tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73579543125263387712024-03-13T07:06:50.652-05:00Michelle S. VannAs written word forms a story, this blog serves as the back-story for my efforts.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-20015538410948438902013-08-14T22:15:00.000-05:002013-08-14T22:15:01.806-05:00Almost time for another school yearRandom thoughts...
Clutter always comes back.
Just when you expect things will go smoothly for a few days, a wrinkle happens.
Faith matters.
School supplies always cost more than you budgeted for.
Eating healthy takes more creativity than eating junkfood and fastfood.
There's never enough time for all the sleep needed.
Excuses can be endless.
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-51940831046484923572013-05-29T18:40:00.000-05:002013-05-29T18:40:12.474-05:00Just how long can one hiatus last?Still wondering, just how long can I stretch out my writing hiatus?
Sometimes I really feel the urge to write, but then I remember that I have work to do, a house to dejunk/declutter, chauffeuring to do, church to attend, family functions to attend, and the rare but prized date with my wonderful husband.
So, the hiatus continues.
Hope y'all are having a great first half of 2013.
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-89042456245815307852013-05-10T22:05:00.000-05:002013-05-10T22:05:09.909-05:00Happy Mother's Day!Happy Mother's Day y'all! (And an early Happy Father's Day, too!)
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-13054428367731655672013-01-28T13:57:00.000-06:002013-01-28T13:57:06.036-06:00Hope your year is going......great so far! I've been in a new day-job for a couple of months now. Learning lots. Hoping for time for hobbies and writing soon. How is your year going? Did you make/meet any goals?<br />
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-19006641091737657092012-12-01T15:57:00.001-06:002012-12-01T15:57:04.241-06:00Sending a SmileWishing y'all a very happy holiday season, a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-67349584795618200222012-07-19T23:53:00.002-05:002012-07-19T23:54:20.539-05:00"Endlessly" Rocks!Just read the first 80 pages of "Endlessly" on the Harper Teen website. The full book release is next week (already pre-ordered on iBooks). Author, Kiersten White has outdone herself yet again, with a fascinating set-up for the last book in her "Paranormalcy" trilogy. Definitely a must-read for all pre-teen and teen (ok, MG and YA) sci-fi fantasy writers. Visit KierstenWhite.com to get the latest details on her writing.<br />
<br />
Here's me with the author when Kiersten was on book-tour for Paranormalcy in 2010. I'm holding the iPad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxpW9GdSEXUN73MquAPJDid24fULoGTqv1sOYIY7beBBF0TGE4GSQZLxOS6a3P-kH9AwiRgqrq0-L4A0WcSEKHF86C2F_udseafEmQ_UJelc2G2CBMhiAL6s7NqoelyF8Ew8dWbvf_VxV/s1600/Kiersten+White-Edited+2-Oct-2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxpW9GdSEXUN73MquAPJDid24fULoGTqv1sOYIY7beBBF0TGE4GSQZLxOS6a3P-kH9AwiRgqrq0-L4A0WcSEKHF86C2F_udseafEmQ_UJelc2G2CBMhiAL6s7NqoelyF8Ew8dWbvf_VxV/s320/Kiersten+White-Edited+2-Oct-2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-57839363544821227922012-06-27T22:39:00.002-05:002012-06-27T22:39:36.290-05:00Following my new passionI found a new passion--family history. It took a few months to find my relatives up through my great-grandparents on all 4 sides.<br />
<br />
In the process of this search, I discovered that I'm at least 15/16th Russian heritage, and I know almost nothing about the culture or why my family immigrated in the 1880s. <br />
<br />
Doing a little history research, I've found that it's quite possible that my family came to America to escape the pogroms that were happening in and around Russia at the time. I do have a small quilt that was literally cut, possibly from wall brackets, so I know that at least one family left in a hurry.<br />
<br />
I've also done a little cultural research. OK, food recipes. :-) It's been yummy fun.<br />
<br />
Research done, it's time once again to focus on my health and on my writing. <br />
<br />
Hopefully, some of what I've learned will translate into better writing.<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-54541598233047564642012-04-27T23:44:00.002-05:002012-06-27T22:39:49.880-05:00Sci-fi Laptop for Sci-Fi writingLoving my new HP laptop. 6Gig RAM, fingerprint scanner, and Beats Audio for ambiance. <br />
<br />
The screen is wide enough to be able to work in two documents side-by-side. <br />
<br />
The keyboard is smooth and not too "clicky." The touchpad has pinch-to-zoom capability.<br />
<br />
And, if I really feel creative, there's an HD video camera built-in.<br />
<br />
I've ripped some CD's for background music, copied in my book files, and even spent time going through all the updates (67 updates for Windows 7 and several reboots for HPupdates, as well).<br />
<br />
I even did some family history research so that I wouldn't have anything to feel guilty about when working on my book.<br />
<br />
Now, if I can just find someone to shop, cook, clean, and chauffeur, I'd have plenty of time to write. ;-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-32109368268662721282012-04-23T21:43:00.003-05:002012-04-27T23:33:09.707-05:00Feeling like I should start writing againA friend asked me about my book over the weekend. I had to explain that the book was on hiatus since last August. I almost did that without apologizing. Almost.<br />
<br />
I've been thinking about writing again... In the pondering stage. Book ideas are starting to come to me again. It feels good. Not quite ready to type, yet, but soon. <br />
<br />
A break can be good. Brings perspective. <br />
<br />
Now, I just have to decide if I'm writing a YA or an MG, and stick with it.<br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-23876843940135343172012-04-20T21:36:00.002-05:002012-04-20T21:37:16.889-05:00Good Things Come to Those Who Wait... I don't think so!<br />
<br />
The good: my triglycerides are down (but still high). I've lost 10 pounds. My blood glucose is normal. My blood pressure is nearly normal. The bad: my HDL is way down. The ugly: my LDL is still too high and my Dr just doubled my statin dosage.<br />
<br />
OK, so it's only been 3 weeks. I must be doing something wrong for my HDL to be way down. Not sure what, but I've got to figure it out. Adding more Niacin and flax for Omega 3's. Maybe I'm of a people who needs to eat fats to stay healthy. <br />
<br />
I'm Russian by heritage. Best as I can tell, I'm 100 percent Russian. All 4 grandparents were 1st generation US babies, best as I can tell. I need the 1930 AND 1940 AND 1950 census records to be sure. Only a few more years to wait. <br />
<br />
What would a native Russian's diet consist of? (not counting alcohol--not going there)<br />
OK, a quick glance shows high fat/high carb foods, boiled veggies, salted veggies, potatoes, and grains. The fat comes from meat, eggs, fish, and dairy... <br />
<br />
At least now I know why I don't crave salads. :-) It's not in my genetics. <br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm not waiting around and moping around. (OK, I did mope a little bit). I've been moving a lot this week. Walked 1-1/2 miles on Tuesday and 2 miles on Thursday. Moved a lot more on the other days, too. I weigh less than I have for the past 2 years. It's a good start. I just need to maintain focus. Focus. Focus.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-5985046655655626882012-04-11T19:00:00.000-05:002012-04-11T19:00:49.517-05:00Author Poll: Windows v. MAC and what writing software do you useAuthor quick poll. Please post a comment and tell me:<br />
<br />
1) Windows PC or MAC (or ?) (I was using an iPad for writing)<br />
2) Which writing software do you use? (Word, Pages, or ?)<br />
<br />
Thanks for your input!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-67452829619727015572012-04-09T21:52:00.000-05:002012-04-09T21:52:40.602-05:00The Hunger Signals G.a.m.e.s.Blogging a bit about hunger signals tonight. Specifically, what I typically confuse with hunger and also what crazy indicatations I get of fullness (instead of feeling full).<br />
<br />
I'm not experiencing true hunger when:<br />
1) I'm actually thirsty.<br />
2) My blood sugar is high-normal, even though my stomach is empty.<br />
3) I'm craving a specific food.<br />
4) I'm craving a second helping of the same food, just for the taste.<br />
<br />
I'm done eating when:<br />
1) I lose interest in what I'm eating. <br />
2) The food starts to taste yukky, when it tasted wonderful a few bites earlier. <br />
3) I get a quick twinge of "maybe I'm full?" that passes if I happen to take a few more bites. (oops!)<br />
4) I stand up AND THEN feel full. Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-34727451756175482002012-04-06T07:39:00.000-05:002012-04-06T07:39:12.852-05:00Excercising when I didn't feel like itI really just wanted to be a couch potato yesterday evening. Sometimes, the easiest exercise is simply walking. It doesn't take much pre-thought or preparation. Walking outside is a constantly-changing environment. Some people prefer a treadmill, either for consistency, convenience, or safety.<br />
<br />
Me, I like walking outside, hearing the birds, sampling the smells of springtime.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-17691765233981456072012-04-04T22:23:00.000-05:002012-04-04T22:23:24.835-05:00Moving Right Along (?)There are times when I just want to eat shoe leather. Today was one of those days. Worked at my day job so much that there really wasn't time to exercise... I'll do better tomorrow.<br />
<br />
The small success that I can celebrate today is that I completed Day 5, and the scale is starting to move in the right direction. Baby steps.<br />
<br />
OK, more steps...many more steps. I think the key is getting enough sleep.<br />
<br />
On that thought...I really should go get some sleep now. :-)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-17910371819137374452012-04-03T21:58:00.001-05:002012-04-03T22:00:45.236-05:00Hunger Games Saga v. Twilight SagaThe following thoughts are my own. This is a reprint from my post on YA Audiobook Addict's blog:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><em>...Apples and Oranges, on the surface only. Both Bella and Katniss are self-sufficient and capable of supporting themselves and their families. Both grow to find inner and outer strength that they didn't know existed. Both fight to free their families from unjust dictators (Vulturi and Capital). The comparison has to take into account the entire saga, not just the first book, as the ladies grow and mature at different rates over time.</em></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-70454937529449476542012-04-03T06:22:00.000-05:002012-04-03T06:22:55.465-05:00First trip to the Grocery StoreFirst trip to the grocery store with my new eating rules. It was very frustrating to read packaged food labels, to say the least.<br />
Most processed foods do not follow these simple rules:<br />
Fat, less than 20 percent of calories<br />
Salt, no more grams then overall calories (1:1 ratio). Can go higher for minimally-used condiments.<br />
No added hydrogenated, trans, or saturated fats<br />
No added sugars in first 3 ingredients. Having several different sugars listed as ingredients 4,5,6 also is bad.<br />
Only whole grains.<br />
Reasonable portion size. (i.e. small bag should be listed 1 portion, not 4)<br />
<br />
For dry cereals, I bought Quaker Oats (old fashioned), and bite-sized shredded wheat. For side-dishes, I found some store-brand 10-minute multi-grain mixes to try. I purchased one of each.<br />
<br />
For milk substitute, I picked up the store-brand, all-natural almond milk. It will be difficult to think of this as a condiment and use only on cereal and as a creamer. Wonder if I can use it in baking?<br />
<br />
Of course, I purchased lots of different greens and some dried beans. Found a new one -- Mayocoba. Looks like they are also known as Canary beans, and should make a delish dip.<br />
<br />
For bread, I picked low-sodium Ezekiel bread from the freezer section. It's pretty good toasted with some Gerber baby prunes spread on top as jam. Ann E. at last weekend's conference told me that the organic baby prunes have tuna oil in them, so I bought the regular ones. Why baby prunes? Only one ingredient--prunes!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-12090228912920617572012-04-02T07:33:00.000-05:002012-04-02T07:33:51.884-05:00A New Direction - My Journey to HealthyI live in a land where bar-b-que is king. All restaurant meals and all school meals contain either simple carbs or animal products. Usually both.<br />
<br />
I choose to be different. Today is day 3 of eating Plant Strong & Plant Perfect. This is an experiment in my health.<br />
<br />
On day 1, I was wild with hunger and cravings. By day 2, my blood sugar had stabilized, and I actually felt true hunger before dinner. The first two days of meals were provided for me at a Farms to Forks conference. <br />
<br />
Today is the first day that I'm "on my own" with the new tools that have been given to me to help me live my life heathlier. I thought about creating a new blog, but then decided that since I was taking a break from writing fiction, I might as well re-purpose my blog for a bit of very personal non-fiction. My experiment in me will be an emotional roller-coaster, full of challenges.<br />
<br />
My first challenge came quickly -- breakfast. Even the Arrowhead Mills amaranth flakes that I had purchased prior to this weekend were sweetened with fructose. All the oatmeal in the house has sugar in it, even my Dr. MacDougall's, and my Natures Own whole wheat bread has too much sodium and sugar. So, what did I do? I had a meal of cooked frozen corn, rinsed low sodium kidney beans, and a cup or so of frozen veggies (broccoli, cauli, carrot, red pepper, onion, squash). Steamed it and topped it with Mrs. Dash table blend.<br />
<br />
For dinner, there's a crockpot of dried black beans with green pepper, onion, handful of diced carrotts, lots of garlic, dried chives, and dried parseley, seasoned with only black pepper and no salt. I'll serve that up with some brown rice from the pantry.<br />
<br />
There's some chicken defrosting in the fridge for the rest of my family to eat.<br />
<br />
Wonder what I'll have for lunch today? Absolutely NO IDEA. Yet.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-67121935817642021002012-03-07T22:51:00.000-06:002012-03-07T22:51:01.493-06:00I really haven't disappeared...I've just been taking a break from writing to work on my health and on my singing. Still on break from writing. I might post some about my singing, when I have news. <br />
<br />
To my author-blog-friends, Amy, Shallee, and Mary, keep up the great work. I'll be watching. <br />
<br />
To everyone, enjoy springtime. Lots of birds this year.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-1500747577345937352012-02-03T23:54:00.000-06:002012-02-03T23:54:57.937-06:00In which I feel human againWith a blog title in the style of Jean Craighead George's chapter titles, I can't go wrong. Did I ever mention that my favorite book of all time is "My Side of the Mountain?" I love the fearlessness.<br />
<br />
Truthfully, it was a very long 3-1/2 weeks. Just wish my hips hadn't spread so much while I was recovering! OK, maybe I can blame the post-illness depression for the extra snacking and lack of workouts. Or, maybe it was the intense boredom with not feeling well. Anyway, enough excuses already. I need to go get a bluetooth keyboard for my iPad and get back to writing.<br />
<br />
Hey, did I tell y'all that I got Rory's Story Cubes and Action Cubes for Christmas? I'm looking forward to "rolling the dice" to try 'em out on a short story or three.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-56005501180080647412012-01-30T21:13:00.000-06:002012-01-30T21:13:43.448-06:00The end of coughingYes, I'm celebrating!!! I made it through an entire day with only one coughing fit. I consider that to be "cured"--horray!<br />
<br />
In case anyone's wondering what kept this asthmatic down for nearly a month, the baddie is called Metapneumovirus (meta-numo-virus). Yup, it's a lower respiratory infection that can send asthmatics and children to ICU. I wasn't quite that bad, but 3 days in the hospital is enough for anyone to go a little batty.<br />
<br />
Speaking of batty, I must be crazy to be playing so much solitaire on my PC. It stimulates my brain matter, but doesn't get anything productive actually accomplished. Hmmmmph.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-79516215853937562452012-01-07T00:40:00.000-06:002012-01-07T00:40:33.423-06:00Eating for Brain Power!What do writers eat? I don't have much luck with creativity when I'm loaded down with cookies, chocolate, and sodas. In answer to a challenge on the Engine2Diet website, here's an ideal day of healthy eating...<br />
<br />
Breakfast, veggie stirfry with portabella mushroom. Takes about 10 minutes to make. I have a desk job, so eating lots of carbs first thing in the morning doesn’t work well for me.<br />
Snack, pistachios and a small banana<br />
Lunch, refried beans, sliced tomato and corn chips (baked?)<br />
Snack, raisin bran flake cereal with unsweetened soy milk.<br />
Dinner, pan-fried tofu slices (non-stick spray), steamed greens, corn, and a salad<br />
Desert, an apple or a frozen, 100% fruit pop<br />
And, of course, lots of water.<br />
<br />
Yes, I do feel better on the days that I eat like this; need to make sure I have more of these days in 2012!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-61370222074443782292011-12-21T00:42:00.000-06:002011-12-21T00:42:49.716-06:00Rest in Peace, Anne McCaffreyOne of my all-time favorite sci-fi authors, Anne McCaffrey, passed away at age 85 a month ago, on November 21st. From Restoree, to Killashandra, to The Dragonsinger and Dragon-Rider series, to The Crystal Singer series, to The Ship Who Sang.... Mrs. McCaffrey's books and short stories were the ones I read and re-read the most.<br />
<br />
Her women were so very human, and strong, and confident, and smart. Her stories gave me stability in my younger world of turmoil. Sanity when all around me there was none. Confidence when I lacked my own.<br />
<br />
She's left quite a legacy--a world that I hope to follow someday.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-60247709776265508012011-10-05T18:59:00.003-05:002011-10-05T18:59:36.975-05:00Rest in Peace, Steve Jobs.I'll forever be grateful for your contributions to modern technology.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-49417235870163399822011-09-03T21:24:00.000-05:002011-09-03T21:24:06.927-05:00Things I've learned this summerYes, I've learned a few things this summer. Some of these actually caught me off-guard.<br />
<br />
I like reading more than I like writing. I think this is because I can read lightyears faster than I can write.<br />
<br />
When the going gets tough, throw in an unexpected plot-twist. It seems to me, that the newest middle-grade books all employ this solution to problems. When the MC is backed into a corner, instead of working through the issue, the situation suddenly changes. I just have to remember that these authors have been published while I am not.<br />
<br />
When doing intensive edits, it's disastrously simple to get frustrated and burned-out. Yes, my plans for the summer were sidelined by my frustration, and an intense longing to get healthier. I swam, I biked to nowhere (stationary bike), and I'm on my way to healthier.<br />
<br />
Writing a book on an iPad comes with extra distractions. Games, news, etc...<br />
<br />
Reading the news helps with writing sci-fi. For example, I learned about vertical gardening, which is very helpful in an enclosed habitat.<br />
<br />
I also learned that I really do believe in my story, even though this fall and winter will bring another intensive rewrite. All I need to do is get started.<br />
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7357954312526338771.post-66708305775894892752011-08-26T22:19:00.000-05:002011-08-26T22:19:41.367-05:00RestoreeWritten in 1967, Restoree is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_McCaffrey" title="Anne McCaffrey"><span style="color: #0645ad;">Anne McCaffrey</span></a>'s first full-length novel. Sara starts out as a mousy librarian and soon finds herself as nurse to a strange man on a strange planet.<br />
<br />
Her political expertise and technological savvy make this one of my all-time favorite sci-fi novels.<br />
<br />
I read the book as a teen, and just completed my first re-read in several years. Amazing how my perspective has changed. :-) The element of discovery and Ms. McCaffrey's flowing wording are what keeps the plot fresh.<br />
<br />
This is one book that I'd love to see made into a movie. We now have the technology to make it beautiful. <br />
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00511147911400797398noreply@blogger.com1