Journal: I wish

So often we spend our days saying I wish.... I wish I had more time. I wish I had painted that a different color. I wish I hadn't said that. I wish I had magical powers.

What if our wishes came true?

Journal: Finish the sentence and write the results. I wish....

Say it Ain't So

Jon and Kate Gosselin,

I don't know why I care about your marriage so much. Is it because I watched your show in anticipation as my due date loomed? Is it because I watched taped segments as I pumped milk in the wee hours of the night after feeding my little one? Is it because I understand the desire that drove you to fertility treatments? Is it because I can be an overtalkative so-and-so and my husband was once a happy computer nerd?

I dont' know why I feel so invested.

But I do.

And by letting me inside your life, you allowed me to be this way.

The most important people you owe your marriage to is, of course, your children. But you also owe it to me and the gajillions of others like me who watch the show.

Everyone experiences adversity in life. You guys did and capitalized on it in the most American way possible--with a reality tv show of your family. I applaud your ingenuity.

And I've applauded your triumphs along the way. Because you seemed normal. You seemed like ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, which is what we all are at times in our lives.

But what now? You're not normal anymore. This tabloid brouhaha is pure Hollywood. Sure, most tabloid regulars are regular people placed in extraordinary circumstances, too, but you're different. With stars, they act or sing or dance or something. You guys simply let us watch you live. You allow us that little thrill one achieves from reading someone's diary or email. You're like us.

Aren't you?

For the sake of your children and the love that has been evident in certain episodes, please work it out. Also, continue to provide viewers a model of how couples can make it through parenthood--and crises--in love.

So, as I watch your season premiere tonight, please...work it out.

Journal: Sweat it out

Earlier this week, I mentioned my return to yoga. Unfortunately, falling down in class was not my most embarrassing return-to-exercise experience. I've had many.

In high school I went out for track one day.

One day.

It was the middle of the season. Our teams took first and second at state that year. If I'd known we were that good, I definitely wouldn't have thrown on my shorts and sneakers that hot spring day. Still, I lasted the entire day without quitting. Believe me that I say that with pride.

Journal: Write about exercising. The character can be good at it or not. It can be an ordinary day or an extraordinary day in the character's exercise life.

Namaste

I haven't exercised since February of 2008.

Seriously.

I arrived early and freaked out a bit. Svelte bodies in fashionable yoga attire stretched, chatted, and...basically looked fit.

The instructor chatted with me and then said, "Tonight is hard."

"Okay."

"I have a beginner's class on Thursday."

"Do I need to come back then?" Translation: Do I look that out of shape?!

She eyed me. "Have you done yoga before?"

Let's just say she was right. About the hard part. It was the most difficult class I've ever attended. A few times I was comforted with the knowledge that super instructor Libby is a nurse during the day.

I once had lovely abs. Do you know what pregnancy and no exercise do to your core muscles and balance? I do. And I don't like it. Of the three positions that required me to stand on my hands or head, I succeeded with one. I tried another but fell. I didn't even attempt the third. Legs and arms were everywhere.

Oh, but I will return. The instructor and class are amazing. Maybe one day I can look svelte in a cute little yoga outfit.

I can dream, can't I?

I think I'll dream right now while eating an Oreo.

Journal: cozy yummies

Certain foods make me happy. Brownies and milk. Turkey and dressing. Macaroni and cheese. Rocky road ice cream on a sugar cone. Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich. It's simple. These "comfort foods" really bring me happiness.

Each one is attached to a sensory memory. Perhaps that is what makes the magic with these foods. This sensory memory is the same reason I refuse to drink milk and eat graham crackers. I threw up after snack time in kindergarten and have had an aversion to the combo ever since.

Journal: Write about a food and a sensory memory attached to it. Be sure to include all five senses.

Do you write?

HAWK Publishing is hosting its annual writing workshop June 6-7, 2009. Speakers include published authors (including yours truly) as well as acquiring agents and editors. It's always a cozy weekend in Tulsa with plenty of opportunities to network. Plus, it's not one of those workshops where the speakers talk at you. It's called a workshop for a reason.

Executive Director William Bernhardt is also offering a writing seminar June 8-12 where you can tweak your novel.

So, if you haven't signed up yet, click here. I hope to see you there!

Bunny Toss?

While shopping for Easter presents, I ran across this toy.

Who thought this was a good idea?

At the lake we used to play catch with something similar to this. The ball had Velcro on it that would stick to our "mitts."

Someone must have been confused when they created this game.

Toss the bunny?

At Easter?

Can you imagine fur flying through the air?

I bet the Easter Bunny avoided the houses with these toys.

Journal: fantasy creature

With Harry Potter and Twilight, no one can doubt readers' hunger for fantasy. However, the publishing world is saying that magicians and vampires are a bit overdone now. At a recent conference, I also heard that unicorns were overdone. My novel Glamour explores the world of fairies. The novel I'm currently working on explores another sort of mythical creature.

If you could write a novel with a mythical creature, what would you choose?

Journal: Create a scene using a mythical creature. It can be a main character or simply part of the setting. Describe it in detail and make sure its existence is vital to the scene.

Is my son a vampire?

When I returned last weekend, Max had two teeth. When I left on Friday he had the beginnings of one. Over the weekend both bottom teeth sprouted.

And they can do damage.

We were in his playroom last night, and he crawled over to me. I love it when he does this because he either plows right into me or he stands up and hugs me. This time it was to hug me. I nuzzled him and he moved to nuzzle back--his face in my neck.

Then, he bit me.

How can one cause so much pain with only two bottom teeth?

I'm not sure, but I think he may be a vampire.

Home from OWFI

The Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. conference was held in Norman, OK. Marcia Preston was president. She and the other board members did an outstanding job. Not only was the hotel beautiful, but also the sessions were good. I enjoyed meeting new friends and seeing those that I haven't seen for a year. I was thrilled that Amy Shojai was honored as a Lifetime Member this year.

The Inklings, my writing group, has a great time at this conference. As I've mentioned before, we shake the jingle bells in our hallelujah basket when a friend wins and whip out a tiara each time one of our names is announced. Let's just say we wore the tiaras a lot. It's always fun to take home a certificate. It's even more fun when you take home a check. And when your friends do, too, well, that's a party.

This year was the first time I had the opportunity to join the autograph party on Saturday afternoon. Sonia Gensler organized it so well. As always, Best of Books did a great job having the books available. Thanks to all of those who purchased Glamour. I hope you like it!