Writing for the Love of It

Money, Money, Money, Money....MONEY!! (Sing along...)

2010-09-20T07:36:00.000-07:00

Image by LividFiction via Flickr

:All I ask is the chance to prove that money can't make me happy." ~ Spike Milligan

Everyone I know is having a hard time in the "financial" department. In fact, I just indulged in my weekly reading of my horoscope and it, once again, said I'll be feeling the strain of my budget....sigh.

I'm still lucky even if I don't have a penny to spare when I've paid the bills and stocked the kitchen. It's because I was able to pay the bills and stock the kitchen that I'm able to say that!

We live relatively frugally. The few things we treat ourselves to include satellite TV, high-speed internet and the occasional beef roast.

What we do to be able to keep these "treats" is relatively simple but effective. If you are looking to cut costs and are serious about it, here's what we do:

Cut coupons- Don't say you don't have the time. 15-minutes one per week can save you a lot of money. If you are paying full-price for everything, you are literally throwing away your money. You can even print out the coupons you want to use online. You have no excuses.
Stock pile when items you use are on sale at a really good price. Sometimes the items we use go on sale but I know that a better price might come along in the next month or two. Wait for the better price.
Make from scratch rather than buy convenience food. Spend one day a month browning down the ground beef, freezing your own pasta sauce, making your own soups, etc. Fill your freezer and you'll actually be eating better and healthier.
Use your crock pot. It's cheaper than turning on the stove or oven and you can cook cheaper cuts of meat to have them come out like they are top-cut.
Get used to having beans instead of beef once in a while. They are packed with protein, fill you up and are guaranteed to be cheaper than any beef sale.
Buy second hand. Goodwill and even Salvation Army have designer duds! Did you know that you can get a designer top or jeans for under $5.00?? (Just a thought- buy your underwear brand new. The alternative is just gross.)
If your child wants a new toy, check out a garage sale, flea market or even Craigslist.org. A bleach bath makes almost anything like brand new.

Hopefully this helps someone. I know that once-upon-a-time I was looking for the same kind of ideas and tips. It worked for us.

Happy budget cutting!

Kelly

Some rantings and thoughts needed...

2010-09-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

Image by jelene via Flickr

I've had a bee in my bonnet, so to speak, the last couple of weeks.

One of my daughter's best friends is my niece. I love my niece, but the things she has been saying to my daughter has made me question what she is learning and who she is learning from?

The first incident happened when my niece told my daughter that if she doesn't go to church, she's going to hell. Now, I was raised Roman Catholic and I believe wholeheartedly in God. I also believe that the Roman Catholic Church and much of what they teach was only inspired by God through man.

My daughter was concerned for her soul at this upsetting news! I explained to her that I believe that God is a loving being and that worship and honor can take place in any setting in many different forms. Thank goodness she is open-minded and seems to have accepted this as the truth.

The second incident happened when my daughter proudly shared the news of her sister's new employment at one of the most prestigious restaurants in our region. She was hired as a chef after taking the initiative to learn as much about the culinary arts in her own way. It was a pretty big deal!

Anyway, after hearing the news my niece said that she couldn't be a chef. She could only be a chef-in-training. The only way she could ever truly be a chef is if she went to college.

You could have knocked me over with a feather. Seriously? You can only earn a title after you've gone to college?

I believe that she's being told that the only way for her to be anything at all is through a college education. That's a crock- just ask all of those college graduates who can't find work and are slaving away in factories or fast food joints. It's not a guarantee. Period.

Where is she getting this from? Is it the school? Is it from home? Either way, the narrow-minded judgments of a pre-teen are astounding to me.

My goal is to raise my kids with a "to each his own" attitude with the exception of clear right and wrong values. What kind of world pressures a pre-teen into this kind of thinking and judgment?

Whew. I needed to get that out. It's scary to me that in a world that should be learning tolerance and acceptance to hear that this thought process is being taught so young.

I'd love to hear any thoughts or about other's similar experiences.

Even if you don't have anything to add, thanks for making it through this!

Kelly

Ch...ch....ch...changes.....

2010-08-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

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So, life is continuously throwing kinks in what I wish would stay a well-oiled machine. Yet the changes, albeit stressful, can bring about new ideas, perspectives and even a greater appreciation for what I have in my life. I'm not typically a philosophical person, but I have my moments....

My family is always at the top of my list when I consider and appreciate what I have around me. I have a very large extended family, but I'm talking about my husband and kids. I've mentioned my kids a few times, but now it's my husband's turn.

My husband is a guy's guy. He's not particularly sensitive and when I try to talk emotions and feelings with him, he's like a deer caught in the headlights. It's not comforting that talking to him gets nowhere, but he has his moments.

Recently Dan, my husband of 17-years, had one of his finest moments. I was at the emergency room having my blood drawn. It was suspected that I had had a stroke. During this time, my blood pressure was so high that any bit of stress caused me to pass out.

Having blood drawn has never been something I am good at. With the high blood pressure, it was almost impossible to hang on to consciousness.

So, I've had the blood drawn and my head is between my knees. I'm trying not to pass out.

Dan feels that this is the perfect time to tell the technician about how when his mother was sick and in the hospital, the chemicals in her IV were so strong that they started to eat through her skin.

I'm barely hanging on and this man feels it's the right time to talk about decaying flesh. My anger reflex overrode everything I was experiencing and I said through clenched teeth, "NOW is NOT the time for that story, Dan!"

As I look back now, that man has provided me with priceless moments over and over again. He doesn't do it on purpose. He's just a guy who is clueless.

While it was awful at the time, it's hysterical to me now. It's also why I can look at him and just grin sometimes. I know the next instance of him being a "guy" is just around the corner.

Guys are wired differently. No matter how your guy is wired, try to see the ridiculousness and ignorance of what they do. It's really priceless. And even a bit endearing.

Kelly

It's all Relative...

2010-08-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Image by mtsofan via Flickr

I love relationships. In fact, I think that's why I love writing women's fiction. You MUST have a great, complicated and palpable relationship between your main characters if you are going to have any kind of success.

Some might call my love for a relationships more of a love for psychology. I'll admit to having a fascination for wanting to understand what makes someone murder or even become a serial killer, but the way men and women interact truly mesmerizes me.

Readers have to be able to relate to characters in order to want to read a story. I do get tempted to try and write about the "perfect " man, but reality and flaws somehow make the story far more interesting and believable. Of course, the woman could be perfect but we want to be fair to the guys....:D

Yet the main characters in a book or any story aren't the only ones who make relationships interesting. The supporting characters are sometimes even more important or lovable than the leading gal and fella.

Take a look at all of the relationships around you. Step back and work on understanding why someone did something or what they might have been feeling at the time. You might surprise yourself with a bit of insight!

Observe.

Kelly

How Do I Love Thee....?

2010-08-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

I love writing. I love my slow cooker. I love one more thing just as much as I love the aforementioned things. I love home schooling. We have home schooled for 9-years now and we are proud unschoolers!

If someone were to ask me the one thing I love about home schooling/unschooling, I couldn't stop with just one. There are so many different things I love about educating my kids at home that have evolved over the years and all seem to be equally important and valuable.

One of the top things I find beneficial about home schooling is the relationship I've been able to cultivate and nurture with my two daughters. I remember being a teenager and how much friction there was between my parents and me. As I look back on it, it was such a waste.

My girls and I are almost forced to find a way to compromise and deal with each other during the good and the bad times. I hate to use the word "forced" because it happened naturally over time. I cannot express the amazing satisfaction that comes with having a teenage girl come to her mother and ask a question I wouldn't have dreamed of asking my parents!

The learning process is another huge benefit from the way we have chosen to educate out children. I never learned nearly as much in my school years as I have by simply living life with my children.

Not only do I continue learning, the unschooling process has nurtured my ability to write! I've always loved writing, but school made it a chore. I avoided getting back to writing until we started home schooling. Now writing is a way of life just as much as is home schooling!

Watching my children learn and follow their interests is something that can't be described adequately with words. I especially love how my oldest daughter's life has played out through this process to this point.

If our oldest daughter had been in school, she would most likely have been pushed into the science or math area because she is extremely bright in both of those areas. Yet she is just as bright and creative when it comes to art and writing!

When it came down to finding the path she most wanted to pursue as she entered adulthood, she found a deep love for food and cooking. As most unschoolers know, cooking is both science and the creative arts all wrapped into one! Without her GED, our daughter has become a chef at one of the most esteemed restaurants in our area.

As my blog post gets a bit too lengthy for my liking, I think I'll get off my soapbox for now. Just know that I could go on and on about the joys and benefits of home schooling/unschooling!

I feel a bit inspired to sit in the yard with my girls today and write. How many other moms around the world can say that and actually do it? Gosh, I'm lucky!

Hug those kids whether they go to school or are wonderfully insulated at home,
Kelly

The Proverbial Apple....

2010-08-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

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I am lucky enough to have my daughter as a writer. We will never be competitive writers, which means that we can always support each other without compromise. Having such a gift is truly immeasurable.

My daughter showed signs of an interest in the Fantasy genre early on. Believe it or not, her imaginary friend was a dragon.

I write women's fiction. Trust me, it's a bit embarrassing for both of my daughters and they wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.

Anyway, my daughter has started her own blog here. She informed me that my blog must be about something specific (she has chosen writing prompts- ambitious little snot). I guess that's if I want to be taken seriously as a writer. I'm not sure that's the goal of my blog.

Upon reflection, I have discovered that my blog is about me. It sounds awfully narcissistic, but I think I can live with that.

Writing is frustrating. It ebbs and flows with each day and is often unreliable. I'm going to stick to what I know best for MY blog- me.

Kelly

Stupid is as Stupid Does..

2010-08-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

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So, life continues to be caught in a vicious cycle of PMS and I am directly in its path. It's okay, though. I still have far more blessings than I do doo-doo.

Obviously my writing time has taken a hit lately, but it's good to be back commingling with the written word. Even better is the fact that I've actually had a bit of flow with my writing and that is a rare thing!

My post will be short today so that I can continue to take advantage of my creativity burst. Yet know that whatever life hands me, I'll probably include it in a story. I'll never run out of those little tidbits!

Kelly

More Inspiration

2010-07-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

Image by pencrush via Flickr

We love animals. It's a bit obvious as you pull into our driveway how much we love animals. You are likely to see cats lazily lounging in the middle of the driveway, under a car or even on the top of the rabbit hutch. Obviously, we have rabbits, too.

Just beyond the driveway is the sheep pen. We have sheep and adore them. They are social, quirky and even a bit demanding at times.

Living side by side with the sheep are our chickens. The chickens seem to be having an identity crisis.

Our chickens sometimes come out of the pen to graze with the sheep. They literally walk around, grazing for bugs and worms right along with the sheep.

If the sheep aren't out, they hang out with the cats. They will even fight the cats for food on occasion.

Finally, if we are out working in the yard, the chickens follow us and chit chat. They actually cluck and coo while they trail behind or squat nearby.

Again, we love animals. The best part is that these are only the animals on the outside of our home. We'll have to explore the ones inside sometime soon.

Kelly

Writer's Revenge

2010-07-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Image by Xosé Castro via Flickr

My husband has a childhood friend we have remained in contact with over the years. About ninety-percent of the time I can handle him. The other ten-percent? Well, let's just say that this immature idiot needs some serious redirection or at the very least, a time-out.

This man can ruffle my feathers. It's the immature and thoughtless comments that bother me the most. Yesterday was one of those days where he struck again.

Being a woman, I immediately felt personally attacked, over-sensitive and victimized. Now after a good night of rest, I realize that I'm the one in control here. I'm a writer. It's time to implement my most powerful writing tool- WRITER'S REVENGE.

Writer's Revenge is when I take a person I know in "real life" and put them into one of my stories. The best part is that I can make them wonderful, likable, despicable or even pitiable.

THIS GUY IS GOING DOWN.

I feel better already.

Have a great day!
Kelly

Finding Inspiration

2010-07-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

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I've heard a lot of people talk about how they are amazed that writers can come up with new ideas all of the time. For a writer, it's usually not the ideas that are hard to find. Believe it or not, finding the right words to put the ideas onto paper can be a bit like trying to push a watermelon through a 1-inch pipe. I'm not exaggerating.

For me, every single event in my life is subject to become a part of my writing. My kids haven't quite made the connection that they could fall victim to my observations and become a permanent part of a story yet, but it will happen.

I sometimes think these observations is how a writer's style develops over time. My writing will most likely take place in rural locations because I live in an area where I can compete with my sister over who has the most redneck behavior going on. I win.

Sometimes a simple event will stick with me even if it came from a stranger in a grocery store. For example, my daughter and I were in the dairy section of Wegmans when we observed a young man (maybe 14) doing a little dance and singing "Holla" because he found a specific flavor of pudding that was to his liking. It was ridiculously wonderful.

Anyway, if you write or want to start writing, it just takes some observation and memory or a handy notebook to write down ideas, thoughts and observations. It might look to others like it was written by a mental patient or serial killer, but it might become your most treasured possession.

Have fun observing!
Kelly

Writers are an Odd Lot....

2010-07-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

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You might have noticed that what I write tends to change with the direction of the wind. That's totally normal for me. I'm a writer and most of the writers I've met tend to be an odd lot of folks. I like being a part of that exclusive club.

There are a few things that qualify me as an "odd" sort of person. I believe that sarcasm is an widely unappreciated art form. Not only is it funny when used in good humor, it can border on brilliance. Well, maybe it just borders on gosh darn witty. Who am I to say?

I lack a verbal filter. The older I get, the more I can put pieces of the filter in place, but sometimes my mouth works faster than my brain. It's uncomfortable and sometimes makes life a bit more difficult. I'm also okay with this.

Finally, the wonderful words that I write just won't come out of my mouth the way I want them to. If I'm writing on paper or the computer, the words tend to flow and can often seem beautiful. If I'm speaking, expect flaws, inappropriate outbursts and a bunch of jumble. It's a challenge. I might actually change this if I knew how.

The bottom line is that I think writers tend to be wired a bit differently. We're not understood as we grow and the only way our quirks become acceptable is if we get paid for them. I mean paid a lot. Like a three or four-book deal kind of money. Anything less, we're still just plain odd.

Hug a writer today. You never know what will fly out of his or her mouth because you did. Don't worry if it's negative. You just gave him or her an experience to use in his next piece of work.

Kelly

My Other Obsession

2010-07-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

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I love to write. I've made so secret about that in my life and here. Yet I've discovered a passion- nay, an obsession the past few years. It's my crock pot.

I thought I was alone in this strange and unnatural obsession, but I was thrilled to discover that I'm not! There are people who are far more obsessed than I am and they share what they know, right here on the web!!!

A wonderful woman by the name of Stepahnie O'Dea decided to try a new recipe in her crock pot every single day for a year in 2008. Not only did she do it, but she also posted her recipes online for those of us not nearly as brave or committed as she is to her art!

If you haven't seen this site or are just curious, you can view it here.

My family is particularly fond of the Korean Ribs and last night we had the Bacon and Cheese Chicken- another hit. Do yourself a favor. If you are busy, the weather is hot or just like to have a bit of convenience at the end of the day, use a crock pot.

You're welcome.

Kelly

Handling Life's Curve Balls

2010-07-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

I think that life has been practicing its curve balls lately. Not only has it been practicing, but life's arm is getting pretty darn good and it seems to be aiming directly for me!

I'm sure others are having a hard time of it, too. It's funny how when times get tough, we feel more isolated and alone than ever yet we are in desperate need of companionship and support. Contradiction is the word of the day, I think!

Hard times come and go, but what we do with them and how we let them shape us is what's really important.

In light of my little insight here, I'm giving away virtual free, extra-large and soft baseball mitts for everyone. I hope they make life's curve balls hit a lot softer in the future.

Kelly

And the beat goes on....

2010-07-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

So, I've spent the last few days carting the old hubby back and forth to work, getting our oldest to her job and making doctor visits with both of the girls. The rental car is in the driveway and my hubby's car is officially "totaled" and we need to replace it. I'm beat.

I'm also starting to feel the itch to get back to writing. This is such a good thing!

Writing can be such a wonderful escape. Not only is it wonderful, but it can also be healthy! Getting away while I'm still in the "thick" of things is in its own way, reviving.

I'm going to grab some writing time for myself today. I hope others are lucky enough to do it, too!

Kelly

What Have I Got to Lose?

2010-07-11T08:43:00.001-07:00

It's been a tough year. First, my husband was laid-off from his job of 25-years. It's okay now, though. He found a decent replacement.

Next, I had a stroke. I was lucky and am feeling a lot better.

Last month we lost my hero, my grandfather. He was ill with Alzheimer's for a long time and my other hero, my grandmother, cared for him until the very end. I am devastated and a piece of me is missing.

We just lost our beloved sheep who struggled with illness for so long. She was brave and loving throughout her entire ordeal. So much so that we thought she would survive. It has been a heartbreaking loss.

Finally, my husband totaled his car last week. Luckily, he's fine. To add insult to injury, both of my lovely girls are sick. Nothing stinks more than a summer illness!!

All-in-all, we're still lucky. We're all here, limbs and their use are still in-tact and we have a roof over our heads.

As I look back, I thank the heavens for writing. If couldn't escape, create and give myself a bit of therapy through writing, I would have to be committed and locked away for a long time.

You don't have to have any kind of talent to write. You just need your words, thoughts and feelings. If you enjoy what I do, then give it a shot. You might be surprised at what it can do for you.

Hug those you love today,

Kelly

Looking for the Upswing

2010-07-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

So, most writers know that creativity comes in waves. It's very rare to see someone who is able to sit down, produce marketable and entertaining work every single day. I envy those people.

Life is full of ups and downs. The same goes for writing with me. Just when I think I'm ready to enjoy the upswing, I'm knocked back down for whatever reason.

Writing is worth both the good times and the difficult ones. So is life.

Kelly

So....

2010-07-08T05:53:00.001-07:00

You might be wondering exactly what it is that I write about. I love to write about romance. There is nothing more entertaining and fulfilling to me than a well-written relationship. I'll throw in a little mystery or danger now and then, but the complexities of human nature and the way men and women interact delight me to no end.

My kids think that it's both disgusting and hysterical that I love to read and write romance. It's disgusting because they are both teens. It's hysterical because I'm kind of rough around the edges when it comes to my everyday life. Yet if I sit down with a good book or turn on a Lifetime Television movie, I can turn into a weepy, sniffling marshmallow.

Anyway, I've been lucky enough to enjoy a little recognition for my work. Here is a story beginning I submitted a few months ago. It won best for the month of May.
http://www.romancewritermag.com/monthlycontestmaywinner.html

ENJOY!

Kelly

Plw

A Whole Lotta Steam but not Much Happening...

2010-07-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

We're having a heat wave. A tropical heat wave. A horrible, sticky, uncomfortable heat wave. I hate it.

I don't like the heat and I don't like the humidity. In fact, I'd rather be in a sweater and have three hours where I can comfortably be outside before the chill sends me back inside. It's not the popular opinion from most people in my area, but I don't care. Give me a good autumn chill. Now.

Our area's forecast predicts that this steam will continue for another three long days. We have window units blasting away in our home and it's the only reason I may come out of this alive.

So, I spend a nice, healthy amount of time inside which means I should have plenty of time for inspiration and plot development. Right? Wrong. While I'm by no means a well bursting with creativity each and every day, I'm experiencing an especially dry spell right now.

I'm standing in the path of a hot, steamy locomotive and my brain has decided to simply melt.

Saturday should bring some rain and suck the humidity back from the depths from whence it came. I can't wait.

Stay cool....

Kelly

I'll Get to It...

2010-07-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

As I clicked back and forth between the blank text box and Facebook (I know I'm not the only one who does it, so "tsk, tsk" someone else), I needed to figure out why I was putting off writing my blog. I like my blog! I really do, but what the heck am I going to write about today??

The answer was just too obvious for someone like me who has to think over an issue to death and then think about it some more... It's MY blog. I can write about whatever I want- even if I call it a writing blog! If I'm writing something, then it's still my writing blog!

So today I'm going to share something that's consumed a great deal of my thoughts and energy since late last week. We have sheep. My husband wanted a hobby farm and he decided to have sheep as our livestock. I wasn't thrilled with the whole idea and insisted that this was his venture. I would have nothing to do with it.

The funny thing about having so many large animals just outside your back door is that you can't ignore their presence. I'm also a sucker when it comes to animals. It's a weakness but one I think I can live with.

We don't have many sheep, but we have enough to keep us busy with daily maintenance. It's not bad at all, but last week one of our newer additions became ill and it's all we've been focusing on since Thursday.

Cali, our only Icelandic sheep, simply lay down and has not been able to stand on her own. She is a larger, brown-colored animal and at a healthy weight is a force to be reckoned with. Cali has never used her size against us and although she can be a bit aloof, we know how much she loves being a part of our family.

We had just lot her two twin boys, so to see their mother succumbing to whatever had taken then so quickly was upsetting. My husband and I watched her for a day and she showed little improvement. I had been keeping an eye on the weather forecast and knew we had quite a heatwave headed our way. It was time to get the vet out before things got out of hand.

Doc, our wonderfully dear farm vet, diagnosed her with a horrible parasite infestation. We've had our other sheep for two-years without a problem, but Cali was just a few months new to us and we suspect she came with the little buggers.

The best thing about Doc is that he will tell us the truth even if we don't want to hear it. He wasn't optimistic about her survival, but he did give us advice and medication to help her stay nourished and comfortable.

Now, having a sheep that can't move is trouble all its own. They have a nice musty smell to begin with, but if they can't move to urinate or defecate it can be messy. Add to that mix an abundance of flies as well as increasing heat and humidity, you've got a recipe for something just plain nasty.

Yet through all of the moving, cleaning and heat, Cali is still with us. Each day is a coup and she has shown us that she wants to stay with us. Her attention is with us and only us when we are with her. She nuzzles us for little scratches under her neck which is a big deal because it's the first time since she came to us that she will let us pet her.

I've heard about animals who make it through difficult times because of the love they have for their owner, but Cali is actually playing it out in front of us right now. We are painfully aware of the fact that she still might not make it, but she gives us an unmatchable gift with every day she fights to stay a part of our family.

So, that's what I decided to write about today. It's a bit sad but I hope it's a bit inspiring, too.

Hug your pets today. They are powerfully giving creatures.

Kelly

The Stress of Labeling

2010-07-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I had my first writer's blog post yesterday and I actually liked it! Yet something always nags at me under the surface when I put myself "out there" as a writer. Putting my finger on the source of that nag has taken until now and I don't think I like it.

I'm a writer. It's what I am and I love it. So why is it that I'm uncomfortable telling people or announcing here that I AM a writer?

Well, I think it's all in my head. I'm hung up on the stigma of what I am and what society believes should be. Now that I can see this, it just plain sucks.

I have no college education. For many people, this would be a problem when labeling me as a writer. But I've also worked writing for over 10-years providing clients with articles, e-books and more. I've had two of my novellas published as well as been selected as a winner in a couple of writing contests.

I also home school my kids. They are wonderfully intelligent and well-socialized young adults. All in all, I think I'm pretty accomplished for my lack of formal education and young age!

My goal this year is to get over myself and to become comfortable with the fact that I AM a writer. I AM a writer. Even if I don't get paid for what I do ever again, I AM a writer.

Kelly, WRITER-GIRL

Writing and Blogging

2010-07-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

I see a lot of articles, blogs and other kinds of media telling me that if I'm a writer, I should blog. I read this kind of information, yet I've avoided doing so until now.

Why am I starting now? I guess curiosity finally got the best of me! I want to see what it's all about. I want to find out if anything happens from blogging.

Even though I can't imagine that I have anything the least bit interesting to say that will intrigue people from all over the world, let's see if I do.

One recurring theme I see when it comes to writing and blogging is that it can give you credibility. I simply don't get this. I'm a writer, a home school mom and wife who helps out with the sheep on our hobby farm. Credibility just isn't a priority for me right now. (And if you think about it, I could be a disgusting, overweight old man sitting in his underwear writing this- no one would know!!)

Yet I love to write. I hate to write what others want me to write, but I love to write for my entertainment as well as the entertainment of others.

I'm finding that as I write my first "writing blog" that I'm actually enjoying blogging just a little bit...:D

Kelly