It's been a whirlwind weekend and I'm so tired, I can barely hit the correct letters on my laptop. If not for the backspace, some of my sentences would look like this: "Thek vame fro tje suppwr tope."
Friday night I spent about 4 hours (until 1:00 am) putting together a special graduation card for my grandson, Todd. If I do say so myself, it looked pretty darn good. I almost came across like an expert "Scrapbooker".
His graduation ceremony was on Saturday afternoon. A fabulous party was held in the evening, with wonderful food, friends, family and fun.
Then this morning, Ron and I got up B & E (bright and early!) and drove to "The Lake" to spend the day with our great friends B & S (I have to get their permission to use their names!)
I am looking SO forward to tomorrow: June 1st! That's when I begin my new, disciplined way of writing. I'm ready to begin!
ALL WHO WANDER ARE NOT LOST.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
* Gettin' Motivated.....Again! *
Thanks to a few writer friends, I have once again been motivated to get going on my book, the memoir, remember?
And, ahhh...they've given me some deadlines to meet! Yippee! That's definitely what I need. I'll keep ya'll posted on my progress...
By the way, I found this photo of myself when visiting my dad one of the last couple of times. I don't remember anyone taking the picture of me, nor do I remember ever seeing it before then. Dad said it was one of his favorites of me, and I can see why. Check out that high forehead...definitely a sign of intelligence! ;-)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
** Decoration Day & Our Current War **
Decoration Day, as it was called for many years, is really all about remembering and honoring those who died during our many wars. Its name is the definition of what it was all about.....decorating the graves and tombstones of our fallen soldiers and sailors.
Like so many of us, though, I didn't give it more than a moment's thought over the years. It was mainly a 3-Day weekend and a rest from work.That all changed for me a few years ago, when my sister Marian and I, attending a Memorial Day celebration in Greenfield, Iowa. It was very inspiring to say the least.
One of the many things I find very disturbing about this current "war" we are involved in, is the fact that the news we receive concerning it, is determined by the various news stations. Yes, they inform us of the sad news of another "casualty"........is that word used to make it sound less like "death"?....But what we aren't told, are all the horrific wounds and burns our military personnel are living with.....mostly due to road side bombs. Shouldn't there be a way to detect those bombs, before they wound or kill people??? In our world of technology.....shouldn't there be a way?????
Like so many of us, though, I didn't give it more than a moment's thought over the years. It was mainly a 3-Day weekend and a rest from work.That all changed for me a few years ago, when my sister Marian and I, attending a Memorial Day celebration in Greenfield, Iowa. It was very inspiring to say the least.
One of the many things I find very disturbing about this current "war" we are involved in, is the fact that the news we receive concerning it, is determined by the various news stations. Yes, they inform us of the sad news of another "casualty"........is that word used to make it sound less like "death"?....But what we aren't told, are all the horrific wounds and burns our military personnel are living with.....mostly due to road side bombs. Shouldn't there be a way to detect those bombs, before they wound or kill people??? In our world of technology.....shouldn't there be a way?????
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
I NEED THOSE DEADLINES!
I am one of those writers who definitely needs a deadline. And the funny thing is, I think I just realized that this evening!
Anything I've ever written for a specific publication, always had a deadline, and that always kept me on track to get the story written and submitted in time.
Recently I was asked by a first rate-publisher to interview an individual and write her story. Because it was for a future possible publication, the publisher didn't feel it was right to give me a deadline. After much stressing, trying to get motivated, worrying about getting it written in a timely manner, I asked for a deadline date. I was graciously given one and now I can de-stress and begin my writing! And my headache and neck ache have mysteriously gone away.....Hmmm....
Thank you, Ms. B. !
Anything I've ever written for a specific publication, always had a deadline, and that always kept me on track to get the story written and submitted in time.
Recently I was asked by a first rate-publisher to interview an individual and write her story. Because it was for a future possible publication, the publisher didn't feel it was right to give me a deadline. After much stressing, trying to get motivated, worrying about getting it written in a timely manner, I asked for a deadline date. I was graciously given one and now I can de-stress and begin my writing! And my headache and neck ache have mysteriously gone away.....Hmmm....
Thank you, Ms. B. !
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
MORE OF MY CLUMSINESS....
I swear, if I get any more clumsy, I don't know what will happen to me!! Just this morning, I bruised, cut, and burned myself...... all within a few minutes in the kitchen....while making a pot of coffee!
When I was in the Atlanta airport on May 13th, I backed up to sit down on a love-seat type of modular-furniture-thingy, and missed the entire cushion area. I sat "briefly" on the pointy corner, until I immediately flopped onto the cushions, laughing! Niece Tammy said, "You're going to need a different kind of pillow on the plane." :-0
When I was in the Atlanta airport on May 13th, I backed up to sit down on a love-seat type of modular-furniture-thingy, and missed the entire cushion area. I sat "briefly" on the pointy corner, until I immediately flopped onto the cushions, laughing! Niece Tammy said, "You're going to need a different kind of pillow on the plane." :-0
Thursday, May 14, 2009
** THE CATHEDRAL OF LEARNING **
The cathedral of learning at the University of Pittsburgh. (Pitt)
What a gorgeous building! The tallest school building in the USA.
** PITTSBURGH......WHO KNEW?? **
My son, Mark, and I arrived home last night after a whirlwind trip to Pittsburgh, Pa. He wanted to meet 2 profs at the University of Pittsburgh, where he may want to apply for grad school.
We flew Air Tran because it was the most economical way to go. (Interpretation: Cheap!)But that also meant, long layovers. We didn't fly the way the birds would. Oh, no! We flew to Pittsburgh via ...... Atlanta....with 4 hour layovers both ways! ugh... BUT, my lovely niece, Tammy, was able to visit with us at the ATL airport on our trip home, so that was really nice.
The city of Pittsburgh is really very pretty! And the area where U of Pitt is (plus Carnegie Melon U) was absolutely beautiful. I really want to go back sometime, when I can spend more days, and also visit old friend, Debbie, who lives near there.
We flew Air Tran because it was the most economical way to go. (Interpretation: Cheap!)But that also meant, long layovers. We didn't fly the way the birds would. Oh, no! We flew to Pittsburgh via ...... Atlanta....with 4 hour layovers both ways! ugh... BUT, my lovely niece, Tammy, was able to visit with us at the ATL airport on our trip home, so that was really nice.
The city of Pittsburgh is really very pretty! And the area where U of Pitt is (plus Carnegie Melon U) was absolutely beautiful. I really want to go back sometime, when I can spend more days, and also visit old friend, Debbie, who lives near there.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
** Habitat Groundbreaking Ceremony **
As girls we played house. As women we build them!
This morning was the groundbreaking ceremony for the Habitat for Humanity, St. Charles County, Mo.........................................."Divas Building Dreams"......Lot #9. It was partly sunny, partly cloudy, very windy and quite chilly! But hundreds of lovely divas showed up, all wearing their Pink Diva Shirts. It was really impressive!
My only silent question though, was......Where's the hot coffee?? Luckily, wonderful friend, Jennifer lives very close to the Habitat lot and we met there for hot coffee and bagels!
The bagels were compliments of another wonderful friend, Sherry.
We're all pumped and ready to help build this house!
(Photo: Jennifer, Becky & Stephanie)
My only silent question though, was......Where's the hot coffee?? Luckily, wonderful friend, Jennifer lives very close to the Habitat lot and we met there for hot coffee and bagels!
The bagels were compliments of another wonderful friend, Sherry.
We're all pumped and ready to help build this house!
(Photo: Jennifer, Becky & Stephanie)
Friday, May 8, 2009
** Career Day at Castlio Elementary **
I was one of the speakers today at Castlio Elementary School (Francis Howell School District, St. Charles, Mo.) It was Career Day for all the 4th grade classes. There was at least one fire fighter, a nurse, a doctor, an engineer from Boeing, etc......But I was the only writer.
I told each class right in the beginning that I certainly was not a famous writer (yet!) and that's why they'd never heard of me! I talked about pursuing their dreams in life, no matter what they were. I talked about the Chicken Soup for the Soul books I have stories in, the Iowa newspaper that I write the weekly column for, other anthologies, etc. I had a couple of hand-outs and specifically told them about the Big Read and the youth writing contest this fall.
I think some of them actually enjoyed what I had to say.... :-)
I told each class right in the beginning that I certainly was not a famous writer (yet!) and that's why they'd never heard of me! I talked about pursuing their dreams in life, no matter what they were. I talked about the Chicken Soup for the Soul books I have stories in, the Iowa newspaper that I write the weekly column for, other anthologies, etc. I had a couple of hand-outs and specifically told them about the Big Read and the youth writing contest this fall.
I think some of them actually enjoyed what I had to say.... :-)
* Pet & House Sitting *
Just letting everyone know that I have a friend who recently began a Pet & House Sitting Service. She's a great person! Fun, honest, hard working, etc. She'll watch your pet at your house, or hers. She doesn't limit pets to just cats and dogs, either. Although, I'm not sure what all she will take care of!
Name of Company: Irish Sitter, LLC
Her name is Christine Frank.
Phone: 314-540-0575
e-mail: irishsitter@rocketmail.com
Name of Company: Irish Sitter, LLC
Her name is Christine Frank.
Phone: 314-540-0575
e-mail: irishsitter@rocketmail.com
Thursday, May 7, 2009
REJECTED BY A CHICKEN WITH A SOUL.....(?)
I just found out today that my doggy story wasn't chosen to be included in a new, upcoming Chicken Soup for the Soul book. And what's truly odd about it is....I'm not even upset, disappointed or sad!! I'm so busy with other writing projects, speaking engagements, and Habitat for Humanity assignments, that I just thought...."oh well".....and went on about my day! Now that's what I call a great way to accept rejection!
Monday, May 4, 2009
** QUIT COUGHING ON OTHER PEOPLE!! **
I swear....some people are just plain dumb! I know that's not "politically correct" to say, but they really are!
Plain old-fashioned manners and courtesy tells a person to not cough all over someone else, and especially without covering their mouth!
While working at the check-out counter the other evening, 2 women (who were way old enough to know better!!) coughed all over me!! Neither one put their hand over their mouth or even said "Excuse me" or "I'm sorry!" One of them did begin to tell me about just receiving a "pneumonia shot".....Oh, that makes me feel even better about their germs flying through the air at warp speed directly at me!
Now, don't get me wrong.....I'm not germophobic....but it's just common sense and courtesy...and especially with the H1N1 (oink-oink) Flu going around....Come on people....geeez!
And truthfully......I woke up the next morning with that scratchy throat, sniffly, icky feeling that I get every time I'm beginning to get a cold....and I've been fighting it ever since! I'm just soooo tired...and in fact....I've been up for 4 whole hours and I think it's time for a nap.
Plain old-fashioned manners and courtesy tells a person to not cough all over someone else, and especially without covering their mouth!
While working at the check-out counter the other evening, 2 women (who were way old enough to know better!!) coughed all over me!! Neither one put their hand over their mouth or even said "Excuse me" or "I'm sorry!" One of them did begin to tell me about just receiving a "pneumonia shot".....Oh, that makes me feel even better about their germs flying through the air at warp speed directly at me!
Now, don't get me wrong.....I'm not germophobic....but it's just common sense and courtesy...and especially with the H1N1 (oink-oink) Flu going around....Come on people....geeez!
And truthfully......I woke up the next morning with that scratchy throat, sniffly, icky feeling that I get every time I'm beginning to get a cold....and I've been fighting it ever since! I'm just soooo tired...and in fact....I've been up for 4 whole hours and I think it's time for a nap.
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