Bulimia? Aren't you supposed to throw up as well?

Life

So, John Prescott has Bulimia. I feel sorry for him, and admire his courage in speaking publicly about it.

Years ago (I have a long history of "issues" with food) I was discussing this condition, and said that I could understand the bingeing, but had never forced myself to throw up, or get rid of the food in any other unpleasant ways - I've thought about it, but never done it. This was considered funny - after all - what's more hilarious than a fat person stuffing their face? However, when John Prescott says all this (and there's been no mention of fingers down the throat or laxatives - thank God!) it's not hysterically funny after all. Is it because I'm not a politician or some other kind of public figure? Is it because I'm female? Or is it just because the sketch writers haven't put together the jokes yet?

I hope he gets over the condition - and if he raises awareness of men dealing with eating disorders too, that's all to the good. One life helped is worth it.

Anything that opens up the debate has got to be positive.

Knitting

I've finished one sock - yes, I had finished one before, but it wasn't long enough, so I've now finished the second sock, and am going back to lengthen the first one.

My stars in one of the knitting mags said that I should be less chaotic, and finish some of my UFOs (unfinished objects). Although astrology is largely bollocks, there is a certain logic in that, and so I shall finish the socks and try to finish everything else before I start anything new.

Writing

I've actually done some this morning! Well, some editing. I've had a knitting book idea rejected again, because that particular company isn't doing any more books on knitting at the mo. Ah well, shit occurs. It's a bit frustrating, as I think that I have quite a good idea, and when I see some of the books published on the subject, I do wonder who the target audience is, as they seem very limited in scope, but perhaps that's just another phrase for "specialisation" and actually, that's what I should be aiming for.

I've been editing the novel this morning, am now up to chapter three, so must keep on going. Considering I finished the first draft in November, I've done bugger all since, but I will shift the focus back.

Must. Do. Better.

At last - the start of draft 2

Writing

That's it - I've crossed that bridge, I've made that step, I've started the second draft.

I've changed the line spacing to three, printed the first chapter and then I've gone back to the comments my by my writing group girls, marking all editing needed onto my new print. On the plus side, I've managed to put in a couple of jokes and funny lines, so maybe I'm the sort of writer who does her comedy on the re-writes.

I can only take small steps at a time, but as it's taken me this long to even put my shoes on, I'm feeling quite happy.

Knitting.

I've got so many things on the go - a draught excluder for Brenda, a pair of socks for me, and a bathmat, and I've also worked out how many stitches I will need for the back of a waistcoat. Just call me Mrs Productive!

Life

Feeling a bit out of control at the moment - so much to do, so little time. I'm spending an awful amount of time on ravelry, joining and reading forums (fora?) etc, instead of getting on with real life. Is this a natural hibernation type behaviour? Resting to prepare myself for the next onslaught?

Or am I just a lazy cow?

Getting there

Knitting

I have all but finished Brenda's cardigan. The main pieces are all complete, pressed, gathered and sewn together (or should I say "all are safely gathered in"?), and I'm just working on the front band now - about three feet of 6 stitches per row garter stitch.

As a result I went onto You Write On, so that I could read and knit at the same time.

Writing

For those of you who don't know, "you write on" (see links) is an arts council funded website. People can put on chapters of work in progress, for others to read and critique. Thus far, I've looked at four pieces, and so when I launch Ursula onto the unsuspecting world, four people can read it, and tell me what they think. (I'm not sure I want to know - that's the scary part, after all).

It's a good scheme. I must confess, I wasn't keen on the piece I read tonight. Partly not my sort of stuff, but also a classic mistake of chapter one being full of dull exposition (with a bit of hook, so not all bad), and chapter two being where the story actually starts. The author can certainly write, but I'm not sure how well they can self-edit. It's the hardest part, and I'm very grateful for my writing girls, who help me with all of that stuff.

Life

Tired today - because of a late night writing group yesterday. Off for bath and bed in a moment.
Came to a conclusion today that I'd like Christmas put back a month - I haven't got time for it at the end of December!

Work, work work.

My, my my

It's been a busy time, chez Lah Lah.

I've been knitting all summer, and have made a few bits to put onto eBay, including my golfer's tea cosy and my cute little Father Christmas cardigan (see pics).

They're now up for auction, so I hope to make a vast fortune (!) soon.

On the writing front, I've just written another 1200 words. I know where I'm going with the novel, but over the last few weeks I've had a reticence to start tying the threads together, and bring the book to a climax.

I would like to say that it's because I'm enjoying writing it so much, that I don't want it to end. More realistically, however, I know that when I've finished first draft, then I have to start editing, and that's the less fun bit.

Perhaps I should do the whole management speak bit, and think of it as an "opportunity".

Or then again......