February 22, 2012

R.I.P. Whitney Houston

I was in seventh or eighth grade and we had what were called Coke Dances at the time. They changed the name a few years later to Junior High Dances for reasons that should be obvious. We had a DJ playing and it was generally a good time. I was very shy and awkward back then and someone dedicated a song for me and the guy I had a crush on at the time. I have no idea why I remember this but the song we danced to was "Saving All My Love For You" by Whitney Houston. At the time Whitney Houston was fairly new on the scene and I didn't even know who she was but once she became popular every time I heard that song I would think of that dance. I'm married with step and grandkids  now but music always brings out memories for me.

I am always saddened when stars pass away because of drugs. We all think that they have it all but they don't. They are people under an enormous amount of pressure and the fans and the paparazzi are part of the reason.They hunt for stories and even make up stories about these stars. If I heard correctly someone put the news about Whitney's death on Twitter before the press officially released it. There is always a celebrity on the verge of death even if they are perfectly healthy. I can't imagine how I would feel if I saw on Twitter or Facebook that someone close to me was on verge of death or even dead when they weren't.

I personally don't care what Lindsey Lohen  is getting arrested for and Charlie Sheen is using his problems for publicity but I can see how the pressure of being in the spotlight can make a person turn to drugs or alcohol. I do consider myself a writer and a journalist does have to report the news but what I don't understand is why we need to know every intimate detail about who is sleeping with who and who is doing what when and we certainly don't need to hear about it ten time a day for a week straight.

Oh well, I had my rant for the day.
Good day and good writing!
Patti

February 19, 2012

Hello Again

Well this time it certainly has been a long time. Happy New Year!!! The winter here in Chicago is surprisingly unbrutal so far. We've seen more 40+ degree days then I remember in a long time but I know we still have a while to go. But still it is close to the end of February.

Last year was kind of a frustruating year writing wise. After all the work I put into Bar Time my usb hard drive bit the dust so I lost it all. However, I did start over and this time I did a lot of work in notebooks and I found that I enjoyed it. I would sit outside in the nice weather with a glass of wine and work where it was quiet. I just now started entering some of it in the computer and this time I'm going to figure out how to save it online. I just got a Google account so that will probably the route I take.That way if the computer or anything else crashes I will have it.

I didn't make it to the Midwest Writer's Workshop last year either. Money was tight and we decided that we just couldn't afford. I am going to make some budget changes this year though and am going to try to find another job. I haven't quite decided what I am looking for though yet. I would like to find something that will still allow me to work at my present job because I like who I work for and with if possible. I would love to find something that would allow me to work from home. That would just mean getting up earlier on the weekends. This year is really going to have to be the year for me to get my priorities straight.

I know the last time I posted I wrote that I wasn't going to say that I was going to post a lot more but this time I know I am going to post a lot more. I am going to promise myself that.

Good day and good writing!
Patti