Happy Talk

A couple of days ago, Steph posted a meme on her blog that simply listed 10 things that made her happy, so I'm grabbing that meme and posting it on mine today. Feel free to grab it from me and use it for yourself if you're so inclined! My happy things are in no particular order.

1. Fresh, clean, bedsheets.
2. A basket-full of scented bath soaps.
3. Sitting at the piano and singing through my Twenty-four Italian Songs & Arias.
4. Listening to my CD of Mozart piano & violin sonatas.
5. Sitting in bed with Steph with both of us working on our laptops.
6. Waking up early in the morning to find Steph still awake and spending an hour with her cuddling, talking, and laughing before I have to get up and get dressed for the day.
7. When my kitty gets up in my face and kisses my nose.
8. When my daughter calls me all excited to tell me that she made a 100% on a really tough exam.
9. When I look in the mirror and realize that I don't look too bad for being almost 50.
10. Napping on the couch with my warm nothing (we call our soft micro-fiber blankets our "warm nothings").

Writer's Meme

1. What’s the last thing you wrote? What’s the first thing you wrote that you still have?


The last thing that I wrote was an entry for this blog. The first and last book that I wrote is So Faithful a Heart: The Love Story of Nancy Storace & Wolfgang Mozart. I'm not sure, but I think that the first thing that I wrote that I still have is my master's thesis, but there was a lot more before that, obviously.

2. Write poetry?

No. I am not a poet, but as a singer I am an interpreter of poetry.

3. Angsty poetry?

Doesn't interest me.

4. Favorite genre of writing?

Right now it's historical fiction, but that could change.

5. Most annoying character you’ve ever created?

Elizabeth Storace isn't so much annoying as she is infuriating.

6. Best plot you’ve ever created?

Although So Faithful a Heart's plot was already laid out by virtue of the fact that it is based on real historical events, I had to fill in a lot of blank spaces with information that historical documentation doesn't provide. The scenes at the Baroness' estate after Nancy is nearly beaten to death by John Fisher, I think are some of my best "plot-fillers", as well as the scene when Nancy goes to the theater critic, Count Zinzendorf, to appeal to him to ask the Emperor to commission her brother for an opera for the Burgtheater stage.

7. Coolest plot twist you’ve ever created?

History records a period in Nancy Storace's career when she collapsed on stage and "lost her voice" for four months. Through research, and putting two and two together, I surmised that she had a nervous breakdown and went almost completely catatonic during that four-month period and I wrote that into the plot.

8. How often do you get writer’s block?

I don't know that I've ever experienced writer's block, although I've not written enough to really say.

9. Write fan fiction?

No.

10. Do you type or write by hand?

Type on my desktop computer.

11. Do you save everything you write?

Yes.

12. Do you ever go back to an abandoned idea?

Actually, So Faithful a Heart was resurrected from a story I began when I was in high school. I started a story about two people who fell in love in the 18th century but he was married. She became pregnant with his child and miscarried. I find it very compelling that I discovered this true-life story, years later, that mirrored what I had written when I was a teenager.

13. What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever written?

So far, So Faithful a Heart, but who knows, perhaps there will be others that I will like better.

14. What’s everyone else’s favorite story you’ve written?

So far, I've gotten great reivews on So Faithful a Heart, but it's the first thing that I've written that has had a wide readership.

15. Ever written romance or angsty teen drama?

Not really - So Faithful a Heart, is a romantic love story, but I wouldn't call it a romance novel per se. It's more of an historical fiction based on actual historical events.

16. What’s your favorite setting for your characters?

I love writing about the 18th century. It's such a colorful, opulent, and elegant period in history.

17. How many projects are you working on now?

Right now I'm marketing So Faithful a Heart and have ideas for two more books brewing.

18. Have you ever won an award for your writing?

Not yet.

19. What are your five favorite words?

opulent, delicious, pert, charming, indignant

20. What character have you created that is most like yourself?

I put a great deal of myself into Nancy Storace.

21. Where do you get your ideas for your characters?

They are largely composites of people I know.

22. Do you favor happy endings?

Only if the story calls for one, otherwise it's not necessary.

23. Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write?

Not when I'm doing my initial writing.  It's when I start doing my 2nd drafts and rewrites that I get picky about grammar and spelling.

24. Does music help you write?

Always. I usually listen to the music of the period of which I'm writing.

25. Quote something you’ve written. Whatever pops in your head.

Mozart loved the look and smells of the theater backstage. The aroma of dusty velvet mixed with sawdust, human sweat and stage make-up captivated his innate sensuality, and the thick, red velvet curtains reminded him of the draperies that hung in the bordellos he'd visited once or twice. Perhaps it was also because of the many clandestine encounters he had witnessed between so many actors and actresses, backed up against the walls or hiding behind heavy, velvet curtains, unashamedly indulging their heated passions between acts. Whatever the reason, being backstage always aroused him, especially when he was in the company of a beautiful woman.

The Year in Review Meme

 I got this from my sweetie over on The Incurable Insomniac.


1.  Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I think that my resolution (although not formally declared), was to start and finish my book. Not only did I accomplish that, but I published it as well!

2.  Did anyone close to you give birth?
Steph gave birth to a great new idea for a new novel! Does that count?

3.  Did anyone close to you die?
My ninety-seven-year-old grandmother died in May .

4.  What countries did you visit?
Through writing So Faithful a Heart, I visited Vienna, Austria almost daily.

5. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Money!  <-------What Steph said!

6.  What was your biggest achievement of the year?
The writing and publishing of So Faithful a Heart (which is now on Amazon). I'm still pinching myself to make sure that I'm not dreaming.

7.  What was your biggest failure?
I don't like to think in terms of success or failure. I strive to do my best in all things. Sometimes things work out and sometimes they don't.

8.  What was the best thing you bought?
The first pedicure of the season, last spring. Getting a pedicure is one of my favorite personal luxuries.

9.  Whose behavior merited celebration?
Steph, Joel, Micah and Heather's for pulling together when it came time for us to move.

10.  Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Certain members of my immediate family of origin.

11.  Where did most of your money go?
Rent and utilities.

12.  What did you get really excited about?
Holding my published book in my hands for the first time. I'll never forget the feeling.

13.  What song will always remind you of 2009?
Handel's aria Lascia ch'io pianga, from his opera, "Rinaldo".

14.  Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Much, much happier.

15.  Thinner or fatter?
Fatter. I'm in the throes of menopause. It's depressing.

16.  Richer or poorer?
Poorer financially, but richer in every other way.

17.  What do you wish you'd done more of?
I didn't have time to do much more of anything.

18.  What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying.

19.  How did you spend Christmas?
We had a great little Christmas with our imediate family.

20.  Did you fall in love in 2009?
Over and over again!

21.  What was your favorite TV program?
We no longer watch TV and I'm glad. I was able to really enjoy the Holidays without all the marketing and hype, and not watching the news has greatly contributed to my current peace of mind. <---What Steph said.

22.  Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is a waste of precious energy and hurts no one but the hater. Give it up. <---What Steph said.

23.  What was the best book you read?
I spent so much time writing my own book that I've really not read a whole lot this year. I started Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert but I'm having a hard time getting into it.

24.  What was your greatest musical discovery?
Oh most definitely Mozart's Piano and Violin Sonatas. We have a CD of them that I had hardly listened to until we started painting this house. I listened to that CD while painting and I literally fell in love with them!

25.  What did you want and get?
When I found out that this little cottage had gone up for lease, I wanted it so much I would drive by it every day on my way to work just to look at it again. I was ecstatic when I found out that we got it!

26.  What did you want and not get?
I wanted to sell my Mozartiana last Fall. Hasn't happened yet, but it will soon, I'm sure. Just waiting on the economy to improve.  <---What Steph said.

27.  What were your favorite films of this year?
Probably The Duchess. (I know it came out in 2008, but I didn't see it until 2009) It was an historical fiction that took place in England during the late 18th century, the same time period in which my novel is set. There were some intriguing similarities.

28.  What did you do on your birthday?
I honestly don't remember. We were in the throes of moving then.

29.  How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Early I-need-to-get-a-new-wardrobe-but-I-can't-afford-new-clothes.

30.  What kept you sane?
Steph's love, support, and encouragement. Going for and reaching my goals.

31.  Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
President Obama.

32.  What political issue stirred you the most?
Health care, Gay rights.

33.  Who did you miss?
My brother, Monte.

34.  Who was the best new person you met?
Lori H. - a lady I actually met through an online political action group during the 2008 presidential campaign but got to be good friends with on Facebook over this last year.

35.  Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
Don't worry. Let it flow. Surrender. Forgive.  <----What Steph said.

36.  Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

With a little luck we can help it out
We can make this whole damn thing work out.
With a little love we can lay it down
Can't you feel the town exploding.
There is no end to what we can do together
There is no end.
The willow turns his back on inclement weather
And if he can do it we can do it
Just me and you.

And a little luck we can clear it up
We can bring it in for a landing.
With a rittle luck we can turn it on
There can be no misunderstanding.
There is no end to what we can do together

With a little push we could set it off
We can send it rocketing skywards.
With a little love we could shake it up
Don't you feel the comet exploding.
 

20 Things I Would Love to Say

The most recent meme to resurface is the “20 Things I Would Love To Say” meme. You make a list of things you wish you could say to someone, but you don’t name names. The readers then either join in with their own lists of anonymous statements, or spend the rest of their day trying to figure out who the blogger was referring to, wondering if it was them. Passive-aggression at its worst, no? This can be fun, but it also carries the potential of turning really snarky and mean-spirited. I’ve decided to play along, with the disclaimer that if you’re reading this, I might very well be talking about you. (Thanks Steph!)

1. We're my favorite "us".

2. I know you lurk on my blogs thinking that I don't know you're reading them. I just want you to know that despite the fact that I think that you need to grow up and stop acting like such a brat, I really love and admire you. I always have, and I always will.

3. Your ability to look inside yourself and clean out the old stuff that was holding you back from reaching your potential has been such an inspiration to me! Your steadfast friendship, even when faced with rejection, means more to me than you can ever know. Thank you. (And keep on playing that recorder! I think you've found your niche!)

4. Finding you again, after so many years, has been a joy. Please know that you are always loved. (And purple has always suited you perfectly.)

5. Even when we don't speak to one another for several days or even weeks, I always know you're there. You've always been by my side to offer encouragement, love, and even a shoulder to cry on when I needed it. You've loved and cared for me, even when you didn't understand. Your gentle, humble, spirit has always been a comfort and inspiration to me, even when we were children. I have always loved you, and I always will.

6. Who would have thought that after over twenty-five years, that you would emerge to become one of the most important and dearest people in my life? I so love our Saturday/Sunday morning Facebook chats and I can't WAIT until we get there and can hug you in person! (And I think your girl is THE BOMB!)

7. You have your place in my life. Yes, there were some good times, and I will always remember them fondly, but I really don't want to be friends. Friendship with you carries too many expectations and a lot of old baggage. I'm no longer the person you knew, and I don't want to go back there again. I hope you find happiness in your life. I really do.

8. I love your blog. I love the subjects you choose to write about. I like the music you like and I love all your "favorite things". And Libras are totally COOL!

9. I wish we could have known each other better when we were in high school. I always admired you, and the oboe has always been one of my favorite instruments.

10. I hope that one day you will come back to the blogosphere. I understand how emotionally draining a divorce is, but we miss you.

11. I have a really hard time understanding disloyalty. What did I ever do to you to deserve such a stab in the back?

12. I hope to visit you in Scotland one day, very soon. (I love your taste in music, BTW!)

13. One day you will come to understand that your self worth doesn't reside in fame nor in brushing up against fame. Your worth comes from deep inside you, from the person you are and will become. You are valuable because you bring a unique perspective into this mix we refer to as "humanity". Know and be secure in that.

14. Have I told you lately how proud I am of you?

15. I hope that one day you will realize how many friends you have, and just how much they love you.

16. What would I do without you? Just don't be surprised when you wake up one morning and find that little yellow slug bug sitting in your driveway.

17. Condoms in an empty Marlboro box???

18. I'll always be grateful to you for coming to my defense in the forum. Hopefully it won't be long before we meet again in Salzburg!

19. I feel a trip to Disneyland is in order.

20. I always knew you'd find that little boy again!

Plates: A family heritage

I first saw this over on Derrick's blog who got it from Willow, and I thought is would be fun. So here are my offerings! My plates are a reflection of Steph's and my combined family heritage. We both love to collect dishes and we have several sets, not all complete. We love to mix and match them, and on special occasions you will never see the same place setting twice. We hope to collect more in the future, as we are able to travel to different places around the world.

The dishes that my great grandmother used in her restaurant in Washington, Oklahoma.



Plates that belonged to Steph's mother. The bowl on the far left was Steph's mom's baby bowl.



The Lenox bone china that my father gave to my mother for their 25th wedding anniversary. It was passed to me when mother died in June of 2001.



The first dishes that Steph and I bought together. The blue pottery was purchased in an outlet store in Denver, Colorado, and the little floral plates were purchased in a boutique in Boulder, Colorado.


This pasta plate and tureen look like they came right out of Tuscany, but were actually purchased at a Hobby Lobby right here in Stillwater. (The champagne flutes to the right were our wedding flutes.)

Eight is enough

I keep getting these great memes from Steph and I'm afraid I've become addicted.


8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1. Moving to a new house that won't cost us an arm and a leg--not being house poor any longer!
2. Having the finances to do other things besides pay the rent.
3. Losing more weight.
4. Selling the Mozartiana.
5. Getting our novel finished--and published.
6. Seeing Nathan on Monday.
7. Mother's Day dinner with my family.
8. Another day to write.


8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Made a fun post on my other blog.
2. Fed the cat.
3. Got dressed.
4. Went to work.
5. Answered telephones.
6. Went to the gym with Heather.
7. Ate dinner.
8. Goofed around with Steph.




8 Things I Wish I Could Do Right Now:

1. Go get a pedicure.
2. Fly Airbus to Vienna.
3. Get together with some of my old friends.
4. Sing in a performance of Le Nozze di Figaro.
5. Spend the weekend with Steph in a 5-star hotel somewhere, anywhere.
6. Sit in a hot tub and drink Margaritas.
7. Take Steph to Boston to get married.
8. Fit into a size 8 again.


8 Shows I Watch on Telly:

1. The Rachel Maddow Show (MSNBC)
2. The OETA Movie Club (PBS)
3. Rick Steves' Europe (PBS)
4. Whose Line is it, Anyway? (ABC Family)
5. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (Travel Channel)
6. Top Chef (Bravo)
7. Project Runway (Bravo)
8. The Colbert Report (Comedy Central)


8 Life Lessons I Have Benefited From (or am TRYING to put into practice):

1. Love at first sight can happen.
2. Things (or people) are not always what they appear to be on the outside.
3. What's in the well will come up in the bucket.
4. Love really is all you need.
5. People are people no matter who or where.
6. Thoughts are things. What you dwell on, you will get.
7. Never say never.
8. Children will bring out the best and the worst in you.

Ten favorite movie characters

I found this meme on Willow's blog and thought it so clever that I had to play along!

Idgie
Tawanda!


Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Don't call me Lawrence.


Albert
Oh God, I pierced the toast!


Antonio Salieri
Can you recall no melody of mine?


Charlie Anderson
They don't belong to the state they belong to me! When they were babies I never saw the state comin' around here with a spare tit!


Lili von Schtupp
Let's face it fellas, everything from the waist down is kaput!


Sam
I want the Rootie-Tootie Fresh N' Fruity like at IHOP.


Elinor Dashwood
Marianne, can you play something else? Mamma has been weeping since breakfast. I meant something less mournful dearest.


Eliza Doolittle
...and what I say is, them as pinched it done her in


Mama Morton
In this town, murder's a form of entertainment.

High School Meme

I found this on Steph's blog and decided to play along. I wish that I had one of my senior portraits to upload, but I don't, so I'll try and find a picture of my old school to post.




1. Did you date someone from your school senior year?

Yes. His name was Eddie Bundy and he graduated the year before I did.

2. Did you marry someone from your high school?

No.

3. Did you car pool to school?

My freshman and sophomore years I carpooled with the kids across the road, but starting my junior year, I had a car so I drove both my brother and me.


4. What kind of car did you drive?

I had a 1976 yellow Dodge Colt.

5. What kind of car do you have now?

I have a 1996 Nissan Quest.

6. It's Friday night... where were you (in high school)?

In the fall I was playing in the band at the football games. In the spring, I was usually performing with the Madrigal somewhere.

7. It is Friday night... where are you (now)?

At home with Steph.

8. What kind of job did you have in high school?

I worked in a tuxedo shop, as well as for my dad in his veterinary clinic.

9. What kind of job do you do now?

I am a secretary/receptionist at a local real estate office and I teach private voice and piano.

10. Were you a party animal?

By no means. I was a good little Southern Baptist girl. I was very serious.

11. Were you considered a flirt?

Not at all. I was all about music and friends.

12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?

I played the baritone horn in marching band and the bassoon in the concert band as well as the orchestra. I also sang in the Concert Choir (2nd Soprano), as well as the Madrigal (2nd Soprano).

13. Were you a nerd?

I was considered a "music nerd".

14. Did you get suspended or expelled?

Never. I was a very good girl.

15. Can you sing the fight song?

Stillwater High united,
Working together,
We'll never, never fail you,
victory will be ours (Rah! Rah! Rah!)
Our school we will love forever,
True to the Bronze & Blue
March on you Pioneers for SHS!

16. Who was/were your favorite teacher(s)?

Steve Maison-Concert Choir, Madrigal
Charles Chessmore-Honors English
Ted Waterfall-American History
Kim Domnick-Speech/Drama

17. Where did you sit during lunch?

I usually went off campus for lunch.

18. What was your school's full name?

Then it was C.E. Donart High School. It was offcially changed to Stillwater High School several years after I graduated.

19. When did you graduate?

1978.

20. What was your school mascot?

We were the Pioneers and our mascot was a covered wagon.

21. If you could go back and do it again, would you?

Some of it I would. I loved the years with the Concert Choir and the Madrigal. I also loved performing and having leads in the musicals. (We did "The King & I" my junior year and "Guys & Dolls" my senior year.)

22. Did you have fun at Prom?

I went to the prom every year and had a great time!

23. Do you still talk to your prom date?

My junior and senior years I went to the prom with Eddie. I haven't seen him in nearly 15 years--not since his mom's funeral. One of my prom dates is now married to one of my best friends from high school and we do email one another once in a blue moon.

24. Who was your best friend?

Debi Butler--the "Frick" to my "Frack".

25. What did you want to be when you grew up?

A Broadway star!

26. Any regrets?

I wish I'd listened to my heart and done what I wanted to do instead of trying to please everyone else.

27. Biggest fashion mistake?

Double knit anything! YUK!

28. Favorite fashion trend?

I loved the large-legged, high-waisted trousers with the pleated tuxedo shirts. I really got into the whole tailored menswear look for women.

29. Are you going to your next reunion?

I'd like to.

30. Who did you have a secret crush on?

No one really. I was very picky.

31. Did you go on spring break?

In 1976 I went with my church youth choir to Washington D.C. for the Bicentennial celebrations. That was a lot of fun!

Eight things about me to end 2008

8 Things I Am Passionate About:
1. Music
2. Mozart
3. Steph
4. My family
5. Singing/Acting
6. Teaching
7. History
8. Learning

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die:
1. Take my family to Salzburg for Christmas
2. Write a book about Nancy Storace
3. Marry Steph, legally
4. Travel through all of Europe
5. Travel through New England (The only part of the continental U.S. I've not seen)
6. See Steph's screenplay on the Big Screen
7. See an opera at the Met
8. See all three of my kids happy and successful

8 Things I Say Often:
1. "That is so cool!"
2. "I love you."
3. "Damn cat!"
4. "No shit!"
5. "Keep that vowel forward!"
6. "You need more height in the soft palate."
7. "Where are my shoes?"
8. "You bust me up!"

8 Books I’ve Read Recently:
1. Mozart: A Cultural Biography, by Robert W. Gutman, (still reading that one)
2. The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne
3. The Law of Attraction, by Esther Hicks
4. The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
5. Anna Susanna: Anna Storace, Mozart's Original Susanna, by Geoffrey Brace (an ongoing reference)
6. Mozart and His Circle by Peter Clive (an ongoing reference)


8 Songs I Could Listen To Over & Over:
1. "Laudate Dominum" from Solemn Vespers, by Mozart
2. "So in Love" from Kiss Me Kate, by Cole Porter
3. "Lascia ch'io pianga" by Handel
4. "Ruhe sanft mein holdes leben", from Zaide, by Mozart
5. "Du bist die Ruh" by Franz Schubert
6. "Kyrie", from The Great C minor Mass, by Mozart
7. "Dream a Little Dream of Me", by Mama Cass
8. Any soft ballad sung by Rosemary Clooney

8 Things That Attract Me To My Best Friends:
1. Their sense of humor
2. Their loyalty
3. Their openness to new people and ideas
4. Their intelligence
5. Their ability to think outside the box
6. Their openness to displays of affection
7. Their creativity
8. Their ability to be spontaneous

8 Things That I am Thankful For This Year:
1. Steph
2. My family
3. My friends
4. My job
5. Our President-elect and his family
6. The "treasure"
7. Our "benefactor"
8. Our home