INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (4251,1,'2015-05-09 17:18:37','2015-05-09 17:18:37','','Home','','publish','open','open','','home','','','2015-11-09 17:37:46','2015-11-10 00:37:46','',0,'http://petoweb.com/judythemorgan/front_porch/2015/05/09/home/',1,'nav_menu_item','',0);
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (4255,1,'2015-05-09 17:18:37','2015-05-09 17:18:37','','Visit my Website','','publish','open','open','','visit-my-website','','','2015-11-09 17:37:47','2015-11-10 00:37:47','',0,'http://petoweb.com/judythemorgan/front_porch/2015/05/09/visit-my-website/',6,'nav_menu_item','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (4573,1,'2014-04-22 10:38:13','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/84-webpage-size.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-4572\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/84-webpage-size.jpg?w=107\" alt=\"?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????\" width=\"107\" height=\"150\" /></a>','widget photo','','draft','open','open','','','','','2014-04-22 10:38:13','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=4573',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (5096,1,'2014-08-28 16:16:40','2014-08-28 16:16:40','August 2014\n\nhttp://romancerecipes.wordpress.com/2014/08/28/judythe-morganchocolate-sheet-cake/','My Guest Blogs','','draft','closed','closed','','','','','2015-05-12 03:02:06','2015-05-12 03:02:06','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?page_id=5096',0,'page','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (5291,1,'2014-10-14 12:09:50','2014-10-14 12:09:50','<a href=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/wpblogawards1lovelych.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5293\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/wpblogawards1lovelych.jpg\" alt=\"wpblogawards1lovelych\" width=\"227\" height=\"270\" /></a> <a href=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/wpvba.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5294 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/wpvba.png?w=150\" alt=\"wpvba\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/wpblogawardsliebster.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5297\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/wpblogawardsliebster.jpg\" alt=\"wpblogawardsliebster\" width=\"125\" height=\"43\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/creationcarebutton.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5296\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/creationcarebutton.jpg\" alt=\"creationcarebutton\" width=\"125\" height=\"125\" /></a>','Blog Awards','','publish','closed','closed','','blog-awards','','','2016-09-13 21:09:21','2016-09-14 03:09:21','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?page_id=5291',0,'page','',0);
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INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (5688,1,'2015-05-13 05:00:00','2015-05-13 10:00:00','When we think of Irish holidays, we usually think of March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. But there’s another celebration of Irish culture today…\n\nNational Leprechaun Day <a href=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/lep.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2870 size-medium\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/lep.jpg?w=250\" alt=\"lep\" width=\"250\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nYou know the elfin creatures in green suits and hats that hide in the woods and mastermind practical jokes. <a href=\"http://www.yourirish.com/folklore/the-leprechauns/\" target=\"_blank\">Folklore</a> says leprechauns are evil spirits or fallen fairies, who occupy themselves with mending shoes, causing mischief, and making music.\n\nIf you’re in Dublin, you can stop by <a href=\"http://www.leprechaunmuseum.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">The Leprechaun Museum</a> and learn all about the mischievous little pranksters, who have been equally adored and feared by the Irish for thousands of years.\n\nNo one knows for sure how these solitary beings came to have their very own day. My personal theory involves these wee tricksters coming up with the idea themselves. It’s the sort of thing a leprechaun would do.\n\nWhatever the reason, it’s always fun to speculate about catching a leprechaun. You can find tips <a href=\"http://www.yourirish.com/how-to-catch-a-leprechaun\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.\n\nShould you be successful, the captured leprechaun must give you his pot of gold.\n\nYou have to very careful, though, leprechauns don’t easily part with their gold. They\'ve been known to offer three wishes if you won’t take their pot of gold. Best to have your own three wishes in mind now so you won’t be tricked.\n\nIf you’re looking for ideas to celebrate Leprechaun day today, check this FB link:\n<h3><a href=\"https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=6&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0CD8QFjAF&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fevents%2F157372727764947%2F%3Fref%3D3&amp;ei=ipExVbW_B5LVoATjiYCgBQ&amp;usg=AFQjCNFTzBG2ElGC2ueWfsqgGsE88e4Lpg&amp;bvm=bv.91071109,d.cGU\">National Leprechaun Day | Facebook</a></h3>\nOr you could\n<ul>\n	<li>organize Leprechaun hunts using plastic figurines</li>\n	<li>watch my all-time favorite Leprechaun movie:<a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052722/\" target=\"_blank\"> Darby O’Gill and The Little People</a></li>\n	<li>play practical jokes on friends and family</li>\n	<li>munch on those chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil</li>\n	<li>have a bowl of Lucky Charms for breakfast</li>\n</ul>\nWhatever you do, have a Happy Leprechaun Day!','Celebrating Leprechauns Day','','publish','open','open','','celebrating-leprechauns-day','','','2015-05-13 05:00:00','2015-05-13 10:00:00','',0,'https://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=5688',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (5718,1,'2015-05-18 06:00:04','2015-05-18 11:00:04','<a href=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/writers-corner-medium.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-5723\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/writers-corner-medium.jpg\" alt=\"writers-corner-medium\" width=\"200\" height=\"124\" /></a>I recently read that Writer’s Digest named <a href=\"http://janefriedman.com/2015/04/20/the-best-websites-for-writers/\" target=\"_blank\">Jane Friedman’s blog</a> one of the 101 best websites for writers. That’s quite an honor and well-deserved.\n\nMs. Friedman always has great advice for writers. I read her blog regularly.\n\nWriter’s Digest magazine has been compiling a list of recommended websites and blogs for writers for seventeen years. That list is where I’ve found many of the writing sites I visit most often for advice about how to improve my craft or the nuances of the publishing business.\n\nToday, as a break from my regular <em>Make Me Think</em> narrative blog, I thought I’d share links to the writing blogs I read frequently. Each is chocked full of good advice.\n<ul>\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Write Conversation</a> by Edie Melson</li>\n	<li><a href=\"http://writerunboxed.com\">Writer Unboxed</a>, hosted by Therese Walsh</li>\n	<li><a href=\"http://accrispin.blogspot.com/\">Writer Beware</a>  by Victoria Strauss</li>\n	<li><a href=\"http://thebookdesigner.com\">The Book Designer</a> by Joel Friedlander</li>\n	<li><a href=\"http://thecreativepenn.com\">The Creative Penn</a> by Joanna Penn</li>\n</ul>\nI’m sure there are other great blogs for writers out there. Do you have a link to a blog for writers you’d care to share?\n\nOr any other blog links you\'d like to share where you find great information...doesn\'t have to be for writers only.','Sharing My Favorite Writing Blog Links','','publish','open','open','','sharing-my-favorite-writing-blog-links','','','2015-05-18 06:00:04','2015-05-18 11:00:04','',0,'https://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=5718',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (5733,1,'2015-05-25 06:00:27','2015-05-25 11:00:27','Springtime - fresh sprouts popping out of the ground. Birds singing and gathering at the feeders. It’s such a happy time.\n\nUsually.\n\nLiving in a national forest, we have lots of different birds. Most fun to watch.\n\nSome not so much.\n\n<a href=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/waiting.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-5736\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/waiting.jpg\" alt=\"waiting\" width=\"144\" height=\"255\" /></a>The robin that came to occupy our backyard has not been fun.\n\nThump, thump, thump. He flies over and over into the large picture window in my kitchen.\n\nI turned on the kitchen light hoping to diffuse the reflection from the trees on the mountain behind the house and a technique supposed to discourage him.\n\nI figured by the time the dogs and I returned from our morning walk he’d be long gone. Wrong!\n\nAll through our breakfast, the determined little redbreast thumped against the window. Not hard like he’d miscalculated the needed thrust to flyover the house. Soft like he was trying to land on a branch he saw in the glass.\n\nHe never hit hard enough to fall only to flutter away and try again. Still I worried he’d knock himself senseless.\n\nWe had researched ways to deter birds from the plate glass after we first moved to the national forest and two birds died when they crashed into it. Short of shuttering the window, which would totally block the view (the reason we installed the large picture windows in the first place) nothing seem to stop this crazy robin.\n\nWhenever robin perched on the crab apple tree, I’d fling open the kitchen door and frighten him away. This seemed to work so I spent the next four hours working in the backyard flowerbeds.\n\nThe robin stayed away…\n\nUntil I went inside to write and the thump, thump, thump began again. In desperation, I nailed a sheet over the kitchen picture window.<a href=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/kitchen.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-5737\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/kitchen.jpg?w=150\" alt=\"kitchen\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nAll was quiet again…\n\nUntil he started flying into the dining room window, which I note has a blind that is supposed to discourage window bashing.\n\nNot for this robin.\n\nThump, thump, thump. I stomp out and Mr. Robin watches me hang a sheet over that window.\n\nUndeterred, as soon as I\'m inside, he starts bashing the small bathroom window. Thump, thump, thump.\n\nOut I go again and Robin watches me covered the bathroom window.\n\nBy now it’s getting dark… very dark inside the house with the picture windows draped… and robin goes to wherever his nest is for the night.\n\nNo thumping the next morning. Thrilled that I’d won, the dogs and I left for our walk. Unleashing them when I returned, I heard the dreaded thump, thump, thump.\n\n<a href=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/corner.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-5738\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/corner.jpg?w=150\" alt=\"corner\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>The dining room sheet had slipped to expose a tiny triangle of reflection. Mr. Robin was once again determined to come inside.\n\nI trouped outside, adjusted the sheet, all the while shouting to the infuriating robin that I did not want to have to take drastic measures so he’d best move on.\n\nI was not happy because with my lovely picture windows blocked I can\'t see the other birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and deer in my backyard.\n\n<a href=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/post-watching.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-5740 size-medium\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/post-watching.jpg?w=203\" alt=\"post watching\" width=\"203\" height=\"300\" /></a>Mr. Robin perched on the stair rail waiting for me to take down the sheets, I guess.\n\nI saw him every time I passed the kitchen door, which also has a small window. (A window that said robin ignores.)\n\nI opened the kitchen door and gave the ultimate threat: “I’m not living forever with my windows covered. Don’t make me get the pellet gun!”\n\nNot sure who’s won -- the robin or me.\n\nFor five days now, the picture windows have remained covered. So far, Mr. Robin is nowhere to be seen.\n\nI’ll let you know what happens when we take the window coverings down.','Wrangling A Persistent Robin','','publish','open','open','','wrangling-a-persistent-robin','','','2015-05-25 06:00:27','2015-05-25 11:00:27','',0,'https://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=5733',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (5750,1,'2015-05-11 06:00:13','2015-05-11 11:00:13','<a href=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/mothers-day.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5754\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/mothers-day.jpg?w=219\" alt=\"mother\'s day\" width=\"219\" height=\"300\" /></a>Yesterday was <a href=\"http://www.mothersdaycentral.com/about-mothersday/history/\"><strong>Mother\'s Day</strong></a>. The day set aside to honor mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.\n\nFor many women it was a happy day, spent surrounded by children and grandchildren.\n\nFor others, the day was probably not so fun. Not everyone is a mother. To those, I remind you of this quote by Oprah Winfrey\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong><em>Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.</em></strong></p>\nBut, we all had a mother so we do have someone to celebrate on Mother\'s Day.\n\nWhere did the idea to honor motherhood come from?\n\nIts roots lie in the <a href=\"http://bit.ly/1P3QI20\" target=\"_blank\">British Mothering Day</a>, which disappeared when the English settlers came to America.\n\nThen in 1870 <a href=\"http://www.mothersdaycentral.com/about-mothersday/history/famous-moms/julia-ward-howe.php\">Julia Ward Howe </a>, author of The Battle Hymn of the Republic, conceptualized the idea of Mother’s Day in her Proclamation of 1870. Read the poem <a href=\"http://abt.cm/1P3RfRw\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.\n\nIn 1872, Howe asked for of a \"Mother\'s Day for Peace\" celebration on June 2 of every year. Only a few states bought into Howe’s idea and eventually the movement died.\n\nHowever, a West Virginia women’s group headed by Anna Reeves Jarvis adapted Howe’s holiday to be a day set aside to re-unite families and neighbors divided by the Civil War.\n\nThat Mother’s Friendship Day evolved into the Mothers’ Day we know and celebrated yesterday.\n\nIf you weren’t able to be with your mother, did you take up Groupon\'s offer of a perfect child stand-in? For a mere $25,000, Groupon would send an actor to spend the day with your mom. It’s not a joke. Here’s the <a href=\"http://yhoo.it/1EkGgIc\" target=\"_blank\">link</a>.\n\nIf you forgot to acknowledge Mom yesterday, you can do it today. She’ll be thrilled to hear from you no matter what day it is.\n\nOr you might check out Groupon. They may have another deal for honoring your Mother on the day after Mother’s Day.','Mother\'s Day 2015','','publish','open','open','','mothers-day-2015','','','2015-05-11 06:00:13','2015-05-11 11:00:13','',0,'https://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=5750',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (542,1,'2013-03-18 06:39:36','2013-03-18 11:39:36','I am taking a break from blog writing today.\n\nWell, I\'m not taking a <em>real</em> break. I\'m actually in the proces of loading a moving truck for the final leg of our tipping point adventure. [More on the adventure later.]\n\nSo I\'m offering this adorable video instead of my usual lengthy blog to motivate or make you think.\n\nWhy don\'t you take a break, too, and watch?\n\nAs you watch, note how many children\'s storybook characters you recognize and can name.\n\n[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdpKIjpaBU8?feature=player_embedded&amp;w=640&amp;h=360]\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">Did you spot a favorite?</p>','Taking a Break','','publish','open','open','','taking-a-break','','','2013-03-18 06:39:36','2013-03-18 11:39:36','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=542',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (1533,1,'2013-04-03 06:19:09','2013-04-03 11:19:09','<span style=\"color:#000000;\">Today I\'m sharing word cloud generators. </span><span style=\"color:#000000;\">Word cloud programs make it easy to create your personal word clouds.  </span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;\">A Google search will list many. Tech&amp;Learning offers a review of ten sites </span><a href=\"http://www.techlearning.com/default.aspx?tabid=67&amp;entryid=364\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;\">I\'ve selected three sites that I\'ve had fun with and all three are easy to use. </span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;\">Word clouds are great for promotional materials and presentations. I also create clouds to help me visualize characters and settings.</span>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/wordle-the-pendants-promise-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2614\" alt=\"Wordle The Pendant\'s Promise-1\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/wordle-the-pendants-promise-1.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" /></a>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;\">I used</span><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\"> <a href=\"http://www.wordle.net/create\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Wordle</strong></a> </span><span style=\"color:#000000;\">to create word cloud above. Wordle is the king of word cloud generators and produces awesome results with full editing capabilities. No log-in or email are required. Program allows printing, in order to save right click on Wordle picture and save as a jpeg and or make a screen print.</span>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/mycloud.jpeg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2615\" alt=\"MyCloud\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/mycloud.jpeg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"195\" /></a>\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.abcya.com/word_clouds.htm\" target=\"_blank\">ABC</a></strong><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><strong><a href=\"http://www.abcya.com/word_clouds.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"> Ya</span></a> </strong>created this cloud.</span> <span style=\"color:#000000;\">Final results that allow for font change, color change, and a randomized layout.  Save options are in jpeg format and there are print options. It\'s an easy application that kids will enjoy using.</span>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/word-fun.png\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-2616\" alt=\"word fun\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/word-fun.png?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"246\" /></a>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;\">I created the word cloud on the right with <a href=\"http://www.tagxedo.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><b>Tagxedo</b></span></a>, a beta-released word cloud application that offers various cloud shapes. The only way I could get it to print was using Print Screen then pasting into Paint. Not a big problem because the shapes are fun.</span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;\">Have fun creating your own personal word clouds. Click on the program names to link to the sites. </span>\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN: </strong><span style=\"color:#000000;\">Can you think of ways to use word clouds?</span>','WORD CLOUDS','','publish','open','open','','word-clouds','','','2013-04-03 06:19:09','2013-04-03 11:19:09','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=1533',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2001,1,'2013-01-01 15:04:56','2013-01-01 21:04:56','<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2002\" alt=\"happy-new-year-fireworks-images-1024x768\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/happy-new-year-fireworks-images-1024x768.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" />\n\nMay the New year bring you Success and Happiness\n\nI\'ve enjoyed our visits on the porch in 2012. I hope to see you more this year.','Welcome the NEW','','publish','open','open','','welcome-the-new','','','2013-01-01 15:04:56','2013-01-01 21:04:56','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2001',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2017,1,'2012-12-31 11:28:35','2012-12-31 17:28:35','The last minutes of 2012 are ticking away. I’m eager for the New Year. Are you?\n\n<a href=\"http://www.joanreeves.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Author Joan Reeves</a> quoted English poet Edith Lovejoy Pierce in a recent blog: <em>\"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity, and its first chapter is New Year\'s Day.\"</em>\n\nJoan went on to say: If the New Year is an unwritten book and you are the author, then write hard.\n\nUsing Pierce’s analogy, New Year’s Eve would represent THE END and tomorrow begins the PROLOGUE or CHAPTER 1.\n\nAs we say farewell to the 365 days called 2012 and begin to write our book titled 2013, I plan to focus on\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2027\" alt=\"iStock_000004416814Small\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/istock_000004416814small.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" />\n\nHope fuels the engine of creativity.\n\nA successful writer must be creative and that’s not possible without hope.\n\nEmbracing HOPE, we move closer to fulfilling our dream as I fulfilled my dream of holding my debut novel, <em><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/The-Pendants-Promise-ebook/dp/B007ZU71N2\" target=\"_blank\">The Pendant’s Promise</a></em>, in my hands last year.\n\nAs writers, we can never give up. Why?\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2020\" alt=\"imagesCACWVFD7\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/imagescacwvfd7.jpg\" width=\"251\" height=\"201\" />\n\nOur characters demand it. So do our future readers.\n\nEnjoy the New Year\'s Eve celebrations today and make the decision to embrace the New Year 2013 with HOPE.\n\nYou deserve<strong> SUCCESS</strong>.','What\'s your driving MOTIVATION for next year?','','publish','open','open','','whats-your-driving-motivation-for-next-year','','','2012-12-31 11:28:35','2012-12-31 17:28:35','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2017',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2044,1,'2013-01-04 06:48:27','2013-01-04 12:48:27','<em>On a recent Monday (my day to go grocery shopping and do laundry among other things), I added poinsettia delivery to my errand list. </em>\n\n<em>Several people at various schools bought the holiday plant from our kids for a band fundraiser and they came in on Friday. Our living room was quite festive with sixteen poinsettia plants in it.</em>\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2046\" alt=\"poinsettia-group\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/poinsettia-group.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"232\" />\n\n<em>I took six to an elementary school before grocery shopping. </em>\n\n<em>I can now add floral delivery person to the list of jobs I do not want to do full time.</em>\n\n<em>When I returned home on that afternoon, I noticed bees gathered on the edge of a pot on the back porch. It was strange so I took a picture with my phone and sent it to Beekeeper Brian asking what he thought. He had no idea.</em>\n\n<em>I loaded up more poinsettias and headed to the middle school. On my route, I passed Beekeeper Brian, headed for the house. My first thought was “he’s going to check on his bees.”</em>\n\n<em>But when I got home after my poinsettia deliveries, he was in full beekeeper garb, standing at the stove with a glass measuring bowl full of a lemony smelling liquid. He then said the words which always signal the beginning of an adventure – “I need your help.”</em>\n\n<em>He needed to know how hot the liquid was. I went into bread making mode and thought about how hot water for softening yeast needed to be. After a quick finger test, I assured him the water was not more than 100 degrees.</em>\n\n<em>He then carried the liquid outside. As it turns out, the bees were making a small swarm which means they were preparing to “fly the coop.”</em>\n\n<em>Oops, that would be the chickens who do that. I’m not sure what it’s called when bees leave.</em>\n\n<em>Beekeeper Brian then put the queen from the swarm in a nuc (small hive box) and put feed (the lemony smelling liquid) on top. He’s watching to see if the worker bees go into the nuke with the queen.</em>\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2047\" alt=\"bee bucket\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/bee-bucket.jpg?w=429\" width=\"429\" height=\"500\" />\n\n<em>Meanwhile, he’s thinking of alternate plans to entice the bees to hang around. This could mean another hive and more honey!</em>\n\n<em>There is never a dull moment around here.</em>\n\nLife on the farm is certainly full of adventure with all the elements of storytelling: Goal, Motivation , and Conflict.\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN: </strong>Any dull moments in your world?','Flying the Coop Bee Emergency - Miller Farm Day','','publish','open','open','','flying-the-coop-bee-emergency-miller-farm-day','','','2013-01-04 06:48:27','2013-01-04 12:48:27','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2044',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2069,1,'2013-01-07 07:24:39','2013-01-07 13:24:39','<p style=\"text-align:left;\" align=\"center\">Last week social media was all a buzz about New Year\'s resolutions. Facebook status comments offered summaries of people’s 2012 and their goals for 2013. Blogs gave statistics from last year and offered predictions for the New Year.</p>\nHow about you? Are you making resolutions?\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/new-years-resolutions.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2077\" alt=\"New Year\'s Resolutions, list of items\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/new-years-resolutions.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"160\" /></a>\n\nI don\'t do well with general resolutions like those pictured.\n\nBUT I am a goal setter. Goals help solidify intangibles into something tangible.\n\nConsider this quote from Mario Andretti, <i>\"Desire is the key to motivation, but it\'s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.\"</i>\n\nAs a former teacher, goals (aka objectives) were an integral part of my world. I watched lesson plan objectives produce learning success for students. So transferring goal setting to my writing career was a logical, easy progression.\n\nFor me, goal setting provides the target, and I can analyze why I missed the bull’s eye and adjust as I move toward success.\n\nKnowledge is power. When I know what works, I can do more of it. When I know what doesn\'t work, I can do less of it.\n\nGoals work for me.\n\nIf you’re not one to set goals or make New Year’s Resolutions, you’ll love <a href=\"http://www.julietmarillier.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Juliet Marillier</a>’s New Year’s blog post where she shared nine gifts for a writer’s focus in 2013.\n<ol>\n	<li><i>The wind in your hair, the rain on your skin, the sun on your back, the richness of freshly turned soil underfoot.</i> (If you live in a city apartment, plant up some pots with flowers or vegies. Go for      regular walks in the park, and use your five senses to experience nature. If you have a garden, make compost. Get your hands dirty!)</li>\n	<li><i>The joy of providing a forever home for a shelter animal.</i> (Not all of you will be able to do this, but it’s a great way to nourish the soul. If you can’t take on a homeless animal, you could volunteer to walk shelter dogs, or help out at a refuge.)</li>\n	<li><i>Social interaction, and I don’t mean online!</i> (Writers can easily get into the pattern of spending long hours alone, maintaining their social contacts mostly online. This is not great for your physical or mental health. Make an effort – go out to coffee with a friend once a week, join a book club, walk your dog at the park, meet like-minded people in the flesh.)</li>\n	<li><i>Writing because you love it; loving what you write.</i> (Because otherwise what’s the point?)</li>\n	<li><i>Stretching yourself creatively.</i> (Try a new genre; set yourself      challenges in voice, point of view, vocabulary, structure)</li>\n	<li><i>Making a virtue of ‘down time.’</i> (Try meditation, walking, Tai      Chi, swimming, playing with your children or animals)</li>\n	<li><i>Learning that the best motivation for getting on with things – your work in progress, your diet/exercise plan – does not come from the note on the fridge, but from deep within you.</i> Changing your mindset; doing the right things not because you ought to, but because you want to.</li>\n	<li><i>Being generous with your time, even if you don’t have much of it to spare.</i> (Read to an elderly person; help out at your kids’ school; fill hampers for the needy.)</li>\n	<li><i>Breathing.</i> (Step away from your screen regularly. Go outside, look at something beautiful and breathe slowly for a few minutes. You live in the real world; it is the source of your inspiration. Honour and respect it with all its flaws.)</li>\n</ol>\nI love her ideas for enriching our creativity. Wonderful words of wisdom. You can read the whole blog <a href=\"http://writerunboxed.com/2013/01/03/nine-good-things-for-the-new-year/?utm_s\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.\n\nBut I still believe in goal setting.\n\nAs a writer, I see this New Year as a blank book. Remember my New Year’s Eve post? If not, read it <a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/whats-your-driving-motivation-for-next-year/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a>\n\nWe can fill the pages of 2013 any way we want. A goal plan isn’t required, but it might help us succeed.\n\nNext Monday, I\'ll share my goal setting process.','To Resolve or Not to Resolve That is the Question','','publish','open','open','','to-resolve-or-not-to-resolve-that-is-the-question','','','2013-01-07 07:24:39','2013-01-07 13:24:39','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2069',0,'post','',5);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2090,1,'2013-01-11 07:03:05','2013-01-11 13:03:05','<em>There is a mystery on Miller Farm. </em>\n\n<em>When I went to let the chickens out, there were two dead quail. One was in the cage – which is not completely unusual. However, there was one on the ground near the chicken feeder, which was the mystery.</em>\n\n<em>How did it get out of the quail cage? Why did it die? </em>\n\n<em>I’m pretty sure both quail were dead before I opened the cage so it was not the shock of seeing  me in my daughter’s sock monkey footed pajamas (it was pajama day at the school where I teach) .</em>\n\n<em>I guess what happens in the quail cage stays in the quail cage, and the mystery will remain a mysery.</em>\n\n<em>There is justice on the Miller farm. </em>\n\n<em>Three of the roosters have gotten big enough to go to freezer camp so they were put on death row (in a separate cage). The hens who were tormented by these roosters perched atop the cage with what would be the equivalent of a smug look on their faces. </em><em>I consider that poetic justice.</em>\n\n<em>There is also new life on Miller farm. </em>\n\n<em>We have baby chicks and quail in the garage. They were due to hatch on December 21<sup>st</sup>, but one quail made his appearance on December 19. We call him the very loud overachiever. The others appeared on schedule. </em>\n\n<em>Now there is much noise in the garage, which drives the dachshunds crazy. </em>\n\n<em>There is randomness on Miller Farm.</em>\n\n<em> My daughter received a text last week asking if should would be able to hatch goose eggs. Being an adventurous Miller she said “sure.” So we are awaiting the arrival of a special thermometer and will then set the goose eggs.</em>\n\n<em>I must confess I am a little nervous. The size of eggs being hatched at the Miller Farm is becoming increasingly larger.</em>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2092\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/eggs.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2092\" alt=\"quail, bantam, chicken, goose\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/eggs.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"187\" /></a> Eggs left to right: quail, bantam, chicken, goose[/caption]\n\n<em>I’m not sure I want to know what will be next – ostrich eggs?</em>\n\nThe Miller Farm is always bustling with life. I’m not at all surprised Rachel agreed to hatch goose eggs. She loves all animals. She’s going to be a caring nurse one day. I can’t wait read the email when the geese start cracking their shells. Should be an interesting email. I\'m betting the geese give the daschshunds a run for their money!\n\nAfter reading CW Sara’s email and looking at the picture of the eggs she included, I thought about how a story idea begins a little kernel—an overheard conversation, a picture, a senior citizen or child’s face, a building—so many little things can trigger <i>What if</i> for the creative mind.\n\nThat tiny <i>what if</i> then progresses through research, writing, editing, and finally becomes a full-blown, hold-in-your-hand book.That’s a life cycle too.\n\nThe life cycle of a novel. And writers never know what size the next kernel will be.\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN</strong>: How are things in your world? Any mystery or poetic justice? Any surprises? Any idea kernels to share?','Life and Mystery @ the Miller Farm','','publish','open','open','','life-and-mystery-the-miller-farm','','','2013-01-11 07:03:05','2013-01-11 13:03:05','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2090',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2109,1,'2013-01-14 07:37:54','2013-01-14 13:37:54','No one wants to fail on purpose, but failure to plan can lead to failure. Today we\'ll look at the process of goal setting for SUCCESS that I use.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/cropped-success.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2115\" alt=\"cropped success\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/cropped-success.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" /></a>\n\nMy plan comes from <a href=\"http://bit.ly/aX6Rtm\" target=\"_blank\">Bob Mayer</a>’s <em>WHO DARES WIN, The Green Beret Way to Conquer Fear and Succeed</em>, which is available <a href=\"http://amzn.to/yfewjk\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">There are three components:</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">• Focus\n• Strategic goals\n• Tactical goals</p>\nExperience has taught me when you know where you’ve been and where you\'re going, you go farther than when you just drift along.\n\nCreation of a concrete list, imo, is critical.\n\nBut no goal setting process is complete without a review of the previous year’s STRATEGIC GOALS. Every time I do this, I never fail to discover I have accomplished far more than I thought. I’m betting you would see the same results.\n\nNot only do I set measurable goals for myself, I also reward myself for my accomplishments!\n\nAfter my review, I determine a FOCUS for the New Year.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">A target.</p>\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/4455527_thumbnail.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-2110\" alt=\"4455527_thumbnail\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/4455527_thumbnail.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nIn 2012, my focus was epubbing. btw, I accomplished my goal  as you can see on the left  side bar: <em>The Pendant’s Promise, </em>my debut novel<em>, </em>is available to purchase.\n\n FOCUS is whatever will move you toward achieving your object for the year. Your yearly FOCUS can be studying a particular craft area, networking, or reading x number of books and analyzing the author’s technique.\n\nAfter FOCUS come STRATEGIC TARGETS.\n\nI give serious thought to these questions in setting my targets for a New Year.\n\n1. What do I want to write this year?\n2. What do I want to sell this year?\n3. What will I do toward getting my name out there?\n4. What writing craft do I need to focus on?\n5. What’s on my reading list?\n\nOnce I have answered these questions, I set the targets broken into three month, six month, and one year objectives that culminate in two year and three year goals.\n\nThese are SMART goals:\n• <strong>S</strong> -Specific (and Strategic)\n• <strong>M</strong> - Measurable\n•<strong> A</strong> - Attainable\n• <strong>R</strong> - Relevant (results oriented)\n• <strong>T</strong> - Time-framed\n\nFor example, a specific, strategic goal might be stated like this:\n<em>At the end of the first quarter 2013, I will have two short stories submitted to such and such periodical.</em>\n\nThen I establish a list of METHODS to accomplish my strategic goals. My last year’s list looked like this:\n\n1. Write 100 NEW words per day\n2. Spend minimum of 20 hours per week writing\n3. Attend two writer conferences\n\nNo wishy-washy, weasel-worded methods like <em>I’ll write every day</em>. Too easy to let life interfere and be lax with methods like that.\n\nMy methods are:\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">Specific.   Measurable.   Attainable.</p>\nSame with my TACTICAL WEEKLY GOALS which might include:\n\n1. Write three query letters\n2. Complete critique partner\'s edits\n3. Outline two scenes for WIP\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">Either I accomplish what I\'ve set out to do or I don\'t. I know where I\'m going and whether I\'m there at the end of the week.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">And, yes I do write out these goals every week and record my progress.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">To quote, Pablo Picasso: \"<em>Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.</em>\"</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">I also happen to be blessed with an accountability group to provide additional focus and encouragement toward accomplishing what I’ve set out to do. We share weekly then alternately cheer or bring out the cyber whip based on our goal reports.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">I hear you groaning. You’re saying all this takes too much time.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">I don’t deny this process takes time, but having a SMART goal plan provides not only focus, but also helps solidify intangibles into something tangible.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">I can’t guarantee <strong>SUCCESS</strong> with my plan. I do promise goal-setting will direct you on the right path because to hit a target you must aim.</p>\nGoals set your aim.\n\nI  encourage you to think about a writing plan for the New Year.\n<strong></strong>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\"><strong>YOUR TURN</strong>: Have I convinced you? Will you set SMART goals for this year?</p>','Failure to plan is planning to fail -- a PLAN for success','','publish','open','open','','failure-to-plan-is-planning-to-fail-a-plan-for-success','','','2013-01-14 07:37:54','2013-01-14 13:37:54','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2109',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2135,1,'2013-01-18 09:04:51','2013-01-18 15:04:51','<p style=\"text-align:left;\" align=\"center\"><em>My father used to tell the story of a man flying an airplane.</em></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\" align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/airplane.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2136\" alt=\"small twin engine airplane\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/airplane.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\" align=\"center\"><em>Unfortunately, the engine went out. </em></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\" align=\"center\"><em>Fortunately, there were two engines – unfortunately, the second engine went out.</em></p>\n<em>Fortunately, the man had a parachute – unfortunately, it didn’t work.</em>\n\n<em>Fortunately, there was a haystack in the field below – unfortunately, there was a needle in the haystack.</em>\n\n<em>Fortunately, the man missed the needle – unfortunately, he missed the haystack.</em>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/fall-400x348.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-2137\" alt=\"fall-400x348\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/fall-400x348.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"130\" /></a>\n\n<em> All the rain we’ve had this week made me think of my own fortunately-unfortunately story.</em>\n\n<em>Fortunately, the rain means that I don’t have to fill the chicken waterers – unfortunately, it means the chicken yard is a muddy mess.</em>\n\n<em>Fortunately, the rain will bring more flowers for bees to make more honey – unfortunately, my feet get wet and cold.</em>\n\n<em>Fortunately, the roof of my classroom does not leak – unfortunately, my classroom is a portable building, which means walking through the rain to the bathroom.</em>\n\n<em>Fortunately  the rain stopped today and it was a beautiful sunny day – unfortunately the rain is supposed to start again tomorrow.</em>\n\n<em> And that brings me back to the beginning again--Fortunately the rain means I won’t have to fill chicken waterers…</em>\n\n<em>Life  on an urban farm is like that--a vicious cycle of fortunatelys and unfortunatelys.</em>\n\nCW Sara\'s email had me wondering about  fortunately-unfortunately cycles. So I Googled the term.\n\nAccording to Wikipedia, Fortunately-Unfortunately is an actual word game first played at conventions of the <a title=\"National Puzzlers\' League\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Puzzlers%27_League\" target=\"_blank\">National Puzzlers\' League</a>.  Click <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortunately,_Unfortunately\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> to read more.\n\nWriters play a similar game. We call it<em> brainstorming</em>. Instead of fortunately-unfortunately, we say What If?\n\n<strong>Your turn</strong>: Have you ever played Fortunately-Unfortunately?','Fortunately – Unfortunately on the Miller Farm','','publish','open','open','','fortunately-unfortunately-on-the-miller-farm','','','2013-01-18 09:04:51','2013-01-18 15:04:51','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2135',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2144,1,'2013-01-21 09:31:07','2013-01-21 15:31:07','So are you moving ahead on the New Year goals you set? Did you implement my plan or devise one of your own?\n\nWhether you use <a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/failure-to-plan-is-planning-to-fail-a-plan-for-success/\" target=\"_blank\">my plan </a>or any plan, I hope you\'ll let 2013 be the year you claim your dream!\n\nI found several suggestions on blogs to help us achieve writing success using a theme for the year.\n\nThe authors over at <a href=\"http://www.novelmatters.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Novel Matters</a>  declared  <i>Carpe Annum – Seize the Year </i>for their theme<i>.  </i>Check out the details and suggestions <a href=\"http://www.novelmatters.com/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.  \n\nFellow Wana112mate Sherry Isaac suggests we do some <a href=\"http://sherryisaac.com/2013/01/19/baby-stepping/\" target=\"_blank\">Baby Steppin’</a> That is, we move ahead one baby step at a time. You\'ll love the clip she shares.\n\nWhether you choose<em> Carpe Annum </em>or <em>Baby Steeppin\' </em>or come up with your own theme. Just having a theme is a great way to focus on success.\n\nIf you still harbor some fear about moving ahead with writing goals and think you don\'t have the time to devote to your dream, <a href=\"http://www.ediemelson.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Edie Melson</a>, social media coach and blogger, offers this advice: <a href=\"http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2013/01/want-to-do-more-with-your-writinglearn.html\" target=\"_blank\">Want to Do More with Your Writing—Learn to Say No</a> She provides very specific ways to put your writing goals first.\n\nMy best advice is summed up here: <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/hey-writer.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2145\" alt=\"hey writer\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/hey-writer.png\" width=\"400\" height=\"362\" /></a>\n\nRemember, a book is just a blank page and an eReader is a blank screen until you put your words on it.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/blank-book.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2146\" alt=\"blank book\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/blank-book.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"99\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/tablet.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2147\" alt=\"tablet\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/tablet.jpg?w=83\" width=\"83\" height=\"150\" /></a>Now go be an unstoppable butterfly and fill those blank pages and screens.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>WRITE!</strong></p>','Moving ahead. Claiming your Dream.','','publish','open','open','','moving-ahead-claiming-your-dream','','','2013-01-21 09:31:07','2013-01-21 15:31:07','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2144',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2169,1,'2013-01-25 07:00:00','2013-01-25 13:00:00','Welcome our very special Friday Guest blogger, Chicken Wrangler Sara and another tale from the Miller Farm.\n\nAdolescent roosters are some of the most horrid creatures on earth, which makes putting them on death row much less traumatic for me. However, their imminent demise does nothing for the poor hens they harass until they reach a size large enough to eat. \n\nOne poor hen, named Whitey, has been jumped on so many times I believe her right leg is broken. #2 Daughter Rachel and I found her trying to get through the fence and under the shed. \n\nEnter Chicken Wrangler Sara wearing her chicken rescue cape. \n\nFuture nurse Rachel decided Whitney should spend  time in the Miller Chicken Infirmary until her leg healed. She reinforced the sides of a wooden crate, gave Whitey a bath (yes, you read that correctly, she bathed a chicken), then put the clean hen in the crate in her bedroom.\n\nThen Future Nurse Rachel went out of town leaving me in charge.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/whitney-in-her-bed.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2175\" alt=\"Whitney in her bed\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/whitney-in-her-bed.jpg?w=225\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nThis is not the first fowl to be in the house. Remember, we had two rescued  roosters who were much kinder than any roosters we have right now.\n\nEventually I moved Whitey to the garage where she spent the night.\n\nIn the morning, I set her out in the yard (while the dachshunds were inside) and cleaned her crate. Marv, our big, old lab mix, found this change in the routine very interesting.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/marv-and-whitney.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2174\" alt=\"Marv and Whitney\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/marv-and-whitney.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nWhitey ate some grass and hobbled around a bit. Before I left to volunteer at the food pantry, I returned her to her crate in the garage and secured the dachshunds inside the kitchen.\n\nIn the afternoon, Whitney spent more time outside in the yard although I’m suspicious that the roosters have spotted her. They lined the fence watching with great interest.\n\nFortunately, they cannot get over the fence so Whitey is safe.\n\nI considered splinting her leg, but wasn’t sure how to go about it. I wasn\'t keen on researching how to set chicken legs – cooking them maybe, but not setting them. \n\nIn fact, one of my piano students asked why we didn’t just eat Whitey. I explained that we don’t eat any of the chickens we have named.\n\nJust can’t do it.\n\nNot only do I have to keep an eye on Whitey, with Rachel gone, I must turn the goose eggs in the incubator three times a day. I forgot. When Beekeeper Brian got home from work, he turned them. Since they can’t tell time, he assured me they would be fine.\n\nWe’ve decided I may be Chicken Wrangler Extraordinaire, but I\'m no Mother Goose.\n\nFuture Nurse Rachel and I have also started walking the four dogs. We each take two dachshunds and provide entertainment for anyone driving down the street along with exercise for the dogs and ourselves.\n\nSince Rachel was not home this afternoon, I took all four dogs on my own. After fighting twisted leads and pulling dogs, I’ve decided I could probably drive a bobsled now.\n\nTomorrow Rachel returns. I will be so happy to have her assistance with dachshunds and goose eggs.\n\nSunday the roosters go to death row. Whitney will return to the hen yard and be safe.\n\nBy Monday, the Miller Chicken Infirmary will close and life will return to normal – whatever that is.','Goose eggs, adolescent roosters, and bullied hens - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','goose-eggs-adolescent-roosters-and-bullied-hens-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-01-25 07:00:00','2013-01-25 13:00:00','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2169',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2179,1,'2013-01-28 09:51:39','2013-01-28 15:51:39','I finished <i>Love in the Morning Calm, </i>the prequel to <i>The Pendant’s Promise</i> and turned the manuscript over to the editor. \n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/morningcalm_6-for-webpgs.jpg\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/my-books/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2181\" alt=\"MorningCalm_6 for webpgs\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/morningcalm_6-for-webpgs.jpg?w=224\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a></a>\n\nNow I’m sad.\n\nI know I should be happy. IT’S FINISHED.\n\nThere is a sense of relief and exhaustion considering the amount of energy and focus required to “birth” this particular novel. I’ve been working on Lily and Alex\'s love story for years.\n\nMy very wise book editor suggested I split the original manuscript into two books, which added a year to the writing process, but keeping the tale as one book would have made <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/James-A.-Michener/e/B000APVC66/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1359310470&amp;sr=1-2-ent\" target=\"_blank\">James A. Michener’s </a>multi-generational works look like short stories.\n\nReally, I am excited that I\'m finished.\n\nExcept for this lonely feeling that keeps creeping in--sort of like postpartum blues.\n\nSigh.\n\nI found comfort in knowing I had Lily and Alex’s romance to resume every morning and think about at night.\n\nI already miss the arguments trying to persuade them to follow my outline. Then sometimes settling for something close to what I planned, but perhaps better and more interesting.\n\nOther authors have shared that they experience the same sluggishness, a lack of motivation, and energy when they finish a book. I know my feelings will subside. Lily and Alex have, after all, found their happily ever after.\n\nIt’s time to do the next thing -- start a new manuscript. I began that process this weekend.\n\nI’m looking at two quotes as the new story\'s theme. One from<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Truth-About-Forever-Sarah-Dessen/dp/0142406252\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Truth About Forever</i></a> a Sarah Dessen novel: <em>“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.”</em>\n\n The other from <a href=\"http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96jun/laotzu.html\" target=\"_blank\">Lao Tzu</a>:<em> “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”</em>\n\nOnce my new friends, Darcy and Andrew, and I have done that dance of the first 50 or 60 pages they\'ll begin to talk to me then my real work will begin.\n\nI can truly bid Lily and Ace farewell.\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN: </strong> Do you get the postpartum blues when you finish a book? What do you do about it when you do?','The book\'s finished so why am I sad?','','publish','open','open','','the-books-finished-so-why-am-i-sad','','','2013-01-28 09:51:39','2013-01-28 15:51:39','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2179',0,'post','',17);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2210,1,'2013-02-01 07:00:11','2013-02-01 13:00:11','<p align=\"center\"><em> A Guest Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara </em></p>\nI have often heard people speak of “the power of positive thinking.”\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/hires.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2212 alignright\" alt=\"HiRes\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/hires.jpg?w=185\" width=\"185\" height=\"300\" /></a>However, I’ve become convinced lately that there is, at times, even greater power in “not thinking.”\n\nFor example, when my alarm goes off at 5:15 a.m., I get out of bed, put on my swimsuit, get in my car, drive to the outdoor pool, and jump in before my brain wakes up and realizes that it is January.\n\nNo thinking person would behave in such a manner, no matter how “positive” their thoughts.\n\nAs moms, I believe “not thinking” is a crucial skill.\n\nFor example, when a child (who sleeps on the bottom bunk) comes to your side of the bed in the middle of the night and says, “Rachel (who sleeps on the top bunk) is throwing up and it is dripping down the wall” a mom can get everything cleaned up without giving it a thought.\n\nMost recently, I employed this “not thinking” skill when helping my husband butcher chickens.\n\nI do not usually participate in this process. However, I called everyone I knew who had expressed an interest in observing or even learning this task (a surprisingly long list) and no one was available.\n\nHesitantly, I donned latex gloves and started plucking chickens. I must say, I felt a certain satisfaction since I was plucking the horrid roosters.\n\nAs long as I was “not thinking,” it was not a bad task.\n\nPeople talked about how bad the chickens smelled, but my nose detected no foul (fowl) odor at all. It made me wonder if perhaps Rachel had secretly bathed the roosters.\n\nI even carried on a pleasant conversation with my husband the entire time. Part of this conversation included, “Hey look what I found!”<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/mm35reddevil1-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2213\" alt=\"mm35reddevil1-1\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/mm35reddevil1-1.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>I kid you not – it was a marble, which made me think of a song (of course):\n<p align=\"center\"><em>“I know an old rooster who swallowed a marble…”</em></p>\nI’m so glad that when my brain goes into “not thinking” mode, it still allows songs to float in and out.\n\nA silly song seems to make any task a little more pleasant – as long as you don’t think about it.','The Power of Not Thinking','','publish','open','open','','the-power-of-not-thinking','','','2013-02-01 07:00:11','2013-02-01 13:00:11','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2210',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2232,1,'2013-02-04 07:02:53','2013-02-04 13:02:53','This six-minute animated film that mixes hand-drawn and CGI animation is the perfect start for February blogs. \n[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTLySbGoMX0?rel=0&amp;w=560&amp;h=315]\n\n\nAmazing, how \"Paperman\" demonstrates all the elements needed to produce a love story without a single spoken word.\n \nThe Disney Animation video premiered at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in June 2012 and will compete in the Best Animated Short Category at the Feb. 24 Academy Awards.\n\nAs a romance writer, the short animated film definitely has my vote.\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN</strong>: Would you cast your Academy vote for \"Paperman\"?','A Wordless Love Story','','publish','open','open','','a-wordless-love-story','','','2013-02-04 07:02:53','2013-02-04 13:02:53','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2232',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2249,1,'2013-02-11 07:00:29','2013-02-11 13:00:29','As a romance writer, I love February 14th. St. Valentine’s Day is THE romance day of the year. To me, valentines are the mirror of romance.\n\nAccording to legend, <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine\'s_Day\" target=\"_blank\">Saint Valentine</a> was a real priest who lived in 270 A.D. He provided Christians with sacraments outlawed by the Roman Empire such as marriage.\n\nSaint Valentine is also said to have cut hearts from parchment, giving them to the soldiers and persecuted Christians to \"remind them of God\'s love and to encourage them to remain faithful Christians.”\n\nAnd thus began our custom of giving cards and reminders to loved ones on February 14th. Today, the Greeting Card Association estimates one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year.\n\nThe first mass-produced valentines appeared in the 1840s. <a href=\"http://www.amazingwomeninhistory.com/esther-howland-american-valentine/\" target=\"_blank\">Esther A. Howland</a>, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” used “scrap” to make elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures. The American Antiquarian Society in Worcester holds a large collection of her valentines.\n\nIf you read my blog often, you might remember that I have an ephermal holiday post card collection. I shared some of my Thanksgiving cards. Here are my favorite Valentines. While not as elaborate as Ms. Howland’s, I love the way these cards speak of romance.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/v5.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2251\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/v5.jpg?w=392\" width=\"392\" height=\"500\" /></a>\n\nValentines tell others of our love. Homemade valentines are extra special. I found this wonderful site, <a href=\"http://www.neoformix.com/\">www.neoformix.com</a>  where you can create your own heart-shaped tokens of love.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://neoformix.com/Projects/WordHearts/Old/index.html\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2254\" alt=\"screen shot heart site-1\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/screen-shot-heart-site-1.png?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"187\" /></a></p>\nIf you\'d like to create heart-shaped design with special words, click on the heart to go to the site. You have time to come up with the perfect token of your love.\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN:</strong> How will you show someone you love them today?','Valentines are the Mirror of Romance','','publish','open','open','','valentines-are-the-mirror-of-romance','','','2013-02-11 07:00:29','2013-02-11 13:00:29','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2249',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2263,1,'2013-02-08 07:15:29','2013-02-08 13:15:29','<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><em>A guest blog from Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\nBella, dachshund chicken watcher extraordinaire, has keep life interesting around the urban farm for the past two weeks. \n\nFirst, a bee  stung her on the foot. This would not have been a big problem except that she somehow acquired Beekeeper Brian’s allergy to bees. Rachel took her to the vet where they gave her Benadryl and made sure there were no other symptoms.\n\nBella slept off the effects of her bee sting encounter in her favorite chair.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/bella2.jpg\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/bella2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2264\" alt=\"bella2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/bella2.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></a>\n\nThen a few days later, I was at lunch with Beekeeper Brian when Rachel called asking me to meet her at the vet ASAP. Bella was shaking all over and drooling – symptoms that looked like a seizure. \n\nSince Marv, our big dog, has suffered from seizures most of his life, Rachel is well acquainted with doggie seizures. I left immediately, but a road closure cause somewhat of a delayed.\n\nIn my directionally challenged world, another (read <i>different</i>) way is always longer and in the wrong direction. I only know one way to get places, and since the road I knew to go down was blocked, I had to find another way. And, of course, I had to stop for every red light along the way. \n\nI desperately wanted to get to the vet’s office in case something happened to Bella. While Beekeeper Brian and I were in Colorado last summer, Rachel had to take our chocolate lab to the vet for the last time. I didn’t want her to be in that position again with Bella.\n\nWhen I finally rushed into the office, Rachel and Bella were sitting in the front room waiting for me to pay.\n\nBella was fine. The vet determined she swallowed a bee (I added another verse to the song - <i>I know a dumb dachshund who swallowed a bee</i>).\n\nWith the Benadryl, Bella slept soundly in her favorite chair.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/bella2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2264 aligncenter\" alt=\"bella2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/bella2.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nShe now has her own bottle of Benadryl in the kitchen cabinet.\n\nThis week she has managed to avoid the bees, thankfully. She did run under our bed instead of into her kennel one night. We could not coax her out until the next morning. Never did figure out what that was all what.\n\nThen yesterday I walked the dogs after it had rained all morning, Bella managed to find every puddle to walk through. Her puddle jumping reminded me of my small children days – the puddles as well as the frantic trips to the doctor.\n\nI’m afraid while the children outgrew their frantic trips to the doctor and puddle jumping, Bella will never outgrow this stage. Fortunately, she is very cute and so we tolerate her idiosyncrasies.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/bella.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-large wp-image-2265\" alt=\"bella\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/bella.jpg?w=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">Don\'t you agree?</p>','Puddle jumping, bee stings, and dachshunds','','publish','open','open','','puddle-jumping-bee-stings-and-dachshunds','','','2013-02-08 07:15:29','2013-02-08 13:15:29','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2263',0,'post','',6);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2278,1,'2013-02-14 17:58:30','2013-02-14 23:58:30','I hope you read my<a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2013/02/11/valentines-are-the-mirror-of-romance/\" target=\"_blank\"> Valentine blog on Monday </a>and you have already gifted your someone special with a homemade valentine today.\n\nIn case you need some love words to use before the day is gone, here are ten of my favorite Valentine quotes.\n\n• I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. You can find it in a simple act of kindness toward someone who needs help. There is no mistaking love. You feel it in your heart. It is the common fiber of life, the flame of that heats our soul, energizes our spirit, and supplies passion to our lives. It is our connection to God and to each other. -Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, The Wheel of Life\n\n• \"kisses are a better fate than wisdom.\" -e.e. Cummings\n(I love any of e.e. Cummings words. I mostly love that he doesn’t capitalize.)\n\n• \"Grow old with me! The best is yet to be.\" -Robert Browning\n\n• \"A bell is no bell \'til you ring it,\nA song is no song \'til you sing it,\nAnd love in your heart\nWasn\'t put there to stay -\nLove isn\'t love\n\'Til you give it away.\"\n-Oscar Hammerstein, \"You Are Sixteen\" from the film Sound of Music\n\n• \"For twas not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.\nTwas not my lips you kissed, but my soul.\" -Judy Garland\n\n• “True love never lives happily ever after - true love has no ending.” -K Knight\n\n• “Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice.” -Nora Roberts\n\n• \"For you see, each day I love you more. Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.\" -Rosemonde Gerard\n\n• “Love is the force that ignites the spirit and binds hearts together.” -Unknown\n\nLastly, no blog on love words would be complete without the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “How do I love Thee?”\n\n[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLkcR9UR9us&amp;w=420&amp;h=315]\n\nHAPPY VALENTINE\'S DAY!','Love words are in the air today – Ten quotes you can use','','publish','open','open','','love-words-are-in-the-air-today-ten-quotes-you-can-use','','','2013-02-14 17:58:30','2013-02-14 23:58:30','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2278',0,'post','',6);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2289,1,'2013-02-15 06:45:30','2013-02-15 12:45:30','<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><em>A guest blog from Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">There are advantages to raising chickens. They get food and water and sometimes grass, and they are happy.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/hens2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1118\" alt=\"hens2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/hens2.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">Humans, on the other hand, need many things.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">Last Wednesday proved the last. It’s my usual my day to clean the bathrooms and mop the kitchen floor, but that didn’t happen for three reasons.</p>\n\n<ol>\n	<li>\n<div style=\"text-align:left;\">Beekeeper Brian called at 8:30 to ask if I could bring him his ID, which he had left on the dresser. Not a problem – I had something to drop off near his school anyway.</div></li>\n	<li>\n<div style=\"text-align:left;\">Then Rachel texted and asked if I could meet her at the band hall at 10:50 with her jacket. OK, I could still get some things done at the house between taking the ID and taking the jacket.</div></li>\n	<li>\n<div style=\"text-align:left;\">Then Matthew texted - “Can you go by Thorn (music store) and pick up some drum sticks?” By this time, I was a little frustrated so I told him I would have to see.</div></li>\n</ol>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">After a bit of thougt, I decided taking care of family was more important than a clean bathroom.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">As I left the house to make the deliveries, a woman was putting a flyer on my mailbox for a maid service. Rather ironic, it seemed to me considering I really wanted to be at home cleaning house myself.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">Instead, I was off delivering things to my humans…</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">Beekeeper Brian his ID,\nRachel her jacket,\nand drumsticks to Matt.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">This morning as I fed the chickens I thought about how simple it was to take care of them.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">Chickens don’t need IDs.\nChickens don’t need jackets.\nChickens don’t need drumsticks – they already have them.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">However, not one of those chickens said “thanks, sweetheart” or ‘Mom, you’re the greatest.”</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">I realized while there are advantages to raising chickens, they do not outweigh the advantages of raising a family.</p>','Advantages to Raising Chickens','','publish','open','open','','advantages-to-raising-chickens','','','2013-02-15 06:45:30','2013-02-15 12:45:30','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2289',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2301,1,'2013-02-19 06:48:59','2013-02-19 12:48:59','A weak password is one way your computer can be compromised according to computer security experts at <a href=\"http://www.webroot.com/En_US/consumer/tips/beginners-what-do-i-do-when-my-email-has-been-hacked-and-spam-is-sent-to-my-contacts\" target=\"_blank\">Webroot</a>.   \n\nI taught computer literacy for nine years. Computer and internet security was one component of that class. I use what I considered strong passwords.\n\nYet my email account was recently hacked. It was embarrassing and annoying, but at least I was in good company.\n\nSix e-mail accounts belonging to members of the Bush family were recently hacked with some of the contents posted online. For the full account, read <a href=\"http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/09/opinion/wolf-bush-hack-privacy\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.\n\nAfter the Bush episode, most computer users recognize that hacking could happen to ALL of us. After personally being hacked, I am more convinced than ever that no one is immune to a hacker.\n\nIf you have weak passwords, you are at even higher risk. I offer these tips to making your password stronger.\n<ul>\n	<li><b>AVOID </b>dictionary words.</li>\n</ul>\nPassword cracking programs contain a dictionary filled with commonly used dictionary words which means your <i>Harriedme201</i> is crackable in mere seconds.\n<ul>\n	<li><b>AVOID</b> names.</li>\n</ul>\nAll of us like to use pet names, favorite book characters, actors or actresses names, or names of places we’ve been. Hackers always look for these. Again easily crackable.\n<ul>\n	<li><b>AVOID</b> using any part of your email account as a password.</li>\n</ul>\nThis is a hard one to follow because, as professional writers, we all want name recognition. What better way than using our name at our namewebsite.com  as our email address. Experts tell us we are asking for trouble without a strong password.\n\nWt4e-79P-B13^qS  is an example of a strong password.  So how do you create a STRONG password?\n<ul>\n	<li><b>USE</b> a minimum of 10 characters in your password. Best are passwords with more than 15 characters. Why? The more letters the harder to crack.</li>\n	<li><b>USE</b> uppercase, lower case letter, numbers, and special characters randomly throughout your password. Be creative. Don’t substitute obvious symbols for obvious letters, i.e. 1 or ! for the letter L, @ for A, etc.</li>\n</ul>\nHere’s a chart of useable special characters acceptable for password use.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/keyboard-signs1.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2303\" alt=\"keyboard-signs\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/keyboard-signs1.png?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"66\" /></a>\n\nYou can also use emoticons smiley faces such as these to create a strong password:\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/keyboard-smileyfaces.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2304\" alt=\"keyboard-smileyfaces\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/keyboard-smileyfaces.png?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"68\" /></a>\n\nFor more ways to change your weak password, check out this <a href=\"http://www.webroot.com/En_US/consumer/tips/beginners-how-do-i-create-a-strong-password\" target=\"_blank\">site.</a>\n\nOnce you have your strong password, follow these suggestions:\n<ul>\n	<li><b>USE</b> a unique password for each site you visit. It’s a daunting task-creating and memorizing multiple passwords. However, it is the smartest way to avoid being hacked.</li>\n	<li><b>CHANGE</b> your password at least twice a year. Better: change it every 45 to 90 days.</li>\n	<li><b>GUARD </b>your passwords. You can use password programs or create your own method, but decide how you’re going to keep up with your passwords and begin keeping track.</li>\n</ul>\nEdie Melson has some excellent ideas for safeguarding your passwords. Check out her blog <a href=\"http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2012/05/steps-to-protect-yourself-from-online.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.\n\nWill using a strong passward prevent hacking of your accounts? Maybe, maybe not, but following these tips can’t hurt.\n\n<b>YOUR TURN: </b>Are you using a weak password?','Do you use weak passwords on-line?','','publish','open','open','','do-you-use-weak-passwords-on-line','','','2013-02-19 06:48:59','2013-02-19 12:48:59','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2301',0,'post','',12);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2318,1,'2013-02-22 07:17:59','2013-02-22 13:17:59','<p align=\"center\"><em>A guest blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\nI have previously mentioned how the adolescent roosters resemble adolescent boys, i.e. chest bumping.\n\nNow that the roosters are no longer around, I have noticed how much the hens resemble adolescent girls. \n\nWithout the imminent danger of the roosters forcing them to band together in self-defense, the hens are now picking on each other. The “pecking order” phenomenon is especially observable at bedtime when each hen has her spot on the roost.\n\nHowever, I have seen some of the older hens chasing the younger ones around the chicken yard. This usually happens after I have thrown some kind of food.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/hens2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2328\" alt=\"hens2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/hens2.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI keep telling them “Be nice to each other. You are all you have.” \n\nThey aren’t listening – any more than adolescent girls listen.\n\nLast night the hens were making all kinds of racket. Rachel, who had shut the coop door, was concerned that something was posing a threat. \n\nThe sounds were reminiscent of the possum ordeal so I walked out with the flashlight.\n\nThe minute the chickens spotted me, they got quiet.\n\nIt reminded me of a girls’ slumber party. All manner of noise comes from the room, but as soon as mom enters – silence.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/slumber-party1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2321\" alt=\"?????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/slumber-party1.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" /></a>\n\nWith the hens, I could at least go back inside knowing they were safe. You never know what girls at a slumber party are going to do.','Chicken Slumber Party','','publish','open','open','','chicken-slumber-party','','','2013-02-22 07:17:59','2013-02-22 13:17:59','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2318',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2331,1,'2013-03-06 06:30:19','2013-03-06 12:30:19','<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>HOPE </strong></p>\n With special thanks to <a href=\"http://www.EdieMelson.com\" target=\"_blank\">Edie Melson</a> for creating this lovely photo to share.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-27.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2334\" alt=\"photo-27\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/photo-27.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"348\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">May <strong>HOPE</strong> sing in your heart the rest of this week.</p>','One Word Wednesday - HOPE','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-2','','','2013-03-06 06:30:19','2013-03-06 12:30:19','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2331',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2342,1,'2013-02-24 07:30:11','2013-02-24 13:30:11','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/1-year-blog-anniversary.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2343\" alt=\"1 Year Blog Anniversary\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/1-year-blog-anniversary.jpg?w=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"306\" /></a>\n\nWordpress.com dates my blog origin from its creation, but I count the first blog I published as the beginning.\n\nThat was February 24, 2012, which makes today, February 24 2013, my one year blog anniversary. HAPPY FIRST BLOGGING ANNIVERSARY to me.\n\nIt’s been a fun year.\n\nAnniversaries mark accomplishments. Today I’m celebrating 4,200 views, 425 comments, twenty shares, and many blog friends.\n\nMy original plan was to blog every day. I managed less than one hundred. You can read that very first blog,<a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2012/02/\" target=\"_blank\"> here</a>.\n\nNo procrastination for me next year, I plan to double the number of posts, which, I hope, will mean more comments and followers.\n\nAs a special thank you for sharing in my successes, I’m offering a FREE Kindle or Nook copy of <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/The-Pendants-Promise-ebook/dp/B007ZU71N2/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1361665209&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=judythe+morgan\" target=\"_blank\">THE PENDANT’S PROMISE</a> to one lucky commenter today.\n\nThe book blurb:\n\n<em>For twenty years, Lily Johnson’s life, albeit a life of lies, is good. Then her daughter falls in love and her world is turned upside down.</em>\n\n<em>Her daughter’s fiancé turns out to be the godson of her daughter’s biological father--the Green Beret Lily thought died in Vietnam. </em>\n\n<em>When they meet face-to-face, the years melt away and old passion returns. Only he believes she betrayed her promise to wait for him. And, Lily’s convinced revealing the truth would mean losing her daughter and the only man she’s ever loved.</em>\n\n<em>Can the smoldering flame of love be re-ignited, or have there been too many lies?</em>\n\nThe winner will be drawn on Monday, February 25<sup>th</sup> and notified by email so be sure you include an email contact with your comment.\n\nThanks for visiting the front porch during the past year. I hope to see you again next year.','Blog Anniversary','','publish','open','open','','blogging-anniversary','','','2013-02-24 07:30:11','2013-02-24 13:30:11','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2342',0,'post','',19);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2358,1,'2013-02-25 07:20:12','2013-02-25 13:20:12','I celebrated my first blog-iversary yesterday. (Isn’t that the coolest word my fellow WANAmate, <a href=\"http://livrancourt.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Liv Rancourt</a>, made up?)\n\nToday I want to talk about eight things I’ve learned about blogging over the last year.\n\n<b>1.   </b><b>You don’t have to be an expert on something to blog. </b>\n\nBe yourself.\n\nWrite as if you’re sitting on the front porch talking to your best friend.\n\n<b>2.   </b><b>Blog often.</b>\n\nIt’s a cliché, but blogging is like gardening. Think of your blog as a plant in that garden.\n\nFor a garden to thrive, you must tend to the plants daily. And water.\n\nIf you only water a plant once every two weeks, it will shrivel. Unless, of course, your garden is a cactus garden and then maybe water once a month will work.\n\nIt doesn’t work for blogging.\n\nA blog needs lots of consistent attention to thrive and grow.\n\n<b>3.   </b><b>Change things up. </b>\n\nUnless your blog has a very specific target market, offer a smorgasbord of content.\n\nBut maintain consistency. If you normally blog on Mondays, don’t skip.\n\nYour readers expect certain things on certain days.\n\nFor example, guest blogger posts from Chicken Wrangler Sara about life on the Miller Farm on Fridays.\n\n<b>4.   </b><b>Try your best to spell words correctly and use proper grammar.</b>\n\nI have misspelled words and posted typos over the course of the past year. Not on purpose, though. I happen to be my own worst copyeditor.\n\nI’m never offended when someone catches a mistake. You shouldn’t be either.\n\nI thank them profusely and sing praises for the day they were born.\n\nThat’s the beauty of electronic publishing. Mistakes are easily fixed.\n\nWordpress provides a handy button called <i>edit</i> for fixing the mistakes when a reader emails alerting me to a typo.\n\n<b>5.   </b><b>When writer’s block happens, push through and blog anyway.</b>\n\nSometimes the muse hides and no amount of pressure can coax her out of hiding. A <em>w</em><i>hat am I going to blog about?</i> panic creeps in.\n\nYou can’t let it stop you from blogging.\n\nGrab a chocolate bar or a handful of M&amp;Ms. (It helps!)\n\nThen head over to <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/\" target=\"_blank\">YouTube</a> and do a topic or word search.\n\nOr do a Google topic or word search for graphic images.\n\nNo words necessary when you post videos or graphic images.  \n\nThat’s what I do and those posts prove to be some of my most popular blogs.\n\n<b>6.   </b><b>Let your topics set themselves naturally.</b>\n\nI’m talking about the writer’s pantster vs plotter argument for bloggers.\n\nI started out with a plan for what topics to post on what day. (I tend to be a little on the OCD side that way.)\n\nDidn’t work.\n\nInstead I’ve discover I’m most comfortable rambling about the same things I’d talk to my friend about. (See #1 above)\n\n<b>7.   </b><b>Treasure every person who takes time out of his or her day to stop by your blog.</b>\n\nRespond to their comments.\n\nAcknowledge their tweets or FB comment about your blog post.\n\nTell ‘em you love ‘em. Regularly.\n\n<b>8.   </b><b>Relax and have fun.</b>\n\nIt isn’t only about vast numbers of readership.\n\nWhether you have a small group of regular readers or zillions, I found that if you blog like nobody’s watchin’ (kinda like dancing like nobody’s watchin’) - you really can’t go wrong!\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2367\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"224\"]<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/me-blogging-webpage5.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2367\" alt=\"me blogging-webpage\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/me-blogging-webpage5.jpg?w=224\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a> Me blogging when I THOUGHT no one was watching except Toby. He\'s the humpback whale looking object reflected in the mirror.[/caption]\n\nNow you go blog and join the fun.','Eight Things I’ve learned about blogging','','publish','open','open','','eight-things-ive-learned-about-blogging','','','2013-02-25 07:20:12','2013-02-25 13:20:12','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2358',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2380,1,'2013-02-27 06:19:36','2013-02-27 12:19:36','<p style=\"text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/february-moon.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2381\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/february-moon.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" width=\"300\" height=\"146\" /></a>Last Monday night moonbeams from the full moon lit up our little mountain top. The sky was dark, but the snow on the ground glistened.</p><p style=\"text-align:left;\">I guess that\'s why the Native Americans named it <em>The Snow Moon</em>. Read more about Native American full moon names <a href=\"http://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</p><p style=\"text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http://www.EdieMelson.com\" target=\"_blank\">Edie Melson</a>  snapped another full moon picture and added a quote. She\'s very generously allowed me to share here on One Word Wednesday.</p><p style=\"text-align:left;\"> <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/img_0918-edie-moon.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2383\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/img_0918-edie-moon.jpg?w=500\" alt=\"IMG_0918-edie moon\" width=\"500\" height=\"381\" /></a></p><p>Isn\'t that a wonderful quote from Sandburg?</p><p>I wasn\'t lonesome , but I did quote a poem I learned as a wee little girl,<em> I See the Moon.</em></p><p style=\"text-align:center;\"><em>I see the moon, the moon sees me,</em><br /> <em>God bless the moon and God bless me:</em><br /> <em>There\'s grace in the cottage and grace in the hall;</em><br /> <em>And the grace of God is over us all. </em></p><p style=\"text-align:left;\">According to the Farmer\'s Almanac, the next full moon - called the <strong>Full Worm Moon </strong>or <strong> Lenten Moon - </strong>will be March 27th. </p><p style=\"text-align:left;\">Don\'t miss the opportunity to go out and chat with our  friend the moon.</p>','One Word Wednesday - MOON','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-3','','','2013-02-27 06:19:36','2013-02-27 12:19:36','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2380',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2402,1,'2013-03-01 06:44:24','2013-03-01 12:44:24','<p align=\"center\"><em>Another Guest Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\nWatching the chickens through my kitchen window has become a hobby of mine. Actually watching anything through my kitchen window has always been interesting. \n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/kitchen2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2403\" alt=\"kitchen2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/kitchen2.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>When we lived in Mexico City, my kitchen  window looked out on a busy street. I could spend hours just watching the traffic. Now I spend hours watching the chickens and the bees – who are as busy as the traffic some days.\n\nLast week, as I was watching out the window, a shadow passed over the yard. \n\nI thought perhaps a plane was landing in our backyard. However, within seconds, a <a href=\"http://birds.audubon.org/birds/red-tailed-hawk\" target=\"_blank\">red tail hawk </a>came into view, a new threat from the sky.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/red-tailed_hawk.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2404\" alt=\"Red-tailed_Hawk\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/red-tailed_hawk.jpg?w=262\" width=\"262\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nA magnificent creature soaring through the sky. But it preys on chickens and a chicken wrangler and chicken eater are mortal enemies forever.\n\nI turned my gaze to the chicken yard where half the chickens were under the trees on the left of the yard and the other half were out of view on the right.\n\nThey may have birdbrains, but our chickens know a threat when they see one.\n\n This hawk sighting confirmed our suspicions about the recent disappearance of a bantam chick. Most of the chickens are too heavy to carry off, but not the bantams.\n\nThe hawk flew away, and the chickens on the left quickly ran across the yard to join the chickens on the right. Once again, they were banding together against a common enemy – this time a bird of a different feather.\n\nFreedom, one of our first roosters, once fought off a hawk, but alas, Freedom was very loud and so had to go live in the country. Now we only have small roosters who are no match for a hawk so all the birds must run for cover.\n\nWhen I went to gather eggs this afternoon, all the chickens were either in the coop or under the trees. I heard a squealing like that of car brakes, and I knew the hawk was near. \n\nI counted the chickens. None of the smaller bantam hens were missing.\n\nIt makes me glad I’m not a chicken.','A Chicken Wrangler\'s Mortal Enemy','','publish','open','open','','a-chicken-wranglers-mortal-enemy','','','2013-03-01 06:44:24','2013-03-01 12:44:24','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2402',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2462,1,'2013-03-08 07:34:26','2013-03-08 13:34:26','<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><em>A Guest Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</p></em>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">This morning, as I was filling the chicken waterer, I looked up and saw one of our black chickens in the neighbor’s yard.</p>\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/hen-over-fence.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2421\" alt=\"hen over fence\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/hen-over-fence.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>\n\nI must confess I can’t blame her. The grass was definitely greener on the other side of the fence.\n\nUnfortunately, her desire to be with her flock won over her desire for greener grass. She paced back and forth trying to figure out how to get back over the fence.\n\nSince catching chickens is a frequent event at Miller Farm, my husband devised a “chicken getter” stick. It is a wire hanger with a hook at one end with which you can grab the chickens feet and lift them off the ground.\n\nChickens become quite calm when hanging upside down so you are then able to hold the chicken and take it wherever you need it to go.\n\nIf “chicken getting” were an Olympic event, our Rachel would be a gold medalist. The day before, she had grabbed three bantams from the yard to sell to another chicken lover.\n\nI figured I could just reach over the fence with the “chicken grabber” and get the chicken back where she belonged. I wouldn’t have to walk all the way around and into the neighbor’s back yard.\n\nI soon discovered I am not as adept at grabbing chickens as Rachel. I blame my inability to catch the hen on having to reach over the fence. After several attempts, I gave up and headed next door.\n\nI may not be able to use a “chicken getter,” but my own two hands work quite well. I soon had an armful of chicken, which I promptly dumped back over the fence.\n\nEveryone was where he or she belonged, and we all went on with our day.','Greener Grass','','publish','open','open','','greener-grass-5','','','2013-03-08 07:34:26','2013-03-08 13:34:26','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2462',0,'post','',6);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2493,1,'2013-03-13 06:47:29','2013-03-13 11:47:29','The chief goal of a writer is to engage the reader. How do we do that?\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\"><strong>EMOTION</strong></span></p>\nWe dig deep within ourselves and find what motivated us and inject that emotion into our characters.\n\nI like the way Hemingway said it here:\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2495\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"296\"]<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/tumblr_md88wbst7l1rnvzfwo1_500.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2495\" alt=\"SOURCE: tumblr_md88wbST7l1rnvzfwo1_500\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/tumblr_md88wbst7l1rnvzfwo1_500.jpg?w=296\" width=\"296\" height=\"300\" /></a> SOURCE: tumblr_md88wbST7l1rnvzfwo1_500[/caption]\n\nSounds easy, doesn\'t it? It isn\'t!\n\n<span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">If you’re having a hard time getting EMOTION on the page, check out these resources:</span>\n\n1. <a href=\"http://www.karliglesias.com/books/emotion/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Writing for Emotional Impact</a> by Karl Iglesias\nThis book should be on every writer’s resource shelf. The pages of Iglesias’ book are loaded with tips and techniques.\n\n2. <a href=\"http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/p/the-emotion-thesaurus.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Emotional Thesaurus</a>\nAnother “bible” for writers. These authors have compiled a fabulous resource with specific examples for adding gestures to convey emotion.\n\n3. <a href=\"http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Bookshelf Muse</a>\nA must read blog with great tips for adding emotion to the page.\n\nNow go do what Hemingway says, “Find what gave you <span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">emotion</span>,” then give that <span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">emotion</span> to your character so your reader feels what you felt.','One Word Wednesday - EMOTION','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-emotion','','','2013-03-13 06:47:29','2013-03-13 11:47:29','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2493',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2505,1,'2013-03-11 07:25:04','2013-03-11 12:25:04','<span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">Recognize that you are not alone! </span><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">From the <a href=\"http://www.spamlaws.com/spam-stats.html\" target=\"_blank\">Spamlaws.com</a> site:</span>\n<p align=\"center\">“<i>Spam accounts for <b>14.5 billion messages</b> globally per day.”</i></p>\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/spam1-204x300.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2507\" alt=\"spam1-204x300\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/spam1-204x300.png\" width=\"204\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n<span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">A major portion of spam is generated by hacked email accounts. </span><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">Being aware of such statistics, we must be diligent. </span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">But that’s not always easy.</span>\n\nCrafty spammers lure victims into opening the email by using  intriguing subject lines or a scary warning message or raise curiosity by using an enticing subject.\n\nMost of us have received an email at one point or another <span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">with the subject </span><i style=\"line-height:1.7;\">need help</i><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\"> and something about being stuck in some foreign place and needing money.</span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">Likely as not, the email is not from a friend. The logical thing to do is simply delete, but, if you have world traveling friends, you hesitate.</span>\n\nWhen my email account was hacked and starting sending out the<i> I’m stranded</i> emails, relatives and friends who knew we did a lot of travel oversea actually called to verify the email was not from me.\n\nBut it’s not just those <i>I’m stranded</i> emails that suck us into responding.\n\nOfficial looking mails with subjects like \"Yahoo or PayPal or your Bank or Credit Card Company is verifying your account information” are a favorite ploy of hackers.\n\nNo matter how legitimate those emails appear, NEVER respond or click on any links. Credible sources will NOT ask for your password.\n\nAll that’s good to know information, you say, but it comes too late.\n\nWhat should I do now that my email acount’s been hacked?\n\nHere are my suggestions:\n<h1>· <b>Check your computer’s security. </b></h1>\nThis is the very first step. Until you do this, any other steps are useless.\n\nMake sure, no matter which operating system you use, your anti-virus and anti-malware programs are up-to-date. With most programs, you can set the software program to automatically update when new security fixes are available.\n\nIf you cannot afford security software, you can find quality free security software. <span style=\"color:#444444;\">Simply search </span><i>’best free security software reviews’ </i><span style=\"color:#444444;\">in your preferred search engine.</span><span style=\"font-family:\'Helvetica Neue\', Arial, Helvetica, \'Nimbus Sans L\', sans-serif;font-size:28px;font-weight:bold;color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\"> </span>\n<h1>· <b>Change your password and make it stronger.</b></h1>\nFor tips and suggestions on how to do this, read the first part of this series <a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/do-you-use-weak-passwords-on-line/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/do-you-use-weak-passwords-on-line/\">\n</a>\n\nNext, and equally important, develop the habit of changing your passwords often.\n<h1>· <b>Send an email to all your contacts saying you were hacked. </b></h1>\nBe sure to include notifying any site boards or loops to which you belong.\n\nNo reason to be embarrassed. Remember the statistics. Being hacked will happen to all of us at some point.\n<h1>· <b>Smarten up about spam, phishing, and scams.</b></h1>\nIf the little voice in your head says an email looks suspicious, it probably is!\n\nDo <strong>NOT</strong> click on any links unless you are sure of the source. If you’re unsure, you should copy and paste the link into your browser.\n<h1>· <strong>Validate any program, game, app, video, or song <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\"><i>before</i></span> downloading.</strong></h1>\nStatistics show that one out of every fourteen downloads contains malware, and planting malware on your computer is how hackers hijacked your email in the first place. Hackers crack anti-malware and anti-virus software almost as fast as it is developed.\n\nKnow the source you are downloading from!\n\n<span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">And always be on guard.</span>\n\n<b>YOUR TURN: </b> What measures do you take to protect your email accounts?','Been Hacked? Here\'s what to do','','publish','open','open','','been-hacked-heres-what-to-do','','','2013-03-11 07:25:04','2013-03-11 12:25:04','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2505',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2540,1,'2013-03-15 06:34:16','2013-03-15 11:34:16','<p align=\"center\"><i style=\"line-height:1.7;\">A Guest Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</i></p>\nLast week, Whitey – the hen who had the hurt leg and we nursed back to health – was once again walking funny.\n\nWe knew it couldn’t be a result of roosters jumping on her because the roosters were all at freezer camp. Chicken doctor Rachel diagnosed her as egg bound.\n\nEgg bound means there was an egg that for some reason was stuck. The remedy was to put the hen in warm water for 30 minutes every two hours until the egg is laid.\n\nWe figured the best place for a warm water bath was an ice chest.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/whitney.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2541\" alt=\"Whitney\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/whitney.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"218\" /></a>\n\nWe let her soak in her “hot tub” for thirty minutes and then brought her inside to dry off.\n\nWhen this didn’t seem to make much difference, Rachel discovered that Whitey did not have an egg, but a tumor, which would not come out regardless of how many times we let her soak.\n\nI did wonder at one point as I watched her hang on to life, if there was a “chicken hospice” organization. I’m sure someone could start one, but not sure, if others would pay for their services.\n\nThe sad fact was our Whitney was destined to die. A very sad fact, but nonetheless a fact. We all shed a few tears when Whitey did die.\n\nRachel went to the feed store later that week and bought nine baby chicks.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/new-chicks.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2542\" alt=\"new chicks\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/new-chicks.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\n\nWhitey was, indeed, a very special chicken if it took nine chicks to replace her.\n\nWe also have 24 eggs in the incubator due to hatch next week, but Rachel went to the feed store again and came home with two more chicks.\n\n(She did ask me first. I figured what’s two more in our ever-growing flock.)\n\nSo now, we have potentially thirty-five new birds after losing one.\n\nRachel calls it <i>Chicken Math</i>.\n\nI find it at least as confusing as regular math.','Chicken Math','','publish','open','open','','chicken-math','','','2013-03-15 06:34:16','2013-03-15 11:34:16','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2540',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2549,1,'2013-03-22 05:45:06','2013-03-22 10:45:06','<p align=\"center\"><i>A Guest Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</i></p>\nI recently spent a week in South Texas with Go Mission leaving my beloved chickens in the capable hands of vet-in-training Rachel.\n\nThe first morning of the trip I was walking the fence line of the property where we were working and surprise--I ran across…chickens!\n\nI guess my Chicken Wrangler reputation has spread further than I knew.\n\nThere were two pens, one with a hen and rooster and one with a hen and chicks.\n\nI will say they were not as pretty as our chickens, but then I’m sure they never got the royal treatment we give our hens.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/south-tx-chicks2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2552\" alt=\"south tx chicks2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/south-tx-chicks2.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/south-tx-chickens.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-2551\" alt=\"south tx chickens\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/south-tx-chickens.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>\n\nEach day after that, I made sure to check on the chickens – just like at home. The only thing was I could not feed them but I could talk to them.\n\nLater in the week, I was walking through a neighborhood with a group of youth inviting children to our Bible Club. One man had chickens roaming around his yard.\n\nI talked to him about them (in Spanish), but was unable to come up with a translation for “chicken wrangler.”  I didn’t get pictures of these birds as they spent most of their time under the brush out of the sun.\n\nGetting away from the day-to-day chores of life is refreshing, and I loved working with Habitat and Bible clubs.\n\nBut, I must say, I was very glad to be able to get my “chicken fix” while far from our birds. It kept me from missing my chickens so much.','Chickens, Chickens Everywhere!','','publish','open','open','','chickens-chickens-everywhere','','','2013-03-22 05:45:06','2013-03-22 10:45:06','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2549',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2559,1,'2013-03-25 06:26:08','2013-03-25 11:26:08','For two weeks we’ve packed, hauled away unwanted stuff, shared last-time-living-in-the-same-city meals with family and friends, packed our household, loaded a trailer and a U-Haul, and drove one thousand miles to our new home.\n\nThere was no time to spend on the computer checking email. Conversations were via text or cell phone.\n\nI did skim email for personal correspondence, but didn’t stop to read or delete all the other email that came in. Every day I watched the total grow.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/youve-got-mail.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-2562\" alt=\"You\'ve got mail\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/youve-got-mail.jpg\" width=\"148\" height=\"192\" /></a>Newsletters, blogs, group digests, notifications from social media… an email tsunami.\n\nWhen I checked today, I have over 900 emails in my inbox.\n\nI can\'t believe it. I\'m drowning in email.\n\nThe whole situation makes me realize I\'m handling over one hundred emails per day. That much email reading has to be cutting into my writing time and productivity.\n\nI think it’s time to analyze my email. Something I\'ve never done.\n\nDo I need to be receiving that many newsletters, blogs, group digests, and notifications?\n\nI’m not sure.\n\nI am sure that culling through all the emails I\'ve accumulated will take time even if it\'s time pressing the delete key.\n\nTime I don\'t have with all those boxes to unpack and a deadline looming.\n\nEmail has got to be tamed.\n\nWhat about you? Does your email cut into your productivity?\n\nNext Monday, I’ll be sharing some tips on how I plan to wrestle my email situation into submission.\n\nBe sure to stop by and, in the meantime, if you have any tips, <b>please</b> share.','I’m drowning in email. Are you?','','publish','open','open','','im-drowning-in-email-are-you','','','2013-03-25 06:26:08','2013-03-25 11:26:08','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2559',0,'post','',5);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2572,1,'2013-03-27 06:36:30','2013-03-27 11:36:30','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/write.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-2574\" alt=\"write\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/write.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"699\" /></a>\n\n<strong><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">WRITE</span></strong> is more than a word for One Word Wednesday.\n\n<strong><span style=\"color:#ff9900;\">WRITE</span></strong> is <span style=\"color:#000000;\">meant to motivate</span>.\n\n<span style=\"color:#008000;\"><strong>WRITE</strong> <span style=\"color:#000000;\">is <span style=\"color:#444444;\">a challenge</span>.</span></span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#0000ff;\"><strong>WRITE</strong>.</span>','One Word Wednesday - WRITE','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-write','','','2013-03-27 06:36:30','2013-03-27 11:36:30','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2572',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2584,1,'2013-03-29 17:18:50','2013-03-29 22:18:50','<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><em>A guest blogger by Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\n I spent one week in south Texas away from home, without my chickens.\n\nAfter only a couple of days, I spent another week away from home.\n\nThis time heading north to Colorado to help my parents make a permanent move there. With snow still on the ground, I didn\'t expect to see any chickens.\n\nHowever, the wild turkeys paid a visit.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/turkeys-and-deer.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-2586\" alt=\"turkeys and deer\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/turkeys-and-deer.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"180\" /></a>\n\nTurkeys aren\'t the same as chickens, but they are fowl and, in a pinch, provided my chicken fix.\n\nThe mule deer looking for food also provided a delightful diversion. We threw bird seed to supplement the slim pickings on the frozen landscape. The turkeys didn\'t seem to mind sharing.\n\nBut I think I\'ve solved my problem of missing my chickens when I\'m away from home.\n\nAt school this week, the younger classes celebrated Easter. Of course, no elementary school party is complete without decorated cupcakes. A top each cupcake was a different Easter trinket.\n\nI chose one with a chicken ring.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/chicken-ring-cropped.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2587\" alt=\"chicken ring cropped\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/chicken-ring-cropped.jpg?w=273\" width=\"273\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nNow I can have a chicken with me wherever I go. Fortunately, I don’t plan to go anywhere for a while.\n\nBack to adventures on the Miller Farm next week.','Substitute Chickens','','publish','open','open','','substitute-chickens','','','2013-03-29 17:18:50','2013-03-29 22:18:50','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2584',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2597,1,'2013-04-01 06:07:44','2013-04-01 11:07:44','As I promised last week, I’ve studied my email dragon and I\'m suggesting six steps to tame an email dragon. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dragon.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2599\" alt=\"dragon\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dragon.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a>I understand how he grew to be such consuming demon.\n\nI’ve always had a decent volume of email. Once I published <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/The-Pendants-Promise-ebook/dp/B007ZU71N2\" target=\"_blank\"><i>The Pendant’s Promise</i> </a>that decent volume increased dramatically. After all, I had a book to promote.\n\nI started a blog, signed up for FB and Twitter, and reader sites like Shelfari and Goodreads. As my visibility online grew, it compounded incoming mail.\n\nType A that I am, I felt obliged to stay “on top” of these emails and be responsive to my readers and community members.\n\nThings quickly grew out of control. Then I discovered 900 emails in my inbox, I knew, clearly, it was time to tame the dragon.\n\nBut how?\n\nHere are the six steps I’m taking.\n<h3>1. Analyze</h3>\nHow much incoming email am I receiving daily? What types of messages? How urgent are these emails, really?\n\nAs I studied my avalanche of email, I concluded:\n<ul>\n	<li>Total messages per day was close to 200.</li>\n	<li>Few emails contain truly urgent information.</li>\n</ul>\nArmed with these insights, I began to take action. My first course of action was to stop email at its source.\n<h3>2. <strong>Unsubscribe</strong></h3>\nOver time, interests and needs change. Yet I continue to subscribe to dozens of newsletters and blogs that aren’t pertain to my current activities.\n\nSystematically, I evaluated those newsletters and blogs I receive and unsubscribed to those that no longer provided information I need or want.\n\nThe result: my volume of email shrank.\n\nBesides news and blog emails, I also receive a ton of social-media notices. LinkedIn sends an email each day. Facebook notifies me every time someone replies to a comment I’ve left or a friend updates his or her status. Each tweet also means an email.\n\nEach notification brings the temptation to waste time on social media sites. I’m rethinking those daily notifications. I generally visit the social sites at least once a day anyway.\n<h3>3. <strong>Read the subject-line</strong></h3>\nInstead of opening every email and reading a bit before deciding whether to delete, I now read the subject line, and if I suspect it’s something I don’t need to read, I delete it right then.\n\nWe all have favorite blogs. I’ve come to realize I don’t necessarily need to read every post the bloggers put up.\n<h3>4. <strong>Delete</strong></h3>\nI used to save emails automatically because they were from X blog or newsletter. No more.\n\nFor the majority of the 900 emails I had accumulated in my inbox I sorted by sender, read the subject lines, and simply deleted whole clumps of emails. Bye-bye — zap! — gone.\n\nImmediately, I felt a 100-pound weight lift from my shoulders.\n<h3><b>5. </b><b>Set Rules</b></h3>\nMost email programs offer an option where the user can set up rules to automatically route email to an appropriate folder. This saves time because only important emails show up in your main inbox.\n<ul>\n	<li><b>Caveat:</b> This doesn’t work for me. I have a basic distrust of letting computers think for me. What if some time-sensitive email went to the wrong folder?</li>\n</ul>\nI have all emails come initially into my main inbox. I employ #3 above and, if there is something I want to save in a folder for future reading, I move the email into folders I’ve created, same as I used to do when I was a Department of Army Civilian secretary.\n<h3><b>6. </b><b>Use a Timer</b></h3>\n<a href=\"http://www.flylady.net/\" target=\"_blank\">FlyLady</a> says, “A kitchen timer is our friend.” She’s correct!\n\nI used to set my kitchen timer and limit my email time to fifteen minutes a.m., afternoon, and p.m. <a href=\"http://www.marybuckham.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Buckham</a>’s comment suggestion on <a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2013/03/25/im-drowning-in-email-are-you/\" target=\"_blank\">last week’s blog</a> reminded me I needed to apply the timer again.\n\nMy goal is to spend no more than an hour a day checking email. I want to delete, file, or respond to each message and move on to writing.\n\nWill these six steps completely de-flame my email dragon? I don\'t know, but I do know applying them seems to be bringing him under my submission.\n\n<b>YOUR TURN: </b>How about you? What ways do you keep email under control?','Six steps to tame an email dragon','','publish','open','open','','six-steps-to-tame-an-email-dragon','','','2013-04-01 06:07:44','2013-04-01 11:07:44','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2597',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2629,1,'2013-04-05 06:51:51','2013-04-05 11:51:51','<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><em>A Guest Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\n[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV-6-NTIm7M?rel=0&amp;w=560&amp;h=315]\n\nMatt Damon bought his zoo on purpose, but I live in a Zoo where I never know what will arrive next.\n\nGuinea pigs in the girls’ room.\n\nDachshunds everywhere.\n\nChickens way out there in the backyard.\n\nBearded dragon in the front living room behind glass.\n\nQuail in the garage, growing up fast.\n\nGoose eggs, hatching.\n\nBig dogs in the back yard, where they belong.\n\nIt’s fun to live in zoo. Most of the time.\n\nThis morning Matt yelled on his way to the kitchen, \"Mom, there\'s a snake on my floor!\"\n\nWord must have gotten out that we have our own farm aka zoo, and all animals are welcome. Well, that’s not entirely true and someone forgot to tell the snake.\n\nIt was only a small rough earth snake and Beekeeper Brian came to the rescue.\n\nI do wonder where it went when Brian let it loose outside.\n\nI don\'t want to hear, while fixing coffee in the morning, that there’s a snake in the kitchen.\n\nThat\'s where I draw the line for living in a zoo!','I live in a zoo','','publish','open','open','','i-live-in-a-zoo','','','2013-04-05 06:51:51','2013-04-05 11:51:51','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2629',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2637,1,'2013-04-10 07:03:07','2013-04-10 12:03:07','Today is One Word Wednesday, but I have not one word today, but two author\'s words to inspire a writer.\n\nThese quotes from Kipling and Michener resonate with my writer’s soul, inspire me to write.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/words.jpg\"><img src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/words.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"words\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2638\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/michener-words.jpg\"><img src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/michener-words.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"Michener words\" width=\"300\" height=\"295\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2639\" /></a>\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN:</strong> Do you have a famous quote that speaks to you?\n','Words to Inspire A Writer','','publish','open','open','','words-to-inspire-a-writer','','','2013-04-10 07:03:07','2013-04-10 12:03:07','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2637',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2647,1,'2013-04-12 05:51:02','2013-04-12 10:51:02','<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><em>A guest blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">We are currently integrating two new flocks into our chicken family.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">One is the group of chicks Rachel purchased and the other is the group that hatched at the beginning of March. They are currently in the side of the chicken yard with the Bantams until they get big enough to join the big girls.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/chicken-on-the-fence.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2648\" alt=\"chicken on the fence\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/chicken-on-the-fence.jpg?w=228\" width=\"228\" height=\"300\" /></a>One white hen was apparently ready to move. We looked out yesterday and saw her perched on the fence between the two areas.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">Seeing her clinging to the fence reminded me of a song – imagine that!</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">I found this one in a packet I received at a music teacher convention in 1993 – <em>Chicken on a Fencepost</em>. </p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">Here is the music so you know I’m not making this up.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/music.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2650\" alt=\"music\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/music.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"166\" /></a>\nIt even came with directions on making chicken puppets, which make very authentic chicken noises.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">When I tried them at home, all the chickens came running to the fence to see the new girl in town.\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/chicken-cups.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-2651\" alt=\"chicken cups\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/chicken-cups.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"208\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">To make the chicken sound, you pull a damp sponge over the string at the top.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">The kids love it.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\"> </p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">Who would have thought in 1993 that I would actually have a chicken on a fencepost at my house?</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">Life sure is interesting – even stranger than fiction.</p>','Chicken on a Fencepost','','publish','open','open','','chicken-on-a-fencepost','','','2013-04-12 05:51:02','2013-04-12 10:51:02','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2647',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2662,1,'2013-04-23 08:00:58','2013-04-23 13:00:58','Our downsizing journey began in the fall of 2012. If you haven\'t been following the saga, you can catch up on <a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2012/11/06/tipping-point-and-the-course-of-human-events/\" target=\"_blank\">Phase 1</a> and <a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2012/12/04/tipping-point-phase-2-tossing-and-turning-loose/\" target=\"_blank\">Phase 2</a>.\n\nWe planned to leave on our new adventure after the New Year and be settled in our Colorado home by spring.\n\nOur son and his wife came to help us, selected furniture they wanted to stay in the family. That\'s Wendy\'s head above the open box on the floor. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/pakcing-with-wendy1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-2666\" alt=\"Packing with Wendy\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/pakcing-with-wendy1.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\nAfter they left, the months betwixt and between our anticipated departure date found our thoughts focused on the new place when reality was living in the old place that no longer resembled our home. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/chest.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2668\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/chest.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"136\" /></a>We’d find ourselves going to a cabinet to put something where it had lived for thirty-three years only to realize that that cabinet was no longer there!\n\nIt now lived in our son’s home.\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">Every thing was on schedule until Mother Nature threw a curve into our plans. Sub-zero temperatures in Colorado created an electrical outage at our destination home.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">Unfortunately, when the electricity returned, our furnace didn’t reignite. Pipes froze. Four pipes burst. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/pipeburst.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2670\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/pipeburst.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\" /></a></p>\nWe quit packing our Houston house, drove to Colorado, and found:<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/1stscene.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2673\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/1stscene.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-2671\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/1stscene2.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /> <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/living-hall-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-2677\" alt=\"Living - hall (2)\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/living-hall-2.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>Amazingly, tear-out went smoothly and restoration was fast. Replacement floors arrived as promised. The house was ready for the arrival of our daughter and her family for spring break. While they played in the snow, we returned to Houston and finished packing.\n\nFinally, on a ninety-degree day in March, we pulled away from the home we’d lived in for thirty-three years. With all our worldly possessions loaded into a trailer and a U-Haul, we headed to our new home in the Rio Grande National Forest where the final phase of our adventure began. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/vans-pulling-out2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2682\" alt=\"vans pulling out2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/vans-pulling-out2.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>More about that next Tuesday.','Tipping Point Phase 3 – The Saga continues with a hiccup!','','publish','open','open','','tipping-point-phase-3-the-saga-continues-with-a-hiccup','','','2013-04-23 08:00:58','2013-04-23 13:00:58','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2662',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2685,1,'2013-04-15 06:16:50','2013-04-15 11:16:50','Life happens. Plans get disrupted. Things we don’t expect (or we do expect) happen to sabotage our writing intentions.\n\nLeast that\'s been my situation for the last month.\n\nEveryone faces times where no matter how well we plan, we cannot stop unpredictable days from occurring.\n\nYou probably ran into at least a couple of days with unexpected roadblocks last week. I’m sure we’ll all have at least a couple of unpredictable days this week.\n\nAnd every week for the rest of our lives. That\'s how life works.\n\nSo how do you to stick to a daily plan when unpredictable things happen?\n\nYou can’t.\n\nUnpredictable stuff can’t be avoided.\n\nIf bad stuff happens two days out of the week, it’s OK. Three off days isn\'t a tragedy either. In fact, statistically, three unpredictable days out of seven is about normal for most of us.\n\nWhat I\'ve discovered is that I can usually count on having at least one extremely productive day a week. In one excellent day when life cooperates, I\'m always surprised how much of my week\'s work gets done.\n\nProblem is I never know in advance which day will be excellent, and I can’t let that stop me from planning what I\'d like to accomplish daily and weekly. If you missed my blog about how I plan, here’s the link: <a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/failure-to-plan-is-planning-to-fail-a-plan-for-success/\">http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/failure-to-plan-is-planning-to-fail-a-plan-for-success/</a>\n\nBut I digress, we’re discussing unpredictable days.\n\nDays when something goes wrong are always going to happen, however those rare days when everything does go well can make up for all the rest.\n\nI find I can whip through my daily list at light speed when everything goes right, and that means I can check things off my weekly list.\n\nIn fact, I’ve learned if I have TWO or more great days in a week, I complete just about everything off my weekly list.\n\nImpossible? No. And there’s a way you can test my theory.\n\nTryout this experiment from Randy Ingermanson’s <a href=\"http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/July7.txt\" target=\"_blank\">The Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine</a>.\n<ul>\n	<li>For the rest of this week decide what you want to accomplish for the week then make daily lists. (Writers that means a writing goal for the week then daily ways you’ll reach that weekly goal.)</li>\n	<li>Keep the daily lists for five days and, at the end of each day—even the unpredictable days, count how many things you accomplished.</li>\n	<li>On the fifth day, check those daily lists against your weekly goals.</li>\n</ul>\nI’m predicting, even if you didn’t have a single \"successful\" day where you accomplished everything on your whole daily list, you’ll find you have at least one or two highly productive days in which you made huge progress toward your weekly goals.\n\nYou might discover that even if every day is \"unsuccessful\" the week as a whole is a SUCCESS just like I do.\n\n“What,” you say, “how can five bad days add up to one good week?”\n\nAccording to Randy, the reason is that we tend to overestimate what we can do in a day, but underestimate what we can do in a week.\n\nNow test Randy\'s theory and my results by doing the experiment yourself, and I think you’ll see Randy and I are correct.','Unpredictable Days','','publish','open','open','','controling-unpredictable-days','','','2013-04-15 06:16:50','2013-04-15 11:16:50','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2685',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2691,1,'2013-05-01 06:38:45','2013-05-01 11:38:45','[caption id=\"attachment_2693\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"332\"]<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/action1.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-2693\" alt=\"Action\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/action1.jpg\" width=\"332\" height=\"331\" /></a> For merchandise with this one word motivation: http://www.squidoo.com/one-word-quotes#module154058087[/caption]<p>\"Start by doing what\'s necessary; then do what\'s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.\"  <b> ~St. Francis of Assisi~</b></p><p>Novels begin with the first word on the page or computer screen.</p><p><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">ACTION</span> on your part gets that first word there.</p>','One Word Wednesday - ACTION','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-action','','','2013-05-01 06:38:45','2013-05-01 11:38:45','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2691',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2707,1,'2013-04-17 08:42:58','2013-04-17 13:42:58','<p><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-genius.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2708\" alt=\"photo-genius\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-genius.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"432\" /></a></p><h1><span style=\"color:#ff6600;\">Today let your talent be on fire. today.</span></h1>','One Word Wednesday - GENIUS','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-genius','','','2013-04-17 08:42:58','2013-04-17 13:42:58','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2707',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2718,1,'2013-05-06 06:50:12','2013-05-06 11:50:12','I\'m always fascinated by where writers write and what their writing spaces look like. I enjoy looking at pictures of famous authors\' desk and writing spaces.\n\nSome places where writers write are pretty awesome.\n\n<dl class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" id=\"attachment_2720\" style=\"width:160px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/bronte2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-2720\" alt=\"bronte2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/bronte2.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"90\" /></a></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Charlotte Bronte\'s Writing Space</dd></dl>This <a href=\"http://www.thewritingnut.com/ramblings/famous-writers-desksand-desk/\" target=\"_blank\">blog </a>has some wonderful examples of famous writer\'s offices.\n\n<dl class=\"wp-caption alignright\" id=\"attachment_2721\" style=\"width:160px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/kipling276.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-2721\" alt=\"kipling276\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/kipling276.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"90\" /></a></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Rudyard Kipling\'s Writing Space</dd></dl>\n<div><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">If you\'re as fascinated by where writers write as I am, I recommend these sites. </span></div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Where Writers Writer <a href=\"http://wherewriterswrite.tumblr.com/\">http://wherewriterswrite.tumblr.com/</a></li>\n	<li>Poets and Writers <a href=\"http://www.pw.org/content/writing_spaces\">http://www.pw.org/content/writing_spaces</a></li>\n</ul>\nAfter thirty-three years of working in my old office, our recent move meant I had to create a new writing space.\n\nThe old room offered plenty of space for me, my writing assistant plus two desks-one for my laptop and one for my desktop, a Xerox machine, and multiple bookcases.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/space-in-houston.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2722\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/space-in-houston.jpg\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">A complete world for my writing space.</p>\nNot so in our new location. This house has 1,200 square feet compared to 3,600 square feet in our old home. Needless to say, my new writing space is MUCH smaller.\n\nSMALL isn’t the problem.\n\nI can work in small spaces. I\'ve written in cars, hotel rooms, on a train, and even on a cruise. All I need is spot for my computer or <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AlphaSmart\" target=\"_blank\">AlphaSmart</a>.\n\nBut there\'s something special about having my own office space. Now I\'m using the smaller extra bedroom. Too bad the desk I brought with me was designed for a much larger space and the room already has a twin-sized trundle bed.\n\nThe real problem was finding places for all the extra-writing stuff—printers, files, reference and resource books, etc. No room for the tables, file cabinets, and bookcases. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/aspen-office-before.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2725\" alt=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/aspen-office-before.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\n\nAfter weeks of placing things, my office writing space now looks like this. Plenty of room for my writing assistants and me.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/aspen-office-after.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2727\" alt=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/aspen-office-after.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>With my office set up again, I\'m set to get back to some serious writing.\n\n<span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\"><strong>YOUR TURN</strong>: Do you have a writing office? If not, what is your writing space like?</span>','Where do you write?','','publish','open','open','','writing-spaces','','','2013-05-06 06:50:12','2013-05-06 11:50:12','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2718',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2738,1,'2013-04-19 07:08:07','2013-04-19 12:08:07','<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><em>A Post by Friday\'s Guest Blogger Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\nMeet Elliot our bantam rooster.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/elliott.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2741\" alt=\"Elliott\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/elliott.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\n\nHe is quite a character and has been assured a place in the flock by having a name.  He does crow, but not loud enough to disturb the neighbors yet.\n\nOne of the reasons Elliot earned a name is his CHIVALRY.\n\n<a href=\"http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/chivalry?s=t\" target=\"_blank\">Dictionary.com</a> defines chivalry as the sum of the ideal qualifications of a knight, including courtesy, generosity, valor, and dexterity in arms.\n\nChivalry isn\'t often thought about in a barnyard, but Rachel pointed out Elliot\'s kindness to his hens.  She saw him jump up and get some leaves off a low hanging branch and set them on the ground.\n\nThen he crowed for all the hens to come help themselves, definitely Knightly behavior.\n\nChivalry is alive and well in the chicken world. At least on the Miller Farm.','Chivalry in the Chicken World','','publish','open','open','','chivalry-in-the-chicken-world','','','2013-04-19 07:08:07','2013-04-19 12:08:07','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2738',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2750,1,'2013-04-29 07:04:49','2013-04-29 12:04:49','April is National Poetry Month. All month <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/41\" target=\"_blank\">Poets.org </a>has provided opportunites and activities to celebrate poetry and poets.\n\nI couldn’t let the celebration pass without posting one of my favorite poems about a realio, trulio, little pet dragon named Custard.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Tale-Custard-Dragon-Ogden-Nash/dp/0316590312/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2751\" alt=\"custard the dragon\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/custard-the-dragon.jpg?w=237\" width=\"237\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n<span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">I read </span><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">Ogden Nash\'s poem to m</span><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">y children</span><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\"> so often they </span><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">memorized it</span><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">. </span>\n\n<b>The Tale of Custard the Dragon </b>\n\n<b>Belinda lived in a little white house,\nWith a little black kitten and a little gray mouse,\nAnd a little yellow dog and a little red wagon,\nAnd a realio, trulio, little pet dragon. </b>\n\n<b>Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink,\nAnd the little gray mouse, she called hum Blink,\nAnd the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,\nBut the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard. </b>\n\n<b>Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth,\nAnd spikes on top of him and scales underneath,\nMouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose,\nAnd realio, trulio daggers on his toes. </b>\n\n<b>Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,\nAnd Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,\nMustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,\nBut Custard cried for a nice safe cage. </b>\n\n<b>Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful,\nInk, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival,\nThey all sat laughing in the little red wagon\nAt the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon. </b>\n\n<b>Belinda giggled till she shook the house,\nand Blink said Weeck! which is giggling for a mouse,\nInk and Mustard rudely asked his age,\nWhen Custard cried for a nice safe cage. </b>\n\n<b>Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound,\nAnd Mustard growled, and they all looked around.\nMeowch! cried Ink, and Ooh! cried Belinda,\nFor there was a pirate, climbing in the winda. </b>\n\n<b>Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right,\nAnd he held in his teeth a cutlass bright,\nHis beard was black, one leg was wood;\nIt was clear that the pirate meant no good. </b>\n\n<b>Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help!\nBut Mustard fled with a terrified yelp,\nInk trickled down to the bottom of the household,\nAnd little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed. </b>\n\n<b>But up jumped Custard snorting like an engine,\nClashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,\nWith a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,\nHe went at the pirate like a robin at a worm. </b>\n\n<b>The pirate gaped at Belinda\'s dragon,\nAnd gulped some grog from his pocket flagon,\nHe fired two bullets, but they didn\'t hit,\nAnd Custard gobbled him, every bit. </b>\n\n<b>Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him,\nNo one mourned for his pirate victim.\nInk and Blink in glee did gyrate\nAround the dragon that ate the pirate. </b>\n\n<b>But presently up spoke little dog Mustard,\nI\'d been twice as brave if I hadn\'t been flustered.\nAnd up spoke Ink and up spoke Blink,\nWe\'d have been three times as brave, we think,\nAnd Custard said, I quite agree\nThat everybody is braver than me. </b>\n\n<b>Belinda still lives in her little white house,\nWith her little black kitten and her little gray mouse,\nAnd her little yellow dog and her little red wagon,\nAnd her realio, trulio little pet dragon. </b>\n\n<b>Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears,\nAnd Ink and Blink chase lions down the stairs,\nMustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage,\nBut Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage. </b>\n\nI do love <a href=\"http://www.ogdennash.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Ogden Nash</a> for the nonsensical, humorous way in which he poked fun at the problems of American life in his poems.\n\nReviewers of his work often criticized him for taking liberties with spelling and rhyme. Things like <i>“If called by a panther/Don\'t anther.\"</i> Liberties with words that I find delightful.\n\nI relate because I have this habit of adding things to names. Brooke becomes <i>Brook E</i>, Abby – <i>Abby Me Gail</i>, Faith – <i>Faith-e-foo, </i>Morgan-<i>Morgan from org</i>, Landry-<i>Landy Pandy, </i>J.B.-<i>J.Beetle</i>, Sara-<i>Sa-RA</i>, Steph-<i>Stefoney</i>, etc.\n\nTo me, nonsensical words and names are fun.\n\n<span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">I hope you enjoyed </span><i style=\"line-height:1.7;\">The Tale of Custard the Dragon</i><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">. If you’d like to read other poems by Ogden Nash, check out this chronological list of all his work: </span><a style=\"line-height:1.7;\" href=\"http://www.ogdennash.org/ogden_nash_titles.htm\">http://www.ogdennash.org/ogden_nash_titles.htm</a><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">  </span>','My choice for April Poetry Month. What\'s yours?','','publish','open','open','','my-choice-for-april-poetry-month-whats-yours','','','2013-04-29 07:04:49','2013-04-29 12:04:49','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2750',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2769,1,'2013-04-24 07:58:19','2013-04-24 12:58:19','April is National Poetry Month. That\'s why I chose Poetry for our word today.\n\nI read in Cynthia R. Green\'s <span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">blog </span><a style=\"line-height:1.7;\" href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cynthia-r-green-phd/national-poetry-month_b_1420368.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"A Mad Obsession\': Poetry on the Brain </a>that <span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">poetry is a good way we can keep our brains challenged and vibrant. </span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">To quote Dr. Green: \"</span><a style=\"line-height:1.7;\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20811001\" target=\"_hplink\">Numerous studies have shown that intellectually engaging activities</a><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\"> such as reading or writing poetry can be critical to maintaining our mental acuity and potentially reducing our risk for dementia over our lifetimes.\"</span>\n\nHere\'s a Writing Prompt from Edie Melson\'s <a href=\"http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Write Conversation</a> to stimulate your brain today.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/poetry-of-life.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2771\" alt=\"Poetry of Life\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/poetry-of-life.jpg?w=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"526\" /></a>\n\nNow go read or write a poem.','One Word Wednesday - Poetry','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-poetry','','','2013-04-24 07:58:19','2013-04-24 12:58:19','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2769',0,'post','',7);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2780,1,'2013-04-22 06:50:29','2013-04-22 11:50:29',' In a week filled with horrific events, West, a small Texas town 19 miles north of Waco, experienced a fiery explosion at the Texas fertilizer plant located there. Fourteen people, mostly volunteer firefighters who rushed to the fire at the plant, died. Two hundred people were injured, and dozens of homes and businesses were destroyed.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/west.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2783\" alt=\"west\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/west.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>\n\nClick these links to see the details, if you missed the news reports.\n\n<a href=\"http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/key-facts-plant-explosion-west-texas-18990641\">http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/key-facts-plant-explosion-west-texas-18990641</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/20/west-fertilizer-plant-explosion-recovery/2099591/\">http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/20/west-fertilizer-plant-explosion-recovery/2099591/</a>\n\n<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/RachelFirasekAuthor\" target=\"_blank\">Rachel Firasek</a>, an author who is a member of the West Community, shared the following first-hand account:\n\n<i>“I wanted to give everyone an update. I actually live about 10 miles away, but my children go to school in West and my husband grew up there. We felt the blast all the way at our house. The noise was deafening, even that far away. We\'re still desperately waiting for word on names of the fallen. I know that my hubby has already lost one cousin and a very good friend is in critical condition.\n</i><i>\nWe lost three of the four schools. The only thing left is the elementary school. My kids will finish the school year at schools 30 miles away. It\'s going to be a hectic next few weeks for all of our family and friends, but this is a tight community and they are already rallying.</i><i> </i>\n\n<i>Please don\'t feel obligated, but thanks for anything you can do for these families.”</i>\n\nSo how can we help West, Texas?\n\nAuthorities said Friday that charitable organizations have received more donations of food, clothing and other items than are needed in West. Excess donations will be distributed to surrounding areas.\n\nCash donations to the <a href=\"http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2013/apr/19/red-cross-cash-donations-best-aid-for-west/\" target=\"_blank\">Red Cross</a> or the <a href=\"http://www.salvationarmydfw.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Salvation Army</a> would be welcome.\n\nWith schools destroyed, donations to the education program are desperately needed. Rachel provided <a href=\"https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1x4uxGq_dFbb3pvdWR5a2Z1Yk0/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\">this link</a> with for details.\n\nOther places to donate and help:\n<ol>\n	<li>Donate to West Fire Department – mail donations to:\nWest Fire Department, PO Box 97, West, TX 76691</li>\n	<li>Donate to the victims – PointWest Bank: <a href=\"http://www.pointwestbank.com/\" target=\"_blank\">POINTWEST Bank - Home Page</a></li>\n	<li>Donate Blood – during the next few months schedule appointment to donate blood. Blood will be needed and it has a limited shelf life. Go to <a href=\"http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood\" target=\"_blank\">Donating Blood | American Red Cross</a> for additional information and to find a location near you.</li>\n	<li>Contact donation facilities for specific items still needed at this time:\nExtraco Events Center (254) 776-1660\nFirst Baptist Church of Lott (254) 829-2321\n**packing materials are going to be needed when the families can enter their homes again</li>\n</ol>\nMedical help for animals is also needed. Contact these area animal clinics for specifics:\n<ol>\n	<li>Happy Endings Animal Clinic 254-666-8240</li>\n	<li>Brazos Valley Boarding Kennels 254-854-4104</li>\n	<li>La Vega Vet Clinic 254-744-1948</li>\n</ol>\nAnd for those who want to share a word on social media sites:\n\n <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/PrayersforWest\">https://www.facebook.com/PrayersforWest</a>\n\n<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/WestFirefighters\">https://www.facebook.com/WestFirefighters</a>\n\nAnything you can do, especially prayers, in this devastating time will be welcomed.','How can we help West, Texas?','','publish','open','open','','how-can-you-help-west-texas','','','2013-04-22 06:50:29','2013-04-22 11:50:29','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2780',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2792,1,'2013-04-26 06:55:33','2013-04-26 11:55:33','<p style=\"text-align:center;\" align=\"center\"><em>by Guest Blogger Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p><p>Rachel went to a birthday party recently for a set of twins she babysits. Their grandmother wanted to purchase some bantam chicks from Rachel (which of course, she has) so she carried two chicks in a box with her to the party.</p><p>She returned a couple of hours later with a different box and said, “Mom, come see my babies.”</p><p>I was confused, as usual.  Had she brought the bantam chicks back home?</p><p>I looked inside the box and discovered her new babies were baby rabbits, not chicks.</p><p><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/baby-rabbits.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2793\" alt=\"baby rabbits\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/baby-rabbits.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p><p>Rachel found them abandoned in the yard where the party took place.They don’t even have their eyes open yet, but they make noise just like a squeaky toy, which was driving the dachshunds crazy.</p><p>The momma rabbit was nowhere to be found, and the four babies were in danger of starving. Something Rachel could not allow.</p><p>Becoming rabbit rescuer Rachel, she loaded the babies into the box then stopped to purchase formula and syringes on the way home so she could feed the rabbits every two hours.</p><p>This morning a friend brought her boys over to Miller Farm to see the chickens and quail. Little did my friend know that today we would also have baby rabbits. </p><p>Every day is an adventure here on Miller Farm.</p>','New to Miller Farm','','publish','open','open','','new-to-miller-farm','','','2013-04-26 06:55:33','2013-04-26 11:55:33','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2792',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2799,1,'2013-05-03 07:00:05','2013-05-03 12:00:05','<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><em>by Guest Blogger Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\nCoco, our youngest dachshund, was sick this week with a bacterial infection in her stomach. The vet said not to feed her for 24 hours.\n\n <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/coco.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2800\" alt=\"coco\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/coco.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"182\" /></a>\n\nI figured the other three dachshunds would not be too thrilled about fasting with Coco so I took her to school with me. \n\nI kept her kennel behind my desk and covered it up during my classes so the kids would not be distracted.\n\nCoco, who was not pleased with this plan, made her feelings known by whining loudly. In each class, when the students asked about the noise, I had to admit that I had my dog at school. \n\nOne of the fifth grade girls was quite relieved. She said, “Whew, I thought you were going to say you had a chicken back there.” \n\nDid she really think I’d bring a chicken to school? \n\nBut on the other hand, if Mary could take her little lamb to school, I guess I could bring a chicken...or a daschund with a tummy ache.','Visitor at School','','publish','open','open','','visitor-at-school','','','2013-05-03 07:00:05','2013-05-03 12:00:05','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2799',0,'post','',7);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2804,1,'2013-04-30 07:04:08','2013-04-30 12:04:08','Our downsizing journey, which began in the fall of 2012, ended on a balmy day in March.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/unloading1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2806\" alt=\"Unloading1\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/unloading1.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/unloading2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-2807\" alt=\"Unloading2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/unloading2.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\nOnce the truck and van were unloaded, the real <del>fun</del> work began—finding places for all we’d brought with us. Even though we’d culled and tossed, we still found duplicates and extras.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/stuff1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2808\" alt=\"Stuff1\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/stuff1.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/stuff3.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-2809\" alt=\"stuff3\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/stuff3.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\n<span style=\"line-height:1.7;\">Four weeks later, all the stuff has a home. There are no boxes on the front porch or in the house. </span>\n\nWe ended up repacking many boxes. Some to store for a garage sale this summer. Some to our church\'s thift shop.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/olddown.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2810\" alt=\"old \" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/olddown.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/newup.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-2811\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/newup.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\nLastly we swapped  the dining room chandelier for one we\'ve had in every home since 1972.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong><span style=\"color:#444444;line-height:1.7;\">We’re finally home.</span></strong></p>\nThere are still a few last touches to complete.\n<ul>\n	<li>A new storage shed so my husband can have his workshop back.</li>\n</ul>\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/jeffshed.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2812\" alt=\"jeffshed\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/jeffshed.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/jerryshed.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-2813 alignright\" alt=\"Jerry shed\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/jerryshed.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/workshed.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-2814\" alt=\"workshed\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/workshed.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n<ul>\n	<li>A garage – can’t survive Colorado winters without a place for the cars.</li>\n</ul>\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/cars4.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-2819\" alt=\"cars4\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/cars4.jpg?w=112\" width=\"112\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n<ul>\n	<li>A master bedroom addition above the garage so there’s plenty of room for company to visit.</li>\n</ul>\nOverall, our transition from urban living to simplified mountain top living is complete. We don’t miss the traffic, the fast food, or the noise. We love watching the wildlife from our bay window as we sip our morning coffee, our long walks on the forest trails, and the clean mountain air.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>Life is good.</strong></p>','Tipping Point The Final Phase','','publish','open','open','','tipping-point-the-final-phase','','','2013-04-30 07:04:08','2013-04-30 12:04:08','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2804',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2834,1,'2013-05-08 05:57:56','2013-05-08 10:57:56','AUTHOR - the word conjures many images.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/523213_492079967485996_21770387_n.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2836\" alt=\"523213_492079967485996_21770387_n\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/523213_492079967485996_21770387_n.jpg?w=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"413\" /></a>\n\nSo how do you recognize an author?\n\nMy friend and multipublished author <a href=\"http://www.joanreeves.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Joan Reeves</a> created this fabulous video about how to recognize an author.\n\nEnjoy!\n\n[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y415Y-EqcUg&amp;w=560&amp;h=315]','One Word Wednesday - AUTHOR','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-author','','','2013-05-08 05:57:56','2013-05-08 10:57:56','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2834',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2843,1,'2013-05-10 05:09:59','2013-05-10 10:09:59','<p align=\"center\"><em>by Guest Blogger Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\nOur next-door neighbor called yesterday afternoon and said, “There is something on the outside wall of your house that you will want to see.”\n\nMy first question was “Is it alive?”\n\n“Very much alive” was the answer.\n\nSo I headed out side to see whatever it was….\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/taranula.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2846\" alt=\"taranula\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/taranula.png?w=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"399\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">Yup, it is a tarantula.</p>\nRachel’s first comment was “It is not coming inside.”\n\nSince it was close to the window of our bedroom, we discussed whether tarantulas could get through glass. We decided they could not.\n\nBeekeeper Brian put on a glove and was planning to hold it, but it got a little testy – picture all those hairy legs sticking straight up.\n\nWe left it alone.\n\nAbout 2:30 in the next morning, Tucker started whining. I took him to the back door, but he didn’t need to go outside. I checked the weather, but no thunderstorm in sight.\n\nWe went back to bed.\n\nI must confess, I did lay awake for a while wondering about the spider. But I soon fell back asleep and so did Tucker.\n\nThis morning the itsy bitsy spider was gone.\n\nI’m not sure what is more disconcerting – seeing the spider one day or not seeing it the next.','The Itsy Bitsy Spider','','publish','open','open','','the-itsy-bitsy-spider','','','2013-05-10 05:09:59','2013-05-10 10:09:59','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2843',0,'post','',5);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2856,1,'2013-05-02 05:03:35','2013-05-02 10:03:35','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/large-poster.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2858\" alt=\"LARGE-POSTER\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/large-poster.png?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></a>In 1952, the United States Senate designated the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer.\n\nA day set aside when Americans of all faiths gather in prayer in front of courthouses, houses of worship, mosques, synagogues, and temples. Communities schedule luncheons, picnics, and music performances revolving around praying for our nation.\n\nClick here to find a celebration near you: <a href=\"http://nationaldayofprayer.org/events/\">http://nationaldayofprayer.org/events/</a>\n\nThe theme for today’s 62<sup>nd</sup> annual observance of National Day of Prayer is “Pray for America.” At noon today, Honorary Chairman <a href=\"http://nationaldayofprayer.org/2013-pastor-greg-laurie-2/\" target=\"_blank\">Pastor Greg Laurie</a> will offer this prayer:\n\n<em>\"Father, we come to You to pray for our nation, the United States of America.</em>\n\n<em>How You have blessed us through the years, Lord! We rightly sing, “America, America, God shed His grace on thee.” Yet we see trouble in our culture today. We see the breakdown of the family, crippling addictions, and random acts of horrific violence.</em>\n\n<em>Lord, we need Your help in America. In recent days, we have done our best to remove Your Word and Your counsel from our courtrooms, classrooms and culture. It seems, as President Lincoln once said, that we have “forgotten God.” But Lord, You have not forgotten us! You can bless and help and revive our country again.</em>\n\n<em>Scripture tells us that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Lord, in Your mercy, we ask that You would exalt our country again. We have had a number of great awakenings in America. We have experienced times of refreshing, and revivals that changed not only the spiritual but also the moral landscape. As the psalmist said, “Will You not revive us again, so that Your people may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:6)</em>\n\n<em>That is our prayer for America today, Lord. Send a mighty spiritual awakening that will turn the hearts of men and women, boys and girls back to you. You have told us if we will humble ourselves and pray, and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways, that You will forgive our sins and heal our land. (2 Chronicles7:14)</em>\n\n<em>Forgive us today, Lord, and heal this troubled land that we love so much.</em>\n\n<em>We ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ.\"</em>\n\nThe National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. A day when people of all faiths can pause and pray for our nation and our leaders.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/nationaldayofprayer.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2859\" alt=\"nationaldayofprayer\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/nationaldayofprayer.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\n\nI believe we can do nothing more important and encourage everyone, no matter what his or her religious preference, to join me today.','The National Day of Prayer','','publish','open','open','','the-national-day-of-prayer','','','2013-05-02 05:03:35','2013-05-02 10:03:35','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2856',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2868,1,'2013-05-13 06:03:51','2013-05-13 11:03:51','Today is National Leprechaun Day.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/lep.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2870\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/lep.jpg?w=250\" alt=\"lep\" width=\"250\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nNo one knows the origins of the National Leprechaun Day holiday, but I’d be guessing one of the tiny creatures came up with the idea for a day in his honor. Being a bit Irish meself, I think it’s delightful that leprechauns have a day separate from St. Patrick’s Day.\n\nIrish folklore portrays <a href=\"http://www.yourirish.com/folklore/the-leprechauns/\">Leprechaun</a>s as sly and sneaky elves who dress in waistcoats and hats. While they are small in stature, they are quick as a whip and masters of practical jokes.\n\nThey are also keen musicians who play <a href=\"http://www.yourirish.com/tin-whistle\" target=\"_blank\">tin whistles</a>, the <a href=\"http://www.yourirish.com/irish-fiddle\" target=\"_blank\">fiddle</a>, and even the <a href=\"http://www.yourirish.com/harp\" target=\"_blank\">Irish Harp</a> and love to dance. Truth is, they love dancing so much, they wear out their shoes and constantly have to make new ones.\n\nYou might see a leprechaun if you go to Ireland. Tis been known to happen. But catching one of the mischievous pranksters is another matter entirely!\n\nThe wee people hide because, if someone finds a leprechaun, then the leprechaun has to either give his pot of gold to the finder or grant him or her three wishes.\n\nThe devious little creatures will do anything to escape from man so they should never be trusted. Some say angry leprechauns are more common than friendly ones. Not true. They tend to dislike humans because humans always seem to chase them for wishes and pots of gold.\n\nIf you do happen to catch one, be aware the leprechaun will use all his magical powers to grant you three wishes in return for his freedom. He might even offer you a pot of gold, but he’s also likely to trick you. Check here for tips on <a href=\"http://www.yourirish.com/how-to-catch-a-leprechaun\" target=\"_blank\">How to Catch a Leprechaun</a>.\n\nMost people celebrate this day for fun and for luck. Activities include:\n<ul>\n	<li>organizing Leprechaun hunts,</li>\n	<li>throwing Leprechaun parties,</li>\n	<li>playing practical jokes, and</li>\n	<li>eating and sharing gold foil wrapped chocolate coins</li>\n</ul>\nMy suggestion to celebrate Leprechaun Day is watch this ten-minute video from the 1959 movie, <i>Darby O’Gill and the Little People</i>. I promise your toe will be tapping right along with their dancing. You’ll also catch a bit of Leprechaun craftiness.\n\n[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a_yhkH5jjw&amp;w=420&amp;h=315]\n\nIn case you’re not into little green men, you can celebrate frogs because today is also <a href=\"http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/May/frogjumpingday.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Frog Jumping Day</a>\n\nYou\'re choice.\n\nMe, I\'m celebrating National Leprechaun Day.','How are you celebrating National Leprechaun Day?','','publish','open','open','','how-are-you-celebrating-national-leprechaun-day','','','2013-05-13 06:03:51','2013-05-13 11:03:51','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2868',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2878,1,'2013-05-15 05:21:15','2013-05-15 10:21:15','I have a Matese name Buster and this is so him. He loves to sit, especially on my lap.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/sits.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2879\" alt=\"sits\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/sits.jpg?w=225\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nSitting is good if you\'re a Buster, but for a writer doing this is better.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/44825_10200538209890439_1510725573_n.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2880\" alt=\"44825_10200538209890439_1510725573_n\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/44825_10200538209890439_1510725573_n.jpg\" width=\"275\" height=\"183\" /></a>\n\nBecause, if all you do is sit, then you never finish the book!\n\nSo my question for you today is--will you be sitting or writing?','One Word Wednesday - SIT','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-sit','','','2013-05-15 05:21:15','2013-05-15 10:21:15','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2878',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2884,1,'2013-05-18 05:23:02','2013-05-18 10:23:02','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/armed-forces-day.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2886\" alt=\"armed-forces-day\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/armed-forces-day.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"244\" /></a>\n\nOn this Armed Forces Day, I want to salute them and all our Armed Forces. Whether Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard, or Coast Guard, our active and reserve service personnel are an important part of the United States.\n\nDid you know that in 1775 - the year before the Declaration of Independence was signed - our national Army, Navy, and Marines were officially formalized?\n\nWhile this was the beginning of the military branches, wariness of a standing army caused the Founders initially to only employ military men during times of need, and rely on local militias when possible.\n\nSoon it became obvious that a standing national military was necessary to protect the fledgling country and our modern military branches were established. As the armed forces matured and technology advanced, the Air Force became a separate branch in 1947, and with it, the National Guard.\n\nHistorically, each armed service branch celebrated its own holiday, but in 1949, all branches came under the administration of the Department of Defense.\n\nThe first joint Armed Forces Day was celebrated on May 20, 1950.\n\nA New York Times article from May 17, 1952 stated: \"It is our most earnest hope that those who are in positions of peril, that those who have made exceptional sacrifices, yes, and those who are afflicted with plain drudgery and boredom, may somehow know that we hold them in exceptional esteem.\"\n\nEvery day we should remember that the military is not a faceless entity, but rather the son or daughter, neighbor or friend who chose to be ready to fight so others don\'t have to. These men and women in uniform take their responsibility of citizenship one large step further.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2887\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/armydad-usa.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2887\" alt=\"©iStockphoto.com/videodet\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/armydad-usa.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"294\" /></a> ©iStockphoto.com/videodet[/caption]\n\nI\'m the daughter of an World War II Army Air Corp officer, the wife of a retired US Army Reservist, and mother-in-law to a Coast Guard veteran, I know the sacrifices involved.\n\nToday I offer a big thank you to all our Armed Forces, regardless of branch, rank, or duties, for their service and sacrifice.\n\nWon\'t you join me?','Saluting Our Armed Forces on Armed Forces Day','','publish','open','open','','saluting-our-armed-forces-on-armed-forces-day','','','2013-05-18 05:23:02','2013-05-18 10:23:02','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2884',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2898,1,'2013-05-27 05:46:57','2013-05-27 10:46:57','A holiday set aside to remember the men and women who gave their lives while serving this country.\n\nNot to be confused with Veterans Day or Armed Forces Day, which celebrate the service of all U.S. military veterans, <em>living or dead</em>.\n\nMemorial Day is also the day my sweetie and I shared our wedding vows.\n\nNo, we were not married on the last Monday in May, but on May 30th -- the original date designated as Memorial Day, or <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day\" target=\"_blank\">Decoration Day</a> as it was first known.\n\nWe picked the holiday for our wedding because we wanted to make the date easy to remember.\n\nThen on June 28, 1968, the Congress passed the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniform_Monday_Holiday_Act\" target=\"_blank\">Uniform Monday Holiday Act</a>, which moved Memorial Day, along with four other holidays, in order to create a convenient three-day weekend.\n\nIt’s okay though, we still remember our anniversary every year.\n\nBut I think people have forgotten the true origins of Memorial Day.\n\nMemorial Day has become a long weekend more devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events than remembering those who have given their lives in military service.\n\nI hope this video will jog our memory.\n\n[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P-HpmohQZM&amp;w=420&amp;h=315]','Memorial Day is…','','publish','open','open','','memorial-day-is','','','2013-05-27 05:46:57','2013-05-27 10:46:57','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2898',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2907,1,'2013-05-22 05:29:41','2013-05-22 10:29:41','Love this poster that describes a WRITER so perfectly...<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/writers-write.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2909\" alt=\"writers write\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/writers-write.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"635\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">This fabulous word art by Kathy R. Jeffords is available <a href=\"http://www.etsy.com/shop/thedreamygiraffe?utm_source=convo&amp;utm_medium=trans_email&amp;utm_campaign=convo_html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</p>','One Word Wednesday - Writer','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-writer','','','2013-05-22 05:29:41','2013-05-22 10:29:41','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2907',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2912,1,'2013-05-29 05:44:25','2013-05-29 10:44:25','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/editing.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2913\" alt=\"editing\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/editing.png\" width=\"500\" height=\"516\" /></a>\n\nOkay so instead of one word I used two. Who wants to read a blog titled editing, but a blog about editing secrets? We\'re all over it!\n\nTruthfully, I think this editing secret works for writing the novel too. Writers need to keep the reader foremost in their thoughts.\n\nAfter all, writing is all about the reader. Don\'t you agree?','One Word Wednesday - Editing Secrets','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-editing-secrets','','','2013-05-29 05:44:25','2013-05-29 10:44:25','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2912',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2919,1,'2013-05-17 05:06:42','2013-05-17 10:06:42','<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><em>A guest blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\nUsually when you have a farm, you think of gathering eggs.  In our case, we must also gather chicks. \n\nFirst, we move the chicks out of the brooder into the small chicken yard. The chicks are understandably frightened of the big world and huddle together in a “chick pile.”\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/chicken-pile.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2921\" alt=\"chicken pile\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/chicken-pile.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nWe have to gather them up and put them into the coop at night to keep them safe from predators like possums. \n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/chicken-gathering.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-2922\" alt=\"chicken gathering\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/chicken-gathering.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nAfter a few nights, they get more adventurous and move from the corner of the yard to directly under the coop, which makes the nightly gathering process much more difficult. \n\nEventually they get the idea that inside the coop is the place to be at night, and we simply have to close the door.\n\nBut there is the one crazy chicken who wants to live next door.  Several times, we have found her in the neighbor’s yard and must gather her back to her flock. She is smart enough to go behind the privacy fence where their dog cannot get to her. \n\nThe first morning I went to get her, the neighbor\'s dog was out so I closed the gate to the privacy fence while I gathered the chicken to take back to her place in the chicken coop yard.\n\nToo late, I realized the fence locked from the other side and I was locked in.\n\nThere was a time in my life when I would have panicked. After running Miller farm for several years it takes more than being locked in the neighbor’s yard to fluster me!\n\nI simply climbed up the fence and unlocked the gate.\n\nWe also have a crazy quail.  Being white, it is automatically different from all the others. A couple of weeks ago, Crazy Quail aka CQ got its wing stuck in the cage. I carefully got it unstuck and fully expected it to die. \n\nIt didn’t, but its wing was broken and it can’t fly. Now CQ attacks whoever puts food in the cage or getting eggs out and frequently jumps out onto the ground.\n\n I have to gather CQ back into the cage all the time wondering why I don’t just let the crazy bird escape. I guess I feel sorry for it since it can’t really fly with the broken wing.\n\nMy parents have an Old English Sheep dog that likes to “herd” whatever is around including people. \n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2925\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/toby-herding-cropped.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2925\" alt=\"Toby training to herd goats.\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/toby-herding-cropped.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"236\" /></a> Toby training to herd goats.[/caption]\n\nAll this gathering of chicken and quail makes me wonder if we could train Toby to herd birds.','Gathering Chicks','','publish','open','open','','gathering-chicks','','','2013-05-17 05:06:42','2013-05-17 10:06:42','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2919',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2936,1,'2013-05-24 05:23:06','2013-05-24 10:23:06','<p align=\"center\"><em>A Guest by Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\nBeekeeper Brian recently purchased four queen bees in hopes of starting four new hives. The queen bees were shipped by mail.\n\nHe tracked their exact arrival at the post office – late on a Saturday night. Since there is no Sunday delivery, we went to the post office to pick them up. After a thorough search of the facility, Beekeeper Brian was finally able to locate the buzzing box and bring it home.\n\nHe set up four nucs (starter hives) with the new queens. \n\nFor some reason, one queen was not happy with her new palace and left, taking a group of workers with her.\n\nThis was a little frustrating. The queen could have gone anywhere with her workers.\n\nA couple of days later, Rachel was standing in the kitchen window. “Dad, I found your missing bees.”\n\n <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/bee-hive-in-tree.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2937\" alt=\"Bee hive in tree\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/bee-hive-in-tree.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThey had swarmed in the tree in our back yard. \n\nThe problem now was to get them back into their hive. Neighbors came to watch this process. \n\nBrian and Matt, our son, got out a ladder.  It was not quite tall enough.\n\n <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/ladder.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2938\" alt=\"ladder\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/ladder.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nUsing a different method to capture the rogue hive, Beekeeper Brian set up a swarm trap. We waited.\n\nNothing happened. The swarm in the tree didn\'t change.\n\nYesterday Rachel went out to check eggs and came around through the front door. “Dad I think your bees are moving into the nuc on the patio.” \n\nWe all went out the back to see. Sure enough, a group of bees was on the front of the nuc.\n\nThere’s still a swarm in the tree so Beekeeper Brian isn’t sure if this is a different swarm or if the swarm is moving slowly. Beekeeper Brian told the bees to do whatever they wanted.\n\nThis morning the swarm in the tree appeared to be smaller, which made me wonder, is Beekeeper Brian a bee whisperer in disguise?','Missing Bees and Bee Whisperers','','publish','open','open','','missing-bees-and-bee-whisperers','','','2013-05-24 05:23:06','2013-05-24 10:23:06','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2936',0,'post','',5);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2944,1,'2013-05-20 05:41:57','2013-05-20 10:41:57','Nothing is more exciting than seeing your name on the cover of a book you’ve written. You’ve devoted hours and hours to the creation of your “baby.” Holding that book in your hand or seeing the listing on an ebook seller site validates your hard work.  \n\n I still get excited when I hold my debut novel in my hand.\n\n<a href=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/books_pendant.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-613\" alt=\"books_pendant\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/books_pendant.jpg?w=112\" width=\"112\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nBut what can a reader expect to find inside when they see your name on the book cover? \n\nAuthors aren’t products like Pepsi or Coke, but readers do develop expectations about the content of novels based on author brand.  For example, what do you expect from books by Mark Twain, or Stephen King, or J.K. Rowling?\n\nMe, I expect a southern tale from Mark Twain, a horror tale from Stephen King, fantasy and magic from a J.K. Rowling book and find exactly that.\n\n My TBR (to be read) pile is filled with all genres. On close examination, the highest stack is romance/women’s fiction books by authors like <a href=\"http://www.debbiemacomber.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Debbie Macomber</a>, <a href=\"http://www.susanephillips.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Susan Elizabeth Phillips</a>, or <a href=\"http://www.joannross.com/\" target=\"_blank\">JoAnn Ross</a>. These authors’ names on a cover promises a certain type of story and they deliver.\n\nTheir name is their brand.\n\nDebbie Macomber will offer a story of relationships and enduring friendships. The reader will finish with a sense of love and hope.\n\nBooks by Susan Elizabeth Phillips are sure to be a romantic comedy adventure. I\'ll grin and often laugh aloud as I follow SEP\'s unique heroines to their HEA (happily ever after). \n\nJoAnn Ross\' stories offer strong, yet flawed women who overcome adversity, to-die for men-either emotionally wounded alpha shell guys or bad boys, and occasionally both, a very strong sense of setting, and a satisfying ending. \n\nYour name on your cover should signal YOUR author brand. Does it?\n\n If you don’t have any ideas how to do that, let me offer some suggestions on ways to cultivate an author brand using <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Primal Branding</span>.\n\nAuthor Patrick Hanlon, a marketing guru who’s worked on famous brands like IBM, LEGO, and Disney, equates product branding with a belief system. He says a strong brand contains seven primal codes: story, creed, icons, language, rituals, non-believers, and leader.\n\nIn this blog series on author branding, I’m going to discuss <a href=\"http://www.reelseo.com/primal-branding/#ixzz2SkPFKdv2\">Harlan’s codes</a> and how those codes relate to building an author brand.\n\n<b>1)    </b><strong>STORY</strong>\n\n<strong>According to Hanlon, </strong>“Your brand needs to have a story or a background. It tells where your brand originated from and gives viewers or consumers something to connect with and something they can believe and trust in themselves.”\n\nReaders especially love to know why and how an author got started writing.\n\nThat background story sets the whole idea of author brand in motion and is the chief reason all author websites and/or blogs should/must have about me pages.\n\nThe authors in my TBR pile all have their “story” somewhere on their blogs. Don’t believe me, click on the links and you’ll see.\n<ul>\n	<li><b><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">Step ONE to develop your author brand</span>.</b> Share the story about how you started writing.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>2)    </strong><strong>CREED</strong>\n\n<strong>According to Hanlon, “</strong>This tells what you believe in and how you might be different or similar to other belief systems out there.”\n\nStory is not the same for all of us, neither is our creed.\n\nCreed is what makes us, as a writers, willing to struggle to nurse our stories into existence, to persevere against headwinds that conspire against us?\n\nCreed goes deeper than “origin” story, into the inner drive that led us to pursue a writing career. It’s what drives us to write.\n\nCreed might be belief in the power of love. The frailty of the human condition. Comedy. The beauty of fine literature. Your fictional story will reveal what you believe most strongly.\n\nWriters don’t necessarily state a creed, but a reader will pick up on our core beliefs through our story\'s theme and premise.<b></b>\n<ul>\n	<li><b><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">Step TWO in establishing your author brand</span>:</b> Understand your core beliefs and develop your stories using those as your framework.</li>\n</ul>\n<b>3)   ICONS</b>\n\n<strong>According to Hanlon,</strong>, “These are quick associations or flashes of meaning that are associated with your brand. They can be visual, a particular smell, sound – things like the taste of McDonald’s French fries, the sight of a Coca-Cola label or Mickey Mouse ears.”\n\n<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Nora-Roberts/e/B000APK6EU/\" target=\"_blank\">Nora Roberts</a>, bestselling author of more than 209 romance novels, brands her new release books with NR in a circle to clue readers the contains new content and is not a reissue. There may be other author icons, but Nora’s is the only author icon I know.\n\nFor most writers, author photos and consistent book cover design become logos.\n\nThese images stand for you and your work. It pays to have both your photo and your book cover done by professionals.\n<ul>\n	<li><b><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">Step THREE for author branding</span>:</b> Use a professional photo for you book covers and on your website.</li>\n</ul>\n<b>4)    </b><strong>LANGUAGE</strong>\n\n<strong>According to Hanlon, </strong>“All belief systems or brands have their own set of language and words with a special meaning for those who buy into the belief system. If someone wants to be “part of the group,” they need to learn the associated words.”\n\nHanlon is talking about specialized words that denote special meaning for a particular brand group. Think soccer fans, computer geeks, doctors, truck drivers, etc. If you want to be part of any of those groups, you have to know the language.\n\nI believe readers already know some language of authors. Not the craft details like POV, scene and sequence, story structure, etc., but a general knowledge of fiction genres and have personal preferences.\n\nThat’s why language is an important component of an author’s brand and why I believe a writer’s language must remain true to genre. Doesn’t matter what genre you choose to write, but you’ll not add readers if your language is not true to the genre you chose.\n\n<a title=\"Posts by PhilipMartin\" href=\"http://www.bluezoowriters.com/author/PhilipMartin/\">PhilipMartin</a> in his blog, <a href=\"http://www.bluezoowriters.com/discover-your-authors-brand/\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Discover Your Author’s Brand</em></a><b>, </b>offers a different take on Hanlon’s core component language, calling it “sacred words.”\n\nMartin believes language equals “key phrases that inspire you or the mantras that you chant or the slogans that you pin next to your computer” and directs you to <a href=\"http://mayaangelou.com/\">Maya Angelou’s website</a>.\n\nHe points out that Angelou uses iconic images of herself and the cover of her well-known book, <i>I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,</i> in addition to a line from that book: “<i>A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.</i>” on the website for branding.\n\nAngelou use the language code of primal branding. So should you.\n<ul>\n	<li><b><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">Step FOUR to develop your author brand</span>: </b>Consider the language of the genre in which you write and use related words for your website/blog and promotions, then model Maya Angelou’s website with iconic images and slogans.</li>\n</ul>\nIn Author Branding Part Two, we’ll discuss the final three codes Hanlon describes: rituals, non-believers, and leader.\n\nUntil then, <strong>YOUR TURN</strong>: Have you thought about using Primal Branding to build your author brand?','Your Name’s on the Book Cover. What Does it Mean? Author Branding Part 1','','publish','open','open','','your-names-on-the-book-cover-what-does-it-mean-author-branding-part-1','','','2013-05-20 05:41:57','2013-05-20 10:41:57','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2944',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2957,1,'2013-06-05 06:35:22','2013-06-05 11:35:22','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/ghost-writer.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2958\" alt=\"ghost writer\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/ghost-writer.jpg\" width=\"497\" height=\"406\" /></a>\n\nA ghostwriter is a writer who writes books, articles, or stories that are officially credited to another person.\n\nCelebrities, executives, and politicians often hire ghostwriters to draft or edit autobiographies.\n\nThe pay varies.\n\nInterested?\n\nRead this: <a href=\"http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/get-published-sell-my-work/how-to-be-a-ghostwriter\">http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/get-published-sell-my-work/how-to-be-a-ghostwriter</a>','One Word Wednesday - Ghostwriter','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-ghostwriter','','','2013-06-05 06:35:22','2013-06-05 11:35:22','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2957',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2963,1,'2013-05-12 06:10:58','2013-05-12 11:10:58',' <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mothers-day-clipart5.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2970\" alt=\"mothers-day-clipart5\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mothers-day-clipart5.jpg\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.mothersdaycentral.com/about-mothersday/history/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Mother\'s Day</b></a> is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.\n\nToday I want to say an extra special thank you to so many mothers who teach their children the love of books.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mother-reading.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2966\" alt=\"mother reading\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mother-reading.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" /></a>Copies of this adorable print can be purchased <a href=\"http://www.etsy.com/listing/67372847/bedtime-story-art-print-of-mother?ref=v1_other_1\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.\n\nEnjoy your Mother\'s Day and if you get the chance, read to someone.','Mother\'s Day 2013','','publish','open','open','','mothers-day-2013','','','2013-05-12 06:10:58','2013-05-12 11:10:58','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2963',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2976,1,'2013-06-10 05:12:28','2013-06-10 10:12:28','In <a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/your-names-on-the-book-cover-what-does-it-mean-author-branding-part-1/\" target=\"_blank\">Author Branding Part One</a>, we discussed of how to cultivate your author brand using principles found in <i><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Primal Branding</span></i>.\n\nReaders have zillions of books to choose from these days. Author branding is important if you want readers to choose your books.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Primalbranding-Create-Zealots-Company-Future/dp/1451655312\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2978\" alt=\"primal branding\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/primal-branding.jpg?w=193\" width=\"193\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n<i>Primal Branding</i> defines a code of seven elements needed to launch new products and services that people believe in - and it helps re-engineer existing products.\n\nIn Author Branding Part Two, we’ll discuss the final three codes Hanlon describes: rituals, anti-believers, and leader then identify ways to use with author brand development.\n\n<b>5)  </b><b>RITUALS</b>\n\n<strong>According to Hanlon,</strong> rituals involve a repeated experience associated with the brand, whether it’s positive or negative. The kind of engagements build up a certain expectation about your brand and future experiences they can expect to have.\n\nRituals are important to an author’s brand because they provide interaction and a bond of togetherness between author and reader.\n\nSharing experiences and events through blogs, FB, Twitter, and other social media is the means for developing author rituals.\n\nWith all social media, reader expectation is important. Regular posting is important. Posting often is important too.\n\nDo you share pictures of your writing desk, your pet, or other life events for your readers? These are part of your story. (Remember Hanlon’s first component-STORY? If you don\'t, check <a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/your-names-on-the-book-cover-what-does-it-mean-author-branding-part-1/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.)\n\nPosting excerpts from your WIP, celebrating a new release or revealing a cover  makes readers a part of your writing process. How about sharing great reviews or fan comments?\n\nEach of these, while we might not think of as rituals, add to your brand and offer a marketing tool for your books.\n<ul>\n	<li><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\"><b>Step FIVE to develop your author brand: </b></span>Share life events with your readers through social media.</li>\n</ul>\n<b>6)  </b><strong>ANTI-BELIEVERS</strong>\n\n<strong>According to Hanlon, </strong>for every belief system there is a group of anti-believers (ie Mac users vs PC; Republicans vs Democrats). Anti-believers identify who and what the brand is or is not. Anti-believers are folks who don’t agree with us. \n\nBut without anti-believers, our standard is undefinable. We want to stand for something and our brand to mean something.\n\nAnti-believers  can also give you a good idea of the direction you want to take your brand or which directions to avoid.\n\nReaders have preferences. Romance genre vs literary mainstream, e-reader vs hard cover vs paperback. Our author brand should reflect those preferences we want to attract and entice the \"anti-believers,\" the ones who aren\'t buying our work.\n\n Personally, I’ve discovered that my blog commenters more likely to share a contrary opinion than simply agreeing. Opposition can be a powerful connecting factor.\n<ul>\n	<li><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\"><b>Step SIX in developing your author brand: </b></span>Don’t limit yourself to only those who agree with you, but do make very sure your likes and dislikes are clear.</li>\n</ul>\n<b>7)  </b><b>LEADER</b>\n\n<strong>According to Hanlon, </strong>there needs to be a brand leader. Someone who sets out against all odds to recreate something from their vision.\n\nThink Bill Gates, Steven Jobs. For your writing, it’s you.\n\nYou have the power to shape your brand the same as you create your plot and characters, your theme and opening lines.\n<ul>\n	<li><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\"><b>Step SEVEN in developing your author brand: </b></span>Your brand is like your writer\'s voice. Voice develops the more your write. Your brand develops as you learn to tell your story.</li>\n</ul>\nNext Monday, conclusions on author branding with Primal Branding code.\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN:</strong> Do you use Hanlon’s seven components in defining your author brand?','Primal Branding your Author Brand Part 2','','publish','open','open','','primal-branding-your-author-brand-part-2','','','2013-06-10 05:12:28','2013-06-10 10:12:28','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2976',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2990,1,'2013-06-17 06:18:21','2013-06-17 11:18:21','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/istock_000022725123large.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2977\" alt=\"Metal Branding Brand Front\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/istock_000022725123large.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"178\" /></a>Brand is both a noun and a verb. The verb suggests you do something to be branded.\n\nOnce you publish a book, a writer is automatically branded, but branding is a fluid, ongoing process.\n\nThe techniques of primal branding that we\'ve been discussing for the last few weeks offer a method to develop your author brand along with ways to stand out in a flooded market of book choices.\n\nPrimal branding uses what writers are best at—storytelling with certain added visual components. With branding, an author presents to the buyer, aka reader, what they can expect when they purchase your book.\n\nTrouble is, writers equate branding with marketing and balk. Writers  (me included) would rather be writing than spend time on marketing!\n\nUnfortunately, marketing is a necessary task. But selling your book shouldn\'t be about flooding the Twitter feed with book promo tweets.\n\nWhen people believe in you through your author brand, they become part of a fan group that surrounds your book. They are willing to advocate their belief in you to others.\n\nThink about the last time you moved. How did you find out about the best grocery store? The best church? The best doctor or dentist? The auto mechanic who wouldn\'t rip you off?\n\nMost likely, from someone willing to advocate for their preference.\n\nIn other words, they delivered the form of marketing that traditional wisdom tells you money can\'t buy.\n\n<strong>Word of mouth.</strong>\n\nAuthor branding offers a means to provide resonance and meaning for what we believe in and what we write about. A way to develop a fan base willing to sell our book, which is our product.\n\nThe question to ask yourself is whether you want to be just another book on the shelf, or do you want to become a desired and popular product?\n\nIf your answer is the latter, then author branding is for you.','Primal Branding your Author Brand - Conclusions','','publish','open','open','','primal-branding-your-author-brand-conclusions','','','2013-06-17 06:18:21','2013-06-17 11:18:21','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2990',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (2996,1,'2013-06-07 04:56:16','2013-06-07 09:56:16','<p align=\"center\">By Guest Blogger Chicken Wrangler Sara</p>\nIf you\'re a regular reader of Miller Farm Friday, you know we have chickens in the coop and in the yard.\n\nWe have four daschunds in the house and sometimes in the yard.\n\nWe have bees and beehives in the yard.\n\nRecently, I discovered new boarders … lizards aka chameleons <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/chameleon.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-2997\" alt=\"chameleon\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/chameleon.jpg?w=133\" width=\"133\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nThis seems to be a very good year for lizards. We also have a family that lives on our front porch that drives the dachshunds crazy. The critters crawl along the windowsill taunting the poor dogs. \n\nThere is also a family living on the back porch – with the bees. And, when I say “with the bees,” I mean in the same house or, in this case, beehive. \n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/lizard-1.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2998\" alt=\"lizard 1\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/lizard-1.png?w=112\" width=\"112\" height=\"150\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/lizard2.png\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-2999\" alt=\"lizard2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/lizard2.png?w=112\" width=\"112\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nI knew no one would believe me so I asked beekeeper Brian to take pictures.\n\nNaturally seeing the lizards reminded me of a song – actually a book with a lizard song,\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/books/dp/0688115160\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Lizard’s Song</i> by George Shannon</a></p>\nI read the book to my children when they were young. In the story, Lizard sings: “<i>Zoli, zoli, zoli, rock is my home.”  </i>\n\nOf course, in our house we now sing “<i>Zoli, zoli, zoli beehive is my home</i>.”\n\nI’m not sure I would choose to live in a beehive. I think I’ll stick to living in my zoo.\n\nIn case you’ve never read <i>Lizard’s Song</i>, click below. \n[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KrWaV-Ue1A&amp;w=560&amp;h=315]','Miller Farm Friday - Strange Living Arrangements','','publish','open','open','','miller-farm-friday-strange-living-arrangements','','','2013-06-07 04:56:16','2013-06-07 09:56:16','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=2996',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3005,1,'2013-06-14 05:18:03','2013-06-14 10:18:03','<p align=\"center\">By Guest Blogger Chicken Wrangler Sara</p>\nI have decided it is my mission in life to make sure no one or no thing in my world goes hungry. \n\nThis goes for chickens and dogs as well as humans. \n\nEvery morning I feed all chickens, dogs, and humans sometimes in that order, sometimes humans first, depending on who is awake. \n\nWe have special feeders for the chicken and the quail to access to their food easily. There are some chickens, however, who are not satisfied with the system and have found their own unique way of eating.\n\nLittle Gray Hen, one of the smaller hens who is sometimes pushed aside, has taken to staying on top of the quail cage in the coop.  When I put food in the quail’s feeder, Little Gray Hen helps herself.\n\nThe feeder is designed so the birds eat out of the bottom.  Little Gray Hen does not realize that and eats from the top. \n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/little-grey-hen.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3008\" alt=\"little grey hen\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/little-grey-hen.png?w=168\" width=\"168\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nShe doesn’t seem to mind that she is eating quail food and, as long as she doesn’t go hungry, my mission is accomplished.\n\nThe younger hens have their own feeder on their side of the chicken yard.  Some of them have adopted Little Gray Hen’s method of eating and climb in the top. \n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/small-hens.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3009\" alt=\"small hens\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/small-hens.png?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>\n\nI suppose as they get bigger that they will do one of two things: stop climbing in the feeder or be stuck in the pail. But, the small hens aren\'t going hungry. My mission is accomplished.\n\nChickens aren’t the only creatures with strange eating habits. \n\nAs a small child, my family lived in South Korea. I was not too fond of rice until our housekeeper put ketchup on it. \n\nI was an adult before I ate rice any other way. In fact, when no one is around, I still eat it with ketchup.\n\n I’m not going hungry so my mission is accomplished.','Miller Farm Friday - Strange Eating Habits','','publish','open','open','','miller-farm-friday-strange-eating-habits','','','2013-06-14 05:18:03','2013-06-14 10:18:03','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3005',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3018,1,'2013-06-12 06:29:14','2013-06-12 11:29:14','Our word today is\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/self-discipline2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3023\" alt=\"self-discipline2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/self-discipline2.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"141\" /></a>\n\nI’m preaching to myself here because I’ve been less than focused on my writing lately.\n\nWith very, very legitimate reasons, of course.  \n\nOverseas travel, anniversaries, graduations, moving, remodeling, visting friends and family ...\n\nthe list goes on and on.\n\nBut starting today I’m back on track.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/self-discipline-roosevelt.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3024\" alt=\"self-discipline-Roosevelt\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/self-discipline-roosevelt.jpg\" width=\"276\" height=\"182\" /></a>\n\nIf you want to get back on track too, I suggest you check out these terrific tips in blogs by:\n\nKristen Lamb:  <a href=\"http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/06/10/traits-of-the-successful-author-self-discipline/#like-11615\" target=\"_blank\">Traits of the Successful Author: Self Discipline</a>.\n\n Adriane Jolly: <a href=\"http://adrianejolly.com/no-more-excuses-self-discipline/\" target=\"_blank\">No more excuses – self-discipline</a>','One Word Wednesday: SELF-DISCIPLINE','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-self-discipline','','','2013-06-12 06:29:14','2013-06-12 11:29:14','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3018',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3034,1,'2013-06-19 14:47:17','2013-06-19 19:47:17','Good word <strong>RUSH.</strong>\n\nLately, I have not been rushing. Taking a two week trip through England, Scotland, and Ireland has a way of slowing your pace.\n\nI like the idea of not rushing, of accomplishing things on my to-do list without the sense of urgency and rushing.\n\nThat\'s why I\'m posting later today than usual. I didn\'t RUSH to get a blog out there.\n\nAccording to the definition I found on <a href=\"http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rush?s=t\" target=\"_blank\">Dictionary.com</a>, it could be a wise thing not to RUSH. The first definition is: <em>to move, act, or progress with speed, impetuosity, or violence</em>\n\nI certainly don\'t want to move with impetuosity or with violence. My daddy always said, \"Haste makes waste. Slow down.\"\n\nOkay, I know all of those words weren\'t original with Daddy, but the older I get the wiser his words become. There is no need to RUSH.\n\nI love this quote from<a href=\"http://daves-words-of-wisdom.blogspot.co.uk/\" target=\"_blank\"> Dave\'s Words of Wisdom</a>:\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/share-quote.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3035\" alt=\"share quote\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/share-quote.jpg?w=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" /></a>\n\nOf course, there are times when it\'s necessary to RUSH. Times when we must proceed with speed, but for the remainder of today, unless you\'re in one of those situations, don\'t <strong>RUSH</strong>.\n\nSlow down.\n\nSee if things don\'t get done anyway.','One Word Wednesday - RUSH','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-rush','','','2013-06-19 14:47:17','2013-06-19 19:47:17','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3034',0,'post','',6);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3045,1,'2013-06-21 06:10:16','2013-06-21 11:10:16','<p align=\"center\"><em>A blog by Guest Blogger Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\nWe have run out of honey on Miller Farm and our customers are clamoring for more. So Beekeeper Brian checked on the hive furthest from our house and found it to have a super full of honey, which translates to about 50 pounds.\n\nThis was fantastic news.  He prepared for honey extraction with great anticipation. Unfortunately, upon opening the hive he discovered a small infestation of hive beetles.  This is not a catastrophic event but needs to be addressed.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/hivebeetle.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-3046 aligncenter\" alt=\"hive+beetle\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/hivebeetle.jpg\" width=\"216\" height=\"216\" /></a>Picture source: <a href=\"http://naturesnectar.blogspot.com/2010/08/small-hive-beetle.html\" target=\"_blank\">Naturesnectar </a></p>\nBees are very clean critters and so placing the supers back on a strong hive would allow the bees to clean up the honeycomb. Beekeeper Brian thought putting the supers next to the strong hive would be sufficient.\n\nHowever, later that night, Beekeeper Brian decided he could not sleep thinking about those supers being on the ground where other critters, i.e. possums, could get into them. Because he’d recently read that bees do not fly in the dark, he decided to go out and move the supers onto the hive.\n\nWhat he forgot is that all the bees go into the hive at night to sleep after a busy day of gathering nectar and pollen.\n\nWhen he opened the hive to add the supers, the bees woke up, too, and they were very grumpy.  He quickly put the supers in place and headed back to the house.\n\nUnfortunately, some of the bees hitched a ride on his bee suit.\n\nFortunately, as he was standing in the garage surrounded by bees, he remembered the Bee Gone solution he had recently purchased. He sprayed himself in an attempt to remove the bees,  accidentally spraying his face and eyes in the process.\n\nNot a good idea!\n\nHe ran into the house hollering for me, but I was in the bedroom asleep. Rachel, however, ran to the kitchen to see what was wrong.  She was afraid he had bees stuck in his hair (which is her worst nightmare).\n\nBy the time I arrived, Beekeeper Brian was in the shower, and Rachel was searching for renegade bees in the kitchen.\n\nWhen I realized what had happened, I headed to the bathroom to see if I needed to get the Epipen.  (Beekeeper Brian can only handle a certain number of bee stings before he has a serious reaction.)\n\nI wasn’t sure what that number was or how close he was to it. He explained that his screams were the result of stinging in his eyes from the BeeGone solution, not bee stings.\n\nI rejoined Rachel in the kitchen to dispatch any remaining bees. Between us we killed three and decided to leave the bee suit where it was, hoping any bees trapped in it would die by morning.\n\nOnce Brian had rinsed the Bee Gone out of his eyes, and assessed the bee stings (only three, which is an annoying, but not a serious number) he removed the bee suit and any remaining bees.\n\nBrian and Rachel had a hard time calming down after that.\n\nMe – I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow - it was just another night on Miller Farm.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><b>Moral of the story</b>:  Let sleeping bees lie.</p>\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/sleeping-bee.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3049\" alt=\"sleeping bee\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/sleeping-bee.jpg?w=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"339\" /></a>','Miller Farm Friday - Don’t Wake the Bees','','publish','open','open','','miller-farm-friday-dont-wake-the-bees','','','2013-06-21 06:10:16','2013-06-21 11:10:16','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3045',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3055,1,'2013-06-26 19:56:31','2013-06-27 00:56:31','Why?\n\nBecause seven days ago <span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">FIRE</span> erupted in my world and things have not been the same since.\n\nSpecifically the <a href=\"http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3436/\" target=\"_blank\">West Fork Complex East Zone </a><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">FIRE</span>.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/photo3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3064\" alt=\"photo\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/photo3.jpg?w=223\" width=\"223\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">The white is not a cloud but SMOKE.</p>\nHow it all began:\n\nOn June 5, a lightning strike in the San Juan Forest far on the other side of the Continental Divide from our house started a fire in the high elevations.\n\nNo reason for raised concern, forest fires in the summer are a common occurrence in Colorado. We live with the smoke and keep going.\n\nOnly the major fires like <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldo_Canyon_fire\" target=\"_blank\">Waldo Canyon</a> last year and most recently the <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/13/black-forest-fire_n_3435749.html\" target=\"_blank\">Black Forest Fire</a> receive much national media attention.\n\nUntil last Thursday when the San Juan Forest fire did an unprecedented thing—\n\nIt jumped the Continental Divide and ignited beetle infested dead trees in the Rio Grande National Forest.\n\nBurning in the high elevations with so much dead fuel, the San Juan Forest fire officially renamed West Complex Fire spread rapidly, uncontrollably.\n\nToo much wind, too high elevations, and too much dead tree fuel to risk the lives of firefighters busy elsewhere protecting homes and lives. Instead, they watched the fire closely.\n\nThen the fire encroached upon our little town of South Fork and the many, many RV and resort camps along Colorado 160 and the Silver Thread Byway (Colorado 149).  Ashes landed on our decks and in our yards, on our houses and cars, and on us.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/front-view.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3066\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/front-view.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">That\'s the glow from flames taken from our front yard.</p>\nLife became scary as residents gathered in the Community Center to get details.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/community-center2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3068\" alt=\"community center2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/community-center2.jpg?w=225\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>We heard words I’d only heard applied to hurricane evacuations…\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">our little town of South Fork was under pre-evacuation notice.</p>\nMy husband and I went home, pulled suitcases, and began loading clothes for a possible temporary stay away from our home.\n\nWe gathered all our important papers (already stored in portable boxes according to <a href=\"http://writeitforward.wordpress.com/2013/06/10/introduction-to-the-green-beret-survival-guide-why-you-need-it/\" target=\"_blank\">Bob Mayer</a>’s Green Beret Survival Guide). It\'s a super book with lists of what you need to have ready in case of any emergency. Buy your copy <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/The-Green-Beret-Survival-Guide/dp/1621250466/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1372278343&amp;sr=1-1-fkmr0&amp;keywords=Bob+Mayer+Green+Beret+Survival+Manual\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.\n\nAll night Friday,  June  21st, we received reverse 911 calls updating us on the status of the evacuation.\n\nAt six a.m., the dreaded words came: <b>MANDATORY EVACUATION</b>: be out of our home by 10 a.m. that morning.\n\nQuickly, we loaded our cars with the possessions we wanted to save and began our life at the mercy of the West Complex Fire.\n\nI’ll begin journaling our story as we await word of when (if) we can return to South Fork and our home.\n\nJoin me for the journey.','ONE WORD WEDNESDAY-FIRE','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-fire','','','2013-06-26 19:56:31','2013-06-27 00:56:31','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3055',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3075,1,'2013-06-28 06:15:53','2013-06-28 11:15:53','<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><em>A guest blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p><p>Letting chickens out has become part of our morning routine.</p><p>They are usually waiting at the door and quickly exit the coop.</p><p>Some run out while others fly. Those who sleep on the top roost sometimes take a few minutes to fly down and they have little control over where they land. It can be quite funny to watch them.</p><p>I\'ve learned to stand out of every possible flight path.</p><p>Once they are in the chicken yard, some take a running/flying lap around as if to stretch their wings and legs. Their next order of business is a stop at the waterer.</p><p><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-06-22_08-23-56_291.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3077\" alt=\"2013-06-22_08-23-56_291\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-06-22_08-23-56_291.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a></p><p>Seeing them gathered reminds me of office workers catching up at the water cooler.</p><p>What is included in your morning routine?</p>','Miller Farm Friday - Morning Routines','','publish','open','open','','miller-farm-friday-morning-routines','','','2013-06-28 06:15:53','2013-06-28 11:15:53','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3075',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3081,1,'2013-07-01 18:32:59','2013-07-01 23:32:59','If you read <a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/one-word-wednesday-fire/\" target=\"_blank\">my blog last Wednesday</a>, you know I am now living in the West Fire Complex Wildfire in the Rio Grande National Forest.\n\nYep, that’s right.  I\'m living in a forest wildfire.\n<div><b>West Fork Fire Complex Statistics: </b><b>   </b></div>\n<div><b>Start Date: </b>06/05/2013</div>\n<div><strong>Percent Contained: </strong>2%</div>\n<div><b>Cause:</b>  Lightning</div>\n<div><b>Complex Size:</b>  92, 176 acres</div>\n<div>                       Windy Pass: 1,416 acres</div>\n<div>                       Papoose: 34,272 acres</div>\n<div>                       West Fork: 56,488 acres</div>\nPablo Picasso said: \"The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider\'s web.\"\n\nWhat fodder the <a href=\"http://westforkfirecomplex.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">West Fork Complex wildfire </a>is providing this writer!\n\nOur adventure began with the 6 a.m. reverse 911 call on Friday, June 21st, that announced we had to evacuate our home.\n\nNot unexpected. The community meeting the night before had warned of the possibility.\n\nHowever, possibility is not reality and reality was HARD.\n\nLooking around our little house filled with one third of what we’d had before we moved here in March and knowing we could lose it all sent lumps to our throats and tears to our eyes.\n\nHow – beyond the necessary paper documents – do you decide what to load into your cars when you only have four hours? Plus, you\'d already downsized considerably to what you wanted or needed.\n\nWasn’t easy.\n\nWe settled on all the quilts my husband’s mother made, a wooden carving of a woman praying my father made for me, some pieces of silver from my mother’s family, a Van Briggle vase titled <em>Lorelei</em> that once belonged to my husband’s sister, two antique clocks, a 1840s porcelain inkwell from Vienna, and a Victorian chatelaine.\n\nCrazy list, right? But, that’s what fit in the small suitcase or around the other stuff in the car. And, each of those items holds precious memories.\n\nWe also loaded our laptops and one printer. Tools of our trade that we couldn’t do without.\n\nOne of our friends took two of my favorite paintings by Barbara Rudolph, <a href=\"http://www.barbararudolphfineart.com/lg_view_multi.php?aid=282095\" target=\"_blank\">To Kill A Mockingbird</a> and <a href=\"http://www.barbararudolphfineart.com/lg_view_multi.php?aid=282095\" target=\"_blank\">Tell Me A Story</a> to his place in Del Norte until all the danger is gone.\n\nIf you’re not familiar with Barbara Rudolph’s work, check out her <a href=\"http://www.barbararudolphfineart.com/home\" target=\"_blank\">website</a>. She’s an extremely talented artist who combines objects with birds and creates paintings that capture moments guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. My two pictures have special meaning to me for many reasons, and I can’t wait until I don\'t live in a wildfire to get them back.\n\nAs we’re packing the cars, firefighters pull our barbeque propane tank and spare gasoline cans to the street. We’d already turned off the propane tank that serves our house and hot water heater. They’re not happy that we have so many trees in our backyard and tell us the outlook isn’t good. We need to leave soon.\n\nWe thank them for protecting our home and assure them we are leaving. We never stayed when the Gulf coast hurricane warnings said leave either.\n\nWith the two cars loaded with our most precious things and our two four-legged boys, Toby and Buster, we say a prayer for safety and protection, and lock the front door. With the smoke cloud growing, we drive away.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/p6200061.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3083\" alt=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/p6200061.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>Alone in my car, I look one last time at our little house and wonder if we’ll ever see it again. Tears I didn’t want to shed in front of my husband come.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/cimg0705.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3084\" alt=\"CIMG0705\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/cimg0705.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>But, I remind myself <em>it’s just stuff</em>. A phrase I repeat often over the next week.\n\nWe bypassed the Red Cross shelter set up in the Del Norte high school gymnasium fifteen miles away from South Fork. Shelters don’t allow dogs inside with owners.\n\nFacilities for small animals and large animals were available, but I didn’t want to be separated from our pets. We’d find a pet friendly motel.\n\nWe went through four towns checking availability. There were no rooms. Alamosa State University in Alamosa offered dormitory rooms, but again we’d have to leave our pets at the facility provided.\n\nWe’d gone from a big house full of stuff to a small house full of stuff to two cars with all our worldly belongings. I couldn’t leave my babies behind in Monte Vista.\n\nWe kept going until Trinidad, Colorado, nearly four hours away. The Holiday Inn Hotel there had a room and allowed pets. We unpack and settle in for the short duration, we thought.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/toby-buster-chilling-in-trinidad-2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3086\" alt=\"Toby Buster chilling in Trinidad-2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/toby-buster-chilling-in-trinidad-2.jpg?w=223\" width=\"223\" height=\"300\" /></a>Amazingly, the dogs don’t even bark when we leave to go to the restaurant for dinner. They were too happy to be out of the car and with their humans.\n\nBut after a long weekend, we want closer to home so we can find out what’s going on with the fire instead of relying on the media.\n\nNext blog you’ll learn about the next phase of our adventure living in a wildfire.','Life in A Wildfire','','publish','open','open','','life-in-a-wildfire','','','2013-07-01 18:32:59','2013-07-01 23:32:59','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3081',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3098,1,'2013-07-03 10:23:00','2013-07-03 15:23:00','It\'s closer to July 4th than Thanksgiving, but THANKS has no season.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/thank-you-sign.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-3100\" alt=\"thank you sign\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/thank-you-sign.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"210\" /></a>My thanks today goes to the 1,464 firefighters working the West Fork Complex Wildfire burning in my backyard. These men are phenomenal. They leave their homes and families to come put their lives in danger to save our homes and lives.\n\nTheir sacrifice is magnified by what happened at the Yarnell Fire in Arizona.\n\nOur  firefighters stopped, remembered those comrades\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/learning-of-yarnell.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3102\" alt=\"learning of Yarnell\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/learning-of-yarnell.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a> and then went right back into the belly of the fire.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/bk-to-fire.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3103\" alt=\"bk to fire\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/bk-to-fire.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"210\" /></a>\n\nMy thoughts and prayers to the fire fighters that lost their lives in Arizona and their families.\n\nAfter very real threats from the West Fork Fire, more than a week of evacuation, and currently living in a pre-evacuation conditions, there is a lot of gratitude for the hard work from the fire fighters, national guard, red cross, sheriff\'s office and other officials for  all the efforts put forth to protect South Fork.\n\nThese wildland fire fighters work long hours in difficult and often dangerous conditions on the ground and in the air to provide skilled and professional fire suppression services when wildfires threaten our homes, property, and the natural resources.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">Thanks hardly seems enough.</p>\nIf you\'d like to do more, here are some places to donate:\n<ul>\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.wffoundation.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Wildland Firefighter Foundation</a> This organization picks up where agencies cannot and assists firefighters and their families</li>\n	<li>South Fork Fire Rescue These guys were first responders when the fire pushed toward our homes. Mail contributions to:\n<div>PO Box 579</div>\n<div>South Fork, CO 81154</div></li>\n</ul>\nAll photos are courtesy of the media library provided by the West Fork Complex crew. If you want to view more photos of the West Fork Complex Fire burning in Colorado, click <a href=\"http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/WestForkComplex/library/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>','One Word Wednesday - THANKS','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-thanks','','','2013-07-03 10:23:00','2013-07-03 15:23:00','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3098',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3111,1,'2013-07-04 13:15:06','2013-07-04 18:15:06','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/4th-of-july21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3115\" alt=\"4th of july2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/4th-of-july21.jpg\" width=\"448\" height=\"335\" /></a>\n\nThis is one of my favorite family photos of my two grandsons, John (with the flag) and Michael (leading the way).\n\nIt also happens to be one of my very talented photographer daughter\'s best selling photos.\n\nI think that\'s because it represents the freedom born with our great country on the 4th of July.\n\nLike the two young boys running freely down the park path, this country\'s constitution grants to each and everyone freedoms not experienced anywhere else in the world.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">We can chose our paths, we run or walk.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>Our choices.</strong></p>\nI hope your family celebrations today will recall the history of this great country and the freedoms we have.\n<h1 style=\"text-align:center;\"><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">Happy</span> 4th of <span style=\"color:#0000ff;\">July</span>!</h1>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/1008932_10151993648144256_1745085726_o.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3120\" alt=\"1008932_10151993648144256_1745085726_o\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/1008932_10151993648144256_1745085726_o.jpg?w=214\" width=\"214\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>God Bless America!</strong></p>','Happy Birthday, America!','','publish','open','open','','happy-birthday-america','','','2013-07-04 13:15:06','2013-07-04 18:15:06','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3111',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3135,1,'2013-07-05 06:00:46','2013-07-05 11:00:46','<p align=\"center\"><i>A blog by Guest Blogger Chicken Wrangler Sara</i></p>\nChickens are creatures of habit and head for the coop when the sun goes down. Each of them goes to their specified spot on the roost and settles in for the night.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/coop.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3138\" alt=\"coop\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/coop.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>This is their usual routine. This last week, however, was not usual for them.  I was not there and things weren’t routine.\n\nA couple of the larger birds, including a rooster, are spending part of their day in the bantam coop with the smaller birds. This causes some confusion in the evening routine now that I have returned.\n\nOne night, a large hen was in the coop with the bantams. She didn’t look particularly comfortable and didn’t complain too much when I extracted her and put her in the large coop.\n\nThe rooster was on top of the quail cage and this presented a more complicated problem.\n\nWith the dachshunds outside, there was a danger of the rooster going over the fence and “playing” with Bella. Even when running along the fence line, there is the possibility of its head sticking through the fence, which is too much of a temptation for Bella.\n\nThe first night, I just chased the silly rooster around until I caught it, screaming the whole time “Don’t go near the fence.”\n\nOur neighbors – bless ‘em – have learned to ignore most sounds from our yard.\n\nLast night, I got the dachshunds inside before I began the rooster chase. But, some of the other large birds find this spectacle very amusing and come back out of the coop to watch. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/rooster-looking-at-bantams.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3139\" alt=\"rooster looking at bantams\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/rooster-looking-at-bantams.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"251\" /></a>\n\nThis means that once I have the rooster on the right side of the chicken yard, I must chase him and the other birds around the outside of the coop until they go inside.\n\nFar more exercise than I really want right before bed. Ah, the joys of being a chicken wrangler.','Miller Farm Friday - Ring Around the Chicken Coop','','publish','open','open','','miller-farm-friday-ring-around-the-chicken-coop','','','2013-07-05 06:00:46','2013-07-05 11:00:46','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3135',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3146,1,'2013-07-07 06:00:50','2013-07-07 11:00:50','We arrived in Trinidad, Colorado, at three in the afternoon on the day of evacuation. We hoped we’d only be there for the weekend.\n\nUnfortunately, the local evening news was not encouraging. We even made the national news.\n\nThe morning news offered no better outlook. Things were unchanged. The West Fork portion of the fire was spreading rapidly toward our little town.\n\nRather than sit in the hotel room or lobby glued to the television for news that was depressing, we decided to explore <a href=\"http://www.historictrinidad.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Trinidad</a>\n\nLovely, lovely small town that helped divert our thoughts from what was going on.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/trinidad.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3148\" alt=\"trinidad\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/trinidad.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/trinidad-lake.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3149\" alt=\"trinidad lake\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/trinidad-lake.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" /></a>\n\nBy Sunday, we were tired of hearing about the fire situation from reporters on location. We needed to see firsthand what was happening. Plus, we’d seen the sites of Trinidad.\n\nPraying the tourist who had come for the weekend would have checked out of motels/hotels closer to South Fork, we checked out of our <a href=\"http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/trinidad/tdaco/hoteldetail/photos-tours\" target=\"_blank\">Trinidad Holiday Inn</a> (Great place to stay if you come up I-25 into Colorado, btw)\n\nWe loaded the dogs and suitcases into the car and headed back west to South Fork.\n\nIronically, there was also a fire burning in La Veta. The mountain pass we needed to cross to get home. Fortunately, there were no road closings.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/red-cross-sign.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3150\" alt=\"??????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/red-cross-sign.jpg?w=194\" width=\"194\" height=\"300\" /></a>Communicating between the cars via walkie-talkies, we made the three-hour trip closer to home, hoping to find a place to stay nearer Del Norte, where the Red Cross shelter was set up.\n\nWe found a motel in Monte Vista about fifteen minutes away. We also found friends and neighbors who had been there since the evacuation. Seeing friendly faces lightened our spirits.\n\nOn our way to check in at the shelter, we stopped by the Del Norte city park to see where news broadcasts were being made.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/media-park.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3151 aligncenter\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/media-park.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a></p>\nLooking at the map and seeing how close the fire actually was to our home did nothing to brighten our spirits.\n\n<img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3152\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/our-location.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" />\n\nMy finger is pointing to the location of our house and the advancing West Fork Fire East that was encroaching.  Again the stark reality of our situation sent shock waves through us.\n\nEvery morning we went to the Red Cross shelter for breakfast and informational briefings by the firefighter personnel. Pete Blume, Incident Commander, or his second in command went over maps showing the position and progress of three fires and reported on control and containment of the #1 fire in the U.S.\n\nBlume explained that meant that whatever resources were available were at his disposal, but even with all those resources he’d be unable to extinguish the fires that made up the <a href=\"http://westforkfirecomplex.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">West Fork Fire Complex</a>.\n\nEvery day we heard that there was zero containment or control, but that there had been zero structural damage or injuries. That boosted our spirits.\n\nWe returned every evening to the shelter for supper provided by the Salvation Army. Those personnel were kind, compassionate, and did everything they could to elevate our stress at the uncertainty of ever being able to return to our homes.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/at-the-shelter.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3154\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/at-the-shelter.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"242\" /></a>On the morning of the sixth day, we went to the shelter hopeful. The night before at supper, we’d heard rumors that the evacuation would be lifted.\n\nBlume reported that a Dozier line had been formed behind Sentinel Peak from CO 149 to CO 160. That backfire line would be ignited if the West Fork blaze moved toward South Fork. He considered that a major step in the right direction. However, the Papoose fire had flared big time over night. He posted pictures from the blaze.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/sheriff.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3155\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/sheriff.jpg?w=145\" width=\"145\" height=\"300\" /></a>The news from Rio Grande County Sheriff Brian Norton was not exactly what we hoped. The mandatory evacuation would be lifted, BUT we would be returning to an active wildfire area.\n\nUncertainty almost as palatable as the fear when we’d heard the mandatory evacuation order quieted room.\n\nI heard the words “voluntarily returning to an active fire zone\" and stared at this picture of the Papoose blaze.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/papoose-06-27.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3156\" alt=\"papoose 06-27\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/papoose-06-27.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nThe Red Cross shelter would remain open. The Salvation would be offering meals. We had a motel room seventeen miles away.\n\nHow could we return to our little house on the mountain knowing a roaring, unpredictable inferno that could easily erupt like the Papoose fire had loomed three peaks away with only a Dozier line to stop it?\n\nNext blog, I’ll share what decision we made.','Life in a Wildfire - Part 2','','publish','open','open','','life-in-a-wildfire-part-2','','','2013-07-07 06:00:50','2013-07-07 11:00:50','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3146',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3162,1,'2013-07-10 11:37:14','2013-07-10 16:37:14','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/hemingway-quote-on-finishing.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3164\" alt=\"hemingway quote on finishing\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/hemingway-quote-on-finishing.jpg?w=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"297\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">All I can add to Hemmingway\'s quote is AHEM!</p>\nI finished the prequel to my debut novel, <a href=\"http://amzn.to/KCnFRl\" target=\"_blank\"><em>The Pendant\'s Promise</em></a> last spring. The sense of relief - wonderful. The shout of hallelujah probably heard round the world.\n\nThen my publisher took over. I waited to see my FINISHED baby released to readers.\n\nSomewhere in the midst of all the smoke and fire that has consumed our lives these last few weeks, that release happened.\n\nCaught up in that living fire story, I didn’t get to promote the much anticipated release day.\n\nToday I’m spreading the word…\n\n<em>LOVE IN THE MORNING CALM, Prequel to The Pendant’s Promise</em> is now available.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/morningcalm_7_d.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3165\" alt=\"MorningCalm_7_d\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/morningcalm_7_d.jpg?w=225\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>Use these links to get your copy.\n\nAmazon: <a href=\"http://amzn.to/186U8IG\">http://amzn.to/186U8IG</a>\n\nApple: <a href=\"http://bit.ly/188Ob1n\">http://bit.ly/188Ob1n</a>\n\nNook: <a href=\"http://bit.ly/10MYQJC\">http://bit.ly/10MYQJC</a>\n\nSmashwords: <a href=\"http://bit.ly/14ITsaW\">http://bit.ly/14ITsaW</a>\n\nIf you’re wondering why the prequel comes after the story, you find the answer in a blog soon!','ONE WORD WEDNESDAY - Finished!','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-finished','','','2013-07-10 11:37:14','2013-07-10 16:37:14','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3162',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3176,1,'2013-07-12 05:53:47','2013-07-12 10:53:47','<p align=\"center\"><i>A blog by Guest Blogger Chicken Wrangler Sara</i></p>\nSomewhere in our family history there must have been an expert in animal husbandry. That is the only explanation for our fascination with having baby animals.\n\nWe started with a leopard gecko-breeding colony complete with incubator in the closet. There was even a thermostat on the incubator to control temperature, which determined the sex of the baby lizards.\n\nAfter the reptile phase, we moved into a rodent phase – the rodents being guinea pigs. We had around 30 of them at one time and even won some awards at local guinea pig shows.\n\nNow we are in our fowl phase, and we are hatching eggs regularly.\n\nThe latest batch is the offspring of Samson and assorted chickens. Samson is our feather-footed rooster.\n\nIt was no surprise that the chicks have feathered feet.  The crown of feathers on their head is what makes them interesting.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/seuss-blog2-ed.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3182\" alt=\"seuss blog2-ed\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/seuss-blog2-ed.png?w=287\" width=\"287\" height=\"300\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/seuss-blog1-ed.png\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3183\" alt=\"seuss blog1-ed\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/seuss-blog1-ed.png?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"276\" /></a>\n\nI think they look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book.\n\nDo you agree?','Dr. Seuss Chickens - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','miller-farm-friday-dr-seuss-chickens','','','2013-07-12 05:53:47','2013-07-12 10:53:47','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3176',0,'post','',6);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3188,1,'2013-07-19 07:15:24','2013-07-19 12:15:24','<p style=\"text-align:center;\">Another blog from Chicken Wrangler Sara</p>\nSaturday morning I went to let the chickens out and discovered this:\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/hen-in-with-chicks.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3189\" alt=\"hen in with chicks\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/hen-in-with-chicks.png?w=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" /></a>\n\nA giant quail or a silly chicken in with the chicks.  Upon examination, I determined it was the latter.\n\nThe day before I noticed the cage door in the roof was open, but since this is the cage that requires a step up to reach, I\'d left it open.   <em>Oops.</em>\n\nA group of hens roost on top of this cage at night and apparently, this hen had fallen in.\n\nI was headed to help with a garage sale at my school and so I didn’t have time to figure out how to get the chicken out. I left her there hoping she would not die of a heart attack.\n\nShe didn’t.\n\nIn fact, when I returned, she had managed to get out on her own.\n\nI discovered that by using a stick, I could close the door without getting a cinder block to use as a step. Since then everyone has been where they are supposed to be.\n\nI’m hoping that continues to be the case.','Silly Chicken - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','silly-chicken-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-07-19 07:15:24','2013-07-19 12:15:24','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3188',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3193,1,'2013-07-17 06:15:40','2013-07-17 11:15:40','We hear a lot about how paper is being replaced and we\'re a paperless society.\n\nHere’s a great short video that proves the soothsayers are wrong.\n\nBe patient. I promise you’ll have a good laugh.\n\n[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_gOZDWQj3Q&amp;w=560&amp;h=315]','One word Wednesday – PAPER','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-paper','','','2013-07-17 06:15:40','2013-07-17 11:15:40','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3193',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3197,1,'2013-07-15 06:12:26','2013-07-15 11:12:26','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/2013/07/07/life-in-a-wildfire-part-2/\" target=\"_blank\">Last blog </a>I ended with a cliffhanger-\n\nRio Grande County Sheriff Brian Norton gave the all clear for residents of South Fork to return to their homes, but because the fire was ACTIVE, we’d remain under in pre-evacuation status.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/sheriff1.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-3198 alignright\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/sheriff1.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>If we chose to return, we should leave our cars packed and backed into our driveways ready to pull out again on a moment’s notice. The shelter would remain open for those who did not wish to return.\n\nTough decision.\n\nBuster and Toby thought we’d moved permanently to the motel in Monte Vista. They’d climb in the car with us and wait patiently while we took our meals at the shelter for evacuees.\n\nUndecided about what to do, after the Friday update, we made the trip to South Fork to check on our house. Smoke greeted us.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">Heavy, mask-wearing smoke.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/smoke-on-way-home-left.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3200 aligncenter\" alt=\"smoke on way home-left\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/smoke-on-way-home-left.jpg?w=224\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" /></a>We left the dogs in the car and did a preliminary inspection. On the hill behind the house, we found a firebreak created by the firefighters.</p>\n\n<dl class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" id=\"attachment_3202\" style=\"width:190px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/firebreak-in-bkyard.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-3202 \" alt=\"The black area is the firebreak.\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/firebreak-in-bkyard.jpg?w=300\" width=\"180\" height=\"134\" /></a></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">The blank path is the firebreak.</dd></dl>We also realized how many trees and how much dead vegetation we had around our house.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/trees-in-backyard.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright  wp-image-3205\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/trees-in-backyard.jpg?w=300\" width=\"180\" height=\"134\" /></a>\n\nWouldn’t the wise thing be to stay where we were until the fire was more contained?\n\nWe took the dogs and went inside. Once we opened the front door, both dogs rushed to sniff around familiar surroundings. Toby jumped on our bed and watched as we discussed what to do.\n\nAfter eight days in hotel rooms, the place seemed huge. With the windows closed, there was no smoke indoors. We had plenty of room to walk around. A kitchen to prepare healthy meals. Our own bed and pillows.\n\nWe decided to wait until after the a.m. briefing on Saturday and make our decision.\n\nBut once we returned to the motel, to living out of our suitcase in a cramped space, we knew we’d go home no matter what the report said the next day.\n\nWe arrived home around noon Saturday, June 29<sup>th</sup>, nine days after we’d been told to evacuate. The smoke had lifted some.\n\nBy Sunday morning, all smoke had lifted. The dogs and I went on our usual five-mile walk. I was amazed at how normal things looked. You’d never know behind the mountain peak beyond our house nearly 60,000 acres of the West Fork Fire burned. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/walking-1st-wk-left.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3206\" alt=\"walking 1st wk-left\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/walking-1st-wk-left.jpg?w=262\" width=\"262\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">We were glad we’d come home.</p>\nThen just to remind us who was in control, lightning struck a tree two streets away and caused a small fire.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/lightning-tree.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3207\" alt=\"lightning tree\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/lightning-tree.jpg?w=225\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>A scary sign that, while we might have a roaring inferno behind us, a small lightning strike could start a closer fire.\n\nFor two weeks, we kept one car packed with what we wanted to save. The other car ready to be loaded with our clothes, food, and dogs when (if) the next evacuation call came.\n\nSmoke came and went. Aviation planes flew overhead dropping retardant and water buckets, weather permitting.\n\nNow the July monsoons have arrived. The fire crews are shrinking. Few planes are flying.\n\nYesterday containment was up to 66%.\n\nToday a Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) team arrived to begin their initial assessments of the after effects and develop a strategy for emergency stabilization and rehabilitation.\n\nSame as the BAER team we’re creating <a href=\"http://www.readyforwildfire.org/defensible_space\" target=\"_blank\">defensible space</a> around our house.\n\nWe do live in a forest. By choice, our lives center on living with the fire possibility same as we live with the bears, turkeys, and deer.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/08-02-12-bear-1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3208\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/08-02-12-bear-1.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/deer-in-yard2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3209\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/deer-in-yard2.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/squirrel.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-3212\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/squirrel.jpg?w=144\" width=\"144\" height=\"150\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>We love it! </strong></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>Fires, bears, squirrels, deer, and all.</strong></p>','Life in a Wildfire Conclusion - I hope!','','publish','open','open','','life-in-a-wildfire-conclusion-i-hope','','','2013-07-15 06:12:26','2013-07-15 11:12:26','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3197',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3222,1,'2013-07-22 06:32:17','2013-07-22 11:32:17','The fires are dying. Firefighters are moving to other locations or going home to wait for their next assignment.\n\nYou’d think after all the drama of living in a wildfire that we’d sit back and enjoy the calm.\n\nNope. From one adventure to the next.\n\nWe began the garage addition to our new home that we’d planned to start in June.\n\nThe very large shovel (I have no idea what its technical name is) arrived one morning last week at 6 a.m. to start excavating.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/digger-leaving.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3223\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/digger-leaving.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>I was so excited for two reasons.\n\nOne, the equipment meant we were actually starting what we’d talked about and planned for the last year.\n\nTwo, my son and his family were here. My two grandsons got to watch heavy equipment wipe out concrete and dirt.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/mikemulligan.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3224\" alt=\"mikemulligan\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/mikemulligan.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"139\" /></a>Even my son was excited to be so up close to a steam shovel at work. He remembered I read <a href=\"http://amzn.to/1aCIOVE\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel</i></a>  when he was young.\n\nWe both knew that the machine in the front yard ran on diesel not steam. For that matter, so did the entire neighborhood. Diesel exhaust stinks! And big machines are noisy.\n\nThe steam shovel in Virginia Lee Burton’s story was named Mary Anne, but our shovel looked like a male so I named him Stanley. Our driver was Steven, but he told us to call him <i>Digger.</i><i> <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/diggers-steam-engine.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3225\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/diggers-steam-engine.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a></i>\n\nDigger and Stanley worked hard for two days. Down came concrete retaining walls. Crunch went the steps to the house. Large stumps were no match for Stanley and Digger.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/rock2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3227\" alt=\"rock2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/rock2.jpg?w=126\" width=\"126\" height=\"150\" /></a>Even a ginormous boulder rolled into Stanley’s jaw like a fly ball to center field.\n\nOur contractor Jeff brought his backhoe to shift dirt around, but Stanley’s wide jaws were no match for the little fella. He couldn’t keep up!\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/jeffs-bkhoe.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3228\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/jeffs-bkhoe.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>We’re excited about having a garage before the snowfalls and during the cold winter months of mountain top living in Colorado.\n\nThe lovely walkway with steps from the driveway is gone. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/before.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3233\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/before.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\nBut we never considered we’d trade fires in the backyard for a major hole off our front steps.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/hole.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3230\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/hole.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\nWe can only enter the house through the back door by walking around mountains of dirt.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/dirt2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3234\" alt=\"dirt2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/dirt2.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>It\'s going to be a long project adventure!</p>\nHave you ever began a much anticipated project and been surprised by the reality of the process you had to go through?','From fires to holes','','publish','open','open','','from-fires-to-holes','','','2013-07-22 06:32:17','2013-07-22 11:32:17','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3222',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3240,1,'2013-07-24 06:43:03','2013-07-24 11:43:03','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/storm-quote-from-edie.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3241\" alt=\"storm quote from Edie\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/storm-quote-from-edie.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"314\" /></a>\n\nStorms.\n\nThey  come in all shapes and sizes.\n\nThey\'re not just about the weather.\n\nRelationships can bring on storms.\n\nStorms can also be about the times of stress and strain in our worlds.\n\nGood storms like building an addition to our homes or moving to a new place.\n\nScary storms like a wildfire near your home.\n\nEdie Melson shared this great graphic recently on <a href=\"http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2013/07/writing-prompt-imagestorms-of-life.html\" target=\"_blank\">her blog</a>. I think St. Francis de Sales sums up the best way to address any storm, any time, any kind.\n\nWhat do you consider non-weather storms in your world?\n\nDo you have any secrets to share about weathering all kinds of storms?','One Word Wednesday - Storms','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-storms','','','2013-07-24 06:43:03','2013-07-24 11:43:03','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3240',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3252,1,'2013-07-26 06:40:03','2013-07-26 11:40:03','<p align=\"center\"><i>A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</i></p>\nRachel came into the house the other day saying, “Mom put some shoes on and come with me.”\n\nI’ve learned not to question, but just go. We went into the neighbor’s yard while I tried to guess what lie ahead without asking aloud, “Is there a chicken next door?” or “Have more quail escaped?”\n\nI followed Rachel through the fence in the back of the neighbor’s yard, and there in the corner was a little “nest” with five eggs.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/missing-eggs.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3253\" alt=\"missing eggs\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/missing-eggs.png?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>It seems the younger chickens, who had just begun to lay, were unsure exactly where they were supposed to put their eggs.\n\nWe do have three very nice nest boxes complete with wood shavings, but sometimes the nest boxes are occupied so I guess the younger chicks gave up and went elsewhere.\n\nWe briefly considered giving the eggs to the neighbors as rent payment for the chicken’s use of their yard, but realized we had no idea how long they had been there and did not want to inflict rotten eggs on anyone – especially our neighbors.\n\nThis does solve the mystery of why we were getting so few eggs. We assumed it was the hot weather, but clearly, we just weren’t looking in the right place.\n<p align=\"center\">Silly humans forgot--chickens don’t always do what you want.</p>','Missing Eggs - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','missing-eggs-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-07-26 06:40:03','2013-07-26 11:40:03','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3252',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3259,1,'2013-08-02 06:02:15','2013-08-02 11:02:15','<p align=\"center\"><em>A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\nRetrieving chickens from the neighbor’s yard is a common event on the Miller Farm. However, yesterday brought a new twist.\n\nOne of the white hens was in the yard behind ours. We don’t know these neighbors – yet.\n\nI called for Rachel – master chicken getter, and we headed to the back of our yard. The plan was for Rachel to reach over the fence and “get” the chicken.\n\nPlan A failed--too much brush and the chicken would not cooperate and stay near the fence.\n\nWe moved on to Plan B. Someone had to go into the neighbor’s yard. There was a fence and we couldn’t go over it, couldn’t go around it but there was a gate – we could go through.\n\nBut it was directly behind our largest beehive. Since it was night, the bees were sleeping and as long as we didn’t wake them up, we were fine. (See previous post on <a href=\"http://wp.me/p1tg5L-N7\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Don’t Wake the Bees</em></a>.)\n\nRachel went through the fence, through all the brush and tried to convince the chicken to come home. The renegade hen actually went the opposite direction – it does have a birdbrain, remember.\n\nAfter countless attempts that resulted in mosquito bites and scratches, we decided to resume the hunt in the morning. Next morning, the renegade hen was nowhere to be seen.\n\nRachel was afraid a possum had gotten it. The hen couldn’t fly away. We clipped wings to prevent any other wandering chickens. Then we spotted her two yards away. Since she is white, she is easier to spot.\n\nRachel went off to resume the chicken hunt. I joined her after getting water and food for the good little chickens that stayed in the coop.\n\nWe approached from the front yard this time. Once again, we met a fence. Once again, we couldn’t go over it, couldn’t go under it and this time there was no gate.  Only a small opening through which we were able to squeeze.\n\nRenegade hen was in the far back of this yard among much undergrowth. We split up to try to corner her.\n\nAt one point, I came to a dead fallen tree. I couldn’t go over it, couldn’t go around it, and refused to go through it.\n\nOnce again, we gave up the hunt and returned home.\n\nThis afternoon we took all four dachshunds for a walk. We were joined by a former classmate of Rachel’s who graciously agreed to take one of the leashes. We told him about our wandering chicken just in case he spotted her somewhere in the neighborhood.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/bradley-with-chicks.png\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3260 alignleft\" alt=\"bradley with chicks\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/bradley-with-chicks.png?w=232\" width=\"232\" height=\"300\" /></a>A few houses down from ours, Rachel spotted Renegade Hen once again.\n\nShe handed me her two leashes leaving me with three dogs while she resumed the chicken hunt.\n\nBradley and I watched from a safe distance knowing that Bella would have too much fun hunting this chicken. After a few unsuccessful minutes, I handed my three leashes to Bradley, who by this time probably wished he had stayed at home.\n\nRachel was tromping through the brush calling, “Here chick chick.” One thing we learned is that chickens do not come when called.  <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/rachel-and-renegade-hen.png\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3261\" alt=\"rachel and renegade hen\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/rachel-and-renegade-hen.png?w=252\" width=\"252\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nI stood guard should the chicken try to make a run for it.\n\nFinally, we had success.\n\nI took two leashes back from Bradley, Rachel carried the chicken, and we headed back to the house, hoping this will be our last chicken hunt.','Chicken Hunt - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','going-on-a-chicken-hunt-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-08-02 06:02:15','2013-08-02 11:02:15','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3259',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3265,1,'2013-07-29 05:51:39','2013-07-29 10:51:39','One of the question authors are most frequently asked is where do ideas come from.\n\nToday, I’ll be sharing the background behind <a href=\"http://amzn.to/186U8IG\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Love in the Morning Calm</i> </a>and <i><a href=\"http://amzn.to/KCnFRl\" target=\"_blank\">The Pendant’s Promise</a>. </i><i> </i>These two books tell the love story of Alex (Ace) Cabot and Lily Reed Johnson.\n\nThough not a series in the true sense of a book series, <i>Love in the Morning Calm</i> is the Prequel and tells how Lily and Ace met and fell in love. <i>The Pendant’s Promise </i>picks up the story twenty years later.\n\nThe idea for Lily and Ace\'s story came from my personal experience at Eighth Army Headquarters in South Korea. What was I doing in South Korea at Eighth Army?\n\nThat’s a story in itself.\n\nMy husband is a retired Army Reserve officer. He completed R.O.T.C. during college and at the height of Vietnam War received his commission when he graduated.\n\nWith a military background - my father was an Army Air Corp officer, I was proud that my husband joined the Army Reserves…until his first <strong><i>unaccompanied</i></strong> assignment.\n\nThe thought of being stateside while he served at the Korea Procurement Agency, Eighth Army, South Korea, was not appealing.\n\nIt was so unpleasant that I sold our car, purchased airline tickets for our toddler daughter and myself, and followed him.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/jerry-sarae7-2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3266 aligncenter\" alt=\"Jerry-SaraE7-2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/jerry-sarae7-2.jpg?w=225\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">During our time there, I worked as a Department of Army Civilian (DAC) at Eighth Army Headquarters in G3. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/8th-army-hq.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3267\" alt=\"8th army HQ\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/8th-army-hq.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"99\" /></a></p>\nThat’s why, in the story, Lily is a DAC at G3. I knew what it was like. You might recognize the picture from the cover of <i>Love in the Morning Calm</i>.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/lbj-in-korea-12.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3270\" alt=\"lbj-in-korea-12\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/lbj-in-korea-12.jpg?w=138\" width=\"138\" height=\"150\" /></a>Both novels are fiction loosely based around Lyndon Johnson’s Southeast Asia in 1966.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/lbj-in-korea-4.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3271\" alt=\"lbj-in-korea-4\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/lbj-in-korea-4.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"109\" /></a><em></em>\n\nThe characters in <em>L</em><em>ove in the Morning Calm</em> and <i>The Pendant’s Promise</i> are  figments of my imagination, but I confess they have some traits of people I met during my time at Eighth Army G3. (That tee shirt saying, <em>watch what you say or you might end up in my novel,</em> is actually true.)\n\nThe setting is accurate though I’m sure that Yongsan Compound has changed dramatically since we were there.\n\nIf you’re read either <i>Love in the Morning Calm</i> and <i>The Pendant’s Promise, </i>you might recognize some of these places.\n\nThe parade field in front of Headquarters, pictured here from 1966.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/2276276862_8th-army-hdqtrs.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3274 aligncenter\" alt=\"2276276862_8th Army hdqtrs\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/2276276862_8th-army-hdqtrs.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/korean-bus.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-3275\" alt=\"Korean bus\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/korean-bus.jpg\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" /></a>The PX <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/2240085375_-px-yongsan.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-3276 alignleft\" alt=\"2240085375_ PX Yongsan\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/2240085375_-px-yongsan.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"88\" /></a></p>\n                         The military buses\n\nNext week, I’ll be sharing more photos of places around Seoul that I incorporated into both stories.\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN:</strong> Do you like seeing \"real\" pictures to compare to what you imagined when you read books?','Beyond and Behind the Story','','publish','open','open','','beyond-and-behind-the-story','','','2013-07-29 05:51:39','2013-07-29 10:51:39','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3265',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3289,1,'2013-07-31 06:12:13','2013-07-31 11:12:13','Not a word I made up.\n\nNot a game played with a pickle.\n\nPickleball is a racquet sport which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.\n\nIt\'s not something new, though it is sweeping the country today. \n\nAccording to <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickleball\" target=\"_blank\">Wikipedia</a>, the game originated in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington at the home of Congressman Joel Pritchard, U.S. House of Representatives for the State of Washington. \n\nHe and two of his friends returned from golf and found their families bored one Saturday afternoon. They attempted to set up badminton, but no one could find the shuttlecock. They improvised with a whiffle ball, lowered the badminton net, and fabricated paddles of plywood from a nearby shed.\n\nSo why is the game called PICKLEBALL?\n\nThe popular story told today is that it was named after the Pritchard family dog. As the story goes, the whiffle ball belonged to the dog. Whenever an errant shot happened, Pickles would run and try to get the ball and hide it. They named the game for their dog’s ball, “Pickles’ Ball”, then it became Pickleball. \n\nThe truth is the Pritchard family didn\'t get the dog until 1967 according to Joan Pritchard so actually, the dog was named after the sport.\n\nPickleball offers great exercise, but it\'s not as strenuous as tennis. We have a little \"league\" here in the San Luis Valley and play several times a week.\n\nA great diversion from sitting in the chair at the computer. The exercise clears my head and stimulates my creativity. \n\nHere\'s a video of Pickleball action. (Not our league)\n\n[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Ivd1lvi5o&amp;w=420&amp;h=315]\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN:</strong>What do you think? Is Pickleball a game you\'d like to play?\n\n','One Word Wednesday - PICKLEBALL','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-pickleball','','','2013-07-31 06:12:13','2013-07-31 11:12:13','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3289',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3298,1,'2013-08-07 05:47:22','2013-08-07 10:47:22','What makes you abandon a book you started reading? \n\n<a href=\"http://www.goodreads.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Goodreads</a> recently posed this question then posted a <a href=\"http://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/424-what-makes-you-put-down-a-book\" target=\"_blank\">charticle</a> to document answers they received from readers.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/1373380267-1373380267_goodreads_misc.png\"><img src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/1373380267-1373380267_goodreads_misc.png\" alt=\"1373380267-1373380267_goodreads_misc\" width=\"500\" height=\"1745\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" /></a>\n\nI confess I\'ve stopped reading Ayn Ryan\'s <em>Atlas Shrugged </em> multiple times. Just can\'t get into that tome.\n\nWhat about you? What makes you put down a book without finishing it?','One Word Wednesday - BOOK ABANDONMENT','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-book-abandonment','','','2013-08-07 05:47:22','2013-08-07 10:47:22','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3298',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3307,1,'2013-08-05 05:48:12','2013-08-05 10:48:12','Research and details in a book can make a major difference in a reader’s pleasure.\n\nThat’s why in <em>Love in the Morning Calm </em>and <em>The Pendant’s Promise </em>I include details selected from my time in South Korea.\n\nLily’s apartment is where we lived in U.N. Village.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/un-village4.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3312\" alt=\"UN Village4\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/un-village4.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" /></a> I walked the same roads that she walked to catch the bus to Eighth Army Headquarters. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/un-village6.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3311\" alt=\"UN Village6\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/un-village6.jpg?w=105\" width=\"105\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nWe got so used to the train whistle we didn’t even hear it.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/train-on-track2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3309\" alt=\"train on track2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/train-on-track2.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"98\" /></a>These pictures stir memories for me and I hope give you a good idea of where Lily lived. If you\'ve read <em>Love in the Morning Calm,</em> is it like your mental picture?\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/gold-dress-2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3314\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/gold-dress-2.jpg?w=58\" width=\"58\" height=\"150\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/lilys-gold-dress.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-3315 alignright\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/lilys-gold-dress.jpg?w=41\" width=\"41\" height=\"150\" /></a>A gold dress also plays an important role in both books. I got the idea for those scenes from my own experience having a gold dress made to wear to the reception President Park Chung Hee and his wife gave for President and Mrs. Lyndon Johnson. Here’s what my dress looked like. Is it what you pictured Lily wearing?\n\nThere\'s a carved<em> Papasan</em> in both stories. I brought back several carvings from South Korea to remind us of our time in Han Nam Dong.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/figurines.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3317\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/figurines.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"198\" /></a>That\'s the <em>Papasan</em> third from the left. When we lived in Seoul, <em>Papasan</em> meant a title used to address elderly men. The term has come to be used for pimps or a  person who manages a bar or a brothel or a similar establishment. The kindly men in the white suits we met didn\'t do any of that!\n\nYou\'ll find I used others places we went during our time in South Korea and developed scenes around them. Places like Chungpyung Reservoir. I can still remember our picnic on the hood of the motor pool jeep with the sound of the roaring dam behind us. Ace and Lily picnicked there too.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/409284034_chungpyung-dam.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3321\" alt=\"409284034_Chungpyung Dam\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/409284034_chungpyung-dam.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"107\" /></a>\n\nI hope these glimpses of South Korea when I was there enhance your reading of Lily and Ace’s love story. Or make you want to read.\n\nIt should also demonstrate how writers use their personal experiences in creating their fictional stories.\n\n<img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2181\" alt=\"MorningCalm_6 for webpgs\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/morningcalm_6-for-webpgs.jpg?w=112\" width=\"112\" height=\"150\" />\n\nIn 1966, while on temporary assignment to South Korea, Green Beret Major Ace Cabot meets Lily Reed, a Department of Army civilian at Eighth Army Headquarters. Ace is a high-potential career officer, who should resist the temptation of any woman, but he can’t ignore his interest in her.\n\nLily is a firm supporter of the budding women’s lib movement. She enjoys her freedom and new life away from her stifling hometown. Her plans leave no room for any man. No matter how captivating his smile.\n\nIn an uncertain time, in a temporary safe zone, yielding to temptation changes both their lives forever.\n\nAvailable for <a href=\"http://amzn.to/186U8IG\" target=\"_blank\">Kindle</a>     <a href=\"http://bit.ly/10MYQJC\" target=\"_blank\">Nook</a>    <a href=\"http://bit.ly/188Ob1n\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iBook/iPad</a>  and   <a href=\"http://bit.ly/14ITsaW\" target=\"_blank\">Smashwords</a> for PDF, Diesel, or Kobo\n\n<img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-613 alignleft\" alt=\"books_pendant\" src=\"https://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/books_pendant.jpg?w=112\" width=\"112\" height=\"150\" />\n\nFor twenty years, Lily Johnson’s life, albeit a life of lies, has been good. Then her daughter falls in love and trouble abounds.\n\nThe young man her daughter plans to marry is the godson of her daughter’s biological father. A Green Beret Lily thought died in Vietnam.\n\nWhen they meet him face-to-face, the years melt away and old passion returns, but Lily’s convinced revealing the truth could mean losing her daughter and the only man she’s ever loved. He believes Lily betrayed her promise to wait.\n\nIs the flame of love strong enough to be re-ignited, or, is it too late?\n\nAvailable for <a href=\"http://amzn.to/KCnFRl\" target=\"_blank\">Kindle</a>  <a href=\"https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/love-in-the-morning-calm/id666511387?mt=11&amp;uo=4\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iBook/iPad</a>   <a href=\"http://bit.ly/Ko8ffC\" target=\"_blank\">Nook</a>     <a href=\"http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/157996\" target=\"_blank\">Smashwords</a> for PDF, Diesel, or Kobo and in <a href=\"http://amzn.to/JkRpSv\" target=\"_blank\">Paperback</a>','Beyond and Behind the Story - Love in the Morning Calm','','publish','open','open','','beyond-and-behind-the-story-love-in-the-morning-calm','','','2013-08-05 05:48:12','2013-08-05 10:48:12','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3307',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3339,1,'2013-08-09 06:10:01','2013-08-09 11:10:01','<p align=\"center\"><i>A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</i></p>\nFor the past week and a half, each morning, I have experienced a UCR – unidentified crowing rooster.\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/rooster-crowing.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-1687\" alt=\"rooster crowing\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/rooster-crowing.jpg?w=300\" width=\"210\" height=\"210\" /></a>Now you may wonder how I could tell this was an “unidentified” crowing rooster and not one of the many in our back yard.</p>\nCrows are distinctive. The direction of the crowing is also distinguishable.\n\nEach morning, at about 5:00 I would hear an unfamiliar rooster crow and it sounded like it was next door.\n\nI was most concerned. While our neighbors enjoy our farm, I’m not sure they want it in their own back yard.\n\nEach morning I would take stock of our roosters to see who was wandering next door.  Alas, all the roosters were accounted for.\n\nNow I was truly befuddled.\n\nThen yesterday morning I walked by my son’s room at 5:00 and heard the URC once again.\n\nIt was then that I remembered Matthew had set his new phone alarm to sound like a rooster. It sounded very life-like, but not very effective.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/matt-sleeping.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3352\" alt=\"Matt sleeping\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/matt-sleeping.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>\n\nI had to wake Matthew myself.\n\nI chose to speak to him and not crow like a rooster, which obviously did no good!\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">Mystery solved.</p>','UCR Mystery - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','ucr-mystery-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-08-09 06:10:01','2013-08-09 11:10:01','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3339',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3343,1,'2013-08-14 06:47:52','2013-08-14 11:47:52','I found another fascinating chart through one of my favorite blogs, <a href=\"http://writerswrite1.wordpress.com/2013/08/01/interesting-facts-about-reading/\" target=\"_blank\">Writers Write. </a> <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/interesting-facts-about-reading_50290ee6a6406_w594.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3345\" alt=\"interesting-facts-about-reading_50290ee6a6406_w594\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/interesting-facts-about-reading_50290ee6a6406_w594.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"1807\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\" align=\"center\">Looking at the chart, I was fascinated to see the advantages of speed reading.</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Increased comprehension</li>\n	<li>Less eye time on the page</li>\n	<li>Less eye fatigability</li>\n</ul>\nI learned to speed read while I was working on my Masters’ degree. Had to. Those professors thought all I had going on in my life was their class reading assignments!\n\nReality was I worked full time as a teacher, part time with my antiques business, and full time as a corporate wife and mother to three teenagers! Fitting in time to read hundreds of pages was a very real challenge.\n\nI am a firm believer in the rapid reading, especially in today’s world where we spend so much time reading—emails, web articles, texts, etc.\n\nTwo techniques I taught reading/study skills classes are skimming and skipping smaller words, i.e. prepositions and articles. Both skills got me through grad school and continue to be a help with all my reading whether professional or for pleasure.\n\nIt does cause a problem in my writing, though.\n\nBecause I don’t read prepositions and articles, I tend to leave them out when I write. Thank goodness for great critique partners and editors who put all those three and four letter words back in for me!\n\nInterested in learning more about speed/rapid reading?\n\nMindtools.com offers great suggestions. <a href=\"http://www.mindtools.com/speedrd.html\">http://www.mindtools.com/speedrd.html</a>\n\nMore techniques can be found here.  <a href=\"http://english.glendale.cc.ca.us/methods.html\">http://english.glendale.cc.ca.us/methods.html</a>\n\nThere’s even an eight-minute free video on Youtube. Click<a href=\"http://youtu.be/RmQiOEC8UnM\" target=\"_blank\"> here</a> to watch.\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN:</strong> Did the chart hold any surprising facts for you?','READING FACTS - One Word Wednesday','','publish','open','open','','reading-facts-one-word-wednesday','','','2013-08-14 06:47:52','2013-08-14 11:47:52','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3343',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3356,1,'2013-08-26 06:03:57','2013-08-26 11:03:57','I’ve been a member of <a href=\"http://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=504\" target=\"_blank\">RWA</a> (Romance Writers of America) for years and I frequently judge <a href=\"http://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=517#contests\" target=\"_blank\">chapter contests</a>.\n\nI’ve discovered I see the same writing mistakes repeated-contest after contest, year after year.\n\nMost are small blunders, but unchecked these errors tip an editor or contest judge that you’re not a pro and frequently result in rejection by an editor or a low score from a contest judge.\n\nI decided to share a list of those writing mistakes.\n<ul>\n	<li>\n<h1>Word repetition.</h1>\n</li>\n</ul>\nAll writers have little words we tend to overuse — weasel words, I call them after <a href=\"http://www.margielawson.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Margie Lawson</a>’s classes. Words like really, just, could, would, it, were and very to name a few.\n\nCreate your personal weasel word list and be on the lookout for overused words. Then use search and replace to cut them out before submitting.\n<ul>\n	<li>\n<h1>Extra prepositions.</h1>\n</li>\n</ul>\nToo many prepositions in a sentence make the writing choppy. There’s usually a way to reword and eliminate some of the prepositional phrases.\n<ul>\n	<li>\n<h1>Word use</h1>\n</li>\n</ul>\nWords like affect/effect, like/such as, your/you’re, hearty or hardy, baby’s or babies can easily be confused.\n\nIf you aren’t sure which word meaning you need, find out.\n<ul>\n	<li>\n<h1>Comma confusion</h1>\n</li>\n</ul>\nThis simple piece of punctuation is the curse of all writers. We tend to insert commas where they don’t belong, which can change the sentence’s meaning, or omit needed commas.\n\nLearn the rules — and when in doubt, ask an editor what their publication’s style demands.\n<ul>\n	<li>\n<h1>Subject/verb disagreement</h1>\n</li>\n</ul>\nYou can’t say, “A box of chocolates were on top of the table.” or “They is ready to leave.” A singular noun needs a singular verb.  A plural noun needs a plural verb.\n<ul>\n	<li>\n<h1>Pronoun use</h1>\n</li>\n</ul>\nWhen using a pronoun such as <i>he/she</i>, make sure there aren’t two people in the sentence and the pronoun creates confusion about which one you mean.\n<ul>\n	<li>\n<h1>Misplaced modifiers/words</h1>\n</li>\n</ul>\nThis one is a personal demon of mine. I guess that’s why I spot them so quickly.\n\nExample of a dangling modifiers and the revision<b> </b>from <a href=\"http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/597/1/\" target=\"_blank\">Purdue On-Line Writing Lab</a>\n\nINCORRECT: <b>After reading the original study</b>, <b><span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">the article</span> </b>remains unconvincing.\n\nREVISED: <b>After reading the original study</b>, <span style=\"color:#ff0000;\"><b>I</b> </span>find the article unconvincing.\n\n<b>      </b>Example of misplaced words/modifiers and the revision from<b> </b><a href=\"http://www.towson.edu/ows/moduledangling.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Towson University On Line Writing Support</a><b>:</b>\n\nINCORRECT: The three bankers talked quietly in the corner <span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">smoking pipes</span>.\n\nREVISED: The three bankers <span style=\"color:#ff0000;\">smoking pipes</span> talked quietly in the corner.\n\nHaving keen-eyed critique partners can catch this mistake. Reading to yourself out loud also helps.\n<ul>\n	<li>\n<h1> Manuscript format</h1>\n</li>\n</ul>\nMost RWA chapter contests do not penalize for manuscript formatting. Editors and agents might. Two areas to watch:\n<ol>\n	<li><b>Underline/italics</b>. Be aware that underline usually denotes a clickable link. If you use it for emphasis, you confuse your readers.</li>\n	<li><b>Spacing after a period. </b>Generally accepted manuscript format is one space after a period, not two. Check the <a href=\"http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Manual of Style </a>if you don’t believe me.</li>\n</ol>\nSeven little mistakes I see repeatedly. Don’t let your submission to an editor/agent or a fiction writing contest be guilty of these mistakes.\n\nEspecially not when the fixes are so easy.','Eight Writing Mistakes that Will Kill a Contest Entry','','publish','open','open','','eight-writing-mistakes-that-will-kill-a-contest-entry','','','2013-08-26 06:03:57','2013-08-26 11:03:57','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3356',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3368,1,'2013-08-19 06:22:14','2013-08-19 11:22:14','One of the many things I love about our new location here in Colorado is the ability to have a garden.\n\nGardening in Houston was always a challenge. Not because things didn’t grow in the tropical atmosphere. Quite the opposite. Things grew well, especially weeds.\n\nThe problem was it got too hot too quickly to be out tending the garden. Here, we can go out whenever we want and pleasant weather greets.\n\nAnd not too many bugs here, either. Houston mosquitoes loved me. Colorado mosquitoes haven’t found me...yet.\n\nThis year between the fire and all the construction underway, our efforts were limited.\n\nOur evacuation killed most of our hanging baskets and planted flowers. We couldn’t water any of them. The mountains of dirt from the excavation buried the new peonies we planted.\n\nNot complaining, just stating facts.\n\nWe did put out two tomato plants early in the spring, which survived.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/plant2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3371\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/plant2.jpg?w=66\" width=\"66\" height=\"150\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/plant1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3370\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/plant1.jpg?w=111\" width=\"111\" height=\"150\" /></a>What I failed to realize was that, since we live on the shady mountainside, I’d need a greenhouse to get the tomatoes to turn red!\n\nBoth plants are loaded with buds and tomatoes that are never going to turn red. This seemed such a waste.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/green-tomatoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-3372\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/green-tomatoes.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"110\" /></a>We fried a few and then Jerry remembered we’d dilled green tomatoes at the end of the growing season when we lived in West Virginia.\n\nI dug around in my cookbooks and found the recipe in my 1965 edition of <em>Better Homes and Gardens</em> <em><strong>new</strong> CookBook</em>. That was easy.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/recipe.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3375\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/recipe.jpg\" width=\"211\" height=\"119\" /></a>Finding the necessary ingredients wasn’t. Local farmers’ markets didn’t have fresh dill, and our local market didn’t either. We finally found fresh dill in the supermarket forty-seven miles away.\n\nOnce the ingredients were on hand, I was ready to start the canning process.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/ingredients.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3376\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/ingredients.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"217\" /></a>\n\nI washed the tomatoes. The dishwasher washed the canning jars. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/dishwasher.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3378\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/dishwasher.jpg?w=120\" width=\"120\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nIronic that after years of collecting jars, I had to buy new ones. I\'d given all my jars to Chicken Wrangler Sara when we downsized.\n\nWith the jars clean and heated, I prepared the liquid.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/liquid.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3379\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/liquid.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"135\" /></a>When it boiled, I stuffed the jars with green tomatoes, fresh dill, fresh garlic, and a stalk of celery.\n\nI left out the hot pepper. I don’t like HOT peppered stuff.\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\">Minutes later, I had three beautiful quart jars which will be ready to eat in a month to enjoy with our meals. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/three-jars.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3380 aligncenter\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/three-jars.jpg?w=272\" width=\"272\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\nWhole process took less than an hour and reminded me how much I love to can and make jams and preserves. I’m thinking I’ll start doing more.\n\nThat is, when I\'m not writing!\n\nYOUR TURN: What about you ever done in home canning?','Dilly Green Tomatoes - Home Canning Fun','','publish','open','open','','dilly-green-tomatoes-home-canning-fun','','','2013-08-19 06:22:14','2013-08-19 11:22:14','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3368',0,'post','',8);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3388,1,'2013-08-12 06:25:45','2013-08-12 11:25:45','The exciting part of living in the Rio Grande Forest is observing the wildlife. During our four years here, we have seen:\n\nMountain Goats. Mule Deer. Elk. Moose. Beavers. Fox. Squirrels. Chipmunks. Hummingbirds. Woodpeckers. Thirty different species of birds.\n\nWe’re also heard a mountain lion. Haven’t seen one…yet. They seem to stay over the ridge away from our house.\n\nNot the Black Bears.\n\nOur first year here a Black Bear came to drink from the container the previous owners set out for the wildlife. Needless to say, we discarded the container immediately.\n\nWe didn’t see another bear that year, but we read up on living with bears and the next year we followed all the suggestions about securing our trash, taking in the birdfeeders at night, and bear proofing our home.\n\nThat year a bear came by in the middle day to help himself to our birdfeeders, which were out during the day. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/08-02-12-bear-2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-852\" alt=\"O\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/08-02-12-bear-2.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/08-02-12-bear-1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-851\" alt=\"O\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/08-02-12-bear-1.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a>\n\nWhen Mr. Bear 2012 refused to leave, we did what we were supposed to do and contacted the CPW office. A wildlife ranger came out. During his visit, Mr. Bear returned and demonstrated how he had not read the pamphlet that loud noises would chase him away.\n\nThe ranger left firecrackers behind for us to use and advised us to contact the office if that particular bear returned.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/firecrackers2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3390\" alt=\"firecrackers2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/firecrackers2.jpg?w=63\" width=\"63\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nMr. Black Bear 2012 didn’t come back.\n\nThis year we’ve had three encounters and it’s only August.\n\nThe first time we accidentally left the hummingbird feeders out overnight. Mr. Bear 2013 tore the feeder from the tree and dropped it – empty–when he left.\n\nWe never saw him only the evidence he’d visited.\n\nRemember, bears have excellent memories and he’d found a food source at our house. Mr. Bear 2013 returned.\n\nUnfortunately, the next time he came, we’d left the shed door open while we worked in the yard. Our neighbor called to tell us to be careful because a bear was in our shed.\n\nWhen we came through the house to see for ourselves, Mr. Bear 2013 was sitting on the deck helping himself to the forty-pound tub of sunflower seeds we had stored for the birdfeeders.\n\nWe made loud noises per the instructions for bear encounters and Mr. Bear 2013 carried the tub up the mountain behind our house, stopping to eat from the tub.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/bear-7-26-13.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-3391 alignleft\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/bear-7-26-13.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"126\" /></a>\n\nWe fired a firecracker from our stash that we store on the kitchen table.\n\nMr. Bear disappeared over the ridge only to return forty minutes later to finish out the tub he thought he’d left behind.\n\nWe fired another firecracker. He scampered over the ridge in a different direction this time.\n\nRelieved that Mr. Bear 2013 had read the pamphlet and was duly frightened off by loud noises, we elected not to notify the CPW regional office.\n\nIf you look in the picture you\'ll see Mr. Bear 2013 has a blue tag on his ear. The tag means he’d already been tagged once, and Colorado has a “two strike” rule for dealing with problem bears.\n\nThe first time a bear gets into trouble, it receives an ear tag marking it as a problem bear. Another serious encounter, or “second strike,” means the bear will be killed.\n\nWe didn’t want that.\n\nHOWEVER, we knew we needed to be extra careful because bears will return to the same locations where they have been successful finding food in the past.\n\nFor two weeks, we didn’t see Mr. Bear 2013. Then last Friday we woke up to find this:<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/shed-door2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3393\" alt=\"??????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/shed-door2.jpg?w=200\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></a>Mr. Bear 2013 had pawed and scratched the shed door until the latch on top came undone. We\'re pretty sure our visitor was Mr. Bear 2013 because he\'d already been in the shed once. He remembered the sunflower seeds and returned.\n\nThen he carried the grey tub out of the shed and up the hill.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/lid-w-tracks2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3394\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/lid-w-tracks2.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"112\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/tub-left-on-mtn.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3395\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/tub-left-on-mtn.jpg?w=148\" width=\"148\" height=\"150\" /></a>This time Mr. Bear 2013 was too smart for his own good. He\'d figured out how to get into a locked and secure shed.\n\nJerry climbed up the hill and retrieved what was left of the new forty-pound bag of sunflower seeds. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/cleaning-up-leftovers.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-3396 alignleft\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/cleaning-up-leftovers.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"115\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/inside-shed.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-3397 alignright\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/inside-shed.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"99\" /></a>Even though the only thing Mr. Bear 2013 took from the shed was the tub he remembered when he could have had the tub of deer corn tub underneath or mixed birdseed in the white container, we’re contacting CWP when their offices open on Monday.\n\nI believe in preserving Colorado’s wildlife, but smarty Mr. Bear 2013 might decide to come back for the tubs he left in the shed or into the kitchen for human food next time.\n\nCan\'t have that!','Black Bear Visits','','publish','open','open','','black-bear-visits','','','2013-08-12 06:25:45','2013-08-12 11:25:45','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3388',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3410,1,'2013-08-16 06:05:00','2013-08-16 11:05:00','<p align=\"center\"><i><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</span></span></span></i></p>\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">My summer routine has been to get up at 5:00, put on my swimsuit, go to the pool, swim, shower, get dressed, then come home to feed the humans and animals. It has worked pretty well most of the time.</span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">Occasionally I get in the flight path of chickens exiting the coop and end up with chicken footprints on my shirt. </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">This is not a problem on Monday or Friday when I have no piano students or places to be. However, on Thursdays, I volunteer at a children’s Bible club where we wear a particular shirt. </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">I\'ve learned that I should wait until just before I leave to put on the shirt to avoid evidence of chickens on it.</span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/apron1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-3417\" alt=\"apron\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/apron1.jpg\" width=\"252\" height=\"287\" /></a>Another option is to wear an apron over my shirt. I have done this, especially during the school year when I have to go to work in the mornings. I must be careful when choosing my apron, though. The one with red dots on it is particularly attractive to the chickens and the peck at it.</span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">My shoes are another issue. I have a pair of duck shoes that I wear only in the chicken coop. That way whatever gets on them stays outside.  <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/muck-shoes1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3413\" alt=\"muck shoes\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/muck-shoes1.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" /></a></span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">I had to rename them “muck” shoes because the chickens were offended at the use of the word duck. Besides, “muck” is a polite way to describe what gets on the shoes. </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">If I am just throwing something to the chickens without actually entering the coop, I wear my sneakers. </span></span></span>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3414\" alt=\"tennis shoes\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/tennis-shoes.jpg\" width=\"201\" height=\"146\" /></a><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">I looked down yesterday as I was teaching lessons and found a feather on my sneaker. I guess it had made its way into the back yard, and I had to smile.  </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">It reminded me of when my children were infants. I didn’t feel fully dressed unless I had a little bit of spit up on my shoulder. </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">Now I am a chicken wrangler, and I’m only dressed when I have feathers on my shoes.</span></span></span>','Fully Dressed - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','fully-dressed-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-08-16 06:05:00','2013-08-16 11:05:00','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3410',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3421,1,'2013-08-21 06:02:27','2013-08-21 11:02:27','<span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\"><span style=\"font-size:medium;\">Another summer is about over. Labor Day is less than two weeks away. Fall will officially arrive on September 22</span><sup><span style=\"font-size:small;\">nd</span></sup><span style=\"font-size:medium;\">.</span></span></span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">It\'s the time of year when this one-time schoolteacher becomes nostalgic.</span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/back-to-school.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3423\" alt=\"back to school\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/back-to-school.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"211\" /></a></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">I’m not saying I’d want to be back in a classroom again. Not with the challenge of teaching today.</span></span></span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">Still, once the back-to-school chatter begins, a part of me misses the excitement of starting a new school year, setting up my classroom, and seeing the eager young faces. The freshness of a new beginning. </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">Last Monday, when the dogs and I were out on our daily sunrise walk and spotted a school bus, I swallowed the lump in my throat brought on by my memories.</span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/bus.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3424\" alt=\"bus\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/bus.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"99\" /></a></span><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">The three of us paused.</span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\"> <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/walking-dogs-in-taos.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3425\" alt=\"walking dogs in Taos\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/walking-dogs-in-taos.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"84\" /></a>I said a prayer that it would be a \"really good year\" for the bus driver, the kids, and the teacher waiting in the classroom. </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\">May all the</span><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\"> students, teachers, and staff who began a new school year this week or will be going back-to-school over the next few weeks have a safe and productive new school year.</span></span></span>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/welcome-bk-to-school.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3426\" alt=\"welcome bk to school\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/welcome-bk-to-school.jpg\" width=\"262\" height=\"192\" /></a>\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN:</strong> Do you miss school days?','Back-to-School – One Word Wednesday','','publish','open','open','','back-to-school-one-word-wednesday','','','2013-08-21 06:02:27','2013-08-21 11:02:27','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3421',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3428,1,'2013-08-23 05:47:16','2013-08-23 10:47:16','<p align=\"center\"><i>A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</i></p>\nWe have several friends who have new babies in their family.  One is a first born and she looks like her father.  The other is the fourth girl, and she looks just like her sisters.\n\nIn our family, the two girls look like my husband and the boy looks like me.\n\nWhen my parents and I arrived at their new home in Colorado, their neighbor came up to me and started to give me a hug then stopped short.  He thought I was my mother.  I assured him it was ok to hug me anyway.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/fish-face-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3432\" alt=\"fish face-2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/fish-face-2.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"217\" /></a>Besides the fact we are all making fish faces, there are definite physical similarities.\n\nIt is usually pretty easy to find the family resemblance in humans. Recently, though, I’ve noticed it in our chickens.  (Perhaps I spend too much time in the coop.)\n\nSee what you think…here are pictures of Crooked neck and her child, Samson and his child and a nameless barred rock and her child.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">Can you tell who is related to whom?</p>\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen1.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3433\" alt=\"hen1\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen1.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"137\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen2.png\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-3434 alignright\" alt=\"hen2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen2.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"136\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen3.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3435\" alt=\"hen3\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen3.png?w=137\" width=\"137\" height=\"150\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen4.png\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3436\" alt=\"hen4\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen4.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"138\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen5.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3439\" alt=\"hen5\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen5.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"127\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen6.png\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3440\" alt=\"hen6\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen6.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"144\" /></a>','Family Resemblance - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','family-resemblance-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-08-23 05:47:16','2013-08-23 10:47:16','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3428',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3444,1,'2013-08-30 06:16:44','2013-08-30 11:16:44','<p align=\"center\"><em><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\">Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</span></span></em></p>\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\">Singer 6233 took its last stitch on August 15, 2013 and was pronounced “not worth fixing” on August 22, 2013. This well-loved machine was a gift on October 3, 1985 and has had a very useful life.  </span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\">Among its accomplishments are the creation of a student teaching wardrobe, various curtains and appliance covers and many mending jobs. It also happily made baby clothes and matching dresses for young girls. These same girls later learned to sew on this Singer.   </span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\">Through the years, my trusty Singer 6233 made an official Star Trek costume, an elephant, six fluorescent jackets for a Christmas Pageant, a bridesmaid dress and multiple prom dresses.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/feedbag1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3452\" alt=\"feedbag\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/feedbag1.jpg?w=80\" width=\"80\" height=\"150\" /></a></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\">This machine lovingly created several family Christmas outfits. Most recently, it made tote bags out of chicken feed sacks. </span></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\">Singer 6233 travelled extensively starting out in Houston, moving to Denton, Canton, Mexico City and ending up in Bryan, Texas.  </span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\">The store was just going to throw it in the dumpster (after I left, of course) so I brought it home for a proper burial. </span></span><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\">It will be hard to replace my Singer 6322. They just don’t make them like that anymore. The sales lady promised to work with me to learn a new machine. I am skeptical.  </span></span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\">For now, I will let sewing rest and mourn my loss.</span></span>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/singer-6322.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3446\" alt=\"singer 6322\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/singer-6322.png?w=255\" width=\"255\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>','Singer 6233 Obituary - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','singer-6233-obituary-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-08-30 06:16:44','2013-08-30 11:16:44','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3444',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3458,1,'2013-08-28 06:44:37','2013-08-28 11:44:37','<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">I must use <a href=\"http://dictionary.reference.com/ 08-27-13\" target=\"_blank\">Dictionary.com </a>a million times a day. I rarely read what’s on the homepage. </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">Instead, I hastily type or copy/paste in the word I’m looking up and then read the definition – or more likely check the spelling.</span></span></span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">Recently I read the home page and found fascinating information about writing instruments.</span></span></span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">If you already read this on the Dictionary.com site, you\'ll recognize the photos from the article. I\'ve reworded the content, but you can still stop reading. </span></span></span>\n<ul>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">STYLUS<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/stylus.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3459\" alt=\"stylus\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/stylus.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></span></span></span></li>\n</ul>\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">From ancient instrument to modern day tool for electronic input. The original stylus was made of metal or bone and used to incise letters/cuneiform into tablets covered in a thin layer of wax or clay. Today we use a pen-like stylus with computers, tablets, and/or smartphones.</span></span></span>\n<ul>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">QUILL<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/quill.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3460\" alt=\"quill\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/quill.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></span></span></span></li>\n</ul>\n<span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\"><span style=\"font-size:medium;\">Used from the 6</span><sup><span style=\"font-size:small;\">th</span></sup><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"> to the 19</span><sup><span style=\"font-size:small;\">th</span></sup><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"> century, this instrument fueled most written communication. Quills were most commonly made from goose feathers. The point of the feather was cut and then dipped in ink to put words and letters on the page.</span></span></span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n<ul>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">PEN<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/pen.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3461\" alt=\"pen\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/pen.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></span></span></span></li>\n</ul>\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">The fountain pen was the first type of pen that didn\'t require the user to dip the nib repeatedly in ink to write. Fountain pens first appeared in the 1880s, and ballpoint pens appeared as early as the 1890s. Felt-tipped pens were introduced in the 1960s.</span></span></span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n<ul>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">CHALK<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/chalk.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3462\" alt=\"chalk\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/chalk.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></span></span></span></li>\n</ul>\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">Originally made from soft limestone, chalk is now made from gypsum. Chalk was primarily used in school. Many schools today have switched to whiteboards and markers or digital interactive, but chalk is still popular for writing and drawing on sidewalks or as a fine art medium. </span></span></span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n<ul>\n	<li><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">PENCIL<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/pencil.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3463\" alt=\"pencil\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/pencil.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></span></span></span></li>\n</ul>\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">Nicolas-Jacques Conte, a scientist in Napoleon Bonaparte\'s army, invented the modern pencil in the 1790s. Graphite is encased in wood. Pressure transfers the graphite to the paper. The eraser on the end allowed for changes. That\'s where the term “pencil-in” originated. </span></span></span>\n<ul>\n	<li><span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">KEYBOARD<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/keyboard.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3464\" alt=\"keyboard\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/keyboard.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></span></span></span></li>\n</ul>\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">Keyboards play a major role in modern communication. The  keyboard is called \"QWERTY\" because those six letters appear in the upper left-hand row. Christopher Sholes, the inventor of the typewriter and of the QWERTY setup, allegedly separated commonly used letters to slow down typists. Otherwise typing too fast would jam the machine. For more ergonomic or speedy setups, you should opt for alternative keyboard arrangements such as Dvorak, Colemak, or Capewell.</span></span></span>\n<p style=\"text-align:left;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">I discovered I’ve used all these writing instruments at one time or another. </span></span></span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">How about you?</span></span></span></p>','Writing Instruments - One Word Wednesday','','publish','open','open','','writing-instruments-one-word-wednesday','','','2013-08-28 06:44:37','2013-08-28 11:44:37','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3458',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3470,1,'2013-09-06 07:06:11','2013-09-06 12:06:11','<p align=\"center\"><i>A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</i></p>\nThe first thing I saw when walking out to get eggs last week was a chicken’s head coming up out of an empty bee hive box like a Jack-in-the-box.\n\nI guess you could call it a “Hen-in-a-hive.”\n\nOf course, I didn’t have my phone/camera with me, and I was unable to coax her back into the hive when I came back out with a camera.\n\nThe next day when I went out to get the eggs, I carried my phone. I asked for volunteers, but no one raised their wing.\n\nI didn\'t worry. I knew eventually the hen would be going back in the hive because every day there is at least one egg in there.<img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3471\" alt=\"eggs in hive\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/eggs-in-hive.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"84\" />\n\nIt is always a white egg, which means it came from a white chicken.\n\nLest you think you understand chickens and eggs, green eggs do not come from green chickens nor do blue eggs come from blue chickens. Color coordination only works with the white eggs and white leghorn hens.\n\nSpeaking of the white leghorn hen, you may remember this is the hen who took us on the great <a href=\"http://wp.me/p1tg5L-Qz\" target=\"_blank\">“Chicken Hunt.”</a> That’s why I was unable to catch her to put her in the hive for a picture. She’s the escape artist!\n\nThen yesterday I saw her head coming out of the hive again.  This time I ran inside to get my phone.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen-in-hive.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3472\" alt=\"hen in hive\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/hen-in-hive.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"84\" /></a>Poor thing! She’s one confused hen.\n\nBut as Beekeeper Brian pointed out, at least she is laying her eggs in our yard.','Hen in a Hive - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','hen-in-a-hive-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-09-06 07:06:11','2013-09-06 12:06:11','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3470',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3476,1,'2013-09-02 06:39:28','2013-09-02 11:39:28','If you’ve read my blog for long, you know I like to celebrate holidays with facts and vintage cards.\n\nFirst the facts…\n\nThe first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885, Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country with parades and speeches.\n\nIn 1894, it became an official federal holiday.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/imagescafufznj.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3488\" alt=\"imagesCAFUFZNJ\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/imagescafufznj.jpg\" width=\"270\" height=\"186\" /></a>\n\nNow the cards…\n\nAll celebrate what today is truly about—honoring the workers of American.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/card1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3478\" alt=\"card1\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/card1.jpg?w=96\" width=\"96\" height=\"150\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/card2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3479\" alt=\"card2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/card2.jpg?w=103\" width=\"103\" height=\"150\" /></a><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/card3.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3480\" alt=\"card3\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/card3.jpg?w=103\" width=\"103\" height=\"150\" /></a></p>\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/card4.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3481\" alt=\"card4\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/card4.jpg\" width=\"259\" height=\"194\" /></a>\n\nLabor Day doesn’t have speeches and parades so much anymore. Today we think of Labor Day as the end of summer, a day of no labor.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/labor16.gif\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-3486\" alt=\"labor16\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/labor16.gif?w=146\" width=\"146\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nWork is good, but play is also important. I leave you with this great quote.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/quote.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3482\" alt=\"quote\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/quote.jpg\" width=\"483\" height=\"104\" /></a>\n\nNow, pick your rainbow color, grab a hot dog, and <strong>SLIDE</strong>!','It’s Labor Day - Celebrate','','publish','open','open','','its-labor-day-celebrate','','','2013-09-02 06:39:28','2013-09-02 11:39:28','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3476',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3495,1,'2013-09-04 06:20:26','2013-09-04 11:20:26','<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">I found blueberries leftover from our Labor Day picnic shoved back into the recesses of my refrigerator. </span></span></span><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/fresh-bbs.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3497\" alt=\"fresh bbs\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/fresh-bbs.jpg?w=225\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">I couldn’t let them go to waste. </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">So I dug out my recipe box. </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/recipe1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3498\" alt=\"recipe\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/recipe1.jpg?w=112\" width=\"112\" height=\"150\" /></a></span><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\"><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">Yep, that’s the bear firecrackers you see in the basket on the table. We\'re ready if Mr. Bear 2013 comes again.</span></span></span></span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\"><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">The overstuffed recipe notebook and file box hold some very old recipes</span></span></span>.  I</span></span></span><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\"> leafed through cobblers, pies, and coffee cakes among the vintage recipes. Some handwritten from family and friends that are now in Heaven. Nothing appealed to me until I found a recipe that called Lemony Raisin Bars and wondered what it would taste like with blueberries. </span></span></span><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">I thought why not!</span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">I mixed the base/crust. Yummy oats and walnuts. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/bb-dough.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3499\" alt=\"bb dough\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/bb-dough.jpg?w=112\" width=\"112\" height=\"150\" /></a></span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">Then mashed the mixture into a 9x12 pan.</span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/ready-to-bake.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3500\" alt=\"ready to bake\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/ready-to-bake.jpg?w=112\" width=\"112\" height=\"150\" /></a></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">Next, I prepared the sauce—heated condensed milk and lemon juice. Also yummy but less healthy, I realize. </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/mixing-sauce.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3501\" alt=\"mixing sauce\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/mixing-sauce.jpg?w=112\" width=\"112\" height=\"150\" /></a></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">I stirred the sauce over the blueberries.  </span></span></span>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/bb-in-sauce.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3502\" alt=\"bb in sauce\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/bb-in-sauce.jpg?w=143\" width=\"143\" height=\"150\" /></a><span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\">Then p</span><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">oured the blueberry sauce over the crust, topped with remaining oats and walnut mixture, and baked for thirty minutes at 375 degrees. </span></span></span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/finished.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-3503\" alt=\"finished\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/finished.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></span><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\"><strong>Je l’ai!</strong> </span></span></span></p>\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">A lovely blueberry dessert that is somewhat healthy and tastes delicious topped with homemade ice cream. </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">Here’s the full <em>original recipe</em> if you want to try it:</span></span></span>\n<p align=\"center\"><b><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Times New Roman;\">Lemony Raisin Bars</span></span></span></b></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify;\" align=\"center\"><b>Ingredients:</b></p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify;\" align=\"center\">2 cups raisins (I use Craisins or the blueberries did turn out good)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align:justify;\" align=\"center\">1 can (14-oz.) sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)</p>\n1 tablespoon lemon juice\n\n1 tablespoon grated lemon zest\n\n1 cup butter or margarine\n\n1-1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar\n\n1/1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract\n\n1 cup all-purpose flour\n\n1/2 teaspoon baking soda\n\n1/4 teaspoon salt\n\n1-1/2 cups oats\n\n1 cup chopped walnuts\n\n<b>Directions:</b>\n\nHEAT oven to 375 F\n\n1. In saucepan, COMBINE raisins/Craisins [do not combine blueberries they’ll cook up soft], sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and lemon rind.\n\nCOOK and stir over medium heat just until bubbly. Cool slightly.\n\n2. In bowl, COMBINE butter, brown sugar, and vanilla; beat well. ADD flour, baking soda, and salt; mix well. Stir in oats and walnuts.\n\n3. RESERVE 3/4 cups of the combined oat mixture for topping.\n\n4. PRESS remaining mixture into 13x9-inch greased pan.\n\n5. SPREAD raisin/Craisins/blueberry mixture to within 1/2 inch of edges.\n\n6. SPRINKLE with reserved oat mixture; press lightly.\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\">Now, if you find fresh blueberries hiding in your refrigerator, you have options!</span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>\n\n<span style=\"color:#000000;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:medium;\"> </span>','Blueberries - One word Wednesday','','publish','open','open','','blueberries-one-word-wednesday','','','2013-09-04 06:20:26','2013-09-04 11:20:26','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3495',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3515,1,'2013-09-09 06:07:50','2013-09-09 11:07:50','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/emotions.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3516\" alt=\"emotions\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/emotions.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>\n\nYears after something happens, whether we were part of the event or not, we recall and react.\n\nI sent out a questionnaire to friends and family asking them to recall dates that spark memories. The responses were surprising and predictable at the same time. Dates and events in the list below appeared multiple times.\n<ul>\n	<li>December 7, 1941               Pearl Harbor</li>\n	<li>November 25, 1963            Kennedy Assassination</li>\n	<li>August 22, 1966                  <a href=\"http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/mass/whitman/index_1.html\" target=\"_blank\">Charles Whitman shooting from University of Texas Tower</a></li>\n	<li>April 04, 1968                     MLK Assassination</li>\n	<li>January 28, 1986                Challenger Explosion</li>\n	<li>November 9, 1989             Fall of Berlin Wall</li>\n	<li>August 31, 1997                 <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Diana,_Princess_of_Wales\" target=\"_blank\">Princess Di dies in car accident</a></li>\n	<li>April 20, 1999                   <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbine_High_School_massacre\" target=\"_blank\">Columbine High School CO shootings</a></li>\n</ul>\nThese two only appeared on one responder’s list and reading the dates jogged my memory.\n<ul>\n	<li>October 14, 1987           <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_McClure\" target=\"_blank\">Baby Jessica falling down the well in TX</a></li>\n	<li>February 1, 1991            Start of  Iraq War and the protests</li>\n</ul>\nAnother responder labeled their list: “<em>Things not ingrained by exact date, but by what they were.”</em>\n\nThe list included:  Branch Davidian Complex Raid; Last Episode of MASH; Sandy Hook; Gabby Gifford’s’ shooting; the non-concession speech of Al Gore in 2000; the election of Obama (#1); the eventual concession of Gore in 2000; The Lewinski stuff with Clinton; The OJ Trial; The Ellen Show where her character ‘came out\n\nA thought provoking list that brought back memories and some strong feelings for me.\n\nAnother responder offered strong memories triggered by thinking about certain dates.\n\n<i>“Nov 22 1963. Kennedy assassination. I was working in the music dept on UT campus. Someone had a radio on and we heard the news. I ran to student union to watch it on TV. Later I went home and worked on a theme (book report) that was due on the \"Heart of Darkness\" by Joseph Conrad. Mournful weekend.” </i><i> </i>\n\n<i>“9-11-01. Home drinking coffee in our sun room with news on TV. Watched second plane hit towers. Didn\'t turn off TV for days.\"</i><i> </i>\n\n<i>“August 22 1966. Charles Whitman shooting from tower. I was in Dallas on job interview, but hadn\'t moved from Austin yet. Heard on radio. Not sure if it was Aug. 22 or 26. I didn\'t know my husband then but he was on campus and took shelter in the student union. I recalled that at that time of day I would have been walking right across the mall for lunch, but I had taken that day off to go to Dallas.”</i>\n\nI\'ve coined a phrase to define times that linger in our memories and by simple recall produce an emotional reaction.\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong><em>TRIGGER DATES</em> </strong></p>\nAs fiction writers, we must use trigger dates in our writing a way that our readers experience our characters’ fear and feel joy and become angry or excited and know grief. Readers should laugh and cry, shiver and rage. All from reading our story.\n\nWhy do we need to write for emotional impact?\n\nTwo BIG reasons: So readers will remember our characters and come back again and again. So readers recommend our stories or  write positive reviews for our novels.\n\nHow does a writer write for emotional impact? I offer five ways:\n<ol start=\"1\">\n	<li><b>Through Character <i>action</i> <i>and response </i></b></li>\n</ol>\nNo <i>reporting</i> a character is afraid or giddy or grieving. <span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Show</span> through the character’s <i>actions</i>.\n<ol start=\"2\">\n	<li><b>Create a sympathetic character </b></li>\n</ol>\nAs a story evolves, the reader must know and relate to the characters. If you put the reader in the character’s place, the reader will experience a physical response—laughter or tears or shivers—as if whatever happened to your character has actually happened to them.\n<ol start=\"3\">\n	<li><b>Write conflict into every scene</b></li>\n</ol>\nDon’t be afraid of killing off someone close to your main characters or taking away something else dear to them. This is fiction; you’re not really hurting someone if you do mean things to your characters. When characters are agitated, readers will be too.\n<ol start=\"4\">\n	<li><b>Choose words to evoke emotion</b>.</li>\n</ol>\nWords are our <i>trigger dates. </i>Use harsh or sharp words for the harsher emotions, soft-sounding and soft-meaning words for gentle emotions.\n<ol start=\"5\">\n	<li><b>Use sensory details to immerse readers in the reality of the scene</b>.</li>\n</ol>\nWhat can your character hear and smell? What does a change in sight or sound mean? Using all the senses puts your reader there in the story.\n\n<b>YOUR TURN</b>: Did reading the Trigger Date list stir emotions for you? If you’re a writer, how do you trigger your reader’s emotions?','Dates Trigger Emotions So Should Your Writing:  5 Ways to Write for Emotional Impact','','publish','open','open','','dates-trigger-emotions-so-should-your-writing-5-ways-to-write-for-emotional-impact','','','2013-09-09 06:07:50','2013-09-09 11:07:50','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3515',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3526,1,'2013-09-13 06:09:17','2013-09-13 11:09:17','<p align=\"center\"><em><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">A blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</span></span></span></em></p><p><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/istock_000009885148medium.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3530\" alt=\"Thinking\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/istock_000009885148medium.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a>The Miller Farm reached a milestone this summer – we now have 5 drivers and 5 cars which would be fine if we actually lived on a farm with lots of room.  We actually live on a busy street in the middle of town.  There were many mornings this summer when everyone was home that we played “musical cars.”  </span></span></span></p><p><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">Fortunately for the neighbors, unfortunately for the parents, the whole family is seldom at home simultaneously.</span></span></span></p><p><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">Our oldest daughter’s car, named <em>Pepe</em>, started having problems.  We sent her back to school with a more reliable car and planned to get hers fixed.  </span></span></span></p><p><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">I didn’t mind driving <em>Pepe</em>, even if it meant coaxing <em>Pepe</em> into starting at times.  It did make trips to the grocery store a little challenging.  I usually park in the same spot each Monday when I shop.  </span></span></span></p><p><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">One week, however, someone was in my spot.  Apparently they didn’t get the memo.  </span></span></span></p><p><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">Anyway, I was in <em>Pepe</em> and in a different spot, which meant I had to remember where I parked the car.  That\'s pretty much the hardest question of every day for me.</span></span></span></p><p><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">I texted my husband and told him if I wasn’t home in two hours to send out a search party.</span></span></span></p><p><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\"><em>Pepe</em> finally reached a point where he needed mechanical attention.  We took him to our friend to do the work and our friend loaned us a car to use.  This family has small children and seeing the doll shoe in the back seat and the waffle fry on the floor reminds me of days long gone.  </span></span></span></p><p><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">I took this borrowed car to the feed store today to get quail food.  The procedure at the feed store is to go inside to the counter and place your order.  The order is sent to the warehouse and then brought to your car.  </span></span></span></p><p><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">The clerk at the counter always asks “What are you driving today?”  Another hard question for me to answer some days. I was very proud of myself for being able to answer that question correctly the first time.</span></span></span></p><p><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">I’ve seen advertisements for computer programs that are basically brain puzzles.  They are supposed to exercise your brain and improve your memory.  I \'ve decided my brain gets enough exercise just living day to day on Miller Farm.</span></span></span></p>','Hardest Question of the Day - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','hardest-question-of-the-day-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-09-13 06:09:17','2013-09-13 11:09:17','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3526',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3535,1,'2013-09-11 06:28:18','2013-09-11 11:28:18','If you read <a href=\"http://wp.me/p1tg5L-UH\" target=\"_blank\">Monday\'s blog</a>, you recognize today\'s word:\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">TRIGGER DATE</p>\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/05-1979-world-trade-center-pix.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3541\" alt=\"05-1979 World Trade Center pix\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/05-1979-world-trade-center-pix.jpg?w=243\" width=\"243\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'m sure today\'s date will trigger memories for you like it does for me.\n\nMy husband worked in the New York City for many years.\n\nOur photo albums are filled with pictures of our many trips into the city.\n\nNone of our pictures can erase the scenes from what happened on September 11, 2001. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/towers-burning.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-3538\" alt=\"towers burning\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/towers-burning.jpg?w=129\" width=\"129\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nTo those who lost so much on that day I send Abraham Lincoln\'s words:\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/patriotic_memorium-9-11.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3540\" alt=\"patriotic_memorium 9-11\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/patriotic_memorium-9-11.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"174\" /></a></p>','9-11','','publish','open','open','','9-11','','','2013-09-11 06:28:18','2013-09-11 11:28:18','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3535',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3556,1,'2013-09-20 06:15:51','2013-09-20 11:15:51','<p align=\"center\"><i><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">A guest blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</span></span></span></i></p>\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">Monday was a little hectic on Miller Farm. I didn’t have time to get the chickens food and water before I had to be at school to play for Chapel so I just let them out. </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">When I got home an hour later, I went out to fill water jugs and check on the food status. Of course, all the dachshunds went out with me.  </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">Tucker brings his ball out for me to throw as I carry water. Sadie looks for lizards and Coco just follows me around.  Bella, on the other hand, finds other ways to occupy herself.</span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\"> I caught her “playing” with one of our Dr. Seuss birds, but alas, I was too late to rescue it.  </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">As I disposed of the body, I couldn’t really fuss at Bella. The chickens have been warned not to come over the fence.</span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">I went in to start laundry. I guess Bella felt a little guilty. She decided to “help” me.</span></span></span>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/bella-in-the-basket.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3559\" alt=\"Bella in the basket\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/bella-in-the-basket.png?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a><span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">How could I be mad at that face!  </span></span></span></p>\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">I sent the picture to Rachel and told her about the reduction in the chicken flock. Her response was “Well it shouldn’t have flown over the fence.  Plus this means I can hatch more!” </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">I told her we still had a billion. She reminded me of chicken math – where for every chicken you lose you have to have at least four more to replace it in case one or more dies or turns out to be a rooster.  </span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">I texted her “I’m not listening nananana.”  Fortunately, she is off at college and can’t really hatch chickens right now anyway.</span></span></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri;\">Our flock will remain as is unless, of course, some other chicken who didn’t witness the demise of the gray Dr. Seuss bird and decides to fly over the fence.</span></span></span>','Miller Farm Friday: Bella – 1, Chicken Wrangler Sara – 0','','publish','open','open','','miller-farm-friday-bella-1-chicken-wrangler-sara-0','','','2013-09-20 06:15:51','2013-09-20 11:15:51','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3556',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3562,1,'2013-09-23 06:55:04','2013-09-23 11:55:04','<span style=\"color: #000000;\">A writing career is different from other occupations. A writer has to make up their route to success. There’s no policy and procedure manual, no checklist for success. What to do and how to do it is solely up to the individual author.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Each day brings unchartered waters especially in the current, ever-changing face of publishing. </span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are good days and bad. Success and rejections. The emotional wave is like a roller coaster ride. Up one day. Downhill fast the next.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">More than any other job, at least as far as jobs I\'ve ever had go, writers control their destiny. At the same time writers can become their own worst enemy.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">By that, I mean we tend to sabotage our success.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/1970-pogoposter.gif\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3564\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/1970-pogoposter.gif?w=206\" alt=\"1970-pogoposter\" width=\"206\" height=\"300\" /></span></a>Or, in the immortal words of POGO, “We meet the enemy and it is us!”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Not familiar with Pogo Possum?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a href=\"http://www.okeswamp.com/your-visit/pogo-and-walt-kelly\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">He’s the anthropomorphic comic strip animal created by Walt Kelly in 1948</span></a></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The poster pictured on the left was created by Mr. Kelly for the first Earth Day in 1971. To read the more about POGO and Walt Kelly, click<a href=\"http://www.britannica.com/biography/Walt-Kelly\" target=\"_blank\"> here</a>. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Why do I believe POGO writers can be their own worst enemy? </span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I see signs, and I\'ve seen writers exhibiting these characteristics fail. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>You\'re a POGO writer if...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">1.You spend too much time and energy focused on mimicking the writing and style of some other author.</span></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">We’re spinning our wheels and wasting our words when we do this.  The publishing world already has Janet Evanovich, J.K. Rowling, Steven King, and Nora Roberts. Their success is their success. You can’t copy and get there! Every writer has his own path to carve.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">2. You obsess with following THE RULES.</span></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Don’t get me wrong. THE RULES are important.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Once you understand the basics—things like POV, dialogue, setting, character, plot, theme, etc., you have to trust your instincts and what works for <b>your</b> story.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Rules are very important guidelines. Writing, on the other hand, is an art form that entails experimentation, innovation, and expansion. Don’t be so hung up on THE RULES you lose your own sense of story.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">3. You buy into every new way to write or plot that a writing expert suggests.</span></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Learning craft, studying writing experts is important. I\'m not arguing it\'s not necessary to study the craft of writing. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Heaven knows I’ve spent a fortune learning from some of the top teachers in writing craft, and I improved my writing skills by leaps and bounds.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">I\'ve also learned that all the classes and workshops in the world are wasted if I’m not producing.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">More importantly, I realize that writing experts don’t always know what’s right for <i>me or my writing process</i>. Once you find <em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">the</span></em> process that works best with your personality and lifestyle, you need to stick with it. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Btw, if you\'re interested, I’d be delighted to share the names of those experts I highly recommend, just email me. </span>\r\n\r\n<strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">4. You\'re unable to take criticism or believe everything anyone says about your story.</span></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Either of these positions can be fatal. Critiques and reviews are an essential part of every writer\'s life.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">No denying bad critiques or reviews hurt. Surviving a brutal criticism or review of your work definitely isn’t for the fainthearted. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">You have to develop an elephant hide and learn to weigh the opinions expressed for exactly what they’re worth then make up your own mind. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">It is YOUR story, after all.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Strong writers survive…and often produce better stories from hard critiques or bad reviews.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">5. You\'re not writing.</span></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">This sign is the most telling of all. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Who doesn\'t struggle with the procrastination parasite from time to time? </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">But a successful writing career requires disciple and focus. Whether moved by the muse or not, a professional goes to the keyboard or grabs a pencil every day.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">I know what you\'re thinking. Authors have to promote and develop reader relationships, which cuts into writing time. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Very true, but </span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I would argue that the key to gaining recognition and readership (<em>aka success</em>) is writing the next story.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Do you recognize POGO writer signs in yourself? If so, now that you know, you can defeat the enemy. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Close this browse and get back to writing! </span></span>','Are you a Pogo Writer?','','publish','open','open','','are-you-a-pogo-writer','','','2016-02-05 15:44:31','2016-02-05 22:44:31','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3562',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3586,1,'2013-09-25 06:21:37','2013-09-25 11:21:37','[caption id=\"attachment_3587\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"500\"]<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/harvest-moon-deer-ireland.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-3587\" alt=\"SOURCE: http://www.space.com/22882-harvest-moon-photos-september-full-moon-2013.html\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/harvest-moon-deer-ireland.jpg?w=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"312\" /></a> SOURCE: http://www.space.com/22882-harvest-moon-photos-september-full-moon-2013.html[/caption]\n\nAnthony Lynch snapped this photo of the 2013 Harvest Moon at Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland. Lovely isn\'t it?\n\nThis year’s Harvest Moon arrived on my birthday September 18. The lunar orb lit the night and continued to be awesome for days, which led to some research on the moon.\n\nHere’s what I learned:\n<ul>\n	<li>The moon rises on average 50 minutes later everyday as the year moves on. The Harvest Moon rises only 30 minutes later. The earlier rise offers more light.</li>\n	<li>The full moon that rises closest to the autumnal equinox — this year\'s official start of autumn was September 22 — is called the Harvest Moon.</li>\n	<li><a href=\"http://earthsky.org/space/harvest-moon-2\" target=\"_blank\">The name Harvest probably sprang </a>from  the lips of farmers because, in the days before tractor lights, the lamp of the Harvest Moon helped farmers to gather their crops, despite the diminishing daylight hours. As the sun’s light faded in the west, the moon would soon rise in the east to      illuminate the fields throughout the night.</li>\n	<li>Nora Bayes\' and Jack Norworth\'s 1903 song titled <em>Shine On Harvest Moon</em> popularized the name. Here’s a great clip of Laurel and Hardy singing and dancing to the tune from their 1939 movie \"Flying Deuces.\"</li>\n</ul>\n[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuxxFG9l1Q8&amp;w=420&amp;h=315]\n\nA Harvest Moon is not truly bigger, brighter, or more pumpkin-colored than other full moons. It just appears to be.\n\n<a href=\"http://moon.nasa.gov/feature-display.cfm?ST_ID=2330\">NASA\'s Dr. Tony Phillips</a> explains why: “For reasons not fully understood by astronomers or psychologists, a low-hanging Moon appears much wider than it really is. A Harvest Moon inflated by the moon illusion is simply gorgeous. The view improves as the night wears on.”\n\nI captured the Harvest Moon with my camera. <a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/myharvest-moon.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3592\" alt=\"???????????????????????????????\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/myharvest-moon.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"151\" /></a>\n\nNot so great, but you can see some fabulous pictures <a href=\"http://blog.flickr.net/2013/09/23/harvest-moon-2013/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.\n\nAll these pictures make me think a Harvest Moon would be great setting for a romance scene.\n\nWhat do you think?','HARVEST MOON - One Word Wednesday','','publish','open','open','','harvest-moon-one-word-wednesday','','','2013-09-25 06:21:37','2013-09-25 11:21:37','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3586',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3597,1,'2013-10-02 06:17:56','2013-10-02 11:17:56','Recently I came across this fabulous chart of colorful idioms on <a href=\"http://www.grammar.net/colorfulidioms\" target=\"_blank\">Grammar.net</a> Great site, btw,  if you\'re grammatically challenged like me.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/10-colour-idioms_big-01.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-3602\" alt=\"10-colour-idioms_big-01\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/10-colour-idioms_big-01.png\" width=\"500\" height=\"1857\" /></a>\n\nTechnically, an <a href=\"http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/idiom?s=t\" target=\"_blank\">idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally</a>. Languages are loaded with idioms.\n\nThe expressions are global and the same idiom can have a very different meaning in a different country. In Finnish, “<i>with long teeth</i>” means you are doing something that you really don’t want to do. Same phrase in French, “<i>to have long teeth</i>” means you are ambitious.\n\nGroups of people with shared/common interests have their own idioms. Think about these examples from music and drama:\n<ul>\n	<li>“It’s not over ‘till the fat lady sings.”</li>\n	<li>“Break a leg”</li>\n	<li>“It takes two to tango”</li>\n</ul>\nWhen I taught English as a Second Language, idioms challenged my  students. Common idioms, like the examples below, were easy to teach.\n<ul>\n	<li>A chip on your shoulder</li>\n	<li>High as a kite</li>\n	<li>Sick as a  dog</li>\n	<li>Rub someone the wrong way</li>\n	<li>Jump the gun</li>\n	<li>Pay the piper</li>\n</ul>\nWhen the students conversed with their fellow native speaking friends, other not so common expressions managed to stump them.\n\nSigning idioms when I was interpreting for the deaf was a tough call, too. I had to know what the speaker meant. Sometimes I didn’t!\n\nUsually it’s easy to pick up the meaning from the context of the conversation or non-verbal gestures. Sometimes it’s best to ask exactly what the speaker means.\n\nIf you\'re not sure what the idiom examples I\'ve used mean, here’s a site that defines common idioms: <a href=\"http://www.idiomsite.com/\">http://www.idiomsite.com/</a>\n\nIdioms can complicate speaking and writing. I advise using them sparingly…unless your meaning is clear!','One Word Wednesday - Idioms','','publish','open','open','','one-word-wednesday-idioms','','','2013-10-02 06:17:56','2013-10-02 11:17:56','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3597',0,'post','',2);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3611,1,'2013-10-04 06:06:52','2013-10-04 11:06:52','<p align=\"center\"><em>A guest blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\nIce cream was on sale at the store last week. I walked by the freezer without even slowing down.\n\nI was so proud. Then I passed a second display – not fair.\n\nThe featured ice cream was “Texans Tackle Crackle.” The carton resembled a football and, although I am not a huge football fan, the name intrigued me.\n\nI bought ice cream – and ice cream cones. It is very good ice cream. Vanilla with chocolate swirls and something crunchy – I’m guessing it is the “crackle.”\n\nThis got me thinking about names.\n\nNot all of our chickens have names – which is good since we have thirty or so chickens. Only the ones with distinguishing characteristics have names. For example, Frizz.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/frizz.png\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3613\" alt=\"FRIZZ\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/frizz.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"118\" /></a>She is a frizzle chicken who has quite an attitude. She needs to have a name – she has earned it by her tenacity among the bigger birds.\n\nThen we have Crooked Neck so named for obvious reasons.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/crooked-2.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3617\" alt=\"CROOKED-2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/crooked-2.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"129\" /></a>\n\nWe had one named Hurt Foot for equally obvious reasons but she died. We don’t believe the death was at all related to the hurt foot.\n\nSamson is our rooster with very long feathers.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/samson.png\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3618\" alt=\"samson\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/samson.png?w=109\" width=\"109\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nIn case you aren’t familiar with the story, Samson was an Old Testament judge who never cut his hair as part of a vow to God. He was known for his strength among other less desirable traits.\n\nNames can describe something as is the case with our chickens.\n\nNames can also create a sense of curiosity like the Texans Tackle Crackle Ice Cream.\n\nSo what’s in a name? A lot more than you might think.','What’s In a Name? - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','whats-in-a-name-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-10-04 06:06:52','2013-10-04 11:06:52','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3611',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3622,1,'2013-09-30 06:04:56','2013-09-30 11:04:56','We moved to Colorado to escape the rush, rush of living in a large urban metropolis. We wanted quiet so I could write more. My husband wanted to be able work on his master\'s degree.\n\nWe found that quiet in our little town of 377.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/productivity.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3635\" alt=\"productivity\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/productivity.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>\n\nSo why hasn’t my productivity increased?\n\nBecause urban living wasn’t what was eating my writing time.\n\nIn this fascinating article “<a href=\"http://janefriedman.com/2013/09/20/disarm-technology-and-hype/\" target=\"_blank\">A Call to Disarm Technology &amp; Hype (And Boost Your Writing Productivity)”</a>,  the blog writer, <a title=\"Posts by L.L. Barkat\" href=\"http://janefriedman.com/author/llbarkat/\">L.L. Barkat</a>, suggests the internet and other technology keep us on an “insanely high alert” that ultimately kills our productivity.\n\nBarkat believes “when you let yourself get carried away by the high-alert cycle and give in to its constant interruptions, you lose 10 IQ points in each interruption moment (“the equivalent of not sleeping for thirty-six hours—or double the impact of smoking marijuana”), and it takes you about twenty-five minutes to fully return to your original project.”\n\nAll I can say is he\'s describing me.\n\nEvery notice of new posts from FB, Goodreads, or Twitter and computer alert to new email draws my attention. I end up attending to everything and accomplish nothing. I can\'t seem to stop the innate sense that I must know what’s going on!\n\nI’ve come up with three ways to “commit to stopping the hype\" as Barkat  suggests:\n<h1><span style=\"color:#00ff00;\">Create Quiet</span></h1>\nWhen I start to write, I turn off my cell phone, no email, no social media, no internet cruising. Cold turkey! Just my desktop that has no internet hook up and me alone in my office.\n\nPeace and quiet and the words flow.\n<h1><span style=\"color:#00ff00;\">Curtail Social Media</span></h1>\nI’m not saying I abandon social media. I’m saying I control social media. Social media is not controlling me.\n\nFollowing <a href=\"http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2013/09/frances-caballo-2/\" target=\"_blank\">Frances Caballo’s advice </a>on how to eliminate the unintentional hours of wasted time on social media. I’ve set a timer, limiting my social media time. I now use Tweetdeck and HootSuite to schedule tweets and updates. I plan for specific times to socialize via social media like waiting at doctor\'s offices, and I  routinely analyze how effective social media is for my platform building.\n\nWhat’s not working, I eliminate. Take that social media!\n<h1><span style=\"color:#00ff00;\">Clock writing time</span></h1>\nI\'ve developed a spreadsheet to keep track of my writing hours. Now, just like a server at McDonald’s, I clock in and out.\n\nFirst week was a real shocker. Too many days with no clock-ins. If I worked at Mickey D’s, I’d be fired.\n\nNow it’s BICW…Butt In Chair Writing. Every day. No matter what. I clock a minimum of three hours per day.\n\nAmazing how my productivity has improved.\n\nYou may or may not agree with Barkat\'s premise, but I believe using my three C\'s can increase your writing productivity.\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN: Has technology adversely affected your writing productivity?</strong>','3 C\'s to Increase your Writing Productivity','','publish','open','open','','3-cs-to-increase-your-writing-productivity','','','2013-09-30 06:04:56','2013-09-30 11:04:56','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3622',0,'post','',4);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3642,1,'2013-10-11 06:06:01','2013-10-11 11:06:01','<p align=\"center\"><i>A guest blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</i></p>\nIt rained off and on all Saturday night. I had to be at church early Sunday morning so I went to let the chickens out before the sun came up.\n\nThis is what I found:\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/bird-in-coop.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3644\" alt=\"bird in coop\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/bird-in-coop.png?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"271\" /></a>\n\nA small bird had shared the coop with the chickens during the rain.  The chickens didn’t seem to mind.\n\nIt reminded me of a song – of course.\n\nThis song has no words. It is an orchestral piece entitled “Aviary” from Camille Saint Saens: Carnival of Animals.\n\nHere’s Aviary for those who have never heard it.\n\n[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFJf3rHd69c&amp;w=560&amp;h=315]\n\nI use the piece in my elementary music classes when I talk about music being high or low. And, every time I have to explain “aviary” is another name for a large birdhouse.\n\nI didn’t realize it could also be a chicken coop.','Chicken Coop or Aviary? - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','chicken-coop-or-aviary-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-10-11 06:06:01','2013-10-11 11:06:01','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3642',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3650,1,'2013-10-14 06:01:08','2013-10-14 11:01:08','On this day in 1492, one of the sailors on the <i>Pinta</i> sighted land, an island in the Bahamas, after 10 weeks of sailing from Palos, Spain, with the <i>Santa María</i>, the <i>Pinta</i>, and the <i>Niña</i>.\n\nThe Italian explorer Christopher Columbus believed he’d reached East Asia. He sighted Cuba and thought it was China, and when the expedition landed on Hispaniola, he thought he’d found Japan.\n\nColumbus Day has been celebrated since the 18th century, but only became a U.S. federal holiday in 1937. Interesting that Hawaii, Alaska, and South Dakota don’t recognize the holiday.\n\nMany celebrate Italian-American heritage on Columbus Day.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_3652\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/christopher-columbus-statue.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3652\" alt=\"statue of Christopher Columbus in Lavagna, Genova, Italy. \" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/christopher-columbus-statue.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a> Statue of Christopher Columbus                           Lavagna, Genova, Italy[/caption]\n\nColumbus\'s contribution to world history was introducing Europeans to the New World, which led to cultural exchange, commerce, and exploration, and eventually to the discovery of the real westward route to the Indies.\n\nBut Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have also generated controversy.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2274/where-does-that-1492-ocean-blue-thing-about-columbus-come-from\" target=\"_blank\">Many argue</a> that Europeans got land, slaves, and gold, while the aboriginals were dispossessed, enslaved, and infected.\n\nProtests of Columbus Day celebrations resulted in the creation of <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_People%27s_Day\" target=\"_blank\">Indigenous People\'s Day</a> in the 1990s, which coincides with Columbus Day.\n\nWhen I think of Columbus Day, I think of the jingle I learned in school to remember the man\'s accomplishment.\n<p align=\"center\"><i>Christopher Columbus sailed in the ocean blue in 1492.</i></p>\nTurns out that’s only the beginning line of a much longer poem by <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winifred_Sackville_Stoner,_Jr.\" target=\"_blank\">Winifred Sackville Stoner, Jr</a>., who was known for poems, rhymes, and mnemonic jingles to aid in the recollection of information.\n\nCurious, I looked up the complete poem published in the anthology <i>Yankee Doodles: A Book of American Verse</i>, edited by Ted Malone and published in 1943 by Whittlesey House (NY and London).\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://buntingwhiterock.blogspot.com/2009/06/winifred-sackville-stoner-jr-poem.html\" target=\"_blank\">“The History of The U.S.” by Winifred Sackville Stoner</a></p>\nIn fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue\nAnd found this land, land of the Free, Beloved by you, beloved by me.\n\nAnd in the year sixteen and seven, Good Captain Smith thought he’d reach Heav’n,\nAnd then he founded Jamestown City, Alas, ’tis gone, oh, what a pity.\n\n’Twas in September sixteen nine, WIth ship, Half Moon, a read Dutch sign,\nThat Henry Hudson found the stream, The Hudson River of our dream.\n\nIn sixteen twenty, pilgrims saw Our land that had no unjust law.\nTheir children live here to this day, Proud citizens of U.S.A.\n\nIn sixteen hundred eighty-three, Good William Penn stood ’neath a tree\nAnd swore that unto his life’s end He would be the Indian’s friend.\n\nIn seventeen hundred seventy-five, Good Paul Revere was then alive;\nHe rode like wild throughout the night, And called the Minute Men to fight.\n\nYear seventeen hundred seventy-six, July the fourth, this date please fix\nWithin your minds, my children dear, For that was Independence Year.\n\nIn that same year on a bitter night At Trenton was an awful fight,\nBut by our brave George Washington The battle was at last well won.\n\nTwo other dates in your mind fix—Franklin born in seventeen six,\nAnd Washington first said “Boo-Hoo” In seventeen hundred thirty-two.\n\nIn seventeen hundred seventy-nine, Paul Jones, who was a captain fine,\nGained our first naval victory Fighting on the big, wide sea.\n\nAnd in the year eighteen and four, Lewis and Clark both went before,\nAnd blazed for us the Oregon Trail Where men go now in ease by rail.\n\nIn eighteen hundred and thirteen, On great Lake Erie could be seen\nOur Perry fight the Union Jack And drive it from our shores far back.\n\nIn eighteen hundred and sixty-one, An awful war was then begun\nBetween the brothers of our land, Who now together firmly stand.\n\nIn eighteen hundred sixty-three, Each slave was told that he was free\nBy Lincoln, with whom few compare In being kind and just and fair.\n\nIn eighteen hundred eighty-one, At Panama there was begun\nBy good De Lesseps, wise and great, The big canal, now our ship’s gate.\n\nAt San Juan, eighteen ninety-eight, Our brave Rough Riders lay in wait,\nAnd on the land brought victory, While Dewey won it on the sea.\n\nIn nineteen hundred and fifteen, Was shown a panoramic screen\nAt San Francisco’s wondrous fair; All peoples were invited there.\n\nBut cruel war in that same year Kept strangers from our land o’ cheer,\nAnd nineteen seventeen brought here The war that filled our hearts with fear.\n\nThank God in nineteen eighteen Peace on earth again was seen,\nAnd we are praying that she’ll stay Forever in our U.S.A.\n\nAre you celebrating Columbus Day or Indigenous People\'s Day?\n\nMe, I\'m celebrating both and very thankful that my teachers never made me recite Stoner\'s entire poem!','Columbus Day-More than you may want to know','','publish','open','open','','columbus-day-more-than-you-may-want-to-know','','','2013-10-14 06:01:08','2013-10-14 11:01:08','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3650',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3658,1,'2013-10-07 05:53:27','2013-10-07 10:53:27','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/pink_ribbon_svg.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3659\" alt=\"Pink_ribbon_svg\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/pink_ribbon_svg.png?w=185\" width=\"185\" height=\"300\" /></a>If you’re like me, you have one or more friends or family members who have been affected by breast cancer.\n\nEvery October a nationwide campaign increases awareness of the disease, but myths persist.\n\nBelow are seven such myths and the facts to debunk.\n<h3></h3>\n<h3></h3>\n<h3>MYTH: Finding a lump in your breast = breast cancer.</h3>\n<span style=\"color:#ff33cc;\">The Facts:</span> Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer. However, if you discover a persistent lump in your breast or notice any changes in breast tissue, do NOT ignore. See a physician. He can assess the risk through breast imaging tests.\n<h3>MYTH: Men cannot get breast cancer.</h3>\n<span style=\"color:#ff33cc;\">The Facts:</span> Each year approximately 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 410 will die. Men carry a higher mortality than women do, primarily because awareness among men is less, which causes a delay in seeking treatment.\n<h3>MYTH: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.</h3>\n<span style=\"color:#ff33cc;\"><b>The Facts:</b> </span>A mammogram is the current gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. Breast compression during a mammogram cannot cause cancer to spread. According to the National Cancer Institute, “Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is extremely low.”\n<h3>MYTH: A family history of breast cancer means you are likely to develop breast cancer.</h3>\n<b><span style=\"color:#ff33cc;\">The Facts:</span> </b>A family history of breast cancer places you in a higher risk group, but ten percent of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.\n\nThe Risk Factor Correlations:\n<ul>\n	<li>If you have a mother, daughter, or sister who developed breast cancer below the age of 50, you should consider some form of regular diagnostic breast imaging starting 10 years before the age of your relative’s diagnosis.</li>\n	<li>If you have had a grandmother or aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk increases slightly, but it is not in the same risk category as those who have a first degree relative with breast cancer.</li>\n	<li>If you have multiple generations diagnosed with breast cancer on the same side of the family, or if there are      several individuals who are first degree relatives to one another, or several family members diagnosed under age 50, the probability increases that there is a breast cancer gene contributing to the cause of this familial history.</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>MYTH: Breast cancer is contagious.</h3>\n<span style=\"color:#ff33cc;\"><b>The Facts: </b></span>Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth of mutated cells that begin to spread into other tissues within the breast.\n<h3>MYTH: The gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 detected in your DNA means you will definitely develop breast cancer.</h3>\n<b><span style=\"color:#ff33cc;\">The Facts:</span> </b>According to the National Cancer Institute, “not every woman who has a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation will develop breast and/or ovarian cancer. But, a woman who has inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who does not have such a mutation.”\n<h3>MYTH: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.</h3>\n<b><span style=\"color:#ff33cc;\">The Facts:</span> </b>Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.\n\n<em>Material in this blog from the </em><a href=\"http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast\" target=\"_blank\"><i>National Cancer Institute</i></a><em> and the <a href=\"http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-myths\" target=\"_blank\">National Breast Cancer Organization</a>. </em>\n\n<b>YOUR TURN: </b>\n<ul>\n	<li><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Take charge of your health</span>. Perform routine breast self-exams, get an annual clinical breast exam, and schedule your routine screening mammograms.</li>\n	<li><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Go <span style=\"color:#ff33cc;text-decoration:underline;\">Pink</span> to show your support</span>: Now through October 31, 2013, <a href=\"http://www.cafepress.com/+breast-cancer+gifts?utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_term=Breast%20Cancer&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=Life%20Basics%20Unmodified%20-%20US&amp;utm_content=search-ad\" target=\"_blank\">CafePress</a> is donating 10% from the final purchase price of their breast cancer awareness products.</li>\n	<li><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Give to Breast Cancer Research:</span> Click this link to donate to the <a href=\"http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/\" target=\"_blank\">National Breast Cancer Foundation</a></li>\n</ul>','Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Debunking Some MYTHS','','publish','open','open','','breast-cancer-awareness-month-debunking-myths','','','2013-10-07 05:53:27','2013-10-07 10:53:27','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3658',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3673,1,'2013-10-09 06:25:42','2013-10-09 11:25:42','<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/creative_imagination_background-wide.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3674\" alt=\"creative_imagination_background-wide\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/creative_imagination_background-wide.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"187\" /></a>What is creativity?\n\nBeing creative or artistic doesn’t necessarily mean you know how to draw or play an instrument.\n\nCreativity is a way of thinking, a way of viewing the world.\n\nCreativity requires<a href=\"http://mag.newsweek.com/2010/07/10/the-creativity-crisis.html\" target=\"_blank\"> constant shifting, blender pulses of both divergent thinking and convergent thinking, to combine new information with old and forgotten ideas and produce something original. </a>\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/don-draper.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3676\" alt=\"don-draper\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/don-draper.jpg?w=113\" width=\"113\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nDan Draper of the AMC television series <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mad_Men\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Mad Men</i> </a>portrays a creative.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/istock-creative.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3677\" alt=\"istock creative\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/istock-creative.jpg?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n\nWriters exist in a world of creativity.\n\nConsider Steven Jobs-highly creative. He changed our world.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/steven-jobs.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3678\" alt=\"steven jobs\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/steven-jobs.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"187\" /></a>\n\nDavid B. Goldstein, co-author of \"<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Creative-You-Using-Personality-Thrive/dp/1582703655\" target=\"_hplink\">Creative You: Using Your Personality Type to Thrive</a>,\" maintains every person is creative.\n\n“Contrary to popular belief, no one is born without a creative bone in his or her body, and not all creative types are starving artists. In other words, we’ve all got it, but our personalities play a role in the <em>kind</em> of creative we are, and how we best feed into it.”\n\nCreativity is a function of how your brain works. Creative types use the RIGHT side of their brains more than the LEFT.\n\nClick <a href=\"http://www.wherecreativitygoestoschool.com/vancouver/left_right/rb_test.htm\" target=\"_blank\">HERE</a> for a fun test you can take to find out if your brain is wired for creativity.\n\nOne caution though, according to <em><a title=\"Posts by Barbara O\'Neal\" href=\"http://writerunboxed.com/author/barbara/\">Barbara O\'Neal</a></em>, being a creative person is not easy. <em>From her blog, </em><a title=\"Permanent Link: The Creative Personality\" href=\"http://writerunboxed.com/2013/09/25/the-creative-personality/\">The Creative Personality</a>:\n\n“The mental and personality traits that make it possible to be creative can also be annoying and irritating to the rest of society. Aside from the crime of introversion, creative people are often non-conforming, haughty, brilliant, intense, restless, prickly, with a sense of destiny <a href=\"http://awriterafoot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">(see the whole list here</a>).”\n\nIf your test results show you do operate in the creative right brain...\n\nor you exhibit any of <a href=\"http://www.awriterafoot.com/\">The Traits of Highly Creative Adults</a>, this quote from artist <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Matisse\">Henri Matisse</a> is for you:\n<h1 align=\"center\"><a title=\"view quote\" href=\"http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/h/henrimatis380058.html\">Creativity takes courage.</a></h1>\nNow go be courageous and CREATE.','CREATIVITY – One Word Wednesday','','publish','open','open','','creativity-one-word-wednesda','','','2013-10-09 06:25:42','2013-10-09 11:25:42','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3673',0,'post','',3);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3690,1,'2013-10-18 06:58:33','2013-10-18 11:58:33','<p align=\"center\"><i>A Guest Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</i></p>\nI’m afraid we have a problem with inbreeding in our chicken flock.\n\nThis latest group of recently hatched chickens seems particularly dumb. They do not appear to know the function of the nest boxes.\n\nI thought at first the <a href=\"http://wp.me/p1tg5L-TY\" target=\"_blank\">“hen in a hive” </a>was boycotting the nest boxes and laying her eggs in the abandoned beehive.\n\nHowever, I am finding eggs in a variety of places. For example, on top of the nest boxes.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/on-top-nest-boxes.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3691\" alt=\"on top nest boxes\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/on-top-nest-boxes.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"84\" /></a>No problem.\n\nOut in the yard. Again no problem.<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/eggs-in-yard.png\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3692\" alt=\"eggs in yard\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/eggs-in-yard.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"135\" /></a>\n\nHowever, when they lay their eggs under the quail cage in the quail coop there is a problem.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/quail-rail.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3693\" alt=\"quail rail\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/quail-rail.png?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"275\" /></a>\n\nEggs on the wood rail require some major contortions in order to collect.\n\nThe wood rail going across the coop is where the chickens roost (and poop) at night.  I try very hard not to let any part of me or my clothing touch this rail.  (<a href=\"http://wp.me/p1tg5L-T0\" target=\"_blank\">See previous post on “Fully dressed”</a>)\n\nI can reach over the rail, arching my back as high as possible and stand on my tiptoes and hope I don’t lose my balance.\n\nOr I can crouch low and reach under the rail. The latter method reminds me of a dance – the Limbo.\n\nCollecting eggs these days I’ve decided Miller Farm has its own dance –\n<p style=\"text-align:center;\">the Chicken Coop Limbo.</p>','Chicken Coop Limbo - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','chicken-coop-limbo-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-10-18 06:58:33','2013-10-18 11:58:33','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3690',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3700,1,'2013-10-16 06:24:30','2013-10-16 11:24:30','Okay so that\'s more than one word, but I saw this neat graphic on <a href=\"http://www.writerswrite.com/\" target=\"_blank\">writerswriter.com </a>and had to share.\n\nLiving with a writer is not easy. Or maybe I should say, living with writer me is not easy.\n\nI spend most of my time sequestered away in an imaginary world. My mind is always plotting the next story. I talk about people I\'ve created as though they existed.\n\nIt\'s a different world. A solitary world. I think these tips are useful.  That\'s why I\'m sharing.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/10-tips-for-living-with-a-writer.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3701\" alt=\"10 tips for living with a writer\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/10-tips-for-living-with-a-writer.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"397\" /></a>\n\nMy husband says, from his perspective, #5 is the most critical. In fact, his tip advice would be NEVER interrupt a writer at work...the results are not pleasant. (He\'s learned from experience!)\n\nI’ve heard Nora Roberts say she told her two children during the summer not to interrupt unless there was blood or fire and, when they got older, it had to be arterial blood and an active fire.\n\nIf you have young ones around, Geek Mom offers <a href=\"http://geekmom.com/2011/06/top-ten-reasons-for-interrupting-mom/\" target=\"_blank\">Ten Allowable Reasons for Interrupting Mom</a> Check it out. You\'ll enjoy the creativity.\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN:</strong> Which of these tips would you say is most important? Or what tip would you add?','Tips for Living With a Writer - One Word Wednesday','','publish','open','open','','tips-for-living-with-a-writer-one-word-wednesday','','','2013-10-16 06:24:30','2013-10-16 11:24:30','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3700',0,'post','',1);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3708,1,'2013-10-21 06:57:58','2013-10-21 11:57:58','<a href=\"http://pcmuseum.ca/desktop.asp,\" target=\"_blank\">Personal Computer Museum</a> has designated the third Monday in October as the day to...\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/cydtlogo.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3709\" alt=\"CYDTLogo\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/cydtlogo.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" /></a>\n\nAccording to Forrester Research, there are one BILLION computers in use in the world today.\n\nIf every one of those computers has an average of 10 unused icons on their desktop, that represents a staggering 169 acres of wasted virtual space!\n\nAs you can see, unused icons on my desktop hide half my grandchildren.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/desktop.png\"><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3711\" alt=\"desktop\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/desktop.png?w=150\" width=\"150\" height=\"84\" /></a>I guessing your desktop probably looks a lot like mine.\n\nOr worse.\n\nUnused icons not only clutter, they can show down your computer.\n\nWhether you placed the icons on the desktop for quick access to files or the icons came through program installations, the clutter can be counterproductive. You lose time searching for the icon you want.\n\nSo how do we clean our virtual desktop, reclaim the wasted space, and banish the unused icons?\n\nTina Sieber offers <a href=\"http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-simple-steps-awesome-minimalistic-productive-desktop/\" target=\"_blank\">7 Simple Steps To An Awesome Minimalist Desktop</a>\n\nThere’s also a <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/events/165589570119333/\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook event </a>you can join. You’ll find lots of advice.\n\n<strong>YOUR TURN:</strong> Join me today and let\'s clean our desktops.','Today\'s the day to clean your virtual desktop. Are you?','','publish','open','open','','are-you-cleaning-your-virtual-desktop-today-you-should-be','','','2013-10-21 06:57:58','2013-10-21 11:57:58','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3708',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3720,1,'2013-10-23 06:45:26','2013-10-23 11:45:26','Below are some fascinating facts I uncovered while doing research for a new series where the heroines will be southern belles.\n\nAs defined by the <a title=\"United States Census Bureau\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Census_Bureau\">United States Census Bureau</a>, the Southern region of the United States includes sixteen states\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/censusmap.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3723\" alt=\"Censusmap\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/censusmap.png?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"229\" /></a>\n\nOther terms associated with THE SOUTH:\n\n<b><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Old South</span></b><b> </b>includes the slave states of 1776 (Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina) and/or all the slave states before 1860 (Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas)\n\n<b><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">New South</span></b> used to differentiate states of the slavery-based plantation system during the antebellum period with southern states since 1877. Includes Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware\n\n<b><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Deep South</span></b><b>:</b> those states and areas where things most often thought of as \"Southern\" exist in their most concentrated form. Includes Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina\n\n<span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\"><b>Dixie:</b></span> most commonly associated with the eleven states of the Old Confederacy, which were South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.\n\nI still haven’t decided exactly which southern state to use as the setting, but you can be sure I will be using these delightful characteristics of THE SOUTH throughout the series.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/jodys-plaque2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3726\" alt=\"Jody\'s plaque2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/jodys-plaque2.jpg?w=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"155\" /></a>\n\n<b>YOUR TURN: </b>Did I uncover any facts you didn’t know about THE SOUTH?','THE SOUTH - One Word Wednesday','','publish','open','open','','the-south-one-word-wednesday','','','2013-10-23 06:45:26','2013-10-23 11:45:26','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3720',0,'post','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3731,1,'2013-10-25 06:20:12','2013-10-25 11:20:12','<p align=\"center\"><em>A Guest Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara</em></p>\nWe had two extra dogs last weekend bringing our total to 6.  One of them is a frequent visitor.  He is one of the puppies Sadie had 5 years ago.  A coworker of Brian’s bought the puppy and named him Miller.  Whenever they leave town, the new owners book a room for Miller at the Miller Dog Hotel.\n\nMiller now has a friend living with him named Jengo. Jengo is not a dachshund, but we allowed him to stay anyway.\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/jengo1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3735\" alt=\"Jengo\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/jengo1.jpg?w=300\" width=\"300\" height=\"281\" /></a>\n\nThe guests arrived at about 10:30 on Saturday morning.  Fortunately Rachel was at the house to help me introduce Jengo to the rest of our pack.  Miller considers himself one of us so no introductions were necessary for him.\n\nWhen Rachel and I prepared to leave, poor Jengo was being chased from one end of the kitchen to the other. We tried putting three dogs in kennels, Tucker in the bedroom and leaving Jengo and Miller out in the kitchen.\n\nMiller, who considers Miller Farm his second home, was not thrilled to be sharing kitchen space with Jengo. So for Jengo’s protection, I put a leash on him and loaded him into the car.\n\nWe headed to Conroe to meet the high school band. The plan was for me to relieve Beekeeper Brian, who had travelled with the bus full of teenagers since 5:30 that morning. He was to take Jengo home, and I would ride the bus with the kids.\n\nThat <b>was</b> the plan, but when lightning started, the band reloaded the bus before I could get there. Jengo and I turned around and headed for Bryan High School to meet the busses and bring Brian home.\n\nAfter we got home, the rest of the afternoon went smoothly.\n\nNot so for the night.\n\nTucker usually sleeps on our bed but when Miller visits, he sleeps under the bed. This time, Jengo also got to sleep on the bed. Tucker didn’t want to miss the fun and joined us. (If we are going to do this often, we will need a bigger bed.)\n\nDid I mention that Jengo is a puppy? He got up in the middle of the night and pooped in the house, which meant I also had to get up in the middle of the night to clean up and then feed him. After Jengo ate, he wanted to play.\n\nReminded me why I had children when I was younger.  I’m getting too old to stay up all night.\n\nI thought about driving him around in the car to put him to sleep only I was afraid it would put me to sleep. We stayed at home and I laid on the couch and tried to convince Jengo to go to sleep. I gave him a rawhide bone to chew, but he tried to bury it in the newspapers.\n\nAt 6 am, I gave up and started the coffee. Then I unloaded the dishwasher and started breakfast.  Jengo helped:\n\n<a href=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/dishwasher21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3736\" alt=\"dishwasher2\" src=\"http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/dishwasher21.jpg?w=293\" width=\"293\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nBy the time he left on Monday afternoon, Jengo was right at home. This is a good thing as I imagine he will be returning the next time his owners leave town.\n\nThat is unless there is “<em>No Vacancy</em>” at the Miller Dog Hotel.','Dog Hotel - Miller Farm Friday','','publish','open','open','','dog-hotel-miller-farm-friday','','','2013-10-25 06:20:12','2013-10-25 11:20:12','',0,'http://judythewriter.wordpress.com/?p=3731',0,'post','',0);
