A “Chapter One” Done

It feels very satisfying to see "Chapter One" in a somewhat finished form. I've been working on this novel for five and a half years, and although I know where I want things to go, and I have scenes written out that will take place later in the book, I haven't been able to get past the first chapter. I suppose it's a common struggle. But now that I have an opening chapter that I feel is complete, I feel as if I'm on my way. I feel inspired to get that second one finished as soon as possible.
I've been using a software program called Storyweaver to help out in the process as well. Right now, I'm working on a plot synopsis. It's been quite helpful already in figuring out holes. I'll keep you (all 1-3 of you) posted on how things develop.

Ode to a Bubble Bath

Isn't it amazing how therapeutic a bubble bath can be? Of course, I'm mainly talking to my sisters in stress-relieving here, but I just had the worst week this week, and I wanted a little comfort last night. So I took a long, hot soak, and next thing I knew, I was inspired to write this poem. Here it is in it's first draft. I'll probably follow up later and revise it.

"Self-Medication"
Underneath
a quilt of velvety bubbles,
skin turns pink from the heat.
Beads of sweat form
from rising steam
and silent candles flickering
on the vanity.
Fingertips wrinkle
from the long soak.
Bubbles burst
as milky white water
gurgles down the drain,
washing away a bad day
with the remnants of lavender
and diluted shaving cream.

What's Wrong with Your Own Face?

MTV has had their disturbing documentary/reality show "I Want a Famous Face" for a couple of seasons, and I had to admit I've watched it (except for the graphic surgery scenes). It's not that I think it's actuallly entertaining. I think I'm trying to find some sort of explanation as to the motivation of these young people who are so obssessed with celebrities looks that they will spend thousands of dollars to look like them.

On a recent episode, a 24-year-old woman who did resemble Tiffiani Thiessen decided that she wanted to look more like her by getting breast implants, a little bit of liposuction (because the gym was quite doing the job she wanted) and a slight nose job might have been involved. So, not only is this woman paying all this money to look like someone else, she wants to pattern her future career after Tiffani Thiessen's. Let's take a moment to examine that vast body of work. We could probably say that the highlights were her roles on "Saved by the Bell" and "Beverly Hills 90210."

Needless to say, this episode had me unsettled not only for the subject's lack of contentment with her own appearance, but also for her ambition to gain the career of a C-list (okay, maybe B-) star. In the end, she had photos taken to send to Playboy. They didn't turn out the way she liked, so she didn't send them. After shelling out the money and putting up with the pain, she still wasn't satisfied. Of course, how could she when she couldn't accept herself the way she was before surgery?

Well, Here Goes Nothing!

Welcome to Sappy Chick's Ramblings! Don't worry, you're not going to find a bunch of cheesy love poems or romantic stories on this page. "Sappy Chick" is merely a nickname jokingly given to me by my husband and other friends at work mainly because of my music choices. I have a tendency to lean toward those Lilith Fair performers, although my love of music ranges from Alison Krauss to Foo Fighters to Gwen Stefani/No Doubt to Eminem to White Stripes . . . you get the idea.

I decided to start my own page because I saw my friend Matt Mulder's site here (http://1000blacklines.blogspot.com/), and I thought it'd be pretty cool to post some of my stuff as well. However, he's had a bit more stuff published than I have, but I'm working on it!

Anyway, feel free to look around. Things will be sparse to begin with, but I think I'll be filling things in nicely.

Thanks for visiting!
Carla Grant Kilpatrick