Tech Search

Posted on February 3, 2014 | Leave a comment

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been talking to you folks about my writing endeavors.  Well, first of all, I’d like to proudly announce that I obtained my goal of completing the first draft of my novel by the end of January.  Hu-freain-zzah!!  Now, said manuscript still needs to undergo some heavy editing, but that’s a whole other can of worms I won‘t open just yet.

During my journey writing this rough draft, I’ve come to the decision that I’m going to set aside my old school pen and paper for my next project and instead try using a computer.  But that brings me to my current conundrum and I hope some of my readers might be able to offer me some advice or suggestions.

I’m looking for a new computer to use exclusively for my writing.  Something slim, light and easy to carry, with a full keyboard, USB port(s), a decent word program (not having to purchase Office separately would be stellar), and a rather long battery life.  I’m not a Mac/Apple person so that end of the tech spectrum is out (no offense to the Mac/Apple users out there!).  I’ve been eyeing a certain device but I have my reservations where I‘ve read conflicting reviews and the price is at the top of my budget.  Before Christmas, I thought I found a decent device in the ASUS Transformer Book but after further inspection I sadly found that it didn’t work for me.

I can usually come to a decision on my own after doing a bunch of research, but this time I’m stuck.  Does anyone out there have any suggestions for a writer friendly (and highly mobile) laptop or tablet with a keyboard dock for under $500?  Do any of you who write regularly have devices you swear by?

Until next time…

[-_-]

~A.M.

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Cat All Up In My Business

Posted on January 27, 2014 | Leave a comment

 

I mentioned last week about how I was starting to get back into the groove of writing after a year-long dry spell.  Well, sometimes when the proverbial “creative juices” go from a steady flow to a sporadic trickle, I try something different to kick-start the creative process.  It’s usually something simple like a change of scenery.  This happened recently and since I was without transportation, I had to rely on a very small change of scenery.  Like a twenty steps or less, change of scenery.  Basically, I just moved my work from the desk in my office, to my kitchen table.

 

Bad idea.

 

Now, before I go any further, I have to mention that I typically write long hand (to those of you who have lost touch with simplicity and the ways of life before computers became the go-to method of…everything and don‘t know what I mean here, “long hand” means “I write with a pen and paper”).  That arcane technique opens me up to some interruptions, namely from my cats when they want my attention.  And what do my cats do when they want my attention?  They sprawl themselves across whatever book or piece of paper I have in front of me.  And that’s exactly what happened recently with my cat Abby.

 

Proof…

 

 

Abby Wanting Attention

 

Looks like I’m going to have to try typing my next novel instead of going the long hand route.

 

Until next time…

 

[^_^]

 

~A.M.

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Posted in Cats, Photography, Writing

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Getting Back Into The Groove

Posted on January 20, 2014 | Leave a comment

Those of you that read my blog regularly (all two of you!), might remember me talking about other interests I have, namely my interest in writing.  Creative writing.

Last year was a rather bad year for my writing.  Ok, ok, it was horrible.  I didn’t write anything more than my Monday blogs and my daily personal journal entries.  The novel I’ve been working for quite some time just on sat on my bookshelf, lonely, and unloved all year long.

I was in such a slump last year that I actually started to think about shelving the project for good and not even bothering to finish it.  Oh the shame!!  [-_-,]

Then came 2014 and my new year’s resolution.  No, I didn’t make one of the typical resolutions like exercising more (though I should), eating better (though I should), or losing weight (though I really should).  I made a resolution to get out of my creative dry spell, clawing my way if necessary, and to finish my manuscript.

Well, I’m happy to report that my resolution is going strong.  Granted it’s only been a week and a half, but finally I’m getting back into the groove!  After all, like they say, you can’t be a writer if you don’t write!  Right?!

So, those of you who are into sci-fi novels and might be interested in what I‘m writing, keep an eye and ear out.  I‘ll be sure to make an announcement when I finish my manuscript (and hopefully I‘ll be able to publish it).  But, if I happen to post later, telling you I’ve faltered and haven‘t finished my manuscript, I’d be obliged if someone would help light the proverbial “fire under my ass”.  [^_^]_b

Until next time…

[^_^]

~A.M.

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My Cat Smells Like Bacon…What?…

Posted on January 13, 2014 | Leave a comment

Yes, you read the title right.  No, I’m not joking.  And sadly there’s no image I can share with you this week.

Now, I don’t know why this happens, but my cats’ fur tends to absorb scents from around my house.  Most often it’s the scent of my perfume or an air freshener/fabric refresher I’ve sprayed, but their fur also absorbs the scents of things I cook.  It’s kind of hilarious!

A few days ago, I cooked up some vegan bacon (yes there is such a thing and don‘t judge!).  About an hour after cooking the bacon, while I was on my computer, one of my cats (Kenzi, whom you’ve seen images of before) jumped up onto my desk and rubbed her head against my cheek.  I had just happened to take in a breath at that moment and smelled bacon.  I realized the smell wasn’t a lingering scent in the air, but that it was coming from my cat‘s fur.

My cat smelled like bacon!

Until next time…

[^_^]

~A.M.

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First Shot of 2014

Posted on January 6, 2014 | 2 comments

Welcome to the new year, everyone!  I hope everyone’s new year’s celebrations went well and that all your resolutions are still going strong.  I would hope people haven’t faltered this soon into the new year!

As I do each year, I’m using today’s post to share with all of you, the first image I shot this year.  Here’s another image of the ice adorning the trees around where I live.

Icy Trees

Happy New Year!

Until next time…

[^_^]

~A.M.

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Posted in Nature, Photography

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