A-Z 2013 - Grasshopper Parable Revisited

I just love parables; don't you? A gentle approach of delivery for basic standards within one's family and community. Aesop's The Grasshopper and the Ant is one of my favorites because it reminds us all that we are, in fact, responsible for our own lives and have to make choices. Are our children not being exposed to Aesop's Fables, anymore? I know the latest children's stories talk about bullying, sharing, self-esteem, etc. and that's important; but, where are the stories about personal responsibility for taking charge of our own lives? By now, you've probably figured out that this is sort of a gripe post -- so, if you don't want to go further, you won't hurt my feelings.  In the words of Scarlett O'Hara, "Tomorrow, is another day!"

Let me, at the outset, say that this post is NOT about people who are infirm and/or incapable of making independent choices about their lives. Our own humanity impels us to care for them as we would want to be cared for in the same circumstances.  What I am talking about are those who choose to not take care of themselves, either through attitude or a misplaced sense of entitlement, and expect everyone else to pay their bills. And, I'm not even going to  mention people who know how to work the system with false injury claims. Not a word.

In my opinion, if you want to live independently and have a say in what happens in your life, you have to pay your own way. That means you pay for your own shelter, food, clothing, the whole ball of wax.  If you think, when out of work, that

• you are too good to take a job because you're educated above it
• you have a right to today's latest high-tech item just released

you're wrong.

Unless a job offer requires illegal activity on your part, it's a job and it will help you pay your bills. Too educated; it's time for an attitude adjustment. I've watched grown men let their families go hungry because the industry they had been working in collapsed and they refused to work for less money in jobs they felt were beneath them. I don't doubt for a nanosecond that it's depressing; but it's a job, until what you want comes along -- or, not. And, that could mean you have to switch to a different vocation. Jobs evolve with the generations and colleges produce way too many workers in specific fields because that's how they make money. As a contributing adult in your world, your job is to find a way to pay your bills without living off the backs of other people.  [stepping down from soapbox]

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

A-Z 2013 - Failing is Not Always Our Fault

NOT MY FAULT!!!

 

It's the end of the first week for the Challenge and I've been feeling the pressure. Until my own "Do it for the Gipper!" pep-talk, I felt like a failure. Why? Because, last year, I promised myself that I would have all my posts done and ready for this year's challenge and let myself down. Alas, I was lower than pond scum.  

 

Then, I had a nice little rest, forgave myself, and decided to simply handle it in the same frenetic way as the previous challenges -- I rationalized why there were no posts scheduled and waiting for me to hit the 'Publish' button. It was so easy to rationalize, that I wonder why I hadn't thought of it, before (r-r-r-i-i-i-ght).  I have forgiven myself, as I know you have and will simply share some other thoughts on failure.

EQUIPMENT LETDOWN

POOR DEPTH PERCEPTION
 

POOR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

I rest my petition for forgiveness.

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

A-Z 2013 - Exercise, Envy, Expedience

Spring has arrived but my body is still very much showing the effects of my selfless disposal of holiday treats -- perpetuating a cycle of 'waste not, waist not.'  Truth be told (and, who doesn't, when we're talking exercise), it's a way of making sure I don't topple off my favorite barstool midst anecdotal rhetoric. 'Cycle' is the word to keep in mind.

Through the years, I've managed (along with my friends) to accumulate several helpful accoutrements in the battle of the bulge, attempting to return to a respectable weight and form (don't have to buy a whole new wardrobe). Viewed together, I noticed that most of them fell into a category requiring the least amount of movement on my part during use. For instance, none required my leaving the house, or, much more than using the equipment for a specific muscle group.

Remember the old Thigh Master?  I remember it. Used it straight from the box, that day. I remember my arms weren't strong enough to squeeze the blue handles close enough together to even get the unit between my thighs -- never mind, my thighs being able to do the squeezing, once in place!  Suffice to say, Suzanne Sommers retains title to tightest thighs.

This was followed by the bright idea that I could watch television AND lose weight, cycling my way through the Travel and Discovery Channels, as the pounds just melted off. Turns out, cycling while sitting in an armchair is a lot harder than shown on the box and my feet kept slipping out of those restraints. I knew there had to be a better device.

It was at that point my friends and I decided that upper body exercise was probably more important, and the exercise ball was such a pretty blue. Alas, within minutes of failed inflation, it came back to me that I was the kid who simply couldn't blow up a balloon. I know. I know. I could have used the inflator, but I wasn't thinking at the time and, a few days later, I was ready to move on to something that would really work. The exercise ball still looks like this.

 

Finally, something I was pretty good at as a child -- jump roping -- was gonna do the trick! Yes, I could jump with the best of them; especially, double Dutch jumping. This was a shoe-in. Not! Apparently, as the body changes with the passing of time, jumping higher than four inches in rapid succession is not as easy as one might think. And, kicking up the heels -- well, that doesn't have to be discussed, here.  But, aren't they pretty? They are still tight in their natural fresh-from-the-store packaging bend. Don't you wish you had a set?

Moving on, word was out that belly-dancing was perfect. No jumping! Maybe not an official exercise program but it's a fantastic full-body exercise. I excelled at making the costumes. Would you believe this was me?  I didn't think so -- or, is that envy talking?

With the recent acquisition of a most expedient exercise tool, I have now removed all my old body-beautiful equipment from the closet and donated it to Good Will. I bet you want one, too; right?

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

A-Z 2013 - Doors of Our Lives

Every time we face a door, we are making a choice that will affect our lives and our souls. Open it and discover a whole new world or hate turning that knob because only negative people and numbing activities await you. Whether it's the same door, or not, your life does change, in increments or with a fast whoosh! We're not always in control of what's on the other side -- choices you can't avoid or will welcome with open arms, are already heading your way. But, as I've said before in one of my New Year's toasts . . .

If you fear the unknown, may you find the inner strength to take a chance.
If you rush to the unknown, may you know the difference between exploration and running away.
If you desire the unknown, may you be well-prepared for the journey.
If you are asked to share the unknown, may it be your decision and the very best choice for you.

And, at the close of each year, may your choices reflect a year of seized opportunity, new-found courage, and a deeper understanding of your family and friends. But, most of all, may you discover peace and an acceptance of yourself.

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

A-Z 2013 - Creative Cupcakes Cause Crises

This is a cupcake -- today's version of a cupcake. Everywhere you look, today, you'll find little works of art gracing the covers of magazines that used to have beautiful normal cakes. Where have those lovely cakes gone?

I understand the premise, believe me. Everyone should have their very own complete cake and this new trend is adorable -- to a point. And that point ends where my desire to share your special day with a baked surprise is now under pressure to create not one big, lovely, cake but a dozen or so highly creative mini-cakes that are, themselves, works of art.

Do I not have enough to do, to prove my love? Do young mothers today have to face the scorn of their peers because they haven't buckled under to the this new 'prove your love' decorating? Now, I know that baking cupcakes doesn't take all day. Just pour the batter into the pan and bake. Plop that old frosting on the top and dribble some sprinkles and you have a plate of mini-cakes. NO! You can't do that, anymore! Today's mothers have to create the ultimate, most gorgeous, most unique treasures ever. Fondant has replaced edible frostings (sorry, fondant tastes yucky, to me) because you can work it like clay. And, that's the problem.

Not everyone is an artist. But, not to worry, because craft stores have come to your rescue by providing a gazillion decorating and packaging accessories to make it easier for you to slip this decorating gig into your already busy day. Now, you have no excuse. You are not only under the spotlight for decorating to perfection, you are emptying your pocketbook to ensure you have the right this-and-that to make it happen. It's becoming the new Scrapbooking craft.  I can't imagine the pressure.

But, I would like to have another one, thankyouverymuch!

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

A-Z 2013 - Being There

"What would you like me to do?" "Can I help?" "Just give me a call, if you need me." While meant with good intentions, sometimes -- well, most times -- it would be better to just do something without waiting for instruction. Whatever the problem that instigates the offer, the person you want to help is probably not able to think clearly and deciding what you can do to help is often more than they can face, so they say it's okay, everything's fine, you go on your way, and nothing's done.

A very dear friend demonstrated just how important it can be to simply take charge and handle the little things that need to be done when someone you care about is going through a traumatic situation. While we may like to feel our lives are unique, we all perform the same basic rituals to get through our days -- shopping, cleaning, washing clothes, ironing, yard work, etc. -- well, you get the idea. A simple regular task done for them can mean so much to someone dealing with grief. Setting up a clipboard to keep track of things to do -- people to call, food brought by whom and in what container -- may seem so obvious that no one actually gets one set up! Don't wait to be told, take charge and do what you can for them. It's really nothing more than what you would like to have done for you. 

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

A-Z 2013 - A Writing App for This Year!

This year's 2013 A-Z Challenge is going to be sooooooo easy! Oh, yes. Because, I've invented an app that makes writing a cinch. Just type in one word using that day's beginning letter, press return, and -- voila! -- your post is done, waiting to be inserted into your blog. Now, isn't that cool!

There's a button at the end that lets you link up to your blog for posting. How great is that!

I wonder how much I should sell it for? or, if I should just make it available for everyone? or, exactly how I should approach Apple? Would you get one? Should I make it in a variety of colors? Does that even matter? Imagine being able to give your readers a spell-checked, informative, pre-linked post after entering just one word.  I think that's cool; don't you?  April Fool!

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

Reflections on A-Z Writing Challenge for 2012

It's over... phew! April came so FAST, this year; don't you think?



  I do want to thank all of the Co-Hosts of this year's Challenge and hope those of you who are reading this will also take the time to pop over and give them some comment love, too!

• Arlee Bird of Tossing It Out http://tossingitout.blogspot.com
• Alex J. Cavanaugh  http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com
• Stephen Tremp at Breakthrough Blogs  http://breakthroughblogs.blogspot.com
• Jenny Pearson at Pearson Report  http://pearsonreport.blogspot.com
• Matthew McNish at The QQQE  http://theqqqe.blogspot.com
• Tina Downey at Life is Good  http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com
• Jeremy Hawkins at Retro-Zombie  http://izombielover.blogspot.com
• DL Hammons at Cruising Altitude  http://dlcruisingaltitude.blogspot.com
• Shannon Lawrence at The Warrior Muse  http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com
• 
  Elizabeth Mueller  http://elizabethmueller.blogspot.com
• Damyanti Biswas at Amlokiblogs  http://amloki.blogs;pot.com
• Karen Gowen at Coming Down the Mountain http://karenjonesgowen.blogspot.com
• Konstanz Silverbow at No Thought 2 Small  http://nothought2small.blogspot.com

Because I didn't do what I originally planned to do, my trek through the alphabet was eclectic, to say the least. I tried to think ahead but usually found myself working on just two or three at a time. Next year, I plan to do better! (Yup. That's what I'm going to do. Sure.)  I did meet some bloggers who shared my interests, but many immediately following my ranking were too extreme for me. But, I am composing my Guest Blogger requests and features for upcoming posts, and that should fill up the next few months.

My highlights were actually getting the postings completed on time, except, for that one instance when I hit the wrong timing button and I had to manually publish it. (Bad me...)  There's so much going on in my life, right now, that daily posting was harder than last year but still well worth the attempt. I love how it forces the mind to focus and stretch, at the same time.

I didn't have a theme and I'm not sure I want one -- although, that may well change by next year. I hate to be confined to one topic and so will just have to think about this over the next few months. Coming up with ideas for each letter wasn't difficult until the xyz's.  But, that's the fun of the Challenge.

Some sites made commenting too hard with their word verification still on and WordPress sites made some commenting too involved. I would give them two tries and that was it. I love that Blogger has now allowed me to reply to each commentor but, for this Challenge, I saved the commentors to a separate folder to make sure I got everyone for my responses and visits.

NEXT year, I will plan my posts in advance and get them all lined up. Next year, I will plan my posts in advance and get them all lined up. Next year, I will plan... -- But, there will be a next year.

I don't know how you can change the way you're doing things to be more effective. If it's broken up, then it's a different Challenge, altogether; isn't it? I love visiting the other blogs but I'm not going to follow all of them, if their subject matter is something I wouldn't normally follow, and I would expect the same from them. As an example, as enjoyable as visiting gaming bloggers, I'm not going to follow them. There has to be something of a shared interest and, with all the new bloggers on board, there's still plenty for everyone.

Again, I want to thank everyone and hope to see you, next year!

Z is for Zipping the A-Z Writing Challenge Closed

Z is for Zipped and Done in the 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge.

It seemed right that Zippers should be the final entry in this year's challenge.  Finished the project and zipping it closed until next year -- that's what I'm doing. Never thought I'd finish, with all the outside things to do begging for attention; but, apparently, there's little else to do between the hours of two and three in the morning, and, so, why not prepare the next post!

We all love zippers, whether worn hidden in high-fashion or used as a statement in high-fashion, they make keeping ourselves contained so much easier; don't you think?  Why is it that they are rarely referred to in novels? Just curious. Not sure how I'd do it but I know any one of you great authors out there can create the right scenario. I give you the 'go-to-it' sign!




Obviously, this is far too in-your-face for my tastes; unless, of course, it's attached to a very good-looking young man looking for some cougar moments... (I digress... 's'cuse)

Yet, we definitely want access to our many-pocketed gear holders and need them to be very obvious so that we know at a glance that they are closed and our contents safe, especially, when coming down the airline baggage chute!





The only ones that irritate me, no end, are the nylon zippers that pop open in the center(!) and then you spend so much time trying to get them closed, evenly. And, they do this at the most inappropriate moments; don't you think?

But, fellow Challengers, it's been a lovely April with so many interesting posts I've yet to visit (but, will, in the upcoming months) and hope that you've enjoyed the Challenge, too! Yes, it's time to close this year's event and tell you that I look forward to participating in next year's, as well. I even think I might get some posts scheduled, in advance. Ha, ha, ha. This last is not a real zipper but I loved the artist's conception and couldn't resist!












For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

Y is for Yellowback A-Z Writing Challenge

Y is for Yellowback in the 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge.

Okay. Admit it. Some of you writers here on the Challenge have, in fact, read a cheap, sensational, novel; right? Novelette? Never?!?  Mmmmmmm... I dunno.... I just dunno. If I told you that there's something to be said for a quick read that requires little, if any, thinking on your part, would you give it a try? C'mon, you can do it... it's just some cheap, sensational, yellowback, novel.


Yellow journalism is the lowest a writer can possibly go, in my opinion; but, writing a yellowback novel can be the start of a very lucrative career -- especially, under a catchy nom de plume. You're not tearing anyone down; you're just killing the King's English and taking the high road on prurient interest. You know people buy them. People just don't admit to buying them. "Someone" always gave it to them... or, they found it at the bus station. Right.
I think for a book to qualify as a Yellowback novel, it has to be, first of all, at least 200 pages long. Secondly, it must contain some form of sexy scene every nine pages, regardless of plot. The main character has to be enjoying erotic bliss in one form or another before discovering -- "Oh, oh, oh... that's it, Baby, that's perfect. You're the bes... -- Wait! What was I thinking? Of course!" -- the next clue. 

Yup, right in the short rows, all action stops and our hero says, "Love the moment, Babe, but just figured out why that key was in my sock! Gotta go. Will call, Babe. I promise. I'll bring donuts."

And, off we go for another eight pages, until the hero succumbs to a little dalliance or the left-behind lady remembers "... that moment, when his hands..."


The jacket design may or may not relate to the actual story between the covers. It's at the whim of Design and what is selling au courant. If red and white checked jackets are moving books off the shelves, you can bet your sweet bippy, there'll be red and white checks on your cover. But, that's not the point.

The point is, yellowback writing is such fun to read. It gives your mind a chance to just let go and enjoy the ride -- and, oftentimes, that release helps resolve some sticky issues you may be having, elsewhere. We all know that to distract the mind will often leave room for solutions, so wouldn't it make sense to use that distraction time to read some wonderful yellowback novel?

You'll never know, if you don't try. And, should you find that you just can't bring yourself to admit that you paid for it, you can tell family and friends that I loaned it to you. Yippee!



For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

X is for Xylophone A-Z Writing Challenge

X is for Xylophone in the 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge.

The xylophone is often confused with the vibraphone but they are two very distinctly different percussion instruments. For an in-depth clarification, here's a nice start.  With the xylophone being the oldest, dating back to 3500 B.C., it's an easy one to construct yourself, or, so they say. The toys we see are based on the xylophone, having a distinct tone for each rib. Can you remember these?







But, my love of this percussion instrument came with listening to Benny Goodman's Band
and hearing Lionel Hampton, an all-round percussionist, make the angels cry with his vibraphone virtuosity. Here he is, introduced by none other than the Rage, Miss Patti Page, playing Flying Home on national television in 1957. Enjoy.





 

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

W is for Winning! Wrong! WTF! - A-Z Writing Challenge

W is for Winning! Wrong! WTF! in the 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge.

We all enjoy winning, don't we? Well, I do. Not every time there's a competition or drawing, but, at least, winning my share over a lifetime.  (Okay. That's a lie. I do want to win ALL the time.) But, when you don't even realize you're in the running, winning is an even sweeter surprise. A feeling shared by my Gentleman Caller.




Apparently, it's a wonderful thing to win the shirt off a hockey player's back at the end of the season. My guess is, you really have to be a fan to want this, er, ah, honor. An honor, it appears, my Gentleman Caller aspires to and was beside himself with joy when he saw his name emblazoned on the big screen during the final period! Wow! He wasted no time scurrying down to the winner's circle.

What were the odds? His excitement knew no bounds. But, wait! Imagine his shock when he was told, after showing his Driver's License for identification, that he didn't win. Nope, seems somebody else with the same name won.  WTF?   When introduced to each other (that must have been a head-snapping moment), they shake hands and begin to exchange personal information. OG (Other Gentleman) and my Gentleman Caller (GC) are almost the same age. And, he is, in fact, the winner because the prize shirt is given to a seat number. wtf...

OG and GC begin talking and discover they live in the same town, attended the same college (OG entered college in the fall of the year GC graduated), followed the same careers, have season tickets that are in side-by-side sections of the same row. Will definitely get together, again. Winning!



For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

V is for Vegetables and Visions A-Z Writing Challenge

V is for Vegetables and Visions in the 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge.

Most of you know that I like to garden -- edible vegetables!  Oh, yeah, and, last night was my first meal from this year's garden, luscious fresh spinach with a variety of lettuces, green onions, and fresh herbs for my dressing. The broccoli heads were at different stages, but enough for a side dish.

It was during the selection of the best leaves and broccoli, plucking unwanted weeds, and watching my garden toad check for bugs, that it slowly dawned on me that my mind had retreated to that creative place so often visited in my studio when listening to classical music. It was like a holy place.

I know. I know. That could be an extreme example but, yet, gardening is a very spiritual experience. You're trowel-in-handing the very life process that has sustained mankind since mankind discovered what seeds could do, how to keep them over winter, plant in the spring, and feed his family the following year. You've joined a long line of ancestors, performing the same simple tasks, leaving the mind free to wonder, wander, and -- oh, you know where I'm going -- and, write. Yes, write. The visions and thoughts you have while gardening is mental note-taking at its finest -- at least, for me.

This is this year's crop of mixed greens, butter crunch lettuce, spinach, and the Roma tomatoes in the back of my waist-high garden.  Can you see the stand of green onions behind them? I love this garden. And, yes, I munch on fresh spinach as I check for weeds. It's all totally mindless and, when the church bells ring the hour, I'm often overwhelmed with the joy and beauty of keeping a garden.

Now, mind you, the garden and orchard I keep in my retirement is nothing compared to the gardens I kept when I was younger. But, it more than feeds my smaller circle with plenty to put up for winter and spring use. And, it feeds my soul. So many half-finished ideas are firmed up whilst in the garden. Solutions to problems are revealed.  And, new ideas sink deeper roots than when I'm anywhere else. I don't have my phone with me. No, this is my communion time with nature. No question, there's plenty of thoughts of food; but, the simplicity of it generates food for thought. At least, for me.

Where do you find your moments for ideas? Do you have a special corner for your retreat and reflection? I used to think I needed a specially-designed corner (and, I do love them!) but, rarely do I get my best ideas when enjoying their privacy. Nope, it's the vegetable garden... I'm pretty sure I was a peasant in my previous lives. Have a great day. I'm gonna have a great salad!



For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

U is for Unctuous Undercurrents- A-Z Writing Challenge

U is for Unctuous in the 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge.

Okay. I have to apologize. I hit the wrong date for publishing and this was supposed to be online, first thing PDT.... (I hang my head in shame.)
Definition of UNCTUOUS

1 a: fatty, oily b: smooth and greasy in texture or appearance; 2: plastic <fine unctuous clay> and,

3: full of unction; especially: revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality

We've all known them, not because we sought them out but because they were brought to us by others equally smitten by their charms. You know who I mean, that suave (slick suave, not classy suave) individual who looks at you with all the innocence of an angel. They say all the right things, appear to do all the right things and, yet, something inside tells us they are being unctuous to a fault -- at our expense. Think Eddie Haskell of Leave It To Beaver.  (I wonder: did the writer even suggest 'unctuous' as a character aid?)


Isn't that the sweetest face, on earth? But, that's because he knows how to set his features into what pleases the one he's conning. That mind has a whole different set of plans working. As it is with most con men/women.

More than most of us, these fellow humans have figured out how to read us. They know exactly how to say what we want to hear before moving in for the kill -- whether it's your pocketbook or your sense of security. The charlatans don't wear signs. Sadly, most of us don't see what they were until after the damage has been done.

Would you buy a used car from this smarmy gentleman? Wouldn't you rather he be called unctuous?




Unctuous is such a great word, really; don't you think? Yet, I've rarely seen it used in novels to describe characters. Oh, you get descriptions of backhanded, mealy-mouthed, double-dealing, fake, hypocritical, two-faced, insincere... and others you can think of, but, why won't fiction writers use "unctuous" when describing a jerk/jerkette? Is it because it's so complete in its own definition that writers would be left with nothing else to say?

Just askin'... I'm not a fiction writer, as anyone can readily see from my (at this moment) very empty fiction blog! (Sigh... ) Would I stop reading, once you told me that new guy was unctuous, because I know how it all ends? What do you think?



For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!