December 28, 1998 was a Monday

I had a book signing that night. Yep, in my Iowa hometown's library. One of my BEST nights ever. Class members, plus their parents and friends of my family turned out for it. I felt like Cinderella. I've had alot of good days since then, yet there was something about that night. Special really. Felt so good and right to talk about my written words. To autograph books for everyone. Back then, I just didn't sign my name, I pretty much wrote a novella to that person. A personal touch, I guess.

I'd self published my book in September 1998. The first and only book I've written. A story that nawed at my heart, and still does. The story idea is great, but the way it was written then--could be so much better. At the time, I needed to get it down. To get it in people's hands. I'd sent out query letters for possible publication. Had two bites to see the completed manuscript. Both turned me down, although one publisher gave me 40 minutes of his time, on the phone, how to improve the story. I still remember to this day. And then I've learned so much as a writer over this time.

In fact, I've started a re-do about 3 times and quit. I actually did quit writing altogether after the book came out. I'd sent my book to a site for a review and be featured on their site. Oh man...the guy tore it shreds. I felt like a failure. Ever wrote that in my journal "I am a failure. I cannot write." Wrote nothing else--except in my diaries--for a few years. I didn't even think about writing. Didn't want to. Ignored the question, "What have you written lately?"

Ten years have passed. Alot has happened, because it had too. Today I enjoy writing fiction short stories. Query to have them published. But to my one and only book--it still is in my home town's library. Heck, I still have a few in my closet. Quit selling them long ago. Will I write another book? Sure. When the time is write. Not my time, but God's time.

Eventhough it was great I wrote the book--and I Google the title and my name. There are used copies on sites, that I don't recognize the language. HOW did it get there? Especially the SIGNED copies? I digress. I am proud I wrote the book when I did. God was with me, yet I pushed it through at times. I wasn't patient. I learned alot and lost alot of money. I had no plan. To self publish, you a plan A thru at least T is needed. All in all, I wasn't ready.

He's making me ready now.

OK-so now we have....

the Dallas Cowboys..*sigh* .They are behind the Philadelphia Eagles 41-3 and the game isn't over yet! Nobody saw it coming THIS bad. The Cowboys had to win to be in the play-offs. Former Cowboy QB Hall of Fame Troy Aikman is calling the game. I wonder his thoughts. If he wishes he were still part of the fray. Yes, it's why the game is played, yet the Dallas Cowboys didn't quite play it well enough. December 28, 2008 will end their season. Let the finger points begin. Uh, who threw those interceptions?

My night in 1998 was more fun. I am blessed.

Sunday's Right Choice

....was the right one: Tashard Choice. He was really the only true bright spot in the Dallas Cowboys' total heart wrench of a 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Taschard Choice had his first NFL start, playing for the injured Marion Barber. He had some diamond sparkle moments--too bad the sparkle turned to coal.

This game was the Cowboys' one to lose. They went into the 4th quarter ahead by 13-3. And lost. A go ahead interception did them in. Then a 4th and Game to Tie or Lose tossed, I think, to Jason Witten, with 55 seconds left in the game, wasn't caught. See, I'm not too sure Jason knew the ball was even coming his way---because he didn't turn around.

Unfortunately, Tony Romo threw the interceptions and fumbled. Plus the D-fense didn't stick around for the entire game. Where was the D-fense who held the Steelers out of the end zone on a 4th and goal? Will some sports radio folks say the commercial with Jessica Simpson jinxed the game?

And don't even get me started on the BCS stuff. Sure, OK--Iowa plays against South Carolina on Jan 1. Now, wasn't there a time when ALL the big time New Year's games were on Jan 1? Now they're stretched to Jan 8! What is THAT about?

Oh yea: Money.

I admit to not really being a Texas Longhorn fan (sorry Movie Man) but why aren't THEY playing for #1? I don't even care how that's explained--they BEAT OU (even though I rooted for OU--coach Bobby Stoops was an Iowa Hawkeye back in the day). I'm with our President elect, Barack Obama--we need a play-off system. UGH.

Ya know, since there's no man to tell me it'll be better next week--the Blue Bell White Chocolate Almond ice cream, in my fridge, will have to do.