This site is moving, has moved, to: https://christine-steeves-speakman.com/
Melody’s Pondering
March 28, 2024
Rewrites. Re-writing. Revisiting what I wrote and correcting or changing. The story is in the rewrite; in the edits. Why has it taken me this long to realize I can rewrite Midnight Find that has nothing to do with the original story-call? The call was for a romance without the HEA and I did that, but I’m not using the common dominator for that anthology…why then do I have to keep it as a non-HEA? Simple…I don’t, I can rewrite that part as well…I can expand on that original without the headache I’m facing on the new story. Oiiii, it’s taken long enough.
March 21, 2024
I read something along these words, about parents and children…we know them all their lives, but they only know us for part of theirs…and you know I’ve got that messed up. Of course, we only know them part of their lives, they…are supposed to…live beyond us and those years we don’t know them. Where I’m going with this I don’t know, it sure is a pondering/wondering. What I do know is I’ve known my husband longer than I’ve known my family…longer than his have known him. There’s comfort in this and with last week’s scare I’m more aware of it.
March 14, 2024
He’s home!
March 7, 2024
This does not feel like March. I’m waiting for that last snow storm I know is sneaking up on us. Hope I’m wrong.
February 29, 2024
Leap Day. Have you ever written a leap year, leap day, into your stories? How does this complicate a story, would it? Just wondering how it could be used.
February 22, 2024
Being sick isn’t romantic, but having hubby and daughter take care of you and family needs, sure is love.
February 15, 2024
Love. Yesterday was the day we celebrate love. For some of us that made it the hardest, second hardest, day of the year. I’m lucky, it was an easy good day. Lucky? Now isn’t that a strange word. Do I mean that someone who doesn’t have what I have isn’t lucky? Talk about generic wording I’ve adapted from the world around me. Sorry about that and I’m going to leave this as is as a reminder it’s not about luck, but…what? What is your definition of love?
February 8, 2024
Another Fog advisory today. Who else finds fog romantic weather?
February 1, 2024
Happy Valentine’s Month. A time to remember love. A time that pressures us all about what love is; should be. Today let’s just feel the love we know, knew, have.
January 25, 2024
I should save this for a Love is post, but I’m feeling too good and need to share now…love contains the element of helping hands when you’re feeling overdone. Someone doing a simple load of laundry, cleaning out the garbage, any of the small things you could easily do in passing, but they’ve done it means the world when the small things are your current mountain.
January 18, 2024
I cleaned out some old notes and found two, maybe 3 story notes. So, I’ve added to my writing load, but better yet discovered I can do this, I have the imagination and ability.
January 11, 2024
For Christmas, I asked for one of these…Kalimba Thumb Piano…and I’m finding the tune/tone quite pleasant. Now to start playing it more and figuring out how to really use it. I think we all forget that sound can call to us in multiple ways, if we stop and listen. What’s your romantic sound?
January 4, 2024
Anyone else worn out? Anyone else have their days completely mixed up? I know it’s the 4th and Thursday, but my body and mental have no idea what’s what. One moment I think we’re ahead of time and another a day behind. This week is a whatever time. Think I’ll go nap.
December 28, 2023
May 2024 be easier for us all. May 2024 see us all stronger.
December 21, 2023
Remember what this time of year is about…love each other; accept each other not in judgement or who you deem worthy…love each other. You might be surprised who gives it in return.
December 14, 2023
The holiday funk has started to set in. Too much to do and too much I want to do with too much I really don’t know how to tackle. I’ll keep trying.
December 7, 2023
I spent quite a bit of time updating past blogs and it felt good. I know it may have been a lot of posts today, but I hope you found some interesting. I’m refinding my joy in writing again.
November 30, 2023
Covid free! Now to regain some energy. Curling up with movies and books, which is why I purchased new sheets and a comforter. We all deserve bed comfort.
November 23, 2023
I know you’re tired of hearing about Covid, but snuggling under blankets and afghans is so comforting. Now, if only I had remember to turn the candles on (batteries) it would enhance my mood.
November 16, 2023
Covid is not romantic
November 9, 2023
When was the last love story you watched or read? I want to write a strictly romantic story, but not sure I can without another sub-genre. Do you like mixed-genre romances?
November 2, 2023
Going over my website there are a few things I want to change. Should we change for love? Should we try to change those we love?
October 26, 2023
I know we use the word, hate, too frequently that it loses its strength of meaning. Can we ever use the word, love, too frequently? Or do we use it too conditionally? We talk about loving unconditionally. We talk that love is blind, but are we blind to love; when we should be loving unconditionally? Has the meaning of love been lost?
October 19, 2023
There truly is nothing stronger than Love; hatred, fear, vengeance, and the need to dominate are simply louder and more violent.
October 12, 2023
We need Peace not prayers
October 5, 2023
One could call Dracula a love story.
September 28, 2023
Sometimes love is simply silence and acknowledging the other.
September 21, 2023
Love is Love
That’s not a political statement. It’s a humanity statement.
Acceptance for one is acceptance for all.
Not a political statement. A humanity statement.
We have not yet learned that when one goes after another for being different; for not being ‘us’; someone somewhere will one day come after us for being different; for not being ‘them’.
Love is love. Love strengthens love. Love grows love.
Love protects and honours all Love.
September 14, 2023
The weather has turned cool after last week’s heat. It’s apple picking time. I’m going to dwell on that pastime rather than the sadness of seasons changing. Okay, this is going to come across as being airheaded, but dang the clouds right now look like hanging mobiles. Or perhaps, alien spacecrafts?
September 7, 2023
I had promised myself that I would show up everyday. Broken promise as you can see. What’s worse a broken promise from someone else or one you made to yourself?
July 27, 2023
I’m in the clear…at least that’s how I’m taking it. We don’t believe I had a stroke of any degree this past May. The neurologist called today for the follow-up and basically all my tests came back clean, no blockages, some simple mild build-up you were expected in someone of my age and general health. One eye doctor thinks I may have had a migraine…did you know you can have one without the pain? I didn’t. The biggest clue was I saw white when my sight went wonky and not black nothingness. Either way, I’ll take it. Stay healthy and know your body.
July 20, 2023
Does loving someone, being in a relationship, always 50/50? Does every moment have to be even? Or is being in love the realization that true balance is when you share the fullness of life through supporting and being supported? We all have our weaknesses and strengths.
July 13, 2023
What does love mean? Do we have one great love, soulmate, forever love, or are there many out there? If there’s more than one what happens when we pick this one instead of waiting for the others to show…or do the others only show after the first runs it course, a course that could be a lifetime? Do we need to be open to the next love or can the first be the only…be enough to last beyond its end? Questions I’m contemplating for my character Iris.
July 6, 2023
Memories. I always loved the lines….water-coloured memories; scattered pictures; if we had the chance…simply choose to forget. Do we? Forget. Rewrite what was? How is it the memories may fade, soften like a water-coloured painting, but the emotion cascades back like a damn bursting or worse a building trickle. Today might not be the day to write happy, I feel my words may be painted with emotional memories.
June 29, 2023
Silent, quiet times can be the most romantic times. Quality doesn’t need a heard voice, but a known presence.
June 22, 2023
Caring is giving up sleep because someone needs a hug.
June 15, 2023
It’s a blah day. Grey overcast dullness with the complex across the street repaving putting the scent of tar and asphalt into the air. No power this morning as our electrical panel was updated. Strange how an upheaval morning can paint the rest of the day into the doldrums.
June 8, 2023
Wildfires are burning in my province and the one next to ours causing poor air quality all around. There’s a haze, more than a haze in some areas, and the smell of burning wood. It hangs heavy in the air in more ways than just smoke. May everyone immediately involved be safe.
May 18, 25, and June 1, 2023
Hi, may I just refer you to https://chrischatreviews.com/ for the full update as to why I was missing, please. All is good 🙂
May 11, 2023
When you’re feeling lousy, worried, hurt, it is hard to pull yourself up and turn the smile and excitement on. Maybe that’s where the saying – fake it till you make it – comes from? Then again, we can think/believe ourselves into positive moods, even romantic moods. Like people – never judge a day/book by it’s start/cover.
May 4, 2023
Okay…May the Fourth be with you. It’s a better start today than yesterday…no strange lingering dream and I witnessed the best full Moon through streaks of clouds ever. That filled me with awe and comfort. Tried capturing the image on my phone, but can never do it justice. Right now I have the movie Alien on while the sun fully wakes up. Have a fun Thursday.
April 27, 2023
Happy Thursday! I’m slowing waking up….very slowly. Spent too much time on computer yesterday and went to bed with dry eyes and worn out brain. Waking this morning was a bit difficult. Let’s call this a slow day.
April 20, 2023
It’s been said the road to Hades is paved with good intentions and that even the most level-headed, good-natured can have moments of doubt and despair, well today I’m there. If I could I would find that isolated island and race to it. It’s not a case of stop the world I want off…mind you that sounds pretty good, too. I simply want to be left to my quiet corner. Who hasn’t wanted this?
April 13, 2023
Yeah, my attention and focus have wilted.
April 6, 2023
No guessing needed, the site isn’t feeling or being shown any love
March 30, 2023
If you’ve followed my other sites, you can guess whether I showed up or am backtracking…1 guess
March 23, 2023
Starting edits on Midnight Find. Decided that the one way to break the writing dryness is to edit something first. The Artist’s Way talks about morning pages to silent the inner critic, but I’m thinking putting that voice to work might work better.
March 16, 2023
I’m writing this for the 16th, but sharing on the 18th…seems fitting since last week was my dad’s birthday and today, 18th, he’s been gone for 18 years. Dang, and my grandfather died when I was 18…both of these men taught me what to expect from any man in my life, I was lucky that way. They also believed in me and supported my dreams. I know the two of them are getting into mischief no matter where the universe has them 🙂
March 9, 2023
This was a difficult day. I couldn’t concentrate on much; therefore, I didn’t get much accomplished. I’m thinking it’s because my dad would have been 92 today and somewhere inside my emotion of missing him snuck up and took over. He’s missed so much and then it feels like he’s here in so much that we do. Treasure those you love.
March 2, 2023
How many have heard the saying that nothing good happens in the wee hours of the night…morning? I’m not sure 1:41am counts as this, anymore, but here I am pondering away. I napped from 7-9pm and while I am tired, here I am with my mind wilding away. That’s what I know happens in the wee hours of any day or night…the memories overtake. Better them than the worries, right?
February 23, 2023
Last night and into this morning, we had a freezing rain/ice pellet storm. I stayed awake till after 1am to watch the weather, only candles glowing. There is something magically about a winter storm…as long as all of yours are at home safe. Every moment of living has a different feel depending on the individual, such as that storm…magical for one while deadly for another. Thunderstorms with loud clashing and flashing, racing, wild lightning unnerves me while a friend found the same exciting. Today it all just looks dull and messy.
February 16, 2023
Just realizing my ponderings really are working like a daily diary of thoughts, sorry bit side tracked there. The weather has been a bit above temps lately and the news is we’re heading back to normal cold, freezing rain, and snow later today which is why I’m happy I bought some flowers last Friday and I may just buy some more this weekend. Not because it’s Valentine’s timing. Simply because I wanted some flowers. Treat yourself, even 1 flower can make all the difference
February 9, 2023
Spent time yesterday prepping overdue blog posts and such, you can tell from the posts to my page today. I had forgotten how much I missed writing. Sounds strange to say that out loud to public, but there it is. Not to lock the world away while I find my way back into my fictional worlds.
February 2, 2023
Welcome to the Love month, at least the time we feel pressured to celebrate and acknowledge our loved ones. I’d rather it be done in small bits year around; however, I’m not opposed to flowers, even the odd box of chocolates. It’s also a time to remember those who have loved us and are not here anymore. Everyone deserves to be loved and, hopefully, we’ve all been loved at least once in our lives. I’m lucky, I’ve given love and received love. I hope you have as well.
January 26, 2023
There are times my mind has me questioning it, like this pondering. If I have Iris’ symbol being hand fans, what would it be for the colder seasons? I don’t see how fanning yourself or hiding behind a hand fan would work in freezing temps. Shawls. I’ve come up with shawls, after not finding anything useful in my search. I like curling up with a shawl; a shawl can add a touch of mystery to any outfit; a shawl can even be a bit of a barrier. Yes, a shawl for fall into winter.
January 19, 2023
I’m writing this at 7:42am, but have been in update Hades since 6am travelling down the rabbit-hole of confusion. Not a good sign for the day to come, but I will make the most of it because this has all been due to changes I’ve made in my business-life. Choices that feel lighter…normally means it’s a right decision…but the clean and clearing required can open a can of mess, say like you’ve done all the dusting and vacuuming only to discover the one dust bunny blatantly hanging on to the wall for all to see after you’ve put away all the cleaning instruments (that were carried back upstairs and fought going back into their place). Yes, it may just be one of those days.
January 12, 2023
Treat yourself. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive, a single flower can brighten any mood. A quiet read. Watching a favourite movie. A trip to the bakery for an individual-size cake. Do something for yourself.
January 5, 2023
How’s this for romance…35 years ago a mutual friend introduced hubby and me. Without this introduction our daughter would not be here celebrating her 21st birthday…not only that but it is the birthday of said mutual friend. Never doubt the possibilities.
December 29, 2022
We’re heading into a new year with thoughts of new promises and better/stronger times. Let’s not forget the good times of the past year. The challenges met, the wonderful surprises, the births, and so much more. We’ve said goodbye as well and will carry memories forward. Be safe. Be well.
December 22, 2022
Happy Holidays. Spending most of the day with family. Be safe.
December 15, 2022
Slow recovery, but not enough to feel anything but love of soup and soft nose tissues.
December 8, 2022
Nothing romantic about being sick.
December 1, 2022
Hello, December. Are your Holiday movies romance or family?
November 24, 2022
No character is perfect because no human is perfect and writers are human…with wild imaginations, but still human. Your characters need to be believable so find their flaw.
November 17, 2022
When writing one aspect you must remember…emotion. You need to feel it before your readers. Writing isn’t a closed artform, no art is and, yes, writing is an art.
November 10, 2022
Some of said memories won’t keep you warm. I disagree. Memories reaffirm you have been loved; you have loved; you are worthy of love. Memories remind us of our strengths. Memories rebuild our confidence. Memories are our stories to tell and continue to learn from. Memories warm from the inside out.
November 3, 2022
Relationships are not hard. It’s not hard to love someone. It’s difficult to express ourselves to those who matter the most when we love them the most because we don’t ever want to hurt them or cause a miss-anything because we’re human and flawed.
October 27, 2022
Love is also patience, especially when she falls asleep while watching the movie she picked out.
October 20, 2022
There is nothing romantic about a hacking cough. The love comes from taking care of each other.
October 13, 2022
I realize February has Valentine’s Day; however, I have always found October to be more romantic. The start of Fall and cooler temps, the first lighting of the fireplace, hot chocolate, and cozy sweaters. Can’t forget snuggling under blankets.
September 29 – October 6
A small step is still a step, right?
August 18, 25, September 1, 8, 15, & 22
Yeah, I’ve been missing in action and wish I had more updates to give. More reasons as to why, but I don’t. I’ve been hiding from writing Iris’ stories. Today I’ve shown up.
August 11, 2022
Timing is everything. There’s so little time and too much time on our hands. What seems like forever and just yesterday. August gets me in a remembrance and regret mood…should’ve done more this summer, should have this , and should have that. My neck of the world school starts the first week of September, so August was always the final lap of freedom before back to the established routine. You?
August 4, 2022
Happy August everyone. There’s a rain storm happening right now and I heard thunder, but the sun is pushing through those clouds. It’s reminding me of romance stories…the love always pushing through the darkness/fog/whatever unhappy moment. Others like their romance curled up away from the unhappy. How do you prefer your romance?
July 28, 2022
Started to clean up the webpages as some updates messed with my widgets. Then being the overly organized person that I am, I had to make sure all the websites shared the same look and order. Some of this is completely fiddle work and goes to show you how easy it is for me to procrastinate. However, a clean area allows me room to work.
July 21, 2022
Happy Thursday. Been rethinking a few character names and I’m happy with what “we” have settled on. Now to settle in the story and what needs writing and what needs to wait.
July 14, 2022
Everything can do with a bit of a refresh and I think my site could benefit with one. Have you ever started something and it feels off until you hit the groove? It’s happening here, stay tuned.
July 7, 2022
Looking forward to seeing what the month will bring. So far it’s been a slow quiet start after the long weekend. Enjoy and be safe.
June 30, 2022
Last day of the month. Another June done and for many another school year completed. Funny, I still count the year by school timings. What will July bring us?
June 23, 2022
Today I want to lock myself away and just be….
June 16, 2022
Time allows for everything to finally click into their place. Never give up…this is the one of the times Never say Never doesn’t apply.
June 9, 2022
Love does not need dramatics. It will be found in the simplest of moments and actions.
June 2, 2022
New month. Nearly a new season. But Love is always Love
May 27, 2022
Yesterday we celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary. With what happened in Texas, this celebration brought memories of everything we’ve lived, but also that it is the family we have that’s to be cherished.
May 19, 2022
What is a romance mood? Feeling a bit blah and low today, so how do I concentrate on writing romance?
May 12, 2022
Bought two bunches of tulips yesterday with my daughter. There’s something about fresh flowers that lifts the spirit. How do you lift yours?
May 5, 2022
Have I been away from this too long? Self doubt does more damage to dreams then never having dreams to begin with.
January 20 2022
If writing is difficult then writing romance/feel good stories are almost impossible…for me. I’ve been aiming for strictly romance/HEA without any other genre mix and so far I’ve been failing. Covid, summer, life throwing a few hiccups in haven’t helped either.
I’m not giving up.