Tragedy and Triumph

Dear Mom,

Last week, it was the one year anniversary of Joplin’s devastating disaster when an EF5 tornado wiped away a good portion of the town, killing over 150 people and destroying businesses and homes. One home demolished was my friend's, Geoffrey.

The anniversary slipped by since I was all excited about Rita’s movie, "Maison Des Rêveurs" being shown on the Video Wall in CityGarden, which by the way… just in my humble opinion, she should’ve placed 2nd or 3rd. You can see it on Rita's blog now.

But what do I know about film? I didn’t get the 2nd place film, which would’ve bumped 3rd up to 2nd, putting Rita’s film at the very least to 3rd. But then, I am her mother. I can guarantee you this—Rita’s film had a ton more work in her film than the 2nd place film. However, Rita triumphed in the fact she received honorable mention, showed up for the event and dressed up to boot—her outfit coordinated with the main character in her film.

Rita, family and friends were the only ones there when it started. Another couple came a little later that I assumed made one of the films. I found it odd that no one else was there. Maybe they’ve done this so many times, it wasn’t a big deal? Or maybe a disaster struck in their own personal lives—who am I to judge?

Back to Joplin’s tragedy…Claudia Mundell came up with the idea to create an anthology. Deb Marshall, then president of Missouri Writers' Guild got the ball rolling. Now published by Mozark Press is Storm Country. All proceeds from the sale of this book goes to the Joplin School District libraries. Even though Joplin is rebuilding, more help is always needed.

Behind Storm Country is a huge supportive group of people who rally together whether picking up the pieces and putting things back together again or applauding for the success of those around them and for that, I say thank you.

***

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Informational Highway

I know I miss a lot even with the technology and everything we have at our disposal--the informational highway. People zooming down at record speeds. At times it feels like everything is a blur. My brain puts on the brakes, pulls over on the shoulder. I turn off the engine, hop out and investigate what I caught a glimpse of and most of the time, I'm glad I did (to stop and smell the roses).

Like reading about Sylvia Forbes 2012 Desk Calendar for Writers, Bylines. I hadn't gotten out of the car last year when I heard about this calendar, but I did this year. And I'm here to say, I'm not disappointed.

I'll admit part of the reason was to see and read about a friend, Pat Wahler of Critter Alley who is in the calendar this year.

If you're a writer and you need a tool to help you keep organized, you just might like this as much as I do.

Storm Country: The Anthology Book Launch in Joplin!

Dear Mom,

The launch party, reading and signing of the book, Storm Country: The Anthology held in Joplin on Sunday was a huge success. I’m not sure where to start.

It was held at the at the Spiva Center for the Arts. Slowly but surely people trickled in and before I knew it, it was a packed room.

Deb Marshall, President of the Missouri Writers Guild started things off by introducing the youth that were part of the book. She presented each one with a certificate.

They had also received a copy of the book and they had been busy signing their names to everyone’s copy.

Deb then presented the librarians with a check for $3,000! (Money raised from the sale of Storm Country—and there’s more to come.)

The youth then read their poems. After that, other contributors could read their story or poem.

Rosalie Carol Linda Bonnie (I forgot to snap her picture while she read)

Here’s the President of the Joplin Writers Guild, Clauida, who came up with the idea to create the book. Yay Claudia!



I read part of my story—starting from the part when I had finally heard Geoffrey was alive because Gwen had seen him and called her sister, who posted it on Facebook. Both Geoffrey and Gwen were at the event! Here we are (Gwen to the left):

After the event was over we went out to eat and that's when I had the honor of meeting the family that had picked up Geoffrey and took him in after the tornado hit. After dinner, Geoffrey showed us some of the devastation and holy cow, it’s really hard to wrap my head around what I was viewing. Unbelievable—and I’m sure what I saw wasn’t anything like it was when it first hit.

It was a long day, but worth every minute.

Again, I can’t thank everyone enough for all their efforts in making this possible. And Susan and Rita, thank you for riding with me and helping at the event.

Storm Country: The Anthology

Dear Mom,

I leave tomorrow for Joplin for another launch party, reading and signing of the book, Storm Country: The Anthology which has a story of mine in it about Geoffrey. I'm so excited because I will get to see Geoffrey too!

The details? Oh, well, it's Sunday, December 4 from 1-4 pm. It's at the Spiva Center for the Arts located at 222 West 3rd Street in Joplin of course! The books sell for $10 and all proceeds go to the Joplin school libraries. There are more details too.

I'm truly honored to be a part of this anthology and am so grateful for all the people involved that made it happen; starting with the idea to the actual (beautiful) book.

When it was announced that you could pre-order books, I ordered 50 and am happy to say that I've sold all 50 of them. I'm grateful too for all those who have shown their support to me as a writer and to Joplin--where the real support is needed.

I have some other good news too but I'll have to save that for later. Watch over me, as I'll surely need it.

Writing News

Dear Mom,

For some reason, I wouldn’t allow myself to jump up and down when I received the news. Perhaps I was in shock—that and the fact I have a bum foot right now. No worries though, when the reality of it sets in, I’m sure you’ll hear me shouting all the way to heaven.

My story “Geoffrey” was accepted for publication in the Storm Country Anthology. You probably remember my worry over Geoffrey when that massive tornado hit Joplin.

I'm extremely grateful and honored to have my story included in this worthy cause (all proceeds from the anthology go toward buying books for the Joplin School District libraries to replace books lost by the tornado) and to be among top notch writers; friends and those I know of—Donna being one. You can check Donna’s blog that gives more details about this project and the other writers.

Just like Donna stated: special thanks to everyone involved in this awesome project!

Another Joplin Fundraiser

Dear Mom,

Your grandson (my nephew) Jason is a DJ. He goes by the name Deejay Jay, but I'll always call him Jason.

Jason, aka Deejay Jay organized this event—a fundraiser for the people of Joplin. Hosted by the living legend Bobby Plager (Bobby’s Place). For any of my non-sports fans, Bobby is a famous hockey player. All proceeds will go to Joplin tornado recovery.

I received the information from your other daughter, Suzanne (Jason’s mom).

Here’s the scoop:

Where:
Bobby’s Place
108 Meramec Valley Plaza
(near I-44 and Highway 141)
Valley Park, MO 63088
636-225-2627
http://www.riverfronttimes.com/locations/bobbys-place-653777/

When:
Saturday, June 25
11:00 AM

What:
Food, Music, Car Wash, Tank Dunk

Everyone working the fundraiser is a volunteer!

Come join the fun and help out Joplin!

I'm just amazed at all the people who are stepping up to the plate in order to help out others in times of need. Every time I turn around, I hear about an event or how an individual has done something special. It truly warms my heart.

********

Oh, and I sent off my submission for the Storm Country Anthology. Click on the link and read more details about submitting your story—you have until July 15th!

Also, let's not forget about our friends in Japan. See fellow blogger Liberal Sprinkles for details about ordering the book, Quakebook 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake.

Storm Country Anthology Project for Joplin

The Joplin (MO) Writers’ Guild, in coordination with the Missouri Writers’ Guild, is seeking fiction, non-fiction and poetry to be included in an anthology, Storm Country, to be published near the end of the summer. All proceeds from book sales will go to the purchase of books for school libraries damaged or destroyed by the May 22nd tornado. Midwest writers are encouraged to submit their original work June 1st through July 15th.

Submit work with the theme of storms and severe weather in the Midwest. All forms of stormy weather should be considered: ice, floods, tornadoes, wind, and snow.

Include name, address, phone number, and email address on first page of submission.

Poetry of any form and up to 30 lines may be submitted. A maximum of THREE poems from any author will be considered.

Short fiction in any genre, 1,500 words or less, will be considered.

Nonfiction (features, essays, memoirs, etc.) of 1,500 words or less may also be submitted. A maximum of three pieces of prose will be accepted per author.

All submissions must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman.
Prose should use three-space paragraph indention and double-spacing.
Poetry should be single-spaced.
Pages should be numbered.
Spelling and grammar must be as the author intends.
Author retains all rights.
Please include third-person author bios up to 75 words.

Submit your Word documents by July 15th to joplinwritersguild@yahoo.com or mail to Claudia Mundell, 1815 River Street, Carthage, Missouri 64836.

***

I received this information from Donna's blog and Claudia's blog and Storm Country blog. Check out the different sites for links and information.

Thank you for helping Joplin!