Monday, September 28, 2009

Legos, Legos, Legos

Did you ever play with Legos as a child? I'm sure we all have once or twice. I did--Did you know that Legos were invented in Denmark? My family on my mother's side is Danish; in fact, my mother was born in Denmark.

So speaking of Denmark and Legos, here's a couple of pictures: one of the real harbor and one of a Lego harbor--bet you can't tell which is which...okay, just kidding on that one.



































Here's another great feat of imagination and Lego architecture:



For more images of this thing, go here: http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=126969

Monday, September 21, 2009

When I grow up, I want to be...

Certainly not what I am now. I had dreams of being a teacher, but those plans went awry with the advent of my first baby.

Since then, I have never really picked up a new dream. I've toyed with different ideas, but never pursued any of them due to various reasons, mostly financial in nature.

Mostly I enjoy being a homemaker, although that is not my primary day job right now. Several years ago, I discovered a joy in writing, and have been able to achieve a certain proficiency at it. I joined the world's largest writing organization to learn my craft and meet some people. These people are my soul sisters and brothers (yes, there are a few men).

The organization is for those pursuing publication, learning the ins and outs of the industry, learning the business side of things, networking, learning the craft, honing your skills, etc....

I love the knowledge that I've gained, the steps and elements I can identify in books other works that cross-over from writing, and glad I've grown some as a person and leader. I cherish the friendships I've made.

But as I've slaved over manuscripts these last several months to a year, I've learned some things about myself and writing. And I've had to ask myself, is the pursuit of a publishing contact my dream? No, not really. Sure, I'd like to see my name on a book cover, but it's not the be-all end-all goal of my life. It's not my passion.

So the question is: what is my passion?

Let me get back to you.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Robin Hood has returned...

Not only to American airwaves, but from the the Holy Land, where we left him at the end of Series 2 (that's how the Brits refer to their TV seasons).

Our poor hero has returned broken and grieving after burying his one true love, Marian, in the Holy Land. All he has to remember her by is her wedding ring and the final act of love: their wedding vows. They pledged their love as Marian lay dying in the sand.



Robin has returned to England after several months traveling back from the Holy Land, and he's hell bent on revenge for the death of his wife. He no longer believes he can carry on as England's hope against tyranny.

Over all, I enjoyed the episode. The end where he made up with the gang after his bitter angry words to them was a bit too easy and pat. We needed a bit of lingering hard feelings at least another episode, but alas I'm not the show's writer...

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Back to School Night/Proud Parent Moment

Last night we met all my son's teachers. All women, all very nice. All very committed to making sure each student understood the subjects being taught. All seeming to love having our son in her class. His English/Reading teacher was impressed by his broad vocabulary--especially the big words he knows how to use. With a mom who loves to read and write, and two big sisters who were a bit older than him, he's been exposed to an advanced vocabulary since he was born.

He is also sitting first chair in band at the moment. Woo hoo!

We met the young lady he likes--a flautist and cheerleader. She's a cutie.

We've signed him up for the tutoring program--not because he needs help right now, but just to make sure that at the first sign of trouble the help is in place. The tutoring program is 34 hours over the course of the semester and provides a meal and transportation. How nice is that??

The thing that most impressed me was that all his teachers spoke well. We live in a very mixed neighborhood, more blacks and Hispanics than whites. In fact, there are only 42 white kids in this school, but I digress. As you can imagine most of the teachers at his school are also black. And a lot of the time, in my area, black people don't speak well--in that they don't enunciate and they tend to use incorrect verb tenses, etc. Not these ladies--with maybe one or two minor exceptions they all spoke proper American English. Now, the principal, on the other hand...ugh! But he seemed to have a passion for the school and the kids, so...