SciFi & Fantasy Fiction and Stories by Barbara J Wickham

She writes such outstanding and inspiring characters - I’ve loved all of her Tortall books and they all have special places on my "favorites" shelf of my bookshelf. I wasn’t able to get into her Circle series as readily as I did with the Tortall ones. One I think you might really enjoy of hers is the "The Immortals" series about the wildmage Daine ... who adores animals

Yesterday was the big family Thanksgiving ... where my mom outdid herself yet again with a huge feast. Nathan, the second eldest didn’t get off work until 8pm so he and his wife had a late dinner but then we played Dutch Blitz afterward, that has got to be my favorite card game! I’m so lucky that my family tends to get together on all of the major holidays ... Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, even my grandparents and aunt with her family come out, along with all of my brothers and their families. It’s always crazily chaotic and I love it. I love having a large, noisy family. My "Big Fat Portuguese Family" as I affectionately call them When my other brothers start having kids we’re going to need to rent a hall to fit everyone!

Both the Last Airbender and Clash of the Titans weren’t good movies in themselves. Clash of the Titans I made the mistake of going to watch in the theaters, thinking that it would be good to see on the big screen - big mistake. It’s one that I wouldn’t ever watch again because the acting was poor in it ... which came as such a shock because they had so many good actors like Liam Nissen, etc. If I’d rented it at home I probably would have turned it off but since I paid for my ticket I didn’t want to leave and waste the money. Airbender is definitely geared toward children, where the narrator ends up stating a lot of the blatantly obvious as it’s happening. But I loved the graphics and the scenery, some was quite phenomenal! And the music was superb! I love James Newton Howard.

I just finished a kayak along the lake with a friend and now I’m getting all settled down on my bed to do some more brainstorming and hopefully writing Yay for "me" days

Barbara J Wickham replies: "Ooo! Thanks for the info! I’ll definitely look into the "Immortals". I already love Daine just from the few scenes she has in the series I’m reading now. I’m on the last book, so I need to get to the used book store asap! *lol*

Your house must burst at the seams during holidays! It sounds wonderful. There’s nothing like a house full of family, causing all kinds of mischief. How lucky we are to not have one of those stuffy families where the get-togethers are formal and proper. Blah! How boring! I love the noise and the mess and the general mayhem.

I’m bummed that Clash of the Titans didn’t impress. I know how it is to see a movie in the theaters and wanting to walk out. That’s happened to me a couple times and one time I didn’t even make it 10 minutes into a move before I walked out and I even asked for a refund for my ticket. I didn’t get a refund, but I did get to exchange my ticket for another movie, so I guess it never hurts to ask! *lol*

I found the animated series for Airbender on Netflix. It’s in 3 parts, so I’m going to check it out. I’ll still watch the movie. I am always interested in good special effects and music, so it won’t be a wasted effort.

I’ll also still watch Clash/Titans just because I’m curious to compare it to the original movie that I grew up with. I’ll treat it as an experiment so that I won’t feel like I’m wasting my time! *lol*

Kayaking is so fun!!!! I haven’t been in one for YEARS! I keep promising myself to take a kayak trip out at Monterey Bay, but I never get the timing right. I’d like to go when the whales are migrating thru the area, but sightings have been sporadic this past season. They should be migrating again, but the krill is at a very high level up north, so the whales are hanging around near San Francisco. Heck! I should just go and enjoy the experience regardless. There are always lots of seals and otters hanging around.

Hope you found your writing grove! "

I have to throw it back at you, run, don’t walk to your nearest theater and see Tangled! It’s SO good! It brings back all of the best of the old Disney, sassy heroine, romance, adventure, suspense, singing, hilarious sidekicks! *happy sigh*

Barbara J Wickham replies: "I saw it last night!!!! I was absolutely charmed with the whole movie. You are sooooo right! It was classic Disney goodness at its best!

I want to see it again!!!! *lol*

I finished my first 5k run this morning and I am so happy. I can’t believe that I did it, aaaaaand that I actually feel more energized after. I totally thought that I’d be done in and have to nap before Thanksgiving dinner, but I’m running around the house: cooking mashed potatoes, doing laundry, organizing cupboards, etc.

I’m such a freak!

"

I went and took my parents to it last night and loved it just as much the second time! They did such a good job on the music for this one that I went and bought the soundtrack I love the piece for the kingdom dance - more stuff to inspire me as I write I’m so glad they’ve gone back to altering stories for "princesses" again, as I think those have resulted in all of Disney’s best movies.

Congratulations! You must feel awesome! I love when exercising makes you feel more energized! Don’t worry, I get the same way. I’ve been slack on exercising lately because I’m house/pet-sitting but I came home for the weekend and ran and did weights yesterday and loved it! I’ve missed doing my regular exercise. I used to hate having to do runs in high school but I love running for pleasure and exercise

Barbara J Wickham replies: "The music was great! Catchy without being corny and just plain lovely. My favorite was the number in the ruffian tavern. I just melted with all those big, burly heathens breaking into song about their dreams. Classic! *lol*

I just love this whole wave of new animation. Have you seen any previews for Rio, or Rango? Both are due out in 2011 and both look absolutely hilarious. I can’t wait!

Still haven’t seen HP. I may have to resort to going solo, but that’s not all bad. Weekday matinee showings are cheaper and I usually end up with the theater to myself. Creepy, but cool.

Thank you for the congrats! I do feel great. It was easier than I thought it would be and I feel much more confident with my running.

I have already signed up for my next 5k in January. It’s set in the foothills right off the bay so there will be hills, paved path, dirt path and docks thru the wetlands off shore. It will be more challenging, but with a beautiful view. The best part is that the race will run, rain or shine!

I’m still looking for other fitness classes, but everything is so expensive! Gah! Even the YMCA charges $5 a class and if I want to go at least 2x week that’s 40 extra dollars a month that I can’t spare right now. Frustrating! Grrrr!

I’d just do something at home, but I miss the fun social aspect of fitness classes.

Well, I hope the new soundtrack inspires many sessions of happy writing! "

How goes the Christmas craziness?

I took my nieces and nephew out skating yesterday with my brother and dad and they loved it. It was the youngest’ first time but the older two are already starting to skate on their own! I loved it so much I’m going out today to buy a pair of my own skates so that I don’t have to rent anymore ... I’ve missed skating and I got a Christmas bonus from work so I figure it’s about time I start spending some money on myself for things other than just the necessary clothes.

Ami wants to get a fitness pass together in January so we can start going to classes together. I think it’ll be really fun and another great way to keep me motivated to keep working out, meeting new people. I think she’s secretly hoping that I’ll meet someone special there, lol! Why do people not believe me when I’ve said I’ve given up looking and I’ve moved on? I think I’m going to start changing my answer for the question, "Do you have a boyfriend", and then the resulting, "do you want to get married and have kids?" to ’no’. Maybe then people will stop hinting that I’ll meet the fabled "one" just around the corner. lol! My family and friends can’t seem to accept that it’s okay to be single! Probably because I’m the only single one, lol.

How is work going? That e-mail you sent of the wolf success story was awesome! Sorry I couldn’t reply directly through my e-mail, I was house sitting and whenever I’m not using my home network it will let me receive e-mails but not send them out ... don’t know why!

Barbara J Wickham replies: "Well, if it’s any indication of how crazy it is right now, it should be how long it took me to respond to this! *lol*

The skating sounds so fun! I haven’t been for years, but I used to go to the local rink almost daily. It got to the point that they just stopped charging me and my friend. Personally, I just think they felt sorry for me because I tended to fall a lot! *lol*

I know what you mean about being "harassed" for being single! My friends and family know not to put me on the spot with guys, but they still hint now and again about a friend of a friend, if you know what I mean.

I figure that the right one is out there and the best way to meet him is to do what I love and I will eventually bump into him. Sounds logcial, eh?

I just got back from a hectic trip to the grocery store today to pick up last-minute items. Simple tasks like this have taken way more time than they should due to the overwhelming crowds and traffic. Even getting to work is taking an extra 10-15 minutes and that’s not only due to freeway congestion, it’s also the volume of traffic on surface streets that creates super-long lines at the lights. Argh!

However, I have gladly persevered through the insanity because it means that things are looking up for our local economy. Yay! It seems that most everyone is having a better holiday than last year. Even so, I know there are people still losing their jobs and housing, so I still say a little prayer everyday for all those still struggling.

I am keeping up with my running and I even think I may try to increase my distance after the holidays. I also started changing my route to include a very steep hill so that I get lots of training for my next 5k. I’m so excited! Running is addictive!!!! *endorphins talking* LOL!

Anyhoo, I just wrapped my last gift and I have to get ready to deliver all my goodies to my brother’s house. We are going to have pizza and bake some cookies for Santa. Squeeeee!

Have yourself a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!

*BIG HOLIDAY HUGS!!!!*"

Worry about the carnivorous thesaurus no more, my dear. Let me just get my horse, my hound and my spear and I’ll rid the world of the carnivorous thesaurus.

...well, actually my trusty steed is just my bike, my loyal dog an invisible friend from my childhood and my spear is just....hey it really is a spear. It may be a bit crude but it should still work just fine.


Well, what I really was going to say was hello.

Barbara J Wickham replies: "A very late Hello back at you!

Sorry. I’ve been avoiding Elfwood lately. Still not feeling artistically inspired these days, but I think not browsing all the wonderful art and writing here is a big mistake. I guess it was easier to ignore the problem, but I really need to get back to it.

Especially since I no longer have to worry about that pesky Thesaurus! "

Whew, life caught up with me! Sorry it’s taken me so long to write back! How have you been? I am guessing busy as well! Tis the season! Did you have a good new years?

Yes, I’ve heard of so many friend of a friends, that I’m just glad that most people just seem to forget they’ve mentioned them and it doesn’t go any further.

There’s a new pottery place in town where you can pick out a piece you want and paint it, so my friend and I tried it out a couple of weeks ago and LOVED it! What a wonderful idea! I think I’m going to take my nieces and nephew there for some fun! She did a Dumbo piggy bank and I did a mickey mouse mug and they’re going to be ready to pick up on Friday. We’re both very excited to see how they turned out .

We’re definitely seeing the change in the economy in the clinic. A lot more people electing not to do surgeries and regular wellness medicine than there used to be.

Yes, running is fun! I love the days where for whatever reason, you seem to get your second wind right at the beginning of your run and it seems to breeze by. Those are amazing runs!

I’ve been keeping busy on weekends snowboarding with my dad, usually on Sundays. We both got zip passes so we can board one day a week. It’s so refreshing getting up on the hill with the snow and the crisp air and the drive up is lovely through the moss-covered forests. Makes it feel like Christmas all over again when we get up there .

HUGGLES!

p.s. chapter 4 of Dragon Mistress is finally up



Barbara J Wickham replies: "Hi there! No need for apologies. I think we’ve both got caught up in everyday stuff.

I did have a great new year. I’ve just been keeping it simple and hanging out with family and friends doing the usual: trips to the museum, park, movies, etc. Even got to tour a haunted aircraft carrier!

Also, got to attend a friends baby shower and I almost died from all the cuteness! All the sweet little outfits, toys, blankets-it was just too adorable. I love baby showers! Squeeee!

Ran another 5k. It was along the shore of the bay and would have been a gorgeous view if it wasn’t for the icy rain, wind and hail! At least I shaved a couple minutes off my time. Being cold and wet are great motivators to keep one moving! *lol*

I’ve been to one of those pottery places! So fun and a great day for both big and little kids. One year I made all my Christmas gifts there!

We’re noticing the effects of the bad economy even more lately. I can’t believe how many dogs are showing up at the shelter still. Usually winter is a slow time for dogs, but not this year and it makes me scared for what is going to happen when we really get busy. Kitten season is coming and it will be interesting to see if our new Feral Freedom TNR program has had an effect. I hope so otherwise we may find ourselves in a crisis this summer.

Snowboarding looks so fun, but with my bad history with a skateboard, I think I’ll just stick to sleding! *lol*

I see that you have some new work posted and I will stop in very soon to have a read.

"

*worried* I’m hoping the reason we haven’t seen you around elfwood is because life has caught you up and not that something bad has happened. Hoping you’re okay and doing well!

Barbara J Wickham replies: "So sorry to worry you. I’m okay. Thank you for being concerned. You’re so sweet!

*hugs*"

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving Barb!

Barbara J Wickham replies: "Happy Thanksgiving, Liz!!!!

Gosh, the holidays are here again already! Yikes!!!!"

Merry Christmas Barb! Hope you and the kitties are doing great!

Barbara J Wickham replies: "Merry Christmas Liz!!!!

We are all doing well. I hope you and your family (two and four-legged) are also doing well.

Have a great day!"

We’re celebrating our Christmas late again this year (26th and 27th), so I still have 2 more sleeps until my Christmas My four legged family is about to increase by one in the middle of January!!! My boss breeds flat-coated retrievers and she is giving me the pick of the litter. She already has 4 dogs of her own and she says five is too many to do justice to them along with work but she wants to keep a breeding female from this litter, so she offered her to me on the condition she gets 1 litter out of her. I took my mom to see the puppies for the first time this week, they’re four 4.5 weeks old and such little butter balls! Time to start puppy-proofing the house again!

Barbara J Wickham replies: "Puppies!!!! Congrats on the new addition!

Enjoy your holiday!"