Computer, Sweet Computer

I took Cathy-on-a-Stick on a little vacation, and hilarity ensued. But all play and no work makes Cathy C. Hall a dull girl. So, I checked my email here and there, just to keep up with business.

I used my dad's computer, and Mr. C. is quite generous when it comes to computer usage. But his computer is set to his specifications, and he has a different server, and oh, all sorts of stuff is different on his computer.

I try to work. I really do. But it's just not the same as my sweet computer. On my computer, the scathingly brilliant words seem to just flow from my fingertips. But on Dad's computer, or any other computer for that matter, the scathingly brilliant words dry up to a tiny drip, drip, drip.

So, I'm blaming my lack of scathingly brilliant words last week on CLD (Computer Location Dysfunction). Or is it just me?

Tooting My Horn Tuesday on Googling

It started innocently enough. I Googled myself once, just to see what would come up.

Then, I started Googling myself about once a week. Now, I can't go to sleep at night until I've Googled myself. Pathetic. But there's a rationale behind my narcissism. I mean, besides the obvious coolness of seeing "Cathy C. Hall" and Results numbering 214,000, give or take 200,000.

I like to see what I've been up to in the wide, wide web world. Today, for instance, I found my name leading the list of contributors to the Cup of Comfort Book of Christmas Prayer (Whee!). I thought my story would be in the book (due to be released in October, plenty of time for holiday shopping), but I don't like to count my contracts (or toot my horn) till I have intangible proof. So, finding that post on the Cup of Comfort Blog kinda made my day.

But there's more to Googling than coming upon surprises like that. Sometimes, I find my name mentioned on someone's blog. And then I like to scurry over and take a peek, maybe leave a nice comment. It's the polite thing to do...unless it's a bogus entry.

Yesterday, I noticed a peculiar Google result, with my name cavalierly thrown in amidst other names and words. Not writerly looking at all, at all. Hmmm, I thought, that's funny. But I wasn't laughing when I clicked on it and all kinds of crazy warning messages started opening.

Quick as a flash, I shut things down and proceeded to hyperventilate. What the heck? I suppose that's a new virus bait...throwing in someone's name randomly, hoping that the someone will click on the result and open who knows what.

So, vanity has its price. I got out safely. But I wanted you to be extra careful out there, Googling yourself. Not that you're in the habit, but, you know, just in case you've tried it...once or twice.

Finding Something Friday Before the Fourth

I love alliteration, especially in my blog posts titles. I also love books. And I'm really quite fond of old tombstones and epitaphs. So, I suppose today is all about "Things I Love." I love the Fourth of July, too. But I'll get to that in just a tick.

I found Susan K. Hom's delightfully edited little book, R.I.P. Here Lie the Last Words, Morbid Musings, Epitaphs & Fond Farewells of the Famous and Not-So-Famous, in a local bookstore, on the "Ridiculously Marked Down" table. I also love a good deal, so I can never pass by this table without finding something. And since this ever-so-cheap little book combined several things I love (a good deal, books, and cemetery stuff), I plunked out my pennies and dug in for some deep reading (Okay, I'm kinda fond of puns, too).

Did you know that writer Noel Coward's epitaph reads, "A Talent to Amuse"? Or that writer George S. Kaufman's tombstone is inscribed, "Over My Dead Body"? My favorite writer epitaph, though, belongs to Billy Wilder: "I'm a Writer but then Nobody's Perfect."

Funny stuff, true, but poignant entries, too. In the Famous Leaders and Historical Figures section, I came across the inscription on the Lincoln Memorial: IN THIS TEMPLE, AS IN THE HEART OF THE PEOPLE FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION, THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS ENSHRINED FOREVER.

I also found Samuel Adam's epitaph. For those of you who think of beer when his name is mentioned, you might be interested to know that he was, first and foremost, a political leader in Boston, leading up to the American Revolution. He wrote newspaper articles and essays, rallying the colonists against the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act. You remember that "no taxation without representation" line? Old Samuel was all about that sentiment. Here's his epitaph: "Here Lies Buried Samuel Adams, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Governor of this Commonwealth, A Leader of Men and an ardent Patriot."

So, when you celebrate this weekend, think of Samuel Adams and all the patriots through the ages, who gave of themselves so that you could enjoy this fine, freedom-ringing, flag-waving, fireworks-glowing nation I love.

What Not To Do Wednesday on Writing Picture Books

If I'm being honest,I could write a book on what not to do when it comes to writing children's picture books. But I don't have that kind of time, and besides, Ann Whitford Paul's written a splendid book on exactly what to do when it comes to writing children's books.

And it just so happens that I'm giving away Writing Picture Books over at Finders & Keepers. So, even if you're not a regular reader over at F & K, if you've been mulling over a picture book idea, you might want to take a peek. Don't let this opportunity pass you by, grasshopper.

'Cause trust me when I tell you. That writing picture book thing? Waaaay harder than it looks.

A Link Or Two (Or Six)

Had a little time today to get something done that I've been meaning to do for such a loooong time.

Back in the Computer Crash of 'aught nine (Is she STILL harping about that? Oh, yeah. It ain't over till it's over.), I lost all my bookmarked items. Which was really annoying, since I bookmark interesting writing websites, blogs, submission links, and just scathingly witty stuff in general. But this time around, I said to myself, "Sister Susie, (that's what I call myself when I mean business) you better add those websites, links and whatnot to your list of Favorite Detours (Over there to your right;no,not there; further down, yes, there you go.).

So, today, I scrolled through all the stuff I'd bookmarked, and added a few interesting things that made the Favorite Detours cut. But I feel like I'm leaving some great links out. Like I know there's this one seriously amazing link that should be on the list...but...I...just...can't...think...of...it.

That's where you come in. You're older and wiser. Or younger, with a better memory. Tell me what you think I should add. Is it a wonderful writing website? Or an amusing little blog? Now, don't be modest. You can suggest your own link. Maybe it'll make the cut.

I'll add all the worthy links to the Favorite Detours as soon as possible. (Sister Susie learned her lesson last time.)