Come ye readers… lurk no more

Aug 11, 2008 in Celebrate the successes, Resources to Check Out, The Writing Life, What Writers Eat | Comments (29)

29 Responses to “Come ye readers… lurk no more”

1. Claire on 11 Aug 2008 at 7:11 am #

   Saying Hi! Happy Monday, Beth.

2. D.J. on 11 Aug 2008 at 7:14 am #

   Hello, fellow bloggers. I am D.J., yes, the one listed as Beth’s present boyfriend. I find it interesting that she has used “present” before my name. When will this status expire? Do I become the “future” boyfriend as well?

   Beth is the only woman who has ever sent me to the dictionary. I have had the pleasure of sending her to it as well.

   I have know Beth for quite some time, and I have never seen her do a cartwheel, even when she was very happy. The next time I see her, I am going to ask her to do one for me. I will have the medics standing by, and I will take pictures.

   I, on the other hand, can do a cartwheel without ending up in the hospital, pulling a muscle, or throwing my back out. I am sure I will be asked to prove this at one of Beth’s impromptu wine parties on her porch.

   I will look forward to the introductions from the other 190, or more, friends and fans of Ave.Z, as my stroll continues.

   D.J.

3. Beth on 11 Aug 2008 at 7:18 am #

   Ha! Busted. I have never been able to do a cartwheel.

4. Papa on 11 Aug 2008 at 7:22 am #

   Hi I am Beth’s father. I helped raised her. Most of her characteristics that you have noticed and wonder about come from her mother’s side of the family.

   Love

   Pop

5. Beth on 11 Aug 2008 at 7:28 am #

   Papa, I’m totally telling Mom what you just said.

   Readers, please tell a little about you as well! Where are you from? Your last book? What you do?

   D.J.’s a San Diego lawyer and Papa is a programmer in the Denver area. Claire runs her own writing and editing business in the Seattle area, I think.

6. steph on 11 Aug 2008 at 9:01 am #

   Hey, I’m Beth’s blogging buddy, Steph. Beth was one of the first, if not the first, bloggers to comment on my blog when it first started. She Stumbled me, too. Since then, I’ve followed her around. And thoroughly enjoyed it.

   Beth asks that you tell where you’re from and that made me stop and think: where AM I from? My parents? My hometown? Where I live now? I am from every place I’ve ever been, every person I’ve ever met, every life experience I’ve ever had. But I currently live in Belleville, ON. It’s only okay. I could live elsewhere.

   I just bought two books yesterday. I have three on my night table, all on the go, which I hate doing. One is Paul Quarrington’s The Ravine, which is quite funny and good but I don’t know if I’ll keep it. The other is Pullman’s Golden Compass trilogy, which I’m reading aloud to my hubby. The other is Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. Now, at the risk of offending the author, I will say I’m slightly embarrassed to admit I own all of her books. Breaking Dawn is book four of a young adult series…about vampires and werewolves. I know. Sounds like you’re just about to scorn me, doesn’t it. Not only that, the writing leaves a little something to be desired. TECHNICALLY, anyway. However, when an alarming number of teens at the library where I used to work highly recommended the series to me, I had to check it out. And I have been unable to put down the books. Seriously. There’s something very compelling about Meyer’s writing, her stories: I can’t totally put my finger on it but it has something to do with desire, fantasy, her uncanny ability to tap into what it means to be human and how she so aptly creates setting that stays with you long after you’ve put down her books. Also, I think Meyer’s a fantastic woman and I’m insanely jealous of her success (and very crazy productivity) at such a young age.

   So there. I feel as though I’ve just admitted I subscribe to InStyle mag and read People.com (okay, both of which I up until recently did), but there you have it. Who doesn’t have a little something like that?

   The second book I bought was Eat, Pray, Love, which I’ve already read but gave to my sister because it is that excellent.

   Um, what else. I edit for a living. My next book assignment is on the history of taverns in Canada. But I would rather edit fiction, and so EditQuest is being born, my fantasy fiction editing business.

   In spite of being an editor, I am often unable to keep my comments and blog posts short and to the point. You know, kind of like a psychologist with her own issues.

7. Ingrid on 11 Aug 2008 at 9:12 am #

   Hiya, as the English like to say. I am Beth’s almost sister, Ingrid. Beth and I met when we both worked at the ranch. Afterwards, we met up again when Beth and her sister went on their 6 month road trip. I was happy to host them on their stop through Denver.

   When the Z family moved to Denver, I was “adopted” and invited to all family functions, since my own family was in NY. That’s how I became the almost sister.

   I currently live in Coventry, England working for my company, and trying to have my own adventure. Beth will be joining me in November, and I can’t wait.

   I, personally, cannot do a cartwheel, as Beth knows my personality, I would probably have to plan and organize and plan yet again before I even think about attempting it.

   I am a voracious reader of romance fiction. And very eccentric on how I read sequential books.

   The last non-fiction book I bought (and almost done reading) is Anthony Bourdain’s Confidential Kitchen and A Cook’s Tour. I guess, I could say I am also an advid watcher of cooking shows. I was addicted to the Food Network in the US and over here in the UK, the equivalent cable channel.

8. steph on 11 Aug 2008 at 9:47 am #

   Whoops, I lied. I have four books on my night table. The other one is Elizabeth Hay’s Late Nights on Air.

   And here’s another little tidbit. I’m 34, 5’1″ (if I’m lucky) and am right now wearing girls’ Levi jeans (er – with a few silver sequins along the pockets, but I can hide those). As in kids’ jeans, size 16. They’re a little big and about two inches or so too long. Hahhh.

9. steph on 11 Aug 2008 at 10:56 am #

   (In case you can’t tell, that “hahhh” is frustration, not boasting. Why can’t I be taller??)

10. Carissa on 11 Aug 2008 at 12:31 pm #

    Greetings all! My name is Carissa. I consider Beth to be my running buddy, however we have never really run together. Regardless, I have resorted to calling Beth “Beth RUNNING” (as she is so program cell phone). I live across Broadway from Beth and we often accidentally cross paths at our local coffee shop (the beast that fuels her cupcake addiction).

    Honestly, I am not a big reader. Not because I don’t enjoy it, but rather that I hardly have the time to read my subscription to “Runner’s World” let alone make it through an entire book. (hey Beth, does that fish oil thing really work for the knees?) Currently I am reading *trying to remember the title* ‘Harvest for Hope A Guide for Mindful Eating’. I’m only on page five, but it seems to fit my lifestyle well.

    I grew up on Kauai (16years) and have lived in San Diego for the past 12 years. I have two cats named Baxter and Sushi. I work as a Community Health Rep for a dental program. I love to run and will be attempting my second America’s Finest City Half-Marathon this weekend. I love being outside…that is where I am happiest.

    Is that enough Beth?

11. Lesli Lord on 11 Aug 2008 at 12:34 pm #

    I’m Lesli and I’m a lurker (chorus: “Hi Lesli”).

    I live about 35 miles north of Dallas, TX. I own an association management company in the oncology marketplace.

    Books that I have read in the past week or so are:

    The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch with Jeffrey Zaslow -Sadly, Randy Pausch died a few weeks ago but this is a great book about having fun, the head fake, and seizing every moment.

    The Monster of Florence, A True Story by Douglas Preston with Mario Spezi – “..weaves a captivating account of crime and punishment in the lush hills of Florence, Italy.” This book was great and for those of you who love Italy (especially Tuscany and Rome) like I do will find the country side and architectural descriptions brilliant.

    The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald – My favorite author and a great read (or multiple re-reads).

    The Soloist by Steve Lopez

    The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

    Manic: A Memoir by Terri Cheney

    The Rivals: Chris Evert vs. Martina by Johnette Howard – Great book! Not only does it highlight the rivalry and friendship between these two athletes but also a great overview of the times in regard to equal rights and pay for women and sports and homosexuality.

    A couple I have read but would not recommend:

    The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

    Dress Your Family in Corduroy by David Sedaris

    Breaking Back by James Blake

12. Jenny on 11 Aug 2008 at 12:45 pm #

    Hi, I’m Beth’s friend and neighbor, Jenny. Not a runner, but willing to cheer her on and meet her at the end of long races. I love her patio wine evenings and couldn’t ask for a sweeter person in my life! Totally missing her at our local coffee shop, though I understand her point.

    I’m a California transplant from the east coast some 15 years ago, presently working with a geotechnical firm in computer drafting, accounting and office management. I’m branching out on my own on the side as a consultant for the massive environmental cleanup jobs by assisting with reimbursements to the State, but most importantly I am a burner. I spin fire and am in preparation mode for Burning Man at the end of the month. Yay! Vacation ahead to an extreme evironment that is oh so fun.

    My book reading is on hold while I prep, but I am open to suggestions on good books to bring with me to the playa since I’ll be seeking shade during the heat of the day Being fair-skinned and a redhead…

13. Mark McClure on 11 Aug 2008 at 5:07 pm #

    I’m Mark M, originally from N.Ireland and now resident in Tokyo since way back when air travel used to be fun.

    I too like running but these days concentrate on knocking off the octogenarian power walkers who congregate in my local park in the early mornings.
    Still, we get along – I have to, being the only gaijin face in sight lol.

    Never tried fish oil for the knees but my better half got me to take 180 glucosamine tablets (er, at daily intervals!) after the vet told her they worked wonders for American Cocker spaniels with joint problems (we have a little angel who is still healthy enough).

    Found Beth on a trawl for freelance copy writing info – a career change option I and some clients are exploring.

    Currently reading Richard Leider’s The Power Of Purpose”.

    My #1 fiction book has to be “Replay” by Ken Grimwood.
    From the dust jacket: “What if you could live your life over again? And again? And again?”

    A very engaging take on the nature of time.
    Check out this writer’s YouTube appreciation of it: http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=qiirXhYyEPs

14. Art for art's sake on 11 Aug 2008 at 6:34 pm #

    Art here – current status: “ex-boyfriend”

    Former status: “San Diego ex-boyfriend #1″ (Was this a promotion or a demotion?)

    “Grossman’s Glossary of Every Humorous Word in the English Language”? Are my fave’s in there? *bloviations*, *blatherings*, *spaztifications* (Oh, sorry I just heard Rush O’Rielly on Faux News….) and my all timey fave – *bendy* (reminds me of Scrabble…

    Currently reading: Ikea catalog

    Can do a cartwheel but wouldn’t – even on a bet. Doesn’t quite get this endless fascination with the cupcake. Would much rather have Lamb Vindaloo. While many are called but few get up, always ready to lend a comment for a worthy cause.

    Peace on ya’ and all who venture here!

15. Erin on 11 Aug 2008 at 7:40 pm #

    Hey I’m Erin I’m a zookeeper

16. James Chartrand - Men with Pens on 12 Aug 2008 at 4:10 am #

    Hi. I’m James Chartrand from Men with Pens, responding to the linkbait hook tossed out by our lovely post author above.

    I’m a 37-year-old single Dad of a toddler and a teen. I live in the backwoods of Quebec, where I amuse myself some 60+ hours a week running a copywriting and web design business on the Internet.

    I love to skate, play guitar, read books, and play role-playing games.

    Cheers, and thanks for the link

17. steph on 12 Aug 2008 at 6:11 am #

    Ah, Erin: the zookeeper who let Beth in behind the scenes? Awesome!

18. Cutting down on blog posts | Life on Avenue Z on 12 Aug 2008 at 7:02 am #

    [...] weekday) to three: Tuesdays, Thursdays and once over the weekend. I hope my blogging community (joyously discovered yesterday) will still find value in their [...]

19. Beth on 12 Aug 2008 at 7:20 am #

    @ Steph
    I love the sequins on your jeans! When you wrote that comment, I was wearing my newest thrift store find: cool hippy jeans with embroidery and beads. It’s all about the packaging. And yes, that’s the famous Erin who helped me become a tiger trainer.

    @ Carissa
    I almost called you last night to see if you wanted to grab an easy 5 miles at Balboa! I need to give you much more notice. Rock on at AFC!

    @ Lesli
    Thanks for the great book list. I’m on a real nonfiction kick, and I’ll definitely check out some of your recommendations. Bummer about the Sedaris book — what’s unrecommendable about it?

    @ Jenny
    I really no longer have a point to make at the coffee shop. I have simply gotten out of the habit of going, and I’m definitely enjoying the savings.

    @ Mark
    Welcome to Avenue Z! Glad you found me. I really enjoy being a copywriter, and I’m happy that you can learn from my mistakes.

    @ Art
    I think your present title of “ex-boyfriend” is better than one I used to use: “He Who Dumped Me.” I’m over it, you know. Well, maybe not. Perhaps more cupcakes would help. (Kidding — I’m glad we’re still friends, even though YOU DUMPED ME).

    @ Erin
    Did I ever say thank you for starting me on my career as a tiger trainer? I love you, lady. That was fantastic fun. Now if I could only convince my cat that she should listen to me, a budding tiger trainer. She doesn’t seem to care.

    @ James
    Oops — is “linkbait” a bad thing? I just didn’t want my readers to assume the idea to talk to my community was original. I really like your blog, and I’m flattered you stop by.

20. Kimberly on 12 Aug 2008 at 8:04 am #

    Hi! I’m Kimberly from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I met Beth when she was teaching an Excel class at the community college. I then got a job at the association where she was working. No, I was not stalking her. It was just coincidence.

    I am currently “taking a break” as my husband would say. My job moved to Denver. I did not. I’m sure Denver is fine (not really), but I had three moose outside my house this spring. I don’t think that happens in Denver unless they are lawn ornaments. This was my sign not to move.

    I do some web content management part-time and I am thinking about starting my own business (which terrifies and excites me). I have to pick a logo this week. Is ennie-mennie-minnie-mo a good method for this? Apparently, asking your friends is not a good method seeing as I have received 14 different answers. There are only three options. How did that happen?

    I am currently reading “Cry of the Kalahari” by Mark and Delia Owens. It is autobiography of two researchers who go to Deception Valley in the Kalahari to study brown hyenas and lions. It’s great, but it is taking me forever to read because I get distracted by other things like obsessing about logos or “training” for the triathlon I am doing in two weeks. I really should start training.

21. Rebecca Smith on 12 Aug 2008 at 11:10 am #

    Hello!

    I’m Rebecca Smith, owner of the copywriting firm SmithWriting. I found you via Steph’s In Other Words blog. I live and work in central Massachusetts with my lovable mutt, Riley (oh, and my husband ). The last book I purchased was “Is It Good English?” by John O’London. I picked it up at an antique shop in Hudson, Wis., while visiting my in-laws last month. It’s a grammar book written in 1924, and I can’t wait to start blogging about it.

    My favorite color is red, my favorite season is winter, my favorite book is “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” my favorite TV show is “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and my favorite punctuation mark is the dash—em, to be specific.

22. Sarah on 13 Aug 2008 at 5:46 am #

    My name is Sarah, the sister with the famed (now gone) gall bladder. I live in Denver with many people, but most importantly – my husband and two wonderful sons.

    I am a high school science teacher who has watched Beth move through jobs and towns like I go through mystery books.

    I just spent an amazing weekend with Beth. I got to see her beautiful home, spend time with her lovely friends, and have great “sister time” with her. Thanks.

    Today, though, is the first day of school – back to the grindstone!

23. steph on 13 Aug 2008 at 10:37 am #

    Hey Rebecca: You love red and winter? We’re opposites, there! My favourite colour is green ( I find red too unsettling, though it depends on the shade, I guess) and I despise winter. I see its beauty, but I much prefer the heat.

    @ Beth: You tiger trainer, me line tamer.

24. Rebecca Smith on 13 Aug 2008 at 12:44 pm #

    Hey, Steph -

    Well, I guess we don’t have EVERYthing in common after all. Yes, I love red for its vibrancy, energy, and power. And I love winter for its peacefulness. My favorite winter nights are spent lying by our fireplace, and my favorite winter days are spent hiking in the woods. It’s so beautiful walking through the snow — and it’s like we have the forest all to ourselves!

    Beth: What’s your favorite color and season?

25. Beth on 13 Aug 2008 at 1:15 pm #

    @ Berly
    You should pop over to Steph’s blog — she’s starting her new company, EditQuest, and it’s fun to help her with those new decisions. Oh, and it sounds like you’d love the book that Erin just loaned to me: “A Primate’s Memoir : A Neuroscientist’s Unconventional Life Among the Baboons.” Hilarious.

    @ Rebecca
    Welcome to Avenue Z! Ex-boyfriend Art turned me on to “Buffy,” and after he dumped me, I watched 5 seasons in a month. Love that stuff!

    My favorite color has and always will be purple, usually of the royal variety. Purple socks are my trademark — I think they give me power. As for seasons, I love them all: winter for warm mugs in cold hands, spring for warm mud between naked toes, summer for warm sunlight on brown shoulders, and fall for warm sweatshirts over my favorite jeans.

    @ Sarah
    I’m so glad you got to visit and even happier that you’ve finished your “emergency surgery” phase. Love you, my sister.

26. Beth on 13 Aug 2008 at 1:16 pm #

    @ Steph
    “line tamer”

    That’s great! Tagline anywhere in there? You crack me up…

27. Rebecca Smith on 13 Aug 2008 at 2:17 pm #

    Hi, Beth -
    Glad to be part of the Avenue Z community! (Did you watch “Angel” after “Buffy”?) I wear my favorite colored socks, too. That way, I’m also supporting my favorite team: The Red Sox

28. Beth on 13 Aug 2008 at 2:42 pm #

    Rebecca, I never watched Angel — he actually was my least favorite Buffy boyfriend. I’m in love with Spike.

    I’m also a Red Sox fan, but only because of D.J.’s father, who made me promise to root for the Sox.

    Go Sox!

29. Rebecca Smith on 13 Aug 2008 at 3:50 pm #

    Spike is the MAN (well, actually he is the vampire). One of the best TV characters of all time. Now, HE deserved a spin-off!

    (D.J.’s dad knows his stuff.)

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