I'm away from tomorrow for a couple of nights visiting my daughter. I'm also hoping to see my grandson - but I'm not holding my breath, as I have issues with my daughter in law. Consequently, I might not be able to post Bike for a couple of nights.
I thought I'd say this formally, then if it pops out in conversation no one will be shocked (although to quote Maggie Thatcher, who is probably the opposite of everything I believe in, may shock some).
I have a baby grandson born yesterday by Caesarean section. Mother and baby are doing well as is the father, my son.
I'm far too young to be a granny, but se la vie!
(Does this mean I have to start wearing long black dresses, sitting in a rocking chair while knitting for the Red Cross? If so, bugger that for a game of sojers, I'll stick with riding and writing Bike(s)).
I've finally managed to get a letter about women's cycling in the Guardian; sadly it's not in a place accessible from the internet (being in letters and emails in the sport section)it was accompanied by a picture of Bradley Wiggins.
They asked several top writers for their ten rules of writing fiction, people like Margaret Attwood and Zadie Smith. Some are quite funny. It's a big article which they've broken down into two parts. I hope the links work.
As far as I can tell, no one has yet linked Bike to a previously undiscovered copy of 'Velocipedes - a guide for the etiquette for young ladies using said form of transport,' (or How to ride without showing one's bloomers)by Jane Austen's second cousin three times removed (once forcibly), Lancie Headstrong.
As we get closer to episode 900 (not bad for something that was going to be a blog?)it's time to ask readers how much longer they want me to continue, assuming our gracious web mistress is happy for that to happen. The plot lines keep coming and the characters keep doing their bit, so unless you think it's getting stale or old hat, it could go on a bit longer.
So pull your fingers out and get typing and tell me.
Like so many people safe in their own homes, I was horrified by the devastation in Haiti by the recent earthquake. I was also pleasantly surprised by the way the world responded in donating money, equipment and teams of rescuers. I think the military are making a pigs ear of it, but that's what they do best. Then I read this in today's Guardian and the joy I felt at the rescue of the little kid was put into a new perspective, by the disgust I felt for what happened to this child. Read it for yourself, and ask yourself, is this a proportional response or just plain murder?
Appears to have become the most viewed story on this site, according to Popular Content, with well over 32,000 hits.
I know Karen J joked about having hit on it 28,000 times on a slow night, but as long as she read it each time - it's one of my better efforts - I don't mind.
If anyone doubted that some elements of Bike were true, I attach (I hope) a photo taken by the present Captain of HMS Victory - yes that one - Nelson's flagship, and passed on to me by Gabi.
The latest research suggests it may all be a myth, or even Skene's gland aka the female prostate - which in itself isn't always recognised or even found in all women apparently.
I notice that for the past couple of days a copyright notice has appeared on my stories, and many of the others posted recently.
As it obviously takes time to do, there has to be a good reason why it's being done. Are we being plagiarised and sold for huge sums of cash - or in my case used Mars bar wrappers?
I'm not complaining - never managed to find the key for an umlaut let alone a copyright symbol, and I am happy to admit ownership of my witterings, so just curious, like Alice.
The next part 864 of Bike has been written, I very nearly posted it tonight, but then thought you'll get too fat if I feed you too much.
I must confess that the character of Julie came out of the blue as I started to write, and I had difficulty stopping when I did. However, the plotline seemed so magnetic that I had to write some more - I know, saddo or what? So tomorrow's episode is about twice as long as usual, over 2200 words.
According to the popular content counter, Gaby's Manx Tale has received over 29,000 hits. Thank you to all who've read it, to Maddy Bell for creating the characters, and to Erin for allowing me to post it here.
Totally Insane (the serial not the author) part 30 is with my editor and I hope to post it during Christmas Day (UK time). So those of you who wish to follow the adventures of Kylie and her psychopathic sibling, tune in tomorrow for the next riveting episode (actually they're not riveted, they're screwed like the rest of us).
Oh Bonzi sends Mioawy Christmas to both his readers and a Happy Mew Year.
This a story running to two book equivalents posted in 2003/4 on Crystal's storysite, which is one I feel deserves more attention and because Sarah Bayen doesn't post any more - she seems to have left the scene altogether - you might not come across it unless you know it's there. It could do with a proper edit but it's still a very readable tale of adolescence and self discovery. I attach a link.
The attached link to the Daily Mail is about a campaign to boycott 'pink' toys for girls, they claim stereotyping has held girls and women back for generations.
Personally, I'm more concerned about sexually objectifying young women - but what do I know?
According to this link on the Beeb, some of Audrey Hepburn's gowns and hats are up for auction, so if you fancy some new glad rags... Oh, I'd better warn you, the last two pieces of her stuff that were auctioned raised over a million pounds ...but then it's for a good cause. Breakfast at Tiffany's anyone?
Checks can be made out & sent to:
Joyce Melton
1001 Third St.
Space 80
Calimesa, CA 92320
USA
Note: $6000 is the operating, maintenance and upgrade budget. Amounts received in excess of the $6000 will be applied to long term debt accrued over the last 19 years.
