Why the title?  Well, go tour the Air Force Academy and then the US Olympic Training Facility and you will  know what I mean. 

I honestly asked myself, "What have I done?  Anything?  If only I was 20 years younger." (okay, 25 years younger......)

So, since I dont want to depress you, I will post some pictures of Breckenridge and Leadville CO:

Thank you to our olympians and to our armed services. 

The Garden of the Gods.  Beautiful!!  There were people carefully climbing the precarious cliffs believe it or not!!  I read this was donated by the property owner to the City of Colorado Springs in the 1900's by his family at no cost so everyone could enjoy the rock formations freely.  Very nice. 

A beautiful Edison phonograph in Leadville CO.  We toured a historic home built in the mid 1800's.  This phonograph was in the room of the third floor and she played it for us.  We actually have a gramaphone, which is a variation of this; enclosed in a furniture like piece and played with the horn in the interior.  What a wonderful sound.  I absolutely loved it.  This was primarily a boarding house.  At the peak Leadville was home to 30K people.  Now, 3K tops.  That was during the lead/gold rush. 

Thanks for hanging in there.  Off to Taos NM tomorrow!!

It seems my promise to "take a hit at travel writing" while on vacation in Colorado has taken a swift dump however, I do have some beautiful photos to display.  These were taken in Vail, Colorado a couple of days ago.  Just to catch up, we are now in Colorado Springs!  We plan on sending the older boy off to hockey camp at the Air Force Academy tomorrow.  Now that we have internet, I may be able to offer more insight into our travels over the next few days.  Until now; enjoy these:

A beautiful, very large flower taken just at the steps of the visitor center in Vail CO.  Wish I knew the name!  I had to take my turn capturing this beauty!!


Outside the Rock Garden also in Vail CO.  Gorgeous.  Several in shades of petal pink, white and purple. 

Thank you for hanging in there with me while on the road.  It is a bit challenging to travel/vacation with the family and keep up with a blog!  Time to hit the hay!

I was INspired today to write about what is OUTside in our backyard.  Please share your blog, post your take on everything glorious about the out-of-doors. 

This is our entertainment this year and a cause for a writing prompt; “OUTside INspiration”.  Our Arizona retreat is dappled with purple leaf plum, ficus trees, milkweed and Bermuda.  In between all that is a pebble tec play pool with a rock waterfall.  Surrounding the curved edges is a tropical array of palm trees in various sizes.  In all its glory, this lends too much pruning and care tending by my wonderful husband but on evenings such as this, it is breathtaking and resort-like. 

I checked in early this morning to The Mother Centurion and lo-and-behold my Followers have returned! 

I will be spending the day just relaxing with my boys.  Their choice for today includes taking on the role of "Mall Rat" and then some swimming later.  I will revise "Hands on Fire" and get it finished for submission tomorrow. 

If you are still interested, do not delay!!  You can still enter, late fees are waived.  The Writer's Digest 80th Annual Writing Competition. 

The latest books I have read:

Townie                                          by Andre Dubus
Reading My Father                       by Alexandra Styron

Both memoir and absolutely wonderful!!

Well, I am not sure what is going on with Blogger or my blog but I have some how managed to lose all my followers.  They are MIA from my page and I am heartbroken.  I love opening my page (which also has become difficult for some unknown reason) to the glowing icons of my followers.  Anyone else having this issue?  I have posted this problem to Blogger and so far no luck. 

On another note, the Writers Digest 80th Annual Writers Competition deadline has been extended.... again.. I have been working on several drafts and revisions of Hands on Fire and have decided to submit electronically.  I found some glaring errors and problems with the original drafts and believe with some TLC and a long Memorial Day weekend, plus an extra day off on Tuesday, I should be able to get it in via their electronic posting option. 

Hope all is well this weekend and again, if anyone is having some problems with their blog, please share!  I was worried I may have had a virus at first but it is on every computer I check.  I also noticed other blogs I visited were also missing their followers. 

More later! 

I cannot believe it has been over a week since I last blogged.  I have been so disciplined the first of this year.  Hopefully I am not wasting your time. 

I took a bit of a break after the short story submission to the Writer's Digest Contest. On top of that I had a final paper and a final exam to complete for school.  If that is not enough, I had a sick child on Monday and after a quick trip to the E.R. because of his 102.8 fever, we learned we had a very typical case of Strep.  We have to be very cautious of high fevers with a transplant.  We always worry about rejection or something else sinister lurking within.  So when the quick swab down the throat resulted in a positive for Strep, I let out a little yelp of relief and applauded openly. 

Mother's Day was a "mama's choice" which involved taking 4 children (two mine) to see Rio in 3D.  I love the movies.  Then my hubbie made stacked enchiladas complimented by cocktails by the pool with friends.  Very nice. 

I continue to read aggressively and am writing journal-style with a particular sway toward the continuation of my memoir.  Now that I am done with school for this semester (only 2 more to go), I have the summer off.  We have a trip to Colorado planned in about 4 weeks, so I am focusing on my writing. 

I am debating on signing up for an on-line writing course.  I just do not have time to go to "school" so I must explore the virtual world. 

How about some discussion on On-Line Writing Courses?  Let us educate ourselves and discuss. 

I will report what I learn in a few days.  Check back!! Give me some insight, ask questions, offer suggestions!

On Monday I had the perfect opportunity to get my final draft done.  I had the cable guy coming....

Dun da da daaaa..

You know... the "We'll be there between 0800-1200" thing.  I figured this was the perfect opportunity to have the house and computer to myself and get it all done before I had to get to work. (I found myself hoping he would actually be late..)  I could even do a "reading" in the living room.  Well, I did.  The reading however took place in the office....

I stored my story, "A Moment for Rosalie" (3,242 words) along with the cover page away on my thumb drive.  I paper clipped my postcard, check and entry form together then headed to the Kinko's to get it printed.  (yes, I am out of ink). 

Once I had my envelope, double checked the contents and printed the address neatly, I headed for the post office. 

"This just needs to be postmarked today.  When will it arrive?"  I asked the nice woman behind the counter.  I felt like a little kid picking out my favorite baseball glove on the season before tryouts. 
"Does this one break in pretty good?  How's the leather? I gotta make sure I get the right one." 

"This will arrive regular delivery by Friday."  She said.

"That will work, as long as it is postmarked today."  I said, leaning over slightly checking the postmark ever so nervously and a bit "micromanagerially".   Is that even a word?  I highly doubt it. 

I had to chuckle to myself as I left.  Much like after cramming for finals week and walking out of your final class on Thursday afternoon after it is all over.

"Well that's that!" 

Now on to another project.  The memoir.  Enough procrastinating.  I live vicariously through others but every once in a while it is nice to actually accomplish something.  What happens now?  Who cares!!  The act of writing, revising, revising some more then letting it go is enough!!  

Remember the lovely green path from the other day?  This is what I came across.  (In my dreams)

So, it is the night before May 2, 2011.  I have a third and a half revision done (does that even make sense?).  A lot of penciled and penned X's and slashes; blood on the page.  I have my entry form filled out, my check carefully attached and my SASP (postcard) all packaged and ready to go (I want confirmation it arrived). 

I have a scheduled appointment for the cable guy to be here between 8-10 tomorrow.  I have texted my boss and let him know I need a couple of hours in the morning.  I plan on going for a 20 minute run, home to get my lovely kids ready for the bus, walking my wonderful dog, then working on my final draft while I wait for the cable guy.  I have new ink cartridges so I can print from home (yes, I am sending hard copy.  Call me old fashioned) and then head to the post office for mailing.  Postmarked May 2, so the rules state. 

Are you ready??  I am a mess and a firm believer no work of writing is ever done, only abandoned.

Sweet Dreams..  This is where I want to be......

Journal Enty: April 28, 2011

I took the freeway to save time.  The call was simply; "A guy passed out at the rail platform, 44th Street and Washington.  Any unit to assist?" 

"Phoenix PD to OCC, I can respond."  (the OCC is the control center for rail operations.  This was not a dispatch call but rather an administrative call for assistance.)

I had to pull my car up a few hundred yards past the east end of the platform to stay out of traffic.  Kept my lights on, engine running.  A far distance, little farther than I would like but I could keep an eye on it. 

I found him at the far east end.  Slumped over in a half sitting, half prone position.  His head was wrapped with what looked to be a blue pillow case, another around his waist.  He had on a button up shirt, striped with red and white.  Something any business type would wear.  His jeans were tied with a belt, the holes worn out or not enough to cinch tight around his trim waist. 

I kicked at his feet lightly at first then a bit harder when just for a moment I thought he may not actually be breathing.  My brief confirmation that he may quite possibly have left the living, was a fly that sat stationary on his lower lip.  Something about flies, they send a message of end of life, dead things and non-movement.  When things cease to move, flies find safe refuge.
 I have to admit, I had a little adrenalin rush for just a moment.


He finally stirred a few good kicks to his feet later.  His eyes peeled open, light brown and seriously captivating.  Not eyes I would predict for a person of his condition but rather beautiful. 

A stash of folded papers peeked from his shirt pocket and every first form of business for police work is to "know who I am talking to." 

I searched through worn citations from Tempe, court orders, plea agreements and found one I could read with his name.  Theodore, maybe Ted as I would imagine but I referred to him as Theodore. 

"Theodore! Hey partner.  Wake up.  You can't lay here.  Wanna go to LARC? (a rehab clinic for drunkards.)

He mumble something or other. 

He was directly in the sun, heating up with the day and that happens quickly in Arizona. As I filtered through the paperwork and cleared for a wagon to pick him up, I was approached by several rail passengers.

This particular platform is one visited regularly by riders to and from the airport.  Phoenix Sky Harbor is a short few miles from downtown.  One of the few cities with an airport so close to downtown and on this particular day at this particular time, I became not only the "rounder up of homeless intoxicated citizens but also the information police." 

"Is this the way to Phoenix?"  One particularly nicely dressed couple asked.  They appeared to be fresh off of a flight. 

"We have some time to kill before we head to our hotel and we were looking for the Body Works Event at the Museum" 

"Absolutely.  I would love to go to that myself."  I turned from my friend Theodore who reclined silently snoozing in the heat, while I addressed new visitors to the area on the whereabouts to the science museum.

"Yes, take the train and get off at 3rd Street and Washington.  You will then need to double back east to around 7th Street to the museum." 

Another group of about 5 women stood patiently waiting their turn.

"Is this the way to Central and Indian School?"  One woman asked in a bedazzeled denim jacket. 

"Yes, it is and the next train should be here in about 10 minutes."

"See, I told you!!" One of the women announced to the group.  They all had a good chuckle over that and Theodore shifted his weight at the disturbance. 

I had about another 10 minutes to wait for the wagon.  One of my sergeants showed up to keep me company and Theodore decided at that time to relieve himself.  A small circle in the front of his well worn jeans expanded into a flowing pattern of dark blue reaching from front to back.  He asked at that point as he stirred if he could have a seat on the chair at the platform.  I will never sit on another platform seat again..

He proceded to blow excrement from his nose, spit and make any number of gutteral sounds until I finally advised him to save it until he was picked up.  He was polite, repeated he was not violent continually and all in all was cooperative.  His one profound statement as he cleared a brief window of haze and re-entered the land of the living ;

"I've been homeless for 12 years." 

He was a 46 year old male, homeless for 12 years and only recently, so he says, began drinking. 

The wagon showed up shortly after. 

"Teddy!  Hey, how you doin'?"  One of the employees said.  She was a very petite woman, short blonde bob cut who recognized Theodore immediately. 

"Regular, huh?" I said. 

"Oh, yea." 

Teddy had been saying some good things about the people at the drunk tank, how well they took care of him, gave him clothes and so on. 

Too bad Teddy could not accept the one thing that would really help him.

Sobriety. 

_____________________________________
I have my draft done.  Working on revision #2 and will be dropping it off at the post office on Monday.

Journal Entry: April 20, 2011

I parked my patrol car, an unmarked Crown Victoria, just north of the corner store.  Another officer had just gone in before me and was roaming the small, cluttered interior for the suspect.  The store owner gave us a brief glance oblivious to the intrusion of two officers canvasing his shop. 

On the corner, just south of the store, two officers were out with a young black female, a phone pushed flat on her ear.  Her voice was raised and stitched together a tapestry of street profanity. 

"Okay, turn around." The officer said as he reached for his cuffs tucked back on the rear of his gunbelt.  She dropped her purse to the ground and let the phone fall.  Perspiration covered her forehead and between the tightly woven braids in her hair.  Her earings hung heavy and smacked her face as she twisted and turned upset at having to put her hands behind her.  Her agitated state had become her downfall and it was best to control her movements by instituting a detention until we knew what we had. 

"Is he down the street?  Are they out with him?"  I asked the other officer who appeared in a hurry to go assist others out with our suspect.  A black male with a white tank top who was walking with our young female had apparently flashed a gun to another black male walking on the sidewalk.  The victim assumed it was because he "just looked at him wrong".  That was what it was like south of the freeway. 

"You mind staying here with her lieutenant?  I'm just gonna go down there and see what they got."  He said as he sat the girl down. 

"Absolutely.  I'll move her over here."  I made sure her feet were out of the street and his partner and I began questioning her.

We proceded to ask this young lady how it came to be she was with a young man who chose to flash a gun at another man.  We wanted to know what she knew.  What is his name?  How do you know him?  Where does he live?  Where were the two of you going?

"His name is D.C."  She said.

"What's that stand for?"

"I just know D.C. That his name.  I don't know but I tell you, I can't believe he got me mixed up in this!" 

She then continued to tell us that D.C. was her boyfriend, a fiance and they had been dating two months.  She was 19 and he is "around 40." 

"You only know him as D.C., he's "around 40" and you two are engaged?"  I asked clearly bewildered but not surprised.

"Yea." 

"You been arrested before?" The officer asked now seated in the car running her information. 

"Yea." 

"Let me guess, aggravated assault?  Against..... D.C.?"

"Yea."

"Whadyou use?"  I asked since aggravated usually involves a weapon or serious injury.

"A knife."

"So, you are with a man, twice your age, who you know only as D.C. who you have actually stabbed and been to jail for fighting with?  And you're still with him?"

"You have any kids?" I continued.

"No. I go to church, I go to school, I stay out of trouble!  I live with my mom!"  She said elevating her voice clearly attempting to make herself believe her own words.

"Time for you to make a change.."  I hesitated for a bit.  "Why aren't you in school now?"  I asked since it was about 1030 in the morning. 

No answer. 

______________________________

So, this was just a small snipit of a conversation I had a week ago on the street with some folks in south Phoenix.  I typed this real fast with no real intent on making it "story worthy" but more of a journal entry.  I plan on putting more journal type entries here as a quick writing exercise and as a street lesson, study in human nature.  Hope you check back for more. 

I am still working on my short story, titled "A Moment for Rosalie".  I will have it done and ready to submit by Monday.  May 2 is the deadline!!!

Have you completed the first draft?  Just two days ago, I sat in a rather uncomfortable metal chair outside of Subway and penned out in longhand the final few pages of my short story.  I dare not read it yet since I have some homework to do this weekend and I know I will just get frustrated as the clock ticks away.  I did pass out the first 4 or so pages to a few people to read however I have since revised those pages and doubt I will have time to get the final out for review. 

So, if you have your story done by today and if you have had someone read even a portion by today, good for you!!!  Now our final deadline for entry is May 2. We are in the final stretch and if there is any part of your story you wish to share, go right ahead! 

After this weekend and a review of the draft plus revisions, I will post an excerpt to share.  I welcome comments! 

Have a wonderful Easter! 

I got The Versatile Blogger Award from my blogging friend Dawn at
http://dawnbrazil.blogspot.com/  I am still trying to work my way around the hyperlinks to blog sites and struggle at times to get it just right.  I am now to provide a few things about myself and then share this wonderful award with some other great bloggers!

Some things about me:

1. I am sometimes refered by my friends as an "animal whisperer".  From bugs, to dogs, to lizards.... and I agree with this assumption.  I have a connection and so do my boys.
2. I believe I am living in reverse.  I am not getting older.  I feel younger (minus a few times where my back cannot keep up with me) each day and understand life much more than say my 20 or 30 something counterparts.
3. I am a student in the study of human nature... aka a police officer.
4. I would have 10 kids if I could.  All boys..
5. The funniest person I know is my husband.  The funniest people I know under 10 are my boys.
6. I thought I was pretty good with electronics until I tried connecting our new TV, Receiver, DVD/Blue Ray and cable yesterday..... but no fear... give me about 8 hours alone and without interruption and I will get it.
7. I want to be a writer.  I know.. go figure. 

Now it is time to return the favor and share this award with more of my favorite blogs and friends:

http://hollyedexter.blogspot.com/
http://sandie-lee.blogspot.com/
http://litendeavors.blogspot.com/

In our mission to get to our deadline, it is important to never forget the craft of "reading".  I took some time today to read and write and had an opportunity to read some old material I wrote a few years ago.  I can personally say (and I am my own worst critic....you really cannot hurt me since I find error and fault in just about everything I put on paper), I believe I am a better writer because I read. 

I read primarily non-fiction/memoir since that is my central focus for a larger work but I also dive into fiction once in a while.  I also find enjoyment in writing short stories.  I began re-reading (yes, re-reading and I never thought I would do that), Flannery O'Connor and I can say now I really love this author. 

Along with re-engaging with Flannery and some of my favorite shorts, River and A Good Man is Hard to Find, I also found through my latest subscription of Writer, a book called Unless it Moves the Human Heart by Roger Rosenblatt.  This is a quick read and a must have.  I highly suggest it as part of your toolkit, a workshop in words study on the art and craft on writing.  I love the way it is set up.  Roger, the author and instructor in writing classes takes the reader through a selection of writing exercises in a narrative, dialouge format with students he has had over the years.  Wonderful.  Buckle in, get comfy, pick up this book.  You can knock it out in a night or two and really grasp something from it to take into your own work. 

Remember, April 22, 2011.  I plan on getting my first draft done and printed to take to my writers group, Promise of the Pen on Monday night.  Then make some revisions to get it ready for submission!!

I have a major case of "writus interuptus" plus a laundry list (dirty one, of course) of "to dos" including working, helping with homework, cleaning, attending writer's clubs, doing my own homework, music lessons, house projects, hockey tournaments, making dinner and yadda yadda yadda. 

Sooooo.. with that and to keep you smiling and motivated to relax and find your groove, I have included a picture of my dog. 

Aint she sweet?

Next deadline:  April 22, 2011 to have your first full draft complete and reviewed by at least one person of your choosing. 

I seriously thought about retirement last year and anticipated, envisioned even planned for September 2012.  My husband and I had lengthy discussions, even announced the news to the boys and family.  Well, things change. 

I read an article today in the April edition of "The Writer" magazine; "Why I don't want to quit my day job" by Jacob M. Appel, an instructor at Gotham Writers' Workshop in New York City.  He also happens to be a full-time practicing physician at Mount Sinai Hospital. 

This article parallels many of my thoughts as I second guess my decision to leave my career as a police lieutenant and possibly teach, workout, finish various home projects, WRITE and be there for my kids at every turn.  Then I honestly began thinking, when I am done with those projects, tired of teaching, waiting for my kids to get off the bus (and quite possibly heading directly to their friend's house down the street leaving me standing waving "see ya"), I would WRITE!!! Of course!!! 

About------  well, house projects I have completed, the various aerobics classes I have taken, teaching security-police-rules of evidence type classes and saying hello and then goodbye to my boys as they head off to spend time with someone besides mom.  Not very interesting material to form and mold into a readable much less enjoyable story. 

Are you a member of a writer's group, meet up or on-line writer support?  If you are not already a member of She Writes (http://www.shewrites.com/), join now! (say The Mother Centurion referred you!) I found SW through the Writer's Digest magazine and joined last summer.  At about the same time, my friend and I began our own writer's club, The Promise of the Pen (http://promisepen.webs.com/) I then transitioned to workshops at our locally operated bookstore, Changing Hands Bookstore and the ASU Virginia Piper's Writers Studio and Conference.  Then...... in January 2011, I started The Mother Centurion. 

Wow... how do we then find the time to write? 

If you have a great "connection story" to share about how you got into the writing community, tell it here!


80th Annual Writers Digest Competition-We have 6 days:  Character(s), main story proposal due April 8!! (share here if you wish or just let us know how it is going)

Are you going to submit hard copy or electronically?

mindpowermarketing.com



In preparation for the contest or just an exercise in writing, a fun time-out or a chance to capture some observations; I took it upon myself to pen out a few pages in my journal yesterday.  What a beautiful day and the setting was primed for people watching.

Reflections in a Park

Activity and conversations peppered the downtown city park today and offered rare encounters in "people study".  On my trek to mark my territory, great book in hand, I passed by a photo shoot.  An impressively pretty man in designer sweat pants, flip-flops and a peacock blue tee stood model still, being fondled over by a young female assistant.  The photographer, in some hint of an accent I could not immediately identify, gave directions to two or three others from behind a high class lens longer than my arm.  The bustling staff wrestled with two very large white boards and reflective photo gear designed to cast the most perfect light on his yes, freakishly handsome face.

A guy then walked up to my bench from my left , a stack of pamphlets in hand,

"Read more about the bible today?"

"Uh, no." I said just before he got "bible" out.  I honestly had no idea what he was hawking, I just knew my time in the shade was limited and I was not in the mood to be hit up to read something not selected by me. 

As I watched him walk away I caught a glimpse of the back of his t-shirt:
"The End of the World is Coming Starting, May 21, 2011".
And surprisingly, there was a web-site, designed I assume to give you helpful details of how to prepare.  I could not help but think as most would, "The end of the world is starting on May 21, but the Internet will be up and running!!  Sweet!"  So, you say. 


What a beautiful day. 

I surely hope the beautiful boy model had a great shoot.  That his pictures render high sales for the Nike, Adidas or Hurley garb gracing his frame.  To my odd couple across from me, who still are registering much shoulder slouching with face in hands and hugging, I hope it works out.  And to my "pamphlet guy", how about some good news for a change?  How about:

"Read about how you're positive spirit and good deeds are saving the world!  And because of all you do, Armageddon is not upon us!"

Enjoy the day - and you in it

__________________________________

All in fun my friends.  I figure any writing is a good exercise.  Be it a journal entry with no point other than to plot observations of real life in your own words, a dream recounted in rhythmic prose or a memory of a wonderful time or place plotted on paper. 

Just think, the "odd couple" could become a story.  Why is he crying?  Who is this girl?  Is he about to cop a field? Do they know each other or did they just meet? 

Oh you know I stayed to see what would happen.  She finally left.  She was college age but not a day over 19.  He clearly did not want her to leave.  She scribbled something on the inside flap of a book, tucked $30 inside and put it in his backpack.  Then she stood up, pulled her shorts out of her "business" (they had crawled up her whoo-ha rather completely while she sat on the grass), then told him, "And you tell them to mind their fucking business!" 

There is a story.. Fill in the blanks.  Oh yea, she kissed him on the cheek too which kinda weirded me out. 

Word of the day: Arouse

A "sexy" word for motivate!!!