"All our life, so far as it has definite form, is but a mass of habits" William James 1892
What is a habit? Why do habits even exist?
Does something cause a habit? Are we able to change or cure one?
Routines and their importance are a part of the whole equation.
Read the powerful book: The Power of Habit Why We Do What We do in Life and Business
by Charles Duhigg Random House Publishing 2012
Simple but complex book for people always wondering how things happen even when you haven't given it a second thought. Example: We lock the door to the house, drive away and only than wonder if the door is locked.
Read it on your Nook or Kindle. Better yet- pick up a copy at the local bookstore.
10.10.2012
10.02.2012
Proud. Brave. Waiting.
Reading is Bipartisan
Don't Forget, God Bless our Troops by Jill Biden is a must read to all children. The illustrations by Raul Colon are priceless. Reading is bipartisan when you curl up in bed with a good book to read to a child.
To Natalie, a five year old, a year of her life seems forever as she waits for her dad to return from his military tour overseas. You feel her struggle being strong for her brother and her bravery with friends. Remember, we have children all over the country waiting for a parent to come home.
It's an election year. Make your Vote Count.
As an American citizen, the right to vote is an honor. Vote your choice after learning the facts.
Know where each candidate stands on war. Both men support our troops but where do they stand on the conflicts happening around the world? Do they plan to use diplomacy to avert more conflict?
Let's end the sadness of a child waiting day after day.
Don't Forget, God Bless our Troops by Jill Biden is a must read to all children. The illustrations by Raul Colon are priceless. Reading is bipartisan when you curl up in bed with a good book to read to a child.
To Natalie, a five year old, a year of her life seems forever as she waits for her dad to return from his military tour overseas. You feel her struggle being strong for her brother and her bravery with friends. Remember, we have children all over the country waiting for a parent to come home.
It's an election year. Make your Vote Count.
As an American citizen, the right to vote is an honor. Vote your choice after learning the facts.
Know where each candidate stands on war. Both men support our troops but where do they stand on the conflicts happening around the world? Do they plan to use diplomacy to avert more conflict?
Let's end the sadness of a child waiting day after day.
9.25.2012
Mean Machines
In 1939, Virginia Lee Burton, well known author of the children's book Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel never knew her story would still be available and read to young children in the year of 2012. The success of a boy and his machine working together.
An oldie but goodie!
Now we can pick up the "must have" books by Chris Gall. The stories of Dinotrux and Revenge of the Dinotrux are for kids of all ages..
Written in 2009, Dinotrux swings into action with big mean machines ruling the Earth. Machines doing their mighty job with the CAN DO attitude.Kids, ages 3-7, can learn about different kinds of machines from their neighborhood. Part-truck and part-dino, each creature comes alive page by page.
Now available in paperback.
9.14.2012
How Do It Happen?
Where does the time go?
How can the days in a week turn out to be so short? Not short as in total number of minutes or hours but short in "as where did the time go?" and "can't believe the week is over." We spend years of our lives in a job out of the home that we love. Oh how the days go so slow as we talk around the water cooler. We get to a phrase in our lives - now everyday and every week goes by as a whiz or whirl.
I'm rambling, right? Yes, but we are free to do that in our busy, get it done, hurry up world.
I wish I had more time to sit, type and explain. Got to run.
So... I'm going to post twice a week and put myself on a schedule. Why? I work best from a schedule. More to come.
How can the days in a week turn out to be so short? Not short as in total number of minutes or hours but short in "as where did the time go?" and "can't believe the week is over." We spend years of our lives in a job out of the home that we love. Oh how the days go so slow as we talk around the water cooler. We get to a phrase in our lives - now everyday and every week goes by as a whiz or whirl.
I'm rambling, right? Yes, but we are free to do that in our busy, get it done, hurry up world.
I wish I had more time to sit, type and explain. Got to run.
So... I'm going to post twice a week and put myself on a schedule. Why? I work best from a schedule. More to come.
8.22.2012
Potential Opportuntiy
Have you heard of The Institute of Children's Literature? Founded in 1969 in West Redding, Connecticut, it offers writing home study courses. Institute instructors teach children's writing through written correspondence with their assigned student. Information and responses by the instructor guides writing development from a beginner writing level through the potential submission of a manuscript. Resources to support growth in writing are readily available if the student seeks them out. No endorsement here but worth checking out!
My time with the Institute is over after almost two years. Special thanks to instructor, Marcia Amidon Lusted for her friendly letters of encouragement and honest critiques of monthly assignments.
Writing fiction/nonfiction articles for a children's magazine with my new learned knowledge is anticipated. Actuality of being published something to look towards. Anticipated rejection from publishers seems part of the business. Reality of debut author-a dream!
My time with the Institute is over after almost two years. Special thanks to instructor, Marcia Amidon Lusted for her friendly letters of encouragement and honest critiques of monthly assignments.
Writing fiction/nonfiction articles for a children's magazine with my new learned knowledge is anticipated. Actuality of being published something to look towards. Anticipated rejection from publishers seems part of the business. Reality of debut author-a dream!
8.21.2012
ReadingPal
"We so strongly believe that the future of our state rests in the hands and minds of our youngest that we have personally contributed to the launching of ReadingPals--an early literacy initiative in ten Florida regions. Our goal is to ensure that more children are reading at grade level by the end of
third grade." Carol Barnett
Reading Pal Program
A three year initiative sponsored by The Children's Movement and United Way that focuses on engaging,training and deploying volunteer "reading pals" for children at local schools. Tampa is one of the ten regions for this program.
Looking forward as a volunteer to interact with kids in the schools. Can only assist writing craft as reading and writing, go hand in hand. New direction in new chapter.
third grade." Carol Barnett
Reading Pal Program
A three year initiative sponsored by The Children's Movement and United Way that focuses on engaging,training and deploying volunteer "reading pals" for children at local schools. Tampa is one of the ten regions for this program.
Looking forward as a volunteer to interact with kids in the schools. Can only assist writing craft as reading and writing, go hand in hand. New direction in new chapter.
8.17.2012
Summer Delights
"The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair." Mary Heaton Vorse
"Don't say the old lady screamed-bring her on and let her scream." Mark Twain
"Find out what your hero or heroine wants, and when he or she wakes up in the morning, just follow him or her all day." Ray Bradbury
The summer reading list is shorter.
My reasons and I'm sticking to them.
* hot, humid and rainy afternoons
* putting "butt in chair"
* reading late into the evening (all night,too)
* letting dust settle on the furniture
I found new characters with personalities that could be loved and hated chapter by chapter. Settings that makes one gasp, giggle and yawn. Adventure, lost hope, and discovery of self. Books that spoke to me at every turn.
Go forth and read. You owe it to yourself. Make it happen.
"Don't say the old lady screamed-bring her on and let her scream." Mark Twain
"Find out what your hero or heroine wants, and when he or she wakes up in the morning, just follow him or her all day." Ray Bradbury
The summer reading list is shorter.
My reasons and I'm sticking to them.
* hot, humid and rainy afternoons
* putting "butt in chair"
* reading late into the evening (all night,too)
* letting dust settle on the furniture
I found new characters with personalities that could be loved and hated chapter by chapter. Settings that makes one gasp, giggle and yawn. Adventure, lost hope, and discovery of self. Books that spoke to me at every turn.
Go forth and read. You owe it to yourself. Make it happen.
8.13.2012
School Days
Children waiting at school bus stops. Schoolhouses full of eager new teachers. College bound 'kids' going away for the first time. Kindergartners with first day jitters and mid-grade students in their new 'diva outfits'. The million of dollars in sales of school supplies. School days are here.
Two exciting books for sharing with kids during reading time or homework time.
From author Mac Barnett with wonderful illustration by Dan Santat.
Stories for the youngster in each of us!
www.macbarnett.com
www.dantat.com
www.Hyperionbooksforchildren.com
OH NO! (OR HOW MY SCIENCE PROJECT DESTROYED THE WORLD)
2010 Disney Hyperion Books New York, NY
OH NO! NOT AGAIN! (OR HOW I BUILT A TIME MACHINE TO SAVE THE STORY) (OR AT LEAST MY HISTORY GRADE)
2012 Disney Hyperion Books New York, NY
Enjoy!
Two exciting books for sharing with kids during reading time or homework time.
From author Mac Barnett with wonderful illustration by Dan Santat.
Stories for the youngster in each of us!
www.macbarnett.com
www.dantat.com
www.Hyperionbooksforchildren.com
OH NO! (OR HOW MY SCIENCE PROJECT DESTROYED THE WORLD)
2010 Disney Hyperion Books New York, NY
OH NO! NOT AGAIN! (OR HOW I BUILT A TIME MACHINE TO SAVE THE STORY) (OR AT LEAST MY HISTORY GRADE)
2012 Disney Hyperion Books New York, NY
Enjoy!
8.10.2012
Day Tripper
Oh, for the public library. Opportunity to write for one hour. The words come fast. My hand moving the pen over the paper to get them down. One great hour of true bliss.
On my way out, I pick up a new novel and several picture books for the weekend.
Humor is good for the soul. I laugh when I get home and open my bag on the dining room table.
Why did I pick up the DVD- Mr. Toad's Wild Ride ?
I am planning to take a trip to Hawaii. Any connection?
The novel Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen
The RNC in Tampa beginning Aug. 27. From fancy parties to zealous protesters, leaving town is a great option to keep the faith in politics and peace of mind.
Children's picture books: Think Big by Liz Garton Scanlon, OK GO by Carin Berger and Hand Book by Jeff Newman (49, 79 and 45 words respectively)
Short easy books for my cluttered mind
Five bookmarks
Why only five? I usually get a handful.
Six pamphlets on events coming to the library soon.
See Jane run. See Dick run. See Spot run.
No, not today. No, not tonight.
I love the public library. Support your favorite librarian. Go for a visit. See what you bring home.
On my way out, I pick up a new novel and several picture books for the weekend.
Humor is good for the soul. I laugh when I get home and open my bag on the dining room table.
Why did I pick up the DVD- Mr. Toad's Wild Ride ?
I am planning to take a trip to Hawaii. Any connection?
The novel Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen
The RNC in Tampa beginning Aug. 27. From fancy parties to zealous protesters, leaving town is a great option to keep the faith in politics and peace of mind.
Children's picture books: Think Big by Liz Garton Scanlon, OK GO by Carin Berger and Hand Book by Jeff Newman (49, 79 and 45 words respectively)
Short easy books for my cluttered mind
Five bookmarks
Why only five? I usually get a handful.
Six pamphlets on events coming to the library soon.
See Jane run. See Dick run. See Spot run.
No, not today. No, not tonight.
I love the public library. Support your favorite librarian. Go for a visit. See what you bring home.
8.02.2012
Lots of Its
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." Pablo Picasso
"Cultivate the inner self; its power becomes real." Lao-Tzu
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always try just one more time." Thomas Edison
Thoughts, Ideas, Inspirational moments
Talk about it ....
Use a friend as a sounding board to make it real.
Think about it...
Quiet, peaceful moments to relish the what it is.
Write about it...
Journal, draw, create with it.
Don't get down about it...
Whatever it may be; its okay, work with it.
Reality check it...
Will it really work or does it need revisiting?
Move it and shake it...
Change a word, add a paragraph, sleep on it, dream.
Give thanks for it? Or not? It belongs to you!
"Cultivate the inner self; its power becomes real." Lao-Tzu
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always try just one more time." Thomas Edison
Thoughts, Ideas, Inspirational moments
Talk about it ....
Use a friend as a sounding board to make it real.
Think about it...
Quiet, peaceful moments to relish the what it is.
Write about it...
Journal, draw, create with it.
Don't get down about it...
Whatever it may be; its okay, work with it.
Reality check it...
Will it really work or does it need revisiting?
Move it and shake it...
Change a word, add a paragraph, sleep on it, dream.
Give thanks for it? Or not? It belongs to you!
7.27.2012
Kick in the Butt
Inspiration and Motivation?
The heat of the day is stifling and the humidity makes your hair cling to your neck. The music on the radio lift your spirits as you drive down Hummingbird Lane. The name of the street inspires you to stop the car, pull over, whip out your journal and write the final pages of your novel.
OR NOT!
You begin to think of ways you've been motivated in the past few months.
Dr. Oz motivating you to eat right.
Oprah, who expects you to have self esteem and inspire others.
The threat of the job loss if you don't play your cards correctly.
Diet newsletters like Weight Watchers and MRC encouraging you to lose weight.
Articles in a magazine like Real Simple that want to keep you organized in everyday life. What a concept? Room in a closet for more stuff when your done cleaning.
OR
Is it in a hammock feeling lazy with a margarita and a good book?
The heat of the day is stifling and the humidity makes your hair cling to your neck. The music on the radio lift your spirits as you drive down Hummingbird Lane. The name of the street inspires you to stop the car, pull over, whip out your journal and write the final pages of your novel.
OR NOT!
You begin to think of ways you've been motivated in the past few months.
Dr. Oz motivating you to eat right.
Oprah, who expects you to have self esteem and inspire others.
The threat of the job loss if you don't play your cards correctly.
Diet newsletters like Weight Watchers and MRC encouraging you to lose weight.
Articles in a magazine like Real Simple that want to keep you organized in everyday life. What a concept? Room in a closet for more stuff when your done cleaning.
OR
Is it in a hammock feeling lazy with a margarita and a good book?
7.23.2012
Wait a Minute
Where does the time go in the summer?
My list of summer reads keeps getting longer and longer. Why? How?
I think I know! Does this happen to you day after day?
The big box bookstore with the best coffee and thousands of books sits next to the mall. I can't resist the urge to stop, browse and buy more books. Oh, instead of $100.00 a pop, I have it under control - only $25.00 - $30.00 at the checkout. On to the mall and quickly get the "must have" dress for the party. I rush to my car knowing the bag full of books is in the car, drive home, with a plan to read all night. Didn't happen-golly jeez!
I pass the library as I rush to the gocery store. I stop, rush through the double doors thinking to myself, What's a half hour of book bliss? Children books, YA, large print adult books, magazines and so much more. Using my card, I check out a dozen children picture books to study for plot, characters and setting. Now I wait for the rainy afternoon-it happens most afternoon in Florida. Didn't rain!
Drinking a cup of tea with honey, I think of all the other places books can be found in my daily life.The museum store where I docent, my local independent bookstore and the books already collecting dust on my bookshelf. Not a good time!
Oh, joy, bliss, heaven, its time to read!
Which one comes first?
mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
The Kissing List by Stephanie Reents
Fifty Shades Darker E.L. James
What is on your list? How much time do you give to yourself to indulge in a book?
My list of summer reads keeps getting longer and longer. Why? How?
I think I know! Does this happen to you day after day?
The big box bookstore with the best coffee and thousands of books sits next to the mall. I can't resist the urge to stop, browse and buy more books. Oh, instead of $100.00 a pop, I have it under control - only $25.00 - $30.00 at the checkout. On to the mall and quickly get the "must have" dress for the party. I rush to my car knowing the bag full of books is in the car, drive home, with a plan to read all night. Didn't happen-golly jeez!
I pass the library as I rush to the gocery store. I stop, rush through the double doors thinking to myself, What's a half hour of book bliss? Children books, YA, large print adult books, magazines and so much more. Using my card, I check out a dozen children picture books to study for plot, characters and setting. Now I wait for the rainy afternoon-it happens most afternoon in Florida. Didn't rain!
Drinking a cup of tea with honey, I think of all the other places books can be found in my daily life.The museum store where I docent, my local independent bookstore and the books already collecting dust on my bookshelf. Not a good time!
Oh, joy, bliss, heaven, its time to read!
Which one comes first?
mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
The Kissing List by Stephanie Reents
Fifty Shades Darker E.L. James
What is on your list? How much time do you give to yourself to indulge in a book?
7.18.2012
Membership Counts
The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is a professional international organization for writers and illustrators of children's literature. Visit the website: www.scbwi.org to find a calendar of events, regional information and other resources. Become a member and have special access to the latest publications, and the discussion boards where you can participate in the SCBWI online community.
SCBWI writing craft workshops at a regional conference can help a writer kick up their manuscript a notch. Members have the opportunity to meet authors, editors and agents on a personal basis. Networking with others is motivating and reflects the true professionals in the business.
SCBWI members reach out to each other, learn from each other and share successes.
How do I know? As an SCBWI member for over three years, I met debut authors in Miami (regional) and at the New York conference. Authors sharing advice and suggestions that made their book a reality. Their vision, intense efforts, time management, revisions, edits, marketing plan and just plain sheer determination.
Made me a believer - Dream big, develop writing craft, work hard and persevere.
SCBWI writing craft workshops at a regional conference can help a writer kick up their manuscript a notch. Members have the opportunity to meet authors, editors and agents on a personal basis. Networking with others is motivating and reflects the true professionals in the business.
SCBWI members reach out to each other, learn from each other and share successes.
How do I know? As an SCBWI member for over three years, I met debut authors in Miami (regional) and at the New York conference. Authors sharing advice and suggestions that made their book a reality. Their vision, intense efforts, time management, revisions, edits, marketing plan and just plain sheer determination.
Made me a believer - Dream big, develop writing craft, work hard and persevere.
7.16.2012
Comfort Zone
Where Do You Sit On The Fence?
Think new ideas, be visionary, a beginner of random chaos. Make a friend, read a book from your favorite author or better yet, a debut author. Run in the rain, sing in the shower and smile at your boss. Attend a lecture on a subject you know nothing about. Any joy you wish you could be doing. Let the thing surprise everyone around you. Something new!
BUT don't forget! Be there for an elderly relatives birthday, reread that treasured old book, sit on an over sized sofa to dream. Remember your favorite day over ten years ago. The very thing that may surprise you. Be comfortable. Something old!
:
When I learn something new-and it happens everyday-I feel a little more at home in the universe, a little more comfortable in the nest. Bill Moyers A World of Ideas
Think new ideas, be visionary, a beginner of random chaos. Make a friend, read a book from your favorite author or better yet, a debut author. Run in the rain, sing in the shower and smile at your boss. Attend a lecture on a subject you know nothing about. Any joy you wish you could be doing. Let the thing surprise everyone around you. Something new!
BUT don't forget! Be there for an elderly relatives birthday, reread that treasured old book, sit on an over sized sofa to dream. Remember your favorite day over ten years ago. The very thing that may surprise you. Be comfortable. Something old!
 |
:
When I learn something new-and it happens everyday-I feel a little more at home in the universe, a little more comfortable in the nest. Bill Moyers A World of Ideas
7.15.2012
Blank Canvas
"It's so fine and yet so terrible to stand in front of a blank canvas." Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) French Postimpressionist artist
For the writers and artists who look out a picture window on a Sunday morning to see blue sky, void of clouds, and steam coming off the road. A picture to become part your canvas as you create your story line.
Writing, hour after hour, the sky fills with puffy grey clouds and a thunderstorm threatens.
The canvas changes, as does the scene within the story.
The setting, plot, characters ebb and flow.
No blank canvas, no writers block, bliss at the keyboard. Oh happy day!
For the writers and artists who look out a picture window on a Sunday morning to see blue sky, void of clouds, and steam coming off the road. A picture to become part your canvas as you create your story line.
Writing, hour after hour, the sky fills with puffy grey clouds and a thunderstorm threatens.
The canvas changes, as does the scene within the story.
The setting, plot, characters ebb and flow.
No blank canvas, no writers block, bliss at the keyboard. Oh happy day!
7.10.2012
Before Her Time
 |
| New chapter in life |
In 1850-1856, living in London, she developed herself as a writer of essays and as a contributing editor of The Westminister Review a political journal, she wrote of the need for realism not trivial romance fluff in women's storytelling.
In 1858, she took the male pen name George Eliot to protect her private life and be ensured her works would be taken seriously. Women writers were not uncommon but she wanted to stand out as she developed her novels.
Some of her literacy works include Adam Bede (1859), The Mill on the Floss (1860), and Middlemarch (1871-72) and Daniel Dermonda (1876).
In 1880, at the age of 61, she fell ill and died of kidney disease. In 1980, a century later, a memorial stone was established for her in the Poets Corner of Highgate Cemetery in London.
Which brings me to writing of Mary Anne Evans aka George Eliot today.
She was a women of her time, however, knew she wanted to give women a stronger position in a man's world. Her writings would tell stories of influence, power, religion and politics similar to a Greek tragedy. She is well known for her quote, "it's never too late to be what you might have been," leads me to believe in her final years as a writer she had more to share with world.
In the right times, could she have been our first women president? a secretary of state? a prime minister? a queen of her country?
7.05.2012
Come Over to My Place
The Fourth of July fireworks---innovative and refreshing. The sparkle, flash, and sizzle awakened brand new story thoughts. Multi-colors twisting and swirling with the west breeze. Designs exciting youngsters and the young at heart.
Get ready! My new web site coming your way. Working with Donna Farrell, my very own web site will be up and running soon. A new home for inspirational thoughts, links, blogs, kid projects, book sharing, author notes, and more. Stay tuned.
7.04.2012
The red, white and blue
Happy birthday, America! 
Flash from the fireworks, splash in the pool, sing America the Beautiful!
A fun-filled day across this great land!
Flash from the fireworks, splash in the pool, sing America the Beautiful!
A fun-filled day across this great land!
6.26.2012
Turn the Light Bulb On - Energize
If your in the business of educating, from elementary to college level, , you have heard of the STEM programs. Science,Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum for students to advance their learning in one, two or all of the areas. The future looks bright in America for our students.
Link: http://stemfriday.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/stem-friday/ to find children books by Nomad Press and learn more about STEM Friday.
Let me know if you use any of these books in your summer school and/or science camps this summer. Create a STEM Friday.
Further readings to expand your science quota for the day:
Ocean Commotion: Life on the Reef by Janeen Mason Pelican Publishing Gretna, LA 2010
Sea Turtle Summer by Nancy Stewart Bella and Britt Beach Series Guardian Angel Publishing St Louis MO 2011
http://www.GuardianAngelPublishing.com
http://www.nancystewartbooks.com
Link: http://stemfriday.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/stem-friday/ to find children books by Nomad Press and learn more about STEM Friday.
Let me know if you use any of these books in your summer school and/or science camps this summer. Create a STEM Friday.
Further readings to expand your science quota for the day:
Ocean Commotion: Life on the Reef by Janeen Mason Pelican Publishing Gretna, LA 2010
Sea Turtle Summer by Nancy Stewart Bella and Britt Beach Series Guardian Angel Publishing St Louis MO 2011
http://www.GuardianAngelPublishing.com
http://www.nancystewartbooks.com
6.23.2012
Rainy Day Readings
Books for Rainy Summer Days
So many great summer reads highlighted in magazines and Sunday newspapers. Which one do I pick to read first? One book came to haunt me as I read the reviews on WILD by Cheryl Strayed.
WILD is a memoir about death of a parent and how it changed the writer/daughter/wife role of Ms. Strayed, the author. As I started the book, the thought of hiking the Pacific Trail from Mexico to Canada sounded crazy. Not because a single women did this alone (we can achieve whatever we set our minds to) but the sheer commitment to months in the wilderness is too Wild for me.
BUT the first chapter had me crying. The grief from the death of her mother and recent reality of the death of my father, who died of cancer in September 2012. The two of them, different in age yet, thirty five days from discovery of cancer to death.
A big question swelled out from my heart: Will we ever find a cure for the many type of cancers? Not many of us can say we don't know someone with cancer OR know someone who has died from cancer. Is it the preservatives in food? effects from war zone chemical exposures? BGH (bovine growth hormone)? How many things can you name that may be causing cancer?
Pick up this book.... It is a great summer read!
Also, pick up or order online the book- The Triggering Town lectures and essays on poetry and writing by Richard Hugo W.W. Norton & Company New York 1979
Poetry can help a writer become a better writer but does a writer become a better writer with or without being a reader? Pick up the book and share the view points of the author or NOT!
Another Great summer read for writers and authors!
So many great summer reads highlighted in magazines and Sunday newspapers. Which one do I pick to read first? One book came to haunt me as I read the reviews on WILD by Cheryl Strayed.
WILD is a memoir about death of a parent and how it changed the writer/daughter/wife role of Ms. Strayed, the author. As I started the book, the thought of hiking the Pacific Trail from Mexico to Canada sounded crazy. Not because a single women did this alone (we can achieve whatever we set our minds to) but the sheer commitment to months in the wilderness is too Wild for me.
A big question swelled out from my heart: Will we ever find a cure for the many type of cancers? Not many of us can say we don't know someone with cancer OR know someone who has died from cancer. Is it the preservatives in food? effects from war zone chemical exposures? BGH (bovine growth hormone)? How many things can you name that may be causing cancer?
Pick up this book.... It is a great summer read!
Also, pick up or order online the book- The Triggering Town lectures and essays on poetry and writing by Richard Hugo W.W. Norton & Company New York 1979
Poetry can help a writer become a better writer but does a writer become a better writer with or without being a reader? Pick up the book and share the view points of the author or NOT!
Another Great summer read for writers and authors!
6.15.2012
Take a Risk
Motivation to Write
Its not the answer that enlightens us, but the question. Eugene IonescoWhen the time is ripe, the vision will come. Joyce Rupp
The desire to write, "feel" the characters, and develop the story may not come easy.
What works on a good day for some, isn't the answer for the rest of us.
Try these:
- Stay excited about the possibilities- Let your imagination wander
- Change what you can- Let go of those things you can't change.
- Take a risk - Believe in yourself; be confident; take action
- Enjoy the Ride - Search your inner creative spark
- Never reach your destination - Success comes to those that wait and find answers.
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in uncommon hours. Henry David Thoreau
6.12.2012
Sitting on a park bench at the American Playground, a sign on a small bookstore across the street caught my eye. How could I not visit?
WORD Bookstore- WWW.WORDBROOKLYN.COM
WORD's well-curated collection of children's books is awesome!
An independent, community bookstore for literary-minded people in Greenpoint, BK. Eighteen independently-owned businesses (including WORD) are located on Franklin Street.
Take the G train to Greenpoint Ave. and Manhattan Ave., come to the street level, walk one block towards the East River OR take the East River Ferry to Greenpoint on a warm summer day.
6.06.2012
Flying Leap
And the time came when the risk to remain a closed bud became infinitely more painful
than the risk to blossom. - Anais Nin
Running in a road race, I train for hours and days. My strategy - Just finish the 5K (3.1 miles).
Not a far distance considering marathoners run 26 miles in a race.
This writer can't imagine going farther than 3.1 miles. I dress the part, lace up the shoes and grab a bottle of water. Out the door and within ten minutes, I want to walk. Not yet, keep going. I turn the Ipod louder. The song, Wrecking Ball by Bruce Springsteen, pounding in my ears as my feet hit the pavement. Keep going! Just Do It!
Practice over, race day on!.
Guess what, I do finish!
Writing stories that people want to read reminds me of running a road race. I get your coffee in the morning, sit at my desk, and open the story that needs revision. Ten minutes of writing, sip more coffee and stare at the black print on the page. Now my strategy kicks in - turn the Ipod louder and keep going. Keep going! Just do it!
Written drafts with revision on lots of stories. Guess what, I haven't finished!
Practice keeps going... my writing group buddies one day will say, "It's really good, why don 't you start submitting it." - Race day on!
Stay tuned - My next post - Going the distance with writing and maintaining an inner peace.
than the risk to blossom. - Anais Nin
Running in a road race, I train for hours and days. My strategy - Just finish the 5K (3.1 miles).
Not a far distance considering marathoners run 26 miles in a race.
This writer can't imagine going farther than 3.1 miles. I dress the part, lace up the shoes and grab a bottle of water. Out the door and within ten minutes, I want to walk. Not yet, keep going. I turn the Ipod louder. The song, Wrecking Ball by Bruce Springsteen, pounding in my ears as my feet hit the pavement. Keep going! Just Do It!
Practice over, race day on!.
Guess what, I do finish!
Writing stories that people want to read reminds me of running a road race. I get your coffee in the morning, sit at my desk, and open the story that needs revision. Ten minutes of writing, sip more coffee and stare at the black print on the page. Now my strategy kicks in - turn the Ipod louder and keep going. Keep going! Just do it!
Written drafts with revision on lots of stories. Guess what, I haven't finished!
Practice keeps going... my writing group buddies one day will say, "It's really good, why don 't you start submitting it." - Race day on!
Stay tuned - My next post - Going the distance with writing and maintaining an inner peace.
6.04.2012
Do I Need This Conference?
I took to heart the blog written by author, C. Hope Clark www.chopeclark.com, asking this very question.
For two days, when I sat at my desk, I ask myself, "How could the SCBWI regional conference @ Disney EPCOT make a difference on my writing? Did I want to spend the money?"
I had been to the 2011 SCBWI regional conference in Miami. While there, I met new writers I now call friends, found a new writing group, and felt each session had talked right to me.
So without hesitation, I signed up for SCBWI: Disney. Forget the money, it's worth it. It will support and encourage my need to write for children.
To attend an SCBWI conference with debut authors (first time published) is huge. You can feel the happiness in the room. You can feel the relief of the new authors when their book is being held and accepted by other writers/authors.
As a writer, I know my day will come. That first published book will be my pride and joy. Yes, I am paying my dues - writing magazine articles, taking courses, writing draft picture book ideas and attending conferences. It's not just that! It's my writing group buddies, my new found friends and the support of everyone in business.
Conferences are worth their weight in gold. Use them for your need and desire after previewing the daily schedules,intensives and keynote speakers. Make them fun. Learn and network! You never know who you will meet. Go forth! See you on June 16th. I'll be in the Picture Book workshops feeling the love from all present and future published authors.
SCBWI.org
For two days, when I sat at my desk, I ask myself, "How could the SCBWI regional conference @ Disney EPCOT make a difference on my writing? Did I want to spend the money?"
I had been to the 2011 SCBWI regional conference in Miami. While there, I met new writers I now call friends, found a new writing group, and felt each session had talked right to me.
So without hesitation, I signed up for SCBWI: Disney. Forget the money, it's worth it. It will support and encourage my need to write for children.
To attend an SCBWI conference with debut authors (first time published) is huge. You can feel the happiness in the room. You can feel the relief of the new authors when their book is being held and accepted by other writers/authors.
As a writer, I know my day will come. That first published book will be my pride and joy. Yes, I am paying my dues - writing magazine articles, taking courses, writing draft picture book ideas and attending conferences. It's not just that! It's my writing group buddies, my new found friends and the support of everyone in business.
Conferences are worth their weight in gold. Use them for your need and desire after previewing the daily schedules,intensives and keynote speakers. Make them fun. Learn and network! You never know who you will meet. Go forth! See you on June 16th. I'll be in the Picture Book workshops feeling the love from all present and future published authors.
SCBWI.org
5.30.2012
How Easy Is it For You?
The joy of learning a new software program is never on my bucket list. Hours of sitting in front of a computer. Trial and error trying to make the program do what I thought it should do. And that's if I understand what I'm suppose to be doing. Do I get what I wanted on the screen? NO!
Why can't software instruction be like reading a non-fiction children's book?
I pick up the book, open to page one and start to read. By page two or three, I am learning facts, understand the topic and am lost in the book. I love the pictures (no matter how small) and can't put the book down. I read it several times. The bibliography, index, and further reading entices me to read more about the topic. I am "in the know" about the topic.
We need software folks to take education classes/teach training classes. Learn how to provide instructions/directions that people understand. Yes, Chat does help. Yes, feedback does help,too. Just make it simpler to understand up front and this writer will GET IT!
Why can't software instruction be like reading a non-fiction children's book?
I pick up the book, open to page one and start to read. By page two or three, I am learning facts, understand the topic and am lost in the book. I love the pictures (no matter how small) and can't put the book down. I read it several times. The bibliography, index, and further reading entices me to read more about the topic. I am "in the know" about the topic.
We need software folks to take education classes/teach training classes. Learn how to provide instructions/directions that people understand. Yes, Chat does help. Yes, feedback does help,too. Just make it simpler to understand up front and this writer will GET IT!
5.24.2012
Yummy and Wild
Ice Cream Treat
It's hot outside! I'm in a bookstore browsing the children's book area, wishing I had an ice cream cone (instead of the coffee I'm holding). I pick up the book The Ice Cream King by Steven Metzger. Who can pass up a book with a happy boy holding an ice cream cone with many flavors from Thrill Chill ice cream shop? The illustrations by Julie Downing are excellent. Great summer read aloud.
It's hot outside! I'm in a bookstore browsing the children's book area, wishing I had an ice cream cone (instead of the coffee I'm holding). I pick up the book The Ice Cream King by Steven Metzger. Who can pass up a book with a happy boy holding an ice cream cone with many flavors from Thrill Chill ice cream shop? The illustrations by Julie Downing are excellent. Great summer read aloud.
5.17.2012
Some Like It Hot
It could be a hot day, a hot date, a hot dog or a hot topic.
My favorite menu for a hot and steamy summer evening with your oh so special friend.
Hot and spicy salsa with chips
Red sangria with orange and apple slices
Dark stout beer
Garden salad with lettuce (chopped), cucumbers (sliced),
green and yellow peppers (diced), tomato(sliced), apple (slices),
orange (pieces), nuts
Grilled Shrimp on a bed of rice
Fruit salad of watermelon and cantaloupe
Chocolate chip cookies
Have fun and enjoy!
My favorite menu for a hot and steamy summer evening with your oh so special friend.
Hot and spicy salsa with chips
Red sangria with orange and apple slices
Dark stout beer
Garden salad with lettuce (chopped), cucumbers (sliced),
green and yellow peppers (diced), tomato(sliced), apple (slices),
orange (pieces), nuts
Grilled Shrimp on a bed of rice
Fruit salad of watermelon and cantaloupe
Chocolate chip cookies
Have fun and enjoy!
5.14.2012
Day at the Beach
I visit the local beach to relax and feel my inner peace, which I don't get to explore often enough. Soft gentle waves as they slap the shore. The horizon far over the blue-green water as the sun goes down in the evening. Day dreaming about a trip around the globe to far off places like China, Norway, England or in my own back yard, north to Bar Harbor Maine.
A great little book I found in St. Petersburg Florida is A Week at the Beach by Jim and Joanne Hubal. Over 100 things that can inspire, motivate and/or fill your time at the seashore. My favorite is number 52 - Take pictures of your favorite beach smells. Sand, food, heat, water! Seashells, fish on the pier, and suntan lotion come to mind. Let me know what you smell and how you feel on your next visit the beach.
A great little book I found in St. Petersburg Florida is A Week at the Beach by Jim and Joanne Hubal. Over 100 things that can inspire, motivate and/or fill your time at the seashore. My favorite is number 52 - Take pictures of your favorite beach smells. Sand, food, heat, water! Seashells, fish on the pier, and suntan lotion come to mind. Let me know what you smell and how you feel on your next visit the beach.
5.11.2012
Time to Write
Here I sit on a Friday morning starring at my office walls. I tell myself-write, get to work, write. I see my calendar that says May 11. Time to send out that magazine article I've been writing for 2 weeks. My favorite quote by Audrey Hepburn, "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, I'm possible", hangs on my wall glaring at me. I close the window shutters; it's dark. Nothing on the outside world to distract me. Write, I say write. Coffee in one hand; type with the other. Ah! this works. It must be the jolt, the kaboom to get going.Yes, I admit I'm a coffee addict. I do my best writing under the influence of the dark, smokey, rich blends.
5.09.2012
wish you were here
Have you ever visited a place and wanted the world to know about it? A visit to Gulfport FL on the shores of Boca Ciega Bay is my new home away from home. The seafood at Blackfin Blue Cafe is excellent. Enjoy the pork tacos at Peg's Cantina and Brew Pub. Don't forget to order one of the three home brews made on site to go with that taco. Strolling up and down the street on a Friday artwalk, first Friday of each month, you talk with the vendors who truly enjoy their sidewalk gigs. My favorite was last week when I met author Allison Cesario Paton. She is visiting from Maine and had her five books, Mrs.Bundle Mystery Series available. I had to buy one. Visit her at www.mrsbundle.com. An evening in this small town can be topped off with a community play in the Catherine Hickman Theater. Fun for all ages with Gulfport Beach right next to Williams Pier. Take a vacation and visit my little town.
5.04.2012
Q is for Quiet!
A recommended read is the book Quiet by Susan Cain. After reading the first page, I couldn't put it down even as night crept into early morning. Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking sounds so stuffy and too scientific. Not so, with the approach taken by Ms. Cain. Seems everyone has traits of each type-extrovert and introvert. How others perceive us makes a difference from as young as our childhood. It is a great read. Let me know what you think.
5.03.2012
Ready, Set, Go
Blogging made easy! Just follow the steps and you can be ready to go in minutes. Famous last words for this inexperienced blogger. Sitting with author Nancy Stewart for hours learning the process (could it really be this hard), I set up the blog on my own. Now to post, who and where will it end up is the guess. Enjoy! Thank you Nancy, you are an angel! Oh yea, your books published by Guardian Angel Press says it all!
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