* This 'n That on a Saturday Morning *

Good morning! First of all, welcome to my two newest followers: The Quintessential Magpie & Rosemills! Thank you both for taking the time to stop and comment, and also become a follower. I truly appreciate it!

(courtesy: perfectlittlestiches.com)

Blog friend, TK Richardson over at My Writing Masquerade just listed 13 great links to various writer and publishing sites. She also has a contest that ends late Sunday, November 14th. Be sure and stop by!

Writing Contest: The Mona Schreiber Prize for Humorous Fiction and Non-Fiction. I wanted to enter this last year and just got busy and missed the deadline. Here's part of what Brad Schreiber says: "Humor is subjective. Uniqueness is suggested. Weirdness is encouraged." So, I know some of you out there definitely fit those categories! It's a "snail mail" entry and must be postmarked by December 1st.

Writing Contest: Fine Lines 55 Word Writing Contest. Fiction only. E-mail or snail-mail. Deadline December 31st. I don't know anything about this one, but it sure looks like a fun challenge! Come on, you microfiction writers out there!

Writing Contest: Windmill Women Writers. Fiction, 1000 word limit, Deadline December 3rd. Here's the kicker....you story must have the word "Christmas" in it. It doesn't have to be ABOUT Christmas, though! Hmmm, interesting! Also, it doesn't mention that little bit of very important information on the Contest Guidelines page...only on the Home Page! Again, I don't know anything about this, other than it looked interesting and challenging!

I'm curious as to how many of you have entered any of the contests I've mentioned in the last few months. Please let me know, and obviously, I certainly want to hear the fantastic news of any winners or honorable mentions, etc.!! It's just for my own curiousity. I don't get paid anything for mentioning any of the contests or calls for submissions I post. I just like to share whatever information I come across that looks like it's worth sharing!

Have a beautiful, blissful Saturday!

"I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship." Louisa May Alcott  (Little Women)

* Beautiful Moments Need Not Be Expensive *

This kind of says it all, doesn't it?

I just realized this morning that I missed my 2 Year Blog Anniversary by two days! I began blogging on November 10, 2008, after much persuading and urging by writer-blog-friend, Karrie Mcallister. She helped me realize that I did indeed need a blog. Karrie even helped me get started on blogspot...all the way from Ohio. Yay for e-mail! I'm sure other writer friends told me about blogging, too, but Karrie was the catalyst.

Thanks again, Karrie! I owe ya!

Remember when I posted a picture of this old tree recently? I mentioned that's where we see an owl or two from time to time. Well.....I know it's very hard to see, but at the top of the tree, a little left of the center, is one of those beautiful birds! I actually took this picture from my office window this morning, holding my camera between the slats in the blinds. I zoomed as close as I could (not the best camera for long shots!) and used the "no flash" feature. If you click on this, though, you'll see a huge view.

What prompted me to look out the window was I heard the familar hoot-hoot that I hear so often! The last time that happened, by the time I went and grabbed my camera, he had flown away.

More Simple Pleasures!

Tiger-Gal's view when she lays by the front storm door.

She LOVES to lay there and keep a watchful eye, and/or snooze and I LOVE to watch her, too.

More Simple Pleasures!

Two Guys With Books!

I bought the little duck for a couple of dollars earlier this year at a place called Apple Wagon. It's located in Williamsburg, Missouri, which we pass when we drive to Osage Beach, Mo. He was just so cute, standing there holding his book...and me being a book person...I just had to have him! I didn't think any more about it....as in maybe having a "collection of book holding animals and/or people"...until I saw old Santa there, at Dollar Tree! Well, you know I had to buy him, too. So, I guess since I have TWO of them, I've officially begun a collection!

More Simple Pleasures!

"The simplest things give me ideas." - Joan Miro

* Veterans Day 2010 *

It's Veterans Day, 2010. How many of our WWII veterans are still alive? Not very many I'm sure. The same could be said about veterans of the Korean War. I know the WWII men & women were welcomed home with cheers by the citizens of our country. I really don't know if the same is true about our Korean vets.

I do know, however, that the Vietnam vets were treated miserably when they came home. I don't really know how the veterans of current and recent "wars" are thought of when they get back, but I'm pretty sure it's better than the ones from Vietnam.

I have friends and relatives who served our country in both war times and peaceful times. Yesterday, I wrote about being grateful for my life, and it didn't occur to me then, to add them to my list. Thank you all.

This isn't going to be a rant about how veterans of war are treated. I don't write a political blog, but I will say this...If you've never been to Washington, DC and seen Arlington Cemetery and/or the Vietnam Wall, you've missed out on a couple of powerful sights. You will surely have chills......

I just want to remind us all of the following:

"Why do we kill people who are killing people to show that killing people is wrong?" ~ Holly Near

"I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, 'Mother, what was war?' " ~ Eve Merriam

"Nations have recently been led to borrow billions for war; no nation has ever borrowed largely for education. Probably, no nation is rich enough to pay for both war and civilization. We must make our choice; we cannot have both." ~ Abraham Flexner

*A Grand, Grateful Day*

First of all, I am overwhelmed by the number of comments and new followers I've received since posting my new contest! Thank you all so much. It really means a lot to me that people enjoy visiting my blog. I am truly grateful for that. Welcome new followers: Krysten, Together We Save, Ann, Donnie, Becky, Tammy, Thmini2 and Cheri!

Today was another near perfect autumn day. Blue skies, few white clouds, light winds, very warm temperatures. Fortunately, I was able to be outside for a little while and soak up some of the bliss. For that I am also grateful.

I saw a few writer-friends today, and although it was way too brief, they still brought smiles to my face. For that I am grateful.

A very dear friend stopped by my house this evening, and again even though she could only stay a minute, we shared smiles and laughs together. For that I am grateful.

A check arrived in the mail today! It's my payment for the Thin Threads story. (the book is due out later this month.) I am sharing the money with Tara, who actually lived the story. All I did was write it, after getting together with her a few times, and taking LOTS of notes. She and I have become friends and I admire her greatly. We'll both be attending the "Habitat for Humanity, Celebration of Trees" event this Thursday evening. I am grateful for meeting her and our resulting friendship.

One more "grateful" thought. Yesterday, while walking through my neighborhood, it occurred to me how fortunate I am to live in a country, in a town, in a neighborhood, where it is safe to take a leisurely walk during the day or night. I know this. I try to always remember this. But how many others do not? Isn't there always something to gripe and complain about? Some people just cannot see the goodness right in front of them. And something else I think about SO often.....Why am I here, in this particular place...when millions of others suffer and live in such horrendous conditions? Those are some questions which I might never receive an answer, but they help me to remember to always strive to feel very fortunate and grateful.

"Grateful"

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." -- Denis Waitley

* 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