Mood:  happy

VBT Dotty’s Topsy Tale

1. Dotty’s Topsy Tale deals with discrimination. What was your primary inspiration?

In Topsy Turvy Land, I came up with a whole menagerie of animals, like green monkeys, singing snakes, and hot pink hippos. Kevin (the illustrator) suggested that I write stories about several of the animals. One day while brainstorming with my daughter for ideas, she asked, "Isn't Dotty pink? What if she wanted to play with purple hippos? Would that be a problem?" I decided, yes, it would, but not for Dotty - only those around her, and more specifically, the grownups.

1. You deal with how to handle being different. That almost begs the question of how do you define normal?

When my children were little and would complain about someone being weird or different, I always reminded them that we are all weird in our own way. Growing up with five brothers and sisters, I was the only left-handed child. My dad tried his best to make me use my right hand because he wanted me to be normal. Not until I entered school did I realize there were other people who functioned quite nicely being left-handed. And besides, aren't the so-called different people the ones who make life so interesting? If we all conformed to the same standard, we'd have a very boring, beige world.  

1. Kevin Scott Collier is the illustrator. How is he to work with?

Kevin has been a delight. He gets my sense of humor, and adds so much with his whimsical style. We have never met in person, but we both feel like we operate on a similar wavelength when we're working on a project.

1. You get your points across with green monkeys and singing snakes. I can understand the green monkeys, but how did you come up with singing snakes?

As a singer myself, it is only natural that I include a character that sings. I have written another book featuring the snake. His story was so much fun to write. I can't wait to see it in print one day!

1. Living Waters is the publisher. How are they to work with?

My experience has been good. Kevin and I subbed directly to the person who owned the company at the time after she posted a request for submissions on a Yahoo group, so I'm not familiar with their current submission guidelines. As a new company, they did offer several types of contracts, but with mine being a traditional contract, I have no experience with any other type. Since the Dotty's Topsy Tale has a lot to do with color, I was hoping the colors would be vibrant in the finished product, and are they ever! It turned out beautifully.

Posted by here-it-is at 9:40 AM EDT

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Mood:  surprised

This award was presented to my by Joyce A. Anthony. There are many nice people in this world. But there is no one, anywhere like her. She is a brilliant writer, and a more wonderful person. Please visit her blog, and the ones below for more great writers.

 http://danisworldontheweb.tripod.com/danisblogontheweb/

Daniel Calhoun is a writer of poetry. Many of her poems deal with veterans and friends of veterans. Some of her poems are sad, but there are many that are very uplifting. 

http://joycescarbrough.blogspot.com/ 

Joyce is a brilliant author. Her two books, True Blue Forever, and Different Roads are true winners. Her insight and visions of the high school years and beyond are unequaled. 

http://bosalittlebitcountry.blogspot.com/ 

Elizabeth Bo Drury writes from the heart of Texas. Visit her and read some wonderful stories.  

http://www.warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com/

This is only one of many sites for The Frugal Book Promoter. If you write, you’ll want this book. She is always open for questions and is willing to help all writers. 

http://catsnovelchallenge.blogspot.com/  

Cathy Brownfield is a writer’s writer. She has, on her blog, writing prompts. So if you ever get stuck, stop by to see what she has to offer. 

The rules for the above recipients are as follow:Rules for next recipients of the Brillante Weblog Premio are as follows:

1. The award may be displayed on a winner's blog.

2. Add a link to the person you received the award from.

3. Nominate up to seven other blogs.

4. Add their links to your blog.

5. Add a message to each person that you have passed the award on in the comments section of their blog. 

Posted by here-it-is at 12:28 PM EDT

Updated: Tuesday, 26 August 2008 9:51 AM EDT

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Mood:  happy

 Coming Tuesday! An interview with Donna Shephard.

Posted by here-it-is at 4:36 PM EDT

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Mood:  happy

Where’s CeCe

Another alley and more of those big green monsters. Don’t they ever empty those things? As the wild bunch wandered down the alleyway, they could see trash everywhere. At least this might make the food search easier and safer.

“Humans really go through this pizza stuff.”

“How do you know that?”

“Look at all the boxes that have that on top.”

Alex was right. There were piles of pizza boxes all over the place. But there was too much activity to check them out. They searched for, and found a safe haven. Just to ensure their safety, they took turns sleeping. After CeCe’s troubles with the dumpsters, Alex and Amanda decided to let her have the first nap.

While CeCe slept, Alex slipped out to scout around. That would make the food run faster and safer. He was gone for quite awhile. Amanda was starting to get worried. She was getting ready to wake up CeCe when he finally made it back.

“What took so long?”

“I was on my way back when another kitty from someplace around here, started coming towards me. I went quite a ways in the other direction just in case I was seen.”

“Ok. Did he follow you?”

“No, he didn’t see me and I watched him leave in a different direction.”

“Good. At least you’re safely back.”

By this time CeCe was awake. That allowed Amanda and Alex to get some much-needed rest. The two kitties curled up next to each other and were sound asleep in no time. They knew they could keep both eyes closed because CeCe was on lookout.

“Where’s CeCe?!?”

“I don’t know. She was just laying in front of us, wasn’t she?”

“I thought so. Alex, we have to go find her!”

Alex had scouted around the area so he had some ideas of where to look. At first he wanted to go alone, but Amanda wouldn’t let him. They would work as a team. Alex led Amanda over to the large pile of boxes. There were signs CeCe had been there but she wasn’t in sight. They followed her scent as far as they could but soon the scent of other kitties made that impossible. It was dangerous but the decided to call for her. Soon…

“Mandy?”

“CeCe?”

They found her hiding between some garbage bags.

“Where did you go?”

“I thought I could be like Alex and get something to eat.”

“CeCe, Alex has a lot of experience. He knows the signs. If you want to go on these adventures with us, you stay with us, understand?”

“Yes, I promise.”

CeCe was safe. They went back to their hiding place. After a good rest, they were ready for their next adventure.

Posted by here-it-is at 9:19 AM EDT

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Mood:  happy

Stubbornness

I am the first to admit that I am extremely stubborn. I also admit that being stubborn is bad for my emotional health. I’ve made a lot of errors in my life. Many of these involved me being too stubborn to listen to others. At the time I had no clue about my emotional issues. It wouldn’t have mattered since I was too stubborn to realize I had a problem.

Even when the mental health issues were pointed out, I was too stubborn to listen. I’ve been this way all my life, how could it suddenly be emotional problems? No one ever told me that before. But wait, yes they did. I was too stubborn to listen.

Being stubborn, a need to be in control, must be related. I don’t consciously want to be a control type. I know now that although I don’t want to be in control, I acted like I do. it will not be easy, but I refuse to allow myself to be stubborn. I have promised myself I will not be stubborn. I shall listen to those that are trying to help. I have emotional issues. I shall permit me to change. I fully expect to be rebuked when I do not listen. My future, my happiness, depends on this.

Posted by here-it-is at 7:33 PM EDT

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Mood:  happy

CeCe Makes a Discovery

Amanda, Alex and CeCe said goodbye to Mama and family then headed out. This time they went in the opposite direction. At the end of the block the wild bunch, as Mama called them, turned left and headed towards the older part of town.

“Mandy, I’ve been this far before but was too nervous to go farther.”

“Why”

“It all looks the same. I was afraid I would get lost.”

“I’ll help you not get lost.”

Amanda was good at directions and remembering landmarks. They were headed towards the older part of town. They had no idea of what they would find but it looked exciting. They left early so crossing the street was safer. This part of town was mostly apartments. Heading down the first alley, Alex’s nose picked up the scent of food. He could get lost turning around twice but he could smell food a mile away. These trashcans were different. They weren’t round but were big green square things. It was the day before trash pickup so the dumpsters were full to overflowing.

“Mandy, we are going to have a feast!”

“Alex, where’s CeCe?”

“She was right here.”

Suddenly there was a loud cry heard from the dumpster. Alex immediately jumped up to see what was going on. He didn’t laugh but it was tempting. CeCe found a little catnip ball that someone had discarded. Unfortunately, in her haste to get to it, her claws punctured one of the garbage bags. It was right after she had the ball in her mouth that she slipped on the plastic bag. First her paws, then her nose landed in a pile of potato salad.

Alex helped CeCe get unstuck. Then after helping her get out of the dumpster, both Amanda and Alex helped to clean her up. It was hard to do as they were laughing so hard. CeCe managed to save the catnip ball.

They soon discovered this was a very busy area for humans. They decided to find a safe place to rest til the nighttime hours. Once Alex had Amanda and CeCe safely tucked away, he went back to the dumpster and found enough food for all three of them. When darkness set in and the kitties were well rested, they headed out for the next part of their journey.

Posted by here-it-is at 3:39 PM EDT

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Mood:  happy

Tag Along

Amanda saw Mama turn the corner towards home. Although she had only been gone a few days it seemed like a lifetime. As the wanderers crossed the street, Alex told Amanda he wanted to take a quick detour to see his old neighborhood. He went on to say he wasn’t staying there long and would join Amanda at home.

These two had been through a lot. Amanda knew Alex was just doing that to allow her some alone time with Mama. As Alex headed towards his old stomping grounds, Amanda followed Mama towards home. CeCe, Amanda’s youngest sister, saw her first. She almost ram mom over trying to reach her sister.

“Mandy!”

“CeCe!”

“Amanda, remember me? I’m your mother?”

“Hee hee. Hi Mama, CeCe reached me first.”

“So what brings you home? And where is your travel buddy?”

“Alex will be here pretty soon. He wanted to see what his old neighborhood looks like.”

“Hey guys, look who decided to show his mug around here.”

“Well, well, if it isn’t Alex, the famous traveler. Your girlfriend dump you so you think you can just waltz back here like nothin’s changed?”

“No, I just wanted to see the old neighborhood since I was close.”

“Ok, you saw it. It ain’t changed. Now scram!”

it was the same neighborhood alright. It was unfriendly before which is why he left. He headed back to Amanda and her family. But he made one stop first. He had one food source he had kept to himself. If it was still there, he could show Mama. If it were still there, it would be a steady supply for the family. It was still there.

It wasn’t long before Alex joined the family. At that point all of Amanda’s siblings begged for an update on their travels. Amanda deferred to Alex to catch everyone up on their travels. He did a very good job as all of the other kitties were paying very close attention to every word. Amanda just sat next to him smiling.

Alex did manage to find a good food source close by and told Mama about it. Everybody followed Alex. After a good meal, the whole crew headed home. Once there, Mama asked what their plans were. Amanda looked at Alex and together they said there was a lot they had not seen yet. Mama said she hoped they would at least wait until morning. As the sun rose, Alex and Amanda got ready to leave.

“Can I come too?”

“Let’s ask Mama and Alex first, CeCe.”

Mama said it was ok, but only for a little while. She then asked Amanda to watch out for her little sister. Mama knew Amanda and Alex always stopped back at home between adventures. With that assurance, all three kitties headed out to see something new.

Posted by here-it-is at 12:20 PM EDT

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Mood:  happy

Healing Powers

“Amanda, Alex, good to see you again! Come in and tell us all about your latest adventure.”

“Thanks Koko”

As Rabbit got refreshments, our wanderers related their latest escapade. Alex held everyone spellbound telling about the trip climbing through the trees following the squirrels. Amanda told about Alex’s heroic rescue of the ball for the little human. Taking turns, both kitties awed their audience telling how the turtles made a dry path through the creek and around the sticky bushes.

“Wow! You two are sure having an exciting adventure. I hope someday I can travel like you guys.”

“Someday little bunny, someday. But for now, stay here and learn all can from Koko and Rabbit. And, I think it’s time we head out again. I’d like to visit Mama the family, ok, Alex?”

“Sure. It will be nice to see the old neighborhood.”

Alex carried the dishes and put them where they belonged. Amanda helped Koko clean up. Then they said their goodbyes. Koko’s place was almost becoming a second home. One of the little bunnies was excitedly hopping around asking if he could join them.

“Can I, huh, huh, can I?”

“No, not this time. We’ll think about it next time, ok?”

“(sob)ok(sob)”

As they headed back towards home, they noticed they were near Sarah’s backyard.

“Alex, something doesn’t feel right here.”

“I know Mandy. Let’s go up to the house to see if we can find out.”

Sarah and her mom had befriended them before so they weren’t afraid of going up to the house. Sarah’s mom was sitting on the back porch and looked very sad.

“What’s the matter?”

Amanda meowed, knowing humans don’t understand kitty.

“Hi, kitties. I’m afraid Sarah is staying inside. She has been very depressed since her dad got laid off.”

“Can I go see her?”

Sarah’s mother may not understand kitty language, but she understood that Amanda wanted to go to Sarah, so she held the door open for her.

“Alex, you stay here. I want to see if I can cheer her up.”

Amanda found Sarah curled up on the couch.

“Hi, Sarah.”

“Kitty!!! Daddy can’t work anymore and he’s so sad. I don’t know what to do.”

“Just be good for your dad. He’ll work it out. Your love will go a long way.”

Sarah may not understand what Amanda said but she felt better for having her there. As she was petting Amanda, her dad walked in. Sarah got up, ran over, and gave her dad a big hug.

“I love you daddy, everything will work out.”

“I know sweetie. My boss called a few minutes ago. I go back tomorrow.”

Seeing Sarah smiling, Amanda jumped down and rubbed up against Sarah’s leg. Sarah picked her up and both her dad and her petted her. Then Sarah carried her to the back door.

“Thank you kitty. Now go join your little friend. You helped me feel better. Thank you.”

Amanda and Alex said goodbye to Sarah and headed towards home.

Posted by here-it-is at 10:32 PM EDT

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Mood:  hug me

Up a Creek

“Mandy, we’re up a creek without a paddle.”

“What’s a paddle?”

“I don’t know. It’s something I heard a human say and it seems to fit since we’re by a creek.”

Amanda and Alex were in new territory. But a familiar creek was in front of them. They knew if they followed the creek they would eventually find themselves where they started. But the question was, how far were they from that point? At least they knew which direction to walk.

“Alex, it looks like a lot of those sticky bushes up there. I don’t know how we’re going to get around them.”

“Let’s see what it’s like when we get there. There may be an easy way around them.”

But the closer they got, the less they saw of a way around the prickly bushes. The water wasn’t very deep but just the thought of getting their paws wet raised the hair of these two kittens. As they were sitting by the waters edge, a family of turtles came up to them.

“Hello, you two look worried.”

“Yes, Alex and I need to get to the other side of these bushes, but we’re afraid of water.”

“We love the water. But wait right here. I know what to do.”

The turtles headed back the same way they came. Alex and Amanda looked at each other, wondering what was up. It wasn’t long before the creek was full of turtles. Amanda wondered if beavers could build dams that fast. She remembered Koko talking about some beavers she knew.

“Alex, is it?”

“He’s Alex, I’m Amanda.”

“Ok. I brought all the crew as you can see. We’re lined up all the way past the bushes. Just step on our backs til you’re past them.”

“Thank You.”

With that, our little friends headed down, or is that up, the creek. As soon as they were clear, they thanked their new friends. Then Alex noticed they weren’t very far from Koko’s.

“Mandy, let’s stop and visit Koko.”

“Ok.”

Posted by here-it-is at 9:50 PM EDT

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