Life of the farm

On this Day of thanksgiving, I want to show you a few things I am truely grateful for. Our, little farm.

Dream Big!

I am taking a writing course with Longridge Writers Group. It has been fascinating delving into this world of creativity that I long to be a part of.

My latest assignment is to write an article between 750 and 1000 words. It was supposed to be on the easy side. Not something that took a lot of research. So I did that. But part of the assignment was to read a few articles that came in my handbooks.

This morning, I read an article on how Tom Clancy actually started writing. It was riveting. I couldn't lay it down. He was an ordinary guy, just like the rest of us. In fact, he was an insurance salesman!

They said one of the keys to his success was his talent as a researcher. He did all his own research and had the drive to really dig in and find what he needed. I so admire that. That is the area where I tend to be a little lazy.

Anyway, it just got me thinking. It all starts with a dream. What is your dream? Are you willing to work for it or are you someone who says, "It's just not possible."

I want to make my dream to be a writer come true. It's a long process, I'm finding out, but each time I have a success, it makes it all worth it. I feel it deep in my bones, and that is all it is, a feeling. I know I will make it if I persevere. I don't know that I'll be a huge phenomenon like Stephen King, Stephanie Meyer or those other big names out there, but I know that I will be a published author one of these days. Hopefully sooner than later.

Twilight........again

Well, I saw Twilight AGAIN! Not because I am fanatical about it but because all of my sisters and I have 5, were going and taking their teenagers to see it, and wanted us to come. We met halfway in Ogden at that Lovely theater Larry H. Miller built and enjoyed the movie once again.

I have to say, I liked it much better the second time. I noticed things I hadn't before and there was no expectation, so I could sit back and savor the awesome music and fabulous kisses.

This is definitely a story that gets your blood pumping. There were so many beautiful men and if there is one thing I am good at, it's spotting beautiful men!!

So, my son loved it. Talked about it the whole way home. I did stress the point though, that the relationship Edward and Bella have is slightly skewed and definitely unhealthy, for both of them. But what is good drama made of? Drama!

So here I am, sitting down to the computer in my comfy Levis, and gray stretch top. My feet are relaxed in my beloved Birkenstocks, and I am trying to think up my own version of great drama. Wish me luck!

What have you done?

I found this on Jenny's blog and thought it looked fun. It you want to do it too, just copy and highlight what you've done!


1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the star
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35.Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37.Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67.Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77.Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Green with Envy

I saw "Twilight" last night with a couple of friends. I have to admit, in my opinion, it wasn't fantabulous but I did like it. I liked quite a few things about it. There were also a few things I think could have been better. All in all though, I really enjoyed it. I love a good romance.

The point of this post though, isn't to do a review of the movie. I was actually wondering how many of you other writers out there are absolutely green with envy. I admit, I am. I look at Stephanie Meyer and covet, (a little bit) her success.

I wonder if there is actually another untold story out there that would make it this big and could I actually be the one to tell it? Honestly, I doubt it. But there is another part of me that screams, heck ya!!

Why not? Just because I didn't major in creative writing, have no formal training, know only a few of the rules, and have barely started in the creative art of writing, there is no reason why I can't become rich and famous, right? Now that was an extraordinarily long sentence! What writer out there doesn't long for this kind of notoriety?

As I was chatting with the universe the other day, I begged for this same success. It answered back with, "Why? What is your motivation? Money, popularity? Vanity?"
I, of course, answered, "no, yes, no, maybe. So what?" It put me in my place. But I found myself pointing at Stephanie Meyer and saying, "Well, she has it!" Like a petulant four year old.

Do we always want what we can't have? Or don't have? Is Stephanie Meyer happy in her success or does she wish she could have her anonymity and privacy back? Hmm. Who knows? Anyway. Those are my thoughts on that! Be careful what you pray for. You just might get it. In this case though, I'd take my chances!

Bruiser

Well, what can I say? I'm a sucker. I want to keep one of our pups. I think it will be nice for cookie to have a companion too. But there is something about him. All of us feel it. I don't know what it is. I almost feel like we are supposed to keep him. He's not even the cutest one but we all feel drawn to him. Weird.

Anyway, we named him bruiser. He's half Shi Tzus and half Australian Shepherd. I have hear a lot of great things about Australian Shepherds and since this will be cookies last batch.......

So here he is. Our adorable new baby.

So beautiful, so sad

Some say that animals don't have feelings or souls. I often wonder if they aren't more caring than some humans are toward one another considering the wars and conflicts around the world.

Blessings to you my friends
Very touching
This series of photos tells the suffering of bird shocked by his mate's fatal injury.
His mate is injured and her condition is fatal.
He brought her food and looked after her with love.
Then when she lay still, he tried to move her.
Realizing that she would never come back to him, he cried in anguish.
He stood beside her, calling out in grief.
Finally aware that she would never return, he just
stood beside her body for a long, long time.
The photographer sold these pictures for a nominal fee to a leading French newspaper. The newspaper was completely sold out that day.Thousands of people across Europe and the US mourned for the little bird.

Suplication

Time races across the azure sky,
much too fast it leaves me there
looking on and asking, "Why?"
Some things I do not want to bear.

Blue moon, shrouded in mists of gray,
the dark develops in my mind
The morning is so far away
I reach for you, my heart, to bind.

Gypsy jingle, we in blue,
For on the boardwalk we have trod.
Into the sea of salt we flew,
nothing to hinder, hold or stop.

I see you in my ivory time,
the music floats on wisps of dreams,
I close my eyes and it is mine,
But then awake, it's gone, it seems.

Laughter rolling, moaning, cry.
Are these tears of joy or pain?
My heart lets go with just a sigh,
Some things can never be, again.

My baby is 13!!

My baby is 13 on Saturday. It is so strange. I can hardly believe it. I can still see him as a toddler bending to lap up a drink with duke at the water bowl.

He has always been vivacious and outgoing. Always ready to have have fun, play and be spontaneous. He is one of the funnest people I know.

He also has a tenacious spirit. If he wants something, he stops at nothing to get it. Unless of course he encounters an impenetrable wall known as "mother".

He is so kind to animals which is something I admire. He is currently keeping a baby chick in his room that he brought home from school. Obedience is not one of his strong points as I had specifically told him not to bring it home when he asked! lol

He loves sports and he's good at them without much practice. He just finished soccer and has started wrestling. He wants to play football in the spring. He loves anything he tries. He's played baseball, taken Karate and Tae Kwan Do and loved it. What a well rounded boy I have raised!

I love this kid!! He is beautiful, inside and out. I am so proud of the man he is becoming. I love his determination and fortitude. He has the world waiting. I can't wait to see what he becomes! Happy 13, my beloved!!!

How well my kids know me.

I found this on another blog. I really liked it and thought I would try it. K1 is my 13 year old boy, K2 is my boy and 9, K3 is my 6 year old girl, and K4 is my four year old boy.

They gave interesting answers I thought.

1. What does mom always say?

K1: Go do your chores.
K2: Do your piano.
K3: Go clean your room
K4: come here

2. What makes mom happy?

K1: When her kids are happy
K2: when the chores are done.
K3: Loving mom up
K4: a hug does

3. What makes mom sad?

K1: Being disobeyed
K2: having to yell
K3: When she misses me a lot
K4: If someone hits her (no one does, by the way)

4. How does mom make you laugh?

K1: Teasing me about Taylie
k2: talking funny
K3: tickling me and tells me funny jokes
K4: tickling me

5. How old is mom?

K1: 37
k2: 38
K3: 6
K4: 3

6. How tall is mom?

K1: 5'9"
k2: 6 feet
K3: like 3 inches
K4: bigger and bigger

7. What does mom like to do?

K1: Read
K2: have fun
K3: play with me
K4: play cars

8. What is mom’s job?

K1: writing
K2: printing out papers on the computer for Dad.
K3: washing the dishes and doing the laundry
K4: playing piano

9. What is mom’s favorite food?

K1: Olive Garden
K2: Italian
K3: all kinds
K4: pancakes and pizza and yogurt

10. How do you know your mom loves you?

K1: She tells me.
K2: she tells me.
K3: Cause she's my sweety.
K4: I don't know. Cause I went to primary.

Pretty cute. I'm actually 38, and 5'8". It was eye opening for me. It sounds like all I say to my kids is to do their chores! You'd think my house would be cleaner!

What a day

What a morning! It seems all my kids have gone through this 2 day flu. This morning, Gabe got up saying he threw up in his bed. Then I found out that it was his pillow and it was only a little wet.

Then he said that Heidi had put water on his pillow. I swear, that kids never tells the truth. He's only four though so I cut him a little slack. As the morning wore on, he claimed he wasn't sick anymore. So I gave him breakfast and as I loaded the dishwasher, he stood up, and started projectile vomiting!!!

I started screaming for him to run to the bathroom. He left a trail all the way there! Unbelievable!

I am so sad about this. Because not only do I have a sick child, but my dear friend Natasha is in town to pack her house up. She has moved to Wyoming as her husband got a job there. I was going to help her pack and clean. We don't get to see each other often anymore so this brought me down.

I have really missed her and have been pretty depressed about her move. It was really sudden and I have been in mourning. She is that friend that you call up every time you go shopping. We always went everywhere together and I REALLY miss it! I have no desire to even shop anymore! lol. But seriously, it has been super hard. It feels like someone has died. They are just gone, suddenly. I cry about it all the time. For a while I was really angry. I guess I'm just going through the stages.

Denial: She is coming back. There is no way in hell she would want to live in a camper for the next year in Wyoming for pete's sake!!

Anger: What the crap is she thinking? This is not right and she is making a big mistake!! How could she be so stupid?! I can't wait to say I told you so!

Bargaining: Please God, Bring her back and I will never sin again! I need her! Don't you care about me?

Depression: I cry all the time, no motivation. Try to fill up my time writing and playing Warcraft. Poor kids have an ornery mom.

Acceptance: I understand. She needs to be with her husband. Husbands take precedence after all. I would do the same. (NOT!! No way would I EVER live in a camper with 5 kids!) We can still keep in touch in all the usual ways. It will be OK.

I don't believe I go through these stages all in order. Or at least, I seem to feel them at the same time or backtrack. Needless to say. I'm grieving.

So, today I will go on as usual because I have to. Because that is what I do.

Writing a book

I went to my first Utah League of Writers meeting last night. I LOVED IT! It is going to be so helpful. There were a few new people there. We set up a new critique group as there are already two. I can't wait to start with that in January.

I learned so much, just from that short time we were together. I really liked everyone who was there and felt so welcomed and comfortable.

I'm in the process of re-writing many parts of my book. It has been a lot of fun but very hard work. Now when I read a published book, I appreciate it so much more. People have no idea the blood, sweat and tears that go into writing a great story!

Thank you to all who help and give me encouragement! I love you for it!

Too much!

The boys have been gone hunting since early Saturday morning. So, here I sit with just my three youngest. I have forgotten how hard it is with such young kids and no help. I knew I relied heavily on Jake and Seth but this has been a reminder. So here is a shout out to all the single moms out there! It's a hard job. It's also exhausting, draining, and depressing to do it all alone.

It doesn't help that I'm feeling hormonal, although Bry would ask, "When don't you feel hormonal?" Uh huh. Very funny.

So I wait for them to come home by doing laundry which was behind, cleaning up after puppies and messy babies, and not sleeping. Besides that, I have to feed the horses, chickens, turkey, dogs, and cats morning and night. Rain or shine. Not that that in itself is a bad thing but I can tell you, if I were single, the animals would go!

Here is a new one. I can't sleep. I get tired at night and go to sleep but can't stay there in la la land. I'm not worrying about anything, just awake and it's really hard to fall back to sleep. Cookie and her pups wake me up multiple times during the night and last night, my phone started pinging to tell me it was dying. Then, when my poor body starts to dream again, the pups start crying, or cookie starts barking at me to come let her out. She can't stand to be cooped up with them full time anymore. There are days she is LUCKY to be alive!!!! If I put her out to get her to shut up, she'll scratch at the door to come back in. I have tried to ignore her and leave her out there. Just to teach her a lesson. The lesson that she can't tell me what to do, but the scratching will seriously go on all night!

What do you do? I can't function like a happy person like this! *laugh* Oh well, all part and parcel to being a mother.

I am also going through my book again, completely re-writing parts of it. That has been fun and thank heavens for WoW. There are night's I get on the game and can sit and talk to my dear friends there. I played with a girlfriend last night after the kids had gone to bed, who lives in Texas. She's a professional ballroom dancer and teacher. I adore you Holly!!

Anyway, that's my wonderful week so far! Hope I didn't depress anyone out there in cyber space.

Happy Halloween!

I am finally getting to Halloween stuff! I wanted to wait to post so I could share some fun pics with you all.

I took my kids to my sister's house. All the sisters were there and we had this huge group of kids trick or treating together. It was so fun. We all dressed up too. It's not too common for adults to dress up just to take the kids out and we all showed up in costume. Guess we all share the same sick mind! Anyhoo, here are some of the fun things we did!