Well, it's Monday and I'm back at the office. I am not a big fan of Mondays, or of mornings in general for that matter. I miss the weekend already and it's not even lunch time yet! I guess I'm in for a long week. I believe part of that comes from the fact that next weekend is a long weekend and I'm ready for 3 days off. Unfortunately, one day will be spent cleaning out my grandmother's house. I miss her, but picking through old furniture and found "treasures" does not sound like a fun day. On the bright side, it is a long weekend so I still have two days for other things.
This weekend was good. I took Aurea and we met Jennifer and Korey and went to Korey's school playground to let the girls play. Most of the weekend, Aurea spent outside playing with her friends or playing her new Wii game. I printed some photos with the new PhotoSmart printer I bought a couple of months ago. I also put up some pictures and reorganized some things around the house. I guess being single again does have some advantages.
The interior proofs for my book are almost ready! I'm really excited. I hope that means we are close to being ready to sell it. I can't wait! It will be on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, outskirts' press website, and whereever else I pitch it and get it accepted.
Now, I need ideas. Being down to one income is not helping my life at the moment. While I hope my book comes out and sales wonderfully, I'm also realistic that that may take awhile. In the meantime, I would like to try to do something from home to make a little extra money. The problem is, everything I find on my own is some pyramid scheme or a complete scam! Any suggestions?
Monday, May 18, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
My chaotic life
I haven't felt like blogging much lately, so thank you to any people actually still reading this. I have had so much going on in my life that blogging just had to take a backseat to it all. I'm glad to be able to come back and write about some of it. I won't get detailed though since it is mostly personal.
I learned in March that you don't necessarily know someone and what they are capable of as well as you think, even after three years. Some people just do not have respect for other people and do not see what is wrong with hurting them. I will not go into detail, but it is now an ongoing situation I will have to deal with for months or even years to come.
My grandmother passed away in April, she was 95. She lived a nice, long life. It hurt when she went, but we all knew it was time. I was just grateful I had the opportunity to say goodbye.
My life has been very chaotic since March and I'm ready for things to settle down. It is much quieter at home without a man around. Work has also calmed down since UK had its graduation last weekend.
Aurea is doing well. She is ready for school to be out. However, due to makeup days for snow and ice, she won't be out until June 4 this year. Adam is enjoying track and school events, but he is ready to finish school too.
The publisher sent the cover proofs for my book. I'm really excited and anxiously awaiting the interior proofs so we can finish production and get this book ready for sale!
I learned in March that you don't necessarily know someone and what they are capable of as well as you think, even after three years. Some people just do not have respect for other people and do not see what is wrong with hurting them. I will not go into detail, but it is now an ongoing situation I will have to deal with for months or even years to come.
My grandmother passed away in April, she was 95. She lived a nice, long life. It hurt when she went, but we all knew it was time. I was just grateful I had the opportunity to say goodbye.
My life has been very chaotic since March and I'm ready for things to settle down. It is much quieter at home without a man around. Work has also calmed down since UK had its graduation last weekend.
Aurea is doing well. She is ready for school to be out. However, due to makeup days for snow and ice, she won't be out until June 4 this year. Adam is enjoying track and school events, but he is ready to finish school too.
The publisher sent the cover proofs for my book. I'm really excited and anxiously awaiting the interior proofs so we can finish production and get this book ready for sale!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Carrots, Eggs, & Coffee!
Carrots, Eggs, & Coffee!
A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three p ots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she=2 0asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but a fter a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happine ss to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The bright est future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
May we all be COFFEE!!!!!!!
A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three p ots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she=2 0asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but a fter a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happine ss to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The bright est future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
May we all be COFFEE!!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
March Update
I'm worn out today after walking all over campus running errands. I'm just glad the weather is finally nice, I hope it stays this way. I could handle 70s, much better than the nasty cold we have been having.
If any of you read, Because I Said So, the blog by Dawn Meehan -- Her book is finally out! I'm really excited. It wasn't supposed to be out until April 1, but Amazon.com sent an email a few days ago saying my order was scheduled to arrive sometime around March 19th - I actually got it yesterday. I was happily surprised to come home and see the package on the doorstep. I can't wait to actually read the book now.
Speaking of books, mine is coming along slowly. My author rep and I are at that stage - yes- insert picture here, no - don't add that there, etc. It's a lot of picky stuff at this point, but I'm glad to be here. If you don't get through the picky stage, you don't get published!
The kids are doing great. Aurea finished Upward Cheerleading for the season. I am really glad. She had fun, but it was busy for awhile. Adam finished soccer in time to start track! They are both busy kids. Aurea is taking voice lessons and that is it for right now. Spring Break is right around the corner. Actually, the University is on Spring Break this week so campus is really quiet. My kids, however, have a couple of weeks left before they get off.
My family is driving me crazy yet again. I really don't want to go into specifics on here, but let's just say some of them like to get into business that is no concern to them. It's really frustrating.
Otherwise, things are pretty calm these days.
If any of you read, Because I Said So, the blog by Dawn Meehan -- Her book is finally out! I'm really excited. It wasn't supposed to be out until April 1, but Amazon.com sent an email a few days ago saying my order was scheduled to arrive sometime around March 19th - I actually got it yesterday. I was happily surprised to come home and see the package on the doorstep. I can't wait to actually read the book now.
Speaking of books, mine is coming along slowly. My author rep and I are at that stage - yes- insert picture here, no - don't add that there, etc. It's a lot of picky stuff at this point, but I'm glad to be here. If you don't get through the picky stage, you don't get published!
The kids are doing great. Aurea finished Upward Cheerleading for the season. I am really glad. She had fun, but it was busy for awhile. Adam finished soccer in time to start track! They are both busy kids. Aurea is taking voice lessons and that is it for right now. Spring Break is right around the corner. Actually, the University is on Spring Break this week so campus is really quiet. My kids, however, have a couple of weeks left before they get off.
My family is driving me crazy yet again. I really don't want to go into specifics on here, but let's just say some of them like to get into business that is no concern to them. It's really frustrating.
Otherwise, things are pretty calm these days.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
I'm getting published!
It's official, my book is in the early stages of publication. I really don't know when it will be out yet, but I'm excited just to reach this point. My dream growing up was to publish a book on or before the age of 30, I have until September to get the book out and meet my goal! LOL I think it will be out before September, but if not, it's still coming and I'm very happy!
Adam has strep throat, but he is recovering. I hate it when the kids are sick. Aurea was sick last week. I think a bug is going around or something. It could also be weather-related. There is an expression in Kentucky, "If you don't like the weather, wait 30 minutes!" This especially applies this time of year when Mother Nature just can't decide if she wants to make it snow, rain, or be 60 degrees one day and 30 the next. I will be glad when Spring is here to stay.
Saturday is Aurea's last week of cheerleading for Upward. She's going to miss it, but she is now taking professional voice lessons, so I think she will be okay. Her last academic competition is this weekend too. Adam finished soccer. We are slowly wrapping everything up.
Everything else is going okay. I would write more, but I really need to go to bed.
Adam has strep throat, but he is recovering. I hate it when the kids are sick. Aurea was sick last week. I think a bug is going around or something. It could also be weather-related. There is an expression in Kentucky, "If you don't like the weather, wait 30 minutes!" This especially applies this time of year when Mother Nature just can't decide if she wants to make it snow, rain, or be 60 degrees one day and 30 the next. I will be glad when Spring is here to stay.
Saturday is Aurea's last week of cheerleading for Upward. She's going to miss it, but she is now taking professional voice lessons, so I think she will be okay. Her last academic competition is this weekend too. Adam finished soccer. We are slowly wrapping everything up.
Everything else is going okay. I would write more, but I really need to go to bed.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Don't Quit
A friend sent this to me a few years ago, but I've kept it because it helps me when I'm feeling down. Even if I'm not down, it's still a great reminder we can all use. I think in tough economic times this really applies. I really hope everyone enjoys this poem.
Don't Quit
by William Murray Angus
When things go wrong,
As they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
But you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must,
But don't you Quit.
Life is strange with its twists and turns
As everyone of us sometimes learns
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out
Don't give up though the pace seems slow.
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup
And he learned too late when the night came down
How close he was to the golden crown
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when it seems the worst
That you Mustn't Quit!
Don't Quit
by William Murray Angus
When things go wrong,
As they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high
But you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must,
But don't you Quit.
Life is strange with its twists and turns
As everyone of us sometimes learns
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out
Don't give up though the pace seems slow.
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup
And he learned too late when the night came down
How close he was to the golden crown
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when it seems the worst
That you Mustn't Quit!
Friday, January 30, 2009
January
I'm back again. I'd really like to post more, but it just doesn't seem to work that way! Christmas was pretty good here. I'm not a big fan of holidays, but the kids really enjoyed it and I had some time off from work to spend with them.
The best gift I received for Christmas was both one money can and can't buy. No, I'm not crazy (at least not about this LOL!). My wonderful son used money he had saved up, had my mom take him to the store, and picked out and paid for a beautiful watch for me. Yes, the watch is gorgeous and my son has great taste in jewelry. I love being able to show this watch to people. However, it is about so much more than a piece of jewelry. A 13-year-old boy picked out and paid for a watch for his mother for Christmas. He could have had my mom buy something and put his name on it or he could have picked out the watch and asked somebody else to buy it for him. No, he did it all on his own. He spent more of his money than I think he should have, but it is the thought and love that went into this gift that means so much more than the gift itself. I am so proud of my son. He truly made me feel loved and blessed.
Santa brought Aurea the Wii for Christmas and she has been on it continuosly every since. Adam got a new weight bench from Santa. I really don't see the need or desire for him to lift weights, but hey, he wanted to get fit before football season comes back around. I think he and his friend had more fun putting it together than they ever will actually using it! I finally joined the 21st century, Kevin bought me my first MP3 player for Christmas. There were more presents, but I think everyone gets the general idea.
I came back to work on Jan.5th, but it has been nasty weather ever since we got back. It has snowed this entire month. Monday we got snow that has since been followed by more snow, ice, freezing rain, and a basic state of emergency as thousands lost power and countless trees fell to the ground. School has been out all week, something that Fayette County does not do. Also, UK cancelled classes and shut down the University Wednesday, which it has not done in years. We were on a two-hour delay Tues. and Thurs. Today is finally back to a normal schedule, but the snow started back up again, so who knows what this afternoon holds. I know my road is still ice, it's awful! I will be really happy to see Spring come. Right now, I'd just be happy with temperatures climbing above the 30s!!
In other news, I got notification from Outskirts Press that my manuscript has been accepted for publication! Below is the email they sent for my acceptance:
Dear Kathy,
Thank you for submitting your book to Outskirts Press for evaluation. We are honored you have chosen us to publish your book with us. On behalf of our manuscript review team, I am pleased to report that we have accepted Multiple Sclerosis for publication. Congratulations!
The next step is to assign one of our professional Author Representatives to help you through the publishing process. You can get started today with a deposit (just $35) that is applied toward your publishing package.
Before I explain some of the options and services at Outskirts Press, I’d like to touch on our thoughts about your work. You have an interesting and timely composition. Your organization and thesis are clear, which compliments your voice to create a tangible, poignant narrative. You use this along with solid sense of dialogue to really let the reader ‘in’ on what’s important. That creates value. Overall, your work demonstrates strong writing with a dialogue that paces and develops nicely. Your writing has an air of eloquence as you write about this difficult topic of Multiple Sclerosis that is especially notable, your sincerity is obvious and I think many readers will gain valuable insight from your research and experiences watching Aunt Suzanne suffer through this disease’s progression. Your book is well written and it’s clear that you have put a good deal of thought and effort into the planning and presentation of your manuscript. I see you have included some images, so you’ll be happy to know that Outskirts Press has a graphics review team that will help review and format those images to the best print production quality possible for publication. Based on your goals, there may be extra fees involved, and your Author Representative and production team will help with those and any permissions required when the time comes.
With that being said, you are in good hands with Outskirts Press. Unlike other self-publishers, you never really do anything yourself with us. Along with your Author Representative, your book will be assigned to a production team to handle interior formatting and cover design. And after publication, you will have access to the strongest base of optional marketing services and author support in the industry. Take a peek at some of what our Author Support department is doing now: http://outskirtspress.com/marketing.php
One of the main advantages of publishing with us is that you always keep 100% of your rights, 100% control, and 100% of the profit. No other publisher out there will offer you the level of value, flexibility, and customization that we do. So, while services like editing, custom cover design and Book Reviewer Submission Service are highly recommended, they are completely optional.
In all cases, it is important to consider your goals. Do you hope to see your book featured at a local bookstore or are online sales sufficient for you? Either way, we have custom pricing plans for you to choose from, and options that can help you meet your goals, like the Retail Returns option available with our Diamond, Pearl , and Ruby packages.
Outskirts Press takes pride in offering the best of both worlds: combining the advantages of independent self-publishing with the advantages of a traditional book publishing company. And you have an invested friend to guide you along the way.
Congratulations again on your work. When you’re ready to start publishing with the help of your personal Author Representative, simply log-in to your Author Center at http://outskirtspress.com.authors.php and click on the large START PUBLISHING button for your next steps. We look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Manuscript Evaluation Team
www.outskirtspress.com
I'm a little nervous about the whole self-publishing aspect and have not made a final commitment one way or the other. However, I'm just really excited that someone appreciates my work and accepted it for publication!! If anyone has any advice, please let me know.
The best gift I received for Christmas was both one money can and can't buy. No, I'm not crazy (at least not about this LOL!). My wonderful son used money he had saved up, had my mom take him to the store, and picked out and paid for a beautiful watch for me. Yes, the watch is gorgeous and my son has great taste in jewelry. I love being able to show this watch to people. However, it is about so much more than a piece of jewelry. A 13-year-old boy picked out and paid for a watch for his mother for Christmas. He could have had my mom buy something and put his name on it or he could have picked out the watch and asked somebody else to buy it for him. No, he did it all on his own. He spent more of his money than I think he should have, but it is the thought and love that went into this gift that means so much more than the gift itself. I am so proud of my son. He truly made me feel loved and blessed.
Santa brought Aurea the Wii for Christmas and she has been on it continuosly every since. Adam got a new weight bench from Santa. I really don't see the need or desire for him to lift weights, but hey, he wanted to get fit before football season comes back around. I think he and his friend had more fun putting it together than they ever will actually using it! I finally joined the 21st century, Kevin bought me my first MP3 player for Christmas. There were more presents, but I think everyone gets the general idea.
I came back to work on Jan.5th, but it has been nasty weather ever since we got back. It has snowed this entire month. Monday we got snow that has since been followed by more snow, ice, freezing rain, and a basic state of emergency as thousands lost power and countless trees fell to the ground. School has been out all week, something that Fayette County does not do. Also, UK cancelled classes and shut down the University Wednesday, which it has not done in years. We were on a two-hour delay Tues. and Thurs. Today is finally back to a normal schedule, but the snow started back up again, so who knows what this afternoon holds. I know my road is still ice, it's awful! I will be really happy to see Spring come. Right now, I'd just be happy with temperatures climbing above the 30s!!
In other news, I got notification from Outskirts Press that my manuscript has been accepted for publication! Below is the email they sent for my acceptance:
Dear Kathy,
Thank you for submitting your book to Outskirts Press for evaluation. We are honored you have chosen us to publish your book with us. On behalf of our manuscript review team, I am pleased to report that we have accepted Multiple Sclerosis for publication. Congratulations!
The next step is to assign one of our professional Author Representatives to help you through the publishing process. You can get started today with a deposit (just $35) that is applied toward your publishing package.
Before I explain some of the options and services at Outskirts Press, I’d like to touch on our thoughts about your work. You have an interesting and timely composition. Your organization and thesis are clear, which compliments your voice to create a tangible, poignant narrative. You use this along with solid sense of dialogue to really let the reader ‘in’ on what’s important. That creates value. Overall, your work demonstrates strong writing with a dialogue that paces and develops nicely. Your writing has an air of eloquence as you write about this difficult topic of Multiple Sclerosis that is especially notable, your sincerity is obvious and I think many readers will gain valuable insight from your research and experiences watching Aunt Suzanne suffer through this disease’s progression. Your book is well written and it’s clear that you have put a good deal of thought and effort into the planning and presentation of your manuscript. I see you have included some images, so you’ll be happy to know that Outskirts Press has a graphics review team that will help review and format those images to the best print production quality possible for publication. Based on your goals, there may be extra fees involved, and your Author Representative and production team will help with those and any permissions required when the time comes.
With that being said, you are in good hands with Outskirts Press. Unlike other self-publishers, you never really do anything yourself with us. Along with your Author Representative, your book will be assigned to a production team to handle interior formatting and cover design. And after publication, you will have access to the strongest base of optional marketing services and author support in the industry. Take a peek at some of what our Author Support department is doing now: http://outskirtspress.com/marketing.php
One of the main advantages of publishing with us is that you always keep 100% of your rights, 100% control, and 100% of the profit. No other publisher out there will offer you the level of value, flexibility, and customization that we do. So, while services like editing, custom cover design and Book Reviewer Submission Service are highly recommended, they are completely optional.
In all cases, it is important to consider your goals. Do you hope to see your book featured at a local bookstore or are online sales sufficient for you? Either way, we have custom pricing plans for you to choose from, and options that can help you meet your goals, like the Retail Returns option available with our Diamond, Pearl , and Ruby packages.
Outskirts Press takes pride in offering the best of both worlds: combining the advantages of independent self-publishing with the advantages of a traditional book publishing company. And you have an invested friend to guide you along the way.
Congratulations again on your work. When you’re ready to start publishing with the help of your personal Author Representative, simply log-in to your Author Center at http://outskirtspress.com.authors.php and click on the large START PUBLISHING button for your next steps. We look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Manuscript Evaluation Team
www.outskirtspress.com
I'm a little nervous about the whole self-publishing aspect and have not made a final commitment one way or the other. However, I'm just really excited that someone appreciates my work and accepted it for publication!! If anyone has any advice, please let me know.
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