* Fatigued Friday *

It's been a wonderful day, a wonderful week. About 2:30 this afternoon, though, it hit me. The tiredness that envelopes me. The tiredness that makes me feel as if I took one of those "non-drowsy" sinus pills. Non-Drowsy? For who? (or it is whom?) But, I hadn't taken any kind of medication, or any other substance that would make me so sleepy. It's just the way I am. And grateful that I'm at the point in my life, I can take naps pretty much whenever necessary. This wasn't a little "couch nap"....no, this was a go upstairs, crawl under the covers, and take a long nap, nap!

Although I slept well, I really don't feel like posting much tonight. I also still have some things to gather for an all-day Saturday Writers meeting tomorrow. From the agenda, it sounds like we'll have a fun-filled day!

So, I decided instead of my usual quote at the end of my post, the majority of this post will be various quotes. Some are inspirational, some humorous, and some are just my favorites!

"Summer days call for light reading." -- Anonymous

"If you believe you can make a living as a writer, you already have enough ego." -- David Brin

"The only thing that is ever foolish about a dream is not to act on it." -- Pat Croce

"Behind every successful woman...is a substantial amount of coffee." -- Stephanie Piro

"Every day we should hear at least one little song, read one good poem, see one exquisite picture, and, if possible, speak a few sensible words." -- Goethe

"Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen." -- Goethe

And last, but not least....one of my all-time favorite quotes, by my all-time favorite writer:

"My second favorite household chore is ironing; my first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint."--  Erma Bombeck

* Finally -- I'm Having My July Contest! *

 I've finally come up with my July Contest! It's going to be my biggest and best so far. There are many prizes and they will all go to ONE WINNER. All of the items are new, never been used. As I browse and shop, I always come across things that I think would make neat gifts for friends, and that's what these prizes are.

These all match: 6 file folders, darling little sticky notes, 4 pens, & a set of 8 note cards.

If you love pink and florals....you'll love these!

A closer look at the sticky notes: 2 sizes and different patterns.

2 cute little hard cover books. Both are 5½" x 6".

This book is awesome. I've given quite a few as gifts, and I have one, too.

It's the perfect book for keeping track of the books and authors you've read.

There are dozens of these kinds of books, but I've always liked this one the best because it gives you an entire page for one author. Then you list all the books you've read by that person, and can rate it, etc.

Some of the other books to keep track of your reading just aren't set up the same.

It also has an area to write down the books you've loaned out to friends.

This is a great area to keep track of readers groups, clubs, meetings, etc.

Just a closer look at the 4 pens and the note card set of 8.

This book looks really cute. I barely opened it because I didn't want it to look "used"!

It says" A story for anyone who thinks she can't save the world".

This little book is full of homemade tea recipes and yummy treats to go along with your tea!

Well, there you have it! You could be the winner of all these items. The rules are very simple.

1) You must be a follower of mine.

2) You need to leave a comment & say why you would like to win these items! No particular word count required. You can be as long-winded or micro-minded as you wish! Creativity is a PLUS. Winner will be drawn randomly, but hey, let's make it fun and interesting, okay?!

3) Contest will end on Tuesday, August 3rd, at midnight CDT. Enter soon, before you miss it.

Have Fun and Good Luck!

** A little P.S. to this. You don't necessarily have to be a grandma to enjoy the "grandma" book. It's about how one person can make a change in this world! **

"Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life." - Mark Twain

** Happy Birthday, Scott! **

Today, July 28th, is my oldest son Scott's birthday. About 5 weeks ago, when he was in England on business, his appendix burst and he required emergency surgery. I posted about him quite often during those days and weeks of worry. I remember thinking then that it was possible he may not be alive when his birthday arrived this year. It's still hard to believe what all he went through, and all of it being so far from home & family. I'm so very grateful that he is indeed here, to celebrate his birthday, in 2010.

Scott and me the night before he left for London.

This is Scott at Stonehenge on June 21st.

The next day, he was in the hospital.

Scott, 5 years old, holding the little cage with his little gerbil!

This picture was taken the same day. He was proudly showing where he lost a tooth.

I was newly divorced that summer and the two of us lived in a tiny apartment, but he knew his mom loved him soooo much!

"There is an enduring tenderness in the love of a mother to a son that transcends all other affections of the heart." – Washington Irving , writer

** If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Because of Tiger **

It's 4:40 AM, and I've been awake since 2:09 AM. Why? My much-loved dog, Tiger, let me know she needed to go outside. As much as I dislike being roused at such early morning hours, I'm happy she has the sense to come and get me.

We don't latch our bedroom door, for just that reason. She'll stand outside the door and make her little talking noise. It's nowhere near an actual bark. Within seconds, she pushes the door with her long nose, and it swings open. Hearing her is like a mother hearing her baby. It doesn't take much and I'm throwing off my covers and heading toward the stairs. Sometimes she ambles ahead of me, and other times she moseys along behind.

Lately, every now and then, she doesn't really have to go outside. I've decided she just wants some company. She'll lay down and roll over for a tummy rub. She'll follow me, but won't go outside. So, I'll sit on the couch for a while, turn on the TV with the volume really low, and just wait. After she goes back to sleep, I'll sneak upstairs, as if tiptoeing away from a napping child.

At 13 years old, I know her years/days are numbered. She doesn't hear well anymore. She takes meds for the arthritis in her hind legs, and she has a small, suspicious lump on her back. She's still the sweetest, smartest, best dog in the entire world.....or at least in my world. So, I'll continue to wake at all hours of the day or night, whenever she needs me, and for whatever reasons. That's just how it is with unconditional love.

"For me a house or an apartment becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog." -- Roger Caras

** It's Another Microfiction Monday **

Welcome to Microfiction Monday, where a picture paints 140 characters, or even fewer. Susan at Stony River hosts Microfiction Monday. She posts a picture and you compose a story in 140 characters. You can click on Susan at Stony River to get further instructions.

Thank you for hosting, Susan.

Here's this week's picture, followed by my story for it : 

I've heard of a cow jumping over the moon, but I've never heard of babies hanging onto shooting stars on a dark night. He said I was crazy. (140 characters)

** Happy National Hot Fudge Sundae Day! **

Have you seen any of the various sites that list a "holiday" for every single day of the year? I checked out a couple and they not only listed one holiday for each day, but sometimes several holidays. From the ones for today, July 25th, I chose to highlight the one in this post title. It was kind of a difficult choice, since the others were pretty good, too, but, hey how could I turn down Hot Fudge Sundaes??

I'm very happy to announce, too, it appears my blog background is now behaving itself. (I hope....I hope....) Tammy did indeed come over this evening to help me straighten it out!! Yay! Thank you, Tam!!

In celebration of both of the above....the hot fudge sundaes and my blog repair.....I just may have to indulge in one of those awesome sundaes, while browsing in Blogger Land....later today, that is. Now, I think it's time to say "Nitey Nite", and thanks again to everyone for all the wonderful, kind, helpful, encouraging comments during my time of blog stress!

(photo courtesy: Eye Candy Creations)

"Always serve too much hot fudge sauce on hot fudge sundaes. It makes people overjoyed, and puts them in your debt." ~ Judith Olney

** This 'n That on a Thursday Night **

Well, as you can see, I finally got my background and template to look a little better. Hopefully, you see it the same way I do....vintage books on the sides, and no lilac swirlys! I'm still not totally satisfied with it, but that's okay for now! Good friend, Tammy, is coming over Saturday to help me with it! She's more computer savvy than I am!

"Life is a huge farce, and the advantage of possessing a sense of humour is that it enables one to defy fate with mocking laughter." — George Gissing

* Blogger Has Me Baffled - I'm Under Construction! *

Hey Everyone! As you can see, I'm trying to change my background and template! I have managed to do a portion of that! Doesn't it look really silly?? I want just the books and shelves as the background....not just at the top! I don't know what I did wrong, but somehow I still have the lilac swirly doo-dad thingys, too! Eeek!

Please e-mail or leave comments, if you know the clues!! Thanks!

"Any fool can write code that a computer can understand. Good programmers write code that humans can understand." ~ Martin Fowler

♫♪♫ We're Having a Heat Wave, a Tropical Heat Wave ♫♪♫

Yesterday the rain and clouds played a game of Hide & Seek, and when they hid, the sun and heat appeared for awhile and made the sidewalks sizzle. More thunder/lightening storms late last night, and more sizzling heat today. But, I'm not going to complain, because: 1) What good does it do? 2) It is July in the Midwest. And, 3) We'll be complaining of the freezing cold soon enough!!

I've had a wonderful day so far and sincerely wish y'all have, too! My wonderful day started out with a sweet e-mail and the above fabulous red sunglasses from Miss Sparkle Farkle. She wrote to congratulate me on being the BON this past Monday, and said I may need these glasses from being in the spotlight!! Thanks, Sparkle!!

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -- Howard Thurman

** Rainy Day Tuesday **

I had such a great time yesterday, being the BON (Blogger of Note) at WOW (Words of Wisdom)!

Thanks again to Pam & Sandy for featuring me, for doing such a cute write-up about me, and to everyone who stopped by to take a look at my blog. I really appreciate it....especially those of you who left comments and/or became a new follower! Thank you to my 5 New Followers!! Woo-hoo!

Sometime last night it began to rain and thunder again. It was so dark and dreary when I got up around 6:00am this morning, it looked like it was night instead of what should have been a bright and sunny day.

SO, in honor of the yucky weather we've been having.....Either so sunny, hot and humid it's just awful, or so rainy it's depressing.....I've chosen just one song for today's Playlist!

In spite of the rain, I WILL have a happy day today, though, because I CHOOSE to! I truly have a wonderful life! I hope all of you choose to have a fabulous day today, too!

"I simply gotta march, my heart's a drummer. Nobody, no, nobody, is gonna rain on my parade!" -- Music and Lyrics by Bob Merrill & Jule Styne

** Wow! I'm a Blogger of Note on WOW! **

Hey Everyone! I'm thrilled to be chosen as today's Blogger of Note (BON) at Words of Wisdom (WOW). If you're not familiar with Words of Wisdom and you're wondering what they're about, "WOW is a place for bloggers who enjoy reading and writing great content to find each other."

I've come across some of my newer, favorite blogs via WOW. So, if you haven't visited them before, hop on over there, check out their site and please leave a comment. If you're already a fan of WOW, but haven't been to my blog yet....Welcome!

A little about myself: As the top of my blog says: I'm a writer, humorist and bliss follower. I am an optimistic, funny, wise-cracking woman. I am kind, generous, and thoughtful. I can spout out a few choice words every now and then, especially when someone sneaks up and scares the heck out of me (see post: "I Could've Fallen Down the Steps"). I am also Not-Very-Young-Anymore, in People Years, but will always remain Young-at-Heart!

I love all kinds of music and change my Play List quite often, depending on my mood. For today's special post, I'm playing Music for Dreamers, because don't we all have a dream? Hopefully, it's one that we're passionate enough about to pursue!

My first book, a memoir of sorts, will be published later this year by High Hill Press. High Hill Press is a small publisher established in 2008 in the heartland of America. The goal of High Hill Press is to showcase the talents of writers who are often overlooked by the big New York Publishing houses. Writers with talent and passion and a story to tell. For information about High Hill Press or to submit to the High Hill Press Review, contact HighHillPress@aol.com

WOW asked me to list links to three of my favorite posts. That took quite a bit of time, because I obviously think 99% of my posts are quite fabulous! ☺ I tried to choose some with different themes, and they are:

I Could've Fallen Down the Steps!

Talkin' About My Book & Changin' My Music

Happy Mother's Day


Thanks to everyone who reads my blog on a regular basis. Thanks to those of you who only stop by occasionally. Whether you leave comments or not, are an "official" follower or not, I am truly grateful that you enjoy reading my posts. And thanks again to Pam and Sandy at WOW for featuring me today!

I always try to end each post with a quote that pertains to the particular ramblings of the day.


"If you can preserve the joy of writing, I think your voice will come through more strongly, and your book will be better." -- Eloisa James, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author

** Writing & Books & Friends, Oh My! **

Lots of info to share tonight, and almost too tired to type!

1)  Fantastic website for Writers and More: Kristen's Guide. Numerous articles about health, food, family. My favorites though are on Writing and Getting Organized. It offers lots of Free Printables, from chore lists and money management lists to calendars. Again, my favorite is a calendar that offers a Weekly Routine. It has time slots from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, Monday thru Sunday. This is exactly what I need! I printed a few pages to get started. I'm going to write down every single thing I do, and how long it takes. I know this will show me in black and white, just how much time I waste in a day's time, and how much time I really do have for writing. Also, in the Writing section, there are great little tidbits of Writing Advice, and other really cool areas like: Words to Use Instead of "Said". And finally, a very cool dictionary:  The Free Dictionary. It has all kinds of goodies: Word of the day, quote of the day, birthdays, dates in history, and of course....a dictionary!

2) I've had a widget on my blog for about a month that shows Words of Wisdom and says my blog will soon be featured as a Blog of Note (B.O.N.)  Well, I was just notified this evening that my blog will be featured this coming Monday, July 19th! So, please be sure to stop by anytime Monday and see what it's all about! And then....friend Tammy's blog is highlighted on Wednesday, the 21st! Stay Tuned! (sorry I got the date wrong, eariler, Tam!)

3) My friend Lynn shared one of her writing tips which I recently remembered to try. I'm so glad I did, because I discovered it works really well for me, too! Most of us need  a little something to get  inspired and motivated to begin our writing day. That's true, too, I believe whether our writing time begins in the early morning hours or very late at night. I've tried having a certain piece of music be my Starting Song, and that didn't really work. I've tried to just make myself start writing before I check my e-mails or blogs or anything else that will distract me. That hasn't worked at all. What can I say??  BUT, Lynn's suggestion works for me!! Lynn begins by reading a chapter or two from one of her "How To" writing books, or one of her "You Can Do It" type books. I have three that I can read even a few sentences of and I get kicked into Writing Mode! They are: A Time to Write, by Kelly L. Stone, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott, and This Time I Dance!: Creating the Work You Love, by Tama J. Kieves.

* Last, I'd like to acknowledge that today, July 16th, was my sister Jo Ann's birthday. (Earlier this year, I chose today as my deadline for completion of my book, but realized it just wasn't possible.) Happy Birthday, Jo Ann. You were so unique. You were my sister, my friend, my mother. I miss you, still.*

"An older sister is a friend and defender - a listener, conspirator, a counsellor and a sharer of delights. And sorrows too." -- Pam Brown

"Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve." -- Mary Kay Ash

** The Motivational Lou **

Earlier today I wrote briefly about my publisher, Lou. (that's short for Louella!) I decided Lou deserved a little more than just a sentence or two.

Lou is such a neat person. She is a wonderful writer, an awesome, hard-working publisher, a cheer-leader for her writer friends, an excellent editor, and she always offers intelligent and valuable critiques. Wow! No wonder I like her! So, when she said she'd like to publish my memoir, you better believe I jumped at the opportunity.

Among all the hundreds of tasks Lou performs every day, she's also been diligently working on the new website for her company: High Hill Press. Please jump on over there and check it out. There are writing contests to enter, requests for essays, etc.  Also, click on the link that says "Back Porch Book Chat". You can read a beautiful essay Lou wrote a few years ago about her grandparents and how the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, came into her life. The title of her story is: On the Bank of the Illinois.

One more reason to check out High Hill Press website. There just happens to be a little highlight section, right at the top of the home page....and you might see a name you recognize!!...Plus another one....Donna, of Donna's Book Pub!

I can't thank Lou enough for all her enthusiasm!!

“A goal is a dream with a deadline.” -- Napoleon Hill

** It was a DIFFERENT Lou! **

Oh wow! I just experienced one of those fabulous "Twilight Zone" moments! ♪♫  Do-do-do-do  ♪♫

In my previous post, I wrote about Lou Grant inspiring me to work harder on my book......

But I just realized, it wasn't Lou Grant.....(or Ed Asner, for that matter).....

It was my publisher, Lou, at High Hill Press!

Oh my gosh!! I feel like it was one of those things that is right in front of you, yet you miss it, because you don't realize IT is what you're looking for!

I am SO doing the Happy Dance....even while sitting ON my office chair.....but as soon as I post this, I'll be dancing standing up......not too long, though. I gotta get back to my book!!

Thank you, Lou!! (and really, shouldn't I still thank the imaginary Lou, as well? I think so!)

The pieces of the puzzle are finally coming together.

Writing became such a process of discovery that I couldn't wait to get to work in the morning: I wanted to know what I was going to say. ~ Sharon O'Brien

** Spunk! -- I've Got Spunk! **

How many of you remember "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" from the 1970's? It was such a well written, classy comedy with many memorable episodes. One of my favorites popped into my head this evening. I was contemplating the progress I have and have not made on my book, and all of a sudden, I heard Lou Grant's voice saying, "You've got spunk! I hate spunk!"

And then I heard myself saying, "Oh yeah, Mr. Grant? Well you just wait. You haven't even begun to see spunk! You've never seen the Becky Povich version of spunk! I'm going to sit my butt down, stop dilly-dallying around, and get my book completed! What do you have to say about that?"

"Well then...I'd say I guess I was wrong....about you, anyway. You go ahead and show me your spunk. Show me that finished book. Then you'll have proven to me that determination, dedication and spunk can move mountains."

The Fine Print: Disclaimer: Neither Lou Grant (or Ed Asner) and I have ever had a real conversation, either fictional or real, spoken or unspoken.

Instead of thinking about where you are, think about where you want to be. It takes twenty years of hard work to become an overnight success.--Diana Rankin

** It's Another Tea Cup, Tea Time Tuesday! **

It's another Tuesday, and I have another pretty tea cup I'd like to share. I'm joining Lady Katherine at Tea Time Tuesday, and also Martha and Terri at their Tea Cup Tuesday. I bought this one at the Antique Mall near my home, the same day I got the one I posted last week. Remember the one with the pretty yellow and gold flowers, with the Kresge price tag still on it?! I don't remember exactly what I paid for this one, but I know it wasn't more than $5.00.

This one really caught my eye, for various reasons. I love the tiny and delicate pink roses, the decorative gold scroll design along the top of the cup, and I particularly love the "double" handle! I thought it was so unique.

This picture is slightly blurry. My apologies! My camera doesn't take very good close-ups, but I wanted to show the double handle.

In this photo, you can see the tiny gold line inside the tea cup. Another delicate touch!

The plate also has gold around the edge, which is slightly scalloped.

The cup is very lightweight and translucent in the upper part.

The saucer is quite a bit heavier.

There are no markings on either piece.

This cute little book is one of five I bought at Dollar Tree a couple of months ago. I've just been saving them for upcoming gifts I might need.....OR.... for a Blog Give-Away!.....stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed taking a peak at one of my bargain purchases!

"Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage." ~Catherine Douzel

** This 'n That on a Thursday Afternoon **

Hot Fun in the Summertime!
Today has been a cloudy, sunny, rainy, sunny, humid, cloudy, hot, steamy kind of day, and all I can say is, "Thank goodness for air conditioning!" There's not a day that goes by in this kind of weather when I don't wonder how in the world we survived back in the 1950's when I was growing up. We lived in the same general vicinity that I live now....the humid St. Louis area....and all we had was a window fan in our tiny living room. I don't remember even having small fans in our bedrooms, although we may have. I always thought my parents weren't very smart because they always had the window fan facing out, pushing all the air outside! I think I managed to talk my dad into turning it once in awhile and have it blow on me, but obviously it didn't cool me off at all, since it was blowing hot air! And don't worry....I'm not going to make any silly jokes about "hot air" in my family!

(This fan looks just like the one we had. Photo courtesy: worthpoint.com)

My brother, Mike, and I used to amuse ourselves by yelling into the fan and making funny noises! Ah, the Good Old Days! Who needed video games and such? We had fun just hanging around with our family and friends....and using our imaginations. (Oh, and yes, we did at least have TV. All the shows were in black and white then.) Okay...I better quit, or I'll sound like I'm 100 years old!

Great News about Scott! Most of you are aware of the health issues my oldest son, Scott, has been dealing with the past couple of weeks. I'm happy to say that his last CT came back with good results and all seems to be fine now...finally! All he needs to do is start eating and gain back the 20 lbs that he lost! He's a slender guy in the first place, so he is really thin now. But, I'm sure a few of his favorite pizzas will help!Thanks so much to all of you who kept him in your thoughts and prayers.

Blog Highlight: You know I like to let you in on things I've discovered while blogging. My friend, Pat, over at Critter Alley is having a blog contest, with no entry fee, and the winner will receive $25.00 CASH! Wow! Jump on over to her blog and read all about it. Entries can be submitted until Monay, July 12th.

(As always, I'm not getting paid or gaining anything by posting info about this contest.)

I have two quotes to share today. I just couldn't make up my mind between them, so I decided to get a little wacky and post them both! Look out....I'm getting zany, wild and madcap!!

(Does this look like the photo of a normal woman?! Depends on what you consider normal....I must confess, it is I...wild and wacky Becky!)

"There's no half-singing in the shower. You're either a rock star or an opera diva!" -- Unknown

"We all have our 'good old days' tucked away inside our hearts, and we return to them in daydreams like cats to favorite armchairs." -- Brian Carter

** A Book Give-Away at "Write Now" **

Hey Everyone! Jump on over to Karen Lange's blog: Write Now. She just posted Part One of an interview with writer Sarah Sundin, whose new book A Distant Melody was recently published. It's a historical romance set during WWII and sounds like a great read. Sarah has graciously offered one of the books for a give-away on Karen's blog. Just read the details there and leave a comment. Good Luck!  Oh, and you only have until this Friday, July 9th, at NOON Eastern Standard Time, so get on over there....!

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." -- John Burroughs

** TEA CUP TUESDAY **

Okay.....it appears as if Blogger has repaired the "comment" problem. It still doesn't show the correct number of comments at the very end of the post, but when you get into the comment section, it does.
*Does that make any sense at all?!*  3:00 pm CDT 7/6/10

It's "Tea Cup Tuesday". I'm joining Martha's Favorites and Terri's Artful Affirmations and Lady Katherine's Tea Parlor. Thank you so much for inviting me to share my tea cups!

I'm truly excited to show one of my recent finds at the Antique Mall near my home. I think this particular set is so unique. First of all, it's not pink! It's a lovely golden yellow, on a white background, trimmed in gold.

Also, the edges of both the cup and saucer are slightly scalloped, which adds even more beauty, I think.

The "back" side of the cup has just the one flower bud .

And the Pièce de résistance is....................photo below.............

THE BOTTOM OF THE SAUCER STILL HAS THE "KRESGE" PRICE TAG OF 49¢

Isn't that hilarious?? I think if I were the owner, I would've removed that before I attempted to sell it! How many of you are familiar with the old Kresge stores?? We had them in St. Louis when I was really young. They were similar to Woolworth's.....kind of a small discount/department store, before there were K-Marts and such. (I think the same man, Mr. Kresge, also owned K-Mart.)

I paid $4.99 for the set, but I would've paid a lot more, just because I loved the old-fashioned price tag!!

"The mere chink of cups and saucers tunes the mind to happy repose." -- George Gissing

** Copious Calls For Submissions **

Recently I mentioned that I wanted to post several Calls for Submissions. I usually stumble across various websites and don't remember how I even landed there. This morning I took the time to go through one of those sites, which posts tons of magazines. The main site is: Bella Online; The Voice of Women. It lists magazines from A to Z, with a little something for (almost) everyone.

Every now and then, with these types of sites, there are sometimes errors in the URLs listed, or the publication will no longer be around. Then I usually check the name in Google and see if I can find it there.

I have checked all the ones listed below, scanned the submission guidelines, and read that they are paying publications. Some also are looking for photography submissions. During my "speed reading", I tried to catch any words that might hint that the site could possibly be offensive to anyone, so hopefully I did a good job! I didn't bother with any that only paid something like $10.00 per article.

As always, I am not affiliated with, or being paid anything for listing these sites. I just do it out of the kindness of my own heart!!  ☺

http://www.iluvcats.com/writguidfori.html


http://www.animalnetwork.com/cats/writer.asp


http://www.cricketmag.com/pages_content.asp?page_id=6


http://www.freelancewriting.com/guidelines/pages/


http://www.guideposts.com/angels


http://mybusinessmag.com/about/guide.php


http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/writer-guidelines.html


http://www.ohiomagazine.com/Main/WritersPhotographerGuidelines.aspx


http://www.oklahomatoday.com/site/editorial/editorialGuidelines.aspx


http://www.oregonquarterly.com/guidelines.php


http://www.romantichomes.com/  (I couldn't find a "writer guidelines" on this, but maybe y'all can!)


http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/about/submission-guidelines


http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/guidelines/writers.aspx


http://www.spiritledwriter.com/guidelines.html


http://www.edweek.org/tm/index.html


http://www.thebark.com/content/submission-guidelines


http://www.threepennyreview.com/submissions.html



** Also: Two Anthologies Accepting Stories:

http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=possible_books


http://patchworkpath.com/index.php/story-calls


(I'm a little partial to Chicken Soup for the Soul, since I've had stories published in their books!!...AND just recently had a story accepted by Patchwork Path for an upcoming book of theirs! )


"The writer is only half a book. The reader is the other half." -- P.L. Travers, author of Mary Poppins

* It's Microfiction Monday *

Welcome to Microfiction Monday, where a picture paints 140 characters, or even fewer. Every Sunday evening, Susan at Stony River posts her own 'microfiction' inspired by a photo or illustration, and invites us to do the same.



Here's this week's picture, followed by my story for it:

They heard cell phones won't work on the high seas. They tested it while still in the harbor, since that would definitely be a deal breaker.

(Coming in at exactly 140 Characters! Woot!)

** Independence Day 2010 **

My blog buddy, June Freaking Cleaver posted a really thoughtful, well written birthday greeting to the USA. Her views are pretty much the same as mine, which I find really cool, but I'm also a little ticked that I didn't think of her idea first!

I suggest that everyone who reads my blog, jump on over there and see what June had to say. Hey, I've already given you the link....so there's no excuse not to! Leave June a comment if you'd like, and tell her "Becky sent me!"

*Disclaimer: I didn't get paid anything for this! Ms. June is not paying me or bribing me in any way! Just thought my friends would enjoy reading it! : D

(One more note: My son, Scott, seems to be doing better. I've decided not to post any new information about him for awhile, since his condition seems to change daily. Please keep him in your thoughts.)

(photo: dol.sd.gov)

Happy Birthday, America.......

"My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you, and I thank you." -- Jimmy Cagney, playing George M. Cohan in the film: Yankee Doodle Dandy.

** It's A Mother's Intuition **

Remember my last post? Sure you do, because it was just last night. Remember how I said I was still concerned about Scott's recovery and possible infection? I just had that Mother's Intuition feeling and I couldn't shake my fear and anxiety.

Scott had a cat scan this morning and it showed he had some abscesses. He was sent to the ER, where he spent quite a bit of time while various medical people came in and out, asking questions, etc. Finally he was given an ultrasound and then admitted to a room. A specialist was supposed to see him and go over everything, which hadn't happened yet when I left. I was there from 1:00 to 4:30 this afternoon. I felt so bad for Scott, too, because he looked so thin and frail. He's lost a lot of weight, and no wonder since he's been mostly on IV's for 2 weeks, with no real food.

Not sure what happens next, but Scott was ready for me to leave. I think there's a couple of alternatives about what can be done and I'll sure be relieved when I find out what will be done. Maybe I'll finally be able to really breathe those sighs of relief sometime next week.

So, I'm asking again to please send those good thoughts, well wishes and/or prayers...whatever works for you.

I was going to post some info about contests and calls for submissions, but that will have to wait for another day.

* Wow...It's July 1st Already *

Happy July 1st! My son, Scott, did indeed make it home last night! I thought he looked good, (except for being too thin) especially considering everything he's been through and the long flight home, etc. His company flew him home first-class and he said that helped considerably. (I think he said his seat was kind of a recliner, which may be standard for first-class international flights.)

He saw his doctor today and has to go back tomorrow for some tests, so he's still not out of the woods yet. I'm still concerned about his overall recovery and possible infection, etc. So, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. (I told him last night how many of my friends, blog friends, writer friends, relatives, etc. had asked about him and were keeping him in their thoughts. He was genuinely touched.) In honor of Scott's return back home, I only had one song on today's play list: Home Again, by John Denver....seemed rather appropriate!

I was so excited to see my 70th Follower today: Then the unbelievable happened. Follower #71. Thank you so much to Belle and TK for being the two newest "Blissful Becky Followers"! This definitely calls for another Give-Away! I'm not even sure if I had one in June. I think the month may have flown by before I realized it. Well, I certainly will not forget to have one this month. I already have some pretty good ideas, too.....and NO, you won't be required to swing on a trapeze in 1950's bathing suits!! I just felt the need for a funny picture or two.....

When I was young, I loved watching the TV show Hazel. I thought Hazel was a very kind woman, and a great maid. I thought her cute little bedroom, off the kitchen, was just perfect, too. What else could a woman want?!

The last couple of years, I've been lamenting: I need a "Hazel"!!  I just can't seem to keep up with everything anymore...especially spending so much time writing and blogging!!


"But, my dear, I knew when I was a baby what I wanted to do, and I'll tell you, kiddo, if you don't do what your heart tells you, you'll never be real." -- Shirley Booth