Rambling Friday: I Wish I May, I Wish I Might...Someday...

I've been hearing a lot about BUCKET LISTS, and have decided I need to create my own for when we totally retire. (Someday!)

So here goes:

• But another camper. No, I don't want a motor home (unless it's a small one. We've had one and it's way too big for my taste and for what I think we need.)
• Visit the rest of the states. We've traveled to close to forty of them, I think, so we need to finish out with visits to the rest. 
• Specifically, I'd like to see the giant forests of California, see the wine country, although I don't drink, and Mt. Rushmore. 
• I want to take my family to Florida. Yes, hubby and I both have been there, but I want my grandsons to see and experience it too.
• While in Florida, we want to see the Everglades.

• I want to re-do my gardens. They're a mess!
• I want to see all my prospective and ideas for books published before I say good-bye to this world. (Please, God?)
• And I want to grow. Grow closer to God. Grow closer to my wonderful hubby. Grow closer to my beloved family.

No, these are not my ONLY items on my bucket list. It's just a beginning. It's a start. And I don't know how long it will take to check each one of these off the list or even if I'll be able to check all of them off. 

But it's nice to have a start, don't you think?  

Make a list today! 

Rambling Friday: Ten Things I Hate!

Here goes:


1.  Boring people. Definition: people who run on and on about what they like to do, what their interests are with no thought that everyone, including me, is tired of hearing about it. (Wait a minute...no one's tired of hearing about my writing and grandsons, are they? I mean, what else is there to talk about?)

2.  Picking green beans from a garden.  Mom made me to this when I was just a tiny, weensy, bitsy kid (well, maybe not that young!) and I despise the task to this day. Moral of the story: don't make your kids do what they don't like to do. They'll hate it to the day they die. (Somehow that moral sounds a little off. Maybe I'd better change it. Hmmm)





3.  Wet clothes.  Ooooo! I hate that clammy feeling.








4.  Ill-mannered people.  Anytime, but especially drivers. Irritating and frustrating. I'd like to take them aside and teach them a thing or two. But who am I?






5.  People who don't try to use their potential. What a waste! Life is too short. But then when did I learn that? Didn't I think I'd live forever at twenty?

6.  Complainers. Let's not even go there.






7.  Show don't tell people. Guilty as charged. I hate it that it's much easier and much simpler to show me how to do something, than for me to read the directions or tell me. I guess that makes me pretty thick headed, huh?






8.  Leaves in my garden pond.  I positively, eternally, and passionately hate those beautiful fall leaves falling into my beautiful pond. If I'd only get on the ball and buy that net I keep thinking I'm going to get...Hubby did have a pretty good substitute idea. Maybe I'll use that...next year.



9.  Pickled pig's feet, hominy, hair in my food (ask me about a certain fast food chain), fat on meat, skin on meat, fries that are not hot and fresh (I can't help it if they hate to see me coming through the door, can I?), mud (most of the time), flies in my food (groan), dirty cars, being poor (anything under a million is poor, right?), not being a NYT best seller (like the little engine that could, I keep saying: I think I can, I think I can. Someday. Soon.), worry, unfinished tasks, being late, a bad story, biased media coverage, illness, and problems.

10.  Death.  Thank God we've got a spiritual insurance coverage for this. But it's our enemy, and I still hate it. Methinks, God made a great promise when He said no more death in heaven.

There you have it. My first No. Ten List. More some other time.




Quote:  Most of us would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism. --Norman Vincent Peale.

Blessings!

Rambling Friday: Confession!

I challenge you today to confess all! Well, maybe not all, but how about just a few things you're obsessive about, refuse to release, or just plain can't get over? Or even a few items that make you tick? :)

Here's a few of mine to show you how easy it is! 

1.  Music.  
Stirs my emotions. 
Cheers me up. 
Makes me cry. 
Healing. 
Enough said.





2  Can't stand people who talk obsessively and refuse to allow anyone else to get in a word. Not nice. At all! 

3.  Drives me crazy to hear people tap fingers and other annoying sounds. Of course, occasionally I will flip my flip-flops over and over just for the pure pleasure of hearing the sound, but that's different. Isn't it?


Have fun composing your own list, and please, don't make it the last time you do so! 

Have a happy November!

Rambling Friday: Rushing Around, Mr. Rabbit

Have you ever thought when gazing at your desk (or house, or at work, or some other place) that everything piled up looks like lint? Or worse, dust?

Have you ever thought when gazing at your desk (or house, or at work, or some other place) that everything piled up looks like lint? Or worse, dust?

• Rushing around gives me a headache. Granted I love to be busy and can't stand it when I have nothing to do (which has been so long ago, I feel like I'm telling a fib when I mention it). I always have something to do.
• Rushing around causes me to forget things. I forget I have a post I need to write, that I wanted to walk today, that I'd scheduled to meet a friend, or that I had an appointment I needed to keep. 
• Rushing around causes me to make mistakes. Typing too fast? Have to go back and make more corrections because of the sensitive touch of my computer and my clumsy fingers. Hurrying with supper preparations. Dropped eggs, spilled flour, broken pottery. 
• Rushing around causes me to miss things, like the beauty of my gardens and garden pond. The hills with the morning mists hanging over them. The moonlight shining through the treetops. My animals wanting attention, their beautiful green/brown/blue eyes on me, trusting me to give them what they need. My hubby, sons, and grandsons (and many others too!) wanting my company or attention, loving me even when I'm too busy to talk with them.

So what to do? 

Slow down...again. Relax. Take a deep breath and remember to...

Keep to my schedule. 

Check my lists.

One thing at a time.

Thankfully, I'm getting better at realizing--and, thus, reacting--that I need to stay focused and organized. 

That does the trick. When my over-excited, overloaded brain accepts that everything doesn't have to be done at once, then I stay relaxed and more productive. I'm released from those heavy chains of pressure. 

The moral of this lesson? 

Slow down, Mr. Rabbit. 

When you're worn out from rushing to the goal line, 

you may rush yourself to losing the race. 

So...make your list today of all things that are beautiful in your life. When you've thought of all you can, then thank God for them. Name each one aloud. Think about them. Study your list. Pray over it.. Tuck it into your Bible, your purse, a notebook. Somewhere that you can see it often.

What good does doing things like this do? Makes us more thankful. Helps us realize what blessings

we have and how quickly we sometimes lose this or that blessing. 

After all, why should God give us MORE blessings if we're not thankful for what we already have?

You're blest. I'm blest. God loves us. Let that thought sink in, and may it resound in your heart throughout your day and evening.

Quote:

Rejoice, and again, I say: Rejoice!

Blessings

Serious Wednesday: It's All in the Details

Have you ever read a book that has the details wrong? And I'm not just talking about historical details, but mundane details that you didn't catch when writing--even editing--your manuscript. Examples:

• You wrote that an event happened on Wednesday, but a couple chapters later, on that same Wednesday, you wrote a totally, and unusable, event happening at the same time?
• Or what about forgetting to finish a subplot detail by not following through with a satisfactory solution?
• Did you ever change a name and find out you missed a time or two where he/she's referred to as the previous name? Ouch!
• Or start out with the main character's eyes blue and finish up with a green-eyed protagonist?

If you've ever read about this happening and don't want it to happen to you, or you know you've missed a few things in your manuscript, then may I suggest a couple ideas:

 1. Choose a paid-for program that works for you. There are different ones that are available that can give you guidance and steer you in the direction needed to keep all your manuscripts details clear and in order.  Depending on the money you want to invest, it can go from inexpensive to very expensive.

To those who like having it all set up for you in advance and have the money to spend, this is the way to go. There are all kinds of apps out there with varying prices. Google or ask other writers to find out what would work best for you.

Note:
I've heard good things about Evernote (basic is free; premium costs a decent price). Use it to keep track of your characters by using tags and keywords: eye and hair colors, photos of possible character look-alikes, clothes, styles, etc., and articles of research that you want to keep and refer to later in your work.
Scrivener: a writing software where you write without worrying about formatting. You also have the ability to use tags and keywords, clip websites, store photos and other research material. It can outline with text or a simulated cork board with index cards. You also have the added benefit of it tracking your daily quota of writing.


2.  Create your own "program" where you keep a detailed list of what's happening, when, where and who.  This is the one I want to focus on today.

First:  you'll need to decide what you'll use for your Details List: post it notes, whiteboard, index cards, spreadsheet, physical notebook, etc. Use these to help you:

• Keep track of all characters, including minor characters who may appear only as a mention or very little in your book. List their names, ages, looks, habits, character traits, quirks, relationships (past and present) and anything else you might want to attribute to them and that helps you understand them better. You may not use everything, but it's valuable for you to determine why and how your character acts the way he/she does.

Example: It's easier than some realize to forget a minor character's name, what color of eyes you first used, etc. I changed a minor character's name in one book and couldn't remember what it was. Another time, I changed a pretty important character from one position to another, from one name to another, then back again. Details like this are so much easier to remember when you have your handy, detailed lists.

  

• Keep track of what happens in each chapter. Some events or thoughts or actions may need follow up in later chapters. This helps you to not miss anything that needs to be visited again.

Example: this saves tons of time when you need to double check something to make sure what you previously wrote vibes with what you're ready to write (rather than having to scroll through pages trying to find that particular scene).

• Keep track of all major scenes in your book. This is a more specific listing that keeps you right in line to where you're headed. You can follow the scenes and know whether you've left out any vital action, thought or words that would help clarify it or make it even more realistic.

Example: Recently, I wrote a scene of which I had that vague sense it wasn't quite what I wanted. But in the push to finish the book, I went on writing. When the first draft was finished, I realized details weren't as they should be in that one scene. I went back through and rewrote it twice before I came close to being satisfied with it.

• Keep track of timeline. Obviously, this is a biggie. Writers have to keep track of the time events happen, whether it's minor or major. Readers are sharp. They can pick up a major error like this easily if they're detail-oriented. It's an author's obligation to make sure their story's timeline is "time-right."

Example: Is it on Sunday morning before church or after an evening meal when the bad guy is taken to jail? Sometimes, especially when you switch viewpoints, you can overlap actions and times from various characters, but when it comes to certain actions or the same character, you have to consider that he just might not be able to scale Mount Everest the same time he's eating luncheon with his girlfriend. Keep it straight with your list!

 

• Keep track of your plot.  Make sure you're headed in the right direction. There will be changes and sidelines that create an even better story, but you want to remember that by keeping track of your plot, it will help keep you in line for a satisfactory ending. Every line, every scene, every chapter should lead to the ending of your plot.

Example:  In a couple of my books, I realized, the closer I got to the end, that the bad guy wasn't the one I'd planned for when I first commenced writing the book. Because I kept track of my plot--which didn't change--changing the character worked fine.

There are many other things that can be added to your lists, but the main thing is, keep track, however you decide to do it. I like simple and easy, so going my own way (preparing my own lists--usually with physical notebooks or cards) works for me.

However you decide to go, I think you'll find this a great idea. Many times writers want to write and not be bothered or "distracted" with lists and such. But I encourage you to give it a try. I had the same mentality once I seriously began writing novels. It didn't take long for me to realize I needed help...and lists was the way to go.


Questions? Ask. If I know the answer, I'll be glad to respond. If I don't I'll try to find the answer. 
Best to you as you work on your manuscript!


Blessings!

Serious Wednesdays: Do You Long for More Reviews?

Do you long for more reviews? 

Here are a few steps that may help you land a few more professional reviews. 

Remember that this is a professional business 

and when approaching reviewers and book review sites, act professional.

• Try for a personal note by greeting the reviewer by name. If you're looking on a site or blog for requirements, etc., then search until you find that name. Address them as "Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Brown." rather than the generic one of "Dear Madam" or "Dear Sir." Not only does this show some diligence on your part in knowing the reviewer's name, but is a sign of respect.

• Don't overdo the familiarity. Keep it simple in the first sentence by stating your name and the title of your book. When you end your letter, sign it simply as 
  "Sincerely."

• In your letter, include a word count for an e-copy of your book. If you're sending a print book, a page count is fine. This will clue in the reviewer on the time frame.

• Include a short synopsis and book blurb. Make it interesting and one that captures the reviewer's attention. You'll want him/her panting to read your book! 

• Also, you'll need to mention the genre of your book. Be specific. If it's a "who-done-it" then make sure you state that its a mystery. Thriller? Then the reviewer will be expecting a fast-paced read. By not following through correctly with this, can give the reviewer cause to mention it negatively in your review. Be diligent!

• If you have a time frame when the book will be published or promoted, then by all means include this. If, as many authors have, no time frame demand, then ignore it. This will help the reviewer decide if he has the time to read and review it.
• If you're emailing your request, on the subject line, keep it simple and short. Book review request should do the job. 

Be polite and respectful, keep it simple, and provide the details the reviewer needs to decide if he has the time and if she's interested. 

Hoping for more reviews for YOU!

Serious Wednesdays: You Said What?

I ran across this list the other day and checked it out to see if I was guilty of any. 
What do you think? Are you guilty?
Have fun reading it!

1. Nip it in the butt or Nip it in the bud?
2. I could care less or I couldn't care less?
3. One in the same or One and the same?
4. You've got another thing coming or You've got another think coming?
5. Each one worse than the next or Each one worse than the last?
6. On accident or By accident?
7. Statue of limitations or Statute of limitations?
8. For all intensive purposes or For all intents and purposes?
9. He did good or He did well.
10. Extract revenge or Exact revenge?
11. Old timer's disease or Alzheimer's disease?
12. I'm giving you lead way or I'm giving you leeway?
13. Aks or Ask?
14. What's you guyses opinion or What's your opinion, guys?
15. Expresso or Espresso?
16. Momento or Memento?
17. Irregardless or Regardless?
18. Sorta or Sort or?
19. Conversating or Conversing?
20. Scotch free and Scott free or Scot free?
21. I made a complete 360-degree change in my life or I made a complete 180-degree change in my life?
22. Curl up in the feeble position or Curl up in the fetal position?
23. Phase or Faze?
24. Hone in or Home in?
25. Brother in laws or Brothers in law?

There you have it. Now, 'fess up! Are you guilty of any of these?

Five Things That Make a Great Dad

I remember one thing that stands out to me, of my father...the day he died, he came to me (I was seventeen) and wrapped his arms around me and hugged me. That action will forever stay in my memory.

1. Dads listen. 
2. Dads spend time with their kids.
3. Dads realize that positive words make the best impressions on their kids.
4. Dads treat their kids' mother with respect. (Whatever the family arrangements, they don't put down the mother in front of their kids.)
5. Dads admit when they've made mistakes.

There are more, but if a dad does these things, he'll be on the right path to leading his children to a good adulthood.

Blessings!

My "To-Do" List Today

Sick last week, just about all I did was sleep, take medicine and moan and groan.

Seriously.

So it's safe to say I accomplished little, if anything during that period.

But I'm feeling better this week, and it's time to get to work again.




What's on my to-do list this week?

• Water plants. 

• Set a few of the lighter ones outside on the porch for light and fresh air.
• Get dishes out of sink (yeah, I know!)

• Reorganize kitchen just a little
• prepare and hem two dresses, one which will be my Easter dress for Sunday.
• work on blogs
• get through my mountain of emails
• work on my novel

• send out some checks
• prepare easy meals this week
• pack bags for a few days away w/hubby and Son #2 and his family

• Finish buying items for Easter baskets for Blake and Wesley and Sunday School children

• Organize my scrapbooking material--again.
• Shop for necessary items.
• Enjoy some "downtime" w/family
• Contemplate working in garden...hmmm. Maybe. :)

Not too hard to do, right? Some of it has already been checked off; others will be finished shortly, but most will be completed, seeing as it needs done THIS week. Lol.

What's on your "to-do" list? Will you get it finished this week?

Happy Easter!

Five Things That Make a Great Dad

I remember one thing that stands out to me of my father . . . the day he died, he came to me (I was seventeen) and put his arms around me and hugged me. That will forever stay in my memory.

1.  Dads listen.
2.  Dads spend time with their kids.
3.  Dads realize that positive words make the best impressions on their kids.
4.  Dads treat their kids' mother with respect. (whatever the family arrangements are, they don't put down the mother in front of their kids).
5.  Dads admit when they've made mistakes.

There are more, but if a dad does these things, he'll be on the right path to leading his children to a good adulthood.

Blessings!

Five Reasons Why I Revamped My Blog

To Change or Not to Change;

That is the question

1.  I've had the same look since 1996, or somewhere about then. I mean, really, who keeps the same look forever? This is a changing world! But then I have a good example: God. He never changes, or at least, the Bible says so. And I believe.







2.  Love the color of red. I mean, I like green (my previous blog color, in case you've forgotten) too--partial to it, but red? It's a power color. Good for:

the winter blues, or when you're gazing at the vivid spring tulips and poppies planted in your flower gardens and anticipating what's coming, or summer's wild bright colors everywhere giving you a sense of freedom and patriotism, and autumn's awesome leaves which makes you dance like a gypsy.

3.  Just because I'm a fun-loving person (nice and sweet and all that stuff), doesn't mean I don't like to scare the shivers into you. That's why I write suspense and mystery into everything. It was time to let my blog portray a little bit of that.

4.  I didn't think I could do it. I'm a technically challenged person (hate to read directions!). But I got sick of listening to that eternal voice saying I couldn't. Don't like negative-ism, so I decided to do something about the voice.

5.  And it caught your attention, didn't it?



Blessings!

The Art of Thankfulness

It's not always easy being thankful. There are things I'd just as soon not have to experience, see, or feel, but life is what it is. Although I don't want to go through hard times, and I can't bring myself to say, Thank you for them, I can say:

• I'm thankful for learning something from them, or
• I'm thankful I got through them, or even
• I'm thankful they weren't any worse (although at the time I may have considered that hard place the worst possible!)

Still, learning to be thankful doesn't always come easy. And then there are tons of things in life that I take for granted, that sometimes I may enjoy, but don't take the time to say, "Thank you."

Let me do it now:

1. I'm thankful for a hubby that loves me and does all possible to make my life easier. He stands behind me with my chosen career, writing, and helps make many opportunities to learn possible.
2. I'm thrilled and happy and thankful that our boys love us and respect us. They're almost always willing to help us out with watching the house and the animals when we're traveling.
3. Thank you, God, for giving me so many good things that I love: my home with all the wonderful things that give me contentment. Thanks for loving me, helping me, giving me the chance to love you back. Thanks for my talent in writing. Thanks for all the things I forget to say thanks for.
4. Thank you to my wonderful agent, Diana, who works behind my scene of vision for me.
5. Thank you, critique partners, Mary, Roseanna, Stephanie, Christina, Jamin, and Lindsay for giving me your valuable time and critiques. Thank you for that special bond that writing buddies have together.
6. Thank you to my friends who take time out to do lots of things to encourage me. Notes, and words of praise, questions, gifts, visits, open homes, and many more gifts of love.
7. I'm thankful for my home: my gardens, garden pond, gazebo where I enjoy hours of peace and quiet to think; my woods and flowers and stones, all items that bring pleasure; the views from my windows; my precious, always-love-you animals who ask for nothing more than the basic cares of life and a little attention and love.

I could go on and on. I'm still learning to be thankful, to show appreciation, to take the time to live. And if you read this blog, thank you. You made my day!

Quote:
We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.

Blessings!

What Have You Been Up to?

Here's the list . . .

(In case you haven't learned this about me yet, I LOVE lists!)

• Besides, traveling?
• Finished the final edits of my loved historical suspense/romance.
• And got it in the mail to my patient agent.
• Worked on expanding one of my romances.
• Doing heavy research for the second in my historical suspense/romance trilogy

An aside to all of you: Any one knowledgeable about WWII out there that wants to email me privately to brainstorm?

• I'm also trying to figure out how to start the second in my contemporary suspense. Sigh. First chapter is done, but will probably re-do the second and third.
• And I need to begin a new novel. We'll see where this goes.
• Am brainstorming about a couple articles I'm wanting to write.
• Brainstorming about some other things.
• Editing some things for some possible contests.

Enough about all that.

You have a great day.

Quote:
Everybody knows that if you are too careful you are so occupied in being careful that you are sure to stumble over something. --Gertrude Stein


Blessings!

And One of My Favorite Pastimes . . .


(Sheepish grin) . . . making a list. This one's about autumn, my favorite time of the year.

What do I think of when I think autumn?

Trees
leaves
color
orange
yellow
brown
red

Trees
bare
dying
sleeping
wet bark

Trees
leaves everywhere
in my pond
on my porch
on my car
on the ground
in the air

Leaves
blowing
scattering
falling
wet
crunchy
beautiful
decorative

Air
crisp
cool
warm
windy
wet
heat
cold

Harvest
fruits
vegetables
grain
apples
cider-warm and cold
pumpkins
food
pies
soup
corn
Indian corn
gourds


Fun
sticky and browned marshmallows
hotdogs
cookouts
weiner roasts
stories
hayrides
big moons

Full barns
Ready-for-winter animals
squirrels
walnuts
hickory nuts
wooly worms

Living
poems
dreaming
writing

Leaden skies
blue, and purple, and orange skies
big moons
misty valleys
cold nights, crisp mornings
orange lights
heavy clouds
sunny days
rain
wet
damp

Fun
scarecrows
crows
candles


Autumn

Here's a fun outdoor decoration. Just make sure to keep a close eye!

Hanging lantern

Among the garden fall decorations the most famous item is the gourd or pumpkin.

• Cut the gourd on the top
• Take out all the pulp from inside with a spoon.
• Make a hole on both the sides with a screwdriver. Make the hole near the upper side cut.
• Tie a copper wire on both the sides to make it a handle
• Put a small tea candle on it and hang it anywhere to create a dreamy aura.

Quote:
I saw old autumn in the misty morn stand shadowless like silence, listening to silence. --Thomas Hood


Blessings!

One Down. More to Go.


I make lists. That's one way for me to stay sane. I hate chaotic, messy, and jumble, although you might never guess it if you happened to take a peek at my work area!

Lists are life lines to me. When I feel overwhelmed, I begin talking to myself. "Now make a list and check one thing off at a time. Take it easy. Don't look at the whole. Just one thing at a time." And you know what? It works. For me. I've got control. I can do this!

So I make lists. For the last few days I've felt like I've been in quicksand. Slowly sinking with too much to accomplish and getting no where--so I thought.

Yesterday, I took hold. I made a list in my mind and proceeded to work down it. I finished several things in good time, and had one other major item (a proposal) almost done. What a feeling! As if I'd resettled that world on my shoulders somewhere else.

I make lists for:

• Items I need to accomplish
• Grocery lists
• Menus
• Items to Buy
• Hubby do-lists
• Things to change in my novels
• Critique points I want to change
• Ideas for new novels
• Etc.

That proposal? I got it done this morning!

Give me a "strawberry flavored" list anytime. It keeps me sane in my insane world!



Want something easy and nutricious for lunch or even a light dinner? I used this at a luncheon I planned at a recent ladies dinner. They loved it!
(I make my own serving sizes)
Cook boneless, skinless chicken ahead of time. Cool. Debone, and chop into small pieces.

Mix in (to taste) mayonaise, chopped celery, halved grapes (black or red, for color), nuts (I like walnuts). Dash with salt.

Buy fruit choices. (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, bananas, cantalope, grapes, and whatever else you'd like to use). Clean. Peel as needed, cube as needed.

Place a mound of chicken salad in the middle of individual plates (choose pretty ones!). Surround with fruit. All you need to add our some tasty crackers or crescent rolls for a delicate and wonderful dish! Enjoy!



Quote:
It's hard to fail, but it's worse never to have tried to succeed.


Blessings.