** And the Winner is.....**

Well, just as I promised, The Ronald pulled a folded piece of paper out of a large bowl this evening, and the winner of all the prizes is.......Becky of Mom Squad!! Congratulations Becky!! And wow, a brand new follower, too. See, sometimes it "pays" to become a follower! ☺

*NOTE*  After delving into it further, later last night, I realized that the Becky who won the contest is NOT THE NEW BECKY who just joined this month....but it STILL IS "BECKY OF MOM SQUAD"! If you're confused, imagine how I felt!! I have a full explanation for anyone who wants to know, but I won't take up all that room to explain it here. You can trust, though, that I've got it right, & the right Becky won!* (Monday 11/16/10 AM)

Becky, please e-mail me (address in My Profile) with your address, and also let me know which gift card you would like: Borders, Barnes & Noble, Home Goods, Big Lots, Hobby Lobby or Kirklands.

I want to thank everyone who participated, whether you are a new follower, or one that has been with me for awhile. I truly appreciate each and every one of you, whether you have time to stop by, and leave a comment or not. I really believe that sharing my thoughts and ramblings with my blog friends has made me a better writer!
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AND, speaking of writing, this is straight out of Whispering Angel Books: "Our next anthology, Nurturing Paws, is currently accepting positive and uplifting short stories and poems that illustrate the healing power of animals in our lives. The deadline is March 15, 2011 and there is no submission fee."

They also have a manuscript contest, so be sure and check that out, too! Looks like a great opportunity to me!
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"A leaf fluttered in through the window this morning, as if supported by the rays of the sun, a bird settled on the fire escape, joy in the task of coffee, joy accompanied me as I walked." -- Anais Nin

* Contest-Give-Away Almost Here *

There's still time to be eligible for my give-away! The Ronald will pick a name out of a hat at 6:00pm CST this evening. I'll take comments/entries right up to the last minute! See my post of Sunday, November 7th to find out all about it.

The prize is everything shown here, PLUS a $25.00 gift card!

Evelyn Ryan: “You know what the worst part of it is?”

 Mrs. Bidlack: “What?”


Evelyn Ryan: “A quart of milk got sucked up inside my girdle.” –from the movie, The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio. (2005)

* A Beautiful Day *

Today was such a wonderful day. The temperature fell to a brisk and windy mid-40s, which made it perfect for a day of fall craft fairs, and other holiday shopping. Gal pals Sherry and Crazy Rita and I met at 8:00am at our local Bread Co. By the time Sherry dropped us off, back at where Rita and I had parked our cars, it was almost 4:00pm! All three of us got a few bargains, either for our own decorations, or for Christmas gifts for others. We've known each other since we met at the same workplace in the mid 1980s and became instant friends. We can have serious discussions, but most of all we laugh and have the best of times, just being together.

Speaking of finding bargains today.....Look at my beautiful angel, HOLDING A BOOK! I didn't expect to find any "figures holding books" today, nor was I even looking for any, but this beautiful angel found me, in a huge warehouse of a store. Just about everything in the store was VERY expensive, to the point of being ridiculously expensive. But it was in an expensive neighborhood, and we were there just to browse and gawk, to be perfectly honest....and hoping to find a good sale....which didn't happen! I was the only one who found anything to buy, & I stood in line for a LONG time, to buy this beautiful little 4 inch statue for $9.00! The pictures don't do her justice. She is so lovely, and sparkly and I just love her!! So, I have 3 in my collection now! The angel, Santa and the duck!  Ahhhh, Simple Pleasures!

Welcome & thank you to my two newest followers, numbers 142 & 143: Mya and Faith Hope CherryTea! I really cannot believe that I am nearing 150 followers! It's amazing and I'm so appreciative of each and every one of you! Thank you, thank you!!

I also wanted to mention that two of my blog buddies have contests going on right now. Lisa Ricard Claro's contest ends on Monday, November 15th, so hurry on over! And Karen Lange's contest ends at noon on Wednesday, November 17th, so you need to hurry over there, as well. If anyone else is having a contest that I forgot to blog about, please let me know! I don't want to leave anyone out. And also, don't forget that MY contest ends on Monday, November 15th, too!

Tomorrow, I really must get back into my routine of writing every day, again!! I started out so well on November 1st and it lasted for about 3 whole days. Aacckkk! Hey Joe! I need another shout-out from you about Baby Steps!! Where ya been?

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances." -- Martha Washington

* 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!

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*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!