My lunch date today was more fun and interesting than I could've possibly imagined! Thank you so much Dee, Delores and Susan for being so thoughtful and surprising me the way you did!
Plus I listened to one beautiful CD, by Sarah Brightman, all the way to and from, even though I brought 6 CD's with me. Drivers along certain highways probably heard the music and singing blasting from my car as I sped along........some of that singing wasn't from the CD.....it was from me! .....sorry about that...What can I say? I've mentioned that I actually believe I can sing!
And the "piece de resistance" was the e-mail I received, saying a story I wrote for an anthology, is in the top 101 finalists!! Hopefully, I'll know for sure within the next 30 days!!
I'm doing that happy dance again!!
ALL WHO WANDER ARE NOT LOST.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
* Happy September 1st *
It's another beautiful day in the neighborhood......as Mr. Rogers always sang!
I have many exciting things going on right now, even though none of them include being published, at the moment anyway! I was contacted by a high school english teacher today about speaking to a few classes on creative writing and newspaper writing, which also includes my motivational speaking about going for your dreams in life.....at any age.
Also, I'm meeting a newly acquired friend for lunch today! I'm looking forward to it, of course, but an extra bonus is that it's probably an hour's drive and I'll have enough time to listen to a favorite CD or two! Most of my driving usually consists of a few minutes here and there, so that calls for the radio, or the sounds of silence.
Other opportunities are hovering, too.....but I can't say anything yet about them. ;-)
I have many exciting things going on right now, even though none of them include being published, at the moment anyway! I was contacted by a high school english teacher today about speaking to a few classes on creative writing and newspaper writing, which also includes my motivational speaking about going for your dreams in life.....at any age.
Also, I'm meeting a newly acquired friend for lunch today! I'm looking forward to it, of course, but an extra bonus is that it's probably an hour's drive and I'll have enough time to listen to a favorite CD or two! Most of my driving usually consists of a few minutes here and there, so that calls for the radio, or the sounds of silence.
Other opportunities are hovering, too.....but I can't say anything yet about them. ;-)
Monday, August 31, 2009
* Online Course: Writing for Children *
Online Writing Course:
One of my writer friends, Margo Dill, is teaching Writing for Children: Everything You Wanted to Know About Writing Short Stories, Articles, and Fillers.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will teach the basics of writing for children’s magazines, crafting short stories, nonfiction articles, poetry, and fillers. The student will come away with a short story and cover letter, nonfiction query letter, and a filler or poem. She will also have a list of potential markets, fitting her manuscripts. The instructor will also share an organizational tool for submissions and information on finding other children’s writers and networking.
STARTS: Wednesday, September 30 (Limit 15 students) COST: $200, which includes access to a Google group, ability to upload work to Google group for discussion with instructor and other class members, a free first-page critique from the instructor and a free query or cover letter critique from instructor, private email discussions with instructor as needed.
To sign up, go to this link: http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/WOWclasses.html#MargoDill
To learn more about Margo, check out her blog: http://margodill.com/blog/
One of my writer friends, Margo Dill, is teaching Writing for Children: Everything You Wanted to Know About Writing Short Stories, Articles, and Fillers.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will teach the basics of writing for children’s magazines, crafting short stories, nonfiction articles, poetry, and fillers. The student will come away with a short story and cover letter, nonfiction query letter, and a filler or poem. She will also have a list of potential markets, fitting her manuscripts. The instructor will also share an organizational tool for submissions and information on finding other children’s writers and networking.
STARTS: Wednesday, September 30 (Limit 15 students) COST: $200, which includes access to a Google group, ability to upload work to Google group for discussion with instructor and other class members, a free first-page critique from the instructor and a free query or cover letter critique from instructor, private email discussions with instructor as needed.
To sign up, go to this link: http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/WOWclasses.html#MargoDill
To learn more about Margo, check out her blog: http://margodill.com/blog/
Sunday, August 30, 2009
** I'm Feelin' Mellow Yellow **
This morning I decided I should try to find the actual name of the beautiful little yellow birds in my photo at the above right...... I really didn't look very long, though, because I got sidetracked gazing at more and more photos of beautiful little yellow birds on various sites.....
......which then reminded me of an old instrumental song I heard often as a young child: Yellow Bird. Then it all came back to me.....an old vinyl LP, played many times on our Hi-Fi. The album was recorded by, none other than...... Lawrence Welk.
My parents watched his weekly TV show unfailingly on our old black and white set in the 1950's.
My next thought was to see if I could find that song & add it to my End of Summer playlist. Surprised and pleased....I found it (by Arthur Lyman) and it's number 41 on my summer playlist. I may add it to my newest one, Beautiful Music, because it would cerainly fit right in.
......which then reminded me of an old instrumental song I heard often as a young child: Yellow Bird. Then it all came back to me.....an old vinyl LP, played many times on our Hi-Fi. The album was recorded by, none other than...... Lawrence Welk.
My parents watched his weekly TV show unfailingly on our old black and white set in the 1950's.
My next thought was to see if I could find that song & add it to my End of Summer playlist. Surprised and pleased....I found it (by Arthur Lyman) and it's number 41 on my summer playlist. I may add it to my newest one, Beautiful Music, because it would cerainly fit right in.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
* A Lovely Saturday Afternoon *
It's been a relaxing day so far. I watched an old (1960's) movie on TV this morning.......maybe I should say it's been a lazy day so far......
Ron and I went shopping.....he to one store, I to another. I bought a couple of inexpensive, yet adorable and much needed little accent pieces that I've been searching for, for some time! I'm always thrilled when I find just the right thing, when I really wasn't even looking, and at a bargain price!
But my most treasured purchase of all is a teeny refrigerator magnet I came across and immediately grabbed. It's about a 2" x 2" square that says:
GOALS are DREAMS
with deadlines
Nuff said!
Ron and I went shopping.....he to one store, I to another. I bought a couple of inexpensive, yet adorable and much needed little accent pieces that I've been searching for, for some time! I'm always thrilled when I find just the right thing, when I really wasn't even looking, and at a bargain price!
But my most treasured purchase of all is a teeny refrigerator magnet I came across and immediately grabbed. It's about a 2" x 2" square that says:
GOALS are DREAMS
with deadlines
Nuff said!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
* End of Summer, continued.......*
Wow! I've already been contacted for 2 speaking engagements next month at local elementary schools. I love talking to students (of all ages) about my writing, and about going for your dreams in life, no matter what your age is.
I'm a pretty good example of starting later in life! I don't have any regret or sadness, either, that I didn't begin writing sooner, because I truly believe I had to live & experience all that I did, to be able to think and feel and write the way I do.
Life's great! No regrets here!
I'm a pretty good example of starting later in life! I don't have any regret or sadness, either, that I didn't begin writing sooner, because I truly believe I had to live & experience all that I did, to be able to think and feel and write the way I do.
Life's great! No regrets here!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
** End of Summer **
For whatever reason, this summer has been one of the nicest ones in the St. Louis area for many years.....only a few days of very hot temperatures and high humidity. Unbelievably pleasant!
Yesterday I decided it was time to add a new playlist to my blog. Summer is definitely coming to an end, no matter how much we may want to hang onto it.
So, for a little while, my playlist is titled End of Summer and consists of only a few songs. I'm fairly sure you'll see (and hear!) why I chose these particular songs. .....now, as of September 6th, I've changed from summer songs, to just plain Beautiful Music.
Yesterday I decided it was time to add a new playlist to my blog. Summer is definitely coming to an end, no matter how much we may want to hang onto it.
So, for a little while, my playlist is titled End of Summer and consists of only a few songs. I'm fairly sure you'll see (and hear!) why I chose these particular songs. .....now, as of September 6th, I've changed from summer songs, to just plain Beautiful Music.
Monday, August 24, 2009
** Gorgeous Necklace **
While down at "The Loop" Friday afternoon, I strolled into a jewelry store on Delmar called Jewels In The Loop. I just wanted to browse a little because I'd seen some pretty, dangly earrings in the window display.
While chatting with the owner, AJ, I mentioned that I'd been "sort of" looking for a necklace the past few months. I wanted a choker that I could wear with a variety of shirts and sweaters. I've been having a hard time finding the right necklace, and especially in just the right size. He went directly to a necklace that went perfectly with a short sleeved sweater I was wearing, and it took my breath away. It consists of multi-colored and multi-shaped beads. I put it on, looked in the mirror, and couldn't believe it. It was just right. So, I obviously had to buy it! I don't often splurge on things for myself, and especially when it comes to jewelry, but this necklace was mine!
This picture doesn't do it justice. It is just gorgeous!
Go see AJ and see what jewels he'll have for you!
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