365 Photos Day 43

These necklaces were made specially for me. The one on the far right will be featured in my next Macy McVannel mystery, Something Borrowed, Something Blue. I'm not going to tell you how it figures in, nor am I going to tell you any more about it. I'm just going to leave you to wonder.

TTFN

365 Photos Day 42

The face of America's darling. Many of us grew up watching her in black and white movies. Some of us taught our children to love her reruns. Her cute dimples, extraordinary song and dance skills. And oh those curls.

She used her child stardom to become an Ambassador to both Ghana and Czechoslovatkia. She worked all her life to make the world better for people. She will be missed. We lost a good person and a great soul.

TTFN

365 Photos Day 41

Not the best picture, but this is what my manuscript looks like when it's done. This is the miracle book. In November, 2012 I lost the first 13,000 words. So, I restarted in January, 2013. It is now finished. Then I started the edits.

See the red marks on page one? Well, I found lots of things to fix. By the time it finally makes it into book form these should be gone and any other edits will be fixed. Believe me I have work to do yet.

TFFN

365 Photos Day 40

This is my beautiful granddaughter just about to head to Snow Fest. While they do nothing special for homecoming, they do celebrate in the winter. Yes, this is what 16 looks like. I can only hope she had a good time. Love you, Megs.

TTFN

365 Photos Day 39

This photo was taken two years ago on my birthday. It was sunny and warm. I was enjoying a walk down the beach. The tide was out. I had gone the inland route this day. I'd walked to the Villa Front Desk to see if I had any mail. Then I walked to the Sanctuary the huge hotel on the island. From there I went down to the beach and walked back to my condo. At this point I am about half way to the path leading to the condo. All in all it was about a 5 mile walk.

Later that night I took myself to dinner at the Fat Hen. It was a wonderful evening. Yes, I'm missing this.

TTFN

365 Photos Day 38

Spanish moss, I find it intriguing. This particular one was in Savannah, GA. In fact, it is down near the waterfront. Don't touch it though. Red fire ants live in it. Their bite is extremely painful and they are hard to get out of the skin. If you ever get bit, you will never forget.

It adds something to the trees although it does not hurt them.

TTFN

365 Photos Day 37

One of the many things I love about South Carolina are the live oak. This is not just any live oak. This is Angel Oak. It is currently endangered. It is free to go and see. You cannot tell from this photo but there are props holding up some of the branches. You cannot climb on it. The tree is between 300 and 1500 years old depending on what reference guide you use. But it is not the only live oak of importance.

This is the wedding tree located at the Carolina Tea Plantation. Many weddings are held under the tree which is covered in Spanish moss. Not nearly as old as Angel Oak it draws many every year.

I love the live oak and the Spanish moss which gives the trees an eerie look after dark. They are fascinating.

TTFN

365 Photos Day 36

Odd photo I know. But some days I just want to look nice. Other days I don't care. I don't remember the occasion for this one. Could have been my niece's wedding. Could have been a book signing. Whatever the reason, even at my age I clean up well.

I don't always just throw my hair up in a pony tail. And on the days it is down, it has a mind of it's own. When I want to look good, I go to a professional.

TTFN

365 Photos Day 35

This is me. I read one to three books a week. That doesn't count my own when I'm working on them. If I could I'd read a book a day. Not possible. I'd never get anything done. I have outgrown the days of reading two or three books at a time. Those would be the one I kept at work, the one in my car, and the one next to my bed. Yes, I did.

I am currently without a book to read. I have two choices: 1 buy more books, and 2 hit up the library. My books are for the most part packed away or I sold them in a garage sale. Sad state of affairs.

TTFN

365 Photos Days 33 & 34

The trees are mine. The house is my neighbors. I just wanted to show you ho much snow I have. I didn't think this did it justice. So...

This is where my plow guy has piled up the snow from my driveway. Still don't think it gives you a real idea of how much snow is here. So...

I backed up so I was right in front of the snow pile. Yeah, it's as tall as my shoulder. I so hate winter.

TTFN

365 Photos Day 32/Book Review

Today's post is a bit different. It's not just a photo of a book. It's the photo of a book I'm going to review. I'm going to preface by saying C. Hope Clark and I have never met. I stumbled on The Writers Chatroom (http://www.writerschatroom.com/)  and she was featured one night. It was a wonderful and educational experience. So, when I was given the chance to read her book The Shy Writer Reborn, I was thrilled. Now for the book review.

The Shy Writer Reborn by C. Hope Clark is filled with important things all novice writers and experienced ones can learn from. I began reading thinking I wouldn't learn anything new. I was wrong. I've learned while I've been told all my life I'm an extrovert...I knew I was not. I also knew I wasn't and introvert. I am an ambivert....a combination of both. Imagine that.

All writers now carry the burden of promotion. Some are more able to stand in front of a crowd and pitch themselves and their books. Others would rather hide in a closet and hope the book sells itself. Ms. Clark is able to give tips on how to overcome the fear of speaking as well as how to find your center and present your best self. 

"...it's frightening having to sell yourself." You bet it is. Go to a book signing and not have your books arrive, yet you are expected to give and hour talk. Be at a book signing and no one shows up. Keep smiling. C. Hope Clark can help you face these. She has a bundle of information on how to 'save' face. 

This is a book I will use for reference for many years. If you are shy or a shy writer, I highly suggest this be a book you put in your library.

TTFN