Free Flowing Friday

Friday, Friday, Friday - how did you arrive so early? It's been another fast-paced week and right now, all I can think about is a long nap after work!

1.) I want to thank Katerina Stoykova-Klemer and her writing group - Poezia Writing Group -for allowing members of the Community of Mercer County Writers to join them this week. It was great fun and we will be attending again very soon. We meet so many talented writers, all full of energy and active muses. Thanks guys, especially you John Malkovich (Keith) - we'll be seeing you in HECK!

2.) "The Wizard of Oz" at the Ragged Edge Community Theatre was a sell-out last weekend and we are hoping for the same this weekend. It is amazing that a small local Theatre can have standing room only for an amateur performance. Look for many more great shows under the direction of Tagan Citty. "Southern Hospitality" opens February 19th.

3.) I got the email I was waiting for this week, but it is not as great of news as I wanted. Arcadia Publishing has accepted my book proposal for Historical Images of Harrodsburg, but they want to move the deadline up from October to August. I'm hyperventilating over losing 2 months of time and I'm second guessing myself. Will I have time to get the book I want ready in only 7 months? I'm expecting my first grandchild in June and I will be getting Christine ready for college. I'll be doing a lot of praying this weekend - they want an answer on Monday.

4.) I'm excited about the Book Release Party for "The Women of Mercer County" on Sunday, January 31st from 3-5pm at Beaumont Inn. I hope everyone comes out and supports this historically important book. The book features more than 125 stories and will be available for $20. After the Book Release Party, the books will be available at The Harrodsburg Herald, Beaumont Inn, J. Sampson Antiques & Books and Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission.

5.) I'm still fuming over Chief Justice John Roberts decision yesterday giving big corporations the same rights as individual citizens. In the words of Keith Olbermann:

"... the First Amendment, free speech for persons, which went into effect in 1791, applies to corporations, which were not recognized as the equivalents of persons until 1886. In short, there are now no checks on the ability of corporations or unions or other giant aggregations of power to decide our elections. None."

As if the GOP weren't already in the back pocket of big business.

6.) Two weeks until LOST ...

Free Flowing Friday

To say 2K10 has gotten off to a bang would be an understatement! Here it is the 3rd Friday into the New Year, and I've yet to make a decent blog post. Too much to do, so little time.

1.) I'd like to invite everyone out to the Ragged Edge Community Theatre for our production of "The Wizard of Oz." The show opened last night - show times are:

• January 15 and 16th at 8pm
• January 17th at 3pm
• January 21, 22, and 23rd at 8pm
• January 24th at 3pm

Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 yo and under. The show is fabulous and the cast and crew have worked very hard - forgoing their Christmas breaks to get a head start on the production.

2.) I have submitted by first book of poetry to Finishing Line Press for their New Women Voices contest. Prize money is $1,000 and publication of the book, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. The name of my book is "The Care and Feeding of Nightmares." Even if I don't win the contest, I am going to pursue publication of this book because I'm very proud of the depth of feeling it contains.

3.) I have submitted my book proposal for "Harrodsburg Historical Images" to Arcadia Publishing. As you may recall, they contacted me just before Thanksgiving last year and wanted me to work on a book about Harrodsburg. I was pleased and honored to be contacted, so now I'm just waiting to see what my deadline will be for completing the work.

4.) The book "Women of Mercer County" has been published and there will be a book release party on January 31st at Beaumont Inn. I have 3 essays in this book: Granny Devine, Granny Sallee, and Amy Carter Sallee (my sister). This book has been a long time coming and I am anxious to see the finished product.

5.) And one more book related thought, I am nearly finished with the editing process for "I Dream of My Past" - a collection of my essays from MERCER'S MAGAZINE. This is another book I will actively seek publication of this year. I can't believe that after a lifetime of writing, I will have at least one book published this year, with the potential of 3 more! All my hard work is finally paying off.

6.) Although I don't make New Year's Resolutions, I do have a few goals for this year (many of them are listed above), but one of my biggest goals is to take control of my life again. For the past 5 years, I feel like I've been floundering in the sea of life and going where ever the waves take me. I need to step in and make concrete decisions for the course of my life. It's a hard thing to do, but I'm taking one baby step at a time.

Free Flowing Friday

This is going to be short and sweet - there is just too much to do!

1.) I'm on cloud nine today - my first article and my first book review are in Kentucky Monthly magazine for this month!! Just a little bummed because they misspelled my name in the byline for the book review - added that pesky "e" to the end of "Bobbi." If you subscribe to Kentucky Monthly, check me out - if you don't, then head out and buy a copy. There is a Holiday Survival Guide and I did the article on "Last Minute Gift Ideas" - my book review is Silas House's "Eli the Good."

2.) I got an official email from "New Southerner" magazine about being a finalist in "The New Southerner 2009 Literary Prize Contest." I can't remember if I've mentioned it on this blog or not, but my non-fiction piece "I Dream of My Past" was the 1st finalist in the non-fiction category and will appear in a future issue of the magazine, as well as the 209-2101 anthology. I'm so excited! I'll keep you updated when the piece gets closer to publication.

3.) I'm just finishing up my first month with the new job. The Ragged Edge Community Theatre is a great place to work - very challenging, but fun. This is the last weekend for "It's A Wonderful Life," so if you haven't seen the show, call us today for tickets. Starting in January, the children's theatre will be present "The Wizard of Oz" - based on the book, not the movie. It's going to be great!

4.) When did Christmas sneak up so fast?!! Seems like just yesterday I was carving pumpkins, now today I'm scrambling to finish up gift projects and there is only 2 weeks left until the big day. I think I'm getting too old for this!!

5.) On a funny note, my oldest daughter, Amber, got sucked into the TWILIGHT Universe this week - and it has been hilarious to watch. Amber has never been much of a reader and she never got into my vampire obsession. She has been making fun of family, friends and co-workers for months because of the TWILIGHT addiction - she thought it was too silly. Finally, last weekend, her step-mother begged Amber to go see "New Moon" with her - and that's all it took. Since last weekend, Amber has seen both movies 2 times, read the first 3 books, and cracked the spine on book #4 last night. She's got TWILIGHT fever bad!!!

6.) I can't believe the season finale of DEXTER is this weekend - it has been an awesome season. John Lithgrow as the Trinity Killer has been downright scary! Here I go again, rooting for a serial killer, but I hope everything works out okay for Dexter. This show is so addicting - I'm already anxious for season 5 when season 4 isn't even finished yet!

Free Flowing Friday

1.) I'm trying not to feel like a Grinchy-poo, but I'm just feeling a little off this year. We do have our Christmas tree up with lights, but still no ornaments - I guess we'll do it this weekend. I think the economy is what is bumming me out. Hubby and I both work full time, but there still never seems to be enough money to go around. I don't want to by extravagant gifts, but I do want the girls to have a few things to open on Christmas Eve. Maybe when I get started with my Christmas baking I'll get in a better mood.

2.) Tonight is our community Christmas Parade - Christine will be marching with the Mercer County Public Library again. At least the weather feels like Christmas - I don't think the temp is supposed to get out of the 30's today.

3.) Tonight is also opening night for "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Ragged Edge Community Theatre. Show opens at 8pm and tickets are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $8 for children. If you happen to be in or around Harrodsburg, stop in and see the wonderful production - the cast, crew and director have really worked hard. The show is December 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12th at 8pm with 2 Sunday matinees at 3pm on December 6 and 13th.

4.) The Harrodsburg Holiday Home Tours is tomorrow from 1-8pm. Tickets are available at the Historical Society - they are $15 and there are 8 homes on the tour this year. I will be selling Box Office tickets and Home Tour tickets tomorrow at the Ragged Edge from 1-4pm. This is always a huge event for the Historical Society every year.

5.) Due to my laptop being in the shop last week, I didn't post a FFF, so I haven't told you about my great news. I was contacted by Arcadia Publishing out of South Carolina about doing a book about Harrodsburg. They have a successful series of books called Images of America and they have wanted a book on Harrodsburg for years. I'm in the process of talking with the Historical Society and several citizens in Harrodsburg about getting old photos for the book. I'm so excited!!

6.) My article about last minute, easy to make Christmas gifts is in the new addition of Kentucky Monthly magazine. The magazine is on newsstands now!

7.) Christine has been rethinking her college decisions. Since going to GSA this past summer, she has been interested in Arts Administration, but after researching employment opportunities, she realizes she may not be able to find a job. Her 2nd interest is Culinary Arts, so she is now researching opportunities and schools. She is really liking the program at the Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State. Her daddy and I are both supporting this decision because she will be able to find a job almost anywhere - people do have to eat!!

8.) On an uneasy note, my middle daughter, Marie - the one who is pregnant - was in a car wreck on Thanksgiving night. They were T-boned coming home from a Thanksgiving meal in Somerset, on Marie's side of the car. Thankfully, Marie and the baby are both okay - just scared, scraped and bruised. Mike also had some cuts and bruises. God was definitely watching over all 3 of them that night!

Free Flowing Friday

Where the heck did this week go? I cannot believe next week is Thanksgiving - I am not ready for the holidays!

1.) Every morning on my way in to work, I listen to Mix 94.5 on the radio - but what's up with starting Merry Mixmas so early this year? All week long, I've listened to Christmas music - and I've been singing along! As much as I had to see the holidays rushed, I can't seem to make myself turn the channel when "Holly Jolly Christmas" starts to play or when "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" comes to save the day. But there is one song I do have to change the channel for because it makes me cry, and it's the one where the little boy is buying the shoes for his Momma because "Momma Might See Jesus Tonight" - talk about a tear jerker!

2.) Finishing up my 2nd full week at the Ragged Edge and I'm loving it. The work is rewarding, even though I've had a few choice words at the horrible condition of the filing system. The only real problem with an afternoon job is it has cut into my writing time. I try to get up an hour early to write, then I write through lunch, but by the time I get home in the afternoon, I wiped out. I try to write a little before bedtime, but many times I end up nodding off before I get anything usable down on paper. Maybe once I get more in the swing of thing, I'll have a little more time - and I guess there is always the weekend.

3.) I was contacted by Arcadia Publishing this week about the possibility of doing a book about Harrodsburg - exciting! A friend of mine knows the acquisition editor and she gave her my name as a possible contact person. We've been exchanging emails and there is currently a package of information in the mail to me. I'm so excited!!! I have lived in Harrodsburg all my life and writing a book about my historic hometown would be awesome. I'll keep you informed.

4.) My friend Liz sent me a message this morning and I was the winner of an electric fryer she was giving away on her Easy Meals Examiner page! Whoopie!! Thanks so much, Liz - this is definitely something my family can use. You need to go check out Liz's recipes - she has some great one!

5.) I'm still working my way through Stephen King's UNDER THE DOME - I can't believe it is taking me this long to read a book. Granted it is a 1,100+ page book, but still - it shouldn't be taking me a week. So far, I'm loving it - I have always enjoyed his larger books with a huge cast of characters. This one is right up there with THE STAND, but in a way, this story is scarier because the setting is a much smaller place - instead of having the entire USA as a setting, this story takes place in one small town. It's almost like a daily soap opera addiction - I get to read about a few characters every day.

6.) Last night was my big TV night of the week - why do so many of my favorite shows come on the same night? I kept the DVR hot! First up is BONES, followed by FRINGE, then I have to wait until hubby goes to bed so I can watch VAMPIRE DIARIES and GREY'S ANATOMY - he's not watching either of these. So, yes, Friday mornings I'm usually dragging because I stayed awake too late watching TV - but it was so much fun!

7.) Yesterday was a kind of rough day for me because it was my sister's birthday - she would have been 44 years old. I still miss her so much, and I am so sad she will never get to know her beautiful granddaughter, Desiree. I know Amy is keeping an eye on all of us, and I can't wait until the day we are reunited again.

8.) My Mom had some bad news from her tests this week. I'm not ready to talk about it, but if you would all keep her in your prayers, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

Free Flowing Friday

1.) I started my new job this week at the Ragged Edge Community Theatre - I am the new Theatre Administrator. So far, so good - I'm really enjoying the work. This week I've mainly been trying to organize the office - it was in such disarray! - and I'm trying to update the filing system. Next week I hope to get into more of the day-to-day operations at the theatre. And if you happen to be in Harrodsburg during the week of December 3 - 6 or December 10 - 13, stop by the RECT and see our production of "It's a Wonderful Life." Thursday - Saturday shows are at 8pm and Sundays are 3pm. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children.

2.) My youngest daughter, Christine, has strep throat - she missed school yesterday and today. Keeping my fingers crossed hubby and I don't get it, too - I can't afford to be sick right now!

3.) My new great niece, Desiree, is growing like a weed! It's hard to believe she is 2 weeks old already. So far, she's been a pretty good baby, but I think she has her days and nights mixed up.

4.) I got my hands on Stephen King's hefty new book this week - UNDER THE DOME - and it's a whopping 1,100+ pages! Not as large as THE STAND, but close to it. I must admit, I'm not even half-way through it yet, but my new job has interfered with my reading time. I hope to get caught up this weekend.

5.) If you're going to be in Harrodsburg tonight, come down town at 6pm and watch an encore presentation of "THRILLER" by the Studio G dancers. They will be performing in the Olde Town Park (the fountain park) on Main Street. This dance has been very popular with the citizens of Harrodsburg, hence the encore presentation.

6.) I have a meeting of The Community of Mercer County Writers - Nomadic Ink - tonight at 7p at the KY Ag Center. Anyone interested in writing is welcome to join us - we are always looking to add members to our group.

7.) It's Persimmon weather, er season - Persimmons are now available at the Farmer's Market and in grocery stores. If you've never tried one of these little fruits, you are missing a treat, especially when sweetened and made into pies and tarts. My Granny Sallee had a Persimmon tree on the family farm and she always told me Persimmons weren't good until after the first frost - something about the frost helps to sweeten them. I never appreciated these fruits when I was younger, but I my tastes have adapted as I've gotten older and now I enjoy these little fruits of autumn.

... and last but not least

8.) ... I'd like to ask for prayers for my mother, Brenda - she has been very sick and we aren't sure what the problem is. She is supposed to have a CAT scan as soon as possible. She has been living with Chron's Disease for over 30 years now, but this new problem doesn't seem to be related. Mom is the rock of our family and we're all praying for a speedy recovery.

Free Flowing Friday

Most of you have probably noticed my lack of posts this week - I've been under the weather. Not H1N1 flu, just plain old cold symptoms. Keeping my fingers crossed this swine flu passes over my family!

1.) My thoughts and prayers go out the the soldiers and families living at Fort Hood. It is inconceivable that an army psychologist could protest going to Iraq by killing so many people and injuring so many more. I'll continue to watch this story with a heavy heart.

2.) Two pieces of great news this week - first, I got the call from the Ragged Edge Community Theatre I've been waiting for - they offered me the job of Office Administrator! I was starting to get anxious that I'd blown the last interview, so my patience (and lots of prayers) paid off. I start my newest job on Monday.

3.) Second piece of great news - a story I submitted to NEW SOUTHERNER magazine for their latest contest was selected as a winner! It will be published later this spring. I am excited, overwhelmed and oh, so happy!

4.) Baby Desiree Carter is growing by leaps and bounds - heard to believe she will be 10 days old tomorrow. Of course, I haven't gotten to see her or hold her for 2 days because I'm afraid I'll make her sick. Hopefully this weekend I can see her again.

5.) Please keep my Uncle Curtis in your thoughts and prayers. He went in for a routine colonoscopy this week and they found cancer - taking him immediately into surgery. So far, so good, but it will be several days before we learn the biopsy results.

6.) I've been reading the House of Night young adult series this week by P.C. Cast and her daughter Kristin Cast. I have finished MARKED and will be finished with BETRAYED today. This is an interesting series about fledgling vampires and the school they go to. Call it TWILIGHT meets HARRY POTTER - very good fantasy fun.

7.) The Kentucky Book Fair is tomorrow in Frankfort and I was so looking forward to going. I think I'm going to end up having to stay home - I still don't feel 100% and I sure don't want to make anyone else sick.

8.) Last, but not least, Happy Birthday to my Mom - Brenda Carolyn Sallee. Happy Birthday, Mom - I love you bunches!!

Free Flowing Friday

There have been so many fabulous things that have happened this week, I almost don't know where to begin! So let me start with ...

1.)... I'M GOING TO BE A GRANDMOTHER IN 2010!! Yes, my middle daughter, Marie is expecting her first child on June 6, 2010 and I am so excited. I have been wanting grandchildren for several years now so this is wonderful news - makes me happy, happy, happy!

2.) I had a great niece born on Wednesday - Desiree Carter Semones made her appearance at 6:41pm, weighed 7 pounds and 10 ounces and was 21 inches long. Because of the swine flu, the hospital is not allowing visitors, so we've only been able to see her through the glass. My mom, Desiree's great Grandma has my camera so I should have some pictures later today. My niece, Ashley, did well during labor, but she was really missing her momma. I know my sister, Amy, is looking down and cuddling little Desiree with love.

3.) I sent my first freelance piece to KENTUCKY MONTHLY magazine this week - I'm so excited it will be in the Christmas issue. I've also sent several of my gifts for them to photograph, so I can't wait to see what they look like.

4.) I have finished my personal essay and my Super 70s article for the December issue of MERCER'S MAGAZINE. Now I have to start thinking about the new year - oh goody, a grandbaby!!!

5.) I'm on pins and needles about the job with the Ragged Edge Theatre. It's been over a week since the second interview and I know they are busy, but I'm getting nervous. The Theatre is putting on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and the board has to discuss the candidates - maybe I'll hear the first of the week.

6.) I've read 3 very different books this week. The first one is by a Kentucky writing group - the KaBooM Writing Collective - entitled WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS. This is a beautiful book of poetry and personal essays. The next book is a young adult fiction book, HOW TO BE A VAMPIRE by Amy Gray.. This is a campy little book with all the ins and outs of vampires. The last one was THE MURDER OF KING TUT by James Patterson.. I have mixed feelings on this one - it is a good story, but it is supposed to be non-fiction and I think it drags in that area.

7.) Taught 2 pumpkin carving classes this week - one to a mother-to-mother group and one to the English as a Second Language class. Kids and Japanese ladies - both groups were fun and interesting!

8.) I'm getting excited about the Kentucky Book Fair coming up next week - I will be in bookworm heaven! I am already making a list of the authors I want to meet and the books I want to buy. It starts at 9am next Saturday, November 7th.

9.) I have to do something about my chocolate consumption - it has gotten totally out of control! With all the Halloween candy laying around, I can't resist. I'm going to have to summon up the willpower to quit eating chocolate and lose this weight!

10.) Last, but not least, I'm going to an awards ceremony for my daughter this morning at school. She is being honored for having a 3.7 GPA. Senior year is bringing me lots of "last things" - this will be the last award ceremony and spring time will bring scholarship awards.

Free Flowing Friday

Oh my, how did it get to be one week before Halloween? Time is flying away faster than a witch on her broom!

1.) I think the most exciting thing to happen to me this week is the freelance writing gig I picked up from KENTUCKY MONTHLY magazine! Last week, as a spur of the moment thing, I sent them a query letter about a possible Christmas article. This was in response to a prompt they posted on Facebook: "What do you do when you are faced with last minute gift giving?" Since I do so many homemade gifts for the holiday season, I thought maybe my ideas would come in handy for other people. Now I'm on a 2-week deadline to send them a 500-700 word article with recipes and instructions. I'm over the moon about doing this!

2.) Yesterday was the 30th anniversary of my hubby's 21st birthday - Happy Birthday, Baby! After homemade cards and poems, we went to Wah Mai for a celebration meal. As usual, I ate waaaaaay too much. Christine baked him a 2-layer cake yesterday and decorated it (with minimal help from me), but we were too full to eat any last night. Something yummy to look forward to tonight!

3.) Started carving some "Funkins" yesterday - Funkins are artificial pumpkins you can carve like real ones. After years of doing my elaborate carvings on real pumpkins, it is fun to be able to preserve my designs on pumpkins and I keep year after year. I am scheduled to do the first of my 2 pumpkin carving classes on Monday night - thanks Tanya! - and the 2nd class will be the following morning. I've been busy finding and copying some beginning patterns so everyone will have at least one nicely carved pumpkin to take home with them. With the exception of the demonstrations I've given at my children's schools, this will be the first time I've every tried to teach pumpkin carving. Wish me luck!

4.) I want to send out a BIG Thank You to Candlewick Press - you guys are awesome! After finishing my book review on Silas House's new book, ELI THE GOOD (published by Candlewick), I sent the publisher a link to my review. On their website they have an online catalog of new books coming out. I was surprised at the number of books they have for young adults and there were many I was interested in. I sent a request for the books I would love to read and review, and they responded the next day with an email that they would send me the books. This week I was greeted to a HUGE box of books on my doorstep - I was like a kid on Christmas morning! The first book I've reviewed - and I'm not finished reading it yet - is DRAKE'S COMPREHENSIVE COMPENDIUM OF DRAGONOLOGY by Dr. Ernest Drake. This is the perfect book for any child or teen who has a love of dragons. Check out my review at Bobbi's Book Nook and look for many reviews coming up for the holiday season.



5.) I think my favorite book of the week has been THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE by Katherine Howe. This is a debut novel that jumps between 1991 and the Salem witch "panic" of the late 1600s. Howe is a graduate student of American Colonial history and is actually the descendant of 2 women involved in the Salem witch trials - one lived, one was killed. If you are interested in the subject of Salem and the witch trials, this is a fast paced, fairly accurate look of a fictionalized story of this time. You can read my review at Bobbi's Book Nook.

6.) Tomorrow is the first annual Fall Arts Festival for the Arts Council of Mercer County - if you're in Harrodsburg tomorrow, come and visit us on Greenville Street from 10 - 6pm. There will be many activities all day long and artisans from the county will be set up selling their crafts. It should be a great day. Check out our event announcement on Facebook.

7.) I finished up an article on "The Fashion Industry in Harrodsburg" this week for the Habitat for Humanity-Mercer County events coming up next week. On Friday, October 30 they will be presenting a Fashion Symposium for area students with world-renown guest speaker, Alexander Julian. After the symposium, there will be a Project Runway for the students to show off the creations they have made for the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Later that evening, The Best Seat in the House silent auction and dinner will be held at the Anderson Circle "Cow Palace.". This will be the biggest fund raising event of the year for Habitat.

8.) Tonight is the 2nd of our twice-monthly meetings of the Community of Mercer County Writers - Nomadic Ink. We will be meeting at 657 Fairview Court at 6:30. Tony has some great writing prompts planned and he has loads to tell us after attending the Kentucky Poetry Society's annual conference this past weekend. It should be fun!

Free Flowing Friday

It's been a rainy week here in the 'burg and fall has officially arrived.

1.) BONES and FRINGE last night were both awesome! On BONES, a 3,000 year old Egyptian Mummy is at the center of a murder investigation. Dizzy intern and sweetheart of Dr. Sweets', Daisy Wick, is back for another spin at the Jeffersonian - hilarious. On FRINGE, it appears like someone is trying to use an implanted brain chip as a mind control device. Walter is up to his zany adventures and Olivia appears to have gone off the deep end as she collects business cards from people she meets. I love this show! On a sad note, it seems both shows will not be on again until November - bummer!

2.) Read 2 good books this week - both totally different from the other. SHATTERED SILENCE by Melissa G. Moore is a non-fiction memoir about the daughter of an infamous serial killer. Not a book that highlights the grisley murders of her father, Keith Jesperson, instead Melissa shows us the survival instincts that got her through her childhood. Excellent book about a true survivor. EON: DRAGONEYE REBORN by Alison Goodman is a young adult fiction book and I've described it as a Chinese Tolkein story. This book has a deep dark secret, political intrigue, Chinese horoscopes and dragons. A fun and exciting read. There will be one more book in this 2-book series.

3.) I went for a job interview this week at the Ragged Edge Community Theatre. I currently has a part time job that I love, but I only work 3 hours a day. This additional job would also be part time and give me 4 more hours of work a day. I am so proud of our community theatre and I think I would be a perfect match for this job. With my youngest going to college next year, I'm going to need all the extra income I can get - might as well get it at a job I will enjoy. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

4.) What is it with dogs and whining?? Our dog has started whining and it is just as annoying as when a child whines. We don't have a fenced in yard, so whenever the dog goes out, he has to be on a run. He's close enough to the house, that he can scratch at the door when he wants to come in, which is great because sometimes I just don't want to stay outside and play. But now he's like a 3-year-old - whining to go out, scratching to come in, whining to go out, scratching to come in ... over and over again all afternoon and evening. I swear, I don't think the girls were this much trouble!

5.) Christine and my hubby went to UK this week for a meeting with the Art Department. She wants to major in Arts Administration and the University of Kentucky is the only college in Kentucky that offers this major. I would rather see her go to a smaller school, at least for the first few years, but she has her heart set on Arts Administration. They both enjoyed the campus tour and had information overload with everything they learned.

6.) My oldest daughter's wedding announcement was finally in the paper this week. Of course, her father's family wrote the announcement, so my name was conveniently left out of the announcement. At first I was really angry and then I got pissed! But then I thought, "I'm better than these people, so I'm not going to stoop to their childish level." Everyone that matters to me knows Amber Dawn Wilham is my daughter. So, his crazy family can go on playing their little mind games, 'cause I'm better than they are. Nana nana, boo boo ....

7.) After reviewing Silas House's new book, ELI THE GOOD, a few weeks ago, I bopped over to the publishers website this week, Candlewick Press. They have a wonderful catalog of young adult books and I was totally impressed. I sent an email to the publicity department with a list of 10 books I'd like to read and review - I know, I'm a greedy book whore, but I can't help it. Well, I got a reply today and they are sending me all 10 books!! I'm in book heaven and can't wait for them to get here - hopefully this weekend. So watch out, more reviews will be on the way.

8.) You may remember, a few weeks ago a group in town asked me to teach pumpkin carving to a group of Japanese ladies. Since then, I've had another bloggy friend ask me to teach her mother-to-mother group, so now I have 2 classes to teach. This week while my hubby and daughter were in Lexington, they bought me several "Funkins" - artificial pumpkins you can carve. I'm so excited, so I plan to start carving pumpkins this weekend. I've always enjoyed carving pumpkins and now I'll be able to keep my creations from year to year. I may even advertise pumpkin carving workshops next year.

Free Flowing Friday

What? Friday again? Where did the week go? This has been a jammed-packed week, so here we go ...

1.) Last night several members of my writing group went to the Stars with Accents event at the Carnegie Center in Lexington - this was the kick-off event for the BoomSlang Fest starting this weekend. The event hosted many of the writers/poets who have been featured on the radio program, ACCENTS - 88.1 WRFL Radio Free Lexington - hosted by Katerina Stoykova-Klemer, a Radio Show for Literature, Art and Culture and was voted in the Top 3 radio programs in Lexington by ACE magazine. Some of the featured readers last night were: Eric Sutherland, Donna Ison, Sherry Chandler, Leatha Kendrick, Jan Isenhour, Lisa Willams, Jude McPherson, Ed McClanahan, James Vincent and Katerina. This was a wonderful event and I encourage everyone to support activities of the caliber.

2.) Finished reading Silas House's new book, ELI THE GOOD, this week. Heartwarming young adult that I found impossible to put down. I hope everyone will try to read this wonderful novel. You can check out my review at Bobbi's Book Nook.

3.) OMG - have you been watching this season of DEXTER? I know I must be some kind of warped human being to enjoy a show about a serial killer, but this show is so well-written and suspenseful, I can't help it. John Lithgow is guest starring this season and the Trinity Killer - he is so deliciously evil I've already had nightmares from his performance. Who know the loony guy from THIRD ROCK FROM THE SUN could be so scary?

4.) Last Friday I was so totally nervous about my radio appearance on ACCENTS, I thought I was going to be sick. Turns out, it was actually every fun! Katerina always puts her guests at ease and as long as I was looking right at her, I almost forgot I was on the radio. The program in which Tony Sexton and I were guest is now available for downloading here - it is the October 2nd show.

5.) My wonderful hubby has been stuck working the sunrise shift all this week. That means he has to be at WLEX by 4am every morning - 4am! This means he has had to go to bed at 8:30pm every night in order to be up by 2:30. Needless to say, it has been a sucky week for all. It is really wonderful to have him home by 3 every afternoon, but with him having to go to bed so early - well, you get the picture.

6.) Fall break - yippee!! My daughter is out of school for 2 weeks of fall break. I love this October break - it is usually the time of year we go on vacation, although we aren't going anywhere this year. My hubby and daughter are going to Kings Island one day and they have a college visit scheduled at UK, but other than that, we are have a staycation.

7.) Found an interesting website this week while I was "stumbling around" - Pooktre. They do tree shaping and make wonderful yard art, furniture and accessories. I have always been intrigued by people who are able to shape and mold nature.

8.) Tomorrow is the 2nd ArtVenture for The Arts Council of Mercer County. We will be meeting at Eagles Nest Nature Preserve on Calvary Lane from 9am until noon. All artist of any media are encouraged to come and enjoy the atmosphere and be inspired.

Free Flowing Friday

I can't believe it is Friday again! Where did the week go?

1.) The most exciting news this week is that I will be a guest on the radio program, ACCENTS, this afternoon in Lexington. ACCENTS is hosted by bi-lingual poet Katerina Klemer and can be heard on 88.1 FM at 2pm on Fridays. Tony Sexton, leader of the Community of Mercer County Writers, and myself will be her guest and I am so nervous and excited! If you can't pick up the radio program - and most people in Harrodsburg won't be able to pick it up - you will be able to download the program next week from Katerina's website.

2.) Tomorrow I will be helping out my friend and fellow writer, Ruth Ann Fogle, as she makes an appearance in the Perryville parade. Ruth Ann's alter ego, Mother Flossie Upson, was invited to participate, so I'm providing her transportation in the form of my hubby's truck. It should be an interesting morning.

3.) I finished a great book this week, THE PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS (The Prophecy of the Sisters Book #1) by Michelle Zink. This is a young adult book and it is a far-cry from the recent rush of vampire and supernatural books. This book marks a return to the classic Gothic novels of the past and takes place during the Victorian Era of the late 1800s. I highly recommend this book and I am eagerly awaiting the next one in the series.

4.) Did you see the premiere of Dexter on Sunday? Oh man, what a great start to season 4! I know I should feel bad about enjoying a show revolving around a serial killer, but it is such great fun, I find myself marveling at the writing abilities of the staff. And Micheal C. Hall as Dexter is deliciously evil! Casting John Lithgow as the rival bad guy, the Trinity Killer - brilliant! Lithgow appears so normal, but has a disturbing bad quality that comes across the screen and jumps in your face. It's going to be a great season!

5.) My hubby has to work night shift tonight and then he's on call all weekend - bummer! I guess I shouldn't complain because he doesn't have to do this very often, but it really ruins our weekend. I so look forward to spending time with him on the weekends.

6.) I have submitted a poetry manuscript to a writing contest this week - this is the first time I've even entered my poetry anywhere. Sponsored by A Room of Her Own: A Foundation for Women Writers and Artists, the won't announce the winner until November 15th. I know I don't stand a chance of winning, but I'm hoping to get some type of response. Keeping my fingers crossed.

7.) Fall break starts today - my daughter will be out of school for two weeks. I love fall break because the weather is so much cooler and all the leaves are changing colors. She has several college visits lined up during this time, so we are going to be busy.

Free Flowing Friday

Because I haven't felt well this week, most of my thoughts have migrated to the dark side. So, to save you from my icky mood, I thought I would highlight a few new books I've enjoyed this week.

Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters Trilogy, Book I) by Michelle Zink

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

This book takes place in the late 1800s and Zink has a refreshing writing style I am finding enjoyable. This easy to read book is a true page turner that has left me eagerly awaiting the next book in the trilogy.


Evermore (The Immortals Book 1) by Alyson Noel

Seventeen-year-old Ever survived the car crash that killed her parents, younger sister, and their dog. Now she lives with an aunt in Southern California, plagued not only by survivor guilt but also by a new ability to hear the thoughts of all around her. She tries to tune out all these distractions by keeping her hoodie up and her iPod cranked loud, until Damen, the cute new boy at school, convinces her to come out of her shell. Damen, however, is frighteningly clever—and has the strange ability to produce tulips from nowhere and disappear himself at critical moments.

For readers looking to fill the void left by the Twilight series, this is a different variation on the girl meets boy love story. Where Twilight has vegetarian vampires, the Immortals has immortal beings. Noel's truly captures the teenage voice. You can read my book review at: Bobbi's Book Nook.


Eli the Good by Silas House

Bicentennial fireworks burn the sky. Bob Seger growls from a transistor radio. And down by the river, girls line up on lawn chairs in pursuit of the perfect tan. Yet for ten-year-old Eli Book, the summer of 1976 is the one that threatened to tear his family apart. There is his distant mother; his traumatized Vietnam vet dad; his wild sister; his former warprotester aunt; and his tough yet troubled best friend, Edie, the only person with whom he can be himself. As tempers flare and his father’s nightmares rage, Eli watches from the sidelines, but soon even he cannot escape the current of conflict. From Silas House comes a tender look at the complexities of childhood and the realities of war — a quintessentially Southern novel filled with music, nostalgic detail, a deep respect for nature, and a powerful sense of place.

I was lucky enough to attend the national book launch of this book by one of my favorite Kentucky authors. House has an authentic Kentucky voice and his writing flows off the page in lyrical form. This is truly a beautiful book.


The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
I'm not going to give much away about this book because many people have not had a chance to read it yet, but you can check out my book review at Bobbi's Book Nook. Let's just say that it was a real page turner for me, but I was a little disappointed. My infatuation with the fictional character of Robert Langdon is now over.

Free Flowing Friday

I can't believe it's Friday again - where did the week go?

1.) I got a double dose of great TV last night with the return of BONES and FRINGE. It's been a long summer of re-runs, so I was very happy to settle in with my hubby and watch these great shows. On BONES, Booth is readjusting to life after a coma and trying to sort out his feelings towards Brennan, and she is her normal, analytical shelf. On FRINGE, we are lead to believe Olivia is dead, but things aren't always what they seem. Must see TV indeed!

2.) Finished a great book this week by Karen McElmurray, THE MOTEL OF THE STARS. It is a heartwarming tale of overwhelming grief and the path two different individuals as they embark on the road to understanding. This book was the 2007 winner of the Linda Bruckheimer Series in Kentucky Literature through Sarabande Publishing. McElmurray has a unique voice and writing style and I think we will be hearing more about her in the future.

3.) I've been fighting some kind of creeping crud all week long - overall aches and pains in addition to congestion and shortness of breath. How can the human body produce so much snot? I thought it was just normal seasonal allergies or sinus problems, but then other people made me start worrying about inhalation problems due to the fire and cleaning. Called the doctor on Wednesday and he said if I wasn't running a fever and my drainage was a normal color, it was probably just allergies. Hopefully I'll feel better this weekend.

4.) I finished up my first book review for KENTUCKY MONTHLY magazine this week and I'm looking forward to doing more. Currently, my local public library is closed so they can move to their temporary location. Having the KENTUCKY MONTHLY gig will keep my book reviewing skills sharp until the library reopens.

5.) Looking forward to going to Silas House's book launch next week for ELI THE GOOD. It's scheduled for Tuesday, September 22nd at 7pm at the Carnegie Center in Lexington. Several members from my writing group are planning to attend.

6.) I'm working on a historical essay about French fashion in Harrodsburg for my local Habitat for Humanity. The big fundraiser for HFH will be October 30th and world renown fashion designer, Alexander Jullian will be the guest. He is going to present a workshop and project runway thru the local schools for young fashion designers. Later that night a dinner will be held at the Anderson Circle Cow Palace. So much to do, so little time.

7.) I've sent off 2 separate submissions this week for 2 writing contests - KENTUCKY MONTHLY and NEW SOUTHERNER magazines. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed. I also have 2 more submissions almost ready to go, but these are both for poetry contests. I have never entered a poetry contest, so this will be interesting.

8.) Cleanup from the fire is still moving slow, but at least it's moving. A big thank you to our friend, Will Ed, for helping to get our new dryer up and running. Hopefully we will be ready to start painting next week - I am not looking forward to that.

Free Flowing Friday

1.) Remembering the sadness of 9-11. I can still remember where I was when everything started happening. I was supposed to start my new job at the Harrodsburg Hospital the next day, so after seeing Christine off to school and Keith off to work, I was watching the TODAY show. When the first plane hit, I got on the phone with my good friend, Linda, and we talked all morning. I get a lump in my chest just thinking about it.

2.) Not only did my daughter get chosen to be on the Student Council at Mercer Senior High School, but now she is contemplating a run for Vice-President. She thought abut being President, but when she found out she would be in charge of all the class reunions, she didn't want to talk on that much responsibility. This will mark the first time one of my children has run for any type of office and I am so proud of her!

3.) Tim Burton's 9 opened on Wednesday and we plan to see it this weekend. I can't wait! Burton is one my my favorite directors, so I have high hopes for this stop-animation film.

4.) Nomadic Ink meeting tonight - the Community of Mercer County Writers will be meeting at the home of Tony Sexton for our monthly meeting. The topic for tonight will be 9-11. I'm not sure about the topic because it brings up so many bad memories for me.

5.) Having a hard time believing my oldest daughter, Amber, will be 27 years old on Monday. Happy early Birthday, Amber!

6.) We will probably be ready to start repainting the house tomorrow. This is a job I'm dreading because I don't really like to paint. Right now, we're trying to decide on colors - decorating is not my strong suit.

7.) Did anyone watch The Vampire Diaries last night? Based on the books by L. J. Smith, I've been eagerly awaiting the debut. The show was okay and it does show some promise - we'll see how it goes the next few weeks.

8.) Flu shots - swine flu shots - is anyone getting flu shots this season? When I was still nursing, I got a flu shot every season to protect me and my family. Now that I no longer work in the public workforce, I don't feel the same need to get a shot. I have contact with very few people during the day, so I don't think I'll be carrying any germs home with me. I'm also a little skeptical about the vaccine for H1N1 - has it had enough testing? Every day we see drugs being pulled off the market because they are unsafe - how are we to know we won't be safer without this vaccine? For me, I'll keep disinfecting common objects, washing my hands and sneezing into my elbows.

9.) To hell with polite society - or as my Granny would say, "Were you raised in a barn?" Although I think the media has blown out of proportion the outrageous comments of Sen. Joe Wilson during Pres. Obama's speech, this is just another prime example of the decreasing civility in our culture. I equate this with something yelling at the preacher during church - it was both inappropriate and uncalled for. I realize all Republicans are not impolite and uncivil, but it is the "fringy right" that is giving all the rest a bad name. You know what they say about one bad apple?

10.) I just finished reading Karen Rose's newest book, I Can See You. It was another spooky thriller with great characters. This book made you feel like anyone could be the killer. It revolves around an Internet reality game where a serial killer is stalking his victims. Rose is one of the best thriller writers out there right now and this one is definitely worth a read.

Free Flowing Friday

At least this has been a better week than the past 2 weeks! We are finally back in our house, although clean-up is far from over. Here is what's cluttering my mind this week:

1.) Hypocritical people drive me insane! Some people just need to get over themselves - the world is not all about you. Okay, it may be all about me - but it's definitely not all about you! LOL!!

2.) Finished a wonderful young adult book this week - Graceling by Kristen Cashore. This book was released last year, but I'm just getting around to reading. This was the perfect kind of book for me: a great female heroine, believable characters, thrilling adventures, a tad bit of fantasy - an action packed read I didn't want to end. According to Cashore's website, she has a new book coming out, Fire, which will be a prequel to this book - it is already on my TBR list and will move right to the top as soon as I can get my hands on it.

3.) I don't understand the uproar many parents are having over President Obama's address to school children. People, he is going to be talking to kids about staying in school and furthering their education! This address is similar to other President's: Bush Jr. asked school children to give $1 for Afghanistan children and Bush Sr. talked to children about the evils of drugs. Presidents Clinton, Regan, Carter, Nixon and Johnson all addressed school children. Obama is the freely elected President of the United States - you may not agree with his policies or politics, but give him the respect the Commander in Chief deserves.

4.) I'm upset with Democratic lawmakers because I'm afraid they are going to "cow down" to fringe Republicans and not pass a health care reform bill. Citizens of the USA should not be dying because they can't afford health care. Citizens of the USA should not have to go bankrupt because of astronomical health care bills. Citizens of the USA should not have to choose between buying their prescription drugs and buying food or making a house payment. Citizens of the USA should not be denied health care coverage because of a preexisting condition.

5.) On a lighter note, have you seen the new opening for the Late Show with Craig Ferguson? I love watching Craig!! They have kept the original song - with the missing line reinserted - and the opening has Craig in different situations singing the theme song. I bet you didn't know Craig wrote the theme song and sings it himself? I know ... he is great!

6.) Our daughter will be away from home tonight, so it's date night for me and hubby - it's been too long! I think our plans are to go to the drive-in - 2 movies for $5, you can't beat that anywhere. Twin Hills Drive-In is playing Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds and Rob Zombie's Halloween II. We've already seen Inglourious Basterds, but I can't wait to see it again.

7.) I am stoked about seeing Tim Burton's 9 next week! It is a post-apocalyptic nightmare in which all of humanity is threatened. Tim Burton is awesome!

8.) Oh, I forgot to mention this earlier in the week - I got a new writing gig! I will be doing book reviews for Kentucky Monthly magazine. I'm so excited! The first book I'm reading is Lincoln's Advocate: The Life of Judge Joseph Holt by Kentucky author Susan B. Dyer.

9.) If you haven't checked out my Lexington Gardener page at Examiner.com, come on over and see what's happening in gardens around the Bluegrass. I appreciate all the visitors I can get.

10.) I almost forgot, my youngest baby, Christine, was elected to the Student Council at Mercer County Senior High School. Congratulations Christine!

Free Flowing Friday

Since I missed Free Flowing Friday last week, I've had a lot on my mind. Of course, clean-up from the fire has been tops on my list.

1.) Hoping and praying the electricians can finally get our electricity restored today. I love my mom-in-law to death, but I'm ready to be back in my own home. Two families living together is just not compatible. I like to sleep with the room freezing cold and she wants all the windows shut-up tight at night. Needless to say, I've been sleeping less than usual - and I'm already a chronic insomniac.

2.) As a break from fire clean-up, I'm attending Mercer County's first ArtVenture at Terrapin Hill Farms tomorrow morning. The newly formed Arts Council of Mercer County is going to be holding monthly events for all the artists in our community. An ArtVenture is an activity to bring all art forms together to eventually collaborate on projects with the same theme. I'm taking my notebook, camera and sketch pad, so we'll see what happens.

3.) I'm so excited - I have a new writing gig! In addition to the weekly book review column I do in The Harrodsburg Herald, I will now be doing book reviews for Kentucky Monthly. I'm not sure what my first book will be, but it is in the mail as we speak. I'll keep you updated.

4.) I've been a bloggy fog for almost 2 weeks now and I feel lost without blogging. I never realized until this moment how much I enjoy blogging until I'm not able to do it as much as I'd like. Hopefully, next week will show lots of improvement.

5.) I missed the book launch of a wonderful poet in Lexington last night. Katerina Stoykova-Klemer's first book, The Air Around the Butterfly, is a bilingual collection of poetry, with each poem appearing side by side in both Bulgarian and English. Originally written in English, each work has been translated by the author into her native Bulgarian. The collection is comprised of three sections: My Mother Was Going to War, E. T. and I Phone Home, and The Apple Who Wanted to Become a Pinecone. Check out her official website here. This book is now available in bookstores and online.

6.) My daughter is anxiously awaiting to see if she will be elected as part of the Student Council at school. She has some strong views and great ideas for improving the school. Her big project is an idea for increased recycling for the entire school system. It is amazing the amount of waste one school can generate in a day - and our school system has 6 different buildings!

Free Flowing Friday

1.) 3 words - Ragweed, Ragweed, Ragweed! My seasonal allergies are killing me: stuffy nose, congested head, sneezing, watery eyes, post nasal drip, sick to my stomach - you name it and I'm feeling it right now. Sorry to be gross, but the allergies are ruling every part of my life right now - Benadryl is my friend.

2.) The foot is finally feeling much better. Just the past 2 days, I've noticed a tremendous improvement - new skin, decreased redness, scant amount of drainage. I'm alive, thank goodness, and I think I'll live.

3.) Mercer County Arts Council meeting last night was awesome! I'm totally amazed at the amount of talent in Mercer County. Many of the artisans brought items and we had a "mini art gallery." I'm so excited about the prospect of what this council can do.

4.) Started reading a new book by my bloggy friend and native Kentuckian, Laura Frantz - The Frontiersman's Daughter. Laura was born in Kentucky, and still has family here, but she now lives in Washington state with her family. This is her first book and I've fallen in love with her writing style. So much research went into this book and the details, in combination with Frantz's prose, give the reader interesting characters and a wonderful story. I'll keep you updated about when the book review will be posted. Check out Laura's journal, Imagination.

5.) After weeks of putting up with a defective DVR from Time-Warner cable, we have finally had the box replaced. I know to most people this may not be a big deal, but after you've put up with the remote turning the DVR off almost every time you push a button, being able to flip thru the channels with ease is a joy.

6.) We've just finished the first full week of my daughter driving to school - it has been terrifying for me. I know she is a wonderful driver - it's the other drivers I worry about. Every time the phone has rang in the mornings or afternoons, my heart starts beating faster because I'm afraid it will be her - or the police. I know I need to lighten up, and I will eventually, but right now I just can't help myself.

7.) WTF?? Pine Valley is really starting to get weird. My fascination with All My Children has left me scratching my head wondering what some of these characters are thinking. Really? Zach and Jessie have smuggled Kendall away from jail and replaced her with a look alike? Really? What women would voluntarily go to jail in Kendall's place? And really? After all the publicity, how come the jailers don't realize they have the wrong person? Oh, what a tangled web we weave.

8.) The commerical I've laughed my head off at this week - the one with the car and the pothole. I don't even remember what the commerical is advertising, but I love that talking pothole and her Southern accent.

... "Oh no, your tires all flat and junk - did I do that? Here let me get my cellular out and call you a wrecker. Oh shoot, I got no phone, 'cause I'm a pothole ... so ... 'k bye" ...

Free Flowing Friday

Welcome to Free Flowing Friday - my thoughts, feelings and activities from the past week:

1.) Oh my goodness, I just watched my baby drive away from the house solo for the first time this morning. All I can do is pray God is watching out for her. I know she is a good driver, but I worry about all the other drivers on the road.

2.) John Hughes, Home Alone John Hughes, Ferris Bueller John Hughes and 16 Candles John Hughes - dead at the age of 59. He was the director/producer of many of my favorite movies from the 1980s: Breakfast Club, Weird Science and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. He will be missed.

3.) Yard Sale City has come to town. This may be a strong statement, but I HATE the Hwy 127 Yard Sales! I live just off Hwy 127 and every year for one week and 2 weekends in August, I'm subjected to crazy drivers clogging my street, blocking my driveway and trying to turn around in MY YARD. People - get a life and respect other people's property!

4.) I turned 47 yesterday - or if you ask me, it was the 18th anniversary of my 29th birthday. I know they say you are only as old as you feel, but after suffering with a 3rd degree burn on my foot for almost 2 weeks now, I'm feeling pretty old.

5.) I have devoured the newest book in the Millennium trilogy by Steig Laarson - The Girl Who Played With Fire. Excellent, excellent book! Laarson is the author of last year's book, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. There is one more book in the trilogy and this will be the last book we get by Laarson - he died of a heart attack in 2004.

6.) My job as the Lexington Gardening Examiner for Examiner.Com is going great and I'm very happy. I am currently averaging over 1800 hits every week and the hits have gradually increased over time - and I've only been writing for them for 6 weeks. If you haven't already checked it out, Examiner.Com is a great place to find all types of information on an infinite number of topics.

7.) I would like to say I wasn't upset with the disruption with Twitter and Facebook on Thursday, but I'm afraid my nose would grow. Although I only use Twitter to post my newest Examiner articles, I have come to depend on Facebook on a daily basis. It was hard to post my status, leave comments or just click the "like" button ... okay, you caught me, I was really upset because I couldn't get to my farm in Farm Town. People, I had crops wasting away on the vine - tragedy!

8.) I guess my cool days of summer are gone - from the looks of the upcoming forecast, summer's heat and humidity are coming back with a bang. I was so enjoying the cool temps and all the rain.

9.) It's time to pull out the knitting needles and start working on Christmas gifts - it is only 144 days until Christmas. I haven't knitted much in the past 2 months because I've been doing more writing, but now it's time to pick out pretty yarn and get to work.

10.) I'm considering putting together a chap book of some of my writing to have for sale at the upcoming Mercer County Arts Festival in September. My daughter gave me the idea after she completed a chap book at the Governor's School for the Arts. Haven't made up my mind yet, but it's something to think about.

Free Flowing Friday

1.) The most exciting thing to happen to me this week, as of this morning, is that I am the number one Lexington Examiner at Examiner.Com. This is the 2nd week in a row and I am so excited! Thank you to all my readers for making this possible. If anyone has ideas for gardening articles they would like to read, please click on my profile and send me an email.

2.) I am still struggling with the burn on my right foot. For those of you who missed my post, on Monday night, I sploshed hot oil onto the top of my bare foot. The feet are one of the hardest to heal areas of the body, and the position of this burn makes it impossible for me to wear a shoe. It is difficult to stand or walk because my foot is always flexing, which tugs on the newly healing skin. One day at a time, but they have been very slow days.

3.) I received some great review copies of some upcoming children/young adult books I am looking forward to reading and reviewing. All of these books have come from Sourcebook/Jabberwocky - thanks Paul Samuelson and Liz Kelsh!

• Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation
• The Tree That Time Built edited by Mary Ann Hoberman and Linda Winston
• The 13 Days of Halloween by Carol Greene
• Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble
• Realm of the Rodent (Book #1 of Blood Brother) by Greg Hildebrandt, Jr.
• Fairy Foals by ~Samatha

With the exception of Fairy Foals, these books will not be released until September, October or November.

4.) My youngest goes back to school on Monday. It is hard to believe she will be starting her senior year of high school. We are so proud of her! No the college hunt begins in earnest.

5.) Things I'm sick of this week:

• Skipper Gate
• Beer Feast
• Birthers
• Palin Watch
• Jackson Frenzy
• Jon and Kate

The list is short this week because of the pain in my foot. It has been hard to think about anything else.

Till next week .....