First things first, Before the meeting I was NERV…

Posted on October 24, 2006 by Meleah

First things first,

Before the meeting I was NERVOUS….

After the meeting I was THRILLED…

I had an excellent meeting last night with AL. We had wonderful conversation and surges of live wire energy filled my whole body. The term “pearl in the sand” were used to describe some turns of phrase I used. I can not tell you how excited I am to move forward and write write write write. I will not be POSTING anymore of the book on the blog…

I will continue to blog AT NIGHT WHEN I AM HOME NOT AT WORK, so I can whine, bitch and moan about how hard things can get when writing, or brag, rejoice and gush when things are going well. I will also keep this blog, just as it is… my daily rants and or raves about my daily life, with stupid pictures and boring health updates.

I love my blog!

One last thing before I actually go… HOUSE, better be on TONIGHT

Posted in Writing | 2 Comments

Today (well tonight at 730pm) is my book meeting …

Posted on October 23, 2006 by Meleah

Today (well tonight at 730pm) is my book meeting

Yesterday, I was really hungry so I braved eating a PLAIN burger for lunch. No mayo, no ketchup, no pickles, not even tomato…a PLAIN burger. I felt sort of sick an hour and a half later… so; I took all my pills, and barley made it through the rest of the evening. Of course by the time I made it into the office this morning I was NOT feeling well at all. (I think my girlfriend needs to hurry up and invent her idea called “pocket fabreeze for crohns disease” to prevent further embarrassment for me when in public places like the office) RED FACE…

This is where I have been forced to spend my morning:

I’m tired today too; I was up way too late last night playing on the MAC. I didn’t mean or intend to stay up that late. I didn’t even realize it was well after midnight when I finally forced myself to shut the computer off. I am obsessed with new computer, it is so damn fun.

Posted in Writing | 4 Comments

My first POST from the MAC… (weekend was rough, …

Posted on October 22, 2006 by Meleah

My first POST from the MAC… (weekend was rough, switching emails / files / photos from one computer to another…note to self, never do THAT again)

I am not sure how to do much of anything on the new comptuer yet, I am going to schedule some classes to get proper information, and work on my MAC skills.

I wanted to post a picture of me using the MAC, but I cant figure out how to do it. I am sure its EASY, probably too easy, but I cant figure it out YET.

Oh well, I’m off to PRACTICE / PLAY (and bake an apple pie)

TWO SECONDS AFTER I PUBLISHD THIS, I FIGURED OUT HOW TO POST A PICTURE (SEE ABOVE!)

Posted in Apple | 4 Comments

Okay! I have the MAC!! !! !! (And yes, I did hug i…

Posted on October 20, 2006 by Meleah

Okay! I have the MAC!! !! !! (And yes, I did hug it, and kiss it, and squeeze it and love it, and sleep with the MAC, in my bed, as if it were a person)

It’s kinda like what I used to do when I was a child. When my mother used to take me shoe shopping, I would have to ware the new shoes immediately, right out of the store! and I would always end up sleeping in the new shoes, even if they pinched my feet.

Tonight I need to get the Airport Express so I can get onto the internet, and listen to my big sister direct any and all downloading of any programs software ect.

In MORE great news, I received a fabulous email from Al Rosenberg expressing his like of the book… I have no words to describe how I feel. (Me! no words?! hard to imagine)

I was given permission to blog the email, so here it goes :

“Ok, first off, I think you have some real talent. I was only going to read a few pages today and finished the entire 92 pages fairly quickly (including some interruptions). The story really puts you through changes: one minute you’re turned on (the dancer descriptions, etc.) and the next, you’re horrified / furious (your sonuvabitch father (sorry if that offends you, but….)), and then you’re amused. There’s a lot going on. Your blog is pretty interesting, too. Have you taken any creative writing courses? I always admire people who can ‘turn a phrase’ so I sat up several times when you really got my attention with some pretty sharp phrasing, I.e. Your description of Georgia’s funeral. I’ll tell you what I mean when we talk. You’ve caught me at a good time because I’m in between projects (I’m supposed to do some writing stuff for Sirius Radio in a few weeks (months?). I’m going to work on my speaking engagement business with Rodger but there’s no reason why I can’t work with you as well – that’s if we like each other and respect what we each can bring to the table. I think that any collaboration has to have a combination of friendship and mutual respect. As I mentioned, I was somewhat touched by you (I’ll tell you in what way some time in the future) but there is something very endearing about you and your story. I’m willing to bet that, at some level, you’re an extremely lovable person. Anyway, all that comes through in your writings. You’re not ashamed to be vulnerable or look silly and those are two attributes that are crucial in any of the Arts. OK, that’s probably enough of me acting like some pompous asshole. I promise that I will always remember that this is your story. Any comments I make are my opinion and to be taken as suggestions only. You are the Boss. You know my email and, if you want to talk about this at any point (we’ll have to sometime soon), you can call me at: xxx-xxx-xxxx (my cell – always on, unlike my mind). Here’s to the start of what I hope will be an exciting collaboration and a good friendship (insert wine here). Al”

Yeah, I am in a good mood today!

LAST UPDATE:

Today after some more back n forth emails with AL, we have an OFFICIAL MEETING on MONDAY Oct 23rd at 7:30pm!!! Have to get pages together, for discussion(s)!!!

Posted in Apple | 7 Comments

Today turned out to be a VERY BIG DAY for me:

Posted on October 19, 2006 by Meleah

1. Went to doctors, have the results… I have Crohns. I can resume eating as a regular person, but, I have to keep track of what I eat and how it affects me. I have to take ALL my meds 3xs a day, and if I get the “take me to the hospital” pain again to take a 4th pill and call doctor immediately. I also am supposed to eliminate STRESS from my life because that can cause flair ups inside my intestines. Yoga, Mediation, and other relaxation therapy are good ideas for me to look into? I have a follow up recheck in 30 days with GI GUY.

2. People are liking “my book” and I am driven with new passion and inspiration to dive into the book again this weekend (which means I will have to pull out all those journals again, and go to that very dark place, from where its all been locked up)

3. I spoke with a real live head writer ALEN ROSENBERG, and was given the best compliments on the book I have ever heard! OMG! I was sooo nervous, I stumbled a bit with the conversation, but, we exchanged email addresses, and he wants me to WRITE and FORWARD each new chapter / stuff to him. He is interested in helping me edit, and the creative process all together, he has suggestions and CONTACTS for the finished project. (I have a LOT of work to do).

4. The NEW MAC NOTEBOOK w/ video& pic capabilites, was just purchased, and will be in MY HANDS this evening!!

This weekend will be spent at the Apple store learning HOW TO USE the computer, and writing programs I may need/want, and writing FROM MY SOFA and not a cold glass desk! OMG freaking out!

First, thing I am doing tonight, is to figure out what I need to make the MAC work? Wireless? Motum? Airport? Do I need to call my ISP? Then, I have to figure out how to get everything off my computer at home, onto the new computer? Files not programs. What do I do about my email? Hmm… its Microsoft Outlook?? I think / hope my mom has PROGRAMS I can “borrow”? I have a feeling I will be up really late tonight… I see frustration and confusion ahead of me until I can get used to the NEW COMPUTER, but, once I AM used to it… look out!

Posted in Strong Medicine, Writing | 1 Comment

If this doesnt PUSH me back to WRITE the book, nothing will

Posted on October 19, 2006 by Meleah

This is the conversation I had with my friend Rodger w/ respects to my book that he forwarded to his “famous” friend.

(apparently the “GEORGIA” chapter is going over BIG with everyone)

IM conversation today with GOOD NEWS:

rb: al likes your book

Meleahrebeccah: really!

rb: said something about the part in Georgia.. What happened in Georgia?

Meleahrebeccah: are u serious?
Meleahrebeccah: she died
Meleahrebeccah: she was a dancer
Meleahrebeccah: that was her stage name
Meleahrebeccah: Georgia
Meleahrebeccah: so… he liked the book?
Meleahrebeccah: he thinks its a good idea?
Meleahrebeccah: wortk
Meleahrebeccah: ‘?
Meleahrebeccah: what
Meleahrebeccah: tell me excatly what he said?
Meleahrebeccah: pleasee?!

rb: NO

Meleahrebeccah: wtf!

Meleahrebeccah: killing me

rb: he said that it was really riveting.. but I told him to contact you directlry via email
rb: and he will

Meleahrebeccah: sweeeeeeeeeeeet

rb: I got a better idea.. al is coming over a bit later today.. can both of us call you and you can speak with him?

rb: be sure to gather your questions now for him.. then talk to him later.. cool?

Meleahrebeccah: YES PLEASE

rb: have questions ready

Meleahrebeccah: um okay

rb: cause you’ll forget if you work off the cuff

rb: btw,, ask anyone if they know of al rosenberg.. he still has a following but its been awhile since he’s been part of the stern show.

Meleahrebeccah: i dont even know what to ask

Meleahrebeccah: my head is spinning my heart is pounding
Meleahrebeccah: im dying
Meleahrebeccah: okay

rb: dont die

Meleahrebeccah: i need to THINK
Meleahrebeccah: questions

rb: ok.. go think.. we’ll call you later
rb: bye

Meleahrebeccah: what is good? what id bad? what do i do with it when its finished?
Meleahrebeccah: can i ask stuff ike that

rb: absolutely

Meleahrebeccah: k
Meleahrebeccah: sweweeeeet

rb: anyting and everything.. he is my best friend and therefore your friend as well

Meleahrebeccah: have a good day call me later

rb: will do

Meleahrebeccah: TY

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Okay really quick… is anyone watching THIS? 30rock…

Posted on October 18, 2006 by Meleah

Okay really quick… is anyone watching THIS? 30rock? Because, it is HYSTERICAL!! Maybe b/c I am biased / blinded by my obsession for Alec Baldwin, but that t.v. show is funnnnny…….and his lines / and his delivery are on point. People can say it’s the writing, and I am sure 85% is the writing, but the delivery…the classic, perfect, DELIVERY is what kills me. If, Alec Baldwin, isn’t a smug, egotistical “asshole” in “real life,” than he’s an even better actor. He is PERFECT… and HOT AS EVER (flaws and all)

Now, on to some thing real. The “book.”

When I finished a phone conversation with my male BFF, I was given the inspiration / drive to drown in the pages I started, and float, once again, in the unwritten. I was given the highest compliment on this excerpt:

DELETED FOR PRIVACY REASONS

Well, my toughest critic, and the person whose opinion I hold in the highest regard, simply paid me a compliment on the crashing / intersection of the two worlds that co-existed, finally, after MONTHS, I am re-inspired to write. Maybe I don’t suck.

Posted in TV and Movies | Comments Off on Okay really quick… is anyone watching THIS? 30rock…

I am having one of those moments when I find my…

Posted on October 18, 2006 by Meleah

I am having one of those moments when I find myself insanely jealous of those who can:

A) Work from home
B) Don’t have to work at all

I am officially worried about money…with the extra time off I needed for doctors and tests this OFF time couldn’t have come at a worse time

3. I am officially pensive. Deeply, often wistfully or dreamily thoughtful, Suggestive or expressive of melancholy thoughtfulness.

*Now, as for that BOOK I was talking about…I have been spending so much time “blogging” being sick, adjusting to new medications, a new school year, trumpet lessons, student council meetings, a full time job, family obligations, holding up my end of friendships, and running a household alone, that I haven’t written a WORD in the book in months…. months. I don’t know if it’s because it’s HARD or because it’s SCARY to write from that place inside of me? However, a new fire has been lit under my ass.

SUNDAY NIGHT: A friend of mine RODGER, whom I met when our kids were in the same karate class a few years ago, has a friend with an impressive bio. (see here) After Rodger read my book, and fell in love with it, Rodger has asked my permission to forward the material to that friend of his (see here). When he asked me, I was shocked that anyone thinks anything I wrote is good or worthy, but wanting to forward it to someone in the real writing world? When I re-skimmed through it quickly before shooting it off in an email, I realized just how long it has been since I have written, and what a mess it is. Rodger has always been a dear friend to me, and I am lucky / thankful to have him support the “work in progress.” Who knows what/if anything will come of that email, but you never know. Even some advice, or direction, or tell me it’s a piece of shit… I need brutal honesty from a stranger (non biased family / friend). I am determined now more than ever to re-visit the book, and work hard on that project.

(Also that new MAC! NOTEBOOK! yippee! I will be getting THIS WEEK! yippee! will help facilitate with said project with all its fabulous tools for writing construction)

Then, today, WEDNESDAY, completely out of the blue, and completely unprovoked by me, I received these two emails (see below) from MALE BFF regarding the book too!! Male BFF is a TOUGH audience; in fact, I think this is the FIRST compliment he has ever given me on the book. (other than using the term prolific to describe my writing style)

EMAILS FROM MALE BFF ( BFD):
1.) “Read book entry on Georgia… It was very good… Don’t respond to this email lest I never read another word written by you… Just take the compliment as it is..”

2.)“Kicked outta Virgo’s… good… I would by your book, and read it…”

3. My BFF Jennifer is forever telling me how good / great the book is. (but that’s her JOB as BFF to tell me I am great, all the damn time, plus she loves me and love is blind, I value her compliments, I appreciate that she even read it at all)

So, coincidence? Or is someone telling me something?

Posted in Work | Comments Off on I am having one of those moments when I find my…

A DAY AT THE HOSPITAL

Posted on October 16, 2006 by Meleah

MOVIE LOST IN THE BLOG MOVE

Posted in Strong Medicine | 20 Comments

Family Sunday

Posted on October 15, 2006 by Meleah

Today, I went to mom – n- dads around the corner from my house with my son JCH to have a long awaited visit with my step brother Lee and my sister-in-law Maya, with their baby Jackson Cooper Colonna!


MOMMY (Maya) and BABY JACKSON


OKAY FAMILY, SMILE FOR THE INTERNET!


GRANDPA RON & BABY JACKSON


COUSINS (JCH & JACKSON)


MOM (Maya) & DAD (Lee)

For dinner/lunch my father cooked and served homemade baked apples with almond paste centers, for starters. Then stuffed artichokes’drizzled in balsamic, which Lee and I demolished, followed by a rosemary grilled chicken, fresh steamed asparagus, and topped off with fresh fruit crepes. (2 knives were broken at this meal) Inside family joke, yet a TRUE fact as well.

I think I may have been a bit too brave, with the “successful eating” that happened on Friday and Saturday, because I went ahead, and ate like a NORMAL person, and, may have eaten too much for my poor tummy to handle, I felt sick ! sick ! sick! after dinner at moms.

I would LOVE to sit here, reflect, and write about how cute the baby is, I would love to write about how holding and playing with Jackson brought back all my memories of when JCH was that small, how wonderful being a parent is, and how hard it can be. I would love to be insightful, funny, and poignant, RIGHT NOW, however, I am pressed for time, by a very impatient 10 year old who suffered pangs of jealousy while watching me interact with a baby, and is now despearte for my full undivided attention.

Plus, I feel like I haven’t been able to really WRITE (used term loosley) since I started this other medication, everything is coming out so “flat/mundane” sounding… ?

Oh well, I have the next series of tests tomorrow, a 6 hour stint in the hospitaliano, another day of no food and / or drink. Glad I stocked up on nutrients at mom-n-dads today.

Posted in Family | 2 Comments