I think I'm supposed to tag someone with this, but I'll just put it here and people can redo it or ignore it.
:)

25 Things You Might or Might Not Know About Me (and really...do you care?)

1. I always wear my watch on my right wrist.

2. I carry a rosary and holy water with me everywhere I go.

3. I won't leave the house without wearing makeup and perfume.

4. I wanted to be an archaeologist for years, and still think it would be an awesome profession.

5. I'm left-handed.

6. I can write longhand backward and it's perfectly legible when held up to a mirror.

7. I cry every every time I see the Prince put the glass slipper on Cinderella's foot in the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical version of the show.

8. The first concert I ever attended was Alice Cooper in 1972.

9. The first time I saw Bob Seger in concert (1975), he was the back-up artist for Queen and nobody I knew had ever heard of him.

10. I am blood-related to Wyatt Earp and Edwin Hubble.

11. I hitch-hiked across the country when I was 16 years old.

12. My favorite mixed drink is an Amaretto Sour (with 2 cherries).

13. I'm a very good pool player and always call my shots.

14. I can't swim.

15. My eyes look brown and that's what's on my driver's license, but if you get up close, you see they are very dark, olive green.

16. I am 1/16th Native American and believe in spirit guides.

17. I was raised by an Atheist father and non-practicing Protestant mother.

18. I am terrified of looking into dark mirrors.

19. I type 96 words per minute and used to be a Secretary for the Indiana Attorney General.

20. One of my favorite movies is The Martian Chronicles (yea, I know it's hokey).

21. I almost drowned when I was five years old.

22. I have a secret vendetta against a person and have vowed to myself to make them pay for what they've done (don't worry, it's nobody here and it wasn't even me who was wronged).

23. My two oldest grandchildren both belong to my son and were born eight days apart from different mothers who knew nothing about each other. (They'll be 12 years old in June.)

24. My dream vacation is a Bering Strait cruise.

25. I sometimes have very vivid memories of things that happened thousands of years ago.

Grab the book nearest you. Right now. Turn to page 56. Find the fifth sentence. Post that sentence along with these instructions on your blog. Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

"For many years she tried to locate the Negro that carried the message but she died never finding him."

I've read and responded to a number of writing blogs recently, and felt a need to post my own.

One blog discussed storytelling--writing what you like at all costs, damn the torpedoes and all that. There were many responses, and most writers seem to agree that we all *want* to be writing what's in our hearts. My response was: Writing what we don't enjoy just for a few $$ sucks major lemons, I can vouch for that. I've sat here at the keyboard writing an "assigned" story for the newspaper and just cried my eyes out. It's as unsatisfying as a baked potato with no butter, salt or sour cream. And it's the same outcome. It will fill you up, but you won't savor it. And that's what we truly want to do when we write, savor every moment, every word, every scene and character and emotion we create. So, I understand paying the bills, but I understand that's not what we're truly about, either.

I'd like to add here that it's up to the readers more than anyone else what they'd like to see on the shelves. And as most writers are also avid readers, it only makes sense that we're writing what we enjoy reading, right? Then why is it so difficult? Perhaps the publishers aren't dictated by the readers' tastes, and it's the other way around. Maybe the readers see a genre filling up the shelves, decide that must be what's good, and that's what they buy, without question or complaint. Now, I'm not saying readers are automatons or anything like that, only that they do with books the same thing they do with movies. They see the trailer and it looks good and they only realize after they've forked over the money and sat to the very end that it maybe wasn't as satisfying as they'd hoped.

I know I'm rambling, but I believe some of the best tales are born of a rambling mind. My biggest problem is I know what I *want* to write, but no matter how hard I try, it's not coming out the way I envision it. I wonder if I'm stymied by what I think will be accepted or "marketable," and that's stifling my creativity and therefore, my story.

I shouldn't blog in the wee hours. It makes me too philosophical, and I think I'm making sense when I'm probably not lol. I'm going to sleep now. See you on the flip-side. ;)

ASTROLOGICAL PERSONALITY AND ELEMENT COMPATIBILITY

I'm putting together different personalities for my writing research notebook. If you have time, could you read the following description for your zodiac sign and respond, telling me your sign and how you think you're similar or different from the description? Also, if you're in a relationship and you have time, tell me the sign of your significant other and if the "elements" (air, fire, water,earth) compatibility description applies to your relationship.
Thanks in advance! :)

THE AIR SIGNS
Intellectual, Logical,, Flirtatious, Sarcastic, Impatient, Spiteful, Communicative, Flighty, Debating, Confrontations, Romantic, Independent. Air rises high with exciting Fire signs. Air blends with sensual Water signs. Air is independent with responsible Earth signs. Air with Air blow in all directions.

GEMINI
Born May 21 - June 20... Gemini is the sign of the twins, which rule duality and partnership. Twins are born with the gift of gab, ideas, and salesmanship - whether it is of a product or of themselves. Geminis words get them into trouble - and out of trouble. Gemini is a masculine and mutable sign, and this makes them very adaptable and intellectual.They despise stagnation of any kind and thrive for circulation and movement (like their element Air). Mercury is the planet of communication, and it rules this sign. Freedom and space are a must. They are lively, witty, trendy, and let us not forget... charming!! Their best color is yellow for clarity. Gemini rules the arms, shoulders and lungs - which can make them prone to respiratory ailments and carpal tunnel syndrome.

LIBRA
Born September 23 - October 22..... Libra is the sign of the Scales, creating balance and harmony all around them. Libra is a masculine air sign which is cardinal, allowing them to take action towards their goals. They are ruled by the planet Venus, and many Libras are recognizable for their "pretty facial features." The Air element keeps Libra on the move, always having changes of some sort surrounding them. Librans needs the balance of a partnership in their life. They are born flirts, which in most cases is quite harmless. Librans are also known to be very visual, so the nicer you look, or the nicer you keep your living area, the more happy and content they will be. They are inclined to be indecisive, weighing over the pros and cons of each choice they have to make in life. Librans are quite optimistic and sentimental. They have a need inside them to constantly try and please everyone. Their best color is pink for kindness. This sign rules the kidneys and the buttocks, which can make them prone to lower back and skin problems.

AQUARIUS
Born January 20 - February 18... Aquarius is the sign of the water bearer....a person who is very independent, original in thought, and a humanitarian. Aquarius is a masculine air sign that is fixed, which enables them to have very strong opinions and firm beliefs. This sign is ruled by the planet of Uranus, focuses on  invention, and the unexpected. Aquarius people are usually known for their outrageousness and their determination to be unlike anyone else. They thrive on being different, unique, and even rebellious. They tend to do better around a crowd than by themselves. Being around people tends to help them take their minds off of their own troubles. Usually, they are better at giving advice than taking it. Their best color is shocking blue for independence. Aquarius rules the shins, ankles, and the circulatory system, which can make them prone to hardening of the arteries, sprains, and breaks.

THE FIRE SIGNS
Passionate, Fun, Charming, Adventurous, Exciting, Argumentative, Popular, Curious, Energetic, Defender, Creative, Challenging, Protective, Scholar, Loud, Egotistical. Fire rises with intellectual Air signs. Fire is secure with stable Earth signs. Fire loses spark with nurturing Water signs. Fire with Fire dance.

ARIES
Born March 21-April 19 .... Aries is the sign of the ram. The ram implies great strength and courage, along with the ability to climb great heights in their lifetime. Being a masculine sign - they are action -oriented, and full of nonstop energy. Aries is ruled by the planet Mars, God of War, which will generally give most a strong aggressive personality,and can be quite argumentative. When you meet an Aries - what you see is what you get! There are no front with this sign, because they speak honestly. They are alot of fun and are playful. Their fire element needs activity - as they get bored easily.They love to be the center of attention - and they usually are. Aries are direct and need to be in charge. Aries are natural leaders and heroes. Their best color is red to gain attention. They do not like to take orders from others. Aries rules the head area - which will be prone to headaches and jaw problems.

LEO
Born July 23 - August 22... Leo is the sign of the lion... the king of the jungle. Leos are full of strength, generosity, and leadership skills. Leo is a masculine fire sign and fixed. Leos are used to creating what they are looking for in life, but only on their terms. This sign is ruled by the sun, which conveys a bright sunny attitude, cheerfulness, and confidence. The more one applauds or compliments the lion, the gentler this pussycat becomes. Many Leos have a personality that shines with creativity, passion, and fierce ambition. They are good-hearted and true romantics. Their best color is orange for honorable intentions. Leo rules the heart and the back, which can make them prone to heart-related problems and chronic back pain.

SAGITTARIUS
Born November 22 - December 21... Sagittarius is the sign of the centaur...which is half human and half horse. Sagittarians are all about optimism and bringing cheer. They are a masculine fire sign which is fixed, and this helps them to identify with others as well as motivate them. This sign is ruled by the large planet Jupiter, which is full of abundance, ambition, and higher knowledge. The Fire element for the archer is about movement, growth, and the heat of a good debate. Sagittarians are well-known as the bachelor of the zodiac, like the "horse" part of their sign, they need lots of open space, freedom, and a lot of outdoor activities. Sagittarius people have a great sense of humor. Not only do they like to laugh, but they love to make others laugh as well. They can be the highlight of the party. Sometimes they tend to over exaggerate their conquests which shows their hunger for challenges and bigger goals in life. Their best color is purple for wisdom. This sign rules the hips, thighs, and the liver, which makes them prone to weight or liver problems.

THE WATER SIGNS
Nurturing, Supportive, Mystical, Intuitive, Dreamy, Possessive, Insecure, Emotional, Sacrificing, Needy, Loving, Secretive, Cuddly, Sacrificing, Disillusional. Water comforts calm Air signs. Water boils with independent Fire signs. Water quenches needy Earth signs. Water and water flow in all directions.

CANCER
Born June 21 - July 22.... Cancer is the sign of the Crab. The Crab is sensitive, protective, and seeks security. Cancer is a feminine water sign as well as cardinal. A Cancer is a very strong person who will make their move in life based on their emotions. Cancers are ruled by the moon, and like the tides, their moods tend to fluctuate. Cancers, like the crab itself, are known to be clingy and somewhat possessive. A cancer must feel secure in life in order to thrive. The element Water, which rules Cancer, helps to blend these warm, soft-hearted figures into cuddly, loving and affectionate people. They can never get enough of love. Like the crab, they can be built with the illusion of a hard shell on the outside to protect their warm, mushy self on the inside. Their best color is seagreen for serenity. Cancer rules the breasts and the stomach, which can make them prone to digestive ailments and weight problems.

SCORPIO
Born October 23 - November 21.... Scorpio is the sign of the scorpion. They are magnetic, forceful, sexual, and Spiritual. Once you have been stung by a scorpion...it's hard to get them out of your skin. Scorpions are incredibly passionate, persistent, and intense. This sign is ruled by Pluto, the planet of transformations and regenerative forces in life. Scorpio is a female water sign and is fixed, which creates a very determined person with great power. The Water element of their strong emotions runs deep and powerful. Some Scorpions are known for being terribly secretive, insanely jealous, or even violent. Often at times, they might seem as if they are impassive or unapproachable but their obsessive emotions, like the tides of the ocean, come at you in full force. They also love a good mystery, so the less you reveal about yourself, the more they will be inclined to try and figure you out. Their best color is black for letting go. The sign of the Scorpion rules the bladder and the genitals, which can make them prone to venereal diseases and bladder infections.

PISCES
Born February 19 - March 20... Pisces is the sign of the fish...one swims up the river, the other swims down the river. The fish represent hidden depth, reincarnation, and continuous emotional currents. Pisces is a feminine water sign that is mutable, and known for compassion, romance, imagination, and intuition. Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet of mystery, deception, and illusions. Pisces people are born with the gift of prophecy and vision. The Water element for this sign makes Pisces loyal, sensitive, and devoted. The fish are incredibly sentimental and overly imaginative. With all the soft qualities that make up a Pisces, less sensitive signs often mistake them as weak or spineless. Pisces is a spiritual sign and they seem to have very old souls. Many have some type of spiritual awakening in their life. In less balanced times during their lives, these gentle creatures can become escapists and lean towards overindulgence. Their best color is blue for gentle calmness. This sign rules the feet, that can make them prone to corns, aches, and bunions.

THE EARTH SIGNS
Materialistic, Grounding, Boring, Dominating, Responsible, Giving, Conservative, Consuming, Organized, Controlling, Business, Stubborn, Perfectionists, Family-Oriented, Security. Earth melts with nurturing Water signs. Earth is independent with flirty Air signs. Earth warms with passionate Fire signs. Earth and earth are indestructible.

TAURUS
Born April 20 - May 20... Taurus is the sign of the bull. Taurus offers dependability and security. The bull is a fixed sign - making them stubborn and bull-headed. Ruled by Venus, they are usually quite attracted to beauty and luxury, especially when it concerns their own possessions... meaning material things and/or people. Noted as a feminine sign, they are very generous and creative. Their earthy element may have them appear as being a slow mover - but it is a slow pace that keeps them on the right track. They like to take their time on making decisions and believe that this aids them in making the best investments, whether in a financial (or romantic) situation. The bull tends to be quite private, and more of a listener - frustrating those who need more communication. These folks are patient, strong, sincere, loyal and have tons of common sense. Their best color is green for growth. Taurus rules the neck area - which will make them prone to neck problems and sore throats.

VIRGO
Born August 23 - September 22... Virgo is the sign of the virgin. Virgo is the sign of the analytical thinker. A Virgo dissects situations until they find the most practical solutions and explanations to their problem. Virgo is a feminine earth sign which is mutable. Virgo is ruled by the planet Mercury which is strong with reason and communication. To help clear their mind from constant thought, Virgos can become workaholics, and therefore very successful. These sincere folks want the best, not only for themselves, but for others as well. They need to be reminded to lower their standards, so they may attain their goals. Their best color is gray for stability. Virgo is the sign of the worrier and it rules the nervous system and the intestines, which makes them prone to insomnia and stress-related illnesses.

CAPRICORN
Born December 22 - January 19.. Capricorn is the sign of the goat. A Capricorn is a person who will have a slow climb to reach their goals, but will eventually succeed. This person is not only ambitious, but practical as well. This is a feminine earth sign which is cardinal. Capricorn people take each step with sternness and good judgment. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of limitations and discipline. A Capricorn will meet more than their share of obstacles in life, but with great precision, and their slow but steady pace, they will overcome. The element Earth is powerful for mother nature, productiveness, and fertility. Not until later in life will they reap what they have sown. Capricorn seem as though their feet are planted firmly on the ground, yet it can seem as if life just passing them by. Capricorns are also serious thinkers, keeping very much their thoughts to themselves. Actually, they are too busy thinking about bigger achievements and recognition thus never realizing that they have not shared their thoughts with loved ones. Their best color is brown for strength. This sign rules the bones and the knees, which can make them prone to dental problems and arthritis.

That's the sound a not-so-spring chicken makes.
I started a new job last week at FedEx in Champaign, IL, as a package handler. That means I was loading boxes into trucks, and not even the same truck as Tim, who also got a job there. We didn't even see each other. No, I was loading trucks all by myself.
What the hell was I thinking?? I'd pay someone to take my trash out or carry my grocery bags into my house, and I was going to load trucks like a man? And not just a man, but a young, strong man.
The first three days were easy. Classroom training. I can do that. The 4th day, I did truck-loading. My "load coach" was--surprise, surprise--a 21-year old young man. I was older than his mother. Jiminy-freaking-cricket, was I sore the next morning! My hands were swollen, my feet were in agony, my arms and shoulders were throbbing in pain (but my back was good, so at least I was lifting with my legs). The 5th day, I didn't even want to go at all, but since we were already in the parking lot, I did. Big mistake. I ended up tripping over some step-ladder in the truck, I dropped a heavy package on my already busted toe. Packages kept coming down the chute into the back of the truck until I was nearly buried in them. I couldn't even lift over half of them because they were so heavy, and I was on the verge of just sitting down and crying, I was so overwhelmed.
Is this why I type 96 wpm, to break all my fingers?
Is this what my paralegal degree can do for me??
I will not be going back to FedEx, at least not doing manual labor (emphasis on "man"). It's not that I don't want to work, I just am not physically capable of this type of work, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I like being "the weaker sex." That doesn't bother me at all. But, the job market is absolutely horrible out there, and there is nothing in this vicinity at all. I've sent out resumes all over the place.
I do have some work I do at home as far as proofreading and editing and some web work, and that will have to do for now.
I need that big book contract, and soon. :(

They're cracking me up, all these different categories people are creating. I can understand creating categories like "family" or "business contacts" to make them easier to find, but some of them are downright silly.
So, to keep up with everyone else's continuing segregation of their friends, I will be creating--aside from all the usual ones--the following categories in the near future:

Friends I've never met
Brand-new friends who aren't really friends, whom I've never met
Brand-new friends who aren't really friends but I actually met them
For-real friends I have actually met
For-real friends I knew in junior high school
For-real friends I used to party with and don't really know anymore
Ex-boyfriends
Ex-girlfriends of ex-boyfriends
People who aren't really friends but I used to work with them
Celebrities (I know it's really them, of course it is)
Strangers I added because their profile pic was hot
Friends I plan to delete in the near future
Friends I don't like anymore, but I just leave them here to avoid conflict
Brown-haired female friends
Brown-haired male friends
Red-headed female friends
Red-headed male friends
Blonde friends (either gender, because it's probably bleached)
Bald-headed friends
Friends with breast implants
Friends with hair implants
Heterosexual friends
Gay friends
Bi-sexual friends
Friends of my kids
Friends young enough to be my kids
Friends old enough to be my parents
Friends about my age
Friends with kids
Friends without kids
Friends who are really enemies I added just to keep an eye on them
Friends who don't fall into any other categories

Feel free to suggest other categories to me. I wouldn't want to miss anyone.

© Tracy Jones 2008

Abandoned Dark Creepy Investigations (ADCI) is a small group of paranormal investigators based in Danville, Illinois. ADCI is always on the lookout for places to investigate and welcome the opportunity to visit new locations. Currently, field investigators are being recruited to scout new places in their areas to investigate. Drop by www.abandoneddarkcreepy.com and take a look around. If you're interested, don't hesitate to contact ADCI at adci@abandoneddarkcreepy.com.

Illinois. (O'Bama's State, by the way.)
Kickapoo State Park.
A beautiful place. Tim and I visit there on the Harley several times a month, and I've gotten some of my best nature shots there.

As of November 1st, the park entrance will be barred and "the public will no longer be allowed access." The park will be staffed with "one person, who will perform basic maintenance and security on the grounds." Why? If they're going to close it, give it back to nature and let it run its natural course.

I'm having a hard time understanding this. If funding is a problem, why don't they charge a carload admission, like so many other parks?

The State plans to close 11 state parks, and 13 historic sites, as "a result of a $2 billion state budget shortfall." This also includes laying off 73 employees of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Department of Natural Resources.

I find this very sad. I can think of many other State employee positions that are much more expendable. But, then, who am I? Just a lowly citizen and registered voter who happens to enjoy visiting the parks and historic sites on a regular basis.

I'd love to hear others' opinions on this.

I want to start off by saying I appreciate the freelance work I get assigned from the newspaper, because I have to have some sort of income. But I'm so bogged down writing about village meetings, and drainage issues, and school woes, and building permits, and on and on and on... And I appreciate the editing work I get and the reviewing work I'm offered... But, there comes a time when a writer needs to take a step back. I'm looking inside myself, trying to find that passion, that fire, that gave birth to my love of the written word, and fiction writing in particular. It seems as though, once I'm finished with the necessary writing, I just want to relax and have a glass of wine or a wine cooler and vegetate. And by the time I re-energize, it's time to work and my stuff drifts off in the ether yet again. Once in a while, I feel like I might actually explode from the inside-out, and all the words that need to get onto paper will just go flying, smacking the crap out of anyone unfortunate enough to be nearby. I don't know, maybe that's an exaggeration, huh? But anyone who feels stifled by reality when all they want to do is fall into the fantasy world of writing, understands where I'm coming from. I know, I know, welcome to the real world, where everyone has to work for a living, mostly doing things they don't really enjoy. At least I'm fortunate enough I get to write, right? Still, I enjoy cooking, but if my day job was as a chef, I wonder how well my family would eat when I got home? "Let's just order a pizza, honey, I can't stand the stove anymore." I'm beginning to think writing for money is upsetting my balance of writing for love. I trust my comrades here will have excellent advice to assure my sanity remains intact. :) (p.s.- I'm not really crunk, I just like the smiley thing that goes with it.)

Tim and I left Danville, Illinois at 5:30 p.m. to make it to Converse, Indiana by 9:30 p.m. (a 3-hour drive, but there's an hour time-difference). Though seeing Bob and Joy was enough to make the trip worthwhile, there were other things in store. It seemed like a pretty quiet night, but in retrospect, things peek out and stand out. From the orbs that I can't dismiss when they disappear from one photo to the next, to the sound of something scurrying around an otherwise deadly-quiet cemetery, to the odd shadow on a solid wall that moves as its creator stays completely stationary, and the sweet smell of pipe tobacco so strong the culprit smoker should have been standing on top of us...a rather quiet, seemingly uneventful evening gave us more than I realized. Tim's video camera caught a glimpse of something close to the floor inside the building, that makes its way so quickly out of the frame, we nearly missed it completely. We'll need Bob to scrutinize that one for us. Meanwhile, take a look through the two folders of "Converse Investigation" pics I posted here this afternoon, if for no other reason than to see our smiling, ghost-hunting faces. ;)
Cheers.

Creativity and mental illness: prevalence rates in writers and their first-degree relatives.
by NC Andreasen

Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242.

Rates of mental illness were examined in 30 creative writers, 30 matched control subjects, and the first-degree relatives of both groups. The writers had a substantially higher rate of mental illness, predominantly affective disorder, with a tendency toward the bipolar subtype. There was also a higher prevalence of affective disorder and creativity in the writers' first-degree relatives, suggesting that these traits run together in families and could be genetically mediated. Both writers and control subjects had IQs in the superior range; the writers excelled only on the WAIS vocabulary subtest, confirming previous observations that intelligence and creativity are independent mental abilities.
(Link to this story)

Ok, I'm the first to admit that maybe we writers are a bit...eccentric...at times, but mentally ill? Do daily (sometimes hourly) mood swings make a person mentally ill? Of course not! Can't they see we're just getting into different characters? If we don't experience many different moods, how can we possibly write about them with any believability?

Does locking oneself away for days on end staring at a blank screen make a person mentally ill? I don't think so! We're just formulating the plot line in our heads until we can put the words in some coherent order. If we have to drink a few glasses of wine or beer to help us sort it out, well, that's ok, too. We need to level off the playing field in our mind, so all the little thoughts have equal time at the forefront. Alcohol can help to embolden our more shy thoughts, bring them out in the open, so they can get onto the paper where they belong.

Does waking up at 3 a.m., jumping out of bed and rustling around for a pen and paper make a person mentally ill? Ha! If we don't get those crazy dream thoughts down immediately, they will be gone. If upon awakening in the morning and looking at what we've written, we find it's mumble jumbled and illegible and we're upset about it all day, that's normal. We had an excellent, possibly world-changing, story-making, perfect scene laid out on that paper, and it's gone. Anyone would be upset. That's not mental illness.

Does blogging until it doesn't make sense because one is trying to avoid writing make a person mentally ill? Ok, I give you that one, but what kind of lunatic would sit and blog about writing, rather than sit their ass down and write? That's just crazy.