Random Things That I Enjoy

[olde_fashioned]

I suppose I had best blog at least once or twice a week, but sometimes I have trouble coming up with suitable (interesting) topics. "Random things that I enjoy" was the best I could do for now. ;-)

Random Things That I Enjoy:

1. Reading. This is really a no-brainer, if you've read my profile. I don't get to read half as much as I would like to, but when I do get a chance to read, I truly enjoy it. Books are treasures, and they are something to be cherished, savored, and pondered. Just think of all the people, past and present, that never learned how to read. Think of all that they missed! Think of all the brilliant ideas, the beautiful stories, the fascinating characters, that they will never know.

2. Typing on the computer. Does it sound silly if I say that I enjoy something as mundane as typing?? I suppose it does, but I really do enjoy it. Lame, I know. But I like to type because A) I like writing/talking, B) because I like being online, and C) well, this one is reallly dumb, but I like the sounds and the feel of using a keyboard. See? I told you it was stupid!!

3. Rainy days. I know some people detest rain, and I am usually one of the first to complain when it rains on a day when I have to be out-and-about running errands, but I really do love the rain. Especially at night, when I am lying in bed waiting to go to sleep; listening to the soft patterings of raindrops is a wonderful sound. An ideal day for me, would be a perfectly rainy, cloudy, and chilly day, where I could curl up on my bed under one of the beautiful quilts my mother has made for me, and read a good book.

4. Beautiful things. This is really vague, I know. What I mean by this, is mostly just anything that strikes me as beautiful, or particularly pretty, such as a sunset or a landscape. (When I say "landscape," I mean a natural, picturesque view, such as hills or trees. No city skylines for this country girl!) Other things that I often find lovely, are antique clothing. People just don't take the pride and the care in their handiwork anymore, like they used to. Heck, most people don't even have a skill anymore, that involves using their hands!! (Unless you count text-messaging or fiddling with an ipod.) Whatever happened to craftsmanship, and careful attention to detail?? Whatever happened, to the exquisite models of talent, and skill so frequently exhibited by our forebears, such as this gorgeous, splendid example???


Any thoughts or comments welcome!

laus Deo,
Lauren :-)
~olde_fashioned~

Comments

[rosemaryinwheat.livejournal.com]

The dress in question is a masquerade costume, so it doesn't exist in a photograph. Sophia dresses up as the goddess Diana.

Irrelevant detail is (to me) anything that doesn't introduce something to the character or plot. For instance, if you want to show the hero is a bit of a dandy, you could spend pages describing his clothing in meticulous detail, or you could have him stab himself in the cheek with a starched collarpoint when he tries to turn his head.

I've had it drummed into me by those more experienced, basically since I started writing, that one needs to find the few 'telling' details and cut out the rest. It's a question of focussing the reader's attention on what's important and not letting them get distracted or bored by what's not.

There are writers who can spend pages describing one outfit and make it successful, but they are rare -- and much more talented than I.

Cate

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Oh, Diana the huntress!! That sounds lovely...I'd love to read the passage, if you wouldn't object. If not, that's fine too.

I see your point now, about irrelevance. Battle tactics always bore me to death, but then I suppose they are delightful to some. :-\ I like the bit about getting stabbed in the face with a starched collar!! LOL! Sounds a bit like Beau Brummel!

Since I've never read your book, (duh) I can't honestly say anything about it, but just from reading your blog and comments, I think I can safely say that you have an excellent narrative style that is easy to read.

As to experience, I suppose the only way to get that is to practice!! ;-)

~L. :-)

PS. Would you believe the spell check flags the word "blog"??????

[rosemaryinwheat.livejournal.com]

Oh, Diana the huntress!! That sounds lovely...I'd love to read the passage

I went into my files and, would be believe it, I've cut it! It might be in one of the earlier draughts. I'll see if I can find it.

Would you believe the spell check flags the word "blog"?

I would. There are some interesting words that don't exist in the spell-check dictionary. I'm only glad I figured out how to change my dictionary to British English.

Cate

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

I went into my files and, would be believe it, I've cut it! It might be in one of the earlier draughts. I'll see if I can find it.

Okay, thank you! I love reading other people's work, and I've quite the curiosity to see some of yours. ;-)

There are some interesting words that don't exist in the spell-check dictionary. I'm only glad I figured out how to change my dictionary to British English.

Spell check is sometimes a royal pain -- I am forever having to add words to it. Sometimes I catch myself slipping into "the Queen's English," or rather the computer catches me. I read a lot of Brit Lit, so I'm sure I've unconsciously picked up some of the spelling habits from that. I still think "theatre" and "honour" look better that way...;-) I didn't realize Canada spelled things the English way.

~L.

[rosemaryinwheat.livejournal.com]

Okay, thank you! I love reading other people's work, and I've quite the curiosity to see some of yours. ;-)

If I don't find it, I can track down another excerpt, I'm sure.

I didn't realize Canada spelled things the English way.

Most of our spelling is British, but some words we have all our own. For instance most Brits call it a sofa, most Americans a couch. We call it a chesterfield. (Though couch is becoming much more popular now.)

Cate

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Chesterfield...that's a nice word. Much better than "couch" IMHO, which I rarely use. I prefer sofa, even though I'm American. Any other interesting names for things? What do you call an apartment?