Isn't it Neurotic?

by Christine Wells

It occurred to me today that I'm really rather odd. No, really! Hmm, I don't seem to be hearing much argument from you folks in the lair. At least you Bandita Buddies could stick up for me! What's that, Sven? Huh. It's so hard to understand him when he mutters in Swedish.

It's true. I do have a few, shall we say... *quirky* habits. Here are just a few of the more sane ones so I don't scare you too much:

1. I always have to say 'white rabbit' on the first day of a month before I speak to anyone or I'll have bad luck. And when I see the first star of the night (which my killjoy husband informs me is actually a planet, but anyhoo) I have to say that little wishing rhyme in my head.

Starlight, Star Bright
First Star I see tonight
Wish I may, Wish I might
Have this wish I wish tonight

2. I don't use bookmarks. I used to splay novels (ones I hadn't borrowed from other people) face-down to keep the page I was up to but said husband threatened to divorce me for this. I acknowledged he had a point--not about the divorce but that kind of treatment does damage the spine of the book. So I now close the book and memorize the page number. :) Yeah, I know. Since I'm a writer with a lot of writer friends I have bookmarks coming out of my ears. You'd think I'd learn to use one.

3. I always cut my elder son's 2 slices of toast into 8 triangles and arrange them in a particular pattern on his plate for his breakfast. He won't eat the toast unless it's in the same pattern every day. I don't know who is responsible for this particular quirk but I think it probably started the day I first did it that way. Lesson to self: be careful of setting precedents like this because your mother-in-law will look at you strangely when you try to explain.

4. I get depressed if the sun stops shining for too long. When I finished my articled clerkship and was admitted as a solicitor, I wanted to go with my friends to London to work but I knew I couldn't live without Australian sunshine for that long. Nor could I live without said husband. *G* So I content myself with visits. Interestingly, we spent a month there a few years ago and it did not rain once.

5. I can't have clutter on my desk when I write. Nothing is more distracting. I can write with music blaring, in crowded places, with my husband interrupting to ask where he put something, with my kids riding their scooters and yelling outside. Heck I used to type with one hand and push the stroller back and forth with the other when they were babies. But write with lots of 'stuff' on my desk I cannot. And it's not that I'm a neat freak. I could have piles of washing behind me as I'm an expert in denial (in fact, I often do. Oops!) But what's in my line of vision has to be clutter free. (That's not my desk in the picture, by the way!) If it was my desk it would not even have that much clutter. It would have the laptop and a coffee mug and that's all. Maybe a refernce book, but only while in use.

So...am I alone in my insanity? Or are there other brave souls in the lair who might possibly own up to some little quirks of their own? And if you don't have quirks or don't want to share them, what are the most endearing or annoying hero or heroine quirks you've read in romance novels?

Oh, and be aware that there are plenty of writers watching, so be prepared to have your little quirk show up in a book sometime!Source URL: https://idontwanttobeanythingotherthanme.blogspot.com/search/label/5%20things
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A Frivolous Foray

by Christine Wells

I've had a bad week. I've been in the doldrums, a state which not even the ministrations of that magical man with the hands, Sven the Swedish Masseur has been able to alleviate. (Although, I might try his infamous cocktails with the rude names once I've finished this blog.*g*)

Anyway, to cheer myself up today with your help, I thought I'd indulge in some virtual shopaholicism (no time for the real thing, so virtual it must be).

Now, I was going to make a list of items in shops I'd like to buy but that was taking frivolity a little too far and it would probably be a little dull, also. I mean, who doesn't want a Prada handbag or a pair of Manolos, right? So I decided to stick with things that other people own.

I've made a list of 5 THINGS I COVET.

1. Of all the things in the world, I covet most the Stewart family seal, which is now in the possession of one of my cousins. My maternal grandmother's family were Scottish Stewarts and this exquisite piece of jewelry has been passed down and crossed oceans to Australia. I've only laid eyes on the seal once, and immediately, burningly wanted to have it. It is gold and has a crystal inset with an intaglio of a unicorn. Anyone who knows me understands my love for antiques and this one is even more special because a seal is one of those objects every Regency gentleman had dangling from his waistcoat. I WANT. But, sadly, I will only ever admire from afar.

2. Georgette Heyer's research notes. Anyone who has read Heyer's excellent Regency romances and knows a little about the writer herself will understand why I would love to get my hands on this treasure trove of meticulously detailed research.

3. Candice Hern's Regency antique collections. Have a look at Candice's website and you'll see the exquisite pieces she has collected. Candice was kind enough to bring some of her collection to San Francisco last year for us all to drool over. She was lucky to escape the Beau Monde conference without getting mugged--ever so politely, as we Regency enthusiasts are wont to be!

4. Audrey Hepburn's costume wardrobe. Givenchy used to design those wonderfully elegant creations for my favourite actress of all time. It's amazing how most of these garments have not dated at all. That classic elegance just slays me every time.

5. Audrey Hepburn's figure. So I could fit into her costume wardrobe, of course!

Over to you. What do you do when you need cheering up?

What 5 things do you covet? I've raided my prize cupboard for some goodies and will send a few coveted bits and pieces to one random commenter.Source URL: https://idontwanttobeanythingotherthanme.blogspot.com/search/label/5%20things
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