"Do. There is no try." -Yoda

On Friday I received my first rejection letter for my first book I have ever written, or submitted for publishing. I wasn't going to mention it on my blog, but I thought, why not? This is sort of a crowning achievement. Did you know that about 95% of us think about writing a book, but only 2% ever do? And out of those who submit their work, only 2% get published? Not great odds, yet today, they make me feel better.
So, I was surprisingly calm when Brandon handed me the big white mailer I knew contained my manuscript and I read the form letter telling me they were "forced to be extremely selective" and that they were, "not in a position to pursue this project at this time", or even able to "send detailed comments" about my work. Not very helpful, but a badge of courage nonetheless.
It was later that night that I cried.
Then, I woke up early, came down to the office, got online, and found a few more publishers that I will try. I know it's a long shot, but am compelled to try. It has always been my observation and belief that a good, solid try counts.
Sorry, Yoda.

Back To School?

"What is it for? The improvement of the mind; to instruct us in all arts and sciences, in the history of the world, in the laws of nations; to enable us to understand the principles of life, and how to be useful while we live." ~Brigham Young

I have been thinking... again. I was walking through the family room after General Conference was over, and the family was still watching the ads and things they show between sessions, when an announcer's words caught my attention. "...if you were once a full-time student at BYU and unable to finish your degree..." and "...qualify for the Bachelor of General Studies Program". I paused, and at the same time, both Brandon and Chelsea spun their heads toward me with a look that said, "Hey! That is you!" I looked further at Brandon, who's nod said, "You should look into this." I had actually seen the ads before, but it was their reaction that made me think, "Hey, maybe that is me."
Since then, I have had it at the back of my mind to research it further online. Yesterday, I did. This morning, I called about how many credits I already have. You know, this may be something I can do. I actually am excited to talk to Brandon about it. He is going to call me from work when he gets a minute.
I have, for so long, thought how it would have been so much better (for me, anyway) to have known who I was going to be later (or , now) before I started college. I would have done it so differently.
Maybe this is my chance.

Away From You

listen to: With Me







I have been feeling a little homesick for my family... my parents and my brothers and sister and their spouses and children. I have a nephew I have only seen in pictures and another I haven't seen since he was a few weeks old. We have always seemed to be the ones who live "away", but it has been almost a year since I have been home, so I guess I am feeling it. I recall a time when all I had was an expensive phone call or a written letter with a couple of snapshots, if I was lucky, to maintain contact with my loved ones who I missed. What an amazing thing it is to get on this computer, type out my news and post as many photos as I wish.
I told Chelsea that when she goes away to college I was going to call her every day and email at least that much.
Warily, she asked. "Why?"
I explained, "Because I only got to talk to my parents once a week, if that much, at college, and I had to wait and wait and wait for letters (and checks) to come in the mail. It was not cool."
She looked convinced and sympathetic, and, though still wary, replied, "Okay. You can do that." It is a wonder, this technology.
But, obviously, it does not make-up for being home, being held, looking into eyes looking back at you, smelling familiar scents, lending a hand, feeling that your small place, in a larger organism that is a family, is needed, enjoyed, wanted, appreciated for however long you can stay. Maybe that is a small blessing of being the ones who live "away". That is my positive spin, my glass half full.




I miss you, Mom, Dad, Shelli, Mike, Craig, Trevor, Jenn, and Carrie, Rachel, Tanner, Skylar, Gracie, Alexis, Avery, Mikey, Riley, Craiger, and Matthew.

Happy Birthday, Maren! You're 6!

listen to: Isn't She Lovely, Butterfly

Maren loves to look through our photo albums, but it is a bittersweet thing to do, as I stopped putting photos into albums just before we decided to have her. I didn't mean to, it just happened. As she was looking through the pages the other day, just relishing the pictures of her family before she came along, she once again asked, "Where are the books of my pictures?" I sighed and promised myself to get out those boxes of pictures and fill up some photo albums for her birthday. After all, life was good before Maren, but it is so much sweeter with her.
Happy Birthday, our Marenberry!