Brownies, Dogs, and Choices

Yum! Is there anything better than a delicious chocolatey brownie? Love 'em filled with nuts, chewy or cakelike, icing-ed, or un. In fact, because I love them so-o-o much, I discipline myself . . . baked brownies only now and then. Laugh! So when friend Joyce offered brownies (as a bribe?) if I came with my hubby to a board meeting (ugh!), I tumbled.

Brownies--all I want--while visiting with a friend (attending the boring meeting wasn't required of me). Well, what more could a person ask for? We had a nice visit solving the world's (ours!) problems and discussing our lives and interests for a couple hours. Even got to carry some brownies home with me.

Thank you, Joyce!


Surprise! We've got us a new baby. A 70-some pound baby. A tri-color rough coated collie named Noah. And is he a baby! He thinks he's a lap dog!

I've always loved collies. I guess it came from the stories I read when a child. We read "Champ" and "Lad" and "Lassie Come Home" and other stories that stuck in our hearts. But after Sabre died last September, I thought "no more right now." We've got four dogs and that should be enough for now, even for a multiple acred mini-farm.

Molly -- a chow. Old and spoiled. We were asked to take her for an exgirlfriend of a son, who couldn't care for her anymore.

Mackie -- looks like he's part Boston Terrier. Cute as a button and thinks he runs the place. Found and adopted by Son No. 2, whose got a heart almost as soft as his mom's. How could I tell him no?

Penny -- adopted by hubby. Sigh. She's got papers, is an Irish Setter, untrained and beautiful.

Then you all've heard me tell the tale of Taffy. She adopted us, we have no clue where she came from even after searching. But we love this little look alike to a Jack Russell dearly.

Now, Noah. A big baby full grown collie, that has a tendency to get into fights with other male dogs even though he saw his surgeon early on in his life. Sigh. Is it his personality? Or what? Time will tell. Hopefully, we can work through this.

But no more dogs for now. Five is enough!


American Christian Fiction Writers conference registration begins tomorrow. Yeah! I spent all evening (traveling) trying to decide who and what I wanted for this conference. Want to make the right choices . . . with editors and agents.



Summer's the time to eat outside! I love using my grill. Here's a few grilling hints:

• To test that your gas or charcoal grill is ready to cook on - just take a regular crescent shaped ice cube & place it on the grate. If it melts in 15-20 seconds - it's ready.
• One of our favorite and easiest marinades is Zesty Italian salad dressing. Marinade any chicken cuts, turkey tenderloins, beef kabobs, fish fillets or pork chops in this dressing for 30 or more minutes before you put it on the grill.

Yesterday's trivia answer? 160 gallons! Wow.

An interesting trivia fact about Teresa Slack (our interview-ee for June): She loves cemetaries!

Quote: Success is one thing you can’t pay for. You buy it on the installment plan and make payments every day. -- Unknown

Obituary of the late Mr. Common Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old Friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

• Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
  
• Why the early bird gets the worm;
  
• Life isn't always fair;
  
• Maybe it was my fault.
  

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were
set in place. Reports of a 6 -year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Calpol, sun lotion or a band-aid to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home, and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 3 stepbrothers:

• I Know My Rights,
  
• Someone Else Is To Blame,
  
• and I'm A Victim.
  

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

So sad. Are you weeping yet?

This is a tongue-in-cheek article, but isn't it true? What nonsense we put up with! What ridiculous requirements are pressed upon us! Sure guidelines and rules are needed so that we have NO abused adults and children. Sure, we need to be careful about too much leniency from another person over our children, but what is school for but to train and teach and perhaps provide the means for a child to become a responsible adult? Why can't we protect ourselves--carefully? Are we so dimwitted that we can't make responsible choices?

Enough ranting. Smile.



Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

1. Teresa Slacks' interview coming up June 8th. Learn about her new book soon to be released from the Jenna Creek series.

1. Father's Day Contest June 12 -- 15. Prize? You're going to love it!

Ready for that vacation? Tips to save your sanity:

• Take Baking Soda; dissolve half teaspoon in water and rinse in mouth. Natural soother for toothache.

• Use bubble wrap to wrap breakables.

• (Here's a unique one) Wear old clothes that you want to get rid of. In certain areas, leave in motels for maids--with a note to that effect or find charity shops in poorer sections and donate them. Less baggage to carry home!

Yesterday's Trivia question answer: POV? Point of View (of course).
Have you been keeping up on the whale situation in California? The Mama & her baby that went up the Sacramental River?
Today's question:

How much milk can a nursing whale produce per day?

A. 80 gallons
B. 120 gallons
C. 160 gallons
D. 200 gallons



Quote: Living the truth in your heart without compromise brings kindness into the world. -- 18th Century monk.

Blessings!

Nerves!


Upset stomach.
Trembling hands.
Dread.
Fear.
Unknown people.
Anticipation.
Excitement.
Traveling.
Money.
Meetings.

It's time to talk conference. Writing conference, that is. Registration begins this week and already my stomach is feeling the effects.

Some may very well ask: Is it going to do any good, spending the money and all that time?

Yes.
And no.

More exposure.
A chance to talk to editors again. There were five that showed interest enough to ask me to submit last year. Sigh. And although I've not heard from any I've submitted to -- yet! Remember, it takes them several months (years?) ususally -- if I poke my face in their faces enough, maybe I'll catch their attention. If my writing is good enough. Sigh. Again.
A chance to check out agents again. I might not be quite ready for one, but who knows when I could use a good one. . .
A time to pow wow with other writers. To strengthen my ties with people of my calling. To learn from those in the know--whether editors, agents, authors, or just the unpublished. To receive encouragement and confirmation that, yes, I am doing what I'm suppose to be doing. To wait on God's word to me . . .

Money? Time? Hard Work? Yes to all of it. But is it worth it? Uh huh. Yep. Sure is.



ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Watch for Teresa Slack's interview coming up next week -- June 8th. She's got a new book coming out soon.
   
2. Big Father's Day contest June 12--15th. Keep those eyes peeled!
   

Want to do more, Dad? Here's a few ideas that will make you a definite part:

1. Remember she has to look after the child nearly all day long, and the strain of this can get her down if you don't lend a hand when you get home.

2. Make a point of listening carefully to what your partner has to say about the child and discussing the child with her.

3. Take an equal interest in parents meetings, and in the books and pamphlets that are available.

4. See that you have plenty of family outings so that your child has interesting things to talk about.

Today I'm asking you a "writing" trivia question. See if you know what it means:
POV What do these letters stand for in a writer's world? Here are three answers. Choose one.

1. Person over vexed. (Person -- writer -- stressed out way too much.)
2. People over valued. (Using characters too much.)
3. Point of view. (The way a character reacts, etc.)



Quote:
Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure. -- Edward Eggleston


Blessings

I Salute Our Military!



A mother asked President Bush, "Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"

Another mother asked President Kennedy, "Why did my son have to die in Viet Nam?"

Another mother asked President Truman, "Why did my son have to die in Korea?"

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, by Joe Rosenthal

Another mother asked President F.D. Roosevelt, "Why did my son have to die at Iwo Jima?"

Another mother asked President W. Wilson, "Why did my son have to die on the battlefield of France?"

Gettysburg National Cemetary

Yet another mother asked President Lincoln, "Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"

And yet another mother asked President G. Washington, "Why did my son have to die near Valley Forge?"

Then long, long ago, a mother asked . . . "Heavenly Father, why did my Son have to die on a cross outside of Jerusalem?"

The answers to all these are similar -- "So that others may have life and dwell in peace, happiness and freedom." --unknown


I thought the magnitude and the simplicity of these questions--and the answer--were awesome.



Here are six great hints for ways to honor a military person. Try it and see the look of appreciation on his/her face!

• Frame medals and awards - use curio cabinets or shadow boxes
• Create a tribute to their service - Make a notebook filled with poems and tributes from others
  
• Display their uniform - fold it neatly into a shadow box.
  
• Record their stories - Ask them to share their stories. Your children & grandchildren will thank you!
  
• Wall of memories - Frame pictures, shadow boxes filled with memobilia, flags in shadow boxes, poems. Black and white adds a nice touch.
  
• Notes of appreciation - Ask friends of the military person to write short notes about him and place in a small album. Makes a great gift to the person!
  

And the answer to the trivia question from yesterday (which one person expertly knew) is "Damascus!" Here are a few trivia items about the military. Interesting.

1. How did the military salute originate? Some believe it originated in Roman times when assasinations were common. A citizen who wanted to approach a public official had to raise his hand to prove he not no weapon.
2. What is the silver dollar custom? Probably began in England. It is a custom of great honor. The first enlisted soldier who salutes a newly commissioned lieutenant gets a silver dollar from the grateful officer. It is more than just about the money; it's a sign of respect and a love of duty.
   

A quick reminder: this would be a perfect time to order one of Donna Fleisher's "military" novels. Check out my May 4 blog interview with Donna to get her address.

I was hard pressed to pick a quote for today.
This one gave me goosebumps. My imagination took off thinking of it. How might we apply it to our own lives?

Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding.
Impossible to maneuver.
Situation excellent. I am attacking.
--Ferdinand Foch at the Battle of the Marne

Blessings.

Where in the World Do You Get Your Ideas?



Huh? The world's filled with ideas. I have people all the time ask me that. E-a-s-y! That's what it is to come up with ideas. At least most of the times.

But one of my v-e-r-y favorite way is beginning with titles. Yep. That's it. I love coming up with, or hearing, or reading, or having it jump out at me . . . a title that sounds like it would make for interesting writing.

Take these suggestions:

Behind Door Number One (or Two, Ten, Thirteen, whatever)
Something Stupid
With Music in Their Hearts
The Jungle Path of Love
Raisins for Racy
Winners Take All
The Double-Minded Heart
A Spider Beside Her
All Fall Down
Really, Wily Willie

When you've got a title, you've got all sorts of possibilities in sight. The moon is the limit. Your imagination can run in many different directions.

What type of book do you think of when you read each of the above suggestions?

Take "Behind Door Number . . .": I immediately think of mystery, suspense. What is going on behind that door? A murder? A crime about to be committed? A detective and his personal life?

But then I can think of several other ways that title could be expanded . . . A love scene? A loving family on a snowy night sharing a meal together? A children's adventure story?

Would it be set in modern days or perhaps in a war-torn era? Would it be in historic New York? Or a country village? A spooky setting in a shabby village near a swamp?

Boundless opportunities.

Then, automatically, I think of romance when I read: Something Stupid, The Jungle Path of Love, or With Music in Their Hearts.

But . . . Something Stupid could be a children's story; a clumsy child who constantly wins the laughter of his peers by his "stupid" mistakes.

The Jungle Path of Love (I've actually started this one; grin) is a romance, but it's more. Missionary adventure with danger, is planned for this gem of a title.

With Music in Their Hearts is similar; romance, danger, history, and war is bound up in the pages of this novel--almost done!

So, if you're thinking of becoming a writer; try starting with a catchy title. Let your mind wander, let your imagination soar, and don't be afraid to listen to everyday conversation or things you read.

You just never know when you'll pick up something . . . interesting -- for your next work in progress (wip) (novel)! And it might be the next best seller. Yeah!




Hints! Hints! Hints! More to do with gardening.

1. Put broken egg shells into a watering can, fill with water and leave overnight. This will extract the nutrients making an excellent and cheap plant feed.
2. When planting morning glory seeds, the package directions indicate that you need to nick each one of the seeds to enhance germination. A quick and easy way to accomplish this is with a pair of fingernail clippers. Then place the seeds on a lightly dampened paper towel, fold the towel over and place inside a plastic zipper bag for a day or so before planting.
3. To get rid of ants, locate their hill and sprinkle a liberal amount of talc powder around and on it. The ants dislike the talc and will move their colony several feet. Just continue sprinkling with the talc until the ants are moved to where you want them. Boiling water poured into/onto the nest also works quite well.

What's the answer to yesterday's trivia question? No one knows? Okay, it was Christopher Columbus. Smile. Didn't research deep enough, did you?

Today: What is reputed to be the oldest city in the world?



Quote:
Though I have seen the oceans and mountains, though I have read great books and seen great works of art, though I have heard symphonies and tasted the best foods, there is nothing greater or more beautiful than those people I love. --Christopher de Vinck


Blessings.

Proverbs 31 for TODAY


Hey, this is a paraphrase of the original Proverbs 31. Read on and enjoy!

Who can find a virtuous woman? Her worth is far above a secretary, cleaning woman, or waitress. To her husband, she is worth her weight in gold.

She accepteth her husband as he is and hangeth up pajamas all the days of her life. Her children also rise up and call to her for clean socks.

She taketh pride in keeping her house tidy but her family feeleth it can be "lived in". She decorateth her home in good taste and rearrangeth the furniture in season and out of season.

She girdeth her arms with strength and prepareth the garbage to be taken out.
She also picketh up bicycles and toys lest her children trip over them and gets a gash on them somewhere.

She cooketh ample meals so her family eateth properly, yet she counteth calories and considereth high cholesterol. She runneth not out of bread and milk.

She knoweth not how to raise the hood of an automobile, nor how to check the oil nor how to change a tire, yet she willingly driveth to help decorate for Mother/Daughter banquets, youth banquets, quarterly meetings, pastor's retreats as well as any other scheduled meetings.

She remembereth all birthdays, and anniversaries. She forgetteth not appointments. She reminds her husband and sons about haircuts.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom and saith kind words, as she answereth the telephone spending hours thereon.

She helpeth all in house with their problems. She listeneth to the concerns of her husband as the weather report is given and the soybean,corn and wheat markets bottom out while fuel prices soar.

She considereth her daughter as she frets about a homework page or an upcoming test.

She listens patiently to the detailed description of her 6 year old's date at kindergarten. She also receiveth with a smile that specially colored picture from her 3 year old and does all of this while feeding and changing the baby several times a day.

She willingly fixeth many meals for the many individuals her huband inviteth over for dinner. She faithfully executeth the office of referee in dealing with sibling rivalry.

Glamour is shallow, but a woman who hath personal contact wit GOD hath honorable character. She is the poorest paid worker, YET she is the richest, because she is the most loved . . .



Got the garden fever? Here are a few hints to make your gardening smoother . . .

• Banana skins placed around rose bushes will rot down and provide nutrients.
• When planting seeds in pots, put a wet coffee filter in the bottom of the pot, this will hold in the dirt yet let the water seep out gently.
• To water hanging baskets slowly and gently. Place a handful of ice cubes in the centre of the basket overnight. The cubes will thaw slowly and water the plants.
• Wipe tools with an oily rag before putting them away to keep them in good order for next time.

Today's trivia question:
What explorer brought pigs to North America?

Quote:
The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. --Chinese Proverb


Blessings

The Things I Collect . . .




Music boxes (oldies, new ones, unique ones)

Souvenir cups from states . . . and other interesting ones





Elephants (the ceremic or stuffed variety! Although I must confess to a hankering for a PINK one. Sigh.)



Or should I say, lots of animals . . .

And then . . . I love and collect . . .


Plants (what's to say: I love 'em all! Poor hubby in the spring time! I'm way too tempted.)

Quotes and Sayings (Know any good ones?)




Books (Son One and I vie for flea market, yard sale, and library sale books)

Certain songs

Dust
(Oh, dear,
did I really say that?)

Dirt on my car ( Shamed confession here)





Raise your hand if you LOVE to dust. Ha. I didn't see any hands. Here's a couple of things that will help keep dust at a minimum:

1. Because dampness serves as a breeding ground for mold, mildew, insects & bacteria, try to keep the humidity level between 30% - 50%.
2. Make sure your attic and crawl space is ventilated.
3. Dust, vaccuum, and clean often. Pay attention to carpets, draperies, and bedding.
4. Maintain air conditioning and heating systems.
   
5. Use kitchen and bathroom vents to remove contaminants and moisture.
6. Clean evaporation trays in dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and under refrigerators.
   

Want to answer a few questions? Let me know . . . I'll use your answers on a blog next week.

1. If you had it to do over, would you NOT have any children? (Be honest, now!)
2. What is your most precious memory of being a mother in relationship to your children? Please be specific.
3. Which is hardest: mothering girls or boys? Or if you have only one child, or one or the other, what is the hardest thing about mothering for you?
   

What was the answer to the trivia question from yesterday?
5% of men admit they snore. Till next week . . .

Quote:
One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few. --Anne Morrow Lindbergh


Blessings.

Memos and Sons

Are you tired of reading about Mothers? I hope not, 'cause I've got another one today, partly.

Years ago (ahem, maybe not quite that long ago!) I found this tribute to a woman. I gave it to my mother. I loved it then, and I still do. It's one of my favorite poems with a lot of truth in it. If only I could practice it! Sigh.

Memo for a Lady

Never say again you are old!
Have you considered how much longer
Ago the temple of Diana at Ephesus,
And even Venus? They are old.

And never say you're not attractive.
Remember that for us
Who look deeper than skin
And see your thought flowering
Goldenly as sunflowers, and more tall,
Hear your heart singing sometimes
And feel the warmth of its love,
And join in your laughter often,
You are beautiful.

--Elaine V. Emans

~~~~~~~~~~

And just a peek at those creatures called sons. Aren't they wonderful? and awful! I wanted to share with you parts of their cards to me for Mother's Day. The verses were so precious and just fit with their personalities!

• Son No. One's card: (on the front) God gave me a wonderful mother. (Oooch! Just like him to melt my heart before I'd even opened the thing! (On the inside it goes something like this:

When God chose you as my mother He knew you had wisdom I'd need, your words would guide me through life, you'd help me succeed. He knew you'd be devoted and the love that lived in your heart would make you the best mother for me.

Isn't that sweet? Abbreviated, but that's the gist of it.

• Now take a gander at Son No. 2's card:

It means everything to have grown up in a home that was filled with love and faith in God. It's been a never-ending source of comfort and strength just knowing I'm your child.

Boys! Gotta love 'em. How did Jo March handle so many?




Are you energy conscious? Here are a few hints to help save water! Sure, you may already know them, but sometimes we need reminded. Consider this as your water reminder hint today! Smile.

Take a shower rather than a bath.

Collect rain water for use in the garden.

Don’t run the tap whilst cleaning your teeth.

Only boil as much water as you need when making drinks etc.

This is a fun trivia question; see if you know the answer!
Some 45% of wives say their husbands snore. How many husbands will admit it: (a) 5%; (b) 15%; or (c) 25%?


Quote:
Fame is a bee, it has a song, it has a sting--ah, too, it has a wing. --Emily Dickinson

Big blessings today!

The Road to Success


What causes it to happen?

The end of a rainbow?

A lucky penny?

A penny cast into a wishing well?

The first star seen at night?

Luck?




Or . . .

• Dreaming, then . . .

• hard work

• perseverance

• more hard work

• faith--believing in yourself

• using your abilities, talents, training as much and as well as possible

• believing that its better to have tried and never succeeded, as to never try and wish you had

What is success?

A big career?
Your company listed on Nasdaq?
Many books published? Listed as a best seller?
Fame?
Fortune? Cars, homes, condos, private schools?



Or, is it . . .

• the love of a wife/hubby
• the admiration in your child's eyes
• the simple word of approval from your boss
• that bouquet of flowers as a thank you
• the smile that lights up a face
• freedom to worship
  
• a warm hearth, comfy clothes, those we love about us, a friendly pet, and a song in our heart
• satisfaction at the end of a day that you've done all you can
  

Philippians 4:13 --- I can do all things through

Christ who strengthens me.

The road to success is not straight.

There is a curve called failure,

A loop called confusion,

Speed bumps called friends,

Red lights called enemies,

Caution lights called family.

You will have flats called jobs.

But, if you have a spare called determination,

An engine called perseverance,

Insurance called faith,

A driver called Jesus,

You will make it to a place called Success.

Ach! That, my friends is success!



June will be here before you know it; and that means lots of weddings. Here's a cute idea (if you're creative!) for the bride (or/and groom):

• Begin with an ironing board to be the body of the Maid or Mate.
• Tie an apron with pockets around the middle to make a waist. Fill them with smaller kitchen items, utensils or tools.
• Attach a plunger on one side of the back of the ironing board as an arm and a toilet bowl brush or feather duster as the other arm.
• Add a dustpan at the wide end of the ironing board for feet or set the ironing board on top of a vacuum and bind with several elastic cords under the apron (as we did in the photo).
• Secure a string mop as the head of hair to the back of the ironing board with the mop portion flopped over the top narrow end of the ironing board.
• Create a face with nylon net scrubbies for the eyes, a small sponge for the nose and a nailbrush for the mouth.

Use your imagination to make this an amusing, but useful, addition to the wedding shower party. Just remember to make the Kitchen Maid or Mate with anything you think the bride or groom will need for their new life together.

Quote:
In sunshine and sorrow, we look for those who will always stand with us. --Lois Wyse

Blessings.

Oh, Yippedy, Do Da Day!

We have a winner!

You guys sure didn't make it easy! I loved all your names. I had to go over them several times, but f-i-n-a-l-l-y narrowed it down to three, then two, and finally chose the one that best suited the characters I had conceived in my mind for the aunt and uncle.

Remember: I have in my mind (and ready to go on paper) this couple. Their actions have a lot to do with what names I can associate with them.

But let me tell you: I will be keeping the rest of your suggestions. Everyone of them brought images up in my mind of certain types of people.

Want to know who I pictured with some of your offerings?

• A Native American couple.

• A couple from England.

• Two of them will probably go into a future novel as older couple protagonists.

• Another one will no doubt be prominent characters in an adventure book of some type.

Loved, loved, loved your suggestions. Can you tell?

On a funny note: my youngest son practically BEGGED me to use his name as the man's! But since these characters are bad people, nope! I absolutely refused; besides, I happen to like son No. 2's name as a good character name! Laugh!

What did you say? You want to know who won? Well, okay . . .

Ann.

That's it. Her suggestion? Marvin and Jane Stillwell.

Why did I pick that name? You might be thinking: that's not as good as mine!

Because in my mind these bad characters put on a front of being good. (Only someone who is looking for clues or traits will see under the surface.) The name suits them in that it's not pretentious; it's simple and doesn't call attention to them.

Perfect for them and their career and their crime.

So, Ann, a big congratulations! Look for that gift certificate from Amazon in your email box.

And thank you to all who participated! You did great.



Announcements:

1. Don't forget to email Donna (donna at donnafleisher dot com) with your physical address so that you can get your free book (IF you commented on the interview blog with her!).
2. A Father's Day Contest in June -- coming up! Smile.
3. June's interview is with Teresa Slack from Ohio. She's written several books. Look for info about the interview--coming right up!
   

Hint:
Since lots of people have gone to dishwashers, here's a hint from Heloise that's good for cleaning your kitchen necessity!

Clean with household vinegar or citric acid powder. Pour a gallon of vinegar in the bottom, let set for an hour or so, then run the washer through a full cycle. Citric acid powder will also help remove hard-water buildup. Add a half-cup of powder and run the dishwasher. If there’s still an unpleasant odor coming from inside, examine the drain hose to see if it’s crimped and check the bottom for bits of food or gunk. After checking, if the odor it still strong, call a plumber because it might be a possible hazardous plumbing problem, like sewer gas, that needs to be remedied.

I loved this Trivia question I selected today.
If you get the answer, well, you're right up there at the top!

What is the name of Moscow's largest department store?

Quote:
When I look at the galaxies on a clear night--when I look at the incredible brilliance of creation, and think that this is what God is like, then instead of feeling intimidated and diminished by it, I am enlarged--I rejoice that I am part of it. --Madeleine L'Engle

Blessings!

Before I Was A Mom . . .

Sigh. Can you remember the days before? Before babies? Freedom and fun and less stress. If you worried, it was about a pay raise, or if the boy down the street liked you, or what you were going to wear. Now . . . do you ever have days when you question your sanity? Wonder if they (meaning the kids!) are worth it? Read on . . . maybe you'll agree!

• I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
• I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
• I never thought about immunizations.
• I had never been puked on, messed or wet on, chewed on.
  
  
  

• I had complete control over my mind and my thoughts.
• I slept all night.

• I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots.
• I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
• I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
• I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep. Or waiting on a late homecoming child.
• Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping child just because I didn't want to put him down.
• I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
• I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.\

• I never knew that I could love someone so much.
• I never knew I would love being a Mom.

• Before I was a mom, I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
  
• I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. Or a growing teenager.

• I didn't know about that bond between mother and child.
• I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

• Before I was a mom, I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

• I didn't know the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a mom.
• I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much being a mom.

Yeah, I guess in spite of everything, they are worth it. Who said, "Some days I wouldn't take a million dollars for you, but other days, I'd sell you for a nickel?"

It must have been a mother!

Shh! Don't tell hubby (or the kids), but lay these hints somewhere easily seen . . . and wait for results. If, worse case scenario, they are kinda dense, then casually read them aloud or wave paper in front of their darling faces. And if all else fails, lay down the law. This and this and this is what I want! It might just work! Smile.

Mothers Day Ideas

* Breakfast in bed is always a wonderful thing. Although if you serve her breakfast in bed, she should not have to get up and clean the mess up that was made making it.

* Flowers are always a great idea, BUT a beautiful plant planted in the yard with a bow on it, is always nicer. She can look at it year after year and think of you.

* Daily chores should not have to be done. Mothers always have things they have to do, just STOP her and send her to her favorite chair with a book she has not be able to finish.

* Cards made are always better than cards bought! Dads, get the kids (when she is out) to make her one!

* For those expecting mothers and Dads to be . . . take her to a local Spa and let them pamper her for awhile. It is not easy being pregnant!

* More than likely she is going to want to spend it with her mother, get the kids ready for her that way she can give herself more time to spend on herself that day.


TODAY IS THE LAST DAY! No, it's not the end of the world. It's the last day for you to participate in my Mother's Day contest. We've got about 10 name suggestions. So . . . check out Tuesday's "Contest! Contest!" blog for the details.

Those of you who posted a comment about Donna Fleisher's interview blog, please make sure to email her with your address at: donna at donnafleisher dot com
Or . . . if you'd like me to send it to her, I'll be glad to do it.



The answer to yesterday's trivia question: A pine tree. Catch cha' next week . . .



Quote:
A hero is someone who does something for someone else at personal sacrifice. -- Rick Warren
Hmmm. Is he talking about a woman?


A wonderful Mother's Day to all of YOU, my wonderful readers!

I've Been Tagged!

Now I didn't say I was arrested for erratic driving. I haven't been rejected . . . lately. Nor cursed, insulted, ridiculed, or blackmailed . . . that I know of.

Nope, none of the above. Just tagged.

Blog-tagged to play "Eight Random Things" by my dear critique partner--Deb Vogts. (Remember her? Interviewed last month? The one who was recently agented?)

So that means, today, you've gotta read (if you're my friend and reading this . . .) Eight Random Things about ME! Gulp. Big smile. Here they are:


Eight Random Things (about me, of course!)

1. My nickname when just a little tot was Sunny. (Is that why I love the word sunny?)

2. I positively, and definitely, and irrationally HATED picking green beans when a teenager. (but I sure like to eat them. Naturally.)

3. I wanted to be an airplane stewardness or a detective when in high school. (didn't become either one, but I can write about them now--better, and much more satisfying!)

4. I used my hands a lot, when a kid, and was trying to convey (word of mouth. Smile) my thoughts.

5. I didn't like studying much in high school, but now I love research. (Could that be because the teachers failed to teach me what interested me?)

6. I wanted to be like Jo in Little Women and have eight boys. (Changed my mind after two!)

7. My favorite food memory was when Mom would fix this hamburger sandwich creation with all sorts of things on it we loved. Then we'd put all sorts of trimmings on it and top it off with a yummy gravy over it. Weird? Delicious! A Friday night specialty we loved!

8. Being a cheerleader and screaming our lungs out with the lyrics about Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe!


So . . . here's who I've tagged:
http://www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com/ Miralee Ferrell
http://www.teresaslack.blogspot.com/ Teresa Slack
http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/ Cindy Woodsmall
http://www.jennesswalker.com/ Jenness Walker
kbhwfe.blogspot.com Jude McCoy
http://www.ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/ Cecelia Dowdy
http://www.sallybradley.com/ Sally Bradley
My Photo Friday Hmmm . . . guess who!




Some people do not have pleasant memories of their mothers. Here's a few ideas on healing and help for you:

1. Acknowledge that you need help.

• Help to forgive the erring parent.

• Help to sympathize with her situation.

• Help with thanking her/him for giving you life.

• Help with your own feelings of inadequacy, inferiority, or selfishness in not wanting him/her in your life now.

2. Next, let her/him back into your life emotionally if hot physically.

• Realize and thank God for the gift of life you have.

• Ask God to help you forgive her/him and to help you forget the past.

• Try to realize that there were difficulties in his/her life that perhaps prodded them to behave as they did.

3. Lastly, speak the words outloud.

• "Mother/Father, I honor you." Will the hurtful things from the past evaporate? Will the memories be erased? No. But with God's help you can bring a measure of peace and hope into your own life.

Examine and admit.
Confess.
Ask for help.
Forgive and acknowledge your willingness.
That's the key to peace for YOU from a not-so-wonderful parent-past.




What did you say? You think you know the answer to yesterday's trivia question? Hmmm. If you guessed . . . "The Big Dipper is a group of seven bright stars, three which form a handle and four which form a bowl" then you guessed right!

Today's question: What type of trees yield the resin used to produce turpentine?



AND we have five contestants for the Mother's Day Contest! YEAH! Keep 'em coming. YOU might be the winner. Tomorrow's the last day. Tuesday, I'll announce the winner.

And don't forget to email your address to Donna Fleisher to get your free book! donna at donnafleisher dot com



Quote:
If your dream doesn't scare you, it's not big enough. --Cathy Leckner

Blessings.

A Woman Looks in the Mirror

Age 8. Looks at herself and sees Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty . . .

Age 15. Looks at herself and sees pimples, fat, ugly.
Mom, I can't go to school looking like this.

Age 20. Looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin; too short/too tall; hair too straight/too curly" but decides she's going anyhow.

Age 30. Looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin; too short/too tall; hair too straight/too curly" but decides she doesn't have time to fix it, so she's going anyhow.

Age 40. Looks at herself and sees too fat/
too thin; hair too straight/too curly; too tall/too short, but says "At least I'm clean," and goes anyway.

Age 50. Looks at herself and see "I am" and goes where she wants to.

Age 60. Looks at herself and reminds herself of all the people who can't even see themselves in the mirror any more and goes out to conquer the world.

Age 70. Looks at herself and sees wisdom, laughter, and ability, and goes out and enjoys life.

Age 80. Doesn't bother to look. Just puts on a purple hat and goes out to participate in what she wants.

Age 90. Can't see and so doesn't worry about it!


Maybe we should all grab that purple hat a little earlier!

Isn't that just like the stages of life? When 15 we think we know it all. Sigh. By the time we're thirty, we realize maybe our parents did know what they were talking about. When we reach 50, suddenly much of what we were so concerned about when younger, isn't important anymore. And at 80, we don't even think about those use-to-be-important-things. We're just happy we've got another day to live!

I reiterate: take one day at a time. Enjoy every aspect.

Sharon guessed an "ostrich egg." If you guessed something else, you were wrong! Today's question is: How many stars are there in in the big dipper?




Oh, my. When I read this in Today's Christian Woman, I thought: just the thing for Mother's Day/May Month! Any of you longing to do something for one of our soldier boys, well, here's your chance. Check it out.

Adopt-a-Soldier
While stationed in Iraq, U.S. Army Sergeant Juan Salas learned how important letters from home are to deployed servicemen and women.

"A letter was like a piece of gold," he says. Now a student at Manhattanville College, Salas has launched www.mysoldier.com, through which civilians can receive a starter kit that includes the name of a soldier to write to and suggestions for putting together a care package. "It doesn't matter what you think of the war," Salas says. "Let's support the troops."

Don't forget about the Mother's Day contest. We've got two contestants, both with good name suggestions. Check out yesterday's blog to find out all about it, but don't wait too long; it ends Friday.




Quote:
No wise man (or woman) ever wished to be younger.



Blessings.

Contest! Contest! Contest!


Not three. Just one. Hey, that's pretty good for a poor person like me! But you've gotta be quick cause it's just for this week. And regardless of whether I get one response or a dozen, whoever gives me the answer I like wins!

Here's the scenario:

I'm working on a cozy mystery. The murder victim has an uncle and aunt who are . . . well, I can't tell you. I need names for these two lousy people. One female name and one male name. And a last name.

Easy as pie. But it's got to be names that catch my attention. Won't mean I don't like you, if I don't choose your suggestions.

So there you have it. Get those thinking caps on. You've got till Friday to make your suggestions. Next Tuesday, I'll let you know who won.

Oh, yeah, you want to know what the prize is? A $10.00 Amazon gift certificate to be spent as you wish.

Email me, snail mail me, telephone, comment on this blog, send a telegram, or airmail letter. Just do it!

Hey, it's not everyday you get something free for very little work!

Blessings.

Wanted: A Mom


Who on earth would want this job?

Position:
Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy, Momma, Ma


Job Description:
Long term team player for challenging work in a chaotic environment. Must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours (including evening and weekends, also 24 hour shifts occasionally). Some overnights required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Courier duties required.


Responsibilities:
The rest of your life: must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Must have the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds flat, just in case the screams from the back yard aren't someone crying wolf.

Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must be able to screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.

Must be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product testing of half a million broken cheap toys and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility

Possibility for advancement and promotion:
Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.


Previous experience:
None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continual exhausting basis.

Wages and Compensation:
Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left.

The oddest thing about this reverse salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could do more.




Benefits:
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no holidays, and no stock options are offered, this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right!

Okay, okay. Here's a trivia question for all you cooks out there. Betcha can't guess it! Oh, yeah. Let me know if you've used these eggs before!
What type of egg will yield 11 and one-half average-size omelettes?




Here are a few special things you can do with your child, regardless of her age. Have fun!:
Swim
Read aloud to each other
Go on a picnic
Buy watermelons—eat as often and much as you want!
Bike riding
Do a project together: sewing, cooking, gardening, making candles, sculpting with clay
Hike to a waterfall
Help the kids sew something easy: skirts, tops, or pajama bottoms
Put up the hummingbird feeder and watch them dart in and out, and fight in the air (they really do!)
Go to the art museum
Take an herb identification walk or plant an herb garden
Watch DVDs or videos of classic books
See a parade
Go the library every week
Let each child take a turn making whatever they want for dinner (as long as it is healthy!)
Work on our family photos and scrapbooks
Roast corn in its husk on the campfire
Take pictures of a rainbow

Quote: The heart that loves is always young. -- a Greek proverb

Blessings.