What's New Archive

What's New - September, 2004


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Thursday September 30, 2004

You can have all the education in the world and still be completely stupid. If you doubt me, I have proof. Last night I was driving to PetsMart trying to buy a bowl that weighed more than a house. Why? Because I'm really tired of the puppy picking up her bowl and moving it over to wherever I am to eat. It wouldn't be so bad if she didn't leave a trail behind her. My theory is she just wants to remember where to put it back. For the most part she's self cleaning, and goes back to pick up the trail. Sadly, she doesn't do a very good job of it so I end up stepping on them late at night while trying to get some water.... but I digress.

Anyway while driving, I passed a brand new Mercedes SUV. The license place said, "ER DOC". Inside with the light on was a lovely woman - a lovely busy one. She had the nerve to be driving while reading a medical chart, and talking on her cell phone. How dumb can you be? It's not like she doesn't see enough accidents in her ER to know better....

That's not to say I'm immune from stupidity... far from it. This morning I was talking to my mother (which can be a chore at times in and of itself) and actually found myself offering to cook the Thanksgiving turkey. I tried this last year.... you'd think I'd learn. Last year my brother and I had the grand idea to cook the turkey on the grill. Anyone who knows me knows that an open flame and I are a dangerous combination. There was only a small fire that time... thank god. And at least half the turkey was edible, if you didn't mind the crunch. But here I was, once again offering to burn the house down and mutilate a poor turkey.

None of us are immune from stupidity... I just try to keep it behind close doors and not in a moving vehicle. I'll just keep it between me, my family, my friends, and the city's fire department.

Enough of me and on with the update... Enjoy! Don't forget to feed the bards!

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits" -- Albert Einstein

Bludreamscape (Blu)

Tuesday September 29, 2004

Phair to the rescue once again!

CONFESSION OF THE POET CONFINED
(think 1997 time frame)

He paused a moment before announcing my sentence. There could be no appeal. No reprieve this time. My carelessness had finally caught up with me.

"The foot is broken in three places. We'll need to cast it and, of course, ... have you off your feet for four weeks."

Aaarrgghh! No working, no walking, no wandering; no wonder I started to cry. It took a few minutes of hearty sobbing and a pep talk from the doctor to pull myself together. Think like a rational person. The world would not end. The bones would heal. How bad could sitting at home for 28 days be?

I WAS HORRIFIED!

Day one, Sally Jessy introduced us to daughters who hate their mothers. Later that day, Maury gave a big old hello to mothers who hate their daughters. In between, somebody reunited drunk drivers with their victims. After midnight, Jerry and Montel found couples being harassed by ex-lovers. It is no surprise Oprah has taken to reading books on her show. I quickly realize I that I should spend my time writing.

The first couple of days were a complete loss. Part of the time was consumed with the traffic accident that is daytime television (I could not help looking). Several hours were spent wallowing in pain. Eighteen hours were devoted to Donkey Kong. I am proud to report that I beat the castle. I was not concerned about how little I was writing, at first. I thought it would take a couple of days to get into my new schedule.

The second week was a different story. I had no new "stuff" in the works. My usual MO for writing a poem begins with a word or a phrase that clicks on an emotion. I build from that point until the original thought has a scaffold of detail around it. This provides support for the singular feeling with which I began. Final revisions involve cutting and beefing and spelling checks. BING BANG BOOM DONE! But it was not happening. I was blocked. BLOCKED! For the very first time ever, I was hopelessly blocked. Aaarrgghh!

Struggling for anything, I would have been happy with even a bad verse. You know, a piece that your Mom would call a "little ditty." Nothing came together. Words, which had so often comforted me, were now mocking me. I was broken both figuratively and literally.

Then one sunny morning during the third week of my confinement, Dad on his walker made his way around me hobbling on my crutches. The old guy was 'racing' me for the last of the orange juice. I commented on the absurdity of our situation with dark humor. He chuckled at my ill will.

"There will be no miracles here," he smiled like a schoolboy as he guzzled the last of the juice from the carton. The sound rang in my ears. It was like a thunder clap. Then lightning sparked. I hobbled into my bedroom and began to write. The words rained down onto the page. It was a flood of emotion. I had finished my newest "little ditty" in fifteen minutes or so. Let's face it, the piece was not Frost. But, it was all mine. Unblocked. I was still a writer capable of good and bad verse.

After relief had subsided to a pleasant buzz in my head, I realized something very important. The basis of my writing experience. My writing is fed by my conversations, interactions, and boring activities of everyday life. Every writing workshop I have attended has pushed READ, READ, READ. I am starting to wonder if more attention should be given to LIVE, LIVE, LIVE. Please note that I am NOT suggesting that jumping out of a plane or a scaling tall building is a prerequisite to write a poem or novel. My moment of enlightenment came when two people, who could barely walk, exchanged no more than twenty words. I am suggesting that the other things writers do to "support" their art, like bank clerk or sales person or gas station attendant, may truly feed their art as well as their bellies. Maybe to have something to write about we need to have that frustrating job, a fight with our brother, a car that will not run, and a goofy boyfriend who just will not commit.

What of the rest of my poem you ask? Well, it is not very good but I will let you read it.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

"There will be no miracles ... here,"
before he advanced the walker
then his left foot followed by the right
taking his exit
with a lingering smile

The End

Phair

You can find Phair's work at her web site www.phair1.com. Please take some time to thank Phair for rambling and have a marvelous rest of the week.

Tamara

Monday September 27, 2004

Guess what? It's time for an important announcement from the folks who run DCBardfest.

Hurry! Less than a week left to join in on the fun!

DC BardFest 2004!
October 2-3, 2004 - Arlington, VA

We have some wonderful things planned this year! Check this out!

• See, hear, and meet Mr. Armistead Maupin, author of "Tales of the City" series "Babycakes", "Significant Others", "Sure of You", "Maybe the Moon", and "The Night Listener"

• Speak and mingle with some up and coming as well as established authors of the GLBT community. (Guest speakers: Linda Hill, Jean Stewart, and Radclyffe; Additional confirmed bards include: Alex Mykals, Blayne Cooper, Carrie Ryan, Diane Bauden, I. Christie, Jane Fletcher, Jessica Casavant, Joe Connell, JP Mercer, Katlyn, KG MacGregor, Lara Zielinsky, Larisa, Lori Lake, Lynn Ames, Nann Dunne, Robin Alexander, Roselle Graskey, Stephanie Peters, SX Meagher, T Novan, Taylor Rickard, Vada Foster, and Verda Foster)

• Attend panels to discuss all sorts of aspects related to writing and publishing.

• Bid in the silent auction to raise money for our two wonderful charities this year: Starship Foundation, and Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE). This year's auction includes such things as:

Hand-made Indian Chief Head Dress complete with feathers, fur and ribbons. The feathers were hand-dyed in burgundy, gold, and black. The headband was hand-beaded. The headdress was custom made for a Washington Redskins fan and worn during the 1993 season, but you don't have to be a Skins fan to appreciate this beauty. Check out the pictures on the website: www.dcbardfest.com/items.htm.
Autographed Photos
Artwork by Rebekah Lynn and Lisa Griffith
Xena and Uber fan fiction on audio tape. Some are very hard to find stories too!
X-Files 100th Episode Script autographed by Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny
Xena: Warrior Princess Seasons on VHS
...and much, much more!

• Receive some wonderful prizes in our charity raffle.

• Participate in four character charity racing games to raise additional money for our two wonderful charities. You'll receive the details for this game in your registration package.

• Attend an evening dance with live band, "That Girl Band". (www.thatgirlband.info) On January 11, 2003, "That Girl Band" headlined their first big show at The NorVA. They sold over 700 tickets, now making them the biggest "local" act to have ever played at that venue. Come and check them out! And for those wishing to attend just the dance, individual tickets will be sold at the door for $10.00!

For those wanting a taste of Washington DC and the attractions, we are offering tickets to the "Monuments by Moonlight" tour. This tour was a hit last year and is back for a repeat. The trolley will pick up passengers at the hotel at 7:00 p.m. Sunday night and the tour lasts approximately 2 1/2 hours. The trolley is wheelchair accessible. Visit our website for further details and purchase of tickets: www.dcbardfest.com/specevent.htm.

Also, the Crystal City Marriott is located next to the Crystal City metro station. Using the metro you can easily visit the Smithsonian Museums, and many of the monuments such as the new World War II memorial, and the recently opened National Museum of the American Indian! They recommend you get your timed entry passes in advance. The tickets are free; however, there is a $1.75 per ticket convenience fee for internet purchases. So much to do and see and so little time! Hurry visit our website now and order your tickets before it's too late!

And now on to the updates....

Tamara

Sunday September 26, 2004

If have more rambler suggestions please email me!     Raven

To delight you all I have invited an Old Friend to share a ramble!

Drum Rolll... Shhhheeee's Back!!! Celine!!!!! It is my pleasure to bring her back and catch all of you up on her life and adventures!!

Here is Celine...

Once upon a time, there was a girl (okay, technically, she's a grown up girl, but that's not the point) named Celine who used to ramble and post updates on this very site. She spent roughly 2 years writing about Tango the Wonder Kitty and other things of little to no consequence while attempting to keep up with posting the latest stories. Oh, for the days gone by. Celine's time at Beyond Uber was spiffy in the extreme, but then real life intruded its ugly little head and she was forced to resign her post. She went on to ramble on occasion on her own site and later her blog (http://www.iwantalife.com/ramblings/blog), but it wasn't the same. No, nothing could replace Beyond Uber. Then one day, Celine received an email from lovely Beyond Uber editor Raven. It was proposed, if she was interested, for Celine to do a guest ramble. To take it all back to where it began, if you will. If you won't, then, um... well, just play along, okay? Thanks. Anyway, a guest ramble was proffered, and Celine jumped at the chance. Okay, technically, Celine doesn't jump, but she does bounce slightly on occasion if she's feeling particularly spry, so close enough. She thought (as she is wont to do on occasion, but only if she can nap afterwards), this is a great chance to tell all about the latest exploits of Tango the Wonder Kitty. But something was niggling the back of her brain -- why, she wondered, was she writing about herself in the third person? Who knows? Not me, and I'm the one writing it. So let's switch to the first person, because frankly this is giving me a headache.

Tango, some of you may remember, is my orange tom with a penchant for getting into multitudes of trouble on any given day. He's now four years old, and, despite his best efforts, he hasn't killed me, himself, or any of the other inhabitants of the house. He has, however, developed many skills. The most recent is the ability to turn on the dryer. He loves to lay on top of it and get a buzz from the rumbling of it whenever it's running. Can't say I blame him. But the other day, he discovered if he lays against the start button, the darned thing just might turn on. He did it twice in a row, even after I thought I'd shut the darned thing off. This is in addition to his continued fascination with my printer/scanner/copier, which he can not only turn on but also make copies. I have to make sure not to leave anything on the scanner bed, or else he'd be making dozens of copies of whatever it may be. A sampling of his other skills -- checking phone messages on the answering machine, typing on my keyboard, turning the TV off/changing the channel/adjusting the volume, opening cupboards and removing any and all contents, unrolling the toilet paper and paper towel rolls, knocking off anything which isn't bolted down onto the floor, and he's always first to use the littler box after it's been cleaned out and refilled. Even if he's in another part of the house and there are other cats already closing in. In fact, I can't be sure, but I think he has the ability to be in two places at once. He can be sound asleep in the bedroom, but when I walk to the kitchen, chances are he'll be sitting there, looking like he's wondering what took me so long. Then if I go back to the bedroom, I swear he'll be back there, sound asleep again. But that's Tango. He lives to be difficult. It's a good thing he's so darned lovable. After all, it's hard to be mad at him when he curls up on my chest and purrs his little head off. Or when he sleeps plastered up against me every night. So, there you have it -- the all important Tango the Wonder Kitty update. As for me, I'm still around, here and there, though health problems keep me from doing as much online as I used to. I miss you guys and gals, so I'm glad I got a chance to say hello. Thanks for reading, and long live uber.

Oh, and Tango sends his regards. Or, rather, he would if he weren't presently perched on my printer/scanner/copier making copies again. He's a busy cat, you know. Peace, Celine. =) uber@wvi.com

Saturday September 25, 2004

Friends are amazing. They seem to stick by us through the dark and the light. We are lucky to have a few throughout our life. I'm amazed when I take the time to look around at how many I can really count on. All are different and all have different relationships to me, but in the end they would be there if I asked. Friends are something that you can create but you can destroy just as easily. They are something to be cherished and at the same time make sure to use them wisely.

They can create calmness in your life. They can make us laugh and yet just as easily can make us cry. True friends we trust and they know it, but it's okay. In the end true friends do in their heart what they believe to be right. If they hurt us we must try and see why. If we lose them we must figure out what happened and remember how that came about and try and not to let it repeat itself. Since friends have keys to us and our locks are hard to change.

Today I want my friends to know how much they all mean to me. I can't always put things into words but I can only hope each of my friends knows in their heart that I care. To each of you a hug and a very large thank you. Without you the dark would be oh so lonely and the light would not be nearly as much fun.

Tonight a borrowed quote: There can be no friendship without confidence, and no confidence without integrity. --Rambler.

Now on to the updates - enjoy!

Elisa

Friday September 24, 2004

Today's updates.     Mjay

Thursday September 23, 2004

Towards the end of the summer and early fall here, the tarantulas are in season... everywhere. I spend about 2 months on high alert just waiting for one of those bastards to try to get in my place. I have this vision of them all huddled together creating a battle plan to breech my defense parameter. I’m convinced they enjoy this little game of scare the human. When I see them, my fear trumps any desire I might have to look sane.

I don’t just scream like a chick from a B horror movie.... No, I can actually be heard in the next time zone. Then I suddenly hop onto the nearest thing. Most often that’s a couch or table, but I’ve been known to jump on some poor fool standing next to me. There’s a lot of arm waving and pointing. It really is rather unattractive. All this happens while it stares at me, mocking me. Don’t let it fool you though; it’s just waiting for its opportunity to pounce.

Then the problem comes in. How do you take care of it while staying at least 30 feet from it? I mean these damn things are so big that if I threw my shoe at it, it would probably throw it right back. I’d think about a brick, but with my aim I’d end up putting holes in the walls. So I toss bowls. Now I know you think I’m insane... but they work. The key is getting to the kitchen without putting even my big toe on the ground. This can be tricky and it requires some skill. I suggest you practice before the invaders are attacking. If all else fails, just skirt alongside the wall and then sprint into the kitchen.

Eventually you can cover the thing with a lucky bowl shot. Then you have to put a book over it to hold it down. That’s really important. I found out the hard way. One instance of a moving bowl or an escapee, was enough to teach me that lesson. Then I call someone in to remove it. I don’t care if they kill it really.... I just don’t wanna get close enough to do it myself. Yes that makes me horrible a non-friend to spider kind, but I can’t help it. I’ve tried to reason with them, but they never listen. If the poor fool I call wants to shoo that creature out, then by all means... but just don’t let it escape behind a bookcase. Last time that happened I didn’t sleep for a week

So about a week ago, my puppy thought she’d bring me a huge tarantula (about the size of my whole freaking hand) as a present. I was touched... how sweet. Then I squirted her with the hose till she dropped the thing. What, you think I’d let her near me like that? God no. Poor thing was a tad confused... She ate the hose 3 days later so I think we’re even.

Enough of me and on with the update... Enjoy! Don't forget to feed the bards!

"I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot." -- Kevin James

BluDreamscape (Blu)

Tuesday September 21, 2004

I'm in the process of making my bed this morning when I notice Cal smells rather ripe. Yep, he's done his mega morning poop. So I go and get the wipes and a diaper. I sit on the bed and lean over to the other side of the bed to pull Cal up. As I'm pulling him up, I misjudge how close I am to the edge of the bed, and since I'm sitting in such a way that my legs aren't on the floor I end up toppling off while still holding Cal.

Fortunately my descent was nice and gentle and fortunately I was able to keep Cal from crashing into me when I fell. We both had a good laugh about it but I think at first Cal was a little worried. After we had returned to the bed and disposed of the toxic waste that was his diaper, he thought it might be funny to push mom off the bed again. I was prepared for him though and didn't go over the edge. How nice to have a son who's always willing to laugh even if it does entail a pratfall at his mother's expense.

Tamara

Monday September 20, 2004

We interrupt our regularly scheduled recipe ramble for this special announcement....

Two more weeks and counting for the literary event of the year!
DC Bardfest 2004 - October 2-3, 2004!

This is your opportunity to attend a two-day event, with speakers, panels, authors, publishers, book dealers, and vendors from across the nation, and a variety of disciplines, all focused on the challenge of supporting emerging Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, and Transgendered authors.

This year's event is starring Armistead Maupin. Author of such great published works as, "Tales of the City" series, "Babycakes", "Significant Others", "Sure of You", "Maybe the Moon", and "The Night Listener".

Guest speakers include:
Linda Hill (author of such published books as "Change of Heart", "Class Reunion", "Never Say Never", and "Treasured Past")

Jean Stewart (author of such published books as "Emerald City Blues", and the Isis series - "Return to Isis", "Isis Rising", and many more)

Radclyffe (author of such published books as "Above All, Honor", "Safe Harbor", "Shields of Justice", and many more)

Also confirmed attending and participating in discussion panels and/or autographing sessions are other wonderful published, or soon to be published, authors such as:
Alex Mykals ("Adeptus Major")
Blayne Cooper (vMadam President", "The Last Train Home", "Cobb Island", etc.)
Di Bauden ("Nurturing Souls", "A Saving Solace", etc.)
I. Christie ("Queen's Lane", "Merker's Outpost")
Jane Fletcher ("Lorimal's Chalice", etc.)
Jessica Casavant ("Twist of Fate", "Walking Wounded")
JP Mercer ("Incommunicado", "Threads of Destiny")
K. Darblyne ("The Fellowship", "Up In The Air")
Katlyn ("Code Blue", "Storm Surge")
KG MacGregor ("Shaken", "Malicious Pursuit")
Lara Zielinsky ("Turning Point")
Larisa ("Body Parts", "Buried Prejudices")
Lori Lake ("Under the Gun", "Gun Shy", "Different Dress", etc.)
Lynn Ames ("The Price of Fame")
Nann Dunne ("True Colors", "Staying In The Game", etc.)
Robin Alexander ("Gloria's Inn")
Roselle Graskey ("October Echoes")
SX Meagher ("I Found My Heart In San Francisco")
T Novan ("Madam President", "The Claiming of Ford", "Words Heard In Silence", etc.)
Taylor Rickard ("Words Heard In Silence")
Vada Foster ("Josie and Rebecca: The Western Chronicles")
Verda Foster ("Crystal's Heart", "The Chosen", "These Dreams", etc.)

Not only is the DC BardFest itself a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we also take advantage of the opportunity each year to contribute to our favorite charities. Each year, we select two charities and any profit from the event proper plus the proceeds of fundraising auctions conducted by the participants are contributed. Benefiting from this year's event are the Starship Foundation and Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE). We are also conducting a "Toys and Clothing Drive" for the Starship Foundation. Please visit our website for details.

As an added bonus, on Saturday evening, there is a dance scheduled with a live band... starring "That Girl Band" (www.thatgirlband.info) - Brea Hawk, Ms. Angela, and Carrie Ryan.

For those visiting the Washington DC area for the first time or for those who have just never had the opportunity to visit some of the monuments in the evening, we are offering tickets to the very popular tour, "Monuments by Moonlight". This tour was a hit last year and is back for a repeat. The trolley will pick up passengers at the hotel at 7:00pm Sunday night and the tour lasts approximately 2 1/2 hours. The trolley is wheelchair accessible. Visit their site (www.historictours.com/Washington/Monuments/FrontPage.htm) for more information about the tour, including the monuments visited. Please note: Deadline for purchasing tickets for this tour is September 25, 2004.

Tickets for DC Bardfest and/or the Monuments by Moonlight tour may be purchased online or by mail. Visit our website for details. (www.dcbardfest.com) Time is running out so hurry!

Enjoy the updates!

Tamara

Saturday September 18, 2004

Truth...when, where, how, and why?

Interesting concept...should truth always be used? Note all this sh*t be my opinion only.

Why not truth? I found some reasons from others...one, not to hurt anyone other than myself. Wow...to believe this seems like a fallacy in and of itself.

I understand the concept of not hurting someone with knowledge that changes nothing but inflicts pain, however this seems to be false. The pain by not giving the truth in this case inflicts pain on yourself. Are you worth nothing? Pain to our mind is in some ways more damaging than someone else's. We store all of that up and it creates a big shed where our confidence and resentment live. These items need their own places but when put with our own sense of worth and pain, it changes our viewpoint.

It may not get us now, but it creates layers that we don't see. It will make us react and choose things from a blurred perspective that we don't even realize we have.

By denying truth we are denying the ability to allow others their feelings and reactions. Not that anyone wants to cause pain, but it does allow us to grow and learn from situations. And good or bad, it's necessary in life. When someone hurts us we look at that situation, or we should. We learn something about them and about ourselves and if the relationship is a good one then that communication can only make us stronger.

So to me, the "I don't want to hurt someone with useless pain" excuse is false. You do cause a different pain by denying truth...you deny the strength of a really good relationship.

I've got another person telling me they do the same thing...small little lies that have no bearing on stuff.. They do this though with self-protection in mind. This reason is harder to understand, but actually makes the most sense...LOL.

We have the instinct to protect ourselves, but I still think by not sharing things truthfully we deny ourselves and others the ability to connect completely. Truth is the most basic item in every relationship we have. Trust, dependence, confidence all rely on the basic nature of truth, so by denying that we deny a completion of many other things. However, this type of truth is much harder to get past. We need to see and learn why we self-protect...maybe evaluate our reasoning a bit more...who knows.

So many questions in life, so many answers. But if we had all the truths, how fun would that be? Live your life to the best of your knowledge. Listen, learn, analyze and you will grow. Thinking is good..not "bah!" like I was recently told...LOL!

Knowledge is a path and truth leads the way.

Good luck finding your way. I struggle daily, but it is all worth it in the end. Live, find joy, and don't forget to share it with those around you.

Now on to the updates.

Elisa

Friday September 17, 2004

Today's update.     Mjay

Thursday September 16, 2004

The Art of Cooking ~or~ Pass the Fire Extinguisher Please

Cooking is an art. People will lie to you and tell you that it’s easy, or that it’s just as simple as following a recipe. These are also the same people that when asked for directions will say something like, "Well you take a right up there by that big thingy and head a ways. Then take a left at that street with that one big billboard..." If I listened to these people I would end up in Mongolia with nothing but the yak I traded my worldly possessions for.

Anyway, I decided to cook something I’d seen on the Food Network. What an evil channel that is. It always looks so easy when they do it. I sit there thinking to myself, "Gee how hard can that be?" That was the first mistake. I naively thought that by writing down the instructions I too could be eating like a Queen. What a fool I am.

The problem is that they don’t dumb the instructions down far enough for people like me, people that should never see the inside of a kitchen without adult supervision. On the plus side, I did lean that just about any food can be explosive. How you ask? I blew up everything in the oven for one reason only... I followed the instructions to the letter.

For some reason when I follow instructions in the kitchen, I forget to also think for myself. Well, the instructions said *nothing* about poking the potatoes. Normally I would do this..... But again, I was following the damn instructions. That was my second mistake. Let’s just say that I had no idea a potato could do *that*. I also discovered while making those cute mini muffins that blueberries are like little bits of TNT. They should stick some kind of warning at the bottom of the Food Network, or at least rate the recipes on a degree of difficulty. I should tell you, I really am not an imbecile. But something happens to my brain when I get near a stove. The cake I tried to make said and I quote, "1/3 of a cup of oil." Hmmm Oil. What does that mean? I can tell you it does *not* mean olive oil.

I don’t know maybe it is some kind of cosmic payback for trying to destroy my brother’s baseball card collection in my Easy Bake Oven when I was seven. Regardless, you should have seen the looks on peoples faces as they looked for a polite way to spit my hard work out into their napkins.

Most people ask me why I would bother to even try to cook these things when I know they’re only going to turn into a disaster. Personally, I don’t think that certain failure or being incredibly bad at something is enough of a reason not to try. Besides, if I were to give up and not try I would starve to death. So last night it was macaroni and cheese for one..... Now that’s gourmet

Enough of me and on with the update... Enjoy! Don't forget to feed the bards!

"Most turkeys taste better the day after; my mother's tasted better the day before." -- Rita Rudner

BluDreamscape (Blu)

Wednesday September 15, 2004

Hullo again!

I want to thank everyone who wrote to me with ideas for raising my blood pressure. I tried everything and whatever worked, I've had no recent dizzy spells.

Y'all are wonderful healers, thanks everyone!

A friend of mine, Jeanie, is writing a story in which Kokopelli is a minor character. So far, the story is proving to be rather interesting.

For those of you who may not know, Kokopelli is regarded by some Indigenous Peoples as the Trickster of the desert people.

He is often seen as the silouette of a hunchbacked flute player. So you're sitting there thinking, 'That's nice, Tale, but what does he have to do with fiction?'

Well, I enjoy reading just as much as you do; but the stories that surprise and trick me a little really get my attention.

Some time ago, I read Adeptus Major by Psi Draconis, and it wasn't at all what I expected. It blew me away with it's originality.

In the "shorter-but-just-as-good" catagory, there was Meet You There by Bluedragon. Two women buy a house together and soon discover they have company in the basement. It's not what you think it is!

And then there is Anne Azel's Iron Rose Bleeding, and "Icehole" by Kiera Dellacroix (soon to be published as I understand it)...I could go on forever, but you and I would be here forever.

In all of these stories, I find an element of the Trickster and a bit of a surprise. They are more than worthy of your time if you haven't read them yet. And if you haven't, take my son, Shandon's advice intended for his little brother.

"Try something new, it won't kill ya."

Taleweaver

  • Deeper-Chapter 9Continuing adventures of Erin McKenzie, Detective Series, the sequel to In Too Deep. By Ronica Black posted on Sandbox 101 (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • TENEBRAE By Lois Cloarec Hart posted on her web site. (Even if it's not new, it's still impressive.) (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • The Outback Tracker By AngelRad posted on AngelRad's Fiction (Not sure how new this is, but it deserves mention) (Beyond Uber Alt)

Tuesday September 14, 2004

A bit of a news round-up ramble tonight. The first bit o' news concerns Bywater Books and a contest they're having. If you have an unpublished manuscript just sitting in your desk gathering dust, check out their rules for submission here: bywaterbooks.com/article.php/20040821092916977.

And last, but certainly not least, is a cool site that's attempting to catalog lesbian authors and their books. Sapphic-Scribbles.com has the potential to grow into a very useful resource, however, the site owner could use your help. She's beginning to add reviews of the books on her site and has created an area for you, the reader, to post reviews. Check out her site and if you've read any of the books she currently has listed or want to review a book she doesn't have listed, drop her a line.

Thanks all, folks! Have a stupendous rest of the week.

Tamara

Monday September 13, 2004

Recipe Ramble Monday once again....

Egg Casserole

Cube and place in bottom of 9x13 dish, 1lb of jack cheese.

Blend:
3 oz cream cheese
6 eggs
1/2 cup butter
1 cup milk
1/2 flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder

Stir in 12 oz cottage cheese, small curd. Pour over cheese in backing dish. Let stand at least 8 hours overnight in the refrigerator. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Serves about 10.

Elisa

Let Elisa know if you try this recipe. When I said "yuck" to the cottage cheese she informed me that she didn't like cottage cheese either but it was good in this recipe. So try it even if you're like me and think cottage cheese is icky.

Tamara

Saturday September 11, 2004

The days continue to go by. Do we notice one individually? Or do we lump things into sections? Maybe it depends on our mood of the moment.

Regradless the time is going on with or without us noticing. Hopefully we can remember to look up and enjoy some of it. This moment will never be repeated. Smile and try for something good.

What is good? Whatever you choose it to be. Allow it to bring you that moment of happiness or peace. Enjoy.

Now off to the update.

Peace.

Elisa

Friday September 10, 2004

Today's updates.     Mjay

Thursday September 09, 2004

Have you ever been driving around talking to yourself in the car? I do this. Don’t try to hide it, because I know you do it too. We all do. Often times I’m running over a conversation I just had. I’m always about ten times cleverer when in conversations with myself. I can even think of the one thing I wanted to say but it wouldn’t come. Finally I can think of exactly what I would say to the woman that scooted in front of me for the last parking spot, or the guy who cut in line at the grocery store while commenting on my current weight and parentage. In the car alone, I’m a genius. I can solve any problem, and I’m always right.

So today I was chattering to myself about what I had to do for the day. It was a laundry list of things that I’d probably never get around to. I could’ve been doing a few of them, but by making the list I was allowing myself to procrastinate on actually doing what was on it. It’s a clever trick that all of us procrastinators know. At the stop light I looked over and stopped in mid sentence. Someone was watching me from another car and looking at me as if I’d gone insane. I went insane long ago so that look wasn’t exactly foreign to me, but I fell silent regardless. Then in order to not appear like I was a half a step away from the padded room, I started acting as if I was singing to the radio. That’s more sane right? That should fool her. She didn’t know that I was talking and not singing. How could She know the radio wasn’t even on? Yes, that could be a good plan. So I started bobbing my head and tapping my fingers on the steering wheel. For a little bit of added realism I made sure to have no rhythm whatsoever. Not exactly something I had to work at in the least.

I’d done it! I managed to fend off being embarrassed in front of a total stranger I’d never see again. It shouldn’t matter, but embarrassment doesn’t always care if you’ll ever see the person again. I was almost smug that I’d hidden my quirks from the eyes of the general public. That’s when something started nagging at me. As the stranger drove away I realized just what it was.... my windows were down and so were hers. So not only did this person know I was talking to myself, but she knew of my pathetic attempt to cover it up and *fake* sing. Now she thought I talked to myself, sung silently to songs that aren’t there, and had horrible rhythm to boot. Great! Now I was embarrassed. I tried to fight off the impending embarrassment and really only made sure that I’d end up being it anyway. Embarrassment can’t be fought... it’s far too sneaky.

So as I was mentally kicking myself for both my blunder and allowing myself to care what this person thought, I heard her while she drove away. She was laughing and talking to herself about me and my blundering. Ha! I felt better. Did I care that she was laughing at me or telling herself that I was a lunatic? Not one bit. Why you ask? Well because she too was talking to herself. Like I said, we all do it. Sadly I think we all will get embarrassed over something that someone else is sure to do. With that in mind I went back to my procrastination checklist, not bothering to roll up the window or care who heard me.

Enough of me and on with the update... Enjoy! Don't forget to feed the bards!

"The statistics on sanity are that one out of every 4 Americans are suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you." -- Rita Mae Brown

BluDreamscape (Blu)

Wednesday September 8, 2004

I know you read, otherwise you wouldn't be here, reading this. *Grin* But have you ever thought about the technique behind the words? How many of you know the agony of writer's block, staring at the screen or paper until you're sure your hair follicles are going to bleed? Oh sure, it's a lot of fun when it all comes together and your dialogue is snappy and rich. But I could tell you about scenes where two of my characters just sit and stare at each other, at a loss for words. I'm sure you don't want to hear about long months of agony involved in writing a mere grocery list, never mind a scene that is supposed to be frought with conflict and tension. I won't even go into the special challenges associated with finding new ways to describe the body parts in making love!

Let me tell you, it's not easy being an author. But when it works, it's good, and we know it just as sure as my lovely wife knows when her homemade biscuits are going to come out right. It can be a lot of fun, rewarding in ways I can't begin to describe, and very soul-satisfying. I wouldn't think of NOT writing! Oh...the pain!

But you can stop the pain my collegues feel. When you read one of their stories, write to them and let them know! Even if it is a short night.

Taleweaver

  • Film At Eleven (15 pgs) By Mavis Applewater posted on The Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)

Tuesday September 7, 2004

I'm reading to Cal before bed tonight. While reading he reaches over and starts squeezing my nose. So I make some honking noises as he squeezes. This, of course, causes him to grab my nose even more. Makes it difficult to read but I persevere and finish Kiki's Delivery Service.

Then it's lights out and I finally get Cal to stop honking my nose. He then moved on to this hilarious exchange....

Cal: "Cold?"

Me: "You're not cold!"

Cal: "Hot?"

Me: "You're not hot!"

Cal: Giggles uncontrollably.

Repeat this exchange at least twenty times with the addition of....

Cal: "Funny!" More giggling.

Watching language and humor develop is a wonderful, but sometimes annoying, thing.

Tamara

  • Part 1 of The Academy's Finest by Sandra Barret posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt) "Dray, a top cadet at the Terran Pilot's Academy, has finally managed to capture the attention of Jordan, the only other cadet who can match Dray's pilot skills. But Dray has little time to explore her growing attraction to Jordan before their academic world is thrust into the middle of the smoldering Vtaryn war. The two young women must give the best of themselves to the Academy and to each other to protect what is most dear to them."

  • Part 7 of Coupe de Grace: World Enough and Time by Vivian Darkbloom posted on her web site (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Part 10 of The Search for Inspiration by Muzza posted on E-Scribblers.com (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Morning by Dani posted on E-Scribblers.com (Beyond Uber Alt)

Monday September 6, 2004

Yep, it's Recipe Ramble Monday once again....

PBJ French Toast

8 slices whole wheat bread
1/3 cup peanut butter
4 Tablespoons strawberry jam
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons milk
1 1/2 cups Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal, crushed
2 cups sliced strawberries and bananas
2 Tablespoons sifted powdered sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread four slices of bread with the peanut butter and jam. Cover with remaining bread slices to make four sandwiches. Break eggs into shallow dish. Add milk and beat with whisk for 30 seconds. Place crushed cereal into a pie plate. Dip each sandwich into egg mixture, then into cereal, turning to coat on both sides. Press cereal gently into bread to secure. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cut each sandwich diagonally in half. Top with fruit and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with syrup.

Amy

Thank Amy for saving my hide with another recipe.

Tamara

  • Clonefic Part 3 Chapter 10 by Phantom Bard posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Changes by Mavis Applewater posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    "Can a woman who is the love 'em and leave type really change after a torrid encounter with a woman from her past?"

  • Film at Eleven by Mavis Applewater posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    "Bettie & Becca meet on the day when gay marriage is finally a reality. Sparks fly when the duo meet during the historic event."

  • Everlasting by Mavis Applewater posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    "Rowan is a brave warrior with a secret to hide. She has been promised the hand of the Princess, can she keep her secret even on her wedding night? Or will the world finally discover that she is not a man?"

  • Part 1 of Coward by Phair posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt) "Set in the near future; a military system turns on one of its own when Major Rory orders her squad to abandon their post to save their lives. There's violence, rape, sexual situations, and some very flawed characters."

  • Clonefic Part 3 Chapter 11 by Phantom Bard posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Everlasting by Mavis Applewater posted on The Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Clonefic Part 3 Chapter 10 by Phantom Bard posted on The Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Chapter 7 of Deeper by Ronica Black posted on The Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Parts 1 and 2 of Sirulean Whip - The Taking by Lord Sirius & Lady Aria posted on Kindred Spirit Lodge (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Intro of the Warrior Judge (additional parts) by WarriorJudge & The Lodgers posted on Kindred Spirit Lodge (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Chapter 7 of Deeper by Ronica Black posted on The Sandbox 101 (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • A Matter of Trust by Shadylady posted on The Sandbox 101 (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Part 2 of Savior (Conclusion) by T. Stratton posted on The Sandbox 101 (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Part 17 of Night and Day by Junebug posted on her web site (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Part 1 of Coward by Phair posted on her web site (Beyond Uber Alt)

Friday September 3, 2004

Today's updates.     Mjay

Thursday September 02, 2004

I wonder if it’s possible for me to walk into an auto repair shop and not have "sucker" written across my forehead in permanent marker. They see me coming... they know that I’ll probably sell my first born (assuming one day I have one) in order to get my tires rotated. I’m their dream come true and I don’t even know it. They could tell me that the fluxcapacitor in the walla walla bing bang joint was broken and I’d nod and pretend that I had a clue as to what they were talking about. I hate when my walla walla bing bang is acting up. I go in there to describe the problem with descriptive terms like, "clunk" and "ting ting ting blop". Their diagnosis is always the same... They can bleed me dry.

I’m not saying they’re all like this... I just have the eerie skill of finding the one bad seed in the bunch. As an aside that’s just the reason people refuse to let me set them up on a blind date. However, I have found that women seem to make better mechanics... well at least from my prospective. For some reason they know that when I make an embarrassingly loud squeak in the lobby of their shop as a demonstration, it means I need a new belt... not a new engine. A good mechanic should win the Nobel Prize in engineering. They should have their picture in the paper and be put on the news as a local hero.

A good mechanic probably doesn’t know how much I’d appreciate them. They rank right up there with a good plumber. I love them... I’m more than willing to fall to my knees in gratitude to anyone of them that crosses my path. The point is that regardless of what job you are doing right now... there is always someone somewhere willing to hand you the shirt off their back in appreciation if you do it well.

Enough of me and on with the update... Enjoy! Don't forget to feed the bards!

"Always drink upstream from the herd." -- Will Rogers

BluDreamscape (Blu)

  • Modern Crusaders Book 3: Even Heroes... by Psi Draconis posted on The Academy. (Beyond Uber Alt)
    In another new city, Ally, Evelynne, and Claire seek to regain their balance. As Evelynne and Claire train their talents, Ally begins to slip into old habits and away from her lover and friend. Searching for a way to allow Ally to heal from her trauma, they finally discover an unusual solution...

  • Clonefic III - Part 8 by Phantom Bard posted on The Academy. (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Tie Break - Part 28 by Bonnie posted on The Academy. (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Sleep Comes Too Late - Part 3 by Crystal Michalet-Romero posted on The Academy. (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Clonefic 3 - Chapter 9 by Phantom Bard on The Athenaeum. (Beyond Uber Alt)

  • Deeper - Chapter 6 by Ronica Black on The Sandbox101. (Beyond Uber Alt)

Wednesday September 1, 2004

Beauty...

Were do we learn our version of it? I think the best thing we can do is try and relearn it. Hopefully our heart and soul will tell us more about it as life moves on.

Self-esteem seems so wrapped up with self beauty. But somehow so many people seem to miss the meaning of beauty.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like this statement. Sadly it seems to be flawed by a society hung up on greed and a narrow vision.

Beauty is so much more than the image our eyes can take in. However, let's evaluate our vision perspective for a minute. When viewing another and thinking them beautiful, do you see their face and the expressions that run across it? Emotions that can be all over the place. Do you see the intelligence and sense of humor in their eyes? Watch hand gestures and see what follows from that.

Beauty to me is beyond the visual when it comes to people. Vision is left for nature and animals. But for us beauty is the inside.

Listen to someone, hear the timbre of their voice, hear all the meanings in their words. In an online world, where I seem to find myself a lot these days, beauty speaks in so many ways. Read the thoughts and see how they're put together. Evaluate the humor that's usually quick and bright. Feel out the thought in the words. Think outside yourself when trying to evaluate another.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as long as that beholder truly evaluates beauty as a complete picture. The heart and soul comes out in people in so many ways. Remember to value everything. See outside the comfort zone and you may be very surprised by how much beauty is surrounding you.

Don't let someone's beauty slip away without notice the next time. Let them know they're special. Each of us is unique. Take the time to find that in yourself, but don't ever forget to find it in another or you may miss so much.

I find it extremely sad when people don't see their own beauty and self-worth. There are too many folks who don't appreciate beauty for what it is--heart. So next time look deeper, use all your gifts as a human--think, evaluate, and look inside.

Truth lies within us, but remember it lies inside others as well.

Enough of my ramblings, go enjoy some of these talented writers and don't forget to give them all some feedback.

Elisa