Plans for 2011:
# 1. Finish editing photos, writing, and placing items in the church album. Start a new album for 2011. When the activities increase at church the more I get involved with taking photos.
# 2. List of scheduled programs, workshops, and speakers for the Twin Lakes Writers and North Central Children's Writers and Illustrators that I founded and I am the President. Lots of details to work out: Find sponsor, dates that works for most people, press releases, door prizes, and most of all what dates work best for our speakers. Our members are great and willing to help.
# 3. Two goals is all I can handle and keeping my nerves calm.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

© Photo by Mary Nida Smith 2010
Open the gates in 2011 to new writings,

photography, illustrating, and all the

creative arts that will fill your lives
with excitement and joy.

Sincerely,
Mary Nida

Mary Nida Smith
Founder & President
Twin Lakes Writers
North Central Children’s

Writers and Illustrators.

(C) photo by Mary Nida Smith

Today is the first day of winter.
Sunrise in the Ozarks January 2009.
I am looking forward to no snow, no wind;
a beautiful warm winter as we had in 1998.

Yes, I love photographing the beauty of winter.
I have taken neat shots of birdhouses during each season,
kids playing, tree limbs hanging, vultures hanging and flying,
and more.

Each season is a new adventure for photographers, poets, artist and writers.
Enjoy the day. Just think winter is now here where it is working its way toward spring.

WILD ABOUT NATURE: http://wildaboutnaturewriters.blogspot.com/ What a wonderful surprise this morning when I received an email from Kim Hutmacher that my name was drawn to win Roxie Munro's book, ECOMAZES: 12 EARTH ADVENTURES, published by Sterling. I can't wait to read it.

Living and Loving Life: Friday night was our church ladies Christmas party; had a good time and took photos.I enjoy what I do for fun, but it always creates work. Twin Lakes writers met last Saturday to a group of 20. Some of our members were missed. We read manuscripts for fun and critiquing. We are gentle. We shared a lot of helpful information about books in progress, publishing and promoting. We celebrated the upcoming holidays with refreshments. I shared my plans for programs & speakers for 2011 - this is where the work comes in.

Sunday morning I sneaked in to church long enough to sing in the choir and leave. The Fleet Reserve my husband belongs to had their Christmas dinner at noon. No church that night.

Monday morning made a dish to take to Bull Shoals Historical Society Christmas dinner. I believe I brought more food home than I took.

Today, Tuesday I am trying to catch up with work in the house and my studio. I need to catch up with church photos and album( I am the our church photographer and historian). It is difficult to catch-up when it's photo taking time again. It may slow down after all the holidays pass.

Tomorrow is a busy day: Friends of the Library board meeting 12:30 - 1:30, then our regular public meeting from 1:30- 3:00 where I am in charge of refreshments and a table center piece. I enjoy this very much. At 6 p.m., is our Church Christmas dinner and more picture taking.

Next, I need to work on the yearly family Christmas letter, than back to planning programs for the North Central Children's Writers & illustrators and Twin Lakes Writers. I need to learn how to do a Power Point or have someone create one for me.

I am on the run...

Blogroll: Check out my blogroll list each one shares helpful information for writers and illustrators. Writers Beware shares information on bad publishers, contests, and more that will help protect writers. My friend Donna shares information on new markets for writers -Today she shares Choice Publishing's call for manuscripts.

My poem "Weather Mishap" for the month of December is up on Adult "W.O.M." The word for the month was "weather." To enter your poem go to http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com

See you at the Mountain Home library this afternoon from 1-3:30 p.m., at the Twin Lakes Writers meeting.

Authors Book sale and signing was sponsored
by Donald W. Reynolds Public Library in
Mountain Home. It was a success.
Twin Lakes Writers meet Saturday 11th 1-3:30,
at the library. Please join us.
Chuck Butkus

Deborah Lively

Cherie Neal and Patricia A. Oplinger

Sally Zielinski & George Dregor

Barbara Robinette in green. I am sorry,

I never got the other lady's name.

This is just a few of the authors who attended.

People came in to buy books from those mentioned

in the paper, but several were unable to attend.

DONALD W REYNOLDS PUBLIC LIBRARY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY:
Saturday, December 4, from 1-3 is the North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators meeting.
Email: marynida@suddenlink.net Website: http://www.nccwi.org
Sunday, December 5, is Authors Day at the Donald W. Reynolds Public Library. Check events
calendar at http://www.baxlib.org

Please join us for one or both.
Come one, Come ALL to our annual Holiday Celebration. Ozark Writers & Illustrators for Children.
Think of the greatest story ever told, of the greatest gift, of the Greatest Event! God's love so great, He sent His son...
So this month, we'll pass the blessings to our author/illustrator friends.We'll gather in the Story Room of the Library Station this coming Saturday, Dec. 4th from 9:00 to 11:00am to celebrate the Season. We have a fun writing activity planned as well as a modest (and quirky) gift exchange.
We exchange a modest ($5.00 or less value, regift, homemade, or white-elephant) wrapped and anonymous. Janie Cheaney is hosting a fun writing activity, so sharpen your pencils. Forks and beverage will be provided for the holiday fare.
Please let me know if you are able to bring a treat.
Naomi providencepark@wildblue.net
http://owaic.org/
Also, IMPORTANT NOTICE: Tom Blubaugh is presenting a workshop on Website management January 8th. This is a valuable tool and a stepping stone to our success as an organization and as authors personally. We need to know who can come. Please let me know so I can have an accurate count. This is the second Saturday in January. The time and place is to be announced. We have benefited greatly from Blu's skill and willingness to maintain our website. And now he is willing to show us his trade. Thank you, Blu!

Speaking Schedule: I learned two important things when I shared how important blogging was to writers. I wrote my program for the 45 minutes I was to speak.
What do you do when preceding speakers run into your time slot and you are only allowed twenty minutes? This can easily happen.
1. Remember to always have a short version hitting only on the most important parts giving the audience who came to learn from you something to take home.
2. Never be the last speaker of the day.I am glad I was able to learn from this experience. If I can learn from my experiences I am one more step ahead of the game

Author David L. Harrison 's November voting list is up and you need to vote for your favorite poem of the month at http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com Thanks!

Ozark Writers Inc: http://owinc.webs.com An interesting and well crafted website & blog.
The days go by fast and I am too slow to catch-up. It was a busy housewife duty day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Photo (C) by Mary Nida Smith
The table displays
a feast for a family
We give thanks
this Thanksgiving
for an over filled plate.

BLOG PLAGIARISM: I am sorry last Saturday at OWL's our afternoon programs run behind schedule. I was unable to share helpful information that writers were interested in hearing. In the twenty minutes allowed I was able to touch on a few items of the many subjects I wanted to share. Hopefully, I was able to give you a hint where you can do more research.

Protect you blog copyright: I will name two. There are more - CopyGator and Creative Commons. Check with GOOGLE to see if they provide on for http://Blogger.com

Do you know where there is protection for your blog, website and photos?

BLOGGING, FAIR USE, BLOG STATS AND PIRACY OF BOOKS:
I hadn't did a Google search (Mary Nida Smith) for awhile to see where my copyrighted material might be used without my permission, or my name or my blogs are appearing.
FAIR USE: My copyrighted poem titled "Christmas Below the Sea" was found on http://filipinos-ww2usmilitaryservice.tripod.com/id1.html under the FAIR USE law Title 17 U.S.C. 107. To learn more go to U.S. Copyright Office: Fair Use http://www.copyrightgov/fls/fl102/html
BLOG STATS: I found a site that had all the stats on my blog -submarinestories.blogspot.com and it's possibility of a future ad making blog. I will not review any more. But now, I know why I received so much spam for that site. The only good good thing they did mentioned all my other blogs and where to purchase my book and more. I don't know if this all is really a good thing or not.
BOOK PIRACY: Below is a link to an article on piracy of books that tells how that piracy is draining income from novelists. This was passed along by courtesy of Lois Kleinsasser (Cait London).That link is http://caitlondon.blogspot.com/2010/11/free-downloads-or-piracy.html Delois McGrew, President OWL

Donald W. Reynolds Library, Mountain Home, will have their book sale November 18-19-20. I will be helping set-up tomorrow.

Midway Baptist Church will have their Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. So, it is picture time again for me. I am still working on the photos I took Halloween. As their historian & photographer I am kept busy.

Friday, I leave for Branson: Dinner and awards program Friday night. Saturday, Ozarks Writers League at the College of the Ozarks. I will be speaking in the afternoon on how important blogging can be for a writer.
Sunday church and choir, and afterward we attend the Fleet Reserve dinner. Starting Monday, I will be back to work writing. I have been organizing programs & etc for both my writers groups and Author's Day at the library Dec 5th.

The life of a writer who marches to many drum rolls - hey, that's me. I know, it is every woman's life trying to find a balance in all that comes her way. We just need to learn to go with the flow, create when time allows or learn how to say "NO."

The Twin Lakes Writers had a wonderful meeting. We had a large group; three new writers and eight missing regulars.

This morning I had a FOL board meeting. Later, I was able to do some shopping for office supplies. I hate shopping. This afternoon and tomorrow catch-up time on Saturday's meeting notes and two projects for Wednesday.

TWIN LAKES WRITERS meet Saturday November 13th from 1 to 3 pm at the Donald W. Reynolds Library. We are a group of 25. You are welcome to come and sit with us to learn what we are going. Bring your manuscript to be critiqued or only to read. We are gentle, yet helpful. We do not criticize for we want to help you be the best you can be. Please join us.

MUFFY
11-6-2010

Muffy a small fluff
Hand warming muffler
I remember Snuggles
Who went before you
Is now waiting with a smile.
She knows you are coming.
We are comforted
Knowing you two
Can be together.
Play in peace
Without pain
Remember you both
Will be forever missed.

She was wrapped in the loving arms

of my granddaughter Missy when her spirit

no longer cried. God gave Missy

the courage as she prayed to hold Muffy close

to feel loved and know it was time

to go on a new journey.

NC CHILDREN’S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS:
Meet Saturday November 6, 2010 from 1-3 at the Donald W. Reynolds Library in Knox Community Room A. The library is located at the corner of College and Shied-Hopper Bypass at 300 Library Hill, Mountain Home, AR.

As writers and illustrators we are always exploring how to write for children of all ages; from board books for the very young to older teen novels and magazines.
Bring your manuscripts to read and drawings to show. We critique/comment on manuscripts and drawings. We are very gentle for we are in this together. If you wish to read or display
your drawing with out our comments, this is okay, we understand.

There will be open mic readings of your stories and for those who want to practice reading a book blurb for Author’s Day December 5. Your book blurb can be a five minute pitch.

We will share our stories and talk about how to write the book we want to publish. We will learn how to use expressions and body language in our drawings.

Please join us.
Mary Nida Smith, President
870-431-5369
marynida@suddenlink.net
http://nccwi.org

OZARK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS FOR CHILDREN:We will be meeting in the Story Room in the Children's Library Section.
Naomi Shaw providencepark@wildblue.net
Bring your manuscript and join us this Saturday as we explore the markets.
"Going by the Book, Marketing your Manuscript--Successfully!

Let's take a look at your current project. Bring the work you are passionate about and feel ready to market. Together we'll explore how to identify the best target for your submissions OR, what you can do to make your manuscript fit a publisher's wish-list.
The Library Station, 9:00--11:00am (critique to follow)
Sante Fe Room
http://www.owaic.org

Photographing - what fun! Our church had their "Trunk or Treat" last night. I took pictures of kids having fun outside and inside on the hot seat I created. Kids being monsters of the night, young one sitting in the big black kettle, and families creating memories. I can't wait to to down load them. We'll be sending them out to everyone. Some had an interesting story to why the picture was important to them. Stories that made me laugh and ones that made my eyes to tear up. It was a fun night for us big kids and for the young ones. I was tired after four hours with my fingers frozen to the camera. I wish, I knew how to use all the little buttons.

Halloween Retreat

Trick is the treat

treats that eat teeth

Right now, it can't be beat

Halloween treats to eat.

Poem & photo (c) Mary Nida Smith

My world keeps spinning. I never know how the day will end by sunset.

Early Spring I changed my studio and guest room to be able to be more productive.
Plus, I wanted to be able to do some drawing and painting that I hadn’t been able to accomplish since moving here. So the guest room became my arts & craft room.

In my studio I added an area for guest to sit to talk about writing and illustrating.

Soon both rooms needed to be slowly revamped again. I didn’t mind for it was for a love one’s upcoming visit. The room still worked for me. I became excited as I started drawing and designing posters for one of my writers’ groups.

But it wasn’t to be. It was to change for my son that I love dearly. I have been concerned about him after he lost his job and his health was failing. He had made plans to move from out West to our home. So, everything in the guest room and bath was removed. I do love having him live here.

My studio and two-car garage became storage rooms. We had three to four yardsales, placed ads in newspapers and gave items away. It was quiet for a few days. Then the bottom fell out for there was water damage in both bathrooms. I have always been the one who has to take care of any problems. I had to hire plumbers, carpenters and vinyl layers. After three weeks that was under control.

Thank goodness for writers & authors on my blog rolls who kept me inspiration to write when time permitted.

I am involved in as some people would say, “too many thing.” But, I have been able to eliminate one. I removed myself from the Ozark Regional Arts Council board. I hated to, for I hadn’t been involved very long and I believe in what they are doing.

I have been involved with our library since we moved here in 1998. It was very busy before and after we opened up our new Donald W. Reynolds Library. It was all worth while. Both writers groups, Twin Lakes Writers (1998) and North Central Children’s Writers & Illustrators (June 2019) I founded and I am the president meet there each month.

I am our church historian and photographer. Trunk & Treat is coming where I take pictures of every costumed person. Plus, I sing in the choir which means I have choir practice.

I try to post regular on my blogs for it is important to me to connect with other writers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR WRITERS: Read blog: Writing and Illustrating. Kathy Temean provides daily information to help writers & illustrators. Today's post "Revising Your Book? Check This." http://kathytemean.wordpress.com

Speaking Engagements: Mary Nida Smith is a freelance writer,
author, founder and president of Twin Lakes Writers, founder and
president of North Central Children’s Writers & Illustrators, a
member of Ozarks Writers League and Missouri Writers Guild.

She wanted to promote herself as a writer and her first book.
After a lot of research she started with a website and found it too
difficult to manage. After learning that authors, businesses and other
important people were blogging and receiving attention she discovered
information about different free blog sites. She choose Blogger.com.
At Blogger.com she created “Life’s Beautiful Path” to promote
herself as a writer. This is a wonderful advertising tool.

The second blog was titled after
her new book “Submarine Stories of World War II.”
Mary will share how important a blog is and what an exciting adventure
it has taken her on connecting with people with the same interest. And
where “Story House Productions” came to her for information about a
series they had in the planning stage for the Discovery Channel.
She has created blogs for different interest: Writing, crafts & recycling,
and workshops, and has published articles on the subject of blogging.

The White River Writers will meet the third Tuesday of each month from 10 to noon. A guest speaker every three months. The meetings are Oct. 19 and Nov. 16 in the Annex behind the main Citizens Bank in Batesville. Turn right on Harrison St. The bank is about one mile down the road, on the right. For information call 870-283-3245 Earl Belcher junie.bell123@gmail.com

Twin Lakes Writers had 21 writers at our Saturday's meeting. So many styles of writing. What a fun group. We missed some of our regular members that couldn't be there.

Check out Ozark Writers League member Mike McArthy. He is a promoter and nice guy who takes great photos.
*The title of the episode is Exploring The Ozarks: A Photographic Journey.
It's a 30 minute show and airs on Ozarks Public Television (OPT), stations KOZK channel 21 in Springfield, and KOZJ channel 26 in Joplin.
Sunday, Oct. 24th, 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25th, 10:30 p.m. Sunday, April 3rd, 1:30 p.m.
Check out his book about mills and other items at http://www.photozarks.com

TWIN LAKES WRITERS MEET SATURDAY 16, 1-3 P.M., AT THE DONALD W. REYNOLDS LIBRARY IN MOUNTAIN HOME, AR.

Donald W. Reynolds Library Dedication October 9, 2010. This day was my walk in the world of dreams. It started when I attended the Champagne Brunch at 9:30 a.m., followed with the tear stained dedication.My name is listed in the dedication booklet with the golden tassel under board members of the Friends of the Library.

Afterwards I wandered down to the children's library where I met Kim Doner, children's author & illustrator. Kim and her husband are wonderful. I took a lot of photos. She painted the wildlife mural on a corner wall.

I spent all day at the library & art gallery meeting and photographing some of the artist and more. I came around a corner where I ran into Governor Mike Beebe and his bodyguard. He shook my hand while I thanked him for coming. It was a warm (from shaking hands) firm hand shake that he delivered with a broad smile as his blue eyes sparkled.

I will share more, much more later for I spent all day at the library. Oh, how I hated to leave for I didn't want to wake-up and learn that I had been dreaming. I have been blessed to be a part of all this.

MY WORLD:
Saturday October 2. North Central Children’s Writers & illustrators had their meeting. We were few in numbers but we read & critique manuscripts, discussed illustrating and writing a picture book and how to form your own publishing company. At the last meeting Lonnie had handed out a few sentences stating telling and we were to rewrite each one showing. We took them home, rewrote the sentences to get the attention of the reader. Show don’t tell - in learning how to write interesting stories. Our group was formed four months ago. It has been fun and interesting.

Oct 3, Church, choir practice and I took photos for the church of our guest, “New Destiny,” singing family from Mississippi. http://newdestinygospelsingers.com/ The children are so young with powerful voices. We enjoyed them and their music.

Oct 4&5, work is still being done in both bathrooms. They worked on it last week also. We had water damage and hopefully it will be finished by next week.

Oct 9th is the opening of our new library. The Donor Celebration – Champagne Brunch – 9:30 a.m. Invitation only, followed by the Dedication Ceremony at 11:30 a.m.

As the historian & photographer for our church I am continually taking pictures, so I need to get it updated before Halloween “Trunk & Treat” where I take a lot of pictures. Last year I placed them on a CD & the pastor placed them on a DVD with music. It was fun.

I squeeze in my writing. I must not complain for I know writers that were unable to do this and they had to give it up. It makes me sad when I see/hear writers or artist having to quit because of the demands on their time. I know how hard it is for I no longer draw or paint. I have always loved to draw.

Ozarks Writers & Illustrators for Children meet Saturday in Springfield, Missouri http://www.OWAIC.org

NORTH CENTRAL CHILDREN’S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS

The dates for meetings at the library were put in place in June. Dates can change when the library is closed and when important events such as the library’s Dedication Ceremony on October 9th, take place. I will do my best to email or call if any changes occur. Please be patience with me as your president for both groups and the new library as they are trying to accommodate different groups and programs. The library is located at the corner of College Street and Shied-Hopper Bypass at 300 Library Hill, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
As of this date 9/25/010 our meetings are:
Oct 2
Nov 6
Dec 4
Please check the Donald W. Reynolds Library events calendar at http://www.baxlib.org Beware of changes. Any questions email me at marynida@suddenlink.net or call 431-5369. Refreshments can be purchased at the Buffalo Coffee. Thank You.

Remember: The world is not perfect and neither am I.
Mary Nida Smith, President
North Central Children’s Writers and Illustrators

BOOKS ALIVE
Mary Nida Smith ©


I am
The Book Protector
Watch-out
Be kind to books
For I am watching
I am
The Book Protector
You can not hide
I see everywhere
If you are unkind
To books
I will jump out
Take the book away
For I am
The Book Protector

The Book Protector (R)
is a registered Trade Mark,
by Mary Nida Smith.
I have done a rough drawing of how I see
"The Book Protector," a character designed
for kids and school libraries.
Awareness of how important caring for books
that bring knowledge to our own corner of
the world.

David L. Harrison, children's author http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com Let the Voting Begin! Vote for September's poem of the month. It ends on the 29th. Vote for my poem or another poet's poem. Enjoy!

Donald W. Reynolds Library serving Baxter County. North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators took the tour last Saturday. Inside and outside of our new library is a well crafted piece of art. The tree is one of the many features in the Children's library. You must take a couple of hours to enjoy every nook and corner.



Saturday September 25th is the "Thing," a poetry reading and contest sponsored by the Baxter County Poetry Associations and the Donald W. Reynolds Library. It starts at 1 p.m. Don't miss it or you will regret it.

Wednesday, I got to see the beautiful board room. The Friends of the Library had their board meeting and our regular meeting where we all enjoyed the FOL birthday cake. The Buffalo Coffee is open and the fresh baked items filled the walls. Next week I'll be a greeter in the mornings. How many mornings, I am not sure.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST WRITERS ASSOCIATION has a very interesting magazine that you can sign-up to be sent through your email. It is free and comes with author's video reviews and other people of interest. Check it out at http://www.authormagazine.org

LIFE: I need to make some changes in my life. I have taken on way too many responsibilities. Some responsibilities pop-up when you are not excepting them. Some can't be changed and others can be modified to work for everyone.

I have written two poems this month on the word "book." One was when I was a guest reader on David's blog September 15, and the other was for his word of the month page/contest. So, I can't say I wasn't able to squeeze in some writing.

WOODLAND GARDEN: It feels like Fall. The deer herd is increasing and the Humming birds keep me busy making food - food for energy to fly to their winter home. Leaves have been falling without changing color. As the seasons change so do I. After a busy summer, a slower fall, and winter a quiet time to reflect and read some good books.

GUEST READER on children's author David L. Harrison http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com.
David was kind enough to allow me to share part of my life that I tried to hide, and a poem about books and what they mean to me.

NORTH CENTRAL CHILDREN'S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS Important update: The Donald W. Reynolds Library will be open for our tour at noon and our meeting will follow 1-3. Don't be late for there will not be anyone to open the door. Be patience and everything will be exciting and wonderful. Thanks to our library staff who are working hard toward our opening date. Help out by donating your time or money. I will be one of the library greeters the last week of September. The Friends of the Library will soon meet. Check the library calendar on line.

"THE POETRY THING" 7th Annual Oral Poetry Contest - Sept. 25, 2010 in the new Donald W. Reynolds Public Library. Registration begins Sept 7th, http://www.baxlib.org Present your own poetry - Youth (Through 19 yrs.) & Adult Divisions - All poets are welcome. Gifts, prizes, awards and drawings. It is exciting to listen to all the wonderful poetry being read.

Baxter County Poets Association also meets at the library. Check the library website calendar for meeting date and time.

The Twin Lakes Writers enjoyed their tour and meeting last Saturday at the new library. It is soooo beautiful and large. The library itself is a beautifully designed piece of art. This Saturday Sept., 18th North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators will meet at noon for a tour and our meeting follows at 1 p.m. Don't be late for the library is only open for us. No one will be there to open the door until 3 p.m.

Preditors & Editors (R) Check this site for agents & editors and more to help protect yourself from dishonest companies. http://pred-ed.com

TWIN LAKES WRITERS will meet Saturday at noon for a tour of the new Donald W. Reynolds Library, Mountain Home, AR. Our regular meeting will follow from 1-3 p.m. Website:http://www.twinlakeswriters.org Email:marynida@suddenlink.net or call 870-431-5369 See you there! Mary Nida

Squirrels: Little Mrs. M came into my life in 07 when she was with child; four little ones.

We have been friends ever since. She lived in one of the big Oak trees near the sun porch. We loved watching her. One day we watched her carry her young down into The Woodland Garden to the big Oak just within the garden gate. Then something happen in the spring of 2010 to Mrs. M.... If you want to hear the rest of her story comment if you would like to hear the ending. I'll need 20 comments to encourage me to tell you what happen. I love the stories that has been shared with me by those who have lived in or visited my garden.

OREGON WRITERS: The Willamette Writers has a neat website with videos - http://www.willamettlewriters.com

DEER IN THE WOOLDLAND GARDEN. I have had this family of deer returning to my garden for two months. I have taken photos of them drinking out of the bird baths and eating from the bird feeder. It is sad when you have a hot and dry summer for all of nature's food dries up. I remember one summer there wasn't food for the squirrels, so they were swimming the lake to cross over in search of food. People who love animals were out in their boats saving as many as they could. Thank God for our six -inches of rain yesterday.

Writers Group Presidents: I have a few questions. I would love to have you share how you prepare for each meeting, and how often do you send press releases? I am the founder and president of two; Twin Lakes Writers (Founded 1998) and North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators( 2010). How often do you have speakers and do members request speakers? Do you have a logo and a poster for your group?

Both groups are excited about starting September meetings at the new library.

Thanks!

Women Writers or illustrators do you multi-task? If you do, please share any quick hints to make it work. Thanks!

NORTH CENTRAL CHILDREN'S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS meet this Saturday, August 28th 1-3 p.m., at city hall Lakeview, AR. Next month we meet at the new Donald W. Reynolds Library. Laurel (Lonnie) will present a program exercise, "Show Don't Tell." Handouts and discussions on "Characters." Illustrators are important for they add to your characters. We will critique 4 pages of a manuscript so bring something to read or drawings to share.

Branson for the week-end. I left with two writer friends on Friday to join the Ozarks Writers League for open-mic at Boxcar Willie's Motel where we spent the night. Saturday, we attended the all day workshops at the College of the Ozarks. Friday night and Sat at breakfast we talked writing and brainstormed. Saturday morning I got up at five to work on an upcoming speaking engagement. I had a great time. I have so much work to do preparing for different things going on with the two writers groups I founded and I am the president for both. I am hoping in a year or two I'll be able to turn it over to new presidents. When I moved here January 1998, there was nothing, so I started the Twin Lakes Writers and we are continuing to grow.

BOOKSALE AT THE OLD BAXTER COUNTY LIBRARY -THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.
AUGUST 19,20 & 21

Ozarks Writers League meeting this week-end, check out their website http://www.ozarkswritersleague.org/

CHOICES

Choices we make
develops our character,
shapes our future,
our dreams,
our goals.

Don't blame others
for wrong choices
we make.
Or for the good choices
we made, but never
carried through.
(c) Mary Nida Smith

WHITE COUNTY CREATIVE WRITERS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 4, 2010. http://www.whitecountycreativewriters.org

Publishing information: Check out my blogroll WRITER BEWARE (R) BLOGS! http://accrispin.blogspot.com , WRITERSWEEKLY http://writersweekly.com and PUBLISHER STANDARDS BOARD http://www.publisherstandsboard.org/book-publisher-scams-and-warnings.html

TWIN LAKES WRITERS meet Saturday, August14th from 9:30 a.m., to noon. Check their website http://www.twinlakeswriters.org/

Hi everyone, I have been out of state for three days.
I have lots of work to catch-up with and read all the latest news.
I had a great time.

Children's Market: I have been published in -
#Once Upon a Time, Audrey B. Baird, Editor.
#Fine Lines, Australian Chapter SCBWI newsletter
#MO Scribbles SCBWI
and for a short time I was the editor for the Arkansas
SCBWI pages of MO SCBWI.
#Illustration in the National SCBWI Bulletin
#Kid Magazine Writers - E-Zine, Editor Jan Fields.

The Hungry Crocodile

is written & illustrated by Mary Nida Smith

The 8x10 book dummy cover didn't copy all.

It is a 32 page picture book w/27 drawings

done in watercolor and colored pencils.

Love is the word of the month on David's blog.
We are to write a poem on love.
This word to me is a word I am still trying to define.
"When another' person's needs are
as important as your own." - Abe Burrows

SUZANNE LIEURANCE http://www.suzannelieurance.com Suzanne will be be the speak at The Ozarks Writers & Illustrators for Children's second annual summer workshop Saturday July 31.
http://www.owaic.org
Some of the members including me from the North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators will be there. I loved their first workshop and I am looking forward to this one. This is my learning and fun day. Join us. Hope to see you there.

POEMS: Author David L. Harrison's blog. Vote for your favorite July poem - http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com/

Mountain Home, Arkansas

Picture of our new library.

Open in September

http://www.baxlib.org/

The Twin Lakes Writers (1998) and the North Central Children's Writers

& Illustrators (2010) will be holding there regular meetings there

starting in September. I am proud to be the founder and president of both groups.

And I am very excited about our new library. I am a board member of the Friends of the Library.

Happy Birthday Daddy. Thanks for allowing me to follow you around. The bottom of a drawer in a storage chest broke in my studio. Because of you, I knew what to do. I became a jack of all trades and a master of none. I was and I am still learning. I love discovering new things for life has so much to offer.

Dramatic Dialogue: Steps to Great Conversation Dialogue
http://creativejuicesbooks.com Watch your he said, she said.

North Central Children’s Writers & Illustrators meeting Saturday was a success. As we learn we are having fun and making friends. We critiqued, asked questions and added helpful comments. Each member has knowledge to share. I love it!

Handouts we glanced over, asked questions and again made comments.
1. What to look for when critiquing.
2. Read & dismantle the type of book you want to write.
3. When Is Your Narrator? Picking the Right Tense/Be the Story. By Timothy King http://www.printfriendly.com/bethestory.com
4. Writers and Illustrators Guidelines (How to read The Children’s Writers Market Book.)
5. Writing or/and creating a “rebus” for Highlights For Children magazine.
6. Old copies of the SCBWI Bulletin.

Resources for Authors & Artist: Most have enewsletters to subscribe to.
· The Horn Book: Publication about books for children and young adults. http://www.hbook.com
· The Children’s Book Council http://www.cbcbooks.org
· The Institute of Children’s Literature http://www.institutechildrenslit.com
· Elizabeth Kennedy – http://about.com/childrenbooks
· Publishers Weekly Children’s enewsletter http://www.publishersweekly.com

Deer in the Woodland Garden: I was excited to learn and see a young buck and his doe spending time in my garden trimming and mowing/grazing for the past week. Took not-so-clear photos.

Yesterday morning the young buck returned with a second doe. I took more photos; closer and clear. I'll show them at another time. They have changed their dirty winter gray to a lovely shade of golden tan.

NC Children's Writers & Illustrator meet this Saturday July 24, 1-3 p.m., at Lakeview City Hall across from Beaman Reality. It will be another informative time of sharing, writing and critique.
You are welcome to come and visit with us. If you enjoyed yourself while learning what we are about, you are welcome to return and join in.

Mike McArthy will be conducting a book signing and discussion on the Ozarks mills, including visual presentation, on July 22nd at 5:00 pm, in Harrison, Arkansas at the Boone County Library. Address: Boone County Library - 221 W Stephenson, Harrison, AR. 72601, Ph 870-741-
The Historic Ozarks Mills book includes more than 25 old water powered gristmills with histories, locations, stories, folklore, map, and lots of full color photos. These historic sites still exist and you can visit them by book or in person. Take the old mills tour! The Ozarks have some of the best examples of old mills remaining in the country and many happen to be in some of the most beautiful places the USA has to offer (intro below). Collector's edition still available, each is numbered, signed and dated, with only 500 in existence. Get yours before they're history! Mike McArthy of Photozarks will be featured in an upcoming PBS program, which will include the historic Ozarks mills, later this year. Airing dates will be announced in coming weeks. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, go to www.photozarks.com, find out more about the Historic Ozarks Mills book and the Ozarks beauty in print. Cards, art prints, mills books, photo-shoots, custom projects, presentations, cover & stock photography, all with the Ozarks beauty as the subject. Contact info is below.

Best Photo Awards
~ 2007 * 2008 * 2009 ~ *Featured contributor to "Missouri Life" and "The Ozarks Mountaineer" magazines.
*Ozarks Writers League (OWL) & Ozarks Society member.
Photozarks ~ The Ozarks beauty in printMike McArthyPh (636) 399-2715www.photozarks.com

Photo (c) Mary Nida Smith
Sunday evening-Tuesday morning
forever thunder and cloudburst
gully washers and flooding.
Prayers bring dry land
followed with prayers of rain.
We just can't get it right.

Helpful information for writers/Beware

USING SONG LYRICS
Http://www.writing-world.com/dawn/lyrics

Pod/self-publishing
WRITERS BEWARE: EPUBLISHERS
http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/electronic
Click on links
Also, on this website if you do an in-depth research you will
Save yourself a lot of heartaches and headaches. All this information
and other excellent websites such as your favorite authors can lead you be
more knowledgeable in submitting to agents and editors.

There are no quick fixes; if there was - doctors and lawyers wouldn’t have to study or do internship to learn their craft. If they were able to take short-cuts, do you think it would make them qualified to present the best in their profession and would other professional except them?

Writer’s Digest - 9 Ways to Get Started & Stay Motivated

Writer’s Digest - 9 Ways to Get Started & Stay Motivated

Spinning World: My world is spinning. When it stops, where will I be? This is of great interest to me.

Twin Lakes Writers meet Saturday,July 10. For time & place go to http://www.twinlakeswriters.org/ I founded this group in the Spring of 1998. I was the president, newsletter editor and whatever, to make it work. I took some time off after the conference I organized, to refocus and work on my career. Last month I was elected to be their president. I feel a little shaky, for now I am the president of two groups. I started the North Central Children's Writers and Illustrators June, 2010.

Don't forget the all day workshop in Springfield, Missouri July 31. http://www.owaic.org/

Baxter County Library, Mountain Home, AR needs your help removing and re-tagging books and videos for the move to the new library by July 31. If you can help, please go to the library and say, I am here to help. As a board member of the Friends of the Library - We thank you!

Writing is a constant involvement: Not only in your area, but with other groups where you can learn invaluable insight to your field/genre of creative writing and illustrating. Most of all write everyday.
The second meeting of the North Central Children’s Writers and Illustrators was a great success. Each time new members join they bring fascinating talent to share. You can see our group picture grow at http://nccwi.org . Nicole, my granddaughter took the photo and she did a great job. Our next meeting is July 24, for on the 31st several members and I will be attending the OZARK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS FOR CHILDREN (OWAIC) July 31, at The Library Station 2535 N. Expressway Springfield, MO.

The Twin Lakes Writers meet the 10th http://www.twinlakeswriters.org

The new poem of the month is “itch” on David L Harrison’s blog http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com . I submitted one for this month, please join us.
I submitted my kudos to the OWL newsletter, the deadline July 8th.
The Ozarks Mountaineer magazine published my two photos with comments
in the July/August issue.

For a free blog, go to http://blogger.com
For a free website, http://webs.com and it come with a free blog.
Bull Shoals Chamber of Commerce uses webs.com
Both offer a lot of different useful benefits.

Happy Blessed 4th of July! God has blessed us.

David L. Harrison: I thank David for allowing be to be a guest poet on his blog and to the those who commented. It was a honor.

North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators meet Saturday 26 1-3 p.m., at Lakeview City Hall. September we move into the new library in Mountain Home. To find Lakeview traveling from Mountain Home on 5N, turn left at Midway on 178, continue to Lakeview turn left across from Beaman Realty to the Police Dept and City Hall. Bring your manuscripts; book dummies you have created; illustrations and published books to display. You will learn how to critique your own manuscript(Standard Manuscript Format) and illustrators will comment on imaginary. Quote by illustrator Rob Shepperson: " I believe authors should write stories without clobbering the narrative with description that be shown more efficiently visually." Rob was a guest on David's blog 6/4/010. Our website created by Cherie Neal can be found at http://nccwi.org

GUEST POET: I will be the guest poet Wednesday, June 25 on children's author David L. Harrison's blog. http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com/ I hope you enjoy my poem, WINDOWS.

"A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quiet." - Richard Bach
Are you interested in just writing or getting published?

Wild Gardener that's me. The Woodland Garden is getting wilder by the day. I haven't been able to keep up with the weeding. But, I love it! Did a little watering today for it is so dry. Checked on my cecropia silk moth cocoon. Instead of laying flat against the wild cherry trunk, it is outward, verily clinging to the bark. It is almost ready to enter the big world. It has been about nine months. There is lots of information on the Internet on these huge beautiful collectible creatures. I only want to collect photos.

I took a photo of my first annual/common cicada clinging to a small sassafras tree. It was alive and had emerged from its shell of a body. Also, I talked to one of the garden turtles as I took its photos. See why I love my garden?

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the special dads.I had the best dad in the world.
He loved to laugh
He went to heaven as a
young man leaving his family with
many treasured memories.
I miss him everyday.

WRITING, ARTS, WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES: The next six months is going to be very busy. I am always afraid to look beyond today - this hour; it is scary! Oh, well here it goes.
Last Saturday I was elected to be the new president of the Twin Lakes Writers. This is a group I founded Spring of 1998. I was the president and started a newsletter which I was the editor. March 2004 I organized the first all day writers conference. My speakers, my dear friends Max McCoy, Ellen Gray Massey and Vicki Cox made it a big success. I am thankful to the members and two ex-presidents, Robert Harper and Nancy Thacher-Cery who enabled the group to grow while I took some time to reflect, rest and work on my career. The Twin Lakes Writers will be having their meetings this Fall at the new library in Mountain Home.

This Fall the North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators will be meeting in October at the new library. Author's Day at the library is December 5th.

The Ozark Regional Arts Council will soon be in their new conference room in the new Veda Sheid Community Development Center at ASU/Mountain Home.

June 26 1-3 pm NC Children's Writers & Illustrators meet at Lakeview City Hall. More information will be place on this blog. Lots of excitement with the creative arts.

FLAG DAY JUNE 14, 2010

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:First Annual Book Blogger Convention
at the BEA on Beyond Her Book blog...Barbara Vey -- June 11th, 2010
http://publishersweekly.com

Maurice Sendak, children's author & illustrator of many books; the most famous is "Where the Wild Things Are." Today is his birthday.

RICH DAVIS is more than an illustrator for children’s books. The kids at schools and libraries love him and after Saturday June 5th Rich will find he is loved by writers groups. My friend Cherie, Laurel and I attended his program sponsored by the Ozark Writers and Illustrators for Children (OWAIC http://www.owaic.org/), at Library Center 4653 S. Campbell, Springfield, Missouri. Rich’s website is http://www.richdavis.freewebspace.com/

After that meeting we attended the Ozarks Romance Writers to hear guest speaker, Allen Young share how to write travel articles and more. Unknown to us “teen book mania” was taking place in the teen department at that same time. Teen novel authors; Arkansas author Jenny B. Jones, three Missouri authors; Holly Schindler, Brian Katcher and Brent Crawford.

I came home bursting with go power. Lonnie will have a piece published in a children’s magazine in December, Cherie had a tween novel manuscript critiqued where she received good feed back. Also, when she starts writing her non-fiction book Allen Young volunteered to read it. He thought her book was great idea.

I was encouraged to return to illustrating and to submit to more than one place.
First I have some writing assignments to get caught up on. Writing for the adult markets sometimes gets in the way of submitting my children’s manuscripts. I will have to work harder. But, I did submit my May poem on David’s blog today. Check it out at http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com/
Later this afternoon I will attend the meeting of the Ozarks Regional Arts Council.

I did some gardening in The Woodland Garden last week and this week.
Sometimes, I think I do exploring and photo taking than gardening. I took odd
cloud photos, sunsets over Bull Shoals Lake and deer in our neighborhood. Also, I have been trying to catch-up with the church album. But, I keep taking pictures. I love to do too many things; because I love life.

Photos that you delete because you messed-up. Stop throwing away creative materials. Use them to play around with in your photo shop. This will help you to learn to develop a creative eye for what works and what doesn't. I'll let you all ponder on this statement while I get caught-up. I always have so much to share and I don't know where to start. I know the beginning. The photos are begonia heart shaped seeds and a shadow interfered. I did succeed with a photo without a shadow.

Ozark Writers and Illustrators For Children is a non-profit
group in Springfield, Missouri. We produce novels, nonfiction, articles,
and short stories. We discuss markets, trends, publicity, queries, and
all aspects of our craft. We meet the first Saturday of every month
at the Library Station, 2535 N Kansas Expressway in Springfield
from 9-11 a.m. A critique session follows at approximately 11:30.
Rich Davis, speaker for June 5th:
Rich Davis is a children's book illustrator with 9 books. He is a free lance illustrator, drawing instructor, drawing game inventor and speaks at public schools and libraries.
Rich:I am excited to meet all you creative folks and to enjoy some time encouraging one another. I have noticed writers "think" in pictures just like artists...the way we say it is the only difference. So it is very very easy and enjoyable to track with creative ideas and language. This will be fun!
There is a $10.00 donation request to help cover Mr. Davis' expenses. Mr. Davis has marketed a wonderful game, Pick and Draw, that will be given to everyone that pays the $10.00.
Coffee and snacks will be provided. We will meet in the Story Room at The Library Station 9:00 to 11:00. A critique session will follow.
For more information go to http://www.owaic.org/

Cold War

Heat of summer
Cold of winter
Our sons
and daughters
serviced,
and are
serving.
Some gave
it all
and they
are missed.
Prayers follow
where ever
they travel.
God keep them safe.

WINNER: Thanks to all who voted for my May poem posted on Children's author and poet David L. Harrison's blog. http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com/. Come join us in June. The word for June is"SONG".

North Central Children's Writers and Illustrators. Cherie Neal's email below is incorrect, it is cherieneal@hotmail.com Our first meeting today was a big success. Thanks to my Vice-president Cherie, who helped make it successful. What a fun and talent group. Don't miss June 26 - our next meeting.

WRITING AND DRAWING CHILDREN’S BOOKS
North Central Children’s Writers and Illustrators
has formed to meet the needs of people who want to write
or illustrate children’s books or magazines. The goals of
the group is to support and assist each other to became
published writers or illustrators. New members are encouraged
to attend and share their books and illustrations.
North Central Children’s Writers and Illustrators meet
May 29, 1-3 p.m., at Lakeview City Hall near the Bull Shoals
Dam. For more information contact:
Mary Nida Smith 870-431-5369 marynida@suddenlink.net
or Cherie Neal 870-481-6681 cherienaeal@hotmail.com

E-BOOK SALES: Received a puzzling article on today's Publishers Daily (PW)newsletter stating
ebooks sales soar. On http//accrispin.blogspot.com Writers Beware blog May 4th had an article titled: Lies, Dammed Lies, and Statistics.

The Woodland Garden: It is going to be hot today, so I am heading out for a couple of hours to spend a wild adventure in my over-grown garden. I have to check on my large cecropia moth cocoon. The last time I checked it appears to be ready to break out. I sure hope I don't miss it. I discover another moth cocoon where I disturb it as it was breaking out. A sad story! I took lots of pictures and saved the cocoon to add to my treasure box. So, many stories to share. See ya!

Don't forget to vote for my poem on David's blog.

ABOUT.COM Children’s Books/Sharing Stories and Books
Reader Stories: How I Introduced Children’s Books to My Baby/Toddler.
My story was published on line this morning at http://childrensbooks.about.com/u/sty/boardbooks/babies-books/Sharing-Stories-and-Books.

Ozarks Writers League members arrived at Boxcar Willie’s Hotel
by 3 p.m., Friday 14th. It stormed most of the week where I didn’t think I would be going. I hitched a ride with new friends Cherie Neal & Janice Votsmier members of the Twin Lakes Writers and North Central Children’s Writers & Illustrators. We had a great time.

Dinner was served at 5:30 and after we had open mic. Several members read the first chapter of their finished novel. Daniela Rapp, editor at St. Martin’s Press and Agent Paul Fedorko at http://www.nsbienstock.com sat through all the readings and Saturday OWL members had the opportunity to pitches to each one. I was excited to learn some of friends were invited to submit.
Others received a no-go which is always hard to take. I didn’t pitch as they didn’t except my genre. They both spoke on Saturday and short story writer Shirley McCann shared writing for magazines. Check all the magazines she was published in at http://shirleymccann.com and http://cleverchonicles.blogspot.com

I purchased some good buys at the auction (OWL’s yearly fund raiser).
Seen old friends and made new friends: Judy Moresi http://www.JudyMoresi.com
W.E Mueller http://www.wem-stories.com
Claire Applewhite http://claireapplewhite.com
Sylvia Forbes http://bylinescalendar.com

Sunday, I was too tired to attend Books in Bloom at Eureka Springs. Went to church and sang in the choir. I also worked Sunday & Monday afternoon printing some photos to go in the new church directory. I am our church historian & photographer.
Monday morning was our Friends of the Library board meeting which I am proud to be a member. Tuesday afternoon took some pictures of my dear friends for the directory. He is in a care center after injuring his back. Then later our pictures were taken and I attended Bible study that evening.
Wednesday, I helped set up for the library booksale, printed some more photos and attended the church BBQ to take more photos for the history album.
Thursday, I worked in the studio catching up with work as a writer.
Each day in-between storms I am running like a dog chasing its tail.

Baxter County Library is having their booksale, Thursday, Friday & Saturday. I am going, are you?

Patience's and Hope: I am trying to be patience and hope I can update my blogs and website soon. I have lots to share. My world is spinning. Someone from Good Old Days magazine called, to say they received my follow-up letter that had gotten misplaced in its travels. By this time the June issue arrived with my story "Buck, the Comeback Horse". They payed me a long time ago. They will be sending two extra issues. I didn't sell all rights. I have it in free verse as a children's book manuscript. Back to busy, busy.

Homework poem I have written and placed on http://missrumphiuseffect.blogspot.com

NOT AGAIN
©By Mary Nida Smith

Ah, Mom
Homework
Not again tonight.
I know,
You told me before
If I do all my homework
I’ll be smarter tomorrow.

Ah, Mom
I am already smart.
I don’t have time,
There is much
To do outside
Like exploring
And learning
About nature.

Ah, Mom
Can’t I have any fun?
Yes, Mom, I’ll hurry
I’ll do my homework
So, I’ll be smarter
Tomorrow.

Ah, Mom
When I grow up
I’ll never do homework.
I’ll play and explore
While I tell
My kids that story,
Do your homework
You’ll be smarter tomorrow.

Ah, Mom
Not again!

ALDOUS HUXLEY: A bad book is as much of a labor to write as a good one; it comes as sincerely from the author's soul.

Rain rain
this isn't the day.
So, go away
come back
another day.
I have travels
to seek
and garden
to weed.

Sunshine
come my way
You don't
have to stay.
I need a day
to find my way
out of the gloom
out of this room.

I do love you rain
your ever changing
personality.
I sit on the edge
wondering what's next.
But not this week-end
good-bye rainy gloom
welcome sunshine.

Writers Events:
Saturday, May 15: The Ozarks Writers League (OWL) group meets at the Plaster Auditorium of the grounds of the College of the Ozarks, near Hollister, MO. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the program starting promptly at 9:00 a.m.Speakers will be Daniela Rapp, editor at St. Martin's Press, Paul Fedorko, agent with N.S. Bienstock Agency, and Shirley McCann. Daniela and Paul will hold five-minute pitches in the morning, then speak in the afternoon. Shirley McCann will speak in the morning on "How to Write a Short Story and How to Find Short Story Markets." Also features lunch on the patio and an auction afterward. One of the most popular meetings of the year. OWL's membership $25.00, or a one-day visit $10.00. Lunch on the patio is $7.00, paid at the registration desk. Reservations are required by emailing deloism@gmail.com to who and how many will be attending. Open mic is held the night before, Friday, May 14th at the Boxcar Willie Inn conference room. Price is $9.00, but you must make reservation by emailing to louturn@aol.com. Let her know if you wish to participate in open mic. Boxcar Willie Inn gives a special price to attendees. You must mention you're with OWL. Their number is 417-337-7070.We always have a great time at the auction, which is the only fundraiser OWL does. Proceeds go toward bringing in well-known agents and editors. There's a prize for the person who donates the item to the auction that brings in the most money. So bring your donated items and your wallet to purchase items.

Sunday, May 16: Books in Bloom from noon to 5pm, at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs. This is a free event. http://www.BooksinBloom.org

Also, an update on the workshop Steve Berry is hosting to benefit the Carroll County Historical Society. We filled the seats for the workshop, but will have room for a few more attendees who would like to hear Mr. Berry speak during the noon-time luncheon.The cost of the meal is $15.00. If anyone would like more information, please contact me. We even have a workshop attendee flying in from CA!!
Writer information forwarded by:
Dr. Fred R. Pfister: Editor
Editorial office: 815 Lee St.
Branson, Missouri 65616
417-334-5615
editor@ozarksmountaineer.com
or frpfister@suddenlink.net
For subscription and circulation: call toll free: 1-866-784-9444
"Once an Ozarker, always an Ozarker, even if you're no longer living in the Ozarks."
Check out The Ozarks Mountaineer at www.ozarksmountaineer.com. It's the magazine that keeps your heart in the Ozarks!

CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK:

About CBW
"A great nation is a reading nation."
Since 1919, Children's Book Week has been celebrated nationally in schools, libraries, bookstores, clubs, private homes -- any place where there are children and books. Educators, librarians, booksellers, and families have celebrated children's books and the love of reading with storytelling, parties, author and illustrator appearances, and other book-related events.

To read more go to Book Week Online: http://www.bookweekonline.com

Happy Mother's Day

Your mother is always with you...
She's the whisper of the leaves
as you walk down the street.
She's the smell of bleachin
your freshly laundered socks.
She's the cool hand on your brow
when you're not well.
Your mother lives inside
your laughter.
She's crystallized
in every tear drop.
She's the place you
came from,your first home...
She's the map you follow
with every step that you take.
She's your first love
and your first heart break...
and nothing on earth
can separate you.
Not time, Not space...
Not even death...
will ever separate
you from your mother...
You carry her inside of you...
Author Unknown
Photo of my mom, Bessie Margeret Yoder Nida at sixteen

Michael Feldman's "Whad' Ya Know?" Comes To The Ozarks!
Attend the live Broadcast of NPR's Michael Feldman's "Whad' Ya Know?" show at Springfield's Juanita K. Hammons Hall, Saturday, May 8 from 10:00 a.m.--12:00. If you can't attend, listen to it on your NPR station
Springfield 91.1
Branson 90.5
West Plains 90.9
Mountain Grove 88.7
Joplin 98.9
Neosho 103.7
or streaming at:
www.ksmu.org.
I've been invited to "talk about the Ozarks" on a segment. I have no idea where Michael will go with this, but if it's like the show usually is, it's the perfect format of my column "Ozark Meanderings." I've sent him some of my columns (including the "Ozarker" & "Ozarkian" debate and "What Do You Call A Person From Arkansas?" and articles various writers and OWL members have written for The Ozarks Mountaineer over the years so he can get some "background" and the flavor of the Ozarks and know what he's getting into by doing a show down here!
Fredrick Roger Pfister invites all Facebook Friends to attend Michael Feldman's "Whad' Ya Know" live broadcast Saturday.
Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?www.notmuch.com
Thanks--and don't forget the OWL meeting (and auction), May 15! See you there!
regards...
pfreditor
Dr. Fred R. Pfister
Editor: The Ozarks Mountaineer
Editorial office: 815 Lee St.
Branson, Missouri 65616
Editor's home phone: 417-334-5615
e-mail address: editor@ozarksmountaineer.com
or frpfister@suddenlink.net
www.ozarksmountaineer.com
For subscription and circulation: call toll free: 1-866-784-9444
"Once an Ozarker, always an Ozarker, even if you're no longer living in the Ozarks."
Check out The Ozarks Mountaineer at www.ozarksmountaineer.com. It's the magazine that keeps your heart in the Ozarks!

North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators will meet Saturday, May 29, 1-3 p.m., at Lakeview City Hall, Lakeview, Arkansas. Please email marynida@suddenlink.net

If you want to read my family horse story (Buck, the Comeback Horse) in the May/June Good Old Days Magazine you can find it at most magazine racks or at your local library. I sponsored the magazine at the Baxter County Library.

ONLINE MAGAZINE WRITERS GUIDELINE'S: Kid Magazine Writers http://www.kidmagwriters.com/

NC Children's Writers & Illustrators: President Mary Nida Smith, Vice-president Cherie Neal.
Meet Saturday, May 29 1-3 p.m., at Lakeview City Hall, Lakeview, AR. Sign-up email: marynida@suddenlink.net

Good Old Days magazine http://www.goodolddaysmagazine.com check out their current June issue. My story of Buck the Comeback Horse and a picture of my brother Tiny.

Baxter County Library Annual Auction was a huge sucess April 28th.

OZARK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS FOR CHILDREN http://owaic.org/
May 1 OWAI meeting at The Library Station, Children's Story Room at 9:30 a.m.
for more information email Naomi Shaw at providencepark@wildblue.net or marynida@suddenlink.net
May 8 Twin Lakes Writers for more information marynida@suddenlink.net
or check their website http://www.twinlakeswriters.org
May 10-16 Children’s Book Week


May 16 Books in Bloom http://www.BooksinBloom.org
May 19-22 Baxter County Library Booksale.
May 14-15 OWL http://www.ozarkswritersleague.org We meet at the College of the Ozarks, Branson, Missouri

VOTE FOR MY POEM Spring Leaped on David L. Harrison's blog. Olny two days left to vote.
Thanks!

Need Editing/Critiques go to my friend Lorri at http://www.lorricardwell-casey.com and click on her editing business REVision Critiques. Lorri is a former instructor for The Institute of Children's Literature.

Baby Girl guarding her woods.
The Woodland Garden

The Spring green
is the garden canape.
The days of light rain
fungi and moss rise
from the garden floor.
Nature's ferns and flowers
peep through leaves
to welcome the sunshine.
A rainbow promises
future displays
throughout the seasons
in The Woodland Garden.
Poem & photos (c) by Mary Nida Smith
My garden is one-third of an acre.

The small poetry poster and a basket of poetry books will be the center piece on the refreshment table at the Friends of the Library meeting & auction April 26th 1:30

The Friends of the Library auction poster as you enter the Baxter County Library.

I did enjoy creating both posters.

Celebrate National Poetry Month this Sunday with Poetry in the Park Presented By Poets and Friends of Springfield, Missouri Sunday APRIL 25, 2010 from 1:00 to 6:00 PM Grant Beach Park Pavilion located at 1401 N. Grant in Springfield, MO Potluck and Poetry Bring Food for your party and SHARE — Potluck style!!Bring poems for open mike read-a-rounds(We do have families present!)Musical poetry welcome (bring your own instruments)*Charcoal Grills *Drinking Fountains *Restrooms *Playground *Electricity *Plenty of Parking *Sheltered Seating *Easy Access Nothing Better--A Day of Poetry, Food and Fun It's on and we invite all
of you to come!! Please publicize as you can and see fit to do so!!M J Becco, Event Chairman MJBecco@hotmail.com Poets & Friends For more information
on Missouri Poets & Friends visit: http://www.nfsps.com/mo/p&f.htm

BAXTER COUNTY LIBRARY (ARKANSAS)FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY ANNUAL
AUCTION WED., APRIL 28 1:30 DONATIONS NEEDED. MANY ITEMS TO BID
ON & BUY WHILE ENJOYING REFRESHMENTS AND LOTS OF FUN.

Independent Bookstores, Illustrators Digital Books and A Walk in Nature:

Guide to Independent Bookstores in U.S. and Canada can be found at http://www.newpages.com/bookstores and you will find information for magazines,
Writers Resources, Books, and other Guides & Features.

For Illustrators -Steven Withrow is the author of six books: Toon Art, Webcomics, Character Design for Graphic Novels, Vector Graphics and Illustrations, Secrets of Digital Animation, and Illustrating Children’s Picture Books. http://cracklesofspeech.blogspot.com

A Walk in Nature
I spent a few hours in The Woodland Garden enjoying nature. Gosh, I love the surprises I am offered as I explore while I work. For several months a large brown cocoon that feels like paper has been attached to one of the large wild cherry trees on the south end of the garden. I had no idea what it was. I sent a photo to Jeffrey K. Barnes, Curator at the University of Arkansas. He said it appears to be a cecropia moth cocoon. I found more information and pictures in a book and a website. I do hope to see it when it comes out to explore the world. I have been trying to keep watch, but that isn’t always possible. I will collect the empty cocoon to add with the rest of my nature collection.
I have been keeping an eye on the several dens throughout the woods for some kind of movement. Nothing yet. Our ten squirrels and Mrs.M or Momma squirrel as she is known arrives ever-so-often at one of our windows for a couple of peanuts. I have a hummingbird food out, but no hummingbirds. They are late. Each year they arrive later and later.

Beverly Cleary - Cub Reporters Wanted:

April 11, Newberry Award-winning children's author Beverly Cleary turned 94 years young and going strong. One of my very favorite authors. Thank you for all your wonderful books.

Beyond Her Book - contributor to Publishers Weekly 4/13/10
Barbara Vey _ http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/Beyond_Her_Book32112-Looking_For_Cub_Reporters....
Looking For Cub Reporters
April 13, 2010

Friday I leave for Washington DC where I’ll be attending the Washington Romance Writers Retreat. I’m really psyched for it. Attending conferences really energizes me and I love connecting with those in publishing and meeting new readers.
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I’m constantly hearing from readers about how much they enjoy hearing about my travels since they can’t always go themselves. Even though I’ll be attending about a dozen events this year, there’s a ton more I won’t be able to make. While it saddens me, I think I’ve got the perfect solution. You can become a cub reporter for Beyond Her Book. If you are attending a conference, retreat or convention that I won’t be at, let me know and I’ll be glad to include your write up about the function. You can even include a couple of pictures.