Relax

MRI

Well, the MRI testing I went through today was not as bad as I thought. It was very scary but everything scares me. My doctor was kind enough to request an open MRI. I kept my eyes shut tight and dreamed of being on the beach. My mental pictures were fabulous. I also got to listen to country music. That was wonderful!! If the music was show tunes I would have been happier but country music runs a close second so all was well.

I had the loving support of kind friends there and I can't tell you how much that helped me through this. My circle of friends have been with me through so much that, "thank you", just doesn't seem like enough to say. I think I will shop for something nice for them as a token of appreciation.

In the online game of Second Life, I went to visit the University of Wisconsin. They have a fabulous health building. They seem to offer classes too. I saw the building where there is a MRI room and a X-Ray room.

In case you are wondering what MRI stands for and what it is. Here is some information for you.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to evaluate the lumbar region for bone degeneration or injury or disease in tissues and nerves, muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels. MRI scanning equipment creates a magnetic field around the body strong enough to temporarily realign water molecules in the tissues. Radio waves are then passed through the body to detect the “relaxation” of the molecules back to a random alignment and trigger a resonance signal at different angles within the body. A computer processes this resonance into either a three-dimensional picture or a two-dimensional “slice” of the tissue being scanned, and differentiates between bone, soft tissues and fluid-filled spaces by their water content and structural properties. This noninvasive procedure is often used to identify a condition requiring prompt surgical treatment.

Uncle... Uncle!

Oh my gosh, I never thought I would be in this much pain from a body part. Not since the birth of my child have I been in this much pain. Just when you think there is no hope, enter a ray of hope. I hope my aging body parts get it together real soon but it's enough to make you cry, "Uncle, uncle!!", to make it all stop and go away. Unfortunately, my pain is saying, "Uncle who?" Well, I try to relax in the thought that help is on the way. I hope you NEVER experience this pain. Take care of you!

Enjoy Life

Working Hard

I don't think I've worked like this in a long time. I am still having fun or else I wouldn't do this. You know, even though this is a great deal of work, the feelings I have about my work makes all worth it.

Enjoy Life

Flash back

I remember the first typewriter I received. It was not a corona but it was probably the most import item I ever owned. I still have it and it is still very precious to me. A neighbor thought enough of me to leave it to me prior to her passing on.

I remember visiting and typing or maybe I was just playing. Either way, I was having a great time. Oddly enough when she passed on, I couldn't type anything. I took it home and placed it on my desk. It gathered dust for two years. I packed it up and took it to college with me. I didn't use it at college but I carried it with me from one year to the next.

I suppose it was one of those tokens that made me feel good.

Today, those of us who remember typewriters remember good and bad things about them. Yes, I do prefer computers but I still like to take out the typewriter and set it up. I actually tried to type on it recently and my fingers were hurting at the end of paragraph one.

Above you will see a typewriter I found at a vintage place online in Second Life. I love looking at it and I have decorated my shop with it. It adds style to my place. Here's to the old typewriter!

Enjoy Life!

On the beach

What a very nice time I had this holiday. Life can be good when you are surrounded by kind and loving people in your life. I think a great time was had by all.

Eclectic

Well, many of you like this picture. I'm fond of it myself. So, maybe this one will make it in. I can't really say for sure right now. My taste is so eclectic and it shows in everything I design. On one hand I attribute this to my continuing to learn more and more about the powerful software, photoshop. It seems the more choices I have the more I want to use all of them somehow. It works sometimes but other times it's disastrous.
If this one is the cover I would be satisfied but I still think it's missing something. Maybe you can put your finger on it. Write me and let me know what ya think, kk? vivwriter@gmail.com

The Closer I Get To You...... Friday!!!!

Yes, it's Friday again. Oh how I could use an endless medley of just Fridays. After a full week of work I don't feel bad about celebrating the three day weekend.
Well, I am gonna go on several adventures in the online game of Second Life and find some fun in real life too.
As always, I hope you.....

Enjoy Life!

A Great Big Hug!

Thank you so much for supporting me! I can't tell you how much I appreciate the residents of Second Life who have purchased my child animations. They are fun to make and you purchasing them makes me feel really good. I had been made to feel a "certain way" about being a child avatar at one time but I realize everyone has an opinion and I don't have to agree with it nor do I need to let negative unkind people have an affect on me. People are child avatars for whatever reason they choose. I love it because I have fun playing. If that makes me anything negative in your mind, that is your mind and I'm just glad it's not mine. Good luck with that.

I will get back to making more and largely because of the many suggestions you have given me. They are all "do-able" and I will get right on it once I have finished the last bits and pieces of my book. I am having too much fun with that.

My very dear friend purchased membership for me in the Romance Writers of America. I want to finish my book in time for the conference which is coming up very soon. Maybe I will see you there.

I was so shocked to received such a wonderful, and thoughtful gift of becoming a member of the Romance Writers of America. It feels good when someone enjoys what you do so much that they want to support you in some way. That gesture alone not only opened doors for me as a writer but made me feel worthy of going through those doors. You just gotta have FRIENDS! I am lucky I got some and wouldn't trade nuffin for 'em.

Enjoy Life!

Back from the Beach

What a wonderful week end. I have had such a relaxing time. I often wonder if I would appreciate the beach as much if I lived there. Right now my occasional visits are a welcomed treasure. It never fails, my short visits always leave me yearning for more. I can't wait until I return to see more of God's beauty. I can honestly sit and contemplate for hours looking out at sea. I wonder if the people who are fortunate enough to take a cruise feel the same way? In any case, I had a lovely time and hope to visit again in the near future.

Enjoy Life!

It's Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, it's Friday and you know what that means. It means rest and relaxation. For me it's time to regroup. I think I want to spend my time near the water. Off I go to watch the beautiful ocean. There simply is nothing like it.

In the game Second Life, I like to visit my favorite sims that have beaches and with the sound effects, you almost feel like you are there. Might I suggest you look up some of Julia Hathor's sims. Not only are they a beautiful but by the ocean they are very pleasant and relaxing to watch. Right behind my shop on Publishers Island is another place I frequent. The owners have created a place for the writers and friends to relax and chat by the water.

In real life or in the game of Second Life, I hope you go out and....

Enjoy Life

It's one of those GREAT days!

This is part of a wonderful castle we toured in Germany. I wish I could remember the name of it. We took many great pictures but didn't think to write down the name of the castle because I just knew I would remember forever. Wrong! If you just so happen to know its name please email me and let me know, vivwriter@gmail.com.

The trip was fabulous and we toured several places in Germany that are now a bit of a blur. My suggestion to all who love to travel foreign lands, is to keep a journal of not only what you do but possibly a description of the places. I might also suggest purchasing a postcard with the picture of the place with information about the place written on the back of the postcard. While these are not always available, when they are, it's a wonderful way to remember what you saw.
I now keep a small memo pad with me and when I take a picture of something with my digital camera I either number it or describe the picture using the name. Wish I was that clever then. Hind sight is.....

Dark Night

Am I having fun? If you guessed YES then you are 100% correct. I am having the best time creating today. My friend told me about this wonderful site that features great backgrounds and brushes. The rest as they say, is FUN! Get on down and get you some and....

Enjoy Life!

Bandit

Hi, my name is Bandit. I must admit the name fits but I only steal your heart. I am as sweet as can be and my owner takes great care of me. It's raining now so my owner purchased this cool raincoat. I'm diggin' it. What!? Don't you have a raincoat too?

This was a fun thing to do. I am creating Viv Writer bookmarks. This is the first one I created. If you would like one email me and let me know. I would be happy to share it with you in real life and in second life too. Stay tuned because there is more to come.

Enjoy Life!

Viv Writer

Today I had fun creating with digital scrapbooking. This is yet another outlet for me. There are so many things that make me smile. I feel blessed.


Enjoy Life!

Second Life Home and Garden Expo

Second Life is having their Home and Garden Expo. It is wonderful and exciting to see some of the best designers in second life gather. As I understand it, they are raising money for Relay for Life. I think this is a wonderful thing to do.

My friend Julia Hathor is very much involved in the Home and Garden Expo. She is one of the best designers in Second Life and the area she has set up is FABULOUS! I hope you go and see her beautiful creations.

I simply LOVE these Queen Anne chairs. They have multiple sit animations. They are really amazing. Gospel Voom is a internationally accredited designer, and it shows.

Action!

Flower Action

Well, today I discovered something new. Photoshop actions!!!!! I love it. I remember discovering photoshop brushes. It was the most fun ever. Now I have actions. I made the above flower with photoshop actions. I think it looks pretty. It says something about "flower power".

Anyway, discover photoshop for yourself. You too will find that it is a very power tool.

Enjoy Life!

Class In Session

Well, it's past my bedtime but I had to tell you about my animation class. It was so much fun. The teachers are so kind and patient. If you haven't gone to a class in Second Life you simply must try one. I learn so much. You can tip the teachers but you don't have to. They seem to be happy to share their information. They help us...

Enjoy Life!

New Nana's Noshes

OMG! I was strolling about the online game of Second Life and found this shop and fell in love with it. It is sooo right for the story I am writing. I can't wait to put stuff in it.

Koshari Mahana

I have got to tell you about my new friend Koshari Mahana. She is a wonderful builder who has created many Victorian homes on her sims. The pictures above were taken on her sims. I am totally lost on them right now because they are spread out and there is so much to see. If you get a chance, visit this lovely sim and you too will get lost in all there is to see.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Calraige/239/57/33/?title=Calraige

Enjoy Life!

Teacher Appreciation Week

I wonder if Second Life has a teacher appreciation week. They should. There are so many wonderful teachers in Second Life and we should do something to thank them for giving of themselves to make us better. What follows is my tribute to my mentor. Maybe you will find a way to thank your favorite teacher.

Dr. Betty Jean Jones was my mentor. It is with the memory of her that I go forward to do for other students what she did for me. She was a guiding light that let me see what education can do for you. She provided educational opportunities which created a lifetime of knowledge.

As we approach Teacher Appreciation week in real life. I want to thank my favorite teacher. She has passed on but the memory of her will stay with me forever.

The University Record, January 21, 1997
Betty Jean Jones
Betty Jean Jones, associate dean of the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies and professor of theatre, died Jan. 9 in the crash of Comair Flight 3272 in southeast Michigan. She was 47.
Jones, returning from a conference in Las Vegas by way of Cincinnati when the crash occurred, had taught in the U-M Department of Theatre and Drama since September 1994. She was named associate dean for fellowships, recruitment and student support at the Graduate School in January 1996.
"Betty Jean had a remarkable and wide-ranging presence in the Graduate School and in the many places she touched in the University," said Rackham Dean Nancy Cantor. "She was a model and a leader for her students, faculty colleagues, and for all of us at Rackham, who loved her dearly."
Erik Fredricksen, chair of the theatre department, said that when he met Jones at a conference four years ago, he knew that he had to try to find a place for her on the U-M faculty.
"She has been a remarkable, energetic and passionate teacher, director and friend of students," he said. "She has been a most rare, honest and valued colleague. Her passing is a great loss to all of us."
Jones, the first associate dean at the Graduate School to serve as liaison with University departments in the arts and humanities, was an expert in classic contemporary American theater and African American theater and cinema.
She directed more than two dozen stage productions and originated and directed American Theatre and Drama Projects, a collaborative process in which the entire theatrical production team studies the script together before casting the production.
Prior to joining the U-M, Jones taught for 12 years at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she also received a master's degree in 1978. She earned a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin in 1983 and received a bachelor's degree from Bennett College in 1971.

The Adventures of Viv Writer

Here is another idea for my back cover. Tell me what you think. vivwriter@gmail.com I am really getting into this. I love it!

I want to also thank all those wonderful residents of Second Life who are supporting me. I love doing the animations for children and am glad you are enjoying them. Feel free to email me with ideas and we'll see what comes of it. I hope to continue to create more in the future but for now I must get my book publisher ready. Please know that I appreciated you all. Your kind words move me forward so that I can...

Enjoy Life!

Let's play..... and call it work

I am writing and playing but I call it work. In my loft with soft jazz playing and the sounds of the beach have given my soul a treat. Life can be good when you look at the glass and say, "The glass is neither half full nor half empty but rather, I have a glass and I am able to drink".
We all have something to be thankful for so let's leave the negative stuff to those who feed on it. Catch the positive vibe and ride it. You will....

Enjoy Life!

Victorian Viv

My Loft.... and Friday!

The Mary Tyler Moore Show had a huge effect on me growing up. I couldn't wait to get an apartment. My first loft was in Richmond, Virginia. I LOVED it! I was a full time performer and while I was mostly out of my loft, traveling from show to show, I enjoyed coming home. My loft had big floor to ceiling windows and a great view of the city. I even had my initials on the wall like Mary. Great fun that was.

Ahhh! Is there anything as sweet as the sound of Friday? Today, the word Friday means, a time to relax and regroup. This week has been a very busy one and much has been accomplished. I think we all need time to charge our batteries. That is what I will do. I call it "downtime" and the living is easy. Find what makes you feel relaxed and do that, and only that.

My dear friend told me about "downtime" when I was in college. Loosely defined, "downtime" is a certain time of day when you just don't think about anything. This did not come easy for initially but soon I began to get the hang of it and it has proven to be very helpful.

During college I would find my "downtime" and afterwards, I would get back to work. As, an adult my "downtime" has grown to longer periods, largely because I there is more I am responsible for now. I don't feel guilty about taking my time because I know the positive results it brings about. Try it for yourself. Maybe it will work for you too.

Important to note that you set your "downtime" and during that time you are not to be disturbed AT ALL. It is then up to you to think of nothing. So, go do nothing and....

Enjoy Life!

The Bears... Oh my

What an interesting day I had today. I taught my students how to sew. Many of them never had the opportunity to sew before. They learned how to cut out a pattern, 5 different hand stitches and how to sew on the sewing machine. It has been a wonderful and fun time.

I picked out a very simple pattern. There were only four pieces involved and they took it from there. I loved seeing their faces when they learned something new and realized they could do it! It was great!

We hope to donate many of the bears to the local hospital for the children. I think the little bears might make them smile. I hope so.

When I went to purchase the pattern, materials and notions, I really couldn't afford such an expense. Now, I find I couldn't afford not to do such a thing. I'm glad and I know sixty young people who are too.

Enjoy Life!

St. Catherine of Siena

I went to mass tonight. The priest spoke of St. Catherine of Siena. I attended St. Catherine of Siena School as a child. When I was going to school you went to one school from kindergarten through eighth grade. You graduated and went to high school. You graduated and went to college. From there things were optional. You could go to work or continue on with your education.

My days at St. Catherine of Siena were wonderful. Even though I wore a uniform from head to toe from kindergarten through my senior year of high school, I still had a great time in school. I loved the people I went to school with and the stern nuns. They were never nasty or mean, just very stern. I am glad today for their attention to detail and discipline. Do you think we need more of that today? I'll leave that alone for now.

Second Life has several Catholic churches. Here is one I visited tonight. St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Church. I enjoyed myself and it was a wonderful place to meditate. It too has rules, so don't go there unless you plan to adhere to the rules and be respectful.

I hope you go and continue to....

Enjoy Life!

St. Catherine of Siena

Doctor of the Church
Feastday: April 29

Patron Fire prevention1347 - 1380
St. Catherine of Siena

Doctor of the Church

The 25th child of a wool dyer in northern Italy, St. Catherine started having mystical experiences when she was only 6, seeing guardian angels as clearly as the people they protected. She became a Dominican tertiary when she was 16, and continued to have visions of Christ, Mary, and the saints. St. Catherine was one of the most brilliant theological minds of her day, although she never had any formal education. She persuaded the Pope to go back to Rome from Avignon, in 1377, and when she died she was endeavoring to heal the Great Western Schism. In 1375 Our Lord give her the Stigmata, which was visible only after her death. Her spiritual director was Blessed Raymond of Capua. St, Catherine's letters, and a treatise called "a dialogue" are considered among the most brilliant writings in the history of the Catholic Church. She died when she was only 33, and her body was found incorrupt in 1430.