I Was Gonna' Do That

I thought this was funny and wanted to share with you. A friend of mine and I were talking about men the other day. Having been divorced for some time, I had forgotten about the perpetual state of readiness men are in. The “I was gonna’ do that” state. They spend the majority of their time stand poised on the brink of doing something. Must be exhausting. (You have to know I’m rolling my eyes.)


She was saying her son and husband can’t seem to find anything, unless she gives very precise instructions as to its location. Now my son, I will admit, does NOT seem to be afflicted with this, at least not to a great degree. He does pretty well finding things. I explained to her the reason they couldn’t find it is because they are looking like a man. Uproarious laughter all around.


Don’t get me wrong, I love men. I truly do. I’m raising a future man and think most men are truly delightful. I find the differences in the sexes so interesting. Men are more numbers oriented (most anyway) and women are more feelings oriented. We don’t care that 68% of the people preferred this, we just know we loved it because it touched our heart. Women spot small, almost microscopic particles of dirt. Men do not notice dirt until it's large enough to support commercial agriculture. Something along those lines. So, I have a feeling that men will continue to not be able to find their keys, overlook their dirty sweat socks on the floor, and whatever you’re doing, know that they were gonna’ do that.

I Am Your Child

Okay, I missed Valentine's Day but wanted to post something regarding love anyway. It's related to the love between a parent and child. A poem I wrote quite a long time ago, but worth sharing. Enjoy!


I Am Your Child

Take a little time
Slow down just for me
I want a little attention
I have so many questions, you see
I am your child
On you I rely
To solve life’s many mysteries
And dry my tears when I cry
I try not to be too needy, or ask too much
I know I don’t always do as I’m told
I do try to listen once in awhile
Cause I don’t like it when you scold
In spite of that, I love you
You’re a hero in my eyes
In ever way I try to be like you
I wonder if you even realize
Please slow down just for me
I try very hard to keep up with you
Sometimes I’m running at a frantic pace
For every step you take, I hafta’ take two
Maybe we could go for a walk
Have a discussion on ladybugs
Read that new book we bought
Or maybe just share some hugs

Moody Monday Rant!!!

I remember a time when I was simply a reader. I would pick up a book and escape to a new world, somewhere I had never been, a place of make believe. I could become the heroine, the damsel in distress or even the sassy sidekick, who ever I wanted to be. I could live in a world where love is greater than anything else. I relished in every word, floated into their lives and literally could not put the book down until I had read every last word! (I'm the same way with movies, I refuse to stop a movie halfway through, even if it's bad)

But no longer I am just a reader now that I have become a writer....I am a critiquer. I can't simply enjoy those words, I have to scrutinize, pick them apart and wonder how I could have written that any differently. While I do believe I am learning and growing from all of it, darn it, sometimes I just want to be a reader! I don't want to carry my notepad and pen every where I decide to curl up with my book, book light percariously attached to the top so the hubby doesn't huff and puff at me.

I want to block it out and get carried away from the real world, but alas, I am a writer now, so books will never be the same from me. Don't get me wrong I will never stop reading, that is a passion that will never die, it just isn't the same anymore.

Savvy Is A Superb Read

I recently read Savvy by Ingrid Law, it is a middle-grade novel intended for ages seven to twelve. It was recently selected as a Newbery Honor book.

Savvy tells the story of Mibs Beaumont who is on the verge of turning thirteen. In the Beaumont family when you turn thirteen, your savvy is unveiled. A savvy is that individuals special ability or power. Mibs has one brother whose touch sparks electricity, and another who can stir up storms when near large bodies of water. Mibs is just sure her savvy will be the most special yet.

Just before her birthday and revelation of her savvy arrive, her father is in an accident. Suddenly her family is scattered and her birthday is not their top concern. Mibs is convinced her savvy will help heal her father. So she, along with family, and friends stow away on a bus, sure it will take them closer to Mr. Beaumont.

They wind up on a journey that takes them more than just miles, but on a journey of self discovery; learning who they are as people, along the way. In the end Mib’s quest for individuality is not the burning desire it once was. She also finds out, it may not be her savvy that helps her father, as much as good, old fashioned love.

I would recommend this book. The characters are unforgettable and the story line grabbed my attention and held it. The deeper meanings were deftly woven within the story, making it a great read for all ages.

Love is...

A group of professionals asked 4 to 8 year olds, 'What does love mean?' The answers were braoder and deeper than they could have imagined. Here's a few:

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenalis anymore, So, my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca-age 8

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know your name is safe in their mouth." Billy-age 4

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your french fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy-age 6

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him to make sure the taste is ok." Danny-age 7

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri-age 4

Stay tuned for more....

Ruby Belle

Moody Mondays

Why is it that being a stay at home mom automatically makes some people believe I have all the time in the world to work on my "hobby" aka my writing? First off, I don't consider writing to be a hobby it's more of passion, something that needs to happen for me to maintain my own sanity and I don't have all day to write. I love my daughter too much to neglect her for my laptop, although reading other blogs can be addictive.

I am a mom and spend my days chasing runny noses, encouraging imagination, building block towers, changing diapers, cleaning, picking up toys, laundry and more laundry, errands... and repeat. All while making sure my curious kiddo stays safe, eats well and doesn't climb the bookshelf. I do this, cook dinner, help hubby with dishes (yes, he does dishes and makes awesome waffles) do bath time with hubby (again I'm lucky, he's a great papa bearz), relax for a bit...maybe squeeze in a sitcom or good book and than if I'm lucky get in my writing after 10 pm. Plus, I'm married to a wonderful man (see above) who enjoys my attention too. I love it, all of it well not the laundry part but the rest I love...truly.

I love writing too and would love to spend more time doing it, but besides sneaking in research and reading blogs during nap time, the bulk of my writing is done after my work day, at night, in small moments of inspiration when I can fit it in, like the rest of the working world. Ok, that's my rant for this Moody Monday. What's yours? If you don't have one and are having a particularly good day...let me know. I could use the pick me up :P.
-Topaz Blue

Children's Writers Updates on this Whimsical Wednesday

The Caren Johnson Literary Agency is holding a pitch fest starting tonight at midnight on their forums. Your pitch has to be under 100 words max and they are only running it till 11:59pm on Thursday night, so get to tweaking. They will respond to all entries on Friday. Go to Pitch Fest...for more details.

Script Frenzy is coming in April. If you don't know what Script Frenzy is, it's Nanowrimo for Screenwriters and ran by the creators of Nano....so I imagine it will be great fun. This will be my first time doing it and I have never, ever attempted screen writing but it is supposed to be full of great tips and resources, so I'm going to go for it and probably fall flat on my face!

Agent Mary Kole is running a Novel Beginnings Contest on her blog at kidlit.com. You need to email her the first 500 words of your finished YA or MG novel by Jan. 31st, see the above link for more details. I would love to enter by my current WIP's are no where near ready but if you are getting to polishing and send away.

These are all great opportunities to work on your writing and get noticed.

Sending creativity vibes!
-Topaz Blue