Storms: My thoughts and prayers go out to the people who are going through all the destruction the storms and flooding has and is causing.

Photozarks has Glory Hole and many other waterfalls available as artistic prints, greeting cards or for your very own custom designs to suit personal or business needs. Cover & stock photos are also available for publication. Please don't forget the ever popular "Historic Ozarks Mills" book. Internationally acclaimed photographer and writer Mike McArthy brings the Ozarks beauty in print to every continent in the world (except maybe Antarctica...?) and has been featured on NBC and PBS television with his award winning photography. Check out the website at http://www.photozarks.com/ and pick out your favorite Ozarks photos.

DONALD W. REYNOLDS LIBRARY: Friends of the Library meeting
and yearly auction is today, April 27 from 1:30 - 3 p. m.
Refreshments will be served. (Mountain Home, Arkansas)

(c) by Mary Nida Smith

EASTER SPRING
© By Mary Nida Smith

Easter is the beginning
of a bright new season;
a season of hope.
Christ died to live
in us through all seasons.
The rainbow stripes of
pastel colors turning
dark shadows into
bright cheerful paths –
renewing our faith
that life offers
a faith filled future
to all who believe.

Photo taken by Kevin Frank Pieper. Permission to print here
given by Kevin. Taken on April 16, at the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony
at the Donald W. Reynolds Library. I took lots of photos and had a great time.
April 27, is the Friends of the Library auction. Join us to bid on lots of special items.

(C) Photo by Mary Nida Smith
Kevin is explaining to Bill and Vince
how to hold the lights as he prepares to take
our picture above.

Last years poster for poetry month. I love poetry. Poetry written for children can be serious, but I love the ones that make me giggle and feel silly.

I have tried to format this with white space and I am doing something wrong... HELP!

2010 was a busy year. My big job is the maintenance of house inside and out and the usual women's chores. I use the free time I have to create. I will be creating another website for my finish book manuscripts, keep track of submitting, where published and work-in progress. I am hoping this will keep me accountable to work harder this year. ACCOMPLISHED 2010 (1.) BLOGGING IS AN IMPORTANT WRITERS TOOL: Published Feb issue of online magazine – Kid Magazine writers (2.) GOOD OLD DAYS magazine May/June issue: Buck, the Comeback Horse (3.) THE OZARKS MOUNTAINEER magazine July/August issue: Dept: Two photos with information also won a year’s subscription. (4.) OZARKS WRITERS LEAGUE: Speaker (5.) DAVID L. HARRISON BLOG: Guest Reader for the Day (6.) DAVID L. HARRISON BLOG: Guest as Word of Month Hall of Flame. (7.) DAVID L. HARRISON: Second runner up for poet of the year. (8.) DAVID L. HARRISON: Wrote a poem a month or more. TWIN LAKES WRITERS: Founded (1998) was president and newsletter editor and had the first writers’ conference in this area. Took five & half year to spent more time on my writing; continued to be involved with Authors Day (Founded by the TLW) at the library. I also organized writers’ workshops at a local resort. I became president again the spring of 2010. NORTH CENTRAL CHILDREN’S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS I started in May 2010. I am the president. I am a member of the FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY, hospitality lady and board member, help set-up for the book sales and other things if needed. The new DONALD W. REYNOLDS LIBRARY opened October 2010. Our church MIDWAY BAPTIST CHURCH: Historian and photographer. Member of the OZARKS WRITERS LEAGUE, OZARKS WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS FOR CHILDREN and MISSOURI WRITER GUILD

HEAR THIS! HEAR THIS! IMPORTANT NEWS: If you enjoy writing about nature - WILD ABOUT NATURE blog is a must read. Good books, reviews, and a list of publishers that publish non-fiction books. I just won their last book give away: At the Sea Floor Cafe. To learn more check out the author Leslie Bulion website : http://www.lesliebulion.com On today's WRITING AND ILLUSTRATING blog a writing contest is mentioned for The Cherrios Spoonfuls of Stories -deadline July. The winner for 2010 was Laurie Isop. Both blogs are part of my blog roll on this blog.

Time Capsule Placement Ceremony

at the Donald W. Reynolds Library Sunday,April 10,2011

It was wonderful and exciting. Took anout 24 photos.

Twin Lakes Writers and North Central Children's Writers & Illustrator have enjoyed these speakers this year. Judy Transue, Karen Montgomery, Kerri Fivecoat Campbell, Marsha Diane Arnold Thank you all for being our guest speakers we have enjoyed each of you.

TWIN LAKES WRITERS MEET SATURDAY, APRIL 9, FROM 1-3:30 KNOX COMMUNITY ROOM A IN THE DONALD W. REYNOLDS LIBRARY

A Month of Celebrations; It is Stress Awareness Month, I have already put that in motion hopefully by the end of the month I will celebrate National Humor Month or maybe I'll invent by own a Celebration of Tears. Then I could drag out the guitar after all it is, International Guitar Month to create a song, "Tears of Stress and Laughter," while I help Keep America Beautiful Month celebration raking the lawn and tending the garden month. Or maybe I could list the titles of over 20 poems I have written on author David L. Harrison's blog the past 17 months; after all it is Poetry Month. There is always some kind of holiday and celebration each month that will make your day or week or month. There is 12 month to be serous, happy, cry, or think to yourself who cares for it is more fun to invent my own celebrations; such as Trimming Your Toes Month, or Cracking Knuckles Month. Have some fun invent your own and celebrate the moment.

April Fool's Day 1st and it isn't a joke that North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators (NCCWI) are meeting Saturday April 2 from 1-3 at the Donald W. Reynold's Library, Mountain Home, AR. --------------------OWAIC is meeting Saturday, April 2nd. It will not be at the Library Station. The meetingwill be upstairs at the Mid-town Carnegie Library, 397 S. Central, Springfield, from 8:30 - 11:00. Parking is not allowed on Central; parking is behind the library on S. Jefferson. Jefferson is a One-Way street southbound. Take Benton North, past Central High School and then turn east until Jefferson. Turn left on Jefferson and drive south to the parking lot north of Central. (There is an elevator to the second floor.) Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided. -----------------PROGRAM SPECIAL! MAKE A SCENE! Some say that fiction is the art of scene creation, and these days that's certainly true. As much as any playwright or novelist, an author has to tell the story in a series of vignettes that focus the action, corral the reader's attention, shape the characters, and move the plot. J. B. (Janie) Cheaney will share some ideas about scene creation that will help you get the reader into your story. Janie is the author of four published novels with two more in the hopper.

STORYTELLER MAGAZINE Cover photo (C) by Mary Nida Smith http://thestorytellermagazine.com/ Thank you, Regina!

INFORMATION FROM MY BLOGROLL LIST: More listed on my profile page. I am placing a taste of helpful information you will find; click on to their blogs to discover more. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MARCH POEM ON DAVID L. HARRISON’S BLOG. WRITING A DOCDRAMA (TRUE STORY BOOKS) by Sandra Markle WRITE ON – http://sandramarkle.blogspot.com/ FOUR W’s What happen? Who was involved? Where did it happen? Why did the event happen? And why was the outcome possible? BRAN SNEED ILLUSTRATOR guest on Kathy Temean Blog – WRITING AND ILLUSTRATING –Illustrator Saturday 1.Illustrations reflect the mood of the story. 2.Characters in a picture book are consistent throughout. Brad lives in Prairie Village and he illustrated Marsha Diane Arnold’s children’s picture book, THE PUMPKIN RUNNER. Marsha shared Saturday with the North Central Children’s Writers & Illustrators and the Twin Lakes Writers. She was a joy to meet and learn from. Marsha was born and raised in Kansas, but now lives in California. WRITER BEWARE BLOG (Victoria Strauss) “A MUST READ” Beware Midwest Literary Magazine. Berryville, Arkansas bookstore website: http://www.itsmystery.biz/ To learn more about MYSTERY BOOKSTORES: http://www.mysteryreaders.org/bookstores.html

AUTHOR MARSHA DIANE ARNOLD

Children’s book author Marsha Diane Arnold will be at
the Donald W. Reynolds Library, Mountain Home, AR
Saturday, March 26. Donald W. Reynolds Library is
co-sponsoring with North Central Children’s Writers
& Illustrators and Twin Lakes Writers. She will share
with the children at Story Time from 10:30-11:30 a.m.,
and from 1-3 p.m., with both writers groups down stairs
in the Children’s-Teen’s Multipurpose Room. Books will
be available for purchase and signing.

Marsha was labeled a “Born Storyteller” by the media.
She has authored several picture books: HEART OF THE
TIGER, PUMPKIN RUNNER, ROAR OF THE SNORE,
PRANCING LILY, HUGS ON THE WIND, and more.
She is now working on a chapter book. She taught aspiring
authors for nine years with the Institute of Children’s Literature.

In the afternoon she will share “7 Magical Ways to bring out
the Storyteller in you.” The program will be loaded with
information to inspire writers starting with 100 slides on
the art of the story, the craft of writing, conflict, themes,
strong protagonists, and rejections and determination. She
will share information on digital books and interactive books
followed with questions and answers.

Marsha’s website http://www.marshadianearnold.com/ Both
programs are open to the public. For more information call
Mary Nida Smith, president of both writers groups
870-431-5369 or email marynida@suddenlink.net
or Children’s Librarian, Deborah Edmonds
or Judy Transue, Assistant Librarian 870-508-0987
or visit http://www.baxlib.org/

SEE YOU SATURDAY!

SPRING IS HERE!

(c) by Mary Nida Smith
Along my woodland garden's stone wall.
Music of Spring
Trumpets of daffodils
sound loudly until
music of spring
days are fulfilled.
They now standstill
slowly returning
to the soil to rest
while spring continues
to blossom.
Wild plants and trees
join in to announce
this is the season
to be awake after
winter’s deep sleep.
© by Mary Nida Smith

WRITERS ASSOCIATIONS DIRECTORY
http://www.ebookscrossroads.com

HAPPY ST.PATTY'S DAY! I will be wearing a little green as I play in my woodland garden today. Soon there will be little furry baby squirrels playing. My friend Mrs. M has little ones. When she sees me she comes running to my window, with her little hands reaching upward for me to toss down a peanut or two. We have been friends for about five years. I have taken photos of her and other family members playing,eating and working. I have written a picture book about two squirrels. If/when the manuscript is sold, I'll have lots of neat photos for kids to enjoy.

SURVIVAL

Stumps in the woods
Display above the ground
Long finger roots
Reaching, searching
For life everlasting
Wild boars’ root
To unearth a treat
Of truffles hidden
Near large oak roots
A murder of bright-eyed
Ravens root them on
Waiting for just
A small morsel
Of a dinning treat.
© Mary Nida Smith

The word "root" was the word for the month

on author David L. Harrison's blog.

This is the poem I placed on David' W.O.M.

Join us.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: I get so excited every time I receive my e-newsletter
from Elizabeth Kennedy at http://about.com/childrensbooks Elizabeth
writes everything about children's books. She writes about books for
each age group and daily events. Check it out!

TWIN LAKES WRITERS, MOUNTAIN HOME,ARKANSAS
Twin Lake Writers meet March 12, 1-3:30 in the Knox Community
Room A at the Donald W. Reynolds Library. Guest speaker is
Kerri Fivecoat Campbell, a local independent writer and social
media marketer/manager.

She will share“Blogging to Build your Brand.” As an independent
writer and author, she learned to build the brand for her company and
others though social media and blogging.

Her interest in social media was born on the old Prodigy network. Today,
she lives in a 480-square-foot home on Bull Shoals Lake with her five
rescue dogs and a very patient husband, where she writes and assists
with marketing campaigns. Campbell, also blogs about life in a small
home at http://www.livinglargeinourlittlehouse/. Since launching in
2008, the website receives an average of 100,000 hits per month.
For more information call Mary Nida Smith 870-431-5369
or marynida@suddenlink.net

CHILDREN'S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS workshops and conferences coming up.
If you write or illustrate for the children's market, check out these SCBWI events. Each one has editors/agents to pitch to and authors to learn from.

Arkansas (SCBWI) Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators April 29-30
http://www.arkansasscbwi.org/

Missouri SCBWI Conference and workshops at http://moscbwi.org/

Ozark Writers and Illustrators For Children July 30th-Summer Workshop http://www.owaic.org/

NC Children's Writers & Illustrators 1-3 p.m., March 26, children's author Marsha Diane Arnold will be at Storytime at 10:30-1130 a.am., (The public is welcome at both programs.)
http://www.marshadianearnold.com/

North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators meet tomorrow, Saturday March 5, down stairs in the Children's-Teen's Multipurpose Room in the Donald W. Reynolds Library, Mountain Home, AR. Guest speaker is Judy Transue, Assistant Children's Librarian. Information marynida@suddenlink.net
Website: http://www.nccwi.org
The writing and publishing world is changing. Join a writers group in your area to keep up with what you want to accomplish for your writing goals.

(c) Photo by Mary Nida Smith
Calico Rock, Arkansas
A neat place.

INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES: NewPages.com http://www.newpapes.com/bookstores A guide to bookstores in the U.S. and Canada. Lots of important information on this web page.
Support your local bookstores.
THAT BOOKSTORE -Blytheville,AR http://www.tbib.com/
WORDS AFTERWORDS, Hardy, AR http://wordsafterwords.com/
IT'S A MYSTERY BOOKSTORE, Berryville, AR
TREASURE HOUSE BOOKS, Harrison 870-743-5624
BOOKS GALORE BOOKS A MILLION, Branson

Check out Ozark Regional Arts Council, http://www.ozarkregionalartscouncil.org/
Gaston Lecture March 8th at 7 p.m. http://wwwasu.mh.edu/
Books in Bloom at Eureka Springs in May has been cancelled.

Let the Voting Began! W.O.M. at http://davidlharrison.com/ check our my poem for February. See what can happen when you are in a hurry. I placed David website URL and not his blog where you vote. David's blog http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com I hate it when I make mistakes; but I probably make them often without realizing it. I have to remind myself not to hurry, hurry, hurry.

Sherry Rogers Illustrations for Kids: My Website

Sherry Rogers Illustrations for Kids: My Website: "http://www.sherry-rogers.com"

WRITERS, ILLUSTRATORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS: Our friends Kathy & Jim Johnson at Enterprise Printing Company in Bull Shoals, Arkansas can print your books, booklets, brochures and more. For illustrators and photographers you can place your art work on note cards to sell at your next signing or speaking engagement. http://www.enterpriseprintingweb.com/

Feb 23, Friends of the Library Board Meeting followed by the Friends (FOL) regular meeting with speaker and refreshments.

March will be a busy month: All writers groups meet at the library on the dates stated from 1-3 p.m.

March 5, is North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators. I hope to reschedule assistant librarian Judy Transue (Donald W. Reynolds Library) to speak at this meeting. Feb 5th meeting was canceled due to a bad snow storm.

March 12, Twin Lakes Writers will have guest speaker Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell (Program-Blogging). http://livinglargeinourlittlehouse.com & http://www.writeforyou.biz

March 26,Donald W. Reynolds Library,Twin Lakes Writers & North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators are sponsoring children's author Marsha Diane Arnold. She will be sharing with the children during the morning storytelling time and in the afternoon with the children's writers group. http://www.marshadianearnold.com/

Check out http://www.palletartleague.org

Print out and save - tack it up to remind you not to miss these exciting programs for March. Any questions email me at - marynida@suddenlink.net

BOOKSALE - DONALD W. REYNOLDS LIBRARY, MOUNTAIN HOME, ARKANSAS
FEB 17-18-19TH

Twin Lakes Writers last Saturday enjoyed our guest
speaker, Karen Montgomery. She shared her traveling kit
and book “Dress Well and Travel Light” that is sold on Amazon.
Karen also shared with us the steps to creating her kit and how she
promotes herself and how to travel light. We all brain stormed
where to, and how to promote your work. It was very interesting.

Today was the White River Writers Guild meeting in Batesville.
For future meetings get in touch with Earl Belcher june.bell123@gmail.com
Earl’s website: http://lambelectronicpublishing.yolasite.com/

Go to
http://www.yola.com/ to inquire for a free website and http://www.webs.com/

Don’t forget the Cherokee Village Writers Guild meet the 4th Tuesday
at the Sharp County Library, Hardy, Arkansas 9-11 a.m.
Pat Oplinger poplinger@centurytel.net

Thank you members for your monthly donations to help support future plans
for our organization. I will share in February’s newsletter and will welcome
your input. Planning ahead will help continue Twin Lakes Writers to go
forward in the right direction.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

When did a card sent
on St. Valentine's Day change
from a greeting of love
to a greeting of gifts?

This small beautiful card came

so packed with love, my heart

was over joyed. Thanks granddaughter!

I love you too. #1Fan

GREETINGS

Today on Valentine’s day
our hearts openly
display what we hold
dearly within us.
The expression of love
without regrets everyday
not only on Valentine’s Day
but throughout the year.
Sharing love in
many small ways
knowing life
does not
go on forever.

(c)by Mary Nida Smith

TWIN LAKES WRITERS MEET AT

DONALD W. REYNOLD LIBRARY

SATURDAY FEB 12 1-3:30

Karen Montgomery will be our guest speaker.

Karen is the founder of "Chic Valise" a company

dedicated to helping others dress well and travel light.

Her program will help us be informed as authors andfreelance

writers to travel only with what is needed.

For information: marynida@suddenlink.net

Feb 19th Free Verse Poetry Group of Mountain Home

Feb 25th Baxter County Poet's Assocation

Check the library events calendar http://www.baxlib.net

http:www.deepsouthmag.com Poetry of the South - history

or other interesting things about the South.

http://theDigitalBookshop.com

PIN FEATHERED
© by Mary Nida Smith
Birds of a feather

Flock together

Protecting each other

From feather heads

Gathering cozy feathers

To feather their beds

And jackets for winter warmth.

Feather-weights will pull

Tail feathers to feather

Their nest while birds

Go naked by day

And freeze by night

As two legged creatures

Nestle down in cozy

Feather beds gathered

From birds that

Flock together.

Placed on Feb W.O.M. David L. Harrison's blog

New Blog: http://laurelsheridan.blogspot.com
or www.laurelsheridan.com

Me and my two friends enjoying time
in the children's library area. We have
supported each other as writers for several years
in trying to form a children's writers group.
We now have one. It is exciting. Today, it was canceled
because of bad weather.

Naomi Shaw
Sent: February Meeting Reminder Ozark Writers and
Illustrators for Children at the Library Station, Sept. 5
from 9:00 to 11:00. Janet Weber and Joyce Raglund
are presenting an encouraging program.Invest in Yourself:
Janet and Joyce bring you perks gained from MoSCBWI
and SCBWI events. Networking pays-big time!
There will be a short business meeting with
announcements regarding our summer workshop
that I think all will be excited about.
Also, as usual, a critique session will follow.

NORTH CENTRAL CHILDREN'S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS MEET SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5, 1-3 P.M. GUEST SPEAKER JUDY TRANSUE, CHILDREN'S LIBRARIAN ASSISTANT, DONALD W. REYNOLDS PUBLIC LIBRARY, MOUNTAIN HOME , AR. ROOM "A" KNOX COMMUNITY ROOM.

SATURDAY MORNING 10:30-11:30 - LOCAL CHILDREN 'S AUTHOR ELAINE WILSON WILL BE SHARING AT STORYTIME IN THE CHILDREN'S LIBRARY.

AFTERNOON: NC CHILDREN'S WRITER'S & ILLUSTRATOR'S MEETING
Bring: Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market Book
A sample of a query and a cover letter
A manuscript to read or have critiqued
Illustrators bring your illustrations/drawings

If you want to only listen and learn - this is okay.

Mary Nida Smith, Founder & President
marynida@suddenlink.net

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK
By Darcy Patterson

(c) photo by Mary Nida Smith
http://writeapicturebook.com/

Children's Picture Book Information:
http://www.underdown.org/
Picture Book Artists Association
http://www.childrenspicturebooks.info/
32 pages
500 words/ half in illustrations
http://www.memfox.net/
http://childrensbooksabout.com/
http://www.preschoolrainbow.org/book-themes.htm
READ * RESEARCH * WRITE

The Sun Will Return

(c) by Mary Nida Smith

WIND OF CHANGE
©By Mary Nida Smith

I live the life

of constant motion
like the wind
changing directions
never sustaining
one emotional direction.

I listen
to the directional
mood of the wind.

I stay calm
allowing God
who created me
to blow me calmly
in the right direction.

I listen
I watch
I stay happy
For I will move
when the wind
blows me

where
I have never been

Baxters Business: A Home

Baxters Business: A Home

FREE WEBSITES

(C)Digital art by Mary Nida Smith

Before starting a blog or website
check out your favorite authors, photographers,
illustrators or whatever your interest you have
to get an idea what would work for you.
Google: free website
free blog site builders
Check out:
http://www.webs.com/
http://www.homestead.com/
http://www.intuit.com/

Enjoy !

TWIN LAKES COMPUTER USERS GROUP:
http://TLCUG.ark.org
Meet at the Donald W. Reynolds Public Library
Knox Community Room A
1St Thursday of each month 2 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m, until noon.
Check on library website (http://baxtercountylibrary.org
go to calendar events and click on computer group
for a list of their upcoming programs.
Feb 5th - Protection & backup
March 26th - Power Point Basics

WEBSITES/BLOGS HELPFUL INFORMATION - PROVIDED
BY Mary Nida Smith Founder & President of Twin Lakes Writers
& North Central Children’s Writers & Illustrators
January 15, 2011

MANUSCRIPT, COVER & QUERY FORMATS:
Websites… http://writing-world.com/basics/manuscript
http://www.underdown.org/covlettr.
http://www.ehow.com
QUERY LETTERS TO AGENTS: http://www.agentsquery.com/writer

BOOKS:
How to write – ATTENTION-GRABBING QUERY & COVER
LETTERS by John Wood
The Writer’s Guide to Queries, Pitches & Proposals by Moira Allen
Preparing E-mail Queries by Moira Allen http://www.writing.com/basics/email.shtml

WRITING & ILLUSTRATING BLOG:
http://kathytemean.wordpress.com click on January 5th for the BEST BOOKS WITH EDITORS & AGENTS FOR FICTION, NON-FICTION AND FICTION
HOW’S YOUR QUERY LETTER I.Q.? Dec 28, 2010 Kathy Temean’s blog
UUS PHOTOS ON YOUR BLOG AND ARTICLES Dec 23 Kathy Temean’s blog

AAR Association of Authors’ Representatives is a professional organization for literary and dramatic agents

WRITING PLAYS FOR KIDS: Sandra Fenichel Asher
http://usaplays4kids.drury.edu/playwrights/asher

Midwesterners Sweep Top Awards

Midwesterners Sweep Top Awards

Writers Groups and Information:
Saturday, January 15 from 1-3:30 Twin Lakes Writers
meet at the new Donald W. Reynolds Library.

January 8th Laura(Lonnie), Cherie Neal and I attended the
Ozarks Writers & Illustrators for Children http://owaic.org/ in Springfield, MO.
We enjoyed a Power Point program for writers on "Building a Platform," presented by writer/member,Tom Blubaugh.
President Naomi Shaw, continues to share programs and information
with NC Children's Writers & Illustrators in Mountain Home, AR.
We always have a special time.

I learned Joyce Ragland is the new SCBWI/Mo Regional Advistor.
We wish her the best and look forward 2011. http://moscbwi.org/

Agents and Editors Who Blog can be found at http://www.asuen.com/blog/blog/.central.agents.shtml

The Society of Bloggers in Children's and Young Adult Literature:
KIDLITOSPHERE CENTRAL http://www.kidlitosphere.org/

NATURE IN ACTION click on http://tobyspeed.blogspot.com/
http://phylliscahill.com/

Remember Spring is the time to start checking out upcoming conferences.
I will soon have a list on my blog.

North Central Children's Writers & Illustrators'
member Laurel T. Sheridan published
"WHAT ABOUT WREATHS?

in Vol. 4. Issue 4
on page 1o.
A very interesting piece.
THE KIDS' ART website
http://www.thekidsark.com

(C) Photo by Mary Nida Smith

OLD ROCK DAY

Today is the day

to celebrate old rocks.

No, I am not off my rocker

I am just putting in a few words

why rocks should be respected.

When digging around and underneath

one could break a toe, an arm

or smash your head or house.

My woodland garden has ones

that trip me, move about and

are in the way.

Why do people hate old rocks?

Is it because they are free?

They replace dirty old, odd shaped

rocks with man made smooth ones.

I am happy with the ones

God created and dumped

in my woodland garden.

There is a rock fence

between the upper

and lower level.

I love my old rocks

I wish I had many more.

NATIONAL BIRD DAY today January 5th, and five days ago at Beebe, Arkansas thousands of
beautiful male red-winged blackbirds rained from the sky. I believe the weather confused them - hot one-two days of Spring weather, then the weather changed quickly to a Winter freeze and the birds were caught in-between. Out West they go South for the winter and are the first Spring bird to return on the High Deserts of Idaho. Enjoy all birds, they are a blessing from God to keep the mean bugs from eating us up.

FESTIVAL OF SLEEP DAY was January 3, and I missed out on it. Oh, well so goes life!

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