Ok, I actually crawled out of bed at 4:30 am and got into my chair and started work in earnest. Spent most of the two and a half hours in research, but I did get the main idea for this chapter fleshed out, and got 471 words added.
1820 total so far-should be able to get some more done tonight.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Word Count for Tuesday the 2nd of November
0...Zero...goose-egg...nil...nein...nada...I'm thinking of a number between 1 and -1.
Yeah, there's no rounding up that kind of number.
I had my percussion class followed by Christmas music practice for
church, got home at 10:00 pm, so I'm going to be incredibly optimistic
and shoot for getting up a few hours before time to go to work and see
what I can knock out.
Think awake thoughts for me around 4 or 5 in the morning. The coffee maker is set up with my special stash of Costa Rican coffee.
Good night.
Yeah, there's no rounding up that kind of number.
I had my percussion class followed by Christmas music practice for
church, got home at 10:00 pm, so I'm going to be incredibly optimistic
and shoot for getting up a few hours before time to go to work and see
what I can knock out.
Think awake thoughts for me around 4 or 5 in the morning. The coffee maker is set up with my special stash of Costa Rican coffee.
Good night.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Word Count for Monday November 1st
1380 words-chapter 1 is pretty much in the can. Was going to call
it the Introduction, but Laura aptly pointed out that people don't
read introductions.
it the Introduction, but Laura aptly pointed out that people don't
read introductions.
The Beginning.
For the last several years, something has been gnawing at me. They say everyone has 1 good book inside of them, and I have finally decided to write mine. It's non-fiction. I'm not going to share any more than that so I don't have any "helpful" suggestions.
Today I took the day off of work to get started. I chose November because its National Novel Writing Month, and my wife is doing it too, so we are supporting each other this way.
I spent today getting my "Writing Nest" in order. My drum room had went to ruin, and there was no place to type or read or work, just play drums. So once I got that done, I settled down and am almost done with the first chapter-should be about 1500 words.
I will update here on the blog often. Keeps me from going to Facebook, which ends up sucking valuable writing time fairly quick. Its also good to update about this, so I don't just give up without looking like a schmuck.
-John
Today I took the day off of work to get started. I chose November because its National Novel Writing Month, and my wife is doing it too, so we are supporting each other this way.
I spent today getting my "Writing Nest" in order. My drum room had went to ruin, and there was no place to type or read or work, just play drums. So once I got that done, I settled down and am almost done with the first chapter-should be about 1500 words.
I will update here on the blog often. Keeps me from going to Facebook, which ends up sucking valuable writing time fairly quick. Its also good to update about this, so I don't just give up without looking like a schmuck.
-John
Friday, October 15, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Answering some emails...
I seem to keep getting the same spam emails over and over, I've decided I will answer them to see if maybe that will stop them from sending them to me. My spam filter isn't doing that great of a job anyway, so I can't see it will make that much difference.
*** *** *** ***
***
"Dear Amparo,
I actually don't need to add peculiarity to my style. Do you have anything to add normalcy to my style? That I would be interested in!
Warm Regards,
John Homan"
"Dear Luxury R0LEX Sports Models,
I don't know if anyone told you, but 'Regular Joe's' don't buy their watches from schmucks spelling Rolex with a zero in place of the letter o. Just a little marketing tip you may find helpful.
Warm Regards,
J0hn H0man"
"Dear Geraldine,
So, what you are telling me is that looks, education, social connections and money, don't matter, but all I need is a decent watch? Thanks for the tip. I had found society's rules so confusing up til this point in my life. Today, I will gain my place in high society with my new R0LEX from Geraldine Marquez, today is the day it all changes!!!
Gratefully yours,
John Homan
P.S. I'm not really grateful."
"Dear Luxury R0LEX Datejusts,
I don't think I really can make that sort of committment to a watch. All I wanted was something shiny that told time and possibly upgraded my social status. I really don't need another best friend. Can we just be aquantainces for now and see how things work out?
Warm Regards,
John Homan"
"Dear Alvin,
So my financial abilities are so limited that I can only afford a R0LEX that turns my wrist green? A little hint for future offers, insulting your possible customers by saying they only are worthy of cheap knock-offs is no way to engender loyalty.
I'm just saying...
Lukewarm Regards,
John Homan"
Monday, August 16, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
James Taylor - It's enough to be on your way
My mother-in-law died today... her name was Laurali Smith. This song helped.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Guest Blog Entry
My Mom is in a memoir writing class that she takes in her Winter home of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Below is her latest work. I thought it was really good and wanted to share it.
"My Childhood Adventures"
By Artyce Homan
When I was in the 5th grade, about 1947, my folks moved to the mountain Community of Wrightwood, Calif. It was in the San Gabriel Mountains. The population was about 350 people , and the elevation was 6200 feet.
For school, there was a one room school house, which later became a two room school. Usually, when the teacher, Mrs. Lewis, worked with the younger children, the older children did their assigned work.
If it snowed we always played in the snow, which often was over 5 feet deep. From the first snow of Winter until the snow was all gone, we only wore warm clothes and snow boots. There were only one or two roads that went into the town, and those roads were off of an two lane highway that went up to the ski lifts, and state parks. The whole town was built in the canyon between to mountains. From the highway, the town went straight up. When you first got in the main part, there was a lodge, a grocery store, a cafe,gas station, and several little stores with clothes,and ski supplies.There were always a lot of tourists in the town in both Summer and Winter.
There were three small lakes in the town. two were called twin lakes. They were side by side. One of the twin lakes , we all would swim in. The water was ice cold, and we would stay in it until our lips turned blue, then lay in the sun awhile, and then back into the ice cold water again.The other was called Wright lake, and it was on the other side of town. What I remember about Wright lake is visiting a family there. I heard he was a famous man. His name was Aldous Huxley. I learned in later years, he really was famous.
Every day was an adventure there...not always safe or good, but we were up for anything. We would leave after breakfast in the morning,, and hike all over the mountains and hills during the day. I often wonder, in retrospect, why my parents were so trusting. It was often a wild bunch of kids that lived there, and Summer or Winter, we were all over town. Sometimes we made scooters out of roller skates, and wood, and roared down the steep hills. At the first snow we would we would bring all the makings for snow ice cream, and have it for lunch at school. We made snow angels, used our toboggans and sleds and whatever else we could find to go down the hills with.
In the Summer, we would fish sometimes, or other times we would hike way up in the hills and then run for our life when we thought we heard the cry of a mountain lion. The town had a volunteer fire department, and when the siren blew, all of the men went to the fire. There were forest fires often, and the men didn't have any special clothes. They wore what they had when the siren blew. They would stay until the fire was out or until the forestry department sent other helpers. While the men were fighting fires, the women were making meals to take to the fire fighters.
For heat we had wood fires, and my Mom would hang clothes on the line, even in the winter. Sometimes the clothes would freeze on the line, and then she would bring them in and hang them around the house. It was a fun time for a kid. Our teacher was very creative, and had been in Hollywood, so she did a lot of musical stuff with us.
There were two little churches in the town, one Community church and one Catholic church. My family went to the community church, but my friend's family went to the Catholic church.
Still we had great fun...I look back on those years with fond recollections. It was a few years of great adventures for young kids. I am just thankful that the Lord protected me through all those dare devil activities that we were involved in.It was an unforgettable childhood...and I learned a lot, both good and bad, but I survived, as did most of my friends at the time.
"My Childhood Adventures"
By Artyce Homan
When I was in the 5th grade, about 1947, my folks moved to the mountain Community of Wrightwood, Calif. It was in the San Gabriel Mountains. The population was about 350 people , and the elevation was 6200 feet.
For school, there was a one room school house, which later became a two room school. Usually, when the teacher, Mrs. Lewis, worked with the younger children, the older children did their assigned work.
If it snowed we always played in the snow, which often was over 5 feet deep. From the first snow of Winter until the snow was all gone, we only wore warm clothes and snow boots. There were only one or two roads that went into the town, and those roads were off of an two lane highway that went up to the ski lifts, and state parks. The whole town was built in the canyon between to mountains. From the highway, the town went straight up. When you first got in the main part, there was a lodge, a grocery store, a cafe,gas station, and several little stores with clothes,and ski supplies.There were always a lot of tourists in the town in both Summer and Winter.
There were three small lakes in the town. two were called twin lakes. They were side by side. One of the twin lakes , we all would swim in. The water was ice cold, and we would stay in it until our lips turned blue, then lay in the sun awhile, and then back into the ice cold water again.The other was called Wright lake, and it was on the other side of town. What I remember about Wright lake is visiting a family there. I heard he was a famous man. His name was Aldous Huxley. I learned in later years, he really was famous.
Every day was an adventure there...not always safe or good, but we were up for anything. We would leave after breakfast in the morning,, and hike all over the mountains and hills during the day. I often wonder, in retrospect, why my parents were so trusting. It was often a wild bunch of kids that lived there, and Summer or Winter, we were all over town. Sometimes we made scooters out of roller skates, and wood, and roared down the steep hills. At the first snow we would we would bring all the makings for snow ice cream, and have it for lunch at school. We made snow angels, used our toboggans and sleds and whatever else we could find to go down the hills with.
In the Summer, we would fish sometimes, or other times we would hike way up in the hills and then run for our life when we thought we heard the cry of a mountain lion. The town had a volunteer fire department, and when the siren blew, all of the men went to the fire. There were forest fires often, and the men didn't have any special clothes. They wore what they had when the siren blew. They would stay until the fire was out or until the forestry department sent other helpers. While the men were fighting fires, the women were making meals to take to the fire fighters.
For heat we had wood fires, and my Mom would hang clothes on the line, even in the winter. Sometimes the clothes would freeze on the line, and then she would bring them in and hang them around the house. It was a fun time for a kid. Our teacher was very creative, and had been in Hollywood, so she did a lot of musical stuff with us.
There were two little churches in the town, one Community church and one Catholic church. My family went to the community church, but my friend's family went to the Catholic church.
Still we had great fun...I look back on those years with fond recollections. It was a few years of great adventures for young kids. I am just thankful that the Lord protected me through all those dare devil activities that we were involved in.It was an unforgettable childhood...and I learned a lot, both good and bad, but I survived, as did most of my friends at the time.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Monday, October 05, 2009
"Strum What You Brung Folk Jam" on Local TV station Fox 28
That's right, that's yours truly on Bongo Cajon in the Ludwig Drums T-Shirt.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
White Rabbit, "Percussion Gun"
No Snares, no hi-hat, no kick drum, just 2 guys whaling on floor toms. Awesome effect, very tribal.
White Rabbits "Percussion Gun" Music Video from White Rabbits on Vimeo.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Saturday, May 09, 2009
A Cavalcade of Fortune Cookie Commentaries.
I've been a little slack in my fortune cookie commentaries as of late. Here's a bunch at once. Thanks to Princess Moe for the handful of fortunes and insomnia for the motivation.
I sometimes find myself wondering, is there a nice Asian person in the back of bakery writing these? Do they go home at night and after dinner say to their kids, "Today children, I dispensed the deep wisdom of our ancient culture to many of the American people, hoping that they will turn towards the lessons we have to offer."
Then the family will all smile, and and nod in solemn agreement, until the patriarch's moment of glory is ruined when his grandmother starts laughing and pointing at him. Finally she gains composure, and says, "You know those little slips of paper just get left on the plates, stained with General Tso's sauce! If you want to really share wisdom, get on the internet or Reality TV, that's where its at!"
I find myself wavering back and forth on fortune cookies. Is there deep wisdom I just don't get, or is there someone who is not a native English speaker trying to write beatnik poetry? Either that, or this writer used to work in the old VCR factory writing owner's manuals.
The coffee will be fine thank you very much. Keep your joyful energy to yourself until about 11 am, then we can talk...
Ok, this could be the impetus I have been waiting for to go out and do something incredibly stupid-look out world, here I come!
Come on! You aren't even trying! Maybe you can get on Maury with psychic ability like that!
I sometimes find myself wondering, is there a nice Asian person in the back of bakery writing these? Do they go home at night and after dinner say to their kids, "Today children, I dispensed the deep wisdom of our ancient culture to many of the American people, hoping that they will turn towards the lessons we have to offer."
Then the family will all smile, and and nod in solemn agreement, until the patriarch's moment of glory is ruined when his grandmother starts laughing and pointing at him. Finally she gains composure, and says, "You know those little slips of paper just get left on the plates, stained with General Tso's sauce! If you want to really share wisdom, get on the internet or Reality TV, that's where its at!"
I find myself wavering back and forth on fortune cookies. Is there deep wisdom I just don't get, or is there someone who is not a native English speaker trying to write beatnik poetry? Either that, or this writer used to work in the old VCR factory writing owner's manuals.
The coffee will be fine thank you very much. Keep your joyful energy to yourself until about 11 am, then we can talk...
Ok, this could be the impetus I have been waiting for to go out and do something incredibly stupid-look out world, here I come!
Come on! You aren't even trying! Maybe you can get on Maury with psychic ability like that!
Friday, May 08, 2009
Monday, May 04, 2009
Videos and Music from the "Strum What You Brung" Folk Jam in downtown Elkhart.
"Strum What You Brung Folk Jam - May 2009"
I'm the one in the loud Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. I guess I need to be schooled in proper Folk Music Attire.
"Roll on Elkhart" by Earl Bowe
I'm the one in the loud Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. I guess I need to be schooled in proper Folk Music Attire.
"Roll on Elkhart" by Earl Bowe
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Strum What You Brung Folk Jam
You ever have things that you never thought you would be a part of, or food you never thought you would like, but when you do finally give them a try, you are pleasantly surprised? Thats what this video below is. Jessica and I went to a folk jam and found ourselves having a really good time. I played my cajon drum and she played her guitar. I don't show up in the video until about 3 minutes in. But we had a great time playing folk, gospel, and bluegrass songs with a really nice group of people who were very welcoming. This does not mean I am throwing out my Dave Brubeck or U2 CD's, it just means I may buy another Chet Atkins CD, or even buy an Earl Scruggs CD someday.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Fortune Cookies
There is no promotion of unconditional love in the fortune cookie, just the same production paradigm that runs the rest of society...
Monday, February 23, 2009
Fortune Cookies
Thursday, December 04, 2008
"Midriff"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Put your iPod or other music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got this from.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
“Secret World” – Peter Gabriel
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
“The ‘In’ Crowd” – Ramsey Lewis
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
“Take My Hand” – Russ Taff
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
“Take the ‘A’ Train” – Duke Ellington
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
“The River Unbroken” – Russ Taff
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
“Faded Love” – Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
“Outra Vez” – Vince Guaraldi
WHAT IS 2+2?
“Take it Back” – Bare Naked Ladies
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
“Running on Empty”- Jackson Browne
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
“Once in a Lifetime”-Talking Heads
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
“ ‘Round Midnight” – Miles Davis
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
“Invisible Sun” – The Police
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
“You Can Still Change Your Mind.” – Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
“Dance Sister Dance” - Santana
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
“Twinkle” – Earl Klugh
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
“Christmas Time is Here.” – Vince Guaraldi
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
“Big Weekend” – Tom Petty
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
“High 5 (Rock the Catskills)” - Beck
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS
“Ridin’ High” – Ella Fitzgerald
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
“Don’t Blame Me.” – Charlie Parker
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
“Lookout for Hope” – The Bill Frisell Band
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
“Hocus Pocus” – Lee Morgan
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” – Bobby McFerrin
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
“Baba O’Reily” – The Who
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” – Bing Crosby
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
“Come Back Baby” – Joe Williams
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
“On a Slow Boat to China”-Benny Goodman
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
“Fragile” - Sting
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
“The Goodbye Look” – Donald Fagen
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
“Midriff” – Duke Ellington
1. Put your iPod or other music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got this from.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
“Secret World” – Peter Gabriel
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
“The ‘In’ Crowd” – Ramsey Lewis
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
“Take My Hand” – Russ Taff
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
“Take the ‘A’ Train” – Duke Ellington
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
“The River Unbroken” – Russ Taff
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
“Faded Love” – Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
“Outra Vez” – Vince Guaraldi
WHAT IS 2+2?
“Take it Back” – Bare Naked Ladies
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
“Running on Empty”- Jackson Browne
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
“Once in a Lifetime”-Talking Heads
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
“ ‘Round Midnight” – Miles Davis
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
“Invisible Sun” – The Police
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
“You Can Still Change Your Mind.” – Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
“Dance Sister Dance” - Santana
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
“Twinkle” – Earl Klugh
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
“Christmas Time is Here.” – Vince Guaraldi
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
“Big Weekend” – Tom Petty
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
“High 5 (Rock the Catskills)” - Beck
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS
“Ridin’ High” – Ella Fitzgerald
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
“Don’t Blame Me.” – Charlie Parker
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
“Lookout for Hope” – The Bill Frisell Band
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
“Hocus Pocus” – Lee Morgan
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” – Bobby McFerrin
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
“Baba O’Reily” – The Who
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” – Bing Crosby
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
“Come Back Baby” – Joe Williams
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
“On a Slow Boat to China”-Benny Goodman
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
“Fragile” - Sting
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
“The Goodbye Look” – Donald Fagen
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
“Midriff” – Duke Ellington
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Why the Printer Won't Work
I hate to admit to liking cute things. I hate Smurfs, my Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake, Cabbage Patch Dolls, Hello Kitty, Bratz, Power-Puff Girls (ok, just a little-in an ironic way), and I hate most big-eyed anime cartoons with plucky teenagers that save the day.
The point is, if you think its cute and darling, I probably don't like it on some misguided principle I have yet to be able to face, but don't really think I need to face.
I do however, admit to liking cats, and videos of cats. I like this one alot. It has just enough of an un-cute ending to make me grin.
The point is, if you think its cute and darling, I probably don't like it on some misguided principle I have yet to be able to face, but don't really think I need to face.
I do however, admit to liking cats, and videos of cats. I like this one alot. It has just enough of an un-cute ending to make me grin.
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