* One Of Those Psychic Things *

Every once in awhile, things will happen to me that I refer to as my "Twilight Zone" moments, or ESP moments...You know, weird coincidences and other things that are just really strange, weird,  funny, etc. Well, just 5 minutes ago, I had what I would consider one of those moments.

On Monday, October 12th, I posted information about winning a contest called "Dirty Dozen", and since then have e-mailed and spoken to people quite a bit about it.

Just a few minutes ago, I needed to take a break from everything I was working on. I walked into our family room, picked up the remote and turned on the TV without knowing what was on, or even paying attention to what channel it was on. I just wanted to rest a little. I couldn't believe what movie was just beginning on AMC. There was Lee Marvin in his army uniform, and the title in large print, "The Dirty Dozen".

Insert those do-do-do sounds of Twilight Zone music ♪  ♫  ♪    ☺

** Good Food -- Good Friend -- Good News **

*Good News: This afternoon I received an exciting e-mail. A "short" story I entered into an online writing contest, was chosen as one of the three winning entries. The three of them are online right now and they will also be included in the upcoming print edition.

The contest is ongoing monthly. It is called The Dirty Dozen and can be found at: http://vestalreview.net/dirtydozenOctober2009.html

The reason for the name Dirty Dozen is that the story can only have 12 words, plus a one word title!
 Read the rules and submit something! Scroll down and you'll find my entry at the bottom.

This contest was one of those "wow" writing moments for me. The words literally popped into my head....I typed, counted, and realized I only had eleven words, so I added the word "please".  I am not kidding!

*The Good Food -- Good Friend part of my day was meeting writer friend, Lynn, for lunch today. We had a great time talking, discussing writing topics, and sharing some of our own writing.

** Bye Bye Rain....Hello Sunshine! **

I was so fortunate to look out my front door this past Friday evening and witness a beautiful sunset. The rain had finally ended and the sun was peaking through the clouds just in time to display an array of fantastic colors. (Yesterday, too, was a perfect fall day.....sunny, blue skies and cool temps.)

Speaking of fantastic colors.....many trees in my neighborhood are either beginning to change, or are in a full blown presentation of breathtaking, jaw dropping beauty.

While driving, I can barely keep my eyes on the road, searching for every bit of leafy splendor.

** A Surprise Package **

I received a surprise package in today's mail. There were 2 Certificates of Appreciation from the St. Charles School District....one for speaking at Lincoln Elementary on September 21st, and the other for speaking at Monroe Elementary on September 23rd. But, the best part was 19 thank-you cards that some of the students at Lincoln Elementary made for me! The children took the time to draw and color pictures, plus write their own thank-you messages. Some were sweet, some were funny, and some were illegible, but they all touched my heart and I'll definitely save them in my "school speaking folder"!

My biggest wish is that at least one of them will remember me and be inspired to go for their dreams in life.

** Tiny Lights: A Journal of Personal Narrative **

I have a small essay in Tiny Lights again this month. Please go to: http://tiny-lights.com/searchlights.php 
There is a monthly question posed to writers. Click on the one for 9/15: How do you keep track of your work? My title is: "Writer; Organize Thyself" ( I'm also in the 8/15: What helps you remember?) Just read the guidelines and send in your essay and voila'....you will be published!! There are other places to check out on their website, too. There is a yearly contest, literary services, links and a printed publication, which I recently subscribed to. Susan Bono, the editor-in-chief, is a really neat woman!

** Genteel, Lovely, Intelligent, Inspiring **

The four words above is how I would describe Sue Monk Kidd and her daughter Ann Kidd Taylor last night. They came to town to speak about the memoir they co-wrote: Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story. They read several pasages from the book and answered a few questions. I think I can say that everyone in the audience was completely captivated, myself included! There were also books to purchase and an autograph session.

Sue's book; The Secret Life of Bees, was her first novel and a HUGE success. She had non-fiction books published previously, but this novel was quite an accomplishment and was written when she was approximately 50 years old.

I've been newly inspired, recharged, and filled with confidence! Look out world, here I come!

** Food, Fun and Advice **

Today I took Morris Turek to lunch. He's the lawyer I mention on the right hand column of my blog. He's a copyright lawyer and a very nice guy. I've asked for his advice a few times over the past few months and he's always refused to send me a bill. So, I decided the next best thing was to invite him to lunch, my treat. He said he never turns down lunch, so that was a good compromise!

We had a great meal and I'm pretty sure I did most of the talking....In fact, I'm sure I did most of the talking!

Click on the photo of Morris to learn more about him and his agency....Your Trademark Attorney. He's located in Chesterfield. Tell him, "Becky sent me!"

** A NEW BREAD CO. LOCATION **

All you Bread Company lovers in the St. Peters area......Have you heard the great news?! A Bread Company is opening soon in a great location. It's between Pier One and Mid Rivers Mall, in a building that previously housed a carpet store, next to a mattress store. If I read the signs correctly, the mattress store appeared to be empty and for sale.

Even though the Bread Co. on Mid Rivers Mall Drive, near Hwy-94 isn't THAT far away, this new location will be a lot closer to home....AND Barnes & Noble.....another favorite hang-out!!

The new Bread Co. is scheduled to open in about 2 weeks!! Let's all make a date to have a writers meeting and dinner there, what'ya say??