Is there such a thing as a perfect (weather) day? I think so! It all has to do with your attitude. Some people may think a rainy day or a snowy day is perfect. I, for one, love snowy days....but mostly in the month of December!
I would say that today, here where I live, is an absolutely beautiful, perfect day! The perfect autumn day. Blue skies, some white clouds, a nice breeze, cool to warm temperatures......Ahhhhh. Life is Wonderful!
The sight of my sheer, white curtains gently puffing out and floating back in towards the open windows, leaves me with an almost indescribable feeling of happiness.
ALL WHO WANDER ARE NOT LOST.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
** Sentimental Journey **
This evening is the end of a very busy week. It was very rewarding speaking to grade school and high school students on three separate days. Then today, Ron and I attended the Homecoming Events at Parks College of Engineering, Aviation & Technology. (part of St. Louis University)
Parks Fly-In Pancake Breakfast
St. Louis Downtown Airport, Cahokia IL
*We didn't fly-in...we drove! Met a very nice man, graduate of 1959.
Alumni Merit Awards Luncheon Ceremony & Reception
Il Monastero
*Very deserving recipients and yummy food.
Parks College and Institute of Technology Open House
McDonnell Douglas Hall
*Everyone should visit here. Wonderful wall of history timeline, sometimes guided tours given by Rob the Robot!
*A new wall just opened with names & photos of past and present faculty and staff. So proud to see my dad's photo in at least 2 different places. He would've been so pleased!
Friday, September 25, 2009
** A NEW & HAPPY DAY **
I got tired, already, of the "Beautiful Music" on my play list. I listen to it a lot so I needed a change again. So, for now, we're back to my first playlist, "Marker's Mom".
As soon as I downloaded it, you'll never believe what song began to play. "Oh Happy Day"! How perfect is that?? Because it definitely IS a happy day!! For various reasons.......it's a Friday, and the sun is shining again, and I just heard the chimes clinking outside the kitchen window.....and I'm alive and well, with wonderful friends and family, and my beautiful dog, Tiger! What else could I possibly need or want?
Enjoy YOUR beautiful and happy day!
As soon as I downloaded it, you'll never believe what song began to play. "Oh Happy Day"! How perfect is that?? Because it definitely IS a happy day!! For various reasons.......it's a Friday, and the sun is shining again, and I just heard the chimes clinking outside the kitchen window.....and I'm alive and well, with wonderful friends and family, and my beautiful dog, Tiger! What else could I possibly need or want?
Enjoy YOUR beautiful and happy day!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
* School Days & Shuffling Through Fallen Leaves *
My morning at the high school went well today. After I spoke to the two Creative Writing classes, the teacher and I spoke excitedly about some of the books we love, and why. She showed me one of the books that one of her classes will be reading soon and it looks very interesting......particularly the part about it being set in the 1960's and it mentions the characters in the Andy Griffith Show numerous times! I want to read it, before I mention the title on my blog, so ya'll just have to be curious for awhile, I guess!
I also read out loud the first chapter of my memoir that I've been working on for X number of years. (The students didn't seem to care one way or the other about it, but what do sophomores know?!) The teacher said she really liked it and would love to read more. She even wrote down her thoughts: "Humorous, detailed, descriptive, honest, wonderful indirect characterization."
SO, that was the encouragement and motivation I've been desperately needing. Thank you, Ms. Mc!! Working on my book is my Number 1 priority now.
There's so much more I ought to do tonight, but I'm tired and calling it a night...........zzzzzzzzzz
I also read out loud the first chapter of my memoir that I've been working on for X number of years. (The students didn't seem to care one way or the other about it, but what do sophomores know?!) The teacher said she really liked it and would love to read more. She even wrote down her thoughts: "Humorous, detailed, descriptive, honest, wonderful indirect characterization."
SO, that was the encouragement and motivation I've been desperately needing. Thank you, Ms. Mc!! Working on my book is my Number 1 priority now.
There's so much more I ought to do tonight, but I'm tired and calling it a night...........zzzzzzzzzz
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
** Odds & Ends **
The last few days, I've either been really busy, or really down-and-out!
I felt as if I was fighting off a cold on Friday, Saturday and Sunday....plus went to Scotty's baseball game, and also kept him overnight on Saturday night. Luckily, he's old enough to entertain himself pretty well.
Thankfully, I felt much better yesterday morning, because I was scheduled to give a talk to grade school students about writing, editing and publishing. I am just amazed at how young these kids are learning about writing, and the entire writing business.....as early as 1st Grade, and sometimes Kindergarten! Another local writer and I, spoke to 4 grade levels, 2 classes of each: 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders. It was a lot of fun.
Today was the only day I have nothing else scheduled, which was a good thing, because I had to get my column written and e-mailed before noon, plus I looked into other writing venues, etc. AND had to do some housework, too......Ahhh.....if only I could afford my very own "Hazel". Usually when I say that, I get odd looks from people who obviously never watched the old TV show about a live-in maid named Hazel!
The rest of the week goes like this: Tomorrow (Wednesday): the same local writer and I again speak to grade school students about writing, but at a different school.
Thursday & Friday: I'm speaking to high school students about writing (what else?!) and how I began writing so late in life, and my goals, etc.
Whew!...Then next week, I concentrate much more on my book. I've given myself (another) deadline and intend on keeping it this time! Help!!
I felt as if I was fighting off a cold on Friday, Saturday and Sunday....plus went to Scotty's baseball game, and also kept him overnight on Saturday night. Luckily, he's old enough to entertain himself pretty well.
Thankfully, I felt much better yesterday morning, because I was scheduled to give a talk to grade school students about writing, editing and publishing. I am just amazed at how young these kids are learning about writing, and the entire writing business.....as early as 1st Grade, and sometimes Kindergarten! Another local writer and I, spoke to 4 grade levels, 2 classes of each: 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders. It was a lot of fun.
Today was the only day I have nothing else scheduled, which was a good thing, because I had to get my column written and e-mailed before noon, plus I looked into other writing venues, etc. AND had to do some housework, too......Ahhh.....if only I could afford my very own "Hazel". Usually when I say that, I get odd looks from people who obviously never watched the old TV show about a live-in maid named Hazel!
The rest of the week goes like this: Tomorrow (Wednesday): the same local writer and I again speak to grade school students about writing, but at a different school.
Thursday & Friday: I'm speaking to high school students about writing (what else?!) and how I began writing so late in life, and my goals, etc.
Whew!...Then next week, I concentrate much more on my book. I've given myself (another) deadline and intend on keeping it this time! Help!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
** Music to Write By **
Are you familiar with Writing-World.com? It's full of writing news, helpful hints, contests, etc. I just read a very interesting and helpful article about listening to different types of music while writing. It's called Music to Write By, by Indra Sena. The topics covered are below, but click on the link to read the entire article.
I found the first suggestion the most intriguing.....find a "starting song" and stick with it! Kind of like Pavlov's dog....you'll train yourself to begin writing when you hear that song! I haven't had time to choose "my" song yet....I have a feeling it'll take me awhile to decide which one to select!
1. Anchor Yourself to a Starting Song
2. Play Songs That Reflect the Period You Are Writing About
3. Play Music That Puts You In The Mood
4. Use Music That Increases Brain Functioning
5. If You Prefer Silence While Writing
~ Indra Sena is a writer living in the Catskill Mountains. After 22 years as a consultant, she left the business world a year ago to write fulltime. She is currently completing her first book, a memoir about her life as a young teenager living on her own. You can contact her at indrasena66@gmail.com. ~
I e-mailed Indra & asked her permission to post some of her article. She replied and said she'd be honored!
I hope everyone enjoys learning about writing with (or without) music. Please leave me comments, and feel free to e-mail Indra, too.
I found the first suggestion the most intriguing.....find a "starting song" and stick with it! Kind of like Pavlov's dog....you'll train yourself to begin writing when you hear that song! I haven't had time to choose "my" song yet....I have a feeling it'll take me awhile to decide which one to select!
1. Anchor Yourself to a Starting Song
2. Play Songs That Reflect the Period You Are Writing About
3. Play Music That Puts You In The Mood
4. Use Music That Increases Brain Functioning
5. If You Prefer Silence While Writing
~ Indra Sena is a writer living in the Catskill Mountains. After 22 years as a consultant, she left the business world a year ago to write fulltime. She is currently completing her first book, a memoir about her life as a young teenager living on her own. You can contact her at indrasena66@gmail.com. ~
I e-mailed Indra & asked her permission to post some of her article. She replied and said she'd be honored!
I hope everyone enjoys learning about writing with (or without) music. Please leave me comments, and feel free to e-mail Indra, too.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
** Contest Updates **
I looked over the contests I posted on September 8th, and realized I hadn't included the links properly. I fixed that little problem this morning, plus deleted the one contest that the deadline has passed.
Happy Writing and Good Luck!
Happy Writing and Good Luck!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
** What A Day For A Daydream **
What a glorious, perfect day to drive around with the top down on my cute, little convertible. I just can't say enough about the fabulous summer weather we've had.
After running a few errands, it was almost noon and I decided it would be a great day to go to my favorite coffee/lunch place, maybe sit outside to eat, and then do some writing on my laptop. Well.....part of that was a good idea.....the part about eating a scrumptious lunch. I didn't sit outside because those patio tables were full. I also couldn't get any writing done (other than this little blog post) due to the crowd and loud talking. Silly me. I thought if I got away from my house, and all the random objects that call my name to come and take care of them....."Fold me", says the laundry. "Wash me", says the breakfast dishes. "Clean me", says every other room in the house!!... Oh...and yes, "Let me outside, Let me inside, Feed me, etc", says Tiger!....Oh well.....it's a good reason to hang around all afternoon and wait for some quiet to happen here. And I intend to do just that!! Everything else can wait til tomorrow.
After running a few errands, it was almost noon and I decided it would be a great day to go to my favorite coffee/lunch place, maybe sit outside to eat, and then do some writing on my laptop. Well.....part of that was a good idea.....the part about eating a scrumptious lunch. I didn't sit outside because those patio tables were full. I also couldn't get any writing done (other than this little blog post) due to the crowd and loud talking. Silly me. I thought if I got away from my house, and all the random objects that call my name to come and take care of them....."Fold me", says the laundry. "Wash me", says the breakfast dishes. "Clean me", says every other room in the house!!... Oh...and yes, "Let me outside, Let me inside, Feed me, etc", says Tiger!....Oh well.....it's a good reason to hang around all afternoon and wait for some quiet to happen here. And I intend to do just that!! Everything else can wait til tomorrow.
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