A Writer Writes...well, sometimes: 2 rejections...4 to go

A Writer Writes...well, sometimes: 2 rejections...4 to go: Well, heard from two of the publishers.  "Not what we are looking for", "Maybe at a later date", etc...  Oh, well.  I wo...

2 rejections...4 to go

Well, heard from two of the publishers.  "Not what we are looking for", "Maybe at a later date", etc...  Oh, well.  I won't get depressed until the last one comes in.  Hope springs eternal.  ( I will try to convince myself of this).

How in the world am I supposed to concentrate and write when I am nervous like this?!?!

TOTALLY unrelated-  Have any of you ever gone on a dating website?  I was just rejected by kermit the frogs shorter, grey cousin.  REALLY!?!?!  He said he was never married on his profile (referred to his wife the entire evening), 5'4" (he might have been 5 foot with the shoes) and kept pointing to the seat next to him as his ex girlfriend while regaling me with stories of how much contact he still has with her dad.  Oh, and the reason the marriage didn't work?  After six months she decided that she  was going to tell him he had to help around the house more and help take care of her two kids.  Hmm... did he really just say that to a woman with five kids?  Really?  Ugh.  At least if he was a decent frog I could have kissed him and found a prince.  Just sayin'.

So my question of the day- Have you had any luck on internet dating sites and if so, which ones?

Quote of the day- "But I never saw the good side of the city, 'Til I hitched a ride on a river boat queen." -Creedence Clearwater Revival (Proud Mary)

One final thought, if the entire Earth were painted black, would aliens still be able to know it is there?

Suggestions?

Suggestions?  Any would be great. I have gotten to where I just don't have it in me to write anymore.  I have tons of ideas, just no motivation to do anything with it.  I am in the firm grip of the blahs and just want to get out of it.  I have tried funny movies, getting out in the sun, playing with the boys....nothing.  

Loneliness is a determining factor in what you can accomplish.  It is hard to have a discussion with yourself about the last joke you heard at the movies.  Not impossible, just remarkably harder.  My idea bouncer-off-er is not there anymore.  It is hard to try to continue to write with no other input but your own.  At least for me.

Question of the day - How many great ideas does it take to get anything done?

Quote- "I ask for so little.  Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave."  -Jareth

Had such a crush on him!!  Lol!


Good night and God's blessings on you all!
Tanya

Just thought I'd Check in...

Good Afternoon!  I thought I would just check and see how everyone was doing?  I see quite a few people have visited, I thank exuberantly!   

So, one letter of rejection came, and no word from the others yet.  But that is alright, I guess.. No news is sometimes good news, right?

It is a beautiful, breezy day and a wood pecker is trying my nerves for two hours now.  Peck, peck, peck.... Lol!!  

So, since I last wrote this, I have done absolutely no writing.  None.  Nada.  Zilch.   Zip.  I just can't bring myself to find time to to do it.  Summer is here which is always much more inspirational than winter, but, the kids want to run around and play with me, they want to go on walks and go to the park and such.  Not a bad thing at all, just distracting.

Question of the day:  What is your favorite relaxing ritual?  Is it to read in a certain spot, climb a wall or what have you?

Quote of the day- "If you are going to fail at something, remember you can fail at hat you don't want to do, or, you can fail trying to do something that you love."  - Jim Carey

I have no idea who this little guy is, but I highly suspect his father had something to do with this!

Have a great weekend, all!

Tanya

paralegal eagle

I am now a paralegal eagle.  No, I am not a paralegal.  I am now well versed in the job descriptions for at least five different paralegal assistant's duties.  Better than the 80,000 word ebook on building decks.  Geesh.

I have come to realize that my sons may not be 'normal'.  Okay, I think that mostly anyone who meets us would definitely agree that we do not fit the cookie cuter mold of normal.  And I kinda like that.  In fact, I am not really sure what I would do with them if they were normal.  I spent the day teaching iron man, a dragon and a nerf fighter.  Did you know Iron man has troubles counting to 20?  The dragon cannot fly from the fourth stair from the bottom of the stairway and the nerf fighter has bad aim past 10 feet? Well, obviously other than the counting, these are not normally courses that are covered during our school day.  Though, they do try quite often.  They normally don't get to wear their costumes to school, but it was kind of a reward for having done a pretty good job for the first half of the week.

I now have a more long term writing job from the same individual and am enjoying it.  Well, as much as you can enjoy typing all day.  I do love to type, but I would rather have a slightly different subject to write about.

I had no umph today to any writing, as expected.  We did have a picnic by a historic bridge in the next town over and enjoyed a little creek we found there.

Excuse #14 - Sunshine on my shoulder!  Just loving it up today!

Question of the day- Can anyone tell me the historical story of the bridge in Pender, Nebraska?

"What I am is what I am.  Are you what you are, or, what?"  -Edie Brickell

Lovely Lady in the Red Hat.  I always wonder if she was just caught off guard or something that was said surprised her.

Have a most blessed night,

Tanya

Writing gig and baby prayers

Okay, so its not much, but I just finished a day gig for my freelance work and I think the guy is looking for more of a regular basis type work.  Yay me!  It's not rocket science, but the pay is better than the average (though still kinda low)  but at least it's work.

On a more serious note.  Could you all keep my grandson, Ayden in your prayers?  He is going in for a rather serious surgery and we all love him so much.  He has gone through so much already, but he and his momma are an unstoppable team and I am so proud of them both.  I love the way she is approaching it not as a 'poor poor little guy'  but like a champ and a warrior.  Some of his issues are simply a part of him.  They don't make him any less, they make him more than he could be!  She is just...amazing.

Writing was kind of put on hold today due to the whole writing job thing.  But, I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.  Money is money and is always appreciated, honey!  Lol!!

And, guess what?  No, really,guess...No?  Okay, so I finally got the rest of my submissions for this round mailed off!!  Yay, again!  I am going to look for another list of possibles next week. I don't think my nerves could take another one this week!

Excuse #13 - A few extra bucks in my pocket for the circus couldn't hurt too much, right?

Question of the day- "How come nobody comments on my blog?"  lol

“Amy Pond, there’s something you’d better understand about me ‘cause it’s important, and one day your life may depend on it: I am definitely a mad man with a box!” - The Doctor

(Shameless plug for my grandson, Ayden!)  Love you little guy!

Goodnight,all.

Tanya

The squirrels is twitterpated!!!

Twitterpated little squirrels are running everywhere!!!  A couple seemed to have lost their nuts.  Gosh.  There is also this insane woodpecker that only knocks on the trees during meal times.  That's pretty cool.  Niki, my four year old, runs out there full tilt to watch him peck at the tree and then scolds the boys for being too loud and scaring him off!

Not much writing done today.  There was just too much sunshine and too much boy!  We had so much fun today in school.  If you weren't aware, my two oldest sons have Aspergers.   Any day we can have a good day at school all the way across the board is amazing.  I just went with it.

I know that there are different strokes for different strokes, but...  Okay, we were covering types of poetry today. We were studying sound poetry.  Now, I do not know if you have ever listened to or even heard of sound poetry before, but... I tried.  Um... it seems to be a version of scat in jazz only done in a poetic form.

.....I don't think I would say that I am a fan, but having to scrape my son off of the floor who was rolling around in stitches on the floor.  I do not think he appreciated the..artistic quality of it all.  I also think it may be a while before the pain in his side from laughing is gone.

Question of the day- Could you please share a haiku poem on here for everyone?  5-7-5!

"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  - William Ernest Henley

This is just-scary.  I like the Madea movies, but, wow...

Despite the image have a great night.

Tanya

This House is Clean

How are you doing today?  Well, I for one, have gotten to the point where I am starting to get a handle on the house thanks to a couple good days of weather.  Boys outside mean clean house inside. For me a clean house means a clear mind.  Thus...

LOTS OF WRITING!!!

Not anything in particular, though, unfortunately.  More ideas, story line and character development.  Blah, blah, blah blah blah.....

Anywho, we had a nice quiet Sunday at home since we missed church.  I cleaned the kitchen, they dirtied the kitchen.  I cleaned the living room, they dirtied the dining room.  I cleaned the dining room, they got sent out to play in the yard.  I finally got caught up to a certain degree.

I have a character I am working on that is a bit, well, odd.  He has taken on the form of a six foot tall amazon type woman who is preparing to give birth from her back.  Freeeaakkkyy, right?  Well, I gotta tell you, trying to figure out the logistics on that while preserving the form is a bit much.

Question of the day -  Instead of me asking a question today, is there anything you would like to know?  I'm a pretty much open book, so I would welcome your inquiries.  I look forward to your questions!

" I close my eyes only for a moment, and the moment's gone."  - Kansas

Take care and have a good night,

Tanya

My late husband and my first three went and saw this in Michigan.  It is the World's largest Man eating clam.  They all posed in front of it and behaved as though the clam was attacking them.  That was a good day.

Do I get my nap now?

I want a nap.  I want to be grounded and sent to my room for the rest of the day.  Please?

Oh, well.  It was worth a try.  

Today was a great lazy day kind of Saturday.  The boys seemed to be marginally normal which is not normal.  They went to the park and I wrote.  They played in the den, and I wrote.  They walked to the store, and I watched the Conjuring.  If you have not seen this movie I am telling you it is awesome.  It is the only movie to actually scare me in a very long time.  Post Stephen King.  Watch something funny afterwards to get it out of your system,though.

So, again, I only really did rewrites but it was something.  I actually started to get lost in the story again.  I forgot how much I enjoyed the characters.

Today my question is ....well...I guess I just am starting to lose umph.  No one comments on here so it just becomes a sounding board for my own ramblings.  There are 'likes' and people are reading.  As of today there have been over 700 views of my blog.  But no one adds it, follows me or comments.  I actually do want to hear what your answers are.  They are not rhetorical.  Your interest is important to me.  

So, I guess my question would be -  Have you ever watched Lawrence Welk and danced or bopped along with it?  My daughters and sons have danced together in extravagant costumes and whirled and twirled with skirts billowing around them.  My oldest son was their partner.  They're too old for this now, but my sons still have me as a partner.

“When I was your age, television was called books.” 
― William Goldman, The Princess Bride

The beautiful Overlook Hotel from 'The Shining'.   Love this.

Take care, all.

Tanya

Ugh! It's just too bright out!!

Snow.  Again.  I am working on the last vestiges of a migraine that is just clinging on with it's long, red talons.  Ugh.  The snow outside didn't help.  

On a lighter note... Do you like my new page design!?!?  I kinda lost the 'like' button after I did it, but it only took an hour to get it back this time.  I thought it needed some freshening up.

So.  SEVEN PAGES!!  I rewrote and edited seven pages today.  I probably shouldn't have with my head being icky, but I really felt drawn in.  It is a sci-fi/horror book that is currently at 256 pages long.  This has been in the making since my freshman year of high school.  Talk about procrastination.  It was only a few dozen pages long at the time.  Years later after I was married, I pulled it out again.  My late husband read it and, being a sci fi geek, he went berserkers!!  I couldn't believe it.  No one had ever read it before then and only one person has read it since.  (Honestly, I think she just skimmed and pretended to read it, as she had no clue as to what my questions meant. She was more of a romance novel type.)

Well, my sons were stuck in the house again due to the weather.  Combine that with a drum set for the four year old, forty questions from the eight year old and piano lessons for the thirteen year old and the headache doesn't seem so surprising anymore.

My youngest has the wonderful habit of coming in to my bed each night and pretty much wrapping himself around my head and shoulders complete with full head embrace.  This is the main trigger for my headaches. I love him and love to cuddle, but the migraines are a bit much.  How do I tell him no?  I have begun to be a bit more forceful in getting him to at least pull back to my side and shoulders.  I need to keep a pry bar next to my bed on my nightstand to get him off during the night.

Excuse #12  - I did write, but not as much as I would have liked to have.  I also should have sent off the other emails.  But, do you know what havoc a computer screen plays on your head?!?

Question of the day - How do/did you get your child to stop coming in to your bed every night?

"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools." - Douglas Adams

Goodnight, all!

Tanya

Loving C. S. Lewis

Right now, as two of my boys lay rolled up in blankies in the living room for a sort of camp out, they are listening to C. S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  It is a wonderful reading I found on YouTube.  

We found the neatest barber in town who does the most amazing job on the boy's hair.  They have thirty thousand cowlicks and their dad's crooked part.  He thinned here, trimmed here and cut there and I ended up with three very handsome boys.  And I didn't have to do it!  I have every intention of taking them there from now on!  NO more wiggling, giggling boys writhing about under very sharp instruments of torture!

In regards to the writing:  I did it!  I sent off yet another manuscript and am hoping you cross your fingers, toes and eyes for me along with many, many prayers that these are met with acceptance.  I have several kids books that were written for my boys, but, again, that whole procrastinating thing was (and is) still going on.  One book at a time, guys.  I should have done it sooner, but - there it is!
I did try.  You know.  W -R-I-T-I-N-G.  I did submit the manuscript AND manage to run a load in the dishwasher!  

I don't know if you knew it, but I homeschool my boys.  Today was the day that we needed bright sunshine to throw them outdoors for recess but instead had a slushy rain fall.  They are stir crazy, I am manic trying to keep everything clean behind them.  The difference with homeschooling:  There is no catchup time.  The mess continues throughout the entire day....

Maybe if I just duct taped them to the ceiling, but then I would have to climb a ladder to clean the ceiling.  LOL!

Excuse #11  -  Too much rain, and too much boy.  I know I stated that rain is good for my writing, but that is not what this is!  This is just Poe-depressing.

Today's question - Should the Narnia series be changed to chronological order from its original order with Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe being the first?  

"Every night, before he turned in, he would write in the book. He wrote about things he had done, things he had seen, and thoughts he had had. Sometimes he drew a picture. He always ended by asking himself a question so he would have something to think about while falling asleep." -The Trumpet of the Swan  E. B.White


Good night, you!

Tanya

Just a quick note before the blog later

This is not my regular daily blog, I just saw this and thought it was funky, Alice in Wonderlandish and just cool!!!  This is my muse for the day.  I just can't stop looking at it.  It is hypnotic!!

Have any cool images for me?

A Writer Writes...well, sometimes: Wake me up when the flowers bloom

A Writer Writes...well, sometimes: Wake me up when the flowers bloom: Weather Forecast:  More snow.   House Forecast:  Big Messes from three cooped up boys Mental Forecast:  AAARRRGGHHHH!!! We are expectin...

Wake me up when the flowers bloom

Weather Forecast:  More snow.  
House Forecast:  Big Messes from three cooped up boys
Mental Forecast:  AAARRRGGHHHH!!!


We are expecting 5-10 inches of snow.  Now, I do not normally complain about the weather.  You can't change it and it does whatever God wants it to do.  But.  Two days ago I got to feel the warmth of the sun on my face as I sat peacefully on my deck looking out over the fields.  I WANT IT BACK!!  LOL!

If this is global warming, could it do so soon?  I sincerely need to defrost my footsies.  My one son looks like Rudolph most days!  Ugh.

I did not get a single word written today.  Not one.  Life happened.  Funeral, grocery shopping, putting up groceries, cleaning up broken eggs from both carpet and tile, dinner, candle wax chiseled off of the walls, etc....

Excuse #10  -  Life Happened.  I repeat-Life Happened.  It happens.  I was not even procrastinating today.  I simply did not have the time.  I know, you can always make time if it's important.  Not always, I say.


Question of the day -  Does an imaginary friend make the friend any less important or does it set you up for a lifetime of loneliness?   Hmm.


"Life? Don't talk to me about life!"  -Marvin

Have a blessed night, all.

Tanya

A Day of mini, yet, wonderful landmarks!!

OKAY!!!  So I felt super, super cool today.  I, little computer geek, me-  REWROTE and ADDED to code to get a Facebook 'like' button on my page after my posts!  Awesome-sauce!

Anywho, I sent off another manuscript today.  I found one of the last few publishing houses that will take unsolicited manuscripts and mailed it off.  I was actually pro-active! I did not have a large manila envelope, stamp or paper in the printer.  But I did it!  It may sound like simple everyday things, but, sometimes when you are almost scared to get what you wish for most, it seems that these are little hurdles.

I know.  Ridiculousness...  But....  I am seriously going to try to write later tonight.  But, we have this thing...

Okay.  So.  My boys and I have this..thing.  They each have one night of the week that is theirs and only theirs.  They pick out a show to watch, you do whatever activity they want like board games or dominoes or whatever.  We have a special little snack and they get to sleep in my room with me and fall asleep cuddling.  Tonight it is Nikolaus' night.  He wants to have granola bars and apples, watch My Pretty Pony and play with his new little drum set.  My eye is already twitching.  I love it though!

Excuse #9 - I did some work towards writing today.  But, now, it's time to value what I have already and cherish my little cherub for the night.  His night.

Now.  Before I post the question of the day, please note:  IT IS NOT RHETORICAL!!  I really want to hear from you what your answer would be.  Honestly.  

Question of the day:  Which has a higher decibel- The cymbals on the drum set or the high pitched squeal of a four year old?

"Mother is the name of God on the lips and hearts of all children."  -Eric Draven

Have a great night, everybody!

Tanya

A Writer Writes...well, sometimes: I did it!!! I did it!!!

A Writer Writes...well, sometimes: I did it!!! I did it!!!: I can't believe it!   Granted, I procrastinated all day before I did it, but I did it!  I mailed off my first submission today of the 8 ...

I did it!!! I did it!!!

I can't believe it!   Granted, I procrastinated all day before I did it, but I did it!  I mailed off my first submission today of the 8 I plan on sending out.

I kind of shook a bit before I could force myself to send it off.  Okay, kind of is an understatement.  I was scared off my gourd!  (Don't ask how scared you have to be to do that!)  But, I did it.  I think now that I have done the first one, I might be able to do the rest with a bit more easiness.

Maybe.

Okay, I am already dreading having to do it tomorrow.  Seriously, no kidding.  My heart is racing and I can feel the avoidance haze descending upon me.

The waiting game is the hardest.  This is when I tend to write more because I feel like I am caught up in a holding pattern.  I love it when they at least contact you to let you know they are not going to take it.  Otherwise you have to wait for three months or so before you are past the acceptance time.

Ugh!!

Excuse #7 -  I was too nerve wrecked to even begin to type today!  Omigoodness, it is soo fricking hard to just put yourself out there like that.

Question of the Day-  "Should each submission I make that is turned down be treated as a rejection or just a 'not right for this venue' type thing?

"A shepherdess makes quite a mess, but little lambs are lovely." - 10th Kingdom

Have a great rest of the day!

Lazy, lazy, lazy day...Cannot believe tomorrow is Monday

My weekend is gone!?!?!  How did this happen?!?  I went to bed on Friday and it's as if I am just now getting focused enough to try to decide what to do with my weekend.  I had so many, many plans.  Oh, curse the mattress and pillow for keeping me hostage for so long!!!  A pox be upon the comforter for being so, well, comfy!!!  

Ah, well...better luck next weekend.  

Day #6 Excuse-  I would have to sit up and NOT play Facebook games in order to actually accomplish any writing today!


What did you get to do this weekend?  I actually want to know.  I always love new ideas and stories to listen to and getting to know people.  The most initiative I showed this weekend was to at least pull up the tab I will need on Monday to start looking for a new publisher.  NOTE- I did NOT say  (A) I did anything with it, (B)Did anything to begin working on the guidelines for the submissions department or (C) Even attempted to begin working on the cover letter.

Question for the day-  Did the fact that Hansel and Gretel disobeyed their father and talked to strangers in the forest and then eat the siding off of a little old lady's house give them the right to shove her in an oven and kill her?

Have a blessed nighty night!

"Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It's not worth a thing unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow."  - Dolly Levi

https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60462-442-7

My book is available for purchase through the link here. 

Just a blah blah blah kind of day

Excuse # 5-   The day was so ho hum that I just couldn't do it.

It wasn't the best of times, it wasn't the worst of times.  But, it was still the season of my discontent.  A very dear friend of mine from church died today.  It felt like my stomach just dropped right out.  He was an older gentleman and had been sick for quite a while.  I think it was the sense of loss that hit me.  Not the type of loss where you are going to miss the person.  It is the thought of the loss of such a fine person with such a strong faith in God in a world where they are becoming not only rare to find, but almost obsolete.  

He spent his life taking care of his older sister and they lived together until the day she ended up in the nursing home and he very politely waited until she was settled and then went into the hospital for his ailments.  He was a war veteran who supported his family as best he could.  Having never married, they both stayed on the family homsestead until this happened.  

Needless to say, my mind was not on typing today.  I was flighty, snappish at times and just had an overall sense of sadness.  Perfect for Poe or for Dante, but not for me.  

I wish the rain would come back.  I do my best writing in the rain in front of a window.  All we are getting is snow....lol!

So, plenty of gloom and doom and cleaning the room, but no writing.  

Today's question:  Wouldn't it be great if everyone kept a journal that could be read by others so that all of the amazing things they do everyday could be remembered?  Or, would the person consider the amazing things they do as simply common place and feel they were of no import?

Have a beautiful night.


"My course is set for an uncharted sea."  -Dante

Day 4.... I actually wrote today!!

Okay, so, I may have dreaded opening the documents to even begin today.  Normally they are always up on the desktop as a guilty reminder that I haven't done what I keep promising myself I will do everyday.  Sometime in the night Microsoft, gods though they be, decided in their infinite wisdom that I needed an update and turned everything off on me.  They were kind enough to restart it, but just didn't make the extra effort to reopen my tabs and files for me.  

UUUGGGHHH!!!  So not only did I face having to reopen the files and set them up as a split screen, but I also had to filter through various levels of 'autosaved', 'last saved by user' and 'multiple copies-cannot save into current files that are opened' or some such nonsense.  I know, I could be more thankful that they auto save.  But, ugh, it's a given now so on to the next mole hill into a mountain.  But, as I mentioned in the title of today's post, I WROTE!!  It was just a rewrite on two pages, but, still....  I didn't just rewrite what was there- I actually created!  I even was astute enough to realize that the point of view was completely different from that of the narration of the rest of the chapters!  I was so proud of me, aren't you!?!!

Today's excuse:  Computer User Difficulties and Sheer Laziness

IF they wanted to make it easier on me, they would never have invented Windows 8!  

I also used to do a question of the day. 

 Today's question:  How long between books do you need to be before you are no longer considered an author?  My last book was in 2008, my last short story was early in 2013 and my last poem in late 2012.  I need to be motivated people!!  Come on, let's rally!!

Good Night all

"Caught up in circles, confusion is nothing new.."  -Cyndi Lauper

You are not going to believe this!

This is not a drill.. I repeat, this is not a drill.  I wrote my intro today! 

 I started out casually (you must start out with a flair, you know) and braved up enough to make a split screen of the old document and the new document.  I let that ruminate for a while and take root in my mind. 

 I actually mean to start this. Somehow or another I am someday going to have to finish this book. The prospect is daunting.  I have almost 300 pages done of the first draft of the original document, 350 of the second and another whole file of just ideas and phrases that I want to eventually work into the story somehow.  

WHAT AM I DOING?!?!!  Am I insane?  I did make a vow to my late husband that I would finish it, and I think it's time.  But, how to keep going? 

Life happens.  I was one sentence in and got a call that I had to take.  Got a second call from my daughter letting me know that my grandson will need surgery.  A third call gave me the strength to avoid having to type another word. 

But, it called to me.  It beckoned.  I don't know what came over me.  The procrastinator leapt right in and dove into the work headfirst.  I am not sure, but I think I had better savor this feeling.  At heart, the procrastinator procrastinates, always.  LOL!!

Out to Lunch

I had a very good reason for today! Really!  See, I had to go out of town today (around here, out of town is around 45 miles out) and pal around with my three little guys and then it kind of go late.... and then....well....

Okay, so I tried to decide today how to begin.  Since nobody has made any suggestions, I think I will start with just retyping the first file and just have it set as a split screen and get started.  What do you think? 

A far as one of the characters, do you think it is possible for a ten foot tall amazon woman who is really a man to give birth from his back while standing up in a meeting?  No , it's not a comedy.  It is a sci-fi/horror.  lol!!

Have a wonderful night!




"Una vida vivida en el miedo es una media vida vivida!"

A Writer Writes...well, sometimes: Let's Try This Again

A Writer Writes...well, sometimes: Let's Try This Again: Well,  I guess I'm back.  I don't know when my enjoyment lessened, but it did.  I apologize.  I know that I am the only one who is p...

Let's Try This Again

Well,  I guess I'm back.  I don't know when my enjoyment lessened, but it did.  I apologize.  I know that I am the only one who is probably going to read this, but that's okay. 

 Well, I am going to start writing again.  It has been too long.  I have been doing ghostwriting and 80,000 word manuals about decking.  You know, you really start to think around word 45,000 or so about how much you miss writing something real.  Something that is a part of you.  It's theraputic, it's a part of you.  I miss it so much. I just don't know where to begin now.

I have finally gotten my story off of the dead computer and onto the new.  Now I have three files that are almost identical of a story that was once so much a constant in my life that I had it up on my desktop at all times.  I can now barely remember the names.  In my own defense, there were quite a few.

Now I begin the daunting task of merging.  Merging my thoughts with the plot with the people with the notes with the hope that it will all work out.

I have a second children's book that is ready to go and I am going to begin the publishing search next week.  I at least want to procrastinate until then!

As always, any suggestions for names, plot twists, time saving tips, critiques, etc.. are always welcome.

Take care until next time.

It's Saturdaaaaay.................

It was a beautiful day today! The sun was shining, the dogs were barking and the weather was great.

I got out for a little parole by myself for a tiny bit today, but enough to declare it mental health escape day. I think it did a lot of good for me even for that little bit. The two older boys have been arguing (duh) and the baby has been cuddly and cute yet clingy. And, well, as I have mentioned before, Jessie is 15. And a 60 pound lap dog. And a roof meowing cat. And customers. And the surgery thing. And there is that whole around the house stuff as well.

Oh, well, I'm not in the best of health or moods tonight so I will cut it short. Have a great night and God bless!

It's Saturdaaaaay.................

boy's!

So, it was that quarter of the year when I shave the boy's heads in some semblance of handsomeness. The haircuts. Thank heavens Niki still has such cute curly hair! I only have to make sure that it is short enough to stay out of his eyes. Timmy used to only allow the barber to do his hair, but then he retired about a year after we started going. (I think it was due to Noah)! Noah has not had a straight or even hairdo in his life. He isn't wiggly, obstinate or disobedient: He's ticklish! He cannot stop laughing which in turn I think saves him from having the stylist very upset with him. So now I can no longer bear his tresses upon my shoulders. I take him in. It is the best six bucks I could ever spend! Since the barber has now retired (sorry about that Frank) Timmy does not want the girls to do his hair in the girl places. He wants me to do it.

Man I was so close to getting out of it! Oh, well!

Anyone who knows me will know that I enjoy my children very much. But, if Noah comes in one more morning bouncing on the bed and helping up his two year old brother at 6 in the morning and loudly proclaiming that it is time to wake up, I'm going to scream. Time change, take me away. My oldest used to do the same thing before the teenage years kicked in and anything before noon was considered inhumane!

Question: What are your plans for the holidays?

Excuse # 11 : The stars are not lined up quite right!

"What light through yonder window breaks?"

Weeeellllll............

Well, I did start out by saying a writer writes, sometimes. Sorry I wasn't on the ball the last couple of days. I did try the one day, but after I typed everything in the battery gave out and I lost it all. This site has a wonderful auto save feature and it had apparently saved, "hello".

Today was pretty good. No, I did not send out those manuscripts yet, this was my 'manly man fix the house with very little energy' day. Put a drawer face back on, a strip on a closet door, Vaseline on the toilet flap in the tank, (don't ask!, just don't!) and little panda shoes on little Nik feet for the three thousandth time today. Obviously they are too loose and if I cannot tighten them, panda bears are going to become extinct in our house.

Speaking of bears, I learned today that Koalas are not bears, they are marsupials! Imagine that! Probably the entire world paid attention to that fact except me. I retract that statement slightly, I knew they were marsupials, I just didn't make the connection to them not being bears. Who doesn't love a cuddly koala bear, huh? Can I still say that or will that offend if they evolve and learn to read?

Reading! My son can spell beautifully! Give him a word and he will not only sound it out, he will tell you the rules as to why letters are silent and so on! He says he cannot read, though. No matter how much I encourage him and try to convince him, he doesn't understand that if he can do that, he can read. I know it will take some adjustment on his part, but for heavens sake I cannot wait for him to discover the joy there is to be had in a good book.

Question: Why do we limit what we think we can do to that which is expected of us? Why not exceed all expectations?

Excuse for the day: #10 - Mr. Clean and Mr. Fixit cannot multitask when recovering from surgery!

"Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!"

Humpty Dumpty

*+*+*Good evening!*+*+*

I got a phone call from friend of mine yesterday and thought I should clarify: we were not playing all out football, people! I did not go from laying on my side to insanity! I tossed it to Noah, who tossed it to Timmy who then tossed in reverse. I didn't even have to run after it or pick it up with my little curly haired golden retriever getting it for me. He kept telling me thank you for letting him get it for me.

I love that kid!

Four years ago Timmy managed to knock out his two front teeth and now, he has somehow managed to lose half of one of his upper teeth and we find out tomorrow if it was adult or baby. I asked him if it hurt and he said it did somewhat. When I asked for the phone and the phone book to call the dentist, he suddenly felt the pain subside and healing began. I'll see how much it will cost to just go on and have them all pulled and put in dentures!

I was not aware machismo started this early. Timmy will not and has never shown fear or any sign of weakness that he can tell. Noah is still young. He will tell me in a heartbeat that something creeped him out or scared him. I love that age. Nik is too brave to be scared, I think. Our dog tried to take his toy to chew on the other day and he conked him on the muzzle and said, "No, mine!" and the dog walked off with his tail between his legs. It was hilarious watching this two year old be in command of this huge dog!

I wrote nothing, not even my to do list today. I barely stayed awake today.


Question: What is the dumbest thing you ever did that made you a smarter person today?

Excuse #9 : I took the day off, who am I to argue with what God has put in place.



"Una vida vivida en el miedo es una media vida vivida!"

Pigskins abound!

Hi, all! I hope that you are having a wonderful Saturday as am I . I awoke in such a great mood and so did the boys. I have to walk daily to prevent blood clots and such so we went on a walk and then I stood in place while we tossed the football around (neither of them will have careers in the NFL, don't feel threatened). Nik on the other hand has deadly accuracy and a great arm, I think football or soccer or baseball is certainly in his future. I know if he used a ball instead of toy cars or shoes, the windows would be happier.

Okay, since I didn't get any suggestions the other day, I will assume I am on my own. I know some of you have been having problems with leaving comments, so let's see what we can do.

First, you must become a member of the Blogger website which is located somewhere on the right hand side here. Next, you become a follower (you don't have to, but I would feel better) and then click on the leave comment button just under the blog of your choice. I hope this works. I haven't had to do it, but, I am told this is the most effective means to do so.

I overdid it today, I know. Football was probably the last thing I should have been doing but I feel so bad not being able to do all of this with them for all of this time and then it was so beautiful outside....

I am submitting five copies of my manuscript this week and could use all the prayers in the world. Some thing's gotta give. I just think there is a better way to get my book published than what they have listed in their contract. It is insanity.

So, for the next few weeks, I think my goal is going to just be to push what I already have than to try to create more. I think part of the problem is that with everything hurting and then being so hectic, I just don't have any spare creative juice to go around!

I haven't heard from the 24 Hour short story contest yet, but as soon as I do I will let you know how it went. I think there is still two weeks before they announce any winners. I look forward to the winter contest, though. It's easier to write when the backdrop can be any level of the winter weather and whatever setting you would like.

Nik is letting me know I have been sitting (yes! SITTING!) too long with this hunk of plastic.

Today's question: Who do you want to win the Superbowl, whether they have a chance or not?

Also today, excuse #9: I just decided against it. I felt like I could do that and not feel too guilty. I have to buckle down and the excuses will soon turn to questions and reasons and thoughts, I know. But, for now, I have to help myself remember to breathe some days. And putting this off is unfortunately one of the easiest ways of gaining myself a little sanity everyday. It is hard to concentrate on a single story, thought, or idea for any amount of continued time when someone is always over your shoulder. Especially when you are 250 pages in with different time lines and 8 characters. You kind of have to be able to concentrate a little more.

Have a great time today!

"There's no crying in baseball!"

Good night8

Well, I"m doing a lot better today. I am actually sitting down here and there for short periods and not screaming at the end. So, the urge for poetry is getting stronger and stronger. I actually think that maybe I'll pull out a pad of paper and pencil and see what happens tomorrow.

Question: Any body out there?

Excuse #8I'm thinking....I'm thinking...I'm thinking....

"Stay with me, baby!"

This is gonna be short...

Hey-ho. I'm tired. I'm sore.

Question of the day: Is it the 26th of October yet?

Excuse, just can't do it. #7

"I think I can, I thought I could." I was wrong.

Goodnight, all.

Sweet Dreams!!

Hi! Okay, formalities out of the way, what is with the pills on the market out there? One that guarantees a great nights sleep. Side effects: heat attack, stroke, memory loss, blindness, dementia or swollen tongue or throat resulting in death. Sweet Dreams!

Another promises great eyelashes, just make sure you keep the aspirin close so when that cute paramedic trying to restart your heart sees you he won't say, "Hey, good thing she took those aspirins to help with the heart attack, it would be such a waste to lose such perfect eyelashes!" I know society has this huge stone around our necks trying to tell us what we should look like, who we should be, how we should be.... But, if he's Mr. Right, don't ya think he might forgive a slight tummy bulge and thin eyebrows? Otherwise, you have wasted your money for no real reason at all. If you need any real proof, accidentally drop your fork and when he bends, count the plugs that he had put in a few months ago to impress the ladies.

I guess we only have to catch one, though, right? Then, women go through even more to try and keep him. If you have to turn backwards flips to keep him, again, you can't get plastic surgery for your attitude or personality.

Yes, more time on the couch, on my stomach with these awful infomercials. Yes, more time not writing and instead trying to just not turn into a turnip or some other vegetable. (Not potato, they're bad for my blood sugar).

I have, for some strange reason, have had the urge to write poetry again. While I have some published, I haven't thought about it for some time. But, that's good. That means the gerbils up there are still moving around (maybe not using their little wheel yet, but moving and alive).

So, question: How far would you be willing to go for a guy, and would you admit that that is the reason why you were altering your appearance?

My excuse:#6 My hand was fused to the remote and thus, unable to type.

"You've been nipped and tucked...You're a turkey!"

Some days,........

Hi, all. How was your day? I, for one, worked too hard (thanks for the distraction, Linda) did too much despite my oath to take it easy, and probably ate too many veggies today. It could have been worse, regional Mickey's Donuts. Or White Castles. Or- I better stop, I'm getting hungry and I am not going back downstairs to make anything.

Well, I at least did a document recovery on my current tids and bits writing. I did not put anything down, but at least it's a start. Contrary to popular belief, I do want to finish one of my books, I just have been away from it for so long that it seems such a daunting prospect to take on. I know some of the tricks like an outline (which I never do) a brainstorm page, (which I always lose) and also the ever popular, just wade into it and burn out in a day or two. I've done that many a time and am sure this one is not working for me. If you have any ideas, feel free to bombard me with them.

Question : I understand flies help to decompose, but what earthly good has anyone found yet for mosquitoes!? Please tell me if you know.

Excuse #6 : I can't think for the cravings and hunger pains! My mind is a blur! Procrastination always brings on a huge appetite!

Night!!

I am leaving you with a little food for thought-Taco Bell, Olive Garden,etc.... (ha-ha)

I Found it!

Okay, so the computer was in the car. Don't ask and I won't lie.

Now, did any 0f you have boys? And if so, do they always eat this much!? My goodness! Seriously, I fed them lunch and fifteen minutes later one of them turned to me and asked when were we eating lunch and the two others looked at me expectantly!

I need a refrigerator lock and a lower electric bill!

I actually considered writing today. The pain has gotten so that I can now sit upright for a couple of hours of the day (total, not in a row). I write these blogs on my stomach now when the kids aren't around of course. I would be a trampoline in a minute!

I want to add in a question of the day, if I may.

What do you hope to accomplish today? Is it work related, not eating that bedtime snack, some goal or other that has to be done in baby steps or something you think no one but you is interested in? I want to know. I do.

Today's excuse: #5 I'm in too philosophical a mood to consider the surreal. (ha ha)

Missing my weekly Church Boost

Sitting in church was just not going to happen today. If I'd have had my fifteen year old here, it might have been feasible, but alas, no. I missed having service, though. It gives me a boost that lasts throughout the week. Do any of you feel that way or am I the weird one out as usual?

We have made progress in recovery. Nik has discovered that he can put my head on his lap and he can sing to me and read me books (on my head of course). It is so sweet (unless he forgets his dittie and then you see mom able to jump up very quickly).

Anywho, I actually sat up in a chair for a while today and enjoyed the breeze outside. I couldn't do it for too long, but it's better than it was.

I am using my daughters computer since I cannot locate my little one. It is an EEpc and it is tiny and it is lost in the house somewhere (probably with all the socks).

That brings me to reason #4: I can't find my computer to type. (almost as bad a smy dog ate it)

IT'S SATURDAY!!!

Well, another day gone by and three weeks left of convalescence. Geesh! I now have a constant couch buddy system. The baby on my head or on my side, the cat (Lillian) at my feet in a huddled ball to avoid being trampled on, Noah behind the couch in the window seat, and Timmy on the floor in front of me watching 'The Shakiest Gun in the West'.

Gosh, you wouldn't know that we didn't live in a one room shack with the way they 'support' me. Timmy's a really good cook, so he likes to make breakfast. Noah and Nik like to eat it. I try to get them to help clean it up. If wishes were kisses....

Today's excuse: I am feeling too 'fenced in' to let my mind roam and create! (Good one, huh?)

Egads and Hummel...

Okay, so I have to go to Norfolk tomorrow for a doctor's appointment. Geesh! Not looking forward to the ride. Eh, but it is a necessary evil. I swear they use the scales as a form of torture. Anyone who dreads getting on the scale makes sure that all kith and kin are at least five hundred feet back and in another room behind a closed door before they will ever step on a scale. At the doc's, let's not only record what the evil device says, lets face it towards the open hall so that all who may care to see may look and do a silent eye roll as the numbers make them think of rocket science!

Oh, well. It shouldn't be too bad. I am definitely getting a venti-mocha vanilla coffee with whole milk and whipped topping, though. Darn those scales!

Excuse #2: I was too mind boggled by the scale and the outing itself to write anything.

It's Hump day

Well, made it out of surgery allright. Now I just have to somehow get the kids to realize that their trampoline/maid is down for the count for a little while. My fifteen year old of all people has stepped up and really helped out a lot.

Sorry I did not write for the past few days, when you have this much pain medication in your system, you should have enough sense not to write knowing you will have no idea until you've pushed send as to wha you wrote.

Today's excuse: I'm recovering from surgery and can't sit in a chair for a few days.

Hey, that is almost close to a legitimate excuse if it weren't for the fact that I was able to write this blog, though!
''

Crunchieees!!

My two year old is feeding me colossal crunch cereal and, he is such a sweetheart, he is sharing each soggy little piece with me. Awww. Well, I guess it could be worse, it could be... No, half eaten pieces of soggy cereal are right up there. But they are given with such love. Now he is trying to close the computer qawoei with a;osi4h his asdjfapoij foot. (His typing, not mine) Okay, this may not be a long one today, just rambling on a bit.

He is relying on that cute blonde curly hair and chubby cheeked smile to get him out of trouble, and it's working. He knew it would, hence the knowing smile.

Well, as far as procrastination goes today, I reread the short story I sent in and found that it wasn't half bad, the other half...eeegnhh. I guess I'll be trying again next time.

I was offered a new contract for a new children's book! That was awesome, I just wanted to try a different publisher this time and things are going sloooowwwwllllyyyy.

Oh, no!! He's back wi8th the cereal! AARRGGHH!

See ya!

Today is .....

The day has come. I am (I am sad to say) as dumb as my mother was when I was fifteen. It's official.... My fifteen year old says so. I can't wait to get my intelligence back in a few years or so. I know there is nothing surprising or very interesting about this statement to the general public, but to a mom, it always seems to come as a shock. Even if you've already been through it before. But then you get to blame the older one for modeling such erratic behavior. Who thought up this divine joke for me? Two teen aged daughters at the same time and three boys under the age of ten by myself?! IF you truly can't die until you've finished all of your work, I will tell the AI bots that bring me breakfast in bed a millenia from now all about you.

God is good to us all, it just seems sometimes he trusts some of us entirely too much.

oh, well

Bye. So much for motivation.

Me

oh, well.

Hello, all

Well, it's been a year. A long, sometimes turbulent, sometimes exciting and interesting year. The perverbial ups and downs were there, but knowing that more ups are to come than downs, it makes day to day a lot more bearable.

I haven't written for a week now, and I think that's okay. We spent the day in Omaha at the children's museum and went to his favorite restaurant, the spaghetti works. We were actually at the museum for 5 hours! They had a huge Clifford exhibit that the kids could play on.

I miss him...he would have had fun....

oooooo...

They move out at 18, right? Is 14 too early to start a countdown!?!?!

Writing with them is amazing. If my head leaves the pillow, they all wake up. If the phone rings, they all seem to answer and hold a conversation with me as if they are the ones who called me! IF my hands make a single tap on the keyboard, everyone needs to talk, sing, show me something or have glass in their foot! (I don't mind stopping for that one... I guess).

Okay so the Egyptian is watching the Israelites leave the city, what is he thinking?

No, it is not-"No, Noah, you may not get on the treadmill!"