* HALLMARK CARD CONTEST *

At the end of my June 28 blog post, I wrote:

"To be continued.....

and

P.S. I'll be having a Give-Away next week, so please be sure and drop in!"

Well, time got away from me, 

so, I haven't gotten my give-away put together yet, 

BUT

here is a contest I'm happy to share with all: 

the Hallmark card contest! It's free and easy to 

enter and submissions are accepted until July 21. It's

part photo contest and part writing!

Give it a try and let me know that you entered!

Remember the old Hallmark card commercials on TV?? Did they make you cry?! I almost always got misty eyed! 

 *Welcome to my newest follower Betsy Brock I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! * 

Have a wonderful, blissful weekend everyone!

“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.“

― Winnie the Pooh

* America....The Way it Used To Be *

Have you ever listened to the Neil Sedaka song, "The Immigrant." It popped into my head the other day when I was thinking about the 4th of July. It's a hauntingly beautiful song that always makes me feel sad and nostalgic.....for those times long ago....way before I was even born.

This is the chorus:

"It was time when strangers were welcome here
Music would play they tell me the days were sweet and clear
It was a sweeter tune and there was so much room
That people could come from everywhere."

* NOSTALGIC SUNDAY *

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

Oh my goodness, I haven't posted a Nostalgic Sunday since April 21st! The Ronald and I were just talking about how fast time is going, and how "all of a sudden" we became old!

I think it's time to watch Back to the Future again.

(Gotta be the original one. I just love that movie!)

Yes, I'm feeling nostalgic, but looking back at fond memories is a way of life for me. Even when I was much younger, my happy childhood days would just pop into my mind. Obviously, since I've been writing my memoir for a number of years, I'm constantly surrounded with them. And for whatever reason(s), the majority are, thankfully, happy memories. 

Yesterday, I attended the Saturday Writers meeting and had such a wonderful time. I think I've only been to a couple of meetings this year which is really unusual for me. I saw many friends that I hadn't seen in a long time. It was like "Old Home Week." The speaker, author Pamela Foster, gave a very entertaining presentation, including challenging writing prompts.

Afterwards, a few of us dined together at a local Mexican restaurant, having a raucous time! (I'm not naming any names and you can't make me!) It was a fabulous day and one I needed much more than I realized. Friendship and camaraderie can help to heal many wounds. 

May all of you have a beautiful, blissful week!

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." -- Albert Schweitzer

* Calls for Submissions *

Calls for Submissions to Share

Publishing Syndicate is looking for more Pets stories: http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/pets.html

Also for: My First Time http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/my_first_time.html

(What the website says about this title: This book probably isn't what you think it is! There’s a first time for everything, from a first date to a first car to a first job. Embarrassing, silly, entertaining and funny stories will fill this book about everything “first.” What’s your first? Please, no sexually-explicit stories, even though first kiss stories are welcomed!)

Also for: On Family

http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/family.html

Also for: On Being a Mom

http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/moms.html

Also: On Dieting

http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/dieting.html


It's almost midnight and I'm about to fall asleep at my laptop......

To Be Continued!

P.S. I'll be having a Give-Away next week, so please be sure and drop in!

* Something Adorable! *

No other words required......

* Procrastination & Postponement *

Due to countless things going on in my life right now, my next blog post has been postponed...until further notice! 

I really do have so much writerly information to share, but just can't find the time right now. 

Hopefully, I'll "find" the time this evening...

“I am definitely going to take a course on time management… just as soon as I can work it into my schedule.” – Louis E. Boone

* Is It Thursday Already?

Borrowed from Linda Sidey's facebook page

“My mother always told me I wouldn't amount to anything because I procrastinate. I said, 'Just wait.” -- Judy Tenuta

What Are You Reading?

Ever since I began writing (about 12 years ago) my "reading for enjoyment" time has really dropped. One reason, obviously, is because I spend so much time writing, thinking about writing, editing, and scouring through books about writing.

I'm happy to say I borrowed a book from my local library last week that I am gobbling up! It's Rita Moreno, A Memoir. It's a fascinating story and I can't wait to get back to it! 

I learned about it when I watched Tavis Smiley's PBS TV show , the day he interviewed Ms. Moreno. He is such a wonderful host and asks excellent questions, and I'm sorry I only recently discovered him. You can see the 2-part interview and/or read the transcript here.

book cover: npr.org

What about you? What are you reading? 

“Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another’s skin, another’s voice, another’s soul.” — Joyce Carol Oates