Celebrating: Back From The Future + Bloghop Of Joy

Today I'm participating in 3 short bloghops.

                             BACK FROM THE FUTURE BLOGHOP

You’re up before dawn on a Saturday when the doorbell rings. You haven’t brewed your coffee so you wonder if you imagined the sound. Plonking the half-filled carafe in the sink, you go to the front door and cautiously swing it open. No one there. As you cast your eyes to the ground, you see a parcel addressed to you … from you.

You scoop it up and haul it inside, sensing something legitimate despite the extreme oddness of the situation. Carefully, you pry it open. Inside is a shoebox — sent from ten years in the future — and it’s filled with items you have sent yourself.

What’s in it?  (This bloghop is brought to you from Mary Pax, Nicki Elson and Suze.)

                                       Bloghop Extraordinaire: What's in your Capsule

The shoebox contains the following:

1. a short note with the following: congratulations, you have been granted ten more years on this earth

2. a newscutting of the day's headlines

3. a miniature model of the current version of technology, used for communication purposes (latest i-Phone)

4. photograph of fashion trends

                                                *          *          *          *          *

                                                 THE BLOGHOP OF JOY

In these cold, winter months, everything can seem kind of … bleak. However, every now and again, something small will happen that makes us smile again. It could be a random memory, something you see on TV, overhearing something that makes you laugh out loud  – just that one thing that makes the clouds part, and the sunshine appear again. We're not talking life-changing moments, just the little things that inexplicably make us smile.These are the small, sometimes slightly unusual things that always cheer you up – so now we want to know, what is on your list of joy? For more info go to Kyra or Clare's blogs.

                                                BloghopOfJoy

1. The expression on my hubby's face, as he rubs his hands together at the start of yet another karate movie. Probably the fourth or fifth in a row.

2. Witnessing karma in action. What goes around comes around. For sure.

3. The sound of a word as it rolls off your tongue. For example frisson – a sudden strong feeling of excitement or fear, a thrill: "a frisson of excitement".

4. The smell of a new book. Whatever that smell is? Probably something terrible like the glue in the binding or the bleach used to whiten the paper pulp.

5. That first sip of coffee in the morning. Bliss.

6. You hear the openeng strains of a long-forgotten song that brings back warm memories. Your heart gives an unexpected flip…

7. Moonsongs. By this I mean songs with lyrics about the moon. Moonlight Serenade. Moon River. Fly Me To The Moon. How High The Moon.

8. The reaction of your taste buds when they come into contact with the combination of cheese, tomato, feta cheese and cucumber on a sesame seed bun. Yummy.

9. That special brand of British humour, courtesy of Mrs. Bucket (pronounced Boo-kay as in bouquet) AKA that woman who pesters the vicar non-stop, from Keeping Up Appearances.

10. A guy half your age looks at you twice… which gives rise to a private chuckle when he's outta sight.

                               *          *          *          *          *

It's Friday again, which means it's time to celebrate the small things which is a weekly hop hosted by Viklit over at Scribblings Of An Aspiring Author.

                                                

Over the past week I'm celebrating the following:

~ finally completed reading Cassastar.

~ did further work on my A to Z programme

~ received some feedback from two CP's/beta readers

~ stumbled on 2 great e-book sites, check them out

1. FKB.me — which has daily links to hand-picked FREE Kindle books in a variety of categories, both fiction and non-fiction.

2. the e-Reader Cafe — which is a site for Free Kindle and Bargain e-Books.

And hey, it's 01 March today, the beginning of another month and the beginning of autumn my end of the globe. That's reason enough to celebrate! What about you? Are you celebrating anything this past week? Please share with us!                                                  

91 Comments

  1. Alex J. Cavanaugh on March 1, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    Oh wow, you read my book!!! Well, that's my little thing for the week.

    And now I'm hungry. Pass the feta.

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 9:27 am

      Yes, I'm proud to announce that Cassastar has been completed! And it's the second space opera story under my belt! The first was Mary Pax's Backworlds prequel. 🙂

  2. Misha on March 1, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    I ADORE the smell of books. It's the one thing I really miss after crossing over to the e-reader dark side. 

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 9:29 am

      I so agree! And try curling up into a comfortable foetal position with an e-reader… well, you understand what I mean…

  3. L. Diane Wolfe on March 1, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    I've had guys 20 years younger than me look at me – I love it!

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 9:31 am

      With that funky attitude plus those gorgeous locks, it's no surprise L.Diane! You go girl!

  4. Nicki Elson on March 1, 2013 at 3:58 pm

    Aha, so you'd like a sneek peek at the future in general but nothing specific about yourself. Probably very wise. 

    I also enjoy it when I get to see karma happening right before my eyes. 🙂

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 9:38 am

      To be honest, my brains were "fried" and I couldn't think of anything else… and too many people get away with saying and doing as they please (and see nothing wrong with it…) to the detriment of others… 🙂 Great blogfest Nicki! Thanks!

  5. susan swiderski on March 1, 2013 at 4:04 pm

    I LOVED all your answers, especially those in your list of joy "triggers". I agree with all of them, but you left out my favorite moonlight song: "Moonlight Sonata". Just thinking of that song brings me joy.

     

     

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:22 am

      Ooooh, how could I forget Moonlight Sonata? Such a beautiful, haunting piece… thanks for the reminder!

  6. Suze on March 1, 2013 at 4:04 pm

    I'd like to see the photograph of the fashion trends. I really would.

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:25 am

      Though I'm wondering how different the fashion would be, since fashion trends tend to be repetitive… every decade or so, we see past fashions become fashionable again…

  7. C. Lee McKenzie on March 1, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    I admire your hopping skills–three hops in a row! Loved that you're already into the A-Z Blogging Challenge. Yikes! I've got to get crackin'.

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:29 am

      The only way I'll be able to handle the A to Z Challenge, is by pre-planning. I'm not one to post off the cuff… which makes me an out and out plotter (I think)

      You'd better get crackin' C.Lee, in that way you'll enjoy the challenge more. And get around to visit more blogs as well.

  8. Elise Fallson on March 1, 2013 at 4:33 pm

    Three bloghops in a row is impressive! Great list of Joys and love your capsule ideas, I wonder what fashion is going to look like in the future too. . . 🙂  

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Three bloghops in a row is madness at this time of the year… with the A to Z Challenge around the corner!  But I loooove bloghops, and supporting fellow bloggers…  🙂

  9. DG Hudson on March 1, 2013 at 4:41 pm

    Re the Back to the Future Blogfest – Subtle, you're very subtle.

    Also, I liked your #10 in the Joy bloghop.

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:34 am

      Subtle? Mmm, maybe I'm a little scared to think of the reality ten years from now… so safe and subtle responses are best…

  10. SK Anthony on March 1, 2013 at 4:56 pm

    Man, I want to see those fashion trends!

    Yay for getting some reading done and some more work on your A to Z 🙂

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:36 am

      Thanks SK. I'm hoping to complete my A to Z stuff by mid-March because April is going to be hectic! 🙂

  11. Adriana Dascalu on March 1, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    I'm saying yes to your entire list, but coffee new books and moon songs are at the top!

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:38 am

      Coffee, new books and moon songs… what a trio! Can't go wrong with any of these!

  12. Suzanne Furness on March 1, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    Wow, you are one busy lady today! I love the smell of a new book, you don't get that with your ereaders! Songs with moon in them, that's a great one too!

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:45 am

      The e-reader cannot replace the aesthetic experience of paging through and pencil marking a physical book! And the smell too!

  13. The Capillary on March 1, 2013 at 5:27 pm

    Love coffe and enjoyed your list. :3

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:46 am

      Thank you for the visit!

  14. Tyrean on March 1, 2013 at 5:28 pm

    Hooray for March, and reading, and celebrating! And Hooray for the smell of new books – definitely a joy!

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:46 am

      Yes, hooray to all these wonderful celebrations!

  15. Mary on March 1, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    Funny that more of us took for granted having 10 more years. That was a great touch.

    I love the moon. 🙂 And seeing Karma in action is very satisfying.

    Yay on your accomplishments this week. Woot, woot!

     

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:48 am

      Every day granted is a blessing! 🙂 Woot, woot Mary!

  16. Viklit on March 1, 2013 at 6:12 pm

    I hadn't heard of those sites, thanks for linking!!

     

    Love the sound of FRISSON.

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:49 am

      You are welcome Vikki! It's a delicious word, isn't it?

  17. nutschell on March 1, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    ooh! Thanks for those awesome ebooks link. i love that your future self sent you that note:)

    Nutschell
    http://www.thewritingnut.com

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:50 am

      Hey Nutschell, how are you? Great to see you hear. I'm off to visit your place——

  18. Alexandra Campbell on March 1, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    Oh yes, the smell of new books! It's why I still buy physical books whenever I can.

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:55 am

      So do I. It's hard to resist. And the e-reading experience doesn't compare when you turn the last page of a really good book… and hug the book to your chest!

  19. Kyra Lennon on March 1, 2013 at 6:30 pm

    Your list ROCKS! I particularly love the smell of new books!

    Thanks for spreading the joy! 😀

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:56 am

      Thanks for the great bloghop! 🙂

  20. Julie Flanders on March 1, 2013 at 7:37 pm

    I think your idea of a note saying you've been granted ten more years of life is the best thing I've read yet for this hop!

    And I also totally love the smell of new books. Have a great weekend!

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:56 am

      Thanks Julie! 🙂

  21. Mark Means on March 2, 2013 at 12:31 am

    Hey there, thanks for stopping by my blog and hope you'll come by again.

    From the future, #1 is very cool and practical…#4 would be interesting, actually. Great entry 🙂

    Loved you "Joyful" things as well…good stuff!

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:57 am

      Thanks for popping in Mark! 🙂

  22. Nancy LaRonda Johnson on March 2, 2013 at 12:43 am

    You were very efficient this past week, and it is always great to get the feedback you're hungry for.

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 10:59 am

      I'm trying to be productive every week… even if it's little accomplishments… bit by bit… step by step…

  23. Jennifer Lane on March 2, 2013 at 1:01 am

    10 more years on earth? I didn't even think about that blessing but getting the time capsule from yourself definitely indicates that! I too wondered what type of technological device we'll be using in 10 years. Perhaps it will be a microchip in our brain!

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 11:01 am

      I think you're right about the micro-chip thinggie… that seems to be the direction the world is moving.

  24. celeste Holloway on March 2, 2013 at 4:22 am

    LOL, I love #10 on your joy list! 🙂

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 11:01 am

      Yep! That one's a winner! 🙂

  25. Donna Hole on March 2, 2013 at 9:44 am

    LOL; my philosophy too, what goes around comes around. I try to be nice to Karma; mostly I succeed.

    …….dhole

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 11:03 am

      *virtual high-5* I always say, be nice to people. It costs nothing.

      Mmmm, you got a direct line to Karma? Wanna hook me up?

  26. Nick Wilford on March 2, 2013 at 11:39 am

    Yeah, to know we at least had ten more years would be great!

    I like the word "frisson", too. 🙂

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 7:45 pm

      We have to be grateful for each day… it's a blessing just to wake up in the mornig…:)

  27. Beth on March 2, 2013 at 5:34 pm

    Wow! Yesterday was a busy day for bloghops. Liked your answers.

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 7:45 pm

      Thanks Beth 🙂

  28. DG Hudson on March 2, 2013 at 5:36 pm

    I'd be interested in the headlines of the news in 2023! That should give us an idea of what's wrong with things today (we can hope).  Dropping by via the Back to the Future Blogfest. Nice to meet you.

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 7:46 pm

      Yes, a little peek at the future headlines may help ( wonder how?) Nice to meet you too!

  29. Joyce on March 2, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    I like the smell of new books and don't think I will ever get used to Nooks or Kindles.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 7:47 pm

      Nothing beats a new book! I suppose we have to adapt to technology – and it changes all the time!

  30. Meradeth on March 2, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    loved your picks for what you'd send yourself (though where's the lotto numbers–or is that against the rules? :). And definitely love the songs that bring back good memories–totally know that heart-warming feeling!

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 8:42 pm

      I didn't want to go with the obvious, which is the lottery angle! 🙂 In reality, I think every person would include the lotto numbers in a back-from-the-future styled scenario…

  31. Kittie Howard on March 2, 2013 at 8:15 pm

    Three hops in one weekend, wow! And what amazing lists. "Moon River" is my all-time favorite moon song. My imagination still flies when I hear it. Here in Virginia, it's blah pre-spring weather.

    • michelle on March 2, 2013 at 8:44 pm

      Moon River is the ultimate feel good moon song! It's timeless! Happy pre-Spring! 🙂

  32. Carol Kilgore on March 2, 2013 at 9:45 pm

    Love the things that bring you joy 🙂

  33. shell flower on March 2, 2013 at 10:55 pm

    Wow, you had a busy day. I love that you sent yourself fashions from the future and that guys half your age check you out. And mmmm…coffee.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 5, 2013 at 4:28 pm

      Thanks Shell Flower! Saw your getaway-pictures! Looked like you had a blast!

  34. Sherry Ellis on March 2, 2013 at 11:26 pm

    Your box would be quite interesting.  I'd like to read the headlines in ten years and see the fashion trends, too!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 5, 2013 at 4:29 pm

      Fashion is quite repetitive though… so I wonder how different it would be? Or which of the past fashion trends would be "in" ten years from now?

  35. Jemi Fraser on March 3, 2013 at 12:20 am

    I loved Alex's books – can't wait for #3!!

    Love your joys – hearing those intro lines from an old song is such an awesome one!

    • Michelle Wallace on March 5, 2013 at 4:31 pm

      Yes, hearing a long forgotten favourite tune unexpectedly, is quite a nostalgic moment!

  36. Medeia Sharif on March 3, 2013 at 1:05 am

    I like #8. I prefer the smell of old books. 

    I'll check out the ebook sites.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 5, 2013 at 4:33 pm

      Old books? Yes, the musty smell is also quite appealing…

      They are great sites!  🙂

  37. J.L. Campbell on March 3, 2013 at 1:09 am

    Lots of stuff to comment on in your post, MIchelle. Never thought that the new book smell comes from the awful stuff you mentioned. I'm on a gig to read books by blogging buddies. Got a couple in recently, moving right along with that. Lots for us to be thankful for. Enjoy your weekend.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 5, 2013 at 4:34 pm

      I'm also on a mission to read books by blogging buddies… let's get to it! 🙂 Woot!

  38. tammy theriault on March 3, 2013 at 2:55 am

    Our husbands should do it together…then they can let us go get into mischief…

    • Michelle Wallace on March 5, 2013 at 4:35 pm

      Good idea Tammy! Leave the boys to their things while we pursue our things!

  39. Trisha on March 3, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    Nice lists for the joy bloghop 🙂 I like the idea of seeing a news headline for 10 years' time, though I can imagine it wouldn't feature much that's different from today.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 5, 2013 at 4:39 pm

      You're probably right! The news would simply feature further advancements in current technology. Besides technology, there's always crime and other "bad" news making headlines… how much worse can it get ten years from now? 🙂

  40. Emily R. King on March 3, 2013 at 5:31 pm

    A picture of future fashion is a great idea! I wonder if everyone will be wearing latex. 😉

    • Michelle Wallace on March 5, 2013 at 4:40 pm

      You never know… 🙂 (How's things going in the writing cave Emily?)

  41. Clare Dugmore on March 3, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    Thanks for taking part in the bloghop; great list. Oh, now I want cheese, tomato, feta cheese and cucumber on a sesame seed bun – sonds delicious!

  42. Lisa Southard (aka Lily Tequila) on March 3, 2013 at 9:48 pm

    Here's hoping those headlines were pleasant and the clothes wearable! 

    • Michelle Wallace on March 5, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      I wonder Lisa… (I'm a realist, but an optimistic one!) 🙂

  43. Yolanda Renee on March 3, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    Awesome reasons for celebration and joy! First taste of coffee! Yes!

  44. Arlee Bird on March 3, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    Three blog events in one day!  You busy lady. 

     

     

    • Michelle Wallace on March 5, 2013 at 4:44 pm

      … and this comment coming from Mr. A to Z himself? A man who hosts 3 blogs? (is it 3 or 4?) Thanks Arlee!

  45. Michael Di Gesu on March 5, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    HI, Michelle,

     

    I loved your congratualtions for another ten years of life…. That in itself is something to be thankful for! We all take the years for granted until we wake up one morning and wonder…. WHAT HAPPENED? I am OLD! LOL.

    • Michelle Wallace on March 5, 2013 at 4:45 pm

      So true Michael. So true. Life just passes by in a whizz. Thanks for the visit!

  46. Morgan Shamy on March 5, 2013 at 5:31 pm

    Time seriously freaks me out… it's SO WEIRD to look back and think, "How did I get here?!?!?" Childhood seemed so long, and now the days are just speeding… 

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