A Writer's Way

Think Yoda.

2012-02-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

What happens when you have so many ideas for different blog posts? You get overwhelmed.

I have been working on some different posts, one that I will probably never post (because I'm too afraid). The others are works in progress.

However, I found this picture and felt that I should definitely post it on here because it is so true! Something that I really need to live by right now. Just think Yoda and everything will be okay.
(P.S. I'm usually not a fan of the "Keep Calm and ____" stuff, but I really like this one.)

I love Star Wars <3

-Christine

Confidence in Writing

2012-01-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

Confidence. A word that can sometimes literally terrify me. One day while I was hard at work on my novel I took a break and started to draw on a few Post-it-notes. I started to think about my confidence as a writer and realized that I have never felt 100% okay with telling someone that I was a writer. After graduating from University, I thought that I would march out the doors and declare such a thing to the world proudly. Turns out it wasn't so easy. It seemed that almost everyone I ran into would have the same conversation with me.

Them: What did you major in?
Me: English Literature
Them: Oh, are you going to teach?
Me: No, I'm going to be a writer.
Them: Oh...

So, the other day I had a revelation. Scratch that. I want to say that these types of thoughts have crossed my mind before, but I never had enough confidence to hold on to them. Well guess what? I'm holding onto them now.

I am a writer. Even if I never get published and a thousand people tell me that my writing sucks, I will forever be a writer. Writing isn't just a hobby for me, it's a passion. It will forever be a part of me that is always there when times are good and bad.

There are so many doubts in life, but if we focus on them we will never accomplish anything. So back to my original story...I decided to write "I am a writer" on Post-it-notes, and asked my friend/photographer/artist Kelly McGovern to photograph me next to it. That way it will always be a reminder that even if no one believes in my writing, I do.

So there you have it. Confidence. It wouldn't be right for me to say that I will ALWAYS be confident in my writing, but as long as I try and stay confident in myself as a writer I will persevere.

Thanks for reading,
Christine

Eggplant!

2012-01-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

So you're probably thinking this is some kind of joke, but it's really not. I am actually writing a blog post about Eggplant. Why? Because it's DELICIOUS! I have been addicted to it for probably a month and have prepared it a few different ways. My favorite way would have to be like my Grandma used to make it. (Well she still does, but she's in Florida and I never see her.) Anyway, I made eggplant the other day along with some sauce, which I think I mentioned in a previous blog this week. My Grandma usually prepares the eggplant fried, but I add sauce! (No it's not eggplant parm. because when I think of eggplant parm, I picture a bunch of mozzarella cheese on top. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it's not for me!)

I'm one of those people who loves having leftovers so I have delicious food already prepared. I found myself starving shortly after eating breakfast this morning and I just couldn't focus on my writing. Then it dawned on me...I really can't write unless I have a full stomach! If I write when I'm hungry I either start to day dream about food or write about it! So, I went to the fridge and pulled out the last of my eggplant leftovers. As I bit into the final delicious saucy bites I was a bit sad that it was all gone. I've actually decided to take a break from making it because I'm afraid I'm going to get sick of it.

Now it wouldn't be fair if I didn't share the recipe that I use to prepare the eggplant so here it is:

*You have to make your favorite pot of tomato sauce to go on top of it!*

Ingredients:

-2 largeeggplants

-2-3 eggs

1-2 cups ofItalian breadcrumbs

-Olive oil,salt, and pepper

Directions:

-Slice eggplant

-Season with salt and pepper

-Put eggs in one bowl and breadcrumbsin another

-Dredge vegetable in eggs until coatedand cover in breadcrumb mixture

-Fry in olive oil until golden brownand crispy on each side

-Pour your favorite tomato sauce on topof the eggplant

-Stick it in the oven at 350° for 15-20minutes

-ENJOY!

Now that I have a full stomach I'm going to return to my writing! ^.^

Thanks for reading,
Christine

Idea Journals

2012-01-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

The life of a writer can be a tricky one, so we arm ourselves with things that will aid us in our venture to "success." My weapon of choice is usually an idea journal. I try to never leave my house without it. (Along with a pen and pencil of course.) I've done this since 2005. It all started when I was a sophomore in high school. I was taking my first creative writing class, and it was great. My teacher really inspired me and he had us thinking about journal writing one day. He said it was good to always get your ideas down. It sounds like a simple idea, but how many times have you found yourself thinking of something clever and saying "I'll remember it." No need to write it down? Think again. Life gets hectic and sometimes our brains block out the good stuff to let in the bad. So, I'm a firm believer in writing down ideas! It's simple, and easy. Just don't do it while you're driving or anything.

The picture above was taken by the great Kelly McGovern. It's a picture of my first idea journal from way back in 2005. You can kind of tell how beat up it is in the picture, but trust me, when I hold it in my hand I'm so happy that it's still binded together. It looks like it has been through a war and it certainly feels like it. It has to be one of my most prized writing possessions.

So you're probably wondering what inspired me to write a second blog post for today...(I know it never happens.) The answer is, as I was looking through one of my more recent idea journals I found this thought that I wrote down back in March of 2010.

"Heroes and villains of my own creation fly around in my head all day long

writing their stories."

At the time of reading it I couldn't help but let a big smile spread across my face. I thought for a moment, "There is no way I would have remembered writing something like this if it wasn't for this idea journal." It might not mean a lot to you as you read it, but today was a rough editing day and it was the breath of fresh air that I needed. (I talk about air a lot don't I?) I'm so proud of myself for writing a line like that. It pretty much sums up who I am as a writer in one sentence. (I am now recalling a statement from writer's group on Sunday...I guess I'm "falling in love with my words." ^.^ Guilty!) Anyway, I think in my future office (when I escape from this place I call a house) I'm going to paint those words on my wall! If they make me feel the same way I felt today, it will be awesome!

Okay, I'm going to stop rambling now and end my second blog post. (Still can't believe I accomplished two blog posts in one day.)

Thanks for reading,

-Christine

Rainy Days and Chai Tea

2012-01-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

With less than a month until Nyle and I go to Disney World, I can't help but be super super excited! We both haven't been there since 2006 and I can confidently say that we are both deserving of a vacation. It's hard not to day dream about how magical it's going to be. Especially on a day like today.

I started to think about rainy days as I drank my hot cup of chai tea and looked away from my pile of chapters to edit. Come on, it's easy to get distracted when you hit a rough patch of editing...

Anyway, what are some of your favorite things to do on a rainy day? Of course most people find themselves having no choice but to go to work, but if you could choose, what would you do?

I'd have to say my first choice would be writing of course. Rain makes the world quiet down which can sometimes be very helpful when you're sitting in your creative world. I spent the morning doing some writing and editing. I'm happy to say that I'm 80% done with my first revision of my novel. I can't wait to print out the revision and go through it again! There's something about fresh paper that helps the writer's mind breathe better.

Reading would for sure come next, because there is nothing better than curling up in a chair and reading a good book while you listen to the rain outside of your window. I'm considering walking away from the computer for a few hours to read the Wonderful Wizard of OZ Marvel graphic novel.

Cooking would come last. Cooking is one of my favorite hobbys, and it can be quite nice to cook on a rainy day. Make a big pot of homemade tomato sauce, and take a big whiff as the wonderful smell fills the air. Can you guess what I'm having for dinner? I actually made sauce yesterday along with some eggplant. I'm currently so obsessed with eggplant!

So that's it. My top 3 recommendations for a rainy day. What do you like to do?

Thanks for reading,
-Christine

With a dreamy far-off look...and her nose stuck in a book!

2012-01-16T16:20:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

So, I hope by now you've all gone to the movies to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D. I'm not a huge fan of 3D in general, but I can honestly say that Disney does it right! I went to go see the Lion King in 3D when it was in theaters and loved it. However, Beauty and the Beast is my all time favorite Disney movie, and Belle is my favorite princess. She always has been, and always will be!

I figured it might be fun to make a list of my favorite moments in the movie! Seeing them in 3D really enhanced the experience of watching the movie.

My Favorite Scenes (in no particular order because it's too hard to choose):

1. The Library Scene: Beast surprises Belle by giving her the castle library. Not only is this a DREAM of mine, but it's just so sweet and romantic.

2. The Wolf Scene: Belle runs from the castle after the Beast yells at her for coming into the West Wing. As Belle makes her way through the forest, a pack of wolves show up and start to attack her. The Beast shows up and shows the wolves a lesson! He rescues Belle, and then she rescues him after he passes out from exhaustion.

3. Belle runs across the field: "I want adventure in the great wide somewhere, I want it more than I can tell...and for once it might be grand to have someone understand, I want so much more then they've got planned." (I seriously want to live where she lives so I can do the same exact thing!)

4. The End "Please don't leave me...I love you." Come on...don't even tell me it doesn't make you teary just thinking about it. Belle lays her head on Beast's chest as he is dying. The final rose petal falls...MAJESTIC TRANSFORMATION!

5. THE SONGS!!!!: It's impossible to choose ONE favorite song because they are all so good. So I have to just say that hearing all of the songs, and watching the beautiful scenes play out in front of me was so amazing. I will rank my favorite songs in order..."Tale as Old as Time," "Belle," "Be Our Guest," "Something There," and "Gaston."

6. The Dinner Scene: Right before the song "Something There" Belle and the Beast sit down for some oatmeal. It is soooooo adorable how the Beast eats, and how kind Belle is towards him. (P.S. A few years back Disney was selling a painting of this scene. It was like $8000 so obviously I will never be able to afford it, but if someone can find the dinner scene in high res. (when they raise the bowls in the air) so I can print it out and frame it...I'd love you forever.)

Mind you, I do OWN this movie. I've probably watched it like a thousand million times. However, seeing it in theaters was just sooooooooooo amazing!

I love Belle 10 million times more than Batgirl...

This clip below shows the dinner scene that I was talking about before. So sweet!

Okay, well that's all for now.

Thanks for reading my ramble!
-Christine

Breaking the Wall

2012-01-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

How are you today? I'm happy to say that I'm doing much better. I successfully broke through the wall that I was writing about yesterday, and guess what? It felt great. As always there is nothing more satisfying than being able to see your creative world sprawled out in front of you. I could see everything clear as day, and I was able to get a decent amount of writing done. I've realized that this novel is so complex, and it is SO EXCITING TO WRITE! I've eliminated some unnecessary things and have begun to fill the empty spaces with bigger and better things.

All I can do is hope that I can stand on top of that wall for awhile longer and keep on writing the way I have been!

Just thought I'd update everyone!

See...less complaining. ^.^

-Christine

p.s. Chibi Lady Design is going to design my business card, WHAT UP!?

Procrastination...but not really...

2012-01-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

So, I woke up this morning with a plan in my head as to how I wanted the day to go. Guess what? It didn't go the way I wanted it to go. It's not like anything serious happened, it's just my mind is filled with a thousand other things. Things that I'm allowing to distract me from working on my novel. I'm currently surrounded by pages and pages of my draft, notes, etc. All of the ideas and motivation are there, but I can't break through that wall. You know...the wall that stops you from slipping into your creative world. That wall called reality that wants you to remember all of the things you have to get done around the house, what you have to do this week, and then there's always the doubt monster. I guess I'm just venting because it's easier to vent then break through the wall sometimes. However, I really don't like to let the wall win...SO I'm going to leave you all with my complaints and return to my battle. That's the thing about being a writer. It's not easy, but the challenge makes it all the more exciting. I believe in this story and I have to see it through.

More to come soon, (hopefully less complaining...) ^.^
-Christine

It wouldn't be right if I didn't title this post: Batgirl Love.

2012-01-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

Happy New Year! Writing 2012 is going to take some time to get used to as always. I find that I will write the previous year down about twenty times until it really kicks in. I'm happy to say that I have been spending a lot of my free time reading comics, and it wouldn't be right if I didn't dedicate a blog entry to it. So, here goes...

It all started with the comic master Chris Barnes. He is a dear friend of mine and has an amazing blog dedicated to comics. (Click here to see it.) For Christmas he gave me the first two Batwoman comics and asked me to review them on his blog. (Click here to see that.) I hadn't picked up a comic in a long time, but was very happy to do so. It didn't take long for me to be hooked. After finishing volumes #1-2 of Batwoman I decided to venture to the comic store to buy some more.

Now I'm not going to trash talk Batwoman or anything, but shortly after reading the four volumes released I moved on to Batgirl...AND SHE IS AWESOME! I'm not entirely sure why I wish I was Batgirl, I mean, why I like Batgirl more. (It's not like I call myself BatStine or anything.) I think it has something to do with how much she has been through in the past, and how she is dealing with her present. For those of you who don't know, Batgirl was shot in the spine by the Joker and confined to a wheelchair for 20 years. The new Batgirl comics are about her miraculously recovering and being able to walk again. Now she must battle with her life as a superhero vs. her life as Barbara Gordon. Overall, I'm obsessed...I mean...it's such a good storyline and the art style is pretty awesome as well.

Now, what's the worst thing about reading comics? Waiting for more to be released.

After finishing what was released of Batgirl I was hungry for more comics! So, I returned to the comic master to find out what I should read next and he suggested I read "Spiderwoman: Agent of S.W.O.R.D." I was happy to find out that this was a trade paperback and I could read the story in its entirety. I highly recommend this comic. It was a really awesome story. Jessica Drew (Spiderwoman) proves to be heroic as she struggles with her troublesome past and what looks to be a hopeless future. Believe me when I tell you the artwork is BEAUTIFUL! It's amazing what some people can accomplish.

Anyway, I continued my comic craze by reading all four trade paperbacks of "Chew" which is about Tony Chu. Tony is a cibopath and can get visions of things from eating anything...food, people, you name it. He uses his powers to solve crimes as part of the F.D.A. This comic is very different from the superhero stuff that I love, but it's pretty good. Check it out if you're in the mood for something different. The art style is super cool. (I talk about art style a lot because if I don't like the art style of something I can't read it. Are you the same way?)

I am currently reading the first trade paperback of "Gotham City Sirens." I'm not too far in yet, but so far it's good. As you can see...my adorable Batgirl is reading it as well. ^.^

I only have a few days left until the next issues of Batgirl and Batwoman come out, which is very exciting. The next thing on my list of comics to read is "The Wonderful Wizard of OZ." I've heard good things about it.

By the way dear reader...don't worry. I'm still actively planning and getting back to working on my novel whilst I venture in and out of the comic world.

Thank you for listening to my ramble.

-Christine

Tiny Magic Maker

2011-12-15T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

What I thought would be a relaxing day has proved to be a stressful one as always. However, I still found the time to revise this poem which jumped into my head right as I closed my eyes to go to sleep last night. I quickly scribbled it all down not really sure what it all meant. I'm actually STILL not sure what it means. Which to me, is a good thing. Now I can sit with it and dive deep into what my creative soul is trying to tell me. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think!

“Tiny Magic Maker”
Written By: Christine Attardo

I lie awake at night thinking of my dreams.
Thoughts and doubts and worries appear to me.

Contemplating little thoughts and riddles in my head,
I think of the future and what lies ahead.

Finding pieces of a puzzle…some bent, some lost,
trying to fit them together while sweeping the dust off.

Tiny magic maker I wish you knew the way.
To sit in the palm of my hand, and make the sadness fade away.

Which path is the right one and which is the left?
Unspoken words can't guide me to a place where I can rest.

The truth has found me, and it haunts my sleep.
The oceans are unsettled dark, blue, and deep.

Memories alive grasp onto what's left of the light,
but the ghosts of yesterday sleep with me in the night.

Nonsensical (The Good Kind)

2011-12-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hello there people who I hope are more healthy than me... (That's a sentence that sounds good...)

I am blogging with my friends sinus infection and respiratory infection today. They say hello.

So, things have been crazy. The holiday season usually is. However, there comes a time when things that you've been neglecting pretty much hit you right in the face. If you're a writer...it's most likely your characters that are hitting you in the face. For me, that's about ten to fifteen angry characters smacking me around. I'm not going to pretend like this hasn't happened before. When I was in school I didn't have much time to write because I was using my brain for studying and papers. I should be writing all of the time now right? Wrong. Real life pretty much sucks. I work in retail and I really do have fun at my job, but neglecting the creative side of myself is a dangerous thing for me to do. It's like everything in my life gets all twisted and nonsensical. (Not nonsensical in a good way either.)

Yesterday when I came home from work I was cleaning things up and I went into my "writing room" which is the space I use to write. I glanced over at the marker board and realized that I hadn't spent time in that room for A MONTH! *metaphorical sledgehammer to the face* I thought "how could this be?...Have I really not looked at my draft for a month?!" YEP! A MONTH! Granted, I had the flu and I have been working and now I'm sick again, BUT THERE ARE ALWAYS EXCUSES. Life isn't easy, and it never will be easy. Priorities is what it comes down to. What is more important to you? Watching an hour of TV or writing the next great American novel...? DUH! Hahahaha...Yeah I'm not writing the next great American novel...but I'm writing one that means the world to me and it doesn't deserve to sit on my desk collecting dust. It deserves to be cared for.

I think sometimes we just need a reminder of who we are, and I was lucky enough to get that reminder last week. I went to GCU for a former professor of mine's retirement party. The great Sister Maria Cordis is retiring from her epic teaching at Georgian Court. It was so good to see her, and everyone else. I walked around the mansion as everyone chatted and caught up with one another. Tons of thoughts raced through my head like, "Wow, it would be cool to live here..." hahahaha Then, I stumbled upon the library (which is the picture at the top of this blog and right below.) That's when it hit me. All of the books quietly sitting on the shelves threw a breath of fresh air at me. I remembered my passion and what I truly believe in. (Also I want to own that library.) So, I thank Sister Maria for that among many other things. She is truly a legend and a wonderful woman.

With that said, even though I have my friends sinus infection and respiratory infection with me, I'm going to lay in my bed with my novel and continue to edit. I need to get the nonsensical (the good one) back into my life! It's part of who I am and my characters are really starting to hurt me...hehehe... I know you're sitting there like 0.0 "Christine, you're scaring me a little bit...are you saying your characters are actually hurting you?!" WELL YES I AM. ^.~

WELCOME THE GOOD NONSENSICALNESS!

"In my world...Everything would be nonsense." -Alice

To all that are sick like me or sick in general feel better buddy! To all that are not...USE PURELL!

-Christine

People that Inspire Me: thingsLOAFsays

2011-11-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

Hello World.

I hope that you are well.

Lately, it's been hard to keep myself motivated. I continue to grip tightly onto the dream of one day becoming a successful writer. With the first draft of my novel complete I am now in the editing stage, and I feel as though I'm staring into an abyss of things that need a lot of work. So, days go by and thoughts run through my head both good and bad. I'm wise enough to know that the life of a writer isn't an easy one, and you're going to have moments of wonderful inspiration along with moments of doubt. However, the things that keep me going mostly revolve around the people that inspire me. When I look at someones work or talk to someone who is filled with a creative spirit I gain a breath of fresh air. I then tend to rely on those people (whether they know it or not) to help me believe.

My cousin Cory Attardo sits very high on that list. I have admired his artistic ability since a very young age, and am so happy to watch his ideas develop and grow into such wonderful things. His current project is called "thingsLOAFsays". It is an imaginative compilation of various art forms such as sketches, photography, sculptures, etc. I encourage you to explore his website by clicking the link here: thingsLOAFsays His work is, and will always be a breath of fresh air to me because of it's variety and level of creative genius.

His logo is at the top of this blog post, and I'm pretty sure I'm in love with it. His sculptures are so cool that I wish to own at least 75 of them. He is not only a hilarious artist, but a passionate one. With that said...go...go and dive into the site and join the Facebook group. Creative souls need support and he definitely deserves a lot of support!

Until next time, take care!

-Christine

The Muppets!!!

2011-11-07T12:38:00.001-08:00

I am seriously getting so pumped for The Muppet movie...It could be because I hear the theme song (beautifully redone by OK Go) at work all of the time, plus all of the trailers. I'm going a little Muppets crazy. CAN'T WAIT!

...and I felt the need to share my excitement here.

-Christine

The Anxiety Monster Strikes Again

2011-10-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hello old friend. Nice to see you but I'd appreciate it if you left now. Thanks very much.

A Hot Cup of Something

2011-10-03T18:16:00.001-07:00

Hello all!

I hope that everyone is snuggled up and happy on this fall evening.

Tonight I would like to talk about my need for beverages when writing. I think all writers have their own needs when it comes to "getting in the zone" and such. Mine happens to revolve around having a cup of something next to me. Luckily, I'm not like some writers back in the day that needed to be wasted. Don't worry folks! Most of the time my beverage of choice is a hot one (in the fall/winter anyway). I would like my cup to be filled with coffee all of the time, but unfortunately I would bounce off the walls and never sleep. So, sometimes I drink de-caffeinated tea. (I don't believe in drinking de-caffeinated coffee...not sure why. Just a thing I have.) My favorite tea is chamomile, which I am drinking right now out of my new Mickey Mouse mug. Funny thing is...it actually matters how the mug feels in my hand...yeah I know. Wacky Writer. This Mickey Mouse mug is by far the best mug I've had in a long time.

There is just something that makes me feel inspired when I can reach over to my desk and grab a hot cup of something, take a sip, and return to my creative world. It's such a comfort.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my little ramble.

Thanks for reading,

Christine

Short & Sweet Inspiration

2011-09-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's hard for me to find the right things that make me inspired. I try a lot of different methods all of the time. However, today was different. All it took was for me to hear a simple quote spoken from the mouth of a creative genius. I wanted to share that quote with all of you.

"Sometimes I know what I believe because of what I've written." -J.K. Rowling

(She said that in an interview with Oprah from 2010. Very inspiring.)

Write your heart out people.

-Christine

"It means you're a baboon, and I'm not!"

2011-09-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

This is by far my favorite scene from the Lion King. I love Rafiki so much. I wish he lived with me. He's so wisdomous. Yeah I said it. Wisdomous.

Oh how I love these cartoons!

2011-09-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

We're Going to Disney!!!!!!

2011-09-10T18:54:00.001-07:00

Nyle and I are going to Disney!!!

Let the countdown begin!

155 days to go!!!!!

Thank You J.K. Rowling

2011-09-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hello All. It has finally happened! I have finished reading all of the Harry Potter books.

One day when I have some free time I would really like to dedicate a blog post to my favorite parts/quotes from the books because honestly they touched me in so many ways. They had me laughing, they had me crying, and they definitely had me wishing that I was eleven waiting for an invitation to Hogwarts. However, this blog post isn't going to be about my specific feelings towards each and every book. Instead, I thought it was more important to pay tribute to the writer that made this wonderful wizard world possible for all of us to escape to.

I know you are probably disappointed in me for waiting so long to read the books in the first place. I'm ashamed to say that before July, I was one of those people that saw the movies and didn't care much about the books. Thankfully, a select few people (you know who you are) recommended I read them whilst I was going through my "midsummer unemployment crisis." (Thank you select few people.)

I can honestly say that I will NEVER forget the feeling that washed over

my body when I opened the first page of the first book. I was sucked in.

So, now I will proceed to write something that J.K. Rowling will most likely never see:

Dear J.K. Rowling,

I applaud you with my whole heart. Your imagination is genius and fills me with inspiration. I believe that you have a powerful type of magic inside of you that has allowed you to embed magic onto every single page of the Harry Potter books. Your creativity is an inspiration to me, and I can only hope that one day I will be half the writer that you are. Thank you for reminding me why I want to be a writer.

Love Always,

Christine Attardo

So, now that I feel like a little kid writing a fan letter I will end on this note.... It's a bittersweet feeling finishing the books because I will miss the characters. However, I know it's time to return to my own writing now and focus solely on that. =) Next time I read the books...I hope I'm reading them out loud to my future unborn children. ^.~

Thanks for reading!

-Christine

"Join right in, sing along, with your favorite Disney songs!"

2011-08-24T07:37:00.001-07:00

Now unless you are a mutant from outer space you should recognize this wonderous owl. Yes? That's Professor Owl from Disney's "Sing Along Songs." I came across the picture on Tumblr yesterday and it was as if I was transported through a chain of memories. I probably spent half of my childhood pushing these tapes into my VCR watching them over and over again. (Maybe that's why I know all of the words to most Disney songs...) I think I fell in love with owls the second I saw Professor Owl. I always thought that my obsession started with Archimedes from Sword in the Stone, but now I'm not so sure!

So, what was your favorite "Sing Along Songs" tape? I think I owned the Beauty and the Beast one and the Aladdin one. However, whichever ones I didn't own I rented from the library! Hahahaa.

Ah...to be a child again and sit in front of the TV snacking away on 3D doritos (I wish they still made them...) watching Disney "Sing Along Songs."

Do yourself a favor and go watch the theme song video now....WARNING: IT WILL BE STUCK IN YOUR HEAD ALL DAY!

Clickity Clickity over there -> Disney's Sing Along Songs Opening Theme

^.^ -Christine

Call it Nostalgia or Unemployment Blues

2011-08-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

I haven't written a late night blog post in a really long time....and here I am!

For some reason when I came home tonight I started thinking about a really ridiculous movie that I made with my cousins when I was in high school. (I actually do remember why I was thinking about it! Radio 104.5 THE BEST RADIO STATION OF ALL TIME was playing "Ready to Go" By Republica...triggered the memories) Anyway... It was my junior year and I had to write a script for my creative writing class. What I remember most about the movie (well movies because we made two) was the constant laughter. My fellow "cast" would say that it was mostly me doing the laughing messing up all of the scenes. (They are just too funny....and I like to laugh.)

So unfortunately I'm not in possession of the first movie (which is the better one) but I do have the second one. So when I came home I decided to watch it. I laughed just the same. I decided to take clips from it and set new music to it. Call it nostalgia or my unemployment blues...but I miss when we used to do things like this! Everyone will probably hate me because we all look SOOOOO different. (I wasn't even wearing my snazzy glasses yet....) Anyway, here it is.

Clickity Click Click.

What do you say guys? No Need for Counting Sheep Part 3? We could call it..."We're all getting too f'n old" ^.^

Memories of laughter are the best.

-Christine

Nerd Alert #2: I built Hogwarts!

2011-08-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!!! So I spent the past two days nerd-ing it out (well not the past two days completely) building Hogwarts. I took these beautiful photographs for your viewing pleasure =P

Now...back to reading Order of the Phoenix ^.^

-Christine

New Life Goal cough I mean hobby.

2011-08-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

Own them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Click to see! Harry Potter Lego Stuffess

-Christine

New Poem: "Sandbox"

2011-08-10T11:29:00.001-07:00

New poem...haven't written one in months. Let me know what you think.

"Sandbox."

Dig, dig, dig,

Shovel, shovel, shovel.

Welcome to my sandbox.

Dig, dig, dig,

Shovel, shovel, shovel.

You can have the right half,

and I'll take the left.

Dig, dig, dig,

Shovel, shovel, shovel.

The bucket of water has tipped over again.

Mud. Mud. Mud.

Wet. Sticky. Mud.

I'm...stuck.

Wait, wait, wait,

for the sunshine to come.

I'm...still here.

Rain. Drop. Mud.

Mud. Mud. Mud.

Welcome to your sandbox.

Nerd Alert: I built Hagrid's Lego Hut!

2011-08-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise that I have begun living and breathing Harry Potter since I started reading the books. Lucky for me, Nyle was kind enough to buy me Hagrid's Lego Hut! I really wanted to attempt building something involving Lego's, because when I was little I would always get too frustrated to finish. So here it is...my first finished Lego project. It was SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ^.^ (Of course I had to take pictures and share it with all of you fine people.)

So, now all I need is for someone to give me $130 for the Hogwarts Castle...or ya know just buy me the Hogwarts Castle. ^.~

Yeah...I know I'm a nerd...but I'm an unemployed nerd trying to stay HAPPY! =D

You're jealous.

-Christine

School Memories Through the Years

2011-08-08T13:05:00.001-07:00

So, it's the beginning of August and the summer is coming to an end. Normally, you would find me planning/stressing about going back to school. But wait...it's over?

17 years of schooling has been completed, and here I sit (after surviving all the stress that college brings) missing it.

I thought it might be a fun activity/exercise if I tried to recall one memory or important event that happened each year out of the seventeen.

Here goes nothing:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!

Kindergarten: Well...I do remember my teacher. Her name was Mrs. Wood and she was a really kind lady. I got sick with some kind of stomach flu and had to stay in the hospital for a few days. She had my class make a huge get well poster and delivered it to me while I was there. (What a wonderful woman.)

First Grade: I remember my birthday party that year. My mom took myself and a few of my classmates to see James and the Giant Peach. (Great movie! Makes me want to eat a peach...) I also remember Nacho day...my school had the greatest nachos.

Second Grade: Oh my teacher was mean...I can't remember her name but I do remember her flipping a desk upside down because she got really mad at my class. (Good thing I can't remember her name.)

Third Grade: Hahahaa for some reason the memory that sticks out most for this year is the time I forged my mom's signature on a bad test grade. Of course I got caught...and got into a lot of trouble. I look back on it and like to think it was an important mistake for me to make early in life. ^.~

Fourth Grade: Another mean teacher. I hated fourth grade.

Fifth Grade: The first memory that pops into my mind is my teacher talking on the first day of school. She said these exact words. "You guys are the perfect age group to teach because you can actually cut a straight line!" (....that's harder then it looks you know.)

Sixth Grade: I remember having a conversation with a friend about going into 7th grade and whether or not we would start wearing bras. Hahahahaha

MIDDLE SCHOOL! (when it was only 2 years)

Seventh Grade: Ugh dreaded middle school. I had an English teacher that was obsessed with Walker Texas Ranger.

Eighth Grade: Nothing but drama between stupid people.

HIGH SCHOOL!

Ninth Grade: Scary year....memory....had a really interesting gym class!! Lots of funny stuff happened with that group of people. Met a really great best friend who I'm still friends with today! (Shout out to Allison!)

Tenth Grade: Difficult year. Got my heart really broken for the first time. Even though now that I look back on it, it makes me laugh! High school relationships are silly.

Eleventh Grade: All I remember about this year is spending a lot of money on clothes! I was obsessed with shopping. Mostly because this was a year filled with more drama. Trying to fit into a crowd...or fit into all of them at once.

Twelfth Grade: My senior year of high school was pretty good...but I'm so incredibly blinded by the drama that took place that I can't come up with a memory.

COLLEGE!

I think I will just smush all four years of college into one memory. Stress. Tons of ups and downs like the rest of life. However, there is something about college that changes you. Some for the good and some for the bad.

=) I met Nyle my sophomore year while studying at GCU, and after surviving four years it wasn't hard to realize that he was the best thing that came from college.

(And of COURSE my extensive knowledge in English Literature!!!) I was really lucky to study under some really talented English Literature professors while there. They will remain inside my heart forever because of how much they influenced and inspired me.

I do miss Georgian Court already...but I think that's only because I'm scared about what's ahead of me.

That was an interesting exercise. I hope I didn't bore you to death. It's clear that I have much more vivid memories about my younger years. Probably because I'm in that "I wish I was little" again stage.

Anyway, the point of all of this is....I feel like 'David after the dentist.' Is this real life?

Do I really not have to go back to school and worry about writing ten page papers?

Is what lies ahead of me any better?

Right now it's hard to tell. Not being able to find a job is a real downer. Also not writing.

However....the Harry Potter books continue to save my life and I find myself becoming completely obsessed! Yay for me!

That's all for now...I think that's enough ramble for one day.

-Christine

I will leave you with this super cool picture I took of my stuff the other day.

Most Addicting Game Ever!

2011-08-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Go play it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go...go do it....go......

Adventure Photography

2011-08-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

So Nyle was kind enough to let me borrow his camera and I took a lot of pictures last week. ^.^ It was super fun and I can't wait to take more. Here are some of my favorites!

Pikachu!

Red Bank--Riverside Garden Park. It is honestly one of my favorite places in the world.

This is by far my favorite picture of all time. Tigger is truly my best model. Look at that pink paw!

Reading some Harry Potter! =) I really love that the camera is focused on the words pink and fluffy!

Mufasa Mufasa Mufasa!

How cute is he?

The otters were so playful!

The penguins looked so wise!

Beautiful tiger!

So what did you think?

Till next time!

-Christine

"Shut it down!" -Gordon Ramsay

2011-07-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

Ugh! That's all I've been saying all day. Ugh!

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like you're going to literally explode with frustration. That is how my day has been. I am just feeling so "bleh" for lack of a better term. I was about to post something on my poetry blog when I realized that I was literally writing nonsense. Definitely something I wouldn't be proud of if I posted it. The words of Gordon Ramsay rang in my ears, "Shut it down!" Maybe I'm watching too much Hell's Kitchen...who knows. (By the way...I love Gordon Ramsay...a lot.)

I went out earlier to take some pictures and it started to rain. -_- Even though I managed to clean and cook today (I sound like a bitching housewife) I just feel super low and lost. I spent the morning applying for jobs (like most mornings) and that didn't really help much either. Any suggestions? I bet you're thinking, "Stop whining...we don't want to read this crap!"

Jeez...you guys are mean in my head.

You think I'd write a poem or something. Haven't done that in FOREVER.

Okay...I'm just going to stop complaining now. ^.^ Thanks for listening to me whine.

-Christine

Simple Summer Day

2011-07-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Ah yes...the Simple Summer Day. Luckily, I have found something to keep me from going completely insane (because one can only apply to so many jobs in one day without slipping into a pool of depression.) Anyway, I have started reading the Harry Potter books. ^.^ I know I am way way wayyyyyy late to the game, but it's better late than never. I finished reading the first book today just in time to get the whole set from Amazon. It's half the price if you buy them all together instead of buying them individually! (On Amazon anyway lol) So...I'm going to fight every urge I have to blog about how much I loved reading the first book...because I would like to blog about them all once I have finished reading the whole series. (So there's something to look forward to reader of my blog!)
I know I look incredibly scary in this picture, but I never got to blog about Pecan. Pecan is that adorable green creature in the picture above and below. Nyle got him for me a long time ago, but I just felt the need to put him in a blog. He's so cute! He is part of the Pecanpals. I of course...want them all.

So in other news...there is no other news. I wish I had a nicer camera so I could be more motivated to go out and take more pictures. I haven't been writing anything too creative, but I am thinking of entering an essay contest. Things have been much like a roller coaster and it makes my stomach flip upside down far too often. Reading helps as always =) Sometimes you just need to take a step back and realize that certain things are out of your control. (Which I have a hard time doing.) It's just hard feeling like I'm veering off of my creative track...but I know I'll get back on course. Like I said reading helps! =) Also talking about it...but you'd be surprised how many people don't want to talk about creative troubles. Oh well...this picture below makes me feel better! He's the cutest nephew I have. (He's the only nephew I have. lol AND THAT'S A GOOD THING!)

Till next time!

-Christine

A Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant Book!

2011-07-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

So guess what? I read the most fantastic book! It's called "Room" by Emma Donoghue. I don't think I've ever read a book in my entire life (that I can remember because I've read so many) that made my heart beat so fast. Also, it only took me 2 1/2 days to read it. I just couldn't put it down. This book is an absolute must read!

In an effort to not give anything away I'm going to post the synopsis given on Amazon.com because that is all it took to make me buy the book.

Here it is:

"Amazon.com Review

Amazon Best of the Month, September 2010: In many ways, Jack is a typical 5-year-old. He likes to read books, watch TV, and play games with his Ma. But Jack is different in a big way--he has lived his entire life in a single room, sharing the tiny space with only his mother and an unnerving nighttime visitor known as Old Nick. For Jack, Room is the only world he knows, but for Ma, it is a prison in which she has tried to craft a normal life for her son. When their insular world suddenly expands beyond the confines of their four walls, the consequences are piercing and extraordinary. Despite its profoundly disturbing premise, Emma Donoghue's Room is rife with moments of hope and beauty, and the dogged determination to live, even in the most desolate circumstances. A stunning and original novel of survival in captivity, readers who enter Room will leave staggered, as though, like Jack, they are seeing the world for the very first time. --Lynette Mong"

Please...please go read it! Trust me, once you open the book you won't be able to put it down. It really is one of those books that you just can't stop thinking about even after you're done.

However, now I have a super big problem. I don't know what to read next lol ^.^

-Christine

Breathe in that Nature

2011-07-15T10:33:00.001-07:00

( I want to have a picnic here. ^)

So, did you breathe it in?

It felt so good to be outside in the sun for a few hours today. Water really keeps me calm and brings me back down to earth when my head is filled with a bunch of worries. I've decided that I need to venture out and take pictures like this more often. Perhaps I need a better camera. (Considering I took these pictures with my cell phone ^.^)

More to come soon I hope!

-Christine

Pastina + Headache = Creation

2011-07-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of Google Images.)

So, I don't know what's been going on with me lately but I've been getting a lot of headaches. However, this isn't the reason I am blogging. The reason I am blogging is twofold.

Who has had a bowl of pastina lately? Italian or not this is something you need to do. I recently figured out how my Grandma makes it after years of trying...here is my version of what she does because I'm sure she adds some secret Grandma spice t

hat I'm not adding. It's pretty simple. The key is to cook the pastina in water that has been graced with the presence of a chicken bouillon cube. You have to put the bouillon cube into the water before it starts to boil. Crush it up that way it dissolves completely in the water. Then follow the basic cooking directions on your favorite box of pastina. My favorite is Stelline. Cook it until al dente because if you cook it too long it turns into mush and absorbs all of the broth. The KEY and finishing touch is a sprinkling (or 3lbs if you're my sister) of pecorino romano cheese. Stir and enjoy.

Okay so....I had pastina for dinner....and a headache....and magically....I'm WRITING AGAIN! I have developed a new blog. It's a poetry analysis blog. Do not be discourag

ed weary traveler. If you don't like poetry...perhaps I can change your mind.

Here is the link: A Writer's Way to Poetry (clickity click click)

Let me know what you think. I hope you'll subscribe and enjoy the world of poetry with me.

Also, if you haven't already done so...check out the webcomic that my best friend and I have created. It's wonderous. I write & she draws. What more could you ask for?

It's called LadyTwin Bubble and you can check it out right here: LadyTwin Bubble ^.^ (clickity.)

For the more literary me check out my poetry blog...for the imaginative bubble that I live in with my ladytwin go and check out the webcomic...and if you're just looking for plain old me...well come back here.

Okay, that's all for now. I hope everyone is well. Take care.

-Christine

Writer Left Behind

2011-07-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

So, here is the hard truth. You graduate college and you feel like you're gripping the world in your hand. Anything is possible. Who's the first person that knocks on your door? Self-doubt. What's the first thing he says? "You can't do it."

Why the negative attitude you ask? My inspiration has gone missing!

For some odd reason I have been stripped of it. I was writing like crazy for a few weeks and then BAM...gone. For all of you creative people out there (hopefully you read my blog) you know what I'm talking about. I know it's impossible to feel inspired constantly when you're writing...but I don't like the feeling of facing the keyboard with a huge block of doubt sitting on top of it.

Then there is the dreaded job question. Does anyone have anything else to ask besides "Did you find a job yet?" I feel like saying "Thank's for making me feel like crap...no I haven't."

At the end of the day you have to forget what other people think of you and just keep doing what you love. Of course you have to punch self-doubt in the face first. (Which is easier said than done.)

So, I'll sit here and watch everyone continue on with their lives, or start new ones. My day will come soon enough. Then I'll have that glorious 'world in my hand' feeling again. Hahahahaa. =) I hope you enjoyed my complaining. Thanks for reading.

-Christine

New Beginnings

2011-05-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

In life there are so many important milestones and things that help you to get there. For a writer, something like a computer can act as more than just a computer. It might sound silly, but when I received a MacBook Pro for my birthday/graduation present from my boyfriend I dreaded taking it home. I pictured my small little dell laptop sitting on my desk and thought "she's going to hate me." I was so attached to this computer that I even gave her a name. That name being Lil' Bradshaw.

I can honestly say that Lil' Bradshaw was there from the start of my writing career. Even though 50% of what I wrote on her is in my "this is crap" box, she still played a huge part in it. She was there when I created, what I hope will be, an amazing work. (Once it's finished). Some people don't realize how attached a writer can become to their computer. Lil' Bradshaw was part of what I needed to get in the zone to be able to write. So...I guess the first half of this blog is a thank you to my little dell laptop that has been there for me since I was 16 years old. Thanks for letting me pound on your keys and let out my frustration. Thanks for letting me delete the things that I couldn't delete from my real life. I love you Lil' Bradshaw! =)

Now...on to the new beginnings part. I don't want to make it sound like I'm not absolutely thrilled to be typing this blog entry on my new MacBook Pro. (Thank's again Nyle.) It has been my dream to own one of these things and truth be told, I would have never bought one myself. So, here I am...a graduate of Georgian Court University with my whole life in front of me terrified of what's going to happen next. It's one of those exciting terrified feelings where anything is possible. I hope that my new laptop (which doesn't have a name yet) will stand by my side as I work countless amounts of hours to be the writer that I've always dreamed I would be.

New Beginnings here I come.

-Christine

Faith

2011-05-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

I was asked by my younger cousin to write her a letter for her confirmation. The letter was supposed to address what faith means to you. Here’s what I came up with:

Over the years I have learned that life is about looking above, below, and beyond the surface of what is put in front of you. It isn’t uncommon to learn about life’s imperfections as you start to find out who you are. It is simply part of the journey. Before long you will realize that things aren’t going to come easy, and life is going to throw every obstacle you can imagine in front of you. That’s where faith comes in. Faith is a word that holds many meanings. I believe that “faith” is one of the best words in existence. Faith means something different to everyone, and that’s the beauty in it. Personally, if I could only give one answer to the question “What does faith mean to you?” I would answer: Faith means never having to walk alone. No matter what stands between you and your next step, you’re never alone.

Faith is inside of your heart, and it will guide you.

Faith is the breath of fresh air that fills your lungs with the hope that there will be a better tomorrow.

Faith is the force that pushes you to let go of the past and move toward the future.

Faith will lift you up when you fall. All you have to do is trust in it.

-Christine

The Cat and the Moon

2011-03-16T17:03:00.001-07:00

This is one of the poems that I analyzed for my English seminar paper and I felt the need to share it with you guys. It's wonderous. Read it and enjoy ^.^

THE CAT AND THE MOON

by: W. B. Yeats (1865-1939)

HE cat went here and there
And the moon spun round like a top,
And the nearest kin of the moon,
The creeping cat, looked up.
Black Minnaloushe stared at the moon,
For, wander and wail as he would,
The pure cold light in the sky
Troubled his animal blood.
Minnaloushe runs in the grass
Lifting his delicate feet.
Do you dance, Minnaloushe, do you dance?
When two close kindred meet,
What better than call a dance?
Maybe the moon may learn,
Tired of that courtly fashion,
A new dance turn.
Minnaloushe creeps through the grass
From moonlit place to place,
The sacred moon overhead
Has taken a new phase.
Does Minnaloushe know that his pupils
Will pass from change to change,
And that from round to crescent,
From crescent to round they range?
Minnaloushe creeps through the grass
Alone, important and wise,
And lifts to the changing moon
His changing eyes.

Questions

2011-03-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

In the midst of working on/writing my english seminar poetry paper, I found that a little voice in the back of my head was telling me to write a blog. I feel like it's been eating me up inside really. So anyway, I have recently begun to realize that life just has too many questions. It might sound kind of simple, or maybe you feel like I'm acting like the riddler...but it annoys me.

I guess the part that annoys me is that questions seem to fill up my head all of the time before I make a decision. Yes, I know that is called being indecisive...however I feel like it's much more than that. Think about how many times a day you are faced with a question. Whether it be a simple one or a difficult one, it is still a question. Eventually all questions have to be answered. [Ah yes, the dreaded answer.] "Should I do this?" "What does that mean?" It's endless.

I think even though questions annoy me...I find comfort in them sometimes. I find comfort in the contemplation stage of the questioning process. Maybe that's because I'm a writer and feel it necessary to draw EVERY possible meaning from something. Besides, once you have an answer there is limited room for discovery. I hate when people answer things too quickly. lol I'm sure people hate that I question everything to death too.

Now I am realizing that this blog will probably make no sense to any of you...however, I feel a bit better now. Maybe I am like the riddler "There's just too many questions..." hahahaha. I don't know...writing this paper is making me wacky...and now I shall return to the madness.

Ta ta for now.

-Christine

New Website Design

2011-02-26T08:45:00.001-08:00

Heylo Everyone.

So I got randomly inspired yesterday to re-design/change a ton of things on my website. (I think it had something to do with the four cups of blueberry pomegranate tea I drank) Anyway, I spent around 8hrs working on it and I LOVE IT SO MUCH MORE NOW! yayyyyy!!!! So...anyways....if you haven't already seen it take a look and let me know what you think!

Here is the link. A Writer's Way: The Writings of Christine Attardo

-Christine ^.~

Love

2011-02-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

Love.

Love lies deep within all of us. Love gets hidden behind walls and walls of insecurity, jealousy, and hatred. Love is sacrifice. Love is a feeling that brings out the best and worst in people. Love grows in those that are brave enough to not give up on it. Love means never walking away. Love means adoring a person for their good and accepting their bad. Love means taking care of someone else's heart. Love is believing. Love means believing that you have the power to change. Love means believing that you will fight to get your heart back if you lose it. Love is inspiring. Love makes it easy to get through anything. Love makes the sun shine brighter. Love means caring. Love means giving and taking. Love means working through painful times no matter how much it hurts.

Love means walking through the fire, forgetting about the rain, and always believing in the sunlight.

---

Yesterday was my grandparents 56th anniversary and it made me wonder if love like that exists anymore. Tomorrow is a hallmark holiday that I actually liked...but unfortunately I won't be celebrating it. I have had offers from my best friend to be my valentine and I think I will have to turn her down. My heart is telling me to be a lonely valentine and miss the one that I love the most.

I will always believe in love...no matter how much it hurts.

Three of the most powerful words in the world: I love you.

"Love is a friendship set on fire." -Jeremy Taylor

-Christine

Change

2011-02-10T15:46:00.000-08:00

I have driven over the same train tracks on rt. 9 for almost four years now and never have I seen an actual train. Today I found myself out of hope. Everything in my life seems to be falling apart in front of me and I am just trying to keep myself held together. I'm a person who is uncomfortable with change and 9 times out of 10 I like for things to always be the same. However, as I drove home exhausted from the day I saw flashing red lights in front of the train tracks and traffic came to a stop. My ears were filled with joy as I heard the loud sound of a train whistle. Right before my eyes a long monstrous train crossed over the tracks slowly enough for me to admire it and say "wow." Somehow...seeing that train cross over tracks that I thought were never used, made me feel better. It made me feel like change can sometimes give hope. I watched the train move far away and continued to drive. I have been on a Keane kick lately and although it is a common song, I decided to listen to "Everybody's changing" and the lyrics that stand out the most to me are "I try to stay awake and remember my name but everybody's changing and I don't feel the same." I feel like those words are so true for me right now, and even though it's mostly filled with negativity when I think about it...the train made me feel better. =)

-Christine

From Inspiration to Darkness

2010-10-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hello All.

I hope everyone is well. I decided to write a blog tonight because as the days progress and I fall back into reality, I lose the magic that I felt last week.

Last week we had a Author in Residence at Georgian Court. Her name is Lisa Fugard and she is one of the most inspiring people I have ever worked with in my entire life. (Much better than other creative writing people.) Anyway, she was at GCU to instruct the one week intensive writing fiction course. (She also presented on the National Day of Writing which I attended. I bought her book Skinner's Drift and I really can't wait to read it. I just need to find the time.) Myself and six other students had the pleasure of working with her. We did many different writing exercises which helped expand my mind greatly. I dug out one of my unfinished short stories to work on during the week and it was a great success. Lisa helped me to look at my writing in a new light and it made a huge difference. At the end of the week we had to present our work in progress which surprisingly went well for me. I was terrified to be reading in front of a crowd of people, but lucky for me, the crowd wasn't too big. Everyone who I talked to liked my work in progress which made me smile. It's also a good thing because I'm continuing to write it now. =) Here is a picture of me and the Writer/Teacher Extraordinaire Lisa Fugard.

It amazed me that four days of intensive writing with a group of people and a wonderful instructor made me feel renewed and refreshed. I had forgotten how important writing really was to me. I knew that I had let it slip out of my life and it was something on the back burner. I would write a poem here and there but I was never dedicated to one project for very long. I promised myself that I wouldn't let it happen again, so I'm trying to work on this short story a little bit every day until it is completed. Here is a picture of six out of the seven of us with Lisa after we presented our works in progress.

Truly an amazing group of people. =)

Then, reality came back and totally destroyed me over the course of four days. Great huh? I feel sick to my stomach now and I'm not sure if it's because I ate something that my stomach usually doesn't allow me to eat, or because my nerves are absolutely shot to hell. I still managed to do some writing, but as I sat in my chair I felt the weight of all the little demons sitting on top of my head and shoulders. Little bastards wont go away...they just keep spawning more. For a breath of inspiration I decided to buy Lisa's online seminar from Hay House and I listened to some of that. (Part of me wants to listen to it slowly so it never ends lol) She spoke to us in person about writing morning pages. The concept of morning pages is from a book called "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. (I think I need to buy it) Anyway, morning pages are three pages that you write as soon as you wake up in the morning to drain your brain of nonsense. I think I'm going to start doing that...In her online seminar she spoke about internet and email distractions. (I STRUGGLE WITH THAT ALL OF THE TIME!) Instead of checking her email when she gets the notification she reads a poem. HOW CLEVER! She then proceeded to read the poem which is actually very inspiring...so I will share it here!

“You Don’t have to Act Crazy Anymore”

You don’t have to act crazy anymore -

We all know you were good at that.

Now retire, my dear,

From all that hard work you do

Of bringing pain to your sweet eyes and heart.

Look in a clear mountain mirror –

See the Beautiful Ancient Warrior

And the Divine elements

You always carry inside

That infused this Universe with sacred Life

So long ago

And join you Eternally

With all Existence - with God!

( from I Heard God Laughing - Poems of Hope and Joy)

Inspiring huh?? Anyway, it was so nice to meet a person that loves writing and supports other writers! As the days go by and reality stabs me...I have to learn to force myself to think about my writing and the inspiring people I have met and had the pleasure of working with. Thank you Lisa!

Interesting...writing all of this out has helped a bit.

Anyway, I hope I didn't bore you! Haha

-Christine

Letting the frustration out.

2010-10-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings All!

Guess what? I have a new poem for you. I have been inspired to write a poem since class last Thursday when my Prof. recited this quote: "Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world." (Fuck yes. We are.) So, I hope you like this poem...a lot of symbolism. (sorry it's not happy and cheery...but I've been following my frustration around until I can somehow express it creatively so it gets OUT OF ME. lol)

(this picture is badass. ^^^^)

I recall the broken piano that I could never tune.

The dark room that it sat in covered in dust.

I saw hope in the shambles, the great ruin,

But with the instrument came little trust.

It preferred to play itself-refused to take command,

The music never matched my words.

I was simply the devil with idle hands,

Happiness would never be heard.

I believed in an illusion,

My ears mesmerized by the sound.

It filled my soul with confusion,

Brought deadly demons around.

Possessed by a melody replaying in my mind,

Not keys, but black and white bruises to be.

Glass tears shattered watched time unwind,

I shut the door before it blinded me.

I marched down a new road listening for another,

I saw it through a store window.

I remained un-tuned-my story absent of structure,

But time healed its wounds and made it new.

What a fool I was to try and learn,

As I watched both ends of my candle burn.

But no matter how much time goes by,

That grand frustration makes me wonder why.

Opinions?

-Christine

Two Very Different Poems!

2010-09-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Yes it has been forever since I have posted a blog. (School sucks.) However, I wanted to share two poems that I wrote within the past two weeks. They are both extremely different!!! I wrote one (the more depressing one) last Friday morning after having an awful nightmare. Instead of carrying it around with me all day I decided to write a poem to get it off my chest. The other one (the cheerful silly one) I began writing during class one night when I was filled with anxiety. I finished it a few minutes ago. (Usually I am unable to go back to a poem and complete it because I lose my original goal of the poem...but this one was different so YAY!) Anyway, I hope you like them. I will post the depressing one first, so the second one can cheer you up! hahaha Poetry is a wonderous thing. It truly truly is. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

Slumber is disturbed by a vision of nightmare and gore

The things you always wish to forget grasping at you like a demon

A dark street, a black cloak, cold hands banging at your door

No matter how far you run they hope you will hear them

The footsteps grow near, your shadow knows not what to say

You swore you would be stronger, you swore you’d be brave

Their eyes are red wondering how you got this way

They question what you’ve become, what memories did you save

Hearts beating rapid trembling to words unspoken

The candle flames have blown out, your world is a mess

Anger boiling for a chance to break the madness open

All that’s left is a town filled with darkness

Time heals wounds and the future approaches fast,

But why must we dream of the past?

---

My legs have turned to jelly, My heart is racing fast

I sit here and bide time waiting for it to pass

I think of bright vivid colors like pink, blue, green

I try and stifle my anxiety before I start to scream

Tick tock goes the clock and I see three fine mice

They bow with their top hats and two begin to fight

The third one’s face turns red and he pulls them apart with all his strength

He makes the two promise to never act so foolish again

The small one starts to cry and the second one does the same

A giant purple cat jumps from the ceiling with hungry thoughts in his brain

The three join hands together and speed to my desk

They hide behind my books and try to catch their breath

The cat asks me where they went and I shrug my shoulders absent of a clue

The small one sneezes causing the others to sneeze too

The cat calls my bluff and leaps onto my books

I grab the mice and protect them like a pirate would their loot

I summon my wings and fly high into the blue sky

I give the mice parachutes and wave to them goodbye

I hear a loud knocking, my professor waking me from sleep

My imagination took hold of me creating memories I’ll always keep

-----

okay what did ya think?!?!!?!?!

-Christine

New Poem by Me! "The Flying Writer"

2010-08-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! Here is my new poem. I'm exhausted so hopefully you don't find typos...anyway I hope you like it!!!!!

"The Flying Writer" (c) 2010

Writers block…Two words of an excuse.

What I use when I can’t find my muse.

Not enough time in the day,

To write down what my characters have to say.

I leave them alone trapped in my mind

Beating on my veins until they’re alive.

I forget I have created chaos unfinished,

And carry it with me until my words are diminished.

I set goals unrealistic to meet,

Because I want to fly and not use my feet.

My stories inhale, exhale, live, and lie.

I watch the flames flicker and die.

My heart believes in things that should be forgotten

I keep walking when the path is rotten.

I write instead of speak.

I conceal thoughts inside instead of teach.

The only hope I have when the day is done

Is that I am a writer and I’ll never be alone.

Did you like it? =)

-Christine

M&M's and Cran-Apple Juice.

2010-08-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Long time no blog! I'm currently eating some M&M's that melted a couple days ago and have become solid again...just pulled out a really funky looking one, but it was delicious. Oh yes, and I have a giant glass of cran-apple juice...because it's good. So I'm really frustrated with this summer. It went by too fast and I got nothing accomplished that I wanted to. That's the thing about goals...I think I set really big ones for myself and then when I don't meet them I'm disappointed. If I would just stop expecting too much of myself I think I'd be good. lol ^.^

With the bad news from the doctor (basically going to have Seymore forever) & school being two weeks away I find myself leaving the world of positive thinking and that is nothing but BAD. I need to buy a book entitled "STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP CHRISTINE! BREATHE! EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY!" If anyone happens to see that in Barnes & Noble let me know...I need it.

In other news...

-I read all of the Scott Pilgrim books and well they are AMAZING (Highly rec.) The movie was good, but not as good as the books. The first half of the movie was awesome...second half changed too much of the actual story. The video game = AWESOME!! Go play it.
-Other movies I saw within the past two weeks were Charlie St. Cloud (good but very very sad) Eat, Pray, Love (bad bad bad) Sorry Julia Roberts...but my favorite part was Italy...and that is only because there were awesome pictures of food.

-I perfected my tomato sauce last week & made homemade pizza on Sunday with Nyle. Turns out he is an expert at dough shaping...so...I love him even more now. hehehehe ;)

-I got a haircut...I look awesome! lol Not many people noticed...but oh well!

-I'm going to Baltimore, Maryland this weekend with Nyle and his wonderous family. I am very excited! I just hope Seymore doesn't ruin it for me...or the anxiety monster! It will be nice to get away for a few days!

-No good news on the writing front...the summer was too hectic (I know I'm making excuses) but I guess I just have to be thankful that I got FURTHER in my awesome masterpiece. One day it will be finished.
-I DON'T WANT TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL!!!!!!!! I know it's just one more year...but this is going to be the hardest year EVER! Yeah...can someone write that book please? Or recommend a good one lol

-I'm currently reading Chi's Sweet Home...it is super cute! Read it if you like cute anime cats. heheehe

-I spoke to my Nun of a professor today so I could get a head start on the crazy amount of reading I have to do this semester. First book = Pride & Prejudice. I love Jane Austen so hopefully it will be an enjoyable read.

-Also I need an exercise routine to help my stress management. Who wants to call me every morning and scream at me so I get out of bed and run before work??? Let me know.

That's all for now. Hopefully it won't take me a month to write an entry again. ^.^ Best to you all.

-Christine

p.s. I ate too many M&M's and now my stomach hurts so I don't want to drink my Cran-Apple...LAME to the tenth power. "F'reals" ^.^

MOSQUITO BITES!

2010-07-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

I'm writing to you as I itch one of the 7 mosquito bites I have on my leg. AHHHH! SO ITCHY! Once you start to itch a mosquito bite...it's impossible to stop! Worst bug ever!....Well maybe not....but RAWRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!! Anyway, I had bronchitis for 2 weeks...that wasn't fun...but I'm feeling better now! However, that is no excuse for not blogging for SO LONG! I can't believe how long it has been. My Grandma was visiting here for 3 weeks...she just left this morning to go back to Florida. I had fun while she was here. =) I hate that July is almost over...it is making me half freak out because I know that at the end of August...I go back to HELL *cough* I mean...school...HELL! (One more year....) >.< In other news...I SAW INCEPTION THIS PAST WEEKEND with the love of my life Nyle!! =D
Other then that....I have been playing Yoshi Island DS! Which is such a cute/fun game! My mind has been bursting with creativity but because I was sick & working so I didn't have much time to write. HOWEVER that ends now! I must must must must must crack down on my writing, because if I don't I will be very sorry when the summer is over! I'm going to try and write every day after work. I'll let ya know how it goes....I promise! ^.^

Now, I'm going to go play Yoshi Island DS before I pass out of exhaustion!

Be well!

-Christine

P.S. I'm going to scratch my feet off. Stupid Mosquitoes!

Flowers, Swings, and Smiles!

2010-06-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hey there!
Look at my beautiful bloomed lillies!!!

Okay...here's the thing. Last night when I went to bed...two out of three of those flowers were closed buds. I knew that one of them was going to bloom overnight because it was slightly opened. I woke up in the morning, and I was right. So I was soooo excited and happy. Then when I came home from work, the OTHER one bloomed too! So of course I was really happy and took a picture. However, the question popped into my head...why do flowers bloom when I'm not watching them?!?!?!?!?!? I feel like I walked out of my room to go to work and the flower was like "HA SHE ISN'T WATCHING" *Blooms* lol If someone can please give me an answer that would be great...I just want to watch a flower bloom in front of my eyes...is that so much to ask? Anyway, aren't they beautiful?!?!? Nyle gave them to me and I never want them to die. I hate when flowers die -_-

So after I finished my homework, Nyle surprised me and took me to the park to swing on the swings and take a walk. I cherish spending times like that with him. There is nothing better then relaxing amongst pretty green nature with the one you love. ^.^ He rescues me from all the badness in my life.

Okay...guess what? I need to write...and I'm going to attempt to right now...well wait...first ....
I have to make a public announcement and thank my dear bestest twin lady for all of the glorious music that she has given me within the past week. Oh how my music horizon has expanded. Thank you Lady Kelly!!!! It has helped my inspiration grow!

Oh yes, I also drew that...what do ya think?

Okay! That is all...

-Christine

I really want a Keyblade...

2010-06-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!!!

I hope all is well. Seymore is being a total trash bag right now and torturing my stomach...but anyway, I decided to write a quick blog about how much I want a keyblade...

I really love Kingdom Hearts, Kairi especially...and I kind of want to play both games all the way through again (*cough* I didn't really play the first one to the end...) But honestly...Kairi is so awesome...

What made me think of this you ask? Well, Nyle had me watch these videos called 'Dead Fantasy' last summer...and I felt like watching it again...and it brought the Kairi love back to me because she is in two. I think I need to buy a figure of her...Stupid comic shop doesn't have it anymore -_- Here is the link to the video! It makes me want to beat the hell out of someone lol My fav part begins at minute 7:24 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKtG-wsH2VM I want to be her in this video....how epic....(p.s. if the link doesn't work I'll put it on my facebook)

Maybe I'll get a necklace with one on it...because chances are I wont be able to afford a replica...lol

Okay that's it....SMILE! =D Seriously, how can you not smile looking at that picture?

Back to reading Black Bird...Steamy Steamy ^.^

-Christine

The Latest News in bloggy shloggy form.

2010-05-31T15:07:00.001-07:00

(I want to be sleeping like them)

Heyyyy Everyone!

I am sorry it has been so long since I have written. I feel like I have been oober oober busy. (P.S. Not sure if I have mentioned this before...I know the correct spelling of oober is "uber" but I like the way it looks more...my way.) ^.^

Anyway, last weekend was pretty much a disaster because I had to go to the hospital...crazy crazy stuff.

This weekend was very nice ^.^ Actually, I think Sunday was my favorite day. I don't even remember Saturday. I'm counting today (Monday) as part of the weekend because it is Memorial Day. Even though it was a good weekend I still don't feel relaxed and I have NO idea why that is...Do you know? If so, please tell me.

Let's see...Latest News...well I'm 21 now lol Birthday was pretty good!

In Books: I finished reading the Kitchen Princess series since the last time I wrote a blog. IT WAS AMAZING! I am now reading the Chobits Omnibus Vol. 1 and I heart it. It is very interesting & cute. I saw another manga in the store today that I think I want to read. Tis called "Black Butler" anyone read it? Should I? The guy on the cover is steamy looking so that is what initially attracted me to it...lol Look....

In TV/Movies: Well I'm watching XXXHolic Season 1 and that of course is amazing. Also watching The Office seasons with Nyle (I have seen them all already, but watching them with him makes me laugh even harder) I saw Iron Man 2 and UGHHHHH THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. Robert Downey Jr. is one sexy superhero. I also saw Sex and the City 2...which was....okay. (Def. not as good as the first movie.) The parts that excited me the most were seeing Carrie in my favorite newspaper printed dress from way back when (Season 3 I think) and Aidan of course. However, I would watch Iron Man 2 60Billion times again...lol Pepper is so epic-ly awesome. Best quote of the movie = "I was going to make an omelet and tell you!" hahahaha That movie made me want to be a super hero more then I already did before seeing it.

In Writing: Oh fuck yes, I'm writing again. Fuck yes. Hehehe. =D

And I guess that's all I have to say. I'm hoping that my work week goes by fast with as little stress as possible! Next weekend should be a great weekend! *fingers crossed*

I gotta go buy myself flowers because they really brighten up my day...I need to stop being to stingy with my money...even though I really like being stingy with my money...lol hahhaa I shall remain stingy and buy myself flowers when the next paycheck comes.

That is all.

-Christine

p.s. I probably forgot to write about 16 million other things going on in my life...oh well.

A Writer's Way

Think Yoda.

Confidence in Writing

Eggplant!

Idea Journals

Rainy Days and Chai Tea

With a dreamy far-off look...and her nose stuck in a book!

Breaking the Wall

Procrastination...but not really...

It wouldn't be right if I didn't title this post: Batgirl Love.

Tiny Magic Maker

Nonsensical (The Good Kind)

People that Inspire Me: thingsLOAFsays

The Muppets!!!

The Anxiety Monster Strikes Again

A Hot Cup of Something

Short & Sweet Inspiration

"It means you're a baboon, and I'm not!"

Oh how I love these cartoons!

We're Going to Disney!!!!!!

Thank You J.K. Rowling

"Join right in, sing along, with your favorite Disney songs!"

Call it Nostalgia or Unemployment Blues

Nerd Alert #2: I built Hogwarts!

New Life Goal *cough* I mean hobby.

New Poem: "Sandbox"

Nerd Alert: I built Hagrid's Lego Hut!

School Memories Through the Years

Most Addicting Game Ever!

Adventure Photography

"Shut it down!" -Gordon Ramsay

Simple Summer Day

A Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant Book!

Breathe in that Nature

Pastina + Headache = Creation

Writer Left Behind

New Beginnings

Faith

The Cat and the Moon

Questions

New Website Design

Love

Change

From Inspiration to Darkness

Letting the frustration out.

Two Very Different Poems!

New Poem by Me! "The Flying Writer"

M&M's and Cran-Apple Juice.

MOSQUITO BITES!

Flowers, Swings, and Smiles!

I really want a Keyblade...

The Latest News in bloggy shloggy form.

New Life Goal cough I mean hobby.