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).