billie the girl

Review: Clean Water for Elirose

2011-11-30T13:47:00.001-08:00

I just read Clean Water for Elirose by Ariah Fine and I have to say how impressed I am. This is a simple yet engaging children's book that addresses how there are some children who don't have clean water to drink. It is a great introduction to a very real issue without being too weighty for littles.

Some things I loved:

How the voice of the story is told from a kid's perspective, so it's one kid talking to another.
The cultural diversity! As well as learning about children all the way on the other side of the world, the narrators neighborhood friends come in a lot of different shades. :)
How the story opens kids eyes to a sad issue without being sad, and lets them know their is something very real they can do to help.

This I didn't love:

Nothing

What a great Christmas gift idea to set a young child on the path to being aware of the plight of others and lend a helping hand.

Buy it now at http://cleanwaterforelirose.com.

For how much you ask? Well the pricing is a Pay-What-You-Can model to bring maximum awareness to this important issue. It starts at just $3 including shipping!! (Yes ladies and gentlemen, two exclamation points, it's that exciting). Book sales are all donated so maybe you could do better than that but what a great way to educate, right?

Here is some info from the author:

From Ariah Fine: "I'm going to give away one book a day from Dec. 1st to Dec. 15th. There are a few ways to enter each day:

Like the Clean Water for Elirose Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/CleanWaterForElirose
Refer someone to "Like" The facebook page (proven by them posting your name on our wall as the person who referred them)
Follow @WaterForElirose on Twitter
Tweet or post on Facebook about Clean Water for Elirose linking back to the website, facebook or twitter page
Blog about Clean Water for Elirose on your blog (counts as two entries) - And you might want to post it on our Facebook or email info@cleanwaterforelirose.com just so we don't miss it."

Stay tuned for an update on how my kids like the story when I share it with them!

Book Review: The House of Hope

2011-11-20T14:17:00.001-08:00

Robin and Joyce Hill lived in a gated community in Beijing. Their family's life was marked by luxury and the security of Robin's job as an engineer. Then one day, as members of their church, they had a chance to tour a state-run orphanage. Haunted by the needs of the children they saw there, for the next four years they tried to help the institute in meaningful ways.

I volunteered to read The House of Hope because of myinterest in China and adoption. I was surprised to find an emotional anduplifting story worthy of a movie screenplay.

I can honestly say this book was gripping. Everything fromthe bits of personal information they share, to the individual stories of thechildren, to how God leads and grows the ministry is really amazing. I think Iended up reading it in just two or three days because I wanted to see what wasgoing to happen. It sounds funny to write that about a true story but it's true!

I stronglyrecommend you purchase a copy of this terrific book, especially since all proceedsare going to help the Hills work.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Beautiful Words: Seabiscuit

2011-11-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

Loved this passage regarding thoroughbred horses from Laura Hillenbrand's Seabiscuit today:

...he swoops over as much as twenty-eight feet of earth in a single stride, and corners on a dime. His body is a paradox of mass and lightness, crafted to slip through air with the ease of an arrow. His mind is impressed with a single command: run. He pursues speed with superlative courage, pushing beyond defeat, beyond exhaustion, sometimes beyond the structural limits of bone and sinew. In flight, he is nature's ultimate wedding of form and purpose.

Review: Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

2011-10-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

I’m embarassed to admit it, but I have a bad habit ofwriting off authors like Max Lucado that have massive appeal and seem to have anew book out every other month. For some reason that makes some part of me say,“Anything that has such a massive audience must pander to the lowest commondenominator and can’t be that good”. All this judging before I’ve even pickedup one of their books. Silly I know.

Especially when the subject is asimportant as in Outlive Your Life. Because, let’s face it, you are going todie. I am going to die. And chances are it’s going to happen sooner than wethink. In this book Mr. Lucado sets out to win your emotions and logic withstories and statistics that show that 1) You were created to make a difference 2)It is possible for you to make adifference and even 3) God is waiting and wanting to use you in all thisdifference making. His writing is easy to read –but that isn’t a bad thing.It’s obvious he’s hoping that you will see yourself differently and respondaccordingly, not use his book as a basis for grand theological discussions andkeep living as though you were immortal.

This book was provided to me for review purposes for free.

A Lancaster County Christmas Review & Giveaway

2011-09-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.

I've always been interested in what motivates people to do what they do. I've often wished I could peek inside others thoughts, for no other reason than good old fashioned curiosity, much the same way I wish I could peek into interesting looking homes.

I think that's why I enjoyed Suzanne Woods Fisher's A Lancaster County Christmas so much. Whether Amish or "English", man or woman, by Mrs. Fisher's pen you get to look inside the thoughts and hearts of characters that you care about.

At the center of the story are two couples; one is comprised of a teacher and photographer who are holding on to their marriage by a thread, the other is an amish couple struggling after their hopes for a baby are let down again. A driving snow storm puts them all together on Christmas Eve (rather begrudgingly at first).

I found the story to be super enjoyable and engaging. I felt really peaceful while I was reading it thanks to the likable characters and the warm tone of the book. When I wasn't reading it, I was excited to guess what might happen next.

I also enjoyed reading about the Amish way of life. The author incorporates the day to day rituals of the Amish as well as the beliefs and traditions they've practiced and passed on for generations.

It was also nice to read about married couples, so many of the books I review are "first love" stories, which is all fine and good, but I found it refreshing to read a book that acknowledges the hardships don't end once you ride off into the sunset on your wedding day.

On to the giveaway!

To celebrate the release of her first Christmas book, Suzanne Woods Fisher has teamed up with her publisher, Revell, to bring you the "Christmas in September" iPad Giveaway! The winner will be announced on 9/27 at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party! Details below. Tell your friends and join in the fun (9/7-9/27).

Oh and be sure to follow the blog tour here - many of the bloggers have copies of the book to giveaway!

Suzanne and Revell will be presenting one merry winner with a Christmas Prize Pack (valued at over $600):

A Brand New iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
$25 gift certificate to iTunes
A copy of A Lancaster County Christmas

To enter, click one of the icons below. But, hurry the giveaway ends on 9/26.

But, wait! There's more! The winner will be announced at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party on 9/27 at Suzanne's author page. During the party she'll be revealing something *BIG* - you won't want to miss it. She'll also be hosting a book chat, trivia contest and giving away a few early Christmas presents! Hope to see you there.

Spring for Susannah Review and Giveaway!

2011-06-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

Spring for Susannah is a great read from first time author Catherine Richmond. She succeeds in making you wholeheartedly care for her painfully shy heroine, care for the husband she marries 'sight unseen' and the marriage that needs to survive their incompatibility and the rigors of pioneer life in the Dakota Territory.

I thought it was interesting that despite the huge conflicts of marrying someone you've never met and moving to a place you've never been, Susannah's main conflict is internal: she has to overcome a critical and nearly loveless childhood to accept love when it's offered to her, from Jesse and God.

The couple go through a lot of trials before it all ends and I almost wonder if it wouldn't have been better as two books with everything that happens. Also, if you're thinking of passing this to a younger/unmarried daughter or friend you may want to hold off as the book does cover some "marriage stuff" that, while still PG (which I really appreciated) may be distracting to someone who isn't already married. :)

All in all, it was a really fun read, I'd be interested to pick up whatever Mrs. Richmond publishes next. Oh yes, before I forget, this book was provided to me for free for review purposes. Now, on to the giveaway info!

To celebrate her debut novel, Catherine and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away a Spring For Susannah Prize Package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen

* Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond (for KINDLE)

To enter just click one of the icons below and then tell your friends! But hurry, giveaway ends on June 27th. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 28th at 5 PM (6PM MST, 7PM CST, & 8PM EST) during Catherine's Spring for Susannah Book Club Party on Facebook! Catherine is rustling up some fun for the party - she'll be chatting about the story behind her novel, hosting a book club chat, testing your mail-order bride trivia skills, and giving away some GREAT prizes! Don't miss the fun and tell your friends!

"Branded" Review and Contest

2011-06-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

I'm fascinated with how people think, why they do what they do and what motivates them to change. Like why one commercial makes you want to buy, another one doesn't and a third one you don't even remember actual gets you to make a purchase. Great marketing always impresses me.

Unfortunately, the way Christians market themselves, their ideas and their savior tends to be on the other end of the spectrum.

That is what is addressed in Branded. I saw a lot of Seth Godin in this book, (famous marketing author for you normal people who don't read marketing books for fun). That's great. He's all about spreading idea's in a natural, authentic way through excellence--which could be the subject of a whole 'nother book (maybe we just don't realize how excellent God is *cough* Crazy Love! *cough*).

The book is geared to be a wake up call to people and churches who are still trying to 'sell' Jesus the same old way we always have and why it's not going to work anymore (and sadly, already doesn't work).

My favorite part of the book is Sinclair's assertion that we need to be real. Not just "I got Jesus and now my life is perfect" but really real and I'm not so great at that. But I'll be working on it.

I was hoping for more ideas on how to implement better 'branding' (and author Tim Sinclair does have a thought provoking spring board session in one of the chapters which I appreciated).

This book was provided free of charge to me by the publisher so I could give you my opinion on it.

Giveaway Info:
Kregel Publications is sponsoring a $50 Amazon.com giveaway!
Want in? Send a tweet (using #litfuse) about Branded or share about it on Facebook!

If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use @litfuse. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, email them at info@litfusegroup.com and let 'em know. Easy.

Not sure what to tweet/post? Here's an idea.

TWEET THIS: Branded by @timjsinclair - Jesus is a life-changing product with lousy sales-people! @litfuse http://ow.ly/566nr

FACEBOOK THIS: Branded by Tim Sinclair is a compelling look at what Christians can learn from companies like Apple & Starbucks about sharing their faith! Jesus is a life-changing product with lousy sales-people! http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13338985

A Reluctant Queen Review & Contest

2011-06-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

A Reluctant Queen Review & Contest

I’ve got two words for you: page 30. Up until page 30 I was a little worried. Things seemed a little… dry (Watch as beautiful Esther prepares dinner for her Uncle! Esther giggling with her friends at the marketplace! Watering plants!).

But then Esther’s Uncle asks her to be the voice of the Jews—by marrying a man who is from a strange land, a different religion, a divorcee and, oh yeah, the great king. From this point on I was so sucked in it wasn’t even funny. I enjoyed the way the author fearlessly took over the story to make it engaging. She “what if’s” new and interesting characters and scenarios all while sprinkling historical elements in that make the time period come alive.

Two soaked, massaged and scented thumbs up (You'll get that reference after you read the book ;) ).

**Contest Info Yo!**
To celebrate Joan Wolf’s debut Christian Fiction title, A Reluctant Queen, Joan and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away A Reluctant Queen prize package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen

* A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf (for KINDLE)

To enter, just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the contest ends on June 20th. Winner will be announced on June 21st during Joan’s A Reluctant Queen Book Club Party on Facebook (details below)! Hope to see you there!

Join the fun on June 21st!

Joan will be wrapping up the blog tour and Kindle giveaway promotion during her A Reluctant Queen FACEBOOK party on her FB author page. During the party she'll announce the winner of the Kindle, host a book chat discussion, test your trivia skills (Is Esther's story in A Reluctant Queen fact or fiction?), and more. Don't miss this chance to meet the author and make some new friends!

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

2011-04-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Jane Klassen
The Blurb: Banished from the only home she's ever known, Mariah Aubrey hides herself away in an abandoned gatehouse on a distant relative's estate. There she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how—by writing novels in secret.

The author is a Jane Austen fan and it shows. Like many of the other reviewers I read it in one day. The mix of the period, mystery of Mariah's past and her romantic interest was enough to keep me turning pages well into the night. Though, as with Jane Austen novels, there were times when I wanted to smack the characters about a little.

I also enjoyed the ancillary characters and the niblets in the story about the times, like the scene where she makes herself a pen. And while I thought parts of the very ending were a little hard to believe. I honestly didn't care. It was an enjoyable read and that's what I wanted. :)

My copy of the book was provided for review purposes by Bethany House publishers.

The Boy Who Changed the World

2011-04-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

I received a download review copy of The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews and illustrated by Philip Hurst. I really liked the premise of the story. The title names one boy who changes the world but it's actually about 4 people, who, in the end, save 2 billion people from starvation.

In American culture we love the lone hero who sets out alone and gets a job done, or captures the bad guy, or changes history, etc. The message of The Boy Who Changed the World, is that God uses all kinds of people to do awesome things, by both the small and big decisions they make that reflect him. That is a great lesson for kids and adults alike to read and reflect on.

Life Ready Woman Giveaway!

2011-02-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

So things got a little discombobulated on this book tour. The shipping date of the book from got pushed back, past my leave-for-Hawaii date (eek!). I arranged to have it mailed from Vegas to here but alas, it still hasn’t arrived. So my review is on hold. As soon as I read it I’ll let you know my thoughts. What’s it about? Here’s the blurb:

Thankfully, God has given us exactly that timeless, unchanging guidance for how to find peace, clarity, and God's best for our lives once we know where to look! The Life Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World, reveals a profound biblical roadmap for how each of us can find the abundant life we are longing for, rather than the stressful, torn, how-do-I-balance-it-all life we often feel like we are trying to keep up with today. Actually being a LifeReady Woman means that you are clear about your life, bold in your faith, and able to find God’s best for you, and the end result will be that you not only survive but thrive in our do-it-all world.

I’m actually very excited to get it because the topic of “doing it all” vs “doing just what God wants you to do” has been weighing on my mind lately. Also because I thought the other books I’ve read by Shaunti Fieldhaun, For Women Only and yes, I admit it, For Men Only (I wanted to see what she was going to say about me :) ) had some valuable stuff for my marriage.

Of course, all this postal delay doesn’t mean you can’t particiapte in the contest Shaunti is having!

CONTEST INFO:
In celebration of Shaunti Feldhahn’s Life Ready Woman, MomLife Today is giving away 2 Weekend To Remember Gift Packs and much more!

Weekend To Remember Get-Aways offer marriage-changing principles that you can take home and apply to your daily lives to strengthen your marriage. Whether you are newly engaged or have been married for 50 years, you will find value in the tools provided at the getaway.

Don’t miss this opportunity to receive a conference registration for you and your spouse
… and more! MomLife Today will be randomly selecting NINE lucky recipients to
receive one of these great gifts:

2 Weekend To Remember Get Away conference registrations for two. $259 value
each pair (Two couples will receive this.)
2 Life Ready Woman DVD packs. $149 value each (Two different
people will receive this gift.)
5 The Life Ready Woman books. (Book will go to 5 people.)

To enter click one of the icons below then tell your friends. Winner will be announced
on March 2nd on the MomLife Today website.

Also, along with a reading copy I have also been supplied with a copy to give away (yay!). So if you're interested stay tuned for my review for details on how to win a copy. :)

Too Good Not to Share

2010-11-28T15:32:00.000-08:00

For your amusement:

Minus 13!

Thanks Mercedes. :)

I'm Back!

2010-11-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

I came back from the conference and hit the ground running: work, an Atlas Takes Aim show, more work, blah, blah, blah.

It's been like life doesn't want me to have a minute to reflect. But reflect I will gosh darn it. I've got to get ready for work in a few minutes so here's an abbreviated version of some of the takeaways from the conference:

Mom was right when she said "It never hurts to ask". It also never hurts to start a conversation with the conference attendees sitting next to you (I have a really cool story I'm going to tell you later about this). Especially when you approach your conversations thinking how you can help the person.

Did you know deer live in the desert?
I saw deer at the conference. This is
not one of them but I can't find my
camera so this is what you get.

In the same vein, go up and talk to that author across the room whom you admire. If they are anything like the fabulous Kersten Hamilton or Jan Johnson they will make your conference experience awesome by taking an interest in you as a person and giving you some advice to think about.

You can't go to every single class, lecture and event the conference is holding and if you try you will burn yourself out on the first day. Pace yourself and if you need to take a break, take a break.

God is still more interested in you as his child than you as a writer. Even if your writing is the sauce.

If you have to wake up in the middle of the night to pump and will have to walk outside in 25 degree weather (however briefly) to get to the bathroom, you will be happy you spent the extra money four years ago to buy real Uggs, rather than those knockoffs you were eyeing at Target.

Word.

:) billie

Last Week Grand Totals!

2010-11-07T23:21:00.000-08:00

How I Feel in Music

The video quality is bad, but you get the idea.

If Rock and or Roll offends you watch this one instead:

(This video is so awesome. I mean come on, disco + violins always equals awesome. If you doubt it check out the bongo player at 2:16 - 2:34. He is sold on the awesome. BTW, this is the very same song I used to clean my room to back in the day.)

And now the source of my merriment:

Weeks Left: 0 (!!)

Funds left to raise: $0

(Thank you Uncle Ira! Much gratitude Elisha!)

More posting to come soon but right now I'm sleepy.

~billie :)

Stokageness

2010-11-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking.

Just in case you're unsure, your thoughts are as follows: What on earth could make billie so stoked that she would choose that ridiculous title for her post?

My bizzy cards arrived today and look! they have my picture right there on the card! Stokeageness!

~ billie :)

What the Amish, Alters and Abortions Have in Common

2010-10-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

In my last post I asked what abortion, the Amish and altars all have in common and the answer is they are all the subject matters of the book proposals I planned to take with me to the writers conference. I say planned because Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher is pretty much the exact book I had planned to write, so scratch that one from the list.

My other concept is about the memorial stones or altars God had people of the Old Testament build and how this concept applied today can build your faith and help you pass it on in a natural way that is uniquely suited to your personality. It's a cooler idea than it sounds but I haven't worked out all the wrinkles just yet. ;)

And the last idea is a book called Unexpected Miracle and it's a book of stories of women who got pregnant unexpectedly and had their children rather than an abortion. It will explore their stories, whether they chose adoption, to keep their baby or to have a family member raise her baby. Hopefully this will be a book unhappily pregnant (sorry I don't women will read when considering their options something women will turn to when they're thinking about

I also need to write something for the conference book and I have no ideas. The prompt is this:

Luke 6:45 - out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. We must write, speak, minister, from the overflow of what is within. Share a story about a time you were filled to overflowing or felt the overflowing of God's love, peace, presence, or direction in your life.

Need ideas. Urg.

Week 3 Grand Totals!

2010-10-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

Here we go yo...

Weeks Left: 2(!!)

Funds raised: $476
Amount to go: $224

This week I was able to care for small, cute munchkins in exchange for worn out green papers I will exchange for things like conference tuition and food. Hooray for work!

I can't believe there are only two weeks left. Sometimes I think the only thing keeping me going is the prayers of the R+R sisters (thanks ladies, and thanks God). Anyone else out there praying?

Until we meet again, what do the Amish, altars and abortion alternatives all have in common?

~ billie :)

The Work

2010-10-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days I've been focusing on writing my book proposals (all three of them) which makes me want to pull out the upper left section of my hair because, guess what, writing book proposals is hard.

Bother me again during my writing
time and see what happens!!!

A book proposal is a detailed outline of your book. It includes sample chapters, promotion ideas, who you think the book will appeal to, chapter lists and so on. It's basically writing the book without writing the book (kind of like "fighting without fighting" a la Bruce Lee). If you've read my about me section you know that I've ~~been a lame-o~~ had challenges in the past with discipline.

But this time I'm going to have the writing equivalent of abs of steel!! (also like my pal Bruce)

It's easy to see why peeps in the industry request these suckers (book proposals, not steel-like abs). Along with displaying your writing chops, it really makes it apparent if your idea is well thought out and if it has enough oomph to be a book of substance-- or not.

I don't think I'll be able to finish all three in the two weeks I have left but I'm pleased with what I do have, it's enough to get feedback on.

Needless to say my laundry piles are growing. But the clothes are clean at least.

~ billie :)

The Brand of Me

2010-10-19T15:38:00.000-07:00

What I wish I wore (a great
look from Free People.com.)

What I end up wearing
(People of Walmart.com)

Okay. Maybe I'm not that bad. But I do like to be comfortable. And warm. (And nothing says warm like a clashy flannel and jorts with sweatpants underneath!) And if it takes me longer than 5 minutes it's probably not going to happen.

Well, the deal is I'm going to be judged at the conference by what I'm wearing and what I look like. That's just how life is. it. You do it. I do it. We all do it.

I figure I might as well think of this as brand marketing so publishers/editors/agents look at me and think "There's an interesting looking person I want to talk to". (And, if I'm lucky they'll also think "Wow, she's stylish with a slight alterna-rock edge, but not scary, I think I'll give her a book deal no matter what.")

But you guys know how I am. I only wear makeup for shows and I really only get dressed up for shows too. Otherwise it's all about comfort. So there's that.

The other problem is my post pregnancy body. Nothing fits! No really. I have one pair of jeans that are sadly saggy in the bottom and thighs and no other pants come close. I'm hoping I'll slim down some more and when I do I'll fit back into my pre-pregnancy clothes.

I could really use your help with this. Send me some pictures you see of pulled-together winter weather fashions with a slight rock edge you think I'll look good in and I'll try to simulate them when I pull my warm clothes out of the garage.

In the meantime I wonder if I can rent "What Not to Wear" from the library...

~ billie :)

P.S. That Free People outfit comes in at $997. Did you laugh too?

Week 4 Grand Totals

2010-10-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

Drumroll please...

Weeks Left: 3
Funds raised: $370
Amount to go: $330

I am a little more than halfway through my $700 in 6 weeks challenge and I've got a little more than half of the funds raised. Hoo-rah!

I can't believe how far I've come but I have to admit, $330 in 3 weeks still seems like a lot. But you know what? I'm not going to think about it. I'm going to go work on my book proposal.

~ billie :)

Conference Countdown

2010-10-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

I just added that conference countdown widget and I hate it already.

Skeksis AKA "Scary Turkeys"

I think it's because I already feel as if those scary turkeys from the Dark Crystal have me hooked up to their machine so they can drink my life essence. Add to that a countdown clock whose milliseconds seem to be mocking me with its warp speed and I want to freeze like a rabbit in the headlights of a car called Not Enough Stinkin' Time!!!!

So if that clock is gone the next time you visit my page you'll know why.

The good news is that Uncle Ken and Aunt E join my roster of support heroes (thank you both, so much!) and I found some babysitting jobs (yay!) so that should help.

Tomorrow I'll update the Thundercats Thermometer and let you know the Grand Totals for the week.

Cheers.

~ billie :)

Goal!

2010-10-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

I read that if you write down your goals you're ten times more likely to achieve them. Ten times. Yow. Just another example of the power of the pen (or keyboard).

So what are my goals for the conference?

Networking. As much as I joke about going to the conference and landing a book deal it's not likely to happen the first time out. What will happen is I'll get my feet wet pitching ideas, learning more about the craft of storytelling and maybe meeting someone who might one day refer me to an editor/agent/publisher.

Selling. As much as I joke about going to the conference and landing a book deal it's not likely to happen if I'm not prepared to pitch the snot out of my ideas. That means preparing book proposals and being ready to sell myself (ugh) as the person editors/agents/publishers want to use to write the thing. Or so they tell me. This will be my first conference after all.

Learning. I feel like a really strong writer who could be awesome if I got my discipline into a groove (I'm getting better but I'm not there yet), but one can always learn more. They haven't sent out the complete schedule yet, but as soon as they do I'll finalize my focus.

Growing. Apparently there's an all knowing all powerful being we humans refer to as God, who is more than happy to lend a hand if we ask for help. He's going to be at the conference and available to talk to me!

I didn't think writing a post about my goals for the conference would be uncomfortable but it turns out it is. Why? Because now all you out there in the internet freemosphere will call me a big loser if I don't make it to them!

But I guess that's good motivation, eh? :)

Stay tuned for my nearly humorous pre-conference goals!

~ billie :)

Week 5 Grand Totals

2010-10-10T13:28:00.001-07:00

Being a single mom for the last week and a half was fun in a way, mostly because I knew it was temporary and I didn't have any man clothes to wash, but it was pretty tiring. As a matter a fact I could use a nap right now. But too my left is a poopy diaper dangerously close to a wiggly newborn and to my left is a curly headed toddler singing MGMT's Kids into a spray bottle. So that nap is going to have to wait.

Did I just say left twice? I told you I was tired. Maisley is to the right.

Despite the rings under my eyes this week was awesome! Friends and family came in like a tide of love and awesomeness. The support has been so encouraging and I'm nearly halfway to my goal. Shuh-zam!

Here's where things lie...

Weeks Left: 4
Funds raised: $326
Amount to go: $374

Happy dance! Happy dance!
~ billie :)

My Week in Numbers

2010-10-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Number of times my cat was sick*: 2
Number of times my daughters sneezed in my face**: 8

Number of jobs I have applied to: 6
Number of interviews scheduled: 3
Actual work secured: 0 (Still!)

But you know what? I'm still good enough, smart enough, and well liked. But if I've got no work by next week I might have to re-think one or two of these. :)

Tomorrow I'll post the Weekly Update (UPDATE! Update! Update!) which I'm super excited about.

~ billie :)

*It's normally the hubs' job to clean up her sick. That was the deal when I let him keep the cat.
** It's totally gross but kind of funny. I laughed a lot this week. At what age do little bits grasp the cover your nose/mouth deal? Any seasoned parents want to let me know?

ThunderCats Thermometer

2010-10-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

So I've decided to officially name the my fundraising widget the ThunderCats Thermometer.

At first it was just because they both start with a "Th" and that tickled me, but then I realized my subconscious also picked up on the fact that Lion-o's sword starts off as a puny knife but when he sounds the call to his friends it grows into the mighty Sword of Omens!!!

Just as I am seeing the "temperature" start to rise as my friends respond to my call (See that there, see how I put that together like that, mm-hmmm).

Ruth, Ruby, Rick, Margo-- Thank you.

HOooooooooooooo!

~ billie :)

My Essay

2010-10-03T12:40:00.001-07:00

The prompt for the DiAnn Mills Scholarship was "Why do you want to write fiction?" in 400 words or less.

So far this year I’ve piloted starships the size of whales, hunted vampires, explored new planets and bought a shiny new robot. I went on an epic quest with fairies the size of your pinky. I hired members of the mob to take me grocery shopping. I made friends with the aliens that will live on Earth after humans are gone. I flew with wings that sprouted from my shoulders over a vast forest. I traveled with friends. I laughed.

And you ask me why I write fiction.

Along with the perks of vicarious adventure, I write because I’m compelled to. It’s the happy intersection where what I love and what I’m good at meet. I do it because unlike other ambitions I’ve held, I can be a great writer and a great mom. I do it because it’s something my husband respects. I do it because the words I write will be around after I’m gone. I do it because when I write it feels like what I’m supposed to be doing.

I write fiction because that is the place where I can build a world and share it with you. Fiction allows the good guy to always win, or, if I’m feeling a little differently, it lets me show the high price of letting evil slide. Fiction is the place where I can sidle up to people who vehemently disagree with my beliefs and talk to them like a friend and not an enemy. It allows me to share my heart with them and let them see my ideas in a new light.

And then of course there is the hope to be like Him, the grand storyteller who spoke light and earth and us into being. There is the hope to be like the One who came to us and told us stories called parables about love and life and how to live and treat each other. There is the hope of telling stories that reflect The Story and inviting others into it.

That is why I write fiction.

Now if you’ll excuse me, my two week old needs to be held, my two-year-old wants some water and I need to break up an alien slave auction before dinner.

~ billie :)

Week 6 Grand Totals!

2010-10-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

It was some week.

I found out I was a weener. I scared and thrilled myself by committing to go to the conference (scary because not only do we not have money, but Mase and I are still looking for work and who am I to go to a $1,000 writers conference?). I created this blog. I trolled Craigslist and Sittercity.com looking for admin and childcare work. Cynthia put me on the path with my first donation. Mason went out of town and both of the girls got a cold.
Whew!

So here's where I'm at...

Weeks Left: 5
Funds raised: $20
Amount to go: $680

Here's to raising $680 in 5 weeks. :)
~ billie

Holy Cow, Someone I've Never Met Just Sent Me $20!!!!

2010-10-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read that correctly. Someone I've never met just sent me $20 in magical United States dollars.

Wow.

I'm touched. I'm stoked. I'm excited.

I'm scared.

This first donation means I gotta bust it. I can't let Cynthia down. No way.

Cynthia, I will finish this race! Thank you for your help!

~ billie :)
Who is off to go update her Thunder Cats thermometer with much glee.

Sittin' by the Phone/Computer

2010-10-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

Number of jobs I have applied to in the last week:12
Number of people who've called/emailed me back: 4
Number of jobs that turned out to be a scam: 2
Actual work secured: 0 (So far)

I'm feeling optimistic and until someone calls me with some work I'm going to keep finding things to post on craigslist and ebay.

I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it people like me.

~ billie

How This All Got Started

2010-09-29T23:11:00.001-07:00

About a month ago my mom told me about a writer's conference she wanted to go to, that she wanted me to go to too.
I said I have no money.
She said you could go if you wrote an essay and got a scholarship.

I made a noise that can only be described as an incredulous snort. But I wrote an essay and was actually awarded a scholarship.

I was super happy for 5.9 seconds.

Then I realized I needed money for the balance of the tuition, lodging and transportation, which meant I needed $700 ADDITIONAL U.S. DOLLARS (No, not even pesos or kopecks).

Then I was all sad and mopey for like a day.

Then I decided I was going to go. I'm a writer dangnabbit, and I'm going to invest in me.

Now the question is can it be done? Can a stay-at-home with a one month old and two year old manage to scrap together over $700 dollars in less than two months?

I'm about to find out.

(and I hope the answer is yes)

2009-12-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

One of the unspoken much trumpeted rules of Atlas Takes Aim: No Noodling Permitted.

Noodling* can happen almost anywhere, but experts agree the most concentrated levels of noodling occur before a show, after sound check or anywhere more than one high school musician is gathered.

Where can the highest levels of noodling be found? Guitar Center. *shudders*

Holy baby in a manger, we do not want to hear your crappy, out of pitch version of the guitar solo in "Sweet Child of Mine", which not so subtly merges into some weaker riff when you get to the part you don't know, while your bass player is trying to pound through the first five notes of "Another One Bites the Dust".

Holy Crab. Shut up and let the sound man check your drummer's kick levels already.

Play it exactly perfect during your sound check, do a cover of it during your set, but do not make us listen to your half baked warbling.

Do dancers come out on stage and stretch in front of the audience? No.
Do doctors go into the waiting room and perform half a lobotomy? No.
Do chefs come to your table with their best concoctions for you to taste before you order? No. (But maybe they should. Mmmm, noodles...)

I think the only group that can get away with this is an orchestra, I guess because it's kind of a tradition? Or maybe some smooth conductor figured out a long time ago the performance would seem a lot more spectacular if you heard just how bad it could be if everyone did their own thing. (*cough* 15 bazillion different church denominations unwilling to work together! *cough*)

Excuse me, I had something stuck in my throat there.

Does anyone know why orchestras do this? I always assumed they warm up in private and then come out and play some more to sort of pass the time until things roll, but can anyone tell me what the deal is on this?

This is all stemming from Pooka's first orchestra concert the other day. She really loved it. She was dancing and singing and having a good time. And not to worry, we weren't one of those parents that lets their kids go crazy at the expense of everyone else's enjoyment, a great deal of the time we listened from the lobby. She's only a year and 3 months old and I think she did very well for her first concert. :)

* Noodling:
When a musician plays because the mics are on,
without much skill or finesse (or with lots of skill but while his band
mates are also playing over him so it's just annoying noise). Generally,
noodling is a flashy, peacocky, way of saying "I got skillz! And
those skillz must be shared with everyone within hearing range whether
people want to hear it or not!"

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Love, art and fighting over bass licks

2009-12-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

I've been in the studio (aka our house) laying down the tracks for an album version of the song and it's been super trying. Mason wants to change the feel from a 4/4 straight forward rock thing to a 3/4 swing thing and it's been frustrating for me because I've already been playing it the way I like it. ;)

It's basically come down to him saying "I don't care if you like it the other way, I'm producing this album and you're going to do what I say, and be a professional and at least try it this way." And since he is producing the album and I know he's not asking me to do anything that he wouldn't ask Joel to do, I've got to at least try his version.

It's mursky navigating the I'm-in-a-band-with-you-but-you-are-also-my-husband waters.

In the beginning, I said a lot of "you can't treat me like that! you're my husband."' but I didn't know how he should treat me I just knew he was trying to separate the two realms and I wasn't having it. The problem was I didn't know how he should combine them.

I'm realizing this is a much longer post than I can finish right now but I'm curious; do any of you work with your spouses in a business, in the arts or even on a sports team or civic committee? Do you find it easy or difficult? What do you like/dislike about it?

Why Pooka and Zombies Don't Mix

2009-12-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

So I've been working on a story about a mom and her one-year-old
daughter braving the Zombie Apocolypse and now I know first hand why they say
not to make your characters 'yourself'. The thought of Pooka surrounded by zombies was wigging me out. I was consistently procrastinating on the scenes where she was in danger.

But, of course, without conflict there is no story, so lets just say this one's getting shelved for the time being.

Maybe when Pooka is older and less fragile I can go back to
it.

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Giveaway #1: Wearable humor from Snorgtees!

2009-12-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

Snorgtees.com t-shirts are great.

They're soft shirts with high quality graphics and so supa funny that people are always telling me "Hah! I like your shirt.

What's that? You haven't seen my snorgtee? Check it!

me and my shirt about to get crafty and whatnot

And of got this one too. Which is perfect for me, the crazy Rockstar Ma who gets tired at 9 pm and has to bail early from my own shows so I can get up early with the Pooka bean the next day!

I want to Rock N' Roll all night and party some days after a nap.

You know what else is nice? The graphics on the shirts don't get all worn out and crusty and fall off on these tees. How do I know you ask? I bought a "It's okay Pluto, I'm not a planet either" tee from them two years ago and it still looks tee-rific. Sorry couldn't help it. ^_^

They've even got hoodies! Now the wit doesn't have to hide underneath that boring sweater your brother's friend's girlfriend gave you!

Want one?
Visit Snorgtees.com and peruse. Tell me which design is your favorite to enter this contest. Easy Peasy lemon squeezy.

Want more ways to win? Follow me publicly on my Google Friend
widget for an extra entry. Subscribe to my feed for two extra entries. Blog about this or email three friends for three extra entries. Buy
something from Snorgtees.com for five extra entries.

Click HERE to enter!

The Count says "Twelve wonderful entries, I love it! Ah! ah! ah!

This giveaway is open from Wed. December 2nd - Fri. December 11th to residents of the US and Canada. Winner will be determined randomly by random.org and announced on this website on Sat. December 12th. Winner will have until December 15th at 12:01 am PST to contact me before another winner is chosen.

Thank you Snorgtees.com for providing me with awesome shirts to try out for this review!

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Willkommen!

2009-11-30T08:51:00.000-08:00

November 30th, 2009

Welcome to my blog, isn't it shiny!

Man, I hope I don't spill anything. I don't want to ruin that new blog smell...

I've been wanting to do this for a while to keep in touch with all of you who know how terrible I am at facebook and the myspace, and to meet all of you who don't yet know how terrible I am was at social networking. So hullow to all!

Oh, and never mind the technicalties I've had so far (one of which are the dates displayed- they're wrong. I'm trying to find a work around but I haven't yet so bear with me).

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