* Microfiction Monday *

It's Microfiction Monday, where a tale is told in 140 characters or less. Thanks to Susan at Stony River for continuing to host this delightful writing challenge. Here is this week's picture and my story to go with it:

"Okay. Listen to my idea. It's for a reality show. My wife here can wrestle with wild bulls."

"Huh? What's a "reality" show?"

If you're interested in joining this little writing party, click on Susan's link above. I haven't participated in quite a long time, and I'm glad to be back. (I came up with 123 characters.)

P.S. Today is Louisa May Alcott's birthday. How many of us immersed ourselves into the lives of Little Women?!

* Sunday Night Random Thoughts *

First of all, I apologize again for neglecting my blog friends. I've been terrible at visiting and commenting, and I KNOW it is definitely something that I can fit into EVERY day! I'm getting closer to having a handle on my time management!! It's a necessity!!

(courtesy: wickedreport.com)

Thanksgiving Day and the entire weekend was truly enjoyable. Food, fun, friends, family and football! Hurray for the Rams' victory today!

I have sold all 10 Thin Threads books, (thank you all so very much!) and have ordered 20 more. I will continue to offer the free shipping anywhere in the US and Canada, until Friday, December 3rd. Please keep that in mind if you're considering buying any. I received an order over the weekend for one that will be a Christmas gift. I was asked to sign it to that person, which I thought was really special.

I actually did get some writing accomplished over the weekend, too. I've got so much going on right now that I feel like I'm.....

 

But, hey.....that's what life is all about, right?! I'm working on completing my book. I'm attempting to submit to more anthologies. I've taken on the position of president of Saturday Writers....I really do like challenges, so I'm definitely up for the part.

And, as the king in The King and I would say......Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera!


"Writing is my time machine, takes me to the precise time and place I belong." -- Jeb Dickerson"

* Can You Say STUFFED? *

Just a short post again today.....

The Ronald and I had a wonderful time yesterday. Since we had our family Thanksgiving last Saturday, we went to our dear friends' (S&B) home for dinner yesterday. We arrived at 1:00pm and a scrumptious meal was served. (I LOVE being the guest and not the hostess!) We sat and talked, watched football on tv, ate some more, sat some more, talked more, etc...you get the idea! A wonderful day!

You can listen to the beautiful Vienna Boys Choir on my blog today. I felt Christmasy and thought their angelic voices would be the perfect music for the day after Thanksgiving.

Now, I'm off to perform many tasks and already know I will enjoy every one of them....because I feel so thankful and blessed! (And yes...a very important, at the top of the list, task is: WRITING!)

(photo from December 2009, but it's cold enough for a fire today!)

"Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles." -- Author Unknown

* Thanksgiving Day - 2010 *

Happy Thanksgiving!!

** The Thin Threads Books Are Here! **

Yesterday evening that Big Brown Truck drove down my street and I mentally told it to stop at my house....and guess what? It did! UPS delivered my box of books from Kiwi Publishing! I felt like a kid at Christmas time, waiting for and then receiving that most anticipated gift.

I'll sign the books that have been ordered from me and get them mailed as soon as I can. This is the list of names I have, and if I've forgotten anyone PLEASE let me know! Lynn O. Teri S. Kathy M. Sioux R. and OJ G-C. (I feel as if I AM forgetting someone. I should've written all the names on ONE piece of paper!)

Kiwi Publishing is also offering a *special* on the Thin Threads site. Buy at least one book and receive a 10% discount, plus FREE shipping. Those books would ship directly from their warehouse, so I wouldn't be able to sign them. Their offer is good through 12/31/2010.

So, here are the two possibilities:

Order from me, pay full price of $17.95, receive free shipping, and I will autograph and donate $5.00 per book to my local Habitat for Humanity office.

*Order from Thin Threads* pay $16.15, receive free shipping, and I will still donate $5.00 per book. IF YOU DO ORDER DIRECTLY FROM THIN THREADS, CONTACT ME FIRST, SO I CAN GIVE YOU THE DISCOUNT CODE.

After meeting Tara and becoming involved in Habitat for Humanity, I can't tell you how much it means to me to be able to help, even in a small way. There are wonderful stories in this anthology and would truly make a very thoughtful gift during the holidays. And with Thanksgiving being tomorrow, I think all of us who are using a computer and blogging, have a decent place to live.

“The goal of this organization is to make sure that all families have a good place to live. To accomplish that ambitious goal, decent and good housing must become the hearts’ desire of committed and generous people. Substandard housing must become socially, religiously, morally and politically unacceptable.” — The late Millard Fuller, Habitat for Humanity Founder

* No Leftovers! *

Thanks to everyone who left such nice comments about our family Thanksgiving yesterday. This morning, I'm kind of dragging. LOL. We had a great time. The weather was nice enough that The Ronald was able to "play" outside with all the grandkids, which is what he really looks forward to! There were only 10 grandkids this year!! Two of them weren't able to attend!! Not sure when my text post will be, because I'm also trying to get back to writing my book! Baby steps, Joe.....baby steps. ☺

(courtesy: theroguecookie.com)

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." ~ G.K. Chesterton

* It's Turkey Day at Our House *

Today is Thanksgiving....at our house! Over the past few years, as our family grew, we began having holiday get-togethers on the Saturday before the actual holiday. It works out great and none of the sons & daughters-in-law are stressed out about trying to be in multiple places, all at the same time!

As I type this, I can smell the turkey roasting in the oven! Mmmm....have I mentioned that I just love Thanksgiving?! I was up until midnight last night baking 2 pumpkin pies, the green bean casserole, AND a turkey breast! The turkey that's in the oven right now is a 24 lb! We need LOTS of turkey with this bunch!

I stopped to have some coffee just moments ago!

This is my favorite coffee cup to drink from this time of year.

This is what it looks like on the other side.

And this is opposite the handle.

My dining room windows face the west, so there's never good light in it, until around sunset!

Gotta run.....need to check on things in the kitchen!

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel. ~Author Unknown

* Give a Book for Christmas *

♪♫  Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!  ♪♫   

** NOTE: (added 11/19 pm) I forgot to say a little more about the Thin Threads book series. Since I've known about it and have been so close to it for over a year and a half, I think everyone must've heard of it and/or know about it! Here are some words, taken directly from their website:

Thin Threads: a moment, event, setback, crossroad, or encounter that connected you to a person, place or an opportunity that changed your life for the better.


Thin Thread stories are a collection of moments, events or decisions told in personal story form, each showing how the course of our lives can be redirected for the better. The stories encapsulate our human desire to tell our own stories and to read and relate to others through their stories.


So, you can see how it differs from other anthologies. Thin Threads is very unique!


 I am in such a happy mood right at this very moment! I was in my "usual" happy mood when I got up today at 4:00am. (Yep, went to sleep early last night and got a good night's rest.) But, now it is 3:20pm, CST, and I am ecstatic! I just spoke to Stacey Battat at Kiwi Publishing and the new Thin Threads books will be shipping to me tomorrow! This is the anthology that has my story about a woman and her family, and how Hurricane Katrina and Habititat for Humanity, St. Charles County Missouri, changed their lives. Woot!

$17.95 each

I am offering a personal promotion for this book. Whoever buys any directly from me, I will donate $5.00 per book, to Habitat in St. Charles, Mo. AND I will ship them at NO CHARGE, to anywhere in the US or Canada. (sorry, I will have to charge shipping out of the country.)

*These would make lovely Christmas gifts, PLUS you'd be helping a wonderful charity!* 

(courtesy: martha stewart.com)

Christmas again. But this year there was money for presents and lots of food in the icebox and the flat was always warm now. When Francie came in off the cold street she thought that the warmth was like a lover’s arms around her drawing her into the room. She wondered, incidentally, exactly what a lover’s arms felt like. — A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith (pen name of Elisabeth Wehner) (1943)

*I Think it's Thursday, So it Must Be Tuesday*

For quite a long time, my Mondays have been so busy that by evening, I'll look at The Ronald and ask, "Is it Tuesday night?" And he, as always, looks at me like I'm nuts, yet he has to stop and think for a moment before replying, "No. It's Monday. Remember, we're going to watch Monday Night Football in a little while." Oh yeah.

So, although I know I watched part of that wacky football game last night, I'm still feeling like tonight is Thursday night! What can I say? I'm just a mixed up, forgetful, mind-going-in-20-different-directions kind of gal.

But, I did jot myself a note to post about some really cool and unique Christmas cards. This is a perfect time to find out about these particular ones, too, since we just celebrated Veterans Day last week.

Earlier this year, I wrote about Ray "Bubba" Sorensen, the very talented artist in Greenfield, Iowa. He is getting to be more and more well known because of the Freedom Rock he began painting in 1999. He is the artist and creator of the Patriotic Snowman Christmas cards. They are really awesome. They are 5x5 and look suitable for framing. They are $3.00 each, or a pack of 25 for $43.75.

I just know that "Bubba" is going to be world famous someday. And besides being so talented, he and his wife are the sweetest, most down to earth people you will ever meet.

"A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle." -- George William Curtis

** And the Winner is.....**

Well, just as I promised, The Ronald pulled a folded piece of paper out of a large bowl this evening, and the winner of all the prizes is.......Becky of Mom Squad!! Congratulations Becky!! And wow, a brand new follower, too. See, sometimes it "pays" to become a follower! ☺

*NOTE*  After delving into it further, later last night, I realized that the Becky who won the contest is NOT THE NEW BECKY who just joined this month....but it STILL IS "BECKY OF MOM SQUAD"! If you're confused, imagine how I felt!! I have a full explanation for anyone who wants to know, but I won't take up all that room to explain it here. You can trust, though, that I've got it right, & the right Becky won!* (Monday 11/16/10 AM)

Becky, please e-mail me (address in My Profile) with your address, and also let me know which gift card you would like: Borders, Barnes & Noble, Home Goods, Big Lots, Hobby Lobby or Kirklands.

I want to thank everyone who participated, whether you are a new follower, or one that has been with me for awhile. I truly appreciate each and every one of you, whether you have time to stop by, and leave a comment or not. I really believe that sharing my thoughts and ramblings with my blog friends has made me a better writer!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AND, speaking of writing, this is straight out of Whispering Angel Books: "Our next anthology, Nurturing Paws, is currently accepting positive and uplifting short stories and poems that illustrate the healing power of animals in our lives. The deadline is March 15, 2011 and there is no submission fee."

They also have a manuscript contest, so be sure and check that out, too! Looks like a great opportunity to me!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"A leaf fluttered in through the window this morning, as if supported by the rays of the sun, a bird settled on the fire escape, joy in the task of coffee, joy accompanied me as I walked." -- Anais Nin

* Contest-Give-Away Almost Here *

There's still time to be eligible for my give-away! The Ronald will pick a name out of a hat at 6:00pm CST this evening. I'll take comments/entries right up to the last minute! See my post of Sunday, November 7th to find out all about it.

The prize is everything shown here, PLUS a $25.00 gift card!

Evelyn Ryan: “You know what the worst part of it is?”

 Mrs. Bidlack: “What?”


Evelyn Ryan: “A quart of milk got sucked up inside my girdle.” –from the movie, The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio. (2005)

* A Beautiful Day *

Today was such a wonderful day. The temperature fell to a brisk and windy mid-40s, which made it perfect for a day of fall craft fairs, and other holiday shopping. Gal pals Sherry and Crazy Rita and I met at 8:00am at our local Bread Co. By the time Sherry dropped us off, back at where Rita and I had parked our cars, it was almost 4:00pm! All three of us got a few bargains, either for our own decorations, or for Christmas gifts for others. We've known each other since we met at the same workplace in the mid 1980s and became instant friends. We can have serious discussions, but most of all we laugh and have the best of times, just being together.

Speaking of finding bargains today.....Look at my beautiful angel, HOLDING A BOOK! I didn't expect to find any "figures holding books" today, nor was I even looking for any, but this beautiful angel found me, in a huge warehouse of a store. Just about everything in the store was VERY expensive, to the point of being ridiculously expensive. But it was in an expensive neighborhood, and we were there just to browse and gawk, to be perfectly honest....and hoping to find a good sale....which didn't happen! I was the only one who found anything to buy, & I stood in line for a LONG time, to buy this beautiful little 4 inch statue for $9.00! The pictures don't do her justice. She is so lovely, and sparkly and I just love her!! So, I have 3 in my collection now! The angel, Santa and the duck!  Ahhhh, Simple Pleasures!

Welcome & thank you to my two newest followers, numbers 142 & 143: Mya and Faith Hope CherryTea! I really cannot believe that I am nearing 150 followers! It's amazing and I'm so appreciative of each and every one of you! Thank you, thank you!!

I also wanted to mention that two of my blog buddies have contests going on right now. Lisa Ricard Claro's contest ends on Monday, November 15th, so hurry on over! And Karen Lange's contest ends at noon on Wednesday, November 17th, so you need to hurry over there, as well. If anyone else is having a contest that I forgot to blog about, please let me know! I don't want to leave anyone out. And also, don't forget that MY contest ends on Monday, November 15th, too!

Tomorrow, I really must get back into my routine of writing every day, again!! I started out so well on November 1st and it lasted for about 3 whole days. Aacckkk! Hey Joe! I need another shout-out from you about Baby Steps!! Where ya been?

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances." -- Martha Washington

* This 'n That on a Saturday Morning *

Good morning! First of all, welcome to my two newest followers: The Quintessential Magpie & Rosemills! Thank you both for taking the time to stop and comment, and also become a follower. I truly appreciate it!

(courtesy: perfectlittlestiches.com)

Blog friend, TK Richardson over at My Writing Masquerade just listed 13 great links to various writer and publishing sites. She also has a contest that ends late Sunday, November 14th. Be sure and stop by!

Writing Contest: The Mona Schreiber Prize for Humorous Fiction and Non-Fiction. I wanted to enter this last year and just got busy and missed the deadline. Here's part of what Brad Schreiber says: "Humor is subjective. Uniqueness is suggested. Weirdness is encouraged." So, I know some of you out there definitely fit those categories! It's a "snail mail" entry and must be postmarked by December 1st.

Writing Contest: Fine Lines 55 Word Writing Contest. Fiction only. E-mail or snail-mail. Deadline December 31st. I don't know anything about this one, but it sure looks like a fun challenge! Come on, you microfiction writers out there!

Writing Contest: Windmill Women Writers. Fiction, 1000 word limit, Deadline December 3rd. Here's the kicker....you story must have the word "Christmas" in it. It doesn't have to be ABOUT Christmas, though! Hmmm, interesting! Also, it doesn't mention that little bit of very important information on the Contest Guidelines page...only on the Home Page! Again, I don't know anything about this, other than it looked interesting and challenging!

I'm curious as to how many of you have entered any of the contests I've mentioned in the last few months. Please let me know, and obviously, I certainly want to hear the fantastic news of any winners or honorable mentions, etc.!! It's just for my own curiousity. I don't get paid anything for mentioning any of the contests or calls for submissions I post. I just like to share whatever information I come across that looks like it's worth sharing!

Have a beautiful, blissful Saturday!

"I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship." Louisa May Alcott  (Little Women)

* Beautiful Moments Need Not Be Expensive *

This kind of says it all, doesn't it?

I just realized this morning that I missed my 2 Year Blog Anniversary by two days! I began blogging on November 10, 2008, after much persuading and urging by writer-blog-friend, Karrie Mcallister. She helped me realize that I did indeed need a blog. Karrie even helped me get started on blogspot...all the way from Ohio. Yay for e-mail! I'm sure other writer friends told me about blogging, too, but Karrie was the catalyst.

Thanks again, Karrie! I owe ya!

Remember when I posted a picture of this old tree recently? I mentioned that's where we see an owl or two from time to time. Well.....I know it's very hard to see, but at the top of the tree, a little left of the center, is one of those beautiful birds! I actually took this picture from my office window this morning, holding my camera between the slats in the blinds. I zoomed as close as I could (not the best camera for long shots!) and used the "no flash" feature. If you click on this, though, you'll see a huge view.

What prompted me to look out the window was I heard the familar hoot-hoot that I hear so often! The last time that happened, by the time I went and grabbed my camera, he had flown away.

More Simple Pleasures!

Tiger-Gal's view when she lays by the front storm door.

She LOVES to lay there and keep a watchful eye, and/or snooze and I LOVE to watch her, too.

More Simple Pleasures!

Two Guys With Books!

I bought the little duck for a couple of dollars earlier this year at a place called Apple Wagon. It's located in Williamsburg, Missouri, which we pass when we drive to Osage Beach, Mo. He was just so cute, standing there holding his book...and me being a book person...I just had to have him! I didn't think any more about it....as in maybe having a "collection of book holding animals and/or people"...until I saw old Santa there, at Dollar Tree! Well, you know I had to buy him, too. So, I guess since I have TWO of them, I've officially begun a collection!

More Simple Pleasures!

"The simplest things give me ideas." - Joan Miro

* Veterans Day 2010 *

It's Veterans Day, 2010. How many of our WWII veterans are still alive? Not very many I'm sure. The same could be said about veterans of the Korean War. I know the WWII men & women were welcomed home with cheers by the citizens of our country. I really don't know if the same is true about our Korean vets.

I do know, however, that the Vietnam vets were treated miserably when they came home. I don't really know how the veterans of current and recent "wars" are thought of when they get back, but I'm pretty sure it's better than the ones from Vietnam.

I have friends and relatives who served our country in both war times and peaceful times. Yesterday, I wrote about being grateful for my life, and it didn't occur to me then, to add them to my list. Thank you all.

This isn't going to be a rant about how veterans of war are treated. I don't write a political blog, but I will say this...If you've never been to Washington, DC and seen Arlington Cemetery and/or the Vietnam Wall, you've missed out on a couple of powerful sights. You will surely have chills......

I just want to remind us all of the following:

"Why do we kill people who are killing people to show that killing people is wrong?" ~ Holly Near

"I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, 'Mother, what was war?' " ~ Eve Merriam

"Nations have recently been led to borrow billions for war; no nation has ever borrowed largely for education. Probably, no nation is rich enough to pay for both war and civilization. We must make our choice; we cannot have both." ~ Abraham Flexner

*A Grand, Grateful Day*

First of all, I am overwhelmed by the number of comments and new followers I've received since posting my new contest! Thank you all so much. It really means a lot to me that people enjoy visiting my blog. I am truly grateful for that. Welcome new followers: Krysten, Together We Save, Ann, Donnie, Becky, Tammy, Thmini2 and Cheri!

Today was another near perfect autumn day. Blue skies, few white clouds, light winds, very warm temperatures. Fortunately, I was able to be outside for a little while and soak up some of the bliss. For that I am also grateful.

I saw a few writer-friends today, and although it was way too brief, they still brought smiles to my face. For that I am grateful.

A very dear friend stopped by my house this evening, and again even though she could only stay a minute, we shared smiles and laughs together. For that I am grateful.

A check arrived in the mail today! It's my payment for the Thin Threads story. (the book is due out later this month.) I am sharing the money with Tara, who actually lived the story. All I did was write it, after getting together with her a few times, and taking LOTS of notes. She and I have become friends and I admire her greatly. We'll both be attending the "Habitat for Humanity, Celebration of Trees" event this Thursday evening. I am grateful for meeting her and our resulting friendship.

One more "grateful" thought. Yesterday, while walking through my neighborhood, it occurred to me how fortunate I am to live in a country, in a town, in a neighborhood, where it is safe to take a leisurely walk during the day or night. I know this. I try to always remember this. But how many others do not? Isn't there always something to gripe and complain about? Some people just cannot see the goodness right in front of them. And something else I think about SO often.....Why am I here, in this particular place...when millions of others suffer and live in such horrendous conditions? Those are some questions which I might never receive an answer, but they help me to remember to always strive to feel very fortunate and grateful.

"Grateful"

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." -- Denis Waitley

* Contest Give-Away for November *

First of all, I'd like to say welcome and thank you to Mr. Robert Brault for becoming my 130th follower! If you don't know Robert Brault, than you definitely are missing out on some fabulous quotes and other greatness! Thanks, Robert....I'm honored!

As promised, here's my contest give-away for November. I have 6 items, PLUS a $25.00 Gift Card! I decided to wait and buy the gift card after the winner has been chosen. That way, the lucky person can choose from a few suggestions and not be "stuck" with something they can't really use.

Here's the descriptions: 

A package of 12 file folders in a blue & white floral pattern.

A "Create Your Own Calendar" that can be colored in and comes with 500 small stickers. When opened, it measures 19" long by 12" wide. It's not just for kids, either! I've had fun creating one for myself!

A small weekly planner; great to go in your purse.

A "My Daily Journal". This is a hardcover book with spiral binding and nice sturdy pages.

A hardcover book, "Don't Get Scrooged", by Richard Carlson (author of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff")

And, a small, hardcover book, "what i read". This little gem keeps track of the books you've read and gives you room to rate each book and write other thoughts about it.

All 6 items, PLUS a $25.00 Gift Card will be yours, if your name is chosen! I think this time, instead of using random.org, I'll let The Ronald pick a name out of a basket.

All items are brand new and would make great gifts, too!

This is the inside of "what i read"

I apologize for the photos. My camera doesn't take the best pictures!

This is the inside of the weekly planner. I like this kind the best because it has plenty of room for each day.

These are the stickers for the Create Your Own Calendar.

This is what every page in the My Daily Journal looks like. I think it has great prompts.

And, finally, the inside of one of the months in the Create Your Own Calendar!

Now, you are probably thinking....What do I have to do to be entered in this fabulous contest??

1) Be a Follower

2) Leave a comment

3) If you mention this on your blog, with a link to mine,

 you're name will be entered twice.

That's it!! The drawing will be held on Monday night, November 15th, at 6:00 pm CST.

Good Luck! And don't forget to start thinking about what gift card you'd like to have, if you're the winner!

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*Footnote*:  The cost to ship these prizes to another country never entered my mind, until someone mentioned it today. SO, since there's nothing in "the rules" about it, everyone is eligible to win!

Also, I've given it some thought, and the winner will be given this choice of gift cards to choose from: Borders, Barnes & Noble, Home Goods, Big Lots, Hobby Lobby or Kirkland's.

I think that should cover just about everyone's taste, don't you?!

Thanks again and tell all your bloggie friends to stop by and enter!

* New Contest Give-Away Announcement *

A couple of days ago, I realized I'm behind in my monthly contest again. At least I think I am. I've kind of lost track. But, I have some really nice items to put together to make a Grand Prize! Stay tuned because tomorrow I'll post all about it...the qualifications and the prizes. One little hint: Along with the items, a gift card will also be included!


"Honest to goodness, it's the absolute ultimate." -- Gidget (1959)

(Quote from famous last lines of movies. Can't you just see perky, little Sandra Dee saying this?!)

* Yikes Friday - Part 2 *

As I mentioned before, I am so upbeat and excited about things going on in my life right now! Everything just feels so "right", you know? I had a conversation the other day with someone about my book, and the time I spend on my blog, etc. And yes, I know the time spent on blogging is time that could be spent on my book. BUT, I feel as if I'm right where I should be at this point in my life. This journey of mine, of writing my book, of becoming friends with other writers, of learning so much more about writing, of meeting new wonderful people through blogging. I feel as if I'm walking on a winding path that's leading me toward my goals, all at just the right speed and time. I've been envisioning my success for quite a long while now, and I am almost there. I can feel it.

(courtey: flickr)

“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.” -- Bob Moawad

* Yikes! It's Friday Already! *

It's been a very busy and exciting week. I've been getting some writing accomplished, which is my first priority. Been seeing friends and acquaintances: always a good time. Had an appointment at the new facility where Saturday Writers will host their monthly meetings, beginning in January 2011. Fabulous place! And, this morning I'm attending another marketing meeting, which offers great tips and suggestions on how to market our books. (and in my case, that means...once I get it finished!)

I think 2011 is going to be a fantastic year to be President of Saturday Writers! I'm very excited and enthusiastic about what lies ahead. In addition to the website, we're also going to post information on our blog, which is: www.saturdaywriters.blogspot.com. (I just posted the first entry last night.) Stay tuned for more updates!

One quick Call for Submissions: Columbia Chapter of Missouri Writers Guild. They have exteneded the submissions deadline to November 30, 2010, for their new anthology. They are looking for poetry, short fiction, non-fiction, and "graphics of original artwork & black-and-white photographs are welcome." No entry fees.

Also, Women of Faith Writing Contest. Your story must be a minimum of 10,000 words. Deadline to submit an entry is January 15, 2011.  (I was really happy to come across this one, because I know there's many of you searching for places to submit Christian writing.)

* I forgot to mention a Hello and Thank you to my newest follower: Tom!
Hi Tom and thanks for stopping by! *

Have a wonderful, blissful day!

"If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?" -- T. S. Eliot

*A Great Day - Books, Writing & Contests*

It's been a great day! A couple of days ago I made up my mind to begin a new routine, starting today, November 1st. It's nearing midnight and I'm very happy to report that it's gone better than I'd even hoped. I won't divulge everything on my new schedule, because.....well, just because! I know I will not fail, though.

First bit of news:  I wrote 1,381 words today! That is a very good number for me.

Second: I sold 2 Cuivre River Anthologies today! "Thank you" to a couple of wonderful friends!

Third: Lovely friend and blogger, Lisa Ricard Claro is having her first blog contest. Jump on over there and check it out. She has beautiful autumn prizes and promises the winner will receive them before Thanksgiving!

Fourth: Saturday Writers is having its:
2010 Saturday Writers 9th Annual Short Story Contest


DEADLINE: November 10, 2010 (postmarked) Word Limit: 2010 (as in the year 2010)
Contest is open to all writers. (you don't have to be a member!) Open subject, open genre. (Please, no pornography or gore.)
Prizes: 1st place - $100, 2nd place - $50, 3rd place - $25, 4th place - $15, 5th place - $10. 6-10th places receive certificates. Winners may be invited to submit their story to Cuivre River Anthology.
Entry fee: $7 per story Maximum of three entries per person (separate fee for each entry)
• Members of Saturday Writers, OWL, MWG, or other MWG Chapters: $5 per story
• Checks payable to: Saturday Writers.
• Short stories only (no poems, essays or articles) must be in English
• Unpublished at time of submission and the original work of the contestant
• Contestants retain all rights to their stories
• Standard manuscript format: 8 1/2 x 11 paper
• Two copies of each entry
• Typed and double-spaced on one side of the paper
• Pages numbered, title of entry on every page
• Times New Roman 12-point
• Paper clip pages together (do not staple)
• No name or other identifying information should appear anywhere on entry
• Attach a separate cover sheet and include: story title, name, address, e-mail, phone number, and MWG chapter name (if applicable)
• Do NOT send by certified mail!
• Mail fee and two copies of each entry, flat, not folded, by November 10 (postmark) to:
2010 Saturday Writers
9th Annual Short Story Contest
c/o Pat Wahler
18 Pershing Lake Drive
St. Peters, MO 63376

Keep a copy of your entry because stories will not be returned. Winners' names will be announced during the December Saturday Writers meeting. For a list of winners, visit the Saturday Writers CONTESTS page in December: www.saturdaywriters.org Certificates and prizes will be mailed by the end of December 2010. Questions? E-mail Pat Wahler, K9friend1@sbcglobal.net

My Own Note: This is a wonderful contest with only a $7.00 entry fee, per story. AND Members of Saturday Writers, OWL, MWG, or other MWG Chapters: it's only $5 per story.
It's not one that usually receives hundreds or thousands of entries....like some writing contests do....so your chances of winning are much greater! How about giving it a try? Let's show my favorite writer organization that my blog friends are "Writer-contest-entering-kind-of-people"! (And in case you're wondering....knowing me won't help in the judging! I have nothing to do with it!)

"A sense of humor... is needed armor. Joy in one's heart and some laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life." -- Hugh Sidey