tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303071472024-02-19T17:43:48.442-05:00The Isle of GemsMusings and observations about life, previously on the island of Trinidad, now as a nomadic traveler.Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-35919879165401554242010-05-06T10:24:00.003-04:002010-05-06T10:35:39.809-04:00A New BeginningThis blog is closed but I am keeping my entries from Trinidad archived and always available.<br /><br />I kept this blog during the months in 2008 that I lived on the island of Trinidad and Tobago.<br /><br />After a friend and I were the victims of a violent home invasion robbery/sexual assault on the island of Tobago, I decided to leave T&T to return home. At the time, I was not sure whether that would be a long-term decision or not. Well, it's been exactly two years since the attack and I am still home with no intention to return to Trinidad and Tobago, except for visiting in the future. However, T&T and the lovely people I met and got to know (especially Elspeth and Hayley) are still deeply in my heart.<br /><br />The last two years have been a long, hard road, but I have my own place, a cat, and a job that I love. But one of the things that I missed was blogging with a purpose and goal and having fun readers.<br /><br />So today I set up an RSS feed and created another blog, "Eccentric Auntie." (eccentricauntie.blogspot.com)<br /><br />The blog is totally blank right now, but that's okay. The first Thursday of May is a sober reminder of how your life can change forever in an instant. To me, it's okay to be blank for a bit while I regather my thoughts.<br /><br />So if you're just dying on the edge of your seats, waiting to see if I would ever write in a blog again....well, I think I will! <br /><br />Love and peace to you all!Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-79179272663427437372008-05-28T07:10:00.002-04:002008-05-28T07:18:19.387-04:00:)Feel like I should say something in here. Will be leaving in 2 days. Am very excited. Am also sad.<br /><br />My writing has not been happening, but I think it's not because I'm not inspired. Now I have a whole crapload of material, haha. But it's simply that I don't want to. It's not even that I don't want to, not really. It's that I won't. And I think that's purposeful. That is, I think there's a reason why I'm not writing and that when I start, it will be exactly what I'm meant to be writing. And with the right passion. And less confusion.<br /><br />I might start writing in a notebook instead of my laptop to get past my block. Sometimes that works because it gives me permission to write absolute crap for awhile. *grins*<br /><br />Yikes, I've lost about 7 pounds since this thing happened in Tobago! (Which was actually okay because I'd put on about that much since last summer).Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-79894656894112635832008-05-25T09:51:00.003-04:002008-05-25T09:56:49.712-04:00Going back for awhile...Hi,<br /><br />I'm going to be going back to the States for awhile on Friday. I had been planning on going in August, but I have decided to go back a little earlier and stay a little longer. <br /><br />I basically need to clear my head. The trauma from the robbery incident has really affected my head space way more than I ever thought it would and I just need to be away, away, away from the scene, etc.<br /><br />I am of mixed feelings. I'm not sure how long I'll stay away but I know I will miss a lot of things about being here, especially my friends! I'm actually kind of emotionally numb right now, so I'm not really sure how I'm feeling. ha. I'm hoping that a change of scene will calm down my psychotic muse, too. I ought to have plenty of time and space to write!Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-44972879590025653342008-05-23T13:46:00.002-04:002008-12-11T15:15:29.371-05:00yumMmm...Hi Lo deli lunches for the win! Yum!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx3GF4cUzS4o790f7wR5ZSbyhkB4wHtSA0L9FeguKYIOaXp6FqKsdUAiMO9Ajm8bHahgXSmHy8w_JURNJgXFiiu3SHQDykiJ5noin6PECSA1FF8gf1BpViogUNsecRMISSH5FSQ/s1600-h/001+(2).JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx3GF4cUzS4o790f7wR5ZSbyhkB4wHtSA0L9FeguKYIOaXp6FqKsdUAiMO9Ajm8bHahgXSmHy8w_JURNJgXFiiu3SHQDykiJ5noin6PECSA1FF8gf1BpViogUNsecRMISSH5FSQ/s320/001+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203631403129670706" /></a><br /><br />*lots of immature giggling* (*is 12*)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihA-tZQdQoI18x9zmWVQzIRHfVMJynFOJmeWNkKFJFBxL41oua2Yf233YONDh-Ax4aJ9mZWro5syItPYdKx4IpWzISYSGrizHBkuG5PXv5-rT67N58ft6bW-UszbBHbJ75L__L0A/s1600-h/002+(2).JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihA-tZQdQoI18x9zmWVQzIRHfVMJynFOJmeWNkKFJFBxL41oua2Yf233YONDh-Ax4aJ9mZWro5syItPYdKx4IpWzISYSGrizHBkuG5PXv5-rT67N58ft6bW-UszbBHbJ75L__L0A/s320/002+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203631291460520994" /></a>Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-83657009484480566642008-05-22T14:47:00.003-04:002008-05-22T14:49:28.415-04:00haha crypticI'm sorry but I've learned from the master (*waves to Hayley*) and I'm going to be cryptic.<br /><br />Do you know how weird it is to wake up after a long, long nap?<br /><br />The world is a strange, strange place.Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-41218978041425208842008-05-20T17:24:00.001-04:002008-05-20T17:25:26.081-04:00wavesHad some tummy troubles today so I'm meek and quiet and because of only 4 hours of sleep last night, I'm intensely out to lunch, too.<br /><br />Ugh, don't mention lunch. :DAndreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-53564687137814150602008-05-19T13:28:00.002-04:002008-05-19T13:32:15.325-04:00Good morning!I woke up this morning with an amazing amount of energy considering I've felt dead tired for the past week. This could be interesting...<br /><br />So...I have these three sweet pepper plants that I'm growing inside little coffee containers on the patio. Don't die of shock, everyone, but...<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">They're still alive.</span>Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-86271532587165800602008-05-18T09:24:00.003-04:002008-12-11T15:15:29.737-05:00Stardust love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB86S04x2tcLe3g9Ec-GcYpeOdAwiUOfDNNkdWrvtr-_jwgcATnpPLV27UO8e62_ilEvBERy_CIaxdfOq1jmvkWqMN8O0Epjiah8wAiuYEWxpPR7l_4CmLcsNTzvu9j04jS0ty_g/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB86S04x2tcLe3g9Ec-GcYpeOdAwiUOfDNNkdWrvtr-_jwgcATnpPLV27UO8e62_ilEvBERy_CIaxdfOq1jmvkWqMN8O0Epjiah8wAiuYEWxpPR7l_4CmLcsNTzvu9j04jS0ty_g/s320/021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201708692139701858" /></a><br /><br />I have a sleeping Stardust on my shoulder. She's been hanging out on my shoulder just sleeping away the way birds do when they tuck their heads under their wings and look really cute.<br /><br />Hey, look, I've posted a few days in a row!Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-57102771965681221582008-05-17T13:25:00.004-04:002008-12-11T15:15:30.033-05:00hiyaI'm a writer and yet can't seem to write anything interesting in here! I've been thinking a lot about going for the jugular. Especially since the robbery, There's this heightened sense of no longer really wanting to be shy about talking about whatever I want to talk about.<br /><br />I think I've shocked quite a few people about what actually happened during the robbery. I think I accidentally gave the impression that it was a situation in which maybe we left our stuff at home and someone broke in while we were gone and took it. That in fact is not true. The bandit came in with a weapon while we were sleeping. Again, will probably write it out later...not now. Today am enjoying a nice, lazy Saturday!<br /><br />Well, I think the rainy season is starting to encroach. The last few days have been rainy on and off after a LOOOOONG stretch of very dry.<br /><br />Maybe I'll try to post more pictures. This was taken in Trinidad on the way to Chaguaramas...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQt5QxKo2jq3qXFAtHUSBLz-_XMTs6jfOuVTZlYzlRNRtZp57hL1ftnZwDr6lg_rr_UJwYEFOGy2rOtR10YVKxDpcWqxjzIhVDF6wRvMo6Eq_hSN4X3ah72Ip-1aQr_2gsYOPCnQ/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQt5QxKo2jq3qXFAtHUSBLz-_XMTs6jfOuVTZlYzlRNRtZp57hL1ftnZwDr6lg_rr_UJwYEFOGy2rOtR10YVKxDpcWqxjzIhVDF6wRvMo6Eq_hSN4X3ah72Ip-1aQr_2gsYOPCnQ/s320/001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201399458789357138" /></a>Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-45969466821686340912008-05-16T10:02:00.002-04:002008-05-16T10:04:17.611-04:00yepStay tuned...I AM going to write more in this thing...<br /><br />My mind is a blissful blank right now, but I do and must say that I finally slept through the night last night for the first time since the robbery. In fact it was a GOOD sleep. So I feel actually rather human today.<br /><br />Random observation: My neighbors are picking all the mangoes off the tree!Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-31274052571459987412008-05-13T16:01:00.003-04:002008-05-13T16:04:35.516-04:00new phoneHoly crap, I've made 70 posts so far! Go me!<br /><br />I got a new cell phone today. It's a cute little thing, no frills or bells or whistles, so way cheaper than the last one. Hopefully it will serve well...<br /><br />Well, I was going to share some pics from Tobago, but the add image function doesn't seem to be working for me. Ah well! Later then!Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-27859191492241664372008-05-12T21:41:00.003-04:002008-05-12T21:50:02.414-04:00feeling better todayI'm a dork -- switched out my picture.<br /><br />A few people have asked to hear the story about the robbery and I will actually get to that in time. Right now it still makes me a little shaky to go through it in detail. And honestly I probably won't put all the details here in a public forum. All the same, Mitra was good enough to compile a list of tips for travelers to Tobago but I think this list could apply to anyone traveling anywhere. I hope this list could help keep people aware and safe. These are general tips, by the way, not necessarily details in our situation.<br /><br />1. If possible, travel with a group, with both men and women<br /> <br />2. Don't wear loud jewelry or expensive clothes<br /> <br />3. When you reach the guest house/hotel, go through with the manager and check all the doors and windows, asking if they are burglar-proof<br /> <br />4. Check how secluded the place is, i.e. are there other people in the area, and if it is air conditioned or right on the ocean, would it be possible for a neighbor to hear loud or suspicious noises or screams<br /> <br />5. Keep a phone and valuables in a hidden place, so a robber would not find them<br /> <br />6. If a man is trying to rape you, look him in the eye, remain calm, and reason with him that you are a human being and that you have a family, and that he is probably just in a tough place where he needs money, but he can just leave without harming anyone<br /> <br />7. Be careful, and if you see anything suspicious (a man on the beach looking at guest houses, for example) report it immediately! Better safe than sorry.Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-1708816101083288582008-05-11T11:52:00.003-04:002008-12-11T15:15:30.378-05:00TobagoBack from Tobago! Will post pics eventually. One bad thing happened in that we were robbed and I am now cell-phone-less. That is all I have to say about that.<br /><br />But Tobago itself was gorgeous and I can't recommend the beaches there enough! Translucent turquoise waters, refreshing water, good food, very nice indeed!<br /><br />Here I am at Pigeon Point. I have many more pics but I'll wait. I need to send Mitra the pics that I took first! :-)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQzhDLCyUPQhL8jIinmkFoQhSYBSMB5y_IYRfObhXhivSZ4s9SfzV2pUDrIKAIEZalz7aflRx1SkuSVB9Cb3cpY9h4hVTtlsxHFnJfMIyRdUj17Yxta-m48mj-eWLDyfjsfuzdw/s1600-h/mepigeonpoint2.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQzhDLCyUPQhL8jIinmkFoQhSYBSMB5y_IYRfObhXhivSZ4s9SfzV2pUDrIKAIEZalz7aflRx1SkuSVB9Cb3cpY9h4hVTtlsxHFnJfMIyRdUj17Yxta-m48mj-eWLDyfjsfuzdw/s320/mepigeonpoint2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199149273883375154" /></a>Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-23039328731662474472008-05-06T20:58:00.002-04:002008-05-06T21:00:58.517-04:00yaysYays:<br /><br />1. Had delightful sushi and wine with Hayley and her spawnlet on Sunday night. And bought some books beforehand at the mall. Bookstores = love, sushi = love, liming = love! :)))<br /><br />2. Going to TOBAGO on Thursday with the lovely Mitra (who alas is leaving us to return to Michigan in about a week)!!!! I'm so excited! I've been meaning to get to Tobago to do like research and stuff (in the form of lazing on the beach and swimming and possibly seeing leatherback turtles nesting)<br /><br />Nays:<br /><br />1. Expecting my monthly friend on the day we leave for TobagoAndreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-71188328107356126782008-05-04T08:33:00.009-04:002008-12-11T15:15:32.382-05:00Jungle walking...Yesterday, I accompanied Elspeth and a group of her acquaintances and friends to walk up the mountain from Santa Cruz and help plant a special tree for a special purpose. Hey, the good news is that I'm not sore today like I was sure I would be after all the huffing and puffing and using of muscles I haven't used in a long time going up those practically sheer uphill trails. Those expensive hiking boots I bought in Scotland seven years ago served me very well. :-) While I kept an eye out for poisonous snakes and big, hairy spiders, I saw neither, whew!<br /><br />I could only take one pic as we were walking because there was that issue of making sure one foot was going in front of the other without tripping...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXspba-Lk8oNpVcaeUxPB8Md6vGwNzOKnRKAF_UMrLslO4Xgq-WI68zMSJ9vQfLkTi4w074Ar7frX2V-jIu4DPlcSp0ppCTpJEKkh4LJPiHkerVtciqXL79ug5Y-k2IOo_VtKNA/s1600-h/sc6.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXspba-Lk8oNpVcaeUxPB8Md6vGwNzOKnRKAF_UMrLslO4Xgq-WI68zMSJ9vQfLkTi4w074Ar7frX2V-jIu4DPlcSp0ppCTpJEKkh4LJPiHkerVtciqXL79ug5Y-k2IOo_VtKNA/s320/sc6.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196500675863419474" /></a><br /><br />Pretty scene we were rewarded with!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OrVaqmPgO5a2G_MP0tMSzq4QlmO0siy-CMQhsU2vgb1yqH9UWXr7KjcKKlLrFfEWJZ2RxIePqavM7tEIQMgoQ1amq5CQtPbYhcchJ2RKAi45R2pLkXcPxVXiLeKhcFA3jTQITg/s1600-h/prettyscene.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OrVaqmPgO5a2G_MP0tMSzq4QlmO0siy-CMQhsU2vgb1yqH9UWXr7KjcKKlLrFfEWJZ2RxIePqavM7tEIQMgoQ1amq5CQtPbYhcchJ2RKAi45R2pLkXcPxVXiLeKhcFA3jTQITg/s320/prettyscene.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196500946446359138" /></a><br /><br />Some people swimming in the spring...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjij8uHyPGHFFBNgl_nPa26EZi7sZQt_6EhlJl0pRkZ_apzDzp2ysliAybsoToGk03rafnkBypatGaFLr106c70N0XNtzVwR4kL3uVt5fp0Ntk29TWJmXAisvaIgweGzCXxzQ3DTg/s1600-h/sc16.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjij8uHyPGHFFBNgl_nPa26EZi7sZQt_6EhlJl0pRkZ_apzDzp2ysliAybsoToGk03rafnkBypatGaFLr106c70N0XNtzVwR4kL3uVt5fp0Ntk29TWJmXAisvaIgweGzCXxzQ3DTg/s320/sc16.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196501152604789362" /></a><br /><br />Planting of the tree...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc8NWxM2GEyZJ0qMY6Tn3bgK2HzPRqIb_8JxWqPH3gQf_IjFvUqMTbyocL3JkYdy058b9MNQ4-ecoEmO5GYCNgj6Rg0pGF3m9F_ezyi7kS_UL6vDzz0-mhoQGhIS9aawLB43ibg/s1600-h/sc21.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc8NWxM2GEyZJ0qMY6Tn3bgK2HzPRqIb_8JxWqPH3gQf_IjFvUqMTbyocL3JkYdy058b9MNQ4-ecoEmO5GYCNgj6Rg0pGF3m9F_ezyi7kS_UL6vDzz0-mhoQGhIS9aawLB43ibg/s320/sc21.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196501354468252290" /></a><br /><br />Back at the lodge of our lovely hosts. They are creating an eco-land out of the 250 acres they have. This is their lovely porch...I could have sat there for hours, listening to the birds and wildlife...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLRMzu6QAp5k1LEgOmu-KFIF8EpdoIFNSqsXMrtvo5j4s9yBNFd5JyYRRP8zzjW0aGryOe-kXzn8iYvJwp-SFoM-AK6P6Z5MTmyjXmmW0dhm6_GWutG-dKQC3znJNyXBgwlCfTQ/s1600-h/scporch.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLRMzu6QAp5k1LEgOmu-KFIF8EpdoIFNSqsXMrtvo5j4s9yBNFd5JyYRRP8zzjW0aGryOe-kXzn8iYvJwp-SFoM-AK6P6Z5MTmyjXmmW0dhm6_GWutG-dKQC3znJNyXBgwlCfTQ/s320/scporch.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196501917108968082" /></a><br /><br />This is Charlie, their macaw. He refused to talk to us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9WCLqdLJ41bNiThrfp-dx6ISOHVrd-LHgSt56bOVP6ESpnyH181RAHcVwKk-52-vPnSjE6w_zYUTmSjjIgK7FyjTfMKUMhsTIt_L1Kgotx2g-aCIEJBnnwakc3L1LzxjzYZY7Q/s1600-h/scparrot3.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9WCLqdLJ41bNiThrfp-dx6ISOHVrd-LHgSt56bOVP6ESpnyH181RAHcVwKk-52-vPnSjE6w_zYUTmSjjIgK7FyjTfMKUMhsTIt_L1Kgotx2g-aCIEJBnnwakc3L1LzxjzYZY7Q/s320/scparrot3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196502372375501474" /></a><br /><br />At the end, the four of us separated from the rest of the group. We got ice-cream (mmm...coffee and nutella flavored ice-cream!) and realized that ice-cream was the answer to happiness. Then we went to Lady Young Lookout and had some corn soup and watched the beginning of the sunset over Port of Spain. If you look carefully you can see the distant shadow of Venezuela!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJhE5WhPQWJkvUULfkOFueezAKrpWNVHX8syx1PAr1ilJBXhpzzZs8VSZ-HgoHDyySle9a3nz6sTwEPTnQA_leXmVcBZGEWvUGM7te0dFwf-0scSZWMPz1Z8EDXgaUYU5HUHenA/s1600-h/usladyyoung.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJhE5WhPQWJkvUULfkOFueezAKrpWNVHX8syx1PAr1ilJBXhpzzZs8VSZ-HgoHDyySle9a3nz6sTwEPTnQA_leXmVcBZGEWvUGM7te0dFwf-0scSZWMPz1Z8EDXgaUYU5HUHenA/s320/usladyyoung.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196502707382950578" /></a>Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-87178134568293944712008-05-02T14:02:00.001-04:002008-05-02T14:03:53.853-04:00Where's Stardust?Now if this isn't the most precious thing in the world, I just don't know what is...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3pPPvltaXUU&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3pPPvltaXUU&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />I just made brownies. Life is good.Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-28754319721765060842008-04-28T11:48:00.004-04:002008-04-28T11:55:49.575-04:00*drive-by waves*Where do these days go? The days are flying by at the speed of light!<br /><br />Ten-second update:<br /><br />Things are well, Saturday night went to ceremony for writing class in Chaguaramas (that's a mouthful). Many people did readings and I can just say that my co-writers are very talented people! However, I was starving the whole time and trying to figure out a way to subtly unpeel the banana that was in my purse and sneak it into my mouth while people were reading. *sigh* I suck at subterfuge. All and all, a delightful night!<br /><br />Stardust got her beak trimmed by me last night. I was scared to get her tongue, but I did get the beak trimmed successfully! Go me!<br /><br />Today must run some errands but I'm looking outside and see one of two outcomes. Either I will roast because it is hot or I will get poured on because the clouds are gathering. Most likely both.Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-21234419404418690542008-04-24T14:47:00.002-04:002008-04-24T14:54:38.274-04:00*waves*Hi! <br /><br />Still here. Not feeling very bloggy! <br /><br />Lots of writing, lots of reading, lots of going about on a day to day basis. I'm sort of boring myself so I wonder what I might start talking about that isn't just "Hey, I did some writing today." <br /><br />Places I went today:<br /><br />1. UWI bookstore<br />2. pet store to pick up some cockatiel food because they were out of it at Hi Lo. Poor Stardust!<br />3. Used book store. There will be a sale next week on all books there! Whee! Picked up 3 junky suspense-romance books. Reason? Yes, they're a guilty pleasure but also they do a fine job at teaching the art of story crafting (transitions, story arc, etc.). As I was discussing with Elspeth yesterday, even if a book sucks, you have to have some admiration for the author. Writing is darned hard work. The fact that they finished a story from A to Z, went through the arduous publishing process, and got it out there? Two thumbs up to them.<br />4. Hi Lo. Yay, food!<br /><br />Hi, all! Sorry, Hayley, no insects yet! My house is shockingly free from them!Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-35953609039553617332008-04-21T07:49:00.002-04:002008-04-21T07:55:35.991-04:00Knocking, knockingWord for today:<br /><br />Jugular<br /><br />M is away in Toco for a retreat. Predictably, he's not terribly happy about having his routine disrupted. I am blissfully happy about getting the house and television and internetz to myself. Although I sure didn't realize how high-maintenance Stardust is with only ONE person to pay constant attention to her. Spoiled brat of a bird! Well, I sipped some wine and watched The Stand on sci fi channel last night (which really is a wretched mini-series...Stephen King does not translate well to film hardly ever). I was going to put an announcement on my blog to take advantage of empty house to ask if local people wanted to stop by for a lime yesterday -- but Flow was out a good deal of the day for me both Saturday and Sunday! Ah, well. <br /><br />My writing muse has done something incredible. Um...I can't talk about it, I really can't, because well, talking up a project = death of project all too often, but wow. When the muse comes knocking at the door, she does break down the door. *looks mysterious*Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-75124152106235006362008-04-15T13:56:00.003-04:002008-04-15T13:58:08.300-04:00deadlinesIf I'm silent more often than not this week, it's because I'm suuuuuper busy. Deadlines and writing angst and all... <br /><br />Feel free to say hi, though!<br /><br />*waves at everyone*Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-71488552399646607472008-04-12T13:43:00.003-04:002008-04-12T13:50:49.601-04:00sleeeeeeepyIt's a rainy Saturday. I have been very busy the last few days and female issues have made me even more tired than I normally would be. I just want to curl up in bed and sleep the day away. As it is, I'm sprawled on my internet chair with Stardust on my shoulder sort of in a dozing/sleepy mode. <br /><br />I'm craving yummies. Hayley, let's do sushi soon! I want that wasabi and ginger and yumminess.<br /><br />My list of shoulds is far outweighing my lists of wants.<br /><br />Shoulds: clean house, laundry, finish these two mini writing projects, help with this one online project, novel-work, revisions, etc. etc. etc.<br /><br />Wants: lie in bed, watch mindless t.v., eat yummies, sleepAndreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-64843158243001779512008-04-10T07:35:00.002-04:002008-04-10T07:43:46.631-04:00Good morningI am going to ban myself from internetz for as much of today as possible! I have a lot of writing-related things to do and then I have my one-on-one session with Dr. Nunez this afternoon which I am very nervous and excited about at the same time. <br /><br />Two of my favorite writing books arrived in my boxes yesterday. One is called Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. I got this book probably over 10 years ago, but I read parts of it yesterday and it was like I was reading it for the first time! She is so good at getting inside the psyche of us writers, all our neuroses, fears, insecurities, special worlds, etc. <br /><br />The second book is more practical. It's called The Writer's Journey. I call it my "plot bible". I loved it so much that I got it for two of my other writer friends years ago, too. It basically talks about the mythic story arc and about character archetypes that have been around since cavemen were telling tales around the campfires and how most good stories follow a basic outline and why it works. It's written mostly for screenwriters, I suspect, but it's just as helpful for a novel-writer. Anyway, I find it an EXCELLENT way to get past blockages in plot. And it's written in a very simplistic unassuming style.Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-56550351883737793442008-04-09T11:44:00.002-04:002008-04-09T11:50:18.166-04:00yayI know you were all just waiting, riveted, on the edge of your seats for the shocking conclusion to my boxes situation.<br /><br />So...today I went back to the place that was holding my packages. I had my rolling suitcase, all prepared to make a botch job of tying at least one of the boxes to it. It got to my turn and the lady behind the desk was having a panic attack because the man in front of me had accidentally taken the official sheet with him that she was supposed to keep. She was muttering under her breath and calling out to other coworkers and fretting and wailing. Poor thing. But she was barely paying attention to my stuff. So she took my i.d.s and then suddenly looked at the boxes and decided that they were too heavy and that I couldn't take them without a car. huh? Perhaps let me be the judge of that? <br /><br />I sat there looking angsty and feeling sorry for myself when the very kind lady behind me offered to take me home since my street was right on the way home for her. Yay! So one of the boxes was WAY lighter and smaller than I remembered. The other was books and was quite heavy. <br /><br />But yay yay yay, I have my books! And with a minimum of effort! And yay for the kindness of strangers!<br /><br />And what is with all this spam hitting my blog? Hint: If I don't know your name and you only write a message that says "See here" and "here" leads to an advertisement or porn site, then I'm deleting you -- immediately!Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-36062622175902985392008-04-08T16:00:00.003-04:002008-04-08T16:08:14.824-04:00One can only laugh...Brain fried.<br /><br />Elspeth came by and she kindly went with me to the post office so I could pick up my boxes. I had my passport, M's passport, a note from M authorizing me to pick up the boxes (since they were in his name). I got inside and I could even SEE my boxes just waiting for me.<br /><br />And then the lady said that the postal employee wasn't there today and wouldn't be there today at all. It was so anti-climactic. We merely had to turn around and leave. And still my boxes are so close and yet so far away. I'm so being taught a lesson in patience, me thinks. *weeps*<br /><br />But then we went on to Mount St. Benedict and sat outside on the veranda in front of the art gallery where you could see forever, including the distant sea. We brainstormed and worked out of an exercise book. We tried to write our "three sentence pitch". The premise being that what if we ended up in an elevator with (the example says Steven Spielberg because the exercises come from something for screenwriters, but I changed that to Stephen King's editor or something, lol) that we would have this three sentence pitch that could intrigue someone into looking at your book further. So yeah, we worked on that nearly all day (those three sentences were HARD and they're still not quite right!) But what it also does is keep your focus. This is what your book is truly about, the heart of it. But it's hard not to make it sound cheesy or boring, too.<br /><br />So now I'm home just now and my brain is fried. And I overslept this morning and didn't go running.Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30307147.post-69812474161706096772008-04-07T09:51:00.003-04:002008-04-07T10:07:25.341-04:00tiredWell, I have my work cut out for me and what can I say? I'm overwhelmed. I'm a little reluctant to write the following because it might sound like my mood is worse than it really is, if that makes any sense, and I don't want anyone to think that.<br /><br />The last few days have been crushingly tiring. And I haven't even been doing much. At all. Like yesterday. Yesterday was going to be this glorious writing day with no obligations. I spent the day doing exactly what I shouldn't be doing (aimlessly wandering online) and not doing what I should be doing and feeling awful that I wasn't doing what I should be doing.<br /><br />And then there are all these things that I know I need to take care of. I know I need to stand in line at the bank for 50 hours so that I can transfer some money to my US account so I can finally go ahead and buy my ticket for this summer. Don't want to go. I know I need to jump through some hoops to get my boxes tomorrow (E, I hope it's still okay if we can stop by there before we go write??? I will definitely treat you for lunch! :-)), I know I need to somehow deal with getting my driver's license here (*big dread and confusion*), but I feel like I'm swimming in muddy water. Like all my sense of intuition is skewered and nothing is familiar and I'm too tired to deal with it.<br /><br />I suppose it's just a phase of moving somewhere brand new. Don't get me wrong, I've really had no issues with homesickness aside from missing the odd thing here or there or missing people (although I lived far away from most of my people anyway while I was in the US). And believe me, when I have dreams that I'm leaving here, I actually consider those anxiety dreams. I don't want to leave. I like my lifestyle here. But I think that the exhaustion comes from being in a new environment, how it takes more energy to go through the day to day regular routine. Like I have to strain more to understand, to walk down the street, to deal with the mundane, to deal with bureaucracy. And then it all builds up to a climax of exhaustion and I-don't-want-to-deal attitude.<br /><br />But again, this all makes it sound a lot worse than it really is. I have a goal and a purpose. My writing schedule could be spectacular (oh, if only these mundane obligations and irritations would just go awaaaaay). Dr. Nunez in our writing workshop talked about going to a writer's retreat where you do nothing but write, eat, and sleep for a period of weeks. Someone does your cooking, laundry, leaves you in absolute peace. That just sounds heavenly. Imagine just not having to deal with anything but getting the job done. It's going to be one of my goals to make it to one of those retreats one day...<br /><br />I'll try to be more "uplifting" later!Andreamusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14247621443036562317noreply@blogger.com3