2013

The holidays are over (sad face) and the new year has begun.  I've taken down the decorations, not to include the Christmas tree. I haven't brought myself to do it yet. Yes, I may be the crazy lady that has a Christmas tree in July. What can I say? I love it! In all reality, I will probably take it down in the next week. Everytime I think about taking down the tree, I think of my favorite character, Linus and his quote when asked about his blanket..."maybe I'll make it into a sport coat." What does that have to do with my tree? Hmmm? How to repurpose that tree and keep it all year? My husband suggested having a holiday tree and decorating it for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Halloween, etc. My answer? A firm, "no!" It's a Christmas tree and that's what it will continue to be. I hate to see Easter eggs hanging from a tree. Wouldn't be prudent! And so, if you hear taps playing next week, it's my poor Christmas tree retiring to the attic for a long rest. 

Writing News

I had a booksigning at The Learning Tree in Oklahoma City 2 weeks ago. Wow! Where does the time go? The best part about it was that also having a signing, was award-winning Oklahoma Children's Author, Tammi Sauer.  She has 3 (yes, three) new books out this fall for a total of 13 books! She is obviously doing something right and it was the perfect time to pick her brain since I had her as a captive  audience! She was so sweet and gave me lots of tips as well as telling me about her journey to become an author.  She visits lots of schools and writing conferences and would be a great act to follow! I am trudging on and taking everything she said to heart. Thank you, Tammi. You can check out Tammi on her website:  www.tammisauer.com

Book Signing

I will be at The Learning Tree, 7638 N. Western, OKC tomorrow from 11-2.   If you are in the area, please stop by and say hello!

Salem Elementary-Russell County, KY

I am a little late in posting this, because I had ear surgery and cannot seem to get back on track, but I had to write about a wonderful group of students.

 A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting 2nd - 4th grades at Salem Elementary in Kentucky. The children were delightful and made my feel very welcome. I was amazed at some of the questions that came from the 3rd graders. The teachers are doing an awesome job!  A couple of the questions were: "What is the theme of the story?" and "What is the plot?" Wow!  OK guys, I couldn't let you get off that easy, so I did not give those answers. I hope you discussed it in class and figured it out. There were a lot of other questions about my personal life, how I wrote the book, future books, etc.  

Thank you to everyone at Salem Elementary especially the custodian who helped get the lights ready, the computer guy that got the flash drive to work, Ms Shalonda for organizing the event, and 3rd grade student, Dawson.

Dawson made me smile when he said he was going to take my book on vacation with him and when he found out the book included an audio download, he said he would put it on his iPod. Just before I left, he told me to let him know when I have another book because he wants to buy one!  From the mouths of babes! Oh, how sweet those words!

                                       Thank you, Salem Elementary. You are a special group.

Plug for SCBWI

Last night, our local chapter of SCBWI met. (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators)  Every month, I go to the meetings and gain so much insight! The group is an amazing and talented bunch! Without a doubt, it is one of the best organizations I have ever been affiliated with. If you have the desire to write or illustrate for children (this is young adult novels, as well) you must check it out. It is an international organization with regional groups so wherever you are, SCBWI should be readily available.  That's all. Now back to your regularly scheduled blog!

Book Event

I will be at Best of Books in Edmond, Oklahoma this Thursday from 5:30- 7:00. If you have children, like children's books or love baking, I hope you will stop by!

My imagination makes me human and makes me a fool; it gives me all the world and exiles me from it.

 by Ursula K. Le Guin

Book Brings Back a Memory

      I was reading a book today and it had a segment on how fast we are to criticize or judge others.  There were two ladies sitting at church and whispering during the entire sermon. The man behind them was getting irritated and at the end of church, the ladies were introduced. One of them was a foreign missionary and did not speak English. The other lady was translating for her. This made me recall mine own stupidity.
      Several years ago, we lived in a neighborhood of duplexes while we were building a house. Everyday, I saw one of our neighbors (in his mid 40's) get in his Jeep and drive to the mailbox. I saw this day after day and for some reason, this really annoyed me. I continued to get more and more aggravated and voiced my opinions to my family. " I don't know why he drives to the mailbox. How can anyone be so lazy?" I thought about how so many Americans are obese and too lazy to walk. Everyone wants that parking space closest to the door. Let's go to the all you can eat buffet and gorge ourselves! Oh, my thoughts were not very nice.
     And then I got knocked down a peg or two. I saw the man get out of his Jeep to go into his house. He had one leg! Boy, did I feel sheepish! Another neighbor told me the man had lost his leg in Vietnam. Well, hit me again! He was a war hero and had been featured on the cover of a magazine.  I think of that periodically. I try to not be hasty and jump to conclusions. We would all be better off if we accepted people at face value and not try to judge their actions according to our standards or expectations.
                                                "Judge not, lest you be judged."

"The dearest ones of time, the strongest friends of the soul--BOOKS."

Emily Dickinson

Pretty Paper

Each time I've been out for the past few weeks, I've noticed the shelves are once again stocked with school supplies. I cannot resist the temptation to browse the isles. Why? I'm not going to school. My 22 year old doesn't need my help with supplies anymore.  And yet, I have to look (and of course, bring home a few items!) Part of me wants to find a great bargain and part of me has another agenda.  I can always use pens, notepads, etc.   But the real secret I've been hiding, is that I have a bit of an obsession with pretty paper.  I've always had it.  When I see all the newest things, my heart starts to race, my eyes glaze over and in my mind, I hear, "The paper! The paper!" (voice of Gollum from Lord of the Rings, saying "the precious!") So now everyone knows. If you want to buy me a gift, I'm pretty easy. Just run to the office supply/scrapbook/gift shop and pick up pretty paper. I will be your friend forever!