Yes, It Is I…

Yes, I do still exist. Yes, I am considering making a comeback here. Yes, I do realise I have a history of returning to this blog only to vanish again in due time.

But, to be fair… I had shit to do.

I went to Europe, I went to Bluesfest, I went to America and Canada. I mean, just last month, I even had the pleasure of visiting Amber from Words Become Superfluous. Amb has become lazy busy, just like me, but her blog was extremely popular and wonderful and we actually met through the blogosphere! And then we got to meet! In Canada! And I’m from Melbourne!

Good work, internet.

Anyway, my point is mostly, that I have made some great friends here, and it would be a shame to vanish for good. So, here I am, if even sporadically.

I’ll be back in a few minutes with the song of the day. I have to think of a good one. I missed you guys! Looking forward to catching up on your blogs.

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One Down, Two To Go (and then a typical ramble)

So, I really feel like posting in this here blog today, particularly since I have not done so much lately. But, I was really struggling to find what I wanted to share. I still have nothing overly interesting coming through these fingers, so I am just going to share with you my study schedule for next year. Boring, I know. Apologies. Slow news day week here in EJ-Land.

I am now enrolled in all my next-year subjects, so I thought maybe I can talk about that a little.

For those new to the blog… heavens, why??

Haha. I kid.

Kind of…

Anyway, for those new to the blog, long story short – I bailed on my teaching career and enrolled mid-this-year into a Professional Writing and Editing course. I still have next year and the one after before I’m fully qualified and informed. One year down, two to go.

For those old to the blog, I’m terribly sorry about banging on about that.

So, next year, I am officially enrolled in; ‘Editing Practice’, ‘Writing Fiction – Story and Structure’, ‘Writing Non-fiction – Research and Readership’, ‘Copyediting and Proofreading’, ‘Building a Strong Narrative’ and ‘Writing for the Print Media’.

Which is all great for me, because I’m completely undecided on what to focus on in my final year. So, having a massive range like that next year will (hopefully) enable me to make an executive decision on my major. This semester I completed Desktop Publishing and Corporate Writing. Not the official subject titles, but effectively what they were on about.

So, options galore. And if you know me, you know I have a love/hate relationship with options.

Quick fact: I am extremely adaptable. Extremely.

You could give me no options. Just say, “You’re doing your major in Fiction Writing for Children,” and I’d be fine. Given the options actually available I’d never choose that. But, you get my point. I make do with whatever’s available and am happy to do so. Always.

With options however, my head gets overloaded. Not even my head. I’m not using my head. I stopped using my head earlier this year. It was like a mid-year new years resolution. (My actual New Years Resolution was to be more selfish. An interesting one, I know. Made sense for me. I’m happier now.) So no more head either. My instinct and intuition are sharper than my head. And they take ‘me’ into account.

But, as I was saying, options just befuddle me. I love Editing, I love writing Fiction, I love writing Non-Fiction, I love writing for Media, and I surprisingly really enjoyed the Corporate Writing deal this year. I found I was very good at it. Maybe I go with what I end up being best at? Who knows. I surely don’t. Not yet. I can’t decide. Too many good options I think I’d be happy with.

Although if I went with what I’m ‘best’ at, I may end up with Publishing, because I got a High Distinction (90) for that one. A Distinction (78) for the Corporate one. I’m already more confident with this stuff. Such a difference when you know it’s ‘you’. My other two Degrees were splattered with Credits and Passes for the most part. But, they had exams. Oh, god… exams. The bane of my existence. Give me a portfolio-based assessment any day.

And this is the first time in my ENTIRE schooling that I have been involved in something more portfolio based. It’s wonderful! My instinct has always leaned me towards creativity, but sadly that head I was using for 28 years wanted to lean towards the academics. ‘Cause I was good at them, too. It was all Science and Maths at school. That’s what the ‘smart’ or ‘successful’ kids did. Ha! What a load of bollocks. Took me far too long to see through that bullshit. And I thought I was ‘aware’. Well, I guess I am moreso now. Just took the right culmination of life experiences.

Although, it’s not that I wasn’t particularly aware at that point. I just think I failed to take an active interest in my own life. I, like many, have always been great at giving advice, or assisting others towards positive self-discovery, but until recently absolutely failed to deliver that for myself.

But if you’ve been following this blog this year, you know that has changed. And I am very thankful for it.

I am also very thankful to you guys for trudging through this bollocks. I should really sit down with a plan before I write here. This is the result of improvisation. Again, so many apologies.

I might do a music one next. That’s long overdue.

Thanks for enduring that. I love you all!

I Return With Answers!

I am back!

I know, I use that phrase a lot. Or at least I have done in the last few months. I can’t tell if my random hiatuses are going to get better or worse at this point. I was happy blaming college, but then that ended for the year and I thought I’d have time to do this blogging thing. Then, I don’t know, I needed a rest, from everything.

But for now, I return. And I am (maybe) just in time to answer some questions posed by Suzie over at her blog. She has been encouraging anyone who wishes to answer 7 questions over the last week, because she likes getting to know her blogging buddies. Isn’t that sweet? I love the idea! So, naturally, I want to participate. Here are my answers…

1. Why have you chosen your blog name?

Because it’s very ‘me’. Two of my favourite words that just happen to sum up not only who I am, but what this blog essentially delivers: Whimsy and eclecticism.

2. When you have an hour of free-time, what do you do?

Blog? Okay, I guess I can’t claim that as truth, knowing that I have had many hours free the last couple weeks. I like to write, or socialise. If I can’t find someone to converse with, I’ll sit down to converse with myself or a page.

3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what would it be?

Um… that’s tricky. I was leaning towards younger, as to avoid responsibility, but I like knowing what I know now and assume I’ll be more aware and/or wiser in the future. I may not have reached my ideal age yet. I’m not sure. I am getting fed up with how easy I injure myself playing sport now though. I miss that youthful, sturdy body I once had.

4. If you could learn to do something, what would it be?

I wouldn’t mind learning how to cook really, really well. That’d be neat.There’s many things I could list here, but that comes to mind almost instantly.

5. What would be the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

A monkey. I mean, why not?

Actually, if we’re being serious, I suppose it depends on how much I’m winning. Enough for a party with friends? Enough for my desired Kombi? Enough to travel the World? Enough to follow Dave Matthews Band on tour? Enough for a house at the beach? Enough to start my own business? Those things.

The party first.

Then a monkey.

6. What is the thing that makes you absolutely unique?

Perhaps my perception. It’s difficult to answer, because uniqueness cannot be dialed down to one factor. It is the unique combination of all traits and such. But I think my perception of the World around me is very unique.

7. What is your favourite blog?

You mean blogs, plural, right?

A couple faves include:

The Girl Who Blogs

Words Become Superfluous

Awakening To Awareness

Suzie81’s Blog

I’m Just Super Saiyan

But there are sooooo many good ones I’m aware of, and many more I probably aren’t. Explore the blogosphere, it is inhabited by so many amazing people!

Sunshine Award

I got a Sunshine Award!

The absolutely, spectacularly, amazing Super Saiyan M over at I’m just Super Saiyan decided to throw the above treat at me. And I caught it, gratefully.

I think the deal with this is to share ten things about myself, and then throw the Sunshine at another ten people who are deserving. Sounds like fun.

But firstly, I want to pimp out Super Saiyan M’s blog, because her blog is just as magnificent and funny as she is.

Seriously, why aren’t you worshiping this girl and her blog already? She’s the bee’s knees, folks!

Okay, now that you have finally caught up to speed with the most-worth-following-blog on the interwebby blogosphere, I have ten things about me to share! Well, actually I have decided to answer ten questions, for I feel they may be more revealing.

1. Put your music player of choice on shuffle and list the first 10 songs.

• Alabama Shakes – ‘I Found You’
• Johnnyswim – ‘Heart Beats’
• Death Cab for Cutie – ‘I Will Possess Your Heart’
• Alexi Murdoch – ‘Orange Sky’
• Jason Mraz – ‘Make It Mine’
• Norah Jones – ‘Turn Me On’
• Donavon Frankenreiter – ‘Day Dreamer’
• The Beautiful Girls – ‘La Mar (The Ocean)’
• Gomez – ‘See The World’
• Charles Bradley and the Menahan Street Band – ‘The World (Is Going Up In Flames)’

2. If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Would you take anyone with you?

Oh, too many options! Right now, I’d probably spend a week in New York. And I’d take my housemate with me. I’ve been to the US once, but want to return, and he has never been, and really wants to go. And I know we’d have a blast together. So that’d be cool.

Wait, California! I choose California! You all know who lives in Cali… Sophia Bush!

3. What is your preferred writing implement? (eg. Blue pen, pencil, green pen)

Black pen, typically. I don’t mind a pencil, either. I like the feel of it. It feels lighter to me. Less industrialised. More rustic. There’s a word I’m circumventing, being almost 2 am, but the feel is somewhere around there. And I much prefer jotting notes with pen than computer or other electronica. I’m old school, baby. I’d write my novel in fountain pen if I could.

4. Favourite month and why?

December, I think. It gives us Christmas, which is great family time. Plus lots of warm weather here. You all know by now I am a summer person. The hotter the better. And I’m hoping to spend most of the month down the beach this year. January a close second.

5. Name 3 items you could pick up from where you are.

Well, I have just retreated to bed. From here I could grab Sara Bareilles’ new album ‘The Blessed Unrest’, a deck of Dave Matthews Band playing cards, and a book entitled “The Greatest Hockey Stories Ever Told’.

6. What is your desktop background currently?

Right now it’s a photo of a baby lemur I took at the zoo that turned out quite nice. I posted about it here.

7. What pets do you have? What are their names?

Right now, no pets. 😦

I know, I hate living in an apartment. I grew up with plenty of pets. My first was Kipper, our German Shepherd. He was the nicest dog ever. So gentle and chill. When I was really little I used to ride him. Mum and Dad had him for a few years before I turned up. He was 17 when he died. I was 12. I was devastated. Best. Dog. Ever. Miss ya still, Kip!

8. Inspiration behind your blog title?

I think I’ve tried to explain this one before. Probably struggled then, too. I just wanted something that reflected who I am, and who I want to be perceived as. ‘Eclectic’ is one of my all time favourite words, and suits me to a ‘t’, so I wanted to use that in some form. And the blog was always going to be about a bit of nothing. Just fun. Just whimsy. Eventually it all clicked!

9. Favourite item of clothing?

That’s tough, there’s a couple I love. I’ve never been much of a material possession lover, but I adore my hippie pants. They are so comfy. I’ll have to throw up a photo on the weekend so you know what I’m on about. I also love my Chicago Blackhawks Jersey. That’s my favourite winter-wear.

10. Name at least one book you loved as a child.

My favourite book ever from childhood is ‘The BFG’ by Roald Dahl. Dude was such a tripper. I loved everything he wrote. But that was just perfect to me. I still adore it. I’m due for another read, actually.

And now, I throw Sunshine at 10 amazing bloggers. If I could give one back to Supersaiyan M, I would, but she’s got one. So I give them to…

Amb at Words Become Superfluous

Kaela at The Girl Who Blogs

Suzie at Suzie81’s Blog

Michaela at The mmmmm Family

Escaping Elegance

Alienorajt

Zooboo

Christy at Words for the Weekend

Meka at Love Mekanism

Jolene at Valley Girl Gone Country

Well done you lot, you’re all some of my favourite bloggers. Why? Because you’re all awesome. Your bloggy ways mean a lot to me, and this experience here would be naught without you all. Thanks for being my bloggy buddies!

Daily Prompt: Home Sweet Home

The Daily Prompt asks us today, “When you’re away from home, what person, thing, or place do you miss the most?”

To be completely honest, I love getting away from home. I am definitely a nomad at heart. I could travel the World seemingly aimlessly and be so blissful. The only thing I would miss are my closest friends and family. There’s a few connections there that I would crave. Connections are everything. They’re (I think) the basic meaning of life. Every connection you feel; that is true living. Whether it’s to a person or otherwise, though the personal interconnections that can be two way streets are the best kind. But, as much as I miss my regular connections when I’m away, I do love creating and experiencing new ones wherever I go. That’s really what energizes me. No doubt.

And yes, I love the connection I have with you guys, too. My blogosphere buddies are very special to me. And I missed you when I was on my hiatus. I’m happy to admit that.

(This was short. I may be back in a minute with another post in a different topic. Thanks for reading!)

The Liebster!

So, I vanished again. I tend to do that. I got busy and  this blog was eating up time I couldn’t afford to give in the last couple weeks. But, I don’t want to stop completely. I may just have to cut back. Manage my time instead of going hammer and tongs and then burning out. But onto a positive…

vinnieh and impossiblegirl123 both nominated me for Liebster Awards! Like, 4 + days ago. Very generous of them. Thanks guys! Oh, and do check out their blogs! vinnie’s is vinnieh and impossiblegirl’s is Life and Other Disasters. They won these awards themselves, because they’re awesome. As are their blogs. They’re two that I make sure I keep up with, even when I’m going on posting sabbaticals myself. They’re well worth a read!

I’m only doing part of the task here, because time permits only a partial response. I will answer the questions posed by each vinnie, and impossiblegirl. Here goes!

Vinnieh’s Questions:

1. What film can you watch and never ever get bored with? My two favourites, Ronin and Leon.
2. Which movie character reminds you of yourself? Um… Gil, Owen Wilson’s character, from Midnight in Paris. I have in the past often felt trapped and like I belong elsewhere. We also have the same writing aspirations. It’s just all very me. Similar outlooks and way of interacting with people as well as humour and all that.
3. If you could travel back in time, which era would you visit? The 1920s, I think. That would be interesting. Like in Midnight in Paris!
4. If you could be reincarnated as an animal after your death, what animal would you want to be? A dog! Because I like being man’s loyal best friend and totally pampered.
5. What was the first movie that really scared you? Chucky! Or Seed of Chucky, or whatever the bloody thing is called. I was 10 years old and at a friend’s birthday sleepover party. We found it on TV and thought we should be rebels. Whoops.
6. If you could work on a film with just one actor or actress, who would you work with? Oh, as if you don’t all already know the answer. Sophia Bush!
7. Madonna or Lady Ga Ga? Neither? Haha. Maybe Madonna.
8. Dog or cat lover? Dogs! 100%
9. James Bond or Jason Bourne? That’s not so easy. Big fan of both. But, I am going to side with James Bond.
10. What song best describes you? ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ by Bobby McFerrin
11. What is your idea of a great weekend? Something pretty cruisy, just chilling with friends. Anything that involves good food, drinks, company and conversation.

impossiblegirl’s Questions

1. If you could be part of any story (a book or movie or TV show), which story would you chose? There’s a theme with my thought patterns and desires at the moment… Midnight In Paris.
2. Tea or coffee? Coffee! I like tea as well, but (during winter especially) I love coffee in the mornings!
3. Which fictional character bares the most resemblance to you (either in physical appearance, in character or both)? I feel we’ve covered this with the first lot. Gil, from Midnight in Paris.
4. Summer or winter? Summer, absolutely!
5. Would you rather watch exclusively TV shows or movies for the rest of your life? Movies I think.
6. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Paris is due for a visit!
7. Gummy bears or chocolate? Oh, man. Gummy bears IN chocolate? Haha. Depends on my mood. Probably take the chocolate if pushed though.
8. What’s the first movie you really remember? And why was it so memorable? Milo and Otis. I remember really loving that as a kid.
9. Which song could you listen to on repeat for hours? Any Dave Matthews Band song. Let’s go with ‘Jimi Thing‘.
10. Comedy or Horror? Comedy. Definitely.
11. Which Big Bang Theory character are you? I am one of the few people that don’t love that show. Having said that, probably Raj, because he can’t talk to girls either, and he’s funniest of the bunch. 😉

Daily Prompt: Excitement

Today’s Daily Prompt asks us what we last got truly excited about.

I think the most excited I have been recently was a couple months ago when I was accepted into my writing course.

I had to produce a sample of writing for the process. I was none too confident about that. Then I got the thumbs up. Nice confidence booster.

But more importantly, I was pumped to be beginning the journey of achieving a dream. I had shirked my dreams for a while. I guess fear was the overriding factor. A little fear crumbled away that day. That’s something worth getting excited about.

And the course is going well, so the excitement not only remains, but even continues to grow. You all may just read something of mine one day.

You know, something that isn’t this blog…

Thanks for reading this, by the way. I appreciate it. as does my confidence and my writing-based excitement levels. You’re all awesome.

Back In The Saddle

Uh-oh, four days have passed without me writing here! I had been trying to force myself to maintain a habit of writing every single day. I was doing well for a while. This week I started struggling with the blog ideas. But, then my head drifted towards other ideas.

I have been dabbling with my screenwriting. That’s fun. I don’t know if I’ll ever come up with something worthy of chasing professionally, but I at the very least enjoy it and it gives me a chance to write something.

And I know via that means of writing daily, I neglect you all here. So, I apologize. I have missed you all, if that is any consolation. I have been thinking about you and your blogs. Mostly your blogs. Let’s not make this weird.

But, here I am forcing myself to write something on my blog. And it is something of nothing, but… well, that is okay, too. Right?

I think it is important for me to continue writing every day. And know that if I am not here, hounding you all with my nonsense, I am in fact still writing. Just, in a different medium. My nonsense is being confined to screenplays only I will see, or a novel I will probably never have the guts to attempt anything with, for a lack of belief that my words are worth reading anymore than anyone else’s.

Whoops, I got a bit mopey there. I didn’t mean to. And as I remind my friends constantly; “I do not hold a negative self belief, I merely hold a realistic one.”

I believe it. No-one else does. Does that make it false? Who knows. But, just because I may think something is beyond me, does not necessarily mean I won’t attempt to grasp it all the same. People have been overachieving all their lives. (See Bieber, et. al.)  So, why shouldn’t I be allowed to?

You’re right. I should. And gosh-darn it, I will.

Awards; A Game of Catch-up

Um, wow. I have been completely and utterly spoilt rotten the last few days. My bloggy friends, you have made me one very happy chap, day after day, with your kind likes and comments and simply just reading. I really appreciate it. Really, really.

I have been given a few awards, and I haven’t had the chance to respond to them individually. Now they have piled up. I’m losing track of them, so I hope I get them all covered here. If I miss anyone, I am SO sorry. And now I would like to acknowledge the people who have been so kind as to gift me with awards…

Firstly the Versatile Blogger Award. I have received four of these this week. Each from the extremely witty Molly Greye, the absolutely lovely love from tara, the brilliant My OCD Diaries, and the  hilariously wonderful ZooBoo. If you’ve the time, check out all these blogs. They are absolutely magnificent reads, the lot of them. And such fun people. Do yourself a favour and have a read!

I also received twice, the WordPress Family Award. These came from my wondrous blogging buddies, Margaret of Along Life’s Road, and ZooBoo. Margaret is a funny and fantastic writer, and every post is an awesome read. And if you didn’t follow the link to ZooBoo’s blog above, follow the one in this paragraph! She is a lot of fun too, and an essential part to my blogging family. They both are, check them out!

A massive THANK YOU to all the people who nominated me for awards. You are such a wondrous group of people and I feel very privileged to be a part of your blogging family. Thanks folks!!

 

And now, I would like to nominate 10 super people for the WordPress Family Award…

Words Become Superfluous

The Girl Who Blogs

That’s What Shaun Said

Flowers and Breezes

Escaping Elegance

The mmmmm Family

vinnieh

suzie81’s Blog

alienorajt

Valley Girl Gone Country

Congrats you lot, I am so glad I get the chance to promote your blogs. You are all absolutely wonderful people and genius bloggers. Many thanks for sharing the blogosphere with yours truly. It is an honour!

Liebster Award

An award for me? You’re all so nice. This time, the incredibly sweet ZooBoo has offered me the Liebster award. It is an ‘up-and-coming’ award for those with less than 200 followers. I am not surprised ZB got one. Her blog is such a good read. Every post puts a smile on my face, and she writes with a striking charisma and fun style that it is impossible not to love her blog. Check it out! Oh, and thank you SO much, ZB.

Here are the award rules…

-Each nominee must link back the person who nominated them.
-Answer the 10 questions which are given to you by the nominator.
-Nominate 10 other bloggers for this award who have less than 200 followers.
-Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer.
-Let the nominees know that they have been nominated by going to their blog and notifying them.

Unfortunately, I had tremendous trouble finding blogs with the required number of followers. I spent a long time searching. I don’t have any more time. So at this point, no nominations. If I come across some in the next few days I shall nominate them. So, fantastic bloggers with under 200 followers, consider this an I-O-U! I do apologize for bending the rules, but, hey, I’m a maverick. I don’t play by the rules you all live by. 😉

Here are my answers to ZooBoo’s questions…

1. What is your favourite colour? 

Blue. I have quite an affiliation to water. Perhaps this stems from that. It is a calming colour I think. That’s how I often see myself; as the calming influence.

I just checked out an online colour psychology article. Supposedly, blue is the colour of trust, honesty and loyalty. They say blue seeks peace and tranquility. Well, I feel that is all in line with my life philosophies, so there you go.

2. Cornetto, Magnum, or some other ice cream?

Magnum! Magnum Ego, with caramel and all that in particular. But, I am not picky. Really, if you have ice-cream I am not going to make a fuss about asking you what kind it is. Hehe. If it is in a tub, Ben & Jerry’s is impossible to beat. It is rare and expensive here though. 😦

3. Do you like mangoes?

I love mangoes! Even mango-flavoured things. Mango ice-cream? Count me in. Mango anything.

4. If you had a bag of happy fairy dust, why/on who would you sprinkle it?

 Probably my dear mother. She is a major stress-head. I’d like to throw happy dust at her just to try and make her worries a little lighter. She deserves that.

5. What is your favourite TV drama, and why?

 Oooh, tricky one. Currently, I am a massive fan of ‘Luther‘. It is a mini-series, but if it counts, that’s really the only one I’m watching right now. It is brilliant!

6. Is there any landmark/city you would like to visit one day, and why?

 Well I’ve done the big bits of the USA that I wanted to. So, next, I think Paris would be fantastic to check out. The city of love!

7. Have you seen a fantastic movie lately?

 Probably. Um… oh yes, recently at the cinemas, I saw ‘The World’s End’. That was hilarious. Lots of fun.

8. Are you a shopaholic, or a chocoholic?

A chocoholic, no doubt. I have a serious sweet tooth. I could probably eat chocolate for every meal.

9. Do you like pie? If so, have you got a favourite?

Absolutely I like pie. Good, old fashioned apple pie is tough to beat. Like the ice-cream though, I am not going to turn down any pie form.

10. Just out of sheer curiosity, have you ever seen a rainbow?

Absolutely! I have seen many rainbows. Always a good sight.

As stated, no nominations at this point. But I love you all, so if anyone fancies answering any of the questions I wrote up for my potential nominees, please do. I’d love to hear your answers. And it would be such a shame to waste these ‘gems’ I created…

1. What is the #1 most played song on your iPod/similar device?

2. What was your favourite food as a child?

3. If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?

4. If you were reincarnated as an animal, what animal would you be?

5. What story do your friends always tell about you?

6. What is something you learned in the last week?

7. If you won a massive sum in the lottery, what would be the first thing you’d do?

8. If you could have any job in the World, which one would you want?

9. What actor/actress would play you in a movie about your life?

10. Where’s Waldo?

Again, a HUGE thank you to Princess Fairy Zooboo for the nomination. And congrats to her for winning the award originally. And also a deep thank you to all of you who read this space of mine. Beats me why you would, but I really, really appreciate it every time you do. You all rock!