December 31, 2010

The Year of No



Okay, on first glance "The Year of No" may seem negative, but it's not.  At least not for me.  I've been slowly learning to say no in order to free up time for my family, writing and art.

"Want to serve on committee raise money for Fred's coffee shop?"
"No."

"Can you babysit my six kids for the day?"
"No."

"We need you to work the concession stand for little league every Saturday."
"Um, no."

It probably sounds selfish.  I don't care.  It's about finding time to get to know my husband and kids in a way being busy doesn't allow.  We're gonna play board games, take walks, and talk without worrying about hurrying to such-and-such.

Then while they're sleeping or at school, I'm going to feed my soul with writing and art.

Sound like bliss?  YES.

Maybe I should call this The Year of Yes.

What's on the horizon of your 2011?

December 18, 2010

Wanna Bookstore Gift Card?

Valerie Geary is giving away a $25 and $15 bookstore gift cards. Think of all the gifts or BOOKS you could get!! It's easy to enter. Head on over to her blog to find out how.  And good luck!  **fingers crossed**  Since there are two, you can win one and I can too!

December 17, 2010

The Danger of Writing...


About a week ago, I went to have my fingerprints taken for a new part-time job (it's the law). It sounded intriguing. The lady at the education center began dipping my fingers in ink and rolling them on little paper squares.

I watched mesmerized.  After about twenty failed papers, she exasperatedly told me I needed to go to the Sheriff's office so they could use the big scanner thingy and get a print.

Big scanner thingy?  I drove to the police station excited to see the machine. (Obviously, I don't get out much!)  The administrator worked fifteen minutes trying to get the scanner to read my fingers.  She brought in boss lady.

"Why is it so hard to scan my prints?" I asked.

"You've worn them off," boss lady replied with bored irritation.

Worn them off?  Thoughts of becoming a spy filled my head.  "How did I wear them off?"

She barely refrained from rolling her eyes.  "Lots of typing, washing your hands too much...that sort of thing."

Weirdly it made me feel special.  I mean, I'VE TYPED MY FINGERPRINTS OFF!!!

Is it just me, or is it thrilling that writers and nurses may be the least traceable people in the world?

December 3, 2010

When You Give a Child a Book...

They're gonna want to read it!

Jackee at Winded Words is having heart-warming giveaway.  For every book you give to a child at Christmas, she will be create and send these to children in need:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrICR1bcNidjo83PkiJIXr85XPSgnr-qCk5pPMa7rNNA_VlI275DwUoxmyAY2euD8k5Oev-Milt-keKFeSB-kMg1uUSw2-eOcxIxpQn-TlZti5-sIOu_m42XPMwCnTrZD-Z_r_rmGqKE/s1600/school-bag.jpg

AND she's got a wonderful assortment of books she's giving to her winners!! So, if you have any plans to give books for Christmas or just now realized you want to, hop over to her blog.  Let's get as many of these kits sent as possible!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!