Bravery and Compassion, "back in my day".

As a young person, you hear old people all around you bemoaning the state of things. You know, the diatribes older folks go on, which start with the phrase: :"nowadays", or, "back in my day". Well, I suppose I have crossed over to the other side of the bridge of youth, for I find myself, more and more, considering the changes of this here world and longing for the era of my youth.

Nowadays, it is "brave" to end ones life. Nowadays, it is "compassionate" to kill someone based on an arbitrary standard for quality of life. Well, back in my day, killing wasn't compassionate, it was abhorrent, to the degree that folks argued over whether or not to kill convicted murders. Back in my day, it was "brave" to risk death fighting for a cause that you believed in, or to lay down your life for another person.

Of all of the things that I would go into my old age lamenting, I never in a million years would have expected it to be our society embracing A Culture of Death. 
Isaiah 5:20

You Learn Something Every Day.

They say you learn something every day. Yesterday, I learned TWO things.

Bonus! 

Here is what I learned:

Fact #1 - if you forget to put the salt in your sourdough bread, it will have no flavor.

pretty...but tasteless.

Fact #2 - if you notice the Genesee District Library says you still have a ($15) book in your posession, which you know you returned, you have no recourse. You will be told, by the librarian, "It (the book) is not where it is supposed to be. You are welcomed to look for it, yourself."

Today

• This morning, I remembered to put the salt in my bread dough (trying sourdough RYE this time). 
• I have purchased (online) the books my children and I have planned to read. 
• Should I ever use the Public Library again, I will stand there and make them check the books in while I watch.

After all, what is the point of learning "the hard way" if you do not, actually, learn?

How Weathering Conflict Makes You a Better Person

 Dig, if you will, the picture, of a large stone sitting on the beach.

The stone has tumbeld down to its current resting place from the top of the craggy mountainside above. On the long trip down, the rock bounced and smashed agianst other rocks, causing chunks of its surface to ping off, leaving gashes and pits and blemishes all over.

It sits now, ugly, abused, and angry-looking, with all of its sharp edges sticking out everywhichway, 

Imagine how, each day, the stone disappears under the water as the tide rolls in and out.. Consider that the sediments in the water will wear on the surface of the stone, and will work like super-fine-grade sandpaper, wearing away all the rough patches on the stone and creating a smooth, almost polished finsh. The stone looks so much better than it did when it sat high up on the mountainside!

This, my friends, is what I believe happens to us when we endure conflict.  Someone, or something, or some situation lambastes us, and we feel just like that rock, tumbling, out of control, down and down, smashing against one hard situation after another, hurling toward an uncertain landing place - a new reality. 

Unlike the rock, who reaches the bottom and sits, hard, on the ground, it is often difficult for humans to realize the moment when we have gotten through, or overcome, the adversity that originally beset us. We seem to transition into the polishing phase with very little thought given to the fact that the original, emergent offense actually happend quite some history ago, and the fact that we actually survived a seemingly world-ending crisis is typically not as celebrated as it should be.

Also,  we usually don't see our own freshly formed jagged edges, blemeshis, or craggs. In humans, these are oft manifested as jaded attitudes about and waryness of others, or in fits of depression, rage, or apathy (among other things).

Mercifully,  the refining is on its way and begins almost immediately - the tidewaters here are the ebb and flow of life, which will cover us with new, fond memories. Hugs from our children, firefly lit summer picnics, meals shared with good friends, and a million other tiny moments of blessing will wear down the sharp places, slowly...slowly.

Soon those new craggs and jaggs brought on by that trip down the mountainside will be nothing more than a lesson learned, or a story to pass on to others about conflict resolution. 

If we are truly honest, they will be stories of "a thing that made me a little bit better".

So, as I sit in the ebb and flow of the tide of life, waiting for my most recent jags to become evened out, and to see what new shape I will take as a result of this process, I am trying my human best to appreciate conflict.

It is always  more easily done from on the other side.

I Am Confusing Myself. Or, I Am Making Things Too Complicated.

Sometimes, I post stuff to my Author's blog that I would also like to post here, but I don't want to bore you (awesome, wonderful, supportive, fantastic, valued) followers of both blogs by re-posting.

So... do I just link each of those posts to a post here?

How do I go about "re-posting" a blog from WordPress to this here Blogger blog?

These are the mysteries of the blogging universe I shall set out to solve...someday.

Meanwhile, please enjoy the latest installment of my Author's Blog.

Thanks for stopping by!

I Won a Writing Contest!

I like writing "flash fiction" (very short stories), so I was moved to enter the August 11, 2014 Prompted Writing Contest.

The challenge: write a short story (500 words or less) with irony as the theme andwhich included the word "dandeliony"

The Prompted Writing Contest was a great motivator to get something done and submitted, already.

I am pleased to announce that I am the winner of the challenge, and have had my story published on Tipsylit!

Read my winning story, "Financial Security", HERE

My book is too short. (?)

In the past couple of weeks or so, I have accomplished the goals I have set for myself. 

• I have written or edited some every day
• I have updated my blogs
• I have tweeted 
• I have researched and submitted to Literary Agents
• I have educated myself about some of the techniques scammers use to rip-off writer

And,

• I have researched the writing/publishing business to the point that I may despair.

The reason for my despair is that my book is, well, too short. I mean, it is too short to be considered for publications in the traditional sense.

I just went through and did a mini-edit. I took out an entire character who plays a small role in the beginning of the book and never makes another appearance. It kind of felt a teensy bit like murder.

It had to be done.

It make my book even shorter

The solution seems simple: "Your book is too short. Add stuff. Put in more descriptions. Weave in a subplot or expand on a currently existing subplot."

The problem is, I don't feel the story needs any of that. I feel that "padding" the book, simply for the sake of reaching an arbitrary word count, will make it bogged down and tiresome.

Now, I have considered that this is, perhaps, short-sighted on my part. I am very open to the idea that I may need to go back to this book, re-work it, and "beef it up" for marketability.

However, I have come to the realization that I am pretty darn sick of this book. I am way too close to this project right now to be objective. Trying to re-write at this point would be a mistake. I need to have a bit of distance from the work.

Where does this leave me?

I have determined that I will continue to shop this book, too-short-for-its-genre or no. After all, there are some "needle in a haystack" options out there for me. Meanwhile, I am going to keep working on editing another 2 projects. One new project is Young Adult, and  the other is New Adult, both genres that support a much lighter word count than typical commercial fiction.

And, I am going to keep on writing. I enjoy writing from flash fiction prompts very much. It is so satisfying to have something done so quickly. I will share the ones appropriate for self-publication on my Author's bog, and will submit others to literary magazines and other publications. It will all help someday (hopefully!), to actually give me something to put in my "Author's Bio".

I will find a home for my little book, either now, or in the future. Perhaps I will end up self-publishing all three books in the series one day. There are so many voices out there lauding the merits of self-publishing, but the thought of all that is involved with carrying the full-weight of promotions makes me feel queasy.

 

Let me tell you, it is great to come to this blog and see your supportive comments. They encourage me to keep going. Thank you!

Promoting Myself as an Author

I have written several books. Don't go getting all "impressed" on me. I know it sounds like a big deal, but, really, it isn't. What I have is a few folders on my PC (and hopefully some backups, somewhere!!!) with novel-length rough drafts in them.

Anyway, I have managed to get one of these books edited and ready to submit for publishing. I don't, currently, have any intentions of self-publishing. However, in the course of my research, I have discovered that it is expected that a novelist have a social media presence, whether self-publishing or not.

I confess, I hate this idea.

I do not want to promote myself. I want to write books and short stories, and be paid to do it.

But, it's looking like I'm stuck in the old "Love and Marriage" conundrum; I can't have one without the other.

So, I gotta do it.

In the past, my biggest dissuasion to self-promotion has been that I've felt like a "phony" calling myself a writer, and rightfully so. After all, to be honest, to be perfectly, disgustingly, frank, bare and raw...

I've never wanted to work at writing.

See that bold and underlined word, there? The four-letter one? Yeah. When I start to think about turning writing into work, I start to feel all Dobie Gillis' Maynard G. Krebs about the whole thing.

I confess, I have been lazy about my writing. It is quite near physically painful to write that, but it is true. My whole life, I've been a lazy writer. At the ripe ole age of (not gonna tell ya), I've come to realize that, if I am ever going to be taken seriously, I have to take my writing seriously.

But, for all these years, I really, honestly, did not think I could take my writing more seriously. I mean, do I really love writing, after all? Do I love it enough to scoop the monkey poop?

Okay, that last bit deserves a bit of explanation. You see, my Daddy always told me that, no matter what career choice I made, there was gonna be a "downside".

"Everyone wants to work with the cute little monkeys at the zoo," he told me, "but not everyone still wants that job once they realize there's monkey poop to shovel. Every job has its own 'monkey poop'. You've got to find a career you love enough to put up with the not-so-fun parts."

And that, I have determined, is what getting through the (nightmare) editing process of this first book has proven to me - I do actually have it in me to take the profession of writing seriously. I do have the "stick-to-it-ive-ness" it takes to get a piece from "rough draft" to "as polished as I'm gonna be able to get it".

I guess I do like the monkey-poop shoveling part of writing. Or, at least, I can hold my nose through it.

If I was able to get one of those old manuscripts dusted off and spiffed up, surely I can do it again... and again...

It's almost like I finally believe I can do it.

To make a long story longer, this post is to introduce  my new Author's presence which currently consists of a WordPress Blog and a woefully under-utilized Twitter account.

I'd love to have you follow my tweets and read my Slow Blog. Also, it'd be great to see a few more of you follow this here old blog (which, as it turns out, is also a Slow Blog. Who knew?).

Do any of y'all have a career that requires a social media presence?

(wow, did I just refer to writing as my "career"? gulp.)

Many Small Slices

Today I served as the MC for Seeds of Faith's  (SOF) Homeschool Graduation Ceremony.

I know what you're thinking.

"What? Homeschoolers *do* Graduation?"

"How does that work?! Did they, llike, hand out diplomas?"

or, possibly,

"Huh. I always wondered how that worked when you homeschooled. Do you "get" to do "Prom", as well?"

To answer, I would say, yes, and yes, and yes again.

While today was the first ever Commencement hosted by SOF, The concept of a Homeschool Graduation Ceremony is nothing new for Michigan homeschoolers; other homeschool groups have been hosting them for years.

SOF also is where I learned about the "Spring Banquet", an event which encourges Homeschooled High Schoolers to don fancy duds and dance the night away (sound familiar?).

It is amazing what is being offered to homeschoolers, thanks to the hard work and dedication of some amazing Moms. Every time I turn around, I learn of yet another opportunity to "socialize" my chidren or give them a unique learning experience outside of the home.

To these Moms I say, "thank you," many times over.

Even you, who is sitting there, reading this, and thinking I couldn't possibly mean *you*, because you only did some small part of making something happen for your homeschooling community. But that is not the case. It is you who I thank, you who do your small part and do it well.

You see, when everyone does just one small part, when each of us brings just one small slice of effort to the table, no one ends up feeling overwhelmed, and we end up with an entire pie to share. And who doesn't love pie?

Okay, so, that analogy didn't quite work out so well, unless I now say something like, "imagine the *pie* is an especially awesome opportunity for our kids".

I am continually awed when I consider  the sheer number of women I know who are willing to pitch in and do what it takes to make something amazing happen. Kudos to you all.

Thursday Blessings

It is 10:39 am on a Thursday. I just spent ten (or more?) minutes showering my Kindergarten-aged boy with kisses, hugs, and tickles. Just because I can.

I love homeschooling.

Do people eat...

My son asked, at bedtime, "do people eat elephant meat?" Not knowing the answer, I turned to Bing search. By the time I'd typed in "do people e", the question popped up as a suggested search...two or three from the top. I am not sure what to make of that.

Some People Get Breakfast in Bed.

On Mother's Day, some people get "Breakfast in Bed". I get "babies in bed".

Just look at them.

I have the best job, EVER.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommas out there.

AHG - Last Troop Meeting of 2014

Last night was the last troop meeting of the year for AHG MI3130. As I looked around at the dozens of smiling girls and chatting parents, my heart began to swell, and  I almost began to cry. I am so thankful for the opportunity American Heritage Girls has given me to meet and serve alongside so many wonderful girls and women. Our Year End Ceremony and celebration is May 9th, 2014. If you'd like to join us, contact me for more details.

"Spring" cleaning

Did you see that? Did you see how I put the word "Spring" in quotes?

That is because although, technically, chronologically, it is seven days past the first day of spring,  here I sit, staring out the window at the carnage wrought (aka, fallen snow) by the blizzard we had day before yesterday.


Yes. You read that right.

A blizzard.

In March.

You (and I) can thank the lovely people who are actually hoping Flint breaks some kind of snowfall record.

Thanks a lot, sickos.

I know, I know, "It's only March," you say, "in Michigan".

Marvelous, Mecurial, Michigan March.

"March comes in like a lion," you say.

But might I remind you that there is a "part two" to that adage you are flinging at me?


 "and out like a LAMB."

Like a LAMB.

Cute, cuddly, frolick-y and SPRING-Y!

image courtesy of freefoto.com

(Don't you dare remind me that lambs have fleece as white as snow.)

Anyhow.

This blog post is about my "Spring" Cleaning escapades so far.

Yes, I have been "Spring" Cleaning.

I need to pause here so that my fainted readership can regain senses.
.
.
.

I have come to this place, this new, unchartered (by me) Land of "Spring" Cleaning via the route of Leadership and was transported by a completely unexpected vehicle - Difficult Circumstances.

How, you ask, have Difficulties driven me to "Spring" Cleaning?

Easily.

You see, I have discovered something. It might come as a suprise to you. Surely, it is a suprise to me. here it is:

 I can not control everything.

"What!?" you exclaim.

"That's right," I reply, "I cannot!"

What I can control:

• The amount of soap scum on my shower door. 
• The organization of my pantry cupboard
• The amount of dust on my bookshelves

So, today, I give thanks for all the  Difficult Circumstances in my life, as they are teaching me to appreciate the Serenity Prayer and to embrace "Spring" Cleaing, which will, ultimately, give me a better sense of well-being (and a happier family).

(Note to the Man Upstairs: this is not a request for more life difficulty.)

Today I will clear dust, flip mattresses, and wipe walls, thankful for the satisfaction I will get from simply seeing something come out just as I would have it.

I will ride my difficulties through the Land of "Spring" Cleaning, smiling all the way, and I will actually be able to see the reflection of that smile in my newly polished mirrors.

I'm not sure I'm ever going to make it to the neighboring land of "Clean Freak", but you never know...

No snow day for us.

We are getting about 4 to six inches of snow today. Kids are still doing school. However,  new snow means the potential for another day of sledding this year. We shall see.

I am a Lazy Blogger

I had a few ideas to blog about today.

Everything required lots of thought and lots of editing.

So, instead, you are getting this post.

I guess it is good that I am at least thinking about my blog, and actually doing the work of blogging more.

I guess it is good that I now intend to post those longer, more complicated topics in the near future.

Right?

Okay, since I feel you, the reader, deserves something more than the above, I am going to resist the urge to publish the page as is and am, instead, going to jot a list here of topics I wish to cover in the future.

* More than Boy Crazy - my intentional efforts to give my girls "something to do" in life besides talking about boys.

* Common What? My confusion and ignorance about Common Core and how that is slowly changing, for better or for worse.

* Conference Talk - Exploring conference sessions I may be qualified to speak on (inspired by the conference talks I have seen recently)

*Slow and not-so-steady - How the book I am editing has taken over ten years to get from first draft to final-edit-in-progress.

* SPRING IS HERE - a mythical romp through an imaginary Michigan that is covered with green grass and spring flowers.

Stay tuned. Perhaps I can find some ambition in the bottom of this morning's coffee cup.

Conference weekend

I  co-hosted a conference this weekend with my Co-Op Co-Coordinator.

Everything went well.

My Co-Op is HEARTH.

Did you know people do not know how to pronounce the word, "hearth"?  This is interesting to me. My Co-Coordinator and I picked this name because we liked the comfy-cozy feeling the word invoked in each of us. The idea of Mom, Dad, and kiddos hanging around the fireplace, just being snuggly and together, just seemed like the right "feeling" for our Co-Op name.

We never had any idea it would cause people consternation.

Anyhow, if you are a homeschooler in the Genesee County, MI area or surrounding, look us up. We have all kinds of field trip opportunities along with our Co-Op.

Missed Yesterday

I'm supposed to blog each day for seven days. I  forgot all about this yesterday. Oops.

I am going to blame it on Carcassonne.

No, not the famous walled city in France.

The addicting board game.

I was introduced to it this past weekend at winter camp.  It is easy to learn, easy to play, fun, and different every time.

Who could ask for anything more?

I bought my own copy via Amazon. It arrived yesterday.

Therefore, I completely did not think about blogging. At all.

J-Bird really likes the game. I see us spending many happy hours playing together. Meanwhile, Z-man is learning all about counting by two's through playing. Trincy seems relatively un-interested.

I think I will get an expansion pack, soon.

EDIT:

Well, I'll be. Apparently, I have missed TWO days of the seven day challenge I had for myself. I don't even know what to make of that.

I suppose I will consider it a successful challenge if it gets me to update my blog more frequently.

Worst. Winter. Ever.

It's been a while since I wrote. My friend over at Teach A Fish knows I struggle with maintaining my blog. She challenged me to post 7 blog entries in 7 days. Here's where she got the idea.

So, I wondered what I should write about.

I started with updating my Profile information. I have discovered that I may be less ENFP and More ENFJ, or that I vacillate between the two, or something, So, I changed that part. Then I realized that ALL THREE of my kids have had birthdays since I last posted (for SHAME!), so I changed that part.

Then it was the moment of truth - time to actually update this blog.

I thought I might sit here and rant about any number of trials and interesting-to-me-only challenges I am facing lately, but then decided that a general rant about something everyone could get behind was in order.

So, I am picking on the weather.

Let me tell you, I am the biggest "cooler weather" fanatic around. By the end of summer, I am ready to embrace the crisp, fall air and break out the turtlenecks and textured sweaters. Typically, Michigan winters barely phase me. I take a coat with me when I go places, sure, but I am very likely to leave it in the car or leave it behind wherever I go, since I hardly feel the need to wear it.

Not this year.

This year, I have realized that I really, REALLY like 30 Degree Winter, I desperately, VEHEMENTLY dispise 17 Degree With A Windchill Of -25 Winter.

Husband has always talked of an eventual move to FLA. In the past, realizing I'd be missing 30 Degree Winter should we make such a move, I have poo-poo'd his suggestions that we become snow birds.

This year, when he offhandedly mentioned a "someday" move to Arizona, I started sending him Tuscon's promising  ZIllow listings.

You know it's bad when I want out, folks.

Okay. So, I've complained about the weather. Now I feel guilty for introducing negativity into your day. So, I guess I'll try to end this update with something positive.

ON A POSITIVE NOTE: One day (and only one), last week, it was 40 degrees. I threw my jacket on the ground, opened the sunroof, and turned the Satellite radio to the 80's station. It was simply glorious. Of course, I closed the sunroof right away. However, it was still REALLY SUNNY inside the Tahoe and I was in a GREAT mood.

It felt so good to have my "normal" MI winter back.

Normal Michigan Winter, I want you back for good!!