P.E.I First Flight - Our First plane Ride - Prince Edward Island

Here's a video of our first plane ride.  It happened last fall.  I was frightened to go up, but didn't want to miss out on the opportunity.  My stomach flopped once the plane took off, but I kept it ok for a while... then it flipped and flopped and we had to turn around.  I almost made it to 15 minutes though lol

Enjoy the Eastern End of Prince Edward Island :)

**I'm a PiBoIdMo Winner!**

Well, I finished PiBoIdMo Picture Book Idea Month and it was THE best fun ever!  I joined the facebook group which is filled with so many wonderful people.  They are the best.  Tara Lazar was our faithful and terribly busy leader, who lead pretty much all of us to victory! Thank you, Tara :)

I came up with the 30 new ideas, which I had written out, most with beginnings, middles, and endings, but then there were about 30 other ideas that just popped and were one liners if that.  I didn't want to lose my ideas so I wrote while it was fresh in my head :)

I found my ideas would just come to me as I went about my day.  One idea came to me when my 6 year old was helping me make my bed.  Actually, most of my ideas came straight from my kids, esp my 6 year old.  She's a great help to keep the story going and if I was stuck, she'd help me through it, or my other kids. <3

I also get my ideas from songs, or going shopping, or baking, or even reading.  If something comes to your head, just write it down and don't stop.  It's there for a reason <3

Now, I'm working on critiquing.  I've been doing it now for about 2 months, thanks so my dear friend who's like a sister to me.  Wendy J. Whittingham  She's an illustrator who just has her first book out with author Valerie Sherrard!  and this is their beautiful book...

Miss Wondergem's Dreadfully Dreadful Pie

Isn't it soooo pretty!! I can't wait to read it :) 

I'm still writing and sending out manuscripts with hopes of soon finding homes for them :) and I do believe it will happen :)   I'm also doing critiques and learning so much from them and making so many new friends.  2011 has been a truly wonderful blessing to me. 

Which brings me to my Thankfulness and Positiveness 

I'm thankful for my newly found cousins in Ontario.  I've only found them this fall and they are THE sweetest, kindest people ever.  It all started with a picture and me wanting to find old friends that happened to be our cousins.  I love them with all my heart and am so thankful for them.  They helped get me through a terrible death in our family a few weeks ago and I am truly blessed to have them in my life.  One lady, in particular *, Ann, * is like a sister to me. (if you click her name, it'll take you to her site, which she's still working on, but it's still wonderful) I just love her, we have so much in common and she is coming to stay with me when we have our family reunion :)  

Positiveness is hard... It's so hard to say something positive about yourself... but I'll try... thinking now :/...

*taps fingers on laptop cover*

Ok, I can do a pretty OK job writing in verse :) There, I said it! lol  wow, that's hard :)  it's all thanks to my sister in law, Elaine.  She asked me to write a children's poem last year, I posted about it ;)  Well, that got the ball rolling and now I can't stop lol  <3  I love writing in verse. It's so weird when I thought I'd never be able to do it. It helps when someone has faith in you <3 

So who's going to be brave and post their Thankfulness and Positiveness with me? Don't leave me here all alone! 

:D 

<3

Started my first writing class.. Mary Buckham's Pacing class...

I took the plunge and began my first ever, writing class.  Mary Buckham's  Pacing class.

Here's the link to more classes at Writer's Universe.

This is an old post that never was published on my blog... just posting it for my own memory ;) LOVED this class and will most definitely take another of Mary's wonderful classes.

PiBoIdMo Here I Come!

It's been a while since I've posted.  Life, as usual, got in the way.  Work this summer was busy, then kids in school, you know the drill ;) I have been writing, though :) Have a pretty little story written in verse all ready to go.  Say a prayer, send energy, send luck, whatever it'll take to get it accepted <3

http://taralazar.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/piboidmo2010badge.jpg?w=216&h=133

I've entered into PiBoIdMo this month.  You have to come up with an idea for a picture book every day, then write out what you can of it.  You can think up any number of ideas a day too.  I think it's quite fun.

Last year I did NaNoWriMo in November, but found it too much.  I'm using NaNo to keep me motivated though :) and it's working great, esp with the Warrior Chat Group and the Word Wars there.

Have fallen behind today, and have a half hour before getting my 6 year old ready for bed... grabbing pencil and paper and away I go to the land of .......... <3


I just remembered :) you thought I'd forget, didn't you ;) ... it's time for Positiveness and Thankfulness: 


One Positive thing about yourself and One Thankful thing... here's mine:


Taking from Dear Kim's words... I'm a good encourager to friends.
I am thankful for my family, they care, love and are there for me, always <3




OK!  YOUR TURN!!  It's hard, but it'll help you feel good about yourself.. it's a good, positive thing in a world like this. YOU CAN DO IT! 

TheStar Q & A with Lucy Maud Montgomery: The Uxbridge years

TheStar Q & A with Lucy Maud Montgomery: The Uxbridge years

Five Complaints/Brags

A fellow Writing Warrior, Tee Ayer, posted her Wednesday Wonderings yesterday. They were:

Five things I have to complain/brag/comment about?  

I thought this would be fun :) So am giving it a whirl...

1.  like Tee, I have oodles of ideas in my head for stories... literally oodles.  I just don't have the time to write them all out. Yes, not working would be a wonderful thing right now, but I have too to keep food on the table lol

2.  I can make one heck of a design for a garden.  I am not one to toot my own horn as many who know me know, but I'm doing it now and it feels good :) I love to shape designs in garden beds and they do look quite nice, if I must say.

3.  I am saddened to hear my old school has been demolished.  I am complaining that our government is the pits when they decided to close, then demolish our small schools.  Big mistake there people!

4.  My second book is all written and awaiting a home.  No more self publishing for me.  I've learned my lesson!  

5. Lastly, I have a great circle of Kindred Souls with me, I treasure them with every fiber of my being. 

Did it, Tee :) It's kinda like my positiveness and thankfullness ... which I JUST remembered I've let slip, so I end this post with my 1 positive thing about myself and my 1 thankful thing...

I am a good decorator.  (yep, hard to write, because it's so hard to have faith in yourself and even harder to tell others! lol)

I am thankful for my hands.  (and pray for anyone who has lost a limb)

Your turn!  Make sure to say one positive thing about yourself and one thing you are thankful for.  Post in the comment section below, or just say it to yourself, OUTLOUD.  It really works that way and you begin to feel so much better about yourself. 

Have a wonderful day!

Snow In April by C. Richard Miles

It snowed here on PEI today.  I wasn't happy about it, as I really want to get out there and garden, but If it had to snow, I'm happy with it.  It's so pretty now :)  My daughter took a picture and it reminded me of a poem.  Here it is... 

If you must slight me, let it be the touch That snow in April, falling soft and white Gives to the blossoms delicate and light,  So I don’t suffer, it won’t harm me much. If you must spite me, let it be as quick As snow in April falling, not to last. Lies just one moment then, like mist is past,  So it won’t sting me; I won’t feel the prick. If you must fight me, let the tender blows Like snow in April, make no lasting mark As soft, spring sunshine, on the grassy park,  Brings green renewal. But yet April snows Can still surprise me, stir me from my rest For snow is April’s chill, unwelcome guest.  C Richard Miles The poem is perfect for today <3  Enjoy!

Stylish Blogger Award

Yes, it's me.  :)  It's been a looooong time since I've written... but it's been so busy here.  I came up with an idea for a children's picture book.  Worked on it, did some changes, fixed it up and finished it.  Worked on the query with help from some dear friends <3  then worked on it again and again lol... It has to be so perfect!  Then, today, they were sent!  They are now on their way.  What will happen?   Will someone love it?  I hope so!! :D

In the meantime, I have other projects to work on and love to work on them :)  Writing is so relaxing, but then again, bothers the heck out of me at times, and when I take a break, I'm dying to get right back into it!  Such opposite feelings but I love it :)

I had a nice surprise in my mail box on facebook the other day.  A dear friend, Tee G. Ayer , a fellow warrior of mine  (As I mentioned before, a wonderful group of ladies who are a wealth of information and hearts overflowing with love)  . has awarded me with a Stylish Blogger Award.  This is so very kind of her!  I was thrilled to the bone when I saw it.  Now I hope I post it correctly ;)

Thank you Dear Tee!  

The Trellis and The Seed

Posting this book for a Kindred Spirit to see.  The Trellis and The Seed 

I love this book :) 

I read it to my mom and aunt one day on the phone.  It's a beautiful, heartfelt story. 

 Full of encouragement for anyone and everyone :) 

Stephen King's On Writing Really works!

Yes, this shocks me.  I am not a lover of horror movies, books, or even stories around the bon fire.  I avoid them as much as I can.  Until my warriors mentioned to read King's book.  These warriors are smart and I know that a book mentioned is a piece of gold.  Stephen King inspires Denise of Ingleside to write!!

  As you know, I detested the beginning, and skipped it.  Toolbox was next, which I commented on earlier.  Next is On Writing... this is wonderful.  He's making me see my writing in a whole new light.  I see the mistakes I'm making and so want to get to work on my WIP (work in progress) but want to finish up the reading first.  On writing is great for inspiration.  I will finish it tonight, but it will be a keeper here at Ingleside.  That's a good thing for King lol  More to come on this book as soon as I finish it :)

  Next book on the list is The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing 

A dear friend gifted this book to me and I'll always treasure it.  Sue Grafton's piece is first on the list to read.   She writes about journaling. I also see Margaret Atwood has an article in it, that I'd like to read.   Also, Stephen King *grin* and Donald Maass.  

  Almost there with the new blogs design :) Loving what my friend is doing and so can't wait for you all to see it :) 

  Spring is almost here, I can smell it and it's so calling me.   I've got to get all I can done before gardening season hits and takes most of my time, so must write on! 

  Enjoy the last few weeks of winter, everyone!   Signing off with a couple winter shots at the beginning of winter.  I'll get my son to get some new updated ones :) 

Rowan Own Side Now.MOV Caitlin Rose

K.M. Weiland's Free E-Book Crafting Unforgettable Characters

I wanted to share this book with you all, suggested by a wonderful lady, Leigh K. Hunt  She has a great write-up on this book.  Make sure to sub to Leigh's site.  You'll love her writing :) She's one of my Writing Warriors

After you read Leigh's review, you'll want to read more about K.M. Weiland  I see she is a wealth of information and I have yet to read all of her site, but just had to share her with you all.  Her free e-book is here

I'm dying to get started on it.

Today i'm signing up for an online class with Mary Buckham  I'm going for the Pacing yourself class.  It's going to be my first class.  I'm very excited!


Positiveness for today... I am going to succeed in this new writing class! 
Thankfulness for today... I am thankful my kids are home from school :) I love them being home with me. 

Enjoy!  Have a nice day :)

Stephen King vs. Lucy Maud Montgomery

"'He splattered," my mother said in her most matter-of-fact tone. She paused, then added, "The stuff that came out of him was green.  I have never forgotten it."
  That makes two of us, Mom.
~ On Writing ~ Stephen King ~


"Matthew-Matthew- what is the matter?  Matthew, are you sick?"
...
 They were both too late; before they could reach him Matthew had fallen across the threshold.
... 
  Anne looked at the still face and there beheld the seal of the Great Presence.
~Anne of Green Gables~ Lucy Maud Montgomery ~


 Yes, I'm reading On Writing by Stephen King.  

I was hesitant to read it as it was Stephen King and I cannot watch his movies... let alone read his books!  But... this is a book about the writing process... HIS writing process... so i dug my heels in, opened the cover and began.  3 forwards!  That was a lot... but i didn't actually mind as he kept them nice and short... I liked that.  I was thinking, Hey! He's not that bad :)  He even mentioned a book for me to look for... The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White.  

Looks great, esp when E.B. White is in it, as you know i was reading his books... again lol

    2nd forward... Stephen King said the word DIVINE! Wow!  I couldn't wait to get on with this surprising book :)  I begin chapter one... Poor Steve gets hurt when he was 2... how on earth did he remember this?? I felt sorry for him.  I keep on.  Beer drinking husband... hmmm ... feelers are twitching... Eula-Beulah... uh-oh!!  Trouble here... what a horrible babysitter! I keep on.  Death... splattering.. green...  oh my.. what have i gotten myself into... next part finishes me off.. poison ivy... in unmentionable parts... that was it!  The language.. The horrible descriptions... I was not impressed at all. 

    So, what do I do?... I post to my wonderful Writing Warriors  always welcoming new members, btw ;) 

I find out I'm not alone, and it's all right to skip to the next chapter - Toolbox.  

    What did i think?... I LOVED IT!  A couple harsh words, but it was all writing helps... and such help it was!  He's a wonder, that's for sure.  I wrote down all i could in my writing journal which i'm still keep, thankfully :)   

  I'll write some of his helps in another post once I gather up some more.  

    

    I finished Toolbox the other night, but haven't started the next chapter.  I need a fix... a Lucy Maud Montgomery fix.. and this reading can still go in with my writing works, as I am learning beginnings, characters, paragraphing, etc. ;) and now I'll relearn with LMM :)  for calmness, peace, and kind words.  Plus as an added bonus, it's my @1935 edition :) never read this one yet !

 I don't have my camera here so googled for a pic of my book and found it right here.. Library and Archives of Canada   It has a great write up on the book.  Lots more books there to search for also. 

I want to end with my Positive and Thankfulness... it's a good idea to do this every day.  Say one thing positive about yourself and one thing that you are Thankful for.  It's very hard to say a positive thing about yourself...but you'll feel better... I promise :) 

I'm an awesome reader.  I can't imagine not reading a delicious, friendly book.  I am proud to have many books around my Ingleside.

I am thankful for the snow...most hate it and despise it, but I'm thankful I live on PEI where there are winters and beautiful snow.

Go grab a hot chocolate then a nice book.  One that your working on reading, or one that you have been trying to read and no time.  15 minutes... that's all you need... sit and relax... 

Don't forget your fluffy blanket to cozy up in!

 that's my Canadian edition of Anne :) 

Yeah, I hate getting my picture taken lol

Now it's your turn.  Can YOU say something positive hsrd about yourself and something you are thankful easy for?  I'd love to hear them :)

New Look Coming... Twitter Update...

I can't wait til you all see the new header that a wonderful friend is making for me.  It's going to have some of my favorite things in it :) Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud, butterflies, PEI, fairies.. God's love.. : all wrapped up into one beautiful header.

 As for the name, it's been voted and Denise Bruce of Ingleside has won :)  I like that, as it's me.  No one else has this name for a blog and it's got "ME" written all over it.  I've been using this handle for many, many years now and a wonderful writing friend told me to use it as the blog's title.  I never thought of it, I should say, but once she said it, it just fit :)

  So this post will be boring, as no pictures, but soon.  I have ideas for the blog too... ideas that I like and I'm sure you will too :)

  I joined Twitter too!  @DeniseBruce22 is my handle there.  Denise of Ingleside was too long.. argh... I'm still getting the hang of it, but getting there... and have found some wonderful kindred spirits who love Anne, books, gardening, life, God.. it's great :)

  Still reading up on writing books and tips.  Finished Nancy Lamb's book and now reading A.A. Milne's Winnie-The-Pooh 

Hey!  It's a pic lol... I've read it before, but am now reading it to learn more about 3rd person omniscient, which is how I'm writing Rilla's Ramblings.  I'll be reworking it soon... so excited about that and so can't wait!








  I also am keeping my treasured book by Lucy Maud Montgomery close to me to keep me inspired; The Alpine Path.  

"Then whisper, blossom, in thy sleep
  How I may upward climb
The Alpine path, so hard, so steep,
  That leads to heights sublime;
How I may reach that far-off goal
  Of true and honoured fame,
And write upon its shining scroll
  A woman's humble name."




This keeps me going and believing in myself.
Thank you, Lucy Maud.  I am "me" because of "you".

Thank You to all my followers.. I, very muchly, appreciate it <3

CBC News - Prince Edward Island - Prince William, Kate to visit Canada in June, July

CBC News - Prince Edward Island - Prince William, Kate to visit Canada in June, July So thrilled to hear this! I'm very much hoping they will be coming to Prince Edward Island :)

Working on a new name for my blog...

Sorry.. soon to come up with a decision :) and a new post :)

RMR: Rick's Rant - Snow Day

Rick Mercer... Every Canadian Blog must post this rant lol ... enjoy! :) :) :)

Heroine Love Feb 1-18

I wanted to share this event with you all.. Here's some info about it:



12 book bloggers... 30+ literary prizes...One swoony month of HEROINE LOVE!

JOIN The Heroine's Bookshelf for Heroine Love Feb 1-18

CELEBRATE literary heroines with guest posts from 12 amazing book bloggers

WIN audiobooks, autographed copies, and more every week day


so many things to win with it... Here are some examples... 


QUALIFY for a Grand Prize Pack including an iPod Shuffle, a $50 indie bookstore gift certificate and more on Feb 18...just enter a weekday giveaway!


Many more yet to list... Here they are on the facebook group... Heroine Love  


If you need any information, or  Want graphics and promo materials? Email Erin... erin at erinblakemore dot com


Here is Erin's beautiful site.  I have her book and have yet to read it, but it looks delicious!! It's so calling me :) 






Hope to see you there :) 

The Sisterhood Award, The Sunshine Award, and #amwriting

A very dear woman,  and fellow nanoist, Kim Koning of Dragonfly Scrolls  has awarded The Sisterhood Award,

                                                                                                                  and The Sunshine Award to me and some other wonderful ladies.

 These are my very first awards.  I think it's the sweetest thing ever.  Thank you so much Kim!  I will always cherish these.  Here is her Smiles and Shout-Outs to Her Cyberspace Sisterhood  post.


I also have started using twitter as you know and found this site that also keeps you motivated to write.. #amwriting  you just put the hashtag # with the words amwriting and you get the tweets of everyone who is writing at the moment.  It's nice :) and i am still with my Nano Warriors :) but we are now renamed to Warrior Chat on facebook.  Come join us, we'd love to have you. So off i go to work on Nancy Lamb's book :)

 Have a great day everyone! 

Still working on Nancy Lamb's book

Yes, i'm still reading and doing the reading exercises within the book.  I've been stuck at one book called The Light In The Forest by Conrad Richter  so far i can't find it, so will skip this one for now and go on to the next chapter... Eleven, Scenes. 


  I'm really loving her book and learning a lot.  Nancy Lamb makes you think.  She Is bringing me to new heights in my thinking and writing.  I thought, at first, that i wouldn't like all this extra reading homework within her book, but it really does help to be the sleuth answering her questions and finding the structures, etc that she's mentioned.  I get to the point that i can't wait to get back to her book while reading the others lol

Today now, a friend on my wonderful warrior's group on facebook sent a link to a great site with a lot of information and help... Robin L. LaFevers   She is a writer of a series of books that i have yet to buy, but am definitely going too... It's her Theodosia Series...  Here's the website to buy it.  Looks great!


  After doing some reading on her site and writing out her Characterization Worksheet,   I found on facebook that a friend from my Warrior Chat group had a website..Robert Sloan.  He's a wonderful artist and writer.  I love his site, inspiring and full of tons of information and step by step oil pastel paintings.   You can also find him on facebook and twitter.  You'll love him :)


  After Nancy Lamb's book, I'll be working with my novel by using Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook by Donald Maass

I'm excited to work with it.  I've also had Rilla's Ramblings critiqued and am so wanting to work on it, but Nancy Lamb comes first :) I'm up for the challenge! Something i love to do :) 

Have a great day, everyone.  

Enjoy this beautiful winter season. 

Good but not great: Anne of Green Gables Review - Features

Good but not great: Anne of Green Gables Review - Features

Chef Michael Smith | food-country | Food Country Episode 2: Garlic Steamed Broccoli

Chef Michael Smith | food-country | Food Country Episode 2: Garlic Steamed Broccoli You'll love this chef :) and best thing is, he's from right here on PEI :)

Snow at Ingleside, finally!!

Thought you'd all like to see Ingleside in winter... my kids were out playing and took some pics :) 

kids snowman haha 

Looking For Anne (Trailer with English subtitles).m4v

this is playing in Charlottetown on the 14th! Can't wait!!

Happy Belated New Year !

We had a wonderful Christmas here at Ingleside.  It was very busy though.  A lot of cleaning, baking, and shopping, the usual for Christmas.  It was a constant craziness that was going on and, soon, I began to get sick on the 23rd, and am still sick this evening. I'm getting there though :) ..

Here's a pic of our tree late Christmas Eve...


  We went down home for Christmas Eve, and had a very nice time.  Christmas morning was an exciting time... this year we delayed the opening by having breakfast.  The kids want the present opening to last longer, so we ate breakfast, then looked at the stockings, then while the kids were busy with their stocking stuffers, my husband and I got the turkey ready and in the oven.  The day flew by quickly but nicely.  The one sad thing was Prince Edward Island was not covered in snow... we had another green Christmas.  Great for driving, but not great for Christmas.

  New Years Eve we spent at home due to my being sick.  We were ok with that, as we had lots of yummy things to eat which we love and we watched a movie also and played games.

  With my writing, i was up to 70,000 words and stopped for Christmas.  I'm starting back to it tonight.  I'm also working on Rilla's Ramblings and learning great things with a great, dear new friend of mine.  Great ideas are coming for a remake of Rilla's Ramblings... something i feel very excited over :)

  My Nanowrimo novel that's at 70,000 words isnt' finished yet.  Still a ways to go with it yet.  I really do love how it's going though, it's becoming a part of me.  I'm learning great things with my nano friends at this Warrior Chat Facebook Writers Group  led by a wonderful lady, Lia Keyes   Very nice, kind and knows tons about writing.  I've met a great many people on this group, and they are very dear to me now.  I am learning so much with them, esp one lady in particular :)

  Tonight i'll be starting to read a book a dear friend gave me for Christmas, one that will help guide me, and help me with my writing.  It's called The Writers Guide to Crafting Stories for Children   Here's the Canadian Amazon site for that book.

  I also bought Stephen King's book On Writing   it's an autobiography, plus lessons on writing.  I've read some great reviews about it so thought i'd give it a try.

I was also reading this book, The Distant Hours by Kate Morton, author of one of my favorite books, The Forgotten Garden.  I gave it to my friend for Christmas and she told me she couldn't put it down... i loved hearing that.  I'm absolutely loving mine so far as well.  It's about an old children's book and old family secrets , some war, and how people can be brought together, or separated by twists of fate.





  I'll add more books that i received tomorrow.  Lots more to go yet ;)
Hope you all had a beautiful Christmas and a very happy and blessed new year. <3