By Marcia Mickelson
Yesterday, I spent an hour sewing a patch on my son's Cub Scout shirt. He'll be nine in six weeks and in Scouts for almost a year, and this is the first time I've tried to really sew the patch on. I know, I'm lazy--very lazy when it comes to sewing. I don't have a sewing machine--wouldn't know how to use it. So, I sew by hand. I can do buttons, even though it usually takes a few weeks to get around to them.
Patches are a different story. I have to say I'm a little glad I never sewed the patch on because we just moved to a new town two months ago. If I had sewed the patch, I would now have to take it out and put a new one on for his new district. So, see it worked out better in the end. I'm not done with it yet. It's about halfway done, then I have to do his pack number and a few other ones. I hope to have it done by Wednesday so he can wear it to Scouts. He reminded me yesterday that I had promised to have it done last week. That was a promise I broke. So, I really have to keep this one and finish it by Wednesday.
I told my husband yesterday that we are never moving, at least not until my three sons have finished Cub Scouts because there is no way I'm ever sewing another one of those things on if we move to a different district.
Showing posts with label Marcia Mickelson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marcia Mickelson. Show all posts
Friday, August 15, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
A Contest on My Blog
By Marcia Mickelson
I'm sponsoring a contest on my blog. Come on over to check it out for a chance to win.
I'm sponsoring a contest on my blog. Come on over to check it out for a chance to win.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wheat Muffins
By Marcia Mickelson
I just moved on Saturday, so we're still in the process of unpacking, getting settled, and stocking the kitchen. We moved here with two boxes of food. We ate or threw out most of what was left in our old fridge & cupboards. I've gone grocery shopping twice while here, but not one of those good stock-the-cupboards one yet. Little by little.
Tonight is Enrichment Night at church. Everyone was asked to bring a dish made from food storage. We basically have no food storage because we'd been using it up as we prepared for our move. I didn't want to move a bunch of food. So, I looked & looked for a recipe, but I was missing key ingredients to almost every recipe. I don't even have sugar or white flour. I know, sad, but I plan on stocking up in the weeks to come.
I really wanted to make something. It's a new ward, and I didn't want to show up empty handed.
Luckily, I was able to find this recipe for wheat muffins and happen to have all the ingredients. I found this recipe in a small cook book put out by our local cannery in San Antonio. Here it is. They're actually really good and very moist.
Wheat Muffins (makes 12)
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup milk (1/3 cup powdered milk & 1 cup water)
1 cube (1/2 cup) melted margarine
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix dry ingredients together in medium-sized bowl (If you are using powdered milk, mix dry milk with dry ingredients, water with liquid ingredients.) In small bowl, combine liquid ingredients. Pour over dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Spoon into greased muffin tins. Bake 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
I just moved on Saturday, so we're still in the process of unpacking, getting settled, and stocking the kitchen. We moved here with two boxes of food. We ate or threw out most of what was left in our old fridge & cupboards. I've gone grocery shopping twice while here, but not one of those good stock-the-cupboards one yet. Little by little.
Tonight is Enrichment Night at church. Everyone was asked to bring a dish made from food storage. We basically have no food storage because we'd been using it up as we prepared for our move. I didn't want to move a bunch of food. So, I looked & looked for a recipe, but I was missing key ingredients to almost every recipe. I don't even have sugar or white flour. I know, sad, but I plan on stocking up in the weeks to come.
I really wanted to make something. It's a new ward, and I didn't want to show up empty handed.
Luckily, I was able to find this recipe for wheat muffins and happen to have all the ingredients. I found this recipe in a small cook book put out by our local cannery in San Antonio. Here it is. They're actually really good and very moist.
Wheat Muffins (makes 12)
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup milk (1/3 cup powdered milk & 1 cup water)
1 cube (1/2 cup) melted margarine
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix dry ingredients together in medium-sized bowl (If you are using powdered milk, mix dry milk with dry ingredients, water with liquid ingredients.) In small bowl, combine liquid ingredients. Pour over dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Spoon into greased muffin tins. Bake 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Father's Day Present
By Marcia Mickelson
For Father's Day, my kids and I bought my husband a GPS (Global Positioning System) and new swim trunks. He has been working out of town the last few months in a new job. We're preparing to move down to Corpus Christi, TX where he is now working. He and his co-workers have been geocaching in the evenings, and I thought he would like a GPS since he has enjoyed geocaching.
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game where you use a GPS to find geocaches. Using coordinates, you follow the GPS to a location and search for a geocache. The geocache can be any kind of container that holds a log where you sign that you found it and sometimes it has small items or toys that can be traded out.
I knew that our family would love to go geocaching, so I thought it would be a fun present for Dad. On his way home Friday, he called me to ask if he could stop and buy a GPS. Knowing that we had already bought him one for Father's Day, I told him to wait a few days. He said he really wanted it this weekend, so we could take the kids geocaching. He knew they would love it, and since it's our last weekend in San Antonio, it might be the only chance we have to do it here. I told him that maybe he could get one for Father's Day. He said we wanted it before so he could take the kids out on Saturday. Okay, so finally, I had to tell him there was one sitting right in front of me. Happy Father's Day! He was surprised, but telling him ruined the surprise. Oh well, try to do something nice.
It was fine, though. We probably would have ended up giving it to him earlier since I knew the kids would want to go geocaching on Saturday. To read about our geocaching adventures, you can go the the Ink Ladies Blog. I blogged all about it. At least, we still have the swim trunks to give him on Father's Day. I think he'll be surprised since he thinks the GPS was the only present.
For Father's Day, my kids and I bought my husband a GPS (Global Positioning System) and new swim trunks. He has been working out of town the last few months in a new job. We're preparing to move down to Corpus Christi, TX where he is now working. He and his co-workers have been geocaching in the evenings, and I thought he would like a GPS since he has enjoyed geocaching.
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game where you use a GPS to find geocaches. Using coordinates, you follow the GPS to a location and search for a geocache. The geocache can be any kind of container that holds a log where you sign that you found it and sometimes it has small items or toys that can be traded out.
I knew that our family would love to go geocaching, so I thought it would be a fun present for Dad. On his way home Friday, he called me to ask if he could stop and buy a GPS. Knowing that we had already bought him one for Father's Day, I told him to wait a few days. He said he really wanted it this weekend, so we could take the kids geocaching. He knew they would love it, and since it's our last weekend in San Antonio, it might be the only chance we have to do it here. I told him that maybe he could get one for Father's Day. He said we wanted it before so he could take the kids out on Saturday. Okay, so finally, I had to tell him there was one sitting right in front of me. Happy Father's Day! He was surprised, but telling him ruined the surprise. Oh well, try to do something nice.
It was fine, though. We probably would have ended up giving it to him earlier since I knew the kids would want to go geocaching on Saturday. To read about our geocaching adventures, you can go the the Ink Ladies Blog. I blogged all about it. At least, we still have the swim trunks to give him on Father's Day. I think he'll be surprised since he thinks the GPS was the only present.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Goolge Earth
By Marcia Mickelson
My 8 year old is hooked. I introduced him to Goole Earth two weeks ago, and he can't get enough. He's pushing three hours on the computer each day, and I have to get him off to do different things, or I think he'd stay there all day.
He's big into geography and maps. His year old book of San Antonio maps is tattered from hours of enjoyment. But, this is a whole new, amazing adventure for him. He's in heaven.
He has enjoyed finding our house, his school, and just about every place he's ever been. We're moving to a new town this month, and he has already scouted out our new house, his new school. He can already tell me the nearest libraries, parks, and grocery stores. He can already tell me exactly how to get there (with a little comparison between his map and Google Earth), what streets I need to take, and what I'll pass on my way there. He's also taken a great liking to marking the places he finds.
I think it's great that he enjoys Google Earth. It's truly an amazing program. What's funny is that he can't just enjoy it. He has to tell me all the things he finds. I hear "Look!" at least a dozen times an hour. I can only be excited about another McDonald's so many times. But, really, I am happy that he is enjoying this great technology we have today.
My 8 year old is hooked. I introduced him to Goole Earth two weeks ago, and he can't get enough. He's pushing three hours on the computer each day, and I have to get him off to do different things, or I think he'd stay there all day.
He's big into geography and maps. His year old book of San Antonio maps is tattered from hours of enjoyment. But, this is a whole new, amazing adventure for him. He's in heaven.
He has enjoyed finding our house, his school, and just about every place he's ever been. We're moving to a new town this month, and he has already scouted out our new house, his new school. He can already tell me the nearest libraries, parks, and grocery stores. He can already tell me exactly how to get there (with a little comparison between his map and Google Earth), what streets I need to take, and what I'll pass on my way there. He's also taken a great liking to marking the places he finds.
I think it's great that he enjoys Google Earth. It's truly an amazing program. What's funny is that he can't just enjoy it. He has to tell me all the things he finds. I hear "Look!" at least a dozen times an hour. I can only be excited about another McDonald's so many times. But, really, I am happy that he is enjoying this great technology we have today.
Monday, May 26, 2008
How I Got Here
By Marcia Mickelson
When I was sixteen, I earned money for a brand new Mac Plus computer. At the time, that was a huge thing. I loved that computer--it was the joy of my life. That was when it all started. I began writing a novel. I actually thought I had invented LDS literature. I had never heard of Jack Weyland or Dean Hughes. I had only been a member of the LDS Church for two years and still knew very little. I really did not think that books about Mormon characters existed.
I threw myself into writing and could really imagine being published some day. Then, I went to college and had no time for writing. My Mac Plus was used for research papers and my novel was put to the side. Then came marriage, career, and children. There was no time at all for writing, and I rarely thought about that half-done novel from so many years before. I'd since discovered that there was already such a thing as LDS lit, but I didn't read any.
Then, in the summer of 2003, we were in Utah for a summer vacation. We only had a few minutes at the BYU bookstore before we had to hit the road, and I wanted something to read. I quickly scanned the shelves and grabbed a Jack Weyland book. That's what started it all. I was eager to read more and more and more. Later that summer, I was at a friend's house, and she offered to lend me two LDS novels. One of them was by Betsy Brannon Green. That book hooked me. All I wanted was LDS novels. I couldn't get enough.
I searched the LDS publisher websites, spent hours on Amazon and e-bay to get more books. Many late nights ensued as I devoured book after book. Unfortunately, I didn't know about Interlibrary Loan back then, so I bought most of the books on Amazon or e-bay and then sold them back so I could buy more.
Then, I just knew it. I knew I had to pull my old novel out and finish the thing. After more than 10 years of computer technology, my Mac Plus was so outdated, so after many days spent at Kinkos on their computers and after much frustration, I was able to transfer it to a Word document. I spent the next few months finishing it. It was quite awful, actually, but completing it made me realize that I could do it. I could write a novel. I spent months researching the business and read books about how to correctly write a novel. And, that is how I got here.
When I was sixteen, I earned money for a brand new Mac Plus computer. At the time, that was a huge thing. I loved that computer--it was the joy of my life. That was when it all started. I began writing a novel. I actually thought I had invented LDS literature. I had never heard of Jack Weyland or Dean Hughes. I had only been a member of the LDS Church for two years and still knew very little. I really did not think that books about Mormon characters existed.
I threw myself into writing and could really imagine being published some day. Then, I went to college and had no time for writing. My Mac Plus was used for research papers and my novel was put to the side. Then came marriage, career, and children. There was no time at all for writing, and I rarely thought about that half-done novel from so many years before. I'd since discovered that there was already such a thing as LDS lit, but I didn't read any.
Then, in the summer of 2003, we were in Utah for a summer vacation. We only had a few minutes at the BYU bookstore before we had to hit the road, and I wanted something to read. I quickly scanned the shelves and grabbed a Jack Weyland book. That's what started it all. I was eager to read more and more and more. Later that summer, I was at a friend's house, and she offered to lend me two LDS novels. One of them was by Betsy Brannon Green. That book hooked me. All I wanted was LDS novels. I couldn't get enough.
I searched the LDS publisher websites, spent hours on Amazon and e-bay to get more books. Many late nights ensued as I devoured book after book. Unfortunately, I didn't know about Interlibrary Loan back then, so I bought most of the books on Amazon or e-bay and then sold them back so I could buy more.
Then, I just knew it. I knew I had to pull my old novel out and finish the thing. After more than 10 years of computer technology, my Mac Plus was so outdated, so after many days spent at Kinkos on their computers and after much frustration, I was able to transfer it to a Word document. I spent the next few months finishing it. It was quite awful, actually, but completing it made me realize that I could do it. I could write a novel. I spent months researching the business and read books about how to correctly write a novel. And, that is how I got here.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Her Sacrifice Has Been My Success
By Marcia Mickelson
Her name is Lidia Corina, but her family and friends call her Cory. She is my mother and her sacrifices have brought to pass my successes.
My mother came to this country in her early 20's, leaving behind her home, her country, her family--her life. Leaving Guatemala was difficult for her, and she missed it. The U.S was a strange land with a language she didn't understand. Her sister and many of her friends came here as well in search of opportunities not found back home. My mother didn't adapt easily and longed for home. However, she stayed to build a life--she got married and had my sister.
Her home still called to her, and she went back to her beloved Guatemala for a time. That's when I was born--in Guatemala. I didn't live there long before she moved back here, this time, leaving her home for good. I wonder if she always thought she'd go back for that is where her heart is, but she didn't. She stayed here for me, for my family because she knew we would have opportunities that may not be found back home.
She made the sacrifice to stay here in the United States to raise her family, and it was a sacrifice for her because she loved her family and country. For that selfless act, I will always be grateful for the U.S. is my home, and I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. She gave up her home so that I could have mine.
Every sacrifice that my mother has made in her life has provided an opportunity of success for me. She never finished school; she gave that up to help provide for our family. She cleaned other people's houses so that one day I could have a home of my own. Where I am today, what I have in my life is all due to her and my father.
It was she who led the way for our family to be baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If it hadn't been for her courageous step into the waters of baptism many years ago with no family by her side in support, I would never have joined this church.
All that I have--an American citizenship, a college degree, a writing career, an eternal family-- would not have been possible without her numerous sacrifices through the years. Those sacrifices, along with her continuous love have made my happiness possible. I know that there is not a possible way that I could ever show her how fortunate and grateful I am that I was born her daughter. And, I can only hope that one day I could be a fraction of the mother she has been and continues to be to me.
Her name is Lidia Corina, but her family and friends call her Cory. She is my mother and her sacrifices have brought to pass my successes.
My mother came to this country in her early 20's, leaving behind her home, her country, her family--her life. Leaving Guatemala was difficult for her, and she missed it. The U.S was a strange land with a language she didn't understand. Her sister and many of her friends came here as well in search of opportunities not found back home. My mother didn't adapt easily and longed for home. However, she stayed to build a life--she got married and had my sister.
Her home still called to her, and she went back to her beloved Guatemala for a time. That's when I was born--in Guatemala. I didn't live there long before she moved back here, this time, leaving her home for good. I wonder if she always thought she'd go back for that is where her heart is, but she didn't. She stayed here for me, for my family because she knew we would have opportunities that may not be found back home.
She made the sacrifice to stay here in the United States to raise her family, and it was a sacrifice for her because she loved her family and country. For that selfless act, I will always be grateful for the U.S. is my home, and I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. She gave up her home so that I could have mine.
Every sacrifice that my mother has made in her life has provided an opportunity of success for me. She never finished school; she gave that up to help provide for our family. She cleaned other people's houses so that one day I could have a home of my own. Where I am today, what I have in my life is all due to her and my father.
It was she who led the way for our family to be baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If it hadn't been for her courageous step into the waters of baptism many years ago with no family by her side in support, I would never have joined this church.
All that I have--an American citizenship, a college degree, a writing career, an eternal family-- would not have been possible without her numerous sacrifices through the years. Those sacrifices, along with her continuous love have made my happiness possible. I know that there is not a possible way that I could ever show her how fortunate and grateful I am that I was born her daughter. And, I can only hope that one day I could be a fraction of the mother she has been and continues to be to me.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Permission Not to Clean the House
By Marcia Mickelson
I've been granted permission not to clean my house. Well, not really, but that's the way it feels. Our house has been on the market since January because we are moving. So, I've had to keep it immaculate for when people come to see it. It could be any time of day, with little notice. I have been making sure it's super clean before I leave the house each morning. That includes: no dishes in the sink, vacuum, make beds, no stuff on the bathroom counters, clean the table and counters, clean the toilets, pick up stray toys. The list goes on and on.
Well, last week, we received an offer and it is now under contract, so I don't have to clean my house under anyone else's timeline anymore. Now I can clean when I want. I even left the house this morning without making the beds. I'm a big-time bedmaker, and I can't leave beds unmade, but today I did. Just out of sheer rebellion because I can. Of course, I will make them today, but when I want. And there are two train layouts--one in the living room and one in the kids' room. And, I'm not even going to make them clean them up. I will let them stay out a few days because I can.
I've been granted permission not to clean my house. Well, not really, but that's the way it feels. Our house has been on the market since January because we are moving. So, I've had to keep it immaculate for when people come to see it. It could be any time of day, with little notice. I have been making sure it's super clean before I leave the house each morning. That includes: no dishes in the sink, vacuum, make beds, no stuff on the bathroom counters, clean the table and counters, clean the toilets, pick up stray toys. The list goes on and on.
Well, last week, we received an offer and it is now under contract, so I don't have to clean my house under anyone else's timeline anymore. Now I can clean when I want. I even left the house this morning without making the beds. I'm a big-time bedmaker, and I can't leave beds unmade, but today I did. Just out of sheer rebellion because I can. Of course, I will make them today, but when I want. And there are two train layouts--one in the living room and one in the kids' room. And, I'm not even going to make them clean them up. I will let them stay out a few days because I can.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Not Just A Parade
By Marcia Mickelson
This Friday, in San Antonio, we celebrate the Battle of the Flowers. Every April, there is a Battle of the Flowers parade in memory of the fallen heroes at the Alamo and to commemorate the victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.
We've never been to the parade before. In fact, we don't really do parades. Since my oldest son was a baby, loud noises really have bothered him. When he was one we went to a small, town parade, and the band playing really set him off. He started screaming and wanted to get out of there. We left right away. We tried going to see fireworks, but it was always the hysterical screaming. We took him to a BYU football game, and even the noise there was too much. He hated the vacuum, blender, hairdryer. All of those noises made him cry. From early on, we could tell that he had sensory issues, and it sort of threw up red flags that would eventually lead to his diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome.
Thankfully, he has overcome a lot of those sensory issues and loud noises don't bother him as much anymore. We still haven't gone to any fireworks shows, but I'm just glad we don't have to drive an hour out of the city each New Year's Eve when our neighbors do fireworks, like we used to. He's okay with just staying at home now. In fact, last Fourth of July, we even did some fireworks ourselves, and he was fine. Such a huge step for him.
Well, I was happily surprised when he suggested we go to the parade this year. That's huge for him. He's come so far. So, I spent all morning driving around the city tracking down tickets for the parade on Friday. I'm thinking it will go well. For us, it's not just a parade, it's a huge step.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Reasonable Doubt by Marcia Mickelson
By Rebecca Talley
I met Marcia online and immediately felt a kinship with her because we both live outside of Utah and are both raising kids while trying to write. I was excited to meet her in person at the LDStorymakers conference in March. I enjoyed our short conversations between classes and her infectious smile.
I bought her book, Reasonable Doubt, while at the conference and have since finished reading it. I love the relationship she skillfully built between Julia and Pablo. It's a gentle and loving relationship that evolves naturally and is so sweet. Pablo is the kind of guy I want my daughters to date.
Pablo and Julia solve a mystery that hits Julia too close to home. I'm not really a mystery reader, but I enjoyed this one as it realistically unfolded and was easy to follow. I was glad they solved it, but much more interested in their relationship. I'm a woman--sue me.
Reasonable Doubt is an easy read about a subject that is anything but easy. Marcia handles the subject matter well and I was able to get inside Julia's head and really feel for her as she struggled to heal. I felt like Julia and Pablo could be real people living in my town.
I enjoyed this book.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Calling In the Expert
By Marcia Mickelson
Even when writing fiction, there is an extensive amount of research that you must do. It all depends on the subject matter. If there is something you're not familiar with, then you must research it so you get it right in the book. We are so lucky to have the Internet--answers within seconds at our fingertips.
The manuscript I'm working on right now has a college basketball theme. While I know a fair amount about sports, I am no expert. I did a little research and also pulled information from my own knowledge. Lucky for me, I was able to call in the expert--my husband.
He knows quite a bit about sports and amazingly picked all of the Final Four and the final two teams in March Madness this year. He finished reading my manuscript this weekend, and I'm impressed how quickly he can spot mistakes without a second thought. BYU doesn't play basketball on Fridays, and in my book I have BYU playing on a Friday night. He picked that out right away. I would have never known. In one game, I refer to the fourth quarter. College basketball has 2 halves, no quarters like NBA. I think I knew that one once upon a time, but had forgotten. He picked up on it right away. In another scene, I have the University of Utah playing a non-conference game toward the end of the season. Also, a no-no. So many little details. I guess I should have done a little more research, but I was relying on my expert. Thanks to my sports expert for picking out all those little discrepancies.
Now, it's time to go fix them. When writing, even the small details matter. Research, check, and double check all those little things. The last thing you want to do is turn off a reader who says: 'that can't happen.' Credibility is so important, even in fiction.
Even when writing fiction, there is an extensive amount of research that you must do. It all depends on the subject matter. If there is something you're not familiar with, then you must research it so you get it right in the book. We are so lucky to have the Internet--answers within seconds at our fingertips.
The manuscript I'm working on right now has a college basketball theme. While I know a fair amount about sports, I am no expert. I did a little research and also pulled information from my own knowledge. Lucky for me, I was able to call in the expert--my husband.
He knows quite a bit about sports and amazingly picked all of the Final Four and the final two teams in March Madness this year. He finished reading my manuscript this weekend, and I'm impressed how quickly he can spot mistakes without a second thought. BYU doesn't play basketball on Fridays, and in my book I have BYU playing on a Friday night. He picked that out right away. I would have never known. In one game, I refer to the fourth quarter. College basketball has 2 halves, no quarters like NBA. I think I knew that one once upon a time, but had forgotten. He picked up on it right away. In another scene, I have the University of Utah playing a non-conference game toward the end of the season. Also, a no-no. So many little details. I guess I should have done a little more research, but I was relying on my expert. Thanks to my sports expert for picking out all those little discrepancies.
Now, it's time to go fix them. When writing, even the small details matter. Research, check, and double check all those little things. The last thing you want to do is turn off a reader who says: 'that can't happen.' Credibility is so important, even in fiction.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Making Time for Writing
By Marcia Mickelson
At the LDStorymakers Conference last month, I attended a work shop taught by Rachel Ann Nunes called Writing in Spite of a Busy Life. She emphasized that we should say to ourselves, "I am a Writer."
One statement struck me the most. She said we're all busy, but if we want to write then something must go. She told us about the time she was busy with writing, so she served corn dogs for dinner. Her husband gave her a look, but didn't say anything. I can really relate to that. I have long decided that if I want to write, something must go. For me the thing that went was cooking. Luckily, I've always hated cooking anyway. So, I make quick, easy dinners with four ingredients or less. Some of my best pals are Betty Crocker and Uncle Ben. I've never made biscuits from scratch and refuse to use yeast. There is nothing wrong with buying bread. I love homemade chocolate chip cookies, but Pillsbury sells a big tub of cookie dough (darn good cookie dough) for less than $6. Homemade cookies without all the work within 10 minutes--why would anyone ever make them from scratch? To me, making brownies from scratch is making them from a mix. That's 'from scratch' to me, as opposed to buying them already made. I know there are people that like to cook, and for them the thing that goes will be something else. Rachel talked about her floors which might not get cleaned as often as she would like.
Bottom line--Make time for writing, eliminate something from your life. Ask yourself, will it make a difference to anyone in a hundred years? What have you done away with to make time for writing?
At the LDStorymakers Conference last month, I attended a work shop taught by Rachel Ann Nunes called Writing in Spite of a Busy Life. She emphasized that we should say to ourselves, "I am a Writer."
One statement struck me the most. She said we're all busy, but if we want to write then something must go. She told us about the time she was busy with writing, so she served corn dogs for dinner. Her husband gave her a look, but didn't say anything. I can really relate to that. I have long decided that if I want to write, something must go. For me the thing that went was cooking. Luckily, I've always hated cooking anyway. So, I make quick, easy dinners with four ingredients or less. Some of my best pals are Betty Crocker and Uncle Ben. I've never made biscuits from scratch and refuse to use yeast. There is nothing wrong with buying bread. I love homemade chocolate chip cookies, but Pillsbury sells a big tub of cookie dough (darn good cookie dough) for less than $6. Homemade cookies without all the work within 10 minutes--why would anyone ever make them from scratch? To me, making brownies from scratch is making them from a mix. That's 'from scratch' to me, as opposed to buying them already made. I know there are people that like to cook, and for them the thing that goes will be something else. Rachel talked about her floors which might not get cleaned as often as she would like.
Bottom line--Make time for writing, eliminate something from your life. Ask yourself, will it make a difference to anyone in a hundred years? What have you done away with to make time for writing?
Monday, March 17, 2008
LDStorymakers Conference
By Marcia Mickelson
On Wednesday I will be flying out to Salt Lake to attend the LDStorymakers Conference. I have wanted to attend this conference for several years and am so excited I finally am able to. Getting away by myself doesn't happen frequently, okay never happens. It's almost impossible to do with three little ones. My boys are 2, 5, and 8 and I have rarely been away from them for more than a day or two. In fact, it's only happened once about 5 years ago when what was supposed to be 2 days turned into almost 5 due to major snow storms in the Northeast, but that's a story for another day.
When I told them I was going away for five days this time, I didn't get the panicked reaction I was expecting. They actually took it well. What makes it a little more challenging is that this week is Spring Break, so all three kids will be home all day long, instead of just one. Grandma and Grandpa are being very kind to watch them for two whole days while my husband is away for work. They're very excited to go to their house because they have cable and we don't. They love Nickelodeon, and since they don't get it at our house, they love going there to watch their favorite shows. In fact, I'm worried they'll watch entirely too much television while I'm gone. I tried to set up a few play dates for them while I'm gone, so hopefully that will take them away from the TV for a little while. Thankfully, my husband will be back on Friday and then he'll have them all weekend.
This trip will be great because I'll be meeting a lot of people that I admire and know only in Blogland and I'll be catching up with a few friends and family in the area.
Anyone else here coming to the Conference? I know Rebecca and Doug said the would be there. I look forward to meeting you and anyone else who I happen to see there.
On Wednesday I will be flying out to Salt Lake to attend the LDStorymakers Conference. I have wanted to attend this conference for several years and am so excited I finally am able to. Getting away by myself doesn't happen frequently, okay never happens. It's almost impossible to do with three little ones. My boys are 2, 5, and 8 and I have rarely been away from them for more than a day or two. In fact, it's only happened once about 5 years ago when what was supposed to be 2 days turned into almost 5 due to major snow storms in the Northeast, but that's a story for another day.
When I told them I was going away for five days this time, I didn't get the panicked reaction I was expecting. They actually took it well. What makes it a little more challenging is that this week is Spring Break, so all three kids will be home all day long, instead of just one. Grandma and Grandpa are being very kind to watch them for two whole days while my husband is away for work. They're very excited to go to their house because they have cable and we don't. They love Nickelodeon, and since they don't get it at our house, they love going there to watch their favorite shows. In fact, I'm worried they'll watch entirely too much television while I'm gone. I tried to set up a few play dates for them while I'm gone, so hopefully that will take them away from the TV for a little while. Thankfully, my husband will be back on Friday and then he'll have them all weekend.
This trip will be great because I'll be meeting a lot of people that I admire and know only in Blogland and I'll be catching up with a few friends and family in the area.
Anyone else here coming to the Conference? I know Rebecca and Doug said the would be there. I look forward to meeting you and anyone else who I happen to see there.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Pulled Away From Writing
By Marcia Mickelson
I hate being pulled away from writing, but it happens often. Once I'm in the zone and moving along nicely, I don't like to have to stop. However, it happens often. Babies, children, or sleep call for me, and it's time to stop.
Tonight, I feel guilty because I was the culprit. My 8 year-old son loves to write and illustrate books. He came home from school and immediately got to work. I love watching him write/draw his books. You can see the ideas percolating in his head and he wants to get it all down. I'm like that too. My head thinks faster than I can write, and I see that trait in him as well. Well, tonight I felt bad as I had to put a stop to his creative forces. I know he wanted to finish the story, but it was time for a shower and bed. The kiddos didn't sleep well last night due to the time change and getting up this morning when it's not even light out was very difficult. So, I had to pull him away from writing and make him go to bed. He really wanted to finish, and I told him I know how that feels. Luckily, they have early dismissal three days this week and I told him he can come right home to finish. Unfortunately, early dismissal for them means early dismissal for me as well and I don't think I'll get any writing done tomorrow during the day.
Actually, I love that he enjoys writing and that we have it in common. Sometimes, when he has a story going in his head, I see him acting the story out with his fingers and he has dialogue going back and forth with the pretend 'people' that are his fingers. We both had a little trouble with that in church on Sunday. I had to keep telling him to keep the dialogue down and keep telling myself to do away with the storylines that were running rampant through my head. After all, it was sacrament meeting. Shame on us!
I hate being pulled away from writing, but it happens often. Once I'm in the zone and moving along nicely, I don't like to have to stop. However, it happens often. Babies, children, or sleep call for me, and it's time to stop.
Tonight, I feel guilty because I was the culprit. My 8 year-old son loves to write and illustrate books. He came home from school and immediately got to work. I love watching him write/draw his books. You can see the ideas percolating in his head and he wants to get it all down. I'm like that too. My head thinks faster than I can write, and I see that trait in him as well. Well, tonight I felt bad as I had to put a stop to his creative forces. I know he wanted to finish the story, but it was time for a shower and bed. The kiddos didn't sleep well last night due to the time change and getting up this morning when it's not even light out was very difficult. So, I had to pull him away from writing and make him go to bed. He really wanted to finish, and I told him I know how that feels. Luckily, they have early dismissal three days this week and I told him he can come right home to finish. Unfortunately, early dismissal for them means early dismissal for me as well and I don't think I'll get any writing done tomorrow during the day.
Actually, I love that he enjoys writing and that we have it in common. Sometimes, when he has a story going in his head, I see him acting the story out with his fingers and he has dialogue going back and forth with the pretend 'people' that are his fingers. We both had a little trouble with that in church on Sunday. I had to keep telling him to keep the dialogue down and keep telling myself to do away with the storylines that were running rampant through my head. After all, it was sacrament meeting. Shame on us!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Making the Most of Book Signings
Book signings make me nervous. I never wear bright colors or clothes with patterns that make me stand out. I prefer plain, dark clothes--black to be specific. I just don't like standing out in the crowd or being the center of attention. Therefore, book signings make me nervous because you are the center of attention.
I had a book signing at my local LDS bookstore this past Saturday. My husband is very supportive and always likes to attend with me. I told him he should go instead of me then. Like I said, book signings make me nervous.
Happily, it went very well. The staff was so friendly and welcoming. They had a table set up right in the middle of the store and had copies of both my books displayed nicely. I brought them some mints as a thank-you. I also brought Hershey's kisses and placed them in a bowl on the table to entice customers. I really wanted to make the best of this book signing.
Thankfully, there were many members of my ward who came to support me and bought books. Several of them bought both my books. I was overwhelmed by their support. One couple from our ward bought both books. I happened to ask how their daughter who moved away was doing, and they said, "Oh. We should buy some books for her," which they did. Then, my husband joked by asking how their son was doing, who also has moved away. We all had a good laugh.
One dear friend brought all four of her little ones along to visit me. I was so grateful.
I also enjoyed meeting customers. I had great conversations with several people. One man bought a book for his wife's birthday, and I found out he'd served his mission in Guatemala where I was born. There was a couple who was buying their daughter's first scriptures. I also had nice conversations with several people who didn't buy my book. It didn't matter; I enjoyed talking to them. It was a very successful book signing, not just because of all the books I signed, but because I enjoyed it very much. So, from now on, I won't dread book signings, but will look forward to them.
I had a book signing at my local LDS bookstore this past Saturday. My husband is very supportive and always likes to attend with me. I told him he should go instead of me then. Like I said, book signings make me nervous.
Happily, it went very well. The staff was so friendly and welcoming. They had a table set up right in the middle of the store and had copies of both my books displayed nicely. I brought them some mints as a thank-you. I also brought Hershey's kisses and placed them in a bowl on the table to entice customers. I really wanted to make the best of this book signing.
Thankfully, there were many members of my ward who came to support me and bought books. Several of them bought both my books. I was overwhelmed by their support. One couple from our ward bought both books. I happened to ask how their daughter who moved away was doing, and they said, "Oh. We should buy some books for her," which they did. Then, my husband joked by asking how their son was doing, who also has moved away. We all had a good laugh.
One dear friend brought all four of her little ones along to visit me. I was so grateful.
I also enjoyed meeting customers. I had great conversations with several people. One man bought a book for his wife's birthday, and I found out he'd served his mission in Guatemala where I was born. There was a couple who was buying their daughter's first scriptures. I also had nice conversations with several people who didn't buy my book. It didn't matter; I enjoyed talking to them. It was a very successful book signing, not just because of all the books I signed, but because I enjoyed it very much. So, from now on, I won't dread book signings, but will look forward to them.
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