* CONCLUSION OF "WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES"

I got a kick out of the comments left on my previous post. Only two people, Myra and Marcia, mentioned anything about my habit of leaving music on for Vern!! J

While I'm at my desk and he's lying on the daybed next to me, I always have some kind of music playing then, too. When I first started writing, I couldn't have any music on except "easy listening" instrumentals. Anything else interfered with my thoughts and writing was impossible.

~~~

 

 

Okay, remember when I said Don't start applauding, yet, though! on Tuesday's blog post? Well after losing all that weight and being so happy with myself....the horribly cold, freezing, frigid, icy, numbing, arctic, Siberian, Polar Vortex arrived and I was homebound for what seemed like months! So, what did I crave? In the beginning, it was Comfort Food. Any kind would do. Then the carbs started their invisible tug, and I was eating sweets like there was no tomorrow. For a while, my weight really didn't change. (It tricks us that way!) But after quite a while, the pounds began to show up on the bathroom scales and in how my clothes fit. I told myself I had plenty of time to lose the weight and everything would be fine.

 

But, as I gobbled everything in sight while sitting in my recliner, watching TV, wearing warm slippers, sweat suits, and covered up with a quilt, the willpower didn't return. Then I ate my way through spring, and now half the summer!! I'm really aggravated at myself, but obviously not enough to do something about it. All I can say is Thank Goodness I haven't gained ALL those 25 lbs. back. I actually got weighed at a doctor appointment today and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Whew!

 

I guess my stubborn determination can only focus on one project at a time, and during these past seven months, I've used it solely to promote and market my memoir.

 

~~~



 

One of my relatives said something to me the other night that kind of surprised me. In a round about way, I took her words to mean that I've worked so hard for so long, that maybe it was time to slow down, or maybe even quit. But I know she just doesn't understand. If I wasn't receiving great reviews on Amazon, or praise from other authors, then it would certainly be time to take a hard look at myself and my writing. But that's not how it is. I still believe in my memoir. I believe it will become very well known the way most books do, by word of mouth. I still have so much to do and so many places to go. Quitting has never entered my mind. I gotta keep on keepin' on! 

 

 

 

 P.S. Please notice my Goodreads Book Giveaway at the top of the right hand column. Almost anyone can enter to win one free print copy of my memoir. I'm offering it not only to US residents, but also to readers in Canada, the UK, and Australia!    

JULY 4th * I thought my giveaway would've been approved overnight, but as of early this morning it hasn't, so I removed the gadget for now. My apologies! I'll put it back on as soon as I get the okay. * AND, I guess the good folks at Goodreads had the day off today, which makes sense, so hopefully, my giveaway will be up and going tomorrow?? Saturday?? OR, maybe not until Monday. Whatever happens, I'll be sure to post it on my blog! Thanks for being patient.

 

Happy Independence Day, America! 

 

 

*Monday, July 7th: I received approval overnight from Goodreads, so I will be posting about my giveaway now. *

 

 

 

"No one succeeds without effort. Those who succeed owe their success to perseverance." -- Ramana Maharshi

 

 

* WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES - PART ONE *

I love the song, "What a Difference a Day Makes." The lyrics are powerful and when sung by Dinah Washington, pure gold. It popped into my mind the other day when I was thinking about my life last year at this time and how different it is now.

 

 

 

 

The Ronald and I moved last spring which was a huge change and yet thinking back on it, went rather smoothly. I didn't write much of anything for quite a while except blog posts. (Do they count as "writing?!") My mind was a jumbled mess, but hey....that's nothin' new for me, is it?

 

As we unpacked and I began to get settled in, I mentally searched for answers concerning my memoir. At the time, I still wasn't finished with it! The chapters were complete, but not in any kind of order. I hadn't written a forward or acknowledgments, either. And I was still trying to decide how to publish it.

 

Another thing that was happening was I'd made up my mind to lose weight. I don't think I blogged about it because usually when I make "the big announcement" about being on a diet, I immediately lose all will power. The day we moved, I made up my mind then and there, to begin the following day. And I did. And I stuck to it. And over the summer I lost 25 lbs. (Don't start applauding, yet, though!) I walked a lot, did a few simple floor exercises, and practically went Cold Turkey as far as eating was concerned. I ate tiny servings of food, no matter what it was. I didn't give up anything, but I also lived on less than 1000 calories a day. I did not suffer. I loved it and it felt so good to fit into smaller sizes of clothing. (It was easy! It reminded me of when I quit smoking, Cold Turkey, about 30 years ago. It was just the Right Time for each accomplishment, I guess, since I began and quit smoking and dieting zillions of times.)

 

I made my publication decisions. I completed my memoir. And I self-published it with Createspace in November. All in all, it was quite a year.

 

Stay tuned for the next installment of "What a difference a year makes." Hope to see you there! (I changed the color on five important words above!.....)

 

~~~

 

P.S. Sometimes when I leave to go on errands, I turn the TV to a music channel for Vern to listen to while I'm gone! Yes, I really do! He likes Golden Oldies and Classic Country the best, so yesterday it was Classic Country. You won't believe what song was playing when I walked in the door..... Charlie Rich's "Rollin' With the Flow." True! (see blog post from June 27th.) Ahhh, another one of my Twilight Zoney, Cosmic moments.

 

 

"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." ~Alan W. Watts 





* ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES - ROLLING WITH THE FLOW *

A funny thing happened this morning. Actually it was two things. And they weren't really funny. And they were on completely opposite sides of the spectrum.

One was surprising, exciting and just "made my day" before it was even noon! I received a really nice, 5-Star review on Amazon, from one of my Goodreads winners. Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/From-Pigtails-Chin-Hairs-Memoir/product-reviews/1481157493/ref=cm_cr_pr_top_recent?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

I never dreamed I would hear back from anyone, and especially not for a review. What a fabulous feeling! (By the way, out of the four or five books I gave away, I did receive an e-mail from one or two, saying they received my book, etc. I love courteous people)

~~~

 

The second thing that happened was an e-mail I received, reporting that their review of my memoir "wasn't a rave." Hmm, not at all what I was hoping for. But, it's not getting printed anywhere which is a relief. It's my first negative review and although I was a bit hurt and disappointed at first, I just thought Wow, are they ever wrong!  J
 

 

 

As I typed "Rolling With the Punches" for my title, it also made me immediately think of Charlie Rich's 1970s hit "Rollin' with the Flow." I love everything about this song: the music, the lyrics, and the handsome guy who sings it!

 

 

So, anyway......I'm rolling with the punches....and....rollin' with the flow!

How's your day been so far?!

 





* MORE...LIVING THE WRITER'S LIFE *

In spite of time flying by every day, I'm managing to get a few important things accomplished.

 



Papers, notes, printed e-mails, bills, pencil holders, and stapler, etc. Oh, and the much needed diet soda. I think there's also a cup of coffee hiding behind my laptop!

(I really must get my desk painted (the one with all the drawers!) and brought into my office/spare bedroom.) 

~~~

1) On June 16th, I mentioned: The Royal Nonesuch National Humor Writing Contest, Deadline June 30, 2014  https://twainhouse.submittable.com/submit/26632

Well....I'm happy to say I've been working on something to submit to this. Just hope I can get it completed in time!

2) I hadn't said anything yet about another contest I entered last month, but receiving an e-mail today prompted me to do so now. No, the e-mail didn't contain any exciting news! At least, not what some of y'all might be thinking! BUT, it was exciting to me. Here are the first couple of sentences:
 
Greetings!
We wanted to give you a quick status update on your entry in the 22nd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Your book has been processed and has now shipped to the judge!  

I'm pretty sure I first heard about this contest from my friend, Marcia Gaye. (Thank you, Marcia!) I was in a panic to get my entry form mailed on the deadline date of May 30th, and a few days later I noticed it was extended to June 13th. That didn't bother me, though, I was just glad I got it sent in! The factor that held me back was the entry fee. It was exorbitant!! But I emptied my piggy bank and dug under the couch cushions and collected enough money for it. Winners will be notified by October 17th, which sounds like a long way off, but it's only four months. Please keep your fingers crossed! 

3) I've been reading some of the books my author friends wrote and I will be posting a review of sorts as soon as I can. Also, if anyone would like to be highlighted on my blog, please e-mail me. (Even if we already discussed it, because I might need a reminder!)

Myrna, this photo is for you!

(I'll explain it on another blog post.)

~~~

One of the books I've been reading is a pure gem: Round Up the Usual Subjects: Thoughts on Just About Everything, by Robert Brault
(Robert is the amazing author of many sayings, some of which have been posted over the years on his blog, and particularly a very famous one: "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

Here is another new favorite I just discovered in his book. The chapter is "Perseverance," and it's the Keynote Thought:





"How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it." -- Robert Brault

* WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY *



The Ronald realized a long time ago that I am very easy to please, which is something I'd already known for years! We talk about it off and on in an abstract kind of way; wondering why some people behave the way they do.

 

Are we just born with certain traits or do we learn them? What exactly do we inherit from our parents and other ancestors?

 

I like to believe that my way of looking at life is a combination: I was born with some happy characteristics and I also learned by example. In my very young years, I was a bliss child. There was lots of happiness and smiles, laughter and love, and a general feeling of security and contentment in my home.

 

Taking these photos gave me great joy which continues every time I look at them.

 

I took this yesterday while driving to my chiropractor's office.

This is in his parking lot.

There were tons of gorgeous clouds, but I just couldn't get the right views.

So many were big, fluffy cotton-ball-like .....

and others were dark.

 

My old shell chimes hanging under our patio umbrella.

 

 

Vern lifting his paw. See him smiling at me!

Vern and his water cup at Sonic.

 

I took him there for an ice cream treat because

he had a traumatic time getting his nails clipped. Aww...

 

Double rainbow!

 

This one was taken from inside my car.

 

This one from outside my car.

I wanted to show how high the rainbow was

when it began to curve.

 

 * Click on the photos for a larger view. *

* P.S. June 25th: Susan, at Writing Straight from the Heart, surprised me by posting her interview with me! Please stop by if you're not tired of reading about my memoir.There's also a photo of Vern, so that's a perk! :)

 

It also gives me pleasure to smile and offer my help to others. So many people go through life in a kind of fog, and don't even notice the beauty around them. Am I saying that I'm always cheerful and exuberant? Gosh, no! But, how about 90% of the time? I'd say Yes!

 

 

 

"There is a voice in the Universe urging us to remember our purpose for being on this great Earth. This is the voice of inspiration, which is within each and every one of us." -- Dr. Wayne Dyer

* LIVING THE WRITER'S LIFE *

It's Time for Another Living the Writer's Life

 

 

Tomorrow, Sunday June 22nd, I'm being highlighted on Linda Austin's blog, Moon Bridge Books. Please stop by and leave a comment if you have a moment! Linda is an awesome writer and editor, among many other talents. She's written two books, one is a memoir, Cherry Blossoms in Twilight and a book of poetry, Poems That Come to Mind.

* Sunday 10:15AM, CDT --- Oops, I guess I forgot to find out what time my piece  would be on Linda's blog! When I know, I'll come back here and post it. *

* Sunday 5:00PM, CDT --- Hello All ~ I was mistaken concerning the time Linda would post her interview with me! It is now available. Please stop by!

~~~

 

I'm very proud to have two new reviews for my memoir that I posted at the top of my blog. One is from Robert Brault and the other is C. Hope Clark. I'm very grateful to both of them.

 

 

 

 

 

“Each of us is a book waiting to be written, and that book, if written, results in a person explained.” -- Thomas M. Cirignano



* LIVING THE WRITER'S LIFE *

It's Time for Another Living the Writer's Life

 

 

Along the same theme as my Nostalgic Sundays posts being about memories, I'm also going to have frequent blog posts titled, Living the Writer's Life. They will be about....you guessed it: Writerly Things! I need to decide on a photo for it too, like the Andy Griffith dinner table for nostalgia. (What do y'all think about this one? I loved this when I used it for my blog header, but since it wasn't an "official" BlogSpot header, I had some problems with it. Any other suggestions, other than a laptop, or pen in hand kind of thing?)

 

For weeks I've mentioned Calls for Submissions and Contests that I've come across, and I'm finally getting the chance to post them. I wish I remembered where I saw each of them, so I could give credit where credit is due, but unfortunately I didn't write it down.

Click on the links below for complete contest rules and guidelines.  Good Luck!



Good Housekeeping: All About Love Contest, Deadline September 1, 2014.

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/family/blogs-books/all-about-love-writing-contestGood Housekeeping: "All About Love" writing contest

Real Simple: Life Lessons Essay Contest, Deadline September 18, 2014

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/inspiration-motivation/second-annual-life-lessons-essay-contest-00000000013682/index.html?xid=jul13

 

Mark Twain:
The Royal Nonesuch National Humor Writing Contest, Deadline June 30, 2014

https://twainhouse.submittable.com/submit/26632

 

I'll have more to share in the next few days.

 

 

"If writers stopped writing about what happened to them, then there would be a lot of empty pages." - Elaine Liner

 

* LONG AGO FATHER'S DAYS *

Those who have been frequent visitors to my blog and/or have read my memoir, know that I didn't have much of a relationship with my dad after my parents divorced when I was a young girl. I adored him during the years he and my mother were married, and devastated by his absence afterwards. He lived in other states, remarried, and was so self-absorbed, he just wasn't a dad anymore to my brother and me.

Although my mother bad-mouthed him every chance she got, I remember her saying us kids should send him Father's Day cards every year. I'm sure she hoped he would feel ashamed and guilty when reading our cards, although I don't know if that ever worked or not.

Those first couple of years, I'd search through the Father's Day cards, and choose an age-appropriate one, as in "To Daddy." But, it didn't take very long before I knew in my heart that I just couldn't send him a card that said what a wonderful father he was. Every now and then, I'd find a card that just said very plainly, "Happy Father's Day," and that one I allowed myself to purchase. The older I got, though, reading the loving sentiments inside the cards just made me think What a joke, and I stopped buying any.

My on-again, off-again tradition of mailing Father's Day cards to him continued all through my adulthood, and until his death in 2002. I never gave up my wish to have that loving, dependable father that eluded me all those years.

I hope everyone who had, or still has, a wonderful father, knows how fortunate they are! Be sure and tell them you love them.

 

~~~

 

 

Welcome to my newest followers Antonia Slate, and Grandma Yellow Hair @ Just Between Me and You.  I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you!