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Last day Another month almost gone, and I've hardly done any writing. Still I have been thinking about the novel - during those times when I'm not too befuddled or fogged - and reckon I've achieved some progress, even it hasn't been written down yet. Which is something to be pleased about. I got into town yesterday, but the effort really tired me out, so that the afternoon was spent trying to recover. Luckily the books I'd ordered from Amazon arrived - nos 2 - 5 of the Alvin Maker series by Orson Scott Card. So I spent much of the afternoon - and evening as my partner worked very late - reading. I wasn't going to buy them, but the library didn't have the others - well, they did but in various libraries scattered around Sheffield - and to get them all to a library I can get to would have probably taken weeks. Being an impatient s*d, I decided to order the books instead. Really glad I did. Have been engrossed. Which is really my mood but Unky doesn't have an engrossed so I've settled for thoughtful instead!!! Posted 9.45am BST
 Wednesday 29th September Brighter At last!!! Feeling much brighter, and am hoping to go into town soon so will keep this short. Have done very little since my last update. But Sims2 has now crashed (inevitable, according to some of the messsages on the BBS) so will have to try and sort that out later. Also, I discovered that my openlink mail account wasn't forwarding mail to me as it should. My apologies, therefore, if anyone has sent mail to me at ldoughty@openlink.org during the last 3 months or more and hasn't had a reply - basically I hadn't seen your mail! I've now reset the account (again) to forward mail to my blueyonder address and have hopefully picked up on any important mails. But it's possible I missed some, so please forgive me and contact me again via the address on this page if you don't hear from me within the next day or so.. Thank you! Posted 10.10am BST
Feeling dozey Just a quickie to let you all know that I haven't deserted my blog completely. I've been feeling very sleepy and achy the last few days, and finding it difficult to do anything. Have been resting, watching tv, playing Sims2 (what a surprise!) and reading a book I borrowed from the library - 'Alvin Maker' by Orson Scott Card. The first book I've read by him and, whether it's because of my mood, I've been drawn to read and read and read. So much, that I've now finished it. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get into town and either borrow number 2 in the trilogy or buy it. And hoping also that I'm a bit livelier than I have been... Posted 7.15pm BST Thursday 23rd September Time flies!!! Well, not literally but time has gone very quickly this week. So fast, in fact, that I realised this morning that I hadn't updated my blog since Monday. You can guess what I've been doing, though. Yep, playing around with Sims2. Great fun: new challenges, new ways of keeping my Sims happy and new building materials and objects to play with. Not that I'm addicted at all... So, what else have I been doing, you ask? Not much. Went into town yesterday and bought a present for my mother (it's her 80th birthday next week). Been a bit of a headache - when asked what she'd like I got the 'I don't want anything' answer. Which, of course, is totally untrue - if I turned up with nothing, she would be extremely upset. I've watched some of the Paralympics and marvelled at the determination and skill of the athletes. Makes me seem pathetic. I find it hard to do the gentlest of exercises, let alone tackle a 100 metre sprint, albeit in a wheelchair (not as easy as it looks, I'm sure). I wish them all the luck that they deserve and will be watching again later today.  However, I've received several emails in the last week or two about FM, from people who've read my FM page. I hope my replies have helped them, or at least let them known that they're not alone. FM is one of those conditions where, for much of the time, you're left to flounder in the dark and carry on alone. It's not easy. Always nice to know that there are other people out there who are having similar problems and it's the reason I discuss FM here and on my page. Normally I don't talk about FM to anyone, honest. Why bore people with my aches and pains? They usually have enough problems, stress or difficulties of their own. As for writing, I have been filling out some of the record cards. In the process, realised that there are huge gaps in my knowledge, not just of the characters but of the world itself. So I'm currently trying to fill in some of those holes and probably won't return to the actual writing until I feel confident that I know enough. Anyway, think I'll get back to my Sims - but I'll try to return and update my blog again in the next day or so... if time doesn't go so damn fast!!! Posted 9.25am BST
 Sims2 Yeah!!! Not only is my partner back but I've also got a really cute Paddington Bear and Sims2. The latter being the reason I've done no writing or much of anything else since the game arrived on Saturday morning. Luckily, my partner didn't want to do anything but chill on his computer all weekend too!!! So if I don't update my blog much this week, you know why! Posted 1.40pm BST
 Friday 17th September Paddington Hugs just phoned, he should be back in Sheffield just after 6pm. Really looking forward to having him home and feel quite excited - although I can't show you my mood at the moment as Unky Moods site is down. Anyway, it seems I might get a Paddington Bear - apparently there are loads of them at Paddington Station where he was when he called, he wanted to know if Paddington wore a duffle coat or mac as the shop had both! Duffle coat, I said. How could Paddington wear anything else???? Have started on my record card notes, think it could be quite useful. Trying to use bullet points - otherwise knowing me I'll ramble and won't be able to make any sense of them at all! Now, though, think I'll have a play on Star Wars Galaxies and another cup of tea  Posted 2.55pm BST
Friday 17th September Latest on my novel Printing the novel at the moment. Haven't done any actual writing, just
read through everything I've written until now and made one or two minor changes
but that's it for today. Too sleepy to do any more. I want to make notes of all
the characters and places, hence the reason for printing it out - I bought a
'book' of record cards designed for revision notes last week, thought they'd be
useful to keep my character notes on. Hopefully will do that later today and
over the weekend. I've found before that if I don't keep records I forget what
details I've written about people or places - need to ensure continuity of
course. And sometimes it helps to jot down ideas or personality traits that I
think of between writing.
I was reading through the how to write novel book that I borrowed from the
library yesterday, there are some extremely useful points about character
development in there that I want to pursue. All stuff that is part of the
writing process, and as important as the actual writing itself. I do feel that I
need to be clearer now on the characters - having invented them, and got them
going, as it were, I still have huge gaps in my knowledge of them. Something I
learned from my first attempt at a novel was the importance of getting to know
as much as possible about the characters. Difficult sometimes, especially when
there are so many (and I know there will be many more - always are!!!).
Am quite pleased with what I've written so far. Unlike many authors I tend to edit as I go along - slows down progress a lot, but to me it seems a natural way to write. And if 2 chapters doesn't seem much, they are both long - it being a fantasy novel, I have no qualms about writing long chapters - many fantasy authors do. Just hope that some day I'll be able to finish - having re-read it again this morning I feel almost fired up and keen to do more. If only I weren't so tired and achy... <sighs> Posted 12.40pm BST
Friday 17th September Late night Last night I sat and watched a film on tv - Nell. The acting by the main character was very good but I felt that the development of the plot could have been handled much better (must be the writer in me!). However, it was a fascinating plot and idea - a young woman, found after the death of her mother, had been kept in isolation in a remote forest hut, and had no knowledge of the world. There was a battle, of course, between a guy who had discovered her and doctors wanting to study her. A local journalist found out about her existence, the media got hold of the story and forced things into the open. That was the bit that I felt wasn't very well handled or thought out but overall I was intrigued by the film. It also made me think of my novel for there are some parallels - the main character of my book being an Outcast who has been forced to live apart from society. However, she does have knowledge of the world around her and has been taught well by her mother. Still, there were interesting ideas within the film that I can consider. As the film didn't finish until midnight, I had my second late night this week. Another lie-in. This evening, my partner will get home and I'll no doubt revert to my normal routine. Has been an interesting week, but will be nice to have my Huggy Man back!!! Posted 11am BST
Chapter 2 done Yep, finished chapter 2 and made a very small foray into chapter 3 - well, have written the first paragraph. Still it's progress and I'm pleased. But very tired now so won't be doing any more writing today. Posted 2.15pm BST
Thursday 16th September Night of the Wolf Finished reading my book last night, recommend it to everyone, especially would-be writers like myself - Alice Borchardt is very skilled in keeping up interest, letting the writing flow naturally and adding enough description to let your imagination run riot. Think my only criticism is that occasionally there's too much description but overall I find her writing style is excellent and only wish mine was half as good! I did manage to do some writing yesterday, very pleased. Not much, as I had to go out (again) to the hospital - this time for a Patient User Group meeting at the Pain Clinic. We meet to contribute what we can to help the people in charge of the clinic, mostly by vetting proposed leaflets and information sheets that they're preparing for future patients and discussing other problems that arise as patients, like problems with access and parking. It makes me feel as though I'm at least doing something in return for all the help that they've given me, and its also a chance for a chat on a fairly regular basis with other people who have pain. Watched a programme on BBC4 last night about North
Korea - they'd been allowed full access to 2 girls and their families as the
girls trained for parts in the Mass Games. It was the most open I've seen any
North Koreans. You can see how easy it is though for the government to rule them
as they do, the constant propaganda they feed them is appalling and thus the
people are very naive about the world. They blame the US for all their power
cuts and lack of food and troubles etc. because that's what they're told.
Incredible and intriguing. And in a way sad, although the people appear content and happy. If you want to learn more, see this interview.
Hoping to get some more writing done today - have very little else planned, no more trips into town, just a visit to my local shops. So should be able to write although the change in weather to a cooler autumnal feel has increased my aches and stiffness. It happens every year, almost invariably during the same week or two and it takes me a while to adapt to the new 'level' of aches. I'm always worse between September and April, although the worst months are January to mid-March. Interesting really how much the weather can affect rheumatic conditions - I wasn't the only one at the clinic yesterday who'd noticed the changes. Ah well, time to get out the fleece, the thick woolly jumpers and warmer coat!!! Posted 9.30am BST
 Wednesday 15th September Peaceful I know that I shouldn't say this, but I'm actually quite enjoying being on my own. Yes, I do miss my partner and it will be great when he gets back on Friday evening but there are benefits to being alone for a few days. The first is that there's no snoring during the night; the second is that there is no alarm to disturb my sleep in the morning - apart from yesterday when I had to go out at 9am. That was for a follow-up visit to the hospital - for those of you who've read my Fibromyalgia page you'll know that I was lucky enough to be part of a pain management programme at the end of last year. Yesterday was a normal part of that, when the staff check to see how we're getting on and if we need any more help. It was a chance to meet up with the other people in the group as well and we ended up in a pub over the road from the hospital for lunch. We got to know each other quite well during the programme, sharing problems in the knowledge that (a) we have an agreed confidentiality clause and (b) we all suffer from pain. Afterward I got a lift home and a promise that I'll see at least one of them in the future as she now lives nearer to me than she did. As for the rest of the day, I was very tired after the outing, but happy. Spent the time playing on the PC, reading and watching tv. I was able to have my meal when I wanted and, as I'd already had a big lunch, didn't have to cook. One of the other advantages of being on my own for a few days. But it was wonderful when my partner phoned, we chatted for at least half-hour, and exchanged several text messages too. Today, I'm going to write - I feel in the right mood. I'll let you know how I got on. Either later. Or tomorrow. Posted 10.50am BST
Monday 13th September Quiet Seems very strange without my partner around. So quiet! We have already exchanged text messages, I won't hear from him again though until this evening. He really is not looking forward to the course he's doing, and I don't blame him. Think he's keener for Friday and the finish than I am. Of course he sorted everything out and left on time. No problem. Maybe I'm just too organised or nervy when I'm about to go away and should try to be more laid back in future. Watched Silent Witness last night, will see the 2nd part tonight. It will be interesting to see if the programme succeeds with it's change of main character. Think that part is more intriguing than finding out what is causing the deaths!!! Right, I'd best go and have some breakfast, perhaps another cup of tea. Then decide on what to do with the day... Posted 9.50am BST
 Sunday 12th September Unprepared My partner is going on a course down in London, has to leave this afternoon as he needs to be there by 8.30am tomorrow - not quite impossible from here but would mean a stupidly early start - something he hates. Now, if I go anywhere, I start preparing at least 3 days before - not packing but checking what I need and buying what I don't have in advance, putting by what I'll need to take etc. Not him, though. Perhaps it's a man thing. He printed off course details earlier, decided on which train he's going to get about 2 hours ago, and is presently rushing around our local retail park in an attempt to buy more trousers. In the meantime, I've packed his bag, bought toiletries that I know he'll need and got out the London A-Z, tube map etc. At least I know he'll appreciate my efforts. We'll miss each other, of course. Always do. I'm already looking forward to when he comes home Friday evening - and he hasn't gone yet!!!! Posted 1.40pm BST
Sunday 12th September Weird I've tried this site: Flash Mind Reader. I don't believe in this stuff but here's the rub - so far, I've tried 6 times, using different numbers. Only one was wrong.... if you figure out (pun intended) how it works, please let me know!!!! Posted 12.50pm BST
Client-copia No. Haven't done any writing. Instead I've been surfing and found Client-copia via Carlton Hibbert's Illustration Blog. Interesting and fun and has made me laugh a fair bit. It helps to have some knowledge of web design/ printing terms/ basic computing skills but many of the quotes (371 at the last count) can be enjoyed regardless. Either wade through them one at a time or press the random button. One thing I didn't know about was Lorem Ipsum text - thanks to this site, I do now. Fascinating what you can learn when doing nothing... Posted 12.50pm BST
Thursday 9th September Another day Well, did manage to get out into town yesterday, and discovered the library had the book I'd reserved so spent much of the afternoon reading. Another of Alice Borchardt's books : 'Night of the Wolf'. Excellent, as all her books are. I suspect that I'll be reading a fair bit again today. No writing of my own, though. I must try to get back into a writing routine if I can. Even if I don't actually tackle my novel but do some other work instead - poem, short story, even notes would be useful! Maybe later... Posted 8.40am BST
Tuesday 7th September Achieving nothing! Have done very little today - 2nd day running that I've spent my time playing around on the PC or doing nothing of interest. Hence no updates before now - nothing to write about! Oh, apart from saying that my grandson started playgroup today, seems he had a great time and is keen to go again. Which is a relief, no doubt, to his parents as he's a very active child and is giving them very little rest at all! Posted 6.10pm BST
Monday 6th September Marlin Games A nice start to the day - I received an email from someone requesting information about my games (see Marlin Games on my games page). I always find it amazing that there is still such interest around 14 years after the demise of my own active involvement. Yesterday we did make it to the art exhibition in the Botanic Gardens and had an enjoyable, if tiring, afternoon. The event appeared to be well supported (we had to queue to get in) and there's a promise that there will be a repeat next year. I hope so, as the overall standard of work for such an event was high and the accompanying art & craft market was full of intriguing stalls. So many in fact that I'm now broke, having purchased a book, how-to use colour pencils worksheets and various food. Ah well, such is life! Now, however, time to phone my son and wish my grandson a happy 2nd birthday! Posted 9.20am BST
 Sunday 5th September Coming around I felt really dazed yesterday. I think it was because I still felt shocked by the events of Friday. My fault, I suppose, for watching the news so long. Also having sessions of vertigo, something I get occasionally. Not exactly conducive for doing much. Anyway watched a film on the box last night, 'A Knight's Tale' - a comedy/romance/adventure I suppose you'd call it. It was light-hearted and fun, just what I needed and I ended up going to bed feeling much brighter than I had been all day. Hoping to get to the 'Art in the Garden' later today. Weather looks promising, just hope I feel up to the outing. Posted 10.25am BST
 Friday 3rd September Russian siege chaos I've been watching the developing situation at the Russian school since about 10am. Shocked and saddened by events. It appears that many of the child hostages are safe, although at least 160 people have been taken to hospital and there were still explosions from the school a few minutes ago. Still very unclear what happened but it does seem that the Russians reacted to gunfire or explosions started by the hostage takers. When will such fanatics learn that terrorist acts are not going to achieve their aims? Or are they aware of that and intent on causing death, chaos and suffering regardless? Such a violent, cruel and sad world that we live in. There are no words that can really describe the horrors that are committed daily throughout the world and the impact all the violence has on the victims and those of us who look on helplessly. But I know that it saddens me that people are so unable to live in peace, and unable, it appears, to be tolerant, compassionate and understanding. So sad. Posted 12.10pm BST
Friday 3rd September Russian siege Appalling scenes coming from the school in Russia where they now say about 1000 people have been held hostage - gunfire, explosions, casualties. Chaotic. No doubt it will become clearer later... Posted 10.50am BST
Friday 3rd September Another day Just woken up so this won't be long as still half asleep. Weather seems good, bright and sunny and the forecast for the weekend is promising. Which is nice as I intend to drag my partner off to the Botanic Gardens on Sunday for 'Art in the Garden'. Luckily he wants to go too, if only so that he has another excuse to use his digital camera!! As for today, time to relax - my legs are stiff and achy after yesterday's trip into town. Will keep an eye on the news, in the hope that the Russian hostages make it out of the school safely - must be awful for the families of those involved. And might even manage to do some writing - when I eventually wake up!!! Posted 9.05am BST  Tour of Britain Cycling isn't normally a sport that I follow but town was abuzz with excitement. I'd realised at the weekend that the 2nd stage of the tour would be finishing in Sheffield, but had forgotten it was this afternoon. Anyway, I thought I might as well stay to watch, having posted my parcel and been to the bank. So after checking that I had half-hour or so to wait I went and treated myself to a cup of tea and a slice of chocolate cake! Then found myself a good place to stand where I could lean on some railings and waited for the finish of the 2nd stage of the Tour of Britain bike race. Commentary was fun, the crowds were cheery and the atmosphere almost holiday-like (well, some of the children here are still on their school holidays so plenty of kids there too). The bikers, when they eventually arrived, whizzed past so quickly it was difficult to work out the winner - apparently it was a Columbian. About 5 or 6 bikers sped by, followed by a larger group, then one poor lone cyclist. I thought that was it but the rest followed about 12 minutes later. By which time my legs and back were protesting so I came home, missing the presentations. Still, it made a pleasant change. And cheered me enormously. I also feel less restless than I did. Never know, tomorrow I might even write some more of my novel!!! Posted 4.45pm BST
Thursday 2nd September Unky!!! Thanks to Pippa of An Incurable Hippie, I've just discovered Unky Moods. Have chosen my mood, and pasted the script as directed. Now, just hope it works!!! Posted 12.05pm BST
Thursday 2nd September Ooh!!! Now, I couldn't resist drawing your attention to this story about changes in figures - the bodily kind, not those of finance! Makes me feel so much better knowing that I'm no longer alone in the less slim-line look. I could do with those extra inches to my height however - being a mere 4' 11& a half" (yes, that half-inch is important!!!!) makes my podginess look worse than it really is. Honest. Posted 10.20am BST
New look!!! Was bored with the plain old title so inspired by one of my attempts with Terragen (see post below) decided to revamp with a touch of snowy mountain scenery!!! Probably won't be my final attempt, but I think it looks rather cool... Yesterday was one of those wasted days - I couldn't focus on anything for long, and kept flitting from one thing to another. Mostly playing around with Terragen, surfing, playing the occasional game for half hour or so, even vaguely wandering about the house in a kind of daze. Very unsatisfactory. Of course, I got no writing done whatsoever. Couldn't even read for long. I did however manage to wrap up my grandson's presents (he'll be 2 on Monday). Thanks to the closure of our local Post Office today I have to get on a bus and probably go into town in order to post the parcel. The local PO has been sorely missed - I used to get cards, wrapping paper, stamps, even cash there, and enjoyed a chat with the staff in the process. Now, of course, thanks to government policy and the need for profits over customer satisfaction, we are left facing a very long trek (at least a mile uphill) to our nearest office. Or, for those of us who can't manage such a walk, a bus ride. Never mind. Time to get myself sorted. Can't see me writing anything today as still feeling 'flittery' (I know, no such word but it sounds good and expresses my mood!!!). Hopefully will update again later... Posted 10am BST
Wednesday 1st SeptemberTerragen Thanks to my sister, I've been playing around with Terragen. Great fun. Basically, it's a programme that creates landscape images - very easy to use, so go and try it out! My efforts so far include the 3 below:    Posted 10.10am BST
Wednesday 1st September Another month already!!! Doesn't seem possible - I'm sure that time has speeded up! Anyway, my apologies to regular readers for not updating sooner - hopefully there are still some of you left? One of the reasons for the silence was that we went away for a long weekend, down to St Ives in Cambridgeshire to visit my partner's folks and celebrate his dad's 75th birthday. I also managed to meet my sister for lunch (she lives near Cambridge) and we checked out some art exhibitions as well as the St Ives shops. On my return to Sheffield, of course, I was shattered and am only just coming back up into the world of wakefulness again after a couple of good nights sleep. Will write again later, but just thought I'd post now to let you know that I'm still alive!!! Posted 9am BST
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