Who Do You See?

Who do you see? Pink roses on a sheer dress, draped across an old pink chair. Sunlight fading in through windows. A light dress covering her legs. Her toes peek out. Who do you see?

Anne Herbert

Dealing in the Night

As I said last week, the busy season for where I work is heating up; pretty soon I'll be working late evenings and weekends. This wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for my love of research. I get lost in it. Seriously! I started writing this two hours ago and went to look one little thing up. Next thing I know, I'm reading about the decolonization of Africa after WWII. I don't even know.

But this love for research eats up all the little time I should be using for simply writing. So, I'm going to try to make my upcoming stories short for the sake of clarity, and thus they will probably be grossly inaccurate, or at least incredibly vague.  But I should have more time for the actual story, and that's why every one's here right?

Well, then, let's get to it!



"A-choo!"

"What's the matter, slick?" Molls drawled. "You got hay fever or something?"

"How can you see out here? The air is nothing but pollen." Mickey sighed through his handkerchief.

"Well, it keeps city boys like you away. And no one wants to snoop around where they'll get a snoot full of allergies." Molls chuckled as a violent sneeze nearly landed Mickey in the river. "Rudy should have sent someone with a stronger constitution."

Mickey wiped at his watering eyes and tried to look professional. "After your young companion almost gutted his cousin, he thought he'd try someone a little more diplomatic"

Jukka laughed nervously at her mention. Molls shot her a quick glance and returned her eyes to Mickey. "So, what's that old thief after? An apology? He won't get one from us."

"You're his best supplier. He doesn't want a little upset like the near evisceration of his favorite cousin to spoil a good thing. I'm just here to make sure that we can all get along again. Rudy's offering top dollar for anything you've got tonight."

Molls shook her head. "That Rudy always did know how to sweet talk. No haggling? Ok." Molls motioned for Mickey to follow her to the small hold of her boat. "These were especially tough to get past those red-scared goons at the port."

Mickey let out an appreciative whistle. "Madam, on behalf of Rudy and the entire Rita's staff and clientel I would like to say thanks. You're going to make a lot of people very happy."

Prompts and Exercises

Prompt: 80's Prom Queen

How do you feel about prompts? Do you enjoy it when someone gives you a prompt, like, "Sunburn!" Can you run with it? Would you paint your little heart out if someone told you, "I want you to think about the movement of a hurricane with this next piece". Or are you prompted by thoughts or sights in your daily life? Let's say you've been thinking about the word "gelatinous" for a week now. Do you decide to sit down and write it? How do you feel about books dedicated to prompts or helpful kicks in the creative juice producing gland?

I've been reading Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway - a book I had to buy for a creative writing class in college, a book I sold after the class to get money for whatever it was I needed at the time, and a book I then bought again a year after the class because it was, really, helpful.

Prompt: A Fortune Teller Machine
That Has A New Hat Every Day

The author not only goes through the fiction writing process (the difficulties, the challenges, the stress, the rewards, the love) but lays out "writing exercises" at the end of each chapter. One such exercise is to keep a daily journal. Another exercise is to figure out when/where/how you write best. Another exercise is to "write a scene in which a character is accused of something he or she didn't do."

I really enjoy doing writing exercises that don't include "prompts" where I am instructed to write about a specific thing. I feel like I try to force something or that it's not going to be right. But I do them anyway. And then, surprise, it's pretty good. Not that I would show you the rough draft, but it's pretty good, trust me. Mostly what I like about prompts is that a prompt leads me to think about something else, which leads me to write something completely different from when I started. Which then leads to a story that I'm proud to call mine.

Prompt: A Person Whose Face You
Never See

There are also places other than books where I find the best prompts. People watching. I love to take a notebook to a coffee shop or a book store or airport or some waiting area and jot about the people, characters, personalities, that are prompted right before me. What these people are doing and who they may actually be in reality are completely different than who and what I write, but they have served a Magical and wonderful purpose: they are a living prompt.

What do you do to kick start your creativity? How do you use prompts? Where do you find prompts: in books or in people? What do you look for in a prompt? Does it have to be a word, a direction, or a scene? How would you feel about a weekly Fantastic Spatula Prompt? 

Something New

I don't like being cold. Once I get cold it's not easy to get warm again. If the world should end in fire or ice... I'll take the fire.

Therefore, I up and move to Montana where the world is snow and ice six months out of the year, give or take a few months. Why? Because, well, why not? There are some pretty big reasons behind moving here of course, but one of the seemingly smaller reasons is that I wanted to try something new. Which, actually, is pretty big seeing how I'd rather be swimming in a sea of humidity in the sweltering North Carolina heat than lathering up my hands with lotion because the dry Montana cold has cracked up my finger knuckles.

 So, what do you do with something you're not inherently fond of? What do you do when faced with something new? What does a Spatulan do in the face of change? I take pictures. And drink lots of hot tea and make lots of hot chocolate and discover the most delicious chai tea mix and take walks and knit scarves and write silly stories and take writing workshops and watch entire seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and meet new people and make friends and go to Art shows and check out books and listen to local bands and find sweet coffee shops and do crafty things and do things alone and get to know myself outside of my comfort zone and away from my home and do things with someone I love and get to know them.


Spatulans! I want to know what you do when faced with something you don't think you'll enjoy doing. I'd like to know what things you have done that have tested or changed your daily routine. Do you go looking for things that are new and different and scary? Or do you let those things take you by surprise.

What will you do this week that scares the spatula out of you? What will be your something new?

View From the Porch

The sun was setting on one side of the door just as it was rising on the other. With a long exhale of smoke a long, lanky gentleman lazily watched the colors in the sky change from his rocker on the porch. His feet propped up on the railing, he put out his cigar in the remains of some thistle tea.

Just as he was finishing he thought, a tussle of hair and feet came falling out the front door.

"Sleep soundly, Seamus?" Merle's whiskers turned upward in delight.
"Soundly? SOUNDLY?" Seamus ran his nimble fingers through the dark curls as he plopped himself down in the rocking chair beside his new mentor. "I couldn't sleep for all the banging around you were doing in there. How long was I out?"

The older man couldn't help but chuckle. "That was breakfast, youngin'. You also missed lunch. I guess if you ask nicely I'll make some supper." With that he left Seamus on the porch and took his tea cup with him. "By the way," he called over his shoulder, "You were out for a whole day. Smartass." The screen door slammed for good measure.

Maybe I'm Crazy

Uh-oh. What's this?
I must be mad to start this right before my busy season starts. Mad!



"Hells bells, Molls, how long do they expect us to wait?"

"Just be patient, my pet. Being antsy never got anyone anywhere." Molls was a matronly sort, with neatly cropped white hair and a generous smile. She turned her dark eyes on her companion, a rather excitable young woman. Jukka was long and lean, with a tangle of red hair. Molls had no idea where the girl had come from, but she had a look of wild and far off places about her.

Jukka fidgeted some more, and then plopped herself down on the deck of their modest boat. Molls made a tutting sound and then returned her attention to the road. It was a small road that was seldom used and often forgotten, perfect for her and her clients.

The faint glow of headlights in the distance caught her eye. "Get up Jukka. We've got company. Do you think you can keep your trap shut this time?" Molls gave her companion a quick, sharp glance.

A sleek car came to a steady stop on the grassy shore. A figure unfolded itself from the driver's seat and stood in the shadows just behind the headlamps. This wasn't Molls usual contact and she rested her hand on the small pistol hidden beside her.

"Are you Molls?" came a strong and masculine voice.

"That's me. But you're not my usual guy, and I don't much like folks who hide in the shadows."

"Forgive me for being cautious." The tall figure stepped forward and beamed a winning smile. "After the other night's incidents, Rudy thought he should send someone with a little more tact. They call me Ginger Mickey. Now, how about we settle this little dispute?"

Nightstand Edition 1.26.12

Greetings Spatulans! 

I cannot believe that tomorrow is Friday. This week has been going by so fast, and yet the days seem to stretch out terribly long. Must be one of those Wibbly Wobbly Timey Whimey things.

Anywho. It's winter, even though it's darn near tropical here in southside Virginia, the fact is remains that it is still January. And Winter means hibernation. And hibernation, for me, means sitting on my duff and getting some reading done. Which is why I bring you....Nightstand: What I'm Reading! 

Nightstand is what I books I'm currently reading that live on my bedside table. Let's dig in shall we? 

From top to bottom we have:

Stuck: Why We Can't (or Won't) Move On by Anneli Rufus- I purchased this book on a whim recently, and have been very much enjoying it. Some of the writing gets a bit swampy and bogged down with facts and research, but overall Anneli makes very interesting points. 

Women Who Run With The Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes- You've all heard me rant and rave about this book, I know. I've been working my way through this book off and on for months now. Being my second read through, I wanted to slow down and take my time so that I might be able to better soak up all the goodness this book contains. A friend of mine once said that she thought this should be considered essential reading for all women. I have to agree! 

The Secret Power of Middle Children by Catherine Salmon, Ph. D. & Katrin Schuman-  Being a middle child I always knew I had super powers. Now I'm finding out what they are. I promise to use them for good and not (too much) evil. ;) A very good read, and one I highly recommend! 

So good Spatulans of the world- what books are you keeping by your side? 

Movie Magic

I don't ask much from my movies. A few explosions, some gun fights, a couple of beefcakes; my tastes are simple. I tend to like movies that are larger than life and in no way, shape, or form realistic.

Imagine my surprise then, when I discovered that my newest favorite movie is a quiet little film that mixes a little bit of real life with a whole lot of weird time travel and jazz.

It's odd that I should have mentioned Woody Allen last week, because this movie is his latest, "Midnight in Paris." Before you roll your eyes, though, let me tell you this is nowhere near as zany as his usual stuff. There are no giant souffles, no random musicals, and no raunchy material.

There is only one word for this movie: charming. From Owen Wilson's naivete, to the magical city of Paris, and the soundtrack; everything about this movie just makes you feel charmed. And when the movie was over I felt like I could really believe in it, that it was entirely possible to walk around Paris at midnight and suddenly find yourself transported to another age, another era.

It's also easy to relate to the main character, a writer searching for his best story and who longs to live in a different time; he's a romantic.

I don't usually gush about movies, but this one is something special, and I'd say it is Woody Allen's best. Do yourselves a favor; rent this movie and be prepared to fall in love. And if my glowing report isn't enough to convince you, just listen to the opening music: très charmant!

How To Do Alone: Winter Crafty Cards

It’s cold and grey and rainy and snowy outside and you’ve wanted to do some winter project crafty things but think 1. It takes too much time, 2. You can’t do it, 3. Someone else can do it better, 4. You don’t have the supplies, or 5. You need someone to help. I’m here to let you know 1. These cards take 1-3 hours to make, 2. You CAN do this, 3. No one can make them like you can, 4. You can use anything you have supply wise, and 5. I’m here to help!

Makes: 12 cards approximately 3”X4” or 6 cards and 3 envelopes.

What You Need:

Brown paper bag. A large paper grocery bag can make 12 cards or 6 cards and 3 envelopes.

Adhesive. Glue, Tape, Mod Podge, Spit if it’s loogey enough, Finger nail polish, model airplane glue, paint even gets sticky and will be kind of cool when it dries. You could even sew everything together with needle and thread.

Scissors. Or a sharp knife if you know how to wield it, hack saw, hatchet if you’re working with really thick paper.

Magazines. Wrapping paper, wall paper, pictures, photographs, maps, newspapers, printed images, pieces of paper or tags or lists you’ve found, candy wrappers sans candy.

Blank Paper. This is for the inside message. This is optional. You can just write on the paper bag inside. The white paper makes it easier to write and read the message.

Writing Thing. Pen, pencil, marker, crayon, paints, rusty nail, charcoal, stick burned at the end… blood from your finger, I guess, if you’re desperate to write a message right then and there and you find yourself without something with which to write. I would suggest skipping the blood and waiting until you find something else.

Music. Crafty Playlist anyone?

Note: This version of cards is the “I just wanna make something” version. This is not the “I’m going to make cards and envelopes and sell them for bunches of money” version. The later requires a lot of time, rulers, exacto knives, pressing, sealing, selling, and an accuracy that is not required for the former.

What To Do:

Grab your magazines, photos, wall paper, collectings, and whatever and start cutting away. Get a collection of card size things. Set aside. Grab your paper bag. I’m working with a standard grocery bag size. You know how both sides can fold in? Well hold the opening of the bag in front of your face so you see those folds. Notice how it looks like a W or an M? you are going to cut from the top of the bag down to the bottom as if you are freeing the capitalized letter from the side of the bag. When you are done cutting you are going to have a really long letter shape. Open this letter and cut down the middle crease of this so you have two V shapes. This will be where your cards come from. You can leave the sides uneven or cut them so you have even sides.  Close the fold and cut across so you have three individual cards. Before you get your adhesive/tape/glue all over the cards and the clippings do a test run. Go through your clippings and fit all the pieces on the front of the card the way you want it before gluing so you can change things around if you want. Then glue/adhesive/sew everything together. Next you can cut some white stripes of paper to fit (you’ll have to glue/tape it) inside of the card so you have a writing surface or you can leave the card as is and write on the brown paper bag. If you decided to make envelopes all you have to do is find an envelope already made that fits your cards. Open up the envelope and trace the shape on the brown paper bag. Then cut the shape out and glue/tape the sides down so there is space for the cards to fit in your new brown paper envelopes. Use your writing thing to write a message. And Ta Da!

What I Did:

See above.

P.S. If you really like cutting things out the cutting/collecting process itself can take 1-2 hours extending this project into more hours. But, hey, you might really get into it and not care how long you are being all crafty-like.