Christmas with Mom Contest

I've read about this contest on several blogger friends I follow who have entered: Linda, Kim, Claudia. I wanted to write something, but seemed a bit pointless as I could only remember one Christmas. But then since my blog is about writing to my mom, it seemed like a no brainer.

So in 100 words or less, you're to write your Christmas memory with your mom. Things I Want To Tell My Mother blog is holding the contest.

Here are my 89 words:

Dear Mom,

Since you passed away shortly after my 12th birthday, I know it wasn’t that Christmas that I remember, since you were in the hospital. The last Christmas I remember was the year I worried if Santa Claus was real. When I opened the door into the living room, lights sparkled on the presents under the tree. I smiled with relief. I glanced over at you on the couch and saw relief on your face too. I wish I had more memories of Christmas with you.

Love, Lynn

Storm Country: The Anthology

A Launch Party in Joplin!
Sunday, December 4, 2011, 1-4 p.m.
For more details check out the Storm Country blogsite.

If anyone is interested in purchasing a book and unable to head to Joplin, please let me know as I will be happy to get one when I go! They're $10 and all proceeds go to the Joplin School District libraries!

It's Official

And NaNo's official word count:

NaNoWriMo Day 26

Woot! Woot! I crossed the finish line.

Total word count: 50,340



I'm not an official winner yet until I turn in the novel, but unofficially I've done it!

Whew... and now I'll have energy to cheer on my other writing buddies--you go peeps! I know you can do it!

Book Blurb Friday #39

It’s Book Blurb Friday #39. Check out Lisa Ricard Claro’s blog to play BBF in which Lisa is the Master. Basically you write a book blurb based on the photo (that being the cover of the book) and you must do it in 150 words or less. This week’s photo is by your one and only—me! Don't let Lisa fool you, she'll knock out those 50,000 NaNo words too!

I can sure babble when it comes to NaNo, but these book blurbs are killer. Here’s my 59 words—

Nine.Thousand.Feet.
By the time Obermoeller hiked to the 9,000 feet elevation she gasped, but not for air. The site she saw was something out of a Stephen King book, and not in a gruesome way. Sit on the edge of your chair as you follow along the climb. Then if you can handle it, experience what Obermoeller witnessed at Nine.Thousand.Feet.

NaNoWriMo Day 25

Word count today: 1,434
Total: 47,263
Left: 2,737

Getting closer...

Thankful

Dear Mom,

Someone blogged about remembering Thanksgiving holidays when they were young. I've racked my brain and I can't think of a single Thanksgiving spent when you were alive. My siblings can remember, but I'm blank.

I can't thank you in person, but I can in spirit for all you have done as you--wife, mother, sister, in-law, friend--all your roles. No doubt there are countless things I'm unaware of--I can only imagine. At sixteen and losing your mother, with eight siblings under you--I'm sure you had your work cut out for you.

Every day I count my blessings--not just on Thanksgiving. I'm blessed with a wonderful family, relatives, and friends. The love I have in my life is abundant and I'm truly blessed. I remember someone said to me, "You're rich!" and this was during a period in my life when I was living below poverty level. I turned around and smiled, "I know."

So mom, thanks for all you've done and all you've taught me.

With all my love.

NaNoWriMo Day 23

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and sending love your way! Words can't express my gratefulness.

I managed to squeeze in some words today: 1518, bringing my total word count to: 45,829.

Now on to make pies, dressing, and all that stuff one gobbles up on Turkey Day.

NaNoWriMo Day 22

I've been cleaning today--figured I'd better do something about those dust bunnies so they don't eat all the turkey come Thursday. But I wanted to get some NaNo writing in as tomorrow and Thursday I'll probably have to skip writing... maybe. I figured that in when I was doing the math for my daily word count goal, but because I'm getting so close, I'm wanting to be finished. Last year during NaNo, I had my 50,000 words before I sat down and gobbled up turkey. I don't think it's going to happen this year, but I could try.

Today's count: 1,71
Grand total: 44,311
Words to go: 5,689

NaNoWriMo Day 21 and Storm Country

How are all you Be Creative creatures doing? It's hard to believe it's the 21st of November. Do we seriously only have nine days left before December arrives? When it's put that way, it's kind of scary. But have no fear... whatever you don't finish in November, you can bring along with you in December, and January, and... you get the idea. You have a start and that's what counts!

My word count today is 1,953 and that leaves me with 7,399 words to go.

And just when you thought the launch of Storm Country was over... there will be another in December, but this time in Joplin! Check out this site for details. And yes, I plan on being there!

Since I sold all of my pre-ordered copies (thank you everyone!), if you'd still like a copy, I'll be happy to pick up one for you while in Joplin. Just let me know. They're only $10 and all the moolah goes to the Joplin School District libraries!

NaNoWriMo Day 20

Sioux, it seems that little violin playing worked wonders for my NaNo writing because my word count today is: 2,531

My grand total: 40,648 and that leaves 9,352 left.

So Sioux, will you play that violin a wee bit louder please? All of you other NaNo writing buddies, do you want me to ask Sioux to play for you too? I'm pretty sure she is really good at it.

NaNoWriMo Day 19 and Art Attack

I must have done a little too much hooping and hollering at last night's Art Attack 3 (see yesterday's post) event applauding for my daughters' friend Carrie and her piece of art work, which by the way--the event needs to have their applause meter fixed. I'm not just saying this because of Carrie. It happened with other paintings too. The one's that got cheered the loudest sometimes didn't make it.

However, it goes to show how karma works--Carrie's piece didn't make the round even though her applaud/cheering was loudest. Carrie's piece was then auctioned off and the high bidder of $450 went home with her painting. The person/painting Carrie competed against made it to the third round, however, when it went for bid (and there were minimums to keep it from being destroyed) it didn't make it. The "Missouri Chainsaw Massacre Man" sawed it in pieces. And not that I wanted to see anyone's work demolished, but I found this interesting.

So Carrie's piece tied as the highest bidding piece--even the winning piece didn't hit the highest bid. Bravo to all the artists and especially Carrie!

No NaNoWriMo today--feeling a little under the weather and the need to rest. There is that whole Thanksgiving thing coming up.

NaNoWriMo Day 18

Today's word count: 1,381

Grand total: 38,117

Left to tackle: 11,883

I'll be applauding for my daughters' friend Carrie Gillen tonight at the following event:

Book Blurb Friday #38

It’s Book Blurb Friday #38. Check out Book Blurb Guru Lisa Ricard Claro’s blog to play BBF. Basically you write a book blurb based on the photo (that being the cover of the book) and you must do it in 150 words or less. This week’s beautiful photo cover is by Lisa’s husband, Joseph. (Ooops, I think the last photo taken by Joseph, I called him Lisa's son!)

And in 91 words—

Why Can’t I Remember?
Obermoeller struggles daily trying to remember even the simplest things, but she won’t forget the day she competed in the 2007 Waikiki Surfers Annual Crazy Board contest. She fought for her life when a white killer shark attacked her board. Now bound to a wheel chair, read the true story of Obermoeller beating the odds to place third in the 2010 Waikiki’s Crazy Board competition and overcoming… uh… um…

“Seeing Obermoeller, it’s clear all things are possible. But man, hang ten baby with that whole memory thing.” Champion Surfer Sonny Beachwalk

NaNoWriMo Day 17

Watching my cat eye two squirrels munch on acorns is kind of funny. I wonder if he thinks they are over-sized chipmunks. Those squirrels devour nuts faster than my brother-in-law shovels down his dinner.

Oh yeah... NaNo writing for the day, 2,233. Total word count: 36,736. Can I really babble for another 13,264 words? I'm sure hubby will have to say yes to that one.

Did I mention I shot off an article for submission, thanks to my writing buds.

NaNoWriMo Day 16

I feel exhausted today and plus my wrist went out again. I know Sioux, you'll be pleased to hear AND that my word count is not that high again, although it is more than I thought I'd accomplish--1,417.

That brings my total to: 34,503 with 15,497 to go!

Now on to the next project for the WWWPCG.

NaNoWriMo Day 15

Word count for the day: 2,328

I had a little more time to write, but stopped. It feels like I've developed this rhythm of some sort at keeping around 2,000 words. Maybe to keep from feeling overwhelmed or something. Not sure.

Total: 33,086

NaNoWriMo Day 14, Another Birthday, Storm Country Success

Another birthday - Happy Birthday to my older sister, Suzanne! I sang Happy Birthday to her first thing this morning. I'm sure that just made her day. She did giggle though so maybe I didn't sound too bad. The giggle sounded like a sincere sweet giggle, not a oh-my-god-you-really-can't-sing-giggle. Because, really, I can't sing.

Storm Country's release and launch party that I've been advertising on this blog happened last night. I felt it was a huge success. (Thank you Linda for keeping me calm.) I didn't fumble and get all tongue-tied while reading my piece or so I was told. I'm pretty sure I was out of my body during the entire-however-many-minutes I stood up there because I can only recall one word, "Geoffrey!" when I screeched in a fairly high voice as I read the part when I did exactly that when Geoffrey phoned me (after the tornado and he finally contacted me).

So I would like to give my sincere thanks for everyone's support who either purchased a book, came to the event, helped me in some way with a pat on the back--it all means a lot, and like Geoffrey said, "I'm so blessed."

Truly, I am.

And if you're interested in purchasing a book for $10 (all proceeds go to Joplin School District libraries), they're still available.

And now the dreaded news Sioux, my daily word count for NaNoWriMo: 2,118. That brings my total to 30,758 and if my math is any good, that leaves me with 19,242 words. Really? I think I might make it. I have to laugh because when I thought about a new part to write, I couldn't remember if I had written that already. Good grief, my entire story could be nothing but me repeating myself... see Sioux, menopause has its benefits.

NaNoWriMo Day 13, Birthday, Storm Country

First I just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOGAN! Grandma and Grandpa love you and miss you!

You can see a picture of her here, with her cousin Lily. Or you can see Logan here on this post, where she's collecting money for Joplin.

And speaking of Joplin, tonight is the release/launch party for Storm Country.


And as far as NaNoWriMo goes, this will make Sioux happy that my word count for today is at an all time low: 967. Unless you want to count the notes of 200 words I jotted down for the story because I was afraid I'd forget.

Every little bit helps--you hear me Sioux? You can do it! You too Beth! And Lisa! And Kim! And the other Kim aka June! And for all you other's who are "unofficially" doing NaNo or some creative thing! Woot! Woot! for us all!

Total for me: 28,640

Quotes

Just a little break today, so you should check out Becky Povich's blog. She always has some cool quotes and so it's fitting that she should talk about another blog that's all about quotes. I'm spending more time on blogs right now when I should be NaNoWriMo-ing. Ack.

But I really liked this quote:

"You never get people's fuller attention than when you're listening to them."
Robert Brault.

Okay, now on to NaNo!

Storm Country and NaNoWriMo Day 12

Just another gentle reminder that this event takes place TOMORROW!

You can purchase a book for only $10 and ALL proceeds benefit the Joplin School District libraries to restore what they lost in the devastating EF5 tornado.

And for the lesser news of the day, my NaNoWriMo word count for today is 2,411.

Had to get my writing in as I want to head to Firecracker Press for a poetry reading... and they print live (on a letterpress) a piece of the poetry that the poet is reading. Totally worth the price of admission - $5. Starts at 2:00! Oh, and if you're into pastries, there's this awesome bakery right across the street!

My grand total for NaNo is 27,673. Don't be discouraged. A participant who has been doing this every year since NaNo started, some 12 or 13 years is always behind at this point, but keeps on writing. Says the end is easier (that's for you Sioux).

Keep on writing, it'll be more than you had the day before.

NaNoWriMo Day 11

Today was a different kind of day for me. Feels like I did everything backwards. My writing didn't come first like it usually does and it was in chunks, but I'm pleased that the word count for the day came to: 2,411 bringing my grand total to 25,262 and that means I'm halfway there! Woot! Woot! for me. But I think the first half is always easier than the last half.

Book Blurb Friday #37

It’s Book Blurb Friday #37. Check out Book Blurb Guru Lisa Ricard Claro’s blog to play BBF. Basically you write a book blurb based on the photo (that being the cover of the book) and you must do it in 150 words or less. This week’s beautiful photo cover is by Kathy Matthews.

Wasn’t sure I’d fit this in with NaNo chomping at my heels, but here it is in 105 words.


Impossible?
Obermoeller recognizes the gentle current of Sunshine River. Everyone thought—impossible. Just three years old when she nearly drowned, no one can believe that she knew the exact spot and every detail where it occurred. Her mother never forgot.

Fifty-three years later after never having been told what happened or where, Obermoeller discovers she remembers it all the instant she sees the scene at Sunshine River. Follow Obermoeller on her incredible journey as she relives exact details of that fateful day.

Obermoeller’s mother was quoted, “I’ll never forget my daughter’s words after they pulled her from the river five miles down, ‘Momma, God carried me.’”

NaNoWriMo Day 10

I have a busy day ahead of me, so I made sure I got my NaNo writing in and I guess early morning serves me well as my word count for the day is 2,767. That brings my total to: 22,851.

Hope everyone that is on their creative endeavor is doing something. Doesn't matter what or how much. My little sister Ruthie is doing NaNo, but not officially. She told me the other day she's up to 6,000 words. She said it wasn't near where she should be, but I told her that it was 6,000 more words than before she started! Woot! Woot! for Ruthie!

NaNoWriMo Day 9

Today's word count a bit short of my daily goal: 1,816 and that brings my total to: 20,084

Sold four more Storm Country books - thank you! And if you're looking for something to do on Sunday, November 13, head on over to the Regional Art Commission to hear some of the contributors read their piece in Storm Country. Books are $10 and all proceeds benefit the Joplin School District libraries!

NaNoWriMo Day 8

Total for the day: 2,408 and that makes my grand total: 18,268

Sold three more books of Storm Country today. Thank you everyone.

NaNoWriMo Day 7

As you know from my previous post, I had to skip NaNoWriMo Day 5 and 6 for an out-of-town conference. But here I am, dragging a bit I might add. I had some things to take care of first thing this morning, so I wrote this afternoon. I made good progress, but I like writing in the morning much better.

Word count for today: 2,677 and that brings my total to: 15,860. Only 34,140 to go.

Hope everyone else is doing well with their Be Creative adventures. I hope to get around soon and see what's happening.

PS - I don't have many Storm Country books left that I pre-ordered, so if you haven't asked me for one, you're not on the list. If you want one, let me know... otherwise try and make the event and pick up one there or let me know and I'll pick up one for you! The books are only $10 and all proceeds from the sale of the book are for Joplin School District libraries to restore what was lost from the devastating tornado. And thank you again for all who have supported this endeavor!

NaNoWriMo Day 4

Another crazy morning with various interruptions, but I kept at it until I had my minimum goal met (1,950). Word count today: 2,303 bringing my total to 13,183. If I can do math correctly, that leaves 39,120 words to go. I won't be posting or writing the next two days (will be out of town), but I'll see you back here bright and early Monday! Woot! Woot!

Here's what I wish I was doing...

That little stinker has the life.

Book Blurb Friday #36

It’s Book Blurb Friday #36. Check out the fabulous and lovely Lisa Ricard Claro’s blog to play BBF. Basically you write a book blurb based on the photo (that being the cover of the book) and you must do it in 150 words or less.

This week’s photo was taken by Lisa’s daughter, Christina. I thought it was cool and the other morning something popped in my head about it. Didn’t think I’d have anything left up there while doing NaNo, but here it is, coming in at 56 words.

The Obernique
Photographer Obermoeller’s unique ability to angle the camera from the perspective of a chipmunk brings a fresh eye to viewing photographs. In this full color, 213 page table top picturesque book, you’ll dazzle friends and relatives with these unusual and engaging shots that evoke powerful emotion. Surprises abound. Check it out and feel your inner chipmunk.

NaNoWriMo Day 3

I got a late start today because I went to bed so late last night--after the critique group meeting, I stayed up. Remember the last time I told myself if I was all buzzed with energy, I wasn't going to waste it. I didn't get any additional writing done, but I did catch up on a few other things.

There were several interruptions while doing my NaNo writing this morning, but all in all it was productive with a word count of: 2,786. For those of you out there that think, WOW impressive. I wouldn't be that impressed. After all, I can ramble like no one's business. Besides, I think my Aunt Rose's hat must have some magic ju-ju in it.

Don't be discouraged. Keep at it. Even if it's 50 words a day. That's more than zero, right?

Oh and my pre-order of books, Storm Country came in yesterday. My daughter Rita took my picture. Out of 33 shots, here's 3 that are okay. I'm not photogenic and don't care for pictures of myself, but... well..., it's all for Joplin and my friend Geoffrey!

I've sold 38 of the 50 books that I ordered which makes me unbelievably happy and touched to have such supportive folks helping me with this cause. Remember, all proceeds go to the Joplin School District libraries to restore what they lost in the EF5 tornado. And the books are only $10. Thank you everyone! Don't forget about the event.

And 39,120 words to go! Woot! Woot!

NaNoWriMo Day 2

Woot!Woot! Another day down! Today's word count isn't as much as yesterday's, but my day is pretty packed.

I wrote 2,403 words, bringing my total to about 8094. Leaving 41,906 to go!

Just wanted to clarify a few things for you creative folks out there who may have read my Be Creative blogpost. I'm not trying to put any pressure on anyone. It's all about challenging yourself to do something fun and creative. NaNoWriMo doesn't work for everyone. And that's okay. Do what works for you.

You may have read some of the comments--how one young lady is going to do something creative every day: draw, play guitar, bake, etc. Another person has to use time slots to work in her creative time.

I came up with another idea if you're stuck. Write each creative thing you want to do or work on and put them in a hat. Pull one out each day. If you don't like what you pulled and don't feel enthused, put it back in and pull out another. Be creative!

NaNoWriMo Day 1

Got up at 5AM, yes really. By the time I sat down to actually start writing, it was nearly 7AM. I wrote a good chunk, nearly beating my record of Day One of last year's NaNoWriMo, but not quite. Took a little break in between: ate a little breakfast, cleaned up cat puke, did some stretching. Decided to call it a day. Don't want my enthusiasm to come to a halt, plus I have an article to work on--perhaps the ball of rolling enthuz will build momentum to write other things too.

Oh and what did I do those first few hours? Talked to hubby who called to wake me. I journaled: Wrote my dreams down. Did my spiritual writing exercise. Did my daily morning pages (minimum of three) where I blab and blab senselessly. All handwriting. I set up my little NaNo shrine where I light a candle, have some totems to keep me focused. This year I decided to wear a hat of my late Aunt Rose. No doubt it was stunning on her, but I look like a crazy lady, but hey, I'm having fun. And wow, it's only 10 AM as I post this.

I don't hand write when I NaNoWriMo my story. That's different for me since I'm always a hand writer first.

Word count day one: 5,735 and only 44,265 to go. Think I'll make it? Woot! Woot!

Let me know how all you creative peeps are doing on your journey of creativity! Woot! Woot! to you too!