Writer on a Horse
And a Dog

The world looks better from the back of a horse and the roads of life are easier with a good dog beside you.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year Eve


More items to add to my list

I'm not going to let my kitchen floor get to the point that I can plant a garden,
or plant corn on my furniture

I'm going to play ball more with my dog... we both love it

I'm going to keep my van cleaner... of everything but dog hair :)

I'm going to do special things for me.. bubble baths, salon hair color, etc

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

2010 List which I will be adding to the next two days


This picture is part of The Wall that my writing buds and grandkids visited early this year. This Wall is in Lauderdale County but it would surprise you how many people in North Alabama don't know about it. And yes that is my hand.

1. Finish Burning Bridges
2. Get Blood, Sweat, & Python Boots close to finish or done
3. Try to talk less and listen more
4. Drink more water
5. Read at least four books a month... more if I can
6. Ride more... love it
7. Take more walks
8. Tell my grankids I love them more
9. Ride more... need to do this so put it twice
10. Keep the other nine items on this list
11. Enter at less four writing contest this year... love the pressure
12. read at least two nonfiction books not just look up stuff on Internet
13. stay focused on goals and don't stray off on side roads
14. Visit at least three new places close to home that I've been meaning to visit
15. start feeding birds again... those little beggars can put that bird feed away
16. Don't plant flowers in spring and let them die in summer


Word for today: organize -- To put together into an orderly, functional, structured whole

If disorganization is congesting your life, and you're feeling scattered and frustrated as a result, it's time to get organized. To achieve organization on the inside, you will need to take steps to become organized on the outside, by clarifying your priorities, objectives, and how you want your belongings and your lifestyle arranged.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Okay, tomorrow is list time


Tomorrow I'm going to list my 2010 "you can do it Pat" list. Hope you'll comment with your list.

Today's word: achieve -- to carry out successfully, accomplish, to get or attain as the result of exertion, to attain a desired end or aim

Oh yea, achieve is my word for 2010!

Monday, December 28, 2009

This picture may not look like me but....


I see hints of this face when I look in a mirror. That is why I don't look in a mirror. :)
Christmas is all put away, and neatly packed sooooo I decided that my old body needed more manual labor so I cleaned up my side of the basement. Rest Pat, that is what my back, knees and feet are saying.
This will be the last pic of Christmas theme... I can't hope to take pictures like Sara C but I'm going to take horse pictures and post them.
Lakelynn got her new saddle adjusted to her horse... got a English saddle... and her new puppy is into everything. She is already nipping the horses feet and she is only 7 weeks old.
By the way, pups name is Lilly sooo we now have Levi, Lexie and Lilly.

Word for today: tax -- to impose a financial charge or other levy upon a taxpayer (an individual or legal entity) by a state or the functional equivalent of a state such that failure to pay is punishable by law.

Are you ready for tax season?

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Look how active the Barn has been


The magic house is 87% Christmas free, for those of you that have not seen my house at Christmas... well I put out a few things hehehe
My house is plain country just like I like it!
I've got some pic coming of the new puppy Lakelynn got.. she's so cute but Levi doesn't like her (Levi is the other granddaughter's dog)

Word for Sunday: finish -- to bring (something) to an end or to completion; complete: to finish a novel

I found this definition for finish and decided this is going to be my word for 2010.

Pat will finish Burning Bridges and hopes to finish Blood, Sweat and Python Boots.

cleanup day or spend that Christmas money day


I'm taking a few things down but I still have one more get together tomorrow. January is so lonely (thank goodness) maybe I'll get so writing done.
Today's word: succumb -- to give way, yield

Ronnie finally succumbed to the Christmas spirit about two hours before it was gone.

Friday, December 25, 2009

I've got to get going to see what Santa brought


Every Christmas morning Ronnie and I go to my Dad's and drink coffee with him, then go to our son's house to see what Santa broght his kids and then on to my daughters to see what the girls got... they are getting older and it's not as much fun but they look for us so here we go. Hope all of you have a joyful day. The picture is one of the horses at the barn... Splash... he doesn't look too happy, does he??

Today's word: steeped -- soaked, drenched, saturated

I hope your day is steeped with memories and happiness.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Are you making goals for 2010


My friend Sheila Renfro and I write down goals every New Year and see how many we reach at Christmas the next year. I didn't do too well this year. Some time next week I will list my goals.

Word for today: laconic -- expressing much in few words

His speech was usually rambling, but this time I found it brief and laconic.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Merry Eve of Christmas Eve


Sorry I didn't post a word yesterday... sick with infected sinus and guess what no word today either. Maybe tomorrow if I don't drown in snot... I know gross but soooo true.

Monday, December 21, 2009

I'm sick cough, cough


Why do we have sinus anyway????
scratchy throat, headache, pressure behind eyes
I never miss work, but I didn't go back to work after lunch... time for meds and a nap

Word for today: cranky -- 1. ill-tempered; grouchy; cross
2. eccentric; queer, sickly; in unsound or feeble condition; infirm.

When I looked up cranky, I realized I'm cranky when I'm not sick. eccentric, queer, unsound hehehehahah cough cough

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Snow, Snow Let it Snow


I was watching the news and everyone north of us got snow but not us! I remember the 18 inches we got in 1964... I think it was 64 but maybe it was 63 hummmmm I'll have to check on that. I write a monthly article for the Kidsville paper here in Florence. December's Knowledge Power was Christmas trivia. See how many you can get right. I'll post the answers tomorrow.

Christmas Trivia

I hope each you have a wonderful holiday season and that all your dreams come true in 2010. Here’s a fun Christmas trivia about Christmas songs and movies.



1. Who wrote the poem “Twas the night before Christmas” in 1822?
A. William Shakespeare
B. Clement Clarke Moore
C. Mark Twain
D. Robert Frost

2. In the 1969 TV show, “Frosty the Snowman”, the snowman comes to life when the children place a magic hat on his head. Who did the hat belong to?
A. Santa Claus
B. Hocus Pocus
C. Professor Hinkle
D. The teacher

3. Blue Christmas was first song by Ernest Tubb in 1948 but hit number one on the charts when this person recorded it in 1957. Who was this person?
A. Perry Como
B. Bing Crosby
C. The Beatles
D. Elvis Presley

4. Who was the first person to sing “Frosty the Snowman”?
A. Roy Rogers
B. Gene Audry
C. Bing Crosby
D. Willie Nelson

5. It’s a Wonderful Life, released in 1946, is the story of George Bailey’s life and he gets help from a guardian angel named….?
A. Harry
B. Fred
C. Clarence
D. Charles

6. Released May 2, 1947, Miracle on 34th Street became an instant hit. Edmund Gwenn won an Academy Award for best actor in a supporting role. Who was he in the movie?
A. Santa Clause
B. Mr. Gimbel
C. Mr. Macy
D. Fred Gailey, the attorney

7. Irving Berlin wrote White Christmas in 1941. Who sung it for the first time on Christmas Day 1941?
A. Bing Crosby
B. Jim Reed
C. Perry Como
D. Frank Sinatra



8. In the 1996 movie “Jingle All the Way” what was Arnold Schwarzenegger looking for on Christmas Eve?
A. Tickle Me Elmo
B. Turbo Man
C. Terminator Man
D. Buster the Sidekick


9. In “A Christmas Story” release November 18, 1983, what does Ralphie Parker want for Christmas?
A. A Red Ryder BB gun
B. A new bike
C. A Street Skateboard
D. A dog

10. In Dr. Seuss Christmas story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, the main character The Grinch has only one companion, his faithfully dog. What is the dog’s name?
A. Cindy Lou
B. Holly
C. Max
D. Trash Can

11. This song written by James Lord Pierpont and released on September 16, 1857 was intended to be a Thanksgiving song but became a favorite of children to sing at Christmas time. What is the song’s title?
A. Winter Wonderland
B. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
C. Deck the Halls
D. Jingle Bells

12. Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” which was published December 19, 1843. In the story, ghosts visit Ebenezer Scrooge. Who was the first ghost?
A. Jacob Marley
B. The Ghost of Christmas Pass
C. The Ghost of Christmas Present
D. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

Word for today: patience --good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence

I'm trying to be patience with the children playing phase 10 in the kitchen when it's past my bedtime. :)

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Trousdale Christmas tonight


It's my family's Christmas tonight. It will be the first time we've not done presents for all the kids but then again most of the kids are nearly grown. We're doing Dirty Santa. I'll let you know how that goes.
I truly miss my mother during the Christmas season. She married my dad and he moved her to Alabama (she lived in Rhode Island and was born in MA).. she never spent Christmas with her family again. Sigh I saw her cry every Christmas and didn't understand why but now I do. How sad to never be with your family at the Christmas time. I know she thought she had to make Christmas special for us but I wish I had told her thank you for putting us first. I was 27 when she died but I still miss her everyday.

Today word: sacrifice -- destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else b : something given up or lost

Sacrifice is a daily chore by parents.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Reflecting


Since last Sat night I've looked at the present my friend Sheila gave me for Christmas... well it is just one of many she gave me. I love this because it showed how hard she looked to find something I would enjoy and didn't have. It makes me smile every time I look at it and sorry Sheila, it most likely won't go downstairs with everything else. I think it's going to stay on my desk.
Irene's rug is on the floor in my kitchen even through it's not Christmas theme
It says "A Horse-Crazy Lady lives here" and Jana... that cup is so cool, I put my cottage cheese and fruit in it and it stays cold until lunch... I know it's a soup cup but you know me... different!
I've been getting emails wishing me a Merry Christmas and cards and.... I'm so blessed to have so many good friends. Thanks for loving me the way I am, I'm so glad you came into my life.

Today's word: enthusiasm -- absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; lively interest

Face each day with renew enthusiasm.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Eeeeekk Christmas is a week away


Got to talk fast or in this case type. I've only got one thing to say today, "If I keep eating the way I'm eating... by Christmas my belly will be shaking like a bowl full of jelly and BIGGEST LOSER will be looking me up to be the oldest contestant on their show.
Today's word: hectic --intense activity, confusion, or haste

Losing my to-do list added to my hectic day.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

A page from an 87 yr old horsewoman's journal


This is making the rounds in the email world but it sounds so much like me.. except for the ex husbands and I would be drinking Pepsi instead of beer. And yes I know I missed a word yesterday so... here is two!

Word for today: delectation --delight,enjoyment,pleasure
Horseback riding is my one delectation in life.

Yesterday's word a little late: Tradition -- A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation

Reminding my friends and family how important they are to me is my Christmas tradition.

Now for the page from an 87 year old horsewoman's journal

I Ride

I ride. That seems like such a simple statement. However as many women
who ride know it is really a complicated matter. It has to do with power
and
empowerment. Being able to do things you might have once considered
out of reach or ability. I have considered this as I shovel manure, fill
water
barrels in the cold rain, wait for the vet/farrier/ electrician/ hay
delivery, change
a tire on a horse trailer by the side of the freeway, or cool a gelding out
before getting down to the business of drinking a cold beer after a long
ride.

The time, the money, the effort it takes to ride calls for dedication. At
least I
call it dedication. Both my ex-husbands call it 'the sickness'. It's a
sickness
I've had since I was a small girl bouncing my model horses and dreaming of
the day I would ride a real horse. Most of the women I ride with understand
the meaning of 'the sickness'. It's not a sport. It's not a hobby. It's
what we
do and, in some ways, who we are as women and human beings.

I ride. I hook up my trailer and load my gelding. I haul to some trail head
somewhere, unload, saddle, whistle up my dog and I ride. I breathe in the
air,
watch the sunlight filter through the trees and savor the movement of my
horse.
My shoulders relax. A smile rides my sunscreen smeared face. I pull my ball
cap down and let the real world fade into the tracks my horse leaves in the
dust.

Time slows. Flying insects buzz loudly, looking like fairies. My gelding
flicks
his ears and moves down the trail. I can smell his sweat and it is perfume
to
my senses. Time slows. The rhythm of the walk and the movement of the
leaves become my focus. My saddle creaks and the leather rein in my hand
softens with the warmth.

I consider the simple statement; I ride. I think of all I do because I
ride.
Climb granite slabs, wade into a freezing lake, race a friend through the
Manzanita all the while laughing and feeling my heart in my chest. Other
days just the act of mounting and dismounting can be a real accomplishment.
Still I ride, no matter how tired or how much my seat bones or any of the
numerous horse related injuries hurt. I ride. And I feel better for doing
so.

The beauty I've seen because I ride amazes me. I've ridden out to find
lakes
that remain for the most part, unseen. Caves, dark and cold beside rivers
full and rolling are the scenes I see in my dreams. The Granite Stairway
at
Echo Summit, bald eagles on the wing and bobcats on the prowl add to the
empowerment and joy in my heart.

I think of the people, mostly women, I've met. I consider how competent
they all are. Not a weenie amongst the bunch.. We haul 40ft rigs, we back
into tight spaces without clipping a tree. We set up camp. Tend the horses.
We cook and keep safe. We understand and love our companions, the
horse. We respect each other and those we encounter on the trail. We
know that if you are out there riding, you also shovel, fill, wait and
doctor.
Your hands are a little rough and you travel with out makeup or hair gel.
You do without to afford the 'sickness' and probably, when you were a
small girl, you bounced a model horse while you dreamed of riding a real
one.

"My treasures do not chink or glitter, They gleam in the sun and neigh in the night".

Monday, December 14, 2009

A Christmas poem... not good but hey I write fiction



Word for today:
amnesty--a general pardon

At Christmas time we tend to give amnesty to the people that have hurt us throughout the year.





Renewal

Kindness in a hardened heart
All year it plays the part
Stingy, selfish, mean
Good traits never seen

What is this special potion?
Is it real or just a notion
Caroling, laughter, a feeling of peace
Eggnog, evergreen, a child’s happy face

Family, friends with love abound
Peace goodwill all around
Is this God’s way to heal the heart?
A chance each year for a new start

Deep in human souls
Looms the heavenly father’s goals
Faith, love, charity are the answer
Guided by a babe in a manger

Sunday, December 13, 2009

A picture is worth a thousand words


You know the old saying crap happens, well it happens every time you get on a horse. We have 14 stalls at our barn and in this kind of weather everyone is riding in the arena. Can you imagination what the arena would look like if everyone didn't scoop what their horse left. You city dog lovers thought you had it bad... look at the size of that pile. HA
Todd is a good sport, I told him I was going to post this at my blog. He looks happy while scooping the poop. Maybe we can take something away from this, crap happens and how we handle it is one of the major factors in how happy we are... if we groan and drag our feet to clean up the crap -- life just dumps more and we get deeper in crap but if we accept that we can't change the crap and clean up -- then we have clean happy periods to enjoy before life dumps again.
I wouldn't stop riding horses just because I have to shovel a little poop!
May all you crap be in biscuits and not in patties. hahahaha If you're not a horse person you might not get that but if you can't figure it out... look at the picture, those are biscuits.

Okay, I failed ... I didnt' post yesterday


Bad blogger, bad. It won't help that I didn't post but I did sit down at the machine and signed up for the free book at the Class of 2K9 give away. Check our their website http://community.livejournal.com/classof2k10/
I was looking at the site planning to post, my eyes half closed and WHAM it was after midnight, so I just went to bed.
I was going to post earlier but I did not get out of bed until 7:50 am yes y'all read it right I didn't get up until dinner.
I'm headed out here in a few so here is two words one for yesterday and one for today
Exultation -- triumphant joy--
Exultation pored from every fiber of my house last night, but in the living room where my daughter and neighbor once children now adults sat, it was ear piercing.
Bereft -- deprived of--
Bereft of sleep preparing for this party, I didn't realize how weary I was until it was over.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Open House at My House


Tomorrow is a busy day, the Christmas party at the barn since we play dirty Santa with kids and adults... then the local area of SCBWI will be having their schmooze, I'm not going because of the barn party and then my Christmas open house starts at 6:00pm... y'all are invite but remember to bring finger food if you come.


Word for today: grotesque--strange, bizarre, fantastic

My house is decorated in a grotesque way at Christmas.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Christmas Cards don't you just love them


Call me old fashion but I still love to send Christmas Cards to friends, family and well just about everyone I know that I have their address. Just in case you've not notice the pic each day, I'm sharing my favorite Christmas cards with y'all.
I just got my house clean and I'm heading to bed.
Today's word is exhausted -- to drain of strength or energy, wear out, or fatigue
I love Christmas but I stay exhausted.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Mock Newbery list for Dec, How many have you read?


I've read several but not as many as I should have.... you know one book doesn't just jump out at me. Check the website below to see if your favorite is on the list.

http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/children/mnewbery10_list4.pdf

Word for today: nominal -- slight

I gave a nominal wave to the policeman as I went under the yellow traffic light.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Help each other


The little weekly newspaper came out today and Tom did a really nice job with the bits and pieces I sent him about Irene and her book. I'll post the link to it later this week because it's not up at the website yet. Just think, if every person in the Southern Breeze region plugged one book by an author in the region... Wow. Get out there and recommend our fellow members and authors.
Remember my motto... Ask not, get not.

Today's word: jostle -- to shove hard

Am I wrong to jostle interest toward Southern Breeze authors?

Monday, December 7, 2009

I feel old today


I have a brother that is fifteen years younger than I am, he is only three years old than my daughter. Jim had a birthday yesterday and he was 43 but that isn't what makes me feel old. His daughter was born on his birthday, Katie, and she turn sixteen yesterday. SIXTEEN! I can't remember being sixteen. Sigh. That reminds me of a story I told my daughter's friend about why I don't look in the mirror. "I look in a mirror as little as possible because that helps me keep the pretend Pat going. What is the pretend Pat? Why that's the Pat I have in my head and she's twenty years old with dark hair, no wrinkles and no love handles. (who name those stupid little rolls Love handles anyway. How do I put on my makeup and brush my hair? I don't wear makeup and it doesn't take a mirror to run a brush through your hair." Might need to wear makeup and worry with my hair but I like being me... just like I am.

Word for today: Candid --frank, open, honest

I always try to give a candid critique but endeavor to point out good and bad points.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Roll Tide Roll


What a game! I kept yelling get him, get him and my poor dog kept running around looking for something to get. I feel better tonight since my house looks almost great, just a few lights and putting up the village (which I love to do).
Word for the day: prodigious -- extraordinary, enormous

Alabama's team showed prodigious effort in their bid to defeat Florida.

I hope tomorrow isn't the first time since I started this blog that I don't post but it might be. I'm going to the local plantation Christmas open house and I'm soooo looking forward to it.

Friday, December 4, 2009

How much Christmas thingys can one person have?


I really thought I was lost forever in a Christmas store of bells, stockings and etc but I fought my way out. I told my friends that it looked like a Christmas store threw-up in my house. I love getting the tubs open and ohhhh look and ahhhh remember this but now it's just a mess I have to clean tomorrow.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Of All the Stupid Things, released 12-22-09

I'm interested in this book because of the blurb "Written in three distinctive voices" My writer's interest is tweaked. Good Luck with your book launch. I have the information about this book below.

Word today or again tomorrow: megalomania -- abnormal desire for wealth and power

Hitler's megalomania was a veneer for his insecurity and feelings of inferiority.


Of All the Stupid Things
Egmont US
December 22, 2009
ALEXANDRA DIAZ
www.alexandra-diaz.com
adiaz@alexandra-diaz.com


The three were best friends until the new girl changed all the rules.
Tara literally runs from the problems in her life: an absent father and a cheating boyfriend. Until finally there is someone to run to: the alluring new girl, Riley.

To Whitney Blaire, Riley is an evil munchkin tramp: she's after Tara's boyfriend, she's brainwashing Tara, she's changing everything. It shouldn't be too hard to prove it; after all, no one messes with Whitney Blaire.

Then there's Pinkie the worrier. She can't stand her friends arguing; it's not right for Whitney Blaire to dislike Riley, but it's also not right for Tara to like Riley the way she does.

Written in three distinctive voices, Of All the Stupid Things goes through the lives, loves, and lies of three teenage friends.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

How many of you can say "Virus Scan"

I've spent my evening working on my sister-in-law's computer for the third time because she lets her teenage grandson on and guess what ... he goes to places he shouldn't. This virus is so bad, my cd virus cleaner won't even work. I see big bucks in her future if she wants to check email and use her internet. If kids, even grown kids... the only virus I've ever had is when my husband was bored and...oh that is another story.. lets just say I told him parental control was fixin to go on the computer... anyway got sidetracked, kids need some kind of watchdog program to keep them mindfull of where they go. If Mama is going to see where you surf, you'll be more careful.

Word for today or tomorrow really infraction --- violation

Do not condone or tolerate an infraction of internet security.

23 days until Christmas

Have you ever noticed that we set goals or dates and count down until happy event. A Novel is like having a baby. You carry it around inside you, shaping and molding it before you show it to anyone. When it springs out of your head onto page, you talk about it like its real. You name it (title) and you focus and making it the best it can be and give much of your attention to do this. Now I can write all this because, my baby won't stay finished. It's like she keeps moving back in with the folks, eats all the food in the house and refuses to listen if it involves change. I know this is early but Burning Bridges will leave my house before the end of next year. My goal is to mail her screaming and yelling if necessary to an editor before summer. I'll write more about my other goals for 2010 closer to the New Year.

Word for Today: dispersed -- scattered, spread, broken up

Burning Bridges will be dispersed to the four corners of the publishing world.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Wow, free books...check out this weblink

http://community.livejournal.com/classof2k10

The class of 2k10, a fabulous group of debut authors whose website goes live today. www.classof2k10.com To celebrate, we are making our entry with a Grad Party and Book Giveaway for our predecessors, the Class of 2k9.

List of Books for this week

Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry

The Year the Swallows Came Early by Kathryn Fitzmaurice

Bull Rider by Suzanne Morgan Williams

Jane in Bloom by Deborah Lytton

My Life in Pink & Green by Lisa Greenwald

Also Known as Harper by Ann Haywood Leal

Secrets of the Cheese Syndicate by Donna St. Cyr


Word for the day: compound -- to increase or add to

Don't miss this change to compound your personal library.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Back to Work

Doing the word on Sunday night because I know I'm going to be busy tomorrow at work.
Back to work… grumble grumble… no work no pay, why can’t it be a holiday weekend forever. Excuse me while I punch my husband, he said if it was a holiday weekend forever, he would have to widen the door for me to get in the house. True, but he will pay for saying it.

Today’s word is detriment – injury, damage, hurt

Making wisecracks about how much your wife eats can be a detriment to good health.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

I wrote this a couple of years ago, just wanted to share

I’m Thankful For…

I’m thankful for my heavenly father, who loves, protects and guilds me
.
I’m thankful for my husband, who remains my love and friend even though menopause.

I’m thankful for my two children, who despite my many mistakes in parenting, have grown into wonderful, hardworking adults.

I’m thankful for my large family, who keeps my life interesting.

I’m thankful for my Granny,watching from heaven, for teaching me the benefits of being a caring person.

I’m thankful for my four grandchildren, who make old age bearable.

I’m thankful for my writing friends, who give me encouragement, laughter and helpful critiques.

I’m thankful for my “sisters of the heart”, friends who love me just as I am and tolerate my eccentric ways.

drudgery -- unpleasant, dull or hard work

The drudgery of Monday morning is hang over all of us.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Bloated and need a nap at 9:00 am

Those who know me know I'm not a big "got to eat" person. I graze more than eat a full meal. Well believe me I stepped out of character yesterday and I'm paying today. First I slept until 6:30 this morning... I know unheard of but true. So on top of feeling like there is another person in my skin, I'm groggy and just a tinge hateful. No shopping with rude, crazy people when you are off the scale in both ... well not rude... I try to not be rude but crazy well total yes.
Ronnie was bugging me to cook breakfast, now to look at food makes me moan but he wants breakfast. I did but made snide remarks on weight and health problems ham is known to cause. He just laughed at me and enjoyed his breakfast.
Today's word is indiscriminate -- choosing at random without careful selection

Pat was indiscrimainate when she filled her plate on Thanksgiving.

Belch oh excuse me

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thankful

I've read on the listserv that some of y'all are thankful for SCBWI, and I want to say I am too but it would be low on my list of things I'm thankful. They are a great organization and promote beginner writers into the publishing world but my thankful orb starts with God first. Thank you, God for blessing me with good health and talents to use my imagination. Thank you to my family that allows me to be the quirky person without trying to change me. Thank you to my friends (Writer buddies and life long sisters)for your support, love and good listening ears. Thank you to my children and grandchildren for keep my heart growing in love. Thank you to my best friend, lover, comfort when life is rough... my husband of 40 years Ronnie

Today's word
Orientation: the adjustment or alignment of oneself or one's ideas to surroundings or circumstances
When your goals seem unreachable, orientate you direction and try again.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Are those lists made and sneakers ready for Black Friday?

Black Friday for me is putting up Christmas stuff and listening to my husband say, "Lets just put up a tree this year. Lets go out of town this year." I brought him a coffee mug that says Slap me if I'm Merry.
Of course, there is that little football game too. For all my other team friends... Roll Tide!
Tomorrow is Wednesday but here I am putting Wednesday's word up on Tuesday. I have four loaves of Hawaiian Banana Nut bread to make tomorrow morning before work. I promised the bag boys at the store I would bring them their breakfast tomorrow. Wednesday before Thanksgiving is really hard on the grocery store employees.

Wednesday's word on Tuesday night is vigilant...watchful

Keep a vigilant eye on your waistline Thursday!

Thanksgiving Short Short Story for Y'all

A winkled finger touches the rose and ivy design on the china plate. Tears fill her eyes, and she quickly closes them. Reaching for the handkerchief she always keeps in her sweater pocket, Labecca wipes the evidence of emotion from her cheek.
Any emotion brought questions, doctors and medicines to stop you from feeling. Memories should be allowed to flow because they painted joy, hope and love into your life. With them your essence is like a masterpiece painted by an artist; without them you are like a wisp of smoke waiting to leave.
Labecca looks around her small room with beige tile on the floor, beige paint on the wall and earth tone bedspread on the bed. No color! She feels herself fade into the neutral texture of the room and its nothingness strangles all hope of happiness from her.
She glances down at the only piece of china left from her life as a daughter, sister, mother and wife. Every Thanksgiving she had set her wedding china for her family’s feast. Afterwards she washed each piece by hand to preserve it for the next annual tradition. But what happens to tradition when you’re the only one left?
Carefully placing the plate in the wire basket attached to her walker, Lebecca struggles to rise and starts the long walk to the dining area. As she shuffles down the sterile hallway the sound of children laughing haunts her.

Monday, November 23, 2009

A good feeling

One of my writing buddies has done something I've dreamed about doing for years. She has written "The End" on a manuscript. Way to go girlfriend! I want to be in that club. I know, I know finish what you start and don't let the voices in my head take me to another story until I finish the one I'm working on. I know the drill but the voices won't listen.
Tuesday's word on Monday Night
word for today --annals... historical records
My husband is an annals. :) Just seeing if you're paying attention!

The annals of sports are replete with the names of great black athletes.

Oh to be Sara Palin

My Granny always said not to wish away others good fortune. I wouldn't want to be Sara Palin, just the writer who has every one of her books on every shelf in every bookstore SOLD. I wouldn't want to be the person who ran for VP or have wild stories spread every time I sneeze in public but man can you even wrap you mind around how many books this woman has sold.
Better yet, I wish I was her agent OH yea! I'll take 15% of everything including movie rights... okay enough dreaming... here's the word for today
tinge -- a trace, smattering, or slight degree
A tinge of garlic is all that's necessary in most recipes.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Little things

I have an easy word today... enjoyment and the meaning is hard to type because every person would have a different one. I have friends that pull out the rakes and trash bags when the leaves start to turn, getting ready to attack all those unsightly blumishes to their yard. Now don't get me wrong, we (my husband and I... okay mostly husband but I get him started by telling the grandbabies to tell Granddaddy they need leaf piles to play in) rake leaves away from the house. But back to my story, I'm keeping Sheila's dogs for her this week and I took them for a walk around my two acre yard tonight. They rooted and pranced in the leaves like children. Their joy made me stop and listen. The crunch and swhoosh the leaves made when we walked through them and how they floated around the racing dogs made me smile. I honestly enjoyed our walk.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Stop and smell the roses

Or at least to do things that we enjoy. I went to a see "Anne of Green Gables" performed by local children. It was wonderful. I love plays. I came home swearing I was going to every play the local theater group performs, but I bet a bowl of chocolate it will be another year before I go to watch another one. Sigh... women tend to put their enjoyment below those of her family.
The word for today:
paradox--- a statement that at first seems to be absurd or self-contradictory but which may in fact turn out to be true.
How paradoxical that the world's greatest chefs have all been men!

Friday, November 20, 2009

It's Friday

Fridays mean I see one or all four of my grandchildren. Today it will be three. Now that they are getting older they have things to do that doesn't include a Granny, that is okay but sad for the Granny.
Today's word is egregious -- remarkably bad
Our football captain made the egregious mistake of getting caught cheating on a midterm exam.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Oh my gosh...

I looked at my blog when I got home from the class and OMG I had a grammar error in my title sentences. :) fixed it, there's nothing to this blogging.
I've decided that I'm going to post a new word every day so I will learn a new word every day. I'm also going to post what I'm reading or what I have read in the last few months. I hope some of you will share titles of good books you've read.
Today's word is ...
octogenarian -- a person in his or her eighties
Devon was required to make a public apology to the octogenarian.
Now I just wish I could pronounce it!

Old Lady learning to blog

Okay, I'm learning to blog. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Sheila is next to me and she's learning too. I guess this would be a good place to post that our area SCBWI schmooze will be Dec 12th at the Florence Lauderdale Public Library and Irene Latham will be our speaker. Write what you don't know, cool title for a presentation.
Now for the riding news, my granddaughter fell off her horse. She went over a jump and lost her balance. She said the ground is hard in the pasture.