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April in Winter
This is why I prefer to help dogs. They're always grateful.— December 18, 2009 11:36 p.m.
A Dumb Person Going Rogue in Hawaii
When she was chosen to run, I said that she was McCain's token female. She's never had an intelligent thing to say. I do not believe she is capable of making a "good move." Crossing out McCain is sending a message. I can't believe people actually like her. As a dog lover, even I have to have more than a cute Pit Bull joke to get me to vote for someone. I hope I don't get "Going Rogue" for Christmas. I'll toss it or give it to the thrift store without reading it. It's garbage!— December 18, 2009 8:03 p.m.
Hot for Pot
"Big Kahuna" saw this article today and was upset that the editor changed the name of his group from the "California Coalition for Legal Marijuana," to the "California Coalition for Medical Marijuana." "Medical marijuana is already legal!" he said. He wants a retraction. --Mindy Vansant— December 18, 2009 3:07 p.m.
None
I am in favor of keeping it legal. While I can't tolerate it, people who need it for pain deserve to be able to get it.— December 17, 2009 10:54 p.m.
Pills and Eggs
Oxy can do strange things to people. People with bipolar disorder are advised not to take it. They can't control themselves. Maybe this explains the lapse in judgment.— December 17, 2009 10:14 p.m.
Little Things
I'm not saying you're this way, but I've seen actresses and musicians who were so fixated on meeting the right agent, etc., they didn't focus on the quality of the output. I'd say that's the biggest problem. As I'm sure you know, if you get the right story, it writes itself. Having a good eye for a story is what will take you everywhere. Recently, the editor of Vogue was interviewed on 60 minutes. When the reporter asked, "What makes you so good?" She said, "I've got a good eye." I'm not saying the other stuff isn't important, but if you follow your bliss, you align yourself with the people you need to know. I was born to be a writer; I never would have chosen this. I wanted to be a singer, but I'm cool with wherever this journey takes me. I'm going to start writing novels full-time in January. I'm recovering from surgery and don't have the energy for it right now. You may email me for encouragement whenever you like I'd like to hear about how you are doing.— December 17, 2009 10:05 p.m.
Little Things
Write it because you have something to say, not for where it will go. I do have a fear of writing novels because I'd have to invest so much time and effort in them, if it wasn't a go, I'd be beyond devastated. Follow your bliss and give yourself absolutely to it. If this is what's in your heart, then it will be worth the trouble, no matter what happens. I tell myself this every day. I think having another outlet that isn't so subjective helps too. I get my ego boost from dogtraining, because writing may set me up for a fall.— December 17, 2009 6:24 p.m.
Little Things
You've got what it takes, Refried. I've always considered you to be a Baja Wendell Berry. I think it takes a balance of going with the flow and keeping in mind who your readers will be. There is a good book out called, "Finding Your Zone," by Landon that has really helped me. In this business, you are only as good as your last published story. It's painful; such is the life of a writer. I have mentioned my friend, Gene Page, on my blog. He was one of the most prolific music arrangers of our time. The trick to his success was that he just kept on making music no matter what. He was at it constantly. He had over 500 hit songs, but he probably had hundreds of failures, too. He had the same insecurities that you describe above. It has helped me to have had him as a mentor. I figure if he had flops, God knows I will. MJ sobbed when he was overlooked at the Grammys for his "Off the Wall" album. That's what motivated him to blow us out of the water with what followed. When I work hard on a story, it sometimes isn't touched by editors. Then, when I'm ready to give up, something I merely dashed off gets published! I wouldn't wish the life of an artist on my worst enemy.— December 17, 2009 5:27 p.m.
Suppose Tiger DOES Play at Torrey Pines
Sexual addiction is compulsive. The addict just can't quite thinking about sex, like other addicts can't stop thinking about drugs. They can't control their behavior despite the risks. They tend to be lonely, guilty and angry; and, may have had a childhood marked by little control and blurred boundaries or abuse. If Elin is smart, she'll get out now! Tiger has put her and her children at risk for AIDS and she can never trust him again. She deserves to be able to live in Sweden with the kids, since Tiger has made a fool of her here.— December 16, 2009 9:54 p.m.
Family Ties -- The Keaton Curse
I was surprised to hear that Cougar Town got good reviews. I was looking forward to the show but thought it was stupid. Courtney constantly goes for the joke and tries too hard to be funny. To each his own... Most of the stuff you mention, like turning gay and having Parkinson's and cancer can happen to anybody. I don't know if it's a curse. I'm recovering from my third cancer surgery and I've never been on a T.V. show. Life, for everybody, is suffering.— December 12, 2009 2:29 p.m.