Shelly Writes! (Book) http://www.Writing.Com/main/books.php/item_id/1448943-Shelly-Writes If I have any faithful readers left at all, Happy Halloween to you. And to the rest of the WDC community as well. My ticker on this site tells me it's been 43 days since my last blog on here. It's amazing how quickly things can change in that time. I'm recovered completely from my surgery and start working out next week, with the help of a...[Read Full Post] Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:13:46 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/673875 The August Quotations contest wasn't one I could participate in, simply because I had no internet at the time. Nonetheless the quote did make me think of a nonfiction story. You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life. ~Winston Churchill For a long time in my life I existed, quite simply, to ...[Read Full Post] Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:37:35 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/668029 Libby and I finally moved into our own place last Friday. We have our own space, plenty of food, a house full of packed boxes and internet access. I hope to eventually return to WDC but for now, I've gotta get caught up on my studies. I had hernia surgery on 9/2 and am recovering well from that. Ultimately things are getting better every day. It'...[Read Full Post] Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:12:02 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/668025 Well, it's been a crazy few months and I don't have a lot of time so this will be very brief. I became homeless in June and am still technically homeless now. I'm hoping to be in my own place in early September. I don't have internet access at home right now which makes it extremely difficult for me to get online during my free time, whic...[Read Full Post] Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:06:45 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/665924 Finally, a bit of good news. Libby and I are officially moving August 1 into a place of our own. The transitional living facility would have micromanaged me too much so I decided to take the leap of faith and get our own place in order to maintain my sanity. I have so much going on I really don't need to be dealing with all the other stuff. Not to me...[Read Full Post] Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:37:02 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/658555 I can't believe it's been a year already. And what a year it's been - from being laid off twice, choosing to end my unhealthy relationship with my boyfriend, being displaced at Christmas due to an ice storm, the struggle to pass my securities exams in January, my struggles with my writing and trying to improve, then more recently my decision ...[Read Full Post] Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:31:48 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/658375 Tonight, in an effort to put to words the difficulties of the last few days in a form other than my blog, I've been exploring a free verse poem. I'm considering a quatern form as well. At this point I have a title "A New Face" and a couple of rough draft stanzas. I'll let it sit for tonight and come back to it tomorrow or this weekend...[Read Full Post] Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:31:36 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/656225 I found a decent place for Libby and I to live temporarily. It's a transitional living program to help me work out a solution to this housing issue. Now maybe I can get some things accomplished finally. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:12:52 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/655988 Please note, as of today, I am moving into a homeless shelter. My former best friend has become mentally unstable (or at least that's the only thing I can assume because anything else is simply too awful) and I'm being forced to leave. I have no financial resources at this time to do anything else but hope to have an apartment in August....[Read Full Post] Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:30:50 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/655519 Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't deal with emotions well. It took me almost ten years after the abuse of my childhood to come to terms with it and I'm still learning to deal with the emotions. Anger is the most difficult one. And recently my best friend made me so angry I didn't dare speak to her for fear of what might come out and cau...[Read Full Post] Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:54:26 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/654882 Turns out my best friend and her family aren't happy with me living with them anymore so I'm having to move. I'm still working out details but at this point it's looking like in the fall. Things are gonna get pretty nuts again for a while as I work toward getting promoted another level in my business so I can make more money and try to ar...[Read Full Post] Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:31:38 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/654686 It's amazing what you can do when pushed to rise to a challenge. I'm taking 9 credits hours this semester, which is a very short six week semester, in an effort to get some of my general education credits out of the way so I can move on to my undergraduate work. This session ends on June 26 and it looks like not only am I going to survive it (whi...[Read Full Post] Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:55:39 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/654245 It appears that I may be making a slow re-emergence into WDC after my long vacation. Classes are going well even though it's a brutal schedule (2 classes M, Tu, Th from 10 - 3 plus an online math class) and my business is still making sales and progress albeit not as fast as it was. I'm managing adequately, much to my surprise. I'm tired, don...[Read Full Post] Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:26:25 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/653277 Okay, I have to say I'm honestly astonished. I mean I've been pretty inactive since, what, February? March? And yet today, I'm promoted to a yellow case which is just about one of the coolest things. I'm so honored (and it seem such a silly thing when you look at it but really - it IS a validation) and appreciative of all the support I&#3...[Read Full Post] Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:20:37 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/652783 I'm very surprised at the impact that this website has had on my writing. As I work on my writing scholarship applications and have to repeatedly declare why I want to write and what my dreams are, I find myself going back to the writing I've created on this site. I've had a number of people support me over the last year and I've made a ...[Read Full Post] Sat, 23 May 2009 15:02:11 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/651277 I'm admitted to my local college, and I have meetings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday to go over my transfer credits, my financial aid awards, meet my department chair, and other miscellaneous school related stuff. I've already registered for one course for Fall term and have an idea of what courses I'm planning to take in summer and fall. A...[Read Full Post] Sun, 10 May 2009 21:52:00 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/649113 My best friend is returning to school for her psychology degree and that gave me the idea that maybe I should go back to school too. That maybe now was the perfect opportunity for me to pursue my biggest dream which is to be published. I would love to be able to write - maybe not full-time but at least regularly and have my work published. But I think I&...[Read Full Post] Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:32:32 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/645602 I'm finally starting to feel more like myself after almost two weeks of illness. My cough is almost gone and while I still tire very easily, I'm working again and have resumed pretty much my full-time schedule once again. I have a lot to do over the course of the next few weeks before I leave for California - an auction/business meeting this Satu...[Read Full Post] Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:31:52 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/645332 I'm not quite back to normal and probably won't be for a while yet but I'm keeping food down and my fever is gone. I'm up and about albeit shakily. I'll probably take it very easy the rest of this week and get back to it again tomorrow. I'll be focusing for the next couple of weeks on changing my diet. The fast food must go. I...[Read Full Post] Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:58:02 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/644548 If you've never gotten the flu shot and been fortunate enough to never get viral influenza (which is what the flu shot protects against, not the cold or more common stomach flu) consider yourself fortunate and take my heartfelt advice: GET THE FLU SHOT! I was one of those people who was too arrogant and too uneducated to get the shot (along with a he...[Read Full Post] Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:45:34 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/643956 It has been a crazy, wonderful month. My business is growing like never before - tons of new clients, plus my first new recruit and a second one will hopefully be signing on Saturday. I am pushing really hard to meet my goals this spring and so far it's paying off really great. Sorry I've not been around much - I miss everyone but it's not li...[Read Full Post] Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:33:32 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/642176 Things are very hectic currently so I'm going to step back from my WDC activities. I'm not entirely sure for how long but at this point I'm 200% focused on my business and don't have the mental energy to devote to WDC. Even my other blog isn't getting any postings lately. I'm sad at having to step away from my writing but at this ...[Read Full Post] Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:00:33 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/639347 It's amazing to me every day when I think of how quickly Libby is growing. She'll be 2 on the 28th and it's astonishing to me. I can picture her sweet face as she breastfed and gradually fell back asleep in my arms every night for two months. I can remember all her firsts: smile, tooth, word (pretty), laugh (on Mother's Day 2007), crawl, ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:37:27 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/636319 I went on a little bit of a shopping spree yesterday. I needed to get some new tops for work and found a really great sale that meant the tops were only $10 a piece. I almost want to go back today and get some more. There's a definite design difference between Wal-mart and Sears. In any case, I finally found a birthstone ring I liked after almost...[Read Full Post] Mon, 16 Feb 2009 07:34:18 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/636083 I spent yesterday running my tail off. I put the car in the shop for a transmission flush, oil change, and an overall evaluation as to whether it would last for another year. The mechanic said it should give me another year without a problem which is great because that means I won't have to rush out and replace it. The car is tiny and cramped and fal...[Read Full Post] Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:13:14 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/635726 Today was a great day - I got promoted to a new level in my business. This will give me a snazzy new title (Senior Representative) and additional commissions. My RVP didn't have to promote me because I hadn't gotten any new recruits but I did get three new policies and both of my licenses so he promoted me. I've worked so hard the last two ye...[Read Full Post] Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:30:45 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/635481 The first draft is finally done. It only took a week and a half to figure out the direction (most of which was me not thinking outside the box enough to realize my plot didn't work). I've got a rough draft written and Jenn and I are working on tweaking it, increasing the climax and such. It's right around 2000 words and I'm hoping to have...[Read Full Post] Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:55:09 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/635078 I seem to be having trouble figuring out what to do in regards to Life in Progress. I'm not sure how to move forward with it or even what I want to do with it. Does it take priority over my other projects? Can I finish the draft in 30 days? How do I get the conversational style back that I had seven years ago when my style has changed so much? I want...[Read Full Post] Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:27:12 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/634893 I recently started a discussion with a member named Del who started me thinking and moving down memory lane. I read over a couple of chapters of A Life in Progress and remembered why I'd stopped writing it. Basicially I needed something more to happen in my life, something to change the course of it toward my dreams and goals, toward a more positive ...[Read Full Post] Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:21:13 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/634509 I recently stumbled across an essay that asked four simple questions and I'd like to take a minute and answer them. After fifteen years of writing I think I shouldn't have any trouble. What's important to me? First and foremost, my daughter. No matter how frustrated or angry I get with her, at the end of the day I'm still always glad ...[Read Full Post] Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:47:59 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/634374 The most amazing, magical thing happened to me tonight. Well, two things really. First, I have the house to myself for about four blissful hours and can do whatever I want (or don't want) uninterrupted. The second magical thing is I got a letter from myself from the year 2010! Can you believe that? I sure can't but here it is... [Link To Item...[Read Full Post] Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:14:53 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/634348 I spent almost all day yesterday running around. My morning started with me going into the office for a quick hour to take care of mail and paperwork for a little bit. I also picked up about 100 recruiting leads to call and mail. I had an 11am appointment so I headed to that shortly after and when it was done, I went home to grab some lunch and give Jenn...[Read Full Post] Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:27:07 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/634210 Today was very busy all things considered. I started the day with meeting with the tax advisor at 8:30 a.m. I have little time or desire to file my own taxes anymore. I did for almost ten years and now, with my business I just don't want to have to put all the research time into preparing the taxes when I can take it to someone and have it done in 45...[Read Full Post] Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:25:58 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/633984 It's official. Shannon and I are done. My sister is against it, my best friend can't stand him, and my therapist helped me realize that he is completely wrong for me in the most fundamental ways. While we may have broken up for different reasons, we'll stay apart because he's not what I want. I want more than what he can give and we'r...[Read Full Post] Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:09:32 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/633683 Okay, so I revamped my review forum in an effort to bring additional GPs in for upgrading my membership. I'm working on creating some other events and such as well. I spent some time doing reviews. I also was emailed to become a mentor for a newbie on the site. What a huge compliment. Me, a mentor! Wow! I also won an auction item that basically gives...[Read Full Post] Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:17:55 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/633598 I've been listening to this great song lately that I couldn't get out of my head. Something about the lyrics just really begged for a story to be written, you know? The song is called Hummingbirds by Venus Hum. The lyrics are like this: Some of my favourite colours in the world Beat against my eyelids with the blues of green hummingbirds Som...[Read Full Post] Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:55:12 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/633501 I worked on revising Seeking Redemption today based on comments I received. I didn't think it possible but after the changes I made, I like it even more than I did before. I've put an almost exorbitant amount of work into this story. Considering it's under 3K word count, I'm surprised at the level of work that's been involved. But at ...[Read Full Post] Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:39:45 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/633481 It amazes me how much my best friend influences my work. She is to me what C.S. Lewis was to J.R.R. Tolkien. She has the uncanny ability to put into words exactly what I'm trying to say. I'm working on revising Seeking Redemption after receiving some AMAZING feedback from a reviewer (be sure to check out his forum below). I've never had someo...[Read Full Post] Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:23:27 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/633463 There are times when I wish I had a crystal ball. Not the kind that would show me anything I wanted but only a specific timeframe, like what my life will be like in the next five years. If I made decision A, what will the outcome be? Wouldn't it be great to know whether the decision you made now, would be the right one? Wouldn't that help take ou...[Read Full Post] Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:24:25 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/633417 I recently posted my short story, Evralia's Exile (which I'm now realizing no matter what I do, is not willing to stay a short story) to a writing review group I'm a part of for discussion next week. We meet each week to discuss each other's work and provide feedback. We could do reviews but it's kinda nice to have the personal touch of a chat. ...[Read Full Post] Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:33:36 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/632906 I've been very lucky the last few weeks - almost all of my appointments have held. Last night I went to a local chamber meeting for the first time with a colleague. I was seriously under-dressed and therefore mortified. But I still had a good time and met six new people. I didn't know how hard it would be to talk to complete strangers, even in...[Read Full Post] Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:04:02 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/632881 Today was a pretty busy day. I spent the morning with Libby and then the afternoon dealing with paperwork stuff. I submitted an application for health insurance through the state now that I'm officially self-employed, dealt with some client paperwork, scheduled a doctor's appointment for Libby for her 2 year well baby visit and just generally ran...[Read Full Post] Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:23:22 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/632231 My daughter, Liberty (aka Libby) turns two on February 28. Yesterday my best friend and I made preliminary plans for the party and I invited the guests. Fortunately I live with most of them but there will be several other kids there as well. We're doing an Elmo theme this year. We almost went with Dora but honestly, she'd enjoy that much more if...[Read Full Post] Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:26:15 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/631870 I made a big mistake not too long ago - I tried a free trial of the Premium membership. Oh what a wonderful membership level that is! The port surf! The full screen edit! The costumicons! The faster IM speeds. And no to mention, my port is now reach half it's limit of items and my email is at 40% and growing quick even after all my deletions from the other da...[Read Full Post] Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:37:58 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/631628 I'm so excited - I spent about four hours today making calls - from 3 - 5 and from 7:30 to 8:30. I set up 3 appointments for next week and will be getting two new life policies written. Finally - a decent sum of money! I can't wait! I'm enjoying getting into this new groove. It's so different when it's just you and there's no ...[Read Full Post] Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:25:17 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/631627 Okay, I've reached the point where I can't make decisions on my writing. I have six short stories that need revision. I have five poems that I think may be publishable as long as the form they're in is acceptable to the publication. I have so many pieces now, so many stories and poems that I'm not sure what to do first. How do you choo...[Read Full Post] Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:27:08 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/631469 It took me almost four hours over the course of the last two days but I finally managed to trim my inbox to a more reasonable level. Remind me never to take eight weeks off from WDC again! WHEW! I still have to empty the trash and the sent box but at least the inbox is cleared up from almost 300 items. I found several things, including some auction items that I&#39...[Read Full Post] Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:15:46 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/631102 My education was so different from today's. There was no ISTEP. There wasn't the boundaries there are now - you just went to whatever school was closest. In Florida, if you weren't 5 by October of the year, you had to wait til the next year. In California it's a year round school. Due to my birthday, I was almost a year behind my peers wh...[Read Full Post] Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:24:40 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/631066 It may still need work but I went ahead and submitted my short story Seeking Redemption to a magazine. I was able to submit it electronically as a PDF which was nice. I didn't get all my stories revised and submitted this month but I did get one done at least. I will start working on the others and still am accepting reviews on this one as well. I do...[Read Full Post] Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:53:54 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/630933 *Warning: May contain gross, descriptive language - if you have an easily upset stomach you might wanna skip this entry* There are some things that are a complete testament to a mother's love. Who else is willing to selflessly clean up a child's tears, vomit, and poop and still love the child at the end of the day? A year ago, almost to the da...[Read Full Post] Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:59:44 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/630684