So I’ve been to the dentist. I’m attempting to get my werewolf short ready for submission, which means writing the dreaded synopsis and editing the darn thing. Rewriting Psychokinesis, dealing with allergies and a car that has worked fine so far but might not like me at all. Did I mention that I work part-time at a job that might just be full time in terms of the energy I put out.

Then there was making sure that my daughter did her science project and not take over. I also dislike the feeling that you get from schools and other parents. If you let your child produce something that a ten-year old would produce then you’re not doing your job apparently. One must take over from the child and improve upon the product which means the end product will not resemble what the child intended.

I thought the whole purpose of Elementary school was to allow children to explore and grow. To learn how to complete projects on their own. Alas this is not the case. However, like I told my daughter I’m not the one in school the grades are not mine. Whatever she earns from putting the hard work and time are hers and hers alone.

Ok. Off my soap box now. But seriously in life your parents are responsible for the choices you make, your triumphs or your failures. the truth is you have to learn from your mistakes in order to make the right choices and if they never let you face those on your own are’nt they doing you a disservice?

I recently had someone say to me that they felt as if they had cheer and do a handstand when a particular intern walked in to work. I’m sorry but is this the way we’re supposed to raise kids now?

Get dressed, show up, do the best you can do. If you need help ask for it. If no one can help you, find a way to figure it out. Don’t expect people to pat you on the head because you showed up, it what you’re supposed to do.

Okay seriously off the soap box now.

I’ll leave you with the image of my next door neighbor and I sitting on a swing, both in a pair of shorts and t-shirts. Singing at the top of our lungs to Queens “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Which made her husband head inside and the dogs look at us funny. At least they didn’t howl.

From deep in my writing cave (which is really my kitchen table-cum-desk-cum breakfast bar).

I’m hard at work and deep in self doubt. Most people have no idea just what it takes to write a novel. The plotting the research. The actual putting of words together so that they not only make sense but convey emotion, description and move the story along. Don’t get me started on character development.

But as I sit here completely rewriting Psychokinesis I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. My wrist ache my eyes beg for mercy but Darcelle and Caden are now characters that people can relate too. The story richer and fuller and making a hell of  a lot more sense.So back to the grindstone go I.

Here are a few post I’ve enjoyed in the last few days.

I found this one through Janet Reid. This is Myra McEntire
http://writingfinally.blogspot.com/2010/03/dont-listen-to-me.html

Then there was Nathan Bransford explaining what was wrong with me. Just in case you’re wondering I lack confidence.

And I do so love a man in uniform. Find an interview of one here at Dancing Branflakes

Here’s Wikipedia’s definition of Babylon

I most frequently heard the police being referred to as Babylon growing up by the Rastafarian’s. But that’s not what I’m referring to right now. I’m referring to Babylon as a crisis.

Funny enough. I’ve been through many of these. I can handle it even though it doesn’t feel like it just now. I’m still writing though it has slowed to a trickle. I leave you with this.

What am I doing right now? Taking a brief break from working on Psychokinesis. 🙂
 So here’s what playing on my I-pod. Ojos asi by Shakira. It’s the first song I ever heard from her.

Back to work

Technically I’m not a stay at home mom. I work part-time outside of the home. But I was for a long while. It’s different being at home. It can be isolated and isolating. People assume you have time you don’t have, that it’s luxurious. And when you decide to emerge from your cocoon sometimes people treat you as if your brain has turned to mush.

I have a friend that is staying at home for them it is a choice of affordable child care and not being able to work due to one person’s schedule. I’ve been poking this individual so that they won’t feel the same way I did when I emerged from my cocoon.

I felt as if no one took me seriously. That I hadn’t done anything with my time. The truth is I have raised and continue to raise two wonderful girls but I hadn’t taken an classes nothing to keep me current.Which in the outside world didn’t make me valuable to employers. And there was fear. Fear of competing with younger more savvy  individuals. Fear of not measuring up.

The truth is I need to work part time. I have to be there for my kids. I have to be there for my husband.

I did start writing three years ago. I found my voice. I have a goal. All human beings need a goal. Something to look forward to. We get bogged down in the everyday especially when you stay at home your entire focus becomes about what is going on with that little being you’re taking care of.

That’s not wrong. It’s a good thing.

But eventually they go to school. They need you in different ways. And you as a person need to learn and grow as well. Because eventually they leave the nest. They become adults who hopefully have become self sufficient and if you haven’t had a goal in mind, you might just end up lost. Unless you’re an adventurous soul who wants to find a new reason for being, and wants to have fun in the process of doing so.

I guess what I’m saying is don’t take yourself for granted. Your family needs you and you need you too. Sometimes it might seem like an up hill battle. Just put on foot in front of the other and keep walking. Because sometimes it’s just a matter of buying that book that interest you or taking time out to attend a lecture or even just taking five minutes for yourself. It’s not selfish it’s looking after you so you can look after everybody else.

Remember one foot in front of the other and you can achieve anything.