Wednesday, May 30, 2012

To Clean or Not to Clean--What's a Writer to Do?

Alert: Yes, I know we must consider writing our work and give ourselves permission to do it. Still for the past days, I’ve struggled with that.
Now that it’s summer, I had great hope of accomplishing lots of writing. I can be home more, don’t have to get up and out at a certain time each day; I can get right to the keyboard and start on the story….
It’s not working out that way.
I’m the first to admit, I’m not very domesticated. I hate to clean, I hate to cook. But I like a clean house and decent food (although Lean Cuisine has some tasty stuff) and I can’t afford a maid.
OK, so knowing that about myself, I am totally surprised that, now I’m home consistently, I can find more things to do around the house than I ever thought possible. Good grief. I’ve even wanted to scrub floors (and actually did! Twice last week.)
Now when I sit down at the computer, visions keep popping into my mind of things that need doing around the house. Laundry—how does it pile up so fast? A load every morning—really? Dishes—that dishwasher gets fuller faster than ever. And where does all the dust come from?
I honestly don’t see how you all who have retired or who work from home do it. I realize that when we work outside the home, there is less time to do housework, so we relegate it to certain times of the week—usually the weekend.
It works then. Why doesn’t it work now? Now I feel guilty letting anything slide so I can write.
But even as I say that, I know it must be an excuse. Especially if a part of the story is giving me problems. So easy to pop up and say, “Better start a load of laundry” than to stay put and work it out. (Although I must admit, sometimes getting away from the keyboard seems to free-up my mind, and when I come back, the problem’s solved.)
So I guess I just have to impose a schedule for the rest of the summer—set specific time for housework and specific time to write. I’ll try.
Right now, though, I have to unload the dishwasher. Then I need to switch out the candles in the livingroom to something less heavy for the summer. After that, I really need to….
Does anyone else feel guilty for writing when housework is tapping its toe for attention?

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Musical Inspiration

As an author I get asked quite often whether or not I write with complete silence or with background music. Sometimes it depends if I'm trying to get into the "mood" for a scene. Sometimes I need silence to just let the words flow.

However, music is a big part of my life. I love listening to instrumental music just to soothe my soul. Anything that has romantic undertones is great. Sometimes I love a good raunchy rock tune, and I always like a song that inspires me in some way or speaks to something I'm going through. I've provided links to some of my favorite songs at the moment so please listen, or just comment if you are familiar with the song.

One current fave is Katy Perry's Part of Me
"This is the part of me that you're never ever going to take away from me"
Throw your sticks and stones, throw your bombs and blows,
but you're not going to break my soul" 
POWERFUL! Love it!

Another fave, Kelly Clarkson's Stronger
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger,
stand a little taller, doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone,
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter,
footsteps even lighter,
doesn't mean I'm over because you're gone"
Words every woman should remind themselves after a break up!

Nickelback's Lullaby is a great song for those who feel they are alone - a good reminder that we're not!

"I know the feeling of finding yourself stuck out on the ledge,
and there ain't no healing, from cutting yourself with the jagged edge,
I'm telling you that, it's never that bad,
take it from someone who's been where you're at,
laid out on the floor, and you're not sure
you can take this anymore
Just give it one more try..."


Let's kick it up a notch, shall we?
I refuse to be a Belieber, but I grudgingly admit that there is something I like about Justin Bieber's new song Boyfriend (sorry everyone, LOL)
"I'd like to be everything you want, Hey girl - let me talk to you.
If I was your boyfriend, I'd never let you go,
Keep you on my arm, girl, you'd never be alone"

So, perhaps this choice speaks to my hopeless romantic side (hopeless being the operative word) who does want to find that special someone who won't let me go ;)

Now that I've made you gag, how about I propose a break up song? This one of the best I've heard. In fact, I bought their entire album because I love their unique sound.

Gotye's Somebody I Used to Know
"But you didn't have to cut me off,
make out like it never happened and that we were nothing,
I don't even need your love but you treat me like a stranger
and that feels so rough"
Great duet!

Let's really kick it up a notch with some sexy!

Chuck Wick's Hold That Thought - I know this isn't a new release but I still love how sexy this video is and the romantic words in the song.
"Close your eyes, picture this,
lying in bed in the candlelight, 
we start to kiss
pulling your body in close to mine,
pictures us - that moment before we make love"
*sigh* *swoon* Oh yeah, baby - I'll hold that thought ;)

And the last song I'll torture you with is Jennifer Lopez featuring Pit Bull Dance Again
What a sexy dance tune and even though I'm not a huge Pit Bull fan, but when he whispers "Make love to me", I'm about ready to get naked and jump on the bed!

All right - I've given you a few of my faves. What are you listening to right now? Share your playlist with me and the other Angels.

www.kelliekamryn.com






Thursday, May 3, 2012

Comparison Shopping!

Okay ladies...I realize it's been awhile since I've shown you girls any flesh...not mine, of course, but masculine, male flesh...worthy of the Angels blog. As I was scouring the net looking for luscious hotties to post for y'all, I got to thinking...how do today's actors compare to the men of old. And I say MEN literally...because the actors I grew up watching (you know, the ones who are either dead or in their 60's, 70's or 80's?) they were REAL MEN. They fought in wars, were wounded in battles, loved hard and lived hard. Although we have lots of pretty boys these days...when you stop and think about it, who would you want defending you, Zac Efron or Robert Mitchum?



Zac Efron


Robert Mitchum

Do you think Bradley Cooper can stand the test of time against...say...Gary Cooper? Some of you out there probably don't even know who the hell I'm talking about since the latter died before most of you were born. So here's a luscious example of these hotties:

Bradley Cooper?



or




Gary Cooper?











Let's see, who else can I compare? There's Gerry Butler..admittedly, not a great hair day for him, but no need for computer help on THOSE abs!


















up against Brando...yes...Marlon Brando...BEFORE he gained a person or two. To quote my daughter when she saw him in an old movie..."Oh...my..God! WHO the hell is that good looking hunk of meat?" I know, right!






I'll just throw a few more out there for eye candy or deep thoughts, whatever you're inclined to today. Just wanted to prove that there's always been men out there to inspire us to either behave ourselves, be just a little bad, or outright devilish! Enjoy!


Hugh Jackman (YUM!)








James Dean...also long deceased...




Elvis...has left the building!

A YOUNG William Holden. How about that for an erotic historical book cover?





Joe Manganiello (Alcide)

or






John Wayne







Who's blue eyes do it for you/




Paul Newman?



or



Brad Pitt?




Who turns you on...Steve McQueen or Lightening McQueen's Owen Wilson? Young or Old? Has been or has not?
Let me know who your faves are...Now and Then!

Until next time!

Lori

P.S. Just a few more...I couldn't help myself. :)


James Garner: My fave...wish I could find the pic I saw of him modeling swim trunks as a young'un. Talk about a body!
Ryan Gosling
Or the sons of Katie Elder's Tom Selleck and Sam "My Man" Elliot?