PUBLISHED!...at last.

Song of the day:…who gives a bloody heck? I’m getting PUBLISHED!!!!

Yes, people, it has finally happened, a brilliant editor at a genuine publisher has recognized the awesomeness of Saving Nina! Yay!!!! Do you sense a certain elation here, some enthusiasm? As in Sammi bouncing through the old drafty farm, ploinking from one wall to the next like some loony toon…not far off, it was pretty much that from the moment I woke up and saw the light on my phone blink that there was a message on my mail. Bleary-eyed, still pondering whether I was going to turn over and catch another 30 mins of zzzzzzs, or haul my tired butt from bed. I mean, seriously, no work to go to, and what with long evenings behind the computer it is not as if I am on any regular schedule other than get up at the crack of dawn, prep breakfast for big brother (that way he can also get an extra half hour of sleep on work days) and then going back to bed until I’ve reached my daily hour quota.

Anywayssssss…the light was blinking and I saw that it was about Saving Nina, and spent another minute or two if I could handle another disappointment this morning, and finally decided to open it quickly and then slip it into the rejection file asap. Now imagine me, eyes puffy with sleep, squinting at the screen in the gray morning light, going back half a dozen times to look at these two sentences: “I really liked this story, and would love to work with you.” And “I just wanted to make sure it's still available?” That’s about when my heart rate went up and I started bouncing out my room, down the way-to-steep stairs as I read it again and then texted big brother with: “Dude! Dude! DUDE! You there? Come on! Answer! Dude! They want Nina! An editor wants to work on SAVING NINA!” Did some more bouncing around, giving little scary giggles and the occasional, “Yes! Yes! Heck yes!” frustrated as heck that I was home alone with no-one to tell it to. Grrrrrr. That is so friggin’ frustrating! Anyway, it took big brother about and hour to answer and guess what it was: “Cool! A bit busy now.” Aaaaaaaargh. Seriously? Cool? Regardless, I spent the majority in a buzz…after sending a semi-calm message back that the story is still available and that working with said editor would be lovely. *sigh*

So, of course, this message was before Christmas, so we had to wait, and wait, and wait, and wait some more, for the final okay of the publisher which didn’t come until my B-day. I mean, seriously, isn’t that the best friggin’ b-day present ever? To get the news that someone has seriously agreed to publish a book that you started the concept of in 1998 and worked on numerous times through a series of mind numbing edits that go up to a whopping dozen, or more? Well, it is stupendous, I assure you. All that work, old those hours, the wooden butt sensations, the varicose veins surgery, the endless arguments about word choice, grammar, punctuation, shlogging my way through the Chicago manual of style, eats shoots and leaves, and popular (not my style) commercial fiction just to see if a particular sentence I wanted to use but that we couldn’t stop arguing about, became worth it because of this totally awesome b-day present. *double blissful sigh*

So I didn’t write about this stupendous news before, because, basically I didn’t want to jinx it, and waited until the contract arrived, which brings us to now, naturally. Contract here. Yay. Am totally psyched about going through the next step of this thing, to learn, to see what is required, to see how the story will turn out after it gets nipped and tucked, made up and perfumed, so to speak. It will be incredibly fascinating, of that I have no doubt, so I’m going to hold onto that, and hope that I can when the frustration of cutting into my baby seems to become too much to handle. Keep yer fingers crossed, my friends.

What else? Well, life is going on as usual. Nothing quite lives up to the above-mentioned, I know, but what can I do. Need to stay grounded a bit, don’t I?

Finally found a proper kickboxing bag. Yes I did. It’s going to have a spot of honor in the living room where I do most of my daily exercises now. Was psyched when big brother pointed it out at the gift store this very morning. I can get back to my boxing, Yay!!! I’ve been missing it somewhat fierce lately, partly because we haven’t been able to go to the gym much lately due to a persisting flu. Grrrr. No matter, though, I can get back to the fitness I love the most: Kicking the carp out of a heavy bag! Hah.

Did some food experiments lately, too. Some different type of dishes, but also all-time favorites, of which one or two are definitely going to end up on the cooking blog one of these days…I know, I should be posting more there, too, but what can I say, I can get distracted a lot, especially at the moment.

Been working on the Banshee story quite a bit lately. Almost halfway into the story, meaning that the sequel to ATOL is almost there…in my mind anyway. Hah. I wonder how much actual writing I can get done once the actual editing with the publishing company starts, but whenever I get a free minute, I’m definitely going to try. Brendan and the Banshee need telling that much is a fact in this convoluted brain of mine.

Went to visit a friend from our last job last week, which was really nice. She is seriously pregnant now, and ecstatic about it. Hah. Nice round belly, which she calls being fat, when it is clearly only in her belly and nowhere else. She’s still tiny, but looks like she swallowed a soccer ball, poor girl. The presents I’d found for the baby were their theme was animals so a fish shaped mirror with a blue and white frame went really well with everything, and the ceramic nightlight, too.

Been working on “breeding” some more plants out of the ones that I already have, partly because I lost a house plant to lice, and because the fern Cousin Ed and tenant gave us when we moved to the Netherlands is now really giving the spirit. Poor plantsies.

Which reminds me, tenant and Cousin Ed came for a visit one afternoon last week, which was nice for tenant. She had been so curious about our new place, and so we finally set a date where she was brought by special taxi company for disabled people. She really liked visiting, especially looking through pictures and such, but she tired quickly and was seriously pooped when it was time to go home. Poor girl.

And that is about the end of my update today. I told you the last time that I might have good news (was hoping, but had to be sure,  you see) and here we are. Another step further in the life of an author, shall we say, eh?

Have a good one, y’all and I’ll be back soon.

Scouring the news. Grrr

Song of the day: “Black Pearl” by Bryan Adams, preceded by “Something Stupid” from Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman. Now this is what I call diversity, hah.

So let me drop the bomb without hesitation, Spanish political parties are as insane as any other government in the world. Let me explain why: The social party has come with a proposal to pay restitution to the descendants of the Moors, which got the choice “convert, or go in exile” and chose the latter. Now here’s the kicker, they are proposing to offer restitution for what happened…yes, hold onto your hat…what happened in 1492. Oh my gawd! That would be equal to the French paying restitution to Germany for finally throwing out the riffraff after the war, or the Indonesian people paying the Dutch for kicking their buts in the 1900s and taking back their country. Seriously, this kind of crap boggles the mind.

Next cute little bit; According to astronomers there is the disturbing news that for a while now there are less and less explosions occurring on the sun. Said scientists are afraid that the Sun might very well be dying, or DEAD…which, according to them, isn’t all bad because it would make our global warming a rather good thing (I don’t know how they can say this considering the heat isn’t our only problem, hah.) since it would mean that we are heading towards what could very well be an ice age. Aaargh.

Another nice tidbit, there’s going to be an increase in energy prices…so technically with the so called energy and money saving machines and light bulbs we’re going to pay less for more. Marvelous, how very Feng Shui. It almost makes me think that the governments discovered that if people were going to pay less they would decrease the government’s taxes, or something. Now that simply won’t do of course.

I also read a study where they say that newborns of mothers with stressful jobs often have the same shortage in their weight as newborns from smoking mothers. Huh? So does that mean they can just trank future moms during pregnancy, because otherwise her “way of life” is harmful for the baby. I mean, they are basically forcing everything else already, right?

But anyway, this revelation logically would lead me to the conclusion that maybe they made a slight error in judgment amount all those studies of smoking being harmful for babies, ´cause let’s face it, smokers are often people who have a tendency to be stressful. (which is the reason they smoke, right?) And, often smokers are of the working class so maybe the smoking theory was slightly biased. But no, this connection isn’t made. Hah.

In the UK the government can now take away ones’ kids if that kid is obese…Seriously, why not take kids away at birth while they’re born and put them in little children factories where they are prepared be useful little drones for society. *Sigh* (yes that was sarcasm for ya)

The European Union is planning to give a raise to all civil servants of 3.4 percent, and that while we’re in an economic crisis. Who, I wonder, is going to pay for that. Duh. I prefer to laugh about this sort of thing, ‘cause if you don’t, you have to cry. Hah.

The bird-flue is now and endemic in China, the Mexican flue is supposedly a pandemic and if the two mix, first one incredibly deadly, and the second contagious…why, you can say by bye. Then there is also the massive virus that is wreaking havoc in the Ukraine (it already killed over two hundred people, while at least a million are infected and yet I only saw one official notification of it) which apparently turns the lungs into charcoal. Why they would force anyone to vaccinate for the flue is a mystery to me if I think about it. Sort of defeats the purpose if there’s a risk of my lungs turning into charcoal, huh?

Yep, lots of wonderful things going on the world.

Now doesn’t news like that just cheer a body up? I mean seriously, who has time to worry about the economy with stuff like that going on. I sure don’t.

But enough about all that, let’s get on to stuff that is a little less depressing, shall we. What has been going on for the past couple of days? Edits, chores and laundry, of course, while at the same time we are preparing the expansion of the carport roof. What with the temperatures constantly dropping and the first rainy day behind us already, we figure we’re going to need it soon.

First, though, we replaced a couple of corrugated plates on the patio with transparent ones. Considering we need the metal ones for the carport’s expansion, we thought to take the opportunity to create some more light in the patio with the transparent plating. Worked out fine, allowing us to continue on with carport today. Last night I already put together the steeple, so today we should be able to put up the pillars and screw it all together.

While yesterday was miserable weather with thick, misty clouds and rain, at least there was no wind. Today, on the other hand, you can almost take flight in the wind. Yikes. It feels like ice on my skin, and that while I’m wearing a long sleeved T a thick woolen military sweater and a fleece body warmer. Aargh. Luckily, I got me some gloves during shopping, hah. I am using my electric stove for three days now, darn it, ‘cause my cabin is really cold in the evening. Even the poor doggies are clustering together for warmth during the night now.

Our tenant is slowly improving, which is grand to see. Walking (with help yet) is getting easier and more sure, and with a variety of exercises, she is slowly getting mobility in her arm back as well. Stupid physical therapists.

Projects in waiting are, another glass and wood wall for the living room this time, new stairs in the patio, along with a rock wall to cover the natural wall that is already there, and the new furniture for little brother’s room. Yep, still plenty to do…and I should get to it. Hah

Surfing the Net and stuff.

Song of the day: I’ve no idea what the title is; it’s from some kind of Bollywood movie I saw ages ago. I hardly know the lyrics, seeing as it’s Hindi, but what the hey: It’s there.

Today was a total bust edit wise. Big brother and I had to go to town to figure out some mix up with the car insurance, and we had to go to the Gestoria (they arrange official stuff ‘round here) to finally get my official car papers. Yay. I am now the official owner of a Land Rover Defender. It’s my first, and I gotta admit that it was a pretty darn good buy. Hah.

But anyway, even though with the insurance everything worked out to satisfaction, it is quite impossible to set my mind to edit work, so instead of getting to it once we’re at home, the morning chores are dealt with and a much needed dip in the pool is behind me, I decide to roam the net a bit.

Oh, this reminds me, while sitting at the insurance broker’s place, I read the local paper, and according to an article I read there, the Spanish fir is actually flourishing due to climate change.
After many years of draughts, plagues and God knows what else, since last year the firs are flourishing at an incredible rate. Well, such news always cheers me up; nothing like a bit of good news for a change.

Second bit of news: New rules along the Andalusia coast. Fishermen can only be there after 9 PM ‘till 10 AM.
Radios, cassette players of music players of any kind, including musical instruments, are no longer allowed in certain areas. If one has the nerve to take them along, it’ll cost that unfortunate individual a 300 € fine.
Beach masseurs (apparently they were all the thing near Marbella) need to qualify at city hall, and pay 105 € to get a certificate, all of this to protect the unsuspecting tourist of course. Now, personally I don’t see why anyone would let a total stranger massage him or her on the beach, but what the heck. According to the article, ten people already applied, but they all want to have the Puerto Banus beach, since they get the best tips there. *sigh*
Another couple of local beaches have new rules where you can’t have a fire anymore, no more dogs, (unless you want to be fined) you can’t have beach games anymore either, unless you are in a designated area, and only certain games.
Then there are beaches where you aren’t allowed to go further from the shore than 25 meters (approx. 30 yards) to ensure safety, or some such.
Really, these sorts of rules make me frown. What am I? An idiot, who can’t be allowed to measure out something sensibly and maybe take a risk or two if I’m so inclined. Does the average person need to be protected against oneself, or something? What about personal responsibility…it seems that in the name of safety, any and all freedom can be taken away.
I swear, when I read this sort of thing, it always reminds of movies such as “I Robot” where some computer (aka the ones in control) decide that for me to live safely, it would simply be best to lock everyone up in a padded room where at least they’ll (humanity) be safe.

The Spanish authorities have reported an increase in convicting drivers that saw it fit to drive around the country without a valid drivers license (or none, in many cases), which, according to the article can result in 3 to 6 month incarceration and a hefty fine. The demographic, apparently, are men over 50, mostly foreigners, who see it fit to tour through Spain when they can’t do it elsewhere. And then there are all sorts of violations, now punishable by incarceration: Reckless driving, driving without license points, drunk or drugged: All of them punishable by 3 months to 2 years in prison. They did state that if one doesn’t have a prior record it is likely that the judge will rule for civil service or a hefty fine instead. Well, that certainly is nice to know.

Another nice tidbit: the risk for getting skin cancer (the most dangerous kind) is 75% for anyone who frequents a sun bed/tanning bed before the age of thirty. Big surprise. Now the fun part (not a fun haha, mind you) is that we were talking about this in the car, right before reading the piece. I was saying that I was convinced that sun beds HAD to be far more dangerous than the sun itself (the sun is vital nonetheless, considering it provides vitamin E and D, and all sorts of essential stuff to survive) and voila, there it was, written down in black and white. Now what are the chances of that, I ask you? It must have been in the air, hah.

The forest fires in Spain appear to be pretty bad. Another death was added to those that already fell during the past few weeks. From what I’ve heard, people started most of the fires, so that goes to show that you can find idiots anywhere. Personally, I don’t see the attraction for lighting a forest fire. I mean, what’s the point? Ah well, arsonists, they’re a breed apart, or so I’ve seen in movies. Remember Donald Sutherland in “Backdraft”: Perfectly, and utterly insane. Fun to see in a movie, but definitely not someone I’d want to meet in real life.

New trend in the Netherlands, I believe: You can buy a hug-day…I know, I was like: “Huh?” too. Apparently, you can buy one for yourself, or someone else, and then proceed to spend a day hugging cows. Yep, you read it right. COWS! I had no idea that this was in demand, but…yeah…okay: It takes all kinds, I guess.

Also, there appears to be a town called “Fucking” in Austria, of which the population is outraged about tourists going there to make-out in front of the town and snap a picture. Now, first of all, why would that be remotely interesting to do (as a tourist, that is) and second…yeah, it might be a good idea to change the name of the town just a bit; that should keep the nutters at bay, I would think.

And than, the winner of all articles: Text messaging in the car is more dangerous than talking in the phone. DUHUH! REALLY?
Wow, I really had no idea that writing a message on a tiny screen with tiny buttons to press, would be more dangerous than just talking to your best bud on the phone.
Gawd. The things that fill up space, it boggles the mind at times.

Well that, basically, sums up a day of surfing over all the “interesting” bits of news on the Web. I don’t know; I might have done better in getting down to the edit, ‘cause I have that distinct feeling of my brain shorting out - the way it tends to do whenever I read this kind of crap.

On to the day:
When I finally finish with my messages it’s time (a little late, actually) to head up to the carport and start on today’s building. While big brother and grandpa headed up to the old horse stable to do some repairs on it, I started on little brother’s window. I actually manage to get the entire thing done in the hours available - minus the painting, that is - and both little brother and sister helped with the process, which is always fun.

Afterwards, running a little later than we’d intended we hear out to get more reed. The temperatures are a tad higher than the last few times, and half an hour into the cutting (heavy work that) perspiration is literally streaming down my face. Phew. We got a good load, though, filled the cab up to the windows.

Once home there is the necessary dip in the pool - my, does that stuff itch and sting - we head into the crazy pack to have dinner before the evening draws to an end.

Yep, only another edit to go and then it’s off to bed for me.