Beginning

Welcome to my blog, thank you for stopping by. If this is your first time to my blog, it's nice to meet you. If you've been here before, welcome back.

My writing journey has begun. The road will have some bumps and detours. I only hope that the first hill is not too high, and the journey is long.














Monday, October 31, 2011

Quotations, Happy Halloween and Encore 2011

Happy Halloween Everyone!


     Today, I have some quotations that were posted at Encore 2011 (SCBWI Writer's Workshop) and some helpful tips given at the conference.  Here are the quotations:

1)  "Take chances.  You will succeed if you are fearless of failure." - Natalie Goldberg

2)  "A blank piece of paper is God's way of letting us know how hard it is to be God." - Sidney Sheldon.

3)  Writing is so difficult that I feel that writers, having had their hell on earth, will escape all punishment hereafter." - Jessamyn West

4)  I'm a rewriter that's the part I like best... once I have a pile of paper to work with, it's like having the pieces of a puzzle.  I just have to put the pieces together to make a picture." - Judy Blume

Now, for some helpful tips shared at the conference and their presenters:

1st Presenter:
J. L. Bell is a writer and reader of fantasy literature for children. He is an Assistant Regional Advisor in the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, and was the editor of Oziana, creative magazine of the International Wizard of Oz Club, from 2004 to 2010.

Words from J.L. Bell:

     Milestones in an Exciting Plot

     Every story is different, fueld by characters' individual desires, but every story needs to keep readers eager to find out what's coming next.  Between a compelling opening and a satisfying resolution, an exciting plot needs twists and complications that keep raising the protagonist's physical and emotional stakes.

     We tend to value the serious over the silly.  Books that are selling - do have depressing situations.  Even though the setting is depressing, the story doesn't have to be, there can be triump for the protagonist.

     If you have a character that is constantly successful, they can be very boring.

     Readers expect more from a book:
     - Fascinate them.
     - Draw them in.
     - Put them in a mild trance.
     - Surrender them in to it.
     - They'll thank you for it.

     You can read more about J.L. Bell at either of his websites, please take time to stop by:



2nd Presenter:
Erin Dionne is a writer and a teacher. 

Words from Erin Dionne:

Frankenstein's Dog:  Bringing Minor Characters to Life

     Have you heard about Frankenstein's dog?  Sadly, no, because main characters get all of their author's attention.  Well, no more"

     Minor Characters need love, too!
     - What role do you give your minor character?
     - How much attention?
     - When do you address their needs?

     Avoid stock characters.
     - evil henchman
     - long suffering best friend
     - one function characters:
        - advice
        - cheerleader
        - complainer

     The goal is to create a minor character that has his/her own life.  When they are not with your main character, they are off doing their own thing.  Acknowledge the fact that everyone is the star of their own story.

     Use the slow reveal:
     - space events related to minor characters throughout the story arc.
     - balance in plot; intense scene followed by a comedic one with lesser character.
     - think of other ways you can position your minor character.

     Everyone loves sprinkles:
     - Sprinkle information throughout your story to keep your readers engaged.
     - Reveal and reinforce, and sprinkle throughout.

You can read more about Erin Dionne at her website:


3rd Presenter:
Mary Lee Donovan, Executive Editor at Candlewick Press

     The Dissection of Small Things:  A Microscopic Examination of the Picture Book Form.

     Using book maps and published models, you will learn how to plot, pace, and polish a picture book text.

     1)  Plot:
          - Cause & effect (if you give a mouse a cookie)
          - Status Quo (ex: Once Upon a time - something happens)
          - Give enough hints for the illustrator

     2)  Any underlying themes or messages:
          - Pacing is so important
          - Pattern and predictability
          - Action and movement
          - Emotion and tension
          - Dialogue

     3)  Polishing:
          - genteel manipulation of your reader
          - think about audible and inaudible
          - symbolisim and metaphor
          - selection and disposal
          - enhancing and pruning

     Take your inventory.  Go back, rewrite and rewrite again. 

     We were then given the opportunity to submit one manuscript that will actually have the opportunity to be viewed.

     You can visit Candlewick Press' website at:


4th Presenter:
Karen Day, Author of fiction for middle grade and young adult readers.

     So, You've Written A Novel!  Now What?

     Developing a dependable revision process is one of the most important things a writer should do.  Use strategies to discover new ways of looking at your manuscript.

     When once asked how she got published, Karen said.  "I figured out how to revise!  That's how I got publshed."

     Revising - The ability to fall madly in love with your character or plot, killing them off if it doesn't work.  You as a writer must do what feels like it works.  The more you write - the more your writing will change and grow.

     Advice:
     -  Should be and need to be in a critique group.  It will help you to discover your internal editor.
     - You've submitted  your novel.  Now, stop working on it.  Work on something else.  That way you will be fresh for revisions when needed.
     - Don't ever dismiss an editor's comments.  Read them carefully.  Look at them as a gift.
     - Practice writing a synopsis.  Pretend you're writing a Jacket Cover.
     - Real writing comes in the revision.

     List Threads in your story:
     - Make a list of all the major threads in the story.
     - Keep a journal beside you - list pages as reference.
     - Read from beginning to end for each thread

     List Major themes:
     - Resisting change
     - What are memories/history
     - Fear of water/intrigue of water
     - How things are there even if you can't see them.

     Beefing up characters:
     - Middle grade kids feel everthing
     - What's conscious/What's unconscious

     Focus on Setting:
     - Thematic Penetration
     - Creating a visual furthering the theme
     - Several scens imbedded in a theme

     You can read more about Karen at her Blog/Website at:


5th Presenter:
Mark Peter Hughes - Author and Faculty member of Rhode Island College ASTAL Writing Institute.

 Words from Mark Peter Huges:

     "Help! Help" I'm Stuck!" A Workshop About Sparking the Imagination and Solving Story Problems

     Do you have an idea but no idea how to make it work?  Have you come to a fork in the road but feel like you need a spoon?  As writers, we've all been there!

     Finding motivation:
     - Ask yourself:  Why do I write?  What do I hope to get out of reating?  If writing is truly important to me, what do I need to do to make it more a part of my life.
    
     Understanding your characters:
     - Write a diary from your character's point of view.

     Finding your story's focus:
     - Who are your characters and what do they want?  What is getting in the way of them getting it?   What is the central conflict of your story?  How will it be resolved in the end? 

     To add tension to your story, remember that every chapter, every scene, every moment of your story should hold a central question that will get your readers wondering and therefore make them want to keep turning pages.

     You can read more about Mark Peter Huges at his website at:


     Here, I have just touched on the topics heard that day.  The Workshop was a wonderful experience to learn more about writing and meet other writers, both published and unpublished.  Please find out more about these workshops at:


     While at the workshop, I met and sat with some wonderful writers, Karen Day, Evelyn Wolfson, Nancy Poydar and many more.  I also had the opportunity to meet Charlotte DeVoe who is an illustrator.  It was a wonderful day all around.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (44)

     Here are a few books for the season.  I like to keep my revies short and sweet, not giving too much away with the story, but my recommendations are huge!

Fall Pumpkins
Orange and Plump
Fall Pumpkins: Orange and Plump (Cloverleaf Books: Fall's Here!)
Written by:  Martha E. H. Rustad
Illustrated by:  Amanda Enright

     This is a wonderful little book with colorful pages that carry a child through the story.  There are bulle notes in the form of a leaf added on the pages throughout the book.  There is a little bit of everything from planting pumpkins, a recipe for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds and making Pumpkin Pie!  A great feature of this book are the illustrations on planting and caring for pumpkins.  


Franklin's Halloween

    

Written by:  Paulette Bourgeous
Illustrated by:  Brenda Clark

     Here is another tale involving Franklin.  Franklin and his friends are excited that Halloween is coming and they are making their plans.  They are getting ready for a party, painting and decorating, bobbing for apples and other games.  They are a little sppked when the visit a make believe haunted house that turns out to be fun, with a mystery to solve.  The illustrations are brightly colored and detailed.


A Full Moon Is Rising


Poems by:  Marilyn Singer
Pictures by:  Julia Cairns

     A Full Moon Is Rising is not really a Fall book, but the title fits so nicely.  This is a book with a collection of poems and unique illustrations.  Marilyn Singer invites young readers to come along on a whirlwind tour of the world, with celebrations, customs, beliefs, facts and natural phenomena.  Here is a chance to wonder at the magic of the full moon.


Trick or Treat


Written by:  Richie Tankersley Cusick

     Martha knew there was something evil about the house she was moving into. If was so cold...and creepy. And it wasn't just the house that was giving her a weird feeling. Martha was sure someone was following her... watching her every move.  Someone would be coming home this year with more than just a bag of treats, and was Martha!

Iced Pumpkin Cookies

Ingredients:

Cookie:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 egg

Icing:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:


1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.


2.In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and white sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.


3.Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.


4.To Make Glaze: Combine confectioners' sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add milk as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency.
Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

We Each Have Our Own Gift

     Do you ever think about what special gift you have, as a writer that you bring to the table. We each have our own uniqueness. No matter what genre you write for, your individuality and style comes through in what you write. The thing that will set you apart from the crowd is YOU!

     What unique thing do YOU bring to the table?

     My office had a workshop once, where you had to circle on a chart, from 1-5, in the process of a project, could you see the whole picture. In other words, 1 would show that you can only see the beginnings of the picture or story, three would mean that you can see the picture and visualize all that is there, five would mean that you are able to see the whole picture and add a little something to it.

     So, on the chart I didn’t circle anyone of these, I put an arrow after the five and extended it to the edge of the page. I had no idea at the time that they were collecting these pages and when the time came I had no choice but to turn mine in. We had a short break and when we all returned to the conference room, the presenter asked. “Where is Maeve?” I had a bad feeling when all eyes turned towards me and I raised my hand. The presenter asked me what I meant by my addition to the chart.


     Here is what my response was:


     “Well, I can see a picture or a project, and see beyond what is there. I can envision what the process might have been to create the picture or project, I can see all that is there, I can envision what could possibly come from it, whether it be something wonderful or what a “butt” ache it is going to be.” (in all honesty I didn’t use the word “butt”, but I think you can figure it out.) :)


     The presenter told me that this is what I bring to the table, I bring my own individuality, insightfulness and a sense of humor with it. That is what I try to apply in my writing, my own individual style with a little sarcasm, a lot of hard work and a sense of humor. Once you figure out what your unique gift is, that is what will set you apart from the crowd.


     So what is your gift?


     Feel free to share when you leave a comment.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Some Inspiration For The Week Ahead

The imagination exercises a powerful influence over every act of sense, thought, reason,
-- over every idea.
Latin Proverb

Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
Louisa May Alcott

Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Albert Einstein

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Seek the lofty by reading, hearing and seeing great work at some moment every day.
Thornton Wilder

Life is like a cup of tea, it’s all in how you make it!
Irish Proverb

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (43)

The Keeping Quilt

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

By:  Patricia Polacco

     Patricia Polacco's classic tale "The Keeping Quilt" manages to blend, family, love, tradition, the cycle of life, and the events in one family which are anchored by just one thing: the family quilt.


     “The Keeping Quilt” is made by the immigrant great-grandmother and her quilting bee friends, the quilt is compiled of scraps of fabric from little girls' dresses, the aprons of aunts, and so on. All come together to form a beautiful quilt which features dancing animals, swaying trees, and all manner of beautiful ornamentation. “The Keeping Quilt” is used as a quilt, a tent, a huppah at a wedding and a tablecloth.


     This is such a touching story about family and culture and change in the form of a Russian quilt that is passed down through several generations. The art is lovely, black and white with only the quilt colored.

Cinnamon Hot And Orange Quilt Cookies

Ingredients:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1½ cups unsalted butter, cool room temperature (3 sticks)
1 cup sugar
finely grated zest of 2 large oranges
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cinnamon oil 
Finishing:
red food coloring (gel or liquid)
super-fine sugar 

Directions:

1.In a large mixing bowl, sift flour and cornstarch. Reserve.

2.In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, orange zest, and salt. Add vanilla and cinnamon oil, and incorporate.

3.Add the flour mixture and mix on very slow speed very briefly, just until a dough forms.

4.Remove the dough and weigh it. Add half the dough (by weight) back to the mixer and incorporate a few drops of red food coloring.

5.Form each portion of dough into a 12-inch long by 2¼-inch wide by 1-inch deep log. Wrap in plastic wrap and frig for at least 2 hours. (Yes, I had the help of custom made metal forms.)

6.When the dough is very firm, remove from the frig. Using a long thin knife, cut each log exactly the same into several lengthwise sections. Reassemble each log to its original size by swapping alternate sections with opposite colored dough strips. Press the strips tightly together without distorting the shape of the log. 

7.Rewrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill again for at least 2 hours, or as long as a couple of days.

8.When you are ready to bake, remove one log at a time from the frig and slice cookies widthwise into ¼-inch thick slices.

9.Arrange cookies, ½-inch apart, on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. If desired, sprinkle with super-fine.

10.Bake at 325° for about 20-22 minutes, rotating pans at the halfway point to ensure even browning.

11.Remove from the oven, immediately loosen each cookie with a thin spatula, and set on a wire rack to cool.

12.Store airtight in layers, each layer separated by wax paper, in a cookie tin, in a cool, dry place. These cookies improve with age. They keep for 3-4 weeks.

Makes about 8 dozen, 2½-inch by 1½-inch cookies.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Come Sit By My Fire and A Story I Will Tell

Rachel Harrie's Third Campainer Challenge:

Write a blog post in 300 words or less, excluding the title. The post can be in any format, whether flash fiction, non-fiction, humorous blog musings, poem, etc. The blog post should show:


that it’s morning,
that a man or a woman (or both) is at the beach
that the MC (main character) is bored
that something stinks behind where he/she is sitting
that something surprising happens.
Just for fun, see if you can involve all five senses AND include these random words: "synbatec," "wastopaneer," and "tacise." (NB. these words are completely made up and are not intended to have any meaning other than the one you give them).


Once you’ve posted your Challenge post on your blog, pop back here and link directly to it in the Linky List below (please make sure you include the direct link to your post, not just the link to your blog!).

Here is my entry:

Come Sit By My Fire and A Story I Will Tell

     Devouring darkness overtook this part of the beach in the early morning hours past midnight. Niamh yawned, more out of boredom, than being tired. From where she sat, Niamh shifted her eyesight backwards, the synbatic stench from the deserted house permeated her nostrils. Out of morbid curiosity, Niamh, arose, turned and walked toward the air of decay that hung in the air like a shroud.

      Rumors were rife about the house. She knew that when she bought hers right next door. Many nights she awakened from dreamful sleep, dreams so vivid, they seemed real. Dreams full of sounds and muffled screams, coming from this dreary house.  “No Wastopaneer Allowed” signs, hammered all around the tall fence, hid it from view. Bending she peered at a loose board in the fence. As quietly as she could, Niamh pulled away the loose board, enough to allow herself to the other side.


     In the clear twilight, she allowed her eyes to tacise. She could see a man and woman, sitting at a table set for two. The hole ridden cloth covered the table, ragged, aged and dirty. Her body tensed, as she took a few tentative steps forward. At the sounds of her footsteps, rats began leaping off the table. Horrified confusion, then realization she saw that the two people were skeletons, cobweb-shrouded corpses, with insects crawling out of the eye sockets. To the left was a large sizzling pot, dripping with blood.


     For a moment she saw nothing, but swirling darkness. Her screams were stifled by a hand covering her mouth, the roar of her own heartbeat thundering in her ears. She used the last of her remaining consciousness, to spot another table, laid set for one. On it a sign read. “Bone Appetit!” She slipped into the arms of fathomless darkness.


So that is my entry. 
Happy Halloween!

If you like my entry you can "like" it at: 

http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2011/10/third-campaigner-challenge-show-not.html

My entry is No.: 63

Monday, October 17, 2011

Quotations For Inspiration

Happy Monday!  Here are a few Quotations to start your week:

The chief beauty about time
is that you cannot waste it in advance.
The next year, the next day, the next hour
are lying ready for you,
as perfect, as unspoiled,
as if you had never wasted or misapplied
a single moment in all your life.
You can turn over a new leaf every hour
if you choose.
- Arnold Bennett

It is our choices ... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
- J. K. Rowling

Those who believe they can do something and those who believe they can't are both right.
- Henry Ford

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

Every thought we think is creating our future.
- Louise L. Hay

Gaelic Proverb:
Tús maith, leath na hoibre.
Meaning: A good start is half the work.

Have a Great start to your week, everyone!  Treasure awaits!












Friday, October 14, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (42)


Waltur Paints Himself Into A Corner
And Other Stories

Waltur Paints Himself Into a Corner and Other Stories

Written by Barbara Gregorich
Illustrated by:  Kristin Sorra

     Waltur and his friends Matilda and Darwin are in this collection of three stories that help beginning readers understand funny everyday sayings—like trying not to paint yourself into a corner but he winds up painting himself into the middle of the room instead.  There is more fun reading in putting the cart before the horse and letting sleeping dogs lie.  Funny sayings and situations, along with colorful illustrations, create a wonderful read.  Waltur is lucky enough to have friends that help him out when he needs it.  That is what these stories are about, friendship! 

Friendship Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup molasses
1 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup oil
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda
1/3 cup cocoa
1/2 cup coconut
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup raisins

Directions:

Preheat oven 400F.

In a large bowl with a electric hand mixer, Blend butter and brown sugar together. Mix until creamy then add in peanutbutter, oil, vanilla and molasses. Blend until creamy.

In a bowl combine flour, oatmeal, salt, coco, baking powder, baking soda, coconut, chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans and raisins.

Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and blend well with wooden spoon. Add the rest of the flour mix and blend all together.

With a teaspoon drop cookies on a baking stone or cookie sheet. Bake at 400F for 10 minutes then let stand for 5 minutes. But if you want a softer chewy cookie bake for 7 minutes and let stand on for 3 minutes.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Your Last Line

     Just thinking...

     Have you ever thought of what you would like your epitaph to be.  If we were to write our own, it would be considered the last line of our own story.  How many of you have read the sayings written on the headstones in a Cemetery?  There are some sayings that could only have meaning to the one it is intended for, or for a loved one only.  There are some that are told in verse.  Some have none at all.

     My Mom's epitaph says, "A Lovely Woman", so fitting for her, but I don't know if I could live up to that title.  I wondered to myself what mine could be.  I always think that I am a work in progress, changing and reshaping, literally, the older I get.  So, here is a potential one for me:

"Construction Completed!"
(Thanks for your patience.)

     What do you think?  Has anyone else given this any thought?  What would your last line be?

     Note:  I know this post seems a little morbid, but it is Halloween this month!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Yesterday or Tomorrow

     If you had the opportunity, would you choose to revisit yesterday or would you choose a glimpse at tomorrow?

     With yesterday, you could recapture a moment that you let slip by, giving yourself a moment to create a new memory to carry with you to today and into tomorrow. 

     With tomorrow, you could catch a glimpse of what is yet to be, allowing you to set the pace for today, knowing what is to come.

     If I had a choice, I would choose a revisit of yesterday.  There just isn't enough time in the day for all that I wish to do.  I would squeeze every minute out of the day.  I would kiss & hug the ones I love and tell them that I love them one more time.  I'd finish writing that book so, I could read it tomorrow.

     I would leave tomorrow for tomorrow.  I like the idea of surprise, it is kind of like the blank page of a book, waiting to be discovered, yet to be written.  If tomorrow were to be my last day, I wouldn't want to know today.  I still have so much I want to do and say, I am not ready to say goodbye.

     Blessings on our yesterdays, todays and tomorrows.  May they be all we can have and hold.  Which one woud you choose?

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Friends Are The Best

Hi Everyone!  I am back from an amazing weekend with friends.  There was sightseeing, shopping, sharing stories, laughter and lots of hugs.  There is nothing like taking a weekend away and relaxing. 

Here is where we stayed:  The Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center (In The Willows)


Picture of the Harbor

Business Image


A Pretty Bridge

Somesville Bridge

Sunset

Sunset

     Girlfriends are the best! Hugs to B'Sue, Beth, B'Fran, Mary, Maureen and Jeannie! We missed you this year Joan! 

     Here is a quote from me for all of you:

'Girlfriends - When they are not with you, they hug at your heart. When they are with you they hug you whole!'

     I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

    


Thursday, October 6, 2011

We Have A Winner For My Fall Blog Give-A-Way

     The winner for my Fall Blog Give-A-Way.  The winner is:
 
Abby Fowers
 
     Thank you all for stopping by, commenting on my blog and leaving such wonderful quotes.  I will be sure to use them on a future post with a link back to your blogs.  I am going away on a "Girl's Weekend" with a group of women I go away with, this time every year.  This year we are off to Bar Harbor, Maine.  I won't be posting until I return.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Today Is Going To Be Wordless Wednesday

     I am not feeling all that well today.  My brain can't think so, I am going to share some pictures with you of my favorite season.  Hope you all have a great day! 



fall-colors.jpg

fall decorations


Fall outdoor decorations





Monday, October 3, 2011

Overcoming Challenges and Some Quotes for Inspiration

     This past Saturday, I attended the SCBWI - Overcoming Challenges: A Program for Writers, Illustrators and educators at the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham, MA. 

Co-ordinator:

Melissa Stewart

Panelists: 

Jacqueline Davies
Kathryn Lasky
Lois Lowry
Bill Thomson


On the agenda:


"My Biggest Career Challenge and How I Solved It"


     Four children's book creators discuss the most significant hurdles they've overcome in producing their work, selling it to publishers, and promoting it to educators, booksellers and the general public.


"My Biggest Writing/Illustrating Challenge and How I Solved It"


     Four children's book creators discuss the struggles they've faced while producing the children's books we know and love.  Their stories will inform and inspire writers, illustrators, educators, and children's book enthusiasts.

Book Sale and Signing

     I already have a lot of these books that were for sale at the book sale, but I did pick up:

Bless This Mouse by Lois Lowry
Chalk by Bill Thomson

     Since Mondays are becoming my day for quotes for inspiration, here are some said by the panelists on Saturday:

"I do what I want to do, when I want to do it, it depends on the day." - Jacqueline Davies

"One way to eat an elephant, is one bite at a time." - Bill Thomson

"Everyday, I get up and I get to re-invent the world." - Kathryn Lasky

"Success falls into the category of perfection. - It's stupid.  I just feel that what gives you satisfaction is success." - Lois Lowry

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Random Answers to Life's Most Meaningful Questions


I have been tagged with a meme.

Here are my answers to the meme quiz:


1.  Show us the cutest, most adorable picture of your favorite animal:


Here’s Maggie!



2.  You have five seconds to survive the zombie apocalypse. Choose one friend who would save your butt and then tell us why you chose them.

I would choose my husband of almost 34 years because he is my best friend and always there for me.



3.  Share a quote with us:

“My business is not to remake myself, but make the absolute best of what God has made.” – Robert Browning



4.  Using exactly twenty seven words, tell your life story:

One of five children. Born in Massachusetts. Met husband in High School. We have four children and one grandchild. Our grandson calls us ‘Lolli and Pop’. Happy.


5.  All dead rock legends live again. You’re standing in a fifty mile long line for:

To kiss my Mom and Mother-in-law, just one more time. I would take more away with me from that than any rock legend.



6.  Describe yourself using six words that start with the third letter of your middle name. Go!:

Encouraging, Empathetic, Embraceable, Efficient, Effective, Essential



7.  What do you think of when you hear the word wombat?

Hide!

----------------------------------------------------------------

 
I also received the 'Blog On Fire Award!


Thanks Beckah!

Thank you Tara Tyler at:

I’ll pass on the additional 7 facts about myself (I think you’ve probably heard enough about me) and get busy passing this along.

http://stacysjensen.blogspot.com/

http://www.jennyleeyoung.blogspot.com/

http://nicoleabdou-destinationunknown.blogspot.com/

http://abbyfowers.blogspot.com/


Don't forget to check out my blog give-a-way posted on September 28, 2011.