March; Lion or Lamb but mostly Soccer

If you are a parent then you know that regardless if March comes in like a lion or lamb it definitely heralds the return of soccer season.  Both of my boys started practice with their new soccer teams this week.

Monday was the first practice for my youngest, this is also the first year he's been old enough to play.  He is so excited to finally participate and not just watch his big brother from the sidelines.  So are his dad and I, no more sprinting onto the field to snatch him from the middle of a game. We hope.

My oldest has his first practice tonight. The fields the local soccer organization uses are outside of town in a very wide open stretch of treeless fields.  You are guaranteed that the wind will be whipping and the temps about fifteen degrees cooler than in the town.  We button up to our eyeballs in layers, mittens and caps.  Trudge blankets and chairs out to the sidelines for thirty minutes of non-stop ball-chasing hilarity to be rewarded with hot chocolates and exhausted children.

The excursion is well worth the effort. My boys have learned much about patience and team work.  So, as we say goodbye to March I sail forth two nights a week for Life Lessons I'm hoping will stick.

My Journey to the 2012 RWA Conference

In the Fall of 2011 I decided that to complete my current manuscript I needed a solid deadline.  So, after chatting with a few of my writing friends I set one. The December 2nd entry deadline for RWA's Golden Heart competition for 2012.

I made this decision about mid October.  I was only 40,000 words into my manuscript. Consequently, I spent the entire month of November finishing my WIP completing it at approximately 78,000 words.  Needless to say, I was mostly brain dead for the month of December.  But it was well worth the effort.  I was on fire! I made the deadline and entered my novel into the competition.

While I wait to hear if I make the finals, announced March 26th, I have been perfecting my synopsis and query letter.  Reducing my novel down to a handful of pages is the most technical and powerful piece of writing I've done.

To enhance my nervousness and anticipation my dearest husband, Sgt. Dan, encouraged me to immerse myself in the journey.  So, I registered for the 32nd Annual RWA Conference, to be held in Anaheim, California this year!  Yay me! Little did he know exactly what his encouragement would entail.


Conference registration completed.
Plane tickets booked.
Hotel arrangements made.


I am going with the lovely Susan Gee Heino.  Who has graciously agreed to take me under her wing and make sure I do not get lost or go fan girl crazy on Stephanie Laurens, the keynote speaker. I hope to get a picture with her and not pass out in the process or make a complete fool of myself.  If I can at least be coherent enough to remember my own name I'll be satisfied.

Next up on the to do list, SHOPPING!  New dresses are first, not to mention that I need an elegant number for the awards banquet along with matching shoes.

In the mean time, I'll be working on my next project.  I have the support of the man I love, my family and friends.  What more could a girl ask for?