My sweet niece!

I just got the sweetest phone call from my niece. They had "Favorite Author" day at school and they had to write about their favorite author.

She picked me! And not only that, she read my entire manuscript that I'd given her. (the first book I wrote)

She is only eleven years old yet she had great edits and ideas for me! I LOVE THIS GIRL! Thank you Hannah!~ I think you are absolutely wonderful!!

Also, I finished my book, The Ring of Power, today! I really pushed to get it done and I even cried as I wrote the end! It was so good! lol I hope Shadow Mountain thinks so too!

Small miracles

For those of you wondering, I just didn't like that last background. I need changed but the change has to be just right or I find myself going bonkers.

I had a miracle happen today that I want to share. I am pushing to finish a book. I just have a feeling I should get it done before the conference. I was given the advice not to rush this story but I have really pondered about it. I really feel I should finish it. I hope I'm right.

I have averaged thirty pages a day for the last three days. This morning, before I started typing, I had the feeling to save my story to my portable hard drive. Of course, I ignored the feeling as I was in a hurry to get started. I began typing, excited to see how my little adventure would continue.

After two hours of typing, my power went out due to a winter storm. I could have died! I even had a battery powered backup thing so my computer wouldn't turn off if something like this happened. It didn't matter, the computer shut down. I prayed I hadn't lost anything.

When I turned the computer back on, then clicked on the icon for my book, it popped up back to where I was before I started typing today. I nearly sobbed in grief! For those of you writers, you know this pain. I did start to cry and prayed hard for a miracle, hoping my book would re-appear before my eyes. I just couldn't believe it.

Then I happened to check my task bar thing at the bottom. It had two titles on it saying, "The ring of Power." I wondered what the crap that was. At the time my computer crashed, I had an internet page up, itunes and my book. All three showed on the task bar, of course.

I clicked on the first "Ring of power" button and up popped my complete manuscript. EVERYTHING I had just written in the last few hours. I couldn't believe it! I prayed my gratitude. What are the odds of turning on my computer and having my book on the task bar when the internet and itunes had closed? Why hadn't my book closed? I closed the second "ring of power" button and saved my story to my hard drive, all the while giving thanks for this miracle. And it was a miracle.

There is no way I could have re-written what I had already done as well as I had before, and let me tell you. It's pretty dang good! I think I AM supposed to finish this story. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will not forget this! (But I will always save my story when I get that feeling from now on!)

Oh, the horror!

Let me share my latest drama with you all. Now, some of you may know that I live in hicksville surrounded by lush, green fields of corn and alphalpha. I love it. I watch the sun set while my four horses graze lazily in the back field.

I also have three fat cats who are obviously not doing their job. I do not like cats. I think they are filthy, devious and sneaky. They have one purpose and one purpose only. That is to catch and kill mice before they make it into my house.

They are about to be fired! We have had an infestation of mice lately and I am about out of my mind. A few nights ago, I was awakened in the middle of the night by a tickling in my hair. I ignored it because, you know, sometimes you get little tickles in strange places and it means nothing. Well, I felt another tickle further to the left--in my hair--again. I brushed my hand back, still half asleep mind you, and felt something flip away.

I sat up screaming and I am sure I said a very bad word! My husband jumped up screaming, "it's a mouse!" Ya, you got that right, very bad word...completely justified!

So, my knight in shining armor lays about ten traps around our room everynight. Our kids complain that they can hear mice in the walls. We catch a few here and there but never in our room.

So, this morning, I'm in the bathroom getting ready, Bry is leaning against the counter visiting with me when all of a sudden, a streak of brown races into the bathroom. I scream again! So does Bry, who jumps up on the counter so that his feet are safe! The little mouse runs under the closet door in the bathroom. I grab a trap, shove it in the closet, slam the door and shove a towel over the crack! There is no way that little devil is getting out alive.

About fifteen minutes later, I'm sitting on my throne, (ya, I know. TMI) when the little brown streak races under MY feet and into a hole in the carpet by my tub. Bry came racing in. He said he could hear me screaming outside!

I put another trap under the tub, but I get the feeling that this little mouse knows what it is. Now, don't get me wrong. It's not like there are hundreds of mice filling up my house, but the few that want to live here are grossing me out! I'm getting new cats!

Small miracles

Okay, time for a new post. Let me just say, I feel good today. I woke up dog tired and feeling very unmotivated. I have been doing my South Beach Diet and it has been slow going but at least it is going.

I weighed myself this morning out of curiosity. I have lost another pound! Lucky for me because I had told myself that I wasn't going to work out if I hadn't as it wasn't worth it anyway! Talk about ornery. Well, I had to work out since I'd lost a pound. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

So I'm still going at it. The thing is, I haven't weighed this amount (which I will not divulge) for three years. It feels good. It feels possible. It empowers me. Even though it's hardly noticeable to others, I notice.

I am so glad that this morning, when I was feeling down, that God gave me a little gift. =)

Silver and gold

Old friends, who we thought we'd probably never see again, with the help of technology, suddenly re-appear. I love it!

One such friend called me yesterday--out of the blue. I can't even remember how she said she found me, but it was a wonderful phone call. She is also going to the conference in April so we will get to reconnect that way.

She works for yourldsneighborhood.com newsletter. She offered me the chance to write articles for the newsletter. How could I pass up such an opportunity! Woo Hoo! I'm on my way. Hopefully, they'll think I write well enough to want to print something.

Anyway, it was great fun talking to her. I hope we recognize eachother! I'll tell you, I was at a writing class at the library not long ago and a new guy was there. He looked about my age, seemed very intelligent, and he loves to write. He introduced himself and I had to blink twice. There was no way he was my friend from high school! He didn't even look the same! He hadn't changed drastically, he's just twenty years older. He didn't know me either! Now I know I haven't changed that much!

So, it just goes to show, never judge an old lady by her wrinkles! Every stretch mark, every "smile line" had been earned, and even if old friends don't recognize us right off, the love they have for in their hearts still burns brightly!

Here's to old friends!

Thank you!

I just want to thank everyone who passed by and read my latest post! It has reminded me of something and that is...everyone loves to get comments on their post.

Everyone.

Also, a little reminder any new bloggers. It is good blogging manners to visit someone's site who has visited and commented on yours.

All my friends do this so don't think I am getting after anyone. It's just a friendly reminder to all. There are a few blogs I have found that I enjoy, that I have commented on a number of times, who never return the favor. Not that it matters tons, but it makes me (and probably others) not want to keep commenting.

Lisa taught me this. When I first started blogging, I wanted everyone to visit and comment, but I wasn't returning the favor. I had lots to do and was busy as we all are, but she very gently taught me that if I wanted patrons and friends, I needed to be friendly! =) It was a good lesson. Thanks Lis.

So...THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING! I genuinely love your comments and love to visit your sites as well. Have a great day!

Where is everyone?

Has blogging slowed down or is it just me? It seems that people are going through a slump online. At least in my opinion. Maybe it's spring fever or maybe everyone out there is going through what we, at my house are...the ten millionth cold of the year.

I have felt terrible for a week. Jake stayed home from school today and the others should probably have too. How sick is too sick to go to school? The other two didn't want to stay home. Guess I'm no fun.

So, I sit here feeling like crap, checking all my favorite blogs on a daily basis, but finding no change! Where is everyone and why is no one commenting on mine? Is it that boring? he he

I sat wondering about that yesterday. What is it that those blogs have that get hundreds of hits and/or comments daily? Why are they so popular? I have decided that it is because 1. The person is extremely popular and people want to be associated with them. (not necessarily a bad thing), 2. The blog pokes fun at things. or 3. the blog is extremely acidic or mean and everyone wants to see what all the halabaloo is all about.

I may be wrong, because, I am in an altered state with cold medicine, or maybe I'm just feeling sorry for myself because I'm a wannabe icon. What ever the reason is, I better get a hundred comments today!

A new book

I want to tell you about something that has really filled my heart! My son Jake, who I make/have read my stories I write for youth, is not normally a reader. It has taken a lot of effort to get him into books that he really likes. He's read the Eragon series, A door in the woods, and a couple others that he has really loved, but most of the time, it takes effort for him to find something he can really get in to. He's never been an avid reader. I have to pay/force him to read half the time!

Well, I have started a new story that I call "The Ring of Power." It has been super fun so far. I only have six chapters so far, but every day since I've started it, Jake continually comes into my room asking if I've written anymore. His next comment is that I need to hurry and write the rest. Every time he enters my room, he goes to the computer to check for any new paragraphs. The first thing he does after getting off the bus is go straight to the computer to check for any new chapters. He doesn't even get a snack first. (that's huge, by the way)

He LOVES my story! You have no idea how happy this makes me. This tells me that other kids out there will love my story! I pray that the gods will be merciful and allow me to get my books published. Woo hoo for great kids! This has been a huge boost to my fragile self esteem! =)

A fresh start

Good morning blog readers! As much as it pained me to do so, I rewrote what I'd lost in my new story, then had my son read it. He caught a bunch of details I'd left out. Good ole Jake. I wish I could say that my husband proof read everything I wrote, but he's not around enough. I hate to ask him to take the time when I really feel he should spend his extra time with the kids and me.

So...Jake read the stories and corrects them and has gotten fairly good at it. He's only thirteen, but I am training him young. He now likes to write stories of his own. So do Seth and Heidi. I'm raising a bunch of future writers. Keep it in the family, I always say!

I do believe this new story is more on the fresh side. I wanted to think of something that no one else was writing about and I think I have. I'm not sure of course as I haven't read every kids/fantasy book out there, but my gut feeling tells me this is different. I hope so. I am so excited about it that all I want to do is write! =)

I have put aside my story, "The Adoption, as it is a bit heavier and dark. I need something fun and light after finishing The Guitar, which was also adult suspense. I like to go back and forth between adult and youth. It keeps me fresh and excited and I do well at both. I can't decide which I like better. Once I finish one, I seem ready to tilt in the other direction. Anyway, I am calling this new story The Ring of Power. Look for it in bookstores near you!

I'm absolutely heart sick. I can not believe it! I just found half of my new story I stared gone! Last night I came in to see my baby sitting at my computer. Everything looked okay (I thought) with my story at a glance, so I saved it and got the baby out of there. This was last night.

I got up this morning and found the last half of my story missing and since I saved it, it's just gone. I thought I could do a system restore but it won't give me back what I need. It's just gone. It wasn't really that much but you know how it is when it's fresh and flowing magically from you fingers. Can I re-create that? I hope so. We'll see. For now, I just want to be devastated.

Lost

I have a very sad story to tell. My cousin, actually, my mother's first cousin,Sondra, and her husband have become very close friends or ours. She and her husband had the dream of having a sheep ranch. They moved to South Dakota, bought a farm and started their dream.

Those animals...the sheep, the goats, the guard llama, were her babies. She even had names for them all and new them all and they new her. They'd follow her around. It was her farm that made me understand how Christ could know all his sheep. Anyway, On Feb. 26, in the middle of the night, a storm raged. They put all their animals in the barn and turned on the heater. It's lambing season for them and they had a bunch of new babies they wanted to keep warm.

Somehow, somewhere, there was an electrical short that started a fire. Their barn burned to the ground with all their animals inside it. I can't imagine the terror those poor things must have gone through, but It was discovered too late. Almost three hundred animals burned to death.

Sondra can't even talk about it. They are devastated. I bawled all day yesterday after I found out. I can't imagine what they are feeling. Thank heavens for a loving community. Their friends and neighbors have rallied around them, many sending money, holding auctions and bringing food.

Both Glen and Sondra have had to start working full time as their income is now gone. (and they are well into their 60's) Sondra was also a beautiful knitter. She kept Angora rabbits in the barn, would sheer the rabbits, llama and sheep herself, wash and card the wool, and spin it into yarn. She was wonderfully talented.

This is the farm where my son Jake would go each summer for a month. He knew these animals and is also very sad.

I wonder, why do these things happen? Why didn't a miracle happen for them? Last year, there was a terrible flood in their area and they lost over 100 sheep. When the water went down, they found their animals hanging from trees and fences. It had been over 50 years since of flood of this kind. Why? Why do these things happen? Why do they happen to good people? The only thing I can think of is that something else is coming for them. Something where they need to be free of farm maybe. Or...I don't know. I am just heartsick and trying to figure it out. Maybe there is no answer. Maybe it was what it was...a terrible accident.

A book is born!

To see Annette Lyons contest giveaway's, click here!

Okay...I tried to post the trailer and it wont work! I am the techno-idiot I guess! I don't know what I'm doing wrong! Does it count anyway since I've been trying to figure it out all morning?

If at first you don't succeed, use the tried and true.

Like I said, do what works. As some of you may know, I have been trying for a long time to lose weight. Yes, to those of you who would say, "You look fine," yes, I look fine, but I am over weight just a bit.

I know this because we just changed life insurance companies and our cute little agent asked my husband how tall he is and how much he weighs. Then it's my turn. I tell him my height, and then I say, "If you think I'm gonna tell you how much I weigh, you're insane."

He laughed of course. I did give him a weight I was comfortable with, but it was twenty two pounds lighter than I really am. (ya, I am aware that I lied, but please...who wouldn't?) He told me that he guessed I was close to that. (What ditzes men are! lol) He knew I wasn't giving him an accurate number, but if I was between 135 and another number (which I was over, but he didn't know that) that I was fine and healthy. That means...I'm overweight. What a blow to my self esteem. (which I already knew)

It was then and there that I decided to use the only diet that has ever worked for me. The South Beach Diet. A long time ago, I had not wanted to try this one. I didn't like the name. It sounded like some biki babe, bleach blond diet from plastic surgeryville. But then, I saw the book on a book shelf, pulled it off and began reading. I was amazed. It was a heart doctor who came up with it. It's called the South Beach Diet because that's where he lives. In South Beach, Florida.

Long story short...it's the only one that works on my body. For the last two years I have been trying to lose weight with the theory that if I burn more than I eat, I'll lose. You know what? That doesn't work for me. I know...I've tried for a VERY long time.

Now, I didn't want to do the SBD because I hate limiting which foods I can eat, but hey, use what works. So, for the first two weeks, at least, I eat no dairy, no bread, no starches and no fruits. That's the hard one. I could live on fruit alone. It really hasn't been as bad as I first thought it would be. It starts this way to kill the Candida that all people have. Candida is what makes us addicted to sugar. I LOVE SUGAR!!! (maybe I'm addicted!)

So, I've been doing it for five days. I weighed myself for the first time in five days and guess what...I've lost five pounds. Do you know how long I have been trying to lose just five pounds? Anyway, after two weeks to a month, you start adding foods back in, but that first month of just proteins and low starch veggies gets old. Oh well. It works for me and I feel great on it. I can't tell you how much "cleaner" my body feels just not eating dairy and bread. Who knew?

Side note: remember to drink lots of water and to take your vitamins and Stemenhance every day! =)

Walkin' in a winter wonderland

I did not get what I ordered! Yesterday, the sun shone, spring was just barely opening it's tired eyes, and I was looking forward to sun, and flowers.

Today, I open my door to over six inches of snow covering my porch and it still continues it's cascade. Hello? Punksatony Phil! For pete's sake! So you didn't see your shadow. Big deal! It doesn't mean we need to start December all over again.

Now, don't get me wrong. I love the snow most of the time, but dang! I was just getting spring fever. Just getting ready to plant flowers and gardens and mow lawn.

Instead, I'll stay tucked inside my little haven, reading, writing and soaking in a hot bath...which is also nice!

Writer's Digest writing competittion

I am taking an online writing course. I have to admit, I have really enjoyed it and have learned quite a bit from my instructor who was a professional editor for a lot of years. She is pretty blunt and very strict. I was told that if I ever went over the word count, she'd send my assignment back uncorrected. There are other instructors who aren't so strict, but I really like her, so I kept her. I like people who don't beat around the bush. Even if it hurts at first, I would still rather have someone get straight to the point.

Progressively, her comments on my assignments have gotten more and more positive, with fewer and fewer mistakes to correct. LOVE THAT! lol

So, this last time, she sent me a flyer about the Writer's Digest Writing competition! Woo hoo! I definitely want to enter it. The grand prize winner gets a trip to New York with one on one meetings with top publishers! There is no guarantee that they will represent the winner, but hello? Just getting noticed would be huge! So I will enter a few short stories and see what hapapens. I'll let you know!

For more info on this competition, click here!

Spring fever

Do you ever feel blah? Have you ever checked your blog over and over to see if anyone has commented, but your post is so old that you know no one has? Yet, feel too blah to write anything new?

That is how I feel today. This doesn't mean I'm having a bad day. On the contrary, it's been a great day. I have cleaned house, went to a program for Heidi, started a new story, and played a little wow. Not to mention...washed and folded three batches of laundry!

I actually feel great when I get a lot done, but I still feel blah. I hate that.

I need some action. Maybe I'm stir crazy. I feel spring coming and I'm getting antsy. Oh, I forgot to mention that I reorganized both upstairs bathrooms. ALL TODAY! lol

So, maybe that's all it is. Spring fever! I love spring fever! Woo hoo! I didn't even realize that that was what I was feeling! Now I'm happy. No more blah. Thank heavens for blogging.