One day

I'll learn how to hit "Publish" and come back.

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Music + Sleepytime

Do you listen to music when you fall asleep? Or do you have to have it completely silent, door closed, zero light?

I can do either, but it's preferable for me to have music or some sort of noise.  I had to get used to silence when I had a roommate who was a light sleeper (that was a very rough two years...), but if I can have the radio on, or TV playing, I will.  And because I'm a creature of habit, I have a goodnight playlist that I would insist on falling asleep to, convinced that it worked faster.

Well, unfortunately I lost the playlist when I wiped my iPod clean on an update as well as had my old laptop die all within a week of each other - and Ashley was a sad, very tired girl. (What? Talking in third person isn't cool? Oh.)

So imagine how happy I was to open an old notebook today and see I'd had the brilliant foresight to write it down!!  

In a veiled way of keeping a record of my playlist in case I ever lose it again, I thought I'd share :)  I was going to post all the videos for them, but that's a pretty vid-heavy post -- so only select ones get a YouTube accompaniment.

If you have any suggestions (or even a playlist) of music that could fit in my Dreaming List, please share! I'm always open to new music.

God Must Have Spent - *NSYNC

(most favourite *NSYNC song ever.)

My Heart Was Home Again - Josh Groban

(the music is beautiful.)

Believe - Josh Groban

You're Still You - Josh Groban

Something Good - Sound of Music OST

(I used to try to listen to the whole soundtrack to go to bed, but then I'd just start singing the entire movie.)

Kiss the Rain - Yiruma

(possibly THE most beautiful music I've ever heard.

Seriously, please listen if you haven't already.)

Doin' Just Fine - Boyz II Men

4 Seasons of Loneliness - Boyz II Men

Turn Me On - Norah Jones (<3)

Crazy Love - Michael Bublé

Home - Michael Bublé

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A Task For You (that's my thinly-veiled attempt to ask a favour)

Since I abandoned my NaNo novel in early January, I didn't write anything until last week. It's not that I planned to take a break after that 8-week long binge of writing, it was more...I just didn't. I've been a bit blocked, really, and it sucks.

But last week, a literary agent put up a contest on her blog where she gave 5 words to us and we had to create a story in 100 words or less using those words anywhere.  (No, the prize wasn't a book deal, it was an ARC of Insurgent!) I didn't win, but I forgot how much fun it is to write--especially when you're given a prompt.

Which is where you come in!

I can't offer a prize or what have you (aside from a shout out on the blog, which we can pretend is worth something!), but I was hoping you guys could help! I tried just tossing random words into a box and pulling 5, but it feels contrived since it's still me ultimately doing it. SO!

You: give me 5-7 words.
Any. Make them random or related or personal or pick up the nearest book and open to a page and pick a few words.  Give me one set, five sets, twenty sets if you feel up for it!

Me: I'll take those words and make a story in 200-words or less (I'm wordy, I need to give myself a bit of leeway here!).

If someone(s) do(es) give me words (leave them in the comments or e-mail me, whichever you're comfortable with! You could even tweet me if you'd like), I'll post up my story along with links to whoever provided me the word prompts. I even invite others to do their own from the same words!

I just think getting words from other people will help me with creativity, and not one where I pretend I'm doing it but I've actually chosen 5 words that are already coming together as a story in my head (not that I'd ever do that...because it'd be cheating...).

I appreciate the help to pull me out of this writing funk!

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