I must say that in the last few weeks I have started to feel like a professional writer.  I have submitted two commissioned pieces for KC Parent Magazine and have 2 more due by the middle of December.  My first commentary article based on my four year old's princess birthday party was published in the KC Star, and I entered 2 writing contests. 

The first contest entry was a challenging one.  Not only to get a catchy query letter written to the agent creating the contest, but to figure out in a short time frame how to "youth myself up" and learn how to change this insane website per contest requirements.  I think I spent more time doing that than writing the %^&%  query letter.  It was a great challenge, though, for I now feel a little more well-versed in the website management department.  Oh, I'm so proud!

Since I am enjoying writing my parenting commentary articles, and I am going back and reading old Erma Bombeck articles, I decided to submit one of my newest published pieces to the Monthly Humor Writer contest from Erma's foundation...or Ms. Funny Pants, as the children and I like to call her.

Have you ever noticed that some people/writers like to use the same salutation (and even program it into their email documents) for every email?  Some are interesting, some professional, some expressing their mantra or life values - I am going to start trying out new ones and see what feedback I get.  That is if I can figure out how to program my signature line in Vista.  I used to love Windows.  Who ever thought Vista was a good idea?  Some Sadist from Boise who has a beef with anyone with a shred of intelligence.  I am sure he or she is a lovely person - but vindictive, oooeee! 

(Salutation #1)
Pickles & Tickles,
Stacey