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
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
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
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
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
Sunday, October 17, 2010
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
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
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
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.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Ozarks Writers & Illustrators for Children meet Saturday in Springfield, Missouri http://www.OWAIC.org
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, September 27, 2010
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!
Friday, September 24, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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
Sunday, September 19, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
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.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
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.
Monday, September 13, 2010
"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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)