Chicken Scratches

Pied French Bird Dogs Named FiFi

2012-01-30T23:58:00.000-05:00

Am experimenting with Dragon Naturally Speaking (voice recognition software) to see if it can be beneficial to my writing. It's an acquired skill, apparently. Here is what it typed, followed by what I dictated. Funny stuff. Maybe Dragon is funnier than I am! Dragon version: The truth of it was that she rarely is more than a mouthful of anything, she drank like a fish, and inexistent by and

25 Days Without Nicotine...on the wall?

2012-01-25T19:20:00.001-05:00

I feel like singing. Singing something silly like "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall." Except I want to change the lyrics to go with "25 days without nicotine" to celebrate nearly three weeks smoke free. I still think about cigarettes, but not too much. Outside waiting for my ride today, everyone around me smoked and I got a heavy dose of second-hand smoke. It still wasn't too bad. I remember

Hey Sailor, How 'Bout A Cigarette?

2012-01-13T23:22:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is my 14th day of not smoking. The past two days have been a little difficult. I find myself wondering where my cigarettes are. My fingers feel empty, vacant, devoid of their beloved cylindrical darlings. My mind has started to play tricks on me. "Hey, psst," it whispers. "You forgot to buy cigarettes. Better go correct that -- NOW." The literature assures me I have long since

Mick Jagger is Not Jim Morrison, and I Don't Want to Do Your Dirty Work

2012-01-10T16:50:00.000-05:00

All these years, I've mistakenly assumed "Hello, I Love You" was sung by The Rolling Stones. I was only 10 when it came out, so I can be forgiven for my error, right? Please say yes. I would feel so silly otherwise. :) Morrison was some poet! Check out the visuals in this verse: Sidewalk crouches at her feet Like a dog that begs for something sweet That section just amazes me. A sidewalk,

Nine Days Smoke-free: I Need A Drink

2012-01-09T23:56:00.000-05:00

I am wrapping up my ninth day without cigarettes. I bought one of those e-cigarettes but never took it out of its packaging. I just knew that with my addictive tendencies, I'd get hooked on the fake ciggies which cost a dollar per pack more than the real ones. My skinflint heart just couldn't take that. So I quit cold turkey. Just read a study that was released a few hours ago about folks who

I Am Significant

2012-01-08T14:20:00.000-05:00

"Pruning" up at Fried Chicken and Coffee

2012-01-07T22:17:00.000-05:00

Rusty Barnes of Redneck Press with Fried Chicken and Coffee kindly featured my creative nonfiction piece "Pruning" today. CLICK HERE to read it. It feels good to be published again. :)

Traveling Alone/Together

2012-01-07T15:54:00.000-05:00

We are on a new path. For years, we traveled together shoulder to shoulder, working together for common goals. Now we find ourselves with diverse interests, dichotomous goals. The trick is to weave our lives together using separate threads, avoid tangles and knots, and to end up with a cohesive product pleasing to each of us and both of us, that still satisfies our individual goals. “You suffer

Day Five

2012-01-05T15:28:00.003-05:00

I'm on my fifth day without smoking. It's been amazingly easy and for that, I thank Heavenly Father and Mother and the Stop Smoking spirits and whoever else is applicable. I have been eating like there's no tomorrow. I'm sure that will tell on me eventually. But for now, I'm just relieved that I've had so few withdrawal symptoms. I have smoked for over forty years. This is no small thing I'm

Voicemail Hell

2012-01-02T20:22:00.000-05:00

I made it through 48 hours of not smoking. Had a small episode of tearfulness and irritability when I realized I'd lost my wallet and we were not going to find it, ever again. I called one of my card companies to cancel my card and have a new one issued, and fell into Voicemail Hell. For some reason, as soon as the "System" determined who I was, it transferred me to a dead voicemail link. I

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-01T01:34:00.002-05:00

Repeating resolutions I made for 2005. Note: These are copyright by Ginger Hamilton Caudill. All rights reserved.My spiritual self I resolve to continue my spiritual journey, receptive to gifts along the path. I will welcome gifts with open arms. My creative self I resolve to allow my creative expression the freedom and space it asks in order to fully articulate itself. I will indulge the muse.

P.S. to Karma, Valley Bell, etc.

2011-12-31T13:32:00.003-05:00

Karma worked overtime the other evening. Not only did the fun connections referred to below take place, but even more happened. I found a beautiful photograph of that morning's sunrise in my hometown. It was stunning, truly unusually beautiful (not at all like what you think of when you think of Charleston, WV). I clicked on the photographer's Facebook page, to see who he was, to possibly ask

Karma, Facebook, and the Valley Bell

2011-12-30T21:38:00.002-05:00

Karma is so cool. Tonight on Facebook, some folks were discussing a huge milk carton that used to be on top of a dairy in my hometown. It looked like it was pouring milk into a glass (had a twirling effect and looked "real"). One guy said his niece or someone doubted it was true. So I went looking for a photo online for him. Back in 1961, my family was involved in a deadly flash flood where over

I Agree With "The Four Agreements"

2011-12-27T20:08:00.004-05:00

I read this book years ago and had forgotten all about it. When the student is ready, the teacher appears. Found it on Facebook today. Guess I'm ready again.THE FOUR AGREEMENTS 1. Be Impeccable With Your Word Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love. 2.

Interesting Video

2011-12-12T16:49:00.000-05:00

English Pronunciation

2011-12-12T14:23:00.002-05:00

The following link is to a blog that contains a LONG English poem that highlights how bizarre English words are. http://spelling.wordpress.com/2007/09/05/english-pronunciation/For what it's worth, I pronounced all of it correctly on my first try.For that, I thank my wonderful grade school and junior high teachers.

Ole To You

2011-12-11T17:05:00.002-05:00

Most amazing talk by the author of "Eat, Love, Pray" about the muse and creating. If your work involves creating and you don't watch it, you will have missed something special.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86x-u-tz0MA

Meet Jonah Mowry, My Hero of the Day

2011-12-03T23:07:00.000-05:00

http://youtu.be/TdkNn3Ei-Lg

Soundtrack of My Life (c) Ginger Hamilton Caudill

2011-11-27T17:59:00.003-05:00

SOUNDTRACK OF MY LIFE | ginger hamilton caudillMy parents originally met while singing on a radio program. Both had lovely voices and a joy for music. I grew up listening and loving all kinds of music, from the classics to show tunes to popular music. I knew all the songs from Oklahoma, The Music Man, and Funny Girl. I wept with Sunrise, Sunset and laughed at Matchmaker from Fiddler on the Roof.

Wasted Time and Energy But It Was Funny

2011-01-02T18:15:00.001-05:00

Made it through a day and a half without smoking. Had a small episode of tearfulness and irritability when I lost my wallet and came to the conclusion it was gone forever. I called an 800 number to report one of my cards lost, and got lost in voicemail hell. Called back four times total before I got it straightened out. For whatever reason, as soon as the "SYSTEM" determined who I was, it routed

School After Twenty-Eight Years

2010-10-06T13:10:00.004-04:00

I decided to return to college to work towards a degree in business management in order to help run a business my husband and I and a third partner are starting. After 29 years' hiatus, college was not the easiest project I ever attempted. At first, I found I could not memorize anything. I studied over and over and the material just fell through holes in my brain. I despaired of being able to

Hair-dos and Lost Friends

2010-02-24T20:34:00.002-05:00

Today I got my hair colored and styled. It's been over a year since I had my hair colored and/or cut, so this was a treat. I keep looking at myself in the mirror and wondering who this young, stylish woman is who seems vaguely familiar but strangely different. My husband pronounced that I looked like Edith Bunker from "All in the Family" and I had to agree with him until I combed it out. Now I

Today Is A Better Day

2009-10-21T16:46:00.002-04:00

As if in response to my blog post of yesterday, Nature blessed us with a strikingly blue sky as far as the eye can see. My mood is much improved after a great night's sleep on a new pillow. It's the little things that mean the most in my world. And it's 4:47 in the afternoon and we still have sunshine! How about that?

Today Is A Good Day

2009-10-20T15:28:00.003-04:00

We don't often get blue skies in my neck of the woods, Plantation, West Virginia. Oh, there are a few in the spring, but autumn is when West Virginia's in her glory. The deciduous trees show off their fancy new clothes, brilliant golds and reds against the perpetual green of the evergreens. The rest of the year -- again, where I live -- the sky is a dismal white. There's a song that captures this

Homeless Man Leaves Behind $4 million

2009-07-28T19:44:00.001-04:00

Click for story

Flat Earth Society T-Shirt

2009-05-12T23:02:00.001-04:00

Suggested by Wendell Tomlin. Thanks, my friend! Flat Earth Society by CrazyClaraBuy t-shirts at zazzle.comBrowse more Basic T-Shirts

Creative Puns for "Educated Minds"

2009-01-07T17:40:00.000-05:00

Received this from my mother in law in email this afternoon. ~~GingerCREATIVE PUNS FOR 'EDUCATED MINDS' 1. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi. 2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian. 3. She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still. 4. A

No Promises - Happy New Year

2009-01-02T13:53:00.002-05:00

My New Year's resolution is to free myself from grudges, regrets, and negativity toward myself and others that I may live a more healthy, positive life. I believe this will free up my Muse and allow me to write again and open up my creativity.So consider this the first of many posts for 2009! And here's a nice story to inspire you (that I didn't write). ~~GingerA 92-year-old, petite, well-poised

Day Two... Frost Danger Past

2008-04-24T00:49:00.002-04:00

According to the Old Farmers Almanac, frost danger is past as of today. I will endeavor to set out my three Park's Whopper tomato plants later this evening. Think I'll wait a bit on the peppers and pole beans -- well, I'm going to read some more about the pole beans and make my decision based on info I gather. Definitely am waiting on the peppers. More later today...

How Does Your Garden Grow? Day One...

2008-04-23T15:36:00.006-04:00

Here are the 28 snap pea seeds I attempted to start on wet paper toweling under Saran wrap. Six sprouted, vs. the four expected to sprout if I'd sewn them directly in the ground. Not much advantage, huh? Or looking at it in a positive way, it's actually 50% more than I could've expected had I sewn them directly in the ground! That sounds better...7 p.m. I planted 22 of the pea seeds around a

The Mom Song - by Anita Renfroe (for everyone who's ever had a mom)

2007-12-04T03:36:00.000-05:00

Take two minutes and 55 seconds and enjoy Anita Renfroe's amazing "Mom Song":Lyrics:"The Mom Song"Get up nowGet up nowGet up out of bedWash your faceBrush your teethComb your sleepyheadHere's your clothes and your shoesHear the words I saidGet up now! Get up and make your bedAre you hot? Are you cold?Are you wearing that?Where's your books and your lunch and your homework at?Grab your coat and

Horror Library Volume II Nominated for Stoker!

2007-11-12T16:54:00.000-05:00

I'm "Stoked"! Matt Staggs even mentions my introduction "Blood" by name! ~~Clara Chandler/Gingerwww.skullring.org: An Anthology Worthy of a Stoker Nomination

Humbling Experience

2007-09-29T00:53:00.000-04:00

I've made noise about turning fifty for the past nine months. Even put a counter on my blog to nudge me into doing...something, not sure what. It just seemed important that I accomplish some magical "thing" before I turned fifty.Now I'm fifty and no magical "thing" has been accomplished. I feel just like I did when I was twenty, so that's good. The worst part of turning fifty is that it came and

The Murder of Edith Rodriguez

2007-06-26T01:36:00.001-04:00

The Murder of Edith Rodriguez by the American Medical System

Absentee Owners & Precious Parcels

2007-06-23T21:28:00.000-04:00

I live in West Virginia, which basically functions as a colony whose land and mineral rights belong to outside interests and absentee owners. It's an ugly situation, time-honored and unlikely to change any time soon due to ignorance, greed, graft, and despair. The best most West Virginians can hope to accomplish is to leave the state and become true American citizens. (Yes, Virginia, the rest of

Mother's Day Contest on Zazzle

2007-05-04T18:49:00.000-04:00

I'm entered in a Zazzle Mother's Day contest - top prize is nearly $2000 in cash and prizes. In order to qualify for final judging, I need visits to my product's page; voting (clicking on hopefully the fifth star to give me five stars); and if you're interested, purchasing the card (not a necessity). PLEASE at least click on the link to visit the product. Just takes a second to do and then you

Earth Day Contest - VOTE!

2007-04-13T15:23:00.000-04:00

I've created a design and entered it in an Earth Day contest on Zazzle.com. The judging criteria includes number of clicks on my page, number of votes and comments received, and the design itself.I really need my friends' help in order to win the wonderful $1,000 software suite prize! What can you do to help?1. Click on the link below. Click often!2. You'll see a group of five stars - click on

No, I'm Not Dead...

2007-02-22T15:49:00.000-05:00

...but I've been ill for the past several months. A little better now, and hopefully on the upswing. Here are some St. Patrick's Day goodies that I created. My Zazzle business is doing great -- kinda makes me wonder why I bothered writing at all, except that I love it too. ~~GHC

Trekkies and Hippies and Christmas, Oh My!

2006-12-11T12:38:00.000-05:00

I've been busier than a one-armed paper hanger this past week. The Muse has been generous. Here are just a few new designs (NOTE: The mousepad designs are also available on T-shirts:Revenge of PlutobyclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at ZazzleEggnog for SantabyclarachandlerGet this custom mug at ZazzleStill Truckin 2byclarachandlerGet this custom at ZazzleTest Tube AliensbyclarachandlerGet

I'm Baaaaaack... Kinda Sorta ;-)

2006-12-05T22:30:00.000-05:00

It's been a long hiatus, but I think I'm back. Most of me's back, anyway. I hadn't written diddly squat in months and months. Actually thought my Muse had moved to Montana, but she just went on holiday and sent her Graphic Designer Muse sister to watch over me. I've created 2,000 designs for my Zazzle gallery since she showed up!One of the great things about Zazzle are the wonderful talented

For Thanksgiving Only - No Girl Left Behind

2006-11-22T18:00:00.000-05:00

Blessings to each of you for Thanksgiving from my family to yours.And a plug (forgive me). For one day only, Thanksgiving, Zazzle is offering a sheet of twenty of these stamps for $9.99 with FREE SHIPPING. Please consider getting a sheet or two and helping to promote my concept. No Girl Left BehindbyclarachandlerGet this custom postage at Zazzle

Some Situations Never Change...

2006-10-30T01:46:00.000-05:00

Og The Caveboy. He hates the same things modern-day boys and girls hate -- only it was MUCH WORSE back then!!Bag Lunch by Clara ChandlerbyclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at ZazzleMarket Day for Og The CaveboybyclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at ZazzleOg Hates HaircutsbyclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at ZazzleTo see what else Og hates, check out The Fruit and Nut Bowl."When ya get

Stick A Yellow Ribbon On Your SUV

2006-10-08T17:45:00.000-04:00

Note: You won't want to listen to this at work... ~Ginger

Breast Cancer Awareness -- Priceless!

2006-10-03T11:44:00.000-04:00

I've neglected my poor blog for two weeks! Yikes! I've been busy with my Zazzle Gallery. In a little less than two months, I've created nearly a thousand new products. As you might suspect, my gallery is a smorgasborg of various themes. Check it out -- I guarantee you'll smile, and you'll probably laugh aloud.Here's one of my October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month products. This is my original

The Fruit Cake Lady

2006-09-16T22:36:00.000-04:00

Just got this from one of my MySpace friends. Definitely put a smile on my face! ~~GHC

My First Book Signing - This Friday

2006-09-11T01:01:00.000-04:00

You are invited to attend my first book signing this Friday, September 15th, at Books-A-Million (South Ridge, in the same section as Michael's). I will be there from noon to 2 p.m., and would love to see a familiar face (or two)! Cordially,Ginger DETAILS: Date: Friday, September 15th Time: 12 noon - 2 p.m. Where: Books-A-Million (South Ridge, on the same side as Michael's)

Stephen Robert "Steve-o" Irwin, R.I.P.

2006-09-04T02:50:00.000-04:00

I was stunned when I heard the Steve Irwin, the "Crocodile Hunter," had died earlier today while diving near his home in Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. He was filming and caught a stingray barb to the left side of his chest. I did a little reading and discovered that the hole from a stingray barb can be the size of a dime. That's damned big. Some "expert" on stingrays

Everybody Loves G.R.I.T.S.!

2006-08-20T19:13:00.000-04:00

Folks, you'll just have to stop by my Zazzle gallery The Fruit and Nut Bowl to see all the latest designs! I'm adding several new products every day! ~~GHCEverybody Loves G. R. I. T. S...byclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at Zazzle

I've Gotta Be Me

2006-08-19T21:12:00.000-04:00

Had fun designing this one! You can customize the shirt color and style (Zazzle offers ladies' styles, sweatshirts, hoodies, tank tops, etc., in all designs). ~~GHCIndividualitybyclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at Zazzle

Writers Do It All Night!

2006-08-16T12:11:00.000-04:00

You know it's true...Writers do it all night!byclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at Zazzle

How To Make O.J.

2006-08-15T04:09:00.000-04:00

Here's the "new and improved" version of KJ's first T-shirt design. She developed the entire concept. Bright child! ~~GHCHow To Make Orange JuicebyclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at Zazzle

May The Horse Be With You!

2006-08-14T12:29:00.000-04:00

Lord, I loved horses when I was a girl. Great Aunt Audry had a stable/riding academy. Mom and Dad used to cluck their tongues at how wonderful the stables were and how plain Aunt Audry's house was. "She heats the stables in wintertime and freezes herself to death." If you love horses (or know someone who does), you understand. Here's to Aunt Audry. ~~GHCMay The Horse Be With You!

Ladies Only!

2006-08-12T20:35:00.000-04:00

This shirt was inspired by the famous quote from Apocalypse Now and my love for strawberry lip balm! ~~GingerI Love The Smell of Lip Balm in the MorningbyclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at Zazzle

Let The Games Begin!

2006-08-10T14:32:00.000-04:00

The check's been cashed; let the games begin!Here's another T-shirt design by my eleven-year-old, KellyJo. ~~GHCHappy Camp.byclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at Zazzle

A Journey of A Thousand Miles...

2006-08-09T01:27:00.000-04:00

Here's another shoe-themed T-shirt design. ~~Ginger/ClaraA journey of a thousand miles...byclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at Zazzle

Sticks and Stones....

2006-08-07T12:52:00.000-04:00

I like this T-shirt! Of course, I designed it -- but I like it! ~~GHC/CC Sticks and stones may break...byclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at Zazzle

Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA

2006-08-02T22:48:00.000-04:00

Finally available at Amazon, Ellen Meister's The Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA is a brilliantly funny and clever debut novel. Endorsed by Lisa Kudrow, look for it to be made into a film. I do! ~~GHC

Coal Keeps The Lights On... BUT

2006-08-01T22:30:00.000-04:00

This T-shirt design was inspired by George Bush's recent visit to Charleston, West Virginia. The next day, our local television news station announced we are the fastest shrinking city in the nation. The information had been available for weeks; I suppose the President didn't want citizens aware of it while he was here. West Virginia's coal companies tout the slogan "Coal keeps the lights on."

Would You Like Flies With That?

2006-07-29T13:45:00.000-04:00

Original design by Clara Chandler. All proceeds go to my daughter's college fund. Perfect gift for the frog lover! ~~GingerWould you like flies with that?byclarachandlerGet this custom t-shirt at Zazzle

Much Ado About Nothing

2006-07-28T09:41:00.000-04:00

You scored as Artist. You are an Artist Empath, one who creates their own reality and infuses the realities of others with your energy & emotions. You are poetic and sensitive. You turn your feelings into creations and share them with the world. Everything you touch turns to song and is freed by the color of your eyes. Your spirit dances with the winds and paints delight in the evening sky. (

Reeling In The Years...

2006-07-18T09:54:00.000-04:00

Why is there a counter in the header of this blog keeping track of how long it is until I turn fifty?I have goals. Some are arbitrarily tied to milestones in my life, such as attaining the age of...fifty. My late father took pleasure in recalling how my grandmother sobbed when he greeted her on the morning of her fiftieth birthday with a chipper "Happy half-a-century, Mother!" I returned the

It will come back to you in your dreams...

2006-07-07T11:16:00.000-04:00

The Horror Library Anthology Volume I...runs the entire spectrum of dark fiction...embraces the genre, paying diligence to the traditional spine tingler, the supernatural, the haunted, the dark satire and the gritty modern thriller. Thirty dark tales, each by a different story teller. Customer Reviews:.... truly fresh meat for the horror fan. In ten years time some of the writers whose work

Mountain Voices Released!

2006-06-29T02:20:00.000-04:00

Click the cover to purchase Mountain Voices: Illuminating the Character of West Virginia $3 of the purchase price goes directly to West Virginia Writers, the largest non-profit writers' resource organization serving literary interests in West Virginia. Thirty-plus stories, essays, and poems by two dozen writers make up this anthology published by The Roundtable, West Virginia Writers's online

Grand Prize at The Binnacle!

2006-06-27T22:44:00.000-04:00

Today I got the best news I've received so far in my writing career: I won Grand Prize in University of Maine's The Binnacle International Ultra-Short Story Competition! More details here.My faithful Chicken Scratch readers know I've struggled with my writing for the past several months. I'm trying to complete a grant application (deadline Friday) and my printer is giving me fits. Simply refuses

Mountain Voices due out July 1

2006-06-19T15:28:00.000-04:00

Mountain Voices: Illuminating the Character of West Virginia will be available for purchase July 2006 (ordering info will be posted soon). Thirty-plus stories, essays, and poems by two dozen writers make up the second anthology by West Virginia Writers, Inc., the largest non-profit writers' resource and service organization serving literary interests in West Virginia. By turns emotive and

Shortlisted for "The Binnacle" 2006 Ultra-Short Competition

2006-06-17T16:11:00.000-04:00

The Muse returned and I've been writing the past few days. It's exciting to see words appear on the screen. Yay, Muse!Other good news: I was shortlisted by University of Maine's "The Binnacle" for the second year in a row. I feel honored to see my name tucked in among such talented writers.More good news: My daughter, who's in the hospital and almost died last week, finally got her IV removed

I'm A Gold Dragon... Imagine That!

2006-06-14T07:03:00.000-04:00

Discover Your Dragon Self You Are A Gold Dragon, you live in palaces in hight mountains(very very very hight!). You are one of the most beautiful dragons, and the purest too. You are a symbol of loyalty, justice and honnesty. You will help anyone in need and would only fight if your life was endangered. You can spit a chlorine gas, and fire. You are the stongest dragon magically talking

Moving On Up

2006-06-03T01:58:00.000-04:00

Friday was the last day of elementary school for my fifth-grader, KJ. At breakfast, she and the other fifth graders helped the cafeteria ladies by finishing off the leftover chocolate milk and food. Desks and lockers were emptied of a year's accumulation of papers, pencils, erasers and an umbrella here and there. She assisted her teacher, Mr. Heyliger, to cover the desks with plastic so they

Pulling Out My Hair

2006-05-25T23:29:00.000-04:00

Why do I write?The last seven short stories I put "out there" for workshopping and/or reviews received the same basic feedback: Amazing and original premise, but it's too involved for a short story. This needs tender loving care. It deserves to be made into a novel or at the very least, a novella.Somebody tell me, is this good? Am I a failed short story writer, or a potentially good novel writer

Learning The Hard Way

2006-05-24T11:31:00.000-04:00

Happy days are here again! I'm really cranked today. The Muse gifted me with a story. I came up with the premise a few weeks ago, maybe longer, but hadn't written anything on it until two days ago. I finished it this morning. It's about 3,300 words -- longish for me -- and told almost entirely in dialogue. It's a little heavy on scientific jargon, but I think most people can follow it easily

But Is It Art?

2006-05-23T22:28:00.000-04:00

The Conundrum of the WorkshopsRudyard Kipling (1865 - 1936)When the flush of a new-born sun fell first on Eden's green and gold,Our father Adam sat under the Tree and scratched with a stick in the mould;And the first rude sketch that the world had seen was joy to his mighty heart,Till the Devil whispered behind the leaves, "It's pretty, but is it Art?"Wherefore he called to his wife, and fled to

Hmm... Who Knew I Was A Tarot Card

2006-05-22T22:57:00.000-04:00

You Are The High PriestessYou represent mystery - secrets that are yet to be revealed.You find yourself sitting between two worlds: one dark, one light.You tend to hold these two worlds in balance, reconciling the two.Open and welcoming, you invite others to learn your secrets.Your fortune:Something hidden, or latent, in your life is about to come forward.You need to pay more attention to your

New Discovery

2006-05-13T13:13:00.000-04:00

Rear seats in cars have potential to transport additional passengers to shared destinations...It has taken that can-do pioneering spirit that has made the United States famous to find a novel solution to the $3/gallon gas crisis. In a true testament to American ingenuity, Americans have discovered that the extra seats in their cars may be used to transport additional passengers to shared

Latest...

2006-05-11T00:21:00.000-04:00

I actually wrote a little this evening. My Muse is apparently crippled or just phoning it in. Or maybe that's her in this video... hmmm. ~GHCGet this video and more at MySpace.com

Don't Attack Iran Petition

2006-05-06T02:38:00.000-04:00

URL for peition: http://www.dontattackiran.orgClick HERE to sign petition (will open a new window).

How Weird...

2006-05-01T12:46:00.000-04:00

I've been feeling rather strange for the past couple of months. When I found this quiz, it promised to answer my metaphysical questions. Unfortunately, I was left feeling dissatisfied with the results. Is that a manifestation of my weirdness? ~~GHCYou Are 50% WeirdNormal enough to know that you're weird...But too damn weird to do anything about it!How Weird Are You?

Clifford Garstang's Blog

2006-04-29T19:39:00.000-04:00

Check out Clifford Garstang's Pushcart Prize winning journals list here. While you're at it, check out his links. Pretty neat blog. And I love the name he chose, Perpetual Folly and the reason behind it. ~~GHC

We've Come... So Far?

2006-04-29T00:17:00.000-04:00

My generation worked hard to earn equal pay and treatment in the workplace for women. This weird news story made me sad. Sadder still, I was not shocked that it took place in a federal government facility. ~~GHC

How Is Your Inner Child?

2006-04-24T15:01:00.000-04:00

Well, at least I've been thinking about writing lately, so there's been some improvement. Here's my latest dodge... the state of my Inner Child. Maybe that's my Muse too?Your Inner Child Is AngryYou're not an angry person.But when you don't get your way, watch out.Like a very manipulative kid, you will get what you want.Even if it takes a little kicking and screaming.How Is Your Inner Child?

Famous Last Words

2006-04-21T01:47:00.000-04:00

Great googly moogly! Has it been ten days since I last blogged?? I'll post more tomorrow but for now, here's a fun little test result. I assure you, it's pretty darned accurate! ~~GingerYour Famous Last Words Will Be:"I can pass this guy."What Will Your Famous Last Words Be?

What My Name Means (i.e., Girl Who Puts Off Writing)

2006-04-11T02:19:00.000-04:00

If you guys haven't figured out by now that I'm piddling around, not writing or even trying to write, you're deluding yourselves (all two of ya). Below is the result of my latest timewasting activity. ~~GingerWhat Your Name Means from http://www.paulsadowski.com/NameData.aspYour number is: 3The characteristics of #3 are: Expression, verbalization, socialization, the arts, the joy of living.The

Writing For Blogs

2006-04-07T20:55:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure how much fun posting fiction on my blog really is. I can't post anything truly good, anything I plan to have published, because then I've blown first publication rights. Most of the personal work (memoirs, mostly) that I've posted are first drafts, so they don't reflect my true skill.This goes for other writers as well. Then there's the additional problem that people think they've

My Brain's Pattern?

2006-04-04T23:47:00.000-04:00

Your Brain's PatternStructured and organized, you have a knack for thinking clearly.You are very logical - and you don't let your thoughts get polluted with emotions.And while your thoughts are pretty serious, they're anything from boring.It's minds like yours that have built the great cities of the world!What Pattern Is Your Brain?

Word Verification Character Names -- Why not?

2006-04-03T18:02:00.000-04:00

Lately I've been thinking about incorporating some of the word verification letters in my work as character names. Qqcexsm, Blighelmti, Ykixulq, Nixxmt, Encpl and many others all sound like intriguing character names. Imagine King Nixxmt sending Knight Qqcexsm out to slay the Beast Ykixulq. He and his good comrads, Blighelmti and Encpl... You get the idea. Heck, it beats John Graham and Michael

Happy Birthday, You Know Who You Are!

2006-04-01T19:30:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to youHappy birthday to youYou look like my brotherAnd you smell like him too! Hope you've had a wonderful day, and sorry I got this posted so late. Love,Ginger

Which Tarot Card Are YOU?

2006-03-29T06:18:00.000-05:00

I AmWhich tarot card are you?THE HANGED MANSuspended decision. Initiation, divination, prophecy. Turning point in psychic powers. Trust in inner voice. Suspension, change, reversal, boredom, abandonment, sacrifice, readjustment, improvement, rebirth He usually represents a time of feeling in limbo, being stuck or being prevented from moving forward. He's usually depicted hanging upside down with

Cafè au Lait Like You've Never Seen

2006-03-24T20:27:00.000-05:00

How Evil Are You?

2006-03-23T16:32:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder how evil you really are? Here's a little quiz. I rated lower than I expected I would! ~~GingerYou Are 52% EvilYou are evil, but you haven't yet mastered the dark side.Fear not though - you are on your way to world domination.How Evil Are You?

Thoughts On Workshopping Fiction

2006-03-18T03:33:00.000-05:00

Soul Food

2006-03-12T01:37:00.000-05:00

Walgreens Insults Customers

2006-03-08T14:50:00.000-05:00

Please take a full ten seconds, read this article, and leave a comment on my blog telling me what you think about it.

Jai Clare Interview on AuthorTrek.com

2006-03-04T01:14:00.000-05:00

Click here to read the interview.

The Gallows Tree: A Mothman's Tale by Susan Sheppard

2006-03-03T00:07:00.000-05:00

I still have the flu and have developed resistance to Nyquil's benefits. If I don't die tonight (only half-kidding), I plan to see the doctor Friday. I'm reading a handful of books right now during my transient flashes of clarity when both eyes focus simultaneously. Check out the most interesting one here by Susan Sheppard, another West Virginia writer. I promised her I'll write a review -- and I

"What Is Internet?"

2006-02-26T01:35:00.000-05:00

Here's a blast from the past. Rather amusing, don't you think? ~~GHC View other funny videos at Very Funny Downloads

National Tortilla Chip Day

2006-02-24T15:55:00.000-05:00

February 24 is National Tortilla Chip Day. I love tortilla chips, especially the hot hand-made ones we enjoy at Miguel's Rio Grande in Nitro, West Virginia. If you're in the area, make a point to eat at Miguel's.

Henry T. Sampson, Ph.D.

2006-02-20T18:42:00.000-05:00

What do this man and Henry T. Sampson have in common? Neither invented the cellular phone; both have an interest in blacks' roles in film.My fifth-grader was assigned to do a report on Henry T. Sampson for Black History Month. The teacher's list declares Dr. Sampson invented the cellular phone. Um, nope.According to Dr. Sampson, his invention -- the Gamma Electric Cell, patented July 6, 1971,

Don't Date Him Girl dot Com

2006-02-18T00:19:00.000-05:00

Someone turned me on to this site. At first I just wandered around and laughed. Then I realized not all these reports are from scorned women complaining about "his other baby's momma." There are actually reports from women who've discovered kiddie porn on their guy's computer -- and worse.Although there's no guarantee that what you read is the truth, with the dating world being as complex as

Real-Life Horror Story

2006-02-15T01:03:00.000-05:00

File this under truth is stranger than fiction. ~~GHCFebruary 08, 2006 Army blasted over soldier’s body armorSympathizers raise nearly $6,000 to repay Army for missing item By Eric EyreStaff writer West Virginia’s two U.S. senators asked top military leaders Tuesday to explain why 1st Lt. William “Eddie” Rebrook IV had to reimburse the U.S. Army $700 last week for body armor and other gear

Happy Valentine's Day; Only Love Is Real

2006-02-13T21:34:00.000-05:00

Only Love Is Real - Carole KingAs I bask in the glow of a just-lit fireFeeling the warmth as the flame grows higherI think it's true that nothing is really new under the sunWatching a new love grow from old love's embersYesterday's gone but today remembersDoesn't it seem to come down the same for everyoneOnly love is realEverything else illusionAdding to the confusion of the way we conniveAt

Story Idea Prompt

2006-02-12T23:19:00.000-05:00

Imagine you're a millionaire attorney. A close friend of the vice president, you recently piss him off by [insert activity]. He invites you along for a quail hunting trip; you readily agree. Somehow, he "accidentally" shoots you in the face.If you need more ideas, read this.Here's a link to a game based on this "story prompt" idea.LinkP.S. R.I.P. Peter Benchley, author of Jaws.P.P.S. The