Lucky Things and Charms and Months

The very first piece of writing I ever sold was an article to a religious children’s magazine. It was an 800 word short story written about an experience I had as a young girl. The magazine sent me an acceptance note, along with a short contract that offered a nice payment amount. That contract came in mid-September, and was a turning point for me, because it was proof to myself that I really could be a writer.

September has always been something of a lucky month for me and my family. When my husband was starting his career, his (at the time) dream job became a reality for us in September. This has also been the month when he has most received promotions and raises. It is the month when he started a life-changing training program in Quantico, Virginia.

For us, September (give or take a week or two) has been a lucky month.

I also have a lucky car. She’s an older model, with high miles, and lots of creaks and squeaks and groans, but despite all that, I adore her. I’m completely defensive of her, and I intend to keep her for a while longer. Why is she lucky? It’s where some of my best ideas have been born, where some of my big life decisions have been made, and everyone who rides in her leaves with a smile (except that one time—only once—when she acted up and tried to overheat on the way to a big book signing. But I’ve forgiven her for that).

If you follow me on Facebook, you’ve probably seen me post about the lucky treadmill at my gym, lucky pieces of jewelry I own, or even my son’s three month old bunny, whose feet are most lucky while they’re still attached to her body.

So yes, I believe certain things or places or months or days can be lucky for individuals. And lucky me, September is almost here again.

*dances in anticipation*

What about you? Do you have lucky things/ days/ months/ charms?

The Road Not Yet Traveled

Today—probably as you’re reading this, actually—I’m taking off for a week-long road trip across the country. While I’m gone, I hope to visit places I’ve never been, see things I’ve never seen, experience new things, and gain inspiration and knowledge that will help me creatively. We'll be taken roads I've never traveled, which is great fodder for writing.

I like road trips. This country is beautiful, and I’m constantly amazed at the artful hand with which it was created. Also, I love adventure. And this promises to be a good one. So. Yeah.

Maybe I’ll get to see the world’s largest ball of twine. Or something equally cool. I will definitely be making stops at some of the restaurants featured on the food network. Specifically, DDD. Because, well, it sounds like fun. Who wouldn’t want to do that? (Come be my friend on Facebook, and I’ll try to post pictures as I’m able.)

Before I go, I want to continue the good news challenge I started on this post. Let’s keep the good news flowing, shall we? (If you just asked why, because it makes me happy. So there. *sticks out tongue*)

Okay, so my good news for the week:

1. Both my books won a Silver Quill award from the League of Utah Writers over the weekend. I’m honored and amazed. And humbled. Definitely humbled too.

2. The LUW gave me cute stickers to put on my book covers that say it’s an award winning book. Which, you know, is very cool. Stickers are awesome.

3. I’m up to 75,000 words on my current WIP. It isn’t finished, but is coming along well enough that I’m happy. And I like it—well, for a rough draft.

4. It’s fall, which means all the hot fall book releases are getting ready to launch. (YAY for good books!)

So much good news! What’s yours? Feel free to share. Or tell me about a road trip turned adventure you've experienced. I want to hear that too.

**Since I’m out of town, chances are I won’t be as quick in replying to comments as I usually am (mostly via email, sometimes via return comment). Don’t worry! I will still read every single comment and appreciate your participation.


***Also, since I’m out of town, I will probably not be reading many blogs or commenting. It’s not because I don’t love you all, I promise. I’ll try to catch up when I get home.

Good News Minute--All Weekend Long

Okay people. If you’re a regular reader, you don’t need to be told what brought this on. If you’re not a regular reader, you should be (for shame!). Scroll down and catch up. Anyway, after everything, I’ve decided it’s officially time for some really good news.

There’s this thing with the ladies in my church where we take a minute to let anyone and everyone share good news or exciting things that have happened during the week. I don’t often speak up, because my brain isn’t fast enough, my hand doesn’t shoot up quick enough, or my tongue is just plain too slow in catching up with my thoughts. My bad.

I believe we create our own moods, our own circumstances even, through positive thought and happy energy. Therefore, I am officially declaring this weekend a good news weekend. I want to hear your good news and know that positive, happy things are happening all over the place in the world. September is going to be a fantabulous month.

I’ll start.

1. Even though the air has become cooler in the last week, the sun is shining bright and warm in Utah, and the sky is clear. I’m driving around with my convertible top down.

2. My husband found my very favorite, and extremely hard to find, dressing / bread-dipper on the shelf at a local grocery store the other day. (Score!)

3. Going to dinner and a movie with my bestest non-writing girlfriends tonight. Can’t WAIT!

4. In just over a week, I will be driving across the country with my husband to take him to a lengthy specialized training course in Quantico, VA. I’ll leave him there and fly home, and yes, we’ll miss him, but this is really great opportunity. And going to be an incredible drive.

**Update** I almost forgot this fun bit of news as well.

5. Tomorrow, I'm going to be hanging out with some of my bestest writing friends at The Kings English for Kirsten White's Paranormalcy event. I love those kinds of days.

Okay, now it’s your turn to share your good news. Starting…NOW!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Wishes

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone! I promise, I'll get back to a regular posting schedule now that I've finished editing my book. Did you hear that? Finished! Yahoo!!!

For each petal on the shamrock

This brings a wish your way

Good health, good luck, and happiness

For today and every day.

~Author Unknown