This is becoming a habit, this having to impose on HSM to post my blog entry, but the plumbers were here this morning and I couldn't leave.
Okay, my new hot water tank is installed and so far so good, it's working wonderfully. Hot water like you wouldn't believe!
The only mishap was the second time I flushed the toilet in the upstairs bathroom. See, the plumbers (there were two of them) turned the water off all over the house. When it went back on, and I turned on, say, the faucet in the kitchen, it exploded water. So the first time I flushed the upstairs toilet it was using the water that had been stored in the tank. The second time I flushed it, well, that was 'new' water and there was water all over the floor. I thought the toilet had sprung a leak. Turned out it was just the pressure and it spilled water over the top of the tank. No biggie, the floor needed a good scrubbing anyway (smile).
Like I said, there were two plumbers. The first one was the boss, the owner of the company. The second one was his assistant.
As soon as the second one crawled out of their truck I knew he'd been to prison. How? I don't know exactly. I just knew. I always say I can 'smell' it but there really isn't any smell, it's just recognition. Not recognition like I remember seeing him in the visiting room at Jackson Prison. More like a recognition of the way he walked and talked, the way he carried his take out cup of coffee, all things that wouldn't look anydifferent to anyone else, but easily recognizable to someone who has been around prisoners and ex-cons.
Because I didn't know if his boss knew he was an ex-con and I sure didn't want to blow his job for him, I waited until he went outside to get something from the truck. I slid up next to him and asked him how long he'd been inside.
'Inside? Inside what?' he asked.
'Inside the joint," I replied.
He tried to play me off but when he realized I was on to him he asked how could I tell? What did he do that gave him away? Whatever it was he wanted to correct it so no one else would know.
I told him it wasn't any one thing. I just 'knew'. I told him I had an uncle who'd been to prison and I'd done lots of volunteer work with cons and ex-cons. Told him how it wasn't a holiday meal unless there were acouple of ex-cons digging into the turkey, too. I told him only someonewho was familiar with prison would realize it. I told him not to worry, he acted just fine.
And that's been my day so far. Hope yours has been a good one and continues to get better.
Be good and be careful, take care, stay strong. I look forward tohearing from you.
hugs, Tawny
www.tawnyford.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Yet another day I wasn't able to get to the library and must rely on the kindness of HSM.
Here is an email I received from Michael Moore yesterday. Thought you might find it interesting.
Dear Caroline,
We've never met, so I hope you don't find this letter too presumptuous or inappropriate. As its contents involve the public's business, I am sending this to you via the public on the Internet. I knew your brother John. He was a great guy, and I know he would've had a ball during this thrilling and historic election year. We all miss him dearly.
Barack Obama selected you to head up his search for a vice presidential candidate. It appears we may be just days (hours?) away from learning who that choice will be.
The media is reporting that Senator Obama has narrowed his alternatives to three men: Joe Biden, Evan Bayh and Tim Kaine. They're all decent fellows, but they are far from the core of what the Obama campaign has been about: Change. Real change. Out with the old. And don't invade countries that pose no threat to us.
Senators Biden and Bayh voted for that invasion and that war, the war Barack ran against, the war Barack reminded us was the big difference between him and Senator Clinton because she voted for the war and he spoke out against it while running for Senate (a brave and bold thing to do back in 2002).
For Obama to place either of these senators on the ticket would be a huge blow to the millions that chose him in the primaries over Hillary. He will undercut one of the strongest advantages he has over the Hundred-Year War senator, Mr. McCain. By anointing a VP who did what McCain did in throwing us into this war, Mr. Obama will lose the moral high ground in the debates.
As for Governor Kaine of Virginia, his big problem is, well, Obama's big problem -- who is he? The toughest thing Barack has had to overcome -- and it will continue to be his biggest obstacle -- is that too many of the voters simply don't know him well enough to vote for him. The fact that Obama is new to the scene is both one of his most attractive qualities AND his biggest drawback. Too many Americans, who on the surface seem to like Barack Obama, just don't feel comfortable voting for someone who hasn't been on the national scene very long. It's a comfort level thing, and it may be just what keeps Obama from winning in November ("I'd rather vote for the devil I know than the devil I don't know").
What Obama needs is a vice presidential candidate who is NOT a professional politician, but someone who is well-known and beloved by people across the political spectrum; someone who, like Obama, spoke out against the war; someone who has a good and generous heart, who will be cheered by the rest of the world; someone whom we've known and loved and admired all our lives and who has dedicated her life to public service and to the greater good for all.
That person, Caroline, is you.
I cannot think of a more winning ticket than one that reads: "OBAMA-KENNEDY."
Caroline, I know that nominating yourself is the furthest idea from your mind and not consistent with who you are, but there would be some poetic justice to such an action. Just think, eight years after the last head of a vice presidential search team looked far and wide for a VP -- and then picked himself (a move topped only by his hubris to then lead the country to near ruin while in office) -- along comes Caroline Kennedy to return the favor with far different results, a vice president who helps restore America to its goodness and greatness.
Caroline, you are one of the most beloved and respected women in this country, and you have been so admired throughout your life. You chose a life outside of politics, to work for charities and schools, to write and lecture, to raise a wonderful family. But you did not choose to lead a private life. You have traveled the world and met with its leaders, giving you much experience on the world stage, a stage you have been on since you were a little girl.
The nation has, remarkably (considering our fascination with celebrity), left you alone and let you live your life in peace. (It's like, long ago, we all collectively agreed that, with her father tragically gone, a man who died because he wanted to serve his country, we would look out for her, we would wish for her to be happy and well, and we would have her back. But we would let her be.)
Now, I am breaking this unwritten code and asking you to come forward and help us in our hour of need. So many families are hurting, losing their homes, going bankrupt with health care bills, seeing their public schools in shambles and living with this war without end. This is a historic year for women, from Hillary's candidacy to the numerous women running for the House and Senate. This is the year that a woman should be on the Democratic ticket. This is the year that both names on that ticket should be people OUTSIDE the party machine. This is the year millions of independents and, yes, millions of Republicans are looking for something new and fresh and bold (and you are the Kennedy Republicans would vote for!).
This is the moment, Caroline. Seize it! And Barack, if you're reading this, you probably know that she is far too humble and decent to nominate herself. So step up and surprise us again. Step up and be different than every politician we have witnessed in our lifetime. Keep the passion burning amongst the young people and others who have been energized by your unexpected, unpredicted, against-all-odds candidacy that has ignited and inspired a nation. Do it for all those reasons. Make Caroline Kennedy your VP. "Obama-Kennedy." Wow, does that sound so cool.
Caroline, thanks for letting me intrude on your life. How wonderful it will be to have a vice president who will respect the Constitution, who will support (instead of control) her president, who will never let her staff out a CIA agent, and who will never tell her country that she is "currently residing in an undisclosed location."
Say it one more time: "OBAMA-KENNEDY." A move like that might send a message to the country that the Democrats would actually like to win an election for once.
Yours,Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com
Be good and be careful, take care, stay strong.
hugs, Tawny
www.tawnyford.com
Here is an email I received from Michael Moore yesterday. Thought you might find it interesting.
Dear Caroline,
We've never met, so I hope you don't find this letter too presumptuous or inappropriate. As its contents involve the public's business, I am sending this to you via the public on the Internet. I knew your brother John. He was a great guy, and I know he would've had a ball during this thrilling and historic election year. We all miss him dearly.
Barack Obama selected you to head up his search for a vice presidential candidate. It appears we may be just days (hours?) away from learning who that choice will be.
The media is reporting that Senator Obama has narrowed his alternatives to three men: Joe Biden, Evan Bayh and Tim Kaine. They're all decent fellows, but they are far from the core of what the Obama campaign has been about: Change. Real change. Out with the old. And don't invade countries that pose no threat to us.
Senators Biden and Bayh voted for that invasion and that war, the war Barack ran against, the war Barack reminded us was the big difference between him and Senator Clinton because she voted for the war and he spoke out against it while running for Senate (a brave and bold thing to do back in 2002).
For Obama to place either of these senators on the ticket would be a huge blow to the millions that chose him in the primaries over Hillary. He will undercut one of the strongest advantages he has over the Hundred-Year War senator, Mr. McCain. By anointing a VP who did what McCain did in throwing us into this war, Mr. Obama will lose the moral high ground in the debates.
As for Governor Kaine of Virginia, his big problem is, well, Obama's big problem -- who is he? The toughest thing Barack has had to overcome -- and it will continue to be his biggest obstacle -- is that too many of the voters simply don't know him well enough to vote for him. The fact that Obama is new to the scene is both one of his most attractive qualities AND his biggest drawback. Too many Americans, who on the surface seem to like Barack Obama, just don't feel comfortable voting for someone who hasn't been on the national scene very long. It's a comfort level thing, and it may be just what keeps Obama from winning in November ("I'd rather vote for the devil I know than the devil I don't know").
What Obama needs is a vice presidential candidate who is NOT a professional politician, but someone who is well-known and beloved by people across the political spectrum; someone who, like Obama, spoke out against the war; someone who has a good and generous heart, who will be cheered by the rest of the world; someone whom we've known and loved and admired all our lives and who has dedicated her life to public service and to the greater good for all.
That person, Caroline, is you.
I cannot think of a more winning ticket than one that reads: "OBAMA-KENNEDY."
Caroline, I know that nominating yourself is the furthest idea from your mind and not consistent with who you are, but there would be some poetic justice to such an action. Just think, eight years after the last head of a vice presidential search team looked far and wide for a VP -- and then picked himself (a move topped only by his hubris to then lead the country to near ruin while in office) -- along comes Caroline Kennedy to return the favor with far different results, a vice president who helps restore America to its goodness and greatness.
Caroline, you are one of the most beloved and respected women in this country, and you have been so admired throughout your life. You chose a life outside of politics, to work for charities and schools, to write and lecture, to raise a wonderful family. But you did not choose to lead a private life. You have traveled the world and met with its leaders, giving you much experience on the world stage, a stage you have been on since you were a little girl.
The nation has, remarkably (considering our fascination with celebrity), left you alone and let you live your life in peace. (It's like, long ago, we all collectively agreed that, with her father tragically gone, a man who died because he wanted to serve his country, we would look out for her, we would wish for her to be happy and well, and we would have her back. But we would let her be.)
Now, I am breaking this unwritten code and asking you to come forward and help us in our hour of need. So many families are hurting, losing their homes, going bankrupt with health care bills, seeing their public schools in shambles and living with this war without end. This is a historic year for women, from Hillary's candidacy to the numerous women running for the House and Senate. This is the year that a woman should be on the Democratic ticket. This is the year that both names on that ticket should be people OUTSIDE the party machine. This is the year millions of independents and, yes, millions of Republicans are looking for something new and fresh and bold (and you are the Kennedy Republicans would vote for!).
This is the moment, Caroline. Seize it! And Barack, if you're reading this, you probably know that she is far too humble and decent to nominate herself. So step up and surprise us again. Step up and be different than every politician we have witnessed in our lifetime. Keep the passion burning amongst the young people and others who have been energized by your unexpected, unpredicted, against-all-odds candidacy that has ignited and inspired a nation. Do it for all those reasons. Make Caroline Kennedy your VP. "Obama-Kennedy." Wow, does that sound so cool.
Caroline, thanks for letting me intrude on your life. How wonderful it will be to have a vice president who will respect the Constitution, who will support (instead of control) her president, who will never let her staff out a CIA agent, and who will never tell her country that she is "currently residing in an undisclosed location."
Say it one more time: "OBAMA-KENNEDY." A move like that might send a message to the country that the Democrats would actually like to win an election for once.
Yours,Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com
Be good and be careful, take care, stay strong.
hugs, Tawny
www.tawnyford.com
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
So, I didn't make it to the library this morning. This entry is being posted for me through the kindness of HSM.
If you live in a house then you know what I'm talking about here---hot water tanks--and if you own the house then you understand the cost of replacing a hot water tank.
My hot water tank was brand spanking new in late 1993. It was shiny and pretty and worked like a dream. It replaced an ancient one that, on the day it decided to give up the ghost, exploded like a bomb in the basement, spewing hot water everywhere.
The used-to-be new hot water tank is now dripping, leaking itsy bitsy amounts of water on the basement floor. Thankfully, the itsy bitsy leakage runs straight into a floor drain.
It's been leaking for at least a few weeks. Initially I thought it was just condensation. But when it kept up and kept up, well, then it dawned on me that we had a problem Houston (smile).
I've called around to a number of places seeking the best price. The first place I called, a company right here in town that I've done big business with over the years, wanted $65 to come over and give me an estimate. I got to laughing so hard when the woman was explaining this to me over the phone that I had to hang up. Yeah yeah yeah, the $65 would be applied to the over all bill if I chose to have them do the work. But what if I didn't like their price? What if it was too high? Then I'd be out $65 plus whatever it cost me somewhere else.
I think part of what got me laughing was that the business is maybe 4 blocks from my house so that's what, maybe $1.00 worth of gas to get here. Okay, so the plumber would come in, take one look at the dripping hot water tank and say 'you're right, little lady, it needs to be replaced'. And then tell me how much. So that's five minutes to get here if it's rush hour traffic, five minutes in my house--that's even more than I charge per minute and at least you're all tingly after you talk with me (smile).
So I made some more calls. One place wanted $850. I think they were on crack. Everyone else ranged from $750 on down.
I ended up choosing a company that's been in business for almost forever and quoted me a price of $525. Installation is scheduled for Thursday morning.
But now the funny thing is, I was just down in the basement to do some laundry. The tank is no longer leaking! It reminded me of when I was a child and 'd be sick and have to go to the doctor's office. As soon as I'd walk into his office and hear the word 'shot' it was like a miracle--I'd be healed! I'm thinking the hot water tank is trying to throw me off here.
Doesn't mater though. Thursday morning it's outta here (smile).
Be good and be careful, take care, stay strong. I look forwrd to hearing from you.
hugs, Tawny
www.tawnyford.com
If you live in a house then you know what I'm talking about here---hot water tanks--and if you own the house then you understand the cost of replacing a hot water tank.
My hot water tank was brand spanking new in late 1993. It was shiny and pretty and worked like a dream. It replaced an ancient one that, on the day it decided to give up the ghost, exploded like a bomb in the basement, spewing hot water everywhere.
The used-to-be new hot water tank is now dripping, leaking itsy bitsy amounts of water on the basement floor. Thankfully, the itsy bitsy leakage runs straight into a floor drain.
It's been leaking for at least a few weeks. Initially I thought it was just condensation. But when it kept up and kept up, well, then it dawned on me that we had a problem Houston (smile).
I've called around to a number of places seeking the best price. The first place I called, a company right here in town that I've done big business with over the years, wanted $65 to come over and give me an estimate. I got to laughing so hard when the woman was explaining this to me over the phone that I had to hang up. Yeah yeah yeah, the $65 would be applied to the over all bill if I chose to have them do the work. But what if I didn't like their price? What if it was too high? Then I'd be out $65 plus whatever it cost me somewhere else.
I think part of what got me laughing was that the business is maybe 4 blocks from my house so that's what, maybe $1.00 worth of gas to get here. Okay, so the plumber would come in, take one look at the dripping hot water tank and say 'you're right, little lady, it needs to be replaced'. And then tell me how much. So that's five minutes to get here if it's rush hour traffic, five minutes in my house--that's even more than I charge per minute and at least you're all tingly after you talk with me (smile).
So I made some more calls. One place wanted $850. I think they were on crack. Everyone else ranged from $750 on down.
I ended up choosing a company that's been in business for almost forever and quoted me a price of $525. Installation is scheduled for Thursday morning.
But now the funny thing is, I was just down in the basement to do some laundry. The tank is no longer leaking! It reminded me of when I was a child and 'd be sick and have to go to the doctor's office. As soon as I'd walk into his office and hear the word 'shot' it was like a miracle--I'd be healed! I'm thinking the hot water tank is trying to throw me off here.
Doesn't mater though. Thursday morning it's outta here (smile).
Be good and be careful, take care, stay strong. I look forwrd to hearing from you.
hugs, Tawny
www.tawnyford.com
Monday, August 18, 2008
Let me start by saying if you 've emailed me in the past few days, say, from Thursday on, and I haven't responded (and I truly don't think I have to anyone), I apologize. I've been really busy. I'd like to say I've been really busy because the phone has been ringing off the hook but hey! the Olympics are on! so that's not likely. I think the whole world is glued to the tube (smile).
Busy me, I've been outside. Okay, so you going outside this summer has been a given. But me going to hang out in the backyard, well, it hasn't happened a whole lot because I've been unsure of myself. Remember, I live alone. Okay, not totally alone, I share the house with the beautiful Miss Kathleen, the most remarkable cat in the whole wide world (smile). I can get out the back door, I do it every time I leave the house to go to the library, grocery store, etc. But being out in the backyard where no one can see me or even hear me if I run into trouble (privacy fence and neighbors on both sides who are gone to work all day), trouble like trip and fall, has, up until this past weekend, been too much of a walk on the wildside for me.
Friday I got it into my head that I was ready to conquer the backyard. Armed with my cell phone, and my trusty bionic leg, I made the move to the back patio. And you know what? It went well! So I did it again Saturday and Sunday!
Used to be I'd spend the whole summer in the backyard. I'd drag out my phones, the cushions to all the lawn furniture, lunch, snacks, etc. and there I'd be from 9am to 9pm. I've really missed it this year.
And I'm glad I finally got out there because you know what I saw on my way to the library this morning? I was cruising down Slocum, the street that runs behind the main street, trying to avoid a huge accident, when I noticed that some of the leaves on the trees have started to turn
color already! It's really beautiful, the scarlet red leaves intermingled with the green ones, but we all know what it means---summer is almost over.
I'm hoping to get out in the yard again today. I'm working on some crocheted pieces--bath mitts and wash cloths that folks have orderred--and I have an armful of library books calling my name.
I know this is a short one, sorry about that, but I've got a humongous list of errands to take care of and I need to be home by 11am.
You be good and be careful, take care, stay strong and I look forward to hearing from you.
hugs, Tawny
www.tawnyford.com
Busy me, I've been outside. Okay, so you going outside this summer has been a given. But me going to hang out in the backyard, well, it hasn't happened a whole lot because I've been unsure of myself. Remember, I live alone. Okay, not totally alone, I share the house with the beautiful Miss Kathleen, the most remarkable cat in the whole wide world (smile). I can get out the back door, I do it every time I leave the house to go to the library, grocery store, etc. But being out in the backyard where no one can see me or even hear me if I run into trouble (privacy fence and neighbors on both sides who are gone to work all day), trouble like trip and fall, has, up until this past weekend, been too much of a walk on the wildside for me.
Friday I got it into my head that I was ready to conquer the backyard. Armed with my cell phone, and my trusty bionic leg, I made the move to the back patio. And you know what? It went well! So I did it again Saturday and Sunday!
Used to be I'd spend the whole summer in the backyard. I'd drag out my phones, the cushions to all the lawn furniture, lunch, snacks, etc. and there I'd be from 9am to 9pm. I've really missed it this year.
And I'm glad I finally got out there because you know what I saw on my way to the library this morning? I was cruising down Slocum, the street that runs behind the main street, trying to avoid a huge accident, when I noticed that some of the leaves on the trees have started to turn
color already! It's really beautiful, the scarlet red leaves intermingled with the green ones, but we all know what it means---summer is almost over.
I'm hoping to get out in the yard again today. I'm working on some crocheted pieces--bath mitts and wash cloths that folks have orderred--and I have an armful of library books calling my name.
I know this is a short one, sorry about that, but I've got a humongous list of errands to take care of and I need to be home by 11am.
You be good and be careful, take care, stay strong and I look forward to hearing from you.
hugs, Tawny
www.tawnyford.com
Friday, August 15, 2008
Okay, we're on a roll again! Two visits to the library in one week to blog!
Someone asked me once if I had a prearranged idea of what I was going to write about prior to visiting the library. Nope. I come in empty, click onto the computer, watch that little 60 minute timer start counting down and....I'm off (smile). Whatever comes through my fingers is what we have here (smile).
So, I have this friend, a really good friend of mine (no, not boyfriend, platonic friend) who is in prison doing a forever. He's been doing this forever for over thirty years. And he will continue to do this forever bit until he either dies while in state custody or, and this is what everyone has their fingers crossed for, the parole board sets him free under the new guidelines orderred by the courts. I'm not going to bore you with the court action so many lifers (people doing forever) are looking forward to, hoping and praying actually comes their way, but it's interesting reading. I'm guessing it should be google-able.
But while my friend is doing this forever, he's been writing a book. Yeah, I know, every prisoner across the country is working on a book. Not really, but that's what most folks think. Not that it's a bad thing. I mean, geez, they have lots of time and what better way to fill it than working on self-improvement, right?
My friend, we'll call him Fred, not his real name, sent me his manuscript. He asked me to take a look at it, see if I could find anything that needed tightening up because he's read and reread it, rewote it, you name it he's done it so much that he's beside himself. So I did, although I have to say I was worried. I mean, what if it was garbage? I'd have to tell him the truth, dishonesty wasn't even a consideration.
Fred has an old manual typewriter that I'm guessing he's been dragging around with him for the whole thirty years of his prison bit. Not only do the keys not make a full mark on the paper, but his ribbon has been reinked so many times that it's barely showing up. First thing I did when I realized I couldn't see his words well enough to read them, I headed to Staples and made as dark a copy, two copies actually, as the copier would crank out. That helped, but only some.
Last night I finished reading Fred's manuscript. Okay, he's going to have to rewrite the first chapter. He's got too many years and too much stuff happening in that short of a space. Rewritten it should work out to a good five or six more chapters. And there's a few other parts later on that need some rewrite. And, of course, punctuation and spelling--not to mention it all has to be retyped so anyone whose reading it doesn't go blind (smile).
But you know what? Fred has written one hell of a good book!
I wrote and told him so, mailed the letter off on my way here this morning, and also told him that I felt he'd written the first book in a multi-book series!
The plan had been when his manuscript was completed and ready to submit to a publisher (and that's not going to be for maybe another six monthes, at least that's my guess) that it would be sent to one of the urban/hip-hop companies. Those are the publishing houses that are giving prison authors an opportunity to get their work out there.
Thing is, one of the most well known, Teri Woods Publications, is deeply mired in lawsuits from convicts that (they say) are alleging that she cheated them. There are also unflattering things being said about Triple Crown.
So that leaves me to ask you this: If you had a book that you had labored over, what publishing house would you submit it to you? Any suggestions are welcome.
Well, that's it for today. Please be good and be careful, take care, stay strong and I look forward to hearing from you.
hugs, Tawny
www.tawnyford.com
Someone asked me once if I had a prearranged idea of what I was going to write about prior to visiting the library. Nope. I come in empty, click onto the computer, watch that little 60 minute timer start counting down and....I'm off (smile). Whatever comes through my fingers is what we have here (smile).
So, I have this friend, a really good friend of mine (no, not boyfriend, platonic friend) who is in prison doing a forever. He's been doing this forever for over thirty years. And he will continue to do this forever bit until he either dies while in state custody or, and this is what everyone has their fingers crossed for, the parole board sets him free under the new guidelines orderred by the courts. I'm not going to bore you with the court action so many lifers (people doing forever) are looking forward to, hoping and praying actually comes their way, but it's interesting reading. I'm guessing it should be google-able.
But while my friend is doing this forever, he's been writing a book. Yeah, I know, every prisoner across the country is working on a book. Not really, but that's what most folks think. Not that it's a bad thing. I mean, geez, they have lots of time and what better way to fill it than working on self-improvement, right?
My friend, we'll call him Fred, not his real name, sent me his manuscript. He asked me to take a look at it, see if I could find anything that needed tightening up because he's read and reread it, rewote it, you name it he's done it so much that he's beside himself. So I did, although I have to say I was worried. I mean, what if it was garbage? I'd have to tell him the truth, dishonesty wasn't even a consideration.
Fred has an old manual typewriter that I'm guessing he's been dragging around with him for the whole thirty years of his prison bit. Not only do the keys not make a full mark on the paper, but his ribbon has been reinked so many times that it's barely showing up. First thing I did when I realized I couldn't see his words well enough to read them, I headed to Staples and made as dark a copy, two copies actually, as the copier would crank out. That helped, but only some.
Last night I finished reading Fred's manuscript. Okay, he's going to have to rewrite the first chapter. He's got too many years and too much stuff happening in that short of a space. Rewritten it should work out to a good five or six more chapters. And there's a few other parts later on that need some rewrite. And, of course, punctuation and spelling--not to mention it all has to be retyped so anyone whose reading it doesn't go blind (smile).
But you know what? Fred has written one hell of a good book!
I wrote and told him so, mailed the letter off on my way here this morning, and also told him that I felt he'd written the first book in a multi-book series!
The plan had been when his manuscript was completed and ready to submit to a publisher (and that's not going to be for maybe another six monthes, at least that's my guess) that it would be sent to one of the urban/hip-hop companies. Those are the publishing houses that are giving prison authors an opportunity to get their work out there.
Thing is, one of the most well known, Teri Woods Publications, is deeply mired in lawsuits from convicts that (they say) are alleging that she cheated them. There are also unflattering things being said about Triple Crown.
So that leaves me to ask you this: If you had a book that you had labored over, what publishing house would you submit it to you? Any suggestions are welcome.
Well, that's it for today. Please be good and be careful, take care, stay strong and I look forward to hearing from you.
hugs, Tawny
www.tawnyford.com
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
You know it's been a long time since you've used the computer at the library when you can't remember how to get to your blogsite and have to ask help from the librarian! This is the first post since July 8th, and this is the first time I've used the computer since I can't even remember when. Prior to this, well, prior to all of my physical mishaps, I used to post from here all of the time. Since my mishaps, I've been writing the posting, then emailing it to friends who have been kind enough to insert it for me.
Again, it's been terribly kind of my friends to do this for me. It really and truly has. But it's also made me feel like a little kid who has to get Mommy or Daddy's permission to write folks. It all goes back to my childhood, but then what doesn't (smile)?
Remember how at least once on this blog I've mentioned that we're all more than what we do for a living? Well, here's another instance of it.
Back in February I came down with a horrendously painful bout of sciatica. Just as I was getting better I tripped and fell on the jagged cement of the street in front of my house. I never sought medical help for either of these misfortunate events. Why? Well, I don't have the best healthcare. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield, which I pay for out of my own pocket since I'm self-employed, but it's the 'worst' policy they have which, ultimately, is better than no insurance at all. It doesn't cover doctor visits, prescriptions, and only a percentage of everything else (a small percentage). And all that's okay because I am blessed to be healthy and not in need of meds or regular doctor visits. The only 'pills' I ever take (aside from an occasional generic tylenol) are vitamins. Handfulls of them.
I am accustomed to self treating whatever befalls me. Okay, except for back in 1998 when I got terribly bad sick and it took three monthes of prescriptions and visits with an ear, nose, throat specialist. But that isn't the norm for me.
So I went online and looked up sciatica. Okay, truth is Tallulah, my friend from the Upper Peninsula, suggested that maybe it was sciatica and after perusing the Mayo Clinic site I agreed with her. I started working on my own rehab. Then I fell and I went the self-help route on that too.
But after awhile I kind of got to wonderring if I was on the right track, or if I did indeed need to make a trip to the doctors office. That and HSM was bugging the hell out of me about seeing a doctor (smile).
So what I did, and I'm not saying this what you should do, just what I did, is I asked God to please heal me. I asked Him to please give me a sign if I needed to see a doctor or if I was okay treating myself the way I was. I asked for a BIG sign. I told Him I was lousy sometimes at subtlety and this was way too important for me to risk not recognizing His Sign. And then the next day, limping like crazy, hurting like you can't imagine, I went to Walmart. And I walked all around the super store, from side to side, down every aisle.
And you know what? No pain! Not a twinge! Not a limp!
I accepted that as God's Sign that I was on the right track to healing.
Of course, I still limped after that. I still hurt. My right foot still swelled up from time to time. I still used my bionic leg (what I call my cane!). But I knew I was healed and my body was just waiting to catch up with God's Healing.
So here we are many monthes later. My right foot is no longer swollen. I have a slight limp. No pain. I still use my bionic leg but that's because I found that people are nicer to a woman with a cane (smile). I'm guessing that in a few monthes I'll be right as rain again, all healed up.
I know you didn't expect to read a testimonial when you clicked on the blog today, but hey, this blog is known for the unexpected (smile).
You be good and be careful, take care, stay strong. I look forward to hearing from you when you have the opportunity.
hugs, Tawny
www.tawnyford.com
Again, it's been terribly kind of my friends to do this for me. It really and truly has. But it's also made me feel like a little kid who has to get Mommy or Daddy's permission to write folks. It all goes back to my childhood, but then what doesn't (smile)?
Remember how at least once on this blog I've mentioned that we're all more than what we do for a living? Well, here's another instance of it.
Back in February I came down with a horrendously painful bout of sciatica. Just as I was getting better I tripped and fell on the jagged cement of the street in front of my house. I never sought medical help for either of these misfortunate events. Why? Well, I don't have the best healthcare. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield, which I pay for out of my own pocket since I'm self-employed, but it's the 'worst' policy they have which, ultimately, is better than no insurance at all. It doesn't cover doctor visits, prescriptions, and only a percentage of everything else (a small percentage). And all that's okay because I am blessed to be healthy and not in need of meds or regular doctor visits. The only 'pills' I ever take (aside from an occasional generic tylenol) are vitamins. Handfulls of them.
I am accustomed to self treating whatever befalls me. Okay, except for back in 1998 when I got terribly bad sick and it took three monthes of prescriptions and visits with an ear, nose, throat specialist. But that isn't the norm for me.
So I went online and looked up sciatica. Okay, truth is Tallulah, my friend from the Upper Peninsula, suggested that maybe it was sciatica and after perusing the Mayo Clinic site I agreed with her. I started working on my own rehab. Then I fell and I went the self-help route on that too.
But after awhile I kind of got to wonderring if I was on the right track, or if I did indeed need to make a trip to the doctors office. That and HSM was bugging the hell out of me about seeing a doctor (smile).
So what I did, and I'm not saying this what you should do, just what I did, is I asked God to please heal me. I asked Him to please give me a sign if I needed to see a doctor or if I was okay treating myself the way I was. I asked for a BIG sign. I told Him I was lousy sometimes at subtlety and this was way too important for me to risk not recognizing His Sign. And then the next day, limping like crazy, hurting like you can't imagine, I went to Walmart. And I walked all around the super store, from side to side, down every aisle.
And you know what? No pain! Not a twinge! Not a limp!
I accepted that as God's Sign that I was on the right track to healing.
Of course, I still limped after that. I still hurt. My right foot still swelled up from time to time. I still used my bionic leg (what I call my cane!). But I knew I was healed and my body was just waiting to catch up with God's Healing.
So here we are many monthes later. My right foot is no longer swollen. I have a slight limp. No pain. I still use my bionic leg but that's because I found that people are nicer to a woman with a cane (smile). I'm guessing that in a few monthes I'll be right as rain again, all healed up.
I know you didn't expect to read a testimonial when you clicked on the blog today, but hey, this blog is known for the unexpected (smile).
You be good and be careful, take care, stay strong. I look forward to hearing from you when you have the opportunity.
hugs, Tawny
www.tawnyford.com
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