Questions to Ponder...

         This evening on the radio (heard while I was hurtling down the highway) a horrific tidbit spewed out over the airwaves.

         Ladies, please pay close attention. This information will change life as you know it:

If you are size 8 or larger, you are "plus size." *
                                                   * (according to the fashion industry)

         So, while you are wallowing in a mixing bowl full of ice cream, followed by a mashed potato chaser, here's something else to add to the depressing funk.

          Check out the back label of the granny panties you're wearing. What size is it?

        The underwear I wear is labeled XL (or "grande."  Do they think that makes it more "festive" and fun?).

         Now, most of my blogging buddies have not seen what I look like but trust me, I have a big butt.  It's not big in the Jennifer Lopez-Beyonce way.  It's big in more of the slow moving-truck-hogging-up-the-highway-with-its-wide-load-sign way.  It's flat and broad. 

photo by flickrway

       Every time I see that "XL" inked onto the back of my bloomers, it makes me wonder.  Yes, I know my rear has spread in a cellulite version of imminent domain, but I know there are lots of rears that are larger than mine.  Lots.  (Just watch Jerry Springer to see some especially fine specimens.)

        And that's when I start wondering.  Underwear has a number size (I'm not telling you the number that I wear) as well as the "XL/Grande." What do the larger sizes say if my butt (a median butt, with an extra dollop or two thrown in) is "Grande"? 

           And when did we start viewing women that are a size 8 as huge?
       

Mad Talking, Soft Talking, Fast Talking

           Just after reading the first forty or so pages of Writers at Play by Mary Adler, I'm already hooked.  In the first chapter, it advocates providing opportunities for young writers to "play" with words, while balancing their need for a bit of structure and focus.

           Adler includes an exercise from a book called Inside Out. It seems like it would be a great activity to do if you want to get a handle on a character, and could be part of the work at the backend, or could even be expanded to become a short piece that stands on its own.

photo by DoodleDancer

               "Mad Talking---Write a response to a person, thing or situation that makes the character angry.

              Soft Talking---Write so that the character comforts a suffering person or thing (an animal, a stuffed animal, even an inanimate object, such as an old car).

              Fast Talking---Write to convince someone to do something or believe something. Have the character win them over."
  
                                                                       ---Mary Adler

              Try writing a "talking" piece about a character. You might be surprised at the  results...

               And thanks to my newest follower, Val Thevictorian. Val, if you are a blogger, let me know, and I'll include a link.  (I love your icon---if that's the correct term.)