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Following on from yesterday's out-of-the-blue post, I've added a new ghost/murder/vampire story to AO3.
It was a project begun years ago, co-written purely for fun. Each chapter is approx. 500 words long, which keeps things fast-paced. Each chapter is written from one character's view point.
When the message board on which it was originally posted floundered the story ground to a halt, which is a shame as it has a lively beginning. I intend to continue it.
If you wish, you can read it here.
And if you fancy joining in as a co-writer, let me know. The story is currently listed as belonging to the Anne Rice and Supernatural fandoms, but characters could be drawn from anywhere at all.
It was a project begun years ago, co-written purely for fun. Each chapter is approx. 500 words long, which keeps things fast-paced. Each chapter is written from one character's view point.
When the message board on which it was originally posted floundered the story ground to a halt, which is a shame as it has a lively beginning. I intend to continue it.
If you wish, you can read it here.
And if you fancy joining in as a co-writer, let me know. The story is currently listed as belonging to the Anne Rice and Supernatural fandoms, but characters could be drawn from anywhere at all.
I guess everyone's forgotten me, it's so long since I updated this thing. That's okay. I've probably forgotten you, too.
I've quickly read through the last few entries. My "new" job is now my ex-job, and has been for a long time. I now have another new job, and I've been there quite some time already so it's not really new at all. It can be challenging sometimes, but also fun. I'd retire tomorrow if I could afford that, but wouldn't everyone. To be fair, I suspect that when I do eventually retire in a few years time that I'll genuinely miss my job role, and it really can be fun sometimes. I have a new colleague who's over-enthusiastic and full of bright ideas, which is all a bit exhausting. And irritating. Hopefully she'll calm down as the weeks tick by and she gradually learns that nobody gets promoted from this role so she might as well cool it with the career climbing. Jump through all the hoops you want, there's nowhere better to land, not in this role and in this place of employment.
I also re-read my previous scepticism about the (then unscreened) TV series of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles. I've now seen Season One - I had to import it on DVD from America - and loved it. I'm looking forward to Season Two when it's finally available.
I've not added much to my AO3 site. One day, perhaps. Would anyone want to read that old stuff, though? Time has moved on.
Has anyone watched The Strain? While it sticks closely to familiar vampire tropes in many ways, it's entirely contemporary, and I like the new-style monsters. Their forked tongues, being so huge, would have surely distort their human hosts necks though. I mean, just where are they hiding those things when they're not flinging them towards their victims? Hogwarts' caretaker as the van Helsing-type character is wonderfully grouchy.
The Ship is interesting, too. Illness has annihilated most people, and those who survive are either ill or desperately trying to survive. Meanwhile, one lone American navy ship gives itself the task of saving the world - of course. It's macho patriotic nonsense, but fun.
My love affair with YouTube continues unabated. I love that anyone can have a go at being a film maker, even using amateur kit. I've a few channels that I enjoy. I still enjoy the cottage core fantasy, but figure that most of it's faked, and that those who have bought land and live in remote and rural idylls are also loaded in order to afford their banks of solar panels, 4-wheel drives, their endless supply of quality DIY tools and lumber for their various building projects, food, health care, good outdoor clothing, new boots etc. The list goes on. It has to, as every video demands a new adventure of one sort or another.
Right now I'm re-reading Poppy Z Brite's Lost Souls. I've not read it for many years. It reminds me of being a teenager. Sure the plot has holes, but it's an engaging read. Before this book I read Crime and Punishment, not the classic of that title but a saga about a family of London gangsters. I've already forgotten the author's name. It's not one I'll read again but it was okay, if a bit long-winded sometimes.
I've quickly read through the last few entries. My "new" job is now my ex-job, and has been for a long time. I now have another new job, and I've been there quite some time already so it's not really new at all. It can be challenging sometimes, but also fun. I'd retire tomorrow if I could afford that, but wouldn't everyone. To be fair, I suspect that when I do eventually retire in a few years time that I'll genuinely miss my job role, and it really can be fun sometimes. I have a new colleague who's over-enthusiastic and full of bright ideas, which is all a bit exhausting. And irritating. Hopefully she'll calm down as the weeks tick by and she gradually learns that nobody gets promoted from this role so she might as well cool it with the career climbing. Jump through all the hoops you want, there's nowhere better to land, not in this role and in this place of employment.
I also re-read my previous scepticism about the (then unscreened) TV series of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles. I've now seen Season One - I had to import it on DVD from America - and loved it. I'm looking forward to Season Two when it's finally available.
I've not added much to my AO3 site. One day, perhaps. Would anyone want to read that old stuff, though? Time has moved on.
Has anyone watched The Strain? While it sticks closely to familiar vampire tropes in many ways, it's entirely contemporary, and I like the new-style monsters. Their forked tongues, being so huge, would have surely distort their human hosts necks though. I mean, just where are they hiding those things when they're not flinging them towards their victims? Hogwarts' caretaker as the van Helsing-type character is wonderfully grouchy.
The Ship is interesting, too. Illness has annihilated most people, and those who survive are either ill or desperately trying to survive. Meanwhile, one lone American navy ship gives itself the task of saving the world - of course. It's macho patriotic nonsense, but fun.
My love affair with YouTube continues unabated. I love that anyone can have a go at being a film maker, even using amateur kit. I've a few channels that I enjoy. I still enjoy the cottage core fantasy, but figure that most of it's faked, and that those who have bought land and live in remote and rural idylls are also loaded in order to afford their banks of solar panels, 4-wheel drives, their endless supply of quality DIY tools and lumber for their various building projects, food, health care, good outdoor clothing, new boots etc. The list goes on. It has to, as every video demands a new adventure of one sort or another.
Right now I'm re-reading Poppy Z Brite's Lost Souls. I've not read it for many years. It reminds me of being a teenager. Sure the plot has holes, but it's an engaging read. Before this book I read Crime and Punishment, not the classic of that title but a saga about a family of London gangsters. I've already forgotten the author's name. It's not one I'll read again but it was okay, if a bit long-winded sometimes.
(no subject)
Wednesday, May 4th, 2022 09:53 am I've found myself fascinated by various "cottagecore" videos on YouTube. How accurate a description of the video makers lives these are is anyone's guess. I strongly suspect an element of fantasy and half-truths behind the slick presentations. These people must have an extraordinary amount of time on their hands to plan, stage, film then edit their videos. Certainly they've more money behind them than they imply. They must have, in order to afford the professional filming gear, never mind their country cottages which they happily renovated using a few thousand pounds worth of DIY tools.
One of these YouTubers goes into ecstasies each time she goes outside, and she rapturously says "Wow!" each time she sees a star or a bit of sky. Then there's the seemingly mandatory scene of coffee-grinding - in almost every video. The man I assumed was her brother, as they look so alike, turns out to be her boyfriend. I thought they were a bit too touchy-feely for siblings.
Another has a pet rabbit which hops all over the surface which she's cooking on. Having had pet rabbits in the past, I know how often they leave little pellets behind. There's no way Bugs is hopping around on my food preparation surface, thank you.
Then there's a man who has been living in a converted ambulance for a couple of years, travelling around as he wishes. Don't ask me how he's paying for diesel, vehicle repair or food, etc. He has no trouble from other people, he says. And no wonder, as the dog he travels with is the size of a werewolf.
But I've been enjoying these vids. It is pure escapism, and where's the harm in that?
One of these YouTubers goes into ecstasies each time she goes outside, and she rapturously says "Wow!" each time she sees a star or a bit of sky. Then there's the seemingly mandatory scene of coffee-grinding - in almost every video. The man I assumed was her brother, as they look so alike, turns out to be her boyfriend. I thought they were a bit too touchy-feely for siblings.
Another has a pet rabbit which hops all over the surface which she's cooking on. Having had pet rabbits in the past, I know how often they leave little pellets behind. There's no way Bugs is hopping around on my food preparation surface, thank you.
Then there's a man who has been living in a converted ambulance for a couple of years, travelling around as he wishes. Don't ask me how he's paying for diesel, vehicle repair or food, etc. He has no trouble from other people, he says. And no wonder, as the dog he travels with is the size of a werewolf.
But I've been enjoying these vids. It is pure escapism, and where's the harm in that?
Dropping By
Monday, April 4th, 2022 07:56 am So I've now been in my 'new' job for a year. Yes, it really has been that long since I updated this blog. So much for good intentions.
The job's dull but most of them are. It pays the bills, and it's only part-time so I can cope with it anyway. Aren't all jobs tedious, really? I think I'd feel this way about any job; just the simple fact of having to attend and do sensible stuff... The child within obviously still has a lot to say. Maybe that's a good thing. Anyway, my manager is happy with what I do even if I'm bored silly by it all.
I now have a new chandelier for my living room. What I need now is an electrician to install it. While I'm calling one out, I might as well replace the kitchen ceiling lights too, as that's developed a few rust spots and a broken-off spotlight is jammed in it. I've tried and failed, while teetering precariously up a stepladder, to coax the stub of the bulb come out, so now only two of the three spotlights work. Is that a fire hazard?
Travel over the last year has been minimal. I've had a few days out, few visits with family and friends, which were enjoyable of course, but nothing ore adventurous than that. Yikes, I must be one of the world's most boring bloggers - no post update for a year, and then all I have to offer is "I've not done much". Blame Covid-19. I guess we're all in the same boat on that score. Is the crisis finally receding now? It looks like it.
I've been reading, watching films, planning to redecorate the entire house and have actually done some of it. Okay, only one room, and only part of that as yet, but it is a start at least. Me and stepladders are now arch enemies due to my wonky knee and me having hurt my back before Xmas, which gave me a lot of trouble. It's okay now apart from sciatica. (Do not mention old age or dry rot.)
The job's dull but most of them are. It pays the bills, and it's only part-time so I can cope with it anyway. Aren't all jobs tedious, really? I think I'd feel this way about any job; just the simple fact of having to attend and do sensible stuff... The child within obviously still has a lot to say. Maybe that's a good thing. Anyway, my manager is happy with what I do even if I'm bored silly by it all.
I now have a new chandelier for my living room. What I need now is an electrician to install it. While I'm calling one out, I might as well replace the kitchen ceiling lights too, as that's developed a few rust spots and a broken-off spotlight is jammed in it. I've tried and failed, while teetering precariously up a stepladder, to coax the stub of the bulb come out, so now only two of the three spotlights work. Is that a fire hazard?
Travel over the last year has been minimal. I've had a few days out, few visits with family and friends, which were enjoyable of course, but nothing ore adventurous than that. Yikes, I must be one of the world's most boring bloggers - no post update for a year, and then all I have to offer is "I've not done much". Blame Covid-19. I guess we're all in the same boat on that score. Is the crisis finally receding now? It looks like it.
I've been reading, watching films, planning to redecorate the entire house and have actually done some of it. Okay, only one room, and only part of that as yet, but it is a start at least. Me and stepladders are now arch enemies due to my wonky knee and me having hurt my back before Xmas, which gave me a lot of trouble. It's okay now apart from sciatica. (Do not mention old age or dry rot.)
Ricean News
Thursday, May 27th, 2021 04:11 pm https://www.theilluminerdi.com/2021/05/21/interview-with-the-vampire-amc/?fbclid=IwAR0KFHsBUadqIGu2EgTQoNT2tphqbl8vgYbvcs5j6ueWOlsp3PuON_qwmEg
Daniel is to be cast as a 60 -70 year old?
Louis DPDL is now to be black, not white French, and the owner of brothels rather than two plantations?
And I thought the QOTD film was absurd....
Wouldn't it be better for the author(s) to come up with their own characters, (oh, the irony, seeing as they clearly have done so...), and their own fictional backdrop rather than borrow so much yet change so much. Why not go the whole hog and re-write Mickey Mouse as a karate-kicking kangaroo?
You're welcome to disagree, of course.
Daniel is to be cast as a 60 -70 year old?
Louis DPDL is now to be black, not white French, and the owner of brothels rather than two plantations?
And I thought the QOTD film was absurd....
Wouldn't it be better for the author(s) to come up with their own characters, (oh, the irony, seeing as they clearly have done so...), and their own fictional backdrop rather than borrow so much yet change so much. Why not go the whole hog and re-write Mickey Mouse as a karate-kicking kangaroo?
You're welcome to disagree, of course.
It's only March 3rd, and already this year I've been made redundant from a job I'd enjoyed for the last five years. Then I got a new job with amazing rapidity, only to learn anew that there's more than a shred of truth in the saying that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Or, in short, I walked out on that one after two weeks.
So I had a few weeks of unemployment. Actually, I enjoyed the time off. Spent it reading, lazing around, eating too many chococate dijestives...Chilling, and having fun. Not that with this interminable national lockdown any of us are allowed too much fun. Or, more accurately, it's have all the fun you want but only in your own own house and by yourself. I can easily manage that. Re-reading old favourites feels like visiting old friends.
So now I have a new job, which I've not actually started yet. I've some training to do next week - webinars and e-learning. Here's hoping this stupid new computer can cope with this. This PC keeps freezing up. Nothing seems to fix it, other than crashing it and rebooting. Annoying! It's an Australian brand, Asus, whose brand phrase is "in search of incredible". It should read "in search of functional".
So I had a few weeks of unemployment. Actually, I enjoyed the time off. Spent it reading, lazing around, eating too many chococate dijestives...Chilling, and having fun. Not that with this interminable national lockdown any of us are allowed too much fun. Or, more accurately, it's have all the fun you want but only in your own own house and by yourself. I can easily manage that. Re-reading old favourites feels like visiting old friends.
So now I have a new job, which I've not actually started yet. I've some training to do next week - webinars and e-learning. Here's hoping this stupid new computer can cope with this. This PC keeps freezing up. Nothing seems to fix it, other than crashing it and rebooting. Annoying! It's an Australian brand, Asus, whose brand phrase is "in search of incredible". It should read "in search of functional".
Ramble About Books and Films
Monday, June 15th, 2020 09:53 amThe strange times in which we live continue to unfold. History will make its own judgement but for now we just have the death toll to guide us.
So how have I used these three months of hermit-like existence? I've read a deliciously self-indulgent quantity of books. This morning I finished Julius, one of the few Daphne du Maurier novels that I haven't already read. The main character is probably a psychopath like many highly successful business people, driven to succeed, accumulating almost incalculable wealth while remaining unfulfilled and, essentially, lonely and rather pathetic. He sees other people not as individuals but as toys, as things to be used to make more money or to keep him entertained, even his own daughter who Julius can't tolerate starting a life which doesn't revolve around him.
I'm half-way through the final season of Prison Break, which has been okay. Theodore Bagwell is my favourite character; another psychopath. The actor who played this role, Robert Knepper, did a great job. The series itself has been heavy with plot twists, a "now get out of that" unfolding story which has kept me interested.
Also on my DVD player has been Walking Dead, which took me a while to get interested in as at first I thought it was going to be yet another predictable zombie yarn. The zombie origin has yet to be explained and there are a few major plot holes, such as if the zombies' bodies are decaying how come they all still have good eyesight. However I'm enjoying the survival element, the human interaction/relationship and survival challenges aspects of the series. I forget which number of the series I'm on now - the town of nice-seeming people run by yet another psychopath, while the core group are holed up in the prison, was the theme of the series I've just finished. That town is now ruined and everyone's on the run to find another bolt-hole, with our charming nutter on their heels looking for vengeance.
All this sitting around has done nothing for my already challenged waistline. I stood on the scales this morning and got a fright.
So how have I used these three months of hermit-like existence? I've read a deliciously self-indulgent quantity of books. This morning I finished Julius, one of the few Daphne du Maurier novels that I haven't already read. The main character is probably a psychopath like many highly successful business people, driven to succeed, accumulating almost incalculable wealth while remaining unfulfilled and, essentially, lonely and rather pathetic. He sees other people not as individuals but as toys, as things to be used to make more money or to keep him entertained, even his own daughter who Julius can't tolerate starting a life which doesn't revolve around him.
I'm half-way through the final season of Prison Break, which has been okay. Theodore Bagwell is my favourite character; another psychopath. The actor who played this role, Robert Knepper, did a great job. The series itself has been heavy with plot twists, a "now get out of that" unfolding story which has kept me interested.
Also on my DVD player has been Walking Dead, which took me a while to get interested in as at first I thought it was going to be yet another predictable zombie yarn. The zombie origin has yet to be explained and there are a few major plot holes, such as if the zombies' bodies are decaying how come they all still have good eyesight. However I'm enjoying the survival element, the human interaction/relationship and survival challenges aspects of the series. I forget which number of the series I'm on now - the town of nice-seeming people run by yet another psychopath, while the core group are holed up in the prison, was the theme of the series I've just finished. That town is now ruined and everyone's on the run to find another bolt-hole, with our charming nutter on their heels looking for vengeance.
All this sitting around has done nothing for my already challenged waistline. I stood on the scales this morning and got a fright.
(no subject)
Thursday, April 23rd, 2020 10:44 am I hope you're all keeping safe and well during this coronavirus/COVID 19 pandemic. We live in strange times. Stressful times, too, for many.
I'm fine, so far. But who of us knows what's around the corner? No point in dwelling on that too much, as beyond taking all the recommended precautions there's little else we can do. I've been keeping busy with various interests, and the house has never been so clean. I miss simple things like people-watching in a cafe somewhere, wandering where my feet casually take me, browsing stuff I've no intention of buying. I suspect you all feel similarly.
Right now my mother's unwell but due to the lockdown I'm not allowed to visit her in her care home. I understand the reasons for this perfectly, but it's still difficult when I know she'd love to see family now. And I know I'm far from the only person in a similar situation, and I'm not looking for sympathy here but am simply relating what's unfolding right now.
I'm fine, so far. But who of us knows what's around the corner? No point in dwelling on that too much, as beyond taking all the recommended precautions there's little else we can do. I've been keeping busy with various interests, and the house has never been so clean. I miss simple things like people-watching in a cafe somewhere, wandering where my feet casually take me, browsing stuff I've no intention of buying. I suspect you all feel similarly.
Right now my mother's unwell but due to the lockdown I'm not allowed to visit her in her care home. I understand the reasons for this perfectly, but it's still difficult when I know she'd love to see family now. And I know I'm far from the only person in a similar situation, and I'm not looking for sympathy here but am simply relating what's unfolding right now.
So much for my intention to blog more regularly...! Well, here I am at long last.
Half way through December there was a family crisis. Mum's very elderly and has Alzheimer's disease, and after the latest narrow escape from disaster she had clearly reached the stage where she had become a danger to herself and others. So we adult siblings had to hunt for a decent care home, no mean feat despite the number of them. The place where she now lives seems okay, and she has her own room overlooking the garden. Whenever I've visited she's been clean and nicely dressed, and her room has been clean and pleasant-smelling. The meals I've seen looked okay. Mum says she doesn't want to be there but it's unavoidable now.
It's been interesting to see who in the family made polite noises but then were always too busy to help out. Am I being snarky? Unfortunately not, I'm merely observing what happened.
Worse was when family members were called upon to help with Mum's kitchen, dispose of perishables, clean the fridge and freezer, tidy the house etc. Some people took this as an invitation to rummage through Mum's clothing and personal things in her bedroom. This was the one and only time they made themselves "useful".
Half way through December there was a family crisis. Mum's very elderly and has Alzheimer's disease, and after the latest narrow escape from disaster she had clearly reached the stage where she had become a danger to herself and others. So we adult siblings had to hunt for a decent care home, no mean feat despite the number of them. The place where she now lives seems okay, and she has her own room overlooking the garden. Whenever I've visited she's been clean and nicely dressed, and her room has been clean and pleasant-smelling. The meals I've seen looked okay. Mum says she doesn't want to be there but it's unavoidable now.
It's been interesting to see who in the family made polite noises but then were always too busy to help out. Am I being snarky? Unfortunately not, I'm merely observing what happened.
Worse was when family members were called upon to help with Mum's kitchen, dispose of perishables, clean the fridge and freezer, tidy the house etc. Some people took this as an invitation to rummage through Mum's clothing and personal things in her bedroom. This was the one and only time they made themselves "useful".
A General Ramble
Tuesday, December 17th, 2019 07:17 pm It's been a dog's age since I updated this blog. Naughty me. A lazy old thing, aren't I. Here are are, hurtling through December already, and the year seems to have flown by.
I'd love to be able to report that 2019 has been a great year but it hasn't. The last twelve months weren't catastrophic either, so I should be glad for that. No, it has been a mundane year, an ordinary period during when I've been busy at work, travelled around a bit but not anything like as much as I'd have liked, and generally getting on with the ordinary business of day-to-day living. We're continually bombarded with the idea that in order to be successful we are all supposed to be continually ultra happy, continually earning and spending vast sums of money, with a million smiling friends, an endless supply of new clothes purchased for exotic locations and glamorous nights. All this, and with a cherry on top.
Life is not one long party, and so if you're reading this while feeling that everyone on social networks has a much better life than you, know that you're not alone. It's a recognised phenomena largely caused by lies, exaggeration, use of Photoshop, and the careful editing of the actual reality of peoples' lives.
I've been decorating my kitchen. Maybe I should find a photo of a fabulous kitchen and pretend that this really is a photo of my kitchen then you'd all be thinking, "Wow, what a fab kitchen she has, lucky cow!" But no, I'll be honest. My kitchen is standing-room-for-one only. It's a nice kitchen, but it's not a Wow! kitchen. Some poor souls don't even have a kitchen, just a cardboard box in a doorway...
Antiques (of Various Sorts)
Monday, August 26th, 2019 09:04 amI find myself feeling ridiculously pleased with the purchase of a vintage cruet set. Is this proof that I'm now irretrievably getting on a bit? Made from cut glass, the set has salt and pepper pots, a hinged lidded pot for mustard or cranberry sauce perhaps, and a taller but slim decanter for vinegar, and these all sit on an Art Deco silver tray.
I've a fondness for cut glass. I like the way light reacts with it. Stained glass is wonderful to me; I even enjoy the religious ones found in old churches for the effect of light streaming through the colours, though the subject matter leaves me unmoved.
The cruet set will be used, and not simply tucked away in a display cabinet. I'd sooner use it and enjoy it than save it for ever. I don't wish to have cupboards full of vintage china that's "too good to use". It was made to be used and enjoyed - and tomorrow may never come, or if it does then certainly its form may differ from the tomorrows we imagine - so use the good china, wear the new dress, and if it gets wrecked in the process so be it.
My mother has multiple tea sets which are never used in case some unforeseen event of great import might require her to pose with a new tea pot. She has wardrobes crammed with clothes she's never worn, or hardly worn, and which now no longer fit her as she's shrunk with advancing age. What's the point of saving all this stuff? What's the point in any of us having so many clothes anyway? How much stuff do any of us really need?
Mind you, I don't really need a cruet set. Condiments come in their manufacturer's packing, and there's no real need to remove the product from their plastic bottles and decant them into little cut glass bottles. But they do look better that way.
I've a fondness for cut glass. I like the way light reacts with it. Stained glass is wonderful to me; I even enjoy the religious ones found in old churches for the effect of light streaming through the colours, though the subject matter leaves me unmoved.
The cruet set will be used, and not simply tucked away in a display cabinet. I'd sooner use it and enjoy it than save it for ever. I don't wish to have cupboards full of vintage china that's "too good to use". It was made to be used and enjoyed - and tomorrow may never come, or if it does then certainly its form may differ from the tomorrows we imagine - so use the good china, wear the new dress, and if it gets wrecked in the process so be it.
My mother has multiple tea sets which are never used in case some unforeseen event of great import might require her to pose with a new tea pot. She has wardrobes crammed with clothes she's never worn, or hardly worn, and which now no longer fit her as she's shrunk with advancing age. What's the point of saving all this stuff? What's the point in any of us having so many clothes anyway? How much stuff do any of us really need?
Mind you, I don't really need a cruet set. Condiments come in their manufacturer's packing, and there's no real need to remove the product from their plastic bottles and decant them into little cut glass bottles. But they do look better that way.
Escaping the Paper Chase
Sunday, July 7th, 2019 04:33 pmI've now handed in the last of the work-related courses which I had been lumbered with. Thank goodness they're out of the way! There were six courses in all, and each course consisted of a textbook and an accompanying questions and answers workbook which we so-called students had to complete.
I hate to moan but the courses were so dull - badly written, (the punctuation was diabolical), chewing over the same ideas repeatedly - and pointless as previous courses which I've done are at a much higher level anyway.
Out of curiosity, as I'd never heard of the examining body, I did a quick bit of research online, and swiftly found that not only are no qualifications from this particular company recognised anywhere in Wales but also that they're unrecognised by UCAS either, as UCAS considers them to be below their quality standards! So what is the point of my employer inflicting this rubbish on we employees? A tick-box operation, obviously, so they can say they offer in-house training.
In addition to these courses, I also had to update my First Aid training. This meant a long drive to the other side of Cheshire, which is a pleasant way to spend work's time. What would you sooner do, slog away at the daily routine or drive through picturesque villages and alongside verdant fields bursting with cute and spindly-legged black lambs?
Do I sound jaded with regards to my job? A few friends have made this observation. Maybe it's time to start looking around for something better, or at least something different. A change of scenery can be a good thing sometimes, can't it?
Change of subject: I've begun adding a new story to AO3, called A Cup Taken Coldly, which was one of my favourite RPG stories from a particular Ricean forum. It was co-written by several other people, while I wrote as Louis, and was a lot of fun to create as it shows Louis DPDL's ruthless side. Typically, though, I don't know their OOC names and so I'm unable to give proper attribution to my fellow writers. If you recognise your work, do shout up.
I hate to moan but the courses were so dull - badly written, (the punctuation was diabolical), chewing over the same ideas repeatedly - and pointless as previous courses which I've done are at a much higher level anyway.
Out of curiosity, as I'd never heard of the examining body, I did a quick bit of research online, and swiftly found that not only are no qualifications from this particular company recognised anywhere in Wales but also that they're unrecognised by UCAS either, as UCAS considers them to be below their quality standards! So what is the point of my employer inflicting this rubbish on we employees? A tick-box operation, obviously, so they can say they offer in-house training.
In addition to these courses, I also had to update my First Aid training. This meant a long drive to the other side of Cheshire, which is a pleasant way to spend work's time. What would you sooner do, slog away at the daily routine or drive through picturesque villages and alongside verdant fields bursting with cute and spindly-legged black lambs?
Do I sound jaded with regards to my job? A few friends have made this observation. Maybe it's time to start looking around for something better, or at least something different. A change of scenery can be a good thing sometimes, can't it?
Change of subject: I've begun adding a new story to AO3, called A Cup Taken Coldly, which was one of my favourite RPG stories from a particular Ricean forum. It was co-written by several other people, while I wrote as Louis, and was a lot of fun to create as it shows Louis DPDL's ruthless side. Typically, though, I don't know their OOC names and so I'm unable to give proper attribution to my fellow writers. If you recognise your work, do shout up.
A General Ramble
Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 07:43 amI arrived at work early, ready to hand in the third set of course papers and to wear an intelligent expression through that morning's proposed fourth (in-person) course, only to learn that the tutor had phoned-in sick. So the course papers are now slowly getting grubbier inside my locker, and it meant I was free to go home earlier than usual. Suits me.
So what exciting things did I do with my, in effect, free half-afternoon? Having weeded the garden, I started re-reading Rowan, which is one of the Artisan-Sorcerer novels. Rowan reminds me of Armand, in a way, except that he's not a vampire. He's young and difficult, gorgeous of course, and gets drawn into the glamorous magicians' world, which completely changes his life. Whether that's for good or ill is something for debate. Have you read this series?
Clothes shopping - I've never been an enthusiastic shopper, one of those people who genuinely enjoy trailing my fingers over rail after rail of clothes designed to fit 6-foot tall anorexics. Newspaper headlines are forever moaning about low high street sales, blaming the economy and the internet etc. How about the obvious fact that trying to find something nice - not for teenagers but not for beige-clad geriatrics either - which actually fits a normal human shape is so bloody difficult!
Anyway, despite my Victor Meldrew-esque moaning, I came home with a rather lovely minty green jumper, which had an embroidered geometric trim around the hem and cuffs. The irony of this is that I found it in the Edinburgh Wool Mill, which is geriatric heaven.
I've been toying with buying a laptop. This PC is nearly five years old, and a bit rubbish anyway, and I could do with having a backup in case it dies. It's still on Windows 7, which is my fault for not downloading the free Windows 10 when it was on offer, but so many people said not to bother. Now, though, I'm finding some bits of websites won't work with mine. I've had this before, with my previous PC when it limped into its ninth year of life before - literally - fizzling out. (It really did make a fizzle sound, a whine, a gurgle, then it died).
So what exciting things did I do with my, in effect, free half-afternoon? Having weeded the garden, I started re-reading Rowan, which is one of the Artisan-Sorcerer novels. Rowan reminds me of Armand, in a way, except that he's not a vampire. He's young and difficult, gorgeous of course, and gets drawn into the glamorous magicians' world, which completely changes his life. Whether that's for good or ill is something for debate. Have you read this series?
Clothes shopping - I've never been an enthusiastic shopper, one of those people who genuinely enjoy trailing my fingers over rail after rail of clothes designed to fit 6-foot tall anorexics. Newspaper headlines are forever moaning about low high street sales, blaming the economy and the internet etc. How about the obvious fact that trying to find something nice - not for teenagers but not for beige-clad geriatrics either - which actually fits a normal human shape is so bloody difficult!
Anyway, despite my Victor Meldrew-esque moaning, I came home with a rather lovely minty green jumper, which had an embroidered geometric trim around the hem and cuffs. The irony of this is that I found it in the Edinburgh Wool Mill, which is geriatric heaven.
I've been toying with buying a laptop. This PC is nearly five years old, and a bit rubbish anyway, and I could do with having a backup in case it dies. It's still on Windows 7, which is my fault for not downloading the free Windows 10 when it was on offer, but so many people said not to bother. Now, though, I'm finding some bits of websites won't work with mine. I've had this before, with my previous PC when it limped into its ninth year of life before - literally - fizzling out. (It really did make a fizzle sound, a whine, a gurgle, then it died).
A Roman Idyll
Tuesday, May 14th, 2019 07:54 am A short Ricean RPG story, called A Roman Idyll, has now been posted on AO3, if anyone would like to wander in that direction for a read. Mature rated, it features Louis and Lestat enjoying Rome and each other.
Journal of a Wanderer in Time Pt.2
Saturday, May 11th, 2019 09:21 amI have just added Part Two to the three-part RPG story, Journal of a Wanderer in Time, to my AO3 site. The story features Louis DPDL as the main character. If you've a spare half hour, scoot over and have a read, if you wish.
The good news is that I've found two complete Ricean RPG stories and a RPG journal which had been forgotten amidst a bundle of old documents. The bad news is that I'll have a lot of typing to do before I can add them to my AO3 site.
The other bit of bad news along these lines is that nobody seems to be able to help me complete Halcyon Nights. The first part of it is available now on AO3 but the rest seems lost to time. It's so long since I wrote these stories! Time flies...
By the way, the next installment of the on-going RPG which I shared here , called Out of the Woodwork, will be posted soon. I need another writer who wants to take over Colin's role. If you're interested, let me know.
So what's new? Work, food, sleep, work. You know the routine. It gets old fast, but that's what pays the bills. For being a good employee, for having not taken off a single day of bogus sickness or been late, my pay slip had a scratch card stapled to it as thanks. I won £1. I'd celebrate but it wouldn't be much of a party on one quid. One Mars Bar delicately divided between how many people...?!!
The other bit of bad news along these lines is that nobody seems to be able to help me complete Halcyon Nights. The first part of it is available now on AO3 but the rest seems lost to time. It's so long since I wrote these stories! Time flies...
By the way, the next installment of the on-going RPG which I shared here , called Out of the Woodwork, will be posted soon. I need another writer who wants to take over Colin's role. If you're interested, let me know.
So what's new? Work, food, sleep, work. You know the routine. It gets old fast, but that's what pays the bills. For being a good employee, for having not taken off a single day of bogus sickness or been late, my pay slip had a scratch card stapled to it as thanks. I won £1. I'd celebrate but it wouldn't be much of a party on one quid. One Mars Bar delicately divided between how many people...?!!
Halcyon Nights
Friday, May 3rd, 2019 11:18 am I have just added another Ricean RPG story to my AO3 site, called Halcyon Nights. I hope you all scoot across and read it. There's a link to that site in the side column on my journal here.
The bad news is that it's an incomplete story. Does anyone out there have the rest of it stored anywhere? If you do, please let me know so I can complete this Lestat/Louis story.
The bad news is that it's an incomplete story. Does anyone out there have the rest of it stored anywhere? If you do, please let me know so I can complete this Lestat/Louis story.
I woke up on Saturday, determined to have a "me" day. Living alone, this is relatively easy. I didn't want to just mope around at home and end up doing housework or something equally enthralling, so I decided to go out for the day.
Okay, where to... Bright idea, and one quick phone call later and I was set to meet up with a friend for lunch. So we met, and caught up on news or the lack of news, and had a pleasant time scoffing lasagna in a little Italian restaurant decorated with lots of plastic ivy. Then we meandered round the shops, me looking for a winter coat. The one I had on is fine for going to work in but I want something a bit smarter for other days. I've a fancy evening coat for special occasions but that's too dressy for everyday wear.
You'd think it would be easy to find a suitable coat. First, I hate beige but I also hate make-your-eyes-bleed colours. And I don't want something which will be out of fashion by next year. And being short, many coats are too long on me. I look like Mr Magoo in a trench coat. I'm not into these huge padded things which make me look two feet wider, like an old immersion heater with feet.
In the end, I bought some dog treats.
And then on Monday I popped into Asda for a few bits of groceries, and there was my new coat almost waving at me from a rail. Well, it's nearly the coat I wanted, except that it's a summer-weight jacket. But it's a happy start.
Somewhere, someday, I'll find my winter coat.
Okay, where to... Bright idea, and one quick phone call later and I was set to meet up with a friend for lunch. So we met, and caught up on news or the lack of news, and had a pleasant time scoffing lasagna in a little Italian restaurant decorated with lots of plastic ivy. Then we meandered round the shops, me looking for a winter coat. The one I had on is fine for going to work in but I want something a bit smarter for other days. I've a fancy evening coat for special occasions but that's too dressy for everyday wear.
You'd think it would be easy to find a suitable coat. First, I hate beige but I also hate make-your-eyes-bleed colours. And I don't want something which will be out of fashion by next year. And being short, many coats are too long on me. I look like Mr Magoo in a trench coat. I'm not into these huge padded things which make me look two feet wider, like an old immersion heater with feet.
In the end, I bought some dog treats.
And then on Monday I popped into Asda for a few bits of groceries, and there was my new coat almost waving at me from a rail. Well, it's nearly the coat I wanted, except that it's a summer-weight jacket. But it's a happy start.
Somewhere, someday, I'll find my winter coat.
On Sunday I had lunch with friends in Chester, then we all went for a drive into Wales. The weather was sunny but chilly, especially as we climbed into the hills. The view from the top of Moel Famau was lovely, though, and worth the hike from the car park. Had coffees in a little cafe then headed for home, splitting off in different directions once we got back towards Chester again.
I was worn out by the time I got home. I've not walked that far for ages. Obviously I'm not as fit as I'd thought. I'll have to fix that. Mind you, don't we all say that to ourselves and then not do all that much different anyway. Who has the time, for one thing. So I should make time. Well isn't that easier said than done, too!
I was worn out by the time I got home. I've not walked that far for ages. Obviously I'm not as fit as I'd thought. I'll have to fix that. Mind you, don't we all say that to ourselves and then not do all that much different anyway. Who has the time, for one thing. So I should make time. Well isn't that easier said than done, too!
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