Ahh, if you haven't been following me over to my Writerly Journal, you might not be aware that I've been happily (though not 100% of the time) planning out my business. Yepper, took the plunge into the formal business world's idea of success, ya know the one where one has to have a business plan to start with?
Well, have been doing one and it's now at the point that trips me up because of the (what I consider) nitpicky stuff of tracking expenses. Right down to the penny or is it percentage of pennies? And trying to do something called forecasting. Luckily for me, there are programs that'll help with this. Unfortunately for me, those things cost many pennies. Which, being an almost broke fledging author, feels like an awfully high mountain to climb.
Ahh well, I've climbed what seemed like high mountains, only to discover they were only high hills. Being a Short Person doesn't help when coming upon these obstacles. Well, I want to relate something that happened to me only yesterday during one of my monthly sojourns out into the real world.
My son and I left home, (where I'd left my old computer happily, I hoped, transferring projects, writings, scapples, Scrivenings, etc. to the cloud so I can get them on the new laptop my sons got for me for Mother's Day) to get groceries which I'd only been trying to do for a week. Got to town where the day's adventure really began.
First off, my son treated me to the Buffet at Jues where we filled our tummies with the good food they make round bout noon time. As they like to hand out those fortune cookies when one has finished their meal, I looked forward to seeing what mine was. My son touched them both, chose, and stuck it in his pocket. He went to settle the bill, came back, sat down and promptly opened the cooky still on the table. (Mine, in case you're wondering. I still wasn't done eating.)
Whereupon, I informed him "that's mine." He started to disagree, then checked his pocket and handed it over. Well, tossed it on the table. When I'd finished eating, I opened it, thinking to myself that whatever was in that cooky must have originally been intended for me, having taken a roundabout way to land in my hands.
"Be cautious and examine any business plan." Hahahohoheehee!
Course I showed him and informed him quite happily that it must have been intended for me. He laughed.
So, we left to get the groceries at the local WalMart (whoa, settle down WalMart haters, I prefer to spend my money at places according to the amount of money I have to spend. Which as is so often the case with struggling, fledging authors, I have very little of.) I came across the bridge, went up to the posted Speed and continued my way til the next stop light, having safely made the green lights.
It turned yellow and since I was a tad bit too far to "go faster," since everyone knows that's what those yellow lights mean, I slammed my foot down on the brake, promptly slid halfway into the intersection, son is yelling, 'You didn't have to stop." whilst looking in the mirror at the car behind me. Fortunately, the driver left me enough room to back up.
Son and I were quiet. Light turned green, "Go" and I proceeded. I chanced a peek at my son and sure enough, he had the look. "Are you mad at me?" This is because he doesn't like me hitting the brakes too hard and i get comments, observations etc on my driving or rather stopping habits. This attitude came about because he had to pay for and now knows what brake shoes, pad and perhaps rotors cost. "No."
Thus ended the days adventures as we proceeded to go home, car loaded with groceries. The end?
Not. Had to make a u-ie at the turn posted with a detour sign, head back to Hardee's for the Mushroom & Swiss burger my eldest desired for his supper.
Upon reflection of the day's activities, I think of that fortune cooky and giggle. I thought the be cautious warning pertained only to my business plan. Tck, tck, tck. Silly me.
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
25 May 2019
29 January 2019
A Yearly Challenge
“The weather outside is frightful.” It’s many degrees below zero with an even colder wind chill. The sun is shining, with clouds beginning their dance down from the north. The snow dances ever so often in the wind. My mother used to say what they were and I don’t remember. Perhaps a part of me does. I wish, nah, not wish, cause I hear that voice in my head telling me “be careful what you wish for.” Well, it’s not too late to write down what I remember. Perhaps some day, some descendant will wish to read these words. There’s always one or two in a generation who thinks of the old days.
At any rate, I printed out a list of 365 writing prompts from a website yesterday whilst waiting for lunch down to the RTG. I pressed the print button after I’d taken out all the ads and what not. It didn’t print, so I asked Sis how the thing printed. She said “Hit the print button.”
“Which one? Is there a special way to do this?” I was only wanting to know cause it, computer and printer, are on a private network and I didn’t know if the admins had set up a special procedure or…t’any rate, I brought the screen back up.
“That’s it.”
I hit the print button. Nothing happened.
“Brother! Is this printer working?”
He came over. Pushed a command on the printer and said “Door’s ajar.”
Whereupon I remembered I’d put the paper in cause he handed me some just prior. Naturally, I didn’t make sure I heard the click. He shut it and the printer promptly spit out two copies. I was ever so glad I’d reduced the number of pages down from 64 to 8.
“Now what am I gonna do with two copies?”
“One for editing and one for reading?” Sometimes, brother doesn’t understand a thing I mean. Perhaps that’s cause I was being rhetorical and he didn’t know that? Well, I don’t think I’ll ever break myself of the talking aloud to myself habit.
During lunch, I conversed with sister about this and that. Just as we were finishing, an Elder came in to collect his lunch. On his way out, I called him over and set him a challenge. I gave him a copy of the prompts and told him that in 365 days we’d see who wrote the most during the past 365 days.
“I’ll do it.” After a few minutes thought, “I’ll probably do this for three days and then forget.”
So, I came home and didn’t do any writing on the prompts, though I did do some work on my lesson assignments. Not enough to post it though.
This morning I reset this daily journal from the backup, set up the note cards and scene cards for the rest of the year. I put a blank one in for next year so that all I have to do is copy over for year after year. I see from the last date, it was four years ago since I wrote in this particular one. Now, none of this has anything at all to do with what the outside weather is doing right now. It is, as I’d hoped, something to spark the ol’ writing something. Perhaps, I’ll look at this a year from now and just use the same prompt? Perhaps not.
T’any rate, it’s time to venture out in the cold and see if I can hitch a ride down to lunch.
At any rate, I printed out a list of 365 writing prompts from a website yesterday whilst waiting for lunch down to the RTG. I pressed the print button after I’d taken out all the ads and what not. It didn’t print, so I asked Sis how the thing printed. She said “Hit the print button.”
“Which one? Is there a special way to do this?” I was only wanting to know cause it, computer and printer, are on a private network and I didn’t know if the admins had set up a special procedure or…t’any rate, I brought the screen back up.
“That’s it.”
I hit the print button. Nothing happened.
“Brother! Is this printer working?”
He came over. Pushed a command on the printer and said “Door’s ajar.”
Whereupon I remembered I’d put the paper in cause he handed me some just prior. Naturally, I didn’t make sure I heard the click. He shut it and the printer promptly spit out two copies. I was ever so glad I’d reduced the number of pages down from 64 to 8.
“Now what am I gonna do with two copies?”
“One for editing and one for reading?” Sometimes, brother doesn’t understand a thing I mean. Perhaps that’s cause I was being rhetorical and he didn’t know that? Well, I don’t think I’ll ever break myself of the talking aloud to myself habit.
During lunch, I conversed with sister about this and that. Just as we were finishing, an Elder came in to collect his lunch. On his way out, I called him over and set him a challenge. I gave him a copy of the prompts and told him that in 365 days we’d see who wrote the most during the past 365 days.
“I’ll do it.” After a few minutes thought, “I’ll probably do this for three days and then forget.”
So, I came home and didn’t do any writing on the prompts, though I did do some work on my lesson assignments. Not enough to post it though.
This morning I reset this daily journal from the backup, set up the note cards and scene cards for the rest of the year. I put a blank one in for next year so that all I have to do is copy over for year after year. I see from the last date, it was four years ago since I wrote in this particular one. Now, none of this has anything at all to do with what the outside weather is doing right now. It is, as I’d hoped, something to spark the ol’ writing something. Perhaps, I’ll look at this a year from now and just use the same prompt? Perhaps not.
T’any rate, it’s time to venture out in the cold and see if I can hitch a ride down to lunch.
10 August 2015
My Mother, Marjorie "Marge" Holmes
Today is the first time I've posted on any of my blogs for quite some time. My mother, who's been the subject of many of my posts, started her journey to the Spirit World on 23 July 2015. Over the winter and early spring, my mother has been the subject of much prayers and good thoughts. We laid her to rest on 28 July 2015, near her sisters who journeyed on before her.
I've been updating my blogs for a blogger type book, you know the business side of writing, when she became more fragile. Not that she ever was the sort of woman to admit she needed help. Oh, I watched her over the past few months. Then in February, I decided to get her garden going. That was our last project together. There's still a few projects I'd like to finish.
One of them is repainting the house, inside. I'd tried to have her paint the house in any color she wanted. However, it was white and would remain white. "You can paint it any color you want, do whatever you want. After I'm gone." when I'd pressed her about the color. So, I will repaint the house, her bedroom, in her favorite colors. The rest of the house will be in my favorite colors. Seeing's how my son thinks the world of his mother and will allow me to run his house the way I see fit. Heh heh.
She sorted through her clothes, donating many for the local Boys and Girls Club fundraiser. Still a few clothes, jackets and other odds and ends were set aside for her grandson's fundraising efforts for his trip to France next year. Those will be delivered, preferably, picked up.
Then, in April, after I'd been elected Secretary for the Elder's Committee, she happily started sewing again. She dragged out her fabric, cleared the kitchen counter and set up her sewing machine. Yesterday, I was looking for something and tried to pick up two squares I thought had fallen from the pile she'd made. It was still in the machine, waiting for her to add another set of blocks. It's still there. At least til we finish clearing out the rest of her things. Then her granddaughter has said she will finish the blankets. These last two blankets will be kept in the family. We will donate sewing of our own making in her memory for the Elder fundraising.
I will revise the books I wrote. She was so proud of my writing. She even contributed some ideas and that particular book will be dedicated to her when it is finally published. She was happy when I finally got to attend a Writer's Conference.
I have so many memories of her. I am grateful for the years I lived with her. At my sons insistence of course. Together, they decided that Grandma's was where they wanted to live. And so we have.
I've been updating my blogs for a blogger type book, you know the business side of writing, when she became more fragile. Not that she ever was the sort of woman to admit she needed help. Oh, I watched her over the past few months. Then in February, I decided to get her garden going. That was our last project together. There's still a few projects I'd like to finish.
One of them is repainting the house, inside. I'd tried to have her paint the house in any color she wanted. However, it was white and would remain white. "You can paint it any color you want, do whatever you want. After I'm gone." when I'd pressed her about the color. So, I will repaint the house, her bedroom, in her favorite colors. The rest of the house will be in my favorite colors. Seeing's how my son thinks the world of his mother and will allow me to run his house the way I see fit. Heh heh.
She sorted through her clothes, donating many for the local Boys and Girls Club fundraiser. Still a few clothes, jackets and other odds and ends were set aside for her grandson's fundraising efforts for his trip to France next year. Those will be delivered, preferably, picked up.
Then, in April, after I'd been elected Secretary for the Elder's Committee, she happily started sewing again. She dragged out her fabric, cleared the kitchen counter and set up her sewing machine. Yesterday, I was looking for something and tried to pick up two squares I thought had fallen from the pile she'd made. It was still in the machine, waiting for her to add another set of blocks. It's still there. At least til we finish clearing out the rest of her things. Then her granddaughter has said she will finish the blankets. These last two blankets will be kept in the family. We will donate sewing of our own making in her memory for the Elder fundraising.
I will revise the books I wrote. She was so proud of my writing. She even contributed some ideas and that particular book will be dedicated to her when it is finally published. She was happy when I finally got to attend a Writer's Conference.
I have so many memories of her. I am grateful for the years I lived with her. At my sons insistence of course. Together, they decided that Grandma's was where they wanted to live. And so we have.
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| Marjorie Alice Holmes 1936-2015 |
14 December 2012
Christmas on the Rez
Christmas programs at the school and church have great attendance. People come to watch their children perform. It's great chance to socialize. Candy and treats are distributed. Presents are exchanged.
At our house, the tree is put up and decorated on Christmas eve. Sadly, this has changed in the last few years. My children are grown. We exchange gifts on Christmas morning. We still have to wait for everyone to wake up Christmas morning. Gifts have changed to the gift cards so readily available. {I like that option.} Christmas lists aren't very big as we've rarely had much money. One thing we do is Christmas dinner-turkey, ham, wild rice, potatoes and pies. Well, a few more dishes.
Happily, one or the other of my sons usually manages to send me and mom to the casino. We don't go as often as we used to. I've been pretty busy writing and checking out various income generating ideas. teehee. {Reminds me. I was checking on the status of a page I like at my third favorite haunt: ..."internet gremlins".... Most heartening to know I'm not the only one.} We go over in the afternoon, after dinner, play for a couple hours.
In my younger days, {still feels weird} we'd go sliding on new sleds, or toboggans. Now, those took a while to learn to steer. I usually tried to get out of being at the front. They'd tell me how to steer and I didn't have the weight or strength to turn. After ending up in the snowbank too many times, I was finally relegated to the back. That could be just a dangerous as one could fall off if not careful.
There'd be five or six on the toboggan. We'd have a contest to see who could get the furthest down the hill. I think the goal was to try to get from the top of the hill all the way to the hill going to Big Point. Being young and small, we never even made it to the church. Heck, just making it to the bottom of the first hill was an accomplishment.
Oh, and if there wasn't enough sleds, we'd collect cardboard boxes and use those til they fell apart. Since the hill was in the middle of the village, I don't remember being interrupted and having to wait for cars to go by. The adults would use an alternate route as long as there were kids on the hill. One could hear us all over the village. Talking, laughing, screaming. That hill sure looked big going back up. We usually managed to go down the hill three or four times in the hour we had. Gets dark pretty fast in the winter.
One year, {after snowmobiles arrived in the village,} I froze the tip of my ear. I just went from the house to my friends and back, five minutes total. Course, didn't have no hat, helmet or gloves on. The day was warm. Perception of warmth is dependent on the quality of the sun and sky to youngsters. At least mine.
When questioned by my parents as to why I didn't wear a hat, "I was only going to ---'s," a distance of about a thousand yards. Naturally, when making sure my own sons were dressed warmly, I didn't go into the reasons. Now that I think about it, why didn't I just tell them why, that I froze my ear and didn't want them to do so. Hmm. All the little nieces and nephews, take heed. Wear your hats, mitts and coats. (teehee.)
Ahh, well, must continue doing errands for the rest of the week. Being "Miss Drive" again.
11 August 2012
Summer's coming to an end
The lazy days of summer are coming to an end. Not that I've been lazy, mind you. Just had a different focus for the past few weeks. Spent several days trying to watch movies on the TV. Invariably, fell asleep from the strain of trying to hold my head tilted just so to keep my glasses perched on the end of my nose. This awkward position enabled me to see the screen for a few minutes, then I'd wake up in time to put the next movie on. Four days of this constantly adjusting either my head or my glasses gave me another ache to consider. My neck and shoulders were the cause of a tension headache bordering on a migraine. When my niece suggested that I go to her house, I didn't hesitate. Her living room is arranged so that I could lay on the couch in a position to see the screen without straining. Thankful for doctors, antibiotics and family for the support the past few weeks.
The doc told me she was seeing a lot of infections more common to "Indian summer" which left me in a little bit of confusion. Then, she corrected herself just as I figured out she meant "Dog Days" which led to me explaining what "Indian summer" was while reassuring her I wasn't offended. Political correctness...hmm. There have been major storms since July 4th in northeastern MN and Duluth was flooded. I live a hundred miles from there and we didn't get the amount of rain they got. There were two windstorms which explains why I got hit with an infection. All those spores being unearthed and then blown around. Think that'll teach me to hop around on the edge of a tornado trying to get a picture of the trees bent half over without being broken?
All I was trying to do was get a picture of the kind of storms I remembered being in when I was a child. All I succeeded in was getting myself sick and getting my son worried when he saw the pics I posted which weren't even close to what I was trying to capture. The treetops were much closer to the ground. A lot of the dead trees had snapped. Fortunately, my brother had cut down the ones around our house, so we only had twigs and short sticks in our yard when the storm was over.
For the next couple weeks, crews were around cutting down dead trees, cutting up the trees that were already down and clearing up deadfall. We didn't get a flood exactly, as the water quickly washed down and went where ever the drains go. Any mud left dried up exactly where it lay and spores were free to blow where they may. Some people catch every little thing, some don't and some, like me, catch a doozy every so often.
Then, when almost done recuperating from this little incident, I had my nose in a book while walking down to the gov't center. "Drive the car" was in my mind twice but noooo....Hah, my father's voice immediately popped into my head "Get your nose out of that book" but of course, it was too late. I had already mis-stepped, flung myself off the foot that was twisting under me and landed on the pavement. I dreaded to look at my knees, my hands and my foot. Course the loud snap similar to cracking your knuckles didn't do anything to alleviate my dread.
Upon close examination of the affected areas and no pain, I got up,dusted myself off and continued on my journey to the center. Now, anyone knows that sometimes, the pain doesn't hit because the area has been temporarily pain deadened. I got a ride home as my ankle was swelling along with pain awakening in my leg. Got home and again laid on the couch watching TV for the rest of the day. Got the ankle and foot xrayed the next day just to make sure. Since I already had painkillers from the first incident, I didn't have to get any more, just ice packs for one and heat packs for the other.
Naturally, our annual percap is being distributed and now, I will need to use extra care and caution when traveling about spending this yearly amount. Well, one good thing, I may use a little more care with the expensive electronic reader because it's more apt to be broken than a paperback or hardcover. Cause my father's voice is easily ignored when there's an exciting part in the book.
The doc told me she was seeing a lot of infections more common to "Indian summer" which left me in a little bit of confusion. Then, she corrected herself just as I figured out she meant "Dog Days" which led to me explaining what "Indian summer" was while reassuring her I wasn't offended. Political correctness...hmm. There have been major storms since July 4th in northeastern MN and Duluth was flooded. I live a hundred miles from there and we didn't get the amount of rain they got. There were two windstorms which explains why I got hit with an infection. All those spores being unearthed and then blown around. Think that'll teach me to hop around on the edge of a tornado trying to get a picture of the trees bent half over without being broken?
 |
| without filtering |
 |
| with filtering |
All I was trying to do was get a picture of the kind of storms I remembered being in when I was a child. All I succeeded in was getting myself sick and getting my son worried when he saw the pics I posted which weren't even close to what I was trying to capture. The treetops were much closer to the ground. A lot of the dead trees had snapped. Fortunately, my brother had cut down the ones around our house, so we only had twigs and short sticks in our yard when the storm was over.
For the next couple weeks, crews were around cutting down dead trees, cutting up the trees that were already down and clearing up deadfall. We didn't get a flood exactly, as the water quickly washed down and went where ever the drains go. Any mud left dried up exactly where it lay and spores were free to blow where they may. Some people catch every little thing, some don't and some, like me, catch a doozy every so often.
Then, when almost done recuperating from this little incident, I had my nose in a book while walking down to the gov't center. "Drive the car" was in my mind twice but noooo....Hah, my father's voice immediately popped into my head "Get your nose out of that book" but of course, it was too late. I had already mis-stepped, flung myself off the foot that was twisting under me and landed on the pavement. I dreaded to look at my knees, my hands and my foot. Course the loud snap similar to cracking your knuckles didn't do anything to alleviate my dread.
Upon close examination of the affected areas and no pain, I got up,dusted myself off and continued on my journey to the center. Now, anyone knows that sometimes, the pain doesn't hit because the area has been temporarily pain deadened. I got a ride home as my ankle was swelling along with pain awakening in my leg. Got home and again laid on the couch watching TV for the rest of the day. Got the ankle and foot xrayed the next day just to make sure. Since I already had painkillers from the first incident, I didn't have to get any more, just ice packs for one and heat packs for the other.
Naturally, our annual percap is being distributed and now, I will need to use extra care and caution when traveling about spending this yearly amount. Well, one good thing, I may use a little more care with the expensive electronic reader because it's more apt to be broken than a paperback or hardcover. Cause my father's voice is easily ignored when there's an exciting part in the book.
21 November 2011
On posting at my second favorite haunt
I am beginning to think that someone is trying to tell me something over at my second favorite haunt. I've tried posting an approval for 2 family members. For the fourth time in the past 10 days, I've had to review and approve their claim to be members of my family.
On the other hand, could it be that with the issue of enrollment popping up, someone doubts that we're related? How could that be? I've spent the last 8 years documenting that very issue. That's the problem nowadays. One has to have things in writing for a valid claim legally. Then again, one has to doubt that very same legality all because some clerk has made an error and refuses to own up to it.
A clerk dropped one letter in my name and I never knew I was misspelling my name for 16 years until the day my father corrected the clerk when I applied for my driver's license. However, that very same error followed me for the next 20 years. Until the day I asked a clerk down to the capital about what it would take to fix that error. Now, it's fine and dandy until....I discovered that in the aftermath of delivering my sons, a mistake was entered on their birth certificates which wasn't caught for 31 years. Now, to correct that, I have to pay $40 per, go to court, wait for comparisons and get the corrections. On the other hand {I'm fast running out of hands, maybe I'll use my fingers, then on to my toes,} I mentioned earlier that I had finally gotten my birth snafu straight?
Well, I found out that a more serious error had been entered on my birth certificate when it was transferred to the handy dandy new system. I now have a totally new father due to transposition of letters in his name. I've yet to tell my father about this error. Can you imagine what...I can see it now. Fourth of July fireworks would pale beside those over his house. Correcting that may or may not cost me depending on what the comparisons show between those certificates. However, that brings into question, my siblings bc's.
All I can say about those snafu's are that we'd better get them corrected while we can. Else I can see us bringing into court dozens of papers, boxes of newsclippings and what have you just to prove that my father's name was misspelled. And I'd still have the problem of my name being misspelled. Jiminy Cricket, where are you?
Maybe it's due to the above mentioned snafu's that my second favorite haunt doesn't believe me when I approve my family members request to be listed as family. Oh good grief, I just thought of something. Did I ... enter ... the T w i l i g h t Z o n e?
Will Mulder and Scully be contacting me?
Did I book passage on the Enterprise and get transported to a galaxy far, far away?...Will I....
On the other hand, could it be that with the issue of enrollment popping up, someone doubts that we're related? How could that be? I've spent the last 8 years documenting that very issue. That's the problem nowadays. One has to have things in writing for a valid claim legally. Then again, one has to doubt that very same legality all because some clerk has made an error and refuses to own up to it.
A clerk dropped one letter in my name and I never knew I was misspelling my name for 16 years until the day my father corrected the clerk when I applied for my driver's license. However, that very same error followed me for the next 20 years. Until the day I asked a clerk down to the capital about what it would take to fix that error. Now, it's fine and dandy until....I discovered that in the aftermath of delivering my sons, a mistake was entered on their birth certificates which wasn't caught for 31 years. Now, to correct that, I have to pay $40 per, go to court, wait for comparisons and get the corrections. On the other hand {I'm fast running out of hands, maybe I'll use my fingers, then on to my toes,} I mentioned earlier that I had finally gotten my birth snafu straight?
Well, I found out that a more serious error had been entered on my birth certificate when it was transferred to the handy dandy new system. I now have a totally new father due to transposition of letters in his name. I've yet to tell my father about this error. Can you imagine what...I can see it now. Fourth of July fireworks would pale beside those over his house. Correcting that may or may not cost me depending on what the comparisons show between those certificates. However, that brings into question, my siblings bc's.
All I can say about those snafu's are that we'd better get them corrected while we can. Else I can see us bringing into court dozens of papers, boxes of newsclippings and what have you just to prove that my father's name was misspelled. And I'd still have the problem of my name being misspelled. Jiminy Cricket, where are you?
Maybe it's due to the above mentioned snafu's that my second favorite haunt doesn't believe me when I approve my family members request to be listed as family. Oh good grief, I just thought of something. Did I ... enter ... the T w i l i g h t Z o n e?
Will Mulder and Scully be contacting me?
Did I book passage on the Enterprise and get transported to a galaxy far, far away?...Will I....
17 November 2011
Happenings Part II
Well, this day has been okay. Sort of a break, catching up on some of the blogs I missed. Good to find out I'm not the only one who hasn't posted in a while. Yay.
Today's ceremony was great to be at. The list of Warriors gets longer each year and that's good. The Roll Call was amazing to listen to. The Warriors who stood proud was a sight to see. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera. There was a moment of silence for those who crossed and those who are missing.
The meal was also delicious. Thanks to the cooks and servers from Fortune Bay for the fine meal. I didn't get enough rice on my plate and had to get seconds. We had time for short visits with friends and relatives.
My word count for Nano is 14,000 which means I'm going to have to write more on the next few days. Playing catchup is usually what happens about this time but I end up winning. A couple years, I didn't get my word count validated though. The Pits. One thing, I haven't been hanging around the forums as in the past. Too many projects that need to be done this month.
Thanks once again to the Tribal Council for providing the trip around the Grand Canyon. That project will be ready to be posted as soon as my nephew helps me with a portion of it. We'll find out if a video started on a PC will work on a Mac. Most likely not but here's hoping. I have a great deal more respect for those in the film industry after doing this. Will happily pay for those movie tickets now, providing the movie is one I want to see. Well, my third favorite haunt is calling so I'd better skedaddle. {since 14,000 is exactly half of where I'd like to be, my story must be the priority after Friday. Or this might be the first year I don't win.}
Today's ceremony was great to be at. The list of Warriors gets longer each year and that's good. The Roll Call was amazing to listen to. The Warriors who stood proud was a sight to see. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera. There was a moment of silence for those who crossed and those who are missing.
The meal was also delicious. Thanks to the cooks and servers from Fortune Bay for the fine meal. I didn't get enough rice on my plate and had to get seconds. We had time for short visits with friends and relatives.
My word count for Nano is 14,000 which means I'm going to have to write more on the next few days. Playing catchup is usually what happens about this time but I end up winning. A couple years, I didn't get my word count validated though. The Pits. One thing, I haven't been hanging around the forums as in the past. Too many projects that need to be done this month.
Thanks once again to the Tribal Council for providing the trip around the Grand Canyon. That project will be ready to be posted as soon as my nephew helps me with a portion of it. We'll find out if a video started on a PC will work on a Mac. Most likely not but here's hoping. I have a great deal more respect for those in the film industry after doing this. Will happily pay for those movie tickets now, providing the movie is one I want to see. Well, my third favorite haunt is calling so I'd better skedaddle. {since 14,000 is exactly half of where I'd like to be, my story must be the priority after Friday. Or this might be the first year I don't win.}
15 October 2011
Celebrate
I've been looking at various posts from other bloggers where they have a giveaway to celebrate different achievements: number of followers, a new book, etc. I've been thinking about when I could have my own giveaway and what it should celebrate. These thoughts have been percolating through my "little bird brain" and I've been setting different achievements of my own with which to celebrate to decide which was best.
Then, just a few short minutes ago, inspiration struck. My tribe has giveaways all the time. I've talked about pow-wows, different aspects of cultural life, describing a little of what goes on and maybe even the whys, wherefores and whatnots. The main ones are the seasonal ceremonies-Spring, summer, fall and winter. Why the very next celebration is the Mii-gwetch Manoomin happening this very weekend. [Miigwetch Manoomin=Thanks for the Wild Rice]
I am Anishinabeikwe [Chippewa woman], a jingle dress dancer, a newly arrived Elder [though I still feel like a kid], a student of the old ways, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt. I have learned how to do our traditional artwork, crafts and can do work good enough to sell for whatever I want. I have learned how to cook many traditional dishes using traditional foods. I have done my share of passing on the old ways to the next generation.
The inspiration which struck me on the head is: my own giveaway to celebrate Fall. I will giveaway four items to give thanks for the fall harvest and the knowledge I have learned from others who are passing on their knowledge. I will be gathering these items as I travel about. When I return I will post what the prizes will be and how to go about doing the giveaway. It won't give people much time since I expect to giveaway these items on 31 October 2011 about 4:30 p.m CST. Stay tuned for further details.
Then, just a few short minutes ago, inspiration struck. My tribe has giveaways all the time. I've talked about pow-wows, different aspects of cultural life, describing a little of what goes on and maybe even the whys, wherefores and whatnots. The main ones are the seasonal ceremonies-Spring, summer, fall and winter. Why the very next celebration is the Mii-gwetch Manoomin happening this very weekend. [Miigwetch Manoomin=Thanks for the Wild Rice]
I am Anishinabeikwe [Chippewa woman], a jingle dress dancer, a newly arrived Elder [though I still feel like a kid], a student of the old ways, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt. I have learned how to do our traditional artwork, crafts and can do work good enough to sell for whatever I want. I have learned how to cook many traditional dishes using traditional foods. I have done my share of passing on the old ways to the next generation.
The inspiration which struck me on the head is: my own giveaway to celebrate Fall. I will giveaway four items to give thanks for the fall harvest and the knowledge I have learned from others who are passing on their knowledge. I will be gathering these items as I travel about. When I return I will post what the prizes will be and how to go about doing the giveaway. It won't give people much time since I expect to giveaway these items on 31 October 2011 about 4:30 p.m CST. Stay tuned for further details.
14 October 2011
From Father
Sent to me on Tuesday:
Thoughts to ponder on your elder's trip.
And if love is blind, how can there be love at first sight?
How do you tell when you've run out of invsible ink?
Youth is when you blame all your problems on your parents. Maturity is when you learn that everything is the fault of the younger generation.
Have fun on the trip
Father
Sent to me on Wednesday:
to #1
Show me a man in hot water and I'll show you a man who doesn't have cold feet.
Father
And now, father, I will be checking why the notifications aren't working. You may have to send me a text message. Smoke signals are getting lost in the wind and rain the past couple days. The moccasin telegraph has broken due to the cold outside. Heck, I had to hitchhike to the store because I could only make it halfway there. no. #1
Thoughts to ponder on your elder's trip.
And if love is blind, how can there be love at first sight?
How do you tell when you've run out of invsible ink?
Youth is when you blame all your problems on your parents. Maturity is when you learn that everything is the fault of the younger generation.
Have fun on the trip
Father
Sent to me on Wednesday:
to #1
Show me a man in hot water and I'll show you a man who doesn't have cold feet.
Father
And now, father, I will be checking why the notifications aren't working. You may have to send me a text message. Smoke signals are getting lost in the wind and rain the past couple days. The moccasin telegraph has broken due to the cold outside. Heck, I had to hitchhike to the store because I could only make it halfway there. no. #1
23 September 2011
Have required documents, will travel
The last few days have been busy. I got word that I can go on the annual Elder's trip. I didn't know physicals were needed. Times have changed since I last flew. Now, we have less than three weeks to get ready. Lucky I don't need a passport. Been working on getting one of those for the inevitable time when it is required. That project has only been in the works for 10 years. Right now, tribal id's are enough, at least for the States. Apparently, the Jay Treaty doesn't apply to Anishinabeg in the United States. That invisible line that separates Canada and USA divides my whole tribe. And that's all for that subject today. It's weird being Anishinabe and a United States citizen. Huhn.
Pleasanter aspects of the last couple weeks: our rice finished out to 97 pounds. We cooked up 1 pound on the first day. Manomin (wild rice) takes a long time to cook when one is hungry for it. My niece has been trying to get out on the lake since ricing started. It's been too windy. Although, she and her sister made it across the lake, only to turn around and come back. Today is a good day and she's at work. Told her she'd need to take a week off. They don't have any either. So, people are working hard now. I think the rainy, windy days of the last week, while helpful for the fire 70 miles away, didn't do much for the rice. Will have to work harder now.
Getting to know how to make slideshows with this nifty little program that came with my camera. I spent some time checking out public domain music. I might be able to talk my dad into playing some music for me. Unfortunately, the incidents with the blog posts are a fair indication of how that project might proceed. It seems all tournaments for gremlins have been concluded.
My sister was telling me the other night that she thinks they're back. She had a few problems with her machine. I've not noticed anything myself. Course, I just come home, rest, get ready, go again, come home go to sleep. I haven't used, wait...I think they are back. My son's car isn't working again. Every other year or so, a mouse takes up residence and makes a little mouse house in the engine around this time of year. Must remember to tell you that tale sometime. And the headlights aren't working. Daylight driving instead of daylight savings. Must go hunt up some lavendar....
Pleasanter aspects of the last couple weeks: our rice finished out to 97 pounds. We cooked up 1 pound on the first day. Manomin (wild rice) takes a long time to cook when one is hungry for it. My niece has been trying to get out on the lake since ricing started. It's been too windy. Although, she and her sister made it across the lake, only to turn around and come back. Today is a good day and she's at work. Told her she'd need to take a week off. They don't have any either. So, people are working hard now. I think the rainy, windy days of the last week, while helpful for the fire 70 miles away, didn't do much for the rice. Will have to work harder now.
Getting to know how to make slideshows with this nifty little program that came with my camera. I spent some time checking out public domain music. I might be able to talk my dad into playing some music for me. Unfortunately, the incidents with the blog posts are a fair indication of how that project might proceed. It seems all tournaments for gremlins have been concluded.
My sister was telling me the other night that she thinks they're back. She had a few problems with her machine. I've not noticed anything myself. Course, I just come home, rest, get ready, go again, come home go to sleep. I haven't used, wait...I think they are back. My son's car isn't working again. Every other year or so, a mouse takes up residence and makes a little mouse house in the engine around this time of year. Must remember to tell you that tale sometime. And the headlights aren't working. Daylight driving instead of daylight savings. Must go hunt up some lavendar....
10 September 2011
Rest Day
Taking the day off the lake. We have rice to parch. First, we need to find some wood. Boy am I glad it was my son who decided not to go first. I didn't want him saying that I was the first to wimp out. Staying on shore will give me some time to get a few other things done besides parching the rice.
I have been reading through the list of the First Challenge on the Campaign Trail. There are some very good entries. Glad I'm not judging these. It's hard enough to pick out the ones we're allowed to vote for. The best part is that I've read a couple other bloggers who weren't in any of my groups. So for those of you are following that side of my latest doings, there are quite a few items I have added.
On another note, I most certainly am glad I walked over the summer. Though the past two days have been ideal ricing days, no clouds meaning no wind and finding a good sized patch, it was still a workout to come back in. The open water was a little choppy which reminded me why I don't like crossing the lake to get to those beds. The first day, we came back through a really thick stand of rice using only paddles. My shoulders are sore as I knocked while my son paddled. When we can pole, I'll switch to poling. Yay.
We have enough for eating for one year when we get done with the first two days pickings. We'll move on to the extras. With all the feasts and gatherings, we'll need about another 50 pounds. Then for gifts I think another 50. So we're working on a goal of another 100 or so pounds finished. At the rate of the last two days, that'll be another 3 or so days. Might be less if we can get used to the workouts.
I have been reading through the list of the First Challenge on the Campaign Trail. There are some very good entries. Glad I'm not judging these. It's hard enough to pick out the ones we're allowed to vote for. The best part is that I've read a couple other bloggers who weren't in any of my groups. So for those of you are following that side of my latest doings, there are quite a few items I have added.
On another note, I most certainly am glad I walked over the summer. Though the past two days have been ideal ricing days, no clouds meaning no wind and finding a good sized patch, it was still a workout to come back in. The open water was a little choppy which reminded me why I don't like crossing the lake to get to those beds. The first day, we came back through a really thick stand of rice using only paddles. My shoulders are sore as I knocked while my son paddled. When we can pole, I'll switch to poling. Yay.
We have enough for eating for one year when we get done with the first two days pickings. We'll move on to the extras. With all the feasts and gatherings, we'll need about another 50 pounds. Then for gifts I think another 50. So we're working on a goal of another 100 or so pounds finished. At the rate of the last two days, that'll be another 3 or so days. Might be less if we can get used to the workouts.
01 September 2011
Yay! We Did It
Yes! My first pair of Nikes. My sis and I finished our 56 miles this evening and got our shoes. They actually fit and my arches don't hurt. We will be starting our next 56 miles. Well, sis has started hers. I slept this afternoon after returning from the doings. She completed her miles this afternoon.
Nike started this program in 2007 for Native Americans across the US by giving a pair of shoes designed to fit our feet. Native Americans have high arches, wide feet and it's extremely hard to find shoes that fit. {Unless we wear moccasins which are specific to each foot.} There is a limit of three free pairs. It involves reaching goals to get our lives back to living healthy, eating right and exercising. There are two ways to get them: 1. For each 56 miles walked in 3 months, 2. Work with a doctor to set weight loss goals, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels or whatever the doctor determines is needed to get healthier.
Diabetes is something we all live with; those who have it, those who are prediabetic, those who are at risk and those who support them. It affects everyone in our village in one form or another. One of the hardest to change is eating habits. One of our favorites is fry bread. Usually these are large, roughly about 4 inches by 6 inches. They are served at every feast, gathering and {when the maker feel like cooking} at home.
The first thing I had to do after a family member was diagnosed with diabetes, was attend a nutrition class. The way our family eats didn't have to be changed. We have always cooked only one full meal with "snacks" the rest of the day. I found the major thing was to make fry bread smaller. They actually measured my hands to show me what size was considered one serving. The sizes most people are used to are between 2 and 3 servings in one piece. Turns out my hand is just the right size which made measuring less difficult.
It took a while to get used to making them smaller. When I am asked to make fry bread for a feast or some doing, people comment on how small they are. I tell them they are correct servings for diabetics. I get "the look" from those who don't want to change their habits.
There was quite a bit of controversy when this program was first announced. One benefit of this program is the changes in the way shoe companies are making their shoes. There are more sizes available to choose from. I purchased a pair of shoes about two weeks ago. I thought "they fit" until I tried on my Nikes.
The shoes fit like moccasins. The most important was the arches, something I check for. Shoes will fit my foot size wise, then I find the arches are not right. They're too far forward, too far back or not high enough. I'd rather take shoes with arches that are not high enough to the other ones. My shoes are kicked off soon as I get in the door because my feet hurt. Not these ones.
When I put the other pair back on, I felt the difference. It's great to have shoes that fit. Miigwitch Nike.
[Disclaimer: I have not been compensated for this post, other than completing the requirements of Nike's program.]
Nike started this program in 2007 for Native Americans across the US by giving a pair of shoes designed to fit our feet. Native Americans have high arches, wide feet and it's extremely hard to find shoes that fit. {Unless we wear moccasins which are specific to each foot.} There is a limit of three free pairs. It involves reaching goals to get our lives back to living healthy, eating right and exercising. There are two ways to get them: 1. For each 56 miles walked in 3 months, 2. Work with a doctor to set weight loss goals, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels or whatever the doctor determines is needed to get healthier.
Diabetes is something we all live with; those who have it, those who are prediabetic, those who are at risk and those who support them. It affects everyone in our village in one form or another. One of the hardest to change is eating habits. One of our favorites is fry bread. Usually these are large, roughly about 4 inches by 6 inches. They are served at every feast, gathering and {when the maker feel like cooking} at home.
The first thing I had to do after a family member was diagnosed with diabetes, was attend a nutrition class. The way our family eats didn't have to be changed. We have always cooked only one full meal with "snacks" the rest of the day. I found the major thing was to make fry bread smaller. They actually measured my hands to show me what size was considered one serving. The sizes most people are used to are between 2 and 3 servings in one piece. Turns out my hand is just the right size which made measuring less difficult.
It took a while to get used to making them smaller. When I am asked to make fry bread for a feast or some doing, people comment on how small they are. I tell them they are correct servings for diabetics. I get "the look" from those who don't want to change their habits.
There was quite a bit of controversy when this program was first announced. One benefit of this program is the changes in the way shoe companies are making their shoes. There are more sizes available to choose from. I purchased a pair of shoes about two weeks ago. I thought "they fit" until I tried on my Nikes.
The shoes fit like moccasins. The most important was the arches, something I check for. Shoes will fit my foot size wise, then I find the arches are not right. They're too far forward, too far back or not high enough. I'd rather take shoes with arches that are not high enough to the other ones. My shoes are kicked off soon as I get in the door because my feet hurt. Not these ones.
When I put the other pair back on, I felt the difference. It's great to have shoes that fit. Miigwitch Nike.
[Disclaimer: I have not been compensated for this post, other than completing the requirements of Nike's program.]
30 August 2011
Father's post for the week
advice from one who loves you.
Never work before breakfast. If you have to work before breakfast eat your breakfast first.
Never work before breakfast. If you have to work before breakfast eat your breakfast first.
Father
On the Campaign Trail (teehee)
Today has been interesting, very interesting. As is usual in my meanderings through the Great Library called the Internet, I've managed to find several interesting things. One of my recently found relatives posted a picture of two of our great, great grandparents. I finally downloaded a copy and had fun checking them against pictures of various family members. Possible, very possible.
Then in the course of looking for the spreadsheet that lists all the books, characters, etc., I came across some poems I had written a few years ago. Naturally, I wrote another one. Then decided I'd check for the poetry group I thought I saw on the Campaign. Lo and behold it is now 7 hours later. I still haven't entered the group and only have 10, now 9 hours to do so. Maybe not.
I've come across more interesting blogs in the last couple days, excuse me if I've already mentioned this. It is so exciting to find so many all in one place. Yeah I like NaNo, and will keep doing the novel writing. I like reading all the different blogs. I read the forums on NaNo and it's difficult to get a sense of the people around you there.
I've come across some books I've added to my wish list. I found some people I'd like to get to know better. They're positive, upbeat and my kind of people. Some have been posting questions and I think I will work on some to post myself.
Then in the course of looking for the spreadsheet that lists all the books, characters, etc., I came across some poems I had written a few years ago. Naturally, I wrote another one. Then decided I'd check for the poetry group I thought I saw on the Campaign. Lo and behold it is now 7 hours later. I still haven't entered the group and only have 10, now 9 hours to do so. Maybe not.
I've come across more interesting blogs in the last couple days, excuse me if I've already mentioned this. It is so exciting to find so many all in one place. Yeah I like NaNo, and will keep doing the novel writing. I like reading all the different blogs. I read the forums on NaNo and it's difficult to get a sense of the people around you there.
I've come across some books I've added to my wish list. I found some people I'd like to get to know better. They're positive, upbeat and my kind of people. Some have been posting questions and I think I will work on some to post myself.
29 August 2011
New Comment options added
Another day filled with what ifs and why nots as I continue to write the stories that I have already begun, editing {which is more of the deleting extraneous words, highlighting what I need to look at more closely variety} and making sure my time lines are correct. Have added some more relatives of some of the characters for inclusion in future stories.
Man, I've been busy catching up with reading all the blogs in my groups at the Campaign. Am excited to read quite a few of them as I'd never have found them without this Campaign. I did find some that aren't participating and I've tried to remember who is who. Next is the great hunt for the comment code for FB, etc. In the sidebar is the like button for my FB page.
Neither of the places I looked at brought me any less of a headache. In fact, our sites have to have a certain code by 01 OCT and I am just figuring out the little stuff. heeheehaahaa.
Still and all, I'm satisfied with what I have accomplished for the day. Wishing everyone has as much luck as I did with my machines. Thinking those tournaments must be heating up because things are going great here. [Yay doing cartwheels]
Man, I've been busy catching up with reading all the blogs in my groups at the Campaign. Am excited to read quite a few of them as I'd never have found them without this Campaign. I did find some that aren't participating and I've tried to remember who is who. Next is the great hunt for the comment code for FB, etc. In the sidebar is the like button for my FB page.
Neither of the places I looked at brought me any less of a headache. In fact, our sites have to have a certain code by 01 OCT and I am just figuring out the little stuff. heeheehaahaa.
Still and all, I'm satisfied with what I have accomplished for the day. Wishing everyone has as much luck as I did with my machines. Thinking those tournaments must be heating up because things are going great here. [Yay doing cartwheels]
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