Shelly Writes! (Book) http://www.Writing.Com/main/profile.php/blog/michellekeyes/action/archive Happy New Year! Another exciting year ahead full of change and challenges. First is that I simply do not have the time I once did to participate in WDC. This has likely been obvious for several years now, to everyone but me. Having loved my time on WDC and the growth it has brought me, I have been loathe to admit that I have simply too much going on and ...[Read Full Post] Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:40:19 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/745024 I'm happy to share another publication success. My short story "Alone" was published in the award-winning Duck Soup Magazine. It is the perfect home for the story. Fortunately the rights revert back to me upon publication so I am free to find it another home in the future. I was a little concerned, because of the story's dark themes and e...[Read Full Post] Fri, 02 Sep 2011 23:40:23 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/733124 This has definitely been a hectic week. Juggling work, personal stuff, and writing has made it very tough to focus this week. I haven't gotten any writing done but I did do some interviews for a feature article I'm working on. I still have some more to do. The worst part is I have zero motivation and I'm normally a very motivated person. I&#3...[Read Full Post] Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:07:39 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/723230 Ok - so I'm full of nerves and excitement this morning. After debating on it for over a week, I decided to take a huge leap of faith that I even stand a prayer's chance of winning and submitted one of my short stories to the Texas Observer's 1st Short Story Prize. The entry fee was $25 but for an additional $10 you could get a critique from t...[Read Full Post] Sat, 23 Apr 2011 13:14:13 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/722879 Ok, so in the last few days I've realized that it's very difficult to forgo my blog on WDC. More than half a dozen times I've thought about posting about something - things I'm struggling with, WDC concerns or even something as simple as a recent WDC win. My blog readers aren't generally familiar with WDC and would have no idea what I...[Read Full Post] Sat, 23 Apr 2011 01:33:51 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/722857 It's with a sad and heavy heart that I admit the inevitable. My blog on WDC is done. There's simply no reason to keep two independent writing related blogs, regardless of whether it gains me new WDC exposure or not. There's plenty of other ways for me to gain exposure on WDC and not duplicate my blogging efforts. Not to mention, since I maint...[Read Full Post] Sun, 17 Apr 2011 01:34:38 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/722441 How exciting! My new column, "Teach Them Well: Twenty First Century Parenting" has officially debuted! The first column, "The Metamorphosis into Mommy" is a first person article about my initial years entering into parenthood and how the experience transformed me into "mommy". The goal of the column was to set the tone for the res...[Read Full Post] Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:17:45 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/717214 Happy New Year WDC! It feels good to be bringing in another new year full of promise and possibilities. I had a fabulous 2010 - full of laughter and joy. I'm completely in love and loved for the first time in more years than I can recall. That alone made it a great year but I also experienced growth in my business, my daughter is health, happy, and t...[Read Full Post] Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:05:11 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/714480 Turns out someone heard my call for help via my blog and one of the moderators for "Let's Publish" stopped by my port and invited me to join. The group looks like exactly what I'm looking for so I submitted an application and am hopeful to hear a response soon. With the holidays it's unlikely I'll hear anything soon but I'm ho...[Read Full Post] Thu, 30 Dec 2010 15:04:16 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/714343 This is exactly why I stopped reviewing two years ago. There is a lot of time, effort, and mental energy put into reviewing on this site. But there are so many different levels of writers it's really hard to know where to devote the most time. I want to find people who are seriously committed to their craft, like I am. People who WANT to improve, peo...[Read Full Post] Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:35:44 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/714241 What a great year it's been! 2010 was everything I hoped it would be and so much more! I'm in a great relationship and completely in love. I'm in love with our new home in Texas, was published this year, and have officially returned to writing. You can find many details at my website at [Link: 'http://www.michelledkeyes.wordpress.com.&#39...[Read Full Post] Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:48:32 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/714020 It's official - my short story Seeking Redemption has officially been published as part of the anthology Drastic Measures by Blueberry Lane Books! To celebrate this wonderful achievement I have created a website which does and will feature all the latest news about my publishing and writing efforts. Many thanks to the WDC writing commun...[Read Full Post] Sat, 04 Dec 2010 18:03:37 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/713012 It seems I'm being called to return to my writing most unexpectedly. In the past 10 days I've worked furiously to revise and polish two of my short stories for an anthology. The first one ultimately was rejected as not being a proper fit and further revisions to meet the publication needs would ultimately destroy the integrity of the piece. Howev...[Read Full Post] Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:20:19 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/708934 I received quite a surprise and honor recently when a fellow writer requested I submit to an upcoming anthology. So without much ado or argument (after all, why look a gift horse in the mouth!), I began revising two of my pieces - Alone and Seeking Redemption. This is a challenge since I've not been doing any writing other than nonfiction for the pas...[Read Full Post] Sun, 10 Oct 2010 17:11:51 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/708156 I've been very busy recently with building up and running both of my small businesses as well as attending school. There's a lot of challenges currently but that's nothing new. I've gotten away from writing significantly - I'm not even blogging anymore. I just feel like after 10 years of blogging, I'm just saying the same things o...[Read Full Post] Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:07:15 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/702810 Can you believe 2010 is almost to the halfway point? June 1 is only a week away! The last six months have flown by so fast I feel like I should have whiplash. My daughter turned 3 and almost immediately we succeeded with potty training. The move to Texas was a huge success and we're happily settled into a cozy apartment. As I look over [Link To Item...[Read Full Post] Mon, 24 May 2010 21:10:10 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/697171 Oh I almost forgot to mention. I've been trying to rethink the title for my nonfiction novel currently titled "A Life in Progress" which is the title of an already published book. I'm thinking of titling it "Not Broken". What do you guys think? Too negative or just right? Would you pick up a book with that title?...[Read Full Post] Sun, 25 Apr 2010 01:34:05 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/694155 Okay, I love all the site changes. I've included a link to my off-site blog and updated some details. Hopefully no one malicious will visit it and be nasty on it because it's a happy healthy place for me to share about my life, something I really enjoy doing. Maybe my story will inspire others. I miss the site every day and am dying to finish...[Read Full Post] Sun, 25 Apr 2010 01:02:10 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/694152 Okay, first I want to say that I really miss being active on the site. I wish so much I had the time but I simply am unable to participate. I am hopeful that one day the opportunity will return but for now, I'm starting a full-time customer service job in May to help revitalize my savings account that was decimated by the move, and also working on my...[Read Full Post] Sat, 17 Apr 2010 11:32:12 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/693452 The past week has flown by. I've been so swamped - business and personal things alike. Today, however, was pretty laid back. I had an eye appointment today so I did that and then did some shopping at the mall. While shopping for an interview-worthy suit to replace my current one, which is about two years old, I got a phone call from a company in Texa...[Read Full Post] Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:30:53 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/684490 Well, it's getting close to the two week mark for when we leave Indiana. I've been beyond swamped with client meetings and phone calls since 1/4 as I try to get as many of my securities clients situated as I can before I leave. I'll still manage their accounts but won't be as able to do face to face meetings. It's been a pretty exciti...[Read Full Post] Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:01:48 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/683713 It feels so strange - I spent six months where my life revolved around school. I forgot how absorbed I would get in it and it was great feeling. There was always something to do. So much so that I was at loose ends over the holidays and now that I'm moving and not returning to school it's like trying to find myself all over again. How do I manage...[Read Full Post] Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:09:53 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/682625 Wow - who knew six months could be enough to make a person feel so out of touch? I feel like my writing skills have improved after my two semesters of college but still have further to go. Not to mention, most of my writing in the last six months has been nonfiction. That being said, I think I want to pick up my novel again. I was active for a while with...[Read Full Post] Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:21:29 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/681433 Well, after a six month hiatus due to school and homelessness, I am now planning a return to WDC. It's probably only until I either get too busy or go back to school but I'm hopeful to participate in the community again starting now through 2010. I hope to return to school in January 2011. I'm excited to reconnect with all my writing friends ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:10:10 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/681421 I made the decision recently that Indiana no longer holds anything worthwhile for me and I'm going to move my daughter and I to Dallas/Fort Worth Texas. Here's my reasons, not it any order (except the first one) 1) Better weather 2) Better economy - Indiana has been impoverished for almost a decade due to major losses of technology and manufa...[Read Full Post] Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:34:01 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/679970 It's been over a month since I blogged last which means it's past time I did an entry to let all my dear friends know how I'm doing. On December 18th I will complete my second semester of college. Somehow I'm not quite sure how I managed it considering everything that was going on. I was homeless until September 15th when my daughter a...[Read Full Post] Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:50:04 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/678934 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 lon...[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 Why is it that things just keep getting worse for my best friend's family? They have done so much to help others, me in particular and yet their luck has gone straight down the tubes. Today Craig was laid off. We're hoping he'll be able to go back to his old job. I don't know what's going to happen for them now - the next few months a...[Read Full Post] Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:22:08 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/630425 I have a nasty habit of overextending myself. It's unintentional and has everything to do with the fact that I'm an energetic overachiever who sets unrealistic expectations for herself. Case in point: Two months before the birth of my daughter Final Fantasy XII came out. Being the die hard fan that I was, I HAD to have the game but didn't ...[Read Full Post] Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:10:02 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/629869 Lots of changes in a tiny space. I've already done a blog entry on my other blog that's taken me almost four hours to finish so this will be very short. 1) Jenn is back home and seems stable for the time being 2) We're moved back into the house and are working on re-establishing a routine 3) The kids are a bit out of sorts and the oldest...[Read Full Post] Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:21:50 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/629549 Oh my gosh, I didn't realize how much this house had come to feel like home until I'd been in someone else's for almost a month. Exactly 21 days later, we're finally back in the house. I came back with the baby and the dog to a) get some peace and quiet, b) get the baby re-acclimated to the house c) to relax for a night before the kids co...[Read Full Post] Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:56:30 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/628961 I accomplished very little today but yet, what I accomplished was good. I got my online events reorganized for the winter festival after my long hiatus. I communicated with all the participants which I would have loved to have done sooner but everyone was extremely supportive and understanding. I spent some time with my daughter, who hardly knew what to ...[Read Full Post] Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:56:01 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/628828 I've had my nose stuck in a book for so long that it feels strange now. I feel like the world, which was once moving so fast I couldn't keep up, has suddenly stopped and I'm left a little puzzled and unsure of what I should be doing. I know I need more goals and I'm working on creating them but that's going to take a bit of time to wo...[Read Full Post] Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:03:15 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/628742 My tests are passed and I spent several hours in the office today, trying to catch up on paperwork and client stuff that had been somewhat neglected for the last eight weeks. It felt good to talk with clients again, to get into a groove of answering questions and providing help to others again. I also went to therapy, which was nice. Next week we'll ...[Read Full Post] Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:36:46 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/628634 It's official, I passed both tests! I'll get my license sometime in the next two weeks. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:25:31 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/628357 It was so nerve-wracking I'm still shaking almost 30 minutes later but I passed the exam! WOOT! Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:53:29 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/628114 My best friend left for a doctor's appointment, and most likely to be admitted to the local mental ward for evaluation and treatment of her mental disorders. My heart is so sad - she looked so forlorn and lost, like a small child as she shuffled out the door behind her husband. How confused everything must be for her right now. A small part of me is ...[Read Full Post] Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:05:26 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/627967 Against all the odds I'm facing, I am managing to maintain a low level of stress and still get time to study. Music at full volume + headphones = peace and quiet I'm not quite sure how but it's happening. I took the practice final test and scored an 82% for the series 6. Good enough for me considering I was scoring a 63% previously! That and...[Read Full Post] Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:21:22 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/627790 Three days and counting until my exam. I'm cramming as much as I can in the hopes that I'll do well. I've put in close to 30 hours of study time in four days with another 20 hours planned in the next three days. I sure hope it's enough. I can hardly believe how fast the time has flown by and that my tests are here already....[Read Full Post] Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:59:23 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/627609 All signs are pointing to Jenn being admitted to the mental hospital next week. This means that right after my tests I'll be very busy helping hold down the fort at the house for the kids. It could be anywhere from two weeks to four months. Fortunately, this time it will be planned which means I'll have plenty of help along the way from exten...[Read Full Post] Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:14:42 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/627278 Today I got a burr up my butt. I'm not sure what, how or why but I suddenly had the urge to write poetry. So I perused the site for some inspiration and spent about three hours writing three poems throughout the day. They're probably not very special but writing them was fun and refreshing. I hope to learn a little bit about meter so that I can d...[Read Full Post] Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:44:43 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/626524 Not everyone is probably a skimmer like I am but if you are, I'm hoping the new format will help you get intrigued by entries and choose to read them. I switched to this format to allow browsing and more selective reading in the event that some entries may or may not intrigue an audience. That being said, I write this solely for myself with the added...[Read Full Post] Sat, 27 Dec 2008 13:22:10 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/626330 I've determined that part of my problem lately has been that I'm not sleeping well due to so much stress. A family friend gave me some herbal sleep pills which work wonders for me and are helping me be able to get to sleep at a decent time (10 or 11 pm instead of 3 a.m.). I have a serious problem being able to 'shut off' at the end of a d...[Read Full Post] Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:23:28 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/626312 Due to the holidays and pressing responsibilities, I'm going to take a hiatus until 1/8/09. All festival activities will continue but dates will be changed when I return. Due to all the stress, I'm starting to get sick and hoping to head it off at the pass. I'll be sporadically in and out but right now I just can't be on here regularly. S...[Read Full Post] Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:45:22 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/624892 Anyone who regularly reads my blog knows I tend to be opinionated, prolific and a daily blogger. It's never a good sign when my blogs get so short that they're practically nonexistent or when I start missing days. That's always a sign that things are not well, either in real life or my mental state or both. Right now things in my life have st...[Read Full Post] Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:57:49 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/624683 I guess it was all too good to be true. Jenn came downstairs incoherent and regressed mentally. I'm hoping that she can sleep it off. She seemed so clear headed, I don't know exactly what caused this. I know her husband comes home today and he's going to be coming home to a mess and there's nothing I can do about it....[Read Full Post] Sat, 13 Dec 2008 09:31:21 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/624079 My best friend came home yesterday afternoon and has thankfully, jumped right back into the thick of things. I'm relieved because now I don't have to have such an active role in things and can refocus on my business, my studies and my slightly neglected-due-to-other-urgent-matters daughter. For tonight I'm definitely kicking back and just...[Read Full Post] Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:31:16 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/624021 Just when I get a handle on things, Daniel comes downstairs with a headache, chills, and an upset stomach that sounds a lot like the flu. Perfect! I don't have enough stress. Let's see if we can make her head explode! Jenn's possibly going to be home in the morning, I have no idea what condition she'll be in realistically. She sounds okay...[Read Full Post] Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:39:07 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/623688 I have to apologize to all my dear friends on WDC. My best friend has been hospitalized due to being a danger to herself and suicidal. I'm going to be very sporadic in regards to my online presence until she's better and things are more under control. My apologies to all. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:14:17 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/623348 Well, my best friend has officially been down for the count for four days which has left me juggling five kids, a messy house, and one hellaciously full schedule. I've always been very capable of juggling and managing my life but at this point, I'm maxed out. I'm not sleeping well and have had nightmares everyday for the last four whenever I ...[Read Full Post] Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:47:09 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/623161 Things are getting chaotic again. I'm certain its temporary but sadly all my creativity and motivation have disappeared as a result. I'm trying to give myself some time in the hopes that I can recover from it quicker if I take it easy. Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:40:34 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/622896