* KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED *

Yesterday afternoon, after a long day at work (thank the Lord for air conditioning!), I received an email from Chicken Soup for the Soul that a story I submitted had made it to the first phase of their selection round! (It's a book about forgiveness.) Wow! I had a story accepted for one of their doggie books in 2017, but this soon for another one is surprising. (It was back in 2007 and 2008 that I had four stories accepted. As I've mentioned many times, I just can't get back into it very much.)

So, anyway, don't know when I'll hear for sure, but for now I'm honestly putting it out of my mind, which isn't difficult because I'm so forgetful anyway. Ha!

Oh, this isn't what I was eluding to in my July 9th post, either! 😃

~~~~

Speaking of books...I finally made it to the library today...BUT I forgot to take my list of books and authors I wanted to find. Duh. (I've been blaming my forgetfulness and other silliness on the effects of anesthesia, but that might be getting too old, so now I'm going with the excessive heat we're having and it's not supposed to end anytime soon.)

I did get three books. One from a familiar author that I like, Elizabeth Berg, and 2 others I haven't heard of: Tara Conklin and Dana Bate. (Oh and I dropped off a copy of my memoir for them to send to their "marketing department" or something like that.)

I finished Good Riddance a couple of days ago. It was typical Elinor Lipman, a fun, not profound, easy read.

~~~~

This photo makes me really happy, for various reasons...

I want to visit Switzerland and/or Austria so much some day, to see sites like this, 

AND it makes me feel I'm in a much cooler temperature! 

Stay cool or warm, depending on your part of the world!!

Exciting News!

Three French Hens 

Wildwood, Missouri 

 

"This would be a great Mother’s Day gift."

"We all end up with chin hairs." 

"Sold exclusively at Three French Hens."

-- Jeanie Hood, owner

https://www.facebook.com/ThreeFrenchHensAntiques/

Recently I reached out to the owner, Jeanie Hood, about selling my memoir on consignment at her beautiful store. 

She said "yes!"

I dropped off some books yesterday in hopes of sales for Mother's Day gifts. 

She loves the title and will read it as soon as possible so she can talk to her customers about it. 

I'm doing happy dances because in addition to the opportunity for more book sales, I know I have met a new friend, a kindred spirit, and that means more than any dollar amount...

Please click on the link above to their Facebook page and learn more about Jeanie and her store!  

snapdragons - one of my favorites 

And to all the Moms out there...Happy Mother's Day!

* 3 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH & A SPECIAL BOOK PRICE *

Can it possibly be THREE years since I finally completed and published my memoir??

Publication date: November 6, 2013.

Sometimes I still can't believe I actually did it, but I had lots of help.

+ In honor of my deceased father, I'm offering a print copy of my memoir at a discounted price through the end of December 2016. Since Amazon and Barnes & Noble's online store already sell it for $12.95 plus shipping, if you buy it directly from me I'll not only match their price, but will also pay the shipping! (In USA only. Anywhere outside of the USA, I'll have to charge shipping.)


My website http://www.beckypovich.com/ has always offered it at $18.14, which includes Missouri tax and shipping. But I'll take care of the tax, too, for this special offer.

 

So, that means it's only $12.95 each when shipped within the USA!

I'll also be happy to sign them individually, if requested.

 

 

 

 MY MEMOIR WOULD MAKE A

FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS GIFT!

 

 

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/

 

 

 

* If you are interested in ordering, please e-mail me or leave a comment and I'll get right back to you! * THANK YOU!

 

 



 

 

As many Amazon reviews point out, this is a great read,

no matter your age or gender -

 

 

"...I often found myself putting Povich's book down while I stopped in my cerebral rest stop to pursue my own past, and marvel at the similarities and differences. This is not a book through which one races - savor the nuances and differences, as one savors a multi-course banquet...Be sure to have your favorite comfort drink by your side - tea, coffee, lemonade - as this is as much a conversation with Becky Povich sharing her side of life, as it is a reminiscence oasis." - John Busbee, writer, actor, director, also the producer and host of "The Culture Buzz" on KFMG 98.9 FM, Des Moines, Iowa.

 

 

 "Charming!" - A.E. Hotchner, St Louis' own bestselling author.

 

 

"Becky Povich's memoir, From Pigtails to Chin Hairs, is a largely affectionate account of life's ups and downs from a writer who learned to find her voice -- and her bliss." - Teri Rizvi, founder of the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop at the University of Dayton.

 

 

 

 

I'LL ALSO BE HAPPY TO GIFT WRAP EACH BOOK! WHERE ELSE CAN YOU RECEIVE SUCH PERSONAL SERVICE, AND WITH A SMILE?  J



 



 

+ So, what does my deceased father have to do with a special price on my memoir? Because tomorrow, November 30th, is the anniversary of his death in 2002, and we were able to reconnect in a good way before he died. A chapter about him, "Thoughts on Love & Forgiveness" is included in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Divorce & Recovery.

And also, the following is on Page ii of my memoir:

“If it hadn’t been for my father, both literally and figuratively, this memoir would never have been written.”

 

 

        

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* ANOTHER GOODREADS GIVEAWAY *

Goodreads Book Giveaway

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs

by Becky Lewellen Povich

Giveaway ends May 27, 2016.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

* A HOME IS GONE, BUT NOT THE MEMORIES *

This is a photo of my Grandma Louise & Grandpa Harl Dorsey on the left, and my Great Aunt Grace & Great Uncle Albert Foster on the right. (Louise & Grace were sisters.) It was taken near the side of my grandparents' house in Greenfield, Iowa. I still love that small town, and visit it often, where I spent magical vacations as a little girl during the 1950s and early '60s.

Greenfield, Iowa - 1950s

It's the only photo I could quickly locate, but hopefully I'll come across a few more later. I'm so terribly sad and have actually shed some tears, because I learned this past Tuesday, Sept 8th, that it BURNED DOWN. (No cause known at this time.) It had been bought, and sold, and rented over the years, and was in pretty bad shape, but I'd always dreamed of having enough money someday to buy it and renovate it back to the beauty and charm it displayed all those years ago.

I wrote about these four lovely ancestors in several chapters of my memoir, "From Pigtails to Chin Hairs," and how much they meant to me. The following is the last paragraph in the chapter, "A Timeless Journey."

       The furniture, pictures on the walls, and old-fashioned knick-knacks were always the same: crocheted doilies here and there, roller shades on the windows, white sheets on the beds that smelled like sunshine, and Grandma’s quilt with the little, yellow sunbonnets on it. This was a place where time stood still—no matter how long between visits—and always surrounded me with feelings of love, comfort, and home.

The next time I visit Greenfield, I think it will be difficult to not drive along SW 2nd Street, the way I've always done before, looking for that familiar home, but I'm also sure it would be very depressing to see an empty lot. Only time will tell.

* NOSTALGIC SUNDAY *

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

 

Yesterday I received a Facebook message from someone who was both a grade school and high school friend. (Yes, once again Facebook has been a good thing for me, so I guess I better quit stating that I don't like Facebook!) It wasn't "just a message," but it contained some very profound words. The kind of words we writers live for.

Her name is Debbie and we'd kept slightly in touch through Facebook, mostly through our "Group Leader" who is so good about keeping classmates up to date on things, and arranging reunions, both large and small. A couple of weeks ago, Debbie sent me a check for a signed copy of my memoir. The following are her words, taken directly from our Facebook messages. (And yes, she gave me permission to use them.)


DEBBIE

"Totally enjoyed your book. Will definitely be interested in your sequel. It did make me laugh, make me sad, made me want to sit down and have a cup of coffee with the author like Judith Hendricks said. And it also did make me remember a lot more from my past and brought my life into a sharper focus like Susan Bono said. It definitely left me wanting more so bring on that sequel girlfriend - I am definitely ready. Thanks again, Becky."

"Oh by the way - Was Gary XXX the boy in grade school? Thought I recognized the description. If it was, it was the first boy I kissed in 8th grade. LOL... Maybe not the first for sure but the first I can remember. CRS"


Becky

"OMG! You are one fast reader, Debbie!" [I think she read it in one day.] "Thank you SO MUCH for your compliments!! Those words mean the world to me! And yes, that was Gary XXX! I asked his permission first, to use his name, and after I wrote the chapter, let him read it and give his okey dokey! He's a really nice guy. Did you remember that the house your family was renting on 87th Street, was the one my family moved into and rented after your home was ready?? Thanks to YOU! I think you had me over for dinner one night, or something, and I found out then about you guys renting it. You saved us!! True!"


DEBBIE

"ZZZZ did tell me about that although I had a stroke in 1975 and I lost a lot of memories - so I did not recall it. I am not very computer savvy on sharing anything correctly but I did put a new message on facebook about your book. I think you brought back memories for me that I thought I had lost forever and I am not sure how but somehow through the listing of songs and just different little things - something started coming back. Amazing. You are sure welcome to use anything I have written to you as a quote or recommendation. Also, you are an inspiration also to all of us that kept things inside and our insecurities. Still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. LOL but not really funny. I use laughter as a defense.

PS I am not usually a fast reader however I just wanted to keep reading - couldn't put it down."

 

Becky

 

"You are so sweet! And I'm sorry I didn't know about your stroke. How wonderful that you have recovered from it as much as you have! YOU are inspirational, Debbie. And I agree with you....I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up! Thank you again!! My STA and St. Philips friends/aquaintances have been my best cheerleaders! It feels so wonderful. Bless you...and xoxo "

 

~~~

 

This Is Why I Write. This is what I hope for when I write; for readers to feel something...happiness, sadness, memories of their own, hopefully to make a difference in their lives. And when Debbie shared her above feelings with me, I was on top of the world.

 

 

 

“If the book is true, it will find an audience that is meant to read it.”
—Wally Lamb

 

* THE FUSSY LIBRARIAN *

Earlier today I wrote about a new site I found a few months ago: Carrie Ann Lahain. Whether you're an author and/or reader, you'll find many interesting book reviews and other articles. Please check it out.

~~~

Another site I stumbled across not too long ago is The Fussy Librarian. Again whether you're an author and/or reader, this site is for you! It's free to join, I highly recommend it, and will write more about it on a later post.

If you click on the link above on Saturday the 25th after about 12:00 noon CDT, my memoir should be the first or second one appearing on the page! Newsletters are e-mailed to members, and those who indicated they enjoyed reading memoirs, will be notified about mine, along with others. Only so many are highlighted per day, so it's not too overwhelming. Please take a moment to check it out!

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart." - William Wordsworth

* CARRIE ANN LAHAIN - AUTHOR, READER, REVIEWER *

Looking for a good book to read? Or maybe to add to your already huge stack of "to be read" books? Keep reading and you'll find out where to read tons of reviews that might help you decide.

I don't remember how I found Carrie Ann Lahain (you know, the usual web searching, blog hopping, etc. and then I have no idea how I got there?) I love her statement at the top of her site: Because Good Writers Read!

Carrie is both a writer, a voracious reader, and sometimes gives book reviews. I'm very grateful that she agreed to read my memoir, From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More. Her review is posted on Amazon, other websites, and it's highlighted today on her website here:

One of the things I really enjoyed about her review was how she "got it", how she grasped what I wrote about my relationships with my mother and my oldest sister.

Carrie stated she's slowing down on review request acceptances because she has SO many already, but you can check out her website and read the requirements.

Thank you again, Carrie, for sharing your thoughts about my memoir.

"Keep in mind that the person to write for is yourself. Tell the story that you most desperately want to read." -
Susan Isaacs

 

* A GLOWING REVIEW OF MY MEMOIR! *

‘Pigtails to Chin Hairs’ - the arc of an enticing memoir

A Culture Buzz review by John Busbee

(radio talk show host)

 

December 12, 2014                In Becky Povich’s beguiling memoir, the title says it all: “From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir and More.” That alone caught my attention, leading me to explore the content between the two vintage designed covers of her memoir. Once inside, the journey became personal, as I’m sure it has for an ever-growing legion of fans.

            Povich serves her readers a delectable brew as she guides them through familiar waters, distilling the essence of her life into a complex elixir flavored with a diversity of flavorings. From humorous to poignant to self-effacing, the reader will find touchstone recollections which will, in turn, spark readers to wander through their own memories. I often found myself putting Povich’s book down while I stopped in my cerebral rest stop to pursue my own past, and marvel at the similarities and differences. This is not a book through which one races – savor the nuances and differences, as one savors a multi-course banquet.

            Lacking any pretentious overtones, Povich has crafted another addition to the pantheon of alluring memoirs. Honest, revealing, conspiratorial, mirthful – readers will find their own labels as they enjoy their journey through “From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir and More.” Be sure to have your favorite comfort drink by your side – tea, coffee, lemonade – as this is as much a conversation with Becky Povich sharing her side of life, as it is a reminiscence oasis.

~~~

* ADD A BOOK TO YOUR BOOKSHELF! *

 

Speaking of adding a book to your bookshelves.....

I'm feeling very Christmasy, so I'm going to GIVE AWAY some copies of my memoir!

For a period of time, not yet determined, whoever buys a book directly from me, will receive a 2nd book FREE! So, you can do some of your Christmas shopping right here!

AND, if you've already purchased my memoir, you may buy one or more for half price ($7.48) during my special.

* To take advantage of this, you'll need to contact me by e-mail because my website Pay Pal is not set up for this type of sale. *
Writergal53 (at) Gmail (dot) com.

Shipping will be $2.50 per book to USA addresses. For other countries, postage will be determined.

* If you signed up on my website to receive my newsletter, you will also get FREE shipping! *

SO, if you've wanted to read my memoir and haven't yet, this special is for you!

This offer won't last too long, so please take advantage of it! And tell all your friends! 
 

"Do give books - religious or otherwise - for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal." Lenore Hershey

A book is a gift you can open again and again." Garrison Keillor

"Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them. And it's much cheaper to buy somebody a book than it is to buy them the whole world!" Neil Gaiman

* BOOK GIVE-AWAY WINNER *

Congratulations to Susan at Writing Straight From The Heart - - She is the winner of a print copy of my memoir: From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More.

Your book will be on its way soon, Susan! Thanks to all who participated!

"There are perhaps no days of our childhood we lived so fully as those we spent with a favorite book." –Marcel Proust

* A PINTEREST QUOTE & BOOK GIVE AWAY *

I'm still learning about Pinterest and it occurred to me this afternoon that I could create a board of quotes, beginning with something kooky my mother said to me after I graduated from high school in 1971.

 

It was obviously so memorable I included it all these years later, in my memoir: From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More. It's at the end of the chapter titled: "That Crowbar Changed Everything"

 

 

Becky - Summer of 1971

Please click on the link below to go to the Pinterest board and read the quote.

http://www.pinterest.com/beckypovich/funny-quotes-by-mothers-to-daughters/

 

 

If you haven't already read my memoir, would you say my mother's quote would inspire/motivate you to want to read it?

 

I'm including a give-away with this blog post. If you'd like to be included for a chance to win a print copy or ebook, leave a comment below about mothers/daughters/quotes and indicate which book you prefer: print or ebook. Give-away will be open until midnight on Friday, October 24th. If you mention this on Facebook, Twitter, or your own blog, you'll get an extra point for each. Feel free to tell your family and friends - - and Good Luck!

* PARTICIPATING IN A BLOG TOUR *

Hello everyone! As I wrote in my August 17th post, I'm on a lengthy blog break, but I'm participating in a blog tour I was asked to do right before that break. I'm sure I've previously answered the following four questions during another tour, but I didn't look back to see what my responses were. (Maybe I'll check after I post this and see how different they might be!)


My dear bloggy friend, Chatty Crone, invited me. If you've read her blog then you already know what a sweetie she is. She's sincere, funny, and has a strong faith. She is a recent breast cancer survivor and openly shares her, thankfully, very swift discovery and outcome.

Okay, without further ado, here are the questions and my answers:


1) What are you working on?
      
 I'm writing the sequel (no title yet) to my memoir, From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More. I'm thrilled to say that since taking my blog break, I'm rolling right along with it. No, that doesn't mean it will be finished anytime soon! It just means I'm writing much more often that I was and it's definitely a wonderful feeling. (I need to fit some organization into my life, but writing is definitely my main focus.)
    

2) How does your work differ from others?
      I'm not sure how to answer this one! Since we are all different people and have our own habits, I really don't know how my work/writing differs from other writers. I will say this...I'm truly happy that I only write memoir/personal essays. I'm not organized enough to keep track of storylines or characters' names, etc! (Notice the sentence in parentheses in my reply to the first question!)



3) Why do you write/create what you do?
      Because I must! Ever since I discovered at the young age of 48 years old that I could write, I haven't stopped. And if I'm not at my laptop actually writing, I'm thinking about writing, jotting notes about things to write about, reading books about writing, talking with other writers about writing....You get the picture! And I write memoir because I want to share events in my life that might help others in some way because they've lived through similar situations, or are going through them now. I want them to laugh, smile, delve into themselves, maybe shed a tear, but mostly to laugh.


4) How does your writing/creating process work?
      Memories, whether happy or sad, pop into my head at all hours of the day, and sometimes in my sleep. Those are all the reasons I try to keep a pen and notepad handy, or talk into the voice notes app on my cell phone, so I'll have them when I get to my laptop to actually write. No matter where I am, there are reminders of my life, whether from long, long ago, or earlier in my adulthood: scents, sights, and sounds.
      

These flowers are in a family member's back yard.

They don't have a "scent", but the "sight" of them

certainly prompted writing ideas! And if you tap

them with your fingernail, they also make a "sound."

That's it from here.

I'm continuing to follow my bliss

 and I hope you are, too!

 

 

P.S. I'm waiting to hear back from a blog friend about being the next selection, but I wanted to go ahead and post this now.

* Note: I received an e-mail from Patti at Treasure Barn and she is happy to reply to the Blog Tour questions! It will be one day next month, which if you've noticed the calendar lately....September arrives in 5 days! Thank you, Patti!

 

* GOODREADS MEMOIR GIVE-AWAY *

Goodreads Book Giveaway

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs

by Becky Lewellen Povich

Giveaway ends August 31, 2014.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

* RUNNING ON A TREADMILL THAT TRAVELS THE HIGHWAYS *

Help, I'm on a treadmill and I can't get off!

 

 

I've been busier than ever the past couple of weeks...all in a good way.

Wednesday evening was the library event.

Then Friday night was Field of Dreams, which was an amazing evening! (Outdoors at beautiful Forest Park in St. Louis! I'll definitely blog more about that at a later date.)

Saturday morning, The Ronald and I drove to a friends' house at Lake of the Ozarks for a weekend getaway. (One of our sons came over and doggy-sat for us.) I had the best little vacation: floated in a swimming pool for hours, got a bit of a tan, ate "just caught" fresh fish, sat on a deck just enjoying the lake with best friends. It was the first time...since I don't even remember...that I didn't worry about writing or marketing or paying bills, etc. Ahhh..... 

Oh I did actually come up with a few chapter titles for my sequel.One could even be a country song title!

Below are two pictures from a 2011 visit.

Taken from the deck (Sept 2011)

While riding on pontoon boat (Sept 2011)

Tomorrow (Tuesday) my niece and her husband are coming for a short visit. They began in Georgia and have made a couple of stops along the way already.

They're just here for one day and then on Wednesday, July 30th, I'm riding with them to my favorite town in Iowa! When they leave to drive farther north, I'll stay another day or two, and then come home. I'm not sure of my agenda yet. I may hitchhike, bicycle, drive, fly, or travel by train. (I suddenly feel like an old-time hobo!)


I'm not sure when I'll write another blog post because I still need to comment on other blogs, and reply to comments left on my blog, etc. etc.

 

Wishing everyone a beautiful, blissful week!

"Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day. The good writers are the ones who see five or six of them. Most people don't see any." - Orson Scott Card

* ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES - ROLLING WITH THE FLOW *

A funny thing happened this morning. Actually it was two things. And they weren't really funny. And they were on completely opposite sides of the spectrum.

One was surprising, exciting and just "made my day" before it was even noon! I received a really nice, 5-Star review on Amazon, from one of my Goodreads winners. Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/From-Pigtails-Chin-Hairs-Memoir/product-reviews/1481157493/ref=cm_cr_pr_top_recent?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

I never dreamed I would hear back from anyone, and especially not for a review. What a fabulous feeling! (By the way, out of the four or five books I gave away, I did receive an e-mail from one or two, saying they received my book, etc. I love courteous people)

~~~

 

The second thing that happened was an e-mail I received, reporting that their review of my memoir "wasn't a rave." Hmm, not at all what I was hoping for. But, it's not getting printed anywhere which is a relief. It's my first negative review and although I was a bit hurt and disappointed at first, I just thought Wow, are they ever wrong!  J
 

 

 

As I typed "Rolling With the Punches" for my title, it also made me immediately think of Charlie Rich's 1970s hit "Rollin' with the Flow." I love everything about this song: the music, the lyrics, and the handsome guy who sings it!

 

 

So, anyway......I'm rolling with the punches....and....rollin' with the flow!

How's your day been so far?!

 





* LIVING THE WRITER'S LIFE *

For the past couple of weeks I've mentioned that I have lots of writerly info to share, and now I just hope I can remember a good percentage of it all. REMINDER TO SELF: keep better track of all the info I want to blog about!

For one thing, I've been spending a lot of time online, searching for all the different ways to market my memoir. The websites and blogs are endless and overwhelming, but I've gotten to the point where I get "a feel" right away as to whether I think one has noteworthy information or not. And still, I firmly believe the best way for a book to really take off, is by word of mouth. If enough people love a book and shout it from the rooftops, then it will soar to the top of the bestselling lists. (my dream and my goal)

Because my book is a memoir which women would particularly enjoy, I put on my old
thinking cap to come up with unique places to call on about selling it in their stores. For instance, there's a quaint shop near my home in Old St. Charles, called Thistle & Clover. They specialize in Welsh, Scottish, and Irish gifts, jewelry, clothing, etc...and a few books.

Thistle & Clover

 



I really had to talk myself into going inside that store and speaking to the owner about possibly selling my memoir there, on consignment. The owner, Karen, happened to be there the day I walked in. I showed her my book and explained how I thought it would be a great item to have in her store, since I'm part Welsh. She asked if there was anything in particular in my memoir about Wales or me being Welsh, other than my maiden name, and I hesitated for a split second and said "No!" And we both laughed. Long story short: I left a complimentary copy for her to read, stopped back a month later and she apologized for not having time to read any of it yet. I said, "Oh, I understand. No problem. I'll just check with you again in a few more weeks." I purchased a key ring that had my great-grandmother's maiden name on it: MacPherson. Yes, I'm also part Scottish! A day or two later, she e-mailed me saying she'd actually read a few pages, and that she must have my books in her store. I went to see her the next day, we talked and laughed for about an hour, and she bought six copies....full selling price! She didn't want to go the consignment way. She wanted me to have the money. Can you say New Best Friend?

 

We are definitely kindred spirits and will be meeting for dinner sometime soon. We need more time to talk!

 

That's all for this blog post. I'll be sharing much more information soon about * Living the Writer's Life. *

 

 

Welcome to my newest followers Keith Wynn at Musings of an Unapologetic Dreamer, Vickie Newman at Musing With My Tea, and Phyllis.  I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you!

 

 

 

“Laugh at yourself, but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.” -- Alan Alda