Business Card Give-Away

I remember in my first writing class I was told to have business cards when I went to conferences. Really, why? Because I was thinking what could I possibly put on one. I had nothing published, no website, no fax. Why would I really need them? I soon found out it didn't matter what was on it as long as there was some sort of contact information and maybe a mention of the type of stories you wrote. They were great to not only hand out to editors, agents etc, but also to hand out to other writers. I collected a great deal of cards from the first local conference I went to and have used them to maintain contacts.

As a mother I could use some business cards. I might come up with some fancy title for myself to put under my name like Artistic Director in Charge of Shaping Young Minds or maybe Queen of Multi-Tasking. But I really could use them because I could have my cell number and home number on them and hand them out to the parents of my kids friends or to the random lady I met in the Walgreens who wanted to come paint my house and put hay on my walls. Whatever the reason, I could use some mommy business cards.

Which is why I am so excited to announce another give away by



2 ,yes you read right, 2 of my readers will win:


500 Business Cards
Choose business card size: 2x3.5”, 2x3”, 2x2";
Choose paper: 14pt cardstock (matte or gloss coating) & 13 pt cardstock uncoated
Choose Color: (4/4) Color both sides; (4/1) Color 1 side , B/W backside; (4/0) Color 1 side, black backside
Shipping must be paid by Winner. Offer Valid for UNITED STATES SHIPPING ONLY.

Go over to Uprinting.com and check out their die cut business cards. Then leave a comment on this post as to what you might use your business cards for if you were to win. You don't have to have a blog, just leave me a way to contact you.

I will pick the 2 winners on Wednesday, Sept. 9th. Good luck!!

The Business of Writing

The first step I took years ago in making my writing become more than just a hobby was to attend a writing workshop in Austin put on by Women's Story Circle. It was led by Susan Witting Albert, author of the China Bayles series and most recently The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series. Even though the workshop was about writing your own life story I learned a lot about writing in general, whether it be fiction or non-fiction. Not to mention I met many wonderful people and made some important contacts.

Through this group I became a member of an online writing group. I've been a part of this group for over ten years now. I can't say that I'm always the most active member, but I've made many friendships across the country in which we share the same passion for writing. We support, critique, and cheer each other on.

Through this group I've had stories published in The Story Circle Journal. It was the first time I saw something I wrote published in a real, honest to goodness publication. I must say it was a very exciting moment for me. They also hold contests, publish anthologies with member's stories , and a conference every two years.

My mother-in-law ended up sitting on their board for a number of years, directing their OWL group (Older Women's Legacy) and has numerous stories published in their anthologies. It has been a fun endeaver for us both to share.

So I must say I was thrilled when they mentioned my blog in their national e-letter. I am thankful for the recognition and exposure. After all one of the most valuable tools for many writers is networking. The more people you know in the business the better. And I feel extremly lucky to be a part of this amazing group of women.

Thank you Story Circle Network!

Is there a group you belong to or credit with getting you out there and into the writing world?

His Promise

School starts in fifteen minutes. I'm sitting in my pajamas in front of the computer and all three girls are sound asleep in their beds. Our friends are walking the corriders of the elementary school. Parents are taking pictures and students are getting settled in their new classrooms. Moms and Dads are hugging their little ones and not so little ones good-bye and wishing them a wonderful first day. It's the first time in five years I'm not walking down the hall glancing over my shoulder as I watch one of my children settle into their desk as they wait for the teacher to begin. I'm not waving to my friends as they walk past with their children. Smiling at all the excitement that fills the little building.

But I'll tell you what else I'm not doing. I'm not getting into my car with an empty feeling as I pull out of the school parking lot and leave my children behind. I'm not keeping myself busy all day trying not to miss my kids and praying all goes well. Instead, I'm sitting at my computer. Happy all three of my children are in the next room. A little anxious about the upcoming school year, but at peace with our decision.

I never dreamt that 12 years ago as I was completing my teaching certification that someday God would call me to teach my own children. Whether this journey lasts a year or ten I can not say. All I know is that God has a plan. Has from the beginning. I'm on a path and He is the light I am following. He promised us that if we believed in Him, He would see us safely through the roughest storms. This morning I'm remembering that promise. There is great peace in that.

May God bless you and your children wherever they may be this morning.

Bouncing Signals

My Internet access has been spotty. I've been told I have a bouncing signal. The Internet connection out here in no man's land is actually coming from a satellite signal that is bouncing off one of the canyon walls around my house. I'm really outside of the service area. They've upgraded their modem and somehow that makes my connection worse. I'm not really sure how to explain that, but that is how it is. They will be out in 1 months time to see what can be done if anything.

It would be so easy to get irritated by this whole situation, except for one thing. I moved out to the country for a more relaxed life. I wanted to be near civilization, but far enough away to not have it breathing down my neck. To take in the fresh air, not worry about my kids riding their bikes in the street, and give my entire family plenty of room to explore.

Nature inspires me. Stories seem to come easier when my mind is not cluttered with the next door neighbors eclectic collection of "yard art" staring me in the face as I gaze out the window. We don't get many unexpected visitors so I'm free to daydream and write at leisure when time permits.

And honestly, bouncing signals seems to be a way of life for me. Ideas bounce around in my head on a daily basis from lesson plans for my home school adventure to fixing up the house to plot ideas for books. Never holding still, just bouncing. So how can I complain about a little old thing like a satellite signal doing the same thing? I can't really. Maybe this is just my chance to drift a little further from civilization as I go about my daily activities. Who knows I might even get something done.

So I'll be here whenever the signal bounces in my favor. If you don't hear from me for awhile you can just imagine my signal bouncing freely in the wind, just like I'm tempted to do time from time!

What do you do when you find yourself stuck without your connection to civilization?

Memorable Beach Moments

I love the beach. Walking barefoot along the sand while letting the cool water squish between my toes. Scanning the shoreline for pretty shells as the seagulls call overhead. My children love the beach too and are so lucky to have grandparents that have a place by the ocean where we can escape to.

The roar of the ocean must hum through all our veins. I used to visit my grandparents every winter when they travelled to south Florida with all the other "snowbirds". They'd close their business down for the winter months (not much concrete to pour during the Kentucky winters) and head for the sunshine state for some R&R. I have precious memories from the beach and now my children will too.
Our vacation to Galveston was so much fun. It was the first time in a long time I got to play along with my girls. Seems like any trips to the beach during the last 9 years involved me tending to a baby and keeping them from getting too much sun. Not this trip! I got to build sandcastles, hunt for hermit crabs, and even lay by the pool.

Getting Back Into The Swing of Things

We had a wonderful two weeks away, but now I'm trying not to be overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done here on the home front. I've got research to be completed, lesson plans to make, a schoolroom to put together, a house to clean etc., etc. Not to mention catching up with all my blogging friends. Yesterday I faced the mess around me with endless energy, today after being awakened by my 2 year old at 4:45 I'm feeling quite sluggish. The rain outside does not help my mood. Is it nap time yet?

Tomorrow I will upload pictures from our trip and share stories of beach, sand, and hermit crabs. Today I am just trying to slowly get back to the blogging world. My sluggishness is showing.

But I do have something exciting to share. We attended a huge homeschool conference in Houston and got some curriculum and direction. WB and I are excited to start this new adventure in our lives. As always we love sharing our goings on with everyone so to celebrate the start of our homeschool journey I will be starting another blog. I thought of just adding on here, but I want the kids and WB feel like their blog is unique to them, not just an extension of mine. I'll let you know when it is up and running. Of course that requires that I get my act together and get my list of chores done. My goal is to have it up by next week.

It is hard to believe the summer is quickly leaving us. Do you have any plans for the upcoming school year or end of summer?

Winner of Poster Print

The winner of my poster print is Warren at Family Fountain! Thanks to everyone who entered and I'll be back to Houston today so I can download some pictures from the beach and share some stories!

Beach Time and Still Time For Give Away

Just wanted to let everyone know I'm still on vacation. We are currently at the beach and I am enjoying some fun with the family! Don't forget to sign up for my give away if you haven't already! I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone soon!

Enjoy the day:)