* NEW FOLLOWERS & BLOGS *

I'd like to say Thank You and Welcome my newest follower - Nick!

I clicked on your picture, Nick, and it listed the names of blogs you follow, but didn't list a blog of yours. Do you have one?

Has anyone else noticed that Blogger has changed in that way? We used to be able to click on a follower's photo, and it would take us to their blog. Voila'

And what if we don't remember the blog names of "older" followers?

I'm confused and confounded! I know....it doesn't take much, but still...this is something I'd like to know about. How can we find certain bloggers? How do we find the way?

                                     

* WHAT ABOUT A GIFT CARD GIVE-AWAY? *

Happy Wednesday, y'all ~

I've had 392 Followers for a LONG time, and I truly appreciate every single one, from the moment they decided they liked my little blog, right on up to the present. I've lost a couple here and there, but that's okay, too....especially since I haven't been blogging regularly for a LONG time, either.

Remember the excitement each new follower brought? I do. I miss that, and since I'm getting back into blogging again, I hope more people will somehow find me. Can you help me? I've been thinking of some kind of give-away to have (it won't be for my memoir, unless someone specifically asks for it. And only because some people may be tired of hearing about it!) Any ideas?? I'm thinking that everyone likes gift cards! I could offer a gift card (to just about anywhere) to anyone who sends the most friends my way, or something like that.

What are your thoughts? ...And yes, I know the number of followers isn't really important, but it's like the number of reviews I've received on Amazon....S L O W!

~~~



Wishing everyone a beautiful, blissful day wherever you are and whatever kind of weather you're having. We're having HOT and HUMID....but hey, it's summer and that's how it's supposed to be around here!

source: mediacitygroove.com

 

~~~

* I just thought of something else. Remember when blogging was really popular, around 2009 and 2010? So many of us had Play Lists with tons of our favorite songs. I miss that! I don't think there's anything available like that anymore, is there? ....You know, that's free!

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one." - C.S. Lewis

* NOSTALGIC SUNDAY *

It's Time Again for Another Nostalgic Sunday!

 

 

In my attempt to get back into blogging on a somewhat regular basis, I thought the best place to start would be with a "Nostalgic Sunday" post. Those of you who have been around for a few years will remember I used to post these just about every Sunday. Then it got less and less...and I'm sad to say the last two were November 2014, and August 2014. Well, that just won't do! I think I can manage at least once a month.

 

 

I'm nostalgic today for several reasons:

 

• I'm in the beginning stages of writing a piece for the 2015 St. Louis production of Listen to your Mother.  < Check out the site for complete information on how to submit a story or buy tickets to the show.
•  I've been seeing and hearing prop (propeller) planes again all over the skies.
•  I've been going through lots of old B&W photos, along with my mental images for my sequel I'm also working on. *note about that farther below*
•  I'm feeling the most nostalgic because of an aroma! Isn't it both amazing, and yet so simple, that certain odors trigger powerful memories? Many times it's because of a certain food, or perfume, or even logs burning in the fireplace. I think this particular one might be a bit unusual. (Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of it!) This aroma is that of dryer sheets or fabric softener!

        

Many times when I'm outside with my beloved dog, Vern, we meander all around the sidewalks and grassy areas in our condo complex. (It seems that 90% of the residents here also own a dog or two, so there are plenty of odors for Vern to sniff!)

 

 

It doesn't matter whether it's a weekday or weekend, or daytime or evening. Whiffs of various laundry fragrances permeate the air and I'm immediately taken back...like a hopscotch game, back and forth between my childhood, my teenage years, and especially my very young married life.

The short version of "my very young married life" is this:

1. Lived in Germany for a year with first husband and baby son, Scotty.
2. Rented apartment in tiny town.
3. Became best friends with another army wife, Debbie.
4. We sometimes did our laundry together.
5. Once in a while splurged and bought a German brand detergent because it smelled heavenly and the PX only sold Tide.
6. We'd gather our deutsche marks, walk across the street and down the block, while taking turns pushing Scotty's stroller.

I wonder how many women find joy in such simple things? I believe there are "loads" of us! J

One more thing...The note above about working on my sequel...

A long time ago I didn't like using the word "work" when mentioning my writing. I thought I should refer to it as "writing" my memoir, or contest submission, or essay.

But after writing, rewriting, editing, rewriting again, deleting entire paragraphs, printing pages to read and edit again with a red pencil, wadding up paper after paper of crap I'd written... I became a believer! It is WORK!

 

Oh, but then again what beautiful and wondrous work it is!

~~~

I'd like to welcome two new followers! And as Sandi, William, and Lisa (from my previous post) were different and unique, so are Melody Jacobs and Dimple Khadi. (I had trouble trying to get Dimple Khadi's blog link to post, so I'll attempt doing that again later.) I hope you'll both stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see!




"The final lesson a writer learns is that everything can nourish the writer. The dictionary, a new word, a voyage, an encounter, a talk on the street, a book, a phrase learned." - Anais Nin



* My Followers Disappeared & So Did Yours! *

Have you noticed that the little box that shows the faces of all your followers has gone missing?? I noticed it on mine this morning and knew I hadn't deleted it. I just checked a couple other blogs and theirs are missing, too! There's the word "My Followers," but that's it! Does anyone have any ideas about it? 

*Ah, yes....the cute little faces returned! Whew! *
Thank you to everyone who reassured me by leaving a comment, too!

Random Thoughts - Now It's Friday?

Okay, this week just disappeared, and I'm pretty sure the same will happen to the weekend.

After thinking about the "next part of the story" that goes with the Windy Day Downtown, I don't even remember what else I was going to post about it. Oh well. As Annie Hall always said, "La-di-da la-di-da."

I find it strange how my "Follower numbers" fluctuate from time to time, and especially when it happens so fast. Just the other day, the number had reached 368. Then in a couple of days, 367. I logged on this evening to see that it's now 366.  (I wonder if some people are ticked off at me? If so, I honestly have no idea why.

I'll post something as soon as I can. I'm thinking it might be a Nostalgic Sunday one. I haven't done one in quite a while and have some ideas....We'll see....La-di-da....la-di-da....

Have a wonderful, blissful, and safe weekend everyone!

"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." -- Bernard Meltzer

"From Pigtails to Chin Hairs" -- COVER REVEAL

No, you didn't misread that. Yes, it's unbelievable, but today is the day I can reveal the cover of my memoir, From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More.

* Update 11/11: The paperback edition is now available on Amazon, with the Kindle version coming asap.*

~~~

** Synopsis **

         In "From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More," Becky Lewellen Povich takes us from her young Midwestern childhood in the 1950s to present day. Chapters are vignettes of everyday happenings, or unexpected events, written in the way only Becky can, with humor and poignancy woven into them. It begins with her years of summertime fun, Christmases, the neighborhood kids, classmates, trips to the dentist, and long car rides to visit grandparents in Iowa.

         She willingly shares the bittersweet times which include her parents' divorce, major disappointments, preteen and teenage angst, a whack on her head from a falling crowbar, and her ill-fated first marriage, spent mostly in Germany. She also comically writes about her happy second marriage, cell phones, dishwashers, and how she was born with a klutz gene.

         Becky is an award winning author with publications in Chicken Soup for the Soul books and other anthologies such as, Thin Threads, Not Your Mother's Book On…, and Patchwork Path; plus newspapers and small magazines. 

~~~

 *A few chapter titles to entice you *

Paradise on Preston Lane

Multiplication Made Easy

Piggy Back Toes & Coffee Can Spittoons 

Lost on a Continental Trailways Bus

That Crowbar Changed Everything

The Tupperware Queen of Tacoma, Washington

Why Do I Say These Things?

Keep Those Tweezers Handy

~~~

I'll have a PayPal widget on my website ASAP if anyone would like to order directly from me (for a signed book, maybe.) I'll have some bookplates, too, that I can mail. I will also accept checks, of course!

I think words like dreaming and surreal may be a bit overused these days, so I'll attempt to come up with different ones to describe my feelings about finally reaching this point in my writing life. How about: flabbergasted? dazed? astounded? dumbfounded? Yes, I believe those are good ones.

A few friends have already offered to mention my memoir on their blogs and to them I say, Thank you so much. I've been reading about and preparing my marketing and promotion for years (and I do mean years). I think I've mentioned before, it can be somewhat overwhelming, but it's a really good way of being overwhelmed!

In honor of being able to reveal the cover, I'm having a give-away for a print copy, and everyone is eligible. I'm not restricting it to just the US and Canada this time. * In my excitement, I forgot to post a deadline for the give-away. I'll make it this Thursday, Nov 14th.*

The Rules Are:

1) You must be a follower

2) Leave a comment

  That's all! 

As usual, I'm ending this post with a quote. This one in particular spoke to me.

"Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe." - Gail Devers

* We Have SEVERAL Winners! *

The Winner of Lynn Goodwin's You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers is.....Patricia Preston! Congratulations, Patricia! Since I already have your mailing address, (snail-mail notes!) is that where you'd like the book to be sent? Thanks again to everyone who left comments and/or questions for Lynn. And, of course, another big Thank You to Lynn!

I would have to say that I'M the winner concerning these three pictures. I took them recently when Vern and I were outside enjoying our glorious weather.Vern is keeping a lookout for the bunnies that live and/or hide under our deck! I took my tablet, pen, and cup of coffee out there and did quite a bit of writing. The warmth and beauty brought forth inspiration!

 
And who is the other winner?? It's Jessie Humphries because she is my 300th Follower!

Jessie left the cutest comment here: http://beckypovich.blogspot.com/2012/03/lynn-goodwin-part-2_27.html. I sent my 100th and 200th follower a gift of some kind. (Sorry, nothing from Van Cleef & Arpels!)   ~~ Speaking of that....see the quote below!

But, Jessie if you will send me your mailing address, I'll send a small token of my appreciation! * Thank you very much and I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see. *


"I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck." -- Emma Goldman

* Books, Contests, and 200 Followers! *

* Yesterday I received an e-mail from Angela Mackintosh of WOW! Women on Writing  telling me I'd won a copy of Mari McCarthy's new workbook, Peace of Mind and Body: 27 Days of Journaling to Health and Happiness.  I am so excited! This book definitely sounds like something I need. Maybe it will help me conquer writer's block and self-sabotage....and....?  The possibilities are endless!

* Remember my small collection of different characters holding books? I posted some photos last November of small statues of a Santa, a duck, and an angel, all holding books? Well...I have a new addition to my collection! I found it at a dollar store....yep, it cost $1.00! And it is adorable!! The only difference with this new statue is the book is closed instead of open. Isn't she sweet, holding her book to her heart and looking so happy? She must've just finished reading something wonderful. What book could it be? So many to dream about.

I love the way her dress hangs, as if the wind is gently blowing.

And look at that straw hat with the sweet flower on the side.

Pink purse, black shoes and white socks!

And look at that beautiful hair!

* In addition to this little girl, I bought another little statue or two since Christmas, plus I received an adorable one as a gift from a dear writer friend. I don't think I ever posted photos of them, so I'll try to do that next week sometime.

* Tonight at midnight, I'll let random.org choose the winner of Gone With a Handsomer Man. I'd like to say thank you to everyone who participated in my give-away....and particularly JOLENE who just became my 200th Follower about 9:30 pm this evening! Thank you and welcome, Jolene! I hope you always enjoy stopping at my blog and will come back often.

* When I announce the winner tomorrow of GWAHM, I'll also announce whatever I come up with, to celebrate reaching the 200 Follower Milestone! I remember how thrilled I was when I reached 50 followers, 75, and then 100, and on. It really amazes me and I thank each and every one of you, no matter how or why you found me.....I'm so very happy you did! ♥

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

* Milestones, Readings & Writings *

I just realized my number of followers is approaching 200! So, I decided to check the number of posts I've made since I began my blog. I've seen people celebrate when they reach 500 posts, and I thought I might be nearing that number, too.

Well, guess what?? I now have 505 posts! SO....when I do reach 200 Followers, I'll have some kind of celebration. What kind, you may ask? I don't know yet! But I'll let everyone in on it, as soon as I know!

On a different subject, I attended my Coffee & Critique group this morning and read one of the chapters from my book. I was so pleased with everyone's reactions and their suggestions. When I write something that I think is funny, it's obvious that I also want others to think the same thing....and they did!

For those of you who have just begun reading my blog, I'm writing what I've referred to as my memoir, but it also has current happenings, thoughts & observations.....SO....it's a Memoir + More!

The other day when I posted about books' first sentences....I considered sharing the opening sentences of MY book, but it just didn't seem right at that time. Tonight, though, I'd like to post them and ask what you think. Would the following open lines pique your interest??

My mother told me in so many words she thought I was nuts. She convinced herself that my bizarre accident involving a) my head, and b) a crowbar, caused brain damage, triggering my erratic and uncharacteristic behavior. At least in her opinion.

And finally: Thanks and welcome to my three newest followers: Nonna Beach, Summer Ross, and Ames! I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see!

** Note: added Monday, May 4th, at 10:00 am CDT:  To clarify Donna's statement and respond to JFC's in the Comments below....I did NOT have a savory past or a misspent youth! Last year, when a few of us writer gals got together during the Christmas holiday, we talked about our critique group and how we were going over our alloted time, sometimes. SO, Donna said she was going to bring a timer, or a miniture asian gong. I knew exactly what she was talking about :   

BUT, in my usual mixed up, dyxlexia of the mouth way, I told her, "Don't forget to bring your bong!"

* Go See Cathy C. *

My blog buddy, the scathingly brilliant, Ms Cathy C. Hall, is having a contest. If you like to read funny musings, find out info about writing contests and calls for submissions, or any variety of interesting tidbits about life, you will love Cathy C.! Please go visit her blog and see what'cha think. If you become a follower, you're in the drawing for a $20.00 Barnes & Noble gift card!


Here's the "rules" taken directly from Cathy's blog:


Introducing the Big Bang B & N Followers Contest! Here's how it works: You tell your followers about Cathy C. 's Hall of Fame and her brilliant contest. They scurry over here and follow me, telling me who sent them (and leaving contact information). One lucky NEW follower will win a $20 gift card from Barnes and Noble! And there's more...the faithful follower who sent them ALSO wins a $20 gift card! YAY! I'm ending the contest on January 24th; new followers can post a comment on any post during that period, as long as they fill me in. So spread the word, my faithful friends and followers. I'm in a hurry to bang out my goal of getting over 100 followers. (Cathy)


Speaking of followers, I'd like to welcome my two newest ones. Holly and Paul Joseph. Welcome!! Thanks so much for stopping by and becoming a follower. I'm obviously doing something "write" here! ☺

"I've got the most scathingly brilliant idea!" -- Mary Clancy (from the movie The Trouble with Angels.)

* Old Man Winter Has Arrived *

My part of the Midwest isn't buried under record snowfall, thank goodness, but we did get a bit of the white stuff here....about 3 inches of powdery snow. The wind has been strong and steady, too, making the wind chill VERY cold! Luckily, I didn't have to leave my nice, warm home at all today. I continued working on my Christmas cards, baked a couple dozen chocolate chip cookies (oh yeah!), did another load of laundry, wrote a few e-mails, lit and enjoyed the flickering & aroma of candles, read a little while, watched some TV, took a nap, let Tiger out....let Tiger in....let Tiger out...you get the idea! All in all....a very blissful day!

*One other note: For some reason, I seem to have lost a follower. Just when I annouced and thanked my newest followers, reaching the fabulous number of 150.....I look at my blog this evening and there are only 149. I don't know what happened and I'm sorry if I upset someone.

"O Winter! ruler of the inverted year, . . . I crown thee king of intimate delights, Fireside enjoyments, home-born happiness, And all the comforts that the lowly roof Of undisturb'd Retirement, and the hours Of long uninterrupted evening, know." -- William Cowper

** Happy Saturday Evening **

I positively couldn't believe what I saw when I opened my blog this evening. I have 100 Followers!

(image from aol.com)

When I began this blog I didn't really think I needed one, but some of my writer friends urged me to give it a try, and thank goodness they did! I have learned so much through blogging. There are always posts to read about upcoming writing contests, calls for submissions, writing prompts, memes, and blog contests, etc. I've "met" some wonderful people, too. Some are writers, some are artists, some are decorators and collectors, some live in the US, some in other countries. I'm truly amazed by it all.

Besides learning all kinds of information, sharing photos of some of my little treasures, searching for just the right quote to end a post, I have recently realized that blogging for almost 2 years has made me a better writer. Although I've felt at times that I spend too much time blogging, I know that the book I'm writing would not be the quality it is now, if I hadn't been writing posts almost daily. It's all been a work in progress. I needed this time and practice and knowledge to hone my writing and hopefully make my book worth reading.......by millions of people! : D

If anyone is interested, here is the link for my first post in November 2008.

I can't thank everyone enough. I truly appreciate the comments, the friendship, and the camaraderie.

"For memory has painted this perfect day with colors that never fade, and we find at the end of a perfect day the soul of a friend we've made." -- Carrie Jacobs Bond