When I am doing research, I listen to people speak
They talk about their business - they don't bother to be discreet
I hear them talk at parties, at the store, and on their cells
And with my pen I write down all the vivid and juicy details
- Sherry Hill
APPRECIATIONS
I believe it's important to not be so full of ourselves. People help you along the way. So let's not be lazy about giving thanks. Here are my appreciations for this post:
Birthday Wishers - I want to thank everyone who wished me a happy birthday last month. The wishes meant so much to me. I still feel young and excited about writing more stories, dancing, and picking up new hobbies.
Neighbors - I appreciate my nice neighbors. I've lived in different areas of town and some neighbors just didn't know how to act. My current neighbors always says hi, lend a helping hand when needed, and put a smile on my face. Neighbors can change anytime, so I feel it's important to appreciate their friendliness.
Z-JOURNAL
I took the challenge of reading 100 books a year. I always felt that reading is important, but I never set a goal until now. I found out about the challenge at http://thewritepractice.com, and I'm glad I committed myself to the challenge. I read five books so far. I have a long way to go, but I'm determined to accomplish this goal. The website, http://thewritepractice.com, is a great site! I subscribe and get writing practice exercises sent to my email. Check it out!
TOO MUCH Z-NESS?
Do you find yourself getting lazy? Maybe someone called you lazy and that you need to get off your butt. Perhaps you're not accomplishing your goals like you should. Are you blaming the government for everything? Well, it's time for you to tackle your excessive Z-ness. I hope this tip helps you.
Some people complain about everything and everybody all the time. Do you know some of them? Have you noticed that they are the laziest people? Is it you? Well, I hope not, but if you happen to be a chronic complainer; here's a tip: Smile more often. You're uptight. You've gotten too lazy to smile, and you feel that complaining is easier. You need to get in a better mood. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Smile at your neighbor. Smile at your co-worker. Smile at your relatives. Your smile will be returned by somebody. You will feel like a better person and perhaps you'll meet a new friend. Not everything is negative. Don't be so lazy not to realize that.
THE CHILLING CORNER
Because sometimes you need to chill
Movie
Unleashed (2005)
This movie is about a man who seeks a new life after being trained as an attack dog. Great acting and fight choreography. My favorite actors in the movie were Jet Li, Bob Hoskins, and Morgan Freeman.
Books
Dearly Departed by Lia Habel
I like this book. It was slow at first, but the background information about social/class status was necessary. I like the way the book was organized. It took me the fifth chapter to realize that the author put the character as the chapter title to indicate who was speaking. I like this set-up since the 1st person was powerful. My favorite character was Henry. I look forward to reading the sequels.
I downloaded a free digital copy from storycartel.com for the following books in exchange for a review.
"Hands" by Joe Bunting
I enjoyed this short story. The imagery was excellent, and I enjoyed how the author used music to relate to life experiences. I did feel that the conversation explaining a political choice near the end was a big long, but the overrall message in the story was powerful.
Come Alive by Elora Ramirez
The message in this book was powerful. It touches on the horrible reality of human traffiking, and it's a book that everyone should read. I like the way the author shows the experiences, ignorance, and the effects of this worldwide problem. She did a good job of expressing the effects of traffiking through good characterization.
In some places, I felt that the experiences can be expounded for a more powerful message. The book does need editing since I saw some mistakes (use to instead of used to, you're/your) in several places.
Overall, the book sent a clear message and increased the awareness of human traffiking.
More or Less by Jeff Shinabarger
This book opened my eyes, and I considered the excess I have and where to contribute that excess. I particularly like the "just in case clothes" and discovering what was in my pantry. The book is well written and persuasive. I enjoyed the stories and the "Enough Talk" sections. A good read.
Music
"You Talk Too Much" by Run DMC
This song reminds me that people who talk too much can give me great story ideas.
THE LEARNING CORNER
Vocabulary
garrulous
adjective
1. excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, especially about trivial matters.
2. wordy or diffuse: a garrulous and boring speech.
excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, especially about trivial matters.
"garrulous." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 20 Feb. 2013. <Dictionary.com
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/garrulous>.
Sentence
His garrulous co-worker annoyed him; he preferred to communicate with his zombie friend of few words.
Learning Moment
I learned that I need to step up my practice in language learning. I need to make it a point to talk more in Italian and Spanish if I want to increase my level. I've been way too timid. I need to risk making mistakes so I can learn.
