The blustery wind is blowing, instead of a chill in the air its downright freezing, and the fireplace is alight as we drink hot cocoa. Sounds like … where? Certainly not Houston, yet here we are. In a winter wonderland (almost).
We awoke this morning to 70 degrees and the temps dropped steadily until, right now, we’re hovering above freezing. Dallas and other areas of Texas have reported snow, so perhaps I can blog about a snow man tomorrow?
To mark the first month of tracygoodwin.net, two recipients have been chosen as the winners of November’s contest. As soon as they have been contacted, I will post their names. Thank you to all of those who signed up for my newsletter this month and remember, next month offers more amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com gift certificates and tracygoodwin.net mugs!
Until next time …
My husband called me today to inform me that he found a snake in our backyard. I know it’s common to have snakes in Texas, but this is the first time one has surfaced in our backyard that we know of. I have nothing against them personally, but for some reason snakes scare me. Back on point, my husband tells me the tale of our snake. How Greg introduced himself, touched him (ewwwww!), then watched him slither away. Greg then emails me the following, after researching his new friend, on the web:
Here is the picture I got of the snake, this way you will know what he looks like when you see him. He was very nice although a little rude … he kept on sticking his tougue out at me.
Now, I just learned Greg named our snake Ralph. Although he’s thinkng he might change his name to Beaudreu, the Gulf Coast Ribbon Snake. This is my husband … comical. As you can see, he keeps me smiling and laughing (and with him, not at him … most of the time).
The picture didn’t post well but trust me, Ralph (aka: Beaudreau) is one sleek, scary looking little reptile dude.
Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, we have already begun decorating for Christmas. Greg has been so excited at the thought of celebrating Christmas in our new home that he has been laying out lighting and decor for months now. I must admit I had visions of a Clark Griswald, National Lampoon’s Christmas.
While I was writing yesterday, Greg decorated the front yard and it looks gorgeous! We have icicle lights and a lighted, moving reindeer family in our front yard, red bows, and lit trees and shrubs.
So, what does your outdoor decor usually resemble? A Griswald family Christmas, ba-humbug, or somewhere in between?
November is winding down and time’s almost up! Don’t forget to register for my newsletter. When you do so, you’re automatically entered in my monthly drawing for a tracygoodwin.net coffee mug and a $10. gift certificate to either Amazon.com or Barnesandnoble.com.
Registering is simple. Either click on the yahoo groups tab to the right or click onto the following link:
A winner will be selected on November 30th, so don’t delay.
Until tomorrow …
Holidays always seem to sneak up, don’t they? I can’t believe Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is right around the corner.
Greg and I celebrated by having Thanksgiving dinner in our new home. Greg, being the chef in our family, prepared a fabulous feast! We have much to be thankful for this year, our new home being one of many blessings bestowed upon us.
I hope your holiday was a happy and healthy one!? How did you celebrate?
It’s always a good morning when I wake up to Harry Potter news. Well, this morning brought more trouble logging into AOL so it’s not starting out strong, but the release of the Order of the Phoenix trailer certainly brightened it up!
If you’re a Potter fan, check out this link: http://video.aol.com/searchresults?query=order+of+the+phoenix+trailer&invocationType=aolvideo-topbox&familyFilter=1 It’s one of many trailer links on the web now.
The movie looks great and Helena Bonham Carter looks to be a fabulous Beatrix Lestrange. I can’t wait! The movie is to be released in July 2007 (and so is the final book, I believe).
Let me know if you have any other Harry Potter news!
Until tonight …
I found a wonderful book of names! Not only is it a great tool for authors, but it would be helpful for parents naming children, as well. The book is called CHARACTER NAMING SOURCEBOOK and was written by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
One of the reasons I’m finding it so useful is the reverse index which allows you to look for a name based upon its meaning.
If you know of any other great research tools, please let me know. For now, my Internet break is over and I must return to my works in progress.
Until tomorrow …
Ever wonder what to wear to an important interview? Or what your favorite color says about you? Check out this site: http://horoscopes.aol.com/fengshui/feng-shui-fashion-guide-colors
After reading this link, I evaluated my wardrobe. I must admit I mostly wear reds and pinks, although I do wear browns and purples, as well.
How about you? What does your wardrobe say about you?
At last month’s WHRWA meeting, I volunteered to be one of the judges for the organization’s annual contest, The Emily. Reading and scoring the entries reminded me of the contests I’ve entered and brought to mind some of the comments I received. Specifically, it brought to mind one judge in particular who wrote that she couldn’t wait to see me in print.
That one comment was so uplifting that it helped me through the self-doubt that I, like most every author, experience. So, as I completed my task, I tried to impart the same words of encouragement to those submissions I was granted.
Entering one’s work in any contest is a daunting experience and takes a lot of courage. You’re opening your work to criticism and that’s not an easy thing to hear. By entering a contest, you’re also allowing someone give you fresh insight on your work and, as I’ve learned from personal experience, it can be invaluable.
Thank you to those wonderful authors who give of themselves and their time to volunteer to judge these contests. And thanks to that one anonymous judge, whose comments and encouragement meant the world to me. She set the bar high. And I hope to always follow her example.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and, with that in mind, I received one of the most wonderful forwards in my inbox today. In support of our troops, Xerox has created a campaign called “Let’s say thanks” in which they will print and send thank you cards to our troops overseas.
Go to www.letssaythanks.com and take a look at all of the cards on there created by children from various parts of the United States. Choose the card you’d like them to send for you and fill out your name, home town, and message. Xerox will then print your card and mail it to a member of our military overseas.
According to their website, over five million people have sent messages of support. Please take the time and stop on by … it’s a great cause.
Thank you to the Xerox corporation for creating such a wonderful, heart warming program! It’s a pleasure to take part in it. Our troops and their families deserve our thoughts and prayers every day, especially when we’re giving thanks on Thanksgiving day.
