You mean I won?

My sweet, funny friend, Carolyn, (who apparently stalks my blog) gave me this very nice blog award. So, now I have to find some people who I feel deserve this award. Hmmmm . . .

First,Jill, because not only is she my favorite sister, she makes me laugh. And she's nice to me. And she makes me yummy treats. And she has the cutest babies I know.

Second, Kristi, cause she's just awesome. She's funny and she writes blog posts that are enjoyable to read. She is either making me laugh or making me think. And, she encourages me in my insane running goals.

Third, Melinda. She writes the most beautiful and thoughtful posts. She's also got really great taste in boots. She might not agree, but I think we have similar tastes. She's sweet and fun and I just like her.

Fourth, my dear friend and writing buddy Karen. She has been the biggest support to me, especially with my writing, even when she didn't know why. She makes fabulous veggie sandwiches and rockin' awesome chicken enchiladas.

I am grateful for all of their friendships. They will never know how much they mean to me.

Okay. Now for the dreaded questions.

1. Where is your cell phone? In my giraffe purse, which I love.

2. Your hair? Pulled back. Need I say more?

3. Your mother? Taught me everything I know.

4. Your father? Taught me how to work hard and be responsible.

5. Your favorite food? Today--mint brownies ala mode.

6. Your dream last night? I was number two on the New York Times bestseller list. No wait, that was Karen.

7. Your favorite drink? Homemade hot cocoa.

8. Your dream/goal? Publish a book.

9. What room are you in? My office.

10. Your hobby? Reading, eating, running . . . Wait. Do I have to pick just one? I'm sorry, I can't.

11. Your fear? Losing my children--and I don't mean at the mall.

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Putting on firesides and doing school visits 'cause I finally published my books.

13. Where were you last night? At home.

14. Something you aren't? (I'm going through the scout motto) Brave.

15. Muffins? Blueberry.

16. Wish list item? My own book.

17. Where did you grow up? Rural Idaho, since there is no such thing as urban Idaho.

18. Last thing you did? Ate a mint chocolate brownie. Mmmmm yummy.

19. What are you wearing? Yoga pants, what else?

20. Your TV? What about it?

21. Your pets? 1 turtle. She's the queen of the tank. Just ask her.

22. Your friends? Are awesome!

23. Your life? Good.

24. Your mood? Content.

25. Missing someone? Ummm, no. Should I be?

26. Vehicle? It's a mini-van. Yep. I'm cool.

27. Something you're not wearing? Earrings?

28. Your favorite store? The Purple Cow.

29. Your favorite color? Lavendar.

30. When was the last time you laughed? Really hard? I don't know, but I'm pretty sure I was with my sister. We were probably reading Deep Thoughts.

31. Last time you cried? Cried? I don't cry. I don't know what you mean? I do know that it wasn't last week. Oh no, it wasn't then.

32. Your best friend? My sweetheart. He's awesome, and cool and smart and wise and fun, and . . .

33. One place that I go over and over? The kitchen. Not only do I find things I like to eat there, but I have to go there three times a day to fix meals, too.

34. One person who emails me regularly? Hmm. I'd have to say the secretary of the marketing person at Modbe.

Well, there you have it. Thanks for joining me on this lovely award-winning journey through blogland.

A humongously gigantic thank you

Some people have hundreds of followers or at least enough to quantify double digits. I have nine. But I have nine rockin' followers, darn it.

I was extremely surprised when I actually saw people showing up. I couln't believe it. People actually read my blog? Apparently there are some that do. And I thank you. Thank you for reading my drivel. I love you all.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Staying Away from the End Zone

Most of you know that I like to run. That doesn't mean I'm athletic or even coordinated. I just happen to like to run. The endorphins, I guess.

Even though I enjoy running, I hated P.E. as a kid. I was the one who tried to find a place to hide on the field. All the other kids were running to the end zone, arms raised high in the air screaming "pick me, pick me," so the kid with the football would throw it to them. I was hiding somwhere among the sidelines with my hand covering my face so said kid wouldn't throw the ball to me. Just call me the princess of invisibility.

A good friend of mine wrote an overwhelming and inspiring blog post about writers being in "the zone." This got me thinking.

I like to write. I've been trying to write, but have I actually ever been in the zone when I write? I want to be in "the zone." It sounds like a great place to be. I dream about being there, just kicking out my story. I can picture it flowing out onto the page. But that never happens to me. I think, pray, free write and when I sit down to write, part of the scene comes out and then I have more questions. Should my character do this or that? Is this really the right direction my story should take? What would she do in this situation? And on and on.

So, I wonder. Am I still that awkward kid in P.E. trying to stay away from the end zone? Only now I'm the awkward middle-aged woman who can't find "the zone?"

Hmmm. Something to think on.

What a Peach!

Or should I say what a bunch of peaches. Our tree this year was loaded and we have bottled 56 quarts and made 31 jars of jam, so far. There are still more peaches on the tree. I picked more this morning. Will we ever get to them all?

My Lament

I've been away for a long time. I have missed blogland, and my friends here, but I didn't feel like I had anything to say. That and I let life consume me. Kind of like a ravenous teenager breaking their fast.

I wanted to come back so I thought about what I would actually say. What kind of post should it be? Nothing exciting is really happening. There's nothing to share. I could post something profound like some of my friends do. (And you know who you are, BTW) No. I never think of anything profound. What I'm thinking about? Yeah. That's what I'll post. What I've been thinking about. Well, the following is it. If you can make it through the next couple of paragraphs,I think you won't be disappointed. Just follow the link. It applies to me in more ways than one. Maybe it will for you, too.

While training to run a 5K, I have continually suffered from repeated injuries. It has been frustrating to start over again and again.

I've also struggled with writing. As I repeatedly sat with Alphasmart in hand staring into space, typing nothing, I questioned this as a wise career choice for me.

I've felt like life has dealt me one blow after another. But there have been a few things that have brought some peace and inspiration.

One, a quiet visit with a friend;
Two, a lesson on prayer;
Three, the Ensign;
Four, my sweetheart;
Five, sweet little Enjay;
And last, but not least, this:
When I feel alone . . .

A Fun and Clever Video

--Performed by Corey Vidal, Vocals by Moosebutter

The Glass Castle

I recently read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. Her direct writing style painted not only physical pictures, but emotional pictures as well. I was overcome by her story. She is one of THE most amazing people I've ever heard or read about. This is her first line:

"I was sitting in a taxi, wondering if I had overdressed for the evening, when I looked out the window and saw Mom rooting through a Dumpster."

I haven't read a more intelligent, educational, stirring, and eye-opening book in a very long time, if ever. It has definitely moved into my list of favorites.

In an interview she said, "The shame is not in falling, the shame is in staying down." This completely sums up not only what I've seen of her, but her story.

If you are interested, you can see part of a speech she gave at a conference.

Her story is extraordinary and so is she.