Last post of 2011

With just mere hours left in 2011, I'm overwhelmed with all the emotions I have going on. Tomorrow, I begin my journey with Julie Hedlund's challenge. Another challenge, you ask? Yep! This time, it won't be lasting a mere 30 days, oh no, no. It's a year-long challenge called 12x12 in 2012.
(http://writeupmylife.com)

That's right, folks! 12 PB manny's in 12 months. And I mean, that starts TOMORROW! I am nervous, I won't lie. It is a lot more involved than I had realized. One year from right now, I have no clue where I will be. But I DO know that I will have at least A manuscript written. Yes, the goal is 12. But even if I just write one, at least I wrote it.

I have a lot of ideas floating around. It'll be interesting to see them come to life.

Whew! Two blog posts in ONE day? Ha! I'm just getting started. This year is our year, dear friends. May we embrace each other, and learn from one another.

The Old Tire Swingers... Ready... GO!

I am a person who has a very (and I mean, VERY) eclectic taste in music. I'm not sure there isn't at least one song in every genre that I don't like. Growing up, my parents really pushed Christian music. We listened to Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Jars of Clay, DC Talk, and especially, Keith Green. However, on the occasional "Saturday Chore Day", my father would bust out some classic hits from Sir Elton John, Boston, Kansas, Queen, and The Eagles. And then... Came country music.

We listened to just about every single country song ever played in the 80s and 90s (back before it was cool). It wasn't abnormal to hear Garth Brooks, The Judds, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, George Straight, Alabama, etc. blasting from the Millar family's car. And, when we moved to central Cali? Forget it! I think that's ALL we listened to! Surrounded by agriculture, where it was socially acceptable to run around in cowboy boots, we fit in! I, however, still told my school friends that ONLY my parents listened to that "junk" (as I hid my "Classic Country" cassette tapes under my bed).

As I've grown older, I absolutely fell in love with the Grunge movement. Ahh... THAT is the stuff my kids will BEG me to turn off when they're in their teens. But, I enjoyed everything. I could sing, but playing an instrument? Nah... That business was for my multi-talented, little brother. And, man. He was gooood.

So, here we are, years later, and my brother has created quite the name for himself. He has been involved in the creation of a lot of music, but none more important than his own. He headed up (what I believed was) an extremely important band, the Martyrs. They were Punk Rockers, just like in the good ol' days, and many locals LOVED them. But, as it sometimes happens, maturity (immaturity?) takes its toll on a young band, and the Martyrs soon ran thier course. BUT, I am proud to say, that he has joined up with three other INCREDIBLY talented men, and they are... The Old Tire Swingers.

They are a genre of music I never imagined my brother being involved in. Yes, he has his separate solo career going on (http://rmsolympic.net/) where he showcases his inner early Bob Dylan mastery. The Old Tire Swingers (OTS) are  an old time string/bluegrass band. Paul Chesterton is the leader of this band, and has an incredible story behind his talent and his idea for this mash up of old-timey music with current relativity. He brings power into his own original music, and the other three closely follow suit.
OTS consists of: Paul Chesterton (volcals/banjo), Nick Kennedy (volcals/guitar), Frick Dau (upright bass), and Nathanael Felon -my brother- (vocals/mandolin).
 
They describe themselves as influenced by, "The Appalachian string bands as well as their own Central California country roots, they play a style that's somewhere between old time, bluegrass, and country." They have brought people attending their shows to their feet! It's all lively, fun, and leaves you feeling like you've had a seriously good time.

Just yesterday, they were showcased by our local FOX morning news... 

They are really bringing back something that I feel has been lost over all the years of computerized, easy, DIY junk that is hitting the airwaves. They will be touring England for the upcoming month of January, and then will head back here to the States to tour. If you can, please do yourself a favor and go see them. Show some support for real, raw talent. These guys deserve it!

Paul, Nick, Frick, and Nathanael... Good luck on your adventures this year! May OTS show the world how to have a fantastic, old fashioned, foot stomping, good time.

Everyone else, please visit them here- http://www.OldTireSwingers.com
and enjoy thir album here-http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oldtireswingers
 or on iTunes!!

 

 

Oh, hello there, 2012... I sure didn't see you coming.

Yikes!!

Anyone else wondering where 2011 went? I am. I've been looking for it everywhere! It's definitely not in that junk drawer that's in the kitchen (and, let's face it, in the laundry room, my hubby's nightstand, and garage). It's not in our truck. It's not on my desk that's forever engulfed with papers, pens, and books.

Where is it?!?!

Well, at least we know that there are neat things ahead. I will be writing... And writing... And writing! (Oh, and since the one year count down to my high school reunion will start over the summer, I will also be running... And running... And running!)

Our boys will be in T-Ball and Soccer, and I will inevitably become one of "those" moms. It's a sad truth, BUT, I can't wait. Then our oldest will start Kindergarten. Uh... Er... *sniffles* Nope! Changing the subject. NOW!
My sweet brother will be gone on a European tour with his band for a little while, and then will return to tour the states. Being a proud sister comes with bittersweet undertones, but that's nothing I am not used to. I will simply rely on good ol' technology to keep us in contact. If anyone wants to listen to some fantastic Bluegrass music, check them out!  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oldtireswingers

I have a few things I am excited about, career-wise. Sadly, I can't discuss anything yet! BUT, please know that the comments I received on my last post were saved, printed, and tacked on to my wall. Support is so necessary to we humans, no? Thank you, all!

Happy New Year!! May 2012 be everything you deserve, and provide you with the challenges you were made to face. God bless you!

Where to go? Professionally, that is.

Writing... Writing, and writing, and writing... That seems to be what's in my heart. It's all I can think about, it's all I want to do in my spare time. I don't want to read on how to write. I don't want to worry about the word count or if it sounds like someone else's story.

There's only a few hundred problems with all of that.

I am continuously hearing that in order to be a good writer, you have to be a good reader. Well, kudos to me, because I am an excellent reader! However, that "spare time" I referred to earlier? Yeah... That is treasured, rare, and cannot be split into a few areas. I'M A MOTHER! And not like a mother who has kids in school for eight hours a day. No, no, my kids are almost 5 and 3. I can barely pee by myself! So, I'd rather use that delicate, sweet, beautiful hour that they take their naps, on writing (trust me, the laundry and dishes pile up around here so often, I think my husband is going to fire me!).

But, aside from THAT worry, I believe the next step for me to take is to figure out my target audience. Who the heck am I writing for?? I love picture books. The ideas come easy to me, but sometimes I feel like I can't compare. Other writers that I know? Picture Books just flow out of them. They're smooth, elegant, and wonderful. My attempts? Well, to be honest, they just don't... Fit.

I do not take offense! But it is frustrating at times because my brain says that the PB world is where I belong. It's logical, relevant, and fun! But my heart seems to write differently. I know that it simply comes down to one thing...

FEAR.

I am terrified of writing a chapter book or novel. Why? Well, getting rejected after you've put time and effort into less than 800 words is painful enough. I absolutely cannot imagine how gut wrenching the rejection of a 10,000+ word manuscript would feel. Plus, that seems like a lot of time to invest and we've already discussed how little of that I have.

Sooooo... Here's the part where my writer (and even non-writer) friends tell me that I'm a nerd. BUT keep in mind, I am aware of this. I just need clarification on where I'm supposed to go! Is it possible for someone to go ahead and make that decision for me?

The kids are asleep now. Get back to me when you've decided what I should do with my professional life. I'd really rather spend my time writing... Something.

The gift of friendship? Yep. It's real.

It has come to my attention that I have been given a gift this year, but it was given to me early...
Like, 12 years ago, early.

But before I get to that, let me explain something about myself that not many of my new found friends know.

I was born into a Christian family- my father was a Pastor, and my mother was a devoted Pastor's wife. Through 25 years of drama (that's putting it mildly), pain (understatement of the millennium), and emotional abuse, my parents divorced the same year I got married. Everything went topsy turvy, but I was grateful to have my in-laws to hold on to. However, like I posted a few days ago, my in-laws have gone the way of the psychotic buffalo. What were we to do? We felt abandoned. We had no family to surround ourselves with.

Now, back to 12 years ago.

I met a girl named Erica, exactly 12 years ago this month. We were both signed up to play softball, and almost instantly, we became friends. Later on that year, she got herself a boyfriend whom I fell in total platonic, brother/sister love with. His name was Joseph, and he was something special.

Over the years, Erica and I played on school softball teams together, and just about every summer league out there. We went through everything. She was the one person I walked away from High School with, still hand in hand.

Erica was in my wedding in 2005.

When Erica married Joseph in 2008, I was there (15 weeks pregnant and all), standing witness to one of the most emotional ceremonies God has ever touched by hand.

This past January, I woke up in the middle of the night because I knew something that Erica didn't know. She was pregnant. I'm not sure how I knew, but on September 13, 2011, Josiah was born, and I wept for two days.

My whole point to this super long, probably annoyingly boring story? Well, in the midst of not having family, God gave us a gift: Erica and Joseph. I have always considered them family, but I never realized how soothing it was to have them in our life. They have blessed us with so many things. They have never given up on us, even when we felt there was no hope. Their unconditional support is something Rick and I have never understood. We look up to them. As a couple, they honor one another, respect each other, and treasure the time they spend together. We strive to be like them.

So, here's my thought for anyone who is struggling this Christmas season with loneliness or family abandonment issues... Look to the friends you have. Sometimes they are the gifts you've been given to fill the holes left behind by your blood-relatives.

Joe, Erica, and Josiah... Merry Christmas, my friends. I am so grateful, proud, blessed, and honored to have you in our lives. I pray that everyone has real friends like you, and that we may enrich your lives the way you have ours. And though I'll never admit to writing this in person, know that I mean every word of it.

Here's to50 more Christmases together...

Actually PROUD of this year

Here we are, just about two weeks until Christmas and three from the last day of 2011.

(My inner-most dying need is to scream WHAAAAT??!!!)

I am filled with excitement. Yes, Santa is coming and while that is thrilling, that's not totally what I am excited about. And maybe I shouldn't use the word "excited"; I should be saying, "So-totally-proud-and-happy". That's a word, right?

This year, I was 100% positive that life was going to be a drag. We had a terribly difficult start to the year, and we lost a lot of family (not literally, but we no longer are on speaking terms with most of my husband's side of the family). I was pretty positive that 2011 would be filled with back and forth bickering and consistent fighting. I wasn't sure our kids would emotionally survive.

But a funny thing happened:

We made it.

And of course all the glory goes to God. We definitely DID have some rough patches this year, but I feel like in the last few months the four of us have really held fast to one another. Now, we are approaching THE biggest holiday for large family gatherings. I am proud to say that it'll just be us. My father, his girlfriend, and my brother will be coming over later in the evening for a super casual (maybe we'll all be in our jammies?) dinner. But in the grand scheme of things, there won't be anything grand about it. That seems like a perfect ending for this crazy year.

Now, besides being proud of that accomplishment, here's why I'm proud of MYSELF (the writer):

• I graduated from the Institute of Children's Literature.
• I got a Facebook page that allowed me to connect with TONS of different writers who have been or currently are in my same position.
• I reached out to my SCBWI regional heads to ask for help finding writers in my area, which lead me to the most incredible critique group- Four women whom I can now call my friends.
• I started my own blog (yay!)
• I joined PiBoIdMo in November and learned the ins and outs of writing for today's kiddos, as well as met LOTS of people from around the industry.
• I entered a legit contest through MeeGenius.
• I decided to join 12x12 (writing a PB manuscript each month in 2012)- Not an easy decision, given the fact that it's a tough challenge for this momma of two young boys/wife of a LEO.

All of that, and I'M STILL ALIVE! Not to mention, I STILL WANT TO WRITE!

Yep. I'm proud of myself. Is that narcissistic? Maybe so, I guess. But, still, I'm not the kind of girl that had it easy her whole life. So all of these things I've accomplished this year? Kind of a BIG deal. And that's only the stuff I'm willing to discuss!

I know 2012 is still three weeks away and we have a lot to look forward to in those weeks ahead, but I wanted to remember that even though a year can start out crappily-dappily (Yep- I said it!), it can still produce some things to be proud of.

Se la Vie, PiBoIdMo 2011

Well, here we are. It's December. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!

However, now that November is over, my "ideas" have to really blossom into some amazing stories. That's right, kids. PiBoIdMo is over. I'm actually really sad about it! I enjoyed challenging myself, reading all the inspirational posts from just about everywhere imaginable, and (I think most of all) the comradery I found with all the other picture book writers out there!

It's true, I have not yet been published. I refuse to call myself  an author because I haven't written anything that anyone other than my husband, father, and critique group has read! So, essentially, getting in touch with hundreds of others just like me, gave me the complete motivation I needed.

I want to give a quick thank-you speech to the amazing Tara Lazar. If not for your inspiration, wittiness, comical relief, and downright talent, I am almost positive I would have given up on the hopes of actually publishing anything. So, Tara, THANK YOU!!!

Anyone want to join next year? I encourage you to do so! Email me, or click on the PiBoIdMo Winner's Badge I have up there on the left hand corner of this page. You won't be disappointed!
I am proud of myself, and of ALL the PiBoIdMo-ers in 2011. See you next year!!!

Shameful Plug... But, PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!

Anyone out there reading...

I had a huge post I was writing today that quickly got put to the side when my children decided to go missing. GASP! Fear not, however. They were found crouched in the empty bathtub playing Hide 'n' Seek (not only did I have no clue we were playing, I had no idea I was "it"!).

I have a favor to ask.
Instead of reading an extremely long post about something odd, transparent, or amusing, would you mind clicking on this link, and voting for my manuscript titled, Waiting for James in a Sea of Pink?

http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/waiting-for-james-in-a-sea-of-pink-by-bethany-telles

It will benefit the elementary school that I attended as a child, by giving it an entire library of books!

All you have to do is "Like" my story (and by all means, feel free to read it!), to make your vote count.

Thank you so much, and I promise to get back to the odd, transparent, and amusing stuff soon!

Writing Weather

It's cold, crisp, and perfect outside. It's not a secret that I love this weather. I find it inspirational and romantic. I see our world slow down, even if only for a moment (despite the insanity of the Christmas rush, that is), and I feel at peace.

It's, without a doubt, WRITING weather!

And, I think, I'm not alone. It's not difficult at all to get wrapped up in the fantasy of sitting by a warm fire, listening to enchanting music, and reading your favorite book. So, why not write in those exact same conditions?? (Just a tip: Don't dim the lights too low! How on earth will you be able to see what you're writing?! Recipe for an odd disaster, I tell ya!)

I like to pretend nine months out of the year that I am NOT a starry-eyed romantic dope. I loathe all things-Valentine's Day, and I generally don't get sappy about love stories. However, there's something about October, November, and December that transforms me into this bizarre mush pot! I'm instantly full of emotions and desires of riding in a horse-drawn carriage in the middle of a soft snowfall.

WHY??

I like to think that it's the writer in me. I have this craving to create. I find myself wanting to write something profound, but rarely have I been able to have the right outlet (I won't lie, our Christmas card "Yearly Update" letter miiiiight be a tad over the top!). Now that PiBoIdMo is underway, I have found that some of the ideas pouring out of me are coming straight from this one-time-a-year soul I seem to have. And that's exciting!!

So as you snuggle up with a good book, song, recipe, or even the love(s) of your life over these next eight weeks , tap into your creative side. If you're a writer, jot down the feelings you are experiencing that EXACT moment. What single word or sentence describes your surroundings? Piece it together, and you'll have something to treasure! If you're an artist, find inspiration in everything around you! If your a musician, drag out that guitar, and close your eyes. Seriously, your heart was meant to explode with creativity in these months!!
But, if you're someone who really has nothing even resembling a creative bone in your body, just stop. Listen. Breathe. You'll be astonished with what you'll hear or feel.

If you don't believe me, just test my theory. And by all means, share your results.

Happy creating!!

Because you wanted to know what I'm doing... Right?

The next two days are going to be HUGE in my little life... Number one: Tomorrow...

HALLOWEEN!!!!   

As most of you know, I love it. I live and breathe the spooktacular essence that surrounds the holiday. One's imagination can set sail, kids have the excuse to run around in the crisp weather gorging themselves on the things we do not allow them to have the rest of the year, not dusting your porch's cobwebs is perfectly acceptable (why buy them, when your friendly 8-legged friends give them to you for free??), and gloomy yet oddly romantic tales fill the airwaves. I. LOVE. IT!

However, this year, November 1st is actually the day where three large events could impact my life in a significant way; Interesting things will (hopefully) begin to happen for my writing career. What are they? I'm glad you asked!

#1- Tara Lazar's challenge of creating 30 Picture Book ideas in 30 days begins (aka PiBoIdMo!). I have accepted the challenge, and will prove to myself that I can be creative within a time crunch! If you see me on December 1st and my hair is a wiry mess, I have black mascara smudged half way down my cheek, and you can quite literally SEE my breath, just plug your nose and give me a pat on the back... Muttering something like, "Job well done." wouldn't hurt either!

#2- I have entered one of my picture book manuscripts into an online contest for MeeGenius' Author Challenge 2011, and the deadline to enter is November 1st. After that, all (ALL?) my friends and family will get the chance to vote on it... Yadda yadda yadda, I could be a published author of an E-Reader picture book!

     

#3- I will be submitting one of my beloved stories to an agent; and not just any agent, you see. She's THE agent I'm dying to have represent me. I'm nervous, too, because this time I think she's sort of heard about me. HOWEVER, that's all that will be said on the subject!

So, all in all, please pray for me or send me your good thoughts and wishes. It's amazing where your dreams can lead you... Especially if you have a Father who you trust to guide you.

I'll be around! I'll keep everyone posted if I have a brain cell to spare. Between these events, my crazy kiddos, my hard-working hubby, and remembering to brush my teeth, odds are I'll be one blubbering fool during the Thanksgiving festivities.

For now, Happy Halloween!!!!!

The Defeat Monster

He's slimy, he's frustrating, and he's heavy. He lurks around every ambition, every test, every goal...

Waiting.

He watches your eyes for that small flinch of doubt, that sigh, that head-in-hands moment, and he attacks. Without mercy or consideration for how hard he is going to break your heart, he rips your self-esteem piece by piece, and stomps on it with his large, muddy, lead boot. His laughter echos down deep into your bones. Getting up, moving on, pushing through... No way. You're not only paralyzed with fear, but you're defeated. You watch your beautiful dream sail away into the sunset of your would-be future.

He doesn't care. His quota was met for the day, and he goes home happy with the pain he's caused. He hangs up his hat, and warms his hands on the warm fire inside his murky, foreboding fortress. He enjoys a good meal and a hearty pint of his favorite brew. He laughs, he cheers, and he boasts about his day to his colleagues. They snicker and applaud him in his victories. He goes to bed content. He even falls asleep with a contemptuous smile. His day was... Triumphant.

You, on the other hand, did not sleep. You tossed, you turned, you cried, you got angry. You blamed, you shook your fist, you reassured yourself it wasn't meant to be.

But, there's a problem.

You're lying.

That ambition, that dream, that perseverance, that drive you possess? That was a gift. You are already equipped with the armor and sword to fight against that monster. You've simply forgotten where you put it. Your goal WILL be met. You breathe deeply when you see the sun make it's way through the darkness of night. Your confidence, your vitality, your belief? It's returned. And now, you know how to fight.

Shocked to see you standing again, he watches you. He studies your face, and is thrown when you smile. He shrieks when you find your passion, and piece back together your self-esteem. He scowls at your happiness. He scampers away in disgust when he realizes he's not got a chance.

He won't win today. Today you will win. And, you will thrive. You will succeed, you will accomplish, and you will triumph. Enjoy today...

He'll be back tomorrow... Waiting for your eyes to flinch.

Expiration Dates

You see them everywhere- on cans of food, on milk, on Tylenol bottles, and even on car seats. Have you ever stopped to look at what they hold?

To expire means, To come to an end; terminate; cease. Put an actual date on such a term, and it's a blatant warning! I see them in a different way. I am more challenged by them. I don't mean that I deliberately make a box of instant rice just because it's going to "go bad" tomorrow, but I do see an opportunity to allow my imagination run wild, and for an availability for growth.

The Imagination Side
I see a date on a can of tuna. It might say, "3/18/15". My first thought is, Sheeeesh! Tuna lasts a long flippin' time!
But almost immediately I think, Wow. That's the day before Renn turns 8. I wonder what kinds of things we'll be talking about that day?  I realize how strange this concept might be, but asking questions that provoke complex thinking, are my favorite: Where will we be when this can of chili is officially inedible? How different will our lives be? What challenges will we be facing?

I once wrote down a date from a can of green beans, when I was 16. The date was "3/12/05". I distinctly remember writing in a letter to my friend, "I wonder what I'll be doing that day. Do you ever think about these things? I mean, what if it's  some huge important day in your life, and you're getting a glimpse into it's importance??"
My friend simply wrote back, "Why do you focus on weird things? No wonder you're failing this class!"

Turns out, 3/12/05 was a big day. It was my wedding day.

I might be weird, but I know I don't focus on the fact that things end. I day dream about what's to come. I try my best to be a live-in-the-moment type, but when I see a future date, the possibilities are endless.

The Growth Side
Are there other reasons to pay attention to those "Sell by" scribblings on the tops and bottoms of your all-important necessities?
I guess the date on the milk in your refrigerator should get a consistent glance or two. That's not a fun mistake to run into in the middle of your peanut butter binge! I am notorious for ignoring the dates on Advil bottles, and condiments. For example, I can say with utmost sincerity, that we kept the same bottle of Italian dressing for 3 years. It went through- count them- 4 moves with us! I know, completely gross. But when I see a specific date, I also think about my own mortality. The great thing is, it's nothing I'm afraid of.

I believe in a God who promises that only our days on Earth have expiration dates. Those who believe in, trust in, and honor HIM, live forever. Not everyone pays attention to this incredible gift, and much like with overdue milk, they get hit with a life altering, chunky, sour slap; one that cannot be undone once they've expired. I take the date, and very much try to imagine where my relationship with God might be. IF that's my last day on Earth, will I still be holding true to HIM? How can I focus all the goals and intentions I have for now, and shape them into how He'll want them by then?

So, what's the importance of this? (Besides letting you all in on a tiny bit of the crazy I hold onto so desperately?) I think it's just, we all have our own expiration dates. I'm lucky enough to know and understand that it's merely my earthly expiration. I know that I will live forever... In Heaven. But, the expiration dates that we see on a daily basis pass by without thought. They come and go, and we either consume, use, or throw away our products in time, simply to save ourselves a headache. What if we paid more attention to them? Would we challenge ourselves to have some forethought? Would we second guess the lifestyle we're living?

I know we all read them at one point or another each day. I challenge you to picture yourself on that exact date.

What do you see?

What's on my mind... right now.

I have heard time and time again that the Children's Book market is a rough place. It's not so much lonesome, as it is painfully hard to swallow. You tend to get rejected often; That's the cold, hard truth. But I guess the benefit is that you make friends along the way. I am a member of a neat community called, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and through them have found many, MANY other people in my situation:

Tons o' stories, and no one to publish 'em.

So, what to do? Apparently, you JUST. KEEP. WRITING. You soak up ideas while you sit and watch your kids play at the park, you draw inspiration from every living and non living creature you see around you, and you get reallyreally good at predicting postage as you send out yet another manuscript. I also hear you should get into a critique group so your self esteem doesn't plummet. So, that's on the schedule for next week. I'm looking forward to having unbiased ideas about what I am doing, and where my stories are going. Most often I hear that my stories are "really good." or that I have a "real talent". I'm waiting for someone to just look me in the eyes and say, "Sheesh, Bethany. Not a fan."

Just so you are aware, I have a difficult time calling myself an author, or even a writer, just yet. It's just like while one is going through their Doctorate program, they don't say they are  "Dr. So-in-so". They haven't been given those (what I'd imagine are) beautifully peaceful and relaxing initials at the end of their name!

So goes it for me, I think.

While I do, in fact, write children's stories, I am not an author because I haven't been published. And yet, I want to cringe and retreat to a dark, abandoned cave somewhere, anytime I tell someone I am "trying to make it in the Children's Book world." YUCK! The looks I get are so painfully audible... Like, "Aww, sure you are hunny." even though what comes out of their mouths are, "Well, good for you!"

Bleh. Gag. Moving on.

Today's goal? Positivity, whilst looking for a publisher who will take un-agented, first-time writers, OR an agent who'll take on an unpublished, never heard of, first-time writer! It CAN be done! And, as I have now heard from fellow "authors", it takes up to sixty or seventy rejections before you get an acceptance letter; I'm at a mere sixteen. Besides, how many rejections did the amazing Dr. Seuss get? Or even J.K. Rowling? (I heard even Scholastic told her Harry Potter was a waste of time or something. Ha!) Think about that- someone passed them up! Can you imagine how silly those people feel now??

So, with that, I press forward in this unconventional, painstaking, reaffirming, but tremendously wonderful path I have taken. One day, my grandchildren will hold one of my story picture books. They'll giggle at it's sillyness, and marvel in the fact that their grandma wrote it. For now, I will keep creating characters and story lines.

JUST. KEEP. WRITING. 

Well, here I am.

To tell you the truth, I didn't actually know the purpose for having a Blog until last night. I had always honestly thought that "Bloggers" were people who got paid to write about specific topics, or were people who loved themselves entirely too much and felt they had to share their love with the world. However, through various emails regarding how to get my name out into the world, I came to one (apparently) obvious conclusion: I needed to start a Blog.

So, here I am...?

What do we discuss? Politics? Umm... No. I can promise that I won't be covering that end of the writing spectrum. I don't fancy arguing with highly opinionated people too much. Do I share about my 2 year-old's potty training adventures? Hmm... Maybe. That's sure to get a good laugh, or a few "Been there, done that." comments. But maybe, I'll just write, and see what happens. I don't feel that I am particularly interesting, but one never knows, I guess.

Please know that I am going to be focusing on my Children's stories. I do have a lot of wonderful people who know me, personally, that may desire to comment about the ridiculous things I have amounted to doing in my daily life. But, this will be used for my one-day "professional" (HA!) career. So, be nice!

Love to you all, and here's hoping this launches me into something, somewhere. For now, I am off to fight the kids over the television...

More to come!