014.gifhttp://www.smileys.ws/sm/laughing/00000014.gifhttp://www.smileys.ws/sm/laughing/00000014.gif

One for each entrant!

[Paolo]

Ok, damn it, I have to get up at 5am and I'm waiting for this last post so I can read it and go go bed. Did I mention I was holding my forearm over a candle?

I think someone is working the crowd for suspense, but then again, my arm is held over a candle, so my perspective might be a bit off.

[jdkiggins]

Oh good grief. You mean we're going to be at this all summer! :Smack: Can we make the voting time and entry posting time shorter? :roll:

[jdkiggins]

Jill, straighten up, will ya! You have eight rolling smilies and there's only six entries posted. Darn.

[BlueTexas]

The longer I'm forced to wait for something, the better I expect it to be.

William and Truman must be spinning prose into gold as we speak...

[mommie4a]

Jill, straighten up, will ya! You have eight rolling smilies and there's only six entries posted. Darn.

S**t - and I still have a half bottle to go - where's my Frenchman when I need him?

[jdkiggins]

I'll remember that, Blue, and I'll try to post before Pepper next week. :D

[Birol]

Well, maybe not all summer, but about nine and half more weeks. Each round takes about a week and a half. One week for writing and a half week for voting. We still have the voting half week for this round, then 6 more rounds (nine weeks) after that. By my count, that takes us more or less through mid-July.

Of course, I don't know how American Idol works. Does the process change when we get down to the last few entrants?

[jdkiggins]

I don't know, Birol. Guess I won't be sitting on my deck enjoying the sunshine much this summer. :(

[mommie4a]

Hey William - I see your posts are at 555 - do you KNOW what that MEANS!?

[Birol]

I'm planning on going wireless this summer, Joanne. Just need to buy the card, the wireless router, and get highspeed internet access.

[jdkiggins]

I have cable high speed. Seriously thinking of buying a lap top to sit on the work outside. :D

[Birol]

Ooo. I love my laptop. It's one of the best investments I made as a writer. My mother wants to accompany me to Ohio so she can visit her grandson, all I have to do is slide the laptop into the bag and go. Only problem with that is finding a quiet place to write. Have you ever noticed that whenever you settle down in a different room from people, they all migrate to where you are?

[mommie4a]

Hey Lori - where in Ohio? I'm in the north - where it SNOWED TWICE this week!

[Birol]

They live in Brook Park, a 'burb of Cleveland. I'm sure it snowed there, too.

[jdkiggins]

Brook Park. Woo Hoo. Very nice 'burb! Hey, next time you head to Ohio, let Jill and I know, maybe we can get together. Better than sitting here waiting on Idol entries to be posted. LOL

[mommie4a]

Sure! I passed through Brookpark twice on 480 today. Yeah, they get just a little bit less snow than us, because they're more west - not as much lake effect accumulation. Let me know if you want recommendations for quiet places to write around here! Indoors or out. Can be nice. I've done that for that past couple of summers too.

[mommie4a]

Brook Park. Woo Hoo. Very nice 'burb! Hey, next time you head to Ohio, let Jill and I know, maybe we can get together. Better than sitting here waiting on Idol entries to be posted. LOL

Now you're talking. Can I bring this bottle of wine with me?

[Birol]

Sure. I'll even raid my brother's stock, too.

480 -- you are close to him, then.

[Birol]

A half hour remaining.... Are we still waiting on both William and Truman?

[jdkiggins]

Have you ever noticed that whenever you settle down in a different room from people, they all migrate to where you are?
Yes, my dog does that everyday. :D

[jdkiggins]

Yes, Jill, you may bring your wine and Birol may raid her brothers...only if I'm designated driver.

Yes, we're still waiting!

[mommie4a]

Sounds like a plan! Seriously, June 26 through July... something - let me look it up - July 17, my oldest will be at Oberlin at an overnight camp, my other two will be in camp from 9-4pm. I'm hoping to either make it out to you one day in those three weeks, OR...meet inbetween or somewhere close. Lori - got dates yet?

[mommie4a]

I think William and Zach are locked in a match of Extreme Posting - posting with the utmost risk.

[Birol]

Not any precise ones. I'll have to check with everyone and see what's up this summer.

[Paolo]

What the **** where the **** is this ****. The suspense is ******* killing me!

Ok, quick poll: what is everyone doing while they wait?

[mommie4a]

Duh - drinking (sorry - not meant to be rude)

[Birol]

It's like they're playing a game of chicken with their entries.

[Birol]

Posting here?

[jdkiggins]

Yep, that would be me, posting here!

[Birol]

Dang, I just checked "Who's Online" and William isn't posting yet, but just viewing this thread and Truman isn't even logged on.

[jdkiggins]

12 minutes and counting.

[Paolo]

It's 5 to midnight here, EST. Now this is brinksmanship.

[mommie4a]

Board mates, I need to hit the hay with the entries posted. Gonna put them under my pillow, and, by osmosis, one will rise to the top and be the winner. I'm sure of it. I'm also sure that a democrat can win Ohio some day soon.

[William Haskins]

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

[jdkiggins]

:Smack:

[Birol]

I'm wondering what "Who's Online" would show if someone had multiple windows open? Still, where is Truman?


William, you're going to play around one of these weeks and your internet connection is going to go down at the crucial moment.

[Birol]

*whew* Finally. They're both online and both posting their entries now.

[jdkiggins]

Hope their posts don't crash and kill the board. LOL

[mommie4a]

I bet they used to hold their breath when they were little.

[Paolo]

*whew* Finally. They're both online and both posting their entries now.

Thank goodness. Now I can light that candle.

[jdkiggins]

:ROFL:

[jdkiggins]

Two minutes to spare. You two are crazy! LOL

[trumancoyote]

Sweet Christ, that was close. Always last minute formatting that needs to be done! ::whew::

[mommie4a]

Thank heavens- I can go to SLEEP now! Night night all :Hug2:

[jdkiggins]

G'night Jill

[Birol]

Night, Jill.

[trumancoyote]

Nite, Hot Momma.

[Paolo]

I will now go to sleep and dream of goats and cunnillingus and tomatoes.

[BlueTexas]

I will now go to sleep and dream of goats and cunnillingus and tomatoes.

Twisted, aren't they?

[William Haskins]

you should see what i had before jenna turned the censoring function back on...

[jdkiggins]

I will now go to sleep and dream of goats and cunnillingus and tomatoes.
:roll: I'm just going to bed...alone! No tomatoes, no goats, no...nevermind. Night guys.

[Paolo]

:roll: I'm just going to bed...alone! No tomatoes, no goats, no...nevermind. Night guys.

Hey, that's great. Wow, I can tell by the way you write that you are a real classy lady. From the picture in your profile it looks like you could kill with those eyes and your skin looks really soft too. Would you like to have coffee with me sometime, maybe in the park?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok, while Life is Good, it can be kind of boring sometimes. For example, I'm temping right now, which is pretty brutal in itself. For redemption, I've decided to expand the weekly theme and apply it to my life. I will now write a daily theme, at LEAST two paragraphs long to describe my day (with the proper literary fictional embelishments, of course).

Today's theme will be "Bad Noir". This evening, I will write a passage about my day in a really bad immiatation of Film Noir.

If that sounds like a good idea to folks, post your Bad Noir somewhere here. Maybe Jenna can suggest where. I'm posting mine on my Blog and crossing it here (of course only if that's not like, not cool).

Ok.

Onward and Upward.

Paolo

[firehorse]

Today's theme will be "Bad Noir". This evening, I will write a passage about my day in a really bad immiatation of Film Noir.Am I allowed to point out that was my intention? The cheesiness? Or if I have to explain it, maybe I didn't do it well enough?

Am I being paranoid? http://bestsmileys.com/paranoid/3.gif

[William Haskins]

"a paranoid is someone who knows a little of what's going on." william S.
burroughs

[BlueTexas]

"a paranoid is someone who knows a little of what's going on." william S.
burroughs

So what do you call the person who knows a lot of what's going on?

[jdkiggins]

And what do you call someone who knows nothing of anything going on?

[MacAllister]

And what do you call someone who knows nothing of anything going on?
Why, ya call 'er "Mac" of course--silly!

:D

[jdkiggins]

LOL, Mac. I thought the answer was Joanne.

[Paolo]

Am I allowed to point out that was my intention? The cheesiness? Or if I have to explain it, maybe I didn't do it well enough?

Am I being paranoid? http://bestsmileys.com/paranoid/3.gif

Complete coincedence. I hadn't read yours yet, but may I borrow "swell dish of a dame"? The idea came to me in the shower this morning when I noticed it was 5:55am on 5/5/05.

I like to take my time with the reading. I started backwards this time.

I'm going to write my bad noir (http://dumpsternet.org/cblog) right now. Here is a teaser line to entice you. "...she looked over my shoulder at me the way a poodle might look at a cocktail weenie..."

[maestrowork]

And what do you call someone who knows nothing of anything going on?

Why, ya call 'er "Mac" of course--silly!

LOL, Mac. I thought the answer was Joanne.

What's going on?

[firehorse]

So what do you call the person who knows a lot of what's going on?Clinically depressed.

There was a study that clinically depressed people perceived people's responses to them more accurately than those who weren't depressed. They (we?) also had a more realistic worldview (yes, it really is that bad).

I fell asleep this afternoon and had a dream related to Haskins' story. Veddddy interesting. So, um, g'night all - I'm going back to sleep now! http://www.coolsmilies.net/affection/hubba1.gif

[trumancoyote]

Clinically depressed.

There was a study that clinically depressed people perceived people's responses to them more accurately than those who weren't depressed. They (we?) also had a more realistic worldview (yes, it really is that bad).

I fell asleep this afternoon and had a dream related to Haskins' story. Veddddy interesting. So, um, g'night all - I'm going back to sleep now! http://www.coolsmilies.net/affection/hubba1.gif

That's actually the most untrue thing I've ever heard! It's been proven over and over again that there's a distinct and acute difference between someone who's prone to depression's self-concept and reality. In fact, that's one of the major goals of therapy for depression: bringing those two poles closer to one another, to the point that they--hopefully--overlap.

[firehorse]

That's actually the most untrue thing I've ever heard! It's been proven over and over again that there's a distinct and acute difference between someone who's prone to depression's self-concept and reality. In fact, that's one of the major goals of therapy for depression: bringing those two poles closer to one another, to the point that they--hopefully--overlap.I wrote that incorrectly; I think the study was more of a third-party thing: "How does Dick feel about Jane?" Depressed people were more accurate in describing interpersonal situations.

We are certainly hypersensitive when it comes to ourselves, but we're also more sensitive/perceptive, as a demographic, than non-depressed people.

I know the black pit as well as anyone, and I know that when I'm in it, I'm not in reality, even though it feels completely real.

OTOH, there's a study to prove anything and everything. But that one I remember clearly precisely because I've been clinically depressed my entire life.

[trumancoyote]

Oh, ok. I can see where you're going IF it's in regard to third-party situations wherein the 'clinically depressed person' is playing no role in their interactions. I think, however, that the instant the CDP invests some sort of sentiment in either the people or the situation, the perspective is immediately skewed. Would you agree w/ that?

PS -

OTOH, there's a study to prove anything and everything. But that one I remember clearly precisely because I've been clinically depressed my entire life.
Does that make your perspective on the situation trusthworthy? ;)

[Paolo]

Clinically depressed.

There was a study that clinically depressed people perceived people's responses to them more accurately than those who weren't depressed. They (we?) also had a more realistic worldview (yes, it really is that bad).


I stopped paying attention to studies and medicines and my own twisted perceptions and made the hard conscious decision to be happy. I'm winning most of the battles, but it's not easy. It is the most rewarding struggle of my life, though.

If you are depressed, be strident and militant and belligerent about your happiness. Don't let anything negative get in the way. It's a war between you and your own bad chemistry. GET IN THERE AND FIGHT! That chemistry doesn't ****ing own you. You own it.

The first thing you need to realize is that you have goodness in you or you would not be here. You don't deserve to be sad. Secondly, you have plenty of allies, whether you know it or not. One is writing this note. The others are everyone who has the same bad chemistry. Some are ready to join the front, others fight alone. Link up or learn by watching examples.

If you can will yourself create the reality of these awesome stories, you can will yourself into kicking the **** out of your deperssion. I firmly believe this because I'm doing it as I write this. I believe you can do the same.

[jdkiggins]

OTOH, there's a study to prove anything and everything.

And the millions of dollars spent on all those studies are wasted because several years later another study is done stating completely opposite results.

[BlueTexas]

I quit paying attention when they couldn't decide if eggs were good, or if eggs were bad, and then changed their minds once they had decided.

[sgtsdaughter]

But, someone's gotta get paid. Oddly enough, it is usually freelance writers that write the final report (and the fees are good). So, I guess there is something from needless studies.
:D

[JennaGlatzer]

If you are depressed, be strident and militant and belligerent about your happiness. Don't let anything negative get in the way. It's a war between you and your own bad chemistry. GET IN THERE AND FIGHT! That chemistry doesn't ****ing own you. You own it.

Paolo, loved this!

I'm off to be BELLIGERENTLY HAPPY now! :)

[Paolo]

Paolo, loved this!

I'm off to be BELLIGERENTLY HAPPY now! :)

Damn straight! You better be! I'm coming up there to with my clown shoes if you don't!

[William Haskins]

methinks i'm going to geat beaten like a rented mule this week.

[Paolo]

methinks i'm going to geat beaten like a rented mule this week.

Thanks for the awesome expression. That one made the list. Here are some of my favorites.

"Hotter than a three-nut dog."

"Cold enough to make a fox poop copper."

"Like a pack of stainless steel monkeys disguised as a socket wrench set."

[mommie4a]

methinks i'm going to geat beaten like a rented mule this week.

I doubt that, William. But even if that happens, do you have any idea how many people will be fantasizing with your imagery? Not too bad a sacrifice, especially for us readers. (But there's no way you're out yet - sorry)

[rhymegirl]

Oh no, William won't be out. I don't want anyone to be out. What if there is an eight-way tie?

[BlueTexas]

Oh no, William won't be out. I don't want anyone to be out. What if there is an eight-way tie?

We'd need an eight-sided quarter to settle that one...

[jdkiggins]

No, no, William. You won't be out. :Hug2:

[LieselGarmach]

William, my vote came down to yours and the one I voted for.

I love the way you write. I love that when I read anything of yours, I know that I'm going to immediately immersed elsewhere and my entire world will go blank and become what you've created. I love the feeling of being the character that's speaking.

It was almost a coin toss. Your story evoked incredibly strong feelings in me, and for the wrong reasons those feelings were negative. It's rare I feel negative when reading anything and I knew I'd have to deal with some stuff I haven't wanted to deal with for a number of years.

Since I had to make a decision, my chioce was made because the other story elicited strong positive feelings in me rather than negative. That is totally not your fault. That's my issue, my perspective, and my chore to handle.

All that said, I need to thank you for writing and submitting the story. I may not want to deal with the stuff that's been pulled into the forefront, but it's definitely time.

[William Haskins]

my "rented mule" comment was tongue-in-cheek. the contest is what it is, and believe me when i say that i have no problem with anyone not voting for my entry. that would just be silly. in fact, during the auditions round, and each of the first three finalist rounds, i have cast my own vote for others.

but... i'm glad the story resonated with you, even if it disturbed you. sometimes that's the value of literature, and i'll be the first to admit that i rarely write anything that's not a least tinged with darkness. if it opened a psychological door for you, then i feel like i've done my job.

but, yeah, as for the contest... let it rain.

-william

[Cassie88]

methinks i'm going to geat beaten like a rented mule this week.

Every night before logging off, I come looking for a one-liner from William and I end my day laughing. I've never heard this expression, but I'll never forget it or who SAID it.

William, your love making scene was one of the best written I've ever read. You made it both erotic and casual ...not the word I'm looking for.....maybe, erotic and real. If I could write like you, I'd know the word I'm looking for. Whatever word...the piece was bold and beautiful! Almost like a poem written as a story if you know what I mean.

Cassie

And I still hope you write a dark, humor piece.

[William Haskins]

thank you, cassie. you're very kind.

And I still hope you write a dark, humor piece.

if i ever write an autobiography, believe me, it would qualify.

[BlakeOvard]

methinks i'm going to geat beaten like a rented mule this week.
I know someone who frequently rents mules... but she doesn't beat them. So, I guess you may get off easy this week. :whip: Don't let it go to your head (or feet, or hands, or...) ;) It was well done, as always, sir.

[Marisa Louise]

I really loved "Peace and Peppermint Candies"!

I read it to my friend in Georgia on the phone the other night, while trying not to cry because of my own (new) experience with cancer in a friend's life. After I read it to my friend in Georgia, she asked if she had told me the story about her mother. I had known that she had passed on from cancer, but I didn't know the story. When I asked her to, she told me a story very similar to "Peace and Peppermint Candies". She recounted her telling her mother that it was okay to go, that she would take care of dad and that if she wanted to and was ready, it was alright to let go. She said all of this in a perfectly stable voice, no tears, no quivers. Nothing. And I was silent. She asked "are you still there?" And I just burst into tears. "I-hime-soo-sah-hah-harr-eeeee". I'm not a crier, but the story hit home, I guess.

My childhood friend of 14 years called the other day to catch up. She told me she had skin cancer and got it removed and did a little radiation just to be safe... and then she told me that she has cervical cancer and it has possibly spread to her uterus and ovaries. If the method didn't work on her, then the only really okay step for her would be to remove all her female organs and have her go through radiation because the chemo, due to some kidney problems that she's had since birth, would put her already weak kidneys into failure and she (at 20 years old) would need to be put on dialysis for the rest of her life (if she didn't die before then).

A really touching entry. Thanks for that, Blue. I needed to cry about it.... your story helped to find a small outlet.

[BlueTexas]

Wow, Marisa Louise. I don't know what to say.

That piece came from my feelings about my own experience with my mother-in-law's death five years ago. I'm glad it let some light in, somewhere.

I wish your friend only the best.

[JennaGlatzer]

Thanks for that, Blue. I needed to cry about it.... your story helped to find a small outlet.

Aw, man. *I* just got teary-eyed just reading your post.

You have just explained why we write.

When I get a letter that reads anything like Marisa's just did, that makes everything worth it-- the rejections, the endless rewrites, the frustrations, the financial instability, the worrying about reviews, all of it. A stranger somewhere found meaning, or comfort, or joy, or something... something in my words. What a gift.

And Marisa, your friend's in my prayers.

[Cassie88]

I just received email from Glimmer Train. Fiction Contest (I think contest) open till June 30th. First place $2000. I've never submitted anything to them, but I thought I'd pass this on.... so many wonderful stories....here.
Cassie

[Marisa Louise]

Aw, man. *I* just got teary-eyed just reading your post.

You have just explained why we write.

When I get a letter that reads anything like Marisa's just did, that makes everything worth it-- the rejections, the endless rewrites, the frustrations, the financial instability, the worrying about reviews, all of it. A stranger somewhere found meaning, or comfort, or joy, or something... something in my words. What a gift.

And Marisa, your friend's in my prayers.

(smiles bashfully). Thanks, Jenna and Blue. She'll definiately need the thoughts and prayers!

Again, thanks for that piece. It will probably be in my mind and my heart, even, for a long time!