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A Hole in the Clouds

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Monday was Prosery Monday on dVerse, hosted by the lovely Merril D. Smith.  We were given the following line:

“In space in time I sit thousands of feet above the sea”
—From May Sarton, “Meditation in Sunlight”

We have 144 words to play with and it must not be in any poetic form.  We must use the line, word for word, though we may change the punctuation.

Today, I was watching a talk show with and the singer Michel Rivard was the guest. He just so happened to sing the song “Un trou dans les nuages” (A Hole in the Clouds) that inspired me to participate.  I translated the song and added my two cents’ worth.

They came through a hole in the clouds, landing a few paces away.  I know I was chosen because they trust in me.  They gave me an imaginary stone, like a crystal carved out of the blue of the night.  I hid it in under the ferns in the woods and will have it in hand when they return for me.

I have suffered ridicule by all the townsfolk who point at the sky, mocking me, and calling me the village idiot for believing in them.  Yet I have faith and I wait.

And now the day is come; I read it in the clouds.  They alight on the clearing near the woods and shine a beam on my face. There are no witnesses, as they requested.

In space and time, I sit thousands of feet above the sea.  I’ve no memory of before.

The lyrics (in French) can be found here.  Deepl is a wonderful translation tool, should you be interested. 
 

Monday Meandering Mind

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“They” say it takes twenty-one days to create a habit… Right?  Oh hell, naw.  I just looked it up (coz I really don’t like to spread fallacies) and NOPE! The book you wrote in 1960, Dr. Maxwell Maltz, you lied!  Apparently it can take anywhere from two months to eight months to build a new behaviour in your life.  Well, shit.  Doesn’t that just blow my whole post to smithereens.  Maybe ya shoulda looked it up before, dumb-dumb.

Under Twenty One Prohibition Sign In Crossed Out Red Circle Vector Icon Stock Illustration - Download Image Now

Neither here nor there.  I am officially proclaiming that I have been in the process of creating a habit since my first run of the year on March 5th.  Why didn’t I start sooner?  Coz I didn’t.  And I live in a place that has too much snow (still) and ice and crappy conditions (until now) and besides I’m not a even close to being a die-hard runner like those I see run past my house, no matter the conditions:  sleet, snow, wind, using crampons on their shoes… no, not for me, thank you, very much.

Now that the bicycle paths are mostly clear and the temps have been hanging on either side of the freezing mark, I have made it a mission to go every other day.  So far, I’m five runs in and have increased my time.  Woot!

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

What Am I Bingeing?

I’ve had a few shows on the go.  I like to watch one, then another, and another rather than binge just the one show from start to finish.  I have noticed that when I do binge 2-3-4 episodes of the same show, I barely remember them later.  It’s like mindlessly eating popcorn until you finish the bowl and are surprised to find it empty.  I’d rather savour.

I have been challenging myself.  I am watching “The Empress” in German, with English subtitles.  I am surprised at how many words I pick up (I took German for two semesters in college, waaaaay back when.  My goodness, is it possible it was almost thirty years ago?)  It’s been interesting to learn about Elisabeth, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary.

I am also watching “Women at War” in French (don’t need the subtitles, though I keep them on just in case, that French from France accent occasionally gets me).  This one is darker and is the story of four women during WWI.  I’m only one episode in.

I am also watching “The Offer” – this is so enjoyable.  It’s about the making of “The Godfather” through the eyes and experience of Al Ruddy, producer.  Tell me, in the umpteen times you have seen this movie, did you ever pay attention to who the producer was?  I can tell you I did not.  Had zero clue.  Halfway through the series, and trying to stretch it out, the urge to watch The Godfather NOW, instead of at the end of the series, hit.  So, why not?  And, to make it perfect, make it dinner and a movie by having spaghetti and meatballs and wine – I mean, how can you not?  It’s so cool to see the vision, the troubles they had (No Al Pacino! He’s too short and  he’s a nobody theatre actor!), the negotiations… And recognizing bits from the movie in the series and vice-versa. If you are a fan of The Godfather, this show is like candy.  I want to gobble it up at the same time as I want to stretch it out.

Se The Offer - Stream Online | PlayPilot

What Am I Reading?

I am not a re-reader.  I can count on one hand how many books I have read more than once (and not more than twice).  For me, I figure there are so many books out there, why would I read one I already have?  I am impressed by those who have their favourites and have read them countless times.  This is the case for all the other members of the informal group from Sammi’s Scribbles. They are huge Tolkien fans and have read the books over and over, and in the case of Sammi, have multiple versions of the books.  I decided to join in for the fun of it.  We are now reading the second book from The Lord of the Rings – The Two Towers.  Last year we read The Fellowship of the Ring. It’s pretty cool. We read half a chapter per week and exchange thoughts on Sammi’s blog.  It takes us most of the year to read just one of the books.  Sammi must have been busy last week because Tolkien Tuesday did not happen.  I’m wondering if I should just read the second half for tomorrow or what…  And since half a chapter per week is not much reading…

I am also reading Das Parfum, by Patrick Süskind – the French translation, since my friend Linda leant it to me, but also because I like to keep my French skills up by reading a French book every 3-4 books.  I prefer to read in the original language but in this case, the original is in German and so reading it in English or in French didn’t matter.  I saw the movie many moons ago and remember the gist of it.  I prefer to read the book after seeing the movie anyway, because I am never disappointed.  I am not with this one, either. The writing is so rich.  I read this one in bed…. and,

I am also beta reading a book for Rochelle.  Since my Kindle is being a biyatch and won’t let me download it (I think the cable is the issue), I have to read it off my laptop – only so much book I like to read on a computer.

Do you ever read more than one book at a time?  I never thought I would.  I have gone so far as to tell those who do that they are nuts and how can they possibly follow all the plot lines?  Turns out, it is more than possible.

Oh! And before I forget.  With all those peeps sharing their flowers, and me still buried in snow, I was beyond excited to see this:

Right next to a foot of snow.  In my front yard.  Go figure.  For a little perspective:

How do you like them apples?  No wonder I had a spring in my step and the energy to start running!

Thanks for hanging with me and I wish for you a lovely week.

 

 

 

Third Time’s a Charm – Friday Fictioneers

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‘Tis Wednesday and, she who loves all things purple, and keeps all us all afloat, has chosen a picture from Jennifer Pendergast for this week’s Friday Fictioneers.  Once I saw it, I could not help but want to close up my date trilogy started last year.  Should you desire a refresher, just click on the links in that follow, to see why I went here after going there and there.  No need, of course, but do click on my fancy-dining frogs below to be brought to the linky-thingy to add your very own 100-word story inspired by this lovely image.  Now sure how?  Rochelle’s post will do the ‘splaining of the hows and whys of playing along.

Take a foodie break in Pas de Calais - The Good Life France

Click on us to dine along

 

Wow, this is pretty snazzy!

Anything is better than the last two joints we went to.

You’ve got that right. Though, I thought my choice was funky.  And now I can see why you said to kick my duds up a notch. Like my suit?

It wasn’t funky it was filthy.  And you look very handsome.  I should request it more often!

Thanks, and don’t push it.  Your choice was the shits.

Can’t argue that one. Once you see it you can’t unsee it.  Like my dress?

Let’s forget the past.  You look very sexy.

Shall we go in?

Absofuckinglutely!

 

 

No Expectations – dVerse

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On Monday, the lovely Merril hosted dVerse Prosery Monday.  I promised her I would participate but it took me two days to get the words I wanted.  These are still not the ones that popped into my head as I was walking but that’s how it goes, sometimes.  We were challenged to use the following poetry line, but NOT in any poetry form whatsoever.  We have 144 words to work with (not including the title):

“This year’s a different thing, –
I’ll not think of you.”

from Charlotte Mew, “I so liked Spring”

 

It’s the same thing, year after year.  I tell myself not to expect anything, that way there will be no disappointments.  It’s like I can’t help myself; my mind goes off on its own, raking in one thought after another, building up a scenario until I find myself thinking, yes! that’s exactly it.  That’s what I want.  Then I wait for it to happen ~ for some mysterious entity to come along and do the necessary to bring that random scenario to fruition.  How foolish is that?  I know better.  I’m past the fairy tale age.  There is no myth to getting what you desire.  It requires effort.  On MY part.

I promise myself this year’s a different thing.  I’ll not think of you as that mysterious entity come to swoop in and make it happen.  Having you join me will be a bonus.

 

 

 

 

Remember Brooklyn? – Friday Fictioneers

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Good Thursday, my peeps.  It’s a grey day here and I wanted to go for my daily walk but I was on slo-mo and now I can’t go because my contractor is coming for some last minute thingies and I’ve run out of time.  If I had been smart and organized, I’d have been out the door by nine but hey, I’m nothing if not go-with-the-flow.  As a result, well, why not play Friday Fictioneers?  Go on over to Rochelle’s blog by clicking here to find out the how-to’s inspired by Roger Bultot’s photo below.  Got a 100-word story simmering in your noggin that just needs release?  Click on the the lovebirds below and add your link.  G’head, it’s fun!

©Roger Bultot

Infant's Class Teddy - Kermit the Frog - Charleville National School

Dear Bill,

Going over some old photographs today, I found our trip to Brooklyn.  Do you remember?  It was November and the trees were still dressed in golden yellow leaves.  We were excited to be together again.

We were determined to cross into Manhattan by subway (getting lost in the confusing labyrinth), so we could walk back over the Brooklyn Bridge.  Such tourists we were. 🙂  We decided to stop for pizza at Grimaldi’s and had to pool our money, because they only took cash. Best pie ever!

Just thought I’d bring you for my walk down memory lane…

Lotsa love,

Lianne

 

Midnight (Close Enough) Walk

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*I handwrote most of this post in my Whatever Pages Book last night instead of typing it directly, as I try to unplug from all electronics a good hour (lucky if it’s a half-hour) before bed.  And I didn’t want to, once again, have an idea for a post but wait so long that it becomes too late, so…

After watching the flag-fest that was the the Eagles/49ers game and then foolishly watching the refs-are-off-the-deep-end Bengals/Chiefs game, B and I hung up in annoyance.  There were better ways to spend our time, we both thought.  During the half time of the second game, I went out to shovel the walkway.  I realised it was perfect out there and declared that I was going to for a walk after the game.  The more the farce game went on, the less I felt like going out there so I ended up on the internets, pfaffing away my time with comments here and there, until finally deciding around 11 pm, to hell with it, I was wasting my time again.  A much better use of said time was to go out.

I checked the temps:  -9℃, feels like -11℃ (16℉/12℉) and decided my rather thick leggings would suffice, though I put on my big Canadian-style boots, my only-when-it’s-at-least -10℃ coat, ski mitts and tuque, of course, and out the door I went.

Face-to-face with the half moon competing with the lamppost, I clicked a few, thinking I’ll use them for the Boucherville FB photo group and made my way to the nearby park.

I marvelled at how bright it was (the reason I prefer snow to rain in the winter, is it brightens everything) and the clouds were fascinating.

Don’t scratch your screen, it’s not dust, they’re stars 😉

As I approached the outdoor hockey rink (now equipped with a fantastic heated changing shed), I was surprised to find it empty.  Yo, Rog, it’s close to midnight on a Sunday, what did you expect?  I still expected, what can I say?  They play in much colder climes and often at night!

The rink
The shed – taken on another outing but here for clarification purposes

The crunch of my boots on the packed snow and the faraway beeps of the snowploughs readying the parking lots for tomorrow’s employees and patrons were the only sounds keeping me company.   The snow sparkled under the moon and the trees cast their shadow under the lampposts.

I am amazed that my hands are not freezing when I remove my mitts to take pictures. It’s weird, really. I have Raynaud’s Syndrome which only comes into play if I hold something cold.  But the cold itself doesn’t really bother them.  Well, obviously, in really cold temps, I needs must have those mitts on (gloves are useless for me) but I am amazed at how long I can go without before needing to warm them up again.

 

This just might be card-worthy…

I decide to simply walk the loop of the park, then make my way home.  It is late, after all, and my thighs are thinking it might have been nice to find themselves in warmer snow pants (it’s not that bad but go too far…)

I am surrounded by beauty.

And loathe to go home.

But it’s getting late… Now it’s close to midnight!  But just one more before I pick up the pace.

Oooh… No, this one!

On the last stretch, I encounter the first and only other human.  To my bonsoir! I receive nothing.  I choose to think he did not hear me.

I feel my cheeks getting more ruddy with each step.  My legs are going to be happy to find themselves wrapped in warm blankets.  Surely I will sleep well?

 

Survey Says! Because I Please…

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When the mojo is not to be found and you read a fun survey post in which you know you can answer, well, you, hopefully, use this as a way to get things going.  So thank you Ally from The Spectacled Bean for nudging me to answer Maggie’s (From Cave Walls) blogging questions.

Hey, use what works, eh?

1. How many times per week do you post? Do you post multiple times a day? If so, how many?

  • When things are flowing and I am in the mood for participating in challenges or when I just have things to share, I could post up to three times per week.  Most times, it’s once per week.  However, this is my first post of 2023…

2. How many blogs do you follow?

  • I had to look this up.  I apparently follow 139 sites.  However, I do not receive email notifications from all of them – I did a major cleanup and some I access through the Reader.  Those multi-posters?  The ones I really appreciate and love, I had to change the settings to get only one email per day which gives me a link to three of their posts – I still can’t keep up.

3. Do you read all the blogs you follow every day? If not, how often do you read other blogs?

  • I read blogs every day.  Do I read all of them?  No. I spend so much time trying to catch up that every now and again, I just flush my whole inbox and start anew.

4. Do you seek out new blogs to follow?  If so, how do you find them?

  • While I don’t necessarily seek them out, I discover them from comments they leave on my blog or other blogs I follow. Have made some lovely discoveries that way.

5. Do you comment on the blogs you read? If not, why? Do you respond to all the comments left on your blog?

  • I comment on almost all the bloggers I follow (though maybe not all their posts – multi-posters, that means you!) and I respond to every one left on mine – note to anyone I might have missed, the key word is missed!  I often go back to make sure I left none behind…

6. Do you ever close comments on a blog you post? If so, why?

  • I close comments on reblogs, encouraging people to go visit the original post.  I’ve never closed comments on mine (and am now going to join the 21-day club and see if my spam reduces…)

7. Do you ever unfollow someone? If so, why?

  • Yes, I have unfollowed some that just don’t have anything to offer me, are too long-winded, too political.  Others I simply remove the option of receiving emails for their posts and can access them through the Reader on those days when I have more time.

8. What content inspires you to follow a blogger?

  • Hard to pick:  Some make me think, some make me laugh, some inspire me…

9. What content turns you off from following someone?

  • Not taking the time to even “like” a comment I left them (I mean systematically, not missing a comment as I mention in no. 5).  Why should I bother?  Also, if they are all about the “woe is me” and super negative and depressing, or very political and ramble on, I am outta there.

10. How important is it to you that you add a photo to every post?

  • What?  Post without a photo?  GASP!

11. Leave me a link for one blogger (other than yourself) that you think I should check out.

  • Now, I may be biased but that doesn’t mean it’s not for good reason.  He is funny, smart, well-read, snarky, but best of all, he has beautiful writing skills.  More than one writer has said they want to throw their own computer into the lake after reading his prose.  He writes at Sorryless.

It’s Terrasse Time! – Friday Fictioneers

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Good Wednesday, my peeps!  It’s Friday Fictioneers Day and I could not resist this photo.  It kinda called me to do a certain sequel to my story from a couple weeks ago.  As always, a thank you to Rochelle, our fearless leader, who, while still frolicking in the ocean, still manages to host our weekly shindig.  Should you want to join in and write a story inspired by Roger Bultot’s photo, then click on the frogs below to add your link!

frog, chair, cozy, for two, drink, wine, soaked, cute, sweet, funny, relaxation | Pikist

Click to play

 

Since you didn’t like my choice last time we got together, you pick.

It was disgusting.  And great, it’s terrasse weather.  I know just the place.

Terrace weather, you mean.

Terrasse, terrace. The important thing is we sit outside.

In the shade?

Yes, in the shade.

Okay.  Meet you there?

7:00 pm.

***

This is your choice?

Yes, this is my choice.

You thought my tables looked like toilets, what the hell is this?

Art.

Art? It’s graffiti!

Stop. The food and drinks are worth it.

They better be.

At least we won’t feel crowded.

Why does that bring me no comfort?

 

Morning Pages

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Whilst chatting with Bill, my favourite writing pluviophile, he mentioned something about doing his “Morning Pages”; or rather, that he had let himself slack off but would be getting back on track, or something to that effect.

What are Morning Pages, you ask?  I had to look it up.  This was invented by Julia Cameron and is described more fully in her book “The Artist’s Way”.  However, it was more a blog post by Shelby of “Little Coffee Fox”  that got me even more intrigued.

Apparently, this daily ritual can unleash our creative potential, so to speak – and not limited to the creativity in writing, either.  It can help artists of all sorts.  The point of this practice is to encourage us away from negative self-talk and away from the fear that holds us back.

Okay, sounds a little woo-woo but hey… I’ve been writing my gratitude journal for over fifteen years and what harm is there in going to bed thinking of five things to be grateful for?  It forces me to think of five positive things.  Some days the choices are slim but find them, I do.

So. how does this work?  Pretty simple.  Every morning, first thing, you dump your thoughts by writing three pages in longhand.  No plotting or strategizing, just stream of conscious writing.  Nothing pretty, punctuation and all that jazz doesn’t really matter.  The important thing is to simply write whatever comes to mind and to not stop until you have three pages worth.  What if you run out of things to say?  Find anything.  Just do it.  Oh, and here’s the best part.

NEVER READ WHAT YOU WRITE.

More importantly,

NEVER LET ANYONE ELSE READ WHAT YOU WRITE.

It’s a brain dump. Let it out.  And let it go. You can’t let it go if you go back to it, can you?

Alrighty then.  I am three days in.  A little early to see if anything comes from it but I like what Glitter Guide said after she tried it for thirty days:  she missed her therapist a bit less and her mind felt less cluttered as she started the day.  Did she have any big creative breakthroughs?  No. But she was open to the possibility.

And so am I.

Now, if I can just stop calling them Morning Papers maybe Prince will stop taking up space in my head…

 

Weekend Writing Prompt #270 – Jamboree

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A word prompt to get your creativity flowing this weekend.  How you use the prompt is up to you.  Write a piece of flash fiction, a poem, a chapter for your novel…anything you like.  Or take the challenge below – there are no prizes – it’s not a competition but rather a fun writing exercise.  If you want to share what you come up with, please leave a link to it in the comments.  And it’s still the weekend, so, yay me!  Thank you, Sammi, for hosting this weekly jamboree… okay, it’s more low-key than that, but still 😉

wk 270 jamboree

There is a time and place for parties that go big and loud.  And for me, that place is in the past. Let’s just say I’ve become less enthusiastic.

Our last family cruise vacation in March 2020, (just before the shit hit the fan and the world stopped) was an exception.  Three generations at the back of the ship drinking and dancing and raising hell qualifies as big and loud.

That aside, the kind of jamboree I seek out now is one brought on by nature.