Wow, I can't believe that the last time I blogged my random thoughts was way back in April. Ah, yes, I remember April well; it was still snowing! Welcome June, thankfully it is not snowing, however I must admit I am a little tired of the rain and my accompanying puffy hair! Not much helping my hair at this point, two months of mostly rain makes Late Night Writer very cranky!
I have been somewhat busy creating a facebook profile page for my writing service. If you are on facebook, look me up at Proword Wizard Writing Services. I have also been practising my twittering skills, you can catch me on Twitter @latenitewriter. Yup, I realize that 'night' is spelled two different ways in my blog and my twitter name but someone else was using it already.
On the bookshelf, I just completed reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I started it in the winter; yes, it took awhile but it had lots of pages and the print was small! I really enjoyed this book although I have to admit, I was glad once I had finally finished it. I always grow impatient when a book is taking a long time to read because I am eager to start a new book.
This week, I moved on to something a little easier and just finished reading Ten Degrees of Reackoning by Hester Rumberg. The book was based on the true story of Judith Sleavin and her tragic story of losing her family at sea whilst she floated alone in a rubber dingy. The family were avid sailors and were enroute to sail around the world. After reading her story of survival, I can honestly say that any ingling I might have had to sail around the world has been permanently silenced. A very sad and tragic story but her story of courage and survival story needed to be told.
I have a few more books nestled on my bookshelf awaiting my arrival before I will make my next journey to Chapters. What have you been reading lately..feel free to comment!
Until next time...
Monday, June 13, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Twitter Here I Come!
Over the last few months, I have come to realize that if I want to stay in the game in the writing world, I need to develop some social skills - social media skills that is! Hence, my reasons for creating this blog that you are reading.
My new social venture is getting acquainted with Twitter. Like this blog, I am not quite certain what I will 'tweet' (boy, I hate that word!) but I am hopeful that it will come together at some point and I will discover a reason for all this blogging and tweeting. I have come a long way since last year when I could not remember the name of the website and kept referring to it as Tweeter instead of Twitter. Now, I have it all figured out, you create a twitter account and post daily tweets for your followers to read. Not sure why anyone would care what I am doing at any given moment; my life is not that interesting - quite boring actually!
So bear with me, as I muddle through the schematics of twitter, learn about hash tags, figure out how to post a tweet via my cell phone, learn how to entice people to follow me and discover that at some point, I will be rewarded for mastering Blogspot and Twitter.
In the meantime, follow my tweets at Twitter.com. You can find me at: @latenitewriter.
My new social venture is getting acquainted with Twitter. Like this blog, I am not quite certain what I will 'tweet' (boy, I hate that word!) but I am hopeful that it will come together at some point and I will discover a reason for all this blogging and tweeting. I have come a long way since last year when I could not remember the name of the website and kept referring to it as Tweeter instead of Twitter. Now, I have it all figured out, you create a twitter account and post daily tweets for your followers to read. Not sure why anyone would care what I am doing at any given moment; my life is not that interesting - quite boring actually!
So bear with me, as I muddle through the schematics of twitter, learn about hash tags, figure out how to post a tweet via my cell phone, learn how to entice people to follow me and discover that at some point, I will be rewarded for mastering Blogspot and Twitter.
In the meantime, follow my tweets at Twitter.com. You can find me at: @latenitewriter.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Caught Napping!
With the Canadian election campaigns in full swing, I had a chance to catch some of the debate on TV the other night. Is it just me or does Mr. Ignatieff resemble a cross between the Grinch and the penguin from Batman? Not sure what it is, perhaps the over extension of the corners of his mouth but whatever the reason, I am very afraid!
I watched a clip on the news last night from Barak Obama's budget speech. When the camera person panned the audience, there were three indidivuals very obviously nodding off including U.S. Vice President Joe Biden! Now, if Mr. Biden were one of us common folk, he would definitely get a tongue lashing for sleeping on the job. Why is it ok for the vice president of the US to sleep on the job yet Torontonians were so outraged when the lonely ticket guy at the TTC was caught napping on the job? Just doesn't make much sense to me. Let's be realistic, we are only human and we get damn tired...and sometimes it happens at the most inappropriate times!
I am pretty sure that VP Biden has received alot of teasing today! For all those nappers out there...be careful..you definitely don't want to get caught napping on the job unless of course, you are the Vice President of the United States.
I watched a clip on the news last night from Barak Obama's budget speech. When the camera person panned the audience, there were three indidivuals very obviously nodding off including U.S. Vice President Joe Biden! Now, if Mr. Biden were one of us common folk, he would definitely get a tongue lashing for sleeping on the job. Why is it ok for the vice president of the US to sleep on the job yet Torontonians were so outraged when the lonely ticket guy at the TTC was caught napping on the job? Just doesn't make much sense to me. Let's be realistic, we are only human and we get damn tired...and sometimes it happens at the most inappropriate times!
I am pretty sure that VP Biden has received alot of teasing today! For all those nappers out there...be careful..you definitely don't want to get caught napping on the job unless of course, you are the Vice President of the United States.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Snowcabulary for the Winter Weary
I was pretty peeved to wake up to discover that Mother Nature was using the snow making machine in Ontario again. My poor tulips were just beginning to peek their heads out of the soil; hide my little lovelies or you will freeze! Even the promise of seven sunny days starting tomorrow couldn't shake my feelings of Snowbegone!
This year's never ending snowstorms has brought forth a succession of 'snow' terms to use that are sure to put a smile on your snowman's face despite this latest blast. Here's a compilation of snow wordplay for your reading pleasure. The list is derived from a number of sources which don't pay tribute to the originator of each term. Enjoy!
Snowmad - Two possible definitions here, Snowmad happens you have already shovelled your driveway for the umpteenth time and you have to do it again, or travellers who get stuck due to the bad weather and wander the airports, hotels, train and bus stations until the snow stops.
Snowbegone - Pretty self explanatory. 'Nuff said.
Snowhere - When you have to cancel your plans due to the snow; you are going snowhere.
Snowmageddon - I would reserve this one for snowstorms that paralysis the city and the mayor calls in the National Guard. Hmmm...what year was that?
Snowpocalyse - Feels like the snow will never end and the end is near!
SnOMG - The feeling you have when you first wake up, look out the window and realize it snowed overnight and the 401 is going to be parking lot again.
Snover-reaction - When the Toronto School Board closes the schools and the snowstorm passes over Toronto.
Snowlicious - For all those winter sports fans.
Snorm - Popular short form for snowstorm. We've said it so many times this year, a short form is absolutely warranted and necessary
Snowralysis - The 400 series highways during a snowstorm.
Snownado - A wind whipping, hair-raising snowstorm.
To add to this list, I've created my own word:
Snow-titis: The pain felt in your hands and back after shovelling your driveway more than once in a single day. Oye!
Until next time...keep shovelling!
This year's never ending snowstorms has brought forth a succession of 'snow' terms to use that are sure to put a smile on your snowman's face despite this latest blast. Here's a compilation of snow wordplay for your reading pleasure. The list is derived from a number of sources which don't pay tribute to the originator of each term. Enjoy!
Snowverkill - That pretty much says it all about today's weather. Enough is enough already!
Snowonder - When you look out the window, peer up at the sky and ask yourself, "is it ever going to stop snowing?"
Snowtorious B.I.G. - For fans of 90s Hip Hop or the height of the snowbanks about a month ago. Snowmad - Two possible definitions here, Snowmad happens you have already shovelled your driveway for the umpteenth time and you have to do it again, or travellers who get stuck due to the bad weather and wander the airports, hotels, train and bus stations until the snow stops.
Snowbegone - Pretty self explanatory. 'Nuff said.
Snowhere - When you have to cancel your plans due to the snow; you are going snowhere.
Snowmageddon - I would reserve this one for snowstorms that paralysis the city and the mayor calls in the National Guard. Hmmm...what year was that?
Snowpocalyse - Feels like the snow will never end and the end is near!
SnOMG - The feeling you have when you first wake up, look out the window and realize it snowed overnight and the 401 is going to be parking lot again.
Snover-reaction - When the Toronto School Board closes the schools and the snowstorm passes over Toronto.
Snowlicious - For all those winter sports fans.
Snorm - Popular short form for snowstorm. We've said it so many times this year, a short form is absolutely warranted and necessary
Snowralysis - The 400 series highways during a snowstorm.
Snownado - A wind whipping, hair-raising snowstorm.
To add to this list, I've created my own word:
Snow-titis: The pain felt in your hands and back after shovelling your driveway more than once in a single day. Oye!
Until next time...keep shovelling!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The eReader Confrontation
It was my birthday last week and the hubby asked me what I wanted for a birthday present. I always try and pick something that I normally would not buy myself. Once again, the acquisition of an eReader came to mind. I tossed the idea around for a couple of days and mentally made a pros and cons list of printed books vs downloaded books. This dilemma inside my head continued for the entire week right up until the day we ventured to the mall.
We looked around at some of the latest electronics; I was also pondering an IPod to replace my MP3 player. I looked at the newest IPod Nano and quickly determined it was way too small and that reading the teeny, tiny screen was going to be a problem. I also thought the size was perfect for getting lost within the confines of my purse, car or house. I looked at other IPod type devices but had no idea what specifications were most desirable.
The hubby and I continued our search which lead us to a trendy shop that carried purses, luggage and accessories. I walked around, and a designer looking purse and matching wallet caught my eye. If my two sons had been with us, they would have rolled their eyes and asked "how many purses does one person need?!
The hubby didn't seem to question it, he was just happy that there was light at the end of the shopping tunnel for him. After careful examination of the purse and the availability of space for my ever present cell phone, I decided that it was perfect and my husband was happy to pay for it and get out of the mall.
On the way out, we went through Best Buy and stopped to check out something. From the corner of my eye, I spotted a display of eReaders. They looked really nice. I made my way over and inspected each one for size, specifications and visual appeal. Yes, I admit, I was very intrigued. I thought about it for a minute and glanced down at the new purse and wallet in the bag I was carrying. My decision had already been made so the eReader would have to wait for another gift receiving occasion.
Later that weekend, I told my nephew, Nick, about the eReaders and my indecision as to whether to get one. He wanted to know why I wouldn't get one. I thought for a minute and then it all became crystal clear: if I had an eReader, I wouldn't have an excuse to hang out at my local Chapters store and spend some quality time looking through the books. I love new books, the crisp spine and new paper smell...can't beat it!
I am satisfied that I made the right choice for my birthday gift. My new purse and matching wallet look great with the new buccaneer knee high boots I bought last month.
Until next time...
We looked around at some of the latest electronics; I was also pondering an IPod to replace my MP3 player. I looked at the newest IPod Nano and quickly determined it was way too small and that reading the teeny, tiny screen was going to be a problem. I also thought the size was perfect for getting lost within the confines of my purse, car or house. I looked at other IPod type devices but had no idea what specifications were most desirable.
The hubby and I continued our search which lead us to a trendy shop that carried purses, luggage and accessories. I walked around, and a designer looking purse and matching wallet caught my eye. If my two sons had been with us, they would have rolled their eyes and asked "how many purses does one person need?!
The hubby didn't seem to question it, he was just happy that there was light at the end of the shopping tunnel for him. After careful examination of the purse and the availability of space for my ever present cell phone, I decided that it was perfect and my husband was happy to pay for it and get out of the mall.
On the way out, we went through Best Buy and stopped to check out something. From the corner of my eye, I spotted a display of eReaders. They looked really nice. I made my way over and inspected each one for size, specifications and visual appeal. Yes, I admit, I was very intrigued. I thought about it for a minute and glanced down at the new purse and wallet in the bag I was carrying. My decision had already been made so the eReader would have to wait for another gift receiving occasion.
Later that weekend, I told my nephew, Nick, about the eReaders and my indecision as to whether to get one. He wanted to know why I wouldn't get one. I thought for a minute and then it all became crystal clear: if I had an eReader, I wouldn't have an excuse to hang out at my local Chapters store and spend some quality time looking through the books. I love new books, the crisp spine and new paper smell...can't beat it!
I am satisfied that I made the right choice for my birthday gift. My new purse and matching wallet look great with the new buccaneer knee high boots I bought last month.
Until next time...
Monday, March 7, 2011
Free Ebooks
Everyone loves a freebie! Copia.com is offering a selection of free books to download. All seven free downloadable novels were made into movies for the big screen. Yup...they may old but they are still worth the read.
The seven selections are:
A Passage to India by E.M. Forster,
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Red Alert by Peter George
Shoeless Joe by W.P.Kinsella
The Graduate by Charles Webb
Midnight Cowboy by James Leo Herlihy
Also, fifteen Harlequin Romance titles can be downloaded for free.
The site also offers a free download of Copia Desktop Reader or an app for IPod, Windows & Phone, or Copia Touch App.
I wasn't able to find out how long these free downloadable classics will be available so if any of these books have piqued your interest, it is advisable that you don't delay.
Here is the link:
Copia
Happy Reading!
The seven selections are:
A Passage to India by E.M. Forster,
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Red Alert by Peter George
Shoeless Joe by W.P.Kinsella
The Graduate by Charles Webb
Midnight Cowboy by James Leo Herlihy
Also, fifteen Harlequin Romance titles can be downloaded for free.
The site also offers a free download of Copia Desktop Reader or an app for IPod, Windows & Phone, or Copia Touch App.
I wasn't able to find out how long these free downloadable classics will be available so if any of these books have piqued your interest, it is advisable that you don't delay.
Here is the link:
Copia
Happy Reading!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Penguin Classics
My painting instructor, Shannon, and other students in her class, share a great love of reading in addition to our interest in learning to paint. Shannon was excited to show us her new collection of classic literature by Penguin Books. As readers of my blog may remember, my goal in 2010 was to read all the great literary classics and although the year has passed, I am still on my quest to read them all.
The newest classics collection of great literary reads such as Great Expectations, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Picture of Dorian Gray and many others have been reprinted with hardcover cloth bound covers designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith.
I was thrilled when I saw Shannon's growing collection of these cloth bound books; somehow the new covers make the books even more fitting of their title as 'classics'. I plucked one of Shannon's bookshelf but didn't open it because I didn't want to break the spine. Shannon urged me to flip through it, but I declined- she should have the honour of breaking the spine when she reads the book.
According to the Penguin website, "Penguin Classics presents seven more beautiful hardcover editions of the world's favorite books. Featuring gorgeous patterns stamped on linen cases, colored endpapers, and ribbon markers, these are rich and sumptuous volumes that continue what will be one of the most coveted sets of books ever produced."
The books are truly beautiful and any booklover would be proud to display these classics on their bookshelf or give them as gifts to the booklover on your birthday or Christmas list.
Not all the classic literature titles are available at the moment but new ones are being produced. Selected titles are available online through Chapters Bookstore, Amazon Books, and directly from Penguin Books.
Shannon advised that it is easier to track down some of the titles with the ISBN number and suggested the following site for the ISBN numbers:
CB Smith
If you are interested in obtaining some of these cloth bound classic books, visit the following websites for more information.
Penguin Books (USA)
Amazon (US)
Amazon (Canada)
Chapters Bookstores (Canada)
(Search by ISBN number)
Thanks to Shannon for sharing her great book find.
Happy reading!
The newest classics collection of great literary reads such as Great Expectations, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Picture of Dorian Gray and many others have been reprinted with hardcover cloth bound covers designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith.
I was thrilled when I saw Shannon's growing collection of these cloth bound books; somehow the new covers make the books even more fitting of their title as 'classics'. I plucked one of Shannon's bookshelf but didn't open it because I didn't want to break the spine. Shannon urged me to flip through it, but I declined- she should have the honour of breaking the spine when she reads the book.
According to the Penguin website, "Penguin Classics presents seven more beautiful hardcover editions of the world's favorite books. Featuring gorgeous patterns stamped on linen cases, colored endpapers, and ribbon markers, these are rich and sumptuous volumes that continue what will be one of the most coveted sets of books ever produced."
The books are truly beautiful and any booklover would be proud to display these classics on their bookshelf or give them as gifts to the booklover on your birthday or Christmas list.
Not all the classic literature titles are available at the moment but new ones are being produced. Selected titles are available online through Chapters Bookstore, Amazon Books, and directly from Penguin Books.
Shannon advised that it is easier to track down some of the titles with the ISBN number and suggested the following site for the ISBN numbers:
CB Smith
If you are interested in obtaining some of these cloth bound classic books, visit the following websites for more information.
Penguin Books (USA)
Amazon (US)
Amazon (Canada)
Chapters Bookstores (Canada)
(Search by ISBN number)
Thanks to Shannon for sharing her great book find.
Happy reading!
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