Wednesday, May 31, 2017

I Wrote A Book!

Well, that might be overstated. I have written a story and not a published book. However, I am posting it chapter by chapter on WordPress to motivate me to finish it so I can move on to "book" #2. Story #2 is dying to be written and wants released from my head, lol!

I started the writing process in 2008/09 and kinda dropped it in 2010 when my Dad passed away. I remember writing like crazy when my dad was in the hospital - he was watching football on the television as I was writing on my laptop.

I've picked it up a few times over the last seven years and added to it but I have to tell you it's a bit like starting over each time. I have to remind myself of where the characters are, who they are, the time frame and season, etc. Writing a story where you want to carry the characters forward is a lot of work! And, I'm picky as I try to avoid inaccuracies.

This story is just an easy read - I cannot imagine the work that novelist who create real literature must do. The one thing I do have in common with real writers is an understanding that writing is a process and not just something where you sit down one day and create a finished product. It's editing (a.k.a. write/rewrite/write/rewrite, etc.). I'm somewhat organized having created cards for characters to keep up with them but even that is work.

So, with the "book" 95% finished, I am thinking that publishing it online chapter by chapter (hopefully one each day)  will cause me to finally create the ending. I'm not too good at WordPress yet so this link to my story takes you to chapter four. You can scroll to other chapters if you are interested.

https://thetruthbetold2010.wordpress.com/

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Last of the Vinoy Photos



The view from our room - the waterfront of St Pete and the pool area


From the historical wall


Fred's - where we ate. It has a speakeasy atmosphere.


Me Madre


The courtyard patio from the restaurant French doors - notice the waterfall from the pool area.


Crab and Asparagus fritters on Kim Chee and some green puree


My Chilean sea bass over saffron couscous with miso and sugar snap peas


Mom's beef tenderloin with pancetta risotto and pureed leaks


A strawberry dessert - forgot the name


Mom doesn't do breakfast and I wasn't interested in the big mother's day brunch so I opted for the simple buffet.



On our way to checkout and the spa this morning. My mom's purse and luggage match, lol.


Da spa and da end!

Vinoy Art and Grounds

Just some shots from around the grounds and in the building. Lots of hidden art pieces.

From the mezzanine









 Gorgeous Chihuly glass display


 There was a snack station and a station with water and punch.
 A mermaid of wire and seashels


Sitting areas






 Most of the tile was covered with beautiful rugs but this is what the tile floors really look like.
 Ballrooms




Waterfall from pool area down to the patio area outside the restaurant where we ate.


Mother's Day at the Vinoy in St Petersburg

Mom and I stayed at the historic Vinoy on St Petersburg waterfront last night, had a gourmet dinner, and spa services this morning before returning home. The old hotel is beautiful and very well run. Here's a few shots - more to follow:

The veranda where we waited until our room was ready
The view from the veranda of St Pete's waterfront.


 Mom enjoying her coffee and scone on the veranda.

The coffee shop had interesting donut combinations

Our double queen room


The room was huge!

Nice sitting area which we did use.


Bathroom had separate WC area and double sinks. We also had huge closest with all the ammentiies but didn't photo well.