Cass Crafts From A Story

Mr. Darcy is my book boyfriend too

2012-02-23T23:09:00.001-08:00

So today my good friend Thursday decided to play traitor. Usually this day of the week and I are pretty tight. I mean seriously Friday Eve is generally a really great day for me. But after today I was tempted to give up on Thursday's altogether. I can't even pinpoint what pushed the day into a downward spiral, it was just one thing after another that just didn't go right, turning one of my favorite days into an all around sucky day. Sucky with a capital S. At least it was sucky until I got home. AlleyCat sensed Mom was having a bad day so she had a surprise waiting for me when I got home from work. She had cooked dinner and, pushed the couches together into a pit so we could eat and watch movies. How awesome. Right?

We watched Lost in Austen on Netflix. "Amanda, an ardent Jane Austen fan, lives in present day London with her boyfriend Michael, until she finds she's swapped places with Austen's fictional creation Elizabeth Bennet."

At one point during the movie, I turned to AlleyCat and admitted that Mr. Darcy* and I went wayyyy back. I told her he was an old book boyfriend of mine. She giggled and said "That's funny mom. Mr. Darcy is my book boyfriend too".

Love that kid of mine. She turned my frown of a day upside down so it ended in a smile.

*Confession: I've read Pride and Prejudice, and watched various versions on tv. I will admit I have loved every one, but my favorite by far is with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. Whoever cast him is a genius.

For those who might have been curious, here's a photo of the couches in pit formation. We grab a bunch of pillows and blankets and everyone curls up to watch a movie. We often end up falling asleep there.

Bookity Book Trailers

2012-02-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this trailer for Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith.

I really enjoy losing myself in the world she created in her books Tantalize, Blessed and Eternal (I've read Cat Calls too but have yet to read Haunted Love). She has a great twist on Angels, Vampires and Were's living among us.

Cynthia is having a giveaway over on her blog Cynsations for the paperback release of Blessed. Go over and check it out.

I love bookish giveaways, don't you?

2012-02-19T15:26:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Blogs to visit is mundiemoms.blogspot.com. They are a fan site for Cassandra Clare who happens to be a writing genius. Remember my Clockwork Angel pendant? Well that was inspired by Cassie's book of the same name.

Mundie Moms are not only fangirls to Cassandra Clare. They spread their love amongst other authors by interviewing established and debut authors, hosting author chats, partaking in cover reveals and having bookish giveaways.

If you haven't checked them out, you should definitely do it now. They are celebrating 3 years in the blogosphere so go wish them happy Blog Birthday, and sign up for a giveaway or two.

Bookity Book Trailers BLACK HEART

2012-02-01T20:38:00.000-08:00

Oh. My Goodness. I cannot wait for Black Heart's release. Please can I have a time machine.

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Check out my new background!

2012-01-28T21:36:00.000-08:00

I happened on to the the cutest little site today by accident --> cutencool and I am so happy that I did.

Isn't this one of the coolest backgrounds you've seen? Okay - maybe you have different taste then I do, so it's okay if you don't like it. But me? I LOVE it. Sweetest part? I was able to get this little lovely for free. Oh, so now it's looking better to you huh? Cutencool has other backgrounds, headers, buttons etc and they are really lovely (and a few are creepy to). There is even one that reminds me of some of Laini Taylor's characters from Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

Working on some book bracelets tomorrow. No not bracelets with books on them, bracelets for books. Are you curious?

Cass

Tools for Contests

2012-01-09T19:22:00.000-08:00

Do you like contests? I do. Another thing to learn about me huh?

I entered a contest hosted by Rafflecopter who says they make it crazy-simple to create, run, and enter online giveaways and sweepstakes. Sounds good to me!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bookity Book Trailers

2012-01-09T18:11:00.000-08:00

I like books trailers. Did you know that about me? No? Well now you do. :-) Just giving you a heads up, you will see book trailers here often because I think they are a unique way of getting people interested in a book. Helps build the buzz.

Well, I'm really looking forward to getting my copy of So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev (which is the 3rd in the Theatre Illuminate series) so you can imagine my little squee of joy moments ago when she tweeted a link to this little lovely:

Bookity Book Trailers

2012-01-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

This one is for Hallowed, by Cynthia Hand. Have you seen this one it yet? Ooooh I love me a book trailer. Looks like Egmont has another winner.

Yay for contests!

2012-01-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

I won an ARC of The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting. She hosted a contest over on Facebook where you had to leave a comment of what you thought her daughter was thinking as she stood there looking at a couple of large impressive horses in the snow. My comment was about yellow snow. It made her daughter laugh (along with 3 other entries) so there were four winners today. How cool is that? I can't wait to read it.

Flirty or Coy

2012-01-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

Almost every day on my way to work, I am graced with the view of one of Mother Nature's works of art, Mount Rainer. I say almost because sometimes Mount Rainer likes to play coy and goes into hiding.

I've lived in Washington most of my life, and have always been within view of Mount Rainier. I think it is a view that some take for granted.

Last year I was at a book signing for Kimberly Derting (author of the Body Finder Series and The Pledge) and she was talking about a conversation she had with someone in the publishing industry (her editor maybe) and she made a comment about Mount Rainer, and whether or not it was "out". The person she had been talking to didn't quite understand that sometimes you could see the Mountain and sometimes you couldn't.

That got me to thinking more about Mount Rainier. It's funny how I can see the mountain as I go to work in the morning, and by the time I go to lunch it's gone into hiding. I decided I wanted to somehow document the appearances (or lack thereof) and what better way then a pictorial. Oooh. How about a 365 days of Mount Rainier pictorial. I bought myself a camera right before Christmas and checked out what would be the best location to take the photo. And did I find a doozy. Right under a bridge, looking up the Duwamish River. In my mind it was perfect. I told my co-workers I was going to start January 1, 2012.

January 1st came and went. So did January 2nd. Mount Rainer never even entered my mind those two days. Why? Because I didn't leave the house sillies. It was a holiday. Then yesterday on may way to work, there it was, right in front of me in all it's glory. At first I was all flummoxed because I had missed out on January 1st start date, but then came around to the realization that I could still do 365 days a photos, it doesn't really matter when I start, right? I hurried to the spot I had chosen to take the photos was sad to discover my view was blocked. Someone had docked a big barge on the river, right in front of my "perfect spot". I threw up my hands in frustration. Who was I kidding anyway. Was I really committing to taking a photo EVERY DAY? FOR A YEAR? Still wanting to document Mount Rainier's habit of hiding in plain site (but not every day) I changed up the plan to one day a week. Yes, that would be easier. I could commit to once a week. Then I thought I'd better make it a weekday too, as those are the days I guarantee I leave the house. So fingers crossed, I'd try again the next morning.

This morning I woke up to a beautiful sunrise. I just new Mount Rainier would be shining. I'd even found a solution to the big barge being in the way. Instead of taking the photo from under the bridge, I would take the photo from up ON the bridge. This way nothing blocked my view.

So each week, I'll take a photo from the same basic location and we'll see if Mount Rainier is playing coy or flirty. Today? Definitely flirty.

Steampunkery Goodies

2012-01-02T08:06:00.000-08:00

I have to say I am fascinated with just about anything Steampunk. I love the look of the gadgets and attire, and I LOVE worlds created in that same theme. Well I just was over at Tiffany Trent's website and am excited to find another book to add to my ever growing list of must reads. She is even having a contest where the prize is Steampunkery Goodies. How is it I didn't know about this upcoming book The Unnaturalists? Go over and check out that cover. It is just awesome. Tiffany says that the folks over at Simon and Schuster truly captured the book in that cover. I know one thing is for sure - the bookshelf devoted to my love of Steampunk stories is getting a new addition!

What Will 2012 Bring?

2012-01-01T15:42:00.000-08:00

A better title probably would have been What Will I Bring to 2012?

I was reading Diana Peterfreund's Blog this morning and saw a detailed list of what she as hoping for in 2012. I thought that was a great idea, so I'm going to do the same here. I'm so looking forward to the new year, and figure maybe if I write down my own bullet list of the things I want out of 2012 I just might achieve some of them.

Work

A kind word costs nothing but is worth so much to the receiver. Remember everyone likes to be shown appreciation for a job well done.

Delegate. Delegate. Delegate. They won't learn the job if you don't let them.

Help plan a Holiday Party for 2012. It has been too many years since we had a sit down dinner for everyone.

Have fun with the new Newsletter .

Home

Set up my craft room/writing room instead of using it as the catchall room.

Take all of the boxes of crafty items and all of the unshelved books scattered throughout the house and put them way in their proper places in the new improved craft/writing room noted above. (Once it is set up of course)

Sweet talk ChopSuey into knocking down the wall. Yes that one.

Get the forced air vents and furnace professionally cleaned. We've been here 14 years. I guess it's about time.

Turn the basement into the Family Movie/Game Room.

Move AlleyCat into the room off the balcony. It's about time she has a real room of her own.

Get the other garage door hung. We've had it in the garage for what, 2 years now? This will be the year to hang it.

Take better care of the yard. It's not going to do it by itself. (Though I wish it would)

Family

Get our Will set up. I can't believe that we have never followed through with this before. We aren't getting any younger and need to make sure both girls are taken care of. All parents need to consider doing it, but I think parents with a special needs child/teen has to take extra precautions and make their wishes known.

Work with Peanut on her communication skills. We got her an iPad for Christmas this year. She has been using one at school for adding to her vocabulary and improving her communication skills and we want to continue it at home. When she turns 18 she will have an opportunity to participate in a school to work program, but I've already been told that her ability to communicate would have to improve.

Finding more Me and AlleyCat time. She's at that angsty age of 14 and I'm scared one of these days she won't want anything to do with me. We need to continue to make sure AlleyCat knows just how proud we are of her. She is such a great kid, awesome student and fantastic sister. Book signings is something she loves to go to, so I will have to research what authors will be here in 2012. (It's a win/win for me too!)

Try to get Chopsuey to go out of town with the girls and I, even if it is weekend trip to the ocean or the mountains or somewhere in between.

Spend more time with mom and dad. I hate to hear it said my sister who lives four states away spends more time visiting than I do at forty miles. (Actually I improved on that greatly since 2010 but sadly it was on account of my mom and a bout of that dirty beast cancer).

Self

Get to know more online people in the writing community. Make connections. Look for critique peeps.

Find the time to write. Quit coming up with excuses and continually proCASStinating with Twitter and sit down and write. Come up with a schedule with Corbin and go back to our weekly writing sessions via phone.

Be more active. I have got to get this butt off the couch and outside walking. I can't keep going on like this. Something has got to change.

Go to SCBWI-WW conference this spring. I just saw the line-up and laughed when I realized I already follow about half of the speakers on Twitter.

Make more items for my etsy shop. Of course my version of the ClockWork Angel Pendant has been a hit, but I'd like to fill the shop with the other book inspired items I've been making.

Post more here on my Blog. Maybe it will be my own spin on Field of Dreams - If I write it, they will come.

What are you looking to get out of 2012?

Happy New Year To All!

Maggie Stiefvater is giving away a bunch I mean a BUNCH of books!

2011-12-31T22:22:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to meet Maggie this year at an impromptu book signing. It wasn't a scheduled signing or anything, but she had tweeted that she was going to be in Elliott Bay Books signing stock, and if any of her followers happened to be in the area, to go ahead and stop by. I was so excited because I missed her signings in the Seattle area and was really bummed so I snuck a little extra time into my lunch hour (more like a lunch hour and a half) and tracked her down. She was super sweet. Signed all of my books (five) and even drew a wolf in Forever. (Yes I did a little happy dance on my way back to car)

I know. I know. Quit rambling Cass and get to the goods. What are the rules? How do you win this bounty of books? Well, you have to pick your favorite post from her Blog. Easy. Right? NO. So much to choose from. But once you finally whittle it down to one super fantastic favorite post, the hard part is over. Now all you have to do is talk about your choice on Facebook, tumblr, twitter, heck if you still have a myspace account you could talk about it there. Just as long as you can copy and paste a link back into something fascinating called a GIANT CONTEST TABULATING MACHINE WEBSITINATOR. (I'm not quite sure what it is exactly but hope it is something magical)

Okay so now that you know how to enter, are you curious what my favorite post was? It was pretty easy. It was this one HERE. Yes November Cakes. Come on guys. Who wasn't excited to find out that Maggie made up a recipe to a made up food.(Actually my excitement came later, keep reading) Maggie posted the recipe before I read the book. (Yes, it took me a while to finally set aside the time. I can't just read a book a a little bit at a time. I have to devote large blocks of time so that I don't miss anything in the worlds I like to visit) So when I first saw the November Cakes post I thought "Clever girl. That's kinda neat." But it ended there. I filed the post away in my mind and went about my business. See I didn't read the book until Thanksgiving weekend, and when I got to the the part in the book where November Cakes came into play? My mouth started to water and I remembered her post and hurried back to jot down the recipe. This time my thoughts were "Wow. Not only does she write, play musical instruments (including but not limited to the bagpipes) scores music, creates stop motion book trailers and finds time to talk to the folks at NASA, but she creates her own recipes too? Genius!" And it gets better. Now she has improved on the original recipe and says you should use this one here.

So even though the November Cakes post might not have started out as my favorite post, it sure ended that way after reading The Scorpio Races.

And even though it's not part of the contest, I want to tell you what my favorite tweet of Maggie's was this year. It was on November 23rd. You all know just which one I'm talking about don't you? She was hinting about the WinterNovel she had been working on and was giving her followers a teaser. She said that if we were fans of a certain work of hers, two words would tell us who she was writing about. Wait. You look confused. You do know which tweet I'm talking about. Right? It was this tweet right here:

Yes that's right. We are going to be taken back into her world of the Fae. And I for one can't wait. Hurry Maggie. I want to read The WinterNovel. Like Now.

A different spin on Tessa's Necklace

2011-09-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

So Cassandra Clare has one, yes one ARC of Clockwork Prince to give away. She has decided to run a contest where the winner receives said ARC. The contestees (is that a word?) just has to come up with something creative that relates to the Infernal Devices series.

Well, I made my own version of Tessa's Clockwork Angel pendant.

So. Do you like?

A Blue Bloods Poem by AllyCat (she wants a Blue Bloods make-up bag of her own)

2011-01-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

One holds Red,

One holds Blue,

One holds Silver.

One is good,

One is evil, and one is equal.

All are same, All are different.

Two love blood,

Some aren’t sane.

Schuyler was neither,

Nor Red,

Nor Blue,

Nor Silver.

She was unique, pretty and funny,

While Mimi...

well she was...Just vain.

Maybe that’s why her name is Mimi,

as in Me, Me, Me!

As for Jack,

you better watch your head,

or Mimi will hack it right off your neck!

Plus Bliss,

Poor, Poor Bliss!

First losing her Dylan,

Then learning the darkest secret of them all:

Her father Lucifer, was inside her.

And then there is Oliver,

oh sweet Oliver. Schuyler’s conduit, smart and true, Don’t forget funny too.

But after a disaster,

he told his beloved Sky to run off with,

Forbidden love, Jack Force.

Will they battle out the Venators, Mimi, and Silver Bloods?

Or will all be lost?

Win a make-up bag!!!

2011-01-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

Melissa De La Cruz is having a giveway. Blue Blood make-up bags. All you have to do is something creative that is inspired by the Blue Blood series, post it on line, and email her a link. Simple as that!!

In my last post (yes, shame on me, it was way back in September) I posted pictures of a book marker I made inspired by a book I read last spring. I have been scouring the internet for the last few months, collecting charms of all sorts so I could do more book markers, based on some of my favorite storylines, and the Blue Blood series just happened to be one. If you ask me, this contest couldn't have come at a better time.

I took these supplies here:

And made this Blue Bloods inspired book marker:

I also took the same kind of charms and made this Blue Bloods inspired pendant.

You like? I hope so. I'd love a Blue Bloods make-up bag!

Happy 2011 to everyone!!!

Cass

Look what I made!!

2010-09-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

This last Mother's Day, Chopsuey took AlleyCat shopping at the local bookstore. He understands my love of books, and she knows just what my tastes are. Before their shopping trip was over, they had purchased half a dozen books for me. (Yes I'm a spoiled momma/wife).

The first book out of the batch that I read was White Cat by Holly Black. Wow. What a mastery of the written word this lady has. (IS that worded right? When I say this stuff in my head it seems okay but when I read it on the screen...not so much) I will admit that I was leary of White Cat because it was not a continuation of her Tithe or Ironside books, or the companion book Valiant, and to be honest, I wanted more. You see, Holly introduced me to a dark side of the fae. The side I had not known existed. I grew up thinking all fairies were sugar and spice and all that's nice, but that isn't so is it? I know there are other authors out there that write about the Seelie and UnSeelie courts, and some have even done so before Ms. Black. But you see, she was my first. She opened the door and for that I will always have a soft spot in my heart for her.

So anyway - I follow @hollyblack on twitter, and I couldn't wait for this new book to come out so I could learn what all this #TeamCassel buzz was all about. I wanted to know if I could love this other world she created as well. I started reading the book almost as soon as they handed it to me, and stayed up late just so I could read the whole book. The world she built was here but different. The way she gave some of the characters these "gifts" of cursing others. How you could block a curse, or know if someone cursed you. I'm telling you - I'll never look at stones (gemstones or pea gravel) the same way again. When I was finished with the book, I *signed up for #TeamCassel. *disclaimer - there really wasn't a sign up process or anything, but if there was, I would so be there in a heartbeat.

Here it is middle of September, four months later, and I'm still thinking of this book. I loved it. I couldn't get it out of my head. Then one day it hit me. Show my love for this book. Create something. So I did.

I call it "My Heart Has Been Touched By A Curseworker"

I think it turned out nicely. What do you think? I want to list them on Etsy, with some other YA inspired goodies, so be on the look out for them. I'm on Etsy as cassidyfinn (I know. How original)

Thanks for stopping by, please come back again. And again.

Cass

Loving the Polymer Clay

2010-01-17T21:50:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been some time since my last post. I have organized all my beading supplies for future use, and focused on Polymer Clay Canes. Canes are created by taking similar lengths of clay in different shapes and colors and combining them into a "log" to form a picture or pattern. This picture or pattern runs through the length of the log, but can only be seen at each end. You can then make slices through the cane resulting in many copies of the same image. Depending on the type of picture/pattern you are trying to achieve, the beginning diameter of a cane can rage from a dinner plate down to a quarter. The larger diameter, the more the cane will probably need to be reduced, which results in a longer cane with a smaller diameter. Some great resources for polymer clay canes, and polymer clay in general are http://www.glassattic.com/ and http://www.polymerclaycentral.com/ .When working with larger canes, it is recommended to let the newly formed cane "sit" for a day or at least several hours before reducing. The reason for this is the clay in the center is usually not as malleable as the clay on the outer edges that has been in recent contact with your warm hands. To reduce a cane effectively, the clay should be the same malleability throughout.

Now I'm known to be a bit hurried when trying something new, so of course I did not wait as reccommended, and my first few canes were not even worthy of a picture. I am very proud though, of my first "person" cane. I am a huge fan of mermaids, fairies and just about anything fantasy - so my first person cane was a mermaid. First I made a face cane (which I did not photograph the process and am continually kicking myself for). With the face as I reduced it, I would cut a section of the log and set aside so I ended up with several different sizes of a face log. I then made a mermaid tail log, and reduced it down to the size I wanted. From there I added hair, arms, body, neck etc. I then took all of my preivous failures and combined together and ended up with the color of clay surrounding the mermaid. (Never have to waste any clay!) I took pictures of the original cane, and one of my end canes, next to the telephone so you could get an idea of size. I ended up with about 1 1/2 feet of mermaid cane in various diameters. I then used the same face and made a fairy. I have taken slices of the canes, and ran them through a pasta machine (dedicated to polymer clay - not food) and then applied them to glass vases.

I also tried a couple of dragonfly canes. I have mixed some translucent clay, with some of the colors in the dragonflies, and if you insert a candle, then the dragonflies glow.

I'm hoping to document my next cane and go step by step on my blog.

Thanks for reading!

Cass

Where does the time go?

2009-12-27T10:23:00.000-08:00

So much for trying to post more often. On December 6th I was so proud to announce that I was back. I'd joined many a social networking site and was ready to start developing my Cassidy Finn online presence, and now? Geez, it's December 27th already. Where did the time go? Well, two things happened to keep me from the Blog.

December 7th - my laptop died. It was a refurb oldie not worth the money to try and fix :-( Though I love my iPhone (and I mean LOVE it) I didn't think it was realistic to try and post to the Blog from it, and my world kind of turned upside down anyway...

December 8th - My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer (1 day after she turned 66). I have spent the last 19 days playing chauffer and meticulous note taker for my mom and dad as we have gone from one doctors appointment to the next. She will be having a PET scan on Tuesday the 29th to see just how far it has spread.

I hate cancer. This is the fourth time it has touched my family. Three of the four are still with us, and the one that is gone beat the cancer many years ago. Both my brother who had melanoma, and my cousin who had leukemia are doing well but they were lucky enough to have early detection and got a jump start in battling the monster. They say early early detection is key, especially with colon cancer. Sadly my mom hasn't been to a doctor in many, many, many years so early detection was not in our cards. The nasty monster is in advanced stages, already moving to her liver and lymph nodes (and who knows where else the PET scan will find it). She will be having surgery on January 4th, and start chemo on January 25th. We've been told that surgery and chemo won't cure her, but her oncologist (who is the same one that treated my brother) says that the treatment will hopefully prolong her life for several years to come. If you are reading this and you feel so inclined, please send a silent prayer, positive thought, or well wishes in her direction.

Christmas was good. Everyone babied my mom like we should have been doing all along.

Books for Christmas. I am proud to say my eleven year old daughter (also known as my mini me) asked for books and (video games) for Christmas. She received 3 video games (1 was educational) and 17 books. Yes SEVENTEEN. She is our little reading machine. I was beaming with pride when I read her wish list this year. My family was so happy to oblige her that between my mom, dad and two brothers, she received every book on her wish list. I even received a book that had been on my wish list "City of Glass" by Cassandra Clare. All in all twenty-one books were given as gifts among my family. As an aspiring writer (and avid reader) I couldn't have been happier to see all those books as they were unwrapped.

As you can see I'm posting again. My sweet hubby interpreted my subtle hints*and gave me a netbook. (*I'll admit, the hints weren't so subtle. I left numerous adds lying around and moaned and groaned about not being able to write because my laptop died, but it worked, didn't it?)

There is a surprise birthday party on January 2nd, for my dad who will be turning 75. This was planned long before mom learned of the cancer, and she's happy that she could put the surgery off until after the party. My sister was already coming home (from Denver) with her family for the party and now she will be here for the surgery too.

I'll be back later. I want to write about a great community of YA writers I have discovered via Twitter and and joined back in November.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cassidy

I'm baaaack!

2009-12-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I have taken my sweet time posting again haven't I? The last 4+ months have been used wisely though, I promise.

After reading several Publishing Industry Blog posts and online-articles about Social Networking and on-line presence of a writer (and the importance of each), I decided that I better start now, because I am, after all, cart before the horse girl.

I scoured the Internet for anything social networky (actually I just googled social networking sites) and joined several, if for no other reason then to make sure I was the one using CassidyFinn as a userid. (Yesiree, learned my lesson with blogspot.com when I had to settle for casscrafts instead of CassidyFinn, but hey, that turned out for the better right?)

I have joined: Brightkite, Facebook, LiveJournal, Ning, Skype, SnapMyLife, Tumblr, twitter, and WordPress.

Do you want to know what the best part of this adventure was? My fab iPhone. Even though I am not currently posting on all networks I joined, I can easily jump back an forth between any of them from anywhere I want. (As long there is 3G or Wi-Fi coverage of course)

Do you want to know what the worst part of this adventure was? My fab iPhone. I find myself constantly getting caught up in the time suck of twitter while on the job. Yes, my paying job. The one I have held for over 1/2 my life. The one that is unrelated to writing. Yes, that one.

So though I love twitter, in the future I will have to make an extra effort to ignore the fabulous iPhone, and fore go learning of all the sweet tweets and links of information throughout the work day. I think that my work days are not in as much danger of interruption from the other networks I have joined, Of course there is always after work hours, so all is not lost. Oh yeah, that's when I'm supposed to be writing...

Are you making an on-line presence for yourself?

Thanks for stopping by.

Cass

Long time, no post!

2009-07-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Wow. I'm lame. I haven't posted in something like 54 days!?!

Well, not like there are many readers to my blog, right?

Work has been keeping me busy, and then writing at night is keeping me busy too.

Submitted my first chapter of "Through the Rift" over at http://www.critiquecircle.com/ a couple of weeks ago, and was pleased with the critiques. I got the maximum 6 that a newbie can get, which made me very happy.

Pretty much all the crits were the same: My use of tense (past & present) sucked. Big time. Funny I don't see it as I write, but as soon as it is pointed out to me, whammo, right upside the head. Other then the issue with my improper usage or tense, and a little narration issue, overall comments were good. Yes, this pleased me. All critiquers said they were interested in more, as the story did grab them. People I personally don't know too. YEAH!!!

Of course I didn't announce that I was a member for any thick skin club, because I'm not really, so maybe they weren't as harsh on me as they could have been. No, if that was the case, they wouldn't have told me they wanted to read more. Right?

Trying to find a little time each day to check out some of my favorite Blogs, but find I don't spend as much time as I'd like. I found it was cutting into my writing a bit much.

Took some time out last week and created birthday invites for my Poppa Harry's 91st Birthday Party. Little post-cards that looked like a magazine cover.

What do you think?

Hey, who knows, maybe I can get work doing novelty party invitations?!?!?

Already planning the postcards for my book release party. Yes, you read that right. Okay - confession time. I have to finish it, then edit it, then submit to an agent, then edit again, then get representation, then find a publisher, then get an editor, then edit again and so on. Yes - that's me, always putting the horse before the cart.

Anyone else out there planning their book release party for an unfinished, unrepresented book?

Hope you are having a super summer. I am.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cass

Sacrifices?

2009-04-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Over at one of my daily stops http://www.nathanbransford.blogspot.com/ (sorry I wish I knew how to link to the exact post - but I'm still a bit old school at this) Anyway - his "You Tell Me" for today was "What have you given up for your writing dream?" Last count he had 216 comments.

When I read the responses to his post, and learned what some people have given up all in pursuit of their dream, I felt like a total fake. Maybe I don't want my dream badly enough? Trust me, I want my dream to be fulfilled, but not to the point that I feel the need to give up my job. Sure, it would be nice to be able to write all day long, but my job contributes to 1/2 of our household income and additional insurance for our family of four. That job allows for the added expense my dream has brought to our household: Joining critiquecircle.com, joining SCBWI-WW and going their upcoming conference (16 days and counting). All the paper & ink I have been purchasing. All of the writing books I have purchased. So instead of giving up my job, I write when I can where I can, and that works for me. Maybe this means that in pursuit of my dream, I have given up less time for the dream then some, but kept financial stability.

Looks like this is going to be a long one. I'm in the rambling mood.

I was recently at http://www.misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/. Though it's a favorite of mine to visit, I had not been over there since before the most recent secret agent competitions were over and the agent was announced. After reading Authoress's comments that this agent may not have sugar coated her responses, I found myself looking for the agents comments, and then going back to read the entries. Probably not the right way to do it...

Wow, Authoress was not lying. This agent didn't sugar coat a thing. Am I am glad I don't have a finished MS or I would have entered, and undoubtedly cried. Again. I learned so much from her responses though. I learned that I once again was not ready. Nope. I wasn't ready to submit my 1st page entry to SCBWI Western Washington but I did anyway. Of course I didn't even go to MSFV's blog until the day after I put my submission in the mail. I'm pretty sure that if/when they read my submission I will be told that my narration is off kilter. My MC is not narrating, so I should not have referred to Mom & Dad (as their names) it should have been her Mom and her Dad, etc. Ahhh I have so much to learn. But that's okay. That is why I scour the Internet looking for writing Blogs and information. That's why I buy book after book (or borrow some - my little brother is in Bagdhad and has left all of his writing books in my care until he returns, then yes he will demand I return them :-}).

Even though I will most likely look like a fool if my page is read I'm still terribly excited about the upcoming conference. I am looking forward to meeting other writers and learning more about the craft. Maybe even find a local crit group. All in all, I am looking forward to dedicating an entire weekend to my dream. To have a conference right here locally, how lucky am I?

I joined facebook a week or so ago. It appears to be a great place to find old friends and make new ones. So far I'm up to 13 friends. Maybe after the upcoming conference, I'll be able to add some more.

Are you on facebook? I am. Maybe we can be friends - just look for Cassidy Finn.
Are you going to any conferences? Which one(s)?
Do you have a favorite Blog you visit? Which one(s)

Thanks for stopping by!
Cass

Busy Writing

2009-04-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

I've been spending all of my spare time writing. That's good right? I got blocked a while back on my WIP One Wish. Try as I might, nothing and I mean nothing would come to mind. Then just like that, I'm in the car with the girls and it hits me. So you don't have anything to say in One Wish, that doesn't mean you need to stop writing. I got home that night and picked up the laptop and began a new story.

That was Thursday, April 2nd. By Sunday the 4th I had written 12,000+ words. I was on fire. Now it's Tuesday April 21 and as of last night I'm at 21,000+ words. That's an average of a little over 1100 per day. I am ecstatic. Best thing is, It's still flowing. I think this is it. This is the story. Wish me luck though, since I'm not even half way there.

I'm going to change out the word counter for One Wish, and put one in for "Streaming Through The Rift" which is the title of my WIP. It's a Young Adult Fantasy Adventure. Takes places on several different worlds. Hmmm, you say.

I'm going to be needing some feedback, hopefully I can find a couple more readers. I need to get back on Critique Circle too and submit there. My problem is I want the help, but don't want to crit others. Selfish I know. I think I have to change that about myself.

Big news - I mailed off my submission today for the First Pages Panel at SCBWI Western Washington. Hopefully I will be one of the lucky ones picked for the Agent/Editor to read.

Soo excited to be going to my first Writers Conference. Counting down the days!

Are you writing? How is that going for you?

Thanks for stopping by,

Cass

Anniversary

2009-04-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

I just celebrated my 23rd anniversary at work today. Since I recently turned 46, this anniversary also marks another milestone of sorts - I have now worked for the same company half my life. Yes, you read that correctly - HALF MY LIFE!

I am fortunate...
To have gainful employment in today's economy.
To have a job that has challenged me and allowed for advancement.
To have employers who have treated me as a member of their family.
To have a day job that pays the bills while I write my heart out at night.

What have you done for half your life?

Thanks for stopping by!
Cass

Drop the Needle

2009-02-26T20:50:00.000-08:00

I so wasn't ready. My writing wasn't ready either.

I have been following Authoress on Miss Snarks First Victim Blog for a short time and love everything she has done over there. I just read the other day her Blog is less then a year old. She rocks!

She's the one who has gotten agents to agree to look at submissions (usually first 250 words of a completed manuscript) and then the same agent makes comments. Anonymously. Other readers can make comments too. Feedback. Isn't that what we, as writers, want and need?

Well, she also has contests she calls Drop the Needle - where she can pick anywhere in a book or WIP (doesn't have to be complete manuscript) and you submit your 250 words taken from whatever point she chooses. This time it was the last 250 words of any last page of any chapter. Cool concept.

I should have thought twice before submitting.

Actually I needed to hear that I used too many comma's, my punctuation in general was not so great. I should have given more "back story or introduction to the scene". But I didn't. Lesson learned. Not one of the commenter's said anything that was negative. And several we quite nice. I mean I know we are out there to get constructive criticism, but I have seen some crits that maybe just come off wrong. I'm glad that there wasn't anything to take out of context on the crits. They told it like they saw it. Exactly what I wanted right?

I was disappointed that some were confused with a characters speech. Had I given a decent intro into the story (Like Authoress gently requested) they would have understood the speech to be that of a developmentally disabled girl, not a robot or a hillbilly. I can giggle about it now, but reading those two comments made me cry at first, but I got over it real fast. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the comments. They told me how it came across to them, the reader.

Staring at the submission I tried to pretend that I have just dropped in and know nothing about the characters. I read it and I don't see robot or hillbilly. But who am I kidding? I can't fake it. I know the characters. I really know the characters. I couldn't put myself in the readers shoes, no matter how hard I tried.

There was one commenter who hit the nail on the head - they interpreted the speech to be that of a very young girl (toddler) or someone who was mentally challenged. Bingo! Developmentally Disabled. Had I introduced the character as such, the readers may not have been so lost. I also needed a better grip on my writing so the reader could see who the MC was and understand the POV. Needless to say I "head hopped" as a couple of commenter's put it.

Though no one stated it was the absolute finest writing they had ever seen, no one said they wouldn't read any further. That's good, right?

I still have to go back and read and comment on more. There are some good submissions. I wish mine had been one of them.

Do you ever cry unnecessarily?

Thanks for checking in.

Cass

Book Trailers

2009-02-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

You know I was really surprised the first time I saw a book trailer. I was confused, and thought it was a movie trailer and couldn't wait til it came out. Then I learned to was Book Trailer and thought what a great marketing idea.

One of Ms Nelson's clients (I think it was a client) posted a book trailer recently on Pub Rants and I thought it was kind of cute. The author posted about the filming, how it was done, where it was done, etc. and the info was good.

I play with Microsoft Movie Maker and some of our family photo's to make slide show type movies with sound and wondered how hard it would be to make your own book trailer.

Remember me - putting the cart before the horse? Well, I'm at it again. I played around on the computer last night and put together a 4 minute (probably a tad bit too long) book trailer. Now of course this first time out was for my own amusement (I copied some pics I found out on the net and used a song from Blue October) so because of copyright laws, I can't even post it, but you will have to take my word for it IT WAS ACTUALLY OKAY. NOT GREAT, BUT OKAY.
Do you want to know the best thing about it? By the time I was done last night, I was inspired to work on my WIP, which in the end was a good thing. Every once in a while I need to have some inspiration, even if it is a book trailer that only I can watch. (okay, I was able to save it to my iTouch, so if you ask nicely I'll let you watch it :8])

Someday I'd like to have book trailers out on the web, and on tv to draw interest to my book(s), but until then I will just create my own to keep me amused.

Do you think of ways to promote your work once it's done?

Thanks for stopping by!

Cass

I received my first Critique! Yeah!

2009-02-18T20:27:00.000-08:00

My submission (1/2 half of 1st chapter to One Wish my WIP) went on line last night at 10:00 p.m. my time on http://www.critiquecircle.com/ . Of course I had to get out of bed and stare at the screen for a bit to see if I was receiving mass compliments, but after twenty minutes or so, I decided it was better to give it a while so I went back to bed.

Yes, sure thing, I check first things this morning. I had received my first crit. Okay - I have received feedback from friends and family, but for me this was my first official critique, and a positive one at that. How lucky am I? Someone I don't know, have never met liked my writing. Liked it enough to do a 427 word critique on it. She really went out of her way. I must return the favor when her submission comes out. Turns out the critter was a teacher, and she felt the narrator had an engaging voice. Yippeee! Okay - 1 critique so far for my first submission. Here's hoping for more.

I did receive a comment from another poster feeling I listed it under the wrong genre. Didn't say anything else about my writing, just that I listed it wrong. Hmm. I wish they had at least said it rocked! Just kidding.

The CC site has Children's and then they have YA. I am writing MG at the time and I always see MG and YA thrown together. Needless to say I submitted it as a YA then as a sub I said MG Fantasy. Mistake on my part I guess. I just wish they had a MG genre for the site. Wonder how many crits I will lose out on because of the mis-labeling?

I critted another story tonight and enjoyed it alot. Again I'm hoping the feedback I give is appreciated. So far I have now critted 3 stories.

I will have to keep an out for a particular blog poster. I think their icon is pair of legs with striped socks on the feet. Can't even remember the posters name, but I think that is who subtly mentioned CC. I must thank them the next time I see a post.

I received a package in the mail today. Yes it was expected. I ordered it. In the story I am currently working on, there is a bit of magic in the MC and her family, but she doesn't know it. She is given a gift that turns out to be a key to her magic. I decided it would be a glass ball that "glowed" in the hands of it's intended. I was doing some research on-line last week and guess what. I found glass balls that glow. Yes, you read me right, glass balls that glow. So of course I had to go off an order it - for inspiration. It is truly too cool. A little bigger then what I had originally intended, but then I am writing a story, not filming a movie right? But....I have to admit I already have plans for a little home made book trailer to put here.

Yep, that's me. Always putting the cart before the horse. Don't have the MS done, but am planning the book trailer.

Do you try to bring certain things to life from your writing?

Thanks for stopping by.

Cassidy

2009-02-17T17:03:00.000-08:00

Wow - 17 days and nothing from me here. Will you allow the excuse "I've been busy?" I have. Really busy.

I can't get my story out of my head. Not the right thing to say exactly. I get it out while typing, but then go to work (I wish writing was my job), or go out for date night with the LH and find myself always always going back to the story. I come up with a new spin on it, or something I want to add. Luckily my iTouch (Christmas present) has a notepad app and I find myself making notes there all the time. This is good right?

One of the things I have found myself doing is not so good though. I have a stand alone computer in one room, then I have a personal laptop, and then I have my work computer (which of course I only use at lunch ;-]. I have found myself transferring files from one to another with a flash drive but have discovered I don't always transfer the changes I make back. Actually thought I was going bonkers and had imagined a nice writing burst until I double checked each one and found what I was looking for. New rule - write on one computer only. I used this weekend to consolidate the files onto one computer and then cull through them and get rid of duplicate pages. Yep, combining three computers did leave me with a whole bunch of duplicates. Don't worry I didn't delete the dups (just in case there was some hidden treasure) I named a folder "Possible Duplicates" and put everything there.

I also joined Critique Circle http://www.critiquecircle.com/ and critiqued two stories there. (These were my first crits I have given on any ones writing. I hope they found my input helpful) I submitted the first half of the first chapter of my WIP One Wish and it comes up for review tomorrow Wednesday February 18 2009. I am so very excited.

Authoress of Miss Snarks First Victim runs a monthly Secret Agent contest titled "Are You Hooked?". She has gotten Agents to agree to crit submissions and give feedback. This is above and beyond what Agents tend to do unless it is work they love and are looking to represent. The contest is held towards the first of the month, so I was also was trying to rush and compelte my WIP because I wanted to be able to enter. Only writers with a complete MS ready for submission is allowed. There is a chance the Agent is interested in your work and wants to read more. I wonder how many people decide to ignore the Rule and enter anyway. How sad would that be if an Agent shows interest and then you don't have enough to show them. I think it would make me cry.

Okay, rushing didn't work for me. Needless to say I could not enter. I recognized the Secret Agents remark(s) "I'm on notice" in particular. Turned out to me none other than Kristin Nelson of Pub Rants (another agent blog I follow). I really wished that she could have held off until I was ready to enter my first page, but no such luck. See she has posted several times over the last 2 months what Publishers are looking for. Middle Grade was big. Middle Grade with a Girl protag big. Middle Grade Fantasy big. I'll just have to query her the old fashioned way when I am ready.

Oh, have I told you what I was writing about? MG Urban Fantasy inspired by a family trip to the ocean last October. Okay enough - I'll tell you more of the story later.

Last but not least I signed up for a writers conference. SCBWI Western Washington 5/16/09.
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators - Western Washington. How cool is that. A conference for Children's Book Writers right here practically in my own back yard. And guess who will be there holding a session or two there. Nathan Bransford. (Yep, another agent blog I follow). Of course there are many more talented Agents - Editors - Publishers - Authors - Illustrators that will be there. I will pull my registration papers and write more about it tomorrow.

Yes tomorrow. I want to post some of the crits I receive (or hope to receive on my story)

Okay so in the last 17 days I have consolidated all my writing onto one computer; joined a critique group and submitted my first writing, signed up for a writers conference. What have you done?

Thanks for stopping by.

Cassidy

Things to do while you write that novel

2009-01-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

As I said the other day I like to check out other Blogs and Literary Sites out here on the internetosphere Yes, I borrowed that word from NB's blog. Did he coin that word? Does he have copyright on it? I don't know. I hope not because I liked it so I'm borrowing it. He if asks, I will return it though.

Anyway, it seems if you want to write a book/novel/novella and get published there are a few things you need to do besides the obvious - Finish Writing The Book.

Of course, I had read about these few things before I decided to blog my journey. Now I will have to venture back into the internetosphere (yes like I said I like the word) and search for them so I can blog about them here.

One of the things that was suggested somewhere (and when I find it, I will link it back here) was to start a blog. Make sure the blog is pertinent to you as a writer and or your writing. With a blog you can build up a fan base and with the tricky little gadgets on blogger now you can actually see who your fans are (or in case of the gadget - your followers). You can also see how many people check your profile, which helps you see how many people might be stopping by the Blog even if they don't comment. Though that one isn't a real fair number, because you can increase the "Profile Views" by just refreshing the screen. ;0}.

I'm writing my story. I'm blogging my journey. Am I building up a fan base? Only time will tell.

Are you writing a story?

Thanks for stopping by.

Cass

Nathan Bransford's Blog

2009-01-22T18:14:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this Agent's Blog some time ago (roughly a year), and admit I go there daily. Yes daily. I even check in on the weekend on the off chance that Nathan has decided to leave us with tidbits of information during "non business hours". So far no such luck. I know, he has a life too.

I even entered his "First Paragraph Contest" he held recently, and though I was not selected as a runner up or winner, I felt good about the entry. I have lots to learn, but feel I have great stories to tell and as I continue to write them, the writing improves.

Yesterday he ran a poll asking the readers of his blog if they each (individually) thought they were better writers then a majority of the other blog readers. Wow, some of the comments. I thought it was a fun question. I answered yes. Like a few commented, maybe he should have had a 3rd choice. I probably still would have answered yes. Fooling myself maybe? I don't know.

After I answered, I sat and thought about it a bit more and realized that my entry into his "First Paragraph Contest" definitely was not better then the average entry, But I did feel I was just as good as most. But I keep looking past my first paragraph. I know where the story goes, but anyone reading that first paragraph certainly did not. I have a great storyline, but it definitely did not show in the first paragraph. Since the contest, I have revised it to include what I'm hoping will be "the hook". Gotta get that hook in early or the reader may not be interested.

Nathan has a great Blog, like so many other agents and writers. They freely give information on their sites to help others striving to enter and excel in this industry. I'm slowly but surely culling through all of the links from one site to another, and adding them here as Blogs or sites I visit frequently. I encourage you check these out if you haven't already.

Do you have a favorite Literary Blog you follow?

Thanks for stopping by.
Cass

Happy Birthday to Me

2009-01-19T19:47:00.000-08:00

Yep, that's right. Today was my Birthday, and a nice one at that.
We had pizza and chocolate cake at work. Mmm Mmm good.
Since my loving husband (from here on out he will be known as my LH) works week nights, we ended up celebrating my birthday over the weekend. (Yes, I stretched it into a two day celebration.)
I like Fairies. I like Monsters. I like Vampires. I like Aliens. Yes, I like Sci Fi and Fantasy. So what did I get for my birthday?

T-Shirt that had a drawing of a castle on it and "Approved By the Monster's Council"

"What Would a Fairy Do?" Pee Che (Folder) that had a Fairy on the front that spun on a wheel when you tapped it. The wheel resembled the "Wheel of Fortune" wheel but instead of Money, it listed things a Fairy would do.

Tin of Vampire Repellent Mints (Made with Artificial Garlic) Whew, yes those will definitely repel Vampires, my LH, and just about anyone else if I decide to start eating them. (eating the mints silly!)

Two Glow in the Dark Alien Head Suckers (the sticks turn into bracelets when the candy is all gone!) I imagine that my daughters will eventually get those, but for now they are displayed on the kitchen counter.

Bacon Scented Car Freshener - mmm bacon.

In Case of Emergency Yodeler. Press the button and you get to listen to about one minutes worth of yodeling.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Blu Ray edition) Yeah! I hadn't seen that movie in so long. Had to watch it again Saturday. Loved it!

All in All I thought the birthday gifts from my LH and DD (darling daughters) were very original and exactly what I would have asked for! Well, maybe not the bacon scented air freshener...

Tomorrow is a pretty exciting day. New family heading into the White House. Hope I can watch some of it on TV. Will you be watching?

What do I write about?

2009-01-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

Last spring I found myself talking at work about dreams I had. Not the dreams-of-what-I- want-to-be-when-I-grow-up kind of dream, but the pictures-that-run-through-your-head-when-you-are-sleeping kind of dream.

These were a string of dreams I have like a "to be continued" television show. These dreams were in no way new to me, in fact I had similar dreams dating all the way back to my childhood. There might be weeks, months or even years between episode's of the "show in my head", but when the next dream came it was like the show was continuing, with maybe a blurb at the beginning of the next episode like 6 years later.... The dreams are always very vivid, and I enjoyed retelling the previous nights dream escapades to co-workers.

The nuts and bolts of the dreams had to do with lights in the sky, and visitations from outer space type beings (Sadly not Time Traveling Alien Vampires though). Anyway someone mentioned that the whole thing might make for a good written story, so I decided to write it down. Very excited was I to take on this new creative outlet. I happily set about putting my most recent dream on paper as I could not wait for glowing reviews from my co-workers. When I was done with that first evenings entries, I went about counting each word. Yep, you guessed it, by hand. Shouldn't even admit it, but at the time I was unaware that there was even such a thing as "proofing tools." Actually, I knew that there were proofing tools, but hadn't really needed anything other than spell checker.

Getting those first words on paper (into the computer, then printed on paper) was exhilarating. I could not believe how much I enjoyed it. Since that first night there has been times of not so much joy, but that is part of the journey right?

The dream story ended on a big cliffhanger this summer, and I have been waiting for the new season to begin. I guess you might say that the "show in my head" is still in production.

I'm working on another storyline right now, but willing to get back to the dream story when it is ready for me.

What do you write about?

Time Traveling Alien Vampire

2009-01-12T19:30:00.000-08:00

Sound's kind of like a character in a story maybe? Actually it is what my loving hubby had inscribed on the back of my Christmas present, an iPod Touch. Apple allows for free personalization and he took advantage of the opportunity. Story goes he tried to have something "off color" inscribed on the back, but the system wouldn't allow certain words. Hmm. Can I say "Thanks Apple!" Not sure what he would have put on there.

Time Traveling Alien Vampire - so where does that come from? Well, he knows me well is all I can say. I love stories about all three and if I can ever find one that includes all three, I think I will have hit the jackpot.

Did you all have a nice holiday - which ever holiday you might be celebrating in your family? I hope so. My whole family was able to get together this year with the exception of two. My 91 year old Poppa Harry from Billings Montana who doesn't like to fly anymore, and my baby brother Corbin who is off serving his country in Baghdad. Both were greatly missed. Learned that my little sister Cinnamon and her husband Doug are expecting a new addition this summer. I can't wait to meet my new niece or nephew.

I love the fact that I can use this blog as a way to talk about the sheer joy and despair I have found in my new creative outlet - WRITING. I have always loved telling stories; embellishing tales what have you, but actually writing it down? Well wasn't that a novel idea! (did you get the pun?)

Maybe I will make some friends here, I hope so. I have found this Internet to be a wonderful place with a community for just about every need a person could have. I have a need to network with writer type folk and thankfully have discovered that the Literary World has a huge community and have stumbled across a treasure trove of information from various Literary Agent's Blogs or Agency and Publisher Websites.

Thanks to Justin (earlier post) my computer is up and running again, and I did not lose any of my files. YEAH! Now I can continue with the journey.

Thanks for stopping by!

New Years Resolution - Blog More

2009-01-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009 to all!

New Years Resolution. Blog more. My goal was to update this blog starting January 1 and enter something no matter how small at least 4 days a week. I was so excited to begin my journey as a writer (yes Cass has found her most creative outlet yet) All those plans got blown out of the water Christmas Eve when we somehow accidentally downloaded/accepted (without realizing it of course) a nasty little worm most people know as "Spywareguard 2008"on our home computer.

Can I just tell you about my dislike for this kind of infestation? It immediately attached itself to my Windows Security; made itself a nice little short cut on my desktop and started up every time I logged onto the Internet starting Christmas Day. At first it said it scanned my computer and found no risks. Every time it started up, I would decline purchase and go about my business on the Internet, but it kept popping up so often during my web surfing that I decided to go to my comcast.net security center and see why my spyware was not working. Of course by now it has been several days and has ample time to weave it's way all throughout my computer. I googled the name and found out it to be a foul little monster. I read up that I could try to uninstall - which I tried, and even though it looked like it was gone, it was not. Soon I had 3 shortcuts on my desktop and I was being informed I had 27 potential threats on my computer so I finally shut my computer down on the Saturday after Christmas and had a good cry.

The following Tuesday I brought my computer to work and asked a co-worker (our IT Guru) to take a look at it for me. He was happy to do so saying he could use the practice in case something made it's way into our network. I just want to take this time to shout out to JUSTIN SCOTT (same IT Guru) who has worked hard on trying to get rid of that which infests my computer, without wiping the hard drive and losing everything. All I can say is He's Rocksome! (My ten year old daughter lent me that term he Rocks + he's Awesome) Okay - I knew you got it, I shouldn't have spelled it out. Anyway he is so close to fixing this and I am soooo happy. See right now is the first time I have been able to log onto the Internet for fun since I brought in the computer for him to work on. I had to dig out an old computer that was stored in the closet, then found I had no keyboard to go with it. Do you know how hard it is to locate a Windows 98 serial keyboard? Well, once again, Justin came to my rescue and let me borrow one he had in storage. Again - He's Rocksome!

If any of you work with / know someone who takes the time to help you with your personal computer like he has helped me with mine - make sure you let them know just how much you appreciate them.

Justin the Fat Tire is coming as promised!