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!