Writing!

Writing..It's a thing you do with a paper and pen, right?  Sadly, not for most people.  In today's world, technology can distort what writing and creativity is all about.

Typing a fiction story on the computer can trigger a much different outcome than starting with a blank sheet of paper in front of you.  With a computer and the Internet, you can get creative ideas from somewhere outside your thoughts, whether it be character names, location, or help with a time period, the Internet is at your fingertips to whatever you want to research.  It is amazing how instant our lifestyle is today.  However, the computer screen can be a big distraction.  Once you start looking up, say clothes in the Renaissance era, you are soon on the Pa Renaissance Faire website and planning a family trip.  The Internet can suck you into its vast field of information.  If you are serious about writing a story, my advice is to limit your time researching the Internet for ideas.  Try to hold off on switching away from your word processor program.  This way, more of your own knowledge and experience will appear in your writing, allowing it to feel more personal and you will be much prouder.

I admire Tolkien and other great writers from our past who never had the Internet.  They relied on their own mind and received inspiration from their surroundings and happenings going on around them.  The entertainment they give in their stories are much more appreciated then any modern story.

There is something so simple with having a piece of paper and a writing instrument, and its effect is massive.  You will dig deeper for your thoughts, and your writing will truly showcase you in your words.  I feel proud now that I can write a few paragraphs here without wanting to google similar topics regarding writing and see what others think about this same notion.  I didn't want anything to skew with my opinions or direction in this column.

I am definitely open to receiving inspiration, especially when travelling.  It is always when I am not looking for an idea, that I am blessed with it.  New sights, crazy weather, exotic color patterns, an array of talented people; these are the things that can give you the knowledge and experience for a better story.

Russell Stover vs. Whitman's Chocolates

Who can be disappointed in chocolate?  Me!  Okay, it was still delicious, but here's how it went down.  I bought some Valentine's Day candy for 50% off the day after.  I picked out two heart boxes of assorted chocolate. The two covers that caught my eye were "You're Cool! with Snoopy and "You're my #1 Draft Pick".  I noticed that they were from two different companies: Whitman's Chocolates and Russell Stover.  I never know which one to pick out of these two, but know they are both good.  I decided to buy both and do a comparison.

I opened the boxes and wah-la! - They did not look much different.

I picked one from each box that shared the same shape and color.  It was the same dense caramel filled chocolate and both tasted the same!

My partner hesitated to tell me what was found on the internet, and told me I wasn't going to like this news.  Whitman's was bought by Russell Stover in 1993!  So I bought chocolates from the same freakin' company.  I was really looking for a better comparison, but I did proclaim a winner.  Starred are the unique chocolate flavors.

Russell Stover: They provide more unique options over Whitman's.  I made my best guess on what they are, but this box was the hardest to figure out what is what!  8g of Fat for 3 pieces, less fat, but a bit more sugary taste - 28g.  Calcium is found in this box probably because of the more Nougats and Marshmallow cremes.

• Milk Chocolate Dense Caramel
• Dark Chocolate Dense Caramel
• Dark Chocolate Molasses
• Milk Chocolate Marshmallow Cream
• Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Cream*
• Milk Chocolate Butter Nougat*
• Dark Chocolate Almond Nougat*
• Two Milk Chocolate Toffees
• Milk Chocolate Roman Nougat*
• Dark Chocolate Coconut
• Milk Chocolate Chocolate Creme*

Whitman's Chocolates: No big surprises on what was in these chocolates.  More fat = yummier.  7g for 2 pieces, 17g sugar

• Milk Chocolate Dense Caramel
• Dark Chocolate Dense Caramel
• Two Milk Chocolate Toffees
• Two Milk Chocolate Dense Caramel
• Dark Chocolate Molasses
• Signature Solid Milk Chocolate*
• Two Dark Chocolate Coconut
• Milk Chocolate Marshmallow Cream
• Milk Chocolate Almond Nougat

Winner: Whitman's Chocolates, by a close margin.  Snoopy, their classic feel, and signature solid chocolate sold me.  When buying a box for a gift, it would still be a toss-up for me, and I would probably find the most relevant box design.