Serendipi-tea . . .

5 Things To Like This Week (The Website Addition)

2012-01-27T12:25:00.003-07:00

1. I love puzzles in real-life and now I love them on the internet too! Check it out! JIGIDI.com

2. If you haven't Stumbled . . . you've gotta try it. Psssst! It doesn't hurt! stumbleupon.com

3. Send virtual flowers for free!!! Brighten someone's day with the click of the mouse!!! flowers2mail.com

4. Ya. I thought this was too good to be true too! So far I've been only browsing, but I get paid in a couple of days and just might have to order! 599fashion.com

5. VisualDNA Personality Quiz = visually awesome! I love people. I love learning about people. I am a people-person. This was cool. You should try it too. http://personality.visualdna.com/1/index.php

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Nik

An Interview . . .

2012-01-19T12:46:00.005-07:00

. . . With My Cat

Sophia

What Do You Do For A Living?
I cat around. I hang around the house and sleep and eat.

Do You Have Enough Money?
I'm a cat. I don't worry about money. I let my mom do that.

How Old Are You?
13ish in human years. So roughly 72 cat years old. I get the senior discount at Denny's.

What Was Your Childhood Dream?
To meet Garfield.

Who's Your Most Dangerous Enemy?
The vacume cleaner.

What Is Your Favorite Word?
Catnip.

What Is The Best Thing That Could Happen To You Right Now?
TUNA!!!!!

What Is The Worst Thing That Could Happen To You Right Now?
VACUME!!!

Name The Thing That Annoys You The Most
Whistling.

Sum Up Your Life In One Sentence
My life is purrrrrrfect.

Sincerely,
Nik

5 Things To Like This Week

2012-01-17T11:31:00.002-07:00

1. Tomato basil soup and grilled cheese. I love comfort food. This is the ultimate for a blustery winter evening.

2. Pug PUPPIES!!! Oh my goodness! How can I not love these little squishy faces! I would love to have one someday and name her LOLA, but I will have to wait until I am more settled in my living situation. However, I will continue to squeal whenever I see one!

3. I love scarves. I wear one a day. They are like a blanket for your neck, plus you can wear them so many different ways! See!

4. Vintage. Affordable. Yes please! http://shopruche.com/ or Like them on Facebook!

5. I love Wes Anderson and this movie looks wonderful!

Love,

Nik

What I Read . . .What I'm Reading Now

2012-01-17T00:13:00.000-07:00

Check out my new page:

Wanna know what I read in 2011?

Need some new reads?

This is a list of books I've read since January 2011. (Listed newest to oldest.)

"The Valkyries" by Paulo Coelho [Adult Fiction] First of all, let me say, I love Coelho. This book was his most autobiographical and existential novel to date. It is a book about his journey to find his guardian angel. It was not so much religious as it was spiritual. For example, "Remember that you are a manifestation of the absolute, and do only those things in your lives that are worth the effort. Only those who do that will understand the great transformations that are yet to be seen." I found myself being forced to read this book slowly. It was a hard read. I kept stopping at certain points and really thinking about what I would learn from the book. I liked it though, and I think you just might too.
"The Cinnomon Peeler: Selected Poems" by Michael Ondaatje [Poetry] It has been awhile since I sat down and read any poetry. I am so glad I decided on this selection. Ondaatje is a wonderful writer, but an even more engaging poet. These are not poems that one can skim . . .almost like Kipling, they are meant to be read while "thinkining of the speed of the author's pen". Read them slowly in order to absorb their meaning.
"Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me" by Chelsea's Family, Friends and Other Victims [Adult Biography?] (So this book was funny, though not as funny as her other books. It got a little repetitive after awhile, but I got through it. It made me reconsider if I would ever want to be friends with Chelsea Handler. Her dog, Chunk, wrote a chapter. It was the best one. It's probably the only one you need to read. The rest of the chapters are unnecessarily crude--and I can take crude, but there is only so many times I can hear about Chelsea laughing so hard she has to grab her vagina as she pees her pants (it came up in just about every chapter). Skim it.)
"Twenty Times A Lady" by Karyn Bosnak [Adult Fiction] (The new movie starring Anna Faris called "What's My Number?" is based off this book. After reading the book, I am so not going to see this movie. First of all, I would like to say that I have read a lot of books. I'm not bragging. It's just something I do. I have never in my life, read a book that had so many copy editing mistakes. I mean, I stopped counting at 13! Yes, 13! I was reading the first edition, but what the hell? Anyway, here is a description of this book: Take Sex & the City and mash it up with the shallowest person you have ever met and you have the main characater and premise of this book. The only interesting part of this whole book was the sexy, Irish, neighbor--there I said it. I read the book for the fictional man-character. Perhaps the only reason why I could stand the movie too . . .)
"The English Major" by Jim Harrison. [Adult Fiction] (I love Harrison's writing. He has a way of getting down to the true human essence of his characters. Nothing is surface level, and yet everything is. This is not a book to read if you want a clear purpose in plot. That is not what Harrison is doing. He is opening up the world of a character and allowing you to follow along for a brief moment--and then see what you learn from it. This is why Jim Harrison is one of my favorite writers.)
"An Unfinished Life" by Mark Spragg [Adult Fiction] (The book was set in Wyoming, it had bears, and I still fell in love with it. The best part about Spragg's writing is his ability to show you the harsh reality of the landscape through his characters. I would highly recommend any of Spragg's writing.)
"Where Rivers Change Direction" by Mark Spragg [Adult Fiction] (Now this is what I'm talking about when it comes to writing about the West. Spragg's collection of short stories really hit home with me as I grew up in NE Wyoming and his stories were set on the Western side of the state. He wrote with beautiful simile and metaphor (not too much though) and a gritty realism that I just loved. I would highly recommend this book if you have ever wanted to travel out West. You will get a very accurate portrayal. Read the short story "Wind" and you'll know what I mean . . . wonderful, wonderful book.)
"If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This: Stories" by Robin Black [Adult Fiction] (This collection of short stories left much to be desired. In fact, some I just couldn't get into and skipped. That's the nice thing about some short story collections . . . I guess?)
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie [Young Adult Fiction] (This is one of my favorite books so far this year. Alexie intertwines poetic language and at the same time is able to deliver the harsh reality of reservation life for his 14-year-old main character, Junior. The story is filled with unbearable sadness "I'm 14 years old, and I've been to 42 funerals", comedic relief " . . .but you should also read and draw because really good books and cartoons give you a boner.", and, quite honestly, some of best writing I've ever encountered. What a gift Sherman Alexie has given us. This book is also on the Banned Books List . . . It just goes to show you how powerful writing can be. I would highly recommend this read.)
"Goodbye Wives and Daughters" by Susan Kushner Resnick [Adult Non-Fiction] (This was an incredible book about a coal mining disaster that occurred in the tiny town of Bearcreek, Montana. A co-worker suggested I read this and I am glad she did. As Resnick pointed out, ""It was as if they had been waiting sixty-odd years for someone to just ask them what happened." A sad, but very good read.)
"The Lost Army of Cambyses" by Paul Sussman [Adult Mystery] (I was in heaven when I was reading this book. It is all about Egypt and Egyptology. It was historically accurate--which I greatly appreciated. Sussman did a wonderful job weaving the past and present together and keeping me engaged until the very end of the 600+ pages. The subject matter was so relevant to today as well as the past. I LOVED THIS BOOK. I can't wait to read more of his stuff. You should too!!)
"House" by Frank Peretti & Ted Dekker [Adult Fiction] (Think about a tame version of the movie "Saw" in book form. Because it was Christian horror--yes, this is a real genre--it kinda got into spirituality toward the end, but not so much as to be preachy. This was a read I couldn't put down. They're trapped in this trippy house and you never know if they are gonna get out.)
"The Neverending Story" by Michael Ende [Juvenile Fiction] (I loved the movie as a kid, but never read the book. To be honest, this book is so long--I guess the title says it all. I can see how it would be hard for a kid to get through it. I barely did! Good read for a class assignment or something. Goodness . . .)
"The Secret Life of Cowboys" by Tom Groneberg [Biography] (When I picked this book up, I thought it would be more Jim Harrison and less my college creative writing class. There were too many cliches and too little true, Montana grit. Not that I've ever managed a ranch or wanted to live the life of a cowboy, but I grew up in the places Gronenberg described and after reading this book I was left feeling like a tourist. Seriously though, my favorite part of the book was his depiction of a stretch of I-90 that I drive every other month when I go home (complete with the "Crest Kid's" billboard on the Crow Reservation. I was not impressed. Blah. But perhaps "blah" is relative. I bet the transplants to the West would love the crap out of this book.)
"Memories of My Melancholy Whores" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez [Adult Fiction] (Essentially, 90-year old man wants to have sex with a virgin. Wait! Please don't dismiss this novel because it seems vulgar. The book is more about the lessons of life. It is about a man facing his mortality, how he's lived his life, and finding love after so many years of relying on physical intimacy. A good, quick read.)
"Coming Through Slaughter" by Michael Ondaatje [Adult Fiction] (True to his usual style, Ondaatje fragments his prose so that the reader gets true to life glimpses of his characters. Set in the early New Orleans Jazz scene, this novel tells the story of the almost forgotten Buddy Bolden. Ondaaje captures the hidden life of the trumpet player who played to his own beat and depicts the mysterious madness that eventually took him from the music. An amazing novel in a unique format.)
"The Wide Awake Princess" by E.D. Baker [Juvenile Fiction] (I loved this book! It intertwined a bunch of different fairy tales and was a really light, fun read. It would be a good book to read to a child at bedtime!)
"This Common Secret" by Susan Wickland [Adult Non-Fiction] (This book shows the impeccable human spirit and it's brave journey to overcome adversity. Wickland writes about her true-life career as an abortion doctor. She details the emotions, adversity, and humanness of her patients. Her story is inspiring and empowering. I am thankful for such a brave writer and was honored to read this book.)
"On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King [Adult Non-Fiction] (Reading this book was like crawling into the writing mind of one the best writers of our time. "You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you." Loved it.)
"Full Dark No Stars" by Stephen King. [Adult Fiction] (This man is a genius. I loved this book. It was dark, it was evil, it was honest, but most importantly, it was memorable. King knows how to write and write very well. "When it comes to the dark fu*kery of the human heart, there seemed to be no limit.")
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth" by Jeff Kinney. [Juvenile Fiction] (This book was awesome! I would read this book in the morning while drinking coffee, and it would put me in the best mood for the rest of the day. A quick, cute read!)
"The Sociopath Next Door" by Martha Stout. [Adult Non-Fiction] (Um. Scary? Did you know that 1 out of every 25 people have the characteristics of a sociopath? The number one characteristic is lack of conscience. Some other traits are lying, harming animals, and playing the sympathy and pity cards to an extreme. Stout's book teaches you the warning signs and how to protect yourself from these not-so-uncommon people in our daily lives.)
"Anne Frank: Her Life in Words and Pictures" From the archives of the Anne Frank House. [Juvenile Biography] (This book was so wonderful. The pictures were so vivid and the text from Anne's diary made it seem like you were there with her. The events of WWII that coincided with her writing were very helpful. This was a very moving read.)
"Blood Diamonds" by Greg Campbell. [Adult Non-Fiction] (This non-fiction was worth reading. There were a couple of places that were a little slow, but overall this was a very informative book about the diamond market and it's connection to murder, war, and even terrorism. It just further reinforced my aversion to diamonds. I will never own, nor purchase a diamond, because there is no way to guarantee it's origin--was someone killed, their hands chopped off, or worse, were children, trained to murder welding AK-47's involved in the process of obtaining my gem? No thank you.)
"Angel Time" by Anne Rice. [Adult Fiction] (Rice should stick to writing vampire fiction. I was really into this book for the first 100 pages and then she just completely lost me with preaching. It's sad to see a writer who was so talented in her genre, suddenly have an existential crisis, and then it negatively influences her writing. Blah and boring. Bummer.)

Keep on Readin',

Nik

PS: Here is a link to the Books List: 2010 for your reading enjoyment!

Image Credit

Be Love

2012-01-16T21:15:00.010-07:00

Today we celebrate the life of a man who was the epitome of being love.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

--Martin Luther King, Jr.

Have a wonderful Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

Love,
Nik

Put A Bird On It

2012-01-07T00:43:00.002-07:00

This is a new show I am into lately. It's called Portlandia and it is spot on hilarious. I love it. Here is a clip of the show that cracked me up:

Have a lovely weekend!

Sincerely,
Nik

PS: Bonus. THIS IS SO OVER.

Bring On 2012!

2012-01-01T21:22:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year!

This New Year's Eve was wonderful! Andy and I went to Deadwood, SD to ring in the New Year. It was so nice to get dressed up. I wore my cute gray skirt, black tights, calf length boots with the furrrrs, and black cashmere sweater with a sparkly scarf. I curly-cued my hair too ('cause my man candy loves it that way)! Andy looked so handsome in his khakis, black dress shirt, red tie, sweater vest, and vintage pea coat! He is such a hipster sometimes . . . I love it!

We ate dinner at the Lodge at the top of the hill as you enter Deadwood. I had a delicious cup of crab bisque and the most delicious wedge salad with blue cheese dressing, bacon crumbles, walnuts and diced, crisp green apple pieces. Andy had the champagne chicken with crimini mushrooms, asiagio mashed potatoes in a champagne cream sauce. He also had 22oz Pabst Blue Ribbon (hipster!) and I had a refreshing Mojito (Rum!). After we finished our lovely dinner, we ordered two cups of black Starbucks coffee and the Chocolate Oblivion dessert. When dessert arrived it was so beautiful! It had a hard chocolate shell with a beautiful winter scene on the top. It was almost too pretty to eat . . . but we decided to anyway.

Then we drove down the hill into Deadwood. The night was going perfect! We found a parking spot right away and began walking up the main strip. There were people everywhere! Drunk people, sparkly people, silly people, and everyone was in a great mood. I loved it! We decided to walk up to the Franklin Hotel where the real party was going down. As we were walking in, people were throwing mardi gras beads off the balcony where the New Year's Eve ball was hanging overhead. Andy and I caught a couple of beads (no flashing involved) and headed in. There were so many people in the hotel!! As we walked through, I saw the cutest green sparkly headband with a pretty white plume that someone had left on one of the brochure stands. I squealed and put it on! Andy saw some National Guard buddies he knew and we grabbed a couple of drinks. By that time it was about a quarter to midnight so we made our way outside. We found a spot across the street from the front of the hotel and watched the ball drop. It was perfect weather--right around freezing, nothing like the negative numbers I was used to in Montana! The countdown began and at the end I GOT THE BEST NEW YEAR'S KISS EVER!!!!

I remember mentioning to Andy that this was the first New Year's in a long time that I can remember not being completely hammered. Classy right? Anyway, we weren't and we had the best time together. We ended up walking back down the strip, did a little gambling at Miss Kitty's and used their indoor smoking room (where there was the sweetest vending machine with cigs and lighters. It was cracking me up!). Then Andy suggested we just do some walking around and people watch. I love this man! I love doing this too! So we walked around and saw even more drunk people and giggled to each other as we walked holding hands.

I have a feeling 2012 is going to be alright . . .

Love,
Nik

Hey Girl.

2011-12-23T14:28:00.001-07:00

I am busy. I am busy being in love yo! I haven't had time to write a blog entry lately . . . but a good one is coming. I can feel it.

In the meantime, please enjoy RG.

Merry Christmas!
Nik

Hip Hop Friday

2011-12-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

I just liked this.

Have a good weekend!

Nik

We Like To Complicate Things

2011-12-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had those days when you see someone who is really happy and you just want to roll your eyes and smack them?

Well . . . lately I've been that happy person. Please don't smack me.

Anyway, I've been hesitating in writing this blog because I don't want to sound like I'm bragging. What I want to do is share with you what's been going on in my life lately.

For the longest time, I have felt like something has been missing in my life. I thought I was kinda weird. I thought I sucked at relationships and I was never going to find someone who truly understood me. I thought I would never find my soulmate. I think that was because I had a slightly skewed idea of what a soulmate was. Like the quote above, I was making it too complicated. I thought this person would be into all the same things as me from road trips, books, my musical taste, my loathing of Steve Perry and Journey, to astrology and organic sprouts. What I failed to realize was how tangible these things are.

What I wanted, no what I needed, was someone who understood me on the most intangible level. I needed someone to "get" me. Guess what? I found him. It's almost something I can't explain. I just know. This person is so beautiful, so giving, and has a genuine desire to make me happy. He compliments me daily and I know it's not "game". He stimulates me mentally with his articulate and genius mind. We can talk for hours about anything and it's not even arguing! I think of him as my equal and not some "man-project" that I have to improve upon or wait for just a little while and maybe he'll get it together. I like him just the way he is. He has a unique way of looking at the world that I not only appreciate, but I understand. It's like everything I've been interested in, all the crappy relationships I've been through, all the time waiting has led me to this person. It's blowing my mind.

Being around him is what makes me happy. He is who makes me happy.

So if you see me walking around with a smile on my face and acting all happy and shit . . . well, just don't smack me, K?

Love,

Nik

Be Thankful

2011-11-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Here are a few things I am thankful for:

My family. They are strong. They are fun. But most of all, they show me how to love unconditionally.
My old friends. They still listen to my problems and my joys even when I am miles away.
My new friends. There are some very good people here.
My job. I.Love.My.Job. And my wonderful work study students who are so unique, lovely, and make me proud everyday.
My beautiful cat Sophia. She's moved with me over 13 times. She's such a good girl.
All my life lessons. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Tea and good coffee. They make me happy.
My tattooed, handsome, complex, genius, treats-me-like-a-queen, gentleman. I could go on & on . . . but that's another blog entry.
Sparkly snow. Oh yes, and snow angels.
Rum. Rum. Rum. Yum.
My health. I am so thankful to be OK. I am OK. (So quit worrying so much MOM!)
My Sarah! Who always has the best advice and is the best friend a girl could have. I MISS YOU!
My lovely blog readers. Thank you for sharing another year with me!
And of course,

My life here . . . now.

Love,

Nik

For The Perfect Life . . .

2011-11-09T20:20:00.001-07:00

Love Always,
Nik

A Lesson In Douchebaggery

2011-11-07T13:44:00.011-07:00

Quick backstory--met this guy in a bar, gave him my number, he proceeds to call me late at night and ask if he can come to my house for, like, an hour. Ummmmm . . . PLAYA PLEASE!

Anyway, here is a quick and easy guide to replying to douchebags at 1am in the morning:

From: DB
"hey what's up?"
Received: Mon Nov 07, 1:31 am

To: DB
"nothing. reading"
Sent: Mon Nov 07, 1:36 am

From: DB
"send me a picture"
Received: Mon Nov 07, 1:36 am

To: DB
"ok. one sec . . ."
Sent: Mon Nov 07, 1:37 am

To: DB
Sent: Mon Nov 07, 1:39 am

Never texting THAT GUY again,
Nik

Soulmates

2011-11-03T22:12:00.011-06:00

So, I've been hearing a lot about soulmates lately. No really, I have. Yesterday I was having a conversation with someone and they were telling me about how they were venting to their trainer at the gym about work, stress and the usual everyday crap. The trainer put his hand on this person's shoulder and said, "I just think you need a soulmate." This was a purely platonic exchange, mind you, and yet a very insightful one--coming from someone who is counting your reps.

Then tonight I watched the movie "Crazy Stupid Love" starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Julianne Moore. The whole movie was about losing, finding and fighting for our . . . soulmates. As someone who has been single for nearly three years, I try not to get wrapped up in the idea of love. I also try damn hard not to fall in love with the idea of love. I think this is what's gotten me (and Kim Kardashian) into so much trouble in the past.

However, I like this idea of a soulmate. I would go so far as to say that I believe in it too--even when it's hard to fathom the idea. This soulmate talk has also got me thinking about something that my mom said to me a couple of weeks ago. She told me, with some conviction, that each person is put into our life for a reason. When I really stop and think about it, she has been telling me this all along--with each break-up I've been through, with each interaction that has bruised me or lifted me up, she has reminded me, "That person was put in your life at that time for a reason." And you know what? She was right.

I've been through a lot of shit. And through it all I've had strong people, people who were there to teach me what NOT to do, people who I wanted to punch in the ear socket, and people who have made me stronger. And they were all there for a reason. In hindsight I can see what these reasons were, I appreciate the lessons I've learned, and I am glad I never punched anyone.

Anyway, I don't think I've found my soulmate yet. I've found some people who I thought were a good fit. Some of these people have moved me more than they will ever know (and some of them are in my life at this very moment). But I'm not waiting around. I'm living my life right here, right now. But I wouldn't say no if, say, Ryan Gosling happend to walk into my life.

Much Love,
Nik

Rock & Roll Never Forgets

2011-11-01T12:25:00.002-06:00

Oh hell yes . . .

Love,
". . .sweet sixteen's turned thirty-one" Nik ;-)

PS: Much love S . . .Miss ya!

OH MY HOLY HENRY CAVILL

2011-10-26T11:20:00.000-06:00

Your Friend,
Nik

October: Goonies Never Say Die!

2011-10-24T12:08:00.001-06:00

It is hard for me to take any horror movie on cable television seriously. "The Hills Have Eyes" on AMC? That kinda ruins it for me. Wanna see something scary on cable? Try "Fatal Attractions" on Animal Planet. That shit is freaky.
Stop. Eating. The. Candy. Corn.
Deadwood for Halloween this year? Why, yes and I shall be a devil in a blue dress. I took the simple route this year.
"THE GOONIES" is still one of the best movies of all time. Did you know that Josh Brolin was Brand, Mikey's older brother, in this film?! Hot.
Carving pumpkins with my family for the first time in 11 years . . . the best feeling in the world. Plus, pumpkin guts are awesome!
Confident guys in leather jackets who DO NOT attend the university where I work. That last part is KEY. That first part is . . . refreshing.
I love being only 90 miles away from my immediate family. I love Sunday dinners, Saturday night Bud Lights, and my Mom's cooking.

I wish this month had 45 days.

Sincerely,
Nik

. . . from "Claude Glass"

2011-10-22T14:04:00.000-06:00

"By the kitchen sink he tells someone
from now on I will drink only landscapes
---here, pour me a cup of Spain."

-Michael Ondaatje, "The Cinnamon Peeler: Selected Poems"

That Bear Will Never Pay You Back

2011-10-13T23:08:00.000-06:00

Thank you Natalie Dee.com

Happy Friday,

Nik

So, how's the love life?

2011-10-10T20:28:00.001-06:00

Ya. I thought you might be interested in an entry with this title. (Don't worry Mom, I toned it down quite a bit from the first draft . . .just for you.)

Here's the deal. The love life--it's pretty awesome. And by this I mean pretty awesomely non-existent. I've been so busy getting established at work that I have little time to focus on this area of my life. However, I'm not dead. I work on a college campus where there are beautiful 22 year old man candy prancing around every day.

Beautiful 22 year old man candy that I cannot have, I might add.

Why not? You question. Because I've been there. See I Am Not A Cougar. Fun at first, but drama-tastic in the end. Plus, I gotta keep it professional, even if this means sacrificing a few of my girl needs.

I have a couple crushes, but that's where it ends. There's the mysterious tattooed gentleman who comes into the library every day and smiles at me every time I see him. We have moments and they make my day. He asked me where the hole punch was the other day and I almost died. Ya, these are our special moments. What?

Then there is 22 year old, Sporty Spice--this is what I am calling him (he's far from a Spice Girl). He's into bike riding, rock climbing and he's moving to Montana in December to be a ski bum. Oh the irony. I get to see him everyday and am reminded of that which I shall not have. No really, it's almost the voice of God booming down from above--"That which you shall not have, bwa ah ah haaa!" It's that creepy. But I digress . . .

So go off campus to meet guys, right? Wrong. I can't even go to Wal-Mart without some weird shit happening . . .

The other day I was minding my own business in Wal-Mart and was practically sexually harassed by my stalker, whom I shall call Napoleon Complex. He's 5'4 and thinks he's god's gift to women. Case in point: he thinks it's funny to call me Blondie whenever he sees me. Dude? Anyway, I'm at Wal-Mart and he comes up behind me and grabs me around the waist. This bitch almost ninja kicked his ass. This guy is quality, let me tell ya. He rode to the supercenter on his "crotch rocket" with his 18 year old friend (He's in his mid 20's) and proceeded to tell me about his mortgage, how much property his family owns, his astrological sign and his plans for entrepreneurial world domination after he graduates. He did all this while touching my arm about . . . 14 times. Gross. Note to self: don't think--just NINJA KICK his ass next time.

Wow. My life. Hope you've been entertained.

Love,
Nik

Write On

2011-10-09T16:39:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, I volunteered at the South Dakota Festival of the Book in Deadwood, SD. I learned so much from the seminars I attended. Perhaps, the most important thing I found was: I really am a writer. I know this sounds weird because, of course I am a writer. I write this blog, right? Well, sometimes I get discouraged at the quantity and quality of my writing. So . . . I pout. I procrastinate. I watch too much TV. I surf the Internet. I sleep too much. I socialize too late. I do all these things instead of writing.

Doesn't matter, I'm still a writer.

Anyway, after I took attendance and made sure everyone had a seat (my volunteer duties) I was able to enjoy my first seminar. John Dufrense, author of "Requiem Mass" and "Is Life Like This: A Guide to Writing Your First Novel in Six Months" was so real about the craft of writing. He told us that the first rule of writing is simple: "Sit your ass in the chair . . . and write." I had to laugh at this, especially considering all the distractions I face. Sometimes I have serious anti-writing ADD.

The next thing he said, "The only reason to leave home is to get more material" really struck me. Sometimes I think I am a weirdo. I not only like to people watch . . .I always know exactly what is going on in my immediate area. It's like I am an FBI agent or something. I do this all the time. I am constantly learning things from interacting with people, or simply by watching them. Stalker status, right? Guess not--apparently, this just makes me a better writer. Thanks Mr. Dufrense. I suppose I am not a freak after all . . . right?

Other things that I thought made me weird . . . obsessions. Writers obsess about things in order to learn more about them. "We write about what keeps us up at night" in order to learn from, teach about, or change what we know. Holy crap, I do this too! And I've always done this . . . I get fired up about something or really excited and it is all I can do to contain my typing fingers or pen and paper.

The last seminar I attended was given by Sandra Brannan, who focused on the publishing industry and breaking into the market. I appreciated her realistic approach about how publishing nowadays is basically all about whether an author can produce a three book minimum. If this is the case, I want nothing to do with publishing. I used to think that being published would make me a better, more accomplished, writer. I think interacting with quality people, listening to their stories, learning life lessons, and living my life to the fullest is the only way to write well. And then everything else will just fall into place . . .

I love writing this blog and I am working on other pieces of writing too--in-between my daily distractions! I was so excited to share some inspiration I experienced this weekend with you and also find out----

What inspires you to do what you are passionate about?

Love,
Nik

I Want Beef Jerky!!!!

2011-10-04T18:10:00.001-06:00

Today I was having a very . . .weird day. It wasn't a bad day. I've just had a lot on my mind lately. However, when I got home I saw this little clip on TV and I was CRACKING UP! It was then that I thought . . ."How can I be in a funky mood after this?!!" (You need sound for the full effect. This means you S! LOL)

"I WANT BEEF JERKY!!!"

Have a wonderful day!
Nik

September: Go to Hell Bears

2011-09-29T21:22:00.002-06:00

I drove through Spearfish Canyon today. It was so beautiful. The leaves were changing and I was so happy to have moved here. It got me thinking about a little sign I read along the trailhead at the top of the canyon . . .

BEARS DO NOT EXIST IN THE BLACK HILLS.

Go to hell Montana.

JK. I shall rephrase.

Go to hell Montana bears.

Love,
Nikki

Our Souls Are Deep With Dreams

2011-09-21T00:03:00.000-06:00

“We are all wanderers on this earth--our hearts are full of wonder, our souls are deep with dreams.” -Gypsy Proverb

CLICK HERE for something special.

Have a wonderful day . . .

Peace,
Nik

(Picture from eclectic gipsyland's flicker)

The English Major

2011-09-18T12:22:00.000-06:00

"Now in the night with my empty tablet before me I felt like it was early spring calving time and I was sitting out in the shed with a thermos checking and rechecking my mother cows for any birth difficulties. They were so patient in their discomfort and when one in labor leaned against me for solace I felt of some use in this world."

--Jim Harrison, "The English Major" p. 214