* Something New & Exiting From Chicken Soup for The Soul *

Chicken Soup for the Soul is publishing a special book "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Read, Laugh, Repeat" on May 4th as a fundraiser for nonprofits that provide love and laughter to patients in hospitals and hospice, from the very young to the very old.

My story, “A Bittersweet Victory” was chosen to go in the book!

(They have chosen various humorous stories, by various writers that have already been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul books. My story was included in "The Dog Really Did That?" from 2017)

It will be featured at Walmart (in the US and Canada), Target, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and many other booksellers.

* I will share more information as I get it! *

And oh my gosh, the cover definitely made me laugh! I love it!

https://www.chickensoup.com/files/book_cover_art/cover_art_236119.jpg

I am so proud to be part of this special publication!

* A Leap of Faith, Again *

 I went through some of  my older blog posts yesterday, searching for just the right information to share...once again.  When I came upon this one, I decided to post it again. (It was an "I Wonder" post on March 9, 2012.) It was very meaningful to me then, as were all the wonderful comments I received, and it's very meaningful to me now as well, for very different and new reasons. 

Lately I've been thinking and wondering about Leaps of Faith. Don't you just love that phrase? Such thoughts and images come to my mind. But there is a group of images that is unsurpassed...

 

(all images courtesy Google)

I'll never forget the first time I watched Indiana Jones in The Lost Crusade take that "Leap of Faith." I held my breath, and then when I saw the "bridge" he walked across, my stomach got weak and I almost passed out because of my fear of heights! And no matter how many times I watch that scene, it effects me the same way -- -- emotionally and physically. My heart palpitates, I don't breath, my stomach does flips, and then BOOM...Indy accomplished the impossible. He believed. He HAD TO believe...and I cheer, usually out loud!

Anyone trying to achieve something of importance in their life has opportunities to take that "leap of faith," but how many of us actually do it?? Looking back, I know I've made a few of them, but they were more like "small steps of faith." (Every step in the right direction counts, though, right?) 

I'm working on the sequel to my memoir now, and will most likely need a few "leaps" along the way! 😀

 “Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith.” -Margaret Shepherd

* ONE NEW BLOG POST PER MONTH? *

Hello friends,

I've decided I'll try to post at least one new blog post per month!
That seems to be what I've been doing lately.
My excuses are many, but nothing unusual.

Looking forward to spring and warmth and greenery and the colors of flowers!

Nothing to report on my writing. Still working on a few things.

I leave you with some photos to hopefully make you smile.

* THOUGHTS ON A WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON *

Recently, I've scrolled through my blog looking at photos I posted, and the topics I wrote about. 

And I gotta say, I wrote some pretty darn good blog posts! 😀

It almost makes me sad that those days are gone now, for me anyway, 

and I can't seem to get back into it.

Some people are still blogging just as much as they did long ago. 

I noticed most of my posts were done from 2009 to 2013.

Those were the years I was so passionate about writing; Working to get my memoir completed. Submitting stories here and there for possible publications. 

And the beginning of some wonderful relationships with blog friends. 

Many I still have. Many I need to work on.

I did complete my memoir and published it in November 2013. 

A lot has happened between then and now. Some good, some bad. Some happy, some sad. 

Here it is...the year 2020! That really does sound odd, doesn't it? 

I don't make bucket lists or predictions or promises, but I can say this...

I'm going to do everything in my power to live this year, the best I can.

And this guy here, who is smiling, brings me happiness every single day. 

"Charlie's the name. Bringing joy is my game!"

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
― Oscar Wilde

* AN EXCITING WEEK AHEAD *

Hello Everyone! 

   On September 3rd, I wrote the following: 

I've been very busy with the most unusual tasks....I will share all of them with you soon!

I didn't want to post anything until I was positive things were going to fall into place, which they have. I've been asked to speak about my writing, to a group of people at five different assisted living facilities in the St. Louis area! 

The first one is THIS Thursday, November 1st and I've been very busy getting my notes together, printing hand-outs, preparing gift baskets for door prizes, etc. 

It's been quite a while since I did any speaking, but I'm pretty sure I'll fall right back into being a gabby gal. 😃 (I hope!)

Kind of a long story as to how this came about, and I'll share more of that after my first "gig"! 

Wish me luck!

Just a small portion of the notes I jotted down

 before and during my memoir. 

I have a lot more...envelopes full of them!

Definitely helpful for the sequel, which I'm 

diligently, really working on, writing.

The following quote is SO ME!! 

"This morning I took out a comma and this afternoon I put it back again." -- Oscar Wilde

* I SUBMITTED A STORY TO CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL! *

I'm so happy to announce that yesterday I submitted a story to Chicken Soup for the Soul, for their upcoming book about grandparents. It felt so good to write! 😃

I reworked and edited one of the grandparent chapters in my memoir.

They are looking for quite a few stories right now, so check it out! I know y'all can write about your favorite memories!  Book Topics

It will be months before I hear anything, but I'll certainly keep y'all posted. I'm keeping the faith.

I have to share a cute photo of Charlie. I caught him yawning....

and posted it on my Facebook page saying that writing is hard work, 

and it even makes Charlie tired just watching me! 😋

Have a great rest of the week!

* ANYBODY OUT THERE FLYING KITES? *

Once again, I'm amazed how fast the days are flying and that it's almost the end of March!

I haven't purchased a kite yet, so I better get going on that. Every March I try to find time to fly a kite, at least for a little while. Usually just get one at Dollar Tree! No one is ever too old to fly a kite!

All is well here. Just been really busy, or really lazy 😀

Guess What?? I've actually been doing some writing again! I found a writing site online that piqued my interest and voila' ..... I hope to get back to the sequel I've been working on.....

I won't be back until April sometime, so....

Happy Easter 

Happy Passover

(I love this song and every time I hear it, it makes me cry.)

P.S. I've stopped watching the news, or listening to it on the radio. I choose goodness.

It seems like most of my posts are about time flying by, and I intend to stop it! Yes, indeed! I'm going to stop it right now...Writing about it, that is.....since there's nothing I can actually do about slowing it down. You know that saying, "It is what it is."

I hope to begin blogging again with some type of routine. 

I miss the writing, which is a very good thing.

 

 

You Tube



 

I've got some ideas beginning to percolate, too, which is such a great feeling! I truly thought I'd lost the desire to write.

 

AND, I miss my blog friends! Yes! I miss reading your blogs and staying connected!

~~~~~

The two following sentences were included in my post of January 2nd of this year:

1) I do hope to fit in some other creative-type pursuits.
2) And I truly want to become consistent in living an organized life.

 

I'm working on those and succeeding quite a bit, especially the "organized life" part. Have I mentioned that Ron and I moved again?? I feel like a military wife....a very old military wife! Ha! In fact this last move...and I DO mean LAST....is part of what inspired me to start writing again...so, as usual, Everything Happens For a Reason.

And as I wrote on the upper right column of my blog, in November 2016: I'm not sure what my dreams are, but I'm anxious to find out. Maybe when I get to that fork in the road, I should take it!

P.S. Did any of you click on the percolator to hear its sound? I had to turn my volume all the way up to hear it. Loved it. It's such a neat reminder of an every day occurrence in my mother's kitchen when I was growing up.
 

"SOMETIMES ON THE WAY TO YOUR DREAM, YOU GET LOST AND FIND A BETTER ONE." - Unknown (as seen on River's blog, "Drifting Through Life")

*** Aaaacccckkkkk! Please let me know if you see a few sentences in teeny-tiny print! I keep changing the font size over and over and over.....and I keep seeing it as tiny! This blogger is *&@#$!    Yep, it's fixed finally!

* NOSTALGIC SUNDAY *

 

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

 

 

 

 

 

I know, I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, and believe me I am NOT one to rush Christmas and decorations, etc. But, I'm cleaning out the closet in the bedroom where my desk and laptop is. Attempting to cram as much "things to keep" stuff in it, and get rid of the stuff "I really can let go of."

 

 

See, all this has to do with desperately needing to get organized, so I can WRITE and not have clutter stressing me out. That's my biggest "chore" right now. I hate clutter!

 

 

 

So, anyway, I came across this photo taken at an office party in 1984! I was a couple of weeks away from my 32nd birthday in January of '85. OMG, I was so young, slender and cute!....If I do say so myself! Yes, that is a glass of beer in my hand, too! (Ron must've taken this photo because he was at the party with me, of course!)

In my mind, I still feel like that same young woman. I feel as if I look just like that, too. The human brain is so interesting. We all know we will age, and yet when we're young, it seems as if we never will! And then all of a sudden, poof... 20, 30, 40 years go by and we're staring into the mirror at an old, wrinkly person.

I think mirrors should not

be allowed in our Baby Boomer homes!

We could fix our hair and put on make-up,

looking into our rearview car mirror!

* DARE I SAY IT? I'M WRITING AGAIN! *

Well, the craziest thing happened. My cousin Johnny called yesterday morning to tell me how much he enjoyed reading my memoir, how well written he thought it was, etc! We had a 40 minute conversation of laughter and reminiscing. And because of that, my writing muse has returned!

I actually wrote 225 words yesterday evening, which doesn't sound like a lot, but when someone hasn't written anything more than a sentence or two in MANY MONTHS, it is a very big deal. And since it was November 1st, I just may try my own version of NaNoWriMo which is National Novel Writing Month. (If you're not familiar with it and would like to learn more, just click on the link.) Although I'm not writing a novel, I will be working on my memoir's sequel. Please send me good vibes, karma, luck....whatever you think might help me!

I promise to post updates from time to time

through November 30th.

I felt a lot like this at times when writing my memoir.
I hope to get that feeling back!

I love this Steve Martin quote!

This is definitely me.
My problem has been that I haven't followed through
 with any actual writing or typing the stories. J

 

* WRITING CONTESTS & CONTESTS & CONTESTS ~ OH MY! *

Recently I came across a ton of writer contests and calls for submissions and fortunately managed to copy and save all the links, so I could share them on my blog!

Many of these are very unique. I'm not posting these for any kind of PR because I've never heard of most of them. But if you're at all interested, click on the links and read more. Some have entry fees, some have huge prize money, and more. 

THE FIRST LINE LITERARY JOURNAL 
http://www.thefirstline.com/index.htm 


18th ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST (2016)
http://www.greatamericansong.com/index.php?utm_content=bufferef974&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer#


SCRIPT PIPELINE TV WRITING CONTEST
https://scriptpipeline.com/shop/tv-writing-contest?utm_content=buffer0128d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

WRITERS DIGEST SHORT SHORT STORY WRITING COMPETITION
http://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/short-short-story-competition?utm_content=buffer9f024&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer


THE 2016 RELEVANT READS STORY OF THE YEAR CONTEST

http://storyshares.org/contest

 

 

FIDDLEHEAD 26TH ANNUAL LITERARY COMPETITION

https://thefiddlehead.ca/contest?utm_content=bufferd2afc&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

 

 MAGIC OXYGEN LITERARY PRIZE 2016/17

http://www.magicoxygen.co.uk/molp/prize-rules/

WERGLE FLOMP HUMOR POETRY CONTEST

https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/wergle-flomp-humor-poetry-contest-free?utm_content=buffer9345a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

SIXFOLD FICTION AND POETRY CONTEST

http://www.sixfold.org/?utm_content=buffer837d1&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

PRAIRIE FIRE PRESS ANNUAL WRITING CONTEST
http://www.prairiefire.ca/contests/2012-contests/?utm_content=bufferdd072&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

RHINO FOUNDERS' POETRY CONTEST http://rhinopoetry.org/contests/founders-prize/?utm_content=bufferd72b9&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

 

I'd also like to welcome my three newest followers - Arlee Bird of Tossing It Out , Delores Lowndes of Mumblings , and Jennifer Darlington of Lady Laughing Loudly I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see. Thank you!

 

(And I apologize for forgetting to welcome you the very day

 your photo popped up in my Followers.)

 

 

Happy writing, everyone!

 

 

 

 

* CREATIVE PASSIONS *

The other day I realized that something was happening to me...especially as I wrote and edited, and edited, and edited my entry for the Erma Bombeck competition. And when I wasn't actually at my laptop working on it, I thought about it constantly...jotting notes at work, or in the car... I began experiencing the happiness and desire to write again and to blog more. And last night I felt the need to give that "something" a name - but, there were so many words to describe it that I couldn't choose just one. So, the following words convey how I felt last night and still do this morning!

Reenergized

Rejuvenated

Inspired

Revitalized

Refreshed

Exhilarated

Invigorated

And...Renewed

How glorious it is to have a passion for something creative!

 

~~~

 

 

Below is from an article I came across online:

 

The Motivated Mind: Where Our Passion & Creativity Comes From

By Malini Mohana

 

"So that feeling of intense creativity, or that feeling of euphoria when engaging in something that is truly meaningful to you — it is real and it is something physiological that happens within your brain. It is one of the least researched aspects of psychology, yet it has the biggest impact on our personal lives."

 



~~~

What about you? Do you have a passion that comes and goes, or is it always with you? What works or doesn't work for you? Please share!

* A WRITING COMPETITION *

Hello writer friends! How many of you entered the 2016 Erma Bombeck Writing Competition? I actually managed to get an essay written and submitted before the deadline...which was yesterday. Whew!

I don't remember when I first became aware of the contest, but I know I entered once or twice, way back when I was a novice at writing...I'm talking a real neophyte. Reading through one of those entries was downright painful & embarrassing, but it was also something else...a verification that I've grown as a writer. I definitely believe that being part of a good critique group(s), and writing associations, and having encouraging friends...writers and non writers both, has had a profound effect on me. All of those elements have helped make me a better writer.

Have I grown enough, though, to be a winner in such an eminent competition? Only time will tell....around March 17th, that is!

~~~

 

P.S. I just have to mention that one of my writing pals, Donna Volkenannt, was the First Place Winner (Global Humor Award) in the 2012 Erma Bombeck Writing Competition! I think I was almost as excited as she must've been! I wrote about Donna on my blog: http://beckypovich.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-friend-won-erma-bombeck-contest.html

 

And here is her winning story: http://www.wclibrary.info/erma/winners_detail.asp?id=881&color=&year=2012

 

 

I can only hope that I, too, will become a member of such an elite group of writers.

 

 

Just one of my favorite Erma quotes:

 

“My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint.” - Erma Bombeck   

* CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL *

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul is now offering these "Contributor Badges" for anyone who has had a story published in one of their many anthologies. They begin at 1+ and go all the way to 20+ (as in how many books your stories are in!) So, since I have stories in four books, I was able to choose the 3+ badge.

 

I only know a handful of writers who can proudly display the 20+ badge, and I'm happy to say that one of them is my friend, Linda O'Connell. AND Linda and I became friends because of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Linda and I both had stories in the 2007, Chicken Soup for the New Mom's Soul. When she read the authors' bios in the back of the book, she saw my name and that I too lived in the St. Louis area. She e-mailed me and a wonderful friendship began.....Linda was also my first writing mentor and I know with all certainty that I would not be the writer I am today if Linda had not reached out to me. She introduced me to other writers at St. Louis Writers Guild functions...and the rest is history!

 

Regrettably, I forgot to thank Linda in my memoir's Acknowledgements. Acckkkk! (As you can see, this has obviously bothered me for quite some time!) Linda, please remind me when I begin talking about publishing my next book, ok??

One more thing...if you've ever thought about writing and sending your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul, what is stopping you? Go ahead! Write it. Submit it. They're looking for quite a few stories right now, too. Go here to see the upcoming books.



"When nothing is sure, everything is possible." - Margaret Drabble

WRITING AND CONTESTS AND DEADLINES

Two years ago, I was one of 30 people chosen to audition for the Listen to Your Mother show in St. Louis, Missouri. I didn't do well at my audition and I'm sure that's the reason I wasn't chosen to read my story at the actual event. I knew I blew it, so I wasn't upset with the judges.

I considered submitting a mother-related story again last year, but I was busy promoting my memoir, and didn't participate.

This year, though, as the submission days began to zoom by, I considered it further and determined that if my muse would cooperate, I'd give it a try. And so, at 11:45pm on February 16th, (15 minutes before the deadline!) I hit the "Send" button and it was officially entered into the contest.

The show is Saturday, May 9th, 2015.

Many days, my time seems to go by like this, but when there's a deadline looming, I make myself work - - which is writing - - which is work!

 

This morning at 9:14am, I received an e-mail that began like this:
"Congratulations! We enjoyed reading your [...]." 

And even though it said "Congratulations," I still thought it was going to be a kindhearted rejection letter!

But as I continued reading, it said I was one of 40 chosen to audition! I'm a bit more confident this year, so hopefully I'll do a better job reading my story. My time slot is Saturday, February 28th at 2:00pm. Wish me luck!!

~~~

What about all of you?? What are you working on? Any particular contests or calls for submissions? Writing on your blog or in a journal? I'm interested, so please comment and let us know, especially if you have anything new to share.

~  ~  ~

My fonts are messing with me again and I'm trying to ignore the problem. Acckkk!

HAVING A WRITERLY KIND OF WEEK

~ Thanks to everyone who stopped by my previous post, and especially to those who left comments, for Karen Lange about her book, Write for Life. ~

* *

 



Welcome to my newest follower, Jessica Haight at DMS

I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see!

Thank you!

* *

* Before I forget, I've been having problems with the fonts and text size on my blog lately. Does this happen to anyone else? I keep going back and forth, updating the entire post, or just certain parts, trying to change it to look the way I want. Grrr... *

I've actually been writing quite often lately and it's a great feeling. I've never been able to follow any kind of schedule or deadlines that I've attempted to impose upon myself, so when the muse hits, I take full advantage!

I don't know about other writers, but it sometimes takes me hours, or days to write the first sentence or first paragraph of what I'm working on! (Checking that thesaurus continually, searching for that one, perfect word!) And although I know all the "rules" about not self-editing as I write, I just can't help it. I believe that since my first writing assignment was for a newspaper column, which allowed for only so many words, and had to be perfect when I submitted it, that's why I'm the way I am. And yes, it certainly makes it a slow-go, but it works for me. Why race through it, just to get the words "on paper," when it all has to be corrected and rewritten anyway? I'm definitely not saying this is the best way to write, so please don't think I'm encouraging it. Different methods work for different people.

I'm working on two different submissions right now (which will fit perfectly into my sequel, too. Lucky me!) One is the Listen to Your Mother piece I mentioned a while back. The deadline is February 16, so I really need to kick it into high gear.

* *

 

It's feeling like spring here and what a wonderful feeling that is! I've seen and heard more birds chirping, especially cardinals, even when it's chilly. But today and tomorrow are supposed to be around 60 degrees, with no rain. Let's hope the weather prognosticators are correct! I also work again today which I'm really looking forward to. The great weather brings out more shoppers and that makes it more fun!

 

 

 

 



 



Happy Saturday! Wishing you a beautiful, blissful day!



And don’t get your panties in a bunch!

* 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