Head's Up: Creative writing to come!

Okay, so I'm using the writing prompts (found below in the ideas link), and tomorrow I will be posting my very first creative writing post. And I'm scared. I will anyway.

I can't get this topic out of my head: Yesterday's Post, so I'll be using the prompt with that topic, I'm just not quite sure how yet.

So stay tuned because more writing to come. Strange how sharing my personal real life stories isn't as scary as posting my creative side.

Till tomorrow...

And as always:
Most of my ideas are coming from http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/2014/03/march-24th-looking-forward.html It's leads to another blog where I found the ideas. My April onward details start with that post.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

Or Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/

Sharing what isn't Yours to share.

July 21

Originally, I was going to post about selfies. It's a topic lately I've seen floating around. I had my opinion, but now, things have changed. I no longer care what people think of me for choosing to post a selfie of myself.

Some days, I feel bad about what I post online. I feel like I share too many pictures (of anything), too many links, and too many personal thoughts. I have decided to stop feeling bad about it. There are things that are posted online that are completely inappropriate. 

I recently logged onto Twitter, and in my trends suggestions, hashtag twitter purge (I refuse to do the actual hashtag) was on it. Curious and naive me decided to click it. I can honestly say I was horrified. Pictures of vagina's and breasts popped up in front of me. It appeared as though people were posting naked photos of women who were either exes, or something. These women (I'm guessing many were younger than 18) didn't give permission for their naked photos to be posted.

Here's an article about it: http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jul/21/twitter-trend-purge-film-anarchy-revenge-porn-laws

I think it is unacceptable that it was posted on Twitter. Unacceptable. It should have been caught before it got as far as it did, and it never should have been picked as a 'trend'. I'm so angry that the world has come to this. Nobody I followed was participating, but as far as I know most of the people I follow are writers and people who aren't interested in posting pornography.

These girls/women sent pictures of themselves to boys. Whether or not they should have isn't even worth debating. I do think it's a lesson in what you send people, but that is not what is important here. Having pictures shared of yourself, even if they aren't inappropriate isn't fair.

(As I write this, I've just gone through my entire blog to make sure there aren't too many photos of others. I'm leaving photos of C because he knows they are there. I'll have to check my gratitude blog, as well. I'm leaving pictures from far away, or older than 10 years, and I'm leaving a couple of pictures that have me with people, but trying not to have any of just one person. To be clear, none are inappropriate.) 

I'm beyond disappointed with this, and I'm sad that this isn't the first time. The first thing I thought when this was suggested to me by Twitter, was 'I need to quit'.

I didn't. I'm not sure if that was the correct choice, but I didn't. I'm still going to share my blog on twitter, and I'm still going to read what others have written. I like discovering new stories, writing advice and techniques, and blogs through Twitter. I don't like finding what is most likely child pornography.

How can anybody think that it is appropriate to post nude pictures of ANYBODY? How can they see right and wrong, and not realize that this is worse than wrong? I understand breaking the rules. This isn't breaking the rules. It is wrong. It is mean. It is stupid. It shouldn't have happened.

It's not the only thing that shouldn't have happened on social media. Women who have been raped are made fun of through pictures or memes on Social Media. When did this become okay? 

If Twitter and cell phones and uploading pictures had been around in the 90s, would this have happened then? I like to think no. I like to think people were raised not to, but I honestly have no idea. I'm so grateful that I am not a teenager now, and I fear for what new and humiliating things are to come for younger people. They easily trust, and easily fall in love, and sometimes don't realise that things might not work out. I would have been just like that. (Although, too shy to send nudes).

I don't have much else to say about this. The topic is terrible, and although I wish it would, my post isn't going to help make things better. I'm so sorry these girls/women have not been respected. I hope things get better.

One other thing, I did not see any nude photos of males. If I had, this would be focused on both male and female because it shouldn't happen to anybody.

As for the original 'Selfie' topic. I'll get back to it. Another day.





And as always:
Most of my ideas are coming from http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/2014/03/march-24th-looking-forward.html It's leads to another blog where I found the ideas. My April onward details start with that post.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

Or Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/

Favourite words

July 20, 2014

What are your 5 favourite words?

I was originally trying to figure out which words I thought sounded the best. The 'cool' or 'unique' sounding words (like unique, for example). However, my brain kind of quit on me, and although there are lots of them, I couldn't think of any. So I procrastinated (also a great word) from doing this post. 

Instead of using the unique words, I'm going to use words that mean a lot when I hear them. I am also using more than five.

1. Jaded: I've actually always loved this word. This is the one that I loved before I knew the meaning. I love the meaning as well. I definitely plan to use it in a few stories. My characters can be jaded, I can't. 
   
   
   
   
   
2. Hate: It's a horrible word, but it makes you feel something when you hear it. Once again, something good to use in my stories. They aren't focused on hate, and never will be, but anger and hate go hand in hand sometimes. 
3. Love: The opposite of hate. Something that makes the world go round. Family, friends, boy, girl... love is good.
4. Lie: The very worst word, but a favourite in the literary sense. 
   
5. Hope: It makes me smile just saying it out loud. I actually used to want to name a daughter that. I changed my mind when I heard how many Hope's are in soap operas. I've picked new names for my imaginary children. Still though, I love the word and I love the definition. Having hope helps people get through the day. Just like the next word.
6. Gratitude: Anybody who knows me, may assume that this will be one of my favourites. I have an entire blog about it. It's a great sounding word, and has a fantastic meaning. Gratitude is what helps get me through the day.
   
7. Friendship: This one is a theme in both my writing and my life. I constantly write about great friendships. I've learned to write about them because of my own great friendships.
8. Family: Another theme in both life and writing. Happy words make me happy. While 'hate', 'jaded' and 'lie' are all great words, they don't make me as happy as the last three.

And as always:
Most of my ideas are coming from http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/2014/03/march-24th-looking-forward.html It's leads to another blog where I found the ideas. My April onward details start with that post.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

Or Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/

Quitting some Social Media

July 15 (And 16th)

Today, I quit LinkedIn.

I am a very active user of Facebook, but that's for people I know personally. I share too much on it to feel comfortable expanding my list to acquaintances. That being said, I also, at times, share too much on this blog, so that kind of takes away from what I just said. I guess I don't use it to market myself (I do talk about myself a lot though). I also feel like I have too many friends on it. I am a friend deleter as well.







I'm on Instagram. This is another that I'm not as public on. I use it to make cool pictures even more cool. I share on FB, Twitter, and my blog. I quite enjoy using it, and seeing other people's pictures as well. My account is private, but I usually accept requests to follow. Also, I take pictures of my food.

Twitter: I've just figured out how to use it in the last couple of years. I use it A LOT to talk about writing, learn about writing, link it to my new posts, and sometimes follow celebrities. I'm only half kidding, but I do follow actors and musicians I admire or enjoy and all authors I can. It's strange because I'd be lost without it, even though three years ago I never used it.



I'm also on Google Plus, which I think is normal for anybody with a gmail/google account. I don't really use it at all, except to share my blog.







Back to the original story of quitting LinkedIn, I couldn't figure out why I was on it. Maybe if I get published, I'll rejoin, but for now, it's a hassle I don't need. I think I am too open on the Internet as it is. I have no problem admitting that, but I don't plan to change what I say in my blogs. I think it's good for me to express how I'm feeling, and to tell my embarrassing stories when I have them. I just can't keep up. I don't want to add people to my LinkedIn, and I also hate that I did it wrong, and sent a request to every person I've ever emailed. Basically, it is a relief to be rid of it. I don't need another way for strangers to see my life. I get that is is a professional social media group, but I still don't get the need for another one.

It felt good to delete it. Maybe someday I'll delete another, but for now, it was one step away from the things that weigh me down online.

I wrote a post a while ago about complaints I have about my online Facebook life. It's right here. http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/2014/05/complaints-about-social-media.html


And as always:
Most of my ideas are coming from http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/2014/03/march-24th-looking-forward.html It's leads to another blog where I found the ideas. My April onward details start with that post.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

Or Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/

Writing Life Monday

July 14

Seems like it's a writing Monday kind of update.

I was on a roll for a bit last week. It may have been the excitement of my new desk. I wrote everyday while C worked on the his computer at the desk next to me. It was great.

I seem to have slowed down lately. I'm worried with C gone to work, I won't be motivated to write. That sounds terrible, and I know all I need to do is actually write. Once I start, I know all will work out.

My plan is to write an hour each night. No excuses.

I am happy with what I've written so far. It's a story I hadn't imagined would branch off from the original novel, and a character I wasn't prepared to deal with. I like how it's going, but I'm more excited for what's to come. It's taken some time from editing, which is too bad. I haven't quite learned how to multi-task my writing. It'll be great to learn because than I'll get novel writing, editing, AND blogging done in one night. I'm still working on the balance.

Shutting off Netflix might be a start.

Also, it's been four months and a week since I sent my novel in. I'm finding myself waiting for the mail to appear at my desk more than I was a week ago. I think if I do get mail, that pretty much means I won't be getting published with my first option, but I don't actually know that for sure. I'm guessing I'll hear by email (if it is a yes), but again, I have NO idea how it works.


Thanks for reading.


And as always:
Most of my ideas are coming from http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/2014/03/march-24th-looking-forward.html It's leads to another blog where I found the ideas. My April onward details start with that post.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

Or Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/

Sunday Song

July 13

I heard this song while at a patio this weekend. I thought it was fantastic. 

That's all I have to say for today. Just a quick Sunday post. 

Thanks for reading.


And as always:
Most of my ideas are coming from http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/2014/03/march-24th-looking-forward.html It's leads to another blog where I found the ideas. My April onward details start with that post.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

Or Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/

Appreciation for Throwback Thursday. No need to rush life...

July 10


I don't know if I've ever done a'throwback Thursday' on my Writing Blog. If I have, I don't remember. I've done it on my gratitude blog more than once because I am grateful for many things that have happened in the past.


There's a little story about something I'm feeling bad about lately, but first, my throwback Thursday choice to explain it. The picture above was the very first picture ever taken of Clint and I. It was in Saskatoon during a Country Cabaret, September of 2012. It was a selfie, taken a couple of beers in. It's a nice one of my eyes and his hat, and a GREAT one of him looking incredibly sexy. We had been dating since May of 2012, but the first time I got us in the picture together was my birthday weekend. (Or as I affectionately called it, 'I'm still 31 weekend').

This is our last photo from July 1, 2014.

 I've spoken about him a lot in this blog. Because I write about things I love, and things that are in my life. Also, if I'm writing a blog about writing, he is an important part of that. Anybody who has read this blog knows that. He not only encourages me, he nags me, he asks questions, he listens to me talk about what I'm writing, and he tells me I'll get published because my writing is good. I've never really had that kind of encouragement.  I appreciate him for it everyday.

I know we've only been together for 2 plus years, and that's not as long as so many others, but I'm glad I didn't meet him until now. It doesn't matter that we've ONLY been together for two years because we WILL be together for much longer than that. I'm going to guess we will be together until I'm old and grey. And this isn't just something I've made up because I'm crazy in love and thinking like a teenager. Realistically, I am not thinking like a teenager. Clint and I have both spoken about where we are, and where we want to be, and we are still incredibly happy with each other. Some may say it's the 'honeymoon stage', but I don't think so. We make each other laugh, we make each other smile, we bug each other, we sometimes annoy the other, but in the end we love each other completely. 

Why am I talking about this?

Because lately, I've turned into an annoying ANNOYING girl, and I have been 'bugging' him about a ring or a wedding. I've never really cared about weddings. I think I should just be happy with what I've got. I'm still a girl; I still dream about the pretty ring, and sharing our wedding day with loved ones, but that doesn't mean I need it. 

We've spoken more than once about how we will do it, IF we do it. I've been getting obsessive. I have looked at dresses online, and spoken about what will happen on this 'imaginary' day. All without a ring. 

But here is the only truth you need to know, if I NEVER get a ring, and NEVER get my wedding, I won't let it get me down because I'll still be with him. We are officially living together, and we know that we'll continue to stay together. Other than saying vows, we are already living them.  Living them happily, for that matter. We already have a marriage.

So why am I trying to go one step further? I've tried SO hard these past couple of years to appreciate what I have, and love my life as it is. To be perfectly honest, it hasn't been very hard to do. Things are good, I'm happy in love, I'm writing, I'm working, and I do appreciate the little things along with the big things. So why the hell am I spending so much time lately dreaming about a future I already have and nagging Clint to dream with me.

So while a ring and a wedding would be lovely, I really don't need to care. I'm stating that here and now. I'm not going to worry about it until it happens. If it happens. I'm focusing to much on my future when I should be loving NOW, and it's almost ridiculous. This isn't me, and I'm sorry that Clint (and my friends) have had to see this side of me lately.

I am just happy to know Clint and I are solid, good, and in love. So Throwback Thursday... sure, the past has been great to think back to with Clint. The present is even better. The future will be great, but I don't have to worry about that. I don't have to be so impatient to move forward from what I have right now.

That's it. Happy Thursday.  


Thanks for reading.


And as always:
Most of my ideas are coming from http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/2014/03/march-24th-looking-forward.html It's leads to another blog where I found the ideas. My April onward details start with that post.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

Or Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/