Yes, these are tiny gourds in an egg carton. I have painted them and I put a string through the top to make a little girl's necklace. They are a lot of fun. No, I didn't pick them early. They are full-grown.

Pleasantly Surprised Twice!

   In May 2011, this photo won the Cliff Edom Photography Award at the Ozarks Writers League. There is a story behind 'Abandoned.'
I told hubby in the summer of 2010 that I wanted him to hang a tire swing in the yard. I explained that I wanted it to be there for the first snowfall. I thought I gave him plenty of notice, but when the first snow came there was no swing. I can only imagine what the neighbors thought when they saw hubby with a ladder hanging a tire swing in the snow. Of course I had to wait till the next dusting before I could get a picture. I took many, but this one was taken very early and captured the sun painting a variety of colors on the snow.

In October 2011, I had the picture and trophy on display at the Ozark Creative Conference in Eureka Springs. Susan Swartwout, Editor of Big Muddy, asked if she could use the photo for the next cover. I was delighted.       I got my copies in the mail today and am thrilled.   For more information about Big Muddy check http://www6.semo.edu/universitypress/bigmuddy

Fodder for thought and stories

Last Friday evening I helped judge a beauty contest for little girls. A totally new experience gave me lots of ideas. The mind is running amok.
I also decided to plant some bulbs last week and unfortunately dug into some poison ivy. I know what the stuff looks like when it has leaves, but all I dug into was roots. Now I have a serious rash and more fodder for a story. If only I could stop scratching long enough to write.
Write what you know. Well, I know I don't enjoy poison ivy. The next short story may be a doozy.
Keeping it short today. But look for another blog very soon. I am expecting a wonderful surprise and can't wait to blog about it.

Changes

The radio interview is over and I'm on to other projects. Publisher knows which one. (wink, wink) Now let's hope I can be successful.
But first I want to talk about change.

When I wrote Cleveland the Green Camel, it was written in rhyme. It took a while, but I finally made a great discovery: I AIN'T SEUSS. Once I took the story out of rhyme form, it worked much better. Sometimes a writer has to know 'when to say when.' It is difficult to make changes, especially drastic ones. But to improve the writing, it has to be done.

I was asked, during the radio interview, if the house were on fire which of my printed works I would save. That was a tough one.  I have written hundreds of articles and each is special in its own way. I have written about such a variety of things, I never get bored.
I also don't want to bore the reader with bad writing. That is why changes are necessary. Cleveland is a better book because I let go of the idea I could write like the famous Dr.
I am just me, and that's all I can be.
But I'll be the best me I can,
Just watch and you'll see.

Nervous in the Barnyard

Well, Albert and Cleveland will be making their debut on the radio Monday, March 12 at 11 a.m. on channel 1510 a.m.
Okay, I will be doing a radio interview about my children's books. Let's just hope I can find the right words and not sound like my usual self.
This is a radio program that interviews local artists and authors. I have never done anything like this before. I'm always asking the questions for an interview. It should be very interesting to be on the other side of the table.
I hope to get a word in about my short stories and the Ozarks Writers League.
OWL has been a tremendous help and inspiration.
Hope some of you have the time to listen.

Writing and Photography

When I began writing articles, I discovered photos are vital. Since I was the one who always cut everyone's heads off in family pictures, I figured I was doomed. But with a lot of practice, I have taken several award-winning pictures.  This photo won 1st place at the recent Ozark's Writers League annual Art and Photography Show.  No one was more surprised than I, because there was some beautiful work on display this year. I honestly didn't think I had a chance.

TIME FLIES

Things have been busy in the barnyard. Hubby and I have been cutting a lot of wood, and we don't even burn wood. There are a lot of downed trees that need attention. But enough of that.

I visited several schools last fall and read Albert's Happy Thanksgiving and Cleveland the Green Camel to the classes.  I am gearing up for more classroom visits this spring.

Also in the works is another children's book. It is in the early stages, but I'll let you know when it is ready.

My photography is on display at the Republic Branch of the Greene County Library through the month of February. Hopefully folks will enjoy my work.