Great Falls

I've been a sucky blogger!!!! Ew. I didn't want this to happen... But here I am. Sucking at blogging. I'm trying to keep up. I'll do better... as soon as I can.

Just a bit about our trip to Montana...

The sign at the airport. Very beautiful views from up on the hills.

Overall though, I don't know. I felt off. There were lots of pros...but more cons. I felt really far away from my kids... I know, I know. They'll be moving with me! But it made me think. What about if I want someone to come visit me? Who's going to visit me? or go hunting with Matt? I mean, we'll make new friends but we both have big families and we each have a really good friend from childhood...it's nice to be able to keep in touch. It was REALLY expensive to fly there. So there was that.

Perhaps it was bad timing, but the town itself was really brown. Except for the big neon casino signs[on every corner] there was an air of 'needing a face lift.' I liked the town and in the summer it's probably really bright and fresh looking. They have this weather phenomenon that they boast of called the Chinook winds. A really warm breeze that will blow in... It melts all the snow. I really like snow. Heavy, wet snow. Oh, and just outside of town, there are no trees. I talked to a lady. She and her husband just bought 200 acres...with NO trees on it. It's definitely plains country. It's beautiful in its own way... I felt out of place. Apparently I'm more of a midwest girl than I thought. Perhaps if we'd been in the mountains... it's almost as if the town is too close. To be able to see but not be...

The jobs themselves were good. Matt and I had differing opinions on the job prospects. Obviously, his opinion holds more weight in this area. I was skeptical... some of the benefits weren't just right... the salary was good and certainly more than DH ever made without his CPA, but the cost of living up and around the Rocky Mountains is steep. I'm really sick of living from one penny to the next... Health benefits were blickety-blick especially for a family with one blind kid and a diabetic. Both companies were only going to pay for Matt's insurance. *shakinghead* No. That's not going to work... not at that salary. Oh, and the guy who asked him out agreed to pay for Matt's ticket. The other company agreed to go in and do half of everything... Well, guy number one gave matt a check for half of his plane ticket, but didn't include fees and taxes! I mean really... That doesn't bode well. It just didn't sit right with me.

...Sorry, I'm going on like you care that much.

I'll say, I was really impressed with the school district and the school for the blind. If that was the only factor in this discerning process, we'd be there. I guess it was just a hair too close to the middle of nowhere.no ocularist.no pediatric opthalmologistno pediatric endocrinologistonly one regular people endocrinologistno Kohls. This would all be okay if we didn't have to drive 3-6 hundred miles everytime we needed to see one of these people. *shrug* Matt's disappointed... I'm only disappointed because I want to get the heck to my own place! LOL. *sigh* we had a good visit and if you're from Great Falls and are offended, I'll be glad to make a list of all the pros! I really wish we had been able to see more... other smaller towns, the mountains. There just wasn't enough time. We didn't even get a chance to see The Falls... It's called Great Falls for a reason you know.

Gaining One Pound

...really sucks.

But after Turkey Bird week, I'm pretty happy to have gained ONLY one pound. :-)

...I think the week after Thanksgiving is kind of like New Year's Day. With Motivation to make the extra effort and run, run very, very far.

...just like the deer are doing in Ohio now that it's gun season.

In the same way, my writing goals are in the forefront. I want to complete 50,000 words by the time I move. That could be just over a month from now or as long as 3 months. I think it's a reasonable goal. I'll apply it with at least 30 minutes a day at the computer during the week and at least 60 minutes a day on the weekends. Perseverance will be key.

SO, what are you doing now that the FIRST holiday is over? Will it prepare you for the coming holiday? Share your goals with me!!!! and have a great week.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm so thankful for my family.

My Husband of 8 years...

My kids, all four of them...

My sisters...

My parents...

Aunts and Uncles...

Cousins...

Gigi and Grandma Mary...

and

My Friends from today and days gone by.

How the story comes about.

You ever wonder where the story comes from? I DO! Thinking on all of the books I've read inspires me to come up with something even more unique. There are some who agree that task is impossible. The story is always the same - good guys, bad guys, good girls, bad girls...

I disagree, although I didn't always.

My stories come from my imagination. Whether my imagination is sparked by a book I'm reading or the newspaper, something I see on line or an event within my own life, imagination is what makes the story MINE.

Early last school year, I caught one of our distant neighbors, with his semiprivate fencing, digging a whole in the backyard. My first thought? I wonder who he's burying there. Is this normal? Maybe not but I sure did get some good story ideas out of that instance. Of course, I've seen his wife several times AND I've admired the decorative fountain/pool that he installed. :D Sooo, who is buried under there, anyway?

Now, my husband does two things online. That's right, just two things. He checks his email and he flips through MSNBCs week in pictures. Did anyone see this past week's photo of the house in Italy with the gas leak? It completely obliterated it. Shrapnel could be seen from this particular view 100 yards from the house. It was amazing... yet sad. And I wondered who lived there and how such an event would effect them.

I heard Christina Dodd tell a story about how she went to Walmart on one account and without a current work-in-progress, decided she would pick up a book to read. After reading the back which described a heroine and the pursuing conflict, Ms Dodd said, "No, that's not what she does..." And then she went on to write her story.

History... I LOVE IT. I live in a history rich area of the country right now. Just the thought of the people who lived here 150 years ago sends shivers up my spine... and I think, they might have had cousins living further west or brothers and sisters back in the homeland... It's just interesting!

God inspires me through His people and His word... have you ever wondered what it would be like to be one of the thousands fed on the beach? I often wonder what it meant to be a woman working in King David's palace or to be there after Jesus wrecked the temple. I mean, think of the talk! Jeez, who was that nut, anyway? Boy, wasn't he cute though? I wonder if he's married.

Surround yourself with opportunities for inspiration. READ. Meet new people. READ. Listen to music...country works best for me. READ. Write.

Always write.

Where do your stories come from???

Ice Cream

I love Ice Cream.
I especially love it minty green with little bits of chocolate...
and plain vanilla with chunks of peanut butter cups.

I think lots of people like Ice Cream.
What's not to like, right?
Cream
Sugar
candy
or fruit
or nuts
or coffee



Although not everyone likes...no, not everyone loves Ice Cream, the human race is blessed by Ice Cream. With a flavor to please everyone, we should remember, at the end of the day that we've all enjoyed a little taste of heaven. Mmmm, yummy Ice Cream.

Makes me wish everyone liked Ice Cream.

Do you like Ice Cream?

What kind of Ice Cream do you like?

A few Holiday Images to Jump Start your Thanksgiving

LOOK AT ME!!! I did it in 15 minutes or less! Yeah. I'll be around later to check yours out.

Thirteen Days Until Thanksgiving 1…. The being I thank... 2. 3. Really, it wouldn't be holiday without dressing up your pets. 4. That looks sooooo awesome. I'm totally going to do that to the next pumpkin pie I make. 5. 6. Yes, it's a little crude...but it really made me laugh. I'm not sure what that says about me. I laugh at dirty jokes, too. 7. The people who started it all. 8. 9. The real worry here is FIRE! 10. Seriously, is that a man making Thanksgiving dinner? Come on! 11. 12. 13. It's much closer than you think! So, get ready.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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100 miles in 54 days - My other Blog

Motivating Factors.



I've been thinking lately...

I've been known to appreciate a fine-looking man.
Hell, I'm married to one... I think.

BUT, I don't get that urge to run or ride my bike that extra mile just because I found a picture of a really hot guy online and posted it on our blog. Know what I mean???

Like I should run an extra few miles because...well, you never know. Kenny Chesney might stop by this weekend and I REALLY want to look my best, right?

WHAT WILL BE YOUR MOTIVATION?
Do you have a picture of yourself from ten years ago?
Do you have a personal goal? an obtainable dream...like climbing Mount Everest?

Let us know what motivates you to continue this journey.

Had a couple of deadline setbacks but i'm close.
the ww2 is almost finished with first read reviews. I'll be entering some changes and sending it off to the CP this Friday. Sounds familiar, doesn't it??? lol

I'm still sick. yiiuck! I hate being sick. Just haven't quite killed this cold yet.

Have a great week everyone. Feel free to comeback for another day in history this week and, of course, a Thursday Thirteen!

Overcome the Odds this week!

October 30, 1864

Helena, Montana is founded after 4 prospectors discover gold at Last Chance Gulch.

Kinda looks the same...almost.

And Beautiful.

~~~~

I'm going to post more later...
stay tuned for additional history trivia.

I've been waylaid...

There won't be more! Sorry, company today. :D

I had a wonderful time with my sister.

She'll stay through tomorrow and we'll take the kiddies out for trick or treating.

Have a wonderful night.

Another Quiet Sunday Afternoon

I'm continuing to read and revise this afternoon and evening.
I've set a deadline with my CP. Friday I send her my read/revised WW2 ms...
This is vera good.

Let's talk about dinner.
Lasagna.
Homemade.
YUM.

a light and tasteful salad.
garlic bread.
:D Wish you were here.


Have a great week.
Morgan

T13 - October 25, 2007

13 Things About Nathan Bransford
and his Largely Indispensible First Paragraph Challenge

1. Nathan is a literary agent with a few minutes on his hands...apparently.

2. He works for...or with Curtis Brown Ltd.

3. …in San Francisco

4. and likes bourbon and books.

5. …and creating sensational movements like the LIFPC.

6. Nathan writes his truth
I actually secretly think (I guess it's not a secret anymore) that this is a fairly good distinction between professional writers and for-fun writers. Professional writers are RUTHLESS with their own worlds and work. They will walk away from something or delete 150 pages faster than you can say Justin Bobby, and half the time they won't even really sweat it (the other half of the time they'll start the drinking and wonder why in the world anyone thinks writing is fun). Professional writers press the delete button because know they can do better. For-fun writers linger and linger in the same world or with the same characters and can't bear to start a new world or delete anything. And unless you press that delete button or start fresh or create a new world it's impossible to get better. ~~Nathan Bransford, October 18, 2007

6a. My first MS, unpublished as yet, is the first in a series. I love that world and will eventually go back to it. But, isn’t that the pull of story telling??? Loving the world only we can create. It’s special because I knew absolutely nothing about writing… *sigh* it's the worst ms I have completed and let me tell you, it's not going to be easy to fix.

7. Guideline One for the LIFPC: anyone may enter...One opening paragraph [3x]. Yup, that's pretty much it. Not so bad, is it??? Actually, that's the only guideline

8. Deadline: Thursday evening

9. Nathan Judges with the help of Good Girl Lit - wow, just visited their Blog. Vera Good.

10. Winner recieves a partial MS critique and a book of his/her choice from Nathan’s elustrious selection of authors. There are more but...jeez, I can't sit in front of my computer all day!

11. Runners-up will win a query critique [mucho greatness People!]

12. My first entry

The sheen of topaz liquid at the bottom of the glass moved with the trembling of her hand as she contemplated this new venture. Tipping back the shot glass, she gathered the last few drops of whiskey on her tongue. The burn she desired was absent as it coursed down her throat. ~~~The Storm, a work in progress

13. My second entry

I was partnered with Matt for a science project in my senior year of high school--the skinny boy who sat in the back and had been in my class for only a year. His hair was brown and curly--long enough to touch his forehead and fall over the tops of his ears. His eyes were hazel with a rim of green. When I'd tripped on Barbara's trombone case early that year, I'd landed at his feet. He hadn't helped me up but instead had looked directly into my eyes...and winked. ~~~short story...like, really short. A prompt, less than 2k. :D

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Completing a manuscript

My WW2 is finished at just over 33k.
I've started revisions. And that's actually fun for me. Bwahahaha.
You can hate me if you want!

I have 112 pages...
and I've done 15 so far today.
There are some simple word changes and other less simple expansions.

These are my notes so far for these revisions.
1) things to remember
a. Margaret is a US citizen. [she was a UKer]
b. Mark has blue eyes. [i'm always finding different descriptions as I go along.]
c. Margaret is taller than shorter but not tall. LOL I crack myself up.
2) Conflict
a. They were married on the spur of the moment.
1. mark is freaked out
2. Margaret is uncertain but certain :D
b. Margaret gets involved in activities that put her in cahoots with the bad guy, a German spy.

When I'm finished here, I'll send it to my Critique Partner.
And then we'll really see.

If you're interested in writing in general...doesn't have to be romance...and have what you think is an exceptional first paragraph, visit Nathan's blog and submit it! Nathan Bransford, a literary agent with Curtis Brown LTD, is offering a wealth of advice and experience [i just made that up right now, but it must be true!] to the winner.

Posted this Morning on 100miles54days

Sunday Morning.
7am.
3 miles.
13 minutes.
4 CMT videos.

Keith Urban - Twice
Stupid Boy


Sara Evans - As if



Miranda Lambert - Sweet video and rockin song...
Kerosene
Dag Nabbit... there's no video on you tube!!
Oh well. No one really watches it anyway. *rzzz*

Have a good day everyone!!!!
Get out there and walk with your family.

Broke

Thirteen Things I've Broken

1. My tooth at about the age of 2. Probably looked alot like this... BIG SMILE.

2. A pair of sunglasses. I just can't keep them...

3. Contact with friends. So many when you've moved as much as I have... Still in contact with my first best friend, Lisa. Wish I could say the same for Emily. We hung out together from 1st grade through...hmmm, 6th and then on and off until 10th when I moved out of state.

4. My skin. I was my parent's held breath. I dove off rocking chairs, fell out of strollers [although, really, was that my fault? :D Just an oversight, perhaps?], stepped on a garbage bag with broken glass at the bottom of it...ouch, that hurt and needed stitches in my pinky toe, too.

5. Another pair of sunglasses. Seriously, I think I'm cursed.

6. ...oh rules. I've broken a few rules in my day. *cough*

7. Hearts? I don't think so, although my mom says yes. *shaking head* Doesn't sound right to me. I'm not a heartbreaker I don't think...

8. Bronchioles and Alvioli. I'm sure of it. Smoking will do that. Thank God I'm a quitter. LOL

9. A Toyota Tercel. Mine was white, four door, standard [I'd love a standard now... sorry kiddo, I can't dig through the diaper bag just to get you your Thomas the Tank engine toy. I'm driving. See mommy driving?]



10. Blood vessels. Not exactly the same as skin but close. Actually, funny story. My lastest bruise came from trying to grab a book with my legs. I was *cough* reading in the bathroom...come on, I'm a mom. I'm up right now at 1am and sometimes, my only free time is the 30seconds to 3 min I get in there everyday... Well, the book got bumped off the counter and I didn't want it to fall on the floor. So, I'm standing in front of the sink with wet hands and I go for it with my legs. My right calf catches that cover at just the right angle and my left knee snaps my legs together and whammo! the bookcover completely breaks in half...oh good one.

11. Book covers. Ouch, that was way more painful than expected.

12. Promises. Not seemingly, really important ones, but the important hidden promises I break by using the term maybe. For example, will you read this book to me, Mom?

"Maybe later, okay?"

13. Did I mention sunglasses? I bought a pair several weeks ago from the dollar store. I thought, they never last anyway, just go cheap. Well, those things never even made it home. Grrr.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Adelle Laudan's New Release!

Don't miss it!

NOW AVAILABLE

BUY HERE

by Adelle Laudan

Winner of Freya's Bower's Anniversary Submissions Call

Lizzy would give it all back just to hear her mother's voice one more time... the house, the furniture...even the money. Regardless, her heartless stepfather is determined to take what he feels is rightfully his. Handyman, Adam Woodward rides into Lizzy's life and vows to keep her safe, but is it enough to stop the cold, callous determination of Ben Stokes?

A Trouble Novel

Rating: Sweet

Book Length: Novel

Genre: Biker Fiction/Contemporary Romance