Not Dead

If any of you have checked this blog, I haven't died (yet!). I've been having server problems (enough to scream over. LOL) But finally, after talking to a million (slight exaggeration! Smile) "agents" of the telephone company, I think we've (with son #one's help) got it solved.

I heard back from the first person who won a December interview book, and she loved Molly Noble Bull's book "Winter Pearl." I told you she was a great writer and such a nice person. Molly deserves all the praise we can send her way!

We're getting a beautiful set of stairs in our house. That's part of the remodeling I moaned about in an earlier post. It's turning into what I believe will be a gorgeous focal point of attention when anyone enters our front door. I love it!

And warm weather today was a welcome relief from the cold last week. I let a couple of our outside dogs loose for about two and a half hours. They loved it. Mackie is such a sweet heart (mix bull terrier). When I was ready to tie him up, he came when I called and stood still till I hooked him up.

Molly (the chow mix) on the other hand, is old and hard hearing. She came when I motioned, but I'm sure she didn't realize I wanted to tie her up or she would have hid. She loves to be loose; can't have that. Remember when she went to the neighbors to visit and we had to look all over the place for her?

And, last for today: had a visitor today? Looked out the window this morning, and there on the back porch was a big fat raccoon eating the cat food. Snuggles, my fat gray and white, long-haired cat, sat on the edge of the porch watching Coonie. Probably wondering what the animal was eating all the food. Between me and Noah, we chased him off, but he'd better look out, cause hubby'll be after his hide if he's not careful!


After Christmas Shopping Hints:

• Overstock items: look for less than the best known name brand models. Still good value items that stores are anxious to get off their shelves for clearage.
• Soon-to-be-clearance items: Stores want to constantly stock new products, so they have to clear out current products from warehouses and stores as quickly as possible. Big savings here!
• Gift Returns/Exchanges: Stores want to get rid of these as quickly as possible. Just make sure all contents of packages are present. Check to see all electrical items work before buying.
• Old Display Models: Stay away from certain items, and make sure you can purchase an extended service plan for the unit, all accessories and the manual are included.
• Product Service Comebacks: Displays that were damaged and repaired should have a sticker (looks like a UPC code placed on the unit itself).

Quote:

There are people who have money and people who are rich. —Coco Chanel

Blessings!

Did You Set Them?

New Year's Resolutions, that is.

I did and didn't.

I'd call them goals that I've set for 2008.

Here's a few of them:

• Try to spend more time with God.
• As my literary agent and her assistant wished me for Christmas: a sucessful published year. Oh, yeah!
• To finish the three books I'm currently working on--soon! (one romance, one cozy, and one historical suspense)

1. Once I finish the romance, I'll be done with romance for awhile, unless another idea hits me, and I hope not. I've got several others that need to be worked on.
2. The cozy is just the first in a series, so who knows about that?
3. And the historical suspense is the first in a three-book series about three red-headed sisters.

• To begin soon (before spring?) the second in my CMIYC suspense. Since this is a long book, I need (want? hmmm) to get going on it.
• To finish printing out hubby's (and mine) children's stories (his are adventure, mine character traits)
• To learn the something new I've got my eye on.
• To figure out how to get my fish pond biologically sound. Sigh.
• I just read a great hint today about plotting a novel. Since I'm a pantster (one who writes as the ideas come -- a very simplified definition), that does a little plotting, but not a lot, this might be a great way to keep from hitting a writing plateau or a snag. I'm anxious to try it on the remainder of my books I need to finish.
• Once my new writing area at home is finished, I'm going to try to get more organized. I hate having boxes of my "stuff" sitting around. I hope to make it cozy, quiet, homey, and an encouraging place to write.

There you have it. A few of the goals I hope to accomplish. Will I succeed? Maybe. Maybe not. But I'll never know till I try. One of my favorite sayings is: Shoot for the stars.

And, no, I haven't forgotten about the other books. Shar McClaren's and Lena N. Dooley (two). I'm giving this week for comments, emails, personal, phone. If you haven't commented, it's not to late to get ahold of me some way.

Communication hints (good for kids, hubby, wife, etc.)

Listen:

• Stop what you're doing when the other person is talking, and pay attention
• Don't interrupt
• Don't prepare what you'll say while the other person is speaking
• Reserve judgment until he/she has finished and has asked, or expects, a response.

Look:

• Be aware of the other person's facial expressions and body language. This will help you know how the person is feeling.
• During the conversation, ackowledge what the person is saying by moving your body forward if you're sitting; touch a shoulder if you're walking; or nod your head and make eye contact.

Respond:

• Watch how you respond with words. "You should" "You're wrong" "If I were you" are ways that put the other person on the defense.
• Don't ignore subjects even if you don't want to talk about it.
• Sometimes it's better to listen than to respond verbally. Maybe the person just wants to get something off his chest.
• Make sure you understand. Repeat for confirmation if necessary.

Quote: A new year is unfolding—like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within.
Lord, let this year be filled with the things that are truly good—with the comfort of warmth in our relationships, with the strength to help those who need our help and the humility and openness to accept help from others.
As we make our resolutions for the year ahead, let us go forward with great hope that all things can be possible—with Your help and guidance. --anonymous

Blessings!