We added a new member to our family today. We adopted an 8 year old sweetheart from the Heartland Humane Society. He's a Lab mix and his name is VERN! He is the sweetest, laid back dog and he's perfect for what we wanted! Yes, he likes to get up on the couch and yes, we let him! (*We found out a little later that Vern is actually 9-1/2 years old, but that's okay, too!*)
It will be 3 months ago tomorrow that we had to say good bye to Tiger-Gal. I've missed her so much and I'm so glad I finally was ready to accept another dog into my heart and home. Can you see me smiling while I type these words?!
"Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well." -- Bonnie Wilcox 'Old Dogs, Old Friends'
ALL WHO WANDER ARE NOT LOST.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Book Blurb Friday #2
I'm participating in a brand new meme, Book Blurb Friday, hosted by Lisa Ricard Claro over at Writing in the Buff. Lisa supplies a photo to be used as the book cover of an imaginary book. Those who participate are to give the book a title and to write a blurb of 150 words or less, in an attempt to entice readers to purchase the book.This is Week Two and I had a lot of fun taking on this challenge!
Unfamiliar Gleams
Alone, frightened, and feeling lost among the shadowy trees, Barb felt perspiration trickle down her back. What made her think a walk in the woods would clear her head? The only result, so far, was her realization that she had no navigational skills. She should stick to what she enjoys and what she's good at….sitting and reading.
As she continued to wander, so did her mind, analyzing her last conversation with her dad. Why had he said those things? What did he hope to prove?
Barb stumbled over a small, rotting log, barely keeping her balance. She began to cry, out of fear and anger and hurt. After steadying herself, she looked ahead and noticed sun rays streaming through the leaves. Running toward the dazzling light, joy and relief spread through her body like ripples in a stream. There in the brightness stood her dad.
(145 words)
Unfamiliar Gleams
Alone, frightened, and feeling lost among the shadowy trees, Barb felt perspiration trickle down her back. What made her think a walk in the woods would clear her head? The only result, so far, was her realization that she had no navigational skills. She should stick to what she enjoys and what she's good at….sitting and reading.
As she continued to wander, so did her mind, analyzing her last conversation with her dad. Why had he said those things? What did he hope to prove?
Barb stumbled over a small, rotting log, barely keeping her balance. She began to cry, out of fear and anger and hurt. After steadying herself, she looked ahead and noticed sun rays streaming through the leaves. Running toward the dazzling light, joy and relief spread through her body like ripples in a stream. There in the brightness stood her dad.
(145 words)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
All Things Writerly
On Sunday's post, I mentioned attending a writers workshop the day before. One of the best tips I came home with was to find a Writing Buddy, someone who would help me stay motivated, on track and keep me accountable. I asked my good friend Sioux if she would do that for me and fortunately she said yes. I won't go into all the particulars yet, because we just started, but I can tell you that it has already helped my immensely! (And no, despite rumors you may have heard, she didn't threaten to take away all my diet soda, hand lotion or chapstick if I didn't reach my daily goals!) Another bonus of that afternoon was meeting three new writers, which reminds me, I need to e-mail those lovely women.
A few days ago, I asked one of my male writer buddies to critique one of my memoir chapters. All I can say is "Wow." Having other people....who you trust, and who aren't your family members....read your work and then say what they liked and didn't like, plus offer suggestions and ideas....It's THE BEST!
Monday night, our writing group Saturday Writers, hosted its first "Meet & Greet." Usually we members only get together once a month, which is at our meeting and is more of a class room atmosphere. It was great to just talk with other members and find out what's going on with them, etc.
Which brings me to a post I want to share with everyone, written by blog buddy Paul Joseph. This is SO true and funny and insightful and semi-sad and, did I say "SO TRUE"? This is why I LOVE to hang out with writer friends, and realizing that it doesn't matter what age we are, whether we're male or female, what genre we write...."we are writers"....and we "get each other"!! Happy, happy. Joy, joy! You keep on keepin' on, Paul Joseph! You are one cool guy!
** Oops. I forgot to say Hello & Welcome my newest follower: Thisisme! Thank for your wonderful comment. I'm happy to hear you love the quotes...as you can tell, I LOVE quotes! I hope you always enjoy your visits! ** (added at 11:25pm)
"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 that your life really begins." -- Bob Moawad
(photo courtesy: google)
A few days ago, I asked one of my male writer buddies to critique one of my memoir chapters. All I can say is "Wow." Having other people....who you trust, and who aren't your family members....read your work and then say what they liked and didn't like, plus offer suggestions and ideas....It's THE BEST!
Monday night, our writing group Saturday Writers, hosted its first "Meet & Greet." Usually we members only get together once a month, which is at our meeting and is more of a class room atmosphere. It was great to just talk with other members and find out what's going on with them, etc.
Which brings me to a post I want to share with everyone, written by blog buddy Paul Joseph. This is SO true and funny and insightful and semi-sad and, did I say "SO TRUE"? This is why I LOVE to hang out with writer friends, and realizing that it doesn't matter what age we are, whether we're male or female, what genre we write...."we are writers"....and we "get each other"!! Happy, happy. Joy, joy! You keep on keepin' on, Paul Joseph! You are one cool guy!
** Oops. I forgot to say Hello & Welcome my newest follower: Thisisme! Thank for your wonderful comment. I'm happy to hear you love the quotes...as you can tell, I LOVE quotes! I hope you always enjoy your visits! ** (added at 11:25pm)
"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 that your life really begins." -- Bob Moawad
Sunday, March 6, 2011
* This 'n That on a Sunday Night *
A very busy, productive weekend, but not enough time to give it justice right now. In short.....
1) Attended a writers workshop: Got some good tips & ideas, met new writers, saw writer friends.
2) Did quite a bit of editing and some new writing.
3) Actually made a dent in the mountain of laundry (for only 2 people...how does this happen?)
4) Stopped and looked at dogs for adoption. Haven't found THE ONE yet, but at least I'm feeling ready to really open up my heart and home...again.
5) Did a little singin' and dancin' around the house....just because it's fun and I love it! (and great exercise!)
6) Bought some cool things at Michael's Craft Store for my Saturday Writers Door-Prizes-Goodies-Bag!
7) Oh, one distressing incident: A very good friend of ours fell from his deck while working on it Saturday afternoon. Long story short, but he has broken bones in his face, extremely sore ribs, etc. Please keep him and his wife in your thoughts or prayers.....whichever you believe in.
Have a wonderful, blissful week everyone!
Hello and Welcome to my two newest members: Madeleine & Dominic! Thank for your wonderful comments and I hope you always enjoy your visits!
"Each friend represents in us, a world possibly not born, until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." -- Anais Nin
(I consider a friend both the 2-legged and 4-legged kind!)
1) Attended a writers workshop: Got some good tips & ideas, met new writers, saw writer friends.
2) Did quite a bit of editing and some new writing.
3) Actually made a dent in the mountain of laundry (for only 2 people...how does this happen?)
4) Stopped and looked at dogs for adoption. Haven't found THE ONE yet, but at least I'm feeling ready to really open up my heart and home...again.
5) Did a little singin' and dancin' around the house....just because it's fun and I love it! (and great exercise!)
6) Bought some cool things at Michael's Craft Store for my Saturday Writers Door-Prizes-Goodies-Bag!
7) Oh, one distressing incident: A very good friend of ours fell from his deck while working on it Saturday afternoon. Long story short, but he has broken bones in his face, extremely sore ribs, etc. Please keep him and his wife in your thoughts or prayers.....whichever you believe in.
Have a wonderful, blissful week everyone!
Hello and Welcome to my two newest members: Madeleine & Dominic! Thank for your wonderful comments and I hope you always enjoy your visits!
"Each friend represents in us, a world possibly not born, until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." -- Anais Nin
(I consider a friend both the 2-legged and 4-legged kind!)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Book Cover - Title - Blurb
Book Blurb Friday #1
I'm participating in a brand new meme, hosted by Lisa Ricard Claro over at Writing in the Buff. I'm pretty sure I understood this correctly, but if not, Lisa please let me know ASAP!
Lisa supplies a photo to be used as the book cover of an imaginary book. Those who participate are to give the book a title and to write a blurb of 150 words or less, in an attempt to entice readers to purchase the book.
Book Title: Beauty for Dummies
How would you like to have beautiful, long and lustrous eyelashes? What about perfect eyeliner and arched eyebrows? Beauty begins with the eyes and with the proper techniques and products, you can have those glamorous, celebrity-like eyes you've always dreamed of.
This book will show you, step-by-step, in easy to read directions, with photos and sketches, just how to get that particular LOOK you want.
Chapters include: Where to buy colorful contact lenses. How much mascara to use for one special evening. What shade of foundation goes with your new eye color. How many layers of eye shadow should you apply.
These tips and MORE are included in this fabulous book, written and published by none other than make-up genius, Ms. Rocky Preston.
(123 Words)
(123 Words)
* Calls for Submissions & Contest *
Whispering Angel Books is still accepting submissions for its latest inspirational anthology, "Nurturing Paws." It celebrates the physical, emotional and spiritual healing power of animals in our lives. You may submit poetry or short stories of no more than 1,500 words.
Each piece should be uplifting, inspirational and based on a true event. Stories about all animals are accepted; they do not have to have paws.
They are also now accepting submissions for its first manuscript contest. Entries should be powerful and life-affirming stories, poems, or essays demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit over adversity. It is open to any subject matter
See their website for complete guidelines and submission details.
A big Welcome and Thank You to my newest Follower: Carol.
Thank for your wonderful comments, Carol. I hope you always enjoy your visits.
"If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." ~Thomas Alva Edison
Each piece should be uplifting, inspirational and based on a true event. Stories about all animals are accepted; they do not have to have paws.
They are also now accepting submissions for its first manuscript contest. Entries should be powerful and life-affirming stories, poems, or essays demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit over adversity. It is open to any subject matter
See their website for complete guidelines and submission details.
A big Welcome and Thank You to my newest Follower: Carol.
Thank for your wonderful comments, Carol. I hope you always enjoy your visits.
"If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." ~Thomas Alva Edison
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
* If I Think it's Thursday, It Must be Tuesday *
It's deja vu, all over again. Sorry, but I just couldn't help myself! All day long, I kept thinking; What day is it? Wednesday? Thursday? It can't possibly be only Tuesday!
And....to boldly show my true, kooky self....I'm thinking this before, after, and DURING the weekly, EVERY TUESDAY coffee and critique group I attend! Yikes! Are ya worrying about me yet?!
I need an office assistant. A Samantha or a Jeannie. Someone who could just twitch her nose, or bop her head, and poof everything would be filed in the proper place, dust would vanish, the carpet would appear vaccumed, every e-mail, note and schedule for Saturday Writers would be completed, and my book would be finished, with the most amazing title!
I used to wish for a "Hazel." But I'm beyond needing housework and laundry help. I need magic. And fortunately, I do know that the only magic happening here is what comes from within ME. I'm plugging along as best I can and I have faith and confidence in myself. If I don't believe in myself, who will?
A big Welcome and Thank You to my newest Follower: Julie! Thanks for your wonderful comments, Julie. I hope you always enjoy your visits.
AND, a big Thank You to Alice L. for always "being there" for me. (I liked the title suggestion, too!)
And....to boldly show my true, kooky self....I'm thinking this before, after, and DURING the weekly, EVERY TUESDAY coffee and critique group I attend! Yikes! Are ya worrying about me yet?!
I need an office assistant. A Samantha or a Jeannie. Someone who could just twitch her nose, or bop her head, and poof everything would be filed in the proper place, dust would vanish, the carpet would appear vaccumed, every e-mail, note and schedule for Saturday Writers would be completed, and my book would be finished, with the most amazing title!
I used to wish for a "Hazel." But I'm beyond needing housework and laundry help. I need magic. And fortunately, I do know that the only magic happening here is what comes from within ME. I'm plugging along as best I can and I have faith and confidence in myself. If I don't believe in myself, who will?
A big Welcome and Thank You to my newest Follower: Julie! Thanks for your wonderful comments, Julie. I hope you always enjoy your visits.
AND, a big Thank You to Alice L. for always "being there" for me. (I liked the title suggestion, too!)
“Our dreams are made of real things, like a shoebox full of photographs.” -- Jack Johnson
Sunday, February 27, 2011
* Titles Being Tossed Around....Still *
I don't know why I'm driving myself nuts about choosing the title for my memoir. It's not as if I have to make a decision right now. It's not as if I can't write another word until I've absolutely, positively selected the name, signed with my blood on the dotted line, and done the "my handshake is my word" thing. BUT, ever since my publisher and I talked a few months ago about doing a sample book cover, it's been hanging over, in, and around my head.
I want that feeling of looking up from my laptop and seeing the mock-up pinned to my bulletin board. I want to feel that "skip a heartbeat, tingling in my stomach" kind of feeling whenever I see it. I just know that when my decision has been made, I'll be at peace with myself. I'll be able to zoom happily along and finish my book right on time, or even a little bit sooner.
My indecision reared its ugly head yesterday, right after our Saturday Writers meeting. (which was another fantastic meeting with a great turn out.) As soon as two of the board members heard me talking about changing the title and looking at different possible cover ideas, they both proclaimed their love of my old, original title. The one I've been carrying around in this crazy head of mine for quite a few years. And I DO still love it and I DO believe it will grab people.
So, more anxiety about The Title. I think this calls for a late afternoon nap, especially since I haven't slept much in the past 24 hours...and...and.......Zzzzzzz
I want that feeling of looking up from my laptop and seeing the mock-up pinned to my bulletin board. I want to feel that "skip a heartbeat, tingling in my stomach" kind of feeling whenever I see it. I just know that when my decision has been made, I'll be at peace with myself. I'll be able to zoom happily along and finish my book right on time, or even a little bit sooner.
My indecision reared its ugly head yesterday, right after our Saturday Writers meeting. (which was another fantastic meeting with a great turn out.) As soon as two of the board members heard me talking about changing the title and looking at different possible cover ideas, they both proclaimed their love of my old, original title. The one I've been carrying around in this crazy head of mine for quite a few years. And I DO still love it and I DO believe it will grab people.
So, more anxiety about The Title. I think this calls for a late afternoon nap, especially since I haven't slept much in the past 24 hours...and...and.......Zzzzzzz
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