* Contest Give-Away for November *

First of all, I'd like to say welcome and thank you to Mr. Robert Brault for becoming my 130th follower! If you don't know Robert Brault, than you definitely are missing out on some fabulous quotes and other greatness! Thanks, Robert....I'm honored!

As promised, here's my contest give-away for November. I have 6 items, PLUS a $25.00 Gift Card! I decided to wait and buy the gift card after the winner has been chosen. That way, the lucky person can choose from a few suggestions and not be "stuck" with something they can't really use.

Here's the descriptions: 

A package of 12 file folders in a blue & white floral pattern.

A "Create Your Own Calendar" that can be colored in and comes with 500 small stickers. When opened, it measures 19" long by 12" wide. It's not just for kids, either! I've had fun creating one for myself!

A small weekly planner; great to go in your purse.

A "My Daily Journal". This is a hardcover book with spiral binding and nice sturdy pages.

A hardcover book, "Don't Get Scrooged", by Richard Carlson (author of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff")

And, a small, hardcover book, "what i read". This little gem keeps track of the books you've read and gives you room to rate each book and write other thoughts about it.

All 6 items, PLUS a $25.00 Gift Card will be yours, if your name is chosen! I think this time, instead of using random.org, I'll let The Ronald pick a name out of a basket.

All items are brand new and would make great gifts, too!

This is the inside of "what i read"

I apologize for the photos. My camera doesn't take the best pictures!

This is the inside of the weekly planner. I like this kind the best because it has plenty of room for each day.

These are the stickers for the Create Your Own Calendar.

This is what every page in the My Daily Journal looks like. I think it has great prompts.

And, finally, the inside of one of the months in the Create Your Own Calendar!

Now, you are probably thinking....What do I have to do to be entered in this fabulous contest??

1) Be a Follower

2) Leave a comment

3) If you mention this on your blog, with a link to mine,

 you're name will be entered twice.

That's it!! The drawing will be held on Monday night, November 15th, at 6:00 pm CST.

Good Luck! And don't forget to start thinking about what gift card you'd like to have, if you're the winner!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Footnote*:  The cost to ship these prizes to another country never entered my mind, until someone mentioned it today. SO, since there's nothing in "the rules" about it, everyone is eligible to win!

Also, I've given it some thought, and the winner will be given this choice of gift cards to choose from: Borders, Barnes & Noble, Home Goods, Big Lots, Hobby Lobby or Kirkland's.

I think that should cover just about everyone's taste, don't you?!

Thanks again and tell all your bloggie friends to stop by and enter!

* New Contest Give-Away Announcement *

A couple of days ago, I realized I'm behind in my monthly contest again. At least I think I am. I've kind of lost track. But, I have some really nice items to put together to make a Grand Prize! Stay tuned because tomorrow I'll post all about it...the qualifications and the prizes. One little hint: Along with the items, a gift card will also be included!


"Honest to goodness, it's the absolute ultimate." -- Gidget (1959)

(Quote from famous last lines of movies. Can't you just see perky, little Sandra Dee saying this?!)

* Yikes Friday - Part 2 *

As I mentioned before, I am so upbeat and excited about things going on in my life right now! Everything just feels so "right", you know? I had a conversation the other day with someone about my book, and the time I spend on my blog, etc. And yes, I know the time spent on blogging is time that could be spent on my book. BUT, I feel as if I'm right where I should be at this point in my life. This journey of mine, of writing my book, of becoming friends with other writers, of learning so much more about writing, of meeting new wonderful people through blogging. I feel as if I'm walking on a winding path that's leading me toward my goals, all at just the right speed and time. I've been envisioning my success for quite a long while now, and I am almost there. I can feel it.

(courtey: flickr)

“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.” -- Bob Moawad

* Yikes! It's Friday Already! *

It's been a very busy and exciting week. I've been getting some writing accomplished, which is my first priority. Been seeing friends and acquaintances: always a good time. Had an appointment at the new facility where Saturday Writers will host their monthly meetings, beginning in January 2011. Fabulous place! And, this morning I'm attending another marketing meeting, which offers great tips and suggestions on how to market our books. (and in my case, that means...once I get it finished!)

I think 2011 is going to be a fantastic year to be President of Saturday Writers! I'm very excited and enthusiastic about what lies ahead. In addition to the website, we're also going to post information on our blog, which is: www.saturdaywriters.blogspot.com. (I just posted the first entry last night.) Stay tuned for more updates!

One quick Call for Submissions: Columbia Chapter of Missouri Writers Guild. They have exteneded the submissions deadline to November 30, 2010, for their new anthology. They are looking for poetry, short fiction, non-fiction, and "graphics of original artwork & black-and-white photographs are welcome." No entry fees.

Also, Women of Faith Writing Contest. Your story must be a minimum of 10,000 words. Deadline to submit an entry is January 15, 2011.  (I was really happy to come across this one, because I know there's many of you searching for places to submit Christian writing.)

* I forgot to mention a Hello and Thank you to my newest follower: Tom!
Hi Tom and thanks for stopping by! *

Have a wonderful, blissful day!

"If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?" -- T. S. Eliot

*A Great Day - Books, Writing & Contests*

It's been a great day! A couple of days ago I made up my mind to begin a new routine, starting today, November 1st. It's nearing midnight and I'm very happy to report that it's gone better than I'd even hoped. I won't divulge everything on my new schedule, because.....well, just because! I know I will not fail, though.

First bit of news:  I wrote 1,381 words today! That is a very good number for me.

Second: I sold 2 Cuivre River Anthologies today! "Thank you" to a couple of wonderful friends!

Third: Lovely friend and blogger, Lisa Ricard Claro is having her first blog contest. Jump on over there and check it out. She has beautiful autumn prizes and promises the winner will receive them before Thanksgiving!

Fourth: Saturday Writers is having its:
2010 Saturday Writers 9th Annual Short Story Contest


DEADLINE: November 10, 2010 (postmarked) Word Limit: 2010 (as in the year 2010)
Contest is open to all writers. (you don't have to be a member!) Open subject, open genre. (Please, no pornography or gore.)
Prizes: 1st place - $100, 2nd place - $50, 3rd place - $25, 4th place - $15, 5th place - $10. 6-10th places receive certificates. Winners may be invited to submit their story to Cuivre River Anthology.
Entry fee: $7 per story Maximum of three entries per person (separate fee for each entry)
• Members of Saturday Writers, OWL, MWG, or other MWG Chapters: $5 per story
• Checks payable to: Saturday Writers.
• Short stories only (no poems, essays or articles) must be in English
• Unpublished at time of submission and the original work of the contestant
• Contestants retain all rights to their stories
• Standard manuscript format: 8 1/2 x 11 paper
• Two copies of each entry
• Typed and double-spaced on one side of the paper
• Pages numbered, title of entry on every page
• Times New Roman 12-point
• Paper clip pages together (do not staple)
• No name or other identifying information should appear anywhere on entry
• Attach a separate cover sheet and include: story title, name, address, e-mail, phone number, and MWG chapter name (if applicable)
• Do NOT send by certified mail!
• Mail fee and two copies of each entry, flat, not folded, by November 10 (postmark) to:
2010 Saturday Writers
9th Annual Short Story Contest
c/o Pat Wahler
18 Pershing Lake Drive
St. Peters, MO 63376

Keep a copy of your entry because stories will not be returned. Winners' names will be announced during the December Saturday Writers meeting. For a list of winners, visit the Saturday Writers CONTESTS page in December: www.saturdaywriters.org Certificates and prizes will be mailed by the end of December 2010. Questions? E-mail Pat Wahler, K9friend1@sbcglobal.net

My Own Note: This is a wonderful contest with only a $7.00 entry fee, per story. AND Members of Saturday Writers, OWL, MWG, or other MWG Chapters: it's only $5 per story.
It's not one that usually receives hundreds or thousands of entries....like some writing contests do....so your chances of winning are much greater! How about giving it a try? Let's show my favorite writer organization that my blog friends are "Writer-contest-entering-kind-of-people"! (And in case you're wondering....knowing me won't help in the judging! I have nothing to do with it!)

"A sense of humor... is needed armor. Joy in one's heart and some laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life." -- Hugh Sidey

** Saturday Writers - Part Two **

Steve explained his reasons for writing Megan's story the way he did. He didn't want it to be the typical "Who, What, Where, When, Why & How" kind of newspaper article. He began it with the happy words Megan said to her mom about a new boy who was nice to her on My Space. His title did not include any words about suicide the way the online version does. I apologize for not remembering the title in the print version Steve brought with him. I should've written it down. He also spoke about his decision to not print the name of the neighbor who was involved in this horrible tragedy. She had a daughter Megan's age, who was once Megan's good friend, and he didn't want his article to possibly cause her to end her life, too.

There are several reasons why I enjoyed Steve's presentation. One, I haven't heard a newspaper journalist speak since I attended my first Missouri Writers Guild Conference in April of 2007. I find it so interesting to hear the ins and outs of writing columns for a paper, which is obviously much different than writing a book.
I enjoyed learning of his integrity, especially in today's world of Junk Journalism and the sick delight some people feel when they read about others' troubles. Thank you, Steve. It was a pleasure meeting you.

My buddy Sioux Roslawski agreed to be VP of Saturday Writers.

Yay, and thank you! (By the way, I'm the short one!)

(Boy, do I look like my mother in this picture! Scary!)

I won this awesome basket of chocolate goodies at the raffle.

I squealed and ran up to receive my prize as if I was on The Price is Right.

I didn't think to photograph it before I ripped off the pretty cellophane wrap!

Uh...I think there's a couple of things missing, too.

It was donated by the amazing Barb Hodges complete with one of Barb's poems!

Speaking of amazing Barb, she presented me with a little gift bag yesterday, which held these two adorable tea cups sets and Afternoon Tea book! What a sweet woman! I asked her why she was giving me a gift, and she said, "Just because". She went on to say how much she enjoys seeing the tea cups I post on my blog from time to time. Whenever I see her, she is a joyful, blissful woman. Thank you, Barb!

One more thing...Lou Turner of High Hill Press, worked night and day to get some brand new Cuivre River Anthology, Volume V books to our meeting. Isn't the cover beautiful? And look how nicely it blends in with my blue and white table lamp and blue mouse! Pat Wahler, Sioux Roslawski, Donna Volkenannt, Lou Turner and I all have a story or poem in it. I'd be happy to get their signatures, if anyone would like to buy a book or two. They'd make nice Christmas gifts! hint...hint

There are many other writers's stories, obviously, but these are the ones who have blogs or a website that you may be familiar with. The books are $16.95 and I will ship them anywhere in the US at no charge, to anyone who buys them from me. What a deal! A book with many autographs, and shipped free!

And I'll be happy to get as many signatures as I can, if someone would prefer that.

If you are interested, contact me at: Writergal53@aol.com.


P.S. I'll post my terrible poem at a later date. I don't want THAT to be what sticks in your mind, when you think about buying a book which contains a story of mine!

“To read a writer is for me not merely to get an idea of what he says, but to go off with him and travel in his company.” -- Andre Gide

** Saturday Writers - Part One **

The Saturday Writers workshop on October 30, 2010 was a huge success. We had two wonderful speakers; Susan Swartwout, publisher of Southeast Missouri State University Press, and Big Muddy: Journal of the Mississippi River Valley. And, Steve Pokin of the St. Charles County Journals. Both were very personable, answered questions, and seemed to enjoy us as much as we did them.

Susan spoke about the proper ways to submit your writing, whether it be a manuscript, essay, short story, or a magazine article. It was suprising to hear how many writers just don't do it professionally and totally ignore a publication's requirements. She had us laughing over some of the ridiculous things she's come across as an editor and publisher. One big note: If you're also a scrapbooker...DON'T stamp cutsie things all over your paper! Be professional.

At the end of her session, she had us participate in a poetry writing exercise. I won't go into all of it, but it was fun and there were some wonderful poems written. I tried to get her to accept mine to share with other classes, as an example of either How To Not Write a Poem....or Winner of the Worst Poem Contest. I could see in her eyes, she seriously considered it. Since she didn't, I'll post it at the end. (By the way, I apologize for not having a photo of Susan. I forgot to take pictures during her presentation. The link I provided, though, goes directly to a page all about Susan and contains a great photo.)

Steve writes a column titled, "Pokin Around". How perfect is that? How'd he get so lucky to be born with a name to go with his column?! His are human interest stories. The link I provided above is a good example of what he writes. I was happy to see this article, because just a week ago, I drove past the "tree" in his story, and wondered What the heck? (I am one who thinks it's a great tree.)

Steve was also the journalist who broke the story about Megan Meier, a St. Charles County teenager who committed suicide after being the subject of a cruel hoax on My Space in 2007. Steve brought copies of that edition and talked about his interviews with Megan's grieving parents during that time. His story was like the shot heard 'round the world. Surely no matter where you live, you've heard the extremely sad story.

To Be Continued.................

Friday Night of Halloween Weekend

Playlist now playing: What Child is This? (aka: Greensleeves.) I love this song, and the harp is so beautiful. Anyone who's known me for a long time, knows that when the first really cold days arrive, I dig out some Christmas music to play! It makes me happy!☺

Welcome to my 2 newest followers: Sierra Godfrey & Traci Harrell! Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy what you read and see!
List of Calls for Submissions & Contests:
Whispering Angels Books is now accepting stories for an upcoming book. Deadline is March 15, 2011.
Wisdom Has a Voice: accepting daughters memories of mothers, or mother figure. Deadline February 1, 2011.
YA Novel Contest: This contest looks really awesome! I know so many of you are writing this genre right now. It's open only from November 1st to November 30th, so get on over there and check it out!
Long Story Short: This is a monthly e-zine. I don't really know that much about it, but wonderful blog friend, Janel of Janel's Jumble recently had a fantastic story published there! Congrats again, Janel!
Blue Mountain Arts: Seventeenth Biannual Poetry Card Contest! Deadline December 31, 2010.Who wouldn't want their writing to be on one of their greeting cards?!
The Animal Anthology Project: Tentative deadline for submissions is December 31, 2010.
Funds For Writers: 9th Annual Essay Contest. The theme is: When Writing Made a Difference. Looks like a great contest, but HURRY. Deadline is October 31, 2010!
Memoir and...: I'm not very familiar with this, but it looks interesting. Next submission period: November 1, 2010 until February 16, 2011.

I think that's about it....for now, anyway. Hey, when I promise a list, I give you A LIST! I told myself I was really going to enter some (one?) of these, before Monday....but, hhmmm, I haven't even thought about any of them yet!

(courtesy: tvguide.com)

Have a wonderful, fun, blissful & safe Halloween weekend. I leave you with this hilarious quote from It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

Linus: "You don't believe the story of the Great Pumpkin? I thought little girls always believed everything that was told to them. I thought little girls were innocent and trusting."

Sally Brown: "Welcome to the 20th century!"