tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14985882860536227422024-03-18T21:24:29.442-07:00Write From The Heart A hodgepodge blog detailing my journey as a children's writer, daily life in rural Oklahoma, and other ramblings.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-18027653819911652052018-10-27T13:51:00.002-07:002018-10-27T13:51:43.823-07:00I've moved!Hello friends! I've moved (not literally). I have a new website. Here's the address: <a href="https://sandrabyrdlawson.com/">https://sandrabyrdlawson.com</a><br />
Stop by for a visit as often as you like. Hope to see you soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-64787904092751721602018-01-04T12:38:00.000-08:002018-01-04T12:38:14.799-08:00Oh, Christmas TreeOh, Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches...<br />
<br />
Just after Halloween (or earlier) stores begin their Christmas displays and the Christmas tree is at the center of it all. Trees are in all the movies, books, cards, wrapping paper, etc. Everywhere you look, the eye feasts on beautifully decorated trees. Some real with the glorious scents of Christmases gone by, others only realistic looking, and then those that I just cannot embrace. You know, the pink or black ones. The shiny silver ones. Or the upside down hanging kind. Pulls at my heart, almost like a sacrilege to my traditional Christmas spirit.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQzSwMDWxVSF3TU2jXSNtUaRR9LA0pZXOcK7T9sIykD9PXKmOUowLkT-JLaTF4qA4tS0ZKledfjJ6x_GO4GvOE3iMJB_UilAAyox2oVQFfRcJ39fIM2RbIvl-XXef9wuUrwPpKI-WS2GC/s1600/IMG_4178+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQzSwMDWxVSF3TU2jXSNtUaRR9LA0pZXOcK7T9sIykD9PXKmOUowLkT-JLaTF4qA4tS0ZKledfjJ6x_GO4GvOE3iMJB_UilAAyox2oVQFfRcJ39fIM2RbIvl-XXef9wuUrwPpKI-WS2GC/s320/IMG_4178+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Just like everyone else, I have a Christmas tree. That's a lie. I had three trees this year, all the realistic looking kind. I have several more stored in the attic. One year, in the future, I'm going to have at least a dozen trees!<br />
<br />
In my younger years, the tree came down Christmas afternoon or at the latest, December 26. I had no use for a tree taking up space after all the hoopla was over.<br />
<br />
I've mellowed with time. I love my Christmas tree. I've taken down most of the decorations, but the big tree in the living room stays...for now.<br />
<br />
Every day, Tony comes home and asks, "Do you want to take down your tree today?" And every day, the same answer. "No! Not yet." Why the obsession with a tree? I don't know. Perhaps I should be a mental study for someone. I just like the tree. It's pretty. It makes me happy. When I look at it, it reminds me of everything that's right in this crazy world. It transports me to my happy place. And that is why when Tony asks today, he'll get the same answer.<br />
<br />
The tree stays...for now.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-38435797775919690542017-10-30T12:37:00.000-07:002017-10-30T12:37:42.190-07:00The Poet's DogI'm working on a chapter book series so I'm always in search of a great chapter book to read. And being an insanely, over-the-top, certifiable dog lover (or nut as most would think), I love ALL good dog books whether for children or adults. I have to be extremely careful though. The dog simply <b>can't</b> get hurt. Heaven forbid, the dog dies in the story!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEfuCcVMuIHnbri7zpvdQek8GEM1F-WylJ8hoM3QI8ga7_p7d1Qj7KzeW0stRySA61jpfO9ChQp2sXPmjU5cOVn7qHtP4Ir-DhOwIUpgKHYgzAKGYk985W5bP1LELB2GX6BGMCSKPL6pZ/s1600/IMG_4042.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEfuCcVMuIHnbri7zpvdQek8GEM1F-WylJ8hoM3QI8ga7_p7d1Qj7KzeW0stRySA61jpfO9ChQp2sXPmjU5cOVn7qHtP4Ir-DhOwIUpgKHYgzAKGYk985W5bP1LELB2GX6BGMCSKPL6pZ/s320/IMG_4042.jpg" width="209" /></a><br />
<br />
When I picked up <i>The Poet's Dog</i>, by Patricia MacLachlan, I was apprehensive. Do I dare read it? I brushed my fears aside, put on my big girl panties, so to speak, and turned the first page. I turned page after page and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! The author is the Newbery Award Winner for <i>Sarah, Plain and Tall.</i> She also has written close to twenty other books. But I digress. <i>The Poet's Dog </i>is a heartwarming, tender story about a man and his relationship with his dog. It's magical and moving, told my a master storyteller. AND...the story has a happy ending (shouldn't they all??). It's a quick read with less than 8000 words, for ages 6-10. I think it should say ages 6-end. When you have a good story to tell, who cares about the word count. If it only takes 8000 words, let it be. No need to fill with fluff.<br />
<br />
I can't say enough good things about this book. And now, I'm going to sign off and read it again!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-65408827057664221362017-07-27T17:09:00.000-07:002017-07-27T17:10:07.048-07:00Is Summer Over Yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I love summer! I always have. No school. Lazy, hot days. Hiking and traveling. Grilling out. Watermelon and ice cream. But this year, summer did not hold up it's end of the bargain<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqn_S5cPHvRpeX2fd37U8-GNcWlREYz2pEvswk_AEQjsKzf-3SAD90LGePAGVdksty1cjLnRBR6mn_MgtiCCVRFB2qgXKvfTRAAEbVcmn7QI-6JGChoPI0zR6TC1Drnsi9uGFRbBFZ86K/s1600/200.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqn_S5cPHvRpeX2fd37U8-GNcWlREYz2pEvswk_AEQjsKzf-3SAD90LGePAGVdksty1cjLnRBR6mn_MgtiCCVRFB2qgXKvfTRAAEbVcmn7QI-6JGChoPI0zR6TC1Drnsi9uGFRbBFZ86K/s320/200.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There was the loss of loved ones that tears at the heart and mind. There was a kitchen renovation that's still in the works. And, there was the struggle to come up with new writing ideas, to want to write anything at all, or even just to carve out a time of day to finish up existing projects.<br />
<br />
<br />
As summer activities wind down and the beginning of school is just around the corner, I'm looking forward to getting back to some sense of normalcy. And so I say, "Out with summer!" I'm ready to jump into new characters and plots. Ready to write a new novel. Ready to visit schools. Ready to tackle the world! Watch out. Here I come!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-78480821129412092882017-04-21T10:42:00.004-07:002017-04-21T10:44:10.790-07:00What Do You Have To Do To Become A Writer?During many of my school visits, the question usually comes up, "Do you have to go to college to be a writer?" The answer is, not necessarily.<br />
<br />
I have always felt at a bit of a disadvantage to many of my SCBWI colleagues who have degrees in Literature, are (or were) teachers, librarians, journalists, etc. Should I feel this way? Once again, not necessarily.<br />
<br />
Many famous authors did NOT have degrees in literature or any formal training in creative writing. This is encouraging for me and probably many other writers.<br />
<br />
Below is a list of just a few well known writers and their backgrounds:<br />
<br />
1. John Grisham: studied accounting at Mississippi State University<br />
2. J.K. Rowling: majored in French<br />
3. Michael Crichton: degree in Biological Anthropology from Harvard<br />
4. Ray Bradbury: no college (he didn't even believe in institutions of higher learning)<br />
5. Robert Ludlum: degree in drama (famous for "Bourne Identity")<br />
6. Harper Lee: Law school drop out (Pulitzer Prize Winner for 'To Kill a Mockingbird')<br />
7. Danielle Steel: studied Literature Design and Fashion Design (I have to admit, I'm not exactly sure what Literature Design is)<br />
8. Sue Monk Kidd: BS in Nursing and then decided to<br />
become a writer at age 30 (famous for 'The Secret Life of Bees')<br />
<br />
And then there's little 'ol me. I have a degree in Dental Hygiene. I loved my years in practice (25!), but I always dreamt of writing for children. At age 52, I'm not getting any younger. I've been chasing the dream for about six years now and it's finally coming to fruition. Will I ever be famous like some of those on the above list? Who knows?<br />
<br />
Dolly Parton has said, "You have to dream BIG, think BIG, and pray BIG!" I think you have to work "BIG" too! Nothing is free in life and the publishing world is extremely hard to break into.<br />
<br />
My first children's chapter book in the Mila Denton series has been out for about six months. I'm giving away a signed copy to one person. Just leave a comment on my blog and one person will be randomly chosen on May 1.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GgVH_0qmisUmvrEzea6w2yIdReTy8-xecvE1_e04x545K9LP00c8Zw_Mf8XuaF2mUFDReJ2CfaH-4FFsdJ3kil2nMAI6ohQwSfRQoIIhoa4eC82DCdFrWUV8II8U3PKfXhFuozAbfGJ4/s1600/new+Mila+cover5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GgVH_0qmisUmvrEzea6w2yIdReTy8-xecvE1_e04x545K9LP00c8Zw_Mf8XuaF2mUFDReJ2CfaH-4FFsdJ3kil2nMAI6ohQwSfRQoIIhoa4eC82DCdFrWUV8II8U3PKfXhFuozAbfGJ4/s200/new+Mila+cover5.jpg" width="121" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks for reading and happy writing!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-66700386174556461032016-12-19T12:53:00.000-08:002016-12-19T12:53:54.458-08:00The Master of Metaphors, Similes, and All Things Descriptive, Oh my!A quick refresher about descriptive use in writing...<br />
<br />
Metaphors are a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action where it is not literally applicable. Examples: 'you are my sunshine' or 'all the world's a stage'. If you think about these phrases, they are only purely figurative in nature.<br />
<br />
Similes are used to compare things. A phrase using a simile will use a connective word such as 'like, as, so, and than'. Example: 'you're as tall as a giraffe'. We know that's not really true, but it makes a great descriptive way to express that you are really tall.<br />
<br />
Adjectives are simply descriptive words and choosing them wisely will elevate your writing to another level.<br />
<br />
One of the greatest children's writers was the absolute master of using metaphors, similes, and adjectives to make things fun, interesting, and timeless! So, especially for the holiday season, I give you Theodore Geisel or better known as, Dr. Seuss and his holiday classic. From all the way back in 1966, it's as great today as the first time I heard the song and saw the cartoon on our old black and white television.<br />
<br />
Can you pick out all the metaphors, similes, and adjectives?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkbgrooG9opdyvR807FonBaJuS0A1pUFr0OWOE4z0I4tZaHZuSwJupC9QbyYi7ULjQYROOyAZOBd5sf7H-YJWj3fI_0AKprUSECKVxuYsdVSiFhdWlZdLmlaMWbLCwl1Muwn3uquAg-Ni/s1600/IMG_2457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkbgrooG9opdyvR807FonBaJuS0A1pUFr0OWOE4z0I4tZaHZuSwJupC9QbyYi7ULjQYROOyAZOBd5sf7H-YJWj3fI_0AKprUSECKVxuYsdVSiFhdWlZdLmlaMWbLCwl1Muwn3uquAg-Ni/s1600/IMG_2457.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You really are a heel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're as cuddly as a cactus,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're a a bad banana with a greasy, black peel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're a monster, Mr. Grinch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your heart's an empty hole</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your brain is full of spiders,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You have garlic in your soul, Mr. Grinch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wouldn't touch you with a 39 1/2 foot pole!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You have termites in your smile</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile, Mr. Grinch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Given the choice between the two of you, I'd take the seasick crocodile!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're a rotter, Mr. Grinch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're the king of sinful sots</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your heart's a dead tomato</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Splotched with moldy purple spots, Mr. Grinch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're a three decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With arsenic sauce!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You nauseate me, Mr. Grinch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With a nauseous super "naus"!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're a crooked dirty jockey and you drive a crooked hoss, Mr. Grinch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your soul is an appalling dump heap </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment of rubbish imaginable</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mangled up in tangled up knots!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're a nasty, wasty skunk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your heart is full of unwashed socks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your soul is full of gunk, Mr. Grinch. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stink, Stank, STUNK!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As I was copying these lyrics, I ran across some interesting tidbits. If Wikipedia is correct, Dr. Seuss wrote the story and lyrics. Boris Karloff narrated the story, but did NOT sing the song. WHAT?? It seems Boris Karloff could not sing and so the song was performed by Thurl Ravenscroft who was not credited at the end of the show. And all these years later, we all can say, "Who was Thurl Ravenscroft?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2017. Happy Writing!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-18903547605917209712016-11-02T13:26:00.000-07:002016-11-02T13:27:22.319-07:00What is great writing?All writers strive to be the best they can. We spend countless hours thinking and dreaming, outlining and storyboarding. We clack away at the keyboard. We revise, submit, and do it all over again. But what makes some writing better than others? In my opinion, its the connection readers feel to the characters.<br />
<br />
As a reader, you want to feel the deep connection with the characters in the book. That's what keeps you turning the pages. You may feel like they're your best friend, someone you could pick up the phone or meet on the street and have an ordinary conversation. Sometimes, the characters or story evokes a feeling of days gone by or of long ago friendships and memories. At any rate, you feel a connection. Connection is key.<br />
<br />
As a little girls, my earliest experience with this was the book, <i>Where the Red Fern Grows</i> by Wilson Rawls. I jumped into it with both feet. As the story progressed, I was to the point I read awhile and sobbed awhile. It really touched me partially because I'm a huge dog lover, but also I felt a connection to the characters and events. I still have the book on my shelf and as crazy as it sounds, I won't let it go from my collection, but I may never read it again. It's engrained in my memory and I can't put myself through it at this point in my life. How powerful writing can be!<br />
<br />
Fast forward many years, and a recent example is a PSB TV Series my husband and I are watching. We are so caught up in the story and characters, we talk about them later. What if he did....or do you think she's going to...or I sure hope it works out for so and so. I actually wake up thinking about these people with concern or happiness. Once again, the written word is powerful. Those words were just acted out in front of a movie camera. From what I've heard, it's a similar experience. It all starts with a writer and a connection felt to the characters.<br />
<br />
There are many, many great writers today in all genres, but a some writers are just a notch higher. They write things you just can't shake. You dwell on them for weeks, months, and in the case of <i>Where the Red Fern Grows,</i> decades. My goal is not to be a good writer or a great writer, but an exceptional writer. Is it an attainable goal? Time will tell. In the meantime, I just keep plugging along, learning all I can, clacking away on the keyboard, and following Dolly Parton's advice, "Think big, dream big, pray big!" Seems my bases are covered.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-65435105488653694412016-10-24T17:31:00.002-07:002016-10-24T17:31:48.484-07:00Kansas Literary Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYV8ok-_8nN_cGN-uG94MrV2CrLMQHKw8j_yW_DpSvNlJMwYOAEFzAts-tYhAbt0XApDSgE_bT0WvYcO8K5ISCK4dPfF-LkxGvn3ZOuH8kvbGJrOKmEJIxnb1bS3R2huh4bZZ4oVTOv32H/s1600/KansasLiteracyFestival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYV8ok-_8nN_cGN-uG94MrV2CrLMQHKw8j_yW_DpSvNlJMwYOAEFzAts-tYhAbt0XApDSgE_bT0WvYcO8K5ISCK4dPfF-LkxGvn3ZOuH8kvbGJrOKmEJIxnb1bS3R2huh4bZZ4oVTOv32H/s320/KansasLiteracyFestival.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's the five Oklahoma authors that made the trek to Kansas for the Literary Festival on Saturday. What a great day of fun in the sun, fellowshipping with other writers, and books, <span style="font-size: large;">books</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">BOOKS!</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
(Susan York Meyers, Timothy Lange, Marla Jones, David Roper and me, Sandra Byrd Lawson, aka Sandi).<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-83893116673084201012016-10-12T13:19:00.001-07:002016-10-12T13:19:20.490-07:00Just What Is A Chapter Book?<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the SCBWI Fall Workshop last week, Author Darlene Bailey Beard spoke about what exactly is a chapter book. It seems many people, even some in the writing community, are confused. To steal Darlene's words, a chapter book is a "transitional" book or a bridge from a very early reading books (like the old Dick and Jane) to more complex books. Chapter books are not terribly long, usually around 7000 words, have short chapters, have illustrations to help clue in the reader to what the words are saying, have a larger print, have a lot of white space and the key is...they are non-threatening. Children should not look at a chapter book and feel anxious or think they could never finish one. I think chapter books are where children can learn to love reading, and to actually enjoy a story on their own. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At one class I had taken for writing chapter books, the instructor said writing chapter books is very liberating. After working with picture books that have such an attention to word count, I had to agree. When I started writing my chapter book (and the middle grade novel that I'm currently working on), it felt awesome. I could let the thoughts and words flow freely. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you have an interest in Chapter Books or Middle Grade Novels, visit the children's section at your local library. Those books are fun to read, even if you are an old timer like me. You can also check out local author's work, like Darlene Bailey Beard's <i>The Flimflam Man </i>or of course, my new book, <i>Mila Denton's Worst Week Ever!</i> Happy Reading and Writing!</div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-20292671220236224542016-10-03T09:51:00.000-07:002016-10-03T09:51:51.907-07:00Mila Denton's Worst Week Ever! Book Trailer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's the link to the trailer for my new book. The book is scheduled to arrive in a couple of days. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbtdeX689jc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbtdeX689jc</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3OpqvV1cfkrmMNZcdT4h1xuJfj1ntSx7IZ1FsfiNEOrTVTtwur2a55T3D_rD9q4mHfslNpsH23nC8C4yf28Ay5Sb_OkFZbp90BP2AzaNTYW7bR7ZWkuh7m-Aqvz8JFqZ0nB9JWM13ZNT/s1600/Mila+Denton-cover-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3OpqvV1cfkrmMNZcdT4h1xuJfj1ntSx7IZ1FsfiNEOrTVTtwur2a55T3D_rD9q4mHfslNpsH23nC8C4yf28Ay5Sb_OkFZbp90BP2AzaNTYW7bR7ZWkuh7m-Aqvz8JFqZ0nB9JWM13ZNT/s320/Mila+Denton-cover-3.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-25027283950211981982016-09-06T08:52:00.000-07:002016-09-06T08:52:07.512-07:00It's Here! (...well, almost)Here are a few of the illustrations for my early chapter book coming out this fall. (Miller Denton's Worst Week Ever!) Written by me, Sandra Byrd Lawson, Illustrated by Holly Abston, Published by Doodle and Peck Publishing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCchyZ86EKihf3EtI0z4BkmuyZKYz-jAvAtq2as0r5eiBmst8d__gPhk4PIToTgzOe6NZ5D8czBHpQV1R9jdeFV8dlV2UFHfqx9XoNyrnKEMLbwWva4lEDUxHhTDGSDnVlBINls9ipGTRf/s1600/14290066_10208245797795617_1981117883143072549_o-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCchyZ86EKihf3EtI0z4BkmuyZKYz-jAvAtq2as0r5eiBmst8d__gPhk4PIToTgzOe6NZ5D8czBHpQV1R9jdeFV8dlV2UFHfqx9XoNyrnKEMLbwWva4lEDUxHhTDGSDnVlBINls9ipGTRf/s320/14290066_10208245797795617_1981117883143072549_o-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-29726728389698684832016-03-14T09:54:00.000-07:002016-03-14T09:54:18.919-07:00Pioneer SchoolLast week, I was invited to read to the second grade classes at Pioneer School. What a great time we had!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTJBcBHBWRQVmRM80NqehH9gwDDZbS-UBvsolhQ55WSw0HFMUIHimw7zXLupUlCUVFofOGXYGEyRFptHm-E0M67yesg_Zi-xa4o3CmpvZN4wlpEPh7BhiB2zHeA1ACFAI4vdvIlrXIzhG/s1600/IMG_1782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTJBcBHBWRQVmRM80NqehH9gwDDZbS-UBvsolhQ55WSw0HFMUIHimw7zXLupUlCUVFofOGXYGEyRFptHm-E0M67yesg_Zi-xa4o3CmpvZN4wlpEPh7BhiB2zHeA1ACFAI4vdvIlrXIzhG/s320/IMG_1782.jpg" width="320" /></a>I was asked to read my book, The Best Baker in the World! and to also choose another of my favorites to read. It was an easy choice. I read Brian, the Smelly Bear, written by Mark Chambers. It's written in verse and is about a bear that refuses to take a bath. Everyone thinks he smells atrocious, but he thinks he smells just fine. When his friends can't stand to be around him any longer, they trick him into taking a bath by telling him they have a tub full of mud. He sails into it discovering, all too late, that it's filled with warm, soapy water. Afterwards, Brian decides he likes smelling clean. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
After reading, we discussed where authors come up with story ideas and what it takes to be a writer. We also talked about my upcoming book that will be released in the fall called Mila Denton's Worst Week Ever! I hope to visit them after that book is released because I think they will really enjoy it.<br />
<br />
The children were stylishly dressed in paper Dr. Seuss hats that they'd made. I don't know where the teachers come up such clever ideas, but they do a great job.<br />
<br />
Thank you, Pioneer teachers and students. I hope to see you soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YFGedpY4SqXsorReRif-rwQdK4fCkgF_xSn86A_ObQnn4tsaPMxYqKLwQg1rBplUR9cfNTbDsjYaWOoQD7qC8wPMafkT2nEbm99Morb8E0dxyCsx3e4rMU5W9LDUNL1hyphenhyphenZAExmpIat6S/s1600/IMG_2948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YFGedpY4SqXsorReRif-rwQdK4fCkgF_xSn86A_ObQnn4tsaPMxYqKLwQg1rBplUR9cfNTbDsjYaWOoQD7qC8wPMafkT2nEbm99Morb8E0dxyCsx3e4rMU5W9LDUNL1hyphenhyphenZAExmpIat6S/s320/IMG_2948.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwo09y-HvW37ei_aYuWVWqo74729n7cH66-cE3le8m_BgLIAXsoY2vzQoMu0xssySeViIYf8IrpQb7mibx36DOfznk8UcIm-rshCkNddizB29w0lvfx-2jOEoj66FCVcm-OX8bi_6Ge1Mf/s1600/IMG_5485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwo09y-HvW37ei_aYuWVWqo74729n7cH66-cE3le8m_BgLIAXsoY2vzQoMu0xssySeViIYf8IrpQb7mibx36DOfznk8UcIm-rshCkNddizB29w0lvfx-2jOEoj66FCVcm-OX8bi_6Ge1Mf/s320/IMG_5485.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NXr8A7JU5J9yvrnQYE6oZtMQDpLUrMikRWTO3nEykf1ADXRyRHcA8KH-lKNshVbcr4neGaeF4m22UBI7zqlxX5cQ0IPBWzTtYlONQkVgbHhiIDpiush0KgedS-EWV8YpQ228p8pr5Puv/s1600/IMG_5486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NXr8A7JU5J9yvrnQYE6oZtMQDpLUrMikRWTO3nEykf1ADXRyRHcA8KH-lKNshVbcr4neGaeF4m22UBI7zqlxX5cQ0IPBWzTtYlONQkVgbHhiIDpiush0KgedS-EWV8YpQ228p8pr5Puv/s320/IMG_5486.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwmOQhEc5h_-7a6-LzIDy0akGHvsM8a_BaJJkl7qWlGkhp4q94bnudMZ0SINSvaaws7DTCCCvdmIs2n7jghId7hAmIZ37EVQ42jsFUjSyFuhaQK7rBJlNvcnx2voK5mhsN9QhIGv-pp-n/s1600/IMG_5488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwmOQhEc5h_-7a6-LzIDy0akGHvsM8a_BaJJkl7qWlGkhp4q94bnudMZ0SINSvaaws7DTCCCvdmIs2n7jghId7hAmIZ37EVQ42jsFUjSyFuhaQK7rBJlNvcnx2voK5mhsN9QhIGv-pp-n/s320/IMG_5488.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-19075877745135233212015-11-02T08:08:00.000-08:002015-11-02T08:15:12.142-08:00It's That Time of the Year Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are great things that happen in the month of November. The weather starts to cool down, the leaves change, Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season, my birthday, and the list goes on. Also, it's PiBoIdMo! Picture Book Idea Month, the month where you commit to one idea per day. It can be frustrating and rewarding, but I trudge on. I've actually come up with some pretty good ideas over the past two PiBoIdMos. Come December 1st, it'll be fun to look back over my notebook and see what crazy and fun possibilities I've imagined for stories! </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_uk4sUjlNUPZ-DeLH9cAAdpaKJsPCcy1teWwMo2DdKrTBFlx6hdJ-qRKTTw3W_-kCPDT78Hyr2kmDquDLdxhq54MZCEIQvowqhHUer2GYEgBXFTrj390nH0Ei91L-7awNcggZJ3Y1bQ0/s1600/piboidmo2015participant-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_uk4sUjlNUPZ-DeLH9cAAdpaKJsPCcy1teWwMo2DdKrTBFlx6hdJ-qRKTTw3W_-kCPDT78Hyr2kmDquDLdxhq54MZCEIQvowqhHUer2GYEgBXFTrj390nH0Ei91L-7awNcggZJ3Y1bQ0/s200/piboidmo2015participant-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Happy Writing!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-61637946657863791622015-09-09T08:22:00.000-07:002015-09-09T08:22:04.291-07:00Christmas in....September??Is it me or does it come earlier every year? The stores pushing Christmas, I mean. When I was a little girl, I couldn't wait until the day after Thanksgiving when the Christmas season officially began. Now, I don't know when it starts! Let me say, I love, love, love Christmas! It's my favorite, but at Wal Mart yesterday, I was a little bit disheartened to see them putting up the Christmas trees. For heaven's sake, people! Halloween decorations are in the opposite isle. I'm putting my foot down right now. I will not start Christmas until Thanksgiving afternoon. Then I'll jump on the bandwagon and plow ahead full force until Christmas Eve. I <i>might </i>shop on Thanksgiving evening (it's easy for my family because we have no extended family in the area and shopping gives us something to do). I will likely do the black Friday thing, as well. Until then, I'm closing my mind to Christmas...unless some cute ornament reaches out and snags me in passing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-21418084320527511132015-07-14T10:05:00.001-07:002015-07-14T10:05:30.273-07:00Live with a happy heart!I believe happiness is a choice we make. We choose to be thankful, happy, in love, etc. I hate to see people in a rut and constantly "down". Do whatever it takes to pick yourself up and live like there's no tomorrow. We all have problems, but when I think about my problems, I always see someone else who has a life much worse than I can even imagine. Eat some chocolate, keep your chin up, feel God's blessings and enjoy your day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-75156888059824683772015-06-29T19:07:00.002-07:002015-06-29T19:07:57.041-07:00Busy,Busy, Busy!It's been like close to forever since I've posted on here, but life is busy! I'm in two critique groups with several manuscripts to critique each month. I'm also on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram. I'm working frantically on my MG Novel, One Kansas Winter, which I would love to have completed in the next 2 months. If writing were as easy as reading, I guess everyone would be doing it!<br />
<br />
In my 'spare' time, I'm working on a family history scrapbook going back several generations. I'm not complaining. I love everything I'm doing...I just need more hours in the day. Most days, I have to pick and choose what I want to accomplish on that particular day. Blogging and tweeting take a back seat to finishing my novel. One day, I will have a great blog OR a great novel. I hope I juggle everything that long!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-88617446777783216432015-05-29T08:54:00.000-07:002015-05-29T08:54:07.280-07:00I won!I entered a drawing for a signed piece of art from Salina Yoon on Tara Lazar's blog. (By the way, Tara's blog is awesome!!) There were three winners and I was one of them. I think I'm a pretty lucky person. I've heard people say, "I never win anything." Well, that's not me. I win fairly often and I hope my luck continues. Salina's new book is called <i style="font-weight: bold;">Be a Friend </i>and this is a character from the book. Check her out on Amazon or Google. She has over 150 books thus far. That's an amazing thing. Way to go, Salina!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzQMJklqwLNlBGqeW5AnrywGZ1pCGmBvLp__EPkat3bGn6i1QvKnhojRnh06lN0dGb6JE37Z7Dekk3fqKPMbvsQq8LCpZ3rSqAfOFYPCggzwPI86UcnbBPUBlov85qI6_NkZZt3PzX3so/s1600/IMG_1143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzQMJklqwLNlBGqeW5AnrywGZ1pCGmBvLp__EPkat3bGn6i1QvKnhojRnh06lN0dGb6JE37Z7Dekk3fqKPMbvsQq8LCpZ3rSqAfOFYPCggzwPI86UcnbBPUBlov85qI6_NkZZt3PzX3so/s320/IMG_1143.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLxKIpM26A672RMvF85wKObao7hUmMed7pe5CtWJFkJl6Y82MG3hvwHAEiB3mY1_WUQ5bftbEEPTBy8byxwMEbvr0AzbqhGglqo44mYr-y2u3ejtx-6HwaR8dLULJH2XGqPZsqYWoRtlD/s1600/IMG_1170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLxKIpM26A672RMvF85wKObao7hUmMed7pe5CtWJFkJl6Y82MG3hvwHAEiB3mY1_WUQ5bftbEEPTBy8byxwMEbvr0AzbqhGglqo44mYr-y2u3ejtx-6HwaR8dLULJH2XGqPZsqYWoRtlD/s320/IMG_1170.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-73985218368994592562014-10-27T09:42:00.000-07:002014-10-27T09:42:08.408-07:00Picture Book Idea MonthSo today is the first day in almost 2 months that I've gotten to sit down and do some writing. It's also the beginning of Picture Book Idea Month. I'm trying to be positive and so I'm saying, "This is going to be the best year ever for me!" If you love picture books, check out Tara Lazar's Blog and sign up. There's lots of information and freebies. Here's the info to get you started: taralazar.com<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJdjXNWle0bV8qksvglEIMPbYigDTqe58oCjh93TEmJXi1PBfYU80wOvI6hsVDGP_An7xxer3_UUV3qFwDrq2cW4sqXVeDuyJYLx_iXPjZQ0lDfDWwxfuJWf3hzibh5DNUNM0ORt8iVC3/s1600/piboidmo2014officialparticipant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJdjXNWle0bV8qksvglEIMPbYigDTqe58oCjh93TEmJXi1PBfYU80wOvI6hsVDGP_An7xxer3_UUV3qFwDrq2cW4sqXVeDuyJYLx_iXPjZQ0lDfDWwxfuJWf3hzibh5DNUNM0ORt8iVC3/s1600/piboidmo2014officialparticipant.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-41956669290406274672014-08-08T09:19:00.001-07:002014-08-08T09:21:45.931-07:00My Thoughts on Winnie the PoohWhen I was a little girl, Winnie the Pooh was well known and still is today. What makes such a great children's book? I have much to learn. I found these two books at an antique store in Guthrie, OK. I was so excited to read a children's classic. I'd seen Winnie the Pooh on television and read some books, but never the original. My first look inside the cover revealed that the initial copyrights were in 1926 and 1928. They were published in New York by E.P. Dutton and Co. The copies I have were reprinted in 1961. These are older than I am! It was fun to see the different writing styles and language from then until now. For instance, now we say 'illustrated by...' These say "Decorated by Ernest H. Shepard." Everything we are taught about writing for children nowadays says to show and not tell. There is a lot of telling in Winnie the Pooh. There are also random words capitalized in the middle of sentences. I can't find any rhyme or reason for the capitalization. I know things change over time and I am struggling with changes in grammar rules just from my high school days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLuag05m1u2dpk_XPdAWHjn1qGjC4Lz03K_y8AIfqdzcap3WdILU1S8_x5YLg5n8wnr8JWoC-Wg9q5U5iKUDTLjD9qIb7gKEbelVNtgxWrXj9PNbIrA_NoJ4Q0yu0rZK8ICMSLasW60SB/s1600/winnie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLuag05m1u2dpk_XPdAWHjn1qGjC4Lz03K_y8AIfqdzcap3WdILU1S8_x5YLg5n8wnr8JWoC-Wg9q5U5iKUDTLjD9qIb7gKEbelVNtgxWrXj9PNbIrA_NoJ4Q0yu0rZK8ICMSLasW60SB/s1600/winnie1.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The author A.A. Milne was an English writer (primarily a playwright) with one son named Christopher Robin Milne. He wrote the Winnie the Pooh books and the characters were based on the stuffed animals that Christopher Robin owned with the exception of Rabbit and Owl who were added by Mr. Milne. The stuffed animals are now on display in New York City.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A.A. Milne's quotes (of course, said by the characters) are some of the most touching words I've ever known. I can't read them without tearing up and turning into a blubbering idiot. Read them for yourself... <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/81466.A_A_Milne">https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/81466.A_A_Milne</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While reading the first book, I found some scribbles on two pages. I wondered about the child that used the purple marker. Was it a little boy or a little girl? Was it in the 1960's? Were they crouched on the rug in the living room in front of the television with jeans and sneakers. Did they get scolded for marking in the book? Where is this person now? How did these books end up at the antique store? I know my mind is a mysterious thing and when it gets going, the scenarios are endless. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9058IQSYbGSXhf641ZZXu43VyWESKfxU7D3X8dLlklim2cMJ3cFhk2c8JoXf9O6Bx-5cP9KooSd8VFb4oUvwGbZBuu9HV44z7KN3q71OJdb4vQ04XnJEIRRgqW1uRjzRm3P6418NkxTj/s1600/winnie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9058IQSYbGSXhf641ZZXu43VyWESKfxU7D3X8dLlklim2cMJ3cFhk2c8JoXf9O6Bx-5cP9KooSd8VFb4oUvwGbZBuu9HV44z7KN3q71OJdb4vQ04XnJEIRRgqW1uRjzRm3P6418NkxTj/s1600/winnie3.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPet0caNqronpqivwV0AoT4-BrfwFc6oeMnvZx9LxXibBNixT3lqB1_4YZKjBA4KHG3RTRJRPuH-N9O2J_ACrXN9cf9WAM7_Z86vPYoududJijZHP2Ci6Y66uA1jSUhTG6fomLXiBX7-eY/s1600/winnie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPet0caNqronpqivwV0AoT4-BrfwFc6oeMnvZx9LxXibBNixT3lqB1_4YZKjBA4KHG3RTRJRPuH-N9O2J_ACrXN9cf9WAM7_Z86vPYoududJijZHP2Ci6Y66uA1jSUhTG6fomLXiBX7-eY/s1600/winnie2.jpg" height="200" width="156" /></a></div>
<div>
<span class="gmw_"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="gmw_"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="gmw_">What did I get from these books? Wonderful memories that I had forgotten. I couldn't read what the characters were saying without hearing their voices in my head. Pooh saying, "Oh, bother!" and "Hunny!" Christopher Robin, "Tut tut! Looks like rain!" And Eeyore with his constant dreary attitude. And then I remembered the song from the Disney movie and have it on constant repeat in my brain. "Deep in the hundred acre wood, where Christopher Robin plays, you'll find the enchanted neighborhood of Chrisopher's childhood days. A donkey named Eeyore is his friend, and Kanga and little Roo. There's Rabbit, there's Piglet and there's Owl, but most of all Winnie the Pooh! Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh, tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff. He's Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh, willy, <span class="gm_ gm_d9def4f9-92ec-994d-9c5a-74a25dcd79e6 gm-spell">nilly</span>, silly ole bear!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="gmw_"><br /></span></div>
<div>
And at the end, here's where the tears come when Pooh and Christopher Robin are talking...</div>
<div>
"Pooh, promise you won't forget about me, ever. Not even when I'm a hundred." </div>
<div>
Pooh thought for a little. "How old shall I be then?" </div>
<div>
"Ninety-nine." </div>
<div>
Pooh nodded. "I promise," he said. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I can't imagine a childhood without Winnie the Pooh. He will live in the hearts of children (young and old) forever.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And finally, here's Kenny Loggins to complete the Pooh praise: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQhCNOV5Gnk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQhCNOV5Gnk</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="gmw_"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="gmw_"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-85853138679498706172014-07-30T16:32:00.001-07:002014-07-30T16:32:55.354-07:00Confessions of a Junk Food JunkieI bought a movie-sized box of Sugar Babies at the grocery store. Out of habit, I shook the box. Hmm. It didn't rattle. I was thinking "Bonus!" It must be filled so full it won't rattle. After I got home and anxiously opened the box, my heart sank. The Sugar Babies had melted into one huge glob and were stuck in the bottom of the box. It takes more than that to discourage a junk food junkie. It's taken me three days, but I've managed to eat most of them by digging them out with a knife. Next time I buy Sugar Babies, I'll know that if the box doesn't rattle, buy Milk Duds instead.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-82955064678799060132014-07-11T12:19:00.000-07:002014-07-11T12:19:15.407-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vDCznH1-Lh0bWwlq-taw7dNGR8egmgnuFxyUBOy1xlrL1ft1c2o3YuqhkFZSlBGbaktZsr59SfN_L0VFlTdnLQtwLijk9OGTdf_Rof79x-9Ty6Frhq9Wef5s1SFzB1o7OAz5A28q5pIf/s1600/Member-badges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vDCznH1-Lh0bWwlq-taw7dNGR8egmgnuFxyUBOy1xlrL1ft1c2o3YuqhkFZSlBGbaktZsr59SfN_L0VFlTdnLQtwLijk9OGTdf_Rof79x-9Ty6Frhq9Wef5s1SFzB1o7OAz5A28q5pIf/s1600/Member-badges.jpg" height="278" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="gmw_">I am proud to display this on my blog. In my opinion, this is one of the greatest organizations for aspiring children's writers. Oklahoma has an incredibly talented group and I learn something from every event I attend. Do you want to write for children? Check out the Oklahoma website, sign up for the fall conference, and you will be one step closer to achieving your dream! okscbwi.org</span><br />
<span class="gmw_"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-6626232715387043672014-05-19T07:18:00.000-07:002014-05-19T07:18:44.185-07:00Let's Follow Them!Here's the link to check out the newest book for my friend and critique partner, Marla Jones. I can't wait to get my signed copy! <a href="http://t.co/3PNfb7rH5f" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://t.co/3PNfb7rH5f</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-81512929716932480622014-05-10T09:43:00.000-07:002014-05-10T09:44:26.843-07:00Thanks, Mom!I confess, I am a junk food junkie. Yes, being a dental hygienist makes it even more difficult to make that admission. You know, "do as I say, not as I do." But I digress. Every year at Easter, I look forward to peeps (pure sugar goodness) and jellybeans. I don't like gourmet jellybeans and forget the sour ones or anything out of the ordinary. Just plain old jellybeans...I love them! This year, trying to be a little more health conscious, I decided to give up peeps. But I was in a quandary. There were no jellybeans to be found. Finally, I found one individual size package at Wal Mart. I was frustrated. Even after Easter, I shopped around for the clearance sales and still no jellybeans. Yesterday, I got a text message from my mom "Check your mail". I wasn't home and I didn't know what she meant. Check my mailbox, my email, what? Was something wrong? When I got home, I found a package on my front porch delivered by US Priority Mail. Hmmm, it was just like Christmas excitement! I ripped open the box and found three, yes THREE bags of jellybeans! Later, Tony asked what I planned to have for dinner. Of course, the answer was JELLYBEANS! Thanks, Mom. By the way, I will be out of jellybeans in a few days. Hint, Hint!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-3321801880927822792014-04-23T15:46:00.001-07:002014-04-23T15:46:50.952-07:00 Ahh! Lovin' The Country Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggb-10y7ODNDAkYwxYXhutLn8MRwoNCP2dHQXYk9dB9-O7iHjXUJZLxtFm7wjgjnbyC3ms_hpK_4rM9z1e4aH9b9S86ExGL7wVXl1SinMew4A6Dvi4Eevm9VrKA9HNX-FZtqF7BmUwitl/s1600/baby+geese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggb-10y7ODNDAkYwxYXhutLn8MRwoNCP2dHQXYk9dB9-O7iHjXUJZLxtFm7wjgjnbyC3ms_hpK_4rM9z1e4aH9b9S86ExGL7wVXl1SinMew4A6Dvi4Eevm9VrKA9HNX-FZtqF7BmUwitl/s1600/baby+geese.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></div>
Every year, well for the last seven years or so, we've been blessed with watching a family of geese. I affectionately named the parents Edgar and Edna. Edna puts her nest on the island in the center of our pond. She rarely leaves the nest, but will occasionally come to the house for a bit of bread. Edgar on the other hand, is quite cute at the beginning of the nesting period. After a while though, he becomes a pest. He follows me around when I am outside, he peeks in the windows, and he even recognizes my car when I come into the driveway. I have to up our food budget so I can feed Edgar! He is a begging goose. He wants white bread...absolutely no sourdough or rye! He will even snatch bread from my hand now. Seven little ones arrived last week and Edgar and Edna are teaching them to come for bread. We know the time is short. Every year, they take the little ones to a neighboring pond where they will stay until they are nearly grown. They'll come back here until they are ready to fly away. Then next year, it starts all over again!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1498588286053622742.post-16333220974315684902014-03-22T13:58:00.000-07:002014-03-22T13:58:21.403-07:00Blanchard Intermediate SchoolBlanchard Intermediate School invited me to visit on their Family Reading Night. This was held before spring break (and it was also the birth week of Dr. Seuss),<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6dxyK2ea1-_V03mrye0a59R8O5f3XS3XG0bdIyvJRRt2z7RpsRc3hGf-Hh1y-cJJblf7Oi8gcgSVErYVqyKH13RgMTBDfhcAfjYFUeTJ2cHubGHVEyGmEuTZ-gAiWKvWedXEms4xy6aH/s1600/DSCN1827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6dxyK2ea1-_V03mrye0a59R8O5f3XS3XG0bdIyvJRRt2z7RpsRc3hGf-Hh1y-cJJblf7Oi8gcgSVErYVqyKH13RgMTBDfhcAfjYFUeTJ2cHubGHVEyGmEuTZ-gAiWKvWedXEms4xy6aH/s1600/DSCN1827.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGnTaxetRg1LnKZAIuD6pcKWYB8ee-mjJ5pCo_YruBmjcjxcb0mn9z7qQa79v0Nec3D7ApIMFhSn296Dj_yr6QBUW5qUukszQfsdhp5YqdUnrbjz_HDG_IDdeBKefEgY_wTn3g-0zDLYB/s1600/DSCN1765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGnTaxetRg1LnKZAIuD6pcKWYB8ee-mjJ5pCo_YruBmjcjxcb0mn9z7qQa79v0Nec3D7ApIMFhSn296Dj_yr6QBUW5qUukszQfsdhp5YqdUnrbjz_HDG_IDdeBKefEgY_wTn3g-0zDLYB/s1600/DSCN1765.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCN2Tx0gfn8O98O_C1td68fZBwl8s6XazMrp5k3riE8sB_WYemGBP-QrG10dE6AQhsDRqJ4LMfhCnsJYPZ3BcKatI8C96HTyHA6F3JyEibymM8GbE4JGo1m2QJgbuAkq5skRKCdr0jmao/s1600/DSCN1766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCN2Tx0gfn8O98O_C1td68fZBwl8s6XazMrp5k3riE8sB_WYemGBP-QrG10dE6AQhsDRqJ4LMfhCnsJYPZ3BcKatI8C96HTyHA6F3JyEibymM8GbE4JGo1m2QJgbuAkq5skRKCdr0jmao/s1600/DSCN1766.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgbg0i1LnUq6nUBv_EmCzw4XpTszPrWLx4ja6kXoxIfU5EeOQ93cr_qA1hxiZckPtcYQfNPli-0pL83XaNIbR2_muUrqDgRAY-B4jmSPs77YS_owXna1-8rU5eb_VqN_FsE0K944ge6FY/s1600/DSCN1801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgbg0i1LnUq6nUBv_EmCzw4XpTszPrWLx4ja6kXoxIfU5EeOQ93cr_qA1hxiZckPtcYQfNPli-0pL83XaNIbR2_muUrqDgRAY-B4jmSPs77YS_owXna1-8rU5eb_VqN_FsE0K944ge6FY/s1600/DSCN1801.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4_oDVPlZxZ6bPY8czslO9fqZHbFu0JD2ndLvg6kQUvMgQBXTPaKPVF0NBCgOFY7L92qV4KSVoknvPUhouFZOzoAQ34vG2Z83XosW7o5YmeNa8GGBeqMrjtiZsg_SmsdnSryFXzR3AMhyphenhyphen/s1600/DSCN1826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4_oDVPlZxZ6bPY8czslO9fqZHbFu0JD2ndLvg6kQUvMgQBXTPaKPVF0NBCgOFY7L92qV4KSVoknvPUhouFZOzoAQ34vG2Z83XosW7o5YmeNa8GGBeqMrjtiZsg_SmsdnSryFXzR3AMhyphenhyphen/s1600/DSCN1826.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The children were reading and taking tests for their AR points. They served a beautiful birthday cake and Seuss juice (how clever) and I was honored to read my book to the children. School is fun!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402923639201908500noreply@blogger.com0