Tuesday, December 16, 2014

FLYING WITH GOD

 December 7th at the "Local Authors Book Sale & Signing ," I met some new authors. It is always exciting to meet new authors. This new one, to me that is, Bettina "Sparkles' Obernuefemann exchange one of her books with one of mine. The title of her book, FLYING WITH GOD - Putting on a Happy Face - A Flight Attendant Memoir. Her life starts as a child in Germany during WWII. It is a powerful, well written book. It is self-published.

There were several well-written book created because of a passion to share and a couple were illustrated. So, I am learning from these authors not to turn up my nose at self-publishing.

Thursday, December 04, 2014

Donald W. Reynolds Library

I'll be there at my table; stop and say "HI". I will be there as a member of Creative Writers and Illustrators. http://creativewritersandillustrators.blogspot.com


Things To Do Around The Twin Lakes's photo.
Local Author Book Sale and Signing Holiday Event
Sunday, Dec 7th from 1 - 4 pm
Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County
The Library will showcase our... local authors at this holiday book sale and signing event. Meet neighbors who are authors and have them autograph your purchases. Books make great gifts, so shop locally and support talented local authors!
See More

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Books for Christmas Presents


Books: non-fictions, fiction, photography, greeting cards and more.

Thank you for registering for the Local Author Book & Signing Event at the Library Sunday, December 7, 1:00pm – 4:00pm.  We are excited to have you as one of our featured artists.  Just a few things:

 


·         You can arrive as early as 12noon on Sunday, Dec. 7 to set up.  We will have a 6 foot table and 2 chairs set for each author in the main hall of the Library. Tables will not be assigned - just pick your table when you arrive.

·         There will be hot apple cider, coffee, and cookies for you in the Knox Community Meeting Room.  Please enjoy!

·         In the event of winter weather, the event will go on as planned, unless it is so bad that the Library closes.

·         Please check the Library’s website at www.baxlib.org, our Facebook page, or listen to KTLO that morning for closing information.

·         If the Library closes, the event will be rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 14.

 
Please let me know if you have any questions.  I look forward to seeing you soon!

 

Kim

 

Kim Crow Sheaner

Deputy Director

Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County

300 Library Hill

Mountain Home, AR  72653

870-580-0979

 

LOGO-Tr-Lib-gr

Friday, October 24, 2014

Arkansas, My Home

Poetry Day 2014 Program Saturday, October 18, 2014
My poem in program hand-out.
 
 
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Arkansas, My Home

 

The trees of summer

invite visitors to stay,

beckoning them to sit beneath them,

relax along lakes and rivers,

throw a line in, take a cruise,

dive in for a swim.

Before visitors realize...

they call Arkansas “home.”

 

Mary Nida Smith

Monday, October 13, 2014

NATIONAL POETRY DAY IN ARKANSAS

The Free Verse Poetry Group of Mountain Home, AR, is honored to be hosting the 67th observance of National Poetry Day in Arkansas, in honor of Rosa Zagnoni Marinoni.  The two day event, themed, “ARKANSAS, OUR HOME” will take place October 17th and 18th, 2014.  Friday evening will feature Riverside Poems and a pot luck dinner.  Saturday’s event will take place at the Donald W. Reynolds Library serving Baxter County, in Mountain Home.  Featured speaker will be Todd Sukany, language and literature faculty member at Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, MO.  

Diane Stefan,
FVPGMH, Secretary
Poets Roundtable of Arkansas, 2nd VP

Sunday, October 12, 2014

ORAC 6 x 6 Fundraiser

“Six x Six @ 6:00”

October 16 at 6:00 at the Vada Sheid!

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 Photo 1:  LL- Barbara Smock- dog/ LM- Marlene Gremillion-Abstract/ LR-Richard Melborn- trees/ TL- Deborah Lively – trees w/ sunset/ TR- Patricia Corder- flowers
Photo 2: LL- Joy Tegels- butterfly/LM- Jeanne Roth- flowers/ LR- Suzanne Fry- Butterfly/ TL- Patsy Inman- Butterfly/ TR- Janet Emery- Flowers
Photo 3: LL- Beth Fern- flowers/ LM- Patsy Inman-yellow w/flowers/LR- Unknown- Pink Flowers/ TL- Linda Gonzales- Red Flowers/ TR- Suzanne Fry- Red and Blue Flowers
Photo 4: LL- Charlotte Barnhart- school of fish/ LM- Carol Scott- fish/ LR- Unknown- Fish/ TL- Patsy Inman- abstract/ TR- Dana Johnson- Frogs
Photo 5: LL- Kathy Demko- cat/LM—Lisa Gordon- bird/ LR- Judy Brown- Cougar/ TL- Linda O’Neal- bird/ TR-Mary Nida Smith—bird
Photo 6: LL- Sherri Groves- abstract/ LM- Jessica Williams- Yarn design/ LR- AJ Cantrell- Abstract/ TL- Harvey Middleton- Rectangle pattern/ TR- Deborah Lively- Needlepoint chicken
Photo 7: LL- Linda Short- Sail boat/ LM- AJ Cantrell-trees/ LR- Jerry Preator- Trees/ TL- Kathy Demko- River Landscape/ TR- Willard Savadge- River and flowers
Photo 8: LL- Jeanne Roth- Flowers/ LM- Fran Sabia-Tomato?/ LR-Linda O”neal-flower/ TL- unknown- church/ TR- Patsy Inman- Barn/snow
Photo 9: LL- Bobbie Hanson- Trees/ LML- Dan Cohee- Bird/ LMR- Dan Cohee- Bird/ TL- Kathy Demko- Lighthouse/ TR- Willard Savadge- Eagle
Photo 10:  Jim Davis- Ironwork
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 __ Artist Gallery __

Tuesday, October 07, 2014

WANTED: Submarine stories for a new book, Submarine Stories of the 20th Century, I am working on for Skyhorse Publishing Inc. Thank you. marynida@suddenlink.net

Thursday, October 02, 2014

Author Diane Fanning, Baxter County Library

True crime author and crime novelist Diane Fanning, will be at the Donald W. Reynolds Library Saturday, October 11, 10:30. Fanning website http://dianefanning.com and http://baxlib.org. Join us.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Submarine Stories of World War II Press Release


Mary Nida Smith’s nonfiction, Submarine Veterans of World War II has been acquired by Skyhorse Publishing!

As the wife of a submariner, Mary Nida Smith lived through many a troubled day. Her husband, Melvin T, Smith, was one of these honorable men. He is a lifetime member of the U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc., (Holland Club), a former Vice Commander of the U.S. Submarine Veterans Base, Mountain Home, Arkansas, former member of the Idaho Spuds-U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII and the Northwest Regions/Idaho/Montana/Oregon/Washington. Through it all, she stuck by him—and wrote.

 

         Melvin T. Smith                          Mary Nida Smith

Submarine Veterans of World War II is about teenage boys who left farms, small towns, and inner cities to defend the United States and democracy worldwide. Signing up for United States Navy submarine duty was an adventure of a lifetime during the early 40s. Dreams of torpedoing Japanese and German ships and subs consumed their thoughts. Gallant heroes.

Those who returned home as young men were older—wiser.

Contributed by nine men who rode submarines to great depths and across the oceans into unknown territory, they share their experiences, fears and thoughts; allowing us to travel back in time through their memories. Some stories will never be told. Held deep within the secret confines of their souls, these deep sea veterans block it out for self-perseverance. Yet, there are others who will never escape their own minds, they relive it over and over with eyes open or shut.

It was difficult finding veterans of that era who were able and willing to release their stories. Many have departed this earth, and those who are still with us now find themselves in their late 80s and 90s. Trained for years to keep silent, for “loose lips sink ships,” some still believe what they know to be classified and refuse to disclose even the minutest of recollections. Others want to leave a legacy of reminiscences for others to learn and live by—to know that freedom is not free.

Submarine Stories of World War II was written to honor the men who served and are serving today on submarines.

 

Smith, an author, freelance writer, poet and photographer has lived in several states, submitting and publishing in local magazines and newspapers. Magazines: The Ozarks Mountaineer, Ozarks, Arkansas Living, Good Old Days, Polaris (WWII), Grit, Northwest Living (Field Editor), Storyteller (photograph cover), Salute, Journal of the Ozarks. Newspapers: Magic Valley Farm Lines (South Idaho Press-Clark newspapers), Port Orchard Independent (Washington- weekly column), Ozark Mountain News (Mountain Home, AR), and Oregon Journal (Portland - book reviews). Newsletters: U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII (Arkansas Diamond Chapter), Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI- Australia), SCBWI-Missouri, SCBWI-Arkansas, Ozarks Writers League (OWL), and Missouri Writers Guild. Contributed to the anthologies: Echoes of the Ozarks and Women in Nature.

 

Submarine Stories of World War II (First Edition) was originally published by Red Engine Press, 2008. It was displayed several months in the Ralph Foster Museum (College of the Ozarks), and in three military museums: St. Marys’ Submarine Museum, St. Mary’s, Georgia, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Madison, Wisconsin, Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas, and cataloged in the Donald W. Reynolds Library Baxter County, Arkansas.  When she created her blog Submarine Stories and Military Writers (2007 –present) http://submarinestories.blogspot.com  she linked with The Sub Report at http://thesubreport.blogspot.com  where she is featured on its Submarine Blog Roll.





Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com
Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor New York, NY www.skyhorsepublishing.com

Sunday, August 31, 2014

DOG SMARTS Poem


Dog Smarts!

By Mary Nida Smith ©

 Doggone dog

acts like a hog.

He eats everything

without thinking.

He torn up the house,

never touched the mouse.

I sat him down for a talk

he took me for a walk.

No one out smarts this dog.

The old boy lives in a fog

living life his way.

I am still in a daze.

No telling what he’ll do

when I introduce the cat

… to you know who.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Friday, August, 8th Reception 4-6 p.m.


Mary Nida Smith Photographer and Artist, Lakeview, AR

will exhibit the month of August at Palette Art League

Open 10-4 p.m. Mon-Fri.  300 Hwy 62 West, Yellville, AR 870-656-2057

 

Smith is a member of Bull Shoals Art Club, Area Art

Club, Ozark Regional Arts Council - Historian, Ozarks Writers League

and founder of Twin Lakes Writers and Creative Writers & Illustrators.

 162 Stamford Drive, Lakeview, AR.  (Phone 431-5369)

 
 Reception to meet the artist is Friday, August 8, 4-6 p.m.


                  

        


 

Monday, July 07, 2014

Palette Art League


Palette Art League 6th Annual Pal Art Expo Show
July 7-11, 2014
Registration: Monday, July 7th 10-4 pm
The Expo Exhibit is open July 8-11
Meet the Artist Awards Reception Friday, July 11 4-6 pm
For more information www.paletteartleague.org
I am exhibiting two photographs.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Helpful Books on Writing for Beginners.

A list of helpful books for writers:

The Writer's Digest Handbook of Short Story Writing and Handbook of Short Story Writing volume II.

Volume II  has the answer to a lot of questions asked by beginners:

  •  Point of view

  • Writing Powerful Dialogue

  • Adding Tension Directly into the Spoken Words

  • Thoughts/using Flashback


Writing Dialogue by Tom Chiarella - How to create memorable voices and fictional conversations that crackle with wit, tension and nuance.

Creating Character Emotions by Ann Hood - Writing fresh approaches that express your characters' true feelings

Friday, April 18, 2014


ORAC Annual Membership Meeting

Monday, April 21, 2014

5:00 pm

Vada Sheid ASUMH

 
Please join us for our annual membership meeting and learn who we are and what we do.

 
All our organizational members andall visual and performing art groups, our individual members and artists, our sponsors and any patron of the visual and performing arts are welcomed to attend.

 
We will have our 6 x 6 canvases available at this meeting for you to take and create your masterpiece.



Deborah Lively-  President
Ozark Regional Arts Council,
a  501(c)3 corporation


172 Robin Drive
Mountain Home, AR 72653
870-425-8291



 

Friday, April 11, 2014


Quiet Times

By Mary Nida Smith (c)

A quiet time in prayer

a time to listen to His voice.

Busy with daily routine

the sound of the world is heard.

In prayers we ask for guidance

in our daily walk through life.

Without the quiet times

His answers go unheard.

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

APRIL: NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

Young people's Poetry week
Cowboy Poetry Week

Free Verse Poetry Group ( Mountain Home, AR)
Baxter County Poets Association
Donald W. Reynolds Library "THE THING" April 26, 2014

Poetry is for all ages.
Read each day of the year.

ENJOY!

POET BLESSINGS
by Mary Nida Smith

I started as a poet
got lost along the way.
I am back.
I am here to stay.
I have found a circle
of free verse poets
who welcome me
as a lost poet
returning home.
A warm cozy place
to relax, to read and
encouraged to read,
wearing my heart
where everyone hears the beats
and they softly repeat,
read on,
       read on.

Sunday, April 06, 2014

70th Annual Arkansas Writers Conference


Hello Fellow Writers,

 

It’s time to make plans to attend the 70th Annual Arkansas Writers Conference. The 2014 AWC is Friday, June 6 to Saturday, June 7 at the Pulaski Technical College South Campus in the Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Institute. I have attached a Brochure and Registration Forms so you can begin on your contest submissions and read about the fabulous opportunities and educational programs presented by truly inspirational speakers.

Also, please help spread the word about 2014 AWC by distributing the brochures and registration forms to anyone interested in writing or offering a service to writers. I hope to see you and your friends at the 2014 AWC.  For more information see the AWC Website:  www.arkansaswritersconference.org

 

Sara Gipson

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

OZARK WRITERS LEAGUE

BRANSON AND COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

I wanted to let you know in advance of some upcoming events so you'd have plenty of time to make arrangements. Your OWL newsletter will be arriving in your inbox in  just a few weeks with complete information, but until then, mark your calendars for the next OWL weekend - May 16th & 17th.

If you're coming in for overnight, ask for the OWL member rate at Ye Olde English Inn or at the Homestead Motel.  BoxCar Willie Motel has closed for extensive renovations, and these two properties are offering similar rates just for us. You can get details on the OWL website under the "Accommodations" tab, or check the "Meetings" page.

May is our annual auction, and we need your support!  We'd love to have donations of items in good condition or gift certificates to sell, and hope you will come prepared to bid on a few items yourself!

May is also Bring A Friend For Free month, so round up that writer-friend or artist and bring them to the Saturday meeting at no charge!

The Manuscript Critique Sessions were such a hit that we've added them to the Friday Night activities as well as Saturday afternoon. You'll want to brush up your manuscript and make a date with leader Pam Foster!

We also have a visiting literary agent, Jeanie Loiacono, who will be taking pitches on Saturday, so reserve your time slot in advance.

All these details can be found at www.ozarkswritersleague.com - Save the Date, and I'll see you there!

Thursday, March 06, 2014

Confidence to be Bold Without Being Overbearing


 
It may be late coming into my life, but I am going to continue to gain confidence to
go forward with my dreams. Low confidence allowed people to abuse me into believing I couldn’t accomplish my goals for I wasn’t privileged to be able to gain an education on their level.  Yes, I allowed it for years before I felt I had to walk away. I know now, people will love me as I am. Some will continue to try to destroy me and my dreams; this is not love and friendship.

 I know I was born a dreamer with many goals, but at this time in my life I need to work very hard to focus on one creative ability and do it exceptional pleasing for myself.   

 I must eliminate outside projects that don’t enhance my goal.  I must gather strength from God, not man. “The things which are impossible with man are possible with God.”

  

Tuesday, March 04, 2014

CHILDREN'S LITERATURE FESTIVAL

                  46th Annual Children's Literature Festival
For Children in Grades 3 -10
2014 Festival
dates are: 
March  16, 17, & 18 
Registration Fees
Adults: $15.00 and Children: $8.00
Sunday Luncheon $25.00/Adults & $17.00/Children
Pre-Registration for all festival events required
For More Information:
Naomi Williamson
Telephone: 660-543-4306
Email: clfreg@ucmo.edu
2444 James C. Kirkpatrick Library
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg MO 64093

Friday, February 28, 2014

Darcy Pattison Author


Saturday, February 15, 2014.

Oh, how fast time goes by since that Saturday for I been wanting to share it with my friends. I arrived at the library at 9:55 before the doors open, so I had to wait five minutes before being able to go down stairs to the children’s library for Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Author Darcy Pattison from Little Rock  would be sharing her children books. She didn’t arrive until almost 11 p.m. She had an unrepairable flat.

Poor girl, the last time she visited the Baxter County Library, Gassville tornado roared through this area. I was there that afternoon for she was also speaking to writers.

It was wonderful to see her again. I have been to SCBWI week-end retreats and

conferences where Darcy was involved. The first thing she did was put me to work clicking on her power point as she changed the pages of her book, “The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman” as she read. I am like a little kid I get so busy listen and watching the kids’ reaction I almost forgot to change the pages with her. I and the kids loved it. Darcy also share  the upcoming release of her book, “Wisdom-The Midway Albatross,” illustrated by SCBW-AR member Kitty Harvill and published by Mims House. http://mimshouse.com. I purchased the two mentioned books above.

Children’s Librarian, Deborah Edmonds and Darcy invited me to have lunch with them at our wonderful Blackbird Café.   I enjoyed it very much.

Afterwards, I stopped in with The Free Verse Poetry Group to be counted and purchase 9 of our latest CD, “Driftwood.” The group (which, I am a member) was meeting at the library the same time I signed up for Darcy’s afternoon blog workshop. Darcy did a great job teaching this class of about 27 attendees. She uses WordPress and I use Blogger. I was able to learn a few things I can incorporate into my blogging and posting, and maybe make a few bucks.

I missed the Fleet Reserve dinner at 178 Club in Bull Shoals – everything always appears to happen all in one day. I can’t be everywhere, even if I would love to.

As you can see, I am writing this quickly before another two weeks go by.