* NOSTALGIC SUNDAY *

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

Oh my goodness, I haven't posted a Nostalgic Sunday since April 21st! The Ronald and I were just talking about how fast time is going, and how "all of a sudden" we became old!

I think it's time to watch Back to the Future again.

(Gotta be the original one. I just love that movie!)

Yes, I'm feeling nostalgic, but looking back at fond memories is a way of life for me. Even when I was much younger, my happy childhood days would just pop into my mind. Obviously, since I've been writing my memoir for a number of years, I'm constantly surrounded with them. And for whatever reason(s), the majority are, thankfully, happy memories. 

Yesterday, I attended the Saturday Writers meeting and had such a wonderful time. I think I've only been to a couple of meetings this year which is really unusual for me. I saw many friends that I hadn't seen in a long time. It was like "Old Home Week." The speaker, author Pamela Foster, gave a very entertaining presentation, including challenging writing prompts.

Afterwards, a few of us dined together at a local Mexican restaurant, having a raucous time! (I'm not naming any names and you can't make me!) It was a fabulous day and one I needed much more than I realized. Friendship and camaraderie can help to heal many wounds. 

May all of you have a beautiful, blissful week!

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." -- Albert Schweitzer

* LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER *

This afternoon I decided I would share my exciting news about being one of 30 women in the St. Louis area, chosen for a reading audition, for Listen to Your Mother.

Approximately 12 out of the 30 women will be chosen to read their true story in front of a live audience on Saturday, May 11.....the day before Mother's Day. 

My story is titled: Were Those Salad Tongs?  

I didn't want to mention it any sooner because I wanted to wait and see how it went today. Fortunately, it went well!

* I am friends with three of the other women who were also chosen to audition! Patt, Kim, & Linda. 

Patt, Kim, and I are also members of Saturday Writers! 

~~~~~

The Mission Statement

The mission of each LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER production is to take the audience on a well-crafted journey that celebrates and validates mothering through giving voice to motherhood–in all of its complexity, diversity, and humor.

LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER aims to support motherhood creatively through artistic expression, and also financially–through contributions to non-profit organizations supporting families in need.

~~~~~

 * Welcome to my newest follower Adhi Das. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! * 

* I loved you enough to ask about where you were going, with whom and what time you would get home." -- Erma Bombeck

* I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that would have taken me 15 minutes." -- Erma Bombeck

* My Newest Epiphany *

Some of you may be wondering where I've been the past week. I've been extremely busy and have gotten quite a few things accomplished, but as usual, I'm still behind on everything. While lamenting the fact that I'll never get caught up, I had an epiphany. 

There is no such thing as being caught up!

Every day brings new challenges to every one of us, no matter our situation. It doesn't matter whether we're young stay-at-home moms, women who have careers outside the home, middle-aged, retired, whatever. 

Laundry will always pile up. Dishes will get dirty. Tables will get dusty. And rugs/floors will have crumbs and dog hairs on them. That's called life! 

I am SO grateful I have a husband who does not care about these things.

And at this point in my life, I've become much less concerned about the way my house looks, too, unless friends or family are coming over! Then look out! 

And so my deadlines involve writing. I've just completed going through the edited version of my memoir. Next I'll make some changes as suggested by my fabulous editor and friend: Margo Dill 

(I can't say enough wonderful things about Margo -- at least not today! I don't have the time! I just crack myself up sometimes! Seriously, I'll be talking more about Margo at a later date.)

So, this means I'm getting closer and closer to the actual publishing of my book in print! Have I mentioned that a local fellow writer (and member of Saturday Writers) came to me and said he will get my Word document formatted the way createspace needs it....and at no charge to me?? What a great guy. I must use the word "grateful" again! This will help me publish From Pigtails to Chin Hairs much sooner than I thought I could..... 

* Welcome to my newest followers Claire Hegarty, Heather Farrar, and Marie Agneau. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! * 

P.S. I know I "owe" quite a few e-mails and I will do my best to reply soon! Please don't think I've forgotten or that I'm ignoring anyone. 

* Saturday, 2/2 Another P.S. I forgot to mention the beautiful crocheted pink tea cup and other fabulous items I won in Carmelina's 2000 Followers Giveaway! If you're not familiar with Carmelina, please stop by her blog. She is an amazing artist and all around lovely lady!

"When one door closes another one opens." -- Alexander Graham

The Loss of a Writer Friend

A dear writer friend passed away yesterday morning - Bea Siros. She was 76 years old. Although she recently had serious medical issues, this comes as a shock to me and others who knew her. 


I just loved Bea. She and I were the same height (although I weighed more!) and I'd stand next to her and hug her, saying how young she looked, which was so true...and that we looked the same age...or even that I looked older than her! (Also, The Ronald has called me Bea for years and years, and so she and I had that in common, too.)


Besides being a member of a critique group I belong to, Bea also was a long time member of Saturday Writers.

Earlier this spring when we were having summer-like temperatures, I offered to pick her up one Tuesday morning and take her to Coffee & Critique....in my PT Cruiser, with the convertible top down. She was thrilled and loved every minute of it. After our critique session was over, a few of us stayed for lunch  as we usually did. When I dropped her off at her house, she asked me take a picture of her, with her camera, standing next to it...posing like a cute little school girl. I wish I had a copy of that picture.

What a talented writer, and a sweet and funny friend....I'll miss her a lot.

* Writerly News *

The past seven days have been crazy busy. I keep telling myself I am NOT going to schedule any more than TWO things a week.....meetings, lunches, even errands. I obviously need to stay home to do my writing and those pesky housewifey-type duties, but the biggest reason is I have such a Low Energy Level. I've always been like this and even took naps when I was in high school.


Yesterday, the end of an already busy week, I attended our monthly Saturday Writers meeting, which was awesome. Immediately after that, many of us went to Pasta House for a late lunch. Mmmm...good. By the time we left all I wanted to do was head home and take one of my 3-Hour Naps!  Yes, that is the typical nap I take/need. (I don't want any comments about how "lucky" I am that I can do that, because I don't work full time....blah, blah, blah. Believe me, I rather have tons of energy, than feel the way I do.)

So, why am I telling you all this? I passed up the opportunity last night, to see Anne Lamott at the St. Louis County Library. I LOVE Anne Lamott! She is a fabulous writer, but I could not get up in time to see her. It kills me that I wasn't able to attend, but I know in my heart, that I'll see her some other time.

~~~

Tomorrow and Tuesday, I'll be blog hosting Lynn Goodwin, author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers. Lynn also runs Writer Advice which is a fabulous website for....writers!
It's filled with all kinds of information; Resources, Markets, Bragboards, Manuscript Consultation, and a current CONTEST, just to name a few. Lynn is a powerful writer and a delight to work with. Please stop back by tomorrow and Tuesday!

“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” -Oprah Winfrey

* I WONDER *

It's another I Wonder Friday.

There's so much I'm wondering about today, that I have no particular theme. Just thoughts, questions, and information.

First: A HUGE Thank-You to ALL the Veterans of War from our country, and also to the military serving today. Just think how all of our lives have been affected one way or the other by these men and women. Some of us are alive today because our fathers or grandfathers came back from a war. And some of us, like myself, are alive because someone didn't make it back home. Seem impossible??

My mother's first husband did not make it home. For a few years, she was a war widow, and eventually married my dad. So, there began another branch on the Family Tree.

Second: My bloggy friend, Sue over at Sue's News, Views 'n Muse is having the most fabulous Blogaversary Give-Away that I've ever heard of! All you have to do is leave a comment and be her follower. That's it! AND...you could be one of the TWO winners of a HANDMADE QUILT! Is she crazy, or what?? And here I was, trying to decide what kind of give-away to have for MY blogaversary. No matter what I decide, nothing could ever live up to hers! So, hop on over there for Pete's sake and leave a comment and become a follower! She's a great gal and wonderful writer, too.

Third:   Here's a couple of reminders about a Writing Call Out and a Contest.

              The Mona Schreiber Prize for Humorous Fiction and Non-Fiction. Every year I tell myself I'm going to enter this contest and I never do. Why, I don't know. The entry fee is only $5.00. And from reading winners of previous years, the wackier the humor, the better! Give it a try! All entries must be post-marked by December 1st, and the winners will be announced on Christmas Eve! *Mona's son, Brad, has kept his mother's memory alive through this contest for quite a few years.

               Silver Boomer Books has a call out for a book about widows. When I first heard about it, I thought, Well, that leaves me out. I'm not a widow, and I never have been. BUT, when Becky Haigler; writer, editor and publisher (of Silver Boomer Books) spoke at our Saturday Writers Workshop last month, I had the opportunity to talk with her about various topics. I found out that the writer of the story doesn't necessarily have to be the widow in the story. Ahh...now, that's different! I'm going to submit a story about my mother's life when she suddenly became a young widow, along with thousands of others, during WWII. Submissions accepted from December 1, 2011 until March 30, 2012.

Wishing all of you a Happy, Blissful, Beautiful Friday.

 

“You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us. And the world will live as one.” -- John Lennon

* Nostalgic Sundays *

It's time for another Nostalgic Sunday.

Today's post isn't technically about nostalgia,
 but it's about little things that make me happy.

Writerly coffee mugs!
(Saturday Writers is the local writing group I've been the president of this year.)

Chocolate covered strawberries - Yum!

Beautiful fall foliage, even on a rainy day.
I took this picture from inside my laundry room.
I purposely wanted to capture the rain drops on the window.

"Cheapie" earrings from Walmart -- $2.88. (no kidding)

Same as above: $2.88

These photos don't do the earrings justice. They are really beautiful. I've never seen such nice ones for such a small price! I just happened to notice different earring displays as I walked down the aisle and couldn't believe my eyes when I looked at the price. 

I've told girlfriends over the years that whenever I'd feel a little down and needed an inexpensive pick-me-up, I'd head to the earrings in various department stores at the mall. I'd usually find a pretty pair on sale for less than $10.00 and I'd be a happy gal! BUT, to find such gorgeous ones for $2.88!...Well, I just had to go crazy and buy TWO pair!

(All photos taken by me except for the Taylor family in Mayberry. That was found in Google.)

Aunt Bee would be so proud of me and my frugality!

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." ~ Robert Brault

*I'm so proud to say that Robert Brault is a friend of mine. He is a genius, yet kind and humble, and so encouraging to others. Click on his name to go to his blog. Read some of his hundreds of quotes and sayings and maybe purchase his new calendar and/or note cards. I have them both and they are delightful.*

* This 'n That on a Tuesday *

Good morning! Happy Belated Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends! I was sure I'd be able to post something yesterday, but time sped by. I hope everyone had a lovely day!

Every year, I look forward to our Thanksgiving in November. There's just something about that time of year: Aromas. Friends. Family. Pretty table settings. No commercialism! Just scrumptious food!

~~~~                                           ~~~~~                                                        ~~~~~  
On October 6th or 7th, I received the Robert Brault calendar and note cards I ordered. They are just as beautiful or even more so than the posted photos. I haven't decided which note card to use first, or who to snail mail it to. I really like the size of the cards, too. They are 5x7, blank inside, and so there is plenty of room for writing. Most note cards are TINY and there's never enough space! So, I can honestly say I LOVE THEM. They are beautiful, inspiring and uplifting. And how cool is it to tell others that I am a Robert Brault Blog Buddy?! And so can you...hop on over and check them out. Both the calendar and note cards would make thoughtful gifts for any occasion.
~~~~                                        ~~~~~                                                           ~~~~~   

I've come to the realization that I cannot keep up with all the delightful blogs I attempt to read and comment on. Therefore in an attempt to keep my sanity, I won't be leaving comments on any blogs, nor do I expect to receive comments from any of my readers. I hope everyone understands and won't be offended. By taking this action, plus my term ending December 31st as president of Saturday Writers, I hope to have the time, energy, and desire to WRITE.

“We're running out of time babe. The dream will come no closer by itself. We got to run after it now..." -- Gaelic Proverb

* I WONDER *

It's been three weeks since my last I Wonder post. I don't remember why I missed the one on August 19th, but I really remember why I missed last week's.

One reason: I was busy getting things ready for the Saturday Writers meeting which was the next day. My scheduled speaker had to cancel and I scrambled for someone to take her place. Many thanks to Debbie Marshall, president of Missouri Writers Guild (MWG), who came to our rescue.

Second reason: I was dealing with what I thought was a very painful toothache. After a visit to my dentist on the 25th, and then an oral surgeon on the 26th.....neither could figure out what was wrong. I told both of them, "What can I say? I'm weird!" So, on Monday, the 29th, I saw my primary doctor and was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia. I won't go into details because I don't want to come across as whiny, but I had some really awful pain, for quite a few days. (I knew it wasn't a sinus infection, either, because I had none of the usual symptoms. I get them often enough to know!)

My I Wonder for this Friday is: I wonder how many of you have any special plans for this 3-Day Weekend?

Me? I have no special plans.

 I just want to relax and write, and write and relax, etc.

Also, Welcome to my newest follower, Maryann Miller. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you!

 

"If all the cars in the United States were placed end to end, it would probably be Labor Day Weekend." ~Doug Larson

* If I'm on my blog, I must be back! *

Hey Everyone! I'm happy to say that my Blog-a-Vacation has ended, at least for now. I wish I could report that I increased my word count in my memoir, by leaps and bounds, but that wouldn't be true. You know how sometimes you feel like you need to take a vacation to recuperate from your vacation?


I've been busier than ever with Saturday Writers, posting contest information, working on our October Workshop and First Annual Silent Auction. Thank goodness I have a fabulous person who volunteered to chair the auction for me. Thank you, Jennifer H.!! (Speaking of Saturday Writers, I've also just made the decision to not stay on as president next year. I've really enjoyed it, but it has taken up a lot more of my time (and energy) than I ever imagined.)

I'm very excited and honored to announce that I am the featured writer this Friday on WOW! Women on Writing Blog - The Muffin. So please stop by their blog on Friday, August 26th. You can also check out their guidelines for Friday Speak Out!

I've run across more Calls for Submissions and Contests, but I'll wait for another day to post them.

The Ronald and I have been talking about down-sizing for quite some time and have decided that NOW is pretty much the right time. So, I'll be more involved in what's been an on-going desire: De-cluttering my house! → Also, I have some beautiful office furniture For Sale. Those of you who live in my part of the world and are interested, please e-mail me for information and photos. ←

All of this, plus throw in a little more family drama, and as I wrote on August 1st: "Life always gets in the way of my plans and well intentions."

 ....but, I don't give up.


"Ain't nothin' gonna bring me down!" --  Music & Lyrics by Marvel/Mann

"Don't rain on my parade!" -- Music & Lyrics by Merrill/Styne

* I WONDER *

It's time for another Friday, "I Wonder" communique'.

I wonder: I wonder when I'll ever get caught up reading and commenting on all the blogs I love! (This is one of my goals for the weekend.) If I haven't stopped by your blog in awhile, it's nothing personal. Same goes for if I owe you an e-mail. In fact, if I do owe you an e-mail, please let me know!

AND, speaking of this weekend, all you members (and visitors) of Saturday Writers, we're having a fantastic guest speaker at tomorrow's meeting! Check here to see who it is and find out more information.

* Tuesday's Tidbits *

As some of you know, I like to participate in different blog memes. At times, they're about table settings (tablescapes), or tea cup collections, which of course require photos. And as some of you also know, I've been lamenting for a LONG time about the pictures my camera takes. Very Poor Quality. Yet I still love to play around with it and take photos, especially when sunlight and shadows are involved. Below are some I took in my dining room, as the sun was going down Sunday evening. (if you click on each photo, you'll be able to view a really BIG picture!)

The one above was taken at table level. I love both the light and shadows.

I like the way the sun shown on the goblet and napkin in this one.

This one has nice sunlight and shadows, as the sun came through the blinds.

I had a great weekend, just doing the usual things around the house. I also attended our Saturday Writers meeting and had lunch afterwards, with writer friends of course! Anything relating to writing is fabulous, you know! 

I truly hope all of you had a wonderful weekend, no matter where you are or what you did. 

Hello & Welcome to The Thumber, my newest follower! I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you!

"There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer." ~ Ansel Adams

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

* Saturday Writers Web Site *

As some of you know, I took on the position of president of Saturday Writers for 2011. Although it's been quite a bit of work and time consuming, I've loved every minute of it. We have a great group of approximately 100 members, and  fabulous board members.

Our web site has been under construction for a few weeks and I'm happy to say, it's close to being finished.

The additonal info for Members and Contact pages will follow in the next couple of days.

(image courtesy google)



Our wonderful Webmaster Guru has been living on about 2 hours of sleep every night (well, maybe a few more!) for weeks/months, and is doing this pro bono. When it's finished, it will be awesome.

Click on the link here, or above, to see what's finished at this point.

We've also been posting current Saturday Writers news on our blog, too: www.saturdaywriters.blogspot.com.

I'm very proud to be part of this group. We really do support each other, encourage each other, and have a good time, too.

Anyone and everyone is welcome. No experience required!!

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospection” -- Anais Nin

* MWG Missouri Writers Guild Just Write! Conference *

The MWG Missouri Writers Guild Conference, Just Write! was a huge success. It was wonderful to see so many writers join together to do what we writers like to do most: Talk about writing. Learn more about writing. Learn important information from agents and publishers. Learn more about publishing opportunities. Listen to inspirational speakers. Have the opportunity to purchase books from our newly published friends. Etcetera!

It was fabulous to meet C. Hope Clark, owner of Funds for Writers. Hope's blog and newsletters are packed full of helpful information that we writers crave.

Our banquet dinner's keynote speaker was St. Louis' own, Elaine Viets. She traveled all the way from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to be part of our wonderful weekend. Elaine is an extremely funny lady. Check her website to learn more about her and possibly purchase a book or two!

I had the pleasure to be the shepherd (guide) to Linda C. Apple during the conference. Linda is a writer and speaker. She has stories published in thirteen (13) Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She's also written two books and is working on a historical romance. I purchased one of Linda's books, "Inspire! Writing from the Soul." (Instructional guide to inspirational writing.) She also has a blog. I can't say enough about how much I admire and like Linda. She inspired me to get back to my writing with renewed interest. It was truly a joy to be in her presence.

Some of our Saturday Writer members were winners of, or received honorable mention in the various conference contests. Jack Zerr, Marcia Gaye, Pat Wahler, Alice Mushany & Donna Volkenannt Congratulations to all! (If I've forgotten anyone, please tell me. There were so many names announced last night and y'all know I have an awful memory!)

And now....the coveted award we received was......drum roll please.......

MWG's Silent Auction: The Basket Wars! I don't know if Saturday Writers has ever won it in the past, but I was determined to win this year! Our large and lovely gift basket was: Death by Chocolate. Everything in it was either chocolate, or had something to do with chocolate, and not necessarily edible! Included were the DVDs Chocolat, and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. There were cookbooks with chocolate recipes and there were books with chocolate in the title such as Chocolate for a Woman's Soul. Add a lovely, handmade knitted dark brown scarf, and a chocolate candle, plus tons of chocolate candies and box mixes. Voile'...Death by Chocolate!

A big thank you to Barbara Hodges, the Basket Wars coordinator, and all the Saturday Writer members who donated items for our basket! And it wouldn't have come together if it wasn't for Sioux Roslawski who searched all over town for the right basket to hold everything, and presented us with the final beautiful result.

Thank you and congratulations to Cindy Lovell from Hannibal, Missouri, who was the highest bidder!

We received a nice check for our winning entry, plus a "traveling trophy", which we hope to hold onto for many years to come!

Hello & Welcome to my newest follower: Vicki Rocho. I had the pleasure of meeting Vicki at this conference! She drove all the way from Iowa to attend our St. Louis conference! Wonderful to meet you, Vicki!

"Don't tell me the moon is shining, show me the glint of light on broken glass." -- Anton Chekhov

* Tomorrow's the Big Day ~ MWG Conference *

Tomorrow, Friday April 8th, is the beginning of the Missouri Writer's Guild "Just Write!" Conference. I've been anxiously awaiting this conference, in all actuality, since the last one I attended in 2007.

That conference was my first one and it bowled me over. I couldn't get over how many people were published authors, whether it was their own books, or magazine articles, or anthologies. I felt like an intruder, like a girl from the farm, attending a big city! But I was embraced by many helpful and reassuring writers. I also received my first critique, which was an encouraging one.

Quite a bit has happened to me since then. I've joined writers' groups, written and submitted to contests, anthologies, newspapers, etc....and managed to be published in a few. I've met so many wonderful writers, both in person, through e-mails, and in the past couple of years, through my blog.

Speaking of writers....I'm thrilled to be an official "shepherd" this weekend. That means I'm an ambassador for MWG and I'll help my assigned speaker navigate the conference. Which speaker was chosen for me? Linda C. Apple; writer and speaker. Linda has stories published in over a dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul books, plus many others. She also has published two books of her own, about inspriation, speaking and writing. Please check out her website to learn more. I can't wait to meet Linda. I'm sure we'll hit it off!

I can't say enough about how much I've learned through meetings and networking. I'm so grateful to be a Writer Gal! I'm especially pleased to be a member of the Missouri Writers Guild, St. Louis Writers Guild, Ozarks Writers League, and Saturday Writers.

Wherever you are, I hope you have a writers group near you. And if you don't, why not start one? They all have to begin somewhere, somehow!

Hello & Welcome to my newest follower: Souther Girl. Thanks so much and I hope you always enjoy your visits!

I end today's post with two of my favorite quotes:

"If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." ~Toni Morrison

"The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say." ~Anaïs Nin

* The Life Sherpa Guy Really Knows His Stuff *

From what I've heard through the grapevine and read on some of today's blog posts, I'd say our Guest Speaker yesterday at Saturday Writers was a Huge Hit! I haven't written much about our meetings on my personal blog, because I write about it on its own blog.

Joe Holleman

(photo: courtesy Sheree Nielsen)

Whenever someone books a speaker for a presentation, the outcome isn't guaranteed. You choose people you either know well and/or admire greatly, make the request, and go from there. Yesterday's speaker was a well known reporter from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper. His name is Joe Holleman and he writes a humorous column, Life Sherpa, in the Life & Style section, which can be read online at the link provided. I hadn't met Joe or knew anything about him, other than reading his column. It occurred to me that he'd most likely give a great presentation on writing, and in particular, writing for a newspaper. I e-mailed with my request and voile'... he accepted. He did not disappoint us. He energized everyone with his presentation. He educated us, entertained us, and answered questions.


Being the president of any group takes quite a bit of time and work, but I am loving every minute of it. I titled my latest column in our newsletter: Work + Great People = Fun.That's the way I look at most things in life. If something requires a lot of work, then I want to be able to enjoy it and the people I work with.

These past three months have been great. Our board members are awesome, hardworking individuals. A few of them have been on the board in the past, which is so helpful to me. Whenever I have questions, I can turn to them. Our new board members are also very helpful. Because they are new, they particularly have enthusiastic ideas.

I'd like to publicly thank them, plus the previous years' board members. Saturday Writers is an awesome writers' group, because of hard work, innovative ideas, great speakers, educational workshops, and talented members. If is wasn 't for all of you, Saturday Writers wouldn't be what it is today.

Joe also shared some of his favorite writer quotes with us. The following is one of my top choices!

"My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: When you write, try to leave the stuff out that people don’t read." – Elmore Leonard

All Things Writerly

On Sunday's post, I mentioned attending a writers workshop the day before. One of the best tips I came home with was to find a Writing Buddy, someone who would help me stay motivated, on track and keep me accountable. I asked my good friend Sioux if she would do that for me and fortunately she said yes. I won't go into all the particulars yet, because we just started, but I can tell you that it has already helped my immensely! (And no, despite rumors you may have heard, she didn't threaten to take away all my diet soda, hand lotion or chapstick if I didn't reach my daily goals!) Another bonus of that afternoon was meeting three new writers, which reminds me, I need to e-mail those lovely women.

(photo courtesy: google)

A few days ago, I asked one of my male writer buddies to critique one of my memoir chapters. All I can say is "Wow." Having other people....who you trust, and who aren't your family members....read your work and then say what they liked and didn't like, plus offer suggestions and ideas....It's THE BEST!

Monday night, our writing group Saturday Writers, hosted its first "Meet & Greet." Usually we members only get together once a month, which is at our meeting and is more of a class room atmosphere. It was great to just talk with other members and find out what's going on with them, etc.

Which brings me to a post I want to share with everyone, written by blog buddy Paul Joseph. This is SO true and funny and insightful and semi-sad and, did I say "SO TRUE"? This is why I LOVE to hang out with writer friends, and realizing that it doesn't matter what age we are, whether we're male or female, what genre we write...."we are writers"....and we "get each other"!! Happy, happy. Joy, joy! You keep on keepin' on, Paul Joseph! You are one cool guy!

** Oops. I forgot to say Hello & Welcome my newest follower: Thisisme! Thank for your wonderful comment. I'm happy to hear you love the quotes...as you can tell, I LOVE quotes! I hope you always enjoy your visits! ** (added at 11:25pm)


"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 that your life really begins." -- Bob Moawad

* This 'n That on a Sunday Night *

A very busy, productive weekend, but not enough time to give it justice right now. In short.....

1)  Attended a writers workshop: Got some good tips & ideas, met new writers, saw writer friends.
2)  Did quite a bit of editing and some new writing.
3)  Actually made a dent in the mountain of laundry (for only 2 people...how does this happen?)
4)  Stopped and looked at dogs for adoption. Haven't found THE ONE yet, but at least I'm feeling ready to really open up my heart and home...again.
5)  Did a little singin' and dancin' around the house....just because it's fun and I love it! (and great exercise!)
6)  Bought some cool things at Michael's Craft Store for my Saturday Writers Door-Prizes-Goodies-Bag!
7)  Oh, one distressing incident: A very good friend of ours fell from his deck while working on it Saturday afternoon. Long story short, but he has broken bones in his face, extremely sore ribs, etc. Please keep him and his wife in your thoughts or prayers.....whichever you believe in.

Have a wonderful, blissful week everyone!

Hello and Welcome to my two newest members: Madeleine & Dominic! Thank for your wonderful comments and I hope you always enjoy your visits!


"Each friend represents in us, a world possibly not born, until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." -- Anais Nin

(I consider a friend both the 2-legged and 4-legged kind!)

* If I Think it's Thursday, It Must be Tuesday *

It's deja vu, all over again. Sorry, but I just couldn't help myself! All day long, I kept thinking; What day is it? Wednesday? Thursday? It can't possibly be only Tuesday!

And....to boldly show my true, kooky self....I'm thinking this before, after, and DURING the weekly, EVERY TUESDAY coffee and critique group I attend! Yikes! Are ya worrying about me yet?!

I need an office assistant. A Samantha or a Jeannie. Someone who could just twitch her nose, or bop her head, and poof everything would be filed in the proper place, dust would vanish, the carpet would appear vaccumed, every e-mail, note and schedule for Saturday Writers would be completed, and my book would be finished, with the most amazing title!

I used to wish for a "Hazel." But I'm beyond needing housework and laundry help. I need magic. And fortunately, I do know that the only magic happening here is what comes from within ME. I'm plugging along as best I can and I have faith and confidence in myself. If I don't believe in myself, who will?

A big Welcome and Thank You to my newest Follower: Julie! Thanks for your wonderful comments, Julie. I hope you always enjoy your visits.

AND, a big Thank You to Alice L. for always "being there" for me. (I liked the title suggestion, too!)

“Our dreams are made of real things, like a shoebox full of photographs.” --  Jack Johnson

* Titles Being Tossed Around....Still *

I don't know why I'm driving myself nuts about choosing the title for my memoir. It's not as if I have to make a decision right now. It's not as if I can't write another word until I've absolutely, positively selected the name, signed with my blood on the dotted line, and done the "my handshake is my word" thing. BUT, ever since my publisher and I talked a few months ago about doing a sample book cover, it's been hanging over, in, and around my head.

I want that feeling of looking up from my laptop and seeing the mock-up pinned to my bulletin board. I want to feel that "skip a heartbeat, tingling in my stomach" kind of feeling whenever I see it. I just know that when my decision has been made, I'll be at peace with myself. I'll be able to zoom happily along and finish my book right on time, or even a little bit sooner.

My indecision reared its ugly head yesterday, right after our Saturday Writers meeting. (which was another fantastic meeting with a great turn out.) As soon as two of the board members heard me talking about  changing the title and looking at different possible cover ideas, they both proclaimed their love of my old, original title. The one I've been carrying around in this crazy head of mine for quite a few years. And I DO still love it and I DO believe it will grab people.

So, more anxiety about The Title. I think this calls for a late afternoon nap, especially since I haven't slept much in the past 24 hours...and...and.......Zzzzzzz