a to z challenge – Page 14 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

H – Homes in Dallas

Published on April 9, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle9 Comments

As I was roaming around the city, I found myself having all of these deja vu moments. You know that feel you get when you have been here before. Then it hit me, I have been hear before. I’ve lived in 5 different places in the Dallas Metroplex. Two with my family and three on my own.

12 to 18 years old, formative years, got my own phone line, snuck out, had my first boy/girl party, had my first parents out of town party, had surgery on my hands, got my first car, boyfriend, and job all while living in this house.

Coming home after my first attempt at college wasn’t to miserable, but this place motivation me to get my act together and go back to school as quickly as possible. Cockroaches do not make good roommates.

First real job after college afforded me this lovely place. On the first floor, I felt safety was an issue. Had more then one nightmare about someone sneaking in and killing me. Felt a little better when looking after my 2 year old nephew who accidentally dialed 911, the cops showed up in a matter of minutes.

This apartment was on the second floor and much bigger than my previous place. The complex was fun, too.

I can’t remember anything else of significance happening in this place. Probably explains why the next year I moved to Washington DC and started law school. Needed a new adventure.

This is where I live now, temporarily. My parents who are in their golden ages decided to purchase their dream home 5 years ago. A two story, 5 bedroom home with a study, game room and theater. Now, you tell me, why do they need all this house? I am grateful, there is still room for me, temporarily.

This is my dream home in Dallas. Some day.

What’s your dream house look like?

G – Grand Lux Cafe

Published on April 8, 2013April 7, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle14 Comments

Is there a dish you dream about? A dish that if you close your eyes and concentrate real hard, you can still taste, hours, day, weeks, months and years after having it? If I was forced to eat one meal for the rest of my life it would be the cream of chicken soup from the Grand Lux Cafe. It is that good.

She’s already here. I was hoping to beat her to the restaurant. Give me a chance to gather my thoughts.

Look at her, sitting there. She has no clue what’s about to happen. I’ve been told this is the best place to break up with a women. The foods amazing and softens the blow.

“Hey baby.” Jillian gets up and kisses me on the cheek.
“Hi Jill.” I have to break up with her. I can’t handle the pressure. I know she is waiting for a ring. I’m not ready for that.

“How was your day?” she asks.

“Great.” The waiter comes by to take our drink order. She orders a pomegranate margarita. I order a beer. That’s exactly what I’m talking about. Why does she have to order a 9 dollar drink? Why can’t she just order a beer?

“How was your day?” I ask because I can’t think of anything else to say.

“Great.” The waiter comes back and takes our order.

“I’ll just have the cream of chicken soup.” Jill says. Perfect. That’s the soup everyone says is better then sex. I’ll let her finish her soup and then I’ll do it because I can’t spend another night with this woman.

She tastes the soup and her eyes roll back into her head.

“Oh my god, this is so good.” She takes another bite and savors it.

Enjoy it women, it will be the last bowl of soup I buy for you.

“You want a bite.” She asks and hands me her spoon. I take a bit.

“That’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

“It’s good isn’t it.” Jillian said.

“Here, have the rest.” She pushed the bowl over to me. Ok, maybe she’s not that bad. It’s not like she’s even mentioned marriage. She really is a beautiful women. And, this soup is good.

“Brian.”

“Yeah, babe.” as I put another spoonful in my life.

“I don’t think this is going to work.”

What do you think is the perfect break up meal?

A – Addison Circle

Published on April 1, 2013March 31, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle45 Comments

First of all, A is for Arlee Bird, the creator of the A to Z Challenge. Please help me in showing Lee some love and a to thank him for being a supportive presence on the world wide web.

I hope you enjoy my A to Z Challenge Theme: Dallas – Ft. Worth Past & Present.

Addison circle is a hip and happening place in North Dallas. In a state that prides itself on its suburbs with 1/2 acre lots and where people have to have a car to get around. Addison was the first urban community in Dallas.

In Addison Circle, you can live, work, dine, and get culture all within a 1/2 mile radius.

I laid out the blanket. Unpacked the snacks, wine and cheese for me, beer and spicy nacho Doritos for him. The blanket was old, but it was the same blanket we used on our first date 5 years ago today. It’s the annual Movie Under the Stars in Addison Circle. It wasn’t really his scene. He felt more comfortable at a baseball game, but on that night I told him we were going to see Star Wars, I just didn’t tell him where. Back then he was smitten with me, so it wasn’t a hard sell.

It took more of an effort these days. It seemed we only saw each other for a few minutes a day, morning and night. I had to remind him of the annual event by text message. I felt bad I almost let the day past like it was any other day. He answered my text, “Ok.” Not really a firm conformation.

I poured the wine as the credits began. Tonight they are playing Transformers, one of his favorites. Mine, too.

Sitting here alone, I try not to put too much emphasis on this night, but I can’t stop my mind from jumping to conclusions. If he doesn’t show up, he doesn’t care. If he doesn’t care, then it’s over.

I rub my arms thinking I should have brought my jacket. I think about the other blanket I have in the car.

The movie begins, but I can’t focus. Sam Witwicky’s anxiety usually makes me smile. Tonight, it’s increasing my own anxiety. He’s really not coming, I think to myself.

I gather my stuff shove it in the bag. Offer the bottle of wine to the couple sitting next to me. Someone should enjoy it. I walk quickly towards the car hoping to make it before I burst into tears. As I walk across the park, I hear someone calling my name.

“Danni.”

I turn around and see Jeff sitting on a blanket, a pizza and a bottle of wine chilling in a bucket. I walk towards him wrap my arms around him. I laugh when he says, “Your late.”

My Weekly Update – Info Dump in a Good Way

Published on March 30, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle4 Comments

I felt the need for a cleanse.

Awards

I received the Reality Blog Award from Mark Means. Thanks so much.

Post to Ponder

Recipe for a Successful Synopsis by Jami Gold

The Best Creative Writing Software by Girl None – I am a believer.

How (Not) to Win a Twitter Pitch Fest by Ava Jae – There’s a twitter pitch contest tomorrow. #Pitmad

All About Pitches by Rachna Chhabria

7 Deadly Sins of Self-Editing from Writer’s Digest

7 Types of Narrative Conflict by Mark Nichol – I seem to lean towards Person vs. Self.

The Last Minute Editing Process Made Easy with Scrivener by Michael J. Holley

Ready to Publish? by Rebecca Hoffman

A to Z Challenge

Get to know our Host and show them some love.

The A to Z Sign Up List – visit it often.

New Followers

Ryan Brooks

Costa Rica Travel Blog

The Pen Men World Project.

Russell Deasley of The Very Best Top 10

Gillian Hefer of A Daft Scots Lass

B Debnath of Booted Tales

Jasmine of Flux and Flow

Guerrilla Graffiti Magazine

LuAnn Braley of Kentucky Gal 50

Al Diaz of Father Dragon Writes

World of Beauty Tips

Ida Chiavaro of Reflex Reactions

Constant Writer JL

Good luck to everyone participating in the A to Z Challenge. Have a great April everyone!!!!!

Alex, Why Do You Blog?

Published on March 25, 2013March 24, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle48 Comments

While I was made aware of a presence on the Internet known as the Ninja Captain during last years A to Z Challenge, I felt privilege to have his words grace my blog on May 2, 2012. Alex commented on a post I wrote during my first month as a member of the IWSG, Distracted, Again.

His words of wisdom: “Certain movies will distract me, although I’ve gotten good at writing with the TV. And music playing. Yes, I really know how to create a peaceful writing environment!
Thanks for posting for the IWSG today.”

And, he has been a solid resource, support and source of entertainment ever since.

So, Ninja Captain Alex, why do you blog?

Why I blog has changed over the years. The transformation is probably just as interesting as the end result. Life isn’t so much about the destination as the journey.

I began blogging to build an author platform. When I signed the contract for my first book, CassaStar, I wasn’t even online. I had no interest in social networking. However, my publisher told me in no uncertain terms that I was to get my butt online, and I opted to start a blog.

It took a while to understand the connection part. I figured that since I was a science fiction writer, I needed to follow a lot of science fiction blogs and I’d be set. Sadly, most weren’t interested in a not-yet-published science fiction author who didn’t seem to know what to blog about.

It wasn’t until the very first A to Z Challenge in 2010 that I began to understand how to connect with other bloggers. It was then that I found my groove. Now, a lot of writers and authors post on their genre or on writing. Science fiction alone just wasn’t enough for me and I guarantee no one wanted my writing tips. (Believe me, you still don’t want my writing tips!) However, I could talk about my favorite subjects, which included movies, music, tech, and geek stuff. I’d found my groove and I was off and running.

By the time the second A to Z Challenge hit though, that began to change. My topic that year was blogger buddies that corresponded with each letter. I had fun featuring my friends. After the support from everyone when CassaStar was released, it felt good to give back to the community.

That eventually led to the Ninja News and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. It wasn’t about me anymore – it was about my friends. And as I amassed even more followers, I realized that I could make a huge difference in the community. With a Ninja Army of 1800, I can really make an impact.

Which brings me to why I still blog today. Yes, I do have another book coming out this fall, CassaStorm. I never planned to write more than one book, but spurred by the success of the first and second (CassaFire) I’ve continued writing. And blogging.

But that’s not why I’m here.

My blogger buddies are the reason I blog. Every accomplishment, success, and struggle of theirs that I can share means a lot to me. I know what it’s like to wonder if anyone truly hears me and even cares. If I can shine a light on someone who needs it, then that matters more than all the book sales in the world.

Why do I blog? To give back to the community.

Why do you blog?

Alex J. Cavanaugh

http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, his third book, CassaStorm, will be released September 17, 2013.

While I was made aware of a presence on the Internet known as the Ninja Captain during last years A to Z Challenge, I felt privilege to have his words grace my blog on May 2, 2012. Alex commented on a post I wrote during my first month as a member of the IWSG, Distracted, Again.

His words of wisdom: “Certain movies will distract me, although I’ve gotten good at writing with the TV. And music playing. Yes, I really know how to create a peaceful writing environment! Thanks for posting for the IWSG today.”

And, he has been a solid resource, support and source of entertainment ever since.

So, Ninja Captain Alex, why do you blog?

His words of wisdom: “Certain movies will distract me, although I’ve gotten good at writing with the TV. And music playing. Yes, I really know how to create a peaceful writing environment!
Thanks for posting for the IWSG today.”