Chapter 49 is with the betas

Yeah! I still want to fiddle around with the ending of chapter 49A (49B was rewritten today - just could not get that change out of my head so I sat down and rewrote it. I like it much better now.

well, not much more to say. My time is being used up.

gayle

the unveiling

Yes, today the readers find out who is at the door! lol Some have guessed it.

today is the day I defalcon the man chasing the Alliance. What will the readers think? I never gave them a real clue in my comments. I am still messing with the ending. I do deliberate over and over again some simple stuff. Today it is the ending of this chapter.

Cuffage is another person that gets unveiled.

But before we get to the ID's we have to get Darcy through the rest of his re-education program. Sort of an intervention, would you not agree.

And the letter ! of Course that has to be read and today is the day. How it gets found and gets read is in keeping with this chapter. lol

Poor, poor Darcy. So much happens this day and this day covers 3 chapters. First the carriage ride home and Kent, all in the morning, the afternoon is today and the evening is next Tuesday. But then so many questions will be answered and everyone will understand why I have been so cadgey about my responses. lol

Chapter 49 is two parts and I don't know if I will post both parts at the same time. Some people do not like long, long chapters and this would make them read over 10,000 words. Too many. I may however, post a couple days later for Part B.

Chapter 50 is also long. but then endings usually are. I have much work to do on it. I read it last night and groaned - out loud - my draft is pitifully shallow. It will take at least a week for me to flush it all out. So, depending upon how quickly I can finish Chapter 50 will decide how quickly I will post Chapter 49 Part B.

The epilogue is also a wreck. I also have to make a few changes in order for my Book III to work, but now that I have thought about it, these final chapters are necessary to complete the story. So instead of a couple paragraphs in the epilogue I will provide 10 chapters and yes, angst will exist.

Book III will not be posted until such time as the whole thing is finished. I mean really finished. No more polishing, etc. And I doubt I will be able to post at DWG since there are no-no's which I would possibly want to include. I don't think I will impose upon my beta's this time. They have certainly helped me so much that I feel like I would be asking too much for more help.

The outline is finished for Book III of course I realize my outlines change as I write.

Ah, but then I will be in Florida and everything will be warm and sunny while I find some time to write. I do some of my best writing there. I look forward to sitting on the Lanai beside the pool while the sun comes up. My laptop will be burning from the speed of my fingers. I find when I have something to write and it invades my sleep it is best to get it down on paper.

My muse refuses to let me touch anything else, such as Wretched Beginnings and Turning Points until this story is finished.

Next year I will begin the process of converting the story into a book. Of course I will have to shorten the story and I will probably begin with Darcy and Bingley discussing how to get their friends to go to Netherfield Park and Bingley comes up with the Olympics so invitations go out for that while Darcy and Bingley secretly want to do the business stuff. First they need to get them there and they can hide behind the competition for setting up the business venture. Also I will bring the Falcon in earlier and make everyone suspect one of the five men as being involved with the Falcon (and by now everyone knows that is not true). I can build supsense that way and still keep the rivalry between Darcy and Blake. I will need to address some problems there too. Ah! Revisions, revisions, revisions. Somehow I will need to cut the story in size or put out three books. Too many pages now for only one.

I also want to take an English grammar class and a creative writing class. I will check to see if there is anything open for the Winter semester at the community college or Brevard College.

Well off to tag my chapter. I am anxious to see the reaction.

gayle

I'm Home!

Nice holiday but glad to be back. I fell down on the job of providing the days of defalconing. Oh well. I was inundated with Rush Hour 1, 2, and 3; Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Miracles, and bunch of other guy flicks. Yes, I stayed with my son. lol

I actually liked the Rush Hour movies and I have always liked Robert Downey Jr. so that is a Yea for Ironman. Of course that movie had some delicious wit. Perhaps Rawlings wrote the screenplay? lol

Only two days to defalconing the man. Will anyone be surprised? Yes, indeed. all my beta's were. I have enjoyed the guesses but it is Chapter 48 that will hopefully knock their socks off.

Poor Darcy. I keep getting that from everyone that has read Chapter 47. Poor, poor Darcy. Of course I am trying to make you feel sorry for the dumb lug. How else can I get you to want to hug him and hold him close and make his hurts all better?

Well, I have still some work to do on Chapter 49A and B (yes, I have split the chapter into two sections but because it is an overlap of time, I did not give it two chapter numbers.

I played Mama Mia most of the way home! That and some Michael Buble (can't do that accent thing). I especially like his third and fifth songs and played them over and over while I contemplated... Book III of Expectations. Yes, I have the final part of the story in my head. I have to redo the Epilogue but that is not too difficult, since I have redone whole swaths of chapters at a time. The final part will be shorter than the others but driving alone with certain music causes me to see the story on my windshield. No wonder my daughter-in-law fears riding with me.

LIke a play, Act I is always the longest and sets up the story, act II is shorter with Act III being almost miniscule in comparison. Well I have a long book I - up to the proposal scene that did not happen between Blake and Elizabeth; and an almost as long book II - all business - and now the romance section in Book III. I, of course, reserve the right to stop with Book II but the story just does not want to fade away yet. I have some unfinished business and I think I must finish it or else it will bug me for the rest of my life.

Well, off to load up the washing machine with my dirty laundry and pour a glass of wine and think about book III. maybe 10 chapters in all. That should do it. And of course my own special brand of angst. mmmm. oh, what fun.

till tomorrow.

gayle

Another day of discovery

Ah, today, poor Darcy's reeducation continues. Not only does Richard tell him what he thinks of the man, but reveals why he reveals why he told Elizabeth how Darcy separated bingley and jane.

I have always wondered why would a man of sense and education do such a thing. Surely, he knew Darcy was interested in her. He knows Darcy and to watch him watch her is a tell (in the poker world) he would have known so why would he do what he did. Was it purposeful or does the Colonel in the British Army have no brains? lol

Of course it was a plot device but Jane Austen never used plot devices willy nilly. What was in her mind? We will never know so I get to interpret it any way I want. So I did. It may not sit well with everyone but I needed an interpretation that also went with my story.

Ah, Georgiana has a few moments in today's post. Who is that she is playing for now? mmmmm.

And poor Darcy when he and Kent go head to head. What will you think of Kent now? He is such an intereting character I wish now I had brought it out a little more. Perhaps another time.

Darcy is still wheeling from the proposal fiasco the day before and now this! and the day does not end with today's post because the next two post continue that day. wow - three chapters covering less than 24 hours. A record for me.

Well, at the end of the three posts everything about the alliance's enemies will be uncovered. I hope everyone likes the answers. But then the story is not done. I must address Elizabeth and Darcy. I will.

As you can guess my story does stop way short of the canon storyline. but the climax of my story comes so early that it is not necessary to go all the way - that is why I did not really include Lady Catherine except by slight mention here and there.

but can you guess what is the final event? What brings my story to a close? lol Well, I do give the epilogue to tie up the lose ends and perhaps begin a short story. One is whirling around in my head,

well, off to post the story. I have to leave here at 10:30 am with my son and get ready for my dinner for tomorrow.

Thanks to the fans that are willing to expose their guesses. By the time the story of the Falcon comes out I think they will all be pleased.

gayle

Oh No!

I have just finish flushing out chapter 49 when I realized something - it is too damn long. It is over 9000 words. So, I have no choice but to split the chapter. It splits nicely in the middle so there is not problem there. And the chapter arc is fine.

Oh my. I am afraid to look at chapter 50.

Well, Chapter 49 had to deal with two people - Elizabeth and Darcy. I needed to add a scene to Elizabeth's story. I had even written - Don't forget to write the Lizzy and Jane scene. So since I had to add it and with the enhancement to Darcy's story I had way too many words.

So yesterday and today I worked on the chapter. It is providing more depth where I had telling paragraphs before. So I will have a chapter 49a and 49b - and will post together. Since the timeframe was the same (or nearly the same time period) I don't think it should be separate chapters.)

Ah, some of my readers will be pleased others, I think are anxious to get to the end. lol Oh well, I am not delaying who the falcon is. Geezh. I am not perfect! lol

They both need a lot of polishing but I think everyone will like the chapter(s) much better. And going for something better is always a goal that should be maintained.

gayle

update

My breathing test was postponed due to the pressure from the storm. My lungs are hyperinflated and I am short of breath so the lady said no. Since I only can have 1 test per year as a routine check up I at least want it to be a good one.

. Yikes - this means I have to pay the 2009 rates next hear! An additional 5%.

Well, off to do some stuff.

gayle

humorous proposal

Knock, Knock!

Who is there?

Why it is I, your Fitzwilly who has come to take your hand in marriage.

Who are you again?

Fitzwilly - you know Mr. Darcy

And where are you taking me?

to be my wife?

Wife? I thought you were gay the way you just looked at everyone and never spoke to a woman.

Gay? Not on your life! Now let me in so I can make you my wife!

Go away. You don't have anything I want. I want a smooth talking, good looking man.

I am good looking

but you are not smooth talking.

I will be if you let me in.

Go away. I am waiting for my true love.

I am your true love. I want to propose.

I bet your are ardent in your admiration!

Yes, I am.

Why can't you just be like the other boys. Stare at my breasts and say I want you. I love you. let me taste you.

I am a gentleman

Yes and an ardent one at that.

What the hell is wrong with ardent?

Who says ardent? Heck it is only two syllables.

Would you prefer I said enthusiastically? that is a bunch of syllables. I am Fitzwilliam Darcy and can use any size word.

How about passionately? Now a smooth talker would use that word.

You mean like Blake

No, Wickham. He is the smooth talker.

Not Blake?

No Mr. Darcy. Blake would use a flowery word. He likes flowers. He used flowers to woo me.

There is no flowery word for ardent. Ardent is the best word.

He would not bother with ardent anyway. He would go right for the.....

Stop Elizabeth. Do not speak of other men while I am here begging you to be my wife?

Go away. You only want me because Blake wants me. I know your type.

But Blake is a bad boy. I am a good boy.

Mr. Darcy you got your guys mixed up. Blake is a good boy, Wickham is bad. You are gay.

I am not gay. Blake is bad too. Why I can beat him up in a fist fight.

So?

I can beat him in a horse race, maybe not now that the devil authoress gave him the damn horse.

I don't care about horses, you dunce.

Flowers? you like flowers. I suppose you like lavender ones.

yes.

Candy?

yes,

Diamonds

most certainly

Ok. Miss Elizabeth. I will give you flowers every week, candy every month and diamonds every year. How is that? Will you open the damn door and agree to be my wife now.

No.

Why not.

You, Mr. Darcy, are a meanie.

I am not a meanie.

Yes you are. You were mean to my sister.

You sister can fend for herself. She is too good to wed that dunce Bingley. Why does she want a man that can't decide who he loves? He is such a wet noodle. She needs a real man, like my cousin Richard. He will wed her and bed her in a second. He is a real man with a real hard noodle.

She loves Bingley.

No. She cannot marry Bingley. Look, if she weds Bingley and I wed you, than Caroline somehow becomes my sister. No way in hell. Do you want Caroline as your sister?

Perhaps you have a point. But you were mean to Wickham.

I was not mean enough. He should be singing in soprano today.

You would do that?

Do what?

You know?

Stuff them tiny little things down his mouth. You betcha.

Tiny?

Yes tiny ones to go with a tiny little dick.

I did not know.

Don't worry honey about me along those lines. I am all you could every want. I am a stallion. So say yes.

But Mr. Darcy you have done nothing to prove you love me.

Damn Woman. Ok, I will call Wickham and have him seduce your sister and then I will save the day and you will want me after I do it and after you have seen my vault of gold.

Ok. Be heroic and I will marry you.

Be back later.

Bye. Don't hurt anything. Especially anything we might need for later use.

Gee Whiz! Women!

proposals

Yep, today is proposal day. Not much new here except I do have the nasty little Cuffage/Gardiner issue, the Blake issue, the gas lighting book among the proposal.

I grappled with how to present the same proposal. First I only had him writing the letter. Then I thought, well the readers will want some one on one action with Elizabeth. So it begins with her and ends with the letter. But unlike Jane Austen, I do give you Darcy's POV. not hers. I hope the readers understand I have tried to keep the story in the men's POV and that means darn little of Elizabeth.

Many of the authors write from her perspective. I always enjoy what is presented but it was Pamala Aiden that wet my whistle for Darcy's pov. I like her story but I found his life to be a little boring. I wanted something that explored the times back then. What must life have been like for a young man standing on top of the world that was changing shape and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Much like today. Can you feel the earth shifting under your feet. Can you feel a new breeze blowing through your hair? But is it good. Has all change led us to a better world or have we become better people? I will let the politicians fight this out. Lucky for me I don't have to worry with it now that I am retired and comfortable. If I become in dire straits then the entire country is gone. lol

Well, back to Darcy. Today the water breaks and the labor pains begin. Or for Melda, the broken track has been spotted too late but wait! The train wreck image is not quite right -- The engineer (or conductor) of everyone's life does not fall off and into a big hole when he first is targeted. No, he has to hit many walls first.

This week, Elizabeth.

Next week he runs into a couple of guys who do have a thing or two they want to get off their chests. The following week perhaps the flogging continues. But regardless in two weeks you will know the name of the falcon and who he is. But I warn you - you will not know all. lol

And yes I do wrap up the whole Elizabeth/Blake/Darcy mess before I end the story.

So sit back and enjoy the proposal. Aft that all the chapters are all pretty new stuff (very little canon).

gayle

blank

RAin, rain, rain! lol

Poor Darcy if this is not a hint I don't know what is. lol

Not much to add today. My mind is blank.

Blank even on this line too.

and here.

lol

well, I will go off and do something. perhaps that will joggle the brain cells.

gayle

chapter 48 is almost polished

It will take another day to finish up but this important chapter is finally as I want it. Just need to put the spit and polish on it.

So many answers are resolved by this chapter. I have created in this chapter the symbol of the story. In it is also a dilemma for our men. What will they do? mmmm.

the last two chapters wrap up the story and I will do a 5-year epilogue just to tie up a few lose ends. but I cannot say the readers will be happy with how the eipilogue ends. lol

off to rest. I have a party to go to tonight and I am still exhausted from last weeks activities.

gayle

the train wreck

The whole time I was talking to my mom on our usual Saturday morning phone call, the image of a train wreck kept creeping in my mind. How to use this symbol in my story.

Darcy is the train! Or is he the conductor? mmmm. The passengers are the ones hurt by the wreck which was the fault of the conductor? Which passengers go unscathed, which are mangled and which are dead. There is always a dead person in a train wreck.

No don't go yelling at my blog. Dead does not necessarily mean not breathing. Of course it does mean that but it is also a symbol for a loss so significant the person or object is dead. For instance, if someone where to hurt me severely, I would say - He is dead to me although he very much eats and drinks and breaths and what not. When I lost my project due to a new executive, my job was dead to me for quite awhile. My life seemed gray even though it was sunny summer. Yes, dead comes in many varieties. So lets return to my story.

Darcy is the conductor (and you will chuckle in the next chapter) - he manages everything: Georgiana, the alliance, Bingley, Rawlings trip to America, Blake getting involved in business and having to deal with the political aspects, Kent - ah! How has Darcy managed Kent? Perhaps the shoe is on the other foot or neither conducts the others life! Perhaps, the devil of an author has yet to reveal exactly how Darcy manages Kent. but soon the truth will come out and I will be anxious to read the comments when it does.

So the Darcy train is clack clack clacking down the track. It has a destination but does the conductor know where he is taking his trainful of men and women? mmmm. I think he knows he is moving forward but there is a sharp curve ahead. He cannot see the fallen rocks and fallen trees that lay upon the track. Ahh. A train wreck. Yes and soon our dear boy will be turning that corner. Will he survive? Will his friends? Will any woman get her man? Will Rawlings return from America to pull the rocks off the mangled passengers? Will Gayle tell anything?

No. Just keep reading. Thanks, Melda for the symbol.

the devil: Gayle

working hard

Good morning.

sorry for not posting yesterday but I did work hard at getting 46 and 47 sent off to Heather this week. I am knee deep in PatM's new story so little post today.

But yea! the sun is out the storm is gone. Unfortunately for our dear Mr. Darcy that is not the case. lol He has yet to engulfed in the hurricane I mentioned earlier in my blog. He would only wish it would stop with Elizabeth. Nope, it does not!

Well, many answers will be uncovered beginning December 23. At least your questions, well most of them, about Kent will be revealed before Christmas. The Falcon's identity will be the following week and then we wrap the story in the month of January. And all will be right with the world except for .... well, I will hold that final card close to my chest.

Off to look at words and actions and dialogue and all that stuff. And to make a pot of coffee and perhaps some french toast - at this time of hear I use egg nog! yummy. So far I have only found two brands that I actually like: Giant (in the DC area) and Pet here in NC. The rest are poor substitutes imho. When I moved to NC I tried every single brand available and only Pet passed the test. It is drinkable as is, or mixed with ice cream and booze or in a french toast. mmmmm. now I am hungry.

so till tomorrow!

gayle

This morning my breathing test

although the weather outside is frightful and the fire is so delightful. Of course weather like this affects (or is it effects - no I guess affects) my breathing so I doubt if the test will go well.

At least I will get my results immediately.

till this afternoon. Pray for a FEV1 of at least 19%.

gayle

postponed. the raging storm outside is causing my lungs no small amount of trouble. I need to be at my best for the test to show my real situation. Right now the pressure on my lungs from the change in barametric pressure change the storm has brought will render the test results as flawed. Oh well.

Back to editing and polishing. lol

gayle

Darcy Darcy Darcy

Yes, today we find out why he felt Elizabeth would accept his proposal without so much as batting an eyelash.

This week I posted how a quiet, foolish, arrogant, haughty, snobbish young man courts a woman! I have always believed Darcy had a undergone a huge change by the end of the book. I just never felt his change was shown sufficiently or that is was truly significant. I also believe that how one person is in one aspect of his life he will be in others. He is the quiet, foolish, arrogant, haughty, snobbish your man in business, friendship, family, and romance. We are who we are and if a person is to change then they need to address all areas of their character. I use my story to demonstrate the change but first I had to make him out to be the person that needed the change.

I have to laugh - today I am surrounded by a thick mist. I assume that is a clue about Darcy - he is certainly surrounded by a thick mist of his own! laughing loudly. but will the fog lift and free him? Yes, but this Darcy needs to be shook hard and I doubt one person is enough.

On to Chapter 46 and some chapters for PatM while I await the comments. I suspect they will call Darcy an idiot. lol

gayle

Crunching

All my work for the CATS Christmas Play and Dinner and me and my friend's Soup and Ornament party is done. Well, not the cleanup but the rest. The Dinner was very good and the Play was cute - a Christmas Play - and everyone that attended (a sellout) was pleased and said they how wonderful the evening was. The next day (Sunday, yesterday) was the soup and ornament party.

The weather cooperated. No strong winds. The flimsy plastic we put up on the screen on the deck plus the three heaters raised the temperature from 45 degrees to 60 by the time the guests began to arrive. the drinking and body heat added to the warmth. Almost 50 people came. lol Everyone was crunched but it would have been much worse if could not have used the big deck. Everyone seemed to have a good time and looked forward to next year. Little do they know this was the last year for the party. or maybe not. But I am in no hurry to repeat the party. If I do I will just buy soups, hire a maid for before, during and after.

Crunching is a good theme for my block day. I need to crunch my polishing to stay on track. I did not send chapter 46 to Heather Saturday so I am a week behind schedule. If I weren't so tired today I would finish the little bit left to do but with my second dishwasher load going, I chose to take a nap! lol

Perhaps tomorrow.

gayle

chopping and cutting

lol - I am speaking of the beef and chicken breasts I diced yesterday as well as the onions and green peppers. I have chosen five soups because no one hardly regrets our party. They change schedules to come. It seems to be a great hit. All it is is soups and lots of them - at least eight. Everyone comes and tastes our soups. Well, they come for my potent egg nog and the wine and games and ornament exchange. And the casual day - Bert's home and mine will be filled to the brim - to the brim! Egad over 50 people. We have small villas! Oh well, we will make due and I think if this was a regency period than it would be called a crush. (more like a crash to me.)

chopping an cutting - also is a symbol of the story. I know yet another symbol. I have cut and chopped and edited and polished and hopefully not missed some important piece of tieing up the story. but I cannot always include everything so I cut things out. I chop up the information into these teeny tiny pieces called clues. lol Everyone dislikes it so except they come back for more. Oh well it is the only way I know how to present the story in an entertaining way.

So back to my soups - here they are:

Rosemary Chicken Florentine with Wild Rice
Asian Beef and Peppers
Chicken Cheese Enchiladas
Vodka Tomato Basil with roasted garlic tomatoes and pasta
Either: Salmon Dilly Bisque (if the store has fresh salmon) or Roasted Red Pepper with cheese tortellini.

I will have my egg nog: I call it my gentlemen's nog because it takes 4 men to make it - One half gallon of Rich French Vanilla Ice Cream; one half gallon Pet (or Giant brand - if you live in the DC area) egg nog; Jim Bean whiskey - hold over egg nog pour and count to ten; Jack Daniels boubon - hold for a count of ten; and Christian Brothers Brandy - also pour to the count of ten. (see Jack and Jim and the christian borthers makes 4 men) Potent but it does blend well and I do top off with nutmeg. I do provide a version without the booze. Even people that hate egg nog line up for this one. Of course it does get the party started. lol

I also serve chicken and tuna stuffed rolls - bert does the veggie tray. We have nuts and candies and all that and we have desserts - cheesecakes, cream puffs, etc.

Bert makes her most sought after Clam Chowder (which is always ranked the best of all the soups) and a sausage peasant soup, a spicy chicken one and I don't know her last one this year. I will be surprised.

Between the egg nog and the wine, everyone will be drunk enough to play the games and sing the carols. It will be a grand Sunday.

I am looking so forward to MOnday. lol I will be exhausted but satisfied that another year and another party has been completed.

With so much to finish, I might not provide any blogs until Monday.

Oh, I did well with my Chapter 44 - DebraAnne gave me an Excellent! Excellent! I am so happy.

gayle

If you want the recipes for any of my soups - email me - gayle dot messick at gmail dot com

lol

I am off to clean my kitchen, iron the table cloths, set up the final decorations, and wash a couple of loads of clothes before I head down town for the final stuff I need to pick up. Let us hope the salmon is available.

Not much time today

Have to trim the Theater Group's Christmas tree - life was so much easier when I could just delegate the work to someone under my authority. lol Volunteers is like herding cats. lol love the pun.

Ok, I have read the comments and it seems I stirred up quite the hornet's nest with this chapter. I did not think it was that terribly frustrating but then I have seen the future. I forget how things are absorbed when someone does not know the ending.

I used the pregnancy as the symbol for the story. I don't know if I have mentioned it here before but it is the true underlying theme - The Birth of a Great Man. Well, so many readers have opted to stop reading because they think I don't love Darcy enough. Not true. But then I have filled their heads with Blake and Rawlings (and a little of Kent) and cause them to think I prefer them over their love. Maybe. I was one that did not like Darcy until the end of the book and since we are still not at the end of the book, I don't show Darcy in the best of lights. Except, I have provided examples of the essentials of the man. He helped Bingley secretly, he brought Rawlings in to the venture, He was kind to the pregnant maid, and a host of other good points but no one really mentions them. In fact other than Rawlings with the little countess I have not shown anyone with the hidden goodness. Soon though the baby in the womb will emerge and all that goodness will be revealed. lol

well, off to shower and head up to the clubhouse. Have work to do and then back to decorate my driveway and lantern. Tomorrow I cook the bases for the soups Friday I clean, Saturday I clean and make sure I am ready for the party, and I need to go to the play/dinner. Life is busy right now and I am looking forward to next week when I can return to polishing the remaining chapters and helping another with hers.

gayle

the puzzle still remains

Ok, I have written a puzzle. Who is Cuffage? Who is the Falcon? Who is the grand-niece? Is Darcy hexed? What is Kent's agenda? Will Darcy ever let someone finish a sentence? Will Mr. Gardiner ever be admitted to Darcy House? Will Richard find his battlefield? Must Richard tease our dear Darcy? Will this Authoress ever be kind to our boy?

The last of the story has been set up - all that is left is the downhill sledding to the bottom. lol But the puzzle, have you figure it out? Did you catch the clue?

Well, my poor lung problem is still a puzzle. While the CT scan showed normal lungs, I continue to lose my ability to make oxygen out of the air I breath. So no altered bronchial tubes. No clue. And now no opportunity for medial trials. My breathing test was postponed until next week - I was too exhausted to take it. Some days are like that especially when a storm is coming. Today the snowstorm is gone and I feel fine.

Puzzles. They are everywhere. Why does my friend act the way he/she does? Why does my child not call? Why does the neighbors have a party and not invite me? Why does this man (or woman) love me at all? These are some of the everyday puzzles that grip everyday people. We all life in a puzzling world where fear and bliss reside, where love and hate exist, where answers are given but more questions are raised.

I like puzzles but only when it is possible to see the clear picture in the end. My life has a piece missing. It is somewhere and holds the key to identifying what is important. Will I find it in time? Was it sucked up in a vacuum and discarded as unimportant?

WEll, off to post the chapter and see if any reader has assembled the pieces yet.

gayle

shopping and breathing test

well, today I go for my annual breathing test. fingers crossed!

I also have to get my tags renewed. - egads they were due September! I am late again.

And I have to buy stuff the the party Sunday

Because of all this, no blog today and no work on any stories.

gayle

clean and decorate

today! With my soup and ornament party one week from today I have no time to delay. I have my tree up (of course it is just a simple pull up fully decorated tree!) and my 4 little trees and the countertop decorations - garland and lights and candles are up I just need to put up my tabletops, tableclothes and generally make the place look presentatble. lol easier said than done.

This week will be a *itch. lol I will be busy from cleaning, shopping, cooking, decorating, go to parties (a cocktail and a play/dinner as well as my own party) that I will have litte time for anything else. Well, I will get my breathing test done on tomorrow. Let us hope the test show no further decrease of lung capacity. It is pretty low as it is.

I am in the process of fixing Chapter 46. In fact I am debating collapsing 46 and 47 and adding an entirely different chapter 48. might work. I have been mulling it over and over.

Yesterday had lunch with my oldest son in Asheville. He was visiting his in-laws in Bristol VA (which is a little over 2 hours from my house). We met at the halfway place - except he went further - and we had a lovely lunch/dinner at Flat Rock Grille. We had a wonderful talk. His wife had gone shopping with her mom so it was just the two of us. I have missed our talks. We had been so close when he was growing up (and his brother was such a obnoxious brat) that I have missed him. The moment he left for college, our lives forever changed. The closeness was gone replaced by a more adult to adult relationship. We no longer share secrets or even argue over politics. I really enjoyed the day. Of course, we spoke around the sad topic that is always in the room with us but still it was a fun and enjoyable lunch. And he said he and his wife are now finally talking about having a baby. After 8 years of marriage I hope it is not too late because you can not wait too long of the "seed cannot take hold in the flower garden." lol

well, off to do some icky crap. Hopefully I will be able to focus on the final chapters as I work.

till tomorrow.

gayle

Happy Thanksgiving

to all the Americans.

As you sit down to your turkey dinner with all the trimmings, give a little thanks to Vinton G. Cerf and Sir Tim Berners-Lee. Who are these fellows:

Cerf is the true father of the internet - Sponsored by the US Dept. of Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA - or sometimes called DARPA), he developed the Internet and Transmission Control Protocols which allowed connected computers to communicate or how machines route information from the sending machine to the receiving machine and automatically resends messages not received.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee the inventor of the hypertext protocol we call the world wide web. We, non scientists, appreciate the ability to use the internet. I remember tagging my first page. I included blinking because text and blinking and italics and bold and links were all that was available at the time. Oh and pictures that could take forever to load if you did not understand how to upload them to the server. lol

Thank you goes out to these men who have done a great service to the world.

gayle

the lights are coming on

one reader wrote that. another wrote that is was about time for someone to discover the truth about Cuffage. But wait... there's more. Cuffage story will unfold as will Falcon's but it will take a few more chapters.

Poor Darcy. He has no clue what's coming whether it is love or business or friendship.

There were some very good guesses and very interesting ones. A couple I wish I had thought of! I won't tell because then the readers will know what is not going to happen.

Rawlings and Logan think Cuffage has been guilty of misdirection, but then do I own that same chacteristic? mmmmmm.

Well, not too long a post today. I am off shortly for my CAT scan. fingers crossed that they will at least identify the problem. I feel like that guy on House last night - I just want to know! The reason it bugged him was that if a doctor discovered the problem then there might just be a cure. if the problem went undiagnosed then the answer for the guy last night was death. But even if the illness was a fatal one then he would know and could come to terms with it. I understand. It is hard not to know if there is something I could do to help my breathing. I wish they would find it. Sometimes simple ibuprofen works the best- I must tell the doctor that. None of them have ever recommended it. mmmmmm.

well off to get ready

till tomorow.

gayle

But wait... there is more!

Today I post and Rawlings will understand that Cuffage is not who everyone thinks he is, but wait... there is more! lol I love that marketing trick. HOw many times have we watched a commercial and those words come glaring out? But wait....

Ok I am guilty of doing it often. I tease with a tiny bit of an answer only to add another question in the readers' minds. Yes, I am a but wait kinda gal. Today is another example of this technique. What is Rawlings thinking. and so far away from London! lol

There are a few more but waits awaiting my readers. That kind of tripped off my tongue - but wait awaiting.

vivid scenes. That was my initial title for the piece today. I may not be the best writer or the most grammatically astute one, or even the one with the best prose, but I do like to think one of my strengths is vivid scenes. I like to take simple words, such as depressed and show the person with drooped shoulders, eyes that frowned as well as lips and feet that barely lifted from the floor when walking. But wait... you have not read those words yet. lol you will but not today.

I like to describe things too such as the Meryton tavern - the old Black Bull Tavern. I wanted everyone to get a sense of the excitement so I used the tavern as a "character" in the story. I have not really done the same for Darcy House and when I revise the story I think I will elevate Darcy's home in the same fashion. I will make the house more vivid since the story really revolves in there.

Now I have to wait a little while longer before I post since someone posted at 8:39. I will give at least an hour and a half. So at 10:09 look for my post.

Hopefully, everyone will come back. I will try to respond to the comments quickly today because the rest of the week is busy, busy, busy.

till next time.

gayle

Altered Bronchial Tubes

Or something like that. At least this doctor has a thought as to what the problem with my lungs are. We can rule out asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, sarcoiditios, cancer, tumors, or anything of the sort.

He seems to be very knowledgeable although he did call me an enigma. lol I always knew I was a puzzle. No wonder i like to dribble information.

Well, Wednesday off for a CAT scan to determine if his hunch is correct. If it is, it should show up on the "film". But what does that mean? Will it slow the progression if the doctors know what is actually wrong. Will it enable me to be put into some medical trial? I don't know. All I know is it is almost impossible to get sufficient oxygen in my blood without the assistance of supplemental oxygen (which I am on) and as he said, perhaps we would be better able to provide some help in stalling the progression until stem cell therapy becomes available (adult stem cell - not the embryonic cells - which never proof to be any good anyway.)

He said if it is altered tubes then it would be a genetic thing and would have begun as a child. And he said this condition is extremely rare. Only a handful of people have it. At least then I would know what the damn problem is. But in all my research I never ran across this one. Apparently the tube fuse together which makes it impossilbe for the air to get in or the carbon dioxide to get out. He did say my lungs sounded clear (upper chambers) but the lower ones sound a mess! lol his words not mine.

So now to go off and research the altered bronchial tubes. And perhaps stem cell therapy too. And medical trials - you can't get in a trial if the doctor's don't know what you have. lol

A bit of renewed hope has found its way in my heart.

gayle

Off to the Doctor's

wish me luck.

gayle

Still much too do.

Yesterday was spent in my 3rd Wednesday meetings. I was elected President of our Theater Group and now I am panicking! What to do?

I am in charge of our CATS dinner for the Christmas Play. All that means is that I pick out the food, sign the contract with the clubhouse and decorate the tables. This from someone that never decorated anything ever before moving here.

Oh, and I have to decorate the CATS Christmas tree in the clubhouse! I do have help. I ordered the cutest ornaments - 8 different Christmas cats - I hope they arrive in time. I plan to use them to decorate the tables too.

I have too update the Qualla Village homeowners page. Next year I plan to spend time enhancing it.

But now it is back to Chapter 42, 43, 44, and 45. I am making the changes on 42 and 43 from HeatherF. Lol she is excellent at prose. Wish that I had her talent. Then it is off to DebraAnne. I may one day actually comprehend what the purpose of a comma is. lol

And I have to answer my comments. I hope they can be a little more patient since Darcy does not go to Hunsford until the end of Chapter 43. I have to finish setting up the finale and it will take 42 and 43 to do just that. But once Darcy steps down from the carriage at Rosings, the climax begins. Today I shall use the old tried and true labor pains. lol At first the labor pains will be weak but regular. (Poor Darcy has suffered a lot of back pains throughout the story) but the pains will come stronger and quicker. And one day we shall give birth to the Darcy we all know and love.

Ok that is all for today. Tomorrow I will not post I have a long day with a pulmonary specialist. Let us hope it goes well because if not I will look for another one. But this doctor is new to Brevard (one year) and I am hoping he works out because he is so close and he is connected to the Transylvania County Hopital. llol I live in Transylvania County. Halloween is a scream here. The whole town goes spooky and opens up with a festival and treats for the kids. Quite fun.

I'm off.

gayle - still the devil but will everyone call me that at the end of the story? mmmmm.

Booze run

Today we leave (in just a few hours) for our Christmas Party Booze Run. Several of us gals head down to Greenville SC (where all the shops are) and buy our liquor - wine and hard spirits. Discount prices make me do it, although I have been enjoying some Tisdale wine at the low price of $3.19 per bottle. Everyone likes the wine and is amazed at the ridiculous price. oh well, back to the trip

I posted early yesterday and I hope my readers discover it. I assume they will. All the pieces of the puzzle are on the table and next week, we visit in America with Rawlings as he continues his quest to find Astor. What will he learn? mmmmm.

then chapter 43 puts the final touches on the "setting things up" stage. It will be downhill from there. Of course Darcy is heading to Rosings so you can guess where the downhill starts. lol But I assure it does not end there.

Readers will soon realize my story stops way short of where P&P went. In fact, I have three chapters to cover one day, I think.

Can you guess the actual event that ends the story? lol I am sure you can.

well, off to shower and get ready to take the hour or so trip down to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, the discount liquor store, Home Goods, and lunch at PJ Chang's and perhaps a hardware store. And best of all, SC has the cheapest gas of all - I heard tell it costs $1.85 per gallon. Geesh! and just a few months ago it cost $4.30. lol Drill, baby, drill - if just the expiration of the drilling band caused this drop then definitely drill baby drill. lol Why should China be allowed to drill off our shores and not us? enough of my soap box.

I hope the readers enjoyed the chapter and I hope they don't give up on the story just yet. But if they do, I understand. They want E&D and I am giving them a different world. I once told a friend if 100 people remain reading this story I would be surprised. I wrote what I saw in my head and it is very different and offers such a change from the typical stories that focus on Elizabeth and Darcy that I never expected any amount of popularity.

gayle

chapter 44 has been sent to Heather

Whew! I am curious to find out what Heather thinks. I may have to redo the approach but we shall see.

Its monday so I am cooking dinner tonight. and I am trying to read a couple more plays. and I am finishing up my minutes that have to go out tonight.

Well, not much else to say except I heading down the home stretch. I hope the readers like where the story goes, but regardless it has been an obsession with me to get it done. And no more stories. I am done - finished. I will read and help out others but no more stories from me. too time consuming and the story took over my thoughts.

Friday I go to a new Pulmonary Doctor. fingers crossed. Perhaps he may know of a new treatment for my crappy lungs. Let us hope. Or at least find me a good trial to get into - such a stem cell therapy- the adult version.

It is cold here. Damn cold for November. Wish the wind direction would change again and come up from the south. Would love some of that warm wind instead of this bitter cold crap from the NW.

well, off to figure out what to make for dinner. May have to run to town.

well we did it

all the plastic sheeting is up but it is still cold as the dickens. lol Well we will try to add our heating fans and see if we can warm up the place. (or we may have to pray for a heat spell December 7).

Now on to the story. I have just about finished Chapter 44. Chapter 45 needs more work than I remembered but only because I am not sure how to present it - flashback or not. Right now it is a flashback but I think I will have to add a whole scene that sets up the flashback. The readers would prefer it that way. 44 is like the top of the mountain. We have been climbing and climbing to this point since Chapter 1. It has been a tall mountain with so many tracks. I chugged along and I did lose some passengers but they discovered this was not the express to the D&E, in fact this was the local stopping everywhere but the chapel of love. lol Well at 44 we are at the tippy top and the engine is beginning to inch its way downward. Unfortunately, the train has no brakes and the ride will be fast and furious and everyone will just have to hold on tight and pray this conductor (authoress) knows how to steer the train. lol

Sometimes I use a hurricane to warn my readers, today the train. Who knows what tomorrow brings. Which vision will pop in my head.

till tomorrow.

gayle

Putting up my plastic sheets

Yep, your read it right. Bert and I host an annual soup and ornament party. We need our front deck since about 50 people are invited. We are closed in on three sides with only the very front that faces east open - well, screened. 120 feet sections - a lot of space. So I got this bright idea to use that plastic that people use to cover their windows in winter (and use a hair blower to get out the wrinkles. lNOw we don't know if this will work but for 5 bucks a section we are going to give it a try. It requries a kit of this heavy duty saran wrap type of plastic and some double faced tape.

We tried one section two weeks ago and so far - it has held up to rain and storm and wind. So today I will be busy putting the rest of the plastic up and hopefully our deck will be nice and warm (we have outdoor carpet covering the floor). 50 people need more room than what Bert and I have in our villas. The deck connects the two homes.

So what does this have to do with my story.

plastic. see through plastic. If you read the story closely you will see I have all the clues up front and not a bit of opaque. Sit on my deck and watch as the story unfolds in front of your eyes.

gayle

Now that my birthday is over!

Saw a movie and had dinner with my dearest friend. A couple of us headed to our little town to see Pride and Glory - it was an Ok story except for the F bombs. Whew I needed a shower afterwards. It had mystery and tension so I like it I just wish the actors spoke in more gentlemen like ways.

Dinner is a tradition my friend Bert and I do instead of presents. Who needs something else to dust! So we give each other dinner. I chose the restaurant - Falls Landing - and she pays the bill when it arrives. In February I will be treating her to dinner at Jordon Street Cafe. Both places are pretty pricey for this area. But the food is wonderful. Who would have thought we have such good restaurants in this little town. Seven in all (not counting the pubs and family joints). Jordon Street is the fanciest and it is a toss up between Falls Landing and Hob Nob for steaks. Docks is the seafood and the rest american. Nothing exotic but really great chefs.

Originally I was going to have Darcy's birthday on my birthday but it just did not work out that way. Well, I had my own merry time at my own dinner.

Rarely does an author give birthdays to their characters and yet we make so much of them nowadays.

Well, on to chapter 44. If I can get this chapter done then I will be enough ahead I can relax and do all these other things. So here is hoping I can be done with the chapter by Sunday.

gayle

rain rain rain

I am sitting at my desk watching the downpour. We need the rain. Last night we were charged 25 cents for a glass a water. I had been told when I bought here this area never lacked for water. Humph. A drought hit here last summer.

So what does a drought have to do with my story? Well let me try and tie the two thought together. mmmmm.

first I will make some coffee. Of course I need water for that! lol brb

coffee's brewing and I put on my sweats.

Rain and drought. Yep. That could describe my story. First the drought. Poor Darcy has been in a drought. No lovely lady smiling his way. No one to embroider him a handkerchief. No one to read him sonnets (well there is one that gave him some poems, but we know she does not hold his heart). But Darcy thinks about everything so for him there is some rain - he has his alliance, he has his global strategy and he has his friends. Wealth has been pouring down on him all his life. But there has been this little drought surrounding his heart. Will devil author gayle fix this?

This week, a comment was made about the lack of romance and perhaps that is why I don't get many comments. True. I understand many readers come to the JA fiction sites to get their little bit of love and romance E&D style. They already had the angst with P&P and now they want just the love and romance. I will let all those other wonderful writers provide that story. I always liked them too but I preferred the stories where there was obstacles and some tension. I also wanted a story that presented Darcy's life.

NOw having never written before this was an overwhelming task. But, for me, I just jump in and do things and forget about my abilities. Always have tackled stuff that I had no experience in - such as being president of the Theater group - whoa! what have I done. What have I done? But I ran for President because I wanted to kick their asses into using better plays. but I digress.

So I had in mind a Darcy story and I truly wanted a life for him in London. and I wanted him to have more than just Bingley as a friend. So what do I know? Business. Hence, Darcy enters into business. I am not a writer, artist, singer, or any thing other than one who spent her whole life involved in business. My mom and dad owned a small business and when I went to work for the federal government I entered into the procurement world and made contracts my life. I negotiated small dollar purchases all the way up to 4.5 billion dollar ones. believe me the small dollar ones were harder. lol I thought well I would somehow use that background of sorts in Darcy's life. Hence the alliance.

My oldest son has spent his time in sales. He first worked in the telecommunication world until he noticed a coming death of the good life there. He left and entered the world of construction - first roofing, then flooring, and now he works as a senior account executive of a company that remodels entire apartment buildings. He explained he is learning the ropes to one day be a general contractor on his own. He now knows all about roofs, flooring, plumbing, electricity, carpentry, and anything else needed to be able to contract. But he is happy where he is for now - no lack of work and the pay the is great - don't let Obama know!

My other son thinks he know everything about everything including business. He does not. He however traveled the world with his IT job for the State Department (he worked for the contractor to the State Department.) Now he spent six years in 72 countries. The contract changed he did not like it and he returned to finish his college and get his degree. He is still finishing four years later and it looks like it will take another two years. He lives in my Virginia home.

to both my sons they have made me proud.

but I digress. Darcy must find his own way in the world and right now the business aspect is full of rain - not bleary sad yucky rain, but plentiful wonderful drought saving rain. His heart is dry. And soon he will be seeking a way to make it rain there too. But if you every lived in a drought area, there is nothing that you can do to make it rain. You just have to let it come on its own sweet time.

HOw do you eventually get the cleansing fulfilling rain? Well, first a huge hurricane of trouble has to appear on the horizon and if Darcy would just look, the signs of one so wide approaching him are there. Look Darccy - open your eyes. The wind is beginning to whip up, the animals are finding safe havens, the birds are flying the coup, and the skies are beginning to darken.

till tomorrow.

gayle

Still quite busy

But a short post today. I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter - there was a little bit for everyone. Poor Darcy, Poor Bingley. Two lovestruck puppies.

I am reading about 30 - 40 plays this week and having to arrange a bunch of meetings for theater group and this afternoon I go to a huge schduling meeting where every club fights for space for next year. We have to get our dates for our three plays set as well as our monthly meeting schedule. Of course we are all old retirees so it can be pleasant.

I also get my minutes done for the association by tomorrow!

so much to do. And I had lost the final draft version of chapter 42 and had to redo it. I think I saved it wrong when my computer crashed. lol

So folks, only 10 chapter left to go. Will you be sorry when its gone? Will I? lol

till tomorrow.

gayle

No post until next week

I am using my time to get caught up on:

• Expectations
• Reading HeatherF's chapters
• KarenA's story
• PatM's new story
• Theater crap
• Homeowners Association crap

till Tues

gayle

Voting and Posting day!

Did you vote? (well if you are an American.) I hope none of our foreign friends did so because there is serious consequences if you do - mostly dealing with visas and entry into the US. Also the same goes for contributing to a campaign. If caught I believe it could cost visitation rights. Something in some law somewhere. I know they prosecuted quite a few New YOrkers that spent time in Florida for voting in two states back in 2004. So there are those watching carefully. You have one vote and $2300 campaign limit.

Well, on to the posting day.

And unfortunately, I introduce some new characters. If my readers don't quit today then I will be surprised. I know I have so many people but then in real life we do. I am aware of the problem with having so many "players" but each man has a family and Rawlings does go to America - he will meet a few people.

If any of the new people show up later I will make sure the readers know who they are. For instance Bingley's dinner party had a bunch of people that are never heard of again. Well, Watt and Samuel Galton (the slavetrader in guns) are but only once more and when I do bring them back I will remind you who the hell they are. lol

Blake's Uncle Harrowby also hosts dinner parties. ONly Lord Liverpool and today's lady - Miss Godwin are mentioned later.

Rawlings mets three Americans. At least one them, Lowell, is carried over into another chapter. and it will be soon and I again will remind everyone. About the two ladies - well, I shall keep their futures close to my chest.

Today's post has a little for everyone - Rawlings, Blake, Kent and Darcy all make their presence known - even a little with Bingley. Next week is his week. and then Chapter 41 I bring Elizabeth and Jane to town and Lizzy does reveal her thoughts to her sister and her uncle explains what happened with their dowries. So much awaits my readers. Lizzy and Jane are in town in January and Feburary and Darcy does not go to Rosings until late March. So don't expect Rosings in Chapter 42.

I think my readers want to get to Rosings but I want my story not to be like P&P - Austen took her readers there quicker than I did and lets face it - she skipped months and months. My story focuses on the men in London so it will take longer to get to Rosings. but I promise, Rosings will happen and will be the beginning of the final phase leading to the final climax of the story.

The first part of the story was to really introduce the new characters. I wanted the readers to get to know them and I used many different author tools to do so- romance, attitude, competitions, rivalries, valets, etc. I believe the readers have come to know, love (and hate) my new characters and when they read Rawlings they have a clear picture of the man, same for Blake. I have downplayed Darcy and Bingley more than I probably should but then everyone knows them so well. Now it is Kent's personality and character coming into view. I just did not want the readers to have to deal with more than two new major characters at a time. And beside, Kent's stuff can only take place in London.

Well, hopefully I achieve what I set out to do. When the climax of the story comes, I want everyone to understand what the men do and why and only through careful character development of the new men will make the final phase plausible.

well, I hope you enjoy the chapter. I hope you let me know if you are tired of learning new people. Let me see - only Rawlings has the opportunity to add to his connections at this time. So do expect a few more names to pop up in the future chapters.

As you may need to refresh your mind, Families is available to go over the character list. I added Americans to the list. And no one mentioned the lady Blake is to meet this chapter showed up in the Family list last week. lol

Oh well. on with the posting. P.S. I voted last week because today is my posting day and I did not wish to interrupt my time there.

gayle

41 has been sent off

it is not perfect but heck I am just plain sick of it. lol

I would still like to get another chapter polished before tomorrow is over but Chapter 42 needs to be checked for historical accuracy - that means I have to wind my way through the labyrinth of files and documents. I have almost filled a flash drive with files. I have folders in folders in folders. I have some folders that say latest version that are inside a folder that says Postively the last version. lol

I may have a creative mind by the desk and desktop are a mess. Everytime I open up a document I save it under a different name. my background files are impossible to figure out - i have one that says Rawlingsstuff.doc I have another that says Rawlingslife and yet another that says Rawlingsback. I have no system. I spent an enormous amount of time search my own notes just for the name of one person.

Oh well. Historically there are a lot of correct things but then I do fudge a little now and then. Soon you will read a poem that the authorship is disputed. Of course we all have been taught it was this one author but the descendants of this other man have made some bonafide claims. REgardless, the poem i use was not published until 1824. I just made it sound like he wrote it years before the publishing date.

my veiwship in down at AHA but way up at HG so my overall numbers have remained constant.

Only 9 more chapters for me to polish. 9 - I can't believe how close I am. Will anyone really miss my characters? mmmm.

Well tomorrow is election day and posting day.

till then.

gayle

busy working on chapter 41 and

a chapter for my friend, KarenA.

I am so anxious over the elections that I have to keep busy with something else. Only a couple more days and then we will know.

I never believe the polls and neither should anyone else. MOstly no one knows who will actually show up to vote and since all the pollsters use some basis of turnout for determining the number none of them are any good. For instance, if Gallup uses 39% dems and 30% reps and the rest independents they infer that there will be 9% more democrats that actually vote than republicans. Aint' going to happen. 3% is more realistic - perhaps 9% would have been possible if McCain had not chosen Sarah Palin. She energized the REpublicans and they will go vote now where they were tepid before. Now about the dem #'s - youth don't vote regardless of what you hear. There is always some that are excited but they don't vote. Black's vote but even in this election anyone has to increase the number of blacks wthat will definitely vote. It is an historic ocassion for them. They will turn out.

So, when you read a poll that says 50% Obama to 46% McCain, don't forget the margin of error. If it is 4% then the poll could just as easily say 50% McCain and 46% Obama. And remember the numbers underlying the results.

My final bit of warning-- if the public polls were so great and accurate the politicans would never hire their own pollster. A politican has a reason to spend the money for the truth. I worked in several campaigns and I have seen the discrepancies first hand. the public polls are used to depress one side from voting. If a group thinks their guy cannot win they stay home. But then if the other side thinks it is in the bag they stay home. So polls hurt the turnout.

Go Vote. Forget the polls. Just do it. (to steal from Nike).

Caught a cold

so no post today. Just want to bundle up under a blanket and snooze on and off.

gayle

having trouble with my internet today

so I will try to post later after I return from my trip downtown to do a bunch of chores.

I will wear a jacket it is friggin cold. lol Have my fireplace on.

gayle

Posting day

Today I post chapter 38. mmmm. What is in 38 that will bring by readers to joy, tears, fears, happiness, anxiety, or even sadness? let's see. Chapter 37 Rawlings boarded the ship and yelled at Darcy for not going to Bingley's party. Ah yes, the dinner party.

So Darcy gets to meet a whole new world of people. What will he think? Will he think they are all lunatics. lol

This is just another chapter into Darcy discovering who he is. He may not like what he learns but then this story is all about his change and more will come later.

Well, I do appreciate the comments I receive because I learn what works, doesn't work, and what I leave out. lol Have I made changes to the story after the comments? Well, a sentence here and there and once a whole paragraph. But now I have added a whole scene to a chapter just because the readers begged. I will give them what they want but they will need to wait until Chapter 41.

Ah. I know they want Rosings/Hunsford to come soon but not yet. First we have this party and then we have.... well, we have a few more things that must happen. So no Hunsford yet.

My story was always about what Darcy's life might have been in London. That and the exploration through the new characters of differences in regency era to what we know as life today. I used several tradesmen's sons (Bingley was just not what I wanted so I invented Kent), a second son and a titled man. I wanted to explore their lives and how the world impacted them- business, social and friendship. Now that we are in London, I wanted to attend a few balls and dinner parties but unlike other writers I wanted to explore life from Bingley and Kent's view too.
So today I post a dinner party like no other. I hope everyone enjoys it and understands much of what I wrote was based on actual descriptions about these people.

So enjoy and leave me comments if you wish. I always learn from them and it helps me decide what to do with the chapter when I have finished posting the whole thing. Will I keep it or make changes or even dump it into the trash bin icon? We shall see.

gayle

chapter 40 sent to my beta

and I just received back chapter 38. No blog today because I wanted to push through with some of the polishing on my chapters. I fell behind with my mom's visit and now I am trying to catch up. I will work on chapter 41 tomorrow morning and then pick it again Wednesday.

but today is sunny and so am I. The leaves are changing and while the colors are not as brilliant as had been (i suppose because of the drought) they are lovely just the same. The yellows are just coming out.

Soon all the leaves will be gone as will all my hidden stuff in my story. Will you be satisfied? I hope so. But first we need to start stirring that pot.

10 chapters left to edit. 10 out of 50! whew. This has taken longer than I thought it would. Wish that I was a better writer it would have been a smoother ride. Wish that I knew how to punctuate and that my grammar was better and I had a way with word phrasings. I have to struggle to do any of those things. lol

well, off the watch an old movie underneath a cuddly blanket and drink some hot chocolate.

till tomorrow.

gayle

just a quick hi

am cleaning house, washing clothes and getting ready for a card and pizza party - so not much to say except I enjoyed hearing from my mom this morning. After 5 weeks together you would think I would have nothing left to say but not true. We talked for well over an hour. Of course, like Sinfeld was a TV show about nothing so is my mom's and my conversation. But I love to hear her voice.

Will finish wordsmithing chapter 40 today as well and get that off to HeatherF. Hope she is having a good holiday in France. Tomorrow I will begin chapter 41 (well I have started) - I have to add a couple of short scenes to the piece so I expect it will not be ready until Tuesday or Wednesday. As long as I can work through to chapter 50 by my birthday I will be pleased. (November 13 - I was born on my mom's 25th birthday - perhaps that is why we are so close.)

Take care and enjoy your weekend.

gayle

the mists have returned

I am again surrounded by thick mist usually referred to as a cloud. Living at 3000 ft it is not unusual to be in the clouds. Today it is a wet gray cloud with not a touch of sun. The roads are slippery wet which takes me to my story.

Slippery wet. We are approaching the slippery wet slidy part of the story. As in all slips, you cannot control anything. It just happens. Sometimes the slide veers to the right and other times it ends quickly. But regardless, you are not in control. All you can do is try and keep yourself from getting hurt. You can cover your head with your arms and hands, you can reach for the pavement and soften the blow or you can fall on your butt (or bum as Brit's say).

What will Darcy do when that wet slippery slide begins. What will my readers do - will they yell at me to stop this! Will my readers hold their breath and wait for the next chapter to arrive just to find the poor man is still sliding? And is he being pushed and by whom? And where is he sliding too? lol Only the devil authoress and KarenA know.

My comments this week proved interesting - they were all glad that Rawlings was able to knock a little sense in his head but sorry to see him leave. Well Rawlings will have his own worries to deal with and I suppose the readers will be a bit anxious for him. Yep, he is sliding too but that is yet to be revealed. Soon though.

I will work on chapter 40 today and hopefully Chapter 41 will follow quickly. I would like to remain 4 chapters ahead and with posting chapter 37 I need to be working on 42 by Tuesday. Ah, 42- mmmm. From that point my polishing should be quicker. I have nothing left to research and make sure I get things right. Of course, HeatherF is a fantastic resource for me. She explains all my failings with all things British and regency so well. I cannot thank her enough. But one question pops in my head? Did the regency men shake hands?

Well, back to the slippery sidewalk called Expectations. Our man is just starting to go outside and brave the mists that surround him. lol

till tomorrow

woke up late today

Whoa! 9:15 - I never sleep this late and as a result my mind is foggy. lol Well, I will add to this post after I have had coffee and worked on some stuff for my very good friend PatM and then Chapter 40.

changing seasons

It is sunny and I feel pretty good. The leaves are changing colors up here and today some friends and I are heading up to Pisgah Inn for lunch. It sits at 5000 ft and overlooks the wonderful mountain view. It is peak season for the changing leaves.

Soon all the leaves will be off the trees and everywhere will be naked tree trunks. The colors were not as brilliant this year. Some years are like that. As are some chapters.

Writing chapters is a lot like changing seasons - some chapters are brilliant with color and description much like autumn and others are sunny and bright. Soon we will be in gray sadness of winter. The clouds will hang in grey hues over our heads. We will feel dispirited at times as will one of my characters (or maybe a couple of them).

Of course we have the bright colors at Christmas time - the reds and greens and gold and for a few brief days we are all happy and feeling good about life. Some though are saddened by the upcoming holiday season. Much like my story. One man can be extremely agitated, the other brimming with joy, and another confused and conflicted. They can all met and work together but they do not all have to share the same emotions about their lives at the same time. That is just how life is. But we muddle through and do the best we can.

I will continue to consider how the seasons have impacted my story. Or better yet, does my story impact my emotional response to the day?

The story is changing much like the leaves and soon all will be bare for everyone to know. LOL and I am not sure they will like all of my endings. Of course they won't hate me because I know what they want but then there is the one or two loose ends that they may not like how I tied them up. lol Oh well. I do try to bring life into the story and as there is no perfect solution to evrything I do not make everything perfect in the end. But there is still time. There is always time until the last post is made! And then the epilogue can change everything again. Oh to be in such control over so many characters.

I will miss my men, Blake, Rawlings and Kent. We will always have Darcy and Bingley through other writiers, but my three men are mine. And when the story ends, they will cease to exist. they will also cease to whisper to me late at night for more time in my story. They will stop demanding and begging and pleading for the lady of their choice because they will have been given the ladies of my choice. It may agree with them or not. But They will go off to the hidden world of invented characters and live the remainder of their lives away from voyeurs such as us.

13 chapters left to post. Enjoy my Blake, Rawlings and Kent while you can.

gayle

dang Internet this is Posting day

Been losing it all morning. no sooner than I start to type something, the internet connection fails.

Thoughts about today's post:

When you read this morning's post you will realize Rawlings' father is not so bad after all. His brother is a cad but no so for his father.

Did you catch his father's line about taking one final look at him? mmmm. On top of the last toast of the alliance. What does the evil devil authoress have up her sleeve. Is the final look the "final" one ever or just for this day before he leaves? Does it play into the toast? YOu must keep reading.

Why is Darcy always hiding behind his sister? This time he is using her as the reason not to go to Bingley's party. Well if your memory serves you this is the dinner Uncle Watt mentioned to his nephew Bingley about making sure to bring Darcy to the meeting. Next week we will attend the Lunar Society meeting/dinner.

A little business in this chapter although I am now moving from business to relationships again. But cannot skip the trade aspect.

Blake's other uncle - this time Attwood from the financial world is an interesting sort. Blake seems to have three very impressive men in his life: his father the duke, uncle Harrowby the politician and uncle Attwood the financial wizard. Yes both uncles are lords as you would expect a duke's brothers to be. One may even be a brother-in-law to the duke but it is of no consequence so I did not bother to explain who is who. Now you will have wonder how these men play into Blake's future.

You will learn a little more about Kent next week. He attends the Lunar Society Meeting - his uncle Boulton was Bingley's uncle Watt's partner. Hence the two friends knew each other all their lives and that is why they raced carriages.

And finally, a hint of a concern has reared itself in Darcy's mind about Kent and his sister. Now where on earth is this evil devil authoress going with this story line? mmmmmm.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter although it is what some people call transitional. But every scene always has a point that I wish to make and so if you are like realelegance (and thank you for reading my blog) or like FrancesL you will ponder each sentence looking for clues and hidden meanings.

till tomorrow.

gayle

Bathrooms

Ok, today I want to think about bathrooms. Lately on all the design shows there seems to be this big trend to convert your bathroom into a spa. Good gosh. A spa. You need a jet tub and candles and in addition to the elaborate double sinks and commodes. I guess a sink, shower, and toilet is not good enough. lol Americans don't say toilet, like I need to use the toilet. When I travelled to England and had to use the restroom I asked some Brits and they did not understand me. They stared at me with these looks I knew meant they thought I was crazy. Finally when I said the toilet they pointed me in the right direction. Never say restroom in England.

Our bathroom in Venice was interesting to say the least. It had the sink, toilet, and a shower head. there were drains in the floor. I had never showered with a sink and toilet in the shower with me. lol that was an experience. In Rome we used used a bidet.

Once I used a female urinal. It was this long tube coming from the wall with a cup of some kind on the end of it. you place a tissue like cover and hold it where you need it and pee. lol My friend Bert would not try it but heck I like new experiences so I did. It was at a gas station in some far out place so I assume my entire experience was captured on hidden camera and posted on the internet somewhere. I don't care as long as they hide my face. Have you ever peed holding some long vacuum like tube up to your "wee-wee". lol It is harder that you think - first where are your panties? Around your ankles but you do try not to let them hit the dirty floor and don't forget you must stand in a peculiar way. It was quite comical. I could not stop laughing. That was my funniest experience with a bathroom.

Now we get to the Regency era. What did they do? I am sure chamberpots were used. But where was the chamber pots at dinner parties and balls? how many chamberpots did they provide (if any at all) If for no reason other than toilets am I glad to live in this time. Perhaps Mr. Bennet had a peeing problem and therefore he did not go to many assemblies.

I notice it is extremely rare for any writer to include bathroom activity of any kind in their story. Mostly a tub bath once in a while but the other? no. it is as taboo as my asking directions for a toilet in America. We say restroom (where there is rarely a sofa or comfortable chairs) or bathroom (where there is no shower or tub) or occasionally we say John - like we need to give John something.

When I worked you could tell when men were headed off to the "john" they carried the newpaper with them. As a former secretary from when I first started working, I knew this meant he would be in conference for a while if anyone called. He did not have to say anything. I have always wondered why men do this? Does reading help? Women don't seem to need to read the society page while we, ummmm, poop. We tend to get in and get out quickly. It is not a library. Oh well, the mysteries of life.

Maybe I will put a chamberpot in my story. First I have to research it and find out what they do at parties and balls. Surely no one is expected to hold their urine for an entire evening. I saw picture once where the men, once the ladies removed themselves from the dining room, peed in pots while they drank their brandy. I could bring out the peeing pots with my guys. They could have a distance olympics or maybe pee to a tune or something.

Well, that was my fascination today. Good gosh - what will I think of tomorrow. YOu must come back to see if I have returned to classy or remained here in the proverbial gutter.

till tomorrow,

gayle

dissimilarities

Today, what is different about the eras:

Clothes. Today we get to see men's necks. What was so important back then we could not see their necks. Of course, only their faces appeared in the sunlight since they also wore gloves. Men were covered. No wonder there was such desire on the part of women back then and fear when they finally were shown what was underneath. I mean, really, what must have a chaste woman thought the first time? No TV or MOvies to soften the blow. I can imagine their eyes bugging out of their head. YOU ARE GOING TO STICK THAT WHERE? Lol. Ok I am whacky this morning.

And the more covered men are the less covered women are around the neckline. Let's face it - men could admire a woman's neck and.... but women were stuck with only faces.

Work. boy has that changed. Women work, women cook, women party, women do anything they want. Men still own the world and now we are the ones holding it up. We are that atlas fellow with the world on his back. Take away women from the workplace and everything would stop - well maybe not baseball or football. But women are everywhere (even running for President - Hilliary and Vice President - Sarah).

University. Now filled with women and men and a bunch of goings on too. lol

Manners. I believe manners have gone the way of last century. Fewer people are polite. Fewer people speak in gracious tones. It seems a harshness has overtaken conversations and heaven help me so have naughty words.

Business. Not a dirty word anymore. In fact, someone that makes it big in business is admired. Money, money, money must be funny in a rich man's world. money, money, money always sunny in a rich man's world. ABBA song's stay in my head. speaking of which when I saw Mama Mia on the stage they sang that song but I don't remember it in the movie (or perhaps they shortened how much was sung). Well, not only can men work in business now so can women.

Actors. They were looked down upon but now we idolize them. Well, not me because I think most of them are not the kind of people I would want in my life but they are looked up to.

Language. They spoke in complete sentences back then and we can barely put together a simple sentence when we talk.

An accomplished woman. Egad. today that kind of woman would not be considered that accomplished, but still there are some similarities. Today's accomplished woman may be an engineer, a doctor, a lawyer, a politician, and such and yesterday's accomplish woman would have been thought well of but accomplished simply by playing and drawing?

Rich man. That has not changed. MOney rules the world. Men own the money. Women still want to hang out with rich men.

Dowry. Ok. There does not seem to be much of this anymore. But I do remember when dowries existed and there was some talk of my having one and my gosh I am only 57 years old. So it is a recent change albeit it was a 20th century one.

Leisure time. Not only do we fill our days with work, we fill our leisure time with activities. Back them must have been the most boring of times. What exactly did women do all day long? Well, the gentlemen's daughters?

Communication. Ah a change I love. We have the telephone, the telegraph, and now the internet. Life is good. I can use the internet to communicate my story without the cost of a publisher. I cannot imagine having to wait days to hear if someone arrived shortly. I cannot imagine life without the internet and that tool has only been available for us peons for approximately fifteen years. But mostly, I can share my story with hundreds of people around the world all with the click of a button.

I thank everyone that reads my story. I am pleased to live in this era.

till tomorrow

gayle

Returning to Normal

With my mom back home I am now returning to my normal routine, which includes updating my blog. I have also now returned to waking up before 6:00 am! at least today anyway.

Now I need to return to blogging thoughts and to get my inspiration I will go back to random words. Let us see - neat, orderly, light, dark, green, recipe, posting, coffee (be right back - I need to make some) i'm BACK!

Random words are not working today. Getting up to make the coffee helped me - similarities -- is the work I thought of while trying to fix the cup the coffee grounds go in. Similarities, yes that will be my blog today.

When I started my story I wanted my readers to see the great similarities between the turn of the century back then and 200 years later for us now.

• They had the industrial revolution and we have the information one. Their lives would change dramatically before they died. We have undergone significant change with all the digital stuff: TV's, Ipod's, blackberry handhelds, email, online shopping, forums, publishing, news, and everything in between. The internet has made the world tiny. It used to be a small world and now it is just teeny tiny. Information is as powerful as knowledge. Well, I ramble and I am sure you get the picture.

• Politics. Yes, there were similarities- Whigs, Tories and now (I can only really write as an American because I understand how our government works) we have the Conservatives and Liberals (or Republicans and Democrats - or in Britain it is the Labor Party vs. I guess it is still the Tories) But the push is the same - elevation to a higher standing and being the group in control of the reins.
  

• Families. They had their good members and bad members and well, I don't really think much has changed. Greed, jealousy, happiness all still exist today. Some familes are close and others are not. Some siblings are rivals and others co-exist fine. Families have not changed except we no longer give everything to the eldest.
  

• Progress. Yes, the young people seem to want more and more swift progress and us old folks like to go slower. I really cannot keep up with the changes these days (although I think the speed in which changes come has slowed down recently). Progress is fine as long as you don't throw out the best of the past.
  

• War - Hostilities away from home and fighting two fronts at a time - they had Napoleon and the war of 1812 and we have Afghanistan and Iraq (although they are part and parcel of the same war) - Back then it was the "little people" trying to grab their place in ruling themselves and today we have the "little people" trying to overcome dictators. I know it seems like a stretch but it is there underneath it all. Dictators come in all kinds of packages. The argument for war never really changes.

• Transportation. Ok, our rich young people fly around in private jets. John Travolta files his own plane (think of Rawlings driving his own carriage) but still the rich young men have the best of transportation of the time. No rickety wagons for them.

Well, these were just a few similarities. I also have a bunch of ironies. (a witty Mr. Bennet sought a lively girl just as Rawlings does with Lydia).

Those were some of my thoughts when I began. Now if I was able to present them is a different story.

Now that I am back on schedule I am off to finish polishing the rest of 38 and maybe 39 if I can sit for any length of time. My sciatia is bothering me (and happens when I sit for too long.)

till tomorrow

gayle

Bittersweet

I love bittersweet chocolate. I think that is what the dark chocolate is called. bittersweet reminds me of life. When the sweetness comes it is usually along with the bitter.

Yesterday, my mom and I (along with my friend, Bert) spent the day in Greenville, SC, shopping and making a wine run (at Total Wines) and hitting the Home Goods store. We had a lovely early dinner and then along with this wonderful sweetness came the rest of the story: I put my mom on the plane taking her back to Florida. Hence, yesterday was bittersweet.

Life should not be all sweet or all bitter. When I write I try to keep this in mind. My characters are neither all good nor all bad, and and some events are bittersweet. When Georgiana come up with that sonata it will be sweet but based on a bitter event--her almost elopement and her brother's reaction.

When Elizabeth found the crushed chess piece it was bittersweet - he had loved her but left bitter.

When another incident happens you will know I used the bittersweet approach. You will recognize my penchant for mixing the two.

till tomorrow, for today I have my time all to myself. I can polish some chapters and hopefully this weekend I can return to reading others.

gayle

good morning

Today is posting day and today my readers find out the backstory on Rawlings. I know I have some Rawlings fans so I hope I don't disappoint them.

Tomorrow is my meeting day (3rd Wednesday) of the month and I have still much to do before then. I have some final minutes to type and I have some research left for the Theater Group. I am in charge of the Christmas CATS dinner this year, so I have to pick a meal, decide on the decorations and decorate the tables. One thing we must do is find ornaments and I will have one door prize for a special ornament. I would like to have them wrapped up too in festive bags and ribbons. Well see.

My brother is doing well. I don't know exactly what his problem is (he is so secretive about things) but he has had 3 other stents put in before and the doctor's say next year he will need another one. his arteries collapse on him and of course he is without oxygen (which I certainly know what that feels like).

My mom leaves for home Thursday and I will be sad. My house is clean (well not my bedroom suite. I will need to do that for myself.) I am almost ready for my own Soup and Ornament Christmas party. I have picked out two soups (and have a choice of 3 other ones used before) but I need to come up with two more. I found a Turkey and Sweet Potato one that sounds great - I will check out next week. Otherwise? I just have not found something to go with my Rosemary Chicken Florentine with Wild Rice and my Asian inspired Beef with Green Peppers. I will use my Roasted Red Pepper or my Vodka Tomato Basil ones if need be.

Back to the story.

I plan on Friday polishing Chapter 38 and work on Chapter 39. I will do my best to work through all my remaining chapters quickly. The sooner I can get the chapters finished and through the beta's I will post but I make no promises beyond the Tuesday postings. I would not want to push my beta's time.

Today Rawlings teaches Darcy a few lessons, next Tuesday he is off to America. Chapter 40 is Bingley's dinner party and Chapter 41, well let us just wait for it. lol

Coffee is ready and I need to get my chapter tagged for posting.

No blog tomorrow or Thursday. Friday I will return when my house is quiet and my time is my own again.

gayle

A day of computer time!

My brother is doing well. He did have a stent put in (his 4th) and he is home taking it easy. My cousins are looking after him. He knows when the problem is beginning and does not hesitate to get help, unfortunately he will not ask for assistance when he has something laborious to do (such as cutting down the small trees.) And I know I am the same.

For the last two days I have had dinner parties (dates were scheduled before my trip up north). My group of friends and I, along with my mom, had attended a lunch and play together before we had gone to the DC area. A couple of them ordered crab cakes. Huh! They lied. They said it was lump crab - it most assuredly was not. Even had some claw meat - are real no no in the world of crab cakes. There were two tiny pieces of lump meat in the cake. Well, mom decided we would purchase some real lump crab meat and serve it to my friends.

My mom's crab cakes are the best. There is hardly any filling. and it is 100% lump meat. no backfin either. I took my allergy medicine and had cake myself. Of course I felt sluggish the next day but it was the first time in ten years I enjoyed one of her cakes. mmmmmm.

The next night I had a couple over who has been especially nice to me. I owed them a dinner. We had a chicken dish. He watches his carbs so I made sure he had plenty of choices and I use Dreamfield pasta.

Two very nice evenings. I wished we could have waited another week to have them but it did give my mom some entertainment too.

Only one more event is planned before she leaves - a play Saturday. Everybody loves Opal. The little theater group I belong too is putting this one on. I hope all went well. But for $8 they ain't going to get Broadway or West End. lol

I have been sorting through my comments and will post some answers today. I really fell behind and I need to apologize. Once my mom returns home, my time will be my own again; although I will be sad to see her leave. We do get along so well. I am sorry none of my men in the story have a mother. I would write my mom into it. She is a caregiver and they are a dying breed.

Well, off to make the coffee for mom (I hear her stirring.)

gayle

Rainy Day mirror my feelings

Although my brother is home and doing well, I still feel concern. He is a stubborn ass. He was trying to single-handedly remove some small trees and underbrush for an area that needs to be cleared out for a fence. Fortunately, he knew an attack when it started and swallowed 4 aspirins. Everyone should keep some aspirin nearby. It may one day save your life.

Rain, rain. Usually I like rain but today it seems to highlight how I feel. When visiting my sons, I promised faithfully to update my will. I need to do that before the year is out. How do you chose which child should be the executor? My Blake or My Rawlings? Which would you chose? Well I chose my Rawlings. The younger brother. He will carry out my requests regardless of how asinine my requirements are. He has heard some of them and merely shrugs.

Now I am off to make some coffee, and then spend some time with my faithful posters. I have neglected them recently and that too makes me feel dull and gray as the out of doors.

I have to take my trip downtown to gather the food needed tonight- my mom bought lump crab meat and is making crab cakes for some of my friends that have not had real crab cakes the LaPlata MD way.

till later

gayle

Long drive back home

Yesterday we spent the day driving back to NC. Unfortunately, bad news awaited us, my brother had a heart attack and we have spent the morning on the phone and making plans. It was not the normal "attack" - he has had to have stents put in his arteries before (3 of them) and now he had a fourth one. He bounces back fairly quickly so he is insisting my mom stay here until the 16th. Reluctantly, she agreed because she does not wish to aggravate him at this time. I offered to drive her back to Florida and that may still happen.

I apologize for not blogging while in VA but free internet time was short and most of it was spent in trying to get my chapters ready. I will post Chapter 35 today now that everything is settled with my brother, Gary.


gayle

Off to VA in the morning.

Well, my trip is on. I found gas. We washed all the clothes.

I sent off Chapter 36 to Heather and chapter 35 to DebraAnne. I just finished Chapter 37 except for wordsmithing (replacing overused words and repetitive phrases). For all those that love Rawlings, Chapter 36 and 37 are your chapters and the action really begins to pick up after chapter 34, i think.

I will do my best to post the next chapter on Tuesday. I will not be able to respond to comments and for that I will be sorry. My mother is especially clinging this time and I do not wish to leave her to entertain herself. But I will try.

Only 13 chapters left for me to polish. Good gosh. It does not seem that long ago when I wrote the draft but it has been many months. lol I am feeling sad for the end is coming.

gayle

Where to find an open gas stations

Ok, we are having a gas crisis in Brevard and neighboring towns. Somehow Hurricane IKE (not Sarah) caused this shortage. Long gas lines, rationed amounts, tempers flaring, etc.

I remember when Carter was president and the gas lines from that era. There was a gas line that worked its way down the block and in front of my apartment. People sat for hours and we had a system of odd and evens. Odd numbered plates got gas on one day and Even numbered plates the next. People hate gas lines. At least this time it is because the oil refineries in Texas were causing the problems. Once the return to full capacity, then the supplies will be back up.

This morning I have to find gas for the trip my mom and I are taking. Wish me luck.

Speaking of my mom! I am tired. Damn tired. But my home is sparkling. One storage closed and my bedroom suite to go. Saving my room till the last week mom is here. She thinks it is her mission to put my house in order. Regardless of my teasing, I really do look forward to her being here and helping. She is a damn good house cleaner. One of the best. Her mother had been one too. Me, I take after my father. OUr job was to supply the houses. lol

Cleaning up is what I am doing with the rest of the story. I am cleaning up and polishing my chapters. Today I make the changes to Chapter 35 and begin work on 37. Chapter 36 has been sent to Heather. I have less than 15 chapters to work on and then I will probably take a long break to just read for a change. I find writing and reading other stories difficult. Reading more than 3 stories was difficult to begin with but my writing one and polishing the chapters takes away from my reading time and mental awareness. So if there are any authors out there reading this blog, forgive me for not be as faithful a reader as I wish.

off to make my changes to chapter 35 before heading out to the hunt down some good old gasoline.

gayle