Russian Mafia Babe

The 10 Best Stories in the Universe

2008-08-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

Laughing. Crying. Sharing.

Don't the best stories make you feel all of those? Don't they reflect life and make us connect as people and give us something to feel, something to share, inspire us, make us marvel at life itself?

If that doesn't move you, how about imagining yourself helping a starving writer, struggling to be published, to earn a living?

This is your chance to own your very own copy of my new ebook and be a part of my little experiment about the possibilities for writers to publish via this media.

Right now, you can download The 10 Best Stories in the Universe Written by Me (Plus Two Awful Poems) and be a part of my experiment. These are short stories, so you can read them on your break, while on hold on the phone, or even print them out. The entire ebook is 49 pages long.

Need more persuading?

If you order, I'll send you free gifts! (No, they aren't more stories by me)
If you order, I'll forever be appreciative!
If you order, you can send me your comments. Tell me how great my stories are. Tell me how rotten my poetry is. Show me how you can do better. Maybe you too could be a part of The 10 Best Stories in the Universe Written by US (the sequel, of course).

This collection has something for everyone! Adoption stories, funeral stories, peacock stories. Some have even been published for real!

What, you want a sample before you buy? Ok, you can see an excerpt from my in-progress novel here , and even though I haven't maintained this blog in I can't believe how long, there has to be something else worth reading somewhere on it.

If you decide to share one of the stories with your cousin in Omaha, that's fine, please just give me credit and keep my contact info intact. If you decide to help it go viral (I think Night of the Living Tooth has a chance) or DIGG it or think it is De.li.ci.ous, Thanks a Million (not dollars, but huge gratitude). If you are a friend of mine who just wanted to give me $7.95, I love you too!

Ordering is easy. Just click on the PayPal button on the top of the right sidebar. When PayPal notifies me, I'll email you the pdf file and the aforementioned free gifts. That's it!

Any questions, email me at info@pegasuswriter.com.

Thanks!

Here a Twitter There a Twitter

2008-01-16T07:11:00.000-08:00

This morning I read my email subscription for Dosh Dosh, and it has 17 tips for using Twitter. One of the tips is to use Terraminds to search for a keyword and then follow folks who come up in the list of keywords to expand your network, drive related traffic, etc.

Further down in my list of emails that came in overnight were three notifications of new people following me on Twitter! Coincidence?

So my detective mind kicked in and I had to find out what we all had in common, other than probably being readers of Dosh Dosh. Fortunately it was easy to figure out (Real Estate), and I didn't have to engage too many brain cells before morning brain fog lifted (no, I'm not a drinker, just have a hard time with mornings).

This brings up one of my ongoing concerns about my Internet Identity. Should I separate out my LockBoxDeals ID into its own Twitter account with real estate only followers? Or is there some sort of cross-referencing beneficial kismet in integrating all of my fractured personas in this one Twitter account? Are the real estate friends going to get bored with all the mom blog posts (or vice versa), or will we all recognize that we have more commonalities than we have differences?

For now, unless I hear otherwise, I'm going to keep it all together. I like the cross functionality of people from different realms with potentially nothing in common meeting in the virtual cocktail party that is my Twitter account.

Would you like to follow me too? Follow the link in my right side bar. I follow back because I don't appreciate it when I have to listen to someone talking on their cellphone and only get one side of the conversation, and following someone who doesn't follow you is kind of like that.

Want to subscribe to RMB? That's on the right side bar too.

Thanks!
Lisa

Yeah, I'm Gonna Play Lucky 7

2008-01-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the tag from both Katrina and Pajohnson on this one. I never liked feeling like the last kid to be chosen for the team, but now do I have to write twice? Well, I'll be lucky to come up with seven unusual facts, so here goes.

The rules:Link to the person who tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
Leave a comment on their blog so that their readers can visit yours.

So, seven weird or random facts about me…
I wish I could sing well.
I have my grandma's toes.
I inspire myself to write by visualizing myself on Oprah talking about my bestselling novel.
I have had pets my entire life. Seriously, not a day without a pet.
I love finding patterns in numbers, any numbers - birthdays, phone numbers, etc.
When I retire, I plan to volunteer to study hieroglyphics at archaological sites.
I'm an amateur astronomer.

And now, I tag. I hope to find some people who haven't been tagged yet, forgive if it is a double.
Mango
Barbara
Lib
SSW
Vegan Mama
Toni
Cans and Jars

You’re it!

Shoes were the topic of the day.

2008-01-13T18:29:00.000-08:00

Today's Saraism *

*truth from the mouth of a 5-year-old

This on the way to the beach:

"Mama I want to be born again."

Well, we are not a traditionally religious family, so I had no clue.

"You do honey?"

"Yes. I want to be born again." She has the conviction at least.

"Why is that?"

"Because then I could be 4 again and wear my old shoes."

Ah, the power of Barbie light up sneakers.

We met friends at the beach, and one had on, well, what looked like dressier shoes than you'd picture for a beach outing. Not that I commented, but since shoes were fresh on my mind I must have looked.

"Oh," she said. "I've got to buy new shoes. I've gained weight."

Reminded me of my mom, who once told a friend who complained that all her shoes were too tight, "Well don't you know when you get fat, you get fat in your feet too."

Another reason for those new year's resolutions. Or for turning back time.

Vegetarian Chili Recipe - Quick and Delicious

2008-01-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

Before the kids came along, we used to have an after - Christmas party with all of our friends that we usually didn't get to see during the holiday rush of family and travel, and we always served our vegetarian chili. Even the meat eaters asked for the recipe, which was embarrassing because it is so simple. Our 5-year-old likes it, but it is still a little too much for our 2-year-old, so we give her mostly the accompanying rice with a little chili and cheese mixed in.

After-Christmas Chili

Vegetarian ground beef crumbles equivalent to 1-pound *
2 cans Chili Magic or Chili Beans or other brand Chili Starter that includes beans and spices
2 cans Ro-Tel original or milder diced tomatoes
See below for rice and toppings

Brown crumbles in canola oil. NOTE: vegetarian crumbles do not brown like ground beef, but will get heated through and require more oil than ground beef. Add Chili Magic, add tomatoes, heat through.

Serve over brown or white rice. Top with shredded cheese, onions, jalepenos, or any other desired topping.

*different brands of crumbles have different amounts that create one pound. My favorite brand is Quorn.

Enjoy!

Totally Gushing Love Post

2008-01-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

I have a not so secret crush. Actually, not at all secret, because I have the bumper sticker on my car advertising it to anyone who is stuck crawling through Miami traffic behind my behemoth of a van. Or to anyone who is pushing their grocery cart past in the Publix parking lot. I'd drive a lot more, just so more people could see my bumper sticker, if I had a hybrid car.

So this morning, after dropping Sara off at school, I turned on talk radio since I am now a political junkie following the presidential campaign, and imagine the wonderful morning surprise of having my guy on the show:

For regular readers of Fiction Friday, this is not fiction. I really do think that Dennis has such high moral standards and consistently takes action in the direction to achieve those standards.

Case in point today. Kucinich has asked for a New Hampshire recount in the interest of election integrity. As quoted on his website:

"I am not making this request in the expectation that a recount will
significantly affect the number of votes that were cast on my behalf....Serious
and credible reports, allegations, and rumors have surfaced in the past few
days...It is imperative that these questions be addressed in the interest of
public confidence in the integrity of the election process and the election
machinery - not just in New Hampshire, but in every other state that conducts a
primary election."

It had to be a candidate on the ballot who asked for the recount, so Dennis, who was shut out of the election debates, who isn't one of the top contenders, is the one to stand up for the voters to make sure that every vote gets counted correctly as cast. And in asking for the recount, he has to be willing to pay for the recount (btw, if you want to donate, www.Dennis4President.com is the place).

Maybe you don't think he's presidential material, but I just love knowing that there is someone in the world who is willing to put himself on the line to do what is right, over and over again. Someone who wants to achieve peace in the world. Someone who wants to ensure equality and justice for all.

Thank you Dennis. Keep up the good fight.

My First Thursday Thirteen! 13 Bloggers I Follow and Why

2008-01-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Things about Lisa Merritt

I've only started blogging recently, so my regular reads are constantly changing. And I know they are all over the place (see my post yesterday about my Internet Multiple Personality Disorder). But this is part of the current list, in no particular order.

1. Cajun Vegan - Last week's TT post inspired me to join the club and is required reading for understanding her world.

2. Momisodes - Sandy is the hardest working young blogger out there, accessible, friendly, spreads around the comment and link love.

3. Sarcastic Mom - ok, maybe there is a tie for title of hardest working young blogger. Fresh perspective, great photos.

4. ProBlogger - always something great and useful. Check today's post on Entrecard.

5. Zen Habits - who doesn't need to approach life with a little more Zen?

6. What's Up On Planet Earth - ok, remember that I'm also Stellar Shaman. I love the energy readings Karen provides.

7. Sweetney - in addition to the ever popular posts and photos, Song of the Week!

8. Living in The Now - Dave was the first to befriend me during NaBloPoMo, and what can I say? I'm loyal. And he's great.

9. Chris G - I can always learn something about blogging from him.

10. Dosh Dosh - more great blog building information.

11. Deep End of the Gene Pool - do you need more than the title? I just found this one, but will keep up.

12 - Astronomy-Blog - I'm a geek.

13 - Bloodhound Blog - one stop real estate updates.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Internet Multiple Personality Disorder

2008-01-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

I've always been a multi-tasker, a starter, and I love to work on multiple projects. Not the best strategy, I'll admit, but it seems to work for me. I especially like to have one big long project and several short-term projects, so that I can work on the big one, take a break and do a smaller one, then go back.

My internet strategy has been similar. I've got several different projects going on, and corresponding blogs. While this has been enjoyable for me and my work style, joining Twitter exposed an underlying problem.

See, I, or I should say Russian Mafia Babe (RMB), joined Twitter to keep up with fellow bloggers, get ideas for posts, and see what all the hype was about. I realized in looking for people to follow that there were several Real Estate identities there, and signed up to follow them. However, most of my real estate contacts know me as Lisa from LockBoxDeals. Ah, the confusion.

I started wondering how much I should utilize social media and when. And how do I keep all these different personalities straight? This led me to lay out a plan for my multiple identities on the internet, and if anyone out there has a simpler option, or a way to keep it all straight, please, PLEASE, let me know. Here, for now, is how I shall manage the multiple facets that are me in the blogosphere:

1. Stellar Shaman - (no social networking) this blog was an outgrowth from a suggestion by our teacher of shamanism that we each find a way to be shamans in our own back yard. I was lucky enough to secure a monthly writing opportunity at The Cosmic Path, and that led me to think about writing as a means of shamanic practice. But it is my own practice, not meant to recruit anyone or network across all social media or even exist in a formal website, so it is just a blog. If any other students of shamanism come across it and contribute, wonderful. If not, wonderful. I post occasionally, when inspired.

2. Simply Grant Writing - (only newsletter, no social networking) oh, the wonders of using a blog to send out announcements to clients! I uploaded my non-profit newsletter subscriber list to FeedBlitz, use this blog to announce upcoming grant offerings, non-profit news, board development standards, and fundraising ideas, and have seen my business at Pegasus Consulting Group, Inc. grow! This is the bread and butter business for 11 years now, but not a high-tech presence.

3. LockBoxDeals-Blog - (business social networking) another form of driving traffic to my real estate investment website at LockBoxDeals, which has been underutilized so far. LockBoxDeals strives to establish presence all over the internet - on MySpace, FaceBook, Twitter, Squidoo, LinkedIn, forums, articles, networking. We send out a weekly Top Ten Deals newsletter, have subscribers across both Realtors and Investors. This is my most formal and pervasive internet presence, but we're fairly new (under 1 year) and still growing!

4. Russian Mafia Babe - (social butterfly) writings and ramblings, a very social gal, but also very informal. There is no official website, she exists only in social media. Creative outlet for the wanna be writer, and rantings of a going crazy parent. RMB gets the most posts as we've signed up for Blog365 : ).

That's all there is to me. Link to me here, there or everywhere and let me know so I can link back. I'm working on being better at comment luv too!

Potty Training Made Easy

2008-01-08T18:18:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the short post and lacking comment love in the community this week, I'm on a big grant deadline.

But several friends have asked me what happened to make Mia's potty training go so smoothly, so I wanted to pass along the best potty video ever (don't know how much competition there is in that field).

Poor Sara was nearly potty trained one summer when we had several plane trips planned over a couple of months. It was just so much easier to have her in a diaper in the airport and in the unknown places that by the end of the summer, she decided she'd just stay in diapers. That's when a friend turned me onto The Potty Song, and we used it right from the start with Mia.

Here it is http://www.onceuponapotty.com/alona2.html

There is a girl version and a boy version, books, dvd, vhs. Works great!

I Can't Believe How Old I Am - Part II

2008-01-07T17:15:00.001-08:00

We spent this evening playing with a new toy - the giant bubble maker:

There's Sara playing with the giant bubble maker.

And that was Mia playing with the giant bubble maker, but big ham sis got in the pic. Are all 5-year-olds that way or only mine?

After the bubbles, we were swinging on the swingset, and I decided to hang upside down on the crossbar. I like to stretch out my back that way, especially after the treadmill. So I went to swing my feet up, and missed the bar. Not bad, but a miss nonetheless.

Sara said, "You're too old to do that mama."

Of course I had to do it now. I went up with my foot again, got it hooked over the bar, and was bringing up the second one when I got a horrible cramp in my calf, the one that was hooked up on the bar. I fell backwards onto my head and was lying on the ground, moaning in cramp-induced agony, begging for help.

Sara said, "See, I told you you were too old."

First installment of Old

Watch out for the falling iguanas

2008-01-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry to all you folks who are buried under snow, that was my day today. That's Sara, taking off away from me.

Sara and Kati making sand angels.

Big sis was even nice and helped baby Mia.

The weather was just beautiful and we got the kites up in the air. The only problem was that earlier in the week, the temperature dipped down into the 30's at night. Not bad for most of us, but Miami happens to be overrun with a non-native species of green iguana, that looks somewhat like either a huge lizard or a smallish komodo dragon. They like to sun themselves out in the grass during the day, but then sleep up in the trees at night.

When the temp dips below 40, they go into a very deep sleep that causes them to lose their grip on the trees and fall out. It is almost as if they are dead, because they don't move or anything. They have up to ten hours to warm up, and they will be ok, come out of their deep sleeps and walk on off. But if they don't warm up in time, unfortunately they die. We did see a couple out in the park this morning that were just like mummies. Strange but true. Mia walked right over one before we realized it wasn't a tree branch.

E.T. Go Home - For Now

2008-01-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

The other night, E.T The Extraterretial was on television, and I DVR'd it thinking it would be wonderful to watch with my 5-year-old. We snuggled in on the couch and all was going ok until the spacesuited guys came into the house where the little kids were watching over E.T. It was a pretty scary scene, through Sara's eyes. We fast forwarded and saw E.T go home safely, tearing up a little at the long goodbye. Later that night she went to bed without any problems.

But in the middle of the night, she called out for me.

"Mama, I'm scared," and I rushed over, heart thumping, guilt starting to build. Had it really been too much for her? Was I wrong to have her watch it?

"What is it baby? Those men in the suits?"

"No Mama. I saw E.T.'s finger, in my room. It's scary."

The finger? That beautiful, glowing tip, I'll be right here finger that made everyone feel better was the stuff of nightmares for my Sara?

I remember when E.T. first came out, and he taught all of us that beauty really is in the eye, or maybe the heart, of the beholder. Some looked at the squat little big-eyed alien and beheld a magical being. For me, he opened the door to the Universe at large, and I couldn't wait to ride in a spaceship. For my little one, he is the stuff of nightmares.

The lessons of parenting are half for the child and half (or more) for the parent. Sara has taught me all her life. When she started out as the neighborhood bully, I had to delay my dreams of being the social mom who hosted playdates and tea parties until I understood that social situations overwhelmed her with excitement that she was too young to control. When the Emilia Reggio system of education didn't work for her, I had to quit thinking it was such a wonderful gift that would have been perfect for me and start the search for what would work for her.

So maybe Sara won't be the one who stays up nights with me at the telescope looking for star clusters and nebulae and UFOs. I can't make her fit my mold; it is my honor to help her be her own person in the world. Maybe it won't be baby Mia either, and that is fine. Maybe one of my lessons is to find out how to carve out time for me to be my own person too and not feel guilty about it.

But hey, E.T., if you're listening, I'm still here.

Wildcard Wednesday - Lincoln Center Christmas Tree

2008-01-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks to http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2007/12/lincoln_center_christmas_tree.php for submission of the beautiful tree at Lincoln Center for this Wildcard Wednesday.

She did submit it before Christmas, but because of the holidays I was off for a couple of Wildcard Wednesdays. Here in Miami, FL though, we are still celebrating the holidays until Three Kings Day on January 6 - despite warnings from the fire department that all of the real trees were cut too early this year (people can't figure out that Thanksgiving came early?) and are now fire hazards.

Does any other part of the country celebrate Three Kings Day, the supposed day that the three wise men finally arrived with their gifts for baby Jesus? There is a big street parade here and everything. Let me know if other areas celebrate, and as we say, Prospero Ano Nuevo!

Healthy Soup Recipe for the Whole Family

2008-01-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

I've seen several posts regarding resolutions to make healthy meals for the family this year. So, I decided to share my favorite quick, easy, healthy recipe that is my 5-year-old's favorite, even over pizza. It uses tofu, which kids really surprisingly love because the texture is easy for them to handle, and if you season it adults love it too. This is also a very versatile recipe. Should feed a family of four or five easily. Add bread or a salad if you want, or it is fine all on its own.

Easy Udon Soup

1 block of tofu
3 tablespoons (more or less) miso paste (see note)
1 cube of low sodium vegetable bouillon or Dashi stock
1/2 package of Udon or whole grain Udon noodles
any desired frozen vegetables

Boil water, as much as you think will feed your family (obviously I'm not a professional recipe maker), I use about half of a 3-quart pot for the four of us.

put the miso paste in a small bowl and ladle some boiling water into the bowl. use a spoon to dissolve the paste before adding the paste into the pot of boiling water.

add the Udon noodles and frozen veggies (check time requirement on the frozen veggies to make sure, Udon noodles are done in 5 minutes or so but unlike regular pasta they don't go soggy if you cook them longer) to the boiling miso water. Add the veggie bouillon cube or Dashi stock cube.

cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces (or my 2-year-old prefers hand sized pieces). add to the
pot.

Soup is ready when heated through and all miso and stock is dissolved.

NOTE: Miso comes in many flavors. We all like mellow white miso, but try red miso for a more pungent flavor. You can use less miso and more stock if you are watching your sodium intake.

You really can't go wrong with this recipe. You can puree the veggies first if your kids don't go for them. I've never tried rice, but you could probably use leftover rice instead of the noodles. Leftovers are better the next day. You can also add Red Chili Paste or crushed red pepper if you like spicy foods. I find all the ingredients in my local supermarket, and you can almost always find organic too.

Good luck and let me know how you like it!

Little Miss Screams in the New Year

2008-01-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

I've decided to rename the baby. I'm going for something more descriptive of her personality, rather than the somewhat refined given name that she currently uses. Henceforth she will be known by her Indian name, Into Everything All The Time.

This morning she opened the dishwasher again, for like the 1000th time. Yes, I do know that they make a dishwasher door latch that you can stick on to keep this from happening, and I even went to the Safety Store and purchased one, but it ended up somewhere, probably the same place where everything that gets purchased to start a project ends up before the project actully happens, wherever that is, and now I can't find it. And of course I refuse to go and buy another one because there is one that I already paid for here in my house. I know, cutting off my nose to spite my face, but still it makes sense to me somehow.

So miss IEATT (not such a good acronym though) opend the dishwasher, while it was operating, so that she could stand on the door in the down position, which allows her to reach the countertop. Yes, a serious hazard and I really should install that latch.

I picked her up and said, NO Mia, NO. And I guess it was a little stronger than usual, but after like the 1000th time I'm a little sick of the whole game. She stuck out her bottom lip and started to get all watery, and then, being fully in the terrible twos now behaviorwise even though she hasn't had her birthday, she let out this high pitched, horrendous, evil screech that unnerves anyone in hearing radius, a sound that has become her favorite noise to make. I told her, "No screaming. You go time out." She only knows what time out is because big sister gets put in time out fairly often, but it seemed to work. She closed up her little mouth, stuck out her lip, got all huffy puffy and stormed her whole 24-pound-self off to the play room, but no more screaming.

About 30 seconds later I started hearing a scream that sounded like Mia's screech, but very low volume, and I thought I'm going to kill whoever gave us a screaming doll for Christmas. I marched to the playroom, ready to throw a toy away, when I see Mia face down on the sofa screaming for all she's worth, but muffling the sound in the pillows. I think I'm in for a long year.

Clean, Clean, Clean and Paying It Forward

2007-12-31T07:38:00.000-08:00

I've been cleaning out the office, sending invoices, shredding, throwing old stuff away all morning, preparing for tomorrow's 1/1/1 stargate and new start to a new year (see Stellar Shaman or The Cosmic Path for more on the stargate).

So now I'm looking at my blog and wondering if cleaning it will help. The most common areas that need cleaning in a blog are the sidebars.

Obviously, most of the items on my right sidebar are for monetization sake, but does anyone ever look over there? I've got some great coupons that offer affiliate payments, the offer from Widget Bucks that gives me a referral fee (and you $25!), links, Technorati favorites panel, sign up for email and RSS feeds; but is there too much?

I recently took off the WidgetBucks items for sale because it seemed to make my page load very slowly. So I did clean that. And I think I'll get rid of the Auction Ads all the way down there at the bottom. Maybe it would be better to go to a 3-column that lets me separate linkies from monies.

I did sign up for Crazy Hip Blog Mamas and their link roll after seeing it on another site, and it does give you lots of reciprocal links and is easy to install. And for the New Year, I'm going with a pay it forward method.

Some of my Blogging Goals for increasing popularity and monetization include:

1 - Comment more on other blogs. I signed up for the group Commit to Comment on Blog 365, and I think it is a great idea.

2 - Visit those who visit me. Again, an idea from Commit to Comment, but also holding up your end of the bargain.

3 - Share the Link Love. Send me a note if you want to link up!

4 - Donate to sites I read regularly. I just sent a PayPal to What's Up On Planet Earth, and plan to donate to one of my regulars at least once a month.

5 - Take advantage of coupons/affiliate offers on other blogs. I did use a 10% off coupon on another blog during the holidays, knowing full well that the blog owner would get an affiliate fee. But it didn't cost me anything and in fact saved me 10%! From now on, when I purchase online, I'm going to try to find a coupon on one of my blog buddy's sites.

6 - Number 5 includes books! As a writer who hopes to publish a book one day (Soon), I'm going to purchase at least one book per month.

If you'd like to share your monetization strategy for the new year, leave a comment, or let me know if you'd like to guest post.

And don't forget to sign up for email or RSS feed : )

Thanks
Lisa

I Can't Believe How Old I Am : (

2007-12-30T17:42:00.001-08:00

It isn't that I feel old. Well, I do sort of, in a weird way that I never expected, like how achy my body is when I get out of bed. Or especially if I sleep in a hotel or something, in a bed that my body isn't used to. It isn't even the gray hairs that I've covered since I was 27.

I can't believe that I have to say the number 41 when someone asks. Wow, that seems like a big enough number, but the other day my 5-year-old (Ok, I started late) asked me to count all the way to 41 with her. Ouch.

But just now, I had a few minutes to kill that I couldn't get really involved in anything because the baby (Yes, and starting late didn't stop me) is on a new sleep routine and wakes up screaming every minute or two, so I did something I've never done and just browsed the profiles of other Blogger bloggers who had something in common with me. I picked Battlestar Galactica because I'm in withdrawal waiting for the new season, and about half way through I realized that I'm older than almost everyone who chose to let his or her age be displayed. Really.

Now I have to finish my novel before I'm too old for the book tour.

Ten Top Fiction Markets for Moms

2007-12-28T12:02:00.000-08:00

Hi there, yes, it is supposed to be Fiction Friday, but I'm tapped out. I have nothing in my brain that would be worth the space it would take up to write. Besides, I'm going to spend the next hour after this working on my novel.

Which brings up an interesting point. I recently visited a blog where some days were open reads and others were only for subscribers. I'm considering making my novel posts only for subscribers, or something similar. If you've tried this, I'd love to hear about it.

So for today, to stay on the fiction theme, I'm going to review some markets. It is one of my major goals for 2008 to see my fiction in print. I do love the online markets and am so thankful to Long Story Short and Lip Service for all that they do, but I want my fiction in print. Paid for in dollars print would even be better. Lately, I've been submitting to publications. I'm starting a running list here, please add to it in the comments, of best fiction (or creative non-fiction)markets for mom (or anyone) writers.

The ten top markets in no particular order:

1. Parents magazine, http://www.parents.com/. Tips from Writer's Market say to keep in mind that they are a national publication so stories with a broad appeal work best. Also, they are interested in compelling human-interest stories and cannot consider stories that have appeared in competing national publications. Writers guidelines are online.

2. Writer's Digest, http://www.writersdigest.com/. They are 70% freelance written, so there's a good chance! Also, their best sections to break in are InkWell (short pieces) and Markets. They are also looking for non-fiction "How-to" articles. Writers guidelines are online.

3. Family Circle Magazine, http://www.familycircle.com/. Even better, 80% freelance written. Break in with "Women who make a difference." They also accept short humor (750 words) pieces.

4. Glimmer Train, http://www.glimmertrain.com/. Submit through contest options, listed on website. Has categories for Short Fiction (up to 2000 words) and New Writers.

5. Brain, Child, http://www.brainchildmag.com/, the magazine for thinking mothers. 90% freelance written. They publish fiction that has a strong motherhood theme.

6. The Chattahoochee Review, http://www.chattahoochee-review.org/. While they publish a number o Southern writers, they do not consider themselves a regional magazine. They publish personal essays, creative nonfiction, fiction, and photos.

7. Chicken Soup for the Soul, http://www.chickensoup.com/. They have a Chicken Soup book for almost every possible genre. Books are 95% freelance written, submission is online, just do it. Send in that heartwarming story now.

8. The First Line, http://www.thefirstline.com/. Don't know what to write about? Check their website for the current opening line and submit a story in just about any genre. But you have to start with the first line provided. Pay is only $10, but sounds like a fun idea.

9. Modern Haiku, http://www.modernhaiku.org/. Because so many bloggers seem to love Haiku, here's your chance. Also accepts articles and book reviews relating to Haiku and Senryu.

10. Country Woman magazine, http://www.countrywomanmagazine.com/. Main character in the story must be a country woman, setting must be country, must be positive and upbeat. They include fiction in every issue and would include more if more were sent their way (HINT, HINT). Also accept poetry.

Thankful Thursday and Blog365

2007-12-27T12:41:00.000-08:00

Whew! Can't believe it has been a whole week since I last posted. Christmas was a blur, with an almost-2-year-old and a very excited 5-year-old who saw Santa running through our yard! I guess this Thursday I'm mostly thankful that we pulled it all off, managed to see/talk with family and friends, and generally enjoyed the entire exhausting time.

I'd planned to look back at the year and remember all the many things that I have to be thankful for, but M. has strep throat, so it has been a little sleepless the past couple of nights.

So to inspire me to continue blogging into the future and get back on schedule, I've joined Blog365 - won't you join too? Ostensibly, we're going to blog every day (although the rules do allow you to count any post to any of your blogs, so RMB will get the bulk and Stellar Shaman, Simply Grant Writing, and LockBoxDeals will get intermittent posts). Luckily, 2008 is a leap year, so we do get a day off!

Here is my abbreviated list of thanks in 2007:
-general good health of my little family
-the tree that finally flowered beautiful white snowball flowers outside my office window
-learning
-enough to eat/place to sleep/clothes
-my shamanism community
-sharing
-no hurricanes (I do live in Miami)
-meeting new friends
-our vacation to the beach
-M.'s unabashed optimish
-S.'s hugs
-time to write

Feel free to add yours to the comments.

Gratitude Thursday

2007-12-20T11:50:00.000-08:00

I hadn't designated Thursday to be a regular themed post day on RMB, but I'm inspired to see if a day of gratitude works out here.

Yesterday, as I was going through my Technorati favorites, I was surprised by the number of posts about depression. I started with Sweetney's post Waving and Drowning , then to Suburban Oblivion's Crashing, and finally Dooce's Because I couldn't say it on the Phone. Three of my favorite moms feeling more than just a mild case of the holiday blues was one thing, but 1125 comments on Heather's post at Dooce by moms feeling the same thing was even more striking. I'm so impressed by these strong women who have the courage to face their demons and talk about it so that they can help others.

I'm so blessed, and aware of it, by good mental health. My partner says I am the most emotionally stable person on the planet, and this from someone who lives with me. But several people close to me are getting by only with the help of anti-depressants, so I'm fortunate enough to know how absolutely lucky I am. To be able to depend on my mind and spirit to react in a way I can predict or have some measure of control over is a rock to anchor to when circumstances get crazy.

For this, I have to thank Mama. Whether by genes or nature, her unflappable positivity sustained me all my life until I developed my own positive outlook. Hardships in her life would have broken a lesser woman. Widowed by her fourth husband, my father, she survived the death of her first child while an infant, being forced to give up her son in a custody dispute, and marriages to men who included a wife beater (as it was called in those days), a compulsive gambler, and an alcoholic. She divorced when it just wasn't done, she worked and supported herself despite never having a high school diploma, she bought her own house and raised her two daughters.

When my father died unexpectedly, without life insurance, without savings, when I was 15, I saw her sadness, I watched her grieve, but I never saw her give in to fear. She insisted that we would be fine, and we were.

When my cousin Joyce had a terrible car accident and broke her neck, we went to the hospital to see her on the first day, while she was in one of those big traction wheels that they used to use for spinal injury patients. Mama told me that we were going there to cheer her up and to talk about happy things, to not be afraid because she was going to be well again soon. We walked in, and she was face down on the wheel. Mama told me to lie down on the floor so I could look up at her and to smile while we were there. Joyce says that we were the only people she saw smile at her during those days in the hospital.

I cannot remember a time in my entire life, until Mama passed away when I was 34, that she indicated any overwhelming worry, any sense that the undertow would carry her away, any idea that she feared something that would overcome her. Even when health problems started to ebb the life from her, she never talked of being afraid of dying.

Now that I'm a mom, I'm acutely aware of the importance of instilling this gift in my children. Especially as I'm an adoptive mom and can't count on genetics, I want to be conscious of helping them to look for the silver linings, to be confident in their own abilities to perservere, to know triumph over adversity. I want to be their rock, their stable foundation, their springboard. And if they need more help than I can give, I want to encourage them to find the help they need to live mentally healthy lives.

Today, I am so grateful for the opportunity of being their mom and all of the wonders and challenges that come with it.

I'm grateful that we are all healthy.

I'm grateful that we have enough food to eat.

I'm grateful for the surf and the sand.

I'm grateful for the way S. laughs, hearty, from head to toe.

I'm grateful for the way M. dances, always, everywhere.

I love you both so much.

Many Worlds, One Planet

2007-12-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

I read a book once that changed my perspective on life, as great books are bound to do. An old, very geeky text, Maps of the Ancient Sea Kings started as a class project to retrofit ancient map fragments to actual geographical landmarks and features and determine the system of coordinates used to make the maps. It was an unlikely place to derive spiritual wisdom. But as they say, when the student is ready, the teacher will come.

While the premise of the book itself was rattling enough, that these ancient maps proved the existence of an advanced civilation who could navigate the seas with mathematical precision during the Ice Age, the part that has remained with me was the general givenness of the conclusion. Of Course They Existed, Why Wouldn't They Have?

We consider ourselves, the First World inhabitants of planet Earth in 2007, as the humans that evolved in intelligence through a building block process that eliminates the possibility of more highly advanced civilizations before us. We write off the existence of the Pyramids for example as some forgotten trick of balancing and moving heavy objects, or as something anyone could do with a large enough forced work team.

But Sea Kings pointed out that at any time in the history of the planet, there have co-existed civilizations of vastly different technological ability. Even right now, at this very moment, there exist Aborigines, Amish, tribes who know nothing of electricity, indigenous cultures who live as they have for hundreds of years, religious sects who follow beliefs that set them far apart from what is considered mainstream.

If you are reading this, you are probably comfortable with technology. But imagine, you could be alive right now, your same age, and be in an entirely different world. You could be driving a horse drawn carriage to your neighbor's house for the barn raising. You could be sleeping on a grass mat under the jungle canopy. You could never have seen television or a light bulb. You could be hunting your dinner with a spear, and not for sport.

Is it so far removed to consider the circular, rather than linear, nature of time? That history repeats itself not because we are unable to learn from our mistakes, but because another group of students is ready to enter the classroom. The lesser advanced civilizations need their opportunity to develop themselves.

Is it so hard to imagine a civilization that existed, with an apparently recorded history, that was wiped out by a geological catastrophe? Do you think they knew it was coming too?

Thanks to Andrew Edgington, this week's winner of Wildcard Wednesday photo carnival and the administrator of the excellent blog Edit Your Digital Photos, for submitting the photo at top. Andrew's blog teaches how to use Photoshop to give your photos an Old-time look, and many other tips.

Guest Post: A Child By Any Other Name

2007-12-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Patti for answering my call for guest posts! Enjoy.

A Child by Any Other Name…
By P.I. Barrington

Finding the right name for someone whether it’s a fictional character or your own newborn can seem like a daunting task. Some people pick favorite names from before the time they can even think about having children. I used to do the same thing. That is, until I became a writer. That’s when any dreams I might have had about my beloved favorite names coming to life shattered like so many crystal champagne glasses unfortunate enough to be located within the vicinity of a toddler.
My characters many times leap right off the page screaming their names at me and waving what look like dangerous rolling pins. They will have the names they want no matter what I, their creator, decide. Sometimes I’ll be pounding away at a story and suddenly realize the name I’ve typed over and over is what that character wanted to be called instead of the name I wanted to use. Many times, my characters will surprise me by using ethnically oriented names that leave no doubt as to what race they are. And, yes, I describe these characters in present tense. They won’t allow anything else.
Names are important in human life, obviously, and for obvious reasons. That is the single most important identifying reference to you not only by yourself but by everyone else. It also is one of the oldest practices in human communications. Have you ever watched those old movies where two people of differing cultures or languages try to communicate? The first thing they do is point to themselves and say their name. Names are the beginning form of communications.
So, it’s no wonder parents go through a similar type of experience that writers do. Some parents will go to sometimes ridiculously extreme measures to find the appropriate name for their child. And this is no joke, my readers.
Here in Southern California, (and only in California) there is a new type of job that has been developed to “help” new parents or parents-to-be choose exactly the name that will portent success, fame, or character of their coming child. “Nameology” and “Nameologists” have now cropped up in this very lucrative trade.
For $300 an hour, the Nameologist will come to your home, office, or other meeting place of your choice and explain or suggest baby names to you.
Personally, I find this rather insulting. To me, this indicates that one is incapable of going out and buying an actual book of baby names for under $5 and choosing for oneself or with much more ease, search the Internet which has virtually an unlimited amount of free baby names sites with every conceivable name, its meaning, and country of origin. Not only that, but there are no apparent requirements to become a Nameologist other than being able to read any of the above name-helping suggestions. Oh, and the gall to charge $300.
The only thing more disturbing than that is the fact that there are parents who have actually paid the $300!
So, how does one pick out the perfect name? Well, rhythm and rhyme have a lot to do with it. The names have to sound good and have a natural cadence. “Annie Ralph Curmudgeon” may have a rhythm to it but you have to admit it’s not the prettiest or most portentous of names. And please, I beg you all future parents, resist the urge to give ridiculous names to your children! This not only makes life miserable for the child who has to deal with playground mockery and derision but it makes everyone else uncomfortable when having to use it in serious situations. I know you probably are rolling your eyes at this age-old warning, but I’ve still met enough people whose parents gave them the worst, corniest names in an effort to be witty.
“Hello? Yes, may I speak with Iva Payne?” Imagine yourself having to explain to the irritated operator that no, it’s not a joke. In fact, please imagine yourself saying your child’s future name over the phone just to make sure. My sister once had a friend who thought it was funny when giving a name for the waiting list in restaurants to use the last name of Krayzee. So when the host or hostess called out the name of the party, it would sound something like this:
“Krayzee party of four, Krayzee, party of four, your table is ready!” (Sound it out if you must!)
This is the type of thing that should be avoided. At all costs.
What I have done over the long, long years of working at being a writer, is to search thrift stores and used book stores for the rare “Unusual Names for Baby” type books, just to have on-hand should I ever be without the Web while scratching out character descriptions by hand. Some of us do still practice longhand. And sometimes, not only is it just nice to have a hard copy reference of names to look at while curled up in bed, but also to be a little more green about it. Why use up paper printing all those name lists, when you can find for pennies, already printed copies of the same basic lists? Save a tree if you can!
You can devise any system of naming you want. Go ahead and be creative! Come up with your own original plan of choosing names. However you do it, just make sure it’s a name you and your child will like if not downright love!

Check out P.I Barrington's funny urban fantasy story: Urban Elf coming in BewilderingStories.com Issue #268. If you like cities and Elves, this is for you!

Inspiration from the Greatest Thinkers of our Generation

2007-12-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

Often when we think of monetizing our blogs, we are concerned with small details; which advertising system should I use? Should I accept this review assignment? Should I sign up for this traffic generating site?

But the post at Dosh Dosh today has me thinking of the bigger picture. I'm not sure where RMB is headed, but I'd like for it to someday sooner rather than later pay the bills, and then some. Pay for travel with the kids. Provide an audience for my novel. Create positive change in the world.

Pretty big goals for the little blog that could, but that's what TED seems to be about. If you too would like to set some big goals for your blog and need some inspiration, take a visit to the TED site.

"TED started out as an annual conference in Monterey devoted to Technology, Entertainment and Design. The content has broadened in recent years, but this annual event is still the main engine that drives TED's success, bringing together 1000 of the world's most remarkable people. The format is fast-paced, with 50+ speakers over four days (plus short talks, performances and evening events). In 2005, an additional conference, TEDGlobal, was inaugurated. It's held every other year, in a different location, focusing on a different theme.
All upcoming conferences through March 2008 are sold out. However, the best content from all TED events is made available through this website."

You can visit their site and view FOR FREE video of some of the best speeches given, by the likes of Seth Godin, Jeff Bezos, and Bill Clinton. Talk about thinking big.

With the new year coming up soon, it is a great time for goal setting. Where do you want your blog to take you? Shouldn't you take a few minutes to learn from the best minds in Business, Technology, Arts, and Global Issues?

Now get busy on your own plan!

BURYING BUDDHA

2007-12-14T11:05:00.000-08:00

Sorry, but this story has been moved to my new ebook, The 10 Best Short Stories in the Universe Written by Me. Please see the right sidebar to order.

Thanks!

Peaceful Protest

2007-12-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

Today I have to thank sincerely Dave from Living in the Now. Had he not been my first entrant for Wildcard Wednesday, and had I not been so endebted to him for his support of RMB since our early days, I was prepared to abandon my Carnival entrants and go off on another topic entirely.

Our local paper, The Miami Herald, ran a photo today that was so haunting, so enraging to me as a parent, of a terrified little Iraqi girl who had been wounded in a mortar strike. I cannot get her eyes out of my mind, and I was on the verge of swiping Maya Allerruzo's photo and going off on a political rant.

But thanks to Dave, I was brought back to my center by his unknowingly appropriate photo to consider one of my central beliefs. I try to follow the tenet that if you truly want peace in the world, it is not enough to think about peace, not enough to wish for peace, not even enough to pray for peace. If you truly want peace, you have to be peace. You have to stand in the center of your own being, in your own place of silence, and be the peace that you would have in the world.

Parents know this in its simplest form as the count to ten rule. When your child has just trampled your last nerve, count to ten and find your own peace before responding, and answer your child with all the love and caring available at the center of your soul. Even if the answer involves a punishment, administer it from a place of peace. We've all seen it on our family level; one person, be it mom or dad or any caregiver, standing in absolute peace will dissolve the anger of the most hysterical child. One person ranting only adds to the escalation of violence.

When you consider it, isn't this season all about peace? Doesn't everyone want peace on Earth, goodwill towards men? It isn't tied to which church you attend, or don't attend, although many are able to leave behind worldly concerns and access peace in church. It isn't tied to one religion or another, and in fact religions have been invoked as reasons for most wars.

We seek the peace that passes all understanding, the peace that speaks no language and every language. For each of us it is important to take a few moments every day to connect with peace and send that peace out into the world.

I remember a story I heard about a person who had a near death experience. She had been in a horrible car accident, in the middle of rush hour, and died while waiting for help as the ensuing traffic jam prevented a quick rescue. As she floated out of her body, she could hear all of the people in the other cars, angry and upset at how delayed they were due to the accident. But then she heard one person praying for the stranger who was in the accident, praying for that stranger's family, sending love and kindness out to a total stranger.

Be that person who in the midst of the angry crowd, in the situation that ruins your schedule, in the moment that could bring out your worst, be the person who is peace.