Half Price Books and ...

Okay folks, check out Linda's blog for an upcoming event... 
And yes, I'll be a part of it!  

Click here to get all the nitty-gritty details.

Okay, I'm being lazy. Linda said it so well that I figured I might as well send you over to her site. She's prolific!

National Pi Day

Today is National Pi Day - did you know that?

My husband brought home a pie recipe along with an article from a Costco magazine... talking about pi and someone decided to make 3/14 National Pi Day, celebrating of course, with pie - according to Judith Fertig who wrote the article, "Celebrate National Pi Day with, what else? Pie!"

Since I'm the pie lady of the family, my hubby thought this one would be tasty - Cherry Berry Berry Pie - adapted from Sweetie-licious Pies: Eat Pie, Love Life by Linda Hundt and Clarissa Westmeyer.
I'll be trying this one out for - what else? National Pi Day!

I recently baked a pie for my Aunt Lee honoring her 93rd birthday. Her two favorite pies are Lemon Meringue and Coconut Cream. I made her Lemon Meringue another year, so this year - Coconut Cream, only it wasn't Coconut Cream, it was French Coconut Pie. I was searching for an easy pie to make as Coconut Cream was more labor intensive than I had time for. I worried: new recipe and simple, but it was a Paula Deen recipe and having been successful with her recipes before, I thought, why not?

According to those who ate the French Coconut Pie, it was delicious. (A bit of a bummer I don't eat processed sugar/flour anymore - and well, pie certainly falls into that category. But I'd much rather do without than have the issues I had when eating sugar/flour.) I have to admit, I came real close to cheating... not with eating pie, but with buying a pre-made frozen pie crust. Then I said, "Oh Lynn, come one, don't be so lazy... you're already making a simple pie." Making your own crust is really easy-peasy and for me, the crust can make the pie - in my humble pie opinion.

I have a class at my church this evening where my fellow classmates will be treated to a pie... not sure which kind I'm going to make, and tomorrow night is my writing critique group, where we will be celebrating (with pie) Sioux's story that was selected to be read at the Listen To Your Mother show. YAY Sioux! You can purchase tickets to the show... I'll be attending as Sioux's story is hilarious (part of the perks of being in the critique group). And yes, for those of you who I yammered on and on about auditioning for the show, well, I didn't make it. But I'm super excited for Sioux! Every time I think about her story, I giggle.

Giggling is good. Pie is good too (if it's made well and you can eat it).

Giggle with Pie!

And as Sioux would say, inquiring minds want to know - what's your favorite pie?  According to the above mentioned article, apple is the all time favorite.

Oh, my favorite is, um, was cherry, but made with red tart pitted cherries, not that canned cherry pie filling. Here's a recipe that I blogged about on another blog I used to do: Lynn, What's for Dessert?

Chicken Soup for the Soul - Merry Christmas!

Today is the day! It's official, it's here!

Some sneaky chick elf visited my house in the night and left me with a surprising present... and I just love it!

 

Merry Christmas To Me!

It’s official—my article, Island Bliss—has made it into the upcoming Chicken Soup for the Soul: Merry Christmas!

Needless to say, I’m excited. I belong to a critique group—we call ourselves the WWWPs—and in case you don’t know what that stands for, it is Wild Women Wielding Pens. There’s Sioux, Tammy, Linda and Beth. These ladies have been a blessing in my life. They’ve all been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul books, so I was feeling like the odd man out. Now I’m officially one of the chicks!

Here’s the cover. The book comes out October 20, 2015 and if anyone is interested in a copy, let me know as I plan on having some for sale. And how about it, foreward by Santa Claus himself!

Happy Birthday Sioux!

I just love Sioux’s sass and spunk. You’ll get the idea when you check out her blog, Sioux’s Pages. She also cracks me up. She makes me want to add more humor to my writing, but I can’t do it like she can. Sioux keeps me in line at our critique meetings… that of which I’m totally grateful for. Sioux has a most generous heart and I’m blessed to be her friend.

Well Versed 2014

Looking for something to do on Sunday, June 1st, then come to Columbia, MO where you will see my four writing critique friends, Beth, Linda, Sioux, and Tammy and yours truly, me. See the flyer below for all the details.

Listen To Your Mother Event

Hopefully you saw my post on May 6 and you ordered your tickets to the show, Listen ToYour Mother, where my friend, Sioux will be performing. If so, I’ll see you there – that is if you’re going to the AM show.

food for thought: Do you listen to your mother?

Listen To Your Mother

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Have you ordered your ticket to Listen To Your Mother? Even if you didn’t know anyone performing, I think you’d still enjoy the show. My friend, Sioux will be performing. There’s two shows, one in the AM and one in the afternoon – check out the site and if there are any seats left, buy your ticket. I’m going to the morning show and maybe I’ll see you there!

Shake a leg, Sioux!

food for thought: Could you get on stage and read your story?

NONEXISTENCE

See previous post to understand what I’m doing… drawing and writing via Thesaurus.

The nonexistence of the physical body when we die is just that... but really, we live on forever.

food for thought: “Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely.”—Millay

I have been inspired ever since I took a workshop by Brother Brian. He has one coming up on May 10 (however, I have other plans – as do some of my other writer buddies who are going to see Sioux perform in Listen To Your Mother), but if there’s someone out there who is interested, check out Brother Brian’s blog post.

The Artist's Way Give-A-Way

I shared The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron with my critique group. Sioux found a copy and suggested I give it away on my blog… perfect. I read The Artist’s Way and did the exercises with a group of friends about 20 years ago. It was inspiring and I always recommend it to people who seem to be stuck creatively… or who think they are not creative… or they desire to do something creative and don’t know where to begin.

So, are you interested? Would you like to receive this? Then make a comment so I can put your name in the hat and in a week, I’ll pull out a winner.

food for thought: Do you have a dream or a desire in the creative world? Why aren’t you doing something about it?

P.S. Thanks Sioux!

Chained

My dear friend, Tammy at Message in a Bloggle tagged me in this blog chain, and then I found out that Val at Unbagging the Cats did too! It started with Margo Dill and this thing has been going around like wild fire. So much so, I think everyone has been tagged. Oh wait, there might be a few peeps I know...

But first let me tell you that Tammy, who is part of the critique group that I'm in (who was tagged by Sioux who is another member of our critique group). Tammy has jaw-dropping prose that on some occasions makes me want to quit writing. At least quit writing the way I do and make it better. And Val is so funny with her writing, that I will have to give up on humor writing. Period. Each style is different, but oh, so good.

I’m to answer the following four questions:

1) What am I working on?  I will keep this simple. Nothing at the moment. I’ve been on a little hiatus from writing... other than the 'occasional' letter.

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre? I have no idea how to answer that other than, my work is epistolary and most epistolary types are a back and forth type. Mine is just one-sided, like a diary, but it’s not a diary.

3) Why do I write what I do? Because I love epistolary. What’s more fun than writing letters? And then using that form to create stories. I can thank my niece for that idea. (Maybe it was just a way to stop me from writing her so many letters.)

4) How does my writing process work? It’s different each time. Depends on my mood. Sometimes I’m structured and have a routine. Other times, I jump in when I’m feeling the flow. And when I'm not feeling the flow... I write a letter.

Now to drag this chain to the next authors… Claudia at Claudia's Page was the brains behind Storm Country, and how I became to know Claudia. Not only does she write wonderful prose, but she's a poet too. She's always reading some interesting books (that I have to add to my long list of reads). Claudia has a big heart.   

Estrella at Life's a Stage is a creative gal and a writer. She just recently posted Five Great Reasons to be a Writer, and what's not to love about being a writer? I find out about all kinds of cool things from Estrella in the way of creativity. When I was participating in the Month of Letters, she asked if I'd be willing to write to someone and told me about More Love Letters. Estrella has a big heart too!

And very soon I will share a way cool art/journal workshop I had the pleasure of being in... stay tuned!

Another Star...

If you can't tell by the title of my post... you can get a hint... who is the star.

My friend, and writing critique buddy SIOUX ROSLAWSKI has been selected to read her story LIVE in the 2nd annual Listen to Your Mother presentation. Last year, friend and writing critique buddy, Linda O'Connell and another friend, Kim represented St. Louis' Listen to Your Mother. The show was great and I'm looking forward to the presentation this year. I already bought my ticket and you can too, check it out: Listen To Your Mother

Congratulations Sioux!

We Will Survive Book Reading

Dear Friends/Family,

At first I was afraid… it’d be my three children and me, but that would’ve been totally okay because I love those little darlings. But then Linda and her husband, Bill came in and I was no longer petrified.

Linda O'Connell and husband, Bill

A man and lady were occupying the room we had reserved, so my daughter kindly informed them of the event and invited them to stay. It turns out he is a writer and they would’ve loved to attend, but they couldn't. 

Critique partner, Sioux and her friend Darice popped in. Carrie (the gelato maker and friend of the family) graced us with her presence too. Then long time friends of my son’s, Martina and Josh surprised us! And last but not least, my older sister, Sue bounced in. My little sister, Ruth and her husband, Bud had every intention of coming, but traffic made it impossible. No worries.

from left to right: Martina, Josh, Darice, Sioux

from left to right: Rita, Jessica, Carrie, Suzanne

We started a little late and I began with a big No-No by saying my story paled compared to others in the book. After the reading was over I was told that my experience… okay, I don’t know the exact words, but I received the message loud and clear, especially after receiving another in private. The sheer kindness of people… well, my heart is more opened and I will be more positive about myself.

When I read, I go into some zone and I read well (there, how’s that for positivity?).

 Lynn Obermoeller

Linda then read her story. I heard comments about how well she read. And of course, she’s a pro.

Linda O'Connell

Linda and I both shared our experience meeting Ms. Gaynor and how it was like sitting with friends… just like what we were doing right then at the reading.

The ugly Christmas sweater meets disco winner clearly belonged to my son, Casey. However, since a lot of folks missed that memo, we put everyone’s name in the drawing and my sister, Suzanne won. She generously and kindly turned to Josh and handed him the book. Josh later admitted that he knew he was going to be the winner, but when his name wasn’t drawn, he was like, oh well. But then when my sister handed him the book, his intuition of being the winner was realized! (I love how those things happen, and watching kindness in action.)

You can't really tell that Casey won the best dressed contest because he took off some of his decorations (a white jacket and white tie and another Christmas scarf wrapped around his neck), but can you see the Christmas lights in his beard?

from left to right: Rita (the baby in the story), me (Lynn), Casey, Jessica

Sioux had given Linda and me a Christmas card with a poem she created replacing the words to "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" with "Oh Come All Ye Writers." Sioux is one of the most hilarious people I know. The three of us belted out the song to Sioux's words. And let me tell you, we can't sing like Gloria Gaynor. The notes and chords that left our lips were funnier than Sioux's words to the song.

Seven more books were sold! Thank you! And the proceeds of the sales will go to a local shelter for abused women. If anyone knows of one, suggestions are welcome. I have a few (as in two) more books for sale and if you're interested, contact me at lober13(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll donate that money as well. I spied some copies at STL Books in Kirkwood, MO so you can always purchase a copy there... if you're local to the area.

Here's what you would have received as a gift for attending...

Handmade ornament with "We Will Survive... 2013" printed inside along with some glittery stuff

But because the holidays made it hard for those to attend, if you again email me that you've purchased a book, I will send you an ornament... while they last.

From the top and the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your loving support and kindness.

And know that we all will survive… somehow.

left to right: Lynn Obermoeller and Linda O'Connell

Christmas Meets Disco and Chicken Soup and Crafts

Dear Friends and Family,

First let me say that the book signing with Cathi LaMarche, Alice Muschany, Linda O'Connell and myself (we four St. Louis writers) who are honored to be in Gloria Gaynor's new release, We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration and the Power of Song was a complete success. Thank you everyone!!! We sold out the store's copies in the first hour and had to run to our cars and grab our own personal stash. A good signing I'm told is selling 7-10 copies. We sold 32! Plus the four I was going to pick up for a friend, that makes 36! You can also check us out in St. Louis Today (Post-Dispatch).

I was completely overwhelmed and at one point forgot how to write my name. After the event, I received an email from a grade school friend, Eddie who said, "Lynn, you looked so happy." I felt more nervous than happy, but after I thought about it, I was happy. So many friends and relatives came to support me, it made my heart sing... which is why my head can't stop singing, "I Will Survive"- it's been playing non-stop since.

Here's a few pictures from the event:

Cathi LaMarche, Linda O'Connell, Lynn Obermoeller, Alice Muschany

 Kim Coleman (an amazing survivor herself), Lynn Obermoeller

Here we are again with Donna Volkenannt in the background

I know some of you wanted to attend and had other commitments, so here's another chance only this will be a little different, hence the title of the blog post Christmas Meets Disco. On Monday, December 23 at 7:00 PM head on over to The Gelateria where Linda and I will read our stories and you can also get your signed copies of We Will Survive or bring in your copy to have it signed. And not only that, we're giving away a copy for the best dressed Christmas Meets Disco outfit. Add to the fun, you'll receive a free ornament especially designed by yours truly if you come to the event. The Gelateria has food and drink so come straight from work and relax, treat yourself and have a good time. I heard there will be chocolate too. But remember, if the weather is bad we'll be cancelling, so check back here for updates.


I'm in a critique group with four lovely ladies--Linda O'Connell, Sioux Roslawski, Tammy Goodsell and Beth Wood. They, along with some other local writers, will be signing books from various (new) Chicken Soup titles this Saturday, December 14 at Main Street Books in St. Charles. From 11-1 you can see Cathi LaMarche and Nina Miller. From 1-3 you'll spot Linda O'Connell, Tammy Goodsell and Theresa Sanders. From 3-5 get a look at Sioux Roslawski and Beth Wood. Bring a canned good and you will get a discount on your purchase. A win-win, you're helping feed someone in need and saving a few bucks.

And if you're still itching for some unique holiday gifts to buy, you can also head over to the St. Charles Community College where my daughter will be displaying her hand-made goodies. Lots of other crafters too. That's from 9-4. Make a day of it, that's what I plan to do. And if you can't make the craft fair, but still want some home-made goodies, check out Rita's egabragcrafts.com!

Christmas Meets Disco

The Gelateria

3197 S. Grand

St. Louis, MO

Monday, December 23

7:00 PM

Chicken Soup

Main Street Books

307 South Main

St. Charles, MO

Saturday, December 14

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Handmade Marketplace Craft Fair

St.Charles Community College Gymnasium

4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr.

Cottleville, MO 63376

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM