Monday, November 30, 2009

A Labor of Love...




This handmade doll house was a labor of love. Four of us worked on it for about four weeks.  Dad did the construction and electrical work.  Anne, Katherine and I did the painting, sanding, staining and design plans.  When you go to a hobby shop and buy a doll house kit, it sounds sooooo easy, but then you open it.  It contains thousands of tiny parts.  You even have to build the windows!  It doesn't include all of the parts.  It came with one set of stairs in a three story house.  There were no doors, but were doorways.  It had floors, but no flooring. 

We went to three hobby shops, a hardware shop and did some online shopping.  We put electricity in every room.  Baseboards and crown molding adorned all the rooms, except the third level, we couldn't put crown molding in because of the shape of the ceiling.  Each room has different wall paper; a couple had chair rails too.  Most of the floors are wood, but the kitchen and bathroom are simulated tile.  If you look at the stair wells, they have a landing and hand rails.  We built them from scratch!  If you look in the nursery you'll see a tiny doll house.  It's the same color as the real doll house.  Each room is wallpapered the same as the real doll house. 

So, if you are planning on putting a doll houses together for someone for Christmas...You Better Get Busy!  It was a wonderful experience, the four of us working on a big project.  It gave all of us special memories that will last forever.  Perhaps someday I'll have a grandchild and we'll put one together together. 

HAVE YOU EVER BEGUN A PROJECT AND REALIZED IT WAS TOO BIG TO DO ON YOUR OWN?  WHAT DID YOU DO?  DID SOMEONE HELP YOU? 

Thursday, November 26, 2009

PACE YOURSELF!

Pace yourself today. I'm not talking about writing or even cleaning your house. I'm talking about eating. Eat slowly, enjoy each bite. Have a little of everything (as long as you're not allergic to the ingredients). You can go back for more. Drink plenty of water. If you are going to partake in alcoholic beverages, choose a designated driver. (I'd miss you if you were gone!)

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Who Are You MIssing?



A few weeks ago, I had a great find at TJ Max.  A bottle of Mint Imperials...Why was this such a great find?  My Nanny Johnson loved them.  Seeing them made me think of her and miss her.  She passed away several years ago.  I spent most of my life in the US and she lived in England.  So we didn't get to spend enough time together, but I always knew she loved me.  I know she still loves me. 

She was always the first person to send me a birthday card and Christmas card.  From the time I was eight until I was eighteen she sent me new pajamas for Christmas.  I still get new pajamas for Christmas, but my daughter and husband get them for me now.  I'm not sure if they know how the Christmas Eve pajama tradition began.

I look forward to seeing her again some day.  But for now this little jar of Mint Imperials will sit on my vanity reminding me of her never ending love.

So who are you missing this holiday season?

Monday, November 23, 2009

A Time To Thank...



As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded to be thankful for our blessings.  I look at my life and see that I have so many things to be thankful for.
  1. My family
  2. My almost decorated home.  (I just have a bit more to go.)
  3. Old friends and new friends.
  4. Stripes surviving a near miss this fall.
  5. The luxury of being able to write at will, not on a forced timeline.
So what are you thankful for?

Friday, November 20, 2009

New Moon, Did You Go?



Did you go to New Moon? We went to the 4:30 show this afternoon. When we walked out, at 6:45, the line for the 7:30 was out the door and down the street. So to all those people who are saying it's over, they better hold on to that thought. Based on my observations tonight, vampires and werewolves are still HOT HOT HOT.

What did you think? Are you anxiously awaiting Eclipse? I am.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Likeable Characters



I'm doing revisions and I'm stuck...

I'm revising a beginning chapter book. The MC is eight. He wants to buy something that Mom considers to be senseless, so he has to earn the money himself. He has a plan, but day one of summer vacation rolls around and he starts borrowing money. He discovers layaway. He keeps borrowing money, realizes he's hurting the people around him and he's never going to have enough to buy what he covets. He makes changes in his lifestyle, pays everyone back and learns how to conserve and save. Eventually, he has enough money to get his prized item off layaway. He's a better person for the experience.

One of my critiquing buddies got about half way through my manuscript and said she didn't like my MC, he's selfish. I need to do something to make him more likeable. She did keep reading and critiquing. (Thank goodness.)

By the end of the story he's worked hard and learned a lesson about money and himself. He has grown. Does he need to be likeable from the beginning or can he be a self involved little boy who can only focus on his own wants?

ANY ADVICE???

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

This Is It! The Easiest Yummiest Seafood Chowder...



So the photo isn't seafood chowder. I didn't have a photo of the chowder, but let's face it chowder isn't that pretty.

2 cans - cream of potato soup
2 cans - milk
1 small onion (chopped)
1 package of pepper jack cheese (chopped)
1 can - crab meat
1lb - shrimp without tails

Combine, heat and serve. Great with french bread and a salad.

This is really tasty and easy. I hope you take the time to try it. Let me know if you cook it and if you like it. My pastor, Jon White, sent it to me several months ago. Everyone I have served it to, has asked for the recipe and have served it and passed the on recipe.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Goal...The Destination...The Library of Congress




We say we write because we love to write (and I'm sure that is true), but ultimately I think all writers want to have a copy of their manuscript in the Library of Congress.

If you are planning a trip to Washington DC, call your congressman and get a tour. It's an overwhelmingly beautiful building. It contains a copy of all copyrighted manuscripts in the US. Isn't that cool? When your book is published, it will be in the company of so many great books. I'm guessing they are organized by last name. So who will you be by in the Library of Congress? Does anyone know how they organize them? Are they by genre? Are they in a file cabinet? These are some of the questions I should have asked when we toured.

The above photograph is of a Christmas card a dear friend sent me after my trip to DC. She knew that tour was the highlight of my trip.


Has anyone else been to the Library of Congress? Do you know the answers to any of my questions? Do you have a manuscript there? Do tell...

Monday, November 16, 2009

Victory...Well, Third Place




Today, I got both good news and bad. My story PEEP, PEEP, PEEP won third place among the readers of Knowonder magazine. My first income. I'm anxiously awaiting my check for $100. I plan on making a copy of it and framing in with back ground paper that says, "Yes, you can." LOL

The bad news is that Knowonder does not look like it's going to make it unless some investors come along. The main reason I submitted to them was because of their platform. The focus of the magazine is to emphasize the importance of reading to your children. For those of you who don't know about the magazine, it had both an on line version or a print version. If you ordered a print version, you just paid for shipping. The magazine had 30 stories for children in it each month and a few parenting articles. I am so sad for the staff and for Phillip Chipping, the founder. They had a great concept. I still have my fingers crossed that someone will join Phillip in financing this wonderful magazine.

For those of you who were able to vote for me, thank you so much. To the staff at Knowonder, you have a great concept and I have my fingers crossed for you.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Are You Doing It? Are You Environmentally Correct?




Do you carry environmentally friendly bags? Do you recycle? Do you reuse? Do you car pool? Do you walk or ride your bike? How do you heat your house? What do you keep your thermostat on? Do you turn the lights off when you're not in the room? Do you wait until the last minute to turn the lights on? When do you turn on the heater? When do you turn on the air-conditioner? Do you unplug your appliances, computers, and TVs when they aren't in use? What is your green footprint? Do you only buy American? Do you buy organic? Do you buy local? Do you buy from third world countries? (They need a helping hand too.)

DO YOU FEEL AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF GUILT?

If I go to the store without my environmentally friendly bags, I feel horrible. I worry about having the lights on. I worry about my house using too much energy. If I don't unplug everything, even if it's turned off, will it result in someone not getting their fair share of energy or a polar bear dieing. Am I responsible for doing every single "green or social conscientious" thing? Is everyone doing everything? Am I the only one failing to do it all? Does it matter that I'm doing it?

DO YOU FEEL GUILTY IF YOU DON'T DO IT?

I have a can can, a glass can, a paper can, a cardboard can, an aluminum can, a battery can,a yard waste can, a trash can and a plastic bag can in my garage. It's becoming overwhelming. OH NO!!! I don't compost, do I need to start a new can?

HELP! Is there a middle? Is there a way to feel like you are doing your part? And (Yes, I started with an and.) a way to not feel overcome by guilt by the things you aren't doing?

WEIGH IN, PLEASE....SAVE ME FROM MY GUILT....

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I'm Out!



I'm out for the evening and I'm out of my favorite perfume. It's my comfort smell. It's the only thing posh about me...and I'm out. I'll have to use my number two choice until someone (hint hint) buys me a new bottle.

Do you have a special scent? What is it? Why is it your scent?

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Look What I Found...



LOOK WHAT I FOUND!

Monday, after a grueling workout, I began working in the garden. We have four bushes that have nickel sized white and yellow flowers all over them, in the summer. The branches remind me of a weeping willow tree. As I trimmed back the branches, I made a wonderful discovery. This perfect little nest was nestled in the weepy branches. I have no idea what kind of bird made it. There were remnants of eggs under the bush. They were pale blue (paler than a robin's egg) and about half the size of a dime. Notice the size of the nest. It's not much bigger than the address label on my Writer's Digest magazine. Any ideas?

This afternoon, my daughter and I took the dog for a walk. Every where we went we saw bird nests. As you enjoy the fall weather, stop and look in the empty trees. You'll be amazed when you look at the details in every bird nest you come across. Look at the materials they used. Look at the structure. Look at the shape. Look at the positioning of the nest in the tree. Do you think the bird will be back next year? What kind of bird do you think made it?

People are always saying, "Stop and smell the roses." I say stop and look at the little details of life. It will help you be a better writer. If you're not a writer, it will help you appreciate the world around you.

What have you seen lately that made you think, Wow?

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

WHAT IS SUCCESS?



Why are you walking down this path? Do you seek fame or fortune? What does success look like to you? Is it a novel, a picture book, a magazine publication, an income or even a following on your blog?

For me, I see a little hand reaching for something on a shelf. It's a book. Not just any book. This book's cover is so alluring that no hand can pass it by. Delicate watercolor illustrations decorate this hardback book. (Jerry Pinkney is the illustrator in my dream.) There under the title is a name, my name. When that little hand opens the book, the reader discovers there is more to this book than pretty pictures. It tells a story, a story that touches his heart. It's a story that teaches him about his world and once finished with the book, he has learned a little about himself.

Oh, I'd like to make enough money to pay for a house keeper once a week. :)

WHAT ABOUT YOU?
BTW...My Grandad built the path in the picture.

Friday, November 6, 2009

When Is Winter going to get here???



This lovely scene is from last year. It was sixty-six degrees here today. Which sounds lovely, but it's all too distracting. The grass still needs to be mowed, but we already put the snow blower on the lawnmower. The flower beds need to be weeded AGAIN! I'm so ready for winter. Being snowbound has its advantages. No distractions. You can stay home and write all day without feeling guilty about never leaving the house.

Is anyone else wishing for snow?

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Hmmmmmm...



So, What do you think the above picture is? I'm really not sure, but when I saw it, I thought it was an interesting looking object. I like the bright yellow color and the bumpy texture.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Ninth Grade Honors Math Or A Hole In The Roof?


Which would you rather deal with? Ninth Grade Honors Math or a hole in the roof? I've been dealing with the math for the last four hours. The hole in the roof took one phone call and it was fixed.

It's amazing what we forget as we get older...or perhaps didn't learn when we were younger. I always took pride in the fact that I graduated a year early from high school, until today. I think I missed out on some valuable math lessons.

What do you wish you had learned more of in high school or college? For me, it was math. Of course tomorrow, it might be something else.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

MY CONSTANT COMPANION



This is my constant companion. He sits on the sofa in my office and watches me write. He climbs on the to back of my office chair and hangs on tight as I swirl around. (I do that when I'm thinking.) He jumps up on the desk and blocks the computer screen when I'm not giving him enough attention. If I'm sick he curls up with me. If I sleep through the alarm clock, he pulls my hair until I wake up. At night, he cuddles around my arm or curls up on a pillow beside me. He has one of those purrs that rumbles.

Last week something awful happened. He got in the dryer. He's never done it before. I was cleaning the kitchen, doing laundry, watching TV and reading blogs. I rushed to our neighbor's house (our vet) while my husband doused his head with cool water. Our vet said meet him at the clinic. I was panic stricken, my constant companion looked awful. He was panting heavily. He had blood on his face and ears. His heart was racing. His whiskers were shorter on one side than the other. I was horrified. I had done this to my dear cat.

When we arrived at the vet's office, his temperature was one hundred five degrees. The vet gave him IV fluids and some medicine to keep him from going into shock. He took him home for the night so he could monitor Stripes. Leaving Stripes was dreadfully hard. I cried and shook. It was an accident...accidents happen...all words that should have relieved my guilt. All I could think was that if I hadn't accidentally killed him, he would probably hate me forever.

The next morning, the vet called. "Stripes appears to have no broken bones or internal bleeding....and....don't get mad...but he's really soft and fluffy." It wasn't funny at the time. I was guilt ridden. But in all honesty, he was really soft and fluffy...

I am so grateful that he is okay. He was lethargic for about a week, but never stopped loving me. He is my constant companion and I am so blessed that he is doing well.

It is already November. So I'd like to say I'm thankful for my vet John, my husband's calmness under stress, my daughter's hugs and my cat's life.

What are you thankful for?

Monday, November 2, 2009

WHAT'S BUGGING YOU?




This lovely little critter is called a Japanese Beetle. It's very pretty. It has a lovely hint of jade green on it's back and head. However...
This is what it did to my beautiful crab apple tree. It devoured the leaves and left nothing but stubble.

Do you have any regional pests that drive you crazy? Japanese Beetles are new to us. In the South, we had aphids. They loved to eat our roses.

Speaking of creepy crawlies, last Saturday night it was raining and I had to take the dog out. When I stepped on the patio it was covered with worms. HUGE WORMS! They were crawling everywhere. I felt as if they were chasing me. Every time I moved away from one another came towards me. My daughter informed me they weren't worms they were night crawlers. It didn't matter to me...they made me itch all night long!

Do any bugs bug you? (Yes, I know this is really random.)