Daily Dose of DeLyn

Recipes on the Windowsill Part III

2010-11-14T09:07:00.002-06:00

Sweet Milk Biscuits

2 c. flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 baking soda
5 tbsp shortening
1 c. buttermilk

...and something only referred to as "PIE."

PIE

2 c. milk
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. flour
2 eggs
vanilla
butter
3 tbsp cocoa

Boil milk. Combine other ingredients and stir in. Add butter and vanilla. Then the recipe ends. I'm guessing you pour it all in a pie crust and let it cool?? This recipe is so old and mysterious, I just HAVE to try it!

Is your plot too contrived or coincidental?

2010-03-17T16:16:00.003-05:00

In the quest to write something that is marketable, it's all too easy to slip into bad habits. Using plots that are too contrived, meaning they aren't natural, will no doubt blow up in your face later down the road. You might think that if it worked for others, then it's sure to work for you, but that isn't necessarily the case. If one person breaks onto the scene with a plot that is farfetched and manages to sell it to a major publishing house, it doesn't mean that others can put their spin on it and achieve the same grandeur. In the world of publishing, what works for one person won't necessarily work for another. Editors are finnicky. Send them something that's too contrived and they may think you're insulting their intelligence. And you have to think about your readers, too. You have to give them more credit than that. Readers and editors these days are looking for real plots. It's fiction, but the situations could really happen. They want extensive research. They want your characters and plot to be believable.

The problem that a lot of writers run into is that they want their characters to go from Point A to Point B. Now the quickest way from Point A to Point B is a straight line, but what if that doesn't work with your story? All too often, writers will jerk the plot around in an effort to achieve what they want to achieve in the way they want to achieve without regard for what happens naturally.

The thing you have to remeber is that when something happens, there is always a reaction. Sometimes there is only one specific reaction, and sometimes there are several. Humans are notoriously predictable. If you write a scene in which the characters react in a way that is not natural for the sake of your plot, readers and editors are gonna know it. They're going to say, "He wouldn't do that." Or, "She would never say that." Or "That would never happen."

How many times have you found yourself thinking those exact words while reading a book or watching a movie?

You may justify it because you feel like it's the only way to get from A to B without destroying the carefully-laid plan for your characters.

Here's my challenge for you: next time you want to take the easy way out so you can get from A to B without breaking any of the plot bricks you've carefully laid DON'T! Go for what is natural and see what happens. This is a lot easier for pantsers than plotters like me. I know.

Think about this:

A plot that is too contrived requires a certain amount of coincidences to make it happen. Coincidences lead to weakness in the plot because both are blended with an abundance of willing suspension of disbelief.

This ain't bad in small doses. As with alcohol, it should be in moderation.

So you've gotten your plot laid out just the way you want it. There are a few coincidences in there and at times is seems a bit contrived, but you managed to get the characters from A to B. That's all that matters, right? WRONG!

True, you made the journey. You got them there, but the plot is now weakened and worse for the wear.

I urge you to take the road less traveled and forego the easy way. Take your time. Do the research. Make it real. Make your characters real. If you do, it will be no coincidence when I see your novel on bookstore shelves!

Winner of the 2009 NaNoWriMo Writing Challenge!

2009-11-28T23:05:00.002-06:00

I can't believe I just won the National Novel Writing Month writing challenge. 50,000 words in 30 days!!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

2009-10-15T18:09:00.004-05:00

....no, I'm not talking about Christmas! Get those carrols out of your head. I'm referring to NaNoWriMo!!!!!!! 50,000 words in 30 days!!!!!!!

Romance Junkies Writing Contest Finalist!

2009-10-09T15:24:00.003-05:00

My novel "The Yard Sale" is in 1st place in Round 2 of the Romance Junkies First and Favorite writing contest! I need your help to keep it there by voting for me on the Romance Junkies blog. You don't have to sign up to vote. You can only vote once per computer, so vote on every computer you can find and spread the word. Here's the link:

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/?page_id=461

Thanks Everybody!

DeLyn

Recipes in the Windowsill Part II

2009-05-23T14:37:00.002-05:00

Sloppy Joes

1 pound ground meat
1 pkg onion soup mix
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp mustard
water

Brown meat, drain. Add all other ingredients.

* This is not a typical sloppy joe, like the sauce you buy in the store. It takes more like a loose meat sandwich to me. But it had zip from the ketchup and mustard. It sounds weird, but it's actually quite tasty. *

Wildlife Rescue!

2009-05-19T19:44:00.019-05:00

I put all of this on Facebook, but I want to show my students at school. So here it is again...

My Work-in-Progress

2009-05-16T19:44:00.008-05:00

Love Finds You in Wynot, Nebraska!

The Cop and the Caterer

******************************************
“A cop on the trail of an outlaw. A caterer caught in a recipe for distaster. Can they find love on a dangerous scavenger hunt for a wanted man? Why not!”

******************************************

This is the blurb for my WIP. I'm hoping to sell this story to Summerside Press for their series titled: Love Finds You in (fill in the town name and state).

Meet-n-Greet with Published Authors!

2009-05-14T19:47:00.006-05:00

with Jillian (aka Juliet) Burns at the Barnes and Nobles bookstore in Hurst, Texas. She write for Harlequin Blaze.

Jillian was such a sweetie and so approachable. She talked to my children, and she gave me her card so that I can email. I'm still working up the nerve for that. What do I say? What do I show her?

And here I am with Cindy Dees. She writes romantic suspense for Silhouette. I like her! She's a talker. Quiet people make me nervous...even though I am generally a quiet person.

She told me a story about how a man emailed her to complain that his wife didn't make dinner that night because she was reading her book. How did retaliate? She sent the wife an advanced reading copy of her next book and tucked a pizza coupon inside! Hahaha! You gotta love her creativity.

At the signing, I also saw Celya Bowers, Jax Cassidy, and Candace Havens. I didn't get pictures, because I didn't buy their books. When they sign in big groups like that, I can't afford to buy all the books. I will give them a little promotion, though.

www.julietburns.com
www.cindydees.com
www.celyabowers.net
www.jaxcassidy.com
www.candacehavens.com

I spend so much time writing romance that it's nice to be able to meet other writers, buy a book, and be the reader/fan for a change.

Oh, who am I kidding!?!

I'm really hoping that some of their genius will rub off on me! Hahaha!

Stay tuned...

Writing Contest Chart

2009-05-04T19:01:00.002-05:00

In a quest to locate legitamate writing contests, I stumbled upon Stephie Smith's Contest Chart for Writers. It's current, and is set up in a wonderful spreadsheet. Check it out:

http://www.stephiesmith.com/contests.html

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...Toby Keith!!

2009-03-23T19:59:00.008-05:00

...or is it? You decide. As I was re-entering the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas on Thursday, I stopped in my tracks. Passing by with two little girls was Toby Keith! I stopped and stared. Then I shared the news with my friends. Amber (my friend) managed to get a couple of shots inside the zoo, paparazzi-style. Check them out and tell me whether you think it's the real deal or a look-alike.

The real Toby Keith is in the white hat. The other two pics (with the straw hat) are of the man we saw at the zoo. Tell me: look-alike or real deal?

Heart on my Sleeve

2009-03-17T13:40:00.002-05:00

I've been blinking at a blank page for days now, so I decided to do something creative to get the juices flowing. I have created a totally original accessory. Please, please, please check it out on my new blog:

http://www.blinkingatablankpage.blogspot.com

Thank You!

Jayna

The Easiest (and most delicious) Meatloaf Recipe Ever!

2009-03-14T13:01:00.003-05:00

There are hundreds of meatloaf recipes on the web, claiming to be "simple" and "easy" but they really aren't. Well...I FOUND ONE THAT REALLY IS!!! And it tastes DELICIOUS, too. Even my husband and kids approved.

Here it is:

Meatloaf Muffins
(posted by www.simpledailyrecipes.com)

http://simpledailyrecipes.com/quick-and-easy-meatloaf-muffins/
This is the link, if you want to see pictures and all that.

Ingredients:
1-2 lbs ground beef (I used 1 and it made 12 muffins)
12-14 crushed crackers (I used my electric chopper thingy to make them like powder)
1 pkg Lipton onion soup mix (I just used a little onion powder and a little garlic powder)
1 egg per pound of meat
1/2 cup water per pound of meat
1/3 cup ketchup

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Add all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir it up with a spoon. NO MESSY HANDS FOR THIS RECIPE! Spray muffin cups. (No liners) Spoon meat mixture into cups evenly. Top with a little ketchup. Cook for 30-40 mins. YEAH, HALF THE COOKING TIME! While it's cooking, whip up some creamed potatoes and a vegetable or salad. Set the table. My muffins were ready by the time the potatoes were, so it all came together beautifully. Enjoy.

My Cousin, the Artist!

2009-03-11T18:07:00.004-05:00

This is my talented - AND BEAUTIFUL - cousin, Rachel. Here she posing with her prize-winning art piece. It's the one on the bottom right , the bonfire.

Poor Man's Supper

2009-03-02T18:39:00.002-06:00

I found a great Depression Era recipe online. Thought I would share it.

Poor Man's Supper

potatoes (1 medium per person), peeled and cubed
hot dog weiners (1 per child and 2 per adult), sliced thin
1/4 - 1/2 onion, depending on size
salsa
water
butter
oil

Peel and cube potatoes. Make the cubed very small. Put in a skillet with some oil and butter. Cook on medium heat until tender. Add several tbsp salsa and the hot dogs weiners. You will also need to add about 1/4 - 1/2 cup water to distribute the salsa. Cook only a couple of minutes to heat the weiners. Serve.

This recipe sounds bland, and I thought it would need ketchup. But it is actually quite tasty without ketchup. You may want to add a little salt and pepper to taste. But the salsa does most of the work.

Hillbilly Housewife

2009-03-01T19:17:00.003-06:00

In my ongoing journey to get the most bang for my buck at the grocery store, I stumbled upon a fantastic website called The Hillbilly Housewife.

www.hillbillyhousewife.com

On that site, she has an emergency $45/week menu. Here's the menu:

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/40dollarmenu.htm

The problem is that most items are made from scratch. And there are a lot of things that my kids don't eat. Soooo....

I've created a similar menu, that uses pre-packaged items.

Monday:
breakfast - Pancakes; juice or milk
lunch - Soup & sandwich; tea
dinner - pinto beans & rice; tea

Tuesday:
breakfast - Toast & oatmeal; juice or milk
lunch - Sandwich; macaroni & cheese; baby carrots w/ ranch dressing; tea
dinner - Bean & cheese burritos; tea

Wednesday:
breakfast - Eggs & toast; juice or milk
lunch - Tuna fish or chicken salad sandwich; chips; tea
dinner - Spaghetti; tea

Thursday:
breakfast - Biscuits; jelly or honey; butter; juice or milk
lunch - Soup & sandwich; tea
dinner - 10 can soup; tea

Friday:
breakfast - Cereal; juice or milk
lunch - Hot dogs or chili dogs; tea
dinner - Spam casserole

Saturday:
breakfast - Pancakes or muffins; juice or milk
lunch - Ramen noodles or macaroni and cheese; tea
dinner - BBQ weenies; whatever side is in the pantry; tea

Sunday:
breakfast - Eggs & bacon or sausage; juice or milk
lunch - Nachos; tea
dinner - Sloppy Joes; French fries; tea

All snacks are fresh fruit or fruit cups!

Please note that this menu reflects 3 cooked meals per day. In my household, the kids have cereal Monday-Friday, and my husband and I skip breakfast. I pack a lunch for my daughter, and I eat in the cafeteria at school because it's cheap. This kind of menu is best for the summer months, when I'm off, and holiday vacations. I'm a teacher.

If you prefer, just make a breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack menu and leave off the days. Then go through and cross off as you use each block. Then start over.

There is also an everyday $70/week menu on the Hillbilly Housewife site:

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/70dollarmenu.htm

This menu features more meat and a bigger variety.

AND...there is a section on school lunch box food with some neat ideas:

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/lunchboxfood2.htm

My daughter wants PB&J every single day, pickles spears, chips, fruit snack, pudding or yogurt, fruit to go with it - a combination of these. And a juice box for a drink. We don't qualify for free or reduced lunches, so this is less expensive than purchasing a lunch every day. She eats cereal or muffins for breakfast at home. That saves money, too.

Hope you enjoyed this post and be sure to visit the Hillbilly Housewife site.

The Grocery Game...Kind Of.

2009-02-22T15:10:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, I embarked on a mission to find the perfect way to save money at the grocery store. How did this all start? Well, over the past month, our grocery store ran a promotion. They gave you a % off coupon depending on how much you spent at the store. If you spent between X amount and X amount, you got a 10% off. Yada yada. Well, we spent a little over $500 for our little family and received the big 20% off coupon!!!!

Okay, great that we got the coupon, but I was astounded at how much we spent at the grocery store. I've never done a tally, so I had no idea how much we were spending. $500 for a family of 4 is waaa-aaay too much! -especially considering that the Duggars, with their 18 children, spend only $2,000 a month on food.

So...

I searched the web trying to find a site that had frugal menus with shopping lists. I was led to a site called The Grocery Game. It costs a $5/month fee, but the system sounds awesome. I researched to see how it works. Here's what I found out:

1) You choose which stores you shop at, and each week they list the specials for those stores. This saves you the job of having to gather store fliers and compare yourself. If a special requires a coupon, you can print from the site or they'll tell you where to get it. They even tell what day of the week to go to the store and how to get some stuff for free with rebates.

2) From the list, you select what you want to buy, and they'll make a list that you can print and take to town with you.

Sound good?

Well, I found the same thing at www.mygrocerydeals.com for FREE! I registered there, selected my stores, and immediately all the store specials appeared. I clicked on the products that I wanted, and I created a list for me. What was neat about this list is that keeps a running total for you and let's you know how much you saved. Then you can print the list or email it to yourself and/or others.

I'm not ready to go to the store yet, but I went ahead and made my list to see what it would be.

My running total is $102.62
My total savings are $59.15

That's over 50% savings!!!

My list included pasta sides, fruit, meat, vegetables, cereal, juice, snacks, fixings for school lunches, bread, pickles, biscuits, pizza, and can pizza dough. Enough food for the month, though I will have to make a few trips for milk and eggs and stuff like that.

My advice is go check out the website and sign up. It's FREE! I believe I'm going to cut my grocery bill in half or more by using this program of eating only what's on special. It's the grocery game, only free.

Happy Eating!

Bestselling Author, John Foxjohn, comes to town!

2009-02-16T19:49:00.003-06:00

Bestselling Crime Thriller Author, John Foxjohn, spoke at my writer's club meeting on Friday. Here's some pics from the event.

The Lemonade Award

2009-01-28T20:01:00.004-06:00

It SWEET to know that someone reads my blog...and LIKES it! My friend, Delia Latham, nominated DAILY DOSE OF DELYN for The Lemonade Award.

I'm puckered up with joy. Thank you, Delia!

Delia is a Christian writer, mother, and grandmother. She's just crazy enough to drive halfway across the country to meet me...hehehe! Be sure to visit her blog, THE MELODY WITHIN at this address:

http://www.themelodywithin.blogspot.com

Here's how the "When Life Gives You Lemons, make Lemonade" Award (The Lemonade Award) works:

1) Link back to the person you received the award from.

2) Nominate 10 bloggers who are deserving of this award!

Here are 10 blogs that I follow that I feel are more refreshing than a glass of lemonade on a hot day. In no particular order:

1. Wanna Be Published - http://wannabepublished.blogspot.com/

2. Romance Bandits - http://romancebandits.blogspot.com/

3. The Lily Notepad - http://thelilynotepad.blogspot.com/

4. Writing Fiction Right from Novelist, Gail Gaymer Martin - http://writingright-martin.blogspot.com/

5. Yankeedrawl - http://yankeedrawl.blogspot.com/

6. The Writings of kassy Paris - http://kassyparis.blogspot.com/

7. Jules Bennett Blog - http://www.julesbennetttalks.blogspot.com/

8. The Write Calling - http://thewritecalling.blogspot.com/

9. Plot Whisperer - http://plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/

10. Anne Carrole - http://annecarrole.blogspot.com

When life hands you a lemon...write a story about it!

~DeLyn~

43 Things Test

2009-01-23T10:23:00.001-06:00

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a

Romantic Self-Knowing Self-Improver

Things I want to do before I die...

2009-01-19T14:28:00.005-06:00

Resolutions just don't work for me. I make them, but I rarely follow through. One thing I like to do is think about all the things I want to do before I die. These include things I want to learn and places I want to visit, along with experiences I want to have. Here's some of the things on my list in random order:

1) learn to speak Spanish

2) Have a close encounter with a whale, my favorite animal

3) Learn to ballroom dance like "Dancing With the Stars"

4) Live in another country - England or Canada would be nice

5) Travel by boat - can you say extended cruise?

6) Travel cross country in an RV and write a book in each state - no hurry getting back home

7) Meet all my favorite authors and get autographs and pictures

8) Find that "perfect" beach - this could take some time

9) Swim with dolphins

10) learn to paint, enhance my skills

11) learn to sew - this is a BIGGIE, a real lost art

12) be a contestant on a TV game show

13) start my own business, trash to treasure type shop or bookstore

14) see a waterfall

15) build my dream home

16) get my body back into pre-baby shape

17) become a best-selling author and win awards for my work

HGTV Dream Home 2009

2009-01-16T18:49:00.001-06:00

Rejection Never Felt So Good...

2009-01-13T17:32:00.002-06:00

I'm happy to report that I received a rejection letter from The Wild Rose Press today for partial manuscript, The Choir Girl.

Here's the many reasons why I'm actually happy about this:

1) I told my critique partner, Kassy, about a week ago that I hoped TWRP rejected this manuscript because after re-reading it before sending it in, I felt that the writing was horrible. I think I described it as, "thirty-two thousand words of crap." Anyway, I didn't think that I would actually get that far when I submitted the query. The fact that an editor of a BIG NY publisher asked to see my manuscript was amazing.

2) I'm also happy that the editor sent me a genuine rejection, rather than a form letter. That's another first. In this rejection letter, she went into detail about what was wrong with my manuscript. Let's break it down:

3) There's too much narration that focuses on the past, rather than the current story. TRUE. When I murdered this novel a few months back, I mentioned that the entire story was based on something that happened in the past, how they were currently dealing with the past, and how the past will effect their future. PAST x 3 = YUCK. You can't create a story with past in the past, past in the present, and past in the future. It just doesn't work. Too much drama.

4) The dreaded POV shifts - head hopping - run rampant. I try really hard. I really do. But POV kicks my ass! I'm writing this beautiful scene with so much emotion, and I can only show you one side. Who's side do I show? And if I don't let the readers see some movement or facial expression on the other person, then it comes across as though they have no emotion. Both characters have to be involved in the action and emotion, but only one can have thoughts. I've been working with Kassy on POV for years. I don't know if I'll ever get it.

5) Christian fidgets too much. I'm going to have to go back and re-read the scene she mentioned, but I think I know what she meant. This is most likely one of those unintentional things. This is why it's good to let many people read your work before submitting because a scene can read one way to one person and another way to another person. I had to re-write chapter one because a member of my critique group said he disliked Ima because she snooty and self-absorbed. This is totally not the impression I wanted to give my selfless, church social director.

6) The progression of the romance needs work. This is most likely because the manuscript is not finished. Several chapters needed to be added in the middle to show this progression.

All in all, I think this was a very well-written rejection from an editor who cares about unpublished writers. How are we supposed to know what we're doing wrong if no one tells us? Thank God for TWRP!

Now I can lay this novel to rest. I murdered it. I resurrected it. But after receiving such a rejection, I feel that I don't have the passion for the characters that I once had. They aren't talking to me anymore, so anything further that I wrote about them would be strictly my words. I don't like my words. I like to let the characters do the talking.

Farewell, Christian Hogg.
Farewell, Ima Rayburn.

On to new projects. There are new characters in my head that need to have their stories told.

Celebrity Look Alike

2009-01-09T17:25:00.007-06:00

Jennifer Tilly

Romi Dames

I've been watching episodes of Disney's Hannah Montana with my daughters. Actually, they watch and I'm held captive. There's a character on there sometimes named Tracy Van Horn, a celebrity friend of Hannah's. Every time I see her, I think it's Jennifer Tilly. But Jennifer Tilly's been around for so long that I figured she would be much too old to play a celebrity friend of a fifteen year old girl. Finally, my curiosity prevailed and I looked it up. Jennifer Tilly is 50, making her look FABULOUS for her age and does not play Tracy Van Horn on Hannah Montana. The character is actually played by Romi Dames, a Japanese actress. I was guessing that if it wasn't Jennifer Tilly, then it was her daughter...but no relation. I guess I'm wrong and they're just celebrity look alikes.

What do you think? Do they look alike?

Not Gonna Happen!

2009-01-09T17:24:00.002-06:00

Scratch my weight loss resolution. I can tell you now...it ain't gonna happen!

My New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-03T18:59:00.002-06:00

1. Publish a romance novel through a publisher with shelf space.

2. Secure an agent.

3. Lose weight & get in shape.

#1 is in the works. I have 2 romances under consideration, though this publisher doesn't have shelf space. They are a legitimate NY publisher that has an RWA presence and a lot of well-known authors publish with them. So it's definately a step in the right direction.

#2 is a far cry. If you're an agent reading this blog I NEED YOU!

#3 is a work in progress. This time, I've decided to lose weight while doing something that enjoy. I do NOT enjoy starving. I LOVE walking. I'm going to walk 1 mile per day. So far, I'm on track: 3 miles in 3 days. Whoo-hoo!

Starting weight: 140 pounds, size 10-12
Goal weight: 120 pounds, size 2-4

I'll be keeping track of my progress on my sidebar, so the whole world can hold me accountable.

Jayna

Cowboy Wisdom

2008-12-28T18:40:00.001-06:00

My new story has a cowboy hero. Thought you might enjoy this!

Disco Elves

2008-12-22T21:35:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T21:07:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Holiday Party

2008-12-13T13:20:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow I'm off to Lufkin for my family Christmas party. After that I'll be chatting at the Muse Conference Holiday Party on December 15th from 7-9 EST in Chat Lounge 1. It's located at www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com.

Save this date and add it to the other below.

Hmmm...I better make a sidebar.

Jayna

Looking for a New Home!

2008-12-07T21:47:00.003-06:00

I've been out-of-print for far too long. Today, I did something about that. I submitted a couple of queries to the Wild Rose Press. They allow multiple submissions for different lines. I sent a query for my previously-published contemporary romance, WATER, to their Champagne Rose line. Although I'm changing the title to LOVE ON THE ISLAND because....well...because. I also sent a query for THE CHOIR GIRL to their White Rose inspirational line. This novel has never been published, and it's not completely finished. So it's more like a proposal.

NaNo lit a fire under me or something, so wish me luck. I want to tour so bad I can hardly stand it!

Anyway, to get geared up for my (hopefully) new publishing home, I've decided to participate in some of their events.

SAVE THE DATE!

Please join me at www.wildrosepress.com on:

December 16th for the Wild Rose Press Chat at 9pm EST
December 22nd for a White Rose Chat at 7:30pm EST
December 30th for the Wild Rose Press at 9pm EST

See ya' online!

Jayna

Wedded Bliss

2008-12-06T10:54:00.005-06:00

Announcing the wedding of my sister, Julie, to her Navy Man, John Peterszxk.....something...he's of German heritage...I can't spell it or pronounce it...but I'm as happy about their marriage as I am confused as to spell and pronounce his last name. They're a couple of supermodels: my sister is 5' 10" and John is 6' 7". The altitude up there is happily ever after! May their love be as tall as the mountains. John is active in the Navy. Julie is a medical assistant. A while back, I asked for your prayers for my sister for her upcoming cutody battle. I'm happy to report that Julie did receive some visitation. This is the first step toward regaining custody of her son. I wish I could post more details, but I don't want to write anything that could be used against her in court. We don't need the evil ex telling the court that Julie's sister is trashing him online. So just know that my sister did NOTHING to deserve what happened to her. Her only mistake was moving to California, where they have a "Father's Rights Movement" and prefer to give custody of the children to their father's.

The other man in the picture below is John's brother.

The beautiful bride getting ready for her big day!

God Bless Ya'll!

Jayna

Another NaNo Winner!

2008-11-30T22:20:00.003-06:00

I am proud to announce that my six-year-old daughter completed the NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program today. We set her goal at 75 handwritten words, and she completed the task. Her story was called "The Girl Who Thought She Was a Dog," and featured a baby girl who learned things from her pet dog. I'm so proud of her!

This is where writing begins!

I Won!!!

2008-11-30T01:14:00.003-06:00

I set out on November 1st to write 50,000 words in 30 days, and I have arrived, on November 29th, victorious. Here's the winner's congratulatory speech by NaNo Director, Chris Baty:

"Through storm and sun, you traversed the noveling seas. Pitted against a merciless deadline and fighting hordes of distractions, you persevered. You launched yourself bravely into Week One, sailed through the churning waters of Week Two, skirted the mutinous shoals of Weeks Three and Four, and now have landed, victorious, in a place that few adventurers ever see.
We congratulate you on your hard work, salute your discipline and follow-through, and celebrate your imagination. You did something amazing this month, novelist. We couldn't be prouder."

Thank you, Chris Baty, and thank you to all my NaNo writing buddies who supported me along the way. I couldn't have achieved this momentous occasion without my family, who I neglected mercilessly. They trudged through mounds of clean laundry to find what something to wear (just be glad it's clean. Putting it away wasn't an option), were forced to wash dishes by hand because the dishwasher stayed full of dirty dishes that refused to wash themselves, and learned that eating isn't always for pleasure - sometimes it's for survival. Let's just say we had a "you find it, you eat it" policy this month..with the exception of Thanksgiving, of course. I'll be glad to return to the land of the living for the remainder of the Christmas holidays before making my New Year's Resolution to critique, edit, and re-write my NaNo novel until it reaches perfection. It's smooth sailing from here on out.

Love Always,

a very happy DeLyn

Chow Down Chow-Chow Dip

2008-11-25T18:49:00.003-06:00

* DISCLAIMER: Please do not think about the ingredients in this recipe. Just put it together and eat. Think of it as a science experiment with a heavenly result. Close your eyes, hold your nose....JUST TRY IT!!! You won't be sorry! *

Chow Down Chow-Chow Dip

1 (16oz) tub cottage cheese, small curd
1/2 cup hot chow chow
10 oz pimiento cheese spread (not regular pimient cheese)
2 tbsp mayo
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 small pkg dry onion dip mix

Mix ingredients together and serve with tortilla chips.

Just trust me on this one. Feel free to comment.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Simple Squash Casserole

2008-11-25T18:42:00.003-06:00

Here's a family recipe for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Simple Squash Casserole

2 c. cooked squash, mashed (about 4 squash)
3/4 stick butter
1 c. onion, chopped
1 1/2 c. cheddar cheese, grated
1 c. evaporated milk
2 c. cracker crumbs (one plastic wrapper = 2 cups)(I smash it in the pack, then open and pour)
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Boil cubed squash and onion until tender. Then mix all ingredients in baking dish at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. I always double the recipe. It's so good, one won't be enough.

Hold Me Accountable...

2008-11-24T16:25:00.001-06:00

The Time is Now...

2008-11-24T16:23:00.002-06:00

Seven...more...days..!!!

2008-11-23T10:42:00.005-06:00

There's only 7 more days until the end of NaNoWriMo. I'm 27K words in. 23 THOUSAND more words to go. I'm still hurting from my wreck. I wrote so much yesterday my eyes won't focus. Here's how I see the world today:And just in case you're curious, this next photo shows how I feel about the prospect that I may not win NaNo again this year:

Now back to work!

DeLyn

I'm a Wreck!

2008-11-22T15:45:00.013-06:00

I'm a wreck, and I'm not talking about whiplash from typing so fast I managed to write over 25,000words in just over 2 weeks. I'm talking about an actual wreck, involving my car and two others. It ocurred last night shortly after 6pm on Reel Road in Longview, Texas.

First of all, let me announce that my daughters are fine. So far, no complaints. I'm hurting quite a bit in my neck and back. I'm taking it easy to see if this is an actual injury or just whiplash. I know that wrecks can make you very sore all over. If I'm still hurting on Monday, I'll visit the doctor.

The wreck wasn't my fault, I was rear-ended. Actually, the car behind me was rear-ended and pushed into me. I hit my brakes because the girls were screaming, and I immediately turned to check on them, and...BAM! the car behind me bounced back into me. So my head slammed forward on the first hit and then to the side on the second. It was a very scary experience. Things flew everywhere (as I had just left my second home, WalMart). I still can't find my prescription that I just picked up at the pharmacy. Wrecks are inevitable. I'm just glad that we all walked away from this one.

Check out these pics above:

Jay

Publicity for my friend, Kassy Paris

2008-11-16T18:39:00.005-06:00

This article is from the Kilgore News Herald:

Look out broadway, you have met your match
CHITCHAT CORNER
LINDA K. BALLARD

Just a little off Broadway and buried in the Heart of East Texas, in a suburban community called Kilgore, you can find the strangest of things.

For instance, just last week approximately 300 gathered at St. Luke's United Methodist Church to be entertained by Reverends Ralph Rudy, Robert Besser and Darwood Galaway with their own version of Broadway hits.

Their attire included top hats, canes and suspenders and the show was presented for their annual Harvest Night. The trio received a standing ovation and it has been told that money was stuffed behind their suspenders during the performance… hmmm. (Perhaps it was the Rangerette kick added to the act that caused such a reaction.) And Nina Fern prepared food for the evening that was considered more of a feast than a meal.

"There's one thing for sure," said Mary Lamb. "Our pastor broke the mold of being the hillbilly of the community, now he is considered Broadway's Musical Man. He is definitely a coat of many colors and has enlivened the church tremendously," she said.

Not to be outdone, the First Pentecostal Church put on a two-day feast this week featuring all homemade goodies. (Rachel Ray you need their recipes.)

Enjoying their makings was Kilgoreite Kassy Paris. She informs us her second novel, "First I'm Nobody" will be released on December 19 and just in time for last minute gift buying. Kassy and former Kilgoreite Elaine Powell co-author the books and have anxiously waited the release date of their latest publication. The pair has been friends since high school and has kept in touch throughout the years. "

We have had many discussions over books we were reading over the years," said Kassy. "And we joked about being able to write as well. The joke became serious especially with the ease of cutting and pasting when computer technology took place. Our writing actually began when we wrote the Christmas play for church while we were still in school," she added. More information about the book can be found at http://thewildrosepress.com.

Also seen enjoying chicken and dumplings was Charlie Whiteside. He reminds everyone to come to The Willows at 3 p.m. Sunday to enjoy a community wide singing provided by David Jones from the East Texas University of Marshall with James Holder at the piano. He promises it to be good and we all know what type of performance we will hear from the pianist.

Dr. Kenneth Morrison from Lansing, Michigan and his sister Barbara Howard from Cape Cod, Massachusetts came all the way to Kilgore to reminisce and to see their grandparents home. Unfortunately, the Ana-lab office is now located on the old home site. They are the grandchildren of George and Lola Morrison. "They didn't seem too disappointed," said Charlie Whiteside. "They joined my wife, Jo Ann, and me for lunch and we had a wonderful visit. They remembered playing along the little creek bed that runs behind the office and seemed to enjoy their time spent in Kilgore.

A barrel of information, Charlie also tells us during his trip to the Baptist General Convention lately he saw former Kilgoreites Mark and Ruth Galloway, John Pierce, Frances Gentry and John LaNoue. "We were glad to see them and I'm sure other old timers in the area will be glad to know they were seen.

Be sure to share your fun times ( or not-so) fun times with us. We may be reached at 903-984-2593 or at chitchatlinda@aol.com In the meantime, May His Love and Laughter Fill Your Hearts and Your Homes Throughout the Week.

24K and Counting!

2008-11-16T18:19:00.004-06:00

I just broke the 24,000 mark - that means I'm almost halfway there. I can't believe all the work that goes into writing that many words!

Here I go again...

May the words be with you!

DeLyn

A Poem by My Father, Danny Morrow

2008-11-15T22:25:00.004-06:00

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Pieces of silver passed from hand to hand
While Jesus prayed,
"If You're willing, take this cup from my hand."
A struggle in the garden, an ear was cut.
Jesus made it right, with just His touch.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Spotless He stood before Pilate, the judge,
Who washed his hands of innocent blood.
A thief or this man, what shall it be?
Crucify Him, Crucify Him, and the other go free.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

A cry rang out, amid the gloom
"Father, forgive them for what they do."
The earth was shaking, a curtain was torn.
Sin lost its leash on those God had scorned.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

In three days time, just before day;
A rock rolled back, the angel did say,
"Why do you weep, as if for the dead?"
It all has transpired as the prophets have said.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Ashes to ashes, and dust to dust
What we have here doesn't matter too much
When we give our hearts to our sweet Lord,
We'll live forever in His great love!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! What a great day!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! When we can say,
"Our risen Lord is coming today!"
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Because of my sin, He was beaten and crushed.
Because of my sin, His cross weighed too much.
But His Spirit lives within me today,
So I can stand here, rejoice, and say:
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

-- by Danny Morrow, July 2008

Review of "Breakfast in Bed" by Sandra Brown

2008-11-15T18:59:00.005-06:00

Let me take you back to the year 1995...

Pete Sampras won Wimbledon for the third time in a row.

Atlanta won the World Series.

There was a bombing in Oklahoma City.

O.J. Simpson is acquitted.

A massive earthquake hit Japan.

Alzheimer's gene is discovered.

Tom Hanks wins an Oscar for Forrest Gump.

Tejano star, Selena, is shot to death.

Christopher Reeve is paralyzed in a riding accident.

Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead dies.

...and Sandra Brown publishes "Breakfast in Bed."

Ten years later, Jayna Morton gets around to reading the book...and LOVES IT! Thank you, Sandra. Here's a blurb about the book:

"A woman is caught between loyalty to a dear friend and her growing attraction to her friend's fiance."

Sounds like a setup to a great murder mystery to me, but it's actually a beautiful romance. I highly recommend it. If you can find it or orderit, please do so. Sandra Brown is one of those beauty queens, who proved to the world she had brains as well as beauty by writing romance novels and publishing them. Now she writes murder mysteries and thrillers and such. I don't know the exact name for the genre. But it's quite common for romance novelists to switch to writing murder thrillers after years of success in the romance genre. I guess you could say, "the literary honeymoon ended." Hahaha! Anyway, the result is a great genre of thrillers by women for women. Otherwise, you gotta read thrillers written by lawyers and mostly talking about high power men. Yeah, right! But back to "Breakfast in Bed," it's great. Go read it.

Jayna

NaNo Write-In Number #1

2008-11-13T20:15:00.002-06:00

Last night, I stayed up way past my bed time and participated in NaNoWriMo Write-In. My friend, Kassy Paris, was there. I rode with her to our friend's house, Evelyn. And there were other ladies there that were the coolest gals, but I had never met them before. It was a nice turn out. Kassy and I are planning another write-in for next weekend and atleast one more during the week of Thanksgiving, since I'm off. I'm on track with my word count, so I should be able to sleep tonight. It took me forever to get to sleep last night, with all the plot ideas swirling in my head. Well, good night, sleep tight!

May the words be with you...

DeLyn

NaNo Counter

2008-11-10T21:10:00.001-06:00

NaNo, NaNo

2008-11-09T18:38:00.002-06:00

BTW - I'm at 11, 679 words...seriously behind.

So why am I here telling you this?

Gotta go!

DeLyn

What Tree Did You Fall From?

2008-11-09T18:30:00.003-06:00

Find your birthday and then find your tree. This is really cool and somewhat accurate. Then send it to your friends, including the one that sent it to you, so they can find out what tree they fell from. Find your tree below and see what you are like ...

Jan 01 to Jan 11 - Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24 - Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03 - Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08 - Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18 - Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28 - Pine Tree
Mar 01 to Mar 10 - Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20 - Lime Tree
Mar 21 (only) - Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31 - Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10 - Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20 - Maple Tree
Apr 21 to Apr 30 - Walnut Tree
May 01 to May 14 - Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24 - Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03 - Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13 - Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23 - Fig Tree
Jun 24 (only) - Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04 - Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14 - Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25 - Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04 - Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13 - Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23 - Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02 - Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12 - Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22 - Lime Tree
Sep 23 (only) - Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03 - Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13 - Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23 - Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11 - Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21 - Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01 - Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11 - Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21 - Fig Tree
Dec 22 (only) - Beech Tree
Dec 23 to Jan 01 - Apple Tree

TREES (in alphabetical order)

Apple Tree (Love) -- quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous, sensitive, loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children, needs affectionate partner.

Ash Tree (Ambition) -- extremely attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be very egotistic, reliable, restless lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands attention, needs love and much emotional support.

Beech Tree (Creative) -- has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).

Birch Tree (Inspiration) -- vivacious, attractive, elegant,friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

Cedar Tree (Confidence) -- of rare strength, knows how to adapt, likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

Chestnut Tree (Honesty) -- of unusual stature, impressive, well-developed sense of justice, fun to be around, a planner, born diplomat, can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hard worker, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood at times, fiercely family oriented, very loyal in love, physically fit.

Cypress Tree (Faithfulness) -- strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give but doesn't necessarily like it, strives to be content, optimistic, wants to be financially independent, wants love and affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered at times, can be unruly and careless, loves to gain knowledge, needs to be needed.

Elm Tree (Noble-mindedness) -- pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

Fig Tree (Sensibility) -- very strong minded, a bit self-willed, honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hard worker when wants to be, loves life and friends, enjoys children and animals, sexually oriented, great sense of humor, has artistic talent and great intelligence.

Fir tree (Mysterious) -- extraordinary taste, handles stress well, loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness and laziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented, unselfish, many friends, very reliable.

Hazelnut Tree (Extraordinary) -- charming, sense of humor, very demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics, popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.

Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste) -- of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

Lime Tree (Doubt) - intelligent, hard working, accepts what life dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make sacrifices for family and friends, has many talents but not always enough time to use them, great leadership qualities, is jealous at times but extremely loyal.

Maple Tree (Independence of Mind) -- no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

Oak Tree (Brave) -- robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

Olive Tree (Wisdom) -- loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

Pine Tree (Peacemaker) -- loves agreeable company, craves peace and harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, likes to write poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls strongly in love but will leave if betrayed or lied to, emotionally soft, low self esteem, needs affection and reassurance.

Poplar Tree (Uncertainty) -- looks very decorative, talented, not very self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, great artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

Rowan Tree (Sensitivity) -- full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

Walnut Tree (Passion) -- unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

Weeping Willow (Melancholy) - likes to be stress free, loves family life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition, suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make others laugh.

My husband, my oldest daughter, and I are all Lime Trees - that's fitting. Thing 2 is Pine Tree (Peacemaker), though her idea of peacemaking - at age two - involves brute force and screaming! Hehehe!

Jayna

Check My Style!

2008-11-05T21:14:00.009-06:00

Hannah Montana ain't the only one who can pull of a wig. Check out the photos of Rebekah trying on wigs in Hot Springs, Arkansas at a store called No Clothes.Nights in White Satin
Pink Lady
Dolly Pardon

Rock On!
My favorite...just good ole' Bekah!

Just a disclosure to let all my NaNo friends know that I completedmy word count BEFORE I posted this!!!!

9,159 and counting, Baby!

DeLyn

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-04T21:43:00.014-06:00

Me looking vampy...or trying! Corbin Bleu aka Devil Dawg

Mom and Thing 1

Witchy Woman

Momand Thing 2

"Fancy Nancy"

Close up of Ella's makeup

Ella looking posh

The Bratz cheerleader and her devil dawg

Closeup of Bekah's makeup

When I say Happy, you say Halloween. Happy. Halloween. Happy. Halloween. Go Treats!

Peace Out Ghouls!

Character Building Series Part XII: Pisces

2008-11-02T20:04:00.003-06:00

Pisces is the 12th and last sign of the zodiac. If your character's birthday falls between February 19 - March 20, then he or she is considered a Piscean.

I am a Pisces.

Pisceans are quirky. That's a nice word for weird, but I don't mind.

Water - emotional
Mutable - flexible (some would say indecisive)
Feminine - introverted

color = cool colors: blue, green, purple
planet = Neptune
animal = fish and mammals of the water
flower = moss/ pinks
tree = birch/ chestnut/ trees that grow near water
spice = coriander/ cinnamon
herb = sage/ saxifrage
metal = platinum (my wedding bands are platinum)
gem = colorless, magical moonstone (cool, huh?)
jobs = artist/ prison work/ research/ theatre/ shoe trade
play = travel/ flying (NOT THIS PISCEAN!)/ dance (clogging)/ gardening/ fishing (EW!)
love = love is blind/ idealize/ empathize with their partners/ enthusiastic/ passionate
home = peaceful and tranquil/ near water/ shimmery surfaces like water/ aquarium

Pisces Top 10

1. they often make a decision and then do the exact opposite
2. they are creative
3. they often doubt themselves
4. they need a lot of support and encouragement
5. they often look for an easy way out
6. they live in a dream world
7. they are forgetful
8. they like to leave their hair natural (I get my haircut once every year or two)
9. they prefer ethnic fashions (I oggle Eastern clothing catalogs)
10. they will wear a pair of shoes until they fall apart (I HATE shoe shopping)

and because my sign is the coolest, here are a few more facts:

11. they are the "poets of the zodiac" (hmmmm...)
12. can be reclusive
13. variety is the spice of life
14. they must have peace and quiet at times
15. Pisces rules the feet (I stay barefoot every chance I get)
16. they are too empathetic for their own good
17. cucumbers and melons are traditional Pisces foods (I could eat an entire cantelope by myself, but since I developed gout, it's on my no-no list)

Character Building Series Part XI: Aquarius

2008-11-02T19:30:00.003-06:00

Aquarius is the 11th sign of the zodiac. If your character's birthday falls between January 21 - February 18, then he or she is considered an Aquarian.

Aquarians are the most individual and independent of all the signs.

Air - intellectual
Fixed - stubborn
Masculine - extroverted

color = electric blue and turquoise
planet = Uranus
animal = large, far-flying birds
flower = orchid/ goldenrod
tree = fruit trees
spice = cinnamon/pepper
herb = sorrel/elder
metal = aluminum
gem = amethyst/ aquamarine
jobs = science/ fine arts/ beauty/ theatre/ teacher older students
play = archaeology/ ballooning/ collecting/ drama/ travel/ astronomy
love = passionate/ enthusiastic
home = modern/ lot of space/ minimal/ displays for collections/ shiny surfaces

Aquarius Top 10

1. Aquarians won't believe any of this about themselves because they are such individual that they don't like to be generalized about..so Aquarians, sorry
2. they become more set in their ways as they age, but were once very trendy
3. they don't like dress codes
4. they are friendly, but private
5. even close friends don't know that much about them
6. they like to be around people
7. they don't like to answer questions about themselves
8. they are original and creative
9. they prefer a unique lifestyle
10. they can be vain and love mirrors

Character Building Series Part X: Capricorn

2008-11-02T18:58:00.003-06:00

Capricorn is the 10th sign of the zodiac. If your character's birthday fall between December 22 - January 20, then he or she is considered a Capricorn.

Capricorns are solitary and complex.

Earth - common sense
Cardinal - outgoing
Feminine - but introverted

color = gray and green
planet = Saturn
animal = goats and animals with horns
flower = pansies/ ivy
tree = pine/yew/willow/aspen/elm/poplar
spice = angostura bitters/cloves
herb = poisonous belladonna/ knapweed/ plantain
metal = lead
gem = amethyst
jobs = construction/ management/ teaching/ civil service/ dentistry
play = races/ geology/ travel/ pottery
love = demanding partner/ don't usually make the first move/ throw caution to the wind
home = don't invest a lot of money in their homes/ trash to treasure mentality/ natural materials

Capricorn Top 10

1. they are either enterprising and ambitious or they sit around and complain about the world
2. they walk fast
3. the ladies love a little black dress (usually wear dark colors)
4. they like to blend in with the crowd
5. they are cautious
6. like the half-goat, half-fish symbol, they can seem to have a split personality at times
7. they are prone to bouts of depression
8. they don't talk much
9. they are penny savers
10. they cherish family heirlooms

Character Building Series Part VIV: Sagittarius

2008-11-02T17:57:00.002-06:00

Sagittarius is the 9th sign of the zodiac. If your character's birthday falls between November 23 - December 21, then he or she is considered a Sagittarian.

Sagittarians are travelers, risk-takers, and explorers.

Fire - enthusiastic
Mutable - versatile
Masculine - extroverted

color = purple and blue
planet = Jupiter
animal = hunting animals
flower = dandelions/ carnations
tree = oak/birch/lime/mulberry/chestnut/ash
spice = allspice
herb = lemon balm
metal = tin
gem = topaz
jobs = veterinarians / teaching/ travel/ law/ publishing
play = reading/ travel/ hunting/ archery/ driving
love = love the thrill of the chase/ faithful
home = large windows / open plan / piles of book/ travel objects/

Sagittarius Top 10

1. they are overall carefree
2. they dress as casual as possible
3. they have an independent spirit
4. they are referred to as perpetual students
5. they have a variety of talents
6. they often hold more than one job
7. they are equally physical and intellectual
8. they are often restless
9. they like to play the guitar
10. they have a lot of Spanish influence

Character Building Series Part VIII: Scorpio

2008-11-02T16:50:00.004-06:00

Scorpio is the 8th sign of the zodiac. If your character's birthday falls between October 24th - November 22nd, then he or she is considered a Scorpio.

Scorpios are intense, both emotionally and physically.

Water - undecisive
Fixed - stubborn
Feminine - introverted

color = red and maroon
planet = Pluto
animal = scorpions / insects
flower = wild thistle/ geraniums
tree = bushy trees/ blackthorn/ hawthorn
spice = cayenne/paprika/chili
herb = peppermint
metal = raw iron
gem = amber/ opal
jobs = wine/ police work/ engineering/ banking/ armed forces
play = racing/ travel/ detective work/ fishing/ sailing/ beaches/ sex..yes, sex
love = sex life plays a major role / enjoy a slow build up/ loyal
home = dark/ need for privacy/ leather furniture/ makes a statement

Scorpio Top 10

1. they are the sexiest of the signs
2. they must have a purpose
3. they thrive on schedule
4. they are detail oriented
5. they love leather
6. they love to dress sexy
7. they are passionate about what they do
8. they can be very jealous
9. they are notorious brooders
10. they are bold

Character Building Part VII: Libra

2008-11-02T16:26:00.004-06:00

Libra is the 7th sign of the zodiac. If your character's birthday falls between September 23 - October 23, then he or she is a Libran.

Peace be with Librans.

Air - good communicators
Cardinal - agreeable
Masculine - extroverted

color = pink, pale green, shades of blue
planet = Venus
animal = lizards/small reptiles
flower = white rose/ daisies
tree = ash/cypress/vines
spice = clove/ginger
herb = sorrel/figwort
metal = copper
gem = yellow sapphire
jobs = agents/ lawyers/ judges/ diplomacy/ beauty
play = design/ travel/ music/ sports/ flower arrangement
love = love the idea of love a bit too much/ fools rush in/ dramatic
home = make the most of any situation/ traditional/ lots of chairs for entertaining

Libra Top 10

1. they desire peace at all cost, even if they have to buy it
2. they are full of kindness and understanding
3. they like to wear pastel colors
4. they are do-gooders
5. they must have balance in their lives
6. they have frequent headaches
7. they desire harmony in a relationship
8. they enjoy glamorous surroundings
9. they love to entertain and be around other people
10. they often use a romantic theme in their daily surroundings

Ignorance is...Bliss!

2008-11-02T15:30:00.003-06:00

For NaNo this year, I am working on a romance novel which features a main character named Bliss. Now I created this character and the basics of the plot LAST MONTH, without knowing her birthday or anything about her zodiac sign. A little while ago, I write down all the names of the 12 zodiac signs and the numbers 1-31 on slips of paper and put them in a plastic cup. Then I drew a sign and a number at random. For Bliss, I drew Virgo and 28. That means her birthday is August 28th.

My husband is a Virgo. But anyway...

As I was typing up my blog entry for Virgo, I kept going omg, omG, oMG, OMG! because it just amazed me how perfectly Bliss fit into the mold of a Virgo. I'm going to take a moment here to go through my Virgo entry and compare to what my previous ideas were for her character.

Virgoans are tied to the earth and often have property in the country. In my story, Bliss is building her dream home...in the country. Oooooh!

Virgoans are often doctors because of their practical nature. Bliss is a pediatrician. Ahhhh!

Virgoans are often shy at first when it comes to bedroom activities, but once they gain confidence, they like to experiment. In my novel, Bliss hasn't had sex since she got pregnant with her daughter and her husband left her. She's at a point in her life where she wants to have an active sex life, but isn't quite sure if her bits and pieces are in working order. She wants to have a one night stand to determine if she's in working order before she engages in a relationship with a man. But she picks the wrong man. Mistaking Blake for a day laborer who would be gone in a matter of days, she seduces him, only to find out that he is the foreman on her dream home project and she would have to face him on a regular basis for months! Whoah!

In Virgo Top 10, we learned that Virgoans are hard workers with a tendency to push themselves too hard. After Bliss' husband left her when he found out she was pregnant, she continued on with her dream of becoming a pediatrician. For years, she pushed herself to the limits to be an excellent student and single mom..and to create a dream life for her and her daughter.

Virgoans don't like to waste time. Bliss often gets upset when things stall on the constructions of her dream home.

Virgoans are very curious. Bliss visits her homesite on a daily basis to take pictures and inquire on the progress.

Virgoans are neat and tidy. I had already planned on writing about some of my husband's OCD behavior in Bliss' character.

Virgoans often keep their feelings to themselves. As a single mom, Bliss has learned to keep quiet and push through, but now she will have to learn how to trust and count on someone else in her life. She will learn to open up to Blake.

Man! I just couldn't believe the similarities when writing the Virgo blog entry. I guess my subconscious knowledge of astrology must have surfaced.

DeLyn

Character Building Series Part VI: Virgo

2008-11-02T15:12:00.004-06:00

Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac. If your character's birthday falls between August 24 - September 22 (like Bliss, the main character of my NaNo novel), then he or she is considered a Virgoan.

Virgoans live to help others.

Earth - love gardening
Mutable - flexible
Feminine - introverted

color = navy blue
planet = Mercury
animal = domestic pets
flower = blue butterfly/cornflower
tree = beech/oak
spice = cardamom/cinnamon
herb = lemon balm
metal = nickel
gem = sardonyx
jobs = farming/ librarian/ communications/ police/ medicine
play = travel/ sports/ gardening/ pottery/ reading/ knitting
love = love is tricky / shy/ experimentation/ romantic
home = tidy to a tee/ country living/ wood/ studio or workshop/ hobbies are evident

Virgo Top 10

1. they are hard workers
2. they can push themselves too hard
3. they like to own a piece of ground
4. they do not like to waste time
5. they are very curious
6. they wear dark colors
7. they are neat and fussy
8. they are busy-bodies
9. they are often analytical and critical
10. they keep their feelings to themselves, though they feel to the fullest extent

Character Building Series Part V: Leo

2008-11-02T14:52:00.003-06:00

Leo is the 5th sign of the zodiac. If your character's birthday falls between July 23 - August23, then he or she is a Leo.

Leos are creative organizers.

Fire - enthusiastic
Fixed - stable and stubborn
Masculine - extroverted

color = opulent colors of the sun
planet = Sun
animal = lion
flower = sunflower/ marigold
tree = bay/palm/walnut
spice = mustard/pepper
herb = angelica
metal = gold
gem = ruby
jobs = design/ teaching/ theatre/ sports/ armed forces/ arts
play = astrology/ theatre/ travel/ stepping out in style
love = tend to dominate/ need an intellectual equal/ reciprocal pleasure
home = elegant/ brightly lit/ overdo it sometimes/ classical

Leo Top 10

1. they can be dramatic
2. they are often tall
3. they have the best sense of style of all the signs
4. their motto is carpe diem
5. they tend to be bossy
6. they have a tendency to yell
7. they do not like to waste time
8. they have strong friendships
9. they like sculptures
10. they like to spend a lot of money

Character Building Series Part IV: Cancer

2008-11-02T14:34:00.004-06:00

Cancer is the 4th sign of the zodiac. If your character's birthday falls between June 22 - July 22, then he or she is a Cancerian.

Cancerians have a protective shell to safeguard their emotions.

Water - intense emotions and intuition
Cardinal - outgoing
Feminine - introverted

color = silvery blue and smoky gray
planet = Moon
animal = crab
flower = white lilies/white roses
tree = Laurel/ those that are rich in sap
spice = nutmeg/ coriander
herb = saxifrage/ purslane
metal = silver
gem = pearl
jobs = travel/ cooking/ writing/ caregivers/ teaching
play = travel/ cooking/ writing/ sewing/ sailing/ collecting
love = take it very seriously/ marriage-minded/ flirtacious
home = love a view/ often messy/ close to water/ traditional/ pictures of loved ones

Cancer Top 10

1. they have a sharp memory
2. they are moody
3. they are good cooks
4. many have red hair and pale skin
5. they dress carelessly (ripped pantyhose/bra strap showing/black underwear under white)
6. once you break through their hard exterior, they can be very good friends
7. they are pack rats
8. they love antiques and collectables
9. they worry a lot
10. they are extremely possessive and protective of loved ones

Character Building Series Part III: Gemini

2008-11-02T14:13:00.003-06:00

Gemini is the 3rd sign of the zodiac. If your character's birthday falls between May 22 - June 21st, then he or she is a Geminian.

Geminians believe that variety is the spice of life.

Air - jack of all trades, interested in many things superficially
Mutable - heightened intellect
Masculine - positive attitude

color = yellow
planet = Mercury
animal = birds/butterflies
flower = lavender/myrtle
tree = nut-bearing trees
spice = aniseed/caraway
herb = lemon balm/arrowroot/nettles/hazel
metal = mercury/quicksilver
gem = emerald/agates
jobs = office work/ teaching/ banking/ media/ sales
play = trying new foods/ radio/ massage/ travel/ design
love = variety/ passionate/ fast-paced/ easily bored/ teachers
home = lots of light/ yellow/ modern/ change often/ telephones & magazines

Gemini Top 10

1. they are good communicators
2. they are intellectuals by nature
3. they are considered to be the most youthful of the signs
4. they can't sit still
5. they will talk your ear off, if given the chance
6. they like to wear the latest styles
7. they love to accesorize
8. they use a lot of gestures when talking
9. they need constant stimulation
10. they are very sensitive

Character Building Series Part II: Taurus

2008-11-02T09:21:00.002-06:00

Taurus is the 2nd sign of the zodiac. If your character's birthday falls between April 21 - May 21st, then he or she is considered to a Taurean.

Taureans desire comfort and security in all things.

Earth - reliable/predictable
Fixed - stubborn
Feminine - introverted

color = pastel blue, pink, green
planet = Venus
animal = bull
flower = pink roses / primroses
tree = cypress/vine/almond/fig/apple/pear
spice = cinnamon/cloves
herb = spearmint
metal = copper
gem = emerald/ moss agate
jobs = finance/arts/architecture/beauty/wine
play = spa treatments/gardening/embroidery/travel/cooking
love = generous/slow/talkative
home = comfort/ pastel prevails/ lots of flowers/ large

Taurus Top 10

1. they are conventional
2. they are considered to be the best looking of all the signs
3. they tend to wear outdated clothes
4. they do not like to be hurried
5. they are very reliable
6. they have a tendency toward extreme possessiveness
7. they love food, but hate to exercise
8. they are slow to make committments in relationships
9. they can be very talkative
10. they make amazing musicians

Character Building Series Part I: Aries

2008-11-01T20:14:00.003-05:00

Starting with Aries, I'm going to present a study on the creation of characters using Astrological Sun signs. Why Aries? Because Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac.

If your character's birthday falls between March 21st - April 20th, then he or she is considered an Arien. That being said, there are certain characteristics that most Ariens possess. Don't believe in Astrology mumbo jumbo? Consider this: animals behave differently when there is a full moon and when there are strong tides. The tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon. Sooo-ooo everything in this universe created by God is interconnected. Some people believe that Astrology is satanic, but they are most likely referring to futuristic predictions based on a persons astrological sign (aka horoscopes).

Horoscopes are truly a big scam. There are people out there who wish they had psychic powers, so they tell people things about themselves based on astrology. Truth is, everything they tell you is generic and you could get the same information from a book about sun and moon signs. This isn't to say that some people really do have "the gift." I do believe that some people have psychic intuition. It says in the Bible that some people are given the gift of prophesy.

Where was I?

Oh yeah, astrology simply is a study that the alignment of the planets at certain times of year causes certain reactions in people and animals here on Earth. In other words, on the day you were born, certain planets were causing gravitational pull and whatnot that affected you in the same way it affected your parrokeet.

Back to Aries. In this series of blogs, I will give some of the basics about each sign that will help you in developing your characters.

Ariens are very competitive and have a lot of energy.

Fire - they have an inner desire that drives them at all cost.
Cardinal - this means they are outgoing
Masculine - tend to be outgoing

Color = red, sometimes blue
Planet = Mars
Animal = ram
Flower = honeysuckle/broom
Tree = Hawthorne/Holly
Spice = mustard/cayenne
Herb = peppermint
Metal = iron
Gem = diamond, sometimes amethyst
Jobs = sports/engineering/medicine/physical labor
Play = travel/cars/horses/ sports
Love = lively/spicy/poetic/ possessive
Home = warm/ sensual/ durable/ lots of red

Aries Top 10

1. they get angry easily, but also forgive easily
2. they have a confident air
3. they prefer comfortable, but stylish clothes (and have a favorite piece)
4. they are always in a hurry
5. they have a positive, enthusiastic outlook
6. they can be pretty selfish
7. they love to exercise
8. they love spicy food
9. they have a lot of headaches
10. they are one of the most passionate signs

October Books

2008-11-01T20:02:00.004-05:00

Here's what I read during the month of October:

"The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown

"The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom

I give both of these books five stars. They are both life-changing books. The first one kept me captivated. The latter moved me. I would recommend these books to anyone. Now get out there and read something truly remarkable...just not my NaNo manuscript because it won't be anything close to remarkable.

DeLyn

Points to Ponder

2008-11-01T13:46:00.003-05:00

Here's some awesome quotes I found and wanted to share. This is to help get me pumped up for NaNo:

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart."

"Breathe. It's your only obligation."

"Put on your big girl panties and deal with it."

"I've never neeeded a man to make me happy, but a maid sure would help!"

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."

"Pardon the mess. My children are making memories."

"I understand the concept of cooking and cleaning, just not as it applies to me."

"I only have a kitchen because it came with the house."

"Glory gives herself only those who dream of her."

"Little by little does the trick."

"Every day we decide who we will be by the actions we take."

"Ahhh...I see the screw up fairy has visited us again."

"Good things are going to happen."

"Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."

"I'm on island time."

"The time to relax is when you don't have the time for it."

"If you stumble, make it a part of your dance."

"Follow your bliss."

"Where there is great love, there are always miracles."

"Because I can."

"As much as I try to be an easy-going, stretch your wings and fly type... I just can't stop trying to burst people into flames with my mind."

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."

"Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away."

"She didn't just survive, she became."

"I will not yell in class, I will not throw things, I will not tease the other kids, I am the teacher, I am the teacher!"

"Home is where your story begins."

"Life is what we make it."

"Denial is my happy place."

"Put on a little lipstick. You'll be fine."

"Don't be mean."

"The time to be happy is now."

"Everyone can't be a star, but everyone can twinkle."

"I used to care, but now I take a pill for that."

"Is it time for your medication or mine?"

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't...you're right."

"Imagination can take you anywhere."

"You can't change yesterday, but you can ruin today worrying about tomorrow."

"Think abundantly. Energy follows intention."

Enjoy!

DeLyn

My Sister and Her Children

2008-11-01T12:27:00.009-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I sent out a prayer request for my sister. When it comes to the justice system ("justice" being a word I use loosely), it takes time, money, and baby steps. At this point, my sister gets 6 hours supervised visitations every week, alternating Saturdays and Sundays in Las Angeles. She will also get him 4 hours on every holiday, including his birthday and Mother's Day. I received some pictures. Above are pics of my adorable nephew, Tomasz. Thank you to everyone who prayed for my sister: White Oak Community Church, Laird Hill Baptist Church, St. Paul's First United Methodist Church, and many assorted family and friends and co-workers, people we don't even know that well, and people we don't even know period. Also, my writer friends, blogger friends, YouTube friends, and Yahoo! friends. My neighbors near and far and my daughters' friends. My oldest wants to play with her cousin so bad, and she's been talking (in her simple knowledge of the situation) about how she'll get to meet her cousin Tomasz soon. Maybe sooner than later, we hope. And thank you most of all to Jesus Christ who made it all possible. We know that He has even bigger and better plans for the future.

I love you, Julie, and I'm so proud of you.

Jayna

NoNaWriMo Starts Today!!!

2008-11-01T10:56:00.002-05:00

My word count is 4,282. My writing buddies are set in place. Plans for a write-in are in process. I'm pumped. I'm determined. I've got to get off the internet and do some actual writing...

Bye!

Oh yeah...

2008-10-20T18:02:00.004-05:00

This year (for NaNo), I'll be working on a hot, sexy contemporary romance. I've never been much of a love scene guru, so we'll see how this goes. Good practice, if nothing else. And they say, for most things, the bedroom included, that practice makes perfect. Hehehe...

I have two working titles for this novel:

"Ready and Willing" or "Foreplay with the Foreman"

I'm taking a poll to see which one ya'll like best. Here's the back cover copy:

After six years of single motherhood, she wants to play the field…

She dreamed of the perfect marriage with a house, a yard, and a couple of kids. What she got was shattered dreams. After a failed marriage, Bliss Parker, walked away with the best part of her ex-husband, the daughter he never wanted. The next six years spent in self-inflicted celibacy in order to focus on building a life for her and daughter, are quickly becoming too difficult for her. She loves playing with her six-year-old daughter, but now she wants someone to play adult games with. But she doesn’t want to bring a man into Lindley’s life. Instead, Bliss sets out to find a boy toy to satisfy her need for a playmate. When things start to get serious between them, Bliss’s world turns upside down.

… but ends up with the perfect lover and father!

Blake Truman thinks he’s found the perfect woman. Bliss is ready and willing to join him in a little after-hours fun without all the emotional stress. If there is one thing Blake doesn’t need in his life, it’s emotional stress. When their two worlds collide, things get complicated and Blake and Bliss realize they have more in common than favorite sensual pleasures….

~ DeLyn ~

NaNoWriMo is Just Around the Corner!

2008-10-19T21:51:00.004-05:00

I'm so excited! NaNoWriMo is only 11 days away! It's the 10th anniversary this year, so it would be really special if I actually achieved the goal. So far, my record is 0 for 2. : ( The third time's a charm, right?

Right?

Helloo-ooo....?

DeLyn

Prayer Request

2008-10-15T20:07:00.003-05:00

My sister will be in court tomorrow, fighting for the son she lost two years ago to the man who tried to overdose him in an effort to blame my sister, so that she would lose custody. When my sister found out about this, she took Tomasz and ran. For a while, we didn't know where they were. Then they were discovered, and life has been a nightmare ever since. All the court cared about was that she ran, not the reason why. And Tomasz was taken away and given to the man who could have done him serious harm. Anyway, please pray for my sister and my nephew and the judge who has a lot of decisions to make tomorrow. I made a flaming candle in their honor. Please visit it at:

http://www.makesweet.com/mixer/weAvh1LcB0

Thank you,

Jayna

A New Look!

2008-10-15T20:05:00.002-05:00

How do you like my blog's new look? Check out the awesome banner at the bottom! I only wish I knew how to add it to the top. If anyone could help me figure that out, please let know.

You be the judge....

2008-10-05T22:58:00.003-05:00

When my friend and author, Kassy Paris, asked me to be a judge for the Young Adult category of the East Texas Writers Association annual writing competition, my reaction was, "Who, me? What credentials do I have to be a judge of anything?"

Yesterday was the THE day - judgement day. Kassy brought over the lone entry. This year, they only received one entry for the YA category, which means that there will be no winner. Basically, when a category doesn't make the minimum number of entries, the author receives a critique but no award. I was very honored to provide my humble expertise (emphasis on HUMBLE).

As a retired school teacher, Kassy made it easy for me to judge the piece with a nifty rubric. That eased my meandering mind, as I wouldn't have had a clue where to start on my own. If left to my own devices, my critique probably would have sounded much like a one-sided conversation between a caveman and himself.

"Good talk. Me like words." Insert random grunts as you see fit.

At least with Kassy's rubric, the author of that piece will hopefully believe that someone who knows something about writing for children judged the piece. In essence, someone other than yours truly. Please see my former entry titled, "How to make it as a writer from someone who hasn't made it yet."

It's late. I'm tired. I must drag my hairy knuckles back to the cave for a good night's rest. Good night, sleep tight, don't let the wooly mammoth's bite!

Enough cave drawing one for one night,

DeLyn

Mary Kay Virtual Makeover

2008-10-05T22:54:00.001-05:00

Do me a flavor....

2008-09-22T20:30:00.001-05:00

I see you looking at my page! Pleeee-eeease become a follower! Pretty please with a cherry on top!?!

Love Ya!

Ten Speed Cleaning Tips

2008-09-16T20:52:00.001-05:00

Dust and grease, like family members we see frequently but don’t always want to deal with, are two culprits lurking around every corner in my...

View >>

Featured at the Institute for Children's Literature!

2008-09-13T19:38:00.003-05:00

I am so thrilled! Thanks to a heads up from some new blog readers, I discovered that one of my blog entries was featured in the Children's Writer's eNews from the Institute for Children's Literature (ICL), also known as Jan Field's Rx List for ICL. This is really special to me because I didn't request to be featured in the newsletter. My blog was "discovered" and rewarded for its merit. It's nice to know that people are really reading my blog and that I truly do have something to offer others. This also explains the recent surge in membership to my Yahoo! Group. Thanks everybody!!! Below, I have copied and pasted the part of the newsletter that has my feature.

Children's Writers eNews
September 11, 2008
"The Write Words to Read"
The Institute of Children's Literature
http://www.institutechildrenslit.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"If you're not scared, you're not writing.... A state of anxiety is the writer's natural habitat."
--Ralph Keyes, The Courage to Write (Henry Holt and Company, 1995)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE

1. News For You: Chat is Back!
2. New: "Attention to Detail" with Bev. Cooke
3. Vintage Goodie
4. Next Guest Speaker Event
5. Come Hang Out in Chat
6. A Blog Worth Reading
7. An Agent List
8. Article
9. Critique News
10.Good News

Lucky #7 is mine and here's the rest:

7. Agent List

This lady has created a list of children's writing agents who are accepting queries.
http://delynfisherromance.blogspot.com/2008/03/gift-for-you-writers.html

This one is for everyone who has asked how you find a list of agents for children's writers.

All I can say is, "WOW!" Thanks and glad I could be of service.

DeLyn

HELP WANTED: Writing Partner / Exorcist

2008-09-13T13:14:00.003-05:00

What? Seriously. I just can't seem to completely let go of my two novels that murdered last month. Their ghosts are haunting me and I need a professional exorcist to take care of them for good. And, oh yeah, you must be a talented writer as well. Here's my ad:

Desperately seeking someone more talented than me to take my partials and turn them into bestsellers. Must have professional writing experience and a willingness to take a wannabe published writer under your wing. Agent representation helpful, but not required if you're already published with a legitimate publisher. No ghost writers, please. I'm looking for a partnership, not another business expense. Please email me with your expression of interest and ways to "check you out." This is NOT a joke. I need your help. jaynadm [at] yahoo [dot] com

Thank you,

Jayna Morton

Bread Pudding Recipe

2008-09-10T21:06:00.004-05:00

I know I have TONS of summer stuff to catch up on, but I just can't seem to log any computer or TV or (sadly) writing time. So here's a quick recipe that I love. I hope that you can't say anything bad about me with your mouth full... : )

Bread Pudding
from the kitchen of Tammy Cloud (she's a friend of mine)

8 slices bread, dry, broken into 1" pieces
Or if you're like me, just tear 8 slices of bread and it turns out the same, even without drying
2 sticks butter or margarine
4 eggs
2 C sugar
2tsp vanilla
4 C milk
1 tsp cinnamon
Now check your blood sugar level because just reading the ingredient list could be hazardous to your health!

Melt butter in 13X9 baking dish. (Just grab something large that will go in the oven. Does anyone actually check sizes on those things?) Stir in bread until coated. Beat eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, milk, & all that is decent and holy in the world in a bowl. Pour over bread and stir. Cook at 400 degrees until set. **Stir 3 times during the first 15 minutes of cooking, every 5 minutes. Just do it. If it wasn't really important, believe me, I would let you know in vibrant red. Then cook for an additional 20 minutes until brown and set. Insert a knife to test for doneness (Tammy and our other guests argued over whether this is an actual word.) ...if it comes out clean...it's probably set. I don't see how this would work with a pudding. IT"S PUDDING! My measure is when it's brown and the liquids are dried up but still...liquid-ish. PUDDING for Pete's Sake! If you like it a little more brown or dry, cook longer. DUH.

If you have OCD or if you just LOVE to actually cook, here's how to dry bread:

Places slices on cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes @300 degrees.

Grab another dose of insulin because here's the SAUCE that you pour over the pudding.

Sauce

1 1/2 C sugar
1 C evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 stick butter or margarine

Mix in saucepan. Heat and stir until boiling. Remove from heat. Serve warm over pudding. (This makes quite a lot...you may want to half it.) Yeah right! I think she meant DOUBLE IT!

Bon Apetite!

Great Wolf Lodge

2008-08-08T10:27:00.019-05:00

We went to the Great Wolf Lodge twice in July! The first time, Scott and I took the girls. Then we went back a week later with Scott's sister and her family and one of Rebekah's friends.

To the left, is a picture of Rebekah receiving her Junior Magi badge for completing Level 1 of the MagiQuest game. We logged over 5,000 minutes going up and down the 8 flights of stairs at the hotel in order to achieve this goal. MagiQuest is a game played with a magi wand that you wave at certain things in the hotel to make them light up, talk, and move. They give you a book that sends you on 12 quests (for level 1) that you have to complete. There are many more levels and adventures, but we just pooped out!

Ella with a bear carving.

Ella and Daddy.

Rebekah getting a Chocolate Brownie Pedicure at the kid's spa.

Signing up the the next quest at the Quest Tree.

Completing the Enchant Creature Quest.

Sassy!

Rebekah wanted the top bunk so bad that she snuck up there and fell asleep before any of her cousins could claim it.

The kid's bunker in the hotel room.

Kid Kamp

Rebekah's BFF, Riley, with her wand.

Thank you Miley Cyrus for teaching my daughter this puckered lip pose that she always flashes for pictures now.

BFFs

Rebekah and Riley

Ella found the red crystal.

Riley with the purple crystal.

There is an indoor water park at the hotel, too, but my camera isn't water proof. This hotel is definately worth the price because the waterpark is included. You never have to wait more than 5-10 minutes for a ride because only hotel guests are allowed in.

Happy Vacation!

8th Wedding Anniversary in July

2008-07-29T11:54:00.011-05:00

Hey, Sexy!

Scott and I celebrated out 8th wedding anniversary on July 15th. This year, we went to a B&B in Grapevine, Texas called The Garden Manor Inn. It was so beautiful. I thought I would share some pics of our travels during the month of July. This segment is the anniversary trip. I'll put up a separate post for each of our trips.

These pictures are in reverse order, computer whiz that I am. It's considered a great skill to be able to do certain things backwards. Writing in cursive backwards, for instance, which I can do with ease. But posting pictures in reverse order on a blog entry - not so much. Please try to keep up...

Here is the garden arbor.

This is an open area for dances and weddings.

This is a shady nook in the backyard.

The water feature on the back patio. Exhale now.

Seating area by the back fence.

Even the driveway was beautiful.

This lovely sittin' spot was on the side of the house.

And here is the Garden Manor Inn from the front. Gorgeous, ain't it?

We had a lovely time. It was the first time Scott and I had been alone on a trip since the birth of our oldest daughter, Rebekah. So six years!!! That's a long time to go without getting away together.

What Teachers Make...

2008-07-29T10:26:00.004-05:00

I got this in a forwarded email. Thought all ya'll "lowly" teachers out there (like me) might like it:

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

To stress his point he said to another guest: "You're a teacher, Susan. Be honest. What do you make?"

Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence."

"You want to know what I make? I make kids wonder. I make them question, and I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them write. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math and perfect their final drafts in English. I make them understand that if you have the brains, and follow your heart, and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, must pay no attention because they just didn't learn."

Susan paused and then continued. "You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"

"Teachers make every other profession possible!"

God Bless All Teachers!

Love,

Jayna Morton
Kindergarten Teacher

Let 'er RIP!

2008-07-06T17:03:00.006-05:00

I just read an interesting article on the "So You Wanna Be Published" blog about when to "kill" a novel. (http://www.wannabepublished.blogspot.com/)

Here is a selection from the blog that convinced me it was time to go a killing rampage:

Martel writes, "Unfortunately, the novel sputtered, coughed, and died. . . It's a misery peculiar to would-be writers. Your theme is good, as are your sentences. your characters are so ruddy with life they practically need birth certificates. The plot you've mapped out for them is grand, simple and gripping. You've done your research, gathering the facts--historical, social, climatic, culinary--that will give your story its feel of authenticity. The dialog zips along, crackling with tension. The descriptions burst with color, contrast and telling detail. Really, your story can only be great. But it all adds up to nothing. In spite of the obvious, shining promise of it, there comes a moment when you realize that the whisper that has been pestering you all along from the back of your mind is speaking the flat, awful truth: it won't work. An element is missing, that spark that brings to life a real story, regardless of whether the history or the food is right. Your story is emotionally dead, that's the crux of it. The discovery is something soul-destroying, I tell you. It leaves you with an aching hunger." (p. xi)

It it with great sadness that I must perform a eulogy for two of my novels who just recently (about five minutes ago) met with tragic ends.

The first one, a novel titled The Choir Girl, is a romance with an identity crisis. It started out as a Christian romance, but when I couldn't get the elements to work, I tried re-structuring it as a young adult novel. But the problem lay deeper than any change of genre could fix. The story is about two rebels who try to avoid each other in fear of becoming a bad influence on the other but end up falling in love anyway. It's told from two POVs, like most romances, but lacks in plot substance.

One character, Ima Rayburn, is a former rocker turned church social director. Her theory on making mistakes in the past is that you must make up for them by being a dutiful Christian and denying all that she is.

The other character, Christian Hogg, is the classic son-of-a-preacher man. After getting a girl pregnant in high school and de-flowering half the female student body, he decides that he must run away from his mistakes. He only returns to make amends with those he left behind, but decides to stay when he meets Ima.

As much as I hate to kill this beautiful novel, I must...for my own sanity's sake. You see, the whole story (while filled with wonderfully round and likable characters) was based on a joke. I was driving to my hometown of Lufkin one day and saw a sign for Lake Sam Rayburn. I remembered a story my mother used to tell me about a family named Hogg. The man was rumored to have two daughters named Ima and Ura. Ima Hogg. Ura Hogg. Get it? Hahaha...I know!

I envisioned this whole beautiful wedding at the end, and just before the bride and groom walked the aisle, Ima stops and says, "Wait! I can't marry you." Christian looks stunned and asks why. Then she tells him that she just thought about what her name would be - Ima Hogg. He turns to her and says, "Oink! Oink, Baby!" The End.

Nice concept. But it never had much plot, not in the present tense anyway. Too much backstory. And not really your average Christian romance. And you don't see that many Yound Adult novels that involve a wedding. And if I cut out the wedding, then I would cut out the joke that started it all. And what would the story be without that joke at the end?

My advice: don't base a novel on a single concept, a clever title, a witty character,...or funny ending. Or your whole novel just may end up like a sour punch line. Of course, I think I just ruled out every nonfiction (single concept), children's book (clever title), and easy reader (witty character) on the market. Sorry! I guess I need a disclosure that I'm referring to romance novels and all their alter egos. Whew!

My second book Moved, Left No Forwarding came about when I was chatting online with another writer. The original idea was mine, but she contributed some. Then we stopped talking (not in a bad way - just life got in the way) and the manuscript was pushed aside. Then I pulled it out again and re-vamped it. You see, we had earmarked it for the African-American market, with a bi-racial main character. When I changed it, I changed her race and almost everything. I've written a lot on this work, about 40K words, but I'm letting it go.

Now for those of you who are wondering why? why now? why those books? are you crazy? Let me explain: because I don't forsee them being finished anytime soon, because now is as good a time as any, because those are the only works-in-progress I have, and yes.

To be specific, I have OCD. And though by some miracle it does not extend to housekeeping, it does effect all other aspects of my life. Especially writing because that's my outlet, my escape, my pleasure beyond pleasures. When I have a work-in-progress, I obsess over it constantly. Like a newborn, I wake up with it several times at night and fret over it's every need. Right now, I can hardly breathe because of the two unfinished manuscripts. I popped one too many Prozacs and now my head is about to POP if I don't do something drastic. Finish the damn things or move on.

I'm moving on.

This blog was written in memory of:

The Choir Girl

dec. July 6, 2008

Moved, Left No Forwarding

dec. July 6, 2008

You will be missed but not forgotten.

Breaking Free...

2008-07-04T21:53:00.014-05:00

Independence Day came two days early at our house and took on a whole new meaning. On July 2nd, Rebekah was set free from her cast!

"Are you ready?"

"Yeah! I'm ready!"

Checking out the saw to see how it "tickles."

"Ooooh! It's loud!"

Here we go...

Now we crack it open...

Then we pull off the top, bottom, and stuffing...

...and uncover a WEIRD LOOKING leg!

Yuck! It's dry and hairy and scaley...and it has some crusty stuff on it.

But it works, and Rebekah got to go swimming for the first time this Summer. Did you notice she was wearing her swimming suit and cover up to the Dr.'s office?

Back to her silly self!

Happy Independence Day!!!

Townsend for President Part III - Border Control

2008-07-04T11:27:00.001-05:00

"So, the U.S. wants "border control"?? Here's my plan: After we steal all of Iran's Oil and replace their government just like we did in '78 the Israeli army is gonna get bored. But guess what. Israeli's know borders!!! Lets ship all the border hopping mexicans to the DMZ. We can't seem to get past that one!! Then we'll take the Israeli army and post them all along our border with Mexico and Canada. They are damn good at protecting borders and take that shit serious!! Problem solved! Vote Mandy for President. I'll be a shoe-in...I mean write in. Kudo's to vote me for Prez. and you can be in my cabinet...or closet. LMAO"

Hahahahah....seriously! - Jayna

Townsend for President Part II - Welfare Reform

2008-07-04T11:22:00.004-05:00

"Okay,

So, as President I will reform Welfare in this way:

First I am going to get a big job contract with Wal-mart and Halliburton. I am going to give them HUGE tax rebate/breaks/incentives for employing each individual I issue a job voucher to. My Closet, Cabinet, and I will access the welfare,social security, and every other nice way of saying free check each month database and in one year do an IN HOME audit and asess the needs of every man,woman, and child on these programs.

If you have too many kids and can't work, voucher to work at the Halliburton Daycare/orphanage in Iraq that house kids of employees that work other places and all the kids who lost their parents defending their homes and oil.

If you are in a wheel chair because you ate too many twinkies and got diabetes, or some other complication of type 2 diabetes...Here is YOUR JOB voucher you are now a door greeter at wal-mart. It is now your job to decorate every child that walks through the door with smiley face stickers!!

If you have bi-polar, anxiety disorders,schizorphernia, or any other mental disorder...here is YOUR JOB voucher. You'll work for Halliburton in the mine fields around every pump jack in southern Iraq. You'll be in a field, BY YOURSELF with the ground as volatile as your personality!! Sucks being that way. Now you know how the rest of us feel in your presence. Any bets??

For all the rest of ya'll that want to spend our money smokin dope OR making excuses for the ones in your life who do, you will be on the Halliburton medical team. When a small child comes flopping your direction with one eye, two nubs for arms, and two crutches for legs, you'll know how to dull the pain and what medications work best together. You have been abusing our pharmaceutical system for years! Put your skills to work!! You can also sympathize how bad their lives must be because you have cluttered up our media with tales of the HOOD. And how bad this society has robbed you!!

Soon enough, with all this surplus in welfare reform. Gas prices will come down and the rest of us that have worked half a century will actually get to reap OUR benefits!! Manufacturing would come back and we could actually sell tortillas to Mexico!!

Mandy Townsend for President '08"

Mandy, you're so insightfully honest! ~Jayna~

Townsend for President - Hot Topics

2008-07-04T11:19:00.003-05:00

Here are some political "hot topics" that Mandy addressed on her MySpace page...just in case you didn't visit it like I ASKED YOU TO:

"As a President we will discuss the need for police survelliance in Catholic Churches. If you are single male, 40+,and a catholic preist. You are now public enemy 1!!

As President I am going to put an immediate ban on grants/loans for Indians/Arabians to own motels,gas stations, and cigarette booths. You know what they say...if it smells like fish.

As President, I am going to abolish the credit rating system. Lending Instutions get robbed and the consumers get robbed by misinformation,identity theft...the list goes on. And so their damn commercials will quit airing during my shows!! I love you Gene Simmons.

As President, FEDERAL LAW, all dead beat dads will be castrated by the Arabians that have done it to their mothers and daughters for centuries in the name of.....?"

Mandy, you've done it again...

Jayna

My Friend for President!

2008-07-02T09:00:00.004-05:00

Hey! I just checked out my friend Mandy's MySpace and turns out she's running for President! Whoo-hoo! The title of her campaign is "Get Real." Here's her speech (from a WalMart beer tap):

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Mandy Townsend For President 2008
Current mood: bored
Category: News and Politics

"I have devoured an entire bowl of cheese sauce on my political rampage. I'm very sorry for letting those that I haven't talked to in awhile down by thinking I was just some cute lil twit on the internet. SURPRISE. But I love you anyways. My life is wonderful. My hubby works alot and is doing such a great job battling the demons of his life!! I LOVE YOU!! I've been very busy this entire year!! We started PTO at the school where my kids go of which I hold the distinguished office of VP!! After reading my blogs, small wonder right?? I also play Softball for a bar in nearby. Catcher and 3rd base. The RBI benefits are SOO worth it!! When I'm not PTO ' ing, SOFTball ' ing or coaching little league softball. I'm going to school full time and at the moment it is Algebra and Accounting. (Big, long, sadface) They tell me the benefits are worth it. Just waiting to see how my campaign turns out. -HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUT FOR PRESIDENT- (has a nice little jingle) I don't go to church, own any stocks in blood money countries, or own a car with two syllables. My dad designed and implemented the radar system that monitors N.Korea and my mom was a domestic goddess. I met my husband at a bar!! Then we got married AFTER all our kids were born. How much more ALL AMERICAN could I be?? I live in Texas so that makes my odds slightly better by ratio than any on the democratic ticket!! LMAO. I don't have any arabian kings or princes on speed dial so that makes me TRUSTWORTHY. I swear as President to always keep your need as American in the fore front of my mine. I understand that the price of gas greatly increases the cost of beer. So, my fellow Americans, I'm gonna build a brewery inside every WAL-MART and call it FEDERAL LAW. Oh, yeah you religous fanatics, JESUS turned the water to wine. We must respect his insight. I will only campaign at Wal-mart. We can all gather around the tap and have some 'GET REAL' sessions. To see what is included in those sessions. See the GET REAL corresponding blog. I look forward to your vote."

She's got my vote! If you would like to read more political ramblings of Mandy Townsend, please visit her MySpace at www.myspace.com/kkkmomma

But first let me explain the "kkk" business in her web address - her three children all start with the letter "K." When she setup the page, she didn't even think about the "kkk" thing until it was too late. I told her that she needs to put a disclosure somewhere on the site and at the bottom of all her emails. Hehehe!

Anywho...

I would just like comment that Mandy shows promise as a writer. Does anyone else agree with me? She's so funny and witty. She could do political satire.

Jayna

*Mandy Townsend is running a tongue-in-cheek campaign. She is NOT really running for President. But here's hoping, right? *

The Incredible Shrinking Computer!

2008-06-22T16:30:00.001-05:00

Here is Ella, working on a Barbie computer from the Dollar Store. Ain't it cute. She was really trying to get it to work!

A Visit from Afar...

2008-06-22T14:40:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited to report that my friend and Christian Romance Author, Delia Latham, traveled halfway across the United States just to see me!!!

Well...maybe not just to see me, but I was definately on her list of must sees.

Check out the photos below!

We met up at Bodacious Bar-B-Q in Gilmer, Texas to have lunch and chit chat. Her husband is SO SWEET! We gave each other autographed copies of books.

Even though I'm a writer, it's hard to express in words how much this visit meant to me. I'm good at writing about the world of make believe, but this is real. Until Friday, Delia was a picture on the web, words on a blog, expression in email, and a world away. It takes 3 days to drive from California to Texas and vice versa. Now I will no longer refer to her as my internet friend.

Now I can just call her MY FRIEND. No two sweeter words.

Delia, I can't wait til you move here and bring your beautiful family! Drive home safe!

Love, Jayna

Delia Latham and Me!

2008-06-22T14:39:00.002-05:00

Princess Ella Pendant

2008-06-22T14:35:00.002-05:00

Spiral Me

2008-06-22T14:27:00.001-05:00

High School Musical 2 Picture Cube

2008-06-22T13:52:00.009-05:00

Rebekah's Fabulous Video for the Disney Channel

2008-06-13T21:55:00.002-05:00

Update on Rebekah...by Rebekah!

2008-06-12T16:23:00.012-05:00

TodayI had my 3-week check-up at Dr. Taylor's. He said my bone is healing good and I can get my cast of on July 3rd.

Here is my favorite Miley pose. Peace! My Little sister likes to play in my "wagon." I haven't learned how to use "crunches" all that well, but I'm working on it. I have to give the wheelchair back in a week. Then it's all crutches all the time until I get the cast off.

We went to the kickoff party for the Longview Public Library Summer Reading Program. They had a bubble machine, a juggler, and a petting zoo. There was sign that said we couldn't pick the animals, but when you're in a wheelchair, you get special privileges. The lady let me hold a rabbit and a baby goat. The baby goat was named Nibbler, and he chewed on my hair. He made it wet and slimy, and we had to wash it out in the bathroom!

Here I am watching the juggler. He showed some of the kids how to juggle.

I also want to say a big Thank You to all my family and friends who sent me the most awesomest stuff in the mail. I even got a pen pal out of the deal! A little girl named Savannah wrote me and sent me this princess doll to play with. Her Nanny is friends with my Mommy, and they are going to be moving from California to Texas soon. Then I will get to meet her! Howdy Savannah!

Peace out! Thank you again. 3 more weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love, Rebekah

Recipes in the Windowsill

2008-06-05T21:18:00.003-05:00

This post is coming to you from my hometown of Lufkin, Texas. I'm officially on Summer vacation, so I high-tailed it down here for a little R&R with my extended family. My grandparents and two aunts live here on the same street, along with some of my grown and almost-grown cousins. It's really wonderful to be able to see everyone all at once when I visit.

Growing up, it was a lot of fun living on the same street as all my cousins. We played all the time. And dinnertime was really something. Once darkness settled in the sky and delicious smells traveled out open windows, we would make our rounds to see who was cooking the "best" food.

I have VERY few memories of eating out while I was growing up. My grandparents always had a garden and chickens. Until I went off to college, I had never eaten store-bought eggs, jams, jellies, preserves, vegetables, some fruits, pickles, or ice cream. My grandmother (and many other relatives) is a wonderful, old-fashioned cook. And she has a habit.

All of her recipes are on index cards, hand-written, and kept in filebox. When she's cooking, she'll place the recipe cards on her windowsill. Whenever I come for a visit, I always check the windowsill to see what my grandmother has been cooking while I was gone. In the windowsill, there are always 1 or 2 old favorites that bring back memories. Most are sun-faded. All are delicious. I thought I would share this experience with you, my loyal readers.

On this trip, I found 2 recipe cards on the windowsill.

Cornbread

3/4 cup corn meal
1/4 cup flour
1 t sugar (she just put a "t" - I assume this means tablespoon)
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg

Mix dry ingredients. Add milk & egg. Bake in hot, greased pan until brown.

Cocoa Drop Cookies

1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup buttermilk or sour milk
1 t vanilla
1 3/4 cups sifted flour
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup nuts

Cream shortening, sugar, egg. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla. Sift together and stir in flour, soda, salt, and cocoa. Stir in nuts. Chill one hour. Drop by tablespoon on greased cookie sheet and bake at 400.

~ DeLyn ~

Breaking News!

2008-05-23T20:17:00.004-05:00

...literally! Thank you to all my family and friends who have called with your love and concern for Rebekah. For those of you who don't know, she had a trampoline accident yesterday. After making her suffer all night because we thought she was being dramatic, Scott took her in this morning because she couldn't walk. We're glad he did because it was indeed broken just below the knee. However, she managed to just miss the growth plate. She's in a lot of pain now, but we're praying for a speedy recovery. She should get the cast off around the 4th of July.

This is a picture of her fabulous hot pink cast. She's talking to her Great-Aunt Brenda on the phone, who called to comfort her a bit. She's still upset because nobody has "sent" her anything yet, but I told her that everyone just found out today. So get to sending. She's expecting cards and letters and no telling what all else! Hehehe!

Love Ya'll!

Wishcraft Chapter 12: Part 13 of 14

2008-05-09T17:25:00.003-05:00

Epilogue - Learning to Live with Success

1. Hooray for You! - Remember to celebrate your achievements. You've earned it.
2. Fake It - Now is the time for action. Or as Barbara Sher says, "Fake it until you get used to it."
3. Until You Get Used to It - Honey, you have arrived!

My favorite quote from this chapter:

"Being on your path is what it's all about. Each destination you reach only opens out into wider horizons, new and undiscovered couuntries for you to explore."

Seek out your dreams, Adventurers!

...all this from a girl who can't count. I've been stating all along that there were going to be 14 parts, but this is, in fact, the last part, number 13. Hahaha!

Love Ya!
~DeLyn~

Wishcraft Chapter 11: Part 12 of 14

2008-05-09T17:00:00.003-05:00

Chapter 11 is titled: Proceeding

Basically, it tells you how to proceed from here, once you've established all of your planning sheets. Here is an excerpt directly from the chapter that sums of what you should have ready:

"On Your Planning Wall

1. your personal "saint"
2. flow chart
3. goal calendar
4. first steps
5. weekly calendar
6. the next five years
7. the next step: tonight / tomorrow

To Carry With You Wherever You Go

1. purse or pocket calendar
2. actions and feelings journal
3. hard times notebook

Here's What You Do Every Week

1. Sunday night planning meeting
- review what you've done this week
- flow chart and goal calendar update
- list of first steps
- problems list (hard times and brainstorming)
- next week's plan (calendar and pocket/purse calendar)
- journal
- next steps
-rewards
- dreaming

Daily Procedure

- journal (evening)
- list of first steps (evening)
- the next step (evening)
- rewards (evening)
- get up 10 minutes earlier than you have to (morning)
- look at the Next Step on your planning wall (morning)
- look at flow chart to gauge where you are (morning)
- quick glance at "saint" and gather up travel calendar (morning)"

And that's all she wrote. Really puts things into perspective, doesn't it?

Go get 'em, Tiger!

Do My Girls Look Alike?

2008-05-01T21:51:00.006-05:00

(bottom) Ella (top) Rebekah

What do you think? Do my girls look alike?