Think Dream Inspire

Versatile Blogger

2011-10-18T11:33:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to finally thank Lindy at Lindy Legends for the fabulous award. And I apologize for taking so long to thank you. A little four letter word called life has gotten in the way of my blogging lately.

Random things about me:

1) My thoughts are very random, so if my blog sounds random, that’s why.

2) I have a bajillion pens and pencils. Why can’t I stop myself from buying them? Who knows.

3) I crave writing with said pens and pencils on real paper.

4) I like embroidery. I am actually making a quilt with embroidered blocks.

5) Last, but not least, I have to go finish ironing. I hate ironing. Yes, poor me.

Also, I cheated. It was supposed to be ten things, but I'm sure you'll agree that five was plenty.

Thanks so much Lindy. She is awesome! If you haven’t met her, go to her blog.

Have a great day! What’s a random thing about you?

Winner and CLEAVE Trailer!

2011-10-03T11:55:00.000-06:00

First, the winner of my MONARCH arc is . . . (drum roll please)

Michelle Merrill

Congratulations Michelle! E-mail me your address and I'll send it off to you!

Now, for the CLEAVE trailer. My amazing and awesomely talented friend, Angela Felsted has published her book of poems. Here's the trailer.

Isn't that beautiful!? You can order her book here (just keep scrolling down until you find it) and find her blog here.

This is what her book looks like.

Congratulations Michelle and Angela! Have a great day everyone!

MONARCH—The Book of Choice

2011-09-26T10:20:00.000-06:00

Monarch butterflies are exciting and unique and so is the book by Michelle Davidson Argyle. You can find her here.

You don’t always know whether you’ll like a book you pick up, but I was happy to find that I kept thinking about the characters and the plot. I enjoyed reading it, from first page to last. It was well written and she weaved the intrigue and the story so well. Not to mention, she’s a really nice person. It’s definitely worth it!

MONARCH is a thriller about Nick, a CIA agent on his last mission. Before he can retire, he’s framed for murder and running from drug lords and the CIA. He seeks out Lilian, a beautiful woman from his past, for refuge. What ensues is a thrilling ride as he tries to protect those he cares about and attempts to clear his name. The story is woven well with the past and the present. I enjoyed reading it and I hope you do too. I’m giving away my ARC to one lucky reader. Just leave a comment before midnight on Sunday, October 2, and I’ll announce the winner Monday, October 3.

Good luck!

Bloodborne

2011-09-10T16:29:00.003-06:00

I recently read BLOODBORNE by Gregg Luke.

From the back cover:

One ordinary afternoon, research specialist Dr. Erin Cross steps into a local deli to get some lunch and nearly takes a bullet instead. Thanks to timely intervention from a former Marine, she walks away from the seemingly freak incident. But when she returns to find her lab under security lockdown and her apartment ransacked, she realizes the attack was anything but random. Erin can't make sense of the threat, given her low profile after a disastrous H1N1 vaccine trial. She doesn't know that her former colleague has used the virus to develop a potent bioweapon or that her recent research holds a key to his success. And she doesn't know that his collaborators want her dead before she blows the whistle.

She flees for her life with the help of Sean Flannery, the former Marine, who is the only person she dares trust. But, can she really trust him? And what will happen when those searching for her actually find her?

I was definitely hooked from the first page. I mean, when you get a text message during lunch telling you that you are about to die, that's pretty gripping. The book continued to deliver action and suspense. There was intrigue and questions of who to trust. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others. If you want to know who she can really trust, you'll just have to go get the book and read it yourself.

You can purchase BLOODBORNE here. Also, you should go check him out here.

Insecure Writers Support Group

2011-09-07T10:42:00.000-06:00

Alex J. Cavanaugh, who you can find here, started this amazing support group. There are so many of us out there. Alex had to have been inspired. To find out more, go find his blog. He's pretty darn awesome.

My insecurity--I have felt at times like I'd never get anywhere with my writing, never finish anything, never get to where I'd like to be with my writing . . . and the list goes on.

But, I also feel like as long as I continue to press forward, it's okay. Maybe I haven't been writing the two to three hours a day I had once planned--so what? If I do some researching one day, some brainstorming the next, some free writing, and then some outlining, I'm still working on my story, right? So, why should I beat myself up if I haven't written 10,000 words today, or even 2,000? I shouldn't. And neither should you.

Do you have insecurities? What do you do?

Interviews

2011-09-02T14:38:00.000-06:00

The fabulous Michelle at Perfecting the Craft asked to interview me on her blog. I know. I was shocked too. But it was fun and I hope you will all go to her blog and check it out. My answers are short. It won't take long.

Okay. Okay. If you don't want to read about me, at least go check out Michelle's blog. It's beautimous and so is she. You can do it HERE.

Truth or Dare

2011-08-29T09:55:00.000-06:00

So, I'm reading DASH AND LILY'S BOOK OF DARES by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan.

It's adorable (with the exception of a few F-bombs, which I admittedly dislike).

It got me thinking about dares. And truths. In the story, they share honest truths with each other and they also hand over some dares. I wouldn't dare do something like kiss a frog or stick my hand down a badger hole (my own dares--not those from the book--if you want to know what their dares are you'll have to read the book). Danger is not my middle name. But, would I dare to be honest with myself about what I would dare to do. With my writing, that is.

Would I dare to treat my writing seriously enough to write regularly?

Would I dare to give my characters the flaws they need so they can grow?

Would I dare to rewrite one of my manuscripts to make it stronger?

Would I dare to finish this blasted query?

Maybe. It's something I'm having to work on, that's for sure. And I don't use the term work lightly here.

How about you? Truth or dare?

Platform Building Campaign

2011-08-23T14:18:00.000-06:00

Rachael Harrie is starting up her third Platform Building Campaign. I did her second and met lots of wonderful people. If you are interested in building your platform and meeting new fabulous writers, go here.

Write a Query Now? Are you Sure?

2011-08-22T09:46:00.000-06:00

I have heard, in several different places, about writing a query before you actually start writing your first draft. It's supposed to help make sure you have all the right elements to your story. It can also give some ideas to help strengthen your manuscript. Then you don't have to rewrite.

So, I'm trying it.

And let me just say, it's not any easier to do before the ms is written than after.

But . . .

It has been a good experience and helped me define things that I hadn't before. I have been procrastinating actually writing this story because I want to be totally prepared before I write it. But I guess you are never completely prepared, are you?

Even though the query I wrote is definitely not something I would send out, it needs a LOT more work, but it helped ground me. I feel better prepared.

I would definitely recommend it and will most certainly do it again.

Now to open the blank document and start writing.

Monday’s Random Thoughts

2011-08-15T09:18:00.001-06:00

I've been blogless the past couple of weeks. It's good to be back. I've missed everyone.
The outline is finally finished on my WIP and I'm scared spitless to start typing.
Just one word – WRITEONCON!! It's this week!
I have a very unwanted rash on my arms. It's driving me crazy. Note: When trying new lotion, only put some on a small area first.
I'm taking my oldest daughter to college today. It is so bittersweet. Good for her, sad for me.
We ate corn from our garden last night. Holy YUM!
I FINALLY got bookshelves for the huge stack of books piled in my office. HURRAY!!!

What's your random thought for today?

Hang 'em High

2011-07-31T17:02:00.001-06:00

Author Tristi Pinkston is excited to announce the release of the third novel in her Secret Sisters Mysteries series.

Titled Hang ‘em High, this novel takes place on a dude ranch in Montana. When Ida Mae’s son invites her to come for a visit, of course she brings Arlette and Tansy along with her. They are expecting to spend the week looking at horses, avoiding the cows, and making amends in Ida Mae’s relationship with her son. What they don’t expect is to be stuck on the ranch in the middle of a blizzard and to be thrust headlong into the middle of a mystery.

***

Help Tristi celebrate her new novel in two ways. First, come participate in the two-week-long blog contest, where you can win a book nearly every single day! All the details are up on Tristi’s blog.

Second, come to the book launch!

You are invited to an

August Authorama!

Saturday, August 13th

Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem

12 – 4 pm

Games, prizes, balloons, face painting,

and Dutch oven cobbler

prepared by world champion cook

Keith Fisher.

Authors Tristi Pinkston, J. Lloyd Morgan, Cindy Hogan,

Nichole Giles, and Heather Justesen

will all be there to sign books.

This is one book launch event

you will not want to miss!

Rock meets Rachmaninoff

2011-07-26T11:33:00.003-06:00

I so love Jon Schmidt. His music makes me happy. He's also hilarious and a great performer. I've been lucky enough to see him perform about three times. Here's a sneak peek. It might be a little long, but at least catch a glimpse of his talentedness. And don't forget to check out the instructions underneath the tempo.

Here's a couple of others I enjoy. You might want to check these out too.

Love Story Meets Viva la Vida

Waterfall

Enjoy!

It's War

2011-07-18T05:00:00.001-06:00

I’ve been reading THE WAR OF ART by Steven Pressfield and I’ve been reminded of a thing or two.

The first part of his book talks about Resistance, which for those of you who haven’t read it, is what keeps you from writing—procrastination, criticism, self-doubt, unhappiness and the big one—fear.

He says that amateurs have problems with the Resistance. If we want to be professionals, we have to overcome whichever one of these symptoms ails us.

I have felt like a true amateur ever since I started writing seriously. So, this book is giving me plenty to think about. Do I want to be a professional? You bet! So, here goes the journey to professionalism.

I’m heading into the second part of the book today. He talks about combatting the Resistance.

It’s been great so far and I’m looking forward to reading more. The plan is to take all this great information and actually put it into practice. I have an idea, but I’ll let you know when I’ve finished the book what changes I’m going to make.

What books have you read that made a difference for you?

Unbroken

2011-07-11T11:28:00.003-06:00

I have been reading UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand. Wow. What a story.

The book is about Louis Zamperini, a delinquent as a youth, an Olympic, record-setting runner, WWII B-24 bombadier, drifter in a life raft, shark attack survivor, and POW in four Japanese camps.

I am completely amazed that Louie or any of these WWII POW's survived the inhumane treatment they experienced. Practically starved to death, ill with beriberi, dysentery and other diseases, beaten on an almost daily basis, enslaved . . . the list goes on and on.

The sheer will and spirit of Louie and his comrades lifted me and brought on a level of respect and admiration I haven't yet felt. Louie's story is indeed an amazing one.

I didn't mean to review this book, but it was very moving. It didn't seem possible that any of the events could have actually happened. But they did.

It made me think about my own life's journey, which includes my writing journey, and reminds me to forge ahead through the edits, the critiques, and the rejection. Unbroken.

4th of July Randomness

2011-07-04T10:31:00.000-06:00

Happy Fourth of July to all my bloggie friends!

May all my United States friends have a great Independence Day and all my international friends have a great Monday, July 4th!

I got up early and picked a gallon of these. I'm looking forward to fresh strawberry pie. Mmmmm . . .

We'll bbq and set off some fireworks later.

Right now, my boys are shooting at targets and my girls are playing a 'find the hidden pictures' game. I'm simply enjoying a beautiful summer morning with a light breeze and brilliant blue sky.

What are you doing today?

Sundance Retreat

2011-06-27T09:53:00.000-06:00

Had an absolute fabulous weekend hanging and writing and wandering around nature. Thanks to the RWA ladies for letting me join their retreat. They were full of awesome.

I finished character bibles and plotted a good share of my WIP, which feels great considering it’s a Nanowrimo that I get to rewrite. (Notice I said get to and not have to.) That’s how refreshing this weekend was for me. I needed it and now I feel energized to keep going, despite the fact that I had a mouse in my room on the first night and we found baby black widows in a corner of the great room. It’s all good. The exterminator came and killed the spiders. Unfortunately, the mouse escaped, but at least I didn’t have to see him again. Right?

Here’s the door we jammed up with pillows which had been chewed on and was covered in mouse droppings the next morning.

Here’s the beautiful scene from my nature writing spot.

And here’s the road in front of the house where we stayed.

What did you do this weekend?

POSSESSION’S Winner!

2011-06-20T09:22:00.001-06:00

And the Winner is . . .

SHANNON O'DONNELL

Congratulations Shannon! E-mail me your address and I'll get your new, signed copy of POSSESSION out to you!

Thanks to everyone for entering and, as always, thanks for visiting my humble blog.

POSSESSION Giveaway!

2011-06-13T05:00:00.007-06:00

I have finally decided on my 200 follower giveaway. Hallelujah!

And it's a signed copy of Elana Johnson's new book POSSESSION! Squee!

POSSESSION was a riveting read. I didn't want to put it down. It was one of those stories that I wanted to forego meals for, and I don't EVER forget to eat. Trust me. And I'm not just saying that because I like her. It's a REALLY good read.

Since this is for my followers, who I'm very grateful for, simply leave a comment (one per person please) and don't forget to leave your e-mail address in the comment. Tell me what you liked about the book or why you want to read it.

Giveaway closes Friday night at midnight MDT and is open internationally. I'll post the winner the following Monday.

Good luck to everyone and have a tremendous week!

A Day Late and A Dollar Short

2011-06-07T08:32:00.002-06:00

I meant to get this posted yesterday. Really, I did. But life happened. So it's getting posted today.
Here's five finally's. (I know that doesn't make sense, but keep reading and you'll get it.)

The sun is finally shining!
My daughter is finally graduated! It has been hectic, but good. And I'm glad I still get her for the summer before she goes off to college.
I'm feeling like summer is finally here.
I'm finally almost finished with my revisions.
Okay, this isn't a finally, but something that I felt should be shared. Read on . . .

A young mother in my community, Rebecca White, recently found out she had breast cancer. Two days later she had a mastectomy. A friend of hers, Cheri Chesley, who happens to be an author, is donating the sales from her books through August 31 to help cover the cost and show her support.
To show your support you can find Cheri's book The Peasant Queen here or here. Her e-books The Wild Queen and Ghost Bride can be found here.

You can also find more information about Rebecca here.

Thanks all and have a superb day!

RetirementQuest

2011-05-31T09:07:00.002-06:00

I was asked to participate in a tour for RetirementQuest. I wasn't sure what to think at first since you never know what kind of things you'll find on the internet. I have to admit, however, that I was pleasantly surprised to find this website very informative and full of resources. I would recommend it to everyone and plan to visit it myself in the future. You can find the website here. The following includes information about the site:

The state of today's economy is insecure, causing concern in many people and fear in many others. It used to be that we relied on our retirement income to see us through our golden years, but we now have to face the reality that we must take action to ensure our well-being in the future. How do we go about this? What steps do we take, where do we go, how do we know we're doing it right?

Financial advisor John Hauserman, CFP^®, has created a no-cost website as a tool for you to use on your financial journey. This site features the amazing Planning Map, designed to help you think like a financial planner. You can begin by setting up an account at no charge, complete with your zip code which will enable you to save your progress, but your information will never be sold or given away to any outside party. Or, if you prefer, simply skip registration with a single click. As you chart out your financial situation, you will never be asked for account numbers or personal information.

As you go through and create your personal profile, you'll feel in control of your future—a sense of freedom and independence that perhaps has been missing since the economy went downhill. You will get the tools you need to help:

1. View the financial planning process from the eyes of a CFP^® professional in a user-friendly format that most find easy to understand

2. Get the whole story on various investment products, not just "the good stuff" that financial (snake oil?) sales folks talk about

3. Find useful links to government and other helpful websites

4. Identify if a financial advisor has been thorough in their duties

5. Identify and avoid fraudulent advisors

6. Make better financial decisions

You're invited to stop by the RetirementQuest® website and see for yourself if this is a tool you can use. Again, it's no cost, and all you have to lose is your financial stress. Those who take action now will find themselves in a much better place later—why delay your future security? Plan ahead and be prepared.

Securities and advisory services are offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, member FINRA/SIPC. A Registered Investment Advisor.

Thanks for the Tag

2011-05-23T10:25:00.003-06:00

Angela at My Poetry and Prose Place tagged me. Angela is awesome. If you haven't visited her blog, you should.

I have to answer the following questions. You may all find this quite boring, so before I begin I'll remind you that I am going to have a 200 follower giveaway. I just haven't figured out what I'm doing yet. Once I figure it out, I'll let you know.

Do you think you're hot?
Um, no.

Upload a picture or wall paper you are using at the moment

It's my wallpaper at the moment.

When was the last time you ate chicken meat?
Sometime last week, I think.

The Song(s) you listened to recently?
The soundtrack to "Wicked"

What were you thinking as you were doing this?Is this the last question?

Do you have nicknames?Yes, and it's called Mom.

Tag eight Blogger friends
(You are it!)

Sara B. Larson
Emily Wing Smith
Jill at Musings by Me
Elena Jube at storyfires
Karen at A Writer's Ramblings
Christine at Day Dreamer

Who's listed as number one?
Sara. She's an amazing writer and sweet friend.

Say something about number 5.
She is a poetic writer. Everything she puts on paper comes out so beautifully. And . . . she is the reason I started writing seriously. Her support has been vital.

How did you get to know number 3?
We grew up in the same house. She's my sister.

How about number 4?
I met her at WIFYR a few years ago. She totally stole my agent, but I really liked her anyway.

Leave a message for number 6.
Hi Christine, love your face. (I would have said guts, but that's kind of gross.)

Leave a lovey-dovey message for number 2.
Lovey-dovey? Um, I don't know Emily that well. I think she's an amazingly awesome person, though.

Do number 7 and number 8 have any similarities?
Yes. Neither one of them exist. (I only picked six.)

Death by Delete Key

2011-05-16T09:14:00.001-06:00

Yes. I'm ripping my baby to shreds. It's not pretty right now, but perhaps someday it will.

I've struggled with this manuscript, had all kinds of different feedback on it, and now, once again, I'm tackling another set of revisions. Sometimes I wonder if I'm killing it or molding it. Is it getting better--or worse?

What are your thoughts on revisions?

Hooray for Conferences

2011-05-09T11:34:00.001-06:00

I had the opportunity to attend a really great conference this weekend. And it's not just because I won third place in a contest (although that was very cool). I learned about character bibles, writing great queries, and how to have a great blog (thanks Elana!)

I also got to brainstorm with the wise and uber-talented, not to mention really nice, Sydney Salter Husseman. It means a ton of work for me, but it was still full of awesomeness. I met two new writing friends there, too. Hi Sally and Janice!

I pitched FREE BREAD GIRL to Sara Crowe. I liked her and not just because she was interested in looking at my ms.

The best part of it all was hanging out with fabulous writing friends who I adore.

Conferences are full of awesomeness.

What are some of your favorite conference memories/experiences?

The Last of the Letters

2011-05-02T10:11:00.001-06:00

M = Music

N = Nothing – the word wives say to husbands that really means something

O = Opulence – I just love this word.

P = Two words – Prison Break – How could I have not found this sooner?

Q = Quiet – My favorite sound

R = Running – Yes, I like to

S = Spinning – Yeah, this one too

T = Time – Why does it seem like there's never enough?

U = Undivided – Not able to divide which can also mean united, another good "U" word

V = Vanquish, as in master or overcome

W = Writing stories!

X = Xanthous (or yellow) We should all try to use this to describe yellow in our next novel. Doesn't that sound fun? No? Okay, fine.

Y = You – thanks all of you for coming by to visit!

Z = Zupa's – the best restaurant for soup and salad

Have a wonderful week!

Crazy Daze and Other Things

2011-04-25T18:34:00.003-06:00

The Crazy Daze of Motherhood

Product Description
A mother's day is filled with all kinds of emergencies, from bumps and bruises to hospital stays. Find the perfect way to recover from your own family's little emergencies with Jane Isfeld Still's latest book on the hilarious daily challenges of a mother in the fray. You're sure to laugh and cry as you celebrate the joys of motherhood.

From the Back Cover

Jane is married to Rick Still, who she believes has the distinction of being the only man in history brave enough to give her earwax candles for her birthday. They had six children in eight years, and while her children were growing up, she discovered she had a great sense of humor. At least that was her take. Rick once said to her, "Honey, you know all those real corny things you say all the time? Who ever thought you could make money at it?" Her son Adam once told her, "Mom could you please stop telling jokes to my friends? It's really embarrassing." One of Jane's philosophies is, "You're not doing your job unless your children are worried about being seen in public with you."

I found this book refreshing and full of fun. I read it on a short trip we made as a family, so it's a fast, easy read. It made me giggle as I related with some of the adventures she shared about her children. I don't think I stopped smiling the entire read. The illustrations added just the right touch to the anecdotes. It's the perfect Mother's Day gift.

To read more about Jane and her exploits visit her website at janeisfeldstill.com or her blog at janeisfeldstill.blogspot.com

To purchase THE CRAZY DAZE OF MOTHERHOOD go here.

On to other things—
G Through L
G is for Genuine—I like those kind of people
H is for Honey, not the sticky kind, the one I married
I is for Italian Food . . . Mmmmm
J is for Johnny Depp—So talented and not bad to look at either
K is for Kids, not the goats the people
L is for Laughter

And . . .
I have 200 followers!!!! Woo Hoo!!! Thanks, my favorite peeps! In honor of you, I'm going to host another giveaway—not as cool as the last one, but what's not to love about free stuff, huh? So keep watching!

My very own A-Z Challenge

2011-04-11T10:16:00.001-06:00

Okay, I didn't join the A-Z Challenge that so many of you are doing. I didn't think I could post something every day, so I'm doing my own. I'm posting once a week.

Here's A-F –

Attitude – it's important to have a good one.
Books – I think I'd die without them.
Contemporary fiction – love it! That's what I write, too.
Dipped chocolates – Mmmm . . . Need I say more?
Entertainment – more books and movies
Frost-covered trees – gorg-wah!

Well, there you have it. My first week's installment.

Have a good one, all!

It’s Lovely? Really?

2011-04-04T10:16:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Ciara I have won the One Lovely Blog Award. Thanks Ciara!! I am humbled that she thinks my blog is lovely. Well, she's lovely, too. You should go over to her blog and see her.

I think I'm supposed to pass this on, but I'm not sure to how many so here are two blogging friends who I think are lovely. And so are their blogs.

Lindsay at Tiptoe Kisses
Rachel at Rachel Morgan Writes

Have a great week!

Art and Book Giveaway!

2011-03-29T14:17:00.002-06:00

You can win gorgeous art here and the book MISS DELACOURT HAS HER DAY here.

Aren't these both gorgeous! What are you waiting for? Go. Now!

I’m Very Dizzy and Not the Blond Kind

2011-03-21T09:55:00.001-06:00

My life is spinning, spinning, spinning.

I kind of want to climb in a hole and hibernate for six months.

Except I can't, 'cause I have too much to do.

Do you ever feel like there is so much going on that you can't possibly keep up and the ends of your nerves are splitting and if one more thing gets added to the mix you'll explode?

Me too!

Okay. Now that I got that off my chest, I'm off to the gym. As long as I don't fall over from all the spinning.

Breathless Reads Winners

2011-03-14T09:35:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to the Breathless Reads Winners!

And they are:

Michael Di Gesu (ACROSS THE UNIVERSE)

Elizabeth Mueller (MATCHED)

Becky Wallace (THE REPLACEMENT)

Jewel Allen (THE ETERNAL ONES)

L. Diane Wolfe (NIGHTSHADE)

They have been notified and their books will be mailed to them this week.

Thanks to everyone who entered. I can't say enough how much I appreciate all my bloggie friends for stopping by. You have made a definite difference. So, thank you all!

Breathless Books Giveaway!

2011-03-07T06:47:00.004-07:00

It's Here! It's Finally Here! The Breathless Reads Giveaway is here!

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Breathless Reads Tour. It was AWESOME! These ladies are amazing.

I decided, as a thank you to all of my followers, especially all my new Crusader friends, I would host this giveaway. Thank you, my favorite peeps!

To win one of these five amazing books, make sure you are a follower (old followers get an extra entry) and fill out the form below. The giveaway goes from Monday, March 14 to Friday, March 18 at midnight. I will post the winners on Monday, March 21. Five of you will win one of these books. Make sure to list your preferences in order on the form.

Thanks and have a great week!

Keep going. It's way down at the bottom of the page.

Journey of Honor

2011-03-04T10:39:00.003-07:00

I recently participated in a blog tour for the novel JOURNEY OF HONOR by Jaclyn Hawkes. (Please note—there are some brief spoilers.)

The jacket copy reads, in part:

"Thoroughly disillusioned with the ugliness and cruelty of slavery in the South, Trace Grayson leaves his young medical career to go west, hoping to leave bigotry and hatred behind. He begins taking goods by teamster train to sell in the territories. However, this fourth time across, in July of 1848, he's stuck in St. Joseph, Missouri, waiting for enough wagons to join the train so that they can leave."

Giselle is a seventeen-year old young woman who joined the LDS church in Holland, was disowned by her family and came to America with her grandparents. She is attacked by a mob of Mormon haters and finds herself pregnant. Her abuser accuses her of stealing from him just as they are preparing to leave Missouri for the West.

Trace and Giselle are thrown together and must push westward before winter strands them in the Rocky Mountains. They experience several different challenges along the way to their destination, one of which takes her grandparents in death. They are both likeable characters. Trace is a caring, hard-working man and Giselle is a feisty, beautiful young woman. I enjoy historical fiction and the premise of this story interested me.

I was disappointed to find I didn't care enough about the characters to really feel for them. When her grandparents died, I should have been devastated by her loss, but I found myself not caring about them as much as I had hoped. I think part of the reason for this is that the characters didn't have any flaws and I didn't really have a chance to get to know the grandparents. Trace and Giselle were challenged by events surrounding them, but not by their imperfections.

Their journey and wondering how the author would handle their relationship kept me reading.

If you are interested in reading this book, you can find it here.

Awards and Contests!

2011-03-02T09:43:00.002-07:00

Thanks to the awesome Trisha for the wonderful Stylish Blogger Award!

I'm supposed to list seven things about myself, but I've been doing that a lot lately, and I'm sure you would all be quite ill at hearing more, so I'll skip that and move on to those lucky people to which I've given the award.

Jess at Falling Leaflets
Jill at Musings By Me
Trisha Leaver
Michelle Davidson Argyle at The Innocent Flower
Michelle Merrill at Perfecting the Craft
Michelle McLean

Congratulations!

Also, I'm having a Giveaway. So, you really will want to stay tuned for that. Here's a hint: Five Breathless Books

The Great Reveal

2011-02-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

I know you have all been waiting with baited breath to hear the big lie in my challenge post. Okay, maybe you haven't, but here it is, anyway.

I have never wanted to study culinary arts in any way shape or form. As a matter of fact, I avoid the kitchen at all costs, unless I want something to eat that is already made, and also to scrub it first thing in the morning, because I truly am unfunctionable until it's clean.

The rest is all true, even the wench part.

Have a wonderful day all!

The Crusader Challenge

2011-02-23T19:19:00.001-07:00

What I wanted to be when I grew up (after I grew up) —

At first I wanted to study culinary arts so I could brandish sharp blades and serve creamed rabbit and stuffed fuligulines, but I can't function until my kitchen is clean, and the kitchen was always a mess, so I pretty much couldn't function at all. That blew the whole chef idea.

Then I wanted to perform on Broadway, but I'm a horrible liar and couldn't even pull off acting in the community musical. What a flop. They still avert their eyes when they see me.

After that, I figured I'd like to paint and sell my wares at craft shows. I don't mean to bloviate, but I paint a darn good Santa ornament. The crafting went well. Unfortunately, the income didn't. That career choice turned out not to be for me.

I wondered what else I could possibly do since what I'd really like is to be Captain Jack Sparrow's wench, and not just because of the corset to hold in all the flab. But alas, he is only fictional, so I couldn't do that either.

Finally, a friend of mine got me excited about playing around with words. And I started writing. And I couldn't stop. And I never got paid. But I didn't care. Bingo! The correct profession, at last. Best of all, I can read all the books I want and it's considered research.

And now that I've finished my "what I wish I could be list", there is something included in it that isn't altogether true. Can you guess what it is?

2011-02-22T08:16:00.001-07:00

I had never heard of this site before until my sister introduced me to it. Thanks Jill!

I have to say, it's AWESOME! It has boards that you can pin pictures to from the web. So, if I were going to renovate my kitchen and I wanted ideas, I would search the web and pin the pictures I liked to my kitchen board. You can also do a search on the Pinterest site.

The reason I have fallen in love with this is because I decided to use the boards for my stories and pin pictures of my characters (and other related story items) on them. I have been having too much fun! It's awesome to look in one place and see everything there about my story—from where they live and what they do, what they like, what they look like. It's so great. One of my characters has a special ring and I can totally post that to my story's board.

It's way cool. If you are interested, go to pinterest.com. You need an invitation to join, but you can get one from their site or if I have your name and e-mail, I can send you one, too. I would be happy to do that, if any of you are interested. Just let me know.

Happy Pinterest-ing!

Beautiful Blogger

2011-02-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the wonderful Elizabeth Mueller for this fabulous award. She rocks. You should go check out her blog.

Now, seven things about myself and seven awardees.

1. I have always lived in the windiest cities in the world. Why? Maybe fate dislikes me. I don't know.

2. I love being a mom, even when three of them are teenagers.

3. I miss teaching, but love being at home so I can write!

4. Horses petrify me, yet they're one of my favorite animals. My life is full of oxymorons.

5. I have the best bloggie friends, EVER!

6. My stack of books to read literally touches the ceiling. (If I stacked all of them.)

7. I never leave the house without a book and a notebook with pen.

The seven beautiful bloggers I chose because I really enjoy reading their blogs and they are all really cool people are:

Book Dreaming
Writer's Ally
Checkerboard Squares
Dreams of Quill and Ink
My Life in a Laptop
Pink Ink
My Poetry and Prose Place

Congratulations all and have a wonderful day!

Holy Cow I Want One of These!

2011-02-15T06:41:00.005-07:00

Show Your Love Contest

2011-02-14T09:44:00.002-07:00

This is an amazing contest. So, this being the day of love, go show it and enter to win a 30-page manuscript review by an amazing agent, Sara Megibow, or a spot at the dinner table with some incredible agents, editors and authors, including Sarah Crowe, James Dashner, Larry Brooks, Marcia Markland and more!

Later this week, Breathless Reads Tour giveaway. You won't want to miss this post, so check back!

Join the Crusade!

2011-02-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

Get linked to the writing community and join the platform building Crusade. Check it out here!

A Writer's Conference To Go, Please

2011-02-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Don't you wish you could drive through a fast food writer's conference, pay $5.83, scarf it all up and be on your way?

I kinda do 'cause the three plus days of feeding my brain turns it to mushy soup, yet I feel so motivated to get home and put to work all of the wonderful things I have learned. This way you only have ten minutes of mush before you can go home and get busy.

Alas, it is not possible and it's not that cheap, either. Yet conferences are so worth your time. You learn more about the craft of writing, querying and publishing; you get to hobnob with authors, agents and editors and one of the best parts, hanging out with writing friends.

If you are interested, there is a conference called LDS Storymakers taking place in May. They have great classes, both beginning and advanced. They have special classes where you can workshop with authors. They have pitch sessions with agents and editors, and a contest that gives authorial feedback. And lots of wonderful writers to hang with. Follow the link and check it out!

I Need an Author Photo?

2011-02-07T10:36:00.001-07:00

I have been reading Anne Mini's blog recently. She has tons of information about writing and publishing. It's excellent and you should go check it out here. Her posts are really long, but definitely worth it.

She posted about book beginnings and endings, but before she got to that, she wrote about author photos. Something I haven't given much thought about as I don't have an agent or a contract. Yet, she lays out a couple of thoughts that I found interesting and decided to share.

Get your author photo early. You never know when you'll land a contract or an agent and they want a photo of you pronto. Also, who has a photo that they actually want anyone to see? Her advice, get one now.

Choose a shot that matches your book. Is it funny YA? The photo should be light and fun. Is it dark and mysterious? Your photo should reflect that as well. You may also need a photo for an author bio. It should reflect your personality and be book appropriate.

This is her advice. Interesting, huh? So, come on all, get out there and get your photos taken. If you live in the Salt Lake area, I know a good one. Check out Black Pearl Photography. But wait for me to call her first. I am NOT photogenic and I may need an additional session.

Have you got your author photo?

The Lipstick Laws

2011-02-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

You do not want to miss this great giveaway!

You get a $25 Amazon Gift Card. a $10 iTunes Gift Card, a signed ARC of The Lipstick Laws (which sounds like a really fun, awesome book), + lots more. Check out the link on my sidebar and go here to enter.

Life Lessons

2011-01-31T08:36:00.001-07:00

1 – Don't disobey your mother or she'll chase you down the street with a tree branch.

2 – Don't take off a baby's diaper unless you have a clean one underneath it.

3 – Writing is an oxymoron. It's one of the hardest things to do, but is the most fun at the same time.

4 – If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

5 – Bloom where you are planted, whether you want to or not.

There's lots more . . . like

Don't spend more money than you make.

And

Don't procrastinate . . . it'll bite you in the hiney later.

Don't share your opinion unless you're asked for it.

But that's probably all I should share. For now, anyway.

What are some of yours?

Where are you?

2011-01-24T09:02:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered that? You know, wondered where you are? Not physically, of course, (hopefully not physically, anyway) but maybe mentally or spiritually? With your writing? With your career?

I have been thinking a lot about this lately. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I have been feeling really alone in my writing. (This could possibly be because I live in the Tooelies.) But still, look at the cyber world today. I shouldn't feel alone at all, so why do I?

Well, I think I've rambled enough. What do you do when you wonder where you are?

I’m Phat

2011-01-17T08:34:00.001-07:00

Yes, I could stand to lose ten to twenty pounds. But that's not the kind of fat I'm talking about.

I overheard my oldest daughter talking to her siblings in the kitchen as they were all getting a snack. And she said, "I'm fat." At least that's what I heard. If any of you have seen my oldest daughter you would think she must have some kind of eating disorder or something because she's stick thin. She's about five foot five and weighs just under a hundred pounds. Yeah. Skinny Minny.

Anyway, I came into the kitchen and said, "What?!"

She said, "Not F – A – T, Mom, P – H – A – T. Phat means awesome."

"Oh," was my incredibly intelligent reply.

Apparently, phat is the new cool.

Now all of my children are saying how phat they are. I tell them they are phat, too, 'cause they are. But they don't tell me I'm phat. That's probably because they're afraid I'll think they mean F – A – T and I'll cry and give them cruel punishments. Either that, or they think I'm just an old fuddy duddy mom who's not really very cool. I'm not sure which. Possibly both.

I haven't felt very phat lately, but that doesn't change the fact that we all have good things about us—good things we do, good things we say and talents we have been given so we can give back.

Still, I have to keep reminding myself that I'm phat.

Whereas, I think you all are WAY phat. Thanks to those of you who share your phatness with me!

For Me?! Really?!

2011-01-11T11:40:00.002-07:00

The oh so fabulous Angela Felsted gave me this awesome award.

She is one of my new and wonderful bloggie friends. Go check out her blog here.

Thanks, Angela!

These are the things I must do to accept this award:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers.
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award.

Here are the seven things:

1. I like to run, although I didn't today.
2. My first OB's name was Dr. Breeden. (I kid you not.)
3. I believe laughter is the best medicine.
4. And also good books.
5. Italian food is the bomb. (That's still a cool think to say, right?)
6. It's harder than it looks to think of seven things about yourself.
7. I spend a lot of time thinking about people who aren't real.

Okay, now for the fifteen lucky people I'm giving this award to:

Tara at Feel of Something New

Charrette at Divergent Pathways

Lotus Girl at Lotus Rising

Carolina Valdez Miller

Writing in a Nutshell

Jen Daiker at unedited

Jaded Love Junkie

Amber Argyle

Krista Lynne Jensen

Charmaine Clancy at The Write Words

Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming

Emma Michaels

roxy at a woman's write

Kaylee Baldwin

Suzette Saxton and Bethany Wiggins at Shooting Stars

Congratulations!

Character Name Giveaway

2011-01-10T16:35:00.000-07:00

You've always wanted a character in a book named after you, right?! Well, now you can! Go here and enter.

I Needed Smacked

2011-01-06T09:22:00.001-07:00

It's true. I did. I've been having one of those discouraging days, er, weeks, um, actually months, well, . . . anyway, you know what I mean.

So, I whined and cried to my husband and my friend and my sister. My friend empathized, my non-writing sister tried to understand, and my husband told me how to fix my discouraged feelings. Although they tried, I still felt crummy.

Then I read this amazing article that smacked me. I knew I needed it, but in the back of the head? Really?

It woke me up and didn't hurt nearly as bad as I would have thought. It actually made me feel alive again.

The words that spoke to me simply said Choose Faith. Instead of floundering in the face of doubt, fear, the unknown and unseen, and pessimism, Choose Faith.

Believe.

It seemed to say, "You know what you are supposed to do, so stop wallowing and do it."

So I did. And I feel so much better.

I RESOLVE

2011-01-03T09:04:00.001-07:00

This is the time of year to make resolutions. Say goodbye to the old and in with the new. At least that's what they say, and I suppose they're right.

Except I prefer to call them goals, instead of resolutions, and I have a tendency to set goals all year long ('cause I need lots of improvement, I suppose).

Even though this is the way I do it, there are some things that I have resolved to do at the beginning of 2011.

I RESOLVE to continue my goal of listening to my children better.

I RESOLVE to save more money this year.

I RESOLVE to continue my workouts.

I RESOLVE to make four quilts this year. (Eek!)

I RESOLVE to focus on my spiritual goals.

I RESOLVE to have four manuscripts ready for submission.

I RESOLVE to keep up with my blog.

In my younger days, probably a hundred years ago or so, I worked as a legal assistant. So, I am familiar with the legal document called a RESOLUTION. It's a motion full of a bunch of these I RESOLVE's and often made in the corporate world. It is a legal and binding contract. Thus, I have created a binding contract for myself. (Skeery!) Let's see how I do.

Have you resolved to do anything this year?

Merry Month of Giveaways

2010-12-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

My friend, Tristi, has an extraordinary giveaway this month. It's coming to an end, but she still has the rest of this week to give away awesome prizes. Don't miss out, go check out her blog and become a follower. At the end of the week, she's giving away a basket of goodies with lots of books and a stay at the Lions Gate Manor. You'll be sad if you don't go, you could win. I've won three times this month. You could too!! Follow this link.

A Baby Changes Everything

2010-12-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Kid History

2010-12-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

This makes me laugh out loud. I hope it makes you laugh, too.

You can win!

2010-12-15T11:43:00.001-07:00

Win!
Win!
Win!

You know you want to win any one of five fabulous books, right!?

The books are over there à on my sidebar. Hurry and head on over to Ali's blog to enter.

Favorite First Lines

2010-12-13T09:42:00.001-07:00

Have you ever gone to a bookstore, picked out a book and read the first line? Did it make you want to read more? Or did you put it back?

I am a bit fascinated with first lines. They can pull you in to the story. They can ask a great question and they can nail the main character's personality.

I looked through some of my favorite books and read the first lines. Here's what I found:

The whole world is wilting. Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr
It is my first morning of high school. I have seven new notebooks, a skirt I hate, and a stomachache. (Okay, that's two lines, but still . . .) Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
This isn't about me. Larger-Than-Life Lara by Dandi Daley Mackall
Ida Mae Babbitt didn't know what cookie to serve with bad news. Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston
He was going to kiss her. Life in the Pit by Kristen Landon
I was sixteen years old the day I was lost in the forest, sixteen the day I met my death. (There is a prologue in this story and this is the first line of Chapter 1) Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt
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 think this is my favorite.) The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
The problem with getting bad news is you hardly ever get to go home and cry, or sulk, or rip things up, like you'd like to.
All's Fair in Love, War, and High School by Janette Rallison
The best time to talk to ghosts is just before the sun comes up. Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson (She's got great first lines, eh?)
(There isn't a first line exactly, the first page is the program for a funeral service.) The first line would actually be—Funeral Service for Joel Everett Espen—The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith (pretty moving, huh?)

Are there some great lines there, or what? What did they do for you? Did they ask you a question or make you think or make you want to know more? Did you get a great sense of the main character?

What are some of your favorite first lines?

I'm sorry there are so many. I really was going to stop at five, but I couldn't do it. I liked them all.

Isolation

2010-12-07T11:22:00.003-07:00

Before I begin, I must say that this was the most difficult post I’ve ever written. I am placing my innards (ok, that’s gross, but for lack of a better word . . .) out there for the whole cyber world to see. And I don’t even let my friends see this part of me. Let me preface with this:

Today I read Elana Johnson’s What I Believe list. You need to go visit her blog. It is awesomesauce (that would be her word). Number six on her list hit me rather hard. You see, although I believe her, I have been struggling with this actual thing. Okay. Here goes.

Many writers not only want people to read and enjoy their stories, they want to make a difference with their writing. I know I feel that way.

Something I read this week in Ally Condie’s book, Matched, made an impact on me. (If you haven’t read it, go out and get it now, ‘cause it is amazing.)

When I read the part in Cassia's story about the poem her grandfather gave to her, I was very moved. There were two parts that specifically spoke to me. "Nothing I have written or done has made any difference in this world, and suddenly I know what it means to rage, and to crave." And, "Over and over I think do not go gentle, do not go gentle, do not go gentle."

I hope you don't mind that I explain a little why this meant so much to me.

I have been in a very dark place where my writing is concerned. I feel utterly and abysmally isolated and alone to the point of being consumed with it. How can I get any better if I have no critique group or support group to help me? No one to talk to about it or share my writing with. And everything I try seems to peter out.

If my Father in Heaven had not told me on several occasions that I needed to write, and chastised me when I wasn't, I would have thrown in the keyboard a long time ago. But alas, I cannot ignore his prompting. It has been dismally discouraging and these words spoke to me in a very inspiring way. I still feel discouraged and alone, and I do not know what the solution is or what the future may bring for me or my stories, but I cannot go gentle. I must rage so that one day my words may make a difference.

*whew* Thanks for listening.

Last Week’s Top Five

2010-12-06T08:54:00.001-07:00

Ally Condie's book launch.
Not having to stay up until 1 a.m. writing an essay for a class I'm not even taking.
Attending an amazing conference that lifted me higher than a very tall skyscraper.
Winning nano.

And, last, but certainly not least,

Hearing "I love you, Mom," from my fourteen year old son.

There it is. The top five events of my week.

What Think Ye of Christmas?

2010-12-01T10:18:00.001-07:00

Christmas is one of my two favorite times of the year and this book explains why.

"Christ, they say, has been taken out of Christmas. Small wonder, they say, that some don't even call it Christmas any more."

This beautiful book shares some of the favorites of Christmas and shows us how they symbolize the Savior of the world, and even more powerfully, it shows us how we can be reminded of Him and come closer to Him.

The amazing art of Jana Parkin coincides so beautifully with the message.

I had seen some other reviews of the book and I had read on Jana's blog the story behind the book, but it wasn't until I held it in my hands and read through it, listening to Christmas music, of course, that I felt the peaceful Spirit of the Christ, the reason for the season.

It would make a wonderful gift for those on your list or even for yourself. Mine is going to be displayed in my living room.

I love this time of year because of its peace. I can remember the Savior, not only his birth, but his life and mission. He lived and died for each of us.

I believe this with all my heart.

Thanks Ester Rasband and Jana Parkin for the gift of this book.

Click the link on my sidebar and it will take you to Jana's blog where you can follow the link to her website to purchase the book. She has discounts going on right now!

The Four T’s

2010-11-24T09:21:00.001-07:00

Or The Top Ten Things I Am Thankful For
and not to be confused with the forty's, which I am, but we are not here to discuss that right now.

I have been thinking all month about the things I am thankful for. And there are a lot. Here's my top ten:

My precious children who are inspiring, fun and talented.
My sweetheart who amazes me at all he can do.
My laptop which allows me to sit anywhere in my house to do whatever I choose to do on it.
My sister, whose friendship means more than the world to me.
Laughter, 'cause if it weren't for that I'd be in a padded room somewhere.
Books – 'nuff said.
Writing that frees my mind and fills my soul.
My friends who love and support my writing addiction.
Good food—what's not to love about that?

And . . . drum roll, please . . .

All of you
who come and read my sorry excuse for a blog. Thank you for stopping by. It has been awesome making new friends and keeping in touch with old ones. You Rock!

Carol's Dark and Twisty Book Giveaway

2010-11-19T09:17:00.003-07:00

There are numerous books on this giveaway. You will definitely want to check it out!

I just met her and her blog and they are both awesome. Thanks to Sara for the introduction.

Don't just sit there. Go! Before you do, though, you may want to take off your shoes. Wanna know why? Go to her blog and see.

LEVIATHAN! Anyone? Anyone?

2010-11-18T09:43:00.002-07:00

I know you want to win a free signed copy of this book, so check out Nichole's giveaway. (Or don't and then there's more chances for me!) All right j/k on that last part. Do check it out. She has her own awesome books, too!

To win free art is divine

2010-11-11T17:13:00.003-07:00

There is a fabulous giveaway by Jana. (Check out the sidebar.) She is an amazing artist. Her watercolors are to drool over. Head on over to her blog and check them out. You won't want to miss this. Really.

Nanowhatmo?

2010-11-10T10:44:00.001-07:00

A few years ago, when I decided to write seriously—not just silly poems, stories for my kids or essays for school—some of my writing friends were talking about nano something. I nodded and smiled like I knew what they meant. But I completely did NOT.

Eventually, I figured out that it entailed writing. Still, my slow brain did not clue in to what they were talking about.

Somewhere, somehow, I stumbled upon the mystery of nanowrimo. You have to write a novel in a month, or at least 50,000 words. Okay, go ahead psycho writers. Have fun with that.

Then, I found out what the crazy word meant—National Novel Writing Month. That makes way more sense. Still, I did not have a desire to participate.

Until now. I think an insane alien took over my body and signed me up, because that was definitely NOT me. I cursed the alien.

And then, November 1 came. I couldn't just blow this off. I had to start writing. So I sat in front of a blank screen and let my fingers go.

Guess what? I'm not pumping out words like some do, but I'm kicking my own tush. I'm even ahead of schedule.

What gives? I have NO idea, but I AM having the most fun I've had in a very long time.

So . . . GO NANOWRIMO! And everyone who has chosen to live in front of your computer screen this month, too!

Halloween, the Holiday

2010-10-30T13:24:00.002-06:00

Halloween.

Not my favorite holiday. Excluding the candy, its right up there with Toilet Cleaning Day. (Okay, I know that's not an actual holiday.) I absolutely do not like the whole trick or treating thing, making costumes, answering the door every five minutes, etc. etc.

As a matter of fact, several years ago I bribed my children into having a family Halloween party (pizza, pop, treasure hunt for candy, watch a movie) instead of trick or treating. They actually went for it. We've made it an annual tradition ever since.

But . . .

This year I fell in love with this amazing idea and thanks to my sister was able to pull it off. Thanks Jill!

I attended an actual Halloween party. I know. I'm as shocked as you.

Anyway.

What think ye?

More Stuff to Win!!!

2010-10-29T09:29:00.001-06:00

All right, I know I said I would be posting something, and I will, but I had to post this contest by the awesome Sara Larson. She's giving away books or a critique . . . and . . . chocolate. Not just any chocolate, either—no, it's Swedish chocolate. Yummmmm. So, go check it out. You can win a book or a critique and CHOCOLATE!

Win Graceling!

2010-10-28T15:20:00.002-06:00

My great friend, Christine Bryant, blogged about this amazing opportunity to win a signed hardback copy of Kristin Cashore's book, Graceling, which I found utterly unable to put down. Go to Amber Argyle's blog and you can enter to win!!!!

Hurry up. Don't just sit there. Go! Go!

And stay tuned. I have come back from the dead and will be posting soon.

Yeah, I’m Cool

2010-08-24T19:49:00.001-06:00

Last week, my sister invited me to go to dinner with her and a couple of our friends. We went to Tagashi, which is a sushi restaurant, apparently a very popular, busy one.

I'd never eaten sushi before.

I really have never had any desire to eat raw fish. Ever.

But I wanted to be supportive, so I went. I even ordered some raw fish. And then, after trying it, I swiftly ordered the teriyaki chicken. Which I enjoyed very much, by the way (the chicken, not the fish).

Well, that's not the whole point of this post, so let me get to that.

When we finished with dinner, I scooted over on the bench to leave and immediately landed on the floor, my head smashing into the occupied chair next to me and my wrist whacking the table in front of me. (Remember, this is a very crowded restaurant.) Everyone around me exclaimed, "Are you okay?" People on the other end of the restaurant looked down to see the crazy lady on the floor.

I just sat there, covering my face in humiliation—and laughing.

I gratefully left with my head bowed as a goose egg formed on the side of it.

How fabulous that I was able to be the entertainment for the evening.

Yeah, I'm cool.

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

2010-08-03T12:59:00.000-06:00

This reached into my soul, grabbed my heart and moved me beyond words. I hope it does the same thing for you.

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

Until We Meet Again

2010-05-27T11:36:00.002-06:00

Visit this beautiful message. It will bring peace to your day.

The Giving Tree

2010-05-03T21:17:00.002-06:00

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking about that book by Shel Silverstein. It's true that's a good book, but this "giving tree" is way better. It's a gift from my most wonderful sister and friend.

Here's how it works—whenever your spirit is droopy, pick one of the leaves and read the gift of words on it. It will brighten your day and possibly make you cry (happy tears).

Here's my beautiful tree on my favorite shelf.

You can't see from the picture what's written on the leaves. Here are a couple of examples from my tree —"I love you more than Ben & Jerry's" – "Motherhood suits you" – "You were born to sing."

My tree makes me smile. Thanks, seester!

And lookout my blogging friends. You just might be getting your own giving tree.

My Birthday Wishes

2010-04-26T06:49:00.001-06:00

Today is my birthday. I'm not announcing it to the world so that everyone will send me well wishes or gifts. Actually, I'm announcing it because I've decided that instead of presents I want something else for my birthday.

And you can help me with it.

I want everyone to perform random acts of kindness
today – for my birthday. It can be weeding part of your neighbor's flower beds. It can be sending a card to someone you've been thinking of. It can be smiling at the ornery clerk. It can be writing a note to your children and sticking it in their lunchbox. It can be any act of kindness given to someone else.

The next thing I want you to do is leave a comment telling me what it is you've done—not to boast about all of the kindness you showed today, but because my love language is words, I want to hear about what you've done. It will make my birthday the best I've ever had.

So . . . what are you waiting for? Go show someone how kind you are!

And don't forget to come back and share it with me.

A Wise Man Said . . .

2010-04-13T09:43:00.001-06:00

"…to every man [and woman] there comes… that special moment when [they are] figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a special thing unique to [them]… what a tragedy if that moment finds [them] unprepared or unqualified for [that]which [could have been their] finest hour." –Winston Churchill

I found this quote on an amazing woman's blog. If you are interested in reading her story, go here. You will be inspired.

Are you ready to be tapped on the shoulder? Have you qualified yourself for your finest hour?

This quote got me thinking about what I'm to be preparing and qualifying for. I know what it is, but am I working towards it? Or am I sitting on my backside doing nothing? Don't I want to be prepared for my finest hour? Of course I do. So, what do I need to be doing to ready myself?

I know one thing. I best get busy.

What special thing is unique to you? What is it that you are to prepare for? What is to be your finest hour? Are you ready?

Deeper Thoughts

2010-04-09T17:21:00.001-06:00

In commemoration of my Deep Thoughts post and Jack Handey (in whom I find great humor), and in relation to how I have been feeling lately (becoming a hermit and completely avoiding the blogging world, facebook, my phone, all people/animals/plants, etc.), I have re-written Jack Handey's beautiful and humorous deep thought to reflect myself and my personal situation.

*sigh* Here goes:

I remember that fateful day when my would-be agent took me aside. I knew what was coming. "You don't have to tell me," I said. "You're rejecting me, aren't you? I'm off the (insert name of literary agency here) team, aren't I?"

"Well," said Coach, "You never were really on the team. You wrote that sad excuse for a manuscript, and pawned it off as the next best seller. You show up at our office every day begging us to sign you and then either follow us to the restroom pitching lame ideas, or you try to ask us to read your work at inappropriate times."

It was all true what he was saying. And yet, I thought, something is brewing inside the head of this agent. He sees something in me, some kind of raw talent that he can mold. But that's when I saw the rejection stamp land on my manuscript and his index finger point me toward the door.

Deep Thoughts

2010-04-08T16:18:00.002-06:00

I remember that fateful day when Coach took me aside. I knew what was coming. "You don't have to tell me," I said. "I'm off the team, aren't I?"

"Well," said Coach, "You never were really on the team. You made that uniform you're wearing out of rags and towels, and your helmet is a toy space helmet. You show up at practice and then either steal the ball and make us chase you to get it back, or you try to tackle people at inappropriate times."

It was all true what he was saying. And yet, I thought, something is brewing inside the head of this Coach. He sees something in me, some kind of raw talent that he can mold. But that's when I felt the handcuffs go on.

Thank you, Jack Handey. I needed a good laugh today.

More Chances To Win!

2010-03-09T09:13:00.002-07:00

Here's your chance to win a submission/critique with agent Suzie Townsend of FinePrintLit, as well as several other great prizes. Go here to enter. It's easy and will be very worth it!

This is my second post today, so check out my post below. You just might be in it!

More Than Human

2010-03-09T08:32:00.004-07:00

Thanks, Elizabeth for the Humane Blog Award! She said very nice things about me. And I do love her. She's awesome.

I am to pass it along to ten other humane bloggers (warm, kindhearted etc.). Here goes! All of these people fit the criteria for this award perfectly and I sincerely like each and every one of them.

Sara Larson
Ally Condie
Kristi Stevens
Melinda Morley
Carolyn Vawdrey
Julie Donaldson
Julie Dixon
Shelli Johannes-Wells
Jewel Allen
Rachelle Christensen

I hope you are all following my blog so you know you won. And Congratulations to you!

We are more than human. We are humane, humane bloggers that is.

2010-03-04T11:06:00.002-07:00

I absolutely loved Shelli's blog post yesterday. I wanted to re-post it here, but since I don't have her permission, I'm just going to ask you to follow the link to her blog.

It's about lessons learned, and she presents it in such a creative way. It was right on and struck a chord within me. So, what are you waiting for, go check it out! Oh, yeah, don't forget to let me know what you thought.

Thanks for the Scattering

2010-02-24T10:14:00.003-07:00

Thanks Paulette for scattering some sunshine my way.

I could use it. I'm very tired of winter, the cold, the dormant blah landscape. *shiver*

Give me some sunshine. I'm ready to drink it in, close my eyes and lift my face to its radiating warmth. I'm ready to watch the buds on my fruit trees turn to flowering blooms.

Come on sun, scatter some UV rays my way. And green up my world while you're at it, or at least my neighborhood.

Contests! Contests! Come get your contests!

2010-02-16T08:56:00.002-07:00

There have been a lot of blogging contests lately, which have been fun to enter. Here's another one (or two) you should check out.

Elana Johnson is having a contest this week. If you win, you get a query letter critiqued by one of five literary agents! Also, another five winners will receive her book From the Query to the Call as well as a query letter critique from her. And wait, there's more! She's giving away to five additional people a package of all her favorite writing tools. Worth entering, huh? Huh? That's right.

Another contest this week is Shelli at Market My Words. There will be lots of giveaways on this one -- daily and weekly. Plus Shelli has some amazing marketing advice from those who know.

Well, what are you waiting for. Go check them out!

You Can Do Anything You Decide to Do (even if you're a late bloomer)

2010-02-07T13:37:00.009-07:00

"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity . . . You can do anything you decide to do . . ." -- Amelia Earhart

I recently watched the film Amelia. I like films based on actual people and events. This one was a keeper, in my opinion. Amelia was an amazing woman. She was a gentle person with a great amount of courage and strength.

Her first experience with an airplane was when she was ten. She said that the plane was "a thing of rusty wire and wood and not all that interesting."

Her first ride in an airplane occurred when she was about 23 years old. She knew at that point she had to fly. She took her first flying lesson the following January. She owned her first plane within six months.

Although when she first started flying, she did a lot of crashing, she never gave up.

"...decide...whether or not the goal is worth the risks involved. If it is, stop worrying...." -- Amelia Earhart

There were also many people that said she wasn't a very good flyer, but that didn't seem to faze her. She wanted to fly.

". . . it is far easier to start something than it is to finish it." -- Amelia Earhart

She was influential in starting the trend of women wearing trousers. She started organizations for women who wanted to fly. She encouraged women to do whatever it was they wanted to do.

She wasn't exactly a late bloomer, like me, but she didn't know from the time that she was small that flying would be her passion. She was almost 40 when she left on her flight around the world.

I am truly a late bloomer. Always have been, always will be I imagine. But, guess what? I'm not alone. Grandma Moses began painting when she was in her 70's. Julia Child's cookbook wasn't published until she was 49. Laura Ingalls Wilder's first book wasn't published until she was 65. And my first novel was finally finished when I was in my 40's. (If you think I'm telling you my real age, you've got another thing coming.)

If all of these women can do it, so can I. Thanks, Amelia, for your tenacity and perseverance, for your passion and drive and for being the catalyst for teaching me that being a late bloomer is okay.

Devil's Food Cake

2010-02-03T16:01:00.004-07:00

I know. I know. You are starting to wonder about me and my food obsession, but wait! This post isn't about the real cake, it's about Josi Kilpack's new book, Devil's Food Cake.

It is the third book in her culinary mysteries series about sweet Sadie Hoffmiller. She's always getting herself in and out of trouble. I've read the first and second in the series, Lemon Tart and English Trifle and enjoyed both stories.

I am looking forward to Devil's Food Cake's release. It was supposed to be released on March 3, 2010, but according to Josi's blog it's coming out early and should be in bookstores by February 10, 2010.

To read chapter one of Devil's Food Cake, click here. You can find out more about Josi and her other books there also.

To purchase a copy of her newest book, click here.

Mmmmmmm. Treats. I love treats.

2010-01-31T13:11:00.002-07:00

You all must check out these delicious treats. Oh boy, yummy. I would suggest you not enter the contest, but that wouldn't be very nice, so I'll just say, go look at them. You may want to go get a small towel to catch the drool.

A flute playing beatboxer? Really?

2010-01-28T11:48:00.001-07:00

Some people amaze me. Check it out.

Spinning Wheels Go Round and Round

2010-01-26T08:59:00.005-07:00

Do you ever feel like you are moving, but going nowhere?

Three times a week I go to a spinning class at the gym. I sit on a stationary bike and pedal for an hour. The instructor paints pictures in our heads of open roads and 16% grade hills, of drafting and then passing another cyclist, but at the end of the class, we're still sitting in the same room in the same place. The wheels spin wildly, but I don't really go anywhere, except in my head, and possibly to the fridge for a snack when I get home.

My writing feels like it's in a similar place. I keep coming up with new ideas and I keep starting all of these different stories. I plug along at my WIP as the wheels of time continue to spin. But I feel like I'm still sitting on that stationary bike. I've been moving, but not really going anywhere. In my mind, I've pushed myself up hills and through paths surrounded by creeks and trees. I've even crossed the finish line at the end of a race. At the end of the day, however, it's all been in my head. I'm still sitting in the same place.

I have to admit, though, that even though I haven't moved, I've pushed myself hard and my body has responded. My heart rate has improved as well as my muscle tone and endurance.

Just as I've seen progress becoming more physically fit, I've seen an improvement in my writing and will soon complete the first draft of my WIP.

So, though at times I feel like I'm going nowhere, I need only sit back and take a good hard look at the small strides. I might be moving slow, but at least I'm moving.

Is it a cookie or is it art?

2010-01-12T13:29:00.005-07:00

My sister is amazing. She crochets, scrapbooks, reads faster than anyone I know (and I know a few people), cooks amazingly and outsings any female Broadway star I've heard. These are just a few of the things she does. There are so many more. She leaves me in the dust.

Here are some cookies she made for a friend who likes to quilt. Aren't they good?

I'm not sure if I want to frame them or eat them.

Looking Back

2009-12-29T19:48:00.003-07:00

I picture myself walking down a path, lush foliage surrounding me. The path up ahead turns and just before I reach it, I glance behind me. The events of 2009 rise like small clouds of fog before evaporating into the recesses of memory.

The experiences don't linger, but still consume me with emotion.

The relief of finishing my degree. The frustration of a misbehaving fifth grade class. The joy of watching second grade students remember the math I taught them. The pain of injury as I push myself to run one more mile. The peace of sitting in my office with a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter day. The uplifting laughter shared with a friend. My heart beating out of my chest, wondering if I can make it thirty more minutes on the bike. The light in my head that directs my story in the right direction. Discouragement at contests lost and not feeling good enough. The inspired words that came at just the right time. Time spent laying on my bed talking to my children.

I turn forward, concentrating on the path ahead of me. The dissipated clouds of experience strengthen and lift me, giving me the courage to face a new path filled with more experiences of joy, frustration, sadness, discouragement, inspiration and love.

May the experiences of 2009 give you the courage to face head on whatever may come in 2010.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T10:46:00.002-07:00

I am thankful for this time of year and the spirit of peace that accompanies it. I love the sparkling snow (as long as I don't have to drive in it) and the shining lights on Temple Square. I love the music and the anticipation of Christmas morning. I love the time with family and the only light in my living room coming from the Christmas tree. I love the traditions--the sack game, Christmas Bingo, homemade cinnamon knots and hot chocolate to name a few. Most of all I love my Savior. Words cannot express my gratitude for his life and sacrifice as well as the opportunity to celebrate his birth.

May all of you have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

2009-12-11T16:03:00.005-07:00

Never ever ever give up. -- Winston Churchill

I recently saw a fireside given by basketball great, Thurl Bailey. He spoke about life's journey.

Something he said caught my attention. Besides mentioning kindergarten when all the other children came to his knee, he spoke of being in junior high.

He stood at a miniscule six foot four. In seventh grade. All through school he had been teased mercilessly about his height. He decided that if he joined some school clubs that people would overlook his height and concentrate on his involvement in these activities.

He joined nine clubs. And he was excited about this. But . . . not only did he want to join these clubs, he wanted to be the president of all of these clubs.

At the first meeting of each club, he approached all of the other students and told them what a great club this was and told them he thought he'd make a great president. This happened at each of the nine club meetings.

He was voted president of each of the nine clubs.

(You might be questioning the point of my quote at this point. Please hang in there with me, I'm getting to it.)

One day he was walking by the gym and saw a sign that read "Basketball Tryouts" with a day and time posted. He thought, Hey, I'm tall. People are asking me all the time if I play basketball. I could make the basketball team easy. I'll be the team captain. It'll be awesome. So he showed up for tryouts.

He stood heads above all of the other boys trying out, which boosted Thurl's confidence. The coach gave assignments -- dribble the ball, make a layup, etc.

Now remember, Thurl Bailey had never played with a basketball in his life, much less owned one. He didn't even know what a layup was. He had to watch what all of the other boys were doing and attempt to copy them.

The next day he approached the posted list of team members. His name wasn't on it. This devastated him. He was tall. He was the president of nine clubs. Why couldn't he make the basketball team? He hovered over every player.

A year passes. He's in eighth grade. He's still involved in the clubs. He's overcome the devastation and tries out again. Some time in the last year he got a basketball. He's more confident. He's ready. He's six foot nine. He'll make it for sure this year.

Tryouts came and went. He approached the posted list of team members. Again, his name wasn't on the list.

He practiced playing basketball. The next year, as a freshman in high school, he tried out again. This time he could make a layup. He approached the typewritten posted list. Some boys were walking away, heads hanging. Some were giving high fives. The names of the team members were listed in alphabetical order. His name wasn't listed under the B's. He scanned the list until he reached the end of the names. There, at the bottom, handwritten in pencil was Thurl Bailey's name. He looked to the boys surrounding him. "Did you write my name on this list?" Denial all around.

He had made the team. It wasn't varsity, but he did end up playing for the varsity team. He jokes that he was a starter. He got to tip the jump ball to a teammate. Then he was immediately taken out. Eventually he played more for his team and received numerous offers to play for several colleges.

I was inspired by his determination to never give up. It didn't matter that he didn't make the team two years in a row. It didn't matter that he only played to tip in the ball. He found he loved the game and wouldn't give up until he had accomplished his goals. He played professionally for 15 years before retiring.

If he can reach his goals and dreams without giving up, so can I. So can you.

So don't ever ever EVER give up.

You mean I won?

2009-10-12T13:58:00.003-06:00

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

2009-09-30T20:38:00.004-06:00

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

2009-09-21T09:44:00.002-06:00

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!

2009-09-14T10:37:00.004-06:00

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

2009-09-08T20:19:00.006-06:00

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

2009-07-23T08:01:00.000-06:00

--Performed by Corey Vidal, Vocals by Moosebutter

The Glass Castle

2009-07-20T14:34:00.004-06:00

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.

Things I've Learned

2009-07-06T09:46:00.005-06:00

I like to run. I've always liked to run. But I haven't done any running for a long time. I wanted to get back into shape , so I started walking. Then I decided to train for a 5K. I'd already been walking about 4 1/2 miles. I started running. I was at one mile after the first week. I was at two miles at the end of the second week. Week three I injured my knee. I could not have been more frustrated. I knew I couldn't run on it. I did strengthening exercises and walked, but that didn't help. Everything I did just aggravated it. And, quite frankly, I was aggravated with it. All I could do was cry through every workout and shake my fists at the injury gods.

Enough of that. Down to the things I learned:

1) Get a program before you start to train.
2) Don't push your body beyond its ability to healthily respond.
3) Injuries really ____. (Fill in the blank. And remember to watch your language.)
4) Running is the bomb. (Okay, I already knew that, but it's still true.)
5) When you set a goal, there's always someone or something that's more than willing to shoot you down.
6) Don't listen to them/it.

I found out that I strained the bursa something something in my knee and I'm on anti-inflammatories. I have a week to do non-jarring physical activity. If it doesn't get better, I have to get x-rays and possibly never run again. That would really be the pits.

I'm being positive, though. It will get better. I will run again. Even if it kills me.

WIFYR 2009

2009-06-18T09:32:00.002-06:00

I love writing conferences. I get to hang out with my writing friends. I get to learn all kinds of great stuff about writing. I get to network with really cool people. I get to meet new writing friends. And, of course, I get to buy new books. What's not to love about that?

Last week was absolutely fabulous. I spent the entire week at BYU sitting next to Janette Rallison, who I have been stalking for a couple of years now. I'm not sure she appreciated me camping out right next to her. But it certainly worked for me. She is so talented and fun. I learned more than I think my brain can hold and had a couple of moments of epiphany which changed not only me as a person, but changed me as a writer. Best of all, I got to laugh. A lot. I also got to cheer on writing friends as they made incredible strides with their writing careers.

As Mattie would say, it was hdra (hands down rockin' awesome).

Here's some of the pics of my great friends.

I love these people. What can I say more?

Which Character Am I?

2009-06-15T11:33:00.003-06:00

Personality tests. I never take them. I delete and ignore them all. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I don't care what kind of personality I have or who I'm like. But I saw my fab friend, Kristi, post one and decided to take it. Just for the heck of it. And because she said that her character matched her perfectly.

She wasn't kidding when she said hers was right on. That Jane Austen character really does fit her. Well, so does mine. And here she is.

You are Elinor Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are practical, circumspect, and discreet. Though you are tremendously sensible and allow your head to rule, you have a deep, emotional side that few people often see.

Take the Quiz here!

I know you were all wondering which character I was. And now you know.

Not the truck GMC . . . the other one

2009-04-29T21:06:00.003-06:00

My fabulous friend, Karen, let me borrow one of her books a few weeks ago. It talked about goal, motivation and conflict. I learned a lot of great things from that book. It helped me to focus on the right things as I worked on my manuscript. My writing improved because of the things I learned.

Although reading this book was awesome, the real purpose of my post is not just this great book and applying it to my writing, but how I can apply it to my life.

I have a goal. I have a mountain of motivation. My journey has also had tremendous conflict. How am I going to overcome this conflict and accomplish my goal?

The conference this weekend opened up doors for me, giving me the opportunities I needed. I am so grateful for these.

So, thanks to Julie Wright, who totally rocks. Thanks to Julie Bellon, who is the best lunch buddy anyone could ask for. Thanks to my bestest friend, Karen, for, well, everything. Thanks to the incredible table of writers at boot camp. You are awesome! And thanks to my amazing writing friends--among whom are Kristi, Melinda, Jewel and Shanna. Thanks for your friendship and support.

I'm ready to keep my goal in focus and squelch anything that comes that may keep me from accomlishing it.

A Wonderful Surprise

2009-04-15T14:24:00.002-06:00

I came home from school today. Decided to check out my e-mail before I relaxed for a few minutes and found this. Most of you have probably seen it already, but if you haven't it's worth a look-see.

It wouldn't let me embed it, but here's the link. I love to see Piers and Simon blown out of the water. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY