Carefree Drive

Today I went for a drive. It was not a "carefree drive". It was a drive filled with construction, traffic, errands, and whiney and tired children. Children who did not eat their lunch, but now complained of hunger. Children who refused to go potty before we left, only to announce they now needed to go.

There was nothing really unusual about this particular drive.

Not until I passed a neighborhood street sign that read:

"Carefree Drive".

Did you know that people actually LIVE on Carefree Drive? How great would that be!?!

I really think I must move there.

How would it be to have no worries. No cares.

Wait...

Does that mean that I don't care about anyone? Does that mean that no one cares about me?

Hmmm... maybe this is not such a wonderful place to live after all.

I want to care about people. I want people to care about me.

I don't want to be Carefree!

I want to love and be loved.

I want to know sorrow and pain, so I can appreciate happiness and pleasure.

I want to fail, so I can more fully enjoy success.

I don't want to live on Carefree Drive.

But maybe a week long vacation there wouldn't be so bad!

Upcoming Book Academy Conference

As writers one of the most common things we are encouraged to do is attend writers conferences. In them we meet authors, gain knowledge, network with other writers, and get a free lunch. Okay, so we paid for the lunch in the registration fee but still!

I love attending conferences. I always promise myself that I will be outgoing. That I will seek new friends, start lively conversations, ask inspired questions, and maybe even motivate someone newer to the writing world than myself. I promise myself that I will not hide in the corner.

Easier said then done.

It's hard to meet new people. It's hard to put yourself out there. But...

It's important to do it.

And I'm going to try it again.

I'm going to the Book Academy Writer's Conference on September 30th, 2010.

It's at UVU, in Orem Utah. For details check out their website.

It's just over two weeks away. That's enough time to line up a sitter, take the day off, and enjoy a day surrounded by other writers like you.

Early registration is open until this Thursday, September 16th. The conference is only $49 until that date, then it goes up to $59.

Are any of you going? I'd love to see you there!

And The Winner Is...

I'm a day late drawing the winner of my contest, but as they say: Better late then...

I'm thrilled with the amount of entries I had. I wish you all could have won.

However, if you're anything like me you've stopped reading by now, and are just skimming, in hopes of reading your own name.

So, without further delay - the winner is:

Kala!

I'll get your winning package in the mail soon.

Thanks to everyone for making this so much fun.

Last Day to Enter

Just a reminder that today is the last day to enter my Give-a-way Contest.

Who doesn't love a new book to read,

while enjoying a luscious piece of cheesecake?

Seriously!

My mouth is watering, just thinking about Red Velvet Cheesecake!

Mmmmmmm.....

Click over to my contest post, and leave me a comment.

I'll announce the winner tomorrow!

P.S. After a full 10 days, my office is STILL CLEAN!

That's gotta be a new record!

Celebrating 100 Posts

Today, we are celebrating. Why? Lots of reasons!

First: This is my 100th post on this blog. This is a feat I hoped to accomplish months ago, but...well, that didn't exactly work out.

Second: I'm back in the world of blogging. My July Hiatus took an extension, but now it's September and I'm returning. I'm not sticking to a blogging schedule like I tried previously. It was just too much pressure, and it took the fun out of it for me. No more forced blogs. If I feel like posting, I will. If not, well, there are plenty of other blogs out there for you to read. But I hope you'll still hang around.

Third: I finally managed to clean out my office. This has nothing to do with blogging or my 100th post, but it's a serious accomplishment for me, so I'm celebrating. You should see it - it looks amazing! Now to keep it that way...(ahem!)

Fourth: I missed you all. And I hope I still have readers out there. Thank you for reading. And what better way to say thank you then having a Give-A-Way?

I am giving away a copy of Rachael Renee Anderson's newest book "Luck of the Draw", along with a $10 gift certificate to The Cheesecake Factory. My recommendation for the winner: buy a delicious slice of cheesecake, take it home, hide in a closet if you must - so you don't have to share - and enjoy while reading your new book.

Leave a comment in this post if you want to enter the drawing. If you spread the word and tell me about it you'll get another entry.

Contest runs through September 10th.

I look forward to getting reacquainted! Thanks for stopping by!