Juggling Computers

 There is a lot going on as I am still going through DANGER LOOMS and looking ahead to the release of SCONED TO DEATH in June.  

And just when I didn't need it, as if there is ever a good time, my computer crashed.  It was like hitting a wall and  I stopped everything.  It was not the disaster I had in the past when I lost all kinds of files ad found out that thumb drives don't work forever.  After that, I made sure my files were kept outside my computer. 

But even not losing any files, didn't keep me from feeling out of sorts.  I started using my ancient Apple laptop to continue on with DANGER LOOMS.  My desktop is PC and there is always an adjustment to dealing with the different systems and the small screen, along with the small keyboard and touch screen that doesn't always cooperate.  There are differences in navigating Word on an apple computer that I had to deal with. 

At the same time I have been dealing with putting things together for a blog tour around the release of SCONED TO DEATH.  

The computer crashed on Sunday and I started using the laptop on Monday.  Tuesday morning, even though I was sure it was pointless, I decided to turn on my desktop to see what happened.  I expected to get the last screen I had seen that basically said there was something wrong that could not be repaired.

I barely wanted to look at the screen as it flashed on...and then miracle of miracles, it went to the usual screen of asking for my code and then went to Microsoft trying to sell me something and finally to my screensaver of the Pacific Grove beach.  I kept waiting for something bad to happen, but everything seemed to work.

 I'm not sure how it happened and I'm not asking any questions.  I am soooo happy to have my PC up and functioning.  I did not like dealing with the small screen on the laptop.  Suddenly, my whole world seemed easier.

There was some good that came out of it, too.  I have a newer Apple laptop that I haven't been using.  I went through a whole production of setting it up and downloading a copy of Word and some other things I use, but I couldn't get access to all my files.  When it seemed that I would need to rely on that laptop, I finally got that worked out, so the newer laptop is completely functional now.  I also learned that the PC tower I have is old news.  Now, instead of having a desktop, you just plug in a screen and keyboard into a laptop.  Laptop is probably the wrong term and I should call it my Macbook.

In the process of dealing with all the computer stuff, I realized that DANGER LOOMS needs more tweaking than I had thought, but at least I get to work on the  more comfortable set up of the PC.

Sometimes you need to hit a bump in the road to appreciate what you have. 

 

 

 

Guess What I'm Thinking

          

            I don’t have much time to write this post because of a family get-together about to occur. Sorry!

But feel free to post here anything you think I should talk about or blog about in the future. I don’t promise to. But it'll be fun to hear what you say!

Enough

 I finally have gotten to a place in the rewrite of the rewrite of DANGER LOOMS where it is just fixing  things up a little, rather than having to redo big hunks of copy.

I needed a day to clear my head and went to Disneyland yesterday with my son and Jakey.  I am way past caring about the rides  and its all about getting exercise and racking up steps.  There's people watching too and I check out graphic T-shirts for messages from the universe.  There were a few about being relaxed, but most had something to do with something Disney.  

 I like to think something I wear might offer a message from the universe to whoever notices.  It could be a laugh as in the shirt with The Scream featuring Charley Brown or something reassuring like the shirt I got recently that says You are  Enough on the front.   

 I imagine someone having a bad day and feeling less than who sees that shirt and it gives them a lift.   

 The Trader Joe's cashiers almost always ask how my day is going and it's not just idle chit chat.  I have heard stories that when someone admits to having a bad day or is even in tears, the cashiers present them with flowers to cheer them up.   

It's such a nice thought that we can make someone's day brighter.  Though I have to admit it doesn't always work.  There is a surly clerk at Costco and I have always tried to be extra friendly when I go through his line, but he never loses the chip on his shoulder attitude.  What's even more ridiculous is that they often put him in the self checkout area where his whole job is helping people get to an available spot and then helping  them if they have trouble.  In other words, customer service.  He definitely doesn't do it with a smile.

Despite my failure with him,  I still will keep trying to cheer someone up who appears down. It seems like the least we can do for each other.

I'm Back!

           Sorry I haven’t posted for a while. One of the reasons was that last week I was in Cancun with family having a fun time—but not having easy access to my computer. And yes, I did miss my pups while we were gone, but we have a good sitter who takes great care of them. Plus, we don’t get to see our grandsons as often as we’d like since they live in a different city—but we were with them, our son, and d-i-l in Mexico—wonderful fun!

            But I’m back home now and, yes, I’m on my computer a lot once more. I’m still working on the major edits to my current manuscript, as well as plotting some additional ideas I’ve been thinking about—although they don’t take place in Cancun.

            Hopefully, you’ll see posts from me regularly again!