Jul19

Yes, I am alive. And, well…

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Yes, I am alive. And, well…

Actually, I am well. I just wanted to use that title.

What’s most occupying me these days is a two-week girls’ self defense camp I’m teaching at my kids’ school. I’m halfway through and loving it. The girls are so attentive and into it. One girl showed up on day one looking the picture of, “I don’t want to be here, but my mom is making me do this.” However, she perked up quickly and was smiling throughout class. Win!

One of my daughters is helping me and is a dynamo. “I really like martial arts,” she said, and it shows.

One day we did Taekwondo kicks. Not in a position to be doing those myself, I spoke, Daughter demonstrated. Then, feeling nostalgic, she stood on one leg and threw kicks of different sorts in all directions. One student said, “Go, Elise!” And we clapped. Whichever girl she partners with I can ignore because I know Elise will help her with the moves as needed, leaving me to watch over the others.

She’s also multi-talented. For July 4th, she made mini cupcakes. Starting with white cake batter, she divided it into three bowls and put red and blue food coloring into each of the two other bowls. So, not only were the cupcakes striped red, white, and blue (and delicious), she used tweezers (washed first!) to painstakingly embellish the frosting with tiny sprinkles.

In the rush of trying to get to this party, I neglected to get a pic sooner. Here they are post-arrival, with some missing and a bad angle to avoid my phone casting a shadow. But you get the idea. Note my crutch in the corner. 😛 Also, another use for this cupcake carrier we got from the neighbors who moved. (You seeing this, Dave?)

This is the same daughter who decorated a chocolate zucchini cake with chocolate chips in the image of the Senseis’ dog. If you haven’t read that story, come back and do so. It’s a good one.

On the foot front

Hubby took time off work to drive me kind of far to the good doctor who helped me after my last major injury. He said I’m 80% healed and am ready to start walking in a boot, “If you can handle the pain.”

If I can handle the pain?! Pfft. Hmmph! He doesn’t know ME! I eat pain for breakfast!

I took one step and fire erupted all over the bottom of the foot.

I could not handle the pain. It might even have hurt worse than the initial break.

Here was the crazy thing: because that foot had not touched the ground in nearly two months, the nerve endings were completely unused to contact. As such, they went up in flame all at once. The solution was to start out gently with foot massages to get the nerves used to the idea of being touched again.

It took a few days, but that has worked. I’m now walking full time with the boot and a crutch to help me along. I can walk without a crutch, but I’m gimpy and slow-going.

When I got back to the van after the doctor, I sent this to HRH:

As she pointed out, it looks gnarly. But despite appearing as though I’m slowing being turned into a cyborg, the boot is helping, though I’m still stupidly swollen.

Exhibit A:

Those who have been with me for a while might be thinking, “Just like the old days.” Yep.

I texted my sister saying, “It’s been a long time since I’ve sent an ugly foot picture.” She responded: “Ah, how I’ve missed these.”

I also wondered if the swelling in my right foot and ankle was obvious in the picture. She assured me, “A blind man can see the swelling.”

On the Waterfront. Ooops. Writing front.

That only makes sense if you know that’s a movie title.

Anyhow, saw this and thought of you all:

I’m tap-tap-tapping away slowly–on the computer keyboard, not in tap shoes because, see above.

In the writing world, there are “plotters” and “pantsers”–those who meticulously outline their entire book before writing “Chapter One.” Then there are those who fly by the seat of their pants.

Guess which kind I am?

Book 2/Part 2 is a mess. I’ve written several scenes independently of the rest of the book, so I’ve plopped them in roughly where they belong despite overlap with other stuff, which will need to be ironed out. My draft is… colorful. Not because of swearing, but because I’ve identified my disparate text in different colors. Therefore, I’ve got blue and green text amongst the usual black, and some parts are highlighted in yellow. In other places, a cut and pasted chunk isn’t even double-spaced yet.

I have zero doubt several writers among you are shaking your head at me. We all have our processes, okay?! Plus, did you read my Sensei dog cake story?! You shouldn’t be the least bit surprised at what a mess I am.

As with the baking, so long as the finished product comes out well, who cares how the batter is made.

Also, the cover design guy is being super kind to me. He let me know he’s going to make my suggested changes as soon as he finishes up the interior pages. I sent back another round of changes there–only five this time. So, I’m looking forward to doing the Big Cover Reveal soon.

Using Instagram to replace blog reading

I’ve discovered that some of you bloggers being on Instagram is like a cheat code. I get small bits of image and text that I can like and comment on and feel less guilty about being so negligent in blog reading. I have already publicly admitted that I am just the worst, so… there you go.

But it had been a while since I’d even visited Instagram. Consequently, I had missed some real gems from the Jiu-Jitsu gym. This, no doubt, came from the brilliant mind of HRH and features herself, Surfer Dude, and Pirate.

I hope you’re able to view that. The way they turn to look at the camera… The smiling in unison… Oh, how I miss the fun of these people!

Yeah, yeah, yeah. On to the…

Last Q: This country’s name in Old High German translates to “Eastern Empire.” A: Austria.

Fun fact: I spent a semester of college in a tiny Austrian town nestled in the Alps. We had two ten-day breaks that semester and no class on Fridays, giving us three-day weekends to explore as much of Europe as our Eurail passes allowed. My passport was slathered in ink.

New Q: On Christmas Day 800 AD he was crowned Holy Roman Emperor.

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71 responses »

  3. I actual reset my IG password so I could see your post (I log into IG two or three times a decade, but if you’re posting there I might login every year). and great teamwork!

    Are there any cupcakes left? They look yummy. Part of me feels sad that I’ve never had to wear one of those special boots — somehow I feel like I’ve missed an important part of life.

    and Charlemagne …

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    • I’m honored you would reset your pw for this. Right on that teamwork?! It’s what makes the dream work.

      No cupcakes left. They really were quite yummy. They were also gone in two bites. :/

      You could always get a boot and wear it just for fun! I imagine the novelty will wear off fast, however.

      If I had been keeping track of trivia “scores,” I’ll bet you’d be in the lead, Andrew.

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  4. I’ve always felt bad for people who had to blog on multiple platforms. I did for a while, until I realized how much work it was and for nothing, because I couldn’t be friends with everybody, everywhere, all the time. So I settled on wordpress. I crosspost to blogspot, but that’s just a copy/paste as “just in case” back up 😀

    I have no idea about the trivia. I was going to make some jokes, but since I didn’t know if you were followed by any rabid rcc’ers, didn’t want to cause a ruckus for no reason. Man, am I nice or what? 😉

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  5. If anyone can rock a robotic boot, it’s you. Sorry this has been such a painful experience, but you’re up and walking (with stylish footwear)… so there’s light at the end of the tunnel now.
    😊

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    • Yep, my body seems to not excel at healing quickly, though it usually does at pain tolerance. Perhaps that’s a better option than the other way around? I’m going to assume yes. 🙂 Thanks, RG!

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  6. how cool that you’re teaching that classes especially with your daughter! good to see that you are healing and I know you’re missing your marital arts friends, but you are keeping busy typing away on that book and that’s huge! as for todays’ trivia, hmmmm – caesar?

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    • I love teaching this camp, Beth. It was originally scheduled for the start of the summer. I had to push it back because I broke the foot, hoping I’d be healed by now. Clearly, I was wrong but still determined to make it work. I’m not sure how I could do it without my daughter helping. I’m so glad she enjoys it too.

      Rather than make you wait until who knows when I post again, the trivia answer is Charlemagne. 🙂

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  10. Glad you are on the mend! It’s lovely that you are able to do the 2-week camp with your daughter and that you are able to make even the kids that are volunteered by their parents to enjoy the class.

    Those cupcakes look delicious – yummier than pain! 😊

    Keep up with the writing. Flying by the seat of your pants is often times where the magic comes in. Editing will always clean and refine it up! 👍

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    • Thank you, Ab. You’ve always been a wonderful cheerleader.

      True on the editing, even if I may be making that part harder on myself because of my scatterbrain. But when a thought for a scene strikes me, I’ve gotta write it down before I forget, whether I’m ready for that scene in the book or not. I’m not always this messy, but…

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  12. I’m going to start out with the trivia: Charlemagne?
    Sigh. I remember when I had the patience to uniquely decorate each Christmas cutout cookie, and that didn’t even involve tweezers! No more.
    You manage to keep a very nice-looking food despite the swelling and underuse. That’s no small feet, uh, I mean feat. And I learned something from your post just now. You see, since we’ve been back from our trip I’ve been rewatching all the seasons of Downton Abbey in preparation for this fall’s “only in theaters” Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. Last night I was watching the season 2 episode in which Matthew Crawley miraculously (not really, he was just misdiagnosed – he wasn’t paralyzed after all) stood up from his wheel chair after months in it (post-WWI injury) with a look of happy shock on his face. Based on your experience, I now know it wouldn’t have happened like that at all. He would have screamed in pain and immediately sat down. Do directors think we audience members won’t notice these inaccuracies? Insulting! (I mean, I didn’t notice, but still…)
    I love, love, LOVE that poster! Never was there a better advertisement for the pros of editing. I totally read it wrong the first time. I’m not sure how age-appropriate the poster is for 2nd graders, but I think I’m going to put it up in my classroom just the same. Unsurprisingly, at that age there are very few students who go back and reread their own writing (though I always tell them to). The just finish their last thought, may or may not put a period, set down their pencil, and say, “I’m done, Mrs. Travel Architect.”
    That’s so creative to use different colors for different scenes in your book. What color are the sex scenes? 🤣😂🤣
    I’m not on Instaprint or whatever it’s called, but I could still see the video. You’ve got some very creative jj colleagues there!

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    • Trivia answer: correct! 

      Decorating sugar cookies was never super high on my list, but the kids loved it and were good at it, as you can maybe imagine.

      That’s probably the first and last time someone will say I have a nice-looking foot. As far as DA, good ol’ Julian Fellowes maybe doesn’t know about nerve issues, or does but figured it would be too clunky to have to write in an explanation. The way it happened made for more dramatic viewing, anyhow, I imainge. But I know what you mean about seeing something in a show or movie and being irritated by inaccuracies. Like, I saw some Jiu-Jitsu move in a movie and was like, “Meh. That’s wasn’t done correctly.” So be it. Still, friggin’ slackers! 😉

      I’m glad you enjoyed the poster. “I’m done, Mrs. Travel Architect.” –Hilarious and adorable.

      Seeing as how Hubby is reading the book outloud to Daughters, no sex scenes. I’m not one to write those anyhow. If you were hoping for some, probs best you know now to ease your disappointment. 

      Glad you could still see the vid. It cracked me up so much. 😛 

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  13. I’m on IG and know what you mean about how it can be “blog lite.” I follow some former bloggers there who gave up blogging, jumped into instagramming. It works for them. Maybe me one day.

    Charlemagne is my answer to your question.

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    • “blog lite.”–That’s such a great way to put it, AB! I love your way with words. I blog more than I IG, which tells you something about how often I IG. Correct on the trivia! Some smart cookies on here. 🙂

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  14. I think we all understand when bloggers have to take a break, so it’s nice that you can still keep up with the old gang on Instagram. The tweezer work would not be my forte, but I appreciate those who can accept that challenge. They turned out beautifully.

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    • Could my hand have been as steady as hers with the tweezers? I did hear her grumbling a few times, so I know it was still challenging. But wow, the dedication! I probably would’ve just waved the sprinkle containers over the cupcakes and called it good.

      Yes, I feel slightly less schmucky for my absence when I can sort of check in on IG. BTW, you’re not on there, are you?? Uh, no reason. 😉

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      1. Thank you.
      2. Thank you again. It would be sort of nice and maybe less stressful to be a plotter, but–I’m shaking my head here–that’s not me. Oddly, I’m well organized in other areas of my life, but not this one (or baking.) 🙂

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  16. There’s so much to love in this post! Waterlemons…pantsers…foot front…and speaking the truth about IG as a WP cheat code. Love it all…but I think the description of the young lady in attendance for self-defense class (because she ‘had to’ – written all over her face) and the fact that you won her over? Go, YOU! Accomplishments all over the place and that’s a biggie. Sending hugs and smiles to you! 🥰💕🥰

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    • That little girl wouldn’t even respond to her mom when she told her goodbye. Didn’t even look at her, and I thought, “Oh boy. This one is going to be tough.” I don’t know if it was *me* per se, or just the fact that self defense is a lot of fun. Maybe it was she didn’t want to let on to her mom that she was more cool with doing this than she pretended. Regardless, I was definitely relieved.

      Thanks, Vicki!

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  17. Just a couple of things:

    1. I don’t think you are supposed to eat pain for breakfast. I suggest eggs or maybe cereal.
    2. And it would appear to me that this foot issue is more of a “reboot.”

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  19. Eh, your foot barely looks swollen. And Everest is a hill.

    I’m not really into eating pain for breakfast as I prefer a nice yogurt or a bowl of cereal. Perhaps an egg sandwich if I feel like splurging.

    I’d be down for waterlemons. Much better than melons of any kind.

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      • That was me–still having the issue of my own blog not auto-signing me in. And I don’t know if your comment was in response to the first or second thing I said. It was probably the first, which made my thing not make sense. That’s okay. I got to sneak in a Blind Melon comment. That always makes for a good day.

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  21. Nice update! Geez, will that foot ever get healed – hurry up!! Glad you were able to get the boot though.

    Great daughter! Great cupcakes! And your style of writing sounds horrible to me. Colored text? LOL! Not that my system is any better. I can’t seem to get my current book finished – and I’m at the end!

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    • My style of writing is a bit horrible to me too. It wasn’t this bad with book one. Part of the problem was I wrote ideas for book 2 while writing book 1, so now I have to coalesce those ideas. The worse thing is, I’ve done the exact same thing for book 3. In fact, I wrote ideas for book 3 while writing book 1 even. Yikes. That’s going to be a real mess. Probably four colors. At least! 😉

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  23. Your boot wordplay – well you were on a roll… or should I say, sole!

    Glad to get an update and sending good healing vibes your way and I bet Chapter 2 will end up being amazing because of the care and effort put into it

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  25. Exactly one month after the fact, I am “seeing this” and blessedly content with another look at your cupcake carrier (thanks for that). IMHO any photo of baked goods should be taken after a few of the goods have been consumed, because then us readers go, “Oh, those must’ve been GOOD…” Hats off to your daughter’s tweezers work. That takes the patience of a saint and the steady hands of a surgeon. Sadly I have neither, but at least I have two excuses for why my blog posts have occasional typos.

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