I won a writing contest

I won the writing contest I entered recently. Thanks to all who voted. ;-)

While this wasn't exactly a writing contest, where writing is judged by editors and/or other writers, this included writing as well as hints of a popularity contest. No matter, it was a writing contest and I won. Yippee!

Perhaps it will be enough though to help give my writing ambition a boost. Actually, there is nothing wrong with my desire to write. I write all the time. If I'm not writing in one of my blogs or in some political diatribe on Facebook, answering emails, commenting on news articles, I write letters. In fact, I write something every day; I just don't often get paid for it. That is a discipline I've never quite gotten a handle on.

What I really need is to send what I write to someone who might be interested in publishing it. I've never quite mastered that whole marketing myself thingy. Perhaps I need an agent.

Anyway, I did get paid for this contest. I earned $50. I've already received the check. With it, I bought plants for the garden.

Thanks again.

GMA fluff a sign of the times

Title card used from October 22, 2007 to May 2, 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What is with Good Morning America?

This morning I stumbled into the kitchen, following the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting down the hall. Why is it that one certain spot--just a small area--in the hallway receives the strongest kitchen smells? The same is true when there is a fire in the wood stove; that same spot is where the burning wood smell is the strongest as well.

Once I poured my coffee, even before I took the first sip, I joined my hubby in the living room where he was watching Good Morning America. Almost as soon as I sat down, the first thing I heard was Dan Abrams being introduced. He was there, as he seems to be every day, commenting on the legalities behind some sensationalized story dealing with somebody's personal tragedy. I don't even know what it was about because I picked up my coffee and made my exit. I'd much rather sit on the porch and watch the birds or read real news on my computer.

Now I don't have anything against Dan Abrams--he is probably a wonderful person--who is very knowledgeable about legal issues. He is rather easy to look at early in the day too, but I just don't happen to care to listen to speculation over the minute details of some courtroom drama at 8 o'clock in the morning. Perhaps I could justify it if the outcome mattered to the country, or if it affected society at large, or would set a precedent for future legal battles, but those usually aren't what drives the coverage. Instead, it is generally some highly sensationalized case that should matter only to the parties involved in it. At least this morning he wasn't fighting with Nancy Grace. That is really over the top. If I wanted to hear bickering, I'd start a fight with my husband.

And why does a legal consultant need to appear every single day; sometimes more than once. Do other people like this stuff? Or is it just me?

If GMA isn't just emulating Court TV it is doing a take-off on Entertainment Tonight. If the dialogue was printed, it would probably read like The Enquirer. Enough of the mundane already!

I was upset about the way this show was going back when Charles Gibson and then Diane Sawyer left. That was when Robin Roberts, who had been an excellent sidekick, was given the co-anchor spot with George Stephanopoulos. I've been a big fan of Stephanopoulos for a long time. I thought he would be able to maintain the show's credibility. And as much as he could, he has tried to do that. He cannot carry it all by himself though, especially when clearly news isn't what the show's producers are after. Roberts may have been a good sports interviewer, but she is no Diane Sawyer or Charlie Gibson. She is a nice woman, but just can't perform as a credible journalist. The world fluff comes to mind when I think about the substance of this show.

I may be spoiled because I remember Good Morning America in its heyday, when it was anchored by David Hartman and Joan Lunden. There was quality reporting by professional journalists, but then that was a different time and place. Perhaps that is the problem. Where are the journalists. I find myself wondering that more and more these days.

I'm just not interested in more fluff and dribble on TV. The airwaves are filled with it. Perhaps the problem is that six media giants now control much of what is on television--GE, News-Corp, Disney, Viacom, Time Warner, and CBS--dominate up to 90-percent of the media, according to Upworthy.com. In 1983, there were as many as 50 companies that controlled the airwaves.

According to a graphic on the site, "232 media executives control the information diet of 277 million Americans." That is one media executive to 850,000 subscribers. In 2010, the revenue for the six companies was $275.9 billion.

Therein lies the problem. I'm just glad I have a computer.

Tell me what you think about this. Are you happy with the way things are going?

Kinky is bad when it refers to the garden hose!

Just trying to water the garden this morning was about as exhausting as running a marathon. Such a simple, pleasant chore should not be so, well, draining. 

I got up this morning, poured that long-anticipated steamy first cup of coffee. I abandoned my husband John in front of the television where he was settled into his morning ritual, and headed for the front porch.

I had more pleasant things to watch--a yellow goldfinch bathing in the bird bath, a few squirrels chasing each other around a tree trunk, and our cat Timi finally hunting lizards.

While enjoying the total serenity that lay before me, I tried to evaluate some of the things I needed to do in the garden. First on my list was watering. We had just planted a packet of wildflower seeds in our front garden, one that had been largely untouched for the eight years we've lived here. I knew it had been a garden once; there were two peonies, and clumps of daffodils and irises there. The other day, I scattered seeds onto the freshly tilled ground. Uncharacteristically, there weren't too many rocks in this garden, which is another hint that it was once well cared for. Its semi-circular shape was defined by rocks, as are most of our flower beds. Hey, if you've got free landscape material, use it!

I didn't get to water yesterday because John was trying to rig a new hose reel on a post next to the front porch. We had been using a hose reel hidden inside a box that doubles as a bench. It finally outlived its usefulness, as the reel no longer would turn.

John made a nifty t-shaped post with a place to hook up two different lengths of hose; each with their own shut-offs. The idea was to use a long hose for the front garden; a short one for the others. The project didn't go well, though. First the hole wasn't deep enough. He kept on digging. Finally when it seemed adequate, he filled it with a whole bag of concrete mix. Clearly, that wasn't enough so he got another bag, mixed it up, and dumped it into the hole.

During the course of all this, he mowed the grass, but not after he moved the hose so he wouldn't chop it into pieces. He threw it into a pile near the porch out of the way. Actually, the hose is a monster in three segments with connectors between.

This seemed like a great plan until implementation.

When I got ready to water the garden, I turned on the nifty little valve. No leaks. I began to walk the hose to the front of the yard. Did I mention that our yard is all uphill, at a fairly steep angle? When I gave the hose a tug, the post crashed to the ground. It was a tangled mess that I had hoped would unwind easily. It didn't. I had to disconnect it from the spigot and untie several knots it had gotten itself into. How doe these things happen? Finally, there were no more tangles. I went back up to the front of the yard, grabbed the nozzle, and turned it on. No water came out. The hose was kinked. I followed it all the way back, unkinked it in several places. Finally, I was able to water.

By the time I f, I was exhausted. I feel like I had just run a marathon. We still need to come up with a hose solution. Back to the drawing board. All I know is we will have no more tangles, no more kinks, even if we have to string it over our heads from telephone polls.

Help, I'm trying to win a writing contest

I love blogging, but it doesn't pay the bills. From time-to-time I contemplate the idea of getting back to writing as a vocation, rather than just as a hobby. If past history is any indication, my urge to earn will soon pass and I will happily go back to writing just for fun. 

Truth is, I love writing. I think money is just a necessary evil. I was serious enough about writing for a living, to enter a contest though, which is why I'm  asking CH Musings readers for assistance.

While this is a writing competition, it also has elements of an American Idol-contest where anyone can register, read, and rate. This new version of the 3R's will allow the contest winner, the one with the most rating stars, to receive $50. 

If anyone is so inclined, please go to http://midlifecollage.com/vignettes/, register, read my story, "Vacation Trepidation," and rate as you see fit. 

All writers are between the ages of 40 and 65 years old, a place I've been for quite some time. My story will compete with four others. They are all very short and are easy-to-read. The contest lasts only for a week; it started Monday and will run until Sunday. 

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. I'll report the results when the contest concludes.

Watch Great Blue Heron nesting

cornellherons on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

Is this not the greatest thing? 

One of my favorite birds in all the world is the Great Blue Heron. Now, thanks to the Cornell  Lab of Ornathology, you can watch live as a Great Blue Heron--either the male or the female--sits on her nest. This is live streaming. The nest contains five eggs presently. They are due to hatch sometime at the end of this month. 

Hail to science; and hail to technology. 

American Idol does it right

American Idol (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

American Idol is so inspirational, even to those of us who will never sing a note on a stage. 

When Jessica Sanchez almost became a victim of the nationwide vote, it was amazing in itself. From her first performance, it was clear that she could easily become the singing sensation of a nation. It was heartwarming to see the judges rush onto the stage to "save" her.

When the show was over, and my last tear had fallen down my cheek, I realized that I really love watching American Idol. It always makes me cry when somebody does their very best or tries their hardest. It is just who I am. No apologies. Immediately following the show, I got to thinking about American Idol and why I enjoy it so much.

American Idol has taken the classic old-time television variety show, combined with the classic talent show, and added a 21st century spin.

Like so many other viewers, I'm hooked on American Idol for so many reasons. Viewers have been watching television talent shows for decades. But what Idol has that that other shows didn't was to combine all-around entertainment into the mix.

It is one thing to sing well, which has been the standard for talent contests for eons, but that is no longer enough as American Idol hones its production standards every year. Now in its 11th season, American Idol just gets better and better.

Singing--good singing at that--is one thing, but today potential idols must now produce an overall performance, complete with Las Vegas-style showmanship that dazzles both the judges and the voting public. This year Jimmy Iovine, who can put his money where his mouth is with regard to the music business, was introduced because of his vast experience in the music business. He has worked with artists from John Lennon to Lady Gaga and so many in between.What had been casual appearances on Idol has turned into his being a resident expert. His skill and advice has certainly fast-tracked the performers' overall public presentations on stage. The same is true with Tommy Hilfiger who has added a touch of style to Idol competitors. These two have been brought in to mentor the potential singing stars in much the same way  musical icons have mentored them in the past.

It is my opinion that American Idol has it right when it comes to providing an overall package for viewers. Not only are we entertained by spectacular singing, humorous interactions among the competitors and judges, but we are also given a peek into the real personalities behind the voices with videos of interviews with and about contestants through their friends and family.

I have to say that I hardly miss Simon Cowell, which surprises me. I enjoyed his banter with the contestants. Cowell had his own style and I thought his loss would really detract from the show. Instead, I find that his often snide remarks which he considered much like 'tough love' for competitors is really unnecessary. These kids have so much to deal with that positive mentoring is really much more advantageous, not only to them, but to the audience. With all the personal contact we have with them, we develop feelings for our favorites. We have a tendency to want to defend them if they are attacked.

Randy Jackson has always been a phenomenal judge, not only because of his own musical background and expertise, but because he is an honest critic. Like Cowell, he tells it like it is, although with much less abrasion than Cowell could ever muster. Jackson is such a likable character.

To me, and I admit it surprised me, the best judge may be Jennifer Lopez. Not only is she making a fine living as a performer herself, so she knows from whence she speaks, but she demonstrates a well-rounded understanding of music, dance, and overall performance,. Her vulnerability, which is not unlike a typical mother, resonates with these young performers. She has proven that she has a much deeper understanding than may be perceived. Her advice is given with only the best of intentions.

While Steven Tyler is more limited in his comments to singers, his persona rounds out the judges' bench. He knows what he likes and says so. I've really enjoyed seemingly getting to know this hard core rocker on a more personal level.

With all this thought, I really can't narrow down who I think the next American idol will be. Truthfully, it doesn't matter. The remaining seven performers are all excellent. Any one of them could win. I believe all of them will do well in their future singing careers.

Related articles

• American Idol Top 7 Results! (q104.radio.com)
• American Idol's Jessica Sanchez Leaves Judges Stuttering (thehispanicblog.com)
• American Idol Judges Save Front-runner Jessica Sanchez After She Voted Off! (entervrexworld.wordpress.com)

Vegetable gardening coming along

This year's vegetable garden is coming along. I always love taking pictures of the new garden so I can see the progress as the year goes on.

Weather has been totally cooperative of late, in that the extremely warm early spring we enjoyed has now settled into total perfection. It is now after 11 a.m. and the temperature is holding steady at 61º. It will probably warm up to about 70º later in the afternoon.

An early view of my tomatoes, peppers, etc.
Seeds are starting to come up.
There is lettuce growing on the far end.

I watched the deer in the backyard yesterday, perilously close to my raised-bed garden. I stood on the deck eye-to-eye with them, wondering if they could read what I was trying to convey. Get out!

They probably want to wait to hit the tomato plants, like last year, just when the plants are getting close to producing ripe fruit. Right now, we have minimal protection for the plants, but I'm thinking about a more secure structure in the near future. Right now there is a rusty, metal blue heron crying to be painted, guarding the garden. He is wearing a necklace of Irish Spring as a deterrent, but I doubt it is effective. A sliver of soap was hanging on a post on the other side of the garden until we discovered it on the ground, all chewed to pieces. I have no idea if it were deer who did that deed, but I bet whoever it was  had a belly ache.

I hope my tomatoes and peppers grow as well as the Vinca-that-tried-to-eat-Arkansas.

That stuff is amazing. It is the most prolific plant I have ever seen. It grows well, has pretty purple flowers, is healthy, and requires no care. I take that back--the only care it requires is to remove it from where it doesn't belong, but that isn't much of a problem. I love this stuff! I can't believe I used to buy it every year when I lived near Chicago to add interest to flower flower pots and boxes. Here, it lives and thrives.

A few Roma tomatoes growing in a pot

The garden looks pretty much like crap right now, but I'm hoping a little Arkansas sunshine and some rain that has been promised this week will help these plants perk up.

Just in case of another deer disaster, I have planted tomatoes and peppers in pots too. I want to ensure a crop this year, even if it is just a small one. I'm tired of being skunked every year when it comes to my beloved tomatoes.

A tiny Serrano pepper growing on last year's plant

I have several pepper plants this year--varieties that claim they are red peppers. Funny, I thought all bell pepper varieties turned red eventually. Oh well, the picture of the red pepper on the label was enough to entice me.

I also saved a couple of Serrano peppers from last year. At the end of the season I dug them up, put them in a pot and brought them in the house. I had a few peppers to enjoy all winter. I just planted those same plants outside. One of them is already growing a baby pepper. My mouth is watering already. Serranos are my favorite.

I never heard of them or even considered growing hot peppers until my former neighbor Cel Hernandez brought me a couple plants. I was hooked. I will be forever grateful to him for introducing me to what is now one of my favorite foods. I love to use them in salsa, guacamole, and tacos, as well as in soups, spaghetti sauce, or just about anything. They are a little hotter than jalapenos, but are much more mild when cooked. They are so much more flavorful.

Herbs plus strawberries and raspberries

The herb garden is looking much better than the veg garden, although that is because the plants are perennial.

The only thing that was left of the herb garden was that lovely rosemary, chives, oregano, lemon balm, and sage. That is the new raised bed my hubby built this year. I added a few strawberries and two raspberries, as well as lavender, coriander, and basil. I still have a basil plant in the house, but one can never have too much of that. I had a pot of chocolate mint, but it wasn't happy so I moved it. I had planned to leave it in the pot because mint spreads so wildly, but I decided to plant it right into the garden. Perhaps she will have more clout over the Bermuda grass that continues to invade my life.

I have high hopes for this year's garden--just as I always do--around mid April. As they say, hope springs eternal.