I have begun!

Okay, it's only 640 words of a rough draft of one chapter of one book, but it's a start!  I have been telling myself and others that I was going to write another book.  I suppose it's time to follow through.  Unlike the first one, Gold Pans and Iron Skillets, or the second one (a novel - yet to be published), this book is a bit more purpose driven.  I can tell you that the subject matter is pain and that I prefer to teach a lesson with a story.  I can also tell you that I intend to hold true to my motto, "Learn to laugh and laugh while you learn."  That being said, I also admit that there have been times when I have laughed because had I not, I would have cried.  Stay tuned for progress reports.  Unless you are one of my preferred proof readers, you shall have to wait on the body of the work until that magical day when I can say, "Whew! I have finally published that book I talked about for so long!"  In the meantime, please do not forget to laugh!

Artwork for Grandma

I've certainly mellowed with age.  When my children "decorated" my walls with crayons, pencils, and pens, I was unhappy and probably even a little bit unkind.  Didn't those children know how hard it was to keep a clean house without added wall scrubbing? 
Things have changed.  When my granddaughters visited last summer, the three year-old did a little redecorating in several places!  I miss those little girls when they leave, so I have retained the new artwork.  It helps me feel connecte. I appreciate it so much more than I used to!
I think the time has come to remove the artwork.  The girls are coming back!  As they will be visiting during the holidays, I think I can withstand the separation until December. So, if I can bring myself to do it, I will be scrubbing walls next week.  In the meantime, I'm gonna enjoy it just a little longer!  

Another book give away! The Underwater Window

Okay, swimmers, runners, readers, get ready for your chance to win a copy of The Underwater Window by Dan Stephenson.  It’s simple.  You have two chances to win.  The first (and easiest) can be done right here.  Just leave a comment on this blog post.  On October 18, one week from today, I will pick a random number via random.org and the comment that coincides with the number will win a copy.  This is purely a game of chance.  Be sure to check back on October 18 to see if you are the winner and leave me your contact info.

The second opportunity to win will require a little more effort.  Visit my Facebook page and leave a message as to why YOU deserve a copy of the book.  You might argue that you once almost made it to the Olympics (your brother-in-law failed to purchase the tickets) or that you are very competitive (in which case I will expect something truly compelling in your argument) or you may simply try to appeal to my sense of humor.  (That usually works!) I will pick the winner whose argument I like the most!

Read my review of The Underwater Window  HERE.

So post away and good luck!

The Word is GRATEFUL!

This one really gets to me.  It bothers me as much as the “then” and “than” mistakes folks make.  At least they are both words.  Greatful is not a word.  The word is GRATeful as in, “I have GRATitude!”  It is great to show appreciation.  One can even show great amounts of gratitude being “ever so grateful,” but one cannot be grately greatful.

It’s easy to remember.  Just think of the root word – GRATITUDE!

I am giving away a book!

I am feeling generous today so here is what I am going to do.  I will give away one signed copy of Gold Pans and Iron Skillets one week from today. This is a contest and these are the rules:

1)      You have one week to plead your case.  Why should you receive a copy of my book?  Entries must be G-rated! This contest is totally subjective and I am the judge.  (Hey, it’s my book!)

2)      The contestant with the most compelling argument will win.  Note:  I believe in poetic license.  Go ahead and exaggerate!

3)      Entries that make me laugh or cry will get special consideration.  Some of you know me well and may have an advantage. Here is a hint for others: It is easier to make me laugh than cry.  If you make me cry while laughing, you just might win! You may want to browse through this blog and Running Grany Green to get an idea of what makes me tick.

4)      Post your entries as comments on this blog or on my Facebook page.  By so doing, you give me permission to share the winning argument with my readers.

5)      The winner will be notified on October 9 and I will mail him/her a signed copy of Gold Pans and Iron Skillets by October 10.

You have one week.  Start pleading!

Changing things up ...

My longtime friend and good buddy Paulee came to visit yesterday.  We had fun, as we always do!
First - She brought along her bike and we went for an eighteen miler along country roads that included a river crossing, a horse ranch, pelicans, cattle, and the occasional motorist.  (We like to push each other.)
Second - We made gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade tomato soup for lunch ending with huckleberries and vanilla ice cream! (We like to indulge!)
Third - I watched as Paulee shared her talents for decorating.  Yes, I got a redo in my entryway, living room, kitchen and dining room and I didn't purchase anything new. (Paulee has a flare and I like to encourage her!)
Fourth - We are planning to launch her new business!  She is still working out the details including her business name, but I can tell you this ... it has a little bit to do with you and a lot to do with her amazing eye and decorating talents. Here is a photo of my new entryway.  I am sorry that there is no "before" photo.  No worries ... it was boring, anyway!

These mirrors were spread throughout my house.  They are much more interesting displayed together.

My Perfect Life?

What do you see?

A friend stopped by the other evening while I was preparing supper.  She had her pre-teen son with her and he was obviously hungry.  He surveyed my kitchen, noticing a cake cooling on the counter and the table set for two. 

“Ah,” he exclaimed, “the perfect life!”

I am sure that at that moment it did seem that my life was perfect – I was even wearing an apron!  What he didn’t know, was the only reason there was cake was because my youngest son was on his way home from college for a visit.  The apron was to protect my clothes because without it I tend to ruin them when I bake. 

I must say, my life is pretty good, but it isn’t perfect.  His vantage point only gave him that perception.  Think of it.  He was standing in my kitchen, hunger pangs growling in his stomach, at the very moment I was ready to serve up supper.  Of course, it seemed perfect!

Unfortunately, we often judge others by our vantage point.  Small moments in time form our opinions of others for good or bad as we compare them to our own lives.  Likewise, we judge ourselves by the 360◦ view we have of our own lives. Such distortion in our comparisons can prove damaging to us and others.  When we look at others through a keyhole, we might we remember that we have only a portion of the facts.  Their perfect life may be in need of some help, and their flawed life might have good cause to be such.  It might do us good on occasion to view ourselves through a keyhole. What do others see?

The big picture!

Waxing Patriotic

Oh say, can you see?

I'm feeling an increase in my own level of patriotism.  It has been building for a few weeks and promises to continue gaining momentum.  One might think it has something to do with the pending Independence Day celebrations, but one would be wrong.  I admit that fireworks, flags, food, and family make me feel thankful for this blessed land, but what really gets me fired up are the athletes competing in the Olympic Games!

Shallow?  Maybe.  However, consider the discipline, sacrifice, and determination required for those individuals to be successful in their sport. For a few weeks they become the face of the United States as viewed by the rest of the world. No wonder we are tempted to put our lives on hold while we root for the home team.  I guess I am just a cheerleader at heart. Shallow?  Maybe.  All I know is ... I can't wait to hear the Star Spangled Banner every time we bring home the gold!

A Blog for Running Fans

In an attempt to more fully suit the needs of my readers and to spare those of you who don't enjoy reading about running (okay, it's mostly not to irritate non-runners) I have begun a second blog titled "Running Granny Green."  Some content may be appropriate for both forums, however, the day to day "this is what I saw smashed on the road this morning" or "that run was really difficult and this is why" articles will be posted to the new blog.
Rest assured, I will still post all links on Facebook and you can read or ignore them to your heart's desire. Feel free to follow both blogs and comment whenever and however you wish.
Always, thank you for your interest in what I write. 
Happy Reading!

Canyon County Track Meet - or not.

Today is an epic day, or maybe it won't be.  You see, I have been attending the Canyon County Classic, aka, Moke Strong Invitational at Caldwell High School and NNU Campus for many years.  The meet has changed venues and names over the years, but one thing has remained the same.  Canyon County Schools of all sizes are invited.  Owyhee, Payette, and Ada county schools are not.  The following significant events have occured during these meets.
Parma's Boys 4X200M Team set a school record.
A pipe broke and flooded the grass bleachers at the NNU facility.
Lightening hit the press box full of coaches and the meet was canceled.
Spencer's only fall happened on the last hurdle of the 300M.  Alas, what was going to be awesome resulted in a 7th place finish.

Today?  Anything could happen.  Brock and company could have an awesome medley relay or he could really rock his open 400M.  Or ... the storm brewing outside could cancel the meet. It's the Canyon County Classic.  One thing is for sure - it won't be boring!

And one more thing ... it's my last CCC as a mom.  My baby graduates this year!

Blech!

I cleaned out my pantry yesterday.  If you have been following my blog then you know that I am an admitted hoarder.  This character flaw is magnified when I have invested time and money into those items I tend to hoard, such as bottled fruits and vegetables.  Sometimes they get pushed to the back of the shelf just long enough for me to question their safety for consumption.  Now, that would be the moment that a wiser woman might open the jar, dump its contents, and wash the jar for future use.
Not me!  I will wipe the outside of the jar clean and reverently place it back on the shelf until such time as I run across it and question its safety once again!  Yesterday the item was pickled beets from 2002!
I dumped it!

A few thoughts for today ...

It's raining - a lot!  When I was a girl I used to sing, "Rain, rain, go away!  Come again another day.  Carol and Bonnie want to play!"  I have since learned that it is not necessary to have sunshine in order to play.  Although I do not often dance in the rain, I do run in the rain and I sometimes enjoy it.  I don't get too hot during my run, the moisture in the air makes it easier to breathe, and I will dry.  If I wait for sunshine before I play, my opportunities for joy will be limited.

I am compelled to write.  Don't ask me why - I do not know.  I find that the more I write, the more I feel compelled, even urgent.  My words may never influence others or change the world, but they often change my world.  Sometimes they only change my view of the world, and that can be invaluable.

I love natural hot springs - like this one.

Blessings come to those who wait upon the Lord.  I am so blessed and so is my family.  That is not to say we don't have trials or endure things that are difficult, but in the end we are truly blessed. 

The sun is shining even though the sky is full of rainclouds.

I'm Back - Again!

 I've been neglecting my blog again, but in my defense - I've been a bit busy!  I had to bake cookies ...

 And go to the zoo ...

 Ride a train ...

 Visit the Amish ...

And the beach ...

 And go for a run!

It is so hard to be a grandma!

The Price of Procrastination

Yesterday was a windy day.  I made the mistake of putting off my run until today, thinking it would be a better day for running.  I should know better.  Oh, I am familiar with the old adage, "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today," but sometimes my hope of a brighter future leads me into trouble.  You see, had I faced the wind and gone for a run yesterday, today would be brighter because I could stay indoors free of guilt.  Alas, I must run.

What's in a word?

As I mentioned in my last post, sometimes the creative process needs a little help.  Thanks to a few friends who offered words to challenge me, I came up with these little ditties.  Enjoy the fruits of this literary labor.

Hippy via Spencer Green

 

A Mississippi hippie named Skippy got lippy 'cause his sissy named Missy grew hippy.

Waffle-Iron via Reggie Stevenson

A wandering wallaby wanted to wash worries away with well water. He watched, waited, and wondered why a woman was wailing “whoops!” while her waffle-iron went wobbling westward.

Befuddled via Lauralee Sorensen Hart

Puzzled, muddled, and befuddled, the pup huddled where he puddled. (Or maybe he puddled where he huddled?)

Fenugreek via Lauralee Sorensen Hart

There once was a Finn named Leif

Who loved eating olives from Greece.

Leif's best friend was Sven

who just wouldn't eat

those luscious olives from Greece!

When Leif couldn't sleep

Friend Sven said, “You should eat

not olives, but this fenugreek.”

Now Leif eats fenugreek.

Some think Leif's a Greek

And the Finn says friend Sven is a geek!

Orange via Marie Olson

Opal only orates of oval objects or opines of edible orbs of oranges.

A New Look

It is easy to tell when I am wrestling with writer's block, especially when it relates to my blog. When staring at a blank screen isn't working to launch a productive session of creativity, I open my blog site and stare at it! When this fails to inspire, and it often does, that is when my blog design gets “changed up.”

Notice the new look?

The next exercise I will attempt to feed the creative fire is to do a bit of literary acrobatics, or poetic alliteration. You can look forward to a tongue twister of sorts in the near future. In the meantime, I think I will see if I have any great photos to post!

Have a great day!

Nuther is NOT a word!

I can't take it another minute! I've held my tongue long enough. If I have to listen to another newscaster give another badly phrased description of another anything, I may scream! These people are getting paid to speak. Can they not get it correct?

“A nuther” (emphasis on the 'A') is not anywhere near proper grammar. Nuther is NOT a word! Even more offensive is the tendency to insert another word into the middle for emphasis, as in “A whole nuther!” Are you kidding me?

The British claim Americans have adulterated the English language. I'm beginning to think the British have been watching our evening news.

I don't claim to speak perfectly. I often use words such as “cuz” and “yeah” and even the occasional “ain't.” In my defense, I am not getting paid to have people listen to me – not yet, anyway! I am considering it. Maybe I could git a whole nuther job jist yapping at a camera.

Raisinet Binge!

I just ate a whole box of Raisinets all by myself.  That is roughly 380 calories!  I always knew I was a stress eater.  Sad, though, I am still hungry.  I could eat another box!

Do I Blog?

I wish it would snow.

I don't know.  It seems as if I can't remember the last time a wrote a blog post.  It has been awhile.  I'm still writing, but I have been focusing on my Examiner column.  A friend recently gave me a piece of advice when I confessed that I feel as if I am getting away with something when I am writing.  I said, "It is fun and I feel like I am playing." 
Her counsel?  "You need to think of your writing as your work."
I've been trying to be a bit more disciplined in that respect.
There have been other distractions - a couple of them quite significant, but then, there will always be distractions.  The challenge is to work through the distractions, is it not?
So I write, and I run, and I redirect - and then I remember something I forgot to do.  I repent and then I repeat it all over again!