Blogging from hospital 102 - the Ultimate IT Guide

Okay, the title of this post is a little misleading - this isn't really a guide or a how-to. Basically I'm just going to share my fabulous portable setup with you...but as to how it's all configured? Well, I'm very lucky to have IT Man to deal with all the messy details. :-)

So...basically, this is what I'm working with.

iPad (with nifty case which flips around so you can stand it up) and wireless keyboard. No, it's not one of the new-generation iPads (people keep asking me that) but it's doing a great job.

And what runs the whole shebang?

Blogging from hospital 101 - food, glorious food

When you're desperate for some quiet writing time...get yourself hospitalized.

Okay, I know it sounds extreme, but hear me out.

Firstly, let me assure you that I'm not just spouting random theory based on something I read on Wikipedia. No, I'm actually trialling this approach myself...blogging from a hospital bed. And you all know hospital beds are not easy to come by, much like those coveted places in writers' retreats...so I see the fact I've managed to score one as quite a coup.

I'll be the first to admit there are some less than desirable features associated with my chosen method of getting some peace and quiet. I mean, firstly, you have to have some kind of illness, or a moderately serious health issue at the very least. They won't take just anyone.

And then there's the IV cannula thing. Also not so nice. I'm not going to post a picture of the one sticking out of my arm. If you really want to know what one looks like, feel free to google it.

But then there are the positives.

A word on Write Hope - raising funds for the children of Japan

We often hear about disasters on the news, and wonder if there's any practical way we can help. Sometimes, the bigger the disaster, the more powerless we feel about doing something which will actually make a difference.

Pretty much everyone will have heard by now about the critical situation Japan finds itself in; its eastern coastline ravaged by an earthquake and a huge tsunami, with entire towns washed away and thousands upon thousands dead, missing, injured or homeless. Now they're battling the additional threat of nuclear meltdown at a nuclear power station damaged by the quake.

A group of bloggers with ties to Japan have decided to take action in their own special way, and they're calling for involvement from us all, in a series of charity auctions to be held online at the website they've created: http://write-hope.blogspot.com/

All funds raised will go to their chosen charity, Save the Children, which is actively working to help Japan's youngest citizens through this terrible crisis.

So if you've been looking for a practical way to help, visit Write Hope, donate a book to their mystery box or bid in the auction.

Second Crusader Challenge post

I'm fulfilling a challenge in this post - to write a piece of flash fiction, 100 words or less, beginning with "The goldfish bowl teetered..."

Okay, this was much harder than I thought it would be and I'm very impressed by anyone who can encapsulate a complete idea with such a limited amount of words...because I really can't! Still, here is my short, short story - exactly one hundred words.

Ruin and Restoration

The goldfish bowl teetered on the edge of the mahogany table and fell.

Aurelie watched wide-eyed as it smashed on the parquetry floor.

Lord Black released her arm, and took a step backwards. His mouth crooked up in an unpleasant smile as he looked down at the mess of glass shards and squashed fish and lace doily.  "I will enjoy hearing you explain that to the Dowager Countess."

"Easily done," came a light voice from the doorway. "She was protecting her virtue from the unwanted advances of an unprincipled, lecherous toad."

Aurelie shuddered. The Viscount. Why him, of all people?

The Great Sunflower Destruction - a saga in photos

Well, all you northern hemisphere types who are buried deep in snow and dreaming of warmer climes no longer need to be jealous of the sunflower I have on my blog sidebar (shortly to be removed).

Sadly, that sunflower - and its cohorts - are no longer.

Witness the destruction wreaked by a wild flock of sulphur-crested cockatoos one overcast afternoon.

The advance guard.

Procrastinating with style - jewellery pics

I like to call it down time. Recharge time. Time to get the hands busy and allow the mind wander where it will, and rest a little.

So this is what you might find me making when I'm not writing, which seems to be fairly often lately.

 

Sterling silver, cultured pearls and lapis lazuli

Among those who value the meaning of crystals and gemstones, lapis lazuli is reputed to enhance intuition, awareness, and psychic ability.

Crusaders present arms! First challenge post

Being a literary construct,
I don't have any interesting quirks
or annoying habits...
and bloviate I will not,
save to reveal here what few know;
I save even the tiniest pieces
of aluminium foil
until I am near a recycling bin
which can properly house them,
thinking this will really help
protect my beloved Earth,
from its watery depths
to fuliguline shallows,
from soaring mountain tops
to the humblest blade of grass
on a single isolated plain,
and the rabbit which eats it.

I have told a single lie.

Can you guess it?

If not, then be patient,

For next post I'll confess it.

What challenge? What the $#%^?
If confused click here.