Cataclysmic Cyclical Cynicism.
Try saying that three times in a row, or harder yet, just try typing it once, without errors!
If you believe that life and all its elements are cyclical, then we're on the same team. And if not, I didn't want to play with you anyway! Of course, I'm teasing except about the part of all things being cyclical. I believe it because I've lived it. The mysterious element is the cognizance to recognize that you have cycled back to where you've been before and that nothing except everything has changed since you were here the last time.
If it feels familiar, chances are you've worn it before.
If it smells good, chances are you ate in the past.
If your wallet seems thinner today, chances are you spent it all yesterday.
Its all a cycle. Politics, love, war, weight gain. And then it cycles back again. War, politics, divorce, weight gain.
Too bad we don't have choices of cycles like we do on the washing machine. I've done the Permanent Press Cycle and the Heavy Wash Cycle. I'm tired. I'd like to do the Gentle Cycle this time. How about you?
See you later - between the lines.
BETWEEN THE LINES
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Raccoon Rescue
Today, writing a novel has been replaced with rescuing a critter and then writing about it.
Mid Sunday afternoon. My step-daughter remarks that she saw kids across the canal throwing rocks at a raccoon. She could see the animal where he had made his way across the canal and was lying half in and out of the water. He was obviously hurt but alive, as she saw him lifting his head several times.
I drive to the neighbors house to get the story. I was met with laughter and disregard. The neighbor claimed the raccoon had tried to attack his large dog. They were aware the raccoon was lying on the edge of the canal dying and suggested that if I had a gun, I shoot it and put it out of its misery.
I cried all the way home wondering to myself, "How can people be so mean?"
After calls to the police and animal control, I was directed to the Wildlife Rescue Center who were more than willing to help. They asked that I verify that the animal was still alive which I did. He was very much alive as I looked down at the little 'bandit' face. It looked like his hindleg was injured thus inhibiting him from getting out of the canal or swimming away.
Kenny from the Wildlife Rescue Center was heading our way but would be about 45 mins coming from West Palm Beach. The tide was rising quickly and I prayed the little guy would make it until we got to him.
This story has a good ending. Kenny arrived, swooped the raccoon out of the water and into a cage where he was transported to the wildlife animal hospital. From his appearance and behavior, Kenny did not believe he was rabid, so the vets would have a look and give him the best care they could and then he would be released onto private, wooded property.
Quite an unexpected drama for an otherwise gray afternoon and an opportunity for reflection on the selflessness of people who love animals. We love them because of their unconditional love toward us and in return, we treat them with unconditional love, regardless of the effort involved and whether they are domesticated or not.
My respect and gratitude to Kenny, the Wildlife Rescue Center, and my neighbors for their moral support and compassion. To the kids across the canal, and even more so to their parents, you have my sympathy. It must get drafty living with a hole that big in your heart.
Mid Sunday afternoon. My step-daughter remarks that she saw kids across the canal throwing rocks at a raccoon. She could see the animal where he had made his way across the canal and was lying half in and out of the water. He was obviously hurt but alive, as she saw him lifting his head several times.
I drive to the neighbors house to get the story. I was met with laughter and disregard. The neighbor claimed the raccoon had tried to attack his large dog. They were aware the raccoon was lying on the edge of the canal dying and suggested that if I had a gun, I shoot it and put it out of its misery.
I cried all the way home wondering to myself, "How can people be so mean?"
After calls to the police and animal control, I was directed to the Wildlife Rescue Center who were more than willing to help. They asked that I verify that the animal was still alive which I did. He was very much alive as I looked down at the little 'bandit' face. It looked like his hindleg was injured thus inhibiting him from getting out of the canal or swimming away.
Kenny from the Wildlife Rescue Center was heading our way but would be about 45 mins coming from West Palm Beach. The tide was rising quickly and I prayed the little guy would make it until we got to him.
This story has a good ending. Kenny arrived, swooped the raccoon out of the water and into a cage where he was transported to the wildlife animal hospital. From his appearance and behavior, Kenny did not believe he was rabid, so the vets would have a look and give him the best care they could and then he would be released onto private, wooded property.
Quite an unexpected drama for an otherwise gray afternoon and an opportunity for reflection on the selflessness of people who love animals. We love them because of their unconditional love toward us and in return, we treat them with unconditional love, regardless of the effort involved and whether they are domesticated or not.
My respect and gratitude to Kenny, the Wildlife Rescue Center, and my neighbors for their moral support and compassion. To the kids across the canal, and even more so to their parents, you have my sympathy. It must get drafty living with a hole that big in your heart.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
There's no place like home...
There's no place like home, except when you're trying to write.
Ahh....a nice uninterrupted day of writing. I'll get a lot done today. Right.
Cat #1 wants to lay on the keyboard.
Cat #2 found the catnip which was hidden in the closet and is now wildly chasing imaginary intruders from one room of the house to the other.
Fat Dog is in need of treats, or a car ride or both. When not begging at my feet he is chewing his own fur and spitting out hairballs.
Cat #3 smells the catnip on #2's breathe and decides a sneak attack is in order.
Fat Dog decides he has a dog in this cat fight and chases both into the backyard where the blue jays have been waiting to dive-bomb said cats.
Fat Dog spots a duck on the dock and performs his best 'guard dog' charge and bark routine.
With twitching tails and arched backs, #1 and #2 dart out of the bushes looking for the duck that just flew off so abruptly he left a few tail feathers behind.
Fat Dog has had his 2 minute limit in the heat and heads inside where he makes a pitstop at the litter box in hopes of an afternoon snack.
I'm exhausted from a morning at the zoo. #1, #2, Fat Dog (who has really bad breath) and myself into the bed and under the covers. Three lines total written before computer is turned off for the day. Nap time.
There's no place like home but now I remember why I don't write here.
Happy writing, or NOT!
Ahh....a nice uninterrupted day of writing. I'll get a lot done today. Right.
Cat #1 wants to lay on the keyboard.
Cat #2 found the catnip which was hidden in the closet and is now wildly chasing imaginary intruders from one room of the house to the other.
Fat Dog is in need of treats, or a car ride or both. When not begging at my feet he is chewing his own fur and spitting out hairballs.
Cat #3 smells the catnip on #2's breathe and decides a sneak attack is in order.
Fat Dog decides he has a dog in this cat fight and chases both into the backyard where the blue jays have been waiting to dive-bomb said cats.
Fat Dog spots a duck on the dock and performs his best 'guard dog' charge and bark routine.
With twitching tails and arched backs, #1 and #2 dart out of the bushes looking for the duck that just flew off so abruptly he left a few tail feathers behind.
Fat Dog has had his 2 minute limit in the heat and heads inside where he makes a pitstop at the litter box in hopes of an afternoon snack.
I'm exhausted from a morning at the zoo. #1, #2, Fat Dog (who has really bad breath) and myself into the bed and under the covers. Three lines total written before computer is turned off for the day. Nap time.
There's no place like home but now I remember why I don't write here.
Happy writing, or NOT!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Five years and counting...
8:00 am
In my attempt to 'cram it all in' in one day, here's my to do list for Monday - the start of a new week, the beginning of my new discipline, the birth of my successful publishing career! Right...
TO DO:
1. laundry.
2.banking.
3.change litter box.
4. write.
5. organize writing area.
6. go to Staples. make the 39th copy of my manuscript. writing will be easier with fresh copies.
7. consider printing on both sides of paper to save trees.
5:00 pm
Accomplished 1, 2, and 3. 4, 5, 6,and 7 went to hell in a handbasket, as usual.
Too late to write now. Can't start this late in the day. Tomorrow, screw the litter box. Write, first!
See you later and remember to Read Between the Lines,
Lee Ann
In my attempt to 'cram it all in' in one day, here's my to do list for Monday - the start of a new week, the beginning of my new discipline, the birth of my successful publishing career! Right...
TO DO:
1. laundry.
2.banking.
3.change litter box.
4. write.
5. organize writing area.
6. go to Staples. make the 39th copy of my manuscript. writing will be easier with fresh copies.
7. consider printing on both sides of paper to save trees.
5:00 pm
Accomplished 1, 2, and 3. 4, 5, 6,and 7 went to hell in a handbasket, as usual.
Too late to write now. Can't start this late in the day. Tomorrow, screw the litter box. Write, first!
See you later and remember to Read Between the Lines,
Lee Ann
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tips on How NOT to Write a Book
It's been five years...let's see, that's 1,825 days of torture! 1,825 of laying my head down on the pillow acknowledging that another day has passed with very little or no progress on my manuscript.
Every celebrity on the planet has published a book! Now one of my classmates from high school has even finished his 3rd or 4th book. What the hell is wrong with me? I know what you're thinking...with all the problems in today's world, mine is a 'high class' problem. You're right, but its a ball and chain that has bruised my ankles, scratched my hardwood floors to a pulp, and sent me to the chiropracter for curvature of the spine!
In a desperate, but less than subtle attempt to divert my attention from the project at hand, and to ameliorate my bleeding ego, I'm going to share my strategies of avoidance with all those poor souls out there who are trying to write as well.
Tip #1 Make a daily list of chores. Include WRITING. Mark off tasks as they are completed.
Here's a sample of mine:
1. Write
2. Exercise. completed
3. Pay bills. completed
4.Take Dog for a walk.completed
5.Unload dishwasher.completed
6.Clean out wallet.completed
Need I point out which item was left in the lurch?!
Here's to between the lines and happy writing,
Lee Ann
Every celebrity on the planet has published a book! Now one of my classmates from high school has even finished his 3rd or 4th book. What the hell is wrong with me? I know what you're thinking...with all the problems in today's world, mine is a 'high class' problem. You're right, but its a ball and chain that has bruised my ankles, scratched my hardwood floors to a pulp, and sent me to the chiropracter for curvature of the spine!
In a desperate, but less than subtle attempt to divert my attention from the project at hand, and to ameliorate my bleeding ego, I'm going to share my strategies of avoidance with all those poor souls out there who are trying to write as well.
Tip #1 Make a daily list of chores. Include WRITING. Mark off tasks as they are completed.
Here's a sample of mine:
1. Write
2. Exercise. completed
3. Pay bills. completed
4.Take Dog for a walk.completed
5.Unload dishwasher.completed
6.Clean out wallet.completed
Need I point out which item was left in the lurch?!
Here's to between the lines and happy writing,
Lee Ann
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