Saturday, January 31, 2009

Write a silly little ditty

Please

Why go that way?
Please go this way
or stay.
Please, just another day.
I want to play.
Go to the barn. In the hay
we can lay
and pass the day.
'Kay?

Friday, January 30, 2009

How to write a personal letter- Complaints

Were you mistreated at a store or billed incorrectly? Is there a misunderstanding that needs to be cleared up? Then you need to know how to write a polite letter of complaint.

Make sure you write you letter as soon as possible, so you can remember all the details. Explain your problems clearly and the important ones first. Focus on how the problem can be solved and keep a positive attitude. Include all important information and make sure you proofread so you don’t forget anything.

Mrs. Granada
1111 Belview Road
Grand View, Tornada 543256


Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing this letter concerning the mishandling of the customer service at your store. I have shopped in your 17th Avenue store several times in the past month and none of your salespersons have treated me equally as I was purchasing merchandise. I use a credit card for my purchases and it is signed legibly. When I was making a purchase of only $2.35, one salesperson, Ms. Becky Johansen, asked for my picture identification. Another salesperson, Mr. Chad Giffy, did not ask for my identification and I was making a purchase of $96.09.

I think that there needs to be more consistency. I do not always carry identification with me, so it would be helpful to know at what dollar amount I need to make sure I have picture identification. I come to your store frequently and I look forward to more consistency in the future.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Granada

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Links to Online Dictionaries

Merriam Webster Dictionary - This one has a word of the day, dictionary and thesaurus along with other changing information.
Dictionary.com - is from ask.com and has fun and games and language resources.
YourDictionary.com this one is nice and simple and it can be followed on that new popular item, Twitter.
TheFreeDictionary.com is like some of the other sites but it has a fun hangman game and a spelling bee with different levels.
OnlineDictionary.com has deffinitions from the 1913 Webster dictionary and the WordNet Dictionary.
My favorite site is the WordNet Vocabulary Helper because it has definitions, synonyms, hypernyms and no ads or other things to distract.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Write about the word ancillary

A Word

Ancillary- "One who assists or serves another".
Sounds like a slave or an indentured servant.
Is that what it means or is it like a helper
free to make your own decisions, help as you desire?
I think not, it means one who is a slave
and can't leave the dullness or hardship
of being with the same person
every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every week, every month and every year
'til both of you are no longer living.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

How to write a personal letter- Appreciation

Do you need to write an appreciation letter? Then you have come to the right place. When you write a letter of appreciation it needs to be warm and sincere, yet brief. You may write your note on a postcard, but handwritten if they are personal. If you are writing a business letter of appreciation please type it on the best paper. Here are two sample letters.

Mrs. Granada
1111 Belview Road
Grand View, Tornada 543256

Dear Joanne,

Thank you for the wonderful housewarming present. I have decided to put the towels in the guest bathroom. The colors go nicely with the flowered curtains. I have burned the candle. It smells just like gingerbread.

Again thank you. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Sincerely,


Susan


Mrs. Granada
1111 Belview Road
Grand View, Tornada 543256

Dear Mr Smith,

We are honored with your donation to the Grand County Library Foundation. It is with your donation, we will be able to buy two more lounge chairs for our special children's section.

Please stop by the library and see how your donation has helped us.


Sincerely,

Mrs. Granada

Monday, January 26, 2009

How to write a personal letter- Apologies

Have you ever had to write a letter of apology to anybody? It may be difficult to decide upon what you need to say and how much to say it. Here are some ideas about when you need to write an apology and two sample letters.

If you need to write a letter of apology, please do it as soon as possible. Make sure you apologize and do not go overboard. I would not like to receive a letter where the person goes on and on, would you? Do not blame others and explain what you are going to do to fix the situation. As always proofread and send it the next time the post goes out.

Mrs. Granada
1111 Belview Road
Granview, Tornada 543256

Dear Mrs. Smith

I am sorry I missed you last week. Is there any chance we may get together this week? My phone number is 111-1111. Please call when it is most convenient for you.

Thank you for your patience.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Granada

Mrs. Granada
1111 Belview Road
Grandview, Tornada 543256

Dear Ms. Gregory,

I would like to apologize for the damage my dog did to your flowerbeds. Please send me the bill so I can pay for it or tell me how I may help. I assure you this will not happen again.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Granada


If any reader has any ideas on what to say tell me and we can add it in.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Different Types of Personal Letters

How many different types of personal letters do you know?

Here are some different types of letter I have written over the years:
Apologies
Thank you/Appreciation
Complaints
Congratulations
Invitations
Condolences
Advocacy

I would have to say the easiest letters to write are that of thank you/appreciation and the hardest ones are condolences. Over the next couple of weeks I will be giving you more telling you more about each type of letter and giving you an example.

If there are any types of letters you would like to learn about tell me and I will give you an example.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

What kind of game can you play in the leaves?

It is still cold and snowy where I live, so I thought I would re-post something I wrote for one of my favorite times of year, fall.

It was a wonderfully sunny day when we decided to play our new and improved game of hide-and-seek. The pink, purple and blue leaves of the purpa trees had finally all fallen as the weather on Turda had grown colder. My friends and I were excited about our game. We had been talking about it since the spring. Our new game had only one rule. Hide in the leaves. One person would count and the others would hide in the leaves. We were lucky that there had been so many leaves on the trees and no wind. It meant that we had five feet of leaves to play in. I was going to be the first one to count. I decided to count to 100 to make sure that everybody would have a chance to hide. We had not even gone into the leaves, so we were not sure how it would be to go walking or running through them. We had been saving them until they were perfect. My friends ran into the leaves laughing as they tried to find a place to hide. I thought I would listen carefully to see if I could figure out where everybody hid. I counted to 100 and decided to go into the leaves. I knew that I would have to walk carefully, because I did not want to run into anybody and I was unsure how I would be able to see. The suns’ light shining through the pink, purple and blue leaves were beautiful. I could see through the lighter colored leaves and that helped me to see where I was walking. As I pushed the leaves away I could see that they did not close behind me. I knew then all I had to do was to find the paths that my three friends had made and go find them. I decided to wander around the in the leaves looking at the different shades of colors until I found a path. The first path I found was beginning to fill in again, so I knew I had to work quickly. I ran quickly to see who would be hiding at the end of the path. It was Georgie!! The two of us then quickly found Xristy and Marky. The four of us decided that this was the best fun that we had ever had playing in the leaves and we would play our new game tomorrow. We just hoped the wind wouldn’t blow away our leaves.

Friday, January 23, 2009

How to write a short story- Part Five

Lord, I am now going to open my Bible. Please lead me to knowledge I need to know, before I read in Psalms and Romans. 1 Chronicles 4:9&10 is what I have decided to look at. “And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me and thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”

That is interestin’. Why would they put that part in the middle of a bunch of chapters that list name after name. Perhaps I should change the words into a prayer that would benefit me and as time passes I can always change the words to the situation.

I wonder how many people read about Jabez and if he has influence their lives. If I had not asked God what to read I doubt I would have read it. I have just skipped over names in the past. I must not do that anymore. There will always be real gold in the areas where it looks like there is no gold.

I think my new prayer will be: Lord, that thou would bless me indeed, and enlarge my knowledge of you, and that thine hand might be with me and thou would keep me from evil, that I may not grieve others. In Your name I pray, Amen.

If the Bible mentions this man in just two verses and God cares so much for him then he must care for me like that too. That really helps me to believe that God cares for me. I wonder what I can find when I read Psalms.

I guess I was right all along to fear God, ‘cause it says in Psalm 111, verse ten that the fear of the lord is beginnin’ of wisdom. I guess if we understand him and do as he says his praise is always ours.

I’m in trouble then. I’ve not been understandin’ him and I’ve not been followin’ his commandments. I had better read the Ten Commandments again and see what it is I’ve been doin’ wrong.

I know I’ve not been keepin’ that Sabbath holy. I’ve not been as I’m confused as to which day is the Sabbath day. Some peoples have it on Saturday and others on Sunday. I guess I will just have to choose a day to go to church, so I can begin to follow all God’s commandments.

The other commandment I used to have a problem with and I don’t now is lyin’. I’m so glad I don’ do that no more.

I’d best follow all the commandments and read the Bible.

How to write a short story- difficulties

I don't know about the rest of you, but do you ever have difficulties finishing a story? I am having problems working with the end of this story. I just can't seem to get too far. I did put in some work today and it worked out. Does anybody have any tips they would like to share about finishing a story?

Some tips are:
write the story and revise at the end
don't make word numbers a restriction
get advice from others
read your story out loud

Thursday, January 22, 2009

How to write a short story- Rough draft Thus Far

Hi, my name is Sue. I work on a dude ranch outside of Cody, Wyoming. It sure is pretty country. There are lots of pine and spruce trees and some quaking aspens. One of my favorite things to do on my days off is ride up in the trees on my horse, Jack.

I have always had a good life. I had two wonderful parents who did the best they could for us, it is mighty hard to make a living out here in the sagebrush of Wyoming. My nine siblings and I had all we could want, but we always knew our parents sacrificed a lot so we could have shoes to wear to school and a set of nice clothes for Sunday meetin’ time. I knew a lot of kids only had shoes with holes in them, because their families couldn’t even get them repaired.

Although I have had that good life there has always been something troublin’ me. And that is the Sunday meetin’ time. Those Circuit Rider preachers were always hollarin’ and makin’ me feel like God was goin’ to get me if I looked cross-eyed at the neighbors. I had done some readin’ of the Bible and from what I gathered the Old Testament God was like that, but not the God of the New Testament.

I ain’t been livin’ at home for nigh on twenty years give or take. I left when I was sixteen, so my family wouldn’t have to support me no more. I knew I could find work as a dishwasher or cook at one of them fancy dude ranches up near the park, Yellowstone National Park.

This ranch I’ve been workin’ at has been real good to me. It has been around since the late 1800’s and is still goin’ strong here in the 1950’s. I started out a dishwasher, then helpin’ prepare the food and now I’m the boss over ‘em all in the kitchen. It sure is lots of fun. Once in a while I get letters from some of my friends and they don’t get the days off like I do.

I have been havin’ difficulties with my relationships with God. I still see him as I did when I was livin’ at home, scary. I can feel God trying to work on my heart every day. I have been thinking that I would take my next day off and ride up to my favorite spot along Libby Creek to learn more about God and really listen with my heart.

I know there is a lot of information in the Bible and I can just hope God will lead me to the right knowledge. I need to know all about God’s existence, love and my worthiness. Sometimes I don’t believe any of it and sometimes I feel as if I know all of it like the gray hairs on my head. I heard Romans was a good book of the Bible to read. I’m not sure though. It just doesn’t seem as if one book of the Bible would be enough to change my mind. It could be though.

Tomorrow is my day off. As soon as I rise in the morning I will pack a breakfast and lunch and ride Jack up the creek to my glen. I’m shore the iris and other purty flowers will be able to help me and git me out of this sorry state. Well, I am going off to cook the night meal for all the dudes and dudettes and think about what I need to take with me in the mornin’

The kitchen I cook in is shore good. It has all the latest equipment and the larder is always full of all the fancy foods these city folk like. I’m jest so glad there are people to do the dishes and milk the cows. I jest take the menus to the missus and have her o.k. them so I can have the girls cook them. Tonight it’ll be pan-fried trout and wild dandelion salad. I thought we could make wild strawberry shortcake too. We don’t have too many folk here right now, so it won’t be so difficult for all of us to get it done and I can make shore everythin’ is in order for tomar’.

Golly, did I git to bed late last night. There was so much to be done in that thar kitchen. I had to boil eggs, wash the greens, and make shore thar was a perfectly done list. Those girls don’t know nothin’ so that list had to be written out minut by minut. I don’t want the missus to get mad at the girls. Those poor things have enough problems, they don’t need more.

I’m glad today is my day off. I aim to head off to the hills as soon as the sun comes up. That’ll give me time to get my breakfast ate and pack a lunch. I need to git a thermos of water and some bread and meat. I’m needin’ a simple lunch, because I’s gots lots to thank ‘bout today.

I am a bit nervous about goin’. I am not shore what it is I am supposed to read. I don’t know what I should ask. I jest don’t know. Perhaps it is time for a prayer now.

Dear Lord,
I’m comin’ to talk to you today. I want to git to know you in the way I hear everybody talkin’. I just don’t see how you have ‘nuff love for everybody, especially a poor uneducated fool like me. Please give me the courage and the knowledge to get to know you. In your name I pray, Amen.

I guess I had best get my satchel, Bible and git my meal decided. I think I’ll be takin’ a loaf of bread and a chunk a cheese. I will get some water out of the creek to drink and fill up the thermos so it will be nice and cool.

Glad I got up early, so I can git out of here, before anybody asks where I am goin’ and if they can go along too. Glad Jack is on the pasture and he can be ridden bareback. I can just git Jack over to one of the stumps and hop onto his back. I shore love the gentle horse I was able to earn ‘nuff money to buy. I’m glad I don’t have to pay for feed, the mister just lets me keep Jack here for as long as I’m here.

It shore is a nice ride up Libby Creek. It is flowing at is usual speed and the green leaves reflecting in the water are just marvelous. The glen looks just like it did a week ago when I tried my first talk with God. I had a lot of doubt that time the last time I tried to come to terms with God and his existence, but I prayed a lot this week. I read the book of Genesis and I now know Satan was the one who was leading me on. He really did cause Adam and Eve, Cain the cities Sodom and Gomorrah among many other a lot of problems. I have read what God has done to those who do not obey him and I do not want that to happen to me.

I thank today I will work on reading the book of Romans and the book of Psalms. Last night after I was done with my work I took a glance through the Bible and saw different chapters in Psalms that looked as if they could help me understand God in a more personable way. I aim to banish Satan from my life forever.

I know I should pray before I begin my work with God. I remember the one I said earlier and I think it should be similar, but I don’t know if he likes repeats, so I’d best say it different.

Dear Lord,
I’m now here at my special glen to talk to you and read about you. Please give me the courage and the knowledge to get to know you. Show me where in the Bible I am to begin. In your name I pray, Amen.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

What did you think of the inauguration celebrations!

I wasn't going to watch the celebration on television, but my mother convinced me that it was a good idea to watch it. I was glad I did, because I enjoyed listening to President Obama's speech and the parade. My favorite part was watching the bands and different groups from around the United States.

I did wish the kids were wearing their hats. It seemed awfully cold to me to not have a hat on. And I thought the First Lady might be cold too. I would imagine she might have been wearing silk undergarments to help keep her warm. I know one point in time somebody gave her hand warmers to put into her gloves.

I would guess they had so much energy they were ready to go all day long. I do wonder if the children went to school today. They probably had a fun time telling their teachers and classmates what happened and what it was like to sleep in a new house.

I wish them all of the best and I look forward to reading and listening to what the family does in the future.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

What are my thoughts for the new president?

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the sunny skies and temperatures that were not too cold as the United States of America welcomes their new president. I ask you to be with President Obama and his family as they move forward into their new life. Be with them and guide them as a strong family. Guide Miss Malia Obama and Miss Sasha Obama as they go to school and meet new children. Help First Lady Michelle Obama be a strong mother and wife so she may support her family when they need it. Guide President Obama as he makes new and difficult decisions. Help him to guide the United States of America as the founding fathers did. I will leave you with this verse about wisdom from Proverbs 8:30; "Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him."
Amen

Monday, January 19, 2009

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a 100 year-old ranch in the mountains of rural central Wyoming. The mountains are beautiful and each of the seasons are pretty in their own way.

Spring has the the snow thawing and the rising of the creeks. The spring rains bring flowers such as sunflowers, wild iris, buttercups, Indian paintbrush.

The summer has more flowers of the same flowers and green grass. In August the grass turns brown. It is the sagebrush that is noticed then. The sagebrush is silver-gray and it looks like a grey stormy sea. That is one of my favorite things to see.

Fall brings hunting season and the yellow leaves of the quaking aspen. Sometimes you have to be quick to see the leaves change, beacause can have an early frost and the leaves will be brown. Drive safely on the road because there will be hunters driving as they are trying to find elk, deer and antelope.

Winter brings the wind. I never really liked the wind, but some days are better than others. The wind blows much more in the winter. This winter the wind must have blown continuously at 50 mph for one entire day. It causes the dust and snow to come in the windows and the shingles to blow off the buildings. Some of the shingles have been for decades and some have not been there very long, so it is interesting to see how the older buildings have been built much better. I do like the snow in the winter. It can get pretty deep and it is fun to ski, sled and snowmobile.

I really enjoyed growing up in the mountains of Wyoming and I make sure I take my children there every chance I can.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Blog Carnival to visit

http://www.missyfrye.net/Blog/?p=1075 Please visit this website to see what other writers have been writing. There are many good blogs to visit. Thank you.

What was the best part of your day?

The best part of my day today was sitting on the bed with my husband and my children. Almost every Sunday our children come into the bedroom and we just hangout there for about 1/2 an hour. It is such a fun and relaxing time to read books and just enjoy each other's company. I don't think I ever did something quite like that in the mornings with my parents, but they had to be up early every day to go work on the ranch.

My husband and I are lucky that one or two days out of the week we can have that special bonding time with the kids. I hope we always have the bonds we do now and then develop them into something stronger.

My kids and husband are very important to me. I am so grateful to have them as the best part of my day.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

How to write a short story- Part Four

How is everybody doing with their short story. I am working right along on mine. I think it the next week I will have the rough draft posted and then I will work on the proofreading. I want to make sure I have a good handle on this story for you and then we will move onto a different type of writing. I will of course work on the individual writing prompts too. Does anybody have any writing prompts to share? Thank you for reading and keep up the good writing.

It shore is a nice ride up Libby Creek. It is flowing at is usual speed and the green leaves reflecting in the water are just marvelous. The glen looks just like it did a week ago when I tried my first talk with God. I had a lot of doubt that time the last time I tried to come to terms with God and his existence, but I prayed a lot this week. I read the book of Genesis and I now know Satan was the one who was leading me on. He really did cause Adam and Eve, Cain and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah among many other a lot of problems. I have read what God has done to those who do not obey him and I do not want that to happen to me.

I thank today I will work on reading the book of Romans and the book of Psalms. Last night after I was done with my work I took a glance through the Bible and saw different chapters in Psalms that looked as if they could help me understand God in a more personable way. I aim to banish Satan from my life forever.

I know I should pray before I begin my work with God. I remember the one I said earlier and I think it should be similar, but I don’t know if he likes repeats, so I’d best say it different.

Dear Lord,
I’m now here at my special glen to talk to you and read about you. Please give me the courage and the knowledge to get to know you. Show me where in the Bible I am to begin. In your name I pray, Amen.

Friday, January 16, 2009

How to write a short story- Part Three

I am a bit nervous about goin’. I am not shore what it is I am supposed to read. I don’t know what I should ask. I jest don’t know. Perhaps it is time for a prayer now.

Dear Lord,
I’m comin’ to talk to you today. I want to git to know you in the way I hear everybody talkin’. I just don’t see how you have ‘nuff love for everybody, especially a poor uneducated fool like me. Please give me the courage and the knowledge to get to know you. In your name I pray, Amen.

I guess I had best get my satchel, Bible and git my meal decided. I think I’ll be takin’ a loaf of bread and a chunk a cheese. I will get some water out of the creek to drink and fill up the thermos so it will be nice and cool.

Glad I got up early, so I can git out of here, before anybody asks where I am goin’ and if they can go along too. Glad Jack is on the pasture and he can be ridden bareback. I can just git Jack over to one of the stumps and hop onto his back. I shore love the gentle horse I was able to earn ‘nuff money to buy. I’m glad I don’t have to pay for feed, the mister just lets me keep Jack here for as long as I’m here.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

What do I do for my spring cleaning?

I don't know about you, but I have the most trouble cleaning the house. Does anybody have any ideas on how to easily and quickly clean a house that has become over run with stuff. The only rooms that are not bad are the kitchen and the bathrooms. Every other room in this house can be difficult to walk in, but is not most of the time unless we get a new batch of things. Over the past years I have done a good job with cleaning in the spring. (I know it is early for spring cleaning, but I thought since it is so cold and snowy it would be cheery to think about cleaning.) I have not done such a good job in the past years though, what with trying to do my blogs now and having two children and just collecting lots of things my motivation has left me. What should I do to increase my desire to clean and keep cleaning so my spring cleaning does not have to be so rigorous? I could really use my readers help. Do you any of you have any good ideas what I could do? I know I could make lists and and schedules, but how do I stick with them? I hope everybody reads this and leaves some comments. Thank you in advance for you help.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Thank You

I would like to thank those you have been reading my blog and writing comments. Feel free to keep leaving them. If you have any ideas of something you would like to see tell me. I also host guest writers if anybody would like to post something.
Thank you!!!

How to write a short story- Part Two

Golly, did I git to bed late last night. There was so much to be done in that thar kitchen. I had to boil eggs, wash the greens, and make shore thar was a perfectly done list. Those girls don’t know nothin’ so that list had to be written out minut by minut. I don’t want the missus to get mad at the girls. Those poor things have enough problems, they don’t need more.

I’m glad today is my day off. I aim to head off to the hills as soon as the sun comes up. That’ll give me time to get my breakfast ate and pack a lunch. I need to git a thermos of water and some bread and meat. I’m needin’ a simple lunch, because I’s gots lots to thank ‘bout today.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

How to write a short story- Part Two

I know there is a lot of information in the Bible and I can just hope God will lead me to the right knowledge. I need to know all about God’s existence, love and my worthiness. Sometimes I don’t believe any of it and sometimes I feel as if I know all of it like the gray hairs on my head. I heard Romans was a good book of the Bible to read. I’m not sure though. It just doesn’t seem as if one book of the Bible would be enough to change my mind. It could be though.

Tomorrow is my day off. As soon as I rise in the morning I will pack a breakfast and lunch and ride Jack up the creek to my glen. I’m shore the iris and other purty flowers will be able to help me and git me out of this sorry state. Well, I am going off to cook the night meal for all the dudes and dudettes and think about what I need to take with me in the mornin’

The kitchen I cook in is shore good. It has all the latest equipment and the larder is always full of all the fancy foods these city folk like. I’m jest so glad there are people to do the dishes and milk the cows. I jest take the menus to the missus and have her o.k. them so I can have the girls cook them. Tonight it’ll be pan-fried trout and wild dandelion salad. I thought we could make wild strawberry shortcake too. We don’t have too many folk here right now, so it won’t be so difficult for all of us to get it done and I can make shore everythin’ is in order for tomar’.

Monday, January 12, 2009

How to write a short story- Part One

Hi, my name is Sue. I work on a dude ranch outside of Cody, Wyoming. It sure is pretty country. There are lots of pine and spruce trees and some quaking aspens. One of my favorite things to do on my days off is ride up in the trees on my horse, Jack.

I have always had a good life. I had two wonderful parents who did the best they could for us, it is mighty hard to make a living out here in the sagebrush of Wyoming. My nine siblings and I had all we could want, but we always knew our parents sacrificed a lot so we could have shoes to wear to school and a set of nice clothes for Sunday meetin’ time. I knew a lot of kids only had shoes with holes in them, because their families couldn’t even get them repaired.

Although I have had that good life there has always been something troublin’ me. And that is the Sunday meetin’ time. Those Circuit Riders were always hollarin’ and makin’ me feel like God was goin’ to get me if I looked cross-eyed at the neighbors. I had done some readin’ of the Bible and from what I gathered the Old Testament God was like that, but not the God of the New Testament.

I ain’t been livin’ at home for nigh on twenty years give or take. I left when I was sixteen, so my family wouldn’t have to support me no more. I knew I could find work as a dishwasher or cook at one of them fancy dude ranches up near the park, Yellowstone National Park.

This ranch I’ve been workin’ at has been real good to me. It has been around since the late 1800’s and is still goin’ strong here in the 1950’s. I started out a dishwasher, then helpin’ prepare the food and now I’m the boss over ‘em all in the kitchen. It sure is lots of fun. Once in a while I get letters from some of my friends and they don’t get the days off like I do.

I have been havin’ difficulties with my relationships with God. I still see him as I did when I was livin’ at home, scary. I can feel God trying to work on my heart every day. I have been thinking that I would take today to ride up to my favorite spot along Libby Creek to learn more about God and really listen with my heart.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

How to write a short story- review

Here is what I have done so far for my short story. In the next couple of days I will start giving parts of my story. One of the things we need to remember is that what we originally decided may not happen in the story.
How to write a short story.
For the next couple of weeks I am going to show you how to write a short story. Today I will give you some basic instructions.

1. Choose a point-of-view:first personthird-person limited (narrator who focuses on one person)third-person omniscient (narrator who gives thoughts and observations from more than one person)
2. Create your characters: have a protagonist, antagonist and possibly other characters; develop the character's characteristics and physical traits
3. Create the problem or conflict in one of these forms:main character vs. himself/herselfperson vs. natureperson vs. societyperson vs. God/fateperson vs. person
4. Create believable characters and setting with vivid descriptions and dialogue
5. Build tension by letting the main character have several failed attempts at solving theproblem. This section may need to be skipped in a short story
6. Develop a crisis which will make it the last chance for the main character to solve the problem
7. Have the main character solve the problem through some positive attribute such as courage,creativity, or intelligence
8. Extending the ending is a possibility by reflecting upon the story and its significance to thecharacters.

How to write a short story- choosing a point-of-view
Yesterday I gave the steps for writing a short story. Today I am going to do step one, choosing a point-of-view.I gave a lot of thought during the day whether I wanted first person, third-person limited or third-person omniscient. I am going to do first person, because that is the hardest point-of-view for me to do. I want to write a story in which the character truly comes to life for the reader.Tomorrow I will be working on creating the characters. I hope that all of you enjoy working on the short story with me. Please tell me any ideas or concerns that you have. I welcome all comments.

How to write a short story- creating characters
I hope everybody has decided upon their point-of-view. Tonight I will be creating my character. At this time I plan on having only one.Physical characteristicsgender- womanage- late 20's early 30'sheight 5'6"weight 140 poundseyes- brownShe has a job as a ranch had which makes her very happy. She is unsure about the future and questions life. She needs more.

How to write a short story- creating a problem or conflict
The conflict in my story is based on person vs. God or fate.In this story Sue is happy, but she knows there is more to life. She has gone to church in the past, but she has not been interested in the God that the church has portrayed. She decides to take her Bible and her horse and go to the forest for a ride.

How to write a short story- establish setting
Sue has the day off, so she is going to take her horse and ride for the day. She knows there is a God, because she went to church every Sunday with her family when she was younger. Sue was never able to learn about God in the personal way she wanted to and today is going to be the day she has chosen to learn about God. Her trip takes her through the forest to a clearing with a small creek running through it. Sue has been here before in this quiet area, when she felt God trying to speak to her. Sue knows this clearing with the grass, iris, buttercups, and sagebrush is the perfect place to learn about God. She is going to pray to God, so he can help her pick the best parts of the Bible to read.

How to write a short story- Build story's tension by failed attempts
Although Sue has had a lot of experience in church, she is very unsure of herself. It is her uncertainty that leads her to doubt God's love, his existence and her worthiness in his eyes. These are the three trials that Sue faces on her way into the forest before she starts to read the Bible. Satan puts questions into Sue's mind, because of the sinful life she has led. She does not believe that God will forgive her.

How to write a short story- Create the final crisis
Sue does not believe that God will forgive her sins. In the past Sue has broken almost all of the ten commandments and she thinks she is never going to be able to be forgiven. She knows Jesus died for our sins, but she just cannot believe it

Saturday, January 10, 2009

List of Writing Prompts for a Memoir Part Two

Who was my role model or mentor in early in my career?
Who was the most difficult person to work with?
What hobby do I put a lot of effort into?
Was I ever involved in politics?
What did I enjoy watching on television when I was an adult?

Friday, January 9, 2009

What is Your most Memorable New Year's Celebration?

Now that we are into the new year, let's reminisce and decide what our most memorable New Year's was.

My most memorable New Year's celebration was when I was married December 31, 1999/January 1, 2000. We started the wedding at 11:30 p.m. and we kissed at 12:00 a.m. I was wearing a beautiful white dress and the bridesmaids were wearing green dresses they made themselves. The flowers were a beautiful red and white. We had a reception at a local restaurant after the wedding. It was then off to the hotel and our honeymoon in Southwestern United States.

I think about our wedding almost every day. It was such a magical time and I am so grateful my husband chose me. When I look at him I think of all of the wonderful times we have had together and how he supports me.

I am so glad I have a wonderful New Year's memory, my wedding.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

How to write a short story- Create the final crisis

Sue does not believe that God will forgive her sins. In the past Sue has broken almost all of the ten commandments and she thinks she is never going to be able to be forgiven. She knows Jesus died for our sins, but she just cannot believe it.

How did your travels go?

We made it back home yesterday in about 16 hours or so. My daughter started out the day by throwing up, but she ended the day well. Our temperatures went from 38 to 11. All in all it was a great day. I will be writing another section of my "How to write a short story" later today.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

What is your favorite vegetarian dish?

Today's is very short, because I am packing and getting ready to travel tomorrow.
What is your favorite vegetarian dish?
Mine is vegetarian lasagna

Monday, January 5, 2009

How to write a short story- Build story's tension by failed attempts

Although Sue has had a lot of experience in church, she is very unsure of herself. It is her uncertainty that leads her to doubt God's love, his existence and her worthiness in his eyes. These are the three trials that Sue faces on her way into the forest before she starts to read the Bible. Satan puts questions into Sue's mind, because of the sinful life she has led. She does not believe that God will forgive her.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

How to write a short story- establish setting

Sue has the day off, so she is going to take her horse and ride for the day. She knows there is a God, because she went to church every Sunday with her family when she was younger. Sue was never able to learn about God in the personal way she wanted to and today is going to be the day she has chosen to learn about God. Her trip takes her through the forest to a clearing with a small creek running through it. Sue has been here before in this quiet area, when she felt God trying to speak to her. Sue knows this clearing with the grass, iris, buttercups, and sagebrush is the perfect place to learn about God. She is going to pray to God, so he can help her pick the best parts of the Bible to read.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Write a poem about Music

Tonight we will have another poem by our guest writer Jessica. Please leave a comment if you would like to be a guest writer.

Music

Hit those drums with that stick
Let the music flow out quick.
Without music my heart will bleed
Give me music, it's all I need.

The trumpet makes me feel alive
I truly need it to survive.
With my music I exceed
Give me music, it's all I need.

Fingers jumping across the keys
Saxophone resting on my knees.
Lips pursed against the reed
Give me music, it's all I need.

Clarinet jazzing to the tune
Razzy notes make me want to swoon.
Listen, my heart, to this I heed
Give me music, it's all I need.

Take that trombone, let it slide
Let your soul be your guide.
When I play I'll succeed
Give me music, it's all I need.

Give me music, I am freed.

Friday, January 2, 2009

How to write a short story- creating a problem or conflict

The conflict in my story is based on person vs. God or fate.

In this story Sue is happy, but she knows there is more to life. She has gone to church in the past, but she has not been interested in the God that the church has portrayed. She decides to take her Bible and her horse and go to the forest for a ride.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

How to write a short story- creating characters

I hope everybody has decided upon their point-of-view. Tonight I will be creating my character. At this time I plan on having only one.
Physical characteristics
gender- woman
age- late 20's early 30's
height 5'6"
weight 140 pounds
eyes- brown

She has a job as a ranch had which makes her very happy. She is unsure about the future and questions life. She needs more.