Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Could anyone tell me how to get spacing between my paragraphs in a blog post? I make spaces and even edit, but it all runs together.

Should have a photo of a spider web - cool visual image of cobwebs because it's been a month since I've updated my blog. But, I decided to do another cool picture of an Ohio barn in the sunset.


Life has been super busy with the garden coming in. For awhile, I ate squash and zucchini for every meal because it would NOT STOP GROWING. Now, it's ebbing off a bit. I've canned about ten pints of pickles and four pints of relish. This in direct competition to my dad who has decided NO ONE IN THE WORLD can make pickles like he can. Since he gets up earlier than I do, he beats me to the garden, picks all the cucumbers and rushes back into the house to start making pickles. There is nothing quite like waking up at 7:25 A. M. to the scent of vinegar and dill.
Although I'm not competing, just trying to save the produce from my garden, he considers it a point of pride when his garden does better than mine. Since I benefit from the fact that he likes to weed more than I do, I don't mind his little forays into my side of the garden. :)
I've even noticed that he is watching carefully and copying some of my garden tricks - using old hay to keep out weeds and marigolds to keep away bugs.
Besides gardening, walking, reading and enjoying the summer, I've been writing, of course. My adult mystery is taking shape through lots of planning and outlining. I took a Karen Weisner online course in writing mystery and suspense and it's been super helpful! Another friend sent me a list of college classes (online) for writers and I'm already trying to figure out how to get the fee so I can apply in the fall.
The Cattle Rustling Catastrophe is going through it's final revision after re-writing it five different times. It's almost a completely different book now. I love the story and I love my Jenny character. It's been a struggle at times but I know this is going to be one of the best books I've ever written.
I'm also happy to announce that I got a new job - writing! It's writing one of the things I love - school curriculum and they seem happy with my work. I also got a nice acceptance email for one of my unit studies to appear in an upcoming book on lesson plans for pre-schoolers. They are still in the process of reviewing unit studies in other books so I may sell some of those too. It's not a lot of money, but they sure look great on a resume'.
Also in September, Maribeth, Patty and I will celebrate two whole years of our "Cookies and Milk" page. If you think of it, try to check out http://www.timesgazette.com/ on Friday, August 1st. My interview with local vet, Dr. Robert T. Sharp, will appear. Dr. Sharp has also written a wonderful book on being a country veterinarian.
The best news is that I might have an agent! Can't say more yet, but it's very hopeful.
The Highland County Fair is fast approaching and am I ready? LOL! ROFL! I remember one year when I took in all my carefully done needlework, crafts, etc. and the volunteer said, "Isn't this wonderful? You can't do work like this in a week." My sister and I looked at one another and burst out laughing. Usually, I DO work like that in a week - the week before. I take the whole week and craft.
Before long it will be time to head to Minneapolis for the ACFW Conference. It's going to be so much fun! Can't wait to meet all the new friends I'm meeting online. I've made so many committments to meet people, I hope I have time for the workshops! :)
Hope everyone is having a wonderful, relaxing summer.