* UPDATE ON OUR DEAR FRIEND, CLAUDiA...AKA BOOKiE *

On May 30th, I wrote a post about my friend, Claudia Mundell, AKA "Bookie".

Since that time I've received a few short emails from Claudia, relating to her illness and subsequent battle. I have no idea how I would react to receiving news that I had cancer, or how I would handle all the pain, discomfort, and sometimes pure hell that a person goes through. But I can tell you that Claudia's courage and strength continue to amaze and inspire me.

She is definitely a fighter, and I recently wrote to her "You are one tough broad! And I mean that in the best, most meaningful way!! Keep hanging in there." 

Another thing I love about Claudia is her way with words. She is, after all, a very good writer! Below are some of her charming thoughts she shared in an email:

"...This morning I dressed in color for first time in 6 weeks... It only took me four hours to bathe and dress! But it felt good...I saw___doctor and he is a cute little butterball with scruffy face. When he enters a room, there is this crunchy energy that comes with him. I want to curl up in his scrub pocket and ride along on his energy!"

Can't you just envision that doctor? J

If you are a person who believes in prayer, please include Claudia in yours, that as she continues to fight this disease, she will have both physical and emotional strength, and keep her wonderful sense of humor.

* A WINNER & A CELEBRATION *

The winner of the giveaway I posted last Wednesday is none other than......Bookie!

Congratulations! I will be mailing your prizes in the next few days.

 

~~~

 

 

source: 123greetings.com

Happy Victoria Day to my Canadian friends!





** Thanks Again **

Thanks again to everyone who participated in my 100 Word Contest. As I said in my comment in the previous post, it really was hard to make the decision and choose just one winner! All of you are winners in my mind! And thank you for the compliments and congratulations given to Bookie/Claudia!

Bookie/Claudia has chosen The Condition, by Jennifer Haigh, as her extra bonus gift! (And as I spelled out in the fine print....she has to wait until AFTER I read it, before I will mail it to her!)  ☺
As you can see, I played around with my blog background last night. I think I've got it to where I'm happy with it, except for one thing. I was able to change font sizes and colors everywhere except in the area at the top where I posted a few quotes. If anyone can tell me how to make those letters larger, please let me know.

Tomorrow's post will highlight a certain blogger I know, AND say a little something to my newest followers!

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." -- Herm Albright

** And The Winner Is....**

We've all heard how hard it is to judge a writing contest, or to select the best of the best for an anthology, and believe me...that is so true.

I received twelve submissions for my writing contest, based on a photo prompt. All the stories were so unique and had their own individual voice. I barely glanced at them when I received each e-mail, because I didn't want to begin judging while the person's identity was fresh in my mind.

Tonight after I printed each story, I cut out any name or e-mail address, and gave them to The Ronald to read. After he made some decisions, I read all of them and made some of my own decisions. A little discussion began and then I was the one who ultimately made the final decision. (By the way, The Ronald was really pleased to be part of this and took it very seriously!) Thanks to all twelve who took the time to write a story and submit it. I really appreciate it and I thought it was lots of fun, hopefully for you, too.

THE WINNER IS: BOOKIE - CLAUDIA!  Coming in at exactly 100 words.  Below is her story:

Addy swung her worn boot into the truck, brown leather faded white from work. She drove down the bumpy lane’s fresh wash outs, bouncing with a bronc rider’s grace. As she passed the Winston place, she saw an autumn scarecrow waving. None of that fall frippery for their place, only work.

When she pulled into the farm store, she saw a painter’s palette of robust hues. The uninhibited colors took her breath away. Pumpkins nestled among mums like perfect harvest moons, something she hadn’t witnessed in years.
Driving away, her cargo included orange and yellow mounds.

What would John think?

I chose this one because the story took me along with it. I was right there with Addy, as if I was riding along in the passenger side of the truck....and smiling silently as she headed home with her somewhat forbidden cargo! Great job, Claudia! Please e-mail me and let me know which book you'd like to add to your prizes.

"I try to leave out the parts that people skip." ~ Elmore Leonard