Inspiring Art

     So often we just drift through our days and don't really notice all the little delights that are right before us. Fortunately, I have had some great teachers, friends, and family that have taught me to pay attention to even small daily details, that it is in these where I will find happiness to sustain me through whatever difficulties I encounter.

     The other night I was at the local brew pub with some of my friends and one of them gave a picture to me and my brother. It was a piece she had been working on as an example for her class she was teaching. My brother was able to take that piece, cut it, frame it, and create two fabulous pictures from the one original picture so now we both have art work from our dear friend to hang on our wall.

     I was excited to have this picture, It is an illustration where my friend was teaching certain concepts to her class, the first class she has ever taught. She took a piece of pizza and personified it-gave it feeling, emotion, made it into a comic book character.

     I was thrilled to rush home with my newly framed picture to hang it on the wall by a painting another friend of mine did several years back. Happily, both of these artists are friends of each other as well as being my friend. I put Anna Lisa's pizza on the wall next to Dennis' picture of the driver traveling down the country road. 

    The two pieces go well together in my mind for what they represent-new beginnings. Anna Lisa's is from her first professional teaching experience. Dennis' piece was used in a post card for his first art show from when he finally broke the shackles of the factory we both had toiled in. He lead the way, chasing after his creative dreams, using his true talents. It was years before I was able to break forth, following suit, and chasing my own dreams as a writer and college graduate.

    I am so very fortunate to have original artwork from my friends to share in my home with all who visit me. Their work will inspire me to keep working for my own goals and dreams, to keep sharing my talents and stories.

Honey Bees

     I have a bit of a strange fear of bees. As far as I can recall I don't think I have ever been stung by a bee. So, I shouldn't have a problem, right? I guess that would be true if not for one small fact. My over active imagination that leads me to have plenty to write about-also sometimes contributes to some small, odd irrational fears that I possess.
     I mean, what if it were to turn out that I am allergic to bee stings? This fear has contributed to my rather limited participation in the care of our yard each year. I have made the vow that this year will be different-I will not allow myself to be limited by my fear of these helpful little creatures, the honey bees.
     I already have taken some small steps in the right direction. Why, just this week-I weeded our pachysandra and roses, pulled up overgrowth that covered the wee sidewalk on the side of our garage, and watered the roses as well.
     And as if that wasn't enough-I also went to help out at my in-laws. My in-laws that are bee keepers. And have a bee supply store. And had a semi truck deliver 808 packages of bees to their house yesterday. Those were 3 pound packages. That contained 10,000 bees in each package. They had 8 MILLION bees delivered to the store at their house. And I helped-carry packages to the truck to be loaded for today's delivery, helped hand out packages to the customers that were picking them up to replenish their hives that were hard hit by our extremely long, cold winter. Most bee keepers in our area lost their entire hives due to the harsh winter.
     One customer said she loved the humming sound of the bees, that it was so soothing to her. Um, that was not my first thought. To me, the garage filled with thousands and thousands of bees is more of a crescendo in the symphonic score of a movie about the killer swarm that will wipe out the entire town. A cat purring is soothing, the waves rolling into the shore at the state park is soothing, or maybe a gentle rain pattering on the roof could be called soothing. Not the humming of the bees. It unnerves me.
     Yet, I can't deny how amazing they are. The way they cluster around their queen, the amount of heat their tiny bodies produce-tangible as I pick up the screened package, even on a chilly spring evening. It amazes me to think of the role that these humble bees play in our lives, how without them-our crops and orchards would soon fail, our ability to feed ourselves would be wiped out.
     I am proud of my in-laws, the way they have started this business when they could have just sat back to enjoy a retirement. They have found something they care about deeply and work to share their knowledge, products, and skills with others. They are working to help make our small part of the world a much better place-from the classes they help teach, the people they educate by providing lectures to various groups, and by being involved in our community. My father-in-law helped the city when they needed to produce an ordinance for keeping bees in town.
     This is just further proof to me-that no matter what your dream is-it is never to late to work towards making that dream come true. I am thankful for my in-laws being able to inspire others through their start up of their own business. I am glad to be a small part of this and a witness to it as well.                                             

Please Consider Helping Svetlana

     The teen years and early young adulthood can be turbulent. You often feel you don't fit in anywhere. You are trying to break free from your family and form your own identity. There is anxiety and stress, but also the happiness and sense of adventure that can come with new experiences. There can be friction with your family as you pull away and bond with your friends. It can be caused by your making a choice to follow a career path your family might not agree with-forgoing a teaching certificate to get a fine arts master's  or majoring in an obscure language.
     I know I experienced these normal ups and downs as did most of my friends. I also know that no matter how much I was annoyed by small conflicts with my family, I was always grateful that they were there to guide or at least console me as I made my way on my life's journey.
     I cannot begin to imagine what life must be like for Svetlana. She has not had the support of family to guide her in her young life. She is an orphan that grew up with the minimal care of an orphanage. She has one very much younger half brother that is living here in the U.S.-having been adopted by a friend of mine and her husband. Now my friend is working to be an advocate for Svetlana-as Svetlana has fond herself in a dire situation.
     Svetlana is severely ill with tuberculosis. She lives in Ukraine. Ukraine is in turmoil right now. It is hard for Svetlana to receive care because of this and because she is poor and an orphan. Kim de Belcourt is working to arrange care and treatment for Svetlana. She has set up a campaign to raise funds for this young lady. Please go to the Facebook page that has been set up to provide information about this situation and please consider if you may be able to help somehow.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-Svetlana/248103858705210

My 3rd Storybook Is Released!

     I am super excited to be able to share with you that my 3rd storybook has been published through MeeGenius.com This one is entitled, "Who Are You?" It features a little boy who wonders how he can help the new girl in his class feel welcome. It features love, cookies, and wise advice from Mom.
     It also has a few personal touches interwoven in the story from me.The new little girl at school is named Marie. This is in honor of my grandmother. I didn't have a chance to tell her this. I found out the book had been accepted for publication just days before my grandma's 99th birthday. I didn't tell her at the little party we had on her birthday because I didn't want to distract from the party or her being the center of attention by talking about my book. I planned to tell her about this on Valentine's Day when I went to visit, sort of as my Valentine to her. I never got that chance as she passed away on February 3rd.
     I also named the teacher in the storybook with the last name of one of my best friends from my childhood days, Jenny Fopma, thus the wise "Miss Fopma" is leading the class with her good advice. It is also a shout out to Kerry and Eileen Fopma as well.
     The third book release is just as exciting as the first book release. When you have a moment-please follow the link and enjoy the preview of the book. Then consider maybe buying the book for one of your favorite young readers.

http://www.meegenius.com/readers/1/c7518072c9859bf537ba8351df707848

And here is a Pinterest Page for the new storybook: http://www.pinterest.com/terrikrowe/who-are-you/

Tintagel

     So-with the start of the new year, comes the start of all the dreams I have for my writing and other schemes. I have signed up for two different writing challenges. One is "Start the Year Off Write Challenge." More details about this challenge can be found by following the link below.

"http://www.shannonabercrombie.com/my-blog/

     This one involves taking the writing prompts and challenges that are posted each day and applying them to your own projects. I decided to revisit a poem I have been toying with for years. It is a blend of fact and fiction, as all my writing is.

Tintagel

Her hair is wild, wind swept waves.

Trapped, she no longer leaves this bed.

I sit and wonder what to say,

Words float between us, scurrying away.

A stranger to her self, as she is to me.

Eyes roam round the room,

What exactly does she see?

I see her standing on the edge of the rocks.

We peered down at the frothy shore.

The setting for the tales she told of pirates and their gold.

Tintagel. Mystery and majesty all in one word.

Barely a whisper on her lips, as I recall the fortress ruins.

Her loneliness crushes us as she shivers and weeps,

mumbling to all that have disappeared and left her waiting.

She is the only, lonely keeper of her memories.

No one left to recall the small girl trudging off to school,

hair pulled in tight pigtails, no one remembers the blushing bride.

I long to tell her, I will remember all the stories she told,

they are more precious to me than cities of gold.

I long to say it's okay for her to leave me here, there is nothing left to fear.

Family, friends, and a loving God eagerly await her, calling her near.

Suddenly there is a riot of bells and buzzers, crying in alarm.

Nurses rush in checking the monitors' beacons, grasping at her slender arm.

The notebook I have feverishly been writing in drops to the floor.

As I think of rushing for the door, my pen slips from my grasp.

It rolls along, resting against a wheel of the bed, a momentary haven

before it is crushed as the defibrillator wheels from the room.

Truth; my tears are not sadness. She will not be back, she is truly free.

Books-My #1 Favorite Type of Gift: Featuring an Interview with Author Jennifer Young

     It is one of my favorite times of year! I love the holidays,everything about them, including gathering with friends and family to celebrate the season. And this often includes the exchanging of gifts. And to me, the best gift to give or receive is a BOOK!
     Ever since I was a wee small child I have loved getting new books. It helps that my mother used to keep a stash of inexpensive "Golden Books" tucked away in a cupboard, wrapped in colorful tissue papers, for the occasions when I would wistfully say, "I sure wish someone would give me a present." At three, getting gifts twice a year-at Christmas or my birthday, just didn't seem adequate. My mother came up with an inexpensive solution that also promoted my life long love of reading books, especially storybooks.
     And that brings me to some exciting news about my friend and fellow author, Jennifer Young, and her new storybook that was just published! Her second book has just been released. I am quite excited about this second book as I very much enjoyed her first book, "Poison Apple Pie."
 http://www.meegenius.com/book/6067/poison-apple-pie

     I am excited about this new book for so many reasons-knowing it will be as inventive and intriguing as her first one-from the previews I have seen, and also because it is available in more than one medium.  
     The title of her newest storybook is "A Cherry Tomato on Top."

http://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Tomato-Top-Jennifer-Young/dp/0991323106/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

       I know that if my mother was still purchasing books to tuck away in  her cupboard of gifts, this one would be a great one to add to her collection. Even with the rush and business of this holiday season, Jennifer was able to do an interview with me about her books, writing, and publishing. I am always grateful for her willingness to share her knowledge as a writer, her fabulous books, and her generous spirit. 

http://jennyleeyoung.blogspot.com/   
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Young-Author/183657151679111

Hi Terri! I have the answers. Let me know if you like me to send it to your email as well.

Have you always been a writer?

I’ve always loved to write, but I just started writing for kids since my first daughter was one. Now she’s six.

What was the first story you had published?

Poison Apple Pie was my first published picture book which came out with MeeGenius in March 2012.

We met through our affiliation with MeeGenius and their Author Challenge contest, please share with us your experience of taking this unusual route to publication?

Back in 2011,I had a manuscript ready to submit to the MeeGenius contest so I sent it in. It met the qualifications for their contest and I believe about 400 authors entered overall. The contest was set up so other people could vote for your story in order to get published. My story had many votes but it wasn’t one of the winners. MeeGenius decided to publish Poison Apple Pie anyway along with some other stories that didn’t win.

What has your experience been with being digitally published? Do you wish the book was available in print?

I can show people my story right from my iphone. Poison Apple Pie can be read to you with each word being highlighted or you can read it by yourself. I do wish the book was available in print since most people I talk to seem to want something tangible in their hands. At my author school visit, I was able to share my book with the help of a smart board. It was easy to use, not at all awkward and it was fun. I also attended two author meet and greets at my local town library. I gave away bookmarks and flyers since I didn’t have any actual books present to sign. Ideally, I could have easily showed them how to download the MeeGenius app and then from there they could purchase my book but the library didn’t have wifi available (therefore the downloading was very slow) It would be wonderful to have my books in both formats but I’m very happy with having them in at least one.

What is the title of that MeeGenius story, what inspired it?

Poison Apple Pie is the title. In the story the main character Winka is a witch in fairy tale land and she tries to find a job that she can’t mess up. She gets hired by The Magic Mirror on the wall and somehow figures out how to fix her mistake with a poison apple pie -Oops! I just gave away the ending! J

Please tell us about your newest book.

My newest picture book is called A CHERRY TOMATO ON TOP. It’s available in paperback and eBook. It was published on December 8th 2013 with Willow Moon Publishing. It’s about a boy named Gordy who lives in a backwards world where fruits and veggies are considered junk food. Gordy’s parents influence him to eat better by giving him healthy options like candy apples and marshmallows for meals. But all Gordy wants is to snack on is junk food, especially cherry tomatoes.

How has this publishing experience been different?

With MeeGenius, I submitted my manuscript as a contest entry in September of 2011 (which also meant I signed a contract with them by submitting it)They selected an illustrator and my story was completed in about three months, on March 23rd 2012. I didn’t have any collaboration in the illustration process. From start to finish it took about 6 months to publish.

With Willow Moon Publishing, I submitted a query letter for A CHERRY TOMATO ON TOP to the editor/publisher back on June 17th, 2011. She got back to me a month later and requested to read the full manuscript for review. In October, I signed my first publishing contract with her. In Late January 2013, the publisher assigned Elisa the illustrator. From there, Elisa and I collaborated on the illustrations of the book. From start to finish it took about 30 months to publish.

Will this book also be available digitally?

Yes, A CHERRY TOMATO ON TOP is available as a paperback and digitally in the Nook and Kindle edition.

Do you prefer the storybook genre overall?

Yes, writing picture books for kids ages 4-8 is my favorite. I also like writing stories for 2+. In the future, I’d like to try writing a serious of not-so-scary ghost stories for kids.

What is your next project?

My next picture book coming out is called BABY BUG’s YAWN with MeeGenius in March of 2014. It’s a rhyming bedtime story geared toward kids 2+

(Note from Terri-please make sure you all check here in March for Jennifer's next release: http://www.meegenius.com/ )

Any advice for aspiring writers?

If you love writing and want to get better join a critique group or two. Join Julie Hedlund’s 12 x 12 group. Join Tara Lazar’s PiBoIdMo. Join the SCBWI for an even larger community of writers. Keep writing and always keep reading.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog Terri!

Magical Time of Year

     So, for me, even as an adult, this is still a magical time of year. I eagerly anticipate the first snows. I enjoy the hanging up of  lights, getting a tree or putting up our artificial one, putting up ornaments, and baking cookies.
     I love the way the first snows blanket the world, changing the landscape into something vaguely familiar, yet newly beautiful and sparkly. The way the holiday lights interact with the crystals in the flakes is truly a wonder to me.
     And, yes, it gets a bit too hectic for me at times. Stress and other joy busters try to drop by for their annual holiday visits but I encourage them to leave as quickly as possible and not leave tracks in my freshly decorated house.
     I have had so many extra blessings added in to this already busy holiday season. I started a new job, which I am extremely grateful for and anticipate that I will really enjoy as I learn more each day. I also had the added bonus of receiving an email last weekend alerting me to the fact that my second storybook, "Emily Cat's Tale" had been released for digital publication.
     Then, I found out that my friend and fellow author, Jennifer Young, wanted to do an interview with me and two other MeeGenius authors that were releasing their second storybooks as well. I am truly blessed to have the support of a great online writing community and a fabulous publishing/production team at MeeGenius to support me as a writer!
      When you have a moment-please check out Jennifer's blog and the interview she wrote up.
http://jennyleeyoung.blogspot.com/2013/12/interview-with-three-meegenius-authors.html

     Also, when you have another spare moment, please check out this link to a preview of the first few pages of "Emily Cat's Tale" and perhaps, consider buying it as a gift for one of your favorite young readers in your life. It's a cute little story based on an incident with my niece when she was quite a little girl, back when she was the flower girl in our wedding.
     This is a brief description of the book:
          "Emily Cat is getting ready for her big role in the town play! Her whole family is
     even going to watch. Read along to find out if Emily will strike it big, or the
     curtains will come down around her!"
     http://www.meegenius.com/readers/1/62784b0176683e938cd612269ac23b6c