Friday, July 27, 2012

Finally it has happened.

My book - The Creators

Last night with Elizabeth's help - I checked and double-checked my edited and reviewed copy of my novel and with great trepidation sent it off to Balboa.

This morning I woke to an email to say that it has now moved on to the Cover and cover-text phase.  How exciting!  They will work on the artwork and the wording and then send me a template for my comments.  I am quivering with excitement.  It seems like this has been a forever project.

I wrote my book nearly 4 years ago and planned to publish it immediately.  I am so glad I didn't.  I have learnt so much along the journey. The book is richer and better written, and hopefully one day will be a best seller.

So now what?

Well book two is sitting on my desk and the edits are well underway.  I want it ready to go before the end of the year and then depending on the success of Book One, I will publish it in early 2013.  Also November this year, will see the writing of Book Four. Yes, Book three is also written. So it is a series.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Downtime and Desk time

Today dawned bright and clear, but within hours the clouds came over and it became dull and grey.  Brisbane weather is just not co-operating.  Our winter is normally dry and clear and is the best time of the year.  I have to say that grey skies do not do my soul any good and I feel as foggy inside my head and heart as the sky.  So God, please clear up this mess and send us some sunshine.

We had a productive day. Took Abby and Cleo to the vet for the annual vaccinations. Cleo promptly went and hid in the cupboard and sulked all day. Abby didn't notice. Ivan and I then went and bought Sarah a new desk for her room

 The desk/table has a lovely weave inlay under the glass and is very attractive.
 Her corner is filled with her fairy collection, to keep her company.
 We also put up her shelf again, so that her smaller fairies and decorations can sit safely above her as she works on her school programme.   A nice space to succeed.
Following our busy morning Ivan and I went out to lunch and grocery shopping and then I managed a lovely two hour sleep.  I was woken to supper and then a hot bath run by my lovely Elizabeth.  Time to rest and slow down.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Congratulations Graduate!

Congratulations Elizabeth - today was a wonderful day - watching you confidently accept your degree.  We are so proud of you.

 We took lots of photos beforehand which was lovely as it was still quiet.

 Walking down the aisle with your fellow 2012 graduates was a really proud moment for you.

 This path - we have walked together special girl - many times huffing and puffing up the hill to lectures together.  Thank you for sharing your journey with us all.
 And I know that your Grandparents are as proud of you, as we are and have loved every moment of the lessons you gave them.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Graduation Day

Tomorrow is Elizabeth's big day.

After 3+ years of hard work, essays, exams, tutorials, lectures and hours and hours of reading. Elizabeth will be graduating with her Bachelor of Arts - majoring in Ancient History and an Extended Major in English Literature and she will do this all with a GPA of 6 - Distinction.

Well Done Special Girl - we are so proud of you.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

The Creators edit

It has arrived and I am thrilled with the amazing edit that Balboa Press have given me.  The great thing is that I can agree or disagree with their suggestions. 

All or most (99%) of the 'grammar' ones I am certainly agreeing with; but some of the others I am not.

I am going to keep Selectors and Creators with capital letters.  I have also in reading it so carefully picked up a few 'time' issues - like arriving in the morning and being told 'Good evening'.

I have written, read, reread and re-written this novel over and over and even now I am finding things to correct and improve.

I have a 2 week deadline to get it back to Balboa (recommended) but I am taking it as ordered and then it is onto the next step a 'proof' copy. 

Tonight I have completed the first three chapters - it is such a powerful feeling to know that this is my work, my writing, my own creation and one day - My Book.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Spending time together

Tonight after a beautiful day in the garden, the children asked for a fire (it is winter in Brisbane) and although it is normally cool/cold with clear blue skies, we have had nothing but rain for weeks.

 Ivan handede over the fire-building and caring to Matthew and Sarah and they created a beautiful fire in our copper fire-pit that we brought all the way back from Salt Lake City.

Note the two dogs lying up on the couch as happy as anything.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Congratulations Elizabeth

Well done Elizabeth

Bachelor of Arts Degree - passed with Distinction and a GPA of 6 (Distinction)

Yesterday Elizabeth received her final results for her last three subjects - three 'sixes' (distinctions) - overall in her 24 courses she received five '5's'; seventeen '6's'; and two '7's'.

'5' = Credit
'6' = Distinction
'7' = High Distinction

Graduation is on July 20th - Congratulations and well done special girl.

And to top it all she has been admitted into the Honours programme.

We are so proud of you.

Grieving

Hi everyone,

I am so sorry that I have not posted for a few days - it has just been too sad to do so.  The reason - we gave the puppies up for adoption.

Yes, I know my last post said that we were keeping them, but things changed.  We had a BBQ on Friday night and the older two dogs were acting very strangely, agressive to each other and showing a lot of jealousy.  We were concerned - Saturday things did not improve and without constant attention - we were really worried that we were heading down a very dangerous path.

The puppies are/were at an adorable age and after many hours of discussion/tears/heartache - Ivan and I took them to the RSPCA on Sunday for adoption.  It was almost as bad as my three miscarriages - I cried and grieved, but knew we had made the best decision.

Tuesday, I called into the centre and they were already playing with a prospective new family - ignored us completely.  Tuesday evening, Ivan called in on his way home from work and they were no longer up for adoption.  A phone call gave us the good, but sad news - they had already found new homes. 

So to our two beautiful puppies - Crystal and Lucy - thank you for the few weeks of JOY you gave us - we hope you are loved and cared for.

Playing in the garden just before leaving


Sisters together
Farewell our beautiful girls - we loved you.