Hi Bloggers
I'm back into the workplace... and loving it!!! twelve years was long enough. My brain was fried. I had been trying desperately to occupy my brain in the past two years but I needed more. So now I'm back working in Pharmacy. So if you are down in Drouin, pop into the advantage pharmacy and say hello.
My writing is on the back burner for a while until I get my product knowledge up to date.
Anyway have a good Christmas and New Year as I may not get back on here for a while.
best regards
Carmel
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
July - ten minute writing execise
hello bloggers
Another month past. The weather is wet, I'm now officially forty one and with no tattoo. I was astonished at the price of engraving my skin with a smidge of ink. I thought maybe I could use the money for something else.... like buying books and DVDs. It wasn't as painful.... actually it was very up lifting.
I went for a stroll down memory lane and ppurchased online two of my favourite childhood books and two of my favourite childhood movies. I guess doing a module of writing " writing for children" had some influence on this decision. Anyway, I purchased a little glden book called "the wait for me kitten". When I opened those pages for the firstime in thirty five years a warm feeling came over me. It was just as I remembered it. And its construction as far as a book goes was well done. I had great taste as a child in books. The other book was "The red balloon'... my friends and I often talked of it.
Another month past. The weather is wet, I'm now officially forty one and with no tattoo. I was astonished at the price of engraving my skin with a smidge of ink. I thought maybe I could use the money for something else.... like buying books and DVDs. It wasn't as painful.... actually it was very up lifting.
I went for a stroll down memory lane and ppurchased online two of my favourite childhood books and two of my favourite childhood movies. I guess doing a module of writing " writing for children" had some influence on this decision. Anyway, I purchased a little glden book called "the wait for me kitten". When I opened those pages for the firstime in thirty five years a warm feeling came over me. It was just as I remembered it. And its construction as far as a book goes was well done. I had great taste as a child in books. The other book was "The red balloon'... my friends and I often talked of it.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Its June already
yes folks, its June already.
Winter is definitely upon us. I can tell because no one can get out of bed in the mornings....we have an old weather board house, it loves to freeze.
Even so the days have been pleasant.
I received feedback form my mentorship application and.... no I didn't get one. I wasn't expecting it but its always nice to hope. They did write a nice little note telling me to continue writing the story and they hope I re-apply again next time. Cynically I presume its to get my $20.
Not to be put off I have been entering competitions left, right and centre. I'm hoping to enter a picture book comp along with my friend Helen, who is a frustrated graphic designer wanting to do illustrations. We will see what will happen with that.
I've been entering poetry comps too because my picture book text is like a children's narrative poem. I think I have no hope with that either, but then again I could come across a judge looking for something quirky and childish. Let's hope.
I haven't any new fads however I was thinking of getting a tattoo. I always said when I hit 40 I would get a tattoo. Well in 2 weeks time I will be 41 and so I haven't much time left. Tomorrow i think I will go to the tattoo shop and get a few prices.
I think I will stop self defence as its costing me a fortune in chiropratic bills getting my back put back in. I have another week to decide, that's when my subscription finishes.
Take care for now, see you next time.
Winter is definitely upon us. I can tell because no one can get out of bed in the mornings....we have an old weather board house, it loves to freeze.
Even so the days have been pleasant.
I received feedback form my mentorship application and.... no I didn't get one. I wasn't expecting it but its always nice to hope. They did write a nice little note telling me to continue writing the story and they hope I re-apply again next time. Cynically I presume its to get my $20.
Not to be put off I have been entering competitions left, right and centre. I'm hoping to enter a picture book comp along with my friend Helen, who is a frustrated graphic designer wanting to do illustrations. We will see what will happen with that.
I've been entering poetry comps too because my picture book text is like a children's narrative poem. I think I have no hope with that either, but then again I could come across a judge looking for something quirky and childish. Let's hope.
I haven't any new fads however I was thinking of getting a tattoo. I always said when I hit 40 I would get a tattoo. Well in 2 weeks time I will be 41 and so I haven't much time left. Tomorrow i think I will go to the tattoo shop and get a few prices.
I think I will stop self defence as its costing me a fortune in chiropratic bills getting my back put back in. I have another week to decide, that's when my subscription finishes.
Take care for now, see you next time.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Another fad
hi bloggers,
Yes I have a new fad. I'm now doing self defence. Its great fun but totally exhausting. I'm hoping to get fit out of it.
I'm also in the process of writing another picture book. This one I really like. I think this story has a real life. I just have to tighten it up a little. And change a few words...like effervescent. (Its too big for the audience.) I'll let you know how it goes.
The story that I entered in a comp...totally bombed. When I look at it objectively...I can understand it bombing. I might rewrite it differently.
I applied for a mentorship which i doubt i will get, but I wanted to try anyway. it makes me feel like I'm going somewhere if I appear confident to approach others.
well thats me for now.
ciao
Yes I have a new fad. I'm now doing self defence. Its great fun but totally exhausting. I'm hoping to get fit out of it.
I'm also in the process of writing another picture book. This one I really like. I think this story has a real life. I just have to tighten it up a little. And change a few words...like effervescent. (Its too big for the audience.) I'll let you know how it goes.
The story that I entered in a comp...totally bombed. When I look at it objectively...I can understand it bombing. I might rewrite it differently.
I applied for a mentorship which i doubt i will get, but I wanted to try anyway. it makes me feel like I'm going somewhere if I appear confident to approach others.
well thats me for now.
ciao
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
the latest
Hi all,
Well the latest mid life crisis event in my life is...I've bought a popcorn machine. Well, I've gone halves with a friend and we have great intentions of selling popcorn at markets, school fetes etc.
I've also bought a bubble machine and fog machine. Again to use at school fetes etc. My husband and parents just shake their heads. My kids think its great. I'm always doing impulsive things like this...so they say. I suppose they are right. It keeps life interesting I think.
I'm still writing. This month I find out about the picture book comp I entered. I'm meeting a Koori friend of mine today to talk about info I can use in my novel, which is good of her. And I've also borrowed heaps of books on the Celts...some of their myths and legends will be in my novel too.
This long weekend I'm off for some R & R at Mansfield. I'm going on a Mum's retreat...a well deserved retreat.
Lots of sleep, reading, swimming and drinking. Heaven they call it!!
Ciao
Carmel
Well the latest mid life crisis event in my life is...I've bought a popcorn machine. Well, I've gone halves with a friend and we have great intentions of selling popcorn at markets, school fetes etc.
I've also bought a bubble machine and fog machine. Again to use at school fetes etc. My husband and parents just shake their heads. My kids think its great. I'm always doing impulsive things like this...so they say. I suppose they are right. It keeps life interesting I think.
I'm still writing. This month I find out about the picture book comp I entered. I'm meeting a Koori friend of mine today to talk about info I can use in my novel, which is good of her. And I've also borrowed heaps of books on the Celts...some of their myths and legends will be in my novel too.
This long weekend I'm off for some R & R at Mansfield. I'm going on a Mum's retreat...a well deserved retreat.
Lots of sleep, reading, swimming and drinking. Heaven they call it!!
Ciao
Carmel
Sunday, February 24, 2008
another junior fic review
Hi all,
Another quick review on a junior fic novel.
The children of Mirrabooka....can't remember the author. But its very Australian, modern in places yet not in others. I loved it! Quality of writing was superb!! 5 stars.
To my writing... well at the moment I'm doing lots of research for my junior fic novel. So much so I'm starting to get tangled up in it all. I'll have to try and keep it 'simple, stupid' without being too incorrect when in comes to facts. If that makes sense. Of course when you are dabbling in Koori history and dreamtime, everything overlaps in places. I have to be careful.
To make things annoying...My printer ran out of ink, and I've just nipped up the street and bought the wrong type. So now i will have to go all the way to Warragul to purchase the right one.
Buggar!!
til next time
Carmel
Another quick review on a junior fic novel.
The children of Mirrabooka....can't remember the author. But its very Australian, modern in places yet not in others. I loved it! Quality of writing was superb!! 5 stars.
To my writing... well at the moment I'm doing lots of research for my junior fic novel. So much so I'm starting to get tangled up in it all. I'll have to try and keep it 'simple, stupid' without being too incorrect when in comes to facts. If that makes sense. Of course when you are dabbling in Koori history and dreamtime, everything overlaps in places. I have to be careful.
To make things annoying...My printer ran out of ink, and I've just nipped up the street and bought the wrong type. So now i will have to go all the way to Warragul to purchase the right one.
Buggar!!
til next time
Carmel
Monday, February 18, 2008
more books to quickly review
Hi you all.
Two more books for a quick rating. Junior Fic of course.
The Haunting by Margaret Mahy = 5 stars. the quality of the writing and story was superb.
Belly Flop by Morris Glitzsman = 4 3/4 stars. Delightfully funny with a great kids voice.
An update on the missing lego green head. Still haven't found it but I did buy one off e-bay and it came today. Naturally I wrapped it in cotton wool and hand delivered it to the rightful owner...Liam. A very grateful 9 yr old. And now I am $20 poorer for it. But thats the end of that saga. Phew.
Until next time
Two more books for a quick rating. Junior Fic of course.
The Haunting by Margaret Mahy = 5 stars. the quality of the writing and story was superb.
Belly Flop by Morris Glitzsman = 4 3/4 stars. Delightfully funny with a great kids voice.
An update on the missing lego green head. Still haven't found it but I did buy one off e-bay and it came today. Naturally I wrapped it in cotton wool and hand delivered it to the rightful owner...Liam. A very grateful 9 yr old. And now I am $20 poorer for it. But thats the end of that saga. Phew.
Until next time
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Into Feb already
Hi you all,
Where does the time fly? Well I've been spending my time reading children's novels. I'll just give you a quick rating.
Caddy Ever After by Hilary Mackay....5 stars
Flight of the Emu by Rachael Anderson....4 1/2 stars
Both Hands together by Diana Kidd.... 4 1/2 stars
The Custard Kid by Terry Deary...3 stars
Travelling Backwards by Troy Forward ....3 1/2 stars
I attempted the sleepover club.....but i couldn't stomach it past chapter one.(personal preference...to girly)
Malory Towers by Enid Blyton..... 4 stars.
So they're my book reviews...condensed.
Onto more things...
I've been posting on my crit forum with interesting results...one blew me away.
I started Pilates.... it killed me.
I have been walking with the Baw Baw walking group three times a week....it has definately killed me. (I think I might give that one up)
I took a diabetics home test the other day....it came up abnormal, so I better go to the doctor.
I said I'd tin rattle on Good Friday for the Uncle Bob's Royal children's hospital appeal....being a good smaritan.
I took the kids to the school dentist last week....it cost me lego, a mood ring and a diary from Toyworld. Steve and Ash need fillings...what will that cost me??
Remember the green lego head we were looking for, that wasn't ours. Well....I didn't find it. So now I am bidding for it on e-bay. Just my luck it was the head of some fisto guy who has been listed as rare...and costs a fortune!!!
We enjoyed the Ficifolia festival parade and the party in the park on Saturday...pity about the late rain.
We had Ash's Happy unbirthday today at the local heated pool. Eight children enjoyed swimming and party food. (Ashlee's b'day was in Jan but we waited until she went back to school before celebrating)
Steve and Chloe got student of the week last week. Well done kids!!
I've volunteered for the PFA....fool me, we'll see how it goes!!!
Any way have a good week all.
Ciao
Where does the time fly? Well I've been spending my time reading children's novels. I'll just give you a quick rating.
Caddy Ever After by Hilary Mackay....5 stars
Flight of the Emu by Rachael Anderson....4 1/2 stars
Both Hands together by Diana Kidd.... 4 1/2 stars
The Custard Kid by Terry Deary...3 stars
Travelling Backwards by Troy Forward ....3 1/2 stars
I attempted the sleepover club.....but i couldn't stomach it past chapter one.(personal preference...to girly)
Malory Towers by Enid Blyton..... 4 stars.
So they're my book reviews...condensed.
Onto more things...
I've been posting on my crit forum with interesting results...one blew me away.
I started Pilates.... it killed me.
I have been walking with the Baw Baw walking group three times a week....it has definately killed me. (I think I might give that one up)
I took a diabetics home test the other day....it came up abnormal, so I better go to the doctor.
I said I'd tin rattle on Good Friday for the Uncle Bob's Royal children's hospital appeal....being a good smaritan.
I took the kids to the school dentist last week....it cost me lego, a mood ring and a diary from Toyworld. Steve and Ash need fillings...what will that cost me??
Remember the green lego head we were looking for, that wasn't ours. Well....I didn't find it. So now I am bidding for it on e-bay. Just my luck it was the head of some fisto guy who has been listed as rare...and costs a fortune!!!
We enjoyed the Ficifolia festival parade and the party in the park on Saturday...pity about the late rain.
We had Ash's Happy unbirthday today at the local heated pool. Eight children enjoyed swimming and party food. (Ashlee's b'day was in Jan but we waited until she went back to school before celebrating)
Steve and Chloe got student of the week last week. Well done kids!!
I've volunteered for the PFA....fool me, we'll see how it goes!!!
Any way have a good week all.
Ciao
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
sigh of relief
Yes, I'm breathing a sigh of relief that all my darling children are back at school. It was a rollarcoaster holiday break so I'm hoping the start of a ridged routine will help.
As for me, I'm back into my writing and walking my dog Otley. Also I've decided to attempt Pilates. LOL. Dave says he wants to be a fly on the wall. Cheeky buggar, I say.
Recently I entered my Picture book into a competition that will be critiqued by a picture book publisher. (Her name escapes me, at the moment). This I am excited about. My friend who is a graphic designer wants to illustrate it. She hasn't read it yet... it may not suit her style.
I'm still working on 'Florence Delaney. Who's she?' I've found a great online crit group who are helping me with this. My biggest flaw was not the pacing or the sentence structure as such, but more the fact I didn't create enough empathy for the main character at the beginnning. I sort of knew that from what others had said at my GippsTAFE course. I was hoping it wasn't major but it was. So it's back to the drawing board again. *sigh*.
The weather has cooled today. Its been raining. Which is refreshing...mmmm the smell of summer rain.
Well must head back and clean Ashlee's room. We have a missing lego star wars green head somewhere. I don't know the name just what it looks like. Anyway if I don't find this part (that is the size of my finger nail,) there will be a major catastrophe in our household. Wish me luck...I'm gunna need it.
best regards
Carmel
As for me, I'm back into my writing and walking my dog Otley. Also I've decided to attempt Pilates. LOL. Dave says he wants to be a fly on the wall. Cheeky buggar, I say.
Recently I entered my Picture book into a competition that will be critiqued by a picture book publisher. (Her name escapes me, at the moment). This I am excited about. My friend who is a graphic designer wants to illustrate it. She hasn't read it yet... it may not suit her style.
I'm still working on 'Florence Delaney. Who's she?' I've found a great online crit group who are helping me with this. My biggest flaw was not the pacing or the sentence structure as such, but more the fact I didn't create enough empathy for the main character at the beginnning. I sort of knew that from what others had said at my GippsTAFE course. I was hoping it wasn't major but it was. So it's back to the drawing board again. *sigh*.
The weather has cooled today. Its been raining. Which is refreshing...mmmm the smell of summer rain.
Well must head back and clean Ashlee's room. We have a missing lego star wars green head somewhere. I don't know the name just what it looks like. Anyway if I don't find this part (that is the size of my finger nail,) there will be a major catastrophe in our household. Wish me luck...I'm gunna need it.
best regards
Carmel
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