tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36516163300318393872011-09-14T09:34:45.923-05:00Updates and insights into the zany mental workings of a writer who likes to take pictures and laugh!MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.comBlogger641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-78362377430481080502011-04-24T13:49:00.000-05:002011-04-24T13:49:56.945-05:00

So... It's been awhile. A while? Adverb or prepositional phrase, either way, you know what I mean. So, I've been promising a blog or "social media" of some sort to a fellow co-worker and friend of mine for some time now, and here it is: rather than just having an "It's been awhile" (I'm going with the adverb here) blog about just one topic, I'll include a couple different things that are

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-7101786162246434882010-11-10T16:33:00.007-06:002011-09-13T11:43:12.309-05:00

Labels?! I'm no advertising guru or even a marketing professional. I don't even edit the copy in advertisements, but I do look at them. And they do impact what I buy, in some instances, and also work to keep me from certain products or activities. I've learned not to play on power lines... and that bald men with just one earring know a lot more about cleaning than one might assume...

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-55742203661832037662010-07-08T18:15:00.000-05:002010-07-08T18:16:01.408-05:00

Hey all!This here is my mini-update:Working custodial for the summer at UNI. Some days are better than others. My faith in humanity dies a little bit after every destroyed room or moldy fridge I clean, but if it only takes that much I didn't have much to begin with. ;) Also, I think every dorm building made with brick and mortar need to be air conditioned on the regular. For realisies, I

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-78802012094665350752010-06-06T12:20:00.003-05:002010-06-06T12:41:31.554-05:00

Some part of me has always known about you--I imagine it was the same part that knew my truth before I did. Being with men, pursuing that lifestyle always felt like going through the motions. Girls, though, girls held my attention--I thought they were beautiful for beauty's sake. Not beautiful so that I could soak up that beauty like a month-old sponge. I wanted popular, pretty men so that I

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-36673152374654852382010-03-18T22:10:00.004-05:002010-03-18T22:21:09.416-05:00

A video presentation of my flash fiction by the same name. All the images found here were collected by a Google image search. Windows Movie Maker was used in creating the movie itself.Let's pray this works. ***I do not own Nirvana, the images of Kurt, Kris, or Dave should they appear in this movie. I am not attempting to make a profit from this, and will not seek compensation in any form at a

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-2213141628015560652009-12-15T16:25:00.003-06:002009-12-15T16:59:24.174-06:00

People must have started using condoms... Before you start reading--This is a RANT, and I tend to curse like a sailor and overuse CAPS... Just a warning...So, there I was checking my email and all of a sudden I come across this message from Pointless Banter which is a collection of funny blogs edited together by funny blogger Kevin Palmer. Anyway, it's a funny site and you should definitely check

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-6408005371087490342009-08-07T08:55:00.004-05:002009-08-07T09:11:44.937-05:00

from Astrocenter:This may be one of those days when there are hundreds of people around you, dear Virgo, and yet you feel completely alone. For some reason, no one seems to understand your perspective. Your incredible sensitivity and emotionalism is putting you in a category of your own. Try not to ostracize yourself from the group. Reach out to others instead of pulling back away from them. You

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-35136544040021616692009-07-23T09:03:00.007-05:002009-07-23T09:54:40.303-05:00

fuck this up. I swear to God and all that is holy in the horror world...The very first scary movie I ever saw was "Night of the Living Dead" - all black and white, dramatic, and featuring some very ugly, very "dead" cannibals. I loved every second of it because it scared the bee-jeezus out of me. Ever since that moment, a moment in my life full of upheaval and some very scary real things going on

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-56959283309113932322009-07-14T22:30:00.006-05:002009-07-14T23:13:11.490-05:00

Recently, I've taken to reading the anonymous posts at FMyLife and My Horrible Secret. Both are sites dedicated to folks "logging in" and admitting the shitty things that have either happened to them or they've done to others, respectively. There are also links attached to each post. At Fmylife (FML), the "f" in the title is fairly obvious if you don't already know, the links read: "I agree, your

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-89685605449146512262009-06-17T00:54:00.004-05:002009-06-17T01:11:09.814-05:00

There’s this juxtaposition of wanting it and wanting to run away from it all at the same time. – Julie Blackmon, photographer, “More” Magazine – June 2009 I am going to take great liberties with the artistic world and those who live, work, love, and survive in it by saying that artists around the world can completely understand what Blackmon is saying. Pursuing something you love, anything

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-12620743806229456402009-06-04T12:30:00.004-05:002009-06-04T12:40:46.378-05:00

I want your honest opinion here. I've had an idea or so for a themed daily/weekly/semi-regular post and I want your feedback."Retro-Crush of the day/week" - I would highlight an icon, individual from the past (early 90's and decades preceding) who was uber talented or well-known for some kind of performance, parlor trick, or just being pretty. I would totally be open to suggestions from the

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-91662670795722140042009-05-16T17:26:00.009-05:002009-05-16T21:32:40.181-05:00

There are a couple of movies I've seen recently that made me notice a thematic pattern. I didn't think of it until I watched the trailer for Gamer due out in September of this year from Lionsgate Films.With the rise and sustained popularity of reality/ competition television, what happens when people come to their senses and stop taking part in this ridiculous bout of self-humiliation for the

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-2891884423589347482009-05-12T12:36:00.002-05:002009-05-12T12:45:33.698-05:00

In March, I wrote about submitting a short story to a writing contest online. You can view that post [here]. I just wanted to let you all know about the results - viewable [here]. I made it to the second round finalists. Which means I was selected, among several others, from the initial group of submissions, and then selected again from that weeded group. I didn't make honorable mention or win

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-49727946337669188652009-05-11T21:50:00.004-05:002009-05-11T22:01:59.268-05:00

I've added a new listing to my Lulu storefront: "A New Lens". A collection of most of my early photography, the shots I found the worthiest for such an occasion. I will definitely be compiling a second volume of newer shots in the future. I really enjoy digital photography and hope you all enjoy this book as much!

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-90960683051142166282009-05-10T19:39:00.003-05:002009-05-16T21:39:21.966-05:00

"Once you stop dreaming about having "super powers" you will feel a lot better, dear Virgo. You are not a super hero and you never were. For that matter, no one is. On the other hand, you surely have capacities that you have exploited in the past, but now you seem persuaded that they are of no interest. It is time to rethink this issue."Hm... Thanks Horoscope. I'll keep that in mind while no one

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-43769496147731105302009-05-01T00:09:00.004-05:002009-05-01T01:21:35.924-05:00

I was recently reminded by my loving mother that I'm quickly approaching the 30th year of my life. If any of you need an update, I'm currently living in my bedroom at my mom's house, giving part-time child care to the infant son of a local pastor, and trying to get my writing off the ground. Five years of my life was dedicated to acquiring a degree in communications (which began as a degree in

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-68606473607007947002009-04-27T12:25:00.002-05:002009-04-27T12:29:21.214-05:00

I've got a headache, throbbing actually. I haven't written anything of significance since I stepped off the bus from North Carolina. Barely ten pages, honestly. I haven't touched any further revisions on my novel. Further, I feel like I haven't slept in ten years. Ugh! I just lack motivation and I don't know what to do to get it back. All I want to do is... well... something close to nothing but

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-60376664316825096772009-04-16T08:26:00.002-05:002009-04-16T08:30:24.789-05:00

Ever since I saw him in "The Devil's Rejects" I have been enamored with Bill Moseley. He plays creepy characters so well. Originating his role and reprising it for the Rob Zombie duo was a no-brainer, really. I haven't seen any of his early work, but I desperately want to. I just watched a movie last night starring Moseley and Leslie Easterbrook ("Rejects" fans will recognize her) called "House."

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-16813922323375414872009-04-14T09:40:00.008-05:002009-04-14T12:11:20.687-05:00

I've been told that the grass is always greener on the other side. Such a metaphor doesn't really work when applied to a real-life, literal representation. In fact, the grass is much the same shade as the blades growing right under my feet. Let me explain...I've recently returned from a trip to North Carolina where I visited a very dear friend of mine. She's recently relocated and needed a

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-15471157024293430402009-03-24T20:46:00.002-05:002009-03-24T20:50:23.044-05:00

You think you have all this stuff to say, and then you are granted an outlet for it. A great medium where you can reach large groups of people at the same time - and any opinion you ever had suddenly goes flying out the window. There isn't a single thought in your head without some dire connection to the pressure to perform. A robotic voice in your head bleeping about being funny, being dramatic,

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-21722118352941957542009-03-23T12:25:00.002-05:002009-03-23T13:02:43.386-05:00

I was speaking to my friend Brandy the other day when she alerted me to an email floating around her former place of employment. This is no bit of news. Forwards are often the fodder of corporate inboxes, but this email was slightly different. It was alerting parents to the "newest" drug craze amongst teenagers and adults who choose to remain acting like teenagers: Jenkem. While I don't have the

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-8016935628849595872009-03-20T11:18:00.004-05:002009-03-20T11:38:06.296-05:00

Greetings and salutations,I've just completed a short story and posted it to Lulu.com. Go check it out!"The Greeter" - Meet Evanne Harlow, the greeter at a local free clinic. While the first day at a new job can be exciting, hanging out in a waiting room helping the helpless isn't Evanne's idea of a good time. When she meets Desi Lange, her ideas about a free clinic's lobby are going to change

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-10468351057307562822009-03-18T22:39:00.002-05:002009-03-18T23:09:55.197-05:00

Wow! I have had such a productive day. I finished two short stories that have been sitting on my desktop begging for some attention. I spent the morning at a bookstore and the afternoon at the church office where I usually work. It is absolutely amazing what you can accomplish when there's no one around to bug you. No reality to get in the way. One of the short stories got submitted to the Silent

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-9904363954847957902009-03-14T10:57:00.003-05:002009-03-14T11:01:41.363-05:00

Hey All,Welcome to MeliSwenk where you will get a "Swenky" perspective on my life and life in general. I will drop photos, stories, and mundane life updates here as well. I will rant, rave, scream with joy and anger, and live. You'll get to read about it all here!I've changed my banner and title. Streams of Consciousness was just too over-used. It wasn't stand up and slug you in the chin - "Hey!

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-70905749310051016392009-03-04T15:45:00.002-06:002009-03-04T19:55:05.378-06:00

Ok, I've just written a short story and I don't want to make it for sale... just yet. I want to give my blog readers an opportunity to snag a deal. If you buy and rate any one of the stories from my Lulu storefront, I will send you my newest short story for free!FREE! That's right, for a single purchase from my Lulu Storefront you can have a previously unpublished short story from Melissa A.

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-41987927510040199072009-03-03T06:59:00.005-06:002009-03-03T07:17:36.688-06:00

I live with loud people. Anybody who knows me and my family can attest to that a million times over. And it isn't a banging around the house, slamming doors, shoving chairs into tables kind of loud. Our voices carry, unless we make a concerted effort to be quiet, we speak rather loudly without even trying. While I was doing plays, that trick worked very well in my favor. While my sister greets

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-44228497484080729722009-02-28T07:33:00.004-06:002009-02-28T08:09:51.235-06:00

Hello all! This is going to be quite the update, if only because you're getting two stories for the price of one. ;)First, I've decided on a new digital camera. It's in the mail as we speak. I went to Wal-Mart near my house (about 15 minutes away) and the cheapest cameara in stock actually had "first born child" on the price sticker. It kind of made me sick. I mean, really. I don't even have a

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-82749161055989559662009-02-24T18:51:00.002-06:002009-02-24T19:00:52.850-06:00

Mmm, rock operas. *Heart* them! I'm currently watching Tommy (1975) and I'm relishing in it. It's been a while.Further, I am never, ever, ever going own a hound dog. The bellowing howl is far too annoying. I would end up killing my own dog and I don't want to be "That Guy."Hehe, Roger Daltry had very, very curly hair in Tommy! Gotta love The Who!Worked this afternoon. There isn't anything too

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-25242054316597033632009-02-21T22:44:00.004-06:002009-02-21T22:54:59.152-06:00

So, I've changed the theme again! I hope you all like it. I wanted something simple, kind of classic, with bright, edgy tones. I'm really digging the creativity Blogger allows you! :D YAY!I've been kind of stingy on the writing and pics. I took some new ones on a couple different road trips we took the last couple of days. I haven't even got a decent rant in mind, for those of you who pop by for

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-35053449957581196642009-02-19T22:31:00.004-06:002009-02-19T22:44:59.273-06:00

when I blogged about a gift certificate I won?! Yeah, well I finally cashed it in! :DIsn't it friggin' sexy?! I *heart* it!!! It's on my right forearm. YAY!!!I also got some other cool shit tonight. I got the Riddick movies - Whoo, Vin Diesel! I also got some new shoes from Mohair Pear, which I love! Got some new shoe laces to compliment!YAY!!! Also had a VENTI Starbucks Caramel Macchiato. YUM!

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-33545317428265383632009-02-16T18:15:00.001-06:002009-02-16T18:16:34.112-06:00

In life, the crying baby on your shoulder will vomit whether or not you have the burp rag there...

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-65924230236458635732009-02-16T12:12:00.003-06:002009-02-16T12:32:08.295-06:00

I have to leave for work in about 15 minutes, so I'm gonna make this quick.1) I love "Name Your Baby" books. Whenever I have a hard time coming up with character names, I can turn to my "Name Your Baby" book and *BAM* there's the name I needed. :D2) I know what's gonna happen in the new short story I talked about a couple of days ago. I have to do a bit more research on the topic at hand, but I'm

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-69472405577830298232009-02-14T19:38:00.006-06:002009-02-21T22:36:12.337-06:00

So, as I'm eating my "Imagine Whirled Peace" Ben and Jerry's pint o' ice cream, today the plan of action for Mom, Allie, and I started with going to Iowa Falls. While in Iowa Falls, we planned on attending Wal-Mart (to buy myself a Singles Awareness Day gift), Dollar General (for Mom to do some general shopping), and the church thrift shop near Subway and Hy-Vee. Ackley-ites who take part in

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-57994784111396239672009-02-14T08:32:00.003-06:002009-02-14T08:59:22.502-06:00

Hello, one and all! Let me just begin by stating:Happy Singles Awareness Day! To all my single ladies (and gentlemen) out there! Who needs a stinking Valentine anyway?! Not me! :D :D :DLast night will forever go down in history as The Night We Should Have Seen Jeff Dunham: Or How to Appreciate the Road-Map and Never Fear Getting Lost.We started out for Cedar Falls around 2:40pm. The Dunham show

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-91985677858547101922009-02-12T21:29:00.002-06:002009-02-12T21:30:11.827-06:00

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-70045079893617979552009-02-12T21:01:00.002-06:002009-02-12T21:15:47.184-06:00

I've never been good at keeping in touch with people. I'm even worse at calling someone up and suggesting we hang out. Normally, I don't have a lot of money and I don't have a car. So, I feel plenty awkward being all "Hey, let's go somewhere using your car and your gas but not spend any money at all." If my friends protest to not mind, and say that it doesn't bother them - it makes me feel

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-49475141573653278952009-02-12T08:15:00.001-06:002009-02-12T08:23:05.980-06:00

Can I just say how much I love dark roast coffee? Somehow I feel more human when I drink it...So, I've started a new short story that was inspired by a job ad. I was waiting for such a thing to happen considering I spend so much friggin' time looking at them! *pout* I'm excited about it, but I don't know where my character is going to go or what she's going to do. I'm sure she'll let me know... I

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-40951427633788014092009-02-10T08:01:00.002-06:002009-02-10T08:05:47.970-06:00

Hello, All!I've updated Lulu with another short story.His Game: Erik and Christine share an incredible marriage and a great secret at sticking it out. Granted, they've only been together 5 years, but how many marriages even last that long these days?! They share a trust and honesty some pairs of best friends don't even reach. But Erik suggests a new game, one brand new even to his loving wife.

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-74995649154095211232009-02-08T18:41:00.004-06:002009-02-08T18:58:25.644-06:00

1) Barry White's voice is really cheesy; and if a potential mate were to try and seduce me while playing one of his songs I would probably just laugh.2) Hall and Oats are musical geniuses. I don't care what anyone says. Only genius can come up with "Your kiss is on My List" AND sing it with any kind of passion or, at the very least, a straight face.3) The Bee Gees really do sound like women, but

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-7645841617744192442009-02-07T20:14:00.003-06:002009-02-07T20:16:29.546-06:00

Uploaded some new photos to DeviantART. This is just a taste!

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-67493262730170506242009-02-05T20:23:00.003-06:002009-02-05T20:33:38.040-06:00

Greetings and salutations!Just an FYI - I've been reading Stephen King's Just After Sunset and I love it. I may be posting a review about it here when I finish it. With any luck it will happen tomorrow, but I just don't have that kind of time. I'm not even halfway through the book. I would love to be able to sit up all night and read the rest of it. He's definitely my favorite author, and one of

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-4861751146146797092009-02-03T14:10:00.002-06:002009-02-03T14:14:24.580-06:00

I updated deviantART with some revamped photos. These are shots I've taken earlier and decided to touch them up. Couldn't get to the writing today *uber pout* so I decided to tool around with my photos. I really, really like the results and I hope you do, too!!! :D

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-11837991995309611392009-02-02T22:29:00.001-06:002009-02-02T22:31:30.593-06:00

Nothing too creative going on with me today folks. Worked today and did laundry. Whoo! I know; what a party, huh??? It's kind of nice though. Working and doing daily stuff, now if only I was doing these things in my own place. That would be f'in sweet!!!Nothing too much more here. Um... should anything change you know you're gonna be the first to know. ;)Later Gators!

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-38935899030234400922009-02-01T18:04:00.003-06:002009-02-01T18:09:38.861-06:00

small talk. I hate small talk more than anything else on the planet. I don't mind schmoozing and if there is no difference please let me know. I hate when people, who know you in passing, insist on asking you lame questions about your life or telling you strange and random anecdotes about theirs. If you don't have something of substance to say to me - don't say anything at all. And just know that

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-89903938277035748802009-01-31T22:20:00.004-06:002009-01-31T22:30:29.325-06:00

Uploaded that story I was talking about earlier. And don't laugh at the cover, I created it myself in Paint. That's right, just plain old Paint. Ha! Also, in case you didn't know - several of the stories have my personal photography as covers: Doll, For Sale, After Party, and Sir Lawrence. I plan on doing that in the future, whether it's use a "stock" photo or set up and take a brand new one.

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-77648669553782144022009-01-31T19:09:00.004-06:002009-01-31T19:27:16.300-06:00

Hello all! Just wanted to drop a line about the photos I shot today. Uploaded them to deviantART if any of you are interested.Spent most of the day with lil sis, hanging out, doing the browsing/shopping thing. That was pretty sweet. Got some more babysitting hours for this week. I really hope my boss will let me take two weeks off at the end of March so I can visit a dear friend of mine. :D :D :

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-52794494008673748882009-01-29T18:56:00.005-06:002009-01-29T19:05:02.693-06:00

This is just a taste, Friends! I have uploaded a few new pics to deviantART. Saw some beautiful things going on with the snow on the branches yesterday on my way to the library.

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-74922559846068129152009-01-28T23:21:00.003-06:002009-01-28T23:29:59.467-06:00

Republican crush: Meghan McCain. That link is her personal blog, she also writes for The Daily Beast.Wow!Shazaam!This girl is gorgeous. I think that I could possibly get past the fact that she's Republican, if I could just get her to notice me.I can't repost the pics I stole from her site, but I can hook you up with a Google Image search link. Woot! *Just a note, the Google link was kind of long.

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-87525677168347457922009-01-28T22:36:00.003-06:002009-01-28T22:37:50.599-06:00

I just want to thank any and all who have purchased my stories. I noticed that someone or several someones bought a copy of each of my stories. And to those who purchased the first copies of "Doll." I really appreciate all of your support!!!!Thanks so much for making me smile again today. :D :D :D

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-46249982041113035952009-01-28T21:57:00.002-06:002009-01-28T22:01:51.690-06:00

There are two wonderful things about sitting for a 12-week old baby:1) Watching them smile in their sleep2) Finding out I have the capability to fulfill his complete dependence on meThere is only one bad thing (so far :D) about sitting for a 12-week old baby:1) Getting vomit on my new Clemson sweatshirtBut I totally believe the first two cancel out the whole vomit thing... This has been the

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-26459598567666758222009-01-28T14:09:00.001-06:002009-01-28T14:10:26.649-06:00

"Focus on your creative mind, dear Virgo. This is a very fertile time in terms of planting hearty seeds that will be sure to grow up healthy and strong. You have the ability to be very prosperous, but it will certainly not come easily. The key for you is to maintain your cool. Don't overreact to the little annoyances that come your way. You are above and beyond petty squabbles. Don't waste your

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-43901548350738819302009-01-28T10:02:00.005-06:002009-01-28T10:23:08.661-06:00

*Edit - I will soon find out how many sick bastards I have as friends... hehehe*Good news first:I completed another short story yesterday (if only because my Internet connection was shoddy at best all. freaking. day!) and I've uploaded it with two others to Lulu.com.Sir Lawrence - about a plumber named Larry Pritchard, Jr. who begins having dreams he just can't understand.Ellis - is about a man

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-22691919192621691692009-01-26T10:45:00.002-06:002009-01-26T10:54:19.566-06:00

It appears as though I've figured it out.Every time you reach for the stars you only give yourself another opportunity to fall on your face.I know where my depression comes from, I totally know. It comes from my inability to settle for second best. In any and everything I do. I won't settle for what comes along I keep hoping and trying for the very best. The exact thing I want. Even in

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-78952773368183813972009-01-25T13:00:00.003-06:002009-01-25T13:06:29.626-06:00

What is the world coming to when even the porn industry is suffering?! Talk about the Great Depression. Apparently, buying pornography is just excessive when there's a whole bunch of free Internet porn.Duh?!The economy is somehow being blamed for this?! All of a sudden, randomly, out of nowhere??? With phrases like "if you don't care about quality," "we want to see copyright laws enforced," and "

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-58113286171165816402009-01-25T12:21:00.004-06:002009-01-25T12:28:35.061-06:00

I've taken the last 24 or 30 hours - not in a row mind you - to revise the final chapters of my novel. I'm feeling more and more confident about this endeavor every minute. Of course, there's always that nagging in the back of my mind that no one will ever want to read it. That no one will ever want to buy it - but it's the former that bugs me most.I write to communicate. I write to relate. I

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-36249957419752983802009-01-25T08:16:00.001-06:002009-01-25T08:18:20.015-06:00

I know no one is perfect; but I know someone out there is perfect for me. I just haven't found them yet...

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-26488613746688682342009-01-24T09:54:00.002-06:002009-01-24T09:58:42.356-06:00

8 chapters is all I have left to revise of my novel. It doesn't sound like that much, but one chapter alone could take an hour. Which all depends on what kind of writing I was doing at the time that I wrote it. But I'm going to hibernate today (and tomorrow if necessary) and bust it out. I want it to be done, not because I don't enjoy working on it. But because I have so many other projects I

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-8388716511582742162009-01-21T22:12:00.003-06:002009-01-21T22:20:18.788-06:00

Gah!I just, geez....Humph....What's a bitch supposed to do, huh? I mean, what the hell do I have to do to feel even a little bit satisfied about my friggin' life?! What? I get my stories published. No, it isn't national distribution. But it's still published. It's still making money, being professional with my writing. And I still feel like I'm not doing enough. I'm working on revising my stories

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-87738888701810537182009-01-21T15:47:00.002-06:002009-01-21T15:53:15.671-06:00

I know you were all waiting; the suspense killing you...For Sale is a story about a couple going to do some house hunting. They get a bit more than they anticipated from a "quaint and unique" house. Just goes to show you shouldn't believe everything read or trust everyone that pays for the ad...Enjoy, Beloved Readers!

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-38940295673205198832009-01-21T09:58:00.002-06:002009-01-21T09:59:26.982-06:00

was a perfect match. I wish I would have read it:Lately, it has been fairly easy for you to detect the facts and truth behind the situations you encounter. However, beginning today, your analytical abilities will not prove so reliable. The ups and downs of your relationships puzzle you particularly, and no amount of analysis yields a solution. A certain lack of commitment from other people will

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-46841376139152067202009-01-20T22:33:00.003-06:002009-01-20T22:41:56.574-06:00

Hello All,Again today I am updating this Blogger blog, and I must admit I love it!!! :DFurther, I am letting you all know that I've uploaded a new story for your downloading pleasure -"Oh, baby, give it to me!" (rolls eyes) -After Party is my opinion of what the generic awards ceremony and subsequent after party consist of. It's not as flashy as Doll. But I'm sure if you all give it a chance, you

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-585842452490884812009-01-20T18:29:00.001-06:002009-01-28T14:51:15.875-06:00

Chicken Dinna!!!!I got a pretty f'in cool email today. I won an Omega Red t-shirt and a $50 gift certificate to Omega Red for suggesting that Craig Laue at Cool 105.7 get a funny tattoo on his neck! :D :D :D I haven't picked up my winnings yet, and I will update this post with the... da, da-da, daActual. Email. Conversation. With the original tattoo suggestion AND real-time DJ response.Believe me

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-9395290712985175882009-01-20T13:15:00.001-06:002009-01-20T13:25:38.613-06:00

Apparently all I do is sit behind my computer all day. Nevermind how productive all that sitting is for me and my writing...Edit: On a brighter note, my taxes will be filed today! Woot! ;)

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3651616330031839387.post-30635876732130047482009-01-20T10:32:00.001-06:002009-01-21T01:09:13.586-06:00

My First Post:Happy Inauguration Day!History is being made and I don't even have any TV! Ugh, damn to saving money and getting rid of cable. I can't even get local channels.This will be my blog, blog from now on. All updates will go through blogger first. Ha!This will be the hub for photography, story, publishing, and personal updates. I'm pretty sure there will be a link roll for all the corners

MeliSwenkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330537259263452451noreply@blogger.com0