red sox, game two

I love Big Papi.  I really, really love him.  I love the way he carries himself.  I love the way he celebrates. I love the way he hits when an entire season is at stake.  I love him.

characters who misbehave

film characters who are great at misbehaving
ferris bueller
dewey finn (school of rock)
junior (problem child)
ricky vaughn (major league)
annie walker (bridesmaids)
john beckwith and jeremy grey (wedding crashers)
axel foley (beverly hills cop)
billy ray valentine (trading places)

tess mcgill (working girl)

phil, stu, and alan (the hangover)
kevin (home alone)

literary characters who are great at misbehaving
ramona quimby
clementine
fudge (tales from a fourth grade nothing)
calvin (calvin and hobbes)
battle bunny
the grinch
antonia mcpherson (notes from a liar and her dog)
mac (the fourth stall)
george (george's marvellous medicine)
clarence (poem by Shel Silverstein)
harry the dirty dog
bad marie
caleb and camille fang (the family fang)
uncle oswald (my uncle oswald)

Anyone you'd like to add?

Like writing, learning to walk is a skill that takes a lot of practice.  

My toddler's shoes know this better than anyone.

I just stumbled upon a good quote.

"Originality does not consist in saying what no one has ever said before,
but in saying exactly what you think yourself." -James Stephens

word of the week

 Our Word of the Week

that I added to the fish bowl on my desk

is...

subversive

adjective 1.  seeking to subvert an established institution

noun 1. a subversive person (synonyms: troublemaker, agitator, rebel)

sorry

I have an apology to make to Jon Lester.  A few days ago I planned to write about what a disappointing pitcher he's been, highlighting all the reasons why the Red Sox should pull him from the starting rotation.

I believe Josh Beckett (his fried chicken and beer guzzling included) was a terrible influence on Jon Lester.  Even after Beckett was traded, Lester never seemed to get back on track.  In addition, I've carried a chip on my shoulder that Terry Francona was fired because of Beckett and Lester's sloppiness.  (I love Terry Francona.)  Needless to say, Lester has been on my Get-Him-Out-of-There List for a while.

And then he played on Monday.  Granted, he pitched against the Giants who are mediocre at best.  But still, they're a major league team and Lester went eight plus innings against quality batters.  I was impressed.

So I offer my sincerest apologies to you, Mr. Lester.  My fingers are crossed that your next start will be as good.

SCBWI summer conference 2013

Just sinking back into my office after an inspiring SCBWI conference.

To name a highlight from a list of many:

Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler's workshop called Comedy Comes From the Heart. They stressed the importance of figuring out what you find funny. They told us to write for ourselves, not for an audience. Delight yourself. Mine your own life to create comedy. Love your character. Be willing to look like a fool.  In fact, Mr. Winkler even suggested dressing up as your character for inspiration.

What fun! As I type this, I'm wearing a suit, tie, and fedora.