** Friday Night Announcements **

** I've made the decision to attempt to respond to everyone's comments via e-mail. (I realize I've said this before, but hopefully I will follow through this time!) After my day or two of "commenting like crazy", an idea came to me. I want to make it as easy as possible for anyone who takes the time to leave a comment for me, to see if I have acknowledged them! Because, how can we all remember where we left comments? And THEN, go back to those blogs to see if our scathingly brilliant comments received a comment back from the blog owner?! Too much time! Too crazy! And none of us need any of that, do we? SO, I'm definitely NOT discouraging leaving comments. No, please do! I read every one of them and they...and you....all mean so much to me. This way, you just won't have to stop back by unless you want to read something new, etc.

** I stumbled across another (new to me) blog this evening.  Here is the blog of Lynda Schab's "On the Write Track".  She has many publishing credits, and also provides links to various writing sites. Those of you who are interested in Christian writing, she has links for those, too. She is having a 12 Books of Christmas Contest/give-away, beginning this coming Monday! I'm definitely not one to rush Christmas, and reading about this contest didn't make me feel that way whatsoever. It just perked me up and made me happy! More books! More books! Oh and guess what? She has the books background that I had until I recently changed to my autumn leaves. SO, she must be a wonderful gal, don't you think?

** I heard absolutely no news concerning my sister today, so that tells me she must be okay. I'll definitely call tomorrow to see what the latest information is. Thanks for all your kind comments and e-mails. I so appreciate all of you.

** Have a wonderful, blissful weekend!


"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." -- Leo Buscaglia

** It's Friday...Again, Already? **

** Comment Like Crazy (Wednesday) went fairly well....although I only made it to about 1/5 of the blogs I follow! I visited quite a few more yesterday and hope to finish up today. I think my next Comment Like Crazy Day will be a week from Sunday, the 3rd of October. That should work out just about right! It was great fun catching up on so many fabulous blogs! Gee, that must be why I follow them! (Oh, BTW, I'm going through them alphabetically, so I don't lose track as to where I've been yet...so I'm sorry if you're at the end of the alphabet.

** My sister, Marian, who lives in the Atlanta area had surgery this past Tuesday. It was supposed to be one of those "routine" surgeries, but there were some frightening complications. She's still in the hospital and I'm not sure when she'll be released. I've talked to my brother-in-law and both (grown) nieces, so they are keeping me up to date. I just wish I didn't live so far away. She hasn't been able to, or in the mood to talk on the phone to anyone yet, but she knows her long-distance family members have made multiple calls to find out how she's doing, etc. I'm hoping she'll be much better by later today.

That's it for now. It's way past midnight and I still have some reading to do. Until later........♥

“The house does not rest upon the ground, but upon a woman” -- Mexican Proverb Quote

** IT'S CHOCOLATE DAY!! **

According to 123 Greetings, today is Chocolate Day!!  I find this little bit of news particularly verrrry interesting....because just last night, when I was at the check-out lane in Target, a Hershey Bar called my name! Indeed it did. It said, "Hey, Becky! Over here. You know you want me, so just give in and indulge." And since I'm at a stage in my life where I have absolutely no willpower, (hopefully this too shall pass) I grabbed that chocolate bar and threw it on the converyer belt along with my few necessities: printer ink, diet coke, yogurt, and yellow zingers! See what I mean?? At least I bought some yogurt and DIET soda!

Anyway, I have not eaten the Hershey Bar yet....ta-dah! So, here is my gift to everyone, on this special day.

The Hershey Bar is real. The other items are stickers from my greeting card/sticker collection.

Consider this your E-Card for the day!!

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

"Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of the pieces." -- Judith Viorst

** Comment Like Crazy Wednesday **

Hey Everybody! It's Comment Like Crazy Wednesday!  The fabulous TK Richardson, of My Writing Masquerade, came up with this wonderful meme, as a way to keep up with blog reading and commenting! She asked if I'd like to join along and I said "Sure"!

I believe many people struggle with issues about trying to write something on their blog every day or every other day. Some maybe don't have much going on at the moment that seems "Blog Worthy", or in most cases, don't have the time! SO, instead of struggling, trying to write something to post, how about taking the day off, and go visit your blog buddies....Read...and.... Comment Like Crazy!

(I'm not sure yet if Comment Like Crazy will be a weekly feature on my blog, since this is my first one, so I'll see what happens! TK said she will be doing it weekly, but not necessarily every Wednesday.)

 Here's how it works:

1. Instead of writing my normal blog post for (maybe) one day of the week, I will Comment Like Crazy on your blogs! (sounds simple, huh?)

2. The purpose of Comment Like Crazy is not to gain more followers, but to connect with those who follow me and those I follow. After all, how will you know I've read your blog if I don't say something?

3. It doesn't matter which day of the week I choose as long as I Comment Like Crazy when I do! So, this week it's Wednesday. Next week who knows?

4. I encourage all of you to grab the Comment Like Crazy button, and join in. The "rules" are simple and you'll be interacting with one of the best communities out there - bloggers! It's like hanging a "Gone Fishing" sign on your blog....only you won't be fishing! Readers will know you'll be back the next day, with one of your "scathingly brilliant" posts! (Thanks, Cathy C. for letting me borrow one of your/my favorite expressions!..and thanks to The Angels!)

Blogging takes a lot of time, energy, and thought. We put more into our blogs than people realize, and when we leave comments it gives us the fuel we need to keep on trucking - er, I mean blogging!

Thanks again to TK Richardson for suggesting this fun, interactive meme!

Ahhh, the pressure is off for today. No fabulous post to write. No photos to search for and download. I get to do one of my very favorite things: Visit my blog friends and let 'em know I was there! I can't wait!☺

"Time goes by so fast, people go in and out of your life. You must never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you.” -- Unknown

** Tuesday's Tidbits **

*Contest Entrants: I'd like to acknowledge everyone who entered my contest and include links to their blogs; partly to showcase their beautiful blogs and various talents, but also because at least one of them that I know of, is hosting her own contest right now!

Barb Hodges, Donna Volkenannt, Nancy Olson, Kathy Matthews, Myrna R., Jennee Thompson, Janel G., OJ, Sioux, Bookie-Claudia, Susan W., and last but not least.... June Freaking Cleaver!

Honorable Mention goes to: Tammy Goodsell. Tammy wrote a hilarious story, but alas...the word count was over the 100 word limit.

*Newest Followers: I'd also like to acknowledge my 15 newest followers! I was so thrilled when I reached the magic number of 100, which seems like just a week or so ago. In the past couple of days, that number has somehow risen to 115. I appreciate every one of you...from the very first one, to the 20th, 40th, and so on. It's wonderful following "old" friends, AND meeting new blogger friends.

*Blog Highlight:  Now, I'd like to introduce you to one of my three lovely daughters-in-law, Sara. My (bonus) son, Matt, and Sara have 8 beautiful children, ranging in age from 13 years old to 1 year old. She is an amazing mom!! I am delighted to be part of their wonderful family! Please check out Sara's blog. I love the title of it: 8aplenty. I think you'll enjoy reading about a "typical" day in their household and seeing photos of all the kids! (Sara is my only daughter-in-law who has a blog, so don't think I'm playing favorites!)☺

"The best part of life is when your family becomes your friends, and your friends become your family."- Danica Whitfield

** Thanks Again **

Thanks again to everyone who participated in my 100 Word Contest. As I said in my comment in the previous post, it really was hard to make the decision and choose just one winner! All of you are winners in my mind! And thank you for the compliments and congratulations given to Bookie/Claudia!

Bookie/Claudia has chosen The Condition, by Jennifer Haigh, as her extra bonus gift! (And as I spelled out in the fine print....she has to wait until AFTER I read it, before I will mail it to her!)  ☺
As you can see, I played around with my blog background last night. I think I've got it to where I'm happy with it, except for one thing. I was able to change font sizes and colors everywhere except in the area at the top where I posted a few quotes. If anyone can tell me how to make those letters larger, please let me know.

Tomorrow's post will highlight a certain blogger I know, AND say a little something to my newest followers!

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." -- Herm Albright

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

We've all heard how hard it is to judge a writing contest, or to select the best of the best for an anthology, and believe me...that is so true.

I received twelve submissions for my writing contest, based on a photo prompt. All the stories were so unique and had their own individual voice. I barely glanced at them when I received each e-mail, because I didn't want to begin judging while the person's identity was fresh in my mind.

Tonight after I printed each story, I cut out any name or e-mail address, and gave them to The Ronald to read. After he made some decisions, I read all of them and made some of my own decisions. A little discussion began and then I was the one who ultimately made the final decision. (By the way, The Ronald was really pleased to be part of this and took it very seriously!) Thanks to all twelve who took the time to write a story and submit it. I really appreciate it and I thought it was lots of fun, hopefully for you, too.

THE WINNER IS: BOOKIE - CLAUDIA!  Coming in at exactly 100 words.  Below is her story:

Addy swung her worn boot into the truck, brown leather faded white from work. She drove down the bumpy lane’s fresh wash outs, bouncing with a bronc rider’s grace. As she passed the Winston place, she saw an autumn scarecrow waving. None of that fall frippery for their place, only work.

When she pulled into the farm store, she saw a painter’s palette of robust hues. The uninhibited colors took her breath away. Pumpkins nestled among mums like perfect harvest moons, something she hadn’t witnessed in years.
Driving away, her cargo included orange and yellow mounds.

What would John think?

I chose this one because the story took me along with it. I was right there with Addy, as if I was riding along in the passenger side of the truck....and smiling silently as she headed home with her somewhat forbidden cargo! Great job, Claudia! Please e-mail me and let me know which book you'd like to add to your prizes.

"I try to leave out the parts that people skip." ~ Elmore Leonard

** Sunday Synopsis **

* The twelve (12) contest entries have been printed. I cut out names and/or e-mail addresses, so when I sit down to read them, I truly won't remember who wrote what. Then I'll turn them over to The Ronald to read. After he gives his opinions, I'll read them again, and then.....voile'....the winner will be announced! That will happen most likely later tonight.

* A few days ago, I mentioned a Call for Submissions I received in an e-mail. But the information didn't make sense with what I saw, and didn't see, on the web site. (I couldn't find anything about Flashlight Memories!) I haven't heard back from them, but decided to go ahead and post the link: http://silverboomerbooks.com/submissions.html.

This is what the e-mail said: Flashlight Memories Silver Boomer Books is seeking poetry - 23 lines or less (this includes the spaces between lines and/or stanzas) - for the upcoming anthology themed Flashlight Memories. Flashlight Memories recounts memories experiences with reading, which produced lifelong readers.

Please submit your work according to the guidelines found at http://silverboomerbooks.com/submissions.html
Poetry deadline: October 5, 2010  

(Good luck and let me know if any of you figure this one out!)

* Speaking of anthologies......I have an announcement that is huge to me! I have just been notified that a story I began working on in April of 2009, has been accepted by Kiwi Publishing for an upcoming Thin Threads Anthology. Woo-Hoo!! Doin' the Happy Dance! I cannot tell you how much this means to me. The story I wrote and submitted was the first one I've ever written that wasn't about my own life. It was an "As Told By" story of a Hurricane Katrina survivor, her struggles and her eventual joyful life. She came from Mississippi to this area and I was fortunate enough to interview her and become her friend. To find out the rest of the story......well, you know what you have to do....buy the book when it comes out in November! I'll even autograph my chapter!  (Thin Threads accepts inspirational, true stories. Click on either link above and check them out.)

* One more thing. Just yesterday morning. (♫♪ okay, who just heard James Taylor's voice in your head ♫♪)
 The quote at the end of my post was, "So many books, so little time." (one of my absolute favorites!) THEN, last night I was at the mall, just kind of wandering and looking. And I found, tried on and bought THIS:

Isn't it adorable?? This white sweatshirt is so soft and comfy.

 

I couldn't get a good close up. The books say: Who's Who, Give a Hoot, Book of Wisdom, and under the steaming cup of coffee or tea, one of the books says Night Owl.

Is that too cute, or what??

I only wish it would've come in other colors. I'm afraid I'll have trouble keeping it clean! ☺

"The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things." -- Henry Ward Beecher