The first lines of a novel have to do so much -- set the tone, hook the reader and begin the story. I've started an informal survey and looked at about 20 contemporary books to decide who does it best.
For the me the winner was Jodi Picoult's Second Glance with this opening: Ron Wakeman succeeded the first time he killed himself, but not the second or third.
Isn't that fantastic and don't you just wonder how long it took her to write that sentence.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
This is a picture of the Aron Spelling Manson up for grabs at a mere $150 million. It got me to thinking that if the person who can afford this estate has that kind of money, then what kind of money do they really have? What would I do if I had $150 million at my disposal?
Though the Manson is absolutely beautiful, I can't help but wonder, why would anyone need that kind of space and expense? Why do folks with money need bigger and better or more of everything? It makes a statement. I'm wealthy, I'm powerful, I've made it in life. Nothing wrong with that. They earned it.
But, if I had $150 million in my pocket, after sharing it with my family I'd buy a small log home on a hilltop somewhere, overlooking mountains and rivers and the untamed beauty untouched by man. Where I could look out a window and see deer grazing and bear pole dancing. Just me and mother nature soaking in the peace and quiet:)
I'm at an age where I'm simplifying my life and downsizing. Keeping it easy and manageable for me. Less stressful and less work.
What would you do with $150 million?
Friday, March 27, 2009
March Showers?
Around here spring is all about getting outside, clearing away limbs and leaves and uncovering the flowers growing in the spring gardens. It's a time when we cheer at the Robins' return, chase flocks of turkeys toward the meadows where any mess they leave behind won't find its way to our shoes and peer into the forest with hopes of seeing mother fox.
Too, we hope for showers after sundown. Not snow showers, heaven forbid! But rain...here we hope for rain. Why? I want the grass to turn green. I want the brown, dismal days of early spring to give way to lush, green growing moments. I look forward to the road outside our house being washed clean, the winter sand sloughed clear from the road's edge.
Yes, I hope for rain. My father always told me "rain brings happiness" and, you know, I think he's right. I know I smile when I roll over in the night, and hear raindrops falling on our roof.
What about you? Have you and springtime wishes? Me...I'm hoping the March showers roll right on over into April showers because you know what that means, don't you?
Happy Friday!
Too, we hope for showers after sundown. Not snow showers, heaven forbid! But rain...here we hope for rain. Why? I want the grass to turn green. I want the brown, dismal days of early spring to give way to lush, green growing moments. I look forward to the road outside our house being washed clean, the winter sand sloughed clear from the road's edge.
Yes, I hope for rain. My father always told me "rain brings happiness" and, you know, I think he's right. I know I smile when I roll over in the night, and hear raindrops falling on our roof.
What about you? Have you and springtime wishes? Me...I'm hoping the March showers roll right on over into April showers because you know what that means, don't you?
Happy Friday!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Going to the Pictures
On Tuesday my husband surprised me by saying. "Would you like to go to the pictures this afternoon?" WHAT? Now believe me when I tell you, he has not been to the pictures for about twenty five years. How come he wanted to go now, of course he didn't know but felt it was something he would like to do.
I checked out what was on at the new cinema about three miles from where we live. I gave him the list and he selected "Young Victoria." The cinema is one of those very smart affairs with about six small screens, holding about 150 clients. He was amazed at the food that you could buy before you went in. Last time he went there was a glass booth and a lady sold packets of candy and little else.
Did he enjoy the experience? Will he go again? No he won't be going again. Absolutely not he assures me. Film no good then? No, the opposite in fact, he loved the film, as did I. A wonderful trek through British history and a different view of the longest reigning Monarch Britain has ever had. No, the problem was the sound. Way too loud! The trailers were the worst offenders, they blasted us out of our seats. As it was we had to put our fingers in our ears. The film itself was not too bad sound wise until the music played, same thing again, finger's up in our ears.
Now hear this (no pun intended) neither of us are on the right side of sixty, but does that mean that the younger element are suffering from hearing loss? (Since I imagine the majority of customers will be much younger than us - judging by the films they make these days!!) or are they so used to having their hearing blasted by their music that they have to have multi-sound all the time. If that is true, it can only get worse, because when they are sixty they are going to need it three times as loud as it is now.
Will I go again? Oh most certainly...I see Russell Crowe has a new film coming out...
Margaret
I checked out what was on at the new cinema about three miles from where we live. I gave him the list and he selected "Young Victoria." The cinema is one of those very smart affairs with about six small screens, holding about 150 clients. He was amazed at the food that you could buy before you went in. Last time he went there was a glass booth and a lady sold packets of candy and little else.
Did he enjoy the experience? Will he go again? No he won't be going again. Absolutely not he assures me. Film no good then? No, the opposite in fact, he loved the film, as did I. A wonderful trek through British history and a different view of the longest reigning Monarch Britain has ever had. No, the problem was the sound. Way too loud! The trailers were the worst offenders, they blasted us out of our seats. As it was we had to put our fingers in our ears. The film itself was not too bad sound wise until the music played, same thing again, finger's up in our ears.
Now hear this (no pun intended) neither of us are on the right side of sixty, but does that mean that the younger element are suffering from hearing loss? (Since I imagine the majority of customers will be much younger than us - judging by the films they make these days!!) or are they so used to having their hearing blasted by their music that they have to have multi-sound all the time. If that is true, it can only get worse, because when they are sixty they are going to need it three times as loud as it is now.
Will I go again? Oh most certainly...I see Russell Crowe has a new film coming out...
Margaret
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Here it is ladies!
The cover I've been anxiously waiting for. The book comes out on April 15th with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. Molly Courtright, the same artist who designed the book cover to "The Senator's Daughter" designed it. I love her work! She's easy to work with and does wonders with your suggestions.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Yay! It's Here!
Finally, the first day of spring. Yesterday morning we woke to a snow-covered landscape. Ugh! But today, we're back to feeling hopeful that the flowers are on the way!
Hope you have a wonderful Friday!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Spring has Sprung!
I love this time of year. The season of rebirth. The hedgerows are littered with daffodils - many trees are in bud, the lovely "pussy" willow has yellow flowers that turn into furry buds eventually. Everything is fresh and green.
Spring always bring new hope and in these miserable times, don't we just need that precious hope. Let us hope that things will get better. Spring offers a promise, let's hope that promise is kept.
Margaret
Spring always bring new hope and in these miserable times, don't we just need that precious hope. Let us hope that things will get better. Spring offers a promise, let's hope that promise is kept.
Margaret
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