IMG_2208If we were having coffee I’d tell you I’m excited about my role as a new contributor on Sourcerer and can’t wait to begin reviewing Arrow. This would, of course, lead to an in-depth discussion about the Emerald Archer and if you were still around after that, it means you’re either a fan or extremely tolerant – either way you’d rock!

I’d also tell you that I’m spending the weekend with my nephew, who might be going through his terrible twos (read adorable twos), but it’s still better than a house full of teenage hormones! I’d probably reminisce about my girls being the same age, before they turned into extras from a Harry Enfield comedy sketch and communication went from talking a mile a minute, to one syllable every few days! But then I’d remember coming home to β€˜I love you, mom’ written on my wipe-board and melt just a little bit.

Z-man has (as my Dad would say) square eyes! This morning we watched Finding Nemo together and, because he’s also pretty tolerant – Spider-Man 2. He did pretty well at sitting still, though his toy garage saw most of the action. When I teared up at my favourite scene (the one where the passengers catch Spidey), he looked at me with more wisdom than his years…it’s the first time I’ve been deemed a loser by a two-year old! Still, he takes after his grandad when it comes to a love of movies. My Dad had the uncanny way of flicking to a film, and whether at the beginning or five minutes from the end, he always knew what would happen. He enjoyed re-watching his favourite bits too, but I suppose we all enjoy doing that (Hulk…SMASH!).

Of course I’d ask about your week, and how things were going. I’d tell you that I had an interesting interpreting job in which I broke protocol (not for the first time), and laughed until I cried. I’d then reassure you that I didn’t get reprimanded for unprofessional behaviour because everyone laughed just as hard.

At that point I would refill our cups, and since I got a swanky new machine over the holidays I’d fumble my way through a drink of your choice, and we’d both enjoy the fruits of mechanical labour!

I’d tell you that because of a blogging friend, *coughs*Taylor*coughs*Grace* I have read two different series (twenty three books altogether) in a month and now I’m suffering from extreme withdrawal symptoms. Not that I have an obsessive nature…much! I somehow managed to fulfill my beta-reading duties (I’m on yours Sierra), and squeezed in some editing time. If you were like my other friends, you’d force me to admit that I needed that reading time to recharge and I’m feeling the positive vibe that is saturated in January. This would bring me back to new beginnings and a certain Archer, at which point you’d probably steer me onto a new topic!

I’m sure you’d remind me several times to stop talking with my hands, because I have a tendency to sign without conscious thought. I’d ask how your coffee was and catch up on all your other news. Our little dalliance would end in the hope that you would join me again.

Thanks for your company!

Mel

Weekend coffee share is organised by Part Time Monster. If you’d like to join in, click on the image at the top of the post.

38 responses to “Gingerbread Latte anyone? Weekend Coffee Share.”

  1. www.ginabriganti.com Avatar

    Thank you for the coffee! You can color me impressed!

    You’ve had a busy, fulfilling schedule. Thank you for taking time for a drink and a chat.

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thank you, for stopping by πŸ™‚ it’s always nice to chat with you.

  2. Diana Avatar

    Sounds like a fun week!

    I might’ve just missed you saying this elsewhere (and if so, sorry), but what kind of interpreting do you do?

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      I’m a British Sign Language Interpreter, which is a lot of fun – it’s a beautiful language πŸ™‚

      1. Diana Avatar

        I’m sure! I know just a wee bit of American sign language, and I find it really fascinating. I’m sure that interpreting is a fascinating job, too!

      2. mbarkersimpson Avatar

        American is different to British and it’s one of my goals to learn. One of the differences is the manual alphabet – American (as you’ll know) is one handed where British is two. International sign has its roots in ASL so it would benefit me to learn. Anyway…I don’t want to bore you! Interpreting is a wonderful job – I meet so many interesting people in a variety of settings πŸ™‚

      3. Diana Avatar

        Not boring at all! I think it’s really neat, but I’m just a fan of language in general. πŸ™‚

  3. somberscribbler Avatar

    I’ve never been great at languages, but Sign Language always amazed me. Unfortunately if I decided to learn, I would get much practice. The people I work with are blind or have low vision.

    Great movie choices! I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts on Arrow!
    Happy Weekend!

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thank you πŸ™‚ I’ve worked with Deafblind people, and Deaf people with visual impairments. I haven’t worked with anyone from the wider community though. I do agree that whilst BSL is a beautiful language and many people are keen to learn – like most languages you have to use it on a regular basis. I’m glad you stopped by πŸ™‚

  4. Gayle Mullen Pace Avatar

    I love the graceful gestures of sign language and admire anyone who learns it. I don’t drink coffee, but if you were at my house, I’d make a pot of tea (Darjeeling is my favorite). Looking forward to your review of Arrow.

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Darjeeling would be perfect – I’m a big tea drinker πŸ™‚ Thanks for stopping by. I’m looking forward to my little chats about Arrow!

  5. taylorgraceauthor Avatar

    I’m so excited about you joining Sourcerer! That blog just keeps getting better and better! And I’m thrilled you enjoyed those series! I’m going to the book store tomorrow to find yours! πŸ˜€

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thanks, Taylor. I’m excited too πŸ™‚ I recommend you start with Larissa’s Pleasure Unbound – they’re addictive! Have a great weekend.

  6. 20/20 Hines Sight Avatar

    Congrats on becoming a Sourcerer contributor! πŸ™‚ I took ASL in college as my ‘foreign’ language requirement. It wasn’t easy, but it was fun. I haven’t used it in years, but every now and again when I see someone using it I can make out some things.

    I had to laugh at “it’s the first time I’ve been deemed a loser by a two-year old!” I could just imagine the look on his face.

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      We’ve taught him a few signs since birth, and his facial expressions are classic! I’m glad it got a smile πŸ™‚

      It’s great that you’ve retained some of the language yourself. It’s such a big part of my life (or should I say brain!) that even when I don’t know the English word for something, I always know the sign – it’s a handy prompt…if I’m with someone who can tell me what the sign that is!

      Thanks for stopping by πŸ™‚

  7. Christy Birmingham Avatar

    Have fun with your nephew and thanks for the caffeine break πŸ™‚

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thanks, Christy. We had a great day! I’m glad you stopped by πŸ™‚

  8. willowdot21 Avatar

    I am very impressed that you speak sign language it must be very hard! I have enjoyed sharing coffee with you !

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      I enjoyed sharing coffee with you too πŸ™‚ Thanks for stopping by. When I first learnt to sign it was very hard, but now it’s a second language and the hard part is translation! It’s fun though – there’s never a dull moment.

  9. Rebecca Bradley Avatar

    I’m so pleased to be a part of the new Sourcerer team with you! It’s exciting stuff. I’ve just chosen the book I’m going to review – which was scary and hard! And I’m starting to read that tomorrow so I can get the post written. It’s great that you’re also a reader!
    I watched most of Arrow, though not the last part of the last series, so I’m looking forward to your posts! Great coffee πŸ™‚

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thanks, Rebecca – I’m glad you enjoyed the coffee πŸ˜‰ It really is exciting to be part of the team, and I’m really looking forward to your reviews. I hope you enjoyed the book you’ve chosen. I can’t wait to hear more about it.

      The mid-season finale of Arrow was jaw dropping! I’ll be doing a review of it before I begin the second half of season 3, which is going to be fun!

  10. Sarah Avatar

    Thanks for the coffee! I love you talking with your hands. I feel like sign language helps me understand language in a way I don’t otherwise.
    I’m not far past the terrible twos phase, and I would probably complain about my stubborn three-year-old. He can be a terror sometimes! Then he comes to me out of the blue and says “I love you mom.” It’s funny how they pull your heartstrings at just the right times.
    Have a great weekend!

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      You’re welcome πŸ™‚ Thanks for stopping by. Those moments when they catch you by surprise and pull on the heart strings continue to sneak up on me. But then we never complain for long do we? Not when we remember all the fun! Hope you have a lovely weekend too.

  11. callummclaughlin Avatar

    It must be wonderful to be able to use such an expressive language. I’ve always found it fascinating and learned a few basics years ago but I’d love to have a greater understanding.

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      I’m biased – but it really is beautiful! Scottish variation can be interesting. A few of my colleagues have gotten into trouble a time or two!

  12. Serins Avatar
    Serins

    So, since you are talking about Arrow, just a quick question do you like the actor they have for the Arrow series? compared to the actor they had play Green Arrow for the Smallville series?

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      When the show was first released I couldn’t help making comparisons, because I loved Ollie in Smallville. He was one of my favourite characters. But Stephen brings something new to the role – from the way he moves, to way he fights his inner demons. He brings a strength that holds my attention. What do you think of him?

      1. Serins Avatar
        Serins

        yes, pretty much the same. Although the actor in Smallville he had such a sweet charming look to him. πŸ™‚

      2. mbarkersimpson Avatar

        True! He did the charming millionaire really well πŸ™‚

  13. jannatwrites Avatar

    Nice visit πŸ™‚ I thought I read fairly quickly, but that’s a lot of books to go through!

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      lol – it’s not normal practice…I’d never get anything done! Thanks for stopping by πŸ™‚

  14. Mishka Jenkins Avatar

    Sounds like it would have been a pretty awesome meet up over coffee! πŸ˜€ Sorry for late comment! Hope your week is going as well as your weekend!

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      I hit the ground running yesterday – my penance for such a lazy Saturday, and indeed Sunday! Today is quieter though, so I’m enjoying it while I can πŸ™‚ I hope you have a great week.

  15. Jacqui Murray Avatar

    Terrible Twos are adorable when it’s a niece or nephew. I know my brother used to be oh so tolerant of my son’s screaming non-stop crying.

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      lol – no truer words have been spoken!

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