Big thanks—and Our World Tuesday

Happy Tuesday, friends.

First, I want to thank all of you who blitzed my blog yesterday. It was a wonderful surprise to wake up to—especially on a Monday!—and I'm so grateful for your kind comments. You all made my day! I'm still working on responding to your comments and visiting your blogs. It might take me a few days, but I'll get there. ☺ Again, many thanks to you all!

 

Today is Tuesday, so that means it's time once again for Our World Tuesday, a weekly meme that encourages bloggers to share images of their world. It's a great way to get a glimpse of life through the eyes of others! You can find out more about it here. Even if you don't participate, I encourage you to take a look at the intriguing photos that bloggers from around the world share each week.

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This week I thought I'd share two photos from around my yard:

 

I'm not sure what kind of tree this is, but the flowers are absolutely gorgeous!

 

 

This second photo is of something my children find gorgeous, and they bring me bouquets of them nearly every day.

 

 

Even though my husband, who does the yard work, would disagree, I have to admit that dandelions are kind of pretty—especially against the green grass.

 

 Wishing you all a beautiful Tuesday. ☺

 

 

Bringing words to life

Happy Monday, friends. ☺

On Friday I mentioned that I thought my weekend would be busy, and I was definitely right! I missed my Saturday and Sunday posts because of it, and I'm glad to be back today. I hope you all had a great weekend.

Today I'd like to highlight one of my favorite poets, former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. Like my all-time favorite poet Ted Kooser, Collins writes about everyday life in a very conversational and accessible way. Bruce Weber of The New York Times once called him "the most popular poet in America."

I began reading Collins' poetry a couple of years ago, and during my research, I learned that several artists have worked to create animated videos of some of his poems, bringing them to life even more vividly than the poet's words alone. I'd like to share one of those short videos with you today. I hope you enjoy it.


(Animated by Julian Grey of Head Gear Animation. You can find the poem here.)

Wishing you all a fantastic Monday. ☺

Friday fun

Happy Friday!

This weekend is going to be a busy one for my family. It'll be one of those "rushing around to this and that" kinds of Saturdays, which I have to admit I'm not too fond of, and Sunday is looking to be busy as well. How about you? Are you gearing up for relaxation or adventure? Whatever your plans, I hope you have a fantastic weekend.☺

funnysigns.net



funnysigns.net



funnysigns.net



funnysigns.net



funnysigns.net



funnysigns.net



Don't you hate it when...

you dream about something important and then forget all the details when you wake up?

That happened to me the other night. All day long, I had been thinking about an idea I have for a middle grade novel, but I just couldn't iron out the details, especially the critical one that gives me the reason my main character will be able to do what I need him to do. I was still thinking about my story as I fell asleep that night, and sure enough, I dreamed about it. In my dream, the answer was simple, but when I woke up, poof, it was gone. (Strangely enough, the only word I can remember is magic. It's a good clue, but I wish it helped me more.)

Gah! Back to the drawing board...

Has this ever happened to you? It's frustrating, isn't it?

On a lighter note, this cute dog seems to be having a good dream:



Wishing you all a frustration-free Wednesday. ☺

Exciting news!

Happy Tuesday, friends. It's another chilly day in my part of the world. How are things looking where you are?

I have some news I can't wait to share! Today I'm honored to help with fellow blogger Tara Tyler's cover reveal. Tara was among my first blogging friends and is one of the most positive, upbeat people I know. I'm so excited about her first book!

Without further ado, here's Tara's amazing cover:

POP TRAVEL by Tara Tyler
Release date: July 7, 2013
Publisher: Curiosity Quills

Blurb:

Private Investigator J. L. Cooper always knew pop travel laser teleportation was too good to be true. Finding video proof of a disintegrating traveler is the stomach turning “I told you so.”

 

Not bothering to upload the video to the nosy, government monitored Qnet, Cooper digs around, bringing the death of his client and threats to his political little brother, who is in jeopardy of turning to dust anyway for disregarding Cooper’s warnings not to pop. Cooper has to do everything himself.

 

If he survives his first pop, Cooper won’t let anything distract him from getting the job done. Not the android security guards, the constant surveillance, or even Southern Comfort in a purple dress, Geri Harper. Nothing Coop can’t handle.




Author Bio:

Math teacher by day, sports mom by night,

When does she have time to write?

Good question, but the Lazy Housewife makes time! Tara Tyler writes sci fi, thriller, and fantasy, with dabs of romance and humor and tips for efficient living. Something for everyone.

 

Many thanks to Tara for allowing me to be a part of the excitement. ☺

Wishing you all a happy Tuesday.

We all contribute a verse

Happy Monday!

I've mentioned before that one of my all-time favorite movies is Dead Poets Society. I've always thought that the scene in which Mr. Keating (quoting poet Walt Whitman) explains the importance of poetry is one of the best in the film. He says we read and write poetry because we are members of the human race; because life exists; because life's powerful play goes on, and we all contribute a verse. Keating's question at the end of the scene is a good one for all of us: What will your verse be?



Wishing you all a beautiful Monday. ☺

For all the moms

Happy Mother's Day!

Here's a song that I think says a lot about what it means to be a mom. Enjoy—and have a wonderful day!


(Lyrics here.)