Weekly Update

By M.Mo-
I haven't made any new submittals in the past two weeks. I also haven't gotten any new rejections. Still waiting on all the same people. I did write about 800 words in my WIP, and decided I needed to insert a couple new chapters between 7 and 8. I'm kinda burned out, though, and don't have the energy to do it today.
I just served chai tea to 230 kids at Xander's school.
I really want a nap.
Yesterday, my Wii fitness age was 32, which is a great improvement over the days before,where it alternated between 45 and 54.
TGIF!!

Post Holiday Slump

I've hit a bump,
I'm in a slump.
I think I've lost my muse.

The pen I hold dear,
just can't get in gear.
Now I'm about to blow a fuse.

Perhaps if I read,
Ideas will breed
And a story will soon come.

But as for now, sadly I feel like a real bum!

(A lame attempt at poetry by Sharon)

Ah-Ha!

You are so wrong! Someone is watching our blog.......me (Tess) I am taking inspiration from you, Amy (can't bring myself to call you moron!), and being more agressive in my submittals. The days of sending something out and waiting 18 months(true story..so sad!) before sending it elsewhere are over. O-V-E-R. Like the dramatics? Anyway, I sent out a picture book manuscript (called Balloons Pop) that I wrote last spring (I wrote it almost a year ago...really love it and never sent it anywhere!) to two editors that I had met at previous SCBWI conferences. I also sent a FU to my first agent query and sent out a second agent query (both w/ Ollie.)

AND, I have a new title for Ollie. Or, a first title as I never really titled it Ollie Love, that was just a default. Anyway....I think I'm going with....

drumroll....

With A Name Like Love

Like it? If so, great! If not, too bad...I don't have any other ideas.

So as it stands I have:
With A Name Like Love: 2 agents, Boyds Mills Press, Viking (yawn, as if Tracy will respond....)
Balloons Pop: Beach Lane, Harper Collins

WEEKLY UPDATE 2

BY MORON

Isn't everyone going to be jealous when they realize I've been posting weekly updates and they haven't even been reading the Blog. (Yeah--I live in a delusional little world of my own.)

I had a request from Dutton for the full ms of Libby Jean. I sent that off Monday.

Still waiting to hear back from Andrea Brown, Peachtree, Capstone, PM Moon Contest, Knopf, Kuna Library, another editor at Dutton, Harcourt, The Sandy Contest, Marshall Cavendish, Handprint, Stonearch, Calvertmorgan and the PARSEC contest.

I wrote about 500 words in the past two days on my WIP which still has no name. I also sent chapters 2 & 3 to the WAD who will be sending me great comments and suggestions any minute now.

Weekly update--by MORON

I wrote 700 words today!! I took chapters 5 & 6 to my local critique group and they really like it. In fact, somebody said, "This is great. I actually just wrote that on here: This is great. Because...it's just great." Of course, not everyone was that complimentary, but all in all they liked it. And today, I sat down and made some revisions per their comments and then wrote the next chapter.

Other than that, nothing new on the writing front. I did make two new submittals this morning. Haven't had any rejections (or any acceptances) in like a month! Actually--I just realized I should have heard something from an editor at Harcourt by today. I guess I've got some SQing to do. :)

25 Random Things about Not-Robin's-Friend

I loved reading the random things that were already posted, so those of you who haven't posted yet, hop to it! I'm very intrigued that Tess has two sisters named Deborah Ann. Hmmm.

#1 - A good day for me is when I wake up at 3:30am - more writing time!
#2 - I rarely set an alarm but am almost always up by 4:30am.
#3 - I take a nap everyday if at all possible.
#4 - My degree is in electrical engineering, but I only worked as one for one year.
#5 - That one year was spent at Amoco Oil Co. in Chicago.
#6 - While working for Amoco I visited refineries and had my own hardhat.
#7 - After Amoco I worked for an Israeli company where I was one of only a handful of American employees.
#8 - That company sent me on a trip to Israel, the farthest away from home I've ever been by myself (or otherwise, for that matter).
#9 - I worked as a computer programmer for several years, but quit after I had my first baby.
#10 - That was twelve years ago, and I've been a stay-at-home mom ever since.
#11 - I have attended Bible Study Fellowship for eight years, two of those as a leader.
#12 - I also help teach an after school Bible study at my childrens (public) school - very cool!
#13 - I ran a marathon once, but now I prefer the treadmill and a DVD.
#14 - I learned to ski a few years ago, even though I absolutely hate cold weather!
#15 - My dream is for my husband and I to retire to a home by the ocean where I can write all the time.
#16 - 25 things is an awful lot - I think I'm running out.
#17 - I met my husband when we were both summer interns at McDonnell Douglas. We were randomly assigned two roommates. One of my roommates ended up marrying one of his roommates.
#18 - My husband and I had a long distance relationship for all but the first two months we knew each other, right up until our wedding.
#19 - I make cookies every Monday.
#20 - My dog is quite possibly the naughtiest dog that ever lived.
#21 - My maiden name is Rutowski, my mother's maiden name is Sadowski - we're a very Polish family.
#22 - I drink an entire pot of coffee by myself every morning while I'm writing.
#23 - I'm from Michigan, and in high school we lived next to a state park and were about a ten minute walk from a beautiful Lake Michigan beach.
#24 - My favorite food is shrimp.
#25 - I'm not a big believer in housework.

Things Diana-ish

Okay, here goes - 25 totally random things:

1. I'm a mother to five. I was petrified at the thought of raising boys, so God gave us two girls first and three boys later. We now are pretty familiar with the emergency room staff.

2. I like places that are quiet and drive with the radio off (my children are perplexed by this)

3. When I was young and I got overwhelmed, I would make my way through the woods, climb over a barbed wire fence and old rock wall, until I finally came to an outcropping of rock that overlooked a sprawling horse farm. No one could see me there. And there I sat and talked my problems out with God. I miss that rock.

4. I was about three when I found my parents' wedding pictures and decided they needed some 'enhancements.' I found a pen and went to work outlining the pictures and filling in the background. For some reason, which I couldn't understand at the time, my mother was quite upset when she discovered what I had done. It didn't seem to deter me, though. There is still a carving in the windowsill (and a dresser drawer, and...) with my name on it. Which leads me to the next point:

5. I was sent to art school and trained as an illustrator.

6. I can ice-skate better backwards than forwards.

7. I am right-handed. But, if I write with my right-hand and left-hand at the same time, my left hand writes a mirror image of whatever my right hand writes. Try it!

8. I miscarried twice - once before Johnny, once after. A strange thing happened the last time. A huge luna moth fixed itself to the siding of the house - right next to the front door. It arrived the day of my miscarriage and stayed there for 3 days.It may sound weird, but its presence gave me a sort of peace...I'm not sure why. Maybe I was struck by its beauty and rarity...they're not often seen in these parts, or I should say, they're not as abundant as say, the monarch butterfly. It was only the second time in my life that I had seen one. The first was probably about a year prior to that, when I saw one on a giant fir tree in front of the church.

9. The luna moth so inspired me, that I started to do research for an article. My Dad had a Nat'l Geographic magazine that highlighted the moths and brought it over for me to review. Actually, he and my mom came over for dinner that night. Niki and Patrick were over, too. It was before they were married. We had a great time together, and Dad was really happy that he found something that helped with my research. It was dark when Mom and Dad got in the car and drove away. I stood on the porch and, as is our family tradition, I waved until I could no longer see the tail lights. But as the car was driving away, my heart started to ache, and somehow I knew that I was waving to my father for the last time. I will never forget that day... It was the last time I saw him. He died days later of a massive heart attack. I miss him tremendously. The week of his funeral, a Christmas catalog from National Geographic arrived. On the cover was a red pointsettia. On the pointsettia was a luna moth...

10. I am sobbing as I write this.

11. I've been married 25 years to my best friend.

12. We spent the day of our 25th anniversary at the Vatican with the Pope...and about a gazillion other people.

13. I'm a "revert" to the Catholic Faith.

14. I have a weakness for museums, illuminated manuscripts, and anything written by J.R.R. Tolkien...and, of course, books in general.

15. My great-grandmother (on my mother's side) escaped Russia before the Revolution. When I was little, I used to pretend that I was asleep in her bed so she wouldn't know I was listening as she whispered her prayers in Russian. I didn't understand the language then, but I loved to listen...Somewhere in those whispers I knew she was praying for me...

16. I went to Russia when it was still under communist rule and had some run-ins with KGB.

17. When I was in 3rd grade, I tried to hide my report card from my parents. The teacher wrote that I was an "asset" to the class. I thought for sure that "asset" was a swear word that meant I was, well,...you know.

18. My great-grandmother (On my father's side) started Harlem. Long story.

19. I witnessed life come into the world when I helped my daughter, Niki, as she gave birth to my beautiful granddaughter, Marie Therese.

20. I witnessed life leave the world...when Lisa lost her battle with leukemia.

21. I yell too much.

22. Get lost too much.

23. Am fiercely loyal...some say stubborn.

24. I once wrecked my father's favorite car. It was winter of my sophomore year of college. I was home on break and making my way back home from a friend's in a late-night snowstorm. It was icy under the snow and the car started to fishtail...and fishtail...and next thing I know, I'm doing 360's downhill...so I did the only sensible thing...I closed my eyes. There was a WHACK and CRUNCH and when I opened my eyes again, I was sitting in the passenger seat covered with glass. My first thought was, "My dad's gonna kill me." Because the car was on its side wedged between a post and steep decline, I had to be pulled out through the passenger door window. When I was out and looked at the car, I realized that that pole saved my life. It was the only thing that stopped the car from flipping down the ravine.

25. While we were building our house, we lived with Bob's parents for awhile. The girls were 4 and 2 then. They slept in a room down the hall from us, but it was a habit that everyone slept with their doors closed. One night I was shaken out of a deep sleep. Something told me that Heather (our 2 year old) was in trouble. I shot straight up and shook Bob. "Heather's choking," I said to him and I ran out of the door and ran to her room. The whole house was silent. There was no sound that indicated someone was in trouble. It wasn't until I got right up next to Heather that I could hear her...she must've thrown up in her sleep and was quietly gagging. I don't remember what I did after that...only that we got her to breathe again. But it made me realize that there really are guardian angels...I know one woke me up that night.

Well, that's it...if there would be a #26, I would add that I often think that what I write or leave on answering machines as a message is stupid and subject to being laughed at...which means that I always have the horrible urge to hit the delete button. If you read this, then you know I resisted. :)
I love you guys! Thanks for being here.
Diana

25 Tess-ish Things

Amy's entry was pretty amazing and I loved learning about the beauty of her Amy-ness. Here is my lame attempt at confessons:

1. I had eight babies. I lost five (including one and half sets of twins) and kept three. I am eternally grateful for those three.

2. I met my dad when I was sixteen.

3. When I was little and loading the dishwasher, I had to separate the utensils because I was afraid that the knives would hurt the forks and the forks would hurt the spoons. They had to be in their own compartmentss -- for their own saftey.

4. I am a deep believer in a God who is patient, loving, forgiving and joyous.

5. I have two sisters named Debbie (Deborah Ann to be exact).

6. I prefer even numbers...my favorite being 24

7. My first job was at Baskin Robbins. When I applied, I did not know my social security number and listed my mom's work telephone number instead. It got me in IRS trouble.

8. I bought my wedding dress three months before David proposed. We hadn't even talked marraige yet -- but I knew.

9. I got caught stealing a pocket full of Brach's candy from a grocery store when I was 11. After that, I would feign headaches anytime my mom invited me to go to that store with her.

10. I am allergic to mushrooms.

11. I put David through medical school working as a Bodily Injury Specialist Claims Adjuster for Nationwide Insurance. I am CPCU certified.

12. I remember writing my first novel when I was in 5th grade. It was a jailhouse love story.

13. My daughter is a better writer than I am and I absolutely love that.

14. I compose music even though I can't carry a tune.

15. I find great joy in the success of others.

16. I talk too much.

17. My family narrowly escaped a carbon monoxide poisoning disaster when our boiler malfunctioned in Oct 02. Claire was completely unresponsive by the time I got to her and Eli couldn't even stand up. I keep the quarantine sign that they put on our home as a reminder that God has a purpose for my children. He could have taken them that day.

18. I remember loving crab/lobster as a child but hate all seafood now.

19. I put too much stock in what other people think of me.

20. I forgive and forget easily.

21. For a few years when I was young, we practiced Hinduism and regularly attended a church patterned after a yogi named Parmahansa Yogananda. I still remember the meditative chants that we would sing.

22. I grew up camping every summer.

23. My sleep is very important to me and I get really, really cranky when I don't get enough.

24. I used to sneak wine from my mother's wine rack when I was little and walk around the empty house with a half filled wine glass---pretending to be at a fancy party. Then I'd pour the wine down the sink and put a little water in the bottle so she wouldn't notice that I had taken some.

25. I have not worn nylons in over 23 years.

25 Random Things About Moron

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you
I TAG: TESS, MEADOW, SAPPHIRE, ROBIN, POOL, SUSAN, DIANA.


1. I was born with twelve toes--six on each foot. They cut two off when I was six days old and now I just have ten.

2. I love vegetables and hate fruit.

3. I am the youngest of seven kids. My brothers and sisters are between 10 and 19 years older than me. I became an aunt when I was 5. When I was 7, my dad got tranferred to NC where I suddenly became an only child.

4. My father served in WWII--landed on Normandy the day after D-Day. He never talked about it.

5. I have been camping in the wilderness with a bear biting my tent.

6. I am extremely overprotective of Xander.

7. When I was 6, one of my friends was abducted and murdered. I expect that is why I'm so overprotective.

8. I am a certified meditation teacher.

9. I practice an Earth-based religion, much like the Native Americans.

10. I believe in hunches, listen to my gut and put a lot of faith in signs. 7 is my most lucky number. I also like 2, 3, 12 and 43.

11. I've been an Architect for almost twenty years.

12. I love playing soccer, but have no cartilage in my right knee, so I can't play very much anymore.

13. My mom died 11 years ago. I still haven't come to grips with her death. My dad died last year. 40 is too young to be without parents.

14. I once put my seatbelt on seconds before a car crash.

15. I crave peace and tranquility. I loathe surprises--even nice ones.

16. When I was little, I had an invisible friend named Margaret. I could hear her voice in my head. Later, I learned that my great-grandmothers name was Margaret.

17. People often think I'm aloof when they first meet me. The truth is I'm just socially backward and self-conscious.

18. One summer, I worked at a laundry where I ran the sheet presser. We pressed sheets from the local hospital which often had huge blood stains on them. There was no air-conditioning and the sheets were so hot when they came off the press, they burned my fingerprints off. My partner was an old black woman named Mae. I couldn't understand anything she said, but she was the sweetest woman I ever met.

19. I can be very, very mean.

20. Like my father, I have no patience for stupidity.

21. The year my my mother was sick, I was followed by owls. I saw them everywhere I went, even during the day. They hooted all night at my house. The week before my mom died, I flew up to stay with her and my Dad. The two nights I was there, an owl hooted right outside my window. Dad said he'd never heard an owl at their house before or after that.

22. My parents lived through the Great Depression. I think it made me very frugal, but also terrified by the idea of not having enough money.

23. I love to travel but the night before I leave, I am always terrified.

24. I have very little self-discipline.

25. Every single day, I am blown away by how much I love my son. If I think about it too much, it leaves me breathless.

What I would be doing if I were actually doing anything...

BY MORON

1. I'm in the middle of chapter six of my new book, which still has no name. That's about 7,000 words, so only 25-30% done with the first draft.

2. I've been revising The Iron Bodkin, mercilessly. I've cut several thousand words already and am about halfway through. Once the cut is done, I'll go through it with an eye to plot and pacing.

3. I'm also working on the art panels for Snickle Pickle, which has been really fun. I wondered about turning the architectural ones into a board-book. An image (like my Eiffel Tower with balloons in front) with a word (for that, I'd write "lacey" in cursive letters). Not sure it will be worth the time, but...maybe.

So, I haven't actually been working on any of this lately, except the art panels. I'm a bit disillusioned by writing and think it's a big waste of time. I think the three weeks of inversion really depressed me. I'll snap out of it soon.

I should update my waiting list at the right here. I'll do that now.

WIP's

You mean I have to PUBLICLY LIST what little I am (or am not) doing???? Ok, here goes:
- Highlights contest "Old and New"
- goal to send Ollie out more agressively - soon!
- finishing plotting for new wip - a middle grade mystery about a cemetery and a little girl named Adalee. Hope to start writing in the next week or so.
- working on new music compositions for Utah childrens Choir
*done*
--Tess

MIA Bloggers

It appears we are all to busy to blog. Such a sad thing, writers too busy to write.

I know at least three Wadettes are entering Highlights world cultures fiction contest. The deadline is January 31st.

I'm challenging everyone to post with what projects they are working on for the next thirty day.

Sapphire:
Trapped on Holy Island - short story--1/30/09 completed
Farm School - concept picture book
We-Have-Enough - concept easy reader
Research WWII for picture book

Meme--for heaven's sake! I don't have a clue what that means...

A Year in Review--Sapphire's Reflection

The Best Occurrences in 2008
1. Attending Chautauqua and becoming a WAD member.
2.Getting a lovely rejection letter with an invitation to submit other material from Highlights.
3.Going to England to see my Dad and Grandparents.
4.Getting my own writing space with a desk, files and lots of book shelves.
5.Walking Macy with Piper and Susan for the first half of the year.

The Worst Occurrences in 2008
1. Moving from Saint Louis.
2. Leaving my friends in Saint Louis. (Yes, there is a trend forming...)
3. Hiring a painter to repaint our new house in Iowa. (OMG, he did an awful job!)
4. Did I mention I had to move?
5. All the new house junk getting in the way of writing.

Proudest Moments of 2008
1. My daughter was placed in two 8th grade classes, and she's a 7th grader.
2. Walt was named as president of a company.
3.I went to Chautauqua and mingled with some amazing people.
4. I discovered I'm pretty good at networking.
5. My Nanny got a walker.

Goals for 2009
1.Be happy.
2.Edit, revise and actually send material out!
3.Be happy.
4.Keep exercising five days a week.
5.Finish decorating our new house, so I can spend more time writing.

100 Things a la Heidi

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars In a tent only :)
3. Played in a band - Yep... 2 rock bands!
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity - I can never afford it, so I guess so!
7. Been to Disneyland - Oh yeah... the original in California!
8. Climbed a mountain - parts of them... never to the top
9. Held a praying mantis - 2 of them, and kept them as pets, too!
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - LOTS
15. Adopted a child - thinking of fostering in the future
16. Had food poisoning - oh probably
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables - of course! Lots!
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train - yes, from Italy to Germany with a scary car mate
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked - oops, yes.. twice to school in high school when I missed my bus
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping - yes, a few times, most notably in the Mediterranean Sea at night

27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse - yes, as a child
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run - don't remember... probably not :)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community - have been to a Hutterite community, which is similar in Alberta, AND bought amazing bread from an Amish man with horse and buggy on my way back from Chautauqua
36. Taught yourself a new language - well, I know some German--does that count?
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. - have never had enough money, but have been satisfied :)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke - of course, I love it!!
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted - I had a caricature done... don't suppose that counts?
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain - of course, it's the best :)
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie - nope, only theatre
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class - karate and kickboxing
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - can't, since I lived in England during Mad Cow time
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle - it was probably only speeding a little
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life - a little kid on a beach when I was 14... he was drowning and I was the only one who noticed
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day. - gosh, I do that all the time!

I am so proud of you guys!!

Look at all the activity we've got going on! I love reading about everyone's goods and bads, successess and dreams. I feel like I know everyone a little better. Thanks, Susan, for recycling the 100 things Meme. That was a really fun one--hopefully some others will be inspired to fill that out.
Best, Happy, Magical Wishes for a Wonderful New Year. I love you guys!!
-Moron

Post from Susan
Oops - I'm used to email where everybody knows who sent it. That's my post about 100 things I have (and haven't) done. Sorry about that, guys! Lesson learned. The 100 things is from Amy's blog - very interesting read, by the way!

Okay, Amy - this is for you. I'm finally blogging, and you can all see how uneventful my life has been!

Things I've done...
...snagged from ColoradoWriter's blog...Things I've done are in red. What about you???
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland -- I'm not sure if it was Disney World or Disneyland - the one in Florida
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day.

Meme from Susan

(this is only my second post ever, so I hope this works and is readable)

5 Bestest things in 2008:
1. won partial scholarship to Chautuaqua and met the Wad
2. finished my novel Mark of Gideon
3. asked for full manuscript and received detailed critique from Leucrota Press for Mark of Gideon
4. kids all a year older and still healthy and wonderful
5. got a new dog

5 Worst things in 2008:
1. went to funerals for two cousins
2. my good friend Sharon moved away (sniff sniff)
3. nothing published yet
4. backed into my parents car, damaging both our vehicles (and almost gave husband an anger stroke)
5. got a new dog

5 proudest moments of 2008:
(I agree with Tess - this one is hard)
1. finished my novel Mark of Gideon
2. stayed devoted to (obsessed with) writing, despite lack of publication
3. won partial scholarship to Chautauqua
4. tamed the wild beast (somewhat) - our new dog
5. read a whole bunch of books on my reading list from Chautauqua

5 resolutions for 2009:
1. finish Leucrota Press revisions to Mark of Gideon and resubmit
2. finish revising Secrets in the Stable and begin submitting
3. plot out and begin rough draft of newest novel
4. continue to run on treadmill regularly (I would say eat healthier, but that's a lost cause)
5. get my priorites straight, and devote time accordingly

Meme from Tess

I have a lousy memory so hope I can do this justice.....ok, here goes:

5 bestest things in 2008:
1. I wrote (and finished!) my novel Ollie Love
2. Won free airfare to Chautauqua and met the wad
3. Spent a week on Newport Beach with my family
4. reconnected with lost relatives
5. had lots of fun songwriting and even placed in a contest

5 worst things of 2008
1. My dad died
2. My grandpa died
3. David's grandpa died (his last surviving grandparent)
4. Bloomsbury laid off the editor who had my ms in January and it was subsequently dropped (not Ollie Love - another ms called A Pocket full of Snowflakes.)
5. That's all I can think of, but I think that is enough!

5 Proud moments or things of 2008:
hmmmm.... this is a hard one
1. finished my novel
2. hearing my oldest play at a state wide harp festival. I know it is her talent, but it made me so happy and proud!!!! Plus, I force her to practice so should be able to take a little of the credit!
3. Forced myself to get out of bed on the eleventh day after my dad died and absolutely refused to let the cloud of depression waste any more of my time and energy. Some days I slip, but overall have been really good with this one.
4. Kept my resolution of consistent secret service.

5 resolutions for 2009:
1. Submit more agressivly to editors/agents/whoever will read my work!!!!
2. Start and finish (at least through one or two re writes) another novel
3. keep active
4. keep positive
5. be a better friend to others

Meadow Blogging-Virgin Pepper here. And not quite sure what the heck I'm doing. But I'm still doing it.

The five best things that happened to me in 2008:
1. Well, what the heck do you think? I met you wonderful guys!!
2. Had a wonderful trip to Chautauqua--one of the best times of my LIFE.
3. I found a new passion in May--art trading--and have been steadily making art and improving ever since.
4. Ten day trip to Calgary to stay with grandma. All the more special because she had been so sick prior...
5. First niece and godchild Addison was born in August.

The five worst things that happened to me in 2008:
1. Depression. Life came to a bit of a standstill.

The five things I did in 2008 that I'm most proud of:
1. *thinking*

Five things that will be at the top of my resolution list for 2009:
1. Be more active each day.
2. Be better at keeping in touch with the people I love!
3. Go have more fun--dancing, games, whatever--and this may include a man if he's special enough and I decide to give him the time of day.
4. Organize the things in my life that need organizing.
5. Immerse myself in writing again, the way I do in art. I will write. I will write. I will write. I will write.