Italy...Mio Core!

So I was asked today at lunch by my delightful editor coworkers this question: "If you could live anywhere in the world, barring job opportunities and other practical factors, where would you live?"

Perhaps I was quick to answer, but the first thought that came to mind was Italy. Even though I lived in Hungary for a couple years and have been to Alaska (truly one of God's greatest gifts to mankind--and sorry, Texas: Alaska is the biggest state in the Union), Italy came to mind. So now I'm trying to figure out why my subconscious "blink-decision" mind threw Italy out there.

Maybe a top ten list would help.

10: Italy has lots of beautiful beaches.

9: Italy has lots of amazing art.

8: Italy has beautiful countrysides.

7: Italy created pizza.

6: Italy looks like a big boot and not just like a grape juice stain (like many countries of the world).

5. Italians believe there is more to life than working in an office all day.

4. Venice.

3. Opera!

2. Tuscany.

1. Super Mario Bros.

Okay, now I just need to buy my plane tickets...

A Rose by Any Other Name

What's in a name or a pseudonym for that matter? Well, on this blog apparently some form of RED is in a name. Who started this? Oh yeah, it was me. There is a lesson in there somewhere. It's akin to 'Be careful what you wish for' except this one is 'Be careful what you start.' I have several names under consideration. Since we live in a democracy for the time being. Let's have a vote.

a) Crimson Crocs (I actually have a pair of them.)
b) Ruby Stylus (perhaps this should have been 'a' since it is my favorite at the moment.)
c) Strawberry Blonde
d) Burgundy Beret
e) Saphire Sprite (I know its not red, but I just loved it and it fit me better, red is just not my color and I don't mind swimming upstream. As my sister's door sign says, "Well behaved women rarely make history.")

I retain the veto power, because it's my name we're voting on, however I would like to know which (if any) of the above names tickles your fancy.

Getting Over the Hump

It’s Wednesday. Here I am to get you through the middle of your week. Wednesdays are hard. It’s been too long since last weekend and the glow is wearing off, yet its still to far from next weekend—too soon to start making any major plans. So what should you do? What can you do to move forward when there seems so little to look forward too?
Create your own holiday. Make Wednesdays your favorite day of the week. Start by reading this blog, because I will be the contributing author on Wednesdays. Then you can select from several options below based on your vacationing personality.
If your life is full of stress and you spend your vacations in the quiet, take 15 minutes, get your favorite relaxing beverage (mine’s a cold glass of water—so pure, I know), breathe deep, relax all the muscles, and read a chapter from your favorite book—you know the kind. It’s the book that you only admit to loving to your truest friends. It’s the chapter that makes the whole world right just by reading it. After that you should be able to face the rest of week.
However, if your typical vacation is more about adrenalin than relaxin’ I suggest you drive home blindfolded on Wednesdays. That should be enough adrenalin to keep you going until Friday.
When you vacations call for sight seeing you can take a midweek vacation. Start by going inside your local gas station and buying all your favorite car foods. Next you’ll want to purposely get lost and drive in areas you’ve never been in. Eat that great car food that still tastes like the gas station (popcorn picks up flavor easily—don’t ever buy it at a gas station) and sightsee to your hearts content.
If you are the outdoors type and find yourself stuck in the city, hike the stairs and conquer that office building. If you find yourself stuck in the country on a Wednesday roll in the grass or lie under a tree. Heck, if y’all find yourself in the country, Wednesday shouldn’t be a problem at all. It’s freedom out there. (Uh huh!)
So, join me each Wednesday for more enlightenment on surviving the day and occasionally for some great writing.

Posted by Deb for Rose Colored Glass

What is this? A virgin post?

The stars have aligned in my favor. This beautiful blog is finally up and working on my day for writing. Can I get a Woot! Woot!

So... what to write... what to write...

I don't know about you all out there, but I am very competitive. Very. And occasionally violent. I try hard to suppress these urges, but they burst their bonds on occasion. And since beating my children and/or spouse is frowned upon, I was delighted to sign up for karate with my son when the classes were offered at the local elementary school. That's right, I am the Kramer of the class. What does this have to do with writing? Well, it's also bad when I'm at a convention, say..... like CONduit and I have a sudden vision of what it would be like to really, really punch Graham Chops in the gut. I talk big, but I'm pretty sure Graham could kick my butt any day of the week and twice on Sunday. So, Graham, this is an apology. I'm sorry for picking on you on Saturday. Truly sorry!

This is also a throw down to my writing group! (You know, because of my pent up competitiveness) Mwahahahahaha! I propose (for those of you who feel up to it) a writing challenge. July 6th-31st. As many words as you can. The Inker with the most words wins. The losers buy the winner dinner.

Hooray!!!!! Let the competition begin!

The Scarlet Tart

(a.k.a. Arlene)