* I'M A WINNER! * I'M A WINNER! *

I am one of three winners of a beautiful, little silver charm......of a biplane! And those of you who've read my blog for quite a while, or have read my memoir, know what a special meaning prop planes have in my life. Whenever I hear the distinctive engine noise, I never miss the opportunity to look up into the sky, searching for it. And when I do see it, it always makes me smile!

picture of biplane from Susan Crandall's website/blog

Cover of Susan Crandall's newest book: The Flying Circus





I happened to come across Susan's offer to enter to win the charm by pre-ordering her newest book. I haven't purchased any new, hardcover books in a LONG time, but The Flying Circus sounded like a novel I'd enjoy, and with the chance to win the adorable charm, too, I jumped on the bandwagon. It comes out in early July, which unbelievably, is right around the corner.

*Note: As soon as I received my charm, I tried taking photos of it to post here, but couldn't get any that weren't blurry. (It's about 1/2" x 1/2". So cute!) And when I got out my "real" camera, (as opposed to cell phone camera) the battery was dead and would not charge, either. I happen to know I've been asking Santa for a new, really good camera for about 10 years now.....Looks like I better just go and buy it myself, huh?!

I'll be sure and post my thoughts about The Flying Circus as soon as I finish reading it!

~ ~ ~

Did you ever have a charm bracelet? Do you have one now? I'd forgotten that I had one until just the other day. I found it while digging through some old jewelry! It was such fun to look at again and remember why and where I got certain charms.


Thank you again, Susan Crandall! I can't wait to receive your newest book and begin reading it!

Have any of you read Susan's books? Please share your thoughts.

* 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!





** Winner of Memoir **

It's already Saturday and I forgot to announce the winner of my memoir.....Drum roll please....

It's Susan Flett Swiderski, of the fabulously named blog: I Think; Therefore, I Yam. 

Thanks to everyone who left a comment! It's so wonderful to have friends share my excitement. 

* Welcome to my newest follower River. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you so much! *

And As most of you know, I end each post with a funny and/or inspirational quote. My wonderful new follower, River, has the one below at the top of her blog, so I just had to borrow it! (I hope you don't mind, River!)

"Sometimes on the way to your dream, you get lost and find a better one." -- Lisa Hammond

* And The Winner Is...*

Good Morning! Happy Thursday! (Hey, I know what day it is today.) This post will be short and sweet, just like my review of Lois' memoir >> see yesterday's post.

Since being back from our little get-away at The Lake, I haven't gotten much accomplished, so today I'm kicking into high gear. Recently I read something about setting a timer for 30 minute intervals, in which to get various tasks done. (AND to keep from wasting time!) So, that's my plan of action for today!

And now, without further ado........THE WINNER of Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor's Journey of Faith and Self, .........is............scroll down.........keep going......

VAL!

Since  many left TWO comments, I thought the most trustworthy way of choosing a winner, would be the old-fashioned way. Write names on tiny pieces of paper, fold, throw into a bowl, and pick one randomly.

It was kind of difficult, squatting down so I wouldn't see any names, getting my camera in position to snap the picture, AND grasp a piece of paper....but I did it, and didn't even lose my balance and fall over! (which wouldn't be uncommon for me)

Congratulations, Val! And many thanks to everyone who was kind enough to stop by and leave a comment or two.

As I'm cleaning house today, I'll have some of my favorite music blasting! (remember to check out my Play List) And when I'm writing, I'll either have no music, or soft instrumentals. Whatever you do today, make it magnificent!

"Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living." -- Anais Nin

MY FRIEND WON THE ERMA BOMBECK CONTEST!

Although I'm actually still on my blog-a-vacation, I just had to post something short, but very important and exciting!!

One of my friends, who is also a Blogger, Writer, and Critique friend.....Donna, OF DONNA'S BOOK PUB...WON.........

1st PLACE IN THE ERMA BOMBECK CONTEST!!

Can you say WOOOO-HOOOOO?!  I am THRILLED for Donna. She's a great writer (obviously) and a great person and I'm proud to call her my friend. AND, I'm extra excited because I am part of the critique group who first heard Donna's winning story!! Go to her blog and read all about it!



"A friend will tell you she saw your old boyfriend - and he's a priest." -- Erma Bombeck

Cards Win! Cards Win! Cards Win!

Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals. What an incredible team! If Game 6 and Game 7 were part of a baseball movie, it would be so unbelievable, movie goers would say, "That's just crazy. That would never happen!" Ahhh, but it did. I'll never forget this particular World Series -- 2011.

(both photos courtesy internet)

"Baseball is an allegorical play about America, a poetic, complex, and subtle play of courage, fear, good luck, mistakes, patience about fate, and sober self-esteem." ~Saul Steinberg



* The 200th Follower Winner Is.....*

Thanks again to everyone who entered my 200th Follower Contest! It was great fun reading all the different comments and knowing that there are people out there who enjoy reading my blog.

And so without further ado....the winner, according to random.org is....."Mo" of Rose Petals from Heaven!!

(courtesy google)

Congratulations, Mo!! Please e-mail your mailing address and I'll send the goodies asap!

** Added Wednesday, May 25th: I committed a big faux paus! I forgot to acknowledge my newest followers: Dayle & Lazarus! Thank you so much. I hope you will stop by often and enjoy what you see and read. **

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons." ~ Ruth Ann Schabacker

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

So, did you jump out of bed this lovely Sunday, Mother's Day....because you couldn't wait to see who won my book give-away?? Well, wait no longer.....but first.....I truly wish I had books to give away to every single participant.....but alas, I do not.

Okay....the winner of Gone With a Handsomer Man is.......Joyce Lansky!!



Congratulations, Joyce!!! Please send your mailing address to me: Writergal53@aol.com

I'll be back later today with other postings, but wanted to announce the winner now.

Thanks again to everyone who entered!! And Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!

♫♪ "Oh what a beautiful morning.....Oh what a beautiful day..." ♫♪ -- lyric by Oscar Hammerstein II