Where's Lenny Lee Birthday Bash!

 Guess who is turning 15 today? Can you believe it? It's hard to believe we've been here with Lenny since March of 2010. If you want to check out his first ever blog post you can go here!  I met Lenny in May when I was very sad. My beautiful cat Stripes passed away. I stayed in bed for almost two weeks, just looking for moral support in blogland.  I found some at Brian's Home and that's where I met Lenny. He was such an amazing support to me in a hard time. Our friendship grew and now he is one of my most trusted critique partners and friends. My silver lining to Stripes passing away was finding Lenny.

I talk to Lenny about once a month. Did you know he's gotten taller? And his voice has even changed? His writing style remains the same, but the quality of his posts are better. But I've noticed something, he's kind of been missing from blogland and I don't know about you, but I miss his words of wisdom and his sunshine in people's comments.

Several people have said the same thing, "Where's Lenny Lee?" So I invited them to help me celebrate Lenny's birthday and to let him know how much we miss him in blogland. I know school is harder and some days are worse than others for you, Lenny, but I think if you would spend a little time back on line with your friends you might feeling better. Plus, you would make us all feel better because you seem to say the exact right thing at the exact right time to so many of us.

We love you Lenny and we miss seeing your smiling face in blogland. So maybe, for your fifteenth birthday, you could give us a gift and come back to see us. WE MISS YOU!

Love and hugs from blom


Here are a few blog friends that are missing you and would like you to visit their blogs so they can tell you how special you are to them and so they can wish you a Happy Birthday.

Robyn Campbell
SA Larsen
Shannon Odonnell
Dianne Salerni
Susanne Drazic
StinaLindenblatt
Martha Ramirez
Kelly Polark
Munir
Sherrie Petersen
Melissa Sarno
Jemi Fraser
Lydia Kang
Jessica Bell
Candace Ganger
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Joanne Fritz
Brian Frum
Jenny Matlcok
Natalie Arguirre
Laura Diamond
Connie Arnold
Lola Sharp
Janet Johnson
Len Lambert
Leigh Moore
Sally Odgers
Matt Rush

Happy Birthday to my dear Blon! (PS: red is a birthday hint)




Matt r

A Charming Giveaway...

Why do you write? Is it because you want to be rich or famous? Is it because you have stories in you and they must come out? Does writing give you freedom?

For me, I write because I have stories inside me that have to get out.

Back in the summer, my friend Robyn Campbell shared with me a writing project called a Crock Full of Charms. Eighty-eight writers joined together with freelance editor Sally Odgers to create three volumes of short stories. We didn't do it for money or fame...well, maybe some of us did it for the darling charms that Sally sent us. You can only get a copy by contacting one of the writers who is in the book. (So if you want a copy you'll have to let me know and I'll sell it at cost plus shipping.)

My story,  A Charmed Life, is in volume 2.

Three of my critique partners are also in the Charms Anthology.  Lenny Lee and Robyn Campbell are in Volume 2 with me and Theresa Milstein (and her daughter) are in Volume 3.  It was so much fun doing this project with them. Sally tied the three books together, but they can be read separately.

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Josh, Hannah, Ash and Immy are clearing the attic when they unearth a mysterious treasure. Someone has collected dozens of charms in silver, bronze, gold and brass. Whose are they? What are they for? No one knows, but as the four are about to discover, every charm has a story...

The Charms anthology is a collection of stories for readers aged four to fourteen. It will be available in late 2013 in three age-graded volumes. Charms is an innovative project containing more than a hundred stories and poems by authors from several different countries. The stories are linked by a storyline that flows through linking and embracing the stand-alone pieces by contributing writers.

Our authors range from teenagers to senior citizens, from multi-published pros to moonlighting artists and those entering print for the first time. We were all inspired by the project and we all love to write. We look forward very much to sharing our stories with readers. The first volume is packed with stories and poems for younger readers. We have lighthearted poems, bedtime stories, pets, grandparents, friends and wild adventures.  Volume One is a sunny place, where pirates may run but they'll never catch you, and teddies find their way to loving owners.  This is the place where readers from four to eight may happily browse for hours. The last few stories may appeal more to adventurous readers or nine or ten.

The second volume has older characters and broader-ranging themes and genres. Volume Two has more excitement, stronger fantasy, science fiction, steampunk, historical stories, a few tangled dilemmas, some tears and even a few shiversome creeps. Mature readers or nine or ten will find plenty to enjoy, while young teenagers may find the later stories more to their taste. 

The third volume is mainly for the teenaged reader. Watch this page for updates. Titles of the stories can be seen here.

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I'll be giving away a copy of Volume 2 (signed by me LOL) on December 28th. All you have to do is leave a comment telling why you write.

A Special Day for Special Friends

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

LENNY LEE!!!

and

MELISSA SARNO!!!

Sunday is a special day for Lenny and Melissa. They both celebrate their birthday's. 

Lenny will be 14 this year. He's been blogging at Lenny's World since he was 10. If t you don't know him you need to hop over and make friends with this amazing young man!!!

Melissa will be, well I probably shouldn't tell you that. But for sure you should hop over and check her out. She takes amazing photographs and has had an amazing year.  She's gotten married, signed with an agent and....well, I'll let her tell you her other news. She's been hanging out at This Too... since 2009.

I hope you will stop by and tell these two awesome people Happy Birthday!

(Thanks!)

Today is a Special Day!

A special day requires a trip to a special bakery!

A special day requires getting the perfect cupcake and putting it on my most treasured china.

I bet you are wondering why today is a special day...

 It's a special day because LENNY LEE turns 13 today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LENNY!

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THE TOP 10 REASONS I LOVE LENNY ...

1. He has a great heart.
2. He's an awesome critique partner.
3. He is a wonderful writer.
4. He is always willing to share and joins in for a good cause.
5. He's fun to chat with on the phone.
6. He feeds and waters animals at the Critter Cafe'.
7. He hand feeds raccoons cookies every night.
8. He never gives up.
9. He loves his brothers and sister.
10. He is my friend.

Have a wonderful 13th birthday, full of fun, cake and presents...

Go and see Lenny Lee!!!

My friend and critique partner Lenny Lee is being interviewed today on Literary Rambles!  How cool is that?  I hope you pop over and check out the interview and if you don't know Lenny yet please check out his blog... He says the most amazing things and he's only 12.

Plotter? Planner? Pantser?

If you've been wondering where I was for last four weeks, I've been busy planning, plotting, pantsing, critiquing, editing and revising. I've never written a full length novel.  A chapter book is the biggest project I've completed so far.  At the last two conferences I met with editors and agents.  We talked about my picture book EVERYONE DID THEIR PART and they suggested that I should expand it into a mid grade novel.  Sooooo...I've been working on it.  As of right now I'm on Chapter 9.

I did a lot of research to get ready to write this story.  I interviewed several people, read a load of books,visited historic sites, visited websites, and of course took loads of photos when I was in England.

While I was reading I jotted down notes of words and phrases I wanted to use in my book.  I typed up all my notes and then broke them down into different categories: fun words; phrases; sites and sounds in particular places; scenes broken down into locations,  and character descriptions.

Then I wrote them on note cards and stuck them on poster board. I sorted them into specific groups.

I sorted the cards into where that scene should take place.   So I have a bunch of these:  The Blitz, The Train Station, The Train, Leek, New Home, New School, Countryside, Town Market, and Church.  I'm sure I will be making more of these as I go along, but this is where I'm at right now.

I was able to enlist my dear friend Gary Pennick to take some photographs of Leek.  I haven't been there since I was 6 or 7.  I'm bowled over that Gary agreed to do this for me.  He didn't hesitate for a second.  (Thanks you, Gary)  It's just another reason I love my bloggy friends.  (HUG)

My Brilliant Niece, Bethany Runyan, did this great gator picture to help me get the right frame of mind for

 the other writing project I've been working on has been with my wicked cool cp, Lenny Lee.

We did four versions of the story before we sent it to the people who volunteered to critique it.  Lenny and I adore everyone who helped out!  Thank you, Corey, Janet, Robyn, Melissa, Susan Quinn and Jackee!  We <3 you!

We went over everyone's critiques one at a time with our manuscript and made lots of changes.  So are ready to send it out one last time before we start querying.  I'm so excited (I think Lenny is too).

(Insert photo of my massive bicepts here.)

The other thing I've been doing is working on my health.  I joined a fitness club.  I go six days a week (usually).  We alternate with kickboxing and strength training.  That sounds easy right?  Well let me tell you, I leave so exhausted I can barely walk each day.  Yesterday when I got home, I went up to take a shower...I was pulling my socks off and BAM I fell over.  So other than my balance issues, I can proudly report I have made progress.  On day 1, I could do 4 push ups in one minute, 31 sit ups and run a 12:21 mile (in the winter in Iowa).  On the last day of week 5, I could do 31 push ups and 36 sit ups.  I didn't run the mile as it was about 3 degrees and the wind was howling.  I haven't lost any weight but my waist went down 2.5 inches, chest 1.75 inches, and arm (biceps) down .75 inches.  So I am pretty pleased with my progress.

One of the great things about the program is it also has a nutrition side to it.  You keep track of your carbs, proteins, vegetables and water intake.  One day a week you get to have a fun day.  You get to eat or drink anything you want.  It is supposed to be a metabolism booster.  Let me tell you....I live for Saturdays!  Walt and I go out for brunch after I get back from the gym and we either have dinner out or order in.  Sunday is a no exercise day, but I'm thinking about walking or running on Sundays.

So as you can see, I've kept busy in a productive manner.  I did miss all of you and am glad to be back to blogging in the evenings.  Can't wait to see what everyone has been up to.

Hugs to all.....

Be A Rebel Writer! Make The Commitment To Your Goals

 The absolutely amazing Sheri Larsen reminded me I had committed to being a Rebel Writer this year!  So I am taking a break from my working break to encourage you to write your goals for 2012.  Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic & Timely.  (SMART GOALS)

You can have a variety of goals that relate to different aspects of your life.  I posted a few of my life goals and writing goals here.  My awesome critique partner, Lenny Lee sent me this wonderful planner and I am using it to make sure I am on track with my writing goals.  Each day I write down what I did relating to my goals of becoming a published author.  It really is motivating me to not have any blank pages.  (I don't typically write on the weekends, so having blank spots on those days is fine for me.)  I'm keeping a food and workout journal to go along with my health goals for 2012.  (It's going well, just in case you wondered...)

I encourage you to keep track of how you are doing on meeting your goals for this year. 

If you have time, pop over to Sheri's blog and check out  the participants of the REBEL WRITER'S PLEDGE Members.  You might find a piece of advice that serves your writing/life style perfectly!

HAPPY WRITING!!!!

(I'm heading back to my office and my manuscript until February 14th when I announce the winner of my book giveaway.)

HUGS TO ALL!!!!

Season's Greetings and A Much Needed Reminder...

 I always want everything to be perfect for the holidays...

 The stockings must be hung in the exact right spot...

 The beautiful wreath my friend Marina made must be centered over the fireplace...

 The cool cat ornament my sister Joanne gave me must be in hung with care...

 The candle Natalie gave me must be positioned where I can see it for all of the holiday season...

 Everything must be just right...

(I don't know what that white spot is on the carpet, but believe me, it's not there now.)

 The presents are wrapped in coordinated colors...

Yep...I got a little bit spastic about getting ready to host our Christmas party this year...

My dear friend Lenny wrote the perfect poem to remind me of what is one of the most important things to remember about having a holiday party:

rah rah rah cleanings fun 

come on blom just get it done

wash wash wash dust dust dust

do the stuff you think you must

make it sparkly clean and neat

then take a nap get off your feet

be real happy the works all done

go and party and have some fun

 

Sometimes I get a bit carried away with things and forget that everyone has more fun if the host of the party is having fun too.  I hope that you will remember to have lots of fun this holiday season...

 Len at a Moment in Thyme has prepared the perfect menu for a Christmas party...

 You know I can't help myself when it comes to taking food photos...

 How cool are these tiny stuffed new potatoes?

 I'm a vegetarian, but these really tempted me...

 Len's desserts were DIVINE!

I hope you have a blessed Christmas or Hanukkah and that 2012 brings you everything you want.  

 Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Hugs to all! 

Lenny Lee Fest

Dear Blogger,

I know I sometimes complain when you're not working right, but today I'd like to thank you for something. 

Last spring I was really sad.  My cat Stripes died, our house was damaged in a storm, and I really missed being in Saint Louis.  I stayed in bed for a week when Stripes died.  I watched a lot of TV and read a lot of blogs.  One of the blogs I "found" was the blog of a young man named Lenny Lee. 

I noticed that Lenny spread his sunshine all over the blog world.  He left wonderful comments that were so insightful...and he was only 10.  I started following Lenny and he started following me.  Every time I saw his sunshine, I knew he would say something wonderful and it would make me smile. 

Lenny and I started sharing emails and sharing our lives...It was my privilege to organize a secret birthday surprise for Lenny.  Just like me, everyone loves how he spreads sunshine throughout the blog world.  They all wanted to join in to show Lenny how much he is loved.

Lenny (and his family) has become part of my family.  We love him and he loves us.  Even though we live states away from each other, but it's like we are best buds that can hang out anytime.  (Thank you internet and telephone company.)

Lenny fills my heart with love.  He's the best cp (critique partner) , dap, and cep (cooking & eating partner) !  I'm so grateful to be part of his life.

Blogger...none of this would have happened if it wasn't for you.  Thank you!

Giant, enourmous, beastly HUGS,
Blom (AKA Sharon K Mayhew)

The ABC's of A Good Friend... "K"

(My last birthday was joyful, thanks to the kindness of my bloggy friends.)

It's day 11 of Arlee Bird's A-Z Challenge! Since I write for younger children and we're doing the ABC's, I thought I'd do The ABC's of A Good Friend (and throw in a few random pictures, because I have a bit of a camera habit).

~K~

Kindness is something that comes naturally to some people.  I adore people who care deeply for others.  People who are kind are a gift...they do things for others for no other reason than to help someone out.  It really bothers me when people appear to be kind, but they are doing things for ulterior motives....once I catch you doing that, it's hard for me to trust you....

I don't usually enjoy my birthday.  I've never seen it as a reason to celebrate...I'm just getting older and getting more wrinkles.  We usually go out for dinner, but that's it.  Anyway, I had the pleasure helping organize a surprise birthday wish for a fellow blogger last year.  Then he asked one of my writing buddies when my birthday was and she told him.  Well, he was so excited about my birthday, that I had to be excited too.  His kindness and enthusiasm made me enjoy my birthday.  Most of you know him already and you know how kind he is.  Lenny Lee is one of the kindest and wisest bloggers out there and he's 11 years old.  Thank you Lenny for being so kind to me...and being my cp! Thanks to Lenny's kindness and the kindness of all my bloggy and facebook friends I will celebrate my birthday from now on.  (((HUGS))) to everyone!

Has anyone in the blogging world surprised you with their kindness?  Can you think of any other "K" words that describe a good friend?

Birthday Fun and An AWESOME Announcement...

 Everyone knows I'm a bit obsessed with CAKE...But I can't remember the last time I had a birthday CAKE.  It may have been when I was 18!  (YIKES!)  This year I've been a bit focused on CAKE...So I really wanted some for my birthday.  Doesn't it look delicious?

I also wanted fresh baked bread from Great Harvest Bread, but it's two hours away.  Have you had their bread?  It's all natural, no preservatives, and they grind the grain themselves.  My dear hubby drove twenty miles out of his way to make sure I got plenty of their awesome bread for my birthday (and beyond).

Normally, I'm not very good at my birthday, but this year I embraced it.  I celebrated!  Thanks to a lot of people.  I was overwhelmed by the emails and facebook birthday wishes I got on Monday.  I think I got close to 100!  It was something very special to me.  Thank you all soooo much!  It made me feel like you  wrapped a great big snuggly blanket around me right after you had taken it out of the dryer.  (((Hugs for everyone!)))

One of my cps, Lenny Lee was quite sneaky...He read a comment I left on Susan Fields' blog about the book HOOKED by Les Edgerton.  He even managed to get a personal signature to me in the front of the book!

   Isn't this the coolest cake, I mean card you've ever seen! 

This week, Lenny interviewed me about what makes a good cp.  If you have any additions to my responses to Lenny's questions we'd both appreciate your input.  Check out the cool Snoopy cupcake music box that Lenny sent me too...

The YUMMY carrot cake came from Village Inn.  We had never eaten at one before we moved to Iowa.  Do you have them in your state?

Now on to the announcement.............................................................

My daughter, Katherine, found out today that two of her Haikus are going to be published in Berry Blue Haiku Magazine!  This was the first time she EVER submitted anything.  We are so excited!  It should come out in the December issue.  (Thanks to everyone who congratulated her on my FB page today.  I forwarded all your comments to her email account.)

Which do you like best cake or frosting?  Have a great rest of the week!