(you didn't post a new question again)

Probably in a gym but I have never plaid beach volleyball so who knows? Try it and I might like it.

Earbuds or headphones?

Lime

I am ... rocking out to some metal and punk posted by a friend on another site.

You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Rolling Stones

Quote by WriterGirl

That’s so cool! 😊

Yes, but I'm sure there'll be a raft of toxic males having opinions about it. I hope she stays off social media for a few days or weeks after this. Of course, that may not help if the toxic male-in-chief speaks out about it. 🙄

Fantastic that it happened, though. Long overdue. Is there even a women's pro baseball league like there is for soccer, hockey, and basketball?

(The) Vampire Lovers

War Pigs - Black Sabbath

Cardio. Leave the weights to my son.

Walk or bike?

(I actually remember when it came out. I was just getting into Kate Bush at the time)

Unstoppable - Sia

(Oo, I like that cover)

Storm In A Glass - Floor Jansen/Northward (she's wrote it for her band Northward but also does it solo)

Health matters more than wealth.

Neither, ideally, but I guess I could handle driving a jet ski in a pinch.

Air conditioning or open windows and fans?

Question of Time - Depeche Mode

Very little, to be honest. Reading doesn't seem to engage me these days, though I am trying. Stories on here seem to be about it.

Quote by Molly
We've got another (big) competition in the works for September to help welcome back fall and routine. So keep that in mind.

Ugh, depends on when in September. I'm on the road starting late in September and not back until Canadian Thanksgiving (2nd Monday in October). Travelling on a fairly busy tour schedule so no writing time. Will be watching for it, though.

Oo, fudge with raspberry topping. I can get down with that. (scarfs a couple)

We are into another heat warning here. I keep hoping each is the last but so goes this summer. Lasts until Wednesday. At least air quality is not too bad. 5 out of 10 with 10 being the worst. We've been as high as 7 when wildfire smoke from out West passes through.

Trying to write but not getting anywhere. I have a couple on the go but nothing close to publication.

Oo, cookies and the comp list. Molly doesn't come in here often, but when she does, there's always goodies involved. Thanks.

Woo hoo! Good list there. Congrats all, especially the top 3!!

Well, since you didn't add a question, I'll just answer my own. Most wake up when I'm ready. I am a natural morning person so the only time I might need an alarm is when travelling since some travel days are early even for me.

Paint or wallpaper?

CORA! Nice to see you. Hope all is well and thanks for the drinks and treats.

Okay ... Blue Jays ... Let's ... Play ... Ball!! (I imagine they've retired that song by now but it's stuck in my head for life). Absolutely not a baseball person but I'll perk up and pay attention a bit if they manage to go all the way.

There hasn't been much new from American singer-songwriter Malinda in a while. And apparently part of the reason is that she has been back on stage, where she started out, playing the lead in a production of the musical Waitress. The show's music is by the wonderful songwriter Sara Bareilles and "She Used To Be Mine" is a showstopper in anyone's hands (I've heard Bareilles herself sing it several times). But Malinda gives a powerfully emotional performance in this new video, seeming on the brink of breaking down a few times. But she carries it through and brings it home with a magnificent belt at the end.

I have my own top 3 pegged but that's my favourites, not a guess at the results. I have no idea if the judges and I are on the same page. We'll see tomorrow, I guess.

I am a bit fatigued after a morning headache.

6727, counting closer and closer to heaven

I tend to be a bit of an early bird. Habit I picked up from my dad, I think. Not sure there's a good reason beyond that. Maybe a general hatred of being late and things starting late.

Use an alarm clock or wake up when you are ready?

Good morning. Freshened up the hot beverages and checked the fridge.

Toying with writing but not doing much. Too tired after work these days. Maybe on the weekend.

Weather is better. Still a bit on the hot side but not the steamy, muggy days we've had at other times this summer. The air quality isn't perfect, but better than the beginning of the week.

And 1 day until the comp results. The suspense is building...😊

Email. My fingers can't handle a lot of handwriting anymore (osteoarthritis) and my handwriting is well nigh impenetrable anyhow (there is no truth to the rumour that Canadian spies use a font derived from my handwriting to obscure secret messages, though 🙄😉😀).

Pick up the phone (mobile or landline) or call using an app like Teams/Facetime?

Very optional. In fact, it is basically an occasional treat for me. Wife comes from a culture where dessert, if it happens at all, is just fruit or similar so she doesn't make like my mother did.

CD collection or streaming service (Spotify, etc.)?

As usual, Authors Publish kicked off the month with a round up of open calls and contests. Have a look at see if there's anything that suits your work. A lot of anthologies in this one, I note. Topics include a couple Romantasy anthologies from Flame Tree Press as well as mythology themed anthologies on The Valkyries and the Greek hero Odysseus (aka Ulysses); Poetry about the dead and related topics; aromantic relationship spec fic (friends, family, etc.); and an anthology on "hidden bargains, mysterious contracts, and eerie agreements". And much more, of course.

» 28 Themed Submission Calls and Contests for August 2025