Cheryl's journal

October belongs to baseball

2008-10-23T06:38:00.002-05:00

I know I should have said this about three weeks ago. What can I say, I'm a major procrastinator!

I love baseball. Grew up watching the Mets and as time marched on morphed into a Boston Red Sox fan thanks to Youngest Son. So when playoffs and pennant races begin I'm glued to the TV until the wee hours of the morning, occasionally "resting my eyes" during commercials.

Consequently the world around me tends to fall by the wayside, laundry piles up, emails go unopened, dogs and cats don't get fed, and blogs go into suspended animation, without the animation.

I know THE team lost the ALCS--I'll discuss that at some later time, when can cope with their lose better ; ( -- but I am a true fan and will watch the World Series--pitch by pitch and strike by strike. I'm torn this year though--root for the Phillies or Tampa Bay? The Mets fan in me leans toward the National League Phillies. Yet, the Rays are such a young team I'm leaning toward yahooing for them, even though they beat out THE team.

The best would be another seven game series, split 3-3 until the final game...tied all, bottom of the 9th, 2 outs and Upton swaggers to the plate, swings and whack................

Analphabet

2008-10-02T08:40:00.003-05:00

Courtesy of A.Word.A.Day, a daily e-newsletter that I receive. Many fascinating words have graced my inbox since subscribing.

A.Word.A.Day

with Anu Garg

analphabet

PRONUNCIATION:

(an-AL-fuh-bet)

MEANING:

noun: An illiterate; one who doesn't know the alphabet or the basics of something.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Greek analphabetos (not knowing the alphabet), from an- (not) + alphabetos (alphabet), from alpha + beta.

USAGE:

"For an auto-analphabet like me, this was big news indeed. Armed with these magical tires, I'd never have to lug around a spare."
Amy Gamerman; Tires -- No Pressure; The Wall Street Journal (New York); May 29, 1998.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

Nothing is illegal if one hundred businessmen decide to do it. -Andrew Young, author, civil rights activist, US congressman, mayor, and UN ambassador (b. 1932)

Now, how many would like to use the word in a sentence and share?

Pick a peck of peppers to pickle

2008-09-30T18:04:00.004-05:00

A peck? Quite honestly, I'm not sure how many peppers it would take to fill a peck! This is how much I used. And as you can see, I also have some green tomatoes, sweet green peppers and cherry peppers thrown into the mix. Oh, yes, can't forget the okra, there's not much, but it's there.

I used two different recipes, both are cold-pack, meaning, to me at least, the jars are not processed in any way shape or form, and must be refrigerated, and consumed within a reasonable amount of time.

Pickled veggie recipe #1

Sterilize jars, lids, etc.
Wash vegetables and place in jars.

Place in pot and bring to a boil:
10 peeled garlic cloves
2 quarts white vinegar
16 tablespoons pickling salt
2 tablespoons celery seed.

Pour over vegetables and seal.

Pickled vegetable recipe # 2

Sterilize jars, lids, etc.
Wash vegetables and place in jars.
Put 1 and 1/2 tablespoons pickling spice and several peeled, cracked garlic cloves into each jar.

Bring to a boil:
1 and 1/2 cups white vinegar
8 teaspoons pickling salt or kosher salt
2 quarts water

Pour over vegetables and seal.

These two recipes produced 8 quarts of pickled veggies. The jars must be refrigerated for at least 4 weeks to achieve full flavor fantasy! So sometime in early November I'll be cracking open a jar and fighting with Youngest Son and Husband for the luscious garlic cloves!

mmmm...definitely good eats.

Socks? No, not yet.

2008-09-26T08:08:00.006-05:00

Nope. I'm not ready for socks. The book came, I ruffled through the pages, got intimidated, closed the book and decided that what I really needed was a poncho for myself.

The color is raspberry and it's moving along quite nicely.
This what the end result should look like.

I'm not sure about the pom-pom thingies across the bottom. They do serve a purpose--I think--to help weigh down the poncho, maybe, so it lays nicely? Whatcha think? Pom-poms or no pom-poms?

The pattern is in this book. Doesn't that cover wrap look lovely? I ordered this book online based solely on the amazing cover!

I haven't given up on the socks.

I mean, just look at those awesome socks! After the poncho is finished I'll give the book another whirl!

Writing Prompt

2008-09-23T07:06:00.002-05:00

Here's a writing prompt for all you writers out there, including and especially, my writers group, the Appalachian Wordsmiths.

Use the following sentence as the first sentence of a writing piece--prose or poem.

Or incorporate it within the first paragraph or stanza.

"The picture in the catalog had lied."

On your mark, get set, GO!

International Talk Like a Pirate Day!!

2008-09-19T10:49:00.003-05:00

Yes, that's right, mateys. Today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, and for your reading pleasure I've posted my results from

The Official Talk Like a Pirate Personality Inventory (TOTLAPPI)!

To get your results visit

The Official Talk Like a Pirate Personality Inventory (TOTLAPPI)!

You are The Cap'n!

Some men and women are born great, some achieve greatness and some slit the throats of any scalawag who stands between them and unlimited power. You never met a man - or woman - you couldn't eviscerate. You are the definitive Man of Action, the CEO of the Seven Seas, Lee Iacocca in a blousy shirt and drawstring-fly pants. You're mission-oriented, and if anyone gets in the way, that's his problem, now isn't? Your buckle was swashed long ago and you have never been so sure of anything as your ability to bend everyone to your will. You will call anyone out and cut off his head if he shows any sign of taking you on or backing down. If one of your lieutenants shows an overly developed sense of ambition he may find more suitable accommodations in Davy Jones' locker. That is, of course, IF you notice him. You tend to be self absorbed - a weakness that may keep you from seeing enemies where they are and imagining them where they are not.

What's Yer Inner Pirate?
brought to you by The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site. Arrrrr!

Civil War story

2008-09-19T08:32:00.005-05:00

Talk turned to history last night at my weekly writer's meeting. Local, regional, West Virginian and Civil War and I was reminded of the story I wrote a few years ago, based on a prompt. Hmmm...almost all my stories begin that way, with a prompt...

Anyway, the following story appeared in the online, historical journal, The Copperfield Review. The journal features fiction, non-fiction and reviews of historical novels. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy reading it and will add it to my "frequent reading links" (must find a better title, any suggestions?).

As far as I can tell The Copperfield Review doesn't archive their past issues, so for those interested I've posted the entire story below, it runs about 2500 words.

Enjoy. Let me know what y'all think.
P.S. Some of the formatting has gone all weird on me and I can't figure out how to change it, my apologies. ; 0

Are the stars out tonight?

By Cheryl Kobe

I always hated the way she fussed over me. Treated me like a little boy, all the time. But now I’d give anything to have Mama fussing at me, smoothing my hair down and clicking her tongue. Now George, be sure and wear your hat, the wind is picking up. I don’t want you catching a cold.

I turn and try to get comfortable on this cold, hard ground. Mama would have a fit if she saw me. Bout right now I’m catching pneumonia, at least, must be below freezing. Who said the south was warm? This damp cold chills me to the bone.

I roll over again, trying to ignore Frank’s snoring. These last weeks have been like a dream, just not real. Well, maybe more like a nightmare at times. Traveling all this way south, never knowing what me and Frank was gonna run into. Land is so different down here. One thing true about the south, I ain’t never seen a sky so blue, crisp, and clear through the day. Just the same color as Elizabeth’s eyes. I miss Elizabeth. Her soft hands, her hair that smells like summer flowers. She said she’d wait for me, but will she? Dear Lord, keep her heart for me. There’s no men left in Cobleskill to court her, they’re all here with me – the 115^th Regiment of New York Volunteers. Not one able bodied fellow stayed behind, we marched out of town and headed south to Albany to join up with other New York regiments.

Frank’s sawing away again, much too noisy so I shove him. “Frank, if you can’t sleep quietly then you just better wake up.”

Frank mutters and turns away from me, he’s sleeping pretty soundly. Probably dreaming of home. I wish I was home, sitting on a crate in old Mr. Stokely’s store, chewing my jerky, listening to him laugh and shoot the breeze with Papa and Sheriff Anderson. The jerky I got to eat here is nasty, nothing like the deer jerky Papa cures in the smoke house. I think they’re feeding us shoe leather and that’s why we ain’t got no boots.

I’m wearing the shoes I wore when I left Cobleskill, just fine for farming, but not for southern swamps. My feet haven’t been dry for days, not since Frank and I left headquarters in Harpers Ferry. Now we wait for our target. Maybe tonight will be the night. If I could just get a little shuteye, I know I’d feel better; I need to be alert. I roll on my back again. Clouds are moving fast across the dark sky. Wonder if those clouds’re coming from the north.

North from Cobleskill and old Mr. Stokely. He wanted to be here, wanted to be part of this war. It sure took a lot of jawing to convince him to stay home and look after the women folk. Sent those bloody English crying home to the queen in 1813, he said and was ready to send the Confederates running home with their tails between their legs this time. He tells some good fighting stories. He said a proud man will stand up and do what it takes to keep his land safe from evil, whatever it might be. Said his daddy didn’t fight the British for freedom only to hand it over to a bunch of slave owning rich folks who think they can secede from this great country.

Peaceful night tonight, clouds have cleared and now I can see the full moon, lights up the entire valley. So clear we’ll be able to see our targets just fine. But that means the Rebs can see us too. Just look at those stars, so bright. Could Elizabeth be looking at those same stars tonight? Is she thinking about me? Wondering if I’m alive or dead? Oh, sweet Lizzie, remember me, wait for me.

I kick Frank. “You need to stop that sawing! I bet the Rebs can hear you all the way down in Mississippi! Frank wake up! Wake up you fool!”

This time Franks sits up and looks at me. “Hey, what is it George? I was having a sweet dream.”

“The clouds have cleared and the moon is full. We need to be extra careful.”

Frank barely nods and lays back down.

I’m tired of following this Reb regiment around. If they would just stay in place all night we could get it done. This sneaking around is not my idea of fighting a war. Don’t even have a proper uniform. Better to stay in your own clothes the Lieutenant said, just in case you’re caught. Caught, geez, can’t think about that. I’ve seen the condition of the Rebs. They’re in worse shape than us, uniforms torn and tattered and many have no shoes. How can they keep marching through these fields with no shoes? Every night since we started following them we’ve killed a snake. And these bugs are not like any I’ve ever seen. Buzzing in my eyes, biting every bit of skin not covered. I’ve been thinking that maybe the Rebs are setting out these critters to attack us. I’ve scratched so much I’m bleeding. AndFrank can hardly open his eyes; they’re just about swelled shut. So how’s he gonna be able to aim at his target?

I can’t sleep so there ain’t no use in wasting time, we best get a move on. I shove Frank again and this time he stands up and stretches. I panic and grab at him.

“Get down Frank! What’re you thinking? We gotta stay outta sight.”

Frank just shakes his head at me. “Nobody’s looking for us, George, so nobody’s gonna see us.”

“We don’t know that. And I don’t know bout you, but I have a pretty gal waiting for me that I intend to stay alive for.” I pull Frank down beside me.

“Geez, I’m starved, George, this hard tack’s just laying in my belly like a brick.”

“We get our mission done tonight we can head back to camp.”

“Good, I’ve had enough of this grub we been carrying with us. My stomach’s aching for some real food.”

I pick up my rifle and tell Frank to do the same.

“Come on, let’s walk the ridge and see what we can find. Gotta be quiet Frank.”

“Ok, let’s find us some Rebs.”

Wonder if Frank’s right? Maybe we don’t need to be so careful; maybe the Rebs don’t suspect a thing. Frank’s a good man, one helluva shot, but sometimes I wonder about his common sense, like does he have any? He can’t be rustling through these fields like a scared doe.

“You look worried, George, how ya feeling? Did you sleep some tonight?”

“No, couldn’t. Kept thinking about home.”

“Ah, home. If I close my eyes I can smell the bacon Mama fries for breakfast.”

“Is that all you can think about Frank, food?”

“ Well, it’s what I miss the most.”

“Not me.”

“You miss your sweetheart?”

“Yeah, sweet Elizabeth. If I close my eyes I can relive our last kiss. My hands wrapped around her tiny waist, the sweet smell of her hair and her soft lips, so sweet, Frank, so sweet. I can see her waving her handkerchief as we marched out of Cobleskill.”

“You know George, when I volunteered I thought I’d be fighting in a war.”

“But you are.”

“This ain’t war. This is spying stuff and I don’t like it. How can I go home a war hero if nobody knows what I’m doing?”

“You shouldn’t be doing it for the glory, Frank. You should be doing it to save the Union and free all them poor slaves.”

“Yeah, well, the Union ain’t gonna find me a gal to marry, is it?”

“No.”

“I want to march home all decked out in a fine, clean uniform. Boots polished, buttons shiny and medals pinned to my chest.”

“Aw, Frank.”

“Yup, just think of all those pretty girls who’ll come running to me, a war hero and all. I can spin my tales of crushin’ those rebels and fightin’ in such miserable conditions and…”

“Frank, Frank, listen to me. You won’t need any medals to get a pretty girl. Just be a good soldier. Girls don’t want to hear war stories, too gory for them, all blood and guts. All they’ll care about is that you’re alive and home.”

“I guess, but I don’t like not being able to tell what we’re doing. It ain’t right.”

“I know Frank. Hey, look just past that grove of trees, you see fire light?”

“Yeah.”

“Looks like they’re settling in for the night.”

“They set up tents. Guess they plan on staying a while, lucky for us. Let’s see how close we can get.”

I wish the moon wasn’t so bright, almost like daylight.

I hope Frank can hold himself together. Mama, I hope you’re praying for me right now, praying that I don’t run into a snake.

“Psst, Frank, get down behind that tree.”

Hope the crickets and bullfrogs mask our rustlings. I make my way over to Frank and make sure he’s settling in.

“Frank, how ya doing there?”

“My Lord, George, look at all them Rebs. There wasn’t that many on the road this morning. Where did they all come from?”

“Must have met up with reinforcements.”

“I ain’t never seen so many Rebs in one place, kinda scary.”

“I know. Let’s lay low and watch ‘em for a while.”

Frank’s right, there’s too many of them. How in tarnation are we gonna be able to pick off the officers? We have to move in closer and do it tonight; they might not be here tomorrow night. And if we don’t start our backtracking we’ll never find our way back to the regiment. I don’t want us to be wandering around these Reb filled woods. Don’t put much stock in our cover, two southern boys looking for a fighting unit to join up with? I don’t want to have to put that story to the test.

“Frank, let’s get in closer, keep your head down and your powder dry. We need to reach that knoll over there. Then we can get a clear shot down into their camp.”

I stick close to Frank as we make our way through the thickets. The dampness seems to be keeping the noise down. Frank’s finally settling down. I think the sight of all those Rebs lit a fire under him. He’s gotta be alert. I know he can do it, he’s the best hunter in the Mohawk Valley and he sure didn’t earn that by spooking his prey.

Course with these new rifles they gave us, it’s hard to imagine missing anything. The Lieutenant says I can kill a man at 1000 yards, amazing. It was something, shooting at those hay-filled dummies. This rifle made a big hole at 350 yards. It was real hard to aim from that distance, and I didn’t always make my shot, but I did fairly. Frank nailed every one of his though, tore his dummy to shreds. Glad he’s on my side, and by my side, good man to have looking out for me.

Frank makes his way over to my side. “George, I think I spotted the officer’s tent down over there. Biggest one in the camp and the only one lit up.”

“Ok, let’s have a look. Keep your eyes open for sentries. They might be posted out at 100 yards or more.”

I’m kinda surprised we haven’t run into any sentries. I guess they really aren’t expecting us, or any Yanks, or surely they’d be scouting some. Maybe it’s some kinda omen in our favor. No way we can do this without the element of surprise.

I feel queasy. How am I gonna shoot a man? Never pointed a rifle at anything but food. Proud to say none of my kills ever suffered. Never had to track a wounded animal, always a clear shot and a clean kill. Couldn’t stomach wounding and having to put it out of its misery and I sure didn’t have any choice in this assignment. After seeing Frank and me at target practice, the Lieutenant volunteered us. Been nervous about it since then, and now, well now I’m just sick to my stomach. Can’t think about it too carefully; just have to think about it like a job, a hunt I reckon.

I look around, no sign of anyone out here, just the white of Frank’s eyes, little bit I can see.

“OK, Frank, belly to the ground now. We got to slink on in the last 50 yards or so. Stay close, never more than an arm’s length away. Got it?”

“OK George.”

As I reach the knoll, George slinks in beside me real quiet. Yes, this will do just fine; I can get a clear shot from here

That must be the officer’s tent, just like Frank said. With reinforcements arriving something important must be brewing. Must be six men in that tent, but how many of them

are officers? The Lieutenant was real strong about that, don’t shoot any enlisted men, only officers, any officers, and as many as we could.

“Frank, let’s take our position right here. We have a good view of that tent and can see who’s coming and going.”

I hear rustling, could be a sentry. I motion to Frank to get down and be quiet, he shakes his head, he must’ve heard it too.

I turn my head in all directions, no sign of the sentry. That was a little too close. I take a deep breath. We need to get this done. I motion to Frank to get his rifle ready, he nods.

Let’s see what I got in these iron sights. Should we be shooting into the tent? Are all six of those men officers? Wait, someone’s coming out. Three men, all look to be officers with shoulder broads and white gloves. This is it.

I can see their faces; ‘cept for their uniforms they could be Union. They look like us. Why did I think they’d look different, like I’d be able to tell just by looking at their faces they were Rebs? I don’t like this. It’s so hot the sweat’s running into my eyes and blurring my vision. Have to make these shots count, can’t miss. Aim for the chest, better chance of making the shot.

Target in sights, deep breath, squeeze the trigger, nice and easy.

Too much smoke—can’t see—did I get him? Where’s Frank? What’s that? Sounds like thunder.

**************************************************************************

Lizzie, the stars are so bright. Lizzie, sweet, Lizzie, can you hear me? I’m coming home.

Thai at home

2008-09-18T08:29:00.007-05:00

I'm always alert for new recipes--cooking the same thing over and over can certainly be a drag to prepare and blah to eat.

The Sunday magazine section printed a recipe for Thai Turkey Burgers and Thai-style Peanut Cabbage Salad that caught my eye, so I gave it a try. As always, I didn't have all the ingredients called for, so I improvised and what follows is the end result.

Burgers

1 lb ground turkey (the burgers were not dry like most turkey burgers, I used mixed ground turkey, not ground breast turkey)
1/2 onion, minced
1 tablespoon cilantro
2 teaspoons soy sauce
pinch of ginger
pepper and salt

Combine turkey, onions, cilantro, soy sauce and salt and pepper in a large bowl, mix well, gotta get your hands in there! Shape into 4 patties and pan fry in a few tablespoons of olive oil until thoroughly cooked--about 35 minutes over medium heat.

I toasted hamburger buns and offered sliced tomatoes (from the garden, of course) and mayo (the olive oil kind) for the burgers. Good taste, not dry, I'll make them again.

Thai-Style Peanut-Cabbage Salad

1 can, drained, whole green beans

1 small head of cabbage, sliced thin

6 sliced green onions

3/4 cup dry roasted peanuts
handful of fresh basil, torn into small pieces

Toss everything together in a large salad bowl and prepare dressing.

1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablepsoons water
4 garlic cloves, minced (or one mega-giant-elephant garlic clove!)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
pinch of ground ginger
salt and pepper
1 small hot pepper, chopped, seeds removed (I used one of our Hungarian banana peppers which turned red on the vine)

Mix ingredients and pour over salad sparingly. I didn't pour all of it over the salad, maybe half and saved the rest for other salads.

Crumble and crush about 2 cups of sweet potato chips, I used Terra, it was the only brand available to me. Divide the crushed chips between individual salad bowls, then pile on the salad. I loved it! Tasty, tangy, crunchy, overall yummy.

Popular Pink

2008-09-16T17:23:00.003-05:00

Everyone, check out Monster Crochet's blog post today!

Just look at the dazzling watermelon, pink color she's using for her hairpin lace.

Looks familiar doesn't it?

Gotta love it!

Dazzling watermelon poncho

2008-09-15T07:01:00.004-05:00

Whatcha think?

Dazzling, huh? The color, I mean. Don't zoom in too close, remember I'm still technically a beginner, even though I did this sort of stuff many moons ago. My "hooking" is still a little rusty!

Out it goes today to Niece with a birthday this week, you know who you are. ; )

Cincinnati Chili

2008-09-12T11:53:00.004-05:00

Ever since I first ate Cincinnati chili at a Skyline Chili restaurant a few years ago, I've been on a quest to find one that suits my family.

Now, I'm not sure if this recipe tastes exactly like the Skyline Chili you get at the restaurants, but we sure like it!

The recipe is from the cookbook photoed below: Think Thin Pasta by Sue Spitler. It's got some great recipes, the pages are quite food stained, proof that I use the book often.

Cincinnati Chili Sauce

12 oz ground turkey (or ground chicken, I've used both)
1/2 cup chopped onions
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce (on occasion I've used 4 oz tomato paste mixed with 4 oz water)
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves (I've also subbed with Italian seasonings some times)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon*
1 teaspoon ground allspice*
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon cocoa*
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

*these three ingredients are crucial to the overall unique taste of this chili

Cook turkey in saucepan over medium heat until browned, 5-8 minutes. Remove turkey from pan, drain and crumble. Drain excess fat from pan.

Add onions and garlic to pan and saute until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in turkey and remaining ingredients, heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 15 minutes. Simmer, uncovered, until sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes.

I usually serve this over spaghetti in the traditional Cincinnati chili fashion; offering shredded cheese (sharp cheddar is my favorite) and chopped raw onions. I also like a dollop of sour cream atop the mound.

The leftovers are great with/without the pasta and also make a yummy hot dog sauce.

Tastes delicious and since ground turkey/chicken is used, the recipe could be considered healthy?! If you use lowfat shredded cheese, and if you use a non-fat sour cream....

squeetus blog

2008-09-11T07:37:00.004-05:00

Shannon Hale maintains a blog--listed on my blog roll--always packed full of information. Timely and useful information.

Beginning with her August 31, How to be a reader (part 1) post and continuing since, Shannon has expressed great insight into reading and writing books. As both an avid book reader and an aspiring writer, I have very much appreciated and enjoyed her posts.

So, I direct all readers and writers out there to visit her blog and learn how to read through the eyes of an author.

P.S. She also writes fabulous books--my favorites are Austenland (hilariously fun read) and Book of a Thousand Days (young adult fairy tale inspired writing at its best).

I don't like spiders and snakes

2008-09-10T06:55:00.011-05:00

Nope, I don't spiders or snakes and here I am, living in rural West Virginia, a place practically overrun with spiders and snakes.

For example, I stumbled upon this one day down by the creek in our backyard.

Caution: this photo is not for the faint of heart, I still get shivers when I look at it, and I'm the one that took the photo!

Yes, the photo is a little blurry, that happens when the photographer's hand is shaking!

Though I was getting all creeped out, I leaned in (carefully!) for a better view.

Oddly fascinating and truly scary...for me at least.

The other day Youngest Son offered to wash the car. After I recovered from the initial shock, I smiled and said thank you.

With the car all dusty, dirty and ready for a good soaping YS retrieved all the necessary cleaning supplies to begin his task. Minutes later he's calling me, loudly, loud enough for me to hear him inside the house with all windows and doors shut tight and the central air running.

Outside I found him standing at the hose that connects to the backyard well pump, and this is what he points out to me:

It's huge! I run back in the house for the camera and he gets to be the one to lean in close for these photos.

Blaahhh....equally beautiful and beastly.

I did some searching and if I'm not mistaken (though I could very possibly be incorrect...) this arachnid is a black and yellow garden spider.

Of course because of its beauty, this specimen happens to be a female. I discovered that like most spiders, this one is harmless to humans and keeps the fly and mosquito population in check. This website has amazing photos and interesting facts.

"I don't like spiders and snakes, and that ain't what it takes to love me..."
This Jim Stafford song will be running through my head all day now, and if you know the tune, guess what, it's gonna be singing to you all day too!

In case you don't know the song, here's a YouTube video to get you going.

Watermelon Crocheted Poncho

2008-09-05T14:52:00.004-05:00

Still no crocheted socks book yet. Still working diligently on my wrap. Still need to have a short term project going on. Look what I've begun...

I kinda gave it away in the post title. This is the start of a child's poncho. The yarn is watermelon. And this photo does not do it justice...it's eye-shockingly bright.

I found the pattern here on Lion Brand yarns website--it's a freebie. This is what the finished project is supposed to look like:

Yesterday I was inspired to make something for my niece's birthday this month. First I thought I'd whip up scarf--did that already. Then I pondered the idea of a hat--they all looked very pretty but unappealing. So last night the light bulb went off--a poncho! After much hunting and pecking online and flipping through page after page of books and magazines, I settled on the above pattern.

My niece turns 6 and I'm hoping she'll like the color and maybe even wear the poncho...

Agents, agents, agents

2008-09-04T13:08:00.003-05:00

I've spent (and am still spending) many, many, oh so many hours researching agents for Wendy.

My computer is smoking, my search engines are on fire and within the next few days Wendy will be visiting some new and exciting locations across the World Wide Web!

The following links have been vital to the archaeological dig into the workings, lives and loves of literary agents who not only love children's middle grade fiction, but actually and truly will allow authors to query without referrals--imagine that!

Verla Kay's Blueboards are utterly fantastic, choked full of so much info, shared by so many wonderfully talented giving writers.

AgentQuery.com is, according to their website, "the internet's largest and most current database of literary agents." I believe it. The site has oodle of info on searching for agents that are looking for specific genres and quality info on writing query letters.

QueryTracker.net also lists agents. This site is interactive--you join (for free) and search agents (again specific to your genre) and you can tract your queries. I've only just begun this process on this site. It appears to be very comprehensive, it also shows statistics about agent.

Back to the vital sites....I'll post Wendy's travels as they occur.

Wish me luck.

Crocheted coasters and tomato pie

2008-09-02T06:48:00.012-05:00

My crocheted WIP wrap is coming along nicely, though slowly, and I get impatient, looking for immediate results. To quell my need for instant or quicker crochet gratification I've ordered this from Amazon:

Crocheted Socks! I thought you could only knit socks! I'm very excited to give it a whirl--but, must wait for my mail lady to bring me the book. Which hasn't even been shipped out yet.

So.....I found a pattern for these:

Crocheted coasters--they're simple and can be "hooked up" in a matter of mere minutes.

Coasters

Crochet hook, size G (that's what I used)
Rounds 1 and 2 measure 2" in diameter, depending on type of yarn used. I used what I had on hand--which happen to be Lion Brand Wool Ease.

Each dc and ch-3 counts a 1 st.

My finished coasters measure approximately 5 inches in diameter, make them as small or large as your mugs and glasses require.

Ch 4.

Round 1: 11 dc into fourth ch from hook. Join with slip st to top of ch-3 -- 12 sts.

Round 2: Ch 3, dc into same st as slip st. *2dc into next dc. Repeat from * around, ending row with slip st to top of ch-3 -- 24 sts.

Round 3: Ch 3, dc into same st as slip st, *dc into next dc, 2 dc into each of next 2 dc, dc into next dc, 2 dc into next dc. Repeat from * around, ending round with dc into next dc, 2 dc into each of the next 2 dc. Slip st to top of ch-3 --39 sts.

Round 4: Ch 4, dc into same st as slip st, *dc int next dc, 2 dc into next dc. Repeat from * around. Join with slip st to ch-3 -- 59 sts. Fasten off.

Voila! A coaster. Or many coasters depending on your mood.

Now another tomato recipe. I found several recipes for tomato pie, but didn't have all the ingredients needed for any of them so, I improvised, (gasp!). This is the pie before it baked:

I pre-baked a Pillsbury pie crust for about 13 minutes.

While the crust baked I sliced 4 tomatoes, sprinkled them with salt and let them drain in a colander.

After the baked crust had cooled for a few minutes, I layered the tomato slices in the pie crust.

I chopped a handful of basil leaves and scattered them and some salt and pepper over the tomatoes.

Many recipes I found call for mayo and I hesitate using so much of it. Often I'll cut back the amount recommended and use this:

Note the olive oil--which of course means its good for me....

Okay, I found about 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese in my fridge, mixed it with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup shredded hard white cheese--nope, not sure what it was. The label was removed. It tastes like a cross between Parmesan and asiago, very tasty. Use whatever cheeses you like best.

Mixed the shredded cheeses with about 1/2 cup mayo and spread the mixture over the tomatoes. Baked the pie for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

The end result:

Very tasty! Also makes good leftovers for lunch. mmmmm.......

Fresh tomatoes and okra, oh my!

2008-08-29T18:28:00.006-05:00

Our tomatoes and okra are finally coming in at a faster pace. All the rain we've had the past few days has helped immensely. Now I must keep up with feeding us fresh veggies as they are picked--the only thing I desire to can this year is cold packed pickled okra.

We've been eating a salad of tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella, olive oil and salt and pepper almost every day. Now I've run out of mozzarella. Until I make the 30 mile trip for more mozzarella I need to improvise.

So I improvised and came up with this:

Okay, so maybe I need some sort of food designer who can plate my food to look appetizing! But it really tastes pretty good.

I fried about a half pound of bacon and crumbled it. Then chopped up a couple of tomatoes, mixed them with the bacon. I tossed in about a handful of torn basil and parsley from the garden. I whisked some mayo--maybe one quarter cup--a couple of splashs of red wine vinegar and salt and pepper. Drizzled this on the tomato, bacon, basil, parsley mixture and tossed. It was yummy.

Now for the okra:

This is a recipe Husband found last year when our okra crop was humongous, gigantic and extremely prolific.

Easy Indian Style Okra

3 tbs butter
1 med onion, chopped
1 lb sliced, fresh okra
1/2 tsp each--cumin, ginger, coriander
1/4 tsp black pepper

Melt butter, add onion, cook until tender. Stir in okra, add seasonings. Cook and stir a few minutes, reduce heat to med-low, cover and cook for 20 min., stirring occasionally.

Other than breaded and deep fried, it's our family's favorite way to eat okra. Of course, I'm not sure if any of us really LIKES okra, but we enjoy eating it.......

It's time to introduce...

2008-08-28T12:03:00.014-05:00

Jingles the not so amazing wonder cat, so named by my three sons after many days and many names, this one stuck. She was a mere 6 weeks old when we first brought her home and she loved sleeping in oldest son's slippers. She can't fit in shoes anymore, but she still enjoys cuddling on laps and nuzzling necks.

Granted this is not a very flattering photo.

This scowl seems pretty permanent since the arrival of:

This is Fry, our grand-cat. He belongs to eldest son and daughter-in-law who are living in not-pet-friendly housing at this time--we are cat-sitting.

Fry (yes, that Fry,the Futurama guy) is a great cat. He's quirky and soft and affectionate. Though he is quite big--bigger than any cat we've ever had before.

We've all been speculating on whether or not Fry has some Maine coon in him. He's just about a year old and already weighs in at 15 lbs! According to Wikipedia average adult male Maine coons weigh between 13 and 20 lbs. It also mentions that Maine Coons growth is slower than most cats, with Maines sometimes not reaching full size until age 4 or 5. Yikes!

Since we're not doing any kind of dna or paternity testing on Fry, we'll just have to wait it out and see just how big he gets! I'll keep you posted.

Jingles does scowl an awful lot, her life was peaceful and solitary until Fry. It took a few weeks of hiding in the basement and hissing whenever Fry came near, just to show him who exactly was in charge, now she's adjusted very well to Fry and they spend many hours sliding along the hardwood floors.

Cats are warm, comforting, and of course, entertaining.

I can crochet!

2008-08-27T12:23:00.008-05:00

It's been 25+ years since I've attempted to crochet anything. When I did yarn play those years ago my most ambitious projects were all afghans of one stitch type, simply repeated over and over.

Late this past spring I got the itch to stitch and found loads of books with wonderful exciting patterns. Since then I've been hooked! Ha!

This is my current work-in-progress:

Can you guess what it's "growing" to be?

Give up?

Here's a couple of photos:

That's the front and here's the back:

I still have a long way to go!

I started the wrap project in May but took a break to attempt my first baby sweater.

Success! My beautiful granddaughter wearing my finished product. Just a little big, but she'll grow into it, right?

Here's the pattern photo:

Several times, okay, more than several times, I had to unravel and unravel and unravel, and pull yarn away from cats and dogs who always think I'm playing with them! I stuck with it, though, image of my granddaughter wearing my homemade sweater in my mind and voila!

Now I'm surfing the web for crochet books, blogs and websites. There is sooo much out there. Just a few of my favorites: Monster Crochet , the Lion Brand Yarn site, BeginnerCrocheting.com , and About.com/crochet.

YouTube even has a few learn to crochet movies.

I'll update my progress on the wrap, in the meantime, though I've come across a few patterns for some really neat looking striped socks...hmm....how hard can they be?

Sunflower Christmas Tree

2008-08-26T08:20:00.006-05:00

Yes, that's what I call this:

This sunflower "tree" stands about 8 feet tall and, along with several other sunflowers popped up in our vegetable garden. Mind you, this year I planted NO giant/mammoth sunflower seeds anywhere!

Last year I planted these:

Yes, that's Youngest Son standing in front of the garden for proportion purposes.

I also planted these next to the porch:

The seeds were called Mammoth Sunflowers--that they were!

This year I planted seeds for miniature sunflowers next to the porch. Maybe two plants came up.

I was pleasantly surprised to watch my sunflower tree grow and grow and add bloom after bloom. Unfortunately it's shaded the cucumber plants Husband planted. We've had one small cucumber so far. The vine has traveled up the sunflowers and is flowering. I'm hopeful we'll get a least a few more cukes--if it ever rains again.

Sunflowers are so easy to grow, even someone with a --what would be the opposite of a green thumb-- well, whatever it is, it's what I've got. My gardening and plant successes rank right up there with my cooking without a recipe successes.

Anyway, we've thoroughly enjoyed our "naturalization" sunflowers. Supplying the birds with the dried flower heads last year has rewarded us greatly.

I wonder what we'll have growing next year?

P.S. Did you know that there are two types of sunflower seeds--black oil and striped? I didn't. This website lists which birds prefer which seeds.

Quick writing update

2008-08-26T06:57:00.002-05:00

Wendy is still making the rounds out there in publisher deep space. I've decided to query agents. From my research, agents usually respond within a reasonable amount of time. Right now I'm gathering a list of appropriate agents that accept queries--most prefer email--and within the next few weeks Wendy will be visiting some agent types.

Magdalena is on hold right now. I'm having issues with her age.........

I've dabbled on a few of my other novels, but my brain always returns to middle grade. I've begun a new one, this time about a couple of boys. It's been fun writing!

The quest continues.

Clay pot cooking

2008-08-25T08:47:00.006-05:00

Something else I picked up on our North Carolina visit was one of these:

A Romertopf clay cooking pot. I've been on the lookout for one of these for quite a while. Paying enormous shipping for an online order wasn't an option, so I was pleased to find this one.

I've tried it out twice thus far. The first time with a venison roast and vegetables, it worked well. This second time I used a pork loin.

The loin weighed about 6 lbs and had good bulk, nice and thick, not skinny like some are. I cut it in half, 3 lbs is plenty big for us.

I decided to make my own recipe--yikes--I'm not usually too good at winging it when it comes to cooking. I wanted to use what I had on hand. So, while I soaked the pot in cold water for 15 minutes I searched and this is what I came up with:

- fresh beets from our garden--yay!
- about a cup of leftover sauerkraut (Boars Head brand)
- one large onion
- one very large clove of garlic from an Elephant head garlic bulb
- salt, pepper

First, I cleaned the beets. Cut off the greens (to save for later), rinsed, peeled and quartered the beets. I used 6 beets.

Then I chopped the onion and sliced the garlic clove.

By now, the pot was ready.

I placed the pork in first, fat side up. I stabbed it a few times with my meat fork and sprinkled it with salt and pepper, rubbing the seasonings into the meat.

Next I placed the beets, onions, and garlic around the pork. Then I dumped on the sauerkraut, spreading it out across and around the pork.

Put the top on the pot, placed it in a cold oven (very important to put pot in a cold oven or the clay might crack), turned the oven on to 450 degrees and set the timer for 90 minutes.

The end result was pretty tasty. The beets cooked nicely and the sauerkraut added a nice flavor. The pork was a wee bit dry, next time I'll test the meat temperature after 60 minutes.

I did take a picture, but it didn't look too appealing! The beets colored eveything reddish purple, so it looked a little weird.

What I really like is how fast and juicy everything cooks up in these clay pots. I've used my Crock pot for cooking pork alot and it dries it out terribly. I think I can work on the time and get great results with this clay pot.

Next time I'll take appealing photos to share.

Oh yes, the beet tops. Husband soaks them repeatedly to remove all the grit, chops them up and sautes them in butter. They're still a little bitter--what green isn't--but let's face it, what doesn't taste yummy with lots of butter!

Ronnie Dante and the Detergents

2008-08-22T07:48:00.005-05:00

Last week or so while channel surfing I happened upon the local public tv station's fund drive. They were pushing those 60s compilation cds. Michele Phillips of the Mamas and Papas gushing over the greatness of the 60s music, flashes of clips from original artists, and some recent performances of these "oldies but goodies" singing to an audience filled with more "oldies but goodies."

I always enjoy watching these things in bits and pieces. The music is always fun and a little bit of nostalgia is good for the soul.

This time what piqued my interest was Michele Phillips introducing Ron Dante, noting that he was the original lead voice of the Archies. My mind tumbled. I knew who the Archies were, I even own a couple of the 45s. Hmmm, I thought, Ron Dante, could he be Ronnie Dante?

Cut to the recent performance and upon close inspection, yeah, this guy looks like an older version of guy I met 40+ years ago, who gave me these:

Way back when, my Aunt Irene and Uncle Ted lived in Staten Island. On one of many family visits, my dad took my young Aunt Karen (she's just 7 years older than I am) and myself across the street to meet a new teen idol--Ronnie Dante. Karen, who was probably 15 or 16 at the time, appreciated this opportunity more than I did.

Ronnie was cute and cheerfully gave us his autograph and these 45s. I have no idea were the autograph is, maybe Karen knows. But as you can see by my boldly placed Magic-Markered initials, I took possession of the records.

After that PBS show I dug through the basement boxes and found them. Never realized before that they're "not for sale" copies.

We had our picture taken, Ronnie, Karen and I. It's small, square, and black and white, typical of the time, and I can't find it anywhere. Somewhere in one of the many, many, many boxes of old photos all my family members (including me) are storing, that photo is hiding. Maybe I'll find it one day.

Hadn't thought about Ronnie Dante at all since that "fan" meeting. How interesting it's been Googling him and discovering he had/has a very successful career after "Poor Boys" and "Here She Comes." He has a myspace page with songs, You Tube clips, etc., etc.

Though I'd rather just listen to my old 45s.

"Here she comes, m-m-m-my that's my baby, here she's comes...."

Figs, not Fig Newtons

2008-08-21T07:08:00.004-05:00

Aren't these beautiful?

These figs came from my father-in-law's fig tree in North Carolina. The tree is huge and produces succulent, scrumptious fruit. I have to admit that before I'd met my husband I had no idea what a fig was, never even occurred to me that the figs in Fig Newtons might be some sort of fruit and not just a sugary concoction. While visiting in North Carolina we just walk by and pick and eat, they're too good to resist. No need to peel, just bite and enjoy the sticky juice dripping down your hand. The skin is fuzzy, like a peach and the inside texture reminds me of a kiwi.

Whenever we visit I have grand illusions of bringing home a large bucket of plump, ripe fruit and making preserves or jam. Usually, by the time our car pulls into the garage, this is what's left of the fruit. They are the perfect size snack to pop in your mouth while driving, a lot healthier that my favorite potato chips.

Some fig facts:

*Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral which helps to control blood pressure.

*Figs have no fat, no saturated fat, no cholesterol or sodium.

*Fig puree can be used to replace fat in baked goods.

*Charles M. Roser, a cookie maker born in Ohio, created the Fig Newtown recipe, then later sold it to Kennedy Biscuit works, which later became Nabisco.

*From Central Africa to the Far East, the fig tree is known as the Tree of Life and Knowledge.

*Fig remnants have been found in excavated sights throughout the Middle East that date back to at least 5,000 B.C.

*Cuban fig-eating bats are found in the Cayman Islands, Haiti and the Domincan Republic. Their body is only about 2.25 inches in length, but their wingspan is 13 inches.

*People born between June 14 and June 23 are considered Fig Tree people.

Several attempts at propagating our own tree have failed. We'll try again in early fall, which is the best time.

Here's a recipe for homemade Fig Newtons, I haven't tried it yet, maybe when I have an abundance of figs in my own backyard!

New look, new blog

2008-08-20T07:41:00.003-05:00

After a very long absence I have returned. I do believe I have banished the goblins that had blocked my computer's access to my blog. Many, many things have happened this past year and all will be revealed bit by bit, so as not to overwhelm the faint at heart....

To begin with, the look of my blog will go through a gradual change. I'm striving for a warm and inviting place that will be reflected in the colors and layout. The content of my posts will change also. While writing is still my lot in life, kids, cats, dogs, food, crocheting and books will encompass a very large portion of my postings.

Life is good, let's live it.

Do as I say, not as I do

2007-07-05T08:39:00.000-05:00

As we speak (?!) I am transcribing what I have written thus far for Magdalena. I know, I know, I did say earlier that I wouldn't do this until I had finished, but being the inconsistent, flexible, impatient person that I am...oh well. The words are now forever ensconced on my hard drive. Or until my writing group tells me what to delete to the abyss.

Words of wisdom

2007-06-28T12:45:00.000-05:00

Absolute words of wisdom, revealed by Ave Maria Mulligan, in Adriana Trigiani's Big Stone Gap, "Everybody knows the old mountain wisdom: Women love with their ears and men with their eyes."

No truer words were ever written. ; }

It has begun.

2007-06-26T07:34:00.000-05:00

I have cracked open a new spiral notebook and started my scribbling. It's all kind of a jumble right now, but I need to get it all on paper before I transcribe it to computer. My goal, I'm writing it here to make it so, is to have a draft done by early September. Aaarghhh......

Along with that I will find and attend a conference in the fall and subject myself to much needed critiques and advice.

I must sharpen my pencils.

More Rejection Musings

2007-06-19T19:43:00.000-05:00

No, I haven't received any more rejection letters for Wendy (yippee, for today) but, I did come across this uplifting website. Further proof that refections are a fact of life, like taxes, etc., you know the rest, yada-yada-yada.

I guess I do enjoy these blurbs of info, sort of a validation for my rejections, a way to confirm that they are good things and not personal affronts to my creativity and writing abilities! Aaaaahh!

Hey, imagine if snail mail letters were of video/imaging capabilities, yikes, worse than photo-phones. Let your sometime-somewhat-rejected imagination wander--what would all your rejection letter videos look like? Hmmm.....

Cat and Toad

2007-06-15T08:53:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't this make a great book--"Cat and Toad!"

WV Writer's conference

2007-06-15T08:31:00.000-05:00

The conference was:

inspiring--surrounded by so much creativity ignites the writing flame;

intriguing--met someone who traveled from California;

insightful--talented workshop leaders slyly tap into buried senses, releasing snippets of blooming creativity;

illuminating--conversations with Boyd Carr tend to help the visual outlook on life;

Just plain great.

"What I need" by Susanna Holstein

2007-06-07T12:39:00.000-05:00

I need to see with a child's eyes
to hear with a mother's ears
to love with a father's arms
to laugh like an old man
to live like a woman well-loved

--by Susanna Holstein
award winning poet, storyteller, writer, librarian and well-loved woman

WV Writers Conference

2007-06-07T08:44:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow begins the annual WV Writer's Conference and I'll be there for three days of rubbing elbows with talented and very interesting fellow writers. Check out the website for specific details. Anyone within a day's drive that writes should attend, it promises something for everyone.

Bugs, lizards and such

2007-06-06T14:29:00.000-05:00

Though I still cringe, these are some of the little pleasures of living in rural West Virginia. Some are simply creepy crawly:

Some are quite lovely:

And some I'll never get closer to then this:

Thanks to youngest son for posing this lizard. Oh, does anyone know what any of these are???

Of course I should know their names since Wendy is an insectomaniac. Okay, I believe the first one is an assassin bug and obviously the second is some sort of moth....

I'm back!!!!!!

2007-06-06T14:18:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone missed me. ; }

Life as we knew it

2007-05-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

In my quest to make my next book absolutely as fantastic as possible, in addition to extensive historical research I've been reading mg/ya novels written in journal/diary form. Magdelena (my mc's name!) will begin her diary as she journeys across the Atlantic to her new home in America. Anyway, I've just finished reading a very well-written and (only MY opinion here folks) extremely depressing novel, Life as we knew it, by Susan Beth Pfeffer.

In a nutshell, an asteroid hits the moon, knocking it out of whack, causing very great and severe disturbances on the earth, obviously. Sixteen year old Miranda is suddenly thrown into dealing with cataclysmic problems. Written as Miranda's journal personalizes the difficult situations and carries the reader through all the disasters so intimately I needed to stop reading several times and take a walk outside just to bring myself back to reality. Surely that is the sign of a great writer!

WENDY's travels

2007-05-18T09:29:00.001-05:00

WENDY's hit the road, or the air, or something, again today. She's gone out to pub/editor number six. Another one who does not want an SASE..."we'll be in touch is we are interested." In other words, don't call us, we'll call you and if you don't hear from us by the time you die, just assume your manuscript was not right for us at this time. Yada, blah, blah and yada.

Big sigh....but, alas, also, big hopes.

73% nerd

2007-05-16T07:48:00.000-05:00

Okay, I found this test at a few of the blogs I read religiously and simply had to pass it on. My score: 73% nerd, 26% geek and 39% dork. I guess that pretty well sums up my personality!

And here are the results of said test: quoted directly from the THE NERD? GEEK? OR DORK? TEST

"For The Record:

A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia.
A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one.
A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions.
You scored better than half in Nerd, earning you the title of: Pure Nerd.

The times, they are a-changing. It used to be that being exceptionally smart led to being unpopular, which would ultimately lead to picking up all of the traits and tendencies associated with the "dork." No-longer. Being smart isn't as socially crippling as it once was, and even more so as you get older: eventually being a Pure Nerd will likely be replaced with the following label: Purely Successful.

Congratulations!"

The test if pure fun! Give it a whirl....

Butterf(ly)

2007-05-16T06:54:00.000-05:00

Another week has passed. Today I visit the archives again. Next week I buckle down and start my outline. I have such mixed feelings. I'm very excited to get started--scenes and characters are constantly swimming through my mind. But I'm also somewhat nervous; almost like stage fright. Fear of failure. Honestly, it happens to me each time I start a new story. Luckily, once the actual writing process begins the butterflies vacate...until I reach a stumbling block. Then I must coax them out slowly, but firmly.

I love using "ly" words in my blog!

Nigts of Rain and Stars

2007-05-09T08:46:00.000-05:00

Warm and fuzzy feelings of total comfort engulfed me as I read Maeve Binchy's Nights of Rain and Stars.

All her books bring me contentment and peace. Everything works out for the best. Relationships meander through difficulties, characters grow and gentle touches heal wounds and ignite flames. I love it. As always, there are multiple storylines that weave and meld seamlessly. This particular novel is based in Greece, a place I've fantasized about since The Tempest.

Don't remember much about the movie itself, except the scenery was spectacular and I've mooned about it ever since.

Life is good. Especially if you're a Maeve Binchy character.

Keep on keeping on...

2007-05-09T08:36:00.000-05:00

So who remembers that phrase? From the disco-crazed 70s of my teenage years--yikes!

Yet that about sums up the way I feel about writing and attempting to get published. I've been extremely lucky with some of my short stories getting published. I know having one of my children's novels published will take years off my life if I allow the stress to consume me. Instead I'll enter the 70s and just keep on keeping on...

That being said, yesterday WENDY went out to another publisher. I've decided to stagger the submissions, not sure why, but what the hey! Tomorrow WENDY will hit the mail to some other lucky editor.

Peace on. ; )

Rejected...again

2007-05-03T08:19:00.000-05:00

I received yet another rejection for WENDY. This is rejection number 3. Just a pre-printed form letter, no special handwritten comments, nope, just a copy of a Dear Author letter. Such is life...how many rejection letters did JK Rowling receive??? More than 3! But I certainly will continue to send the manuscript out to editors and agents. I mean, in reality, a rejection is a good thing, right? After all, if I wasn't actually submitting, no one would be rejecting!

I'm reviewing the listing of editors and agents on my latest SCBWI market guide and still believe I'll continue to send WENDY to editors, not agents. Unless, I come across a spectacular sounding agent, just chomping at the bit for a novel like WENDY.

It also really, really helped to read this blog entry: The 8 Rules of Rejection

I'm going to add Editorial Anonymous to my fave blogs, excellent info in the archives.

Dial tone, Emily Ebers and Ireland

2007-05-02T08:28:00.000-05:00

The sun is shining and I have a dial tone...yipee, not too loudly, don't want to jinx anything!

Finished So Totally Emily Ebers and it was so totally fun to read! It will be added to my fave list.

My research notebooks are filling up quickly. I'm reading a local history book, Washington's Woods for tangible flavor and it is proving to be a well-spring of information. Dream Soul by Laurence Yep

Set in 1927 West Virginia, Dream Soul explores the life of 15 year old Joan Lee and the problems her family encounters being the only Chinese American family in the small community--very enlightening.

I'm also immersed in West Virginia Baseball: A History, 1965-2000 by William E. Akin. It's providing real insight on the workings of minor and independent leagues during the 1920s.

As I dig deeper and deeper I discover that West Virginia has a long and illustrious history of creativity. At first thought, Ireland and it's literary masters come to mind.
Many similarities, it seems.

Book lists, A Mango-Shaped Life and So Totally Emily Ebers

2007-04-25T06:40:00.000-05:00

Okay, as I look to the right I realize I keep adding books to my lists, but never remove any. I can't. Instead I'll revise the titles and just keeping adding and adding and adding.

Must comment on A Mango-Shaped Life by Wendy Mass, the second book I've read by Ms. Mass. Amazing, awesome, entertaining, electrifying--what a talented, gifited writer! Along with Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, I believe Ms. Mass has exemplified middle grade fiction.

Also, I've begun So Totally Emily Ebers by Lisa Yee. I'm having such a good time reading it! STEE is written as a series of letters to Emily's dad during her first summer in Rancho Rosetta. Emily and her mom have just moved from Allendale, NJ--her parents recently divorced and her dad is on a comeback tour with his band, Talky Boys. The book runs concurrently with Millicent Min, Girl Genius and I love flashing back and forth in my mind between these two characters! And their two very different points of view. So totally fantastic!

Workshop and Kettle Bottom

2007-04-20T07:24:00.000-05:00

The writing workshop I attended this past weekend was everything I'd hoped it would be. I know have a clear direction for my research.

My first step (I've begun this one) is to research all the glass factories that were in operation during the late 1920s--the list seems to be extensive! This will lead me to digging into each factories history, practices, etc.. Which will then lead to deep history of the towns and counties surrounding the factories. Finally I'll choose a particular factory to use as a basis for my own fictional glass factory that would have attracted an experienced glass blower from Germany around 1927.

There are soooo many factors to consider. My biggest concern is my ability to glean enough info about the area/time period that I can equate my experiences in some way to that past.

I was enthralled by Diane Fisher--author of Kettle Bottom--a collection of poems set during the 1920s WV mine wars. Her readings immersed the listener into the lives of these Mingo county residents. Though the theme is inherently that of sadness, her words have the ability to emote a calmness and sense of peace.

Anyway, when doing her research for her book, Diane did exactly what I plan to do--she surrounded herself with all things related to her subject and time period. Simply put, Kettle Bottom is some of the best poetry in print.

So, I've started some online research, but I'm excited about hitting the WV archives next week. I need to stock up on legal pads and freshly sharpened pencils--I can't wait!

Latest book purchases

2007-04-18T08:43:00.000-05:00

I try to frequent bookstores as much as possible, I love them almost as much as I love libraries, but living where I do I buy many of my books online--great end result, not nearly as satisfying as fanning pages in person.

That being said my Amazon package arrived filled with these good things:
The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett (Bel Canto is an amazing book)
A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass (author of fave Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life)
Good Grief by Erin Vincent (totally new author for me)
So Totally Emily Ebers by Lisa Yee (I loved Emily in Millicent Min, Girl Genius)

Which will I read first? hmmmm.....

Writing workshop

2007-04-13T08:01:00.000-05:00

I am very exciting about attending this workshop tonight and tomorrow. Weaving the Past and Present is exactly the kind of exercises I need for my novel. I'm hoping to learn how to go about becoming a 16 year old German immigrant in 1927! Since I've had trouble gleaning Brooklyn historical info I've been contemplating beginning the story in Brooklyn and having it move to West Virginia. Living here I have easy access to historical documents, etc., which should provide all the info I need.

I wonder if they'll serve coffee?

Winter weather and writing prompts

2007-04-06T13:39:00.000-05:00

Winter has returned with all its bluster and breezes. Snow blew throughout the day yesterday, clinging to the new buds on the trees. Just when my cat had decided it was safe to forage out in the wild again, the cold air has pushed her back in the warmth of the house.

I receive many, many, many, too many, some might say, enewsletters. One of the best comes from Once Written, a site with great creative writing prompts. (why is everything getting underline?????)

This week's newsletter linked to a fun site for creating a fake newspaper clipping. Check it out!

Rain-soaked phone lines and modern marvels

2007-04-04T14:45:00.000-05:00

It's been days and days since I've been able to get online for more than a few seconds at a time. One of the major "cons" of living down a rural road is having to deal with a dial up internet connection. And above ground phone/electric lines.

Since we've been rained on repeatedly (typical spring weather) my phone has not been reliable, contrary to the popular TV commercial promising a phone that always works. The wet lines produce static and steal my dial tone, leaving an ominous humming noise when I try to connect or make a phone call.

Today as the sun appeared briefly and brought cool, dry air to the dripping wet lines, the telephone repairman called. Seems to be working fine now, he said. Sure, I thought, the sun is out. I'll run more tests and call back later, he responded. More sun and 2 hours later he called. I could barely make out what he was saying due to the static, sounded like, Everything seems okay now, I'll call back tomorrow.

While I can, I check email, message boards, blogs, etc. all the while watching the sky grow gray and clouds roll in, the wind picks up--will my satellite become fuzzy from the impending storm--then I won't be able to watch the weather channel and find out when I'll get more rain and be left stranded with no phone line and no internet connection!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aaaaaahhhh, life has become so complicated. Let's step outside and breathe some clean fresh country air---phew--fresh manure. The scent brings an awakening. I'm a writer who lives surrounded by breath taking beauty--turkeys, honeybees, daffodils, and pew-fresh manure. What more, besides pencil and paper do I really need?

Wild turkeys, Benjamin Franklin and Skeksis

2007-03-30T10:15:00.000-05:00

Watching wild turkeys amble across the field the other morning I was struck by the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin. Are these not majestic birds? They strut proudly and stand tall. They travel in flocks and always keep the babies, called poults, tucked safely within the fold of adults.

I enjoy these native American birds more than any other wild life I see and I'm always struck by there ability to fly gracefully. After admiring them with awe my mind drifts to these:

Skeksis. From a favorite movie--Jim Henson's 1982 THE DARK CRYSTAL
It makes me wonder what Jim Henson's inspiration for his fascinating creatures was...the mighty turkey, maybe?

New approach

2007-03-28T08:07:00.000-05:00

I've decided to try a new approach to my writing--I'm actually going to possibly--outline--gasp, gasp--my new book. Something I have rebelled, resisted and wrung my hands over for years and years, the dreaded outline.

I've always been somewhat of a go-with-the-flow, stream-of-conscience, type of writer. Short stories only needed a first line or the speck of an idea and I'd run with the images, but and this is a elephant sized but, when I wrote my first novel and employed this attitude I found my story everywhere but where it needed to be. It took a long year of editing to reel it in and structure it into a plausible story.

As an exercise I'm dissecting some of my favorite books (see sidebar) with the hopes that the process will help me to focus on all the elements in my book. That's not to say that I've abandoned my free writing techniques--I've just learned that even creativity sometimes needs queues.

Son at Seventeen

2007-03-27T07:23:00.000-05:00

Poignant poem for us mothers of teenage sons in today's The Writer's Almanac.

Have a couple of tissues handy.

P.S

2007-03-24T14:48:00.000-05:00

Cheating at Solitaire is another novel by Ally Carter I've read--not YA. But soooo much fun to read. I'm now looking to find her new card book--Learning to Play Gin--which picks up where Cheating at Solitaire left off.

Also, I do listen to many, many, many books on tape. Since I live in very rural, West Virginia, my car is my second home. Books on tape are my driving companions through all the hills and valleys.

I'd tell you I love you, but then I'd have to kill you

2007-03-24T14:18:00.000-05:00

I just finished listening to my new favorite YA book! Ally Carter has done a wonderful job of portraying the type of teenage girls any mother would love to have, any girls would love to call "friend," and any boy would love to call "girlfriend."

I appreciate her portrayal of girls who are not obsessed with MTV, body piercings, and sex. The book was a fun read (or in my case, listen) chock full of spy stuff--covert operations, breaking CIA computer codes, evapo paper, and cool gadgets. Contrary to the review by the School Library Journal, ITYILYBTIHTKY has warmth and depth and the stakes are high for these girls, especially Cammie Morgan, whose spy dad was killed in action, and whose mom happens to be the Headmistress of the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, the boarding school Cammie and her double life friends attend.

I will not give away the twists and turns, I'll just strongly recommend you read or listen to this well-written, page-turning, totally enjoyable YA book! And according to the author's website ITYILYBIHTKY has been optioned by Disney and a new Gallagher girl book is due out this fall.

Happy reading!

Dennis Hopper and dreams

2007-03-22T07:18:00.000-05:00

While perusing the boob tube last evening I paused (rather then run to the kitchen for snacks) and gave Dennis Hopper my attention as he reminded me about my future dreams and retirement. Usually I just enjoy the awesome music as it flashes images of long ago teen happenings, this time I focused on the message.

What are my dreams? As he states, dreams don't retire. When exactly did I want to be a writer? Soon after I read my first chapter book. I have distinct recollections of sitting in Mrs. Lipnick's 3rd grade class, reading some book (pity I can't remember the book) and thinking, "I could do this. I will do this. I'm going to write a book."

I've carried those thoughts with me always. At times that goal/dream was hidden by subway rides to work, falling in love, semester exams, potty training, counted cross stitch, PTA meetings, fire ants, okay the list could go on and on forever. My point is I've always known that one day I would write a book. And I have.

Now I add addendum to my dreams: get that book published and write another and another and another.

My dreams haven't retired they have piled into my RV of a brain and are cruising for ideas!

Sweet dreams and happy musings!

Brooklyn research help needed

2007-03-21T12:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I picked up ALL the books I'd ordered from the library about Brooklyn. (I had to make two trips to my car there was sooo many.) I'd hoped to find insight into life in Brooklyn circa 1927. Well, I did find some amazing photos, which I am in the processing of learning how to upload to my blog so they're large enough to actually be seen and enjoyed.

After spending hours perusing these books of great knowledge I still was unable to feel comfortable submerging myself in 1927 Brooklyn. I must glean enough info so as to become my grandmother at 16 as she embarks upon this new and exciting life. I've given myself a deadline of the end of this month. Become a 16 year old German immigrant living in Brooklyn/Williamsburgh at the end of the 1920s or change the end result location of the book--to a place more readily available for research.

My character profiles are coming along and I'll post them as they develop.

I guess I must mention that if anyone out there has any sage words of wisdom or advice on my research dilemma, my inbox is alway open!

Maeve's Quest

2007-03-21T07:56:00.000-05:00

Okay, I've published one of my children's short stories here:

Maeve's Quest

haven't been able to publish it directly to my blog, yet. In the meantime that link will take you directly to the story.

Love to hear any and all comment, rants and raves!

Snapple fun fact

2007-03-21T07:26:00.000-05:00

# 88

"A ten gallon hat holds less than a gallon of liquid."

hmmmm

Rejects and accepts and research

2007-03-20T07:22:00.000-05:00

Speaking of the above less than 2 weeks ago I sent my middle grade novel to an editor. Well, a query letter, first two chaps and a synopsis. Now, I wait and wait. But the editor's response time is 4 - 6 weeks, not too bad.

While I am waiting I've started the research for my next book--based on my grandmother's emigration from Germany to NYC via ship in 1927. I really would like to set the book in Brooklyn during that time period, but I'm having a time finding info. I've come to the conclusion a trip to Brooklyn's periodical room and weeks of scanning their microfiche of the Brooklyn Eagle newspaper for the late 1920s would be my best option--research wise, that is. Realistically it's not a good option at all. Now I must rethink the whole concept and make some decisions. So, it's back to the great white board in my head.

Welcome

2007-03-19T12:26:00.000-05:00

I'm finally ready for my first post. I've been working on this blog for weeks and will continue to change colors and templates for a while before finally settling. So don't be alarmed if what's red today turns purple tomorrow.

My goals for this blog:
1. Write, write, write, every day no matter what.
2. Share my fiction.
3. Share my rejections (I've had quite a few) and acceptances (notably less than the rejections).
4. Learn from, experience with, immerse in and enjoy the world wide web of talented individuals.

I promise my blogs will be short and mostly sweet.

Cheers!