I'm stoked today - I just got my copy of Susan B & Me.  What a gorgeous book.  It's full of beautiful photography, and of course, two poems by me (page 9 & page 57).  Lots of other talented writers.  It's worth a look.  ISBN 0-930249-03-8

Patti Ronsvalle: pattiup@rochester.rr.com
Big Kids Publishing
PO Box 612
Fairport, NY 14450

Posted September 22, 2006; 7:30pm EST

Favorite quote of the day:

"Only love can be divided endlessly and still not diminish." --Anne Morrow Lindbergh

###

So where were you on September 11, 2001?  I was working for a government agency on the West Coast.  I had just arrived at work, and decided to join some co-workers in the employee lounge for coffee before heading off to a meeting.  The TV was on in the background; I think Katie Couric was doing some form of navel-gazing.  I looked up from the light-hearted conversation to see a replay of the plane flying into the first tower.  I nearly choked on my coffee. 

Everyone's jaw dropped, and we all wondered what could have caused such a tragic thing to happen.  Then, a few minutes later, tower two was struck.  Everything seemed like it ran in slow motion and fast forward all at once.  Then the towers fell, one at a time.

I went back to my desk, cancelled my meeting and sat, reading CNN's headlines for the next hour.  I couldn't believe I had just visited those towers a few years before.  I stood between them, in total awe of their size, overwhelmed by the sheer energy of the masses of people that worked in them and milled about.  At that moment, as I gazed at the smoldering images, I couldn't do anything but feel heartsick for all the people that died that day, and for all the people who'd lost someone in that tragedy.

I decided not to watch the President's speech tonight - not that I think the bumbling idiot would have said anything profound.  I didn't turn the channel to the news at all, not even for the weather; I didn't want to see the whole thing gruesomely replayed over and over again by the media.  The images are already burned into my mind.  It was better just to enjoy my kids' laughter as they watched their cartoons, and be thankful.

Posted September 11, 2006; 10:05pm EST

I just turned 34.  Thanks for the flowers, Josh.  They made my day.

If anyone out there is considering using Mobipocket format for their eBooks - get ready to do a lot of reformatting.  As a requirement by Amazon.com, my book will be available in that format (after I get done pulling out my hair).  It doesn't like MS Publisher or Adobe PDF.  I've had to strip out almost all of my graphics and formatting.  Not sure if this switch is going to be worth it.  I really like the PDF version best because it's all color and easy to work with.

Newest blog on my blogroll:  Females Need Faces.  So far, only one post, though it's a profound post by a woman with a strong opinion about Islam.  Hope she continues her blog.

Posted September 10, 2006; 12:28pm EST

Another late night for my youngest daughter.  She doesn't seem to want to go to sleep.  So, I let her play quietly with her toys while I am working.  I look down at her, and lo and behold she has about 10 stuffed animals lined up on their backs, and she's wiping their bottoms with a baby wipe that she's stolen out of the dispenser.  Gee, maybe I can train her to change her sister's diaper.  I congratulate her and tell her good job.  She is thrilled and goes to get more animals.

Posted September 4, 2006; 10:15pm EST

Also, checkout this cool new site called LuckyTalent Lucky Fortune.  I conducted an interview with talented artist Bill Warren.  He is a really sweet creative guy.  Lots of incredible talent on that site, and it looks like it will be a good way to network.

Posted September 3, 2006; 8:48pm EST