Nature Writing: I love nature. I try to surround myself with it in our yard and in my Woodland Garden. I take a lot of photos and do research. Two helpful and interesting places to explore http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/ with Barb-Harmony Art Mom and http://www.wildmanstevebrill,com/

Living in a Little House: Check out my friend Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell's website http://www.livinglargeinourlittlehouse.com

Agents, Editors & Publishers: I search and search. I spend hours looking for an opening to submit. I feel like a farm kid who is searching for her first lost tooth that was dropped in a pile of hay. N0 tooth fairy today. Or a fisherman trying to catch a trophy fish. I have several manuscripts revised and critiqued by published children's authors. The manuscripts are ready to fly, but will they find a safe home? Writers write and keep the faith.

Festival, Books and Limerick: Missouri Literary Festival Oct 2-4 A great place to meet authors and buy books. http://missouriliteraryfestival.org/Check out David Harrison's blog davidharrison.wordpress.com he is promoting several books that will be a great help to writers and teachers. His blog nudged me into creating a limerick. Right or wrong I wrote one.

I once met a squirrel named Ted.
He never slept in a bed.
His eyes were always droopy.
He looked a wee bit sloppy.
His biggest worry was he was underfed.

Speeding down the road of creativity. The sun came out today
to remind me there will be bright days where I create and there
will always be cloudy days to dream.

My fireplace cricket decided to show-up. I wonder if my noisy unwelcome guest in the garage is black or a big fat green one that fishermen love to take fishing with them.

Autumn Love is Hurting my Ears

(C) by Mary Nida Smith

An unknown male cricket is having fun teasing my nerves with his

high pitch sounds. It is hiding in our garage near my studio door.

It is quiet by day and when the light is on at night. But, when the

garage is dark he starts creating his awful ear-piercing sound. Singing,

no, I wouldn't adventure to say that, for the sound is created while

rubbing his legs together. I hope he rubs them raw.

Yes, I know about the lovable Cricket Chester in the children's book,

The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden and The Very Quiet

Cricket by Eric Carle, where between one of the pages a cricket sound

appears. I thought it was adorable. But, this cricket I haven't seen. If

I was able to catch him, I would place him outside where I hear the

soft tones of his lover singing.

Oh, the chirping songs of lovers. I made a deal with the garage

spiders.The first one to quiet this cricket's love song or chase it

out into the open I will allow it to live safely in my garage for life.

I do believe they had a short lifespan.

Yes, I know about the old wives-tale that a cricket on the fireplace

hearth brings good luck. I thought it was a cute saying, so I have

a black metal one. No good luck here. The chimney sweep man

reported we need to have a liner put in.

I know all creatures come with the territory when living in the

natural state and having a large woodland garden. I wouldn't

want it any other way for I enjoy taking photos of insects.

I took a photo of my cricket on my fireplace hearth to show you,

but it wouldn't upload. Too big, I guess.

For some beautiful musical sounds click on http://hardfaultmusic.blogspot.com/

Writers Groups, Bookstores, Libraries and POD Press: When I travel if there is a writers group having a meeting I love dropping in; make connections and learn what their members are doing. I dropped in on the Naperville Writers Group (Naperville, Ill). It was interesting.

I checked out the Anderson's Bookshop, a Independent bookstore. It is busy with authors' book signings. I picked up a couple of interesting and helpful books. One of the books I will share in another blog update. When I am in Naperville I try not to miss going to this bookstore. I love it!

I try to go to at least one library in Naperville, buy used books and pick up information on what programs they offer. Purchased about five picture books and a book on porches.

Are E-books the publisher of the future? A lot is being written on this subject. Reports are no more newspapers, magazines or books - everything will be found on the Internet. Scary!

Check out Forrest L. Rawls book, Legacy of the Holy Warrior at http://outshirtpress.com. Another POD or E-publisher I haven't heard about.

Enjoy these rainy days writing and reading.

Writing Children's Books and Magazines: Check out Children's Writer Newsletter of Writing and Publishing Trends. http://www.childrenswriters.com/ Click on Writing Contest - There are several and they must be submitted by October 31th.

This newsletter is great source to keep up with the latest news in children's book publishing and magazines. They provide markets and guidelines and articles. Check it out. Also, don't forget to go to the Children's Book Council for a list of publishers and see who are excepting manuscripts.

You don't know if you don't try. Possibles can be yes, if not, remember that story you sent in may not have been written, if you hadn't tried. Gathering experience is an important part of growth in becoming a professional writer.

Friends of the Library Board of Directors, President JoBelle has asked me to be a board member and I said, "yes." Baxter County Library, Mountain Home is very important to me as a person who loves books and writing. They bring sooo many special programs to meet the needs of everyone. Please, if you live in this area get out and support the best place to visit and gather knowledge in this area of Arkansas.

Vacation and Books: Just returned from traveling for almost three weeks. I attended the World War II USS Submarine National Convention at Green Bay, Wisconsin. Came home with lots of pictures, information and sold books.

After many years I returned to my family roots and where I was born. What a great experience! My friends and relatives have been a great support system when it came to promoting my book and other writings. I have an extra special family.

I purchased and was given a lot of books. Tell you more later. I just wanted everyone checking in to know I am still writing. Several exciting things are happening. I have lots of work to do in the studio the next couple days. Keep in touch.