** Various Ponderings on a Sunday Evening **

Parties: Yesterday, two of the writers groups I belong to, held their Christmas Parties. I hated the thought of missing one of them, but it really wasn't that big of a decision when one was about 2 miles from my house, and the other about 30 miles! (Sorry SLWG friends! Too bad we couldn't "tele-commute"(is that the word I want??) both parties!

So.... I attended the Saturday Writers party and had a great time. A few people read some of their work and they were all really good. As I recall, all had funny moments that got laughs and chuckles. I had a chance to chat with friends I don't see very often and also met some new writers, wishing to join our group. Oh, and did I mention lots of yummy food? All in all, a very good time!

Blogs: I've "met" some wonderful people because of my blog, and not too long ago discovered a couple of neat options. Did you know if you click on the "Next Blog" link on your home page, it takes you to a person's blog that shares your interests? Blogspot recently changed this option. It used to just randomly take you to anyone's blog...maybe in a different language and sometimes in a genre you might not want to see! I tried it again yesterday and came across different writer or book lover blogs. I didn't have time then to really read them, but put a couple in my favorites and will go back to them later. Also, if you go to your Profile page, and click on one of your favorite movies or books, etc. it will take you to a page full of others that also has that movie or book in their profile! Sometimes, you won't automatically find anyone who might be of interest to you, but other times it works! That's how I just "met" Daisy, who also loves Erma Bombeck books! We have already become Followers of each other's blogs. Give it a try and see how many fantastic people you can meet!

** Writer Web Sites **

I discovered two different websites yesterday that are looking for, from what I could tell, writers to post personal essays on their sites. They both looked so intriguing I thought I'd pass the info along!

Catholic Mom:  http://www.catholicmom.com/

Mom's Who Need Wine: http://www.momswhoneedwine.com/

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**Also, my story "Thoughts On Love & Forgiveness" which is included in Chicken Soup for the Soul; Divorce & Recovery was also published online last month at http://www.beliefnet.com/. It can still be found under: www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Chicken-Soup-For-The-Soul/2009/12/Thoughts-on-Love-and-Forgiveness.aspx. If you get a chance to read it, please feel free to leave a rating   ;-)

** First Snow Flurries Last Night! **

We had our first snow flurries of the season last night, and as always, I ran to the door to look outside. I texted my 22 year old son, Mark, because he too loves winter and snow. He was disappointed, though, because he wasn't seeing any in his part of town.

I think it's so neat that he and I share that child-like wonder when it comes to enjoying snow!

And, I guess it's mostly because of that little tease of what will surely arrive sometime this winter, that I added many more Christmas songs to my Play List today. Please take a few moments to listen as it randomly plays songs that may be some of your favorites, or just click on the ones you would rather hear. Enjoy!

** Happy December 1st **

Where has this year gone? Isn't that what we've been saying every December for quite a few years?

I haven't posted for a week, which is really unusual for me......Just been busy enjoying the "Thanksgiving Season"! The days of baking in preparation for our family dinner the Saturday before....The day of friends and fun on the actual Thanksgiving at a dear friend's home....My very first shopping adventure on the day after Thanksgiving.....and visiting my wonderful friend who I sometimes lovingly refer to as "Crazy Rita"!

Three weeks ago, Crazy Rita had open heart surgery and came through with flying colors!! When Sherry and I visited her last Friday, we were amazed and thrilled to see her looking so good....looking and acting like her old "crazy" self....looking and acting as if nothing had changed....But, knowing her the way I do, I'm sure that "something" has changed. I can't imagine what, though, because she had already been such a funny, optimistic, faith-filled woman, even in the middle of career issues, family concerns, etc. That will surely help her, too, as she goes through her physical therapy.

I'm so looking forward to taking her to lunch one day soon. I can't wait to hear what funny, crazy things she has to say!

** Books: Glorious Books! **

Recently I "won" a huge amount of childrens' books at a silent auction. After we got them home and I was able to actually go through all of them, I was excitedly transported back to being a child again.

I remember the first chapter book I ever received as a gift. It came in the mail from my paternal grandma who lived in Colorado. As I opened the box and peeked inside, there lay a beautiful, hardcover edition of "Alice in Wonderland". I had to have been about 7 years old, so I wasn't old enough to read it yet then, but what a prized posession it was!

We moved around quite a bit during my grade school years and the last couple of times were not for happy reasons.....My parents were separating and later divorced. I could forget my sadness or lonliness when I buried myself inside a wonderful book. Sometimes I really loved bittersweet stories the most, like "Member of the Wedding" because I could relate so well. Other times, I loved adventurous tales, such as "Around the World in 80 Days". Later on I became a fan of Nancy Drew books, too.

My favorite grade school was the one I spent the most years at: 4th through 8th grade. It didn't have its own library, so the Bookmobile came at scheduled times, I think on Fridays. Walking up the steps into that small vehicle was like walking into Alice's wonderland! It was packed from floor to ceiling with books of all kinds. I still remember some of the beloved stories I read, borrowed from those marvelous shelves.

I hope that with technology racing along at the speed of light, we won't lose the incredible feeling of holding a book, turning its pages, inhaling its years of mystery, and falling asleep with it next to our pillow.

"When I discovered libraries, it was like having Christmas every day." --- Jean Fritz

** Our Family Thanksgiving -- Yesterday **

We've been having our family Thanksgiving the Saturday or Sunday before the actual Turkey Day for a few years. It works out great and nobody has to leave early to go somewhere else to eat again!

I love the aroma of the turkey roasting in the oven. I provide some of the side dishes, and my three daughters-in-law always bring the rest of the usual goodies. Most years, I bake a pumpkin pie or two the day before, but have been known to just buy them at the last minute because I've run out of time, energy or ambition!

This year I decided to really do some baking and have had a wonderful time. Earlier in the week, I baked 1 apple pie and 2 pumpkin pies, and kept them in the freezer. I also saw a picture in a magazine of an adorable "pumpkin" cake, which I tried to  replicate. (The photo is MY cake, not the one in the magazine, but I must say, I didn't do too bad of a job, considering that cake decorating is definitely not my forte'.)

The day was perfect! Gorgeous weather, great food & our wonderful family! Everyone was here, except for Todd who wasn't home from college this weekend. We do hope to see him when he's home, later this week, though!

* There was one minor food "mishap"......I haven't made homemade mashed potatoes in years, and after yesterday, I can guarantee that someone else will offer to bring them from now on. *

Hey, that's one way to get out of preparing something you don't enjoy doing, nor are any good at! ;-)

** Meet Local Authors at the Library **

REMINDER:  The event sponsored by St. Charles City-County Library District is tomorrow night (Thursday, November 19th, from 4:30 to 8:00 pm)

Local Author Open House
Middendorf Kredell Library
2750 Hwy. K, O’Fallon
(636) 978-7926 or (636) 272-4999
(from looking at the map, it looks like it's close to the intersection of Hwy K and Hwy N.)

** Tiny Lights 15th Annual Essay Contest **

Check out Tiny Lights 15th Annual essay contest.
Minimal entry fees, and look at the prize money!
Prizes will be awarded as follows:

First Place: $350
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $150
Two Honorable Mention Prizes: $100 each.
Three FLASHPOINT prizes of $100 are also offered.
Deadline for submissions is February 19, 2010.

I've mentioned Tiny Lights before.
Essays I've submitted for their "Searchlights & Signal Flares" questions are posted on the website. Plus, my blog has just been added to the Blogs on the Links page!
Good luck to all who enter a submission!
Click on the link below for all the particulars.
http://www.tiny-lights.com/contest.php