Happy Journey, Geoffrey

Dear Friends & Family,

 

This was taken at the book launch in Joplin

Some of you may know Geoffrey, my dear friend. I wrote about his harrowing experience during the Joplin tornado, how worried I was in finding Geoff.

Yesterday, February 8, 2014, Geoffrey died due to complications from an auto accident.

The night before, I received dreams that didn’t straight out tell me this, but looking at them now, I see Spirit was giving me a warning to soften the blow.

I’ve never had a good friend move on to their next journey—leaving this physical life. It hurts. A lot. When I received the news, I took it well, until I ended the call. Then the tears flowed and continued off and on all day long.

Saturday evening, I had a Soul Art workshop to attend. My daughter, Jessica said, “Mom, we don’t have to go.” I told her, “Geoff would want me to go.” He’d want me to keep on keeping on. As that’s exactly how Geoffrey was—nothing stopped that man. He was still healing patients with his magical touch as a chiropractor. He attended classes and workshops to learn more about his profession as a healer and in his personal life, to better himself. All of this as he was approaching 90 years old. If I have half his energy at that age, I’ll feel blessed.

Not only did Geoff live life to the fullest, he gave love to everyone he met whether they knew it or not. He was always willing and able to help in anyway at any time.

I’m going to miss his New Zealand accent that filled me with words of wisdom, his hearty laugh that made me smile regardless of my mood, his sparkly eyes that lit up especially when he was up to something mischievous (my dad’s eyes sparkled the same way). I’ll miss his bear hugs that warmed my heart.

I’m so blessed to be Geoff’s friend, to have had him in my life. My heart aches missing him.

I have no doubt Geoff will be busier than ever on the next leg of his journey, spilling love wherever he goes. 

Happy Journey, Geoffrey! I love you.

Need a Little Excitement?

Dear Mom,

You weren’t around when your sister, Rose was diagnosed with ALS. However, it was incorrectly diagnosed… which was both good and not-so-good. Good in that she lived a lot longer not having ALS, but not-so-good in that she was diagnosed with a much more rare disease that basically left her immobile before she passed. Her mind was sharp, and she had a phenomenally great attitude right to the end. Her daughter, Sharon got involved with ALS and although retired now, she told me about an event involving one of St. Louis’ own – Elaine Viets and ALS.

I was fortunate to meet Elaine at the MWG Conference. Now that I think about it, I’m also in an anthology with her… Storm Country. Not that she has any idea who I am, but... With all of these connections in one way or the other, how could I not attend this event?

            May 10, 2013

            5:30-7:00 p.m.

            J.C. Penney Conference Center

            UMSL, Room 92

            One University Drive

            St. Louis, MO  63121

To reserve a seat and your book, contact:

The ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter, 314-432-7257 or

Dianna Wunning, 314-725-4832, wunning(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

For every copy of “Board Stiff” sold for $23.95 by the ALS Association, Elaine Viets will donate 40% of the cover price, $9.58! Is that generous or what?

Since I’m talking about events…

Here’s another event I plan to support. Lucky for me these events take place after I'm out of school! Whoo-hoo, what a way to celebrate.

“Listen to Your Mother” is a live, ninety-minute stage performance, which has roots in 24 cities across America. Now it’s time for St. Louis to shine. Thirteen cast members will read their stories about motherhood. My friend and critique group member, Linda O’Connell has been chosen. Another friend, Kim Lenhoff will also be performing.

May 11, 2013

Two shows only - $15 or 2/$25

10am

2pm

Emerson Auditorium at St. Luke’s Hospital Institute of Health Education

232 South Woods Mill Road – Chesterfield, MO 63017

http://www.listentoyourmothershow.com/stlouis/about/show-information/

50% of ticket proceeds will be donated to Connections to Success, helping break the cycle of poverty through resources, hope and a plan.

It’s a nice thing that so many people contribute in all kinds of ways to worthy organizations, all in the name of helping one another.

Weirdo Reader Appreciation

Dear Mom,

Claudia of Claudia’s Page was sweet enough to nominate me for this Reader Appreciation Award—this award is given to writers who have supported other writers’ blogs. And the guidelines for accepting the award:

1) Acknowledge the giver of the award and provide a link to his or her blog.

2) Copy and paste the award to your blog.

3) Pass the award on to up to ten bloggers.

4) Notify the selected bloggers of their nominations.

Not one to break the rules, I find myself breaking them for these awards. Ooops. First I’m going to tell you a little bit about Claudia’s blog—she has a variety of things she writes about, from reviews on books she has read, to trips she has taken, things she does with friends, to writing contests—a little bit of everything. Claudia was instrumental in the development of the anthology, Storm Country. It was her idea. Storm Country brought writers together to help the lives of those affected by the EF5 tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri. All proceeds from the book help the Joplin School District libraries. You can still purchase a copy of Storm Country. My story about my friend, Geoffrey (who survived the tornado) is in the book. I met Claudia at the first launching of Storm Country. Claudia’s poem is published in the book.

Next, I’m going to nominate one person. I’ve done several of these before and decided this way, whoever is reading this can focus on the one blog.

Drumroll….

Life’s a Stage by Estrella.

I met Estrella when I was doing A Month of Letters challenge, where you’d hand write a letter a day for a month. I offered to write anyone a letter if they sent me their info. Estrella contacted me and asked if I’d write a letter, not for her, but for someone else. She told me about this program she’s involved in--MoreLoveLetters. I was excited she found me and asked me to participate. Afterwards she asked if anyone was willing to participate in this with her on a quarterly basis, and I agreed. If you’d like to get involved, check out her post for the next love letter. The last letter I wrote for the bundle ended up being posted on the website of MoreLoveLetters. I was a little freaked out, but I feel rather honored now. Estrella also has a photography challenge. You’ll see she is highly creative in all sorts of things.

WEIRDO

After receiving the Reader Appreciation Award, I realized I hadn’t acknowledged receiving the Creative Chaos Award from Linda of Write from the Heart. Linda is a prolific writer, with her many publishing credits. I refer to her as Queen Chick because she’s published in a bazillion Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Our critique group, the WWWPs, are lucky to have her. Linda not only writes from the heart, she has a big heart—evident by all that she does for others.

I don’t exactly know the “guidelines” of this award except to tell three weird things about yourself. I’m breaking the rules again and will only tell one. I could write a book (hey, good idea) about the many weirdo things I’ve done.  So here it is…

I think I’m not wired all the way in one part of my brain. Even as a writer, words trip me up. Some years back, I had my first pedicure. Later, I was with my two sisters and said, “Hey, I got my first pedigree the other day.”

They gave me a weird look. “You got a dog?”

“What?” And I gave them a weird look back. “Uh, no. I got my toe nails painted.”

They rolled over laughing. “It’s a pedicure, Lynn. Not a pedigree.”

I shrugged. “Well, likely mistake since those dogs of mine were barking.”

This is just one of many words I’ve gotten mixed up. It’s not like I don’t know the different meaning of each word that I mix up. My brain just misfires and I blurt out the wrong word with no clue. I’m sure I’ve impressed a boat load of people with some fun, lively conversation and they walk away thinking, WEIRDO!

Rather than nominate, I’ll just put it out there that if you have a weirdo story to tell, share it on your blog… link it with mine. We’ll be weirdos together. Or maybe your story will fit Linda’s call out for a submission to Not Your Mother’s Story – check it out.

Many thanks to all of you…

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.

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!

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 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 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!

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.

Just for Joplin

Dear Mom,

Our granddaughter Logan (your step-great-granddaughter -- I think that's what Logan would be to you if you were alive) was out one day at the local grocery store to collect money for Joplin.

Isn't she a cutie? She made her own sign.

I thought this was a sweet picture of the little toddler putting money in the bucket.


Logan always said thank you and explained to people why she was collecting money. She was out there for an hour but it was a really hot day. I was told she collected around $85! I thought that was great and was amazed at the generosity of folks.

I've been working on an article for the Storm Country Anthology that I posted. I'm excited to do this because of, and for my friend, Geoffrey. I asked him if he'd write part of the piece in his own words and he's already sent it back to me. Now I have to do some more work before it's ready for submission.

Mom, I know not everyone can donate money, so I hope all the Midwest writers or those who have a storm story to tell (even if they're not writers), to turn something in--it goes to a good cause! Read the details for this anthology submission.

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!