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    I did it!

    With a little over two days and seven hours to spare, I completed my 50,000 word and became and official Nanowrimo winner. Thank you to everyone who gave me the encouragement I needed to do this. It was a great experience.
    On to the next goal of finishing this new first draft by the end of the year. Check out the nifty new progress meter at the top of the page.
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    What happened to November?

    So, what happened to blog posts for November? I’ll tell you. Nanowrimo happened. If that word looks like it must be something other than English, you’re not alone. Nanowrimo stands for Nation Novel Writing Month and happens every November. This was the first year I have participated. The challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November.

    The first day of November I was quite sick and only wrote a few hundred words. I looked at the chart on the Nano site and the tasked seemed insurmountable. Each day I’ve trudged forward and today I am proud to say that I have reached word number 44,021. With only five days remaining in the challenge, I can see the finish line.

    My novel will not be complete at 50,000 words so I’ll keep plugging away at the first draft in December. An ending point around 90,000 words is more likely.

    If you’d like more information on Nanowrimo, visit them at http://www.nanowrimo.org/, and consider joining the race next year.

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    Jillicious Desserts

    Let me just tell you up front, this is not a writing related entry in any way, but I have to share with you about this awesome field trip we went on yesterday. I lead a small home economics 4H group call the Willamette Valley Workers. My two daughters are members along with kids from a couple other families. Yesterday we all trekked out to King’s Valley to visit Jillicious Desserts. Wow, and YUM.

    Jill Nagel, fellow PHS class of ’89 alum, is the owner and pastry chef. When we arrived, she was completely prepared to give us a lesson in owning, managing, and succeeding at a home based buisness. The kids and adults were enthralled by her organization and knowledge.

    Jill and the kids
    (ignore the date stamps on the pictures. I don’t know how to run this camera)

    Did you know that you should be able to see chunks of butter in your pie crust? I had no idea. Jill led us through the process of making pastry dough and then the kids used dough to make galettes and mini turnovers. My husband was a happy man when we met up with him at the soccer game, warm pastries in hand.

    turnovers and galettes

    If you need a dessert and you live in our area, be sure to check out Jillicious Desserts.

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    Latest News from the Publishing Front

    Cup of Comfort has been compiling stories for their new book, Cup of Comfort for a Better World. With over 2,000 submissions I find myself eager to read the chosen stories. So often we get pulled down by all then things that are not so right with our world. Conflict rules the news and around here, you can’t even drive downtown without witnessing the clash of politcal views. I read that negative encounters are felt five times greater than postive encounters. Hmmm.

    Sounds like a great time to focus on good news.

    Here are the finalist for Cup of Comfort for a Better World. Look for it in bookstores next year.

    Joy in the Mourning, by Karen Alexander

    Courageous Water Angels, by Suzanne Baginskie

    A Belly Laugh to Heal a Cracked Heart, by Margo Bodishbaugh

    A Circle of Compassion, by Laura Bradford

    Pfft Is the Sound a Better World Makes, by Christie Caballero

    The Three Wise Men, by Sue Carrizales

    An Oasis of Hope in the Muslim World, by Trudy Chun

    The Firebird, by Linda S. Clare

    Angel Magic, by Lisa Ricard Claro

    Airport Angel, by Sybilla A.Cook

    Quit Talkin and Start Doin, by Betty Johnson Dalrymple

    The Rubber Chicken Cure, by Michele Ivy Davis

    The Gratitude Effect, by Sharon Elwell

    Baubles, Bangles, and Bubbles, by J.K. Fleming

    One Less to Count Up, by John Forrest

    Polka Dots and Sunshine Teardrops, by James Fox

    Frugality Then and Now, by Beverly Goldberg

    Mom Takes the Slow Road, by Tanya Ward Goodman

    It Isn’t Easy Being Green, by Esme Gosling

    Four Large Eggs, by Linda Hoagland

    The Kindness of Strangers, by Erika Hoffman

    The Texture of Hope, by Ann Holmes

    I’ve Always Got Time for You, by William S. Hubbartt

    When a Kiss Means Everything, by Lyndell King

    One for My Husband and One for Me, by Mirish Kiszner

    A Friend in Need Is a Friend Indeed, by Joyce Laird

    Holding Babies, by John J. Lesjack

    The Face Beneath the Hood, by Beth Levine

    No Prescription Needed, by Sue Lick

    Forgiving the Unforgivable, by Mary Long

    The Butterfly Lady, by Jennifer Lunden

    Random Acts of Kindness, by Brian J. Marinelli

    The Legacy, by Irene Martin

    More Blessed to Give, by Anne McCrady

    Cupcakes, by Betsy McPhee

    The Man Who Did Windows, by Amy Mullis

    An Adventure in Generosity, by Christina Nelson

    Blossoms Among Thorns, by Betty Ost-Everley

    Three Strangers, by Ava Pennington

    Full Circle, by Jan Philpot

    My Guardian Angels, by Lea Ellen Reburn

    The Egg Lady of Ranquitte, by Connie Rosser Riddle

    Benevolent Landlords, by Fran Roberts

    A Hollywood Actor Inspires International Tolerance, by Eleanor Roth

    Magic Baggies, by Carol Rothchild

    The Coat, by Deborah Royal

    The Right Thing, by Marcia Rudoff

    Never Alone, by Carol Russell

    The Beggar in Istanbul, by Rebecca Russell

    Making a Dent, by Susan Sarver

    Not Interested, by Eloise Elaine Schneider

    Beyond the Classroom, by Eloise Elaine Schneider

    You Bought Me Sleep, by Shelley Seale

    A Little Can Be a Lot, by Elizabeth Sharpe

    Giving Day, by Alaina Smith

    One Child at a Time, by Linda Stork

    Three Pieces of Silver, by Joyce Sudbeck

    Fixing a Faucet while Mending a Soul, by Marlena Thompson

    Two Photos and a Smiling Open Heart, by Grace Tierney

    The Power of Pebbles, by Christina Trapani-Scott

    Walking in Lila’s Shoes, by Carol Tyx

    A Better World for $50 or Less, by Ann Vitale

    A Village Built with Ink and Dreams, by Samantha Ducloux Waltz

    Trash Talk, by Stefanie Wass

    Love Has No Limits, by Joan Watt

    Injustice Is Everyone’s Battle, by Dallas Woodburn

    Congratulations to all the finalists.

    Have a great week,

    Christina