writing life: what it looks like when I work

Where I work heavily influences what my work routine looks like. When at home, if the computer is fully charged, writing blog posts or making some progress in one of my wip (works in progress) is usually the first thing I do when I sit down to work.

Working for me is like ripping a fabric and having thread hanging out reaching for each other. My attention must necessarily be on my children since they are my first responsibility. Writing is very difficult for me as a result because I am frequently pulled out of the world of my thoughts and the train continues on without me. Sometimes I'm able to catch it and continue the ride. At others, I sit with my head in my hands wondering why I'm doing this at all.

I actually know. I just wish I didn't feel as if I had to do it. I resent the circumstances that have put me in a corner which is why I'm doing what I'm doing so vigorously and constantly. I resent broken agreements. If they were just re-made, that would be one thing.

Refocusing…

The computer having a fully charged battery enables me to write either blog posts or continue with one of my stories. If the computer is not an option, I have written notes for blog posts on paper. They rarely end up much like the notes, but at least I have many thoughts already recorded. A good starting place, in essence.

Usually, if the computer is unavailable, I'll work on Cap'N Golly plans and rhymes. His rhymes take a bit of time, doncha know! I also write silly songs and more serious songs on paper rather than the computer. So, if I find myself unable to use the computer and have a song started, but not finished, I might work on that.

If I have Cap'N or other video to edit AND any power in the battery of the computer, I have been known to work on that instead of writing. That's because video editing is still a rather time consuming process for me and I have self-made deadlines in mind. I really like to attain small goals. When I do, it makes big ones feel more likely to happen!

Working without breaks (of the chosen or unwanted kind) lasts, at most, thirty minutes. If it lasts longer than that, either I'm ignoring wrong choices among my children, or they are too quiet. Moms… you know what I mean!

GrA still needs to nurse pretty frequently, so every forty-five minutes or so, I stop to spend some time with him. Sometimes I'm able to nurse and type. That worked out better when he was smaller. As he gets older and typing while nursing isn't quite so workable, I tend to read while I nurse. Usually I read books planning to review them on my blog.

Of course, there are also breaks for food (direction and or preparation). And I do need to sleep sometimes, so there's that.

There are town days that I need for internet connectivity. I'll share about that next time.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

I first read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury when I was a youth as assigned reading for English class. I was so deeply impressed it has remained among my very favorite books ever. It is a classic, for sure.

Unfortunately, to my mind, the movie of my youth wasn't nearly as amazing as the book. It's so difficult to capture the richness of a mental movie in one on film!

Art mimics life or is it the other way around? This is one of those books that seems to be penned by a prophet in some regards. I couldn't have imagines the flat televisions that span almost a whole wall or projection TVs of today. I didn't see it. Huxley did.

Though the soap operas that include the watcher are not entirely realized now, reality television does, in some ways, seem to be moving us in that direction.

Will there ever be firemen who destroy books with fire? Or communes where you're only real work and the reason for your existence is memorization and repetition of the literature one is responsible for remembering and then, one day, teaching to someone else? As for me, I hope not with great intensity.

Yet somehow, the movement from paper books to various digital formatted texts moves alone bit by bit… insidiously. If we stop paper book production, we will eventually lose something infinitely precious. Digital files are so very easy to destroy. So, too, are paper… but if enough people have the paper copies, some persist somewhere.

I really enjoyed reading this book as a youth and adult. My children will read it sooner than later. It is fully of valuable subjects for discussion.

Have you read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury? What did you think of it?

Three Little Cajun Pigs by Mike Artell, a book review

Did you know I was born in Louisiana? Yeppers. My Mom and Dad grew up there. My Dad fancies himself a Cajun even though he probably isn't as far as it goes. Still, we tend to really love the stories that have a Cajun flare. Three Little Cajun Pigs by Mike Artell definitely fills the bill.

Mardi Gras is February 28, 2017 (this coming Tuesday) so I share this book now in honor of the biggest party that happens in the US outside of Christmas and New Year's.

It's a fun and funny spin on the classic tale of the 'Three Little Pigs'. In the bayou, of course, the antagonist must needs be a gator instead of a wolf. As a result, the story has some differences which are entertaining.

Reading out loud may be a challenge, but fun when you get a little practice, because the story carries a flavor of the Louisiana “cajun” sound. My five year old boy enjoyed it particularly.

My children and I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it. The illustrations by Jim Harris are fun and perfectly fit the story. The gator is especially well done and entertaining throughout. The art is nicely colorful without being overwhelming, so my three year old likes it a lot.

Have you read Three Little Cajun Pigs by Mike Artell? What did you think?

my thoughts: TRUMP

Dear President Trump,

I didn't vote for you. I was worried, you see, about the little I do know and the great deal I've heard and felt that if you could do any good for the country it would be minimal. And I wasn't really sure of your motivations. Let your displeasure at this revelation, for I know it will be great, be soothed by the fact that neither did I vote for your “primary” competition: Mrs. C.

Writing now, in this open letter is in hopes that this message may somehow make it to your eyes. My Mom has said many times that if one person gives you a compliment, at least ten other people thought it and didn't take the time or have the courage to tell you themselves. I love to give compliments and have felt compelled to give you this one for a little while now.

First, your refusal of remuneration for the work you will do in the office of President is commendable and honorable. I have been highly pleased and impressed by this action on your part. I esteem you, sir, for making this choice and in so doing you planted a sweet seed of hope in my heart. And not just hope in you, which is wonderful in itself, but also hope in the political system. I despise politicians. Our country was ever meant to be lead by statesmen. In refusing pay in your role as President, I believe you have shown your desire to be a true statesman. What pleasure I feel in the hope that this is your motivation! Thank you… thank you for that seed of hope!

And then your actions… you have surely done far more than I have heard. For, you see, I live a simply life in the country. No television. Little internet (only what I can get on my mobile phone when the signal is good and it is often NOT). No radio. So, basically, I don't hear all that much. Yet, I have heard good things.

A man who was set against you… a member of the black power establishment (not panthers or anything like that, as far as I know… just one of the big wigs who seem more interested in divisiveness under the guise of civil rights) visited you and came away from that visit touting your acclaim. This was impressive, for sure. It is my opinion that seeking to communicate directly and clearly will often lead to such changes. You have proved it with, at least, him and I am so very pleased!

The business deal in which you directly asked a company to build their new location within the states. They agreed. As a result you brought a significant number of jobs to the US. BEFORE you were in office. Simply by directly speaking to someone who could make such a decision and posing the question. I'm sure I've oversimplified drastically. There may be bits involved in the deal that many will be displeased about, but I guarantee those who will be gainfully employed will not be among them.

Given what I know, I have great hopes that your interactions with Putin are positive and bend on healing our alliance with his country. Your predecessor did so much harm to so many long-standing relationships. I have great hope that you will move us back into a more peaceful situation with them, others, and especially Israel.

I turned 41 in December. I've voted a few times. I've watched the actions of your predecessors with chagrin and sometimes despair. Never before you have I felt hope in praying for The President. I pray for you frequently. I pray that you will choose Godly advisers and be surrounded by statesmen and stateswomen!

Your immediate predecessor gave much lip service to hope and change. Much of the change he wrought was probably his intent, but never the wish of those I know! I felt my hope in his work disappear long before his time was extended. You have said nothing about hope and change… yet I have felt hope spring forth from the seeds planted by your actions, which indicate efforts to bring the kind of change that may well heal this nation of harm, perhaps especially debt accrued by those who came before.

President Trump, I hope you will continue to do as you have thus far done of the good I have named and heard. I believe you may be guided by our Father in Heaven and as you seek to do what is best for these United States, may you feel of His guidance and know the right path to bring our Nation to healthier and more fiscally sound days. I'm praying for you, Mr. President!

Sincerely,

Tori Gollihugh

Space Case by Stuart Gibbs, a book review

Space Case by Stuart Gibbs is a mystery for youth set in a base on the moon. Dash finds himself in a place he doesn't like doing things he doesn't prefer and surrounded by lots of people he doesn't particularly like. And then, one of the few people he does like dies. Basically everyone thinks it's an accident brought on by a guy slowly losing his mind, but Dash is pretty certain that's not the case. Even though he's going against orders, he decides to find out for himself.

The drama and action that results kept me very interested. The revelation at the end of the story is especially interesting and the story leaves off with a perfect opening for continuation. Will we get to see more of Dash and his friends? My daughters and I hope so.

My eldest two daughters really enjoyed this sci-fi mystery.  I enjoyed it pretty well, but not nearly as much as they did.  However, since they are the intended audience, I'd say it's a pretty good recommendation for someone between 9 and 13 years old.

Have you read Space Case by Stuart Gibbs? What did you think of it?

Will It Be a Baby Brother? by Eve Bunting, a book review

In Will It Be a Baby Brother? by Even Bunting, a little boy's Mom is pregnant. He is very sure he wants a baby brother and will not be happy with anything else. He even says he will give the baby to his aunt if it's a girl. Does he continue to feel the same once the baby is born if it's a girl?

This is a sweet story. My children enjoyed it very much.

If you have a "getting ready for the next baby" sort of library, like I do, this would be a great book to add to it!  I hope I will be able to add it before our next one starts 'baking'. 

The illustrations by Beth Spiegel do their job very well. In some places, they support the story. At other times, they show more detail that expounds on the words of the story.

Generally a good story, this would be particularly good for parents to read to their child or children in preparation for a new arrival. I like it a lot.

Have you read Will It Be a Baby Brother? by Eve Bunting? What did you think of it?

my thoughts: seasons of mother love

Love deserves attention all year long because God is Love, of course.  Yet, I am climbing on the band-wagon to pay special attention to this special subject this month in honor of Valentine's day.  If you missed my other tribute all about my man-crush, make sure to check it out.

If you have children, have you ever pondered on the seasons of 'mother love'?  I have been pondering just that a great deal of late and want to share a few of my musings.

Although in some way it must necessarily be absolutely the same as demonstrated in the Mandelbrot Set, it seems to me that my love for my children feels more different than similar to my love for my husband.  Perhaps it feels more similar to the love feeling i feel toward my siblings... only somehow bigger for my children even though I have known them a far shorter a time.

Perhaps one explanation is the service given to children creates a sort of humongous love that doesn't quite compare to any love before it.  For service builds and fortifies love.  Yet still it feels more than that explanation somehow.

So, regarding the seasons of mother love specifically... the pregnancy and newborn months absolutely smoosh together for me.  Though, i definitely prefer holding my newborn to pregnancy!   This phase of the relationship is bumpy and a bit scary, right?  Or is that just me?  I've been through this cycle of seasons now six times and each time it's been a variation of the same.  Two miscarriages in there probably help to keep me feeling nervous and on edge during pregnancy.

That ends up to be about a year of growing adoration, pleasure in the new person's existence, and lots of scary moments, which all somehow work together to solidify the loving feelings.  Birth is also in there, which is a tremendous act of service.  So that helps the live thang grow, for sure.

Then there is the season of loads of accomplishments happening in a short space of time.  I mean, come on!  Crawling, walking, teething, sitting up, standing, eating, giggling, first temper tantrums, individuating!!  All happening before their first birthday.  It's a whirlwind of change and accomplishment.  If someone had told me that i would be as proud (and maybe more so) of my sixth child reaching each of these milestones (and more) as i was of my first, i probably wouldn't have believed them.  But it's totally true!  And with the joy in their learning, i feel love burst forth and wash through me.  Love during this season is easy to feel and sometimes overwhelms to tears.

The next year is usually relatively peaceful.  Most of my children have learned to talk or communicate pretty well before they turn two.  Between two and three there is lots of playing going on.  It is easy to feel live for my little ones during this.time, too.

Usually right around when mine turn three years old, we get to experience the beginning of what usually lasts about a year of full-on boundary-testing, tantrum-making, ugly-crying (and that's probably me more than my toddler), full-on individuation work! Whoever said it was terrible twos must have had early bloomers! Mine have all gone through the terrible threes for sure!  This is the first time i have any 'dislike' sort of feelings.  I will note that i experienced this.early with my first.  She was a "button pusher" " from six month old and she loved to push mine!!  Thankfully, we can love people even when we may not like what they do.

Thereafter comes a season of greater peace, which lasts until they are about seven and a half.  For some reason my three eldest started to think they knew everything at seven and a half.  My thirs is now eight years old, so i don't have nearly as much experience with the seasons of mother love with older children.  I'd love to hear from any Moms who have been through those seasons once or more!

During this season of smarty-pantsedness, my three eldest have felt it absolutely necessary to question my judgement and decisions in practically all things.  It has been exhausting.  It is also another season where the 'dislike' feeling pops up frequently.  No matter what, though, i strive to end the day with a hug, words of love, and our special "love fits" handshake.  I have had to increasingly focus on choosing to think lovingly even if i don't feel loving during this season... and much of those that follow.

My two eldest are 10 and 12.  They have both started into the hormonal season right around ten.  Heaven help us when all 4 of our girls are older!  There is opposition in all things, so they are just as wonderful as they are at times horrible.  And i am adult enough (i hope and work hard) to choose those loving thoughts even when the feelings of the same are absent.

I imagine the seasons following what i know are lots of a smooshing of all the previous because there is so much that happens before children leave home as adults.  Learning to drive, school at various levels..

Adult children... the only way i can even sort of imagine that is by thinking of my own relationship with my parents.  I hope i will do at least as well as they have done with me!

The Time Thief book two in The Gideon Trilogy by Linda Buckley-Archer, a book review

The Time Thief by Linda Buckley-Archer is a wonderful follow up to The Time Travelers. I enjoyed the first. You can read my review of it HERE. This second is even better. The way time is handled becomes increasingly complex. The treatment of the characters in the midst of the issue of what happens if people go back and forth in time is really interesting!

Perhaps my favorite character is the Peter lost in time. Though his feelings are at once simple and complex, they are easy to identify with and feel compassion for. Kate's predicament is more complicated and harder to comprehend because some of her greatest troubles arise directly from the process of traveling through time.

Buckley-Archer's characters in the past, though secondary, are enjoyable. In this book, my favorites may well be the Queen, and the French scientist. All of the characters are good, those are just my favorites.

My daughters have read this and enjoyed it very much. The whole of the story is easily appropriate for any age reader. There are some difficult subjects brought up in the course of the series. For instance, stealing and whether or not it is morally reprehensible when done to sustain life. It is my opinion that such subjects are worthwhile discussion topics between parents and their children. So, I'm completely comfortable with the subject matter in this series.

Have you read The Time Thief by Linda Buckley-Archer? What did you think of it?

Where the Forest Meets The Sea by Jeannie Baker, a book review

Jeannie Baker, both author and artist for Where The Forest Meets The Sea, is a talented creator. The illustrations are also stand-alone pieces of collage art. She collected materials from Daintree Wilderness in Australia and researched while there, so parts of the art she used to illustrate this story are actually from the place the story is about.

This story seems to be in support of leaving the shrinking rain forest in Australia alone. We follow a boy and his father as they make a trip to a beach where the forest comes as close to the shore as possible. This is untouched rain forest. The boy wanders off to explore the forest.

When the day is over, the boy doesn't want to leave. They will return soon, so says the father, but will the beach and forest remain pristine. The author/artist does an amazing job of alluding to the potential changes.

I enjoyed this book. My children like it, though they don't understand quite why it's as great as I think it is. I definitely recommend it.

Have you read Where the Forest Meets the Sea by Jeannie Baker? What did you think of it?

my thoughts: my man-crush

The month of LOVE... you know with V-day and all.  To celebrate the month of love, I decided to write about my man-crush.

He's hot.  And not just physically.  I'll tell you about that in a minute.  Right now, you get to read  about what is most attractive to me about him.

My man-crush is genuinely a really good guy most of the time.  He works hard and is a genius, talented, and super skilled.  You know, because talents are things one doesn't really have to work hard to do or learn and skills are things we learn to do with greater effort.

His brains are, as with most guys really, the sexiest thing he's got going for him because he can turn a phrase and flip a girl's heart when he wants to so do.  And his voice is the kind that you can listen to forever.  Even if what he's saying is total bunk, his voice is easy on the ears.

He is a great Father and willing to allow God to plan his family.  Doesn't that just make your heart flip-flop?  I mean, how many guys out there are willing to put that much trust in God?  My man-crush only wanted two children before he got married.  He now has six.  That's some huge trust in God right there.  How totally attractive is that?  I don't know about you, but it's hot to me!

Whoever said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach was being overly one-sided, in my opinion.  My man-crush is an amazing Chef and one of the things that keeps him at the tippy top of my *hot guys* list.  Even more awesome, i get to eat his work sometimes.

If you've guessed by now that my man-crush is my husband, then you're right.  Now, i'm going to tell you something else.  This might surprise you a little... right now... lately... i don't really like my husband very much.  He did something seriously unacceptable recently and i haven't been able to entirely let it go.  So, i don't like him much right now.

But i can reflect and see that he really is a good guy most of the time.  And i would rather have more children with him than any other guy i've known.  And he really is an amazing Chef.  Oh, and i almost forgot to tell you about his phyaical hotness.  So, i really did plan to try, but as i think about it and trying to explain his physical appeal, all i can think is "i just have to include a picture of him in blue jeans wearing his cowboy hat."  So, that's what i'll do.  You can see for yourself.  If you don't see his hotness, i'll share with you how i see him.  You've got to let me know, though, if you can't see it plain for yourself, now.

The Time Travelers book one in The Gideon Trilogy by Linda Buckley-Archer, a book review

The Time Travelers book one in The Gideon Trilogy by Linda Buckley-Archer is a great novel. My two eldest girls (12 and 10) really enjoyed it and so did I.

Two kids end up in the past and this story shares the beginning of their adventures in time travel. The premise is interesting. A great sci-fi with lots of historical details mixed into the adventures the two experience.

I do recommend this story. There is little of a questionable nature. I especially appreciate how character is portrayed… that good deeds are portrayed as admirable and those things that are not good are acknowledges as such, though extenuating circumstances are described.

Though I didn't have the second book to read immediately, I wished I did.

Have you read The Time Travelers by Linda Buckley-Archer? What did you think of it?