Thesaurus Drawing/Words - EXISTENCE

When my friend was moving, we hauled a tub full of books into the van before my husband could notice. Most of the books, I ended up giving to Goodwill. I took out the Thesaurus just because it was old and I liked it. 

I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it. Then this sketching/journaling Ring in Spring happened and although there’s an endless supply of things to draw, I have to have some sort of focus or I end up looking/daydreaming at every single thing… and can’t decide. I walked past this Thesaurus and thought, that’s what I’ll do. I’ll take a page a day, glue it in my journal and then draw and write something about that word. I’ll feed both writing and drawing. How genius.

However, when I started looking at the book, I couldn’t tear out the pages, so I’ll be taking a picture of them. The book’s seventh printing was September 1951. Previous editions started in 1911. I just couldn’t ruin it.

I’ll start from the beginning, which isn’t necessarily in alphabetically order the way this book is designed, and I will pick out a word from all the definitions to draw because hey, how can you draw this word….

Existence

although maybe I should try…

My existence is sometimes a bit sketchy.


 food for thought:  “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” —Huxley

This is No April Fool

If you’ve read my previous post, Ring in Spring, you’ll note that I was inspired. I’m going to do my best to “make a mark” in a journal that I’ll share each day… tall order, but sometimes it works best for me if I hold myself accountable to someone besides myself. You're it.

And this is no April Fool people.

I drew this yesterday while sitting in the car waiting. It's my hand in a fist :-)
And no, I don't have four fingers. You can't see my pinky in the drawing because
I couldn't see it when I was drawing it.

I also drew this yesterday while sitting in the car waiting.
I decided abstract is easier, as a beginner.
This by the way is my favorite word - it's a love song to God. You sing it.

Here is my "blind" attempt at a bagel. (You could look a few times.)
In the book I mention below, you're to blind draw a bagel.
I didn't have one, but this morning after my friend and I walked, 
I spotted one. I ate the bottom half and took the top half home to draw.

food for thought:  If you think you cannot draw, then you might want to pick up a copy of The Creative License by Danny Gregory. This book grabbed my attention at Ring in Spring, and naturally I had to go get a copy. My husband said, “Naturally. Big surprise there.” 

And I say, Hey, I can’t give up everything. I’ve already given up notebooks, paper and pens… errr, except the four I bought the other day knowing that I would need them for this workshop! But books? Not ready to give up those, yet.

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

The Next Big Thing

Tag! I'm it! Sioux from Sioux’s Page, tagged me. She answered these same questions on her blog. Because Sioux was so kind as to say that I inspired her to write her book in progress that she wrote during this year’s NaNoWriMo, well… I wanted to oblige her.

And like Sioux said, after you read my answers, hopefully Pat Wahler will accept being "it" and will post next Tuesday. I know Pat has also participated in NaNoWriMo more than once. Also as Sioux says, “Inquiring minds want to know...”

You’re tagged Pat: http://critteralley.blogspot.com/

And here are my answers:

What is your working title of your book? The Locked Heart. I haven’t changed the title since I wrote it last year as a NaNoWriMo project.

Where did the idea come from for the book? Originally it was to be the thread in a previous book that I had written which was an accumulation of one-sided letters written to an aunt in a nursing home (who was unable to write back)… but I needed something to tie all the letters together and thought this idea would do it. However, it turned out to be a story in itself.

What genre does your book fall under? I wanted it to fall under epistolary, guess that would be fictional epistolary, as that’s the structure of all five drafts of my books – in some form of letter writing/journal writing/diary type form. But about half way through the book, the story just took over – so the first half is in journal form while the second half is in regular (?) form. Now I have to decide which way I’m going to go…

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Ellen DeGeneres comes to mind to play one particular character. I’d love for Viggo Mortensen (that one is for you, Sioux) to play a role, and gee, I have no idea about the main character. Any thoughts WWWPs?

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? A niece and aunt resolve their estranged relationship over preconceived issues and the magic of a locket opens the door to truth neither wanted to accept.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? I’ll consider either when that time comes… who knows what the publishing world will be like then. But if there’s an agent out there interested, bring it on.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? Less than 30 days. Like I said before, it was a NaNoWriMo project that I wrote in 2011. I’m still working on it – that’s the hard part: rewriting, revision, rewriting, editing, rewriting. Did I mention rewriting?

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? I have no idea. I’m pretty sure I’ve read every epistolary type book that is out there and I haven’t read anything like this.

Who or what inspired you to write this book? I’ve been inspired by so many people. One leads to the other that leads to the other… over the years I’ve been blessed by so many writer and non-writer friends/family that have been supportive. You all know who you are… and a huge thank you to all of you.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? I think there are a lot of different layers of universal themes running throughout… or that’s my hope anyway. Love, intimacy/non-intimacy, prejudices, misunderstandings, misconceptions. People are most important regardless of their beliefs concerning anything. It’s all about the love, no matter what kind of love.

Exciting News about Creative Peeps and Me

Dear Mom,

I have so many things to share with you, I don’t know where to start. I’m preparing to leave for a trip to Minnesota for a spiritual seminar and to visit my niece and her partner. I’m so excited.

Now for my other exciting news to share.

• Storm Country: A Tribute to Joplin anthology will be out pretty soon. This is the book that published my story “Geoffrey” and I’m pretty sure you remember how worried I was about Geoffrey when that tornado hit. I pre-ordered 50 copies with the hopes that my family and friends will want to support this awesome project. All proceeds go to the Joplin School District libraries to replace books that were lost due to the devastating tornado that hit Joplin last May. The book is $10. I plan to do some book signings with some other authors (Linda O'Connell, Pat Wahler and Donna Volkennant), so stay tuned.

• My daughter Rita is going to be in a craft show on Saturday, October 22nd from 10am-4pm. I’m a little bummed because I won’t be able to make it as I’ll be out of town. However, I get to see all the cute, snazzy things she creates. I hope it’s a success. Her and her two friends have been working hard. They’re calling their table: Toe Jam. You can also check out Rita's blog that shows some of her crafts.

Home Schooler Craft Fair
West County Assembly of God
13431 N. Outer 40 Road
Chesterfield, MO 63017


• My friend Sioux’s story has been accepted in Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Magic of Mothers & Daughters. I can’t wait to read her story.

• My friend Mark (an old grade school friend) wrote a movie called “The Christmas Pageant” starring Melissa Gilbert and Edward Hermann. It airs on the Hallmark Channel on Sunday, December 11, 8:00 pm. Eastern and 7:00 pm Central. I’m really excited for Mark and can’t wait to get cozy on the couch and watch it. He told me one of the character’s names is Vera! Your name! He needed something old fashioned and liked your name. How about that?

• Another friend, Dianna has launched her new business, 2 Rivers Communications & Design. I just love it when people follow their calling and go for it! I have no doubt Dianna will be a huge success.

• I also won two books via other blogs. The first one (and it was the first time I ever won anything on a blog) was from Donna Volkenannt. I received Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors. The book was donated by Alice Muschany. She had written a piece that's in the book, and well that put a lump in my throat and caused crocodile tears to run down my cheeks. The second book I won came from the Missouri Writers Guild Conference blog—they’ve been interviewing key authors that will be part of the conference coming up in April. I’ll be anxious to read Best Staged Plans by Claire Cook. So a big thank you to Donna and MWG!

I feel like I am so lucky to be surrounded by such talented, creative people and these are just a few of the many creative peeps I know. These are things that have just recently happened. I'm sure I've missed something. I will have to write you again with more.

I’ll be gone for a while, but know I love you always!

I'm Perplexed

Dear Mom,

I’m perplexed. I can cook a French gourmet dinner for two, or prepare enough food for one hundred people for a surprise party for my husband without him knowing. I can transform a mud pile into a gardener’s delight, or sew a prom dress with the complexity of a bride’s gown in less than two weeks. I can move out of a home in one afternoon (okay, with some help) without the (now ex) husband having a clue. I can provide day care for 5 four year olds and 4 under the age of two in diapers, along with my three children without losing my mind, errr… okay, well, maybe I was a bit nuts by the end of the day and made a mental note—never do that again. I can change the oil in my car or I can unstop a toilet—the list is endless. But when it comes to making a DVD play on the TV, I’m lost.

Logically thinking, hitting “play” on the remote would work. Notta. After an hour and a half of hitting every button on all four remotes—yes, four remotes, nothing. Zip. I even hit the play button on the DVD player. Nothing worked. I gave up. I wanted to toss it all out of the window, but instead I grabbed a book, curled up in bed and read. God forbid if I ever have to use a Kindle.

So what’s the deal? Why can’t I hit play to watch a movie? Tell me mom, what is the lesson for me to learn?

Reading, Dreams, and Poetry

Dear Mom,

I don’t remember you ever reading, but you did crossword puzzles. To me, that’s harder.

Last night before I went to sleep I finished Meet Me: Writers in St. Louis by Catherine Rankovic. Excellent book. I had no idea we’re so fortunate to have so many writers from St. Louis. My reading list just got longer.

I also listened to Sightlines by Janet Riehl. It touches your heart in so many ways, and what a beautiful tribute to her family.

Then I read a chapter from Stranger by the River by Paul Twitchell.

I knew when I went to sleep, traveling to other places, writing—particularly poetry—would surface. And sure enough as I entered back into semi-consciousness, here’s what I heard:

Pounding head!
I stay wrapped in the covers.
My bladder demands more attention—
slither out of bed,
drag my body,
feet shuffling like my Parkinson’s Dad,
back and hip hurt too,
shoulder has a kink,
eyes less than a slit.
This cleanse gives you energy?
Hurry up coffee maker!