Does that mean I don’t wish to pack as efficiently as possible? Of course not. I pride myself on my efficiency (Pride goeth before downfall conversations can happen later, thank you very much. I don’t need the lectures).

As a result of my anal retentive/obsessive compulsive need to pack as little as possible, I created a spreadsheet.

Yes, a spreadsheet. 

In this remarkable document, I can color code and arrange outfits, see whether I need to pack more shoes – or fewer, see if my sweaters that I plan on packing for the cold office go with anything else. And I can also see if I have enough tank tops! I think it’s brilliant.  My co-workers and friends that I’ve talked to and/or showed this to think I’m nutty. So? I guess they have further proof that I’m a little odd sometimes.

In my defense, the more room I have  in my luggage means the more room I have to carry home lobster….yummy delicious lobster.

My first attempt was not very successful. It was flavorless and thin…I blamed the yeast for the latter and the lack of some sort of sweetener for the former. I tried a new recipe and this time the bread was very flavorful and not asflat, though still not as round and pouffy as I would have liked. This time I blamed my baking implement (after all, none of this could be MY fault) a 6 qt. enameled dutch oven. I’ve decided I need a smaller pot in order to bake the loaves.

For those who don’t know what this technique is all about, it’s a slow rise, no knead bread–and by slow, I mean 12-18 hours for the first rise–that simulates the beautiful crusty breads you can buy at the specialty bread stores.

Here are  a couple of  options more detailed than the overview I’ve provided: 1. google NY Times kneadless bread. The original recipe should come up right away. 2. go to the bookstore and buy Kneadlessly Simple by Nancy Baggett or one of the Artisan Breads in 5 Minutes a Day books by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois.

Out of Kneadlessly Simple, I am currently rising the Chocolate Honey Bread and the Sweet Dough for Streusel. I am chomping at the bit here, people. The dough smells all yeasty and delicious….did I mention I have no patience? Pictures will follow….

The most exciting March development for me is that I began germinating seeds last night for my garden. I have 2 large trays set out on my kitchen window sill and, hopefully, in a week I will have some emerging seedlings.

I’ve heard the debate between Fall and Spring and which is better and I have to say, Spring has my vote all the way. Sure, everything is brown and gross when it starts but there is nothing better than seeing emerging tulips coming up from the ground and seeing everything turn green. Green is, after all, my favorite color (next to aqua of course…but they go so well together).

This week I noticed all sorts of plants coming up in my front flower bed and I expect the next few weeks I’ll have blooms galore. Even if I didn’t have the promise of the tulips, allium and crocus that I planted last fall to look forward to, I am more than pleased by the peeking leaves.

Now I only have to remind myself that patience is a virtue (one that I have in short supply) and soon enough my vegetable garden will be in full swing. In three or four months’ time I’ll be desperately wondering why I planted so much as I’m sweating and slaving in the kitchen canning away. And then in December I’ll be grateful for those canned tomatoes when I make a fresh batch of salsa….but I get ahead of myself.

Happy Spring!

Chris Hardwick and Crafting.

I guess, since I’m writing this post, that those two words are likely to get even bigger. The purpose of this blog was not necessarily to talk solely about my celebrity crush and crafting. Chris Hardwick does not make up a large chunk of my life–side note, crafting does–generally speaking.

The intention of this blog is to tie all aspects of my life together–crafting, writing, cooking and weird, randomness. So far…well, it’s been hit and miss.

Lately, I’ve had trouble remembering where I put things, what I’m doing, etc. so it’s not surprising that I’ve had a hard time find a balance in my life.  Calendar balancing alone is not getting the job done. There has to be someone out there with a process that would work for me.

What do you do to keep track and balance your life?

Just after having this amazing brunch at this great restaurant we started back to the car. It was icy and crappy outside. Now if it hadn’t been for the two Minneapolis Police Cars sitting in the middle of a parking lot I never would have noticed this. By some stoke of misfortune a patron of a local business got into their car, put it in drive, and started to drive away. What they didn’t notice until it was too late was that instead of placing their car into reverse they actually did put their car into drive. They must not have been moving too fast which made them drive hit the gas. This caused the car to go through the snow bank in front of the car. And then some brush, a fence, another snowbank, until the poor driver smashed this new-er white car into the side of a yellow house.

I took this picture with my phone so it’s not great but if you look closely at the left side of the house about halfway back you can see the car.

When the moment of shock and bewilderment past I did let out a little chuckle. Seriously how does this happen? Oops? Sorry I ran my car into your HOUSE!!!!

There was another patron leaving brunch standing on the corner near where I snapped this photo. We chatted a bit, he seemed to have a better idea of what was going on. He was a nice guy just making small talk. That was until a woman appeared frantically yelling at us, “I’m glad you find this funny, how would you feel if a car ran into your house?” followed by “I’m sure you would like it if people took pictures of your house when something bad happened”. OK, so I get it. I would be mad too if this just happened to me but really? really? This lady found it necessary to scream at us as we strolled down the street. At that point its was as funny as the need for her to give complete strangers a piece of her mind.

It gets better, he husband then joined it. “yeah it sure would be funny, ha-ha, I’m really excited about my house showing up on YouTube or Twitter because some dumb person drove their car into my house”. We continued to be accosted for another few lines. It wasn’t worth my time. I just kept walking.

The last thing he said, in a very sarcastic manner was, “Thanks for visiting our neighborhood.” Until I met this couple I did actually have a nice visit to this neighborhood. But that personally just made me mad. Knowing how he felt and the strong feelings that he and his wife had and the need to share their opinions I might have let it pass. But you know what buddy, Karma sucks, you’re an ass. Here’s a picture of your house on the internet. Sorry about the car in your living room. 

Here’s a little about the walk:

We are fundraising again this year to help support the animals that Animal Humane Society cares for every day. Animals suffer the effects of tough times and this is exactly the time when our commitment must be at its strongest. We have committed as a team to do what we can to help all of the animals in need. We even have new team members this year to help make an even bigger impact.

Will you help too? Please consider giving what you can.

And this year, to show our appreciation, all gifts over 50 dollars will be given a choice of a fleece dog toy or cat toy to give to your very own bundle of fur, or, if you like, you can choose to purchase a toy off of one of our team etsy sites:

Deanna’s page: www.etsy.com/shop/notyouraveragemartha
Erin’s page: www.etsy.com/shop/theknittingNord

Waggin’ for Dollars Team Pledge page: http://events.animalhumanesociety.org/site/TR/Walk/General?team_id=7860&pg=team&fr_id=1110

The Walk for Animals is about gathering and celebrating, but mostly, it’s about helping animals less fortunate than our own. This is the Animal Humane Society’s major, stand-up-on-your-hind-legs-and-bark fundraising event. Nearly over 35,000 companion animals depend on AHS – and on you!

It just goes to show that a little crafting can go a long way toward helping out a great cause!

What happens when you have no plot?

I am cursed with pretty good characters who seem to never do anything. I guess arguably, then, they aren’t good at all. Where do plots hide?What makes a conflict plottable? I’ve often wondered this as I search the depths of my brain for a good conflict.

Here’s a test(which is taken from the real life questions I ask myself when trying to determine if I should take something seriously):

1. Does this problem complicate my life?

If no…move on.
If yes…is it an “I can’t have PB&J for lunch because I’m out of PB” crisis or an “I can’t go to work because my leg was broken, my car is on fire, I was hit by a little person dressed up as a seal swinging a bat, etc, etc.” kind of crisis.
–>If it’s the first…move on.
–>The second…okay we have something. Maybe.

2.Does it complicate the lives of my immediate circle?

If no…move on*.
If yes…does it inconvenience your circle or does it blow up their world?
–>The first…move on*.
–>The second…how? And is there loss of limb?

3. Does it complicate the lives of those outside your circle?

If no…move on**.
If yes…does it inconvenience them or does it blow up the world?
–>The first…move on***.
–>The second…how? Is it a figurative “blow up” or were bombs involved?

4. Does this problem destroy the world?

If no…do you wish it had?
If yes…are you to blame?

These are a few questions I ask myself before embarking on a plot adventure. Perhaps you can use them as well, but if not, I don’t really care.

Ciao and happy writing,
D

*Unless the point of your plot is inconvenience, really, you’re better off moving on to something more solid UNLESS your objective is a very short and/or annoying, melodramatic story. If you can prove me wrong, I urge you to do so.
**Unless item 3 is true. Not every story has to have a world focus.
***Unless the inconvenience is something like zombie dogs and you’re a mail carrier delivering brains. That might be an inconvenience, but it might also be plottable.

PS…I made these up just now.

After the show at the Acme Comedy Company in Minneapolis

I have to say, when I met him, it wasn’t awkward at all. Which leads me to conclude that comedians take gushing fans better than writers. Though, I don’t think that statement would surprise anyone, by any means.

Perhaps it wasn’t the meeting at all but my approach. I was calm and cool despite what my twinkling eyes and devilish grin in the picture above might lead you to believe. I presented him with common ground–or rather a common acquaintance–that we shared and it diffused any awkwardness that might have emerged.

In any case, the show was a blast. Chris Hardwick is a funny, funny man and I enjoyed seeing him at Acme. I’m also grateful that my friend Tori kept her wits about her, siddled up to the him after the show and was kind enough to make me stand with her.

And that’s how I got my picture. Awesome.

Last summer, I had the privilege to meet one of my favorite authors, Maria V. Snyder.  Maria’s books are fun and well written with engaging plots and characters you care about immediately. The best part for me is that we attended the same program at Seton Hill University giving me a personal connection, in a way.

While attending the annual In your Write Mind writing retreat I came in contact with her several times and, by the way, she was very nice over the course of the weekend. The first time we met I told her how wonderful her books are and that I’ve basically started the Minnesota chapter of her fan club since everyone I recommend the books to end up loving them. I was gushing but trying not to and in the end I felt awkward. Part of me wonders if I felt this way because I didn’t let my geek flag fly and nerd out to her about how much I loved her books.

Is there an age when gushing is no longer cute and instead seems desperate? As in, I have no life of my own so I emmerse myself in the world you created and meeting you is the penultimate moment in my so far pathetic life? Okay, maybe it’s not that dire, but the point has been made.

Which brings me to this: If I was a” known” individual, whether it be through film, TV, or novels, would I want a fan gushing over me?

Of course I would…but I also recognize that it might get old, which, is why I hold back, I think. Since I will be seeing Maria again and again at retreat, I’m guessing that will flush itself out.

But what do I do about Chris Hardwick?

Tomorrow night, my husband and I are going to the Acme Comedy Company in Minneapolis, MN to see Chris Hardwick perform. I admit, I have a HUGE geek crush on him. I think he’s adorable. If he comes out after the show to meet the pleebs, you can bet I’ll be there, camera in hand to have my picture taken with him.

Do I gush? Do I play it cool? What do I say? What do I do? Look at me, I’m all verklempt.

In the end I’ll probably say something bland and awkward since you’re never funny when you want to be. I’ll certainly post about it Friday–hopefully, with picture!