tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7998192100231862002024-02-08T05:59:38.594-08:00Amy's AnticsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799819210023186200.post-36193063062648971392013-03-26T04:45:00.000-07:002013-03-26T04:45:09.661-07:00This week's columnhttp://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130326/LIFE/303260012/A-Mom-s-Life-On-kids-chaos-and-courtesy?LifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799819210023186200.post-38907357923881201892013-03-17T05:26:00.003-07:002013-03-17T05:26:50.791-07:00Setting aside the rhymeWhen you're not a poet, and don't even have a background in literature, it's amazing what you think makes up a poem. I've been humbled in the past few weeks with some of my stories. But, the enjoyment of writing them, and feeling my brain contract and expand in a new, creative way has been worth it. Now, I'm wondering if I should put in the time to fix the rhyme and meter (which I don't quite understand yet), or if I should plow ahead with my other children's prose. Here's my unmetered Fluster Fiend, which is full of near-rhymes. But, I'm hopeful you'll enjoy it anyway.<br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">The Fluster Fiend by Amy </span><span class="s3">Lorentzen</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
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<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Fluster Fiend haunts me nearly each day,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">when</span><span class="s3"> I'm trying to run, or even quietly play.</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He trips up my feet, knocks down my blocks,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">turns</span><span class="s3"> over my spoon, and slicks up my socks.</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
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<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He's some kind of ghoul or specter or ghost -</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I can't see him, but he attacks kids the most.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When we smash or crash, or lose our grip,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I think I hear him snicker: "Tough break kid."</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Trip. Slip. Ouch. Zoom. </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What's that? Is the Fiend up in my room?</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I make for the stairs, but he grabs my toes.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That's when the rug folds, and I fall on my nose. </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When I ask my mom "How could this be?"</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">she</span><span class="s3"> says it's something to do with </span><span class="s3">gravi</span><span class="s3">-teeth.</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I knew Fiend had hands everywhere, </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">but</span><span class="s3"> tough </span><span class="s3">chompers</span><span class="s3"> too? Children beware!</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Parents find Fiend explanations in doubt.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When he breaks the candy dish, WE'RE sent to time out!</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Most of the time, he causes slip ups or falls,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">like</span><span class="s3"> when I plowed into a prickly plant at the mall. </span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ick. Stick. Yikes. Blush.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Did I just hear my superhero get crushed? </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I hurry for the toy bin. What's Fiend do next?</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He catches my shirt on the doorknob, now it's stretched.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mom scolds me for making a big mess,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">especially</span><span class="s3"> when she sees my toys in distress.</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Was it me, or Fiend, who slammed the lid down?</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now superhero's head is missing its crown.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Fiend is mean. He'll leave you feeling blue.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Your parents will wonder "What's got into you?"</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, when you're flustered, please just shout:</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Listen up Fiend - I want you OUT!"</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Most of the time he'll be on his way, </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">but</span><span class="s3"> sometimes </span><span class="s3">Fiend'll</span><span class="s3"> mess up the whole day.</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Manners and care will lessen your hassle,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">with</span><span class="s3"> a Flustering Fiend, that's how you do battle. </span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ready. Watchful. Wondering. Worried. </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Come on Fiend, be gone in a hurry!</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But, oh no, Fiend's favorite time of day, </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">is</span><span class="s3"> at dinner when there's food to play.</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I sit down at the table, say "thank you" and "please."</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But, of course, I get flustered and bang my knees.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The fork appears steady ... but just then,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">the</span><span class="s3"> Fiend wobbles me, and it seems to bend. </span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Spit. Drop. Splat. Smile. </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My mashed potatoes plop on the floor in a pile. </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I may not be able to see Fiend's grin, </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">but</span><span class="s3"> he must be smiling at the trouble I'm in. </span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Up to my room, no dessert for me.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">My </span><span class="s3">lil</span><span class="s3">' sis savors her ice cream joyfully.</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Fiend seems to have won for today, </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">but</span><span class="s3"> there's still bath time and I won't be dismayed. </span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dad comes in with pajamas in hand,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"In the tub son, and no Fiend shenanigans!"</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I carefully maneuver around the spout,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">do</span><span class="s3"> my cleaning, and politely ask to get out.</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sad. Sorry. Tired. Stuck.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dad's worried: "Why no splashing and bubbly muck?" </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">'I've made too many messes today.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Fiend has won, he's had his way."</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dad dresses me and tucks me in tight,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">then</span><span class="s3"> he stubs his toe when he turns out the light.</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"That Fiend," he bellows, "he's a terrible wretch.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But now he's after me son, you don't have to fret." </span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Tomorrow you'll tread without falling down,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">you'll</span><span class="s3"> play baseball and race cars with no Fiend around."</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"And if you do bump, drop, trip or break,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">you'll</span><span class="s3"> pick yourself up, and know it's just a mistake."</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Relieved. Thankful. Hopeful. Joy.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now I can just rest and dream of toys.</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Or maybe I'll run to my desk with a bound,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">to</span><span class="s3"> plan for Dad's safety if Fiend sticks around. </span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On second thought, I'll walk over so nice,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">and</span><span class="s3"> put pen to paper and give Dad advice:</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"When you're flustered and down, all you need is a friend,</span></div>
<div class="s4" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">then</span><span class="s3"> you'll be the one who wins in the end!"</span></span></div>
<div class="s5" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica; margin-bottom: 5px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="s2" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799819210023186200.post-22362832450660168402013-03-13T16:48:00.003-07:002013-03-13T16:48:42.552-07:00And a new column<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">A nod to some friendly mommy bloggers.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013303050021</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799819210023186200.post-5295263855881598392013-03-13T16:45:00.002-07:002013-03-13T16:45:15.421-07:00Dowton Abbey article by yours trulyHere's a link to my latest: <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">http://abcnews.go.com/Health/t/story/todays-casual-decor-meets-downton-abbey-style-18709045</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799819210023186200.post-53623159783927393562013-03-10T17:39:00.002-07:002013-03-10T17:39:25.215-07:00Not a metered rhyme, but not wasted timeRealizing that my unmetered rhyme won't make it far commercially, but what fun writing it! On to some less poetic, more storytelling endeavors and journalistic pursuits. Downton Abbey Decor backread should be in soon. Upcoming column on self-righteous parents to be written early this week. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799819210023186200.post-82702950153540985952013-03-10T17:38:00.001-07:002013-03-10T17:38:26.625-07:00Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799819210023186200.post-89264219015425237572013-03-06T09:51:00.000-08:002013-03-06T11:37:14.515-08:00Hemingway and Cooking the OctopusI took the day off from writing yesterday ... just reading. "Sun Also Rises" was my main distraction, and an essay about a friend's challengew with parenting a daughter through troubled years and into their adult relationship. Wow, what a journey. "<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">V</span><span class="s5" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">ocab</span><span class="s5" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">ularies</span><span class="s5" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> and </span><span class="s5" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Their</span><span class="s5" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> Subversion</span><span class="s5" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">: A Reminiscence" by John Domini. Y</span></span>ou can check it out in his upcoming book of essays "Cooking the Octopus." Need to get my paperwork completed and mailed off for the SCBWI - Iowa Chapter Spring Conference to learn more about children's publishing. Came up with a fabulous idea for a nonfiction adult book ... so many ideas, so little time to write. I think this is one idea you might hear about from me in the future though. Stay tuned ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799819210023186200.post-6930002417266154922013-03-04T12:19:00.002-08:002013-03-04T12:19:43.451-08:00I've been somewhat scattered today ... setting up interviews for the column, writing about post-Edwardian era decor, and polishing up Toby's toenails (Toby is a character in one of my stories). Whew. Oh yeah, and filling out loads of preschool paperwork for the trainmaster and elephant tamer. Wine with an old friend and very accomplished writer tonight.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799819210023186200.post-66318969109030974722013-03-03T12:14:00.002-08:002013-03-03T12:14:30.733-08:00So, what am I working on? Other than my freelance journalism endeavors for The AP and The Register, I'm trying to become a published children's author (in my mind, I AM a children's author since I've written stories that I find delightful, so the key goal here is "published"). Am I trying to make a million dollars? No. I've just had so much fun reading the kids' books and I've got a few stories to tell that take my mind away from the mundane and into something magical. It's an absolutely new feeling for me. Labor of love, folks.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799819210023186200.post-12136024135196637982013-03-03T11:53:00.001-08:002013-03-03T11:53:26.871-08:00My pocketbook is hurting a bit today after spending $85 to join the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, but it feels great to make plans to meet other authors, get some critiques, and hopefully be on the road to being published. And, what do you know, there's an Iowa chapter, and they're having a workshop in April right near my in-laws. Score!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0