* Finding My Bliss *

This evening I needed a break from my usual activities of watching TV with The Ronald, blogging, e-mailing, and more recently trying to force a story out of my head that just wasn't happening. In fact, earlier this afternoon, I got a migraine headache, probably due to the stress I've been putting on myself. I decided it was time for a change in my routine, so here's what I did to reclaim my bliss.

Remember the beautiful flowers and "birthday cake" The Ronald gave me for my birthday on January 6th? I finally got around to baking that cake and he said it was delicious! (Don't worry, I'm sure I'll be having a slice or two.)

Then I took some pictures of a salt and pepper set I bought at Hobby Lobby last night. I "sort of" collect them, which means I don't have many. These just shouted at me to buy them and they were 50% off, so what could I do?! Just looking at them makes me smile from ear to ear.

Aren't they just adorable?? So cute and funny, and with beautiful spring colors! They remind me of cartoon characters from long ago.

And The Ronald and I played Scrabble this evening, which we haven't done in ages. I had all the weird letters: Q, Z, V, and Z. I trounced him, too, which hardly ever happens.☺

It was a very good evening, recapturing my bliss!

"Who could be so lucky? Who comes to a lake for water and sees the reflection of the moon." -- Rumi

* Writerly News *

Chicken Soup for the Soul has some new Call Outs. You never know when they will post them, so it's a good idea to check their site from time to time. After you get to the main site, click on "Submit Your Story" on the left column. Then click on "Possible Book Topics."

There are five books listed right now. Two of them have been there for quite some time: Parenthood and New Friends. The three newer ones are: Hooked on Hockey, Independent Woman, and The Power of Positive. Ooohhh, I think I can write something for 2 out of 3! (NOT the hockey one, though!)


Open to Interpretation is looking for stories and photographs. It's a very interesting and unique site. Be sure to READ all the directions CAREFULLY. I plan on submitting a thing or two.

Literal Latte': Another cool site I recently found. They have poetry and pose contests going on.

Nail Polish Stories: I received a nice rejection already for my 25 word story! So, I'll share it here with you. I really hope many of you will give it a try. Have fun and Good Luck!

Torrid

She wondered who the hell was really in control of her life, this horrid world she lived in. It obviously wasn't her. Was it Satan?

"Why do writers write? Because it isn't there." -- Thomas Berger

* Nostalgic Sunday -- Not *

Nostalgic Sunday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqVBKO_QM3o 

(I deleted the actual video and posted the link, thinking it might help my blog from slowing down and acting weird. We shall see.....  2/1/2012

I know it's Nostalgic Sunday, but I just had to post this You-Tube video today. It's the newest E-Trade Baby commercial. I've watched it over and over and over....and it cracks me up every time! I hope you like it as much as I do! (if you click on the picture a time or two, you'll get a bigger view.)

(*Note: There is no cursing in this video!)

( And HEY...This is a little bit nostalgic....I was once a baby, and my two sons were once babies!)

Welcome to my newest follower, Rebeca Wise. Rebeca is a new writer friend of mine. She is a member of the critique group I attend on Tuesday mornings, and also the new Vice President of Saturday Writers.

I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see. Thanks, Rebeca!

"Pretty much all the honest truth telling there is in the world is done by children." -- Oliver Wendell Holmes

Is It Thursday? I Still Don't Know What Day It Is!

Snippets of This 'n That:

I've been working on my entry for the Erma Bombeck contest. The deadline is February 14th. That should be easy to remember.Valentine's Day. Word limit is 450 words or less. Entry fee $15.00. Good luck to all the entrants!

I recently came across a fun writing site: Nail Polish Stories. I've submitted one story so far. Here are the submission rules: Each story must be exactly 25 words, title not included. The title must be a nail polish color. Intrigued? Hop on over and check it out.

Do you know of The Excuse Editor? If not, you're missing out on LOTS of info for contests and other market news. Tina Haapala does a fabulous job keeping us updated. Sign up now to receive her newsletters!


How about you? Are you writing anything? Submitting anything? Reading anything? I'd love to hear any suggestions you'd like to share!



"You become about as exciting as your food blender. The kids come in, look you in the eye, and ask if anybody's home." -- Erma Bombeck

Blogs and Books and Give-Aways

One of my favorite blogs is WOW! Women on Writing Blog - The Muffin. Today's post is about a new book (and interview with) Pesi Dinnerstein. I love the cover and title! A Cluttered Life: Searching for God, Serenity, and My Missing Keys. The interview is really interesting and Pesi seems like someone I'd like to have as my best friend!

The Muffin is having a give-away for Pesi's book and all you have to do is leave a comment, but be quick, because you must do it before Thursday, January 19th, at 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time!

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Another new and innovative website & blog is: Celery Tree and Celery Tree Blog.  Also, check out: Coming Down the Mountain: A Writer's Blog, by Karen Gowen.

Here's what it says on the Celery Tree Blog: A website for authors to network, market, and sell your books. Leave the jungle. Join our village. Sounds awesome!

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I'm excited to announce that I'm finally buying a memoir I've been so curious about. It's written by one of my wonderful writer blog friends - Ann Best. The title is In The Mirror and has received rave reviews on Amazon. I'm sending the check directly to Ann, though, so I can get a signed copy!

** Announcement ** 

I'll be having a give-away later this week or first of next week. Stay tuned for all the info!

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“Sometimes people say to me, “I want to write, but I have five kids, a full-time job, a wife who beats me, a tremendous debt to my parents,” and so on.

I say to them, “There is no excuse. If you want to write, write. This is your life. You are responsible for it. You will not live forever. Don’t wait. Make the time now, even if it is ten minutes once a week.” -- Natalie Goldberg



* Nostalgic Sundays *

Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

Memories and ideas (for my book) pop into my head quite often. And just as quickly as my mind attempts to grasp those thoughts and hang onto them, all too often they pop right out again, not even leaving a wisp of a reminiscence.

Because of those short-lived reflections, I try to have paper and pen everywhere. Two of the most recent scribbled notes have these words on them: Ball and Jacks, (and) Pop Beads. Oh my gosh, how I loved playing the game of Jacks, and creating jewelry with my Pop Beads!

Over the past couple of years I've thought about buying some Jacks, but the only ones I ever saw in stores were the huge, plastic ones.

Google/Ebay image

Nope. Don't like 'em. Gotta be more like I remember. So, eventually the Old Light-Bulb came on, I looked on Google and bought some from Amazon. And an extra benefit: I read many comments on the Amazon page from women of my generation who said they were great for hand eye coordination and improving motor skills.

Here's five of the jacks, the ball, and my palm. I actually got through Onesis last night! ☺

How many of you played Jacks when you were little? And would you like to do it again?

* I know many of us are still having "issues" with trying to leave and respond to comments. It is quite annoying, but I decided I'm not going to make any changes on my blog, unless I absolutely HAVE to.

It seems that Maxine feels the same......

"Change is good as long as I don't have to do anything different." -- Maxine



Eek, Yikes, Grrrr

♪♫   In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning  ♪♫

I tried to read and leave comments in blogs last night, way past midnight.....Grrrr.

I read horror stories of bloggers totally losing their blog information.....Yikes!

I found a blog with "explanations" to some of the problems, partly which I don't even understand....Eek.



So, I'm taking this as a sign to stay completely away from Blogger. (at least for today!) I'll be doing my "homework"....answering Natalie Goldberg's questions in "Old Friend from Far Away" & fueling my writing soul.

Welcome to my newest follower, Karen Jones Gowen. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see. Thank you!

 

P.S. I'm VERY aware of my two biggest struggles with my writing; and because they are Procrastinating & Perfection, they certainly explain why I haven't gotten much accomplished.....And so with that, I leave you with today's quote:

"This morning I took out a comma and this afternoon I put it back again." -- Oscar Wilde

* What's Going On With Blogger? *

Ever since Blogger announced its New and Improved commenting thingy....who can leave comments?? I  haven't been able to for about a day and a half.

Anyone else out there? AND if you can't answer in the comment section, because it won't let you comment....Send me an e-mail if you'd like!

Writergal53 (at) gmail (dot) com