Kritique Kritics

My husband, Roland, and I went to a horse benefit for “Millers Equestrian Center & Sanctuary” last night at Per Bacco Winery in San Luis Obispo.  They put on a wonderful spread.  They had six courses of food, each one matched with the wine they were presenting.  I was amazed.  One course was lamb chops with rosemary–they were great.

I’m not a drinker, but I tasted two-three kinds of wine.  I liked their fruity wine, 2007 Edna Valley Chardonnay, which says I’m not much of a wine connoisseur.  However, when they got to the last section, a port which was 18% instead of the usual 12%, I liked it.  I especially loved the several types of chocolate that were served with the port.  I didn’t think anything, except milk, could make CHOCOLATE taste better.  I was wrong.  Their 2003 Raso Robles Zinfandel Fassito took chocolate to a whole new level.  Yummy!

For more information on Millers Equestrian Center & Sanctuary:

http://www.millersecs.org/Sanctuary.htm

For more information on Per Bacco Cellars:

http://www.perbaccocellars.com/perbacco/index.jsp

Tags: Animals, Events by debradavishinkle
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It was my first time taking Laurie’s place as the leader of the Friday Night Writer’s Group and what “big shoes” I had to fill.  I knew I was going to miss her, but I didn’t know I was going to get a terrible migraine on Friday morning.

Five people showed up and that’s enough for good feedback.  We had one new member, which is always interesting.  I forgot to mention the “cookie” or “sandwich” critiquing rule.  OH WELL!!

We didn’t meet in our usual place (Barnes and Noble); so that was different.  We met in my home and the next meeting will be in someone else’s home.  It’s always a little strange to be in someones home when you’ve been meeting in a public place for several years.

I read a letter I was writing to Barnes and Noble asking them to review their decision about canceling their sponsorships of writing groups, specifically ours.  I got great feedback.  Over the weekend, I changed my letter a bit and added some information I already had & I sent it out to the president of SLO NightWriters.

Every one’s work was different, but so good.

Tags: Friday Night Writer's Group, Writing by debradavishinkle
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Jim Leonard and I will be taking another poetry class this semester.   I can’t wait until class starts next Wednesday.  I learned so much in the last class.

Tags: Poetry by debradavishinkle
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I’ve never done this before, but I submitted five photos to “Women’s Press” today.  They were sunset views in San Luis Obispo.   It felt good.  No, it felt brave, for just a moment.  One moment at a time!  Now, if only I can find a poem or story to submit.

Tags: Submitting work for publication by debradavishinkle
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Laurie, the teacher is taking a “Leave of Absence” as our Friday night workshop leader.  She’s also leaving Kritique Kritics.com and kritiquekritic.com/children.  We will miss her “right on” critiques and her wonderful personality.  She challenged us to new heights and her insightful hints made our work better.

We wish her well!  Hopefully, soon she will return to one or all of the above. SHE WILL BE WELCOME WITH OPEN ARMS!

Tags: Friendship by debradavishinkle
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I feel overwhelmed all the time!  But, especially this time of the year (Jan-Apr).  Right now on my plate I have the following:

Prune twelve fruit trees (50 – 70 hrs)

Pick up all leaves in yard so leaves won’t transfer peach leave curl to new growth

Move two remaining fruit trees

Spray weed killer on hillside

Replant front bed (40 – 60 hrs)

Plant Vegetable garden

Weed & edge backyard

Fertilize backyard & front yard

Treat for ants and snails in backyard & front yard

Reseed front & backyard

In spare time, pull all income tax records together

What really makes me mad about this list is that I made it and I prioritize it!  I AM MY OWN WORST ENEMY!

NOW I’M GOING OUT IN HOT TUB WITH MY HUBBY!

Tags: Overwhelmed by debradavishinkle
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I’ve mentioned depression, at least, once before.  Every October I start to feel sad and I usually start to shake it by February or March.  I know it’s not February or March, but it is getting close, though.  This year has been especially bad.  It came on rapidly and it hasn’t let up.

It started after my Mother’s death in 2002, and I’ve experienced it every year.  It’s related to the Sun, also.

We are having exceptionally warm weather in San Luis Obispo and we will be changing time in five or six weeks.  I can already see that the days are longer.  But I am still DEPRESSED!

I tried getting interested in something new and even signed myself up for the following classes:

POETRY

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

FINANCE:  WILLS & TRUSTS

PHOTOSHOP I & II

KNITTING SOCKS I & II

I’m thinking about a sixth class, too.  I’m not excited about any of these right now.  I just miss my Mom and I want to go outside in the Sun.

Anybody else feel this way?

Tags: Depressed by debradavishinkle
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