** I Did It....I Did It!! **

Today was the first day I've felt like writing in quite some time. Must have something to do with the weather, dont'cha think? It's actually above freezing today!

Ever since I posted the info about the Erma Bombeck Writing Contest, I've had these thoughts:
1) Gosh, with millions of entries, why should I even bother?
2) I have NO ideas. What can I write about?

Then this morning, I thought:
3) Hey, what about that one essay I started about a year ago? The one with only a few sentences, typed at random?
4) Yeah, I could work on this and maybe it'd be a fairly decent story.

So, that's exactly what I did. I wrote and rewrote and edited, etc....added words, deleted words, etc....Only 450 Word Count Maximum! Thank goodness I'm used to writing "less" because of space allowed in my newspaper column. When I decided it was "as good as it's gonna get".....I filled out all the online info, and hit the "Submit" button! Woo-hoo!! I actually made the deadline on a contest that I really want to win. (Don't we all?!) Good luck and good writing to everyone entering!

"All the great decisions in my life have been made in less than half an hour." -- Carmen Maura

** Another Day In Paradise.....Part 2 **

I decided it was time to change my Play List again. I had Holiday Music for quite some time, then switched to Beautiful Music because I wasn't quite ready to leave the softness ....but this afternoon.......it occurred to me that I need some Dancin' Music!! So, enjoy the variety and I hope if you have the chance....get up and dance!! (Right, Daisy?!)  ♪♪♫♪

"There are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them." -- Vicki Baum

** Another Day In Paradise! **

If you're a penguin, polar bear, or lover of the Iditarod....you should feel right at home in the Midwest again today. I'm enjoying it, but it's mostly because I don't have to go outside. I'm so grateful for that.

One problem, though. My Plans for 2010, about being more productive, haven't quite kicked into gear yet. For some reason, the cold and snow outside, makes me want to just stay in my jammies all day, play on the computer, read, or sleep....with a bit of food every now and then! BUT, today, even though I slept in, I'm going to really get going here now....any minute....as soon as I decide what job to tackle first...and after I get one more cup of coffee...and....and.....


"The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time." -- Bertrand Russell

** Are We In The Frozen Tundra? **

When it's this cold around here, I think of all the different phrases I've heard that refer to really cold temps!
One is the nickname of Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers: The Frozen Tundra.

Today and this evening, it's been extremely windy, which obviously makes it feel even colder. The wind practically slapped the breath out of me when I slid open the patio door slightly to let Tiger out. Also, the wind keeps whistling through that one window that won't entirely close. Hearing that mournful noise has the opposite effect on me than one might think. I immediately smile to myself and think of my brother, Mike. I can see and hear that line from an old WC Fields movie/short: "It ain't a fit night out for man nor beast". Mike loves WC Fields movies and used to imitate him quite well when we were teenagers. After thinking about that tonight, I looked it up and found the name of the movie/short that line came from. It's called "The Fatal Glass of Beer".

Mike and his wife, Alice, live in an even colder part of the country.....Northern Iowa!
If you're reading this, Mike, I'm thinking of you and smiling!

"Weather forecast for tonight: dark." -- George Carlin

** A New Dawn....A New Day....Tiny Lights **

Although I ended yesterday's message with "more info tomorrow"....I really don't want to write anything else about my headache! I'm so grateful that it's gone and hope to never have one like that again.....or at least for another 5 years!  I did have a wonderful birthday with phone calls, voice mails, e-mails, snail mail cards, texts, and actual "in person" wishes and gifts! I truly felt "special"!

Now, I have some writing news! I've mentioned Tiny Lights in several places the past few months and recently posted their logo on my blog. I'm thrilled to announce that I've been recently hired as a regularly featured columnist for Tiny Lights online and print magazine, as of this month! Please check out their site. It's  wonderful and the Editor-in-Chief, Susan Bono is a fantastic person!

Also, please don't forget their Essay Contest that is going on now! Big Money Prizes....small entry fee!

http://tiny-lights.com/contest.php


"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." -- Les Brown

** It Was the Best of Times; It Was the Worst of Times....**

Today is my birthday!   ♪♫♪

It was the best of times because of family and friends. (See photo below)

It was the worst of times because I got the worst migraine headache in about 5 years.

More info tomorrow.........

photo taken by Becky

"I thought so hard, I got a headache." -- J.D. Cobb

** Things To Do When It's Freezing **

1)  Wish you had some womens' Long-Johns.
2)  Wear a pair of your husband's athletic pants over your slacks.
3)  Cut finger tips off an old pair of gloves, have semi-warm hands to type on your keyboard.
4)  Take a picture of the frost on the corners of the kitchen window.

5)  Throw fuzzy slippers into clothes-dryer for a couple of minutes before putting them on.

6)  Go renew driver's license, knowing there won't be a long line on a day like this. (while also not caring one bit how bad license photo will be!)

             Parts 1 through 5 are all indoor activities!

                                          photo taken by Becky 1/5/2010


"Scratch some ice from the windowpane.Tomorrow gonna do it all again." -- Fran Avni

Yesterday was a great day, even if it was another bitterly cold day. For one thing, the sun shone brightly and my car heater worked wonderfully as I drove to meet two writer friends for lunch. We met at a favorite place in old St. Charles, Magpie's, ate delicious homemade soups, salads and quiches. Then we shared a hot apple crepe, topped with vanilla ice cream, and the converation never lagged. We discussed serious topics, and laughed hysterically at others. We marveled at how alike we three are, yet obviously so unique to our own selves.
After lunch, I opened fabulous gifts.....because it's very near to my birthday!

What a wonderful time! I'm so grateful for my friends and wish every one of you could have joined us!
(photo courtesy of restaurant.com)


"Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things." -- Author Unknown