Sunday, April 24, 2011

Happy Easter

My favorite part about Easter was the Hunt for Easter Goodies.  Matt was never that big on candy, and he seemed to collect all the eggs more quickly each year.  So, as soon as  Matt could read, he received a note near his Easter basket.  It was an index card telling him to go out to the mailbox for a gift and another clue.  Each time he would collect a small gift, such as baseball cards; a new cap with his favorite team's logo; something he would need for spring sports; school supplies.  Every year one of the cards would always send him to me.  He would have to wish me a Happy Easter, give me a "smooch", and collect another clue.  He loved it !!!  It took almost an hour to find clues/gifts, running through the house and outside.  I got my Easter Hug, and Matt got things he liked better than candy.  I call that a win-win!!! So long for now.....

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Baby steps

This week things are improving with the marketing strategy.  I have a magnet that will go on my car door and a decal that goes in the back window!!! They are a match to the business cards, and I am very happy with the way it turned out.  I've heard that just doing something each week will keep the dream alive and the goal in sight.  At this point I need to put the finishing touches on the manuscript, work on a letter to the editor, and submit a copy to a publisher.  It's easier said than done.  I want it to be perfect!  I remember wanting to be a perfect mom, until someone told me that would probably never happen.  They suggested I give up trying to be perfect, and decide to be good enough !!  That took a lot of pressure off me as a parent, and I will use that same advice now.  If I wait for things to be perfect, I'll  freeze in my tracks. So my next step is to keep moving ...so long for now.......

Sunday, April 10, 2011

My Kid makes me speechless...again

I attended my 40th high school reunion, and it was fabulous!!  We went to a small private school, and our class consisted of 27 girls. Eighteen of us got together for a night of non-stop laughs!!  It's amazing that we could immediately recognize classmates that we hadn't seen in years .  People told me I hadn't changed "a bit"....which was music to my ears!!!  I guess we are a lot more critical about ourselves. 
I handed out my new business cards with the hope that a friend , of a friend , of a friend might be able to help.  We are already planning out 45th  reunion !!!  I wonder how many story books I'll have published by then ???? 

One of my favorite "Matt stories" happened when he was about 4yrs old.  One morning Matt asked for brownies for breakfast.  I told him that we didn't eat brownies for breakfast" and so he immediately  replied "then I want lunch"!!
That wasn't the first time I was speechless in dealing with my toddler.  I had always said that I wanted a kid healthy enough to give me a run for my money, and my son did exactly that.  Be careful what you wish for...cause you may get it !!   My mom always said she hoped I got  child just like me .....Hmmmm

So long for now and have a good week.....

Sunday, April 3, 2011

We crawl, then we walk , then we run

This week has two exciting things happening. 
My business cards with Matt and Muggzy on them, should be in this week!  I feel like I'm finally getting serious about my book!!
 I'm also going to my 40th High School reunion this weekend!  Yes, I graduated high school in 1971.  It will be great to reconnect with my classmates, and begin to network with old friends.  I can't wait to see where life has taken us !   I'll let you know if we start using words like groovy or far out  for old time sake!!
Look for an update next Sunday!  So long for now.....



Friday, April 1, 2011

My Journey Begins

After years of procrastinating, I decided to write down some of the stories of my son Matt's childhood. My Matt and Muggzy series begins the day our new puppy comes home!  Matt was almost 6 years old.  Muggzy,  the cutest pug ever,  weighed about six pounds!  The little boy and the little dog became inseparable. Our family's love affair with Muggzy lasted more than fifteen years.  He saw Matt go off to school every year from first grade to college. My stories will recount these early years.  I envision parents grinning and kids giggling as they read the books together.  I hope it is a fun way to reconnect at bedtime and end each day on a happy note.   Come and follow my journey as I try to find a publisher, so kids can enjoy  my silly stories about the lighthearted way we handled life. 
Let me know what you would like to see in the blog.  While I'm not an expert, I can share my experiences as a parent.  Today Matt is in his twenties, and he thrived in spite of us.  I knew I could never be a perfect mom, so I strived to be good enough.  Remember that I'm not a professional.   Please take what you like and leave the rest. 

A bit of my background information.
Ten years ago, I left my job after 20 years in high tech marketing, to start my own business. It has given me time to give back to others.  Since 2006, I have been reading 3 mornings a week, to a young woman with disabilities.  I believe that reading aloud  reminded me of how much I loved it.  I wrote a couple of short stories as gifts for Matt, and he challenged me to pursue the steps to get published.  Since writing a book has been on my list of things to do, before we called them bucket lists,  I decided to step outside my comfort zone, and try to make it happen.  Perhaps I can inspire some of you to try things that you have been putting off.  It's scary and exciting, and I promise to keep you posted !!!
 
I plan to update the blog each week on Sundays, which will include news about getting published. 
I may do a been there, done that section  with a simple solution to one of  the issues I faced as a mom.
I hope blog members chime in, and we let things develop naturally.  So long for now.....