Happy Anniversary, Al! Four years have truly flown by.
We love our house. It was an expensive year in 2018 – We bit the bullet and replaced our entire HVAC system. But, we’re almost done paying it off. Yay!
We adopted Pablo, a greyhound, in September. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. The poor baby had such severe separation anxiety that we couldn’t keep him or felt it was safe for him. Thankfully, he went to a good home.
In December 2018, we adopted Phineas and Ferb from Saver of Souls Rescue, and it’s been an amazing experience. As I write this, they are snuggled under the giant sherpa blanket by my feet.
The biggest life change was me changing jobs. I’ve been with Sentara since early September, and I’m so glad I took the plunge. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Riverside – I was there for nearly seven years. But, making the switch has done wonders for me in many ways.
It’s almost time for the holidays! We’re excited to celebrate Thanksgiving with Al’s family, and then Christmas will be a bigger affair with both sets of parents and more.
I put this book on my Amazon wish list a few months ago, and then Al bought it for me for my birthday!
Little did I know how much I needed this book in my life when I started reading it.
I took my time with this book. Elaine is a good writer, but I found myself digesting one, maybe two chapters at a time.
This book is aimed at women of color, but it certainly applied to me. I’m glad I read it when I did. Having started my new job in September, I had a lot of anxiety and emotions, and more than one crisis of confidence. This book lifted me out of that negativity.
I hadn’t heard of Elaine when I started the book, but I felt like I knew her when I was done. She was so candid and honest about her early life, growing up as a biracial child, her dad’s struggles with alcohol, and wanting to work at Essence and Ebony.
Watching her navigate the painful eras of the recession and the move toward digital publishing was eye-opening, too. As someone who dreamed of living in New York and being a journalist for years, I felt like this book was put in my life for more than one reason. Elaine showed me how life in New York and working for some of the most famous magazines on this Earth really was – It’s certainly no picnic.
It’s not my favorite memoir, but I’m glad I took a chance on it. I appreciated the inspiring quotes at the end of every chapter as well. She’s a gifted writer, and there’s something in this book for everyone.
Research published in July 2019 indicates that the number of children entering the foster care system has more than doubled since 2000.
Other reasons for removal, including neglect and abuse, declined.
Coincidentally, Sesame Street introduced a new Muppet around the same time. Karli is staying with her “for-now” family while her mom is away getting better. The Sesame Street initiative focuses on addiction as a whole, but makes the connection to foster care. Karli’s mom is getting help for alcohol addiction.
This post originated from a friend’s Facebook post. I found it on Thursday, October 24, 2019. A. saw it and felt compelled to share.
It was originally shared on Facebook by Leslie Gaar, Writer on October 10, 2018.
The photos / screenshots come from Erynn Brook’s Twitter account. I encourage everyone to read it in its entirety.
I read Erynn’s story. And re-read it. And I’ve been coming back to it nearly every day since stumbling upon it on October 24th.
One thing is for sure: Boundaries are hard. Setting boundaries is even harder. But, at 31, I feel much more at peace with myself because of the boundaries I have set for myself. Many of them are unspoken, for me and myself only, but there are others that I make known, loud and clear.
Why? Unlike Erynn’s awesome mom, I was taught to stick it out. To not quit. To not leave. To not ruin anything.
And I’m now realizing how damaging that is.
I understand why, in a way – My parents are of a different generation. Overall, I think they did a good job of raising me. I know, as an only child and born severely premature, they sheltered me and protected me fiercely.
But, I don’t want to raise my future child or children like my parents did. I want to do some things differently.
Like Erynn’s mom, I want my child or children to have choices, to feel like it’s normal to come to Al or me with anything at any time, to not feel like they are bothering us, to express their discomfort openly. And Al and I both agree that if our child or children call or text at any time, asking to come home, we will come immediately, no questions asked.
Two of my family members have this rule with their daughter – Call us at any time, and we will come get you. There won’t be any questions when we pick you up. There may be questions in the morning / after whatever happened, but there won’t be any questions from us at the time we come get you.
What do you think about this? Let me know in the comments.
1. How many times have you participated in NaNoWriMo? How many times have you won?
This will be my ninth NaNoWriMo. I have participated in five NaNoWriMo sessions in November (2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2019). I have also participated in four Camp NaNoWriMo sessions (Twice in 2018 and twice in 2019).
2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Historically, I have been a pantser. This year, I started plotting the beginning of the novel.
3. What are the titles of the projects that you have attempted/completed for past NaNos?
2012: Experiences From Camp
2013: Specialton
2014: Discussion of Differences
Camp NaNoWriMo, April 2018: Continued draft of Experiences From Camp
Camp NaNoWriMo, July 2018: Continued draft of Experiences From Camp
2018: Tunnel Vision
Camp NaNoWriMo, April 2019: Continued draft of Specialton
Camp NaNoWriMo, July 2019: Continued draft of Discussion of Differences
2019: The Transformation House
4. What are you working on for NaNo this year?
I am writing a new novel about a woman, Angela Diaz, who decides to purchase a mansion, fix it up, and create a home for transgender people in the Midwest.
5. What is one tip that you’d give to someone else that is participating in NaNo?
I agree with what All Things Momma said: “Do not have any zero days. Even if you write only one sentence that day, that is so much better than having a big fat zero on your NaNo chart. Any progress forward is better than none.”
6. What was the inspiration for this novel? Do you remember when the inspiration hit you?
I listen to the StoryCorps podcast. In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, they created a podcast series, and an initiative called “Stonewall Out Loud.” One of the episodes discussed a home for transgender people in Little Rock, Arkansas (“We’re Still Here”). I wanted to write a story that encompasses a modern version of this effort.
7. Read us the first sentence from your NaNo novel last year?
“No, no, no! Damn it!” Nicole smacked her hands against the steering wheel.
8. What do you plan to do with your manuscript after NaNo?
Like all my other novels, I will let this draft rest for a while. I might pick it up again during Camp NaNoWriMo, April 2020. It depends on how much progress I make this month.
9. Are you prepared for NaNo? Are you nervous?
I always get a little nervous. But, I’m ready to dive in.
Will you be participating in NaNoWriMo this November?
Continue my fun Writing Prompt series, publishing one every Friday in October. — Accomplished!
Celebrate multiple birthdays! — Accomplished!
Volunteer at the blood drive. — Accomplished!
Publish all outstanding Tag posts where I’ve been tagged. — Did not accomplish.
Participate in decorating duffel bags for local children in foster care. — Accomplished!
Celebrate my church’s 50th Anniversary. — Accomplished!
Make at least one thrift store run. — Did not accomplish.
Prep for NaNoWriMo 2019. — Accomplished!
Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Ghostbusters. — Accomplished!
Send cards to several friends. — Did not accomplish.
Research area rugs for the living room. — Did not accomplish.
Try some new recipes. — Accomplished!
Test-bake the cookies for the upcoming Cookie Exchange with my P.E.O. chapter. — Did not accomplish.
Read every night before bed. — Semi-Achieved.
Enjoy Halloween! — Accomplished!
October was a jam-packed month! I was able to volunteer at the blood drive, and I was also able to give a pint! Turns out that my Power Red donation in August was only counted as one unit because of some complications I experienced. So, I was eligible to donate in October, rather than having to wait until December to give again. I learned this week that my pint of blood went to the University of Virginia (UVA) Medical Center in Charlottesville.
I’m very excited to kick off NaNoWriMo 2019! I’m writing something new, and it’s something out of my comfort zone. Stay tuned!
We celebrated my mom’s birthday during the first weekend of October. Then, Nick and Savy’s anniversary and Mia’s birthday in the middle of the month! We also went to a fun Spooky Brunch during the weekend of the 12th, where we ate amazing food, watched The Nightmare Before Christmas and Beetlejuice, and enjoyed each other’s company.
The church’s 50th Anniversary was incredible. More than two years of work by many people came together in a wonderful weekend. The combined service on Sunday was packed – It was easily 500 people. We had several former pastors attend. All the musical groups performed together – Children’s choir, chancel choir, handbell choir. The catered lunch afterwards was delicious as well.
The significant new recipe I tried was Greek Chicken Bowls. Delicious! And it fed us for lunch for a week!
Lizzy adored Halloween. When she and Hunter met, they had bonded over one movie in particular: The Nightmare Before Christmas. Multiple times since then, they’d dressed up as Jack and Sally. Everyone thought they were adorable together.
But Lizzy also enjoyed another Halloween tradition – Becoming a witch. It was a secret from many of her friends at the Lancer Institute, or LT for short. But, the minute the air turned crisp and cool, her witch’s hat, black robes, and potions came out of the closet.
She and two of her closest friends, Brittany and Ashley, gathered in the woods, about two miles from LT’s campus. It was becoming a nightly tradition since that wild October night three years prior.
Brittany was in charge of the massive black cauldron. Earlier this October, they’d constructed a makeshift storage area in their favorite clearing. It wasn’t immediately visible to the average passerby, so the three ladies were pretty proud of themselves. It was a welcome change to Brittany – Lugging that massive cauldron was getting old. Her arms were pretty buff, though.
“It’s almost nightfall, my pretties. What spell should we conjure tonight?” Ashley cackled slightly.
Lizzy looked up at the crimson sky, contemplating. Emotionally, she was sad. Hunter, having to work, wasn’t able to come to the annual LT Halloween celebration. They would still dress up as Jack and Sally, per their tradition, but she was still sad he wouldn’t be at LT to celebrate like he had for the previous two years. She wished he was still a student with her.
“Lizzy? Darling, are you okay?”
Tears in her eyes, she turned to Brittany and Ashley. This felt like a true sisterhood. All of them, at some point, had been rejected by several of the eight sororities at LT. Who needed sororities when the three of them could gather in the woods at any time of night?
Lizzy swallowed. “I want to conjure a happiness spell.”
Ashley and Brittany looked confused. “A happiness spell?”
Lizzy nodded, jutting out her chin. “I’ve been so sad recently. Being here with both of you makes me happy, but I want to be happier.”
Ashley chortled slightly. “Is this because you miss Hunter?”
Lizzy stuck her tongue out. “Maybe.”
The three got to work.
“Double, double, toil and trouble …”
POOF!
As the cloud of hazy purple smoke started to clear, Lizzy felt a bit dizzy. She hadn’t had anything to drink, but she felt drunk. She stumbled a bit, but Brittany caught her.
“Lizzy?”
“I feel great! Oh, wow …”
Her world went sideways.
Lizzy woke up, puzzled as to why she felt the cold, damp leaves on her face. She was on the ground. Alone.
“Brittany? Ashley!”
Lizzy thought she’d heard faint giggling.
“Ashley! Brittany! This isn’t funny!”
Lizzy grabbed her hat, and stumbled to her feet.
“Where are you?”
Lizzy turned in circles, feeling increasingly confused. She certainly wasn’t happy. She was scared.
I think I’m going to do this every fall. I’ve really enjoyed it!
As the wonderful season of autumn / fall has started, I wanted to create an original writing prompt series to celebrate!
I invite everyone who sees this to participate, if you choose.
The idea is to look at the prompt, take at least five minutes on the Fridays during October 2019, and come up with a story/poem/scene, or whatever strikes your fancy with those words.
This has been extended from September! You can use the image at the top of this post – Just please make sure to credit it.
Ready?
Here we go!
October 4th: Corn Maze
October 11th: Hay Ride
October 18th: Football
October 25th: Halloween
The bonfire made shadows across everyone’s faces. Allison shivered. Then, David stretched, and put his arm around her. She felt warmer.
They couldn’t remember whose idea it had been, but having a bonfire on Halloween was becoming a tradition. Everyone had outgrown trick-or-treating age-wise. Lucy was the only one, for now, stuck taking her younger siblings around the neighborhood. She’d promised Allison a text once her sisters and brother were back home, inevitably fighting over the candy.
Allison sighed as she felt David’s lips graze her forehead. She jumped slightly when she heard the neighborhood owl hoot into the night. Past Halloween nights varied in temperature, but this year, it was crisp, cold, and a bit spooky.
Allison jumped again when her phone buzzed.
Hey, Ally, I’m running late. My sister tore her princess dress and had the meltdown of meltdowns. Who else is there?
Allison smiled. David shifted slightly to let her text back.
No worries here. It’s just David and me so far. But, I think Scott and Jeremy will be here soon. You know Scott likes you.
Lucy rolled her eyes, and chuckled, amidst the chaos of her five siblings running around the house. She couldn’t leave just yet – No other adults were home yet. She perched on the couch, hoping her parents or older sister would hurry up and relieve her.
Scott’s cute, sure, but I like Jeremy better. I’m glad he’ll be there. Anyone else?
Allison was distracted. David had lifted her chin and they’d been making out since Lucy’s first text. His hands were everywhere. For once, Allison didn’t resist.
“I like this, David,” she breathed.
“So do I. Although, I think you’re getting a little warm. How about taking off your sweatshirt? Do you need help?”
Allison giggled. “Sure, I could use some help.”
The minute David started lifting her high school orchestra sweatshirt up, he gasped.
“David? What’s wrong?”
“AAAAAHHHHH!”
“David?!”
Cackling, Joker-like laughter followed.
“Damn it, Scott, you scared the bejesus out of me!”
Allison pulled down her sweatshirt, hoping no one else had seen her lacy bra.
Scott was lifting a Michael Myers mask, still laughing.
“Hoo boy, I got you good!”
Jeremy was behind him, carrying a six-pack. David was a bit confused – None of them were 21. But, David also knew better than to ask a lot of questions.
“Damn, Scott. I screamed like a girl.”
Allison socked him in the arm. “Hey! Don’t say that.”
Scott laughed again. “He’s not wrong, Ally.”
She rolled her eyes. “Still, it’s not a nice thing to say. especially in the presence of women.”
Scott chortled. “Whatever, Miss Feminist.”
Allison knew Scott was trying to rattle her cage. But, she didn’t like it. He’d been teasing her since first grade.
David sat up, and Allison straightened.
Allison opened her mouth, about to tell them about Lucy and her texts.
In the direction of Lucy’s house, there was another scream.
After the scream, they only heard the crackle and pop of the raging bonfire.
I wasn’t anticipating it would be more than four months in between reviews, but hey, life happens. And I realized I didn’t want to burn myself out with reading the series back-to-back.
Harry narrowly makes it back to Hogwarts for his second year. There are more adventures, and multiple misadventures, and it’s a thrill ride basically the entire time.
There’s more danger and conflict in this book. Originally, I declared this book as my favorite of the series the first time around. Re-reading it now, I can see why I thought that way. I love so many things about this one – The mystery of the Chamber throughout the book, the introduction of new characters, and not exactly knowing what’s going to happen next.
One of my favorite characters in this book specifically is Ginny Weasley. I won’t spoil anything for those who may not have read the book, but I adore her.
I’m looking forward to reading Harry Potter and ThePrisoner of Azkaban soon!
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