tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6927734084233759992024-03-12T21:34:53.923-05:00Jackie's Books 4 KidsI write poems and children's books. I also love to paint, draw, and take pictures so I'm always working on different ways to pull it all together. Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-9174635842413384022019-12-31T18:00:00.002-06:002019-12-31T18:00:20.420-06:00Another Decade Down<br />
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What defines the past ten years? At home my boys grew up and
became more independent – ages 13, 16, 18, 21 now. Life became all about new
dangers and new experiences:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>driving,
first jobs, girlfriends, career and college choices. I started working full
time for the school corporation. I took writing and photography more seriously
and had lots of successes. Balancing my time is a struggle every day. And
nationwide – a new president and school shootings - especially disturbing
because of raising kids at this dark time in history and working at a school. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have to start the next decade without a dad. My mom needs
extra help. The boys will be gone more and will be dealing with grown up issues
of their own. On a positive note, I am grateful for my health and I plan to
travel more!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-7165061614212397862019-01-31T09:57:00.002-06:002019-02-03T09:27:29.640-06:00A Bitter Break<br />
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The holidays flew by and before I knew it, before I was
ready, school was back in session. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the day, in addition to doing my own
work, I filled in for a coworker who is retiring. I was busy in the evenings
taking my youngest to basketball and swimming and I also had to volunteer 10
hours one weekend at the swim meet. Quite
a few hours were spent reading and judging short stores for the Scholastic
Writing Awards another weekend. Then Aaron got a concussion while we were getting Damian ready
for winter formal. I needed a break and
boy, did I get one! A polar vortex affects 27 states and school was cancelled for 5
days straight.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Over the past week I accomplished a lot. Some of the unfun
stuff I did was work on medical reimbursements and get the paperwork gathered
for taxes. But to be honest, most of my time was doing things I enjoy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I played some board games with the boys, cheered
at several of their basketball games, took pictures of the frozen lakeshore, snowflakes, and attempted
to freeze bubbles. Had to see and try things for myself; even threw boiling
water up in the air. I also applied for an artist residency in Washington and submitted
a photo for the Hoosier Women Artists contest, updated the MHW blog, and edited
a ton of photos from our last vacation. I wouldn’t have had time to do half of that
without the week off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s supposed to warm up now so I hope to walk the frozen ditch
behind us tonight and maybe visit my favorite lighthouse in Michigan tomorrow
after work. I need to experience a little more of the magic before it’s all
just a pile of slush.</div>
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<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-86413862368993731512018-07-25T09:05:00.003-05:002018-10-11T13:08:22.552-05:00Summer Ache<br />
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Summer is almost over and it’s a bitter pill to swallow –
literally and figuratively. I have been sick for nearly two weeks and it seems
like it couldn’t have come at a worse time. I got on medicine for an ear
infection on Friday the 13<sup>th</sup> and haven’t been well since. I thought
I was managing, was able to pack up and head out to Wisconsin with the boys for
a short fishing trip but really only kind of enjoyed one day. Besides the
intense ear pain I battled headaches and fatigue. Last Tuesday I spent the day
sleeping and vomiting. I went to the ER fearing dehydration so he gave me an anti-nausea
med and a different antibiotic. Both made me sick every time I took them but
despite frequent vomiting and dizziness I was able to make the drive home the next evening. I
saw a specialist Thursday. He said I have an outer ear infection and it is
affecting my ear canal as well. He gave me prednisone, ear drops, cephalexin,
and zantac for my stomach. I have seen some progress, swelling is down, but I
am still very dizzy and tired. I have so much to do before school starts again.
The closing reception for Images of Illinois is tomorrow night in Springfield,
IL and I wanted to combine that with a trip to Kansas City to meet my new
niece. I am praying it works out.<o:p></o:p><br />
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When I look back at this summer I will have to try and
remember the good things that happened the 6 weeks before all this – like the Michigan
photo workshop I went on in June, getting an Honorable Mention in the NFSPS annual
contest, spending time with my friends and relatives, and taking pics for the Shirley
Heinze Land Trust.<br />
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<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-23246501748725423592018-04-29T12:01:00.001-05:002018-04-29T12:40:58.963-05:00Give me a High Five!<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Highlights High Five</i>
Magazine that is. Highlights published my poem “Hello Hoots” in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">High Five</i> April 2018 edition. I received
a thank you and two complimentary copies in the mail. A couple of my friends even sent me a photo of their child holding up the magazine<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>. It was a long journey but
I’m very happy I am finally a part of the Highlights team. I love the
illustration by Michael Slack and wrote him a little note to tell him so. Looks
like he is quite an accomplished artist!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This spring I have been busy submitting to poetry and
photography contests and to the editor of the latest edition of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">From the Edge of the Prairie</i> book. I
even applied to a few artist residencies. Now that my kids are older I have the ability
to travel for workshops and photoshoots, etc. A residency would give me the
opportunity to really focus on my work in a new place for a few weeks at a time
without interruptions and distractions. Some provide travel reimbursement and a
stipend. Wouldn’t it be nice!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-51255614450278300572017-09-30T20:17:00.000-05:002017-11-04T21:00:35.362-05:00The Waiting Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was younger I prayed and waited for the <i>really important</i> things to happen. I
waited for a boy to notice me, a different boy to ask me to prom. I never got a
note or wink, never got asked to the dance, so eventually I learned to take a
deep breath, fake confidence, and try my best to make things happen. For the
most part being bold and “confident” has worked out for me. I’ve initiated
relationships, played different sports, and joined several clubs. I’m grateful
for nearly every experience. I have submitted poems and pictures to magazines,
entered poems and pictures in contests and have had a fairly good success rate with
that as well over the past eight years. Since I have always sought approval and
acceptance certificates and ribbons keep me happy. Being a part of an exhibit
at an international airport and a full page spread in a well-known magazine
keeps me especially motivated to continue and push for more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I won $500 and a full page spread!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo Sammy's mom took when he found his picture</td></tr>
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Similarly, I have
applied to numerous jobs in the school corporation (and went on countless
interviews) since becoming a paraprofessional five years ago. <i>Be patient</i> and <i>persistence pays off</i>, I repeated to myself every time I went
through the hassle of online applications and updating my resume. I also
reminded me that on at least two occasions I was told I was close, very close, <i>like second</i>. That gave me a boost, a
little more real confidence, and the drive to keep me going. Success doesn’t
happen overnight and waiting is never easy. Maybe that’s why I always have a
lot in the fire. Maybe what I wanted wasn’t meant to be now - but there is
always later, always next time. Stay positive.</div>
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So here I am. In August I started a new job (with better
benefits) and in September I found out one of my children’s poems finally has a
publication date. (I had been hoping and waiting for that news for over 2
years). Next month I’ll hear about a few more things I’ve been working on. Rejections suck but I’m
ok with them because at least it means I tried. I won't have to look back with regret because I was too self-conscious or scared of failure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To sum it up: I’m excited for the future and endless possibilities. Good
things are always worth the hard work and always worth the wait.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ike's graduation announcement with the photos I took.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binder I made for his graduation party</td></tr>
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Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-92023605924999620412016-12-31T12:20:00.002-06:002017-01-02T10:42:11.823-06:00Wrapping It Up<div class="MsoNormal">
Christmas has come and gone and today is the last day of the
year. I kept busy this past fall with photo shoots and editing. I currently have two nature photos in the Indianapolis
Airport until March. I am anxious to drive down and see them and the rest of the exhibit. And I'm beyond excited to report I won first place in a magazine portrait contest. In a
few weeks, after I get my prize money and copies, I will be able to share the
details! I also have poems and photos in two new anthologies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My kids have been doing well in school, work is ok; good news all around in that regard. The last few days of the year were a little tough for me though. I was asked to take pictures of the Spencer house as it was being torn down. (Tom was a well known poet and close friend. He regularly welcomed fellow writers and their families into his home and put out quite a spread. We always enjoyed the picnics, Labor Day parades, and Christmas parties he hosted.) Tom passed away over a year ago and his historical house, which was once a bed and breakfast, didn’t find new owners. His daughter couldn’t be there during the demolition so I took some pictures and videos for her then grabbed a few things from the rubble. It was a poetic ending but another difficult goodbye.<br />
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I’ve been having a hard time coming up with material to
write about but overall <span style="text-align: center;">it was a productive year and I’m looking forward to
2017. I hope to learn how edit and illustrate on my new Wacom tablet and am eager
to try out my son’s GoPro among other things. New adventures await!</span><br />
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Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-77095318072388592932016-09-28T22:28:00.000-05:002016-11-15T21:30:59.834-06:00Finding My (Re)purpose<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t planned but my art route took a detour. In the
spring I began collecting discarded beer caps, tabs, and sharp glass for a photography exhibit on beer because I didn't have any other ideas. I glued the glass on the frames to add impact and interest. My three submissions were on display for months at the Wildrose Brewery, then they came home. No sales, no one thought them remarkable or thought provoking. No one had to have these conversation pieces or talk extensively with me about my innovative and creative displays. Still, I was not discouraged or embarrassed. It's ok to be a garbage picker if it's for art's sake, right? If it serves a good purpose? <b> <i>ABSOLUTELY!</i></b><br />
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The rest of my summer visits to the lake brought sadness to me too. I kept finding kid friendly things that were left by the young beach goers and their parents, friends, family.
Shovels, buckets, popped balloons, cups, ribbons, plastic ware, etc. Beach party after beach party - celebrations where no one wants to do the dirty work or take any kind of responsibility at all. So I picked up the
garbage, then arranged it, photographed it, and eventually made a poster for the Dunes Environmental Center
in Gary, IN. <i>Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose …Love Your Lakeshore</i>. This theme
goes along with my poems that will be published this year which both praise our environment and curse the inhabitants.<br />
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Does anyone get it? What we are doing? You are going to the beach WHY? Hiking in parks WHY? To be with nature or to trash it?</div>
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Tomorrow our school custodian is retiring. Unable to
sleep early early this morning I wrote a poem and devised a plan. After
scouting the halls, classrooms, drawers, and cabinets all day at school and
then at home I came up with an abundance of materials. A work of art like no
other eventually evolved. This 8x10 framed poem is overflowing with admiration and appreciation. It's sad, how much we have, discard, waste but this shows someone understands and respects the hard work he did, the dedication he had. Hope he can take just one more mess. <i>Thanks John and happy</i> (garbage free) <i>trails!</i><br />
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A quick detour or new direction entirely? Not sure, but at least I
have a purpose right now. It’s an interesting, fun, and creative way to spread the message. Reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose, replant, restore, ...<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-35665088490193663182016-06-06T13:19:00.000-05:002016-09-12T16:52:22.887-05:00First Things First<div class="MsoNormal">
I have lots to report since I have not posted in over six
months. I’m happy to say amazing things are still happening…<o:p></o:p></div>
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December: <u>Mapping
the Muse</u> got published. This book celebrates Indiana’s 200<sup>th</sup>
birthday and my poem “All Washed Up” was chosen to represent Lake County. (This
is the first of many special events planned for our state).<o:p></o:p></div>
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January: This was the
first time I entered photos in the Porter County Gardening Show and they all
placed! I got a 1<sup>st</sup> for <i>Foliage</i>,
3<sup>rd</sup> for <i>Fungus in the Garden</i>,
and an Honorable Mention for<i> Insect in
the Garden</i>. It really is a nice event and I wish I had more time to look
around and shop. After the show the winning prints were on display for a month
at a framing shop in Chesterton.<o:p></o:p></div>
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February: I got to get
to a Michigan beach in winter – first frosting photos!!! No, it was not ideal.
The big lighthouse was not frosted over but the little one had some. The
railings were ridiculous though – icy blue and white spikes everywhere. Shelf-ice, icebergs, frosted steps: Well worth freezing for!<o:p></o:p><br />
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March: For the first
time I had a photo accepted in the Cancer Resource Center’s photo contest. I
had submitted four years in a row and finally was chosen to participate in their
fundraising campaign. Butterfly notecards were handed out at the gala in April
and are now on sale in local gift shops. Mine is the Monarch on Goldenrod. A
few other Calumet Region Photo friends also got to participate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Each month the Chicago Area Camera Club Association has a
special category digital competition. I have received a few good scores and
awards but finally got the best score. The category was “triptychs.” I had to
look up the meaning but once I did I realized I had already made a few through
my portrait work. I entered two different series of children and worked hard perfecting
a frozen lighthouse scene. In the end my “Hugs and Kisses” caught their eye. It
originally was a Christmas present to my sister-in-law and all my niece’s idea <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Other nature photos did great in the Calumet Region Photo
competitions this spring. I got three awards and of those, two got Print of the
Month. …And since we didn’t go anywhere
for spring break I participated in some painting events. I plan to do more this summer.<o:p></o:p><br />
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April: I found out a
different lighthouse picture I submitted in a cover contest will be used for
the latest <u>Encore</u> edition. Encore is an anthology containing the
prize-winning poems of the fifty contests held in the spring NFSPS contest
(National Federation of State Poetry Societies). Valarie has been the editor of
Encore for the past 12 years. We exchanged several emails and I hope to meet
her someday. Each conference attendee gets a copy and they are also available
to other members and the public. I cannot wait to get my copy. The conference
is in Minnesota this year so I think they will appreciate the shelf ice
surrounding the lighthouse and the long catwalk - especially since it is a
wrap-around cover. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I submitted photos and poems about the environment (good: the dunes and other nature experiences, and
bad: the way we are trashing the planet)
to both <i>The Edge of the Prairie</i> and
the next <i>Hoosier</i> publication. I had
tried to step away from Prairie Writers last year because I was so busy, but
they are such a great group I was drawn back in. Both publications should be
out in the late fall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, May: I saw a
“Call for Art” about beer while out gambling with my mom and sister in Michigan
City. I had no idea of what to submit until I took a walk on the beach. I was
looking for beach glass but was saddened when I saw all the garbage. I ended up
picking up rusted beer caps and tabs, along with shards of glass in various
colors. A few more trips to other neglected beaches gave me plenty more
material. The finds made nice photographic collages and hopefully will make a
statement. I attended the artist reception a few weeks ago and did reconnect
with an old friend – might have made a new friend too. Maybe not that
ironically, the Memorial Day celebrations on Chicago beaches made the news a
few days ago because of all the garbage people left. Of course I had to voice
my opinion on one of the FB posts and share a photo of my own.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Summer is just around the corner but summer break has
already started!!! I have a few small trips planned and also will be
participating in a few obstacle races. Maybe I can slow down and not take on anything extra??? Now THAT
would be a first for sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-15472349652328982012015-11-29T10:22:00.000-06:002016-06-01T22:33:18.731-05:00Falling Into Place<div class="MsoNormal">
This fall was busy with football and photo shoots. Both my Little and Big Tigers went 6-0 for the season then won their Super Bowl games.
It was amazing! I took lots of pictures and video with my new camera. While all this was going on somehow balanced work and photo
shoots. I had six in October. The weather was warm and the colors were spectacular. I got to take engagement,
family, party, and senior pics. They turned out beautifully!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I won ribbons at the Lake County Fair again this year but
the big surprise was being awarded a Sweepstakes and Best of Show ribbon for a
black and white portrait I took. I have been taking Nevaeh’s pictures for the
last few years and I entered one of my favorites from last fall. I’m so happy
it did so well. I never got either one of those awards before so to get both at
once was quite an achievement.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I have been selling a few photo note cards and small prints
recently as well. I will be taking some to the Write-On Hoosiers banquet later
this week. I haven’t had any time to attend their meetings this year but hope
to after the first of the year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few good things happened in regards to my writing. I got
an honorable mention in the Indiana State Federation Poetry Club for my <i>September at the Dunes</i> poem. In
addition, three of my fellow Magic Hour Writers read and presented mini workshops at
Paul Henry’s Art Gallery with me. Purdue Calumet gave us a small stipend so that was a neat and rewarding experience. MHW also published a Christmas book with help from Flying Turtle
Publishing. I contributed a poem, short story, pictures, and a recipe. This is
the first time I had a children’s story illustrated by a professional. I was
thrilled with how it turned out. I can’t describe how I felt when I saw my
characters come to life. I hope to work with Courtney again. The books are available through FTP and Amazon in
hardcover, softcover, and e-book format.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Finally, we got a puppy in July. Stella is very energetic
and loving. So now we have 2 dogs, 2 cockatoos, a bearded dragon, leopard gecko,
and a tarantula. Lots of photo ops for sure; hopefully a pic will place in one of the Chicago area club competitions this winter.</div>
Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-88686159200734128972015-06-17T15:18:00.002-05:002015-11-29T11:36:36.843-06:00Swamped<div class="MsoNormal">
I wanted to add a post some time ago but things were kind of disappointing for a while. No committee selected my photos for their
note cards, I didn’t make it into the Earth Day Book, I didn’t place in some
contests, I didn’t get a grant, and I didn't get a library job I had applied for.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I kept a positive attitude though, kept at it, and focused
on the positives.<o:p></o:p><br />
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The good...<br />
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1: I enjoyed being in
the Chesterton Photo exhibit and got to spend more time with my sister because of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2: I wrote up the Tom
Spencer interview for the POPP poetry book and even got quoted in the newspaper
in the article about him. The assembly was successful as was the poetry reading
at the library a few days later. I took pics and they came out pretty well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3: Our writers group
gained new members and enjoyed productive meetings.</div>
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4: An unexpected check
came in the mail for some "volunteer" work I had done months earlier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5: Several people
contacted me about taking pictures - for prom, senior photos, pregnancy pics, newborn baby, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Better than good…<o:p></o:p></div>
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6: Some advice and
information I shared helped a young girl place first in the Indiana State
Federation of Poetry Clubs Manningham Junior Division Poetry Contest. Earlier
this week I officially met Emily, her mother, and brother and had lunch with
them. They were very appreciative but I explained a few things. I belong to several writing groups and a photography club. Everyone I
have encountered has been helpful and inspiring so I feel obligated to pass on
what I learn and also be encouraging. But it’s not just
obligation that motivates me – I honestly want others to succeed and be happy.
I was thrilled that I made a difference in a young writer’s life and that I can
continue to help her reach her goals. I know this is only the beginning for her
and I’m excited to see what lies ahead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then something even more incredible happened!<o:p></o:p><br />
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7: Highlights for
Children bought one of my poems. I have been submitting to them for over 5
years. In fact, 3 poems were rejected along with the one they finally accepted for publication. A
contract followed and then a check. This was on my bucket list so I am definitely
celebrating and bragging!<o:p></o:p></div>
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More news today…<o:p></o:p></div>
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8. On June 6th four Charter Members for the Ladies Auxiliary VFW
Post 717 were honored at a luncheon for their 61 years of service. The article
I wrote and pictures I took were published in the local paper. I also sent the
information to the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Magazine. It would be nice if I can share
their story across the country.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Summer is in full swing and I am swamped, figuratively and
literally. I couldn’t be busier and ten days of heavy rains has also been
challenging. I'm a happy camper though.<o:p></o:p></div>
Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-51019876930665462472015-03-02T22:38:00.002-06:002015-06-17T14:52:55.046-05:00Best Shot<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/waynegretz378694.html" title="view quote">You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.</a></span> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/waynegretz378694.html" title="view quote"><span style="color: #0000aa; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Wayne Gretzky</span></a><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've probably said it
1,000 times but that is my favorite quote. These last two months have been
crazy. 2015 has been full of opportunities and I'm trying my best to do it all,
squeeze everything in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scholastic Art and
Writing Awards asked me and other Magic Hour Writers Members to be a writing judge.
I was very honored to judge poems written by children in middle school at a national level; what an
opportunity! The judging took place in January and was conducted online. They
receive thousands of entries every year and the Northeast Indiana Northwest
Ohio region had one of the most national award winners in the country last
year. How wonderful to read the work of these talented young writers and be a part of it
all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also helped judge the
entries for this year's POPP (Power of Poetry Project) contest for local 4th
and 5th graders. Katherine recently notified the winners and Judy is working on
the publication. The awards celebration is scheduled for April 9th. Just today
I interviewed my friend about his passion for poetry and thoughts about being
the inspiration for the Tom Spencer Award. Tom has been writing poems for over 50 years and has been an important figure in the state and national poetry
societies as well as regionally. He challenges and inspires his colleagues at
every gathering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week I received yet
another rejection letter. I suppose I was disappointed that they didn't like my
adorable poem (about a destructive little puppy) but not too discouraged. I keep
submitting, keep putting myself out there and opening myself up to criticism or denial. We all have to remember art is subjective, we all have our own opinions
about what is good or noteworthy, what is outstanding and unforgettable and
unfortunately, what is just plain bad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently I sent in digital photos
to two charities for greeting card contests and sent in several more for my camera
club contests. I didn't receive great scores in the latest competitions but I
guess it just makes me want to get better. I'm still waiting on news about the cards (and on the Indiana poem for the bicentennial). On a happy note, I did get accepted
into another photo exhibit. The opening reception is this upcoming Sunday. Two
of my nature prints will be on exhibit though the end of March at the Chesterton Art Center. It would be
nice to be able to sell one or both.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right now I'm editing a
poem for the Earth Day Poetry Contest entitled "Enough Already" which
is about how we have exploited our planet. I have until the end of the month. And
I just finished a huge project in which I had to really take a look at the
things I have accomplished and determine what my future plans and goals are. I
suppose I had to sell myself; convince others that I'm serious and determined
to succeed in whatever it is I'm trying to do. I'm not sure if I'll qualify for any award but if
you look at everything as a learning experience you never really loose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking of learning,
there is just so much I still need to figure out. I just attended another one day
photo clinic and have a weekend writer's conference down state in a few weeks.
I need to get a portfolio together (print a few photos, paint some more pictures) and also finish edits on a recent photo
shoot. I need to learn more about e-books and self-publishing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Often I think I'm doing
too much and I try to put limits on the things I commit too but I can't stop
thinking of stories or poems and I can't put down the camera. Nothing
worthwhile is easy but it would be nice to be able to take it easy once in a while. That being said, I need to pick and choose carefully so that I can give everything I commit to my best. It's great to keep taking chances and trying different things but it doesn't make sense to overwhelm yourself or take on too much.</span></div>
Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-77233916401007504752014-10-26T08:10:00.003-05:002014-11-12T06:14:45.465-06:00Summing Up Summer<div class="MsoNormal">
School has been in session for over two months. I didn’t
catch up on things like I wanted to when I was off this past summer. (I have finally
come to the realization that I never will.) But I’m grateful that I had a lot
of weekend trips, did some redecorating (we switched around the kids' furniture
and I got a new bedroom set - my room now has fresh paint and new accessories as well!),
and took some incredible photos. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Trips: First I took two of my boys to northern Michigan for the week. We stayed with family, fished, and enjoyed playing on the huge sand dunes. Riding at the Badlands in Attica was a new and exciting experience, as
was the houseboat trip on Potoka Lake in southern Indiana. I was also fortunate to be able to go to Bears Training Camp
one morning on my last day of summer vacation. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Exhibits: I had two photo jobs and had photographs displayed in two
exhibits. One was the Naturally Yours Exhibit at the Indianapolis International Airport (my
photo was even used to promote the event) and the other was Images of Whiting
up near the lake. Studio 659 is small but in the historical district of
Whiting. It was neat to be a part of the city’s anniversary events. I entered a photo of beach glass (that we found), one of the steel mill with ice bergs, and one of just some weeds that grew along the sand dunes.</div>
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Sports: Football games and practices with three of my boys wore me
out but I did enjoy all those Saturdays at the fields. I just framed some
photos of them and also some of the Bears and hung them in the basement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Poetry: Finally, I sent in a poem for a the Indiana Bicentennial Poetry book to be published in 2016. All counties in Indiana were invited to submit and one poem from each county will be included. My poem will be sent to Indianapolis for final judging so I have a 50% chance of getting in. My name was announced on the radio last week (local station) and my name was in The Shopper a few days ago. Pretty awesome!<br />
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My next plan is to submit a few poems while on fall break next weekend. I just attended a conference for children’s writers and illustrators and feel inspired again.<br />
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Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-29035477368301968332014-06-01T17:22:00.002-05:002014-07-07T20:49:43.196-05:00Spring Cleaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The last two months have been all about the environment; save the Earth type stuff. It started with the warm up. It took forever but
once the snow and ice had completely melted months of discarded trash was
exposed. I saw piles everywhere. Soggy paper drinking cups, aluminum cans, and glass bottles littered the
sides of the roads. Farm fields were dotted with plastic grocery bags and
cardboard. Plastic bags even hung from tree limbs along the ditch bank.</div>
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Who can enjoy a sunny Sunday walk or drive when the natural
landscape is so exploited and obstructed? I couldn't, I couldn't even look out
my window, so I recruited my family and the annual task began. We filled bags
with trash and bins with recyclable items. We filled our yard cart with the
bags and bins because they were too heavy to carry home. We collected as much
as we figured our garbage service would take the following day and it seemed to
be more than ever.</div>
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I originally planned to just clean the fields immediately to
the east and west of our property but the more we picked up the more I saw in
the distance. I vowed to clean the fields between our house and my in-law's one
section at a time(about a mile of roadway). I didn't foresee the amount of time
and dedication it would take to tackle this disturbing and enormous job.</div>
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I continued to patrol the roadside and gather trash for the
next several Sundays as it is a busy thoroughfare and irresponsible uncaring motorists
always have something to throw out. I fished out floating rubbish from the
small pond where egrets and waterfowl nest. I crouched under low branches and
dodged thorny bushes. I learned what to wear (long pants and surgical gloves)
and what not to wear (flip flops and shorts) and developed a system to deal
with it all and prevent further mishaps. (Once the bottom of a paper bag broke
open in my garage so I got to clean up broken glass too).<o:p></o:p></div>
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My Sunday collections were never as massive as that first
day but I did feel like I was getting somewhere. In the weeks that followed I saw more spring
wildflowers. I saw new young families of geese and ducks paddle in the pond. I
saw less trash. So I tried to focus on the good to be able to deal with the
human waste surrounding it.</div>
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Still it was upsetting and overwhelming. I took pictures to
document what was collected. I manipulated photos and added text to make a
statement. I wrote a poem to express my outrage. I posted pictures of the good
and the bad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Plastic bottles, fast food packaging, empty cigarette packs, and liquor bottles were the most prevalent find but some unique items were discovered as well. I found roller blades, an SAT study guide, women's foundation makeup, a broken cell phone, a temporary license plate, and a dollar.<br />
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After picking up and sorting recyclables today I decided I
needed to be done for a while. The weeds are growing and corn has been planted.
Any remaining and any new garbage will be less noticeable until next spring. Even
though the clean up was a huge undertaking we only made a difference in our
tiny corner of the world for a short amount of time. We only improved a couple
acres of land for a few wild animals and those that live nearby or drive past. But it was worth it. Imagine if everyone did their share or even a little more.
Imagine if all people cared for their community and made small changes to leave
less of a negative impact on our planet. We only have one home after all.</div>
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This mess sat near the corner of Rt. 41 and Lincoln Highway
in Schererville. I asked the bank manager to clean it up. Someone did at one
point but it's piling up again.<br />
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It is just sickening.<br />
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Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-51079686245045661172014-03-20T02:29:00.003-05:002014-04-01T07:07:17.957-05:00Snow Business<div class="MsoNormal">
Chicagoland officially survived the winter. I didn’t think
it would ever end, and if you look outside it doesn’t seem like it has yet;
there is STILL snow on the ground. I don’t remember a colder or snowier winter.
That’s all the past four months have been about it seems – the weather. We had seven snow days which extended the school calendar by a week, even with a
few pardons. The temps were sub-zero, the roads were treacherous, and snow and ice kept piling up layer after layer. The deep freeze and several blizzard conditions encased buildings
and trees in ice for weeks on end. …I never really wrote about any of it until
now but I certainly talked about it and took pictures. It was deadly but
beautiful. It even inspired me to book a condo in Florida so that is where we
are heading in two days for spring break. We are not doing Disney; we are just going to enjoy the environment. My family and I are going to fish, snorkel, visit the Everglades,
kayak, and just lay on the beach. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be trading one
extreme for another.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I mentioned, I haven’t been writing much. I have had a
few ideas and still have plans to finish projects and submit but I’ve been
preoccupied with the winter and our vacation. I did accomplish one goal early on this year. I
got the nature books into the two stores as I had hoped. The Indiana Welcome Center and
Center for Visual and Performing Arts gift shops both have copies on their shelves. It would be nice if some of them sell. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Ladies Auxiliary St. John
VFW Family Dance was in late January. This was our 10<sup>th</sup> year. The weather
affected the turn out but everyone who did attend had fun. I keep promoting
events through the post Facebook page and did get the details and some photos in
the paper again this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EbrYkmXhiRQ/UyqYy1W9ZGI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/baTbb46r2rE/s1600/acceptance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EbrYkmXhiRQ/UyqYy1W9ZGI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/baTbb46r2rE/s1600/acceptance.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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Finally, I have some photography news. One of my photos will
be on display all summer at the Indianapolis International Airport. I was real
excited about this one; they obviously have a lot of traffic. Travelers from
all over the word will see the exhibit which is sponsored by
the airport and The Nature Conservancy/Indiana.<o:p></o:p></div>
Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-22541987145741896332013-12-31T21:06:00.002-06:002013-12-31T21:13:54.444-06:00Make it Awesome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZSKeZKMKow/UsOGiDVtz7I/AAAAAAAAAY0/zi1SsZwK7GY/s1600/1005828_10201229843563879_804051076_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZSKeZKMKow/UsOGiDVtz7I/AAAAAAAAAY0/zi1SsZwK7GY/s320/1005828_10201229843563879_804051076_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The year is nearly over; just a few more hours. I'm usually kind of sad
on New Year's Eve. Not sure why that is exactly, except that I hate to see good
things come to an end. If that is the case or reason for my melancholy (yes,
it's melancholy - defined as a thoughtful or gentle sadness - I like that
definition), then I have a lot to be thankful for once again. Twenty thirteen
was a good year for my family. It was full of changes and new experiences, and
for me it was productive as well. I hope I can keep up the pace and accomplish
even more in 2014. I would hate to slow down, sit out, or put too many things
to the side. It is time to set some new goals, maybe even take a look at my
bucket list; see if I can check anything off and then make some revisions or
additions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So the latest is:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Naturally
Yours: Poems About Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs </span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">is
available on Amazon. I just put in my order today. I am working on getting it
in local gift shops - specifically at the Indiana Welcome Center and the Center
for Performing Arts in Munster.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">And my next idea is:</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Trying to sell some art in a local gallery or store - note cards? mounted
prints? some watercolors? Not sure. I need to visit some places, do some
research. My sister has been making sea glass jewelry so I want to encourage
and help her as much as possible too. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could both
have some items at the same gift shop or gallery...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So here's to the past and wishing an awesome New Year for everyone. I'm sharing something I
saw on Facebook because I absolutely loved it. It sums it all up perfectly.</span><br />
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Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-85115649701686829822013-11-09T16:24:00.004-06:002013-11-10T10:07:18.556-06:00Just Around the Corner<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Football has ended. I had three boys on three teams – and
next year might be worse – (four on four!) but boy, was it an exciting fall. Now that I have some
evenings free I plan to catch up on a whole bunch of projects and maybe even
relax a bit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Even though I was busy with the kids and work I kept taking
pictures, writing, and submitting all kinds of things. When I think about it,
it is mind boggling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">* I had two photographs displayed at the Indiana
Welcome Center in August and September. I was so happy with the whole
experience and felt extremely honored to be part of the Reflections Exhibit, my
first.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYYTex6N4Os/Un61qQlaN2I/AAAAAAAAAXc/0mo4QZ8CBGE/s1600/IMG_6309+-+8.10+edit+r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYYTex6N4Os/Un61qQlaN2I/AAAAAAAAAXc/0mo4QZ8CBGE/s1600/IMG_6309+-+8.10+edit+r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYYTex6N4Os/Un61qQlaN2I/AAAAAAAAAXc/0mo4QZ8CBGE/s320/IMG_6309+-+8.10+edit+r.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLrNWPtFnNg/Un610AiuxfI/AAAAAAAAAXk/QHNIOzpWtiE/s1600/IMG_5464+r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLrNWPtFnNg/Un610AiuxfI/AAAAAAAAAXk/QHNIOzpWtiE/s320/IMG_5464+r.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">* I finally got a chance to set up a Facebook photography page
and also put photos on Redbubble. I have had several positive responses and
have been busy taking portraits for people ever since. I have had luck with the
weather and lighting, splendid fall colors, and of course my clients are
beautiful inside and out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">* Another first – two of my mounted nature prints were
auctioned off a couple of weeks ago at the 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> Annual Ladybug Bash
Banquet in Chicago and I got to meet some of the bidders. Proceeds went to the
Midwest Pesticide Action Center so I feel everyone benefited.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUoAxZ3hBBI/Un61-Iw_y0I/AAAAAAAAAXs/d5YQcLXsi3w/s1600/IMG_6502+r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUoAxZ3hBBI/Un61-Iw_y0I/AAAAAAAAAXs/d5YQcLXsi3w/s320/IMG_6502+r.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">* This past Wednesday I headed down to Rensselaer for a book signing
party. The latest edition of From the Edge of the Prairie is hot off the
presses. I have three pictures and poems in this year’s book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">* I did well in the Lake County fair (4 ribbons), just
finished working on the cover for the latest <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hoosier</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Horizon</i> Magazine
due out in December, and submitted some poems and craft ideas to a kids’
magazine.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jy3zVpJCKW8/Un62H0Xn04I/AAAAAAAAAX0/V4PJ4xSGOF4/s1600/IMG_6823+-+edit+r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jy3zVpJCKW8/Un62H0Xn04I/AAAAAAAAAX0/V4PJ4xSGOF4/s320/IMG_6823+-+edit+r.jpg" width="213" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">* I will have three poems and photos featured in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Naturally Yours – Poems and Short Stories
about Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs</i>. Proceeds from the sales will help
the environment. I wrote about my favorite places: Tippecanoe State Park, The
Indiana Dunes, and Shades State Park.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
So to recap, I know I accomplished a lot in the last four
months but there is still so much more out there. I feel like I’m still taking
steps that will lead me to something bigger – I hope so anyway. I hope I am
heading in the right direction and real success is obtainable. …Part of me gets
frustrated because so many of my friends are published now. I just don’t have
the time I need to polish and finalize my bigger projects; I need to work on
that, finding more time somehow. For the most part though, their
accomplishments inspire me and I’ll keep the faith that their experiences will
help me achieve my goals.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /></div>
Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-654150954357057002013-07-19T09:08:00.000-05:002013-08-18T21:15:35.287-05:00One thing leads to another...Since school ended May 29th, my birthday, things have been busy busy. We were fortunate to be able to take several weekend mini-vacations this first half of summer. We went fishing in Ludington, Michigan, hung out with friends in Jellystone campground a few hours east of here, kayaked and canoed in Peru and Shades State Park, and hit the Indiana Dunes a few times. My oldest was in weight training/conditioning for football and took both pool and gym in summer school so that meant lots of driving here and there. Yesterday was the last day of summer school YEA! - and he even gets a few weeks off before actual football practices begin again. So it has hit me, and I'm happy and proud; my oldest is a Freshman in high school! The same school I went to. He seems very excited about this next phase in his life and is motivated to do well. Fingers crossed it lasts.<br />
<br />
I had to miss a few writing and photography meetings lately, just too much going on, so imagine my surprise when my friends from Write-On Hoosiers contacted me to tell me that I won an honorable mention in the National Federation of State Poetry Societies' Contest. Fellow poet Tom Spencer was actually at the convention in New Mexico when they announced my name. Super cool! I got a certificate in the mail a few days later; 7th out of 242 entries in the Ohio Award. Little successes keep me from giving up so I sent materials to two more children's magazines. I am also going to submit three poems to the Naturally Yours - Poems and Stories about Indiana State Parks book. I just wrote about one about our time in Shades.<br />
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<br />
Since I can't put down my camera for more than a moment I am still constantly taking pictures. I like to take of everything which is my downfall. I have no specialties, I don't excel in any certain area - I just want to do well in all situations. My latest challenge has been taking good portraits. I have taken some photos of groups, events, and extended families at different locations but never set up an actual studio here. I did purchase lights a year ago and some backdrops but really needed a stand. So my husband ended up making me a backdrop frame and it has helped tremendously. After that I decided I needed to work on advertising so I set up a Facebook page just for my photography. Next thing to consider: selling. One way to make my photos more available is to set up an online place to show and sell my prints. I have a friend who uses RedBubble so I set up an account and put some things on that site. Just a few pictures to start, but the hard part is over. I'd be thrilled if I even sold a note card or two.<br />
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I have done one photo shoot since all that and I was very pleased with the outcome. I also have two more shoots lined up. It is with my extended family, which is perfect. It gives me a chance to practice without all the pressure of doing everything right. I also have been buying and gathering and even painting props. I guess I am taking this pretty serious even though I don't want to ever do a wedding or take portraits full time. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dCUpECS7_O8/UelG90UzHvI/AAAAAAAAAVo/W1zTHEVmgRM/s1600/IMG_4853+r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dCUpECS7_O8/UelG90UzHvI/AAAAAAAAAVo/W1zTHEVmgRM/s200/IMG_4853+r.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now fair time is just around the corner. I am entering 7 photos in the Lake County Fair and even one drawing of a bluegill, inspired by our MI fishing trip. And I again wanted to put myself out there so I tried to get into a photo exhibit. Just a few days ago I was informed two of my photos will be on show at the Reflections Photography Exhibit at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. I couldn't be happier. This is pretty official. They want a head shot of me and the other photographers and are going to make postcards to promote the event. The photographs will be on display August 15 to September 30. There is even an opening reception and I can have purchase information and the prices available if I desire :).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsOjjImPe7I/UelHG3KtEGI/AAAAAAAAAVw/_mdRTktw1uo/s1600/sunfish+crop+r.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TsOjjImPe7I/UelHG3KtEGI/AAAAAAAAAVw/_mdRTktw1uo/s200/sunfish+crop+r.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
My favorite quote: "You miss 100 % of the shots you don't take." by Wayne Gretzky. Guess that is why I keep taking chances and can't seem to slow down. Everything keeps leading to something else.<br />
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Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-76707063196193357682013-05-27T10:53:00.000-05:002013-05-27T12:45:59.352-05:00Winter and Spring Recap Last fall my youngest son started all-day kindergarten. I had big plans. I was going to catch up on some writing projects I started long ago, other household projects that had been put on hold, learn more about my camera and photo editing, and clean. I was going to clean out the closets, clean up my document and photo files, delete old e-mails -- basically declutter and simplify everything. I also wanted to renew my substitute teaching license so I could earn some extra cash and get out of the house once in a while. I accomplished a few goals and worked two days a week the first semester but then a full-time position opened up at one of the schools I was working at. I already knew and liked the teachers and students. I would get some paid days off plus all school breaks and summer vacation. The offer was too good to refuse, so I couldn't.<br />
<br />
Since January I have been really juggling my responsibilities. I was always very busy but now I'm close to overwhelmed. I love my new job ,and my hobbies, and volunteer work so it is hard to say "no" and not keep on taking on the things I've always done. Plus I have the four boys and their activities; I want them to be able to be in sports and participate in school clubs, etc. I shouldn't complain though because although it was a long and busy winter a lot of good things happened.<br />
<br />
First, I submitted a photo to NBC Chicago and it not only got on the 10:00 news but also was printed on the Chicago Sun Time Weather page the next day. Then the Town Planner calendars came out and I was happy with the end product. I have photos in nine different calendars this year. Finally, the 9th Annual Ladies Auxiliary Post 717 Family Dance was fun and well attended. We raised over $800 for our veteran's programs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uY6v2ui9ph4/UaOEfmeCwEI/AAAAAAAAASs/ZvIsc5A1Bh8/s1600/IMG_5399+-+Crop+zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uY6v2ui9ph4/UaOEfmeCwEI/AAAAAAAAASs/ZvIsc5A1Bh8/s320/IMG_5399+-+Crop+zoom.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I have cut back some but managed to submit to the Prairie publication, the National Federation of State Poetry Societies Spring Contest, and photos to several Calumet Region and Chicago Area Camera Club competitions. I am also a U6 soccer coach for my youngest son's team again. Just last month I was surprised to see one of my poems was published with the photo in the April Family Flyer Magazine. It is "a welcome guest in 113,000 homes!" around the Lake and Porter County areas. And as for the PoPP children's poetry contest: the entries were judged, the magazine was printed, and the April awards assembly has come and gone.<br />
<br />
So some things have been on hold; I didn't accomplish everything I wanted to these past several months. I didn't get back to those watercolor paintings or get to those neglected areas in my house and delete and/or organize the mega-billion-bytes of electronic mail and pics and files that are hanging around and stored everywhere but there is always tomorrow, or the weekend, or SUMMER!Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-34922160405563503322012-12-11T11:21:00.002-06:002013-05-27T11:21:02.164-05:00Who Knew!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rznDHdVAk2Q/UMdrXg_vroI/AAAAAAAAALo/bxKI9H2Mn0Y/s1600/IMG_3921%2Br.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rznDHdVAk2Q/UMdrXg_vroI/AAAAAAAAALo/bxKI9H2Mn0Y/s200/IMG_3921%2Br.jpg" /></a></div>WHO KNEW that only 7 days after my last post I would actually meet JT! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought it possible. The morning of October 30th I was at the orthodontist's office with my oldest son. I was watching the news and saw that John Taylor of D2 was in town for a book signing. NO WAY - I didn't even know he wrote a book! So when I got home I googled the information and found out where and when. I am a Duran Duran follower so I went to their facebook page next. People were asking about available tickets and unfortunatley, because of hurricane Sandy, many could not make the trek. Somehow, someway, by some miracle I scored a ticket. Jennifer met me at the City Winery in Chicago two hours later and charged me only face value - which was $12.50. I bought her a drink though. Thank You Thank You! So I barely had time to get ready but had enough sense and wits about me to grab my gianormous buttons from the 80's. I think he liked them :). I loved his talk and bought 4 books. Met a lot of nice people and crazy Duranies - What a night! A night I'll never forget, even if we only talked for about 30 seconds!<br />
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More (almost as exciting:) Writing News: The PoPP poetry project and contest has expanded this year. IWC got two grants and is in 7 Lake County schools. I am anxious to see the poetry and art work from the 4th and 5th graders. And check out the latest Hoosier Horizon magazine. Write-On Hoosiers chose my photo and allowed me to design the front (and back) cover. Wonderful stories and poems from my fellow writers fill the pages inside. What a fun and fabulous fall!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkZMXWhJX5g/UMduHSGttwI/AAAAAAAAAM8/lApDEHbgGLM/s1600/HH%2B12%2Bfront%2Blight%2Bborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkZMXWhJX5g/UMduHSGttwI/AAAAAAAAAM8/lApDEHbgGLM/s200/HH%2B12%2Bfront%2Blight%2Bborder.jpg" /></a></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-88187358297846069292012-10-23T12:59:00.000-05:002013-01-05T11:05:28.777-06:00Some Like it Hot!Loved that song from the 80's. Power Station: Robert Palmer and my favorite hottie: Duran Duran's John Taylor!
It's fall now and the weather is finally cooler. What a summer the states had; record breaking heat and drought affected so much of the country, so many people. My heart goes out to those who were hit so hard.
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I ended up taking two short vacations in Ludington, Michigan. The first was with my boys and dad in June (that's a story in itself) and then I spent Labor Day weekend up there with family and some friends. Both times we swam, fished, hiked the dunes, boated around Lake Hamlin, and admired a few Lake Michigan lighthouses. Ludington is beautiful; a perfect lakeside town. I hope to spend more time there in the near future. I spent countless hours photographing..., well, it's easier and more accurate to say -- EVERYTHING! In fact, I entered two Michigan photos in the Lake County Indiana Fair. Overall I was pleased with how I did. Four of my seven entries won ribbons.
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On several occasions throughout the summer, I got to take my kids to a friend's pool. We visited Deep River Water Park three times, and I even got to Chicago for the air and water show in August. Seemed like if you were outdoors you had to be around water to enjoy anything.
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Anything except running, that is. Wait? I actually like running now and don't just tolerate it? I think so. I didn't want to give into the weather and stay indoors too much this unbearably hot summer. It's not like me to sit around, so I decided to challenge myself and do something crazy. I said I was going to run 100 miles in July, and I did. (Before this I would run up to six miles a week, but not necessarily every week, and only two to three miles at a time). I said I'd run 100 miles mainly so I'd always REALLY remember how hot it was and also to get in better shape, maybe even condition myself enough to be able to do a 10K or more this fall.
To accomplish my goal I had to run virtually every day, three or four miles at a time. If I skipped a day I had to run double the next. Whenever possible I would set out first thing in the morning or wait until about an hour before sunset in the evenings, but still I'd return home always red-faced and dripping with sweat. I'd reward myself and rehydrate with iced coffee, yum. Every few days I'd drive around the neighborhoods figuring out the mileage I ran pairing it with the time it took to run that far until I got a cool phone app that literally logs my runs. It figures my pace, reports elevation changes, tallies the miles, and allows you to enter data about the weather and how you are feeling. Super cool. It really motivates you to run in new places and while on vacation even. What I mean is I ran in Ludington, up and down the Chicago River Walk route, and even ran a few miles along Wells St. beach in Gary in early September just so I could see my runs on the map. You can see the path you took and send it to friends if you feel like sharing or bragging.
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The longest distance I ever ran in July (well, ever) was slightly over six miles in one day. I did that a few days in a row though and ended up getting blisters on my toes half way through the month. Towards the end of my trek my right heel started hurting. But I kept going, too close to the finish to give up, and even went a few miles over. One hundred and four to be exact. I really believe I got addicted to running in some ways. I felt like a machine when I was out there beating the pavement. Not a fast machine, but once I got going I just felt mechanical somehow, like it was easier to keep going than stop. Turns out I now have plantar fasciitis and can't run much or go to step aerobics too often even after taking it easy these past two months. Even two weeks off didn't help; once I start back up the same pain comes right back full force.
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No, I will probably never run 100 miles in a month again, and I am disappointed that I can't really run at all right now. Any exercise or long walk means shooting foot pain in the mornings and an achy heal for at least five days. I don't want to do any real damage so I'm resting it as much as I can without giving in entirely. I'm trying to avoid a painful shot of cortisone and/or a boot. A few weeks ago I bought some over-the-counter insoles and now I'm taking ibuprofen. Maybe that will provide some relief. I was able to do the Monster Dash this past Saturday and am feeling ok. My 14 year old son ended up coming in first in his age group (14-20) so I definitely don't regret doing it. I don't regret running the 100 plus miles either.
This year and summer I trained in a way, my own way, and built up my endurance. I ran farther than ever before and more frequently and did get in great shape. I'm proud of myself even if I ended up taking steps back to recover. And the craziest part of it all: all those miles I ran in one hot month amounted to only twenty hours total. (The suffering seemed much longer at the time!) To think marathon runners and extreme athletes run twenty-six miles or more (incredible distances) twice as fast without stopping, all in one day - well, it just blows me away!
Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-47825181991959176552012-06-23T09:19:00.000-05:002012-06-29T16:06:03.256-05:00Spring ThingsIt is officially summer so a new post is way past due. Spring was a busy time. The 2nd Annual PoPP (Power of Poetry Project) Awards Assembly was held April 20th at Taft Middle School in Crown Point. The elementary schools that participated included: Douglas MacArthur in Cedar Lake, Lake Street and Solon Robinson in Crown Point, and Oak Hill in Lowell. Winners at each grade level received a certificate and medal whereas place winners were given an Amazon gift card as well. All winning poems and honorable mentions from the four schools (120 poems) were published. This year we included student artwork in the publication as well.
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<b>Some of the winners:</b>
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I am happy to announce I received a first honorable mention in the Oregon Spring Poetry contest. I was very excited to see the certificate in my mailbox. This is the first time I have placed in a state poetry contest. I was about to give up but it looks like I will continue to participate in state contests (for a while longer at least).
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The rejections keep coming in and it is hard to not be discouraged. I have not submitted anything to children's magazines or publishers in the past two months. Instead I have been busy snapping photos. Several will be in the 2013 local Town Planner Calendars and the Lake County Fair is accepting entries as I write. I am deciding what to enter in the different categories this week. Next week I have to send in my revisions to Prairie Writer's Guild for their 2012 publication. This year's edition will include three of the poems and hopefully some photos as well.
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The only painting I have done lately is face painting. I donated my time at a friend's benefit in May and it was a lot of fun. I had hope to revise some earlier drawings and painting this spring but couldn't find the time. AND the only writer's group I've been involved in with lately is Indiana Writers' Consortium. I am on the banquet committee and just developed a flyer for the annual picnic. Sill need to catch up on the quarterly report and minutes!...Not sure how this summer will be. It's been one thing after another so far with my four boys.
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtnBwd8zqQo/T-XQDfsh7WI/AAAAAAAAAJY/5JSvk_X4ekU/s1600/IWC%2B2012%2BPicnic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="154" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtnBwd8zqQo/T-XQDfsh7WI/AAAAAAAAAJY/5JSvk_X4ekU/s200/IWC%2B2012%2BPicnic.JPG" /></a>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-37267867906009616252012-03-31T12:58:00.011-05:002012-03-31T13:08:18.566-05:00DeadlinesFrom the Edge of the Prairie submissions are due now. I hope to have at least 3 poems and several photos ready for the 2012 edition in the next few days.<br /><br />Stacy from the Town Calendars gave me a few photo assignments so I've been snapping away. Hopefully some will be included in the St. John, Dyer, and Crown Point editions again this year. Lake Central versus Crown Point tonight at Midwest Ice Arena. Should be a great hockey game.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-korIyng_xuA/T3dGG6F6ClI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Rjbpt1CV-po/s1600/Hupp%2BMidwest%2BGym%2Br.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-korIyng_xuA/T3dGG6F6ClI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Rjbpt1CV-po/s200/Hupp%2BMidwest%2BGym%2Br.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726122535712066130" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGwiMHDlMQk/T3dGUU-zu6I/AAAAAAAAAHk/PT4M2sSpEN4/s1600/Hupp%2BSt.%2BJohn%2BHeron%2BSledding%2Br.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGwiMHDlMQk/T3dGUU-zu6I/AAAAAAAAAHk/PT4M2sSpEN4/s200/Hupp%2BSt.%2BJohn%2BHeron%2BSledding%2Br.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726122766268349346" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef7h67v_aio/T3dHBpzSH5I/AAAAAAAAAH8/oWHz9YCdGdc/s1600/Hupp%2BMudathlon%2BChicagoland-Valpo%2Br.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef7h67v_aio/T3dHBpzSH5I/AAAAAAAAAH8/oWHz9YCdGdc/s200/Hupp%2BMudathlon%2BChicagoland-Valpo%2Br.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726123544951267218" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I've submitted poems and activities to several children's magazines this month so hope to hear some good news later this spring. I've also entered poems in two state and one national poetry contest a few weeks ago.<br /><br />Magic Hour Writers had a wonderful guest speaker at our March meeting. Check out the MHW link and read all about Shannon Anderson.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ojNqZev5728/T3dHtfpnc_I/AAAAAAAAAIU/sVrd3X2hiNM/s1600/IMG_7325%2B-%2BEdit%2Br.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ojNqZev5728/T3dHtfpnc_I/AAAAAAAAAIU/sVrd3X2hiNM/s200/IMG_7325%2B-%2BEdit%2Br.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726124298140611570" /></a>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-80748603668424590362012-01-04T09:41:00.015-06:002012-01-04T21:05:33.763-06:00Cover StoryIt's been a great winter so far and a Happy New Year! I'm planning on a VERY successful one.<br /><br />The Town Planners are out! I have photos in the Dyer, St. John, Crown Point, and Schererville editions - including the Dyer cover. Thanks to my friend Bill who planted a seed and Stacy from Town Planner.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDQQWCkWbsI/TwR0B4RMNoI/AAAAAAAAAGc/JZJmtDlkFjU/s1600/IMG_6197%2B-%2BCrop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDQQWCkWbsI/TwR0B4RMNoI/AAAAAAAAAGc/JZJmtDlkFjU/s200/IMG_6197%2B-%2BCrop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693803404536329858" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KJNYdazke4/TwR2gFbT78I/AAAAAAAAAGo/tfJuXVcw1Co/s1600/Calendars%2B2012%2Bv2%2Bcrop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 67px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KJNYdazke4/TwR2gFbT78I/AAAAAAAAAGo/tfJuXVcw1Co/s200/Calendars%2B2012%2Bv2%2Bcrop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693806122487771074" /></a><br /><br />(No, I DID NOT hang 5 on my fridge :), but I did get extra copies for family members.)<br /><br />The Northwest Indiana Poetry Society has choosen one of my photos for the cover of their next poetry magazine. I'm excited about that too.<br /><br />The Power of Poetry Project (PoPP)- is now in 4 local schools. Students in Grades K-5 are busy writing and revising. I can wait to read their poems and congratulate the winners. An assembly will be held in April and winning poems will be published! Watch the Indiana Writers' Consortium's blogsite and facebook page for more information.<br /><br />Calumet Region Photography Club is having a workshop this month in Munster, IN. Spread the word!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xomBjFheV8/TwSB5_tUMDI/AAAAAAAAAHA/cPrEUQbpEB0/s1600/Cal%2BRegion%2BWorkshop.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xomBjFheV8/TwSB5_tUMDI/AAAAAAAAAHA/cPrEUQbpEB0/s200/Cal%2BRegion%2BWorkshop.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693818662257176626" /></a><br /><br />And I'm thrilled to report NBC News Chicago liked my lunar eclipse photo from December 10th! Thanks again to Brant Miller.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck1SMljg_2k/TwR4SXJR2XI/AAAAAAAAAG0/VaLaVyVevjU/s1600/PC131680%2B-%2BCrop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck1SMljg_2k/TwR4SXJR2XI/AAAAAAAAAG0/VaLaVyVevjU/s200/PC131680%2B-%2BCrop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693808085749062002" /></a><br /><br />Finally, I got another rejection from a children's magazine, but the editor encouraged me to keep submitting so I will. I'm hoping persistance will pay off.Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-26091952198264528542011-09-01T12:09:00.016-05:002012-01-04T21:05:57.894-06:00About The TimesEarlier this summer I submitted a brief article and some photos to the NWI Times newspaper. It was printed the community section Aug. 18th. They included a photo I took and one taken by Kathryn, who is the president of IWC. I'm happy that so many local writers' groups attended and got publicity through the article. It was a lovely event.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6muYlSyP7s/Tl-9gYLB0iI/AAAAAAAAAFU/OUNvdqnGWcc/s1600/IWC%2Bpicnic%2Bwrite-up%2B11.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 163px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6muYlSyP7s/Tl-9gYLB0iI/AAAAAAAAAFU/OUNvdqnGWcc/s200/IWC%2Bpicnic%2Bwrite-up%2B11.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647440821688062498" /></a><br /><br /><br />This year I entered six photos in the Lake County Fair in the advanced catagories. I was very pleased that four won ribbons and prize money. I am planning on entering more prints into competition for the Calumet Region Photo Club and digitally to CACCA (Chicago Area Camera Club Association).<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFzicjINu80/Tl-9rtSgKZI/AAAAAAAAAFc/3k_RpN0qCOk/s1600/Fair%2BWinners%2B11%2Blong%2Bcrop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 78px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFzicjINu80/Tl-9rtSgKZI/AAAAAAAAAFc/3k_RpN0qCOk/s200/Fair%2BWinners%2B11%2Blong%2Bcrop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647441016335116690" /></a><br /><br /><br />Submissions are due this month for Hoosier Horizon Magazine and the Northwest Indiana Poetry Society Magazine so I have been busy trying to figure out what to send in. My next goal will be to write more and polish some other poems for my animal picture & poem book and finish editing and illustrating a short story I started two years ago. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpFPFRWjjD0/TmLi1QYCAmI/AAAAAAAAAGU/eZ6kekQA_3w/s1600/Sally%2Bcollage%2Bfor%2Bblog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 175px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpFPFRWjjD0/TmLi1QYCAmI/AAAAAAAAAGU/eZ6kekQA_3w/s200/Sally%2Bcollage%2Bfor%2Bblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648326287232729698" /></a>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692773408423375999.post-2045514064535100472011-06-22T18:39:00.021-05:002011-06-23T12:44:28.783-05:00Photography news<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NejD9OBmX_U/TgJ--KfdNII/AAAAAAAAAEs/U3LIryIwSDk/s1600/Town%2BPlanner%2BDyer%2Bcover.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 187px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NejD9OBmX_U/TgJ--KfdNII/AAAAAAAAAEs/U3LIryIwSDk/s200/Town%2BPlanner%2BDyer%2Bcover.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621194891345081474" /></a> I have had many photography successes the last month. Several of my photos will be in the 2012 local town calendars and this one of Grandpa's barn made the cover.<br /><br />Salon Sein, a local hair salon, is displaying one of my pictures with a poem, and my bff has asked me to decorate the walls of her massage room with my art. Her name is Dawn and she works in Munster. Contact me for more information.<br /><br />I am planning to enter 6 photos in the Lake County Fair and had a photo featured on the Chicago News last week in the weather section. I've been taking pictures in Chicago, Dyer, and surrounding towns like crazy.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkgP_tgteyA/TgJ_3K3tSWI/AAAAAAAAAE0/YG2ICTn2IoU/s1600/P6160415%2Bcrop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkgP_tgteyA/TgJ_3K3tSWI/AAAAAAAAAE0/YG2ICTn2IoU/s200/P6160415%2Bcrop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621195870699342178" /></a><br /><br />Since things are going so well, and we have a major vacation coming up next month, I decided I needed a better camera. I am enjoying photography even more if that is possible. I have a lot to learn though.<br /><br /><strong>Writing News:</strong> Looks like 2 of my poems and a few photos will be featured in the next edition of <em>From the Edge of the Prairie</em>, contact me late fall if you are interested in a copy... <em>and</em> I got another rejection letter - but we don't need to talk about that. I'm still waiting to hear on a half dozen more publishers. Fingers are crossed.<br /><br />IWC Picnic is Sat. See link on right.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj9v3-q_cjU/TgN5egi74XI/AAAAAAAAAFM/OLDyudFc5tU/s1600/Butterfly%2Bwith%2Bcopyright%2Bresize.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj9v3-q_cjU/TgN5egi74XI/AAAAAAAAAFM/OLDyudFc5tU/s200/Butterfly%2Bwith%2Bcopyright%2Bresize.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621470324928012658" /></a><br /><br /><br />Thanks for reading!Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010916165434083151noreply@blogger.com0