Remember way back on June 5th?

I submitted a manuscript for acceptance to a writer's retreat which takes place in November.

I was accepted!

Every time I submit something, I do it with the attitude that if I'm accepted, then it's a reason to keep at this writing thing. If I'm not, I'll slow down. So far, the word has been to "keep at it."

Here's where the retreat will be:

http://www.alderbrookresort.com/index.php

More later!!

Have a great weekend.

My drain is clogged

I woke up this morning to find a sink full of water in my downstairs bathroom. It was dirty water. It was disgusting. Couldn't find the Drano -- and I've heard that's not so great for the pipes or the environment -- so I did some internet research... Turns out baking soda, vinegar and boiling water are supposed to do the trick.

Guess what? I tried the baking soda & vinegar trick... It didn't work. So, I dismantled the pipes. Yuck! I tried to "snake" it out. No luck.

So you know what I did? I screwed the pipes back together, straightened up my mess and proceeded with my day. :-)

Now, while I know that my sink still needs de-clogging, I also know that sometimes you have to put the yucky stuff aside and get on with your life.

Just feels good...

Pretty much everyday I wake up wanting to call my mother and check in. And then I realize she's not going to be on the other end of the phone. That's about the time I start to deflate.

But everyday when I come down to my computer, I find staring at me, a photograph of my parents' house. The one where I grew up. I put it on my computer as my desktop photo. There's something very comforting about seeing the front porch and the front yard looking back at me. And, while it DOES NOT replace talking to my parents, it does give me a warm feeling inside.

Somewhere in all the wonderful memories and all the comforts of home is a story just waiting to get out. Not sure how it's going to develop and it may take me a LONG time, but someday I'll write a story that honors both of my parents and all the love they put into our growing up ... The house &/or the porch will definitely be a character in that story.

Gettin' Ready to Ride

I decided recently to start riding my bike... Some of that decision came from the fact that I need to train for a ride next summer in Idaho. I'm pretty sure I could ride without a WHOLE lot of training -- it's 69 miles in 5 or 6 days -- but I also believe I could benefit from regular riding.

I'm trying to teach my girls that biking can be lots of fun. We've done a couple of trails around town. They enjoyed them -- but one more than the other. I bought them each a flashing light for the back of their bike and a pair of riding gloves to make the ride easier and safer. And, for me, I bought myself a rack, a pannier, riding shorts, gloves and lights so I can carry things and be comfortable and safe. I hope to save gas, build muscle and "save the earth."

It's easy to ride now when the sun is shining. It will probably be more challenging emotionally when the gray skies and rain come in October or November. My goal is to ride no matter what.

There's a lot to learn in the coming days. I'll keep you posted.

Another good book

While we were on vacation -- camping on the coast of Oregon -- I read So B. It by Sarah Weeks. It's a young adult novel. I loved it. I loved the voice. I loved the characters. I loved the story. I think you'll love it, too.
Heidi lives with her mother, who is mentally disabled and Bernadette, a neighbor with her own disabilities. That's the only life Heidi has ever known and at the age of 13 her curiosity about her mother takes her on a long bus ride to New York state. The journey is so well-told and it takes hold of the reader. The reader is introduced to various characters along the way...all of whom the reader relates to on some level.
I've really enjoyed reading children's books lately. In fact, I may just concentrate on them.
I recommend that you read So B. It. I'd like to hear what you think.