Part 1) Yesterday, I received the two fabulous blog prizes I recently won. One arrived in the mail and the other was delivered by Fed Ex. The large box that came by mail contained the two exquisite pillows I won from Kathy at Oregon Gifts of Comfort & Joy. They are so beautiful. And in addition, Kathy tossed in a couple of new note cards she obviously made. They both have lovely landscape photos on the front, of....I'm assuming areas near her home. Thank you again, Kathy! I'm so pleased with them all.
The Fed Ex item was the book I won from C. Hope Clark's blog. I wrote about it earlier this month...probably the day I won. It's called: The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide, by Becky Levine. And, hey, if it's written by someone named BECKY, it's gotta be great, right?! I can't wait to get into it, especially since I just recently joined a critique group! Thanks again, Hope! I am thrilled with my prize.
Although it felt like Christmas-time, receiving gifts at the front door, I'm sure glad it isn't....weather-wise! Spring has definitely sprung here!
That reminds me of a silly poem my dad taught me when I was just a little bitty thing:
Spring has sprung
The grass is riz
I wonder where
The flowers iz.
Thanks, dad! ☺ That never fails to make me smile!
Part 2) I've noticed on other blogs who have a Play List installed, it's on the side column instead of at the bottom, like mine. There's a few things that puzzle me about having it there. For one thing, half the "player" is missing and therefore I can't scroll down and read all the songs on their play list, or click on them to listen, or even mute it if I'd like. I just wonder what the reasoning is for having it on the side like that. Please leave comments and let me know!
Part 3) Just a reminder to check out my friends on My Blog List. You never know what you might learn! Most of them pertain to writing: contests, calls for submissions, our own thoughts, etc.
I also have a few that pertain mostly to decorating, but you'll meet such interesting people. And as we all know....one blog leads to another and another and another...etc!
Tonight, I'd like to highlight one of those blogs: "Six Questions For....." by Jim Harrington. Almost every other day, Jim interviews a different editor, by asking six questions that "list, in excruciating details, all that each editor desires in his/her stories." AND, Jim even states that he'd be happy to accept suggestions. Go to his blog and read all about it. Plus, he has two other blogs, which I plan on following, too!
4) Speaking of Calls for Submissions: Chicken Soup for the Soul has quite a few right now, and some with deadlines that are very near. Somewhere along the line, I signed up to receive a newsletter from Poets & Writers Magazine that is just full of great information. Some people have asked where I find all these sites, and my answer always is: Google!
5) Hey...Don't forget my contest ends tomorrow, March 31st, at midnight!!
Well, I hope I haven't lost everyone by now!....Probably y'all nodded off to sleep, right?! I won't be doing that for awhile, because I'm trying to read about 4 different books right now, while also working on my book, while also working on a couple of things for submissions!!
One more thing....a special THANK YOU to a couple of new blog buddies: Lynne at Lynne's Gifts from the Heart and Speedy Cat at Speedcat Hollydale. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving comments! I really do appreciate it and please come back!
" 'Friendship,' said Christopher Robin, 'is a very comforting thing to have.' " -- A.A. Milne
ALL WHO WANDER ARE NOT LOST.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
* If I'm Awake, It Must Be Monday Morning *
I had a very busy and productive weekend. In fact, I've been on such a roll, I thought it was still Sunday night, until I noticed that it is now 2:15 AM Monday morning! OMG! Just typing those words made me yawn!
Later gators......
"Nothing cures insomnia like the realization that it's time to get up." -- Author Unknown
Later gators......
"Nothing cures insomnia like the realization that it's time to get up." -- Author Unknown
Friday, March 26, 2010
* A Day of More Ups Than Downs *
Today was a beautiful, sunny day! Although it was on the cool side, temperature-wise, it was so welcomed!
I received a couple of unexpected e-mails from friends that brought joy. I got a couple of much needed errands taken care of. (For one thing, poor Tiger had run out of her Milk Bone dog treats!)
I had a great time at Saturday Writers first Open Mic tonight! And I'm looking forward to tomorrow's monthly meeting. I love being with my writer friends. I'm always so much more motivated after spending time with them. They're all a great bunch of people!
There were only a couple of downers today. One was the discovery that a bill I owed was twice as much as I anticipated! And the other was a rejection e-mail on a story I'd submitted to a magazine. Ouch! Actually, it was a complimentary rejection. It just wasn't right for them at this time. Even at that, it still caused a few minutes of the usual array of emotions, but all is well tonight. I'm happy and confident and I can't wait to get back to writing my book......sometime tomorrow! Because it's kind of late, and I'm really tired, I gotta get to sleep! 'Night everyone! Have a fabulous weekend!
"It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes." -- Sally Field
I received a couple of unexpected e-mails from friends that brought joy. I got a couple of much needed errands taken care of. (For one thing, poor Tiger had run out of her Milk Bone dog treats!)
I had a great time at Saturday Writers first Open Mic tonight! And I'm looking forward to tomorrow's monthly meeting. I love being with my writer friends. I'm always so much more motivated after spending time with them. They're all a great bunch of people!
There were only a couple of downers today. One was the discovery that a bill I owed was twice as much as I anticipated! And the other was a rejection e-mail on a story I'd submitted to a magazine. Ouch! Actually, it was a complimentary rejection. It just wasn't right for them at this time. Even at that, it still caused a few minutes of the usual array of emotions, but all is well tonight. I'm happy and confident and I can't wait to get back to writing my book......sometime tomorrow! Because it's kind of late, and I'm really tired, I gotta get to sleep! 'Night everyone! Have a fabulous weekend!
"It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes." -- Sally Field
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Some Days are Diamonds. Some Days are Stones.
All I have to say about today is the following quote I found:
"It was horrible, no fun at all. It was a really tough day -- it was windy, rainy and cold. I just wanted to finish and have a cup of coffee in the clubhouse.” -- Annika Sorenstam
"It was horrible, no fun at all. It was a really tough day -- it was windy, rainy and cold. I just wanted to finish and have a cup of coffee in the clubhouse.” -- Annika Sorenstam
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
** Whatabouts Wednesday **
I wanted to come up with a cutesy title for today's post. So I decided to find a unique word that began with the letter "W", to go with "Wednesday". After spending just a nano-second or two online, I came across a site called The Phrontistery. (definition: an establishment for study & learning.) What a fabulous discovery! Every writer or anyone interested in language and words, the origins of words, etc. will love this site! So, I chose the word: Whatabouts. Noun; meaning: things with which one is occupied. Sounded great to me! Whatabouts Wednesday! I then looked it up in a couple of other "normal" online dictionaries, and neither one had that in their list of words. Oh well. I love it, and so I'm going to use it!! It sounds like an Aussie word, doesn't it?
Here are some of my Whatabouts:
* This afternoon I was interviewed by a young man who works for Vox Magazine. (I had received an e-mail from the Books and Endnotes Editor a couple of weeks ago, explaining they were doing an article about Missouri writers, etc. She asked if I would be interested, and I said, "Sure". The magazine is published by the Columbia Missourian and produced by magazine students at Mizzou. Vox was named the best magazine produced by college students in the entire country.) Anyway, I had totally forgotten about that......a normal ailment of mine....until "Nick" called today. He asked questions. I provided answers. I should find out in a couple of weeks if anything I said will make it to print!
* I took part in the Coffee & Critique group again yesterday morning, and this time I took something to read. I really like this group! They are all passionate writers, kind people, very giving of their knowledge and offer helpful hints. I get so much out of it, whether they are commenting on my writing or someone else's. I'm happy to be a member!
* Naturally, I'm very occupied writing my book. I'm moving along at a pretty good pace....most days/nights!
* I'll be attending the Saturday Writers first Open Mic this Friday, March 26th at Main Street Books in old St. Charles. There will be readings from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. (I plan on bringing something to read.) Also during that time, the famous Mr. Nick Nixon, will be playing the guitar and singing! It will be tons of fun! So, y'all come, ya hear?!
* And finally, here's news about my Blog Contest for April. My new Author Friend/Blogger Buddy, Miss Michael Lee West, has graciously accepted my request to provide an autographed copy of one of her books. I came across Michael's first book in 2006, while browsing in a book store. (imagine that!) The title was: Crazy Ladies: A Novel and it looked interesting. I flipped through the pages to read a paragraph or two, and it grabbed me enough right away to buy it! I loved it! (It's about "crazy ladies" in the South) I'm sorry to say I didn't keep track of her new books, so I haven't read any since. But, that is going to change. As soon as I get finished with the 10 or 12 books I have stacked and waiting to be read, I'll get right on that!
I'm not sure yet which book Michael will provide for the contest, but you can be sure, whichever one it is, it will be a fabulous read! To be eligible to be the winner, here are the requirements:
1) If you live in the South, or were from there, explain what was wonderful about growing up there and/or living there now.
2) If you don't live in the South, tell why you might like to.
3) No matter where you live now, if you visited somewhere in the South that left you with a desire to go back or live there, tell where it is.
4) Name someone from the South, living or deceased, or even fictional, you'd like to have dinner with.
They don't have to be long, drawn out answers. It can be as simple as this:
1) fun
2) warm climate
3) Atlanta
4) Scarlet O'Hara
See? Simple! Winner will be chosen by random.org after midnight, a week from today, March 31st.
And, please ask your other friends, bloggers, followers, etc. to stop by and join in and leave a comment! There's so many reasons to stop by and see what's on my blog! Thanks so much! Looking forward to reading all your comments.
And oh, by the way.....since I've seen things on other blogs about interviews or give-aways, etc......I have not been paid to do this, nor have I been asked by Michael Lee West to do this, etc...etc.. (and the same goes for the give-away of Bread Alone!)
"Writing became such a process of discovery that I couldn't wait to get to work in the morning: I wanted to know what I was going to say." -- Sharon O'Brien
Here are some of my Whatabouts:
* This afternoon I was interviewed by a young man who works for Vox Magazine. (I had received an e-mail from the Books and Endnotes Editor a couple of weeks ago, explaining they were doing an article about Missouri writers, etc. She asked if I would be interested, and I said, "Sure". The magazine is published by the Columbia Missourian and produced by magazine students at Mizzou. Vox was named the best magazine produced by college students in the entire country.) Anyway, I had totally forgotten about that......a normal ailment of mine....until "Nick" called today. He asked questions. I provided answers. I should find out in a couple of weeks if anything I said will make it to print!
* I took part in the Coffee & Critique group again yesterday morning, and this time I took something to read. I really like this group! They are all passionate writers, kind people, very giving of their knowledge and offer helpful hints. I get so much out of it, whether they are commenting on my writing or someone else's. I'm happy to be a member!
* Naturally, I'm very occupied writing my book. I'm moving along at a pretty good pace....most days/nights!
* I'll be attending the Saturday Writers first Open Mic this Friday, March 26th at Main Street Books in old St. Charles. There will be readings from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. (I plan on bringing something to read.) Also during that time, the famous Mr. Nick Nixon, will be playing the guitar and singing! It will be tons of fun! So, y'all come, ya hear?!
* And finally, here's news about my Blog Contest for April. My new Author Friend/Blogger Buddy, Miss Michael Lee West, has graciously accepted my request to provide an autographed copy of one of her books. I came across Michael's first book in 2006, while browsing in a book store. (imagine that!) The title was: Crazy Ladies: A Novel and it looked interesting. I flipped through the pages to read a paragraph or two, and it grabbed me enough right away to buy it! I loved it! (It's about "crazy ladies" in the South) I'm sorry to say I didn't keep track of her new books, so I haven't read any since. But, that is going to change. As soon as I get finished with the 10 or 12 books I have stacked and waiting to be read, I'll get right on that!
I'm not sure yet which book Michael will provide for the contest, but you can be sure, whichever one it is, it will be a fabulous read! To be eligible to be the winner, here are the requirements:
1) If you live in the South, or were from there, explain what was wonderful about growing up there and/or living there now.
2) If you don't live in the South, tell why you might like to.
3) No matter where you live now, if you visited somewhere in the South that left you with a desire to go back or live there, tell where it is.
4) Name someone from the South, living or deceased, or even fictional, you'd like to have dinner with.
They don't have to be long, drawn out answers. It can be as simple as this:
1) fun
2) warm climate
3) Atlanta
4) Scarlet O'Hara
See? Simple! Winner will be chosen by random.org after midnight, a week from today, March 31st.
And, please ask your other friends, bloggers, followers, etc. to stop by and join in and leave a comment! There's so many reasons to stop by and see what's on my blog! Thanks so much! Looking forward to reading all your comments.
And oh, by the way.....since I've seen things on other blogs about interviews or give-aways, etc......I have not been paid to do this, nor have I been asked by Michael Lee West to do this, etc...etc.. (and the same goes for the give-away of Bread Alone!)
"Writing became such a process of discovery that I couldn't wait to get to work in the morning: I wanted to know what I was going to say." -- Sharon O'Brien
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
** Writing, Photography and Lovely Treasures **
I've decided my new blog friend, Susan, of Writing Straight From The Heart, and I were separated at birth! Every time I go to her blog and read her newest post and look at her newest photos, I think to myself, I could have written this and posted these pictures! She and I are sooo much alike!
Especially in the past week or so, Susan has shared photos of darling bunnies, (not live ones!) and then now, a beautiful tea cup and saucer. I have a very small collection of both of these. Actually not even enough to refer to them that way. I have a couple of each!
And without further ado, here are a couple of my pictures to share not only with Susan, with all of you!
The darling ones on the left are from the Royal Albert pattern, Old Country Roses.The large mommy is a statue I got at Home Goods last year, for a ridiculously low price! So, then I went online to Ebay and got the matching salt & pepper shakers, because I thought she just needed to have a couple of little baby bunnies!
Next we have a cute bunny and a teeny-tiny turtle investigating each other! I don't remember where I bought them, but it wasn't very expensive, either. It's made out of some kind of plastic. On the bottom says: Garden Party ™, Russ Berrie and Co. Inc. Oakland, New Jersey.
Finally, this is one of my tea pots and tea cup sets. The tea pot came from Dillards, years ago, and says Windsor - Made in England, on the bottom. The tea cup and saucer are both No-Name and I'm pretty sure I got at a Shabby Chic re-sale shop, also years ago!
"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." -- C.S. Lewis
Especially in the past week or so, Susan has shared photos of darling bunnies, (not live ones!) and then now, a beautiful tea cup and saucer. I have a very small collection of both of these. Actually not even enough to refer to them that way. I have a couple of each!
The darling ones on the left are from the Royal Albert pattern, Old Country Roses.The large mommy is a statue I got at Home Goods last year, for a ridiculously low price! So, then I went online to Ebay and got the matching salt & pepper shakers, because I thought she just needed to have a couple of little baby bunnies!
Next we have a cute bunny and a teeny-tiny turtle investigating each other! I don't remember where I bought them, but it wasn't very expensive, either. It's made out of some kind of plastic. On the bottom says: Garden Party ™, Russ Berrie and Co. Inc. Oakland, New Jersey.
Finally, this is one of my tea pots and tea cup sets. The tea pot came from Dillards, years ago, and says Windsor - Made in England, on the bottom. The tea cup and saucer are both No-Name and I'm pretty sure I got at a Shabby Chic re-sale shop, also years ago!Susan, I hope you....along with everyone else....really enjoyed taking a peek at some of my little treasures!
Later tonight, information will be posted about my newest blog contest, happening in April!
* I added this picture today, March 24, specifically for Bill. This is a Royal Albert, Old Country Roses clock! I also bought it at Dillards, years ago, when I first began my tea pot collection. It was the first item I'd ever seen of the pattern that wasn't china plates, etc. Even with that, I was really surprised to find the darling bunny statue and S&P shakers, too! (oh and this was also in the picture I posted last month of the plates and half tea cup on my dining room wall.)
** Terrific Tuesday **
I've got a busier day than usual planned for today. And since I've been up since 6:00 am, and didn't get to sleep until after 2:00 am, I think I see saggy, baggy, blurry eyes today.
Because of vanity, I wore contacts years ago.
Because of vanity, I'm thankful I wear glasses now.
(to help hide all those saggy, baggy wrinkles)
Be back later with news and photos..........
"Nothing is worth more than this day". -- Goethe
Because of vanity, I wore contacts years ago.
Because of vanity, I'm thankful I wear glasses now.
(to help hide all those saggy, baggy wrinkles)
Be back later with news and photos..........
"Nothing is worth more than this day". -- Goethe
Sunday, March 21, 2010
** Calling All Funny, Weird, Humorous Writers **
Ever since I first heard about this contest.....months ago....I really wished I could write poetry. And not even just poetry, but funny poetry! And with a name like Wergle Flomp, how could it be anything else??
The Official name is: The Wergle Flomp Poetry Contest. Catchy, isn't it?! (I keep hearing that old song and lyrics in my head: "Let's all do the Bristol Stomp") ☺
There is NO ENTRY FEE. Entries have been accepted since August 15, 2009, and they end on April 1, 2010. So that leaves about 10 days to get your crazy, wacky, hilarious, and to use one of their own phrases: "Inspired gibberish" entries submitted. The prize money is....to use one of MY favorite words: Fabulous! Winning entries and Honorable Mentions will also be published on Winning Writers.
Go to their website for all the guidelines and pertinent info. But hurry. You only have until April 1, 2010.
The Official name is: The Wergle Flomp Poetry Contest. Catchy, isn't it?! (I keep hearing that old song and lyrics in my head: "Let's all do the Bristol Stomp") ☺
There is NO ENTRY FEE. Entries have been accepted since August 15, 2009, and they end on April 1, 2010. So that leaves about 10 days to get your crazy, wacky, hilarious, and to use one of their own phrases: "Inspired gibberish" entries submitted. The prize money is....to use one of MY favorite words: Fabulous! Winning entries and Honorable Mentions will also be published on Winning Writers.
Go to their website for all the guidelines and pertinent info. But hurry. You only have until April 1, 2010.
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