borrowing the wisdom of friends part 2: Continuing research for novel

[eleneariel]

*Have you ever seen a production of Carmen? What were your impressions? What was the music like? What kind of emotions did it bring out?

*How far along can you determine the sex of a baby via ultrasound?

*And how far along do normal women start showing?

*If you've ever eaten caviar--I won't touch the stuff--tell me about it.

*This is a long shot, but has anybody besides Hannah played a Bösendorfer piano? Describe it.

*Help me describe the sounds babies make while nursing. I know what it sounds like, I just can't get the right words. Slurping is out. It is NOT slurping.

*On the off chance any of you have ever been shot, particularly in a back alley at night by a rival gangster, tell me about that as well. ; )

Comments

[pianistamy.livejournal.com]

I've performed on a Bosendorfer piano. It has a wonderfully rich sound...it's easy to go too heavy on the pedal...it's gorgeous to look at...huge, shiny black, with extra keys to complete the lowest octave (they're covered in black, so as not to distract the pianist). Is that what you're looking for? :)

[eattheolives.livejournal.com]

Ah ha! The extra octave is black? Hannah forgot that part. =) Exactly what I needed.

[savetheolives.livejournal.com]

The one I played didn't have the extra octave. That's my excuse. ;-)

[pansyprincess.livejournal.com]

*raises hand* I'm your girl for that last one! It happened one night last week...;)

[eattheolives.livejournal.com]

And, so--go on! I bet you felt unspeakable anger as you fell down in slow motion, red haze enveloping you...am I anywhere close? *grin*

[pansyprincess.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's about it. I managed to utter a vow of revenge before everything went black.

;)

[eattheolives.livejournal.com]

Vows of revenge is good. =D

[pansyprincess.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad I could assist you. And now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go sharpen my knife. :|

[clothofdreams.livejournal.com]

Carmen: passionate, firey, very French. Tuneful music-- you'll go out humming at least three numbers. A delight when the performers are lithe and good actors-- hysterically pathetic when they're fat and stage-y. It is life and death and love and hate and sweetness and danger all wrapped into one 2 1/2 hour evening. Gypsies and bull-fights and strong liquor. Good stuff. Usually wonderful, colorful sets and costumes. It is set in Spain, and you can sense the smouldering heat and smell of the dusty roads even in the music. And then there's the French, and the luxurious Bizet melodies.

You should listen to it. I think you'd like it.

[eattheolives.livejournal.com]

I've seen it...it was a couple years ago and the setting was modern (ick), so I didn't remember too much about it. Your descriptions are perfect, thank you!

[ex-blackswa.livejournal.com]

Caviar? Disgusting and salty and FISHY.

Babies make gurgling, nuzzling, suckling sounds.

I am shot on a weekly basis. But I never remember what it feels like. I think it's painful and harsh.

[eattheolives.livejournal.com]

Blech. Nasty caviar.

[aftondays.livejournal.com]

#2: The best time is at 20 weeks. The sex can be determined as early as 16 weeks, I think, and lots of people have a routine ultrasound at 18 weeks, at which time they find out the gender. But 20 weeks is ideal.

#3: I can't remember exactly, but I could tell on myself around 12 weeks. Other people didn't comment much till probably 15 or so...? This is from looking at my pictures. :)

#6: Slurping...lol, sometimes...smacking? Ha, I'm at a loss.

[eattheolives.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I knew you could help me.

[morthnconqueror.livejournal.com]

My little sister is fond of grunting and growling, which I have occasionally heard her do while nursing! Usually she makes much sweeter sounds as she swallows.

[eattheolives.livejournal.com]

Growling--that's a good one!