I raised two sons and was blessed with two grandsons. The idea of building a doll house didn't exactly set well even though that's what I wanted to do. The picture on the right shows what I did build...a log cabin replica! I gave my grandsons horses and other animals, fences, toy campfires, etc. They loved it. It set well for me, too. The Little House books were always my favorite as a young girl and I thought about them frequently as I was building.
Of course, now we have our granddaughter. The real doll house will be pictured soon.

Fall Color Tour Up Michigan's Coastline

As promised, here are some photos of our color tour trip last month. I intended to have more light house pictures, but alas, they weren't as pretty as these. The mural is painted on the bathhouse in Saugatuck, an artist community, a favorite haunt of ours. We traveled the shoreline up to Traverse City. The picture of me shows how windy it was on the beach and that tiny speck behind me is a lighthouse.

WHERE DO I WORK?

Here is my workspace with my view for inspiration.

The next picture shows my pout face when I get a rejection, (got three the other day, UGH!
The next picture is me laughing at my pucker picture...gotta keep a sense of humor to keep it balanced...stay balanced folks. It's a roller coaster.

I forgot, imagine that, to post about my latest acceptance. I Can Count on Myself, a poem, is in this month's issue of Fandangle. What's really fun is, my poem, Tip, Tap, Toe, is, also!
Thank you twice, Nancy Cavanaugh, Editor.

And now, I sadly write that Fandangle is closing. Thank you, Nancy Cavanaugh, Editor for all you have contributed to children and writers by your publication of this magazine. I will miss it and you and wish you the best in your future interests.

Celebrating 15

It's been a year since I started writing. Amazing how quickly time passes when doing what one loves.
Today I am celebrating 15 acceptances. My goal was 20 for the year, but I'm still pleased. Actually, I'm extremely pleased. I know so many talented writers and the competition is wickedly tough. Learning the industry is certainly a challenge. I still have much to learn.
Recent computer problems prevented me from subbing at my preferred pace. I have much to do and am overwhelmed. That's why I thought I should just blog some good news! Yay for the number 15. I feel fortunate.

Carole

I love the fall, again. It used to be my favorite season, but as seasons come and go I realize I love them all. But fall, for me has special meaning. We've had a relationship, a special relationship. Fall is when I fell in love and when I got married. It's also been a time of loss. A time I lost someone I loved. But fall redeemed herself in my eyes with a birth so we are friendly again.

This past weekend we traveled up Lake Michigan's shoreline following the "color tour". We photographed the light houses and the foliage. Sutton's Bay was especially fun and I discovered an author/photographer, Carl Sams. Here is a link:

http://www.strangerinthewoods.com/ Anyway, wanted to blog that so I would remember to order his books. If you like nature, check them out, I think you’ll like them.

When I get this computer fixed I’ll upload pictures of the light houses and the gorgeous scenery. I’m sure there’s a story in those pictures.

WHAT'S NEW

Is Owen comin' or goin'?

IT'S COMING SOON!--WHERE YA GOIN', OWEN? will be published by Journey Stone Creations, LLC this January!

The picture on the right will be used in brochures for my book. This was sent to me by my publisher and I'm just thrilled!

Another thrill for me is to reveal that my book will be used for special needs. It will accompany an electronic platform that will be called "Touch and Read" allowing children and adults who need help learning to read to navigate easily.

As well, it will be a stand alone book that can be purchased through Amazon.com or ordered through Barnes and Noble.

Thank you, Pat Stirnkorb, Journey Stone Creations, LLC .