Wednesday, December 30, 2009


SUNRISE

The sunrises on the upcoming new year
above The Woodland Garden,
like bright Spring flowers
announcing an exciting year ahead.
Be thankful for the small joys,
sing their praises each day.
For they are the stepping stones
into a happy world
of what is to come.
Photo - Verse  (c) by Mary Nida Smith                       

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Poem of the month: Please go to children's book author's blog http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com to vote for the best poem written for December. My poem is listed: BONE CHILLING. Each month David provides a word and the different poets write that word into their poem. Last month the word was "thanks".

Sunday, December 20, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND A HEALTHY NEW YEAR.

I am sitting out the next few days.
Write, create, and enjoy life.
(c) Photo by Mary Nida Smith

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Mistakes! Mistakes!

I have been presenting
grammar mistakes to all.
I know better.
I must slow down
and take another look.
Oh, I could present a page
of why my brain is overloaded,
but this is no excuse.
It causes me to pause
to feel more humble.
I’ll never be perfect.
I am who I am.
- Mary Nida Smith

Monday, December 14, 2009

Children's Poetry and Twin Lakes Writers:

I want to thank President Nancy Thatcher Cerny,
and members of the Twin Lakes Writers for the certificate
of appreciation for being the founder and for supporting
of all writers. Thank You!

I have enjoyed reading two poetry books for children
that any adult would enjoy. They are funny and serious; mostly
funny where they take you back to see yourself as a kid.
As an adult with a kid lurking about; meaning me; a kid that
was and is still asking too many questions, the poem below
relates to me, written by Arnold Spilka.

Don’t Tell Me That I Talk Too Much!

Don’t tell me I talk too much!
Don’t say it!
Don’t you dare!
I only say important things
Like why it’s raining where.
Or when or how or why or what
Might happen here or there.
And why a thing is this or that
And who is bound to care.
So don’t tell me I talk too much!
Don’t say it!
DON’T YOU DARE!

The above is found in The Random House Book
of Poetry for Children (A Treasury of 572 Poems for Today’s Child)
selected by Jack Prelutsky and illustrated by Arnold Lobel
(Filled with wonderful illustrations.).

I remember one time a member of my family quickly
sneaked up behind me implementing another use for duct tape.

Another good read is Kids Pick the Funniest Poems by Bruce
Lansky and illustrated by Stephen Carpenter.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

TWIN LAKES WRITERS
PO Box 256
Clarksridge, AR 72623
http://www.twinlakeswriters.org/
Meeting: Saturday, December 12
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH
Room D, 353 Highway 5 North
Mountain Home
870-425-6071
Large church sign on Highway 5, a block past 201 intersection.

Their works are on display for the month of December at the
Baxter County Library. Check them out. Very informative display.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Contest, Book Winner, Follower and Flash Fiction; Check out a contest at http://donnasbookpub.bogspot.com and then go to http://crackleofspeech.blogspot.com where you can read- Flash Fiction: The Spiral Staircase written by Steven Withrow, published on his blog October 29th.

Yesterday, I received an email from Meghan Killeen, that I had won the book The Pricker Boy by Reade Scott Whinnen. Click on http://www.rubywinkle.com to read Meghan's interview with Reade and my comment about my own personal monster.

I am most grateful for another follower.
I am enjoying writing poetry on David Harrison blog. http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com. If you enjoy poetry, stop in and read all the poems that have been submitted.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Writers Workshop: Write What You Know. Click on http://belarcowritersworkshops.blogspot.com for information on January 16, 2010 workshop. Signing up for a workshop, visiting with other writers will unfreeze writers' block and lift your spirits during the winter. So, come, join us where it will give you a jump start for Spring's upcoming workshops and conferences.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Sara Webb Quest: Children's book author
& freelance writer. Congratulation's Sara-great review!
Wow, I'm still reeling over the recent book review of my
"AYDIL VICE" book in THE BARNSTABLE PATRIOT. Here is a
link to the review:

http://www.barnstablepatriot.com/home2/index.
php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19359&Itemid=62
The review was a very pleasant surprise! Marie, the amazing
book buyer & manager of Cape Cod's book-store chain "Books by
the Sea," called,informed me of the review, said she hadn't
gotten the copy of "AYDIL VICE" back because a few people at
the newspaper were passing the book around to read (another
pleasant surprise)Best for last, here are the dates and
times for my book(s) signings this month:

December 12, 11-1, Books by the Sea, rte.28, South Yarmouth,
The Hearth-n-Kettle Plaza.
December 13, 2-4, Books by the Sea, Osterville
In addition to signing "AYDIL VICE," I will also be signing
my adult poetry book "OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD."

A link to my facebook page which I update regularly.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=32187&id=1640091720

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Ozarks Writers and Illustrators for Children!

Our OWAIC, social will be Saturday, December 5th, at the Library
Station 9:00 to 11:00. We've had a wonderful year. Please join us
in celebrating our breakthroughs, our accomplishments, and blessings.

Refreshments will be provided. There will be a modest gift exchange.
And I do mean modest...white elephants and regifting allowed.
(It should have something to do with writing or illustrating.)


There will not be a meeting in January due to the New Year's holiday.

Please contact me, Naomi Shaw at providencepark@wildblue.net